《Everything will be my way!》


 Chapter Glossary

    Glossary


    Basics:


    Energy Hierarchy:


    1) Base phase; 2) Advanced phase; 3) Superior phase; 4) Noble phase; 5) Lord phase; 6) Royal phase; 7) Imperial phase; 8) Sovereign phase; 9) Overlord phase; 10) Supreme phase;


    They can also be referred to as: the first phase; the second phase; the third phase; ¡­


    Each phase has 10 stages. 1-3 beginning, 4-6 middle, 7-9 finishing, 10 peaking stage.


    For example:


    A noble phaser at the peaking stage = (4ph./10st.);


    A lord phaser at the beginning stage = (5ph./1-3st.);


    A superior phaser at the finishing stage = (3ph./7-9st.);


    A royal phaser at the peaking stage = (6ph./10st.); ¡­


    ?


    Synergy hierarchy:


    1) Newbie; 2) Student; 3) Bachelor; 4) Master; 5) Doctor of Philosophy; 6) Doctor of Science; 7) Supreme Mandate;


    Each degree has a beginning, intermediate, advanced, and peaking level.


    The Supreme Mandate is a theoretically existing god level


    When Synergy is in contact with any other energy, they can annihte each other.


    ?


    Elements:


    1) Pure energy; 2) Wind; 3) Water; 4) Earth; 5) Heat; 6) Cold; 7) Ether; 8) Darkness; 9) Light;


    Complexity of the elements (above): (1; 2; 2; 3; 3; 3; 4; 5; 5;)


    ?


    Grades of elements:


    1) Basic grade = basics; 2) Advanced grade; 3) Superior grade; 4) Master grade; 5) Grandmaster grade;


    Pure energy has only one grade.


    Each next grade removes restrictions from the element. It bes more powerful and increases the cultivation up to 2 stages. In addition, the range of its implementation widens, as well as the number of features and specifications. More powerful techniques can be used.


    ?


    Mastering Elements:


    To master any element, it is necessary to master its basic grade. It is believed that heaven itself forbids mastering more than five elements because the more elements the practitioner can bend, the greater their talent and the grander their fate.


    Those who have mastered one element are considered to be mediocrity and scum. They have no future.


    Those who have mastered two elements are average. They might achieve something, but nobody expects much from them.


    Those who have mastered three elements are geniuses. A lot of people put their hope in them. They are expected to be sessful.


    Those who have mastered four elements are great geniuses. Any family would be happy to have them. They are highly appreciated and have a great future.


    Those who have mastered five elements are actually heavenly geniuses who are destined to make history. Any master or school will fight for them to thest. No matter what they¡¯re after, the sky¡¯s the limit for them. A grand future awaits them all.


    ?


    The purity of elements:


    The purity of each element (key) varies from 10% to 100%. The moreplex the element, the less pure it usually is (it depends on the race and the family.)


    A stream is the total purity of all the keys. It can¡¯t exceed 900 points.


    The owner of 100% pure keys can have a stream of 900% in total. The benders of at least one element are as rare as dragons. They have an advantage over practitioners with a standard talent in 5 stages of the corresponding element(s).


    Element lord has 100% pure key of the corresponding element. For example, if the key of the heat element is 100% pure, its owner is called a heat lord. Even one element lords are as rare as dragons. Their cultivation is five stages higher than that of the practitioners with a standard talent.


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    Cultivation:


    It can be of two types: unique body cultivation and soul cultivation.


    ?


    Unique body cultivation:


    A unique body can be of two types: an acquired one that can be installed independently, and an innate one that anyone can have from birth. It is impossible to grow more than one of each type. The innate body canbine the features of the parents¡¯ bodies that may often give amazing results.


    Unique bodiese in different ranks, from ¡°E¡± to ¡°SSS.¡± The higher the rank, the more distinct the connection with the owner, the greater the effects.


    Unique bodies have specific conditions for their better cultivation.


    ?


    Soul cultivation:


    Soul cultivation goes in phases, each of which consists of 10 stages. It¡¯s important to train hard to reach the next stage, doing cycles of elemental energy expenditure and intake. It¡¯s required to take transformation medicine to get to the next phase. It helps to achieve a breakthrough and ovee a bottleneck, advancing into the next phase.


    ?


    Soul cultivation speed depends on:


    Internal qualities such as determination; dreams; goals; will; motivation; talent; bloodline;


    External qualities such as rank and stage of the unique body cultivation; quality of enzymes; transformation medicine to boost cultivation; a challenge in training, e.g., cultivation increases in the battle to death faster than in ideal conditions;


    External qualities also include biological body cultivation. The stronger the foundation, the faster the soul evolves. To make the foundation stronger, it is necessary to take the enzymes (building blocks). It¡¯s optional but their absence might affect the result. In other words, the soul can increase or decrease body cultivation.


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    Ranking system:


    Everything that can have quality is ranked in letter format: ¡°E¡±, ¡°D¡±, ¡°C¡±, ¡°B¡±, ¡°A¡±, ¡°S¡±, ¡°SS¡±, ¡°SSS¡±, where ¡°SSS¡± is legendary.


    Everything rted to the hierarchy is ranked in number format: ¡°7¡±, ¡°6¡±, ¡°5¡±, ¡°4¡±, ¡°3¡±, ¡°2¡±, ¡°1¡±, and sometimes ¡°0¡±.


    The number of ranks can be any, e.g., the ves in the mine have only 3 ranks.


    The 0th rank can belong either to the ¡°head of the hierarchy¡± or the ¡°center of the hierarchy¡± with rare exceptions.


    The head of the hierarchy is a person, e.g., the patriarch of the family. However, the same patriarch may not have a rank in certain organizations within the family.


    The center of the hierarchy is the central area within a certain territory. There are many cities in the Iron Throne (5), their center is Boston (0), the capital of the kingdom. There are 7 kingdoms in Rosarrio, their center is Dantes (0), the capital of the empire. The human race has 7 empires, but there is no human center because empires are on the verge of war. They don¡¯t have a single hierarchy.


    To imagine any hierarchy, think of a tree. The race is the root. Seven trunkse from the root. They are empires. Each trunk is divided into 4-7 branches, the kingdoms. A royal squirrel, the ruler, lives on each branch. All of them are subject to the imperial squirrel, the ruler who lives in the trunk. The imperial squirrel is bigger and more powerful. Each squirrel has a luxurious cozy hollow, the capital of the kingdom or empire. Now imagine that trunks, branches, and squirrels have a different value, the rank.


    You can find the image here: https://ibb.co/FwHszDW


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    Jobs:


    ?


    Alchemy:


    Alchemists create medicine. They have 7 ranks where the 1st rank is legendary. The purity of medicine depends on the rank of the alchemist. The alchemist with a higher rank has more high-ranking recipes to create medicine (rank is rtive, it¡¯s determined by history and generally epted norms).


    The medicine is most often a pill, or rather the energy inside it. It¡¯s programmed to act in a certain way under certain circumstances. For example, when healing medicinees into contact with gastric juice, it releases energy that heals bones or burns, etc.


    To make medicine, an alchemist uses ingredients, tools, money-spheres, animal keys.


    Millions of factors are taken into ount while making medicine: the age and type of the ingredient, the cultivation phase, the grade of the element, equipment, tools, the method of preparing the ingredients, the way of mixing the ingredients, etc. The slightest inuracy or mistake can significantly reduce the purity of any medicine.


    The purity of medicine: 1) Low: 1-15%; 2) Average: 16-35%; 3) High: 36-65%; 4) Excellent: 66-85%; 5) Epic: 86-100%;


    The properties of medicine depend on its purity. They increase exponentially.


    The quality of ingredients is rtive, it¡¯s determined by history and generally epted norms. It is not always directly proportional to its high price and efficiency. Much depends on the age of medicine and where it belongs. For example, imperial phase grass of ¡°average¡± quality that has been saturated with pure energy in the treasury for a thousand years is more expensive and more effective than base phase grass of ¡°extra¡± quality that was plucked a year ago.


    ?


    Formacy:


    Formacists create formations. They have 7 ranks where the 1st rank is legendary. The efficiency of formations depends on the rank of the formacist. The higher the rank, the morepact and various the formations (rank is rtive, it¡¯s determined by history and generally epted norms).


    A formation is a way of interacting with the energy of the world. It provides the parameters for the energy to act in a certain way: tracking, data processing, transmission, and storage, creating a protective barrier or fire steles, etc.


    Any non-parasitic formation requires spheres (energy). Anybat formation (defensive/attacking) requires keys.


    Formations can exist only inside a slot.


    The slot is an artificially created energetic shell, usually round. It protects and stores the formation.


    The slot can be created in a live organic form or inside a nephrite.


    Nephrite a cloudy green stone blessed by the Almighty. It¡¯s an ideal container and trap for energy (formation). Even a million yearster, after the practitioner¡¯s death, the energy won¡¯t dissipate from it. Moreover, the energy released from it won¡¯t dissipate by naturalws for many more years, even if its owner died a long time ago.


    When a practitioner studies an ancestral formation (a technique, an instruction, etc.), a set of neural connections forms in their head in an intuitively understandable way. It means the practitioner must acquire the information on the soul level, in other words, achieve enlightenment. It¡¯s just a basic level of understanding. It¡¯s like when you know how to do a somersault, but you don¡¯t understand how exactly it happens, you don¡¯t know all the details of the process. That¡¯s why it¡¯s impossible to copy the knowledge to another nephrite. Each nuance of the process must be thoroughly studied. It takes a master to create legacy.


    Information sealed in a nephrite can be of two types:


    Illogical that deals with the information created by the environment. It defies logic, it¡¯s impossible to decipher and, therefore, copy, e.g., visual or sound recording that can be copied only with quality loss.


    Logical that deals with the information created by a living being with elemental skills, e.g., a family legacy created by masters. It can be copied, but the copy will lose its logic (get encrypted).


    Thus, only source codes created by masters can be copied. Legacy copies are rather cheap because they cannot be copied and given away to lower-level masters. Every family in the empire follows this system.


    ?


    Enchantment:


    Enchanters enchant inanimate matter. Enchantment can enhance certain characteristics of the matter: from strength and gravity to heat resistance and taste¡­ They have 7 ranks where the 1st rank is legendary. The higher the enchanter¡¯s rank, the greater the variety of enchantments they possess, and the greater the level of enchantment they can cast.


    There are 5 levels of enchantment, each of which is much more expensive and more difficult to cast. Above all, each of them is more effective than the previous ones: 1) basic; 2) advanced; 3) superior; 4) master; 5) grandmaster; The levels are named so because they require the corresponding element grades: basic, advanced, superior, master, and grandmaster, respectively.


    It takes three things to cast a sessful enchantment: ??1) a perfect individual trigram pattern; 2) payment in the form of keys; 3) a certain grade of the element;


    Teleportation is abination of enchantment and formacy.


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    General information about the world:


    Races:


    1) Humans; 2) Demons; 3) Supreme beasts; 4) The dark ones; 5) The light ones; 6) Vampires;


    Humans are just humans;


    Demons are vicious creatures that embody the seven deadly sins;


    Supreme beasts are animals with intellect who can¡¯t lie;


    The dark ones are the dark attribute adepts;


    The light ones are the light attribute adepts;


    Vampires are blood adepts, blood energy adepts;


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    Basicws of energy:


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    Spiritual connection:


    Starting from the advanced phase, practitioners can feel their soul, that is, they get a spiritual connection / spiritual feeling / connection with their soul. The higher the cultivation, the stronger the connection with the soul and its immunity to foreign interference in the mind, body, and soul.


    Practitioners can weaken the spiritual connection by willpower to get certain benefits: starting from the advanced (2) phase, they lower their cultivation (while their strength stays the same); starting from the imperial (7) phase, they can use passive scanning, as well as change the cultivation of the soul, the body or even of some body parts; starting from the overlord (9) phase, they can control metabolism, keeping the body young at the expense of a total life expectancy.


    ?


    Passive and active scanning:


    Any kind of scanning is radiation of pure energy and its analysis after reflection from physical and magical objects. The process requires considerable concentration, that is, intense mental activity. However, passive scanning differs from the active scanning where the soul independently analyzes the information and sends the result to the brain, creating an illusion of having an all-seeing third eye on the forehead. Only practitioners of the imperial (7) phase and above can do passive scanning.


    ?


    Spiritual sensitivity:


    Every element emits vibrations (sound), every soul also marks its presence, and even emotions have their own vibration frequency. Spiritual sensitivity can identify all these iing signals. For example, it can determine which element the opponent is going to use the next moment and decide the oue of the battle.


    The power of spiritual sensitivity is directly proportional to the spiritual feeling (connection with the soul). It depends on the cultivation.


    The range of perception cannot exceed one phase. For example, an advanced phaser can¡¯t feel the superior phaser¡¯s cultivation or elements. It¡¯s out of their range of perception.


    ?


    Oscition frequency:


    Every energy has a specific frequency. It¡¯s benevolent to a simr frequency as well as a neutral one.


    Neutral energy belongs to god. Personal energy belongs to the soul that created it. When a soul leaves the physical world (the keys break off, the soul goes to another world), the personal energy of this frequency gets erased from the universe through any obstacles: the body ruins, formations dispel, rocks and water disappear. However, the energy enclosed in a nephrite, not in the organic matter (body) canst forever. These stones are a perfect eternal energy trap created by the Almighty.

 Chapter 1: Arc 1 – The mine

    Chapter 1: Arc 1 ¨C The mine


    The magnificent ceremonial hall was bustling with noise and excitement


    The nobledies and gentlemen were whispering to each other, ignoring decorum.


    ¡°Who is this ugly guy?¡± and ¡°Why is he marrying Princess Kara?¡± ¨C These two questions were on everybody¡¯s mind in the room.


    Meanwhile, the ceremony wasing to an end.


    The bridal couple had exchanged the rings.


    The bride named Kara had a truly outstanding appearance worthy of a princess. Her slim curvy body, dressed in an incredible white and burgundy wedding dress, caused excessive drooling in all the guests. They tried to smother the urge to kill the lucky groom.


    Kara¡¯s beautiful piercing eyes had a demonic charm. Their beauty was breathtaking, but at the moment, an unknown, weak, far from handsome boy was enjoying the privilege to look into those eyes. It was unfair!


    The husband, 15-something boy, whose make up made him anything but handsome, was smirking like a cat that had cornered a mouse. If the pressing nces of the jealous guests had any physical strength, they would have killed him hundreds of times, but it only fueled his passion.


    The princess looked at the boy with an expression: ¡°How is it even possible?¡±


    The elder of the family nced sympathetically over Kara, then jealously over the groom and said loudly:


    ?Seal your union with a kiss.?


    Kara recalled this formality in the human race not without irritation and burned the groom with a disgusted look as if saying ¡°Don¡¯t you dare or you will regret itter!¡±


    The boy smiled cunningly, convinced in her helplessness. ¨C {She won¡¯t dare to stop me. She won¡¯t turn against her mother} ¨C The atmosphere of permissiveness thrilled him to pieces, flowing through his insides.


    The princess¡¯s full cherry lips were enticing¡­ The boy couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. He gave her a passionate kiss on the lips, enjoying the supple softness and sweet scent of the girl¡¯s body. He savored his power over the charming girl, and to get even more pleasure, he put his arms over the bride¡¯s thin waist, slightly pressing her ample boobs against himself. He knew it had left numerous people breathless.


    The guests, envious and jealous, could not take their eyes off the kissing couple.


    It seemed that the earth was to erupt, marking the end of the world andmon sense.


    The husband didn¡¯t cross the line. Any sticking his tongue a bit further, and she would bite it off.


    Have you ever seen a girl staring at a creepy-crawly slimy, nasty slug? That was the way the princess looked at the boy intoxicated with kissing her.


    Nevermind¡­ Her imminent revenge would be terrible. Most likely, it would find the new husband very soon, right on the wedding night.


    She could do it right now, but her mother stood there, gazing intensely at her, and she didn¡¯t dare.


    ?I now pronounce you husband and wife!? ¨C said the elder with watery eyes, breaking the solemn silence.


    ¡­


    His head was pounding so badly¡­ He felt foggy.


    He half-opened his eyes and could see a dim light from the shlight.


    Any physical effort was almost too much for him. His muscles throbbed with pain as if after extreme exercising. He was parched.


    With thest of his strength, he raised his body, trying to remember anything.


    He was in a cold, damp cave. He couldn¡¯t see two meters in front of him. A single shlight built into the helmet radiated soft azure light. A crystal was faintly blinking inside, it was about to fade away.


    The boy came to his senses, rubbed his temples, and began to analyze the situation. {Judging by the migraine and memory loss, I had been badly hit on the head.}


    He stared at his hands as if he had never seen them before. ¨C {It¡¯s odd.} ¨C The skin was hard, rough, calloused. ¨C {I most likely work here. But is it legal to work in the mine at my age? After all, judging by the size of my hands and body, I¡¯m hardly 15 years old.}


    The boy picked up the helmet with a built-up shlight lying nearby, struggled to get back on his feet, and set about exploring the area.


    He found a metal tool with a handle and a pointed end that looked like a pickaxe. It was a tool to use in the mine, which suggested ideas. A funny devicey nearby. Itcked figures and symbols but had a randomly spinning hand. ¨C {It doesn¡¯t look like apass.}


    The boy carefully examined himself. He had worn clothing and shoes, pale skin, dirty broken nails, slim build, short hair and height. He had a strange feeling of looking at an absolute stranger. When he gingerly rubbed his forehead, he felt a strange tingling and outlines of some symbols.


    {It is definitely not a scar¡­ Is it possible that I¡¯m branded?!}


    The symbols meant his name ¨C Kyon ¨C but he wouldn¡¯t know that.


    Still in shock, Kyon saw the light of the shlight fading.


    {Time is of the essence. I have to get out of here if I don¡¯t want to be stuck here forever.}


    He shoved the tool and the device of unknown purpose under his belt and made his way in the only essible direction.


    The surroundingndscape had not changed much, even after a half-hour walk. It was the same dark wet cave with no end in sight. His unsessful attempts to remember anything were depressing. Suddenly he came up against a half-meter ledge of rock. It took him great effort to climb it and move forward. Soon he found out that the cave began to narrow.


    The boy resolutely climbed uphill.


    The cave was getting smaller and smaller, but his lean body had its advantages.


    Finally, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.


    The boy climbed out of the cave, grunting. He got to his feet and dusted himself off. Eventually, the signs of civilization started to emerge. Wooden beams 3-4 meters in width and height backed up the walls. Railway tracks crossed the rich soil. Every ten steps, there was a bright shlight on the wall. He was in the mine.


    The smell of dampness and mustiness that apanied the boy since the moment he woke up gave way to a more pleasant working atmosphere. Only, there were no workers at all¡­ He could hear no sounds either. There wasplete silence.


    A smile shed across his grim face: {I am on the right track.}


    He looked back and noticed that the cave was well concealed with small boulders. It couldn¡¯t be detected without careful examination. His curiosity disappeared as soon as his stomach started growling. His hunger and thirst were unbearable, and his body was treacherously weak. Despite the weakness, his mind stayed clear.


    Kyon had been walking up the rails for about 20 minutes until they led him to the main branch. Weird symbols were engraved on the wooden beams, but he couldn¡¯t read them. Soon he heard some distant voices. He failed to understand them, either. {How odd¡­ I don¡¯t know thisnguage¡­} ¨C He listened carefully to the strange speech for a while but then gave up on this pointless activity. {Now is not the time for this.}


    The boy focused his mind and walked wearily towards the sounds of the voices. He was ready for anything.


    ¡­


    The working shift was over two hours ago.


    The workers with minimal personal rights, to put it simply the ves, were sleeping in their beds. However, Bob and Mob, the supervisors, were not getting any sleep. A boy named Kyon went missing three days ago.


    ?There could have been a rockslide. His tracking formation must have shattered.?


    ?Nice idea, but it¡¯s highly unlikely. My faithful dog Rogash would have found the body under the blockage.?


    ?Someone might have set him up and¡­??


    ?Nonsense. Our people would have reported to us about the ident. Besides, Rogash would have smelled it as well.?


    ?What if he had escaped??


    ?Are you crazy, man? No one escapes from here alive! As you know, the dead can¡¯t run. And even if they could, my dog¡­?


    ?I am sick and tired of your dog! Do you have any idea how we should report to Flitz about this!? ¨C Mob eximed angrily.


    After a moment of reflection, Bob, the happy owner of Rogash the Almighty, cautiously asked:


    ?What are the punitive measures in such weird cases??


    Mob¡¯s eyes shed. He pulled an intimidating face and began to ¡°enlighten¡± his buddy. ?I heard that they took the previous supervisor¡¯s dog. The poor animal was gutted, filled with sawdust and put up in the prominent ce as a reminder of his owner¡¯s guilt, and then¡­?


    ?Screw you and your jokes! It isn¡¯t a good time for them.? ¨C Bob interrupted him, visibly annoyed.


    Death of a ve meant nothing to a supervisor, but fat Bob was a rare exception. He had always been a softie and liked to help people in need because when he was a child, any help was vital for his impoverished family. Later, Bob managed to earn eptable means of livelihood andnded on his feet. As a result of his malnutrition, he had gained weight and began to help others in need.


    However, under the conditions in the mine where ves often died of starvation, exhaustion or rockslide, his character had slowly changed.


    Now both of them had something to worry about. Tomorrow the supervisors had to hand in the weekly report to their severe boss. It was impossible to fake the death of a ve. Everyone in the mine had a magic mark on their forehead called a ¡°tracking formation.¡± It tracked the location as well as the health condition.


    If Kyon had died, the signal about his death would have reached the database. Then they could have closed his file without further proceedings. But there was no signal, and his formation did not respond. There were no witnesses to his death, no one knew anything, and thew had to be strictly observed. ?Any activity in the mine must be under control.?


    In the history of the mine, inexplicable losses happened rarely. The marks were incredibly stable magic formations that ordinary people couldn¡¯t destroy¡­ Such cases were out of the ordinary and called for thorough analysis.


    Bob and Mob were doing their best to find the missing guy three days long. They interrogated the ves but found out absolutely nothing. Nobody had seen or heard anything. Bob even sent his faithful watchdog Rogash on the search, but he couldn¡¯t get a scent. Upon return, he whined pitifully and waggled his nose.


    Outside footsteps interrupted their lively discussion.


    The supervisors took a closer look and saw an exhausted boy aged 14.


    He had ck hair and dark brown eyes. The boy was of slim build, about 165 cm tall (5.4 ft).


    ?It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s him!? ¨C Mob eximed uncertainly.


    The boy could barely stand. Bob had to run up to support him. ?What¡¯s the matter? Where the hell have you been??


    However, the boy kept silent. Next moment, his skinny body went limp and would have flopped to the ground, hadn¡¯t the supervisor backed him up. He lost consciousness.


    ?Finally, he¡¯s here! Whew¡­ Such a weight off my mind¡­ I wonder where he has been?? ¨C Mob sighed with relief. However, he frowned as soon as he looked in the ssy device and failed to see any reaction in the formation on Kyon¡¯s forehead. ¨C ?Fuck, his formation doesn¡¯t respond!?


    Bob was no less surprised. He wanted to say something but only shook his head. ?It doesn¡¯t matter now. Look how exhausted he is¡­ He is surely dehydrated, as well. He needs some rest to recover. We will find out the story from himter.?


    ?Bob, wait ¡­ What are we going to say when they find out his formation is out of order? We have no idea where he has been, and the report is due tomorrow!?


    ?What the hell does it matter? We must help him first. He is dying!?


    ?Are you nuts? Let¡¯s get rid of him. He is nobody but a half-dead ve¡­ His death will solve all the problems with the authorities¡­? ¨C Mob approached the half-alive boy with cold determination.


    Bob growled furiously:


    ?How can you be so insensitive? We must help this boy! All right! If that¡¯s what you want, I¡¯ll take full responsibility! Get out of my way.? ¨C He pushed Mob away and dragged Kyon to the hospital.


    ?Moron! You are not looking for easy ways.? ¨C Mob sneered at Bob¡¯s manifestation of humanism. His friend was always screwing around. ¨C ?By the way, your boasted dog couldn¡¯t find him¡­ Do as you like as long as it¡¯s none of my business.?


    ¡­


    The boy focused his mind and walked wearily towards the sounds of the voices. He was ready for anything.


    He saw two men in the distance. They were shocked to see him.


    Both of them were middle-aged. One man was stout and short, the other was tall and thin with a sly expression on his face. It struck him as strange that they had no formations on their foreheads. But then it only highlighted his guess that he was just a ve, and they were his superiors.


    {Damn it¡­ If this is the case, I am in an unenviable situation. These two would dly get rid of me¡­ Hell, I have no strength even to raise my hand¡­ Am I done? I have no choice¡­ I have to try.}


    The boy was on the brink of death. A ve was nobody here. He carefully studied the expression on the supervisor¡¯s faces before taking his next step.


    Is it possible to change your destiny?

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    The fat supervisor came closer and spoke with a hint of pity and care in his voice. The other man, on the contrary, stood aloof on the side. Kyon couldn¡¯t get the meaning of the words, but he got the message.


    {The fat guy is my lifeline. But why does he care about me?} ¨C Kyon put two and two together, figured out what he was facing and pretended to faint. As expected, the fat man held out his hand and did not let him fall. Kyon was right. The fat one was his only hope for salvation.


    The two men talked a bit more in their gibberish (which sounded like bickering), and then the fat supervisor carried the ¡°unconscious body¡± in an unknown direction. The short way was lined with monotonous rows of light poles. There was not a living soul around. When they reached their destination, the fat man went upstairs, opened the door, and carried Kyon in there.


    The d¨¦cor in the room wasme: a dozen stone beds covered with a soft cloth and a couple of low tables. In the corner, there was a separate mini-room, obviously a toilet, and one more door. Judging by the smell, it was a storing ce for medicine.


    Bob carefully pulled off the boy¡¯s working clothes andid him on one of the beds. Then he went to get him a ss of water.


    Seizing the moment, Kyon rushed to explore the room and found to his dismay that both doors were locked.


    {Just like in jail¡­ A jail?} ¨C The boy ruffled his hair irritably. It was odd not to remember anything from his past, who he was, how he got there. He didn¡¯t speak theirnguage. He didn¡¯t have the slightest idea of what was going on.


    His savior returned a few minutester. He put a ss of water on the table, took ast pitiful nce at the boy and left.


    Kyon eagerly pounced on the water and drained the ss to the bottom. Then he fell fast asleep.


    When he opened his eyes, there was vast gray space before him with a bright azure ball in the distance. It radiated a feeling of pleasant coolness and tranquility. The ball evoked a strange desire to approach, touch, and enter it. It was like a pond of clear water in the hot desert.


    The ball looked like a small lump, but the closer Kyon approached it, the bigger it grew, turning into a huge glowing sun¡­


    *sh*


    The key noisily turned in the lock, pulling Kyon out of his dream.


    It was morning.


    A woman in the uniform entered the hospital. She must be a doctor. The woman was rmed to find one of the beds upied. Usually, they didn¡¯t bring patients at night.


    She was even more surprised to see Kyon, who looked about 14 years old. As a rule, no one under 16 was admitted to work in the mine.


    The doctor examined him: she touched his forehead, felt his stomach, ribs, and other parts, and then she left Kyon alone again, not forgetting to lock the door.


    During all her maniptions, Kyon made believe he was an unconscious carcass.


    {I¡¯m in hospital where they kind of take care of me. It means I might be useful to them¡­ I guess I have a good chance of survival. Or so it seems.}


    His headache was gone. He was feeling pretty good, except for the maddening hunger. But when he remembered his dream, the shock came flooding back like a massive wave. Everything went dark, the room disappeared, the memories of the past flooded back into his mind. The migraine that seemed to have calmed down attacked him with a new force, drenching his body in icy sweat¡­


    The torture seemed tost for eternity, but in fact, it was no longer than a quarter of an hour. When Kyon came round, his throat was dry again. His mind was total chaos.


    {All these memories¡­ Did I have a dream about my past? I remember now all the details of my life from my birth till I was four¡­}


    Kyon tried to organize his memories in chronological order. He was getting better with each new day reproduced in his thoughts, the chaos in his head gradually dissipated.


    He remembered that his only parent, his mother, had died in childbirth, just after giving him a name, Lovr. He also recalled his days spent in the orphanage (he had a hard time there being a ck sheep), and the episode with the dog in the park that changed everything. After that day a handsome man in ck came and adopted him. And thest thing, the intelligence test after which his adoptive father dropped his jaw.


    {My memories tell me I am a weirdo. The memory of my mother¡¯s face immediately after my birth says a lot.} ¨C Kyon sighed gloomily. It¡¯s not every day that he found out he had no parents, at least until he was 4. The only thing that his mother gave him, beside his birth, was a name.


    {I know this term, I have ¡°an absolute memory.¡± Based on the technology from my dream (flying cars, energy from the air, world quantumwork and other wonders of science), I am either in another world or on an extremely backward and poor, but¡­ Quasi very of this kind would hardly be conceivable even on a derelict wreck of a¡­} ¨C Kyon chuckled pensively.


    {No matter how many books I read in my early childhood, my knowledge is still insufficient. Even if the memories areing back while I¡¯m asleep, it will take a few days or even weeks to restore them. I have to learn the localnguage first, adapt to the circumstances, and in the meantime, find a way out of this situation.}


    Soon the doctor returned to the hospital.


    This time Kyon got a better look at her.


    She looked pretty, in her 30s, dark hair, a white coat, about 170 cm (5.5 ft), a C-cup. The doctor was holding a tray with a bowl of gruel and a ss of water. Apparently, it was his ¡°breakfast.¡±


    ?Oh, you¡¯re finally awake.? ¨C The woman smiled friendly and put the tray on the table. ¨C ?You must be hungry. Bob told me, they found you barely alive yesterday. I¡¯ve examined you. There are no fractures or visible injuries.? ¨C Kyon kept silent. Then she added, looking anxiously into his eyes: ?You¡¯re not a talking type. If you need anything, p your hands or something.? ¨C With another smile, she went to her office that smelt of medicine to get ready for work.


    {Theirnguage is not simr to any dialect of my world. Where am I, then?} ¨C Kyon scratched his head and pulled the bowl with gruel closer to himself: ¨C {Yuk! That¡¯s disgusting! A mix of mashed potatoes and noodles.}


    Kyon had no better choice, though. When he had all of it, he poured some water into the bowl and looked at his reflection. {Even though I was only four, I looked different, which means I have another body now¡­ a different life¡­ How curious!}


    Someone knocked on the door.


    ?Come in.? ¨C The doctor responded from her little room.


    Mob, the tall thin man, came to the hospital, apanying a half-conscious bald man with a formation on his forehead. Thetter looked terrible. Either he had been injured in the rockslide, or he had been beaten.


    ?Martha, there¡¯s a neer for you. He must have had an encounter with his mates. Take a look at him.? ¨C When Mob addressed the woman, his lips curved into a shy smile.


    Martha came closer, grumbling: ?It¡¯s the third this week. You¡¯re not keeping anything from me, are you?? ¨C She stared deep into Mob¡¯s eyes until he had to look away.


    ?Well, we had a new delivery at the beginning of the week. These pests can¡¯t adapt! They could learn from cockroaches and their perfect ways to survive, haha!? ¨C His ready-made reply wasn¡¯t as good as he was hoping it would be.


    ?Your wit needs groupies.? ¨C Martha¡¯s voice was heavy with sarcasm.


    ?Free ces are still avable.? ¨C Mob scratched his nose coyly.


    ?Hah! Dream on. Put him on the bed over there.? ¨C Shemanded.


    The 30-year-old doctor had the charm of a mature woman, and women were rare it the mines where mostly men worked. She had always caught torrid nces. As for Mob, heid his eyes on her long ago.


    He had been trying to attract her attention and get closer to her, but she kept avoiding him and findingme excuses. This week he was especially persistent. Martha had long noticed his efforts, but she was in no hurry to bestow her favor upon the supervisor.


    {He has the hots for her.} ¨C noticed Kyon.


    When Mob put the bald guy on the bed, he spotted Kyon wrapped in the nket. He took a threatening step in his direction, hissing angrily: ?You snot-nosed brat! Bob ising for you to make a report about your defective formation. You can get me in trouble with my boss. If God forbid, I get reprimanded, this hospital won¡¯t help you!?


    Kyon understood the words and intonation, but he didn¡¯t get the point. He widened his eyes dramatically, pretending he was scared. Kyon was hoping that Martha, who was watching the scene, would stand up for him.


    The trick worked. Martha immediately came between her patient and Mob, clearly pointing thetter to the door: ?Go and yell at your ce, I¡¯m the boss here. Get out before I call the guards!?


    ?I¡¯m sorry it won¡¯t happen again. The matter is, yesterday¡­? ¨C Mob mumbled intively, but her expression grew cold and unyielding.


    ?Get out! I¡¯m sick and tired of your fooling around. You are noting back untill you learn to behave!?


    Mob went out, throwing an angry nce at Kyon. As he closed the door, they heard a loud thump against the wall and, a secondter, a cry of pain¡­ Apparently, his daily trips to the desired woman with another beaten up victim were not going to work anymore.


    Martha smiled encouragingly at her patient:


    ?Don¡¯t worry, Kyon. I won¡¯t let him hurt you. I need to talk to Bob. I¡¯m sure, he¡¯ll protect you.? ¨C Martha read the boy¡¯s name on the formation on his forehead.


    A mature, sensible, attractive woman with a C-cup set of boobs, and an expression of universal kindness and care on her face¡­ She could be an excellent ally.


    He needed a bit of mournful sadness on his face, some painful wincing, and an ocean of gratitude in his eyes. What woman could resist the charm of this poor cutie?

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Martha was touched to the core. She was about to hug Kyon, but she thought better of it.


    A rush of unwilling memories came flooding back. She remembered her eleven-year-old son, who looked a bit like Kyon, her loving husband, their family home. And then her husband¡¯s debts destroyed their family. His financial struggle ended in bloody tragedy that Martha managed to escape, leaving her past behind¡­ Her memories warmed her soul and stabbed her in the heart at the same time.


    Some good luck smiled on her when her healing skills drew elder Stone¡¯s attention. He helped her find a job in the mines. Martha signed the contract, and now she was a doctor, doing one month off, one month on. She was working for a meager sry, but her situation left her no choice. She decided to be happy regardless of the circumstances.


    Kyon kept silent, and Martha said with concern:


    ?Try and have some rest. I¡¯ll take good care of you.? ¨C She went to the newly arrived patient to attend to his injuries and render assistance.


    An hour had passed. Someone delicately knocked on the door. Then a chubby man entered the room.


    ?Bob, is that you?? ¨C asked Martha, looking up from her notes.


    ?Yeah¡­ Hi. I¡¯vee to pick up the boy¡­ It¡¯s time for his appointment.? ¨C A huge obedient dog was standing beside Bob. It was about a meter tall, with thick ck fur and a small horn that was barely glowing on his forehead.


    Martha noticed the animal that was cheerfully wagging his tail, and hastily eximed:


    ?I won¡¯t let any dog in! Thest time was enough! Hold it tight!?


    But Rogash was already in, running in circles around the beds. Martha was just in time to close the medicine cab.


    ?ce!? ¨C Bob ordered. Rogash stopped brawling and ran up to his master. He fell on his bottom, faithfully looking into Bob¡¯s eyes, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.


    ?Your dog should be fixed.? ¨C Martha said bitterly, examining her possessions for any damage.


    ?Haha, why? You see, this dog is good as gold.? ¨C Bob patted lovingly the dog¡¯s protruding ears. ¨C ?Buddy, stay outside for a few minutes. Go take a walk.?


    Bob approached ¡°sleeping¡± Kyon and asked Martha quietly:


    ?So, how is he? Any injuries, fractures??


    ?There aren¡¯t any. He¡¯s just utterly exhausted.? ¨C The doctor whispered back. ¨C ?I¡¯ve given him something to eat. He¡¯ll be getting better and more or less stronger. How many days did you say he was gone??


    ?Three days. We couldn¡¯t find him anywhere¡­ The formation didn¡¯t respond to the call. No one saw him, even Rogash couldn¡¯t take his smell! It¡¯s beyond me! And I have to hand in my report soon¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say to justify myself¡­? ¨C Bob said sadly, his head down.


    There was an awkward silence. When he realized that Martha was not going to encourage him, Bob coughed in embarrassment and decided to get a bit inventive:


    ?You know, Mob wanted to do it his way, but I turned down his idea t.?


    As expected, Martha immediately perked up and eximed indignantly:


    ?The heartless bastard! He must have offered something terrible?! But wait¡­ Don¡¯t tell me, I don¡¯t want to know¡­? ¨C Martha was simmering with rage. She closed her eyes to calm down.


    ?You got that right¡­? ¨C began Bob, but Martha held up her hand: say no more, it said.


    They were standing by Kyon¡¯s bed all the time. He was pretending to be asleep, but actually, he was listening to them.


    ?Bring him back after the checkup. He must get some rest to recover. It hurts me to see this exhausted child.? ¨C Martha eximed anxiously and shook her head inpassion.


    ?I¡¯d love to, but you know how cruel Flitz can be. I¡¯m afraid he will force the kid to work right away.? ¨C Bob grumbled, staring awkwardly at the floor.


    ?Bob, please, talk to him! I¡­I¡­ I will write an exnatory note! Say, he¡¯s injured, exhausted, tense, bruised, and what¡¯s not¡­ Maybe he will pay heed to my suggestions? Don¡¯t get me wrong, he needs a few days of rest¡­? ¨C Martha¡¯s voice was full of aching pity for the puny boy as if he was an unhappy abandoned puppy or a kitten with a broken leg.


    Martha knew she would be punished if she broke the rule and kept Kyon in hospital for more than a day. But she was going to take the risk whatever it might cost her.


    Flitz was a high-ranking official in the mine. He had every right to prolong the treatment time as long as needed.


    Martha looked imploringly at Bob, and he felt obliged to do everything possible. But would he seed?


    He sighed heavily:


    ?The note, of course, will give us a chance. But what if I¡­?


    Martha ced her hand on Bob¡¯s soft shoulder, encouraging him:


    ?Please¡­ You¡¯re a kind man. You¡¯ve brought him here. You didn¡¯t listen to Mob. So, bring a good deed to an end. Do not stop halfway.?


    Bob nodded helplessly and shook Kyon.


    ?Buddy, get up! We have to go somewhere.?


    While Kyon was rubbing his eyes and putting on his humble set of clothes, Martha was in her office hastily writing the exnatory note, praying it would help.


    ?Good Luck, Bob.? ¨C She said softly as he and Kyon left the stone hospital.


    Today Bob had to write a mandatory weekly report on all the incidents in Sector 3. In addition to the dry figures on the amount of mined materials, he had to put down all the information that implied control. From conspiracies and the mood of masses to premeditated murder and setups¡­ Everything had to be thoroughly checked up and controlled.


    The structure of the mine suggested an artificial hierarchy of ves. There was a leader of the 1st rank, his subordinates of the 2nd rank, and the ordinary ves of the 3rd rank. All of them were left to their own devices. However, no one of a higher rank wanted anything bad to happen with ¡°the lowest segment of the people.¡±


    Conspiring or trying to escape was a priori a dead-end road. It would be equal to mass suicide. However, riot incidents asionally happened, anyway¡­ It gave rise to the following basicw: ?Any activity in the mine must be under control.?


    The backpack with reports was sadly wiggling on Bob¡¯s back. He looked extremely depressed, and small wonder. It wasn¡¯t only about Martha who made him promise to help the boy. Bob had also promised Mob to take all the responsibility for Kyon upon himself.


    On the way to Flitz, the ck dog took a keen interest in Kyon. He ran up to him, wagging his tail and trying to bite his finger. Then he jumped back, resting on his front paws as if calling to y.


    The dog¡¯s dance distracted Bob from his sad thoughts, even if only for a second.


    ?Rogash seems to like you, boy. It¡¯s quite surprising. He must have taken you for a skinny little child, heh??


    Thenguage barrier left Kyon with no answer. When the yful dog brought his curious muzzle closer to his hand, he touched a point under his ear. The fluffy dog froze at once.


    {Even if you have a horn, the weak points of all the canines are typical for you, too¡­} ¨C When Kyon squatted to massage the area under the dog¡¯s ear, he rolled over on his back, his hind leg jerking.


    ?Wow! I¡¯ve never seen him react like that!? ¨C Bob was delighted.


    Thendscape diversity did not please the eye: a stone door with engraved inscriptions, walls, shlights, another stone door with engraved inscriptions¡­ From time to time, they met people with formations on their foreheads. They walked in groups of 9 people behind a warden who also had a formation but was wearing a slightly different uniform.


    Nearly everyone looked shabby and exhausted, and it was only the beginning of the day. All of them were clothed in rags. Their unkempt beards and almost bald headspleted the image. Kyon¡¯s immediately noticed that they all were in their 20s or older.


    {Why is there no one of my age?}


    On the way, Bob started a one-sided conversation. The dog¡¯s gregarious disposition was contagious. Besides, a silent listener who nodded here and there would never hurt. It referred to Rogash, too:


    ?Just for the record, he is a very smart dog. He understands all kinds ofmands. And he adores dog chocte! Unfortunately, I can¡¯t give him his favorite treat every day. It is too expensive¡­ Well, it¡¯s nothing extravagant, but I can¡¯t afford any extra costs¡­ My wife and I send almost all our money to our daughter in school¡­?


    About 15 minutester, they had reached their destination.


    There was only one door at the end of the corridor. On either side, two guards were towering like majestic statues in golden armor, with shiny swords in the scabbards and fighting aura emanating from them. They were clearly elite guards.


    Bob ordered Rogash to stay outside and make no noise.


    The supervisor showed the guard his wrist with a formation on it that indicated his rank and position, and they were allowed into the room.


    Kyon didn¡¯t realize until now that the staff was also marked. Their formations weren¡¯t located on their foreheads like a star, but on their wrists, hidden by clothing.


    Behind the door, there was a spacious room with beautiful d¨¦cor. In the center, there was a carved desk made of dark wood with an armchair behind it. A rack with all sorts of strange tools divided the room into two parts. In the obscure corner of the room, there was a shabby looking chair and a table for inspecting the ves


    The smell of fresh pastry filled the air.


    A well-dressed middle-aged man was sitting at the carved table. He was engrossed in reading. However, he looked up at once as soon as he noticed the visitors.


    ?Come in. Take a seat.? ¨C The man stretched his lips in a broad smile, greeting Bob, who stood there frozen like a stone statue with his mouth open in surprise.


    ?Martin, how is it possible¡­ And¡­ And where¡¯s Flitz??


    ?Won¡¯t you hug an old acquaintance of yours?? ¨C The man smiled in reply to Bob¡¯s dismay.


    ?Long time no see¡­ I¡­ I thought you don¡¯t work here anymore!?


    ?You were right. I¡¯m temporarily in charge. Flitz, the old fart, has left for family affairs. I¡¯m his recement for a month.? ¨C His mncholy face brightened up: ¨C ?So, what¡¯s up? What have you been up to? Who¡¯s this boy looking out of your back? I¡¯ll make us some tea. Treat yourself to a bun. It¡¯s a new recipe, yummy.?


    Bob couldn¡¯t help smiling at the sight of the pastry. He pulled up a chair and took a seat.


    ?I love buns¡­ You know how to cheer me up, buddy. As for the boy¡­ You know, a curious thing happened¡­ He got lost¡­ We couldn¡¯t find him for a few days¡­?


    Martin nearly spilled tea from his cup and interrupted his friend:


    ?You could not find him? And what about the formation? Was it out of order?? ¨C He looked at Kyon and said: ?Come here, boy.?


    Kyon understood his unmistakable gesture and approached obediently. Martin ced his hand on Kyon¡¯s forehead to see if there was any energy in his formation.


    ?Gods¡­ Indeed!? ¨C He eximed when he realized that his guess was correct.


    Bob scratched his nose thoughtfully:


    ?The thing is¡­ We found him yesterday,pletely exhausted. He also suffered memory loss¡­? ¨C The supervisor let some facts into a good story to protect his own ass. ?By the way, Martha gave me a note to exin his trauma. Will you give him a few days off??


    Kyon could tell that Bob was nervous as if he was hiding something.


    ?No problem. And no¡­ No note needed. I believe you. So, why is his formation out of order? There¡¯s absolutely no energy inside. Just a blow on the head couldn¡¯t do it. Unless a 200-pound boulder that could easily smear the boy¡¯s head in a thinyer was involved in this story. But I refuse to believe it, hahaha!? ¨C Martin turned his gaze to Kyon: ¨C ?Perhaps, you can tell us what happened to you, boy??


    Kyon desperately racked his brain in search for an answer. After a short pause, he muttered something in the foreignnguage, hoping it would work: ?No bones broken¡­?


    The meaning and rity of his words suggested that the boy had received a heavy blow with a stone on the top of his head. Bob smiled his gratitude. The boy couldn¡¯t think straight and decided to y along with him.


    Martin stared at his old friend, dumbfounded.


    Bob said with a bitter smile: ¨C ?I told you that he had lost memory¡­? ¨C He pretended that he had just remembered something and added: ¨C ?I know one more reason why his formation is out of order! I¡¯m almost certainly sure of it!?


    ?Oh, really? And what is it?? ¨C Martin raised his eyebrows.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Bob told Martin that he was stupefied when he first met the boy. What was the brat doing in the mine? What was so special about him that they had put him in there bypassing the age limit? Bob was so curious that he started an investigation of his own. He couldn¡¯t find anything out, though. He was tipped off that he shouldn¡¯t stick his fat nose where it didn¡¯t belong. And yet, Bob managed to sniff out one interesting detail. The boy had been brought to the mine alone. Why would the skinny little boy enjoy the privilege to be exclusively delivered? Besides, Flitz was not ready for the deliveries that day. It was his day off, after all. He must have been drunk and put on the wrong formation¡­ ?At the age like his, skeletons must take him for one of them.? ¨C Bob tried toe up with a joke.


    ?Hmm, it sounds logical¡­ Listen¡­? ¨C Martin drawled like a conspirator: ¨C ?Why don¡¯t you apply for an investigator? The investigation department is in dire need of you and your skills.?


    Bob smiled sheepishly, failing to detect a hint of sarcasm:


    ?I don¡¯t think investigating crimes is for me¡­ I am a softie at heart. You see, I still need to grow a backbone.?


    Martinughed again and patted the chubby friend on the shoulder:


    ?I love it when youugh at yourself!?


    Fortunately, he lost his curiosity after Bob¡¯s exnation. The mysteriously disappeared and no less mysteriously found boy was none of his concern any more. Bob wasn¡¯t lying much, anyway. Kyon had really been delivered alone.


    Bob took the papers out of his backpack in a matter-of-fact way.


    ?By the way, take the reports. You will see that no biggie happenedst week¡­?


    Martin threw the stack of documents on the shelf with no enthusiasm. He didn¡¯t even take a look at them:


    ?I¡¯ll take care of itter.? ¨C He beckoned Kyon to approach him: ?Come here, boy. I¡¯ll change your formation. ?


    Kyon came up to him. Martin rummaged through the high shelf under the ceiling and pulled out an unusual device that looked like brass-knuckles. He put the device on his hand and pressed it against Kyon¡¯s formation. The symbol on his forehead lit up and began to tingle as if tiny needles dug into his skin.


    ?All right, it will do for fifty more years.? ¨C Martin cracked his fingers. Then he pointed to the bun and motioned Kyon to the door: ¨C ?Take a bun and take a seat outside.?


    Kyon went out, letting the old friends talk in private.


    Martin gave Kyon the impression of someone who knew what he was doing and who was not ustomed to back out from the intended path. He evoked respect. However, his friendship with Bob was rather superficial. They were no real friends, just tell-me-something-interesting buddies.


    Kyon was standing at the door, leaning against the wall and fidgeting with the bun, deep in his thoughts.


    {I need to learn the localnguage as soon as possible. Ideally, it would take a couple of books. I can¡¯t go on ying the fool forever.}


    Rogash was obediently sitting outside. He tried to rush inside as soon as the door opened, but the two guards blocked his way.


    Kyonmanded firmly:


    ?ce!?


    Rogash froze.


    Unfortunately, he did not know any othermands in the localnguage, and to train a dog anew¡­ On second thought, why not?


    Kyon went away from the vignt guards and got the dog¡¯s attention with a fragrant bun. He made a circle with his finger:


    ?Spin!?


    The dog obediently began to chase his own tail and received a piece of the bun and Kyon¡¯s reassuring smile for that.


    The experiment was getting even more fun:


    ?Roll over! Stand! Fetch thepass! Drop the pickaxe!? ¨C The dog received a sweet reward after eachmand. What a smart fur ball! {Is he a dog at all? No way¡­ He has a horn, after all. He must be smarter than some mongrels on streets.}


    ?Anger! Growl! Attaboy! Good job!? ¨C When Kyon was three years old, he read a book about animal weaknesses: where and how to stroke and pet them, the best ways to feed and train them. But this dog surpassed all his expectations.


    Rogash tried to fish out more treat in every possible way. His master gave him only tasteless gruel¡­ Once in a while, he pampered his pet with a special treat. Rogash loved dog chocte so much he could move mountains for it.


    The guards were pretty far away, but they chuckled appreciatively at the dog¡¯s tricks from time to time.


    Kyon took a deep breath and resolutely ordered the moment the guards turned away:


    ?Attack!? ¨C He pointed his finger to the guards and made an aggressive gesture to push the boundaries of the dog¡¯s obedience.


    It took some time before one of the guards noticed the dog running in their direction. He told hispanion in a constrained voice:


    ?They say a dog is man¡¯s best friend. I hope this huge one without a muzzle is running to have a nice chat¡­?


    However, the dog was approaching like an attacking rhino. The guard was ready for the attack. He jumped away and kicked the animal in the side.


    *bam*


    The dog flew off a couple of meters, whining loudly. Then he hobbled to Kyon, limping, his tail between the legs.


    ?Son of a bitch! Did you see it?? ¨C The outraged guard returned to his post.


    ?It was love at first sight. Haha!?


    Kyon patted Rogash sympathetically on the head and examined him carefully. The blow was powerful, but the ribs seemed to be intact. He felt sorry for the fur ball that voluntarily put himself under a heavy boot to get a piece of bun. But he had honestly earned the rest of it.


    ?What¡¯s going on here?? ¨C Bob showed up in the doorway.


    On the way to the hospital, the supervisor could not stop talking. The storm over his head had cleared up atst, and his excellent mood added to his talkativeness:


    ?Martin is a good man, a real professional¡­?


    Martin worked as formacist and applied formations.


    Kyon carefully listened to the fat man, trying to figure out the unknown dialect and recording every phrase in his mind. When he had gained enough knowledge, he would rewind everything in his head.


    Rogash walked next to Kyon, limping and gratefully taking asional scratching behind the ear.


    Kyon could figure out from the tone of the guards¡¯ voices that they lied to Bob, telling him that the dog had rushed inside, and they had to punish him. {They won¡¯t get away with it.}


    Bob nced at the wounded animal, visibly displeased, and muttered something under his breath. Regrettably, he was a peace-loving man and preferred to avoid quarrels. Moreover, the guards were of his rank. The only thing he could do was to grumble bitterly.


    The ¡°two men in the corridor (to say nothing of the dog)¡± approached the doctor¡¯s office. At that very moment, a big muscr guy squeezed through the door. He gave Kyon and Bob a dark look and left without saying a word. Kyon noticed a formation on his forehead.


    {Are branded fellows allowed to roam wherever they please?} ¨C wondered Kyon.


    Bob squinted his eyes at the burly man.


    ?It¡¯s Byron¡­ He¡¯s beening to the hospital too oftentely.? ¨C Bob muttered under his breath and shook his head.


    The fat supervisor wouldn¡¯t admit even to himself that the unpleasant feeling choking his chest was nothing but jealousy. He was a decent family man, after all. His beautiful Tamara was waiting for him toe home, cooking delicious dinner, ready to encourage him with a kind word.


    They had both been working hard, saving most of their money for Niva, their daughter. Her tuition at the best school in the Kingdom was expensive, and their savings were not enough. Every second month was a long holiday, and Bob was obliged to find an additional part-time job. No rest for the wicked, he would rest in his sweet dreams¡­


    When Bob entered the doctor¡¯s office, he asked suspiciously:


    ?Byron has been ill too oftentely. Are you having a love affair here??


    Martha looked away and immediately changed the subject:


    ?Well, how did it go??


    ?¡­You won¡¯t believe it. Martin is back!? ¨C Bob noticed with annoyance Martha¡¯s little trick, but he decided to let it go.


    ?No way! And what happened to Flitz?? ¨C Martha was pleased to hear the news. Martin had left only positive emotions, unlike Flitz, the pompous moron.


    ?He has left for family reasons! Martin gave the boy two days of rest, so he¡¯s at your disposal.?


    Martha let out a squeal of glee and threw her arms around Bob¡¯s neck:


    ?Thank you! I am so happy it all worked out all right¡­whew¡­?


    Kyon didn¡¯t pay any more attention to their chatter. He went to bed, tired. There was plenty of time until the evening.


    Soon there were only few people left in the hospital. The new bald patient was sleeping. Martha was rustling papers in her office.


    When it was time for changing bandages, Kyon said in a broken foreignnguage, looking bored:


    ?To read something¡­?


    Martha was surprised to hear his voice finally!


    ?Hold on. I have a little something for you.? ¨C She left and rummaged enthusiastically through her office. Then she handed Kyon a small shabby book. ¨C ?Here you are. There is nothing else here to read. I will find something for you tomorrow.?


    The book was called ¡°Prodigy.¡± The technology in this world was ancient. The text was typed on a typewriter.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Kyon began to study the book. He could memorize the pages with incredible speed. He just leafed through the book, and the text imprinted on his memory. From the outside, it looked like he was looking for pictures. He had underestimated his abilities. It took him only a couple of hours to devour the whole book.


    {The local alphabet consists of 52 letters. Thenguage is quiteplicated. It has lots of terms, an abundance of polysemantic words that change their meaning depending on the context.}


    Kyon had worked out the pronunciation of each symbol. He could easily render the written text into the spokennguage.


    {Now I know 80-90% of simple and 40-50% of difficult words. That¡¯s enough to have a small talk.}


    Communication had always been important when learning a newnguage. However, all Kyon had to do was to close his eyes and imagine a conversation with himself. Hello, to schizos!


    He had found out that the symbols on his formation meant ¡°Kyon.¡± The good-natured fat supervisor was Bob, which by a curious coincidence, also meant a hearty breakfast, or breakfast on a bun. And Bob¡¯spanion¡¯s name was in line with the idea of an aggressive crowd.


    The book ¡°Prodigy¡± told a story of the man who had found an abnormal child in one of the remote viges. The kid was stuck in the emotional and spiritual development of a three-year-old. He couldn¡¯t do evil. The child wasn¡¯t burdened with human vices and weaknesses. He had never known hunger, cold, pain¡­ He had an innate need to give.


    The man spent a lot of time studying the unique nature of the boy. Before he knew it, he was fond of the kid as if he was his own son. He taught the child how the world worked, exined human nature, morality, the principles of life and survival. The child was smart, but his heart refused to change, no matter how hard his adopted father tried to improve him.


    Then the man decided to take drastic measures to change the nature of the child. He went to find the legendary Heart of Desire to transform the boy from the inside. Kyon also read in the story that the adopted father had a unique body that made him stronger than anyone else.


    It was the end of the first out of three parts of this amazing story.


    Kyon did not appreciate the plot. It was too unrealistic like a fairy tale for kids. But it also revealed the curious traditions of this world.


    It was repeatedly mentioned that power ruled the world, the tangible, physical force. The weak stayed at the bottom while the strong soared to the top. Kyon thought at first that ¡°power¡± meant intelligence, stamina, integrity, stratagem, but it turned out nothing of the kind. Power meant force in all senses of the term.


    Kyon decided it was a mere fantasy, a figment of someone¡¯s sick imagination, but the world in the book was too carefully designed. The power didn¡¯t mean onlybat skills and physical strength. It also implied spiritual development.


    Kyon didn¡¯t believe the soul existed at all, but the ¡°fictional¡± system of development described in the book struck him as unusual. He learned that there were several phases of soul evolution. Each of them consisted of 10 different stages. The power of personal elemental energy depended on the stage of development. It could be transformed into a specific attack, for example, a jet of me, lightning, stone boulders that fly over long distances.


    {It¡¯s all too strange.}


    A knock at the door interrupted Kyon¡¯s thoughts.


    A tall warden with the formation of a 2nd ranked ve barged through the door. He was carrying an unconscious body on his shoulders.


    ?What happened?? ¨C Martha eximed anxiously.


    ?A rockslide¡­? ¨C The visitor muttered hesitantly.


    ?Did you say a rockslide?? ¨C The doctor asked with a suspicious squint.


    ?Uhm¡­ Yes.?


    Martha put her hands on her hips, snorting her disapproval:


    ?Tell me who beat him up.?


    ?I can¡¯t, or it will be the end of me.? ¨C The warden was obviously afraid of someone.


    ?Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone. Spit it out.?


    The man said after a moment¡¯s hesitation:


    ?Mob went on the rampage again. I mean, don¡¯t get me wrong, he usually keeps it together. Please, don¡¯t sell me out. He knows I saw everything¡­?


    ?I get it. Poor thing. Put him over there.? ¨C She pointed to an empty bed ¨C ?You may go now.?


    Martha shook her head, making sure that the injured man wasfortable. Then she brought in a device that looked like a magnifying ss and infused it with a tiny bit of energy to scan the body. She found out a couple of hematomas, a few cracks in the bones, a broken rib, not to mention the numerous bruises and grazes¡­ {Mob is a cruel, inhuman cretin!} ¨C Martha sighed sadly. She performed the necessary treatment procedures and went to her office, feeling depressed.


    {I get it that he likes me, but why on earth does he take it out on others?} ¨C She mused with a vacant look at the pile of documents before her.


    When a ve got injured, the responsible warden had to bring him to the hospital. Mob usually took it upon himself, and everyone knew his true motives. Martha felt a nasty pang of guilt for yelling so carelessly at this abuser. People were suffering because of her outburst.


    Kyon silently observed the scene around him with one eye open. So, it was Mob who had punched the bald guy and the new patient.


    It was about midday. However, Kyon couldn¡¯t determine the position of the sun in the stone box without windows. The bright glow from themp had increased by a third. Apparently, artificial lighting changed depending on the time of day.


    Martha came in, looking over her shoulder as if she was bringing something illegal.


    The bald man was still dozing. She quietly approached Kyon and put a tray before him:


    ?You¡¯re not supposed to have lunch, that¡¯s why I¡¯ve brought you mine. Eat. But don¡¯t tell anyone.?


    A heap of rice topped with a fragrant piece of meat looked pretty delicious. A ss of fruit drink and a couple of unusual fruitspleted the ¡°proper lunch.¡±


    ?Thank you, but aren¡¯t you hungry??


    Martha smiled. He was so sweet. The boy didn¡¯t use to speak much, but today he indulged her with aplete sentence.


    ?I¡¯ve already eaten. Don¡¯t worry about me.? ¨C Unfortunately, right at this moment, her stomach treacherously rumbled. Martha blushed and rushed to her office, mming the door and shouting from there: ¨C ?I¡¯m on a diet!?


    Of course, there was no ¡°diet.¡± Her maternal instinct kicked in and demanded taking care of the boy. Kyon smiled and examined the contents of the dish. He was starving.


    {She is an amazing woman! I wonder why she is being so kind to me. I must remind her of someone. On the other hand, I am cute, aren¡¯t I?}


    The scent of roast meat, a rare treat in this ce, made the bald man open his eyes. The smell of food made his mouth water and his stomach rumble in protest to his skipping breakfast.


    Kyon turned to the bald guy and read his name on the forehead:


    ?Borya, I¡¯ll share it with you, but don¡¯t tell anyone.? ¨C With those words, he held out a small piece of meat and fruit.


    Martha heard the voices, looked out and shook her head disapprovingly. She understood that Kyon had to share his meal to avoid problems in the future, but she regretted giving away her own lunch in vain. After all, she had brought it specially for him and not for the injured man.


    Borya did not refuse the present and swallowed it in a single mouthful. When they were done with lunch, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve like a savage and asked:


    ?You are Kyon, aren¡¯t you? The Kyon who went missing three days ago?? ¨C He didn¡¯t wait for an answer: ¨C ?Oh, shit, there¡¯s no mistake¡­ You¡¯re the only little brat in the whole vige! Where have you been??


    ?Yes, it¡¯s me. Where have I been, where have I been¡­ One minute I was there, and the next I was gone. I was much better off there, anyway, than in this dump hole. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t tell you the details. A rock hit me straight in the head. I have lost my memory and I woke up in hospital¡­?


    ?Ha-ha, I like your sense of humor! And yet, three days without food or water¡­ You¡¯re tougher than you seem. You look like a stiff wind would blow you down. John, your warden, got it in the neck for losing control of his flock.?


    ?John, the warden?? ¨C Kyon looked faintly surprised.


    ?You must have seriously hurt your head¡­ Don¡¯t you remember anything??


    ?Nope. Absolutely nothing. I have no idea what¡¯s outside the room. I can barely remember my name.? ¨C His goal was to test the waters and get more information from the nuthead. Borya knew he owed the boy for the meal, so he started to bring his young friend up to date:


    ?John is your warden. He is responsible for the 28th group¡­ yours, I mean.?


    ?Is he someone big here??


    ?You don¡¯t remember even this? Alright, listen¡­? ¨C Borya made himselffortable in his bed, and the story began. Kyon learned that the mountain range belonged to the Stone family. He was in one of the three spiritual stone mines. There used to be some ancient catbs where they carried out further work, so to speak. A few thousands of ves worked in each shaft, divided into 16 individual sectors with three hundred workers in each. Kyon worked in the third sector, along with Bob, Mob, and Martha. Martin and Flitz, the authorities, were in charge of the whole mine.


    The formations on the ves¡¯ foreheads ensured convenient and effective control. They didn¡¯t only track the location and health condition, they also showed the status of the marked person. The 3rd rank was the mostmon and the lowest. The wardens responsible for a group of 9 people had the 2nd rank. Byron, the leader, aka the only chief of the sect, had the 1st rank.


    The working daysted 15 hours. A mobile market stall arrived on the only day off, at the end of the week. It stopped for a couple of hours at each sector, delivering letters, selling groceries, offering endurance potions, medicine, tea, beer, providing a service of local currency exchange and transferring money to rtives¡­ And they could sell freedom there.


    Kyon had already figured out that the local ves were, in fact, low status workers with more or less freedom. They earned and spent money and were entitled to a day off.


    They got paid once a week. However, they received only bag lunch and water for standardbor performance. Over-fulfillment provided them with the mine currency. It was nothing but a piece of paper for the outside world. Here in the mine, it was a valuable resource that motivated everyone to work their asses off.


    Borya told him about the dubious benefits of the 2nd rank workers (a separate bedroom from the rest of the ves), and the prerogatives of the 1st rank. They didn¡¯t only have a private living area but also could order a woman. Thest point evoked morbid jealousy in the bald guy.


    The first mine consisted mainly of the peasants who had voluntarily signed the contract and sent money to their families every year.


    The second mine was for ordinary criminals who did their time and benefited society.


    The third mine was meant for seasoned criminals, hostile races, captives, prisoners.


    {Martin and Bob said that I was brought here separately from the rest of the ves. I wonder what I have done. What if someone set me up?}

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    After Borya finished his long story, Kyon nodded:


    ?Thank you for the helpful information.?


    ?Oh, never mind. One good turn deserves another.? ¨C Borya made a witty remark: ¨C ?Anyway, it¡¯s as dull as ditchwater here.? ¨C He yawned widely.


    ?Could you tell me anything about the phases of development?? ¨C Kyon had a general idea from the book, but the information was insufficient.


    ?Sorry, buddy. I¡¯m not really an expert in this matter. You¡¯d better ask Byron. I heard his brother is kind of an earth bender, but they don¡¯t get along too well.?


    {So it wasn¡¯t a fantasy novel! Wow¡­ Magic?} ¨C Kyon took a deep breath.


    ?I see. By the way, how did you get here??


    Borya was a peasant from the 15th group. He was a contractor and provided for his family. No prizes for guessing how poor they were.


    Time was dragging minute after minute, growing into hours. Martha attended to the patients. The bald guy kept ogling her with a lecherous grin. He hadn¡¯t seen a beautiful woman for quite a while.


    The night hade. Lighting crystals shed all together and grew dim, giving off a faint dull light.


    Martha did thest examination for the day, wished Kyon goodnight and left.


    The boy mused, staring at the barely visible ceiling.


    {First of all, I need to buy some information at the weekly market stall. It must be here soon. Where do Ie from? How did I get here? What is the price of freedom? The more you know, the more you can control.}


    His eyelids drooped. He saw an immense gray space in front of him, but the only thing that drew his attention was a bright azure ball. It was beckoning. It grew bigger and bigger until he got inside, and it swallowed him up.


    *dream*


    The door creaked open, Martha entered the hospital, dragging a sack. She threw it into her office, locked the door and left again.


    It was early morning. Kyon was lying in his bed, blinking sleepily at themp that was getting brighter and brighter.


    {Damn it! I woke up at this ungodly hour because of a creak¡­}


    However, there was no reason to get peeved. He had other things on his mind. ording to his recent experience, the memories of his previous life would flow into his head in a rapid stream as soon as he started to think of his dream. It wasn¡¯t a pleasant feeling¡­ But there was no point in waiting for the others to wake up, either.


    Kyon focused, and his memories whirled in his brain like a wild hurricane. He broke out in an icy sweat, his hands shaking. The world outside blurred, merging into a pale smudge. Kyon didn¡¯t waste a minute. He started sorting out the information avable to him, day after day, since the age of 4 until he was 8 years and a half. This time the process went more natural and productive than before. It took only 10 minutes at all.


    {Amazing! It¡¯s just incredible!} ¨C Kyon was thrilled. His eyes sparkled with excitement or maybe tears suddenly rising behind his lids. He had finally remembered enough of his past to understand himself. ¨C {This world is just what I need! It¡¯s like I¡¯ve been given a real task I longed for so long! I used to live in a meritocratic society, but in this world, the strongest hold the reins of power. I will y an away game by their rules, and I will definitely reach the top! Fascinating¡­ Interesting¡­ Cool!}


    When he passed the test, his adopted father sent him to the best school in their civilization, where he stayed until he was eight and a half.


    This school was on a remote, it took only a couple of minutes to get there. His dad only had to activate the tunnel in the basement. One step, and there they are. The technology was awesome there!


    School, or those representing it, recruited students with extra abilities all over the universe. The selection criterion was a predisposition to control the information field, aka the energy of the azure color. It was an innate, unique gift. Less than 1% of all people were lucky to have it. No technology could reproduce this type of energy. It was light as air, fluid like water, and submissive to its owner like a docile pet.


    The scientists had long proved that the world, its interactions and itsws were based on the information exchange. This type of energy enabled its owners to connect with the universe and change it. In other words, they could code reality at the level of its source.


    This energy was called ¡°Synergy¡±, short for ¡°sea blue energy.¡±


    Synergy improved human susceptibility to any information by a wide margin, increased reaction, body control, boosted any mental activity. It made the speed of thinking equal to the most powerful quantumputers. It had numerous uses, not necessarily associated with intellectual ability. It was the core, the very essence of the universe.


    Like anything else, Synergy could be cultivated.


    If you want to get stronger, you should lift weights. If you are into athletics, then exhausting training sessions is what you need. The brain could be trained through constant reading, memory boosting and thinking. This rule is absolute, and Synergy development is no exception.


    Scientists had identified six degrees of Synergy development and a legendary one. It had never been found in real life, but theoretically might exist. The owner of the legendary degree was a god with unlimited talents, to the extent of changing thews of physics.


    1) Newbie. 2) Student. 3) Bachelor. 4) Master. 5) Doctor of Philosophy. 6) Doctor of Science. 7) The legendary supreme mandate. It¡¯s the ssification of Synergy development, generally epted and approved.


    The transition to a new degree is marked by a pop, a feeling like an stic band bursts. The mental energy boosts, Synergy quality improves, new boons get avable, new dimensions open up.


    It takes years of practice to pass to the next degree. It takes more effort with each next degree, especially at an older age.


    There are various tests, tasks, quests,binatorial calculus, training sessions¡­ The tasks get harder and harder with each next degree.


    Only 1% of people have Synergy. Only 1 in 10 million can get a Master¡¯s degree. One in 10 billion can reach the Doctor of Philosophy. A single individual in all history of humankind had managed to be a Doctor of Sciences, and even though all humanity pinned high hopes on him, he disappeared in the endless expeditions in search of Truth.


    The owners of the highest degrees of Synergy rule the world and lead it in the right direction, but even if they can prolong life endlessly, it gets more challenging to achieve the next degree. This phenomenon is an iprehensible mystery. Apparently, eternal life is still beyond the control of the living generations.


    Lovr, aka Kyon, had no problem getting into the school. His test results shocked everyone. The little boy happened to have reached the peak level of the second degree! He had reached the Student¡¯s degree at the age of 4. It was like seeing a Phoenix in the sky. After some discussion, the school masters came to the general opinion: the boy needed one-to-one instruction because his potential was endless.


    At the age of 8 years and a half, he was at the beginning of the third degree, and his excessive development continued almost to the Master¡¯s degree. It was an unprecedented result to be a Master at such an early age¡­.


    School taught him to get rid of shackles like shame, uncertainty,plexes, bad habits, all kinds of beliefs, and prejudices.


    The masters also did their best to prepare the boy for the supreme mandate. In fact, their task was to bring up the future god. He had to be a well-mannered god! They stubbornly instilled in him the best human qualities to tell the good from the bad, understand human nature and the essence of progress, see things that were beyond an average person.


    It didn¡¯t mean they intended to create a cold-blooded rational machine, far from it. The masters strived to reveal the essence of things, develop his ambitions, as well as a desire to seed and move forward. They did an excellent job in the end.


    Lovr was an emotional, passionate young man who tended to act impulsively, do unreasonable things just to please his ego. Apparently, the universe fancied his type and gave him the highest talent potential for Synergy development. Thus, Lovr hadbined two ipatible things: his heart was hot and his mind, ruled by Synergy, was cold. Simply put, he had a supeputer in his head that didn¡¯t affect the owner¡¯s character. Sometimes, he was impulsive and reckless. Other times, he turned into a dispassionate rationalist, especially when the goal was clear. His masters couldn¡¯t be more pleased with his sess. However, there soon arose a significant problem. At such a fast rate of development, the boy could soon overgrow his tutors. The future of the hypothetical ¡°god¡± was vague without any worthy rivals and the right conditions.


    {I wonder what degree I had at the end of my life¡­} ¨C Kyon desperately wanted to know everything. Unfortunately, at the moment, his memories were limited by the age of 8.


    {Something is wrong. There¡¯s something I¡¯m missing¡­}

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    {Something is wrong. There¡¯s something I¡¯m missing¡­ Why is my mental status not at the peak of the Bachelor¡¯s degree? I can tell my Synergy has just reached Newbie¡¯s degree, it isn¡¯t at the advanced or the intermediate level but only at the beginning.} ¨C Kyon sighed. There were only two possible exnations: either his current body, or rather his brain, wasn¡¯t developed enough to hold this array of Synergy, or this world restricted his abilities.


    In this body, Kyon happened to have Synergy of Newbie¡¯s degree. It was the first degree, the very start in his world. He was too underdeveloped to go beyond his limits, but Kyon was d it wasn¡¯t worse.


    With Synergy of the first degree, he could control lots of aspects of body activity. He could test his hormone bnce, manage his metabolism, regte his growth, and much more. He was even able to stop his own heartbeat.


    However, if he had a fit of anger or something amazed him to a greater extent, he wouldn¡¯t be able to block the strong emotions at once. It would take at least 10 seconds. The destruction of hormones wasn¡¯t a fast process, and the boy was too emotional by his nature.


    In fact, Synergy had a small reserve of physical power. It couldn¡¯t influence the matter directly. That¡¯s why it couldn¡¯t be used in a ¡°straightforward manner.¡± It would never grow bones, nails or hair out of nothing. It just provided instructions to the body where to send the necessary enzymes. Then it acted as a ¡°foreman,¡± giving orders, redirecting everything to the right ce. Above all, it was the energy of information.


    There were cases when those who had Synergy turned into drug addicts, continually feeding the brain with various neurotransmitters like hormones of happiness, pleasure, rxation, etc. The natural selection didn¡¯t spare these exceptional individuals. Kyon managed to pass this phase because his masters helped him develop indestructible principles. No undeserved pleasure. If pain or emotional depression was justified and did not affect the effectiveness, it could not be suppressed. Another thing, a silly incident like hitting a pinkie toe on the nightstand. It was ok to reduce pain then. What was the purpose of it, anyway? Could it teach to steer clear of the nightstands?


    With each new degree, Synergy¡¯s quality changed. It was like a change in the states of aggregation, after which t appeared a whole range of new possibilities.


    Kyon closed his eyes and tried to grasp all Synergy he had under his control.


    {It¡¯s odd. In my world, Synergy was focused inside the brain, and now it is concentrated in a rotating sphere in the core of the brain. The bodies in this world must be wired differently.}


    Kyon released his sea blue energy and sent it through the veins and arteries to scan the state of his body. Surprisingly, he found 9 more spheres in the inactive state: {The sphere in my head is like a whirlpool. The rest of them have a feeling of a light breeze. How should I activate them? ording to the book, local people distinguish only nine elements. I happen to have one extra element. Besides, it is the only active one at the moment. How should I call it? Hmm, let it be the element of mind.}


    The spheres were located in the centers of the organs, one of them was in the navel.


    The scanning of his body revealed damaged cells, several bad lumps, microtraumas, bacterial infections, synaptic dysfunctions, and so on. It would take more than 30 minutes to cure.


    {I have such a weak body with lots of internal mistakes and all sorts of infection¡­ If it wasn¡¯t me, this body wouldn¡¯tst more than two months. I have to clean it first. It will reduce my energy consumption by about one third and strengthen my immune system. I suppose I¡¯ll cope in three days.}


    Kyon had already made ns on how to use Synergy in the near future. Unfortunately, Synergy of the first degree was rather weak and had limited reserve that had to be restored for two hours. So, Kyon had to put off activating the nine inactive spheres until better days. He started total body cleaning from all the junk instead.


    Sea blue energy gently embraced the target, flowing inside it. If it came across a virus or a useless germ, it quickly destroyed the intruder, disintegrating it into elements. If Synergy found pathologic umtions, it delicately cut them off. They got into bloodstream and then excreted from the body in the urine and feces.


    When the cleaning process wasplete, his body would consume 1/3 less energy. It would also boost his immune system, as well as general body resistance.


    Kyon didn¡¯t need to concentrate on the task all the time. He had given the order, and Synergy ran like the antivirus software in theputer ¨C automatically.


    ¡­


    The cook opened the door with her key and brought in three portions of breakfast, waking up the other patients. Yesterday¡¯s patient looked much better today. He resembled a mummy in all his bandages, though.


    Martha came in after breakfast with a mysterious smile on her face. She was hiding the same bag behind her back:


    ?Good morning! You look much better than yesterday. How are you feeling?? ¨C The doctor rattled cheerfully, addressing only Kyon.


    The other two patients looked at each other.


    ?I feel great because a beautiful woman is taking care of me!?


    His confidence and well-delivered speech caught Martha off guard. He had a charming voice! This boy could take the stage in the capital instead of rotting in the mine.


    Martha blushed, pleased at the unexpectedpliment:


    ?You tter me¡­ By the way, I promised to bring more books, remember? I have them¡­ and something else.?


    She sat on his bed and emptied the contents of her bag. There were all sorts of things: card games, a jigsaw puzzle, modeling y, crayons and paper, a wooden construction kit, a couple of easy books¡­


    Martha kept her eyes on Kyon, waiting impatiently for his reaction.


    {They are toys for preschool age. Does she really take me for a child? She meant well, anyway¡­ She brought all this rubbish with good intent¡­ It must have been difficult to get all this stuff. I will pay her back in full one day.}


    Feigning surprise, Kyon sat closer to Martha with a radiant smile, and whispered in her ear:


    ?Did you buy all this in the morning??


    Martha was taken aback and whispered:


    ?How did you know?!?


    He didn¡¯t have to be a rocket scientist to realize the toys were new. There was no trace of dust or damage, no hint that someone might have been using them.


    ?It¡¯s my little secret. Alright then, I will return the favor and also make a gift for you. But you have toe back in two hours and say the secret phrase to Borya. You must tell him: ¡°I like Kyon.¡± Only then you can get my gift.? ¨C Kyon whispered back.


    Martha looked at Kyon incredulously. Was he really the boy who, noter than yesterday, looked at Mob with fear? He was a totally different person now.


    ?What are you up to, little rascal? What makes you think I would say something like that?? ¨C Martha did her best to look genuinely angry, but the blush of embarrassment on her cheeks betrayed her.


    Kyon chuckled:


    ?You will love my gift, Martha! Believe me!? ¨C It went unnoticed for her that he had called her by name. His ringingughter with no hint of pretence made Martha smile, too. What gift was he going to give her?


    Time to lift the veil of secrecy hadn¡¯te yet. However, Kyon wanted to boost her curiosity even more. He picked up a book and never looked at Martha again. She lingered by his bed a bit. Then she sighed: ?Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t think you are like this? and went to her office.


    Kyon was pleased with himself. It was a good game.


    All this time, the two miners kept exchanging meaningful nces. It was their biggest jaw-dropping moment, and they had a hard time keeping a straight face. Well, well, the kid was nobody¡¯s fool! At one point, Borya felt a sharp pang of jealousy, but he quickly came to his senses. He would never take the boy for a possible rival. Later on, he asked Kyon to give him the jigsaw puzzle. It was getting a bit too boring to lie around all day. Mike joined him in his simple diversion.


    It was one hell of a scene, two ugly thugs (one of whom was all bandaged up) sweating over undone puzzle pieces.


    Kyon had just finished reading when he suddenly heard a sound transmitter buzzing in Martha¡¯s office.


    He thought it was a phone, but the electricity had not been invented in this world.


    ?Martha speaking.?


    ?Bob here. Is Kyon all right? I¡¯ve just received a report from the headquarters that his recently applied tracking formation is out of order!?


    ?What?! There must be some mistake¡­ The formation was applied only yesterday¡­ How is it even possible??


    ?That¡¯s just the point. I have no idea!? ¨C Martha could hear the dog bark in the distance. ¨C ?I¡¯ll be there soon. Just wait, Martin will get it all sorted out.?


    ?OK.?


    Martha came to Kyon, who had put aside the books, and touched his forehead anxiously. {There¡¯s no energy inside the formation, indeed¡­ What happened?} ¨C Shaking her head, she returned to her office, puzzled.


    Kyon could hear her conversation on the sound transmitter. With Synergy, his hearing was better than usual.


    {Does the sh that I see before falling asleep ¡°demaize¡± the formation on my forehead? It¡¯s too bad! The energy in this world is too unpredictable. I can do nothing about it!}


    ording to Bob, Martin was a master of his craft. And Martin said himself that energy in the formation should be enough for 50 years. Now that it waspletely dead, it was equivalent to a high-qualitymp burnout on day one.


    In his previous life, Kyon¡¯s master had a simr zeal for his work. If there was a detail to clear up, he wouldn¡¯t set his mind at rest until he had found the root cause. And he couldn¡¯t care less about the possible consequences of his ¡°curiosity.¡±


    If Kyon left things to chance, the ¡°remarkable¡± ve with no special rights, protection, or family would soon get his skull crushed. He could also be sold at the ck market, where cruel people would quickly decide his fate. Above all, Kyon didn¡¯t like the absence of choice and dark, cloudy prospects. His current situation made him shudder and wince painfully. At times like this, he always got it together and started using his brain, looking for the solution that would save him from the impending storm.


    {If Martin doesn¡¯t find anything unusual in my surroundings, he¡¯ll probably decide that the reason is me. He might decide I have some special innate body, like the man from the book. And if he goes digging into my brain, he¡¯ll probably find the tenth element. Even if I survive, what¡¯s next? Knowing Martin¡¯s character, he will try to cash in on me, in other words, sell me at the ck market. They will use me as a guinea-pig! No¡­ No. No. I am not cool with this idea. I must do something. I wonder if he will share this information with Bob¡­ A lot might depend on this.}


    Kyon put on his thinking cap, trying toe up with the most effective action n.


    Shortly afterwards, he took some modeling y and a block from the wooden construction kit. It looked more or less solid. He furtively slipped them into his pocket and began to draw something with a pencil on a piece of paper. The two miners tried to look over his shoulder, wondering what he was drawing so enthusiastically, but Kyon noticed them and immediately folded the paper, hiding the picture. Then he handed it to Borya:


    ?Borya, give this piece of paper to Martha when she says she likes me. Wait until she says it. And don¡¯t look inside, will you?? ¨C Kyon asked casually.


    ?I must be hearing things. Is Martha going to tell me something?? ¨C Borya theatrically cleaned his ear with his little finger.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    ?Martha will say that she likes me.? ¨C Kyon repeated slowly as if talking to a slow-witted child.


    ?Ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha! Are you serious? Do you really think she will ever say something of a kind?! Ha ha ha!? ¨C Boryaughed his ass off. He wasughing so hard that his eyes welled up with tears: ¨C ?Holy crap! You¡¯re way too naive!?


    The second patient got the joke and began grunting withughter, but the next moment, he coughed and cringed with pain.


    Borya stoppedughing at once and turned to his friend, anxious :


    ?Are you okay??


    ?I am fine, forget it.? ¨C Mike coughed again. Slowly, trying not to make any unnecessary movements and wincing with every breath, hey on his bed.


    ?I propose a friendly wager. If she doesn¡¯t tell you that she likes me, I¡¯ll be giving you half of my lunch during a month.? ¨C Kyon said. However, he didn¡¯t mention the prize in case he won.


    Bob eximed joyfully:


    ?I agree! Wait, what if I lose?? ¨C He didn¡¯t really think it would evere to this. The mere idea that a charming mature woman with no formation would show her affection to a snot-nosed brat gave him a goodugh. It would be a cold day in hell if it happened. However, inpliance with all the rules (and just for fun), he decided to ask what the boy hoped to get in this hopeless bet.


    ?You¡¯ll owe me 3,000 rupees.?


    Three thousand rupees a month, that¡¯s how much a healthy man could earn working hard in the mine, including a bonus for n over-fulfillment.


    ?You won¡¯t survive even a week without half of your lunch! Are you sure? Make itst for three months¡­ Just a little bit every day.? ¨C Borya had never been generous, but he felt pity for the 14-year-old boy, who was doomed to toil in the mines.


    ?All right, it¡¯s a deal, then. Thank you for worrying about me. I¡¯m touched. Let¡¯s shake on it!? ¨C Kyon and Borya shook their hands to seal the deal.


    Martha could hearughter and bits of the conversation from her office, but she didn¡¯t know what was going on. Her hearing was not as keen as Kyon¡¯s.


    The first phase had been activated.


    Kyon continued scribbling with a pencil on paper.


    Fifteen minutester, his drawing was finished. Kyon made a paper ordion, folded it carefully, and gave it to Borya, who was eager to take a look but couldn¡¯t: a bet is a bet, after all.


    Soon the door opened, and there stood Bob apanied by Rogash, who was happily wagging his tail.


    ?Don¡¯t let the dog in!? ¨C Martha cried out hastily.


    Bob blocked the way with his leg when the dog was about to rush inside and said sternly:


    ?Wait here.? ¨C Then he turned to Martha: ¨C ?It¡¯s time. I have an order to bring him for an urgent check-up.?


    ?I see. Kyon, you must go.? ¨C Martha sighed, watching her ¡°dear patient¡± go away.


    When the door closed behind Bob and Kyon, Martha rushed to Borya:


    ?Did Kyon leave you anything??


    Borya tensed up. He couldn¡¯t give the charming doctor the note until she said the secret words. ?¡­Hmm ¡­? ¨C He didn¡¯t know what to say. He couldn¡¯t tell her directly what Kyon wanted from her or he would lose the bet and then farewell to 3000 rupees. But he couldn¡¯t lie either, because the witness and indirect participant of their bet was sitting next to him.


    ?I can see it in your faces that he has left something. Give it to me!?


    ?The point is¡­ I can¡¯t give it away just like this.? ¨C Doubts had already begun to creep into Borya¡¯s bald head. Maybe he shouldn¡¯t have taken a bet in the first ce?


    Martha sighed. He wasn¡¯t going to give her anything. She took a deep breath, summoned her courage, and blurted out in one breath:


    ?I like Kyon.?


    Her curiosity had won after all. She was dying to know what the adoring boy had made for her. As for her forced ¡°confession¡±¡­ Even if Borya got the word out, no one would believe him anyway.


    {Shit!} ¨C Borya cursed inwardly. He could see 3000 rupees floating away in an unknown direction real as day.


    With a face like a wet weekend, he held out the folded piece of paper:


    ?Yeah, that¡¯s right. Here you are.?


    Women! The devil will understand what¡¯s going on in their pretty heads!


    Martha hurried to her room, carefully unfolded the note and gasped: there she stood out in all her beauty together with Kyon. She passionately pressed her lips to his neck, his eyes reflected a spark of excitement and satisfaction of what was happening¡­ It was very intense and intimate. Hell of an ¡°innocent child¡±! But how urately the feelings were conveyed, with such deep understanding and incredible drawing style! She had never seen anything like that.


    Martha¡¯s face was a kaleidoscope of emotions: shock, embarrassment, indignation, delight, and indignation again¡­


    She felt an impulse to throw the cheeky drawing away. However, she carefully fold it and hid in her pocket.


    {Kyon¡­ Who does he think he is? He¡¯s gifted, no doubt about that¡­ and¡­ I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m supposed to do about it.} ¨C All these emotions were giving Martha a splitting headache.


    Kyon¡¯s image in her mind went through a gradual transition from ¡°a little boy looking just like my son¡± to ¡°a very charming young man.¡±


    Kyon was counting on that. More than that, he knew he was in for a private conversation with Martha. No way around it.


    Muffled cries brought Martha back to reality.


    ?Let us have a look.? ¨C Mike was dying to see what Kyon had scribbled, unlike Borya, who was in limbo after his loss. Also, the realization that he knew nothing about women struck him too hard.


    ?No way!? ¨C Martha yelled back, pleased with herself for locking the door to her office. It was so prudent of her. She was deeply grateful to Kyon for not showing his piece of art to the two miners.


    Of course, she was going to keep his gift.


    ¡­


    The scent of baking was thick in the air, just like thest time.


    Martin was sitting majestically in his chair, drumming his fingers on the table, deep in his thoughts. A smile lit up his face when he saw the visitors:


    ?Bob, buddy! Hello!?


    The supervisor shook his hand:


    ?Hi. I got the order to bring Kyon in.?


    ?I know. I gave it.?


    ?It was you? But how did you know that his formation stopped working? Our report is due in a week or so¡­?


    ?You see, the situation with this boy struck me as strange at once. I decided to get things under control, so to speak, and take care of everything myself. And vo, this morning, it failed to respond! It must have broken down at night. Now I have to sort this shit out!?


    ?You do? And what are you going to do about it??


    ?Probably, nothing at all. After all, he¡¯s just a boy, and none of this is his fault.? ¨C Martin turned to Kyon, squinted suspiciously and asked him pointedly: ¨C ?Am I right??


    Oh, those eyes¡­ As if a two-headed chicken was standing in front of him. It was the look Kyon was so afraid of. In response, he just nodded in silence.


    Making excuses was pointless. The only thing that could save him was the lion¡¯s share of luck and a clear mind. He had to get through this, no matter what.


    ?I don¡¯t know a thing about applying formations. Tell me, what could have caused the breakdown?? ¨C inquired Bob.


    ?It¡¯s a good question¡­? ¨C Martin muttered thoughtfully, rather to himself than to Bob. He beckoned the boy with his finger: ¨C ?Come here, kid.?


    Kyon had summoned all his Synergy back into the whirlpool to hide it from Martin. Then he approached his table, hoping for better luck. Martin put his hand on the formation, closed his eyes and focused.


    ?Just as I thought¡­ It¡¯s not a simple breakdown. All the energy has been wiped clean away! Even if crushed with a boulder, the energy in the formation would have been dissipating for at least three days. But there is no trace of my charge!? ¨C Martin concluded solemnly, nodding to his own thoughts.


    ?I start doubting that old Flitz had made a drunken mistake when he applied thest formation. There are no coincidences.?


    ?Is there any other option?? ¨C This abnormal situation piqued Bob¡¯s interest.


    ?It could be possible if Kyon were it the advanced phase or above. Then it wouldn¡¯t be too hard to destroy a simple formation like this. Also, hypothetically, some do-gooders might have helped him. Someone who could possibly remove the formation. Except, why would they do it and leave the boy here? What¡¯s the point? To set him up? It is doubtful. The second option is highly unlikely. However, I will check his phase all the same.? ¨C Martin shared his thoughts while Bob kept nodding. ¨C ?Also, there might exist a magic item, or maybe a source of high energy that hadpletely erased my spell.? ¨C He turned back to Kyon: ¨C ?Tell me honestly, kid. Did you see anything interesting in the mine??


    Kyon man shook his head again.


    ?Did youe into contact with anyone, anything?? ¨C The boss kept inquiring him.


    ?I had a chat with Borya, nobody else.? ¨C Kyon was smart enough to leave the part about books and other stuff out.


    Bob coughed, reminding them about his presence. ?Is there anything I can do??


    ?You¡¯re the only one I can trust, Bob. Be so kind and bring in all the patients and the boy¡¯s personal belongings here. Martha is only at the beginning of the base phase. She could hardly have done anything, but I¡¯ll talk to her anyway.? ¨C By ¡°personal belongings,¡± Martin probably meant Kyon¡¯s pickaxe,pass, and helmet left in the hospital.


    ?Copy that. On my way!?


    Bob scurried to follow orders, leaving the two of them alone.


    {The hell you trust him.} ¨C Kyon chuckled skeptically, considering his miserable future.


    Martin took a device that looked like a phone and activated it.


    ?Martha speaking.?


    ?It¡¯s Martin.?


    ?How can I help you, sir??


    ?Have you given Kyon anything in addition to his treatment??


    ?Me? No, I mean, yes¡­ Just usual, things for entertainment, nothing special.?


    ?No more excuses. I get it, Martha. You have broken the basic rule, which makes it clear that medical staff are not allowed to give patients things that have nothing to do with their treatment!? ¨C His voice was stern. ¨C ?Bob will there soon. Give him all that stuff. And another thing, you get a warning for the breach of administrative rules.?


    ?I understand, sir. It won¡¯t happen again¡­? ¨C Martha sounded a bit edgy as she hung up. She took a deep breath, nervously drumming her fingers on the table. The doctor had always been kind to Martin, they had never had any serious disagreement. She had never heard him sound so harsh. Today he reminded her who was the boss and who was the employee. She broke a rule, so what? Minor offences had always been overlooked.


    ?Take a seat.? ¨C Martin pointed Kyon to the chair, where the formations were applied. He rummaged through a dusty box. ¨C ?Don¡¯t worry. I am just going to check if you have reached the base phase yet. Then I¡¯ll apply a new formation.?


    Kyon nodded, trying not to give away his anxiety. And so, the moment of truth hade.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Martin drew out a lens that shimmered like a diamond and infused it with his energy. Then he ran it all over Kyon¡¯s body, lingering over the 9 points. Fortunately for Kyon, Martin had no idea about the 10th element. It didn¡¯t even ur to him to scan the boy¡¯s head.


    ?Hmm¡­ That¡¯s interesting.? ¨C Martin finished the check-up and sat on the edge of the table opposite Kyon¡¯s chair. He looked even more puzzled than before. ¨C ?You know, there¡¯s something wrong with your keys. They look damaged. There¡¯s absolutely no reaction, but I can¡¯t see any visible defects. I couldn¡¯t move my energy even a few millimeters! I¡¯ve never seen anything like this. Any idea why it could have happened??


    {The keys¡­ That¡¯s how the spheres are called.} ?I don¡¯t quite understand¡­ Can you tell me more about the keys.? ¨C Kyon decided to get the most of his awkward situation.


    ?It¡¯s a long story, but I will cut it short. The key (aka ¡°whirlpool,¡± ¡°source,¡± ¡°spring¡±) is something that connects your physical body with the spiritual one. It¡¯s a kind of attachment. All in all, there are nine spheres or keys. Each of them revolves and releases energy in the form of a specific element, following your lead. But as you have no connection with your spirit, you shouldn¡¯t read too much into it. Alright, enough talking.?


    {Spiritual body? Does he want to say my Synergyes from spirit? Soul¡­ Am I in some religious world or something?}


    When Martin made sure that Kyon had no connection with spirit, and hence with elemental energy, he took out another device to apply a formation. This time it was of apletely different kind of formation. He never used it for ordinary plebs. It had a nametag, which means it was connected with him directly, not with a shared database. Martin had already deleted Kyon from the database to avoid unnecessary questions. At the moment, Kyon didn¡¯t exist in the mine at all.


    In addition to the usual location tracking, the formation could also disy his heart rate, fluctuations of the elemental energy in his body, waking-up/sleeping modes, and other physiological details. All the information came straight to Martin¡¯s head. It would take a hundred times more effort to get the new formation removed.


    When the procedure was over, Martin put two cups on the table and took some sweet rolls out of thin air (was he hoarding them?). Then he walked to the coffee table to get a tin fat-bellied teapot. When he put it to the cups, the spout was already steaming. The aroma of the tea flooded the room.


    ?You know, I¡¯ve been working as a formacist for more than 20 years, and my professionalism has never been questioned. I have earned a certain reputation over the years.? ¨C Martin hospitably moved the cup towards Kyon, took a sip from his own, burnt himself, and looked usingly at the hot drink. ¨C ?So, when my reputation is in danger, I deal with it at once. I don¡¯t need any misunderstandings. Don¡¯t take my excessive curiosity amiss.?


    Martin carefully sipped his tea. This time he was satisfied with the temperature and bravely took a gulp. He noticed that Kyon had never touched his treat and raised his eyebrows in surprise:


    ?Why aren¡¯t you eating? I don¡¯t think you get spoiled with delicacies over there. You¡¯d better ept my gesture of good will.?


    This rigorous, self-confident man had never been judgmental about ves, unlike many others, for instance, Mob. Besides, Kyon had to wait until Bob returned. Why not seize the moment and have a little chat?


    The hint about ¡°dealing with those who put his reputation at risk¡± hurt a bit Kyon¡¯s appetite. But he didn¡¯t want to offend the talkative boss and reluctantly nipped off a piece of delicious crispy roll.


    ?Can you tell me more about the marks?? ¨C Kyon kept prying into the case, sipping his tea.


    ?Ha-ha, here is the right ce to ask this question!? ¨C Who doesn¡¯t like to talk about their work? And it doesn¡¯t matter much who the listener is. ¨C ?I¡¯ll correct you first. It is not only a mark on your forehead. They also apply a slot for storing energy, a ce where a formation is kept. It¡¯s an energy that reacts in a certain way to certain events.?


    {Sounds like programming code.} ¨C Kyon thought.


    Then Martin told him that the formation could perform a variety of functions: from tracking the location of the ¡°subject¡± to subjugating their will. The brain was influenced by hormones or directly manipted by a kind of hypnosis with the only difference that the person stayed awake, aware, able to hear and perform. This type of formation must be connected with the object that receives the information. Martin showed Kyon a mercury mirror peppered with notches and specks. It was a miniature map that showed the location of those who had a formation.


    ?The mercury mirror is not the best option as a connecting ¡°object¡± for the subjugating formation. The subordinate must be connected with a particr person or a group of people who will give orders. Trust me, there¡¯s a whole science behind it. I¡¯m a formacist of the sixth rank. It¡¯s very honorable, given the fact that there are only seven ranks, and the first rank belongs to the best of the best, legendary people¡­ I¡¯ve only read about them.? ¨C Martin smirked, took a bite of the roll, and added in a ¡°humble¡± voice: ¨C ?I¡¯m a bad teacher, but I hope you¡¯ve learned something.?


    ?I have. You¡¯ve made everything perfectly clear, but don¡¯t you think a subjugating formation for everyone would make things easier than an ordinary tracking one??


    ?Well¡­ First of all, not everyone can apply it. Only a formacist of at least the fifth rank can do it. Moreover, the formacist must be two phases higher than the subordinate, three phases is even better. Well, if someone wants to be controled of their own ord, then the rule of two phases is not necessary. Then the formacist can be in the same phase as the subordinate, but I don¡¯t recall anyone doing so.? ¨C Martin chuckled. ¨C ?You can get someone drugged, suppress their spirit, undermine their moral, put them to sleep, but even so, you must be at least a phase higher than them. And one more problem, the submission is not absolute. The subordinate can resist. Much depends on the quality of the formation¡­?


    ?Are there really so many problems??


    ?Indeed! Even if we assume that the ves of the entire mine obeyed, each of them would need an individual order, which would affect the efficiency. So, utopia is impossible, no matter how much we desire it.? ¨C He gave a sigh full of sincere sorrow.


    Kyon smiled to himself at Martin¡¯s words. ?I get the point, thank you. You don¡¯t know what a great teacher you would make!? ¨C Kyon¡¯s ttery was to thank him for the valuable information.


    ?Thanks! By the way, I remember Flitz telling me a story about a talented guy who had subjugated a queen of one country, and she was a whole phase higher than him! As a result, he ruled the entire state through her, and not only the state, hehe¡­ So many dirty things he did to her¡­ Anyway¡­? ¨C Martin came to his senses, skeptically ncing at the skinny boy. How old is he, fourteen? ¨C ?You have no idea about sex, do you? Forget it. Besides, I don¡¯t really believe in these fairy tales.?


    Borya, Mike, and Bob squeezed into the office. Thetter was dragging a bag. Mike looked exhausted. Borya did not understand why they were brought here, and Bob just wanted to get it over with.


    ?This is exactly what you asked for.? ¨C Bob reported, dumping the contents of the bag on Martin¡¯s table.


    ?Great! Guys, take a seat, I¡¯ll check your energy, and you¡¯re free to go.?


    Martin searched them for any unusual items. When he didn¡¯t find anything out of the ordinary, he opened the door and ordered them to wait outside.


    Then he made an inspection of the books, the toys, and the tools from Kyon¡¯s ¡°personal belongings.¡± A detail of the construction kit was missing as well as a piece of modeling y, but Martin wouldn¡¯t know about that.


    ?So?? ¨C Bob asked impatiently.


    ?Shit! There¡¯s nothing, just normal stuff¡­ Have you searched his ward??


    ?I have searched through everything.?


    ?Check if the boy has anything on him!? ¨C Martin dropped the mask of the ¡°hospitable host¡± and his polite manners as well.


    Bob had his hands all over Kyon, patting his body like a real security guard. However, he only shook his head.


    Kyon had anticipated the search. He secretly stuck the wooden piece on y under his chair. It helped him to keep them safe.


    ?Hell, I don¡¯t see how it¡¯s possible¡­? ¨C Martin mmed his hand on the table in frustration and thought hard. A split secondter his eyes lit up with a spark of insight: {Unless¡­ Unless this boy has a unique body!}

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    There existed two different types of unique bodies: innate and acquired. Kyon didn¡¯te from a wealthy family (and family history was a determining factor there), which means that the second choice was not an option. Consequently, he was born with the body that erased the formationst night. At least, Martin thought so.


    The innate bodies evolved together with the soul, but Kyon had connected with his spirit, and it made his value enormous. Martin¡¯s eyes lit up with greed.


    He cracked his fingers, pleased with himself. {How much can I get for this excellent specimen on the ck market?}


    Martin was nning to make a fortune from the boy¡¯s natural talent. Yet, the experience had shown that the owner of the unique body wasn¡¯t going to end well.


    Kyon had suspected that it was exactly the conclusion Martin was going to reach. At the moment, the crucial question was whether he would share his guess with Bob or not. However, judging by his sly face, he clearly was not going to keep his so-called friend in the know.


    Bob noticed his friend¡¯s brightened face and asked:


    ?You cracked it, didn¡¯t you??


    ?Yeah¡­ I guess¡­ I need better tools. I can¡¯t figure out what¡¯s causing it with this rubbish.? ¨C Martin was quick to reply.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. Everything was going ording to his n.


    ?Are you going to the family estate to take the tools??


    ?Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Bob. Firstly, I¡¯m at work. Secondly, why would I go two thousand kilometers there and back when I have specially trained people for this?? ¨C The boss chuckled.


    ?Yeah, you¡¯re right, sorry.?


    ?Take the boy to the hospital and don¡¯t let anyone hurt him, just leave him there until I get my things!? ¨C Martin instructed Bob and turned to his drink that had long gone cold.


    ?And what should I do with his things?? ¨C Bob nodded in the direction of the toys and the tools scattered on the table.


    ?I¡¯m confiscating them. You are free to go.?


    Kyon picked up thest muffin from the table and said goodbye to Martin. Then Bob and he left the boss¡¯s office.


    When Martin was left alone, he began to pace excitedly around the room.


    {Whew, I need to calm down¡­ I will find out his unique body¡¯s rank, by all means. It can dissipate my formation, but his soul hasn¡¯t started developing. It means his body must be at least of an ?A? rank! Wow¡­ Millions, millions, dear millions¡­ or maybe even more?! } ¨C The very thought made him dizzy. ¨C {In any case, I need my high-precision tools. A star of luck is guiding me! Ha-ha-ha! I can finally get out of this poky hole of a ce and turn over a new leaf. I will buy a higher rank in the family. Lucky, lucky me¡­ } ¨C His face rxed in a dreamy smile.


    A few minutester, Martin¡¯s personal servant, who lived in the Stone¡¯s family estate, answered the sound transmitter.


    ?Pink, it¡¯s Martin speaking. I urgently need all my tools here! Take the fastest horse and go.? ¨C The boss said in amanding tone.


    ?Yes, sir! I¡¯ll be there tomorrow morning.?


    ?I¡¯ll be waiting for you.?


    ¡­


    Kyon didn¡¯t fear for his life, at least not today. There were several reasons for his confidence. The burst of energy had happened at night, so Martin would probably wait till the morning to verify it. Besides, Martin needed his tools, which gave Kyon a few more days¡¯ head start before the D-day. Two thousand kilometers is a long distance, after all.


    Time was running out.


    Martin¡¯s sensitive tools would probably detect the 10th element at once and if it happened¡­ Kyon¡¯s fate would be in Martin¡¯s grabby hands, and he couldn¡¯t let it pass.


    Kyon, Borya, Mike, Bob, and his dog silently were walking to the hospital.


    The supervisor looked depressed. He probably suspected Martin of withholding information, which meant that their ¡°friendship¡± was nothing but a show, a big show.


    Before Kyon left the office, he did not forget to take his contraband from the bottom of the chair, the piece of construction kit, and the modeling y. He hid them in his pocket. He also found another trophy, a bun, that always hungry Rogash smelled long ago and kept pestering Kyon. Bob thought that the dog really liked the boy and didn¡¯t mind.


    Borya hesitantly broke the silence:


    ?Why did he search us and check our energy??


    ?This is ssified information.? ¨C The fat supervisor grunted as if he was a secret agent.


    The bald miner snorted resentfully. Why is everyone s-o-o-o pretentious? And his loss on top of all that¡­ Borya came up to Kyon:


    ?Kyon, buddy, I don¡¯t know how it happened, but I have lost the bet! I¡¯ll pay you backter.? ¨C He said glumly. And then, he finally decided to ask the question that had been haunting him all the time: ¨C ?Tell me what you did to Martha. Why did she say she liked you? I don¡¯t understand how it¡¯s even possible.?


    ?All you need is give them some intrigue. Women love it.? ¨C Kyon shared his ¡°secret¡± and winked meaningfully.


    Borya skeptically snorted as in ¡°what do you know about this, snot-nosed brat?¡± but it gave him food for thought, anyway.


    Fortunately, Borya didn¡¯t disappoint Kyon. He turned out to be a man of his word and brought up the subject himself, admitting his defeat. Borya was nice to deal with.


    Kyon whispered conspiratorially:


    ?I need your help. As a reward, I¡¯ll reduce your debt to 2000 rupees.?


    The offer snapped the bald guy out of his thoughts about the nature of existence. He whispered back:


    ?Go on.?


    ?When we get to the hospital, I need you to distract Bob¡¯s attention for at least ten seconds.?


    ?Distract Bob for 10 seconds? That¡¯s it??


    ?Yes, but it¡¯s not that simple. You don¡¯t have just to distract him. The supervisor should bepletely focused on you!?


    ?I¡¯m down.? ¨C Borya said simply and confidently. He didn¡¯t care why Kyon asked him to do that, the most important thing for him was to ¡°shave off¡± his debt. {Bob is not evil. If something happens, he won¡¯t punish me too severely.}


    No one else heard their conversation.


    The dog was a part of his n. Kyon had already tested him the other day, giving him differentmands with gestures. He had shown the dog the bun, making it clear that he should be a good boy to get his reward. Rogash was in delighted anticipation.


    And there, the treasured door was near.


    Bob had taken out the keys and was tossing and catching them, still lost in his thought. He wasn¡¯t even looking at the jingling set. Apparently, that monotonous movement helped him calm down.


    Borya had thought out a n of detaining Bob. He gave an imperceptible sign to Kyon: everything was ready.


    Kyon put his arms around the dog¡¯s neck and mped a nerve that contorted the face of the animal with anger. Then he gave themand ¡°attack,¡± pointing a finger at himself.


    At that moment, the door opened.


    Borya screamed like crazy and grabbed hold of Bob, keeping him from entering the hospital:


    ?STOP THE THIEF! HE¡¯S TAKEN THE FOOD!? ¨C Borya¡¯s eyes were burning with righteous anger, his index finger pointing sideways: ¨C ?LOOK OVER THERE!?


    At that moment, Rogash snarled at Kyon, shed his fangs and ¡°attacked¡± him.


    Martha heard the noise and came out of her office:


    ?Is that you, Bob??


    She heard growling and screaming in the hall. Kyon ran into the hospital, his face in horror. The dog was rushing after him, his muzzle distorted with rage. Kyon came full circle, jumping over the beds, and ran to Martha. The doctor couldn¡¯t understand what was going on and reflexively screamed:


    ?Bob, stop the dog! He¡¯s attacked Kyon!?


    The supervisor heard the screams and Rogash growling. He tried to turn back, but Borya didn¡¯t let him out of his bear hug, poking at the empty space and wailing even louder than Martha:


    ?THERE IS A THIEF, HURRY UP, CATCH HIM!?


    Kyon quickly ran behind Martha¡¯s back and watched the ¡°evil creature¡± rush at full speed directly at her. He took advantage of the widespread chaos and, unnoticed by the others, approached the tool cupboard. There it was on the second shelf, wrapped in cloth, just what he needed. He quickly took out the right tool and hid it in the pocket.


    The goal was achieved, not without casualties. When Bob managed to get rid of the ¡°crazy¡± patient and yelled into the room: ?Rogash,e to me!?, the animal had already knocked Martha with all his weight down on the ground.


    Then the poor dog stopped fooling around and went up to his master, his head lowered contritely.


    Martha dusted herself off and rose from the floor. She was furious. She had already taken a deep breath to express her honest opinion on ill-mannered fur balls and their masters while Borya was still trying to convince Bob that there really was a food thief.


    ?Screw you and your thief! Are you fucking crazy? Let go of me!? ¨C Bobpletely lost it.


    Martha went on the offense, her hands on her hips:


    ?Your dog went berserk! He tried to bite Kyon and attacked me! I never want to see him here again! It¡¯s really nuts in here¡­? ¨C She gasped for breath, anger rising in her chest.


    ?Come on! Rogash never attacks anyone! There must have been a reason!? ¨C Bob immediately stood up for his pet. He demanded an exnation from the dog who looked somewhat guilty: ¨C ?Rogash, what the hell were you doing? Why were you chasing Kyon? You¡¯re friends, aren¡¯t you!?


    Just then, Kyon appeared and threw the bun to the dog that he greedily munched away.


    ?I think he didn¡¯t mean to attack me. He had just smelled the bun and was chasing after it.?


    When Bob realized the reason for his pet¡¯s ¡°aggression,¡± he had a change of heart and patted his dog with a sweet tooth. Then he turned to Martha and said peacefully:


    ?I told you there was a reason.?


    But the doctor was not going to hush up the conflict so quickly. She snorted, still hostile:


    ?It¡¯s all because his master is an idiot and doesn¡¯t feed his dog properly!?


    Bob had no leverage, so he turned to another ¡°madman¡±:


    ?Why the hell did you yell??


    Borya made the most honest eyes andined in a calmer voice:


    ?I saw a ve with sausage, over there. He stole it! I saw it!?


    ?Sausage? I¡¯ve never heard of this stuff here! Rub your eyes, asshole!? ¨C He theatrically twisted his finger at his temple, then turned to Martha with a malicious smile: ¨C ?You say I don¡¯t feed the dog properly, and your patients are seeing food everywhere! Who doesn¡¯t feed whom properly!?? ¨C Bob shoved it in her face triumphantly.


    ?Whatever.? ¨C The doctor muttered. She really didn¡¯t know what to say but was unwilling to give thest word to the beaming supervisor. Martha went into her office and mmed the door behind her.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Everything in the ward was just as usual: a table, ten beds, a brightmp.


    Borya nodded to Kyon meaningfully, and he nodded in response. They understood each other without words, unlike Mike, who was left out in the cold again, but he didn¡¯t worry about it. He felt like shit and hit the sack soon. In a couple of hours, it was dinner time, and immediately after dinner, they would be escorted out of the hospital back to the mines, so he¡¯d better not waste any time and have a good rest.


    After raging Martha calmed down a bit and tamed her anger, Bob told her briefly what had happened. He also mentioned that Kyon was going to stay in the ward until Martin got his tools.


    Then Bob went back to work.


    Kyon closed his eyes wearily. The grey space reappeared. A small azure ball was located ten meters away. It was beckoning him, but Kyon was in no hurry to approach it. Experience told him that as soon as he touched the sphere, the dream would begin, and the formation would get ¡°demaized.¡± He could not let it happen for the time being. It was so tempting to use Synergy for body upgrade, but Kyon was afraid that Martin might be using a tracking formation. In the end, he just stayed in the grey space, waiting for dinner.


    The evening hade. The cook brought in their meager meal, and then Mob came to pick up his ¡°toilers.¡± He had a sugar-coated bun for Kyon to appease stern Martha with a generous gesture.


    ?Ah, it¡¯s you¡­? ¨C The doctor coldly greeted him.


    Her voice was so scathing it could wither the nts around. Mob shivered, hurried to Kyon and pushed the present under his nose, mumbling in one breath:


    ?I¡¯m sorry about thest time.?


    There was no remorse in his eyes or voice. He was staring with an expecting expression in the direction of the woman who was watching all that farce.


    ?epted.? ¨C Kyon replied in tune with his voice.


    He had no desire to indulge the cruel supervisor, but he decided it was still too soon to make enemies in this world. Reluctantly, he took the bun and bit off a decent chunk, giving him a thumb up.


    Mob was about to punch the arrogant brat, but when Kyon yed along, he calmed down and turned to the doctor. The n had worked. Martha stopped being the cold-hearted bitch she was every time Mob was there. His mood had immediately skyrocketed.


    ?I¡¯vee for the patients.? ¨C Mob said quietly.


    ?Hmm, okay.? ¨C She turned away. Her face softened. {He came to take the patients to apologize to Kyon in front of me¡­ What a persistent fool.}


    Borya and Mike said goodbye to Kyon, their admiration for the reckless boy grew with each day. He was rude to Mob and didn¡¯t even get an earful. The bald miner added that he could find Kyonter in themon hall to pay the debt.


    Mob and the two miners left the hospital. As Kyon watched them go, he admired Mob¡¯s skill topletely ignore the angry looks of those he had beaten for the sake of thedy of his heart.


    Finally, there were only Martha and Kyon in the ward. {The time hase.}


    Kyon had no designs upon Martha as a woman, but she was an important part of his n.


    Fortunately, there were no new patients yet. But even if there were any, Kyon would still have found a way to have a few minutes alone with her.


    A nce in her direction, eye contact, and there it was a gentle blush on Martha¡¯s cheeks. She got angry at herself. Why on earth was she so embarrassed, he was just a boy, after all! Martha shook her head and headed toward Kyon to give him a good scolding:


    ?Do you have anything you want to tell me??


    ?How did you like my drawing?? ¨C Kyon smiled,pletely ignoring her serious voice.


    ?You draw well.? ¨C Martha had to admit. She put her hands on her hips and hissed indignantly: ?But what a nerve? How dare you give me drawings like that!??


    Much depended on Kyon¡¯s reaction to her question. However, he pretended not to notice the seriousness of the situation. She could seeughter in his dark eyes, his voice sounded carefree and full of fun:


    ?Tell me how it feels to imagine kissing my neck?? ¨C He purred to her.


    ?I¡­ You¡­ Asshole! You are still a boy! Why do you have so dirty mind? And what if someone else had seen your drawing!?? ¨C Martha¡¯s voice grew hoarse as she imagined the consequences of her embarrassment.


    ?Well, the male part would find their pants too tight. It¡¯s impossible to keep calm looking at that. As for you, your red, angry face I would remember for a long time! Haha.? ¨C Kyonughed merrily and cordially, trying not to offend the embarrassed woman too deep.


    Martha opened and closed her mouth, stunned. He was a very cheeky boy! It was unthinkable to hear such indecencies from a fourteen-year-old, even in jest!


    ?Nonsense! Now I understand why you ended locked up in the mine! You must have deserved it!? ¨C She snorted bitterly.


    Kyon did not respond to her attack. A look of deep resentment appeared on his face, and his eyes glistened suspiciously.


    There was an awkward pause. Martha had already regretted her outburst.


    ?I admit, I overreacted. I am sorry!? ¨C She sighed sorrowfully. How could she stoop so low? He draws all kinds of nasty and indecent things, and she apologizes to him in the end!


    Kyon sobbed:


    ?Do you think you can earn my apology so easily?? ¨C He said, making a confident step towards her.


    ?Stop it! You¡¯re exaggerating! I didn¡¯t mean to sting you to the quick.? ¨C The doctor moved back until she bumped against the wall. There was nowhere to retreat.


    Kyon defiantly brushed away a single tear and pathetically eximed, embracing the bewildered woman:


    ?Of course, you didn¡¯t. That¡¯s why I forgive you.?


    Martha was perplexed. She couldn¡¯t imagine what his next trick would be. She was so shocked that she had no strength to resist the cheeky invasion into her private space. There they stood: she, stupefied, not knowing where to look from embarrassment, and he, shing a smug smile, his face buried in her orchid-s§ãented hair, feeling through the white coat pleasant softness of her boobs.


    Kyon didn¡¯t let Martha finallye to her senses and push the cheeky boy off herself. He soon let go of her and asked as if nothing had happened:


    ?Does Mob know you¡¯re in a rtionship with Byron??


    His distractive maneuver was a sess. Martha didn¡¯t think about the recent hug anymore and couldn¡¯te up with a decent excuse. She murmured instead:


    ?H-how did you know??


    ?Your hair smells of man¡¯s care.? ¨C Kyon gave her the first romantic bullshit that crossed his mind.


    Martha shook her head:


    ?N-no, it¡¯s impossible! You can¡¯t tell it by the smell!¡­ Care? It doesn¡¯t smell! Are you kidding me?!?


    Kyon was quick to interrupt her. He couldn¡¯t let Martha recover and get angry with him:


    ?You see, I am not only good at drawing¡­ What will Mob say if he gets to know about it. He adores you, doesn¡¯t he??


    ?Nothing!? ¨C She snapped. ?I don¡¯t want to see him. I have no interest in him!?


    ?And what about his feelings? What would people say (especially those who regrly get into your hospital because of the lovesick supervisor)? What if someone finds out that you have been enabling him to get closer to you all this time instead of saying that he had no chance?? ¨C Kyon cornered her as if she was a cowardly rabbit, forcing her to make excuses.


    Martha looked down, guilty:


    ?I don¡¯t know¡­ I didn¡¯t think about it¡­? ¨C Indeed, she didn¡¯t let Mob understand that he had no chance. She kept his hopes up to get his attention and small presents from time to time. It was so nice to have someone chasing her.


    ?Don¡¯t you think that Byron will be in trouble if Mob finds out?? ¨C Kyon said softly, bringing her to the point he had started the whole conversation for.


    ?I do. But how will he know? You¡¯re not going to tell him, are you?¡­?


    There was an awkward silence and intense staring into each other¡¯s eyes.


    ?Of course not. I¡¯m a decent man. Will you introduce me to Byron. I want to get to know someone who could win you over.? ¨C Kyon smiled, patting Martha on the shoulder reassuringly.


    ?Alright, I¡¯ll introduce you to each other¡­? ¨C She smiled with a quiet sigh, still feeling embarrassed.


    ?Thanks! You¡¯re a good person. I noticed it at once.?


    Martha remembered the recent events that, for some reason, had taken second ce and slightly blushed.


    ?Um¡­ Wait! Why did you hug me? It was rude of you! You shouldn¡¯t hug people so unexpectedly!?


    ?Oh, nevermind. I¡¯m sure we both enjoyed it.? ¨C Kyon winked yfully and went back to bed, his hands behind his head.


    ?You¡­? ¨C Martha had no more strength or desire to argue with the rude, unscrupulous boy. She went to her office, angry, thinking over Kyon¡¯s irrational behavior, and the situation with Mob and Byron.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    Kyon was pleased with the productive conversation with Martha. First, while he was passionately hugging the stunned woman, he managed to make a y mold of the two keys lying in the pocket of her white coat. Sleight of hand and no fraud. Two seconds and the keys were back in their rightful ce. They didn¡¯t even jingle once. Second, thanks to the naive woman, he was going to have Byron on his side, and he was the leader of the sector, holding the first rank no less. Such powerful connections would definitely help Kyon get out of there.


    And, finally, he got closer to Martha. He would not hesitate to use the clueless woman again if need be. He would thank her in the future by all means.


    Kyon stared at the mold, memorizing the shape of both keys. He was developing a 3D model in his head, ording to which he was going to reproduce the desired keyter. Actually, he didn¡¯t need the mold that much. He could rely on his tactile perception, but then some mistakes might creep in and ruin the n.


    Kyon came up to the door and peeped through the keyhole. Hepared the hole with the two versions of the keys. The second mold was just right. He went back to his bed, took out the wooden block and the metal tool, a kind of scalpel, that he had ¡°borrowed¡± during hisst raid to Martha¡¯s office.


    Kyon saw two options for breaking into her office: lock picking (unfortunately, he had left his burr set in his world. Even if he managed to find the right tool and break the door open, he would totally fail to close it unnoticed) or making his own key.


    Fortunately, the key did not have to be a perfect fit. The uracy of the details was not a big deal. All he needed was an approximate shape and length. Even without experience as a locksmith, he could make a decent unbreakable key out of the solid wooden piece from the construction kit.


    It was time to get to work. Not many people would cut out a replica with an ill-designed tool, but his uracy of perception, perfect understanding of motor skills, and his expertise from the past world came in very handy.


    Kyon was sitting on the farthest bed from Martha¡¯s office, with his back to the door (the doctor wouldn¡¯t notice what kept her patient busy if she suddenly came out). He carefully cutyer byyer from the piece of wood and meticulously put all the wood shavings in his pocket. He would flush all the ¡°evidence¡± down the toiletter.


    Gradually, the wooden block started to show some semnce of a key. There appeared cavities, grooves, and notches. It wasborious and time-consuming work, especially given theck of decent tools and experience.


    Two hours had passed, the working day came to an end.


    Martha went out. As she was closing the door to her office, she noticed a spot on the key. She stared at the strange substance but couldn¡¯t determine what it was. The doctor decided it was just a speck of dirt. She brushed it off the key and let it go.


    Her gaze involuntarily lingered on Kyon, who had returned to his bed as if nothing had happened. She remembered the exciting and embarrassing incident, and her cheeks turned crimson. Quickly averting her eyes, Martha muttered sidewards: ?Good night.?


    Kyon called her out. He sat up in bed, holding his knees with his hands:


    ?Martha! Bob might take me to the formations department within the next few days. Please call Martin about 20 minutes after we leave.?


    The doctor was silent for a while. She frowned and tucked a lock of unruly hair behind her ear.


    ?What are you up to? Why would I call him?? ¨C She asked suspiciously, in the end.


    ?Eh¡­ I have a gut feeling that something terrible might happen. It¡¯s difficult to exin¡­ I trust you¡­ as a doctor, of course. I will feel so much better if I can rely on you to make one call and check if everything¡¯s all right.?


    rm in his voice, sad eyes, drooping shoulders: he had skillfully conveyed his anxiety.


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense. What gut feeling are you talking about? You just don¡¯t like Martin, do you??


    ?Not at all. Martin is a good man. It¡¯s just¡­ I always have a bad feeling before something happens. Last time it was when my grandmother died.?


    ?Are you serious? Well¡­ Okay, then. One call, and that¡¯s it.?


    ?Ask Martin if everything is alright, that¡¯s all. Will you promise me that you will do it?? ¨C Kyon put his hands together in a pleading gesture.


    ?You know it¡¯s quite an unusual request. Well¡­ All right, I¡¯ll call him. I hope it isn¡¯t some kind of joke.?


    ?Thank you.? ¨C He shed a grateful smile. Martha thought he was making fun of her, but it was a matter of life and death!


    Martha left the hospital with mixed feelings. {What is this bad boy up to?}


    On the one hand, she wasn¡¯t eager to call Martin for no reason. He had already told her off for breaking the rules. But Kyon¡¯s pleading look¡­ Her kind heart will kill her someday. Anyway, she had given her word, she had to keep the promise. After all, it¡¯s only a call¡­ Probably.


    ¡­


    The duplicate of the key was ready and waiting for the glorious moment in the secret pocket. Kyon wisely decided to wait a couple of hours after Martha left in case someone decided to drop by in the hospital. If he was caught in the office, he would be very unlikely to get a p on the wrist.


    His heart was restless. It was an important step in his n. If the key didn¡¯t fit, he would have to look for other options. And there was no guarantee they would work. So far, everything had been going without a hitch. He had procured the key. Also, Borya and Mike had left the hospital. However, even if there were any patients in the ward, Kyon would have ¡°contributed¡± to their sound sleep after pressing certain points on their bodies. After his treatment, they would not wake up even in the event of a nuclear explosion.


    The best masters had taught him the basics of acupuncture. Synergy of first degree interacted only within the body. Respectively, the first stage of training focused on the body.


    It was time.


    He inserted the key, pressed the lock, repeating Martha¡¯s actions, and turned it gently clockwise.


    *click*


    The door opened.


    {Hehe, it worked!} ¨C Kyon was jubnt.


    The only thing that bothered him was that Martin could observe his location (the mercury mirror reflected the people with formations). On reflection, he decided that the device was unlikely to be urate enough to show a difference of three meters.


    Kyon didn¡¯t know that Martin had connected the formation directly to himself, not the device. But it didn¡¯t change the uracy of his dislocation anyway.


    Behind the door, he found a cramped room, about three by five meters. The air was permeated with the smell of drugs mixed with a drop of Martha¡¯s pleasant scent. Near the wall, he saw a table with a ridiculous soft toy and a chair next to it. A lighting crystal hung from the ceiling. There were several shelves, a couple of cabs and a fridge running on energy crystal. It contained drugs that required certain storage conditions.


    {ording to my calctions, I have about six hours at my disposal. It¡¯s more than enough.}


    Kyon rummaged through the papers in search of the necessary information, carefully remembering what and where had been before. He noticed his drawing and grinned. It was hidden in a safe ce, away from prying eyes. {I love it when a woman says one thing and does just the opposite.} It was exactly what Martha did: sheined that the drawing was too cheeky, yet she kept it as a souvenir.


    Kyon found the necessary books and sorted them out. He quickly flipped through them, one by one, trying to find the information he needed. As expected, there was a training manual on drugs and their use, properties, dosages, and so on. Also, Martha kept notes written by hand. Even a professional like Martha couldn¡¯t know everything by heart. Kyon found the drug he needed in her notebook.


    He got into the refrigerator and took a sk with clear liquid out of a separatepartment ¨C sedative. The instruction said it was to be diluted in water at a concentration of 1 to 150 for oral use. If the dosage is right, it starts working in a minute. There was a footnote saying that the effect was halved in hot water. Martha¡¯s notes were striking with their attention to every detail.


    Kyon took a small empty vial from the box. He thought that no one would notice the loss of such a trifle. Then he generously filled it with the sedative and put the rest in its ce. The next tea party with Martin was going to be very unusual.


    Kyon put everything in its ce, not forgetting the scalpel he had snatched before. Now, no one could tell the state of the room ¡°before¡± and ¡°after¡± his shameless invasion. Only the sk of sedative in the fridge was slightly less full than before.


    He carefully locked the door and went to bed. He couldn¡¯t sleep. Kyon was all worked up in anticipation. His chances were limited by the hospital. Nheless, it was more than enough to implement his n with a sess rate of more than 60%.


    He couldn¡¯t use energy at the moment. He couldn¡¯t study anything useful, either. There was no point in introspection as all of his thoughts were pure and sorted out. He had plenty of time before dawn. There was time to separate the wheat from the chaff, try amigurumi, and know himself. In the absence of wheat or a crochet, all he could do was to train his body with stretching exercises. Sleep could wait for a couple of days.


    He hid the key in the discrete hole in the mattress, put the vial in his secret pocket and began to stretch his joints and tendons. His body struck him with awful physical condition. At the moment, he couldn¡¯t reach the floor with his fingertips. What a shame! He could always get fit by the method ¡°for couch potatoes¡± ¨C with the help of Synergy ¨C but manual work will do it much faster. It would keep him busy until dawn, and then he would have a couple of hours to rx.


    When the night was over, his work showed some progress. Eight days (or rather nights) of exercising and his body would be perfectly stretched. The young tendons and joints are very stic, after all.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    It was early in the morning.


    Martin didn¡¯t get much sleep at night. He kept watching Kyon¡¯s tracking formation in the hope of catching the energy fluctuations, but all in vain. The weirdest thing that the formation was able to detect was an asional rapid heartbeat. Martin consoled himself with the thought that his servant was going to arrive with the tools in a couple of hours. Then he would identify the anomaly in Kyon¡¯s body and determine its approximate rank, and hence the price. It would decide Kyon¡¯s fate.


    People with exceptional unique bodies had always been valued. In the best case scenario, they found a powerful patron who was interested in their talent. In the worst, they got disassembled into parts to make a profit.


    In any case, Kyon¡¯s body could bring Martin a fortune at the ck market. This business was illegal, though. ck markets were considered out ofw by most decent families and schools. The policy of the Stones was no exception: the dark deeds, to put it mildly, were not wee in their circle. Therefore, Martin was very secretive in his ns and excluded any chance of leaking information. He had immediately removed the boy from the formation base. When it was time to take him from the mine, no one would notice anything, and he wouldn¡¯t have to share his earnings.


    Kyon¡¯s instincts were right: he was in for no good.


    ¡­


    Martha came to the hospital just in time for the beginning of the working day.


    Kyon stretched, pretending he was sleepy and greeted her.


    The day promised to be boring because, at Kyon¡¯s rough estimate, Martin was going to get his tools in 1-3 days.


    After a bad breakfast, Martha got a call from Bob. He said he woulde for the boy soon.


    Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. {1000 miles in 18 hours?! Little I know about this world¡­}


    Martha looked out of the office and anxiously looked at Kyon. His yesterday¡¯s words had an effect on her. Now she was worried about Kyon.


    ?Bob ising for you soon. How are you feeling??


    ?Terrible! The bad feeling, the one I had before my grandmother¡¯s death, has increased several times!? ¨C The boy groaned. He had to look as miserable as could be. It was vital to him that Martha make a call: the sound transmitter would distract Martin. It would give him some time to add the sedative to his drink.


    ?Is it really that bad?? ¨C The doctor stroked his hair reassuringly.


    Kyon mumbled something inarticte and buried his head into the nket.


    Martha tried to cheer him up:


    ?Don¡¯t worry. Nothing bad will happen today! Everything¡¯s going to be alright.?


    ?We shall live and see. Just don¡¯t forget your promise.?


    ?I won¡¯t!? ¨C At that moment, she was willing to agree on everything to make the overwhelming fear disappear from the boy¡¯s eyes.


    Soon Bob came and took Kyon away.


    It took them a quarter of an hour to get to Martin¡¯s office. Bob would say something every now and then, but on the whole, he was silent and thoughtful as if something was bothering him. Only Rogash did not worry about anything. He was cheerful as always.


    Nothing had changed in Martin¡¯s room, but this time, there was no usual aroma of baking for some reason.


    ?Hi, Bob! You¡¯re finally here!? ¨C Martin stretched out his hand to greet him.


    ?Um, yeah¡­ Did the tools arrive so fast?? ¨C Bob sounded surprised.


    ?They did. Express delivery, so to speak. Haha!? ¨C Martin seemed to be in an excellent mood.


    ?May I watch what you¡¯re doing here??


    Kyon held his breath. If Bob stayed, the n was doomed to fail. He couldn¡¯t possibly put them both to sleep¡­ However, he was almost certain that Martin wouldn¡¯t wee any strangers during the ¡°procedure.¡±


    ?Come on, buddy. Believe me, there¡¯s nothing interesting. It¡¯s going to take a too long time, anyway. You are free to go. I¡¯ll have a guard walk the boy back to the hospital.? ¨C With a peaceful smile on his face, Martin tried to get rid of the extra witness as soon as possible just as Kyon expected of him.


    ?Okay, I got it.? ¨C Bob sighed sadly. He was finally convinced that Martin didn¡¯t trust him in spite of being friends. At least, Bob thought so.


    The fat supervisor left the office, depressed. Kyon smiled to himself: Martin only made everyone believe he was a friendly, good-natured man with a sweet tooth but, in fact, he always treated everyone with suspicion, especially under the circumstances. Neither his personal servant nor the supervisor had been honored and privileged to be present at Kyon¡¯s check-up.


    Martin turned to the boy, rubbing his hands in anticipation:


    ?Alright then, let¡¯s get started!?


    He walked over to the table and opened the box with various devices and tools. One look at them could tell that they cost obscene amounts of money. Some of them radiated a faint aura-like glow, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. It looked like northern lights, frozen over the lid of the box like a bright cloud.


    ?Don¡¯t stand still. Come on, grab a chair over there.? ¨C Martin hurried Kyon up, pointing to themon chair.


    ?I have some helpful information for you. I remembered my past tonight. Now I have lots of answers to your questions. Some of them, you will never figure out by yourself.? ¨C Kyon said slowly, carefully choosing his words, trying to get Martin to jump at the bait.


    Martin recalled thest night. Indeed, the boy had fallen asleep only in the morning. It means he could remember something.


    ?You remembered your past, did you? Do you know what happened to the tracking formation??


    ?Yeah, I know what the matter is.? ¨C Kyon sighed as if he wasn¡¯t sure if he should continue. ?Let me tell you all about it over a cup of tea.? ¨C He went to the table, implying that the conversation would be important and long.


    Martin couldn¡¯t wait to start the inspection, but the boy seemed to be willing to tell him everything himself. If the devices confirmed his wordster, there would be fewer questions and problems.


    ?Oh, it¡¯s good to know you remember everything now. It will make things easy.? ¨C Martin decided to wait with the check-up and went to the teapot. However, before he could touch the handle, the sound transmitter buzzed.


    {I can¡¯t believe I have miscalcted the time.} ¨C Kyon moaned. Martha called 18 minutester, not 20, as he had nned. It was stupid of him not to take into ount the human factor! If the hot tea was on the table when Martin went to answer the call, he could add the sedative in the cup¡­


    ?Martha speaking. Is everything alright??


    ?Why are you asking? I¡¯m in the process of an important conversation and you¡¯re calling to ask how I¡¯m doing??


    ?I¡¯m¡­ Just¡­ I was worried.? ¨C Her confusion could be heard even through the transmitter.


    ?No need to worry. Next time, think ten times before making a call.? ¨C Martin muttered acidly and dropped the connection.


    Martha wished she hadn¡¯t called at once.


    {She was trying¡­ It¡¯s all my fault.} ¨C Kyon felt sorry for her. What a perfect n it was: he had the vial with sedative within easy reach, even the cap unscrewed! How was he supposed to use it now?


    Martin took the kettle. Before he brought it to the table, the water had already boiled.


    ?Sometimes people distract me at the wrong time¡­ So, what were you going to tell me? What information will I never find out by myself?? ¨C Martin poured tea into two cups, one for Kyon and one for himself. Then he expectantly stared at the boy.


    Kyon instantly stimted his stomach, making it rumble and said in a mournful voice as if he hadn¡¯t eaten for two weeks:


    ?Do you still have some of those delicious buns??


    ?You must have had breakfast! Don¡¯t they feed you enough there?? ¨C The question was a rhetorical one (not that Martin was much interested in the diet of the ves). He didn¡¯t wait for an answer but impatiently continued: ¨C ?No buns this time¡­ I didn¡¯t have time to ce an order. Put up with it.?


    One more attempt to distract Martin failed.


    ?Have you ever heard of legendary unique bodies?? ¨C Kyon made his voice sound as intriguing as could be. He didn¡¯t have any idea about the legendary bodies or any other ssifications.


    ?You¡­ Are you speaking of those mentioned in the annals!? Are you implying that you have a legendary body?! What is its rank?!? ¨C Martin had never met people with bodies of an ?A? rank or higher, and the boy was talking about a legendary one.


    Kyon smiled mysteriously, cursing himself for ignorance at the same time: ?How would you draw the line between an ordinary and a legendary body??


    Martin snorted incredulously:


    ?I would justpare their features. There is no clear line between them. Everything would be clear after I figure out their features¡­ Do you have a legendary body? What rank is it? Don¡¯t keep me waiting!?


    Kyon was getting nervous. ?We still have time¡­ There¡¯s no need to rush things. Do you know how I got here?? ¨C He had changed the subject and dropped another hint to avoid getting busted. Last time, when Bob was talking to the boss, Kyon figured out that the conditions of his delivery to the mine were non-standard, to put it mildly. Kyon did not get it then. Later, when he learned thenguage, he could understand everything. He had recorded the sound and then tranted everything in his head.


    Martin knew at once what Kyon was getting at:


    ?No, I don¡¯t. No one knows. This information is secret for some reason¡­ Even I wasn¡¯t able to find it out.? ¨C The mysterious one-of-a-kind delivery gave the boy a veil of mystery.


    ?Exactly. No one knows. I have a very interesting past, but it¡¯s irrelevant now. Show me your tools, and I¡¯ll tell you if they can reveal at least some of my talents.? ¨C Kyon casually pointed to the tools on a separate table. His eyes glowed with contempt as if saying ¡°well, let¡¯s see what kind of stuff you keep there.¡± It was impossible to suspect he was just pretending.


    Martin did not like his attitude, but he had to swallow his pride: {Does the boye from a super-rich family where my precious tools are nothing but trash? Then what is he doing here? What¡¯s his story? And what happened to his keys? Why are they out of order?}


    Martin stood up and obediently went to the box. Was it a window of opportunity?

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    During those painfully-earned seconds, Kyon managed to take out the vial that he had prepared beforehand. With a swift movement, he poured its transparent contents into Martin¡¯s cup. Kyon had tasted a tiny drop to make sure the medicine was tasteless. The dosage was many times higher than necessary because Kyon wanted to be on the safe side and speed up the effect. ording to Kyon¡¯s calctions, it was enough to numb a horse. Martin would pass out in less than a minute.


    Martin put the toolbox on the table in front of Kyon and said defiantly:


    ?So, what would you say? I got these precious things from Flitz, my former master.?


    Kyon smiled, took a sip from his cup, and took out the tools carefully, closely examining each of them.


    Kyon was taking his time, and it annoyed Martin a lot. He sat on the chair with a heavy sigh and picked up his cup, wishing it was chamomile tea. The first sip struck him as strange, but he couldn¡¯t concentrate on his feelings when Kyon eximed pretentiously:


    ?These tools are trash. I¡¯m wasting my time.? ¨C Kyon shook his head and sipped his tea, seconds away from choking at the vicious roar of the boss:


    ?Damn it, boy. Don¡¯t you dare insult my precious instruments! Tell me about your talents or I¡¯ll find out by myself!? ¨C Martin¡¯s patience was wearing thin.


    Kyon had toe up with something quick. {Why aren¡¯t you asleep?!}


    Kyon remembered reading in the book that Martha had so generously brought to him about the the man with a unique body who could move mountains. He immediately began to list all his talents, exaggerating greatly and distorting the facts from the story.


    ?Uhm¡­ What the hell are you talking about?! Are you ying a prank on me, boy?? ¨C Martin drank his tea in one shot, dragged Kyon the cor from the table and threw him into the public chair.


    Kyon was seized with panic. He had nothing to say, he knew nothing about this world. Martin would instantly smell a rat if he said something wrong.


    ?You have only wasted my time, and I hate it when someone wastes my time. Now let uncle Martin examine you.? ¨C A spark of greed and excitement shed in his eyes. He had been waiting for this moment for too long.


    He put a spherical crystal to Kyon¡¯s body and infused it with energy. A gentle wind made ripples in the air when the device buzzed quietly, ready to detect the slightest traces of hidden energy.


    Kyon felt odd. The crystal attracted everything it approached like a ma. Martin carefully ran the device over the nine key points.


    When Kyon was about to panic, Martin yawned.


    {Why does the medicine take so long to kick in? It¡¯s been more than a minute. What if he suspects something and calls the guards?}


    Kyon had hidden his Synergy as deep as possible.


    When Martin reached Kyon¡¯s head, the crystal suddenly started glowing with a light azure light. Kyon felt the crystal sucking Synergy out of him like a vacuum cleaner.


    ?W-what is it?? ¨C Martin opened his mouth in shock, but he couldn¡¯t suppress another yawn.


    Kyon took a calcted risk and stopped withholding Synergy. It rushed immediately towards the device. There was a soft ringing sound, and the solid rock crystal cracked. Martin stared at the broken tool in his hands. What the hell?


    {Come on, you can¡¯t be so tough. More than two minutes have passed!} ¨C Kyon nced anxiously from Martin to the device.


    Martin threw away the crystal and put on his sses. His device could examine the body from the inside, through the bones. His movements were awkward. One earpiece wouldn¡¯t get tucked behind the ear as if Martin was drunk. He exined his condition with excessive anxiety.


    Finally, he solved the problem with the sses and stared at Kyon¡¯s nose:


    ?The tenth element! What¡­ What is it?! WHAT ELEMENT IS THIS?!?


    Martin felt dizzy, his head spinning and throbbing. He squeezed his temples wearily. The 10th element had never been mentioned in the books or the legends, but the device couldn¡¯t lie: the10th key flickered faintly through Kyon¡¯s skull.


    There existed different subtypes of the elements, as well as modified ones, but their number never exceeded nine. It was impossible, simply unthinkable! The boy had a new, previously unknown element!


    However, Martin didn¡¯t have time to estimate Kyon¡¯s value on the ck market. The room started spinning too fast, ck spots floating in front of his eyes, his ears clogged. It might be high blood pressure or overexcitement. It was such a stress, after all! Martin closed his heavy eyelids, trying to relieve dizziness. He couldn¡¯t open his eyes again. Everything was fuzzy. He couldn¡¯t focus and figure out what was causing his condition. The sounds on the outside seemed to have mmed shut. It was so peaceful and quiet¡­ He just wanted to have a little¡­ rest. Just lie down for a second¡­


    Martin staggered and fell to one side, not yetpletely asleep but unable to control his body. The next moment he passed out. He had no idea that the day he thought to be the beginning of his triumph was, in fact, hisst day.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. He felt like a hare that had made it into the burrow with the sound of the nking predator jaws.


    Martin was a hard nut to crack. He was too powerful. That¡¯s why it took so much time before the sedative had taken effect.


    Fortunately for Kyon, Martin was too excited and didn¡¯t notice that he was beginning to doze off. He med his weariness for emotions and a sleepless night.


    Martin was snoring peacefully on the floor, unaware of the fierce fire in Kyon¡¯s eyes, the boy that he thought was worth a fortune. Kyon knew everything about the human body. Among other things, he knew how to kill without leaving visible physical injuries.


    He turned Martin¡¯s body onto the back, got a pulse on his neck and mped the carotid artery. It ceased the flow of blood to the brain. In a few minutes, the irreversible effect was to begin.


    The seconds of suspense dragged into a long minute. All of a sudden, the strong hand grabbed Kyon¡¯s wrist lightning fast.


    Dumbfounded, he continued to squeeze the artery with all his might. He couldn¡¯t understand how Martin hade to his senses. His thin bones were desperately cracking under the iron grip. His arm was about to break, but Kyon wouldn¡¯t ease the pressure.


    Martin¡¯s eyes opened slightly, his blurred gaze unsessfully tried to focus on the murderer. His consciousness was in oblivion, that¡¯s why he used only 30% of his physical strength, which was almost enough to break the boy¡¯s bones.


    It was a crucial moment. Martin¡¯s eyes closed and never opened again. His weak hand fell to the floor with a thud. It was the end.


    Kyon could barely stand. If he had not blocked the pain, he would have screamed, attracting the attention of the guards outside.


    It was his first murder that wasn¡¯t a simtion.


    Now he had to make it look like an ident. It took him a great effort to drag the dead body behind the rack that separated the room. He took the bun Mob had given him the other day and stuffed a piece right into Martin¡¯s throat, the other piece went in his hand. It looked like he had choked. Of course, the autopsy would show that Martin had died of an ischemic stroke, but Kyon needed some obvious cause of death for the guards. Otherwise, they would kill him on the spot without sorting things out. At the time of death, there were only two of them in the office. However, Martin could possibly choke on the dry bun due to profound cerebral hypoxia.


    It was supposed to look that Martin choked on his favorite bun (isn¡¯t it ironic!) that he always had stashed a plenty. Who knew that today there would be no buns in the diet of the boss¡­ It was pure luck that Mob had so timely decided to woo the boy (or rather, Martha) with his gift.


    Kyon had to swallow the empty vial. He couldn¡¯t leave any evidence behind.


    It was a curious scene: a corpse lying on the floor, and Kyon sitting in the armchair, sipping his tea and leafing through a book.


    {It¡¯s high time.}


    Kyon didn¡¯t know that the signal of Martin¡¯s death had reached the headquarters, but it didn¡¯t matter anyway.


    He came to the door, cleared his throat and yelled like a madman:


    ?Help! He is suffocating! Suffocating!?


    The two guards rushed into the room, pushing each other. They stared in horror at Martin, who was blue in the face, clutching at his throat.


    ?Oh, shit! Quick, give him CPR!? ¨C eximed the guard who ran in first. He staggered back and nearly knocked over his colleague.


    ?Do it yourself! I¡¯ll call the doctor!? ¨C The second one weaseled out of it.


    The first one tried to get to the lifeless body. He started chestpressions, his fingers interlocked. A piece of bun flew out of Martin¡¯s throat like a cannon.


    ?It doesn¡¯t help! Damn it! Damn it!? ¨C He pressed his ear to Martin¡¯s chest, trying to feel the heartbeat and whispered, scared: ¨C ?He is dead¡­? ¨C He turned to Kyon, who was standing frozen nearby, and shouted: ¨C ?Why the fuck didn¡¯t you cry out for help at once!? Fucking bitch!?


    Their wrath was righteous. If Martin was dead, they would be fired at the very least, no matter how it had happened. However, Kyon didn¡¯t have much sympathy for these two. ¨C {They shouldn¡¯t have kicked Rogash.} But he had to finish the game:


    ?I was sitting behind this chair and couldn¡¯t hear a thing! When he had been silent for too long, I decided to take a look!? ¨C He muttered in a whimpering voice. Kyon pointed to the chair that was turned back to Martin. He couldn¡¯t possibly see what was going on in the background. He had also moved the body further, behind the rack to get the story straight. Everything was above board.


    The second guard had already called Martha:


    ?Emergency in the formation department! You have a life to save!?


    ?Coming!? ¨C Martha immediately responded to the call. She didn¡¯t panic, just packed the necessary instruments and medicine as quickly as possible (a professional always keeps such things in the right ce) and rushed to help. When she was on the way, she remembered about the bad feeling Kyon kept telling her about. {Is he a prophet or something?}


    The guard had initiated the resuscitations: a pathetic imitation of artificial respiration and indirect heart massage. He was desperately clinging to the vague hope of bringing his boss to life.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    {What an idiot! Even if he somehow pulls through, he is a vegetable for life.} ¨C Kyon chuckled, skeptically looking at the pathetic attempts of the two guards. Somewhere deep inside, guilt had caught up with him, but he had a good point: ?it was either him or me.? It made the voice of conscience shut up until better times.


    No one in their right mind would think that the boy who hadn¡¯t even connected with his spirit could kill an advanced phaser. It seemed rather weird that Martin had choked and couldn¡¯t take the piece of bun with the energy. However, it was quite possible given the stroke. Kyon was not afraid of the autopsy.


    Ten minutes after the call, Martha burst into the room with the medical equipment. When she saw the blue body, she gasped in shock then pulled herself together and started a check-up.


    The guards exined the situation, interrupting each other, but the doctor raised her hand and made them stop:


    ?It¡¯s toote. There¡¯s nothing I can do¡­?


    It was the sixth day of the week. In the evening, Bob and Mob would be distributing the currency of the mine ording to the outperformed norm.


    Each group of ves had been bending backward just to earn an extra penny that could be spent on useful, valuable purchases: a can of cold beer for some, a thick b of meat for others. Some needed essential medicine and potions of endurance. Some never spent their wages. They saved them, denying themselves everything to exchange for the currency of the outside world and send the money to their families.


    Everyone was in joyful anticipation of payment, except, perhaps, Mike. He was feeling really bad and was nning to borrow some money to buy medicine. Unfortunately, everyone shook their heads when they saw his condition, including the warden of his group. He knew he would have to find a new miner for his group soon. Even Babil, the asshole with connections, who gave money at interest, had refused him. This heinous pawnbroker could determine the proximity of death by guesswork. ording to him, Mike had another 3-4 days, tops.


    Borya was preupied with worry: {Kyon will be back soon, and I¡¯ll have to pay back.} Unfortunately, he hadn¡¯t earn much, so he would have to borrow the rest of the sum from his friends. Borya wasn¡¯t going to die anytime soon, therefore, he was hoping to get a loan.


    The rest of the ves were at their workces, waiting meekly for the shift to end.


    Mob was in high spirits. Yesterday, he noticed Martha¡¯s face change when he gave Kyon the bun. Now he was trying to think of an excuse to get into her office without beating anyone. All his mind was totally andpletely set on that.


    Bob, his fat colleague, approached him and sat next to him, unusually silent. Suddenly, Bob¡¯s sound transmitter rang.


    ?Supervisor Bob speaking.?


    ?Bob, it¡¯s Martha. Martin¡¯s dead!? ¨C He could hear hysterical overtones in her voice.


    ?DEAD?? ¨C Bob cried out in shock. His throat felt tight, his voice dropped to a whisper: ¨C ?How do you mean dead? Are you serious!??


    ?I am. Come to the formation department¡­? ¨C She hung up.


    Bob was dumbfounded. Mob who had heard the conversation was no less stupefied.


    ?I¡¯ll go and see what¡¯s wrong. You stay here, Bob.? ¨C Mob stood up resolutely. Now he had a perfectly legitimate excuse to visit Martha and find out what had happened there.


    However, Bob ignored him. He understood his motive at once and just whistled loudly, calling the dog.


    Later, on their way, Mob tried to reason with his colleague:


    ?Take it easy, buddy. I¡¯ll do it myself! We are forbidden to leave the post together at once.?


    ?My friend is probably dead, and all you think about is boobs! Get off me!? ¨C At this moment, he couldn¡¯t care less about any rules.


    Bob, Rogash, and Mob ran into Martin¡¯s office, panting. In the spacious room, they found the two miserable guards, Martha, Kyon, and Pink, Martin¡¯s servant, who was sobbing on his knees over histe master. Bob immediately bounced to the corpse. His legs turned to jelly at the sight of his dead friend. The doctor briefly exined that Martin had apparently choked to death on a piece of bun, and ordered in a t voice:


    ?Bob, take Kyon to the hospital. I have to write a report¡­?


    The atmosphere in the room tense. Even Rogash understood the graveness of the whole situation and quietly whined, his paws over his head. Kyon was the only one quiet in the room. He pretended to be scared, but he didn¡¯t feel sympathy or remorse. He hated greedy people who screwed others for their own benefit. And yet, Kyon had reason to apprehend danger. A careful investigation might raise some unwanted questions like ¡°why did the crystal sphere crack?¡± or ¡°why did Martin order his tools just before his death?¡± It was bad enough that suspicions would suggest the idea that Martin¡¯s death wasn¡¯t an ident, but what¡¯s more, they might examine Kyon more carefully and what then? Should he open a graveyard?


    Bob took Kyon to the hospital without saying a word.


    He was facing long disputes, reports, and so on. Even the highest levels ofmand might call around. Besides, there was an issue concerning Martin¡¯s recement. They had alwayscked professionals like him.


    *click*


    The key turned in the lock, leaving Kyon alone in the ward.


    Kyon was sitting on his bed and thinking about what he had done. He waspletely detached from the guilt of his actions. Yet, something was bothering him: { I¡¯m not supposed to be under suspicion. I¡¯ve destroyed all the relevant evidence¡­ Unless she notices the missing vial during the inspection but so what?}


    Kyon took the wooden key out of the mattress and fiddled with it, wondering what¡¯s the best way to get rid of it.


    After Martin¡¯s death, he felt a strange tingling in the area of the formation. {Perhaps Martin¡¯s formation was dissipating after his death?} To test his assumption, he released some Synergy to the formation carefully, in small portions.


    The energy came out of the formation like smoke from smoldering wood. To his astonishment, both the ¡°smoke¡± and Synergy got mutually destroyed when they touched. It was like a joint annihtion of matter and antimatter.


    Kyon thought hard: {Is it possible that Synergy is the opposite of the energy in this world, and they destroy each other when they meet? Then what will happen if I be a practitioner? How am I going tobine them?}


    Kyon couldn¡¯t see it but when the opposites touched, they spread little ripples in the space. The energy had neither colour nor smell.


    The formation would take time to dissipate by itself. Kyon directed Synergy to a huge bruise on his wrist as a memento from Martin¡¯s grip. Most likely, it would take a day to heal it.


    {I have to get down to the mine and test the waters¡­ I¡¯m not going to stay here forever.}


    Late in the evening, Martha returned to the hospital and rushed to Kyon:


    ?You didn¡¯t lie! I can¡¯t believe you have such incredible powers!?


    ?Yes¡­ It¡¯s my curse.? ¨C Kyon pretended to be upset.


    ?Um¡­ It¡¯s not your fault. Don¡¯t me yourself.? ¨C The doctor whispered reassuringly, patting him on the shoulder.


    {Of course, it¡¯s not my fault. Well, except for the fact that the flow of blood ceased toe to Martin¡¯s brain, hehe.} ¨C Kyon smiled to himself.


    Martha tried to encourage the boy and took his hand impulsively. Her eyes immediately noticed the huge bruise that Martin¡¯s fingers had left. She pulled back his shirt sleeve:


    ?What is this!??


    Kyon was caught off guard and zoned out: {Damned bruise!¡­ Damned bruise?} It wasn¡¯t the best excuse but he couldn¡¯te up with a better one:


    ?It¡¯s is my curse.? ¨C He whispered in sepulchral tones.


    ?What do you mean? It¡¯s a huge bruise! And it looks like a handprint!? ¨C Martha closely examined the hematoma, clutching at his hand.


    ?It¡¯s a family curse.? ¨C Kyon lied passionately to protect his lies. ¨C ?When spirits predict a death, I get a bruise in the shape of a hand. It was just like this before my grandmother died.?


    ?Oh¡­ It¡¯s unbelievable!? ¨C Martha covered her mouth with her hand, frightened. ¨C ?Anyway, I have a perfect cure for your curse. I¡¯ll get you the ointment, and the wound will heal in a few hours.? ¨C Martha did not spare the best quality ointment to treat his bruise, even if it was intended for staff only.


    Kyon was touched by her concern. He wondered if she truly believed him. It scared him that there were holes in the story about the ¡°curse.¡±


    Matha applied gently some golden-colored ointment to the bruise. The skin under her soft fingers tingled a little, but it was a pleasant feeling. Martha tried to get more information about his family curse, but he blundered out only some titudes.


    When the treatment was over, Kyon smiled at Martha:


    ?Thanks! By the way, I am more or less strong now and want to get back to work.?


    ?Get back to work? Oh, I see¡­ You don¡¯t want to miss the day off.? ¨C Of course, no one in their right mind would be eager to go back to the ¡°galleys,¡± but to be locked up on a day off and miss the market day was not the best prospect, either.


    ?Yeah. Besides, I want to meet Byron, and someone owes me something.?


    Martha giggled:


    ?You¡¯re weird! Alright, when I see Byron, I¡¯ll tell him to keep an eye on you.?


    Kyon was looking Martha straight in the eyes, which was slightly confusing.


    ?Cool! What could go wrong when he watches over me??


    Martha snorted:


    ?Oh,e on! I will ask him to pick you up after dinner. Your bruise will have healed by then.?


    ?That¡¯s a good idea.? ¨C Kyon nodded gratefully.


    Martha called Byron and asked him to drop by after dinner. The 1st ranking ve was responsible for many things. That¡¯s why the management provided him with a personal sound transmitter.


    If Kyon had designs on Martha, he would have acted somewhat different, more romantic, more audacious and daring. But he wanted her to treat him as a friend and help him at times. Basically, he had achieved his goal.


    While Kyon was waiting for dinner, Martha was in her office, thinking. {What abilities might he have? Why is his bruise hand-shaped?} As far as she knew, the spirits or souls could not interact with physical bodies.


    After deep thought, she considered that everything could happen in life, including weird boys.


    After dinner, Kyon stared with astonishment at his hand that had recovered with no trace of the bruise. The local medicine turned out to be capable of something. Since Synergy was idle, Kyon directed it to clean his body, reduce energy consumption, and increase immunity.


    Byron came soon. He was a tall muscr man with an aura of brutality. He gave an impression of a reliable,conic man. When he entered, Martha changedpletely: she straightened her shoulders, flirtatiously turned her hip, drawing attention to the white coat tightly wrapped around her bottom. She went with a little spring in her step to her beau and hugged him gently. She looked embarrassed, though.


    {What a great rtionship. He wants her and she pleases him.} ¨C Kyon snickered to himself, watching the scene unfolding in front of him.


    Martha had known Byron before she came to work at the mine, and they were destined to meet here again.


    After a short conversation, Martha called Kyon and introduced him as her friend.


    She said goodbye to both of them, wishing Kyon good luck.


    ?Be careful! Take care of yourself!?


    They left the hospital in silence. Byron kept looking at Kyon up and down, which was slightly unnerving.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    ?Martha told me all about you. Is it true that you can knock down anyone with one blow?? ¨C Kyon decided to break the silence. Of course, the doctor didn¡¯t provide him with such revtions, but he had to start a conversation somehow.


    ?I guess she¡¯s been exaggerating a lot.? ¨C Byron grunted impassively.


    ?I think it¡¯s really cool that she has such a high opinion of you, don¡¯t you??


    ?Yeah, maybe.? ¨C All his attempts to get Byron talking failed against the wall of his indifference.


    {Fish would envy his talkativeness. It¡¯s time to call in the heavy artillery.} ¨C And he said out loud:


    ?Someone told me that you have a wonderful brother, and you get along very well¡­?


    Of course, Kyon remembered perfectly well Borya¡¯s words that the rtions between Byron and his brother were far from ¡°normal¡± and, therefore, he decided to go the other way around¡­ However, Byron¡¯s reaction exceeded all his expectations:


    ?The son of a gun! If only I ever get out of here, I¡¯ll tear him into ten thousand pieces!? ¨C Byron roared, going ballistic at once.


    ?Did your brother do something to you?? ¨C Here it is atst!


    ?The fucking bastard kicked me out of the family and sold me into very!?


    ?Why did he sell you? Did you do anything bad??


    ?Because I was weak¡­ I was the only one in the family who had failed to connect with the spirit! I lost to a 14-year-old brat, but it doesn¡¯t justify his actions. Hell¡­ I¡¯m so sick of it¡­? ¨C The hatred in Byron was so strong that he started to hyperventte. He couldn¡¯t care less that a boy he barely knew had just gotten the lowdown on him. Byron just needed to let off steam.


    {Hmmm, this man doesn¡¯t strike me as smart. He is willing to share his ugly biography with just anyone. But it works for me.} ¨C Kyon chuckled to himself and continued pulling strings:


    ?How do you imagine tearing him into ten thousand pieces if you¡¯re the weakest in the family??


    Byron answered through gritted teeth:


    ?I¡¯m going to find someone who will do it for me!?


    ?It¡¯s a good approach, but if he could give you to very, then you have no money or important connections. How are you going to hire someone for nothing??


    ?I don¡¯t know.? ¨C Byron lowered his head, clenching his fists so tight that his knuckles turned white.


    ?I see how determined you are, and I¡¯m willing to help you.?


    ?You?? ¨C He could see sneer in Byron¡¯s eyes. ¨C ?You can¡¯t help me. Forget it.?


    ?That¡¯s where you are mistaken¡­ I have lots of influential friends outside the mine who will do everything for me.?


    Some people might despise Byron for wanting revenge by proxy but not Kyon. ¡°All is fair in love and war¡± ¨C that was his credo.


    ?Don¡¯t make my fistsugh! Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds? A weak kid who is in very in the mine tells me he has connections! Then what are you doing here? Have youe to y with the stones?? ¨C Byron said bitterly.


    Kyon clicked his tongue:


    ?You might have heard that I was brought here as an exceptional delivery, all by myself. Why do you think I was so ¡°honored¡±??


    ?I have no idea. What is it supposed to mean??


    ?That my family, the one who sold me here, has a great influence! I¡¯m going to seek help among the influential friends of mine¡­?


    ?Hmm ¡­ I don¡¯t understand. Enlighten me.? ¨C Byron didn¡¯t sound so skeptical this time.


    On the way to themon hall, Kyon diligently pulled the wool over the eyes of the gullible listener. It was a sob story that hit Byron really hard. Kyon told him that he was also the weakest in the family and, just like Byron, could not connect with his spirit. That¡¯s why his status in the house was lower than a servant. He made a good scapegoat for everything that had been going wrong in the family, and then they finally exiled him to this hole. Their betrayal hit him real deep (at this point, Kyon yed a single man¡¯s tear). But despite his status, he had influential friends (he swelled up with pride for himself) that were probably looking for him and were waiting for his sign to do everything he needed.


    ¡°The end justifies the means.¡± Kyon couldn¡¯t care less that there wasn¡¯t an ounce of truth in his tall tale. The moralponent didn¡¯t matter to him. He cared only about results! Kyon needed to get close to Byron, be kindred spirits with him, at least a little bit.


    His story touched the simple-minded man. It never urred to Byron to doubt the truth of Kyon¡¯s words.


    ?You have faced a lot of upsetting injustice.? ¨C Byron said slowly when Kyon finished his story. ¨C ?My problems are nothingpared to yours¡­ However, it¡¯s beyond me why they did it?! You are so young¡­? ¨C He shook his head angrily, wondering why human beings could be so callous. Then he stroke Kyon¡¯s hair: ¨C ?You can alwayse to me if you need any help. We are brothers in misfortune, after all.?


    ?I will. By the way, they have confiscated my tools, and I have no new ones¡­ Can you help me out??


    ?No problem. What if I send you to number 9? This group is responsible for screening spiritual stones from the rocks. The job is much easier than swinging a pickaxe or battering the ore.?


    ?I agree!? ¨C Kyon grinned from ear to ear.


    ?It¡¯s a deal, then. I¡¯ll introduce you to Osip at the end of the working day. He¡¯s the warden of group number 9. Take a rest until then. I have to distribute the earnings among the wardens.? ¨C Byron shook Kyon¡¯s hand in solidarity and farewell and closed the door to themon hall behind him.


    The unpretentious hall was carved into the mountain. It was huge and could amodate half a thousand people or even more. At the moment, it was empty: everyone was at work. Lighting crystals were attached to the high ceilings. Here and there were stone tables, chairs, and stools. A sort of mini-stage was constructed against the wall. There were eleven doors (apparently the entrance to the ¡°apartments¡±) and a small door to the bathroom in the farthest corner.


    {It is a pity that Byron was in a hurry. I have so many questions for him¡­} ¨C Kyon sighed, looking around his current ce of residence.


    Kyon wanted to learn about cultivation, particrly how to activate the keys. Only, Byron could find his questions about basic things rather suspicious, especially after his story about the ¡°influential and powerful family.¡±


    Kyon pushed the first door he could find. There were about 30 beds inside, each with a name badge on the headboard. He walked past each of them and memorised all the names in passing. Kyon couldn¡¯t find his bed, so he went to explore the next room where he found Mike. He was sleeping, as pale as chalk.


    {Poor fellow, he hasn¡¯t fully recovered and now he has to call in sick.}


    If Mike didn¡¯t go to work, he wouldn¡¯t get any food. Nobody envied Mike. s, there was nothing Kyon could do to help him at the moment.


    Two of the 11 rooms were locked. {There must be the bedrooms for the wardens and the leader.}


    When Kyon finally found the bed with his name on it, hey down and tried to rest. {Dinner in the hospital is served at 7 pm, the working day starts at 6 am andsts 15 hours. Taking into ount their travelling time, it¡¯s less than an hour before the others arrive.}


    Kyon didn¡¯t have any kind of watch, but Synergy gave him the correct time to the second, which was quite convenient.


    He could also transform Synergy into electrical impulses and use it for his benefit, e.g., ying his favorite music in mind.


    It clicked with his mood to stretch his good-for-nothing body. But before that, he had ground the wooden key into dust against the floor to get rid of thest evidence.


    An hourter, he could hear the distant chimes. It was the end of the work shift. About fifteen minutes, themon hall began to fill up with noise. The tired workers wereing back, led by the wardens. Many of them immediately went to their bedrooms and fell fast asleep.


    Kyon entered themon hall to be spotted at once. Almost everyone was staring at him. He decided that it was all about his young age: a tender 14-year-old boy stood out against the muscr brutes. In fact, there was a rumor yesterday that they found the boy who had been missing for three days ¨C which was surprising ¨C but the news that his formation was out of order shocked everyone.


    In all themotion, Kyon easily found Byron. He was talking on the move with a man aged 50-55. Apparently, the big guy wasn¡¯t talkative only with strangers. When they came closer, Byron waved to Kyon:


    ?Kyon, meet Osip, the head of group nine and your new warden.?


    Kyon held out his hand:


    ?Nice to meet you.?


    Osip shook his hand, frowning:


    ?Keep in mind, boy, I¡¯m very strict when ites to the quality of work. I hope you won¡¯t let me down!?


    ?I will do my best!? ¨C Kyon nodded, seriously pretending to be an enthusiastic workaholic.


    ?That¡¯s what I wanted to hear. I¡¯ll give you a quick tour and give you everything you need on the first day of the week, just before work.? ¨C Osip said goodbye to Byron and went to his group.


    ?Osip is very conscientious. Don¡¯t skip out on your work, or he will punish you.? ¨C He nced at his back and added quietly: ?Actually, he didn¡¯t want to take you, but he did me a favor as a friend.?


    ?I get it. I won¡¯t let you down.?


    Byron nodded and went to his private bedroom.


    Osip was a ve of the 2nd rank, a warden. He got a decent percentage of the over-fulfillment of the norm of his group. That¡¯s why he had always been very meticulous. Well, it was also an inherent part of his character. Osip was a strict but fair boss: he always punished for shirking duties, and very severely as well, but he didn¡¯t hold the hard-earned money, either. Kyon liked those odds.


    Suddenly, he heard a loud cry from behind:


    ?Where the fuck have you been, son of a bitch??


    Kyon whirled around at the shout and saw a rapidly approaching tall man with a face contorted from anger. The formation burning on his forehead said John, which means he was Kyon¡¯s warden, the one who got a thrashing for losing him. In this case, his rage was quite understandable.


    The tall man of a thin build was quickly approaching Kyon, cursing loudly. Pushing ahead like a tank, the warden could not help attracting attention, and now everyone in the room was nodding in recognition. Everyone had long known about the missing boy, as well as the fact that John was to take the fall.


    Kyon estimated the aggressive attitude of his former boss and realized that no words would help him. He would have to defend himself.


    Running away or hiding behind Byron¡¯s back was out was the question. Kyon could stand up for himself with his reaction and movement skills.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    ?I¡¯m talking to you!? ¨C John approached Kyon and threw a punch aiming right in the face. The next moment, his hand swooshed through the air.


    *woosh*


    Kyon had squatted down, reacting with a speed of lightning. Then he gave Jonn, who was confused with his trick, an icy stare:


    ?Fighting won¡¯t solve anything.?


    ?How dare you lecture me? I¡¯ll teach you how to talk to adults, brat!? ¨C John roared.


    Kyon snorted to himself. {Being an adult doesn¡¯t necessarily make you smart and experienced¡­ There seems to be no way to avoid a fight.}


    The crowd of onlookers had already surrounded them, creating a kind of battle arena. Everyone was eager to see John beat up the skinny boy. Someone openly provoked the warden:


    ?Knock his lights out, John!? ¡­ ?Come on, give it to him!?


    When John took another swing, Kyon shifted half a step to the side and punched the warden, aiming at his kidney. He was not strong enough, but that¡¯s what the pain spot is for.


    ?Agggr!? ¨C John felt a sharp, stabbing pain and copsed down onto one knee, his hands pressed to his side, but at that moment, he got another urate blow right to his temple and saw stars. He felt woozy and dramatically went down, face to the stone floor.


    Everyone gasped, including Borya, who arrived when Kyon attacked the warden. It was a sensational knock out. It¡¯s not everyday they watched fights like that.


    Two brothers, both wardens, broke through the dense circle of the crowd.


    One of them snarled, stepping menacingly to Kyon:


    ?You dared to beat up your warden, you creep!?


    The second brother joined in, defiantly flexing his neck:


    ?It will cost you dearly!?


    {I won¡¯t cope with these two under the circumstances¡­} ¨C Kyon thought sadly and held his hands up in a gesture of conciliation:


    ?Technically, he¡¯s not my warden anymore, so I had the right to defend myself!?


    Theyughed out loud at his diplomatic effort to resolve the problem:


    ?Haha! What rights are you talking about, you miserable ve??


    The second brother decided not to waste time for chit-chat and punched Kyon in the guts.


    ?What the hell is going on!?? ¨C Byron roared and rushed out of his room, disturbed by themotion. He didn¡¯t even have time to make his tea, screw them all¡­


    Of course, his yelling could not stop the approaching fist, but Kyon was on guard. He could see the blow as if in slow-motion. It was a shame not to dodge.


    * woosh*


    When the leader of the 1st rank squeezed through the crowd, he saw Kyon as good as new, innocently batting his eyshes, and John down at his feet, clutching his side and spewing incoherent curses. The two wardens were looking at Kyon unkindly butcked the courage to do anything in the presence of their boss.


    Byron repeated the question sternly.


    ?The brat has beaten his warden, and we are punishing him.? ¨C One of the brothers reported and pointed to John, who could not rise.


    The second nodded to Kyon:


    ?How should we punish him, chief??


    Byron took one long look at the aggressors and said in a tone that tolerated no objections:


    ?The boy has another warden now, which means that John has beaten a member of another group and has to pay for this.?


    The brothers looked at each other and left displeased. John was not their friend, and they were not going to argue with the boss because of him. They were always ready to pick a fight, but they steered away from trouble.


    By then, John had stood up and was staring furiously at Kyon:


    ?Fucking skunk, how dared you to beat me? I am your boss here!?


    Byron approached the warden, grabbed ahold of his shirt and lifted him up off the ground. Then he said calmly:?Did you hear me? He is no longer under yourmand.?


    The people in the crowd knew Byron¡¯s style of conflict resolution, but he never ceased to amaze them by his brutal virility. Kyon had also made some conclusions regarding Byron¡¯s nature.


    John gasped for breath. He could hardly squeeze out:


    ?I understand, chief. My apologies.?


    At once, he found himself on the ground, rubbing his neck, drilling Kyon with his eyes, full of hatred.


    Byron changed his mind to punish John. The warden had suffered enough.


    The crowd began to disperse, going about their business, only Borya stood still.


    Byron muttered to Kyon, wearily rubbing his temples:


    ?Well, well¡­ It didn¡¯t take you long to bring it down on your head.?


    ?It was bound to happen anyway, sooner orter.? ¨C Kyon shrugged.


    When the boss left, Borya nervously approached Kyon:


    ?Wow, I didn¡¯t expect you would get in trouble on your first day back! But¡­ I can understand John, too.?


    ?The worst is yet ahead, I guess. Don¡¯t be surprised next time.? ¨C Kyon chuckled.


    Borya¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest, but the next moment, he pped himself in the forehead and took out a wad of cash from his pocket:


    ?By the way, here is my debt. Two thousand rupees, as agreed.? ¨C He reluctantly handed Kyon the banknotes.


    Kyon took the money,pletely ignoring his mournful sigh.


    ?If you want to bet for money, I¡¯m always at your service.?


    ?Hell, no! I¡¯m not going to bet with you anymore, haha! By the way, if you want to make some quick money, they are going to gamble in an hour. If you are sure of your luck, I¡¯ll be waiting for you at that table.? ¨C He nodded to the far corner.


    ?OK, I¡¯m intrigued¡­ What¡¯s it about??


    ?The king¡¯s treasure.? ¨C Borya puffed out his chest as if he had invented the game and brought it to the masses.


    ?What are the rules??


    The rules were, in fact, simple: four yers, one deck of 72 cards, four suits, one of which is the trump. Attacking cards may be beaten by a higher card of the same suit. The attack may beunched by the attacker and the person on the defender¡¯s left. The winner is the first person who leaves the game without cards in hand. Thest yer to leave the game pays a double stake. The winner takes it all. It was all too easy, ssic, and boring. Kyon couldn¡¯t understand why Borya had mentioned luck in the game where it was enough to remember the cards and, if possible, keep an eye on the cheaters.


    ?All right, wait for me. I¡¯ll be there when the game starts.?


    A short chubby man named Babil, another warden, was a witness of their conversation. With his cunning piggy eyes, he noticed the bald man hand the boy a good amount of money. He immediately came up with a n on how to lighten the little brat¡¯s burden. Babil exchanged meaningful nces with two big men on his sides, who were the guards of the 3rd rank and the bouncers rolled into one.


    Kyon noticed their sneer and winks.


    {ording to Borya, money can buy a lot here: food, books, freedom, after all. If I am not nning to spend my life in the mine, it¡¯s time to take the first steps.} ¨C Kyon thought, throwing a sly nce at the table where they yed for high stakes.


    About 30 minutes to go before the game. Kyon took a walk around the hall, discreetly watching and listening to people talk about the uing evening round. Then he went to Byron¡¯s door and knocked softly. He heard him grumping: ?Who is it now??


    ?It¡¯s me. I need your help.?


    Byron reluctantly opened the door and let the boy in.


    The room was well furnished, with a wall to wall carpet. Kyon caught sight of a Rubik¡¯s cube, two apples, lots of pulp novels, one of them still opened.


    ?Holy cow, it¡¯s been five minutes and you¡¯ve got yourself into some shit again?!? ¨C Byron eximed with righteous fury.


    ?No, not yet. I¡¯d like to gamble for high stakes.?


    Byron was taken aback:


    ?With the wardens, or what?! They¡¯ll strip you of everything you have! I can¡¯t help you here¡­?


    ?What if I win??


    ?Well¡­ It¡¯s next to impossible¡­ Do you have a n?? ¨C Byron was familiar with the local card cheaters¡¯ system, but he had also found out that the boy had endless potential.


    ?Yeah. I need you toe over and watch my fourth game with Babil. I might need your support if I win fair and square. I am sure they will stand their ground by hook or by crook.?


    ?Hmm¡­ There will be a lot of wardens¡­ They won¡¯t give me a pat on the back if I stand up for you for no reason¡­ But if the truth is on your side¡­ Hmm¡­? ¨C Niggling doubts were tearing Byron apart. On the one hand, he wouldn¡¯t mind helping the boy out but certainly not at the expense of his own well-being. Kyon was no one to him, after all.


    Kyon saw his indecision and offered apelling argument:


    ?I will highly appreciate your help. How about 10,000 rupees??


    Byron raised his eyebrows in surprise and let out a satisfied chuckle:


    ?Ha-ha-ha! Good money! You have a deal. I¡¯ll be there when the fourth game begins.?


    Byron earned 15.000 rupees a month. It was twice more than any other warden could make in a month, and five times more than a healthy, eager ve could ever have. And yet, some extra grands would never hurt.


    More than half of the people in the hall had gone to their bedrooms. The rest had stayed to spend the evening in goodpany, having a chat and ying different games.


    About seven people had gathered at a small table in the corner. There were no wardens among them, only ves of the 3d rank. Borya was also there.


    When Kyon came up to them, the bald guy introduced him to his friends and continued watching their game.


    Each yer was dealt six cards. A few seconds of reflection, and they made their bets.


    Kyon was in no hurry to take part in the game. He watched a few rounds, making conclusions. His attitude bummed Borya out: why on earth did hee?


    Finally, Kyon joined the yers. The stakes were quite low, from about 50 to 100 rupees. No one was eager to go broke. Besides, ordinary ves never had much money.


    This time, everyone bet a hundred rupees to get Kyon started.


    Kyon had been watching these dupes long enough to realize that if he started winning all the time, they would refuse to y with him. The stakes were ridiculously low, anyway. He could afford a few ¡°failures.¡± Kyon safely lost the first game. He won the second and the third¡­ In half an hour, Kyon had won 4 times. He was four times the 2nd and the 3rd to leave the game, which earned him a total of 1200 rupees.


    The yers weren¡¯t pleased with the ¡°newbie,¡± even Borya didn¡¯t stop grumbling. Kyon didn¡¯t care so much about money. He wanted to draw attention to his humble person at the other table, where big guys yed big and won big. Soon, the opportunity presented itself:


    ?I see you¡¯re being lucky, boy. You want to y big-time?? ¨C He heard Babil¡¯s loud voice at his side. He had finally condescended to invite the kid in their game.


    Kyon had been expecting him. He put on the air of a simpleton. There it was, the moment Kyon had been waiting for so long! He bleated insecurely, staring at Babil with frightened eyes:


    ?A-a-are you suggesting I y with you??


    Babil grunted smugly: what a dummy.


    ?Sure! What do you want with those beggars? Come to our table! You can make some money if your luck does not run out.? ¨C He mentally rubbed his hands in glee: {A fool and his money are soon parted.}


    The ¡°beggars¡± stared at the warden with hatred, but Babil didn¡¯t bat an eyelid. What could they do to him? The two loyal men on his either side would knock all their teeth out if need be.


    Borya finally worked up the nerve to say to Kyon:


    ?Don¡¯t listen to him! This bast¡­ He is a cheat. He wants to rip you off! The wardens y together!? ¨C He wanted to add something else but stopped short just in time.


    Both guards defiantly cracked their knuckles, but Babil stopped them with a gesture ¡°there was nomand to attack.¡± If Kyon refused to y, then they would show the bald one what the broken bones looked like.


    Kyon turned around, put his hand on Borya¡¯s shoulder and gave him a warning look: do not interfere. Borya nodded uncertainty.


    Babil repeated with a grin:


    ?Are youing? We have big stakesing up.?


    ?Yeah¡­ Let¡¯s do it.?


    Borya sighed and watched Kyon leave with a sympathetic look. Babil and hispany always tricked the neers out of their money. Kyon didn¡¯t stand a chance.


    Kyon asked about the rules on the way to the ¡°elite¡± table. The game was called the Emperor¡¯s Treasure. It was almost the same, only with an obscene number of cards and yers. There were 12 yers at the table, 196 cards in the deck. The first yer to leave the game took 50% of the total stake, the second took 30%, the third took 20%. The loser paid double and shuffled the deck. The attacking cards went to the defender from the attacker and two yers on the left of the defender. In other words, a yer on the defender¡¯s¡¯ right and two people on the left throw in cards. The game consisted of two rounds.


    ?I will y on one condition. I want to watch a couple of games before I join in.?


    Babil shrugged:


    ?Whatever.?


    About 20 people watched them approach the big table. Fifteen of them were wardens. Some looked at Kyon with contempt, others with anticipation, a pity shed in someone¡¯s eyes. But mostly, they were mocking him.


    Babil opened his arms and said solemnly:


    ?Everyone, this is Kyon. Today he will give us¡­ I mean, he will y with us!?


    Among the yers, there were the two brothers who meant to give Kyon a thrashing. They didn¡¯t shake his hand and snorted instead of a greeting.


    Everyone took their seats and began to discuss the stakes. After the general vote, they agreed on 1200 rupees.


    Kyon whistled to himself: if he won and took 50% of the total stake, he would get 6000 rupees. Good money¡­ At least, it was definitely more than he had on his ount at the moment.


    When the first game was over, Babil was the third to leave. One of his buddies was the second. The winner grabbed the whole pile from the center and counted the money. Then he gave the share to the second and third. It was the rule.


    The hubbub at the yers¡¯ table was even more deafening than usual. Every now and then, there were joyful or indignant shouts. Many of the yers drank tea or beer, cracked jokes, exchanged tall stories that caused interchangeable bursts ofughter and grumpy demands to focus on the game.


    When the second game was over, the stakes were at 1000 rupees.


    This time, Babil lost and looked inquiringly at Kyon, but he shook his head. He took a pass on the game again.


    The third game was over. The stakes were at 1300 rupees. Babil lost again, one of his buddies left the second.


    When it was the end of the fourth game as well as the warden¡¯s patience, Kyon sat down at the table and dered, gently cing two banknotes of 500 rupees on the table:


    ?I bet 1000 rupees.?


    Several people looked at each other and nodded in a hardly noticeable way.


    Babel rejoiced:


    ?Let¡¯s respect the beginner and leave it at this stake!?


    The rest of the yers supported him.


    Kyon had no trouble identifying Babil¡¯s aplices: they gave loads of different nonverbal cues, such as nodding, blinking, simple moves, and so on. Like no one was watching them, yeah. It was easy to detect seasoned grifters and cheats. In fact, almost everyone at the table yed in groups. If Kyon was an average boy, he would probably lose hisst penny and got into debt. Especially given the fact that he couldn¡¯t leave the game until it was over. And it means two rounds in a row.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    The first round began. Kyon was sure that the wardens were not going to screw him out of his money at once. First, they would beckon him with cheese, then they would shut down the trap. At the end of the first round, Kyon was the second to leave, which earned him 2600 rupees. Now he had 5800 rupees.


    The scoundrels were going to achieve more than ripping him off. They aimed to force him to go into debt. Kyon instantly knew it but didn¡¯t show it. He pretended to be happy-go-lucky. They all sneered around him.


    The stakes in the second round were raised to 1200. Kyon was the 6th to leave, so he lost his bet. Now he had 4600 rupees left.


    After the second round, Kyon pretended that he was done ying and wanted to leave, but they stopped him just in time:


    ?Come on, do another game. You¡¯re on a winning streak!? ¨C Babil eximed ¡°enthusiastically¡± and took a seat closer to Kyon to attack him at the next round.


    That¡¯s what Kyon had been expecting. He ¡°reluctantly¡± allowed to talk him into it.


    Now the real game began. As Kyon had foreseen, Babil escted the situation, offering to increase the stakes up to 3000 rupees. To the warden¡¯s astonishment, Kyon agreed too quickly. The other yers nodded in agreement, too. Babil was rubbing his hands in anticipation: they had found the loser they needed. The second round would take ce, by all means! Those were the rules.


    It wasmon practice for the wardens, a way to earn extra money and send a message to the unwanted neers at the same time. Kyon was not a neer, but he had already pissed off the two wardens, brothers Tweedledum and Tweedledee. The fate of the boy was sealed. Nobody used to pay him attention. Kyon looked like a plucked chicken that could be finished off with a stick. He would have died before paying off a part of his debt. Now, after his time in the hospital, he got stronger. Besides, he suddenly had money on him, and the wardens had graciously agreed to make his burden lighter. When someone won during the sham game, the stake returned to all but the new yer, which means Kyon would be the only loser.


    The crowd of onlookers had already gathered around them. A pile of money in the center of the table attracted everyone¡¯s attention. Only Borya was missing. He knew too well what was going to happen and didn¡¯t want to watch his young friend lose.


    Byron had taken a seat at the distant table, watching Kyon quietly.


    Kyon looked tense. He was being attacked by three yers at once. Soon, he was holding a pretty fan of cards. He was grinning to himself, though. He could win even with this pile of cards, at least, not be thest to leave the game. However, his goal was aplete defeat. The loser shuffled the deck, and that was all he wanted. At the end of the round, he had half of the deck and owed 6000 rupees, which means he was running a deficit of 1400.


    Babil said with a nasty giggle:


    ?Boy oh boy! You are in debt now! No worries if you have nothing to bet. You can pay off the debt bit by bit. But beware, I strongly rmend you do it on time. Otherwise, who can guarantee you will stay with us safe and sound??


    The wardens high-fived each other andughed.


    Babil continued:


    ?There¡¯s one more round ahead. Take it easy! We are not quite done!?


    Kyon did not respond to his provocation. He just turned pale.


    The onlookers were outraged. They had watched scenes like this, but it was crossing a line to gloat at destroying someone¡¯s life. Many shook their heads withpassion, but there was nothing they could do. They were only ves of the 3rd rank. One word out of ce and they were in big trouble.


    At the beginning of the fourth game, as promised, Byron came closer to the table at which Kyon was ying. A huge crowd had already gathered around them.


    The stakes in the second round were the highest: 10,000 rupees. The eleven wardens at the table announced it, and Kyon¡¯s voice didn¡¯t matter. He couldn¡¯t leave the game before the second round was over. He might have if he had refused to y in the beginning of the first round. It was toote now.


    The people in the crowd shook their heads sadly. They had seen it all before. Indignant whispers ran through the crowd: ?What did he do to them?? ¡­ ?Why would anyone do this to a young boy¡­?


    Bald Borya could not stand the suspense and showed up.


    There was a pile of carelessly scattered cards from the previous game on the table. Pretending to be loosey-goosey, Kyon grabbed all the cards to himself. He turned them face up and memorized the position and value of each of them. The men roared withughter at his awkward attempts to collect the cardboard pieces back in the deck.


    ?Idiot! Turn them over, face down.? ¨C Someone shouted. The rest did not pay attention to the incident.


    The naive wardens had no idea what magic his quick hands could do. Kyon began to shuffle the deck casually, arranging the cards in a particr order.


    It doesn¡¯t take to be a professional to arrange 36 cards in the ascending order. As for 196 cards¡­ And in a specific order¡­ It???s more challenging. But Kyon did a pretty good job.


    When it was time to cut the deck, he did a knuckle cut, and the cards took the required positions. He gave six cards to each yer.


    Byron came closer to Kyon. Babil, who was sitting next to Kyon, tensed up.


    The second round began.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t surprised to see his cards: he had carefully stacked them a minute ago.


    The previous winner was the first to attack.


    The game ran its course. Some yers beat off the attack, the others added cards to the table. Kyon had already learned the way each of them yed. Things were following the pattern, just like the previous time.


    Atst, Kyon was under attack.


    Babil attacked with one card, then he added another one¡­ 3¡­ 4. Two yers on his right added the 5th and 6th cards. The 6th card was a trump, but Kyon beat off all of them. Things couldn¡¯t be more perfect. Some of the yers shared a look. Babil spat angrily:


    ?He just got lucky.?


    Byron was watching the game with a smile. The people in the crowd, especially Borya, cheered for Kyon.


    Kyon drew six cards from the deck, the other yers also took the necessary number of cards. No one had any reason to suspect that the sequence of cards in the entire deck was known, the disposition and the habits of the yers were taken into ount, and the oue of the game had long been predicted. The whole game was an open book.


    Kyon put on the table six attacking cards, without giving anyone a chance to add anything. The yer next to him failed to beat his cards and had to take all of them. Kyon picked up the new set of cards, thest in this round. If he managed to beat them all, he would win. All his cards were trumps.


    Things started moving. The tension in the room was high.


    The smartass sitting next to Kyon §ãracked under pressure and decided to cheat. When he was dealing the cards, deftly holding them fan-style, he nced at the top ten cards but failed to find any trumps. All of them werefortably settled in Kyon¡¯s hands. The man lost his nerve.


    The wardens were giving signs to each other, but Kyon didn¡¯t care anymore.


    The yer next to Babil didn¡¯t beat off the attack to prevent Kyon from adding anything. Then they began attacking Kyon again.


    Babil bombarded the boy with admirable determination, but he beat off all the cards. Two yers in front of him added trump cards but¡­ When they found out that Kyon had five trumps, Babil broke out in a cold sweat, the wardens at his sides tensed up, and Byron smiled widely. The audience cheered.


    There were only a couple of cards left in the deck. If Kyon beat them all, he would be the first to leave the game.


    Suddenly, somebody on the side quietly slipped a card into Babil¡¯s hands. He immediately threw it on the table with a winning grin:


    ?Hehe, luck is so changeable¡­ I guess it wasn¡¯t meant to be!?


    It was the ace of trumps.


    Kyon rxed. He said with a smile, leaning against his chair:


    ?I guess, you¡¯re right. It wasn¡¯t meant to be!? ¨C He defiantly waved the same card.


    There was a moment of deathly silence. Somewhere in the distance, a cricket of awkwardness chirped quietly.


    Babil jumped up from his seat, nearly overturning the table and roared:


    ?You have cheated! There can¡¯t be two trump aces in the deck!?


    The card shark¡¯s aplices ttered approvingly: ?He¡¯s right!? ¡­ ?I saw you cheat!? ¡­ ?You thought you could trick us, you scum??


    ?This ising from someone who has been given a 7th card?? ¨C Kyon said calmly.


    Babil cut him short angrily:


    ?I have only six cards! Are you blind??


    Kyon ignored the angry protests around him. He deftly picked up the scattered banknotes and began to count them methodically. Then he mentioned casually:


    ?Then what¡¯s up your sleeve??


    His impertinence drove the wardens nuts. Two guards and three other men, including the brothers, approached Kyon menacingly:


    ?Son of a bitch! Put the money back quickly!? ¡­ ?Drop dead, asshole!?


    Byron had timely caught a hand raised to strike Kyon and roared imperiously:


    ?EVERYONE, STAY PUT! Let Babil show us his sleeves.?


    The wardens froze. No one dared to confront the tough guy. The guards did not know what to do, either. Byron could kick them off like blind kittens.


    Everyone in the crowd held their breath.


    In five seconds, Kyon counted the necessary amount, including the debt, threw the money on the table and snorted with contempt:


    ?Deal with your problems yourselves!?


    ?You little scum! Put all the money back!? ¨C Babil screamed and stretched his hands, wishing to tear off Kyon¡¯s soul and money as well.


    Byron¡¯s low roar stopped him:


    ?Roll up your sleeves, or I¡¯ll break your arms.?


    Babil slowly turned to the guards and gave them a sign to attack, but they turned away, pretending not to notice him. Byron would break their necks before they knew it. Babil turned to his fellow wardens demanding to back him up, but the situation repeated itself. If Babil hadn¡¯t cheated or if he had been a real leader, they might have tried to suppress Byron with the whole crowd.


    Deep inside, Kyon wasughing like crazy.


    The audience was shocked by what was happening. Borya was the first toe to his senses:


    ?Yeah. Show us your sleeves! We all want to see what¡¯s up there! You have cheated!? ¨C The crowd murmured in consent.


    The chubby warden regretted ten times that he hadn¡¯t taken Byron into ount. Why in the hell did hee? The timing couldn¡¯t be more wrong! Reluctantly, he rolled up his sleeves. The card treacherously dropped out his right sleeve.


    Byron growled:


    ?That¡¯s what I thought¡­ If you do anything to the boy in the future, I swear I will beat you so that you won¡¯te out alive.?


    The greater part of the audience dropped their jaws. A fellow ve of the 3rd rank had deceived the whole bunch of wardens! Was it even possible?! It went against the grain!


    ?Cheater!?¡­ ?Ugh? ¡­?Shame!? ¨C A whole uproar was aimed at the plump cheater. Only his aplices kept silent. Some of them got up quietly and went to their bedrooms in silent disappointment. The others held a grudge against Kyon, who had already galloped away with a satisfied look and a nice sum of money earned by blood and sweat (albeit not always their own). s, they could not go against Byron and the angry crowd. They had to let him go.


    Babil counted the money that Kyon had thrown on the table and spat with annoyance. There was no mistake. The other winners had everything to thest banknote.


    Kyon counted his riches from a considerable distance, quietly chuckling to himself. {53,600 rupees. Minus Byron¡¯s debt, it makes 43,600. Not bad¡­ 15 months of hard work in one night.}


    Borya came up to Kyon, pped him on the shoulder and congratted him with all his heart:


    ?You are so cool! You¡¯ve kicked the crap out of them! I don¡¯t know how you did it but now I¡¯m your biggest fan! Keep in mind, the fatso will be seeking revenge. He might talk your new warden into it!?


    ?I¡¯ll be careful.?


    Kyon talked with Borya for a while and then went to look for Byron. He found him talking with Osip.


    ?Here you are. Thanks for helping me out!? ¨C Kyon held out a wad of cash.


    Byron took the banknotes with a happy, smiling face:


    ?You surprised me! I don¡¯t know how you did it, but the truth was on your side! You¡¯d better watch out now. I believe they will take my threats seriously, but I told Osip to cover you just to be on the safe side¡­?


    ?Great.? ¨C Kyon nodded gratefully to Osip.


    They chatted a bit more, discussing the long faces of the cheats, and then Kyon went to his bedroom. He could hear the hungry wolves¡¯ jaws ng all around him. The news that he had be rich had quickly spread around themon hall. However, no one dared to hurt him because Byron¡¯s patronage did matter.


    Beside greedy and envious enemies, Kyon also got himself some admirers. Borya was the president of the fan club. The rest of the night, pilgrims kept visiting him. Some of them came with greetings, the others with warnings. The wardens wouldn¡¯t let him be. He should be careful.


    Kyon was genuinely touched by their concern.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    It waste at night.


    Kyon was lying in bed, awake. His task was not easy: to find out what the ¡°keys¡± were and what he should do with them. It was time to sort the things out.


    He activated Synergy in his body and sent it to the first key located in the kidney stroma.


    The key was a perfect sphere 1 cm in diameter, made of unknown solid material. No liquid, no light, no gas could prate it¡­ Synergy seeded in getting inside, though not without some effort.


    Kyon found out that the ¡°key¡± sphere was not limited to its size. Inside, there was a kind of a long tunnel of unknown length. It was like he had found a little gate to another dimension.


    Synergy filled the unknown ¡°tunnel¡± bit by bit. The ghostly walls were corroded, covered with stains and some obscureyers as if it was a blood vessel mutted under the impact of atherosclerosis. Here and there were masses of viscous sludge¡­ The passage narrowed and expanded, doing asional whimsical twists. Synergy flowed around the obstacles like a flexible snake stubbornly working its way.


    In some ces, it was difficult to get through for no apparent reason as if the energy was going against the current of a raging river. Sometimes, the invisible pressure prevented it from moving further. Other times, the walls of the tunnel covered with micropores absorbed Synergy just like a hole in the spacecraft sucks everything into non-existence.


    Synergy was prating deeper and deeper. For some reason, Kyon couldn¡¯t urately estimate the distance it traveled. It might have covered an inch or a whole yard.


    Eventually, Synergy had ovee thest obstacle¡­


    ?Ahhh!? ¨C Kyon let out a quiet moan of pleasure. He had never expected such emotional turmoil. The feeling was indescribable as if he had touched his very core. It was a moment of insight, revtion. He felt enlighted after discovering the essence of existence. It was as if he had been thirsty for days and finally reached the spring water. The substance Synergy had touched was beyond the sinful world. Inside, the soul turned out to be an alive, self-sufficient aerial world. Moderate winds slowly rotated in a circle, concentrating around the keys in the spiritual body.


    Kyon allowed himself to savor the thrill of the uncanny feeling.


    {This¡­ Is it the soul?}


    The soul resonated with Synergy as if it were its natural habitat. Synergy felt vibrations that didn¡¯t exist in the physical world. They came from space beyond the soul. Wild winds collided with the shell of the spirit and turned into cold gusts like those in the eternal snows at the top of Mount Everest. The process was simr to the protection of the by the atmosphere from cosmic radiation.


    Kyon tried to determine the size and shape of the soul and found out that it coincided with the outline of his body to the point of the facial features and even clothing. He felt the ce where the 10th element was supposed to be, near his head, and stumbled upon an invisible hard barrier in the shape of the brain. He could not move further, not even a little.


    {Who knows, maybe my achievements in the field of Synergy from the past are sealed in this hard substrate?}


    Kyon tried to change the perspective and prate it from the body. He repeated the process of entering the key but failed. He had to leave it for the time being.


    Kyon began to check the other keys. The situation was the same. The passage was strewn with obstacles, corrosion, blockages. Different keys had different obstacles in their ¡°tunnels.¡± Synergy either rushed to his soul in the unstoppable flow or pushed its way through all the barriers drop by drop. All the channels leading to the spirit were tied in a knot. It wasn¡¯t hard to untie them, but there was one thing that bothered him:


    {It¡¯s weird. All this is unlikely to have formed by itself. I am sure a considerable amount of time and effort has gone into creating it all!} ¨C Kyon remembered Martin mentioning that his keys had been acting up.


    Thanks to Synergy that had prated through any cracks, Kyon was able to feel his soul. But the elemental energy in this world wasn¡¯t that nippy, which means he had to work hard, cleaning the channels and unraveling the mysterious knots to allow the energy to flow freely from his soul to his body. Now he knew what the concept of ¡°unlocked keys¡± meant.


    Kyon decided not to ask Byron anything. He would figure it out.


    He developed a n of action that he was going to implement with the help of Synergy.


    Kyon got down to cleaning the first key. At first, he didn¡¯t know where to put all the sludge, toxins, and waste of unknown matter. Unable to find the right solution, he decided to scrape them off the walls and leave them in the tunnel. However, the problem suddenly solved by itself: as soon as Synergy touched the scum, it vanished into thin air. But that¡¯s not all: {The time in the channels is distorted¡­ It is difficult to understand how it runs. The process that should take half a day gets done in a minute while the use of Synergy is minimal. It??s pure cheating.} Apparently, the whole process would take less time than he had expected.


    When Kyon untied the knot in the first key, he felt a burst of energy. After clearing the debris, it felt easier to breathe. His body seemed to grow younger when he got rid of the blockages. He fixed all the microfractures, evened out the width of the tunnel, and found peace, stability, and bnce. Atst, the feeling of pressure and passing through the water¡­ It disappeared as soon as he got rid of the rest of the defects. The scales fell from his eyes, the world bloomed with new colors, fresh, bright, different. {And it¡¯s just the first channel I¡¯ve unlocked¡­}


    When the cleaning was finally over, Kyon removed the ¡°plug¡± that he had put there just like any conscientious plumber did when repairing the faucet and¡­


    The unstoppable stream flooded in. The purest fiery energy burst out of the key and spread throughout his entire body. His body had received a new lease on life.


    Half a minuteter, everything returned to its former state, but a slight fever and other sensations remained.


    {It¡¯s unlocked!} ¨C Kyon was pleased. The whole process took no more than an hour. One out of nine channels that had been closed before were now functioning.


    As he found outter, each channel had its own individual and unique structure that had nothing to do with the organic matter. It was pure energy with a dense structure.


    ¡­


    About the elements and their purity. (Kyon was going to learn about it in the books tomorrow)


    There are nine elements in this world. Sometimes there can be different variations, but their essence is the same. The type of the element determines its level ofplexity.


    1) The element of the force/spirit/soul energy/pure energy/pure power or just ¡°energy.¡± The key is located in the navel. Level ofplexity 1. It¡¯s the fundamental element.


    2) The element of the water. The key is located in the dder. Level ofplexity 2.


    3) The element of the wind. The key is located in the lungs. Level ofplexity 2.


    4) The element of the earth. The key is located in the stomach. Level ofplexity 3.


    5) The element of the heat. The key is located in the right kidney. Level ofplexity 3.


    6) The element of the cold. The key is located in the left kidney. Level ofplexity 3.


    7) The element of the ether. The key is located in the liver. Level ofplexity 4.


    8) The element of the light. The key is located in the heart. Level ofplexity 5.


    9) The element of the darkness. The key is located in the intestine. Level ofplexity 5.


    Mixing up the energies of different elements, you can get unique features. For instance, the darkness and the lightbined create a spatial element. Thebination of the water and the cold create ice. The symbiosis of the fire and the air gives incredible destructive power. It is possible to mix any items in any order andbination. It all depends on talent and skills. The higher the totalplexity of the mixed elements, the more difficult it gets to control them. It requires lots of experience and power, and a better understanding of the elements.


    For example, spatial specialists who can mix up the light and the darkness are highly appreciated as these elements are challenging to master. Flitz, who left the mine, was one of them. Thete Martin used to be as well.


    The channel is a tube that runs between the physical and spiritual worlds. Between the realms. It is a conductor of energy. On the way outside, it transforms the soul into the element to which the channel belongs.


    ¡­


    The purity of each element differs. Some channels are more clogged, others are less. It¡¯s possible to clean the keys, but it¡¯s incredibly hard. Even the wealthiest dwellers of this world could increase the purity of the element by one-tenth at best. People like Kyon and Byron, who were born with badly clogged channels, couldn¡¯t even dream of unlocking the key easily. There is also a rule of thumb: the moreplex the element, the more impure it is before getting unlocked. For instance, the element of pure energy maintains the highest level of purity, while the elements of the darkness and the light stay respectively at the lowest.


    Purity depends on heredity and the techniques that help connect with the spirit, i.e, unlocking all the nine keys. The process usually takes up to 10 years. Apparently, not everyone knows about this ¡°technique.¡± Otherwise, almost the entire poption could sooner orter open the keys. The remaining individuals, people like Byron, would have to ept their mediocrity.


    For example, three-quarters of people in the mine haven¡¯t unlocked their keys, and those who have live in the 7th sector.


    The purity of the key is considered an incredible talent. It¡¯s rare to have the key of the light or the darkness pure at 35%, the ether at 45%, the cold or the heat at 60%, the earth, the wind or the water at 75%, and the energy at 90%.


    The fire benders, people with innate talent whose element of the heat ispletely pure, are an outrageously rare phenomenon. The energy benders are those who have unlocked the key of physical power.


    Unfortunately, Kyon was still unaware of all this. He was going to buy the necessary books only tomorrow, on the market day. In the meantime, he had no idea that he had be the bender of all the elements in just one night, something other mortals wouldn¡¯t even dream of.


    ¡­


    When Kyon activated the first key, he felt the heat. The second key radiated cold. The third key unlocked with a light breeze that ruffled his hair. The fourth one seemed to unite his soul and body in a single whole. It was easy to guess which key and which organ were responsible for each specific element. The elements of the darkness and the light showed themselves in the most unusual way, performing a spectacr light show. The key of the light seemed to radiate life while the contrary element breathed death.


    Meanwhile, a woman was sitting on the highest mountain sat. She was shining with ethereal light. Although her face was beautiful, she looked sick and tired with this ce, people, and life.


    Suddenly, a sparkle shed in her soul. Her eyelids opened wide, showing the world her eyes shining like the morning dawn: {Hmm¡­ After all this time, the first in line for human lineage has shown up.}


    The spark shed once again, even brighter than before. Something deep inside told her that there was a second person in the world worthy of her bloodline.


    Her eyes darted down through the clouds and the trees. {Can it be that¡­}


    Kyon kept unlocking the keys randomly without even thinking about the sequence. With each next channel, he needed less time to activate his soul.


    When the cleaning wasplete, Kyon was full of energy. The easiest key, the physical one, started working immediately. But it wasn¡¯t all. Kyon felt his Synergy changing, as well. {Yes! I knew it!}


    The 10th element of mind had upgraded from the beginning to the intermediate level of Newbie degree (1). The possibilities to use Synergy had increased many times! He had enough power to release it from his body.


    Kyon knew that his innate Synergy would upgrade along with his cultivation in this world.


    Overwhelmed by almost childlike enthusiasm, Kyon did not notice that someone had long been watching him closely. A figure in the ck cloak was hiding in the dark corner, waiting patiently for him to finish the process.


    After his joy subsided, he suddenly felt someone trying to prate his brain. At the same time, a blue bolt of lightning shed from his head. Kyon turned in its direction, but there wasn¡¯t anything.


    Somebody in ck wanted to scan his thoughts, but they didn¡¯t expect that his mind was Synergy-guarded. Curious¡­ very curious¡­


    It was also weird that the lightning did not make any sound: no characteristic crackle, no explosion in contact with the floor. It was like it had a mind of its own and used its energy solely to hit the target.


    {What could it be? Am I seeing things?}

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    The lightning disappeared with the bell echoing through the whole cave. A new morning, a new working day. The ves got up from their beds, continuously yawning, and went to get washed. Some of them were surprised to see Kyon standing still with his hair standing on end, but they were half-awake and not interested in the strange boy, so they just passed him by.


    As soon as Kyon came to his senses, everything changed: all the sounds had disappeared, he couldn¡¯t hear his heartbeat, the only thing he always hear inplete silence. People froze as if someone had pressed the pause button. Their consciousness was in the state of oblivion.


    Kyon struggled to move as if his body was caught in an invisible vise. His mind was in a state of total confusion. He was shocked, bewildered, and couldn¡¯t think straight. With effort, he looked back and saw a dark figure. She was wearing a floor-length ck cape. Magic smoke was floating in front of her face like a veil, but the cape failed to hide her graceful hourss figure. It was obviously a woman in front of Kyon.


    ?Ahem¡­ Madame, would you ease on the pressure a bit, please?? ¨C Kyon asked in the most polite tone.


    The mysteriousdy must have misunderstood him. The pressure increased tenfold, sending Kyon to the floor. He could taste blood in his mouth. Apparently, the recent lightning wasn¡¯t his imagination. It was to protect his mind from the invasion of the uninvited guest. {So, she wanted to read my mind, and when it didn¡¯t work, she decided to affect my physical body. How nice!}


    Kyon decided not to anger the powerful stranger. Still lying on the floor, he murmured intively to break the ice:


    ?Are you after my money??


    Thedy had long identified a bundle of banknotes in his pocket, but his question caught her by surprise. She raised her eyebrows and said with a growing irritation:


    ?I need information, and the currency is your life.? ¨C The ether element altered her voice, but it still was pleasant to hear.


    ?You see, my life belongs to the Stones family. Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact them.? ¨C Kyon chuckled.


    Thedy snapped her fingers nervously and touched his forehead with her ivory hand, dissolving Martin¡¯s still smoldering formation. However, the mark with the name ¡°Kyon¡± stayed. The typical tingling announced that she had applied her own formation.


    ?I am yourdy now, and my first order is to tell me how you came to this world.? ¨C She waved her hand, releasing Kyon from the pressure. Her stern demanding eyes bore into him


    {Does she know that it¡¯s not my body?} ¨C Kyon slowly got up. He could tell that her formation was of subjugating type. It didn¡¯t feel so good to know that some bimbo in a cape was trying to mess with his brain.


    The next moment Kyon experienced all the difort of the controlling formation: the idea of telling his dy¡± everything had filled his mind. He couldn¡¯t stand the strain. The mere thought that he would tell her everything right here and now, filled his body with ecstasy as if he was making love with the belle of the ball. It was like he was a drug addict who hadn¡¯t been using for a long time and finally got the chance to get what he wanted. Her formation must be affecting his hormones. It was pretty efficient, but the trick didn¡¯t work on Kyon. He had self-enforced a taboo on any undeserved brain stimtion (not without the help of his teachers), and he wasn¡¯t going to cross that line to please the dame.


    Time went on. Thedy was looking expectantly at Kyon, who stood silent, his head down, looking at the floor. However, his shaking shoulders revealed his uncontroble fit ofughter.


    Showing enough strength of his will, Kyon tossed his hair back and scoffed:


    ?No, ma¡¯am, it won¡¯t do. If you want to know the truth, be my teacher!? ¨C Why not take advantage of the situation?


    However, the stranger only shook her head:


    ?You¡¯re ying with death kiddo. You¡¯d better answer my question while I¡¯m still nice.? ¨C The tone of her voice was so powerful that anyone else would immediately obey her. As for Kyon, he found her intonation rather annoying. The meaning of her words didn¡¯t bring him any joy, either. Kiddo? No one had ever called him like that!


    Kyon snorted:


    ?Well, it¡¯s been amusing. However, I¡¯m not used to giving something without getting anything in return. How about apromise? I¡¯ll tell you everything I know, and you will get me out of the mine.?


    Before he could finish the sentence, everything around him disappeared. Instead of the stone room, Kyon found himself in the middle of the boundless sea. He was standing on the water that was surprisingly smooth under his feet as if covered with a thin film, which kept him from plunging into the deep blue sea.


    Kyon raised his eyebrows questioningly: {She could easily let me go! Why is she so stubborn!}


    Thedy in ck was looking into space behind Kyon. Finally, she said:


    ?I always get what I want without giving anything in return. Let me remind you, the currency is your life.?


    Following her gaze, Kyon turned around and froze: a huge wave, a few kilometers high, was rushing at them with insane speed!


    {Oh gods! Is it an illusion!? It can¡¯t be true, can it?}


    For a brief moment, fear shed through Kyon¡¯s eyes. He hastily hid the inappropriate emotion: it wasn¡¯t in his nature to show weakness. The homegrown goddess would see how to manipte him at once.


    s, thedy seemed to see through him. She smiled at his awkward attempt to hide the fear, but her grin was shrouded in the dark haze.


    When Kyon mastered his emotions, he said impassively:


    ?Why go to all of this trouble? You could have taken me out, and I would have already told you everything¡­? ¨C It can¡¯t be anything but an illusion, such waves don¡¯t really exist, after all! The drops, the salty breeze¡­ It was all nothing but an illusion, some optical illusion.


    She replied in a cold, distant voice:


    ?You still have some time.? ¨C She enjoyed watching his reaction. However, she could drown him with the same pleasure.


    Kyon smiled and continued, trying to keep it together:


    ?Don¡¯t waste your time on such bluff¡­ Could we talk over a cup of tea, instead?? ¨C It never hurts to have an omnipotent (or rather almost omnipotent) friend. Except, his attempts to establish good rtions had been one-sided so far.


    As there was no response, Kyon sighed and turned back to the horizon. The wind hit his face, tousled his hair, the salt spray in his face made him squint. He was frightened and, at the same time, fascinated by nature¡¯s fury. {What an incredible sight.}


    Anyone, who saw the impending wave, would shake with fear, but Kyon showed no signs of weakness right until the film under his feet suddenly disappeared, and he plunged into the cold ocean. He came up for air, spitting angrily, but thedy in the ck cape was gone.


    {Holy crap.} ¨C The icy water and the increasing wind made him doubt his conclusions regarding the illusory nature of what was happening. {Is it worth the risk? She wouldn¡¯t lift a finger to help me¡­ But¡­ Why not go out on a limb? Isn¡¯t that where the fruit is?}


    The stranger had taken him to the real ocean, where real waves-murderers happened once in 15 minutes. One of them was moving right at Kyon, with its terrifying mouth open, the crest of the wave with its white fangs on stand-by. Its speed was just below the speed of sound. 5 seconds¡­ 4¡­ 3¡­ 2¡­


    Kyon trusted the voice of his intuition and reason and took a desperate decision to risk his life. His mind told him that he had something to trade, and his intuition whispered that thedy only wanted to intimidate him. If he impressed her, his life might radically change for the better, but if he bent a little once, she would push him around as she pleased.


    The wave was looming over Kyon¡¯s head. A crazy idea shed across his mind, {What if I have gone wrong¡­} when the waters magically opened up into two walls and flew on his sides with incredible speed. The sshes hurt his face, proving that it was no illusion.


    Before Kyon could catch his breath, he felt a gentle embrace from his back, and everything had disappeared. The next moment, bright light made Kyon close his eyes already ustomed to the dark, stormy ocean. The clear blue sky stretched over his head. His legs were bouncing on a strange substance resembling a cloud. Bone-chilling cold cut through his wet clothes.


    {I¡¯ve taken an un-unnecessary risk¡­} ¨C Even in his mind, his teeth were chattering from cold. His wet clothes, instantly covered with hoarfrost, clung unpleasantly to his body. Only one thing made him happy: he had won this small battle and kept his honor unstained. He didn¡¯t bow down.


    Thedy was impressed by the reckless boy. She had met enough crazy people in her lifetime, but no one like him¡­ His calcted move proved he was well aware of her needs to get certain information. If he had shown the weakness once, she would always take advantage of him¡­ However, he was much too cheeky for her liking. It was time to change the strategy.


    ?Alright, I will give you freedom, but first, you have to answer my question.?


    Kyon said nothing, waiting for his teeth to stop ttering (he didn¡¯t want to bite off his tongue like this!), and considering opportunities at the same time. Finally, he said:


    ?I want freedom as well as a brilliant, godlike master like you.?


    The clouds turned some shades darker. His insolence was beyond all limits! Thedy closed her eyes, trying hard not to turn him to dust. When she spoke, there was an edge in her voice that made it was impossible not to take her seriously:


    ?I will turn you into a heap of ashes unless you give me a truthful answer after which you may get your freedom.?


    Kyon awkwardly cleared his throat. Her threat was almost palpable, it made him feel sick to his stomach. At least, he tried¡­ ?Well, then¡­ Can I believe anything you say? What if you will kill me as soon as I am free??


    ?My word is worth more than kingdoms and empires. Rest assured I won¡¯t kill you.? ¨C The stranger answered calmly, although she was running out of patience.


    Kyon stared into the darkness that hid the goddess¡¯s face, trying to read her intentions. He had no choice, anyway. Whatever she offered him now, she could easily take awayter. He answered:


    ?The thing is¡­ A few days ago, I woke up with an awful headache¡­ Everything was in a blur¡­ So, I don¡¯t have any clear answer.?


    Thedy clenched her teeth in anger and balled her hand into a fist. She got what she wanted: the boy gave her an exhaustive answer, but the reality did not please her at all.


    At that very moment, an overwhelming pressure sent Kyon to his knees. He knocked his head against the cloud that turned out to be pretty hard for some reason. He had difficulty breathing and moving, his blood turned to jelly¡­ An all-consuming fear of imminent death filled his mind, but he blocked it with Synergy.


    The sky was filled with dense ck clouds, a momentter, it split open with a huge sh of lightning. The sun vanished as if it had never existed.


    Kyon could feel thedy¡¯s fury. It was annoying to be a scapegoat. He had answered her question, and she was about to kill him instead of granting him freedom.


    When the pressure eased a bit, and he could breathe in air without having his lungs torn, Kyon growled:


    ?I have answered your question! Now, keep your word if it¡¯s worth anything, damn it!?


    How could he know that she wasn¡¯t mad at him? He just happened to be there, plus she wanted to punish him for being too cheeky.


    ?Who do you think you are, kiddo? Do you really believe I would move a finger for you? I¡¯d sooner make you lose balls. I mean, literally lose them.? ¨C The stranger snorted and shook her hands. She had to calm down and concentrate. Her hope was illusory anyway. There was no need to get worked up because of unfulfilled expectations.


    ?You¡¯d make me lose balls?! That¡¯sing from the woman who bathed me in the arctic waters, froze me in the icy clouds, broke her promise, and now is going to finish me off?!? ¨C Ice sparkled in Kyon¡¯s eyes. It matched the white frost in his hair. He knew she would never let him have it his way, but he had no better choice.


    The stranger didn¡¯t know if she shouldugh or cry. The cheeky boy drove her nuts¡­ Everyone who had the nerve to talk to her like this usually quickly found their death. No man¡¯s hand had ever touched her. No one had ever dared to call her a woman. It was disrespectful enough to be turned into ashes.


    However, his abnormal behavior piqued her interest, drew her attention to his person, and saved his life. She had another personal reason, but it hardly yed any role in her decision-making.


    Thedy quietly approached Kyon and raised her ivory hand. She sent a powerful ck ray into his forehead where it disappeared at once.


    ?Don¡¯t be a disappointment, kiddo.?


    Herst words echoed in his head when he woke up in his bed. He was soaking wet and shivering with cold and anger.


    Kyon was seething with anger. She could have taken him anywhere outside the mine, but she stubbornly returned him to this rotten hole as if was mocking him. He mumbled something under his breath, angrily brushing off the drops from his hair.


    ?What the¡­ How!?? ¨C He heard a surprised hoarse voice nearby.


    A stunned unintentional witness to Kyon¡¯s little walk to nowhere was standing near his bed, his eyes wide open. The boy had disappeared in front of him and reappeared in three minutes!


    Kyon got out of bed where the cold water had left annoying puddles, and with a smile patted the man on the shoulder:


    ?What you don¡¯t know will never hurt you.? ¨C He went to the bathroom to wring the water out of his clothes that had entered into an unequal struggle against the ocean and heaven.


    Themon hall was bustling with excitement: Byron went up to the mini-stage to make an announcement. It was a day off, but almost everyone was in themon hall, waiting for the news and ¡°blessing¡± for the weekend washing to take a shower and wash their things.


    ?Attention, everyone! I remind you that next week the family envoy ising to hold an auction! The one who wins will be promoted to the estate for further service. The mobile market stall arrives in the afternoon. Now quickly do your fucking washing!? ¨C Byron¡¯s loud voice echoed off the stone walls.


    {So, there¡¯s another way to get out of the mine?} ¨C Kyon said to himself.


    Everyone in the cave was hollering and yelling, excited by the news of the auction:


    ?They say people working over there send their families ten times more money.?


    ?That¡¯s true. It¡¯s family number one, after all! And the conditions are way better¡­ I mean, the food is good¡­?


    A discussion of eating habits was interrupted by the dreamy, horny voices:


    ?And I heard there are girl-ves and totally gorgeous maids! Geez!?


    ?Maids? Haha, you¡¯re a low-flying bird! I heard the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter is a real beauty! It is worth to get there just to take a nce at her!?


    ?Boy, aren¡¯t you naive! Who will let you ogle her? You aren¡¯t going to have this pleasure even in a hundred years!?


    ?You are all idiots! Stop dreaming, start doing!?


    ?Go to hell!? ¨C Someone said with a sad sigh.


    ?Who, me? That¡¯s it!? ¨C The angry shout was followed by a punch and a cry of pain¡­ As a result, there were three victims of loud arguments and discussions.


    ?Silence! Everyone goes to their wardens!? ¨C Byron barked imperatively, making everyone fall silent at once.


    Kyon didn¡¯t take part in the general discussion. He was rubbing his chin, lost in thought. {The patriarch¡¯s granddaughter? A beautiful girl? It¡¯s the best way to gain power¡­ Why not?! It is family number one, after all. Seducing a young girl is easy as one, two, three! It¡¯s just easy pickings.}


    His masters had always tried to save the boy from two evils: his recklessness and a soft spot for everything beautiful, especially girls.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    All Kyon had to do was to find out what the mysterious auction was about. He was going to ask Byron all about it when the local warden called him:


    ?Come here quickly, boy. We are waiting for you!?


    A group of ves surrounded Osip in the far corner of the hall. It was an amusing coincidence that among them was the man who had seen Kyon¡¯s morning teleportation. When he saw Kyoning closer, he moved away, casting frightened nces at the weird boy.


    While they were washing, Kyon casually fished for information concerning the future ¡°event.¡± It turned out that the Stone family recruited three ves of the 3rd rank from each sector at the annual auction. It was an unusual auction where the vacancies were for sale. The ves who offered the highest price would go to serve in the mansion. Of course, it wasn¡¯t freedom, but the working conditions there were much better than those in the mine. Anyway, there were plenty of applicants: the sry in the mansion was higher, and they would send their families more money. Besides, it was easier than swinging a pickaxe. Three vacancies for each sector gave anyone a chance to try and win, especially those who didn¡¯t waste their money but saved it.


    Fortunately for Kyon, no ves of the 2nd and 1st ranks could participate in the ¡°promotion.¡± They were the backbone of the hierarchy in the sector. Besides, the quality of their life was much better.


    Also, Kyon had to face some unpleasant facts. The employment contract clearly stated that the ves could buy their freedom only if they had worked in the mine for three years. {Borya said that I had been here for a month. No money can buy my freedom. The only chance to get out of this hole is the auction¡­}


    Kyon was enjoying the warm shower, ignoring the curious nces, the most harmless of which belonged to the admirers and envious guys, those who sympathized with him, and those who wanted to take advantage of the nouveau riche. More rming were the nces of the wardens who couldn¡¯t admit their failure but did not dare to do anything in the presence of so many witnesses. There were a couple of dirty nces, ogling the slim, pretty boy.


    Fortunately for Kyon, the money at the mine was waterproof, albeit made of paper. He could safely take a shower, holding it close to his heart, not worrying about its safety.


    When everyone had a shower, they returned to themon hall. The cart with daily rations had been arranged on a makeshift stage, where Mob was serving food, casting a nce of contempt at the ves from his high vantage point. Anyway, they paid him back in the same coin.


    The wardens came to the cart in turns and took the food for the whole group when suddenly there was some confusion. Osip said something to Mob through his gritted teeth, but he just waved him off:


    ?Are you nuts? Back off! N-o spells no!?


    The warden spat on the ground and came up to Kyon with a guilty look:


    ?Mob got his hands on your food¡­ Is there something going on between you two???


    Kyon was silent for a while and then nodded hesitantly:


    ?Yes, there¡¯s some¡­ Anyway, I have enough money to feed myself. Thank you for your concern.?


    ?Stay strong, boy.? ¨C Osip gave Kyon such a heavy p on the shoulder that it made him sag and went to Byron.


    Kyon scratched his head thoughtfully: {That¡¯s odd. I thought Mob and I have patched things up¡­}


    Well, no one said it would be easy.


    Kyon bought some food from some half-starved scarecrow for 200 rupees. What was for dinner? A bottle of water, a mix between pasta and mashed potatoes, dried fruit¡­ Well, nothing too tempting.


    Kyon took a slice of bread and stuck half of it in his mouth. It was fresh a month ago¡­ Diligently chewing a very dried fruit, Kyon suddenly remembered Mike, his ex-roommate. Mob seemed to have seriously injured him. Kyon pushed the first door and saw Mike lying in bed, pale as death, staring blindly at the opposite wall.


    {Poor fellow¡­ He doesn¡¯t get any food, and he can¡¯t return to work.} ¨C Kyon rarely experienced emotional empathy, but now, for some reason, he felt sorry for this simple, innocent guy. He might die unless something was done.


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Kyon infused the rest of the food with Synergy and handed it to Mike. Then he left without saying a word. He heard a quiet ¡°thank you¡± in his back.


    The second degree Synergy could leave the body only when in contact with solids or liquids, never with gases.


    Mike chowed down on food. With each bite, he felt an unexinable surge of warmth and energy in his body. The pain was gone, his mind brightened up. {What¡¯s the hell¡­}


    Synergy contained in his food would automatically use the body¡¯s resources to heal the injuries. Kyon didn¡¯t regret being generous: the energy would restore within an hour. He tended to maintain it at 99%. The rest was continuously spent on his body needs.


    Kyon returned to his bedroom to do some stretching exercises. Twenty minutester, his body was thoroughly cleaned from all types of contamination. Energy consumption decreased by a third, food consumption slowed down, his immune system got much stronger.


    Next, Kyon assigned Synergy a new task of upgrading his nervous system. It had to improve the conductivity, strengthen synapses, restore neuronal and axonal connections. The process was simr to recing copper wires with silver ones. Upon sessfulpletion, the bundles of axons in the peripheral nervous system would conduct information to and from the central nervous system many times faster. It would also increase his resistance to stress and neurotoxins, create a more harmonious rtionship between every muscle group. Synergy would supercharge his senses of touch, smell, sight, hearing, taste, enhancing them beyond limits. Even his penis would be more sensitive to sexual pleasure. However, the whole process was going to take about 15 days.


    He heard a loud noise in themon hall. Three men in the uniform ¨C two merchants and a guard with a longsword in the scabbard ¨C had dragged a counter full of goods on the mini-stage and began to arrange merchandise in front of the impatient ves. There were drinks, groceries, dried meat and fish, canned food, medical potions, games, bed linen, clothing and shoes, books. They could get almost anything with enough money.


    The customers shifted from foot to foot at the stage. At longst, they could get letters from their rtives and spend money on all sorts of entertainment and goodies¡­


    One of the merchants started to cry out for customers. Those who were still in the bedrooms came into the hall and stood in line. Kyon was in no hurry. He finished his stretching exercises, checked his keys, adjusted the flow of Synergy. When the crowd around the stalls melted away, he put a bandage made from a piece of cloth on his forehead to hide the formation and started browsing through the goods.


    He passed the rows of clothes and food and stopped in front of a small bookshelf. Among the tabloids and fiction, he found the books he needed about the elements, spirit, and body.


    Kyon picked up a thick volume and opened it on the first page. Judging by the title, it was about spirit cultivation. Just then, the guard appeared in front of him:


    ?Hey, pay for the book and then leaf through it all you want!? ¨C He yelled at Kyon.


    ?I¡¯m just taking a look at the chapter titles to see if there¡¯s anything I need. I¡¯ll buy the book only if I find it useful.? ¨C Kyon replied calmly.


    ?Hmm¡­ Alright, but do it quick!? ¨C The guard said with a tsking sound and took a step from the bookshelf, keeping a watchful eye on the suspicious boy.


    Kyon didn¡¯t mind being watched at all. He could memorize a whole book just leafing through it. What the point in wasting money (which he didn¡¯t have that much) if he could get it for free? Kyon took one book after another, quickly flipped through and put it in its ce with a self-satisfied smile. He had ¡°recorded¡± all the avable literature, about 20 books, and started browsing through the other goods, getting a nk stare from the guard.


    ?What¡¯s the meaning if this? Are you going to buy anything or not? Do you have any money?? ¨C The guard put his hand on the hilt of the sword, trying to intimidate Kyon.


    Kyon chose not to argue about it. He took out a wad of money and shook it at the guard¡¯s nose:


    ?I will buy something else.?


    The guard quickly calmed down when he saw the brown banknotes and let Kyon be.


    One of the merchants, a plump middle-aged man, was responsible for correspondence, taking orders, and providing information.


    Kyon came up to him and asked quietly:


    ?Could I get some information about a guy named¡­?


    ?150 rupees.? ¨C The man interrupted him idly.


    Kyon held out three banknotes:


    ?¡­named Kyon.?


    The man took the money and opened his notebook with the database.


    ?There¡¯s no such name¡­ What¡¯s his family name?? ¨C He asked, squinting his eyes at Kyon¡¯s forehead, but his name was hidden under the bandage.


    {Just as I suspected¡­} ¨C He was missing from the global database for some reason.


    ?Well¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter¡­ I just wanted to find out the sector where my friend was sent to. It turns out he isn¡¯t here at all¡­?


    The man shrugged:


    ?Are you going to take anything??


    Under Babil¡¯s anxious nces (Was the little prick going to spend all the money he had so tantly stolen from them?), Kyon bought the goods for 7600 rupees. He took a backpack, a 1-week food supply, a change of clothes. He wanted to buy weapon, but it wasn¡¯t on the list. The shopkeeper counted the money, looking quite pleased. As for Kyon, he was happy to have 38,000 rupees left in his pocket.


    Babil and the other ¡°robbed¡± wardens breathed a sigh of relief. Most of their money was still on the boy, even if only for a short time: they were going to give him a good beating the next day and take away everything that belonged to them by right.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Kyon was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, his hands behind his head. {So, it turns out that my name is missing in the database. Something tells me it must be Martin¡¯s doing¡­ I wonder what will happen when someone finds out. I¡¯d better keep my mouth shut. I have enough food, and that¡¯s something. Now I understand why Mob didn¡¯t have any daily portion for me¡­ ording to the documents, I don¡¯t exist at all.}


    Kyon started analyzing the information he had memorized. (The information from chapter 19)


    Without getting into details, he learned about the local customs and traditions. The was called Life, the two moons were its satellites. Yin was dark and Yang was light. However, they were usually referred to as the light one and the dark one.


    Kyon had also read about the elements, the channel purity, how to connect with spirit and unlock the keys.


    {It¡¯s a rare thing to be a master of elements¡­ What would I do without Synergy? I would have never cleaned my keys by 100% on my own. It¡¯s impossible. Otherwise, only masters of elements would be parading about. I guess I can help others with key cleaning, though. On second thought, however¡­ They will tear me apart for souvenirs!} ¨C Kyon snickered to himself.


    The books told him how to get more powerful in this world. It all came down to soul cultivation, which could be done only in a strong body. ¡°Strong in spirit, strong in body,¡± that¡¯s the basic cultivation rule.


    There are only two ways to cultivate the body.


    First, with the help of enzymes, microscopic energy balls that reinforce the cells. They can be found in products of animal and vegetable origin.


    Feeding on enzymes rebuilds the body into a new, stronger and unique structure, improving all its characteristics, making the thorny path of soul cultivation easier.


    However, there¡¯s a downside: enzymes overload the body, in particr the kidneys, the liver, all the organs responsible for cleaning the blood. Enzymes are heavy stuff, they can be toxic inrge doses.


    It leads to another downside, which causes dizziness and headaches. In fact, enzymes are often defective and unsuitable for body renewal. They stay in the system for a long time with no use, slowing down the cultivation. That¡¯s why food with low content of defective enzymes is always of great value.


    Also, weak (sick or old) bodies don¡¯t absorb enzymes properly, making it harder for the soul to cultivate. The cultivation speed slows down, freezes, and even reverses.


    There is no need to get obsessed with enzymes at all. A strong soul can push the body forward, but it won¡¯t be much powerful in the end.


    There¡¯s a side effect to the intensive body cultivation with no soul evolution. The soul will eventually catch up with the body and get stronger by itself.


    Both sides pull each other like dogs on a short leash.


    Second, nurturing a unique body that has a variety of characteristics and features.


    There also exist innate unique bodies, like the one that Martin tried to find in Kyon.


    Unique bodies can be nurtured one at a time. First of all, it¡¯s required to take a unique body pill that serves as a springboard for its growth. There are different ways to raise the unique body rank, from special training to consuming specific things. The higher the rank, the more significant features the unique body gains.


    Summing up: Body cultivation can be done with the help of enzymes or by nurturing a unique body.


    Enzymes make the body stronger and faster. They help the mind be more efficient in making decisions, thinking, reflecting. The signals reach the muscles faster, making the organs work much more effectively.


    As the unique body grows, it gains a variety of abilities or features, from particrly strong skin/bones to resistance to some elements.


    The ways for the soul cultivation are the same.


    First, setting cycles of energy consumption and recovery. Doing it during focused training, not just randomly, significantly increases the cultivation speed.


    Second, consuming certain substances both of natural and synthetic origin. However, this method is useless without applying the first one.


    Cultivating the body cultivation with useful enzymes, nurturing a unique body, following specific rules and energy cycles, doing training and taking useful substances will sooner orter result in reaching the peak stage of base phase (1), followed by the transformation, the transition to the next phase, which is the main objective of anyone who wants to get stronger, in other words, be more influential and respectable.


    Kyon was impressed ¨C {This world is amazing. It¡¯s like ying a game, only it¡¯s real. Each next level opens infinite possibilities to get even stronger, there is no room forcency¡­ I¡¯ve discovered a world of endless opportunities. No virtual reality gamese anywhere close to this¡­ I¡¯m 100% sure the environment is not simted, noputer simtion could be this intense¡­ They say it¡¯s impossible to recreate the details down to the atoms, even in theory.}


    Kyon was right. In his world, it was impossible to create such a detailed simtion.


    He reviewed all the information and caught himself thinking that it would be easy to keep his body in good health and strength with the help of Synergy. {As soon as I reach the student¡¯s degree (2), old age will be nothing but empty words.}


    Unfortunately, Kyon didn¡¯t find any books on the elements and techniques. He would have to start from scratch.


    Having sorted out the knowledge in his head, Kyon decided to take a break from mental activity and have a bite. He needed something nutritious to keep him strong for the impending big fight.


    When his stomach was full, he started doing stretching exercises. He was making progress: another 30 hours of practice and his body would be in perfect shape. Synergy quickly healed all the microtraumas in overstretched muscles and tendons, so it didn¡¯t take him long to recover. This entertaining activity kept him busy all day. It was alreadyte evening.


    Kyon rubbed his tired neck: he seemed to have over-exercised, after all. Then he remembered his old acquaintance, Mike, who had had a rough time¡­ Kyon walked out of the bedroom, nodding thoughtfully to himself.


    Themon hall was empty. Everyone had already left and was now snoring in their beds. Kyon made his way to Mike¡¯s bedroom and heard his measured breathing. Mike was sleeping. Kyon touched his carotid artery, sending a stream of Synergy through the bloodstream:


    {Theplete bone restoration has already started. However, he is far from getting better. With his lifestyle, there¡¯s no way he will recover any time soon.} ¨C Kyon shook his head and poured half of his energy reserves into Mike¡¯s system. Synergy would activate and direct Mike¡¯s body resources to heal the injuries. Tomorrow he would be able to go to work. Kyon had never had a disposition to benevolence, but he decided to ignore the mystery of hispassion: he had no time for self-analysis. {It costs me nothing, anyway.}


    Kyon couldn¡¯t help yawning. It was far past his bedtime. ?I guess my work here is done¡­?


    Mike woke up when he felt a strange intrusion into his body and opened his eyes as soon as Kyon left: {Is he really¡­ healing me?}


    *dream*


    ¡­


    Earlier that day, Martha had checked all the medicines and consumables, just like she always did once a month. She checked off the list which medications were enough, and which she was running out of, took a closer look at the expiration dates and the package integrity, checked the condition of the surgical instruments, among which there was a blunt scalpel (wasn¡¯t it perfectly sharpst time?) that had to be sharpened. Martha counted the exact number of syringes, vials, bandages¡­ Everything must be ounted for. The doctor was meticulous and thorough in her little kingdom: everything was in the proper ce, reflecting her urate records.


    When Martha discovered one vial missing, she thought it must be some mistake. She double-checked, but the result was the same. It was weird. Who could have taken it? She always locked the office. The only one she allowed in her abode was Byron, but he had no reason to steal such a little thing, he could always ask her to give him anything. No one else had entered her officetely, except maybe¡­


    Her memory conjured up the episode when Bob¡¯s crazy dog suddenly began chasing Kyon around the hospital. In themotion, the boy rushed in the open door running away from the dog. However, he didn¡¯t have enough time to take the vial, let alone fill it with anything. That¡¯s pure nonsense.


    Her gaze involuntarily fell upon the drawing that Kyon had given her. {Little brat¡­} She had to admit that his piece of art and his attitude were rather embarrassing. It was crazy of him to hug her like that! He hadn¡¯t been feeling frisky since then, though. What was his problem? What had bitten him and made him get all handsy with her?


    Thoughts about Kyon led Martha down memoryne. Martin¡¯s death made a lot of noise. She recalled that terrifying scene again: the lifeless body on the floor, and the old servant sobbing over his master. Pink¡¯s mind couldn¡¯t handle it. He wouldn¡¯t stop crying, saying again and again that no one had ever died of a piece of bun and swearing to find the truth.


    Martha shook her head. There was something disturbing point about that. Kyon¡¯s bizarre behavior raised a few red gs: his bad feeling, his request to make a call during his conversation with Martin, a far fetched story about a mysterious curse¡­ His bruise¡­ Did he really think she would believe in this bullshit about the ¡°curse.¡± Was she a doctor or a worthless bag of bones? Could she possibly fail to recognize a fresh bruise that suspiciously resembled the shape of a hand¡­


    Led by her intuition, Martha went to the chiller cab with painkillers, tranquilizers, regenerative medicine¡­ Here it was, a ss bottle with sedative. Her sharp eyes instantly noticed that some of the liquid was missing, which means that the disappeared vial wasn¡¯t that empty.


    This thought sent a shiver up her spine. Had she contributed to Martin¡¯s death?! Could Kyon have secretly slipped into her office? He couldn¡¯t walk through walls, after all. Or maybe?¡­


    A nasty worm of doubt appeared in Martha¡¯s soul. Her thoughts kept running back to the things she found missing. The scalpel went ¡°suddenly¡± blunt as if someone was carving wood with it. Deep inside, the invincible worm of doubt was growing. Martha remembered a strange spot on her key that couldn¡¯t possibly be there. She had always been exceptionally neat and tidy. What if the ¡°spot¡± was a trace of modeling y? What were the chances that Kyon had stolen her key and made a copy for himself?


    All these doubts and suspicions gave Martha a headache. She must have read too many detective stories that gave her a load of nonsense. The blunt scalpel was just a blunt scalpel, the spot on the key could be anything, the vial identally broke, and the sedative evaporated. As for Kyon¡¯s strange behavior, he was no ordinary boy, after all. It could be exined by puberty, hormones¡­


    No matter how hard Martha tried to persuade herself, her conscience and logic demanded that she epted the facts. The gut feeling that Kyon had taken advantage of her kindness only made her feel more miserable. Anger, doubt, fear, guilt mixed up inside her, getting her emotions running high. Martha couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, she burst into tears, crying her eyes out.


    Mob was standing behind the door to the hospital, hesitant to knock. He wanted to take Martha for a walk along mountain paths, tell her jokes, make her a surprise¡­ But the n stalled at the outset: he had to open the damned door, and he couldn¡¯t bring himself to grab the handle. He took a deep breath¡­


    ?Who¡¯s there?? ¨C Martha heard a noise from the corridor, but she was in no hurry to let the visitor in.


    ?It¡¯s me, Mob. May Ie in??


    After a few seconds of silence, she said: ?I¡¯m busy at the moment.?


    ?It¡¯s a matter of great importance.?


    ?Hold on. I¡¯ming.? ¨C Martha sighed heavily, turning the key in the lock. ¨C ?Come on in, don¡¯t just stand there.?


    Mob was absolutely bbergasted when he saw her tear-stained face. All the neatly-turned phrases he had prepared instantly slipped his mind.


    ?So, what was so important?? ¨C Martha mumbled wiping her face.


    Mob scratched his nose, emerging from the stupor.


    ?I¡­ I lied. There¡¯s nothing important.?


    Martha stamped her foot angrily:


    ?Then why in the hell¡­ are you keeping me from my work??


    ?I just wanted to see you¡­ To ask how you¡¯re doing¡­? ¨C Mob apologized while Martha was literally pushing him out of the hospital.


    ?If you¡¯re that bored, go and bother our cook. She might return your feelings!?


    This prospect ¨C the mentioned cook weighed a ton! ¨C made Mob shudder. But Martha¡¯s attempt to distract him and get him out of the door failed anyway. When they approached the door, Mob deftly ducked under her arm and got inside again.


    ?Hey, what are you doing??


    ?I am not going.?


    ?You¡¯ve got a nerve!?


    ?I have more than that!?


    Martha rubbed her eyes wearily. She looked exhausted and depressed.


    ?Go away¡­ Leave me alone. I have things to do.?


    Mob stubbornly shook his head. Martha waved her hand and went to her office, hoping he would leave her alone there.


    ?Are you ok?? ¨C Mob, the shrewd observer, followed Martha everywhere she went.


    Martha stopped for a second, hesitant if she should discuss her worries with him. Finally, she said it in a vague way:


    ?What would you do if someone deceived you, someone you really like??


    ?Hm¡­? ¨C Mob thought for a while and said uncertainly: ¨C ?I would talk to her face to face, and if she didn¡¯t exin herself, I would teach her a lesson and never talk to her again.?


    Martha nodded before entering her office.


    ?Who hurt you? Tell me!?


    ?No one¡­ Forget it.? ¨C She mmed the door in his face but didn¡¯t lock it.


    Mob stuck his head in the doorway and murmured ingratiatingly:


    ?Whatever happened, you need to unwind. Come with me. Let¡¯s get some fresh air. I¡¯ll show you an interesting ce.?


    Martha sighed wearily.


    ?Yeah, maybe you¡¯re right¡­? ¨C She didn¡¯t find Mob unattractive, and there was no reason to say no to his innocent request. Besides, she definitely needed to clear her head.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    It was a quiet and starry night. Time and again, arge bright moon looked out from behind the clouds as if winking to her dark sibling settled at the other end of the sky.


    The couple was strolling along the narrow mountain path, enjoying the silence and a gentle wind that felt so good.


    ?What a beautiful sky.? ¨C Mob decided to break the awkward silence.


    ?Yeah.? ¨C Martha nodded nkly. She was deep in her thoughts, not really watching the road andpletely relying on herpanion for this reason.


    ?If you could make one wish upon the falling star, what would it be?? ¨C Mob took a new attempt to pull her into the conversation.


    ?I¡¯d wish for you to be happy with the cook.?


    Mob tripped when he heard this:


    ?Are you kidding me??


    His reaction made Martha smile.


    ?What would you wish for??


    They had just reached a wide stone bench at the edge of the cliff. Mob dusted it off gantly and invited thedy of his heart to sit down.


    ?I would make a wish¡­? ¨C a dramatic pause, a moment of eye contact: ¨C ?to live a life without worries.? ¨C He finished his wish with augh and pulled out a bottle of wine with a couple of sses he had brought for the asion.


    Martha¡¯s smile was even more sincere this time. She enjoyed his courtship. When the sses were filled with red viscous liquid, Mob saluted Martha and drained his ss. She followed his example. The strong drink had a pleasant warming effect.


    They stayed there for a while, looking at the stars and the moons, each lost in their thoughts. Martha spoke first:


    ?Can you help me with something??


    ?Sure! What can I do for you??


    ?Bring Kyon to my office tomorrow morning.?


    ?Uhm, Kyon. He¡¯s the guy that¡­ that I¡¯ve made friends with.? ¨C Mob quickly corrected himself. He did not want to remind Marta of his old feud with the kid.


    ?When did you be friends?? ¨C She squinted suspiciously. ¨C ?It doesn¡¯t matter, anyway. Just bring him in tomorrow.?


    ?Hehe, you¡¯re hiding something. Is he the reason you were depressed?? ¨C The wine made Mob feel more rxed.


    ?Pfft, he is not worth it!? ¨C Martha replied hastily, but her blushed cheeks betrayed her emotions.


    ?Oh, it really hit home! What did he do? Come on, tell me.?


    ?Nothing¡­ Alright, I¡¯ll tell you. Maybe some other time.?


    The next working day, Martha wasn¡¯t looking her best. She had a splitting headache because of the drink and the dream she had in the wee hours of the morning. It was about Kyon who did unimaginable things to her with a malicious smile on his face, and she was powerless to resist him. The dream reflected her projected feelings of rages for all those times he had taken advantage of her, and she was helpless to resist him. The memory of her dream made her ears and cheeks burn. She couldn¡¯t get this stupid dream out of her mind and med herself for this.


    Herpanion of yesterday, on the contrary, woke up in a great mood. A bright smile lit up his whole face. Mob was happy and content with life until the very moment when he realized that he had overslept.


    ¡­


    It was early morning.


    The bell woke Kyon up, announcing that it was time to get up and go to work. He was sitting in his bed, rubbing his sleepy eyes, thinking about his dream and waiting for the flow of memories from his past life to start after he woke up. Two minutester, Kyon received full information about his life between the ages of 8.5 and 16.


    A wave of nostalgia swept over him. The memories were full of fun and joyful moments: his best friend, girls, secrets, scientific research and so on. Lovr used to be the leader of the legendary troll army in the global quantumwork. They had lots of fun hacking different servers and abusing thousands of front pages. The mess they caused! If only it hade out that their ringleader was a 14-year-old troll by nickname Big Brother, aka Lovr, aka the current Kyon all his group would have been in big trouble.


    Those were wonderful days. The tests his masters gave him were getting more and more difficult. By the age of 12, he had reached the master¡¯s degree (4), and at the age of 16, the doctor of philosophy (5), which made Lovr the most sessful and brilliant person of his generation.


    {It was fun¡­} ¨C Kyon grinned at the memories, and his roommates snorted:


    {How can he possibly enjoy the beginning of another working week, fucking dumbass!}


    Kyon didn¡¯t pay any attention to their glum faces. Nothing could spoil his good mood. However, he was concerned that his behavior was somewhat different in this world. Why did his character change?


    {Maybe, it¡¯s because this body isn¡¯t mine¡­} ¨C He made an assumption.


    Soon, all the ves gathered in themon hall. Kyon put some food in the backpack and followed the crowd. The wardens met their groups and led them to their working ces. Kyon greeted Osip and stood in line with the other miners. He gave a cheeky wink to the unfortunate fellow, who had to witness his disappearance and spotted Mike walking ahead of him. He looked much healthier now, greedily finishing his breakfast.


    Kyon¡¯s group reached the checkpoint. The other groups were standing in line for food. Bob was at the distribution without his usual partner, looking visibly displeased. Mob must have ditched work, jerk. Rogash was cheerful as usual, lying on the floor near his master with a yummy marrowbone.


    {The asshole iste, and I have to deal with an extra load of work.} ¨C Bob muttered to himself, noting the new groups in the log and giving out each warden ten bag lunches and bottles of water.


    When it was Osip¡¯s turn, Bob gave him only nine rations, which only confirmed Kyon¡¯s guess that his identity had been erased from the database. He had warned his warden not to make a fuss. He had plenty of food and needed no trouble with authorities.


    The ninth group stopped at the checkpoint and soon went down in the mine. The rails creaked under their feet. The supporting wooden beams patterned with different symbols towered at the equal distance from each other. Crystals gleamed in the walls. Thendscape had not changed at all since Kyon woke up in this world for the first time.


    When they arrived, the miners split up as they always did, each to his ce. Osip came up to Kyon and gave him the tools: a sieve and a kind ofpass. Then he started a brief induction training:


    ?I appoint you a selector. Can you see the four miners at the grinder? You will join them, but your job is to search for amber stones among the crushed rock, pick them out of the ore and put them in a safe ce. Got it??


    Kyon nodded and went to the four miners, who had already started to turn the machine that looked like a millstone.


    Watching this unsophisticated technology, Kyonmented to himself: {Is it back to the middle ages? Why are they crushing ore by hand? Why can¡¯t they set up an elementary selection mechanism that would rece hundreds of workers?}


    Anyway, the job was very simple. The miners brought buckets with crushed ore, and Kyon with two other guys had to break them to extract amber stones, then clear them of dead weight and put them into another bucket. And so on, again and again¡­


    At first, Kyon watched the other two selectors work to get the hang of the process. They worked with indecently low speed. Anyone with Kyon¡¯s skills could meet the daily production quota in 2-3 hours instead of 15.


    Kyon hid his backpack in a secluded ce and fished a translucent stone out of the bucket. He tried to scan it with Synergy, but for some reason, the amber stone refused to let any energy inside. Kyon couldn¡¯t figure out itsposition and structure. The smoky substance inside the amber didn¡¯t allow him to explore it properly.


    Suddenly the stone began to vibrate. Kyon threw it away at once, and it exploded like a small firecracker. When the dust settled, there was nothing left of the amber stone.


    The eternal witness of Kyon¡¯s quirks happened to be in the thick of things again. He turned around precisely at the moment when Kyon was about to get rid of the weird stone. The next moment, his eyes popped out of their sockets, and his jaw hit the floor. Kyon put his finger to his lips, giving a sign to him to keep quiet. The scared man gulped. He had no intention whatsoever of saying anything. He was terrified of the creepy guy.


    Osip, who happened to be nearby, immediately appeared at the explosion site to see what had happened. He interrogated the workers closest to the scene, but they couldn¡¯t give him more or less intelligible answers. Osip had to return to his post, wondering what it might have been.


    {Why do these stones react with Synergy? How is it even possible?} ¨C Kyon was shocked. No substance in his world had ever behaved like this.


    Kyon assumed that the amber stones were crystallized energy. He read that they were used as currency and in many other useful ways.


    A handful of activated stones could maize to each other and create a perfect sphere of 1 cm with no impurities, nothing extra. A perfectly round ball.


    The spheres of the basic grade were translucent white. The spheres of the advanced grade were translucent amber. The spheres of the superior grade were translucent purple. At least, that¡¯s what he found out in the books.


    Kyon understood that he had destabilized the frequency of the stone, which caused the st.


    {If this process is not instantaneous, it can probably be controlled.} ¨C He made a mental note to do some research on this topic, took another tiny amber stone, and carefully infused it with Synergy. Kyon tried to resonate with it, and it wasn¡¯t difficult anymore. It was as easy as prating the air.


    {How curious.} ¨C He smiled to himself.


    After Kyon did enough research, he went back to work. Some minutester, his coworkers dropped their sieves, staring at the skinny boy who was separating the amber from the rock quick as a sh. In a quarter of an hour, he had filled about half of the bucket. Osip watched how the neer did his job, rubbing his hands with glee. He was hoping to get a considerable profit from this guy.


    Those who were crushing the ore couldn¡¯t keep up with the boy who had taken the job from the two other selectors.


    When Osip saw that they had nothing to do, he appointed them to turn the stone grinder at once. Now Kyon was the only selector in the whole group. The rest of the miners could only frown at him. It was much more difficult to turn the grinder than rummage in the stones.


    Two hourster, Kyon had already done a good day¡¯s work. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, bothered to nce at the others for the first time.


    Osip was exultant. He was already counting his possible return. He grabbed Kyon¡¯s hand and shook it excitedly:


    ?You¡­ you are an animal! How did you do it!??


    ?It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve just had enough sleep.? ¨C Kyon waved him off with a smile. He was starting to feel hungry.


    Kyon found a more or less clean ce, saluted with a sandwich to the bucket with the explosive amber next to him and started eating his meal.


    Meanwhile, Mob appeared at the entrance, and angry Bob rushed to him:


    ?Look what the cat dragged in!?


    His partner did not even try to justify himself. He kindly pped his friend on the shoulder, glowing with happiness:


    ?Come on! Don¡¯t be angry with me, you will explode! Next time, you can sleep in, and I will work for you. By the way, have you seen Kyon anywhere??


    ?He has left with Osip¡­ Why? Are you going to work? Hey, where are you going?!? ¨C Thest words were thrown at his back. Mob was already leaving.


    ?It¡¯s an emergency. Would you be so kind and work for two until I return? I¡¯ll pay you backter.?


    ¡­


    Nine men resolutely marched towards Osip¡¯s group, among them the two brothers who were eager to kick Kyon¡¯s ass, Babil, his loyal guards and trusted people, and John, Kyon¡¯s former warden.


    All of them had different interests, but theirmon goal was to beat up and rob the cheeky jerk who dared to cross their path.


    The n was simple: they had bribed a warden to distract Byron while they were going to give Kyon a quick, merciless thrashing. Another turn, and they approached Osip¡¯s group.


    As the miners saw Babil and his gang, they rushed from their workces and got the hell out of the uing brawl. Everyone understood perfectly well who the thugs were after. s, it was beyond their power to help Kyon. Whatever, quite a few of them would dly punch him themselves.


    Osip was looking through some documents when he noticed the outsiders. He yelled angrily:


    ?Hey, what the fuck do you want here!? Byron and the supervisors will be here any time soon! They¡¯ll nail your balls to the wall!?


    It didn¡¯t stop Babil, the leader of the group. He said in a cheerful voice:


    ?Osip, old man, I have no issue with you, so get out of here. We need the guy.?


    Kyon saw the cutthroats and frowned.


    {That¡¯s no good¡­} ¨C A short and disappointing thought shed through his mind. The chances of his survival were too low. He had suspected that sooner orter they would being for him, but nine gangsters at a time? ording to his estimations andmon sense, nine ugly mugs were way too many for a single boy. Sadly enough, he wasn¡¯t ready for their arrival. All he had was a pile of amber stones behind the rock.


    Kyon did not waste precious seconds. He ducked behind the rock and grabbed the first weighty stone. Well, at least, he had grown stronger and toughened up.


    ?I¡¯m warning you, mother fuckers, don¡¯te any closer! He¡¯s a member of my group. On what grounds should I hand him to you on a tter? You do realize what¡¯sing, don¡¯t you!?? ¨C Osip wasn¡¯t going to retreat so quickly. And it wasn¡¯t only because he had promised Byron to protect Kyon. The guy was a real gold mine! It was a game changer!


    Babil did not argue. He just quietly told his guards:


    ?Knock him out. He¡¯s getting in the way.?


    When his henchmen heard hismand, they approached Osip from both sides.


    ?Hey, what¡¯s going on?¡­? ¨C Osip took a defending position, trying not to show fear.


    Kyon considered that the best defense is a good offense and threw an explosive at the guard¡¯s heads.


    *bang*


    The bullet found its billet: it hit straight the big bald head. The thug fell on the ground but stayed conscious, rolling up in a ball, clutching at his injured head and howling in pain.


    Babil detected Kyon and shouted to his minions:


    ?Catch that son of a bitch! He has our money!?


    The four of them immediately rushed toward Kyon while Babil and the two others blocked the only exit. The guard was still lying on the floor, and the other one did not dare to turn his back to Osip, who was ready to attack. The miners were watching what was going on, but they did not dare to intervene. They wouldn¡¯t risk their lives for Osip and Kyon.


    John approached Kyon with a malicious smile on his face, waving his massive fists around:


    ?Come here. Daddy will punish you for your misdeeds!?


    Kyon didn¡¯t heed the threat and threw two more amber stones. This time, one of them hit the warden in the forehead, sending him unconscious on the ground. The second sharp stone flew straight into John¡¯s grinning face. He managed to react and dodged, but the sharp edge got him. A piece of his ear fell on the ground with an icky smack, sttering blood around him.


    ?YOU SCUM! I will kill you!? ¨C John shouted, clutching at the injured ear with one hand and taking out a pickaxe hammer from behind his belt with the other. He wasn¡¯t going to hold back anymore.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    With a shriek of a Shaolin fighter, Osip delivered the first well-directed strike to the guard¡¯s pressure point. He tried to dodge the next one when he realized that the blows were too weak. Osip wasn¡¯t strong enough to fight with him. The guard knocked him down and began to pound Osip with his huge fists. All poor Osip could do was to cover his head with his hands and shout for help. Unfortunately, his group was in no hurry to join the fight, and Kyon couldn¡¯t possibly get to him.


    The guard spared no effort. He kept thrashing Osip until thetter stopped showing any signs of life. Osip fainted, and it saved his life. Babil¡¯s angry watchdog slowly rose and went to help his brothers-in-arms, who were currently unsessfully trying to catch Kyon.


    Kyon ran of his explosives and had to find a way to the nearest bucket with amber stones. There were three men on his way: the two brothers and John the Bitten-off-Ear.


    The ugly thugs were trying to catch the nimble guy, like wolves chasing a rabbit. They were yelling angrily, contradicting each other: ?Freeze, asshole!?¡­ ?If you stop, we might spare you the pain!? ¡­ ?Fuck! My ear¡­ you¡¯re dead!?


    With little wiggle room, Kyon managed to get past three big guys and grab a bucket of amber stones. He infused them with Synergy andunched a handful at his pursuers.


    The brothers burst into maliciousughter:


    ?Ha-ha-ha, just look at him! The boy is raving mad! Rest in peace, buddy.?


    The small stones weighed almost nothing. They couldn¡¯t do any harm. Or so it seemed¡­


    *B-O-O-O-O-OOM*


    A deafening roar shook the tiny cave. Everyone but Kyon, who had covered his ears, was shell-shocked. The injuries were minimal, but the noise and effect of surprise disoriented the three of them.


    Kyon rushed forward, delivering a heavy blow to one of the brothers¡¯ sr plexus, holding a stone in his fist for greater effect. The man fell on the floor, trying to take a breath. His diaphragm was paralyzed and didn¡¯t let the lungs open.


    The second brother bounced off, his head ringing. John was swinging the pickaxe like a madman, trying to hit the blurry outline of the boy, when Kyon deftly rolled on the ground, avoiding the dangerous piece of iron, and punched the shell-shocked warden in the leg.


    ?AAAAAAAAH!? ¨C One-eared John screamed his bloody head off when his knee bent backward.


    As the miners watched Kyon perform the stunts, doing away with the thugs, their jaws dropped to the floor. At first, he seemed to be lucky, but soon his smooth and unpredictable actions went beyond their imagination! Many of them started to doubt if he was a human at all. The main supporter of this theory was the witness of the weird things that had happened to Kyon.


    The guard stopped punching Osip and ran up to one of the brothers, who had alreadye to his senses. They both took out their pickaxes and swung them menacingly, approaching Kyon.


    Babil and the two men he had assigned to block the way were shocked by what they saw. The warden ordered in a trembling voice:


    ?Get rid of the dickhead! I¡¯ll wait here!?


    By then, four attackers had been crippled. There remained another four and Babil, the big mean prick.


    To avoid problems in the future, Kyon had to defend himself without killing anyone. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t take the pickaxe from John the Bitten-off-Ear, also known as John the Inward Knee. Instead, he barricaded himself behind the rock with a pile of amber stones which he had to use right away as two thugs were already approaching him. The rest of them were still far away.


    ?Go to hell!? ¨C The second brother yelled at the top of his lungs when Kyon¡¯s well-aimed shots reached the target. Adrenaline was pumping in his blood, he could barely feel any pain. Finally, he was at an arm¡¯s length, swinging his pickaxe to crush Kyon¡¯s skull with a single blow when Kyon did a sliding tackle and, with an urate quick blow, hit him right in any man¡¯s weakest point.


    ?Oh¡­? ¨C The miners, who were afraid to breathe until now, reflexively grabbed their precious balls. They could physically feel that hellish pain. The most impressionable among them copsed on the spot.


    A second before the second brother¡¯s balls got crushed, a huge amber stone hit the remaining guard in the hip, thrusting him aside.Then all of a sudden, Kyon appeared out of nowhere and tried to deliver another blow! If the guard had grabbed Kyon by the hand, he would have finished him off, but the damned trickster quickly turned away and broke into a run¡­


    Babil was scared out of his wits. He didn¡¯t see iting. Just when he thought that enough was enough, that he¡¯d better skedaddle before things went south, someone roughly shoved him between the shoulders, sending him crashing to the floor. Before he reached the ground, Babil found out that Mob hade to Kyon¡¯s rescue.


    Two thugs were trying to help the guard chase the young miscreant when they heard their leader squeal like a pig and instinctively turned around. They froze with their pickaxes in the air when they saw Mob rushing at them like a furious boar. At the next moment, suffocating weakness swept over them. Everything went dark before their eyes¡­


    Mob was moving twice as fast as anyone else with the help of pure energy. The thugs were for him like flies without wings.


    Before the guard who was chasing Kyon knew it, he was taking a nap with hispanions.


    In the end, there were ten bodies lying on the ground. One of them, battered and bruised, belonged to Osip¡­ No, wait, a couple of miners were lying unconscious on the sidelines, but no one had hurt them. It was something else. Those standing nearby turned out to be tougher, they were only at a loss for words. Kyon had survived! He had defied the system and sessfully avoided the consequences!


    Kyon finally took a breath. A smile of joy lit up his face. He had fought off nine thugs at once! Well, almost at once. Actually, his chances were slim. If the cutthroats had rushed at him all together, he wouldn¡¯t have survived. Luckily for Kyon, the idiots attacked him in small packs like in some stupid action movie.


    Earlier, Mob had checked in the mercury mirror the working area of the 9th group and found several points-wardens in the ce where they weren¡¯t supposed to be.


    Yesterday Mob overheard a conversation about Kyon¡¯s card tricks while he was handing out bag lunches. It was not hard to guess that the horde of big guys wasn¡¯t there to treat Kyon to tea and buns.


    So, Mob rushed to Kyon¡¯s rescue as fast as he could to impress the woman he loved who held the boy dear for some reason. And he did protect the boy! However, something just didn¡¯t feel right¡­ He did away only with four of them, the rest were unconscious when he arrived. Mob felt something fishy was going on.


    He shook off his hands and threw a suspicious look at Kyon who casually dropped a stone.


    ?What the hell has happened here?? ¨C Mob growled menacingly, ring at the unconscious bodies. Then he noticed eight more dumbfounded miners, who had finally summoned up the courage and began to crawl out of the corners.


    Kyon intively mumbled in response:


    ?They had conspired to steal my money, but I was lucky to hold on for a while.?


    Mob winced at the crystally honest look in Kyon¡¯s eyes and yelled:


    ?Good luck, you say? Do I look like an idiot??


    Kyon shook his head:


    ?No, you look like my savior¡­?


    ?Hmm, what should I do now¡­? ¨C Mob quickly checked each body¡¯s vital signs. ¨C ?We need to get them to the hospital at once. You areing with me, boy¡­? ¨C He took out his sound transmitter.


    {They are all alive, and most importantly, it¡¯s not me who has to report for the ident.} ¨C Mob nned to dump all the responsibility on Byron.


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Kyon went to Babil.


    ?Why do your subordinates throw a massacre here!? Come here at once, fucking leader!? ¨C Mob was yelling at someone in the sound transmitter, swearing and arguing¡­


    Meanwhile, Kyon cleaned out Babil¡¯s pocket, where he was lucky to find a big wad of cash, which he readily added to his belongings. Then he dragged the fat man to the rest of the bodies that underwent the same procedure. His looting brought him in total 352 thousand rupees. In a few minutes, Kyon had be 390 thousand rupees richer, which would have taken him 11 years of honest work, in the best case scenario.


    As soon as Kyon was done with the sixth body, Mob came up to him. He ran his fingers through his hair and said quietly:


    ?Alright, boy. Look here. You will tell Martha it was me who took care of everything. Make her believe that you were in mortal danger. Do you understand me? By the way, this story deserves a little embellishment, don¡¯t you think??


    Kyon nodded:


    ?No problem.?


    Mob sneered. Then he decided to inspect the pockets of his subordinates and make a quick buck, but he was a bit toote. When he found nothing, Mob frowned in disgust and spat:


    {Ugh, damned peasants. So much for being a warden.}


    Of course, theft was strictly forbidden, but it was an opportunity too good to miss.


    Kyon could hardly keep a straight face. It turned out, the miners were given the currency of the mine to buy something or exchange it for money.


    Mob appeared to detest the lower ss, and Kyon was no exception. He was being kind to Kyon only for Martha¡¯s sake.


    Soon, Byron showed up.


    ?Fucking shit!? ¨C He had no other expression in his vocabry at the sight of the bodies lying on the ground. His eyes darted over Kyon ¨C thank goodness, the kid was fine ¨C the next moment, Byron rushed to Osip who still showed no signs of life.


    ?Ugly bastards! Why did they do this?? ¨C Byron red at the rest of the bodies, wishing to make mincemeat of them. With an effort and will power, he suppressed his anti-humanistic impulse.


    Mob gave Byron a shove in the shoulder:


    ?Your ipetence has led to the bloodbath your subordinates arranged here. Fortunately, no one died, or you would have to deal with that¡­ It¡¯s all your fault, and it¡¯s your responsibility to appoint the new wardens. These penniless sacks of meat and bones are no longer able to perform their duties.?


    Byron nodded humbly. He didn¡¯t even think to deny his guilt. As a leader, he had to see iting. He was willing to take all the responsibility on himself:


    ?I¡¯ll take care of it.?


    They heard barking outside the narrow passage, and then the huge ck dog ran into Osip¡¯s working area. Bob appeared a few secondster, out of breath. He had been informed about a strange gathering of wardens in one ce. Before Bob could catch his breath, he was out of it again, this time because of what he saw:


    ?What¡­ What¡¯s happened here??


    Mob¡¯s mind was reeling, so he just waved him off:


    ?Ask fewer questions! We must take them all to the hospital!?


    Byron exchanged a few words with the miners and regretted it at once. The fools were not making any sense. They kept saying that Kyon was inhuman, that he had beaten all those guys by himself, that Mob came up only at the end of the show. It was pure nonsense.


    Byron, Bob, and Mob hauled up three unconscious bodies each, squabbling non-stop. Rogash took thest troublemaker by the cor and obediently scurried after his master, ploughing the ground with Babil¡¯s face. Kyon hastily hid his backpack in a safe ce and followed them. The loadedpany went to the hospital, leaving the bewildered miners behind.


    ?First you¡¯rete for work, then you beat up a bunch of wardens¡­ What¡¯s wrong with you?? ¨C Bob continued to pry, feeling deeply annoyed. The guard¡¯s hand kept getting him in the face.


    ?Chill out! If need be, we will write in the report that they battered each other. The next auction is only for the 3rd ranking ves, so they were trying to get downgraded¡­? ¨C Mob waved him off again to finish this pointless conversation.


    ?It¡¯s not even funny! Damn it, I wish I had your fucking problem-solving skills!¡­?


    Byrongged behind those two, quietly asking Kyon about what had happened. When he found out that they had held him up on purpose, Byron angrily clenched his fist. Someone¡¯s unlucky elbow joint crunched. Byron looked at the body in panic but breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it wasn¡¯t Osip.


    Mob had called Martha well in advance, so the doctor was anxiously preparing to receive the battered patients. The three men barged into the hospital with bodies on their backs. The dog was dragging one on the floor. Kyon was wrapping up the procession on foot.


    Martha got flustered and began to give out instructions. She gave Kyon an icy stare and turned to attend to the patients. Mob and Bob did the nursing job. Under Martha¡¯s orders, they obediently ran back and forth, bringing in tools, bandages, ointment¡­


    {I¡¯ll deal with¡­ with the killerter.} ¨C Martha thought to herself along the way.


    But Kyon wasn¡¯t a fool. He immediately noticed a change in her mood: {Did¡­ did she work it all out?}


    While Martha was examining the next patient, she asked Mob what had happened. He pointed at Kyon and stuck out his chest proudly:


    ?These assholes attacked Kyon because they had lost in the card game. The boy was lucky I was there¡­ Ask him what happened then.?


    Mob thought Martha would get interested in the situation, and he would be her hero, but she let it go and didn¡¯t ask anything more. She kept examining the patients.


    Mob sighed sadly. Women were too hard to read.


    Martha had to suppress the impulse to examine the boy, too. She was too angry with him, so angry that she even caught herself thinking that she wouldn¡¯t mind if the little rascal had been punched in the brawl at least once. But the next moment, Martha was already scolding herself for being too cruel.


    The patients were badly injured. Martha wondered why they did not give up, why they attacked the powerful supervisor.


    {Have they all gone crazy to attack Mob?}


    Two patients came to their senses. One of them whined in pain, the second muttered something incoherent, swaying in bed from side to side: ?What did I do to deserve this?¡­ Gods, how is it my fault¡­??


    When Bob did everything he could, he said goodbye to Martha and returned to his post. He told Mob to join him, but thetter waved him off yet again.


    ?Screw you! Next time, you will do my hours! Just try weaseling out of it!?


    Byron stayed in the hospital for a while until Martha gave him a sign that everything was all right, he could go. They would talkter.


    Meanwhile, Kyon had been musing when he could have messed up. He had left no evidence, had he?


    {It¡¯s just bad luck¡­ I have to act decisively now.}

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Martha turned to Mob, pointedly ignoring Kyon:


    ?Come back in an hour. I have to work.?


    The supervisor scratched his head uncertainty and waved his hand:


    ?Since I decided to skip work today, I will persevere. I¡¯m taking a day off.? ¨C Mob went to the door. Kyon threw thest nce at the doctor and followed him.


    They walked in silence for a while. Then Kyon nodded to himself, walked faster to catch up with Mob and asked him directly:


    ?Do you like Martha??


    Mob did not expect this question. He tripped and froze in disbelief staring at Kyon. Then he quickly looked away, cleared his throat and finally replied through his gritted teeth:


    ?None of your business, brat.?


    Kyon paid no attention to the threat in Mob¡¯s voice and winked at him:


    ?I¡¯ll help you win her heart if you want.?


    Mob burst outughing:


    ?Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha! How are you going to do it? What can you do with your ve skills apart from sorting out the stones? It¡¯s hrious¡­?


    Indeed, Mob had a low opinion of the ves and their abilities. However, his sneer didn¡¯t mean no. So, Kyon continued:


    ?Did you notice that she had been giving me the cold shoulder all day? It¡¯s because of a¡­ hmm¡­ of a little misunderstanding. I want to apologize to her, but I need your help. In return, I¡¯ll help you win her love.? ¨C Kyon assumed that Martha had asked Mob to bring him to her office, which meant he must be in the loop.


    Mob grinned skeptically:


    ?What exactly are you talking about??


    ?I¡¯ll tell her something that will make her see you in a different light.?


    The expression on Mob¡¯s thin face made it clear that he didn¡¯t believe a word Kyon was saying. However, he asked:


    ?Hm¡­ How are you going to apologize to her? I won¡¯t do it for you¡­ Don¡¯t even think about it, schmuck.?


    ?All I need is a pencil and paper. I¡¯ll draw something for her.?


    ?What?! Do you take me for an idiot? How can a picture help you say you¡¯re sorry??


    ?I am good at drawing. She¡¯ll forgive me, and then I¡¯ll help you.?


    Mob rolled his eyes: the boy had a screw loose, but there was no harm in trying. He could paint anything he wanted.


    ?Agreed¡­? ¨C They walked in silence until they reached the door that Mob cordially opened for Kyon: ¨C ?Come on in.?


    It was a standard room in the rock, with conventional furniture and basic utilities inside, nothing special.


    ?Here you are.? ¨C Mob poked around, opened some drawers, and handed Kyon a pencil and a few sheets of paper.


    In about 15 minutes, Kyon had painted what he wanted. When he finished, he gave the pencil back:


    ?Much obliged. I¡¯ve finished.?


    ?Let me see what you¡¯ve scribbled there.?


    Kyon obediently handed him the piece of paper with a romantdscape sketch.


    ?Hmph¡­ Ha-ha-ha! There isn¡¯t much talent in it¡­? ¨C Mob couldn¡¯t hold back a chuckle when he returned the drawing to Kyon.


    ?There¡¯s only one way to find out.?


    Of course, the pathetic tree and the sea in the background were unlikely to impress Martha. As for the second picture that Kyon depicted on the second piece of paper and discreetly slipped into his pocket, well, that piece of art stood a much better chance.


    When Kyon entered the hospital, he noticed Martha¡¯s cold, hostile gaze that sent a chill down his spine. The room was quiet. The patients were sleeping soundly with deep sedation.


    Mob greeted Martha, and she nodded back. She came up to him with a firm, resolute step and muttered, never taking her locked gaze off Kyon:


    ?Mob, I need to talk to him. Stay here. I might need you.?


    Kyon shuddered. The damsel looked determined. If he failed to pull off his n, she would hand him over to the supervisor at once.


    ?Okay. I¡¯ll keep an eye on these guys.?


    Martha left the hospital, giving Kyon a sign to follow her. They walked down the corridor in tense silence until she turned into a nook. She made sure no one could hear them and slowly turned to Kyon:


    ?You¡¯ve been using me¡­?


    Kyon was silent, waiting for her to continue the monologue. She definitely needed to vent.


    ?You deceived me. You tricked me into doing things for you. You broke into my office. You made me distract Martin. You¡­? ¨C Martha wearily closed her eyes for a second: ¨C ?How could you do this to me, son of a bitch?? ¨C She was almost screaming, but it was not clear if she was outraged by Martin¡¯s death or by the fact that Kyon had taken advantage of her.


    Kyon took a dramatic pause and said in a sweet, gentle voice full of pity and concern:


    ?What would you do if your life were at stake??


    Martha frowned and muttered, still annoyed:


    ?What do you mean??


    ?I had a teacher who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, and there¡¯s nothing in the world I despise more than selfishness, greed, self-interest. These vices turn anyone into walking decay of bones and meat.? ¨C Martha could see the emotional pain written all over Kyon¡¯s face. His gestures showed his sincerity and innocence. ¨C ?Such people always have one distinctive feature¡­? ¨C Kyon went silent, waiting for Martha¡¯s response.


    Her curiosity was too strong even if she was determined not to believe a word he said:


    ?And what is it??


    ?The eyes. Their eyes are full of greed. Their eyes betray power and desire to destroy anyone¡¯s life if it¡¯s for their benefit.? ¨C Kyon waited for the right moment and handed her the picture.


    Martha hesitated for a moment and yet unfolded the drawing. It was an image of Martin. He was staring at Kyon with his greedy, cruel eyes cold with contempt. He was like a butcher looking at the innocent victim in the ughterhouse.


    Martha studied the picture for a long time. The woman¡¯s heart filled up withpassion for the depicted ¡°victim,¡± which gradually outweighed her anger and resentment.


    As a matter of fact, Martha¡¯s opinion of Martin was neutral. She considered him a master of his craft, but she didn¡¯t know much about him. When she saw his evil, greedy eyes in the picture, she did not find them unrealistic. They were quite true to life.


    ?Why are you showing me this picture??


    ?Martin found out that I was special, that I had a feature beyond human understanding. He was driven by greed, and I was to be his victim.? ¨C Kyon said humbly to show Martha that he trusted her with his biggest secret.


    ?I don¡¯t understand¡­ What did he find out about you?? ¨C Martha continued to pry, deeply confused. She knew that the world could always surprise her with its quirks, and their price was at times sky-high.


    Kyon carefully reached Martha¡¯s hand. The doctor watched him with suspicion but didn¡¯t pull her hand away. He gently touched her wrist, making her fingers twitch as if he tugged at the invisible strings they were tied to.


    Martha snatched her hand back, frightened:


    ?What¡­ What are you doing!??


    Kyon frowned: {Why is it so difficult? I had to spend 80% of Synergy to stimte her hand just a little bit!}


    Martha was at the 3rd stage of the base phase. Even Synergy couldn¡¯t manipte her muscles that easily.


    ?My unique body gives me extraordinary abilities. For example, I can demaize formations, which you must have heard more than once. Martin suspected something was wrong and started spying on me. When it happened again, he examined me and my environment and found out that I had a special body, no less. He gave the order to deliver him special tools. It was the day when he scared me with his eyes¡­ He looked at me like a butcher looks at a fat pig¡­ His eyes were¡­ They were terrible¡­? ¨C Kyon shed a tear and sobbed. Even an oak tree would empathize with him at that moment. Martha was moved with pity. She slightly stretched out her hand but pulled it back at once. She wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake twice.


    Martha thought Kyon was a murderer who used her as a means of his crime. Now she understood his motive, but it didn¡¯t justify him!


    ?But¡­ Was it a reason to kill him!? What makes you so sure he would have hurt you? Just because you were scared of his eyes?!? ¨C Martha eximed. She was angry with Kyon again. At all events, murder will be murder.


    ?Do you remember the bruise on my wrist?? ¨C Kyon asked quietly, rubbing his arm and avoiding eye contact with her.


    Martha gasped in fear. Did Martin abuse him? Apparently, it wasn¡¯t only his greedy look that had motivated Kyon tomit the crime? And yet¡­


    ?But¡­?


    ?I found out that Martin had deleted me from the database. You can search my name in the logs and you won¡¯t find it. I don¡¯t get any bag lunches, by the way. I¡¯ve been starving, suffering from thirst. Thanks to Byron, I am still alive. He is a good man. He always helps me out and didn¡¯t let me starve. Martin nned to kidnap me from the mine. He made sure there would be no questions. He seemed to be a good man, but demons were hiding inside of him. I was terrified of him¡­ I didn¡¯t want to be dissected, to be sold to bad people! I¡­ I didn¡¯t want¡­ to die¡­? ¨C Kyon said intively, looking at Martha with eyes full of tears.


    Martha opened her mouth but could not find any words. Her heart overflowed withpassion as if she had walked in his shoes. Could he be manipting her again? No¡­ It was impossible. She didn¡¯t want to believe Kyon was lying again. How could he be lying if she had seen the instruments in Martin¡¯s office, the bruise? She felt his unique abilities in her hand. It all made sense. Kyon was trying to save himself. He was a poor victim of Martin¡¯s greed.


    Martha chose her words carefully and spoke almost without anger in her voice:


    ?Why didn¡¯t you tell me anything? I could have helped you. I would have taken care of everything!? ¨C Martha eximed, wringing her hands.


    Kyon chuckled to himself: of course, she would. He bleated intively, making a sorrowful face:


    ?I¡¯m sorry, but¡­ He would have killed you.? ¨C Kyon closed his eyes and turned away when the tears welled up in his eyes.


    Martha muttered to herself,pletely shocked:


    ?Killed me¡­? ¨C She couldn¡¯t understand why she had to blink to clear her eyes. She wanted to believe him so much, to believe that he was worried about her. But she couldn¡¯t just ask him and find it out for sure. Reluctantly, she remembered her past. Her husband and son were killed because of debts. She managed to escape. Human greed can destroy lives, walk all over you¡­ Martin would have killed her. She was just a mere mortalpared to him.


    Martha was silent for a while,ing to her senses. Then she sighed:


    ?Okay, maybe you did the right thing. It¡¯s hard for me to ept it, though¡­ I was just a tool in your hands¡­? ¨C She crumpled the picture with ¡°evil¡± Martin and asked the question that had long been bothering her ¨C ?Tell me, dear, how did you do it? And don¡¯t hide anything!? ¨C She said in a threatening voice and pointed her finger at him.


    Kyon scratched the top of his head and began his story, trying to smooth things over, avoiding everything that could anger the woman who did not like being used. At least, she understood and kind of epted his motive for murder. How nice that he managed to convey to her the emotions he wanted her to feel.


    When he finished, there was a thoughtful, stunned expression on her face. Martha once again changed her opinion of Kyon. This time, he became ¡°sharp-witted¡± and ¡°resourceful.¡± Anyway, Kyon hurried to change the subject. She could fly off the handle again at any moment. It was time to move on to the second part of the agreement:


    ?By the way, I¡¯ve spent a lot of time with Mob recently. I guess I have found his good side.?


    ?Have you?? ¨C Martha grunted in reply as they were walking back to the hospital.


    ?When those thugs attacked me, he did his best to help me out. Honestly, I didn¡¯t expect him to¡­ Don¡¯t you think he deserves some credit for this?? ¨C Kyon said with a sly smile.


    ?Maybe, he does. Why??


    ?I don¡¯t think my words of gratitude will make him happy enough. Another thing, if he heard the kind words from the person he has feelings for¡­?


    Martha snorted angrily:


    ?Why should I do anything for you? Anyway, I¡¯m still angry with you!?


    Kyon shook his head:


    ?It¡¯s not for me, Martha. It¡¯s for a good cause. It might change Mob, make him a better man! He won¡¯t be rude and disrespectful anymore. Maybe, he will turn to the light side! Don¡¯t you want to change him??


    ?I don¡¯t know¡­ What if he gets me wrong?? ¨C Martha wasn¡¯t so adamant any more.


    ?Let¡¯s thank him together. It will send him a clear message of our sincere gratitude.?


    ?Hmm¡­ Alright, if we do it together, I agree. Why not.? ¨C Martha didn¡¯t like Mob¡¯s attitude towards ves. It might be a chance to change his evil nature. Kyon had always wondered at women¡¯s crusade to change men. Their brains were hardwired with the idea of improving someone, and it always gained the upper hand.


    ?Great! When I rub my nose, we¡¯ll say ¡°thank you¡± at the same time! He¡¯ll understand everything.?


    ?But no funny stuff, ok?? ¨C She shook her finger at him as a warning.


    Kyon nodded with an innocent smile. {It was easy, way too easy.}


    It had been a productive day.


    ¡­


    Old Pink, thete Martin¡¯s servant, was grieving. When Martin¡¯s father was alive, he saved Pink from starvation, provided him with clothes, raised him¡­ Needless to say, Pink was loyal to the Stone family as a dog. The old master was long gone, Pink and his devotion were passed down to his son, Martin. Now that Martin went to the forefathers, his only son Yegorka became Pink¡¯s benefactor. Pink would better suck it up and start serving the grandson. However, there was something suspicious about his master¡¯s death, something that disturbed him.


    The faithful servant was not satisfied with the doctor¡¯s certificate. He decided to investigate this case himself. As a personal servant, he begged the mine authorities to grant him ess to some off-limit ces. He was given three days for everything, and then he had to get out.


    Today this ¡°term¡± expired, but his investigation was at a dead point. Pink discovered that his master had ordered him to bring the tools to examine Kyon, the only witness to his death. It seemed like no big deal, only Pink found a crack in the crystal sphere. At first, the servant thought that Martin had dropped the sphere on the floor when he choked, but ¨C herees the tricky bit! ¨C the boy should have noticed the change in Martin¡¯s behaviour and called the guards.


    Another point: there were no buns in the room except the one Martin choked on. Pink wanted to believe that was thest bun, but when he questioned the cook, who usually took orders, he found out that there was no delivery on that day, and Martin ate only fresh, high-quality pastry. The rest of the unfortunate bun could not be described as such.


    Therefore, Kyon was the only lead Pink had. He tried to find out more about the boy and learned about the fight with the wardens. Today someone tipped him off that all of them had been knocked out! Kyon battered senseless a good half of them! Suspicious, very suspicious! Pink was determined to find the truth. He went to the hospital to ask the victims about what had happened. If Kyon turned out to be involved in the death of his master, Pink would never leave him alone, EVER!


    ¡­


    Martha and Kyon entered the hospital. Mob came towards them:


    ?How was it?? ¨C He asked both of them.


    Kyon gave him discreetly a thumb up: ?everything is great!?


    Martha tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said casually on her way to attend to the patients:


    ?I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.?


    Mob frowned angrily. He approached Kyon and pushed him on the shoulder:


    ?It¡¯s your turn to return your debt!?


    Kyon gave him his best cryptic smile and winked:


    ?Something curious is about to happen, but a lot depends on your reaction. Be more persistent.?


    Mob had no idea what Kyon was talking about but made a mental note to be alert.


    Martha examined one of the beaten guards and started ¡°interrogating¡± Mob:


    ?So, what happened to these guys??


    ?Nothing special¡­ When I came to pick up Kyon, they had already surrounded him. I yelled at them to calm down, but it was the same thing as always¡­ Screaming wasn¡¯t going to help, so I had to calm them down with my fists.? ¨C Mob finished with a nervous chuckle.


    Martha¡¯s eyes shed with genuine interest:


    ?You want to say you handled them all by yourself?? ¨C She sent Kyon a meaningful look, saying that she waited for his sign¡­ but he didn¡¯t seem to notice her signals at all.


    ?Hahaha, yeah, on my own! It wasn¡¯t that hard! Do you know why I did that??


    Mob didn¡¯t finish when Kyon began ardently scratching the tip of his nose. Martha was tense as a string, ready for the right moment. She blurted out, without even thinking about what Mob had just asked her:


    ?Thank you!? ¨C And only a momentter, she realized that Kyon didn¡¯t say anything.


    Seconds stretched like sticky msses. The silence stood so still, it could be cut with a knife. {Hey, why are you silent!} ¨C She red at him.


    Kyon was innocently drawing circles with his toe as if saying, ?don¡¯t give me that look! it¡¯s nothing to do with me.?


    Martha understood everything. She was too embarrassed to look at Mob, feeling the treacherous blush spread all over her face. She felt so silly¡­


    Mob stared at her in amazement: {Could she¡­ } He remembered Kyon¡¯s instruction to be persistent. Mob gathered all his courage, came up to Martha, grabbed her non-resisting little hand in his paw and tried to catch her eye:


    ?I¡¯m d you understand why I did it.?


    Martha blushed even more and pushed Mob away:


    ?No¡­ No, no! You got it all wrong! It¡¯s just Kyon and I¡­?

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Kyon interrupted her:


    ?Martha and I have been talking about you! Honestly, I didn¡¯t expect her to¡­? ¨C He covered his mouth with his hand as if he had said too much.


    Mob took the hint and blushed to the tips of his ears, following the lead of the already crimson woman.


    ?Martha, you don¡¯t have to exin yourself. It¡¯s written all over your face.? ¨C Mob summoned up the courage to approach Martha and hug her, but she broke loose from his embrace and dashed to her office, yelling just before closing the door:


    ?I aming for you, rascal!?


    The words were meant for Kyon, but Mob took them on his ount. His face lit up with a happy smile. He turned to Kyon and gave him a thumb up.


    Martha¡¯s attempt to praise Mob turned into a disaster. The jerk didn¡¯t y along. He took advantage of her yet again.


    However, she didn¡¯t have time to grieve over her sad destiny as there was a loud hammering at the door.


    Mob yelled: ?Who¡¯s so impatient out there??


    ?It¡¯s Pink. I¡¯m investigating the recent ident. Open the door.?


    The supervisor shrugged and unlocked the door.


    The gray-haired, hunched old man, whose eyes were like zing fire, went inside.


    Mob looked closely at the old servant and recognized him:


    ?Aren¡¯t you the servant who made the authorities give you a couple of days to investigate so that you would leave them alone??


    Pink went ballistic when he heard this:


    ?Don¡¯t be rude to me, brat! How can you possibly understand my situation? Who do you think you are??


    ?Forget it! You¡¯re killing my vibe! Do quickly what you have to do.? ¨C Mob looked extremely displeased. He hated that someone was ruining his good mood. He already regretted that he had so foolishly let the old man in.


    The servant gave Mob a nasty look and then he spotted Kyon:


    ?It¡¯s you!?


    Kyon recognized Pink at once. He became a bit rmed but did not show it, only raised his eyebrow questioningly.


    Mob gave them both a nk stare.


    ?Yes, it¡¯s you. You are Kyon, the boy who was in the office at the moment!? ¨C Pink threateningly flexed his hands and approached Kyon in two steps. ¨C ?Tell me what the hell happened there! Why did Martin choke on a bun, which he shouldn¡¯t have had in the first ce? You did it, eh?!? ¨C Judging by the mad sparkle in his eyes, the old man was ready to shake the truth out of Kyon, along with his soul.


    Martha heard the screams, opened the door and asked anxiously:


    ?Who are you? What do you want from Kyon??


    After Pink¡¯s words, Mob finally got the picture. He approached the servant and firmly grabbed him by the shoulder:


    ?Hey, old man! Calm down, will you??


    ?Up yours!? ¨C Pink roughly pushed Mob¡¯s hand off. ¨C ?I know that Kyon did something to my master! It¡¯s definitely him! There¡¯s no other way!?


    ?Are you even listening to yourself? How could an ordinary, incapable ve be involved in the death of your master?? ¨C Mob snorted. {The devoted dog went crazy. It¡¯s disgusting.}


    Martha cast a worried look at Kyon. He wasn¡¯t so ¡°incapable¡± after all. He was guilty.


    Pink spat angrily on the floor and bellowed like a wounded beast:


    ?Incapable of anything?! Then how will you exin that those guys are injured, and this boy is unscathed? Huh?!?


    ?It¡¯s because I arrived in time to help him!? ¨C Mob eximed and tried to grab the raging servant again.


    ?And I heard that he handled a good half of them! How dare you lie to my face, jerk?! Back up off me before I lose my temper!? ¨C He pushed Mob off again but to no avail.


    Events were unfolding too quickly for Martha¡¯s liking. After some hesitation, she took Kyon¡¯s side.


    ?Calm down, sir! Kyon has nothing to do with it!?


    Not so long ago, she was angry with him. Now, she stood up for the obnoxious boy. Indeed, female nature is the greatest mystery on the. Anyway, her words had no effect on Pink. He fought to escape Mob¡¯s iron grip, ring daggers at Kyon.


    Kyon came to a sad conclusion that no words could put any sense to the crazy man. It would be nice to use Mob¡¯s help, but Mob could always wave him off as a ve. Kyon could rely only on Martha. He looked up at her with the most pitiful face he could make.


    When Martha saw his eyes, she decided to leave soul searching and behavior analysis forter. She turned to Mob wearily:


    ?Don¡¯t let anything happen to Kyon! He¡­ He didn¡¯t do anything¡­? ¨C Her voice dropped, she almost whispered.


    Mob imagined himself a brave knighting to the rescue of his damsel in distress and her¡­ let it be her pageboy. His chest puffed out with pride. With the help of pure energy, he pushed Pink away from Kyon and stood like a rock-solid wall between them, winking yfully at Martha.


    Kyon only giggled to himself over the don Quixote and his courting. Indeed, a man will do anything for a woman he loves.


    Pink screamed hysterically:


    ?Why are you protecting this little snot? Why do you care about him? He is just a ve! Or¡­ Or you were in conspiracy with him the whole time! Yeah¡­ Right¡­ He couldn¡¯t have done it himself! It was you who helped him!?


    Pink¡¯s words, even if they sounded crazy, actually made some sense. The staff of the mine was forbidden to have any kind of informal rtions with the ves. For example, Martha was recently reprimanded just for bringing toys to Kyon.


    The doctor blushed with emotion. Feeling worried about Kyon, she hadpletely forgotten that she could call the guards.


    ?You should be ashamed of yourself! He¡¯s just a boy, and you¡¯reshing out at him like crazy!?


    Pink understood that the woman was protecting the ve, too. He choked with indignation:


    ?Seriously? You, too? Are you in the fucking conspiracy together? TELL ME!?


    Mob was sick and tired of Pink¡¯s screaming, and his precious Martha was clearly on the verge of a panic attack. It was time to end all this nonsense. He leaped forward and grabbed Pink by the cor to throw him out.


    Pink was filled with dark suspicions that everyone and everything in this room were involved in the plot. He was ready for anything. When Mob attacked him, his doubts had finally confirmed. Pink was ready to block his strike.


    The servant was at the 5th stage of the base phase. Mob was at the 6th stage of the same stage.


    Martha was at the 3rd stage of the base phase, but she was absolutely helpless in the fight.


    Pink blocked the strike, stepped back and wailed:


    ?I thought so! I KNEW IT! You all will be punished! I will put your skulls on my shelf! I will burn candles in myte master¡¯s honor in them!?


    Mob fixed Pink with a thunderous look. The old man wasn¡¯t as frail as Mob had expected. Martha was on the brink of tears. Suddenly, it urred to her that she could call for help. The doctor rushed to her office to get the sound transmitter, but Pink reacted immediately. He instantly reached her from behind and put his arm around her neck, not allowing her to take another step.


    ?What are you DOING, fucking asshole!?? ¨C Mob yelled, frightened for his dear woman.


    Kyon was dumbstruck. Things were changing too fast.


    Afraid to move, Martha gave a strangled squeak:


    ?What do you want from me??


    Pink ignored her question, ring at Mob and Kyon, who were standing still before him:


    ?You insolent pricks, you have no idea what trouble you got yourselves into! I will hear your confession about what you did that day!?


    Kyon squeezed Mob¡¯s shoulder, sending him a message to calm down. They¡¯d better not mess up with the madman. Then he mouthed to Mob:


    ?I¡¯ll be the bait.?


    Slowly and carefully, Kyon approached Pink, apuding him:


    ?Haha, bravo! How did you find out that it was me who killed the dickhead??


    His insolence was so unexpected that Pink was taken aback and even loosened his grip on Martha¡¯s neck:


    ?What did you say??


    ?I asked how you found out that I was the one who killed the dickhead.? ¨C Kyon said with a wry smile, emphasizing the word ¡°dickhead.¡±


    ?SO IT WAS YOU!? ¨C Pink roared in an inhuman voice. The cheerful expression on Kyon¡¯s face drove him into a frenzy.


    ?You should have seen his face when I shoved that bun down his throat, ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes shed demonically. Martha felt a cold shiver run down her spice when she saw his transformation.


    ?Agrrr! I WILL KILL YOU!?


    But Kyon had already opened the door and ran out of the room.


    In a fit of frenzy, Pink pushed Martha aside. She banged against the wall when he rushed after the boy. Mob was overloaded with too many events and couldn¡¯t process what had happened, but when he saw Martha in pain, he quickly ran up to her.


    She screamed hysterically, pushing off his hands:


    ?Go after Kyon, you idiot. Save him! Quickly!?


    Mob ran out of the infirmary and saw Mob, frantically rushing down the corridor, yelling: ?WHERE ARE YOU?! COME OUT!? ¨C The good news was, he hadn¡¯t reached Kyon yet.


    Mob was about to follow the madman when he noticed the ringleader¡¯s shaggy head sticking out of the door like a jack-in-the-box. Kyon had been hiding behind a wide-open door, pressing himself close to the wall.


    Mob jumped in surprise:


    ?What the hell!?? ¨C Who would have guessed that the boy was hiding behind the door?


    ?I thought you would react faster.? ¨C The ¡°jack¡± whispered with a grin.


    ?Sly fox!? ¨C Mob whistled in appreciation but the next moment, there was no time forpliments: Pink had noticed Kyon and was rushing back, screaming his head off.


    Kyon estimated that he stood no chance against the old servant. One or two blows reinforced with energy and goodbye to this cruel world. He could count on Mob and the guards who they should have called long ago. In the meantime, he would wait out the fight in the securely locked office with Martha.


    ?Hurry! Back to the hospital!? ¨C Mob roared, shoving Kyon into the open door.


    Martha didn¡¯t waste time, either. She went to her office and called the guards, her hands shaking.


    ?Hang in there, for Martha¡¯s sake!? ¨C Kyon shouted on the run, giving Mob an incentive to defeat his adversary.


    The office with medicine was wide open, the trembling woman was crying inside. Kyon shook his head, visibly irritated. He put his hand into the memorable pocket of her white coat, took out the key, and locked the door.


    Martha sobbed and threw herself into Kyon¡¯s arms, happy to see him unharmed.


    ?Thanks for saving me.. Thank you.? ¨C She kept whispering, clinging desperately to his clothes.


    ?There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of, silly.? ¨C Kyon said softly, frowning at his clothes soaked in her tears. And yet, he couldn¡¯t resist stroking her hair.


    Meanwhile, Pink¡¯s fists burned a bright orange.


    {Damn it, the heat element.} ¨C Mob felt scared, but he didn¡¯t retreat.


    At that moment, Pink delivered two blows Mob in the head. Mob deftly jumped aside, the scorching heat burning his face.


    ?GET OUT OF MY WAY, FUCKING BRAT!? ¨C Pink had enough energy to yell, while Mob spent all his strength to keep away from fire, in all senses of the term, waiting for the right moment to attack. {He¡¯s too powerful, fucking barbecue!}


    In spite of the elephant¡¯s dose of sedative, some patients had woken up to the noisy fight, which they immediately regretted. Pink and Mob were fighting to the death. Their movements were twice as fast and deadly as those of ordinary people.


    Pink focused the heat element and activated the smashing blow technique. It had an outstanding attack power, only it could damage the attacker¡¯s hand as well.


    Mob did not expect a blow at his plexus. It was too fast to dodge, but he managed to block the vulnerable ce, awkwardly sticking out his arm.


    *crunch*


    The skin on Mob¡¯s hand shriveled from a severe burn, his wrist twisted at a grotesque angle. The pain in his head was excruciating. He made a few steps back but didn¡¯t lose his bnce.


    The way to the stone door leading to Martha¡¯s office was free. Pink rushed to the final obstacle. The instantaneous recoil badly damaged his right hand, but he could kill the boy with his left hand.


    Pink infused his foot with plenty of energy and mmed the door.


    *bang*


    The door cracked and shattered after the second kick.


    Martha squealed with horror when she saw the old demon. Kyon was holding a scalpel with a desperate expression on his face, prepared to fight till hisst breath.


    Pink shed an evil smile: it was the end! When all of a sudden, he got a heavy blow to his shoulder from behind. The rumble of the crashed door, and his excessive confidence that the smashing blow left his opponent writhing in agony on the floor had lowered Pink¡¯s guard. He never expected an attack from behind.


    The old servant flew a good meter inside the office, his shoulder visibly disced. Mob seized the moment and gave a heavy kick directly into Pink¡¯s chest with no mercy at all.


    ?Take that, old fart!? ¨C He roared.


    *crunch*


    The blow broke a couple of ribs.


    Pink screamed in pain, trying to get up.


    Mob could not afford a setback, he immediately rushed to finish the madman off, not sparing kicks for Pink¡¯s long-suffering ribs.


    The old servant screamed in agony, but he had no strength to stand up. The pain was unbearable, his old bones didn¡¯t stand the kicks. When his frantic bloodshot eyes found Kyon in the room, Pink he croaked before passing out:


    ?I ha¡­ I hate you!?


    Mob saw that the limp body was no longer showing signs of life and sat heavily on the floor:


    ?Well¡­ It wasn¡¯t that¡­ difficult.? ¨C He could barely catch his breath after the ¡°easy¡± fight.


    When the adrenaline lowered, the pain from the fracture and burn pierced his head like a hot needle. Mob groaned, but when he saw the frightened look on Martha¡¯s face, he pulled himself together and gave her a forced smile:


    ?How are you? Are you okay? Did he hurt you??


    Martha felt affection for him welling up deep inside her. He was exhausted, badly injured but still caring for her. Her eyes glistened with tears yet again.


    ?You are an idiot! Look at yourself! Oh¡­ Let me tend to your wounds!?


    While those two were busy with each other, Kyon didn¡¯t waste a moment and got rid of his potential enemy. He casually approached Pink, put two fingers to his neck and used almost all Synergy to cut a couple of vital nerves in his spinal cord. It would paralyze the old servant for good, and they didn¡¯t keep trash. Pink would be thrown away into the corpse pit.


    Martha injected anesthetic into Mob¡¯s hand and gently applied a smear of ointment to all burn areas. Her opinion of him had grown significantly. She saw a strong, purposeful, strong-willed man. Why didn¡¯t she notice it before?


    Inparison with him, Byron had lost his importance, turning into a regr big dumb guy. Kyon was right, she couldn¡¯t do this to Mob. She had to tell him the truth or dump Byron. Tonight, she was going to think about what she should do.


    Mob had already forgotten about his swollen arm. He was a little embarrassed, but he could not take his eyes off the doctor treating him. Martha nced at her valiant savior/patient from time to time, her cheeks flushed treacherously.


    {Oops, it looks like I¡¯ve created a little love triangle here.} ¨C Kyon chuckled to himself, admiring the heart-warming scene.


    Somewhere in the distance, they could hear the running guards. Marth, Kyon, and Mob rolled their eyes all together. {It¡¯s about time.}


    The whole fight hadsted no more than five minutes.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    So many things happened in the 3rd sector that day!


    A fat, meatball-like boy named XiaoBai chuckled, scanning the reports.


    ?¡­saved a ve named Kyon from vindictive wardens, drove off a mad servant. Good job, Mob. He deserves a promotion.?


    ¡­


    It was the end of the working day.


    Tired miners were gathering in themon hall.


    Byron was upset because his friend had been badly injured in the unfortunate brawl. He went on stage, looked around the ves, and gave the following instructions:


    ?Six wardens have been seriously hurt today, so I have to appoint the new wardens to rece them. The group that has lost a warden must choose one from the members of the group. You have five minutes.?


    The most outstanding activists were nominated for the positions. They even tried to get Kyon in there, but he quickly refused the offer: the ves of the 2nd rank were forbidden to take part in the auction.


    Soon, six wardens stood on stage.


    Kyon was surprised to see Borya among them, smiling from ear to ear.


    Byron came down from the stage, looking gloomy and withdrawn. He gave Kyon a sign to join him in his room.


    After a short conversation about today¡¯s events, Kyon left Byron¡¯s private room and paid a visit to Mike, who was sleeping in the bedroom. {You must finish what you start.} ¨C He repeated to himself the words of his master.


    Kyon did the same procedure. First, he checked Mike¡¯s vitals: he was doing better with each day. Then he infused another portion of Synergy. At the very moment when Kyon took his hand from Mike¡¯s forehead, Mike suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed him by the wrist.


    {I¡¯m getting used to it. It¡¯s like having deja vu all over again.} ¨C Kyon thought nkly.


    Mike stared at him with glowing eyes, never letting go of his hand:


    ?I knew you were behind all this! You helped me to recover, didn¡¯t you??


    ?I did.? ¨C Kyon nodded with a sincere, weary look.


    ?Why did you do that??


    ?You remind me of an old friend of mine.? ¨C Kyon lied after a pause.


    Mike let go of his hand:


    ?Thank you, Kyon. I can¡¯t give you anything in return, though. I am sorry¡­?


    ?It¡¯s okay.? ¨C Kyon shrugged and went to his bedroom.


    Mike watched him go, amazed at what he had done for him. {There is good in the world¡­}


    Kyon fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.


    *dream*


    The bell rang, announcing the beginning of the second working day.


    Kyon stretched and yawned. He focused on recalling his dream about his previous life.


    Day after day, year after year. Synergy imprinted and sorted out his memories in the smallest details from his birth to the day when he was 22 years old. Hisst day in that world¡­


    When Lovr, aka Kyon, was 16 years old, his Synergy reached the Doctor of Philosophy degree (5). The hopeful romantic, he lived life to the fullest, never skipping his regr training. Being a leading student of his generation, he was granted ess to the portal cannon to get to any popted ce in the gxy, which had opened up thousands of opportunities for him. He could travel around the worlds, discovering different cultures and traditions, making friends and tons of unforgettable impressions¡­


    It went on like this until he was 20 years old. He had an active social life, studied science and technology, created new things, traveled, faced tests and trials, yed games¡­


    One day, his former master visited him and offered to take a test of the new generation. The task was to steer life on a in the right direction. Lovr agreed, and the masters put him in the hypnotic phase, imprinting his consciousness in the projection of his Synergy.


    Lovr found himself in the body of a 30-year-old man on a small named Earth in the year 2000.


    The time in the real world was 500 times slower than in the projection. A year in reality was equal to 500 years spent in the simtion. Lovr didn¡¯t age, and if his ¡°body¡± identally died, he would be reborn again, at the beginning of the test.


    He faced the challenge of popting 30s with Earthlings.


    There were two restrictions. 1) He could not use Synergy. 2) He could not recreate the technologies. He had to wait until people created them on their own. However, it was not forbidden to ¡°push¡± them to technological breakthrough.


    Lovr made his first billion dors in the financial markets the first year he lived in that world, joining the board of major yers in 2001.


    By 2004, Lovr had bought several major innovative technologypanies and drew the attention of some big shots who tried to bring the newly minted ¡°shark¡± under control.


    It was an exciting game where finance and power ruled the world. Multiple attacks, schemes, tricks, traps, and deceptions happened at every turn¡­ Lovr didn¡¯t only face challenges, he had to live and breathe in that world for quite a while. Then an aggressive market takeover started. After a long and arduous fight, Lovr became the most influential man on the. In 2010 he was the owner of all giant innovative corporations. He had no rivals. Lovr had be the elite of the elite.


    By 2012, he had rebooted the economy and erased the ruling figures: the higher families, oligarchs, billionaires, and the ruling elite. Those people were the cancer of the. Their interests often diverged. Their greed and, sometimes, the absence ofmon sense led to catastrophes, wars, genocides. The presidents were nothing but pawns in their hands. In a nutshell, it was the uneptable face of capitalism.


    It would be a stupid idea to unite them. Such people cooperated only in the face of amon enemy. In other cases, it was nothing but lies, profanity, and maniption aimed at personal gain. Unfortunately, human beings had always been greedy for power and resources, and it was the main problem which could be solved in cruel, radical and often inhumane ways. Lovr had to take tough and resolute actions, destroying the cornered lunatics who could cause trouble. The beaten pawn must leave the board, not stab in the back.


    By 2016, he had be the single ruler on Earth. However, he ruled behind the scenes. It was rather disappointing that he couldn¡¯t have children. A pretty serious shoring! Anyway, he had never been interested in the girls created by his Synergy. His hand looked more real to him.


    In 2020, amonwealth financialwork appeared based on Blockchain that made Forex look like a baby brother. It made it possible to create a single electronic currency. No transaction could be deleted from the system, and corruption cases were detected at once.


    A littleter, he conducted a massive campaign of imnting chips into human bodies. Even people who lived in third world countries got an imnt. The disgruntled citizens were threatened with severe repressive counter-measures. Discontent persisted, but the result was worth it. The chip could not be easily taken out as it was attached to vital blood vessels. The carrier would die if the chip was removed by force. Eventually, all currencies in metal or paper had sessfully exhausted themselves, and the new single currency had nopetitors. Lovr was the only person who had absolute power over it. It was an ideal lever to control the world, financial flows, and development direction. He was omnipotent.


    The capitalist system, well-suited for mass maniption, had beenpletely destroyed, more precise, reced by its hybrid, where people were given space to dominate and unleash their instincts, but with high levels of restrictions.


    It was allowed to earn money, employ workers. It was also possible to gain some influence and power. But there was a ss ceiling no one could break. The empire didn¡¯t let anyone rise above a certain level. The chips tracked everything¡­ The fraud was detected at the nning stage by analyzing the sound signals, the movement of fingers on the keyboard¡­ Bribery or illegal property transactions were impossible. The government had total power, and the will of the people meant nothing. Everybody knew that. The government had privatized all major niches, while people served as tiny but integral cogs and wheels in the well-established mechanism. Anyway, they were content with their role, as all their basic needs were fulfilled.


    Theck of brilliant people was a real challenge, at first. However, cerebral sorting tackled the problem. Geniuses were identified at their teens. After that, they could express themselves in many different ways, depending on their talent.


    The global goal of the elite to decrease the poption and control its growth had run its course.


    People didn¡¯t breed like rabbits because the imnted chips delivered birth control. They activated a hormone that induced infertility if the person had already more than two children.


    The fight against drug addiction did not take much time, but it took a lot of effort to put an end to smoking and alcoholism. The human body didn¡¯t want to give up the poison it had grown so fond of. The Overton window helped, but the process dragged on for too long.


    In the year 2030, the resources were used as effectively and efficiently as could be. Nature blossomed with new colors. Water sources were finally clean. The quality of air had improved. Human impact on the environment had been reduced to a minimum. Bad habits like smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse had beenpletely eradicated.


    Science defied imagination. People achieved universal ess to quantumputers, artificial intelligence, biorobots, and much more. Genius minds and Lovr¡¯spetent nning led the Earth in the right direction.


    However, his life wasn¡¯t always smooth sailing. The programmers in the real world kept introducing special tests, like natural disasters, intelligent opponents, dangerous meteorites, and so on. Lovr had triumphed over all challenges, using humankind as his hands.


    His goal was to popte 30s, and it required great technologies and a lot of time.


    Lovr had aplished his task only by 2978. Missionplete. He still looked 30 years old. He never died, never got stuck. He did it. Everything was like a dream, only a too realistic one. The time between then and now seemed tost a moment or, maybe, it dragged for eternity. The information he received didn¡¯t turn him into a thousand-year-old sage. Lovr remained the same flirty loveable teenager.


    When they asked him: ?You have been in the simtion for about a thousand years, haven¡¯t you? Wasn¡¯t it long enough to sow some wild oats and start thinking with your head, not your penis? I can¡¯t believe that a thousand-year-old sage would be as lecherous and amorous as you are¡­?


    Lovr replied: ?It was not me who had spent a thousand years in the simtion, but my consciousness copied with Synergy. My mental age has not changed. I just turned twenty-two years old, and I love sex with beautiful girls as befits a guy of my age. I prefer real ones, not the girls created by Synergy from Synergy¡­ I don¡¯t like fake people if you know what I mean.?


    When the simtion was over, Lovr made a long-awaited breakthrough. The test had several purposes. Lovr had to prove his skills, confirm that he could apply his knowledge in practice, and ensure that his masters had made the right choice. Passing the test was the culmination of all his work and efforts. It gave him the unshakable confidence in his talents to ovee the bottleneck in Synergy cultivation. This way, his Synergy broke into the legendary Doctor of Science degree.


    ording to scientists, the sixth degree was penultimate. Anything beyond it was out of this world. Lovr had be a legend. But he didn¡¯t think he had done anything special. Anyone with sufficient knowledge of economics, espionage, maniption, and mass management could do it. Some of the tests required more sophisticated methods that didn¡¯t drag for almost a thousand years, which made them trivial. And yet, the sixth degree of Synergy and universal respect gave Lovr confidence, perhaps, too much confidence, something that he could not always control.


    {The lightning manifested Synergy of Doctor of Science degree¡­ I could rebuild my body, control the micro-interactions of atoms up to quarks. I could change structures and matter, give consciousness, transmit information to people. I felt the entire universe but¡­ Hadn¡¯t I reached the Supreme mandate? Why are thest days kind of a blur? What happened then? What happened to me when I was 22?} ¨C His irritation mixed with bitterness. ¡°To know a lot while missing the point.¡±


    Kyon finished with his memories and snickered. The Emperor of manys was now just a ve in the mine. He had fallen so low.


    Kyon went to get washed, leaving the stinging irony aside. Then he met his new warden. By a certain irony of fate, it was the constant witness to Kyon¡¯s ordeals. After his promotion to the rank of a ¡°boss,¡± Kyon took a look at his formation and found out that his name was Basil.


    After that, Kyon came to themon hall, spotted his group and headed towards them. He joyfully winked to Basil, who had to swallow nervously, and got into line. As they passed the checkpoint, he saw grumpy Bob and happy Mob with a bandage around his hand.


    Mob couldn¡¯t hold back his smile. After yesterday¡¯s events, Martha kissed him on the cheek and turned crimson. As for Mob, he hadpletely lost his mind. Love filled his heart like a blooming flower.


    {How¡­ cute. The man in his forties behaves like a teenager in love.} ¨C Kyon chuckled quietly.


    When he was passing Mob, the supervisor didn¡¯t hesitate to shake his hand and gave him an almost friendly pat on the back. It was one of those jaw-dropping moments: was it really Mob who despised and hated ves?


    In the next two hours, Kyon did a good day¡¯s work, which left the other miners stunned again, and was ready to leave.


    The new warden was scared of the strange boy, and yet, he should stand firm in his authority:


    ?Wait! The¡­ the working day is not over yet!?


    ?I¡¯ve done my quota of work for the day. What else?? ¨C Kyon snapped.


    ?It¡¯s¡­ It is not allowed to hang around the mine without a warden! It¡¯s¡­ It is punishable.? ¨C The poor warden stuttered. Then he met Kyon¡¯s narrowed nce and lost all his desire to ¡°show who is the boss here.¡± Basil shuddered and made a couple of steps back, waving his hands as if taking his words back.


    ?I¡¯ll be over there.?


    Kyon walked around and turned into a dead-end hallway. He made himselffortable on the more or less clean ground to practice the elements in peace. He gave mental orders to his soul, but nothing happened. Then he stimted the motor neurons, and at some point, the keys started spinning. It would take an average person a month of practice to do that.


    {Huh, it¡¯s like moving a new body part, or more precisely, nine body parts!}


    With each turn, the nine keys sucked in a little energy from the atmosphere and sent it through the channels to the soul. {That¡¯s what it means to be neutrally-charged!}


    Each sphere-key resembled a snowball with energy swirling around and gradually moving through the channels into the soul.


    Kyon didn¡¯t have to focus on the process. It happened by itself.


    He experimented for 40 minutes and found out that the keys had a specific absorption rate, which could not be exceeded. Quick recovery required a high density of neutral energy of his grade. There was no other way. Kyon had read that spheres of crystallized energy were used as money in this world. With their help, he could speed up energy absorption to the maximum possible rate.


    The 10th key worked quite differently. It didn¡¯t swirl but released Synergy through sheer willpower.


    At some point, Kyon had filled his soul with neutral energy to the top of his head. It felt like his soul was a balloon filled with air. It was his energy now, working to his advantage.


    When he mastered the process of neutral energy absorption, Kyon went on to release it. He fiddled with the keys and found out that they released energy if rotated in the opposite direction.


    Kyon turned the keys backward and felt something prickly, slimy, and, at the same time, steamlike flowing out of his soul.


    It was a mesmerizing feeling of gradual soul depletion.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    The energy dispelled in the air after leaving the key. Apparently, it had lower its density.


    Kyon did a couple of experiments with Synergy and was relieved to find out that his outgoing energy and Synergy did not mutually destroy each other, as it was the case with Martin¡¯s formation. He was correct to assume that Synergy resonated both with the soul and the energy. There was no conflict between them.


    {So, the released energy dispels. But how can I use it to my advantage? When it¡¯s out, I can¡¯t control it anymore and I can¡¯t do anything about it! How can I harness the energy? There was nothing in the books about it¡­} ¨C Kyon sighed sadly. He would have to figure it out for himself.


    He remembered the recent fight. How did Mob do it? Kyon concentrated, trying to control the keys that released energy.


    At first, it didn¡¯t work. Gradually, he began to see the light. It was like having ten trunks on his body, one of which was useless, though. It released Synergy.


    After half an hour of practice, he learned some little tricks. He could wiggle the channels, bend them,press them, make unthinkable knots and angles, create the pressure, vacuum, sealing.


    When Kyon changed the channel form, he noticed changes in the outgoing energy. He could control it now, setting its direction and density.


    Doing the experiments, he didn¡¯t notice that the working day hade to an end. While the other ves were busy with the highly intellectual game of crushing rocks, Kyon had made significant progress: {A soul has a limited reserve of energy that I can release through nine channels. They transform it into a certain element in the most unimaginable ways. Except that the key of pure energy doesn¡¯t transform it into anything. I can¡¯t control outgoing energy, but I can assign it specific characteristics, such as speed, density, direction, structure, and so on, if I form the channel in a certain way.}


    Kyon also discovered that it was impossible to release energy faster than a certain limit. The keys released energy with a fixed speed. The harder he struggled, the more difficult it was. It led him to the conclusion that even the most intense battle would take no more than ten minutes.


    Kyon¡¯s next four working days were monotonous.


    He came to work, did the day¡¯s work in a couple of hours so that Basil would leave him be, and went to his secluded nook to practice releasing energy through the keys. He experimented, learned how they worked, ¡°reinvented the wheel.¡± Later at night, he did stretching exercises and slept two hours before the new working day.


    Kyon stopped having dreams in the form of memories long ago, so he just had some rest.


    Soon he sculpted his way to a stronger body without bothering himself with exhausting workouts. It was all thanks to Synergy that properly distributed enzymes derived from protein foods and regted metabolism. He didn¡¯t need any training to the envy of any athlete. By the arrival at the Stones¡¯ estate, he was supposed to have a great, attractive athletic body, capable of long-term physical activity. It was going to benefit him if not in terms of strength and endurance, then in physical attraction, and in addition to his pretty face and carelessly disheveled hair, it would make him irresistible.


    Kyon also discovered that his soul had be more capacious. He knew that as soon as the rate of growth hit a certain level, he would move to the next stage, which would be another milestone on the way of his cultivation. He reached the first stage of the base phase the moment he connected with his soul.


    The density of the first phasal energy was insignificant in the mine, which meant his soul would evolve much slower than he desired. If only he knew how to practice the elements, not scatter them in the wind, his cultivation would increase dramatically.


    It was a great advantage that Kyon could dispel the energy at night, even when he was sleeping, as his attention stayed focused due to Synergy that took on the role of the performer and acted automatically.


    There was even a better advantage: his keys were absolutely pure, which meant that his stream amounted to 900 points. All the nine keys were 100% pure. An impossible dream for the rest of humankind! The average stream had 200-300 points, and those who had it took three to four times longer to evolve. Their elemental attacks were weakerpared to Kyon, even if his cultivation was at the same stage.


    The battered wardens returned during those four working days.


    The ves of the 2nd rank were given three nights to recover, which was more than enough for most of them.


    Unfortunately, Osip, Kyon¡¯s former warden, was too weak when it was time to leave the hospital. Byron avenged his friend and beat the guard, who had crippled Osip, to a pulp. He wouldn¡¯t evere round after that.


    Rogash, the ¡°caring¡± dog, had left Babil¡¯s face nicely mutted, and Byron adorned it with a couple of more bruises. Since then, Babil was neither seen nor heard. He only gritted his teeth whenever he saw Kyon, but many of them were missing in light of recent events. Babil could forget about gaining his power back. It wasn¡¯t only his reputation that had suffered in the brawl. He was absolutely broke after Kyon¡¯s shameless plundering. Of course, the moneylender had some savings stashed, but he could get his money only on the 7th day of the week. Even the guard who remained with Babil had no respect for him.


    The evening of the 6th day hade. Tomorrow was a day off. No one was in a rush to go to bed. Some had taken the card tables, others were writing letters to their dear ones, and some were just chatting over a cup of crap tea.


    Kyon was worried that his absence in the database could be revealed. Bob turned in his weekly report ten days ago, but Kyon was hoping that all routine inspections would be temporarily suspended until they found a recement for Martin, thete formacist. Anyway, he hadn¡¯t had any trouble, so far. That¡¯s all that mattered.


    Bob and Mob came to themon hall to distribute the overachievementmission. Mob emanated an aura of a drug addict. Did something happen between him and Martha?


    Kyon didn¡¯t jump to conclusions. He didn¡¯t have to wait his turn, either. The jerks had kindly lent him enough money to win the auction and get a raise. He wasn¡¯t going to need more.


    Kyon went to find Mike and promised that he would give him the money left from the auction so that he could exchange it into real currency and send it to his family who lived in the vige of Kornevo.


    When the problem with ¡°extra¡± money was solved, Kyon knocked on the door of Byron¡¯s room.


    ?Who¡¯s there?? ¨C He heard a muffled voice from behind the door.


    ?Greetings Byron, it¡¯s me.?


    ?Come on in, boy. I¡¯ll pour you some tea¡­ What have you been up to?? ¨C Byron let Kyon in and went to put the kettle on. He used a crystal to boil the water, put a steaming mug in front of Kyon and sat opposite him.


    Kyon thanked him for the drink and carefully sipped his tea.


    ?Same old, same old. There¡¯s an auction tomorrow. I¡¯m nning to get out.?


    Byron frowned:


    ?You know, everyone here dreams of getting a promotion and going to the estate. Your money may not be enough. Last time, it cost about 250 thousand spheres to win¡­?


    Kyon grinned and winked conspiratorially to Byron:


    ?I took somepensation from Babil and his cronies for attacking me and beating Osip. It should suffice.?


    ?Ha-ha-ha! It¡¯s fucking great!? ¨C First, Byron was taken aback, but then heughed out loud. He approvingly banged with his fist on the table: ¨C ?They deserve it! I would have fucking skinned them if anything had happened to you!?


    Kyon felt gratitude towards the simple-minded big guy welling deep inside him:


    ?I am d to hear that.?


    Byron put aside his cup and thoughtfully propped his chin with his hand, drumming his fingers on the table:


    ?By the way, even if you win the auction, it won¡¯t set you free. I have no idea about the way of life and habits there, but I wish you the best of luck with your family matters if you do get out. Hopefully, that asshole will get what he deserves¡­?


    Kyon was confused for a moment, but then he remembered his made-up story full of ¡°drama, maudlinness, and universal injustice.¡± Actually, Kyon should be sorry for his lie, but that emotion was not typical of his rational mind. Besides, Byron wouldn¡¯t be so happy to find out that the boy had been manipting. So, he¡¯d better leave things as they were, and everyone would be pleased. ?Lying for the Greater Good? ¨C that was just the name for it.


    Kyon nodded vaguely and noticed the Rubik¡¯s cube on the shelf behind Byron. He pointed to it:


    ?Give me that.?


    Byron turned around to find what Kyon needed and handed him the toy. Kyon had distracted him for a reason. While he was searching for the toy, Kyon generously poured the entire reserve of Synergy in Byron¡¯s cup.


    ?Here you are. I already regretted buying this junk. I can¡¯t make heads or tails of it.? ¨C Byron chuckled and swallowed the lukewarm tea down.


    {What a simpleton! It¡¯s true what they say, all brawn and no brains¡­} ¨C Kyon chuckled. Synergy was given a dyed task. Once it reached Byron¡¯s stomach, it would prate his keys and connect with his spirit in a couple of days. It would give Byron a good incentive, albeit he had not even reached the base phase. Byron always mentioned that he was doomed to be weak, even if no one would dare to call him that.


    Kyon leisurely rotated the sides of the cube.


    ?Tell me about your ns for the future.?


    Byron looked down and clenched his fists:


    ?I have no ns because of my fucking brother. I hate him!¡­ I guess I¡¯ll stay here for at least two years. Then I¡¯ll buy my freedom and after that¡­ Well, I have to find a way to get my revenge.?


    ?Two years is a long time. If you get out earlier, find Mike¡¯s family in the vige of Kornevo and wait for me there. I¡¯ll find you and help you get your revenge, but keep in mind¡­? ¨C The cube was gradually returning to its original state, line after line ¨C red, yellow, green, and red again¡­


    Byron interrupted him impatiently:


    ?Are you going to help me??


    ?Yes, but keep in mind you owe me a favor.? ¨C Kyon nodded, pleased with himself, and put the reassembled Rubik¡¯s cube on the table in front of Byron.


    Byron nced at the toy and said pensively:


    ?You know I¡¯m not rich¡­?


    ?It has nothing to do with money. Don¡¯t lose any sleep over it.?


    ?Kyon, I don¡¯t give a shit how you are going to do it. If you help me get my revenge, I¡¯ll do anything for you!? ¨C Byron mmed with his fist on the table, the cups clinked intively. He cleared his throat and added, not so confidently: ¨C ?Well, aside from weird things, you know.?


    Theyughed together.


    Kyon said good-bye to Byron and went to his bedroom. Tomorrow was going to be a hard day, the D-day.


    Byron closed the door behind Kyon and began to clear the table. His gaze lingered on the Rubik¡¯s cube and he gasped in surprise.


    It was early morning. Sleepy miners stumbled into themon hall like the living dead, constantly yawning. Kyon was excited as never before. The stakes were too high.


    Byron slowly went on the mini-stage and announced when the auction would begin. Then he ordered everyone to go and get washed.


    Kyon was standing under the refreshing shower thinking¡­ {So, the patriarch has a beautiful young granddaughter¡­ Hmm, what could be better than winning a highborndy¡¯s heart? The status and influence of the Stone family would allow me to rise in the world. How interesting¡­ A test where a ve must seduce a noble girl, the leader¡¯s daughter¡­ I will use my seduction techniques, and she is destined to be mine! In my world, I could charm anyone in an hour. I¡¯m sure my skills wille in very handy here. Oh, I can¡¯t wait. My masters have never given me such a task! Hopefully, the girl is my type. If she is, I¡¯ll bring her to heel, even if it takes time. She¡¯ll thank meter.}


    Kyon was lost in his naive romantic fantasies. He had no idea how this world worked. The chain ofmand was rather flexible in the mine. Everyone was on familiar terms, just like in Lovr¡¯s world. Outside, in high society, a single wrong nce could be hisst. His ignorance could get him into big trouble, which he waspletely unaware of.


    Male nature responds quickly and straightforwardly to romantic thoughts. Kyon suppressed his sexual urge, turned off the water and began to get dressed.


    Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. Kyon turned back and saw a bald man approaching him with ascivious look on his face.


    {Screw you, not now.} ¨C Kyon had just put on his pants.


    ?Hey guy, that¡¯s the nicest thing I¡¯ve seen today¡­?


    Before he could finish the sentence, a slippery piece of soap bounced off the wall and dropped straight under his foot. He slipped and slid on the wet floor, cursing loudly, until he crashed into the wall. When he came to his senses, Kyon was already gone.


    Kyon pulled on his shirt on the move and ran with his shoes uced, breathing a sigh of relief: ?If not for my ballistic skills, it would have been rough.?


    He heard amotion in themon hall: two shopkeepers and their loyal guard were bringing in the mobile stall. The ves were lining up for the uing auction, shouting and quarreling.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    A tall, middle-aged man in a ck coat entered themon hall, followed by two guards and a group of ves from the 1st and 2nd sectors who had won the auction, which suggested their ill-concealed smiles.


    Kyon could tell by the way the man was walking that he was no ordinary person. He had specific skills.


    The crowd parted to let him pass. The trio in the market stall moved closer to the wall to make room on the mini-stage. Their status was clearly inferior to that of the coat bearer.


    The stranger went onto the stage, looked over the audience with nk eyes, cleaned his throat, and spoke:


    ?All of you probably know who I am and why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m not going to stay in this ce for long. Three people who make the highest bids will be promoted and sent to the estate¡­?


    He said those words every year, and they always caused quite a sensation in themon hall.


    Each ve considered the promotion and moving to the estate as something unimaginable, which wouldpletely change their lives for the better. There would be delicious food, favorable living conditions, a higher sry¡­ The chance to be a footman could make their lives a fairy tale. To be a servant or, even better, a livestock keeper, those were the dreams of the poor. The prospects were unthinkable. The estate belonged to the Stones, the family number one in the whole kingdom, no less. Promotion cost about three times higher than freedom.


    The man in the coat, aka the deliverer, spread his hands and said solemnly: ¨C ?Let the auction begin! The first bid is five thousand rupees. Who will give me more??


    Arms began to rise, followed by shouts: ?Sixty thousand!?¡­?Seventy thousand!?¡­?Ny thousand!?


    In the end, the first person bought the promotion for 250,000 rupees.


    Kyon decided to buy the second, which he believed would be cheaper.


    His n was justified: he won the lot for 220,000 rupees. Psychology and the mood of the masses were an open book for him.


    What a lucky turn of events it was to meet some well-heeled guys who kindly gave him all their possessions. He would have to toil for many, many years before he could take part in the auction with the money he had. Or maybe he would have toe up with another cunning n. Everything worked out for him. Kyon didn¡¯t know what was in store for him in the mansion, and he couldn¡¯t wait to find it out.


    The third lot was sold for 275,000 rupees. The winner had been saving for about 10 years, but promotion was totally worth it, unlike freedom. There was no way he would spend another year as a ve in the mine. He thought he would save buying the third lot. Oh well, he meant well. Surprisingly, sad and happy tears were running down his cheeks at the same time.


    Kyon discreetly gave the rest of his money to Mike, who was already in good health and eternally grateful, shook his hand and followed the man in ck.


    As far as Kyon knew, rupees weren¡¯t in use in the mansion.


    On the way from themon hall, Kyon met Borya, who looked happy and strong. He also shook Kyon¡¯s hand and patted him on the back. ?The legend of the boy who defied the system and, most importantly, won would be heard for a long time in the mine. Good luck in the future, Kyon.?


    John, Kyon¡¯s former warden, was standing there in disbelief. The little shit had beaten him up, crippled him and took his money to buy promotion. The world was evil and unfair¡­


    Babil shed an angry tear, clenching his few teeth. The little crook didn¡¯t let him get one over on him. The boy was nobody¡¯s fool. He was a tiger in the skin of a fool.


    Byron called Martha to tell her that Kyon was leaving the mine and went to see him off:


    ?Kyon, I¡¯m so happy for you! I hope they will treat you well.?


    Kyon smiled:


    ?Don¡¯t forget our conversation. By the way, I¡¯ve left you a surprise. You¡¯ll find out tomorrow what it is.?


    Byron looked at Kyon with a great deal of interest. He liked surprises. He gave Kyon a friendly smile and shook his hand:


    ?All right, Kyon. Take care of yourself. I wish I could leave you a surprise, too. But there¡¯s nothing to surprise you with¡­?


    ?That¡¯s okay.? ¨C Kyon patted him on the shoulder. Thanks to Byron, nobody tried to steal the money from his pocket during the week, and many wanted to get rich overnight. If it weren¡¯t for Byron, he would have had to think of another way to get himself out of the mine, which might have taken him more than a month, and maybe more than two.


    Kyon knew well that cleaning Byron¡¯s keys a bit wasn¡¯t going to write off his debt. He must get him out of here and then try and help him get his revenge. If it wasn¡¯t too much trouble.


    When Kyon had shaken everyone¡¯s hand, he followed the deliverer in the ck coat. He had the foresight to secretly take some amber stones, crystallized and potentially explosive energy, which in the future coulde in handy. After all, it was real money unlike rupees in the mine.


    It was a piece of cake to hide something from search. All Kyon had to do was to put the little stones under the thick bandage somewhere on his forearm.


    His group was approaching Sector 4.


    Mob was alone at the checkpoint as he owed Bob a day off. He was leaning back in his chair, reading a book. Either he was pretending to be an intellectual or wanted to be smarter than the ves. When all of a sudden, Mob turned around and noticed Kyon¡¯s group.


    The question slipped out of his mouth:


    ?Kyon?! Are you the winner?!?


    Kyon nodded:


    ?My adventures here areing to an end.?


    The deliverer suppressed his surprise at the fact that a ve was on close terms with authorities. He approached Mob and said in a t voice:


    ?So, you know each other, it makes things easier. Mention in your report that he won the auction and was sent to the estate. I¡¯m in a bit of a hurry.?


    Mob bowed slightly to show respect for the person in front of him and quickly made some log entries that would only mix things upter.


    Kyon heard someone behind him: Martha hade to say goodbye. Thanks to him, she had the most unusual week in the mine.


    Still writing in the log, Mob looked around at the familiar footsteps and cried out:


    ?Martha! Hi!?


    She smiled bashfully when she saw all those present, especially Mob:


    ?Hello¡­?


    Mob broke into a blissful smile, then coughed awkwardly.


    Martha approached Kyon, took him by the hand and said:


    ?I didn¡¯t expect you to have so many secrets! I¡¯m so d you are getting out of here. I hope you¡¯ll be alright.?


    Kyon looked at her good-natured, pretty face, smiled kindly and replied:


    ?All of this wouldn¡¯t have happened without your help. Thank you for being a partner¡­ in crime as well.? ¨C He gave her a conspiratorial wink.


    Martha covered her red face with her hand, averting her eyes. She really was an aplice in Martin¡¯s murder, albeit unintentionally.


    Mob looked startled as if he had remembered something. He grabbed Kyon by the hand and gave him a firm shake, patting him on the shoulder with the other hand:


    ?Kyon¡­ Well¡­ Have a good time. Alright¡­ Good luck.?


    Kyon looked at him in disbelief. Was Mob really shaking a ve¡¯s hand? No way! He just wanted to impress Martha. He turned his eyes to the doctor and nodded ¨C it worked! It really did!


    Martha covered her mouth with her hand. She always disapproved of Mob battering ves and treated them like shit. And now he was shaking hands with a ve! Mob was even smiling at him! Was it the same man? When Mob was protecting her from the mad servant, she noticed many good qualities in him, and now this¡­ But she hadn¡¯t said anything to Byron yet. She hadn¡¯t broken up with him. She had to be more determined.


    Kyon cleared his throat and replied:


    ?I will! Believe me.?


    Mob took away his hand and almost imperceptibly wiped it on his pants, his ¡°sincere¡± smile never left his lips. His little ruse was for a reason. The expression on Martha¡¯s face was totally worth it.


    Meanwhile, the deliverer was staring at Kyon as if he were an anomaly. He had never seen such a young ve in the mine. The boy must havemitted a crime to be forced into very at such a young age. Then the deliverer wondered where the boy could get enough money to win the auction. It required years of hard work, and he was unlikely to have been toiling in the mine since his infancy. The boy must have pulled a fast one. But what could he possibly have done? Who did he deceive and rob to have such a huge amount of money? The deliverer found it strange, very strange. Then the boy turned out to be on friendly terms with the leader of the mine! Even stranger was the fact that the nurse came to say goodbye to him! The deliverer was inclined to believe that the doctor fancied the handsome young boy, but what about the supervisor, who, as far as he remembered from his previous trips, despised ves?! An air of mystery surrounded Kyon, and the deliverer was curious to know how he did it. Anyway, he hadpletely changed his opinion about the boy.


    The deliverer suppressed his emotions and roared. ?It¡¯s time to leave unless you want to stay in the mine.? ¨C Then he headed off to the 4th sector with his group.


    Kyon threw a final smiling nce at Martha, waved her with two fingers goodbye and followed the deliverer. He knew that he would pay her back in full for her kindness and help but first, he needed to get on his feet and spread his wings.


    The doctor watched him go with a longing look on her face. Suddenly, his disappearing silhouette reminded her of her son. Tears flew down her cheeks. She felt empty, yet her heart was so heavy. The memories came flooding back. It was happening all over again¡­


    Mob saw his dear woman crying and gently put his arm around her. ?Here, here¡­ He¡¯ll be ba¡­ He¡¯ll miss you, too.?


    Martha nodded, wiped her tears, and shouted to Kyon from a distance:


    ?Take good care of yourself!?


    Kyon didn¡¯t turn. A wry smile briefly touched his lips.


    Finally, the group crossed the border of Sector 3¡­ Kyon wasn¡¯t going to meet any familiar faces anymore. He let out a long sigh, partly of sadness.


    After the auctions in other sectors, the deliverer had gathered a decent group of ves ready to leave the mine. The guards respectfully let him out at the sight of the formation on his wrist.


    The mountain wind was blowing. A beautiful mountainndscape opened before Kyon. The sun was at its zenith, and he could see green trees in the distance, a small river, birds¡­ Dear nature that the ves hadn¡¯t seen for many years.


    Their faces expressed delight. They hadn¡¯t breathed fresh air for ages.


    The deliverer led the group to arge cart pulled by two unusual animals. He sat on the driver¡¯s seat and beckoned to the others to get in.


    {My journey is just beginning.} ¨C Kyon reminded himself, making himselffortable.


    ¡­


    Twenty-four elders were sitting at arge round table in the half-open pce. Half of them flickered like an illusion. Up above them in the sky, there was a huge blue ball, the called Life.


    There was an ongoing discussion of a fundamental issue between two rival factions opposing each other for thousands of years.


    Emperor Mubay, the tall illusionary man with short blond hair, keen eyes and a pair of translucent white wings behind his back, spoke with authority:


    ?We have considered thepetition proposal for the right to own Argus gates for the next hundred years. We have agreed upon all points, except the one that states that there should be a hundred of the top geniuses on each side. We suggest sending twenty-five contestants rather than creating a bloodbath on the lower.?


    Ryder, the emperor of the opposite faction with a pair of dark wings behind his back and impressive looks, said with a grin:


    ?Do you expect me to believe that you care about the scum on the? Admit it, you don¡¯t have enough young geniuses to match us.?


    Mubay¡¯s reaction was harsh and arrogant. ?Our geniuses have always been famous for their quality, not quantity! It¡¯s a long and difficult process to cultivate gold grains instead of cranking out heaps of rot!?


    They started a fierce debate trying to humiliate the opposite faction and defend their position. After a while, both sides came up with apromise: there would be 50 participants on each side.


    Mubay, the head of the light faction, summed up:


    ?Next year on the day of the gate closing, we¡¯re cing fifty of the best geniuses under the age of eighteen in random ces of the. They will all start as third phasers, and their sess will depend solely on their intelligence and talent. The losers will strictly follow the terms of the agreement, and the winners will have Argus gates at their disposal for the next hundred years. Now let¡¯s sign the spiritual contract.? ¨C He looked at the dark faction leader.


    Ryder signed the document with a confident smile and said solemnly:


    ?And may the STRONGEST win. I mean US!? ¨C He dropped the call, leaving thest word to himself.


    Ryder waved his hand leisurely, ordering the dark faction elders to leave the conference room. Everybody left with reverence. An extraordinarily beautiful woman stayed. She put her hand on his shoulder.


    With an evil smile, Emperor Ryder pulled the gorgeous woman closer and kissed her sliding his tongue into her mouth, pawing her supple buttocks. Then he pulled away from her and said:


    ?We don¡¯t have much time to prepare, darling. Organize the qualifying tournament all over the kingdom. I want to see fifty greatest young geniuses next month. And take care of our son. He must get the best training and resources. He was born to be the first, after all.?

 Chapter 30: Arc 2 – The Stones’ Mansion

    Chapter 30: Arc 2 ¨C The Stones¡¯ Mansion


    Previously in Everything Will Be My Way (chapters 1-29):


    Kyon killed Martin, the greedy formacist who decided to cash in at the boy¡¯s expense. He also made friends with Byron, the leader of the ves. A friend helped Kyon rob a money-lender and his gang for arge sum of money that got him a promotion to a higher ve position. Meanwhile, he had connected with his soul, learned the rules of the world around him, escaped Martha¡¯s righteous anger, who found out that he had killed Martin. He also met a goddess who had been searching the whole universe to find him. Before the auction, Kyon had cleaned Byron¡¯s keys and promised to find him somewhen in the future. He was sent to the Stones¡¯ estate, where the family members had immense cultivation and impressive power. Kyoncked knowledge about the new ce where people used elements and formations for various needs like subjugating beasts and ves. The family members took ves for nothing. They decided the fate of a ve with a snap of their fingers. Kyon counted on getting out of the damned mine to have a better life, but his life was in danger as soon as he arrived in the estate. He was still a ve who had to prove himself in this new powerful world.


    The Stones¡¯ mansion,te in the evening.


    A beautiful young girl, whose angelic appearance could charm the gods themselves, was sitting on a bench impatiently dangling her legs. The wind was blowing through her long golden hair. Her huge emerald green eyes framed with thick eyshes reflected a pale moon. There was something magical, wondrous, unearthly about her.


    A mournful howl of ghosts came from somewhere behind her.


    The girl narrowed her eyes, an understanding smile yed on her lips.


    ?You have a lousy memory. It won¡¯t happen twice!? ¨C Her voice, melodious as spring bells, sounded too shrill, destroying her innocent image.


    The ¡°ghosts¡± obediently shut up. A heavy sigh and quietughter turned into the old man¡¯s creaky voice:


    ?Lady Juno, I¡¯m in myte 120s, go easy on me.?


    ?I am tired of hearing you harp on the same string, old fool!? ¨C The girl turned around with a mischievous smile.


    Flitz, the very formacist who Martin was sent to rece, paid a visit to Juno. He was a tall skinny old man with a shock of white hair and a long beard. His face was wrinkled in deep furrows, but his eyes were glowing with an inner me. He was wearing a long gray robe of an old schr that unfitted his image of an evil old man.


    ?My old heart can¡¯t take your harsh words. Mind your manners!? ¨C Flitz smiled back at her.


    ?Your heart can take more than that!? ¨C The insolent girl snorted and rose from the bench. She closed her eyes and stretched, arching her back. Flitz wanted to give a flick on her nose for that provocative behavior.


    She half-opened her sly eyes that gleamed like emeralds eyes and reproached him:


    ?Well?! Did you forget how to greet yourdy?!?


    ?Ha ha he! Let me hug you, dear¡­ It¡¯s been a while¡­? ¨C Flitzughed and pulled the naughty girl to himself, making her bury her nose in his chest. The girl was a head shorter than him. The old man couldn¡¯t help nuzzling his nose into her thick hair. The smell of expensive shampoo tickled his nostrils. She reminded him of a spoiled puppy, so cute and spontaneous. It was so tempting to touch her but it wasn¡¯t worth dying for.


    ?Flitz¡­? ¨C The girl pulled away. ¨C ?Tell me what you have found out.?


    The old man sat wearily on the bench. Juno made herselffortable beside him.


    ?The information was correct¡­ She had fled to the imperial capital. I did some investigation and found out that she had joined the imperial order. She passed the exam with one hundred points and became an official student at once. Can you imagine??


    ?Hmm¡­ How unexpected.? ¨C The girl made a sarcastic snort, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. ¨C ?How is she doing there? Why would she need to enter the order??


    ?s, I wasn¡¯t sneaky enough to meet her in person, but I heard a lot.? ¨C Flitz wearily waved his hand. ¨C ?She created a sensation on the very first day and got some admirers¡­?


    ?Hush! Stop it. I know. She is beautiful, strong, smart, h-h-h. Miss Perfection.? ¨C Juno made a grimace of disgust. Her eyes shed with rage: ¨C ?I was destined to spend my childhood in the chill of her magnificent shadow. So stop talking about her and keep to the point.? ¨C The girl had to fight back the urge to stamp her foot in a fit of rage.


    A down feather of some night birdnded on her cute nose. The girl sneezed quietly and shed a dazzling smile watching the feather soar in the air and then slowly float to the ground. The old man¡¯s heart skipped a beat, he had to avert his eyes. Then he cleaned his throat nervously and continued:


    ?Yeah, sure. Anyway¡­ I don¡¯t think she ran away because Timothy Brown wanted to marry her. He was just a weak puppy. It alles down to your father¡¯s disappearance¡­?


    Juno took a deep breath, which made her neat perky tits rise, and moaned, hiding her face in her hands: ?Just as I thought. She is a fool¡­ She¡­ No, I mean it! She IS a fool.?


    Flitz asked cautiously:


    ?Have I found her weak spot??


    ?She is obsessed with him¡­ She thinks that father is alive, even if he has not been around for years! He is either dead or aplete idiot!? ¨C Juno growled thest words. Her eyes sparkled with hatred mixed with grief for her father, who had always loved her sister more than her.


    Flitz sighed quietly:


    ?Once I talked with your grandfather. He said that his son might be alive¡­ His people have been investigating the case of his disappearance but all leads end at the border with the demons on the day of Subus Love. The damned creatures are very powerful. They are also known for their perverse love of powerful men. Your father was strong and talented.? ¨C His eyes nced over Juno who was sitting very still: ¨C ?Your sister wants to be stronger, and the imperial order is the best ce in the whole empire to do it. Apparently, she ns to get into the demon empire on her own¡­ That¡¯s why she ran away.?


    ?I see. Well, that¡¯s just great. She wants tomit suicide. I couldn¡¯t be happier for my sister.? ¨C Juno gave a nervous giggle. She wrapped her arms around herself as if she was cold and shook her head:


    ?She is three years older than me but such a bird brain¡­?


    Flitz was considerate enough to refrain from anyments. Elsa was the best of the best, and Juno knew it very well. Her elder sister had a hundred thousands of admirers who would give anything just to look at her.


    ?You know, ever since I met the real you, the hair on my head has significantly receded¡­ Ouch!? ¨C Flitz didn¡¯t expect a blow to his shoulder from the viciously puffing ¡°puppy.¡±


    ?You don¡¯t like me?? ¨C another blow. ¨C ?Tell me! I am mean, aren¡¯t I?!? ¨C and another one. ¨C ?Come on, tell me!?


    Flitz couldn¡¯t take her attacks anymore. He got out of her way, rubbing his injured shoulder ¨C it¡¯s going to leave a bruise, you little rascal! ¨C and said angrily:


    ?You are the most obnoxious girl the world has ever seen! A nasty piece of work!?


    Juno rushed to Flitz to prove that she was just an angel until now. Only, he already knew what to expect, and she couldn¡¯t keep up with him:


    ?Wait, old fart! What have you been doing in the mine all this time? Applies formations! Or maybe you like the ves, huh? I know what a pervert you are deep inside! Come on, slow down!?


    Flitz grinned slyly and immediately obeyed her order. He stopped abruptly and turned, making Juno, who didn¡¯t expect such obedience, crash into his chest.


    The old man exhaled wearily. He gently unstuck the overly energetic youngdy from his robe and grinned at her reddened nose and tear-filled eyes. Then he shuddered and looked away.


    Juno sobbed bitterly, her nose slightly swollen from the impact.


    ?Old goat¡­ Why would you stop like that?!? ¨C She went ballistic and stepped menacingly forward, ready to strike again.


    Flitz caught her small fist at once:


    ?Keep reaching for the stars and one day you¡¯ll take revenge on me, kid. By the way, how is your training going??


    Juno broke free, gracefully straightened her silk blouse and walked through the park, her heels clicking against the stone path. She felt disappointed and angry at once.


    ?I connected with my spirit three months ago. If I had done it in early childhood like my sister, she would be kneeling before me to curry favor instead of roaming imperial orders and stirring up trouble.?


    Fitz couldn¡¯t hide his delight. Just look at her, knee-high to a duck but arrogance over the top!


    ?Wow! What an impassioned speech! You might be talented, but don¡¯t you have a bit too high opinion of yourself? You can¡¯t hit me, all right, I¡¯m too strong for you. But there¡¯s that kid, what¡¯s his name, Yegorka or something¡­ You can¡¯t defeat even him!?


    The ¡°puppy¡± sniffed angrily:


    ?Mind yournguage, old bones! For the record, he is the most promising young fighter in our family! Anyway, whenever we fight he deliberately raises his cultivation two stages up. He never fights on equal terms. He must be afraid to lose to a girl like a real coward he is!?


    Flitz burst intoughter:


    ?Oh well¡­ If this difference had stopped your sister, do you think she would ever have be a genius number one??


    ?Shut up! Say no more! I fucking hate you! Why do you keep talking about her? You¡¯re just like the rest of them.? ¨C Juno tried to trip Flitz up, but he stepped over her foot without even looking at her. She growled: ?Don¡¯t you ever say anything about her again! And not a word about Yegorka! I can¡¯t even think of him after his misconductst time!?


    Flitz had no idea what the boy¡¯s crime was but he couldn¡¯t care less.


    ?So¡­ You don¡¯t want to get stronger, do you??


    ?Of course, I do!? ¨C The girl hissed angrily.


    ?Ha-ha-he! What if I teach you to fight?? ¨C Flitz offered with a sly grin.


    ??No, not you.? ¨C Juno snapped with no hesitation.


    The smile faded from Flitz¡¯s eyes, the world had lost its color. The formacist shook his head, trying to get rid of his sad thoughts:


    ?You¡¯re the first to refuse training with me¡­ Juno, if you can¡¯t handle even Yegorka, you might want to fight with someone of equal cultivation.?


    ?Do I look like a kindergarten teacher?! Besides, all the boys I know can only drool during the fight! And you know how much I hate perverts. Such as yourself.? ¨C The mean girl responded vindictively.


    ?You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re missing fighting with dummies! You are talented enough to reach the fifth stage in three months¡­ Many people would kill for that¡­ But without fighting skills, your cultivation doesn¡¯t matter. You won¡¯t be too happy when someone much weaker than you brings you to your knees.?


    Juno lowered her shoulders. She sighed and whispered.


    ?You¡¯re right¡­ Of course, you¡¯re right. In fact, I don¡¯t mind practising with you. But how long are you going to stay this time? The family needs you¡­ fucking formacist¡­? ¨C Juno looked up at him sadly, already knowing the answer.


    Flitz was deeply moved. He stretched out his hand to pat the sweetest girl in the world but stopped short, clenching his fist.


    ?I would have to ask the patriarch and the elders, as well as your brother. Martin might not stay there for long. I¡¯ll have to go back¡­ I¡¯m sorry.?


    ?That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.? ¨C Juno snorted and continued walking.


    ?What if I bring someone who doesn¡¯t drool? Someone who can fight, unlike the punching bags you used for your training?? ¨C Flitz remembered the pile of meat left of those who couldn¡¯t survive a day with Juno. And some other ¡°lucky¡± guys¡­ A chill ran down his spine.


    ?I don¡¯t mind punching bags.? ¨C The charming tyrant in the skirt giggled.


    ?Be serious! It¡¯s for your own good!?


    ?I know. Alright then¡­ Find someone strong but weaker than me. No drooling! And¡­ I have to enjoy dealing with him, I mean beating him, of course. Do you understand? He has tost longer.?


    Flitz gave Juno a judging look. What she did to the ¡°punching bags¡± wasn¡¯t worthy of the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter, the youngdy of the noble family. He shook his head in discontent.


    ?I promise I¡¯ll find someone for you.?


    Juno sat on a bench, thoughtfully admiring the moon, silent.


    She had finally stepped out from her sister¡¯s shadow, but it wasn¡¯t getting any easier. Juno used to think that she was born to surpass Elsa, but fate had slowed down her cultivation, and thepetition became equal. It was time to catch up with her sister and prove herself to everyone who didn¡¯t believe in her, who despised her, whopared her to the elder sister and still did, who treated her like a little girl, capable only of charming others with her looks. From now on, her life goal was to defeat her sister in front of everyone. She needed to prove her greatness.


    Juno let out a big yawn. It was long after midnight. She hugged the skinny old man and said quietly in his ear:


    ?Thank you, Flitz, for finding out about my sister for me.?


    Flitz was touched. It was a rare asion to hear sincere gratitude from the walking disaster of a girl. He reached with his hand for her fluffy head, but his fingers suddenly felt stiff, and he just hugged her back.


    ?My pleasure. Let me take you to your room.?


    ?No need. I¡¯ll go by myself.? ¨C She gave another yawn.


    ?Well, in that case¡­ Good night, miss Juno, the queen of the dummies.? ¨C Flitz smiled. The mere presence of this nasty girl always lifted his spirits.


    Juno waved him off and went to bed, yawning.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    The same day.


    Ren ¨C the man in the ck coat ¨C was wearily driving the wagon loaded with ves.


    The tiring journey took six days in each direction. The road from the estate to the mines was hard-packed with the earth element so it did not swamp or copse.


    Mountains, rivers, forests, hills. The passengers couldn¡¯t help but admire the breathtaking view. They came across some wild animals, too. However, dangerous beasts didn¡¯t dare to attack the crowd.


    Ren took this trip every year, and now the seventh one was drawing to a close. The journey used to be dreadful, but this time a ve named Kyon saved the day with his jokes and pranks. Ren noticed the boy back at the mine. Now he was the life of the party and didn¡¯t let anyone feel blue.


    On the third day of the trip, the boy surprised them all when his cultivation suddenly raised a stage. There was no mistake about the popping sound announcing cultivation upgrade. It was rather strange because no one else in the third sector had ever connected with the soul¡­ And Kyon did and even learned to pass through cycles! The boy was full of surprises.


    {The boy seems to be really good¡­ It might be my lucky break¡­} ¨C Ren wistfully nced at the boy.


    The wagon arrived at the first checkpoint. The Stone estate began here. Two guards checked the mark on Ren¡¯s wrist and let them in.


    Thend was protected with a two-meter stone wall created with the earth element. Beside the walls of different height, the estate was under three invisible barriers equipped with rms in case of a break-in.


    After another two hours of their journey, they came to the second checkpoint behind the wall, and half an hourter, the third and thest one. By then, the dark veil of the night had covered the sky.


    The big gate swung open. Ren and the wagon were let inside. The vast estate appeared before the tired ves. Here and there, they could see houses about three floors high. They were beautiful buildings, pleasing to the eye. And it was only the outer courtyard. Closer to the center, the houses were getting even more borate.


    The man in the coat stopped the wagon at the building that looked like a prison with its barbed wire fence. However, they couldn¡¯t see any guards¡­


    An old fellow warden came out to meet Ren, a wicked smirk smoldering on his lips. He gave the ves a scornful look, fixing his eyes on Kyon.


    ?What a pack of skinny guys this time, Ren. The ves are getting worse and worse every year. Do you have any idea why?? ¨C Hein clucked his tongue, shaking his head reproachfully.


    Ren grimaced. The jerk always had to make a snide remark. He replied in a t tired voice:


    ?How the hell should I know¡­ I¡¯ll go take a shower. You take it from here.? ¨C After all, he was almost done. His job was to bring in the ves and get them new formations and a bonus for himself.


    The warden nodded, watching the colleague leave. Then he said scornfully to the guards:


    ?What are you waiting for? Take the trash to get washed.?


    Kyon still had a handful of the amber stones that he had to stash somewhere. The risk was worth it. If he couldn¡¯t use them as money, they woulde in handy as firecrackers.


    After a shower, each ve was given a set of clothes in size: simple, gray canvas trousers and a shirt, much better and of higher quality than the miner¡¯s uniform. At least they had no holes or stains.


    Kyon put the stones in his new pocket.


    When the ves came out, the guards lined everyone up.


    Hein walked along the row of the ves with a haughty look, his hands behind his back. He loved his job¡­ His primary mission was to show the neers their ce, and he was happy to start.


    ?You all suck!? ¨C His loud voice sounded solemnly mocking. ¨C ?You must have heard the tall tales about the sea and roses, girls and loads of food. It¡¯s all bullshit! You are going to work even more than you used to at the mine! Each of you will puke your guts out in a month! You are low-life scum born to break your backs to get something to eat, and nothing will ever change this.?


    The ves lowered their heads, not daring to look up and see the smug look on his face. Some moaned in despair: the barbed wire fence, the cruel boss yelling at them, promising another hell. It wasn¡¯t exactly what they were hoping for.


    The warden, pleased with the effect, looked for the first victim in the crowd. He wanted to increase their feeling of frustration and bring home the full weight of being a ve. His gaze fell on the slender boy. How did he even get here? Hein spat and said with a vicious grin:


    ?The ves are getting more useless and worthless each year. They can¡¯t even wash their ass. But today is even worse than ever¡­ Take you, for example. Come here, trembling creature.? ¨C He pointed his finger majestically, beckoning the boy marked ¡°Kyon.¡±


    Kyon took a step forward, growing darker with every passing moment of his stay in this ¡°friendly¡± ce.


    The man grinned maliciously:


    ?Tell me who you sucked off day after day to get here, huh? Do you think I will believe that a frail wuss with a pretty face could win the auction??


    Kyon gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes to slits but said nothing. The unspeakable truth was looming before him: he was a nobody here. But he couldn¡¯t ept the humiliation or he would never be respected. Everything else was subjective.


    When the ve didn¡¯t respond, the warden became even more aggressive. He had to send a message to this little whore boy!


    ? I order you, sissy, to bend over with your back to me! I¡¯ll show you what it means to work your ass off!? ¨C A nice kick in the back, in addition to public humiliation, will teach the boy some good manners and make him stop staring like this! Then the warden would proceed to the next loser. Three victims would do.


    Kyon had to suppress an urge to break the warden¡¯s neck. Unfortunately, he had neither the right nor the strength to do that, but he didn¡¯t want to bend over in front of his new friends. The only thing he could think of was to keep silent and do nothing. It was a wise strategic decision with no consequences.


    Hein¡¯s lips stretched in a hideous sneer:


    ?Are you deaf, sissy boy?! Did they fuck you in the ear, and now you can hear me, huh?!? ¨C He turned to the guards with a chuckle pointing to Kyon, who stood rooted to the spot: ¨C ?Look at him, they take in deaf ves, too!?


    Both guards giggled. He was the boss, after all.


    The warden rushed to the cheeky boy to bend him with his own hands when something slippery flew under his feet. He lost his bnce, plopped on the floor stomach first and slid a couple of meters with his face on the ground.


    Kyon shook his head with a barely noticeable smile: soap is man¡¯s best friend, indeed!


    The warden blushed. He got up, scraped the slippery personal care product off his shoe and roared:


    ?Who did it?!?


    A couple of ves behind Kyon covered their mouths to stifle a burst of loudughter.


    Unfortunately, their maneuver did not go unnoticed. Hein¡¯s eyes narrowed menacingly:


    ?Do you think it¡¯s funny? Ha ha, so do I. Do you know why? That¡¯s why!? ¨C He threw the bar of soap like a curveball straight into the ve¡¯s eye. But the slippery and unruly soap whizzed past his head and flew somewhere up and away. A window broke in the distance¡­ The slippery flying object flew with tripled speed straight into the warden¡¯s face like a boomerang.


    *bang*


    The piece of soap hit Hein¡¯s eye marking the future bruise. The warden cried in pain and pressed his hand to the injured half of his face:


    ?Agrr¡­ What the¡­! WHO DID IT?!? ¨C The humiliation filled his remaining intact eye with fury. He had made aplete idiot of himself! Even the guards, his subordinates, could hardly helpughing.


    Hein forgot about his intentions, crushed the long-suffering soap in his fist and rushed like a wild boar at the nearestughing ve who, of course, was Kyon. He hadn¡¯t taken three steps, though, when Ren approached him from behind and gave him a smack upside the head. The warden couldn¡¯t keep his bnce once again and slid across the floor on his face, leaving a pretty bloody trail that marked his wretched body¡¯s braking distance.


    Hein stood up, clutching at his bleeding nose and yelling:


    ?Why?!?


    ?I gave you a simple task, and you made an idiot of yourself¡­ It¡¯s time you changed your sphere of activity and stopped disgracing the status of a warden.? ¨C Ren shook his head scornfully. He turned to Kyon and slightly raised the corners of his lips in response to his smile. The kid had noticed him approach the warden. He must have picked up on his intention to give the idiot a ¡°friendly¡± p. What a clever boy, an observant one!


    Ren looked at theughing ves and waved his hand.


    ?Follow me. We need to define your status and position.?


    They went to the formation department. His delivery job was about to be done, atst.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    After his talk with youngdy Juno, Flitz went to elder Boe¡¯s mansion to get further directions.


    The sturdy gray-haired old man in the sumptuous armchair said with a sigh:


    ?Martin is dead. Choked to death on a bun.?


    Flitz trembled inside when he heard the news. He would have fallen on the carpet but, fortunately, there was a chair nearby. Hunched, sping his head in his hands, he groaned in despair:


    ?On a bun? What fucking bun are you talking about? Gods can be funny but it¡¯s too much, damn it!?


    Elder Boe grimaced.


    ?Mind yournguage! I won¡¯t tolerate profanity. I¡¯m not the patriarch.?


    Flitz closed his eyes, trying to pull himself together. Who knew that his former student, and now a sympathetic ear for ghost stories, would drop dead because of a bun? It¡¯s not even funny.


    Boe gave the formacist a moment toe to his senses and cut right to the chase.


    ?After Martin¡¯s death, two hundred formations in our family have dissipated. They can¡¯t be identified without a token, which greatlyplicates their and our lives. Oh, by the way¡­ Three hundred ves have also lost their formations. The beasts mistake them for strangers and attack at the first opportunity. We have already lost a few dozen ves, and the rest refuse to work because they are afraid of being eaten. I can understand them, though¡­ Anyway, the Stones need you. As of tomorrow, take up the formations. It¡¯s urgent.?


    Flitz snickered:


    ?Why the fu¡­ the hell do we need so many beasts around if they eat our people??


    Boe rubbed his throbbing temples:


    ?They are not wild, they are shackled¡­ But that¡¯s not the point. When the beasts recognize the family formation, they get docile as pet kittens. Who knew the moron would die from a crumb?!? ¨C The elder spat angrily. The timing for all this farce couldn¡¯t be more wrong. However, he apologized when he noticed Flitz¡¯s darkened face:


    ?I am sorry¡­ I know he was your student. Last week was very difficult for all of us. I¡¯m the only elder in the whole estate at the moment.?


    ?It¡¯s alright.? ¨C Flitz answered coldly. ¨C ?I¡¯ll get to work tomorrow.?


    ?¡­?


    When a formacist dies, the formations they applied smolder like embers and lose their functions. The beasts roaming the estate were not tamed. They were under a subjugating formation called ¡°harness.¡± Anyone in the Stone family could control the beasts. The harnessed animals protected the family and followed their orders. The beasts didn¡¯t obey the ves, but the formation ensured their safety.


    Elder Boe rubbed his temples again. All these problems were giving him a splitting headache. Flitz was not young. Boe didn¡¯t even want to think about the chaos that would begin in the estate after his death.


    After talking to the elder, Flitz went to his office. He had to prepare everything for tomorrow¡¯s working day. The office was on the second floor, not far from the ce where the newly arrived ves were brought in.


    He got distracted by a noise: someone was cursing loudly outside.


    With a grim look on his face, Flitz threw a stack of documents into the drawer and went to the window. His office was opposite the shed where the new ves usually arrived. Today a new batch was expected.


    He saw a familiar scene: the warden was yelling at some poor ve in the spacious courtyard. Year after year, it was always the same. Flitz was about to get back to his things when he noticed an almost imperceptible gesture a boy ve had made. A bar of soap flew out of his hands, bounced off the wall and fell right under the warden¡¯s feet. Missionplete ¨C the warden plopped to the ground and smashed his face.


    Flitz snickered to himself: {Not bad, not bad at all¡­}


    The next moment, the window that served him as a screen to watch the show shattered. The furious warden had quickly found the reason for his debacle and threw the soap right in the window!


    ?Fucking shit!? ¨C Flitz cursed gloomily. He fished the ill-fated hygiene product from under the table and threw it back with tripled strength. The warden had iting!


    {Serves you right!} ¨C Flitz snorted vengefully. He looked pleased with himself when Hein fiercely rubbed his bruised eye. The next moment, the warden rushed like a buffalo at the ¡°marksman.¡± He had to take it out on someone, after all. ¨C {Sorry, kid, but it¡¯s not my problem.} ¨C Flitz thought to himself and was about to turn away from the window as he noticed the deliverer rapidly approach the crowd. The next moment, Hein got a smack upside the head. Not his lucky day. ¨C {Hmm, is Ren trying to help the boy out? Curiouser and curiouser!}


    Flitz¡¯s mood slightly improved. The funny boy distracted him, even if only for a short time, from his thoughts about his student¡¯s death. He arranged his things, checked the condition of the tools, shook his head disapprovingly at the tiny spider who had settled in the corner between the shelves and the ceiling. He was ready to go about his business. However, his ns were thwarted in the bud. Flitz could hear loud ttering outside and then the door creaked and opened.


    Ren burst in with a group of ves. The formacistid his eyes on the disheveled head of the cheeky fellow in the rear of the crowd. The boy had made an enemy of the warden on his very first day of arrival.


    ¡­


    Kyon was thest toe in. He cast a quick look around the room. It was rather spacious, furnished old style (by the standards of this world). There was a bulky oak table and a huge wardrobe of the same wood; shelves loaded with all kinds of staff and a frame with a ck and white photo of a thin, gray-haired woman. {Hmm did they invent the camera or its analog?} Behind the table, there was a half wall window ¡ª or rather, a broken half wall window ¨C covered shyly with heavy and probably very dusty curtains.


    The old man was sitting at the table with his fingertips closed in front of him. He was tall and thin. The years had whitened his hair and a long beard. Despite his gray old age, the expression on his face didn¡¯t give the impression of a nice person. Quite the opposite, it revealed his nasty character and rude manners.


    Ren recognized Flitz and hurried to bow, making a sign to the ves to do the same. When he raised his head, his voice sounded nervous and respectful:


    ?Mr. Flitz, I have delivered a new batch of ves. My apologies for the dy, but it¡¯s still your office hours. That¡¯s why I thought¡­?


    Flitz interrupted him with a gesture and said, stroking his gray beard:


    ?Ren, did you know that we just lost Martin??


    ?I didn¡¯t, sir. I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry for your loss¡­?


    Flitz took his pipe out of the drawer and looked for a match. After the second strike, the office filled with smoke. He inhaled with satisfaction and continued:


    ?Your batch of ves is the five hundredth in line, so you can roll home like a hedgehog.?


    ?Yes, sir.? ¨C Ren bowed slightly and hurried towards the exit, when all of a sudden, the brooding old man stopped him:


    ?Why did you defend the boy??


    Ren looked down ufortably.


    ?I just pped my colleague for being unprofessional, sir¡­?


    ?Are you trying to fool me, brat?? ¨C Fllitz snorted, his eyes squinted menacingly.


    The deliverer hastily bowed his head:


    ?I am sorry. I did defend the boy for a good reason¡­ I am sorry I lied¡­?


    ?Spit it out. You bore me stiff.? ¨C Flitz saidzily, relishing the good tobo. Now he looked arrogant like a king.


    Ren swallowed and answered hesitantly:


    ?The boy¡­ He is capable of more than you know. We kind of made friends on the way from the mine. Besides, he proved himself diligent and hardworking. So, I decided to defend a nice fellow.?


    Flitz puffed out a couple of smoke rings with a regal pensive look and shook the ashes out of the pipe. He appraised the boy from head to toe. A good-looking, sporty type. He was alright. The boy looked strong enough to endure life¡¯s challenges. Flitz took a decision.


    ?You are free to go. The boy stays here.?


    Ren bowed, threw a meaningful nce at Kyon and took the group with him.


    Flitz beckoned the boy toe up to him and took a closer look at the formation on his forehead:


    ?Have you done any martial arts, Kyon??


    Kyon had little understanding of what was going on, but he could feel the high-ranking prig¡¯s dangerous aura. Formacists were people of status. The old man was clearly one of those, his manners said a lot.


    ?I have a little experience. Let me show you some moves¡­?


    ?It¡¯s a mug¡¯s game.? ¨C Flitz chuckled. ¨C ?Take off your shirt.?


    Kyon obediently stripped to the waist.


    Flitz took a look at his body and nodded, visibly pleased. The boy had sculpted, medium size pecs, minimal body fat, confident posture, straight strong back. He would endure a hundred or even a thousand blows from the youngdy. He was the right one. Flitz felt a bit sorry for such a nice specimen, but Juno¡¯s wish was hismand. Anyway, he had promised Juno¡¯s grandfather to take care of her. Flitz wished his hands were not full in the mine¡­ He wished he had more time for the youngdy. Damned formations.


    And yet, the boy was good! Even too good. He looked so handsome, so sweet, and a bit shaggy. It¡¯s a sin such ves existed at all. They were usually thin, haggard, joyless zombies but this one¡­ Too bad he wouldn¡¯t stay alive long at the job Flitz had for him.


    ?Not bad, not bad at all.? ¨C Flitz said once again with a dreamy sigh. He would dly have the boy¡¯s looks. He wished there was a kind of magic to transfer souls to another body.


    ?Thank you for thepliment, sir.? ¨C Kyon smiled slightly and added with hope: ?Can I be your student??


    ?Ha-ha-he! I have the 2nd rank in the family, boy. Why would you deserve this honor? A pile of muscles and good looks, it¡¯s no big deal¡­ I have a job for you and not an easy one.? ¨C Flitz leaned back in his chair with his fingers sped in front of him, waiting for the boy¡¯s cheerful reaction.


    Kyon frowned: it won¡¯t do. What job is he talking about?


    ?I am worth a lot, sir! You can check me out if you like.?


    Flitz gave Kyon a look that made him cringe. It was like he was staring into his soul.


    ?Hmm¡­ You know, you must be barking up the wrong tree. But so be it. Anyway, I¡¯m sick and tired of this damned office. I need some air. Come on, let¡¯s see your glorified skills. And gods forbid you will disappoint me. I¡¯ll wring your neck.?


    Kyon swallowed when he heard the warning. However, he was confident in himself and took it easy: {Fine! He will definitely be my master¡­} He had already nned an epic bright future for himself. Fresh from the mine and a step away from the mentorship of a high-ranking formacist. What could be better than this?

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Flitz led Kyon down thentern-lit path to the nearest arena. Any respected house had plenty of them. It was the ce for training and sparring.


    The arena was rather spacious, the size of a basketball court, bounded by a low metal fence. It was empty at the moment but the floodlights were on. There were no guards or checkpoints to be seen.


    Flitz stood in the center of the arena, his hands behind his back. He said with scorn:


    ?Attack me.? ¨C Flitz was going to give the boy a real bashing if he had lied. No one likes a show-off. Flitz didn¡¯t either.


    Kyon took a full breath of fresh night air, clenched his fists and made a sudden attack. He moved silently on the stone-paved floor at great speed,nding some impressive blows at Flitz¡¯s vulnerable points.


    Flitz grinned and dodged without making an effort. He might as well yawn of boredom. He wasn¡¯t going to defeat the boy with speed or power but with his experience alone. Flitz did not even think of defending himself or attacking Kyon. But he did not expect that the boy would knock him off bnce at the third blow and hit him in the hip at the fourth.


    ?Ugh¡­? ¨C Flitz spat and put his hands to work. He rolled on the ground, too briskly for his age, just in time to dodge a heavy hook in his long nose! ?You¡¯re fucking lucky¡­? ¨C Flitz grumbled after the blow he had avoided by some miracle and doubled his speed.


    Kyon slowed down and said with a barely noticeable sneer in his voice:


    ?What¡¯s the matter, sir? Mockbat is too boring for you??


    ?Okay, little pipsqueak. You think you¡¯re quick and agile, don¡¯t you?! I have your kind for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!? ¨C Flitz got in a boxing stance, his legs bent, his arms defending the face. The image of a wise man in Buddha style waspletely destroyed.


    Kyon marveled at the old-timer¡¯s energy supply and prepared to defend himself.


    The fight ensued. Flitz unleashed a furious attack. A kick, another kick, a 90-degree turn to make another swing¡­ He couldn¡¯t see Kyon counterattack ¨C the boy had taken advantage of his blind spot ¨C but could he feel it instinctively. Flitz recoiled at a threefold speed, and Kyon¡¯s fist passed an inch from his cheek¡­


    Flitz didn¡¯t swear any more: he had to save his breath. The loud bravado at the beginning of the fight ¡°I¡¯ll beat you with no hands!¡± turned into doubt if he could actually defeat the elusive wolf cub. What a swift little brat!


    Kyon giggled indecently. It wasn¡¯t too polite tough in the face of this high-ranking master but he could not help it. {I¡¯m fighting with 10 out of 10 battle fists while Flitz uses only 5 of them. It¡¯s too bad. He makes a lot of mistakes, he has a bad stance, his defense is poor as hell and all his attacks are predictable¡­ I¡¯d give him 5 out of 10 but I must admit he is sharp as a tack for his age¡­ I wonder what his real strength is.}


    The battle fist is an epted subjective assessment of skill movements and tactics inbat. The number depends on the level. The fighter without a weapon might be like a bird without a beak, but give them a sword¡­ and the level of their battle fist rises. It could also be throwing weapons, bows, crossbows, etc.


    Flitz shot a dirty look at the boy and snapped:


    ?Are you messing with me, son of a bitch?!? ¨C Before Flitz finished his sentence, he sped up three times, caught up with Kyon and gave him a heavy p that made him fall. ?How do you like this? Who¡¯sughing here now?! Ha-ha-he!?


    The ps left red marks on Kyon¡¯s cheeks. He seized a moment between the blows and implored:


    ?Please, forgive me, master! You¡¯re stronger¡­ You¡¯re way stronger than I am¡­?


    ?Ha-ha-he!? ¨C Flitzughed and kicked the insolent boy again solely for his own pleasure. ¨C ?Say you¡¯re dog shit and you¡¯re forgiven.?


    Kyon grimaced. For some reason, Flitz wasn¡¯t acting like the distinguished pompous wise men from the books. Either the writers, as usual, did not spare the imagery tricks or he was dealing with an unusually unceremonious specimen.


    Kyon gasped for air and said with a falter in his voice:


    ?I¡¯m¡­ dog¡­ shit¡­?


    Flitzughed till he cried.


    The stupid words he had to say didn¡¯t hurt Kyon¡¯s pride. He never cared for such trifles.


    Flitz took a deep breath and pulled a pipe out of his pocket. He lit it up, giving Kyon approving nces.


    ?I have to admit your master wasn¡¯t an ordinary person¡­ Your movements, tricks, taking advantage of my spot, after all¡­ Not bad, not bad at all.?


    ?Don¡¯t¡­ You are much stronger than my master.? ¨C Kyon said respectfully to feed Flitz¡¯s ego.


    ?Don¡¯t tter me¡­ I am not taking you as a student. I don¡¯t need you, little piece of shit. I have no time for that. But I have a job for you. You¡¯ll be the youngdy¡¯s punching bag.?


    ?What an honor¡­? ¨C Kyon muttered ¡°happily,¡± rising to his feet. What¡¯s all this about? What punching bag? ¨C ?Who is thedy??


    ?Juno¡­? ¨C Flitz said thoughtfully, puffing on his pipe.


    Kyon tried to get more details about his not too distant future but to no avail. Flitz plunged deeply into his thoughts.


    {When I was fighting this monkey, I didn¡¯t even realize that he is much stronger than me¡­ He has 6 out of 10 battle fists! Brilliant! He is one in a million. He¡¯s just right to teach Juno fight, and his body is tough enough.}


    The battle fist is a rtive concept but certain standards are valid. For example, those who can make a fist correctly have one battle fist. A street fighter with the experience of a hundred battles, who understands the basics and something above them, has two battle fists. A warrior will get three battle fists after fullbat training at the best school of the kingdom, graduating with 5 points out of 5. Outstanding students of respected grandmasters of martial arts have four battle fists if they havepleted 3 years of training and qualified for the respected title of ¡°four battle fists.¡± These very students will have five battle fists after the relevant qualification, which is impossible to achieve without outstanding talent and years of hard training. When they get qualified, they be grandmasters.


    It¡¯s hard to say for sure what happens after reaching the level of five battle fists. ording to the books, six battle fists are for geniuses among geniuses who had the chance to train for many years with the great master, found enlightenment and their unique fighting technique. As for seven battle fists¡­ Only celestial geniuses can be at that level but they happen once in a lifetime in each empire. Eight and more battle fists belong to spections and figments of imagination.


    {I¡¯d make him my student, but he is only at the 2nd stage. I don¡¯t need a piece of gutter trash. And yet it¡¯s a pity to lose him. Taking into ount her viin nature, she¡¯ll quickly break his thin chicken neck.} ¨C When Flitz finished smoking, he gave Kyon some high-quality ointment. Juno might favor the boy and won¡¯t kill him on the very first day.


    After a long pause, Flitz finally spoke:


    ?Do you like girls, Kyon??


    The unexpected question took Kyon aback and he couldn¡¯te up with anything better than:


    ?No, not at all¡­ I like only boys.?


    ?H-ha-he! Good toilet joke! Do you want me to tell you a scary story about an ordinary ve withscivious eyes who dared to touch thedy and lost his balls at once, and then his annoying squeak, and then his head as well?? ¨C Flitz said quietly.


    Kyon imagined himself in the ce of the poor fellow and swallowed hard:


    ?I don¡¯t think so.?


    Flitz smiled innocently and spread his hands:


    ?I am sorry that¡¯s the whole story Ha-ha-he!? ¨C Flitz decided he had made quite an impact on the boy and spoke more seriously: ¨C ?Unfortunately for you, ourdy is too beautiful. I guess it makes no difference if you like boys or girls.?


    Kyon got a bad feeling, his groin tightened in response¡­


    ?Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not that cruel to make you a eunuch! I have to admit, though¡­ I¡¯ve been thinking of that. But I¡¯m no monster, right?? ¨C Flitz hurried to reassure Kyon as if reading his thoughts. ¨C ?We have recently developed a drug that removes any thoughts about the opposite sex for a year or two. We¡¯ve had some incidents¡­ Anyway, it doesn¡¯t matter. You will lose attraction to the opposite sexpletely for five years and after that, you¡¯ll recover¡­ Maybe.?


    Kyon eximed indignantly:


    ?Maybe? Why maybe?!? ¨C It doesn¡¯t sound very encouraging, does it? Then he recalled Synergy properties and the tension in his whole body and the lower chakras, in particr, subsided a bit.


    ?Get it out of your head! Everything is going to be alright¡­ Maybe.? ¨C Who is he trying to convince? Kyon or himself?


    ?Thank you, I guess¡­? ¨C Kyon sighed and hung down his head for the sake of appearances.


    Flitz shook off the ashes, and the two of them went back to his office.


    ?You know, Kyon, you¡¯re luckier than the rest of the ves! Do you really think life is better here than in the mine? Come on¡­ It¡¯s nothing but bullying all around. They beat the hell out of new ves. The ranking system is the same, the food is not much better¡­ Besides, there¡¯s a chance to get eaten by the beasts if you anger them or just look them in the eyes. But the air is more clear here, that¡¯s for sure.? ¨C He breathed in the fresh night air as if setting an example. ¨C ?But you are going to be above all that. Serving Juno herself means a lot¡­ They will heal you, provide you with food and clothes, heal you¡­


    Kyon squinted suspiciously. {Did he say it twice on purpose?}


    ?Moreover, you¡¯ll have a chance to admire the cutie during the fight¡­ But¡­ No, check it off your list. Why would you look at a yummy piece of chicken if you have no teeth, no tongue, and no appetite¡­ Just forget about it, ha-ha-he! Cheer up! Big deal if you won¡¯t touch your little snake for another ten years! It¡¯s totally worth it!? ¨C Flitz seemed to get a kind of sadistic pleasure intimidating Kyon in his ¡°funny¡± way.


    ?First you said a year or two, then five years, and now ten?? ¨C Kyon was outraged at this geometric progression.


    Flitz patted him on the back to cheer him up:


    ?Five years, ten years, who cares?! Instead, you will see the symbol of our family! Well¡­ After the elder sister had escaped¡­? ¨C He gave a sudden nervous chuckle: ¨C ?If Juno finds out Ipared her with a piece of chicken¡­ She will run toin to her grandfather Bai, and he will make mincemeat of me¡­ Ha-ha-he!?


    Kyon raised one eyebrow:


    ?Mr. Bai is the patriarch, isn¡¯t he??


    ?That¡¯s right¡­ And my friend!? ¨C Flitz bragged. ¨C ?Wait, you don¡¯t know the family history?! Oh my god¡­ Don¡¯t tell anyone! You¡¯ll get a thrashing for your ignorance andck of erudition. Well, I won¡¯t judge you, I am an outsider, butdy Juno¡­ Boy, I advise you to learn to keep your mouth shut.?


    Kyon smiled to himself at his manner of talking. ?Are you indeed the patriarch¡¯s friend? How did it happen??


    Flitz burst withughter and looked up as if remembering things. ¨C ?Our friendship started off the wrong foot¡­ Once upon a time, I fell in love with his daughter, and he tried to kill me¡­ And now I belong to his family as the most important formacist! Ha-ha-he!?


    ?Is the patriarch¡¯s daughter your¡­??


    Flitz waved his hand ¨C ?Of course not¡­? ¨C He thought of another girl who looked just the same. Kyon and his annoying questions didn¡¯t exist for him anymore.


    Kyon got lost in his thoughts. There must be a long way from the desire to kill to being friends. The patriarch and Flitz¡¯s young days must have been fun. Anyway, Kyon was d that Flitz did not mind sharing private information, even if it was something to brag about. Kyon was also surprised that the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter had be hisdy. He heard all about her in the mine and was making ns to seduce her on his way to the estate! What good luck! As if heaven had decided to pave the way for his domination! No less!

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    The draught from the broken window was blowing through the office. It pped the curtains, swept off sheets of paper from the desk and scattered them all over the room. Flitz looked at the mess and shook his head. He activated the sound transmitter:


    ?My little Marina,e to my office now!?


    Flitz put on his stern voice, but there was endearing tenderness in his grumbling. Kyon wondered who the girl was. What was going on between them?


    Kyon walked over to the framed ck-and-white photo of a thin woman with gray hair who resembled Flitz. {No¡­ It¡¯s not a photo! It¡¯s some unknown method of applying color to paper, but definitely not a photo! It¡¯s curious, most curious¡­} He asked: ?Is this your daughter or granddaughter, sir??


    Flitz had just taken down some device and was approaching Kyon. He frowned at the question: ?This is my great-grandmother!?


    Kyon was dumbfounded. ?Um¡­ Yes, of course. I was going to say that.?


    Flitz, still frowning, put the device to the formation on Kyon¡¯s forehead and stared at him, surprised.


    ?Hm, why is your formation empty? Did they forget about you after Martin¡¯s death??


    Kyon shrugged hesitantly: {I don¡¯t think I should tell him I have been removed from the database at all. Hmm¡­ What if he thinks I am a spy?}


    However, Flitz overlooked that point. He rummaged through the shelves and pulled out another device that looked disturbingly familiar. It reminded Kyon of enema, which made him rather tense.


    ?Take it easy. It¡¯s too early to get worried.? ¨C The formacistughed and blew the air from the ¡°enema¡± straight into the formation on Kyon¡¯s forehead, into the empty slot, just like Martin described.


    A green thread slipped from the device (that¡¯s how the spatial attribute looks), hit the formation and disappeared without a trace, leaving an unpleasant tingling as a reminder.


    The whole process took less than a minute. Flitz wiped the sweat from his forehead and said proudly:


    ?Congrattions! It¡¯s done. You are the worthy owner of an exclusive, incredible, heartwarming subjugating formation of a high-ranking ve!?


    Kyon did not appreciate the gift and grinned grimly:


    ?Wow¡­? ¨C He wasn¡¯t too keen on the idea. A ve again. The higher they rise, the harder they fall. He used to be an emperor of the worlds, and there he was¡­ A sorry excuse for a miner and now a ve for a girl.


    Flitz thought for a while and waved his hand as if brushing away his doubts.


    ?The subjugating formation on your forehead will get activated every time a family member of the 1st rank gives you an order. There are only a dozen people like that! Well, including me¡­ I¡¯m of the 2nd rank, but I couldn¡¯t resist the temptation of linking the formation to myself, ha ha he!?


    Kyon felt his forehead. It stung. He was so angry that he couldn¡¯t say anything but something insulting. The former emperor of the illusory Earth had just been given a subjugating mark. Perhaps, it would be better if he was an ordinary ve.


    Flitz ignored Kyon¡¯s gloomy disposition and continued instructing him as if nothing had happened:


    ?When they give you orders, you don¡¯t even quite understand why your body starts moving. It¡¯s all your subconscious, not you! Imagine how cool it will be when they tell you to disembowel yourself and you¡­?


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to hear about such bright prospects and tried to change the subject, talk about anything but what this abominable formation can do:


    ?While we were traveling here with Ren¡­ I mean the deliverer¡­ I learned about the rules on the estate. If I got them right, even the ves of the highest rank are forbidden to stay in the inner courtyard. How am I going to live there??


    Flitzughed:


    ?Don¡¯t worry¡­ You won¡¯t live long anyway.? ¨C He burst into another fit ofughter, but under Kyon¡¯s ck look, he relented and answered: ¨C ?Just kidding! I¡¯ll ask Juno to make an exception for you. Everything is going to be alright as long as she¡¯s in a good mood. Be sure not to screw up during the training session. Show her your strong points! And now dance for me!?


    Something in Kyon¡¯s head tried to take control of his body. Apparently, the formation influenced the subconscious and forced him to follow the order through the prism of mind.


    Kyon could easily take back control, but he didn¡¯t want to y his trump card at the very beginning of the game. {Hmm¡­ The goddess¡¯s formation manipted me through hormonal stimtion but Flitz¡¯s influences the subconscious¡­ The first case is much worse, it is almost impossible to resist, but Flitz¡¯s method¡­ Hah, a piece of cake. The more conscious the person, the less effective the method. I mighte up with something better. Neurobiology is my life, after all. Is it difficult to get to the limbic system? I don¡¯t think so. Maybe, I should be a formacist in the future.}


    The awkward twitching of his arms and legs interrupted Kyon¡¯s thoughts¡­ He started to dance Lezghinka. In fact, he danced quite well for someone who was doing it for the first time.


    Flitz nearly jumped for joy:


    ?It works, damn it! I have not forgotten how to applyplex formations! Hehe! What kind of dance is this?? ¨C He pped his hands, setting the rhythm.


    When Flitz had enough of the Caucasian folk dance, he ordered Kyon to stop. He patted the breathless boy on the shoulder and said with almost paternal care:


    ?Don¡¯t worry. The family members of the 1st rank are kind and understanding people. They won¡¯t mess with a dirty ve¡­ ? ¨C Flitz finished with less confidence. He thought of mischievous Juno with a wistful look on his face. ¨C ?All right, I order you to do twenty push-ups!?


    Kyon howled inwardly. ¨C {Wait, are you messing with me? Oh yeah¡­ You¡¯re of the 2nd rank. Technically, you must be right.}


    His body plopped to the ground and started doing push-ups. Flitz watched him for some time and then gotfortable on his back in the lotus position, puffing on his pipe: ?Ha-ha-he!¡­ Ha-ha-he!?


    The evil old fart made Kyon sick. What a selfish hypocrite¡­ Cruel and power-hungry is a hell of a mix.


    There was a life-saving soft knock on the door and, after Flitz¡¯s permission, someone came in.


    A beautiful long-haired blonde in the maid uniform performed a low curtsey, her two braids nearly touching the floor. The girl¡¯s features were graceful, her forms were beyond reproach, especially her thin waist highlighted by a snow-white corset. A cute hairpin glistened in her hair.


    The pretty girl looked at Kyon with interest. She looked about 20 and was 175 cm (5.7ft) tall. In spite of her great looks, she was rather a mousey little thing.


    The maid sighed and focused all her attention on the old man:


    ?What can I do for you, sir??


    ?Marina, take the boy to one of the vacant rooms in the hotel and bring him dinner. Thene over to my ce.? ¨C Flitz grinnedsciviously and winked at the girl. Marina squirmed.


    A chill ran down Kyon¡¯s spine when he understood what Flitz meant: {Poor thing! I can¡¯t believe it¡­ Oh gods, is he going to do that to this pretty one¡­? The world is unfair¡­} ¨C His heart sank. He felt sorry for the innocentmb who was sent as a sacrifice to the old wolf.


    Marina did another curtsy, revealing her deep cleavage. Kyon noticed with disgust the lustful veil overcasting Flitz¡¯s eyes.


    The girl with braids stood up and rustled in a colorless voice:


    ?Follow me, sir.?


    Kyon would have dly hired her for himself in the simtion of the past world. Her manners, her look, her intonation¡­ She was pretty and knew how to deal with gentlemen. (She¡¯d never throw stones in ss houses.)


    Flitz took a malicious pleasure in reminding the boy:


    ?Don¡¯t even think about trying to escape, Kyon! Your balls are hanging by a thread! Ha-ha-he!?


    Kyon silently went out with Marina. {What was that? What is this ce?} ¨C so many questions and not a single answer. The mere thought about what the pretty blonde would have to go through at night made him want to throw up. However, the girl was doing fine, behaving like a saint.


    The wind outside smelled of the sea and the mountains at once.


    The beautiful maid led Kyon to a two-story building with lots of rooms. She opened the door, gesturing for him to enter first. She waited for a while till he made himselffortable and left, promising toe back soon.


    Fifteen minutester, a hot meal was on the table.


    Kyon chowed down on his dinner at once.


    Meanwhile, Marina sat nearby, humble, looking at the window, without uttering a single word, waiting for him to finish his dinner and take the tray to the kitchen. Her presence alone created an aura of peace and quiet. She was the embodiment of the belief regarding the good wife, the hearth-keeper.


    Kyon deliberately left a bit of meat stew on the te and asked quietly, trying not to startle the girl:


    ?Your name is Marina, isn¡¯t it??


    She gave a start and turned around, getting lost for a moment in his deep attentive eyes:


    ?It is. Why??


    Kyon did not start this conversation to have small talk. He had always looked for ways to make his life simple, help him achieve something more, reach any goal.


    Looking for a hook, he said in a confidential tone:


    ?There¡¯s depression and fear in your eyes. Is Mr. Flitz the reason? Tell me. I can keep a secret.?


    The girl hesitated but nodded.


    ?How long have you been his maid??


    ?For about five years.?


    Kyon winced. Apparently, she had been keeping the bed warm for the old fart since her young years and even at that time he wasn¡¯t young anymore!


    ?It¡¯s my first day on the estate. I don¡¯t know how things work around here. I am from the mine. Mr. Flitz spotted me by chance, and now I am going to bedy Juno¡¯s ve.?


    Marina¡¯s eyes widened in fear:


    ?Juno¡­ Lady Juno is a high-status person. Mr. Flitz has forbidden me to walk near her mansion¡­?


    ?I¡¯ve heard about her. I guess I should be grateful to Flitz, only¡­ I don¡¯t like the way he looks at you.?


    Marina pursed her lips and stared wistfully at the floor.


    Kyon carefully lifted her chin and whispered:


    ?You know¡­ I want to help you¡­?


    Marina had been avoiding looking at Kyon, but she couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him after those words.


    ?I found out that Mr. Flitz has one weakness, a lever you can manipte him with as you please. He is absolutely powerless over it. It¡¯s an unsanctioned device¡­ Perfect strings for a puppet.?


    His enchanting, mysterious voice sent shivers down the maid¡¯s spine but the words¡­ their meaning struck her like lightning. She clung to Kyon¡¯s arm, her thin fingers grasping his sleeve. She nearly demanded:


    ?What weakness are you talking about?!?


    Kyon did not expect such enthusiasm from her. The poor girl must have been sick and tired of being Flitz¡¯s doormat. It was hard not to take advantage of her naivety.


    He gave her a heart-melting smile and gently touched her wrist:


    ?Marina, there¡¯s something I need to tell you, but the timing is not right. I have to double-check something¡­ It won¡¯t take long. By the way, I was wondering if you could help me with something??


    His touch, his eyes, his voice fascinated her, attracted all her attention like a ma. She could not refuse him even if she wanted to.


    ?Tell me what you want me to do. Is it something serious??


    ?No, it¡¯s not a big deal, just a little something. Do you have a sound transmitter so that we could be in contact??


    ?I guess so¡­ There must be one, I¡¯ll bring it tomorrow. How can I help you?? ¨C The girl¡¯s curiosity had been piqued.


    ?I¡¯m sorry but I can¡¯t tell you anything until tomorrow night, maybe a little earlier. I¡¯ll call you, okay? But don¡¯t get any ideas. I¡¯ll tell you all about Flitz¡¯s weakness even if you don¡¯t bring the sound transmitter.?


    Marina nodded a little embarrassed and softly whispered his name:


    ?Kyon¡­ It¡¯s alright. I would help you anyway because you¡¯re¡­ so¡­ Thank you for your concern. I¡¯m very pleased to be with someone like you¡­ I mean to talk with you!? ¨C Marina hastened to add, blushing like a child. A mesmerizing smile yed in the corners of her mouth.


    Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. It turned out he was bloody adorable. Five minutes of conversation and he became ¡°so¡­¡± Yet, he was like a brother to her. The age difference did matter, after all.


    They shook their hands and said goodbye.


    ?Good night.? ¨C She purred and left Kyon alone.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Kyon pressed the button to turn off the crystal light. Then he stripped naked and plopped down on the soft bed, his arms crossed behind his head. It was time to reconsider.


    {In this world, the strong and the powerful can afford anything. The decrepit half-dead old man takes advantage (in every sense of the term) of the beautiful maid¡­ The poor thing has no choice. I must help her. Hopefully, my guess that Juno is Flitz¡¯s weakness is right. Will I be able to charm her off her feet? It¡¯s a snap. I hope she is beautiful at least¡­}


    It waste at night. The two moons were shining brightly, asionally darkened by the clouds passing by.


    Kyon started organizing the information about energy and cultivation. {When I got out of the mine I could feel that my soul started evolving faster. As proof, I reached the 2nd stage¡­ When I arrived here, this intuitive feeling doubled! The local people seem to cultivate faster because there¡¯s high energy concentration in the air. I wonder what¡¯s so special in the earth crust under the estate?}


    Kyon remembered from the books that energy, as a rule, isn¡¯t evenly distributed throughout the world. In some ces, there¡¯s more energy, in others, there¡¯s less. In ces with more energy, the resources are richer and help get strong. They better nourish the body and soul, develop the unique body, and that¡¯s not all. He was getting the global power pattern in the world. The more energy there is in the atmosphere, the stronger the empire and its people.


    While they were traveling to the estate (covering as many as 2000 km (1242 mi) ording to Ren and Borya) Kyon watched the moons that looked more likes every night. He noticed the slightest change in their shadows. The deliverer mentioned that the yearsted 360 days. With the help of Synergy, Kyon calibrated the time at an ultra-high uracy and determined that 24 hours, or rather the seconds that theyprised, were close to the intergctic standard. What an amazing coincidence! In his world, minutes couldst up to 140 seconds on somes. In particr cases, the minute was up to 5 seconds¡­ But the 24-hour standard was observed everywhere.


    When hebined all the data, Kyon concluded lots of incredible facts. For example, using the eclipses of the moons, he geometrically calcted the approximate distance to them. It was ~ 55 radii of the earth. It also became clear that the size of all the moons was about 3 times smaller than the earth. Praise Hipparchus! His method was simple and urate. However, what Kyon learnedter made him dizzy¡­ He had traveled in the wagon for six days covering 2000 km (1242 mi) with a time deviation of no more than 12 minutes! Hepared the deviation with the time zones and found out that the circumference of this was ~ 240.000 km! (~ 150.000 mi). It was about half the size of Jupiter, which means the length of the moons was ~80.000 km! (~50.000 mi). This unmistakable conclusion nearly sent him into a tailspin. Such giants must have a huge gravity. Only, they didn¡¯t. His discoveries didn¡¯t end there. He learned that the moons rotated around the, the and the moons rotated around the sun. The sun, thes, and the moon, in their turn, revolved around some invisible object! Kyon thought he was delirious but his forms for calcting the movement of the and the moons could not be wrong! He assumed that there was a ck hole in the middle but there was not! There was no gravitational lensing effect which must be in the case of empty space. The gravity and the size were not in line with the presence of a ck hole. It was some invisible object but not a ck hole. Kyon¡¯s powerful mind was on the verge of copse, trying to unravel the nature of the massive invisible object.


    In the end, he came to a conclusion: the star revolved around something invisible, the revolved around the star, and the two moons revolved around the.


    *sigh*


    Kyon tousled his hair, swept away the problems he couldn¡¯t solve for now to the basement of his consciousness and moved on to nning the next steps of cultivation with the help of Synergy.


    Two hours ago, Synergypleted upgrading his nervous system with the help of Synergy. Now his organs were more stress-resistant, the impulses from his muscles reached his brain three times faster. It always helps to react instantly in the fight, not only in mind but also with the body. His sense of touch had also increased significantly. However, it had a practical application only in matters of sex.


    Kyon wondered where to direct the essence of the universe further on and what to develop with Synergy.


    He identified three most relevant and useful options: sight, hearing, and smell. He¡¯d rather start with his eyesight. The upgrade wouldn¡¯t take much time but the advantages were going to be tremendous! At the moment, he felt like a blind chicken inparison with the sight Lovr used to have.


    With one question solved and Synergy running in the right direction, Kyon began to set his priorities. First of all, he had to regain his freedom and the freedom of speech as well. Until then, he was bound hand and foot; almost all of his activities were restricted. Even if he opposed the subjugating formation, it wouldn¡¯t change much. He couldn¡¯t escape, anyway. Flitz¡¯s formation on his forehead tracked his location, and Synergy couldn¡¯t remove it. Kyon was like a boat flowing with the stream. It seemed he would have to y by ear, after all. He only hoped that Juno was a nice girl and that everything would run smoothly when he got to know her.


    Kyon went to bed.


    A gentle knock on the door broke the stillness of the morning. The pleasant voice asked permission to enter.


    Kyon was instantly awake. He said indulgently:


    ?Please, doe in.?


    He sleepily rubbed his eyes, yawned and stretched till his bones cracked.


    The door opened, and Marina came inside. She looked rather worn out. Her braids were gone. The old man must have disliked her innocent hairstyle. Her head was a mess with visible attempts to hastilyb her hair. One stocking was torn, the second dropped to her knee in a sad ordion. Her short skirt was askew, she must have put it on in a hurry. Her tired eyes revealed she wasn¡¯t getting enough sleep. She had a stack of new clothes and a tray with breakfast in her hands. The delicious aroma of scrambled eggs with vegetables spread through the room.


    {Flitz¡­ Asshole! Am I jealous?} ¨C He was surprised by his own thoughts.


    His judgemental piercing gaze made the girl lower her eyes. She adjusted her skirt, embarrassed.


    ?Flitz told me to take you to the office in fifteen minutes¡­ You¡¯d better hurry up, Kyon.?


    ?Yes, sure.? ¨C Kyon nodded his head in understanding, got off his bed and carelessly picked up the stack of his new clothes from Marina¡¯s hands. The maid gave a sudden cry and staggered back, hiding her crimson face in her hands. Hmm, what was that pantomime about? ¡­ ?Marina, are you alright??


    In response, she desperately shook her head, unwilling to open her eyes.


    Kyon looked down. Ah yes¡­ Of course¡­ How could he forget? He was no longer an emperor, he was a ve! It was indecent, to say the least, to walk around naked with morning wood. He must get rid of the habit of sleeping in his birthday suit.


    Kyon dropped his hands down to cover his package. He cringed, doing his best to feign shame and said in a shy hoarse voice:


    ?Did you see it??


    Marina shook her head again. It didn¡¯t happen too often that she had to deny the facts. This naked sinewy guy would stay on her mind for a long time.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief, pulled out his underpants from the stack and hurriedly put them on.


    ?I¡¯m d you didn¡¯t. I can keep my innocence then. If you knew how you scared me¡­?


    His shameless, brazen words left Marina breathless. She took her hands from her face:


    ?It¡¯s me who should beining! How can you¡­?


    Kyon said, his voice thick with irony.


    ?You¡¯re right. Look at you. Was it really badst night??


    Marina growled. She closed her eyes and counted to ten trying to gain control over her emotions.


    ?Why did you say that, shameless little scoundrel??


    Kyonughed, turning everything into a joke. They had finally broken the ice, which was a big achievement in their rtions. It was going to be easy from now on.


    After that, Marina did not say a word. She threw asional ck nces in his direction. He kept a straight face. Anyway, it wasn¡¯t in her nature to hold grudges, let alone against fools. The boy probably didn¡¯t even understand that he had hurt her.


    Kyon pulled on his new ck pants, a shirt, and a pair of socks with ck shoes. They weren¡¯t clothes for a ve, by any means. Only the noble could wear this. The things were of good quality, durable, expensive¡­ He looked good in them. Only the formation on his forehead showed his position as if saying: ¡°Look, I¡¯m a nobody!¡±


    After the delicious breakfast, they left the room in silence. Marina handed Kyon a sound transmitter he had asked for. It was a little box with a cloudy green spatial stone inside.


    ?Its quality is rather low. You can¡¯t take calls more than a hundred kilometers away.? ¨C Marina exined awkwardly. ¨C ?Each sound transmitter has its frequency, which is not difficult to find out. When somebody calls your frequency, the transmitter vibrates and you can take the call¡­ To call someone, you need¡­?


    Kyon nodded in understanding. On the whole, there was nothingplicated. It was an analog of a standard mobile phone.


    On the way, he asked Marina about Juno¡¯s closest circle. Any information coulde in handy.


    His futuredy had a mother, a grandfather, a brother, and an elder sister. Her grandfather was the patriarch of the family. He lived in the capital of the kingdom as well as her mother. She ran the ntations, which was very honorable. Her brother was being trained to be the head of the mines, and her sister had fled for some unknown reason.


    Marina kept throwing impatient nces at him. She could not wait to find out about Flitz¡¯s weakness. However, she was too shy to start the conversation, even if she was about to burst with curiosity.


    {Every woman wants to control her man. In Marina¡¯s case, it was the old man. It is important not to cross the line, though. When men turn into a toy, they lose their attraction.}


    Unfortunately for cute Marina, Kyon wasn¡¯t going to satisfy her curiosity yet.


    The entire Stones¡¯ estate was surrounded by tall and thick stone walls. To one side, thirty kilometers away, there was an endless sea, to the other, fifty kilometers away, there was a mountain range thousands of kilometers long. That¡¯s where the memorable mines were located.


    The estate was divided into the courtyard, where family members of the 3rd rank and above lived, and the outside area. A strict hierarchy was observed: the closer to the center, the higher the rank of the dwellers. Democracy was out of the question.


    It was still early morning, but the streets were not empty. The servants scurried here and there, the beasts roamed freely. Many of them looked dangerous and even bloodthirsty but apparently, they didn¡¯t attack people.


    Two girls noticed the way Marina looked and whispered maliciously to each other:


    ?Look, it¡¯s Flitz¡¯s favorite maid! She looks terrible. What did he do to her!?? ¡­ ?Who¡¯s there next to her? Do you think she is with that ve¡­?


    The men on their way did not overlook the appearance of the blond girl, either. Poor guys, they nearly broke their necks when the girl passed them by. If the gossip girls gave the sexy maid a malevolent and even pitiful gaze, the men¡¯s eyes were full of lust.


    Marina was red in the face. She walked with her head down, her eyes fixed on the floor. She couldn¡¯t stop adjusting her skirt. The maid had hardly had any sleep and needed badly to get some rest.


    Finally, they reached Flitz¡¯s office.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    A bunch of impatient, angry, and displeased family members had gathered outside the door to Flitz¡¯s office. Their anger was pretty understandable. Based on their conversation, the adorable beasts had had a taste of almost each of them, failing to recognize their masters.


    Marina and Kyon squeezed through the crowd cutting the line, which caused an uproar.


    Flitz had just finished applying another formation. He wiped the sweat from his brow, noticed Marina enter the room and grinned from ear to ear, which made him look like a taut prune ¨C isn¡¯t she beautiful! The formacist yelled to the people waiting outside:


    ?Ladies and gentlemen, I¡¯m taking a fifteen-minute break!


    Onedy had already entered his office. She threw her hands up in frustration, grumbled something under her breath and returned to the corridor.


    Kyon briefly noticed that the window had already been fixed ¨C {That was quick.} ¨C but the next moment, all his attention was concentrated on the typical scene ¡°a boss and his suckretary.¡± Flitz beckoned the girl, hugged her and squeezed her delicious butt, taking advantage of his position of power.


    Marina looked miserable and scared. She didn¡¯t even dare to raise her head.


    Kyon cleared his throat, reminding them of his presence, which saved the poor girl from further harassment:


    ?Good morning, Flitz.?


    The old man reluctantly released his ¡°hostage¡±:


    ?Hi, pipsqueak. Today is your big day! Get ready to be given as a gift. By the way, the wrapper looks good on you.?


    Kyon looked at his ck clothes. Those were high-quality things, indeed, and the color was right to his liking.


    Flitz whispered to the girl:


    ?Call on me at lunchtime.? ¨C He winked, giving her a smooch on the cheek before leaving. Then he went to the door and waved to Kyon: ¨C ?Follow me.?


    Kyon gave Marina a pitiful look and followed Flitz.


    As soon as the door mmed behind them, Marina wearily leaned against the wall and sighed bitterly. She kept wondering all night long, or rather all ¡°breaks¡± long, what weakness Kyon had found in Flitz. Could it help her against his abusive sexual behavior? Could it help her start a new life?


    First things first, Flitz led Kyon to the medical center. On the way, the old formacist decided to give Kyon a brief overview:


    ?Themon dining room is over there. Can you see it? And that wooden shack is the canteen for the ves. You won¡¯t have your meals there. The ves sleep in that flophouse. You won¡¯t sleep there, either. I¡¯ll askdy Juno to take care of you. Enjoy! So? Why are you not smiling!?


    Kyon obediently bared his teeth, feigning a smile.


    They came across ves dressed in gray robes. Some swept the territory, others dragged carts with wood or other stuff. Some of them were busy renovating houses¡­ Kyon noticed a couple of familiar faces. Their eyes were full of envy: the boy had a nice life! Just look at his ck clothes. No one would even think he was a ve! The only thing left from his past was the mark on his forehead.


    ?If some of the ves have lost their formations, why don¡¯t they run away?? ¨C Kyon said thoughtfully. ¨C ?Are they happy living here¡­ I don¡¯t think so.?


    Flitz waved his hand:


    ?Not so long ago, some bright spark showed an example to everyone¡­ Barosh the bear, our main guarding beast, shat his remains afterwards. So, if you are nning to run away, think if you¡¯re ready to turn into shit. Well¡­ Some people are born shit. I hope you are not one of them.?


    Kyon swallowed nervously.


    ?What makes you think he ran away? What if he just went out for a walk and identally became the lucky beast¡¯s dinner??


    Flitz thought for a moment, gave the boy a direct look and said:


    ?Between you and me, there are barriers around the territory. If you pass through them without permission, you¡¯ve got a meetinging up withdy death.? ¨C Flitz looked serious: ¨C ?If anyone finds out I have told you this, they will cut off your head¡­ And I¡¯ll get it in the neck, but before that, I will check how strong your neck is.?


    Kyon nodded understandingly, flipping his bangs out of his eyes with a jerk of his head. He didn¡¯t want any problems. Synergy had failed to neutralize Martin¡¯s formation, it would be helpless against the new formation that Flitz applied. In his memory shback, Synergy was of the 6th degree. Small wonder it could demaize the formation. With the best will in the world, Kyon was powerless to escape from very with its help.


    Flitz looked at his tousled hair and rubbed his chin, deep in thought.


    ?What¡¯s the matter??


    ?I am thinking of shaving off your hair, but I¡¯m afraid you will lose your charm. It might make you an unbing gift¡­?


    ?Then don¡¯t shave it off. Why would you do that?? ¨C Kyon asked cautiously, taking a step back as if he was afraid that Flitz was going to take out the scissors right away. He liked his long hair.


    ?You know¡­ Juno is afraid of everything shaggy¡­ Wait, never mind.?


    ?Is Juno afraid of beasts?? ¨C Kyon wanted to rify this important detail. By the expression on Flitz¡¯s face, he knew he had hit the nail on the head.


    The old formacist blurted out a secret Bai had asked him to keep mum about. He cursed and raised another burning issue:


    ?Listen! Did you happen to see someone hit on Marina? Or did you by chance notice her make eyes at anyone??


    Kyon could hear concern in his voice. The old man was secretly jealous of his beautiful maid. It was logical, he was anything but handsome while Marina could seduce any guy on the estate.


    Kyon smiled:


    ?I haven¡¯t spent enough time with her to notice anything like that. But I will tell you for sure if I do.?


    Flitz breathed a sigh of relief and patted the boy on the head.


    Finally, they approached arge white two-story building that smelled of herbs and medicine. Even the walls seemed to be saturated with that scent. They hade to the hospital.


    The white floor, the white ceiling, the white walls¡­ Flitz didn¡¯t miss a chance to flirt with the nurses in white coats. As they went upstairs and appeared at a certain door, the expression on Flitz¡¯s face lost its dreamy lustful shade and distorted in a grimace of disgust.


    An obesedy was sitting in the enormous armchair. She looked at Flitz with her tiny piggy eyes and eximed joyfully:


    ?Uncle! You don¡¯t visit me too often and you should have!?


    Flitz forced a smile.


    ?Hello, Bilya. I seem to be fine. Why should I bother you? You¡¯ve got enough on your te without me adding to it.?


    The damsel made a miserable face:


    ?Why would you say that, uncle? You¡¯re upsetting me! You can¡¯t imagine how I¡¯ve missed your delicious pies! You have brought them, haven¡¯t you?? ¨C Her words were meant as a threat in spite of her joyful grin.


    Flitz forced another smile.


    ?I have them, but I need a favour from you. Give this boy five or six milliliters of evilball.?


    A bloodthirsty smile spread across Bilya¡¯s face. She looked at the boy who she didn¡¯t like from the start ¨C too thin ¨C and darted to the fridge a bit too swiftly for her body size, wailing all the way:


    ?Oh, he is so young to be impotent! What have you done, poor thing? Oh my God! What a shame. It¡¯s terrible!?


    Kyon shuddered in disgust. The matron nearly danced with joy, rammaging quickly around the shelves in search of the necessary medicine. And yet, there was so much sympathy in her words!


    Flitz asked idly, without much interest:


    ?How is your Buzik doing in the Fat sect??


    ?He¡¯s gained another thirty pounds, my little bunny. Such a good boy! I¡¯ve always said he is the best of the best. He writes in his letters that he¡¯s got lots of friends, that girls make eyes at him. I¡¯m so happy for him!? ¨C Bilya found a vial with blue liquid and, with a happy ¡°yup,¡± took a dose twice as much as Flitz had requested.


    Kyon frowned and gave Flitz a meaningful look but the old formacist only patted him on the shoulder:


    ?Take it easy. I¡¯ll let you have a go at one of my maids for the inconvenience. I have lots of them, anyway.? ¨C and after a pause, he theatrically pped himself on the forehead: ¨C ?Oops, sorry! No offence¡­?


    Bilya appreciated his sense of humor and giggled, the needle dangerously jerked against Kyon¡¯s eye.


    The sound of her gratingughter was worse than nails on a chalkboard.


    Flitz stamped his foot:


    ?Put a sock in it! Now I get it why your husband died twenty years before his due time.?


    ?It was a heart attack! What does it have to do with me?? ¨C The porker carelessly waved him off and injected the drug into Kyon¡¯s vein, her hands trembling.


    When the liquid began to spread through the body, Synergy detected it, neutralized and revealed the effects. {Evilball suppresses testosterone production¡­ No wonder there¡¯s no libido. Judging by the concentration, an average man can be impotent for about thirty years. Flitz, you old asshole¡­ You¡¯ve made a mistake. A huge mistake!}


    His organs, resistant to stress, neutralized the insignificant part of the liquid that Synergy might have passed.


    The bigdy stared expectantly at Flitz:


    ?Where are my pies, uncle??


    Flitz was already standing by the window. He casually opened the shutters and said nonchntly: ?The sun is up. The world needs a hero like me!? ¨C In the blink of an eye, he grabbed Kyon by the scruff of his neck and jumped headlong out the window.


    They could hear Bilya shout furiously after them:


    ?Just you wait! I¡¯ll see to your treatment when you get sick! Old buzzard¡­?


    Flitz breathed a sigh of relief, shook off an invisible speck of dust from his shoulder and strolled like nothing had happened. Kyon tidied his hair and hurried after him.


    ?I should have put her in her ce but she¡¯s one of elder Boe¡¯s daughters. I don¡¯t want any trouble¡­ My rank isn¡¯t high enough to quarrel with him¡­? ¨C Flitz mumbled at Kyon¡¯s questioning look.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t help asking:


    ?Why did you bring her pies if she is so¡­? ¨C He failed to find a decent description and decided not to finish his phrase.


    Flitz winced:


    ?For the fun of it. But then I felt sorry for the dogs¡­?


    Kyon nodded his understanding.


    They continued on their way. Flitz was getting more cheerful with each step further from the windows of the ¡°hospitable¡±dy. He patted Kyon on the shoulder:


    ?Well, how are you feeling? Any desire for a girl??


    Kyon¡¯s grin was barely noticeable. He shook his head.


    ?I don¡¯t know. I feel an unusual emptiness inside¡­?


    Flitz chuckled:


    ?You feel emptiness in your balls! Ha-ha-he! Alright, don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s just a precaution. It¡¯ll be over in five years or so. Anyway, it¡¯s better than making you a eunuch. Come on, it¡¯s time for you to meet yourdy.?


    On the way, Flitz told Kyon a couple of things he should know:


    ?The most important people of the family live in the courtyard. They have little respect for unworthy people like you. If you unt your formation in front of them, you are in for big trouble, got it??


    Kyon nodded. Flitz¡¯s intentions were not quite clear, though. Did he want to give a ve to the statusdy as a punching bag or as a coach? No. There is no way a ve could be a coach. There was something wrong. Alright, he would cross that bridge when he came to it.


    Also, Flitz told him that the mansion used to be full of life¡­ There were crowds of guests, plenty of feasts, balls, important meetings every day but now¡­ Things changed after the patriarch had disappeared, and not for the better.


    They came to a vast and luxurious mansion. It was surrounded by a high metal fence with patterns and all but precious stones.


    Kyon saw two guardsmen at the entrance, whose appearance broke his expectations. He had expected to see noble knights with swords and in gold armor like the ones at Martin¡¯s door. The mansion was guarded by special agents in dark sses and ck uniforms along the lines of ¡°men in ck.¡±


    A barely visible barrier covered the territory and prevented trespassing of any solid physical objects. However, the guards could always create a temporary gap for the invited guests.


    Flitz pulled out a tube of something and handed it to Kyon:


    ?Today is the trial period for you, boy. You¡¯ll be alright if you pass. If not¡­ Well, you will see. Here, some good ointment to help you. It elerates wound healing a hundredfold. There¡¯s no point to apply it to your balls, though. It doesn¡¯t work that way! Ha-ha-he!?


    Kyon hid the tube in his pocket with a sense of an unpleasant foreboding.


    ?Why do I start to think that other ves are better off than me??


    Flitz looked away, showed the guards his formation and went inside with the boy. They checked the formation on his forehead and registered him in the guest log.


    Beige velvet carpets covered the floor in the spacious entrance hall. The walls were decorated with paintings and the heads of the beasts baring their teeth. Luxurious chandeliers matched the beige home design.


    {It¡¯s pretty in here.} ¨C Kyon snickered, admiring such finesse. Apparently, he would have to spend a fair amount of time in this house that looked much better than the gloomy mine or the wooden shacks where ordinary ves spend their nights. Maybe, he was lucky after all?

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Two girls in their early twenties weed Kyon and Flitz in the main hall: a blue-eyed, fair-haired beauty, who smiled warmly at the guests, and a gray-eyed brte just as beautiful. She treated the guests with utmost respect and dignity. Her confidence showed in her proud posture and the way she looked straight in the eye. She turned heads wherever she went, making men dream of catching her fleeting nce.


    The maids were wearing almost identical uniforms. They were dressed in short ck skirts with fluffy white petticoats underneath that looked so cute with all the ruffles. The top was skin-tight withce straps embracing their graceful shoulders and revealing their sharp corbones as well as emphasizing their appetizing boobs. The difference in their outfit was only in the color of the stockings and the garters that their skirts barely covered. The blond maid was wearing white stockings were white while the dark-haired girl had ck ones. Their outfits were a perfect match for their appearance, emphasizing their sexual bodies. Their butts, waists, and boobs were presented in the best possible light.


    Their overly explicit looks struck Kyon as weird. A maid, in his understanding, should not attract a man¡¯s attention. It was an illegal maniption of the male nature. Who would ever keep his right mind next to this quintessence of beauty and sexuality? However, ording to the books he read, everything was different in this world. A maid was a symbol of the house. The image of the master depended on his beautiful, groomed, tidy, and well-mannered maids.


    While Kyon was taking off his shoes at the main entrance, Flitz was instructing him how to behave around the beautiful maids. The girls were in charge of the entire mansion and the servants in it. Kyon should be careful around them, ideally, get on their good side. However, he was so impressed by the patriarch¡¯s greatness reflected in the beautiful girls that he already regarded them as his potential maids.


    {I like the brte¡­ She is the embodiment of inessibility. Her piercing icy gray eyes seem to look right into my soul, and her eyebrow shape makes me¡­ I¡¯d hire her.}


    ?Good morning, Flitz. Lady Juno is at the training ground.? ¨C The smiling blonde maid intoned the greeting in her melodious voice when the old formacist approached her.


    The brte greeted Flitz, too. Then she looked at the boy who was staring at her as if he owned her. He acted as if he was in charge here, deciding if she was the right maid for him. She felt as if he had poured cold water over her. No one had ever dared to look at her like that! Most of the guests bowed respectfully to her. Who did he think he was?! Could the kid be a big shot? He was dressed in high-quality clothes that only gentlemen wore. No¡­ His mark gave him out. Even if there was something about him that made her instincts scream danger, all she cared about was the fact that he was just a ve, an insolent, bold, self-confident ve. What a disappointment!


    She had never met anyone so bold or arrogant like him, and it irked her to the core. She had to find out if there was anything behind his impudence, or he was just a jerk with a death wish.


    The maid looked at him with ice disdain, lingering at the ve¡¯s mark:


    ?You know the rules, Flitz. ves are not allowed in here.?


    The old man waved her off with a fake smile:


    ?It¡¯sdy Juno¡¯s request. She¡¯s in charge, so let him be.?


    ?Lady¡¯s word is thew.? ¨C The maid slightly tilted her head: ¨C ?But it¡¯s so insensitive of you, to say the least, to bring in a ve who doesn¡¯t know his ce.?


    ?Sure, sure.? ¨C Flitz nodded and took the boy by the shoulder to the inner yard.


    The maid was disappointed. He was just a ve, a nobody in terms of official status, and good for nothing in terms of his upbringing. She didn¡¯t want his kind around here. From now on, she wasn¡¯t going to be gentle with him, he must know his ce. In fact, she wanted to humiliate the arrogant boy so bad that her hands balled into fists. A dangerous sparkle flickered in her eyes. Whoever he was, she would quickly deal with him. Nothing was impossible for a professional killer like her.


    Just before he left, Kyon caught the beautiful maid¡¯s gaze. It was like an icy mountain wind that chilled him to the bone. He felt ufortable. He seemed to have missed something important.


    Suddenly, it dawned on him. The most important thing had totally slipped his mind. They called him a ve back in the mine, but there was a food market, square meals, a shelter for the night, friendly attitude of his co-workers¡­ No one would ever whip him for one wrong move. Byron, Mob, Flitz, Ren did not say a word about his arrogance. He got used to their casual and rxed treatment, and it clouded his mind. His weak spot for the beautiful girls had only exacerbated the situation. The concept of politeness had never been so pressing in his previous world. He lived in paradise, enjoying the status of the legend of the whole universe. He hadpletely forgotten what it was like to be humiliated, how it felt to be a nobody, a ve. He should have thought about it before he had entered the mansion!


    Flitz led Kyon to the courtyard through a park asrge as two football fields. It was huge, impressive, fascinating.


    The old formacist elbowed him in the ribs:


    ?Be careful around the girls. They are not only in charge here beside Juno but also professional killers. If you ever misbehave around theirdy, there¡¯s a good chance you¡¯ll die a terrible death. My advice to you, steer clear of the dark-haired one.?


    {Shit¡­ What a great start of the new life in the mansion!} ¨C Kyon wished he could turn the time at least three minutes back. If only it was so simple. ¨C ?What¡¯s her name?? ¨C He decided to ask, after all. What was done couldn¡¯t be undone. At least he would know the name of his potential killer.


    ?Dinah. She is cold as ice with everyone. The blonde is Anna, her sister. Their rank is equal to mine. It¡¯s very high. Everyone below the second rank is obliged to be courteous to them¡­ And yet, they¡¯ve had a subjugating formation since childhood. Go figure¡­?


    Kyon nodded. {Family members of the 2nd rank with subjugating formations? Hmm. It¡¯s weird. Who did it to them? Anyway, the girls are in charge here, and I started off the wrong foot with Dinah. Well, so much the worse for her. I will give her another chance, and it will be a shame if she does not use it. As for Anna, she seems to be different. I should try and make friends with her.}


    They walked along the path, paved with special marble stones to the training ground. A four-meter wall surrounded the ce. There was a grand entrance with a gate.


    Their walk through therge park took a long time. On the plus side, they passed a perfectly mowedwn, beautiful colorful flowers, a neatly trimmed hedge, rattan benches, elegant statues with fountains, in three words, heaven on earth. In the middle of the park, there was a pond with joyfully sshing fish and white swans. The steam rising into the air suggested a hot spring behind the two-meter fence in the far corner of the garden. Servants scurried about their chores, taking care of the park.


    {I¡¯m going to have a great life in this mansion! I will certainly enjoy it here, especially if I get on the good side of the youngdy. As for the cold-hearted maid, I will find a way to tame her.} ¨C A dreamy smile blossomed across Kyon¡¯s lips.


    Flitz had to look away when he saw the cheerful boy. Even his old shriveled heart wasn¡¯t devoid of pity. Kyon¡¯s voice jerked him off from his joyless reverie. The boy sounded somewhat concerned.


    ?What isdy Juno¡¯s cultivation??


    ?She is a base phaser at the fifth stage.? ¨C Flitz grunted impassively.


    ?It doesn¡¯t sound too impressive. I thought she would be stronger.?


    Flitz didn¡¯t even turn his head:


    ?Don¡¯t be a fool, boy. The difference in a single stage can drastically change the oue of the battle! The advantage in energy is significant, and with each stage, it increases even more! But what do you care? If you can¡¯t bend the elements, you could be ten stages stronger, and she will defeat you anyway.?


    Kyon thought hard. He urgently needed to find out the information about the elements. Otherwise, his fast cultivation had no sense. Except maybe, his body would get stronger.


    They approached the training ground, almost identical to the one where Flitz had been testing Kyon¡¯s skills. It was an area asrge as a basketball court, surrounded by a high wall with a gate.


    Flitz made a sign to Kyon to keep quiet and carefully opened the gate. It was obvious that he was up to something. A decrepit prankster, that¡¯s really something!


    The training ground was paved with solid stonework. There were horizontal bars and battered dummies on the sides. In the center, there was a circle cut out in the ground, the outline of thebat zone. It was the arena itself. A young talent was sleeping peacefully on the lonely bench nearby, drooling in her sleep.


    Kyon¡¯s heart started racing. There she was, his futuredy¡­ Lady Juno might be hisdder to the top of the hierarchy. Was he going to like her? Would he be able to charm her as he had nned in the mine? He couldn¡¯t wait to find it out.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    When Flitz saw the sleeping girl, he made a sign to Kyon to stop and pointed to one of the dummies, a sly grin creeping over his face:


    ?Hide behind it.? ¨C He picked up another punching bag, sneaked up behind the girl and gently woke her up.


    Juno opened her eyes, still looking drowsy. A terrifying blurry silhouette loomed over her. It had a mouth fixed with the mattress seam, a chipped nose, one eye hanging by a thin thread¡­


    ?The billes due! Herees a reckoning!? ¨C A harsh, inhuman voice growled.


    Juno did a backward roll, flexible like a cat, and kicked the troublemaker in the head. Shended gracefully, taking a defensive stance.


    ?Huh? A dummy??


    ?I thought I¡¯d scare you¡­ What¡¯s her deal? The girl is not a kid anymore¡­? ¨C Flitz sounded hurt but also proud of his youngdy.


    Juno clenched her fists tight:


    ?Are youpletely bonkers, old fart?!? ¨C She made a swift, sudden attack.


    ?Ouch. Stop it! I was just kidding!? ¨C Flitz yfully fought off the girl¡¯s attack, visibly enjoying their ¡°fight.¡± ¨C ?Alright. Chill out! I have a present for you¡­?


    Immediately, Juno stopped trying to punch Flitz in the nose and eagerly asked:


    ?What is it? Something tasty??


    Flitz theatrically waved his hand:


    ?It¡¯s a new ve. He is tougher than the others by the way!?


    Juno¡¯s sweet smile slowly turned into a cunning unkind grin:


    ?Hmm, a living dummy? I like that.? ¨C Her big eyes darted around the training ground: ¨C ?Where is he??


    Flitz got down on one knee and put his hands on her shoulders, giving them a squeeze:


    ?Juno, the boy has good movement skills. Don¡¯t treat him like the rest. Tell your maids to give him shelter and food. Don¡¯t break your presents on the very first day, please.?


    Juno grunted skeptically.


    ?It¡¯s the first time that you¡¯ve spoken for a ve. You know how much I hate boys. They always drool during the fight. In fact, they are nothing but stupid idiots. And the ves are even worse. If you¡¯ve brought one of those snivelers, don¡¯t expect me to go easy on him.?


    Flitz whispered in her ear:


    ?Take it easy. He is devoid of lust for sensual pleasures, unlike other boys.?


    Juno¡¯s eyes widened even more, her jaw nearly fell to the ground:


    ?You¡­ Did you take his thing away? You¡­?


    Flitz threw up his hands indignantly:


    ?Is that what you think of me? I¡¯m not that heartless, Juno!?


    ?Who knows?? ¨C She giggled. ¨C ?So, what¡¯s the catch? Did you find someone who prefers boys?¡­? ¨C She wrinkled her little nose, which made her look even cuter.


    Flitz heaved a sigh and shook his head with a smile:


    ?He doesn¡¯t like anyone. Well, he¡¯s been injected evilball, to be more precise. He is kind of neutered. Besides, he is under a subjugating formation. So, if you ever need anything, all you have to do is give him an order. By the way, he can dance very well. I highly rmend that you check it out. I did!?


    Juno defiantly crossed her arms over her chest and grunted:


    ?Thank you, I¡¯m not interested in dancing ves¡­? ¨C She looked around impatiently: ¨C ?Where¡¯s your asexual gift??


    Flitz smiled and pped his hands:


    ?You maye out, Kyon!?


    Kyon had been eavesdropping behind a dummy. He had enough time to appreciate the girl¡¯s melodious voice. He would give anything to hear her sing him a love song. That¡¯s a good sign. His master once told him the voice is the mirror of the soul. However, his wife was a smoker and had a low manlike voice, which suggested some conclusions. At least, no one was surprised to find out that the master had three lovers from the theatre choir.


    Kyon slowly stepped out of his hideout and finally took a closer look at Juno.


    In an instant, time seemed to stand still. The young girl embodied all the charm of the world. Her stunning beauty made everything else fade and blur as an unnecessary distraction. The world seemed to shrink to the size of her delicate body. The lovely creature was about the same height as Kyon. Apparently, the universe did its best to create a perfect miracle. She had a small nose,rge lovely eyes the color of spring grass, framed by long ravishing eyshes and graceful eyebrows. Her hair was the color of liquid gold, descending in waves like rays of the sun just below her shoulders. A pair of emerald earringsplemented her eyes, swaying yfully in her neat ears, attracting all eyes to her delicate skin.


    The girl was slim, with perky B-cup boobs. Her graceful posture was befitting a nobledy. Her slender legs had ideal proportions. The miracle of a girl was dressed in a tight training outfit: ballet shoes, ck leggings, a tight T-shirt. She was casually wearing a jacket over her shoulders. A simple green bracelet gleamed on her hand. No man could help stroking her, caressing her, pressing her to his chest, kissing the top of her head, inhaling her scent. Then he could die in peace with no regrets after seeing the best in the world. A girl like her must be kind, affectionate, gentle.


    Kyon had always had a weak spot for everything beautiful. However, no one had ever had such a strong impact on him. He instantly put on an air of reverence with a pinch of admiration. It would be strange if a ve had a different reaction.


    Juno looked at the boy with icy disdain. How dared a pathetic thing, not even a human being, look at her in any other but powerless, pitiful, humiliated way? She had to do something about it.


    Actually, Kyon looked pretty good in his smart ck clothes. He had a pretty face, shaggy ck hair, dark brown eyes, athletic-looking body, confident posture. However, in Juno¡¯s eyes, he was nothing but a dummy even if made by a skillful craftsman. He wasn¡¯t worth a damn. She was a nobledy, one click of her fingers and the yard would be crowded with pretty ves like him.


    A chill ran down Kyon¡¯s spine. This ce was no heaven on earth. He was in a hell of a trap that no ordinary person could leave alive.


    Flitz sat down on the bench, holding a pipe in his teeth, and said briefly:


    ?Attack him. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll appreciate his skills¡­?


    Juno rolled her eyes skeptically but attacked Kyon. Her cultivation helped her exceed the average human speed by 1.3 times.


    Kyon took an unusual defensive stance that looked a bit like those used in karate. He was ready to prove himself to her.


    Juno took a swing at him.


    Kyon jumped out of the way, dodging her.


    Not surprised at all, she did a cartwheel and stepped gracefully to the ground. Her attack looked impressive. Flitz couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her.


    When her kick almost reached the goal, Kyon jumped over her leg like a pole vaulter. He could strike back at once as Juno had recklessly revealed herself with this dashing trick. The timing wasn¡¯t right, though. Nothing good woulde out of it.


    Kyon¡¯s moves looked spectacr. Flitz enjoyed the scene, puffing on his pipe: {The boy¡¯s technique is incredible¡­ At the age of 130, I don¡¯t understand how he can move like that. Maybe, I shouldn¡¯t have given him to her mercy.}


    Juno frowned. In her opinion, the ve¡¯snding sucked. And yet, he took a stable position quite quickly and even could have kicked her in the leg if he wanted to! Something didn¡¯t add up.


    ?Flitz, are you sure that he doesn¡¯t bend any elements??


    The ve wasn¡¯t moving too fast, but something about him was out of the ordinary.


    Flitz smiled:


    ?He can¡¯t bend any of them, but his moves are good. He could beat me if I moved at his speed. Ha-ha-he!?


    ?Are you kidding me?? ¨C Juno stopped just for the pleasure of giving the old man a puzzled look.


    ?No way. He is an ordinary base phaser at the 2nd stage. Can¡¯t you feel that he emits no energy vibrations? Don¡¯t be ridiculous. If you think he isn¡¯t strong enough for you, let him master the basics of the elements¡­ Maybe, he will learn to move even better.?


    Juno¡¯s nose twitched with irritation. She looked like a cute rabbit whose favorite carrot was taken away.


    ?I won¡¯t let him anything.? ¨C She growled.


    Kyon frowned, disappointed with her words.


    Juno burst outughing. He was an inanimate object for her that dared to show discontent! Well, it was rather amusing. As if a dusty cupboard had suddenly fallen because it felt so out of ce.


    Juno elegantly shrugged, stretching her back. Then she took another fighting position and attacked him again. This time, her speed was twice as much as average as she started using pure energy.


    Kyon was alert. He estimated that Juno had three or four battle fists, but even a loser could hit the target with her advantage in speed.


    Juno was in the menacing proximity, and her little fists didn¡¯t seem so harmless anymore. They hit Kyon¡¯s chest swiftly like meteors.


    Kyon began to dodge, mostly retreating. He knew the most effective ways of fighting: dodging ¨C maintaining the bnce, the momentum, the inertia ¨C vulnerable points, pressure points, points that disrupted the bnce, points that took a punch ¨C ricochets, effective blocks, and so on.


    In his understanding, ten percent of speed couldpensate for each missing level of the battle fist, allowing the opponents to fight as equals. Increasing his speed by 10%, he could stay on equal terms if the opponent had the 9th level of the battle fist. He would need to increase the speed by 50% against five battle fists, and by 90% against one battle fist. A simple line chart could exin it all.


    However, there was no way he could fight with Juno as equals. Was he allowed to beat thedy? Highly doubtful. Besides, Juno¡¯s 100% advantage in speed plus her three battle fists went beyond the concept of ¡°equal opponents.¡±


    In simple terms, Kyon was at an unfair disadvantage. He needed to find a way out of this mess, smooth things over with Juno, or even be her master.


    When Juno noticed the absence of despair on his face, she went berserk. Her eyes sparkled with green lights. Her eyebrows changed their angle from ¡°I am an innocent child¡± to ¡°die already!¡±


    Her movements drastically changed. The defenseponentpletely disappeared as if her only goal was to punch the ve in the face as painfully as could be, harm him as much as possible. She did not care that she was open to his counterattacks. Come, what may! Gods help this ve if he everid his hands on her.


    The storm of blowssted for a few seconds when her little, seemingly harmless fist hit Kyon straight in the chest.


    * bang *


    {What the¡­?!}

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Juno¡¯s smile turned into a grin when she saw the confusion on Kyon¡¯s face: {How do you like it? It¡¯s only the beginning, wretched scum!}


    The impact of the pure energy sent Kyon flying for about a meter as if a heavyweight boxing champion had hit him, not a little snow-white fist. He knew that the element of pure energy could increase the power of the blow, but it was too strong.


    Apparently, he missed on a fair share of battle opportunities without pure energy, but even so he could stand up to her. However, if he could bend energy, the girl would hardly have done him any harm. He had to learn it by all means!


    Juno shed a predatory smile and pressed a furious attack.


    *bam*


    She kicked him in the hip. Kyon tilted dangerously to the side, losing his bnce. A nasty bruise guaranteed.


    Kyon knew that looks were deceiving, and Juno was a perfect example to this rule. Anyway, he had to find a way to minimize the damage and prove his worth to this entric girl. He focused on parrying, demonstrating how flexible and resourceful he was, and yet he couldn¡¯t avoid being hit.


    Anyway, the girlpletely ignored his efforts as if she were concentrating on something else.


    *bam*


    She punched him in the abs knocking the air out of his lungs. Kyon coughed.


    Juno raised an eyebrow in surprise. It felt like she had hit a solid dummy, not a human being. Note to self: the boy had strong abs that needed tenderizing¡­ She could offer him an expensive massage, and the currency would be his health.


    Flitz couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the patriarch¡¯s beloved granddaughter sparring with the ve. Her movements were incredibly effective, spectacr, smooth. From time to time, her slender body arched and bent, exposing her flexibility and elegance. {Our beautiful girl is growing up. Perhaps, she will surpass Elsa, after all.} The ve also caught his attention. His movements were amazing! The boy¡¯s speed was twice as low, and yet he avoided almost all of her blows! Perhaps he shouldn¡¯t have left him at her mercy¡­ Anyway, it was toote.


    All of a sudden, the sound transmitter rattled in his pocket. He angrily blew out smoke and answered the call:


    ?Who the hell is this??


    ?Mr. Merrymaker, you are taking your time, aren¡¯t you? It¡¯s been five times fifteen minutes since you went away. Thirty people are waiting for you here. Some have already put up a tent and are having a barbecue! Should we treat the elders to our party!? Huh?¡­? ¨C The caller would dly spit on Flitz if the sound transmitter allowed physical reproduction.


    Flitz frowned. He was having the time of his life when some nobles shamelessly demanded his return to the perishable world.


    ?Holy Matryoshka! I¡¯ming!?


    Juno froze before delivering a blow under Kyon¡¯s ribs. She turned to Flitz with no fear of possible counterattack:


    ?Are you leaving so soon??


    Flitz put his hand to his chest and bowed to her:


    ?Lady Juno, I have to work¡­ The nobles threaten me with the elder, and I don¡¯t want any trouble.?


    ?That¡¯s too bad.?


    Flitz nodded to the boy who was short of breath after the rough ride:


    ?So, how is he??


    Juno shrugged without turning around.


    ?I¡¯m d he doesn¡¯t drool.?


    ?Alright¡­ I have to go. Please, try and treat him¡­ Go easy on him, okay? Don¡¯t finish him off as quickly as the others.?


    ?He is my property, and I will do whatever I want.? ¨C Juno retorted and yfully waved her hand: ¨C ?Bye, Flitz.?


    The old man cast a meaningful look at the unfortunate boy, smiled at Juno and quickly left the training ground.


    As soon as the gates shut behind him, Juno slowly turned to the boy. A bloodthirsty smile curved her lips. She looked like a demon from hell, nning to get back to her favourite game.


    Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He didn¡¯t like what was going on, not in the least. Someone up above had pulled a prank on him, no doubt. He couldn¡¯t leave it this way. He had to get out before she had made mincemeat of him!


    Among the variety of options, he could y on her emotions, coax her or plead for mercy.


    The first choice was not an option. His attempts to press her buttons could end with his unpleasant and quick death at the hands of the maid-assassin. The nobles didn¡¯t tolerate ves.


    The second option implied offering her something valuable. All that Kyon could offer her, apart from his divine ability to clean the keys, was to teach her some new incredible techniques. However, he couldn¡¯t get it straight to her because she would never believe him. No nobledy would ever learn anything from a ve, and if she did, he would have to prove himself to her first. Judging by the expression on her face, Juno wasn¡¯t going to pay attention to his movements at all.


    Kyon decided to go with the third option and find out if the youngdy was really so rotten inside. He was going to make her believe that he recognised her power and then figure out what to do.


    Kyon bowed respectfully.


    ?Mydy, your ve apologies for his stupid behaviour.?


    His words made Juno stop short. She stood still, raised her graceful eyebrows and said in an icy but still pleasant, melodious voice:


    ?I don¡¯t care about your apology. I order now and forever: you will never say a word. Your dirty mouth hurts my ears, you wretched ve.? ¨C The break was over. She ran at him with her fists ready, a malicious smile on her face. She had been restraining herself when Flitz was nearby. Now nothing would stand in her way.


    Kyon was thunderstruck. He had said a short phrase, a harmless apology, and she immediately denied him the right to speak! He knew what to reply to anything she would say, but she had ruined everything. Now he couldn¡¯t speak without revealing the ace up his sleeve: the ability to ignore the orders and the subjugating formation.


    The evil but seemingly sweet creature moved to a non-stop attack with a smirk on her face. She missed three times, he blocked two of her blows and then¡­


    *bam*


    A kick in the guts sent Kyon flying.


    Every time she hurt him really bad, Juno was exuberant. This arrogant ve wasn¡¯t much different from the rest. No¡­ He was even more annoying. The others lowered their eyes, bowed to her, begged her for mercy, knew their ce, but this one¡­ He was nothing like them. He moved too well, he was tough like a wooden dummy, he never screamed in pain. And yet, he signed his own death warrant the day he arrived in the mansion.


    Juno continued to attack with a demonic grin on her pretty face, ignoring how pale and exhausted the ve looked.


    Her evil smile only grew wider each time she hit him, which only confirmed Kyon¡¯s conclusion: Juno was a sadist!


    Flitz must have known everything¡­ That¡¯s why he looked away. That¡¯s why his reaction was so intense when Kyon asked questions about her¡­ It was all clear. The old asshole had sold him to the little demoness like a beast to be ughtered. The first impression wouldn¡¯t have changed anything. She couldn¡¯t care less about his manners. He was just a punchbag for the ruthless, sadistic bitch.


    * bam * * bang * * bam *


    Another series of swift and graceful punches made him moan in pain.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t physically keep up with her movements even if he had figured them out. A trickle of blood ran down his chin: her fist had badly smashed his lip.


    He would have been half dead by now if Synergy hadn¡¯t upgraded his nervous system, elerating the signal transmission to his muscles.


    Juno stopped short as if putting a toy aside. She took out a white handkerchief and wiped the blood off her fist, her nose wrinkled in disgust. {I don¡¯t want to get soiled with the secretions of this scum¡­ I will need a thorough washter.} There was no trace of pity or sympathy on her face¡­ She was cool as a cucumber. The youngdy was frighteningly calm and totally indifferent to the battered ve.


    Kyon got goosebumps just looking at her. All her natural charm took the farthest seat possible. {She doesn¡¯t take me for a human being¡­ This girl is a maniac. She will kill me and won¡¯t bat an eye!}


    His mind was frantically searching for ideas. To kill her? To reason with her? To ckmail her? To make her see that he was a valuable asset? Nothing would work out or would only make things worse. He was trapped in the cage with a beast! His ability to resist the formation would most likely destroy him. Kyon could see through this sadist. If she couldn¡¯t control him, she would get rid of him. Her credo was the ends justify the means. He needed something really big to get out of this catastrophic situation. Kyon wished he could switch ces with anyone who had more chances than him.


    Time was of the essence. As ast resort, he thought of offering her key cleaning. It wasn¡¯t a good idea, though. It might turn him into a cash cow for the rest of his life. Anyway, it wouldn¡¯t work even if he told her against the order about his unique talent. Would anyone believe a stinking drunk hobo mumbling in his sleep that he was a god? In his situation, Juno¡¯s reaction would be just the same. No nobledy would ever let a ve touch her, and Synergy wouldn¡¯t enter her body without physical contact.


    When he saw the evil grin on her mean face, his desire to use any leverage vanished into thin air.


    Juno threw away the soiled handkerchief, frowned in disgust and attacked again. Tiny beads of sweat dappled her smooth ivory forehead, while Kyon was drenched in sweat mixed with blood. She hated this wretched, tough dork. He was still holding on, still on his feet, even strong enough to block almost all of her blows.


    Thest thing Kyon wanted to do was to lose his bnce. It was getting harder to resist with each next second. His body was sore all over. Some parts were numb and out of control. He knew too well that this soulless creature would kick him to death if he fell. He could see his imminent doom in her blows, in her smile, in her eyes.


    {Where the hell did youe from, bitch? Why did I get thisdy? Did I have a fucking choice?}


    * bam *


    Juno kicked him in the hip and nodded to her thoughts: {Indeed, it¡¯s a pleasure to beat up this scum. He is so different from the dummies. He can dodge. He is softer to the touch but, above all, I love the expression on his dirty face! It makes me beat him again and again. I will never stop. I want him and his kind to cry for mercy¡­ To beg me! But¡­ Why doesn¡¯t he raise his eyes? I want to see his despair! Where are his tears, pleas for mercy? Why doesn¡¯t he scream in pain? Why is he just groaning from time to time? This ve is getting more and more annoying.}


    During another series of her elegant attacks, Juno found a soft spot in his body. With a joyful glee, she punched him right there.


    Kyon¡¯s ribs crackled painfully, but he got a chance to grab her by the hand and¡­ Nothing happened. An invisible barrier was protecting her skin, slippery and smooth like an ice crust. Another moment and her hand slipped from his grasp.


    {Fuck! The ether barrier!} ¨C Kyon did not despair, anyway. His primary task was to show his skills, which was impossible to do without attacking her. He would have to stop at the veryst moment to let her know that without the barrier, she would have been badly hurt.


    Juno winced and carefully examined her hand for dirt. He did not touch her. She gave the ve a disgusted frown. No ve had ever dared to resist her. This one was stubborn, impudent, arrogant¡­ Of course, she didn¡¯t say a word on his ount. She was above chatting with a living dummy. However, her rage had increased tenfold. She could feel it burning inside. She wasn¡¯t going to let him off easy.


    The battle continued. Kyon tried to counterattack Juno many times. He had found all of her weak spots, ready to convince her he could fight better than any master. She refused to notice anything. Anyway, he made her leave the mode of non-stop attack and concentrate on her defense, which, judging by her long face, she did not like at all.


    Juno was heaving and puffing from the effort. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. As for Kyon, he was about to copse from exhaustion. He couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, and yet he was holding on.


    Kyon was at the limit of his strength. All he wanted to do was to lie down and have some rest.


    Suddenly, Juno held out her hand:


    ?I order you not to move.?


    Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Was she going to batter him until she turned his face into mincemeat¡­ He was too close to revealing himself, but she just turned around and left.


    Even the monsters have physiological needs. Juno needed to use the bathroom.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief and copsed to the floor. He would exin that he couldn¡¯t resist her greatness and excellence if need be. Only, he wasn¡¯t supposed to. She had forbidden him to disclose his ability to disobey orders. His heart was about to jump out of his chest. He was sweating all over his body. Kyon scanned himself with Synergy and came to a disappointing conclusion: a couple more minutes of battle, and he would ckout, giving Juno carte nche to finish off his unconscious carcass.


    And then a great idea shed across his mind ¨C the healing ointment!

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    While Juno was away, Kyon picked up the handkerchief smeared with blood that she had thrown away and put it in his pocket. Then he returned to his ce and decided to apply the healing ointment that Flitz had given to him. There it was, his panacea. He wondered how it worked, and most importantly, how effective it was.


    He squeezed a bit of the golden ointment onto his finger and applied it to the most painful bruise on his hip. A pleasant cooling sensation spread over the raw spot.


    {Oh¡­ It feels so nice¡­}


    He sent Synergy to analyze the changes under his skin and came to a stunning conclusion.


    {As I thought, this world does not work like mine. The energy in my world is invariable, with fixed constants that describe its behavior. In this world, the energy has an internal memory that can change its behavior beyond recognition!}


    Kyon observed the ointment energy transform under his skin into organic matter to heal his wounds and increase the speed of processes inside his body. It must have been programmed ording to a certain logic. Nanorobots could do this, but what on earth nanorobots were doing in this world? Kyon wondered if he could set a behavioral reaction, change the internal information, or set off specific trigger reactions. He knew that the attributes of darkness and light were even more unique and unusual. He wanted to find out more about all this.


    His scratches rapidly healed on their own, bruises and contusions disappeared. The ointment was precise and coordinated as if it knew too well where and what it should do. In Kyon¡¯s world, it was possible only usingplex technologies like nanorobots or bioprinting, not programmed energy.


    Juno returned five minutester and was surprised to find the ve lying on the floor. She exined to herself that he could not stand upright anymore. It didn¡¯t even ur to her that he could disobey her order.


    ?Stand up and defend yourself. I¡¯m not done with you yet.? ¨C The girl said haughtily, waving her hand.


    Kyon obeyed the formation and rose to his feet with a grim expression on his face.


    Juno shrugged her shoulders up and down to warm up, clenched her fists and attacked Kyon. She would knock this ve on the ground to make him feel the overwhelming disgrace he had inflicted upon himself in the very first seconds of their acquaintance. If he would survive after that or not¡­ Who cares?


    The dangerous dancested for about two minutes when a drop of sweat treacherously rolled Kyon in the eye. He had to blink and missed a fatal blow to his leg, losing his bnce at once. In a split second, Juno seized the moment to knock him down.


    {I did it! Come on, beg me for mercy!} ¨C It was very timely as she had nearly run out of energy. Juno generously infused her legs with the rest of it to give the ve nice sidekicks.


    He curled himself into a ball, holding his head in his hands, groaning in pain. Ah, it was music for Juno¡¯s ears! However, she didn¡¯t hear his cries for mercy. And his groans were too quiet¡­ He wasn¡¯t making any other sounds, which was rather unusual. This ve must be defective. She was not pleased with Flitz¡¯s gift.


    Half a minuteter, Juno wiped off the sweat from her forehead, stretchednguorously and estimated the damage her arms and legs had done. She left the half-dead ve lying on the ground and hurried to the mansion with a spring in her step to take a shower and get changed. She couldn¡¯t care less for the beaten boy, just as she wouldn¡¯t bother about a dying fly. He was a thing that belonged to her. What was wrong with that?


    Kyon gave her a ck stare as she walked away. He sprawled on the ground groaning in pain. Every muscle in his body ached, he was bruised all over. There were so many bruises they could cause anemia. Kyon¡¯s face was deathly pale, one of his legs was numb and didn¡¯t respond. Synergy darted about his body like a hurricane, trying to cover all the injuries at once. Kyon had an empty feeling in his head. Being capable of almost anything, he couldn¡¯t get out of this jam. Fate yed a dirty trick on him. Discontent with the guest, it decided to show him his ce.


    Anyway, he was alive. It was the only ray of light in this pitch darkness. Kyon would never have thought that he¡¯d have to look for something positive in a hopeless situation.


    Apparently, the little sadist took a particr pleasure in kicking him when he was down, enjoying his groans. Kyon could have yelled properly, but he had strictly forbidden himself to give the bitch what she wanted. It was evident that all she needed was his humiliation and pain, pain, pain¡­ It really didn¡¯t matter that they hadn¡¯t got off to a good start¡­ She wanted him to suffer no matter what. Wasn¡¯t it ironic? The former emperor of the illusory had to scream and beg a young girl for mercy. Screw her!


    It might seem that Kyon was humiliated and devastated, but it wasn¡¯t so. His spirit was hardened enough never to give up, especially when it came to surviving. He could suppress his pride, as well as his ego if need be, but his spirit was indestructible.


    {The tormentor in the guise of an angel will surely kill me if I don¡¯t stop her¡­} ¨C Heughed bitterly at his own misfortune. His body immediately took revenge with sudden and sharp pain.


    When he felt a bit better, Kyon rose slowly, holding his side, and sat on the only bench. The ground was cold. It was not a good idea to lie around all day long. Thest thing he needed was to die of pneumonia to please the little monster.


    His numerous injuries required loads of Synergy, energy, and body resources to heal. At that moment, Kyon regretted the moment of vanity when he had tuned up his body to the state of ¡°the muscr athlete.¡± He could use a minimalyer of fat now. Shock absorption would have been better, the energy reserve would have been higher. Flitz might have hesitated to give him to that bitch.


    Two hours passed, the gate to the training area opened, and the demoness in angelic guise fluttered inside and ran up to the bench.


    Kyon flinched just looking at her green eyes, pretty face, golden curls. Ah, how dly he would wring her pretty neck! Would she keep smiling then?


    {I need a big stick, please¡­} ¨C Kyon begged heaven, raising his eyes. He would have to break the order and start talking. Otherwise, he stood no chance.


    His state of health pleased Juno. Her ¡°rehabilitation method¡± worked. She could make a good warden, after all..


    No matter how pleased she was, Juno put on an angry, irritable face for the pathetic, living (for now) dummy:


    ?I did not allow you to lie on my bench, wretched ve! Punch yourself in the face three times and get lost. I¡¯ll deal with you another time.?


    Kyon opened his mouth in surprise. It was too early to jump to conclusions. There was still a chance. He stood up with clenched teeth,nded three punches (faked, of course, he had enough of beating for the day) and walked to the pile of dummies, his head hung down. His pride cried for bloody revenge. Wring her neck or beating her to a pulp would do. Everything should fall into its rightful ce as soon as possible.


    Juno was pleased with his self-beating. She pressed on her wrist, and two servants arrived five secondster. They carefully washed the bench from any dirt that the ve might have left.


    While the servants were working, Juno began to warm up for her practice with the master. She reached her toes, arched her back, gracefully did the splits¡­


    Her actions looked appealing and attractive, but Kyon was not up to admiring the wretched girl. The only thing he appreciated was her flexibility. He imagined tying her tight and kicking her across the training ground like a ser ball. Suddenly, he gave himself a mental p. Did he really reach the point of nning brutal revenge? Shame on him. He thought it was impossible to sink any lower, and then he heard a knock from below.


    As soon as the servants left, a man entered the training ground. He was in his fifties, with long dark hair that he wore in a messy ponytail. The man was wearing the traditional uniform used for practice, which suggested that he was the evildy¡¯s master.


    On his way in, the master caught a glimpse of the boy hiding among the dummies. The mark on his forehead told him it was an ordinary ve, not worthy of his attention. He had seen ves like him before. He thought it was weird enough, but he knew better than to meddle indy Juno¡¯s private affairs.


    He approached the youngdy and bowed low to her. ?Greetings,dy Juno.?


    Juno finished doing the splits with a graceful somersault and said respectfully:


    ?Greetings, master Jean.?


    Kyon raised his eyebrows at her courtesy! The master had a lower rank than hisdy, but she spoke to him much more respectfully than she did to Flitz. What a hypocritical evil snake!


    Jean smiled:


    ?How is your ether bending going??


    Juno¡¯s radiant smile made the master look away, or he would go blind.


    ?I¡¯ve made some progress, master Jean. I have reached the advanced grade! Check me out!?


    Her pleasant voice made him a bit nervous.


    Jean muttered in surprise:


    ?Re-re-really?! Lady¡­ I must be a terrible master if I can¡¯t take your word for it¡­ Please, do show me! I need to see it with my own eyes!?


    Juno proudly raised her little chin and theatrically raised her hand. After a loud crack, her finger lit up with silver sparkles of electric current.


    Jean¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief:


    ?What self-control! What quality! Lady Juno, you¡­ You have really upgraded your ether, haven¡¯t you?! You¡¯re even more talented than your sister!? ¨C His delight was so overwhelming that he could not help adding: ¨C ?It¡¯s too bad your keys are not pure enough¡­?


    His words hurt her too deep. The key purity was any practitioner¡¯s weakest point. Pure keys at the moment of connection with soul was a matter of luck. Those who had a 100 percent pure key of a single element existed only in legends. The best geniuses¡¯ keys were not far from absolutely pure, especially in the most simple elements, but there existed neither perfectly pure keys nor absolutely impure. Kyon could be proud of himself.


    Jean¡¯s words drove Juno up the wall. She straightened her shoulders and growled:


    ?I¡¯m even more talented. I will surpass her! Even the goddess won¡¯t stop me!? ¨C She waved her hand¡­


    *bam*


    A bolt of lightning hit the dummy straight in the head. The wood smoked and nearly caught fire.


    Jean stared at the ce where the lightning struck, shocked:


    ?It¡¯s incredible! It can¡¯t be! You¡¯ve definitely raised the ether to the advanced grade! Just in three months! It¡¯s impossible! It¡¯s unbelievable!?


    Jean had lots of students. He knew very well how long it took to master the elements, especially such aplex element as ether. The young Stone generation was absolutely hopeless!


    It takes up to six months to acquire the basic grade of ether, five years to raise it to the advanced grade, and so on infinitely. But Juno had mastered ether in just a couple of months in addition to other elements and techniques! The baby girl was an unsurpassed genius of her family. Perhaps, she was really better than her sister. Too bad her keys were so impure¡­ Well, nothing could be done about that. It¡¯s like being born with one arm. Nature didn¡¯t endow her with pure keys, and it had always been her sore point. Small wonder. An easy test determined your future in this world. You can stay mediocre for the rest of your life or be a respected genius with a great future ahead of you, with hundreds of fans and admirers. The world is cruel. Key purity doesn¡¯t only enhance attack/defense power but also significantly increases cultivation rate. And yet, Juno managed to raise hers to the 5th stage in no time, which also spoke of her extraordinary talent.


    It is known that cultivation speedrgely depends on life goals, aspirations, will, and fortitude. And this youngdy is an excellent example to prove this theory. Her dream to beat Elsa, wipe the floor with her elder sister, prove herself to everyone helped her move forward like a stubborn donkey.


    Juno was pleased with Jean¡¯s reaction. She¡¯d always been a bit of a show-off.


    Kyon was shocked. He saw Junounch a coin lightning fast. As it hit the dummy¡¯s head, a spark drew a line from her finger to the coin with the speed of light.


    {Holy cow! If this crap hits me, I will be paralyzed for life! Was she restraining herself during the fight?} ¨C Kyon grunted skeptically. He couldn¡¯t depend upon Juno¡¯s kindness. She must have spared him forter. She never stopped smiling while beating him. It gave her sadistic pleasure to get physical contact with his soft flesh without using magical effects.


    Jean could finally keep his emotions under control. His heart was still fluttering, though. He put his hand to his chest and bowed:


    ?Lady Juno, your heavenly talent is greater than mine¡­ It took you only three months to develop the advanced grade of ether. It¡¯s my limit. I don¡¯t have the skills for more. But, please, don¡¯t give up on me. I can still teach you the wind element you¡¯ve chosen to acquire next.?


    Juno tilted her head to the side, which made her look even more charming. She pressed her finger thoughtfully against the dimple on her cheek. She liked Jean¡¯s edgy look. He was so anxious to keep his position.


    A few painful seconds passed, which seemed to him an eternity. Jean was sweating over with worry when Juno smiled cheerfully:


    ?Oh master, how could I??


    Jean nearly fell with relief.


    Kyon moaned inwardly, stupefied by Juno¡¯s nasty character. {She¡¯s quite a handful¡­ What is this ce? Flitz, you old asshole!}


    ?In this case¡­ Let¡¯s master the advanced grade of the wind element¡­? ¨C Jean muttered in a weak voice, wiping the sweat off his forehead.


    Juno took a fighting stance and attacked the master. Her punches contained the wind element. The air swirled around them, making Jean¡¯s sleeves and hair flutter every time he dodged.


    A stage of cultivation rose faster in sparring than by doing cycles. Juno could raise the element grade easier when she could feel the wind fluctuations that came from Jean.


    The masters could hold their ground as long as they had at least one element a grade higher than their student¡¯s. In rare cases, the master could keep their job if they knew a technique their student had yet to learn. They also had to own the formations with those techniques and spheres with the element grades.


    While the two of them were dancing in battle, Kyon watched them intently, trying not to miss a single detail: {To my regret, Juno is very talented¡­ ording to Jean, she is second to none in her family. As for the master, his mind is pretty dirty. It wille as no surprise if he is a bit too much attached to this demoness in the guise of an angel. That¡¯s for sure¡­ The way he stares at her when she doesn¡¯t look. He looks away if she holds eye contact for longer than three seconds. Ugh, he¡¯s totally into her! Once, I met a pervert master with the same sultry look¡­ May he rest in peace.}


    Apparently, Jean was a secret pervert. Maybe, an explicit one. And small wonder¡­ The beautiful creature was always before his eyes. It must be hard for him to keep himself in check.


    Kyon started hatching a n.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Jean proved himself to be a true professional of his craft during the wind bending practice with the sweetest creation. But there was a ¡°but.¡± He was constantly trying to touch, hug, smell the girl. It would be no sin to cut off his balls for this perversion, but Jean¡¯s talent to escape notice sincerely amazed Kyon.


    By virtue of his position, Jean had long noticed that all nobledies smelled nice, but this youngdy¡¯s scent was outstanding. A ss of booze an hour before the training had be his good tradition. It helped to keep it cool, but he found it harder and harder to keep it together with every passing day. Well, Yurich¡¯s daughter was a beauty, no doubt about that. After Elsa escaped, she became a symbol of the family for a reason. Everyone had heard of her charm.


    ?That¡¯s right. Good girl! Very good! And can you do this?? ¨C He kept praisingdy Juno. There were purring overtones in his voice. Jean was immensely pleased, and Juno¡¯s sess was not the only reason.


    Jean understood that Juno was way out of his league, but he was quite content with their indirect contact. Her smell, grace, cute face¡­ Watching her slender flexible body¡­ He was having the time of his life. Later at night, he would empty the tension umted during the day. Luckily, the moons, the only witnesses to his weakness, were not inclined to reveal the secrets of those who trusted the cover of the night.


    About five minutester, Juno broke off the battle and wiped the sweat off her forehead.


    ?§®§Ñster Jean, I am out of energy¡­?


    But her master was ¡°unrelenting¡±:


    ?Just a little more, and we¡¯ll call it a day!?


    Another minute and Juno lost her speed, her attacks became equivalent to the fragility of her delicate body.


    Another moment, and she lost her bnce, her nose inches from the master¡¯s chest. Thetter, taking advantage of her weakness, held her tight and got away with it. It was the boost he needed for a couple of days.


    Kyon snorted with contempt. {Sick bastard¡­ However, this little bitch totally deserves her master.} Juno waspletely unaware of Jean¡¯s motives. Was it naivet¨¦, or simple stupidity? It had to be sorted out.


    Jean paid her another smarmypliment:


    ?Excellent! I admire you, mydy. Take a rest. We¡¯ll resume our practice in two hours.?


    Juno nodded.


    ?Yes, master!?


    Kyon observed that Juno had an excellent upbringing, judging by the respect she paid to her master, even if he was below her status. Look up to your teacher, that sort of thing. Traditions and customs of patriarchal families were highly appreciated there. {What the deuce did you swear like a fishwife when taking to Flitz?}


    Juno left the training ground and went to the mansion. Her master straightened his uniform and decided to take a walk in the park, whistling something under his nose.


    Kyon slipped out of his hiding ce and followed the master in the shadows. It was time for his perfect n. He caught up with Jean and said respectfully:


    ?Great master Jean. Tell me, please. What is your rank in the family??


    The master nced at the ve with contempt, lingering at his bruised face, and waved him like an annoying fly.


    ?Stay away from me, scum.?


    §¬yon was taken aback andgged behind the master. The little people were not wee here. It was like in the Middle Ages, the noblemen looked down on their servants.


    Kyon bit the bullet and caught up with the master again.


    Jean turned quickly and was about to punch the insolent ve in the nose but then he stopped short, rooted to the spot.


    Kyon bowed his head, holding a piece of snow-white cloth, spotted with bloodstains.


    ?Sir, this handkerchief belongs to mydy. I am giving it to you so that you could give it back to her and prove yourself a true gentleman.?


    Jean snatched the handkerchief, turned away, and pressed it to his face, smelling it noisily. His whole body shivered with excitement, delight, happiness¡­ He was in seventh heaven, giving himself up to the turbulent emotions of his heart.


    Once Kyon wondered what¡¯s the point in smelling dirty underwear. Science gave him an intelligible, straightforward answer. Sex pheromones, chemical cues that signal sexual status, were produced mainly in the armpits and groin.


    What were they for from an evolutionary point of view?


    ¨C You get more looks and smiles from the people you know, as well asplete strangers.


    ¨C Everyone says you are the hot one.


    ¨C Love experience is way more passionate.


    ¨C The opposite sex is constantly attracted to you.


    Kyon found out that it was better not to shower 3 hours before going on a date to maintain the concentration of pheromones. The smell of stinking sweat won¡¯t have time to develop in such a short period of time.


    Pheromones are odorless. They reach the vomeronasal organ in the nose, take hold there, and evoke different feelings: from affection and passion to love and blind worship.


    The pheromones get absorbed into clothes, and some people can get pleasure sniffing them. In a sense, Kyon understood Jean¡¯s maniacal desire to smell Juno¡¯s things.


    The master hastily hid his treasure in the pocket like a thief. When he heard a tsking sound from Kyon, he turned around and said with almost no disdain in his voice:


    ?I like boys like you¡­ Your name is Kyon, right??


    Kyon nearly copsed at his words. Jean liked the boys like him, sure thing. However, he bowed his head respectfully, pulling a sweet smile on his face:


    ?Yes, sir. May I ask you something? Is there anything I can do for you to get the basic grade of pure energy.? ¨C Kyon decided to take the bull by the horns. He couldn¡¯t miss the moment of good nature this master of hypocrisy deigned him. As he understood, pure energy was the most simple yet most significant element.


    Kyon¡¯s words perplexed Jean for a moment and then outraged him: how dared this scum ask him for the basics of pure energy! It was a great sin and humiliation for any master to give anything concerning cultivation to anyone but his own students!


    He wanted to send this ¡°obliging dog¡± to hell, but there was something in his words that made him stop¡­


    ?What do you mean by anything??


    Kyon answered immediately:


    ?I can do anything for you¡­ I oftene into contact with mydy, which you can easily tell by my face¡­? ¨C He chuckled softly. ¨C ?Sometimes I am allowed moments of free time, even if only for a short while¡­ I can get you any of her belongings in exchange for the basics of pure energy.?


    Jean¡¯s eyes bulged out. He grabbed the ve by the neck, shook him roughly, and hissed in his ear:


    ?Trying to get killed, scum?! What are you up to??


    Kyon exhaled and mumbled miserably, faking fear on his face:


    ?Master Jean, mydy beats me severely. I can¡¯t stand it anymore¡­ Once I asked her to give me the basic grades, but she turned me down t! I beg you, give me the basics. I will give the world for them! Without them, I will die¡­? ¨C Kyon¡¯s acting skills were god-level: trembling chin, raised eyebrows. He seemed to be on the brink of tears¡­


    Jean gasped: the boy was serious! It was no joke! He looked cautiously around, put Kyon on the ground, and straightened his cor. Then he whispered:


    ?Can you really get me something that belongs tody Juno??


    The master was a different man now. The irritated, contemptuous, scathing hater of ves was in business.


    Kyon nodded weakly, a single tear rolling down his cheek.


    Jean scratched his chin thoughtfully, ran his fingers through the hair, swung heel to toe, portraying the mental process. Could he give away the basics of pure energy to this miserable ve? It would hurt his pride. On the other hand, his pride had long been wringing in torments of hell since he had a crush on his student! Banal lust had long taken the ce of his pride.


    It was the lust that gave him one final push. Jean had absolutely no fear that the boy would tell anyone about this conversation. No one would ever believe a ve.


    Jean bent over Kyon and said quietly:


    ?The basic grade of elements costs an arm and a leg, but I will exchange it for an item ofdy Juno¡¯s clothing.? ¨C He hastily added to conceal his dirty secret: ¨C ?Actually, it¡¯s not aboutdy Juno¡¯s clothes. The point is to check if you¡¯re worthy of the sacred knowledge! Any noble master will let you grow if you¡¯re motivated enough. I don¡¯t care where you stand, all that matters is what¡¯s inside you? ¨C His straight finger hit Kyon¡¯s heart area.


    Kyon was about to throw up, but he managed to keep a straight face.


    ?Yes, sir. I¡¯ll do my best toplete the mission until tomorrow!?


    Jean snorted and patted him on the shoulder:


    ?Fingers crossed. Above all, never give up¡­ The energy is worth mountains of gold! Laugh in the face of danger, and you will be rewarded. You know, I was just like you¡­ And now what I¡¯ve be, hehe!? ¨C He was about to stroke his nonexistent beard, ying in the part of a wise old man.


    Kyon was at the end of his contempt. He bowed, squeezed a smile, and asked:


    ?I am willing to give my life to get the basic grades! I don¡¯t have much choice, anyway¡­ Can you tell me more about the basics, please??


    Jean frowned but nodded. He wanted to keep his image as a master for any worthy student.


    Kyon learned a lot from his words.


    What is power? There are who-knows-how-many phases of soul evolution. With each next phase, you acquire ten times more elemental energy and a way more powerful body. Strength and talent are always a priority in assessing social status. Wealth, authority, beauty, intelligence, rank are also important, sometimes essential criteria, but power is the most reliable, illustrative indicator.


    Each phase has ??ten stages. However, numbers are not in use. When referring to one¡¯s position, they say, for example: ¡°This gentleman is at the beginning stage of the base phase,¡± ¡°Thatdy is at the middle stage of the second phase,¡± ¡°This young man is at the finishing stage of the superior phase,¡± ¡°That youngdy is a noble phaser at the peak stage (4).¡±


    Every three stages, the name changes: ¡°at the beginning/middle/finishing stage¡± and the 10th stage is always referred to as ¡°the peak stage.¡±


    Jean mentioned that each of the nine elements had specific grades: basic, advanced, superior. For example, the basic (1) grade of the wind, the advanced (2) grade of the fire, the superior (3) grade of the ether. The exception is the principal, the lightest, and most crucial element of energy, which went under different names, from spiritual power to pure energy. Its key is situated in the navel.


    The thing is that pure energy had only one basic (1) grade and nothing else. That¡¯s what Kyon wanted to master first.


    He had already set his heart on being an all-embracing elemental wizard when Jean added that a student could acquire only a few elements, depending on their talent.


    Mastering one element is for mediocrity, for pathetic practitioners who existed to be defeated, for doormats to be used by more powerful masters. They had a low cultivation limit. No one would ever pin any hopes on them. In almost one hundred percent, they chose pure energy as their first element because it was the simplest, most multifunctional, fundamental element for any formation, attack, defense, movement technique, military equipment, etc.


    More confident practitioners would choose to master two elements to reach certain heights. They were appreciated in any family. They made valuable tactical warriors who could make their attacks more specific due to the additional element. They were not highly respectable, but some of them were talented enough to reach certain limited heights.


    Mastering three elements was a rare asion. These students were destined to be respectable people. Their cultivation level was way higher. They were bound to get a high position and be respected formasists or no less respected alchemists (medicine creators). They may be unsurpassed warriors,manders in chief, or someone more important. Three element benders were the central part of any family, or they were quickly adopted if they had none. Famous masters took them as students. Rich people were happy to marry off their daughters to them, even happier to marry off their sons. Juno had mastered 3 elements.


    Four elements were for a genius who would be cherished and encouraged all the way. Elders were honored to adopt them. Great masters took them as students, girls were crazy about such guys, and guys would kill for such girls. A four-element bender could shake the whole empire, be number one.


    Five elements were for heaven geniuses. Few people believed they existed. Even gods were against their existence. They had to take too much luck from heaven so that the lightning of justice wouldn¡¯t kill them. It was officially confirmed that only the empress had acquired five elements, and it was no myth. She was respected, honored, and worshiped for this. The empress was a truly legendary person who deserved her title of a blood-drenched sovereign.


    The more elements a practitioner could bend, the faster they evolved, the purer were their keys, the greater was their fate.


    At Kyon¡¯s reasonable question ¨C ?Is there any sense in grades above the basic one?? ¨C Jean pulled a face that expressed his contempt for stupid ves. He replied, however, that the basic grade gave only primary skills of element bending. The advanced grade enhanced the element and the skills for its bending. It allowed practicing someplex techniques. It took a whole life of practice to acquire the superior grade. Those who had it could create a powerful technique that would make all enemies drop dead just by saying its name. The phase of ??cultivation didn¡¯t matter much. The practitioner could be a base phaser and have all three grades at once. It all came down to talent.


    {So, the higher the grade, the more powerful the element, and more ways to apply it.} ¨C Kyon nodded to his thoughts.


    Jean added that the efficiency of mastering the basics, the rate of understanding, and the limit ofprehension depended on innate talent, race, kin, or mental abilities. Everything as usual. Rich families rule the world.


    After the story, Jean wanted to continue with his walk, but Kyon asked him one more question. The master was about to strangle the stubborn ve, but he stepped on his pride instead and answered.


    Using different techniques was much more effective than exploiting elements. A simple stream of fire is nothingpared to a powerful fiery arrow. The difference in power can be enormous at the same cost of energy.


    At first, Kyon thought it vited thew of conservation of energy, but then he realized it didn¡¯t. Any technique or release of the elements is limited from the outside. The fewer the chains (limitations), the closer the energy to its real power. Higher grades of elements and skillful techniques can remove the limitations. A more powerful technique requires a higher grade, so it¡¯s interdependent.


    Jean added that a technique couldbine several elements at once. For example, powerful ice techniquesbined ¡°water + cold.¡± However, it would take time to master the technique, even with the basics of water and cold.


    The higher the grade, the easier and faster the way to master the technique, the more powerful it gets.


    Jean exined that as soon as the technique was acquired, there was a characteristic click in the soul as if reaching enlightenment. After that, it could be used easily enough, almost automatically.


    {As if ¡°the program code¡± of the technique gets engraved in the soul.} ¨C Kyon liked this interpretation.


    To put it simply, higher grades of elements made life easier, made the practitioner stronger, allowed them to master different techniques quickly, and enhanced those techniques.


    Kyon rubbed his hands with glee. He licked his chops at the thought of getting the basics of pure energy. There was only one problem. Where could he get an item of Juno¡¯s clothing?

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Jean epted Kyon¡¯s gratitude with no enthusiasm. He shook him finally off and continued with his walk, hoping that the ve would try and keep his promise. Who knows¡­ Fortune favors fools. If the proverb was wrong and the boy had only wasted his time, Jean would punch him so hard that the wretched ve would forget his own name. Anyway, even one handkerchief from thedy was to die for.


    Suddenly, Kyon had an idea. What if he offered Jean to clean his keys. It could turn the tide in his favor. The Stone family might consider him a valuable asset. Then he remembered Synergy prating Martha¡¯s wrist and gave up on this silly, unrealistic idea. Master Jean¡¯s cultivation was way higher than hers. He would run out of Synergy within reach of Jean¡¯s inner tissue, anyway.


    So, Kyon was on his own. Thanks to the miraculous ointment, he felt almost no pain. It was too bad there was nothing left in the tube. It meant the next bat¡± could be fatal¡­


    Losing time now was tantamount to suicide, so Kyon got down to exploring the park. He wiped all the dirt off his face with a ck sock, ruffled his already shaggy hair,bed it over his forehead to cover the ve mark, and left to explore.


    The territory of the park was not too big ¨C about two football fields ¨C however, the thick maze of tall, thick bushes made the servants practically invisible. Most of them crouched down and cut, trimmed, watered, swept something with the help of the wind element. They were secured behind the green thicket.


    But at the same time, the park was far from deserted: dozens of servants scurried around in all directions.


    Kyon wished his evildy had security guards. He could easily pretend to be someone of her immediate circle and dispose of her¡­ The answer was actually there, but he wouldn¡¯t know about it.


    The servants stared at him, wondering why the gentleman looked so battered. His hairstyle hiding the ve mark, his ck clothes were not typical for the ve¡¯s usual wardrobe. That¡¯s why they took him for someone he really wasn¡¯t. Whenever the servants met his eyes, they bowed respectfully, just in case.


    Kyon enjoyed their respectful attitude. It was like an echo of his past life. But it wasn¡¯t the time or ce to indulge in sweet memories ¨C he had to find a way toplete Jean¡¯s task. Kyon continued exploring the area.


    He didn¡¯t forget for a moment about Dinah and Anna. Those two wouldn¡¯t bow to him. He would have to bend his back, and in case the dark-haired was ill-humored, his teeth would touch the hard ground.


    Should he meet Juno¡­ It would be bad, too bad. Kyon moved in short bursts, carefully inspecting the territory beforehand.


    Well, the garden was beautiful in its own way¡­ Style,position and architecture, benches and ponds¡­ Every detail spoke of the painstaking work and good designer taste. But Kyon didn¡¯t have time to admire it. He had some other burning issues to solve: where to find a short-cut, an area with many / few servants, a hiding nook, etc.


    The initial exploration took him about half an hour. Then he finally approached the main entrance to the mansion,rge and spacious. Servants were walking in and out every moment. There were no guards or doors.


    Kyon adjusted his hair over the forehead and moved forward, trying to blend in with the servants. He should learn the internal structure of the mansion instead of idly wandering around in the maze of the park. It was a sure risk, but he had no other choice. If he got caught¡­ well, he would improvise.


    The territory around the mansion included hot streams, the training ground, and the park. It was surrounded by a high wall with an imprable barrier. The main entrance to the mansion was the only way toe inside or leave. There was another exit that was under close guard. Everyone had to check in and out. Any loiterer would be detected and punished. When Flitz brought in Kyon, they put him in the register, subjecting him to a restricted residence. He could walk inside the mansion all he wanted as long as he wasn¡¯t caught.


    Kyon studied the hall, looked into a couple of unlocked rooms and found the living room when suddenly, he ran into Anna, the blonde maid. He cursed under his breath ¨C she walked too quietly!


    ?What are you doing here? You can¡¯t be here.? ¨C Anna said with ice in her voice.


    Myriads of thoughts shed through his mind. Anna, Dinah¡¯s sister, was a superior maid, too. He had never taken any liberties with her, so their rtions were still neutral. It was out of the question to show his character now. He had to live the part of a ve wholeheartedly ¨C never look her in the eye for more than a couple of seconds, no firmness in his voice, be respectful¡­ It was time to use his acting skills. Anna didn¡¯t know about Juno¡¯s order to keep his mouth shut, so he had to seize the moment.


    ?Excuse me¡­? ¨C Kyon took a bow to seem respectful enough. ¨C ?I have to answer the call of nature, but there¡¯s no bathroom at the training ground¡­? ¨C He theatrically crossed his legs.


    The ice between them started to melt. This maid was sensible and rather lenient by her nature.


    ?The second door down the hall. Don¡¯t take too long¡­ And stay out of my sister¡¯s sight. Next timee only withdy Juno¡¯s permission.? ¨C Anna added in a softer voice.


    Kyon bowed gratefully, holding his hand to his heart as if he owed his life to her:


    ?Thank you,dy Anna¡­ You¡¯re so nice and kind¡­?


    The maid skeptically rolled her eyes and went about her business, not bothering to answer him. The ve was nobody and meant nothing to her, but he was a cutie. Flitz knew the boy to pick, and had dressed him well, too. ck suited him.


    Kyon locked himself in the bathroom, sat on the lid of the toilet, and thought hard. {Would she have believed me if I had lied that I was under Juno¡¯s order?} ¨C He remembered the moment when Juno pressed on her wrist, and two servants came onmand. She could send orders at a distance, right? He didn¡¯t want to take risks of testing the theory. No one likes liars, after all.


    On second thought, it wasn¡¯t a pressing question at the moment. There were more urgent things to think about. Kyon needed to get the basic grade, and for this, he had to find some clothes for Jean, preferably female, better smaller than XXL size, desirably with pleasant smell that resembled Juno¡¯s, or the pervert would smell a rat. Ideally, he needed to get Juno¡¯s things.


    For the first time in his life, Kyon had racked his brains on how to steal lingerie. He used to sort out where to invest a trillion credits, which direction to guide the development of humankind, how to save the from an asteroid. Now, it was the scene I¡¯ve-hit-rock-bottom¡­ Moreover, the importance of the question was greater than any time before!


    {I¡¯ve reached a new low today.} ¨C Kyon concluded with a smile of self-mockery. He needed brainstorming ideas¡­ Suddenly, he had one. It was frail, weak, and almost hopeless. They might cut off his head and balls for this, or maybe they¡¯d spare the balls.


    Kyon left the bathroom and continued to explore the house, carefully, walking on tiptoes. Some rooms were locked, for example a weird storeroom. Others, the important ones, opened with a formation. Ordinary service or guest rooms were not locked.


    He did not dare to go upstairs. If they caught him, he would lose his arms and other vital organs.


    The walk through the mansion dragged on, but he found out some useful information. Actually, he found what he had been looking for! The final step was to find the kitchen¡­ It¡¯s always useful to know where the kitchen is¡­


    However, as soon as he looked around the corner (this damned element of architecture had always brought him bad luck!), he bumped into the dark-haired maid. Nice meeting.


    ?What are you doing sneaking around here?? ¨C Dinah snarled sternly, piercing him with her icy gaze.


    Kyon¡¯s life shed before his eyes. He was busted. She must have spotted him as a crouching thief, no less. A shiver ran down his spine. He lowered his eyes and yed the pity card:


    ?I am starving¡­?


    Dinah clenched her fists till her knuckles turned white. This ve looked at her as if he owned this ce in the morning, and now he was ying the victim of unfortunate circumstances. His innocent eyes downcast, his intive voice¡­ What a disappointment! All her expectations were down the drain! She instantly filled with rage and an urge to beat the boy to death, but an unrivaled assassin like her would never lower herself like that.


    Dinah gave Kyon a ck stare.


    ?Seriously?? ¨C She squeezed his shoulder.


    Kyon copsed on his knee with a painful moan. She had hit a sore point in his shoulder with her thin fingers. How cruel of her!


    Crocodile tears glittered in his eyes, but they didn¡¯t have any effect on merciless Dinah. They made her even angrier: he wasn¡¯t the one he had pretended to be.


    A chill spread all over his body, as well as weird pressure. It was as if she had chained him to the bottom of a deep river. His mind was filled with an oppressive sense of danger.


    ?You must have a death wish if you dared to leave the training ground, entered the mansion, and got close to the kitchen where you are off-limits. What punishment do you deserve? Hmm?? ¨C Dinah was getting more and more irritated because Kyon kept averting his eyes. She grabbed his chin with two fingers and tugged at it roughly: ¨C ?Look in the eye when the adults talk to you.?


    Kyon squeezed out a maximum of charm. Dinah was too cold and dangerous. What did he do to fall in her disgrace? He had sneaked into the mansion, so what? It was not the point.


    He mumbled:


    ?Forgive me. I am a starving fool. My stomach is a traitor seeking my death¡­ Don¡¯t punish me, please¡­?


    Dinah felt a rush of anger. However, her emotional outburst surprised her. How could this little brat get under her skin? What a humiliation for the patriarch¡¯s superior maid!


    Dinah decided that he wasn¡¯t worth neither her attention nor emotions. She kicked him in the guts with all her might, and the ve went limp. Then she picked him up by the scruff of his neck and threw him out of the mansion.


    ?Take him to the training ground and lock him up.? ¨C Dinah ordered the servants.


    Kyon had trouble breathing. She had nearly broken his ribs! Anna was an angelpared to Dinah. So much for being sisters. He wished Marina was here now!


    Two servants dragged him to the training ground, threw him on the floor, and locked the gates.


    Kyon sighed with relief. Meeting Dinah was not as terrible as it could have been. Anyway, it would be better for him to steer clear from her in the future.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Juno and Jean had just finished their second workout, which looked like a beautiful dance of an angel with a monster. Then the youngdy hopped away to the mansion,pletely forgetting her ve¡¯s existence.


    Kyon took out his sound transmitter and dialed Marina¡¯s frequency. She was his only hope ¡ª his athletic but skinny body was running out of energy, and it wasn¡¯t the best option to waste precious Synergy on ingesting grass. If nothing changed, another fight with Juno would turn him into a pile of half-dead meat with no chance for recovery until the next practice. He would simply have no time or energy for that. He was as good as dead.


    Kyon heard Marina¡¯s pleasant voice in the device:


    ?Hello??


    ?Hello, Marina. How are you doing?? ¨C Kyon said nonchntly.


    ?Hello, Kyon! I didn¡¯t recognize your frequency¡­? ¨C Her voice perked up for a moment, but the next instant, she sounded sad: ¨C ?Nothing much¡­ Flitz has been aggressivetely¡­ What have you been up to??


    ?I am fine.? ¨C He answered with a barely suppressed sarcasm. ¨C ?Listen, I have a request of the utmost importance. It¡¯s a matter of life and death. Pleasee as soon as possible to Juno¡¯s mansion with five fat sausages, and I will tell you about Flitz¡¯s weakness.?


    Marina eximed with joy: ?Really?! Oh¡­? ¨C Then she stumbled. ¨C ?I am sorry, Kyon¡­ But Flitz has strictly forbidden me to approach Juno¡¯s mansion¡­?


    Kyon¡¯s heart sank and then raced at a frantic speed. His hope was slipping out of his hands like a slippery little fish.


    ?Marina, listen to me. There¡¯s no such thing as a risk-free life. Flitz will never know! Just bring the sausage and hand it over to the guard. I will arrange it with him¡­ And then I will tell you everything you need to know.?


    Kyon reprimanded himself for trusting strangers with his life. It was unwise andpletely against his nature, but he had no other option¡­


    After a pause, Marina replied with a sigh:


    ?Alright, I will do it. But I am busy all afternoon. And all night, too¡­? ¨C He could hear her suppressed whimper. ¨C ?I¡¯ll do my best to make it tomorrow.?


    Kyon groaned. Then he said, trying to hide his disappointment:


    ?Okay. Just try ande as soon as possible, please¡­?


    ?Yeah, sure¡­?


    After their short conversation, Kyon thought about what to do next. Could he get the sausage from Marina¡¯s hands? Would the guards allow it?


    All these thoughts made him sleepy. He leaned against the wall and fell asleep. His body required some rest to recover. No servants came over to the training ground. Juno obviously wanted to avoid the witnesses of her atrocities.


    At about 8 pm, Juno opened the gate, energetically warming up her shoulders. She looked around the training ground and immediately spotted the skinny ve. She shed a pleased grin. The little demoness hade to reap the torments of the mortals.


    Kyon wished he could run to her and kick her in the guts. However, his arrogant attempt would end him smashed on the floor.


    He was in the following situation:


    1) He was forbidden to speak to Juno, even utter a single word. Her order was clear and understandable. It was a no-brainer that she had carefully chosen her words and hadn¡¯t ordered him to keep his mouth shut. In that case, he wouldn¡¯t be able to cry in pain. She had specifically ordered to say nothing. Sly bitch, she had lots of experience with previous ves. Juno let them wail just for the sick pleasure it gave her. To hell with her, he would never cry in pain or beg her for mercy. He might let out some moans, not more. Kyon couldn¡¯t help it. He was only human, albeit with Synergy.


    2) He couldn¡¯t touch her because of the ether barrier, which meant he couldn¡¯t affect her with Synergy. Besides, he was already exhausted. Anyway, even if he happened to touch her, she would most likely get him killed for tainting her.


    3) He was forbidden to look her in the eye. It was for his own good.


    These three points created a strong cage for Kyon with no way to escape. In fact, he had exhausted all the options to influence his reality without hurting himself. What remained? Trying to survive, stealing Juno¡¯s underwear, waiting for Jean.


    ~sigh~


    Without further ado, Juno attacked him again. She enjoyed beating this boy. The idea to make him wail gave her an extra thrill. He was strong, wiry, and handsome. It was double pleasure to torture him, ruining his face. She might have experienced some remorse if he were someone of her rank, but it was only a ve, her property, her punching bag. Boys like him were a dime a dozen.


    Juno¡¯s speed increased twice. Kyon couldn¡¯t wait to get the basics of the pure energy that Jean had promised to him.


    {That¡¯s something new¡­ This ve is still holding on!} ¨C Juno snorted. She wondered what boosted his endurance. An elephant would have already copsed, and this puny boy was hanging on for his dear life. It wasmendable, but she didn¡¯t want a disrespectful ve. As Juno wasn¡¯t going to give him either food or shelter for the night, he would die if not today then tomorrow. Disposable things needed no maintenance, and it was beneath her to order her servants to attend to a ve. She would never take care of someone as insignificant as a ve. The mere thought of it made her feel ufortable, even if everything she had to do was to give a simple order.


    And yet, Juno could tell there was some secret about his movements, but she couldn¡¯t put her finger on it. He took good punches, but she missed where she was aiming. He could see through all her tricks. It was impossible to knock him down. He was really good at dodging her blows. He forced her to move faster and spend three times more energy.


    Since Juno did not understand his movements, she did not believe the ve could teach her anything. He was constantly getting her blows anyway. Juno saw no value in him. She¡¯d better practice with Jean, who easily fended off her attacks. The master¡¯s movements were clear andprehensible. It was easier to learn new things with him.


    Stupid girl. Kyon figured it out during their previous fight. He realized that he had no reason to prove himself. She did not see any potential in him because of her ¡°wrong¡± upbringing. Juno¡¯s perception of him could be concluded in one sentence: a dog cannot be a violin teacher.


    The battlested five minutes. Kyon was exhausted and numb. The beating hadpletely erased the effect of the ointment. He was about to fall when suddenly¡­


    They heard a cheerful voice at the entrance:


    ?Hi, Juno.?


    Juno¡¯s vicious victorious smirk disappeared from her face, giving way to confusion. She stopped so suddenly that she lost her bnce and flopped on the ve, knocking him down.


    Kyon got a whiff of her expensive shampoo. Her golden curls tickled his face. Something supple pressed against his chest. Oh, how much he wished he could squeeze this seemingly frail body in his arms! Squeeze it strong enough to hear a wonderful sound of her breaking bones. But the next moment, the beautiful vision was gone. Juno couldn¡¯t care less about his feelings. She pushed herself off him, plunging her fist in his stomach. Kyon gasped and coughed hard.


    Juno shook off the invisible dust and turned into apletely different person. Now she was an innocent pretty girl, an angel descended to the sinful earth. Juno crossed her arms, turning away from the boy who was approaching her. She grunted in reply:


    ?Hi.?


    ?Juno, I am sorry aboutst time¡­ I do not know what got into me. Don¡¯t sulk at me! You know, my father died¡­? ¨C He added in a quiet voice.


    Juno turned around, casting a pitiful look at Yegorka:


    ?I am sorry to hear that¡­? ¨C She said kindly: ¨C ?All right, you¡¯re forgiven but never do it again.?


    ?I won¡¯t!? ¨C The boy¡¯s face beamed. He looked about 14 years old, but even at such a young age, an expression of arrogance was firmly imprinted on his face. It ruined the impression of his beautiful features and gorgeous fair hair. He was dressed in expensive clothes that gave away his high-rank status.


    Yegorka looked with contempt at the ve in ck clothes who was lying on the floor.


    ?Who is this base phaser?? ¨C Yegorka intentionally mentioned Kyon¡¯s cultivation to humiliate him.


    Juno tucked a strand of hair behind her little ear and said impassively:


    ?It¡¯s a ve of mine. Ignore him.?


    Yegorka snorted:


    ?Another punching bag? Well, this ugly freak is good for nothing else.?


    Kyon frowned, visibly annoyed. He could be anything but ugly.


    ?Would you like to spar with me?? ¨C Juno asked, slightly raising her voice.


    ?How many ves have you had, Juno? Three or four?? ¨C Yegorka wouldn¡¯t stop.


    ?Stop it! Enough! What¡¯s your problem?? ¨C Juno said angrily, folding her arms. Her second cousin was always meddling where he didn¡¯t belong.


    The sound of her voice was really disheartening. Yegorka smiled apologetically, trying to hide his frustration:


    ?Forget it.?


    Hezily waved at Kyon, without giving him a second nce:


    ?Get lost, scum.? ¨C Yegorka felt an urge to beat the ve to a pulp for the moment when Juno¡¯s gentle bodynded over him. However, he didn¡¯t dare to do it in Juno¡¯s presence. Yegorka was afraid to look immature in her eyes.


    Kyon suppressed his moans. He could feel pain all over his body. He got up and headed for the exit. However, he wasn¡¯t going to leave too far. Kyon leaned against the gate, unseen from the inside, and listened to their conversation. He had no idea who Yegorka was, but he could say that the boy was fond of Juno, to say the least.


    ?Juno, we have been friends for a long time. You haven¡¯t been yourselftely. There¡¯s something that concerns me. Those ves¡­ Did you kill them deliberately??


    ?I killed ves? Is that what you think of me?? ¨C Juno put her hands at her hips, frowning.


    Yegorka shook his head:


    ?No, no¡­ I don¡¯t mean¡­ It¡¯s just a bit weird.?


    Juno sighed, feigning distress:


    ?Well¡­ I hit them a couple of times just to keep fit. Then they all die for some reason¡­ They die like flies. Perhaps, the doctors are bad here¡­ I don¡¯t know. Let it go!?


    Kyon nearly choked with anger at hearing her innocent babbling: {Bad doctors? Hit them a couple of times? You deliberately caused a hell of a pain to make them wail, bitch!}


    Yegorka nodded in understanding:


    ?I see. Sorry for suspecting you. It¡¯s just¡­ Sometimes your mood swings frighten me.?


    Juno theatrically rolled her eyes:


    ?I am fine¡­ No need to worry.?

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    It all began when Yegorka paid Juno a visit at a most inappropriate time. His stories always bored her to death, especially when he bragged about how he could beat any young Stone with a single punch of his left hand. But the final straw was when he ¡°identally¡± touched her bottom during the sparring.


    Juno¡¯s squeals and curses had sobered Yegorka at once. He regretted it at once, but it was toote. The maids threw him by the cor out of the mansion, turning a deaf ear to his excuses or apologies. But he was no ordinary guest! Only the superior maids under Juno¡¯s order had the right to treat him like that. He was the most promising genius in the Stone family, after all. He was supposed to be the strongest among the ipetent young generation by the age of 18. The eldest in the family pinned high hopes on him. Juno could not forgive him that misdeed and avoided sparring with him for a long time. Since then, Yegorka had been afraid to offend the wayward girl. Today she gave in, atst.


    However, he noticed that Juno¡¯s cultivation had been rising at a frightening rate. He was afraid he might be unworthy of her in the near future. Juno had reached the 5th stage of the basic phase in just three months! It took him two years! She was definitely more talented¡­ Sooner orter, she would advance and never look back, which meant he had to act before it was toote, act decisively and be firm! Juno was so unapproachable, and Yegorka was just a friend. All his efforts to set up any romance between them had no effect. All that was left for him was to watch the happiness of his life grow and leave him far behind with nothing but sweet memories, shadows from the past. However, Yegorka did not lose hope. He kept trying to reach Juno¡¯s heart. She was unique and only in the whole world, at least for him.


    Juno changed the subject:


    ?Yegorka, how are you doing¡­ after the loss??


    Yegorka couldn¡¯t hold back his emotions. He turned away and gasped for air:


    ?I¡¯m fine¡­ I¡¯m sure that my father died doing his duty. His rage over the ves got the best of him¡­ All that excessive stress must have given him a stroke¡­ And¡­?


    Yegorka¡¯s voice faltered. He wished Juno would hug him tofort him. But¡­ No¡­ She kept silent. She gave him neither a sympathetic sigh nor a friendly pat on the shoulder! {Say something, I am begging you¡­}


    ?I see¡­? ¨C Juno nodded. ¨C ?My friend told me he had lost a student. Martin was a good formarcist and a good father.? ¨C Her voice was very soft. She nearly whispered the words.


    Meanwhile, Kyon, who was standing behind the gate, pped his forehead. It was he who had killed Martin! What was the chance of meeting that greedy bastard¡¯s offspring so soon? This world had no end of surprises in store for him.


    Yegorka swallowed his pride, turned around, fumbled in his deep pocket and took out a colorful box:


    ?Here, your favorite raspberry cakes. What about a snack before the fight??


    Juno took one with a bored expression on her face, bit off a piece and put it back. She liked Yegorka only for his high potential among the younger generation, the reason why the adults respected him and his peers envied him. A genius like him might be worthy of being her friend and a sparring partner. Besides, he never drooled in her presence, which was no small thing.


    Juno didn¡¯t mind being friends with him, but everything else about him drove her up the wall! From gifts and poems to averting his eyes when she looked at him for more than a second. In fact, it was pure disrespect to her! She could make him address her with all formalities if it didn¡¯t seem so weird. They had agreed tomunicate in private in a casual way. Around other people, Yegorka had to show respect to her higher rank.


    Yegorka could feel in his guts the approaching awkward silence and hurried to change the subject.


    ?By the way, I will tell you a secret at the party your grandfather is throwing. I¡¯ve kept it since childhood. What is more, I have a surprise for you ¨C a gift. It will definitely help you evolve faster.? ¨C Yegorka grinned from ear to ear.


    Juno raised her thin eyebrows.


    ?Do you really want to give me something for my cultivation? It¡¯s so sweet of you!? ¨C She praised him with a smile.


    Yegorka¡¯s heart melted. His legs bent treacherously, giving his feelings away. The cutie¡¯s smile made his soul sing. His heart trembled happily. It happened so rarely that she smiled at him. More often than not, he had to see her evil or malicious grin.


    Juno tossed her head scornfully and turned away.


    ?We¡¯d better start our sparring. This time lower your stage to mine, don¡¯t make it two stages higher. It¡¯s only fair this way.?


    Yegorka shook his head:


    ?Juno, you¡¯ll never get stronger, fighting on equal terms.? ¨C He sighed and his cultivation plummeted to the 7th stage of the base phase. Any second phaser could do that trick.


    It might seem from the outside that he did that to instruct Juno. In fact, Yegorka feared that the talented girl would thrash him once they were equal. It would be such a disgrace. He would be crushed, with hardly any chance to make her his. With his cultivation higher than hers, it would look like a giveaway. Juno wouldn¡¯t suspect anything if she happened to knock him to the floor.


    Juno rolled her eyes. She stood opposite Yegorka, and the fight began.


    Kyon was peeping through a small hole in the gate. He waspletely convinced of Yegorka¡¯s feelings for Juno. He reminded Kyon of Jean. Everyone kowtowed to the demoness in the angel¡¯s skin as if they were enchanted. Everyone but not Kyon. Anyway, it would be stupid to fall for someone who could finish you off at a whim.


    Fighting with Juno was Yegorka¡¯s favourite pastime. It was written all across his face. He seemed to be dancing a love dance with her.


    Juno snorted, surprised. {Hm¡­ My movements are getting better. Practice with Jean must be paying off. I do find him a bit weird but what counts is that I get stronger with him.}


    If only Kyon knew that she had given all his credit to Jean¡­


    Yegorka noticed that Juno¡¯s response to his attacks was getting much more confident than before. He pursed his lips in disappointment. She was really talented. The gap in two stages was hardly an advantage anymore.


    They had been fighting for some time when Juno¡¯s tight bottom got so conveniently close to Yegorka¡¯s hand. He could not resist the temptation and grabbed it out of reflex¡­


    ?What! Are you fucking stupid?!? ¨C Juno turned on him like a wild cat, fixing an angry stare on him.


    Yegorka was stupefied. He couldn¡¯t understand what had happened, but he felt like a stupid poodle that soiled himself. He pulled off the mischievous limb and stared at it in disbelief as if he could not recognize his own hand and babbled in response:


    ?Juno, I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry! I have no idea how¡­?


    ?Shut up, asshole!? ¨C Juno ruthlessly pressed the formation.


    Within five minutes, Dinah and Anna ran in. One gesture of theirdy, and they grabbed Yegorka by the cor and kicked him out of the mansion like a mongrel dog to the apaniment of his screams:


    ?Juno, forgive me! It was a mistake! My hand twitched by itself and¡­?


    Juno snorted dismissively and turned away without looking at the petty dirty-ass pervert. If he didn¡¯t have the great potential, if he wasn¡¯t her friend, she would have ordered to cut off his balls and then his head, exactly in this order. She really hated horny boys.


    Juno hurried towards the mansion, her moodpletely spoiled. She didn¡¯t want to practice anymore. She had an urgent need to take a shower to wash off the touch of that wanker. {All guys are the same¡­ They want only one thing.}


    Kyon let out a sigh of relief. The arrogant asshole had just unwittingly helped his father¡¯s killer. The sun had long gone over the horizon. Most likely, no one would remember him till morning. No one at all¡­ His stomach rumbled demandingly, his mouth was dry. He experienced a wide range of indescribable sensations. At least there was no pain among them as Synergy had blocked his receptors. It was quite obvious that no one in the whole mansion cared a shit about him. There was no bed and no food for him¡­ He had no chance to survive.


    {Take me back to the mine, please¡­ I had a bed and food there. And here¡­} Kyon clenched his fists. He was so frustrated with the reality. But he was not giving up. It was time to act. It was time to get up on his feet.


    An hourter, Kyon secretly left the training ground. All the servants had already gone to their quarters. The park was supposedly empty but no less dangerous. If Dinah got her hands on him¡­


    Kyon entered the hot spring area. He made sure there was no one in there, drank some water and headed for the front door, trying to walk quieter than a soft breeze.


    The main entrance was between the park and the mansion. There was no lock, not even a door. It was a walk-through. The winters must be warm here if there were any seasons at all.


    Kyon listened carefully. Silence. He went further. Sometimeter, he heard almost intangible footsteps. It took him some effort to discern the maids¡¯ walk. Kyonid low.


    The girls entered the bathroom and locked the door with a bartch. He heard the water running. Apparently, the sisters preferred to take a bath together ¨C a nice story for a porn movie.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled dangerously. He rushed back to the hot spring and carefully put a handful of amber stones (the money of the advanced phase) on the ground. Then he dashed to his wait-and-see post in the mansion.


    His heart pounded so fast that it could break through his chest and jump out. He was about to go through with his n. Was there any chance it would work?


    The countdown had begun: three, two, one¡­ A loud *bang* resounded next to the hot spring.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    The countdown had begun: three, two, one¡­ A loud *bang* resounded next to the hot spring.


    The girls immediately turned off the water in the shower. The door swung open, and the two maids sneaked out, wrapped in towels. Anna rushed to the second floor, to Juno, to defend her in case of invasion. Dinah went to investigate the source of the noise, ready to fight if need be. The guard in sunsses was already scanning the area.


    Kyon ran into the shower at a breakneck speed and looked around. He let out a quiet, triumphant cry when he saw two neat piles of the maids¡¯ clothes, including their underwear. He determined which things belonged to Dinah by her ck stockings. Of course, he would take her lingerie. It was his revenge for the way she had treated him. He wished he could take more than just a blouse and ck panties. Jean could find out the actual owner of the other things. And then Kyon was in for big trouble, most likely lethal.


    Kyon grabbed the clothes and quickly left the shower and the mansion. Without losing a second, he returned to the training ground.


    His heart was fluttering in his chest, his eyes burning. He wanted to sing with delight! The n had worked! No one had noticed him. One guard was standing at the only entrance. Dinah and the other guide were investigating the cause of the st. Anna and two other guards rushed to Juno¡¯s defense.


    Pulling off a stunt like that was easy but quite risky. ording to Flitz, only Juno and the two maids stayed in the mansion for the night. He could take the underwear from only three of them. If he had snatched Juno¡¯s lingerie, she would have gone on a rampage. The whole ce would have been turned upside down. When they had found the missing thing, the culprit would have been buried in one of the holes dug in the process of searching. Dinah would hardly ever start the search by herself, and she would be embarrassed to give such an order to the servants.


    Kyon¡¯s n was simple like a walk in the park. During his long walk around the mansion, the smell of shampoo told him which shower room was for the maids. Kyon waited for the right moment to drop off his strategic stock of the ¡°firecrackers¡± (a handful of the stones he had taken from the mine). When he was at the hot spring he infused them with Synergy, setting a ¡°timer.¡± The diversion was to go off after a minute. The trap had worked! The girls left the bathroom, and Kyon stole Dinah¡¯s lingerie in a snap!


    Kyon sat on a bench with a stupid smile on his face when suddenly he saw that he was still holding Dinah¡¯s things. In themotion, he hadpletely forgotten to put them into the hiding ce! Fucking genius!


    At that moment, he heard someoneing outside the gate. If he had lingered for a few more seconds, they would have caught him. He broke in a cold sweat just at the thought of that. Apparently, luck was still with him, but¡­ What should he do with her things? Fling them over the wall? Too reckless. The servants would find them first thing in the morning. Hiding them at night was not an option, either. As soon as Dinah noticed the loss, she would pay him a ¡°friendly visit¡± with a death threat. She would have all the gates locked. He couldn¡¯t ovee the four-meter wall, not in his present condition.


    Kyon heard the sound of approaching footsteps again. They were getting closer¡­ There was no way he could leave unnoticed. What should he do?


    ¡­


    The investigation of the incident did not take long. They failed to find the troublemaker, which somewhat puzzled the ¡°special agents.¡± It was impossible to get into the mansion through the barrier without destroying it. The criminal needed a special signal to create an opening. Only the guards knew it.


    Dinah had enough of walking around wrapped in the towel. She was cold and tired of shing her bare legs. When she realized there was no one to be found, she returned to the shower room. She hastily pulled on her new stockings and then¡­ Dinah found that her blouse and panties were missing from the pile of clothes. A nasty cold feeling filled her heart. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with disbelief that turned into a guess that was finally reced by conviction. Someone had pulled off that distraction to steal her lingerie!


    When Anna approached her sister, Dinah clenched her ck skirt so tight that the delicate fabric almost ripped apart.


    ?Dinah, what¡¯s the matter??


    ?Did you take my underwear? ¨C Dinah said in a gloomy voice.


    ?What? No! Why would I need your dirty things?? ¨C The blonde maid eximed in surprise.


    ?You¡¯ve always liked my ckce panties.? ¨C Dinah whispered sadly.


    ?Pff¡­? ¨C Anna snorted. ¨C ?Dinah, even if it was true, I¡¯d prefer to buy something new! Wait, what if the explosion¡­? ¨C Anna gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Then she hurried off to report that the rm was most likely false. The patriarch should not be bothered. Someone had pulled off a prank to steal her sister¡¯s lingerie. What a scam!


    Dinah wanted to stop her sister from spreading such intimate details, but the patriarch really should not be bothered. She examined the shower one more time. What if she had identally thrown her things into a far corner. But all the signs indicated that it was a nned thing and someone had brazenly stolen her stuff! The mere thought that her panties got into someone¡¯s hands made her dizzy and sick in the stomach. A shiver ran down her spine. Who on earth might need her¡­ intimate item of clothing?


    Her memory helpfully nted the image of a shaggy boy, his bawdy behavior when they first met¡­ If that ve was guilty of the disappearance of her clothes, she¡¯d beat the living daylights out of him.


    Dinah became belligerent. She slipped into her nightie and went to find the ve. Too much honor to dress up for him in the new uniform! However, getting some of his blood on her hands was always a good idea.


    ¡­


    Kyon was lying on the bench, his eyes closed. He was doing his best to pretend he was fast asleep and already reproaching himself for not taking Anna¡¯s underwear. What was so special about his revenge on Dinah? The blonde maid would be kinder to him. His chances of surviving with her would be obviously higher.


    In the next instant, he was roughly pulled out by the scruff of his neck and well shaken.


    ?Rise and shine, thief.? ¨C Dinah hissed with an icy smile, beautiful like a starry night. Her glossy ck hair was shining in the light of the moon. She could fascinate any man. Her voice, gentle like a winter breeze, made Kyon chill to the bones.


    Kyon was really scared for the safety of his life. What if she would kill him just on a whim? He fixed his eyes on the floor ying the role of a cowed ve and mumbled:


    ?D-Dinah, what can I do for you??


    The maid wrinkled her nose in disgust and added firmly:


    ?Call me mydy when you speak to me. If you ever inappropriately address me you will regret that you were born into the world.?


    Kyon nodded understandingly. The threat sounded very convincing.


    Dinah could feel his emotional suppression, and yet, she took out a sharp dagger and threateningly held it at his neck:


    ?Tell me now. Did you steal my underwear??


    Kyon froze, afraid to take another sigh. He hurriedly spoke, sobbing and stuttering, feeling the chilling cold of his doom on the sharp de:


    ?I¡¯m s-sorry¡­ I don¡¯t understand what you are talking about, mydy Dinah, I¡¯m sorry¡­?


    ?Look into my eyes, scum.? ¨C The maid snarled.


    Kyon stubbornly closed his eyelids as if holding back the flow of tears. He wasn¡¯t born yesterday and knew better than that: to look into any mad maid¡¯s eyes could be deadly in this world. It was confusing, anyway. He thought that the ves were not allowed to look into their masters¡¯ eyes, and she demanded quite the opposite.


    Dinah grunted with satisfaction. For some reason, the sight of the battered and mortally frightened handsome boy made her happy. Her intuition whispered that he was responsible for the disappearance of her things. But where could he possibly hide them?


    ?Get undressed!?


    ?What?? ¨C Kyon was taken aback. It came so unexpectedly that he forgot his role of a-poor-miserable-butpletely-innocent-ve. {Maybe she¡¯s had enough of standing half-naked alone?} ¨C He sneered and took a good look at her perfectly smooth legs, her delicate feet in flip-flops, her shoulders, barely covered with straps of the translucent nightie, and her stirring vicles¡­ A damn arousingbination.


    Her dismissive look was from any perverted submissive¡¯s dream. As Kyon was clearly not the type, he felt uneasy.


    ?I told you to get undressed.? ¨C Dinah repeated, her arms folded. It was beneath her dignity to check him herself and feel his body all over. He could take off everything himself.


    While Kyon was pulling off his jumper, the beautiful but wicked fairy of the night looked around. The area itself was poorly suited for hiding things. The maid walked around the training ground and noticed all the possible nooks. Kyon followed her with an anxious look.


    When Dinah made sure that every nook was empty, she turned around and was shocked to see that the little jerk was about to take off his underpants.


    ?Stop or I will kill you if you take them off!?


    Kyon pulled the stic of his underpants back and stared at the maid, fascinated with her beauty.


    The girl hissed quietly with a clear threat:


    ?Show me your clothes¡­?


    Kyon opened them up, turned them upside out, twisted and twirled his clothes to convince the silly girl there was nothing there apart from his shabby things.


    Dinah grumbled in frustration. She gave the ve a searching look. He had a lot of bruises, contusions, abrasions, and blood stains. But there was not a trace of her clothes. Unless, of course, he had hidden them in his underpants¡­ But he was too eager to remove them. It just didn¡¯t add up. However, her intuition screamed the opposite. The ve was no simpleton. He could be pulling her leg.


    Her suspicious look fell on thest item she had not checked yet ¨C his underpants.


    Kyon took a deep breath and covered his groin with a quick movement. He had to risk everything he had, that is his life.


    ?What are you hiding there??


    Kyon frantically shook his head:


    ?Nothing, mydy Dinah¡­ There is nothing¡­?


    Dinah menacingly stepped forward and came to a dangerously close distance. She took hold of his hands with a steel grip and pushed them aside without breaking eye contact.


    Her tender hands were as cold as ice.


    If the sly bastard had hidden her things in his underpants, she would kill him with the poison of pain. She wanted to see him suffer.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    When Dinah moved the ve¡¯s hands apart something unexpected happened.


    Her eyes widened at the sight of hismon cotton underpants with a big bulge within! Dinah recoiled in shock. She couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him for a short moment, then she yelled:


    ?That¡¯s disgusting! Hide it away immediately!?


    Kyon obeyed and shyly looked at the floor. He said in a hollow voice:


    ?I am sorry¡­ It¡¯s just¡­ You are so beautiful¡­ please, forgive me¡­?


    Dinah closed her eyes. She had to try and calm down, appease the thrill of her heart. A pulsating vein popped up on her smooth forehead. Anger was seething inside her mixed with disgust. However, her desire to kill the rascal on the spot seemed to have evaporated. A wretched nobody like him dared to get aroused looking at her¡­ Not that it was surprising. Didn¡¯t shee dressed in just a nightie and nothing else? (Her favorite, by the way.) It was expected that the boy would be smitten. Dinah had already lost the thread of her thought.


    Kyon made his stomach growl in an attempt to change the subject. He blushed and turned his eyes away.


    ?Mydy Dinah, may I have something to eat, please??


    ?You must be grateful I didn¡¯t feed you your little buddy freshly cut.? ¨C The maid said and turned to leave.


    ?I don¡¯t know what buddy you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯m starving, mydy Dinah.?


    The maid froze, turned around and looked at the ve as if he was mentally retarded. She looked perplexed. Did he seriously fail to understand what she was talking about or was he teasing her? The boy must have a death wish!


    ?You¡­? ¨C Dinah muttered something through her teeth that sounded like a curse. Then she turned her back on the worm of a man she thought he was and left. As expected, she locked the gate behind her.


    Kyon let out a sigh of relief when the footsteps behind the wall subsided. He stretched the stic of his underpants and greeted with a cheerful grin¡­ no, not ¡°his buddy¡± but the blouse and the ck panties wrapped around his hips. Yes, there was no other ce to hide them. And no, he did not put them on.


    {No doubt, Jean will do something very dirty with your underwear¡­ you, poor little fool.}


    When Kyon noticed the maid¡¯s suspicious look at his underpants he figured out she was going to search him all over, so he decided to take that desperate step to mislead her¡­ Surprisingly, the maid did not kill him¡­ One single touch and Juno sentenced her previous ve to a cruel execution. And Kyon was still alive.


    He knew that the maids were unaware of the rule that a ve had to be a eunuch or impotent. ording to Flitz, ves hadn¡¯t been castrated before, and they hadn¡¯t been given any ¡°evilball¡± either (it¡¯s a rtively new drug). Moreover, the old man didn¡¯t tell anyone but Juno about the evilball, and it wasn¡¯t something that the youngdy would like to share.


    The nightmare was over. His unlikely n had been gradually implemented in life.


    Kyon¡¯s stomach rumbled, not intentionally this time but for very natural, physiological reasons. His wonderful mood had vanished into thin air. He had yet to get through the next day and find a way to get the sausage from Marina. Most importantly, he had to deliver the lingerie to Jean and finally master the basic grade of the elements without which they would quickly make mincemeat of him here.


    A night on the bench couldn¡¯t be called a pleasant one b§å any stretch of the imagination.


    Kyon woke up stiff, cold andpletely numb. He stretched with a groan and called Marina. Unfortunately, his fortune kept refusing to smile on him:


    ?Howe you don¡¯t know when you¡¯lle? Why?!?


    Her voice sounded guilty:


    ?Flitz has given me an important task¡­ I¡¯m sorry, but I just can¡¯t¡­?


    Kyon pulled a long face. It served him right for entrusting strangers with his destiny. No, he didn¡¯t hold a grudge against Marina. He was no one for her, anyway. Why should she vite her master¡¯s orders for his sake? ¨C {Yeah¡­. My life has definitely decided to be a b¡­}


    ?Kyon, I promise I¡¯lle tomorrow! Don¡¯t worry, please. I would like to know¡­ I mean to meet you.? ¨C Marina hastily corrected herself.


    ?If I live to see tomorrow.? ¨C Kyon sighed pessimistically and hung up. His body hadn¡¯t fully recovered yet. Without food, he simply had no energy. All his ns were going down the drain, hisst hope was Jean, or rather the basic grade of the elements that the master had promised to give away in exchange for the panties.


    After a couple of hours, the key creaked in the lock, and the gate swung open from a mighty kick. No one other than death itself in Juno¡¯s disguise hade to the training area. She had her usual skintight training outfit on: ballet shoes, skinny pants, a sweatshirt, and a charmingly demonic grin promising her personal punching bag all the torments of hell.


    Everyone in this world was obsessed with cultivation. As for Juno, her urge to get stronger was a record holder. She has to pin down her own sister. A fight with a ve was more like entertainment for her sadistic nature rather than practice.


    Kyon rolled off the bench at thest minute as if he had never been there. He had no desire to taunt the youngdy. His guts filled with rage at the sight of her goldilocks. Too bad rage wasn¡¯t nutritious enough. It could only cause indigestion.


    Juno came hopping to the training ground when suddenly she had a moment of perplexion. ording to anymon sense, the ve should have died of hunger and injuries long ago. Apparently, he was really a tough one. She was eager to punch his pretty face, but there was one unresolved issue:


    ?Yesterday, you pawed me when I fell on you, ve. I order you to knock out all your teeth for that.?


    Kyon was infuriated. {WHAT?! BITCH, WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU GET OFF?!} ¨C His hatred was almost tangible. It was she who fell on him yesterday, and he had to pay the price!? Vindictive hypocritical piece of shit! Kyon was about to lose it. He had to bite back the swear words at the tip of his tongue. He was too close to breaking the order to keep silent, but he pulled himself up. He had a faint hope of survival yet. He was still counting on the basic grade of pure force. There still was hope, and Kyon was not going to let it go.


    {I swear as soon as I have a chance, I¡¯ll crush you like a nut!}


    The corners of Juno¡¯s mouth lifted when she saw the outraged ve¡¯s face give way to bitterness. What a delightful sight! She took great pleasure in the misfortune of others. He had iting for getting in her way. He should be grateful to her for not giving orders to kill him at once. She would do this pleasant task herself.


    Kyon punched himself in the jaw with a bitter face. His white teeth smeared with blood fell out from his mouth one after the other. The young enchantress almost pped her hands with delight, pleased with the performance. It was her idea of pure happiness ¨C to watch a pathetic nobody getting what he deserved.


    Almost all of his teeth had been knocked out. Blood was spurting from his mouth, which did not add to the beauty of his half-zombie image. The past few days had taken the shine out of him. He was a pitiful sight ¨C pale, tired, barely standing on his feet. And on top of all that was her goddamned order¡­ Kyon will never forgive her.


    It might seem that Kyon was humiliated and crushed, but it was not true. He was in an extremely stressful situation where he was mortified and trampled underfoot. But who said it would break him? He took a sober view on things, yed by the rules to rise from the ashes like a phoenix. The eternal me was burning in his eyes, the me of the former emperor. If a man like that kneels, if he has to eat the dirt, it¡¯s only because he is certain that the time wille to turn the tables. They will kneel before him.


    When the obedient ve was done knocking his teeth out, Juno pped her hands. Then she squeezed her snow-white fists and attacked him. The time hade to finish off the scumbag. He had been alive for too long.


    Kyon spat blood. He had never craved to break someone¡¯s skull so much. {BITCH, I will beat the hell out of you before I die!}


    *pum* *pam* *pum*


    However, Kyon couldn¡¯t beat her at all. He kept missing more and more punches and was feeling worse and worse. He was pale and started cramping. Kyon could hardly move, let alone hit Juno. During their short battle, she had picked up some of his skills and raised her battle fist level up to 3.5. There was not a shred of pity on her face, only gloating and a kind of maniacal pleasure from giving him injuries and pain.


    Juno couldn¡¯t figure out why the ve¡¯s maneuvers and movements were beyond herprehension. Hecked twice as much speed and yet made her move faster. Anyway, Juno refused to ept that a ve could teach her anything. She thought that her newly acquired skills were connected with her practice with Jean.


    At some point, Kyon copsed on the floor, unable to go on. He could tell the sadisticdy everything he thought of her, but it wouldn¡¯t increase his chances of survival, and there was still a chance.


    The nightmare wasn¡¯t over yet. Juno started kicking him, humming ecstatically to the beat. Kyon could feel more and more injuries on his numb body: here a sidekick that had hit a kidney, and that one had nearly broken a tendon. Another kick and his ribs creaked, one of them cracked. Juno wasn¡¯t above hitting him two or three times in the same ce. Her goal was to destroy him. The end was near.


    Juno¡¯s smile was getting ever more dazzling. She enjoyed beating his soft, alive (so far) body! Flitz had made her a wonderful punching bag. She was going to ask him for some more like this. What a buzz¡­ Juno only wished the scumbag would scream louder. His volume automatically increased or what?


    Suddenly Juno¡¯s sound transmitter dinged.


    The youngdy stopped finishing off the ¡°dummy.¡± She snarled with annoyance at the caller¡¯s frequency but answered the call:


    ?What do you want??


    ?Juno, forgive me¡­ Please! It¡¯s my fault! I want to make it up to you! May Ie to you?? ¨C The pleading voice in the device belonged to Yegorka.


    ?No! And stop calling me! You are annoying!? ¨C Juno lost her temper. She hung up and gave another heavy kick in the ve¡¯s ribs. Then she lost her heat and left the ground, apathetic.


    Kyon was left behind, lifeless. His condition was worse than in aatose state. One lung was torn, his knee joint swollen, his muscles pulsating in pain. Judging by the darting of Synergy, Juno had awarded him with a slight brain concussion, a broken nose, and a ck eye. Kyon snorted: {Yegorka¡­ It¡¯s the second time that you¡¯ve saved my life.}


    Nobody touched him for two hours. Then he struggled to stand up. Deadly pale, with throbbing pain in his head, Kyon had a keen desire to lie down and never wake up again. Emptiness in his eyes diluted with disappointment in the new life. If only Marina had brought the sausage¡­


    Kyon hadn¡¯t had enough time to feel sorry for himself and imagine what might have happened if only¡­ when the gates opened. And there again¡­ The face of death in the guise of an angel girl. What a subtle irony.


    Juno approached the ve with a slow, graceful step. She frowned her brows, puzzled. The ve was incredibly tenacious! A real treasure for a punching bag. With discontent, she put her wrist with a formation to her ear:


    ?Speaking.?


    ?Mydy, master Jean is here.? ¨C She heard Dinah¡¯s voice.


    ?He is early today¡­ All right, let him in.? ¨C Juno looked at the ve with disgust and growled in disappointment: ¨C ?I order you to keep out of sight. Stay put. I will finish off your miserable lifeter.?


    Kyon rejoiced at the master¡¯s impatience. Driven by a desire to bury his nose in thedy¡¯s clothes stolen especially for him, Jean arrived at the mansion a few hours earlier and saved his life.


    Kyon rose to his feet like undead and walked off, hiding unbearable pain. Master Jean had just entered the training ground. He immediately spotted Kyon and raised his eyebrows in a barely visible, silent question: ¡°got it?¡±


    Kyon nodded slightly: ¡°got it.¡±


    The master had changed since theirst meeting. He looked gaunt, emaciated, his red eyes gleaming feverishly on his pointed face. Could Jean be so excited about some rags that he didn¡¯t sleepst night?


    Kyon quietly left the training ground and headed for the mansion. A crucial moment was approaching, a moment that could radically change his life. If the master sniffed out that the smell didn¡¯t belong to Juno, everything was lost. Kyon had thoroughly studied the internal structure of the mansion and knew exactly in which of the bathrooms Juno usually took a shower. That¡¯s where he was going at his own risk.


    With the grace of a zombie and the reactions of a cat, Kyon slipped inside, unnoticed, and went into the bathroom. He took Juno¡¯s shampoo and fragrant cream from the shelf, spread some on his fingers and stumbled back. Servants asionally came here to wash the bath and the toilet, change towels and care products, but right now, fortunately, the bathroom was empty. Were he caught stealing thedy¡¯s cleaning stuff, they would hang him, but first, they would cut off some interesting parts of his body.


    Closer to the training ground, Kyon took out Dinah¡¯s blouse and panties. He made sure no one was watching him and applied Juno¡¯s care products, hoping it would be enough.


    Soon Juno came out of the training ground and hopped toward the mansion. Jean followed her, constantly looking around for the boy.


    Kyon discreetly got out of the bushes, walked over to the master and bowed. A sharp pain pierced his body, but he pretended he was in perfect health:


    ?Hello, Master Jean.?


    Jean was surprised to hear him lisping. Did the ve get his teeth knocked out? Who cares! His highest priority was to get the things, or it would be the end of him for the respectable man¡¯s unfulfilled expectations.


    The master nodded to the empty training ground.


    Kyon sat next to the master on the bench.


    Jean said with a serious look, trying to hide his excitement:


    ?Well, Kyon, tell me.?


    Kyon took Dinah¡¯s blouse out of his pocket and handed it to the master.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Jean¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head. With a furtive movement, he pulled the blouse out of Kyon¡¯s hand and smelled it discreetly, staring into the distance with a blissful moan, enjoying the moment of overwhelming happiness. Jean had been dreaming of this day for so long¡­ It never crossed his long-suffering mind that the desired thing could belong to someone else, not to the object of his lust. The notes of the familiar scent nipped all his doubts in the bud.


    Kyon sighed in relief. His n seemed to have worked. Well, they were a curious duo: one beaten to within an inch of his life, with one foot in the grave and the other soaring to the highest heights of happiness.


    The pause was a little too long. Kyon knew too well that he should watch out for the master who had got what he wanted. The witness, whose death would cut no ice with him, could be his victim.


    Kyon cleared his throat and said in a lisping voice:


    ?Master Jean, I see you are a good person, that¡¯s why I have a tempting offer for you that you cannot refuse. But first, would you be so kind as to give me the basic grade of the pure force as we agreed, please¡­? ¨C His speech was more or less distinct because of his excellent oratory skills.


    Jean woke up from the overwhelming joy and gave the ve a thoughtful look. An offer he couldn¡¯t refuse? Did the boy mean he could get him more things? If so, then he would let him live for a while. But Jean had never intended to give away the basic grade of the elements. Sharing his knowledge with a rootless bloke would destroy the remains of his honor. Moreover, it might cause a lot of problems. Each sphere of the basis grade was issued strictly by the book.


    Jean nodded to his thoughts and said casually:


    ?You know, I forgot to take the sphere. It somehow slipped my mind. But if you get me something else to ensure me that you are motivated enough to be my {dead} student, I will definitely give you the basic grade and even some valuable instructions to boot.?


    Kyon could hardly restrain from cursing and a desire to spit blood in the filthy master¡¯s face. {No, asshole, I won¡¯t give up so quickly!}


    ?Master Jean, I am so sorry¡­ In fact, I took the liberty of testing your good faith. I¡¯ve already snatched something more intimate from thedy. I was intending to hand it to you, but if you don¡¯t have the basic grade¡­ It¡¯s a pity.?


    A curious expression crossed Jean¡¯s face: his eyes got cloudy, blood rushed to his cheeks, his lips began to tremble¡­ His world seemed to have shuttered. How was he to know that the ve could outsmart him?


    ?Is it¡­?


    Kyon nodded meaningfully:


    ?Yes, it is. I have her lingerie. It¡¯s hidden in a secluded ce, and I would hand it to you with great pleasure. It¡¯s just¡­ You don¡¯t have the basic grade, and I am not going to live to see tomorrow¡­ I have nothing to lose, my best regards to you.? ¨C Kyon began to rise slowly but, as expected, the master frantically grasped his hand and forced him to sit back.


    The poor man was sweating. If he were a woman near her time, he would give birth to a premature baby. Jean was on the verge of a breakdown.


    ?Hold on! I¡­ I have it! Just messing with you! Ha-ha!? ¨C He frantically rummaged in his pocket and took out a purple sphere ¨C ?It¡¯s the basic grade of pure energy, a one-time thing. All you have to do is to swallow it, and the information will be imprinted in your mind an hour after you take it. It will leave a mark on your soul after you get enlightened through hard training! As soon as you acquire the first grade, you will be able to use the element as easily as stealing candy from a baby! Now tell me where you have hidden her lingerie? ¨C Jean said in a demanding voice.


    He squeezed Kyon¡¯s forearm till his bones cracked. The dude was going ballistic. Unfortunately, his desperate determination only made it clear that he wasn¡¯t going to stand on ceremony with the unwanted ve. As soon as he got everything he wanted, Jean would kill Kyon as a witness and be done with it.


    {Son of a bitch! What a regr douchebag!} ¨C Kyon cursed to himself. He had read all about the local currency when he was in the mine. The money of the basic grade was translucent white. The advanced grade money was translucent amber. The currency of the superior grade was translucent purple. He had mined the advanced grade money. If those small stones got activated, they would stick together in an ideal pure money-sphere. And now the bastard was trying to pull a fast one on him with a sphere of the superior grade. It was also pricey but less valuable than a copy of the basic grade energy. It would also cause Jean less trouble if they discovered it missing.


    Kyon looked at Jean up and down with an annoyed look:


    ?Master Jean, it is bad to lie. This is an ordinary superior grade sphere.?


    Jean¡¯s face flushed hot with embarrassment or rage because some wretched ve could see through his ruse. How did this scum know what the spheres of the superior grade looked like? Maybe, he¡¯d better threaten the boy with death? However, it was a stupid thing to do, judging by his looks. Kyon had told him that he was not going to live until tomorrow.


    Jean bit the bullet and took out a cloudy green stone with barely noticeable shimmering trigrams inside.


    ?Here, the basic grade of pure energy¡­ Give me the lingerie, and then swallow it up! I will exin how to acquire the information immediately after¡­?


    Kyon cracked another attempt to fool him. He took the green stone and threw it in his mouth without hesitation.


    Jean¡¯s face distorted in hatred and the grief of loss.


    Once in the acid environment of the stomach, the shell of the sphere instantly melted and released a light mist of energy that immediately rushed to Kyon¡¯s head. It engraved new information in his mind, a whole bunch of iprehensible neural connections.


    Kyon asked a reasonable question ¨C what is it and how does it work ¨C and Jean had to answer, despite his impatience.


    The information in the formation could not be copied. It got imprinted in the brain in the form of neural connections, and the human mind was unable to express a thought in written or verbal form. Even after the basic grade of the elements was imprinted in the soul, it would be impossible to develop a clear idea about it. That¡¯s why the information was impossible to copy. Masters shared their knowledge with students with a formation. Only those who had invented the technique could create the formation because no one except them knew all the nuances.


    Under the pressure of Kyon¡¯s curiosity, Jean also added that there were one-time formations and reusable formations. There were source codes made by the creator of the grade or any technique that could be copied infinitely many times.


    Family masters and superior students had ess to the copies. Only some elders and patriarchs had ess to the source code. Even so, the formation had a kind of a password. The valuable information must be protected from numerous thieves.


    Jean continued to answer Kyon¡¯s annoying questions.


    ?The formations can contain family techniques, medical instructions, unique body instructions, unique formation instructions, instructions for enchanting things, the grades of elements and what not.? ¨C Jean continued to drone on about the formation secrets. ?They cannot be faked and are almost impossible to steal.?


    The formations were a valuable family heritage, painstakingly collected by many generations over the long years of existence of the whole kin. They gained this knowledge in sweat and blood. That is why this source of information could often reach outrageous prices.


    ?I¡¯ve answered your questions. Now give me what you¡¯ve promised!? ¨C Jean demanded through his teeth.


    Kyon was in no hurry to meet the master¡¯s needs and said tly:


    ?Master Jean, you tried to deceive me by giving me the wrong sphere. Now I want more¡­ By the way, I almost died while carrying out your mission. One element is not enough for me. I want you to give me the basic grade of all the nine elements and I want them today.?


    Judging by the shade of Jean¡¯s face, he had already reached his boiling point and was now inexorably approaching the mark ¡°run for your life ¨C it¡¯s going to blow!¡±


    ?What the hell? Nine?! Are you tired of life? Do you have any idea how much they cost?! One element for scum like you is more than¡­?


    Kyon rose from the bench as a sign of protest to let the master know that he couldn¡¯t care less about his words as well as about his own life. Kyon had the leverage up his sleeve. Jean had to y by his rules.


    The master grabbed Kyon by the wrist with fear in his eyes:


    ?Wait! I was kidding! Ha-ha!? ¨C Jean tried to y around, a prey of his doubts. How was he going to exin himself to the elder? The spheres of the basic grade were given out strictly by the book. He couldn¡¯t possibly lose one for each element, albeit the basic grade! But the image of Juno¡¯s underwear was haunting his mind¡­ Jean was like the poor cat in the adage. He could always take revenge on the boy for robbery, so¡­


    Jean, reluctantly, took out eight more cloudy stones that looked exactly like the first one and nearly threw them at the boy.


    Kyon swallowed them up all together without a second thought. He risked choking under the gaze of the enraged master, but he was lucky not to.


    The new information appeared in Kyon¡¯s head almost at once. Now that he had received from Jean everything he needed, it was time to get out. The following sequence of events was a no-brainer. He would hand Dinah¡¯s panties to Jean, and the next moment, the master would break his skull. Kyon had to weasel out, satisfying the master and staying alive.


    Kyon stretched himself, his long-suffering bones cracking, and rose from the bench:


    ?The panties are hidden in the mansion. Take me there, please.?


    Well, Jean had no choice. He brought the little bastard to the mansion, his teeth gritting.


    When they arrived, Kyon looked cautiously around, put his hand under the soft beige carpet near the entrance, pretended to take something out and put it in his pocket. Jean kept a close eye on him, shifting impatiently from foot to foot at the door. Kyon nodded at him and went out to the guard post.


    A thought shed through Kyon¡¯s head to venture further and demand freedom from Jean,,but he didn¡¯t want to die. This cunning old fox was too easy to read. His credo was ¨C no man, no problem. Kyon had to be content with little.


    Jean looked fearfully around, approached the ve and hissed in his ear:


    ?Give it to me, now!?


    The guard turned around and looked at the strange couple with suspicion.


    Kyon seized the moment when the master couldn¡¯t openly act against him and slipped Dinah¡¯s panties clenched in his hand into Jean¡¯s sleeve. He nodded goodbye and quietly went to his quarters.


    Jean swallowed hard. What was that gentle cloth in his sleeve¡­? But he couldn¡¯t take his treasure out to check. Jean could feel there was something he didn¡¯t even dare to dream about. He threw onest angry look that promised major trouble at the ve¡¯s back and spat a catchy curse. Then he flew out of the mansion like a hurricane pressing the desired thing to his heart.


    Kyon returned to his ¡°lodging¡± ce without any incidents and exhaled with relief. He had everything he needed, not without risk! He still needed to survive some more days until his body was fully restored. Master Jean had added to his problems. He would intend to take revenge on the arrogant lucky ve, no doubt about that. It meant that Kyon had to be fully armed during their next meeting. Anyway, next week or two, the pervert would pay no visits to the mansion. He had been so overwhelmed with the pathetic handkerchief that he could not sleep. It was hard to imagine what allegedly-Juno¡¯s-panties could do to him. Jean might die of exhaustion, which would be only for the better.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Kyon hid at the training ground and focused on the information he had just received about the most basic element: pure energy / pure force / inner energy / spiritual will. Call it what you like, the essence is the same.


    It was not easy to understand what was in his head. Kyon released the energy from his soul to manage the channel, adjust its thickness, length, angles, and all that jazz, just like he did in the mine.


    He assumed that an average person should understand it intuitively in the form of enlightenment, but he didn¡¯t like this spontaneous method at all. Kyon was not used to relying on coincidence or some mysterious talent he didn¡¯t even care about.


    Time went by, but no one popped into the training ground, which was good.


    Kyon was still trying to match the piles of iprehensible neuron bundles withmon sense. They had absolutely no logic. He could as well use the method of error and trial¡­ Even Synergy did not particrly contribute to the quick assimtion of the facts, and the basic grade of pure energy was considered to be the easiest of them all. It was not so easy for the average to reach enlightenment¡­ Acquiring the main and only grade of pure energy usually depended on chance, luck, and talent.


    A whole day went by in unsessful but necessary attempts to master the basic grade of energy. It was already evening.


    Apparently, heaven decided to show some mercy to Kyon: the little bitch had never arrived to finish him off.


    His stomach started acting up again, making loud rumbling like a mammoth. Kyon pressed his hands to the stomach and pulled a face. He urgently needed food. His recovery froze. It was no good. He had to go hunting or something. Since they were not going to feed him, Kyon had to get food on his own.


    Walking around the garden and hesitating to enter the mansion, he suddenly noticed Anna telling off a servant in the distance. The ashen man bowed to her, begging not to punish him and vowing to do better next time. In the end, the good-natured maid gave him onest chance. The servant fell to his knees in tears. Anna snorted contemptuously and headed for the mansion.


    Kyon summoned up all his courage and caught up with the maid. He caught her attention with neutral ¡°excuse me,¡± and when Anna turned around, he talked to her with his dignified lisping:


    ?Lady Anna, I wanted to thank you for not punishing me when you found me walking without permission in the mansion. You see, I was looking for the bathroom¡­?


    Anna could not help staring at his toothless bloody mouth, his swelling blue eye, a paleplexion that could be seen in rare ces free from bruises and hematomas. However, she quickly put on an icy look on her face and answered in an impassive voice:


    ?No need to thank me. It would be worse if someone had to clean up after you at the training ground. I could tolerate a moment of your presence in the ce where you weren¡¯t supposed to be¡­ Speaking of which, what are you doing here??


    His stomach rumbled. Kyon bowed his head and sighed:


    ?I¡¯m sorry¡­ Everyone haspletely forgotten about me¡­ or maybe they never remembered. I¡¯ve been sleeping on the ground. I haven¡¯t eaten for more than two days. It¡¯s out of the question to get any health care¡­ I don¡¯t medy Juno if she thinks I deserve it¡­ But¡­ I¡¯m sorry.?


    Anna¡¯s heart sank with pity, which was rather unusual for her, but her mind kept whispering: you can¡¯t help him in any way, you have no right to change his fate.


    Kyon sobbed and sadly slouched back to the training ground without waiting for an answer. It seemed that his n had failed. He would have no food. All his crocodile tears had instantly disappeared, leaving him with cheerless prospects. He was shackled in the cage with the beast in Juno¡¯s disguise.


    Conflicting feelings tore Anna apart. Compassion for someone who was in a low position was uneptable for her but¡­ The poor fellow¡¯s life was a living hell. What should she do?


    She had no idea and left quietly, her shoulders drooping.


    The dark-haired maid had been watching that charade silently. She tapped her foot, visibly displeased, her arms crossed. The ve didn¡¯t only break the rules, he dared to talk with her sister. Anna had always been silly, gullible and over-enthusiastic, always too close to bending the rules.


    Anyway, Anna ignored the voice of reason humming in her head and decided to help the unfortunate ve. She took the remains of pasta in the kitchen and carried the tray to the training ground, looking around with a thievish look. What if someone would see her? Her position was too high to bring food to anyone but her masters, after all.


    It was very unusual for her to give in to the new feeling so close topassion and help someone who was not worthy even of her nce¡­ But why should she follow the rules when she could follow her heart?


    The gate creaked softly, and Kyon saw Anna appearing like an angel at his abode. Her thick blond hair was swaying slightly in the wind. The maid¡¯s uniform fit her like a second skin. Her deep cleavage attracted nces like a ma¡­ All that had suddenly faded, paled, took a back seatpared to the silver tray in her hands definitely loaded with something edible! Long live acting skills and the eternal women¡¯spassion for all the unfortunate and crazy that never changed, no matter where in the world he was!


    Kyon¡¯s deliberately tear-stained face lit up with a happy smile, which made Anna miss a heartbeat. Her hands started to tremble. She tottered unsteadily toward Kyon when¡­ Dinah, the dark-haired maid, jumped over the barrier and stood between her sister and the ve:


    ?What are you doing, sister??


    Anna backed away in confusion:


    ?Dinah, I¡­ I¡¯ve brought him something to eat¡­?


    The dark-haired maid gave her an icy stare:


    ?This ve had broken the rules when he appeared in the mansion withoutdy Juno¡¯s permission. He should have been killed a long time ago. And now you decided not to give a damn about the orders¡­?


    ?I know, but¡­? ¨C Anna mumbled, trying to pick up the words to justify herself, but Dinah did not even listen to her. She snatched the te from her hands and emptied it at the top of Kyon¡¯s head. ?No ifs or buts. We must strictly follow the rules and never let any feelings influence our decisions.?


    Kyon froze in shock. The intive look on his face squeezed the fair-haired maid¡¯s heart. She only wanted to help him, but she seemed to have made his situation only worse.


    Dinah threw thest cold look at her sister:


    ?Clean up the mess as a punishment.? ¨C She snorted contemptuously and went to the mansion.


    Anna watched her leave, shook her head and muttered, trying not to meet Kyon¡¯s eyes:


    ?I¡¯m sorry, boy¡­ It¡¯s my fault¡­?


    For the first time in her life, she apologized to someone below her rank. The whole situation seemed to be staged in the theater of the absurd. Hermon sense had flown down thene and far away. An indescribable discord reigned in Anna¡¯s soul.


    Kyon shook his head:


    ?Do not apologize, mydy.? ¨C He brushed the remnants of pasta off his head, took the tray from her hands, knelt and began to collect the rest of the food from the floor and eat it blowing off the dirt. Food is life. Life was more important to him than petty honor and pride. And what is dirt? Strains of microbes? They are everywhere. It¡¯s all rtive.


    Anna pursed her lips and silently left the ground with mixed feelings. Her life had been monotonous for more than five years. She was in charge of servants, cleaned thedy¡¯s chambers, and read a couple of pages before bedtime. Day after day, night after night, everything was the same with no end to that. The boy came as a breath of fresh air. Atst, some novelty in her life.


    A servant sent by Anna took the te and the tray away.


    Kyon¡¯s body ached and did not obey in certain ces. It was dark in his eyes from blood loss, but a bit of food had given him hope of restoring his vitality. However, without mastering the pure energy, he didn¡¯t have a chance to survive in these inhuman conditions.


    Kyon desperately continued mastering pure energy. It was his only hope. Marina couldn¡¯t help him yet¡­ Anna wouldn¡¯t risk her position anymore. He was alone,pletely alone, forgotten and abandoned by everyone in the world. He couldn¡¯t expect help from anywhere and had to rely on himself. For the first time, his imperial dignity was subjected to such intense stress. And yet, he did not give up.


    The rest of the day and the following night were eventless. The spawn of satan in the guise of an angel never came to finish him off, which was tantamount to a miracle. Or maybe it was an extension of his agony.


    And then the early morning came. Kyon felt a little stronger when he put the sound transmitter to the ear.


    Surprisingly, Marina said that she would be there at seven in the morning. The sausage woulde in very handy! It was his chance!


    An hourter, Kyon called Marina again to double-check the time when he should meet her. He crawled out from the training ground and walked to the mansion without paying attention to the servants. If he was going to meet Dinah, so be it. He wasn¡¯t meant to survive then. However, it was not his intention toe out before her bright eyes. He moved carefully, albeit with some effort.


    Kyon seized a suitable moment and made his way into the mansion, mingling with three servants. The guard blocked his way at the entrance:


    ?Show your formation.?


    Fortunately, his shaggy hair made it hard to figure out he was a ve. Unfortunately, the formation was required at the entrance to be recorded in the logbook. No one coulde or leave just so.


    Kyon cleared his throat, vaguely pointed his hand somewhere before him and lisped:


    ?The girl over there hase to give me something from Mr. Flitz if you please.?


    Both guards looked at each other, turned around and saw a beautiful blonde approaching them. She was loaded with five savory sausages.


    Kyon felt pleasant warmth spreading all over him at the sight of food. He waved to Marina to greet her.


    Marina anxiously approached the guards, never taking her eyes off Kyon:


    ?Hello, Kyon. Here, I¡¯ve brought everything you asked¡­?


    The stunned guards bowed to the floor at once and barked in unison:


    ?Greetings to you, Lady Diana!?


    One of them hurried to put his wrist to his lips:


    ?Lady Juno, your mother has arrived!?


    Kyon was astounded. He cleared his ear with his little finger. What¡­ What did they say? {Your mother? What the hell?!} Kyon looked around. What if the mysterious ¡°mother¡± was hiding behind Flitz¡¯s suckretary but no. The road behind Marina was empty.


    Marina stood rooted to the spot. Was she somebody¡¯s mother? Was it the reason why Flitz had forbidden her to approach the mansion? No, no¡­ She didn¡¯t think she had ever given birth to anyone. She would have remembered such a significant event. And Flitz was unable to reproduce.


    Kyon¡¯s heart sank into his boots when he heard painfully familiar quick footsteps. His eyes were filled with horror. The hope that the guards were just being witty had cleared like a morning mist. They did call Juno in there!


    However, the youngdy was in no mood for the ve. She kept her stare locked on Marina. The little demoness threw herself on Marina¡¯s neck with a cheerful shriek. The sausages tumbled on the floor.


    ?Mom! Why didn¡¯t you say a word that you wereing?! And why did you grow young again? New beauty medicine?! And¡­ You¡¯ve changed¡­?


    Juno hesitated. The shape of the eyebrows was a bit different, a slightly different nose, a tiny difference in the corners of the lips.


    Marina stood stock-still, unable to utter a word. Everything seemed to her like a crazy dream.


    Kyon was the first toe to his senses, realizing that he couldn¡¯t waste any more time. He had to grab the sausages before the situation cleared up (two pieces were rolling right at his feet) and run or rather limp to the ce of his residence. He would think over the weird situationter. He had a vague idea anyway. Flitz had strictly forbidden Marina to approach the mansion. When she disobeyed his order, everyone took her for Juno¡¯s mother, even the young sadist herself. It was doubtful that the real mother would be Flitz¡¯s secret lover. It could only mean that Marina looked like the aforementioneddy.


    Kyon was nearly crawling to the training ground when he was roughly stopped. Someone grabbed his shoulder. He turned around and let out a woeful groan. It was Dinah.


    {Damn it!}


    ?What¡¯s that in your hands?? ¨C The maid squinted suspiciously.


    Kyon kept silent. He was frantically trying to find a way out. How many times did this clingy bitch have to spoil his life?


    ?I am not going to ask twice. Where did you get the food? Stolen??


    ?It¡¯s mine. A friend gave it to me.? ¨C Kyon lisped slowly, staring at her from under his brows.


    Dinah was surprised to see the wretched ve¡¯s eyes. His behavior changed more often than chameleon¡¯s colors. The absence of his teeth pleased her. As for his friend, it had to be a lie.


    ?And now it¡¯s all mine.? ¨C Dinah took away his valuable provisions. The ve was supposed to have his arms cut off for theft, which she had in mind for the near future.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t take his angry stare off the maid:


    ?You can¡¯t do this. The sausage is mine! My friend brought it to me, and I need it!? ¨C The former emperor was grasping at the two sausages as if it was his own life¡­ At moments like this, even one sausage could equal to a mountain of gold.


    *bam*


    Dinah¡¯s little fist hit him right on the sr plexus knocking all the oxygen out of his lungs. His vision went ck, his body got treacherously limp. Kyon copsed to the ground. Weakness. There it came again¡­


    ?You dared to get into the mansion, miserable scum. You¡¯ve stolen food, and now you are talking to me as if I were your equal? I guess it is time to get your limbs shortened.? ¨C Dinah grabbed Kyon by the wrist. A dagger shed in her hand.


    Kyon panicked. Dinah would hardly deign to follow the rules of amputation. The prospect of dying of blood loss developed before him to its full extent. His mind instantly issued the first solution that he could think of:


    ?Mydy Dinah, I know who stole your lingerie!?


    Dinah¡¯s grip weakened. She let the ve¡¯s limb out of her hand.


    ?What did you say??

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    ?I was sleeping quietly and peacefully on the bench when suddenly there was a loud crash outside. Driven by curiosity, I looked out over the fence and saw a figure running from the mansion¡­ I might have been groggy and seeing things but¡­ No, I¡¯m sure it was master Jean!?


    Dinah recoiled in horror. Jean came for the training session this morning, his eyes red, his cheeks hollow, his clothes in disarray, his hair disheveled. He was the spitting image of a raving psychotic, an escapee from a mental institution. Could the reason be¡­


    Despair darted in Dinah¡¯s eyes. The world reeled. What¡­ dirt! What an abomination! If the old goat did with her things what she thought he was doing¡­ Oh, her honor, her dignity!


    ?It can not be him¡­ He couldn¡¯t have stolen¡­? ¨C Dinah¡¯s eyes sparkled with a storm of feelings. She had always been strong, iron-willed, and all of a sudden, she could hardly stand on her feet. Dinah turned around and slowly went to the mansion. Tears blurred her eyes, but she kept them wide open. Her face expressed a desire to kill with particr cruelty.


    {It serves you right, bitch.} ¨C Kyon spat after her. He picked up the sausage soiled with dirt and started his meal, tearing off bite by bite and swallowing without chewing. There it was, the taste of heavenly life! Marina did help him out, after all. Not at once, but still. He had to fight for his food, sine qua non. But it was totally worth it.


    After he satisfied his hunger, Kyon began to practice. Dinah was no longer an issue, or so it seemed. Now the need to acquire the basic grade of pure energy came to the fore. He had a chance to survive! Besides, now he had an ally under the code name Marina in the mansion. Everything was getting better, it had to get better.


    Kyon was alone untilte at night. What a pleasant feeling of being left alone. He couldn¡¯t ask for more¡­ A full stomach, some solitude, and quiet, peaceful study of the basic grade of pure energy. As soon as he deciphered the neural connections, he would be invulnerable to the little demoness.


    The sausages were rich in fats and proteins. Kyon could see with Synergy his body heal from severe injuries. He stopped feeling numb, only dull pain and a couple of injuries of moderate severity remained.


    Kyon was sure that he would be better after Juno¡¯s beating in the morning. His eyes glimmered with hope. Maybe someday he would take revenge on Dinah and Juno, thank Marina and Anna, and also Martha from the mine¡­ But all that had to wait. Now the main thing was to acquire the damned basic grade of energy.


    Kyon took a deep breath. He was dying of thirst, and he needed to take a bath. Fortunately, he was not locked, unlike thest time. His memory helpfully nted the picture of a fancy gate leading to the hot springs. He had no intention to risk his life and go to the mansion to quench his thirst. The spring was a more reliable option. Besides, who could possibly be there at such ate hour? It would take a few minutes, not more. As far as he knew, no one went to the park after 11 pm. The maids usually slept as well as Juno, and he had never seen a patrol security guard.


    Kyon stealthily approached the cherished hot water spring. He carefully peered through the crack in the gate into the darkness. It was long past midnight, but a bit of caution was never superfluous.


    After a moment of observation, he fearlessly got inside, hastily threw off his dirty clothes and plunged naked into the rxing hot water of the spring. He had never experienced such bliss.


    However, his joy was too short. The water sshed, and Juno herself emerged from the bottom of the spring.


    The time seemed to freeze.


    The poetry in motion appeared before Kyon in the cloud of steam. Juno¡¯s milky-white delicate skin seemed to glow in the dark, her slender waist, her thin graceful neck, her neat little mounds partially hidden by sticky wet curls¡­ The goddess of beauty and youth herself had descended from heaven to ssh in the hot spring. An unopened bud, the most beautiful flower ever seen in the sublunary sphere, the idea of the most daring men¡¯s fantasies¡­ Jean¡¯s perversion no longer seemed so abnormal. No one could resist the charm of this angel, albeit a very fallen one.


    In one second, a whole hurricane of thoughts had passed through Kyon¡¯s head. He plunged silently underwater, praying to gods that Juno would not notice him.


    He might have enough oxygen in his lungs for some minutes¡­ Then he had to escape as soon as possible. His heart was pounding against his chest like mad, striving to jump out. Kyon was afraid that Juno could hear it thumping in the silence of the smooth water.


    What a terrible set of circumstances. Why was she not sleeping at thiste hour? Why was she under the water for a whole minute? Damn it!


    Juno shed her charms to the night around her and dived back. She enjoyed a night bath in the hot spring when water and moonlight caressed her skin. At moments like this, she became one with the universe. The line between the earth and the sky disappeared. No one else existed, only she, the night, and the stars, the stars everywhere¡­ She was alone in the whole world.


    Kyon seized the moment. He got out of the water quickly and quietly, grabbed his clothes, and shed a clean pair of heels, running off at full speed.


    Juno sensed some strange vibration. She opened her eyes under the water and noticed with her side sight a figure dashing away! She emerged instantly and detected someone¡¯s bare ass rushing off.


    Her temples were pounding from boiling rage for a second of stupor. It was the ve! Still alive!


    ?I order you to freeze immediately!? ¨C Juno growled as quietly as possible. Truth be told, she didn¡¯t want to draw the attention of her maids or guards to this embarrassing situation. There was nobody else in the mansion.


    Kyon paused and turned around. He saw the virgin-naked miracle shining in droplets of water. She was so pure, innocent, beautiful and at the same time so cruel and bloodthirsty.


    Juno walked out of the water with a regal gait. She was seething with anger but kept calm and nonchnt on the outside. She couldn¡¯t care less about the look the dead-to-be boy was giving her.


    Juno slowly put on her white panties, wrapped her elegant, slim body in a towel and went to the ve with unkind intentions.


    Kyon remembered the time when she fell on him and made him guilty for that, ordering him to knock out his own teeth as a punishment. And now he was looking at her naked body, which was at least a hundred times worse. What were his chances of survival? He didn¡¯t stand a chance¡­ She was going to kill him!


    His mind worked at 120%. Kyon didn¡¯t have too many options. The idea of fighting back wouldn¡¯t fly. Even if he overpowered her by some miracle what¡¯s next? It would be the end of him. She would press on her formation, and the guards woulde after him. What if he killed her? It would make things even worse, pleasant but worse.


    It waspletely stupid and meaningless to prove his value to her.


    Hisst option was to give this selfish, malicious, vile sadist what her nature wanted. Hertest training with Jean was an eye-opener. Thedy humiliated her own master. She wanted to see people suffer. And not only physically but morally as well. Following this reasoning, there was a minimal, almost illusory chance of surviving if only he took advantage of her weakness.


    If Kyon could convince the little demon that she could benefit from his existence, that is, get pleasure from it, his trick could work, especially if she wanted him to suffer for many days in a row.


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to die, so he had to grasp at any chance. He meekly raised his arms (in an unarmed gesture) and bowed, babbling in a trembling voice:


    ?Madam your Highness, your humble servant had the misfortune to be at the hot spring at the same time as you. Do not have hard feelings for the stupid loser. I did a terrible thing but, please, spare my life! I will do everything to earn your forgiveness¡­ I am sure that sooner orter, you will forgive me. Give me a chance! Please¡­? ¨C Kyon was willing to pretend as long as could be. He needed a few more days to acquire the basic grade of energy, after which his chances to save himself would significantly rise. If, of course, she fell for his trick.


    Bloodthirst burning in Juno¡¯s beautiful bright eyes gave way to a stupor. She opened her mouth but could not say a thing. She did not expect any words from the ve¡­ Especially words like that. His posture was so humble as if he was ready to ept any of her orders. To live or to die. Was he hoping for her forgiveness?


    After a moment¡¯s pause, Juno spoke in an angelic voice:


    ?You have soiled my beautiful body with your filthy eyes, wretched ve. You deserve hundreds of executions and countless years of torture. However, I am not the kind ofdy who deprives her ves of a chance of forgiveness¡­? ¨C Kyon looked up, full of hope. Did his words really work? ¨C ?That¡¯s why I will let you redeem your guilt during next week.? ¨C Juno finished with a regal look.


    Kyon had never experienced such relief. It was hard to tell what she was hiding behind her words. It was more than obvious that she would get back at him. The damn sadist was going to rejoice in beating him up! However, the youngdy didn¡¯t seem that terrible, after all. She was giving him hope!


    In the meantime, he would definitelye up with something. He would have more options! Kyon was super-psyched about it. He still had a chance to get out.


    Juno saw the expression of relief and even happiness on the ve¡¯s face. She smiled warmly, took a long stick out of nowhere and whacked it right onto his head.


    The impact of the blow was lessened by his hand, and yet, he could hear his bones crack. He struggled to stay on his feet, shocked by her sudden attack.


    Juno giggled enchantingly, her eyes squinting, her thin eyebrows arched. ¨C ?A stupid creature is so easy to fool¡­ Did you really believe that you could stay alive after what you had seen? Today you will die a horrible death, ve. Face it.? ¨C Her voice sounded gentle and tender.


    ?You¡­ You¡¯re a cruel, loathsome bitch¡­? ¨C Kyon had never felt such a distinct hatred for a living being in his life. One look at her sent shivers down his spine, his heart drumming in his chest so hard that it ached. His hands kept clenching into fists. Her charming appearancepletely contradicted her inner world. He wanted to snap her neck at any cost!


    Juno had shattered his expectations. He thought he had a chance, a puny chance. She had deceived him to see him rise and fall. So mean of her.


    Juno noticed the whole range of emotions on his face and could hardly restrain herself. She wanted to whoop and holler. She had never felt so thrilled. It was a heavenly delight to watch this little piece of trash despair. It was time to finish the show¡­ She swung the stick again.


    ?You will die with me, wretched bitch!? ¨C Kyon snarled and violently grabbed the stick in flight, trying to pull it out from her hands when a powerful discharge paralyzed his body. Everything went dark. When it cleared up, he missed a fatal blow to his thigh and lost his bnce.


    ?Die, you fool.? ¨C Juno said,ughing, ready to murder him.


    She hit him on the head with the stick. Kyon desperately tried to protect himself with his hands. The bones crumbled into dust under her fierce blows. A hellish pain eclipsed his mind with a bright sh¡­ Blissful darkness fell in.


    Juno mercilessly bludgeoned the ve from all sides ¨C his stomach, ribs, legs, back¡­ She was incredibly pleased to end his life on a warm note. He dared to tarnish her beautiful body with his eyes, but his death would make her crystal clear.


    Juno didn¡¯t like him from the start. He stared at her brazenly at their first meeting. He did not scream in painter. He did not yell when she kicked him with her feet. Something was wrong with him. He refused to die. Well, that was something she was going to fix.


    Juno battered him with the stick for five minutes, long enough to beat him to the pulp. He kept groaning and breathed hoarsely. Amazingly, but he still showed signs of life. She took her time.


    Juno took a morefortable hold of the stick and began to batter his chest like a woodpecker as if trying to make a hole in it. Bump, bump, bump¡­ The ribs broke through, the sternum turned into a total mash of meat and fragments, the lungs gurgled¡­ The wood stick was soaked through with his blood. The ve was no longer breathing.


    His body went limp, his hands and feet spread unnaturally over the crimson earth like he was a broken rag doll, mutted and thrown away by a cruel child.


    Only then, Juno finally stopped. Her chest was heaving. Fever and ecstasy of dirty lust, were boiling inside her. She deprived the ve of his life as if he were a miserable bug crawling onto the toe of her shoes. He was a no-one when he lived, he would be a no-one after his death. In the morning, the servants would throw him into a cesspool without any questions, and she would forget everything about him. She would never let any thoughts creep into her pretty head. She would never remember the boy who dared to look at her with his shameless eyes.


    Juno felt great satisfaction. She hid the stick, returned to the spring to wash off the sweat and sshes of his dirty, stinky blood. She carelessly wiped herself with a towel and hopped to the mansion, whistling merrily. It was time for her to go to bed. Great things were yet toe. The path of bing strong is always thorny and difficult, but her goal ¡ª to bring her hated sister down ¡ª was worth all the effort.


    The moon looked withpassion on the pile of meat and bones that was once a living person. Its cold cadent light illuminated the twisted limbs, the broken head, the dented chest¡­ He was a former emperor, but now he got into a situation where he had no control, and all that was left of him was just a pile of half-dead flesh.


    {I did everything possible to survive in this damned mansion¡­ Am I going to die!?} ¨C His voice sounded in the depths of consciousness. ¨C {No way!}


    Suddenly, the heap of meat startled and shuddered in convulsions. Blood spurted out of his lungs. As Kyon signed convulsively, his body exploded with burning pain, piercing his every cell.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    {I¡¯m¡­ ALIVE!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s consciousness shouted out loud. A single coherent thought throbbed in his head ¡ª revenge! The mere idea of taking revenge sustained life in his fragile body. Taking revenge and destroying, trampling upon the one who had driven him to this terrible state. His vital energy seemed to be emanating from his very soul.


    His body would have fallen apart if he had not reached the 2nd stage of base phase. He wouldn¡¯t stand a chance if his nervous system hadn¡¯t been upgraded, increasing the resistance to the stress of all his organs and his whole body.


    The bony hand of death reluctantly let go of Kyon¡¯s heart, allowing it to make an uncertain beat and then another one, and another¡­ In the next moment, his heart started beating in a furious rhythm, striving to break through his ribs that weren¡¯t particrly intact. He took another convulsive breath, and his body shuddered in pain that pierced him to the very marrow.


    It pained to look at the once handsome boy: the blood vessels in his eyes had burst of tension; his hands looked like t pancakes with shattered bones as a ¡°filling¡±; his right leg was turned at a grotesque angle; his whole body was covered with dried crust and stains of still fresh blood¡­


    Kyon scanned his body and found twenty-eight fractures of various degrees of severity, internal bleeding, a failing kidney. Most of his teeth were missing. He had a brain hemorrhage, contusion, and concussion¡­ His lungs and tendons were torn, his joints were fractured.


    Kyon slowed his heartbeat to 25 beats per minute. He hastily ¡°patched¡± the torn blood vessels, stopped the internal bleeding, sent all the proteins and energy from the recently eaten sausage to heal the most serious injuries. He isted the damaged kidney and infused it with Synergy so that it wouldn¡¯t atrophy. He would restore itter, holding on for some time.


    His incredible will to live must have impressed heaven. The clouds filled the sky, and it cried washing up his body.


    The time inexorably flew by. The early morning was approaching. A cool rain came in real handy. It filled his mouth with water and saturated his drained organism with vital moisture.


    If the servants noticed Kyon, crippled and barely alive, they would throw him into the cesspool where he would stay forever, so he gathered all his willpower and crawled to the wall slowly, carefully, with gentle light movements, grabbing the sound transmitter with his mouth on the way. It had fallen from his pocket and was lying nearby.


    Kyon found a nook behind a dense thicket of bushes. There was a stone-paved path nearby and a little bench in the distance.


    If the gardener fancied going around the hedge to trim it, he could find Kyon lying there. Although, it was unlikely that they plucked shrubs every day.


    In the morning, the first servants came to the park. They didn¡¯t notice any traces of blood because the rain had already washed them away, but they found some suspicious items of ck clothes near the wall and took them away.


    The servants set about their work, never suspecting that a half-dead boy was lying in the pose of a broken star behind the nearest bushes.


    The whole day flew by in the blink of an eye. The evening came, and the night, and the morning again. Kyon was desperate for some energy. All the nutrients he got from the sausages had expired. His recovery began to decrease.


    Kyon moved his head to the sound transmitter and dialed Marina¡¯s frequency with his tongue.


    Fortunately, she answered his call this time. She could hardly make out what he was lisping in his barely audible voice. If Marina had not recognized his frequency, she would not have even guessed who was calling.


    Yielding to Kyon¡¯s plea, she took some food and water from the kitchen. Without telling anyone, she sneaked to his nook at the training ground and pretended to drop something. She crawled into the bushes under this ¡°usible¡± excuse ¡ª Kyon cringed at her fake nervous ¡°Oh, how awkward I am!¡± ¨C and let out a muffled scream that sounded more natural this time.


    Her emotions were hard to describe. Shock, horror, disbelief! All the colors had suddenly disappeared from Marina¡¯s face leaving only fear, despair, and a strong desire to help the dying boy whatever it took her. While she was staring at him, Kyon conveyed to her, not without some effort, his two urgent requests: ¡°don¡¯t tell anything to anyone¡± and ¡°take care of me.¡±


    That¡¯s how Marina¡¯s ¡°behind-the-scenes¡± life began. She spent part of the day in Kyon¡¯s nook, spoon-feeding him with liquid food and water, treating him like a wounded chick. She brought him medicine, ointment, infusion. She bandaged his wounds and even put a crooked splint on his broken limbs. Marinapletely got into the role of a nurse-mother-hen looking after the wounded ¡°warrior.¡±


    When his vocal cords got a little better, Kyon managed to express his thoughts more or less distinctly. First of all, he asked Marina to forbid the servants to trim the bushes behind which he was hiding. Otherwise, they could find him. He also exined to her the situation with Juno, who he was, and what he was doing in the mansion where death awaited him on each step. Her care was vitally important to him. He could start thinking over his next move when he got better.


    Marina worried about Kyon so much that it hurt like hell. Flitz had forbidden her to talk to boys, but this one appeared to be an exception¡­ She really liked Kyon. The more she cared for him, the more she became attached to this boy.


    Marina told Kyon more about that strange meeting with Juno at the entrance to the mansion. She turned out to look like the little demoness¡¯s young mother, Diana.


    After Yurich disappeared, Juno¡¯s mother plunged headlong into work on the ntations and rarely came out. Not everyone remembered her anymore.


    Marina noticed long ago that servants bowed to her reflexively. When they looked closer at her, they frowned, puzzled, but no one had ever given her any intelligible exnation.


    Things in the mansion were a little different. Any guard knew what Diana looked like. Anna and Dinah werepletely confused when they saw Marina. Some scared servants bowed to her, but they quickly realized she was notdy Diana. She was just a girl who looked like her. And yet, they treated her with respect, just in case.


    When Juno heard the story of the unfortunate girl and her duty to ¡°serve¡± Flitz, she immediately sheltered Marina and promised her that the old goat would never touch her mother¡¯s doppelganger or he would have to deal with her. Thus, Marina had been unexpectedly promoted from a ¡°suckretary¡± to ¡°a good friend of thedy of the house,¡± which was, of course, a much more pleasant ¡°duty¡±.


    One of those days, Kyon told Marina that Juno was Flitz¡¯s weakness. Awareness washed over her with the force of a tidal wave. She was piously convinced that Kyon had invited her with a sole mission to save her. He must have calcted everything! Her soul filled with overwhelming gratitude and admiration.


    Early in the morning andte in the evening, Marina was sitting on the bench, behind the bushes and Kyon¡¯s little nest. He had changed his primary habitat so that it was more convenient to talk with her and get food while she was sitting and reading a book without attracting attention.


    Day after day, cell by cell, Kyon was healing. He had restored his kidney, the neurons, his eyes and broken nose, tendons and joints and cured all the internal injuries. He still had to work on his bones and teeth. It¡¯s impossible to restore them for an ordinary person, but Synergy can do everything. He asked Marina to bring him some cottage cheese and milk. His body needed a fresh supply of calcium.


    During one of her visits, Marina solemnly gave Kyon his ck clothes that she had found, washed, ironed and carefully mended. When the servants picked up his garments, they did not dare to throw them away. You never know who of the nobles might have an urge to get undressed and run around naked in the light of the moon. They whipped Kyon¡¯s clothes into shape and put them in the linen closet, neatly folded.


    The anxiety that grasped Marina¡¯s heart was finally letting go. Her friend from the bushes was getting better. His voice was already strong enough to please her with all sorts of exciting stories from time to time. As for Marina, she often told him about Flitz, how they lived, what they did, about her sad past, how her family was killed, and how their house was burned. In fact, Flitz had saved her from starvation.


    Flitz kept thinking of recovering his seed so that she could give him a child. It had been an issue with him as long as he remembered himself, and he had evene to terms with it, but after Marina appeared in his mansion, he felt the need to get healed. His desire grew stronger, and now he was making every effort to find a cure. Marina was touched that she had inspired him with a dream.


    Despite his poor character ¨C greed, hypocrisy, lust, and anger ¨C Marina noticed his sincere kindness to her. The rare tenderness that he gave her like a hug, a look filled with love, a gentle kiss in the morning,bing up her hair prated the deepest corners of her soul.


    There wasn¡¯t a day that Marina did not mention her former master. Once, she told Kyon about the day when Flitz took her to buy some new clothes, her face lit up with a shy smile. Then she added thatter in the evening he tore that unfortunate dress off her, her eyes shining with yearning. Marina told Kyon that she wanted to get in touch with Flitz so that he would not suffer the grief of her loss. But she could not find the courage to do that.


    Kyon wondered why she was so worried about someone who she hated so much? Did she hate Flitz at all? He used to think that Marina could not stand the old man, that she was afraid of him, that she hated him. It turned out that there was something hidden behind the veil of fear¡­ At the moments of such revtions, her voice sounded pitiful, sad, anxious. She felt anything but hatred. Vague suspicions crept in his mind. He started to believe that Marina didn¡¯t despise Flitz at all¡­ She was attached to him. His rare kindness and promises to make her the mother of his kids touched the strings of Marina¡¯s soul. Yet, whatever her feelings might be, they were unequivocal. Despite all her gratitude, appreciation and respect, she was disgusted by his abuse and decrepit old body that she had to endure night after night in herself and on herself.


    Kyon was astonished, baffled, amazed and angry with the strange girl. With all that, his soul filled with warmth every time he saw her. He would have died without Marina¡¯s help¡­ her kind words, care, inept but very diligent medical assistance, a well-timed nket (sleeping on the grass is not grilling under the sun at the luxurious resort but the easiest way to pneumonia), food, water. It was more than just ¡°a good deed of a Homo erectus.¡± Kyon realized that he was incredibly lucky to have met Marina on his difficult path. Her kindness wrapped him up like a warm nket. She could heal the whole world, not just his bony body. Her past, the loss of her parents and brother, had left an indelible mark on her soul and character but, instead of getting embittered against the whole world, she imbued her soul with the best feelings of humanity:passion, mercy, love for all living things. As the practice had shown, for half-dead things, as well.


    {I will definitely pay you back¡­ And Martha from the mine, too. I don¡¯t know how to do it yet. Just see ite.} ¨C Kyon had made up his mind.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    After Kyon told Dinah that the thief of her lingerie was no other but master Jean, she was growing restless. All her insides kept twisting and turning from the mere thought that some pervert had set up a risky and reckless n to get to her favoritecy panties and¡­ Her mind refused to imagine what happened next. It was too disgusting. A middle-aged man! A respected master, after all!


    Dinah could be a cold-blooded assassin, but differentws came into effect when her honor was concerned.


    For some reason, she believed Kyon¡¯s words, and yet, she was in no hurry to run out to Jean screaming, ¡°I know everything!¡± She had to gather real evidence first. The next day, she put on her ck clothes and a ck mask and resolutely went to Jean¡¯s mansion.


    The master¡¯s house was significantly inferior in luxury and size to Juno¡¯s. The guards were average, the walls were low, the barriers were non-existent. Apparently, Jean didn¡¯t need them. There was no one to defend except him. Dinah slipped by the guard unnoticed, then she imperceptibly passed a few servants. The hiding technique of a C rank made her invisible. She could be seen only from a close distance, and only a little bit.


    Dinah had thoroughly studied the internal structure of the house. She found out where Jean slept and waited until he went somewhere he was supposed to be to get inside his bedroom. Her observant eyes scanned all the furniture. Her precious lingerie was nowhere to be seen.


    {Perhaps, he has it in the spatial ring.} ¨C With this thought, Dinah took out a transparent little stone with a cloudy trigram floating inside. The formation recorded the rays of light, converted them into an image and saved it. Simply put, it was a kind of camcorder.


    Dinah put the transparent stone on the top shelf of the bookcase so that it was hardly seen. She looked meticulously around once again. Nothing could possibly betray her presence. The next moment, she wasn¡¯t there anymore. It wasn¡¯t the most legitimate way to find out the information, but she couldn¡¯t interrogate the master personally. What if he was not guilty at all? In that case, she was in big trouble.


    The next day, Dinah got secretly into the mansion, took the visual formation and walked off unnoticed again.


    Back to her room in Juno¡¯s mansion, Dinah ignored Anna¡¯s grumbling for not doing her job. She took out the transparent stone and infused it with energy. The light streamed from the inside like a ¡°spotlight¡± and got reflected in a bright image on the wall.


    The moving picture depicted Jean¡¯s room.


    Dinah changed the flow of energy and yed forward the scene. She saw Jean return to his room, straighten his shoulders, stretch his back and neck, do the splits and some exercises. He was a good master who practiced even when he was at home.


    Dinah was annoyed. She must have been mistaken. The boy had tricked her! Come on, the respected master couldn¡¯t do any dirty things. She wanted to turn off the projection, feeling a pang of regret for her unceremonious intrusion into the honest man¡¯s private life when something in his face caught her attention. His eyes were glittering, a crazy smile was wandering on his lips. He behaved like a lunatic, just out of the looney bin.


    Dinah froze when the ¡°video image¡± showed her a session of horrible pictures: Jean pulling his pants off and revealing to the whole world what he had been hiding underneath ¨C the ckcy panties stretched on his decrepit bottom. They nearly burst at the seams from¡­ from¡­ Dinah screamed and covered her mouth with her hand when Jeanid his hand on his protruding package and got down to his wild, dark, lustful business, purring with thrill. Judging by the image, it was giving him enormous pleasure. Even if the formation did not make a sound, Dinah could hear his hoarse breathing and animal groans as if he were standing near her.


    Dinah was speechless. She lost the ability to think and move. Thetter was notpletely lost as her body was trembling uncontrobly. All the color hade out of her face. Pulsating blood was pounding in her head. All her insides turned upside down. Her soul seemed to have abandoned her body, leaving behind ringing emptiness in a lifeless shell. A bitter lump had risen in her throat and refused to fall back into the stomach. Her thoughts were tolling with awareness like a funeral bell. The master was using her lingerie for a dirty, disgusting, icky satisfaction of his lust. Dinah¡¯s dignity of the patriarch¡¯s superior maid had been crushed, crumpled and thrown into the cesspool like some trash.


    The room began to spin. Everything went dark. Dinah fell on the bed with a low moan, sinking into a life-savinga. But even there, she kept having the terrible nightmare that made her thrash around in delirium. She had always been distinguished by her incredible endurance and willpower, her ruthlessness andposure, but her psychological defense failed when her most vulnerable point, her dignity, had been hurt.


    Dinah woke up an hourter in a cold sweat. She was shaking with her whole body in a terrible chill and fever. The mere thought of what had happened got the wind knocked out of her. Her mental state was unstable.


    She was having a paranoid delusion all day that got better only in the morning.


    Anna regrly changed the wet towel on Dinah¡¯s forehead and gave her something to drink. What could have brought her sister to this state? Dinah had always been so strong and down to earth.


    There were signs of improvement by the next afternoon. Dinah could think of the recording without shuddering. Her mind was gradually epting what had happened to her, assuring her that underwear was just a piece of cloth, nothing more. The master was not worth her suffering.


    Slowly but surely, an unprecedented rage was rising in her heart. As Dinah¡¯s body was getting stronger, her mind started working in overload mode. She was driven by hatred and a dark desire for revenge. Dinah was getting stronger and more resilient to everything connected with the humiliation of her dignity.


    Her eyes were burning with icy fire. Her always cold nature was now bone-chilling frosty. Dinah emanated a desire to kill with particr cruelty. Anyone who approached her closer than two meters stood still under the influence of a vague feeling of anxiety and fear.


    She sshed her face with icy-cold water and got dressed in her ck assassin uniform that wrapped up her slender body. After that, she went straight to the hospital. Dinah came up with the revenge n long ago. She had enough time lying in bed like a dying swan. Jean¡¯s death wasn¡¯t enough for her. She wanted to wash the bastard in his own blood and humiliation. No one could know that the underwear once belonged to her. Dinah would never survive the shame. Everything should stay between her and the pervert who was going to die.


    She had taken a dose of evilball sufficient to sterilize an elephant and left the hospital unnoticed. From now on, she was going to add some evilball to Jean¡¯s food, and when he got desperate, she would graciously take his life. Or not so graciously.


    ¡­


    Ten days had passed since Kyon was ¡°killed.¡±


    He did not waste any time. Healing his body was not his only concern. Kyon got rid of the ugly mark on his forehead. Now he didn¡¯t have to brush down his hair. Nobody would recognize him as a ve.


    He had reached the 2nd stage of the base phase, which strengthened his body and evolved his soul. His Synergy had slightly increased. Kyon was right thinking that Synergy evolution would increase along with his soul. Many days of training, even without any special movements, helped him acquire the basic grade of energy! There was a pop in his soul at a certain point, and all the knowledge about the element became extremely clear and obvious. It got imprinted in his soul as if Kyon had really reached enlightenment. Using the element had be as easy as moving his hand¡­ At least, the one that was not broken.


    He learned a lot, experimenting with his new skills.


    The formless colorless energy flew free through his body, prating his bones and organs making them stronger (while staying inside.) Above all, it elerated his recovery and efficiency of all the processes in his body. Hearing, vision, brain function, removal of poison and toxins ¨C all this could be done and improved with pure energy.


    He could release pure energy during the attack or focus it on protection. It enhanced any blow many times. Inertia didn¡¯t matter anymore. The only thing that counted was the amount of energy in the blow. That is why Juno could beat him so easily, even with her tiny fists. The pure energy had increased his movements, but Kyon had yet to find how much. He couldn¡¯t move so he had no chance to find it out. The energy could press on his opponents and scan the battlefield. However, this feature was rather meaningless at his level. He could hardly scan the environment even a couple of steps away. In the future, this skill would be more urate and useful.


    When the whole courtyard plunged into the darkness, Kyon decided he had enough of lying under the bush. With shaking hands, he raised himself up, pulled up his knee¡­ With some effort, he pushed off the grass and stood up to his full height. The ground began to spin, Kyon staggered but kept his bnce. A step, one more, and another one¡­ Chin up! It was time to stop ying the role of the feeble ve, a toy in the hands of fate and Juno. His eyes were burning with life and the desire to get revenge for what she had done to him, for the hell that she had brought to him. Even ves were entitled to food, water, and shelter. And she had deprived him of all that. She beat him to the pulp every day, forced him to knock out his own teeth. Juno felt no pity for him. Finally, she ¡°killed¡± him altogether. Even the girls in the guise of an angel wouldn¡¯t get away with it.


    He needed a new n. The ve who was considered dead turned out to be alive.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Late at night, Kyon crawled out of the bushes. He stretched himself till his bones cracked and flexed his neck muscles. First thing first, he stumbled to the hot water spring to have a drink and get washed. He had been dreaming about taking a bath recently, given thetest events, in his nightmares. This time he huffed and puffed around the hole in the fence for about 10 minutes to make sure that even if the youngdy emerged from the water, she would be absolutely dead.


    He was almost in perfect health. He had grown new teeth. His bones had healed. All his internal injuries had been cured. He could go to the war if the need be.


    Kyon made himself more or less pretty and sneaked into the closest bushes. It never hurts to observe and explore. Even if Anna, Dinah, and even more so Juno were still sleeping, he couldn¡¯t be too careful.


    And indeed¡­ When he saw the beefy guard strolling about the mansion, his happiness knew no bounds. If he had been inside, they would have easily found him. It¡¯s not about seeing or hearing, not at all¡­ Kyon knew that the guard wasn¡¯t taking a walk around the house. He was scanning the area with pure energy. In his case, a shaggy and tenacious ve could be noticed even through the wall!


    {Yeah, caution is everything¡­} ¨C The young scout thought with a sigh of relief.


    Kyon spent the next night in the ambush, watching the house. He determined that one guard covered the perimeter every two hours, including the second floor. After that, the guard returned to his post. Fortunately, the park didn¡¯t belong to his itinerary.


    The next night, Kyon updated his information with an urate schedule of the rounds. The guard started the inspection strictly on time. During the breaks, Kyon could go anywhere, and he jumped at that opportunity.


    It was his outing number two, day number three or night number three, to be more precise. Kyon knew the mansion well from the previous scouting, so he wasn¡¯t interested in the most part of it.


    And there he was, inside the mansion again. First thing, Kyon got into the bathroom and snatched a hairpin. It might alwayse in handy. The measured breathing in the room downstairs told him where the maids were sleeping. Kyon decided to go upstairs and found a row of doors that opened only with a formation. He could hear quiet sniffing behind some of them. One belonged to Marina. The youngdy was generous enough to allocate a separate room for her new friend. The other sound came from the little demoness herself.


    While Kyon was hanging around near the doors to the girl¡¯s bedrooms, wondering where to go, he heard quiet steps downstairs. His heart did a double somersault right into his stomach. The guard must have started another round in an hour, not in two! That¡¯s a fine kettle of fish. Kyon was sure that he couldn¡¯t slip away unnoticed this time. Scanning is a powerful thing, after all!


    While his mind was rushing around his skull in panic, searching for a way out, his keen hearing detected the toilet door open. Kyon could hardly hold back a moan of relief. It was just a maid who went out to do some ¡°night errands!¡± His heart reluctantly returned to its rightful ce, giving him a strict warning: another stress like this, and it would refuse to work under such nervous conditions.


    Kyon lurked in the darkness. It was too early to rx. Only when the bedroom door mmed behind the maid, he decided to step out of the shadows.


    The next moment, Kyon felt an indistinct soft poke in his back. His heart cursed and demanded resignation, but when Kyon turned around and met Juno face to face, it stopped altogether.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes hazed over. He felt a sense of futility growing inside¡­ He had just swapped one hell for another. Death herself had found him. There she was, the little one, rocking from side to side and squinting blindly. Synergy immediately clicked him on the nose, forcing him to dy the farewell to his life and use his brains. The girl was sleepy! She must have just woken up at the call of nature. Probably, Juno couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of the situation. She was still half asleep!


    Juno poked her nose in Kyon¡¯s chest where his heart wasn¡¯t beating anymore, taking refuge in the unconscious. She looked so cute, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She looked at the ve, rubbed her eyes again, and when she looked again into the darkness, the boy was gone. Juno shook her head, totally confused, and went to the bathroom.


    In a split second, Kyon glided like a shadow into the nearest corner unlit by the moon. He counted her steps with a sinking heart¡­ When, by his count, the girl was in the right room, he jumped out of the mansion and literally dived into the saving thicket of bushes. ¨C {Did it really work!?}


    Juno emerged like a sleepy little bird from the toilet and froze for a moment in a stupor: what did she just see? She nced around, enraged¡­ {That¡¯s pure nonsense¡­ Am I imagining things.} ¨C She agreed on that and carelessly returned to her room.


    That¡¯s how Kyon survived due to the impossibility of his existence.


    Meeting sleepy Juno was a nerve-racking experience. The dear little angel was a death messenger and, at the same time, an object of his revenge. This time, everything worked out alright. Kyon nced around and whispered a sincere ¡°thank you¡± to heaven, just in case. What if there really was someone up there.


    The next night, Kyon was cautious. A bomber only gets to make one mistake, after all¡­ He was lucky enough not to ¡°blow up¡± so he shouldn¡¯t meddle with fate anymore. Ideally, he should steer clear from the damned (literally) mansion. But his only hope for salvation was there. He had no choice but to try and find at least something useful. Where does everyone keep everything useful? That¡¯s right, in a dusty storeroom.


    The lock was simple, uplicated. All he needed was a couple of seconds and a bent hairpin. The door opened with a quiet creak. Following his voice of reason and mild paranoia, Kyon carefully locked it up from the other side and only then looked around.


    It was not unexpected to see cleaning equipment inside: mops, rags, all sorts of useless tools¡­ There also was a huge, dusty like everything else here (isn¡¯t it ironic that no one cleans the cleaning storage area!) bookcase filled with instructions for servants. Kyon, hungry for literature, eagerly attacked his prey and ¡°swallowed¡± a good half of the books in just half an hour. He reached for another book and¡­ He nearly swore out loud. It happened to be a typical ¡°switch,¡± an opener!


    The bookcase slid to the side with a quiet screech, opening the descent to a deep basement.


    {A secret passage!} ¨C Kyon eximed quietly, trying to believe his eyes. He made sure there was no activity outside, gathered all his courage and went downstairs. There must be something valuable, that¡¯s for sure. They would not hide an ordinary room behind the whole system, right?


    The descent did not take too long. About ten meters below, Kyon could see rows of bookshelves lit by dusty crystals. There was no treasure, no money, no ¡°secretboratory.¡± It was a sheer disappointment for all sorts of plunderers and marauders, but not for Kyon: {Books!}


    He frantically ran through the section titles: history, alchemy, herbalism,merce, enchantment, formacy, reference books, fiction, and so on and so forth¡­


    Kyon was excited. He grabbed the first avable book on alchemy and flipped through it, memorizing each line. Truth to be told, he did not find any particrly valuable or secret information, but he didn¡¯t expect much. In fact, the library was not a family heritage. There were no cloudy stones with formations, no techniques or miracle recipes. There was only publicly avable information likews, patterns, concepts, principles, and canons, as well as detailed descriptions of herbs, animals, stones, metals, etc.


    It¡¯s rather unusual to hide a dusty storehouse of books behind a bookshelf. Who coulde up with that? Maybe it was just a whim? Or did the owner of the mansion want to set a trap for his children? Like in forbidden (hidden) fruit is sweet.


    Given his informational hunger and the absence of any other means of learning about the world, Kyon didn¡¯tin. He could learn some general concepts so that he wouldn¡¯t make aplete fool of himself if anything popped up. Kyon was staring greedily at the shelves marked ¡°History¡±¡­ {No¡­ It definitely won¡¯t help me right now.}


    His eyes lingered on the section of formacy. It was what Martin and Flitz did. Formacy was valued in this world almost above all else. Kyon was interested in this science when he was in the mine. A lot of curious things could be found among formations: a searching formation, a family formation, a passport formation, a subjugating formation, formations in cloudy stones, a sound transmitter formation. And that¡¯s only what he had personally seen. To put it short, it was an interesting and most importantly, widely practiced science!


    Kyon cast a longing look at the piles of other books and made up his mind, nodding to his thoughts. They had to wait. He opened the first manuscript and plunged headlong into the world of formations.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes were burning with interest and a thirst for knowledge. He took one book after another, studied it, memorized, pondered over, juxtaposed the information, looked past any falsehood or inuracy, figured out what he could make out of it¡­ His head worked at 120%. Synergy was not idle, either. It kept obligingly warning the owner that the dawn was close. Unfortunately, the reading session was over for the time being. Kyon put the opus aside with a sigh. (The title was ¡°The searching formation and the ways it should NOT be used.¡± It was impossible to put this book down!) Then he went upstairs. He had to tinker with the ¡°handle-opener¡± on the backside of the bookcase, but he was lucky to find the necessary inconspicuous book pretty soon. Kyon quietly left the mansion and had some rest in the bushes that had be so dear to him.


    During the next three days, he made nightly raids into the hidden basement library.


    The science of formations turned out to be the foundation of modern society. ves, servants, workers, family members, investigators, sect members, citizens had a formation that disyed their rank in the hierarchy, as well as their position, affiliation, age, sometimes location, the status of being alive / killed / poisoned / ill, cultivation, sometimes even shopping list! Certain functions such as alive / dead / location identification required a point of data umtion that got a signal created by the spatial attribute. There was an information center in the mine. Martin, for example, connected Kyon¡¯s formation to a mercury mirror. As an option, it could be another person, a group of people of a certain status, position, etc. Each respected family had a center that received information about all family members to find out if anyone had been killed, poisoned, had raised the stage of cultivation and so on to have a maximum control over them.


    A formation is essentially a passport with embedded information about a person.


    Formations have different functions, for example, analyzing air temperature, humidity, pressure. They can record sound, a visual image: an analogue of a bug, a camcorder, a camera. That¡¯s why the framed photo in Flitz¡¯s office was so strange. It was created by a visual formation.


    Formations can be defensive and attacking, but these require some resources to create, usually money, sometimes key-spheres, some assets or something else.


    Formations differ in quality. They are conditionally divided into ¡°E¡±, ¡°D¡±, ¡°C¡±, ¡°B¡±, ¡°A¡±, ¡°S¡± ranks, where ¡°S¡± is a brilliant piece of genius work done by a high-ranking formacist. The higher is the rank of the formation, the morepact, uplicated, effective and clear it is. It wasn¡¯t the first time Kyon had heard about the rank system. It was used everywhere. People were ranked by numbers: 1st rank, 2nd, 3rd and so on. Everything not connected with people was ranked by letters: ¡°E¡±, ¡°D¡±, ¡°C¡±, ¡°B¡±, ¡°A¡±, ¡°S¡±.


    When applying a formation, the formacist creates a slot ¨C the void inside which the formation is ced. It doesn¡¯t only contain information but also protects / hides it from the others who could detect it on the spiritual level.


    The core of the formation is often connected with something (an info-center, an object, a person¡­) It¡¯s often necessary to have a spatial attribute to give orders at a distance, to find a person with a searching formation, to transmit sound, etc. The body of the formation consists mainly of pure energy, the most basic element on the.


    Formations can be created without a spatial attribute. For example, it¡¯s possible to create a subjugating formation that responds to a specific voice, not to the superior formation, just as Flitz did with Kyon.


    Kyon was happy to find out that creating formations closely resembled writing the program code. He used to be aputer whiz in his world. Creating the code, endless optimization, setting the properties of the formation you need¡­ He was back in his element.


    Kyon could set absolutely any properties with his programming skills! He had discovered the essence of this bizarre magic in the books he read and needed to practice it on someone, no way around it. He¡¯d love to experiment on Juno but not yet.


    Formations are a kind of bridge to the energy of the world. They assign certain properties, nature, and behavior. That¡¯s why the world, or rather the energy, works ording to your rules, ording to the formation rules.


    Kyon was right thinking that the local energy had internal memory.


    It was rather frustrating that it took more energy to create a formation for someone more cultivated than the formacist. However, it was nice to know that an optimized formation contained more energy in each code line, which increased the chance of sess. Optimization was his strong suit.


    Kyon came up with a brilliant idea: he should make his unique formation not to gain a skill or get an illusional advantage but specifically to take revenge on Juno. Kyon rubbed his hands with glee, trembling excitement over his insidious n. The fate had brought him to the library, no doubt! {Alright, nasty girl! Just you wait!}

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Kyon closed thest book on formations with a m, visibly satisfied. He returned to his nook behind the bushes in the dark of the night. Fortunately, the servants did not dare to disobey the instructions of thedy¡¯s new girlfriend, that is Marina. No one approached the boy¡¯s shelter.


    The next night he went on the prowl armed with the bread that Marina had brought. A flock of pencil-necked swans lived in the picturesque pond. Kyon lured one of those beauties away from its kin with a piece of bread. ording to the guidance of the Pithecanthropus ancestors, he stunned the winged creature with a stone, straight on its silly little head. Then he disappeared in his dear bushes, holding the limp carcass like a fox who had stolen a fat rooster on the farm.


    The execution continued in the hide. With the help of Synergy, Kyon cut the nerve in the bird¡¯s vocal cords to keep its beak shut and paralyzed the bird¡¯s muscr system. Now the swan could only turn its head. An ideal testee. Of course, he was going to get the bird back to the pond safe and sound. He was no ughterer, and the swan wasn¡¯t Juno.


    The white-winged bird awoke, its eyes opened in dismay: the body didn¡¯t move, the throat didn¡¯t quack! The poor fellow desperately twirled its head trying to escape, all to no avail.


    Kyon focused. He put his finger on the bird¡¯s forehead and tried to create a slot using pure energy. It was not as easy as he had hoped¡­


    Kyon needed a special tool to create it faster and easier. He was going to fail if he did it manually, on the spot. He had to study and master the necessary skill. Ideally, it would take him at least three months of tireless training to develop it.


    Kyon tried once, twice, the third time¡­ At his hundredth attempt, he lost it and cursed his clumsiness. At his five hundredth attenpt, he was so nervous he wanted to beat his head against the wall or a tree to stimte mental activity. Kyon had failed two thousand times to create a slot. He had no instructions on how to do it. All he had was an idea that the slot was created with energy and it should keep a formation consistently and for a long time.


    It was his 3000-th attempt when he seeded atst! The empty sphere inside the bird¡¯s head seemed to hold together and didn¡¯t copse. Kyon tried to apply a primitive formation, but it sessfully dispelled. The swan, tired of resisting, opened its beak in a silent ¡°quack.¡± Kyon could swear the bird was mocking him.


    It took him three days to fine-tune the slot where the energy would hold together permanently. Compared to other mortals, the result of his efforts exceeded all the expectations in terms of time and quality. He wished he could show off his talents, but there was no one interested.


    The first step waspleted. It was time to start long-term experiments with formations to refine the one that would meet his requirements.


    Kyon had enough of his life as a ghost of the mansion. That¡¯s how he called himself because none of the inhabitants could see or hear him and yet, he existed. Marina once called him a scarecrow behind the bushes, which didn¡¯t correspond to his gloomy and mysterious image of a ghost and was rather offensive.


    It took him another three days to design and work out the n of action and, most importantly, practice on the swan. Kyon had reached the 4th stage of the base phase. It was perfect timing. The chances of sess increased, starting with this level. Ideally, he shouldn¡¯t rush and keep improving himself for six months or so. However, he was under suspicion that he did not have so much time to start with. The bushes would eventually grow back, and someone woulde to trim them.


    Besides, Kyon knew that the cultivation rate slowed down closer to the peaking stages. He did no exercises, which meant that his cultivation would be as slow as a snail by the end of the stage.


    The next evening, Kyon finally understood how to put the formation into the slot. He had to apply the code that he had written and optimized, pondering over each line a hundred times. He could not even imagine the rank of his formation. It must be an ¡°S¡± or maybe an ¡°SS¡± if such rank existed at all. His formation was no doubt legendary because it contained all his skills from a high-tech world.


    Kyon finally did it the next day. His formation worked smoothly, wlessly! Probably. He hadn¡¯t tested it yet. Anyway, it was applied without errors.


    His formation should work properly ording to thews of formacy if not, there was not a bit of logic in this world, and his Synergy was a stupid chicken unable to put two and two together. He had checked the code with Synergy a thousand times, optimizing it to one hundred percent. It was time to move on to the execution of the n.


    In the evening, Marina sat on the bench with a book in her hands. It was a standard conspiracy tomunicate with her ¡°invisible¡± friend in the bushes.


    ?Do you want to killdy Juno for what she did to you? I¡­ I won¡¯t let you! She¡¯s my friend!? ¨C Marina eximed in a low voice at Kyon¡¯s statement that he was intending to enter Juno¡¯s room.


    ?I am not going to kill her. I swear. I¡¯ll just fix her a bit to stop being the scarecrow behind the bushes. I won¡¯t hurt her. She will stay your friend. Do you believe me?? ¨C Kyon looked deep into her eyes.


    Marina hesitated, frowned, sighed. Finally, she replied:


    ?I¡­ I do not know¡­ She did such unspeakable things to you. I would have been terrified in your ce. You are not going to do anything to her, are you??


    ?Marina, I swear I am not going to cripple her, let alone kill her. I can no longer live in the bushes. I was not born for this.?


    ?I see¡­ Kyon, I believe you¡­ Alright, I will help you. But promise you won¡¯t fool me.?


    Kyon willingly gave her his ¡°honest¡± and ¡°sincere¡± word. She agreed amazingly quickly. He could keep persuading her for days to get what he wanted.


    Marina calmed down and won round her conscience. She had be attached to the boy so much that she could not sleep at night, thinking and worrying about his wretched fate of the ghost of the mansion. Of course, she would help him, or she risked disappointing herself for not understanding and helping out a good person.


    When Marina agreed to participate in sabotage, Kyon exined to her what he needed in detail. He knew that he was taking advantage of being her friend. It¡¯s fair to say that he used her just as he did with Martha. But it was the only way out. Anyway, he would make it up to her, he had already started thinking about how to do it. As for Juno, it was a matter of life and death. It was high time to deal with her, or they might identally find him anytime soon.


    The night X hade.


    Kyon got into the mansion, silently climbed upstairs and hid behind the corner.


    After a while, the door in Juno¡¯s bedroom opened. The cute angel in a gray nightie headed for the bathroom, still fast asleep. In the evening, Marina had an idea to y cards with her. After each game, the loser had to drink a ss of juice.


    Kyon saw the graceful figure disappear and pleaded: {Hurry up!} As soon as he was out of Juno¡¯s sight, he darted to her room, putting his fingers through the split in the door at the veryst moment. Another second of dy and the door would be closed. Only a special formation could open it again. Kyon heaved a sigh of relief. Behold, he entered the sanctum sanctorum of the local demoness.


    The room was spacious, taking into ount the umtion of the entire army of soft pillows and pads. Apparently, they served as a substitute for fluffy toy animals that Juno was so afraid of. Every detail of the interior showed an excellent taste, softness, and tenderness. A pleasant aroma was in the air: a mix of shampoo, perfume, and some sweets. Jean might have given his life to spend a night here, even on his own.


    All in all, there was little furniture inside apart from the piles of pillows. There was arge soft bed in the corner, a wardrobe, a cupboard, several chairs, and a table. There was nowhere to hide except, perhaps, the standard option. Kyon heaved a deep sigh and crawled under the bed in the hope there was no dust or spiders. One monster in the room was quite enough for him. He wished he could twist this ¡°monster¡± into a corkscrew. The little scum made his life impossible. She tried to kill him. In fact, she did. His persistence had overpowered all her diligent attempts.


    Soon the door opened. A pair of slender bare legs in soft slippers with ears caught Kyon¡¯s eye. The bed creaked. The slippers reluctantly fell off the skinny feet. Juno crawled under the covers and snuffled.


    Kyon waited for another half an hour, just to be on the safe side. Then he rolled out of his refuge, removed a cobweb from his hair in disgust, and hovered over the youngdy like a god of death, except that his eyes were not glowing red and there were no horns under his hair. His mind was absorbed with bloodlust for this particr girl. Unfortunately, he had to suppress his ruthless impulses. He could not physically harm Juno because his life would be interrupted right after that. Kyon had to apply the formation and follow the n.


    He slowly held out a finger when, all of a sudden, Juno frowned and turned over.


    Kyon went st on the floor, thunderstruck. Fortunately, the whole room was covered with soft carpets, so his suddennding was noiseless. Juno¡¯s sensitivity and intuitive vignce were really impressive.


    Another ten minutes, and he hovered over her again, trying to touch the back of her head and pour in some Synergy to contribute to a more sound sleep. But Juno frowned again, turned over and opened her hazy eyes.


    Kyon took a nk position at once and rolled under the bed like an egg roll, nearly having a heart attack on the way. What a lucky devil she was!


    The unsuspecting girl let down her legs from the bed and fumbled them in search of the slippers. She couldn¡¯t find them as Kyon had scattered them around the room while doing his equilibristic tricks. Juno had to drag her bare feet to the bathroom.


    {Marina¡­ It was too much! Now she takes trips to the toilet every five minutes!}

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Kyon genuinely regretted the absence of lush clouds of dust in Juno¡¯s room. He could have hidden in them for a while. Given the current state of things, anyone could immediately find him under the bed.


    When Juno left the room in the morning, Kyon checked out his environment and reached a grim conclusion: he could not leave the room on his own. The windows wouldn¡¯t open, the door had a special lock. He had nothing to do but wait inside. He could hide only under the bed and in the closet. Both options were so-so, but he had no other choice.


    Kyon wished he had one of those remotes that could reset time 15 hours ahead when the lousy skunk would snuffle peacefully in her pillows and not even think about waking up!


    Six hours had passed. Kyon re-certified from the ghost of the mansion to the under-bed monster when suddenly Anna, armed with a feather duster, walked into the room, shing her slender legs and other no less delicious parts in her sexy maid uniform.


    ?Stupid sister! Why did she have to fall ill¡­ She is always running somewhere¡­ Why should I do everything for her? Oh, how stupid she is¡­ What ifdy Juno finds out? I always have to cover for her.? ¨C Anna muttered softly to herself.


    Kyon¡¯s heart went into unnned shock. Of course, Juno¡¯s room had to be cleaned! By superior maids, no less. The others wouldn¡¯t be allowed in here! If only Anna noticed the ve who was considered dead, he would be dead for real! Maybe not at once, but that¡¯s not the point.


    Anna fluttered around the room, whistling softly, brushing off asional dust. She noticed a tiny spider who had settled in the darkest corner between the ceiling and the closet and had to swallow hard before picking up the eight-legged beast and sending it into the bin with a wince of disgust. Anna opened the closet, collected the dirty things for theundry, looked under the bed¡­ With another discontented sigh, she swept away some cobwebs and feathers. She noticed a ck hair among other sweepings ¨C where did ite from? ¨C and continued with her work.


    Kyon had hidden on the bed in the pile of soft pillows against the wall while the maid was busy with the linen in the closet. He let out a sigh of relief ¡ª that was close. No one should notice him here. He had literally merged with the pillows, he was thinking like a pillow, he was himself a pillow.


    However, Kyon hadn¡¯t considered the fact that the pillows were not just ¡°lying¡± there. They also needed an asional pillowcase change! Anna took a pile of bed linen and approached the bed. Kyon shut his eyes tight with an if-I-don¡¯t-see-them-they-don¡¯t-see-me attitude. The maid took the first pillow and¡­ The door opened, and Juno and Marina came giggling into the room together with sad and vexed Yegorka.


    Kyon froze like a stone idol. Anna had just grabbed the pillow that was covering his head, and now, hidden behind the maid¡¯s back, he was staring in horror at the merry trio. Anna couldn¡¯t have chosen a better time to turn to the door!


    ?Oh, Anna! Clean the room another time, please.? ¨C Juno waved her hand carelessly.


    ?Yes, mydy.? ¨C The maid bowed, put the pillow back into its ce without looking, giving Kyon a tangible knock on the nose and left, closing the door behind her.


    Kyon was close to breathing hisst breath because of all the tension. Staying in this mansion was like walking through a minefield. This time the mine did not explode. Was he going to stay lucky?


    The three friends plopped on the bed. Kyon had the impression that Juno had been missing on some fun with her friends. That¡¯s why she invited them all at once. (Well, only two of them, to be more precise. Not an epic party, of course, but given her terrible character, it wasn¡¯t that bad). Marina could be considered as the little demon¡¯s ¡°friend,¡± but Yegorka was ying the role of their little fool. People like him were in anypany, but it was quite unexpected to see Yegorka in this deplorable position. He was a respected and promising genius, after all. But not in Juno¡¯s presence. He was willing to be even a clown just to be next to her.


    Juno threw a pack of ying cards into the center of the bed. She smiled cheerfully, teasing Yegorka:


    ?You are a silly boy¡­ Didn¡¯t you see that the guard was just following my order to detain you? You made aplete idiot of yourself. I couldn¡¯t believe my eyes when you took off your trousers on his orders!?


    ?That¡¯s bad enough, but why did you start dancing at his request?? ¨C Marina kept up with her friend.


    Yegorka turned crimson, his head down. He mmed his hand on the bed and said with annoyance:


    ?So that¡¯s who I heard giggling behind the door¡­?


    The girls burst intoughter. Their voices were so sweet like ringing silver bells. Yegorka hid his embarrassment and began to shuffle the deck. His poor heart missed a beat every time he heard Juno¡¯sughter. He was willing to be a fool for the rest of his life just to see her smile.


    With a sinking heart, Kyon felt Juno¡¯s back lean on the pile of pillows. The pleasant smell of shampoo and her young body enveloped him in a soft cloud. She was close, too close. There was one pillow between him and the demoness and even less between him and death.


    Kyon went deep into his role of a pillow. He had almost stopped breathing, slowing his heartbeat and literally turning into an inanimate object.


    The three friends spent about an hour ying cards,ughing, fooling around and poking fun, mostly at Yegorka.


    Juno pressed harder and harder on the pillows, making Kyon feel more and more ufortable, both morally and physically. He imagined his hands crawling out of the pillows, closing on her thin neck and clenching until Juno wheezed, fell down and never moved anymore¡­


    Kyon was daydreaming and didn¡¯t notice that he slowly began sliding to the side and down under Juno¡¯s weight¡­


    {Oh shit!}


    The pile of pillows together with Kyon slipped into the gap between the bed and the wall.


    Kyonnded on the floor like a cat, trying not to make a single sound. Even if he got deep into the character, he weighed a bit more than a pillow. Kyon rolled under the bed and tried to calm down his heart that was about to hang him out to dry with its loud hammering against the rib cage.


    Juno picked up all the pillows with a snort ofint andid them out as close as possible to the previous design. However, for some reason, she felt that something was missing¡­ {Maybe a couple of pillows have rolled under the bed?}


    The game ended in Yegorka¡¯s crushing defeat. He overreacted and scattered the whole fan of cards on the floor.


    ?Damn it! I lost again! Today is definitely not my day!?


    Junoughed:


    ?Yeah, surely the fault is in the stars and these¡­ maic storms or whatever. Now pick up all the cards quickly.?


    Yegorka got out of the bed with a groan to clean up the mess. The best genius of the family had to crawl on the floor like some reptile¡­ But, it was his sweet little Juno who had asked him to¡­


    Meanwhile, the under-bed monster was looking at the back of Yegorka¡¯s head in fear. He was dangerously close. If only Yegorka turned his head, their eyes would certainly meet.


    Marina, a kind soul, decided to help her newfound friend and dived under the bed to help him collect the cards. A nce ¨C a spark ¨C a storm! Kyon¡¯s hand was already over her mouth to keep her from turning on the ultrasound. He pulled a scary face: ¡°shut up, be quiet!¡± but she had already understood everything. At least, she didn¡¯t make a fuss, she just nodded. Marina was sincerely sorry for Kyon. She didn¡¯t enjoy the prospect of his instant murder, either. She turned around, covered him with her back and said:


    ?I will pick up everything myself, Yegorka. Can you give me some juice, please??


    ?Ah¡­ Sure.?


    Kyon gave Marina his heart in gratitude. There was no one kinder than her in the whole world, that¡¯s for sure. As for Yegorka, his attitude seemed perfect¡­ to take the honorable ce of ¡°just a friend.¡± He could be a ¡°wall builder¡± as well, creating a perfect ¡°friend zone¡± around Juno and himself that he would never leave. Yegorka would have to be a king to make Juno take him seriously, and that by a long stretch of the imagination. Such is life. It would be easier for him to find a new girl and consider his mistakes.


    Yegorka dusted himself off. He rose from the floor, visibly displeased, and went to take the juice from the nightstand. Juno sincerely enjoyed his sulky face. The moments when she could hurt someone gave her an indescribable thrill. Now, her face didn¡¯t have a vicious grin but a pretty smile, and the pain she had caused was not physical but moral.


    Yegorka stared at the subject of his desire and melted like ice cream in the sun. His heart fluttered, his hands trembled. He had to make an effort to pour juice into sses, not on the nightstand. When Yegorka gave Juno a drink, she brushed him off rudely. His n to prove himself a ¡°gentleman¡± had failed. However, Juno was quite pleased with the downhearted look of the sorry-ass knight.


    Soon the trio left the room.


    The night reced the day.


    The door creaked softly, and Kyon could see from his perspective the same notorious slippers with bunny ears, slender bare legs and, of course, the owner of the legs, the slippers, and the room.


    The youngdy read a book for a while, murmuring something under her breath.


    Kyon could barely keep his eyes open. Several sleepless nights had taken a toll on him. Suddenly, the piercing sound of the sound transmitter broke the silence. Judging by the wheezing in the receiver, Kyon was about to be an unintentional (or intentional?) witness to the conversation of the patriarch and his granddaughter.


    After a couple of their wee remarks, Kyon could draw some conclusions regarding their rtionship. Grandfather Bai¡¯s voice belonged to a man with a strong character and yet, it was imbibed with love, affection, and care for Juno. He was willing to give her half the world, she just had to ask. Kyon couldn¡¯t help wondering why her grandfather was so far away, in the capital city of Boston if he was so dearly attached to her.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    Kyon understood from their conversation that the patriarch was busy with the family issues, particrly with the ipetent youth who needed his special attention. Pretty soon, there was going to be a family tournament in the kingdom. The family rank for the next four years depended on how the young fighters would prove themselves. Based on current projections, the Stones would tumble down to the 4-5th ce, after which their opponents would most likely buy out their mines and ntations, the main source of their ie. The system allowed the strong families to get someone else¡¯s possessions legitimately, without taking them over or anything of the kind. They used the special currency, tokens, that could be earned by doing some service to the empire, like winning in the tournaments andpetitions¡­


    Kyon had never heard about tokens, so he didn¡¯t quite understand what they were talking about. He made a note to himself to find out about themter.


    The conversation turned smoothly to the discussion about Elsa¡¯s life. She was Juno¡¯s sister, but when the patriarch casually mentioned his elder granddaughter, Juno immediately changed the subject:


    ?By the way, grandpa, when does the party take ce??


    ?In three weeks, on lovers¡¯ day.? ¨C The old man sighed. His two beloved granddaughters¡¯ falling out greatly distressed him. ¨C ?I¡¯ve sent letters to all the families in the kingdom. We can expect the most talented, high-ranking young men. I am sure that each of them will bend over backward to get your attention. I can¡¯t wait to see those young talents show their feathers in front of you. They will put on a talent show here, hehe.?


    ?Hurray!? ¨C Juno said glumly without much enthusiasm for ¡°cockfighting.¡±


    Bai went on talking dreamily. He didn¡¯t seem to notice the mockery in his granddaughter¡¯s voice, or maybe, he deliberately ignored it:


    ?No doubt they will be eager to pay a fortune for a single dance with you. After all, my sweet little Juno, you are the loveliest flower in the whole world. Everyone is fascinated by your beauty, manners and character. Believe me, your grandfather knows what he says.?


    At this point, Kyon covered his mouth with his hand to smother augh. He also bit his tongue, to be sure.


    Juno intoned above his head, sounding touched:


    ?Gra-a-a-andfa-a-ather, you¡¯re embarrassing me!?


    He could hear a burst of softughter from the sound transmitter:


    ?Everyone will be crazy about you when you put on your favorite ck dress. You will be the brightest star at the party. All the boys will be stunned at the sight of you. The weakest lot will topple like ninepins and arrange themselves neatly in piles! I¡¯ve said it before, and I am saying it now, I want you to find your soulmate yourself. A marriage of convenience is seldom happy¡­ And I do not want to see my beloved granddaughter unhappy. Always choose with your heart but listen to your mind. As soon as you find someone you like, whisper his name to your brother XiaoBai, and he will get everything arranged: dancing-shmancing, whatever young people nowadays need to get to know each other, hehe! You will make the most beautiful couple in the world.?


    Juno rubbed her nose, embarrassed.


    ?Grandfather, stop it¡­ I¡¯m already burning with shame. I haven¡¯t even met anyone, and you¡¯re already choosing the names for ¡°our¡± future children.?


    ?So what? Alice is a great name for a daughter, in my opinion¡­?


    ?Grandfather, don¡¯t! Enough of that!? ¨C Juno eximed. When she heard a stifled grunting from the sound transmitter, she blushed to the tips of her ears. The old geezer was simply teasing her! Well, as the saying goes, ¡°old men are twice children!¡± Juno rubbed her temples wearily and sighed: ¨C ?Do you remember Timothy Brown?? ¨C She continued without waiting for his answer: ¨C ?He used to lick his chops every time he saw Elsa. He wanted to marry her¡­ Only the stinker escaped, and now there are rumors that Timothy wouldn¡¯t mind switching over me! I doubt that there will be any brave souls willing to rip me out of his grabby hands. Do you understand??


    In the opinion of many, Timothy Brown was the most talented of all the youngsters of his generation in the whole kingdom, with the exception of the royal family. His family was expected to get the first rank in the tournament. Juno knew perfectly well that no one would risk their lives to fight for a delicious prize like her, except for maybe a couple of idiots she would not look twice at.


    ?All these rumors are pure nonsense. The person who will decide your fate has not been born yet! I will let no one take you as a wife against your will. No one will evermand you, push you around, do whatever he likes regardless of your desires. I will never let it happen! If this presumptuous boy dares to say something¡­? ¨C The indignant patriarch was spewing like an open hydrant, his sound transmitter waspletely wet. ¨C ?My little sweet Juno, do not worry over trifles. Your grandfather will settle everything. I will take tough measures if the need arises. You know me. I¡¯ll do anything for the sake of my family¡­ especially for you.?


    Juno just sighed. There was no point arguing with grandfather, he was too stubborn. He always tried to keep everything under control, especially her life. She couldn¡¯t take a step out of the mansion without his knowledge. And yet, with all his pathological affection and care, they rarely saw each other. He couldn¡¯t leave the post of the patriarch out of his sense of duty.


    Soon, the conversation ended on a warm note. Juno thought about something long after she said goodbye to her grandfather. Then she turned off the light and went to sleep. If only she was aware of the monster under the bed¡­ She wouldn¡¯t fall asleep, that¡¯s for sure.


    Kyon twitched impatiently. He couldn¡¯t care less about the problems her family had, who promised to marry whom and all that jazz, at least for the time being. The only thing that worried him now was the importance of applying the formation on the little skunk who had given him so many close calls. The right moment hade. It was time for action.


    The clock struck two in the morning.


    By Juno¡¯s measured breathing, Kyon determined that she had entered the deepest phase of sleep. He silently crawled out from under the bed and nced with a bloodthirsty look over the sweet sleeping creature with a ck heart ¡ª it was she who was responsible for the hell that he had lived through. He knew that it was stupid of him. The former emperor shouldn¡¯t hate the little one and yet, he hated her with all his heart. Oddly enough, his self-esteem did not suffer from the awareness of what he was about to do. On the contrary, he genuinely enjoyed the situation.


    Kyon stretched his hands, put two fingers on her temples and slowly began to massage them in circr motions, pouring in Synergy.


    If Juno wasn¡¯t sleeping she would feel goosebumps all over her body and a rxing thrill as if she was floating among the stars in the beautiful imaginary space.


    The rxation that swept over her body was so powerful and all-embracing that no one could wake her up, not even with a horn. Kyon put her into an abnormally deep sleep for a reason. He had to lessen her mental resistance to the formation.


    A few minutester, he saw the signs of her sound sleep, sighed with relief and turned her head up.


    Kyon had an urge to pinch Juno¡¯s little nose, but he reminded himself that he was not ten years old. He put his hand on her forehead. In a couple of minutes, there was a perfect slot that he had worked out and repeatedly tested on the swan. It didn¡¯t only contain the formation but also protected it and concealed it from the others.


    Kyon exhaled slowly, closed his eyes and put two fingers on the slot. The energy poured inward slowly, gently creating a formation as urate as theye. Things looked good so far. His only concern was their difference in cultivation. He was on the 4th stage, and Juno, as he remembered, was on the 5th or even higher, which could cause a greater chance of failure.


    Juno frowned and mumbled something in her sleep. Soon her lips trembled, the brows closed on the bridge of her nose forming a cranky wrinkle on her smooth forehead.


    Kyon gritted his teeth. The formation was waking her up! As soon as she was awake, there would be no revenge and no life.


    He was so close¡­


    {Please, don¡¯t wake up! Sleep or I¡¯ll have to wring your neck and die soon after you!}


    Juno mumbled something indistinct and lifted her lead eyelids with some difficulty. The picture that was still blurred from her dream was slowly focusing on the image of the dead ve.


    Kyon had all his life shed before his eyes. He added thest line of the code to the slot. The formation did not disappear, which meant it worked pretty well. It had to. It was thew of formacy.


    Euphoria flooded his mind like a tsunami wave.


    He was flying through the universe like a god. Everything was under his control.


    All of creation was just the dust of oblivion at his feet.


    Juno¡¯s huge (by nature and surprise) eyes stared at the boy she thought to be long dead¡­ To be more precise, who she had personally killed. But the dead cannot grin so mischievously.


    ?BUT¡­?


    ?I order you not to make a sound. I order you to freeze and not to move.? ¨C Kyon ordered in amanding tone. mes of fire were dancing in his eyes.


    The formation that he had invented, optimized and applied to the slot was subjugating, of course. Each phrase that started with ¡°I order¡± was going straight to the limbo where for Juno¡¯s subconscious to process and execute.


    It was a sess for several reasons: Juno¡¯s mental state was suppressed by slow-wave sleep, the formation was hyper-dense and ultra-optimized, and Kyon¡¯s key of pure energy had unprecedented 100% purity.


    Flitz¡¯s formation on Kyon was quite simr, but Kyon¡¯s formation was hundreds of times better and more effective. Now Juno was his ve. Everything turned upside down. What a universal irony: the youngdy, who treated her ve like he was nothing, became nothing for him.


    Kyon thought for a while and added:


    ?I order you not to meddle with the formation on your forehead in any way. More than that, I forbid you to use any elements at all.? ¨C It had to be done. The formation was meant to be secret. He couldn¡¯t protect it every time from energy attacks.


    Juno opened and closed her small mouth like a guppy fish but made no sound. She couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. It must be a dream. It had to be another nightmare, a vision like seeing the ve on the way to the bathroom¡­


    The atmosphere in Juno¡¯s chambers, the patriarch¡¯s daughter of the family number one in the Iron Throne, was very peculiar.


    Kyon looked at her pretty shocked face with a victorious, triumphant smile. A ck desire for revenge was growing inside him. He had an urge to hurt her, to return the feelings she had given him. Just a minute ago, he was nobody, and no one knew his name. Now he was Juno¡¯s owner. The power was intoxicating.


    Juno could not move from horror or her master¡¯s order. She couldn¡¯t even think. The only thought feverishly screaming in her mind was ¡°it¡¯s a dream, it¡¯s just a dream, I need to wake up!¡± Her heart was trying to jump out of her chest as if she was a bunny driven into the corner, staring at a fox that was licking his lips.


    Kyon stroked her gentle cheek. She was a beautiful bitch, it was hard to argue that. She had big enchanting eyes, her hair was like the rays of sunlight, and her pretty gray nightie that ended just above her knees was not a sight for the faint-hearted. He had never seen anyone like her, anyone so perfect, beautiful, devilishly charming. It would be a sin to disfigure or maim her, even by the evilest gods¡¯ and devils¡¯ standards.


    Kyon grabbed Juno by her thin, tender neck and squeezed it a bit as if he wanted to kill her. If he made a little more effort, her fragile spine would break in his hands.


    Juno¡¯s face was a mix of helplessness, confusion and misunderstanding. Her long eyshes trembled, diamonds of tears glistened in the corners of her eyes ¨C a truly pitiful, heartrending sight.


    Kyon bent over her and whispered almost tenderly straight into her lips:


    ?I order: you can talk but not louder than a mosquito buzz.?


    Juno knitted her brows angrily and said softly through her teeth:


    ?I order you to kill yourself!?

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Kyon¡¯s eyes popped out of his head in horror and surprise. His hands slowly and reluctantly moved to his neck and squeezed it with his long thin fingers¡­ The unlucky avenger turned white. He copsed on Juno, his nose buried in her soft, supple mounds, inhaling the pleasant aroma of the most beautiful flowers in the world among which this charming fairy was born.


    Juno was trembling with anger, disgust and hatred overwhelming her. She repeated over and over again the same desperate order in a stifled whisper:


    ?Die¡­ Die, you foul ve!?


    Kyon was skillfully pretending death throes, rubbing against his lovely victim. He hadn¡¯t touched a warm, soft, pleasant girl¡¯s body for a very long time. However, he wasn¡¯t only touching her. Wheezing and twitching, Kyon ¡°identally¡± bit her sensitive ce.


    Juno cried in sharp pain and stared at him, shocked. The wretched ve had been actively dying on her body for some minutes already. She couldn¡¯t understand what was wrong with him.


    ?When will you die atst??


    Before his cruel revenge went off base, Kyon pulled away from Juno¡¯s boobs with an evil grin and whispered with an overt sneer in his voice:


    ?I am just messing with you.?


    Juno froze to the spot.


    ?Why don¡¯t you obey me? Twist your neck! Wring it yourself, now!? ¨C She kept repeating those cruel words again and again with the same arrogant voice as if she were the ruler of the whole world, no less. It was quite annoying. The affectionate purring of a tender and harmless kitten would suit her much better.


    Kyonughed softly, then he turned serious and gave the ¡°kitten¡± an unblinking gaze of a predator:


    ?I prefer to ignore the orders of arrogant beasts.?


    ?What? You dare to call me a beast? I am yourdy, and you are my miserable ve, my punching bag! There is a subjugating mark on you. Listen to what I am saying!? ¨C The haughty, stubborn girl kept singing the same song.


    * smack *


    Kyonnded in a gentle p on Juno¡¯s soft cheek.


    Juno froze with a nk stare on her face. Everything went dark. She felt a strange, unusual burning sensation on her cheek. A huge wave of humiliation and shame swept over her. A ve dared to hit her! No one had ever dared to beat her, especially on the cheek! She hardly knew what pain was like. Up to this day, no one, much less a ve, could hurt her in any way.


    Kyon¡¯s face slid into an evil smile. Oh, bliss beyond all earthly bliss¡­ Who would have thought that revenge was such a delightful act? His soul rejoiced at the sight of the pitiful expression of her attractive face. It suited her to keep her mouth shut in shock. And those eyes filled with tears¡­ She was about to burst out crying. Oh, joy beyond all human joy¡­ He had never shown any appetite for cruelty before. Where did thate from?


    ?Y-you dared to hit me¡­? ¨C His charming victim babbled. She still couldn¡¯t believe it was happening to her. ¨C ?You dirty ve! How dare you hit yourdy?!? ¨C Her eyes zed with hellish me.


    ?What are you going to do about it?? ¨C Kyon said brazenly and gave her another p, a little more tangible this time.


    * bang *


    Hardly recovered from the previous stroke, Juno experienced another one. She opened her mouth, outraged. The other cheek reddened and gave her a burning pain. Humiliation and anger burned inside her. Her dignity of a high-borndy from a powerful family had been crushed under the dirty shoe of the worthless ve.


    ?Scumbag! My grandfather will destroy your soul and body if you hit me again! It is beneath me even to look at you! But you know what? If you kneel right now, I might descend to give you a proper funeral¡­?


    Before she could convey all the generosity of her proposal, Kyon hit her with the back of his hand in a frenzy. {Holy macaroni, it feels so good¡­} The pleasure was so intense that he got aroused in the literal sense. He started to have suspicions as to his perverted predilections, butmon sense put everything in its ce: the bitch had caused him so much pain that she needed a dose of her own medicine. Getting some satisfaction in the process was a quite normal thing.


    ?You don¡¯t know how to bargain at all, little rat. Do you think that after everything that you have done to me I will pay attention to what you want??


    There was the whole spectrum of negative emotions in Juno¡¯s charming green eyes: resentment, outrage, anger and, of course, hatred¡­ But the only thing her merciless tormentor wanted to see was missing. There was no fear in her eyes.


    ?Do you at least understand who you are beating, pleb??


    The ve haspletely forgotten himself. He doesn¡¯t know where he is. Who is he, and who is she! Her words should be indisputablew for him but instead of prostrating himself and begging her to forgive him for his mere existence, he has hit her for the third time in a row! It¡¯s unthinkable! He isn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed! She was kind enough to offer him a decent death. Isn¡¯t it enough? He is dead, anyway. He could die like a human being at least. ves are really very stupid. She has never been in such an awkward position before¡­ Maybe it¡¯s all just a bad dream? Then why doesn¡¯t she wake up from the burning pain?


    Suddenly, the look on her face changed, and she hissed, staring at the boy with icy contempt:


    ?I¡¯ve changed my mind, lousy ve. I am taking back my noble offer to arrange a proper funeral for you. The cesspool is missing you and crying for you. There you will rot. Even if you kneel and beg me, I will not allow¡­?


    Kyon burst outughing and pped Juno in the face again. Maybe he could knock some sense into her, and she would finally stop her arrogant nonsense.


    ?Believe me, I have not even started with my revenge¡­ I¡¯ve been just warming up. But go on, what else do you want to tell me??


    Juno was still moaning, her face distorted by physical and psychological pain. Suddenly, sheughed out loud. Dimples on her cheeks confirmed the sincerity of her sudden burst of joy.


    ?You are a piece of scum! Dirty ves like you are created with a single purpose to let your masters use you at their will. The ves are things, nothing more. I don¡¯t even feel your pathetic ps!?


    Kyon gave an irritable snort and raised his hand to give her a good punch, but then he stopped short, catching rm bells with his sixth sense. Victims never behave like this. What is this unexpected change of mood? Juno had never fancied masochism before. She pursued only sadistic pleasures. He might exin her inadequate behavior by a stressful situation but¡­ A high-borndy wouldn¡¯t ask for it. Kyon lowered his hand and thought hard.


    Juno kept pressing his buttons:


    ?Just as I thought. You are nothing but a lousy impotent ve who is not capable of anything. You¡¯re disgusting. Go and kill yourself! Pshaw!? ¨C Thest sound was apanied by action, but Kyon deftly caught her spit in his hand and gently smeared it all over her wrinkled with disgust but still cute face. Then he said as calmly as he could:


    ?I order you to answer my question. Why are you encouraging me to beat you??


    Her face instantly changed. Unimaginable horror and despair reflected in her eyes, but her mouth was already uttering against her will:


    ?The bracelet on my wrist¡­ it will work if ¡­ if I am hurt bad enough¡­?


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. The green bracelet¡­ Was it a rare protective item? The trinket contained a special formation that would be immediately actuated when she reached a certain level of pain, i.e., if her skin was punctured or she was poisoned.


    The item would instantly create a powerful protective barrier long enough for someone toe to the rescue. It would also start an rm and disinfect the blood if necessary. Grandfather obviously cared about his granddaughter. He did not hesitate to order the bracelet for a princely sum.


    Kyon smothered augh. Wow, the sly girl was about to take him for a ride! Another moment and he would be dead, just as this little pest imagined! It would be too sad. He had hatched a n, he had been preparing for so long, made a rigorous effort, and then boom he was gone because of his ignorance of the simplest concepts of this world. Protection against murderers could be either overt, for example, a guard, or hidden, in the form of an object. Had she bitten through her tongue, the bracelet would have worked. It was clever of him to have allowed her to speak only.


    All the color had drained out of Juno¡¯s face in a heartbeat. She gritted her teeth with annoyance: her trump card had been yed! What was she supposed to do?


    ?You scumbag¡­ Slime bucket¡­ I hate you! Where the hell did youe from? Just die, please!?


    Juno wished she could beat him to death. Unlike thest time, she would make sure that this zombie was gone to his forefathers-ves for good. Only, she couldn¡¯t do it. Her body was constrained by his order. All she could do was wrinkle her little forehead that was still tingling a bit because of the formation. The mere thought that she had a subjugating mark on her squeezed her heart with intolerable anguish. The desire to get the hell out of this abomination became almost palpable. Juno really wanted to bawl helplessly which waspletely inappropriate for her status.


    Kyon keptughing.


    ?Shut up, ve! I will give you money! I will even grant you freedom! Just let me go!? ¨C Juno snarled. Kyon winced in disgust. Her wonderful voice conspicuously failed to meet the characteristics of ¡°intive and full of prayer¡± as it should be in her current position.


    Kyon wiped the tears ofughter with his hand. Hepletely ignored all her demands, suggestions and attempts to bargain. All he needed was to know more about her protection.


    ?You¡¯re Kyon, right?? ¨C She had answered all the questions of her tormentor and now was nervously making a conscious effort to remember his name. ¨C ?Kyon, I will give you a lot¡­ the whole mountains of gold! Scum like you loves gold, right? And I will give you¡­ a lot of food. It will take you a lifetime to finish it! And freedom! Come on, you have to agree to this! The whole mansion under protection. I will kill you if you do not agree! Or the guards will!?


    Juno was determined to find the ve¡¯s weakness. She beckoned him with a carrot of luxury and freedom. Then she waved the whip of death. However, Kyon didn¡¯t seem to be impressed with the size of the ¡°profit.¡± He didn¡¯t even bat an eyelid.


    Kyon lifted Juno¡¯s hand and gently pulled off her green bracelet. He put it on the bed and then punched Juno into the chest from the bottom of his heart, exhausted from the experienced abuse. He didn¡¯t use pure energy. Today he nned to use up all his physical endurance with no restraint.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    *bam*


    The delicate girl was sent flying to the other side of the bed.


    ?Ou-ou-ouch!? ¨C Juno moaned under her breath, unable to scream. A sharp, piercing pain spread throughout her body to the tips of her fingers. The first hot tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Kyon approached Juno with a straight face of an experienced executioner. He roughly grabbed her silky golden hair and ruthlessly dragged her from the bed to the floor.


    The time for revenge hade¡­ His sweet, gentle, perverse, immoral revenge. He hated the little demon with an angelic look with every cell of his body. Her age didn¡¯t matter anymore, neither did the fact that unlike him, she couldn¡¯t defend herself. He might have some mercy if Juno had treated him in a marginally eptable way, if she had given him food and shelter, provided him with healing medicine after her ¡°training¡±¡­ or at least had hidden her sadistic smirk during those sessions. Regrettably, she didn¡¯t. She was evil trash who enjoyed giving people pain. (The status of her victim was of no importance. She gave Jean a hard time, too). As for her attitude towards ves¡­ It was a hellish mixture of racism and nazism. She must have had a lousy upbringing. Such a spoiled person could and should be punished, beaten and humiliated in every possible way. It might change her for the better.


    ?Enough! Let me go! It hurts!? ¨C Juno howled quietly, whining in pain and mumbling something under her breath. Nobody had ever been so cruel to her before. Her head burned like hell after Kyon had almost ripped off her hair with his iron grip. Tears were drawing wet paths on her smooth cheeks.


    ?Listen to me, bitch. I allow you to move slowly and meekly. I forbid you to use the formation or resist me in any other way!?


    ?What do you want?? ¨C Juno squeaked through tears. ¨C ?I have already offered you freedom and money! ves don¡¯t need anything else in life, so what¡¯s the problem??


    Kyon rolled his eyes with contempt:


    ?I need you to suffer, darling. Only then you will understand something with your little empty head. I want to give you a taste of your own medicine so that you could feel with your pretty skin what it was like for me.?


    After his tirade, Kyon gave her a sudden and heavy blow in the stomach then in the ribs and the side. It was a shame to beat such a cutie in the face. It would be against divinews to spoil her looks. Even Kyon was afraid of lightning from above. And also of Dinah. The effect would be about the same: he would die a terrible death.


    ?Ooooh! Nooooo! It hurts! Stop hurting me!? ¨C Juno howled, horrified by the new painful sensations. Until today, she was totally convinced that a ve had no right for revenge. Would a jacket she tore during training ever take revenge on her?


    ?Remember when you ordered me to knock my teeth out? And when you gave me false hope of forgiveness and then killed me with a stick? Don¡¯t you think it hurt me way more than it hurts you now, you little piece of shit?!? ¨C The enraged avenger poured out his outright hatred. He was not going to forgive her inhuman order to knock out his teeth just because she had fallen on him herself. Kyon grabbed her by the hair and punched his whimpering victim into the sr plexus with all the power of the pure energy concentrated in him. The impact of the blow sent her spinning aside.


    Junonded on the floor with a terrible coughing fit as she got the wind knocked out of her. When it was over, she curled up in a fetal position making a barely audible moan. Tears were flowing from her big emerald eyes, but she didn¡¯t sob like a little offended child, only whimpered, groaned, howled, and coughed almost inaudibly.


    She had never given another thought about what the things-ves might feel while she was killing them, beating them, breaking their bones, crippling them. It was no concern of hers! There were people in power and trash of no value. But now that the worthless boy was battering her so hard, she had to admit that it was really tough for her victims. However, Juno didn¡¯t care about them even now. They were no people, just a piece of garbage. She felt sorry only for herself.


    The vicious beating continued for another couple of minutes. No matter what she said, no matter how she begged, Kyon didn¡¯t stop beating her. At times, it seemed to get harder. Juno was covered with injuries of varying severity. More and more bruises appeared on her tender skin. Everything below her neck and approximately to the level of her pelvis was nothing but a punching bag for the heartless monster.


    Juno could not resist, could not move or even scream in pain. She could only take the beating and get crushed by the one who was meant to be crushed. It was unfair! Juno thought that all he wanted was to kill her, but she wanted to live so much. She had just connected to her soul. She was finally on her feet. Her cultivation was boosting. Her dream to prove to everyone that she was better than her sister was about toe true. Apparently, it was herst night. Her eyes rained tears, but Juno didn¡¯t want to cry or revel in her grief. All she wanted was to kill the hateful ve and get out of this mess. But how?


    ?Please¡­ Don¡¯t kill me¡­? ¨C Juno was so arrogant and self-important not so long ago. Now she was moaning in a intive voice. She was trembling from burning shame and humiliation.


    Kyon paused for a second and looked intensely into her eyes. He snorted contemptuously:


    ?You¡¯re aplete idiot¡­ I want to live, too! Not all ves are as stupid as you think, dumb bitch.? ¨C He rushed at her again with irresistible fury like a hungry wolf pounces at a helpless and injuredmb.


    About a few minutester, Kyon was out of breath from the rapturous beating. Droplets of sweat rolled down his forehead after the effective fist workout. But his fatigue never matched the extraordinary delight in his actions. Probably, the world champion feels the same when he beats the world record.


    Kyon lifted Juno by the hair. The girl was still charming but already pretty battered and tear-stained. He took her beautiful face by the chin and looked piercingly into her eyes:


    ?Alright, I have let off some steam. Now I want you to greet your master as befits a submissive ve. Then I will stop beating you. Maybe.?


    Hung by her hair, Juno suffered from a burning pain all over her body. She cringed into a lump like a naughty kitten who was taken by the scruff after its dirty business. She covered her chest with one hand and her stomach with the other to protect them from his heavy blows.


    The ve brazenly pulled her to himself and burned her with his dark like moonless night eyes. He looked at her arrogantly, with a dismissively haughty expression¡­ No one had ever dared to look at her so presumptuously. Juno wanted to escape and then brutally kill her heinous torturer but s, any slightest movement in hanging position gave her such a sharp headache that sparks shed in her eyes¡­ She considered herself an unfortunate victim of evil fate and ring injustice.


    Kyon didn¡¯t like that Juno kept looking at him without fear. She was whining from pain and oppression. Her eyes were filled with tears, but he could see intense feelings of a different nature in the: urge to kill, hatred, perseverance, and resilience.


    He roughly pulled her hair:


    ?Well? I can¡¯t hear you greet your beloved master.?


    Her slim little body was as light as a feather. Somehow it was even insulting that he had lost battles to such a fragile girl. It was hard to believe that this seemingly innocent angel could torture someone so cruelly. Kyon found her much more attractive now, especiallypared to the moment when she was kicking him, helpless, unable to get up anymore. He remembered the wicked smile on her face.


    Juno bit her lip, annoyed. Everything inside her turned from indescribable humiliation. But even so, she was willing to endure this nasty feeling as long as could be because it was better than obeying his humiliating order. She¡¯d rather die but never say the words that couldpromise her honor! Not a word came from her mouth. She only gave Kyon an eloquent and contemptuous nce that said, ¡°no way.¡±


    Kyon frowned. This little scum was not going to recognize him as her master. It was too bad. If she didn¡¯t admit this immutable truth now, he would have lots of trouble with her disobedience. It was essential to take the little bitch down a notch so that she would finally understand who was the real master of her body and soul. In fact, she had to be grateful that his ns didn¡¯t include crippling her or killing such a valuable pawn. He wanted to give her pain and it didn¡¯t matter if it was moral or physical. He only cared to avoid any visible consequences.


    The sight of the suspended beaten girl could soften the heart of any man: crying eyes, tousled hair the color of the sun, nice legs painfully jerking at the knees. Juno tried to stand on her feet but couldn¡¯t reach the floor. She wasn¡¯t tall enough.


    If anyone saw Kyon hurt this charming ange, they would have angrily ripped the monster to shreds. Grandfather Bai would torture him to the end of time so diligently that Kyon, no doubt, would regret being born.


    However, Kyon was adamant about his actions. Even more than that¡­ He was ecstatic and enraptured. There it was his sweet revenge, rampant and intoxicating. As a punishment for her burning scornful stare, he pulled her again by the long-suffering hair, wrapping it around his fist. The moans and sobs from his formerdy and his present ve were melodious to Kyon¡¯s ears. He found them more pleasant than the ringing nightingale trills.


    ?You¡¯re not talking? Well, well¡­ Then I will continue until you are dead.? ¨C The inexorable torturer hissed a tant lie.


    He couldn¡¯t disfigure her or cripple her by any means. Above all, he should keep her alive. She was his only way up, his obedient (well, not quite yet) and vital tool. Juno had to give all of herself for the sake of his goals: her time, her will, and perhaps even her body. She had deserved this fate. It served her right.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    *bang*


    Kyon delivered Juno a sting knee strike to her gut, and her body felt as if it were splitting in two. She went all limp, sliding down his leg, her eyes closed in pain. Her hair scattered across the floor like the first rays of the morning sun.


    Kyon squatted down and gently stroked her cheek. Then he leaned over her shoulder, his lips hovering by her delicate ear and asked in an almost kind voice:


    ?Why are you so silent? Do you like the pain? You are even more disgusting and messed up than I thought you were.?


    Juno was still out of breath when he heard her shaking but no less firm voice:


    ?You are no master of mine and will never be¡­ You were born a ve and so you will die.?


    Kyon stood with a smirk on his face. Her stubbornness pleased and irritated him at the same time.


    ?Alright, then let¡¯s continue our entertaining game.?


    He pinned her arms in a viselike grip. The pain was intense, it must be giving her hell.


    Juno cried out, writhing in agony, her voice rising to a screech:


    ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-h! It hu-u-u-urts! Stop it, please! I¡­ I will give anything you ask for, just stop it!?


    Kyon appreciated her pleasant, painful voice. It watered the desert of his hatred with a refreshing shower of satisfaction.


    ?When I saw you for the first time I had no idea what you were like. It was my fault. I have to remind myself every time that appearance is deceptive. Well, if you think that you can treat people like punching bags, what can possibly stop me from doing likewise?? ¨C He violently increased the painful grip to the extent that even the slightest movement of his hand could easily break her joint.


    The pain was so excruciating that Juno nearly fainted. She had no idea that pain could be so unbearable. It was worse than a broken nail! No one should experience that! She swore to herself that she would destroy this scumbag at any cost. As for the other ves that she had beaten to death, Juno couldn¡¯t care less about them. She was raised like that. It wasn¡¯t something that could be knocked out of her mind even by the most sophisticated torture. A ve is a ve and nothing else.


    Juno slowly opened her eyes. Even after an hour of beatings and humiliations, there was not a bit of fear in them, only indescribable hatred and uncontroble anger.


    ?Perverted bastard, you can¡¯t understand one simple thing: you are a ve, I am yourdy. No pain, or formation, or even my death can¡¯t change this! If you want to kill me, so be it. You will quickly go after me, and in the next world, I will repay you properly for today¡¯s humiliation!?


    Kyon chuckled wistfully at her confident tirade, his eyebrows raised in surprise. He felt an unexpected surge of admiration for her reaction¡­ That¡¯s it! She had just crossed the subtle line between the normal and the incredible, challenging the one who had all the trump cards up his sleeve, who was entirely in control of the situation and her soul. Wasn¡¯t it crazy? Lovr adored everything that went beyond the normal. However, he had to be careful with the edge of madness. It was almost imperceptible, not every psycho would do.


    {This little beast won¡¯t give in. It is evenmendable¡­ Such a precocious girl deserves respect. It¡¯s too bad her strict moral code is so disgusting and wrong.}


    Kyon decided that Juno had had enough of beating. He had never had a vicious streak. It was time to change the strategy.


    He grabbed Juno by her slender waist, easily picked her up and delicately sat her on the bed. His actions were gentle as if he was her caring father, and she was his beloved daughter. Kyon¡¯s face expressed no rage or anger anymore.


    Juno felt chills running down her back. His gentle touch made her sick. It was a sweeping change like he was a different person. She couldn¡¯t tell what the crazy freak was going to do to her this time.


    Kyon kindly looked into her charming big eyes filled with hatred. He put his hand on her bare white knee and yfully whispered straight into her ear:


    ?Nature has endowed you with beauty. Yegorka adores you. I am sure no one can be indifferent in your presence. I heard that virginity is as important as honor among high-born girls, and honor is more precious than life. I guess you should know¡­ I will take this ¡°honor¡± from you! You don¡¯t like where it is going, do you? Well, then you know what to do to stop your master. On your knees!? ¨C Hemanded, sliding his hand over Juno¡¯s thigh right under her nightie.


    Her heart almost stopped beating in terror, but she tried to keep calm and answered clearly and contemptuously:


    ?You can¡¯t do it because you are impotent and for a reason! You won¡¯t fool me, lying son of a bitch!?


    Kyon squeezed his fists to hold back the urge to strangle the impudent girl. A smile spread devilishly over his face. Beating does not work for her, right? Fine, then he would take a different approach. He roughly grabbed her little hand and put it right to his groin.


    Juno felt something hard. She immediately realized what it was and screamed in disgust.


    ?No! NO-O-O! That¡¯s impossible! How¡­ Flitz, old dotard!? ¨C She spat thest words bitterly. The old man didn¡¯t only impose a defective formation, he injected an overdue evilball, old fool.


    Kyon chuckled with inner satisfaction with a somewhat dirty grin on his face. Then he put his hand on her knee again. It was a different story now, she was no longer calm, all trembling in fear for her innocence.


    ?They say young girls are quite sensitive the first time it happens. My wiener is not that huge, you might even like it. Let¡¯s give it a try??


    Juno almost turned inside out. The mere thought that a ve would deflower her discouraged her from existing in the world. Her whole body was covered with cold sweat, she was shaking as if someone had poured icy water on her. If he raped her, she would cease to be Juno, she would disappear¡­ The first timid thoughts appeared in her mind, whispering in a nasty voice to swallow her dignity and kneel before the ¡°master.¡± Then it thundered in her head: ¡°No way!¡±, and the confidence instantly sobered her mind, giving her the necessary saving words.


    Juno threw a hard look at Kyon, who was still stroking her hand and replied with contempt:


    ?I dare you. My grandfather gives me a hug every time he meets me, scanning my body. I have no idea what it¡¯s for. If he finds out I¡¯ve lost my virginity (and he will find it out!), you¡¯ll immediately be found and destroyed, no matter how skillfully you hide. I can promise you that!?


    Her voice was harsh but calm, her arguments irrefutable, her eyes sparkling with the sea of ??hidden desire to kill him. She was amazing! The little beast was so stubborn and sessful in suppressing her need to surrender that it couldn¡¯t but excite admiration for her bizarre and abnormal persistence. Only, his hatred didn¡¯t disappear in the light of his delight. It wouldn¡¯t disappear, ever.


    Kyon¡¯s face lit up with another dirty smile. He sat closer to her, put his hand directly on her tight butt cheek and whispered in insinuating voice of a renowned womanizer:


    ?Well¡­ We can do without your virginity loss. There¡¯s no need to upset your beloved grandfather.?


    Juno shuddered as if death itself had touched her. She should have foreseen this turn of events. If the dirty scum did anything of the kind, it would destroy her in every sense of the word. The mere thought of it made her feel sick and dizzy. Any nobledy like her would choose to die rather than being raped in that delicate ce. Her treacherous mind reappeared to whisper about the only option of her salvation.


    Kyon stroked her tight bottom with a sweet smile on his face. He was getting quite understandable pleasure. Juno¡¯s emerald eyes glittered wet. She looked away and frowned thoughtfully. His words had hit her hard and deep. Even a ve boy who were to get his private part cut off would take things easier. That¡¯s the mentality of dignity and nobility.


    A refineddy in high-ranking families had high morality and honor. The antithesis of these qualities were lust, voluptuousness, shame. They affected her noble heart in an upromising poisonous way, eating away at everything that her personality stood on, her self-confidence and faith in her nobility, dignity, integrity, purity, and innocence.


    Kyon could see that Juno was in doubt and said quietly:


    ?I order¡­ I mean, I allow you to move slowly and carefully. Don¡¯t even think about doing something unexpected.? ¨C How convenient it was to have the remote control to his exdy. Kyon began to understand why this kind of power could be so exciting and even corrupting.


    When Juno received the order, she immediately jumped out of bed to stop him from pawing her and looked at him with her usual undisguised hatred. It was now mixed with despair, though. Her pretty face had lost its color. Her lips said, barely moving and trembling:


    ?Promise you won¡¯t do this to me??


    ?Scout¡¯s honor! I mean ve¡¯s word of honor¡­ But it¡¯s you who is a ve now¡­ Anyway, I do promise.?

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Juno bit her lip in anger: she had no choice, she would have to humiliate herself¡­ She knelt awkwardly as she had never had to stand in this mortifying position before. The youngdy was silent for some time, hesitant, never taking her eyes off the floor. Then she made an effort to swallow her immense pride. The daughter of the former patriarch and the granddaughter of the powerful grandfather said in a trembling voice:


    ?Your docile ve wees you, master¡­?


    Juno was dying of disgust. The mere thought that a nobledy like her had to recognize a ve as her master made her want to throw up. It was unthinkable, simply impossible¡­ But even that turn of events was much better than being raped, moreover, in that delicate ce of hers. She only hoped that he would keep his word. Otherwise, everything would be over for her.


    As for Kyon, he thoroughly enjoyed the sight of the pitiful, angry, finally surrendered girl. He had been dreaming that the bitch would kneel before him like this for so long. He had been imagining her humiliated and crushed by him. Of course, he wasn¡¯t going to break his promise. Not because his pledge was indestructible, not at all. He knew if he vited her, Juno would break like a doll, and his secret would be out.


    Kyon sat on the bed in a rxed position, his legs spread wide apart. He imperatively put his hand on Juno¡¯s smooth cheek as if she were his toy for a wide variety of pleasures and tucked her tangled hair behind her ear, which sent cold shivers down her spine. Then he ordered in a pretentious tone:


    ?In that case, give me a foot massage, my ve!? ¨C There was no direct order to the formation in his phrase. Kyon wanted to encourage her voluntarypliance. She had to get used to obeying on her own, not under thesh of the formation.


    ?B-but ¡­?


    Kyon casually put his feet on the floor, the stench from his ck socks was far from the scent of wildflowers.


    ?Come on, you¡¯d better get started. I don¡¯t like to be kept waiting.?


    Another fit of rage knocked the wind out of her. The sight of the ve¡¯s dirty, reeking feet was sickening. Juno turned away, unable to even look at them. She closed her eyes, grabbed his foot with disgust, pulled off the first stinky sock, then the second¡­ Her soul was in agony. Her whole body ached from the recent beating. Her existence turned into purgatory. This nightmare couldn¡¯t possibly be happening for real.


    At first, Kyon¡¯s bare feet felt a cold touch and a littleter, awkward and reluctant movements of her gentle hands. Those unusual but pleasant sensations made him purr like a kitten. Finally, everything had fallen into its rightful ce.


    Kyon was lying on the bed, his arms folded behind his head. He was totally rxed while the formerdy was reluctantly massaging his feet. Kyon had been dreaming of this moment since he first met the little demoness, and now his dream hade true. The hell was over.


    The acrid stench of his feet choked Jun. She had to massage his sweaty, foul feet while he was getting off on that. It was written on his face! No, she couldn¡¯t ept that. It was unthinkable! Only the hope that he would die in cruel tortures at her grandfather¡¯s hands gave her a littlefort. She had to endure until then¡­ She had to follow his instructions. Well, Juno could do nothing about it, but revenge wasn¡¯t long ining. The ve would regret what he had done, but for now, she had to render a service that was below her dignity.


    Kyon got aroused against his will, a prominent bulge forming in his pants. Juno¡¯s awkward but most gentle fingers crawled between his toes, massaging them carefully and ineptly. He could feel with his skin the irregr breath of his ve girl.


    Kyon had taken a clear stance on the age of consent. When a girl had her first period, nature gave her the go-ahead, her body was ready. All sorts of human traditions, stereotypes,ws, and beliefs based on the vague past were nothing but loud slobbering words or a stroke on the document. Kyon was not interested in all that nonsense. Manys and peoples in his world followed this principle because nature was always right.


    In ten minutes, Juno had massaged each foot three times. She gave a quiet grunt from time to time from resentment and indignation or from the nasty smell and humiliation.


    ?Please, may I stop?? ¨C She whispered again and again.


    This time, Kyon deigned to reply:


    ?Watch your tone.?


    ?Please, sir, may I stop massaging your smelly¡­ Oh, forgive me¡­ your beautiful feet with an unearthly fragrance?? ¨C Juno whispered respectfully but not without subtle mockery.


    Kyon chuckled. He pinched her nose lightly with his toes as revenge for her teasing and said peacefully:


    ?Alright, let¡¯s call it today.?


    Juno crawled away, shaking with disgust. She took out a perfumed handkerchief and frantically rubbed her little nose with it.


    Kyun couldn¡¯t hold back a stifledugh. He cracked his fingers and said in imperious voice:


    ?Well, now I order you toy out all your stuff. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got for me.?


    Juno touched her emerald earring with a heavy heart. ck film formed on her hand. She blew a huge bubble out of it that resembled a soapy bubble, only it was ck as a mole hole. When it burst, a handful of her precious things appeared in its ce.


    Kyon was amazed that spatial pockets in this world didn¡¯t require high technology. Spatial magicians could create them with remarkable efforts and concentration. In fact, spatial things didn¡¯t tear the matter (they didn¡¯t have enough energy for that), they acted as a hook-beacon that held some space between the physical and the spiritual world like a kite. When something needed to be taken out or put inside, the ck bubble swapped the area inside and outside the ring. For example, if the dark bubble enveloped a sword, it would be inside when the bubble burst.


    Another unique feature of spatial things is a singrity where time moves billions of times slower than usual, that is, it almost stops. The singrity is located inside a pocket, or rather in the space between the worlds, which is convenient for storing pre-cooked or perishable products. But they can¡¯t store souls, other spatial objects, anything unstable like a flying stone. However, spatial things also had several specific ws that Kyon was unaware of yet.


    A pile of Juno¡¯s treasures appeared on the floor: spheres, cloudy stones with formations inside, medicine, a round transparent shield that looked like it was made of ss, a beautiful token that sparkled like a diamond, elegant lingerie, a cake in the box, some water. Juno clenched her fists in anger. The wretched ve made her show her personal belongings!


    Kyon¡¯s eyes fell on the most intimate item in the pile, and Juno quickly grabbed her underwear, made by professional tailors of some high-quality fabric. She warned him with an eloquent snort that didn¡¯t bode well not to think about¡­ whatever he was thinking there!


    Kyon rolled his eyes as if saying, ¡°what¡¯s the big deal?¡± ¨C he was not Jean, after all ¨C and examined the rest of her things. He came across the ck stick with dried blood on it. When he touched it, his mind instantly flooded with pure rage. It was the very piece of wood that the little bitch had almost killed him with. She had deceived him and then destroyed all his expectations with a sudden attack. It¡¯s hard to imagine a more despicable act than that. She wasn¡¯t a human being but a demon. He wanted revenge, he wanted her to beg him for mercy.


    Juno shuddered and backed up like a frightened puppy as she noticed Kyon stare at the ck stick with a scowl on his face. When he slowly turned his ck stare at her, she cried pitifully:


    ?Please, don¡¯t beat me¡­? ¨C Had Juno known that she could have averted her suffering today, she wouldn¡¯t have enjoyed the bloodbath at the hot spring. She was endlessly sorry for the first time in her lifetime. Juno wished she could turn back the time to kill him off once and for all.


    Kyon gently poked the stick into Juno¡¯s sr plexus, turning her deathly pale. Heughed merrily but put the murder weapon aside. He had already said that she was done for the day.


    Juno gasped for breath. The ve must be out of his mind. She didn¡¯t know what to expect from him. First, he beat her with a clear desire to kill, then he humiliated her¡­ She decided to try and get through the day, lie low for a while. Then she might have a chance to make things right.


    Kyon picked up the token that shimmered with all colors and had the Stones¡¯ coat of arms engraved on it. He asked Juno what this pretty thing was for. It turned out that each family member was given a token that symbolized their rank in the hierarchy. For example, the 7th rank had an unnoticeable, gray emblem which was almost offensive to wear. The 1st rank had an iridescent magnificent diamond token that attracted everyone¡¯s attention. The rank tokens could be worn on the chest so that everyone could understand who they were dealing with. It removed the necessity of identification.


    Kyon picked up high-quality ointment from the pile of things and casually threw it to the girl.


    ?I order you to use it for its intended purpose right here and right now.?


    Juno¡¯s hands automatically caught the ointment. She took off her nightie to apply the medicine to the injured areas, and then it dawned on her that the ve hadn¡¯t turned away and was tantly staring at her.


    ?Please, turn away¡­? ¨C She begged barely audibly.


    But Kyon did not listen to her. He put some ointment on his finger and touched Juno¡¯s elegant snow-white back in the ce that she could not reach.


    ?N-o-o! §¡§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh¡­? ¨C Juno shuddered from his sudden touch and moaned in pain that the injured ces were giving her.


    Her fucking gentle skin¡­ It was like velvet of the highest quality! And her quiet sobs were just amazing. He even wanted to pinch her, but¡­ Again, that was it for today. Her fragile body was unlikely to recover in a day or two, even with the high-quality ointment. But as there were no internal injuries, there was nothing to worry about.


    ?P-please¡­ I¡­ I¡¯ll do it myself¡­? ¨C Juno repeated quietly for the third time.


    ?Shut up! Aren¡¯t you done with whining yet? The sooner you learn to serve me, the more pleasure you will get from your servitude. I am sure you will soon develop a taste for it, and the smell of my feet will be a real reward for you. Perhaps, I will even let you give me a massage in more private areas¡­ I mean if you deserve it, of course.?


    Juno was speechless. There were all kinds of thoughts in her head. There was only one thing she knew for sure: every word she said came around to her with humiliation and resentment, reminding how powerless she was.


    As soon as there was no more ointment in the tube and the effect of the order expired, Juno bounced off aside and put on her nightie at once. She clenched her fists furiously and gave Kyon a menacing sullen look.


    ?You will pay for this¡­?


    Kyon shrugged carelessly.


    ?I always pay my debts. Let me get it straight, I owe you a lot. Remember, those who try to take my life plummet into the fucking red.?


    A.C. The words like purgatory, hell, devil, deuce, angel, ¡°oh my god!¡±, etc. do not mean the existence of any religion in this world or its influence on the culture and the localnguage. They are just words with a simr meaning but a different history/nature of origin.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    ?You¡­ You could at least defend yourself when I was beating you! Now you have just beaten me up like a coward. You didn¡¯t even let me move! It¡¯s all because you know that I am stronger than you, and you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance trying to get a fair revenge!?


    Kyon snorted with contempt:


    ?Your words have nearly touched a nerve. You know¡­ There is some truth in them. Let¡¯s make a deal: if I can¡¯t beat you in a fair fight a bitter, I will never beat you again. I mean unless you do something wrong.?


    Juno lit up with joy, but soon her face darkened again. She was confident of her victory, of course, But could she believe this wretched ve? s, she couldn¡¯t take him seriously. But still¡­


    Juno nodded resolutely:


    ?If your word is worth anything in this world¡­ I would be d to beat you again.?


    Kyon looked at her with disdain. Even the most pathetic ve had honor and dignity. As for him, he was an emperor by nature. Although not quite so anymore¡­ The recent events had taken the master of humanity down a peg or two, but he was only too happy to change because everything that could interfere with his sess had to be eliminated.


    Kyon went through her things once again. He shamelessly took a bag with spheres (money) with a total cost of about 10,000. It was enough to buy an average-sized house on the outskirts of the estate. He nced at the transparent shield, then he picked it up and took a closer look at it.


    ?Grandfather gave it to me¡­ If you take it away, I will never forgive you¡­? ¨C Juno said quietly but with a noticeable threat in her voice.


    Kyon had an urge to hit her again, but he only threatened her with a fist and a menacing look. Surprisingly enough, Juno was not scared, quite the opposite. She took a belligerent stance, thrusting her chest out.


    Kyon threw the shield aside and said insidiously:


    ?The time hase to put our little birdie with golden feathers into a solid cage.?


    Juno wrinkled her nose.


    ?What in the hell are you¡­?


    Kyon pointed his index finger in front of her charming little nose, meaning to teach her a lesson:


    ?Mind your manners, or you will regret it dearly.?


    Juno turned visibly pale but changed her question:


    ?What do you have in mind, master??


    Kyon didn¡¯t bother to answer. He gave her numerous orders to protect himself from all sorts of possible tricks on her part. There was a ban on any hostile actions against him, a ban on calls, hints or any other means of warning, in a word, everything that could ruin his life or reveal the little secret of their ¡°close¡± rtions of a master and a ve.


    Kyon had toe up with a cover story to avoid the suspicion that his sudden promotion might arouse. He had allegedly impressed Juno with hisbat technique. Moreover, he was Marina¡¯s friend. All things considered, it led the youngdy to the decision to make him her personal servant.


    Deep inside, his pride was hurt: from the rank of a ve to the position of a servant! But his mind put everything in its ce, reminding him that he was the true master of the situation (and of the mindless teenybopper who had the real power in this ce).


    Kyon had also ordered Juno always to carry a sound transmitter in her pocket and by no means to touch, break or put it away. If he called, she was obliged to answer the call and listen to him.


    After that, Kyon forced her to memorize all the orders by heart.


    The subconscious is wed by its nature. It does not remember the information but relies on the cerebral cortex, which means that her consciousness could cause him many problems. For example, if Juno forgot the order or understood it through the prism of her erroneous view/upbringing/knowledge, he may get in trouble. That¡¯s why he spent several hours conveying the message as detailed and understandable as possible. Fortunately, the girl was smart and a quick learner, too.


    He would love to defend himself with the help of wiretaps and video formations, but they were quite heavy in terms of energy. Besides, they required the spatial attribute to transmit the signal. It was above his abilities to create them.


    Kyon was notfortable with the fact that his thorough beating failed to suppress her entirely, especially when he was looking at her pretty angry face. Juno turned out to be strong-willed with an indomitable spirit. Kyon couldn¡¯t help admiring her for that.


    When he repeated thest order, Juno angrily stamped her foot:


    ?You must be out of your mind! I am not going toply with this humiliating order!? ¨C She didn¡¯t understand how it could be possible to be a spy in her own home! The freedom-loving girl couldn¡¯t live with that.


    Kyon just shrugged it off:


    ?It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m ready to take any risks. Anything is better than hiding in the bushes all day, shaking with fear that a gardener might identally find me.?


    Juno furiously bared her shiny teeth and snarled:


    ?Wretched boy! How did you even manage to survive? Why do you no longer obey me? And how on earth did you get into my room? I can¡¯t make any sense of it!? ¨C The angry youngdy found it hard to maintain an attitude of respect towards the ve. Speaking with him in a respectful voice was out of the question. However, she was too eager to get the answers to her questions.


    Kyon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Even being the most outstanding person in his world, exaggerated respect had always irritated him. There were several reasons for that:


    First, he was only 22 years old at the end of that life. He felt somewhat ufortable when people older than him or his peers treated him with idealization. Children were an exception, but he never considered Juno a child as her behavior and world view (arrogant and cruel) brought her closer to an adult. Indeed, what did he do to be revered? The previous life was an easy game for him. He passed all the ¡°advanced¡± tests and trials effortlessly. Lovr was born with an extraordinary predisposition to Synergy. Any task was a joke for him. However, he did nothing to deserve the credit. It was mother nature ordy luck that endowed him with the most remarkable gifts. To put him on a pedestal for the mere fact that he was born? No way!


    Second, he abhorred falsehood in all its forms, whether it was a tradition that had long outlived itself or justmon courtesy. He used of falsity those who kowtowed to stupid old people that had achieved nothing in their entire life. He couldn¡¯t stand tolerance in any form for its shorings in exchange for a bit of advantage. He never understood countless hasty apologies for each and every of your actions: ¡°Excuse me, would you be so kind as to tell me the time, please,¡± ¡°Excuse me for interrupting but your shoes are untied,¡± and so on. He believed that such people should apologize for their very insecure existence and thank their parents for helping them be perfect gears in the well-oiled system.


    Of course, he epted a good upbringing and innate decency. However, if someone brazenly pretended to be a highly spiritual person, they would definitely deserve Kyon¡¯s contempt. In his opinion, a clear chain ofmand was quite enough.


    Lovr had a full understanding that all these socio-psychological issues were essential for people to coexist peacefully in society. However, it might prevent an individual from making full use of theirtent potential. Being squeezed in the rigid framework of a strict biased society, they might waste their whole life unfulfilled and miserable. It was known that the unhappiest people lived in societies with stringent canons, that¡¯s where the most suicides happened every day. The statistic was enough for Kyon to be absolutely sure in his worldview.


    That is why Kyon decided not to spend too much effort to force Juno to treat him reverently. Formal politeness and absence of her particr brand of sass were quite enough for him.


    ?Since you are my ve now, I will satisfy your curiosity and even for nothing in return because you already belong to me, ha-ha.? ¨C The pleased boy burst into a peal of nastyughter.


    Juno¡¯s face contorted with rage at his words. She wanted to tear this cocky asshole into pieces. He treated her as if she were a thing. Do all ves feel like this? No, she refused to believe it. She did not want to try their reality on herself.


    Kyon told her that he had survived thanks to his unique ability. He decided to keep the lid on it and only mentioned that it was one of a kind. Supposedly, his ability had elerated the regeneration of his body.


    He added that he had been studying formacy in the hidden library and created his own formation that he applied to his newly acquired ve.


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense!? ¨C Juno eximed incredulously. ¨C ?You need elements to apply a formation, but you can¡¯t possibly know about them!?


    Kyon smiled slyly.


    ?Master Jean has lent me the basic grade of pure energy.?


    ?That¡¯s impossible! Even epting the fact that you have mastered the basic grade in just two weeks, which is clearly beyond yourpetence (based on your abilities), it¡¯s unbelievable that the master could have given the important knowledge to a ve! It would hurt his pride and reputation!? ¨C Juno firmly stood her ground.


    ?Your beloved master has no pride.? ¨C Kyon snapped coldly. He didn¡¯t think he should sell Jean out. If only he revealed the whole truth about Jean¡¯s true nature, they would immediately cut off the wretched pervert¡¯s balls, as well as his head. Kyon wasn¡¯t going to grieve over the prick¡¯s death, but he was still grateful to him. Besides, Dinah was aware of Jean¡¯s dirty business¡­ He must have already paid in full.


    As Juno was left without an exnation, she turned her back on Kyon in exasperation:


    ?Even if it is true¡­ I will never believe that you are¡­ I mean that you really managed to apply this monstrosity to me¡­ Your cultivation isn¡¯t high enough!?


    ?Speaking of cultivation¡­ You should be well aware of this important rule of formacy: ¡°A high intelligence of the potential submissive makes it harder to apply a formation.¡± But take it easy, at least you are beautiful!?

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Juno was boiling with rage. She red at Kyon, hate in her gaze:


    ?You¡­?


    ?By the way, I was hiding in your pillows yesterday, keeping a low profile. They nearly fell in my secret ce, and you didn¡¯t notice a thing, stupid little fool.? ¨C Kyon added, taunting her.


    ?I wondered what was stinking like that.? ¨C Juno replied through her clenched teeth in a quiet, deadly voice.


    *smack*


    Kyon struck her across the face for such reckless insolence. The sharp blow sent her spinning on the floor.


    ?Mind yournguage. I warned you that I would severely punish any serious misconduct.? ¨C Kyon said with a straight face.


    Full of bitterness and resentment, Juno suppressed her outrage and decided to keep quiet this time.


    ?By the way, I almost forgot¡­ I order you to hear ¡°I order you¡± every time I say ¡°please.¡± So, please, tell Dinah to bring me breakfast, enzymes, and a spatial ring, as well as prepare a room for me on the ground floor. And please, order her not to harm me in any way.? ¨C He gave thest order with a gleam of pure malice in his eyes. Since the maid had a subjugating mark on the forehead, he could and should take advantage of it. He knew that he should stay away from her, but the temptation was too high for him to resist.


    ?I have never ordered anything to my maids! How dare you humiliate them and, even more so, act under my authority! They didn¡¯t do anything to you!? ¨C Juno eximed desperately. How could Juno tell Dinah to bring food to someone lower than her in rank? More than that, to a pathetic ve.


    ?Dinah did. And¡­ guess what, I¡¯m a risk-taker.? ¨C He spread out his arms in a mock helpless gesture and then added another couple of orders of different purposes.


    Kyon¡¯s intentions towards the dark-haired maid were far from good. In fact, her attempt to get his hands cut for stealing the sausage (that Marina had brought) could be regarded as attempted murder and anyone who attempted on his life¡­ Well, you know the rest. In a word, it woulde back to bite her one day.


    However, Kyon wasn¡¯t going to take any decisive actions against Dinah, not now. Even if it was damn hard for him to control himself, he would give anything to try and give her a hard time, but all in good time. He would never forget what she had done to him to get his sweet revenge one day.


    ?Your wretched master Jean has been sick for three weeks, poor thing. You are stuck with his recement. So¡­ I order you to call the substitute after dinner and tell him not toe anymore. And please threaten him properly in case he dares to tell anyone about it.?


    ?Why? What did he do to you??


    ?Nothing at all. The fewer people in here, the less chance they will suspect anything. The master is around you all the time, staring at your body, asking questions¡­ He¡¯s no bloody use at all.? ¨C Kyon smiled when he saw Juno¡¯s lips tremble. ¨C ?You know, I¡¯m not interested in your cultivation. You can train on your own till you¡¯re blue in the face. And now sleep tight. Please, do as I told you in the morning and thene to the training ground. We¡¯ll see if you can manage without getting punished.? ¨C Kyon patted Juno on the head with a gentle smile of the executioner who led his victim to the scaffold. Then he quietly left her room and went to the training ground. It was four in the morning.


    It was time to take the first steps in his new life. Finally, the cor fell off his neck, and the dear crownnded on his head. However, he was not going to show his arrogance, not a bit. He had learned it the hard way.


    After the ex-ve left, Juno exhaled with relief. Her whole body ached in pain from the recent beating. Two tubes of ointment had cured almost all her injuries, but the remaining ones reminded of themselves so hard that all she could do was wince in pain with every breath. She would have never believed that a nobledy like her would have to get used to pain. She had to learn how to live with it.


    Juno wanted to raise the rm, rip and tear, or at the very least, scream and squeal in hysterics, but her body obedientlyy down on the bed and closed her eyes. Only some tiny teardrops rolled down her pale cheeks. {Oh my god¡­ Why are you doing this to me? I didn¡¯t do anything to deserve this¡­}


    At six in the morning, she suddenly opened her eyes. She was wide awake. Her body hurt less, but she still felt soreness and difort.


    Juno resolutely took a piece of paper and tried to write down ¡°HELP ME!¡±, but her fingers did not move as if they were glued. The formationpletely blocked any action against her master¡¯s order. No matter how hard she tried, it was all in vain.


    Juno bit her lip and went downstairs where she found Dinah. She walked up to her maid.


    ?Good morning, mydy.? ¨C The superior maid said respectfully with a slight bow.


    Juno¡¯s face looked absolutely serene. Her body moved in a rxed andpletely natural way. Even her family and people close to her wouldn¡¯t see her anxiety. She couldn¡¯t even use gestures to show that there was a formation on her forehead. The wretched ve had constrained her from all the sides, creating a strong cage that paralyzed her mind and body.


    ?Good weather, isn¡¯t it?? ¨C Juno asked carelessly inpliance with Kyon¡¯s orders.


    ?Uhm, it is¡­ You¡¯re right¡­? ¨C Dinah looked puzzled at the overcast sky. The tops of the trees were waving in the wind. The weather was anything but good.


    ?Can I help you with anything??


    Juno¡¯s eyes grew misty with humiliation and anger. Dinah didn¡¯t understand her. The youngdy couldn¡¯t draw the necessary attention no matter how hard she tried. She meticulously followed the orders of her hated master like an obedient puppet.


    Juno¡¯s lips quivered in an attempt to say something from herself. But all she managed to say was the following:


    ?Dinah, please take breakfast to my ex-ve, who is my servant now. He is at the training ground. And then prepare a room for him downstairs along with the medicine of enzymes and a spatial ring. Forgive me for the following words, but I order you not to harm my servant in any way. I¡¯m afraid you might identally kill him. Well, you never know.? ¨C Juno said with a straight face and went to the bathroom, leaving the maid to stand still. It was a shock for Dinah to hear all that from herdy.


    Juno¡¯s order sounded unbelievable. Dinah had served her family for many years. She was considered an equal member of the 2nd rank. Mr. Bai himself often told her that he appreciated her as his own. And then his granddaughter gave her such a treacherous and humiliating order not to touch that jerk! It smelled fishy¡­ Dinah wouldn¡¯t rest easy until she found out the reason for this sudden change and why the scoundrel was still alive.


    ¡­


    Right after Kyon left the mansion, he returned to his usual ce where he had been hiding for two long weeks. No, he did not go there out of some nostalgic feelings. Now he was the mastermind in the mansion. He had enough of haunting the bushes. He returned to bring his feathered savior back to its rightful habitat. Kyon was concerned about the unfortunate swan he had been using during long training sessions to create formations and slots.


    The poor bird had lost all hope for a happy future. It no longer pped the wings. It didn¡¯t even try to quack. The swan looked exhausted, its feathers were falling out of stress.


    Kyon infused the neck of the depressed swan with Synergy. Soon the nerve would be restored, and its voice would return. He carefully carried the bird to the pond and gentlyid him on the ground, stroking its head in gratitude. The proud bird was about to give him a ¡°loving kiss¡± on the nose with its beak but unfortunately missed.


    Kyon returned to the training ground and had a nice long nap.


    A sharp creak of the gate woke him up. The familiar quiet footsteps of someone very arrogant brought a happy smile to his face.


    And so she approached him. The beautiful brte with a silver tray in her hands. As always dressed in the maid uniform that boosted her sex appeal: seductive ck stockings, sexy and tight on her slender legs; a disturbingly short skirt with a hoop petticoat; an exquisite blouse that showed her assets. Her beautiful gray eyes looked at him with icy contempt, her graceful eyebrows raised in surprise.


    Thedy¡¯s strange request had hurt Dinah¡¯s feelings. To bring food to the newly made servant! Why should she do this? Was the loser worthy of her visit? However, there was nothing she could do about it. She had to follow the order.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Dinah¡¯s nce lingered on his forehead. The mark was missing, so she couldn¡¯t even say who was in front of her: a miserable low-ranking scum or a high-born gentleman with good manners. Anyway, she was well aware of the truth!


    ?Why are you still alive?? ¨C Dinah asked him tantly the question that had been burning her lips. It wasn¡¯t something out of the ordinary, though. She didn¡¯t often go to the training ground, and the servants didn¡¯t give her any details. Anyway, the whipping boy could tell her everything himself.


    Kyon was not going to bow down to Dinah, even if he¡¯d better do so. She infuriated him too much to deprive himself of the pleasure of gloating. He stretchedzily and looked at her with a mischievous smile on his lips:


    ?Do you want me to die??


    It left Dinah speechless. Once again, the miserable ve was staring at her as if he owned her, treating her with no respect just like he did when they first met. Was it his true identity? Of course, not¡­ He was so cheeky with her because Lady Juno had forbidden her to harm him in any way. He must have asked thedy for this order, and she suddenly agreed¡­ As if her most trusted confidant was less important than a pathetic servant¡­ It just didn¡¯t make any sense!


    Dinah had an urge to nail the jerk to the wall and punish him properly, but there was no way she could do it. Her body wouldn¡¯t make a move against him because of Juno¡¯s order.


    ?I would dly kill you myself, but you seem to have convinced thedy of your non-existent value, little prick. How did you do that?? ¨C She mmed the tray on the bench and folded her arms arrogantly, waiting for his reply.


    Kyon gave her a wry smile. No one would ever suspect that he had branded Juno with a subjugating formation. Besides, he had already made up a cover story that fully justified his sudden value and high position.


    ?I¡¯d love to tell you this interesting story, only¡­ I won¡¯t. If your lovely little sister asks me, I¡¯ll tell her everything with great pleasure. But I won¡¯t tell you a word.? ¨C Kyon slowly approached the maid.


    ?That¡¯s how you¡¯re talking now¡­ You got thedy¡¯s protection, and now you have the nerve! You¡¯ve stopped wetting your pants at my appearance. Look at yourself! You think you¡¯re a proud lion, but you¡¯re still worthless nullity. Bravo!? ¨C Dinah smiled with contempt and pped twice her hands, mocking him¡­


    Unfortunately, her attempt to hurt him failed. Kyon was smiling ominously, getting closer and closer to her.


    ?And that¡¯sing from a noble, proud maid who wanted to finish me off because of some miserable sausage that Marina had brought to save me from starvation. You know, I¡¯m even d that master Jean has been using your cute little things for his dirty business. You totally deserve it and even more for your foul temper.?


    Dinah gasped with shock and anger. He didn¡¯t fall for her biting words. Instead, his blunt reply hit her like a bullet. His merciless words were like salt in the still-raw wound. She hadn¡¯t healed after the past trauma yet. Dinah meant to reach for the dagger, but her hand froze aimlessly in the air.


    Kyon enjoyed her nervous, helpless movement. He moved to Dinah step by step until she bumped against the wall.


    * bang *


    Kyon hit the wall near her head, cutting off her further retreat and said with a threat in his voice:


    ?Now listen carefully to me, pathetic maid. Starting with this moment, you will be in big trouble if you dare to make a move against me. Did you get the message??


    Kyon didn¡¯t mean to say ¡°pathetic maid,¡± but the words just slipped out. He was looking straight into her eyes with his heavy unblinking gaze of a seasoned killer.


    Dinah was drowning in his eyes. A whole stream of various feelings and emotions overwhelmed her. She had never been treated like this. She had never been pushed or threatened¡­ She had never been scared. And all of thising from this miserable servant! Who was he anyway? Why was his aura so cold and overpowering? Why was he so sure of himself?


    Just then, the gate creaked open again, and Juno arrived on the scene.


    The cutie was wearing a pearl gray skirt, silver sandals, and a tight blouse with thin straps. Her bare white shoulders maized the eyes. Her outfit was not suitable for training. She was dressed like this to make Dinah suspicious. Juno always had a special uniform for her training sessions. She was trying to leave hints through the of rigid orders but¡­ When Juno saw Dinah pressed against the wall, she understood that she shouldn¡¯t have bothered.


    {What? Is it his sophisticated way tomit suicide?} ¨C Despite her happy thoughts, not a single emotion reflected on the face of the high-born ve girl, all because of the orders.


    Dinah instantly slipped out of Kyon¡¯s grip. It was embarrassing to let Lady Juno see her like this.


    ?Forgive me, mydy. The cheeky boy was misbehaving. Will you let me punish him properly?? ¨C Dinah asked slightly stammering, visibly red in the face. The youngdy had seen the honor of the superior maidpromised.


    Kyon bent over in a respectful bow. He imperceptibly waved his little finger and coughed politely, giving Juno a sign.


    Juno promptly addressed the maid in a calm persuasive tone:


    ?My dear Dinah, please ignore this ill-trained servant. He has no manners whatsoever, but he has something else, no less important. I guess he has already told you all about it. That¡¯s why I asked you to bring him breakfast. You are free to go now.?


    ?But mydy! This boy dared to¡­?


    ?Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll punish him myself. You¡¯d better take care of your other duties.?


    Dinah pursed her lips, visibly displeased. Then she bowed obediently and left. A ray of hatred pierced Kyon, but he only smiled at her yfully as if she were a sweet, harmless pet. It was a bad day for Dinah, a very bad day¡­


    Dinah was heading home, tormented by curiosity. She had no end of questions, beginning with the possible reasons for the newly-minted servant¡¯s arrogance (what if there¡¯s something else behind his confidence?) and ending with the youngdy¡¯s strange behavior (why on earth did she protect him?)


    As soon as Dinah got to the mansion and found her sister, she grabbed her by the hand and took her to the nearest empty room, without exining anything.


    ?What¡¯s the matter? Is it something important?? ¨C Anna asked anxiously, rmed by such an unusual behavior of her usually impassive sister.


    ?The ck-haired upstart is still alive.?


    ?Uhm¡­ Are you talking about¡­ Is he really alive? I haven¡¯t seen him for three weeks¡­? ¨C Anna muttered in shock.


    ?But that¡¯s not the point! Thedy has ordered me not to harm him! And now¡­ He is being a little too much! Anna, you must ask him everything in person, please. Everything you can. I have neither strength nor desire to do anything with this impudent street rat!?


    ?Oh! It can¡¯t be true!? ¨C Anna covered her mouth with her little hand in disbelief. For the first time, her sister let anyone see her feelings. And for the first time, Lady Juno had given an order to one of them. Something big was going on!


    ?I have no reason to lie to you. Be so kind and interrogate this little scoundrel properly. Torture him, if necessary. We are experts on tortures for a reason.?


    Anna sighed with annoyance. Pity and sympathy for the unfortunate toothless boy still lived in her kind heart. She decided to spare him the suffering if he told her everything himself. Anna had no doubt that she would find out everything she wanted. She promised her sister to settle things up.


    Dinah already had the usual cold and unemotional expression on her face. She nodded to Anna gratefully and left.


    ¡­


    As soon as Dinah left the training ground, Kyon made Juno sign with his finger to check her formation. She shook her head, which meant no one was nearby or watching them with some concealment technique. Meanwhile, certain orders had expired in Juno¡¯s formation, and she growled furiously:


    ?You¡¯re insane! I swear to you that your death will be long and painful! If I don¡¯t kill you, Dinah will do it someday!?


    Kyon began eating his breakfast carelessly. ?I don¡¯t think she will dare when she finds out why I¡¯m so valuable to you.?


    ?I would personally give away all the wealth of my family and the mansion to boot just to get rid of you! What value ??are you talking about?!?


    ?I am Marina¡¯s friend. I also have incrediblebat skills. These two factors are enough to justify my role as your servant.?


    Juno hissed something angrily under his breath and ran to let off steam on a dummy, imagining you know whose sly face.


    For the first time in a long, long time, Kyon had eaten his fill. He rose solemnly, straightened his back, flexed his shoulders. It was time to try out the pure energy in practice, figure out the average speed of his movements, and estimate the effect of his blows. All in all, he wanted to know what his body was capable of¡­ He needed to determine what would happen if he met the little demon at the hot spring now that he had mastered the basic grade of pure energy. He was eager to punish her by himself (if he was ready.) Juno¡¯s proper upbringing had just begun¡­

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    As Kyon came to know, Juno was in the 6th stage of the base phase. She was at the 5th stage only two weeks ago. He was at the 4th stage, but the crucial factor of his cultivation was the stream (the total purity of his elemental keys) which was 900%, while Juno¡¯s was only 290%. However, her talent and the purity of her keys met the standard of 250%.


    ?I order¡­ I allow you to attack me without weapons or any essories. It¡¯s time you learned where you stand in our rtionship. I will attack you with my bare hands, not some magic tricks.? ¨C Kyon said defiantly, taking a fighting stance and infusing his body with pure energy.


    Juno¡¯s eyes lit up with bloodlust.


    ?You will need more than one lifetime to do that! Die now!? ¨C She resolutely rushed to her former ve, eager to kill him on the spot. She had been using only pure energy before. Now she decided to engage her entire arsenal: the element of wind and the dangerous ether.


    Kyon was pretty much concerned about his life and health. He blocked her first blow. As soon as Juno¡¯s tiny fist touched him, numerous bright sparks flew into his body.


    *pam*


    Kyon felt a powerful discharge equivalent to the impact of a stun gun. A dull pain pierced his whole body. His limbs stiffened up and shook. Everything turned dark and blurry.


    Juno was already secretly celebrating her victory. She raised her fist for the second strike. Her opponent was stunned, the second blow was going to knock him out, and then she would quickly kill his unconscious body. It was so nice that her ¡°master¡± was an arrogant fool!


    ?Please, stop!? ¨C Kyon hurriedly blurted out, just in time to dodge the next discharge.


    ?You little prick¡­ Arrr¡­ I hate you!? ¨C Juno growled, sounding like an offended child. She even stomped her cute little foot. She was so close! But¡­ The asshole had given an order to defend himself in the nick of time.


    ?Please, give me the same blow to the chest one more time.? ¨C Kyon said in a slightly trembling voice.


    Juno followed his order with a grimace of disgust, mumbling something along the lines of a ¡°sick bastard¡± and ¡°his peculiar tastes.¡±


    *pam*


    There was another crackling noise.


    Electrical currents passed through his body, making his hair stand on end. Kyon analyzed the information he received during the sparring. He noticed that pure energy was a universal element. When he used it to protect himself, the energy lessened the impact of the discharge by about 60%. Pure energy could absorb the attack, depending on the power and potential of its owner. It couldn¡¯t weaken the attacker or make the skin less electroconductive. All these facts brought Kyon to another conclusion. The ether bending was quite dangerous, especially with an advantage in cultivation. The solid ether barrier was a must. It was a matter of priority among all ether benders.


    Kyon thought things through and concluded that it was pointless to fight with Juno under such circumstances. One mistake, and he would lose consciousness at once, even if for a second. There was no doubt that Juno would make sure that he would never wake up again¡­ It wouldn¡¯t do. He had to put off his fair victory (and another lesson of manners for his ve girl) untilter.


    ?Please, attack me with only pure energy.?


    ?You must be kidding me!? ¨C Juno moaned in frustration and rushed headlong into the attack at more than double speed. She was not that dangerous without the wind and the ether. She would need all her good luck to kill the opponent who was way more skilled in the technique ofbat.


    Kyon was delighted to discover that his speed of movement was a third faster than that of the average person, but there was another nagging question:


    {Why am I inferior in speed to Juno? She is quicker but the difference in our cultivation is only 2 stages.}


    ?§¡§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ§Ñh! You¡¯re pissing me off! Stop already if you¡¯re so scared to fight with me properly!? ¨C Juno shouted in a fury.


    Kyon gave her a contemptuous grin. Then he asked Juno why she was moving so quickly. Soon he found out (against her will, of course) that the youngdy had mastered a particr movement technique. Roughly speaking, she used pure energy in a unique way, which boosted her movements. It was more effective than infusing the body with energy.


    Juno angrily bit her lips until they bled, but she had to reveal, under the influence of another order, that any movement technique, just like anybat technique, had a rank: ¡°E¡±, ¡°D¡±, ¡°C¡±, ¡°B¡±, ¡°A¡±, ¡± S ¡°, where ¡°S¡± was something unfathomable, belonging to dreams and fantasies, unimagined heights of excellence. The higher the rank, the more powerful and more efficient the technique, and more difficult to master. The path to enlightenment had never been easy.


    It wasn¡¯t for the first time that Kyon had heard about the ranking system. Family members, workers, formacists, ves, investigators, etc. were ranked in numbers, while techniques, formations, medicine, unique bodies and everything that was not connected directly with people and had some physical value were ranked in letters.


    Juno said that the Stones¡¯ technique was of ¡°B¡± rank, and she was proud of it. Because of this technique, she could defeat equal opponents due to their noticeableg in speed.


    {I¡¯ve barely made the first step on my way to bing stronger, and I already feel the importance of the influence, wealth, and umted family experience¡­ And¡­ What shall I do? Should I master the Stones¡¯ technique? What if I face an opponent who uses a better technique? There must be another way¡­}


    Kyon decided to create his own movement technique. His masters and various simtions in the past had provided him with aplete package of knowledge about the ideal groups of movements for all parts of the body. He had made aprehensive analysis of the neurons under the influence of pure energy. Now he could carry out any experiments with this element. His way of mastering pure energy was different from anyone else¡¯s¡­ Anyone could use the elements intuitively, without thinking, without any analysis. It¡¯s like following a certain pre-learned program. But Kyon had taken the basic grade apart totally andpletely. Therefore, he knew all the nuances in the smallest details. It was a piece of cake for him to create and master any technique. Kyon decided to take full advantage of his talents.


    In the meantime, he needed to focus on his sparring with Juno to find out what else he was capable of.


    Kyon ordered Juno to attack him again. He clenched his fist, infused it with pure energy and met the little fist of the bloodthirsty girl aiming at him.


    *pam*


    The two opposing pure energies collided with a quiet pop.


    The impact of the counterstrike sent Juno flying a meter away. She squealed painfully, clutching at her hand, still trembling with recoil. Her shocked big emerald eyes stared at Kyon.


    ?It¡¯s impossible¡­ I¡¯m two stages stronger than you¡­ Why then¡­ Why are you so strong?!?


    Kyonughed happily. He was pleased with the result, but his body wasn¡¯t fast or strong enough. The maximum level of purity of his keys gave him a significant advantage. He would learn soon that he was 5 stages stronger than any opponent with standard keys. With this advantage, he would never lose to anyone with equal cultivation! Taking into ount the energy he used, he was at the same level as any practitioner at the 9th stage, i.e. five stages stronger than him.


    ?Why are youughing?! What¡¯s so funny? I demand exnations!? ¨C Juno eximed with her hands on her hips.


    Kyon wiped away a tear ofughter. He enjoyed mocking this arrogant creature.


    ?Oh, never mind. It¡¯s just¡­ You are a mediocrity, and I am a real genius! Ha-ha-ha!?


    While Kyon kept pushing her buttons, Juno could not get over the shock. She was a new rising star in the Stone family, hoping to overtake Elsa who was phenomenally talented. And this pathetic ve had dragged her through the dirt. He called her mediocrity!


    Juno¡¯s pretty face flushed with anger. She couldn¡¯t possibly be weaker than the rootless asshole who was stages weaker than her! She could not! Juno clenched her fists until they hurt andunched another reckless attack with a fierce roar of an angry tiger cub.


    And again, the two pure energies collided¡­ The youngdy took five steps away. Tears of pain and resentment welled up in her eyes. The power of his energy seemed to surpass hers by at least three stages.


    Kyon didn¡¯t feel a thing from the collision. Heughed again, mocking her.


    A gaping hole was growing in Juno¡¯s heart. Her hopes, aspirations, and dreams weren¡¯t worth a penny! All her expectations, assumptions, her masters¡¯ ims that she was a real genius were nothing but a lie. The once insignificant half-dead ve had just defeated her! She could hardly ept the fact that he had be two stages stronger in two weeks. But to believe that he exceeded her in pure energy? It was too much.


    The haughtydy¡¯s dignity had suffered a major blow once again. It was all because of the vile giggling boy. Confusing thoughts were swarming through her head.


    {Why? Why? I¡­ I¡¯m no mediocrity! No no no!}


    Juno turned pale with anxiety. The whole world had be her enemy. She suddenly became a vest night. Now she found out that her ¡°master¡± exceeded her not only in the ¡°position,¡± but also in energy that she was so proud of until today!


    ?Well, well, well. What do we have here? It seems that a talentless little girl wants to surrender and burst into tears?? ¨C Kyon was gloating over her, not hiding the cold contempt for his victim.


    Juno red at her torturer with hate and bitterness. Her brain searched feverishly for a way out of this hopeless situation. She must have something up her sleeve¡­ Exactly, her speed! It was time to use the special family technique and win. Otherwise, she would never forgive herself for this crushing defeat.


    Juno attacked again.


    Kyon chuckled in amusement. {She is not aplete fool, after all. And not a crybaby¡­ She swallowed her humiliation and even found strength for further resistance. I thought she was going to break down.}


    When Kyon attacked her like before, she briskly jumped aside. Juno understood perfectly well that she couldn¡¯t afford another collision. It would badly injure her hand. She was dodging Kyon¡¯s blows for the first time. She had been using her usual aggressive style based on a fierce attack before.


    Even the pattern of her movements had noticeably changed. She became more flexible. The bnce of her body improved due to the wind element circling her slender body. Juno used the wind for protection, which added to her blow half of the battle fist.


    And yet, Kyon¡¯s fist reached its goal a momentter. A sharp pain pierced her side.


    Her invisible translucent barrier of the ether cracked and then burst. Juno flew a meter aside.


    Juno¡¯s pride suffered another wound, but she managed to dodge and stand on her feet. It wasn¡¯t too easy to avoid that blow. The prouddy took a breath and started a new attack with a fervent roar. It was a message to the smiling ve that she was not going to lose.


    Kyon immediately realized that she decided to interpret his order literally. His restriction to the wind and the ether didn¡¯t mean she couldn¡¯t defend herself. Indeed, her quirky mind had found another loophole in his order. He had to be careful and give her more clear orders. However, he decided to allow her to block his attacks with the help of the elements. It was pointless to fight with apletely helpless victim.


    About ten minutes of sparring that looked more like a fight to the death had passed.


    It was so only for Juno, though. As for Kyon, he had missed out on most of it, and for a reason. When the golden-haired beauty raised her slender bare legs in silver sandals, her short gray skirt lifted up, revealing exquisite snow-white underwear to his eagle eyes. Kyon even thought that Juno was using a smart mental attack. This kind of show would spurt a bloody fountain out of Yegorka¡¯s nose.


    He had an urge to recklessly pounce on the cutie, passionately grab her in his arms and bite her to death for the slender curves of her captivating figure, for the pleasant and exciting aroma of her heated body, for her graceful movements¡­


    It was weird. He had never had such acute and obsessive desires before, not to mention difort during the battle. However, he found a logical exnation for it. Until recently, his life was constantly hanging by a thread. It could end at any moment. Now everything was different. He had be the only master of his destiny. There was no pressure from the outside, so his feelings found a way out. He had to keep in mind that he still needed to consolidate his hold on power in the mansion. The former master of humankind was not going to ruin the hard-won results with trivial self-indulgence. Even though, let¡¯s face it, he really wanted to.


    However, the seductive cutie did not even notice the way Kyon was looking at her. His eyes darted all over her body when she was doing spinning back kicks, somersaults and backflips. If only the naive girl knew that her bottom in sexy tight panties was better and way more effective than her most sophisticated fighting techniques¡­ But the only thing that concerned Juno was her victory. She was eager to defeat her powerful opponent in a fair fight because she wanted to make sure she would never have to experience the humiliating events of the previous night.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t going to give up. The fight was not over yet.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    After ten minutes of the fight, Juno failed to remain unscathed. Her ether barrier burst with each hit of Kyon¡¯s fist, and every impact that reached the goal hurt like hell. His blows were so strong that she had to change her tactics. She tried to dodge his punches, taking advantage of her speed and seized every opportunity to hit him at any weak or unprotected spot.


    It struck Juno as strange that she could not win the battle even with double speed. The ve was weaker than her. How could he possibly keep fighting! Why¡­ Why were his movements so unpredictable¡­ Why couldn¡¯t she hit his soft, unprotected skin? Juno could not believe that his movements were so perfect! The rootless ve couldn¡¯t be a gifted fighter! Anyway, Juno had to brush away all these thoughts and focused her mind on the battle.


    There were some good moments in their fierce battle. Every blow that reached the ve-master swept over Juno in waves of ecstasy. When he was writhing in pain, her old life seemed to get back on track, her envy disappeared. But then again, the world lost its colors. The awareness that she was a ve hit her like a shock wave. It was an excellent motivation to fight more skillfully and get stronger than her enemy. It encouraged Juno and gave her strength. She would never ept that a dirty beggar looked down on her.


    During their vicious battle, Kyon got a lot of bruises and contusions, even if he managed to soften the impact of about two-thirds of her blows with pure energy.


    Had he mastered the basic grade of elements before meeting Juno at the hot spring, he would have survived in the mansion. He would have withstood her beatings. He would have recovered with the help of Synergy faster than he got injured. His only trouble would have been food¡­


    The bnce of Juno¡¯s and Kyon¡¯s power was far from equal. He moved a little faster, counterattacked better and got fewer injuries. Juno was afraid of pain and did not want to lose to him. She was careful, and it yed right into Kyon¡¯s hand. Like a graceful cat fighting a poisonous snake, she tried to dodge his blows and attack. It was quite a show.


    Each time she hit him, Juno let out a whoop of joy. Her face lit up in delight. When Kyon hit her hard, she winced, about to whine in pain. Anyone would take pity on her to be forgiven in heaven once and for all.


    Kyon kept working on his movement technique and struggled to focus on the battle. He found out that his muscles contracted faster if infused with energy. He had to continue with experiments because he was missing out a lot. Even if he refined his ideas, his technique would not rise over the ¡°C¡± rank. He would have toplete the analysis of the pure energy basic grade to create an effective technique. For most masters, one minute of his study was equal to years of hard and diligent work. It¡¯s even hard to imagine how difficult it is to create a movement technique.


    At some point, Kyon realized that his energy was over (what an unreasonable waste of energy!) while Juno was full of strength and determination.


    {Well, I will humiliate the little fool another time.} ¨C Kyon thought with annoyance. He was eager to beat her in an ¡°honest¡± way.


    Juno noticed that the ve was exhausted and didn¡¯t use the element anymore. Now he was like a cornered child,pletely in her power! Her ego rejoiced: ¡°I am no mediocrity! He lied!¡± A sweet victorious smile appeared on Juno¡¯s face. However, Kyon suddenly stretched out his hand and said:


    ?Let¡¯s stop the fight, please.?


    Juno stood rooted to the spot. Her disappointment gave way to the triumph of her victory. ?Ha! Who¡¯s the fool here? You have lost, admit it! I can see that you have no more strength! Why did unceremoniously stop the fight? Clinging to your pride? Don¡¯t you have no self-esteem? Of course¡­ Where would a pathetic ve get it? You will never have as much energy as I do because you are just a ve.? ¨C A gleam of triumph sparkled in her eyes.


    A wry smile slid across Kyon¡¯s face. ?Have I ever tried to hide my defeat? And how does it change the fact that you are nothing but mediocrity?? ¨C He really wanted to humiliate the arrogant girl.


    Juno red at the loser with contempt, her arms folded. ?All you can do is keep saying how weak I am. Let¡¯s be honest. You lost like a pathetic old dog!?


    Kyon looked at her like she was a crazy fool. ?You have almost lost to the opponent who is two stages weaker and twice as slow as you are. How dare you im you are no mediocrity after that? I will beat you fair and square as soon as I master the simplest movement technique.? ¨C He was obsessed with this idea.


    It hit Juno like a bucket of cold water. She stopped dead, her mouth open in surprise. How stupid she was! She had convinced herself that victory over him would bring her lost dignity back when in fact, he was right! It took her so much sweat to defeat him! What a shame¡­ Her sweet, childishly naive face blushed. Joy gave way to indignation, anger was reced with confidence. ?So what? I have beaten you and it¡¯s all that matters! I have humiliated you! You are weak and pathetic!?


    She headed for the exit, pleased with herself. Let the ve choke on his own saliva with anger. The main thing was that she had defeated him.


    ?I did not allow you to leave the training ground.? ¨C Kyon said coldly.


    Juno turned around, her lips pursed. The mere nce at his insolent face made her shudder. How dared he to order her around? She was out of her element again. It didn¡¯t fit the nobledy to obey a ve. Even her grandfather always asked her politely. As for guys like Yegorka, they had to beg her to do anything. But a ve¡­ She would never ept it.


    Juno did her best to keep cool. She sat on the bench, crossed her legs and said:


    ?What do you want from me, loser??


    Her words could hurt anyone, but not Kyon. He waspletely indifferent to Juno¡¯s insult.


    ?I did not give you permission to sit on my bench, miserable ve! You have soiled it! I order you to hit yourself in the chest three times and call the servants to clean the dirty bench!? ¨C He said in a piercing, almost screaming voice, paying Juno back in her coin.


    Her eyes widened. ?No¡­ You can¡¯t¡­? ¨C Her body had already stood up against her own will. Her hand no longer belonged to her. She struck herself three times in the chest and touched the formation on her wrist to call the servants.


    It was like a breath of fresh air for Kyon to know that she was hurt, that despair reigned in her soul, that hatred was slowly growing inside her, ensuring him that she wasn¡¯t going to break down, that she would stand up to him. If Juno were afraid of him, he would lose interest in her. He would never hesitate to use her fear against her anytime and anywhere.


    After the servants left, Kyon sat down, regally spreading his legs and stretching his hand in front of Juno. ?I order you to kneel and kiss my hand to apologize for your misconduct.?


    Shock and horror reflected on Juno¡¯s pale face. She couldn¡¯t believe her ears. ?No¡­? But a secondter, she couldn¡¯t control herself. She fell on her bare knees and kissed Kyon¡¯s hand: ?Master, forgive the talentless fool for her misbehavior¡­?


    Kyon sighed wearily, annoyed at her stupidity. He looked down on her with disdain. ?Dirty trash, never dare to soil the ce where I sit again!?


    Juno nearly fainted. Her head was spinning, her ears were ringing, she was dizzy. {It can¡¯t be¡­ He said that¡­ To me¡­} ¨C The world turned upside down. She just wanted to die, but first, she needed to kill the dickhead, tear him apart, and take a bath in his blood. Did all ves have feelings? No way. The higher they rise, the harder they fall.


    As for Kyon, he finally felt at peace. Everything fell into its rightful ce. Juno¡¯s lovely emerald eyes looked up at him with despair, disgust, and anger. He wanted to kiss her just to make her spit blood with fury. He hated her so much. However, her sweet beauty transformed his hate into something even more disgusting. Kyon didn¡¯t want only to beat her but also to dominate her in all possible ways, which was too mundane and crass for his main goal. It was time to move on.


    The masters had given Lovr a taste for inessible heights. Their attempt to prepare him to be a god was crowned with sess. The principle of paying debts, a clear understanding of good and evil, justice (individual for everyone) and humanity, allowed Lovr to get everything he needed to a sufficient measure.


    At the moment, his character and ambitions demanded new goals, ns, and priorities that could help him achieve the desired heights. His motivation could be understood if taking into ount that peace and degradation were torture for him while progress and self-development were his source of life and pure joy.


    In this world, he couldn¡¯t be powerful with talent only. He was talented enough, but he also needed resources. If he wanted to raise his limit of cultivation, he needed a good foundation, a unique body. A nurtured body required considerable resources. To boost his cultivation speed, Kyon needed high-quality medicine to elerate cycles, breakthrough medicine, enzymes that elerated the body and the soul cultivation. He also needed to live in ces dense with energy, like the Stones¡¯ estate. To improve his energy quality and to defeat opponents at higher stages, he needed expensive enchanted weapons, incredible powerful techniques, advanced grade of elements, a developed unique body, tons of powerful assisting, attacking, and defensive items or formations. All that had one thing inmon¡­ {I need a lot of resources!} There was no doubt he needed a high position in the family, in the kingdom, in the empire, in the world! Kyon set himself the goal of achieving legitimate power in the Stone family. It would be the first step.

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Kyon put his hand on Juno¡¯s soft cheek. She was stilling to her senses. Once, he naively thought he could seduce her,pletely forgetting how the masters treated the ves. Now she was his ve under the subjugating formation. The oue is sometimes different than expected.


    {Rich noble people can do anything they want, the world is their oyster. All roads are open for them: to the best schools, tournaments,petitions with good prizes, to the elite libraries, the battle halls where they can find techniques and superior grades of elements. Juno is an ideal means to achieve my goal. I will be a high-ranking Stone.}


    His thoughts shed in a split second. He had set his major goal, now all he needed was to divide it into segments.


    Juno angrily pushed his hand away. ?DON¡¯T!? ¨C She rose to her feet and said with hatred in her voice. ¨C ?Why don¡¯t you just leave? You¡¯ve taken all my money. It¡¯s enough for several lifetimes! What else do you want from me?!?


    Kyon remembered 10,000 spheres that he had taken from her andughed. ?Stupid girl! Do you want me to walk away? It would be a crime not to take advantage of your position for my personal gain. You are the missing patriarch¡¯s daughter and granddaughter of the present one. Your possibilities in the family are really endless and, above all, you belong to me. Isn¡¯t it wonderful??


    His words made Juno shudder ¨C she belonged to him. The rotten, crazy ve with no past and no future thought of her as his toy. ¨C {Dirty worm! Just wait, I will find a way to get you.} ¨C Juno turned away with a wry smile. She didn¡¯t see fit to give him an answer. He hadn¡¯t dishonored her, and that¡¯s what mattered most. There was a hope that everything would end soon and get back to normal. She would forget everything, plunge headlong into intensive training and clean her body and mind in the hot spring under the full moon.


    ?Tell me about the party that Yegorka mentioned once.? ¨C Kyon suddenly interrupted Juno¡¯s thoughts.


    Juno had to tell him about the party.


    Grandpa Bai was going to throw the best party in the world for his beloved granddaughter, where she was supposed to find her love. He had invited the younger generation and expected the wealthiest, most honorable and distinguished guests to arrive and show off in front of his precious girl, win her favor, get her to dance and¡­


    Juno frowned and added against her will that her grandfather was greatly mistaken in the number and quality of the guests. After her father disappeared, the family began to lose their power, influence, and authority in the kingdom. The younger generation began to deteriorate. Everyone was worthless. Yegorka was the most promising among them, the elders¡¯ favorite. The Stones were expected to get 5th to 10th ce at the next family tournament, where strength equaled high rank, which meant they were going to lose the 1st rank to the Browns. Everyone was pretty sure of it. The reign of the Stones was verging to its close. To crown it all, certain rumors had been flying about Timothy. He appeared to have switched his interest from runaway Elsa to Juno.


    All this had downgraded the importance of the party, but Bai waspletely unaware of it or refused to face the harsh reality. Anyone who knew about the future event must have heard something along the lines: ?Patriarch Bai wants his worthless granddaughter to marry someone of high status before his family has lost their title! Who will ever fall for this scheme? What a shame! It¡¯s so embarrassing.? ¡­ ?It¡¯s pure madness! I don¡¯t want problems with Timothy Brown. I have enough on my te. No, I am not going to the party¡­ ¡°


    Kyon could see that Juno was telling him the truth. He shouldn¡¯t expect talented young people at the party, they wouldn¡¯t descend to that level. Besides, many of them were afraid of Timothy Brown. However, the best young people from the Stone family were surelying. They had no choice as the patriarch had ordered them to be there. XiaoBai, Juno¡¯s elder brother, wasing too.


    Kyon found out even more details: there were no good parties without battles. Usually, the winner would be the king/queen of the party and get a reward.


    Juno did not have a clue what prize they would get this time. But there wasn¡¯t such a thing as a tournament without a reward. Her grandfather must have prepared something valuable.


    {I see¡­ It¡¯s a good chance to prove myself in front of the Stones. I don¡¯t want to miss this opportunity. I must take advantage of it and enter the elite of the Stone family, but I have to get stronger in about two weeks¡­}


    ?Why are you so interested in what¡¯s going on in my family?? ¨C Juno interrupted Kyon¡¯s thoughts.


    He slowly turned his eyes to her,ing back to reality. ?I want to get a higher position in your family.? ¨C He answered indifferently.


    Juno stared at him for a few seconds and burst outughing, looking so cute with her little hand covering her mouth. ?He wants to get a high position in my family! I mean, seriously?! No way! You are not strong enough to beat even me in the battle! Don¡¯t be ridiculous! It¡¯s easier to get to the moon!?


    ?And that¡¯sing from the girl who took so much effort to overpower me.? ¨C Kyon reminded her spitefully.


    Juno pursed her lips and turned away. ?Anyway, I am talented, and I cultivate faster than you, lousy fraud¡­ Sooner orter, I will be number one in my family. More than that, I will gain the power my sister has never dreamed of. And you will achieve nothing because you are just a ve¡­? ¨C She saw Kyon¡¯s expression change and added in fear ¨C ?I mean ex-ve¡­?


    ?You¡¯re stupid, aren¡¯t you? I connected with my spirit a month ago. Now I¡¯m at the 4th stage of the base phase. And you think I don¡¯t have talent??


    His words cast a shadow of a grin across Juno¡¯s face. {A month ago? I don¡¯t buy it! He¡¯s a lying bastard!} ¨C But she said nothing.


    Her silence amused Kyon. He grinned and took another chance to belittle her:


    ?After your crushing defeat, I will make you pick up the tears of sorrow and grief and drink them up. And now you¡¯re free to go. Get lost!? ¨C He waved her off like an annoying fly.


    Juno was steaming with outrage, but she swallowed the insult and hurried out. She couldn¡¯t stand to be around this madman as if he was a rotting corpse. She had to figure out how to escape.


    ?It¡¯s not the appropriate way to say goodbye to your master!? ¨C Kyon said coldly.


    Juno could feel goosebumps rise on her skin. She turned around, frowned.


    The silence seemed tost forever.


    Kyon stretched his hand graciously:


    ?Well, I¡¯ll dly teach you if you want to practice with me¡­ It¡¯s no trouble at all. I know lots of positions.?


    Juno jumped out of her skin. The angry expression on her face turned into utter despair as she was trying toe up with an answer. His order was as degrading as stabbing herself with a knife, but¡­ She had no choice. Her lips quivered and half-opened. She smiled insincerely and answered in a sweet, trembling voice:


    ?Goodbye, dear master¡­ Have a good time¡­?


    Kyon broke into a tender, approving smile and let her go with a satisfied nod. {Right¡­ I will rehabilitate you.}


    He knew that he would never forget the time he was starving or how she had ordered him to knock out his teeth, the fact that he had no shelter for the night and her many attempts to kill him. Juno¡¯s suffering was noting to an end any time soon.


    Outside the gate, Juno blushed like a ripe red apple. All she wanted was to scream from humiliation and hatred. { I swear to heaven that only one of us will remain in this world! May goddess Danna be the witness of my oath!}


    Left alone, Kyon sighed and looked into the cloudy sky. A little more than two weeks were left before the party. He needed to improve the quality of his energy and master the basic grade of all the elements, choose a unique body, invent the ideal movement technique, and learn a couple ofbat techniques. Kyon knew he had a lot to study yet. He still knew too little about the world around him.


    Above all, he had to be careful with the maids. Since he had already taken over Juno, everything should work like a charm. However, he¡¯d better not cause suspicion and keep ying the role of a servant when someone saw him around the dy.¡±


    Kyon went to the center of the arena. He was considering which element to master next when he remembered Juno¡¯s powerful lightning. He had almost lost to her because of it. He had made his choice ¨C his second element would be ether.


    Jean once gave him the basic grade of each element. He swallowed the cloudy stones, and the information formed in his mind in the form of neural connections that he was hoping to acquire with the help of Synergy.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t care less about any restrictions on the number of elements for the local practitioners. Four elements were for a genius. Only a heavenly genius could master five. Kyon was going to bend them all, with no exception. They could call him a god after that.


    When Synergy analyzed neural connections, it excluded idents or coincidences. It wasn¡¯t about enlightenment.


    It took Kyon a week to acquire the basic grade of the simplest element, the pure energy (aka inner energy). He thought it would take him longer to master ether, but it didn¡¯t¡­ He already had the guideline, all he had to do was to apply it to the ether element.


    After two hours of vain attempts, Kyon frowned. The element didn¡¯t respond. It wasplicated and unpredictable, its neural connections were iprehensible. The energy was erratic, whichplicated the analysis. He couldn¡¯t find a single lead to the neural connections.


    The time was passing by. It was getting dark. Kyon took short breaks to grab a bite, answer the call of nature, and take a nap.


    Suddenly, his eyes lit up with a spark of awareness. He had found the first lead! It was all downhill from here. He had to put the whole thing together, and he would have the basic grade of the ether.


    The sky was overcast with dark gray clouds. Here and there was a p of thunder, a bolt of lightning. A strong hurricane wind rose. Tinyl but fast raindrops crashed against his face, the wind tousled his hair. He was one step away from acquiring the element.


    *pop*


    Heprehended the essence of the element when he mastered all the information he had. It reached his soul and became one with it. Kyon could hear an unusual, funny sound that meant he had acquired the basic grade of the ether once and for all as if he had known it from his birth.


    *BOOM*


    The menacing bright lightning broke at the barrier and disappeared without a trace.


    Kyon stretched out his arms like Moses andughed. {Even heaven supports me! There¡¯s a blessing! Ha-ha-ha!}


    It was his second step on the path of bing a powerful practitioner. He had mastered the basic grade of his second element. It was intoxicating to realize that bending the ether came so naturally and quickly to him.


    Usually, it took the most avid adepts from six months to ten years to master the ether. Thanks to her talent, Juno had learned it in a month. If someone found out that it took Kyon only eight hours, they would seethe with envy.


    The weather calmed down after the thunderclouds swept away. The drizzle and wind disappeared. The clouds were melting in the twilight.


    Kyon wiped the sweat from his forehead and sat on the bench. He stretched out his hand with his fingers in a circle as if he was holding a sphere. Dangerous bright purple lightning fired from his fingers. It was focused in the center, making loud and cracking sounds.


    {My guess was correct. The ether creates and controls charged particles!}


    Kyon began to test the new element at once. He noticed that his ether attacks were more powerful than Juno¡¯s. Not much, though, by about one stage.


    He found out that his pure keys made him five stages stronger in the previous battles, but it didn¡¯t add up now. If Juno were five stages stronger than him (at the 9th stage), she would have topped him in power. He wondered why.


    He found the answer pretty soon. Juno had the advanced ether (2), and he had the basic grade (1). The power of their ether defied the rule of five stages. The difference in the three stages would make them equal in power.


    {So, the difference between the basic grade and the advanced grade is two stages.} He came up with a curious idea. If Kyon had an advanced (2) grade of ether while his opponent had the basic grade, the difference in their power would be seven stages even if their cultivation were the same! An enormous advantage, indeed.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Kyon had developed some understanding of how important the grade of the elements was. It didn¡¯t only remove certain restrictions (making the element stronger) but also gave way to new opportunities. He had to increase the grade of the elements by all means.


    Kyon continued with experiments, a knowing smirk ying on his lips. He had learned a lot.


    {Hmm¡­ I can create electrons and protons from the ether but no antiprotons, positrons, or other charged quarks¡­ The ether is not omnipotent, or maybe the superior grade will let me create them?}


    His eyes sparkled with delight. The knowledge base from his past world had opened for him surprising ways, iprehensible for the local people. To begin with, he decided to recreate the ether barrier that Juno always used. The principle was easy. He needed to create ayer of stable charged particles above his skin. When a physical object appeared within their reach, the particles instantly pushed it away ording to one of the four fundamental interactions. The same forcees into effect when you touch something with your fingers, for example, a table, a body, or an apple¡­ Your fingers do not pass through the matter due to a certain fundamental force. The barrier-ether mechanism works in the same way.


    Kyon set to work as soon as he understood the principle, but he couldn¡¯t put the theory into practice. There was no stable foothold in the ether, no surface that could keep the energy field stable. Using his body to get a toehold was not an option.


    Kyon had a brilliant idea tobine his pure energy with the ether. The firstponent could circte inside the body without leaving it while the ether couldpensate for the properties the pure energycked.


    After five minutes of experiments, thin film appeared on his skin, inconspicuous to the inexperienced eye. It took lesser mortals long months to acquire the ether element. It was a job that required a whole life of devotion. Kyon came up with it from scratch.


    He tested his barrier for strength. A half-smile yed on his lips when he got the results. It turned out that the ether barrier was so unique that it had almost no weak points. Its only w was impact resistance that was equally durable all the way round and could shatter if damaged at a certain point because the particles it was made of moved at the speed of light. It didn¡¯t matter if the attack was done with a hammer or a needle. It would take the same effort to break the barrier that was an ideal, durable shield from a sudden attack. Its disadvantage was that it was rtively weak. A hammer could shatter it like ss. A throwing needle, however, would break as if against a brick wall, even if it wasunched in the back.


    If the pure energy partially absorbed the attack, the ether barrier blocked itpletely.


    However, three points ruined it for Kyon. First, it took a lot of energy to maintain the barrier that was useful only at the moment of taking the blow. Second, the barrier couldn¡¯t block residual attacks such as heat / cold / darkness / light, and others that didn¡¯t have a clear physical form. Third, for some reason, the barrier didn¡¯t cover the entire body, only a small part, doing it rather selectively.


    {Perhaps, I¡¯ll be able to seal off my entire body with the barrier when I have the advanced grade of ether. Time will tell.}


    Among many other ideas, Kyon nned to create aser, antimatter, sma, master telekinesis, and learn how to protect himself from electricity.


    First things first, he tried to create aser. He put two fingers together, released some energy with given beam parameters, but nothing happened. Theser dissipated like a shlight, radiating a barely visible ionic glow. He failed to keep it focused.


    Kyon spent another 20 minutes until he found it was too boring. Hecked a higher grade of ether, that¡¯s for sure. Simply put, there was no variable that he could edit to focus theser ray. He was disappointed. It would be fun to try out his new option, shing the light on someone¡¯s eyes and dazzling them.


    Kyon moved on to his next idea ¨C antimatter. Just a minuteter, he realized how absurd and unattainable his n was. He smiled bitterly at himself.


    A little earlier, he had found out that he couldn¡¯t create antiprotons and positrons. However, it would be only a waste of time at the moment.


    His next idea ¨C sma me ¨C was a little more sessful. Pure sma was much hotter than fire. It had lots of thermal energy concentrated inside because it never left its borders. Only ball lightning, a rare aerial phenomenon, had the properties of sma.


    Kyon knew the physical theory of ball lightning: a sphere of glowing ionized gas contained by the maic field.


    Only, he would need no gas, creating the maic field with the ether and a bit of pure energy. His sma me wouldn¡¯t be limited to the spherical shape, it would swirl like clouds.


    His attempts had been sessful so far. An hourter, Kyon was holding a warm glowing sma ball in his hands. It looked like a fairy-tale light. However, he didn¡¯t rejoice at his sess because the maic field was too weak. His sma ball couldn¡¯t hold energy long enough. It dissipated in the air or burst.


    Kyon clenched his teeth and continued with the experiments. Another hourter, he sighed sadly and decided to get back to this idea when he had acquired the advanced grade of ether.


    He started practicing telekinesis but gave up in a minute. The maic field was so weak that he failed to move a small piece of iron, let alone the matter with which the maic fields interacted millions of times worse. He ruthlessly killed the idea to ??find abatponent in telekinesis.


    What was he left with? Protection against electricity. He knew the theory, he had forms in his head, the principle was clear. That should do it.


    All he had to do was ce an intangible barrier that blocked all charged particles in his skin. Kyon already knew that the barrier couldn¡¯t cover his entire body, only a certain part. But it was enough for starters. He couldn¡¯t wait to see Juno¡¯s reaction when she found out her charge of electricity didn¡¯t work on him.


    It was no rocket science to create protection against electricity, but it would take him more than five minutes, more than an hour. Kyon needed to get away from all that for a while, maybe visit Marina or make himself at home in his new little room on the ground floor. He hadn¡¯t had a soft pillow under his head for a long time.


    Kyon left the training ground.


    It was getting dark when he entered the mansion. He was a rightful servant-tenant now, leaving behind his past as a ve-swindler. The three girls were inside. The working day was over, and the other servants had gone home. With a certain step, Kyon went upstairs and knocked on the door to Marina¡¯s room. His friend was in like a little mouse but at the same time elegant and charming. As soon as she saw who came to visit her, Marina eximed with joy:


    ?Kyon! How did you stay alive! Tell me everything that has happened to you!?


    ?It¡¯s a long story¡­? ¨C Kyon replied, entering the room and closing the door behind himself.


    He told her everything from beginning to end, embellishing his story here and there. He knew that Marina was the girl he could trust. She was the kindest person he¡¯d ever known, one in a million. Kyon did not see the point of hiding from her what he had done with Juno. Marina was his aplice and deserved to know the truth.


    ?That¡¯s impossible¡­ You have enved my friend! It¡¯s m¡­ M-m¡­?


    Kyon quickly covered her mouth with his hand:


    ?Hush, silly! They will hear us!?


    Marina only nodded in response.


    Kyon could not hold back his excitement and hugged her tight:


    ?Gods! Marina, you have no idea how grateful I am to you! I would have died more than once if it were not for you. I owe you a lot¡­ real big¡­ You are the kindest girl in the whole world! I hope you know this, do you??


    Marina was embarrassed, her cheeks flushed:


    ?Come on, it¡¯s nothing¡­ I am sure anyone in my ce would do that. You¡¯ve been through so much¡­?


    Kyon smiled and hugged her even tighter. At some point, it was getting awkward, and he let her go.


    ?So¡­ My friend is¡­ Your ve?? ¨C Marina asked with concern.


    Kyon nodded.


    ?But¡­ You¡­ You kept your promise, didn¡¯t you?? ¨C Her voice trembled with emotion.


    ?I promised that I would not kill or cripple her.?


    Marina let out a sigh of relief but then she tensed again. ?Alright¡­ wait¡­ It doesn¡¯t mean you didn¡¯t hurt her? You didn¡¯t, did you? And you didn¡¯t¡­?


    Kyon gentlyid his hand on her shoulder.


    ?Marina, I hate Juno but deflowering her was never the n. As for hurting her¡­ I must confess I made her suffer a bit. But you saw what she did to me! The arrogant beast was lucky I could hold back. I didn¡¯t maim her, after all.?


    Marina looked him straight in the eyes, covering her mouth in fear. ?You¡­ You have beaten my friend¡­?


    Kyon turned away, unable to look into her pure eyes. What a strange feeling¡­ A pang of guilt, perhaps? But he had kept his promise¡­ Why was his heart so heavy?


    ?Kyon¡­ Look at me.? ¨C Marina asked quietly.


    Kyon looked at her and felt the soft touch of her hand on his cheek.


    Her voice sounded amazingly tender and soft:


    ?Please, Kyon. Don¡¯t hurt Juno for no reason. I understand there¡¯s been some strain between you, but she is my close friend¡­ I have not seen her yet, but she must be really demoralized now¡­ I can¡¯t even imagine her pain¡­? ¨C Marina bit her lip and decided that she would stay with her friend tonight.


    Kyon was about to roll his eyes but didn¡¯t out of respect for Marina. {I doubt that the little devil treats her with the same warmth¡­ Lucky her to have a friend like Marina.} Kyon was sure that Juno kept her on a leash like a useless doll that resembled her mother¡­ A biased but most likely correct thought.


    ?Alright, Marina. I¡¯ll do my best not to hurt her for no reason.? ¨C Kyon replied sincerely, not without a smile.


    Marina blushed like a juicy peach gleaming in the sun and removed her hand from Kyon¡¯s cheek. How embarrassing! She did not notice that she was touching him.


    Kyon was sitting on the bed, lost in thought. ording to his principles, he owed her. But Marina was a simple girl who didn¡¯t care for worldly possessions, unlike Martha from the mine who he had paid back by raising her social status. The reflections led him to the following question.


    ?Marina, tell me what you want to do with your life??


    The question took her by surprise. She did not expect to hear from him something like that. After a short pause, Marina furtively looked into his pitch-ck eyes and answered timidly:


    ?I¡¯ve always wanted to have a baby with the man I love.?


    {That¡¯s what I thought¡­}


    Kyon heaved a deep sigh and embraced Marina by her slender waist, looking into her pure, innocent eyes and gently kissing her lips, soft like rose petals. She moaned softly in surprise and tried to push him away. Soon, however, she stopped resisting and closed her eyes, overwhelmed in sensual emotions¡­


    Kyon adhered to a simple rtionship strategy: if you want a girl to be yours, act immediately and straightforwardly. To hell with dating and other unnecessary romance. All you need is to wait for the right moment and seize it. Girls love them assertive and confident, after all.


    Kyon didn¡¯t feel any tide of emotions when he kissed Marina. He didn¡¯t feel any attraction he usually had for the fair sex. She was a good friend but not the girl he loved. And yet, he couldn¡¯t fail to make her dreame true. Slowly, gently, he ran his hands over her back down to her hips¡­ Then he opened his eyes a little and pulled away.


    ?Marina, why are you crying??


    Her eyes were wet with tears. ?I don¡¯t know¡­ There¡¯s a terrible pain burning in my soul, and I don¡¯t understand why¡­?


    Kyon understood what was happening in Marina¡¯s soul at once. She couldn¡¯t give up everything she had had with Flitz. Her endless stories, anxieties, and emotions turned into tears. Perhaps she felt that she was betraying him. Anyway, Kyon decided to put off the question of his duty until she was ready.


    Kyon resolutely squeezed her gentle warm hands. ?Don¡¯t cry, Marina. Your dream will surelye true. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday it will happen, and you will be the happiest woman in the world.?


    When Marina heard that, her eyes sparkled brighter than the summer sun. She wiped away the tears that were still running down her cheeks. When she calmed down a little, Marina whispered to him: ?Thank you, Kyon¡­?


    It was time to change the subject.


    ?Tell me more about Flitz.?


    Their heart-to-heart talk went on until midnight. When they were saying goodbye, Marina gave Kyon a smack on the cheek and a snow-white handkerchief in appreciation of his promise.


    When Kyon was going downstairs, he saw a picture of contrasts: the beautiful fair-haired maid was heading for the shower room, radiating warmth and light while charming Dinah was walking next to her, spreading the chill of winter winds.


    Thetter gave Kyon a scornful nce as if pouring icy cold water on him. Then she silently went into the shower room, giving her sister a sign with her hand.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Anna walked up to Kyon. It was unusual for her to see the former ve in the mansion. It vited all the rules.


    Kyon bowed slightly, ying his part as a servant:


    ?Ms. Anna, would you be so kind as to show me to my room??


    ?Follow me.? ¨C She went to one of the doors on the ground floor and opened it.


    The room was fabulously furnished, even if the decor was simpler than in any other room of the mansion. Kyon was pleased with his spacious room with a big, soft bed, a dining table, an armchair, and a couple of cupboards.


    Anna closed the door from the inside. She crossed her arms, put on an icy cold look and coughed loudly to make Kyon turn around. It was time toply with Dinah¡¯s request and interrogate him. Tons of questions had been bugging her all day long. As for Dinah, she was irritable and impatient all day.


    ?Answer my questions quickly, boy. And don¡¯t lie to me. I can tell when someone lies.?


    Kyon nodded as if he wasn¡¯t even thinking of that.


    ?How did you survive? Where did you live all this time??


    Kyon answered Anna¡¯s harsh questions after a pause, still ying his role as a servant, keeping his voice soft and shy:


    ?Lady Juno left me alive when she saw mybat potential.?


    Anna¡¯s beautiful eyes widened in surprise. ?Your teeth¡­ They are safe and sound! Every single one of them!?


    ?Yes, they are. Thedy gave me a strange round pill, and they quickly restored¡­ What is more, the formation is gone.? ¨C He tousled his bangs, feigning embarrassment.


    Anna could barely hold back her surprise. It was totally unlike Juno to appreciate the boy¡¯s skills. It couldn¡¯t be true. ?What did you eat? Where did you relieve yourself??


    Kyon got red in the face. He lowered his head and replied:


    ?Lady rewarded me with food and water every time I proved myself in the fight¡­?


    Anna put her snow-white hand on her forehead. {Did Juno train him?} ¨C It was hard to believe that the youngdy had been treating the boy as her pet, taking care of him. But Kyon was standing right in front of her, very much alive. There was only one question left without an answer¡­


    ?As for relieving myself, I secretly used the bathroom. I didn¡¯t want to bother you.?


    Anna snorted in disbelief.


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense¡­ You could not have passed me! It¡¯s been more than two weeks! Do you think you could go unnoticed??


    Kyon just shrugged in response and confidently looked into her eyes. ?As you see.?


    Anna grinned:


    ?I know you¡¯re keeping something back!? ¨C She said in a shrill voice, giving him a fixed chilling stare that forced him to lower his eyes in embarrassment. ¨C {I don¡¯t believe him! I can¡¯t believe it! Lady Juno had been taking care of him! My servants must have been keeping their mouths shut. But how could he sneak into the bathroom? I should punish him for that but¡­}


    Kyon added something important:


    ?There¡¯s something else I have to tell you¡­ I am Marina¡¯s good friend. You can ask her yourself. Here is the handkerchief that she gave to me.? ¨C He said and held out the present he had recently received.


    ?You? Her friend?? ¨C Anna was a little confused when she took the snow-white handkerchief. She returned it at once. What else should she do with it? Sniff it? The maid was aware that thedy was on good terms with the girl who resembled Diana, her mother.


    Kyon nodded. Anna decided that she would speak with Marinater. She didn¡¯t doubt that the servant was telling the truth, but she wanted to find out what kind of friends they were.


    Before Kyon knew it, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of the room. {What? Where is she taking me?} ¨C His fears were totally justified. The maids didn¡¯t only know Juno very well, they were also a serious challenge in a fight, with their outstanding strength and assassin skills.


    Anna brought Kyon to the training ground and said:


    ?I am going to check if Lady Juno was right about you. Are you ready to fight??


    Kyon opened his mouth in astonishment. ?Mydy, but you are way stronger than I am. I mean many times stronger¡­?


    Anna rolled her eyes and said, visibly displeased:


    ?I will lower my cultivation. Attack, have no fear. I won¡¯t kill you.?


    All the practitioners, beginning with the 2nd phase, could lower their cultivation level. However, they didn¡¯t use this trick too often, rather extremely rarely. Some considered it as an insult, others took it as humiliation, and certain individuals dismissed it as mere posturing. But no matter what others might think, Anna had rapidly reduced her cultivation to the fourth stage of the base phase.


    Kyon took up a fighting stance with his fists in front of him. He thought bitterly that he could use a better movement technique to help him move like a cheetah, not like a turtle. But even without the essential technique, Kyon felt hurt because Anna had underestimated his strength. It might be difficult for her to fight in her high-heeled shoes. She wasn¡¯t going to use the des hidden inside the heels, anyway.


    Anna interrupted Kyon¡¯s thoughts, quickly reducing the distance between them to hit him directly in the chest.


    *bang*


    With an instant jump back, he avoided the attack and rushed forward. Anna was now weaker than Juno by two stages, and her speed was within Kyon¡¯s control. He was in charge.


    The maid was surprised: the boy was the real deal. He dodged and then immediately attacked. {With my movement technique, he will lose in a few seconds, anyway¡­} ¨C That¡¯s what she thought. In response to his overt attack, Anna gracefully arched her slender body, did a spectacr flip backward and gave him a sh kick. In her opinion, it was a top-ssing performance to attack and defend herself at once. Suddenly, her ns failed. The boy didn¡¯t seem to attack at all, but the bnce of his body shifted back even if he had to move by inertia towards her¡­


    Then something happened that Anna wasn¡¯t expecting. Kyon grabbed her ankles, and with one deft movement interrupted her maneuver. She stood on two hands like an inverted Christmas tree. Her short skirt treacherously sumbed to gravity and fell, revealing everything hidden underneath.


    Kyon¡¯s pupils dted as he saw the charms of Anna¡¯s body. The low sex frequency in one mental year and his weakness for all the beautiful took their toll on him.


    {White andcy¡­ Oops¡­}


    Before he coulde to his senses, Kyon saw an illusory movement and felt a sharp pain in his chest. The blow sent him a few meters away, then he rolled some more and gazed up into the night sky, wondering about the meaning of life.


    Anna pulled down her skirt. Her face turned red with anger and humiliation. She was steaming with a desire to deal with the insolent boy once and for all. Her insides were churning: the servant had seen her underwear! What a disgrace! It was like the dirty boy had touched her! Who was he anyway? It was uneptable, unforgivable for him to see something like that. But Anna¡¯s good nature helped her quickly calm down. Hermon sense reminded her that she had actually screwed up. She had let the boy corner her. How silly of her¡­ She thought her attack was unexpected and sudden! But¡­


    She looked at the body on the ground and felt guilty. However, her rage had not subsided yet. Anna resolutely approached Kyon, ying it cool. ?Have you seen it, boy??


    Kyon put on a painful face and mumbled pitifully:


    ?Lady, I¡­ Please, don¡¯t kill me¡­? ¨C His eyes were full of tears and regret.


    Anna wavered. He had seen everything and didn¡¯t deny it. She would have the moral right to punish him if he had lied, but the boy was pure as snowkes. She looked aside and bit her full lip, reflexively adjusting her skirt. ?Let¡¯s call it today. I¡¯m sure your bones are intact. But if you¡­ Oh well, forget it.? ¨C She had no more taste for fighting today.


    Anna walked off but the blush never left her face. She could not understand the ufortable sensation haunting her. Was it helplessness? She caught herself thinking that her sister¡¯s character had its advantages. If the boy had seen Dinah in the same position, he would have been dead in a second, saving her from remorse. But Anna wasn¡¯t like that.


    She entered the mansion and went to the bedroom. The sisters actually shared the same room. When Anna entered the room, she saw Dinah lying on the bed, her legs gracefully crossed. She was wearing an irresistible ckcy lingerie set.


    ?Did you interrogate him??


    Anna sat on the bed silently. She touched her nose as if she was hiding something and finally said:


    ?He said that Marina was his close friend. I don¡¯t think he was lying, but I¡¯ll talk to herter. He also said that Lady Juno appreciated his fighting skills.?


    ?What skills does the jerk have??


    Anna nervously yed with a lock of her blond hair. ?I¡¯m not quite sure¡­?


    ?And that¡¯s it?? ¨C Dinah squinted suspiciously. ?No one has any idea how the ve managed to go unnoticed for two weeks, how he survived and became thedy¡¯s servant. And that¡¯s all you¡¯ve got??


    ?Dinah, stop it! I will talk to Lady Juno and Marina, and¡­?


    ?All you had to do was to question him. We were taught to torture. We can get any information. Why didn¡¯t you interrogate him properly? Do you feel pity for him? We must never hesitate when ites to the mansion and especially to Lady Juno.?


    Anna stared at his sister, not daring to answer. Dinah was ruthless and relentless, as ever. But even she wouldn¡¯t react to amon ve like that¡­ Something was wrong. ?You can¡¯t let an ordinary servant get to you. Could you possibly have any feelings for¡­?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C screamed Dinah. ¨C ?I would dly kill him, but he¡¯s no longer in my power because of the¡­ The order¡­?


    There was silence after these words. Then Anna went to the shower, lost in her thoughts. {Sister has been acting out of sorts. She says the boy gets fresh with her, but I don¡¯t buy that! What if she has really fallen for him?}


    Kyon was still out of breath but graduallying to his senses. He felt a dull pain in his chest, however, no bones were broken. He couldn¡¯t get Anna¡¯s sexy, alluring, seductive charms out of his mind. She had left a deep trace in his consciousness. The masters used to say to him that his weakness for beauty would get him in trouble, but there was nothing he could do.


    In the simtion Earth, he had almost no interest in women. They didn¡¯t attract him. It was below him to mess around with the programs. Outside the simtion, he spent almost all the time on the tasks the masters gave him. His so-called weakness did not bother him. Moreover, he had no interest in average and below average girls. He had to be alert, given that any rich old woman could afford to buy youth and virginity. Everything was different here. Beauty was a valuable gift and a great blessing. Generations following one after another became stronger and more attractive because the beautiful young girls were not burned at stake. The most deserving men took them as wives. In this world, beauty was a valuable resource for the wealthy.


    As soon as Kyon recovered, he returned to his room. A little box was waiting for him, and he hadn¡¯t had time to check its contents yet. He took the box in his hands and started to examine it.


    He found inside a spatial ring of several cube meters to store the most valuable things and a handful of little balls with enzymes. They were of a smoky shade of white, simr to the base phase spheres. These enzymes also belonged to the base phase. His body couldn¡¯t metabolize the advanced ones.


    Kyon picked up a little pale ball and scanned it with Synergy. It contained the essence of enzymes that could be found in food in small amounts. The local poption had long guessed that it didn¡¯t make sense to eat meat and nts that contained enzymes of the corresponding phase. It was easier to extract the most valuable part and concentrate it, increasing its purity (the number of beneficial enzymes) at the same time.


    For example, where could he find a noble phase chicken? Kyon imagined a hen walking about the farm, scaring people stiff. Gradually, they left food alone and converted enzymes into pills. As a result, their bodies got stronger, as well as their souls. ¡°Strong mind starts with a strong body.¡±


    A thought shed through his mind: {I wonder how it will elerate my cultivation.}


    Kyon was disappointed to find out that Synergy and enzymes mutually destroyed each other as if exposed to alien energy. He couldn¡¯t send beams of energy into his cells to have an advantage over other people.


    By the time he moved to his new room, he had managed to upgrade his nervous system, which significantly increased the stress resistance of his organs. He had learned from books that the body absorbed useful enzymes while the worthless ones overloaded the organs and took a long time to get excreted from the blood.


    ording to Juno, the purity of these enzymes was about 80%. It was a fantastic rate for the Iron Throne. Kyon took the pill and continued analyzing his body.


    A stream of microscopic energy balls spread through his body like oil. Their effect was simr to alcohol, only the symptoms were absent. Judging by the descriptions in the books, they would appear only if he had overdosed on enzymes.


    The jet-ck night had long wrapped the world in its embrace, covering it with a thick dark nket. Kyon didn¡¯t want to waste his precious time and went to the training ground. Sleeping was not part of his n. He could do itter. Anyway, Kyon needed less time for sleep than other people. Using Synergy, he could be in the deep and fast phase of sleep at the same time, which meant he could get enough sleep twice as fast.


    Step by step, Kyon began to master the protection against electricity. He knew the theory well. It was a matter of time before he created high resistance from the powerful element of ether. An hour and a half of training flew by. He felt that his body had already absorbed one pill of enzymes. Kyon took a second pill with no hesitation. This knock-out dose could poison an average person, but Kyon¡¯s body easily withstood the stress.


    Less than a couple of secondster, his organs seemed to have gained weight. However, everything remained within the normal range. There were no irregrities or disorders. He was doing well for the time being while bundles of enzymes safely prated the cells of his body.


    Half an hourter, Kyon dared to take a third pill. Intoxication increased to the maximum level. He shouldn¡¯t take anymore, or each of his organs would suffer from stress.


    {Come on¡­ I can develop my body three times faster than an ordinary person, can¡¯t I?} ¨C A satisfied smile lit up Kyon¡¯s face. He hade to this world with Synergy, his only treasure. It wasn¡¯t the first time it had surprised him with its remarkable advantages and unique properties ¨C an increased level of intoxication, perfect key purity, bonuses from body cultivation, and so on. Any mortal would sell their soul to the devil for the privilege of having these unique features!

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    While creating the barrier against electricity, Kyon decided to find out experimentally how spatial things worked. He took the ring in his hands and infused it with pure energy. An instantter, his mind filled with information about its scope and content. It felt like emptiness. As if you think about an empty bag.


    He touched the ring with two fingers and stretched out the ck like the darkness of the night film. It resembled a soap bubble. He wrapped the ball of enzymes with the film and detached it from his fingers with a click.


    The bubble burst at once, leaving nothing in its ce.


    Kyon raised his eyebrows and checked the contents of the ring with pure energy. Now, his mind received information about the ball and its location inside the ring.


    {Hmm. That¡¯s how it is then¡­}


    Kyon had read in the books that the time inside the ring stood almost still. He effortlessly took the ball out. Anyway, he could use his Tetris skills to handle spatial objects.


    {Our spatial pockets absorb a huge amount of energy. Not every millionaire can afford them. It¡¯s so easy in this world¡­ However, it doesn¡¯te cheap, either. It takes the local magicians-formacists about a week to create them.}


    Kyon had read that the formacists applied a special formation to the ring that held a spatial pocket between the spiritual and physical worlds like the kite on a string.


    It was seven o¡¯clock in the morning when Kyon eximed with joy: ?I finally did it!? His voice bubbled with enthusiasm, his eyes sparkled with glee.


    He had created the ether technique ¡°protection against electricity¡± from scratch! Now he could block electric charges and other residual attacks that involved charged particles. His technique had a single drawback: it was ipatible with the ether barrier. Kyon assumed that he had to upgrade his element to an advanced or even higher grade. It would make the barrier stronger.


    Kyon had a wild urge to test it immediately on Juno, but his empty stomach had other ns. He had to eat something and drop by the dreand for a few hours.


    ¡­


    Yegorka didn¡¯t want to look intrusive in Juno¡¯s eyes, which is why he didn¡¯t visit her more than three times a week. He would never forgive himself if the girl, who was always on his mind, called him clingy.


    He madly wanted to be with her as often as possible, listen to her voice, admire her beauty, but he had to restrain himself. Sometimes, Yegorka told her he was busy just to y hard to get. However, Juno never asked him what he was doing. She couldn¡¯t care less. But Yegorka hoped, believed and dreamed that he could be a better man worthy of her love.


    The day was shining with new bright colors because a servant brought Yegorka good news literally a few hours ago ¨C Juno wanted to see him. He was approaching the mansion in high spirits when he thought that it was rather unusual of her. Juno had always called him herself. It was for the first time that she had sent a servant to deliver a message.


    His family name was enough for the guard to let him in. Anyone from the VIP club could visit the park whenever they wanted to. The elders (of the first rank) were the club members and, with their permission, the others could also enjoy the benefits (starting with the third rank and above.)


    Yegorka was anxious. He diligently smoothed his blond hair, gently straightened his jacket. He wanted to shine with confidence around Juno. An elderly uncle, now residing in the imperial capital Dantes, had taught him this wisdom once.


    The guard put his wrist to his mouth and informed thedy about the visitor.


    Yegorka¡¯s ears caught the sound of her quiet footsteps upstairs. He cleared his throat and swallowed nervously. His voice should sound smooth and pleasant and by no means tremble. A sincere smile lit up his face. mes were dancing in his eyes.


    An adorable, charming angel appeared on the staircase. The gorgeous girl was wearing pearl gray clothes. She fluttered down the stairs like a gracious butterfly. Her curls fell on her back, dancing against her shoulders like a reflection of the setting sun in the smooth surface of the water. Her lovely face¡­ Indeed, the gods went all out on their creation. Only, her eyes were half-closed as if she were in dreamy reverie.


    ?Hello, Juno! My little angel¡­? ¨C The moment Yegorka greeted her in happy bliss, Juno threw herself into his arms.


    ?Ju-Juno¡­? ¨C His heart missed a beat. She had never hugged him before¡­ Even for his birthday¡­ What was the asion now? Could it be possible that she had feelings for him?


    Yegorka didn¡¯t know the answer, but he wanted to believe it was true¡­ His soul rejoiced! Did she finally see how good-looking he was? He could not believe it was really happening. It all seemed like a dream. His eyes were clouded with tears as Yegorka buried his nose in Juno¡¯s shoulder. It wasn¡¯t a dream, but a sweet reality¡­ What was going on?


    It was harder to get rid of Yegorka¡¯s tenacious embrace than Juno had expected. She was looking at him with a calm face, herrge eyes pleading as if she wanted to say something.


    ?What¡¯s the matter? Are you okay?? ¨C He asked, concerned.


    Juno wanted to kiss the empathetic moron for being so sensitive. No, she wasn¡¯t okay! She was a ve! And she couldn¡¯t say anything or give him a hint because of the cage of orders! It wasn¡¯t easy for Juno to fall into his arms. She had to pretend he was imaginary.


    Juno looked around, frowned her beautiful face and left quietly.


    Yegorka was stupefied. He immediately followed her. ?Juno, are you alright? Did you miss me? Why are you so quiet??


    ?Nice weather today, isn¡¯t it?? ¨C He heard her angelic voice.


    ?Hmm¡­ Yes, it¡¯s wonderful! Tell me, what happened?? ¨C Yegorka said, wondering what was going on. Was he only imagining things? Something impossible had happened.


    Juno opened a door on the ground floor and entered the room. Yegorka followed her.


    The door swung open so unexpectedly that Kyon dropped a sausage from his mouth. He frowned at the uninvited guest. ?Why didn¡¯t you knock?? ¨C But there was no answer. The cute angel took a running jump straight into his arms and put her thin arms around his neck, embracing him like a vine. She wrapped him with her light floral scent, her eyes closed.


    Of course, it was right then that Yegorka should enter the room and see what he could not understand and ept. Juno was hanging around some guy¡¯s neck! Well, if it wasn¡¯t the ve! His ck clothes were hard to forget! And his nasty, ugly face¡­ Yegorka¡¯s heart almost stopped beating as he realized what he had seen. ?What¡¯s going on here??


    Juno opened her eyes. The cage of orders gave her some leeway when she was around Kyon, but itpletely deprived her of freedom when there was someone else. Now that a third party had appeared in the room, she was bound hand and foot.


    Juno hurried to leave at once. Yegorka was obliged to kill the ve. That¡¯s what the whole thing was about. He must die¡­ Die, nasty ve, die!


    Kyon was shocked to recognize the boy who was his idental savior twice. Every second counted. He connected Synergy to his mind.


    When he realized that Juno had left the room, Kyon ran to the window, broke it and jumped out. He rolled on the ground, disappearing in the bushes. Let¡¯s not forget that the boy who was trying to figure things out was now even more dangerous than Dinah. He had enough power to kill Kyon with a single blow.


    A wild roar came from behind as the blond guy with a pale bloodthirsty face jumped out of the window. Instead of asking Juno to shed light on the situation, the distraught macho decided to kill the object of his jealousy. ?Wait, you, asshole! I have pressing business with you, and the price is your worthless life!? ¨C However, Yegorka couldn¡¯t see anyone around.


    Kyon had reaped the benefits of being the ghost in the mansion. He knew the location of every leaf, web, and de of grass.


    Yegorka snorted. He activated scanning with pure energy, instantly caught the outline in the bushes, and darted toward him lightning fast. ?Don¡¯t move, scum!?


    Kyon had just taken out the sound transmitter when he heard Yegorka¡¯s roar. He turned pale and rushed forward, calling Juno all the names under the sun.


    Kyon hadn¡¯t run too far. Yegorka appeared in front of him with a bloodthirsty expression on his face. His speed was incredible. He could catch up with Kyon in seconds, like a hare chasing a turtle. He grabbed Kyon by the scruff of the neck, lifted him like a fluff, squeezed his hand into a fist and slowly prepared to deliver a fatal blow. His hand radiated a bright orange glow that could quickly turn flesh into a charred piece of meat. ?Die.?


    Kyon¡¯s journey had only begun. He did not want to finish it like this. An idea shed through his mind at the speed of light and he cried out:


    ?Juno loves you!?


    The approaching fist froze in the air. The residual heat scorched Kyon¡¯s face with a hot wave. His eyebrows, eyshes, and part of his hair instantly singed. The skin on his face turned scarlet red. It peeled off, exposing the bloody flesh.


    Kyon¡¯s mind was going through excruciating pain that he suppressed with Synergy. He had inhuman endurance. Anyone in his ce would have wailed in pain, but he only said:


    ?The youngdy was testing you! She hugged me because she wanted to know your reaction! It was a test of jealousy!? ¨C Kyon said hoarsely but convincingly. It was all or nothing.


    Yegorka¡¯s eyes widened. He loosened the grip on the ve¡¯s neck. ?Are you serious?! She¡­ Is it true?..?


    Kyon coughed and fell to his knees. He picked up the sound transmitter and called Juno¡¯s frequency. She always had the device with her and would definitely answer the call. He had taken every precaution.


    While they were waiting for her to answer the call, Kyon said:


    ?Of course, I am serious! It¡¯s true! I¡¯m calling her right now. Lady Juno will be pleased with your reaction. You have passed the test¡­? ¨C His voice was heavy with the pain he was feeling despite his attempts to suppress it. Blisters deformed his once handsome face. The devil himself would be horrified to see him.


    Yegorka shuddered. He wanted to believe Kyon¡¯s words. Juno¡¯s strange behavior and, even more so, her indifferent face, when she was hugging the ve, had confirmed everything. {It was only a test! Ha! It¡¯s a good thing I didn¡¯t kill him! Or maybe it isn¡¯t¡­ What if she wanted me to¡­}


    Kyon finally got through. ?Lady Juno, would you pleasee to the W-shaped bushes around the corner of the mansion where Yegorka is waiting for you. Your fianc¨¦ has passed the test.?


    ?I will.? ¨C They both could hear her shrill voice.


    {Your fianc¨¦? I will?!} ¨C Yegorka was encouraged. All his suspicions had disappeared. The world around him seemed fantastic, unreal again. He pinched himself to make sure he was not sleeping. It was not a dream! Incredible! His amazing, beloved girl was testing him! He had passed her test! A blissful, dreamy smile lit up his face, but¡­ Something was bugging him¡­ It all seemed a bit weird¡­ He had almost destroyed the low-born scum and then this sudden turn of events. He should apologize to the ve for the disfigured appearance, but the humiliation was not part of his n. Yegorka was more concerned about what Juno would say¡­


    Kyon groaned and fell to one knee. Lovesick, Yegorka was looking around in search of Juno. He couldn¡¯t care less about the boy he had crippled.


    Soon, Juno appeared like a beautiful vision, calm and peaceful.


    A terror gripped her throat when she saw her master burnt beyond recognition but still alive. He did not die¡­ Dumb, jealous cretin Yegorka did not finish him off! Why? She had hugged the ve, after all!


    Her embarrassed blond friend smiled awkwardly. ?Juno¡­ Uhm¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I got a little carried away¡­ I have passed the test, haven¡¯t I? He¡¯s alive, you see? How did I do??


    Juno was steaming. She had to hold back the urge to hit the stupid boy on the head. No, you have failed! You should have destroyed the ve! If Yegorka had done everything ording to her n, he would have received a reward. But now, all she wanted was to beat him to death.


    Yegorka would never forgive himself if he knew that he had missed a chance to get closer to the object of his adoration.


    ?Mydy, please, take Yegorka to your room. I am sure that he will appreciate the gift you have prepared for him.? ¨C Kyon ¡°ordered¡± her and bowed slightly.


    Juno nodded and led Yegorka to her room in silence. She wanted to cry bitterly, but she had no tears. The cunning ve had somehow outwitted the idiot! Her n had failed. Well, on the plus side, his face had burned. Let him suffer. He may stay ugly until the end of his pitiful life. However¡­ Her wretched luck was going to get her a fresh set of punches from him¡­ It was so unfair! She didn¡¯t want much, just to kill the parasite. She shouldn¡¯t have counted on the stupid blond boy. He had onlyplicated her life.


    ?Juno, my little angel! Tell me what you have for me.? ¨C Yegorka said, anxious to get a pleasant surprise. ¨C ?Juno, say something! Talk to me.?


    ?Nice weather today, isn¡¯t it?? ¨C Juno asked indifferently, leading him to her room.


    ?Uhm¡­ Yes, it is¡­?

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    Kyon made sure that the damned couple had gone far enough and closed his eyes in pain. It was sheer torture! His face was burning with intolerable, excruciating pain. His head was killing him. Large blisters emerged on the skin. His eyebrows and eyshes had all burned out. Yegorka had taken one swing, but it was enough to injure Kyon pretty bad. If he weren¡¯t who he was, he could have said goodbye to his handsome face for the rest of his life. However, thanks to Synergy and healing ointment, he would recover in a day.


    {Alright, bitch¡­ You will pay me for that¡­ You will answer for everything you¡¯ve done.} ¨C Kyon thought angrily and dialed Juno again. It was extremely dangerous to order her to throw Yegorka out while he was still around. That¡¯s why Kyon had sent them away to protect himself, and now he was ready to give the order.


    Juno had somehow managed to outwit her subconscious and his formation. Kyon was furious. He had never doubted his formation. No one in the world could deceive it. Juno¡¯s subconscious mind wouldn¡¯t have allowed her to imagine things. The formation was above the consciousness, ruling out any tricks. But for some reason, it did not work. Anyway, it was too risky to create a new formation as he would have to remove the present one, and it would be the end of the road for him if the next formation didn¡¯t work.


    ?Lady Juno, we need to talk. Please, get away from Yegorka.?


    The word ¡°please¡± was equal to ¡°I order you.¡± That¡¯s why she had toply with his cunning orders, and no one suspected a thing.


    ?All right.? ¨C Juno looked innocently at her blond friend. She told him she had to leave him for a moment, and he stayed in the empty room, alone and confused. Then Juno had to put the sound transmitter to her ear against her will.


    Kyon sounded confident:


    ?Please, order your maids to break Yegorka¡¯s arm and throw him out of the mansion. Also, order the guards NEVER to let him in again!?


    ?I-I will.? ¨C Junol¡¯s voice trembled. She went downstairs to execute the order.


    Less than two minutester, Yegorka was thrown out of the mansion like a dirty beggar. He was screaming in hellish pain, his arm twisted at a grotesque angle. It was Dinah¡¯s work, of course. The shocked boy did not understand why they had done it to him. He yelled, his eyes full of tears:


    ?Juno! I did not do anything! Forgive me! Ahhh! Let me in! Ahhh!?


    The absurdity of the situation did not fit in Yegorka¡¯s head. Judging by Juno¡¯s calm reaction, the ve didn¡¯t lie, he did pass the test. It¡¯s just¡­ Why did the asshole mention a fianc¨¦? And what did she want to give to him? The jerk had double-crossed him, outwitted him! Did he fail the test, after all? It all sounded different from the ve¡¯s foul mouth! He must have said it just to save his life. But still¡­ It was weird¡­ It all didn¡¯t add up¡­


    Yegorka didn¡¯t me Juno. The charming girl won his heart with her beauty and intelligence when he was a child. Her actions were reasonable and justified. She was witty¡­ It was the ve to me for everything.


    Yegorka couldn¡¯t think straight in pain, and yet some thoughts sounded loud and clear: {It¡¯s all because of him! I will kill you, smelly goat!}


    It was below his dignity to leave with his head down, so Yegorka kept yelling, appealing to the good in Juno:


    ?Juno! I beg you, my little angel! Please let me in! Aah¡­ I¡¯m in pain¡­ Juno, I¡¯m sorry! Please, let me in!? ¨C He was screaming because the broken arm hurt like hell, and at the same time, he was burning to know why they had mistreated him. No one had ever treated him like that. Only his beloved Juno was allowed to do that. There was an abyss between them. Her 1st rank stood high above his defective 3rd rank.


    Kyon could hear his loud pleas. He became concerned that Yegorka might say too much and, as a result, Anna and Dinah would suspect that something was wrong. Another call to Juno and the guards received an order to beat Yegorka to a pulp and throw him away from the mansion.


    ?Arr¡­ Why? Ahhh! Juno! Why? I¡¯m so sorry!? ¨C Yegorka couldn¡¯t stop yelling, and the big guys couldn¡¯t stop beating him up.


    Kyon could have ordered Juno to tell the guards to finish the screamer off. Yegorka had burnt his face and almost killed him, after all. However, Juno¡¯s blond friend had unintentionally saved him twice. The alleged debt had been paid. Besides, the murder could attract too much attention. Yegorka was no elder¡¯s son, but still, he was a promising genius in the Stone family.


    The guards battered him until he lost consciousness. Then his limp carcass was thrown into a dumpster two blocks down like a bag of rotten potatoes. It was useless to resist. The guards were powerful and strong. Snot-nosed kids like Yegorka couldn¡¯t hold a candle to them.


    Thest thing Yegorka thought before he lost consciousness was: {ve¡­ It¡¯s all your fault¡­ I¡¯ll kill you whatever it takes¡­}


    Yegorka needed to find the culprit. His beautiful Juno had absolutely nothing to do with all that. She was a kind, sweet, charming girl with noble manners and upbringing.


    Kyon was in a foul mood when he called Juno again and ordered her to bring him several tubes of the best healing ointment. He didn¡¯t want the maids to see his mutted face because his subsequent miraculous healing would raise unnecessary questions. There existed no medicine that could restore his appearance to 100%.


    Juno entered the training ground. She was in the same gray skirt, blouse, and sandals. Only, the unfortunate conspirator was deathly pale now, pressing her back to the gate, scared out of her wits.


    ?P-please, master, d-d-don¡¯t! I did not want you to get hurt! Please, forgive me. I¡¯m so sorry! It all happened so suddenly! Yegorka¡­ He is a real maniac! I didn¡¯t know that he would want to kill you for no reason! Please, master¡­ I beg you, don¡¯t hurt me¡­ I can¡¯t take it anymore¡­?


    Kyon looked calm and dispassionate, giving Juno a chilling look that didn¡¯t bode well. Deep inside, he was amazed. What a sly fox! How skillfully she was pretending to be an innocentmb! Who taught her to y games? He didn¡¯t see any drama coaches around. However, hismon sense saw through her: she would never behave like that in front of someone she despised with all her heart.


    ?Yes, indeed. You did not want me to get crippled. You only wanted me to get killed. I got the message! Give me the ointment before I lose it and beat you to death.?


    Juno timidly approached the disfigured victim of her unsessful n.


    ?You don¡¯t have to beat me! You told me that you would not punish me until you defeat me in a fair fight! And¡­ I¡¯m really sorry!? ¨C Tears were flowing from her eyes that shone with genuine repentance. No one could tell if those were fake tears.


    Kyon snatched the tube from her hands and helped himself to its contents, generously botching the ointment on his face. He looked like hell. His face was in watery blisters. The skin was red and inmed, with burned flesh seen at ces.


    The gentle chill of the ointment passed over his face. It was an amazingly refreshing feeling. Kyon analyzed the effect and concluded that he would recover faster than expected. By the evening, he would have healed!


    He breathed a sigh of relief and then frowned at Juno. She lowered her head, feeling guilty, drawing with the tip of her shoe on the floor. A masterpiece of acting, no other way to put it. But they both knew too well that she couldn¡¯t care less for him. She was sincerely hoping that he would die at Yegorka¡¯s hands like a dog. Of course, Kyon understood why she had done it, but any attempt to finish him off would get his unfortunate killer well-deserved retribution. When Lovr was the lord of humanity, he called it the principle of Deliberate, Exhaustive, Absolute, Debt repayment. DEAD for short. It worked without a hitch.


    ?Juno, you did something very wrong today¡­? ¨C The sly girl ¡°guiltily¡± raised her eyes already filled with tears ¨C ?¡­and deserve severe punishment, but I am not going to beat you¡­? ¨C After this news, the tearful face slightly twisted. Her eyebrows crawled somewhere in the direction of her forehead ¨C ?¡­while you can¡¯t move. But I will beat you up properly, allowing you to defend yourself. I will even let you use all the elements without restrictions. This time, my punishment will be fair, and at the same time fucking humiliating, because it will not only convince you of your mediocrity, you will be mortified fair and square, hehehehe.?


    Juno couldn¡¯t helpughing in response. She sincerely rejoiced at her unpredictable master¡¯s next whim.


    ?You are so naive and stupid¡­ I made it clear yesterday that you are an unworthy opponent, and I didn¡¯t even use all my power. And today, you decided to fight with me, allowing me to use all the elements? Ha-ha-ha! You will leave me in stitches!?


    Not a trace of guilt was left on her sly face. Juno was radiating with her usual arrogance and disregard.


    Kyon grinned wickedly and gave her another dozen restrictive orders before they began.


    ?I order you to attack me without weapons or any other objects. I allow you to use any elements for your attack.? ¨C It was time to humiliate the little piece of trash so hard that she would be afraid to look him in the eyes. And when her spirit was broken, it would be a snap to train her into his obedient bitch.


    Juno couldn¡¯t hold back her smile, anticipating her victory. She rushed headlong towards him.


    Kyon decided that he wouldn¡¯t waste his energy on practicing the movement technique. In the previous battle, he got exhausted faster than Juno because he wanted to create his own technique and because of the mental attack, too. Now his primary goal was to win, humiliate, crush and punish her.


    The two worst enemies struck each other with their fists.


    *bang*


    Juno shed purple lightning towards his hand. The recoil threw her expectedly back, her fist buzzing in pain. But the discharge would shake the asshole well and bring her immediate victory! At least, she was counting on it.


    However, Kyon looked as cool as a cucumber. The spark that had pierced his fist did not disturb him at all. He struck back with a counter-attack.


    Juno frowned in confusion and struck him with her fists again, this time with some apprehension.


    *bang*


    She couldn¡¯t see straight in pain, her little fistpletely numb. {Why is he so calm? Why is he moving so fast? Yegorka must have boiled the rest of his brains! I¡¯m striking him with lightning, after all! He should be already writhing in agony on the floor, asking me for mercy! What¡¯s the matter with him?} ¨C These thoughts were desperately spinning in her head.


    *bang*


    After the third sh, Juno let out a painful squeal and bounced aside. She had difficulty folding her hand into a fist. A couple more blows and she would be seriously damaged.


    The impassive demon did not even blink an eye. His chilling gaze searched her face. And then it dawned on her: the ends of his hair did not stand on end! Her attacks had never reached the goal!


    Kyon gave her a crooked grin. The stupid girl figured it out atst: the lightning did him no harm!


    It was his turn to attack. Juno had instantly entered the mode of heightened vignce, trying to understand what had happened, cautious like a cat hunting a cunning mouse. Her pretty face turned a little pale, the wrinkled forehead indicated the intensified brainstorming. The speed of her enemy was the same, as well as his cultivation stage. However, the lightning couldn¡¯t break through him. What if¡­ She decided to confirm her guess.


    Juno bnced her body with the help of the wind. Her attacks became more unpredictable, and in the end, she managed to hit his rtively vulnerable spot.


    *bang*


    And again, his hair did not stand on end.


    {It can¡¯t be¡­ The lightning resistance? He is just in the first stage! I don¡¯t understand! He can¡¯t have the barrier!} ¨C Juno waspletely confused, her mind in the search for the answers to the endless questions that tormented her.


    Kyon chuckled mischievously. His terrible, disfigured face and ck clothes added to his demonic look. He could tell that Juno was anxious about the defeat she was facing. She was afraid that he would win and make her pay for everything she had done. Well, she should be afraid¡­


    He would have lost in a fair fight yesterday without the skills of electrical resistance. But today, his insting barrier blocked 99% of Juno¡¯s discharge, an incredible advantage against the ether element. He wondered if anyone in this world had any protection from electricity. Was he really one of a kind?

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Kyon looked like a demon when he made a swift, sudden attack. Juno was the spitting image of a charming angel as she dodged his blows with a significant advantage in speed due to the wind element.


    Her opponent was almost twice slower, and yet she couldn¡¯t understand why it was so difficult for her to defeat him. It finally dawned on her¡­ The monster had excellent movement skills.


    {What is the level of his battle fist? I can¡¯t believe that the piece of trash is better than master Jean!} ¨C Juno was arrogant, but she was no blind fool. She had to admit the bitter truth: her movements improved after the ve had given her a good thrashing, not because master Jean had trained her well! Juno had been unwittingly copying Kyon¡¯s style. It was insulting to admit that she had learned from the ve¡­ It was equal to admitting that he was better than her, and Juno would never ept that.


    She stopped unnecessary and harmful thoughts about the ve¡¯s supernatural talents, desperately trying to deliver a fatal blow with lightning. Soon, she came up with a reasonable idea to leave aside the ether and focus on the wind, the element that she hadn¡¯t used yet.


    Juno approached Kyon at arm¡¯s length (otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t work) andunched at him wind des with a graceful wave of her hand.


    The wind des could scratch a few millimeters deep. The ve had a choice to admit his defeat or be cut into shreds. It was time to send a message to the arrogant dastard!


    Kyon squinted his eyes. It took him some effort to distinguish air turbulence around Juno, which didn¡¯t bode well. He stretched his arm, covered with the ether barrier.


    Juno was anxious to see the hated enemy bleed, but the des touched the translucent film and evaporated without a trace, leaving the ve unscathed.


    Juno¡¯srge, emerald eyes nearly popped out of her head.


    ?How??


    Kyon took advantage of Juno¡¯s momentary confusion and struck her in the chest with a powerful electrically charged blow, whose impact was equal to the st of the 9th stage. She wouldn¡¯t recover from it anytime soon.


    *bang*


    Juno saw the stars when she received the powerful electric shock, her body twitching in uncontroble convulsions. She almost forgot her name.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t going to give in. He wanted to knock Juno off her feet and triumph over her.


    He tripped her up but missed. Juno had recovered with inhuman speed and dodged with a backward roll. She was still trembling, her body out of control, her ears ringing. She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around what had just happened.


    Kyon attacked again, but Juno used her advantage in speed and retreated.


    {Too bad¡­ It was a good one!} ¨C Kyon was disappointed in himself.


    Juno pointed out her using, trembling finger:


    ?You¡­ You can¡¯t bend the ether! It can¡¯t be!?


    Kyon cornered her slowly but surely. She looked frazzled and battered but still adorable.


    ?What are you talking about??


    Juno shook her head in disbelief.


    ?You can¡¯t! A lowlife scum like you can¡¯t bend two elements! Not the ether! Where did you¡­ How can you possibly use lightning? And why was your discharge so powerful? Tell me!?


    ?Shut your dirty mouth, bitch. Wasn¡¯t it your idea that ves have no right to ask questions and speak without permission? It¡¯s high time I cut you down to size, my pathetic ve! Just ept that you are an insignificant mediocrity and admit that your magnificent master is much more talented and stronger than you. Then I might spare you and won¡¯t beat you that hard.?


    ?NO!? ¨C The loser screamed almost hysterically. Her world had burst again like a soap bubble pierced with a sharp needle. Her master couldn¡¯t bend the ether yesterday, but today she had to learn the hard way that he actually could.


    Kyon had finally cornered her. She tried to get tricky and escape, but he grabbed her by the long flowing hair, pulling it a little too hard. He had caught this smart, cunning little bird atst.


    Juno let out a mournful squeak like a naughty kitten taken by the scruff of the neck. Her legs couldn¡¯t reach the floor. All in all, she looked harmless, pitiful, and yet so cute.


    ?LET ME GO!? ¨C Juno screamed, reunching the wind des and trying to scratch his face with her nails.


    Kyon easily fended off the attack with a careless wave of his hand. He grabbed her fist, giving it a powerful current discharge. She had to pay for her audacity and useless resistance.


    *bang*


    Juno¡¯s body shook in convulsions again, dangling in his hands. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes and ran down her pale, almost white with pain and terror, cheeks. The bloody demon scared her like no one else in her entire short life. Was she really so pathetic? What about her dream to win over her sister? Was everything for nothing?


    Kyon kept sending discharge after discharge until her hands went limp. Then he threw her onto the floor, sat right on her knees, and hit her hard into the chest. Juno coughed hoarsely.


    ?Did I tell you that you are nothing but miserable mediocrity? I did. And now for my favorite part: punishing you for trying to kill me!?


    ?P-please, don¡¯t hurt me¡­ I was not ready¡­ It¡¯s not fair!? ¨C Juno mumbled in protest, but Kyon was steadfast. He beat her on and on. Sharp pain spread throughout her whole body like fireworks. Juno was going through hell again¡­ He didn¡¯t order her to stay still, she was still because of her weakness¡­ She was weaker than him, after all.


    Juno tried to cover her most vulnerable ces with her hands, but the ruthless monster moved them apart and continued his torture. She was hurt, but it was pure agony to ept the fact that she had lost to someone who was two stages weaker and twice slower than her. He had suppressed her as if she were a pathetic, worthlessmoner¡­ How could it possibly be happening?


    ?Admit that I am your master. Say that I am stronger and more talented than you. Then I will stop.? ¨C Kyon was kind enough to give her a chance to stop the torture. He might be dying to get his revenge, but he wanted to rehabilitate her first. Things would get easier if she bent under pressure.


    But Juno justy there silent, covering herself.


    Kyon frowned and continued his dirty work.


    Juno cried and moaned quietly under the influence of his order. She was about to faint, shaking, her limbs cramping. She was struggling to cover her body with her hands. Her eyes were painfully closed, tears streaming down her cheeks.


    Kyon was like an insane, sadistic executioner. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and was about to continue when he suddenly noticed that Juno wasn¡¯t moving or covering herself anymore¡­ Her eyes were open. She was staring at him carefully and intently without a shadow of fear. The desire for revenge, the bloodthirst, the ferocity were glowing in her bright green eyes.


    Kyon shuddered. He hit her a couple more times, but she didn¡¯t move. She hadn¡¯t broken down¡­ Juno had realized that he was rejoicing at her sufferings and forbade herself to resist.


    {Is she¡­ Is she human?} ¨C Kyon was once again amazed at the will of this sly girl. She was taking his blows, without a flinch, without any reaction at all. Human beings wouldn¡¯t be like that¡­ Her behavior might be logical and reasonable if she were morally broken, but her eyes were burning with life, genuine hatred, and an urge to fight to the very end.


    Kyon pounded the ground next to her face in a fit of anger.


    ?Have you gone crazy? Just say: ¡°I am weaker than you, sir. Please do not beat me anymore. I will be an obedient ve.¡± And I will immediately stop beating you!?


    She didn¡¯t reply. Kyon stood up, put his foot imperiously on her chest, and slightly pressed it. He wanted to smash the high-borndy¡¯s cherished pride.


    ?I can¡¯t hear you.?


    Juno remained silent. She didn¡¯t even flinch. Then she slowly opened her lips and uttered a barely audible response, whispering three words:


    ?Just die, please¡­?


    Kyon ran his fingers through his hair, perplexed. He was staring in shock at his indomitable stubborn ve. {Crazy girl, you¡­ are reckless.}


    Juno wearily closed her eyes and turned away. She did not want to see this ugly vermin anymore. He could beat her all he wanted. From now on, she wouldn¡¯t say a word until she died.


    Suddenly, she felt a weird wet touch on her bare neck. To her horror, Juno realized that Kyon had nted his repulsive lips on her.


    ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!? ¨C Juno, who was so calm before, screamed in disgust and pushed the ¡°mosquito¡± with her foot, lightning-fast.


    Kyon had been so mesmerized by her unusual behavior that he decided to get a taste of her will. Unexpectedly, she fought back, surprising him yet again.


    Juno squatted and backed away, looking at Kyon in animal fear.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare! I¡¯ll kill myself if you do that again! And I¡¯ll take you along!? ¨C The youngdy struggled to her feet and staggered back, faster this time. She felt her way to the gates with trembling hands, opened them and ran to the mansion. To be more precise, she quietly walked away, obeying Kyon¡¯s order. Her heart was beating frantically. She couldn¡¯t calm down the turmoil building inside of her. A lowborn ve had kissed her in the neck! Her life was no different from the trash in the slums.


    Kyon helplessly scratched his head, not even trying to stop her. Something told him if he continued sexual pressure (and it seemed to be the only thing that worked on her), she would break down. Not to the point he wished, though. She would turn into a spineless puppet with cut-off strings.


    Kyon assumed that his kiss was worse for her than a knife in the heart. His ¡°honest¡± beating didn¡¯t affect Juno, but an innocent kiss had almost destroyed her. He doubted she would ever seek to kill him again if she was so afraid of being raped.


    Kyon sighed sadly. {Probably, if she treated me as an equal, I would make her my girlfriend.}


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Juno returned to her chambers and flopped onto the soft pillows. Tears were pouring down her cheeks. She could feel a thorn in her heart. He had kissed her on the neck¡­ Her noble essence had been desecrated. He had beaten her in a fair fight. She was a mediocrity, after all.


    Gradually, the pain had ovepped the feeling of disgust and self-pity. She could feel only hellish, unbearable, excruciating pain.


    Juno carefully removed her blouse and was horrified by what she saw. Her chest, stomach, and sides were ck and blue all over. The pain was so intense that her body was numb. It was the only reason she wasn¡¯t crawling on the floor, stifling her moans.


    With a trembling hand, she took a tube of ointment out of her spatial ring and put some on her finger to treat her injuries. She was still sick at heart, but she never stopped muttering to herself with murderous determination:


    ?I will kill this monster no matter what¡­ He will die the most brutal death¡­?


    Her heart ached with pity for her crippled body. She had always been proud of her figure, her wasp waist, neat boobs, and slender legs. But now her body depressed her with the ugly blue and bloody-red pattern of bruises and abrasions. It would take days to cure the injuries with the ointment. Besides, there were old wounds that hadn¡¯t healed properly. Her healing would drag on, apanied by pain and anguish. Damned ve¡­ What did she do to bring him upon herself?


    The tube of ointment ended too quickly. Juno was about to go to the treatment room when she gritted her teeth in anger. The cage of orders forbade her to raise any suspicion. She had already taken the ointment for the ¡°master.¡± Her subconscious wouldn¡¯t allow her to take any more.


    She was going to suffer in agony even longer than she had imagined¡­ All because of him. She hated the name Kyon to the depths of her soul. Juno sadly curled up in bed, gently hugging her legs, trying to sort her thoughts out. Things were getting worse and worse. But¡­


    Juno would never give up.

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    The blisters on his face didn¡¯t hurt anymore. Unlike Kyon, no one else would be able to restore their original appearance. Facial burns caused scarring and deformity that would repel and disgust the opposite sex forever. However, Synergy could fix everything, guiding the process of healing. It returned Kyon¡¯s face to the original state and maybe, made it even better than before. He would enjoy the result in the evening. In the meantime, Kyon was going to practice the elements he had recently acquired. He had to be ready for the uing party, and there was no time to lie around. His main task was to enhance his power. His main goal was to be super-talented in everyone¡¯s eyes. Everything should go off without a hitch.


    Kyon had already mastered electrical instion. Now, he was going to focus on the movement technique and the basic grade of elements.


    He remembered that moreplicated elements were more impure, but they were also more powerful in a certain sense. Being the bender of all elements, he would benefit from practicing a tricky element like the heat / the cold with the 3d level of difficulty or the darkness / the light with the 5th level of difficulty.


    At the moment, he could send electric discharges with a single touch, which gave him a variety of techniques and tricks. Kyon wondered what the mostplex attributes were capable of.


    He decided to acquire the darkness with its aura of danger and mysterious properties. The darkness was the very embodiment of evil, and evil symbolized unbridled power that could repress anyone. Kyon started to analyze neural connections responsible for the dark attribute. He was going to decipher the element and make good use of it.


    It was a time-consuming process. By 6 pm, Kyon hadn¡¯t finished yet.


    The bright sunny day had turned unnaturally quickly into a nasty one. Dense, gray clouds covered the clear sky. It didn¡¯t rain, but everyone could feel the electricity in the air as if the heavy rain with lightning subsided during the thunderstorm.


    Ky§àn frowned. Having mastered pure energy and ether, he thought he could learn any other element within minutes because he knew the principle of decoding the information. However, the darkness was too mysterious for him. He kept releasing it, changing the shape of the channel again and again. The element was chaotic and iprehensible, creating feelings of sadness and depression. Theyers of dead skin on his face made him look like an ugly maniac.


    Suddenly, an idea shed across his head. He tested it and¡­ There it was, his first lead! He hadprehended a fragment of the neural connections. Now, he had to grow the tree of correct conclusions from the existing seeds of guesswork!


    The clouds over his head grew even darker. The wind wasn¡¯t dangerous, but it sent a nasty shiver down his spine. The Stones decided that they should stay in tonight. The weather didn¡¯t look good at all.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled when he set off a chain reaction. Synergy was about to master a new element!


    *snap*


    The characteristic sound in Kyon¡¯s heart announced that the basic grade of the darkness was entirely under his control. He had finally mastered it.


    *BANG*


    Before Kyon could raise his hands in triumph, a dazzling bolt of lightning struck from the sky. It created a hole in the mansion barrier and hit the enlightened guy directly in the head. Wasn¡¯t knowledge power, after all?


    Everything went white. A sharp, stabbing pain struck his body like a hand of justice and threw him a few meters away, his head steaming. Kyon looked dead. His heart was not beating, his mind refused to work. He wasn¡¯t breathing.


    Synergy functioned regardless of his state, though. It restarted his heart and brought him back to consciousness, stopping numerous brain hemorrhages. Vessels in his arms had burst, a burn pattern had stretched from his feet to the waist. His ears were ringing, a cloudy veil covered his eyes. Kyon was in apletely understandable shock.


    {What¡­ the heck¡­}


    This lightning was several times stronger than before. It would have turned him into smoldering coals if there were no barrier over the mansion.


    One thing was clear, he had to recover right away. With a lot of effort, he took out another tube of ointment and put it on his leg, his face, and squeezed some in his ears.


    The mansion guards arrived, checking the area in case of invasion. When they saw Kyon, they exchanged nces and a few phrases and left. Burnt servants were none of their concern. Nobody wanted to have any additional worries on their mind.


    Two hourster, the seemingly lifeless boy opened his watery eyes. He had stabilized all the injuries caused by the lightning and could sit up. His mind was frantically searching for answers. Yesterday¡¯s sh of lightning might have been a coincidence, but it wasn¡¯t so today. The weather had changed within minutes, the bolt of lightning was too powerful and struck him right in the head. It was fundamentally different from a natural phenomenon. The energy hadn¡¯te from the ground but from above. Otherwise, the barrier would have been torn to shreds.


    Heaven disapproved of mediocrities mastering more elements than their potential allowed. What was so bad about bending lots of elements? Kyon could only imagine his enemies¡¯ reaction when they found out that he had mastered all nine of them. If only he could master them. Heaven didn¡¯t seem to favor his dreams.


    {Am I so ipetent? In any other situation, I wouldn¡¯t have mastered the second element. As far as I know, the element gets acquired through enlightenment, but I have never had it¡­ However, Synergy doesn¡¯t need luck, fate, or approval of any higher power. Heaven clearly doesn¡¯t like that, does it?} ¨C The former ruler of humankind had never had these insane ideas before. He had never imagined that heaven had a mind of its own! It was pure nonsense, but he did not have another exnation. This world was full of mystery and worked ording to the localws. The energy in this world had an internal memory.


    {Does it mean that even more terrible lightning will strike me and tear me apart when I am working on the 4th element? Fuck¡­} ¨C Kyon cursed angrily to himself. He wasn¡¯t destined to be infinitely talented, was he? Anyway, he wasn¡¯t going to give up.


    Kyon caught himself thinking that he didn¡¯t know a thing about the world he was living in. What if he did something that would finally destroy him? The library! He urgently needed to study that hidden library and find out everything that he should know. He might learn lots of useful things. At the same time, he would understand how to evolve further and which unique body to choose.


    Two hourster, Kyon struggled to his feet and staggered to his room. At this hour, he would meet neither servants nor the maids. There would be no unnecessary witnesses to his miserable waddling.


    Punished by heaven, the poor fellow had slept for about 20 hours. The whole day was erased from his life because he needed to restore the internal injuries after the lightning strike. However, there was some good news, too. Synergy had finallypleted upgrading his eyes.


    What benefits did it give to him?


    * It fixed the blind spot inherent in everyone, eliminating the defect of the inverted retina.


    * It enhanced his peripheral vision, which felt like his whole eye could absorb the light. Being a lucky Synergy owner, he had enoughputing power for image processing.


    * He could see in the dark like cats, only his eyes didn¡¯t glow.


    * He could perceive a wider range of electromaic waves from infrared to ultraviolet.


    * He got a new feature of the lensing effect of a decent binocr pr an ordinary microscope.


    * Pigment nds were created. Now he could change the color of his iris in a couple of seconds.


    * Among other things, he could quickly repair any eye injury.


    Kyon¡¯s eyesight had be so sharp that he could see a needle hundreds of meters away in the dark of the night. The eyes sensitivity was so high that he began to distinguish not only colors but also many thousands of their shades.


    The quality of his vision and perception had increased, mainly due to the inverted retina.


    All people have an inverted eye. The light goes through many tissues until it finally reaches the photoreceptors cells upside down. Animals like octopus and squid have no such thing. Their vision, respectively, is much better and more sensitive than that of people.


    Kyon went to the window and looked around. He had opened his eyes for real for the first time in this world. He was no blind chicken now. His new vision was an indisputable advantage in the battle. Kyon could easily see a sudden attack in the blind zone, spreading poisonous gas, air techniques, and any other possible tricks.


    His Synergy had nothing to do at the moment. It was time to give it a new task. Kyon decided to upgrade his hearing, that is, his ears.


    He stretched himself and left his room, feeling great. His face had already recovered, his pretty looks restored. He had peeled his dead skin like a dried rind from a tangerine. The burns on his leg had almost healed. It was no problem to restore his brain and nerves with his upgraded nervous system. Without it, even his wonderful Synergy would not have saved him.


    And yet, he was shaking with pent-up anger. The ¡°gift¡± from heaven was unexpected and very unpleasant. Anyone else in his ce would have died. Was it a failure, or did the higher ban really exist? He had to find it out. Kyon left his room and went straight to the storeroom, heading for the hidden library.


    Kyon was so eager to find out what had happened to him that he hadpletely forgotten to experiment with the darkness. He had plenty of time for that.


    Kyon approached the Social Science section. All he needed was to leaf through the book and it got entirely imprinted in his mind. Synergy would absorb the informationter and sort it out in his mind.


    Soon, Kyon felt a bit peckish. He hadn¡¯t eaten all day and needed a good meal. He called Juno and ordered her to tell the servants to bring him dinner to the ¡°secret¡± library. In fact, there was nothing secret about it. He could get knowledge in any other library, but this one was locked by an ingeniously clever mechanism. However, anyone could find it with scanning.


    Kyon could hear someoneing quietly downstairs.


    He put down the book. Was Anna so impressed by her defeat the day before yesterday that she decided to pay a visit to him? What if she wanted to get her rematch?


    Kyon turned around and, to his utter bewilderment, saw Dinah, the tall, slim maid who radiated the assassin¡¯s chilling aura so familiar to him. Her sexy, rxed gait could charm any man. Add to that her charming face and the cold gaze of her bewitching gray eyes¡­ How could he stop staring at her most indecently?

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Dinah was holding a tray with dinner. The hairs on Kyon¡¯s skin stood up. Stop! It wasn¡¯t supposed to be happening! She had to be under the order not to harm him! How dared she to enter the cage with the tiger? Why didn¡¯t she send someone else to do the dirty job? It was beneath her high rank to bring dinner to the servants after all. It was differentst time when he intended to give her a hard time and send a message.


    Kyon was rmed. The impassive expression on Dinah¡¯s beautiful face was hard to read. {Maybe she wants to clear up her suspicions about me? Or find out why Juno gave her orders when I asked her to? Or maybe she liked the way I held her? Or perhaps she managed to cancel the order? Damn, she is driving me crazy¡­ You shouldn¡¯t havee, little fool.} ¨C Kyon wanted Dinah to take his warnings seriously. He broke into an insidious smile.


    On each asion, his masters told Kyon that he had two weak points: his pointless recklessness and a soft spot for all things beautiful, in particr, beautiful girls. His loving young heart couldn¡¯t help it. An era without girls had only strengthened this w. Besides, Dinah hade to tease him herself¡­ To see what his words were worth.


    Dinah noticed the expression on his face and wasn¡¯t surprised. When theyst met, he proved to be a good, even an impressive actor. He had tricked her sister into bringing him food¡­ He had taken her for a ride, as well. But now Dinah knew his true nature, and it wasn¡¯t to her liking.


    Dinah put the tray on the coffee table and said acidly:


    ?I wonder how a piece of trash like you could get close to the youngdy and is now ruining her grandeur with his wretched presence. Either heaven is blind, or you have tricked everyone again.?


    Kyon slowly walked toward the door to block it.


    ?Tricked everyone? Baby, you have a poor opinion of me. I¡¯m not like that!


    It was like savoring hot, intoxicating, sweet mead. Only, Dinah didn¡¯t care. The servant could say all he wanted. He was only making things worse.


    ?I have warned you, boy. If you don¡¯t treat me properly, you¡¯ll regret that you were born. Your words that I am a pathetic maid have unleashed hell on earth. What can you say in your defense?? ¨C She came closer to Kyon, who had blocked the only way out.


    The unlucky lover boy had an annoying suspicion, which he decided to refute before things went downhill. ?Do you remember the order not to harm me??


    Dinah startled, confusion shed across her eyes.


    ?You¡­?


    Kyon burst intoughter with relief. The situation was funny. Her reaction was too natural to be a lie. What a fool she was! He had warned her to stay away from him, but she¡­ How could Dinah be so stupid! She had brought him food with no good intentions, making him believe that she only wanted to know how he had be a servant¡­ How could she forget about the order? Well, Kyon had never expected a maid to be a bright spark.


    ?Why are youughing? Do I look funny??


    Kyon suddenly stoppedughing:


    ?You do, indeed¡­ I didn¡¯t know you are such a bird brain¡­ How did you get this high position? Are you really a virgin? I heard thedy¡¯s maids are obliged to be virgins, but something tells me that you got this job by spreading your legs, didn¡¯t you??


    It was like he had poured a bucket with slop over Dinah. She trembled with all her body, feeling disgusted and chilly. Dinah clenched her fists and pierced Kyon with an icy look, experiencing a new, delightful, invigorating feeling at the same time. Was it excitement? Something extraordinary had happened in her boring life for the first time. The stupid boy dared to y with a professional assassin and the senior maid rolled in one!


    ?Well, I will forgive you if you free the doorway, get on your knees and sincerely apologize.? ¨C Dinah said slyly, almost peacefully. Only, her clenched fists and trembling eyshes betrayed her tension.


    Kyon made sure he was safe and cocked his head to one side.


    ?My dear sweet little Dinah, I will never do it¡­ I warned you not toe anywhere near me, but you disobeyed. Now I want to talk about your behavior.?


    Dinah heaved a deep sigh, her eyes closed as if she reveled in some secret feeling. He called her sweet little Dinah. It was so endearingly humiliating¡­ How could he be so arrogant and self-confident?


    ?Do you have any right to speak with me about my behavior? Who are you? My master? Do you understand what a ¡°servant¡± means?? ¨C Dinah was curious to know what was on his mind.


    Kyon snorted.


    ?Will you ever get the meaning of a ¡°maid.¡± It means that you have to follow the orders of yourdy. I am in good standing with mine, that¡¯s why you are just a stupid girl who has underestimated my warning.?


    Dinah giggled. It was her first sincere smile since they first met, and it was surprisingly charming.


    ?Well, well, well. Aren¡¯t you unbelievably narrow-minded and stupid? Tell me, how are you going to carry out your threats, boy?? ¨C Dinah teased him, adjusting her hair and looking defiantly into his eyes.


    ?Huh, aren¡¯t you too full of yourself? Come here, and you will see!? ¨C Kyon cunningly provoked her, beckoning her with his finger. He had to punish her properly or his words didn¡¯t mean anything. However, Kyon wasn¡¯t going to punish her physically! It would be a moral punishment and a severe one.


    Dinah took a step, then another one,ing closer and closer to him. Then she hesitated. She looked a bit frightened, but her words oozed poisonous sarcasm:


    ?I¡¯m so scared¡­ Are you sure you want to punish me??


    Kyon nodded.


    Dinah smirked in anticipation of what the cheeky boy would do. She approached Kyon resolutely, slowly, gracefully and stopped a couple of steps away from him, leaving Kyon a bit surprised.


    ?So, what¡¯s your next move??


    With no hesitation, Kyon stepped forward and hugged Dinah by the slim waist. He ran his hand down her hourss figure and smacked her pretty tight bottom. He should take advantage of the situation, or she would run away.


    {How about this, bitch?} ¨C Kyon gave her a dirty wink, rejoicing in Dinah¡¯s helplessness. Indeed, revenge is a sweet thing. It would teach her to heed his warning.


    Dinah¡¯s slim body was wonderfully supple and soft, and her smell ¡­ Mmm, her silky hair smelt so nice that it made Kyon feel dizzy. He would never forget her pretty shocked face. It was so enchanting that he could admire her forever.


    Dinah was so stunned she forgot to breathe. When she was going to him, she had no idea what would happen next. What could the boy do to her? §³ould he attack her? Dinahcked the experience to predict the reaction of this reckless youth. And now this! Kyon¡¯s firm, imperious re reflected his indomitable spirit. His confident, smug smile suggested he was an influential aristocrat. How could he possibly be only a servant?


    Another insolent p on her bottom woke Dinah out of her stupor. The boy was still wrapping his arms tightly around her, which made her shudder in disgust. He was looking straight into her eyes, waiting for any reaction from the victim of his harassment. What an arrogant fool! Did he really think that she hade here without a single chance to punish him? Did she bring him dinner just to humiliate herself? She had a sweet feeling of excitement for a reason. Dinah knew that meeting Kyon could get her inevitable punishment, that¡¯s why she hade to the youngdy and explicitly requested her to cancel the order. Juno remained indifferent and said ¡°okay¡± without looking at her while Dinah¡¯s subconscious received the necessary response. The rule ¡°do not harm the servant¡± was no longer valid.


    *pam*


    Just a second ago, Kyon was enjoying Dinah¡¯s helpless reaction, and a momentter, he was flying at high speed towards the steps and crashing against them as if being hit by a hefty hammer. He must have broken a couple of bones, that¡¯s for sure.


    The impact emptied all the air of his lungs.


    {It can¡¯t be¡­ How? Is the order no longer active?} ¨C Kyon¡¯s brain was working with the speed of light. When the blow sent him flying, he understood what he had gotten himself into. It was so naive of him to believe he was safe. He dared to hug the senior maid-assassin. Not only hug her but also¡­ Oh yeah, he was dead. The insulted, enraged maid would do everything to kill him. The next moment, Kyon pushed himself off the steps and dashed out of the library.


    Dinah¡¯s face darkened. She unconsciously touched her butt that was burning after his ps had left a mark, ¡°the ve¡¯s hand was here.¡± All her essence was filled with an inexhaustible thirst for murder. At least, she did not fall into the state as in the case with Jean.


    Kyon ran, jumping a couple of steps. He pulled out his sound transmitter on the run and dialed Juno¡¯s frequency.


    ?Juno speaking.?


    Kyon yelled at the device:


    ?Please, quick, restrain Dinah in the storeroom!?


    *bang*


    A crushing blow in the back threw Kyon head over heels from the storeroom to the nearest wall, the sound transmitter flew away.


    As soon as hended, he ran towards the stairs. Every second counted.


    ?What¡¯s all this noise?? ¨C asked Anna. She nearly bumped into Kyon.


    ?I confessed my love to Lady Dinah, and now she wants to kill me!? ¨C Kyon cried out. He heard Dinah snort behind them and hid behind Anna with no hesitation. Honour and dignity? They wouldn¡¯t help him if he was dead! So, he hid behind the girl who was his only salvation.


    Anna was surprised to hear that. He had confessed his love to Dinah? She looked at the boy, then at her sister who was approaching them with the threatening grace of a cat. Sister¡¯s fury was evident. Her eyes sparkled with bloodthirst, her face turned pale. In a split second, the servant would end up a spot on the wall.


    ?Dinah, is it true??


    ?Back off, sister. I will beat this scum to a pulp. He should know his ce.? ¨C Dinah replied with ice in her voice, ring at the boy who was poking out behind Anna.


    Kyon was surprised. He expected that Dinah¡¯s revenge would be murder. Apparently, all she intended to do was to beat him up. After what he had done?! There was nothing to worry about. Kyon felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders.


    Just then, they heard soft footsteps behind them. Everyone turned to see Juno.


    ?What¡¯s going on here?? ¨C The youngdy asked, looking at everyone.


    Dinah froze. She could not continue what she had in her mind in the presence of thedy. Dinah knew that the servant was important to Juno, that¡¯s why she hadn¡¯t killed him yet. But he deserved punishment by all means and a severe one. He should be afraid to look her in the eye after that. He would be wetting his bed in fear at night.


    ?Mydy, I want to talk to you.? ¨C Dinah said firmly, taking a step forward.


    Kyon said defiantly:


    ?Lady Juno, please, tell your maid that you will hear her version right after mine.? ¨C Kyon said, wincing painfully and rubbing his back that hurt like hell.


    Juno obeyed his order as if she were a puppet, making it clear to Dinah that the servant was more important to her. The couple disappeared from the eyes of the astonished maids in a secluded, quiet ce.


    Kyon could not allow Juno to leave with Dinah. It would make things only worse. Her strange behavior could be suspicious.


    Dinah felt a bitter taste of disappointment mixed with a poignant heartache. She turned away and closed her eyes. She had been diligently serving as ady maid for many years. One single time she disobeyed the order, and thedy put her below the dirty servant who was now pulling the wool over her eyes.


    Anna put her hand on Dinah¡¯s shoulder. ?Sister, you have to understand, an innocent confession shouldn¡¯t make you angry. He is Marina¡¯s friend, and she is close to thedy¡­ It¡¯s perfectly clear that thedy will put him first.?


    ?He didn¡¯t¡­ It does not matter.? ¨C Dinah went to her room, visibly annoyed, hiding the insult inside. She did not intend to tell her sister the humiliating truth.


    Meanwhile, Juno was taking her master¡¯s new orders with a sour expression on her face and exining how it hade to that.


    After she received all orders, she went to Dinah¡¯s room to talk to her one to one. ?Listen to me, Dinah. This servant is Marina¡¯s close friend. Friends of my friends mean the world to me. Besides, he is very efficient. I don¡¯t want you to mess with him. I order you not to harm him. From now on, please stay away from him.? ¨C Juno said with a cold expression on her face.


    ?But¡­ but he¡­? ¨C Dinah started in a wounded voice, but Juno didn¡¯t listen to her. She left without hearing Dinah¡¯s side of the story, which was totally disrespectful to her maid. Her indifferent and strange behavior could arouse suspicion, but Dinah was distracted by the violent emotions that were tearing her apart.


    Her heart was filled with pain and sorrow at the injustice. She had always faithfully fulfilled her duties, but thedy didn¡¯t show an ounce of gratitude. How could she treat her like that? The senior maids were never punished because of servants. They could even be forgiven for murdering a nobleman. Dinah wanted to see what was behind Juno¡¯s unusual behavior, but the mere thought that the servant was more valuable for thedy burned like hell.


    {Wretched servant ¡­ It¡¯s all because of him ¡­ He has somehow changed thedy! And now I can¡¯t even approach him¡­} ¨C Dinah felt as if her wings had been cut off in her own nest. She couldn¡¯t stay in the mansion together with that boy, but there was nothing she could do. At least, he said nothing about his love confession to Lady Juno.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    Kyon tried to steer clear of Dinah, but he couldn¡¯t avoid today¡¯s incident. He had underestimated her. Dinah was extremely good at acting and lying. He decided to be less judgmental and more skeptical next time and weigh the odds better.


    He found out that Juno had thoughtlessly said ¡°okay¡± at Dinah¡¯s request to cancel the order, but it was impossible. There was no way she could have said it. How could she outwit his powerful formation? What could go wrong? The formation? It was out of the question. No, it was all about Juno.


    It was getting dangerous for Kyon to stay in the mansion all because of the stupid ve girl who contrived to act against him. He was unaware that his adjusted formation was partially out of order because of a fundamental error. If only he knew what it was, he would correct it right away. The mistake had nothing to do with his knowledge of formacy, it wasn¡¯t about Juno¡¯s unique body or her talent for self-deception, not at all.


    No subjugating formation created by the best formacists in the world would ever work on Juno. Kyon¡¯s formation was on apletely different level. It worked, but with some mistakes.


    He would deal with her punishment for canceling his order another time. Now Kyon intended to go to the library.


    He directed Synergy to heal his bruised back, straightened his shoulders, picked up the first book, and buried himself in reading.


    Kyon did not notice the time fly by. He put the book away only when he needed to use the toilet. Sometimes he fell asleep over the book, and the servants kindly provided the freeloader with food.


    After studying the Social Studies section, Kyon came to grips with the world around him and understood what he got himself into.


    On the Life there were three opposing races: people, demons, and supreme beasts.


    People are powerful, dominant rulers of thend. They have extensive tradingworks. Their spheres of administration, science, economy, and spirituality are the best on the.


    Of course, people have their drawbacks. They are greedy, ambitious, and strive for power. Historically, eight empires had an agreement of mutual assistance in the face of danger. However, the eighth, the most remote and weakest empire of Clyath had been wiped off the face of the earth. It happened less than ten years ago during World War. The kingdom of the beasts gained a decisive victory over Clyath. They killed the warriors and took the civilians as ves. The future of the survivors was grim. They were eaten, became pets, or turned into resources, the keys.


    Dwarfs belong to the human race and have incredible, unique abilities. There are no better engineers, cksmiths, and steelworkers in the world than this small people.


    Supreme beasts are intelligent animals. They are lords of the forests and wildlife, invincible in their territories. Beasts have a bloodthirsty, ruthless temperament and a wild, inhuman temper. They are predators who follow their instincts and adhere to a strict hierarchy based on blood purity and strength. This species is devoid of being ruse or deceitful and despises those who are. Foul y was one of the reasons for their enmity with people and demons.


    The beasts also hate people and demons because they catch them and use them as food, resources, and pets. The damned demons and people take what belongs to the beasts: keys, eyes, fangs, skin, bones, and blood.


    Any beast bes supreme and acquires intelligence upon entering the fourth stage of cultivation. However, some species are born with innate reason. They rightfully take higher ranks in the hierarchy.


    The feline species belong to the dominant imperial family. They are Manticore, Scorpio-Lions, with their unsurpassed venom and unique power that impresses the heaven itself.


    The royal family of white tigers rightfully takes second ce. The innate ability of their unique bodies gives them power over entire armies of lower beasts. The beasts with the purest blood have the greatest potential.


    The forests are divided into three zones: external, internal, and central. The noblest, strongest, and most influential beasts live closer to the center. It¡¯s tantamount to suicide to enter that area without an invitation.


    People control the vast forest areas where lower beasts live (the third stage, inclusive). The beasts quickly multiply, so it is necessary to monitor their poption.


    Demons are peculiar, cruel lords of the underworld, which is no less than the territory of people, beasts, or desertnds. They are a sly, cunning, and low-minded race that worships power above all. It¡¯s quite normal for them to rob or deceive someone. They honor their traditions and purity of blood. Demons take their beliefs to the extreme, for example, the sacrifice of virgins, preferably human, at the great feast in honor of goddess Persephone.


    The underground is divided into areas. Lower demons reside in the upperyer. The middle area is taken by the nobility of royal blood and their servants. Seven families live in the depths of the underground. One of them is imperial, dominating them all.


    There exists a fourth race, the aquatic people who live in the seas and the oceans and will never leave them. They ignore all the other races. Their power is undeniable. The sea vessels are doomed to death without paying duties to the mermaids and the water rulers.


    A long history of hostility between the three main races has created incurable hatred between them. Bloody wars are not the only reason they hate each other, there¡¯s also a huge difference in their mentality. Hostility, regr raids only add fuel to the fire and eliminate any chance of a truce.


    People keep beasts for food, resources, and entertainment. They take demons as ves or servants.


    Demons do the same, only they enve people.


    Beasts use the other two races as cattle and pets. They always unleash their wild instincts on them.


    Hatred for other beings is instilled in their minds from an early age. Any book of stories, tales, historical facts, and legends is full of cruel, disgusting, aggressive creatures who do evil, lead vile lives and do vile deeds.


    Kyon was impressed by this perfect, absolute enmity. He had long noticed that the information in the books was biased against strangers, demonizing them. Only, he didn¡¯t care about the species or race. Kyon was the only unbiased person among hundreds of millions of people.


    Each dominant race would dly tear the others into small pieces. However, there are several ¡°buts.¡± First, it¡¯s extremely unfavourable to fight on foreign territory. The unusual terrain, traps, fortifications, barriers, and attacking formations don¡¯t contribute to victory. The army must be at least twice more powerful than the enemy to win the war. Second, there is always a third party who will dly take advantage of the temporary weakness of one of the two sides and get a nice bit of goods for themselves. Third, it¡¯s well known that the human race is the strongest of all. Even the two other races united will find nothing but death.


    Therefore, the three parties restrain each other, limit themselves to small-scale raids to enve people / demons / beasts and steal their resources.


    As for blood purity¡­ In this wonderworld, it isn¡¯t about close rtions with rtives. It¡¯s all about connections with high-ranking persons of the same race. For example, if Juno from the 1st rank family marries a man of the 1st or the 2nd rank, her blood purity will be preserved. If the man is from the 3rd rank family, her bloodline will be impure. It¡¯s likewise with supreme beasts and demons.


    After Kyon finished studying Social Studies, he started an in-depth study of the human race. New knowledge came as a big surprise.


    Previously, Kyon considered the family Stone, where he was going to build his future, incredibly strong, powerful, and authoritative. In fact, he was only partially right. The family really had a high position in the Iron Throne. Only, the Kingdom of the Iron Throne held a low rank in the Empire.


    There are seven kingdoms in Rosarrioand, and the Iron Throne takes fifth ce. The first-rank Stones will bow down to other first-rank families from more powerful domains. It was thew. Even if you are the best among the average, you are still no match to the worst among the best.


    Any first rank family in the first rank kingdom will be much more powerful than the first rank Stones from the fifth rank kingdom.


    And that¡¯s not all! Each kingdom has a royal family at the top of the hierarchy in the realm. It¡¯s sometimes assigned the zeroth rank. It¡¯s impossible to take them down.


    The Grands (0) are the royal family in the Iron Throne. Everyone acknowledges their power. The Stones are like a drop in the tablespoonpared to the Grands.


    Kyon was hurt. No, he didn¡¯tin¡­ To own the patriarch¡¯s daughter of the 1st rank family wasn¡¯t too bad. Only it was too far to the top of the world.


    The empire of Rosarrio unites seven kingdoms, with the imperial capital Dantes at the head. All forces and power are concentrated in the capital. It¡¯s the kingdom of the 0th rank.


    The first seven families in Dantes are superior in power and influence to any other family in the seven kingdoms. They are the pirs of the empire. The Grands (0) and the like can¡¯t hold a candle to them, such is the difference in power between them.


    The sovereign family of Dantes (0) is the imperial family that dominates the whole empire. Empress Lanatelle, the bloodthirsty celestial genius is number one in the empire.


    One look at this woman can freeze the blood in the veins. Even high-ranking generals are afraid to say too much in her presence. Her cruel temper is not a rumor. She used to kill people for one wrong nce. She destroyed whole families for treachery with one word. Everyone in the empire knows that she is not the kind of person to joke about.


    Kyon read her biography in disbelief.


    Soon he was shaken to the core by the fact that Rosarrio was only the 6th out of seven human empires!


    {I have a feeling I am in a cesspool!} ¨C He wanted to roar with anger. The more he learned, the less he enjoyed his current situation.


    The power of empire number 1pared to Rosarrio (6) is so great that it can bepared with the size of a mighty hundred-meter dragon against a bull.


    ?I was in the cesspool when I was a ve in the mine. I¡¯ve found my way out of there. It¡¯s all over.? ¨C Kyon calmed himself.


    Then he summed up the information from the books he had read:


    There exist seven human empires, one of which is Rosarrio (6), the empire he currently lives in.


    The imperial capital is Dantes (0). There are seven more kingdoms, one of which is the Iron Throne (5), the kingdom he currently lives in.


    There is a royal family the Grands (0) and many more families, one of which is the Stones (1), the family he currently lives with.


    (A.C.: I¡¯ve just described the entire hierarchy of the world. Don¡¯t be surprised if nothing is clear. For the sake of simplicity, I will sometimes write a number in parentheses indicating the rank of anything. For example, Juno (1); patriarch Bai (0); the Stones (1); the Grands (0); the Iron Throne (5); Dantes, the capital of the empire (0); the Rosarrian empire (6); Superior phase (3); Noble phase (4 ) and so on.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    It got Kyon thinking: {So, the Stones hold the 1st rank in the 5th ranking kingdom in the 6th ranking empire of one of the three opposing races¡­ Great!}


    When Kyon learned everything about the human race hierarchy, he picked up books on organizations of great significance and authority.


    Three organizations stood out in particr: the trade guilds, the dwarfs¡¯ factories, and the sects.


    The trade guilds existed independently of the kingdoms and the empires, acting as a link between them.


    The dwarfs¡¯ factories enjoyed less authority than the trade guilds but had their undeniable benefits. The dwarfs were the best engineers and cksmiths in the world. Their mindset in this aspect exceeded anyone.


    The sects were national inter-imperial training organizations that maintained their high status for centuries. The sects didn¡¯t promote faith or any ideology. They were called so because their students became ardent supporters of their ¡°school,¡± ready to fight to the death for it.


    Anyone could join a sect whose legacy and resources could turn amoner into a respected, mighty warrior. Talent yed a crucial role there.


    The sects maintained a neutral position, establishing their institutions in different empires. However, they pledged to protect the area in case of a non-human attack.


    There were different sects, but three of them were distinguished from the others with their ancient heritage. Their power wasparable to low-ranking empires.


    The Dance sect (1) epted mostly girls, but they didn¡¯t deny talented boys. Their students were frightening with their battle dance skills.


    The Virgo sect (2) consisted exclusively of women. Their policy of matriarchy was so strong that they had no tolerance for vile, wretched men. However, they were not above buying male ves.


    And finally, the Fat sect (3) mainly epted obese or overweight people with potential to gain even more weight. Specific nutrition allowed the students to gain weight in a matter of days. They needed their fat deposits for special fat-burning techniques that released tons of energy and made them stronger.


    Kyon once heard about the Fat sect from Bilya, the scary doctor who had given him Evilball.


    To sum it up, there existed three prevalent inter-imperial sects that had specific entry requirements.


    Kyon gradually turned from the inter-imperial educational institutions to the private ones that belonged to the empires / the kingdoms. He found out that every domain had the best school that brought together the most gifted and talented young people in the area.


    For example, Cernos in the Iron Throne (1) and the great Order (0) in the capital city of Dantes (0). It was considered the best school in the whole empire. Every Rosarrian dreamed of studying in that prestigious ce that gave their students unique powers, helpful knowledge and provided them with all kinds of opportunities.


    However, it admitted only applicants from high-ranking families, preferably those who lived closer to the capital. Talent was also a must.


    Schools, and the Order, in particr, inspired their students to be loyal patriots. The masters instilled in their minds ??the greatness of their native empire. In addition, they had to study military affairs.


    The fourth, no less important organization was religion.


    People believed in the goddess Danna, a higher being, the guardian of the human race. She was the embodiment of force and power, grandeur and brilliant glory.


    There was a legend about a star that fell from the sky one and a half thousand years ago, marking the deity¡¯s appearance. The great creator¡¯s daughter descended to the to fulfill his will and guide humanity to the right path.


    A curious fact: both demons and supreme beasts shared the same legend.


    Kyon was about tough at the naive stupidity of local people when some information got his attention. ¡°The first rank empire has the goddess day. After a special ceremony, a prayer, and sacrifice of valuable resources, she descends to the mortals and blesses those whose faith is pure and whose thoughts are benign.¡±


    Kyon¡¯s pupils narrowed. He had never believed in the otherworld and inexplicable things, but Danna seemed to really exist. Demons had simr legends about the goddess Persephone. The beasts had a goddess named Ceres.


    {Their names sound familiar¡­}


    Religion in this world was justified, after all. Goddesses could benefit their believers, bless them, bestow strength on them. Curious, really curious¡­


    Kyon was surprised to learn that the local religion did not acquire absolute power or independence, bending under the imperial families. The same story was in the demons¡¯ and the beasts¡¯nds. Religion became a state management tool. It yielded certain benefits, such as fundraising (donations), searching for new talents, and, of course, excellent brainwashing, which aimed at rallying the human race against theirmon enemy ¨C non-humans.


    Kyon heaved a deep sigh. Every prosperous country created boundaries. School and society ¡°molded¡± a person to achieve their goals. The Order created soldiers willing to give their life for their homnd. Families raised individuals who craved power, authority and respect. Religious temples needed those who would fight against the other races. It happened everywhere.


    But¡­ Kyon had grown on books and Synergy. He had been making more or less objective decisions since he was a child. He had his own worldview with regards to everything.


    Now Kyon knew how the world around him worked. He had read everything about the races, the empires, the kingdoms, and the families, the organisations like guilds, dwarf¡¯s factories, sects, schools, and religions. Now he needed to put puzzle pieces together. He had to find theponent that moved everything. In his world, it was money. In this world, money wasn¡¯t important. What came first was¡­


    Tokens,rge gold coins dotted with patterns and iid with precious stones, had tremendous value. Empress Lanatelle¡¯s energy flew inside them.


    Kyon had overheard Bai¡¯s conversation with Juno about tokens when he was hiding in the pillows in Juno¡¯s room. Here, he found out that it was the imperial currency that allowed any transactions at the legitive level, from the purchase of goods and resources to forced marriage and destruction of a weak family. There were no restrictions. It all came down to the required number of tokens calcted byplex forms rted to family ranks, value and other factors.


    {Geez¡­} ¨C Kyon scratched his head. ¨C {Is any human society based on gold coins?}


    Any tournament,petition, family disputes involved tokens. They were the main link that createdpetition in human society and boosted cultivation. Tokens gave endless opportunities. They couldn¡¯t be forged as each of them had a serial number, and all transactions were recorded. The only thing that tokens couldn¡¯t buy was Lanatelle. No one could had the power to affect her family or the Empress herself. Lanatelle was the head of the whole empire, its Holy Grail. No rules in this world applied to her. The Empress was the most powerful and influential person who strived for the prosperity of her empire.


    Kyon was a little disappointed when he finished studying Social Studies. He hadn¡¯t found out anything about divine punishment. Not a single mention. Reading about goddesses was interesting enough, but he wanted to know something about heavenly punishment.


    {I doubt that the goddess had sent that lightning¡­ What should I do? How to escape a more powerful bolt of lightning next time?} ¨C Kyon found a simple answer to this simple question. ¨C {Hmm¡­ When I was the mastermind of the mansion and studied Formacy, I often read about protective formations that require skills, nephrites, money, and keys. Juno is my ve. I can order her to get a couple of hundred protective formations!} ¨C There was no reason to put off acquiring a new element if he was sure that he could survive the electrical discharge. Each additional element could significantly enhance his energy and raise his potential to a new level.


    Synergy let Kyon know that it was already morning. He didn¡¯t care that protective formations were expensive. It was time to get out of the basement and order his ve girl to get them. He should take full advantage of the girl. Otherwise, what was the point of keeping her?


    ¡­


    On the morning of the same day, a decrepit old man had arrived at the mansion. His body was withered like a skeleton. He looked like the walking dead with his pale face devoid of any glint of life, dark circles under his eyes. People avoided him like a leper, then apologized when they recognized Flitz, the greatest formacist in the Stone family.


    Behind the old man was a healthy boy of about 16 with a formation ¡°Alec¡± on his forehead. His head was shaved, his pale face was sad. He wasn¡¯t afraid of Juno. No, quite the opposite, he believed she would change his life for the better. Alec grieved because he had been given Evilball, and now he was no man. His distress wasparable with the loss of his right hand. He was a new ve,missioned by Juno for her atrocious training sessions.


    The guards respectfully bowed to the old man and let him inside.


    ?Bring the youngdy in. I am not going to look for her around the mansion.? ¨C Flitz growled.


    Soon, Juno came to the entrance. She looked impartial and detached but inside, she was full of emotions. Juno hadpletely forgotten that Flitz had promised to bring her a new ve.


    All these days, Juno had been trying to attract attention. Dinah couldn¡¯t understand why the youngdy was being weird. Anna was too busy. Yegorka was an idiot. Her friend Marina had been ignoring the changes in her, which was rather unusual of her.


    Flitz had arrived atst! Her long-awaited salvation! Juno wasn¡¯t going to get attention this time. She had been getting ready for this moment for a long time, practicing self-deception. Hopefully, her skills worked!


    Kyon wouldn¡¯t have believed it. His formation worked wlessly. It must be something else!


    A little bit earlier, Yegorka had been sitting on the bench a few hundred meters from Juno¡¯s mansion. He was depressed, his arm in ster. Yegorka had been restless since the guards beat him up and broke his arm. He was denied ess into the mansion. Yegorka exined all this by failing Juno¡¯s test. He called her, sent her messages, all to no avail.


    Every night, Yegorka had a feeling that someone was walking on his grave. He trembled at the mere thought that he would never be with his dear Juno again. But he didn¡¯t lose hope. There was a party soon. His arm would have healed by then. He would show everyone that he was worthy of taking first ce in the tournament and bing the king of the party. Yegorka had a big n for this asion, but it was partially ruined by the recent events. It wasn¡¯t only about taking first ce. He wanted to give Juno a valuable gift, dance with her, and then¡­ And then who knows what could happen. She was bound to fall into his arms. Until then, Yegorka kept lurking around her mansion, watching the entrance. If someone from Juno¡¯s family arrived, he would convince them to let him inside. Then he would beg Juno to forgive him and make sure his n never failed.


    As for his precious gift, it was about to be delivered from Boston, the capital of the kingdom. It wasn¡¯t an item of clothing, not a weapon or a jewel. It was Soaring Angel, a pill for boosting cultivation.


    Yegorka had always been attentive and insightful when it concerned Juno. He knew that she was eager to get stronger, preferably as soon as possible. Therefore his gift was cultivation oriented. He knew Juno well enough to foresee her reaction. His present was going to take an important ce in her heart. Yegorka imagined Juno smiling only for him. She would give him a hug or even¡­ a kiss on the cheek.


    Soaring Angel elerated soul evolution by about 20-30% andsted for a while. Its effectiveness depended on the quality, that is, the purity of the pill. The higher the rank of the alchemist who created it, the higher the final purity (quality). The pill could be used once in a lifetime. There would be no effect with repeated use. After that, alternative medicine was required to speed up the cultivation.


    Yegorka had chosen this pill for several reasons. It was little-known, so it was unlikely that grandpa Bai had given it to Juno before. It was quite effective and moderately expensive, by the standards of boost medication. Even for this rtively cheap pill, Yegorka had to sell his deceased father¡¯s mansion, some of his resources, his favorite sword, and all his savings for the rainy day. As it wasn¡¯t enough, Yegorka had to kneel in front of the seller, begging for a discount.


    The merchant softened up, or maybe he saw the benefit in the deal. Anyway, he agreed. Yegorka jumped with joy. He was willing to kiss the merchant¡¯s feet for the astronomical discount of 15%! The greatest trade guild in the world would never give him more than a 10% discount, and he had received 15%! Yegorka could be respected for his sincere desire to get Juno a valuable gift, even if he was sorry to sell his father¡¯s house¡­ It was full of memories, after all. Anyway, Martin gave his beloved son a separate mansion a year ago. Yegotka had a ce to live.


    A post bird appeared in the sky, flying right to Yegorka as if it knew exactly his whereabouts.


    He rose to his feet and opened his mouth in delight.


    ?You¡¯re here!?

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    The bird sat on Yegorka¡¯s wrist.


    He removed the spatial ring from the postal bird and took out its contents with a sinking heart. It was a beautiful red gift box. He opened the box and¡­


    ?Yes, oh yes¡­ Oh, yeah!? ¨C Yegorka said ecstatically, looking at a blue round pill with a pleasant medicinal scent and a piece of paper with instructions.


    How could such a tiny ball cost him almost everything he had? Yegorka was afraid even to touch his treasure. He carefully put it back into the box, locked it and ced it in his ring. He was going to keep the pill until the party started¡­ Then he would give it to his beloved girl, she would embrace him passionately, and they would swirl in a graceful, sensual dance before all the young talents of their kingdom¡­ Such was his n. He wanted to show everyone his intention to be Juno¡¯s life partner. And even if her grandfather was against their marriage, Yegorka would convince him otherwise. Power meant everything in this world, and he had the best talent among the younger Stone generation.


    His blissful thoughts disappeared as soon as he remembered the hated ve. Yegorka couldn¡¯t get inside the mansion as he had been removed from the V.I.P. list. He had to find a way to get rid of the hateful jerk.


    Yegorka could wait for the party and kill the ve there¡­ But he would only demean himself and his bright future if he got his hands dirty on such a momentous day. His life as an influential aristocrat shouldn¡¯t start like that.


    Yegorka took his sound transmitter and called a friend who lived in Boston like the majority of the young Stones. Yegorka was one of the few who stayed at the family estate because Juno lived there.


    He heard a respectful but not without a hint of mockery voice:


    ?Greetings, Yegorka. It is a great honor for me that someone magnificent and talented like you has deigned to call a little friend of no importance¡­?


    ?Shut up, Makar. I have no time for jokes.?


    ?My apologies¡­ How is it going? What have you been up to??


    ?I¡¯m not calling for idle chatter. Listen carefully¡­ Take Sicily with you ande to the estate. I need both of you to finish off an annoying jerk in Juno¡¯s mansion¡­ It¡¯s a little over two weeks before the party¡­ It¡¯s right your way, anyway. So noints.?


    ?To kill someone? In Lady Juno¡¯s mansion? How can there possibly be any jerks? Something tells me that we will get killed trying to hurt anyone inside the mansion. Are you kidding me??


    ?Come on. I am talking about a ve¡­ I want his life. Correction. I want his life to end soon.? ¨C Yegorka said coldly.


    ?We have to turn the world upside down, at the very least, to get into the patriarch¡¯s park! My sister and I aren¡¯t allowed near there!?


    ?I am in Elder Rin¡¯s good books. He will give you a pass if I ask him.? ¨C Yegorka smiled arrogantly. Of course, he is in the good books of the elders. Talented people are cherished and revered here.


    ?Then why don¡¯t you do it yourself??


    ?I¡¯ve been ckballed. I¡¯ll tell youter why.?


    ?I see¡­ And¡­ I do not understand¡­ What the hell is the ve doing in Lady Juno¡¯s mansion??


    ?My baby needs to blow off steam. I couldn¡¯t let her beat me. No one will ever humiliate me, not even her. Cut her some ck here.?


    After a short pause, Makar agreed with a sigh:


    ?I hear what you¡¯re saying. We will do everything I can, buddy. As soon as the elder gives his permission¡­ Not everyone can get into the best park of our family.?


    ?I¡¯ll set it up. Come quickly.?


    ?Until then!?


    Makar and Sicily were brother and sister and Yegorka¡¯s old friends, the promising young Stones. They were no front runners of the younger generation, but they were only 14-15-year-olds. They had a bright future ahead of them.


    Yegorka finished the call and looked at the entrance to the mansion. The weird ve had messed with his head. As a rule, Juno¡¯s ves were quick to expire and meet their end. This piece of meat didn¡¯t only survive, he had gained Juno¡¯s trust, ruining her greatness with his pathetic presence.


    Yegorka suddenly noticed Flitze to the entrance, apanied by a hefty ve. Then they entered the mansion.


    ¡­


    Juno came out to Flitz, a passive observer at the threshold, unhealthily coughing up his sleeve. {Old poop! How dared you to screw me like this? You brought me a ve with a defective subjugating formation! How dared you give me someone who does not know his ce in the world? And how dared you hurt Marina?} ¨C She wanted to say all this out loud and beat the old asshole to a pulp, but her mouth did not open. Every part of her body failed her. Instead, Juno stood frozen there to the spot with an indifferent look on her face. No one could tell about the storm that reigned in her thoughts at the moment.


    Flitz looked like he had gained another 20 years (but who cared, anyway.) He stared at the charming girl, giving her a fake smile:


    ?Hello, baby. Don¡¯t eat me with your eyes, it scares me. I¡¯m inedible, just skin and bones.?


    ?I am not¡­ Hi.? ¨C Juno stopped mid-sentence and nodded slightly.


    Flitz called the hefty ve and casually patted him on the back.


    ?Meet your new ve, Juno. His name is Alec. Just look at him. Isn¡¯t he stronger than anyone you had? He willst at least a couple of days for sure!?


    Alec watched Juno, captivated. He had never seen anyone more beautiful in all his life. The youngdy was a real angel! The whole world around her had lost its color! Especially in the light of hisplete loss of sex-drive¡­ His big heart started beating wildly, and he hurried to bow.


    ?Mydy. You are so beautiful¡­ So-sorry, I can¡¯t keep my mouth shut¡­?


    Juno turned an angry look from the hefty bald boy to the old man.


    ?You¡­ Old fart¡­ Dared¡­ Again¡­? ¨C Juno¡¯s tongue was pinched with the cage of orders. Her head was striving to turn aside. Her legs were forcing her to leave. It took all her will power to make herself stay.


    Flitz frowned in annoyance.


    ?What did I dare? To bring you a ve? You told me to find you a new one, and now you suddenly change your mind? Do you take me for a servant? Should I dance before you? Pah!? ¨C Flitz didn¡¯t want to take his problems out on Juno. With an effort, he held back his anger and turned away. Anybody who had eyes could see that the old man was really upset.


    Juno turned her ¡°indifferent¡± look at the young bull who hastily took his eyes away, his cheeks glowing red at the greatest honor in his life ¨C Lady Juno¡¯s nce.


    Alec respectfully babbled, bowing:


    ?Mydy, take care of me, please. I will serve you faithfully!?


    Juno finally lost it. She was boiling with a desire to kill him. Kyon had ordered her to hear ¡°I order you¡± every time someone said the word ¡°please.¡± That¡¯s why it seemed to her that the ve had ordered her to take care of him. The scum was looking to get killed!


    Juno violently pressed on her wrist. A couple of secondster, Anna approached her.


    ?Yes, mydy.?


    ?Anna, send that¡­ To the training ground.? ¨C Juno nodded disdainfully at Alec.


    ?Yes, mydy¡­? ¨C Anna bowed and took away the happy ve (hisdy was so wonderful) to wait for her at the training ground. The maid was a little confused: why did thedy need a ve if she had a servant? But no one would ever answer that question.


    Juno grabbed Flitz by the sleeve of his robe and took him to the bathroom, where it was as dark as under the nket at night.


    Flitz was taken aback when Juno locked the door behind them. He eximed with a fair amount of anxiety in his voice:


    ?Hey hey hey! I know I am handsome and all that, but your grandfather will make a sharpener out of my skull because of your little game!?


    Juno gathered up all her will, all her concentration. She remembered the training sessions and tried to imagine that Flitz was imaginary, that she was alone in the bathroom. It didn¡¯t work the way she wanted, but Juno could partially take part in the conversation.


    Flitz was in total darkness, having no idea what the girl had on her mind. He decided to warn her, just in case:


    ?I see you are up to something, Juno. For your information, I have a headache, no time for this now, I am busy and¡­ Well, I haven¡¯t told anybody yet, but I have a husband!?


    Juno shook her head as if shaking her mind:


    ?No! I¡­ not¡­ Flitz¡­ Do you remember the ve you brought to me?? ¨C Juno had to keep Alec¡¯s image in her mind to bypass the cage of orders. She did master some self-deception techniques, after all.


    Of course, Flitz thought of the other ve. Why would Juno ask, ¡°do you remember¡± about the one he brought a second ago? Juno wasn¡¯t mentally retarded after all. She was as far from being stupid as to the moon and back. Flitz knew her too well.


    He scratched his nose in confusion.


    ?Um¡­ Kyon was his name, wasn¡¯t it? Did you bring me to the bathroom to talk about the dead? Or do you want me to invoke his spirit? Sorry, I do not have the skills of chatan spiritualists. But I can light a candle for his soul if his spirit bothers you at night, which I doubt very much¡­ After all, if the soul of every ve you killed with your little hands haunted you¡­ Well, then I would be wearing ck mourning clothes today¡­ And then I would have to bury your grandfather who died of grief for his adoring little granddaughter.?


    ?No, no!? ¨C Juno irritatedly interrupted him. Look at him cracking his jokes, trying to be funny even in her imagination. However, as soon as they talked about Kyon, her subconscious started protesting, activating the orders, forcing her to change the subject as soon as possible because she was strictly forbidden to talk about Kyon.


    ?Well then, I¡¯d better¡­? ¨C Juno started and stopped in the mid-sentence, bound by the orders. It took all her willpower to convince the subconscious that she was talking about Alec and not Kyon, that Flitz was imaginary and she was alone there. The three factors multiplied and weakened the chains enough to buy her some more time.


    ?I order you to cut off his¡­ Cut off¡­ His¡­ Hair and¡­ The round thing¡­ Where they grow¡­ His¡­ His¡­? ¨C Juno¡¯s voice treacherously trembled. Her lips were not saying what she needed to say. All she wanted to tell him was to cut off the ve¡¯s head, but her subconscious mind kindly reminded her that she should not give orders to kill anyone.


    ?Round¡­ Round thing¡­ Cut off¡­ Well, his¡­ That thing¡­? ¨C Juno¡¯s subconsciousness was in the trap of the formation, forcing her to leave the bathroom. Only with the help of autosuggestion, she won another unnoticed internal battle.


    ?To cut off his balls or what?? ¨C Flitz asked, dumbfounded. It seemed quite logical to him. What was the point of cutting the head after shaving off the hair? What other thing was round on the man¡¯s body?


    ?Yes! And¡­ And¡­? ¨C And again, her mouth could not pronounce the word ¡°head.¡± Even in her imagination, she was forbidden to kill her vile master. Did she really screw it up?


    ?And cut off his hair, I got the message. I repeat: you want me to dig up Kyon¡¯s body, shave off the hair on his head and cut off his balls, right?? ¨C Flitz sounded extremely irritated as if little children were resourcefully torturing him and he hadn¡¯t slept for three days in a row.


    He was shocked to hear Juno scream with joy:


    ?Yes! Yes! Yeah, oh yeah! I want exactly this!? ¨C Then Juno got scared. She had already ordered Flitz to cut off Kyon¡¯s balls and hair¡­ What was she going to do next? What was the point in all that if she couldn¡¯t order him to kill the ve?


    She was about to give up this stupid idea when her mind obligingly reminded her of Kyon¡¯s harassment, his threats to take her honor, even if not in a direct way. And that nasty kiss on the neck¡­ A momentter, Juno made a firm decision. It was too early to give up!


    It was true, she couldn¡¯t kill him. However, she could get rid of his dirty mind. No balls, no harassment. He would beat her half to death, perhaps more than once, but Juno was ready to endure any pain as long as he did not dare to think about her body anymore.


    As Juno made her decision, she suddenly got even more scared. The ve had a sound transmitter! He could always use it and change the situation with a couple of pointed orders.


    Juno added right away:


    ?And take away his sound-transmitter!?


    Flitz was taken aback by Juno¡¯s strange, illogical words. He could not believe his ears. He lit a match to look at her face in the hope that she was joking. But no, she wasn¡¯t¡­ Too bad. She must have gone crazy.


    ?Juno¡­? ¨C Flitz began in an ingratiating, almost admonishing tone, wincing as if looking at a psychopath. ¨C ?¡­Tell me, girl. Did you have cereal for breakfast? Were there any suspicious-looking mushrooms with white spots on them??


    Juno was terrified to see Flitz¡¯s face lit by the fire of the match. Her subconscious mind raised the rm. Flitz was not imaginary anymore! She took off like a shot, disappearing around the corner. The old man watched her leave and quietly muttered under his breath: ?Is she messing with me?? ¨C and followed her.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    ?Seriously? What do you eat here??


    Juno knew that her ¡°master¡± spent almost all his time in the hidden library. She had no restrictions on visiting Kyon, so that¡¯s where she headed off in the hope that Flitz would follow her. Actually, Juno was forbidden to bring anyone to the library, but she wasn¡¯t taking anyone on purpose. Flitz was following her himself! Juno had discovered her exceptional talent of self-deception, but no one except Kyon could appreciate it, and he wouldn¡¯t pat her on the head for this new skill of hers. Well, soon he wouldn¡¯t pat anyone anymore.


    When Juno approached the passage to the library, the ¡°master¡± was leaving.


    ?What are we doing here?? ¨C Kyon inquired, sneering and stood petrified: there was Flitz behind Juno¡¯s back! He looked rather unhealthy like a skeleton wrapped up in the skin.


    Achieving her goal, Juno turned around, her gray skirt blowing up with the centrifugal force as if emphasizing her invisible wings. She went to the door, pleased with herself, poking the stunned old man with her elbow in the side on her way out.


    How convenient¡­ There was no one just two meters around the turn, where her chains would weaken. She put her fingers in her ears and hurried to the safe ce. Even if her master came to his senses and shouted an order after her, he wouldn¡¯t have time to stop her. She would not hear him.


    Flitz rubbed his eyes, dazed. Was he seeing things? Was it a ghost in front of him?


    ?You are alive! It¡¯s been a few weeks already! But how?? ¨C A chicken egg could easily fit into his open mouth. Flitz couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    Kyon could hardly contain his confusion and surprise. Juno had pulled another stunt! How did she do it? Should he keep her on a chain so that she stopped ying tricks on him? Why didn¡¯t his stable formation work on her? Someone like Dinah could never break a formation even a hundred times of lower quality, but this trouble-maker had already done it twice! It couldn¡¯t go on like this. He had to do something with her.


    Kyon remained calm¡­ What a stupid girl! He had a sound transmitter, after all. He could call her anytime and give her an order that would destroy all her ns. Kyon thought she was smarter. He was a bit disappointed in her.


    ?It was so nice of you to give me to thedy who beat me to within an inch of my life day after day. Fortunately, she appreciated my talents and didn¡¯t let me die. You should be ashamed of yourself!?


    Flitz finally closed his mouth and rubbed his tired eyes with dark circles under them.


    ?Ashamed? Of myself? You wish¡­ I am ashamed only for my unborn children! As for you, I was sure the youngdy wouldn¡¯t kill you.?


    Flitz¡¯s words sounded ttering, but he avoided Kyon¡¯s eyes.


    Kyon wanted to snort indignantly at this tant lie, but he knew better than that. He was just a servant after all.


    Flitz¡¯s face darkened. He said in the tone of an exasperated, tired boss:


    ?You should be grateful you¡¯re still alive and in one piece. Speaking of which, today you are going to lose your balls. Don¡¯t worry, it will change nothing for you. You must already know that Evilball is really evil for your libido. So, there¡¯s nothing to lose. Follow me while I am still kind.? ¨C Flitz waved to him and went to the front door.


    Kyon stood rooted to the spot, speechless. {Little beast! How did she do it?} A vein popped out on his forehead, but he got it together, took out the sound transmitter and dialed the desired frequency.


    Flitz noticed that the ve was not following him. He turned questioningly, saw the sound transmitter in Kyon¡¯s hands and remembered Juno¡¯s request. Hezily approached Kyon and snatched the device out of his hands.


    ?I have to confiscate this.?


    Kyon protested indignantly:


    ?Thedy gave it to me! It¡¯s mine! Give it back!?


    ?Is it a fly buzzing in my ear? Should I swat it? If I¡¯ve taken something away, it has to be done! Juno has asked me to. I guess she didn¡¯t want to hear your mournful squeak about the lost testicles! Now follow me, or you will regret it.? ¨C Flitz growled, turning again towards the door.


    Flitz made it clear that he was annoyed, exhausted and would be happy to strangle someone. He was not to be messed with.


    Kyon bit his lip and followed Flitz with a deep sigh. He had a weird feeling¡­ He thought that Juno was an idiot, and the little devil had foreseen everything!


    {Bitch¡­ If¡­ If I lose them¡­ You¡­ You¡¯ll pay with your life for that} ¨C Kyon was fuming like a waking volcano. How could he have underestimated the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter? The little piece of shit wouldn¡¯t ept being his ve. He thought that she would be afraid to go against him after she was beaten and harassed. Kyon had pulled all her strings, and she decided to cut off the root cause of his possible lust.


    She was insane, crazy, unhinged! What was the point of cutting off his balls if he was still alive? It was like pushing the hated enemy from the bridge being closely tied together! Absurd. Her action defied all reason. It was beyond Kyon¡¯s understanding. And yet, he had to admit he would have done the same. He would have never surrendered, just like her. Kyon was about to let out a stream of swear words and spine-chilling curses, but it wouldn¡¯t change anything. It was really infuriating!


    Kyon was shaking from the urge to strangle Juno¡¯s neck. Only, he couldn¡¯t run away from Flitz under his own steam, and Juno must have hidden well. What if he tried to convince Flitz that Juno was just kidding him?


    ?Lady Juno didn¡¯t mean it, sir! She is always making fun of me. This time she asked you to castrate me as a joke! Haha! Please, don¡¯t believe her. You probably have more important things to do, right?? ¨C Kyon tried to talk some sense into Flitz.


    ?She must know that I have no time for joking! Now, would you please shut up. All this nonsense is giving me a headache.? ¨C Flitz grunted. He was under orders, and orders were no joke for him.


    They had approached the front door.


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to go anywhere, and even more so, to lose his precious balls¡­ The familiar feeling of helplessness was growing in his heart. It wasn¡¯t for the first time that Juno had been the reason he felt this way. She was the root of evil.


    ?Sir¡­ Juno¡­?


    ?Another. Word. And I will wring your neck, puppy. I swear by my mother.? ¨C Flitz said coldly, without turning around.


    Kyon opened his mouth, choking with anger. He was to be executed, and he couldn¡¯t change anything. He believed that Juno would heed to his threat, but she didn¡¯t.


    {I¡¯d kill her right now¡­ How did she do it?} ¨C Kyon was absolutely confident in his subjugating formation, and yet, the little devil had somehow bypassed it. The sly girl had deceived her subconscious! She wasn¡¯t supposed to¡­


    Kyon and Flitz left the mansion and headed for the hospital. One was pale as a ghost, the other was full of determination. The guards knew their job ¨C they carefully checked the visitors¡¯ formations and deleted both of them from the log after they left.


    Yegorka couldn¡¯t believe his eyes when he saw the ve leave Juno¡¯s mansion. {It¡¯s unthinkable! Where is the burn on his face?}


    Yegorka got intoxicated with an unquenchable thirst for blood. The most promising young Stone was not allowed into the mansion. The guards had beaten him up and thrown him nearly into the dumpster. It all happened because of this scum!


    Kyon frowned when he saw Juno¡¯s admirer. {Ugh, skunk¡­ Have you been waiting here, or what?}


    ?Who do I see?! The walking dead!? ¨C Yegorka grinned maliciously and attacked Kyon, his fist aze with fire. He would smudge the ve¡¯s boiling brains all over the ground.


    The swing speed was so great that Yegorka¡¯s fist looked like a blurry orange spot.


    Kyon concentrated and prepared to dodge, but the chances were too slim. He was too slow for that¡­


    Fortunately, Flitz stopped Yegorka¡¯s fist with his bare hand and gave him a hard whack. ?Keep your hands off my stuff!? ¨C He snapped and suppressed the attacker with his pressure.


    Yegorka flinched, scared. Powerful pressure that squeezed his body reminded him that it was the respected Flitz. Yegorka hadpletely forgotten about him in a fit of rage.


    ?I¡¯m sorry, sir. I am Juno¡¯s friend¡­ This ve¡­ He must die! It¡¯s personal. I am willing to pay you money for his life, whatever the cost!?


    Kyon swallowed and turned his eyes to the elderly formacist.


    Flitz snorted. ?I don¡¯t care whose friend you are. And your romance with the ve is not my concern. He is getting castrated today, and that¡¯s it. Have fun with him in the next life. Piss off before I kick the hell out of you, brat!?


    Yegorka looked at Kyon, dumbfounded. ?Castrated?!? ¨C His confusion gradually gave way to gloating. ¨C ?Ha! Ha-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha-ha!?


    The meanughter grated on Kyon¡¯s ears. He felt the urge to punch the idiot on the nose, but he was worried about something else. ?Can I make just one call to Lady Juno, please? I assure you she will be grateful for not selling me¡­?


    ?I don¡¯t give a shit about her or you or anyone! Shut up before I kill you all!? ¨C Flitz snarled and walked fast to the hospital.


    Kyon hurried after the formacist. He had no desire to stay near crazy Yegorka. {The brainless slug¡­ First, he saves me twice, then almost kills me. Now he has attacked me again. Oh, the fickle teenage heart!}

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    Yegorka wanted to see the punishment of the ve with his own eyes. He followed Kyon and Flitz. Yegorka was having the time of his life. He kept giggling uncontrobly, which was at odds with his high status.


    ?Oh my god! Will you keep your trap shut?? ¨C Kyon was losing it. The asshole was driving him nuts, and he needed to concentrate ande up with a way out.


    ?How dare you¡­ I¡­? ¨C Yegorka¡¯s eyes went dark with an urge for bloodshed. ¨C ?How dare you address me so disrespectfully?! Do you think I am equal to you?! You¡¯re nothing but a pathetic ve!?


    ?Shut up both of you, or I¡¯ll send you to the next world.? ¨C Flitz ominously warned them.


    The three of them silently continued on their way.


    At the entrance to the familiar white building that smelled of medicine, Flitz turned into the nearest alley and went to the garbage container. The old man took Kyon by the cor, bent him over the container and grabbed his head.


    ?Are you going to behead me?!? ¨C It was all Kyon could say when sharp des whizzed over him. With a nk look, he watched his ck hair fall into the container.


    ?What¡­ Only not this¡­ Not my hair!? ¨C He was out of breath. The skin on his head felt cool. He had really lost his precious hair¡­The heartless old brute pig! Flitz could as well cut off his arms.


    When Yegorka saw the hairless ve, heughed so hard he sounded like a hyena.


    Flitz squinted and looked at the bald guy suspiciously. ?Had Juno removed your formation? I expected anything from the youngdy, but clearly not caring for you. The girl must have had mushrooms for breakfast after all¡­? ¨C He touched Kyon¡¯s forehead, just in case, and made sure that the formation was still there. Alright, she went crazy but notpletely.


    Kyon touched his head, hoping to find his hair. His eyes went nk. ?How could you¡­ My hair¡­? ¨C It was like Flitz had cut off his soul instead of his hair.


    The feeble old man snorted contemptuously. ?No big deal¡­ I am a kind man. I¡¯d never have cut your hair on my free will. The balls, that¡¯s another matter. The youngdy¡¯s order is mymand. You mayin to herter. Now stop whining and follow me. It won¡¯t hurt. But what do I know??


    ?Can we make a deal? Thedy won¡¯t check them, anyway! And I¡¯ll pretend that they don¡¯t exist! Sir, you have already ruined my life by shaving off my hair like a demon. Can you at least leave my dear ones??


    Flitz rolled his eyes. He hadn¡¯t met so demanding, arrogant ves for a long time. ?Zip your lip and forward march, private Kyon.? ¨C He ordered and headed for the entrance.


    Yegorka bent over in half, dying ofughter.


    Kyon went around the humanlike hyena and followed Flitz. His face turned pale, he was disheartened. It would take him some months to restore the testicles. But what really mattered was the very fact of their absence! It¡¯s a humiliation god level! It¡¯s a vition of humans rights!


    The three of them went upstairs and entered the doctor¡¯s office.


    Kyon remembered the ce: the dangerous carnivorous creature Bilya lived there. Kyon felt oppressive emptiness and tension in his chest.


    The fat, unpleasant woman with deep-set eyes turned around lightning fast and spoke in her nasty high voice:


    ?Uncle Flitz! My, my, you dared toe¡­ No, you didn¡¯t! You bothered toe! Are you concerned about your health?? ¨C She asked with hope in her voice.


    ?Fuck you! I am healthy like a bull, cough, cough¡­? ¨C He coughed painfully, covering his mouth with his hand, which only made the plump woman smile. ¨C ?I forgot to bring the pies, but I brought someone for your shenanigans.? ¨C The old man waved his hand to Kyon, who was standing behind him. When Bilya saw the pale boy she knew so well, her lips stretched in a predatory, sinister smile. ?How are you doing, my dear? Does anything bother you below the tummy? How did you find Evilball??


    Kyon remained indifferent and silent, in his mind, he was feverishly thinking of a follow-up action n.


    The handsome blond teen came inside. ?Hello, Aunt Bilya!? ¨C He broke into a smile.


    ?Yegorka! Dear! Hello! Long time no see.? ¨C The doctor smiled benevolently.


    ?How is Butuzik doing in the Fat sect??


    ?Oh, he¡¯s fine. Your friend is getting stronger with each day. I see you don¡¯t fall behind.? ¨C The big woman patted the boy on his blond hair.


    Madame looked threateningly at Flitz. ?What procedure does he need? Shall I inject him with Evilball again??


    ?Nothing of the kind. Remove his testicles. I know you like it. You will do it for the pure pleasure of the procedure, that is free of charge¡­? ¨C The old man said in an even tone that didn¡¯t tolerate objections. He went to the window, took out his pipe and smoked. His dreary nce was away with the pixies. Someone was about to be castrated¡­ He couldn¡¯t care less.


    Kyon got even paler. They were talking about his vital organs like it was a tooth that should be removed.


    Bilya grumbled for the sake of decency:


    ?What? You said I like it? What are you talking about? Uncle Flitz, that¡¯s how little you think of me¡­? ¨C The woman went on ranting as she approached the shelf with the surgical instruments.


    Yegorka¡¯s smile acquired demonic shape. ?Ha-ha-ha! Off with his balls! Aunt Bilya, can you do it with a dull scalpel? He deserves it, I assure you. I am Butuzik¡¯s best friend. I will be grateful to you for understanding.?


    The sadist mentally praised him. She¡¯d been looking for the dull scalpel herself. And yet, she reacted differently:


    ?Yegorka, how can you be so evil? This operation is done only with sharp scalpels. You¡¯d better tie him up over there. The stronger, the better.? ¨C She pointed to a special chair with sturdy straps without looking that way.


    Meanwhile, Flitz let out a couple of smoke rings. He was feeling lonely and depressed.


    Yegorka grinned mischievously and slowly approached the ve. A nobleman like him should not gloat over filthy scum. But¡­


    ?Take it easy. You are not getting away with just your balls off. You dared to insult me. Now you are going to regret that you were born into the world. And now¡­? ¨C The blond guy took great pleasure in taunting Kyon.


    Kyon cautiously looked at the rusty scalpel that Bilya was meticulously examining, licking, tasting, smacking her lips. He started feeling dizzy and turned his eyes at the old man who was sitting at the window, downhearted. Flitz didn¡¯t give a damn about what was happening¡­ He was worried about something else¡­ Something else¡­ Oh, shit! Kyon didn¡¯t need a supermind to guess! Of course! Marina told him a dozen times about their life together, what ce she upied in the old man¡¯s heart! There it was, a ray of hope! The savior of his sacred balls!


    Kyon rushed headlong to Flitz, but Yegorka quickly grabbed him by the wrist.


    ?Where do you think you¡¯re going??


    Kyon painfully gritted his teeth and yelled:


    ?Flitz, I know where Marina is!?


    The old man was looking nkly in the window. His pipe fell out of his hands, the ashes scattered on the floor with bright sparks. A second¡­ Another one¡­ A third¡­ A tenth¡­ What had he just heard? Was he hearing things? Thest two weeks had been a nightmare. He looked for Marina every day, with all means avable. He was in pain, suffering mentally and physically. He had to take time off from work. Ulcers developed all over his senile body from excessive stress. His mind refused to ept that the girl that was his meaning of life had just disappeared. Marina was a real beauty, a goddess for Flitz. However, he preferred to express his love only in sex. He could have proposed to her, but then he would have to act like a husband: not to ignore her requests, not to be too cruel, not to vite her in bed, give her the right to express herself, listen to her opinion. Flitz doubted that he could live like this. That¡¯s why he treated her solely like a maid that would give anything her master wanted. In fact, he was head over heels in love with his maid and had been for a long time.


    Now he could only wonder if she had left him, if she had met a handsome man. What if someone had kidnapped her and locked her up? He couldn¡¯t find the girl through the tracking function in her formation. Either someone had destroyed the formation, or something blocked its signal (some powerful barrier, for example). In any case, Flitz did not lose hope and kept looking for Marina day after day. His heart was aching from the devastating thought that he would never see her again, never kiss his darling on the lips, they would never be one again. His mind darkened with ck depression so unbearable that it was slowly driving him into the grave. The goal he had pursued in thest years to recover his seed and have babies with Marina was gone. And out of the blue, the ve, that must have long been dead, said he knew the whereabouts of his beloved one. Flitz couldn¡¯t believe his ears. He would sooner believe that he had finally lost his mind from grief and was now hearing voices.


    Kyon kept shouting the same again and again, but Flitz didn¡¯t seem to hear them. His strange behavior filled Kyon with despair. He didn¡¯t want to be neutered like a stray dog.


    How much Kyon wished he could wring Yegorka¡¯s neck. The jerk was roughly fastening him to the chair and giggling wickedly in doing so. If Yegorka were to tie Juno up, his moves would be more gentle than a breeze. Now every touch of the stupid asshole was going to turn into a bruise¡­ What a sick bastard. What did he do to him? Insulted? No, he didn¡¯t. Yegorka wanted to finish him off long before that, moreover, twice. Maybe in this world, everyone wanted to kill him? It was high time to invent a gun to make them all equal¡­


    Bilya approached the ve with a rusty scalpel in her hands and an impatient nasty smile on her lips.


    ?Enough crying, honey. I¡¯m an old hand at this! As the saying goes: good riddance, right? Haha!?


    Flitz snapped out of his stupor and finally asked quietly:


    ?What did you say??


    Kyon desperately shouted again:


    ?I said I know where Marina is! But if she cuts my balls off, I will carry this secret to the grave with them!?


    Yegorka barked:


    ?Shut the hell up, piece of trash! You are about to lose your balls, and all you¡¯re all talking about is Marina! You¡¯d better pray for salvation!? ¨C Yegorka had an unhealthy excitement before the unsightly spectacle when the hated ve got his balls cut off. How much he wanted to see the ve suffering, revel in his grief and nk eyes.


    As for Bilya, she was trembling with anticipation and couldn¡¯t even breathe evenly. She pulled the lever which made Kyon¡¯s legs, fastened with straps, spread wide apart.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Kyon was white as a sheet. Damned old fart, why is he taking so long to reply?!


    Flitz approached Kyon like a sudden storm the sea. He grabbed the boy by the cor and said in a hoarse, frightening voice:


    ?You¡­ You are not you lying, aren¡¯t you? Do you really know where she is?!?


    ?I do! I can bet my head on it, not my balls! But first things first, get me out of here!? ¨C Kyon was talking a mile a minute.


    ?Uncle Flitz, stop fooling around! I¡¯ve got work to do!? ¨C Bilya pushed the old man aside and wanted to proceed with the execution, but Flitz pushed her back with so much force that the woman rolled on the floor with a squeal.


    *thud* *thud* *thud* *thud*


    Flitz tore the strong straps with his bare hands, slung Kyon behind his back and, just like that unfortunate day, jumped out of the window, straight from the second floor like a meteor.


    He heard Bilya¡¯s screams.


    ?Again?! You¡¯ve deceived me again, old bugger! Just show up here another time!?


    Flitz put Kyon, who got away with it anew, on the ground andid his heavy wrinkled hand on his shoulder.


    ?Tell me! Where is she?! Or I will rip off your balls myself!?


    It was in Kyon¡¯s nature to find benefits everywhere. Now that Flitz revealed his weakness, it would be a crime not to use it.


    ?I¡¯ll you everything, but first you have to promise that my balls will stay with me safe and sound¡­?


    ?I¡¯ll leave your balls alone! Speak up!? ¨C Flitz impatiently interrupted him.


    ?There¡¯s something more¡­ Give me my sound transmitter back, take me to the mansion, and swear to grant me a wish.? ¨C Kyon understood perfectly well that he was ying with fire. The old man would rip his heart out if he did not meet his expectations. And yet, Kyon took his chance.


    Flitz immediately threw the device into Kyon¡¯s insolent hands and snapped:


    ?I swear to grant you a wish! TALK!?


    ?First, take me to Juno¡¯s mansion. I will tell you everything there!?


    Flitz snarled something furiously. He grabbed Kyon by the hand so fiercely that he nearly tore it off and dashed to the mansion.


    Somewhere far behind, Yegorka was shouting something indignantly. His expectations had been shattered. If Kyon had told Flitz his secret earlier, the old man would run off to the mansion, hanging him out to dry with Yegorka. Kyon had thought of everything.


    They arrived at the mansion in a wink, thanks to Flitz¡¯s speeding step.


    ?This is yourst chance, boy! Stop ying games with me, or I¡¯ll kill you!?


    Kyon took a deep breath and said calmly:


    ?She is in the mansion. I¡¯ll take you to her.? ¨C He decisively went inside.


    Flitz couldn¡¯t understand. He had searched the entire estate over and over again. He had broken into the houses, turned everything upside down, and she¡­ She had been at Juno¡¯s all this time. At Juno¡¯s¡­


    Kyon went upstairs and knocked on the door to Marina¡¯s room. Flitz was standing next to him. He wasn¡¯t quite himself, about to lose his mind.


    Marina had just had her manicure done. She cheerfully replied in her melodious voice:


    ?Coming!?


    Flitz heard the familiar voice and could feel the goosebumps rise all over his body. Bliss reced disbelief in his eyes. His dear girl had been in Juno¡¯s mansion all the time¡­ All the time¡­ What a fool he had been! He¡¯d been looking for her everywhere except the mansion that he had forbidden her to approach!


    As soon as Marina opened the door, the one she knew too well pulled her and held her tight.


    Flitz buried his nose in her shoulder, inhaling the smell of the woman he loved. He was on cloud nine. He¡¯d missed her so much¡­ He was afraid he would not see her again, and there she was in his arms¡­ so warm, so soft, so dear.


    ?Ma-master¡­? ¨C Marina girl mumbled pitifully.


    Filtz was holding on to her as if hanging on for dear life.


    ?My dear little Marina¡­ You¡­ You¡¯re a fool. Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you¡¯re with Juno?! I¡¯ve nearly decayed alive without your sweet, lovely, tight butt¡­ Do you understand?!? ¨C The old man didn¡¯t know how to express his sincere feelings.


    Marina¡¯s hands shook, tears of fear welled in her eyes.


    ?Ma-ma-master¡­ I am¡­ I am sorry¡­?


    At that moment, Kyon was about to hate himself. He had sold Marina out for the sake of his balls. The half-dead, gross old man was holding the girl who Kyon loved like his family, just like his sister¡­


    {Marina¡­} ¨C Kyon bit his lip. He couldn¡¯t stand the old asshole pawing the girl.


    Flitz got handsy as if he¡¯d missed her bottom much more than the girl herself.


    ?I¡¯ve missed you, obnoxious girl¡­ I spent three weeks looking for you around the estate¡­ I broke into all the houses where handsome guys lived, twisted their hands, beat information out of them. And you¡­ You are so amazing, beautiful, sly¡­ You¡¯re such a fool¡­ How could you disobey my order ande to Juno. You¡¯ve be so cheeky! Alright, let¡¯s go home. I will not let you go ever again. You won¡¯t run away from me anymore¡­?


    Flitz pulled Marina¡¯s hand. She did not dare to utter any words of protest. She dragged her feet, trying to slow him. She did not want to go anywhere. Flitz kept pulling her by hand, ignoring her sluggish resistance.


    Marina began to sob. She gave Kyon a tearful, imploring look that was worse than a bullet in his heart. She was asking him to save her.


    For the first time in his life, Kyon had experienced an overwhelming feeling of guilt. It hurt like a knife in his heart. He could say Marina was a saint with no exaggeration. Now she was being dragged to the shriveled old man¡¯s bed like a mouse into the mousetrap. It was his fault.


    Kyon instantly took out his sound transmitter, that Flitz had given him back, and ordered Juno toe to the front door at once. Only Juno had power over Flitz¡­ She wouldn¡¯t not allow him to hurt her friend, maybe. Kyon would save their disagreement forter.


    Flitz was still dragging the weeping girl to the front door.


    ?Stop crying, stupid girl. I won¡¯t beat you. I¡¯ll just punish you a little for almost killing me with your rash actions.?


    She was his happiness. He could let her cry as she pleased, but he wouldn¡¯t let her go, never again.


    Marina did not want to return. She would have to satisfy the disgusting, gross old man in bed¡­ She would have to do all those dirty things, to serve him, to wear sexy stuff for him¡­ The mere thought of all that gave her a heartache. She couldn¡¯t say no to him¡­ He was still her master. Shecked the courage to go against the man, terrible in all senses.


    The three of them were approaching the front door.


    Kyon was about to say something to Flitz to hold him up, but there was no need for that. Juno had finallye, and she wasn¡¯t pleased with what she saw. The bald but seemingly whole and intact ve was brazenly looking into her eyes. The annoying old fart was taking her friend away from her.


    Juno and Kyon stared at each other. Sparks between them could lead to an explosion.


    Kyon thought what if Juno didn¡¯t hold her friend dear when something extraordinary happened¡­ Juno approached him at arm¡¯s length and slightly lowered her head. It looked like pleading.


    It was not difficult to guess that she was asking him to remove the chain of orders to save Marina. Juno needed her initiative, tone of her voice, expression of emotions¡­ Kyon¡¯s restrictions didn¡¯t let her get what she wanted.


    Kyon raised his eyebrows in surprise. He was stunned. The little beast actually stood for something¡­ The haughty sadist who despised the lower sses of society had someone to protect.


    He got closer to Juno¡¯s ear and whispered:


    ?Please, do everything to save Marina without involving me in that.?


    At the same moment, Juno rushed to Flitz like fury, with a warlike cry:


    ?Flitz, old fart. If you dare to take Marina away, I will do my best and make sure your decrepit ass spends all your life behind bars!? ¨C Juno approached her friend, grabbed her by hand and pulled to herself.


    Marina looked at Juno in amazement. Then she glimpsed at Kyon, who waved to her with the sound transmitter. {He¡­ It was he who called Juno! Oh, Kyon ¡­} ¨C Marina was at the brink of tears with gratitude.


    Flitz stood there like a scared goat.


    ?Little one¡­ Do you even know who Marina is for me??


    ?A sex toy that you mistreat! I said that Marina stays with me, and that¡¯s final!? ¨C Juno said resolutely between gritted teeth. She pulled her friend again but to no avail.


    Flitz¡¯s face darkened. He snapped:


    ?She is my most valuable maid, and you are just a little snot who wants to take away my treasure! Do you ever think with your empty head? What are you talking about?!? ¨C Flitz would dly send Juno to hell and go on dragging his precious booty, only he understood perfectly well that Juno¡¯s threats were not an empty sound. She could easily ask the patriarch for anything. Once he identally stroked her head, and she did not like it¡­ After that, her grandfather broke some of his ribs, kindly warning him not to do that again.


    Juno snorted viciously.


    ?Too bad for you! Now she¡¯s my friend! And my friends will not serve any perverted old men. Guards!?


    Two guards in ck suits and sses were standing behind the door. They came inside and stood menacingly at Flitz¡¯s sides.


    Marina was being pulled in both directions now. She sobbed pitifully.


    Flitz was taken aback. He pointed his trembling finger at Juno, who was angrily looking into his eyes without a shadow of fear.


    ?You¡­ You won¡¯t dare! I¡¯ve been looking for her everywhere hell knows how long. I¡¯ve almost died of grief. I can¡¯t live without her!?


    Juno pulled a disgusted face:


    ?You disappoint me, Flitz. First, you send me this¡­? ¨C She broke off in mid-sentence. She wanted to say about Kyon and identally add that he was her ¡°owner¡± so that the guards paid attention to that phrase, but he had ordered her ¡°not to involve him.¡± So, she continued as if nothing had happened. ¨C ?¡­Then I learn what dirty things you did to your maid. I used to call you a pervert but it was a joke! Now I see there¡¯s some truth behind every joke¡­ I despise perverts most of all. Go away. I can¡¯t even look at you! Let go of Marina. My friend will never sleep with a decrepit ugly old man.?


    Flitz turned pale. He slowly shook his head.


    ?No¡­ I will not let her go¡­ She doesn¡¯t understand how much I appreciate her¡­ I do everything for her! I protect her, cherish her, take care of her, after all! She is the highest maid in my mansion! It¡¯s any girl¡¯s dream to be a powerful master¡¯s maid, isn¡¯t it?! Anymoner would agree with me! They would pay everything they have for this! Marina, tell her it¡¯s true!? ¨C Flitz looked at Marina strictly and expectantly.


    ?Let go of me.? ¨C Marina whispered, barely audible.


    Flitz¡¯s eyes zed over.


    ?No¡­ Marina¡­ How can you be so ungrateful? Where would you be now if I had not made you my maid??


    Kyon crossed his arms. He could not understand what was going on in Flitz¡¯s head. If he loved Marina, he should have treated her properly, cherish her. He treated her as his maid, taking all his lust out on her. He was always harsh to her and never let her talk things out.


    ?I want to stay¡­? ¨C Marina mumbled quietly.

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    ?Guards! Take Flitz away!? ¨C Junomanded at once.


    Two strong guards took the old man by the arms and took him outside. He did not resist. He was looking with empty eyes at the girl who had rejected him. He thought it was thest time he saw her.


    Marina threw herself into Juno¡¯s arms, soaking her blouse with tears. The youngdy hugged her tofort her.


    ?Don¡¯t cry. I won¡¯t let Flitz hurt you.? ¨C Juno¡¯s fierce gaze turned to Kyon. Her strategic n had failed¡­ The ¡°master¡± returned too quickly¡­ He had his hair shaved off. It served him right, but his thing below was obviously still in order. The sly ve must have made a deal with Flitz. He told him Marina¡¯s location. How did he dare to sell out her friend? On the other hand, he let her save Marina¡­ He called her with the sound transmitter. What was going on in his bald head? And what was going to happen next¡­


    Kyon looked affectionately at Marina. She was now weeping from the relief. When he found shelter behind the bushes, Marina told him different things about Flitz. Some of them were good things. However, she was still afraid of him like the rabbit fears the wolf. Was it because of her female changeable nature? Far from it¡­ It was all about Flitz. He was the reason Marina had be quiet and withdrawn. Flitz was a tyrant, denying her any freedom.


    Kyon had an excellent idea how he could solve theplicated situation to Marina¡¯s advantage.


    He approached Juno and whispered to give him the diamond token with the coat of arms, the symbol of the 1st rank in the Stone family.


    Juno unwillingly took the valuable shiny thing out of the ring and handed it over to the ¡°master,¡± never breaking her embrace with whimpering Marina. Juno was much younger than her, and yet she wasforting Marina like an older sister. She darted a thoughtful look after her sworn enemy who was disappearing in the distance.


    The rejected old man hung his head down and walked where his feet took him. He sank into the depths of hopelessness. Flitz understood that it wasn¡¯t his destiny to get Juno¡¯s friend back. Desperate people can do rash actions like try and take Marina by force. It¡¯s just¡­ He would find only his death in the mansion. The guardians were elite, the barrier was imprable. He couldn¡¯t get inside.


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to see Flitz die foolishly or suffer from depression because Marina would cry and grieve for him. He decided to do it his way.


    Kyon approached Flitz close enough and spoke in the direction of his worried bent back:


    ?Mr. Flitz! You can¡¯t return Marina by force or influence. Lady Juno will never let her friend go against her will. But if you convince Marina that she is dear to you, that you are ready to treat her like ady, listen to her, give her attention, care for her, then everything can change. She won¡¯t be afraid of you and then she won¡¯t need Juno¡¯s protection anymore. You will see her every single day. But first, you need to work on yourself, and I will dly help you with that. So, what do you think??


    Before Kyon started talking, Flitz did not want to listen to anyone. His heart was filled with pain¡­ Severe pain¡­ Even if it was less piercing than before. He understood perfectly well that there was no chance to get Marina back, and then the boy started talking like that. He turned irritably towards Kyon.


    ?You¡­ What are you talking about? How do you know what I need to make that fool of a woman feelfortable with me? Anyway, I do not need the advice of a ve¡­ Get out of my sight.?


    Kyon took something out of his pocket and handed it to Flitz.


    ?I am not giving you advice as a ve, but as Marina¡¯s friend.?


    Flitz gasped, pressed it to his nose and breathed in deeply. As he exhaled, his breath trembled. This time, he took Kyon seriously.


    ?I bought this handkerchief for her¡­ Did you steal it from Marina??


    Kyon hurriedly shook his head.


    ?No, she gave it to me herself. You know, our friendship got off to a good start. During thest weeks, we talked a lot. She told me all about you. She shared with me what she was scared of, and what made her happy, what she hated in you, and what she loved¡­ From what I heard, I concluded that you are dear to her and scare the hell out of her at the same time. And now I want to help you change things so that she is not afraid of you anymore.? ¨C Kyon boy was well aware that changing the grumpy old man¡¯s character was, in principle, an impossible task. But love is a powerful thing. Besides, his goal was not to change Flitz¡¯s character but to change his attitude to Marina. He wanted him to stop taking her as his maid.


    Flitz frowned incredulously. Then he wondered. His heart started beating faster. The boy had given him hope to be reunited with the woman he loved. On the other hand, this cute young ve wanted to give him advice concerning Marina¡­ It was pure nonsense. But if he was really her friend¡­ Flitz couldn¡¯t make his mind. Should he send Kyon to hell or listen to him?


    ?How can it all help me if I can¡¯t even talk to her?? ¨C Flitz asked skeptically.


    Kyon lifted the corners of his mouth into a sly smile.


    ?You see, I¡¯m Marina¡¯s friend. And any Marina¡¯s friend immediately besdy Juno¡¯s friend, even if it¡¯s not evident. In fact, Marina trusts me so much thatdy Juno has started trusting me, too.? ¨C With these words, Kyon pulled out the diamond token.


    Flitz took the iridescent token of the Stone family with disbelief. There could be no mistake¡­ The token belonged to Juno! There was a formation proving her identity inside! It was impossible to fake. He couldn¡¯t believe that Juno, who had always despised scum like ves, gave Kyon this valuable thing just like that! There could be several options. Either Kyon had stolen the token, which was absolutely impossible or he was telling the truth. In this case, it became clear why he was still alive and why she made him her servant! Her order to castrate him was a bit out of ce¡­ Or it wasn¡¯t. Well¡­ Perhaps her order made some sense!


    ?It¡¯s impossible¡­? ¨C Flitz couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. ¨C ?The wicked girl couldn¡¯t have given the token to a servant¡­ No¡­?


    Kyon scratched his nose in embarrassment.


    ?As soon as you left, Marina begged Juno to allow you toe and visit her¡­ I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in her head.?


    Flitz almost dropped the token. His heart, recently broken, pounded with hope again.


    ?Marina¡­ You are such a¡­?


    ?Lady Juno had to agree. Her pride did not allow her to run after you and take her words back, so she sent me after you. She gave me this token to make you believe my words. I suggest you visit Marina tomorrow, take a walk around the park. But if you oppress her as before, they will drive you away for good.?


    Flitz hesitated before making the important decision, then he nodded reluctantly and returned the token to the boy. He didn¡¯t want to listen to Kyon¡¯s words, but he didn¡¯t seem to have any choice.


    ?I am ready to listen¡­ Tell me what scares her in me, and what pleases? What exactly did she tell you about me??


    Kyon rubbed his hands, and the consultation began. If anyone found out that a servant was advising Flitz himself, they would fall aboutughing.


    Their conversationsted a quarter of an hour. Flitz¡¯s eyes grew wider and wider with each passing minute. They were about to pop out of his head by the end of their talk. Kyon wanted him to stop taking Marina as a maid and begin to treat her as someone higher up the hierarchy. It was impossible for Flitz¡­ In his eyes, the blonde girl was a stupid baby who knew nothing of life, and now he had to change his point of view¡­ He should take her as his wife, as his queen, a goddess even and so on. He couldn¡¯t even think about insulting her as if his life was at stake. He had to give her little gifts, show signs of affection, be ready to apologize if he had been rude, or said something that might have scared his love.


    In short, Flitz had to change himselfpletely.


    ?That¡¯s insane! I¡¯ll tell you something, little snot. All women say one thing and want another. Marina is just the same. You¡¯ve heard enough of her nonsense, and now you think you know life. Listen to me¡­?


    Kyon dared to interrupt Flitz.


    ?You have only one chance, sir. Either you be the one who Marina wants you to be and get the ess to the mansion, or you will never see her again.?


    Kyon cut Flitz off in the middle of his sentence but he didn¡¯t continue. His opinion didn¡¯t matter anymore. The servant was right. He couldn¡¯t lose his only hope.


    Flitz chuckled and said matter-of-factly, stroking his beard:


    ?Tell the nasty girl that tomorrow I will be there at lunch. And prepare Marina for my visit. I don¡¯t want her to be scared again¡­ She is such a scaredy-cat. Oh well, you must know.?


    ?I¡¯ll do that.? ¨C Kyon smiled graciously. He was willing to be a link between Flitz in love and Marina, who he owed more than life. She used to tell him that she wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with Flitz. So, let her talk and sort things out.


    Soon, they said goodbye, and Kyon headed to the mansion. With each step he took, his face grew colder. Kyon was thinking how to punish Juno. She did the unforgivable thing, vited the sacred ce ¨C his balls.


    After the conversation with Flitz, Kyon went to the mansion. On his way, he made a call and ordered Juno to wait for him at the training ground.


    First, he went downstairs to call on Marina. She wasn¡¯t over the recent breakdown, brushing away the tears with her trembling fingers. Kyonforted her with his kind words and care, but he quickly found out that the reason she was crying wasn¡¯t only the recent events. There was something else.


    ?Marina¡­ You need to meet Flitz face to face and sort it all out. Don¡¯t avoid your inner demons, face them and ovee them. It will make you stronger. Running away will get you nothing. I suggest you meet Flitz tomorrow afternoon. I¡¯ve convinced him that he can easily lose you if he makes a wrong gesture or says a bad word or gives a wrong order. Don¡¯t be afraid of him. Calm down and say everything you think about him. Get rid of all the pain that has been in your heart for so long. I can see how much you care for him. Flitz won¡¯t be rude to you again, or I will kick him out of the mansion and won¡¯t let him anywhere near you.?


    Kyon¡¯s words impressed Marina. She calmed down and thought hard about something. Then she nodded decisively.


    ?Let hime. I was not ready for his visit today. I was confused¡­ I was scared that he would take me away by force and make me do those dirty things again¡­ Butdy Juno saved me, not without your help. I have been thinking for a long time how to tell the master¡­ I mean Flitz¡­ that I don¡¯t want to be his maid anymore, and it kind of just happened. It must be a good thing. I want him to treat me differently, but Flitz will never change¡­ I am only a maid for him.? ¨C She concluded wistfully.


    ?Time will tell.? ¨C Kyon said quietly and hugged Marina tofort her.


    Marina felt peaceful in his strong arms. Even if Kyon was only 14 and she was 20, it seemed like they were of the same age. Why was he so good? She felt so safe next to him¡­


    On this warm-hearted note, Kyon left her room.


    On the way to the training ground, he ordered Synergy to elerate his hair growth. In about three days, it will be as long as before.


    In the meantime, he had to face an important issue: how to avoid future risks because of Juno¡¯s abnormal ability to get around his orders. He could and should beat her up, but if it didn¡¯t work for her, it was time to think of something else. Kyon thought how to push her buttons and at the same time not to cross the line. Nothing else worked for her. She couldn¡¯t go unpunished for her attempt on his balls.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    When Kyon opened the gate to the training ground, he saw something terrible.


    Charming Juno was sitting on the bench with a disgruntled look on her face, her arms folded irritably across her chest. She was nervously wiggling her foot in a delicate sandal. A hefty teenage ve, brutally battered, was lying next to her, his breath ragged and hoarse. He was leaning against the wall, a lost cause. He was holding in his half-opened hand a handful of teeth, cruelly knocked out. The other hand was twisted at an unnatural angle, all his fingers were broken. His ck clothes were soaked with something wet, most likely with his blood, which confirmed the scarlet drawings sprayed on the wall and the ground. One of his eyes was smashed so bad that it disappeared behind the red swelling, the other eye had a bit better look. His face was bruised all over, his nose was broken in several ces. Anyone would be terrified by the sight of him. Judging by his weak breath, the poor thing didn¡¯t have long to live.


    Sashka thought the youngdy would be kind to him. She looked like an angel when they first met. He had been feeling down after losing his potency, but his depression disappeared when he was awaiting thedy¡¯s arrival to the training ground. His heart was beating faster in anticipation of the training after which he would have wonderful dreams of his bright future, and a full stomach atst. But when the beauty finally came, all his expectations were shattered at once. Thedy with the expression of a maniac on her face furiously rushed at him, surpassing him both in speed and power. She mercilessly beat him up, not giving a chance for resistance. intive moans, cries of pain, and pleas for mercy resonated across the deserted training ground. The image of an angel burnt to ashes turning into the embodiment of a fierce demon. People can¡¯t be so senselessly cruel¡­


    In the end, Sashka was lying half-dead on the floor. He knew that his life wasing to an end. All he wanted was to get away from this damned world, created to bring him pain and misery.


    When Kyon saw the dying ve, he almost choked with surging rage. The battered boy reminded the former emperor that he was in his ce not so long ago. He had clearly ordered Juno not to beat anyone, let alone kill, but she vited his order¡­ There could be only one exnation. The ve was nothing but a thing for her, not a person, only a thing.


    He could hardly cope with a fit of anger. The urge to break Juno¡¯s neck grew even stronger.


    Juno noticed the approaching ¡°master,¡± rose to her feet, sighed as if she was pulling herself together and then blurted out:


    ?Flitz had only shaved your hair off, nothing more! I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ That just happened! P-please¡­ Master¡­ Do not punish me too much¡­? ¨C Tears were shining in Juno¡¯s wide-open eyes, her voice trembled intively, her eyebrows knitted together. Gods, for what merits did you grant her the skill to y the sympathy card at the hundredth level?


    However, her sophisticated acting skills had no effect on angry Kyon. The evil girl had big problems withmon sense. How could she be possibly seeking sympathy from him again, if her previous attempt had failed? He is not a guy to bite her bait.


    ?Shut the hell up!? ¨C Kyon rudely silenced her, walked over to the ve and poured Synergy into him.


    Sashka raised his head and had some difficulty to focus his dull, swollen eyes on Kyon. His whole body acquired supernatural lightness, he was floating above the earth with his invisible wings.


    Kyon frowned and carefully examined the mutted ve. He was boiling with an unspeakable rage against the one who was to me in Sashka¡¯s suffering. With great difficulty, he held himself together. Kyon was brought up in the strict observance of intergctic norms that state that every rational being has the right to exist in conditions suitable for life and reproduction. Apparently, the little beast couldn¡¯t be bothered by such trifles¡­


    ?I order you to fall on your knees before Sashka and apologize.? ¨C Kyon said quietly.


    ?Why should I? He is a thing that belongs to me!? ¨C Yet, the order made the delicate girl obediently approach maimed Sashka and kneel. ¨C ?Please, forgive me¡­?


    The half-dead boy could not believe his ears or eyes. Was heaven itself apologizing to him?


    ?Louder! Again! Head against the floor!? ¨C Kyon demanded in a hoarse with rage voice.


    After another apology, tears flowed from Sashka¡¯s eyes. He tilted his head back and howled with inhuman longing and despair. His assassin was begging on her knees to forgive her. Did heaven take mercy on him?


    Kyon gritted his teeth, touched the back of Sashka¡¯s head, and severed some vital nerves with Synergy so that he would not suffer. The body of the poor fellow went limp and fell sideways, enjoying his final rest. Farewell to the innocent victim of the evil girl.


    As much as Kyon wished, he couldn¡¯t save him because of the numerous internal injuries. If it were his own body, he could somehow pull through, but it was someone else¡¯s¡­ He would run out of Synergy, moving it through Sashka¡¯s vessels and tissues. The detailed scan of each cell would take hours. At least the poor fellow heard an apology from his murderer before dying. If the afterlife really existed, his soul would rest in peace.


    ?Please¡­ Don¡¯t beat me, I¡¯m begging you¡­? ¨C Juno whispered intively,pletely ignoring the deceased, never taking her eyes full of barely concealed animosity off her ¡°master.¡±


    Kyon inhaled deeply to calm down, then he quickly grabbed Juno by her long golden hair, wrapped it around his hand and tugged violently at himself. She let out a painful squeal when Kyon roughly lifted her up and pressed against his body. His hands held tight her slender body, one of them cupped her tight butts, reflexively squeezing and groping them.


    Juno could not say a word in shock. She seemed to stop breathing.


    ?N¡­ No¡­ Don¡¯t you dare¡­ I¡­ I will kill myself¡­?


    Kyon snorted dismissively, hugged her tight and buried his lips into her thin neck. Her soul was ugly but the highborndy was amazingly beautiful from the outside¡­ The scent of her body was more delightful the fragrance of heavenly flowers. She had an effect of a good drug with a touch of aphrodisiac.


    Juno twitched in disgust in his arms. It was like a bucket of slop was poured all over her. A nasty, humiliating feeling. Her face turned white like the first snow, she went limp in the hands of her tormentor and fainted.


    Kyon pulled away from her sweet, delicate neck. She passed out too quickly and couldn¡¯t experience all the severity of her punishment. He would have to repeat it again, more than once¡­ However, when he looked at her bloodless face, Kyon¡¯s heart sank. A trickle of blood drew a scarlet trail from her small nose. The beautiful girl was withering in front of him as if her spirit was slowly leaving her young body that was bursting with life not so long ago.


    {Damn it!} ¨C Kyon was worried about his victim¡¯s well-being. She had promised that she would kill herself if he kissed her again, and she seemed to have kept her word.


    Kyonid Juno on the bench and put his ear to her chest. Her heart was skipping a beat, her breath uneven. Apparently, she was in shock of the 4th degree. It could be fatal for an average person.


    And yet, it was too strange. Could a simple kiss bring someone to such a life-threatening condition? Maybe any nobledy would behave this way if a ve harassed her? Dinah, for example, tried to beat him half to death, but she didn¡¯t faint¡­ Although, he didn¡¯t kiss her the way he kissed Juno. A ve meant really nothing in this world, where each next stage of development elevates you tenfold over the weaker ones, which leads to a constant increase in the difference in position.


    Kyon remembered his life in the mine, or rather the hierarchy in which he had to survive. He was a ve below his warden who was responsible for ten ves. The warden was far below the leader, Byron. The big man had to kowtow to the supervisor. Supervisor Mob bowed to Ren, the delivery man. Ren showed respect to Flitz. Flitz would bow and scrape before any elder, as well as Juno. She was of the 1st rank, after all, while Flitz was only of the 2nd. Only the patriarch himself was above Juno in Stone family. The Royal family was above patriarch Stone, though¡­ In this long chain of power and influence, Kyon was at the bottom. And now, he dared to molest Juno. Everything was clear from this point of view. A dirty mortal dared to desecrate a living deity.


    Kyon came to the conclusion that this strong-willed, determined girl wouldmit suicide as soon as she got a chance. With her unique cunning skills, it wasn¡¯t impossible to bypass his formation. In the worst case scenario, his status of the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter¡¯s master would suddenly be useless. He would be found and killed, properly tortured beforehand.


    Kyon wanted to run his fingers through his hair in anger, but he could only rub his smooth bald head sadly. The damn girl gave him no peace. He had tons of problems with her. She is his evesting headache with her set-ups and traps. And at the same time, she was the most unusual and amazing person he had ever known. It was impossible to rehabilitate her. No pain, no humiliation worked on her. In the case of harassment, she would prefer death to shame. Why not let her die?


    Kyon was looking thoughtfully at his unconscious ve girl. He was filled with a desire to take revenge for all her tricks and threat to his life. There must be a way where she would do him more good than harm. Be that as it may, he did not intend to stay in the mansion like a cat on a hot tin roof, waiting for her suicide. Either he would leave the estate, giving her a dyed order to kill herself, and his secret would go with her to the grave, or he had to find another option.


    When he became her master, Kyon found a way to protect himself as efficiently as possible. He came up with the cage of orders, which should have worked perfectly. What other options did he have?


    Kyon considered an idea to use a formation with pain transmission, but the code to create it was tooplicated for his stage of development. Besides, what¡¯s the use of pain if it wasn¡¯t Juno¡¯s teacher?


    He had the idea of wiretapping, but it required a lot of energy to create in spite of its simple design. Most importantly, it needed a spatial attribute. It was beyond Kyon¡¯s power yet. Otherwise, he would have been using wiretaps for a long time, eavesdropping and watching everything and everyone in the mansion. It¡¯s energy-consuming to perceive a sound signal, transform it into an impulse and send it to the brain. It¡¯s much easier to control Juno¡¯s subconscious, the principle of which is the simplest hypnosis. Kyon was still underdeveloped to create audio, moreover video signal. But the future was promising.


    Kyon could also give Juno a banal order to kill herself if she tried to go against him or hurt him or kill him. However, in this case, she could die at any second, because the subconscious could misinterpret the train of her thought. It happens to people quite often. It¡¯s an unpredictable time bomb that can detonate at any moment, a bad idea.


    Today, Kyon discovered that Juno cared for Marina. He could threaten her to beat up her friend. Or even better, he could make Juno beat her dear friend if she plotted something against him, but¡­ Again, the mind is not perfect. Poor Marina could suffer in the end, and Kyon owed her his life. Kyon wouldn¡¯t let anyone touch a hair on Marina¡¯s head.


    As ast resort, Kyon thought he could use a formation that would kill her if he died, but¡­ The Law of Formacy says when the heart stops beating, the energy within the formation ceases to perform its functions. When the soul gets detached from the keys and leaves the body, the formation gets dispelled. Therefore, there was no sense in the killing formation, it just wouldn¡¯t work. Besides, Juno was well aware of this cornerstone of Formacy.


    Kyon had no doubt in the quality of his formation. He couldn¡¯t improve it or reapply, anyway. Juno¡¯s mind had already acquired resistance. He had to make do with the existing one. It was all about Juno¡­ Somehow, she could bypass the basicws of Formacy.


    It seemed to Kyon there were only dead ends all around. The cage of orders, his only hope, proved to be weak and inefficient. It was time to change something. It couldn¡¯t go on like this. Kyon didn¡¯t want to lose his current position. It cost him a lot of blood, effort and, to be honest, good luck. With Juno by his side, he had every chance to quickly be a powerful practitioner, build the foundation with his unique body, develop himself with the help of high-quality medicine, learn some powerful techniques. Without her, he would have to find all that one by one, not without threats for his life.


    Kyon had a fair question: {Why did she have such willpower? The pampered offsprings of noble families are never so preposterously resolute and stubborn¡­}


    Kyon recalled the dialogue between Juno and Jean when she said with firm confidence that she was much more talented than her sister, that she would soon surpass her. And indeed, no matter how developed her mind and psyche was, Juno would have broken long ago without her desired goal. It must be the goal ¡°by all means to defeat her sister¡± that gave her strength. Yes, it did¡­ That must be it¡­


    Kyon¡¯s eyes shed brightly in the awareness of the new, risky, but mutually beneficial solution to the current situation. It was a kind ofpromise, something that didn¡¯t require any effort from his side but allowed him to enjoy the benefits of being the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter¡¯s owner for quite some time without fear of being killed.


    If the whip didn¡¯t work, the carrot should do the job. Especially if Juno was in question.


    Kyon sighed heavily and poured Synergy into Juno so that she would recover as quickly as possible. He started practicing the movement technique, thinking over and nning everything to the smallest detail.


    Kyon had to choose one of two options: 1) he orders Juno tomit suicide in a couple of days while he leaves the estate and relies on himself. 2) he allows Juno to serve him in exchange for purifying her keys, at the same time ordering her to kill herself if she tells someone that he has this incredible ability.


    In the first case, a new life was waiting for him. He would have to start everything from scratch. He would have to look for opportunities, toy the groundwork for seizing power. Who knows how long it was going to take. It wasn¡¯t in his nature to take baby steps.


    As the advantage of the second option, Juno wouldn¡¯tmit the promised suicide. She would stop trying to finish him off (the walking ¡°opportunity¡± to surpass her sister).


    Of course, there were certain disadvantages. Sooner orter, Juno would free herself from his control and tell everything to her grandfather, perhaps even her mother and brother, no one else, that¡¯s for sure. However, it was not that bad. With his speed of development, her grandfather would be no equal to him pretty soon, and no one else would be in the know. In the worst case scenario, he would change his personality. By that time, he would have gotten the head start he needed from the Stones. After that, they could turn the whole world upside down looking for him. Besides, as soon as his development allowed him to use the wiretapping formation on Juno, her threat to his well being would be minimal, almost innocuous.


    But Kyon couldn¡¯t just give Juno something so incredibly valuable. She was already in red ording to his principle of ¡°paying debts.¡± It¡¯s like asking the enemy, who is beating you to death, to take a better stick.


    And then Kyon remembered one of his Masters, who taught him how to rationally build his rtions with the right people, especially with those whose rtions were built solely on the losses and profits of both parties.


    It¡¯s like taking a loan to develop business and then paying off the debt that had grown over time. Applied to his situation, he could force Juno into debt by rendering her the necessary service. In the future, he would make her pay for everything, with his interest.


    Kyon had always considered himself a rational person, but when it came to the beautiful and emotional, his logical train of thought turned into reckless ways. His masters repeatedly reminded him of his two weak points.


    ?You¡¯re an idiot! Even the most wless beauty costs only three hundred thousand credits! And if you use the discount coupon, even less.? ¨C The old master instructed him, but Lovr replied it was a piece of cake to dete§ãt a fake. True beauty is created by the universe itself. Perhaps that¡¯s why Synergy favored him. That shut his master up. Synergy did favor him, and it was the quintessence of the universe.


    Lovr confirmed his words with his love for mysterious cosmdscapes, mountain ranges that pierced the sky, endless seas, contemtion of the fire, water, and other elements, as well as beautiful girls and animals, of course.


    These two weaknesses got him in a lot of trouble in this world. If Dinah wasn¡¯t so beautiful, he would give a damn about her. Instead, he gave in to the desire to warn the maid personally to avoid him. He wanted too much to send the beautiful girl a message. She was clearly underestimating him. And what did that get him? She came to get her revenge in the library, fortunately, with no intention to kill him.


    Even now he felt sick at heart, imagining how he would confront in cold blood the stupid beautiful girl and order her to stick a dagger in her heart. It was quite contrary to his desire for revenge. However, when he imagined beating and torturing her with no chance to kill or mutte her, it felt¡­ so good. He seemed to be a sadist, after all¡­


    Time was flying by.


    While practicing, Kyon looked from time to time at Juno¡¯s face, and his heart favored more and more the second choice, where he didn¡¯t have to kill her. It¡¯s not that her beauty deprived him of the opportunity to finish her off, by no means. It¡¯s just the second option outweighed the first one. In the worst case scenario, he would only have to change his appearance. In the meantime, he might find a way to create a wiretapping formation before Juno met her grandfather.


    Kyon had made the final decision ¨C {I will pretend that Juno is my apprentice. I¡¯ll purify her keys for her faithful service. In the future, when she has to pay back the debt, her respect for me will not allow her to turn into a spineless creature.}


    He wasn¡¯t going to punish her for the misdeed with Flitz, for the time being. He was even going to give her some delicious ¡°carrot.¡± But she shouldn¡¯t have any illusions. It means only one thing. Her cup of misery will be full. His revenge is not going anywhere. The time wille when the grim reaper in his face will collect all her unsecured debts. For Sashka and himself.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    The pale beauty slowly opened her eyes, instinctively rubbed her nose, and remembered what had happened with a painful groan. She looked around angrily and saw the servant practicing nearby.


    ?You are the worst human being in the world¡­ Even worse, you aren¡¯t human! I warned you, don¡¯t you dare to kiss me. But you don¡¯t seem to value your life at all. I will keep my promise by all means. You have two options: either you disappear from the mansion right now or you will suffer my fate, that is death, very soon.? ¨C Her voice was full of ice and unwavering grim determination. She was ready for anything.


    When Juno understood that her damned tormentor wasn¡¯t saying anything but kept looking dispassionately at her, she bit her lip angrily, stood up from the bench and walked to the exit.


    Juno¡¯s strong-willed character was growing on Kyon. Once again, he got convinced that he could hate someone and at the same time admire something about them. Most people have unambiguous thinking: a person is either bad or good. But it is very important to understand that the world is not ck and white. It¡¯s diverse and multi-colored like a rainbow.


    ?Juno, don¡¯t rush to leave. I¡¯ve decided to change the nature of our rtions, so forget your hasty words. You are a very bad and crappy girl with mediocre talent, but you have unwavering will and desire to get stronger. That¡¯s why I decided to take you as an apprentice. If you behave yourself, obey me, don¡¯t cause trouble anymore, and treat me as your master, I will asionally instruct you and clear your keys.?


    At first, Juno thought he was mentally ill, then she threw her head back andughed like a myriad of silver bells scattering across the ground. Hatred and contempt, spite and malice sounded in herughter. Her face distorted in disgust:


    ?You are mad. You are the most insane person in the world, and you deserve to die. You don¡¯t need money or freedom¡­ Oh, please, I am sick to hear your dirty lies. They turn me inside out. Either get ready for your imminent death or disappear from my life. I will be sincerely grateful to you. My gratitude is worth a lot, believe me.?


    Kyon frowned, displeased. He had an urge to punch her arrogant brazen cute face a couple of times. He wanted it very very much¡­ But it was reassuring to know that the truth was on his side.


    A mysterious smile appeared on his face.


    ?Hit that dummy with all your might using pure energy.?


    Juno started to object:


    ?Oh please¡­ Stop it¡­ I¡¯m still in pain¡­?


    ?I said hit the dummy, or I¡¯ll hit you!? ¨C Kyon shouted at her with his sternest voice.


    Juno moaned with unbearable mental pain. She wanted to cry, but she had no more tears. Juno wished she could go back in time in those happy days when she hadn¡¯t connected with her soul yet. She¡¯d better envy her sister for eternity than be a ve to this monster.


    Juno went to the dummy and crashed it with all her might. A rather solid doll noticeably bent aside from her powerful blow, then it returned to its previous position.


    ?And nowe to me, please.? ¨C Kyon beckoned her toward him with a finger.


    Juno obeyed and came up to him. There was no point in resisting and asking for trouble. When she approached him, she turned her eyes away squeamishly, avoiding to look at her despised master. Juno¡¯s breath was intermittent, her emotional state depressed, her mood ¨C she¡¯d better die. She wanted to lie down on the ground and lose herself in a dreamless sleep.


    Kyon put one finger under her blouse, the other across from her belly button where he poured in Synergy, providing it with directions to clean her key by 10%. He had never been his intention to please the girl with such a priceless gift, but he made his decision. He could put his emotions aside. First things first, he had to put things right and rub along with the little brat.


    ?You are free to go.?


    Before he finished his phrase, the ve girl briskly stepped back, shot almost tangible fire from her eyes, and silently went to the exit. {Please¡­ Just don¡¯t say anything¡­ I don¡¯t want to hear anything from you, please¡­}


    ?You could at least check what has changed, little fool. Go and hit the dummy again, and then, if you don¡¯t feel any changes, you can go to your room and think about ways to kill yourself elegantly and painlessly.? ¨C Kyon said in a mocking voice.


    Juno spun around. Her look was so intense that a little more and she would explode. She approached the dummy again and struck it with all her strength.


    *bang*


    The dummy bent much further this time.


    Juno frowned at Kyon.


    ?Are you happy, crazy freak? Who do you think you are¡­ you are¡­? ¨C She slowly turned back to the dummy. Something was wrong¡­ It seemed¡­ Was her blow was much stronger than before, or did she imagine things?


    ?¡­? ¨C Juno was speechless.


    Kyon was on the verge ofughter. It felt so good to watch the deceived expectations of the wretched girl. The expression on her face was priceless.


    Juno slowly clenched her fist and struck again¡­ And again¡­


    *bang* *bang* *bang*


    With each next blow, the situation seemed more absurd. Her head was spinning, but she continued to batter the dummy.


    She hits dummies hundreds and hundreds of times every day. She knows the limit of her power perfectly well. It was different now¡­ By about one fifth.


    The purity of her pure energy key had always been 49%.


    Juno painfully pinched herself on the wrist, squealed but couldn¡¯t wake up. The reality wasn¡¯t changing.


    Punch-punch-punch¡­ Her face expressed total confusion, her eyebrows were about to crawl somewhere behind her head.


    Juno clenched her fists, closed her eyes, whispered something three times, and stared at the dummy. Then she punched it again.


    ?Gods, what¡¯s going on?! Mamma mia!? ¨C The happy girl squealed with emotions overwhelming her. The unexpected upgrade filled her with joy while just a minute ago, she was darker than a storm cloud.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t helpughing, and it got her attention.


    The wary ve girl slowly turned around. Her big green eyes expressed fright and shock as if she had noticed a sneaking predator.


    ?Alright, you yed it out very well! Haha very funny! Now tell me kindly what this trick is about??


    ?It¡¯s not a trick. I¡¯ve just cleaned your pure energy key by 10%.?


    ?You¡¯re lying!!? ¨C Juno interrupted him, her arms crossed stubbornly over her chest. ¨C ?I don¡¯t believe you for a second! You are deceiving me for some reason!?


    Kyon shrugged indifferently.


    ?Maybe I am¡­ Oh, by the way, I order you never to say anything about the purity of your keys. If someone finds out about it or about my ability to clean them because of your intentional actions, I order you to kill yourself at once. I order you to avoid check-ups on the purity of your keys. If it happens against your will, I order to call me and wait for my instructions. I advise you to use the device and check the purity of your key now. When you find out that I am telling the truth,e to my room, kneel before me and swear to do everything that I have enumerated earlier. Then I will take you as my apprentice and might purify your keys from time to time. Who knows, you could be the bender of all the elements. I doubt it, though.? ¨C He had no intention to make her so talented.


    When she heard that, Juno nearly choked in amazement. Her legs turned numb, she had to lean against the nearest wall.


    ?You are crazy, indeed. I just asked what trick was that, and you¡¯re pulling my leg again! My ears hurt to hear your nonsense. If you don¡¯t want to tell me the truth, then don¡¯t! I need it like a hole in my head.? ¨C The arrogant girl turned up her nose to show how little she cared.


    Kyon decided it was pointless to prove anything to her. He turned around and went to his room to have dinner.


    With a puzzled look, Juno watched her ¡°master¡± go. Then she looked at her hand that was trembling with excitement, squeezed it into a fist, and began to beat the dummy again. There could be no mistake¡­ The gain was significant. Anybody who cared to look would see that!


    {How¡­ How is that even possible?!} ¨C The bewildered girl asked herself again and again, beating the dummy with unprecedented joy mixed with confusion.


    She heard there existed medicine and special formations that could enhance the soul, but the effectsted a short time only. Anyway, if Juno had taken medicine, she would have been immediately aware of it. The process resulted in the rebound that only intensified over time.


    A shocking, impossible thought popped into her head. What if the ¡°master¡± didn¡¯t lie! {No¡­ It¡¯s bullshit! Nonsense! I¡¯m losing my mind! That¡¯s impossible!}


    Juno knew pretty well how the world worked. The purity of keys was something bestowed at birth, a natural talent. Those who were born with impure keys belonged with mediocrity. The purer the keys, the bigger chances to seed in life. Add to that a talent for development and you can conquer the whole empire. As a rule, there are no absolutely pure or impure keys. The moreplex the element, the dirtier the key. In Juno¡¯s empire, the average indicator of purity is 250%, she has 300% but even with that, shegs behind Elsa.


    It¡¯s possible to clean the keys but only a tad, and this drop, this crumb would cost an insane amount of money. Moreover, it¡¯s one-time procedure. The next cleaning with the same method won¡¯t be sessful. You¡¯ll have to look for another way.


    If the Stone family sold out all their property and resources, they could get Juno¡¯s key purified by 2-3%. The price of enhancing innate talent is immeasurable. The world is cruel to those who are born mediocre. Only goddess Danna can bless the worthy ones, cleaning their keys by a couple of dozens percent. Or so the legend goes. Now, it turns out that he is a god? A ve god. It¡¯s ridiculous.


    ?Ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Juno burst into hystericalughter. Not so long ago, she wanted to die. Now she was like a different person. She did not understand what was happening to her. Delighted in the heart, confused in the head.


    The harmful, meaningless, absurd idea was haunting her. What if the ve was telling the truth? And once again, she wanted to hit herself for being so stupid. It was impossible¡­ It just couldn¡¯t be! The sky cannot change ces with the earth!


    After a while, Juno decided that she could easily refute his words just the way he had advised her to prove him right. She went to the room where all the devices were stored. She took a rounded thing with a vacuum cup, put it to her belly button and pressed hard.


    The device generated pulsations. Juno counted 59 of them. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. She remembered perfectly well that the purity of her pure energy key was 49%! She took another device and repeated the procedure. The result shocked her to the core. The instrument fell out of her hands and rolled under the shelf. Juno copsed to the floor. Her whole world had just turned upside down.


    {He¡­ purified¡­ didn¡¯t he¡­} ¨C Her heart drummed frantically in her chest. She remembered Kyon mention she could be the bender of all the elements with his help. It sounded extremely ridiculous back then. It just didn¡¯t make any sense. What if it¡¯s true¡­ Wondrous fantasies, so impossible in the real world, captivated her mind.


    Juno imagined the energy fill her soul and body. It was her life long dream that finally hade true. She pictured herself as a super genius capable of conquering all the distantnds. She dreamed that Elsa was creeping at her feet, asking how many cubes of sugar to put in her tea. Juno would kick in her face and say with contempt: ¡°It¡¯s time for you to stop asking stupid questions! It¡¯s time to remember that I take four!¡±


    The beautiful face of the charming youngdy blushed. Bliss sshed in her eyes. For the first time, her dreams were so real and close, within arm¡¯s reach. She could almost touch them. Juno could feel the wings growing on her back from the mere thought that she would be the bender of all the elements. The gloomy idea that she was nothing but a mediocrity had been haunting Juno since the very moment of her connection with the soul. Her persistence to move towards her goal didn¡¯t help. And then, all of a sudden, she found a way to ovee the biggest obstacle on the way to her dream.


    Juno was so overwhelmed with indescribable happiness that she wanted to cry. But then another thought entered her mind like an annoying buzzing fly. It reminded her of the status of the boy who was going to clean her key. Could scum like him have a divine ability? ording to the legend, only goddess Danna could do it! Does it mean that her miserable ve who she would dly kill, or better torture to death, had the power to plunge the entire empire into chaos?! She remembered theirst battle when he kept crushing her down with his fists. It confirmed all her guesses! He could really be the bender of pure energy! An unspeakable feeling of envy washed over the arrogant girl. She was inferior to him¡­ The matter wasn¡¯t in her mediocrity. The point is that he is extremely talented! No one born in the slums could be higher than her. This thought calmed her down a bit.


    Juno had finallye to an important decision. {My ve¡­ He¡­ He is not a ve¡­ Now he is no ve¡­ From now on, he is my servant! Miserable, insignificant, wed, but he is my servant!}

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    Five years ago.


    Boston is the pearl of the kingdom. The majestic capital city is mind-blowing. Its size is impressive, its architectural style is sublime. Enchanting sights are on each step: here is the royal castle imposing its almost tangible power and influence, a little further, there¡¯s a magnificent tall tower of the merchants¡¯ guild. It casts a shadow on half of the city. Every day the joyful or disappointed roar of the crowdes from the arena of gigantic proportions, reminiscent of the Colosseum.


    The capital is the face of the kingdom for a reason. It delights, shocks, inspires awe in any guest or tourist who first visits it. It is home to millions of people, an always busy anthill, surrounded by high strong walls that even an army of giants could never climb over or break through.


    Today the atmosphere in Boston couldn¡¯t be more electric. Passers-by kept talking about the impending bloody battles of the strongest ves in the whole empire. The king himself had organized this significant event in honor of the recent sessful defense against the attack of supreme beasts.


    In any kingdom, ordinary people love three things best of all: beautiful girls, good booze, and spectacr fights. And now, more than two hundred thousand spectators filled the stands of the arena in dense rows. They shouted,ughed, debated excitedly. In short, everyone couldn¡¯t wait until the bloodshed began. Some were cing their bets, others hade to have a good time, unwind, get a sense of a victory.


    The event had been specially organized to develop a positive mindset, in other words, to let themon people have fun. As for the noble families, they had a different treat. The gentlefolk couldn¡¯t care less about feeble ves fighting with weak beasts. The high-born would rather devote their time to family squabbles or training.


    However, today Jurich Stone, the patriarch of the 1st rank family, had arrived at the arena. His appearance surprised everyone present, including the king himself, who had to attend the event that he had organized.


    Jurich was graceful. He had the beauty of a true warrior, i.e. he was tall and broad-shouldered with somewhat rough but attractive features. His muscr body gave the vapors to the most desired and unreachabledies. His cold and determined gaze sent the most ferocious enemies to kneel and beg for mercy. Everyone in Boston knew Jurich had moved the Stones to the first ce in just a few years. Nobody knew when exactly he became so influential or where he came from, but everyone was certain that no ordinary man would have his power and no equal.


    His wife Diana was walking arm in arm next to him. She was a beautiful, fragile-looking blond woman. A fat boy and two little girls were following them. The girls could both overshadow the sun itself, so dazzlingly charming they were. It was difficult to take eyes off this family, so perfect they seemed.


    Waves of conversations and rumble of whispers spread above the arena.


    ?This is sir Yurich himself! Why has the patriarch of the family number onee to see the ves fighting?!? ¡­ ?Geez, look at that beautiful girl. It¡¯s Elsa! I heard that she is already in the middle stage of the superior phase, and she is only ten! What an extraordinary talent!? ¡­ ?Every time I look atdy Diana I understand that I have chosen the wrong wife.? ¡­ ?Shut up! Your face must be missing my frying pan!? ¡­ ?Is this charming girl his youngest daughter? Uhm, I¡¯d love to have one like that¡­ Why is heaven so kind to those in power?? ¡­ ?Daaaad!?


    Yurich sent his greetings to King Michael¡¯s box. The bearded man smiled at him. Then the patriarch seated his wife next to the central ce. His ten-year-old daughter tugged at her father¡¯s sleeve, demanding to be seated on hisp, which he did not refuse.


    The little sweetie named Juno froze awkwardly nearby until Diana sat her youngest daughter next to her. The fat boy sat on his father¡¯s side, his fiery greedy eyes devouring a hefty ve. He had put a lot of money on him.


    With warmth in his voice, the father addressed the girl on his knees:


    ?Elsa, I¡¯ve brought you to the arena for a reason. You have to learn an important lesson. I want you to focus on each ve, on their rtions, on how quickly their behavior changes depending on various factors. You will tell me everything you¡¯ve learned from this lesson at home, will you??


    ?Yes, daddy.? ¨C The beautiful girl nodded with a radiant smile,fortably sitting on hisp like a nymph. She seemed to be the happiest daughter in the world.


    Juno looked enviously at Elsa, who didn¡¯t leave her father for a second. It was in as day that she would take her father¡¯s words, lessons, and beliefs as aw. What a stupid sister¡­ The father favoured her for the attitude as if it was some merit! But Juno wasn¡¯t like that. She would never kowtow to her dad to get his love! Juno had always been pretty annoyed by her sister. Elsa copied their father¡¯s character, had an incredible talent in development, and it drove Juno nuts. She wanted to surpass Elsa at least in something, to prove herself, to attract attention, but¡­ Apart from her charming looks, Juno had nothing to boast of.


    The five of them were sitting in the Stone¡¯s restricted area, surrounded by well-drilled guards.


    The speaker came to the center of the arena. He respectfully greeted the king, patriarch Stone, and wished their families to have a nice time.


    The warm greeting from the speaker of the Royal Family Grand (0) suggested how respected and influential the Stone family was. All the more, the patriarch himself had arrived!


    The speaker made an impassioned opening speech, pointing to the ves in shackles. After the signal, the bars on the sides of the arena dropped, and terrible wild creatures ran out: tigers, poisonous tentaculipedes, huge tarants, snakes, slugs, and many other vile creatures.


    The ves¡¯ shackles fell off. They grabbed their weapons at the nearest racks and jumped headlong into the attack.


    A fierce battle began. The beasts were visibly inferior to the people who were well prepared for the fight. The odds were obviously against the beasts.


    The chubby boy named XiaoBai was trembling with impatience, the chair under him creaked dangerously. He had just done a great deal of work, bribing the supervisor, the armorer, and the breeder. The breeder weakened certain beasts with special poison. The armorer nted an enchanted mace in the set of weapons. And the supervisor had a talk with ve number six and gave him the necessary instructions on how to win.


    Now, this very ve seized the mace and attacked the weakened beasts following the advice of his secret ¡°benefactor.¡± The more he would kill, the better.


    XiaoBai was just bursting with excitement, his thick ripple folds quivering, his fists clenched tight. He had put a tidy sum for the victory of the ve and couldn¡¯t wait to fill his pocket with money!


    Thepacted sand was soon soaked with blood. The people got injured less often, so basically, it was the beast¡¯s blood. Many in the audience understood that it had been arranged so that people would win, but it did not spoil the fun and the thrill of the show.


    Juno watched another tiger get his head mercilessly chopped off, her eyes wide-opened with horror. The girl swallowed nervously and squeezed her mother¡¯s hand pitifully. Dianaforted her, stroking her tenderly.


    The children were introduced to blood and cruelty at an early age. It was a custom and had to be done.


    The fightsted a couple of hours. New batches of monsters kept arriving¡­ The ves took turns to rest. They rallied together, confronting the beasts. They covered each other and helped at the critical moments. In the future, their friendship could get stronger than metal.


    By the final round, three people out of a hundred had been killed. The audience was pleased, anyway. The blood was shed, and they didn¡¯t care if it was human blood or not.


    The mighty hydra was the main target of thest round. All 97 ves had united and ripped the lethal beast apart. It didn¡¯t stand a single chance. The ves were demonstrating the best fighting spirit that had been running in human blood since the beginning of time when people united against amon enemy. Thest round was rtively quick and simple, but the audience enthusiastically apuded and cheered nevertheless.


    Almost a hundred of ves stayed out of breath but with smiles on their faces. They were shaking their hands, patting each other on the back, fist-bumping. They survived. They did it.


    Yurich carefully removed Elsa from hisp, stood up and raised his hand to attract attention. He proimed in a thunderous voice:


    ?I¡¯ve never seen a more ridiculous fight in all my not-so-boring life.?


    A loud echo of his scornful words swept across the arena. A deathly silence followed them. The impressive man was the focus of everyone¡¯s attention. King Michael looked at him, questioningly.


    The patriarch continued with a straight face:


    ?We have suffered enormous losses while protecting our realm from the supreme beasts. Families were left without breadwinners, children lost their fathers and elder brothers, wives turned into widows! It is only reasonable that we must honor the memory of the victims with a grandiose performance in celebration of our glorious victory! And all I see today is anguid waving of weapons at weakened beasts! There¡¯s no intrigue, no drama, no emotions running high! There are only three human sacrifices. Will this victory ever satisfy us?!?


    Hundreds of thousands of people looked at each other uncertainly. Then many of them began to nod in agreement. In a couple of seconds, the buzz of voices supporting his words rose above the arena.


    King Michael smiled sourly. He rose from his seat and answered the same resounding voice:


    ?Patriarch Juric. You know perfectly well that we¡¯ve been trying to make a good impression on the whole kingdom. Today people must defeat the beasts in the battle. Otherwise it will be an insult to everyone here. People have won the war, they can¡¯t lose on their own grounds. If you wish to add something to this event, I am willing to heed your advice!?


    Jurich looked at his wife with a boyish grin on his lips. Diana could not take her loving eyes off him. He turned his look on Elsa. Her facial expression wasn¡¯t very different from her mother¡¯s. Then he returned to the king:


    ?A fight for survival will be the perfect end of the day. I will grant freedom to thest surviving ve as well as a decent job and a hundred thousand of spheres to boot!?


    The audience burst into an uproar. The spectators lost their heads over the patriarch¡¯s generous reward:


    ?One hundred thousand?! I am going downstairs to chop them all myself!? ¡­ ?Hehe! A wise offer from a wise man!? ¡­ ?Yeah! We all want to see a ughter!? ¡­ ?Let the ves fight to thest! Stab them in the guts? ¡­ ?Patriarch Yurich is making history! Bravo!? ¡­ ?That¡¯s right! Did I pay two spheres for nothing?!? ¡­ ?Patriarch Yurich has a point! He should be a king, a candidate from the people!?


    Yurich sat down, pleased with himself. Elsa returned to her father¡¯sp with a joyful scream.


    ?You¡¯re so cool, daddy! I will remember your lesson for good!?


    Yurich pretty sat down back, and Elsa with a joyful scream returned to his father¡¯sp.


    The audience wouldn¡¯t calm down. Loud cheer resounded in favor of the patriarch¡¯s words. It got deafening after the idea to make Jurich the new king.


    Michael frowned with annoyance. The death of the ves was going to cost him dearly. However, he had organized the show to maintain the spirit of his citizens, so why not?


    The king asked for attention. In a few moments, everybody was quiet.


    ?We¡¯ve started the war with the inhumans for a good cause. However, ughtering people is an ugly thing. Let the ves decide if they will fight to their death so that only one of them can get freedom andfortable life.? ¨C The king finished his speech and took his seat, thoughtfully looking at the ves.


    No one dared to question the king¡¯s words. If ves agreed to fight, so be it. If not, nothing could be done. Therefore, the audience had to support them fervently to kill each other! Or else¡­ Everyone in the audience thought something along the lines. A moment passed¡­ Then another¡­ And the cheer in support of the fight had engulfed the whole arena.


    Almost a hundred of ves dispersed across the sand, holding tight their swords, their faces pale from excitement. Those who had dropped the weapon picked up the first one they saw. Their recent cohesion in the battle with the hydra was forgotten. The tension was growing, the air was thick with bloodthirst. The incessant hubbub from the stands pressed every fighter, urging them to start the battle.


    XiaoBai snorted, displeased. {Dad¡­ Do you want to bankrupt me?! If they do not pay me out the winnings, I¡¯ll personally squeeze the money out of you with interest for my moral damage and wasted time!}


    Juno tightened her grip on the armrests of her seat in fear. As long as she remembered herself, she had never seen people kill each other. There were injuries at the tournaments,petitions or sparring, sometimes the fighters crippled someone, but it never came to killing. And now she was in for a massacre of a hundred people!


    Juno asked herself a reasonable question: ¡°Why?!¡± She had read lots of books where peoplemitted murders out of strong hatred, great jealousy, or for another important reason. But what was their motive now? A single cozy ce under the sun, one for the whole crowd, was in the spotlight. A real massacre was about to start. The ves had just berades-in-arms, shaken hands with each other, pped each other on the back, smiled, and they were going to ruthlessly kill each other. How could they possibly fight after the terrible battle they had lived through together?


    Juno¡¯s worldview what the root of all her doubts. When she was a child, she concluded from books and her mother¡¯s stories that people were the most intelligent, kind-hearted and peaceful race on the. There must be a good reason for them to kill someone from their kind. However, her father was going to prove the opposite! His speech meant the massacre was inevitable. What was going on? Was it a practical joke? No, he wasn¡¯t like that¡­ The truth had always been on his side, his words carried a lot of weight.


    Juno looked at her father, at the content smile on his face, and her heart filled with overwhelming mixed emotions. She wanted to understand what he was thinking. She knew him well. For strangers, he was the head of the family, adies¡¯ man. The patriarch had conquered the hearts of millions of people, and the members of the Stone family were no exception. He appeared from nowhere, tricked patriarch Bai and married his daughter. Soon he became the next esteemed patriarch Stone. Those who were close to Yurich could always rely on him. His words had crucial importance. There was no point arguing with him. Yurich had always been sympathetic, fair and gracious, albeit a bit too emotional.


    And only the closest people knew that Yurich had one peculiarity¡­ He suffered from emotional fits. When he lost his temper, he wasn¡¯t himself anymore. He had to see Diana to get over a fit. They disappeared for half an hour, and then he was back to normal again.


    Juno knew her father well. That¡¯s why his words were so shocking for her. He had always shown a respectful attitude to other people¡¯s lives. He pardoned criminals, he did not kill or cripple his enemies when he had a chance to, he did not execute traitors¡­ Simply put, he appreciated life. Then why was he acting like that? ves are people, aren¡¯t they! Was he having a fit? She didn¡¯t think so¡­ Definitely not.


    Juno¡¯s gaze returned to the arena. The ves hadn¡¯t started the battle yet. They didn¡¯t seem to want it at all. It made the anxious girl more and more confused. She had just had an idea that her father might be wrong¡­ Could it get more absurd than that! But then she came to think of it. Why should her father always be right? What if she was right today? If she was, she could triumph not only over her father but also over Elsa who Juno hated more than anyone else. Elsa had always taken everything their father said or did for her own decision. It was good enough for Juno to doubt his judgement. The ves were sensible people, they wouldn¡¯t fight with each other.


    The girl¡¯s eyes shed triumphantly. The anticipation of victory filled her heart. Could she finally stop being jealous of her sister?! At least for an hour¡­ Or better for a couple of days! That would be great! Juno hadn¡¯t known the true essence of human vices yet. She was sure that she was right.


    ?DIE, ASSHOLE!? ¨C A strong beefy ve roared and chopped off the head of his fellow who was standing with his back to him.


    ?§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡H!? ¨C Another ve gave an agonized cry and killed his rival who was standing nearby.


    A momentter, each of the half-naked ves brandished their weapons and started ughtering those who they considered brothers in arms not so long ago.


    Juno lost the color in her face. Her clear eyes that had never seen death or torments reflected all the fury of the ves. The mighty blows of the sharp weapons chopped off the heads and limbs, heartbreaking screams meant more bloody wounds. They broke each other¡¯s necks, crushed their bones. Their faces were wild, ruthless faces. Nothing human was left in them.


    Juno¡¯s outlook cracked at that point. Those savages didn¡¯t have a drop of reason or kindness she believed in. There was nothing sacred for them. Why did the father appreciate human life at all if they were so vile, betraying their friends for questionable reward? They were at each other¡¯s throats, killing their kind for a slight chance at the ce in the sun¡­ Only a while ago, they shook each other¡¯s hands, smiled friendly to each other, fought against themon enemy as befits truly brave people, and now they turned into viins.


    Juno was so appalled at the scene that she nearly fainted when suddenly a thought shed across her unstable mind. It dispelled all the chaos in her head. The ves were no people. It all added up. Her belief in people, the most intelligent, kind-hearted and peaceful beings on the would stay strong. It wouldn¡¯t shatter over all this nonsense. Her father valued human life, he would never have suggested anything like this if they were people. He did not appreciate ves¡¯ lives because they were no people. It made perfect sense. The answer had been staring her in the face all along.


    Juno calmed down, but the filthy feeling of betrayal wouldn¡¯t go away. She didn¡¯t only see people killing each other, she lost to her sister again¡­ As usual. But¡­ It served her right! She should have never doubted her father¡¯s words ¨C what a silly girl. Her father was always right.


    ¡°ves are no people.¡± This affirmation would be growing and developing in Juno¡¯s mind, acquiring new shades of meaning. The closer to the social bottom, the less human is left in people. The ves will betray, stab a knife in the back of a brother in arms for a vague hope of improving their miserable situation. These creatures have no honor or dignity. The absence of education and proper upbringing turns them into immoral, dishonest barbarians. Living in the scum, feeding on food waste makes them selfish, self-serving, greedy for any material benefit. Theck of decent entertainment, goals, and interests makes them indulge their carnal desires and use their energy for violence. Extreme poverty kills everything human in people. They turn into animals in their early childhood. It¡¯s their destiny to entertain and be of use to those in power.


    As Juno was growing up, she discovered her sadistic tendencies. She was a high-borndy, her word was thew, and she was never ashamed of that. And yet, Juno hid her inclination from others. She thought it might send the wrong message.


    All her life, Juno could not surpass her sister in anything. The eternal feeling of envy and inferiority was gnawing her from inside. It didn¡¯t let her sleep at night, it tormented her with nightmares. However, when she humiliated someone, suppressed them, surpassed them both physically and mentally, her whole being was impregnated with insatiable, unforgettable happiness.


    Each time she made someone suffer physically or emotionally, waves of pleasure gushed through her young body, exciting her from inside, making her heart beat faster. She was drooling at the thought to experience it all with Elsa. Her unshakable dream was born. However, she had to be content with little until then.

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    Kyon was finishing the delicious meat stew in his room when he heard the door creak open. He recognized the quiet, barely perceptible footsteps.


    Kyon instinctively felt that Juno¡¯s appearance promised him trouble. The girl was one of a kind. When he focused on her, the whole world faded and lost colors. She bewitched him¡­ Bitch! It was unfair that gods endowed her with so charming beauty. A merciless demon in the guise of an angel! The contrast added a certain piquancy, though.


    Juno hesitantly walked inside, nervously wrapping a curl of golden hair on her finger. Strangely enough, she didn¡¯te to the servant to set him up or destroy him. This time, she came to him because she wanted to get stronger. Juno got over herself and swallowed her usual arrogance to get what she wanted. She desperately wanted her long-cherished dream toe true, but she would never have it without energy and talent.


    Kyon nearly choked on thest spoonful of stew and smiled wryly instead of a greeting:


    ?So??


    The little beauty closed her eyes, framed with a fringe of long captivating eyshes. Then she opened them, her full lips parted hesitantly:


    ?Tell me, master. Can you really clean the keys?? ¨C Juno¡¯s voice caressed his ears like a spring breeze. Her behavior had radically changed.


    Kyon winced. Juno was a talented actress! She was pretending to be sincere and innocent so well¡­ She didn¡¯t sound phony, not a bit. But hismon sense insisted that the cunning little devil was up to something again.


    ?I can. Let¡¯s cut the crap.?


    Juno understood the wicked servant better now. If he said something, most likely, it was true. The ill-fated night when Kyon became her master, he promised he wouldn¡¯t deflower her, and he didn¡¯t. He said he would beat her if he won fair and square, and he did. She hoped he wasn¡¯t lying this time, either.


    Juno took a deep breath, summoning up her courage. It¡¯s was humiliating for her even to imagine being a student of this jerk, especially taking into ount the difference in their origin. However, she couldn¡¯t deny that he moved and reacted in the battle better and faster than her.


    Juno, the ve, straightened her short gray skirt, knelt slowly before the boy who looked at her as if she was his property, and said reverently:


    ?I swear to be an obedient and obliging student. I promise never to resist you in any way and fully acknowledge your power over me. In exchange, you will regrly encourage me for good behavior and never defame my dignity, which means you will never harass or torture without a good reason.?


    Juno finished her tirade that got rather arrogant at the end. She got up and looked eagerly at the ¡°master,¡± expecting his words of approval and consent but ¡­


    She only heard Kyon¡¯s booming scornfulughter:


    ?You¡¯re in no position to dictate your terms, stupid fool. You¡¯re my toy! I will do with you whatever I want and when I see fit. Now swear your allegiance as befits a truly submissive ve or get the fuck out of here and stay pathetic mediocrity for the rest of your miserable days.?


    ?B-but¡­ It¡¯s¡­? ¨C Juno started thinking, her head hung down. The servant was too upromising¡­ It was unfair! She couldn¡¯t get anything from him but had to give him everything he wanted. It had to be exactly the opposite way!


    Juno couldn¡¯t believe the arrogant boy had the divine ability. On the other hand, if the ve had deceived her, she wouldn¡¯t be obliged to keep her oath to a liar. Besides¡­ Did the vows given to insignificant ves have any value?


    Juno looked firmly at Kyon and knelt again.


    ?Dear sir¡­?


    He impatiently interrupted her:


    ?From now on, call me your master!?


    Juno pressed her lips into a thin line of irritation but quickly came to her senses and said:


    ?Master, I swear to be your obedient, obliging student and never resist your power over me. I will be very grateful if you give me the service you promised in exchange for my good behavior.?


    ?I did not promise you any service. I said that I would probably do it. On the whole, I ept your oath. Well done. From now on, I¡¯m your master.? ¨C He patted her head condescendingly as if she was his obedient puppy.


    Juno rose to her feet, looking offended but said nothing.


    ?Here¡¯s your first important task. Show me the treasury of your family. I¡¯m interested in powerful defense items. The more of them, the better.?


    ?You¡­ you¡­? ¨C Juno cooled off just in time. It was a great chance to prove the ve¡¯s divine ability! Even 1% of the key purity costs the entire treasury and even more for Juno, the self-absorbed bitch. The benefits outweighed the cost. The boy would get his way, anyway. He always did. He always took from her whatever he wanted. It¡¯s a sin to miss her chance to be a super genius resisting his first request.


    ?Follow me, master.? ¨C Juno stood up and left the room.


    After the ident with the lightning that nearly killed Kyon, he decided to find a way to protect himself in the future. No matter what it was, an ident or wrath of heaven, some caution wouldn¡¯t hurt. An additional element at the beginning of his development would bring him much benefit and dramatically improve the quality of his energy. He had already mastered the element of darkness. It was time to develop the element of light. He wanted tobine them into a spatial attribute and create formations that worked at a distance. He intended to engage the science ande up with something unique, gaining a significant advantage over others.


    To the Kyon¡¯s utter astonishment, Juno went to the storeroom¡­ She opened the secret passage and went downstairs to the library.


    ?¡­? ¨C Kyon finally understood why the pathetic library was hidden so well. It was a distraction from the treasury inside!


    Juno¡¯s eyes shed with defiance. She put her wrist to an unremarkable stone in the wall. Kyon could hear screeching when a secret passage formed under the ground.


    Kyon wondered. ¨C {A secret passage in the hidden room¡­ Not bad at all.}


    The way to the treasury of the great family looked inappropriate, like a damp cave of thousand years old.


    {Catbs ¡­} ¨C Kyon thoughtfully raised an eyebrow.


    When he was still in the mine, bald Borya told him that they extracted resources in the mountains for two reasons. Firstly, it was due to the high content of energy in the air and, therefore, spiritual crystals. Secondly, the ancient catbs had existed in the mountains long before the Stone family arrived. They rebuilt them into the mine. It made sense to Kyon. He must have appeared in the cave of this world for a reason.


    And there it was, back to catbs¡­ Perhaps they were the reason why the estate was built here. The historical books of the Stones told that the mansion had been erected in this ce due to the high concentration of energy in the air. It was reasonable, but there was not a single word about the catbs¡­ Kyon was standing in front of the ancient cave. Thousand-year-old footsteps made it clear that it had existed long before the Stones. Was this ce the reason the patriarch¡¯s mansion was built here?


    Juno and Kyon walked in the tunnel about a hundred meters when they saw a spacious room carved in stone. A few light crystals lit up the long rows of shelves and disy cases where various objects were arranged: cloudy stones, weapons, outfits, bracelets, rings and much more. There was a cloudy green stone next to each object. It yed the role of a flyer with basic information about the item.


    The stones that contained formations were called nephrite in this world.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. A spacious room, fully stocked with misceneous items and treasures! He had found a fortune!


    Juno turned around. ?Ma-master, if you infuse the nephrite with pure energy, you will know everything about the item. If you want beautiful weapons, take them from the shelves. If you are interested in shiny shields or expensive spacial rings, they are over there. The money is in the safe, but if you take it, you will reveal yourself.?


    ?Do you think I came here to get rich??


    Juno turned away and pursed her lips. Of course, she thought that the servant wanted to take something valuable. Otherwise, what was he doing there?


    ?You don¡¯t have to answer.? ¨C §¬yon lost any interest in the girl. He picked up the first green cloudy stone he saw and infused the formation inside it with some pure energy. A vague fog formed above the stone. Kyon took a deep breath and it reached his consciousness. The information appeared right in his mind: ¡°A spatial bracelet of 6 cubic meters.¡±


    Kyon grinned and picked up another stone. ¡°A pair of greaves, enchanted to resist fire¡­¡±,¡±A sword that transforms the fiery attribute into the zing technique of a thousand fireflies. The technique involves¡­ ¡°,¡±This device estimates the level of development in a group of up to ten people, superior phase inclusive¡­ ¡°,¡±A formation of concealment. It hides you from spiritual scanning of the practitioners up to the peak of the Noble phase inclusive.¡±


    Kyon took the item of concealment and put it on his wrist without any doubt in his actions. He shouldn¡¯t draw too much attention to his extraordinary pace of development¡­ Why not faking his stage of development by pretending he wasn¡¯t improving at all? Unlike the trick with lowering the development, items of concealment could really hide the soul.


    Kyon continued to explore the treasury: ¡°One-time formation that snaps into action once infused with pure energy. It creates a powerful stream of me to incinerate the flesh of your opponents. It can break the defense up to the middle of the advanced phase.¡±


    Devilish lights danced in Kyon¡¯s eyes when he studied the cloudy stones with formations inside. He knew perfectly well that there existed not only defensive but also attacking formations. Both of them were mostly disposable. Even a weak practitioner could easily destroy a more powerful opponent with just a pocketful of disposable formations. Simply put, you borrow the power you do not possess for one blow, in rare cases for two. Attacking formations were not widespread. They required a colossal amount of resources ¡ª the keys. Besides the power in the formations was less than that of the practitioner who had created them.


    Kyon took the next nephrite: ¡°When activated, it covers the body of the wearer with an ether barrier that can block attacks up to the beginning of the advanced phase.¡±


    {Here it is!} ¨C Kyon started to study disposable protective formations. Some of them created a stone shield, others formed a shield of water, air or pure energy, but the mostmon was the usual ether barrier.


    The time flew by, but Kyon continued exploring the treasury.


    When he saw something useful, he appropriated it at once. He had quite a collection of valuable items his spatial ring. They gave him a sense of confidence. He had replenished his arsenal with the item of concealment, a lot of defensive formations, several attacking formations (unfortunately, they weren¡¯t as numerous as he wished). In the end, he took a long sword and high-quality throwing needles. He had armed himself so well that even Dinah would find it stupid to fight against the barriers. Kyon wished he had found all this before Yegorka scorched his face. The asshole might have disappeared off the face of the earth if only Kyon had activated a couple of attacking formations.


    Kyon nodded, pleased with himself. It was time to master the element of light. Protective formations would hold the powerful lightning from heaven above. He was going to be fine even if it was 30 times more powerful than the previous time.


    When Kyon turned around, he saw Juno sniffling quietly. She was leaning against the wall, sitting on the cold floor. Her head tilted aside, her eyes closed, her legs slightly spread apart. The short skirt could barely hide her special ce¡­


    Apparently, Juno didn¡¯t want to leave the servant alone in the treasury. She watched him to the bitter end, i.e., until she fell asleep. Now this remarkable creature was freezing her ass on the cold floor, so close to drooling in her sleep.


    Kyon approached her with a wistful expression on his face. He didn¡¯t mind leaving her here, but something unusually unpleasant was itching in his chest, leaving him restless¡­


    Kyon did his best not to wake her up when he slightly lifted her skirt and saw her panties. Then he realized what it was all about. The pretty girl attracted him like hell. His young body was at the age when he could easily lose his head over a girl. The little angel was driving him crazy.


    Kyon resolutely picked up her light, warm body and headed for the exit from the treasury. It was already three in the morning, so he wasn¡¯t afraid to be discovered. He went upstairs, pressed Juno¡¯s wrist to the circle and entered the opened door.


    Kyon gently pulled her sandals off, admiring her bare feet. They were so tender, small and cute! Then heid her on the bed, looked at her peaceful face capable of charming any heart and unwittingly tucked a lock of her silky hair behind her little ear.


    The feeling of hatred and desire mixed up in something intoxicating and exciting. Once again, he was convinced that it was the right decision to purify her keys instead of killing her.


    {Hmm¡­ I wonder what she will be like in a few years. Will she conquer the hearts of the kings and emperors with just one look? Maybe I should take advantage of her irresistible beauty as a debt?} ¨C The obsessive thoughts haunted him.


    Kyon looked just below her nose, impulsively moved forward and kissed her soft, pink lips¡­ It was impossible to tear himself from them. They tasted so sweet. Her smell drove him mad. His heart started beating furiously. His sex-deprived mind and body were simmering with a mixture of anger and lust. He was insane with desire, so eager to surrender to his craving, but if the nymphet woke up, she would turn into a rag doll. It was too soon. Kyon wasn¡¯t ready to break her mind, and Juno was not ready for sexual pressure. She didn¡¯t take the servant as her equal. Besides, ording to Juno, her grandfather scanned her body every time she hugged him. A weird patriarch¡­


    Juno was waking up, her eyebrows frowning. With great difficulty, Kyon pulled himself from her charming lips and cleared her pure energy key by another 10%. It would help her believe and obey himpletely. Then he left her room with a disappointed sigh. It was time to master the element of light!

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    Kyon went to the middle of the training ground and took out a handful of various items and stones with a protective formation inside: shields, rings, bracelets, nephrites and many more. Funny thing, he was holding a fortune in his hands¡­


    He sent Synergy to the cluster of neural connections in his brain to master the element of light. He intended to do it in an hour as he knew his way around. It wasn¡¯t going to take him long to decode the information¡­ He had already mastered darkness, light was just its opposite.


    From the first day he appeared in this world, Kyon noticed that Synergy, even being at odds with the environment, was a kind of cheat that gave him an extraordinary advantage. His ability to clean the channels alone was worth a lot! And the potential to master all the elements! Heaven didn¡¯t look kindly on this anomaly. That¡¯s why it cast the bolts of lightning to destroy the mediocrity who wanted to deceive his fate.


    Synergy had thoroughly studied the neurons of the element of light and initiated the analysis.


    All of a sudden, thick heavy clouds covered the clear night sky. The humid air filled with the smell of rain and ozone. The atmosphere saturated with unprecedented absolute power. A strong wind rose. It was hard to breathe¡­


    Kyon looked carefully up at the sky. The signs of the impending lightning were appearing too fast. It means, he was doing it in the right way, in great strides.


    He activated the protective nephrites with pure energy. Shields started forming above his head. The barrier of air, water dome, air dome, and other barriers¡­


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to waste too many protective formations. He might need them in the future. However, his life was at stake. He couldn¡¯t be too careful. He continued activating formations, looking at the sky to assess the power of the lightning. He remembered perfectly well the way it happenedst time: moderately thick clouds, a faint tension in the air, the barrier of the mansion intact. The second lightning had caused more intense energy in the atmosphere: it broke the barrier, and Kyon barely survived. And now the third lightning wasing. Something was telling him, it was going to be ten times more powerful than the previous times.


    Kyon activated some more defensive stones and continued exploring the element. Finally¡­ He had found the lead¡­ The irreversible process started after which all his neural connections would make sense. He was about to master the element!


    Kyon nced at the sky again and turned pale. The ck clouds lit up all at once as if focusing all their energy into a sh of single lightning. It was going to be much more powerful than he had imagined. A few dozens of times more powerful!


    {Shit!} ¨C With no hesitation, Kyon activated everyst one defensive formation. Different barriers began to appear one after another: stone, ether, water, and even ice. Everything he had in store.


    He heard a familiar sound that meant he had reached the enlightenment, and right then, huge lightning of divine justice aimed at him.


    *KABOOM*


    A bolt of lightning of an unprecedented size easily broke through the barrier of the mansion and went through three stone barriers, turning them into a pile of rubble. The water barriers scattered across the ce with hissing spray. The dense air dome was surprisingly effective. Thest barriers of ether burst one after another under the incredibly powerful thrust.


    It all happened in an instant. Kyon thought he would die, but only a tiny part of the previous lightning got to him. His own instion barrier had sessfully saved him, averting the danger.


    The loud echo of the storm went through the mansion several times. It was so deafening that half of the inhabitants woke up in a terrible fright.


    Kyon fell to his knees andughed with relief, looking at the sky. It worked! He was now the master of four elements! He was one of the greatest geniuses that were appreciated in any family. His future was full of promise. Well, at least his ego had calmed down a bit. And yet, the pungent envy of heavenly geniuses (masters of 5 elements) still bothered him.


    Kyon came to his senses and hid all the (now absolutely useless) items in the ring. Then he leaned against the nearest wall and pretended to be frightened and shocked.


    When the maids and the guards entered the training ground, they saw the stones from the earthen barrier scattered throughout the site and a slowly restoring protective barrier of the mansion.


    Dinah walked around the perimeter, totally ignoring the existence of the short-haired servant. She concluded:


    ?Hmm¡­ It doesn¡¯t look like an invasion, but it¡¯s too huge for a natural phenomenon, either. The lightning shouldn¡¯t break through our barrier.? ¨C She cast a severe look at the guard. ¨C ?Check the generator.?


    The second guard cleared his throat and said respectfully:


    ?It isn¡¯t the first lightning this week, Ms. Dinah¡­ What if there is more??


    The girl raised her graceful eyebrows. {Twice in a row? That¡¯s a strange coincidence. I don¡¯t think it was a powerful practitioner trying to break in. The attempt would have been sessful the first time¡­ Should I report it to the patriarch?} ¨C Dinah thought it over and decided that Bai should not be bothered about small matters. He had enough trouble being the head of the family.


    Dinah resolutely turned around and went to the exit, giving the order to the guards:


    ?Return to your duty post.?


    The guards obeyed at once. Anna made sure that her sister had left. She ran her fingers through her hair and walked gracefully to the shocked servant. She would never suspect that the powerful lightning could be connected with him.


    ?What are you doing here, boy? What happened? Why are you awake at thiste hour?? ¨C She asked, worried.


    Kyon swallowed, pretending to suppress his fear. Finally, he ventured to take a look at the gorgeous blonde and said: ?Ms. Anna¡­ I was working out at night to keep up withdy Juno when suddenly, a huge bolt of lightning nearly killed me¡­ As if gods themselves are angry with my good luck!?


    Anna exhaled deeply. ?I see. If you don¡¯t want the lightning to kill you, you¡¯d better sleep at night. Babies need a lot of sleep.?


    Kyon quickly rose to his feet. She was messing up with him, but he couldn¡¯t understand why. ?Do I look like a baby??


    A sweet smile lit up her face, her lips slightly parted when Anna turned to leave. She was sending him a message she treated him like a child.


    Kyon smiled wryly, unable to keep his mouth shut. ?Ms. Anna, did you think I was a baby when I won, and you lost and hurried to leave??


    The maid stopped and slowly turned around¡­ Her beautiful face darkened. ?Hmm, look who¡¯s talking¡­? ¨C There was a shadow of a chilling smile on her face that made her look like Dinah.


    Kyon coughed into his fist. He wished he knew how to hold his tongue. ?I am sorry, ma¡¯am. It was wrong of me to say that¡­?


    But it was toote. Anna was already heading towards him with an elegant step. In the moonlight, the blonde girl was especially attractive. Her tight short nightie looked thinner than a veil of fog. Kyon admired like enchanted her slim waist and amazing firm C-cup boobs. She had ck high-heeled shoes¡­ There must be des inside if she came running in them.


    ?A slip of the tongue often speaks the truth. So, thest battle gave you the idea that I gave in. Well, you have grown bolder. Isn¡¯t it a bit too presumptuous of you??


    Kyon shook his head.


    Anna approached him at arm¡¯s length and looked him up and down. ?After ourst battle, I tried to track you down and take revenge, but you have been hiding¡­ Let me dispel your doubts. I don¡¯t want you to think that I am a loser. Get ready for a fight. Now!? ¨C Her voice gained a harsh tone as she was finishing her tirade. Her development fell rapidly to the 4th stage of the base phase.


    Kyon had no choice. He clenched his fists and took up abat stance. It was time for a rematch that had been a long waying. It was his chance to prove himself. Anna had to know why he was so important to Juno. At the same time, he would dispel any suspicion she might have.


    Anna was determined to start a fight. She attacked mainly with her hands and only asionally used her feet. One wrong move and blood would shed, given that she had sharp des in her shoes¡­


    Every movement showed her refined technique. However, the long heels reduced her effectiveness, giving Kyon an advantage in some aspects of the battle. He could see through her moves andunch a surprise attack at any moment. Anna was only at the 4th level of the battle fist and had a half-speed advantage. She was no match for him¡­ If she were at the 5th level she, might be.


    Kyon chuckled to himself. It was in his power to decide the oue of the battle. Losing on purpose had its pros, but he prefered to beat the cheeky girl who dared to call him a baby.


    Anna was trying really hard tond a single blow. She was naive to think she could mislead him. She turned red and was out of breath¡­ Anna spared no effort to win! It would be so disappointing to lose a baby who needed a lot of sleep.


    An evil grin appeared on the Kyon¡¯s face. {Hell no, you won¡¯t win. You will lose to the baby. What will you feel after your defeat?} ¨C He wanted to humiliate her, make her swallow her words. Perhaps, if the maid wasn¡¯t beautiful, Kyon would have only rolled his eyes at her provocation.


    Anna growled furiously:


    ?Arrrgh! And that¡¯s it? All you can do is retreat?! What a lousy strategy! Are you afraid to hit me, baby??


    Anna did not understand what was going on. She was an unsurpassed high profile assassin, with a certificate of the 4th level of the battle fist, with half speed advantage, and she couldn¡¯t beat the pathetic servant!? It was crazy! The boy¡¯s moves werepletely illogical! The sly fox kept unpredictably changing the bnce of his body. She tried to kick him in the leg, and he deftly dodged away as if he could see her with his third eye. She tried to mislead him, and he had already blocked her punch. It was some kind of twisted dream¡­ No martial art teaches his style of movement. He had no style! Was he a human at all?


    A bitter sense of annoyance filled Anna¡¯s heart. It hurt so much¡­ What if¡­ What if she quietly raised her development to the 5th stage? No, she couldn¡¯t do that. Or maybe¡­?


    At some point, Anna saw a gap in his defense. She ran up to him, ready to strike, so close to winning. Was it her chance?


    But then something happened that she didn¡¯t seeing¡­ It must have been magic, but the boy managed to dodge and trip her, kicking her ankle. Damned high heels! He swept her off her feet, her head spinned. Anna flew forward and flopped down on the servant with all her weight.


    Kyon smelled the pleasant aroma of the young girl and wished he could hug her warm, elegant body¡­ However, he wanted to live even more.


    In less than a couple of seconds, the maid pushed him away. Her beautiful face turned pale with fury. ?Did you do it on purpose!??


    Kyon looked at her pitifully and replied: ?I¡¯m sorry¡­ I wanted to hit you before you fell on me¡­ But then I realized that I just couldn¡¯t hurt you¡­ I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am.? ¨C He was getting back at her for underestimating him.


    Now Anna was furious. She was overwhelmed with an urge to punch him in the face. In a split second, she grabbed the servant by the neck like a toy. ?You little shit, don¡¯t you dare to underestimate me! We¡¯ve been fighting for several minutes, but you only defended yourself! If Dinah was in my ce, they¡¯d have to scrape up what was left of you! But unlike my sister, I will give you another chance¡­ Get ready to attack!?


    As soon as Kyon took up abat position, Anna threw off her high-heeled shoes. Her neat bare feet touched the cold surface of the arena. Her short nightie was wet with sweat, clinging to her slim body. It was devilishly enchanting.


    Anna was in a belligerent mood. At that moment, he wanted to take over her by all means, to conquer her, win her heart and mind.


    The fight began. Anna¡¯s piercing eyes could wipe her enemy off the world, but Kyon did not even think to look the mad amazon in the eyes.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes shed. He showed inhuman flexibility arching his back and kicking the girl to the side.


    He thought Anna would get what she deserved when she caught his leg with unprecedented speed and smashed him against the floor with such force that his bones cracked.


    ?Oh, I¡¯m so sorry. You are so weak that I won in a heartbeat. Please, don¡¯t cry, baby. Your battle technique falls short just a little bit. But I¡¯m sure when you grow up, you¡¯ll try your luck again. Will you?? ¨C He could hear mockery with a pinch of contempt in her voice.


    Anna¡¯s infinite insolence was shocking. She had secretly raised the stage of her development. The idea of losing to him was unbearable to her.


    Kyon wanted to object, but his big mouth had always got him into trouble. He pulled himself together and stayed lying still on the ground.


    Anna looked into his eyes once again, picked up her shoes and quietly left the training ground.

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    A good night¡¯s sleep was a luxury Kyon couldn¡¯t afford. He yawned tiredly and continued what he had begun. Despite the incident with Anna, he was in a good mood. He had finally mastered the four elements. Now he was a rightful master of pure energy, ether, darkness, and light! Even if they were only of the basic grade¡­ In Rosarrio, they called people like him great geniuses. Now it was no big deal to gain respect in the Stone family. He just had to find out how his elements worked.


    His main goal didn¡¯t change. Kyon intended to be officially acknowledged in the Stone family, to get a high rank and power over the rest. And, of course, to gain the trust of important people¡­ The right connections would open any door for him, making it easier to get to the top of the world, which was self-evident for Kyon.


    He was going to prove himself to the strongest young Stones during the traditional fights at the party. Unfortunately for him, the other families were going to be present as well. So, he had to get as strong and powerful as could be in next to no time.


    It was essential to work on his foundation, i.e., the unique body. In addition to special features, the cultivated body significantly increases the development ceiling. The better the body (¡°E¡± ¡°D¡± ¡°C¡± ¡°B¡± ¡°A¡± ¡°S¡±), the further and faster you can go developing and enhancing the soul.


    It struck Kyon as strange that he hadn¡¯t found any instructions for creating a unique body or medicine for developing it. There were no techniques, secret knowledge, secret family formations, no money or keys¡­ Nothing but objects with formations inside. What ame treasury!


    Kyon took the sound transmitter, but then he changed his mind and decided not to wake Juno, who was peacefully sleeping. He¡¯d better experiment with darkness and light. He hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to use them yet. Would the elements help him get stronger? What were their special features? How does a spatial attribute work? Kyon had learned about it from the books, but it was so tempting to see everything with his own eyes and check how it all worked with his own keys.


    Kyon decided to start with the element of darkness. He released it in his hand. ck fog appeared in the center of his palm, spreading gloominess and depression. Kyon felt sullen, everything started irritating him. The element influenced his mind in an unknown way. Kyon supposed that darkness emanated some invisible waves that affected the soul. In its turn, his soul affected his mind and body.


    The swirling ck fog didn¡¯t harm his skin and flesh. Kyon remembered that any released energy had the same frequency with its owner. It had almost no effect on his body. If you release heat, your insides won¡¯t turn to ashes. If you use darkness, your organs won¡¯t rot. When releasing ether, the electricity flows through the body with no harm to the organism.


    ck fog wrapped his hand. He waved it, delivered some blows in front of him. His movements left a beautiful, dangerous dark veil. It beckoned to inhale it and fall asleep forever¡­ And let time gobble up your flesh and take it into oblivion.


    {How depressing¡­} ¨C An evil smile appeared on Kyon¡¯s face. If he was experiencing all this, what would it do to his enemies?


    He caught an unsuspecting bug crawling up the wall. As the fog touched the insect¡¯s armored body, it trembled. In a sh, the carapace and legs became liquid, fell apart, dposing at once and turning into homogenous yellowish liquid. Just a fraction of the moment and the bug died a terrible death.


    Kyon was delighted. The element of darkness was terrifying! However, he knew pretty well that the result would be different in the case of a powerful, well-developed enemy. With each next stage of development, it¡¯s getting harder and harder to get through. And still¡­


    Kyon dismissed unnecessary thoughts and continued experiments. He infused darkness into a stone and tapped on it. The stone crumbled into crumbs. His knowledge from the books was confirmed: darkness was good against living as well as other physical objects. It reduced their endurance.


    Kyon wondered what would happen if he infused darkness into a weapon? Would it be as fragile?


    {No, it won¡¯t ¡­} ¨C The answer was obvious. Inside the handle of any weapon, there is a formation that automatically tunes the metal to the same frequency as the soul of its bearer. Not a single element can deform or ruin it. The sword is a real part of the body and soul, i.e., it exists in harmony with the energy of its owner.


    Kyon grinned and drew a long sword, enchanted for strength. He grabbed the handle¡­ And frowned. ¨C {Oh shit! Ipletely forgot¡­}


    Unfortunately, the sword, or rather the formation in it, did not ept the new owner. The frequency of the weapon remained neutral, different from Kyon¡¯s. The formation belonged to the Stone family that ced restrictions on the sword. No stranger could use it properly. Only the Stones of 2nd rank and above could own this sword.


    An idea shed across his mind: why not destroy the formation and impose his own. But Kyon ruthlessly rejected it. In this case, the sword would be damaged from the inside and would be useless. The inheritance was protected forever. It made no sense to steal personal weapons without knowing the ¡°code¡± of the formation.


    Kyon groaned in frustration and put the sword back into the ring. This problem had a solution, but he couldn¡¯t deal with it right now.


    He went on doing the experiments with the element of darkness. Kyon found out that he couldn¡¯t possibly keep infusing darkness into a sword for a whole minute to make the blow especially powerful and cut or disintegrate a strong enemy (by analogy with pulling a crossbow).


    The ck fog keeps in the weapon just a bit more than a second. Then it dissipates in the wind and can¡¯t stay inside any longer. However, it would be nice to kill a powerful enemy with one blow even if it took some time to get ready for the attack.


    Kyon wondered. {I know two ways to solve this problem partially: either a higher grade of the element or a skillful technique¡­} ¨C In both cases, the charge of the attack couldst longer, respectively, the blow would be much more powerful. There was only one problem: what idiot would ever give him the time to cast a spell?


    A few hours had flown by. Kyon was still was doing the experiments. Kyon had found out lots of useful information: flesh rots in contact with darkness; a solid physical object bes fragile, and the liquidpletely loses its properties. Everything useful bes an ugly, useless mass. For example, tea turns into rat poison, milk turns dark and sour, a cookie crumbles into gray sand fit for nothing and smelling of ammonia.


    When hebined darkness with another element, for example, pure energy or ether, nothing special happened, and he didn¡¯t notice any negative effects. However, it didn¡¯t mean anything, as his energy was of the same frequency, therefore, it couldn¡¯t negatively affect him.


    Kyon understood perfectly well that darkness could be mixed with his other elements. However, he needed to learn the appropriate techniques,binations of darkness and energy; darkness and ether; darkness, power and ether¡­ It all came down to using a technique.


    ording to the books he had read, Kyon knew that darkness absorbed the ether barrier, but he needed a sparring partner to check its efficiency.


    He imagined the sweet little angel in agony after tortures by the attribute of darkness.


    Kyon concluded that the element of darkness harmed almost everything it came in contact with. Everything but its owner and his energy¡­ It was kind of the element of death, the negative side of life. But if darkness worked even on stones, then everything in this world had life force. Even a zero constant could go into negative¡­ Thews of physics were absolutely illogical here!


    Kyon was done with his experiments with darkness. He did note up with anything special but using the attribute during an attack. All of his grandiose ns to find an infinitely destructive element remained a big challenge. He needed a sparring partner to assess the real power of the attribute.


    Next, he had to experiment with the element of light and mix the two elements to create space.


    Kyon released the attribute of light in his palm. Fog that appeared on the surface was glowing with soft sunlight, sending waves of peace to his soul. It gave him a feeling that everything was wonderful. Deep inside him rose an unselfish desire to bring kindness, care, and joie de vivre to the world. It was the absolute opposite of darkness.


    Kyon noticed a little spider nearby. He ¡°squeezed¡± a bit web out of it and checked its strength. Then he infused the arachnid with the attribute of light.


    The spider was not hurt at all, only¡­ A thin white cobweb shot from its bottom in an indecent stream.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    Kyon was astonished. He took the cobweb between his fingers and checked how firm it was. It was much stronger than thest time, which was to be expected.


    In the course of short experiments, he found out that the attribute of light added life to the matter. The spider had produced the web so quickly because the corresponding nds started working faster.


    Kyon picked up two stones. The first one, without the attribute, crumbled into tiny pieces when he threw it to the ground. When he did the same with the second stone infused with the attribute of light, a barely noticeable crack appeared on its surface. The stone had be stronger.


    Kyon caught the spider that was trying to run away in fear and mercilessly tore its leg off. Then he infused the arachnid with the attribute. Its leg grew back into something horrible. The faint of heart would wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat after seeing that.


    {I see. The spiders are not supposed to have limb regeneration. The attribute of light heals only things provided by the genes ¨C a cut, a wound, or a bruise. What if I lost an arm¡­ I don¡¯t even want to think about what would grow there¡­ The light attribute can frighten worse than the attribute of darkness!}


    Kyon sighed. The element of light had hardly anybat potential. He might need it in rare cases: to strengthen the defense and weapons, dispel the darkness. He could also use it for protection, recovery, and treatment.


    Kyon knew that treatment with the attribute of light was not effective. It was more or less eptable if applied together with the right technique. Anyway, its efficiency was far from high-quality medicine.


    Against all logic, it is better to use darkness against poison. The element of light helps to dull the pain, stop the bleeding and speed up recovery.


    Kyon pinned all his hopes of improving the quality of his energy on the element of space. Actually, it¡¯s not really an element, it¡¯s rather thebination of darkness and light, which is difficult to use. You need to control both channels of light and darkness to make them work together in sync. And it¡¯s despite the fact that both elements are the mostplex ones. Moreover, they areplete opposites.


    However, it¡¯s not an issue for a bright mind.


    Kyon created a dark fog in one hand and a light fog in the other and began gradually joining his hands.


    When the fogs met, he could feel the spatial fluctuations even with his undeveloped soul. At the meeting point, the fog turned green and slightly sparkled.


    In theory, darkness and light should be mutually destroyed in contact with each other, but instead, they created powerful spatial energy.


    Kyon¡¯s pupils dted. The bright green sparkles and emerald like the northern lights fog fascinated and attracted his eyes¡­


    Kyon came to his senses, shook his hands and opened them. This time the fog was green at once. It was easy to create. Kyon had synergized darkness and light. First, the elements came in contact, then they moved as a single entity.


    It was unbelievable¡­ It took Kyon a couple of seconds to master things that ordinary people learned for years. It is difficult to direct distinct,plex elements in the same way. However, Synergy had easily memorized the forms of the channelbining two differentplicated forms into one.


    Kyon gasped in surprise when he found out that the element did not dissipate over time when it was connected with the channels. The darkness, light, pure energy or anything else stop functioning a momentter and dissipates in the wind. The attribute of space was different. It can be concentrated as long as the energysts.


    Kyon started experimenting at once and discovered a few details:


    1) The green spatial attribute ispletely useless in the attack because it has difficulty with absorbing into the matter. The green fog won¡¯t do any harm even if it shrouds someone from head to foot.


    2) The spatial attribute works without viting thews of physics and logic. Infuse a stone with the element, create a proportionate amount of the element in the ce you want to move the stone to, and activate it with the channel. The stone will teleport, and the clouds will disappear.


    The expense of the element required for teleporting something depends on the size of the object.


    Kyon deftly caught a fly and imbued with the spatial attribute. Then he created proportional clouds around himself and teleported the fly many times, not letting it fly away.


    {It can¡¯t be everything this powerful attribute is capable of¡­ I am not going to use it for catching insects.}


    Kyon created a dense green cloud in front of himself and directed it ten meters forward. The cloud slowly floated through the air like a weightless fluff.


    Then he created another one and put a stick inside of the cloud. After a greenish sh, the stick appeared safe and sound in the distant cloud.


    It was an energy-consuming process to move the stick inside, but when the stick stopped, the energy expenses reduced to a minimum.


    Kyon grinned. He canceled the teleportation, and the stick broke perfectly in half. One half was in his hands, the other stayed ten meters away.


    {Theoretically, if I infuse someone with the element, I can teleport their body parts and organs anywhere. Holy Moly! It¡¯s too bad the attribute hardly prates even a fly¡­ God, it¡¯s a shame. On the other hand, it¡¯s even better this way. I would be scared to live here. What if someone teleported my hair¡­ Ouch¡­} ¨C Kyon ran his hand over his head with a heavy heart. His hair had grown only a couple of centimeters¡­


    Suddenly an extremely dangerous idea came to his mind, but he decided to move ahead with it. Kyon created two dense clouds. The one was at arm¡¯s length from him. He directed the other one to the nearest dummy ten meters away. His own flesh easily saturated with the attribute, he decided to teleport his arm and then control as if it was a robot.


    Kyon reached out to the thick cloud, nervous. This time the sh was much brighter. He could feel with his soul and the channels huge energy consumption every moment his arm was moving into the cloud. However, if he didn¡¯t rush, it wouldn¡¯t reach a critical level. He should take it slow, or he risked to lose his arm. Kyon felt nothing.


    Meanwhile, his hand slowly crawled out of the second cloud, grabbed the dummy¡¯s neck and squeezed it tightly.


    ?Ha ha ha ha!? ¨C Kyonughed heartily. It was a strange, indescribable feeling. It looked like his hand was cut off, but in fact, it was ten meters away strangling the dummy! It was like an ordinary hole in space between him and the dummy.


    The energy consumption reduced to the minimum as soon as Kyon stopped moving his hand.


    He could hold his hand like this for hours! Hardly anyone else was reckless enough to risk their limbs without many years of practice beforehand.


    Kyon got another idea. He set flight parameters to the distant cloud¡­ And it flew with his hand: a sight worthy of a lousy horror movie.


    {Flying fist technique!} ¨C Kyon thought,ughing. The soaring limb flew into his face in slow motion. It was hrious like the things that happened in dreams.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled devilishly at the next thought¡­ He created a bigger cloud and tried to stick his head in there. It was too risky. One mistake and goodbye to his life.


    It was a failed idea. As soon as the key of the element of mind touched the cloud, Kyon¡¯s head did not move any further. {Oh yeah¡­ Ipletely forgot¡­ The spatial attribute cannot teleport souls tied to the keys. I need spiritual trigrams to do this¡­}


    Kyon remembered what he had read and left his illusions behind. He couldn¡¯t teleport his body that easily. Unfortunately, the space attribute wasn¡¯t omnipotent.


    Kyon experimented for a couple more hours until he learned everything he could. He didn¡¯t find too many options. There was much more to discover with ether.


    He had experimentally confirmed that the spatial attribute wasn¡¯t useful inbat. It was impossible to attack with it. However, he could use it to create remote formations that would send various signals and information, such as wiretapping and video. Unfortunately, it was beyond his level of development now.


    He could attack with the help of the attribute. He could infuse a technique with the spatial attribute and teleport behind the enemy. Or he could infuse a dagger, quietly move the cloud behind the enemy¡¯s back and attack out of the blue.


    {I wish I had a gun to teleport bullets and lightning-fast attacks¡­ Uh¡­} ¨C It wasn¡¯t the first time Kyon had thought of creating firearms. He would have realized this idea a long time ago, but in this undeveloped world, where even gunpowder hadn¡¯t been invented, he needed power and resources. He had neither.


    The practitioners could feel the vibrations of any energy with their souls. It means that the traps, tricks, and sudden attacks were still a major challenge. Take, for example, the cloud. It emitted perceptible noisy vibrations that everyone could feel. However, the level of perception depended on development.


    {I wish the attribute moved faster¡­ What if Ibined it with the wind¡­ And even better with lightning! It would instantly appear behind the enemy.} ¨C Kyon had to leave this interesting task for the future.


    In the end, Kyon was partially disappointed in the two most difficult elements. Their full potential could be revealed only in techniques andbinations with other elements. He had a lot to confirm yet. Everything was ahead.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    It was early morning when the gates creaked. Juno fluttered inside like a butterfly. A devil in angelic guise! Today she was wearing a ck tight-fitting training outfit that emphasized all her delicacies. She had skinny pants on, a seductive T-shirt, a jacket on top, and exercise slippers on her feet. Her attractive slender figure fascinated Kyon, distracting him from his workout.


    Juno¡¯s beautiful emerald green eyes stared eagerly at him. The girl clenched her fists and approached Kyon.


    ?Master¡­ Where did you get your divine gift?? ¨C She asked without hesitation or pause.


    ?Why did youe?? ¨C Kyon said coldly. He was not ttered by the words ¡°divine gift.¡± In his world, anyone could have Synergy. (1% of people)


    ?Let¡¯s make a deal!? ¨C The little angel continued, not paying attention to the grin on his face. ¨C ?I suggest you be the head of the Stones Development Center! You will enjoy the highest status among the younger generation! All the resources of the family will be avable to you. You will get into my grandfather¡¯s good books¡­? ¨C The servant¡¯sughter made her shut up.


    ?All in all, you want me to be a cash cow.?


    ?Not at all!? ¨C Juno eximed. ¨C ?I want to¡­?


    ?Shut up and don¡¯t y games with me, or I will never clean any more keys for you.? ¨C He wasn¡¯t interested in Juno¡¯s terrific offer. He was doing well without her.


    When she heard that, Juno jumped from fright, closed her mouth with her hands, and froze with fear. To lose the opportunity to be a talent superior to heavenly geniuses? Not in her lifetime.


    If the servant agreed to her terms, she would get rid of her ve shackles. Her revenge would be terrible. She would torture him to make her the master of all the elements¡­ After that, she would hand the pathetic scum over to her grandpa. Their family would rise beyond heaven after grandpa arranged key cleaning on a paying basis. Juno would train hard, and in a year or two, she would humiliate her sister. But the reality wasn¡¯t so sweet¡­ The servant had refused even to listen to her. What¡¯s the big deal being her master? Sneaky bastard¡­ He wouldn¡¯t live long, anyway. Someone would notice the formation on her forehead sooner orter.


    ?Master¡­ Please, tell me where you got this ability? Who gave it to you??


    Kyon gave her a malicious smile. ?What if I was born with it??


    Juno wanted to protest, but she kept her cool. She had the courage of her convictions that would never let her believe a ve could have a divine bloodline. But she didn¡¯t want toe back to itter. What if he didn¡¯t lie?


    ?Master, can I do anything to win your favour? Can you clean my key even more?? ¨C Juno made a pitiful-begging expression, folding her arms in front of her. A hungry puppy asking for food would give way to her charm.


    Kyon could hardly look away. The little devil annoyed him with her phony behavior and natural maism. ?First, tell me where I can find instructions and techniques for unique bodies.?


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Juno slightly bowed her head. ?Follow me, master.?


    Kyon was about to strangle her. Her false deference, phony humility drove him round the bend¡­ What a hypocritical snake! She faked those emotions so well that they could mislead anyone but him. {Little trashy bitch, you can¡¯t fool me.}


    Kyon followed Juno to the secret library, then to the treasury.


    The girl approached the wall, put her hands in certain ces, and sent the pure energy the right way.


    *squeak*


    The wall parted, and another secret passage came into view. It looked like an old damp tunnel in the catb.


    Kyon followed the girl, his lips pressed together into a thin line. He should have guessed that the treasury had another level¡­What kind of family legacy would it be otherwise? He decided to order Juno to reveal all the other secrets in the mansion after he had explored the treasury thoroughly.


    The ce was saturated with ancient times. It once again suggested the idea that the mansion was built here for a reason.


    ?Juno, do you know why the mansion, in fact, the whole estate, was built here??


    Juno slowed down a little and said in a quiet, pleasant voice:


    ?Many centuries ago, our ancestors settled in this area because of the increased density of energy in the air. Grandfather says that many elements in the crust release energy.?


    ?And that¡¯s all??


    Juno fell silent, thinking if she should continue this conversation but answered, after all:


    ?He also said that the past civilization must have left something valuable in the local catbs. But no excavations were carried out because my family was afraid of copse.? ¨C Juno said, but it was only half of the truth.


    ?But they carried out excavations in the mines, didn¡¯t they??


    Juno turned around in surprise. ?How do you know about that??


    Kyon¡¯s guess was correct. The Stones didn¡¯t build the mines on the site of the catbs only because they could be easily reconstructed. They also wanted to find something the past civilizations had left. It¡¯s hard to imagine the price of the technique that opens the keys or the recipe for breakthrough medicine¡­ That would definitely stir up the whole empire.


    Juno didn¡¯t get an answer to her question. She turned away and walked in silence. Kyon¡¯s expert knowledge surprised her. This information was so confidential that it was not mentioned in any books in case of any greedypetitors scouring for profit. Anyway, she didn¡¯t tell him everything.


    They walked another hundred meters until there appeared a treasury of about 500 square meters carved in the earth.


    Kyon was astounded and fascinated by what he saw. There were lots of racks with shelves with a single cloudy nephrite-sphere in a special niche on each of them. The cupboards were full of boxes with aromatic herbs. Kyon looked closely with his modernized eyes and saw a barely visible barrier that regted humidity and temperature in each box.


    He knew that herbs were stored in the open air for a reason. They got saturated with energy and enhanced their properties with time. He could feel with his soul that the ancient ce contained a huge amount of energy.


    There were also beautiful ss disy cases with boxes on the shelves. Medicine of specific nature was kept in each of them. He found enzymes (for the body development), pills to temper the spirit (helps to stay focused), therapeutic medicine, specialized medicine (for some unique bodies), poisons, and so on. There were ointments, bottles, capsules with powder, pills, and even vapors enclosed in the container. The familiar cloudy green stone with information was next to each box.


    Juno looked carefully into Kyon¡¯s eyes and waved her hand. ?Master, to develop a unique body you need to nt it in your soul and grow. Take one of these pills and follow the conditions. You will get them either in your soul or in the description¡­?


    Kyon nced at the pills of different colors and asked:


    ?Is there medicine of all the unique bodies that your family can make in this treasury??


    ?No, there isn¡¯t. But you don¡¯t have to wait till it¡¯s created. I rmend that you choose a unique body with ready-made medicine. The unique body of a strong spirit will grant you pressure that is many times more powerful than that of your peers in development. The unique body of strong flesh will boost your physical stamina. I rmend choosing one of these.?


    Kyon thoughtfully stroked his chin. He could have only one cultivated unique body, and it was for life. He could always destroy itter, but it would affect the stage of his development. The unique body a second foundation for the soul development. It would take a lot of time and effort to develop a new one.


    In addition to continuous enhancement or special features, boost in the development and even changing the talent, the unique body can grant a rare feature or skill. It¡¯s the main value of the cultivated bodies. The quality of energy can also increase significantly.


    The choice needed careful consideration, that¡¯s why Kyon said:


    ?Thank you for your advice, but I am going to explore the avable medicine to see what can be made. You are free to go.?


    ?No, master. I¡¯ll stay here so you won¡¯t be lonely.? {And stupid.}


    ?Suit yourself.? ¨C Kyon said in a cold, emotionless voice and began to explore the treasury. It was going to take some time.


    He took the first stone and tried to infuse it with pure energy to retrieve the information. However, he failed.


    He heard a quiet, contemptuousugh behind him.


    Kyon turned around ¨C ?What is the password to the family formation??


    Juno shed him a smug smiled and answered confidently:


    ?Master, you don¡¯t need to know the family code to gain ess to the family heritage. All it takes is a person with the highest level of ess. It so happens that only ten people have ess to our heritage, including me.?


    Juno approached Kyon proudly, grabbed the nephrite from his hands and put it on her wrist. Then she waved it around. ?I have granted ess for an hour. Now anyone can use it with the help of pure energy.?


    Kyon grunted unkindly. Was it something to be proud of? ?You aren¡¯t useless, after all. Now take each nephrite and grant me ess for at least three days.?


    ?Are you going to study everything here?!?


    ?Less talk, more work.? ¨C Kyon smiled and snatched the nephrite from her hands.


    Junoughed inwardly. {Dumbass! If you study too much information at once with the help of pure energy, you will get a strong migraine or even worse. Alright, I¡¯llugh at you then¡­}


    A few hourster, Kyon was distracted by the sound of stomach rumbling. He looked at Juno, who was applying nephrites to her wrist. Her face gave nothing away, only a treacherous blush appeared on her tender cheeks.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t help but smile at her sweet face. He remembered it was lunchtime. After lunch, Flitz was going to call on Marina. Kyon should watch the old man closely. If he dared to offend the girl, he could go to hell and rot in the abyss of depression.


    Kyon nned to help Marina resolve the conflict from her troubled past. Would she forgive Flitz? Would she reject him? Or would she swallow her pride? In any case, they had to meet face to face. She couldn¡¯t defeat darkness by running from it.


    ?By the way, give the guards the order to add Flitz to the VIP list. He ising after lunch to walk with Marina in the park.?


    Juno raised her eyebrows and shook his head, baffled. Then she frowned angrily, bared her even white teeth like a wild animal and eximed ¨C ?How dare you make my friend suffer?! If¡­ if Flitzes, then¡­? ¨C Each word was an effort for the poor thing. She was torn between the intoxicating lust for power and her duty of a friend.


    ?Calm down. Marina does not mind. You can ask her yourself at lunch.? ¨C Kyon didn¡¯t want to answer any more questions and went to the door. The little demon went up a notch in his estimation.


    On the way, Juno dared to ask him to give her some freedom tomunicate with Flitz. What if Kyon did something wrong? And she couldn¡¯t even raise her voice because of the cage of orders. Kyon agreed.


    They left the storeroom. Kyon went to have lunch in his room. Juno and Marina took a seat at the main table. Only the most important persons dined there. But wasn¡¯t thedy¡¯s close friend one of them?


    When they were finishing their meal, Flitz came to the mansion ridiculously dressed. He was wearing a white jacket, trousers, a bow tie¡­ His thin white hair wasbed back. He looked polished and put together. However, dark circles under his eyes gave away the state of his health.


    Kyon could not believe his eyes. The image of the wise master waspletely erased from his mind. Now the talented formacist resembled a gigolo with a warm heart and heavy underpants.


    Flitz went into the dining room. The two lovely blonde girls were the main decoration of the room, no doubt about that. The silent waiters walked around the big table.


    When Marina saw her former master she felt a sudden loss of confidence. She needed protection and grabbed Juno by the hand.


    When Flitz saw Marina¡¯s reaction, he hunched over and looked down. His disheartened look meant he was guilty. He was such a weak-willed fool.


    ?Hello, Juno. Greetings, Marina.? ¨C He said hoarsely.


    Juno mmed her little fist on the table. ?I would have never let you in if my best friend didn¡¯t ask me to! You should be grateful for her kindness and sympathy. She will tell you everything she thinks about you. Will you, Marina??


    The poor blonde wished the ground would swallow her up.


    Flitz coughed, pulled a box out of his bosom and handed it to embarrassed Marina. ¨C ?Please ept my humble gift as a token of good faith.?


    Marina raised her beautiful, surprised eyes at the old man who looked like a skeleton. He handed her a shiny little box with a gift from the bottom of his heart.


    When their eyes met, Flitz looked down at once, following Kyon¡¯s advice. Marina did not have a chance to do the same.


    She opened her mouth, amazed at what he said. There was no trace left of her former master, the tyrant, the despot, the malicious sex maniac. ¨C {What¡¯s the matter with him?}


    When Marina hesitantly epted the gift, Juno whispered in her ear:


    ?Don¡¯t take it if you don¡¯t want to. Just say a word, and I will drive the old fart away like a dog.?


    Marina shook her head and opened the box. There was a deliciously looking nutcake. Her heart started beating faster¡­ Flitz remembered her favorite delicacy: thendan cake with kerker nuts, a rare and very expensive treat.


    Marina was torn between two contrary feelings. She looked at Flitz. ¨C ?Sir¡­?


    ?Please, call me Flitz.? ¨C He smiled, avoiding looking at her.


    Marina rose from the table with the sweet present in her hands and slowly approached the old man. Shel had decided to follow Kyon¡¯s advice and move on. She wanted to ept and face all her suffering in the past and live on. She wanted a fresh start.


    Marina said bravely:


    ?What about taking a walk, Flitz???


    Flitz coughed again at her unexpected offer. It was the first time Marina had suggested going for a walk together. She grew bolder quickly¡­ The friendship with Juno must have given her confidence.


    ?Yes¡­ Sure.? ¨C He answered with a wrinkled smile.


    They left the mansion and went into the beautiful park.


    Marina nned to tell her former master that she would not return to him no matter how much he ¡°loved¡± her. She was fed up with her past life. Nothing would change her mind. He could beg her or threaten all he wanted¡­ At the same time, she felt sorry for Flitz. He would have to abandon his dream to restore his seed and have a child from her. She was unreachable for him now. Marina refused to be his ve. He may look for another sex toy¡­


    Marina wanted to tell him all that right away. She just needed to get the conversation on track¡­ Come on, scaredy-cat, be brave. Speak up!


    They had been walking in the park for five minutes, but she could not squeeze out a word! It was hard for her to speak with the former tyrant master¡­ Kyon was right, she should be stronger, but how? The saddest thing was that Flitz was also silent.


    Suddenly, he said:


    ?I used to be a street urchin. My life was based around cheap booze, harlots, and fights. I would never have believed that in a hundred years, I would find a girl I could not live without¡­ Your escape tody Juno opened my eyes to the ugly truth: who I am and what I am. I realized that I mistreated the woman I loved. I was a loathsome egocentric monster because my senile selfish heart was afraid to have a real rtionship. I was afraid to take responsibility. If you had refused me, I would have died of grief¡­ I wanted to believe that if you are my servant, it¡¯s your duty to have sex with me, and even love me¡­ What a fool I was, Marina. A million words will never be enough to express how much I regret my terrible attitude towards you. But I¡¯ll be bold to ask you to forgive me at the twilight of my years. Have mercy on a skinny half-dead old man.? ¨C He looked at Marina with wet eyes full of regret.


    Flitz had prepared his speech to get under Marina¡¯s skin, but there was a great deal of truth that he did not want to ept. He was losing his mind without this girl. He had different thoughts going through his head. In many of them, he regretted the abuse and the way he had been mistreating the girl he loved. Flitz used to think she was a stupid naive baby. But Marina¡¯s words that she hated him, despised him and wanted to leave were sharper than any daggers. He was afraid to give her the right to speak in their rtionship. He was afraid of responsibility.


    Marina was at a loss for words, even if she was silent all the time anyway. Her former master said he was sorry for the first time¡­ He was so sincere. She¡¯d been dreaming of hearing this for so long! It was unusual to see him like that. He seemed to be a different person! Marina felt an unbearable burden of responsibility. If she told him what she thought, if she destroyed his hope to have his dreame true, Flitz would die of a broken heart. He had saved her from the hungry street life full of darkness, he had given her shelter, he had raised her. She couldn¡¯t say that¡­ She was not a murderer!


    ?Flitz¡­ I¡­ I can¡¯t forgive you straight away¡­?


    ?I understand, Marina.? ¨C Flitz said grimly. ¨C ?I do have a lot to atone for. I will dedicate my remaining life to make it up to you¡­?


    There was a pause.


    Marina was embarrassed like never before. Something absolutely incredible was going on. All of a sudden, she felt so warm and cozy. She wanted to believe in the words of her former master, she wanted things to change for the better and even get better than before!


    ?How are you feeling?? ¨C She asked him with concern.


    Little by little, they started a friendly conversation.


    For the first time, Marina had had such a long and rxed conversation with Flitz. He was no longer a cruel, rude, perverted hypocrite as before. Far from it, the elderly formacist was polite, attentive and courteous. He apologized for all sorts of little things¡­ Was he the same Flitz? Were his intentions really pure? She had no words. He really was a different person! She even smiled once when he joked, she felt so free. Kyon said that the old man would change his attitude, but to this extent?! How could he predict that?! Marina seemed to be dreaming of everything getting better. The wounds from the past healed, everything bad in people turned good¡­ She couldn¡¯t break the old man¡¯s heart.


    A few hours passed quickly. Flitz gantly kissed Marina¡¯s hand goodbye and said respectfully:


    ?I enjoyed our walk very much. Thank you for meeting with me. Do you mind if Ie by tomorrow??


    ?Hmm, okay. You maye.? ¨C Marina gave him a little smile, tucking a lock of silky hair behind her ear.


    Happy Flitz left the mansion. His old wrinkled face smiled. Warmth and delight reigned in his heart. For the first time, Marina was so talkative¡­ She had neverughed at his jokes before. Her smile was amazing! The brightest ray of light illuminated his dark soul¡­ The bird got out of the cage, spread her wings and showed her true pristine beauty. He had fallen in love with her for a reason. Only she was worthy of his senile, dementia-ridden love.


    Kyon was right when he said that Marina would open up if he treated her like his equal. Flitz didn¡¯t feel at ease talking with his dear silly girl like this, but it turned out to be the only right approach. Flitz realized that he couldn¡¯t get back the old way with Marina, and he didn¡¯t want to. Goodbye, beloved maid, hello, beloved potential wife.


    Kyon had been watching their walk from beginning to end. He followed Flitz with an indifferent look. The old man did not offend the girl, he even asked for another date. If his intentions were pure, he may spend time with her in the future. After all, Marina would be d to mend fences with him. She was grateful to him for the good deeds of the past, even if they weren¡¯t too numerous.


    Juno was following them all the time. She looked like a guard dog, watching careful Flitz, the stranger.


    Kyon was already mentally choosing a cor for her. Marina would be a good owner, she would take good care of her¡­

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    Kyon and his newly acquired student returned to the treasury. The exploring of the family heritage continued.


    Kyon took a cloudy green stone that contained the formation with medical form and infused it with pure energy. The fog seeped through his nose into his mind and there appeared quite legible information about the ingredients, methods of production, properties, including all sorts of nuances and subtleties. Also, there appeared a set of iprehensible neural connections in his brain. It described how to make the medicine (or rather how to use the elements). Any medicine is created mainly with the help of elemental energy. The alchemists handle the ingredients through the elements.


    The same thing happened with the form for the unique body. Only, there was also the information for the owner on how to develop the body properly, what abilities it got with each next energy phase.


    When Kyon took a cloudy stone that contained a technique, the necessary information about the technique appeared in his head: its attribute, energy consumption, power, weakness and much more, including all the nuances and subtleties. And then the same obscure set of neural connections that had to be deciphered appeared in his brain.


    Even partucr formations such as searching marks or directions for enchanting things gave him a new bunch of neural connections. He had to get his head around them.


    All the information he had received had one thing inmon: he needed to analyze the neural connections and reach enlightenment.


    Kyon had a reasonable question: {Why should it be soplicated? Wasn¡¯t it easier to give clear directions on how to make things, how to shape the channel so that the technique ran properly, how to make medicine with no mistakes?}


    The answer was not long ining: every channel worked in its own way. Each channel shape set specific parameters for the outgoing energy. There were no two simr channels.


    A practitioner studies the nephrite and gets a set of neural connections. They find out their own way to decipher them, trante them into thenguage of their channels. It¡¯s the way of mastering any technique, any grade of elements, the form for the formation / unique body, the correct dose of the medicine.


    For example, everyone sees the blue color in different tones, but it doesn¡¯t matter¡­ It alles down to blue, not any other color. That¡¯s how the understanding of neural connections works. Through enlightenment.


    There is nomonnguage for the keys. It cannot exist in principle. When a master teaches a student, they need a nephrite with a copy or the foundation of knowledge. The master gives a presentation sitting next to the student. The vibrations emanating from the master, along with hard practice, help the student findmon ground. As a result, they reach enlightenment.


    Consequently, it is impossible to teach the skills rted to the channels without a nephrite. Only the masters can create the nephrite (the foundation), not the ordinary students who have gained the knowledge through enlightenment ande to the result without really understanding how and why it all worked.


    Kyon summed it all up:


    1) Stealing the original was pure madness. It required a high level of ess and a free path to the heart of the family (to the treasury) to get the basic nephrite. Copying nephrites was impossible on the physical level.


    2) It was impossible to copy knowledge gained by enlightenment because it¡¯s the basic level of understanding. The nephrite could only be created by the master, who understands profoundly the point of the instructions/technique. For example, you can do somersaults, but you can¡¯t understand all the details of your movements. However, the method of understanding things with the help of Synergy plete analysis of information to the smallest detail) allowed Kyon to duplicate any knowledge as he pleased.


    The whole thing was fascinating. The good news was another advantage over the others: he could copy the heritage.


    The method of transmittingprehensible information from the formation (nephrite) to the mind was also impressing. Kyon wondered: {Can the brain process the whole book at once?} ¨C He immediately refuted this idea. The duration of short-term memory is only some seconds, the period of long-term memory is also limited.


    Only hispartmentalized brain could easily absorb huge amounts of information without sleep. It¡¯s not for ordinary people. They could end up with the worst headache possible. Nosebleeds and fainting were prettymon, too.


    Meanwhile, Juno had finished granting ess to all the nephrites. She was staring at the servant with eyes wide open. The upper treasury contained no nephrites that created neural connections in mind, but this one was full of them. Her ¡°master¡± had been studying the nephrites for more than ten hours, but it had no effect on him. {Why?! How can he still stay upright? Is he a human?!}


    As far as she knew her servant, he would never pretend to impress her. He couldn¡¯t care less about her opinion. Something unimaginable was going on.


    Kyon was engrossed in studying the family heritage: a lot of techniques for different elements, each with their own requirements and direction. Hundreds of different recipes for medicine, an endless number of recipes for unique bodies, a few dozen directions for enchantment, as well as lots of formations with techniques of a certain direction. He would hardly ever bother to learn them. No need to. He was already a formacist of a divine rank if such existed at all.


    Kyon was over the moon when he came across the advanced grade of all the elements. He could now master the ether, the darkness, and the light at the advanced grade, thereby enhancing them (he would remove some of the heaven restrictions). He knew, at least he had a hunch, that the lightning wouldn¡¯t attempt to fry him next time. The elements were under his control. He would unleash their true power. However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.


    Kyon was disappointed to discover that every unique body in the Stone treasury was of a ¡°C¡± rank. And even those were a few.


    ?Master, there are two bodies of a ¡°B¡± rank in this secretpartment.? ¨C Juno noticed his discontent and tried to sweet-talk him.


    Kyon took a look at the two recipes and carefully studied them. He frowned. Judging by the features they give the owner, their rank was peak ¡°C,¡± not ¡°B¡± at all. The one who sold those bodies had tricked the patriarch.


    Kyon put the recipes back, disappointing Juno a little, and continued to study the unique bodies of a lower rank.


    ¡°The body of a powerful master: any weapon in your hands will strike faster than lightning.¡± ¡°The body of umtion allows you to charge any element for three seconds to make a powerful blow.¡± ¡°The body of a magician transforms the vibrations of the energy you release into a different element. You can give your opponent an unpleasant surprise.¡± ¡°The body of a berserker significantly enhances the pure energy and your body for a while.¡± ¡°The body of an advanced fire bender enhances your element of fire.¡± ¡°The body of a usurper allows you to master the elements of wind and ether easily. In the future, both of these elements can bebined into the element of storm.¡± ¡°The body ofpiszuli allows you to release destructive azure light.¡±


    Kyon noticed that bodies could grant a variety of skills, sometimes at odds with logic, that is, beyond the nine elements. They could amplify, elerate, deceit, conceal the owner or the energy, help study specific sciences faster. There were bodies for alchemists, formacists, executioners, a hell of a lot of unique bodies, each with its own unusual features. Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. The unique bodies could give him anything he could think of. But their featured turned out to be pathetic and weak¡­ Those two bodies of peak ¡°C¡± rank were something, but the rest, to be honest, was total crap.


    He wasn¡¯t going to build a foundation of wood. It wouldn¡¯t let him create a magnificent skyscraperter. No way. Kyon¡¯s heart was boiling from unfulfilled ambitions and deceived expectations. His inner perfectionist was ranting and raving.


    He knew that a unique body of a ¡°D¡± rank wouldn¡¯t let the practitioner develop beyond the fifth phase. It would stop growing when it reached a certain stage.


    The body of a ¡°C¡± rank had a higher limit, but it didn¡¯t make things any better. Kyon was not going to build his foundation of low-quality materials, even being the master of all the elements and the owner of Synergy. Sooner orter, he would reach his limit and envy those who could rise higher. It gave him a brilliant idea to dig into alchemy and create something unique with essential useful features.


    {Yeah¡­ That¡¯s what I am going to do.} ¨C Kyon had made his decision, but he was still worried about something¡­ Alchemists create medicine with the help of the elements: pure energy, water, earth, wind, ether, heat, cold, darkness, and light. The number of the elements avable to the alchemist imposes restrictions on production, methods of production, ways of purifying the medicine.


    For example, you can¡¯t create the Magma Grain without the element of heat or the Northern Star without the element of cold.


    The Magma Grain can be purified with the elements of light and water, but if you do not have them, you have to be content with other elements (methods), thereby jeopardizing the final purity.


    It begs the question: why not take a group of alchemists who have all the nine elements together? Indeed, it makes avable all types of medicine, all methods of purifying and production.


    The answer isn¡¯t reassuring. Each practitioner has an individual frequency of elemental energy, both in the soul and in the body. If more than one alchemists create medicine, it will either explode or go off. That¡¯s how heaven made the science of alchemy extraordinarily valuable. High-ranking alchemists wallow in money and fart through silk, living happily for the rest of their days.


    {Pure energy, ether, darkness, light¡­ Four elements are not enough to create some nifty medicine for a unique body. What do I do¡­?}


    Another futile idea¡­ But Lovr knew one thing for sure: he was going to lose himself in alchemy until he created a smart unique body.


    It was about one o¡¯clock in the morning.


    Kyon heard someone sniffing behind him. Juno was sitting on the floor in the tight training outfit. She was leaning against the wall. Her head drooped, her knees bent: the spitting image of a stray kitten. She couldn¡¯t leave him alone in the treasury.


    Kyon approached the little angel with an insidious smile on his face. He was a little too carried away by her charm. It felt too good to take her to her roomst time. He should do it again. But as soon as he touched her, Juno opened her eyes and stood up quickly, frowning.


    ?Master, I¡¯d rather die than let you take me to my room once again. It¡¯s too humiliating.? ¨C Juno murmured with a clear threat in her voice and turned towards her room.


    Kyon snorted scornfully, grabbed her little hand, pulled her to himself¡­ And there she was in his arms, like a bride in the arms of a groom. He did not give a damn about her opinion. If he wanted to carry her up, he would do it.


    ?Aaaaaaaaaaah! What are you doing?! Let me go right now!? ¨C Juno screamed, struggling in his arms.


    ?Shut up. I am teaching you discipline as your master. Never let anyone influence your emotional state, or else you will lose.? ¨C Kyon calmly lectured her, carrying the writhing bird in her nest.


    ?What the hell are you talking about?!? ¨C Juno turned red from embarrassment and anger. ¨C ?You¡­ That¡¯s not what you must teach me! Let me go immediately! Or else¡­ I¡­? ¨C Juno didn¡¯t even know how to threaten the vile servant who had overstepped the boundaries. His touch on her back and under her knees made all her body tremble. He was repulsive.


    ?Master, let me go! And I¡­ I will show you a secret ce! Very, very secret! Just let me go¡­?


    Kyon unceremoniously dropped the girl on the floor.


    ?Tell me.?


    Juno flopped on the hard floor, made a painful grimace, and stood up angrily, rubbing her bottom.


    ?The master should learn good manners! You are rude and uncouth. You are not worthy of teaching me!?


    ?You are really going to get it.? ¨C Kyon threatened in a murderously calm voice, stepping toward her.


    Juno swallowed hard and stepped back.


    ?Follow me, master.? ¨C Juno briskly went somewhere only she knew.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Juno went to the far wall and pressed the formation. Kyon heard the familiar squeak of the sliding passage.


    ?It¡¯s always the same.? ¨C Kyon muttered under his breath. He hoped to find an even more luxurious treasury with unique bodies of high rank in the depths of the passage. He would have found this passage, anyway. He had ns to ask Juno about all the secrets of her family. He wouldn¡¯t have missed this ce.


    Juno looked at him with disdain and proudly walked inside.


    This time there were no lights on the walls of the passage. They were plunging into the darkness of the unknown. Kyon could see perfectly well in the dark, but Juno had to pull a shlight out of her spatial ring.


    With each step, the damp cold tunnel got scarier, in spooky.


    Another three hundred meters and they approached the dark steps. The spiral staircase descended deep down. There was no end to it.


    ?Are you scared, master?? ¨C Juno asked slyly, looking at Kyon.


    ?I am not. But you should be scared to go with me into the deep dark ce.? ¨C Kyon grinned ominously.


    ?No, no¡­ That¡¯s not what I meant.? ¨C She shook her head with a smile.


    ?Then what is it??


    ?You tremble like a beaten weak-kneed dog.? ¨C Juno teased him and went carelessly downstairs.


    Kyon hastened his step, grabbed her by the hand and gave her a p with the back of his hand.


    ?The fact that I made you my student does not mean that I will easily forgive your being rude. Wind your neck in, little piece of trash.?


    Juno gave him a sullen look, rubbing her cheek still red after the blow.


    ?I am sorry¡­ Master.? ¨C The ve girl could barely squeeze the words out.


    Kyon walked on. He had just noticed how cold he was. He was really trembling. But how did she dare she to take his trembling for cowardice? It¡¯s so stupid of her! It was time for his body to enter the heating mode. He needed to increase the number of mitochondria in his body.


    Juno took out her jacket and wrapped herself in it. How thoughtful of her.


    They went about half a kilometer down the spiral staircase. The way was not easy. Both of them were out of breath. And the way back was going to be even harder.


    The staircase finally ended. As they took thest steps down, they could see the passage into the hall. A strange bluish glow was shimmering there. Kyon was astonished when he entered the hall: the huge cave was strewn with numerous light crystals of azure color. There were as many of them as the stars in the sky. The beautiful sight impressed him to the core.


    A pleasant soft light fell on a matte ck castle of twenty meters high and fifty meters wide. It was made of some unusual stuff. The mysterious castle suggested an idea of untold secrets hidden inside. It looked intact, but its surface was uneven, bumpy.


    Kyon admired it for a while, fascinated until he felt a jab in the back and heard a sarcastic voice:


    ?Lift your jaw off the floor, master.?


    Kyon could hardly smother an urge to p her one more time. He just walked on.


    ?The Stones can¡¯t have built it¡­ Tell me everything you know about this ce.?


    Juno approached the locked entrance. It was an almost perfectly smooth wall, only a tiny cut-out slit that denoted a two-by-three-meter rectangr outline indicated that the monolithic b was actually the entrance. There were no windows, no balconies, or venttion to be seen.


    Juno ran her hand over the doorway and began her story:


    ?This ancient castle was most likely built by great creatures of the past era. My ancestors discovered it many hundreds of years ago and decided to discover its secrets. That¡¯s why they had built their estate here. The information about its existence was passed from one patriarch to another. If the strangers had known about it, our entire estate would have been turned upside down. Something valuable must be stored in there, but you need a special formation to get inside. Or maybe, you need to perform a special action or meet some special conditions¡­ It still remains unknown. My ancestors tried to get inside in every possible way. My father couldn¡¯t chip off even the smallest piece, and he had unparalleled strength.? ¨C She looked at Kyon, tired, and yawned widely, covering her mouth with her hand.


    ?I hope you like the secret that I have revealed to you as promised??


    Kyon grunted thoughtfully, running his fingers over the walls of the castle. They were neither warm nor cold.


    Juno didn¡¯t get any answer. She wrapped her arms around herself to stop from shivering. Her jacket didn¡¯t offer enough protection from the cold. She had to wait till her servant lost all interest in the castle. She wanted to believe this time he wouldn¡¯t carry her to her room in his arms.


    Kyon¡¯s upgraded eyes carefully studied the outline of the closed passage. He used different spectra of electromaic waves reception, as well as night vision. He studied every slight difference in shades, breathed on the surface to leave condensation. He even applied the eye microscope.


    ?It¡¯s gettingte, master. I am sleepy, and it¡¯s cold in here. I¡¯m sure you feel the same. Let¡¯s go back.? ¨C Juno asked intively, shuddering now and then. ?I would also be grateful if you purified my key for taking you here.? ¨C She added, but this time she sounded demanding.


    But Kyon did not pay any attention to her. His eye microscope noticed the smallest grooves on the surface of the wall. They made up a pattern¡­ No, it was not a pattern. It was a zero, tiny like the tip of a flea leg. Here¡¯s another zero¡­ One¡­ Three¡­ A fraction¡­


    Kyon raised his eyebrows in surprise. The whole wall turned out to be dotted with mathematical symbols. A long advanced mathematics equation left him speechless. It looked like only a worthy person could enter there, the one could solve math problems. A momentter, he was caught up in the excitement. The genius, recognized back home, enthusiastically tackled the task.


    Half an hourter, Juno was trembling all over, shivering from the chill in the room. It was a long shot to wait till the servant froze first. He wasn¡¯t cold at all!


    Juno growled, visibly displeased:


    ?You are wasting your time, master. My ancestors had tried to enter this damned castle thousands of times, and they didn¡¯t get even close! Do you really think you stand a chance??


    There was no response.


    ?What are you hoping to achieve?! Why don¡¯t you just return to your room and go to bed??


    She got nothing again.


    ?I¡¯m not going to freeze here just because you¡¯re so pigheaded! Are youing with me or not?!? ¨C Juno could not stand it anymore. She wished she had known the idiot would get so interested in the boring castle.


    ?Stay here, then. I am going to bed.? ¨C Juno stuck her tongue out behind his back and briskly went to the exit. As she was approaching the steps, she nced at the servant once again. He didn¡¯t look cold at all¡­


    Kyon had just solved the equation and got the number ¡°42¡±.


    ?¡­?


    Following the instinct of the experienced gamer, Kyon put his hand to the circle that was invisible to the ordinary eyes. It was the only figure that had nothing to do with the equation. He infused it with pure energy with the same interval 42 times in a row.


    Five secondster, he heard a muffled rattle. The gate to the castle parted to the sides, opening the passage inside.


    Kyonughed loudly. He loved ying The Tombs of Egyptian Emperors. Now the task was way easier than in the game but no less exciting!


    Juno had already climbed a step when she heard an iprehensible rattle. She darted back at once and stood dumbfounded and shocked.


    ?Ho-o-o-ow?!?


    The gates to the sealed ancient castle were open. Her ancestors had been racking their brains how to get inside for hundreds of years, and then her servant came and set it all in motion?! It was impossible!


    ?Well, well, well. I¡¯ll give you that one. My inner geek is pleased.? ¨C Kyon muttered cheerfully and stepped into the hall. His experience was telling him that he should be cautious. It was a ce where strangers were not expected. He carefully studied the whole area without losing vignce.


    The hall was a spacious empty room with a lone staircase in the center leading to the next floor.


    With his modified vision, Kyon noticed a circle drawn on the floor that was covered with a thickyer of dust.


    Juno cautiously stuck in the door her adorable little head, loudly eximing all the time:


    ?§®amma¡­ Mamma mia! Ho-o-o-ow?! How did you get so lucky?!?


    ?Baby, if it came down only to luck, your family would have done it already. Or wouldn¡¯t. Get the wind here. Let¡¯s see what¡¯s under this carpet of dust.?


    Juno looked at Kyon in disbelief. He used to surprise her when he survived her beatings or parried almost all of her attacks. Then it came as a shock to find out that he had enved her. Not so long ago, she nearly gave up the ghost when she found out he could purify the keys. And this time, he had opened the cursed castle that everyone stopped trying to enter!


    ?You can¡¯t be human.? ¨C She stepped away so that the monster wouldn¡¯t gobble up her.


    ?Nom, nom!? ¨C Kyon cked his teeth ominously.


    Juno nearly jumped out of her skin and ran behind the wall, timidly peeking around the corner like a startled little animal that had wandered into their of predators.


    Kyon could not helpughing at such a funny reaction from the arrogant littledy.


    ?Silly lovely creature, sweep away all the dust. Don¡¯t make me repeat.? ¨C He ordered in a stern voice.


    Juno swallowed before she walked warily into the hall. Her heart pounded in her chest with anticipation and excitement. If there were any valuable objects inside, her family would rise to a new level, and she would¡­ Right, she was just a ve. This parasite was going to im everything that should belong to her by right.


    *whoosh*


    A gust of wind blew all the dust out of the door.


    Arge circle appeared on the floor, a trigram. The beautiful meandering pattern was symmetrically drawn in six sections, creating a bewitching mesmerizing sight.


    ?Hm¡­ This teleportation trigram seems to be of high rank. I have never seen this pattern in the books.? ¨C Kyon muttered thoughtfully under his breath.


    However, Juno was eager to know something else.


    ?How did you open it? Tell me, please! My father had struggled to do it for a long time, all in vain. But you did it! How??


    Kyon sighed wearily in response. ?I am not telling you.?


    Juno stamped her foot. ?You are the worst¡­ person¡­ You can¡¯t do this! I¡¯ll die of curiosity!?


    ?Okay.? ¨C Kyon nodded indifferently and looked around the hall once again. There was absolutely nothing interesting except the trigram. Some strange aura wasing from the upper floor, but downstairs, there was only an unremarkable hall.


    Juno bared her teeth, overwhelmed by an urge to bite her servant to death.


    Kyon took her shlight and carefully climbed the steps. He knew that there existed various invisible barriers-traps but he doubted that any more tests awaited him after the riddle at the entrance. In any case, his curiosity had overpowered caution.


    He saw a hall of exactly the same size, in the same style as the one downstairs. There were no windows or doors, either. There was no trigram this time. Instead, he found a dark stone coffin dotted with ornate patterns. A mysterious, gloomy, suspicious coffin.


    ?A sarcophagus!? ¨C Juno eximed from behind. ¨C ?It¡¯s no castle but a tomb! Something valuable must be in the sarcophagus! The old traditions say the one who rests in peace shall take with them the most valuable things. They put nephrites with ancient heritage inside the sarcophagus!?


    Kyon knew the tombs in this world were of extraordinary value. If the information about one of them leaked, it would bring all the empires around in search of personal gain. It¡¯s great that the Stones can keep their secrets. Thanks to them, Kyon would skim all the cream off the top and spare them the headache from unraveling the mysteries of the ancient castle.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Juno headed off to the coffin, but Kyon quickly grabbed her by the cor and pulled her back.


    ?Stupid girl! Where do you think you are going?! I don¡¯t want to go to the next world, certainly not with you!?


    ?But¡­?


    Kyon approached the sarcophagus and began to study the patterns in the beam of his shlight. He was looking for the slightest hint of a trap. He walked around it, crawled underneath, looked on the top, anything but getting inside. Then Kyon touched it with his fingers¡­ He infused the surface Synergy, but it couldn¡¯t tackle the hard rock. He made a little tube and blew some saliva into the crevice of the coffin. If there were any elemental barriers inside, his Synergy would reveal them. But the brief search showed there were no traps.


    Juno was shivering with cold again. She looked like a plucked chicken, hugging herself with her arms.


    ?Master, just open it. Any elemental trap would have dissipated for hundreds of years.? ¨C She took out the stick they both knew so well. ¨C ?Try this.?


    Deep in his thoughts, Kyon looked at the stick that had nearly killed him once. He nodded to himself and slowly walked away to the staircase.


    ?I order you to remove the lid with the stick carefully!?


    ?ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!? ¨C Juno cried, turning pale. She was totally dumbstruck. However, she had to obey the formation. Juno poked the stick at the lid, tears streaming down her cheeks. It budged an inch¡­ When she moved the cover about halfway, Kyon ordered her to stop.


    Juno fiercely shot a stream of hatred with her eyes at the target that was standing just a bit away. Tracks of tears ran from the corners of her eyes. All her life had shed before her¡­ She did not want to die!


    ?You are the most terrible person in the world! There is no one worse than you! The devil will envy you!? ¨C She wanted to give the jerk a load of nasty words, but she was afraid of the inevitable punishment. ¨C ?How can you do this to a girl?! Masters don¡¯t do that! You have no right to call me your student anymore! What if I died?!? ¨C Juno squealed in a thin voice.


    ?Then, there would be one bad person less in the world.? ¨C Kyon grinned, approaching the half-open sarcophagus.


    Juno clenched her fists, growling softly with rage like a wolf cub. She wanted to kill the smug bastard so much!


    Kyon discovered a dried skeleton inside. On its sides, there was a whole bunch of cloudy green stones with formations. His eyes shone with delight. He found ancient heritage! People of antiquity loved to leave all sorts of goodies! Their sense of self-importance and narcissism could be seen even after their death as if they were saying: ?Look how great and powerful I was in my lifetime!?


    Kyon held out his hand to the first nephrite he saw. Then he stopped, took the stick from the hands of the aggressive-minded little fox and touched the sphere with it, releasing Synergy. He could see no traps. He knew there was a chance that some of the information could be destroyed along with Synergy, so he studied the stones carefully.


    He nodded to himself, wished himself good luck and prayed just in case. Then he took the first nephrite in his hand. A relieved sigh escaped his lips: he was alive.


    ?Master¡­? ¨C Juno muttered, her teeth chattering from cold. She could hardly restrain her anger. ¨C ?You must share the heritage with the Stones, especially with me. My family had discovered the location of the tomb, and I showed you how to get here as a representative of the noble family!?


    ?Firste, first served.? ¨C Kyon said shortly, carefully studying the information contained in the nephrite.


    ?What do you mean first served?! You just opened the entrance. It was my family who did the dirty job! My family who the first to find the tomb! Ny percent of the heritage should belong to the Stones! But I¡¯m a generous person, so I will give you twenty¡­ no, twenty-five percent!?


    ?If it weren¡¯t for me, you would keep dancing around the tomb for another thousand years. You¡¯d never get inside. So, at least nine-tenths of everything here is mine. But I¡¯m a truly generous soul. I won¡¯t let you suffer any agony or grief over your lost wealth, nor will I tell anyone about it. Your family can go on banging their heads at the gates of the castle as long as they like.?


    ?How dare you?!? ¨C Juno wanted to tear him into small pieces. He was stealing from her family a real treasure! Thousands of years of toil and everything went to some damned egoist, who opened the door by pure luck! It was unfair!


    Juno was shaking with anger. She ran to the coffin in a fit of rage and grabbed the first sphere she could reach with her little hands.


    ?It¡¯s mine!?


    Kyon quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed it firmly with his fingers, not letting the little thief snatch the sphere.


    ?How dare you steal from your master?? ¨C His ve girl was asking for a long-awaited punishment. Kyon guy had already figured out what it would be, but he suddenly noticed something unusual in Juno¡¯s behavior.


    She fell on her knees and screamed with inhuman horror and panic in her voice:


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh! It hur-ur-uur-ur-urts-s-ss-s!? ¨C She broke free from his grip and flopped to the floor, whining from hellish pain, twisting and turning, trembling with her whole body, crying through agony for help.


    Kyon was near her at once. He pulled her sped hand. The sight was terrifying: a little sphere of nephrite was biting into her palm, radiating bright light. It looked like some carnivorous scarab from the movies about tomb raids. The sphere had crawled into her wrist and was gnawing a path into her body. Once it got to her vital organs, she was dead.


    Without any hesitation, Kyon grabbed the bunchy glowing patch of skin and pressed it with his hand with all his might, trying to squeeze it out.


    With the unpleasant sound of torn flesh, apanied by a heartbreaking girl¡¯s scream, the little sphere popped out from under her skin and, like a ma, flew into Kyon¡¯s hand, biting into his flesh.


    It got more aggressive this time. It wasn¡¯t gnawing its way on the surface but deep inside, tearing muscle tissue and joints with speed ten times more than before.


    Everything went dark from unbearable pain.


    Juno opened her tear-stained eyes and stared at Kyon. {Did he just save me?}


    Kyon raised his pain threshold a hundred times and was about to take his sword out of the ring to cut open his arm when he realized it was toote¡­


    {I never imagined I would die so foolishly.} ¨C He didn¡¯t want to die, but all he could do was to rely on his regenerative abilities.


    The little ball gnawed through his chest to the heart with unwavering zeal.


    Kyon¡¯s face took on an ashen shade of gray. He stared at Juno intensely. She was looking at him with pity and horror. Suddenly, he whispered:


    ?Juno¡­ Do not hurt ves, you dummy¡­ They are people, too.?


    The next moment, the bright sphere prated his heart, reached the key of light and started to destroy it. An unbearable hurricane of pain washed over Lovr, his whole body twisted. He lost control of his limbs, they went into spasms and cramps. A violent explosion went off in his head. For some reason, the trick with increasing the pain threshold did not work.


    He had a feeling that liquid magma had prated his channel of light and was flowing straight into his soul.


    The pain was so unbearable that Kyon forced himself into aa, leaving it to Synergy to save his dying organism. Let the chips fall where they may¡­ Juno might help him, but it was no use counting on her.


    Kyon did not have time to think about why he had saved her. On the other hand, if she had died, he wouldn¡¯t have left the mansion alive.


    Meanwhile, Juno began toment:


    ?No! Do not die, moron! You can¡¯t die so easily! Please! You have not purified my keys yet¡­ Master, please! I don¡¯t want you to die like this!? ¨C She shook Kyon, moaning with unbearable pain in her hand. Drops of her tears soaked his ck shirt.


    What should she do now? Pain and cold made it difficult to think. First of all, she took out some ointment and applied it to her hand. She also took a painkiller that she had wisely taken from the hospital. The pain was almostpletely gone, she started to get things straight.


    {Why did he save me? Why? Is scum like him capable of noble deeds?} ¨C Juno failed to find the answer, and yet she couldn¡¯t help thinking about hisst words. {It¡¯s ridiculous¡­ The ves are not people, and you are no hero!}


    Juno gently touched her forehead. The mark did not disappear, which means he was still alive. She pressed her ear to his warm chest and heard his unstable, weak heartbeat and hoarse, intermittent breathing. It¡¯s crazy¡­ Why didn¡¯t the sphere? However, he had surprised her before. Once he told her all about his regeneration.


    The question was what to do next?


    If her annoying master died, she would finally be free from the chains of very. She would take a deep breath and get back to her life, to fulfilling her dreams. Wasn¡¯t it something she had been dreaming of since she got the damn mark?


    On the other hand, if he survived, she would have a chance to get the legendary key cleaning, something that only goddess Danna can grant. Oh well, and this bastard, too, which was still hard to believe. If everything went ording to her original n, she would be a super genius in the near future. She would get rid of the mark and get her cruel revenge. The mighty wings of her growing talent would let rise incredibly high¡­ Elsa would finally turn into an obedient servant. Juno would be number one among all the Stones, to her grandfather¡¯s and mother¡¯s delight. It was breathtaking even to think of. She had to endure the monster beside her. Or maybe, she didn¡¯t?


    Juno took out the only pill she had. She had specifically asked the doctor for it in case she got a serious injury. She was turning it with her fingers, wondering if she should give it to the servant or not. The pill was not a simple one. It contained lots of healing powers. The servant would almost certainly recover with its help. He was unlikely to survive without it. Without medical care, Kyon was a hundred percent dead. Now his fate was in her hands.


    Juno took a deep breath, a cloud of vapor left her cold lips. The chill in the room bit into her and made her numb. She wanted to scurry to the warm bathroom and then to bed. She wanted to leave the jerk to die here¡­ He deserved the most brutal execution. Juno would happily strangle him right away but¡­ Key cleaning¡­ Super talent¡­ And¡­ He did save her¡­


    Thest thought was decisive in favor of his salvation. But Juno could not admit this to herself. Instead, she thought: {I am not going to spend my life with impure channels. I want to rise high above everyone else!}


    Juno decidedly put the pill in his mouth.


    She shivered once again and decided to go back to get warm clothes and some water, but she realized that her servant would definitely freeze to death while she was going all the way to her room and back.


    Reluctantly, Juno took off her jacket and covered Kyon with it. Then she took the shlight and hurried outside.


    When Juno came downstairs, she was dumbfounded. There was no azure light¡­ There was no way out, either¡­ As if it had never been there.


    ?No¡­ It cannot be¡­ Where is it?? ¨C Juno touched the wall in the ce where the exit should be, she pushed it but to no avail.


    Juno shone the shlight on the wall in an attempt to find a lever or at least something useful. There was nothing.


    ?No! Noo-oo-o!? ¨C She drummed her fists on the wall in a fit of despair. It urred to her that it was all because of her greed. The trap got activated, and the servant was dying. She was to me. But she did not want to admit it.


    Juno took out the sound transmitter, her hands trembling. Then she remembered that the cage of orders forbade her to use the device. For a moment, she regretted giving the master her pill. But she knew that even if he died, no one would open the door for her.


    {Am I am destined to perish here because of my greed.} ¨C She concluded helplessly. Then a silly, probably even naive in this situation thought shed across her mind like a ray of hope. If the servant could get inside, he would find the way outside! He was herst hope.

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    Kyon had an indescribable experience as if he had returned from the other world. Thanks to life-saving Synergy, he slowly regained consciousness. It didn¡¯t feel good, worse than a hangover. Kyon¡¯s vision was slightly blurred. He seemed to be rocking back and forth like a boat on the waves.


    Kyon opened his eyes and turned his head aside. Juno was trembling in the cold. She hid her small tender hands under his jacket and hugged him from behind. She buried her head in his armpit, the warmest ce, their legs intertwined.


    Juno was clinging to him like a cute little kitten, trying to get the vital body heat. So sweet¡­ His restored heart started beating faster. His hand involuntarily stroked her soft hair.


    Synergy helped his body quickly convert fat into heat. Even being naked at -20?C (-4?F), he wouldn¡¯t freeze until he turned into an emaciated corpse.


    Kyon finally came to his senses and took his first full breath. Synergy informed him that he had recovered sufficiently in thest 16 hours. His torn heart had healed, the tissues of his chest and arms had partially regenerated. Synergy also reported on a powerful source with healing properties that had entered his body through the oral cavity. The restoration would have been dyed for three days without it.


    {Juno had given me a restorative pill, hadn¡¯t she? Why didn¡¯t she just leave?} ¨C These questions demanded an immediate answer.


    ?Why did you stay, my apprentice?? ¨C Kyon whispered into Juno¡¯s ear.


    Juno looked at him, startled. Her lips were white as if she were an ice princess, her eyshes quivered.


    ?O-o-o-pen the door¡­? ¨C She mumbled, barely audible.


    ?Is the door locked?!? ¨C Kyon immediately got out of her grip and went downstairs.


    It was true, the exit was locked. {Damn it! Did she activate the trap?! Or did the door close by itself?!} ¨C Kyon thought anxiously.


    He returned upstairs, took off his pants and sweatshirt and put them on freezing Juno. He could not believe that the tired girl had enough willpower to stay awake for 16 hours. If she had fallen asleep, she would have frozen to death. The poor thing tried to keep warm by his side, in the hope that he woulde around¡­ She had a strong faith and spirit, indeed.


    Kyon suppressed his admiration and went downstairs to study the wall. There were no clues or forms.


    He put his hand to a certain ce and tried to infuse it with pure energy, but the passage wouldn¡¯t open. {Damn! Pure energy can¡¯t prate these walls!}


    He brainstormed a new idea.


    Kyon returned upstairs and whispered Juno in the ear:


    ?Juno, tell me the frequency of Anna¡¯s transmitter. Can you hear me? Juno, don¡¯t sleep!? ¨C His heart skipped a beat. Juno opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t make a sound as if she was at death¡¯s door. Kyon took out his sound transmitter and dialed the frequency he knew, that is, Marina¡¯s.


    ?Shit¡­? ¨C The sound transmitter did not work.


    Kyon took another one from Juno¡¯s ring, but it didn¡¯t work, either. He knew that the sound transmitter couldmunicate through hard objects, and no dungeon walls were a barrier for that. It all came down to the ancient barrier that worked as a trap. Was he destined to perish in the cursed tomb?!


    The questionable prospects made him moan. Kyon looked at Juno. Her breathing was shallow, her body still shivering. {Fuck¡­}


    Kyon sat Juno on hisp, reached under her clothes and hugged her trembling slender body, trying to give her more heat.


    ?Don¡¯t touch me¡­?


    ?This is not the time for being proud.? ¨C Kyon pressed closer. The vital question didn¡¯t leave his mind. {How to get out of the indestructible castle?}


    He thought of looking for a secret button or a slit through which he could send the spatial attribute outside.


    He warmed Juno in his embrace for another ten minutes and went in search of secret switches and ways to get out of the tomb.


    After an hour of unsessful searches, he was about to give up in despair. He had literally touched each centimeter of the room. There was not a single clue, nothing.


    {I can¡¯t die here like this!} ¨C Kyon came up to the coffin and began to study the nephrites. None of them were of any use. There were tons of valuable information but not a single useful thing. There were no more traps, either. However, it didn¡¯t give him much hope.


    Kyon was furious. He sat Juno on hisp again, hugged her in the boobs area, buried his nose in the back of her head and thought hard. Well, it was very rxing¡­ Or rather, distracting.


    ?I told you not to touch me, jerk¡­? ¨C Juno said in a weak but outraged voice.


    Kyon lowered his hands a little. ?It seems there¡¯s no way to get out. At least you won¡¯t freeze to death.?


    Juno tried to turn around, tickling his nose with her silky hair.


    After a short pause, Kyon felt her chest move. He could hear her sob pitifully.


    ?I don¡¯t want¡­ To die¡­ Please get me out of here.?


    Her pleasant voice made his heart beat faster. Was it a pity? To her?


    ?Juno¡­ Your tears are exactly what we don¡¯t need right now. I order you not to cry.?


    ?Let me freeze alone. I don¡¯t want to die in your disgusting arms¡­? ¨C Without turning around, Juno whispered in a contemptuous tone, still whimpering.


    ?I don¡¯t care about your wishes, apprentice.?


    In all the confusion, Kyon did not notice that Juno was talking to him with no respect. But he didn¡¯t mind at the moment. All his thoughts were about getting out.


    ?Damned master. Heaven punished you for your sins. Unfortunately, I happened to be around you, and now we are destined to die in the dark. Let go of me¡­ Save my dignity at least before death¡­ Please! You¡¯re not hopeless. Grant myst request¡­?


    Kyon felt an urge to hurt the little devil, but suddenly it dawned on him. {The curse of heaven!}


    The idea seemed insane, and it was even crazier to count on a sessful oue. He was going to master the basic grade of the remaining elements, and the lightning from heaven would reach the castle with its destructive power and set them free.


    It¡¯s utter madness to use the curse of heaven this way. They were going to lose their hearing from the impact of the crash or get buried under the rubble if not smashed to bits. Synergy was screaming to him. But if the solid castle survived, the barrier that surrounded it would be destroyed. In this case,munication channels would open for them. Maybe even the door would open. He didn¡¯t want to get his hopes up, but there was nothing else left.


    {Even if the chances are one in a million, I have to try!} ¨C decided Kyon. He raised Juno in his arms, went downstairs and sat in the center of the trigram.


    He briefly calcted the power progression and concluded that the energy of lightning, created by his mastering the remaining five elements wouldn¡¯t be enough to get through half a kilometer ofnd. The castle was so strong that even Jurich couldn¡¯t leave a scratch on it.


    A solution to the problem suddenly shed across his mind. He had to master all the five elements at once so that their power focused in one massive jolt. He had no choice. Even slim chances to get out of there would be most wee.


    Kyon directed Synergy into five clusters of neural connections to master the air, the earth, the water, the heat, and the cold¡­


    A heavenly genius, the master of five elements sounds pretentious. What should they call the master of all the nine elements then?


    Some people say the more elements you master, the more luck you steal from heaven. The speed of the development bes faster, the future gets prosperous, and the number of trials grows.


    Heavenly geniuses are the gods¡¯ favorites. Then who was he? A god himself or what?


    Heaven struck him with lightning when he mastered the second element. It means his fate was unenviable. He was scum, destined to work on a farm and shovel the cowshit. However, the new owner of his body didn¡¯t intend to give up. His imperial ambitions made him eager to rebel against heaven and write his own great story.


    ¡­


    A handsome blond guy destroyed a block of stone that was flying at him with an elegant turn of his leg, intending to hit the enemy in the head at the same time.


    ?Wait! I give up, Yegorka! You have be too strong for me! I am sorry, I¡¯m no longer fit to be your sparring partner.? ¨C A middle-aged man with a mustache eximed with a fawning smile.


    Soaked in sweat and stained in the mud after the fight, the boy could not hold back his smug smile.


    ?Don¡¯t get discouraged, master. Your swamp technique was excellent. I almost lost in this battle. The main thing is never to give up. One day we will fight like equals, just as we did in the old days.?


    The master nearly choked on his resentment. A 14-year-old student had surpassed him in strength! What a shame¡­ Would he have to treat the boy like a respectful adult in a couple of months? However, he was happy to see the result of his hard work. The master had created a sparkling jewel out of a rough diamond. The boy should be taught to respect the elders, but the younger generation respected only strength. Ah, whatever happened to the virtues of the past when masters were revered and almost idolized?


    The man sighed. ?Hehe, yeah¡­ I¡¯m not going to stagnate. Otherwise, you can¡¯t call me your master.?


    ?You should try harder. Thanks for the sparring.? ¨C Yegorka gave his master a traditional bow.


    The master breathed a sigh of relief: the boy was not devoid of gratitude. ?Good luck, my young apprentice. From now on, I refuse the title of your master. If you want to find a teacher stronger than me, go and talk to the elder. You have a good reputation here¡­ I think it¡¯s time for me to retire. My back hurts, and the joints ache. Besides, my wife and I want to go abroad.? ¨C The master said patting, the boy on the shoulder.


    ?I was happy to be your student. Take care, stay well.? ¨C Yegorka bowed again and left the training ground with a frown on his face. {I used to respect and revere him, but now I find it difficult to take him seriously. I must be a high-flyer¡­ It¡¯s great that he refused to be my master. I need another teacher for the rapid development, someone worthy of my strength.}


    On the way home, Yegorka took out a pretty shiny box and gently stroked it. His eyes sparkled with adoration. {My precious¡­ I¡¯ll give you to Juno, and then she¡¯ll forgive me. I am sure all her thoughts will be devoted to me¡­} ¨C He could not hold back a silly smile.


    He was anxious to return home, take a shower and have dinner. After that, he was going to watch Juno¡¯s mansion for an hour or so. What if his little angel deigned to peek out¡­ Or the guards wouldn¡¯t drive him away.


    All of a sudden, the clear evening sky turned into thick imprable darkness. Everything happened so quickly that it looked like someone had turned off the sun. Yegorka couldn¡¯t feel a slight breeze¡­


    He looked around anxiously, took out a shlight and ran home. {What the hell¡­ Is it the end of the world?!}


    The atmosphere filled with powerful imperceptible pressure. The concentration of energy in the air increased to an incredible level. Yegorka he could hear a subtle hum of power everywhere. It was hard to breathe. Everyone in the estate felt an imminent danger, a terrible fear and a threat to life. Everything was too unnatural and abnormal¡­ It was the worst nightmaree true.


    Yegorka headed to thene¡¯s end that led up to his house, a magnificent mansion. There wasmotion all around. Terrified people were running home.


    Suddenly a dim purple light appeared and spread across the sky a secondter. Everything looked uncanny.


    {Is this the end ?!} ¨C This thought must have crossed everyone¡¯s mind


    The glow concentrated in one point in the ¡°backward explosion,¡± right above Yegorka¡¯s mansion. It was getting neither brighter nor hotter. Quite the opposite, it wasn¡¯t going to waste an ounce of energy.


    ?Am I going to die like this?! No, no, please! My life has just begun! Gods, please! I have so many ns! Heaven, have mercy on me¡­? ¨C The scared boy yelled in a trembling voice, falling to his knees. His eyes welled up with tears.


    The energy of the whole sky concentrated at one point. The air rippled. The buzz from somewhere above marked an impending catastrophe.


    Suddenly, it transformed into a bolt of lightning ten meters thick and struck the mansion.


    *B§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡NG*


    The building turned into dust. A powerful wind destroyed the nearby houses. The thundering roar created whirlwinds and spread across the estate and away for thousands of kilometers. It broke the windows. Half of the residents were scared to death, Yegorka, in particr. The explosion had sent him into a flight.


    The thick clouds had lifted at once.


    Yegorka came to his senses after a while. He felt all floaty, his ears rang with the shock.


    The stupefied blond rose to his feet with difficulty. His heart sank. He couldn¡¯t believe it had really happened. He wandered to the mansion, or rather to the ruins.


    The strange, powerful lightning had ruthlessly destroyed his house as if it was heaven¡¯s will.


    Yegorka had given his father¡¯s house, resources, and everything he had valuable to get the gift for Juno. And now hisst property, his father¡¯s gift, was evaporated by heaven¡¯s will. He had only his life left, the mercy he¡¯d been praying for.


    Now the dirty, smelly, homeless, penniless, and as if it wasn¡¯t enough, almost driven to madness boy was looking at the boiling magma pond that was burning his face with unbearable pain.


    Yegorka fell to his knees and cried with his arms upraised:


    ?WHY?!? ¨C His hair, eyebrows, and eyshes burst into mes.

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    A vague female silhouette emerged from the darkness of the tomb. The beautiful stranger looked surprised. Her eyes were shining brighter than the stars. At the moment, they were fixed on the unconscious boy with the girl snuggling next to him.


    {He has found the heavenly pearl of light, hasn¡¯t he? It¡¯s surprising given the circumstances¡­ As a counterweight, he is destined to die here. Too bad. I was expecting more from him¡­} ¨C The goddess decided to keep her hands clean and take the priceless piece only after the boy¡¯s death.


    A few hours passed unnoticed.


    ~ sigh ~


    {He was worth my interest. A resourceful boy.}


    ¡­


    Kyon opened his eyes. He had just heard five familiar sounds in his head that marked his enlightenment. At once, a muffled rumble shook the entire tomb to the ground.


    The thunder stunned Kyon and Juno like a high-pitched hammer, the following quake threw them half a meter up.


    ?I AM ALIVE!? ¨C Kyon eximed joyfully. He couldn¡¯t believe his luck. He ran to the exit, carrying Juno on his shoulder, and pushed the stone wall to the side. It opened with a soft creak¡­ His guess was right. It was the barrier that had been keeping the entrance blocked.


    His soul rejoiced as he was leaving the unfortunate tomb. However, a strange gurgling sound and heat in his back made him turn around¡­ Kyon saw the castle wrapped with bright orange magma that wasing from somewhere above.


    {Holy shit!} ¨C Kyon was amazed at what he saw, but it was dangerous and pointless to stay there. He quickly ran up the spiral staircase.


    ?Where am I?..? ¨C Juno opened her eyes and asked in a weak voice. Her head was swimming. She couldn¡¯t see a thing.


    Kyon chuckled and carried trembling Juno in his arms, releasing the element of heat to warm her up.


    Juno took a deep breath. A wave of profound pleasure washed over her. She felt free and exhrated. Instinctively, she hugged Kyon. {How nice¡­ Did I die? I have found the desired peace¡­ I wish I had killed that freak. Too bad, I had to die under such circumstances, but¡­ It feels so good.}


    Kyon was out of breath when he climbed the spiral staircase and headed for the treasury.


    Juno opened her eyes and sniffed the air. She couldn¡¯t see anything, but she could smell the demon she hated with all her heart. The bastard was unceremoniously holding her in his arms as if she was his property!


    ?I am alive, aren¡¯t I? And so are you?! Let go of me!?


    ?You¡¯re a fool. It¡¯s dark in here. You¡¯ll get lost and die. I need you alive.?


    ?Let go of me right now!? ¨C Juno screamed. She was disgusted to be in his arms. It felt so sickening as if she was in the embrace of a poisonous snake.


    ?Shut up. I order you to remain silent until we get to the library. And stop kicking. That¡¯s better¡­ You annoy me less when you sleep.? ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t hold back his smile.


    He had taken a great risk, but he got out of the castle and mastered the remaining five elements. The heavenly geniuses would turn green with envy. He had achieved perfection! He was the master of nine elements! The world was his oyster now. He could be a sophisticated alchemist, or increase the quality of his energy, adding to the elements his knowledge from the previous world. Kyon thought he would cross this bridge when he came to it.


    When they were up in the secret library, Kyon put Juno on the ground and wiped the sweat from his wet forehead.


    Juno leaned against the bookcase. She was worn out. ?It¡¯s madness¡­ You have saved me! How did you do it?!? ¨C But then her charming smile turned sour. ¨C ?Why did it take you so long?! Was it your idea of giving me a hard time?! I thought I would freeze to death!?


    Kyon sighed tiredly and offered his hand for her to kiss.


    ?What is it? What do you want¡­?


    ?Show more respect to me, darling.?


    ?You¡­? ¨C Juno let out a bitter sigh. Her servant was the most insensitive and arrogant person in the world. His way of getting her gratitude was disgusting.


    Juno, the little angel, shut her eyes and tried to touch his outstretched hand with her lips, but the effort was too much for her strength. She almost copsed.


    ?Oops-a-daisy!? ¨C Kyon was just in time to catch her. He grinned and added. ¨C ?Ungrateful little snot¡­?


    ?I can handle this!? ¨C She scornfully pushed his hands away and leaned against the shelf. Juno was even more beautiful when she was angry¡­ Proud, arrogant little devil!


    ?Thank you for saving me, master. But I suffered because of you! You dragged me into that damn castle¡­ Moreover, it was me who helped you recover! Sneaky selfish parasite¡­ I wish I had never met you! Puh!?


    Her weak spit did not reach the target.


    Kyon did not want and could not be angry with the furious demon. Quite the opposite, her words and actions were nothing but an innocuous growl of a little fox cub. She looked cute and funny¡­


    ?Okay, listen to me carefully. I order you to have something to eat, get washed and go to bed. If your maids ask you anything, answer them that you were in the treasury studying the techniques. You got tired and fell asleep. When your grandfather calls, I order you to pretend you¡¯re sleepy and tell him that everything is in order. If he starts digging deeper, say that you are tired and sleepy, or try code 5. When you wake up,e straight to me. Your master hasn¡¯t had a foot massage from his ungrateful apprentice in a long time. That¡¯s all. Now get out of here¡­? ¨C Kyoncently finished his tirade.


    ?How dare you¡­?


    ?Please shut your mouth before I beat you up.? ¨C Kyon threatened kindly.


    Juno opened her mouth, outraged. She hated the arrogant servant with all her heart. He didn¡¯t even let her talk with her grandfather!


    The gloomy, cold tomb seemed to be thest thing she saw before her death. The heritage that the Stones had been trying to get for many centuries had fallen into the greedy bastard¡¯s hands!


    The only pleasant memory in Juno¡¯s mind was the sweet warmth she felt when she was at death¡¯s door. Every fiber of her being yearned for it. However, her craving disappeared the moment she woke up in the arms of the miserable scum¡­ Juno shivered.


    {Ugh! I hope the ungrateful servant will purify my keys or I will rip out his heart and make him gobble it up.}


    On the way to the training ground, Kyon saw a couple walking around, Flitz and Marina. The old man seemed to have abandoned all his duties and arrived to cheer up his beloved one. He looked like a gray-haired knight on a white horse!


    The servants told Kyon all about what had happened. From their frightened faces, he understood the lightning strike was an anomaly simr to the end of the world.


    The guards didn¡¯t attribute the strange phenomenon to the invasion due to its scale. That¡¯s why nobody expected the full mobilization of the Stones, or anything of the kind.


    The short absence of Juno (since the lightning strike) and failures in her formation had really hit the maids¡¯ nerve. But now that the youngdy was safe and sound, they had nothing to worry about. The worried patriarch might visit the estate soon¡­ Anyway, Kyon would find out the necessary information from Juno and get prepared in advance.


    The servants brought dinner to his room. When his stomach was full of yummy food, Kyon went to the training ground to do some experiments.


    A smile lit up his face. Despite the curse from heaven, he managed to master all of the nine elements! It felt so good to achieve perfection in this regard¡­ He had risked it all and won.


    Kyon decided to leave the recipes from the ancient heritage to ater time. It was time to find out what he could do with the nine elements. He was also eager to know what had happened to his element of light. The nephrite trap had ruined the key, after all.


    Kyon thought that the attribute of light would never work. The books told him, a destroyed key could never be restored. It would be a tremendous blow if he lost the whole element and the chance to mix it with darkness and create the attribute of space.


    Contrary to his expectations, a light fog formed on his hand. It had changed its glow and density. The beautiful sparkling cloud emanated calmness and kindness.


    {Come on!} ¨C He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. The attribute was still there, but its nature seemed to have changedpletely.


    Kyon did several experiments and found out that the attribute had be more powerful and intense in an absolutely iprehensible way.


    {What¡¯s going on? It was a trap, wasn¡¯t it?!}


    Kyonbined the darkness and the light and created the attribute of space. When he united the elements, he saw the remnants of the light fog, which marked the superiority of light over darkness! Their energies were uneven. He needed to use more darkness to create spatial energy without excess.


    {That ravenous little ck ball¡­ It was also a part of the heritage! It made my attribute of light stronger! I have a new key of light!} ¨C A tidal wave of sudden awareness washed over him. He released Synergy into his soul through the key of light and noticed some differencespared with thest time. Now the walls sparkled with golden light as if the entire channel had upgraded its quality to a new level.


    During his short experiments, Kyon discovered to his delight that he had acquired an advanced grade of the element of light in addition to enhancing the attribute. Now he could use the attribute in even greater ways. His healing techniques had be way more powerful.


    Kyon calcted the gain he obtained with the attribute of the advanced grade. The key had amplified the attribute by exactly 50%!


    He had never heard of formations or objects that could amplify an attribute by 50%, and even more than that, that could raise its grade! The key he had found in the Stone heritage was the most valuable asset.


    It all seemed like a wonderful dream.


    Kyon did not know that the heavenly pearl of light had given him the same percentage of resistance to this attribute in addition to raising the grade of the element and increasing its power by 50%. It had also purified the key at 100%, something Kyon could not notice.


    The euphoria did not pass at once. Kyon slowly calmed down and admitted it was a great grace. The pearl would have killed anyone else. It was a dubious heritage, indeed. If he hadn¡¯t been well prepared, he would have inevitably died from a heart attack or a pain shock.


    Kyon began to analyze the wind element.


    This attribute allows manipting any gaseous substance ites in contact with: carbon dioxide, steam, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.


    Kyon also found out that he could concentrate the energy of the attribute in the most harmless gas, nitrogen. For example, in space, he would be able to create wind flows with his own energy of the element. s, he had failed to produce anything apart from nitrogen so far.


    Time hade for battle experiments.


    Kyon directed a gale of wind into the nearest dummy. He squinted and repeated this action, concentrating the flow into a subtle blow that sounded like a whip crack when it touched the dummy.


    Kyon grinned, readjusted the channel and tried again. Now, the subtle blow changed into a thin de of wind that flew into the dummy.


    *snap*


    When it hit the target, Kyon heard a quiet sound. A long thin scratch appeared on the dummy¡¯s head.


    A subtle air attack quickly loses power over a long distance, its total energy is insignificant. But in some cases, the damage can be great. For example, it is better to send a storm blow instead of a de to extinguish a flying fireball. It deflects the attack or throws it back to the enemy¡¯s face. Therefore, the wind bender has an advantage against the fire bender.


    {Juno once used the wind element to parry a blow¡­} ¨C With this thought in mind, Kyon provided Synergy direction for action. It had to create an imaginary enemy with the 10th level of the battle fist and the same speed of movement.


    After a five-minute battle with a shadow, Kyon nodded to himself. {Theoretically, I get an additional battle fist using the wind element to bnce my body. In fact, it does not exist! And yet, I can feel an increase in power¡­}


    The wind element pleasantly surprised Kyon. Of course, the ether is more effective, but the wind increases thebat potential. It allows to parry attacks and helps to fight more unpredictably and nimble.


    Kyon wanted to implement the principle of vacuum on his skin, but this idea failed. Most likely, his grade of the element wasn¡¯t developed enough. The vacuum could give him high resistance to the heat, sound, and harmful shockwaves.


    The next step was the water element.


    Kyon could control any liquid substance the water element had contact with.


    He found out that he could focus the energy of the attribute in the ordinary pure water. He didn¡¯t need a bucket of water with him tounch an attack. If he was in the desert, he could always quench his thirst. This water had one disadvantage, though. It was devoid of useful minerals.


    It was time for battle experiments.


    A stream, a subtle blow, and a de had about the same power as the wind element. He could deflect an attack, put up an excellent defense, and slightly change the bnce of his body, controlling the fluid inside himself.


    The two elementsbined gave him an additional advantage. He could quickly change the bnce of his body and unpredictably attack the enemy. They gave him another nonexistent battle fist.


    Kyon decided to implement the principle of a water whip that required the elements of pure energy and water.


    During the practice, he easily created a long water whip that did not lose its shape for up to three seconds. In other words, it could be used for a couple of strokes. After that, he would need a new one. It was fragile but could cause serious injury.


    Kyon infused electricity into the water whip and struck the unfortunate dummy. It struck him as strange that electricity passed through distilled water, but then Kyon remembered that it had the same oscition frequency as his soul, and everything fell into ce. Any energy from one source (soul) ispatible with its own kind.


    The ether had one weak point. It required contact with the enemy. The water element makes it easier. Therefore, the practitioners of both ether and water are powerful. The union of these elements creates a powerfulbination. For example, Flitz bends water. Pure energy, darkness, and light to boot make the old man a genius. He is a master of four elements.

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    Kyon went on to analyze the element of earth.


    The element of earth can manipte any solid materials, to a lesser extent, the malleable ones and to a greater extent, the hard ones.


    For example, it takes 33% of the earth, the air, and the water to manipte marshmallow effectively. Likewise, the efficiency is distributed in any substance that consists of different proportions of gas, water, and solid matter.


    The earth element is most effective in solids with a pronounced molecrttice. Kyon started to manipte his bones at once. It was an immediate sess.


    While he was fighting with a shadow, Kyon realized that he had added another battle fist to his inborn ten. Taking into ount the water and the wind elements, his skills were equal to 13bat fists. His movements had be so unpredictable, they could confuse any opponent. It was the quality of energy Kyon was eager to get. {Outstanding¡­}


    During the experiments, he found out that he could create and concentrate the element into solid minerals, or rather, a handful of earth.


    He scanned it with Synergy and saw no end of various solid chemical elements, including gold and tinum. However, but the more massive the element was, the moreplex structure it had, the less amount of it could be created.


    {Holy cow! I need to finish the books in the library! Is it possible to produce solid minerals out of nothing?! If some talented bender of the earth starts creating refined pieces of gold, the recovery of precious metals from mines will get absolutely useless!}


    Kyon concentrated a certain amount of pure energy and the element of earth in his hand and set the parameters for the outgoing energy. It transformed into a solid piece of granite with an irregr semicircr shape. It was integral, with no impurities.


    It takes an ordinary person a couple of months to learn the technique of creating granite. After that, they can create the whole cliffs, as many as they can.


    A crazy smile appeared on the creator¡¯s face.


    In his previous world, it took a huge amount of energy and ultra-high technology to create matter. But in this world, the creation required little mental or physical effort. Kyon could change the shape of the channel to set the parameters of the molecrttice of atoms for the ouing energy so that it could take a physical form and be a certain material, a solid element.


    The energy of the earth element can¡¯t choose what to create. It fills the giventtice like water fills the tank, and creates the item. If thettice is wrong (more precisely, if the element doesn¡¯t exist or is tooplicated for the practitioner) the result will be ordinary earth, sand, or dust.


    It¡¯s difficult to be a bender of earth. They need to study the molecrttice to create solid matter. If they want to create granite, they need to know its molecrttice thoroughly. Only then can they create and use it for their purposes.


    Chemistry, as a science, does not exist in this world. When they create solid matter, they use inherited knowledge attained through practice. If someone ¡°identally¡± recreates the molecrttice of a diamond, they will be considered a rare talent and epted in any family right away. There¡¯s a belief that gifted (lucky) people are chosen by heaven to grant the world the technique of creating precious stones.


    For example, the dwarves own the secret knowledge of creating some metals. As a result, the short people don¡¯t have to buy or produce them. Thanks to this (one of many) feature, the dwarves had achieved authority and greatness among people.


    Top jewelers ofrge guilds own the necessary technology and can create precious stones of the highest standard out of the earth element.


    However, no one has ever seeded in mastering the art of creating gold, tinum, or diamond¡­


    Kyon wouldugh if he read about it. His great knowledge was enough to bring any earthbender to their knees¡­ Each of them would beg him to pass on his wisdom in the nephrite so that they could master the valuable skills.


    With his knowledge of all avable chemical elements and their properties, Kyon could create anything (solid). He knew at once what substance he was dealing with. Synergy obligingly helped him with the analysis.


    Kyon managed to create some rare rocks, precious crystals, and metals on the first try. Even the most talented person would take years of practice before they learned how to create them.


    All of his creations fell from his hands to the ground like from the cornucopia. For Kyon, it was putting theory to practice and a fun game, but for the rest, every element he created was a new technique that should be examined closely.


    Kyon hadn¡¯t discovered all the nuances so far. He frowned when he faced a number of creation restrictions. First, he couldn¡¯t create toxic, alkaline, or chemically active matter. Second, he failed to make anything difficult, like the carbon structure of diamonds or precious stones, and those he could create were of low strength and cheap. He could not create many crystals, rocks, and the middle and higher mass elements, either. At present, he could make only simple elements and substances of low mass.


    Kyon decided that hecked the necessary grade of the element. {What can the practitioners with the highest (3) grade of the earth element do then? Can they create a bar of tinum just so? Wow¡­ I want to create refined gems!} ¨C His eyes sparkled with indomitable enthusiasm. Kyon lived to y the game of life.


    Time inexorably moved forward.


    Kyon found out he could control andpress the rocks with the earth element. He could also bend and break metal. All he needed was to infuse the solid matter with his energy of the earth element.


    The earth element has littlebat potential. In fact, it¡¯s a long and costly process to create stones from energy. Any earth attacks are fairly predictable and it takes time to prepare them. It¡¯s easy to dodge from a flying boulder or direct it in another direction. Especially if your development is superior to the enemy. However, Kyon¡¯s high self-esteem would never let him fight with peers, it was too low for him.


    He could use the earth element to create sharp weapons, throwing knives and hail of stones. The rain of fireballs would be more effective, though. The element had great protective potential, though. When Kyon achieved the superior grade he would be able to makeplex and durable rocks and even carbon skin.


    With the help of the earth element, he could build a stone wall, cover his skin with hard rock, create a strong shield¡­ After he had created a variety of things, Kyon managed to make something unique and extra strong, adamantium.


    This rock has outstanding properties: high impact resistance, strength, density and heat resistance, as well as a rtively low mass. Consequently, its creation requires only little energy.


    Adamantium is a super-strong stone with a glossy greenish tint.


    For the sake of the experiment, Kyon threw a weighty stone and immediately teleported it back. Everything happened in a split second. He was testing the effectiveness of the protection against sudden attacks.


    The stone changed its direction and flew back.


    Kyon put out his hand for protection. A thinyer of adamantium had grown on its surface.


    *bam*


    The stone ricocheted from his wrist and flew away. There was no visible damage on the smooth green surface of the ¡°armor.¡±


    A happy smile lit up Kyon¡¯s face. The rock, invented by scientists, had proved its worth. From now on, he was going to use the earth element for protection, creating adamantium. Besides, he would use the elements of wind, water, and earth to bnce his body during the battle, which was equivalent to adding three battle fists to his movements. Also, the young talent hoped to use water + ether against his enemies to create a powerful discharge.


    When hepleted the energy recovery cycle, Kyon experienced yet again something indescribable: he¡¯d moved to the fifth stage of the base phase. The feeling of soul and body development intoxicated and excited his mind. Everyone in this world was obsessed with development for a reason. Anyone who was your equal not long ago may be lower in strength and status at any time. The difference in one stage could turn the bnce of power.


    He created adamantium when he was in the 5th stage. With the help of Synergy, he found out that the stone had be stronger, which surprised him a lot. The matter in this world turned out to have an energyponent that determined its strength. When Kyon increased his stage of development, the matter he created became stronger. At some point, his adamantium would surely exceed the Stone sword in strength, it would also surpass the best weapons of the dwarves and not only that. It all came down to his development.


    Kyon decided to put theory to practice. He created two small sharp sticks from a different substance. One of them was of medium strength granite, the other was of high strength quartz. He infused the granite stick with pure energy and struck it against the quartz stick. The result was perplexing: the granite stick with pure energy inside could not cut through the quartz. Kyon had expected a different result. Pure energy was to take the blow and help granite cut the quartz.


    The results of the experiment proved that infusing pure energy into the weapon doesn¡¯t make it stronger. However, the attack significantly gains in power, it gets heavier by a hundred or two kilos.


    Kyon knew that pure energy works one-sidedly. For example, at the sh with Juno¡¯s fists, it dampened her strength while the surplus of pure energy harmed her. But in the case of the sticks, one of them cut the other before pure energy took effect.


    About an hour of experimentster, Kyon learned some new information.


    It turned out that pure energy was good for body protection. Kyon could survive the attack of an equal opponent: a fist blow, heat, cold, electricity, a blunt trauma, a prating trauma to a lesser extent. However, under certain conditions, pure energy couldn¡¯t take effect when two solid objects came in contact with each other.


    The condition is as follows: if the difference in the quality of the weapon is high enough, the sharper weapon will cut the less sharp before pure energy takes effect. However, if the weapons are approximately equal in quality and the attacks are crossed¡­ Kyon had to be ready for the full impact of the difference in forces. In the best-case scenario, he would drop the weapon. In the worst case, he would get a dislocated shoulder or even a shattered bone.


    {So, it is advantageous to have high-quality, sharp weapons against strong opponents¡­} ¨C It was rather annoying that his pure energy was just the same as that of the practitioner who was only five stages above him. It means that someone only a phase higher could make mincemeat of him with a single blow. Or if the sh of weapons didn¡¯t chop up one of them, he was in for the impact of the blow.


    Kyon wondered how he could raise the quality of his weapons.


    He infused a sharp granite stick with the attribute of light and hit the durable quartz stick one more time. To his delight, less durable granite cut through the quartz. As expected, the attribute of light made the matter much stronger, therefore, more efficient. There it was the first essencialbat aspect of the attribute of light.

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    The first gentle rays of morning sun touched Kyon¡¯s face.


    He was eager to test the element of fire. He waved his hand and directed a rtively slow fiery arc towards the dummy. Crimson mes swallowed the training doll and soon went out.


    Kyon made a sudden lunge, sending a stream of fire. A mighty column burst from his hand of the same power and speed.


    The characteristics of the fire element can be adjusted the moment it leaves the key. The mass, the speed, the power, the range, the shape, the focus can be changed. It¡¯s like you are given a certain number of points that can be distributed into the necessary parameters. Unfortunately, any element weakens significantly with each passing step. That¡¯s why closebat is usually the preferred option. Long-range weapons could be infused with the element, but it would influence their effect and direction.


    The worst part was the me speed, it was extremely low. Any fool could dodge or run away.


    Kyon grunted thoughtfully. He added the wind to the element of heat and runched the blow. This time, the speed of the arc and stream of me was five times higher!


    The element of wind can eliminate the main drawback of the fire element, its speed. The faster the stream / arc reaches the target, the less energy it wastes.


    This powerfulbination is often called the inferno element.


    He decided to try again, this time with water vapor. The result was a little different, but still, it had a terrifying effect.


    Kyon came to a conclusion: the element of the windbined perfectly with the heat. It added speed and mass. He could learn powerful and fast techniques this way. Besides, it made it more difficult to dodge / defend from them.


    Time was flying by.


    Kyon recalled his idea of ??making a sma fire. He tried tobine ether and fire inside the electromaic shell but¡­ It kept crashing because of his insufficient grade of ether.


    Kyon proceeded to thest element of cold.


    An arc of a frosty azure substance appeared from his hand. It froze everything on its way. The tiny ice crystals formed in the air. It turned the grass into ice and covered the dummy with frost. Its speed was simr to that of the me. It was slow.


    Kyonbined the water and the cold elements, and waved his hand. Arge stream of frosty ice hit the dummy like a hailstorm. It was of greater danger and speed (albeit inferior to the wind element).


    {As was to be expected!}


    The benders who canbine the cold and the water elements are especially powerful. They can create sharp icicles, icy disks, ice fog, and freezing rain. If they add the wind element, thebination is deadly! A quick and dangerous frozen mist can turn anyone into a numb corpse in an instant.


    Next, Kyon created water vapor and infused it with the element of cold. With the help of wind, he sent all that frosty hell at the unfortunate training doll. A powerful imprable blizzard enveloped the whole dummy. The concentration of cold was so strong and fast that it froze at once, cracked in half and fell apart. And small wonder. The wind speeds up the stream, hence the more powerful effect.


    The water, the cold, and the wind benders are much stronger than those who have only mastered the water and the cold elements. It¡¯s hard to imagine ordinary people fight against such demons.


    {Note to self¡­}


    The element of ice (water and cold) hasbat and defensive potential. You can set traps, fend off the attack, and much more. This element maye handy in some situations. Actually, it¡¯s possible to create ice without the element of water, but the effect is hundreds of times worse.


    To sum it up, heat is the energy that warms up any matter ites in contact with. The temperature gets higher with the concentration of the fire element. Heat and cold are opposite to each other. These elements arepletely ipatible. Besides, they have a significant drawback, which is their speed. The element of wind can change the situation, though. The water element can be a nice addition, too.


    Kyon heard a soft creak of the gate.


    He had emerged from the state of triumphant pride to see two 15-year-olds entering the training ground.


    There was an air of indifference about Makar, dressed in his best clothes. His long ck hair neatly framed his face. Sicily, his prettypanion, looked stuck-up and arrogant. She was wearing a short skirt and skin-tight blouse. The elegance of the couple indicated their high position among the Stones.


    They explored the training ground, spotted Kyon and walked in his direction.


    ?Hmm¡­ Look at this self-confident boy. He is too well-dressed and too well-mannered for a ve, brother. Are you sure he is the guy?? ¨C The girl whispered with a half-smile.


    Instead of answering, the long-haired boy took out his sound transmitter and called Yegorka to clear things up. They would face a certain death if they made a mistake and killed an honorable gentleman instead of a miserable ve¡­


    Sicily could feel with her soul the level of development of the possible target. She burst outughing when there was no curiosity or interest left.


    ?Your name and rank, junior.? ¨C Sicily said with icy disdain.


    Kyon smelled the rat. He took out his sound transmitter and ordered Juno to follow code 4. The point of the order was to grant her decent freedom to protect him.


    Now he had to figure out who those mysterious young people were and what they wanted from him. He needed to y for time as long as he could.


    Sicily snorted angrily at the sight of the sound transmitter. ?How dare you to ignore my question, junior. I am older than you. Haven¡¯t they taught you any manners?!?


    The couple was approaching closer and closer.


    All of a sudden, Kyon smiled graciously and spread his arms as if saying he had nothing to hide. ?My apologies,dy and gentleman. My name is Arthur. I am of the second rank. How shall I address you??


    Fear reced the arrogant expression on Sicily¡¯s face. The young man sounded very convincing. She needed to apologize quickly¡­ ?Sir¡­?


    Meanwhile, Makar was listening carefully to Yegorka describing the appearance of their target in the sound transmitter. ?I see. Yes¡­ I got it, Yegorka. All right.?


    He ended the conversation. ?Either my friend wants me dead or the bastard is our guy. Let¡¯s finish him off and leave, sister.?


    Sicily raised his eyebrows in surprise. ?Deceived by a miserable ve!? What a shame¡­? ¨C With thest sentence, she rushed forward like a shadow, raising her hand to deliver a deathblow.


    Her brother did the same.


    Kyon knew what was going on as soon as he heard the name Yegorka. {Damn it!}


    He took the nephrites containing the attacking formations out of the ring and infused them with pure energy. s, he had used up all the defensive formations.


    *whoosh*


    A stream of me shot out of the formation, turned into a fiery wolf and rushed forward.


    The stunned girl opened her eyes when her fist collided with the fiery wolf. She did not expect any resistance. Her defensive item worked on time and saved her from further damage. Only, her hand couldn¡¯t be saved.


    ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C Sicily screamed in hellish pain and grasped her hand, charred ck.


    ?SISTER!? ¨C Makar roared in horror. ¨C ?You dared to use an attacking formation against my sister?!? ¨C He fiercely looked at Kyon and pulled out a patterned silver crossbow with a barrel.


    Kyon silently activated two more formations. In response to the crossbow, he began creating adamantium on his wrist.


    A three-meter wave of hot water and a bolt of sting lightning emerged from Kyon¡¯s formations. They formed a single powerful wave of sparkling purple. Kyon resolutely directed it at his enemies¡­


    ?DIE NOW!? ¨C Makar shouted in a frantic rage. He fired a shot. An arrow sped up and twisted with the element of wind. It was impossible to dodge the strike.


    Kyon focused and stuck out his wrist coated with adamantium at arge angle to the flying arrow.


    The green rock made a crunching sound and cracked from the impact. The arrow ricocheted far away. The force of the blow sent Kyon flying a couple of meters aside. He hurt his shoulder but regained the bnce at once and rushed to the exit.


    Meanwhile, the electric three-meter wave was approaching the siblings¡­


    Makar grabbed his sister, who was still screaming in pain, and jumped aside, holding her hand. He dodged the lightning, but it hit Sicily.


    The invisible discharge shot straight through her body. The once lovely face shuddered in silent terror. Her hair shed with crimson mes, blood poured out of her eyes. The lifeless body that once belonged to the cute girl copsed on the floor, roasted from inside.


    ?NO! SISTER!? ¨C Makar shouted in terror when he saw the terrible death of his dear sister. His bloodthirsty eyes darted at the ve who was still alive. He took the crossbow once again. He must kill him whatever it takes. He must destroy him!


    The gates to the training ground flew open. Juno ran inside together with two guards. She waved her little white hand in the direction of Makar and said in a stern voice: ?Cut off his head. And protect my servant by all means!?


    Kyon was walking towards her.


    The first guard disappeared from the point he was just standing. With his bare hands, he fended off the arrows that were flying at the servant while the other guard caught up with the furious boy. They heard a blood-chilling scream. Makar was silent forever, his head rolled aside.


    ?Get rid of the bodies and any traces they left. I order you not to tell anyone what had happened. Bring their rings to my servant¡¯s room.? ¨C Junomanded in an icy voice.


    The guards bowed respectfully to thedy and went to carry out her orders.


    Kyon looked at Juno in surprise.


    Juno shed a nce at the servant, her green eyes dazzling like emeralds. She flipped her golden hair, turned around and went to the mansion.


    Kyon caught up with her. His emotions subsided as if nothing had happened. The unsessful killers were dead.


    ?You could havee faster. And why are being so cold??


    Juno replied without turning around:


    ?If I don¡¯t have your gratitude for today¡¯s events and the tomb, I¡¯ll kill you, master¡­?


    Kyon smiled. But then he remembered damned Yegorka. {Son of a bitch¡­ I wish I had killed you long ago!} ¨C with those thoughts, he took out the sound transmitter and asked Marina toe to the mansion. Since Yegorka was his enemy now, he had to get rid of him as quickly as could be.


    Meanwhile, Flitz was telling Marina another story while she was sitting nearby, listening attentively to him.


    When Marina got a call from Kyon, she took a leave to the bathroom with an apologetic smile, promising she would be back soon.


    ?Uh¡­ my little mouse is gone¡­? ¨C Flitz took out his pipe with a contented smile, coughed and had a smoke.


    At the entrance, Kyon grabbed Marina by her hand.


    ?Marina, there¡¯s something I need to ask you¡­?


    ?What can I do for you??


    ?Please, talk to Flitz. Tell him a curious incident has recently happened. Say, Yegorka invited you for a walk and confessed his love for you. Then he kissed you with no permission. Juno has forbidden him to enter the mansion since then. He is waiting for you outside and won¡¯t cool down.? ¨C He finished his tirade and looked expectantly at her.


    ?Do you want me to kill Yegorka with my own hands?! He¡¯s a decent boy! I won¡¯t do it! What¡¯s it all about??


    ?Marina¡­ Flitz won¡¯t kill him¡­?


    ?He will! He is the embodiment of jealousy! I won¡¯t do it.? ¨C Marina said stubbornly, turning away from him.


    Kyon took a deep breath. He had no wish to coax Marina into agreeing to help him, and there was no guarantee that she would do it. Kyon decided to take a different approach. He went straight to the park when Marina headed off to the bathroom.


    Flitz was sitting cross-legged, puffing on his pipe, waiting for the woman he loved toe back.


    When Kyon approached him, Flitz smiled and shook his hand tightly as if Kyon was an old acquaintance of his.


    ?I am very grateful to you, kid. You helped me find Marina, meet with her, make things right¡­ She couldn¡¯t look me in my eyes before, now I can admire her wonderful smile. It¡¯s all thanks to you. Thank you, son.? ¨C He expressed his sincere appreciation.


    Flitz¡¯s attitude greatly pleased Kyon. ?Oh, I¡¯m d everything has worked out for you two. You are a good couple. But I feel a pang of conscience. There¡¯s something I need to tell you¡­ Well¡­?


    Flitz frowned suspiciously. ?Tell me what you know. Does it have anything to do with Marina?!?


    There was a brief pause. Kyon cleared his throat and continued:


    ?It does¡­ In those days when you were looking for Marina, Yegorka frequently dropped by. One day I identallye across him walking with her in the park and¡­ Well¡­? ¨C There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.


    The tall formacist stood menacingly upright. He could tell by Kyon¡¯s reaction that he had something important to tell him. ?What did you see? Shoot!?


    Kyon achieved what he wanted with almost no effort. A little more doubt and uncertainty and Flitz would buy it for sure. The old man was extremely jealous. It was a sin not to take advantage of him.


    ?I saw him confess his love for Marina. Then he dared to kiss her against her will¡­?


    Flitz couldn¡¯t believe his ears. ?He did that¡­ To my baby¡­?


    Kyon continued confidently:


    ?He disgusts me too, Sir! Yegorka keeps sneaking near the mansion, watching her. Juno has forbidden him to enter the premises, but he won¡¯t give up. What can I say? He is young. Testosterone makes him reckless. His heart starts a galloping beat at the mere thought of Marina. Therefore, you should get even with him once and for all. Otherwise, he will get his way sooner orter. The girls like beautiful, impudent and persistent guys. I hate those bastards!? ¨C Kyon assured him.


    Flitz¡¯s soul was absorbed by the rage of jealousy, but he stayed calm.


    Heid his hand on Kyon¡¯s shoulder. ?I will keep my promise to fulfill one of your wishes. Leave the bastard to me, I will make him pay. He will never forget it.? ¨C He looked like thunder by the end of his sentence. Then he quickly left the mansion. If Yegorka was really lurking around the mansion, he wouldn¡¯t doubt Kyon¡¯s words. Flitz could as well repay his debt. It would be nice to kill two birds with one stone.


    Kyon was perplexed. {What does he mean he will never forget it? Is the old man going to leave him alive?}


    Kyon nned to get rid of his enemy with Flitz¡¯s help. All the problems that went with Yegorka¡¯s murder (who was the most promising Stone) would fall on the old man. Kyon didn¡¯t feel sorry for Flitz. He would get off the hook, anyway. If not, he would leave Marina alone. If Kyon had sent a guard after Yegorka, major problems could arise in his golden lodge of Juno¡¯s master.

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    Yegorka looked impatiently at the mansion, eager to see the little angel he adored. He redialed Makar, but there was still no answer¡­ {What takes you so long?! One blow and he is gone!}


    Yegorka was desperate for good news. His estate had turned into a pond of molten magma. His once beautiful face was ugly, at least before his hair grew back. He was left without money, morale, and ce to live. Yegorka had to stoop so low as to beg his former master shelter for the night¡­ The master couldn¡¯t recognize the bald, dirty, and charred at some ces boy as his ex-student.


    His friends arrived early in the morning, and he gave them an urgent task to kill the ve. A momentter, Elder Boe called him and said they needed to talk about the recent lightning. The elder added he¡¯d been receiving no end ofints. People med all the mess on Yegorka and demandedpensation for material and moral damage.


    The boy could onlyugh bitterly. He gave the elder the following answer:


    ?I am not going to pay for the pants they soiled in fear. I could as well be a god if I was behind the trick with the lightning, don¡¯t you think?? ¨C He had to apologize for his rudenesster, but he tried to exin it by a fit of temper.


    Yegorka sighed heavily, took out a shiny box and stroked it lovingly. The Soaring Angel pill inside the box gave him hope. If his idea worked, Juno would appreciate his efforts, and he would move in with her after the party.


    ?I will work out¡­ Everything must work out.? ¨C He kept whispering to himself, with his eyes closed.


    When he opened them, he saw the maliciously smiling old man and the hated ve next to him.


    ?Hello, handsome!?


    *bang*


    Everything went dark. Yegorka fainted.


    ¡­


    Kyon was surprised when he saw the browless Yegorka. Not so long ago, he scorched Kyon¡¯s face, but life was fair, after all. The favor had been returned. However, he had more important things to think about.


    Flitz ced the unconscious blond boy on his shoulder and headed in the direction only he knew.


    ?Mr. Flitz, when I offered you to get even with him, I meant to kill him. Where are you taking him? Do you want to bury him alive? Or maybe you are thinking of torturing him?? ¨C Kyon asked with hope in his voice.


    ?I don¡¯t usually find fault with words, but you said to get even ¡°once and for all.¡± You have to understand, kid, I have no right to kill him. Murdering family members is severely punished. Besides, we have witnesses.? ¨C Flitz nodded at the passers-by who were whispering suspiciously, pointing to them. ¨C ?Moreover, Yegorka is the most promising genius among the Stones. They will turn everything upside down, investigating his murder. The elders will either deprive me of all my property and the 2nd rank, or they will imprison me for life. And the cherry on the cake, Yegorka is the son of my former student who choked on a fucking bun.? ¨C Flitz finished with distaste.


    Kyon frowned. ?But he did kiss Marina! Are you going to forgive him so easily?!?


    ?Ha ha! Of course not! He will get a fair punishment for his daring move¡­?


    Kyon silently followed Flitz. A gleaming ring on Yegorka¡¯s finger caught his eye and quietly appropriated it. Robbing an enemy is sacred even if you have a whole treasury at your disposal. Too bad Flitz didn¡¯t want to kill the bastard¡­ He held on to his position in society too tight. It seemed Kyon would have to use the service of Juno¡¯s powerful guard.


    ¡­


    All of a sudden, Flitz burst into the medical office with Yegorka on his shoulder. He threw him on a chair and ordered in a rough voice:


    ?Bilya, give him a shot of evilball. Let¡¯s put aside our differences forter.?


    ?Uncle!? ¨C The woman gasped. ¨C ?You could have warned me! And how dare youe again¡­?


    ?Less talking!? ¨C Flitz snapped at her. ¨C ?Give him the shot or, I will tear this ce apart!?


    Bilya nearly jumped out of her skin. She nced at the cab, then at Yegorka, and then at Flitz again. ?You know, uncle¡­ A girl who wanted to remain anonymous has taken thest dose today.?


    Kyon got to Bilya¡¯s office just in time.


    ?Damn it! Alright then, cut his balls off! It would make no difference, anyway.?


    Kyon opened his eyes in surprise. Flitz was a hell of an avenger! Yegorka would suffer the rest of his life. He was sure to remember this punishment well.


    ?But he is¡­? ¨C Then the fat woman remembered that the boy had the high-ranking father no more. It calmed her down. ¨C ?Alright. But you are totally responsible for this!?


    Flitz grinned unkindly. ?I am. Anything to stop him molesting my baby. I will get an official reprimand and that¡¯s it. Let¡¯s calm the boy¡¯s hot temper a notch. You¡¯ll see, he¡¯ll focus on his training and get even stronger.?


    Bilya shuddered and squealed in a nasty voice:


    ?I didn¡¯t expect this of you, Uncle! Okay then¡­ Today I¡¯ll make an exception for you¡­? ¨C She was already anticipating the uing procedure.


    Leaning against the wall, Kyon watched the evil fat woman that was looking for a dull scalpel. {I would even feel pity for him if he wasn¡¯t my enemy. This woman is insane. In the future, I have to bury her alive. The world will be a better ce without her.}


    Flitz took out his pipe and lit it right in the office. The mere thought of some guy trying to kiss Marina infuriated him. What if she really liked brazen daredevils?


    Bilya¡¯s small eyes lit up with evil fire. She furiously pulled the straps tighter, took off Yegorka¡¯s pants and set to work.


    The sadist often castrated ves, but it was the first time she¡¯d dealt with someone like him. Bilya enjoyed the screaming and resistance during the procedure but, above all, she liked the moment afterwards¡­ This guy was unconscious. It only ruined the atmosphere. Although his high position changed everything¡­


    The maniac doctor professionally cut up the scrotum. With a deft movement, she made the testicles slip out and cut them off in the middle of the duct. The incision was so bad that blood squirted into her face.


    Yegorka¡¯s face did not move. He lost his chance to be a father and take precious sexual pleasures of life, and all because he dared to stand in Kyon¡¯s way.


    Bilya gripped the seminal ducts with hanging testicles between her fingers and moved them. ?You owe me, Flitz. Are you taking his testicles with you??


    ?Fry them and eat them up, good for nothing snake.? ¨C Flitz spat and left the hospital.


    Kyon shook his head and followed him. ?Mr. Flitz, what if this renowned genius surpasses you one day and takes his revenge??


    ?I¡¯ve seen a lot of them, buddy. Such people as Yegorka cannot get through the superior phase. I¡¯ll have died from old age or illness by the time he ever seeds. Khe-khe, or I¡¯ll have to leave for farawaynds, and he¡¯ll never find me. The world is too big. The only thing that matters to me is that no one bothers Marina, not even my former student¡¯s son.?


    Kyon coughed nervously. Not so long ago, he kissed Marina, and she didn¡¯t resist at all. Moreover, he nned to make her a child. But he already had some doubts about that¡­ He had to be more careful now. The jealous old man shouldn¡¯t suspect anything. The future was uncertain. Only time would tell.


    ¡­


    Yegorka woke up, drenched in cold sweat. He had had a nightmare where he screamed, darted all over the ce cursing while the dirty ve had been cutting off his penis until he seeded.


    Sharp pain in his groin forced him to look down. He wanted to touch his soft spot, but his hands were tied up with straps. His heart beat faster.


    ?What¡¯s happening?! Why does it hurt ?! Ahhh!?


    A chubby woman came up to him with an unpleasant smile. ?You¡¯re finally awake, dear! Evil uncle Flitz gave me the order to castrate you. I¡¯m sorry, but I could not argue with him. Cheer up, there¡¯s a whole childless life ahead of you! Now, do you want to take these as a keepsake?? ¨C She kindly held out a saucer with two bells.


    Yegorka turned pale when he gave a ssy stare at his testicles. He spat blood and cked out again.


    The sadistughed her ass off. The ves used to give a weaker response. She should do it again. As the saying goes, what¡¯s done is done.


    Five minutester, Yegorka saw the same saucer with¡­


    ?Chin up, honey. I don¡¯t know what you did to uncle Flitz, but what he did to you was cruel. I can give you a painkiller if you need some.?


    ?§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡H!? ¨C Yegorka screamed blue murder, trying to get out of the fixed position.


    Bilya got the fright of her life. ?Yegorka, please, do not get excited! Flitz is a demon incarnate!? ¨C When the straps snapped, the fat woman ran out of the office yelling. ?Guards! He¡¯s mentally ill and aggressive! Guards! Ahhhh? ¨C It was herst scream.


    Yegorka broke her neck in an affective state. He killed elder Boe¡¯s daughter. His appearance could scare anyone. The unfortunate guy checked his groin¡­ With trembling hands, he took his severed testicles. His eyes filled with despair: he had been neutered! His whole world was crumbling, and his groin was sore.


    At that very moment, the disfigured boy noticed the absence of the ring and all his belongings, including the expensive soaring angel pill. He had lost all hope. His body went limp. Yegorka fell on the cold floor and roared with rage and despair.


    Even heaven would take pity on him. Yegorka searched the entire office but found nothing. Exhausted, he fell to his knees and looked up, his eyes bloody red. ?Gods¡­ What did I do? WHY?!?


    In just one week, the life of the rich, talented boy, the elders¡¯ pet and the first choice for Juno¡¯s husband had plunged into the abyss of grief and despair. He had lost everything: his house, all his money, the ring with a valuable pill, even his own balls! Reality spelled a brutal end to all his aspirations and utterly ruined all his ns.

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    This time massage was better. Kyon sat back with a satisfied sign, feeling blissfully happy. He gave his apprentice a condescending smile. Juno¡¯s charming face turned red while her delicate fingers were ineptly trying to give pleasure to his feet. Fate favors him, after all¡­ Yegorka would sell his soul to be in his ce now.


    Juno tried to hold back her aversion massaging her ¡°master¡¯s¡± smelly feet. She would do anything to get the desired key cleaning. She was willing to massage the jerk¡¯s feet all day long.


    {Gods, how did I get here? Please, stop staring at me¡­}


    Kyon leaned back on the pillow, purring blissfully under his breath like a contented cat. The unfortunate killers had left him a small fortune in their rings: some money, a couple of pills with enzymes, and an emerald name token of the 3d rank. Kyon was going to use it at the party. However, it was too early to rejoice.


    The party where he was going to prove himself would take ce in two weeks, and he hadn¡¯te up with his own technique of movements yet! Besides, he had yet to master the advanced grade of all the elements and create a unique body that would meet all his high expectations.


    Kyon decided to work on the unique body first. He had to figure out which direction to move. It was time to analyze the information that he had found in the ancient heritage and stored in his mind.


    Synergy transformed this information into a mental image.


    Kyon had thirty-three nephrites, each containing facts about unique bodies.


    The foundation is the base for his future development. It was Kyon¡¯s chance to change his life for the better thanks to the ancient heritage. When the full realization hit him, Kyon thrilled to pieces.


    Thenguage had undergone some insignificant changes, but he could understand things at the intuitive level. The difference with the modern dialect was minimal. Ancient beings seemed to be humans.


    Each nephrite contained the following information: the name of the unique body; its properties and disadvantages; instation requirements; development requirements; ingredients to create the body; nuances, methods, and ways of creating the body; additional information on the key ingredients.


    The instruction manual to the unique body pill helps understand and interpret the data correctly. All the information wasplete and had aprehensive description.


    Kyon began to study each manual: ¡°The body of day and night,¡± ¡°The body of the sun messenger,¡± ¡°The body of the artist of the fate,¡± ¡°The body of the belligerent amazon,¡± ¡°The body of the whale god,¡± ¡°The body of thepleted mosaic,¡± ¡°The body of the wisdom extract,¡± and so on.


    Kyon carefully studied all the properties and ways of development as well as methods of creating the bodies.


    He frowned. {Are you kidding me? All these bodies are maximum of ¡°A¡± rank. They have good but weak features. It¡¯s near to impossible to suppress the enemy a stage above. What the hell?}


    Kyon went through all the information once again, visibly disappointed. He set aside the bodies that piqued his interest.


    The body of Archangel gives significant physical strength, improves the attribute of light, grants unique abilities that could be obtained in three ways: ascending to higher phases of development; increasing the level of the body; due to the talent and unique personal features.


    Unfortunately, he needed the attribute of light, a high level of purity of the key of light, the morality of light creatures as well as a kind and sensible soul. Otherwise, the body would reject its owner.


    The body of Archdevil grants significant physical enhancement, improves the attribute of darkness, and gifts unique features. Its main requirement is to be a corrupt person. Well, that¡¯s interesting¡­


    The Divine Flower of Development body increases the speed of soul development. It reveals the beauty of its owner like a blossoming bud of a delicate rose. Being a virgin is a sole requirement for its activation is to be a virgin with a 12-year-old soul. A girl with this body will be more beautiful. If she has any talent, she will also get unique features.


    Kyon was surprised to find out that the soul age decided anything. He was puzzled by the very fact of its existence.


    He read about the weak point of the body. If the owner loses her virginity, she will lose her cultivation and it will go to her sexual partner.


    These lines rolled like thunder through his mind. The Divine Flower of Development body seemed to have been specifically created to use Juno, the little devil in all senses of the term! Juno was a virgin after all. She owed him huge, and this body was ideal for his revenge! It was a gift from above! He would never miss this chance. Her strength and development were going to benefit him greatly. Cleaning her keys was no longer equal to tightening a loop around his own neck!


    Kyon made a decision to grow this body for Juno.


    Two more bodies attracted his attention.


    Titan body. The requirements were as follows: to be stocky, strong, courageous, sincere, ingenuous and simple-hearted. Among the properties were high resistance to the elements and incredible physical strength.


    And finally, Leviathan¡¯s body. It transforms the owner into a powerful creature and increases all the parameters by a high percentage. The only catch is the age requirement. The owner¡¯s soul must two hundred years old and above. Would anyone want to destroy their foundation at the age of 200 and begin developing a new body?


    Each of the five bodies Kyon had chosen wasn¡¯t good enough for him.


    {Hm¡­ What if I work on them. I can try and improve them, change something? They are at the beginning of ¡°A¡± rank, and it¡¯s not the highest one¡­ Why not delve into alchemy and find out what I capable of?}


    That¡¯s what the talented owner of all the nine elements decided to do right away.


    Kyon sat up. ?Not bad¡­ Your master is pleased with your massage. Congrattions, your skills are improving. You know, I feel tense when your pulse starts racing with pleasure. Are you getting a taste for it??


    ?No!? ¨C Juno eximed angrily. She took a wet towel and wiped her thin, delicate hands.


    ?Master¡­? ¨C Juno muttered between clenched teeth. ¨C ?Aren¡¯t you forgetting something??


    ?Right!? ¨C He snapped his fingers. ¨C ?After you leave my room, I order you to send a guard to kill Yegorka. And tell him to do everything quietly and keep mum, or he will not live long. I want to see the asshole¡¯s head in the nearest future. He might try and take revenge on me.?


    Kyon had no choice, he had to take this risk. The castrate must die. If Flitz didn¡¯t solve the situation, then the guard would do it.


    Juno rose to her full height. ?You can¡¯t kill him! He is my childhood friend! We¡¯ve gone through a lot together!? ¨C She eximed with a plea in her voice.


    ?I couldn¡¯t care less.? ¨C Kyon replied indifferently.


    Yegorka signed a death sentence the moment he sent the two losers for him.


    ?Master, please!? ¨C Juno looked at him intively. ¨C ?He¡¯s aplete fool, but¡­?


    ?He wanted to kill me! Use your head at least sometimes, dumbass! Why should I keep him alive??


    ?But¡­?


    ?Another ¡°but¡± and you will not get the cleaning for several months.?


    Juno pressed her little pink lips into a thin line and nodded obediently. ?I will do it, master.?


    They stared into each other¡¯s eyes for several seconds.


    Kyon sighed. ?Okay,e here.?


    Juno shed him a dazzling smile and sat down beside him, trembling. She¡¯d been waiting for this moment, and there it was atst!


    Kyon unceremoniously put his hand under her blouse, poked his finger into her plexus and smiled at her reaction. Juno cringed as if there was a slug on her skin.


    He decided to stop cleaning her key of pure energy because it was the most important key for any practitioner. He proceeded to the key of the wind element.


    When Kyon cleaned it by 10%, he remembered the unfortunate tomb where he would never have recovered so quickly without her help. He could have died of thirst. Gratitude made him clean another 10%. Besides, her recent order to the guards was quite impressive. She may ¡°blow¡± as much as she liked.


    After Kyon removed his hand, Juno thanked him enthusiastically:


    ?Thank you, master!!?


    The happy little demon peered into her formation to see if there was anyone behind the door and ran out of the room to test her newly gained wind power.


    Kyon shook his head. {I guess I chose the option of cleaning her keys instead of killing her for a reason. The little, albeit insidious devil gives quite a pleasant massage¡­ Her face burning with shame and my future revenge are worth it!}

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    Kyon went down to the library and took out the enemy trophy, Yegorka¡¯s ring. He found a shiny gift box with an aromatic pill inside. It piqued his interest¡­ The instructions read:


    {Soaring Angel. Increases the speed of development¡­}


    Kyon knew right away that something amazing had fallen into his hands. Yegorka must have spent a fortune to buy it. Development medicine wasn¡¯t cheap in this world. There was nothing of the kind in the Stones¡¯ treasury¡­


    Kyon resolutely swallowed the pill.


    A moderate heat ran through his body, concentrating around the keys. It prated the channels and went straight to the soul. Kyon closed his eyes in pleasure. It was like soaring in the sky. Rapid development could never hurt. He wished it wouldst forever.


    He would see the effect in the next three months. At the moment, Kyon had to study the section of alchemy. He needed to find the best way of creating his unique body andy his individual foundation.


    He had an aversion to the unique bodies from the Stone heritage and the same attitude to the ancient ones. Although all of them were incredibly valuable ¨C the whole families were destroyed for the sake of A-rank unique bodies ¨C none of them was fit for his purpose.


    None of the bodies he studied (an ¡°A¡± rank only) was perfect, which greatly depreciated their value in his eyes. Kyon was going to do everything himself, using them as a tryout for his future creations.


    He appreciated only the strange nephrite sphere he found in the tomb. It had strengthened his attribute of light by half and granted an additional grade.


    The morning was over before he knew it.


    Kyon finished studying all the books on alchemy in the library and gainedprehensive knowledge. All he needed was to confirm and hone it in practice.


    Taking advantage of Juno¡¯s ¡°connections,¡± Kyon took an alchemist¡¯s kit from the treasury and brought it to the library. It consisted of sks and tubes; filters and distition mechanisms; stove and elemental containers; containers for energy where money and keys should be ced.


    To create the pills, he had to understand alchemy, the elements, and instructions. The process also required talent, necessary ingredients, spheres, and keys. Thest two items get converted into vaporous energy, the mainponent of the pill creation. It¡¯s too expensive to create something. It takes resources that not everyone can afford. But it was none of Kyon¡¯s concern¡­ He had kindly borrowed the ingredients, money, and keys from the Stones¡¯ rich treasury. The day woulde when the theft was revealed. Then he would have to act ording to the circumstances. But now his main goal was to ensure his sessful future, and the Stones were an ideal springboard for it.


    ¡­


    The afternoon was over.


    Kyon had deeply immersed in theory and practice. Now he knew howplicated alchemy was, how demanding it was to the alchemists, to their skills and knowledge, to the ingredients and other parameters:


    1 ¨C Only one person can create each medicine. Otherwise, it will be ipatible due to the difference in the alchemist¡¯s energy frequency.


    2 ¨C The number of elements limits the alchemist¡¯s ability to create medicine. The alchemist can be an expert only on those types of medicine that are within the range of the elements they bend.


    3 ¨C Every ingredient has unique qualities that can significantly change depending on the way of extraction, storage conditions, production method, and age¡­ Age determines its saturation with purer energy, the power of its properties. A thousand-year-old herb will be hundreds of times more effective than freshly plucked.


    Every ingredient belongs to one or more than one element. For example, a flint petal has the essence of fire inside. It helps to create relevant medicine. If the alchemist doesn¡¯t bend the element of heat, there is no way they can create any medicine where this ingredient is involved. Eachponent interacts with different elements. It¡¯s important to consider when creating medicine. Also, the ingredients regrly conflict with each other. The skill ofbining ingredients is fundamental. You won¡¯t get anywhere without knowing the principles.


    The alchemist doesn¡¯t onlybine the series of ingredients in the correct way, they must change the internal energy memory.


    The unique body pill doesn¡¯t contain exceptionally valuable ingredients, such as a phoenix feather or a qilin horn. It does not even require an advanced grade of elements. All it takes is understanding alchemy as such.


    Instead of fuel for the stove, Kyon used the element of heat,pletely eliminating any inuracy. First of all, he decided to create a prettymon unique body.


    Kyon took the ground skin of the purple viper and put it into the container. He poured clean water over the powder and added the necessary ingredients: some hairs of the big-horned buffalo, and blue citrus juice mixed in a special way with the pure energy.


    Gradual heating changed the color of the mixture from gray to blue, then to green and purple atst. At the same time, Kyon added to the container 150 spheres of the basic grade and five keys of pure energy transformed into energy fog.


    At the crucial moment, Kyon released a stream of electricity that instantly amalgamated the energy and the brew into a bright purple ball.


    He had created a pill of Motley Purple Snake on his first try. Its purity was 55%. Not every alchemist can boast that their very first attempt was sessful, all the more at creating a unique body pill.


    The purity of unique body pills does not affect its properties. The degree of its assimtion depends on it, and that¡¯s where problems with growing the unique body usually arise. A lot of bodies have certain requirements for the alchemist, from talent to some character traits or physical parameters. The purity of the pill greatly increases the chances of sessful assimtion.


    There is a chance of an uncontrolled failure in the process of creating a pill. However, after Kyon¡¯s detailed analysis of the process, it was out of the question.


    Kyon decided to hone the ways of cleaning and integrating the ingredients. Otherwise, his potential would be greatly limited. Ideally, he needed to create his own method of cleaning and integration. He was a little annoyed by the fact that the ingredients with the nature of fire and cold, darkness and light were ipatible. Being the master of all the nine elements, he couldn¡¯t wait to create a unique body that contained all of them, but¡­ The fundamental principle of alchemy stated it was impossible, which was like a stake in the heart.


    Five days had passed. Marina visited him a couple of times, curious. She told him stories about Flitz and Juno, who had been unusually silent these days¡­


    While he was practicing, Kyon ascended to the sixth stage of the base phase. It would have taken him a week without Soaring Angel. However, he was so obsessed with the process that he didn¡¯t even rejoice at the boost in his development. His mind was absorbed in the process of inventing his own method of integration.


    Kyon found it extremely exciting to explore and develop such an exciting science as alchemy. He adored everythingplicated where he could challenge himself and make things happen. However, programming would always be his favorite hobby.


    The next five days presented some unexpected challenges. Kyon kept making mistakes during the experiments. He burned seven alchemical kits, threw away a huge amount of valuable pills and as if that weren¡¯t enough, he had used up too many spheres and keys. The patriarch was going to shed bitter tears when he found out about the loss.


    However, Kyon was sure that he would never make the same mistake twice. After he finished the first pill, the second was getting better and purer. Once he had done something right, it would always turn out right.


    He concluded that the ingredients were a whole universe that required a special approach. The finishing touch was a real art. He had to control all the separate processes to lead them to a sessful conclusion and unify them in the right way at the same time. It was essential to estimate the exact amount of the spheres and keys, as well as consider their nature. The elements had to be used with perfect uracy. Kyon managed the process inside each vial as if he was controlling the endless universe,bining and adjusting it to ever changing circumstances and requirements.


    No wonder alchemists were so valuable and always in demand. In alchemy, development never ended because there were almost no limits. However, the practice required significant resources, something that not everyone could afford.


    Kyon¡¯s hair was disheveled, his eyes turned red. But he continued to ¡°conjure¡± over the alchemical kit, making gestures with his hands, sending the energy of the elements.


    In the evening, nine containers were emitting a multi-colored radiance. Two thousand spheres and fifteen keys had been turned into an energy fog and ced in the appropriate container.


    Kyon seized the ideal moment when all the creating processes entered the active phase and activated pure energy. The liquid from the nine containers moved with lightning speed through the tubes into the central one. The energy of keys and money underwent a simr process.


    ~ sh ~


    A bright multi-colored rainbow lit up the library. A pill appeared in the container. Kyon named it ¡°Mom¡¯s pet.¡±


    The sessful finishing touch made sure that the shiny, fragrant ball, blue like a bolt of lightning, was going to work right. It was rather impractical, though, created for practice only.


    The point of this unique body was that the owner would die of pleasure after the first sex. An epic finale of no less epic body. The funny thing was¡­ No matter what, the owner would always be in a state of arousal and experience irresistible attraction to the opposite sex.


    ?I did it!? ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t hold back his delight. His method had worked. After numerous attempts, he had worked out the nuances of each attribute and found the way to create a chain that turned into a cycle. He called this method the Cycle of Creation. The name was fully justified.


    His method had five huge advantages over the rest.


    1. It was perfectly suitable for multitasking. The production process was simple and rtively safe, with minimal risk of being killed.


    2. Multi-element capability. He could use any feature of the unique body and connect it with anything else. There was no conflict, no restrictions.


    3. The Cycle of Creation is the environment that increases the ratio of the ingredients integration in ten times. It means that all the additional ingredients that serve as ¡°bridges¡± can be removed.


    4. Any property got enhanced about twice as much while the requirements dropped below. For example, the condition of the Divine Flower of Development, that he had found in the tomb, would expand to the 11-18 years range.


    5. It became possible tobine ipatible ingredients, something that was contrary to the fundamental principle of alchemy. For such manifestation of ignorance, the alchemists tend to beat their students on the head with arge stick, sometimes to death.


    Kyon had challenged the principles of alchemy and won. He proved to himself that nothing was impossible in this science. Any other methodprised a maximum four elements and was strictly limited. However, his approach could use all the nine elements at once. Moreover, he could adjust the structure of the pill at his will! It didn¡¯t only give him absolute power, with some effort, he could do what other alchemists could only dream of.


    The ingredients of light and darkness, cold and heat are considered ipatible and reject each other. However, if theponents of the remaining seven elements are arranged in a chain between them, the cycle closes, the opposite propertiesbine and multiply twice (as mentioned above), whereas the requirements reduce proportionately. That¡¯s how Kyon¡¯s Cycle of Creation worked, totally inconceivable for the rest.


    Any master of alchemy would kneel before such a dishonestly powerful method that no one else was ever destined to use.


    As for other skills¡­ Kyon was at a different, more effective level of alchemy. It took him only some basic knowledge, five-day practice, and nine the elements to get there.


    Anyplex concept is only a multiplier of lots of simple ones. Kyon had already honed them to perfection. With hisputing power, he could improvise and createplex concepts one after the other.


    Here¡¯s an analogy: he had mastered a course of basic mathematics and progressed to the next level. It was a matter of effort to get to the calculus from there.


    Kyon was convinced that he was ready to bring any unique body to a new level. In other words, he could aplish what others would never be able to do.


    However, it was too early to rank him as a master of alchemy. Kyon had studied in detail the section on creating unique bodies. Nevertheless, he stillcked knowledge about other medicine. It takes a lot of practice and tests to create something new, as well as resources and time. And source codes.


    Kyon hid the priceless and useless Mother¡¯s Pet pill in the ring. He would hardly ever use it, but he did not want to throw away his first sessful pill.


    It was about time to analyze the source code that he was going to improve.

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    A thorough review of the work made by the Stones and the ancient beings left Kyon disappointed. He got the impression that all their alchemists who had ever created something were hopeless.


    It goes without saying that basic concepts are essential in any area of science. Kyon noticed that the alchemists kept viting fundamental knowledge, conceptions, and rules. If they had reced a single ¡°instation¡± ingredient, it would have significantly improved the properties of the pill. But it required a solid understanding of basic principles and, as well as double-checking the procedure hundreds of times.


    Kyon discovered that alchemists repeatedly disregarded basic principles. The entire Stone heritage was imperfect. He had no doubt the creators-alchemists were talented, but they were far from ideal. They couldn¡¯t ¡°see¡± the medicine as if there was a thick veil before their eyes. They made too many mistakes¡­


    Was Kyon the only one to see everything through?


    The ancient heritage was also insufficient and full of ws. The creation of their unique bodies was based onplex alchemy concepts that required at least four elements. As a result, the bodies had impressive properties (A-rank). However, a single base change of the medicine could have a major effect on its characteristics and functions.


    Ancient alchemists were fixated on effective butplex theories and doctrines. As a result, they missing some important details.


    To get the idea of alchemy (as a branch of creating unique body pills), Kyon imagined a hundred empty slots. He could put a magic rune (an ingredient) in each of them.


    Some runes increased properties, others worked in pairs to add effects. Aplete set of runes created something special, unique. In other words, millions of ingredientbinations interacted with each other ording to specific rules.


    An average unique body in the Stone family had 50 slots of connecting ingredients and 45 slots of pseudo-useful ones that supposedly strengthened and supported the nucleus. Only five slots influenced each other and did something useful. It was the heart of the creation. This rotten, wed method was observed in almost all the unique bodies.


    There were a couple of exceptions where the nucleus contained 10-15 slots that increased its properties. The rest scum was there to ensure the 15 important slots interacted correctly with each other, i.e never copsed, got connected and provided a greater effect.


    {This low-quality construction is held together with spit and bubble gum. The creators are worthless! How dared they assign a B rank to this rotten body. It¡¯s a shame¡­ It¡¯s a C rank max!} ¨C With this attitude, Kyon went on examining the Stones¡¯ unique bodies.


    The ancient unique bodies had a more sophisticated nucleus. They contained up to 25 slots (of the most important stuff). The greater part of the other slots held all the creation together, enhanced the properties, and ensured conflict-free interaction. However, the ancient unique bodies weren¡¯t devoid of slots that only performed connecting functions.


    The ardent perfectionist by nature, Kyon saw thousands of ways to improve the creation. The properties of the body depended on the size of the nucleus. However, it was next to impossible to keep a big nucleus stable and develop a solid foundation at the same time. If the universal design had at least one wrong slot, the whole body was useless. This task was extremely difficult¡­ But not for Kyon.


    With a demonic smile, Kyon started to create the unique body for his beloved self.


    The Archangel body required the following elements: pure energy + wind + heat + light + ether.


    The Archdevil body required the following elements: pure energy + earth + water + cold + darkness.


    Only a heavenly genius could create these bodies, the master of five elements as a perfect match to the elements of the pill.


    Kyon had a look at the visual information in his mind on the ingredients and their descriptions. The Stone treasurycked a lot ofponents. There were names Kyon had never heard of. Fortunately, he knew their properties, so it was no trouble to find the analogs.


    The ingredients for the two bodies were opposite to each other like darkness and light. They seemed to bepletely ipatible. But it was no big deal for the principle ofbining the ipatible, i.e., for the Cycle of Creation.


    Kyon decided to merge these two bodies thatprised in total all the nine elements.


    24 hours passed.


    Kyon filled nine containers with substrates of different color and aggregation state and started working with them as if they were a single whole. Each of the boxesprised a universe that functioned ording to its ownws. Beside them, there was a container with energy that had a considerable amount of money and keys inside.


    Meanwhile, the process in all the containers was going to end at the same.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes shed dangerously. He released a spatial attribute into each container and teleported them to the central one.


    *boom*


    A ck and white sh lit up the entire library, destroyingpletely the alchemist kit.


    {Failure again?!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s face darkened. Did he miss anything? As ill luck would have it, he had run out of some rare ingredients. If he had failed this time, it would drag on for too long until he could make another attempt. He squinted and saw a dense little ball shrouded in haze. It was slightly glowing from the inside.


    Kyon picked it up, gasping. ?It worked!? ¨C His voice was full of joy and reverence. He was excited to see his brainchild, the crown of his creation!


    Kyon had managed to create a unique body pill thatbined two ipatible opposites. He named it Seraphim. Inside a translucent sphere, ck and white united in a fancy pattern. His excessive demands were satisfied atst. He was about to gain tremendous power! The nucleus consisted of one hundred slots (there couldn¡¯t possibly be any more). The pill was the heart of his creation! The secret of this alchemical miracle lies in the closed chain of the ingredients of each element united by the Cycle of Creation. The closed chain creates a kind of containment shell.


    Kyon inhaled the smell of his creation and felt goosebumps rising all over his body¡­ It was a thrilling exultant moment to realize that all the nine worlds were embedded inside him inplete harmony with each other.


    After a short reflection, Kyon decided to take the pillter. He was too tired. Besides, he nned to prepare three more unique body pills: one for Juno, and two more just for fun. What if they came in handy one day? There is no such thing as too much knowledge or experience, after all.


    Another 24 hours passed.


    Kyon was sweaty and exhausted. However, there were four unique body pills in his hands. They cost him dearly. In fact, he had depleted the most valuable stuff in the treasury. All the alchemic kits had been destroyed, most of the spheres and keys had been used up, the rare ingredients seemed to vanish into thin air.


    Seraphim¡¯s unique body should improve his physical characteristics and raise the quality of his elements (darkness, light, and space), as well as grant him some special abilities. Itbined the features of Archangel and Archdevil bodies. The body required positive and negative human qualities, which quite close to reality¡­ Kyon¡¯s key of light and darkness had to be of high purity. It should work.


    The Divine Flower of Development got a new name, ¡°The Divine Lotus of Development.¡± The sphere was wrapped in numerous colorful petals like a beautiful lotus. Its wonderful aroma was a bit simr to Juno¡¯s fragrance¡­ Kyon had involved all the nine elements when creating this pill. Its nucleusprised all the possible 100 slots. It was the heart of the creation. As a result, the owner of the body would develop faster and also acquire powerful, unique features. By the way, the girl would be so enchanting that everyone would fall at her feet. A charming wonder would appear in the world like a delicate flower from the beautiful bud. Given Juno¡¯s stunning looks, Kyon could hardly imagine how magnificent she would be. Too bad it would be only on the outside¡­


    Unique body requirements expectedly reduced. Its owner had to be a virgin of 11-13 years old.


    If Juno reached lord phase (5) and if she kept developing her unique body, the flower of innocence would open up. It could be plucked¡­ When Kyon took Juno¡¯s virginity, all her strength and abilities would go to him. That¡¯s how he nned to take revenge on the little devil. She totally deserved it.


    Kyon significantly improved Leviathan¡¯s unique body and renamed it Dragon God. It was hard to tell what kind of creature it would turn its owner but there most certainly will be scales, ws, and wings. He could always change the name, anyway.


    As Kyon expected, the age restrictions dropped from 200 to 100 years. He couldn¡¯t possibly miss this body. It was too interesting. Its features let his imagination run wild. Unfortunately, it was out of the question to develop it for himself.


    The pill itself was covered with ck scales and looked ancient.


    Titan, the fourth body, got a new name of Kronos. The future owner would acquire a phenomenal resistance to the elements and tremendous physical strength. The pill glowed red and looked like cooled magma, cracked all over. It emitted a tart, unpleasant smell. Kyon couldn¡¯t grow this body, either. The requirement to be a sane and simple-minded person wasn¡¯t about him.


    In the end, he had four precious unique body pills:


    Seraphim was a translucent sphere with a ck and white patterned entity inside.


    Divine Lotus of Development was beautifully wrapped in countless colorful petals.


    Dragon God was a little ball with ancient shiny glossy ck scales.


    And finally, there was Kronos, a cracked ball of magma.


    Kyon spent almost all the money and the keys from the treasury in a week. There were only 50.000 left. He stored the bnce in his ring. The Stone heritage had nothing left apart from some cheap herbs.


    Kyon left the library and took a long-awaited hot bath, then he got into bed andid his head on the soft pillow. His striving for perfection was at peace. Very soon, he would develop a magnificent body, something that didn¡¯t have equal in the whole world. Moreover, he was the master of all the elements with absolutely pure keys. Kyon still needed to work on the movement technique. Hecked the advanced (2) and the superior (3) grade of elements. He also had to develop some powerful military techniques. It bothered him a bit.


    The party took ce in a week, and Kyon knew very well how to spend all of his energy in the remaining time.

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    The obnoxious sound of the sound transmitter woke Kyon up.


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C He asked, rubbing his sleepy eyes.


    ?Grandfather called and asked about you¡­? ¨C Juno said, keeping her voice even.


    Kyon knew that he was in for major trouble if the patriarch had any suspicions. ording to the cage of orders, Juno had to tell her grandfather that she couldn¡¯t talk at the moment and that she would call him back. After that, she had to report Kyon on the call so that he could arrange their further conversation without negative consequences for himself.


    Kyon immediately got dressed and went upstairs, carefully avoiding the higher maids. It was already evening, and the servants had crowded at the exit, waiting for the security check.


    He found Juno in his room. She was visibly displeased.


    ?How dared you to forbid me to talk with my grandfather. You are not a master, you¡¯re a real tyrant!? ¨C Juno eximed angrily.


    ?What did he say?? ¨C Kyon asked, ignoring her indignant voice.


    ?He asked me who you are and howe that you are my servant.?


    Kyon grunted thoughtfully. One of the maids must have called the patriarch and told him the news about the mansion, or rather, about thedy of the mansion. Well, it was to be expected¡­ Sooner orter, this call should have happened. He faced a new challenge of how to justify himself to Bai. It wasplicated because Juno would sound insincere under his orders, and the old man was unlikely to know anything about Marina. Therefore, an excuse along the lines of ¡°he is my friend¡¯s friend, that¡¯s why I made him a servant¡± won¡¯t do. Should she refer to his good ve skills? It sounds absurd¡­ To the hell with skills¡­ He needed something much more effective, something that would hit the loving grandfather in a soft spot.


    The answer was obvious. All ingenious is simple. However, Kyon needed some information first:


    ?Does Bai know what you do to the ves?? ¨C Juno answered with a nod. It was disappointing and gave rise to hundreds of questions like ¡°Why in the hell wouldn¡¯t he punish her?!¡± or ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t he give her an instructive lecture which includes a hundred strokes on her ass?¡± or ¡°Does he also despise ves?! What a rotten little family¡­¡± and so on. But Kyon had no time to think about all that. Instead, he ordered the wretched girl to call her grandfather and repeat the words he would be whispering to her.


    ?Honey, tell me about that rootless boy hanging around you.?


    ?He is just a ve, grandpa. Flitz brought him a few weeks ago. I practiced moves with him that master Jean had taught me¡­?


    The patriarch knew pretty well what kind of practice his beloved granddaughter had with ves, but he never talked about it for a good reason.


    ?¡­One day I was walking through the park admiring the sunset when suddenly a wild swan popped out at me from the pond. I froze in fear, but then there he was. That boy¡­ He saved me! In return, I wanted to give him freedom, but he expressed a desire to stay¡­ I decided to make him my servant. He is strong enough. As a child, he used to train with a good master. His moves are rather skilled and I can learn something from him.? ¨C Juno said in a t, monotonous voice.


    ?What about¡­? ¨C The patriarch began with worry in his voice.


    Juno hastily added:


    ?They killed that nasty swan, and I¡¯m not afraid of the others. Don¡¯t worry, grandfather, everything is fine¡­ I don¡¯t consider them to be animals. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not afraid of them.?


    Bai was silent. Juno could hear his heavy breathing in the sound transmitter. Then he said in a calm, measured voice:


    ?You are very kind, my dear. You have a big sensitive heart. You feel gratitude to the boy for saving you. But you must understand he is not worthy of being near you. I will be pleased if you just give him freedom, okay??


    ?I am sorry, grandfather. I¡¯ve already made him my servant, and I am not going to change my mind. Everyone here knows he is my servant. Moreover, he does not look like amoner. He is unlikely to ruin my image.?


    ?But darling, I was told he has no manners¡­? ¨C said the grandfather in a caring voice.


    ?He is polite and respectful to me. Perhaps he didn¡¯t get along with my maid and she informed on him. It was Dinah, right??


    ?It was her¡­ Why are you talking like this? I mean¡­ Did anything happen?? ¨C Bai asked anxiously. Juno¡¯s voice had a new, hard edge. It made him worry.


    Juno sighed noisily.


    ?Everything¡¯s fine, really. It¡¯s just¡­? ¨C an insincere yawn ¨C ?¡­I am exhausted¡­ I practice every day. Then a teacheres and I do my homework¡­ I just need some rest. I¡¯m really fine.?


    ?Good night, love. Don¡¯t wear yourself out.? ¨C Bai affectionately said goodbye to Juno and finished the conversation.


    Kyon sighed, relieved. He couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen if those two met¡­ He could give Juno partial freedom for the time they talked and an order tomit suicide if the little devil intentionally raised the patriarch¡¯s suspicions. It was unlikely toe to this, though. He couldn¡¯t wait to gain enough energy to create wiretap formations.


    Hatred sparkled in Juno¡¯s eyes. She felt an invisible cor on her neck. The damned parasite had forbidden her to talk with her grandfather! She would never forgive him for that. It took her a lot of effort to restrain from a snide remark. It would only result in more ps, anyway. Juno swallowed her resentment and turned away so that Kyon wouldn¡¯t notice her emotions.


    ?Where is Yegorka¡¯s head?? ¨C Kyon asked her.


    ?I don¡¯t know¡­ Yegorka is not anywhere in the estate. He has left for Boston. When the guard found it out, he went after him to execute the order.?


    ?I see¡­ The task of eliminating the fair-haired monkey will drag on.? ¨C Kyon said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.


    Juno¡¯s beautiful emerald green eyes were driving him out of her chambers even if she said nothing.


    Kyon ignored her efforts, took out a round burgundy ball and ordered:


    ?Take it.?


    ?What¡¯s this?? ¨C Juno squinted in distrust.


    ?It¡¯s a poison that will kill you.? ¨C Kyon said with a sly smile.


    Juno assumed an air of a sad caged bird and swallowed the pill. It was obvious that he was lying. But even if it was true what choice did she have? None. It was sad.


    Juno¡¯s body started running a fever. She made certain assumptions and stared at the grinning boy like a poor little bunny at a wolf. ?It was-s-sn¡¯t¡­ an aphrodisiac, was it? Tell me!? ¨C Her thin voice broke.


    When she saw his wry grin, Juno was insane with terror. She rushed to the door with a squeal. ?Don¡¯t touch me! I willmit suicide if you do! Aaaaaah!? ¨C Her body was burning.


    With a swift jerk, Kyon grabbed Juno by the waist ¨C she was really hot ¨C and like an unwavering beast, he dragged her back to bed, ignoring her efforts to break free. Her reaction was so funny it turned him on.


    Juno screamed even louder, shuddered and went limp. She was unconscious when he locked her in his tender embrace, with no chance to resist.


    Kyon found great pleasure in pawing her a bit while he wasying her on the bed. He took her pulse. The unique body destruction pill did its job. Fortunately or unfortunately, only one body can be cultivated at a time. He had to destroy the previous one. Her reaction was good on the whole¡­ By the look of things, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to remove the rudiments of her unique body. Juno wouldn¡¯t lose a single stage of her development.


    Half an hourter, Juno opened her long eyshes. She crawled away from Kyon to the nearest wall, her eyes full of terror. His nimble hand¡­ It was so gross when it got under her skirt but it was over now. She could rx. There was no pain or itching.


    ?What did you give me?? ¨C Juno asked anxiously.


    ?I¡¯ve destroyed your unique body. And quite sessfully. Here, the new one. It is infinitely better than the one you had before. Take it.?


    ?Y-you¡­ you¡¯ve destroyed my future! Father created a unique body specially for me but you¡­ you¡¯ve just destroyed it¡­? ¨C Her big eyes sparkled with tears of despair.


    ?I told you that I made a new unique body for you that is infinitely better than your previous one. If I have to say it another time you can forget about key cleaning for three months.? ¨C Kyon said coldly.


    Juno gulped down her desperate sobs and looked at the beautiful ball wrapped in colorful petals. It smelled nicer than flowers and looked like out of this world.


    She gently picked it up, put it in her mouth and washed it down with the water she created. She lowered her eyes to the floor. Whatever the madman had given her, it would neverpare with her father¡¯s present¡­ Now her dream was even more impossible.


    Juno¡¯s quavering breath broke the silence.


    Suddenly she closed her eyes and straightened her back as if her soul fluttered up.


    ?What do you feel??


    For some time, Juno breathed deeply, enjoying the moment, then she opened her eyes and looked inquiringly at Kyon. ?Did you really give me a new unique body?? ¨C Without waiting for an answer, she continued ¨C ?Whatever it is, I feel¡­ like I was born again. I feel wings growing on my back. What is this wonderful pill?? ¨C Her recent despair has faded away, she felt exhrated.


    ?Remember it¡¯s called the Divine Lotus of Development.?


    ?I don¡¯t recall the Stones had this unique body pill. Where did you get it??


    ?I¡¯ve made it ording to the instructions I found in the tomb after I added some improvements.?


    ?Seriously? A body from the heritage? I do not believe you! Alchemists need months of practice to make at least the simplest unique body, and you say you¡¯ve made it yourself¡­ And even improved it. That¡¯s pure nonsense! Tell me the truth, please!? ¨C Juno demanded.


    ?Focus on your soul and say what your unique body desires??


    Juno snorted. ?Unique bodiesmunicate with their owners only when they are asleep or at the moment of raising the phase or during the meditation but never when they are awake. What is the point¡­? ¨C She frowned thoughtfully, listening to something. ¨C ?§°h! It cannot be!? ¨C She closed her eyes.


    Kyon stroked his chin. The unique bodies he created didn¡¯t stand close to other rubbish. Their contact with the owner was much closer than of any other body. They didn¡¯t need either sleep or moments of intimacy with the soul.


    ?I¡­ can feel it! I feel something!? ¨C Juno opened her beautiful eyes, framed by long eyshes. Devilish lights danced in her gaze. ¨C ?I need spheres! A lot of them!?


    Kyon raised his eyebrows in surprise as Juno held out her hand demandingly.


    ?Master, you took all my money¡­ Can you give it back? Please¡­? ¨C She asked with a plea in her voice.


    {Considering all the money from the treasury that I have wasted, there¡¯s only 50.000 left. That¡¯s not much.} ¨C Kyon could hear his miserly voice inside.


    He handed her a hundred of spheres.


    At the behest of her soul, Juno took the spheres in her tender hands and squeezed them. The energy turned into a gaseous state. She breathed in the white fog, her eyes closed in pleasure.


    A quiver passed over her face, she opened her eyes and gave Kyon an imploring look. ?Master, please give me everything! I¡­ no my soul wants more! I beg you¡­ Please!?


    Kyon had read a lot about the unique body requirements but could never expect such a strong effect. His improved recipe paid off: the unique body was significantly enhanced. That¡¯s why Juno could feel it so distinctly even a few minutes after the initiation. In the future, she could be an outstanding genius.


    Kyon greedily hid the precious bag away. ?Well¡­ I see you¡¯re doing well, the mansion isrge, you have lots of servants. I won¡¯t give any more money to such a bigdy. I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the training ground early in the morning.? ¨C He said and left her chambers.


    Juno wanted to shout mean things at him but then this insidious greedy bastard would never give her anything. And if he did give her something, it would be a p or two in her face.


    She thought for a while and went to the treasury. However¡­ There were no spheres, no keys! As for pills, only scum left!


    Filled with rage, Juno sat on her knees and angrily cried out to heaven:


    ?PARASITE! Damned thief! Damn it! I hate you!?


    She calmed down a bit and thought. ¨C {Why do I feel this close connection with something inside me? The divine lotus of development? He could not be an alchemist, it¡¯s impossible! However, that ball looked mesmerizing¡­ Is a delicate flower growing in my soul? Is my new unique body much better than the previous one? If I can feel it awake from the first moment of its existence, then it is! It cannot be, though!}


    Soon she could barely keep her eyes open¡­ Juno yawned when she reached her chambers and fell asleep at once. The little devil had a pleasant dream where she became a respected master of the nine elements and allnds. And Kyon the jerk was subjected to the most brutal torture¡­


    The sprouted lotus thrived in afortable environment. The beautiful girl¡¯s soul was like fertile ground for its cultivation. However, it needed energy for its development and with each new day, its requirements would only grow.

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100


    Kyon carefully went downstairs. He was heading for his room to have a bite in the middle of the night when he saw Anna, her eyes full of pity, reaching out to Dinah, who was leaving the mansion.


    ?Sister¡­?


    He waited a bit and came up to the maid.


    ?What¡¯s happened??


    Anna looked at the boy with sorrow in her beautiful eyes, silently shook her head and went to her room.


    Kyon got suspicious. Dealing with Dinah was thest thing he wanted to do now, at least until he gained enough strength, but Anna¡¯s reaction was too weird¡­ {Damn it, not the swans!}


    Near the pond, he could see Dinah¡¯s slender silhouette emerging from the night scenery. She was lit by the full moon, her delicate, elegant body was like a masterpiece of the divine sculptor. Her eyes were fixed on the sleeping birds. She held shurikens in her hands.


    Kyon shouted to her from afar, his face darkened at once:


    ?Wait! Dinah!?


    The maid swayed smoothly, turned around and gave him an icy look.


    Kyon quickly approached her.


    ?Dinah, don¡¯t kill them! It¡¯s my fault that Mr. Bai decided they should die¡­ I will find a new home for them, or rather, let¡¯s find their new owner. Nobody will know.? ¨C He saw that the girl was in no hurry to put the shurikens away and added. ¨C ?The poor little beasts have nothing to do with all this¡­ Leave them alone, please!?


    Dinah could not disobey the patriarch¡¯s order. She had already raised her thin snow-white hand for a swing when Kyon grabbed her wrist. To be more precise, she let him grab her. It¡¯s curious¡­ was he really concerned about some swans?


    Kyon¡¯s face hardened, his voice had a threatening edge:


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to touch them, or I won¡¯t be kind with you.?


    Dinah smiled contemptuously at him:


    ?Is that so? Are you threatening me??


    Kyon squeezed her cold hand tight. ?Don¡¯t kill them¡­?


    Before he had finished, Dinah pulled out her hand and gave a perfect deadly throw. The shurikens chopped the beautiful heads off their thin necks like a scythe on the grass. They slowly plunged into the water, the blood from their lifeless bodies painted the crystal clear pond.


    Kyon gasped in sorrow. {I hope they are in a better ce¡­}


    He was boiling with anger, partly towards himself. He owed his new life of Juno¡¯s master to the swan that was ruthlessly killed.


    ?Obeying orders doesn¡¯t absolve you of moral responsibility. You must be ready for harsh consequences!? ¨C In a rage, Kyon tried to hit Dinah in the face but she recoiled swiftly.


    ?I don¡¯t know where the weirdos like youe from, but the patriarch¡¯s word is aw for me.? ¨C She said in an even, t voice, her eyes piercing him like sharp swords.


    Kyon spat. ?You¡¯re a vile little bitch. In the future¡­ You will regret it.? ¨C He wanted to say more but bit his tongue. She¡¯d better think he was no threat to her.


    His emotional reaction surprised him. He didn¡¯t understand why he couldn¡¯t just ignore the fact that Dinah had murdered his dear little bird. His psychological barrier had always been unwavering, be it the simtion or reality. No man or woman could touch his soft spot, no matter how sophisticated their attempts were, what tricks they used, whatever weaknesses they were after. It was all for nothing but now¡­


    {Why?} ¨C He asked himself and came up with two theories. His soul or the new owner¡¯s body had a strong effect on his unconsciousness, that is, emotions. Or, more likely, because Dinah was too beautiful. She had everything to take advantage of his only weakness for ¡°everything beautiful¡± and easily get around his barrier.


    Kyon kept his masters¡¯ words in his mind: he needed to fix the breach and be an imprable machine that reacted coldly to everything, just like in the previous world. He should pierce the weak points of his opponents with a sharp sword. Why in the hell did he give in to emotions when he was around Dinah? He was sick of himself.


    ?What are you going to do with me in the future?? ¨C There was mockery and even some interest in Dinah¡¯s voice.


    Instead of answering, Kyon gave the brte the most bloodthirsty look he was capable of.


    Dinah flinched, goosebumps ran all over her body. Men used to fear to nce at her, and this one expressed a clear, unveiled desire to kill her. Kyon had released such a dense and prickly aura that even Dinah felt envy. The boy never ceased to surprise and impress her.


    Kyon turned around and went away from the mansion, out of harm¡¯s way.


    ?And that¡¯s all that it takes to avenge the dead birdie? Some feeble attempts to grab me and an empty threat, Mr. Windbag¡­? ¨C Dinah said defiantly.


    ?I¡¯m not a child to y cat and mouse with a foolish and arrogant baby-girl.? ¨C Kyon replied impassively, without turning around. Inside, he wanted to punch her so much. Once he warned her not to approach him and held up his end of the bargain. This time, she called him a windbag¡­ {Shut up. Just ignore this beautiful bitch.}


    ?I¡¯m not going to y tag with you, honey. If you want to do something to me, just give it a try. I promise I won¡¯t move.?


    Kyon turned around and met Dinah¡¯s eyes. She wouldn¡¯t let it go. Her arrogant face annoyed him more than ever. {Stupid bitch, she drives me up the wall¡­ Keep calm¡­ I will get my revenge in the future.} He headed for the mansion, his teeth clenched.


    Dinah snorted. ?I didn¡¯t say you can go.? With thest words, she appeared like a shadow next to Kyon and hit him in the stomach.


    Kyon flew into the pond, right to the corpses of the unjustly killed swans.


    {I see¡­ The talk with the patriarch had canceled the order not to harm me.}


    Dinah bent over the edge of the pond. ?Get out, you little snot. You are really going to get it for talking back to me, for daring me, for pawing me¡­ And for deceiving my sister and me. And for the fact of your miserable existence, too.?


    Kyon straightened up with difficulty. There wasn¡¯t a trace of fear or insecurity on his face. His fingers reached for the spatial ring. ?Do you want to kill me??


    Dinah was a little surprised that the boy was not afraid that she could easily take his life. He wasn¡¯t that simple, after all.


    ?I do!? ¨C Dinah admitted without thinking twice. ¨C ?But I¡¯d hate to disappointdy Juno. That¡¯s why I won¡¯t kill you. Instead, I¡¯ll make your life as miserable as that of an insect.?


    Kyon was about to take out the attacking nephrites when he realized that there was no threat to his life. He changed his mind. He seemed to be in for a good thrashing today.


    ?Aren¡¯t you going to apologize or beg me?? ¨C Dinah asked with a smile.


    ?Fuck you.? ¨C Kyon spat in the pond. ¨C ?If you are so eager to punish me, let¡¯s have a swim together!?


    ?You¡¯re so¡­ cheeky¡­? ¨C Dinah whispered almost reverently and jumped into the water. It would ruin her uniform, but it was nothingpared to the well-deserved punishment for a very naughty boy.


    All of a sudden, Kyon jumped out of the pond. Dinah was about to rush after him, but her feet froze to the bottom. {The cold element?!}


    Kyon ran to the mansion at full speed. He took out the sound transmitter to call Juno when suddenly he heard a scornfulugh from behind, about half a meter away from him, and right after that, he felt a sharp pain in his neck¡­ He rolled head over heels down the stone-paved path.


    Dinah pressed him in the pelvic area with her knee and squeezed her tenacious fingers with sharp nails on his neck. Hot blood dripped onto the floor.


    ?You have certain skills, but your pathetic attempts at resistance are useless against me. You¡¯re a failure.?


    Kyon grunted in response:


    ?Finish what you started. Your presence makes me sick.?


    Dinah viciously squeezed her fingers even tighter and heard an immediate groan of pain. Ah, it felt so nice to torture him! Then she delivered a couple of powerful blows to his sides. From all her heart. For all the good that he had done. Then she snickered haughtily:


    ?I thought you would give up and start weeping and begging me to stop but¡­ You are anything but simple. I¡¯ll dly crack this hard nut. I will make you remember today¡¯s lesson for the rest of your life.?


    Kyon felt a sharp needle prick his neck, the fluid he knew so well spread throughout his body. {Evilball!} ¨C He instantly blocked all the drug effects with Synergy.


    He heard quiet, insinuating, and unusually gentle Dinah¡¯s voice in his ear.


    ?It struck me as strange that Flitz did not have your balls cut off back then. I have to correct his mistake with this wonderful drug. Now and forever, you are impotent, boy! How is the feeling?? ¨C The ruthless maid asked viciously.


    Kyon thought it would be better to pretend he was crushed by grief, but he would never look in her eyes like a softie who had given up.


    ?Has the cat got your tongue? Alright, then. Let¡¯s continue our exciting game.? ¨C The happy girl whispered in his ear yfully and twisted his arm at once. Today she was going to take it out on him in full, torturing him the way her masters had taught her so well.


    Time dragged on like a snail crawling up the wall to the hundredth floor.


    Two hours long, Dinah inflicted unbearable, infernal pain on him while keeping him intact on the outside. She did a lot of painful grips, bringing them to the point where a slight movement of her finger could break the joint. She eagerly pierced his pressure points with her long sharp nails. She was happy to twist his limbs. His groans were pure music to her ears. She couldn¡¯t believe that torturing a boy could feel so nice.


    The mere sight of the happily smiling sadist made Kyon twitch. She held him so gently and hurt him so delicately that he trembled with disgust. It was like sex. The contact of two heated bodies, groans, emotional ups and downs¡­ Only, it was quite the opposite.


    He should have forgotten the damned swan. He shouldn¡¯t have worked off his anger on her. However, it would have changed nothing. She would havee to him for the ¡°reverse¡± sex anyway. The order had been cancelled, she would have never missed her chance for revenge.


    At least now, he had the right to forbid her to call anyone to cancel the order. Juno will do it for him without raising any suspicions. Now he waspletely safe. Dinah had had her revenge. She had no more motivation to harm him or try and cancel the order, etc. Now she was no threat to him. All he needed was to wait for the next chance when he would easily humiliate her.


    Dinah finally got off Kyon¡¯s leg, breathing in the fresh and clean night air. For the first time, she felt so rxed as if the best massage therapist had worked hard on her body. Her sensations reminded her of the sex scenes in romance novels, which was a little embarrassing.


    The only thing that made her sad and surprised her at the same time was the boy¡¯s reaction. It was far from what she had expected. Anyone else in his ce would squeal from fear and pain, begging her to stop, but this one¡­ He only groaned and did not say a word. He didn¡¯t even cry.


    ?If you dare to look into my eyes once again, or treat me with disrespect, or try to deceive my sister or me¡­ I will not leave you alone. You will pray for death. From now on, stay away fromdy Juno, my little girl, hee hee.? ¨C With a charming giggle, the maid-torturer walked away with spring in her step. Her long-umted stress had vanished without a trace.


    Kyon slowly staggered to his feet and stretched in pain. {You¡¯ll regret this, my little Dinah¡­ You¡¯ll regret it so much¡­ As for the murder, you will pay me separately for that. No one dares to hurt my dear creatures. No one!}

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    It waste at night. Kyon was sitting on a bench at the training area, turning the white-ck ball of Seraphim unique body in his hands. The pain of the recent tortures had subsided.


    He had finally made up his mind and threw the pill into his mouth. He swallowed it with difficulty.


    When the tasteless medicine got to his stomach, it turned into a ck and white fog that immediately rushed to the keys and entered them. Then it went through the channels into his soul where it condensed into a ck and white kernel. It all happened in an instant.


    All of a sudden, Kyon felt weird. The world kept changing brightness. It was getting too dark, then all of a sudden, it was like a bright sunny day. His emotional state also fluctuated.


    The kernel got fixed to the very core of his soul, where it stuck like glue. It looked nothing like the pill he had taken. Beautiful ck and white patterns that used to be intertwined now had split up in hatred. They separated into different poles, which made the kernel resemble a with daytime at one side and night time at the other. A moment passed¡­ The core began to spin, faster and faster with each second. The dark and the white tried to attack and absorb each other. Chaos reigned in Kyon¡¯s soul.


    He let out a long moan and pressed his eyes with his fists to stop the annoying hallucinations. He did not understand what was happening. It should not be. He wanted to destroy everybody and everything, get even with Juno, give her the order to finish off Dinah, turn over a new leaf, and at the same moment, he wanted to forgive each and every one, free Juno from the ve shackles, and apologize for his unforgivable actions. After that, he would thank Marina and Martha properly.


    He realized at once that his emotional state was being torn between the good and the evil, the light and the darkness, Archangel and Archdevil.


    {It¡¯s unthinkable¡­ I¡¯ve double checked everything a thousand times! The Cycle of Creation had to stabilize the body. Then why is it happening?!}


    Kyon was getting worse and worse. The mood swings washed over his mind like ebbs and flows. Sooner orter, one of them was going to win, and his personality would dissolve in the absolute evil or good, with no chance to get back to normal. Either of the two options didn¡¯t bode him well. The good side would set him up, turn him into a weak and feeble fool. Juno would dly enve him and take advantage of him for all her needs. She wouldn¡¯t forget to torture him properly for everything he had done. The evil side would ruin all his ns. He would lose the profit he was hoping to get from the Stones. They might even arrest him for his hasty revenge and execute him without trial.


    He knew one thing for sure¡­ He had to do something.


    Kyon picked up the Dragon God pill, but he knew better than take it. As soon as the energy of the pill got inside, he would be dead. He suddenly remembered the medicine that could destroy any unique body, but there was none of the kind in his ring. He had to go to the treasury. However, when he took the first step, it became clear he wouldn¡¯t make it too far. {Fuuuuuuck!}


    Kyon roared and infused his core with Synergy trying to stop its spinning. In response, all of his Synergy disappeared, but the spinning elerated a thousandfold. Neither side had won. Instead, it shed green. The glow was so powerful that it entered the channels and left his physical body.


    The space around Kyon warped.


    He copsed to his knees, his head touched the ground wearily. It seemed to have worked out after all. He didn¡¯t lose his personality, the core stopped spinning, both sides (the dark and the light) calmed down. Or rather¡­ Synergy worked as a negotiator, establishing a temporary truce between the two sides. They made up for a while and turned into a spatial attribute.


    {What?!} ¨C Kyon was surprised. As far as he knew, unique bodies with spatial properties were only rumors. There had been legends about them for thest thousand years.


    He called this body Seraphim because it symbolized the mighty angel who was close to god. He also remembered that Lucifer, the personification of evil, was once an angel, too. Now that there was a kind of connection between darkness and light, he had to rename the body into something associated with a spatial attribute.


    {The body of the void!} ¨C He found the name at once.


    Kyon was really d everything had worked out. Deep in his soul, there appeared a unique body with an unprecedented spatial attribute inside. He could only wonder what features it was going to give him. But it was too early to expect anything.


    The question arose: how to grow it?


    Kyon listened to his soul. He listened for a long time¡­ But he could hear nothing. Indeed, nothing but emptiness¡­ When Juno got her new body, she understood at once what it wanted, and he¡­


    {What is this? Some kind of fraud?}


    Kyon offered it pills, spheres. He sniffed different food, ran, jumped, used elements, Synergy, even smoked for some weird reason, but his body did not respond in any way.


    He calmed down, entered into a state of meditation, ¡°silenced his mind,¡± entered the deep phase of sleep to hear at least something, but everything was in vain¡­


    When Kyon woke up, he kicked the wall in a fit of rage.


    The promising and powerful unique body refused to speak with the owner. How would he know what it needed?! How should he develop it?!


    Kyon experienced a rare feeling of helplessness. At the moment of his despair, the gate to the training ground creaked. Juno, the False Angel, appeared before him in her attractive skin-tight training suit. A perfect timing, cutie¡­ It was high time to blow off some steam on her.


    Juno approached him cautiously and bowed slightly as a greeting. Her voice was full of sincere reverence, but it was evident that she was pretending:


    ?The apprentice wees her master!?


    First things first, Kyon ordered Juno to tell Dinah not to harm him, never ask anyone for permission to cancel any orders given to her, and to discipline her for viting thedy¡¯s previous instructions. Let the maid think that he had told on her. It would be even better that way. He wasn¡¯t looking forward to the day when he woke up with his throat cut, or rather, didn¡¯t wake up with his throat cut.


    When Juno came back with a frown on her face, Kyon flexed his neck with a crunch. The expression on his face did not bode Juno well.


    ?I order you to release all your elements for a battle with me. Attack!?


    The corners of Juno¡¯s lips rose in a smile. In her bewitching, emerald green eyes flickered a desire to fight, but she was in no hurry to start the battle.


    ?Can I count on the reward of spheres each time I hit you, Master?? ¨C Juno asked ingratiatingly.


    Kyon nodded. Juno could not hold back her joy, her pretty face was beaming with delight. The next moment, she attacked him without any dy. She was convinced she would defeat him and get a whole bunch of spheres this time. Her energy key had been pure enough to give her a significant advantage over the boy at the pathetic 4th stage.


    *bam*


    Their fists collided. Juno flew back half a meter, dumbfounded. Her fist was numb, just like the previous time. Nothing seemed to have changed since then, nothing at all!


    ?Why?! But WHY?? ¨C Juno shouted, holding back bitter tears. All week long, she had been training for hours every day. She couldn¡¯t get enough of her newfound strength. She thought she would defeat her master in a couple of blows, but ¡­ Nothing had changed! Her expectations were in tatters yet again!


    Kyon gloated. ?Was the apprentice hoping to surpass her powerful teacher??


    ?It¡¯s not an answer!? ¨C Juno red at him indignantly and gave a warning stamp of her foot.


    Kyon had set up the 4th stage in the bracelet of concealment. That¡¯s why Juno couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. During the battle, the fighters usually reveal their actual stage of development. Juno didn¡¯t realize he had concealed his. That¡¯s why she didn¡¯t feel the change in the power of her opponent and failed to react in time.


    ?My mediocre student, never forget that your master is always better than you in everything. Now try again.? ¨C He beckoned her towards him.


    Juno arched her thin eyebrows and frantically continued sparring, focusing on her defence, just like thest time.


    Just a couple of secondster, she eximed in shock:


    ?What?! Are you already in the sixth stage?!?


    It was a relief to know. Kyon¡¯s excellence humiliated her. He was two stages lower in development, after all. And still¡­ How could he possibly have developed two stages in a week!


    Kyon wanted to take advantage of her confusion, but she retreated. A variety of emotions shed across her beautiful face. Juno had to ept the harsh reality with a bitter smile when she admitted that his flow of energy was 900%. That¡¯s why he could develop so quickly.


    The battle began again.


    Juno tried to hit him with electricity, but for some reason, he was immune to her advanced grade of the element. She threw wind des at him but he managed to block them with the ether barrier. When did he master it?! Juno¡¯s advantage in speed used to help her avoid the direct sh with his fists. However, after his development had risen two stages, his speed elerated, and she no longer felt at ease.


    Juno really did not want to lose. She was so sure that she had be stronger than she used to be. And now the nasty, rude servant was going to beat her just like he didst time. She shuddered at the mere thought. Juno didn¡¯t know what to expect of him. The proud little weasel imed to be her master. Would he spare his own apprentice? Did he have any conscience at all?


    Kyon was in his element. He could defeat Juno at once. All he needed were the wind, the water, and the earth elements to raise his level of the battle fist to 13. Yet, he decided to wait until Juno finally gave up. He wanted to see her pretty face distorted with fear of being beaten and humiliated. And then he would bring all her fears to life. There was one catch, though. He could not create barriers of ether and istion at the same time, which means he couldn¡¯t block the attack of electricity and the wind des at the same time.


    Juno looked depressed. Her enemy could predict each of her movements. She felt like a rabbit driven into the trap. The electric shock and the wind des did not work at all. What could she possibly do without her speed advantage after all?!


    Meanwhile, Kyon giggled to some of his sadistic thoughts, mumbling under his breath something along the lines:


    ?The master isn¡¯t pleased with his mediocre student. The master will punish her with pain for her weakness¡­?


    With a grimace of disgust on her face, Juno pressed against the wall, when suddenly a dense stream of water shot out of her hand with a ssh.


    *bam*


    Hidden inside the jet, electricity discharge reached Kyon and found a loophole in his instion barrier. It struck him really bad. His whole body shook violently¡­ For a second, everything swam before his eyes. When he came to his senses, Juno kicked him in the guts with a battle cry.


    Kyon tucked in his legs in flight and quickly got to his feet. He stopped the approaching girl with a gesture.


    ?Stand still!?


    It was no order but a request, but Juno stopped nevertheless quite reluctantly. A triumphant smile lit up her desperate face. Her assumption that the servant¡¯s protection against electricity was only partial had been confirmed.


    ?Well, well¡­ Who¡¯s mediocre here?! While you were wasting time and resources in the treasuryst week, I had mastered the element of water! Only a genius can bend four elements! Ha-ha-ha! Master, you should see your face! Aren¡¯t you ashamed of your ipetence? Your student bends four elements, and you only two! Ha-ha-ha!? ¨C The stream of her angry words seemed never to run out. The dripping contempt in her little voice was unmistakable¡­ She spoke with an air of superiority, her lips curved into a scornful smile¡­


    Kyon wanted to beat her even more. Juno was talented, there was no doubt about that. The water and the ether elements are a powerfulbination. His basic grade of the ether couldn¡¯t create a barrier all over his body, which made him extremely vulnerable against water attacks of the insolent mean girl.


    Junoughed mockingly at him, holding her stomach:


    ?Well, master¡­? ¨C She emphasized thest word with obvious disdain. ¨C ?Are you going to continue the battle? Or will you humbly acknowledge your ipetence and give up??


    The youngdy was 100% sure of her victory. Moreover, she was no longer afraid of the boy.


    ?I¡¯ve punished you for your insolence more than once, but you have learned nothing.? ¨C Kyon said irritably, making a tsking sound.


    Juno¡¯s smile disappeared at once.


    ?You can order me not to move and beat me here and now. But don¡¯t you dare call yourself my master after that. You will earn nothing but my eternal contempt!?


    ?Come on¡­ Let¡¯s do it fair just like before.? ¨C Kyon answered with a malicious grin. Juno had an unpleasant feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. She made half a step back and said uncertainly:


    ?You are cunning! You have no chance, but you act as if you were winning an unconditional victory!? ¨C A bright thought shed across her mind. ¨C ?Master, you already owe me spheres for the blow that you¡¯ve missed. But let¡¯s make another deal. You clear my key when you lose, and I won¡¯t despise you. Even more so, I¡¯ll give you a foot massage!?


    Kyon burst outughing at such impudence. ?Why not??

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


    Juno smiled insidiously. {What a fool! Heaven must have sent him to me to clean my keys and turn him into my toy for eternal tortures! It was so easy to twist him around my little finger!} ¨C She thrust her hand and released three water balls at high speed. Each of them sparkled with electricity.


    However, Kyon just waved his hand, and a gentle gust of wind fended off the attack. Not a single drop had reached him.


    ?The¡­ the element of the wind?!? ¨C Juno¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    Kyonunched a decisive attack with green adamantium that had grown on his hand. He gave Juno a heavy blow in the gut.


    Juno retreated reflexively, moaning in disbelief:


    ?The¡­ the element of the earth?!?


    Kyon released a stream of steam enveloping the space between them, but Juno defended herself with wind flows without hesitation, dispelling the steam curtain.


    ?The water and the heat?!? ¨C Juno could not believe her eyes.


    ?Stop wetting your panties, girl. Your master has been bending the nine elements for a long time.? ¨C Kyon said impassively and waved his hands. A hail of dark icicles flew at Juno, ck smoke oozing all over them.


    Astonished and astounded, Juno tried to dodge, but one of them broke her ether barrier and began to destroy it like a hungry caterpir eagerly eating leaves. The next icicle pierced her shoulder.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh!? ¨C Juno screamed suddenly, clutching her hand at the injured ce as if she was bitten by a poisonous spider.


    Kyon remembered the bug turn into a jelly-like mass from a droplet of the darkness attribute. Juno must be suffering from unbearable pain. He never minded beating and humiliating her, but now was not the time. He had just learned that darkness was effective against the ether barrier and that it inflicted excruciating pain when getting into the blood.


    Kyon quickly approached Juno.


    ?Take off your hand. Now!?


    Juno immediately obeyed, still screaming in pain. An inch wide wound from the icicle gaped on her shoulder. The skin around it was turning into disgusting yellowish-red jelly mass under the impact of darkness. It looked like pus, increasing in size with each passing second. Apparently, some of the dark energy hadn¡¯t disappeared yet.


    Kyon licked his finger and touched the injured ce. He poured Synergy as well as the element of light that looked like fog sparkling with gold. They would heal the wound soon. The remnants of darkness would dispel, the decay would stop spreading.


    Juno trembled as she watched the master with awe. He was the master of the light element! The hellish pain had instantly disappeared. She felt a cold soothing effect like that of the healing ointment. By the way, right at that moment, the servant took the tube of it out of his spatial ring.


    Kyon squeezed some of the ointment into the wound, applied a band-aid on top of it and said in a harsh voice:


    ?You will get better soon. I¡¯ll have to punish you another time. Now go to your chambers and have some rest.?


    Suddenly, Juno nervously grabbed his sleeve.


    ?Master¡­ Who are you??


    ?Alpha and Omega, your dream and nightmare. Go to your room at once or I will create a new icicle and stick it up your ass.? ¨C Kyon sent Juno away in a rude voice, throwing off her hand.


    ?Master¡­?


    ?I order you to have a rest for a couple of hours in your room.?


    Juno slightly moved her lips, unable to take her eyes away from the mysterious ck-haired boy. Meanwhile, Juno¡¯s body rose against her will, and she headed for her chambers.


    When Juno entered her room and fell on the soft bed, she whispered in a trembling, almost crying voice:


    ?How can he possibly bend all the nine elements? It¡¯s impossible¡­?


    It defied any logical exnation. Her servant had used all the elements before her eyes, starting with pure energy and ending with the light and the darkness. People who could bend more than five elements didn¡¯t exist, and even if they did, they were called heavenly geniuses. But he could bend all the nine¡­ What should he be called? A god¡¯s envoy?


    In the morning, she thought she would beat him in a couple of seconds because her key of pure energy was clean enough. ordingly, her blows were going to be stronger and her movements faster. But she was in for a bitter disappointment. His development had already increased two stages¡­


    For the sake of victory, she had revealed her new talent, the water element. She was so eager to rub his nose in the dirt, proving who of them was talent and who was mediocrity. How naive she was¡­ He showed her who and what she was. He crushed her as she was a child. Who was shepared to the master of all the elements with perfectly pure keys and a legendary level of the battle fist? She was nothing but mediocrity, not worth the slightest mention. She was dust under his feet. Juno wallowed in self-pity that was followed by intolerable envy burning her inside.


    She used to take him for a ve whom she wouldn¡¯t give a second nce. Then she changed her opinion of him. He became a useful but still insignificant servant. Now her attitude towards her ¡°master¡± hadpletely changed. Juno still hated him, but she no longer dared to underestimate him. She had to admit that she was less talented than he, but still, her position in society was higher. Juno involuntarily recalled the days when her sister had not escaped yet. Day after day, she had simr feelings, watching Elsa get stronger andgging behind her. Juno was perfectly aware of her helplessness and mediocrity¡­ It was unbearable.


    {And yet, he is nothing but my servant!} ¨C She convinced herselfpletely and irrevocably. Kyon could be a thousand times more talented, but he was a low-life scum. He would never be a true noble master. His status would always be lower than hers. It was rather reassuring. The immense jealousy enveloping her mind was subsiding bit by bit. Her anxious, still confused soul was gradually calming down.


    She remembered the warmth she yearned wrap herself in when their adventure in the tomb wasing to an end. It turned out to be the element of heat. Juno felt chilly all over. Shepletely surrendered to the pleasant feeling back then, and it was nothing but the work of this hated parasite. How disgusting¡­


    Soon, herposure and sanity returned to her. She was willing to do anything to get the key cleaning, and when she became the master of all the elements, she would get freed from her shackles, surpass her servant in development and crush him with her power just to prove to herself that she was better than him. Everything would return to square one because she was a nobledy of the powerful family, and he was nothing but a miserablemoner and a ve.


    Kyon had been practicing the advanced grade of elements for three hours when he heard the creak of the gate he knew so well.


    Juno looked at Kyon with meek eyes. There was no trace of arrogance or contempt in them.


    ?Master, tell me, please¡­?


    ?I won¡¯t tell you a-ny-thing.? ¨C Kyon interrupted her.


    Juno pursed her lips in frustration.


    ?Then¡­ May I practice with you, master??


    ?You may, but I will severely punish you each time you show weakness.?


    Juno nodded uncertainly.


    ?It¡¯s totally worth it if I learn to fight against masters of many elements, and also raise the level of my battle fist.?


    Kyon was quite satisfied with her surprisingly logical answer. However, beating her up seemed to lose its appeal. One good thing about joint training was that the speed of development could increase significantly. Besides, he had to master the advanced grade of the elements (in addition to the light) ande up with a technique of movements, which he nned to do the next week.


    They began sparring.


    The wind, the water, and the earth elements allowed Kyon to maneuver during the battle so unpredictably as if he had nonexistent 13 battle fists. At the tenth second of the fight, he knocked Juno down before she even pulled back.


    She quickly tumbled to the side and tried to get up, but Kyon roughly pressed her with his foot, knocking out a painful moan from his ve girl.


    ?You¡¯ve just died. I could have created a stone spike in my foot that would have pierced your rib cage.?


    Juno rose to her feet. She was on the brink of tears either with pain or anger.


    The battle continued.


    Another ten clever and swift movements and Kyon managed to grab Juno by her neck and knock her on the floor again as if she were a frail child fighting against an adult.


    ?It¡¯s the second time you¡¯ve died. I could have incinerated your neck, freeze it, or make you rot with the attribute of darkness.?


    Juno stood up with difficulty, her knees trembling. She seemed to be fighting an invincible monster.


    And the battle started again.


    In just five movements, Kyon did a little trick. He created a little bump under Juno¡¯s foot. She stumbled, lost her bnce and fell.


    Juno wanted to stand on her feet but the entire surface of the floor was icy and slippery, so she lost her bnce again.


    At that moment, Kyon put a long, sharp adamantium sword to her neck.


    ?It¡¯s your third death. I could have killed you by creating a thorn in the ground or piercing you with the stone. Rise, you piece of shit!?


    The ve staggered up. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks.


    Before the next round began, Kyon said impassively:


    ?You may as well crawl to the cemetery.?


    His dismissive voice and rude phrase made Juno shudder. She looked back and saw a green cloud with a pointed end of the adamantium sword poking into her back. The servant had teleported it behind her.


    Juno copsed to her knees, looking at the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was incredibly sorry for her mediocrity. Not so long ago, she was proud of her four elements. Now her arrogance was being dragged through the dirt. She felt like trash. The familiar all-consuming envy was emerging again. She wanted to be as talented as the master who looked like a cunning, invincible warrior. She couldn¡¯tprehend how he had mastered all the nine elements. When did he manage to do that? Why did heaven allow that? He also learned to create a strange shimmering green stone that she had never heard of. Besides, he used the mind-bending element of space with such ease as if he¡¯d been doing it all his life! He was a genius among geniuses, even Juno could not deny it.


    None of her tricks or attempts to resist worked against him as if she banged her head against the wall. She was infinitely jealous and ashamed of her weakness. To lose in an instant¡­ They were at the same level after all!


    Kyon clenched his fingers into a fist and delivered Juno, who was sitting with folded hands on her knees, a heavy blow right in the chest, sending her flying back.


    ?Who let you wallow during the fight? The enemy will dly take advantage of your unstable emotional state. To use the emotions of the enemy means to defeat them!?


    Juno rolled on the ground. She was experiencing things that she had never had to face before, especially cruelty from her own servants. Yet, she rose again, her hands on her hips. She really wanted to give in to weakness and cry out loud for the first time in many years, but she dared not. Her gaze turned to Kyon. There was only anger and hatred in her eyes. And then she attacked him with a loud scream.


    Kyon smiled to himself. The training with the stubborn, never surrendering cutie was promising to be interesting after all. He would give her a really hard time. His revenge was for the distant future, but Lovr had no intention to treat her kindly until then.


    Over and over again, the youngdy tumbled across the floor, collecting the dirt. Her thin, fragile body was getting heavy blows, but she never showed any weakness of character. She always got up again. Her enemy took advantage of her hundreds of defeats, he used thousands of tricks, suppressed her with his power, yed with her emotions using harsh words and gestures. He yed with her weakness to get an undeniable victory and pleasure, which was written all over his face. He was the highest mountain and she was too naive to try and rise above it. The ruthless monster did not miss a chance to humiliate or beat her, but she took every punch stoically.


    Three days had passed.


    Kyon was getting more and more annoyed. He failed to master the advanced grade of the elements. He didn¡¯t think it would take more than a minute, but it wasn¡¯t that simple. The new grade of elements had apletely different pattern. It was much moreplicated. There must be a trick to confuse heaven and make it lift the restriction on the element.


    Kyon decided to focus on the earth element to master at least this one before the party started. He wasn¡¯t sure he had enough time for that, though.


    In addition to mastering the earth element, Kyon focused on the movement technique. He was making impressive progress. He found out more and more methods on how to use pure energy to elerate his body, but all of them were significantly inferior to the ideal that the tireless perfectionist had already made in his ns. He picked up the best of the methods that he discovered experimentally and kept on trying. In fact, he already could create a technique that was much superior to the one the Stones had, but he knew he could do even better¡­ He continued his attempts trying to explore all the possibilities and find the best among them.


    Full awareness of the neural connections in the pure energy allowed him to be the creator, the inventor of the movement techniques. All the current masters were significantly inferior to him. One minute of his experiments was equal to a month, or in some cases a year, of time that any other master would spend trying to create a legacy for his family. Besides, Kyon never forgot what he learned. He operated the information like a super-powerfulputer.

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


    Another three days had passed.


    Marina often dropped by the training ground with a box of sweets. She sat on the bench and silently watched the battles between Kyon and Juno. Marina didn¡¯t know anything about battles, but she was impressed when Kyon pinned her belligerent friend on the floor. Sometimes Marina cheered awkwardly, which made Juno blush with humiliation. Marina apologized to herter,pletely confused.


    Kyon was cautious enough not to beat Juno at her presence. He had ¡°promised¡± Marina to be gentle with her friend, after all.


    When it was time to restore their energy, Juno begged the master with her eyes to give her some freedom in the conversation. He whispered to her that she could behave in ordance with code 2. She was free to chat with Marina as she pleased within reasonable limits, of course.


    Kyon was not interested in the girls¡¯ careless chat. However, one thing was clear from their conversation: even if Juno was kind and gentle with her friend, thest word was always hers ording to some unspoken agreement. Anyway, it never stopped the two girls with such different personalities from getting close and bing best friends. Marina knew her ce, and Juno never went too far. Juno often red at the master who was getting all the attention of her friend. She was trying to create a wall between Marina and him, all to no avail. Once Kyon kissed Marina goodbye on the cheek, which made Juno furious. She intervened and pulled them apart. Juno would be very upset if she found out that Kyon had already upied a very important ce in Marina¡¯s heart a long time before.


    The training session continued.


    With every passing day, the idea of bringing Juno to a nervous breakdown, of breaking or even destroying her morale was something Kyon wanted more and more. He failed in his attempts to do it before, but now he had everything he needed.


    If Juno surrendered, there was a chance to make her more reverent and submissive. Kyon might rehabilitate her and maybe even get rid of her disregard for the lower sses of society. Her natural arrogance, especially towards him, drove him mad. There is a cruel method to control people. It¡¯s called ¡°learned helplessness.¡± It could work on Juno. He used to believe that she wouldmit suicide if he kept beating her up and dragging her through the dirt. Now he was not so sure anymore. Juno was filled with an unconquerable, unquenchable hope of getting her keys cleaned and the dream of bing extremely talented to surpass her sister. It made sense to torture her until she gave up, until she entered the state of ¡°learned helplessness.¡± Kyon liked the idea.


    He liked even more the news that his earth element had reached the advanced grade. His eyes shed with excitement. Kyon started experimenting during the battle. He added some beautiful gems to the collection of things he could create. However, their value was slightly above average. He could also make some metals with simple molecrttice and, above all, he could produce an improved version of adamantium, the final version created by the best scientists of his world. Its structure was slightly different, which made it stronger by 50% than the initial stripped-down version. But Kyon wasn¡¯t satisfied. He failed to create carbon armor-skin. Diamonds, emeralds, super-strong metal alloys were beyond his power. Anyway, adamantium was the strongest among them. He was sure that he would be able to create carbon skin, at the very least, when he reached the superior grade of the earth element. He had some doubts about diamonds, but it was only the beginning.


    The next morning, the seventh by number (the party took ce tomorrow), just before the training session, Kyon asked Juno to take off her skin-tight sweatshirt.


    She protested, red in the face, but she had to obey the formation. The snow-white bra and her beautiful waist were on full disy.


    Kyon studied the huge bruises and contusions on her body with a thoughtful look. He ran his finger over the marks, scanning them with Synergy. He had confirmed the idea that the ointment worked worse when used too often. If the doctor had not received the order to remain silent under the threat of losing his head, there would have been problems.


    Juno lost efficiency because of her injuries. Kyon had to use Synergy for her speedy recovery. He did not want to train with Juno if she was weak from wounds.


    Juno shuddered at his touch, squinted her eyes, her slender body tensed. A strange pleasant feeling spread in the ces he touched. Juno vowed that she would kill herself if that feeling meant she liked the servant.


    Soon their training sessions resumed.


    At noon, Kyon reached the long-awaited 7th stage, much to his delight. The party took ce tomorrow, after all. He would have never made it without the Soaring Angel pill that he had obtained from Yegorka. And yet, he had to find the hard way how difficult it was getting to develop his soul, the closer he was reaching the peak of the phase.


    At the same time, all of his physical parameters, as well as the concentration of elemental energy, had increased. His body became tougher, faster and stronger. The fire element got hotter, the cold element got colder, the streams of water, wind, darkness and light got more intensive, the adamantium got stronger, the electricity got more powerful, and he had even more pure energy now.


    Juno could feel his upgrade by the energy fluctuations.


    ?Master¡­ Your apprentice congrattes you.? ¨C Juno praised him quietly and bowed slightly with a smile on her face¡­ A bitter smile. The same raging envy was boiling inside her. She wanted to fall on her knees and curl up in a pretzel, hugging herself.


    {Why¡­ am I¡­ Trash¡­ Compared to him¡­? I¡¯m not like that!}


    Kyon grinned maliciously.


    ?My apprentice has just moved from the rank ¡°mediocrity¡± to the level ¡°scum.¡± Too bad! So sad! Her master begins to doubt his decision to take you as his student¡­?


    Juno the ve eximed indignantly:


    ?Why do you say that, master? I am still¡­?


    ?You¡¯re pissing me off.? ¨C Kyon snapped coldly. ¨C ?We¡¯ve been fighting for six days, but you¡¯ve neversted longer than 15 of my movements. You¡¯ve never hit me once. Even a piece of shit would have improved by now. You are a failure.? ¨C He told her a brazen lie.


    ?Master¡­? ¨C Juno was about to cry again. When it came to her development, any criticism hit home. More than that, Kyon bashed her around all the time. Her whole body felt achy and stiff. The sprout in her soul required more and more food to grow, but she couldn¡¯t earn it. She had never hit the monster at least once. Anyone in her ce would have cried or given up, but Juno persevered. That¡¯s why it hurt so much when hepared her to a piece of shit. It hurt a lot¡­ Juno wanted to give up in despair. She could hardly stand his presence. This monster adversely affected her self-esteem.


    ?Shut up. Go and cry to your room and never bother me again, or fight. I can¡¯t stand your whining.?


    Juno lowered her head, her lips quivering.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t wait to see Juno break right in front of his eyes, but against his will, she slowly looked up, her eyes full of firm determination:


    ?It¡¯s all part of the training, isn¡¯t it? Otherwise, you have to be a sick bastard topare the master of all elements with a weak girl!?


    Kyon thoughtfully rubbed his chin, nodding to her words, then he imperiously snapped his fingers:


    ?Attack!?


    Juno rushed headlong into the battle. However, her mood quickly reached the depths of the seabed. The moment she got closer to Kyon, he beat her in 3-5 movements. Each time, the expression of neglect on his pretty face hurt her more and more. She could hardly find the strength to continue the battle. No one can bang their head up against the metal wall for a long time.


    Her hard work had been rewarded by the end of the day. In the evening, she reached the seventh stage! At that very moment, Juno jumped, screaming with joy. All her pain and humiliation that had reached a critical point by then vanished into thin air. Her smile was shining brighter than the sun. Juno was on the brink of tears of joy.


    Kyon silently watched her glee.


    Juno was gloriously happy. She smiled at the master, eager to boast of her news when his silhouette blurred, and sharp pain spread from her stomach to every point of her body. She had missed another heavy blow.


    {What¡­} ¨C Her head swam, she tumbled and rolled on the ground, breathing coarsely. Her delight had disappeared, depression and unbearable pain came in its ce. What happened? Was she seeing things or did the master passed several meters in an instant? It must have been a clever trick. What a monster was he? He couldn¡¯t be a human being¡­ He didn¡¯t even congratte her on the upgrade but started beating her right away.


    ?You¡¯re an idiot. How many times do I have to tell you that you can¡¯t rx during the fight? Even when you find out that I¡¯ve knocked you up, try to hold back your wild joy, or your opponent will take advantage of that.?


    Juno looked at him through the veil of pain. Kyon was towering above her like a legendary immortal warrior. She stood up, coughing frantically, holding her stomach, her knees bending.


    ?I¡¯m sorry, master¡­ I don¡¯t know how it could happen¡­?


    ?Never mind.? ¨C Kyon smiled charmingly. He liked Juno¡¯s new-acquired habit of talking to him respectfully, even if she was just being wise not to make him angry.


    Kyon¡¯s silhouette blurred again.


    * boop *


    Juno felt the familiar sharp pain. A momentter, she was rolling on the ground again, coughing even harder. {What¡¯s happening?! Has he tricked me again?! No¡­ Don¡¯t tell me¡­} ¨C At that brief moment, she saw him rush forward her to deliver another blow. He seemed unreal.


    Juno couldn¡¯t believe her eyes and yet, she tried to rise. It hurt to look at her. Her whole body was wounded and beaten, but she stubbornly stood up, a bright me of unbending will burning in her eyes.


    Kyon might have been touched by this pathetic scene that was more suitable for some old martial arts film if he did not know the true essence of this little devil.


    He was more impressed by the news that he could move five times faster with the help of pure energy. In fact, his speed reached the level of an average practitioner with the development of exactly one phase above his!


    Kyon had been experimenting with multifaceted pure energy for more than six days, testing countless options on his own body. He extracted the best details from every sessful experiment, mixed them, looked for connections,binations, ¡°synergized¡± them¡­ In the end, he found the perfect form that could give him an explosive advantage in speed. Kyon was firmly convinced that no better movement technique had ever existed. He got into the spirit of pure energy and understood its principle like no one else. His sense of perfectionism waspletely and utterly satisfied. He had achieved perfection once again. The sum of purity of Kyon¡¯s keys was 900 percent. He was the master of 9 elements, and now he had worked out an ideal movement technique. He assigned it an ¡°S¡± rank which was the ceiling by the local standards. He decided not to give it a name as he had no intention to teach it to anyone nor give away the secret of creating adamantium.


    It is worth mentioning that he had gained additional power for his blows together with speed. A quick fist will always be stronger than a slow one. But still, pure energy provided more input than simple inertia.


    To sum it up, his technique of movements surpassed any other by a whole phase (taking into ount his pure energy). It was a god-like, explosive, unfathomable result. That¡¯s the kind of perfection Kyon wanted to achieve.


    Juno had a really bad feeling about all that. She limped to her feet and looked at the boy who was three meters away from her. She was ready for any trick.


    Suddenly, he blurred in her eyes, and there she was lying on the ground yet again like a wounded kitten gasping for air. She was sure there was no trick this time¡­ The master used his speed and crushed her like a cheetah triumphing over a fox. She didn¡¯t stand a single chance. Juno had a feeling he had been always pretending to be a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing. {He¡¯s a monster¡­ A monster!}


    Kyonughed when he saw his apprentice slowly creep away from him.


    Juno was about to run away (she had had enough of tortures), but he grabbed her by the cor and dragged her back as if he was a maniac, and she was his unfortunate victim.


    ?Well, well, baby. I am not done with you yet.?


    Juno looked at the monstrosity, who was frightening her with his talent and strength.


    ?You¡­ you are a monster! You are too strong for me! I am not training with you! I don¡¯t want to feel unbearable pain anymore without a single chance to learn from you at least something! You never give in! You are a ruthless sadist, not a master. Let me go!?


    ?I? I never give in? If I had never given in, I would have done something like this!?


    *bang*


    A spark of lightning, equal to the 2nd stage of the advanced phase, shed from his hand and hit Juno in the neck.


    Her face distorted in shock, her arms and legs quivered, her body limped, but the hand holding the cor of her jacket did not let her fall.


    Kyon grinned, but then he noticed clear liquid slowly drip down Juno¡¯s leg.


    He winced theatrically and was about to arrange demonstrative spanking but then he looked at Juno¡¯s rolled eyes and realized that he had gone too far. She had passed out.


    Reluctantly, he carried her to the bench and carefullyid her down. Juno fell to one side, right on his shoulder, weakened, defenseless and cute, light as a feather¡­


    Kyon held his breath when all of a sudden, his heart went right through his feet. Right at thispromising moment, the gates treacherously creaked.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    A fat man entered the training ground. Kyon was surprised to recognize in him master Jean. What the hell was he doing herete in the evening?! Sunken eyes with dark circles around them, a double chin¡­ What happened to the master? Now he looked like a gluttonous nobleman.


    The master looked at the unconscious girl and the guy sitting next to her. He was confused. It couldn¡¯t be¡­ It was the ve! Safe and sound! Jean noticed clear liquid drip from Juno¡¯s tight ck leggings. He saw the traces of moisture nearby¡­


    His perverted mind andmon sense suggested the nature of the fluid. However, all his logical conclusions came to a standstill when he focused his attention on the boy.


    Kyon quickly came up with an action n. He put a finger to his lips, giving the master a sign to keep quiet.


    Jean bulged his eyes but shut his mouth, mumbling something incoherent. His heart stirred at the thought that the youngdy might have wet herself?


    The master went to the bench, ring daggers at Kyon. It was the boy¡¯s fault that his life had turned into hell. Besides, the little bastard had caused him huge problems for the shortage of nephrites with element grades and must be severely punished.


    Kyon created a small stream of water and drank it up. At the same time, he was imperceptibly pinching Juno¡¯s leg, trying to bring her into consciousness. However, the little devil wasn¡¯t going to wake up.


    The master was approaching with an intimidating look on his face¡­ His forehead creased with veins popping up, his eyes turned red with fury. The low-life scum had mastered the element of water and dared to wet thedy!? He had to finish him off. The youngdy wouldn¡¯t mind this little murder because the ve¡¯s insolence was a good reason to kill him. After all the painful weeks, it would be a healing balm for his soul.


    Kyon cursed to himself. Jean looked absolutely serious. He was about to carry out his evil n. Kyon had to mess up with his mind and take the situation under control. Just in case, he quietly picked up the attacking formations.


    ?Master Jean¡­? ¨C Kyon began, but the master was already raising his hand to hit him in the head without leaving Kyon a chance to respond.


    Kyon tried to dodge and activate the attacking formation when suddenly an elegant girl¡¯s silhouette appeared between them. She grabbed the master¡¯s aiming fist and squeezed it tight. Kyon¡¯s maneuver turned into a couple of ridiculous backward rolls.


    The tender fragrance and beautiful slim figure marked Dinah¡¯s arrival.


    {What the¡­} ¨C Kyon looked at the maid. It was odd¡­ Why would she prevent his murder? She hated him with all her heart, didn¡¯t she? Then why did she save him? What was going on in her head?


    ?Jean¡­? ¨C Dinah addressed him disrespectfully with ice in her voice. ¨C ?¡­When did you stoop so low as to give instructions to the servants??


    Jean took two steps back, stunned, and bowed as a sign of respect:


    ?Ms. Dinah, the master noticed the servant behave improperly and decided to punish him.?


    ?I¡¯ve never known you to talk about yourself in the third person. It must be a serious illness that turns people into fat pigs with red eyes. Has it ruined your dignity? You might need some rest.? ¨C Dinah muttered contemptuously.


    Jean¡¯s face distorted for a moment. It was for the first time someone had talked so disrespectfully to him. However, he had to be courteous with the patriarch¡¯s superior maid. Jean put on a smile on his face.


    ?Ms. Dinah, I appreciate your sophisticated sense of humor. You are absolutely right. I am seriously ill. I should have worried so much aboutdy Juno¡¯s sess. I¡¯m sure Master Moe can do it better. He is a wonderful mentor. I won¡¯t bother you. Goodbye.? ¨C With those words, he bowed low and went home. The sleazy fat man hade with the sole purpose to try and regain his potency. Hundreds of attempts had made himpletely desperate.


    On Juno¡¯s order, Master Moe hadn¡¯t appeared in the mansion for several weeks. However, Dinah had another thing on her mind. Jean, the perverted scum, had the nerve toe to thedy. He couldn¡¯t get away with this. He seemed to have suffered enough. It was time to show mercy and end his worthless life.


    Before leaving, Dinah gave Kyon an icy cold look of the snow queen. It was unbelievable that the sly fox kept looking her in the eye even after the tortures! Moreover, he had the audacity toin to thedy. Too bad that the incorrigible asshole didn¡¯t learn the lesson¡­ Well, whatever. Soon the patriarch would drive him out like a sick dog.


    Before the maid had a chance to examine the sleepingdy as well as the nature of the moisture on her ck leggings, the servant took a step towards her, drawing her attention to himself. He obviously wanted to talk about something.


    Dinah frowned scornfully. She turned away and rushed out of the training ground. She didn¡¯t want to hear the bastard¡¯s voice. She had to deal with the fat pig¡­


    Dinah changed into afortable ck uniform that highlighted all the charms of her young, beautiful body. After that, she put throwing daggers into her sleeves and garters, prepared a couple of attacking and defensive formations, and put on a ck mask. She wanted to murder Jean most cruelly. No one should know the name of his merciless killer.


    She left the mansion and soon arrived at Jean¡¯s mansion. Using the concealment technique of ¡°C¡± rank, she slipped like an invisible shadow past the guards and the servants and went straight to her victim¡¯s chambers¡­ The maid knew the house very well. She came there almost every day to add Evilball andxative in his food. However, thetter did not prevent the master from gaining weight. He devoured countless sweets to get at least some pleasure in his miserable life.


    It was alreadyte in the evening. Most of the servants had left. No one would enter the master¡¯s room any time soon. Dinah resolutely knocked on the door and said in a voice not her own:


    ?A message for you, Sir¡­?


    Before Jean could fully open the door, he got a swift blow into his neck, and then four more to the points where the keys to his elements were located. The heavy strikes paralyzed the channels to keep the master from ¡°doing magic¡± or screaming.


    Dinah hit Jean in the guts. The fat man toppled to the floor and coughed hoarsely.


    ?Who are you?! Do you know who I am?!? ¨C He asked, coughing with fear in his voice.


    Dinah took out a loop made from a thin fishing line she had prepared in her spacial ring and began to tie it to the chandelier.


    ?I am the one who has been giving Evilball andxative to you, miserable horny pig! By the way, how have you been feelingtely? I hope you have suffered enough¡­?


    ?Wh-what did you say? Evilball?! So it was you who turned my life into hell?!? ¨C The master couldn¡¯t believe his ears. ¨C ?Why?! What did I do to you?!?


    ?You stole my lingerie and dared to use it. And today, you had the nerve toe to mydy and have a training session with her.?


    ?Dinah?!? ¨C Jean eximed with doubt in his voice. But when he looked closely at the cold gray eyes in the mask, he broke into a cold sweat. ¨C ?Was it your underwear?! But the ve said it belonged to¡­? ¨C His eyes zed over.


    Dinah stood there, stunned. She couldn¡¯t believe her ears. ?What? What did you say?!? ¨C She went up to Jean and shook him several times. ¨C ?Say it again! What did you say?!?


    ?I¡­ was deceived¡­ by a ve¡­ He gave me your underwear in exchange for¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter¡­ Please let me die.? ¨C Jean sounded deeply disappointed. He believed a lie. The superior maid had found out his true nature, and now he had no future. He had lost the meaning of life. It was toote to take revenge on the ve¡­ The day of his death hade. A shameful death of a pig in the ughterhouse.


    Dinah stepped back, shocked. Indeed, it had been a big mystery so far how master Jean could prate the barrier of the mansion.


    The master approached the noose on his own will, climbed onto the chair, put the fishing line on his neck and kicked the chair away. The overweight body did not even resist the arms of death. His soul hadpletely lost faith in life. He had been using the maid¡¯s underwear. He was fooled, duped and sentenced to death. A momentter, his heart stopped forever.


    Dinah was convinced that his final words were true. He didn¡¯t try and cheat to survive, no¡­ She had her assumptions as to whose underwear he imagined he was using, but she did not want to think about it.


    Dinah closed her eyes and clenched her fists till the knuckles turned white. {He has deceived everyone¡­ My sister, mydy, me, and Jean¡­ He must die.} ¨C With cold determination, she left the master¡¯s house.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    Juno woke up and opened her cloudy eyes. She could see the magnificent dark sky with two silver moons above her. The training ground was lit with crystals. The servant was training nearby.


    She had unpleasant sensations in the area of her lower abdomen and down her leg. A terrible thought shed through her mind. ¨C {Did I wet myself?!}


    Juno blushed like a ripe peach and rushed to the nearest shower. Her honor and dignity had been defamed! She wanted to fall through the ground and stay there forever. It was all because of the ruthless monster that had shocked her right into the neck! She had enough of his humiliating training sessions. It was bad enough that her whole body ached, then the master started moving faster than a hurricane. Envy, despair, and contempt gripped Juno¡¯s soul while she was washing her body frantically.


    After the shower, Juno got a call and an invitation to return to the training ground. She smiled bitterly at the thought of how helpless she was. Apparently, she would have to suffer as long as he lived¡­ The servant would keep messing with her not only physically but also morally. It couldn¡¯t get any worse. What could she possibly do?


    Juno put on her favorite outfit: a gray skirt, silver sandals, and a blouse (she had no intention to exercise) and came to the training ground. Kyon¡¯s scornful look made her feel queasy inside.


    Juno remained silent. She blushed and clenched her fists in anger. The servant¡¯s outstanding talent scared her. He had inhuman strength for the 7th stage! However, the arrogant girl didn¡¯t change her mind as for his status. She continued to treat him as inferior because of his origin.


    The proud littledy flopped on the bench and growled angrily:


    ?I do not want to practise with you anymore! I¡¯ve had enough of you humiliating me! If you dare to force me¡­ I will give you up as my master!?


    ?And your key cleaning as well?? ¨C Kyon asked with a grin.


    Juno gasped and hesitated. Then she said, looking intently into his eyes:


    ?Are you messing with me??


    Her naive question made Kyonugh. Juno was willing to wet herself every day for the sake of having her keys cleaned. Or maybe not.


    ?Yes, I am.? ¨C He nodded.


    Juno breathed a sigh of relief. ?I hope you get my warning. Actually, you suck as a master! I don¡¯t know why you are so fast, but I refuse to deal with you if you don¡¯t give in. After you defeated me with your speed, I knew that I would not learn anything from you. It was useless experience! I won¡¯t get any faster anyway!? ¨C Juno blurted out in a confident voice. She seemed to know exactly what she wanted and what she was after.


    ?Alright then¡­? ¨C Kyon agreed.


    Juno breathed another sigh of relief. It felt nice to defend her opinion even if it was unusual for her. She used to get immediately whatever she wanted in the best possible way. But now she had to reckon with the ¡°master¡± to have something.


    ?Have you mastered the movement technique from the Stone¡¯s heritage? That¡¯s why you are so fast, isn¡¯t it? The Stone technique won¡¯t let you move lightning fast, though.?


    ?I¡¯vee up with my own technique.? ¨C Kyon said and heard the gate creak. He bowed and made a gesture that allowed Juno to behave ording to the cage of orders. Juno put on a stern look and crossed her arms.


    It was Dinah. She witnessed the scene of a demandingdy and a guilty servant. The maid quickly approached Juno, stood on one knee and bowed to her.


    ?Lady, I beg you to let me kill the servant. I am ready to take any punishment for what I¡¯ve done.? ¨C Dinah said respectfully.


    Kyon nearly choked in surprise.


    His order didn¡¯t let Juno take the initiative, that¡¯s why he decided to make it about him. ?Ms. Dinah, what are you talking about? I didn¡¯t do anything to you!?


    Dinah looked at him with icy disdain. ?Enough of your pretense! You¡¯ve always been disrespectful like a rude barbarian. I always put up with it, but when I found out that¡­? ¨C She did not finish. ¨C ?Never mind. I will kill you whatever it takes.?


    At that moment, Kyon understood everything. Dinah must have learned from Jean something that she shouldn¡¯t have. Given the local mentality of honor and dignity, Kyon could make a disappointing conclusion: {I see¡­ This bitch will never leave me alone. Whenever I go to bed, I must be ready to lose my life. It can¡¯t go on like this. I have to do something.}


    A couple of options came to his mind. He could decide her fate via Juno here and now, but he was in no hurry to do that. The loss of a superior maid could cause too many problems. Not today and not tomorrow, but his position of the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter¡¯s master would be jeopardised. He¡¯d better not rush. Kyon could decide what to do with Dinah after the party was over, after he had made his ns and set his priorities. Besides, he could use a powerful killer as an ally at the party.


    Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer, that¡¯s the principle Kyon was going to live by until the party took ce. Only, how could he do it without pulling a few strings?


    Kyon quickly came up with a solution.


    ?If you want me to die, give me one single chance. I don¡¯t want to die like this. I offer you a duel.?


    Dinah bowed again to Juno. ?Mydy, let me have a mortal battle with the boy. I have and will serve you faithfully until the end of my days. I¡¯m ready to take any punishment after he dies.?


    Juno raised her eyebrows in surprise.


    Kyon said:


    ?Wait¡­ Ms. Dinah, you can kill me with a single blow!?


    Without turning her head, Dinah muttered in contempt:


    ?I will lower my stage of development to yours. Will that be enough? I can even give you a head start in two stages!?


    Kyon smiled to himself. ?No need. You can fight at my stage of development.?


    {Is he so desperate to give up a head start and die?} ¨C Dinah thought. However, she couldn¡¯t care less. Today the miserable servant would die. She wouldn¡¯t have to tolerate his existence in this world.


    Kyon stroked his bracelet of concealment, changing his development to the 4th stage. It was invisible for the others, though. ?By the way, if my life is on stake, what will I get in case I win??


    Dinah frowned. ?You can take anything! I don¡¯t care.?


    Kyon could hardly hold back his smile. Never underestimate the enemy. But¡­ If anyone else was in his ce, the professional assassin would easily rip their belly open.


    ?Starting tomorrow, you will be my ve for three days.? ¨C Kyon smiled treacherously. It was enough to figure out what he was going to do without arousing Dinah¡¯s suspicion.


    Dinah looked at him in bewilderment. How could a servant¡¯s life cost three days of her very? However, he stood no chance, so she agreed.


    ?You got a deal. What do you say, mydy?? ¨C Dinah asked proudly.


    Kyon blinked a couple of times, and Juno said with a deep sigh:


    ?So be it.?


    Deep inside, Dinah was grateful, but she didn¡¯t quite understand Juno¡¯s real motivation. Did thedy allow her to kill the servant she had always protected?


    Kyon bowed to Juno gantly. ?Mydy, I propose the following conditions of the battle: no use of nephrites; Dinah is forbidden to raise her development above mine; no one is responsible for the death of the opponent; if I win she will be my ve for three days. Please give the appropriate orders if you agree to the terms.?


    Dinah almost incinerated him with her destructive gaze. Then she looked at Juno with a thoughtful look.


    Thedy epted the rules. She briefly repeated them and coldly gave Dinah all the relevant orders.


    The maid lost interest in thedy¡¯s strange behavior. Her mind was upied with the chance to get rid of the pain in the neck that had been bothering her.


    Kyon stood on one side of the drawn arena and Dinah on the other. Both red at each other. Kyon was anxious to find out the way the assassin would fight. After ipetent Juno, it would be like a breath of fresh air.


    Dinah was a bit surprised that her adversary had no weapons. She had lots of dangerous equipment in her arsenal. Besides, she was dressed in a tight suit, enchanted for strength and made of strong leather.


    Juno began the countdown:


    ?The battle begins in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­ Get started!?


    Dinah deftly took two shiny sharp daggers out of her sleeves and rushed headlong into the fight. She was slightly inferior to Juno in speed (being at the same stage). However, the bnce of her body revealed her great skills. In addition to the usual battle tactics, she was skillful at throwing hidden and short weapons. She also knew a number of techniques necessary to eliminate the enemy quickly.


    The icy stare of the cold-blooded killer gave out her intentions to mercilessly end Kyon¡¯s life. Usually, he didn¡¯t spare such people (at least in the simtions).


    Her first swing of the dagger was aimed precisely at his throat. Kyon dodged at thest moment when an insidious de of wind flew out of the weapon. The ether barrier fended it.


    The ruthless killer frowned, visibly displeased. Did the boy bend four elements? She could clearly feel the earth element. Earlier, in the pond, he had used the cold. He had just used ether and pure energy. Was he a genius? That¡¯s too much for him! Even she bended only three elements¡­ Why didn¡¯t Anna tell her anything about that? Perhaps, thedy¡¯s words about the boy¡¯s excellent skills weren¡¯t pure nonsense. However, she didn¡¯t care about all that. He was going to die, end of the story.


    Focusing on eliminating her enemy, Dinah inflicted abination of three deadly blows. Then she froze in bewilderment. All of her attacks had passed him by. What the hell? Judging by the fluctuations, it was clear that the boy was at the 7th stage. It exined why he was still alive.


    Dinah put aside all unnecessary thoughts and resolutely raised her development to the 7th stage without breaking the order. Now the servant was in for imminent death. However, the reality was different. Kyon miraculously began to move proportionately faster!


    Dinah continued her efforts to destroy the hated enemy. For about ten breaths, she had been trying in vain to cut his throat. Each of her attempts inevitably failed.


    Another ten breaths of the fight had passed.


    Dinah knew in her gut that something was wrong. Kyon¡¯s development was equal to hers, he even moved slower by a third. The sly fox was so dodgy and lucky that he avoided danger at the veryst moment! His fighting style was so unpredictable that it gave her a feeling of suspense before each if his moves. Besides, her opponent seemed to ¡°read¡± the battle a few steps ahead. It was terribly annoying. To crown it all, Lady Juno herself was watching their fight¡­ What a shame! The elite killer couldn¡¯t defeat a pathetic servant! With each second, the absurdity of the situation increased. How could he possibly bend four elements? How did he manage to dodge? How in the hell could he be at the 7th stage? His development was much lower at their first meeting. He could not have developed so quickly.


    But the weirdest thing, the boy waspletely unarmed, in addition to his obviousck of speed! He was fighting on equal terms but never attacked her¡­ He was ying with her like a sly cat with a mouse!


    Her cold-blooded face gave way to an angry grin. Her movements became more violent. She growled frantically like a wild amazon with every swing she took. If she could only scratch the jerk, the poison would do its vile deed.


    {What¡¯s going on? Why can¡¯t I kill him? Who is he?! Why won¡¯t he attack me?! Is he ying with me?!} ¨C An unfamiliar feeling swept over her. She experienced something simr when the powerful master was scanning her with pure energy.


    She remembered the look in Kyon¡¯s eyes after she had killed the swans. It sent goosebumps all over her body. Now he had the same look in his eyes¡­ And it seemed intentional. Dinah felt darkness burning through her core, real darkness!


    Kyon had gained valuable insights from the battle with Dinah. He started to understand what to expect from a practitioner of her level with advanced killer skills. He had found the boundaries, and now he could set his own rules. In the moonlight, Dinah was especially beautiful.

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    Kyon grinned and said:


    ?I was wrong about you, girl. I was expecting a fierce lioness, but you turned out a little kitten. You are below average. You can¡¯t even beat a weak servant.? ¨C Kyon was teasing her in a quiet voice. He wanted to make her angry. It would make her reckless and desperate. He wanted her to be afraid to be a ve. He wanted to see her fall.


    ?Die already!? ¨C Dinah muttered under her breath and threw two shurikens. Sparks of lightning passed through them.


    {She bends the ether!} ¨C Kyon was surprised to see another ace up her sleeve. He opened his arms, the lightning crashed into his hands and disappeared.


    Dinah froze for a second, stunned. Kyon smiled, teasing her. ?Is that all you can do??


    Dinah was about to growl in anger. Hatred intoxicated her mind. She was so overwhelmed with the desire to kill the jerk that she couldn¡¯t concentrate. The enraged brte pounced on him, using the ether and all the techniques she knew.


    Juno was watching the battle, rooting silently for her maid, even if she knew that Dinah stood no chance. She was doomed to three-day very. Juno was afraid to imagine what the damned monster would do to her. It was impossible to defeat him on equal terms! Juno wished she could lock him in shackles and use him in her needs. Why did heaven bestow the divine talent upon him?


    Dinah created in her hand a small electric ball andunched it at Kyon. The feature of this technique was its lightning-fast eleration and severe paralysis it could inflict on the victim.


    But Kyon calmly fended it with a p.


    {He is not paralyzed? Howe?!} ¨C The futility and folly of the situation were depressing. It was like she was banging her head against the wall. Any of her tricks were suppressed at the nning stage. Initially, she was hoping to kill the servant with a couple of blows. However, the reality didn¡¯t please her. Moreover, the damned jerk started smiling maliciously at her!


    Thirty breathster, Dinah realized she couldn¡¯t kill the hateful enemy, no matter how hard she tried. What would happen when it was his turn to attack? Was she going to lose? Her heart started beating faster. The idea of bing a ve to the dirty servant was getting scarier with each passing second.


    {No¡­ no no no! I don¡¯t want to!} ¨C The anxiety overshadowed her blind hatred, unbnced her cold-blooded nature. In fact, Dinah wasn¡¯t used to killing. She didn¡¯t have to do it very often, only as testing tasks. Her victims were ordinary underdeveloped criminals. She was far from a seasoned killer. Above all, she was thedy¡¯s maid and only then a practitioner, whose main task was to eliminate the target quickly.


    Kyon could see every slightest emotion on Dinah¡¯s beautiful face. He was getting closer and closer to his goal to crush her morally. When the fear in her eyes reached a certain point, Kyon decided to move on to the next stage of humiliation.


    He exploded in speed and hit Dinah in the sr plexus, then he whispered affectionately:


    ?It looks like you are going to be my ve. What shall I do to you? Shall I torture you as you tortured me¡­ Huh??


    ?No way!? ¨C Dinah screamed in a fury and continued to attack him unsessfully.


    Juno felt really bad about her maid. She liked her a lot. It hurt her to see Dinah in pain and suffering. The vengeful demon was not going to leave her alone¡­ Juno wondered why Dinah had challenged him? And what would he do with her? Was he going to beat her maid as he had been thrashing her? Probably, Dinah would destroy him when she was free from the shackles. The cunning maid would definitelye up with something. And what would happen next? Was she going to lose the source of her endless talent? All those questions gave Juno a headache.


    Kyon knocked the daggers out of Dinah¡¯s hands with a deft movement and pped her in the face leaving a red mark of his hand.


    The desperate killer did a backflip. She took a de from her shoe and threw it at Kyon¡¯s chin¡­ However, he calmly created a thinyer of adamantium, and the de shattered into tiny fragments.


    After her brazen attempt, Kyon grabbed Dinah by that very leg and threw her to the floor like a sandbag.


    ?§¡-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-h? ¨C Dinah gasped painfully and tried to get up with a somersault.


    But Kyon mercilessly pressed her thin snow-white neck to the ground and whispered in her ear:


    ?Damned bitch¡­ You will squeal in pain for your misdeeds.?


    ?Die!? ¨C Dinah cried, letting out a stream of electricity from her body, but it failed to find its target for some reason.


    Dinah tried to free herself from his grasp, but instead of freedom, she got a heavy kick to her side. She bent and groaned in pain. It was getting terrifying. Was she going to lose to the miserable servant? Why was he so fast and skillful? How was it even possible?! What would he do with her?! If thedy had not given her orders, Dinah would regain her original development and eliminate her pet peeve at once.


    Juno sadly watched the notorious scene: the monster raising his victim by the hair, giving her a haughty look.


    ?Honey, are you all right?? ¨C Kyon asked, taunting her.


    Dinah deftly removed a dagger from her pants to stick it in Kyon¡¯s neck, but the weapon crashed into something greenish and crumbled.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was slowly getting ready to strike her with his fist¡­ He was taking his time¡­


    *bam*


    Kyon hit her in the nose with all his might. The warm scarlet blood sttered all over. Dinah let out a intive, long, drawn-out moan, her furious eyes zing with hatred¡­


    The once-arrogant maid experienced unusual feelings of a victim in the hands of the strong¡­


    When Kyon raised his hand again, Dinah hid her face. Fear and despair showed in her eyes, she was shivering. That¡¯s the reaction he wanted to see. It was so nice¡­ It used to be was exactly the opposite when she had full power over him, torturing him. Now he hadplete control over her. He could snap her neck, infuse the attribute of darkness into her eyes or ears, electrocute her until she wet herself, humiliate her as he saw fit. The stupid maid wasn¡¯t in control of her own destiny anymore. She had only herself to me.


    Kyon threw her aside by the hair, walked over to Juno and whispered something in her ear. Thedy announced:


    ?My servant has won. The fight is over.?


    When she heard that, Dinah set back her initial development, got to her feet and approached Kyon like a swift shadow, intending to finish him off once and for all¡­


    ?I order you to do him no harm!? ¨C Juno shouted sternly.


    The brte stopped the sharp de right at the eye of her sworn enemy. Blood was dripping from her nose. He knew from the angry look on her face that she was desperately trying to smother the urge to tear him into small pieces.


    ?I beg you, mydy¡­ Let me kill him!? ¨C The maid eximed and bowed her head obediently in a gesture of pleading.


    ?No.? ¨C The youngdy replied firmly. ¨C ?My servant put his life on the line. It is a deserved victory. He could have easily killed you, but he didn¡¯t do it out of respect¡­ He knew that I would never forgive him if he dared to.?


    ?He has neither honor nor respect! Did you hear what he was whispering to me?! He is an ill-mannered barbarian who deserves only death! He ruins your majesty. Mydy, please¡­?


    ?Ms. Dinah, I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯ve always treated you respectfully, but you hurt me more than once, and today you¡¯ve been trying to kill me.? ¨C Kyon said respectfully and bowed slightly.


    Dinah was trembling with anger. She had to restrain herself from spitting out blood.


    Juno continued:


    ?Dinah, I order you: don¡¯t interact with anyone until six in the morning. Starting tomorrow, you must do as he tells you for three days. But I¡¯m not one hundred percent sure in my servant, therefore¡­? ¨C She turned to Kyon. ¨C ?I forbid you to shed a drop of the maid¡¯s blood or you will be executed.?


    For a second, Dinah¡¯s face lit up with delight, but it instantly gave way to painful despair.


    ?But I am your personal maid! How can you let the servant own me for three days?!? ¨C She eximed.


    ?I¡¯ve heard enough. Admit your defeat and do your duty as befits your position. I¡¯m sure my servant won¡¯t take liberties with you. You¡¯re free to go.? ¨C Juno said calmly.


    Dinah looked into herdy¡¯s eyes with a silent plea and then at Kyon with icy disdain. She quickly walked off.


    Juno peered into her formation (to see if anyone was watching them) and blurted out with hatred:


    ?You are a monster! If my maid suffers at your hands, I¡­?


    ?If you shut up, I will clean your key of the wind element by 10%. For your diligence.? ¨C Kyon said. He was really in a good mood.


    Juno pursed her charming lips.


    Kyon smiled and put his finger at her plexus.


    The familiar tingling feeling at the ce he touched meant that he had kept his word. All her fury had immediately disappeared. She had be stronger and more talented! A joyful smile lit up Juno¡¯s pretty face.


    ?Your master wants a foot massage from the useless bedwetter.?


    Juno blushed and stamped her foot. ?It¡¯s your fault that I wet myself¡­ I¡¯m not like that!? ¨C She protested.


    ?I saw your relieved face when you did your dirty business. You¡¯ve been meaning to do it for a long time, haven¡¯t you?? ¨C gloated Kyon.


    ?§¡rrr!? ¨C Juno growled, her fists clenched. ¨C ?I will give you a massage just don¡¯t mention it any more! And get washed. It¡¯s been days you¡­? ¨C She cleared her throat when she saw his stern look. ¨C ?¡­smell so good.?


    ?Alright then, I won¡¯t get washed. I¡¯m sure you will get used to it soon.?


    ?That¡¯s not what I wanted to say¡­?


    ?I don¡¯t want to hear anything.? ¨C Kyon said and went to the door.


    Today he was in a great mood. He had mastered the advanced grade of the earth element; he had finished creating the world¡¯s best movement technique; he had defeated Dinah and ¡°officially¡± taken her into very; he was going to get a gentle massage from the naive bedwetter.


    Two issues upset him. He had failed to master or improve a single fighting technique, and his unique body kept silent. Well, he needed to figure it out in the future and find a way to develop it.


    Tomorrow¡¯s party was going to be perfect. He would undoubtedly prove himself and begin a sessful journey up the ranks in the Stone family. And then the sky would be the limit for him. He could go to the best schools in the kingdom, take part in the great tournaments, and much more. Only high-status people were taken seriously in this world. Only they could move forward.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    While Juno was diligently massaging her master¡¯s feet, Kyon decided to hear her version of the rank system in her family and how to get one. Although he had read everything in the books, they were written about ten years ago. You never know what could have changed.


    Juno began the story:


    ?In our family, like in any other, there are seven ranks. The most shameful rank belongs to mediocre or untalented people, as well as children born from family members and ves or servants. It can be given as punishment or for some minor credit when joining the family. Four-fifths of the Stones have the fifth or sixth rank. They are ordinary working people and their children who didn¡¯t discover any talent in themselves. As a rule, their development does not exceed the middle of the second phase, but they are not fixated on this as they understand they will always be nobody. The third and the fourth ranks belong to important persons in the family as well as children of high-ranking people. It can be given after passing the qualification test. To get the 4th rank, you need to be at the finishing stage of the advanced phase. To get the 3rd rank, your development must be at the beginning of the superior phase. In other families, requirements may vary. The second rank can be given at the noble phase after passing the qualification test.?


    ?How does the qualification test work?? ¨C Kyon asked impassively.


    ?They give you an aptitude test, a family history quiz, assess your strength, and much more.? ¨C Juno said and sneezed, trying to smother an urge to wash her hands as soon as possible. ¨C ?Besides, the third rank can be granted for the talent of making money, in other words, for being an enterpriser. The third rank is awarded to the children of those who have the 2nd rank. They are the Stone elite, the so-called descendants of pure blood. The superior masters, the heads of the organisations, and the elder¡¯s children have the 2nd rank. Sometimes the second rank is given to those who have married into the family, especially to the elder.?


    Kyon got it that the descendants of pure blood were children of the elders or high-ranking persons. They didn¡¯t include children born as the result of the incest.


    ?The elders have the first rank. They usually take control of a certain organisation, for example, alchemy, mines, or herbalism. We have 12 elders. Close rtives of the former or the current patriarch achieve the first rank for life. I am one of them.? ¨C Juno said proudly and got a well-deserved flick on the nose.


    Juno sneezed sweetly and mumbled something incoherent.


    ?Stop sneezing. You might give it to my feet.? ¨C said Kyon.


    Juno could not believe that the granddaughter of the great patriarch was giving a foot massage to a dirty former ve. She felt terrible shame and humiliation, bottling up her anger, forced to hide disgust and hatred deep in her soul.


    The sly girl added, seeking Kyon¡¯s approval:


    ?Every month, family members receive benefits depending on their rank. If someone iszy and does not work or develop, they gradually descend to the seventh rank. This way, they can easily kick you out of the family if you are useless to them. Of course, the disabled are an exception¡­?


    Kyon knew very well that marrying into a family, a lower-ranking spouse (say, a husband) must get his wife¡¯sst name and live on her family¡¯s territory. The wife would be the head of the family and dictate her conditions to her spouse. Exceptions were made only in rare cases.


    If the couplees from the equal rank families, the wife moved to her husband as a rule and got hisst name, or everything happened by mutual consent, or by the principle of ¡°might makes right.¡± Kyon once read about an absurd married couple who had to fight over the family name. The loser was to take the name of the winner. In the end, they both killed each other.


    It might seem at first nce that inequality and patriarchy reigned in this world, but it wasn¡¯t entirely true.


    The following question arises: why is there a patriarch at the head of 95% of the families? The fact is that men are more likely to dominate. For example, they strive to surpass their rivals, reach the top of the hierarchy, conquer the beloved female, and gain respect in society. Moreover, the very soul seeks development in the body that has a goal and a desire to be better. Women tend to express these feelings in a different way, although there are exceptions. Take, for example, the Virgo sect (2), which holds the 2nd rank on the.


    Kyon pulled a long sword out of his spatial ring. It was enchanted for strength. The best weapon of the Stone treasury sparkled with beautiful silver stars. He gave the sword to Juno and ordered her:


    ?Since you have the glorified first rank, get down to business. Set up the formation for the new owner.?


    If the weapon is not personal (the formation inside differs from the owner¡¯s soul¡¯s frequency), the owner can¡¯t use it to its full potential. It would be hard for the elemental energy to move around the weapon, and it would get destroyed eventually.


    Juno did not hesitate to do as she was told. Kyon infused pure energy into the handle, and the formation fully epted the new owner. The energy passed through the sward free and easy. It was a truly good extension of his body!


    ?Wonderful¡­ Great!? ¨C Kyon eximed joyfully. He was pleased with his personal weapon and gave it aconic name ¡°Dragon Fang.¡± It was a smooth, silver, and most importantly, strong sword with no frills. He had no intention to brandish it.


    When Juno was finally free from her dirty work, she squeamishly examined her hands. She could feel a thickyer of nasty goo on them.


    Juno cleared her throat and took a deep breath, trying to gain courage.


    ?Tomorrow is an important day, master. My brother and many important people from different families areing, in particr from my family. If I am under your orders, I will look aplete idiot in front of the esteemed gentlemen anddies, especially in XiaoBai¡¯s eyes¡­ Please, remove all the restrictions. I promise that I won¡¯t say a single word about you.? ¨C Juno said, looking at him charmingly.


    ?Go screw yourself.? ¨C Kyon snapped, disrupting all the naive little devil¡¯s ns. However, the idea wasn¡¯t too bad. The evil girl should not be too limited in her actions at the party. It might cause suspicion. Kyon gave Juno new orders that would give her a great deal of freedom up to her own initiative. But if she said something wrong about her ¡°master,¡± she had tomit suicide at once.


    His cruel and categorical order frightened Juno. She would have to think about what to do and what to say. Otherwise, the trigger in her mind would work, and she would have to kill herself. Moreover, she was forbidden to mention any formations, especially the one on her forehead. There was no way she could cheat. However, she knew her sly ¡°master¡± too well to keep her hopes up high.


    Kyon came up with a usible ¡°legend¡± that he had recently lost his father and was an orphan of the 3rd rank. Gods showed mercy on him, and now he was an aspiring alchemist.


    ?That¡¯s all. You¡¯re free to go. Get lost.? ¨C He said rudely.


    ?Sleep tight, master.? ¨C Juno emphasized thest word and quietly left his chambers.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    The new day had finallye. Today, there was a grandiose party at 2 p.m. Bai was throwing it to find a life partner for his granddaughter. But first things first, Kyon needed to examine the situation and cover all the bases.


    Kyon headed for the party hall right after he got up and had a shower.


    It was a spacious room with hardwood flooring. There were heavy curtains on the windows. Leather chairs were set against the walls, and next to them were dark oak tables covered with sumptuous hand-embroidered tablecloths. Soon everything would be filled with exquisite dishes made by the best chefs of the family.


    There was a high stage near the entrance. An orchestra of musicians in tuxedos was rehearsing something soundlessly under the strict guidance of the conductor. Even if music could be recorded in the formation and then yed like a tape recorder, the live performance was still considered a sign of good taste, and grandpa Bai wanted to do everything in the best possible way. But he wasn¡¯t there, though.


    Beside constantly fluttering servants, Kyon noticed arge number of guards. And small wonder. The drunken youth could do anything, and there didn¡¯t seem to be any alcoholws.


    It¡¯s was the first time Kyon had seen the guards open the massive gates to the park. They had always been locked and even merged with the wall. The only other entrance to the mansion was locked at the moment.


    Each guard had the guest list. Young family members arrived at the estate yesterday, but they spent the night in the hotels. The entrance to the park opened at two pm sharp.


    Kyon looked at his ck clothes. They were neat and smart, but it wasn¡¯t what he wanted. He should dress up appropriately. He wanted to ask the servants to pick something for him, but it would be a shame not to take advantage of Dinah, his new ve.


    Kyon asked Juno to remind Dinah that she was now his ve and order her toe to his chambers. Had he done that any other day, he would have been exposed, but Kyon had won the bet. It was all fair.


    The maid arrived dressed in her indecently attractive uniform. Kyon loved her yful ck stockings that highlighted her slender legs. Her silky ck hair covered a part of her face in graceful curls. She¡¯d had her hair done. Her snow-white face was beautiful as ever. This time, she had lined her eyebrows to make them captivating, emphasizing her natural beauty. She was wearing delicious gloss on her lips, and Kyon felt an urge to bite into them with a hot kiss. However, her gray eyes remained cold, prating deep inside with contempt. In fact, Dinah would dly rip out his heart right now.


    ?I order you to take my every word when I speak to you as an order. I order you to always have a sound transmitter with you and not to break it so that I could call you anytime.? ¨C The initial training of the ve was over. He had to give her a dozen more orders, and then some more orders that forbade her to cancel his orders. Kyon was going to control this maid until the end of the party. Then he would take it from there.


    ?Now, put your hands above your ears, stick out your tongue and jump on the spot twenty times in a row.? ¨C Kyon ¡°asked¡± yfully.


    Dinah grimaced in a fury, her eyes sparkled with an urge to kill, but her body dutifully jumped. The scene resembled the arrival of a bloodthirsty killer bunny.


    Dinah was acting like a clown before the former ve, the present servant! She wanted the ground open and swallow her up, her cheeks were burning red. How did ite to this? She was serving this douchebag, taking his orders¡­


    Kyonughed softly. Everything had worked perfectly well.


    ?Great¡­ just fine! That¡¯s what I¡¯ve always dreamed about! My obedient little Dinah, taking all my requests as if she was created for this! Mind you, I said requests, not orders!?


    Dinah hissed furiously as soon as she finished jumping and hid her tongue back:


    ?You¡­ you must have a death wish, sick bastard! If you dare to do anything else to me, I will torture you so muchter that you will pray for death!?


    ?Considering everything that has already happened between us, I am firmly convinced it does not matter how events will develop further, you will try to kill me anyway.?


    ?But in the best-case scenario, I will kill you painlessly!? ¨C retorted Dinah.


    ?I don¡¯t care, death will be death. You¡¯ve made your point, and I am not going to make things easier for you. I will do whatever I see fit.?


    ?If you touch me with a finger, I will tell thedy, and she will have you executed!?


    Kyon could hardly hold backughter so naive she was. She didn¡¯t know anything¡­


    ?My little Dinah, it¡¯s not good to sell people out.?


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to call me ¡°my little Dinah!¡± And who has been selling me out thest five times?! You, not me!?


    ?You are too talkative for a ve. On your knees, now!? ¨C Kyon said imperiously, pointing to the floor.


    Gasping with humiliation, Dinah obediently sat on her knees. Kyon casually put his hand on her hair and roughly patted it.


    ?Good bitch. Your owner is pleased with you.? ¨C He scooped up a handful of her hair and put it to his nose, inhaling deeply. He seemed to be flying away into the world of bliss¡­ The shampoo she had been using smelled so nice! Besides, her perfume matched it impably. For a killer, she was too feminine, and for a superior maid (a living mirror of the family status!), she was too good.


    Dinah gritted her teeth. She wanted to rip out his eyes, scratch his face, snap his neck!


    ?Follow me skipping just like you did not so long ago. Don¡¯t forget the ¡°ears.¡±? ¨C With those words, Kyon left his chambers, heading for the central family store.


    When the servants saw the superior maid skipping after the boy, they froze into nkness. Some of them stood still, some crashed into the wall, the others stumbled or dropped things. All of them had one thing inmon: they couldn¡¯t believe their eyes!


    Kyon was well aware that he should not attract so much attention, but he could not resist the temptation. It was a matter of honor and pride for the recent humiliation.


    Anna came out into the hall when she heard the tter of falling trays. When she saw her sister meekly skipping after Kyon, she stared at them nkly with her mouth open.


    ?Dinah¡­ Dinah, what are you doing?!?


    The hopping maid blushed crimson red and skipped outside without turning around. If a bolt of lightning struck Dinah now, she would only be grateful. Now, her sister was going to think all sorts of things¡­


    {I will¡­ I will kill you!} ¨C Her eyes were gnawing an imaginary hole in the back of Kyon¡¯s head.


    ¡­


    The huge family store was situated in the center of the estate. It sold absolutely all kinds of goods. For the sake of convenience, it was divided into the sections of clothing, weapons, armor, medicine, etc.


    The store provided the service of home delivery. The customers ordered by the sound transmitter, and birds delivered anything in the ring. But the delivery service was seldom used. People wanted to check things personally before buying them. The store was teeming with shoppers.


    Kyon was not interested in anything but a nice tuxedo and some perfume.


    He had quickly chosen his perfume. He found the best fragrance among the ten most expensive ones that corresponded to his preferences.


    Kyon had given more thought to the choice of his clothing. Among fifty options, he had selected five of those he liked, piled them on Dinah¡¯s arms and went with her into a small changing room.


    A married couple happened to see them hiding behind the curtains. The woman blushed and squinted at her husband. He sighed enviously, lost in his thoughts, and received a well-deserved p in the face.


    ?Undress me down to my underpants.? ¨C Kyon ordered her.


    Dinah gave him a searing look and began to take off his ck clothes. When he had only his briefs on, she made a quick step back, taking a look despite herself. His abs, biceps, chest, waist, neck were perfectly sculpted and had ideal proportions.


    With Synergy, Kyon didn¡¯t have to worry about the state of his body. It had never been a problem to grow his hair or nails or even his penis. He could easily get rid of some extra kilos or get himself pumped. All he had to do was to give his body proper instructions. Then it was a matter of time when. He could eat anything. What harm could it do?


    When Dinah finally looked up, Kyon¡¯s ck eyes glittered slyly.


    ?Do you like it? You can only dream about me, bitch.?


    His audacity stopped Dinah¡¯s breath in her throat. ¨C ?I don¡¯t care for scum in a nice wrapper, jerk! Besides¡­? ¨C Her lips parted in a sarcastic smile ¨C ?¡­poor thing, you are not a man anymore. You¡¯ll never ever have another hard-on in all your life. Let me do your hair, instead. And you know what, drop this tuxedo, I¡¯ll help you choose a beautiful dress. Maybe you¡¯ll find a pretty boy at the party.?


    Kyon felt an urge to drive her taunting words back into her cocky mouth, but he pulled himself together.


    ?The less said, the better. Come on, get your master dressed. And stop ogling me. Let¡¯s see how you handle temptation.?


    Kyon chose a tuxedo based on Dinah¡¯s reaction: the more vicious she looked, the better the tux.


    ?You gave me five darting nces. Shame on you. Now pay for the purchase. I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the training ground.? ¨C Kyon ordered her.


    ?But I don¡¯t have any money on me.? ¨C Dinah answered through her gritted teeth.


    ?I don¡¯t care.? ¨C Kyon said impassively and left the store.


    Soon, the gate to the training ground creaked. Dinah handed him the things he had chosen (god knows how she paid for them), giving him the death stare. When she tried to leave silently, she heard him say:


    ?Bring me a milkshake and do two hundred push-ups after that.?


    ?You¡­?


    After yesterday¡¯s humiliation, Juno felt so insulted as a practitioner that she was eager to be stronger. Even on such a momentous day, she decided to have a training session with a dummy. However, when she opened the gate and saw her servant drink a milkshake, imposingly sitting on Dinah¡¯s back while she was doing push-ups, Juno changed her mind. {He¡¯s a freak¡­ a total lunatic¡­}


    Kyon caught a glimpse of Juno¡¯s curious face peeping in and disappearing in a panic.


    {¡­}


    When Dinah finished her two hundredth push-up, she growled, wiping the sweat off her forehead:


    ?I will destroy you! You will regret this, I swear. I will rip out your heart and crush it right before your eyes! But before that, I¡¯ll break each of your fingers one at a time, savouring your suffering¡­?


    Kyon knew he couldn¡¯t sleep peacefully. This bitch would find a way to live up to her sadistic fantasies. He couldn¡¯t take it anymore. There still was some time before the party.


    ?Follow me.?


    ?What else do you want from me?!? ¨C Dinah asked him menacingly, but she had to obey. She had a bad feeling about that. She had no idea how the-soon-to-be-dead-jerk was going to humiliate her.


    Kyon came to his room, sat down on the nearest chair and flexed his muscles with a intive look.


    ?While you were doing push-ups, I got tired of sitting on you. My shoulders are numb. I want a nice massage.?


    Reluctantly, Dinah, or rather her body, had to do what he said but Kyon stopped her:


    ?No, not with my clothes on. Undress me.?


    Muttering curses, Dinah obeyed and stripped him to the waist.


    Kyon closed his eyes and felt her tender, cool hands touch his shoulders. Her thin fingers gently flexed his muscles. He was about to take off to heaven. After all, he didn¡¯t resent Dinah physically. It felt good to humiliate her, but it felt even better to exploit her.


    Kyon moaned softly. A visible bulge grew in his pants.


    Dinah was diligently massaging him when she identally noticed it. Her eyes were wide and staring. She froze in fear, her breathing stopped.


    Kyon was slowly and blissfully nodding his head, getting quite understandable pleasure from the massage when suddenly, he lowered his underpants and put his hand on his manhoodpletely unashamed. The sensations spread throughout his whole body as the pleasure built gradually along with the repeated movements of his hand. He couldn¡¯t hear his beautiful masseuse breathe. Dinah must have understood what was going on but could not utter a word.


    And there it was the moment of bliss¡­ Kyon let out a sweet moan and leaned back in his chair.


    Then he turned to Dinah. She looked devastated. She turned pale, her eyes full of shock and disbelief, her eyelids trembling, her lips slightly apart.


    ?My little Dinah, you look too anxious. I heard that excessive stress makes your skin age faster. I have a little gift for you. Stand still.? ¨C He reached her pale face and carefully smeared the slimy, smelly stuff. He didn¡¯t miss a single part, covering everything: her nose, eyelids, forehead, tender cheeks, earlobes.


    ?This natural anti-aging cream is incredibly effective and valuable. Do not wash your face until the party, and you will feel its full effect. The skin on your face will be soft and smooth for many years toe!?


    Dinah¡¯s lips moved in an attempt to say something, but she could say anything. Her whole body was trembling. Her face turned white like a sheet of paper.


    ?Alright, you may go to your room now. Take a rest or something. My heart aches for you when I see you so exhausted. You push yourself too hard.? ¨C Kyon said thoughtfully.


    Dinah obediently turned around and left the room.


    Kyon watched her with a pleased look on his face, then he frowned and listened to himself. Something was going on in his soul. He infused Synergy inside and discovered that his core that had not been showing any signs of life was now spinning.


    Meanwhile, Dinah met Anna on the way to her room.


    ?Dinah, what was that? Why were you skipping like¡­ like a bunny?? ¨C The blonde maid looked anxiously into her sister¡¯s half-empty eyes. She was confused to notice something weird on her face.


    ?What¡¯s happened? And what is it on your face??


    Dinah¡¯s glossy skin with a weird smell attracted her attention. Anna¡¯s curiosity prevailed. She took a drop umted on Dinah¡¯s chin and rubbed it between her fingers. Her eyebrows raised in surprise when she sniffed them. Anna grimaced, but when she decided to lick her fingers, Dinah quickly grabbed her hand.


    ?This face cream is too bitter.? ¨C She whispered, barely moving her lips.


    ?Is it face cream? May I have some??


    Dinah grimaced in disgust and went to her room without saying anything.


    ?Silent again¡­ Well, suit yourself.? ¨C Anna returned to her work with a displeased look. Her sister had always been cold and taciturn, but today she was especially distant. Anna decided that her sister had lost a truth or dare game she was ying with the servant who was in love with her. It was a wild guess, but nothing more reasonable came to her mind.


    Dinah was lying in her bed, staring at the ceiling. She had a feeling that her whole face was covered in slowly drying wax. She could not believe that she had his sperm on her face. The servant¡¯s sperm¡­ The one she despised and hated¡­ He had smeared her with his sperm¡­ Her, the superior maid¡­


    A lot of high-ranking men in the Stone family and even one elder tried to hit on her. They gave her expensive gifts, flowers, paid all their attention, invited her to the restaurant or a more interesting ce, in short, they wanted to make her their woman. But she never reciprocated. She always acted cold, depriving them of all hope, especially the most persistent ones. She was not ready to say goodbye to her position as a superior maid for an unworthy man. Only virgins could be superior maids. And then this low-life scum appeared among all the god-like heroes and dared to do things to her that would make their hearts stop¡­


    Dinah¡¯s experience with master Jean had saved her psyche from a nervous breakdown. Dinah had an urge to kill him. She gritted her teeth and dug her nails into her palms till she felt the blood. Her face was soiled, but she epted this humiliating blow because her reaction wasn¡¯t long ining. She would have her revenge soon, and it would be terrible!

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    At 2 p.m., the guards opened the gates for the young people who were on the guest list.


    Kyon took a seat in the cozy nook of the party hall with a good view of the main table where Juno would be sitting at the head. His ultimate goal was observe things urately.


    The courteous waiters were serving delicious treats. The musicians were getting ready to y. The guards were expecting the guests.


    Everyone admired the decor of the party hall. It¡¯s not every day they had a chance to see luxury at its finest, worthy of a first-rank family.


    Kyon noticed a badge on everybody¡¯s chest that showed the family they belonged to and the rank they had. It was convenient to determine the status and affiliation of the person you talk to.


    Kyon took out the token of the 3rd rank in the Stone family and put it on his chest. He had acquired it from the unlucky killers (Makar and Sicily).


    Meanwhile, more and more people were entering the hall.


    Everyone around Kyon was shaking hands and taking seats. The Stones were seated closer to the main table with Juno at the head, the Browns were a little further away, and the Romanovs even further. Everybody was seated ording to the ranks in the kingdom.


    By a simple visual analysis, Kyon determined that only the top ten family members of the 4th and higher rank were invited to the party. He didn¡¯t see anyone from other families above the 2nd rank. It confirmed his guess that the kingdom looked down at this party. Nobody from the Grands (0) had arrived. In obedience to the patriarch¡¯s order, the most powerful young Stones hade, including the descendants of pure blood (the children of the elders). The shiny beauty of their red-ruby tokens was mesmerising. Crowds had gathered to greet andpliment the important guests.


    Everyone in the hall had a high opinion of the descendants of pure blood. They were known for having high moral values and excellent manners. Their fathers, the elders, had tremendous power and influence in the family. Everyone was afraid to offend the descendants of pure blood. They were indecently rich, born with a golden diaper on the ass, brought up and trained ording to the best traditions of the family.


    A dark-haired 19-year-old boy entered the hall, a ruby token on his chest. He was handsome, of athletic build. His friend with a simr token was apanying him.


    ?Wee, Lee!? ¡­ ? How was your trip?? ¡­ ?You shine brighter than anyone! So happy to see you!? ¡­ ?Thank you foring! There would be no party without you? ¡­ ?No doubt, you will be the king today! I am ready to bet all my money for your victory!? ¨C The crowd eximed joyfully, glorifying the noble young man.


    Eric, hispanion, couldn¡¯t escape the attention, either. The elegantly dressed 18-year-old boy inspired respect at first nce. Everyone could feel his noble aura.


    ?Thank you, my friends. The trip was great, with no idents. No need to worry¡­ It¡¯s very kind of you.? ¨C Lee replied politely.


    No doubt, he was the most revered guest in the hall. The young men looked at him with awe, the girls flirted with him at the first opportunity. It was everyone¡¯s dream to get to know the influential elder¡¯s grandson.


    Lee wasn¡¯t born a descendant of pure blood. His father, unlike his grandfather, was no elder. The rank dropped with each generation if not passing the qualifying test. Lee amazed everyone when he had passed the test before even reaching the noble phase! Everyone in the younger generation respected him after that.


    Kyon had learned from the conversations around him that Lee was the most powerful and the most respected among the young Stones. His father and grandfather, along with the best masters, made every effort to nurture a strong warrior in him. As a result, Lee had the highest development and excellent skills.


    Kyon also remembered that Lee¡¯s grandpa was elder Boe, one of the most influential people in the Stone family. It could exin how Lee had managed to pass the qualification test and be a descendant of pure blood before he even reached the noble phase. It would be nice to make friends with him.


    His friend Eric was second in strength in the young Stone generation. Eric¡¯s mother had died, but his rank remained. Kyon wasn¡¯t interested in him, though. He had no influential father or mother, after all.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes shed when he saw another elder¡¯s daughter!


    A girl was approaching Lee, Eric, and their brown-nosers. She was sporting a red token on her chest.


    Everyone parted to let her pass.


    ?It¡¯s Ms. Stephanie! She is the third in power! The best girl I¡¯ve ever known! If only she would notice me¡­? ¨C Somebody whispered.


    ?She¡¯s cool as ever¡­ I really like her! I¡¯d love to be as strong and confident as she is.?


    Stephanie said:


    ?My condolences about the loss of your aunt, Lee. Bilya was a good doctor. I¡¯m sure lots of patients owe her their lives. What monster could do this to her??


    Lee closed his eyes, sighed and turned away. ?Stephanie, don¡¯t. I didn¡¯t know her well. But if I ever find her killer, I will ensure the triumph of justice.?


    Everyone became solemn. Thetest news was that someone had brutally stabbed one of elder Boe¡¯s daughters while she was treating a patient! It sounded ghastly, almost sacrilegious. Who in their right mind would kill a doctor? Everyone around Lee thought so.


    Only Kyon was jubnt in his nook. He was happy to get rid of the ravening sadist. {Apparently, Yegorka killed her in the end. Your balls were worth it, buddy.}


    Stephanie said:


    ?Rumor has it that Mr. Flitz, some nameless guy, and Yegorka had an appointment that day. Flitz and the unknown boy had left the hospital before the tragedy happened, but no one saw Yegorka leave. Perhaps, the elders¡¯ favorite boy was somehow involved¡­?


    ?Yegorka? The little bastard?!? ¨C Lee asked angrily and looked at those around him. ¨C ?Let me know if you see Yegorka today. I¡¯ll find out everything from him. Justice must triumph!?


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Some enthusiasts had already left to scour every corner of the mansion in search of the notorious little bastard. He could not have missed the party. The patriarch himself had ordered everyone toe. Those who knew his friends, Makar and Sicily, began to look for them, too. But in the end, everyone was in for a big disappointment.


    Kyon smiled. It seemed that his sworn enemy wasn¡¯t going to live long. So much the better, one problem less for him. It¡¯s better to dispose of dangerous enemies at once. Juno and Dinah fell into that category. He had found a good use for Juno, the sly fox, but he had yet to settle the question with the maid, and with Yegorka as well. Only, he had cowardly fled.


    Kyon noticed some guests from the Brown family (2). One of the boys left his family circle and walked confidently to the table where Lee was sitting. He was dressed in a white uniform and was wearing a token of the 2nd rank that depicted a furious tiger, the Browns¡¯ coat of arms.


    It turned out that there was an outsider at the party who had the 2nd rank. It means that his father or mother had the 1st rank, i.e, someone of his parents was an elder. He might have gained the rank after the qualification test, only he needed the development of the 4th phase for that and, consequently, he was given his rank at birth.


    ?Greetings, Lee. My name is Tsayan.?


    There was confusion in Lee¡¯s eyes when he shook Tsayan¡¯s hand with a polite smile.


    ?You don¡¯t know me. I¡¯m Kiyan Brown¡¯s brother, elder Stephen Brown¡¯s youngest son.?


    ?Kiyan?! The very Kiyan?!? ¡­ ?Oh my God, how is it possible?!? ¨C The guests cried out, stunned.


    Everyone knew that Kiyan was the 2nd most powerful fighter in the Brown family. There were a lot of different rumors about his power. His fame surpassed Lee¡¯s.


    Lee smiled, carefully hiding amazement on his face. ?Pleased to meet you, Tsayan. Where is your brother??


    ?He has better things to do.? ¨C replied Tsayan.


    The Stones felt ufortable. Everyone understood this party had ridiculous prestige. There wasn¡¯t a single outsider of the 2nd rank, except Tsayan.


    ?I see. Tell your esteemed brother that I won¡¯t lose to him at the family tournament.? ¨C Lee said, his voice had a hard edge.


    ?Of course, I will.? ¨C Tsayan replied in a mocking voice. Then he returned to the Browns and was immediately surrounded by a group of followers. He seemed to be the most reputable Brown to arrive.


    All of a sudden, the doors to the hall opened loudly.


    Two short-haired arrogant boys came inside with insolent smiles on their faces. Both of them were no older than 16 years old. They had a blue token of the Grand family (0) on their chests, both had the 4th rank. The first guests from the royal family had arrived with an attitude of being the stars of today¡¯s event.


    All eyes were on them. The orchestra died down. Silence reigned in the hall. The arrival of the Grands at the ¡°little¡± party came as a great surprise.


    ?Come on, gentlemen. We are no kings to stop the fun because of us.? ¨C One of them said and headed for the remarkable table that had his number. As expected, the Grand zone was empty.


    The music continued to y. The servants returned to serving treats. The guests went about their business, looking with caution at the royal couple.


    One of the Grands came up to Lee and shook his hand tight. ?Dear Lee, I¡¯ve been wanting to meet you for a long time. My name is Hong. I am an average member of the royal family. The usual mediocrity. How is your training going??


    Lee¡¯s face flushed red. He was about to explode with tension but said nothing, only grunted quietly.


    Many guests looked at each other and couldn¡¯t understand why the Stone leader was so tense. Was he scared of a Grand?


    Finally, Hong released him from his iron handshake.


    Lee groaned and hid his injured hand in the pocket, pretending that nothing had happened.


    ?d to meet you, Mr. Hong. Everything¡¯s all right. I¡¯m evolving little by little. How are you doing?? ¨C Lee smiled politely.


    ?I¡¯m doing great! My elder brother was just like you when he was 13. He was also in the middle of the superior phase and kept training. He is 19 now, and I can¡¯t imagine the reason why he wouldn¡¯t want to attend this grand event!? ¨C Hong finished his loud tirade with a good share of snide.


    Some of the Browns giggled malevolently.


    The Stones blushed but said nothing. Was his brother at the same stage of development as Lee at the age of 13? But Lee was already 19! His little brother was as strong as Stone number one! What stage of development was his brother now?


    The reason his brother wasn¡¯t present at the party was clear for everyone. The Stones had to endure another p in the face. The royal family had always looked down on everyone. It¡¯s better not to argue with them. Fools who dared to oppose them didn¡¯t live long.


    ?I am not going to ruin your fun, kids.? ¨C Hong said and went to join his friend at the table with a pleased look on his face.


    The Stones breathed a sigh of relief.


    Hong and his friend hade to this miserable semnce of a party to humiliate losers, get in the spotlight, find a beautiful girl for the night, and find out what precious Juno tasted like.


    Kyon discerned their motive at first nce. {I see¡­ The royal family must be very respected if the scum of the 4th rank allows themselves to behave like this. I wouldn¡¯t mind taking advantage of their useful resources.}


    However, Kyon was in no hurry to act. First, he needed to explore the situation.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    All the guests in the hall were well aware that patriarch Bai was throwing this party for his beautiful granddaughter. But where was the girl of honor?


    Somebody who had never seen Juno before started rumors that she was getting ugly and, therefore, afraid to go public.


    Several girls giggled maliciously and made up even more horror stories about Juno. If the Stones knew the reason for theirughter, they would have stepped in.


    Suddenly the door to the main entrance was thrown open. All eyes were fixed on those entering the party hall. The orchestra died down, the servants stopped short.


    Two sexy maids held the door open.


    One of the girls had shiny wavy ck hair. She looked stunning. The seducing pearl gray evening dress highlighted her slim figure and matched perfectly the color of her eyes. Her prominent bust was the cherry on the cake. One leg peeped out of the dress slit. Glittering heeled shoes adorned her small feet. Her beautiful face expressed a self-possessed indifference. Her icy cold gaze searched through the crowd and fell on the inconspicuous boy. She seemed to be looking at her sworn enemy. A lot of guests shuddered and hastily averted their eyes.


    The other maid was wearing an ivory evening gown. Her dazzling smile sent pulses racing. Her eyes were deep like mountainkes and glowed with warmth. Her presence inspired trust and affection. The maids differed from each other like winter and summer.


    Everyone knew that these two nymphs were the superior maids, the mirror of the Stones¡¯ soul. They were given to the family as a precious gift at the height of their power and symbolised their greatness up to this day.


    So many young men among the guests were eager to get to know these femmes fatales¡­ But the powerful beautiful girls couldn¡¯t care less for the average practitioners.


    Suddenly, the silhouette of a young girl appeared in the doorway.


    The royal Grands instinctively rose from their seats. Lee, Eric, Stephanie, and those who had been gossiping followed suit. ming fire in their hearts urged them to stand up and bow to theirdy.


    Juno entered the party hall like a charming fairy. She was wearing a short fluffy ck dress, withyers of folds like lotus petals. Everyone marveled at the way she held herself, spine straight, head up, haughty as a queen. Her long slender vicles and tender shoulders highlighted her innocence of an angel. She had tiny flowered shoes on her delicate feet. A faint light twinkled in the depths of her delightful emerald eyes. Glimmering earrings sparkled up her magical look.


    The envious gossip girls gritted their teeth with annoyance, their self-esteem deeply hurt.


    And only one blond young man of the 2nd rank was looking at the beautiful blonde behind Juno, unable to take his eyes off her.


    As the girls were walking to their allotted ces at the main table, they could feel everyone staring at them.


    Juno had exceeded the expectations of those who had never seen her, winning hearts and minds with her divine beauty.


    Lee walked up to the main table as a representative of the Stone family. He put his hand on his heart, took a traditional bow and said respectfully:


    ?Lady Juno, let me introduce myself and greet you on behalf of all the Stones. I am Lee Stone.?


    Juno smiled and nodded graciously.


    ?Lady Juno, your beauty is beyond praise¡­ I will destroy anyone who dares to hurt you. I give you my word of honor.? ¨C Lee said confidently. He really liked Juno. He decided that he must be the king of the party to get the patriarch¡¯s prize and dance with his wonderful granddaughter.


    Lee¡¯s words made the other girls jealous. They were fading away in the bright light of Juno, the little star. The young Stones were furious that Lee was standing so close to her¡­The patriarch had forbidden the close rtives to approach her, after all. Bai didn¡¯t wee rted couples.


    ?Thank you. It¡¯s nice of you to say that.? ¨C Juno said politely. She picked up an empty ss, and her maid filled it up with juice at once.


    Lee returned to his table, where arge group of Stones had already gathered together. His heart was pounding. What were those feelings? Did Juno excite him so much?


    Next, Tsayan came up to Juno as a representative from the Brown family. He bowed gantly and said:


    ?Mydy, you are an angel who came down from heaven. My name is Tsayan. I greet you on behalf of all the Browns, and Timothy himself.?


    When they heard this name, the guests started to whisper nervously. Rumor had it Timothy had ns for Juno. That¡¯s why only few young men dared toe up to her. Who was this Timothy? It was the most talented boy in the kingdom from a non-royal family. The patriarch Brown¡¯s son had an outstanding personality. Once, he intended to marry Elsa.


    ?Thank you, Tsayan¡­ I¡¯m d to see you at the party organised by my grandfather.? ¨C Juno answered with a dazzling smile.


    Tsayan took another bow and stepped back. His self-confidence had a simple exnation. He was already at the peak of the advanced phase at the age of 15. His elder brother was the strongest of them all (except Timothy), and his father was a revered elder. Tsayan was a tiger who wasn¡¯t afraid of wolves and dogs.


    After the Browns (2), the representatives of other families came out in order of rank to greet Juno. Her beauty made her popr. In this world, good looks were of great value.


    Kyon stared at Juno in her beautiful dress, drinking her in. He recalled the day he kissed her when she was asleep. He winced and took a sip of cherry wine. Then he looked at Dinah. A mischievous smile appeared on Kyon¡¯s face. He wanted nothing more than to mess with her. The bitch was treating everyone with icy contempt. Well, that¡¯s okay¡­ He was going to keep her to himself, and then he would see what to do with her.


    Meanwhile, the greeting ceremony came to an end.


    ?Timothy has good taste for girls, that¡¯s for sure. Patriarch Bai¡¯s expectations for this party will lead to disappointment. Juno¡¯s beauty, as well as specially spread rumors, will intimidate everyone. They will be too scared to court her.? ¨C Tsayan told his friend, sipping delicious wine.


    Hispanion was about to agree when suddenly he noticed a beefy young man in a luxurious outfit. His shiny, patterned clothes were made of high-quality material iid with precious gemstones. Three gold chains hung on his neck, multi-colored rings sparkled on his fat sausage-like fingers, three bracelets jingled on each wrist, even his boots shone with brilliance. The fat guy was fiddling with two lord spheres in his hands. He obviously had money to burn.


    With a regal look and a confident gait of the gluttonous public official, he approached Juno¡¯s table with a wide smile and a traditional bow. However, his attitude clearlycked reverence.


    The girls at the table and a couple of maids around turned to the walking ¡°lord,¡± a most quizzical look on their faces. He acted as if he was a king.


    ?Lady Juno, my name is BonJiao. I am elder BonLoir¡¯s son. My family, the Limurovs (10), is one of the wealthiest in the kingdom. I am totally smitten by your charm. I think it¡¯s love at first sight. Will you dance with me?? ¨C He reached out for Juno¡¯s tiny hand. His eyes sparkled with confidence and insatiable ambition.


    Half of the guests nearly fell from their chairs. ?What a nerve! He isn¡¯t afraid of anything!? ¡­ ?Wasn¡¯t it a bit too insensitive?! Hees from a pathetic family of the 10th rank, after all!? ¡­ ? I will kill him!? ¨C Music muffled loud exmations in the crowd. BonJiao didn¡¯t see anyone but Juno. He waspletely unaware that every second guest wanted to cut his guts open.


    Anna and Dinah looked at each other and then at thedy, waiting for her signal.


    Juno had to resist an urge to incinerate this pompous clown together with his honor and dignity. He annoyed her even more than her servant!


    ?BonJiao, I don¡¯t know you at all. Please, tell me about yourself.? ¨C She said in a sweet voice.


    A dozen young men lost faith in life when they heard it. They had been hopingdy Juno would brush off the bougie¡­


    However, a secondter, everyone had a major epiphany: Juno actually had a heart of gold. She respected the feelings of the boastful dick. Instead of walking over him, she was giving him imaginary hope.


    Many hearts began to beat faster because of Juno¡¯spassion. ?It¡¯s so kind of her¡­? ¡­ ? I did not expect to see an angel in this cruel world where blood is shed every day¡­ God save Rosarrio and the Stones.? ¡­ ?She embodies the generosity of the Stones. The patriarch has a wonderful granddaughter.? ¨C The guests whispered to each other, their voices trembled. One of the young men cried out exultantly at Juno¡¯s words. He knew he had found his ideal in a girl.


    Even if BonJiao looked like an imposing king, he didn¡¯t feel as rxed as usual. A thunderous heavy stare of one of thedy¡¯s maids was the reason for his difort, which he tried unsessfully to ignore. The lord phase (5) spheres started spinning faster in his hands. But it only added fuel to his ambition, and he went on bragging about his status to seek admiration.


    ?Mydy, let me tell you about myself. At my age of 16, I¡¯m a sessful assistant of my father who is in charge of the family financial sector. My mother runs a clothing factory in the suburbs of Ganglois. I am sure you¡¯ve heard of the high-quality products we produce for the rich ss. I have a mountain pony of Alurre breed. By the way, that¡¯s how I came here¡­ I can show you if you wish. I also have three enormous mansions. I¡¯ll be honored to take you there. You¡¯ll have a chance to admire the royal ducks that live inrge ponds¡­ You will be absolutely delighted!? ¨C The fat boy continued to praise his endless wealth.


    Kyon saw Dinah ring daggers at the arrogant guest and could only sympathize with poor BonJiao. The big guy was holding well. He didn¡¯t flinch once under the pressure of her gaze.


    Juno was listening carefully and even smiled at him. She had already found his weak point and was ready to strike with something along the lines of ¡°Dinah, throw this dirty beggar out.¡± It would ruin her image of an innocent fairy, but she would never forgive herself if she didn¡¯t destroy the naive moneybags.


    Hundreds of ears perked up. The guests couldn¡¯t wait to see what would happen next. Some of them were slowly heading towards Mr. Swelledhead to save Juno from his hideous presence.


    Juno was about to speak when she suddenly heard painfully familiar footsteps¡­


    BonJiao followed his angel¡¯s gaze and gasped. The two spheres fell out of his hands. One of them rolled under the table, the other stuck under the chair.


    Juno¡¯s brother, XiaoBai, had arrived.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    XiaoBai had always been punctual, but this time, two business partners failed him. He waited for them out ofmon courtesy but was a bitte for the party.


    As he entered the hall, the patriarch¡¯s grandson immediately noticed everyone watch his little sister talking to the fat boy who was unting his wealth. What was that thing gleaming between his fingers? The lord phase spheres! Holy poop on a stick! Does he use them as anti-stress balls?!


    No sooner had XiaoBai taken a few steps than something terrible happened. The two spheres fell out of BonJiao¡¯s hands and scattered on the floor. The grant waste shocked XiaoBai to the core. This appalling disrespect towards money was against his worldview, honor, morality andmon sense. His world had nearly cracked.


    All eyes were on the 15-year-old boy at the door.


    His forms affronted heaven. His rounded carcass of a spherical shape looked like a human-sized meatball of some centners (about 500 lb). Oh, there was no doubt that his clothes were custom made. His three chins resembled a meat avnche, and his little pig eyes were so far apart and so deep-set as if they considered each other sworn enemies. His face was far from beautiful in the best times and now it was crimson red and distorted with rage. The veins popped out on his forehead. With a roar: ?How did you dare?!? ¨C he rushed to BonJiao with a speed that defied allmon sense, the floor shaking under him.


    A blow to his guts made BonJiao double over with a * boom. * Another one hit his head and there it was¡­


    ?Asshole! What a nerve! What the hell is wrong with you!? I¡¯ll kill you! I swear I¡¯ll kill you!? ¨C XiaoBai shouted furiously, pummeling the unfortunate victim with his enormous fists.


    It was an incredible thing to watch.


    One of the guests said his first guess out loud:


    ?XiaoBai is a hero. He is helping his sister!?


    And then everyone understood what was happening. The noble brother could not stand the cheeky rich kid and decided to stand up for his beloved little sister!


    ?Let him have it, Mr. XiaoBai!? ¡­ ?You are the best! You did what everyone in this hall wanted to!? ¡­ ?XiaoBai, you are my hero!? ¨C People from all the families yelled.


    XiaoBai grabbed ahold of BonJiao. ?You sick bastard! I don¡¯t want you hanging around here! Throw him out!?


    The guardsmen immediately followed his order and dragged BonJiao like a pork chop out of the mansion.


    XiaoBai looked around the room and roared:


    ?My apologies,dies and gentlemen, for beingte! We can do without the wee ceremony. Traditional fights begin at eight in the evening. Until then, have a nice party here!?


    ?You are a hero, XiaoBai!? ¡­ ?The Romanovs greet you XiaoBai!? ¡­ ?Your arrival is beyond reproach, sir!? ¨C The guests enthusiastically greeted the ¡°savior.¡±


    He turned to his sister, gave her a broad smile and wrapped his arms around her. ?My dear Juno! You outshine everyone here as always!?


    ?My dear brother!? ¨C Juno eximed and buried her face in his chest. There he was, the echo of her former life, the times when she wasn¡¯t a ve, and her brother always vigorously defended her. How she wished she could return those times and escape her reality¡­


    XiaoBai lovingly stroked his sister¡¯s soft hair. ?I haven¡¯t seen you so long, dear. Wow! You are already at the 7th stage! Atta girl! You will definitely surpass Elsa with your talent. So, tell me, how is it going? What¡¯s new in the world??


    ?I¡¯m fine¡­ I train every day. I¡¯m going through hell¡­ hellish training.? ¨C She answered, depressed.


    Xiao Bai finally noticed Marina sitting next to her and raised his eyebrows in surprise. ?§®om¡­ Is it you?!?


    ?This is my friend. I agree they are very much alike¡­? ¨C Juno hastily assured him.


    ?I¡¯m Marina, nice to meet you.? ¨C She said and held out her hand that disappeared in his massive hand.


    After he greeted Marina and the superior maids, XiaoBai sat next to Juno. He was so bulky he took two seats at once. His movements were slow and awkward that he dropped a fork as soon as he sat at the table. When he leaned down to pick it up, he whispered to his sister in the ear:


    ?Sweetheart, today¡¯s party is organized in your honor. Grandfather has prepared a valuable gift that the winner of the battles will give to you. You will dance with the champion. It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t like him. Your word is thew here. If you happen to like someone, just point to him, and I will organize everything. Today you must find your future husband. Do you understand??


    ?I will try.? ¨C Juno answered with a slight nod of her head.


    ?Great! By the way, I have a couple of nice gentlemen for you.? ¨C With thest words, he raised his hand and snapped his fingers. Two heavyweight boys got up from the faraway table.


    Juno¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of the ugly hefty chaps. One of them was a walking mental attack, the second was a bit more tolerable, but it was smallfort.


    ?Well¡­ I¡¯d better be going.? ¨C Marina said politely, straightening her skirt, and left the testing ground out of harm¡¯s way. Meanwhile, the blond young man got up from his table and followed her.


    Juno pressed her lips together and watched the ¡°traitor¡± go.


    Meanwhile, the two burly guys came up to her table. They devoured the sweet girl with their little eyes. One of them was constantly swallowing, and the other was incessantly chewing something, his chubby cheeks rippled.


    Anna and Dinah looked at each other.


    ?This handsome fellow is Balim Milonov (4). He is in charge of the baking factory. If you marry him, you¡¯ll never starve. I mean he is very spiritual. You can always have a heart-to-heart conversation with him¡­ to quench your spiritual thirst! So¡­ He reads books like there¡¯s no tomorrow! I mean it. He loves to read and have deep, serious conversations.? ¨C XiaoBai finished his tirade and patted the always chewing guy on the shoulder.


    ?Nice to meet you,dy Juno.? ¨C Balin said respectfully.


    ?Me too¡­? ¨C replied Juno with a falter in her voice.


    ?And this handsome one is Zhou Weicin. You can call him just fat Zhou. His mother has connections with the merchants guild. When you¡¯re his wife, you can afford whatever you want! Besides, his hobby is to carry girls in his arms¡­ hehe. You¡¯ll be a real princess, sister!?


    {Yeah, in the clutches of the monster.} ¨C Juno thought and smiled bitterly. She was disgusted to look at the always swallowing ugly behemoth who was devouring her with his eyes. His lips were wet with saliva. Yuck!


    The look in the beautiful nymph¡¯s eyes made Zhou choke on his saliva and cough. XiaoBai graciously patted him on the back. ?Hush, buddy!?


    ?Excuse me¡­ Cough¡­ You look so sweet, mydy, that I swallowed the wrong way¡­? ¨C The big guy said in a strained voice.


    Poor Juno felt sick after his words. Even her ¡°master¡± looked better when his face was burned.


    XiaoBai hurried to justify his friend:


    ?That¡¯s not what he is saying! He has two problems: he can¡¯t givepliments, and he overproduces saliva. But deep inside, he is an angel! I remember one day when he was carrying a maid in his arms, and she felt sick¡­?


    Kyon was staring at Juno¡¯s brother, wondering. If his observation skills and intuition didn¡¯t fail him, Xiao Bai was the meanest person he had ever met.


    At first, it seemed that the only reason why he had beaten BonJiao was to protect Juno. However, Kyon changed his mind after the rogue ¡°identally¡± dropped his fork and imperceptibly picked up the lord sphere (5) that the arrogant boy had let out of his hands.


    And then XiaoBai dropped the cutlery again and picked up the second lord sphere refusing the help of the maids. Everyone was impressed when the patriarch¡¯s son (with severe obesity) picked up a little fork with his own hands. The guests took him for a hero.


    Kyon was about tough, but the two disgusting fat boys caught his attention. He was delighted to see Juno suffering. But time passed, and XiaoBai didn¡¯t stop praising his friends. He was clearly intending to marry off his beautiful sister to one of them. What¡¯s the matter? Why didn¡¯t the little devil show some perseverance and get rid of them?


    Kyon got an idea of XiaoBai¡¯s character and temper. It coincided with Juno¡¯s stories. It was time to implement his n. Kyon had to get to know the brother and build a rapport with him. He would stick to the legend that he was Juno¡¯s friend. He just needed to get rid of the fatties and the devoted maids.


    With a dirty smile, he took the sound transmitter and called Dinah.


    The maid stepped aside, put the ringing device to her ear and said coldly:


    ?Dinah speaking.?


    ?Dinah, I noticed the way you look at Zhou. I am guessing you are crazy about fat moneybags. I decided to make your dreame true, shy silly girl¡­ So, you will go dancing with the slobbery fat guy, seduce him and make him fall in love with you. And if his gorgeous body wets your panties, give the handsome some pleasure with your little tongue. I¡¯m counting on you, my diligent girl.? ¨C Kyon finished, chuckling maliciously.


    His order had instantly entered Dinah¡¯s brain, and she no longer owned her body. Dinah turned pale, grabbed gasping Zhou by the hand and dragged him to dance. A storm of emotions raged inside her. She would kill Kyon¡­ destroy the bastard! In the worst possible way!


    Xiao Bai watched them leave, dismay written all over his face.


    The guests who had been secretly dreaming about Dinah were thunderstruck by what they saw. They hoped for a dance with the snow queen, and she had chosen a slobbering freak! How could it be possible?!


    Several girlsughed to tears when they saw them. Their self-esteem had increased significantly.


    Whirling in the dance with the fat monster, Dinah trembled with rage. With her icy gaze, she red at the piggy eyes of her frightened partner as if she was going to kill him brutally.


    Poor Zhou Weicin was drenched in a cold sweat. Death itself seemed to be spinning in a creepy dance with him! During the pirouettes, some liquid sprayed from his ck pants. No one saw that, no one but Dinah.


    Meanwhile, Juno received a call and listened in silence to the speaker. When she finished the call, she looked at Anna and pointed to Balim.


    The maid pursed her pink lips. Now she understood why Dinah had done that. Small wonder that thedy gave her the same sign to take the second fat guy away. It was hard work, but what could she do? She would die for thedy. The blonde maid sighed heavily, took the boy who was chewing his tongue by the hand and led him to the center of the hall.


    Another dozen young people bulged their eyes and dropped their jaws. The charming beauties were dancing with fat hogs?! Was it a new fad? They didn¡¯t seem to keep up with fashion. It was high time they started gaining weight.


    XiaoBai looked perplexed. He reproached his little sister. ?See, Juno? I¡¯ve brought you cool, beautiful, rich grooms, and some greedy girls have taken them away! Oh, you silly little girl¡­ You do not appreciate your brother¡¯s effort. I¡¯ve been trying, searching¡­ I¡¯ve been studying their inheritance, status, interests, ounts¡­? ¨C He said, offended.


    The angry little fox growled quietly:


    ?Thank you, brother! But I don¡¯t need your handouts!? ¨C Then she suddenly changed her mind. ¨C ?By the way, can you give me a loan¡­ Say, a hundred thousand spheres??


    XiaoBai interlocked his fingers in a businesslike manner. ?How much interest??


    ?None!? ¨C Juno burst out. Her unique body had a growing desire to absorb spheres. However, the treasury was empty, and the greedy servant had given her only 200 spheres.


    When she saw XiaoBai¡¯s frozen gaze, she implored:


    ?I beg you, brother! Oh please¡­ Ple-a-a-ase!!?


    Denial shed across XiaoBai¡¯s face. ?No¡­ No¡­ How¡¯s that¡­ You can¡¯t¡­? ¨C He angrily banged with his fist on the table. ¨C ?Do you know how much one hundred thousand is?!? ¨C He folded his hands. ¨C ?Maybe¡­ ten thousand is enough? or¡­ Twenty? Let¡¯s settle for thirty?!? ¨C He nervously ran his fingers through his hair, breathing frantically. ¨C ?You don¡¯t understand¡­ I will give you my soul! But money is my everything!? ¨C With a deep breath, he epted the inevitable. ¨C ?Okay, I¡¯ll give you a hundred thousand without interest for a month. You will ask grandfather for the rest.?


    ?Thank you! I love you!? ¨C Juno happily eximed and took her brother¡¯s fat hand in her tiny hands. She was used to XiaoBai¡¯s strange behavior when it came to money.


    Despite their close rtion, the siblings had nothing inmon. At least outwardly. Juno was a beautiful piece of work created by skillful gods, a strikingly beautiful being. Her brother was an ugly piece of y, squeamishly thrown into the garbage can in the absence of the muse.


    Many guests wanted toe up to the table where the patriarch¡¯s grandchildren were seated. But most of them were afraid of XiaoBai, the others were embarrassed by the prestige and poprity of magnificent Juno. And yet, a couple of daredevils rose from their seats, but¡­ A shaggy handsome young man hade up to their table. Well, they had to wait until they drive the cheeky boy away and then try their luck. Otherwise, why did theye to the party if not to find out how it feels to dance with the beautiful angel?

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    ?Hello, Juno! Greetings Mr. XiaoBai. My name is Kyon. I¡¯ve been wanting to meet you for a long time.? ¨C He said confidently and held out his hand.


    ?Hmm¡­? ¨C the fat guy was a little surprised at such a fraternizing attitude to Juno. Was there something he didn¡¯t know? Or was the average boy at the 7th stage a suicide? Why did his rustic rare name sound familiar? Did he ever hear of him? Anyway, what the underdeveloped person was doing there? Could grandfather really invite him?


    ?He is my friend. He¡¯s lost his family recently and was leftpletely alone¡­ I met him at the entrance to the estate when he was selling cotton candy. One thing led to another, we made friends.? ¨C The girl said the facts she¡¯d learned by heart.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñh¡­? ¨C XiaoBai said understandingly and shook hands with Kyon. ¨C ?You must have got your father¡¯s fortune.? ¨C He added when he saw the 3rd-rank token on the guy¡¯s chest.


    The bait had been thrown.


    ?I did. And my mother¡¯s, too¡­ She died with my father when they were on a mission. Now I live in the mansion with the servants.?


    Juno frowning her little nose and turned away.


    XiaoBai folded his hands. ?I see. Do you like gambling, Kyon? Have you ever made money ying games??


    ?Not really¡­ I have no taste for gambling after I lost all my pocket money. But I wouldn¡¯t mind to bet. Especially, if you insist.?


    The fat guy¡¯s little eyes shed excitedly. ?Let¡¯s bet for money! A nice bet is a good start to a great friendship! I bet I find a dance partner first.? ¨C XiaoBai said but when he saw the expression on Kyon¡¯s face, he added. ¨C ?However, this bet is unfair. I am too handsome¡­ How about this? If you win, you¡¯ll get three times as much.?


    ?Alright. I bet a thousand of spheres.? ¨C Kyon blurted out.


    ?That¡¯s too little!?


    ?I¡¯m afraid to lose.?


    XiaoBai clicked his tongue and decided another thousand would never hurt. He held out his hand. ?Okay. A thousand it is.?


    Kyon shook his hand. The fat fish bit the bait¡­


    ?Juno, you¡¯re the witness.?


    The girl humbly agreed, reflecting on the servant¡¯s cunning ns. In the meantime, XiaoBai rushed from the table into the centre of the room. It was outrageous. Despite his size, the patriarch¡¯s grandson moved very quickly.


    Kyon was in no hurry. He looked meaningfully at Juno till she turned away. Then he went for a walk around the hall. He was not going to win. What for? The loss of a thousand spheres wouldn¡¯t hurt his fifty thousand. But the impression of a ¡°loser¡± was going to bring him an interest in any case.


    Besides, if XiaoBai took him for a big fish he would definitely make friends with him. In the meantime, he needed to observe and find out what the point of the bet was.


    XiaoBai had no doubt he had found another duffer. He often used the trick at events like this. The thing is that one of the guests is bribed and must dance with him as soon as hees up to her. Cheating this way, XiaoBai could win a fortune! He lost only once when he made a bet with Prince Charles.


    XiaoBai found his partner and held out his hand in anticipation of another victory¡­ When suddenly someone unknown rudely pushed the girl away and spun with him in the dance.


    The boy looked at the charming brown-haired girl of medium height. He was stunned. ?I did not buy your dance! Seriously¡­ Are you after amision?!? ¨C The shocked fat guy asked in fear.


    The youngdy (obviously his age) gave the pale young man an amazing smile. ?Nothing of the kind, dear XiaoBai. Let¡¯s just dance.? ¨C She said gently in a pleasant voice with overtones iprehensible for XiaoBai. The girls had never spoken to him like that¡­ It was surprising that she called him by his first name.


    There was no identification token on her small bust. The girl wasn¡¯t a simple one. She was too confident. It was weird¡­ She looked into his eyes for a moment, then snuggled up to him, purring something under her breath.


    {What was going on?!} ¨C The fat guy was difficult to confuse, but today three girls managed to perplex him! Did they have a fever or something? Dinah and Anna had taken Balim and Zhou for a dance. Now this unknown cutie was huddling close to him¡­


    Kyon was a little confused watching the unusual scene. Had XiaoBai bribed two girls? If so, why? And if not, who¡¯s that young beauty? He decided to walk around the hall.


    Kyon was astonished to see Marina dancing happily with a handsome blond Stone of the 2nd rank. At first, he wanted to intervene but he thought better of it. He let her live her life. He would always help her if need be. He owed her, after all.


    While Kyon was wandering around the room, brave young men came up to Juno one after another. Each of them tried to charm the wonderful nymph, but she said no to all of them.


    Suddenly, Kyon noticed a girl. She was wearing a simple white dress, her gorgeous snow-white hair fell to her feet in an avnche of thousand-year-old mountain snow, her facepletely covered with an elegant ck mask hiding everything but her eyes.


    Her eyes made the boy freeze in amazement. Three multicolored cosmic nebe reflected in them, as well as a myriad of stars dazzling like the sunrise and the blinding brilliance of diamonds¡­ He could see the whole universe in them. It was impossible to look away from such perfect beauty. As luck would have it, someone passed and blocked his view. In a moment, the beautiful girl disappeared.


    {What was that?} ¨C Kyon blinked. Maybe, he was seeing things¡­ But his memory and Synergy couldn¡¯t lie. Triple heterochromia! It¡¯s incredible. He could drown in the depths of those eyes. The boy plunged into pleasant memories¡­ The abyss of her eyes kept bewitching him even in his thoughts. Her unreal beauty was hard to forget. Something beyond possible was going to happen. What should he expect? Maybe a princess?


    Soon after that, XiaoBai returned to Juno. He was out of breath. The girl he¡¯d been dancing with was sitting nearby staring at him with a loving gaze. The fat guy learned that her name was Cornelia but the family name said nothing to him. Apparently, the beauty was a foreigner.


    XiaoBai was in a perfect mood. He banged on the table with his fist and demanded his prize.


    ?Cheer up, Kyon! I will let you get even with me whenever you get a chance. Hehe¡­? ¨C He counted the spheres again and chuckled, grunting like an idiot. Then he eagerly hid his ¡°treasure¡± in the ring. His piggy eyes gleamed with satisfaction.


    It was a great opportunity for a conversation. No one could bother them, the maids were away, and there was still time before the evening fights began. Kyon said boldly:


    ?For the sake of curiosity, I once paid a visit to the Stone mines and noticed a couple of details.? ¨C XiaoBai did not even look up. ¨C ?I am talking aboutbor efficiency. More precisely, the benefits. In my opinion, stone mining can be increased many times at the same cost!? ¨C Kyon added.


    The fat guy¡¯s eyes red at him at once. He said in a strained voice. ?Go on¡­?


    Kyon grinned, the fish rose to the bait. He could keep talking for years with a man obsessed with money.


    The boy started a fascinating conversation about the economy of the mine and how to improve it, then he smoothly changed the topic to the ntation, then to the economic sector of the family, and the banking sector¡­ He was not going to stop.


    XiaoBai plunged into their conversation with his head, body and soul.


    Kyon¡¯s financial proficiency shocked the fat guy. It seemed strange that he had lost the bet¡­


    It turned out during the conversation that XiaoBai was the sessor of the elder responsible for the mines. He was taking over the experience and learning to run the mine. However, the fact that the mines would most likely be taken away from the family had greatly diminished his motivation.


    XiaoBai turned was extremely tightfisted. His attempts to marry his business partners to Juno and his numerous sessful scams said it all. Each of his words and actions revealed his greed. Even the deaf could hear that and blind could see that.


    They talked about the patriarch. No wonder Bai gave all his love to Juno. He tactfully left the part about his rtions with grandfather.


    Juno drank up the juice with a bored look and headed for the restroom. She was sick and tired of the tedious conversation the two morons were having about money. She wished Marina wasn¡¯t dancing.


    Dozens of guys, mesmerized by her beauty, watched the girl leave.


    ?Hong, look over there.? ¨C The young man from the Grand family shoved his friend with his elbow and pointed to Juno. ¨C ?The pussy cat has left the table. And she is alone¡­ What do you say??


    Hong licked his lips keeping his eyes on the girl. ?We can¡¯t miss a chance like this. Let¡¯s go for it.? ¨C He whispered conspiratorially.


    ?Do you really want to deflower her? Don¡¯t you think that Patriarch Stone will ruin our lives?? ¨C The guy asked skeptically.


    ?We are the Grands. The rest of the families are like rats next to a lionpared to us. Moreover, my barrel-bellied father holds a high-level position in the ministry. He is an executioner! He¡¯ll take care of it.?


    ?Okay¡­ Then let¡¯s go. I¡¯ve never seen pussies like that.? ¨C Hong¡¯s friend stood up with a filthy grin.


    ?Speaking of pussies¡­ I am the first.?


    ?Okay, okay¡­?


    Out of the corner of his eye, Kyon saw the two scumbags from the Grand family get up from their seats and very casually follow the girl. He also saw the leader of the Stones, Lee. He was carefully watching thedy but turned a blind eye to what was happening and continued to chat with his friends. Some other observers also modestly lowered their eyes, fully aware of the danger the little angel was in.


    {And he was the guy who had promised to beat to death anyone who dared to offend her?!} ¨C Kyon could understand Lee¡¯s attitude but he wanted to strangle the best Stone fighter with his own hands.


    Kyon was about to get out of the chair and follow Juno (the girl¡¯s virginity belonged to him only) when he saw Anna resolutely follow the trio. He didn¡¯t have to worry about the damn thing. The killer maid knew her job well.


    As expected, Juno returned safe and sound before long.


    Those two individuals never appeared at the party again. No one would ever find out that they were ruthlessly buried in the cesspool, worms eating their cut-off heads. As soon as the noble young people were caught plotting an assault on thedy, they disappeared from the face of the earth.


    After the interesting talk, XiaoBai rubbed his hands and gently looked at his sister. ¨C ?Well, it¡¯s high time we proceeded to the fun part!? ¨C He eximed and went on stage.


    The orchestra died down, the guests fell silent, everyone was looking at the big man.


    ?Ladies and gentlemen, the first part of the party ising to an end! In an hour we begin everyone¡¯s favorite battles!?


    The guests from around the hall apuded.


    ?The winner will be the king of the party and get a prize! He will also dance with my dear and beloved Juno!?


    The guests, the young men especially, looked with interest at the beautiful angel.


    Someone cried out:


    ?What is the prize?!?¡­ ?Don¡¯t keep us waiting! We all want to know!? ¡­ ?The dance with thedy is already a prize! Hehe.?


    XiaoBai smiled mysteriously. ¨C ?Has anyone here heard of the Rising Hawk medicine??


    There was a moment of silence.


    One of the guests was shocked to the core:


    ?Sir, do you mean the¡­?


    ?The medicine of transformation the Rising Hawk?! Did patriarch Bai get medicine at such an enormous price as a reward?!?


    ?The breakthrough medicine guarantees about a hundred percent chance to raise to the third phase!? ¡­ ?It cannot be!!? ¡­ ?Oh my God, is it really true ?!!? ¡­ ?It costs an arm and a leg!?


    The audience exploded. The tension for the valuable prize had increased. Not every family could afford to buy something like the Rising Hawk medicine.


    Kyon stroked his chin with a great deal of interest. He had read that high-quality breakthrough (transformation) medicine in some rare cases can immediately raise you to the second phase. ¨C {Yes. I want to get it.}


    Xiao Bai chuckled quietly and held up his hands to calm the audience down. ¨C ?That¡¯s right, dear guests. The winner will get the medicine of iparable value. If you take it you are very likely to break into the next phase. And now for the details! The rules of the battle are very simple. It¡¯s forbidden to use attacking and defensive formations, as well as weapons and poisons. There will be no massacre today, right? The battle is over if you give up. Try not to kill your opponent! Have the honor and brains not to spoil rtionships with other families. Nowe to me and sign up.? ¨C XiaoBai finished his tirade.


    Kyon was frustrated. It seemed his beautiful sword from the treasury would be of no use today, as well as the paralyzing poison that he¡¯d made himself¡­


    Hundreds of young men were already approaching XiaoBai when they heard a loud voice:


    ?Did you invite us to the party to make fun of us?!? ¨C Tsayan asked indignantly. He was the younger brother of famous Kiyan, the only descendant of pure blood who didn¡¯t belong to the Stones. A group of the Browns was standing next to him with serious faces. The guy was their leader, or rather, a representative. He spoke on behalf their family at this event.


    The patriarch¡¯s grandson frowned. ?You¡¯re Tsayan if I am not mistaken. What do you mean??


    Tsayan spread his arms and cried out:


    ?I mean that the most powerful young people in the Stone family have gathered here today. King of fights Lee, furious warrior Eric, mighty Stephanie! And who came from the Browns, from the Romanovs or the Milonovs?! I can¡¯t name a single powerful name! How should we defend the honor of our families? It makes no sense to know the value of the prize if the king is one of your family. Are you messing with us? Or do you suggest that we ept the inevitable defeat and leave with our heads bowed?!?


    His meaningful speech resonated with the hearts of many young people in the hall. Everyone wanted to stand at least a minimal chance to get the valuable prize.


    ?That¡¯s right! He has a point!? ¡­ ?There¡¯s no powerful representatives from my family here! What should we do? Are we destined to lose?!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s not fair! The Stones are going to hit the big time and what about us?? ¡­ ? Either change the rules or we will refuse to take part in the battle! Fight each other? ¡­ ?I agree!? ¨C They yelled.


    The rumble of the discontented crowd created an atmosphere contrary to a good party. It couldn¡¯t go on like that and Xiao Bai knew it very well.


    The Stones looked with scorn at the screaming guests.


    ?Who kept the leaders in your families froming? The invitations were sent to everyone!? ¨C Lee said arrogantly and raised his chin.


    Before the guests got outraged, XiaoBai raised his hand. ?Gentlemen! My sister, Patriarch Bai and I want everyone to be happy after the party. Tsayan, do you have a counteroffer??


    When he achieved what he desired, the cunning boy said:


    ?We want you to add a new rule: it is forbidden to fight if you are at a higher stage of development.?


    He had no doubt that his n would work. Without Lee and other Stones with high development, he was destined to win. Besides, Tsayan was sure he could defeat anyone at his 10th stage of the second phase. He would defend the honor of the Browns, thereby fulfilling his father¡¯s demand¡­ His father, the elder, had promised him to take the medicine of transformation from the patriarch after he hadpleted the task. If he won, he would ask his father for something else. It all fit together! The boy was delighted.


    He could hear the guests exim in amazement, they nodded their agreement and came up to him to express their support.


    Lee, Eric, and Stephanie were disheartened. If XiaoBai agreed to the terms, the Stones would be dishonored. What a treacherous jerk! Who had invited him there?


    The fat man thoughtfully stroked his second chin thinking of a solution.


    Lee had a brilliant idea: ?Mr. Xiao Bai! Tsayan has a point but you can¡¯t deprive certain people with the high development of the opportunity to prove themselves andpete for the prize. How about correcting the rule? The practitioners above the 10th stage of the second phase should lower their development??


    Tsayan squinted for a second, then nodded approvingly. ?I agree. It¡¯s fair enough. Any objections?? ¨C He asked the other guests. Everyone nodded their agreement.


    XiaoBai pped his hands. ?It is decided then! The new rule has been adopted. Anyone above the advanced phase must get it lowered. If the rule is vited during the battle, the participant gets disqualified. And if he dares to harm the opponent, he will be punished ording to thews of the family!?


    The hall exploded into deafening apuse. Now every family had an equal chance of winning. Their honor was safe. Anyone at the finishing or peak stage of the second phase could get the prize.


    Tsayan, the insidious fox, chuckled to himself. His special unique body wouldn¡¯t let him lose to an equal opponent. He was sure to win. Being the king would bring him so many benefits!


    Meanwhile, Kyon¡¯s eyes were shining. If there was no Tsayan, he would have toe up with a n something like that. And now it was time to act!

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


    XiaoBai had a nephrite with the unique formation that created a spectacr tournament grid. He entered the information about the participants, and it automatically created the ¡°best fit¡± for the fighters. The application was not new. They always used it in tournaments. It didn¡¯t not allow battles, at least in the beginning, withrge strength gaps between the fighters.


    Xiao Bai put the nephrite to the guests¡¯ wrists and added their identities to the formation that processed the information as if some kind ofputer program.


    When Kyon saw the procedure he had to go through, he proceeded to the next step of his n. It was obvious that he couldn¡¯t get registered as an ordinary ve, he had to find a way to get in.


    When everyone who wanted to fight had signed up, that is, the most of the present, Kyon whispered something to XiaoBai and went with him to a quiet, secluded ce outside the hall. If he hadn¡¯t got to know him before, it would never have worked.


    ?Let¡¯s make a deal, buddy.?


    XiaoBai gave a little gasp:


    ?Do you want a bet? Well, of course, you do. Why am I asking? Fights without bets are like a man without his manhood. You shouldn¡¯t distract me with such trifles. Visit the banker right before the start. Remember you can¡¯t bet against yourself. The rate, in this case, is underestimated, anyway.?


    ?You don¡¯t understand, XiaoBai. I am not talking about an ordinary bet. I want to stake forty-eight thousand spheres on my victory.? ¨C The fat guy¡¯s eyes widened with surprise and then sparkled with greed. ¨C ?It¡¯s everything my parents left me, besides the mansion.? ¨C Kyon said and took out the necessary amount from the ring. He kept a thousand just in case. That¡¯s the way the financiers had brought him up.


    XiaoBai took the money without dy.


    ?I take the bet! If you¡¯re so eager to lose, buddy, I¡¯m always happy to have business with you! Hehe. Give me your hand, I will put you in the database.? ¨C XiaoBai was about to reach Kyon¡¯s wrist when he shook his head.


    ?Not so fast, XiaoBai. I have two conditions. Firstly, I want to study the list of the participants in your nephrite and put my name where I see fit. Secondly, the stake for my victory is ten times more.?


    XiaoBai clutched at his chest when he heard that.


    ?You mean¡­ That is, if you win I owe you almost half a million?!? ¨C The sum, by his standards, was murderous, worthy of a heart attack.


    Kyon nodded decisively. He¡¯d lost the first bet so that Xiao Bai believed he could screw the ¡°loser¡± again and again. His greed would help him make the right choice, to Lovr¡¯s benefit, of course.


    The fat guy didn¡¯t think long. He remembered that soon he¡¯d have to give Juno a big sum of money from his own savings, he estimated the chances of the naive boy and decided that 48 thousand spheres that he needed so much were practically in his ring. XiaoBai anxiously looked around and agreed in a solemn whisper:


    ?You know, you can¡¯t edit the tournament grid, to say nothing of entering your name wherever you like. It¡¯s punishable by thews of any family. But for you, I will make an exception.? ¨C He put his wrist with a 1st rank formation to the cloudy green stone, thereby opening ess to the data, and handed it to the boy. ¨C ?Study the information quick and tell me the desired opponent.?


    ?Thanks.? ¨C Kyon nodded happily and began to study the nephrite with an insidious grin on his face. He wasn¡¯t studying it at the level of the ordinary user, but at the level of the master formacist. He dug into the chip of the formation, studied the code, analyzed itpletely and thoroughly editing it for himself. The fat guy had given a brilliant ¡°hacker¡± full ess to the ¡°program¡± without suspecting it.


    Kyon¡¯s initial n was simple. He wanted to prove himself in front of the Stones. He was strong enough which was good but ineffective. It would cause a lot of envy and, possibly, make him a few enemies in the family. Therefore, he decided to y on the emotions of the masses, or rather, on the confrontation between the families.


    Tsayan¡¯s proposal was very helpful. He¡¯d changed the rules of the battle lowering the maximum development to the 10th stage of the advanced phase. He was the main figure in his n but even without him, everything would have worked out.


    The task was easy. He had to tense the atmosphere setting the families against each other. Then he would confront the Browns, thereby gaining the favor of the Stones. After that, he would win and gain universal respect. The Browns would be his enemies but he couldn¡¯t eat the cake and have it, not in this case.


    Taking into ount Tsayan¡¯s utmost confidence in his victory, he decided to pit him against Lee. Kyon disapproved of Lee¡¯s recent behavior. He would see how it yed out during the tournament.


    Two minutes passed.


    XiaoBai was already impatiently stomping his foot.


    ?Are you done yet??


    Kyon smiled, put his wrist to the nephrite and handed it to the fat guy.


    ?It¡¯s all set. I have entered my name in the right ce.?


    ?How did you do that?! Who taught you?!?


    ?I know the basics of formacy.?


    XiaoBai looked at him incredulously, looked into the formation and saw his name.


    ?He he! It¡¯s there, indeed!?


    ?Thank you. It¡¯s nice to have business with you.? ¨C The boy ttered him


    ?Ha ha! No formalities when we¡¯re alone.? ¨C XiaoBai chuckled, gave Kyon a conspiratorial pat on the shoulder and went to the hall. He couldn¡¯t care less where Kyon had entered his name. The boy was at the miserable 7th stage of the base phase.


    {Wise guys always take advantage of fools.} ¨C He recalled the phrase he coined in his childhood, wise beyond his years.


    Meanwhile, Kyon almostughed like a ssic viin from the movies. In just two minutes, he hadpletely studied all the code lines of the tournament formation and changed it for himself.


    The sly guy was rubbing his hands when he returned to the hall. He was in a really good mood.


    Kyon returned to his table and looked around the hall. He was sure getting to know XiaoBai would be very profitable. When the fat guy discovered his fighting skills and financial streak, he would certainly be his friend. Anyway, Kyon¡¯s paramount goal was half a million spheres apart from faking the entrance to the grid. Money in this world decided a lot. He could go much further if he was rich.


    A sudden loud knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. At that very moment the orchestra stopped ying, the voices died down. It all happened when Juno arrived but there she was sitting at the table, ncing at Marina who was dancing with a handsome blond man. Who else could havee? All the important guests were already there. Some of them, however, were rotting in the ground, but it¡¯s not the point.


    Kyon turned to the entrance and stood still.


    Juno took her insightful eyes off Marina, looked at the guest that had entered with so much noise and immediately jumped to her feet like a frightened kitten.


    Many guests opened their mouths in amazement. They had never expected that person toe.


    No one would get the valuable Rising Hawk medicine. It was too sad.


    Lee and Tsayan swallowed nervously. They would never be the kings of the party. One of them wouldn¡¯t get the expensive prize and dance with Juno, that is, he would lose everything. As for the second guy¡­ His mood darkened like the sun during the eclipse. Tsayan was at the peak of the second phase¡­ Now he had to count on the breakthrough medicine his father had promised to give him. But he had to humiliate the Stones to get it. He could only hope the grid would choose a sessful battle for him. He had to prove himself and defeat the best fighter in the enemy family.


    The clicking of high heels on the floor interrupted the dead silence of the hall at regr intervals.


    All the men present licked her in their minds from the top of her head to her toes. The girl was smoking hot with ripe cherry red hair. Only the toughest could keep stone faces.


    It is impossible to keep calm at the first warm rays of the spring sun, when a shooting star shes across the sky or during a volcano eruption. So it was at the sight of the girl. The bright look of burgundy-colored eyes was an exquisite gift for anyone looking at her. At the moment, only Juno was privileged to have it. The magnificentdy was heading to her¡­ Princess Kara Grand.


    Devilish charm is an ideal term for her irresistible beauty. The girl was wearing a delicate wine color dress, smoothly flowing around her voluptuous curves. Her refined shoes with high thin heels, her slender long legs, seductive hips in a dangerously short skirt which perfectly emphasized them hit like an arrow straight to the¡­ heart. Her tiny waist, tight, distinguished D-cup boobs together with a daring cleavage that showed her fragile-looking corbones, shoulders and a thin snow-white neck smashed the guests¡¯ immature minds on the spot. And the finishing touch to the beauty of the unexpected guest was her face. She looked like she¡¯d just had long passionate sex. There was something wild, intriguing, alluring about her. Her earrings matched the color of her eyes. There was a ring on the finger and some gloss on the lips. Any man would change the world for her sake.


    Kara gave the impression of a calcting demoness. She knew well what she wanted and how to get it. She was focused, held her back straight and had a determined walk. Her every movement reflected her proud character worthy of a princess.


    Kyon had always had a soft spot for the fair sex but he was watching the seductive girl dispassionately, self-controlled. His experience with Dinah and Juno had taught him to keep his emotions in check. At least outwardly.


    Suddenly, a powerful stream of hatred overwhelmed his mind. His face distorted in an urge to break the dazzling beauty¡¯s neck right here and right now. He suppressed an unexpected bloodthirst and calmed himself with an effort. He was stunned and bewildered. {What the heck?! Did my soul react to this girl?! But why?!} ¨C Other guests did not experience anything like that. It must have happened to him only.


    Juno, who looked frightened before, broke into a broad smile. ?§¬ara!? ¨C with a happy cry, she got up from the table and hugged the Princess. She smelled wonderful.


    Kyon was shocked to realize that Juno and Kara were friends. Why hadn¡¯t she told him about this guest before? She had the corresponding order, didn¡¯t she? Apparently, she came uninvited. She was just let inside. No wonder, nobody would stop the only Princess of the Kingdom.


    ?It¡¯s so nice to see you, dear! You are even more beautiful¡­ Muah? ¨C She kissed the girl on the cheeks a couple of times.


    ?Enough!? ¨C Juno gently pushed the Princess who was clinging to her. ¨C ?Why did youe without telling me? And why are youte??


    Kara looked at the stage, snapped her fingers imperatively and the orchestra continued to y the melody, starting with a nervous high note.


    As soon as the music yed, the guests started whispering to each other.


    ?This is Princess Kara! Queen da¡¯s daughter! What is she doing here?!? ¡­ ?Why did the princess herselfe to this miserable party?!? ¡­ ?I heard Princess Kara was brilliant Elsa¡¯s friend¡­ Juno is her sister, after all! Maybe we should wee her? I would be delighted to meet her? ¡­ ?Do not even think about it. You are not fit to wee her!?


    The princess sat at the table, holding Juno¡¯s hand.


    ?I wanted to make you a pleasant surprise, but I had to stay with my mother for a while.? ¨C She raised her eyebrows in surprise. ¨C ?You¡¯re already at the seventh stage, my dear!? ¨C The princess gave her friend another tight hug. ¨C ?At this rate, you will surely catch up with Elsa¡­? ¨C She said her sister¡¯s name with special tenderness.


    Juno grimaced and pushed the girl again.


    ?I will. There¡¯s no other way¡­?


    Kara asked impatiently:


    ?Speaking of Elsa, you know she¡¯s in the order, don¡¯t you??


    ?I do¡­ and how do you¡­ Ah ¡­ you don¡¯t have to answer.?


    ?The informants told me. But you must know more. Tell me, how is she doing there? What¡¯s new? Does she have many admirers??


    ?Kara¡­ Did youe here to talk about her??


    ?I¡¯m sorry, dear. It¡¯s not on purpose, I swear¡­ Elsa and I have always been rivals. Tell me, how do you like the party??


    ?The battle starts soon, and I will dance with¡­ It¡¯s obvious with whom.? ¨C Juno sighed heavily when she saw a captivating smile on her friend¡¯s face.


    Kara looked around the hall (almost everyone was looking at her) and noticed a rounded figure. She headed off to him in her favorite royal manner. No top model could be a match to her¡­


    ?Greetings, Your Grace!? ¨C XiaoBai croaked with excitement. He tried to get out of his chair to pay respect but was stopped with a gesture.


    ?Hello, chubby. Long time no see. Sign me up for the fights.? ¨C She had known XiaoBai for a long time, he was Elsa¡¯s brother, after all.


    Some boys had approached the princess to greet her on behalf of their families but Kara released a great pressure of energy without even turning around. Their knees trembled, they rushed back to their tables, trying to calm down. They were made clear they were not fit to even greet the princess.


    Kyon was sitting a few tables further. He frowned carefully examining the girl¡¯s every curve. {Uhm¡­ So I have to defeat the princess to get the prize and win the bet? What the¡­} ¨C He had a good reason for concern. There always seemed to be someone significant to interfere with his ns.


    As soon as the princess returned to Juno to continue their conversation, the boy hurried to Xiao Bai. The modified formation suggested Kara should be ced on the very left side of the list. It was exactly what he needed. He hade up for another reason.


    ?XiaoBai, tell me about Princess Kara. I have never seen her nor heard of her.? ¨C Above all, he needed information. He had to know the possible consequences, who he was dealing with.


    XiaoBai cast a nce at the time inside his formation, threw a couple of grapes into his mouth,zily leaned back in his chair and said chewing loudly:


    ?Princess Kara is Queen da¡¯s only daughter. Her origin has never been made public but I venture to suggest that shees from another empire. About three years ago, her mother married King Michael. Kara got the title of the first Princess. The king has no sons¡­ Except for Prince Charles, a bastard born from a concubine. ordingly, the Princess stands above the jerk I once lost a bet to¡­?


    The conversation with XiaoBai continued.


    Kyon found out some details, like the fact that Kara is now the strongest of the young generation in Cernos (1), and therefore in the whole Kingdom. He learned that she is short-tempered and has a weird dissolute character. She always dresses provocatively. Her non-verbal gestures like a mysterious alluring smile can be considered as a call for action. Her nce can cause a fever andpel tomit an unforgivable misdeed for which you must be executed. XiaoBai added that Kyon shouldn¡¯t be mistaken about her avability. It¡¯s impossible to please her, she is absolutely unattainable. She has her own fan club in the best school of the Kingdom whose members, by the way, are no wimps, but she doesn¡¯t even pay attention to them.


    Once at the wedding in the Dantes(0), a young gentleman of the Clintons (2) (Royal) proposed to her but was humiliatingly refused. Surprisingly, he never dared to bother her again.


    {It¡¯s bad¡­ So fucking bad¡­ If I win she will surely find a way to ruin my life¡­ I don¡¯t want any problems!} ¨C Kyon bit his lip looking at the stunning girl talking with Juno. If he loses hisst money in the bet and the prize, all his ns will go down the drain. Well, almost all. He will prove himself this way or another.


    He decided to y by ear. Perhaps the victory would do him honor and Kara would be interested in him. The Grands have ten if not hundred times more resources than the Stones. Besides, she is clearly in his taste. Very captivating¡­ Waking up with her in the morning is pure bliss, no doubt.


    As soon as XiaoBai finished his story, he once again looked into the formation and having trouble rising from the chair, went to the stage and announced to everyone the time for the battle hade.


    The crowd of belligerent youth hurriedly left the assembly hall, went to the wonderful park and from there to the training ground where servants, guards, and special judges were waiting for them. The ground was big enough for everyone to have a lot of space. Each participant¡¯s heart was beating fast with excitement. Ifdy Juno or even Princess Kara noticed them, they could die without regrets.


    (Hair color: https://ibb.co/xCcrm4b )

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    It was getting dark. The sun went below the horizon. The first stars appeared in the sky and were shining brightly. The clock struck eight.


    The tension was rising at the training ground.


    Kara went to the only bench from where all the four arenas were clearly seen. She was holding Juno by the hand.


    The young men kept a respectful distance away from that couple. No one dared to approach the princess closer than three meters, and even more so to block her view. Those who dared to invade the zone of herfort even a little bit would be mercilessly attacked by the pressure of her soul.


    ?If I didn¡¯t show up on time, would you really give the dance to the wretched scum who won the battles, my dear?? ¨C Kara inquired quietly.


    Juno tried to free her hand from her friend¡¯s tenacious grip but it was useless. The girl signed and looked into her beautiful eyes. ?Of course not. The winner would be from my family. I don¡¯t want to give the wrong impression in the eyes of society¡­?


    Kara was pleased with her answer and kissed her friend on the cheek.


    ?Cut it out! It¡¯s not cool. The people are watching.? ¨C Juno blushed.


    The beautiful demoness ignored her outrage and nced over the guests. She caught a glimpse of Lee. He turned red and hastily averted his eyes.


    ?And that¡¯s your number one? He is such a softy.? ¨C The princess said in a disappointed voice.


    Juno rolled her eyes. ?Compared to you, there are only weaklings in the Iron Throne. Not everyone was endowed with your great talent, or ¡­ Elsa¡¯s.?


    She said thest word quietly as if she was unwilling to mention her.


    ?That¡¯s what you think. I hope you don¡¯t envy me?? ¨C Kara asked and slid her hand around Juno¡¯s thin waist. ¨C ?Let¡¯s do some training together.?


    ?I¡¯m good, thank you.?


    ?You¡¯re so grumpy, just like El¡­? ¨C She stopped short when she heard a soft growl. Then sheughed and hugged the angry kitten.


    The princess¡¯s wondrousughter caressed the ears of her admirers. When they saw the two charming stars hugging, theypletely lost their heads.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Bai stepped into the center and said out loud:


    ?Ladies and Gentlemen! The time we have been waiting for hase! We have 257 participants, the battles are divided into eight rounds. The first five qualifying rounds will take ce on four arenas at the same time. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals are performed on the same arena!? ¨C He pointed to the four wide circles.


    The audience apuded loudly. The long-awaited fights began. Moreover, Princess Kara herself was present today. Everyone wanted to see the best talent in the kingdom fight.


    ?There¡¯s a judge at each arena. He will announce the names of opponents, winners, and losers. If he hears someone says they surrender or if he discovers the use of prohibited formations, weapons, poisons, as well as uwful excess of development, he will issue an appropriate verdict. In case of disobedience, the guards will intervene in the battle. Don¡¯t worry about the audience: a protective barrier has been installed under the arenas, preventing attacks beyond its borders. Enjoy the battles! And now attention to the tournament grid!? ¨C XiaoBai finished the announcement, ced the nephrite on a low column in the center of the ground and infused it with pure energy.


    Light poured from the stone upward in a continuous stream, forming a huge screen with a tournament grid 50 meters (165ft) above the ground. Even visually impaired people could discern information about each participant.


    ?Oh! Wow! Look, her Highness is at the end of the left side! The nephrite failed to determine her stage of development so strong and powerful she is! Haha! It was to be expected!? ¨C Someone shouted with admiration.


    ?Where?! Ohhh! Her first opponent is Eric Stone! It seems the second strongest Stone will leave the tournament after the first round! What a pity!? The young man of the Browns chuckled with glee.


    Eric¡¯s face became darker than clouds gathered over the underworld.


    Tsayan Brown¡¯s eyes shed happily. Fate favored him! He wouldplete the task his father the elder had given to him and get the medicine that the patriarch had acquired! The boyughed out loud, attracting everyone¡¯s attention. ?Ha-ha-ha! Lee, the king of battles, we¡¯ll meet in the 6th round! If you lose before that I won¡¯t respect you!?


    The leader of the Stonesughed in response. ?Tsayan, your energy and enthusiasm should be apuded. We are sure to meet. I am not going to lose before that.?


    ?I am d to hear it, Mr. Lee. How about spicing up our battle??


    The guests listened intently to their conversation.


    ?Well, I¡¯m always up for a nice deal. Do you want a bet? How much??


    ?Oh no. I offer to put our honor at stake! The one who loses will publicly call himself a mediocrity, loudly and three times. How do you like my offer, king of battles? Or are you afraid?? ¨C Tsayan asked confidently as if he didn¡¯t doubt his victory.


    The excited audience buzzed. ?Did you hear that?! Tsayan puts his honor at stake!? ¡­ ? Oh my God, how is it possible?! Why is he so self-confident?! If the descendant of pure blood disgraces the Browns, he will get severe punishment!? ¡­ ?Does he really expect to defeat Lee? I can¡¯t believe my ears!? ¡­ ?Lee the king of battles is the strongest at his stage!?


    Lee frowned, annoyed with the difficult choice. The audience was counting on him to agree with the terms of the deal. Otherwise, they might think he was a coward.


    Stephanie came up to her friend. ?You don¡¯t have to agree, Lee. Your defeat will be more devastating than his. The jerk makes everyone believe you are equal but you are number 1 in our family while he is just a representative at the party. If you lose, it will a serious offense to our dignity¡­?


    The boy clenched his fists, thinking only of victory. ?Do you think I will lose?? ¨C He asked.


    ?Of course not. Your strength is beyond reproach, it¡¯s just¡­?


    ?Trust me. I promise I will win.? ¨C Lee smiled. He wondered how could the little shit of the Brown family be so confident. However, he couldn¡¯t refuse him. It would only humiliate the family.


    Lee replied:


    ?You are overconfident, Tsayan! I ept the challenge. But hear me out, when you, the best Brown fighter, will call yourself a mediocrity, then who will be the rest of your family memberspared to you??


    ?He has agreed!? ¡­ ?Lord, am I dreaming?? ¡­ ?Number one in the Stone family has epted the challenge! Have you heard?!? ¡­ ?The king of battles won¡¯t lose! Tsayan wants to disgrace his family!? ¡­ ?Fuck you! What did you say?!? ¡­ ?Tsayan is a Brown! He is stronger!? ¡­ ?Lee will tear him to pieces!?


    The tension was rising. It seemed a fight was inevitable. The honor of the Stones was at stake against the Browns. The stakes were not equal but Lee had agreed. He must bepletely sure of his victory, and Tsayan was a crazy unbnced teenager if he went for this madness.


    The guests¡¯ opinions diverged. Someone shouted:


    ?Look at the grid! The strongest Stone practitioners are located at the end! They all will fight with Princess Kara!?


    ?It can¡¯t be!? ¡­ ?I do not believe it! No¡­? ¡­ ?Indeed! Take a look!?


    Kara snorted. ?Odds don¡¯t seem to be in favor of your family.?


    Juno was surprised. How could it be that the strongest Stones were concentrated on one side of the grid next to her invincible friend? It was illogical!


    The young men were studying the screen and sighing. It seemed that the best Stones wouldn¡¯t reach the quarter-finals. They would never beat the invincible princess. Now all the families had approximately equal chances to get to the top of the grid.


    Eric, Stephanie and other Stones looked at the grid with ssy eyes. The only one who was beyond it was the strongest member of their family and he staked his reputation in the battle with Tsayan. He was their only hope to make it to the final.


    ?Mr. XiaoBai, we demand an exnation for this!? ¡­ ?Change the grid immediately! It looks like a kind of trick? ¡­ ?XiaoBai, if it goes on like this, the prestige of our family will be shattered!? ¨C shouted the Stones.


    The fat guy frowned thoughtfully. Suddenly, Cornelia came up to him, took his hand as a sign of support and looked him deep in the eyes.


    Xiao Bai was about to agree when damned Tsayan continued his speech:


    ?Xiao Bai! Like everyone present here, I don¡¯t have ess to the nephrite with the tournament grid. Your decision to shuffle the positions will be unfair to the other guests. How could you hold the proud title of family number one after that?! ept it as a given and fight. I have already agreed to face Lee in the battle!?


    ?Tsayan is right! You can¡¯t change anything!? ¡­ ?If you mix up the positions, I won¡¯t take part in the battle? ¡­ ?That¡¯s right! Have some respect! It¡¯s you who have brought in the nephrite. Don¡¯t you dare to give up the grid!? ¨C Nobody in their right mind would ever agree to give up the grid with high chances to take a higher position.


    XiaoBai felt uneasy. On the one hand, he didn¡¯t want to fail the Stones, on the other hand, 9 families would never forgive him taking liberties with their honor. He was so indignant he wanted to roar but he quickly calmed down and raised his hand. ?I won¡¯t change anything! The Stones never give up an honest fight! The patriarch himself has given me this nephrite. Therefore, the results of the grid are fair.? ¨C He said confidently. If Lee, who is at the end of the grid, defeats Tsayan and another opponent after that, the Stones will take 2nd ce after the Grands. It¡¯s an honor to lose to the princess.


    ?Thank you! It¡¯s fair enough!? ¨C Tsayan answered with a smile. The odds were in his favor. When he defeats that poseur Lee, the Stones will fall t on their faces and lose their morale for the next family tournament. He will be rewarded when hees back home and surely catch up with his brother in development and be the number 2 in the Brown family.


    Kara giggled softly covering her mouth with her hand. ?It¡¯s the hottest party of the year! I am on fire! My little Juno, only your sweet kiss can appease me¡­?


    ?Leave me alone.? ¨C The girl grumbled, moving away from her full lips. She had a lot on her mind. Something unexpected, unprecedented was going to happen. She wished she knew the servant¡¯s ns, Tsayan¡¯s scheme and what was behind Kara¡¯s arrival¡­ Did shee to have a talk? Very unlikely. It was the first time she hade to her and not to Elsa.

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    In the hubbub, no one noticed a remarkable pattern: almost everyone in the Stone family had an opponent who was either equal to them or stronger by one stage. Thus, the chances for the family members to win had significantly reduced. With each next round, less and less of the Stones would move up the grid.


    Kyon had fixed everything in such a way that by the 6th round out of 8, Lee and he would be the only Stones in the battle.


    Gradually, themotion subsided. Xiao Bai was about to speak when someone pointed up and yelled:


    ?Look! The Stones have a fighter who is only at the seventh stage of the basic phase!?


    Everyone noticed a participant named Kyon.


    ?Ha! What is he doing here?! He is just a little baby! Where is his mom? Hey, you¡¯ve lost your son!? ¡­ ?Is he really from the Stone family? They are number one, after all. Oh yes, he is! He is a Stone!? ¡­ ?Kyon¡­ What a redneck name! Ha ha!? ¡­ ?My brother is three years younger and the same stage of development! I was ashamed to take him to the party. Well, I should have! It turns out that the scum is wee here! Haha!? ¨C The guests gloated. They wanted to hurt the family that had long lost its greatness but was still holding the first rank in the kingdom.


    ?He has no opponent so he goes to the second round without a battle!? ¡­ ?It means he is better than every second at the event, isn¡¯t he? Haha haha!? ¨C The malicious hyenas keptughing.


    ?Gentlemen, stop it! What if hees from the new legendary generation of the Stones who will conquer the whole world in the future! Ha ha!? ¨C A boy from the Brown family burst outughing and those around him cackled loudly.


    The humiliated Stones wished the ground would swallow them up. How could they have known the patriarch had invited such a waste of life?! Many of them wanted to beat the weakling up but restrained themselves. They had no choice but to bite the bullet and curse quietly. They felt shame, and it¡¯s, as the masters said, was a sure sign of the copse of the family. What about their pride in the heritage? What about their greatness? They had to defend it in the battle!


    Everything went ording to n¡­ Kyon had attracted the attention he needed. He looked at the Browns with a cold smile. It was they who were making sarcasticments for the most part. Small wonder given their strained rtions with the Stones. History bore witness to that.


    When Juno heard the hated name she swallowed nervously. {Fools¡­ You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re talking about¡­ You will choke on your own words andughter!} It was ironic that she was d the ¡°master¡± was actually inhumanly strong, contrary to the opinion of the idiots from thepetitive families.


    ?Hm? Do their words hurt you?? ¨C asked Kara. ¨C ?If you want, I will bring them to heel in front of the Stones.?


    Juno said nothing.


    ?Get it out of your head, dear. There¡¯s a ck sheep in every family. In mine as well¡­ Why did they invite him at all? It¡¯s weird. I would never wish to see this scum at the party in my honor.?


    ?Actually, I¡¯m at the 7th stage myself.? ¨C Juno snapped, her arms folded across her chest.


    Kara tried to lighten things up. ?I am sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry, my sweet! No offense. You made contact with your soul less than six months ago. You will overtake everyone, even Elsa. I am never wrong about people. He is scum and he will get nothing here.?


    ?You wish.? ¨C muttered the youngdy.


    Kara looked inquiringly at Juno but decided not to ask anything.


    XiaoBai did not like what was happening. The patriarch¡¯s grandson took hard the insults towards his family, but he was anxious about one thing¡­ It was exactly what he was about to remind the guests.


    ?Ladies and gentlemen, your souls are burning with unquenchable fire! I suggest you make bets on your favorites! Who will win? Lee, the king of the battles or Tsayan, Kiyan¡¯s younger brother?! The official banker of the Stone family will take your bet! You don¡¯t need to be modest, there¡¯s enough money for everyone! Themission is minimal!? ¨C The fat guy shouted enthusiastically pointing to a well-fed man (most likely, the banker).


    The unfortunate bookmaker turned pale when the crowd rushed up to him. As a result, more than 60% bet on Tsayan, and only 40% bet on Lee. Another p in the face of the Stone family.


    XiaoBai rubbed his hands in anticipation of his handsome profit. Who knew it was easy to make money on thepetition between families.


    When everyone made bets, XiaoBai spread his arms and solemnly said:


    ?May the battles begin!?


    There was a storm of apuse. The guests divided into ten groups, each representing a family, and surrounded the four arenas.


    XiaoBai gave the sign. The judges loudly announced the names of the participants.


    Two people went to the center of the arena, stood opposite each other, after a signal, they started to fight. The arena was protected with a nearly invisible barrier, the attacks never left the area.


    Kyon leaned against the wall, watching the battle. He didn¡¯t fight in the 1st round because he had no opponent (allegedly). The boy had fixed the grid himself. He asked himself. {What element should I use? And how many of them?}


    He shouldn¡¯t reveal his abilities of the heavenly genius at once. It would attract too much attention. 4 elements would be the best start. Kyon had chosen pure energy, the earth element for self-defense, the ether to attack and protect himself from electricity, and the element of cold to avoid residual heat attacks and traps. He might change his choice.


    The battles did notst long, from one second to 15 minutes. People from low-ranking families were often inferior in energypared to those from high-ranking families. Therefore, they quickly gave up and had to leave the arena shamefully to the apaniment of scornfulughter.


    However, there was an exception¡­ The Stones had inexplicably lost three out of four battles, causing sneers at the audience.


    All the 9 families thought that the strongest Stones had identally happened in the corner of the grid, and the rest of them (medium in strength) were just pathetic mediocrity.


    With each defeat, the Stones grew darker than a thundercloud. Their self-esteem decreased, and their sense of inferiority increased.


    ?Why¡­ Why the hell are you losing one by one?! Is it so difficult to defend the honor of the family?! Do you understand what shame awaits us if it goes on like this?!? ¨C Lee grumbled at his rtives.


    ?Sir, I fought with all my might, but the opponent was one stage higher!? ¨C A mutted young man tried to justify himself.


    ?I did my best! The opponent was a stage higher! I had no chance¡­ He crushed me with direct shes and his speed!?


    ?And mine used the element of fire! I could not counteract with anything¡­ My element of the earth didn¡¯t save me¡­ Forgive me, Mr. Lee.? ¨C Another young man babbled, rubbing his burnt hand.


    ?To hell with you. Watch how it¡¯s done!? ¨C Lee eximed and went to the center of the arena. The leader of the Stones struck his opponent in the chest with lightning speed and gained a quick victory.


    When he returned to the family, he was showered withpliments.


    Stephanie snorted in disgust:


    ?You were lucky, Lee¡­ Unlike me and Eric, you¡¯re not at the side of the grid. I am fighting with Princess Grand in the second round. I do not cherish false hopes. Eric and I are going to lose. I can¡¯t beat Kara even being at the same level of development. It¡¯s on you! You have to take the lead and beat Tsayan if not¡­?


    ?I got you, Stephanie¡­ I have promised to beat the insolent prick. Trust me, I won¡¯t disgrace the honor of the Stones. It¡¯s my duty to get to the finals.? ¨C Lee said loudly, trying to raise the morale of his friends.


    The judge announced the names of thest fighters in the 1st round. ?Princess Kara Grand¡­ vs Eric Stone! The peak stage of the advanced phase!?


    Everyone was quiet. The fighters in other arenas hesitated to rush at each other. Nobody was watching them.


    The gorgeous girl rose from her seat, walked gracefully to the center of the arena and gave the opponent an arrogant, slightly contemptuous nce. A smile was ying on her lips leaving the audience smitten with her.


    Eric blushed, bowed and said respectfully:


    ?Set the mediocrity on the right path, Your Highness. Thank you.?


    Kara didn¡¯t answer.


    ~ beeep ~ ¨C went the signal.


    Eric rushed headlong into the attack. Large bubbles of water formed around his fists and spun as if in the storm.


    ?He is going to use the crown technique of a water tornado! Incredible!? ¡­ ?He can¡¯t! Not right away!? ¡­ ?Eric is not to be toyed with!? ¨C yelled the astonished observers.


    Kara did not budge. She stood haughtily, her arms crossed. When Eric ran halfway, something unimaginable happened. When the princess gently clenched her fist, scarlet sparks streamed into him from all sides, creating an impressive effect of the concentration of powerful energy.


    ?Part one, the explosion of the phoenix.? ¨C The princess whispered calmly, and without further ado, she charged with her zing fist in the direction of the storm.


    ~ baammmmmm ~


    There was a powerful explosion.


    The water tornado scattered in countless sprays in all directions washing the protective barrier with a thin film.


    With a ~ boop ~ Eric¡¯s unconscious body crashed into the further part of the barrier, slowly slid down and copsed to the ground.


    Kara looked incredibly majestic like a goddess fallen from heaven. There was not a drop on her beautiful clothes. She seemed to have crushed the opponent with her presence only.


    There was a deathly silence. You could hear everyone breathe, their minds seemed to bepletely nk. The fighters in the other three arenas forgot about their battle and looked in surprise at the oue of the battle with the princess.


    ?Overwhelming power¡­? ¨C Stephanie said and cringed. Eric was stronger than her and yet he had lost in a moment.


    ?Holy cow¡­ He is the second in power! How could he lose to the opponent with equal development with a single blow!?? ¡­ ?Did you see it?!? ¡­ ?Oh my God, how merciless she is! And so fast! I heard Kara means punishment. The Princess lives up to her name!? ¨C The audience roared.


    The fight onlysted seconds. Kara had won without any effort. The girl¡¯s incredible power and regal look mesmerized the juniors who had just known the new boundaries of energy. They were not fit even to wee such a mighty being.


    Kara gracefully turned around, shook her luxurious cherry red hair and took a seat next Juno, gently taking her hand in hers. ?Well, how do you like me??


    ?As usual¡­ It¡¯s very you.? ¨C The girl replied impassively. She once watched Elsa and Kara fight. It was difficult to surprise her since then.


    ?You are so cold! Uh ¡­ I adore you, my little snowydy!? ¨C Kara said and wrapped her arms around Juno. Then she sat her on herp.


    ?You¡­ Let go of me!? ¨C She screamed like a bird who got into the clutches of a hungry cat. ?Let go of me now! I am Juno Stone! I do not allow even the princess to paw me! Arrr!?


    No one dared to help her. Lee coughed into his fist and turned away, hoping that everyone had forgotten his promise to defend Juno.


    The princess tightened her arms around the seductive girl. ?Purr-purr-purr, the evil kitty wants to get out but you¡¯re no rival to the phoenix. The proud bird respects your free spirit and she will y with you as much as she wants. Hehe.? ¨C Kara joked with a yful smile.


    The Juno kicked some more, looking deeply hurt. But soon she realized the futility of her efforts, rxed and leaned back against her friend¡¯s ample bosom. If Kara felt like having fun, no one could stop her. Even Elsa had to fight her almost to death.


    It all began when she was a child. Juno had long observed the more she tried to break free, the more the lustful princess got handsy. Only Elsa could save her even if Juno didn¡¯t really want her help. At the moment, Kara was simply ignoring the nces of the young men around. She was brazenly squeezing Juno¡¯s delicate boobs, kissing her neck. It was useless to resist. Juno had to rx and wait till the girl lost her interest.


    ?You¡¯re smart. I love you.? ¨C She whispered and passionately bit Juno¡¯s earlobe. Today, her ns were far from ordinary flirt. One step at a time, though.


    Juno felt utterly helpless. Just like when she with the master¡­ She nced over the shocked audience and saw Kyon. The emerald eyes met the ck eyes.


    {What are you looking at? Jealous?} ¨C a soothing thought shed across her mind.


    The boys watching the two stars drowned in the abyss of their fantasies. {I also want to be on herp¡­ I wish she bit my ear¡­ Please, just for a second!} ¡­ {It¡¯s a dream!} ¡­ {How I wish I was indy Juno¡¯s ce¡­} ¡­ {I know what I will be doing next month before bedtime! Hehe!} ¡­ {She is a striking royal person¡­ She is a beautiful swan, and I am an ugly duckling. Gods, why didn¡¯t you give me a talent for development¡­} ¨C Many of them had simr thoughts.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie and Lee helped the doctors put Eric on a stretcher. He will soon be taken to hospital. There was no particr damage, which suggested that the princess had been restraining herself.


    ?I¡¯ll give up right away. I do not want to disgrace myself. She may be a princess but get defeated in an instant¡­ Sorry but I don¡¯t want to be embarrassed.? ¨C Stephanie said grimly.


    Lee put his hand on her shoulder.


    ?I understand you, my friend.?


    The Stones sighed sadly. It was foolish to dispute her choice. Eric¡¯s fate was unenviable.


    Stephanie changed the subject looking coldly at the Stones. ?Well, did anyone find that guy at the 7th stage of development??


    ?I didn¡¯t, I am sorry¡­? ¡­ ?We have not found him yet¡­? ¡­ ?We¡¯ve never heard of Kyon.? ¨C The errand boys answered.


    ?Right, then let¡¯s wait for his round. I want to make sure he is beaten to a pulp.?


    ?You¡¯re right, he totally deserves it!? ¡­ ?You are absolutely right!? ¡­ ?I will punish him myself if he gets off easily!? ¨C The Stones agreed.


    XiaoBai touched the nephrite, trying to ignore what was happening to his sister. He didn¡¯t want to anger Kara¡­ The picture on the screen in the sky had changed. The names of the winners moved up the grid.


    ?Ladies and gentlemen, the second round finally begins!? ¨C The fat guy announced.


    The audience cheered. The young people whistled, smiled, praised the winners.


    The Stones were unusually quiet. Most of them did not get to the 2nd round.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    The second round of interesting and breathtaking battles had begun. After a signal, the opponents entered the arena to meet in a duel. When the battle was over, joyful rtives surrounded the winner and threw them up into the air with jubnt cries.


    Some fights were dyed because the participants were too stubborn to give up. It often resulted in serious injuries.


    Most of the fighters valued their lives and asked for mercy in advance. However, things were different with the Stones¡­ The psychological pressure created by the favorites in the family forced the desperatepetitors fight until theirst breath.


    ?I¡¯ve warned you, pig-headed fool! But if you crave death, you¡¯ll get it!? ¨C The girl growled and opened the guy¡¯s neck with the sharp end of hard rock.


    The young fighter fell to his knees, gasping for air, clutching at his throat with trembling hands. Scarlet blood spurted out of his neck. Death was slowly approaching, enveloping his body. It was ridiculous to die so foolishly in front of the family idols. Half of them looked disappointed. What did he give his life for? The poor fellow regretted he was born a Stone.


    The Stones who surrounded the dying fighter were darker than a thundercloud.


    Kyon was delighted to see the tournament grid. He had no opponent in this round. No one had won in the battle. Both fighters knocked out each other and could participate in the battle no more. He made it to the third round with no effort.


    Only a few guests paid attention to the lucky boy but they didn¡¯t make a sound and his moving to the 3rd round was low-profile.


    More than 75% of the Stones (not counting those who were destined to meet Kara ahead of time) had lost their duels. Their depression had reached the highest point in contrast to the guests from the other families. They had risen to the asion, especially the Browns. Boys and girls congratted each other and sang joyful songs.


    When the judge announced Kara¡¯s name, everyone was quiet.


    Stephanie came up to the bench, fell on one knee in front of the princess and said loudly:


    ?Your Highness! Stephanie Stone gives up. I am not fit to fight with you. I am sorry for being such a coward¡­ I do not want to offend you. Forgive my ignorance¡­?


    ?I really don¡¯t care. Get out of my face.? ¨C The girl answered imperiously and rubbed her nose on Juno¡¯s ear. It was nice that she didn¡¯t have to let go of the cute little girl. She wished she could always keep her on herp. She smelled like flowers. She didn¡¯t fidget, yed nice and harmless.


    Stephanie bowed. She could feel the numerous nces of those present. She was in a terrible mood. But at least she wouldn¡¯t get to hospital like Eric. She pinned her hopes on Lee. With that in mind, she came up to him to support her friend with a kind word¡­


    Thest battle ended before it even started.


    The third round was about to begin.


    After ten fights, the judge announced loudly:


    ?Simon Brown, the tenth stage of the base phase against Kyon Stone, the seventh stage of the base phase!?


    ?Oh, that¡¯s the guy! How did he get to the third round?!? ¡­ ?Ha! The previous opponents didn¡¯t win!? ¡­ ?Wow! He is lucky! Well, he is out very soon. Our tiger from the Brown family will tear him to pieces!?


    When she heard the familiar name, Stephanie said gloomily:


    ?That¡¯s him¡­? ¨C she went to arena number three. The rest of her rtives followed her.


    A handsome ck-haired boy stepped into the center of the ground. He was of medium build, dressed in a gorgeous suit and glossy ck shoes. A cold smile on his lips gave him a determined look. The Browns rubbed their hands in anticipation of a pretty sight. The weakest in the family they hated was going to be humiliated. The Stones stood gloomy, keeping painful silence, their arms crossed. Among them, Kyon spotted a girl with a cold, impregnable expression on her face.


    He also noticed Marina. It made him feel better. However, there was the handsome blond fellow next to her. He was looking at Kyon in surprise, his eyebrows raised high.


    A pale tall boy ¨C his adversary ¨C entered the arena. His face was puffy with crimson spots, his lips were swollen, his eyes were ck and blue, some teeth were missing. He looked like a tiger ready to attack onest time. Swaying like he was drunk, the big guy took his position.


    ?Come on, Simon, you can do it!? ¡­ ?If you beat him with one blow, I will give you a hundred spheres! Ha ha ha!? ¡­ ?Show him your best shot, the tiger¡¯s blow!? ¨C The angry Browns yelled to support their friend.


    The judge gave a signal to start the fight.


    ~ beeeep ~


    The young man slowly pointed to Kyon and like a wounded predator who could not finish off the baby antelope said with a bloody grin:


    ?You should thank gods that we are not fighting today¡­? ¨C Simon mumbled and fainted from exhaustion.


    ?It¡¯s a wless victory, Kyon Stone!? ¨C announced the judge holding backughter.


    The jubnt Browns fell silent at once. ?What¡¯s happened?!? ¡­ ?How could he lose it? It¡¯s Simon after all!? ¡­ ?He lost because of the injuries he got in the previous battle! What a shame? ¡­ ?You screwed up, Simon. I¡¯m ashamed of you! You are not fit to be called the Browns¡¯ tiger? ¡­ ?Lucky asshole? ¡­ ?The weakest has made it to the fourth round! That¡¯s what I want!? ¨C The Browns were furious incinerating Kyon with their envious nces.


    The Stones looked at each other. They couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. How should they respond? Should they rejoice or beat up the lucky guy?


    ?Ms. Stephanie¡­ Shall we take care of him?? ¨C The tall boy asked.


    ?Leave him¡­ He is not worth our concern.? ¨C The girl snapped and turned away from Kyon. She was hurt that such an average boy could get to the 4th round while she had lost in the 2nd. What is heaven up to?!


    Kyon slowly left the arena. On his way, he noticed Marina leave with the blond guy. Apparently, he was having a fight on the other ground that she wanted to watch.


    XiaoBai announced the fourth round to begin. Beautiful Cornelia brought him a milkshake. A couple of envious boys sighed in frustration.


    After several fights, the judge announced the following names:


    ?Timon Brown, the third stage of the advanced phase against Kyon Stone, the seventh stage of the base phase!?


    The Browns broke into a heinousugh.


    Kyon ignored them. He went to the center and looked around. A fairlyrge crowd surrounded his arena. He had attracted their attention for several reasons: he had the lowest development; he got to the fourth round without a single fight.


    ?Ohhh, that¡¯s it! Our kind will destroy him. The kid is done!? ¡­ ?Come on, he will give up. Anyway, I will be happy to see his smashed pretty face.? ¡­ ?You are all so cruel¡­ Timon, break his neck!? ¨C The Browns kept mocking Kyon not taking him for a serious opponent at all.


    The Stones kept silent. They believed that luck had left the boy. Even Stephanie came to watch him fight. She¡¯d been trying to ignore him before.


    The judge announced the name of Kyon¡¯s opponent again.


    ?Where is Timon?? ¡­ ?Has anyone seen Timon??


    Two boys were approaching the arena. One looked like a skinny soldier wounded in a fierce battle, the second stocky guy was dragging him, his friend¡¯s arm over his neck. The skinny boy looked terrible. He was bloody-stained, his face was battered, he had blood in his left eye, and his right eye was swollen shut. The previous opponent had given him a very hard time. The damned Stone wouldn¡¯t give up.


    ?Stay with me, little brother! The Browns expect only one hit from you! For the sake of our family¡­ You need to hit the enemy in the head, and you will win! Do you hear me?! Tell me!? ¨C Pumba, the elder brother whispered near his ear.


    ?Pfff¡­? ¨C Timon puffed and spat out a tooth. ¨C ?My hand is numb¡­ Let me sleep, please¡­?


    ?Please, hit him once! We all believe in you. Come on, you can do it! Go!? ¨C said Pumba and pushed his younger brother to the arena. He could barely stand on his feet.


    ?Do you really want to fight, young man?? ¨C The judge asked anxiously.


    ?I don¡¯t¡­ But I will do anything for my brothers!? ¨C The boy cried out, overwhelmed with pride in his great family.


    The Browns cheered enthusiastically, expressing their respect. Look at them! They were magnificent, ready to tear anyone to pieces for the sake of their family! The tigers among the dogs! That predator was depicted on their coat of arms for a reason.


    Kyon could not hold backughter. It was time to take advantage of public sentiment. ?Gentleman, don¡¯t you have any worthy opponents? I¡¯m tired of fighting the beaten dogs.?


    Everyone gasped at his impudent words, the Browns nearly choked. ?Shut up!? ¡­ ?How dare you insult the great family? We will soon take the rank of the Stones!? ¡­ ?Exactly! A small fry like you should know his ce. It¡¯s right at the dumpster!?


    The Stonesughed out loud. Nobody had expected such audacity from the boy. The insult to the Browns made them feel better about themselves, the dense gloominess had slightly dispelled. ?The kid has balls!? ¡­ ?Small rainys great dust!? ¡­ ?He floats like a butterfly but stings like a bee!? ¡­ ?You can win with your words where others win with their fists! It¡¯s half the battle!? ¡­ ?Indeed, why do the Browns send only beaten dogs to fight, eh?!?


    Stephanie, usually cold as ice, couldn¡¯t hold back a warm smile.


    Other families joined in their loudughter. However, they quickly shut up. It¡¯s dangerous to make fun of the future leaders in the kingdom.


    The Browns grinned. ?You will choke on your own words!? ¡­ ?That¡¯s right! The great tiger of the Browns will tear your kin to pieces, even being wounded!? ¡­ ?Exactly! You all should be trembling with fear!?


    * beeeep *


    It was the signal to start the battle.


    Timon slowly walked to his opponent, clenched his fists, concentrated pure energy in them, gradually sped up and roared like a warrior on his deathbed, ready to give his life to kill the enemy.


    Kyon calmly took a little stone out of his pocket, tossed it in his hand, took aim, and then threw it directly at Timon¡¯s forehead.


    They heard a sound of the cracking skull and amazed exmations after that. The stone crumbled, the hit sent the boy flying a couple of meters. He fell and did not move anymore.


    ?Bring in the next tiger.? ¨C Kyon said dusting his hands.


    His harsh words left the Browns breathless, their heads throbbing.


    The Stonesughed to tears. ?Oh goddess, did you hear that?!? ¡­ ?Ha-ha-ha! Bring in the next tiger!? ¡­ ?I like him! He hit it out of the park! Snuck to the fifth round making only one move!? ¡­ ?Damn it, he is daring! I love crazy guys!?


    Pumba turned crimson with fury. He pointed to Kyon, totally dumbfounded. ?You are lucky, worthless scum. It¡¯s a miracle that you¡¯ve made it to the fifth round! My younger brother was weakened from thest battle! But when I defeat my opponent, I will be the next!?


    ?Next beaten dog?? ¨C asked Kyon.


    ?Opponent!? ¨C barked Pumba. His eyes hurled lightning bolts, there were red spots on his cheeks. He gritted his teeth in anger.


    The Stones couldn¡¯t stopughing.


    There were more and more onlookers around the arena with Kyon. They were curious to find out what was going on, what was so funny. The poprity of the weakest Stone had dramatically increased. Perhaps, a third of the guests will be watching him fight in the next round.


    Kyon had easily reached his goal. He¡¯d risen in the estimation of the Stones taking advantage of the contention between the families. His goal of bing a respected person was approaching by leaps and bounds. It¡¯s time to make family history.

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    Meanwhile, Kara made herselffortable on the bench. She followed her friend¡¯s gaze and noticed The Stones. They wereughing looking at the boy. ?Hmm, that¡¯s the useless piece of garbage. No wonder he¡¯s be aughing stock.? ¨C The girl whispered and slowly inhaled the floral aroma of Juno¡¯s hair.


    {They¡¯re notughing at him.} ¨C The littledy thought. She shook her head in exasperation. She wondered what her servant was up to and what it woulde out of it.


    The Stones wanted to congratte Kyon on his victory but the lucky guy sneaked away to the restroom.


    Soon, the princess¡¯s next opponent gave up before the battle started.


    XiaoBai immediately announced the start of the 5th round out of 8.


    The tension rose minute by minute. There were only 16 participants left. The Stones were represented by Lee, the king of the battles, the blond guy who was destined to lose to Kara, and lucky Kyon remarkable for his good fortune. Seriously, how could anyone get to the fifth round with development so low as his? It was iprehensible!


    The Stones had pinned their hopes on Lee. Everyone wished for his victory. He was the only one who could defend the honor of the family. If their leader defeated Tsayan, he would go to the semi-finals and then to the finals, by all means.


    A couple of fights had finished.


    The judge said loudly:


    ?Pumba Brown, the fourth stage of the advanced phase against Kyon Stone, the seventh stage of the base phase!?


    Half of the audience had gathered over one of the four arenas. Most of them were eager to see the jerk being crushed and destroyed. The Stones hoped the boy would win again.


    A healthy, stocky guy with a haughty, pompous face was heading for the arena.


    ?You had an instant victory in thest battle, elder brother Pumba! Tear the insolent boy to pieces, please!? ¡­ ?My father, master Guyan, will be your benefactor if you win!? ¡­ ?Destroy the sucker! You will be a real hero for the Browns!?


    Pumba smiled and said loudly:


    ?Brothers and sisters, I¡¯m seven stages above this scum. How can I possibly lose? If I lose my name is Blow Fly! Ha ha ha! Seriously, it¡¯s out of the question. I can¡¯t lose. It is simply not possible. Ha ha ha!? ¨C He threw his head back andughed.


    ?You are my hero! Destroy the douchebag for me!? ¨C A Brown girl eximed with adoration and then turned her sizzling nce at Kyon.


    The smile never left Pumba¡¯s face. It was going too well. He was destined to crush the arrogant dog and be the center of attention in his family. He was bursting with excitement.


    Pumba went to the arena, scratched his hip and pointed to Kyon. ?I¡¯ll wipe the floor with you if you don¡¯t give up like a coward. We¡¯ll see in which family there are only beaten dogs and where mighty tigers are born!? ¨C He tore off his sweatshirt showing off his enormous sculpted muscles.


    Kyon spread his arms, looked at those present and said:


    ?Do you agree with Pumba¡¯s words, dear Brown family??


    ?Damn it, you¡¯re dead!? ¡­ ?Shut up!? ¡­ ?Of course I agree! Everyone is born a mighty tiger in my family? ¡­ ?Don¡¯t you dare to give up, lousy dog! You belong in the dumpster!? ¨C shouted the Browns, filled with blood lust.


    ?He is here to embarrass us?!? ¨C snarled Stephanie. She looked daggers at Kyon, her voice full of righteous indignation.


    ?He must be out of his mind. I mean¡­ He¡¯d sampled the sweet taste of luck and believed in himself¡­? ¨C suggested a boy next to her.


    ?Shut up, Peter! Stephanie is out of sorts today!? ¨C His friend hissed into his ear.


    Lee approached the 3rd arena and looked at the boy in the center.


    ?Uhm¡­ what¡¯s going on? Howe our wimp is in the fifth round? And what are youughing at?? ¨C He asked with a touch of contempt in his voice.


    ?He is being lucky and has be too presumptuous. It¡¯s all the unnecessary attention! He might jeopardize our reputation. The pretentious fool¡­ I hate pricks like him.? ¨C Stephanie answered coldly.


    Lee decided to watch the battle. Anyway, there was enough time before his turn.


    *beeeeep*


    The signal announced the start.


    Everyone focused. The Browns smiled, anticipating triumph. The Stones frowned.


    The rich bald fat guy named Richie Brown grumbled to his friend:


    ?Listen to me, Pedro. I have bet twice against him and lost a lot of money. Now I¡¯m certain he will lose at once. The rate, of course, is very too little but I guess I should take a leap of faith and hope for the best! Luck has always been my girl. Here, check this out.?


    ?Ha-ha-ha! Come here, you pig! I¡¯ll unscrew your stupid head! Ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Pumba approached slowly with hystericalughter. The power and strength emanating from his stocky body were impressive.


    However, Kyon was not afraid.


    Pumba took another step, his foot went out of control and dragged on the ground. Miraculously, he avoided doing the splits and kept bnce.


    ?What the¡­? ¨C He frowned, tried to move his leg but couldn¡¯t do it. ?Why is my leg¡­ My-y-y, le-e-eg¡­ E-o-o-h¡­? ¨C He muttered something unintelligible under his breath, his eyes wandered restlessly around, he stammered. Suddenly, he felt like his body wasn¡¯t his anymore and after a moment, he didn¡¯t feel it at all. His heart beat faster. Brown remembered the slight pinch in his hip and realized that he had been given a paralyzing poison. Only, he couldn¡¯t say anything anymore.


    ?Are you alright, piggy?? ¨C Kyon asked with a grin.


    ?Oua-§Ñ-§Ñ-ou¡­? ¨C Pumba mumbled desperately trying to make a step. But his body did not obey themand.


    The Browns looked at each other worried. ?Big brother, stop it! Kill him with one blow!? ¡­ ?Mr. Pumba, stop fooling around, the jerk needs to choke on his daring words! Knock his teeth out!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s noughing matter! You¡¯re making a fool of yourself and all of us!?


    Tsayan approached the arena and looked at his kinsman. ?What the hell is this idiot doing??


    Pumba couldn¡¯t catch his breath, there were despair and horror in his eyes. If he lost his brother and he would be forever branded Blow Fly or even expelled from the family. All his life would be destroyed because of the two sentences he said. They would hate him, mock him and take their revenge. Why¡­ Who dared to poison him?!


    ?Okay, I¡¯m sick and tired of this show.? ¨C Kyon said and threw a stone at Pumba¡¯s head that sent him to the ground nose-first. Earlier, Kyon had ordered Dinah to give secretly the poison to the rotten snob.


    There was perfect silence. Even the judge was speechless. The audience couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. Why did a small stone make him copse? Why couldn¡¯t he dodge?


    Dinah was finally free from the order to seduce the fat freak. She was leaning against the wall watching Kyon with her cold gaze. From time to time, she cast a nce into the sky at the tournament grid. The cunning jerk had made it to the sixth round¡­ The girl hoped that the next opponent would kill him with one blow.


    Anna was standing nearby. She grunted thoughtfully when she saw Pumba show the familiar symptoms: {Paralyzing poison? How could Kyon have set it up? Is it sister¡¯s work?} ¨C She looked at Dinah and understood everything. The servant was getting more and more attached to her. Nothing made sense.


    ?Stand up and kill him now!? ¨C The girl who was fond of Pumba screeched. But he was lying unconscious on the ground. Apparently, she had made the wrong choice¡­ What a shame! A piece of garbage fell from the high mountain to the bottom of the ocean leaving a trace of contempt.


    Tsayan cried out:


    ?What the hell is wrong with you?! Pumba is a piece of shit. His words will never discredit the proud name of our great family! Ugh.? ¨C He spat and went to watch the battle in another arena.


    The Browns silently exchanged nces. Some felt great shame, the others stopped taking the fool¡¯s words seriously and left, some did not understand what was going on. Only a few suggested it must have been poison but they were not so sure. Who could have done it? To help the wimp win? It¡¯s ridiculous. They never expressed their suspicions.


    Pumba was taken to the nearest hospital.


    The judge announced another Kyon¡¯s victory


    Richie, the fat guy, stamped his foot violently. ?Asshole! Howe?! The third bet in a row!?


    Kyon took a few steps when he saw two scary Browns quickly approach him. Their fierce eyes glowed with bloodthirst.


    One of them had already raised his hand tond a blow, ready to avenge the insult to his family when Stephanie appeared and released terrifying pressure. ?Off with you, dogs.?


    The big guys froze in fear, looked at each other and hurried to leave squealing like puppies.


    The girl turned around and looked at the boy with interest.


    ?How did you pull it off, junior??


    Kyon shrugged. ?Magic. Does it really need an exnation??


    ?No kidding. I am serious.?


    ?Okay, I confess. I am Lady Fortune¡¯s son.?


    The girl raised her eyebrows and scrutinised him.


    They heard a burst of loudughter from behind. ?Ha! The kid is funny! Damn it¡­ Where did youe from? Is your dad by any chance a good-fortune unicorn?? ¨C Lee asked smiling with no respect, joy nor pride in his voice.


    To consolidate his superiority, the leader of the Stones tried to put his hand on Kyon¡¯s shoulder. However, the boy dodged, smiled and held out his hand for a handshake.


    ?Mr. Lee, I am lucky to have met you! Oh gods I am the luckiest man in the world! They say your grandfather is a great elder in the family! And your mother is a deputy manager at the ntation. I admire you, the legendary number one in Stone family! You set an example for others to follow, you¡¯re a hero among the youth! Oh, how much I respect you! Please tell me what is the secret of your power??


    Lee was stunned. He shook Kyon¡¯s hand even if he had initially felt only contempt and hostility towards him. He got too much undeserved attention. Why was the kid his ardent fan? Now he couldn¡¯t be rude to him¡­


    Lee put on his most sincere smile. ?Hehe, you know a lot about me! The secret is simple. Dream on about getting stronger and work up a good sweat there! Ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Heughed with his head thrown back, gleaming a row of white teeth. Then he began to talk about himself.


    Kyon was rejoicing. Everything went ording to his n. He¡¯d used some psychological tricks, the fool lost his vignce and was a putty in his hands.


    Lee went on talking about his personal aplishments until he heard his name announced for the next duel.


    ?Well, newbie¡­ Come to me if you have any questions. I am off to win in the name of the family!? ¨C He said proudly and headed for the arena.


    ?I envy your luck!? ¡­ ?You are a damn wizard. One of a kind.? ¡­ ?You¡¯re not bad, kid.? ¨C The Stonesplimented him quietly and followed their idol.


    Stephanie looked at Kyon from head to foot and warned him:


    ?You¡¯re one of a kind, indeed¡­ Listen to some valuable advice. Don¡¯t mess with the next opponent. Kaizen Romanov (3) is a dangerous rival. Your magic won¡¯t work with him. You¡¯d better give up. Spare your life. And don¡¯t ever put the Stone¡¯s dignity on the line or I will beat you up myself.? ¨C The girl finished her speech and followed Lee.


    When Kyon was left alone, XiaoBai came up and happily patted him on the back. ?I admire your luck, buddy! You¡¯ve made it to the sixth round with a wave of your hand and a snap! Do you want to raise the bet on your victory??


    ?I will decline, thank you.? ¨C muttered Kyon, looking at the beautiful Princess. She was happily fondling Juno. He had to decide what to do with Kara. ¨C ?XiaoBai, at what stage is Princess??


    ?It¡¯s hard to say. She is the most powerful in Cernos, the best school in thend. Prince Charles takes second ce¡­ The talented bastard is at the finishing stage of Noble phase (4). You can safely raise your bet! I¡¯m sure you will win! Ha-ha-ha! Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t blow all your money on booze.? ¨C The fat guy said and returned to the nephrite with the tournament grid.

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    The fifth round wasing to an end.


    The judge announced:


    ?Frantz Stone vs. Princess Kara, the peak stage of the advanced phase!?


    Everyone thought the battle would not take ce. However, the blonde young man of about 18 years old bravely went to the center of the arena. The audience was surprised.


    ?He decided to suffer Eric¡¯s fate?!? ¡­ ?Wow, how daring of him! I am anxious to see the battle with the princess!? ¡­ ?Is he really one of us? He is of the second rank but I¡¯ve never seen him before. It¡¯s weird¡­?


    ?Be careful, Frantz!? ¨C Marina was worried about him.


    The young man gave her a dazzling smile. He knew pretty well he had little chance and yet, he could not back down from the battle in front of the amazing girl. It wasn¡¯t in his nature to give up without a fight.


    Kara sighed angrily and rolled her eyes, reluctantly letting Juno out of her embrace. She got up from the bench and walked to the arena with a little spring in her step, holding her back straight. The princess showed cold determination which inspired awe and dread in her enemies.


    ~beeeeep~


    The signal announced the start of the battle.


    The princess thrust out her ample boobs, spread her arms and closed her eyes.


    A bright red light spread from her chest to her arms highlighting the graceful shape of her body, creating something that looked like a silhouette of the bird. Invisible pressure made the audience gasp in awe. Her thick cherry red hair fluttered graciously adding an extraordinary effect to the scene. The girl seemed to have merged with the me in her heart.


    Frantz stopped short. He sensed a terrible danger and focused on his defense. His intuition kept telling him the girl would not repeat the attack any time soon if only he survived it. However, he should not recklessly rush into the battle seeking an imminent death.


    Kara opened wide her beautiful eyes. They shed for a moment with a scarlet me, then she said in a low voice piercing to the bone:


    ?Part three, the relic of the phoenix.?


    A beautiful silhouette of the fiery bird burst from her body: a beak, bright eyes, feathers outlines, eagle ws. Something was missing in the attack. Apparently, it was iplete.


    At an astonishing speed, the phoenix rushed towards the enemy.


    The audience thought Frantz was doomed.


    Marina was horrified. She yelled:


    ?Watch out!?


    The blonde guy waved his arms, wrapped his body in water, not ordinary water, it was glowing from within with bright sparks. It was his protective technique.


    Phoenix crashed into the young man with a terrible roar, creating a bright explosion of unprecedented power that blinded the audience for a moment or two.


    A shock wave of tremendous force threw Franz against the wall, sshing his water defence to the sides. Everyone was shocked to see the walls of the arena crack. A little more and the audience would have been in trouble from the powerful attack of the princess.


    Xiao Bai was pretty surprised. ording to his calctions, the barrier should withstand attacks at the middle stage of the superior stage.


    Frantz went limp. Fortunately, the fire had only touched his hair.


    ?Princess Kara Grand has won!? ¨C announced the judge.


    Kara snorted contemptuously and went back to fondle her little girl.


    As soon as the barrier disappeared, Marina rushed to the guy, her eyes full of tears. ?Frantz, Frantz! Are you alive?! Are you alright?! Talk to me, please!?


    ?I am alive, my little Marina.? ¨C The young man said and coughed hoarsely.


    ?I am so happy¡­?


    ?Come here, Marina. Hug me.? ¨C Frantz asked in a weak voice. The girl didn¡¯t think twice to do as he asked.


    The doctor gave him a shot and, with the help of other people, loaded him onto the stretcher.


    ?You don¡¯t have to go with me¡­? ¨C Frantz whispered and coughed.


    ?Don¡¯t say that! I won¡¯t leave you alone. Do not even ask me to. We are going together.? ¨C The girl disagreed looking tenderly into his eyes.


    ?Please¡­ You have to understand! I¡¯m not who you think I am!?


    ?You are my dear Flitz.? ¨C Marina smiled stroking the handsome man on the cheek.


    His eyebrows rose in surprise. ?How?! I didn¡¯t tell anyone about the youth gradient! Bai had given it to me so that I could secretly watch over Juno¡­ How did you find out??


    ?I recognized you from your old picture¡­ But above all, I remember your smell. I¡¯ll never forget it.? ¨C Marina answered and blushed.


    She was no longer afraid of Flitz. His attitude had convinced the girl his intentions were pure. He wanted to apologize for the terrible things he¡¯d done. And she had already forgiven him. Moreover, it warmed the cockles of her heart to see him so young and handsome.


    Flitz wanted to object but said nothing. No point to argue¡­ His heart was beating faster with feelings overwhelming him. In thest few hours, he¡¯d been burning with wild jealousy for himself. But then he found out the girl he loved had known the truth. What a fool he was¡­


    Meanwhile, his skin was wrinkling, his hair fell out, and his hands got dry and cracked.


    The nurse fainted when she saw those changes.


    Kyon, who¡¯d been secretly watching Marina, was surprised at the turn of events. He thought the girl fell for the rich, strong, respected, handsome young man. Well, what did he know! She wasn¡¯t afraid to leave with him, was she? She must have already forgiven him.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t only surprised, he was touched to the depths of his soul by the vibrant quivering light in Marina¡¯s eyes when she looked at the blond young man after the battle. It dawned on him then¡­ He figured out how to repay the favor to his friend!


    Kara chased Juno who¡¯d run away from her. She caught up with her in a few seconds and dragged her to the bench. Ignoring her victim¡¯s squeals and objections, the princess sat her on thep and gently wrapped her arms around her neck.


    ?Stop growling, kitty. The princess won¡¯t eat you up.?


    ?Grr ¡­ No wonder Elsa despised you!!? ¨C grumbled the girl.


    ?We loved each other but we had a strange rtionship¡­ Like a sh of two elements, ice and fire.? ¨C Kara whispered gently into her ear.


    None of the guests dared to challenge the princess and rescue Juno from her tenacious grip. Many of them were shocked that thedy of the asion had be the princess¡¯s toy. However, the littledy¡¯s prestige hadn¡¯t been ruined. On the contrary, everyone was now afraid of Kara¡¯s favorite girl, they were in awe of her.


    XiaoBai solemnly announced:


    ?Ladies and gentlemen! It¡¯s time for the quarter-finals. Eight best participants will fight for the title of the king (or queen) of the party.?


    ?Oh yeah, the best! Hah ha ha!? ¨C One of the Brownsughed looking at Kyon with a sneer.


    Most guests nodded in agreement.


    ?Luck is also power!? ¨C XiaoBai smiled. ¨C ?One was lucky to be born talented, the other made it to the sixth round with a wave of his hand! Now, for the sake of intrigue, the fighter won¡¯t be chosen from left to right but in a random way ording to the grid. Let the battles begin!?


    There was thunderous apuse.


    XiaoBai made a sign, and the judges created a new arena in the middle of the training ground, significantlyrger than the previous ones.


    The judge announced the first battle where Kara was to take ce.


    Another opponent bowed low to the princess and admitted his defeat. Nobody judged him.


    ?Mr. Lee Stone against Mr. Tsayan Brown, the peak stage of the advanced phase!? ¨C The judge announced the next battle.


    The audience erupted in a yell.


    ?Mr. Tsayan, show everyone the power the Browns have!? ¡­ ?You must defend the honor of the family! No one canugh at the tigers!? ¡­ ?Give him hell!? ¨C The Browns cheered for their representative.


    ?Elder brother Tsayan, I believe in you!? ¨C A pretty girl shouted out loud.


    Everyone knew Tsayan as Kiyan¡¯s brother, powerful number two in the Brown family. He was a descendant of pure blood that¡¯s why he represented the whole family at the party. He had the highest prestige among the Browns. The youth looked up to him with pride and zeal.


    ?Go for it, king of the battles! Destroy the arrogant jerk¡­? ¡­ ?Lee Stone for the win!? ¡­ ?We can¡¯t wait to see you in the finals, Mr. Lee!? ¨C The Stones enthusiastically encouraged their idol.


    Lee was theirst hope for a higher ce in the grid. He was their best fighter, the idol of the entire young generation. If the Stones fell t on their faces in front of the first ten families, including the princess, they would fall into disgrace and lose confidence in themselves. Their development would slow down. Morale and honor were more valuable than gold in any family.


    ?Listen to me, Lee¡­ Tsayan is the earthbender. You have a huge advantage, you know what I am talking about. However, be alert. His self-confidence is rming.? ¨C Stephanie warned him.


    Lee smiled confidently at her. He looked like an eagle that was about to fight a crow. ?Watch me. Tsayan is no match for me. He is nothing but an attention whore.?


    The rumbling of the audience grew stronger when the two handsome guys entered the arena and took their ces. They sent each other sizzling nces.


    ?Lee, the king of the battles! I am d to see you safe and sound in the sixth round! It means my victory is going to be fair. Are you ready to defeat me, proving all the power and greatness of the Stones??


    ?Tsayan, you are stupid and presumptuous! The battle will decide everything. I will show you the true power of the best fighter among the Stones!? ¨C Lee said in a righteous voice.


    He heard a resounding roar of his enthusiastic kinsmen.


    Thebat effectiveness is determined by the elements that the practitioner can bend. Poorlypatible elements can significantly reduce the final strength. For example, after mastering the earth, it is nice to study the elements that are good against heat or cold that can protect the practitioner from residual attacks.


    It is important to understand there will always be those who are stronger or weaker than you are of well-chosen elements or skills. Therefore, everyone wants to eradicate their weak points and enhance the strong ones. For example, Kyon has a truly enormous advantage over the rest as he is the master of nine elements. However, he hasn¡¯t had any chance to appreciate this benefit of his.


    For example, fighter number 1 in the Stone family bends three elements: pure energy, earth and fire. Thanks to his unique body, he is strong in the aspect of defense and attack at the same time. That¡¯s why people call him the king of the battles.


    The judge gave a signal to start the fight.


    * beeeeeep *


    With one graceful movement, Lee tore off his jacket, exposing his strong torso. He looked like an indestructible hero. Lee stamped his foot.


    A huge rock jumped out of the ground. Lee threw it at his opponent with a spinning back kick.


    In response, Tsayan tore another rock from the ground and met the approaching attack.


    * bang *


    Both stones crumbled. Tsayan was pushed back a little. But he only shed a predatory smile and clenched his fists. Two yellow rocks of the same size quickly grew on them.


    ?I can¡¯t believe it¡­ The very gold quartz?!? ¨C Someone from the Browns cried out in amazement, he knew the family legacy well.


    ?What gold quartz are you talking about??


    ?Our family owns a rare unique body of gold quartz. Only geniuses can develop it. If it¡¯s in your possession, you can create stone which isn¡¯t inferior in strength to the best metals!?


    ?It cannot be!? ¡­ ?You must be kidding me?!? ¡­ ?I don¡¯t believe you!?


    Lee snorted and repeated his attack with a rock from the ground.


    Tsayan easily destroyed the flying stones.


    His yellow gloves enveloping his hands in a thickyer did not suffer at all.


    ?Your miserable dirt is nothing to me, Lee, the king of the battles. Use some decent rocks.?


    Lee rolled his eyes, createdrge scarlet granite in his hand and rushed headlong into the attack.


    ?Scarlet granite! The best rock of our family!? ¡­ ?They say it can sharpen swords? ¡­ ?Which is stronger?!? ¡­ ?Scarlet granite!? ¡­ ?No, gold quartz!? ¨C The guests held their breath.


    The attacks met.


    * bang *


    Lee¡¯s eyes widened in shock; he hastily pulled back his hand shrouded in a me of pain. Distress and disbelief froze on his face. ?How is this possible?? ¨C He muttered rubbing his injured arm. He had never doubted the rock from his family legacy but the gold quartz had an edge on it in terms of strength and durability!


    ?Oh my god! Did you see it?! Gold quartz is much stronger than scarlet granite! He crushed it without harming himself! I¡¯ve seen a hundred times the strongest swords blunt against scarlet granite but I can¡¯t see a single crack on gold quartz!? ¡­ ?Ha ha! The tiger of the Browns is the best! Did you think it would be easy?! Meet the greatest heritage of the Browns!? ¡­ ?Ha ha ha! Is this the best heritage of the Stones?! Ugh!? ¡­ ?Come on, Tsayan! You are the best earth bender I know!?


    The Stones couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. It was a single sh of attacks but everyone took it as a p in the face. Only, it was even more painful and unpleasant. The young people grimaced. Their mouths did not have the right to argue with the hurtful words of the Browns. The result was in front of their eyes, the quartz was much stronger. They could only hope for their victory, then the rest was no longer important.


    Stephanie was afraid, she shouted desperately:


    ?Do not fight on his field, Lee! Use the fire!?


    Lee took a deep breath to calm down his anger. To lose with the element of the earth to the impudent bastard? No way! He hadn¡¯t given up yet!


    ?The king of the earth dragon!? ¨C He shouted furiously and stamped his foot on the ground. It went bumpy as if a huge worm was breaking through to the enemy underneath.


    The Stones held their breath. It was one of the most powerful earthen techniques¡­ Once it gets to the goal, a scarlet-granite dragon will burst out from under the ground and swallow up Tsayan, breaking his bones.


    ?nd!? ¨C Tsayan blurted out in a crushing voice, also stamping his foot. The approaching ridge had instantly smoothed out. The powerful attack had been suppressed as if he had crushed a bug with his foot.


    The Stones twisted their faces. It was a second p in the face and it was no less painful than the first one. Humiliating Lee, the Browns humiliated all the Stones, because their number 1 was the face of their young generation.


    ?How is it possible?! How could he repel the earth dragon?! The minimum advantage required for that is being five stages above! Who is this Tsayan?!? ¨C The Stones eximed, stunned. They did not want to give up.


    The subject of thement smiled smugly. His body of gold quartz enhanced the attribute of the earth. And with his advanced grade, he had no equal. Only opponents who are at the 3d or 4th stages couldpete with him in the earth element.


    Lee looked like thunder, he clenched his fists tight trying to control his anger. What a humiliation¡­ To lose with the earth element to some sucker of the second phase. The gazes of the Browns and his kin hurt his pride.


    ?The body of golden quartz is the heart of the earth element! There is no stone stronger than that! Of course, Tsayan is overwhelming in this aspect!? ¡­ ?Ha ha ha! It was expected from Kiyan¡¯s younger brother! You are my hero!? ¡­ ?Tsayan, you are the best! I believe in you!? ¨C A girl secretly in love with the boy cried out thest words.


    Tsayan gave Lee a mocking look. ?You¡¯ve disappointed me. I would have expected more from you¡­ Show me your real strength, stop messing around! Is it everything you are capable of!?? ¨C Tsayan demanded with a smug smile.


    All the Stones wanted to tear him to pieces after those words. They gave Lee keen nces as if wishing to say: ¡°Kill the presumptuous bastard for us!¡±


    The Stone leader grinned and brushed the dust off his hands. His bloodthirsty eyes were staring at the enemy. His hands sparkled with bright orange mes when he slowly went to the opponent¡­ His silence was akin a disrespectful spit in the enemy¡¯s face.


    ?Look! His hands are ring orange! He can bend the heat at the advanced grade? ¡­ ?Lee is going to use the art of fire dance! He is serious!? ¡­ ?Tsayan is in for big trouble! Ha, finally!? ¡­ ?Incinerate him, sir! For all of us!?


    Stefania breathed a sigh of relief and rxed. The enemy was doomed. The earth is extremely weak against the fire. The residual heat often goes through the rocks. Even if not all of it reaches the goal it may burn the skin and even the eyes.


    Lee dodged the stone attack and waved his fist. A beautiful fiery flower burst from his hand.


    Tsayan blocked it with a rock. The stone red up brightly. The residual heat circled the rock and scorched his face.


    Lee¡¯s triumphant smile quickly gave way to disbelief. ?What the hell?!?


    Tsayan¡¯s entire body, including his hair, sparkled in gold, not burnt at all. He threw back his head andughed. ?Ha ha ha! What a shame!?


    ?Why is he unharmed?!? ¡­ ?He is like a golden statue!? ¡­ ?Can his talent save him from the heat?!? ¨C The Stones shouted, stunned.


    Lee grimaced and attacked again. He gracefully dodged the blows with stones and counterattacked with fiery flowers. The residual heat went around the stones and reached the goal scorching the face but it didn¡¯t smell of burnt flesh or hair.


    The young man managed to reach Tsayan with his fists a couple of times but failed to injure him. The golden guy pushed off a few steps back. He never stoppedughing. In other words, Lee failed to harm Tsayan neither physically, nor with fire, nor with earth.


    {What is wrong with this bastard?!} ¨C Lee continued his futile attempts in frustration. With every attack, his mood fell faster and faster into the abyss. The golden skin didn¡¯t seem to feel the heat at all. It was impossible to damage at all! It repulsed all of Lee¡¯s attacks.


    The refined dance of the strongest Stone had impressed many guests. But what was the point in admiring the beauty when it couldn¡¯t damage the enemy?


    ?Why can¡¯t Lee incinerate the bastard?!? ¡­ ?Did you see it?! He remained intact after the fiery flower hit him right in the face!? ¡­ ?What the hell is this golden skin?! Is it legal?!? ¡­ ?Can¡¯t you harm him in any way, Lee?!? ¨C The Stones had an unpleasant feeling. When their favorite fighter could do nothing to the enemy they wanted the ground to swallow them up. They wished he could have used a sharp weapon¡­ Then the golden skin would hardly help Tsayan.


    When Lee saw the futility of his attacks, he stepped back keeping calm. He shouldn¡¯t give any cause for concern. He had long worked out the way to save his face in ufortable situations. Deep inside, he was about to explode with indignation. He¡¯d hit the enemy a dozen times but he didn¡¯t even blink!


    Tsayan put his hands on his hips and burst outughing. ?So be it, I¡¯ll tell you my secret. I¡¯ve recently improved the body of gold quartz to the second stage, thereby enhancing my skin to the state of a diamond. Neither pure energy nor heat nor cold nor even electricity can harm me! And, of course, not a single earthbender of my level can defeat me in the battle. Ha ha ha! The rules of this tournament are made for me! Get ready to admit you¡¯re scum, Lee!?


    ?Die!? ¨C Lee roared unable to contain the overwhelming anger. He treacherously released the technique ¡°a swift dragon.¡± A huge serpentine fiery dragon collided with Tsayan¡¯s body with a thunder and broke up sideways in a flower of fire.


    A contemptuous smile shone Tsayan¡¯s unharmed face. ?You¡¯re a wretched loser¡­ Using a surprise attack during our talk and trying to defeat me in such a dishonorable way. How low of you, how pathetic. I can¡¯t respect you anymore. I am ashamed to have a battle with you.? ¨C Tsayan reproved with utter contempt in his voice as if he was talking to a dog.


    Lee held his breath, mortified.


    All the Stones as one blushed for their idol¡¯s misdeed.


    The Browns were delighted. ?Boooo! How mean of him! What a pathetic trick?!? ¡­ ?I¡¯m disappointed in Lee! And he is number one in the Stone family?!? ¡­ ?You are the god of the battles, Tsayan!? ¡­ ?I am your loyal fan!? ¡­ ?You are destined to surpass your younger brother Kiyan!? ¡­ ?From now on, we have a new king of the battles!?


    ?Pull out the big one, Lee!? ¨C Stephanie pointed out to him with concern.


    Lee took a deep breath and closed his eyes. ?Your words don¡¯t mean anything. The game is over, Tsayan. You are going to understand why they call me the king of the battles.?


    The opponents didn¡¯t show any signs of respect to each other anymore.


    ?Trembling in fear!? ¨C The golden guy eximed grinning.


    First, scarlet granite grew over Lee¡¯s body. After a while the rock melted, turning into magma, flowing over his entire body with an even crust. The boy emitted a dangerous aura of volcano power and looked like a god of fire.


    ?He is using the magma elemental body!? ¨C An ardent Lee¡¯s fan yelled. ¨C ?This is the end to your new battle king, you bastards! I swear by heaven, he has no chance!?


    ?Hurray! You are serious atst!? ¡­ ?Here you go, the king of the battles!? ¡­ ?Turn to ashes the arrogant dog of the Browns!? ¨C There was great hope in the hearts of the young Stones. They all knew about Lee¡¯s strongest side, the unique magma elemental body.


    Now his attacks have enough mass so that they couldn¡¯t be blown away with the wind, as well as decent heat so that water or cold couldn¡¯t extinguish them. Magma coating is strong enough and is insted from electricity.


    No one doubted his victory. They believed in him with all their hearts. They all were convinced in his iparable strength and power.


    The magma elemental body is Lee¡¯s strongest weapon, it¡¯s the masterpiece of his unique body. Sometimes practitioners at stages above him lost to him in the battle when he used that body. There are some disadvantages, though, among them, the loss of speed, poor visibility, considerable energy costs. It could be used only once a day, too.


    The walking god of fire headed towards Tsayan. Each of his steps was apanied by a wave of burning heat and almost tangible power. Everything glowed with heat around him as if a volcano eruption.

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


    Tsayan grunted and rushed to the enemy.


    Lee put out his hands and released a stream of magma. It was hotter than hellfire, heavier than a meteorite. It wasn¡¯t too fast, though, but if it hit it would hurt like hell.


    Tsayan created a perfectly smooth massive round quartz glove on one of his hands. He was holding an angr-shaped shield in the other one.


    Everything happened in a second.


    With the shield, Tsayan made his way through the flows of heavyva like a lotive through the snow andnded a crushing blow with his glove to Lee¡¯s head, or rather to the ce where it should have been. He cried out loud the name of the technique:


    ?The giant¡¯s hammer!?


    ~ bam ~


    The round yellow rock passed through the magma and hit Lee in the head. He flew out of hisva cover and copsed to the ground, unconscious.


    ?Whaaaat?!? ¨C Everyone gasped


    ?He¡­ Lost¡­? ¨C Stephanie whispered. She sighed and closed her eyes in despair with her hands.


    The Stones¡¯ hearts sank. They could not utter a word. Their god-like champion had been shamefully defeated with a single blow! What were all those pretentious big words for?! What was the point in his looks and god-of-fire effects if he copsed with one blow!? And who was the winner? The arrogant idiot who was not even one of the thirty best Browns. Why did he have to show off? God, what a shame¡­ They had failed at their own party, they couldn¡¯t even reach the semifinals. Their belief in the best fighter in the family was fading. Despair had covered the whole family like a wet nket. Many of them were ashamed to raise their eyes. A few disappointed Stone girls were weeping bitterly.


    Why were they so weak? Why was Lee so weak? They had to return to their chambers, hide from everyone and bury their faces in the pillows.


    The scene had even tugged at Kyon¡¯s heartstrings. For some reason, he felt he belonged to those desperate guys. Well, that was nothing, everything was ording to his n.


    ?Yeah-ah-ah-ah!? ¡­ ?Tsayan is our hero!? ¡­ ?Tsayan is better than Lee!? ¡­ ?The Stones have lost! What a shame!? ¡­ ?The Stones copsed in the sixth round! They are too weak for family number one!? ¡­ ?Tsayan is the new king of the battles! Now he deserves this title!? ¨C The Browns rejoiced in insane delight.


    ?Your number one did not live up to my expectations. It was a pathetic show that proved he is nothing but a dumbbell with a vile core. I do not care for the public recognition that he is a mediocrity. It¡¯s be obvious to everyone that he is wretched ipetence not deserving an ounce of respect.? ¨C Tsayan said with contempt and went to his jubnt family. They took the winner in their arms and tossed him into the air.


    Tsayan¡¯s joy knew no bounds. The elder would have to reward him with high-quality breakthrough medicine! He was bursting with happiness. He would dance through the next round and get to the finals! He couldn¡¯t havee up with a better grid. The luck was with him yet again.


    The other families hurried to shake hands with the new genius. In the future, he would rise to the highest positions of the strongest Browns. It is always useful to make acquaintance with such a promising person.


    ?Don¡¯t feel so bad, Juno. I won¡¯t stop respecting your family even if it slides to the hundredth ce in the rating.? ¨C Kara said and pinched the girl on the cheek.


    ?Who said we¡¯d lost?? ¨C She asked coldly.


    ?What are you talking about??


    ?You will see it soon¡­ And stop fussing over me! I¡¯m not a little girl!?


    ?Come on, my sweet.? ¨C The princess whispered sensually. She couldn¡¯t care less for the battles of the wimps. She was there for Juno. All her attention was for the girl.


    The loud voice of the judge interrupted the incessant cries of joy in support of Tsayan¡¯s victory:


    ?Kaisen Romanov, the sixth stage of the advanced phase against Kyon Stone, the seventh stage of the base phase!?


    When the gloomy Stones heard the names of the next fighters they looked at the tournament grid. In the turmoil of the recent events, everyone had forgotten about the lucky one, who had made it to the sixth round under the patronage of Lady Luck.


    Stephanie paid no attention to that. She helped Lee to get around. He looked depressed and remained painfully silent. Together with his friend, he retired to the hall to suppress his grief with alcohol. Most of the Stones followed suit. Contemptuous nces and malevolent giggles on all sides exacerbated his situation. He wished the damn party would end soon. One thing pleased him. The princess would get the prize and not those slippery snakes.


    Only two Stones remained in their seats. They were eager to see the face of the boy when he realized that luck had left him. Their family had no chance.


    The Browns grinned like hyenas and nced viciously at Kyon. They kept screaming insults. ?Hey, sucker! Hit the road before he breaks all of your bones!? ¡­ ?Get the fuck out of the arena! Don¡¯t disgrace your family!? ¡­ ?Is your name Kyon? I will get a grave ready for you!?


    Richie nudged his friend. ?His opponent is the unsurpassed lord of thunder Kaisen Romanov! I¡¯ll eat my tongue if he doesn¡¯t win¡­ Son of a bitch, I have to win something back. I blew so much money betting against the lucky guy¡­?


    Dinah gave Kaisen a long, studying look. She smiled vengefully, anticipating the imminent death of her sworn enemy.


    On the other hand, Anna examined Romanov with a little curiosity and Kyon with concern.


    Kyon went to the center of the arena with a serious face and gave the audience an icy look. It made no sense to respond to the screams of the ratty crowd.


    Opposite him was a guy with an arrogant expression on his face. With his cold eyes and azy arrogant smile, he was like a boa constrictor looking at a rabbit inviting him to be his dinner. ?I am Kaisen Romanov. I¡¯ve sent three Stone fighters to hell. It was a miserable sight¡­ And myst opponent is 9 stages below me. It¡¯s a shame! Give up now and don¡¯t waste my time.?


    Kyon made an obscene gesture.


    ?You are little¡­? ¨C Kaisen snapped then suddenly burst outughing. ¨C ?Okay, okay¡­ I must admit you¡¯re funny. You remind me of those little dogs whose bark is worse than their bite. They can be crushed like a piece of shit¡­ My next opponent is Tsayan but I won¡¯t defeat him. So, I want to give you a chance to prove yourself. If you survive five of my blows the strongest Romanov at the party, that¡¯s me, will admit his defeat and bow to your feet. What do you say, sucker?!? ¨C He kept mocking Kyon to put on a show.


    ?Ha ha ha ha! Kaisen knows how to cheer up the audience!? ¡­ ?Five blows are too many, one is enough!? ¡­ ?Don¡¯t waste your time! The arrogant bug will die at your sigh!? ¡­ ?Well done! I¡¯ll give you a hundred spheres if you break his spine!? ¡­ ?Let him beg for mercy. Kaisen, amuse the audience, please!? ¨C The audience cried out their wishes.


    Kyon put his hand forward. ?Five strokes and you will bow to my feet.?


    Kaisen guffawed. ?That¡¯s right! If you survive five blows I will do it!?


    ?You are mistaken. After five of my blows, you will lick my feet.?


    The smile evaporated from Romanov¡¯s face. ?Are you out of your mind, son of a bitch?! Sick bastard! I take my words back! I¡¯ll get you with three blows!?


    Kyon put out 3 fingers. ?Good. Three blows and you will whine at my feet.?


    The audienceughed to tears. Thest two representatives of the Stone family looked at each other, perplexed. {What is he doing?!} ¡­ {Is he an idiot?! We should cut off his tongue for this groundless impudence!}


    ?I¡¯ll definitely break your back for your insolence! You¡¯re crazy!?


    ?If you insist, I¡¯ll break your back, too. Anything else?? ¨C Kyon asked with a cold smile.


    Kaisen flushed and thenughed with the others. He decided not to take seriously the words of the pipsqueak in front of him. ?I get it¡­ Your true calling is to be the clown in the Stone family! Great. I¡¯d love to hear you wailing and pleading for mercy. Judge, I¡¯m ready to start!?


    The judge nodded and gave the signal.


    *beeeeep*


    Kaisen confidently approached Kyon. His fist was sparkling with lightning. The buzzing sound meant a huge discharge within.


    ?He wants to kill him at once!? ¡­ ?Burn him from inside, Kaisen!?


    Kaisen grinned. ?I got a little too heated. One blow is more than enough!? ¨C The speed was so great that his hand blurred. However, the fist that was supposed to crash the opponent¡¯s skull had missed. The head of the enemy had vanished in the mist.


    A strong gust of wind flew to Kaisen¡¯s cheek.


    ~PAM~


    A distinct, loud sound of a p was heard on the arena.


    Kaisen did three somersaulting in the air and fell heavily to the ground. His cheek burned with fire. It took some moments for his brain to stop dangling in the skull.


    Kyon blew on the back of his reddened hand. ?It was the first blow.?


    The audience gasped in amazement. They thought Kaisen would break Kyon¡¯s head with his mighty fist and fry the contents inside, but the reality waspletely different. Kyon had slowly, casually dodged and sessfully counterattacked!


    The words ¡°the first blow,¡± that the weakest of the Stones had impassively uttered, sobered up some minds.


    Anna raised her eyebrows in surprise, Dinah frowned.


    ?Are you kidding me?!? ¡­ ?Did you see that?!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s impossible!?


    Sometimes the fighter who is a stage weaker can win. In rare cases, they might be three stages below. In the most exceptional cases, the gap can be half the phase (if the elements are right). But here a practitioner who is almost an entire phase below had humiliated Kaisen with a p in the face in an instant!


    Juno fidgeted on the princess¡¯sp like a naughty kitten. She smiled against her will. The servant had smacked down impudent Romanov well! But she couldn¡¯t allow herself to think like that. It was not a royal matter to rejoice at the servant¡¯s sess.


    Kaisen caught his breath a bit and rose to his feet with an empty look. His cheek was burning slowly turning into a red monkey ass. It seemed he¡¯d been hit fucking hard¡­


    He looked at Kyon. ?Ha¡­ Ha ha ha! Perfect! I intentionally let you attack first so that you wouldn¡¯t lose your face. But since your wed brain couldn¡¯t recognize my good intentions, get ready to face the consequences!?


    Everyone hearddy Juno¡¯s sincereugh¡­ It sounded pleasant, caressing the ear like silver spring bells ringing. Beautiful like an angel, lovely like a delicate rose. And that wonderful being was sitting on the devil¡¯sp!


    The guests focused their eyes on the charming girl.


    ?Dear Kaisen, do all Romanovs lie to save themselves from falling t on their faces??


    The boy swallowed nervously. ?What do you mean, Ms. Juno? Don¡¯t you believe me??


    ?I probably don¡¯t. If you miss the next blow nobody else will believe you.?


    Kaisen looked around absentmindedly. The looks of the audience did not bode well. The boy blushed even more with anger and shame. ?Lady Juno, I will prove my strength to you!? ¨C He roared. His hand sparkled with huge bolts of lightning. It became heavy, copsed to the ground and plowed it.


    ?Chidori! One of the best Romanov lightning techniques!?


    Kaisen clearly intended to st his opponent off the map. The ground torn to pieces under his sparking hand suggested that the lightning strike could break through the steel wall. The miserable practitioner of the base phase would turn into the burnt mash of flesh and bones.


    ?Die!? ¨C Romanov growled and raised his hand with effort. It blurred into a violet ray and crashed into Kyon¡¯s chest. Or rather, it went right through it.


    ?What the¡­?


    Kaisen opened his eyes wide in surprise. His body moved forward by inertia. The next moment, a piercing, sharp sound cut through the air.


    ~Pam~


    A powerful deafening blow hit his face again.


    Romanov did four bizarre somersaults and hit his jaw on the barrier. His mouth filled with salty blood, a couple of teeth flew out. His second cheek swelled just like the first.


    ?It was the second blow.? ¨C Kyon said.


    The shocked guests were speechless. The young minds had difficulty digesting the absurd facts.

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    ?God damn it! He did it again!? ¡­ ?I can¡¯t believe my eyes! How did he do it? ¡­ ?Why didn¡¯t Kaisen dodge?! Is he stupid? Or an idiot ?! Maybe he hit his head against the wall in his childhood?!?


    The outrage was caused by Kyon¡¯s movements which seemed slow and ridiculous from the outside but nevertheless met the target!


    This is what really happened on the arena. Kyon swiftly arched his back and smacked the enemy on the cheek just as he did thest time. No one understood the real universe hidden behind his simple movements: a blind spot, wind flows, bnce, the perfectly chosen moment, inertia from the backswing, his own weight, arm strength and pure energy¡­


    ?Why didn¡¯t he dodge?! A scumbag! Even a turtle reacts faster! I¡¯d say he can¡¯t fight at all if he is losing to the Stone¡¯s sucker. Ugh.? ¨C Tsayan concluded and spat contemptuously. The others nodded in agreement.


    The boys from the Stone familyughed to tears. ?Just look at his face! Can¡¯t you see the red ass? It is a masterpiece! A piece of art! Only a genius could create the picture Red Ass Monkey with two perfect ps! Ha ha ha!?


    The guests took a closer look and burst outughing.


    Juno leaned her back against Kara¡¯s soft curves. Damn it, how cozy and warm! The mostfortable pillow in the world!


    ?Why do you support that wimp?? ¨C asked Kara. She was not interested in the fight, she was focused on the cutie sitting on herp. Even the princess found it hard to resist her beauty, fragrant young body and inner world.


    ?He is thest participant of my family. Of course, I am on his side.? ¨C Juno answered calmly.


    But the princess did not believe her. She had noticed the way her friend looked at the mediocre boy. Her iparable intuition whispered her something impossible. Moreover, he seemed pretty familiar to her¡­


    Kaisen stepped away from the barrier touching his cheeks in shock. His gums got swollen and hurt like hell. They took his words for shit. Juno and all the others no longer believed him and taunted him. No one likes pompous windbags, especially the Romanovs. The members of his own family looked at him with contempt. And the Stonesughed out loud.


    He couldn¡¯t understand who he was dealing with. Was his opponent a scum or some mysterious omnipotent master?! Why was his blow so painful? Why did the bastard dodge his swift attacks?! And how did he disappear from sight at thest moment? Kaisen¡¯s patience snapped, his red face turned white with rage. It was too soon to admit defeat, he had still things to do! He could regain his dignity only by fulfilling his promise of the three blows.


    ?There you¡¯re wrong, little bugger¡­ I gave in but you hit me real hard! I LET YOU SAVE YOUR FACE TWICE! Son of a bitch¡­ And you haven¡¯t appreciated my generous gift¡­?


    Juno giggled. {Oh he¡¯s so bad¡­}


    The audience wondered ¡°is he joking or is he really dumb?¡±


    Kyon said:


    ?Who is yapping here like a mongrel dog that should be crushed like stinky shit??


    ?YOU! I will kill you! Ahhhhh!? ¨C Kaisen roaredpletely losing control. He had never been insulted like that¡­ He is one of the strongest Romanovs of the 3rd rank, he won¡¯t tolerate humiliation!


    Kaisen¡¯s whole body was shining with electric sparks, his hair stood on end. The azure radiance emanating from his skin gave him a resemnce to the great dragon of lightning.


    ?Kaisen is developing the storm body!? ¨C An expert in this area cried out. ¨C ?In this state, he is incredibly dangerous! When my brother was fighting with such an adversary, he almost died from contact with his body!?


    Everyone was staring in awe at Kaisen sparkling with power. If his words were not a lie he would defeat the boy in a split second! The Romanovs were the keenest supporters of their kinsman.


    However, Dinah wished for his triumph most of all. She kept biting her lips until they bled.


    Kaisen rushed to Kyon. In his every step there was incredible power, rage and desire to crush his opponent. He came as close as could be and released a stream of endless sparks from his mouth that could destroy a herd of elephants. He looked like a legendary dragon spewing mes.


    ~ GRAAAH ~


    {He is dead!} ¨C The audience thought. Everyone expected to see the charred flesh.


    Juno couldn¡¯t breathe with excitement. Her eyebrows crawled up her forehead. She¡¯d never survive such a stream.


    Kyon activated instion. With a swift movement, he shut the ¡°dragon¡¯s¡± mouth, with his other hand, he grabbed him by the neck and drove him to the ground with all his might.


    A small bump grew in the ground and dug into Kaisen¡¯s spine. There was a terrifying crunch of bones.


    The dangerous glow of his body had disappeared at once. Kaisen made some inarticte choking sounds. He jerked, kicked and twitched as if he was having a fit.


    ?It was the third blow.? ¨C Kyon muttered dusting off his hands that were still steaming.


    The dumbfounded audience couldn¡¯t not believe their eyes.


    ?It¡¯s impossible!? ¡­ ?Did he win?!? ¡­ ?Kyon crushed him like a bug!? ¡­ ?The boy ignored the storm body and broke his back!? ¡­ ?You must be fucking kidding me?! What is going on here?!?


    Everyone knew that the ether element is extremely dangerous. Yet, Kyon had outsmarted the practitioner who was nearly a phase above him in development using nothing but pure energy. He¡¯d effectively driven him to the ground. He wasn¡¯t hurt by the electric discharge, not a bit! It looked like a miracle! When the adversary is five stages higher in development, they are beyond reach. It¡¯s better to avoid them, run away from them, and hope for the best. But Kyon had deceived all the expectations, he¡¯d broken the veil of logic andmon sense!


    Moreover, there was nothing special in his movements. His speed was low, his actions were simple and uplicated. How could he stay safe and sound?! Why was Kaisen¡¯s back broken? It was pure madness!


    Kyon and Kaisen used only one element. That¡¯s why no one noticed the quiet vibrations in the space that Kyon had been emitting with the ether element. His using electricity remained a secret for everyone.


    ?Kyon Stone is victorious!? ¨C The judge announced shaking everyone out of stupor.


    ?Our family has won! Hooray-ay-ay-ay!? ¡­ ?A Stone made it to the seventh round! We¡¯ve won! We¡¯re in the semifinals!? ¨C The two Stones cried out loudly and rushed to the hall to tell their kinsman about the incredible incident.


    Dinah stood staring in silent amazement. {He survived?! And won!} ¨C She must have greatly underestimated the boy. She remembered the time when he blocked her electricity attack with bare hands. The girl understood the reason and calmed down. He was immune to electricity. And his opponent was a rare idiot.


    Anna could see now whatdy Juno had in mind when she spoke of her servant¡¯s certain skills and abilities. Did he give in when they were fighting? Was her victory a fake? If so, why did he go toothless and beaten for two months?! Thedy didn¡¯t have the strength to mutte him like that! Where is the logic?! The damned questions haunted her.


    Cornelia wiped sweat from XiaoBai¡¯s forehead. The fat guy was really scared. For his dear money in the ring¡­


    Richie Brown blushed, stomped his feet and growled:


    ?Fuck! How is that possible?! I¡¯ve lost the third time in a row!?


    Kara noticed a smile on her baby¡¯s face and turned a displeased look at the winner. The intuition was whispering to her that Juno was too eagerly reacting to Kyon¡¯s actions and words. The princess did not like so much attention paid to mediocrity. It was suspicious¡­


    ?You mix apples with oranges. This impudent Stone is nothing but mediocrity¡­ Kaisen was a weak adversary, that¡¯s all. He was aplete disappointment on the Romanov family.? ¨C Tsayan said grimly.


    The Romanovs (3) shamefully lowered their heads, dragging Kaisen¡¯s paralyzed body out of the arena. Rage towards Kyon had swallowed up their souls. They had suffered a serious p in their dignity.


    Kyon had always ruthlessly dealt with those who tried to kill him at least once. Kaisen was no exception. The arrogant fool was paralyzed until the end of his life and was doomed to relieve himself in the diaper.


    XiaoBai announced the next round, the judge introduced the next fighters:


    ?Tsayan Brown, the peak stage of the advanced phase against Kyon Stone, the seventh stage of the base phase!?


    The guests scrutinized the mysterious boy with low development. Who the hell was he?! One thing was clear. It was impossible to defeat the opponent who was 13 stages higher in development. Nobody doubted Kyon¡¯s impending defeat.


    Richie handed a huge bag with money to the banker. ?That¡¯s it, son of a bitch! I¡¯m sure of my kin! He will tear the boy to pieces! If not, I will renounce myst name!?


    ?Alright, alright. Take it easy, young man.? ¨C Xiao Bai¡¯s friend, the bookmaker giggled. The gambling client had brought himrge sums of money. He was the best yer in the world!


    Dinah looked at Tsayan and nodded to herself, pleased. {Not a chance.} ¨C Her ¡°master¡± was going to die! She wondered if the jerk would be smart enough to give up? It would be too bad. Then she¡¯d have to do everything herself.


    Anna clenched her fists, rooting for thedy¡¯s servant with all her heart.


    XiaoBai was soaking wet with excitement, but the sweet girl kept wiping sweat from his forehead.


    Tsayan made his dramatic exit to the center of the arena. He tried to discern hints of anything outstanding or dangerous in the opponent. All in vain¡­ He was just an ordinary lucky guy, 13 stages below him. How did he get to the 7th round? It was a disgrace to fight such a weakling. He had to quickly kill this scum before the guests started thinking low of him.


    It was funny, the guests believed more in Kaisen¡¯s intentional defeat than in the practitioner who could defeat a more developed opponent.


    ?Kyon¡­ Kyon¡­ Kyon¡­ How many times I¡¯ve heard your name and it¡¯s nothing but an empty sound¡­?


    A stern voice interrupted his tirade:


    ?Tsayan¡­ Tsayan¡­ Tsayan¡­ How many times I¡¯ve heard your name and it¡¯s nothing but an empty sound¡­? ¨C mocked him Kyon.


    ?What did you say?!? ¡­ ?What did you say?!? ¨C They both asked in unison. Their faces distorted in a wolf¡¯s grin at the same time.


    {The kid has the balls of steel!} ¨C Most observers thought, utterly shocked.


    A scowl of irritation twisted Tsayan¡¯s face. ?Forget it. You are not worth my time. I have humiliated the strongest in your family. You are nobodypared to him.?


    ?Great. Share your impressions when ¡°nobody¡± humiliates you.? ¨C Kyon smiled.


    Tsayan¡¯s eyelid twitched, a faint, predatory smile yed on his lips. He had the urge to finish off the impostor. For the first time, he¡¯d met such a cocky opponent, in addition, inferior to him in development! A yapping puppy, indeed. Kaisen was right but he shamefully lost the battle. Miserable degenerate¡­


    Kara convinced herself once again her intuition regarding Juno and Kyon was right when suddenly a little sound transmitter rattled on her side. The princess took it in her hands, closed her eyes in exasperation and whispered:


    ?Baby, I¡¯m off to the restroom. I¡¯ll be back soon, don¡¯t miss me too much.?


    Juno briskly jumped from herp, enjoying the freedom.


    ?Take all the time you need.?


    The princess gave her a gentle smile and tenderly stroked her cutie¡¯s shoulder. ?Purr purr.?


    Just as she left, a crowd of the Stones came running from the hall to the training ground. They turned their eyes to the tournament grid and got sullen.


    ?Really?! We¡¯ve made it to the seventh round?!? ¡­ ?Ha! I do not believe it! Our family is in the seventh round!? ¡­ ?Did that boy overpower his opponent?!?


    ?Did Kyon win?!? ¨C Stephanie eximed looking doubtful at the ck-haired boy. She had never taken him seriously. She thought he was a funny guy who kept up the morale in the Stone family. It was a miracle but the boy had won! Did he happen to fight a half-dead opponent again?


    ?It was awesome, Ms. Stephanie!? ¡­ ?He humiliated Kaisen. He turned his face into an ass and then broke his back! I can¡¯t put it into words¡­ He beat the shit out of him! Pardon my French¡­? ¨C The joyful Stones kept interrupting each other.


    ?I do not understand you guys¡­ He broke his back? His opponent was almost a phase higher?!? ¨C The girl asked. It was impossible but¡­ The strange looks on the guests¡¯ faces puzzled her. Could it be true?! Or was everyone there crazy?


    Lee came upst, gloomy. He was not too pleased that his family had made it to the seventh round. When he saw the name of the winner ¨C Kyon ¨C Lee grimaced as if he had bitten into a sour lemon, his lips parted in an ugly squeamish grin.


    * beeeep *


    It was the signal to start the battle.

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    The faces of the Stones¡¯ darkened when they saw hated Tsayan opposite the ¡°weakest¡± boy of their family. It seems that mysterious Kyon was going to die an honorable death. But they would always remember his name. Thanks to him, the family retained the remnants of their honor. Recent events were still shrouded in mystery. They had to investigate the details¡­


    Tsayan scornfully looked at the Stones enjoying their desperate faces and anticipating theirst hope die. His silhouette blurred towards the opponent. He was not going to waste a single second. He would kill him instantly.


    Tsayan¡¯s wide-open hand was rapidly approaching Kyon¡¯s head. Obviously, the adversary wanted to destroy the boy in the most unimaginative way.


    The blow could be seen by anyone present. It expressed all of Tsayan¡¯s contempt for his opponent. The power hidden inside would easily break the enemy¡¯s head if they were at 5 stages below, and in the case of 13 stages below, his blow would turn them into a mash of brains and bones.


    ¡­


    Kyon understood he had to avoid the sh with the opponent of that level by all means. His key of pure energy, perfectly clean, gave him an advantage (as to any other practitioner) by exactly five stages. He had discovered it in the battle he had with Juno long ago, when he was two stages above her and in the direct sh of fists he could seriously damage her hand in 5-10 blows. The difference of eight stages in pure energy (his case exactly) would turn his hand, like any other part of his body, into a bloody mess.


    The only tactic avable for Kyon was to avoid all the attacks in his direction using his speed and agility. Simply put, he had to dodge and counterattack as safely as could be.


    As far as he knew, his perfect technique of movements gave him an advantage of exactly in one stage. He moved at the speed of the 7th stage of the second phase. Taking into ount his 10th level of the battle fist, (a couple of levels could be added if necessary) he could easily parry all non-mass attacks of the practitioners in the second phase.


    In addition to his speed and agility, Kyon nned to use the earth element to create a sword and a shield. He could attack with the sword from a safe distance. As for the shield, even if it couldn¡¯t withstand a direct blow, it could protect him from some massive attacks, such as wind, a stream of ricks, fire / ice, etc. Of course, he was going to choose the shape of the weapon and shield based on the situation.


    From Kyon¡¯s point of view, he could defeat his opponent in direct attack (without any defenseponent), or using a sophisticated trap / technique, or some concentrated mass technique. Anyway, he nned to confirm all his ideas in the battle, in practice.


    ¡­


    Tsayan¡¯s hand went through the afterimage, pointlessly cutting through the air. His eyes widened. {Where is¡­?!} ¨C He heard a whistling sound, hastened to recoil, but failed¡­ He got a calibrated blow right into his sr plexus.


    Tsayan stepped back and coughed. He looked at his enemy who was nonchntly crunching his fingers. Tsayan was shocked. He got a blow just like Kaisen, the scum¡­ He got the blow from someone he¡¯d called a nobody, whom he didn¡¯t consider an adversary at all!


    {He dodged and counterattacked such a fast opponent?!} ¨C Dinah thought, stunned. With her original development, she could see the movements of both fighters. That measured uppercut that Tsayan got in the gut was beautiful! ¨C {How could he be so fast?! He is just a servant at the 7th stage of development!} ¨C It came to her like a p on the forehead.


    Anna smiled with delight. Her eyes sparkled with interest and excitement.


    Stephanie couldn¡¯t believe her eyes.


    Richie turned red.


    ?It¡¯s impossible!? ¡­ ?It can¡¯t be!? ¡­ ?My eyes deceive me!? ¨C The guests screamed like stuck pigs. They¡¯d never dreamed they would see the practitioner of 13 stages below in development sessfully dodge! And then counterattack! It¡¯s hard to imagine and there it was right in front of them¡­


    If the objects of concealment functioned after elemental energy had been used, everyone would decide that Kyon¡¯s development was much higher than their souls could feel but it wasn¡¯t the case. It was so absurd. He was at the 7th (1) stage!


    Tsayan couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    ?You¡­ Did you just hit me??


    ?Um, no. It must be your imagination.? ¨C Kyon theatrically shook his head.


    ?Imagination then¡­? ¨C Tsayan did not believe his strangled voice. When his father, the elder scolded him, Tsayan spoke in a more confident voice than with this¡­ That¡­ He called him a nobody and was confident it was true. His soul literally refused to take him as anything but that¡­ However¡­ He¡¯d missed a blow. The guests were whispering, the Stones were giggling¡­ It stung. So embarrassing¡­ His face was red with humiliation. But it did notst long. His confusion quickly changed to cold determination.


    Kyon chuckled. On the one hand, he could have taken advantage of the moment while his opponent was weak reevaluating his strength. Kyon could have seriously damaged him with the pointed offshoot. On the other hand, an instant victory didn¡¯t meet his two goals, one of which was to find out what he was capable of.


    Tsayan pointed his fist for a powerful hook in the head. And he missed again just like thest time. His gaze hardened. Now that he was focused, he could see the way his enemy had been moving. Tsayan snorted inwardly. If it was all the boy was capable of he would surely kill him with the next move.


    ¡­


    ~whoosh~


    But somehow the kick in the chest was unsessful.


    {What the¡­} ¨C Hardly Tsayan had realized what was happening when an unexpected counterattack headed towards him. He had taken the wrong position to dodge. All he could do was to infuse the expected ce of attack with pure energy. The blow made him step back. He didn¡¯t feel any pain, he wasn¡¯t hurt. But deep inside, he felt as if he¡¯d been hit with an ax.


    ?This boy¡­ He is so skillful and quick!? ¨C Stephanie cried out.


    ?He¡¯s just hit Tsayan! Have you seen it?!? ¡­ ?Terrific! Unbelievable! My eyes didn¡¯t fail me!? ¡­ ?He threw him back yet again! Again! Ahhh!? ¨C The Stones were thunderstruck. The Browns kept quiet in shock and disbelief. If they started cheering for Tsayan he would die of shame. It would have meant his opponent had the slightest chance of victory. The rest of the families did not know how to react, they were just staring, bbergasted.


    Tsayan snorted dismissively, ignoring the reaction of the audience, and continued the attack. He fought for about a minute to no avail always getting shameful and almost painless pokes from Kyon. Tsayan looked like a clown in real-time! And his great mentor was Kyon, the king of the circus!


    Tsayan could no longer remain impassive. Especially since he noticed the contemptuous smile on the boy¡¯s face. Tsayan hadpletely lost hisposure. He¡¯d forgotten his master¡¯s instructions that the true warrior should always remain calm. It was impossible¡­ It was unreal to stay calm! He was ovee by anger, rage, wrath, and shame! Under the yoke of his emotions, Brown¡¯s attacks were bing more and more predictable. All he had to do was to strike once and he would win! The enemy would be crushed like a bug! But there was no way¡­ He couldn¡¯t hit him¡­ It didn¡¯t work¡­


    ¡­


    Juno gasped in shock. {That was how real speed looked¡­ A monster. A damn monster. Why are you so quick and skillful? Why? How can I take my revenge on you in the future? I want to move so fast¡­} ¨C It was totally spoiling her mood.


    XiaoBai was dizzy. Oh, Cornelia was holding him. Um¡­ And how can this fragile girl be so strong? She does not use pure energy, does she?


    Dinah crossed her arms, trying to calm down. But what she¡¯d seen couldn¡¯t be unseen. It struck her low self-esteem and contempt for Kyon. Damned genius¡­ She didn¡¯t know him at all! It turned out he¡¯d been fighting her as if she were a little baby! What if he¡¯d been trickingdy Juno, too?


    ?Tsayan learned from the great master Ju-Kai the style of Grazie when he was still a child. He¡¯s recently qualified for the third level of the battle fist but now¡­ Now he is fighting the much slower enemy and he can¡¯t hit him even once! Who is this fucking Kyon?!? ¨C One of the Browns said in disbelief.


    Everyone could hear him say that. Now the audience watched carefully the way Kyon was moving. It was amazing¡­ No one could predict or understand any of his methods to the end. His stretching technique¡­ His tricks¡­ He was like his opponent¡¯s shadow, like a wind that can¡¯t be reached. No one present could keep calm watching that scene.


    ?Can anyone determine the boy¡¯s fighting style?? ¨C Stephanie asked carefully watching every Kyon¡¯s move.


    ?Maybe it¡¯s Kaiku?? ¨C One of the Stones suggested.


    ?No. Absolutely not. They only kick there. He uses his hands as well.? ¨C Another Stone replied at once.


    ?Judu! I just saw a familiar movement!?


    ?You are seeing things! Judu ispletely different.?


    ?Maybe Karabe?! They move just as elegantly¡­?


    ?No, my brother does Karabe. He movespletely differently! In Karabe they do somersaults and use torque¡­?


    The girl grunted thoughtfully. ?He skillfully uses the bnce of his body and his enemy¡¯s, as well as numerous tricks and schemes¡­ What if he studies the grandiose art of Jinkai??


    Numerous guests gasped, moaned and talked excitedly. It came to the fighting style that only elites of the elites could do, those who live in high-ranking families of the most powerful empires. Only golden children with outstanding talent could be students of archimasters the number of whom in the entire world could be counted on the fingers.


    One of the guests spoke reverently:


    ?At the Tournament of the Empires, during the demonstration battles, Ms. Torres Valkyrie showed the Jinkai style. I can assure you it¡¯s not Jinkai¡­ It looks different. It¡¯s prettier but¡­ Completely different. I am not sure if it¡¯s better or worse but it¡¯s more understandable!?


    His words stunned everyone. It¡¯s known if the style is ¡°understandable¡± it¡¯s less effective. Nobody could understand Kyon¡¯s movements at all. Was his style better than Jinkai? What if an archimaster had really trained him?


    The title of archimaster could be achieved through incredibly hard work, proving skills in movements andbat in general to everyone in the world. Masters of that level are famous for their arrogance and unprecedented pride. They would never teach an undeveloped kid at the 7th stage of the base phase, above all, from a low-ranking empire.


    However, there is a slight contradiction¡­ It is well known that masters often offer and sometimes force their students to master the movement technique from their heritage which is passed from sessor to sessor¡­


    At times, these techniques can provide an amazing speed bonus. Sometimes they are ented by style. For example, masters who teach the Kaiku style often have a movement technique that grants the highest speed of kicks. Styles where the emphasis is on the hands, in particr for swordsmen or spearmen, often use a technique that gives more eleration to the arms than to the legs.


    The boy was moving unbelievably fast for his stage of development. Every part of the body had the same speed and skill. There was no doubt he¡¯d been using a stunning movement technique given to him by some great master. The Stones certainly had nothing of a kind. Probably, even the most powerful empire would be interested in a technique that gave such an explosive increase in speed.


    ?Alright, if no one can determine his style, tell me at least his level of the battle fist.? ¨C Stephanie asked in an undertone. She wasn¡¯t expecting to hear the exact answer.


    ?If Tsayan has the third level Kyon must have at least the fifth, most likely the sixth!?


    She could hear some convulsive sighs.


    ?I will never believe that a fourteen-year-old can have the skills of an archimaster level! I can¡¯t believe it for the life of me!? ¨C A tall young man from the Brown family objected. He would have fainted if he knew that Kyon was using only the 10th level of the battle fist. He might have been using the 13th. He didn¡¯t want to reveal he could use the wind, the water and the earth (it could be seen by natural fluctuations).


    ?Besides, there is no archimaster who would take a student so mediocre in terms of development.? ¨C The young man confidently finished his tirade.


    There was silence after that.


    ?What if¡­ His master is the legendary TsyJi?? ¨C One of the girls suggested in a trembling voice.


    Everyone looked at her in silent surprise.


    ?Nonsense!? ¡­ ?Rubbish!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s just your imagination!? ¡­ ?Fairy tales for the kids.? ¡­ ?Very funny!?


    She stubbornly continued:


    ?But it¡¯s the only reasonable exnation. Consider this, a 14-year-old is at the fifth or more level of the battle fist! His speed is outstanding for the seventh stage! Only the legendary movement technique from TsyJi¡¯s heritage can bestow unsurpassed speed! Besides, the legendary master TsyJi is the only one who is entric enough to take on anyone, even an undeveloped guy from a low-ranking empire. It might be my imagination but it sounds too much like the truth!?


    She heard an excited whisper of denial and consent. There followed by arguments, debates, disputes and a lot of abuse. It was impossible to agree on anything. Many of them heard old tales about the great but very strange master TsyJi. Once a hundred years he¡¯d take on a student who was destined to change the history of the world. The parents told their children bedtime stories that one day TsyJy woulde and take them away as his lucky students if they behaved well. An ordinary fairy tale indeed¡­ But where did ite from? What if the legendary entric master really existed? How else could they exin what was happening in the arena? The oscitions of the seventh stage of the base phase emanating from Kyon couldn¡¯t be fake. Besides, the weak blows hended on Tsayan corresponded to his development. Otherwise, Tsayan would have been defeated long ago¡­


    ?Legendary master TsyJi teaches only those who are destined by fate to change the world. If Kyon loses to Tsayan the answer will be obvious. But if he wins by some miracle we will learn the truth from him.? ¨C Stephanie concluded confidently. All the others unanimously nodded in response. The dark-haired boy was an iprehensible enigma for everyone. They all wanted to know what he had to tell them.


    The girl hoped that Kyon¡¯s master was TsyJi. If so she had toe up with something that would help her be a student of the great master. Or at least start training with the boy to learn from the experience of the legendary person. If she could fight at one level of the battle fist higher than she is now she¡¯d be much stronger.


    Only Juno could hardly hold back herughter. She had to cover her mouth with her hand. She knew too well what monster was Kyon. It was ridiculous to hear her kinsmen making the most absurd and stupid theories about the powerful master.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    Lee was the only one who stayed sullen. Fairy tales about the great master? What the hell were they all talking about?! There must be a more reasonable exnation! Lee couldn¡¯t stand hearing about Kyon¡¯s abilities, as well as watching the impossible (even in theory) battle.


    If his own fan defeated Tsayan (which Lee refused to believe) his pride would bepletely crushed. The star of the Stones had developed a distaste to the young upstart in the arena¡­ Lee wanted him to lose or even better to die. It was pure nonsense¡­ To the hell with changing the history of the world! The boy was a scum albeit agile and moving unusually fast. He would never win. Tsayan¡¯s golden skin is indestructible. The moment he activated it, Kyon couldn¡¯t possibly harm him. However, he wasn¡¯t doing any significant damage at the moment either.


    {What¡¯s the matter with me?} ¨C Lee wanted to beat himself but he couldn¡¯t deny his feelings. Could his own reputation be more important to him than family honor?


    {I don¡¯t give a damn¡­ I don¡¯t give a damn that he is my fan¡­ I hate him for being so impudent. I¡¯ve always hated cocky bastards¡­ Yes, that¡¯s right.} ¨C Lee calmed down.


    ?Come on, Kyon! Defeat the bastard!? ¡­ ?I believe in you, Kyon! You can do it!? ¡­ ?Kyon Stone, you must take from Tsayan his title of the king of the battles!? ¡­ ?Prove to everyone that you were created to change history!? ¨C Little by little, the Stones began to support the lucky guy. His victory would bring their family greatness, as well as the belief that one of the Stones was a student of the greatest master in the world.


    Tsayan¡¯s face turned red. He couldn¡¯t hide his hatred of the enemy in front of him. Tsayan couldn¡¯t hit him at all even if he seemed to touch him more than once.


    No one suspected that Kyon could feel Tsayan¡¯s level of the battle fist. In just one minute of the battle, Kyon had learned most of the so-called grasy style. The problem with many fighters is theirck of creativity during the battle. Any stylepletely and utterly limits their way of movement. Juno, for example, haspletely forgotten Jean¡¯s teaching and without his guidance, she has no style at the moment. She moves solely ording to her reflexes, habits and creativity. She is gradually approaching the third level of the battle fist. What a talented girl!


    {And yet, the peak of the advanced phase is the limit.} ¨C Kyon warned himself. Fighting with opponents more than 13 stages above is to take an unjustified risk of getting a blow that could break him.


    Of course, he could use the additional 3 levels of the battle fist. He could also start engaging some elements, but the enemy of 15 stages stronger (one phase and a half) was his limit, it would be disastrous to fight an even stronger opponent.


    Kyon heard the Stones cheering for him and nodded. It was time to win. Off with showing off and taking the risk.


    ?When will you finally die?!? ¨C Tsayan roared, his voice breaking. There appeared an offshoot of sharp brown granite, an analogue of a two-handed sword. He rushed to get to Kyon¡¯s neck.


    ~ whoosh ~


    But the sudden attack did not find its target. Tsayan had missed again.


    ?Pathetic bastard! I am fucking sick of your tricks! Aren¡¯t you capable of anything but dodging like a coward and poking me with your worthless fists!? ¨C Tsayanunched a quick attack with the two-handed impromptu sword, his eyes red with rage. The use of weapons was forbidden but they could be created with the earth element.


    ?Tsayan is using the earth element! He knows he can¡¯t win without it! Shame on you! Boo!? ¡­ ?Ha ha ha! You have fallen off your pedestal, Tsayan. You should be ashamed of yourself! It¡¯s so low of you to be the first to engage an additional element against an unfit adversary!? ¨C The Stones were happy to taunt Tsayan. They couldn¡¯t miss such a great opportunity to give him some hard time.


    ?Don¡¯t let him touch you! You¡¯d better give up! You can¡¯t defeat an earthbender!? ¨C Stephanie shouted with emotion in her voice.


    In response, in Kyon¡¯s hands appeared an equally long two-handed sword made of rock glinting green. The advanced grade of the earth element enabled him to create an adamantium of its full version. It was more durable than the one he made with the basic grade.


    *ng*


    The collision of attacks cut Tsayan¡¯s sword in two leaving a perfectly straight line.


    Tsayan¡¯s eyes widened, a tiny cut bled on his chest. He reflexively backed away in sharp pain. The first blood had been shed.


    ?Are you an earthbender, too?!? ¨C eximed Tsayan. The cut stopped bleeding as soon as he infused it with pure energy.


    ?He wounded Tsayan! HA! Ha ha ha ha ha!? ¡­ ?He bends the earth, too.? ¡­ ?That¡¯s his second element! I wonder what grade it is.? ¡­ ?The sword he created broke Tsayan¡¯s granite and cut his chest. Is it possible? How hard is the rock he uses?? ¡­ ?If it broke the granite his earth element must be at least of the advanced grade.? ¡­ ?I don¡¯t know anyone in our days who has mastered the advanced grade being in the base phase? ¡­ ?What about Prince Charles?? ¡­ ?Well, he is an exception¡­ And that information is outdated. Maybe it¡¯spletely false.?


    Everyone, and Tsayan in particr was struck how hard the green rock created by Kyon was. In fact, as the development increases, any material created by the earth gets significantly stronger. y will be stronger than stone, stone will get stronger than metal, metal will surpass diamond. Given the difference of 13 stages, they could only imagine how strong the green rock in the mysterious boy¡¯s hands was.


    ?You¡¯re a presumptuous fool! There is no earthbender stronger than me at my stage. You cut one of the weakest rocks in my arsenal because I did not consider you worthy to die from my golden quartz.? ¨C Tsayan said with contempt in his voice, burning with shame. He needed to justify his failure in front of the audience.


    The guests went out of their stupor. Some of them nodded in understanding. Now everything was clear.


    ?Shove youme excuses up your ass. It¡¯s sickening to listen to you.? ¨C Everyone heard Kyon¡¯s snarky voice.


    Tsayan winced angrily. A long sword made of gold quartz grew in his hands. ?I don¡¯t have to exin myself to you. Now get ready to experience what it means to be the strongest earthbender!?


    ?Watch out! Gold quartz is stronger than steel! When you cross sword with Tsayan your weak rock will be cut in two! Even Lee¡¯s granite could not withstand it!? ¨C Stephanie warned with concern.


    Tsayan straightened his back, approached Kyon and, with a masterful movement,nded a measured diagonal blow with his sword. His master used to tell him there¡¯s no need to be cunning to defeat the weak, one single blow was enough. He had no doubt in his rock, like a tiger in front of a dog.


    When Tsayan saw that Kyon wasn¡¯t going to avoid him, on the contrary, he was ready to attack, his lips curved in a grin. ?Dumb creature, DIE!?


    ~ng~


    A perfect even cut on the gold quartz seemed to have cut through Tsayan¡¯s mind and soul.


    ?Wh-a-a-at?!?


    Poor Richie fainted. His friend caught him just in time.


    Kyon¡¯s sword went further and left a long, deep cut on Tsayan¡¯s chest. Together with the previous one, it made a cross. Blood oozed from the wound but stopped as soon as pure energy had been infused.


    Tsayan stepped back wincing in pain. His flesh had been cut twice¡­ He was embarrassed.


    In the perfect silence, he heard the stump of his gold quartz sword fall on the ground. It scared almost everyone present waking their minds out of oblivion.


    ?He has cut the golden quartz! He has cut it through! A practitioner of 13 stages below him in development has cut his legendary rock!? ¡­ ?This is our kinsman, a Stone, our hero!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s impossible! Please, wake me up!? ¡­ ?How?! Even Lee¡¯s granite failed to do anything to him! How could the rock of the practitioner a phase below do something like that?!? ¡­ ?Look, Kyon¡¯s green sword is almost unscathed! Ahhhhh!? ¡­ ?What kind of rock is that!? I have never seen anything stronger in my life! Does our family own anything of the kind?! It¡¯s harder than metal!? ¡­ ?He turns out to have an advanced grade of the earth element! Ha! I told you! And you did not believe me.?


    Each new talent in the hated boy gave Dinah a sharp pain in the chest. She was changing her opinion of him. She seemed to be looking at a different person. He was a talented genius with incredible skills. Where did he master earthbending and how could he make rock so strong?! The girl was getting more and more questions.


    The questions in Anna¡¯s head had long gained critical mass. She didn¡¯t want to think about it anymore. Instead, her interest in Kyon was rising like the mercury column in the oven.


    ?Cornelia, you¡¯re going to rub off my forehead, be more gentle.? ¨C XiaoBaiined.


    The guests rubbed their eyes. Some yelled, the others tore off their hair. If the quality of the rocks was approximately equal, the attacks should have crossed and, as a result, pure energy and inertia should have recoiled bringing Kyon in serious trouble. Instead, his green sword had crushed the gold quartz with its strength and sharpness as if it was an adultpared to a baby. And it was with a difference of 13 stages. No one could stay calm.


    Stephanie opened and closed her mouth like a fish. She was lost for words. It was not the first time the mysterious boy had torn her expectations apart like a predator. She was afraid to assume at least something in advance. Did he really have a legendary master? Judging by his speed, technique and rock strength ¨C HE DID!


    Lee snorted angrily. He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms. He looked at Kyon¡¯s green sword. There was nothing but a small nick on its de.


    {Why is his rock so strong?! There¡¯s no rock so strong in my family or I would have already created it!} ¨C Lee wanted the ground to swallow him up. The mean nces in the audience made his terrible mood even worse. If his fan had cut Tsayan¡¯s swords, he would cut his rock so easily he cuts butter with a knife.


    Juno nervously hugged herself. Her thoughts were a mess of chaos every time it came to Kyon. His technique of movements was at the divine level, his style of movements implied a sky-high level of the battle fist, he was a bender of nine elements, and now he¡¯d manifested rock of iparable strength. When she looked into his deep eyes the color of obsidian that radiating calm confidence, a chill ran down her back.


    Kyon was incredibly happy, indeed. He understood perfectly well if the golden quartz were twice as strong he¡¯d never been able to cut it up. The sh of attacks would have turned out a disaster, his earth element would have beenpletely useless. He couldn¡¯t defend himself with it¡­ He could only attack. Fortunately, his attacks were rather sessful. There it was adamantium, the crown of perfection created by human scientists. Except for carbon skin, of course. Its properties were much more amazing.


    Kyon sarcastically turned Tsayan¡¯s previous words against him:


    ?I¡¯ve experienced what it means to be the strongest earthbender. I must admit it feels nice to humiliate a mediocrity like you.?


    Some of the Stones burst outughing. The faces of some Browns were distorted by strong emotions. There was a pinch of anger at Kyon and three spoonfuls of shame for their kinsman.


    Tsayan¡¯s chest heaved in rage as if he had sprinted 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) ?Fool! You are mistaken! I will show you the true power of the most powerful earthbender! Behold! The quartz of light!? ¨C An elegant two-handed golden sword grew in his hand. It red up like the sun. Tsayan looked like an archangel with its weapon.


    ?He¡¯s mastered the attribute of light! That¡¯s his third element!? ¡­ ?Now I see why he is considered the most powerful earthbender for his stage!? ¡­ ?Oh my God, does it mean he let Lee win!?? ¡­ ?You are saying that the leader of the Stones couldn¡¯t make Tsayan to fight with full capacity but Kyon could?! That¡¯s pure nonsense?!? ¨C The Stones and the other guests were stunned.


    Lee wanted to bury himself underground. He looked at with barely concealed hatred. He wanted to strangle the braggart, the jerk who had indirectly humiliated him.


    ?This is our tiger of the Browns. You may envy in silence!? ¡­ ?Haha you are incredible, Tsayan!? ¡­ ?It was expected of you. You let even Lee win! Hehe¡­? ¨C The Browns broke into a smile. There was a pinch of relief and three spoonfuls of pride in their smiles.


    Stephanie had an urge to warn Kyon but the words couldn¡¯t leave her mouth. If the mysterious boy had crushed her expectations once again, she would die embarrassed of her useless advice.


    The bright sword in Tsayan¡¯s hand emanated pleasant warmth. Each stroke left a trace of sparks. It seemed he could cut the sky in two.

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


    ?Your miserable green crust is nothingpared to the quartz of light. I do not simply strengthen it with light, I use a rare feature of my unique body which makes it twice as strong as the previous one! I kept it a secret to impress everyone with my talent in the future but it seems that you left me no choice. The arrogant little upstart like you should know his ce.? ¨C Tsayan proudly puffed out his chest and raised his chin. He looked at Kyon with contempt as if the boy was a nasty bug.


    ?Oh my God. No one gives a shit about you.? ¨C Kyon rolled his eyes. ¨C {Why is everyone so full of themselves here?!}


    Some of the Stones burst intoughter. It was not the first time the presumptuous boy had talked back to Tsayan the terrible without a shadow of a doubt. Now they didn¡¯t take him for a clown or an empty windbag. He was rather a dark horse with unlimited tricks up his sleeve.


    ?You¡­ You¡¯re a little bastard brought up in the dump who has no idea how high the sky is! Ignorant scum, I will show you the real power of the earth!? ¨C He shed the air with his sword.


    The buzzing sound was hair-rising.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t concerned about his opponents¡¯ attempts to boast and maintain dignity. He was thinking about somethingpletely different. He had to quickly make his rock stronger. The choice of the attribute of light to strengthen the rock suggested itself. Especially if considering the fact they had never discovered he was the ether bender. He could keep a low profile.


    Immediately, Kyon had infused his sword with the element of light which added saturation to its green shine.


    ?Holy cow, the guy knows the element of light just like Tsayan!? ¡­ ?What?! Does he really bend three elements!?? ¡­ ?Ha! What else should you expect from our brother! I told you that he is a student of TsyJi!? ¡­ ?Go Kyon! We believe in you!?


    Tsayan snorted with contempt. ?What¡¯s your point? I get my strength from the unique body that¡¯s why my rock gets twice as strong! Your pathetic light won¡¯t do you any good. Are you showing off before you die??


    ?Don¡¯tpare me to yourself.?


    ?I never did. A dog is no match for the tiger.?


    ?Yes, you are absolutely right. By the way, you¡¯re the third dog in a row.?


    The Browns protested indignantly like a pack of shaven wolves. ?What are you talking about, piece of shit?!? ¡­ ?We are tigers! We are born and brought up like that! Rrr!?¡­ ?Take his head off his shoulders for us, elder brother Tsayan!? ¡­ ?Yeah! Kill him!?


    ?Ha ha ha! You¡¯re a blind fool! Do notpare me with that scum!? ¨C Tsayan¡¯s eyes shed with bloodthirst, his body rushed in the direction of Kyon. The light sword cut the air leaving a bright mark and headed to the neck. ¨C ?Die!


    Kyonunched a counterattack stunning everyone with his incredible trick.


    *whoosh*


    The familiar sound left the minds of the guests nk. Something unbelievable was going on¡­


    ¡­


    Kyon¡¯s eyes shed. With his perfect vision, he discovered like in slow motion as soon as his weapon touched Tsayan¡¯s sword its light dimmed at the point of contact. It seemed to bepletely drained. At that moment, the quartz of light turned into the ordinary gold quartz.


    {What the?}


    Kyon relived that moment in his memory a couple more times and came up with the only possible exnation: {My new key absorbs the strange attribute of light?!} ¨C judging by the absence of any scars and scratches on the adamantium sword, so it was.


    The strength Tsayan expected to get from his attribute had disappeared the moment their swords touched. Kyon¡¯s element of light turned out to be absolutely redundant.


    Kyon was unaware of the feature of the heavenly pearl of light to resist its own attribute by 50%. The analysis gave him the first hint which he would confirm in the future.


    ¡­


    Dinah¡¯s eyes widened. She finally came out of her stupor. {Wait¡­ What? How?! HE BENDS FIVE ELEMENTS?!} ¨C It hit her like a ton of bricks. She almost forgot how to breathe. Last time she was fighting with the boy, she could sense four elements in him: the cold, the ether, the earth and the pure energy. There was no light among them. Now she could clearly sense the light.


    {Is he¡­ a heavenly genius?!} ¨C Anyone knows that the number of elements determines the destiny of the practitioner, their sesses and good fortune. Heaven created its geniuses to change the turns of existence it disapproved of. The heavenly geniuses, great and unique, were the tools in the hands of the goddesses,


    Dinah was looking at her sworn enemy and saw apletely different person. The girl did not understand what was going on. The damn heavenly genius, one in many hundreds of millions, turned out to be her sworn enemy?! Her eyes misted over, she blinked. She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it. There were too many questions and no answers.


    Anna expected anything from Kyon including another trick he yed on everyone. She looked at him like a cat who had been waiting for another spoonful of cream and got it.


    XiaoBai turned pale. He understood who he was dealing with¡­ The boy was no sucker but a yer! Could it happen so that he would defeat Tsayan? And then Kara? The thought of losing half a million made him shiver. He stroked his dear spatial ring ready to run away from the country, and even from the world to keep it, to give nothing away.


    Tsayan couldn¡¯t believe his eyes nor ears. However, the feeling of sharp pain had sobered him; he stepped back from the followed green shadows. Three deep cuts appeared across his chest meeting at one point that pulsated with intense pain shooting down to his limbs. He used pure energy again, this time as an anesthetic.


    ?It cannot be¡­ My unique body makes quartz stronger than steel! I do not believe this! You could not have cut it! It¡¯s impossible! You are nothing but a miserable practitioner of the seventh stage in the base phase!? ¨C When Tsayan didn¡¯t see a single scratch on Kyon¡¯s weapon he was horrified, his pupils narrowed, his heart beat like a drum roll. He turned pale. His strongest rock he was so proud of had just been cut like y, like his heart! His faith in his unique talent had been irrevocably shaken.


    ?Hey doggie, stop yapping already.? ¨C Kyon smiled with contempt.


    ?He¡­ Did it¡­ Again¡­? ¨C Stephanie could not take her eyes off the boy.


    ?Look! There is not a scratch on his sword! Aaaaaaah!? ¡­ ?His green rock is stronger than diamond! Given the difference in development, it would have been impossible to cut the quartz of light!? ¡­ ?I told you he has the advanced grade of the earth element and you did not believe me! Ha! Ha ha!? ¡­ ?You¡¯re an idiot, he most likely has the superior grade of the earth element!? ¡­ ?No¡­ It¡¯s impossible!? ¡­ ?If he is a student of TsyJi, why not?? ¡­ ?I don¡¯t believe it! There are no such geniuses who have mastered the element to the superior grade while being in the base phase? ¡­ ?I also want to use this rock! Brother Kyon, please tell us where you got the technique for creating this rock! I will give you everything for it!? ¡­ ?Brother Kyung, what¡¯s its name? Tell us its name!? ¡­ ?Brother, I¡¯m now your fan! Give me a couple of instructions!? ¨C The Stones took the boy for an unfathomable mystery. The fact that he was their kinsman pleased their young hearts. However, many of them were envious, some of them stood there gloomy killing him with their nces. Among thetter was Lee, number one Stone, dying of shame and cold rage.


    The situation in the other families waspletely different. They looked at Kyon with a shock that gave way to unkind intentions. There were whispers that Kyon could be dangerous. Too talented, too mysterious. Even if his development was still low the quality of his energy was not something they came across even once in a lifetime.


    Tsayan¡¯s confidence in his rock made him throw overboard all measures of caution. He hadn¡¯t used pure energy to protect his body, otherwise, the cuts would have been nothing but scratches. He could not believe his quartz of light had been surpassed¡­ It had been crushed with incredible strength not inferior to diamond.


    Tsayan understood the absurdity of the situation¡­ A fly was defeating a ho. He did not want to put up with the reality. He created another sharp sword radiating light and ran into the attack.


    ~whoosh~ ~whoosh~ ~whoosh~


    The luminous rock cracked under the power of the green adamantium. The swords, cobblestones and walls he created were smoothly cut in two. Tsayan¡¯s attempts to use surprise attacks always failed. No matter how hard he tried, his enemy was always one step ahead. Tsayan¡¯s slow earthen attacks never found their target. The earth is a slow element, it is used mainly for protection. If the rock crumbles like y, it¡¯s of little practical use in the fight.


    ?Golden hail!? ¨C Tsayan roared stretching forward his arms. He decided to use a massive attack. A stream of small yellow stones with pure energy inside rushed to the enemy at high speed, but he dodged each stone with no effort, flickering like an illusory shadow. When it was over, Kyon was only a little out of breath and there were rare beads of sweat on his forehead.


    ?Change the name of the technique. It sounds like you¡¯re pissing on the opponents.?


    The Stones exploded withughter and apuse. They were over the moon to watch their talented fellow fight. They cheered for him louder than they did for Lee. They believed that Kyon would bring victory to their family, or rather get to the finals and lose to the honorable princess.


    No matter how hard Tsayan tried to dodge, the green sword kept hitting him leaving little cuts. He noticed that the enemy was afraid to hit his fist and did the right thing! The recoil would most certainly ruin his hand.


    After a minute of the battle, the Tsayan¡¯s chest was covered with countless cuts, some of them were oozing blood, pulsating with pain. The Browns shouted to him to use his golden skin. Only then the attacks of his enemy would be absolutely harmless to him. Then Tsayan could fully concentrate on the battle and eventually hit Kyon at least once turning him into a bloody mash.


    But Tsayan could not tell anyone that his golden skin could be activated only once a day. Otherwise, he would severely damage his body, and after the second use, he wouldn¡¯t be able to move for a day.


    Kyon raged inwardly at his failure to bring any severe damage to Tsayan¡¯s body. His adamantium was strengthened by the light element and yet, he had to fight his guts out. If only he could have used poison¡­ It was clear now why the ordinary practitioners couldn¡¯t defeat the enemy a couple of stages higher in development. They had a huge advantage in brute force, defense, speed and not only that.


    Although it sounds contradictory, Kyon could chop the golden quartz like a carrot (and it was several times stronger than Tsayan¡¯s flesh) but he couldn¡¯t do it the other way round. It has to do with the pure energy that can protect the body but can¡¯t protect the rock. Or rather, it doesn¡¯t have time to react inside the rock as the solid matter gets instantly chopped in two. As for the body, the element gets activated instantly when it¡¯s inside the soft tissues due to their sticity.


    If Kaisen had previously used the ether barrier, Kyon would have had to tinker with him much longer¡­ He might have needed to use the attribute of darkness to break through Kaisen¡¯s ether barrier. It¡¯s pretty convenient to bend 9 elements and use the one that is just right for the moment. Fortunately, Kaisen was a brainless idiot who had lost in three blows.


    Ten breathster, Tsayan¡¯s shirt was saturated with blood oozing from the small cuts.


    His family looked at him and felt his pain.


    The girl who was in love with Tsayan shouted to him with a plea in her voice:


    ?Tsayan, please, activate your golden skin! We all understand you do not want to do honor to the miserable underdeveloped enemy but no one will judge you for fighting in full force! Even his blows are insignificant but you will bleed with time! Spare yourself, please!?


    The other members of his family kept shouting things like that.


    Tsayan felt unprecedented pressure from the audience. The contemptuous smile of his enemy was driving him mad. His pride did not allow him to lose to the asshole at the 7th (1) stage of development. He would rather die. It seemed nothing else was left¡­


    ?Well, you can be proud of yourself, lousy dog. You¡¯ve made me to stoop to your level and use my golden skin. Get ready to experience the difference between us!? ¨C He closed his eyes and roared. His face turned red with tension. He looked like a sumo fighter before the attack.


    ?Hey, use the toilet for this!!? ¨C Kyon grinned making the audience chuckle.


    Tsayan was so tensed that blood ran from his nose. He looked like a drug addict, his muscles swelled, his body trembled. It seemed he was about to explode. There was a spatial p after which Tsayan got covered in gold from head to toe. Nobody noticed how pale he was.


    ?You¡¯re my hero, Tsayan!? ¨C The girl was delighted to see her beloved one get golden skin. However, she gasped in horror a moment after.

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    ?Ha! Haha! His development fell to the ninth stage! Ha ha ha! He did not spare his development to defeat our kin! What a shame, what a disgrace! How could you have defeated our Lee?! You are nothing!? ¨C After one of the Stones cried out, his rtives burst outughing. Stephanie could not hold back a charming smile. Lee set his mouth in a narrow grimace. His face stayed utterly impassive.


    Kyon smiled maliciously. He understood pretty well that any gesture or word that stir up emotions in the opponent could be very helpful. From now on and forever, he wouldn¡¯t miss a chance to get a rise out of his enemy, y with their emotions.


    ?Well, at least you didn¡¯t soil your pants. It¡¯s a great achievement.? ¨C Kyon chuckled.


    ?That¡¯s not all! BEHOLD THE GREATEST EARTH BENDER!? ¨C Tsayan¡¯s skin shone from the inside like his gold quartz did before. He resembled the son of God. The heat his body radiated was mesmerizing, awe-inspiring. ¨C ?Nothing can damage me at my stage of development! I am invincible against scum like you!? ¨C A golden sword grew in Tsayan¡¯s hands when he rushed to attack Kyon.


    ?The skin of light?! How strong is it?!? ¨C The Stones stoppedughing. The atmosphere was filled with tension. People around were overwhelmed with anxiety including Stephanie.


    Kyon prepared for the battle. He¡¯d analyzed Tsayan¡¯s battle with Lee and noticed an important drawback in the golden skin. It slowed down its owner by about one fifth. Given the loss of a stage in development, Tsayan had turned into a clumsy golem¡­ He was invulnerable to Kyon¡¯s attacks, though. But considering his furious disposition, Tsayan was going to attack without wasting a moment on defense, therefore, his defeat was just around the corner.


    Kyon had discovered the golden skin had a low thermal conductivity which is why Lee¡¯s me failed to burn Tsayan. With the cold element, the oue was unlikely to change. Kyon had to find other options to beat his opponent¡­ And he had one, everything went ording to his n.


    Tsayan rushed to Kyon like a bloodthirsty maniac. He swayed his sword to the right and left, his face distorted from hatred. He ignored any kind of attack in his direction. As expected, the enemy¡¯s green mold could no longer harm him.


    He had to give up one stage of development because of the bloody jerk¡­ His resentment transformed into hatred, and his hatred turned into bloodthirst! He had to kill Kyon¡­ to kill him no matter what!


    Kyo dodged each attack like the wind. His movement went beyond the ordinary. He was impossible to predict¡­ One could only wonder what he would do next.


    Two green sparks darted to the straps of Tsayan¡¯s trousers¡­


    ~whoosh~ ~whoosh~


    The girl fond of Tsayan screamed, blushed and covered her face with her hands.


    Each and every guest¡¯s mouth gaped at the indescribable sight.


    ?How mean of him!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s far too much cunning? ¡­ ?Ha! Look how small it is!? ¡­ ?Kyon has a few tricks up his sleeve, doesn¡¯t he?? ¡­ ?Go Kyon! Win at all costs!? ¡­ ?Your insolence has no limits, sir¡­ Aren¡¯t you afraid the Browns will take their revenge? ¡­ ?You¡¯re a beast, you can¡¯t do that!? ¡­ ?Keep up like that! Good job! Win for the Stones!? ¡­ ?There are children around, cover yourself! You¡¯re a pervert!?


    Anna used to firmly believe in the servant¡¯s perfect upbringing, now she hadpletely changed her mind as for his image in her bright little head. Her fingers touched her lips, her eyes sparkled.


    Tsayan stood dumbfounded, his skin glowing, his eyes darting from side to side. The fresh breeze in the area of his groin, as well as countless nces at that very ce, and the most indecentments fell on his dignity like a heavy burden. He was stripped in front of everyone, brought to the status of a naked monkey¡­ It was so embarrassing.


    Juno¡¯s cheeks turned red. {What else could be expected from a dishonest servant born at the bottom of society¡­ He is so¡­ vile and dishonorable!} ¨C Even if she thought so, in fact, she approved of his actions. It was to her liking to win at all costs. Against her will, she felt respect to Kyon hatching in her soul until she weeded it out with a shake of her head.


    When the Stones saw the reaction of their beautifuldy they blocked the obscene sight in the heat of good intentions. However, she only frowned upon them and they scattered apologizing for misunderstanding her.


    People whispered all around: ?Ha ha! It¡¯s so tiny and cute!? ¡­ ?Hmm¡­ My brother has a bigger one and he isn¡¯t born yet!? ¡­ ?What a disgrace! Little girls should not sh their genitals!?


    ?You dared to undress me¡­? ¨C Tsayan said heavily trembling with rage.


    ?I did! Congrattions, you are the first guy I¡¯ve stripped! And you know what¡­ I¡¯m disappointed.? ¨C Kyon frowned pointing to the enemy¡¯s groin with his sword.


    Half of the guests were swept off their feet, the girls gasped not believing their ears. No one had ever met such an impudent and dishonorable boy! There were speechless.


    Tsayan exploded like a volcano in a frantic cry.


    ?I WILL KILL YOU!? ¨C Tsayan rushed to Kyon in a rage. He¡¯dpletely forgotten he was naked. Anger had ovee his shame. He had to hit Kyon once¡­ Just one single time! He was like an agile annoying mosquito driving Tsayan up the wall.


    A calcted decision shed in Kyon¡¯s eyes. He made a quick thrust and stabbed the intersection of the bloody cuts in Tsayan¡¯s plexus with his sword infused with the element of light. He had made those cuts not simply to hurt the opponent but to create a vulnerable point that would allow him to reach the central nervous system even through the golden skin.


    Tsayan had overestimated his rock. Kyon was counting on that. Everything else was nothing but showing off and testing his abilities. And now was the time for the final blow¡­


    A ray of light left the adamantine sword and entered Tsayan¡¯s plexus. It caused the effect simr to that with the spider that shot an indecent stream of the web.


    Tsayan¡¯s eyes widened then rolled back. He copsed unconscious, his limbs trembling in convulsions, his entire nervous system overloaded. As a result, there appeared a yellow stream and an indecent sound from his anus.


    Naked, covered in bloody cuts, wetting and soiling himself¡­ When he wakes up, he won¡¯t be able to move for another day because of the recoil of forcefully activated gold skin. To crown it all, the most difficult stage of development had been lost. It will take him at least a couple of months to get it back. His pride and dignity went down the drain. When the rumors spread he will be an outcast. The father will beat him to the pulp, his brother will add to that.


    Kyon had chosen Tsayan as a victim for his ascent. His n was an unexpected but spectacr sess. Initially, he wanted to pay Tsayan back ording to his principle but after his numerous attempts to kill him instead of winning in a fair battle, they were even.


    Also, Kyon felt something revolve in his soul just like in the case with Dinah back then.


    There wasplete silence.


    The Browns looked as if they had been fed three kilos of the finest dog shit. The descendant of the pure blood, the elder¡¯s son had lost like a wretched piece of shit soiling and wetting himself. He was of the 2nd rank, pride of their family, a priori respected reputable Brown¡­ And now he¡¯d been dragged through the shit. They were all afraid to look in the direction of the Stones. They felt shame and humiliation¡­ They felt disgrace and regret.


    Kyon¡¯s words they were dogs not tigers started unexpectedly reverberating in their hearts. What followed was almost tangible hatred and rage¡­ The impudent and arrogant boy dared to insult their great family. What is more, he has the highest talent for his worthless stage of development. In the future, he could be a direct threat to them, especially if his master was legendary TsyJy! They had to make every effort to destroy him.


    ?Tsayan¡­? ¨C The Brown girl was the first to speak in a trembling voice. While she was looking at the crushed and humiliated object of her adoration, her feelings were torn apart as if demons were ying with her soul. Her love turned into contempt followed by disgust. She hurried to leave the party in tears and regret that she had wasted so much time and emotions on a piece of shit.


    ?Did he win? He won!? ¨C Stephanie gasped.


    ?He won! Yeah!? ¨C One of the Stones shouted with enthusiasm and then everyone broke into a roar of jubtion.


    {He is a genius¡­ He is a heavenly genius capable of defeating the opponent at the peak stage of the second phase¡­} ¨C Dinah¡¯s quiet thoughts sounded unusually loud. His image of a pathetic meaningless basstard was getting transformed in her head giving her a headache. How wrong she had been¡­ The way he stared at her at the first meeting as if he owned her suddenly began to get a sacred meaning. Who are the heavenly geniuses, indeed? They are the kings in their kingdoms. Entire families could be destroyed for them. Any master would take them as students. The sky is the limit for them.


    The girl closed her eyes and tried to pull herself together.


    Anna looked even more like a content cat, she was nearly purring.


    XiaoBai grabbed a bottle from the tray the nearest servant was holding and gulped the wine down until he choked and coughed.


    A friend pped bald fat Richie to wake him up. ?Wake up, fellow!?


    ?Did we win??


    ?We lost!?


    ?No¡­ No¡­? ¨C Tears poured down the cheeks of the bald fat guy. He clenched his fists and hammered with them on the ground. ¨C ?The earth cannot change ces with the sky! I do not believe it!?


    Suddenly Richie eximed:


    ?I got! I know everything! Today is the opposite day! It happens sometimes! Now I remember my grandfather telling me about such a thing!? ¨C Richie ran to the banker and handed him thergest bag of money he had. His eyes were mes of fire. ?I bet everything on Kyon in the next fight!?


    The banker gasped at the amount of money he got. Given the odds, Kyon¡¯s next victory was going to bankrupt the bank. Then Xiao Bai would strangle him. ?The odds are one to one!?


    ?What?! You¡¯re a greedy asshole! You can¡¯t do that to your clients, I¡¯ll kill you!? ¨C Richie wanted to get into a fistfight with the banker but there was a beefy guard on his way making cracking sounds with his neck.


    Richie turned pale, shook his head and screeched like a pig. ?Okay! Okay! I agree! I bet all my remaining money on Kyon¡¯s victory! He is Lady¡¯s of Fortune son, ha ha!?


    The banker was happy to take the bet.


    As soon as Kyon left the arena, the Stones surrounded him, took him in their arms and tossed him up with joyfulughter and praise.


    ?Our brother has won! Ha ha ha!? ¡­ ?He is the new king of the battle in the Stone family? ¡­ ?Atta boy!? ¡­ ? You did what Lee could not do! You are our hero!? ¡­ ?You have humiliated him, dragged him through shit! You even made him shit himself! I am so happy!? ¡­ ?Our family has made it to the finals! Ha ha ha!? ¡­ ?You are TsyJi¡¯s student, indeed! You can¡¯t deny it! Ha ha ha!? ¨C The Stones could not calm down. They were bursting with pride and happiness.


    Lee smiled along for the ride. His lips trembled with insincerity. He struggled to force himself burning inside with unbearable shame. His own fan was now in the spotlight while he stood in the shadows. It was so unusual, uneptable, insufferable.


    The Stones got to the final even if a couple of minutes ago they felt humiliated in the 5th round out of 8. The fall and rise inspired, excited, intoxicated their young hearts. And the reason for that was the mysterious boy in the 7th stage of the base phase.


    No one but Juno suspected it was he who had set up the whole show. He¡¯d nned everything from beginning to end: the infamous, unfair position in the grid; the strange row of miserable defeats; Lee¡¯s humiliation¡­ And, of course, his victory over Tsayan, the main reason for the adversity and humiliation.


    {How did he do that?!} ¨C A look of shock spread across Juno¡¯s face when she looked at her servant. She remembered him telling her about his goal to be a respected Stone but she had no idea how he was going to achieve that. She remembered mocking at his optimism. Now his sess skyrocketed in just two fights! Almost everyone in the young generation of her family respected him! They screamed, rejoiced, tossed him in the air. They loved him!


    {He¡¯s definitely not a human¡­} ¨C A chill ran down her spine. She was delighted for the Stones to get to the finals but it was unbearably painful to witness the sess of the boy she hated. She was afraid he was unattainable for her¡­ He would fly high like a dragon and would be inessible.


    XiaoBai swallowed three times and coughed dryly. Cornelia carefully wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. A sweet smile yed on her lips, she looked like a caring little wife. He believed all his dear money was at risk. The buy he considered a rare loser no longer looked like that. Then XiaoBai remembered that Kara had arrived only after their bid. He understood everything.


    {He wanted to rob me, didn¡¯t he?!} ¨C His face turned red with anger.


    Meanwhile, the medical staff put naked Tsayan on the stretcher and took him to the nearest carriage and then to hospital.


    The Browns would happily follow him but their early departure would be considered bad form. Losers must ept their defeat! What¡¯s done is done. It¡¯s like everywhere. A cultural thing.


    The loud clicking of high heels at the gate attracted everyone¡¯s attention. The joyful cries subsided.


    The beautifuldy approached Juno andid her protective hand on her shoulder. ?Did I miss something??


    ?Oh, just a little bit. We got to the finals!? ¨C The girl eximed proudly.


    Kara raised her perfectly defined eyebrows in surprise and carefully watched those present.


    Her eyes the color of ripe cherries drove many young men crazy. The girl¡¯s gaze was bewitching like the shining morning star. Atst, her eyes stopped at the ck-haired young man with the weakest development who was still in the arms of his jubnt kinsmen.


    The princess looked at the tournament grid, stunned. {How did it win?} ¨C she looked inquiringly at her friend.


    Juno sneered as if to say ¨C did not expect it, bitch?!


    Kara snorted when she remembered her dialogue with Juno about the wretched boy. How did he get to the finals? On his own? Impossible! She had missed something interesting while talking with her mother.

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


    ?Darling, what makes you so happy? He must have been lucky again¡­ Apparently, his opponents were weak. It¡¯s amon urrence, you know. The world is full of clinical idiots who cannot kill a fly like him.?


    Juno said her catchphrase with her hands on her hips:


    ?Well, well.? ¨C Sheughed triumphantly making everyone smile silly but happily.


    It struck a nerve. The princess¡¯s icy gaze turned to the winner. She noticed the way the cheeky girl looked at him and she did not like that unhealthy attention. Now that he had made it to the finals everyone was interested in him.


    Meanwhile, Kyon walked up to the judge and said grimly:


    ?Excuse me, I am giving up thest battle. I admit my defeat.? ¨C The boy hated to give up, damn it. More than that, he refused to prove his weakness in front of the beautiful girl. Fortunately, the voice of reason prevailed, otherwise, he¡¯d get himself into trouble. Given the princess¡¯s temper, she wouldn¡¯t ept her defeat to the piece of scum, it was too risky¡­ He could lose or even get killed in the fair battle. The risks were not worth it. He had already fulfilled his initial n. Everything else could be settledter. And yet, the mere thought of his lost gain broke his heart. Who asked the bitch toe to the party? She had ruined all his ns! She would have better stayed put in her pce¡­


    The audience looked at each other. His decision waspletely reasonable. The boy was out of energy, exhausted, and she was a powerful princess! Only a madman would dare to fight her. Many people respected the boy who knew his ce.


    However, he must have an overdeveloped sense of self-importance. He did not personally approach the princess to give up in a bow like the others.


    Xiao Bai greedily rubbed his palms and grunted maliciously.


    The judge nodded at the boy¡¯s words, raised his hand and announced:


    ?Kyon Stone admits his defeat! Princess Kara Grand is the undisputed winner of today¡¯s tournament! From now on, she is the true queen of the eve¡­? ¨C The judge stopped short when he sensed the princess¡¯s will.


    Kara said in a calm indisputable voice. ?I am Princess Kara Grand who had the misfortune to miss an interesting fight. My Highness wishes to personally test the strength of the newly emerged talent who has defeated the strongest guest and descendant of pure blood in the Brown family. As a sign of goodwill, I will fight at his stage of development.?


    Young people fixed upon the boy their astonished nces.


    ?Dear Princess, I am no match for Your Majesty. Thest fight was a miracle. The opponent had eaten something weird and had to give up because of his upset stomach¡­ Anyone will confirm his involuntary purgation.? ¨C Kyon said carefully already understanding he had gone too far.


    A couple of guests burst outughing. Nobody expected such an unscrupulous speech. The boy was the real devil of impudence. He was lying to save his ass! Would he lose if the princess lowered her development to his stage? What¡¯s on his mind?


    ?Your Highness.? ¨C A Brown said bowing. ¨C ?The boy is lying to your face! He defeated our fellow in the fair fight! Kill the lousy liar for¡­?


    Kyon grinned interrupting the whiner:


    ?Stupid creature¡­ It¡¯s called modesty. I admit defeat and give up the fight because I respect the undoubted power of the princess.?


    ?You¡­?


    ?Enough.? ¨C Kara said coldly. ¨C ?Kyon Stone, I wanted to reveal the exceptional abilities of the young genius who defeated Tsayan. I even showed goodwill by promising to lower my stage of development to yours. But you are neglecting my good intentions. Insolence against the princess is severely punished. I do not want to ruin the party, therefore, instead of punishment, my request is now an order.? ¨C Thedy finished her speech. Imperious notes intrinsic to people of high origin were heard in her tender voice. She headed off to the arena swinging her hips.


    Kara could hardly restrain herself from her scornful tone. Too many words to ¡°nobody.¡±


    Kyon watched the seductive female with a wary look. {There is no trace of curiosity in her¡­ What¡¯s the matter? What is she after?} ¨C The girl¡¯spetence was a little surprising. She had easily exposed herself in a good light and used him of insolence. Moreover, she got her way leaving him no choice. A cunning shrewd bitch¡­ She must be used to getting what she wanted due to her high-born background and she always remained clean and innocent in the eyes of society.


    With no other choice, Kyon followed Kara to the arena, lost in his thoughts.


    Juno rose from the bench and followed to the edge of the arena. She had a bad feeling¡­ Kara was about to prove her case. What a stubborn fool! She was in for a shameful defeat fighting at the same stage of development as the servant. She would never ept it and would keep fighting to the end like a proud lioness. She secretly despised men for weakness and even more so scum like Kyon.


    If the boy was no fool, which Juno had witnessed today, he would find a way out without provoking the noble person who had the power to defeat all the guests at the party.


    The girl stood on one side of the arena. She was of divine beauty, dressed in an elegant, sexy evening dress. It was short enough to reveal the charms of her young body, her slender bare legs, magnificent bust, and thin swan neck. The princess¡¯s confident, keen nce had left most of the boys in the audience breathless.


    Many clever guests suspected that the royal person would not stoop so low as to test the talent of a boy at the 7th stage. Everyone who had seen her in Cernos knew that the princess had aplicated character, a quick temper and endless arrogance. No young man ever had deserved even a moment of her attention.


    The shaggy boy was standing on the other side of the arena. His hair was raven ck, as well as his clothes. Darkness reigned in his eyes. Many girls looked at him with curiosity. Stephanie was worried about the safety of the boy¡¯s life guided only by selfish impulses.


    The audience wondered what the genius would do. Everyone knew he could defeat Kara in a few seconds using his speed and green rock. But did he really have the guts to do that?.. How would the princess react? No one dared to warn her of the impending danger. What if she got angry at them for insulting her highness. The guests were anxious, everyone held their breath. Especially the Browns.


    Dinah looked at the boy with her deadly icy eyes but there was a sparkle of interest in them. A mysterious jerk¡­ She remembered torturing him, his tant impudence, the moment when he pressed her¡­ Everything was gradually making sense. She experienced strange sensations, something she¡¯d never felt before.


    The judge announced the start of the battle.


    *beeeeep*


    When Kara realized the boy had no intention to attack first, she walked towards him with an easy gait. She expressed no wariness nor concern. She looked like she was out for a walk to get some fresh air.


    The girl did not care how the weakling had made it to the finals. She nned to resolve her private matters with Juno.


    Thousands of sparks flew from the surrounding space to the princess¡¯s fist glowing scarlet red. The effect of her charged powerful attack fired the imagination.


    Her previous blow had instantly broken Eric¡¯s powerful attack (number 2) and taken him off the battle. The audience and Kyon became aware of her intentions.


    {She wants to kill me, doesn¡¯t she?} ¨C Kyon thought but quickly calmed down. Most likely she had noticed some of his skills and decided not to give in. Since the princess had no intention of killing him, he wasn¡¯t going to deviate from the original n.


    Kyon clenched his fist and covered it with a thinyer of adamantium so that the explosion following her attack would not damage his hand.


    {Please, learn your lesson, Juno.} ¨C Kara thought. She aimed at her opponent¡¯s head and delivered a meteor-like relentless blow.


    The boy had immediately struck back surprising the princess with his act of sheer folly.


    She hade across idiots before but it was too much¡­ Well, it was all for the better. The world would be a cleaner ce.


    The green spot collided with the meteor.


    ~bang~


    The little explosion that followed knocked the boy three meters back. He fell t on the floor like a rag doll with torn strings. At least that¡¯s what everyone thought¡­


    {What a powerful technique¡­} ¨C Kyon was amazed. He had flown back on purpose, further than supposed. The attack was one or two stages more powerful than his full-power strike, which was 5 stages stronger than anyone else¡¯s. Moreover, the explosive effect could have crushed his hand. If he hadn¡¯t had any adamantium on his fist, he¡¯d have had to recuperate after the injury.


    The stunned princess made two steps back. Her fist hurt a bit¡­ How could the miserable boy make her retreat even a step?! Phoenix st is an incredibly powerful ancient technique! The boy seems to have certain skills. That¡¯s why Juno had been paying him undeserved attention.


    The bbergasted audience couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. ?It took her only one blow?!?¡­ ?The princess is a real genius! She is the strongest of anyone I know!?¡­ ?Did Her Highness win so quickly??¡­ ?Goddess Danna, save our beautiful mighty princess!?


    Kara looked at the unconscious body¡­ She was struck with wonder: {Alive?} ¨C A doubt gave way to the cold confidence. The princess wanted to finish the job. Her fist glowed red again but no longer sparkled¡­ In fact, the phoenix explosion has to recharge.


    ?Your Highness, do you want to kill him?! He has lost!? ¨C Stephanie cried out, rmed.


    Kara answered the first thing that came to her mindzily, almost reluctantly:


    ?Can a finalist be defeated with one blow by a practitioner in the 7th stage of the base phase? I do not believe it! Given his recent refusal to fight, I have only one exnation. He¡¯s faking it.?


    Stephanie wanted to object but Leeid his hand on her shoulder calling for silence. The girl obediently calmed down.


    The guests intuitively and wholeheartedly supported the princess. ?He dared to pretend?! A bastard!?¡­ ?The princess is telling the truth! Everything seems to be right!?¡­ ?Indeed! He couldn¡¯t have lost instantly! The scoundrel misleads us!?¡­ ?Your Highness, finish off the insolent jerk! He does not deserve his life after deceiving you!?


    The corners of the girl¡¯s lips slowly rose up. A satisfied smile appeared on her face. Stupid people always follow authority. A flock of sheep¡­ It¡¯s time to teach her beloved silly girl a valuable lesson. She¡¯d better stop staring at cute and a little ¡°talented¡± boys who are not worth anything. They are spineless, hopeless bugs in the world of power. They have no power, no money, no brains, nothing!


    The princess approached and waved her hand. A usual slow stream of yellow me flew off to the boy¡¯s head. Almost everyone in the audience knew the rule of the me. The me of the basic grade is red. The advanced grade is orange. The superior grade is yellow. The very fact that Kara used the yellow me spoke of her amazing unsurpassed talent.


    At thest moment, Kyon pushed himself off the ground avoiding the me. He got to his feet and gave Kara a grave look.


    {Bitch!} ¨C The boy had immediately figured out her intentions. There was a genuine surprise in the girl¡¯s shameless eyes. Therefore, she was lying about him simting. All she wanted was to finish him off. And after she carried out her n, she would put on a disappointed look and apologize for her mistake and overestimating his abilities. However¡­ It is unlikely that she is capable of repentance.


    {She really wanted to kill me!} ¨C The rage and anger at the rotten princess raged in his soul burning like fire. A powerful enemy had fallen from heaven and he could do nothing to her in the near future! When did he be an object of her aversion? Maybe Juno was nurturing a n to kill him? No¡­ Definitely not. He made sure in the tomb the girl did not want him dead. However, he intuitively sensed there was a catch¡­ It had something to do with Juno.


    {Of course¡­} ¨C He¡¯de up with an excellent idea. Juno reacted to his sess despite herself. Kara noticed that and got jealous. Now she was trying to get rid of the noisy fly. That¡¯s how he looked in the eyes of the high-born bitch.


    Kyon was fuming. The arrogant trash showed up, ruined his n to win the bet with half a million at stake. Now she was going to scoop the pool and take his life to boot!


    He wanted to defeat her, suppress her like a trembling creature, humiliate her and tear her dress off so that the naked skank would be red in the face. And after that he would disfigure her beautiful face¡­ ¡°If there¡¯s bad blood between us, so be it. She started it.¡±

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    The voice of reason ordered him to think rationally, look at the situation from all the angles. He had to find different ways out with minimal risk.


    Everything would be fine but Kyon had already made up the psychological portrait of the princess: an ambitious bitch who¡¯d get to her goal by all means! He couldn¡¯t cancel the battle through Juno, it would only make things worse. The recent events when she¡¯d been squeezing the girl against her will had only confirmed his idea. It was also pure nonsense to surrender or simte his defeat!


    Kyon signed grimly. {I see¡­ I have to defeat her.}


    That option had its advantages. In addition to the banal joy of defeating the bitch, there was also a chance the princess might get interested in him. It would be a triple win! Winning the bet, the prize of the tournament, and the interest of the influential royal person!


    The eyes of the princess shed with anger and bloodthirst, as well as some disappointment. A diehard bug was wasting her precious time¡­


    The guests cheered for the girl, apuded her foresight and understanding of the situation.


    ?A truly wise queen is growing! The future pir of the kingdom!? ¨C kowtowed to her one of the Browns. He wasn¡¯t the only one, though.


    Kara waved her hand, sending another slow stream of intense yellow heat at the enemy. The me had such characteristics: there were more fire plumes; the emitted light and heat was more intense than of any other practitioner with simr development. At the same time, the me of the princess was not quite ordinary and it was not the matter of the superior grade but no one could see that.


    There was an amazement in the girl¡¯s eyes. The future dead man was not going to dodge! He simply put forward his hand to the me in a gesture ¡°freeze.¡±


    {He is an idiot¡­ The me of the unawakened phoenix of the superior grade cannot be blocked at your level. Burn.} ¨C She wasn¡¯t enjoying doing the dirty job like frying the flesh and brains of a piece of shit but Juno had to learn her lesson.


    At thest moment, Kyon¡¯s palm shed in a pale azure fog beautifully shimmering in the rays of the clear moon. It gave the sound of tiny ice crystals rubbing against each other.


    There was an inevitable collision of azure and scarlet yellow¡­ When the me met his hand it went out like fire without oxygen, instantly, without unnecessary effects and sounds. The boy seemed to be sucking in heat like a funnel.


    ?He bends four elements!? ¨C Stephanie eximed.


    ?The element of cold?! Is he a great genius?!? ¡­?Is he really a master of four elements?? ¡­?Oh my God, a talented person is talented in everything!? ¡­?Incredible! How did he block the heat of the superior grade?! Ahhhhhhhh! What is going on here?! Who the fuck is he?!? ¨C The Stones and the other families shouted with envy and shock. The very fact of suppressing the me of the princess fired every imagination. To crown it all, he turned out to be a master of four elements!


    Only a few rare practitioners bend four elements, they are almost one in a million! It¡¯s an exceptional valuable gift! Outstanding talents like Tsayan and Lee bend three elements. They are much more¡­ they are moremon.


    Dinah could no longer see take the boy for the cunning little snot. He was an angel with no feathers on his wings and she was a demon desiring his death, encroaching on his sacred life.


    The heavenly genius simply fought for his life, clung to it with his tenacious hands. That sausage¡­ All those deceptions and tricks of his¡­ The evil average maid wanted to kill a talented genius sent to earth by heaven, created to change the history of the world. And she¡­


    Dinah rubbed the bridge of her nose. The boy¡¯s talent was getting more and more stunning but it didn¡¯t matter¡­ The sick bastard had given her lingerie to the perverted master. He had smeared her with his seed. She would be a reaper killing heavenly geniuses because he dared to ruin her peaceful life with his filthy intervention.


    With gloomy thoughts of her imminent revenge, the maid assessed the strength of her enemy and the prospects. She remembered their first meeting when Kyon was in the 2nd stage of the base phase. He was in the 7th at the moment! A damn genius, indeed. In six months, a year max, there would be nothing she could do to him no matter how hard she tried. She was running out of time. She had to get rid of the jerk in the nearest future.


    Dinah left the training ground. She could feel that the boy would survive the fight with Kara. His life belonged only to her. Otherwise, why had she been suffering so much?


    Kara frowned her delicate eyebrows.


    Even if the body of the phoenix had not awakened and the me had been only a bit stronger than usual, it was of the superior grade! Why did the cold suppress her fiery stream? Did the boy also have a superior grade?! Judging by the saturation of the azure radiance (pale blue), he didn¡¯t! The superior grade of cold emits a dark blue fog. Moreover, it is impossible to have such an outstanding talent for the elements being at the base phase. Where does his powere from? Could the level of purity of his keys be that high?


    Furthermore, the princess was annoyed that the enemy could bend four elements, like her! It was unforgivable to put the representative of the royal family and a miserable bug at the same level. She didn¡¯t know which element was his fourth and she couldn¡¯t care less.


    {He is very talented for his trashy development¡­ I don¡¯t give a damn, I¡¯ll incinerate the asshole anyway.} ¨C The girl did not want to waste her emotions on the miserable biomass. She waved her hand sending a simr stream at the enemy. Only, it was five times faster than before (with the wind element inside).


    Heat and cold are slow elements but their shoring ispensated by destructive power. If adding the wind to the atack, these elements get wless. That¡¯s why the wind and heat / cold benders are especially strong and dangerous. Thebination of wind and heat is sometimes called ¡°inferno.¡±


    Kyon put his hand forward covering it with azure haze. His pure key of the cold element had absolute superiority over the princess¡¯s elements of heat. However, herst attack surprised him with its power¡­ Apparently, the girl had the superior grade of heat. Awesome!


    The boy could use cold in every possible way: cover his body, concentrate it on his hand, release it in a ¡°slow¡± stream. There was no way of using ice nor blizzard. They required water and wind, and he did not want to use them. His fifth element would stir up the whole kingdom, even the empire.


    The frantic me met the azure fog and immediately went out.


    {It¡¯s outraging¡­} ¨C The enemy annoyed Kara worse than a hungry mosquito on a sultry summer day. Intoxicated by her fury, enraged by the boy¡¯s resistance, the girl bit her lip. How could he so easily stand up to the me of the unawakened phoenix?! Could she, the most talented young person of the kingdom, be inferior to him in the power of the opposite element? Her eyes didn¡¯t deceive her! It was embarrassing but she had to admit the truth.


    {I don¡¯t care¡­ The games with this puppy do not deserve my attention.} ¨C Her beautiful face with smooth porcin skin calmed down. She decided to crush the enemy with the quality of her technique, not with the power of the elements.


    With a wave of her hand, the girl created a fiery snake (wind + heat). The beautiful reptile had scales in the form of mes.


    Any technique, as a rule, is stronger and more effective than using any element alone but as part of the price, it consumes much more energy. For example, the power of the me concentrated in the snake is twice as high as in ordinary heat release not to mention its enormous speed and flexibility!


    The technique the princess used was of the ¡°B¡± rank. It was a national asset in any kingdom and even empire. It¡¯s dangerous and destructive. No opponent in the base phase will ever learn something so amazing and of so high quality. It requires a high rank and monstrous talent. Of course, this technique is significantly inferior to the ¡°explosion of the phoenix¡± and even more so to the ¡°relic of the phoenix.¡±


    The guests were staring at the dangerous fire clot in the form of a snake, awestricken. It could swallow up even the adversary at the beginning stages of the second phase!


    {What a high-ranking technique!} ¨C Everyone thought when they felt the aura of the snake.


    {My element of cold won¡¯t overpower this creature¡­} ¨C The boy realized and changed his strategy.


    Kara gracefully waved her hand sending the snake at high speed at the enemy¡¯s head. Let the naive fool try once again to absorb it with his miserable cold!


    Contrary to all the expectations, the boy quickly dodged to the side when the attack was supposed to collide with his azure hand. He reduced the distance with the girl andnded a sneaky blow to her temple.


    {Howe he is so fast?!} ¨C Kara realized with frustration that she could notpete with her opponent in speed at her 7th stage. He was too fast! No matter how hard she tried, a momentter she would get a blow to the temple. It was uneptable for Her Highness.


    {It does not matter! Just die.} ¨C The girl raised her development by six stages, instantly parried the blow and sent the snake straight to the enemy¡¯s head.


    Her actions were worthy of contempt. It was a tant brazen attempt to finish off the enemy as quickly as possible! However, the noble princess had an excuse for the public. Kara wanted toe back to her beloved girl so much¡­ She had wasted enough time, hadn¡¯t she?


    ~whoosh~


    The fiery reptile passed through the silhouette of his head getting no prey.


    {Is it an illusion?!} ¨C Kara got angry.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    The mosquito sentenced to death had already escaped punishment twice. She had wasted her time! What an insolent jerk! He used the technique of illusion¡­ Otherwise, it had been impossible to avoid her technique. Even the adversaries a few stages higher than her development could never escape it.


    The girl gave him an evil grin. She looked into the boy¡¯s ck eyes wishing to incinerate him with her look.


    Kyon crossed his arms with great coolness andposure. He seemed to have the situation under hisplete control.


    ?Princess Kara Grand! Why did you raise your development at such a crucial moment without any warning? Were you trying to kill me real quick?? ¨C He asked dryly shining with cold. His words implied his utter contempt for her shameless actions.


    The audience held their breath and pricked up their ears.


    Kara clenched and unclenched her fist, visually displeased. How dared he to bark in her direction? She had to answer but she wouldn¡¯t address him. She¡¯d rather talk to the audience. The wretched creature didn¡¯t deserve her attention, even one look did him great honor.


    ?You faked your defeat thereby insulting my highness. For your misdeed, I decided to make the battle moreplicated for you.?


    Kyon could barely hold back his contemptuous smile. ?I see¡­ I agree with your spontaneous decision at the moment most inconvenient for me. I did deserve it. But tell me, please, if you¡¯re going to raise your development again. What if all of a sudden I embarrass you again just likest time¡­ You¡¯ll have the same excuse.? ¨C The boy said, his arms crossed.


    The princess, contrary to the universal expectation of her righteous anger, (the insolent bastard was openly mocking her!) giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. What a curious weirdo¡­ Does the cheeky boy really think she would lose with an advantage of six stages? Even two stages would have been enough for her to burn him to ashes! The battle would have dragged on so she wasn¡¯t taking any chances. How could she know the treacherous jerk would use the illusion technique. Oh well, just wait and with another blow, the miserable creature would disappear from this world.


    ?What a stupid, presumptuous and arrogant boy you are! I should punish you for the impudent message hidden in your words but I don¡¯t want to ruin the atmosphere for the audience. I could have avoided your attack but it¡¯s inconvenient to move around in my high-heeled shoes. Do not worry. I will restrain myself and try not to damage your pretty face.? ¨C The princess said.


    Suddenly the smile disappeared from her face. Intuition shouted to her the boy was not a cornered victim but a real yer! Cold and calcting. He had masterfully limited her chances to boost her future development.


    A secondter, the girl became angry at her intuition for stupidity. Why on earth should the brilliant princess, the strongest among the young generation of the kingdom, worry what the worthless loser of the base phase might be plotting. His words are nothing but idle talk, his ns are pathetic and good-for-nothing. One blow is enough to send the sucker to his forefathers. She had to quickly end the farce and get back to her favourite thing to do.


    ?d to hear this, Your Highness.? ¨C Kyon said with hidden contempt and created a shield of adamantium in his hand. His element of cold was unable topete with the snake, even if they were of equal development! It would be even less useful now. But the faithful adamantium, resistant to high temperatures, would do a great service taking the heat of any power, sheltering him like an umbre from the rain.


    Now, with a shield in his hands, Kyon should only beware of the residual heat. But his element of cold would easily extinguish the small percentage of fire and save him from burns.


    Kara rolled her eyes. The most self-confident little ant in the world! She was anticipating the boy¡¯s quick death¡­ She decided to teach Juno a lesson and was not going to back down from her ns.


    A new fire snake of a muchrger size than the previous one shed in her hands and rushed towards the enemy at high speed.


    {Die!}


    Suddenly, the boy sped up and dodged without an effort.


    {How is that?!} ¨C The girl was taken aback but continued to attack.


    Kyon had realized that the snake was no friend of his and hid the shield behind his back, relying solely on his dexterity and speed.


    The boy seemed to be avoiding the snake at thest moment. The residual heat got extinguished by his element of cold that appeared in the right part of his body in the nick of time.


    Kara was speechless. She looked at the boy who was shing between the snake with her sharp, prating gaze of the phoenix.


    {I must have been deceived.} ¨C The girl came to realize her intuition had been right.


    Previously, when the sly boy hit her in the temple, his speed was deliberately less than maximum, so that she wouldn¡¯t not raise her development too much. Then he made her give her word in front of the audience not to raise the stage of development cornering her like a rat.


    The fact that she was ying by his rules had disheartened her. She was staggered beyond description that some boy had set the rules for her! It was ridiculously absurd! Her heart was beating faster from almost forgotten emotions. For the first time, she had been a victim, not a hunter. No one had ever got the better of her yet. It was unexpected¡­ The party was generous with surprises! The boy had grown up in the eyes of the princess against her will.


    {Why is he so fast?! Is this possible at his stage?!} ¨C The girl was getting more and more embraced by the usual rage that appeared in any unclear situation. No one dares to mess up with Princess Kara Grand! She achieves her goals in the most sophisticated ways with a minimum amount of time. That bug was no obstacle for her!


    She had a n.


    Kyon jumped away from the next snake attack and then his modernized eyes shed. Several almost invisible des of wind were approaching him, distorting the air a bit, capable of dissecting the flesh by inches.


    Such des cannot be seen without scanning the battlefield with pure energy. The level of Kyon¡¯s development wouldn¡¯t be enough to do that. At his level, scanning must be worse than the vision of an old blind dog. In theory, now he should be defenseless. But he was not!


    The boy immediately pulled out the shield from behind.


    ~ng~ ~ng~


    Two chirping sounds came from the adamant shield leaving no scratches there.


    Kara¡¯s eyebrows crawled up her forehead. {How did he notice them?} ¨C She continued to attack with the snake and hidden des. In her understanding, no vision was able to detect the slight air distortions. And yet, he had blocked the attack!


    The boy could see all the air distortions. He easily dodged at thest moment and if he took some blows on the shield it was merely for the sake of decency.


    Kara was getting more and more furious, her eyes burned with a thirst for young blood. The girl was getting tired of all that nonsense. The performance had been dragging on for too long¡­ The enemy had to have died in a couple of seconds but instead, he continued to fight! Moreover, she had never hit him! It was embarrassing for her highness, especially with such a huge advantage in development. However, she didn¡¯t flinch.


    The princess decided to apply an extremely powerful mass wind technique with the period of rollbacksting for an hour. The lucky boy was doomed. Nothing would save him.


    Kyon frowned and moved away from the furious girl. {Bitch, you won¡¯t catch up with me on your crutches heels.} He grinned to himself and decided to keep his distance. Any technique loses its power with each next step.


    Two mighty whirlwinds gradually formed around the princess¡¯s hands. The next instant they shot in the direction of the enemy, dense and dangerous. Inside them, thousands of des could chop the adversary into a bloody mess. The name of the high-ranking technique is a tornado of des. It¡¯s impossible to perform at its full potential at the advanced phase. The boy will die anyway. (Kara naively supposed)


    Kyon jumped to the side, avoiding the dangerous stream, the princess redirected her hands to his side. The whirlwind in a continuous flow followed the boy.


    {Where is my carbon skin?! Ugh.} ¨C Kyon spat and got down to jumping the rope. The whirlwinds were about half a meter thick, it is quite possible to dodge them jumping over and rolling under. The dy in Kara¡¯s hand movements and the whirlwinds it possible to predict where the tornado razors would go.


    The guests werepletely engrossed in the exciting battle. The quality of the power demonstrated by the princess was at the highest level. Everyone wanted to know what she was thinking of fighting the enemy who was more than half of the phase less developed! Shouldn¡¯t she be ashamed? No one could tell by her calm face¡­ One thing was clear, the boy was monstrously talented!


    Kara gracefully waved her hands cornering her prey like a hungry predator. Then she brought them together fully aware that her opponent wouldn¡¯t be able to dodge. {Die atst!}


    Kyon had instantly pulled out the shield from behind, crouched and covered his whole body.


    ~chink~ ~chink~ ~chink~ ¡­


    Thousands of scratching vibrations chaotically flooded the arena. The audience held their ears not to hear the infuriating sound.


    Kara had been expecting to see the green rock copse but there was not a single scratch on it!


    {Why is it so strong?} ¨C The girl was yet again ovee by anger.


    Kara quickly walked towards the boy intending to raise the final impact power over his shield with tornado des to deprive the asshole of his defence and finish the job. If she interrupted the technique then she wouldn¡¯t be able to create it again in the next hour. It was the main weakness of the technique in addition to its huge waste of energy.


    Kyon grunted and galloped away from the girl, squatting, hiding behind the shield.


    ?Ha ha ha! Take a look at his movements! He manages to run in a sitting position with great speed!? ¨C One of the impressed guests cried out.


    ?Wow! How is he doing it?!? ¡­ ?TsyJi, the entric one, must have been his master! No other master can teach you how to move like that!? ¡­ ?Look how effective he is! The body is hidden behind the shield while the guy runs as fast as lightning!? ¨C The amazed young people watched the new way of movement. A squat walk was new to them.


    Kara tried to catch up with the boy but her long heels got in her way. Damn them¡­ One of her steps was equal to his three.


    {Sly fox¡­ When I catch you, I¡¯ll strangle you!} ¨C The girl was suffocating with anger even if her face was stillposed and calm.


    The tornadoes soon stopped.


    Kyon got up to his full height, hid the shield behind his back and headed to the princess with a single intention to attack her.


    His cold gaze full of darkness that despised her infuriated the girl more and more. She decided to take extreme measures. Even if the phoenix in her soul hadn¡¯t awaken, and she was still week in the second phase it was enough to turn the shield and the life of the trickster to ashes. She meant a powerful technique with a long rollback.


    As soon as the boy approached her, the princess¡¯s body shone with sunlight.


    {Part five, the Phoenix Sphere!} ¨C Kara touched her fists and instantly, a fire wall spread out from her in all directions in a thick sphere. Its brightness exceeded any me she had previously released.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    When Kyon saw the rapidly approaching wall of fire he quickly jumped back, took out the shield,y on the ground and covered himself like a soldier in the trench.


    ~whoosh~


    The wall passed through the shield at great speed without hitting the boy. It collided with the barrier and disappeared with no trace. The temperature of the whole arena rose by 60 degrees.


    The guests gasped covering their faces from the iing heat. Its overwhelming aura made the weakest in spirit tremble. Nobody had ever seen such a powerful technique for the 3rd stage of the advanced phase! The princess seemed to have released a fiery god¡­ Even practitioners of five stages higher in development could have lost to her!


    It was a miracle but the boy rose again,pletely unscathed. He was enveloped in a barely visible halo of the cold element. He looked unshakable like a mountain. His eyes shone with icy control.


    Kara did not believe her eyes.


    She had used the ability of her unique body to release the essence of the unawakened phoenix body. It has a high energy reserve and an abnormal temperature. Any element or matter like stone or metal instantly melts, evaporates, neutralizes. In fact, the phoenix sphere gives its owner an extraordinary ability to oppose anything! It¡¯s defensive and attacking at the same time. It has apletely different sacred meaning, though¡­ And yet, the boy had to turn into a handful of ashes along with his fucking shield! Still, he was alive, unharmed¡­


    Adamantium, created by the best minds in Lovr¡¯s world, has tremendous heat resistance and incredibly low thermal conductivity. If this rock is put in a thousand-degree furnace for an hour it will slightly heat up. Not every me can melt a substance whose melting point is four thousand degrees.


    Kyon seized a nice moment and rushed to attack the hesitant princess.


    Kara came to her senses and activated the Phoenix st. The technique was active again after the setback¡­ Her fist shone with a thousand sparks. It was her chance to kill the bug, atst! No shield would save him from the powerful explosion!


    Kyon boosted up at unprecedented speed and hit her in the face.


    Suddenly, Kara realized the futility of her attempts. There was no way, a royal person could have missed the humiliating blow from some low-grade guy!


    Her whole essence was overwhelmed with anger, indignation and bitter annoyance. The trickster had forced her to break the word given to the audience. She had to act audaciously.


    The girl raised her development to the 10th stage and aimed the Phoenix st to the opponent¡¯s head. Her rtively slow fist turned into a kind of meteor. It was impossible to resist this breakneck speed being at the base phase. Rest in peace, dead-man-to-be.


    ~whoosh~ ~bang~


    Kara did not feel any flesh¡­ The phoenix st had to be reloaded again and it didn¡¯t destroy the target. At thest moment, the boy had abnormally quickly thrown his head back.


    {Again?!} ¨C The princess¡¯s eyes were wide in disbelief. She slowly turned around until her gaze met the boy¡¯s. He was standing with a calm, cold look on his face looking at her with reproach, almost like thest time but now there was contempt in his eyes.


    ?Princess Kara Grand¡­ I don¡¯t mean to sound rude but if you are after my death why all this show? You raise your development at the most dangerous and crucial moment viting the royal promise! You might as well execute me for the fact that I live and bring trouble to your majesty with my talent.? ¨C Kyon slowly said in an icy voice, with no fear, brazenly staring at her. There were hardly any other daredevils capable of maintaining eye contact with her for longer than a second.


    Kyon inwardly cursed himself for not being able to keep his mouth shut. But the bitch was too daring, she got a bloody nerve to kill him. He was not used to skirmishes with girls. In the previous world, all the female-rted problems were limited to petty intrigues, ridiculous maniptions, and desperate attempts to get his attention. His master, in particr, drove him up the wall¡­ And this world was like a cornucopia with Juno, Dinah, Kara around him! Each of them was dangerous and beautiful.


    Someone in the audience gasped. No one had ever dared to talk so rudely with the first and only princess from the royal Grand family.


    {The kid has steel balls!} ¨C Everyone thought, mentally saying goodbye to him.


    The hellfire of anger had been burning in Kara¡¯s soul turning into rage, abundantly seasoned with hatred.


    ?Kyon Stone, don¡¯t you dare to talk to me like that! The actions and desires of the princess are not to be judged by people like you.? ¨C The girl said loudly and authoritatively with notes of threat in her voice, emphasizing the words ¡°like you¡± to indicate his insignificance.


    Kara had always considered herself right in everything, she¡¯d been skillfully manipting people to achieve her goals and she always had (with a few exceptions). In fact, the princess is free to do whatever she pleases, and none of her deeds would ever affect her reputation in any way. They¡¯d rather add to her cruel temper. But the impudent boy was asking for death¡­


    {Arrogant bitch¡­} ¨C Kyon was infuriated. The haughty piece of trash popped up in his life, wishing him death, crushing like a tank to reach her goal, ignoring public opinion or any reason.


    The situation was taking an unpleasant turn. The bitch had gotten too far. She was no longer looking for excuses but a fight on the pretext of her highest authority and unlimited power.


    The guests were like trembling creatures that did not dare to contradict her. If the two jerks of the 4th-rank in the Grand family behaved like kings what could they expect from the princess of the 1st-rank? She was like the phoenix among the crows! Everything was useless against the single-minded snake. He had to act on his own to curb her temper at all costs. It was victory or death!


    ?Dear Princess Kara! I am happy that you¡¯ll be soon disqualified from the tournament for breaking the rules. You are going to raise the development again, aren¡¯t you? The Grands will take thest ce in the low-grade tournament¡­ The sad news will spread throughout the kingdom! And your arrogant personality will make the headlines.? ¨C Kyon said with a mischievous grin.


    The audience held their breath. {He¡¯s a cheeky suicide!} ¡­ {How dares he dare to insult the princess?} ¡­ {He is a madman! A crazy idiot!} ¡­ {Come to your senses¡­ She will kill you!} ¨C Stephanie thought bitterly.


    Juno bit her pink lip. {What a fool! Kara is not the one to talk back to without consequences! A stupid servant grown in slums¡­}


    The princess surprised the audience once again with her unexpected reaction. Instead of expressing righteous anger, the royal girl covered her lips with her hand and giggled. The unforgettable phoenix eyes twinkled with a ruse.


    All her annoyance hadpletely disappeared followed by sneer and thrill of the chase. She was shivering with excitement to crush the insolent jerk who dared to talk to her so disrespectfully. The one and only idiot had found the courage to address her in that tone. Anyone else would have wet his pants, crawling on his knees begging to forgive him, and this unique weirdo is looking at with no fear his eyes! Cheeky noiret.


    Why would she be mad at a fool? His life had already punished him. It¡¯s always curious to meet someone whose behavior goes beyond the norm. She remembered the happy days in the home country. This time, Kara had no doubt in her victory ¡°in a couple of movements.¡± Therefore, she was being frivolous.


    The pleasant princess¡¯s voice sounded with sincere joy. ?Gods would envy your self-confidence. Thank you, I am amused¡­ If I increase my development even once I will voluntarily give up myst name and the title of princess.?


    All of a sudden, Kara¡¯s smile disappeared as she heard her intuition scream loudly.


    {Why are you yelling again, silly? Last time the talented bastard cheated but now he is doomed!} ¨C And yet the strange feeling did not leave her. Was she still ying by his rules? No¡­ It¡¯s not possible.


    {What is the worth of words if they areing from a piece of trash like you?} ¨C Kyon thought gloomily of the stunning girl¡¯s promise. At least the chance she would vite the rules reduced a thousandfold. Now his n to defeat her was quite feasible even if still risky.


    ?Did you hear that?!? ¡­ ?What if he can¡­? ¡­ ?Shut up! He is not so good as to defeat the great princess at the peak of the second phase!? ¡­ ?Oh goddess, he is crazy!? ¡­ ?The magnanimous princess had mercy on him and did not punish him for his impudence!? ¨C The guests exchanged all kinds ofments. They had a feeling of deja vu. They predicted Tsayan a sure victory not so long ago and he lost! But the princess was going to win, wasn¡¯t she?


    Juno was watching both the servant and her friend. She was nervously stroking a golden lock and biting her lips. When Kyon was in danger before, the girl¡¯s heart missed a beat in concern for his life. She wouldn¡¯t forgive either herself or Kara if he died. She did not know what to do. She had no idea what the servant had on his mind. What he had everything under his control? He told her not to said not to interfere, after all¡­ She was worried thest time when he fought with Tsayan, too. However, everything worked out in the end.


    The girl came up with a reasonable idea. If the boy needed her help, he would send her an imploring look. Then she would do everything possible to get him out of trouble. She wanted to get involved but she was trying to hold back.


    Kyon had a different view in the same situation. Juno wouldn¡¯t stop the ambitious princess but she¡¯d rather create a bunch of problems. Perhaps the girl¡¯s words would be a death sentence for him. It was an unjustified risk. He had to rely on himself and go all in. What if he managed to bring the bitch to the point where she gave up herself! What if he managed to defeat her¡­ However, it was unlikely that the princess would agree to get hundreds of cuts on her beautiful body. Anyway, he couldn¡¯t beat her with his current physical parameters.


    The princess smiled. {Finally, the phoenix relic is ready!} ¨C Enough time had passed after her battle with Frantz. She was already looking forward to the epic finale where the daring upstart would be torn into small pieces.


    The carefree provocative beauty annoyed Kyon. The pest of a girl was looking straight in his eyes with a joyful desire to end his life as if he was an irritating insect. It had been rightly said that degenerates would always abuse the power they had.


    {Who gave you the right to look at me like that? How dare you to decide what happens to me?} ¨C Kyon hated her so much it was sickeningly palpable. His hands itched to squeeze her thin tender neck and strangle her, leaving her no chance of salvation. Perhaps if he survived he would make this dreame true in the future. It would be nice to look the beast into the eyes frozen from fear.


    The princess thrust out her ample bosom, spread her arms to the sides and shut her eyes.


    The bright yellow light sparkled from her heart to her hands repeating the graceful contours of her body and turning into the silhouette of a bird.


    Juno remembered Frantz¡¯s instant defeat and could stand it no more. She shouted:


    ?Kara, stop!?


    The princess was in no hurry to create the self-aiming bird for the future deadman. She looked at the girl in surprise and asked affectionately:


    ?What¡¯s the matter, honey??


    Kyon darted a quick icy look at Juno which made her jump up in fright. {What are you doing, stupid girl?! I have everything under control!} ¨C The headless littledy would get him killed if Kara got jealous. As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.


    Juno said in a trembling voice:


    ?You will kill Kyon! You promised not to hurt him but all this time you¡¯ve been fighting at your full capacity! Now he is going to die for sure!?


    ?Hm-m-m¡­? ¨C Kara uttered. ¨C ?Why are you so worried about him??


    Kyon gave Juno another icy look.


    ?Well¡­ He is a talented member of my family. Of course, I will worry about his life.? ¨C The girl said and looked away.


    The hearts of all the Stones warmed up. The members of the other familiesmented they would wee such a beautiful and kinddy in their family!


    Kara¡¯s intuition was singing a song. The girl was sure of her ns. ?Honey bunny, I¡¯m sure that Kyon Stone will be able to defend himself from a single technique after he defeated Tsayan Brown. Be a good girl and do not bother me to study his skills.? ¨C The girl smiled and quickly released the winged firebird in the direction of the boy.


    Juno gasped, afraid. The Stones clenched their fists, and the Browns smiled maliciously.


    At thest moment, Kyon literally fell underground and closed the hole with his shield. The bird failed to find its target on the way and exploded in the air.


    ~bang~


    The bright explosion shook the arena and blinded half of the guests. The fiery aura of the phoenix reflected in their souls causing uncontroble trepidation inside. A huge crater half a meter deep gaped at the scene of the explosion, the cracked shield was still covering the deep hole. If the bird had collided directly with the ground, the boy would have turned into a charred corpse. There wasn¡¯t probably a single practitioner of the advanced phase who could escape the consequences of that powerful technique.


    {He dug a hole? Bastard! I wanted to see him explode!} ¨C Kara was furious. The boy had escaped her attack yet again! The bird was self-aiming but his unexpected immersion underground knocked down itsndmark, and it had to explode with shame!

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    Kara noticed that the rock shield had barely avoided the explosion and was cracked. She hadcked a little bit, maybe a stage, to break the shield and incinerate the bastard after all!


    {What is it made of?!} ¨C Kara had partially suppressed the fury inside herself. It was not a royal thing to worry about trifles. The phoenix relic in the second phase was far fromplete, blind as an old chicken, its explosion could be much more powerful.


    The princess created an explosive fireball in her hand and aimed it at the cracked shield. Let the impudent jerk burn to a crisp, the worms would have a glorious feast¡­


    ~whoosh~


    At thest moment, Kyon had crawled out of a new pit nearby. A small column of me fired from there. If he had lingered a second longer, he would have burned to the ground. His ears were ringing, his organs throbbing after the recent st created by the phoenix. He felt as if a grenade had been blown up over him.


    A new shield was gradually growing in Kyon¡¯s hands.


    {What a resilient asshole¡­} ¨C Kara clenched her teeth, exhaled through her nose, visibly displeased, and sent the wind de technique towards the boy. Its speed was mindblowing, the sharpness and density of the des couldpete with a titanic razor.


    ~jing~ ~jing~


    The familiar sound came with sparks this time. A pair of little grooves appeared on the green rock.


    {I thought so¡­ Too strong.} ¨C The girl had a nasty feeling once again. The wind technique wasn¡¯t inflicting any significant damage to the damned green rock, therefore, they couldn¡¯t reach the target. If the princess was three to five stages higher in development, she would have got through the solid shield and then the boy himself. If only the tornado razor was not recharging¡­


    Kara created a fire snake in her hand andunched it into the attack.


    The reptile was glowing like molten magma. Its density and speed had exceeded several times the previous one. It was a great technique for medium range battles.


    Kyon was significantly inferior in speed but it was encouraging to know the snake was not explosive.


    ~whoosh~


    The snake crashed into the shield and spread like a fiery umbre to the sides forcing the boy to make half a step back.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, the shield had no traces of melting just like it was after the collision with the phoenix sphere¡­


    The princess¡¯s face remained calm, something that couldn¡¯t be said about her inner state. She kept attacking with the snake trying to go around the enemy¡¯s shield using to her huge speed advantage. The energy consumption was immense, so the girl wanted to finish the battle as soon as possible.


    The snake attacked arching its body, in zigzags, from left to right and from top to bottom! Kyon kept blocking the snake with his shield as if hiding from the rain. Thanks to his cold element, he was not harmed by the residual heat that ounted for some percent of the snake power. The boy was feeling pretty good.


    Kyon was analyzing the snake: {If Kara was a hundred times stronger she might have melted the shield with her damn reptile. It would take her several stages to catch me by surprise with her speed or burn me with residual heat.} ¨C His analysis enabled Kyon to find out his approximate limits, at least against Kara and her techniques.


    {You¡¯re driving me nuts¡­ That¡¯s it. I am sick and tired of you.} ¨C The girl dispelled the snake and walked toward the boy quietly. Gods help him if he tries and runs away while she is wearing high-heeled shoes.


    Her fist sparkled with the phoenix st which had finally stopped recharging. Just one strike would tear the boy apart along with his solid shield.


    Kyon dropped his shield, grew a two-meter adamantium sword and stood in an attacking position like a legendary swordsman. His dark eyes were like sharp daggers that could cut anyone in half.


    {I will be happy to see your arrogant eyes scattered throughout the arena.} ¨C The princess thought and smiled vengefully. She was slowly approaching Kyon like a hungry lioness whose victim was bleeding, still alive¡­


    Juno closed her eyes.


    Kara started the attack.


    At thest moment, Kyon dropped his weapon and, unexpectedly for his adversary, rushed towards her at maximum speed that was truly explosive and never demonstrated before.


    {What a cheeky bastard¡­} ¨C Kara did not expect that the weapon in her opponent¡¯s hands was nothing but distraction.


    ~boom~


    The destructive power of the explosion went in the direction where no one was standing.


    The princess had hardlye to her senses when she got kneed in the stomach.


    Kara had instantly created a me in her hands and tried to grab the boy by the neck to burn him to hell. However, he deftly jumped back and picked up his shield, prepared for her long-range attack.


    Fat Richie¡¯s face lit up in holy radiance.


    Xiao Bai turned green. His whole body was wet with cold sweat.


    Juno was purring under her breath, extremely pleased.


    ?He hit the princess!? ¨C One of the guests eximed and immediately closed her mouth with her hands; the poor thing broke into a cold sweat when Kara turned her angry look to her. The princess¡¯s cherry eyes sparkled with a thirst for murder.


    {The jerk has be much faster than before! Was he hiding his true speed?! The vermin¡­ Well, that¡¯s it! You¡¯ve really done it this time. I¡¯ll destroy you!} ¨C Kara¡¯s patience burst like a soap bubble. It was time for the biomass to die. His very existence was a wicked joke of the gods. A wave of furious rage swept over the girl. It had always been in her nature but she hadn¡¯t let it out since Elsa escaped. Her lips were half-open, her eyes burning with wild hatred, the chaos of curls on her shoulders seemed to be alive. What an irony, a miserable bug had driven the powerful royaldy into a frenzy!


    The guests gasped.


    The princess got down on one knee and slowly took off her shiny shoes, one after the other. Her delicious bare feet stepped on the cold floor. The audience saw the perfect cherry-colored pedicure. Her pink long toes could make the horde of foot fetishists fight to the death for a single chance to touch them. Her face was imprable. She was dangerously murderously calm. It was the calm before the storm¡­


    ?The princess is serious¡­ Goodbye Kyon, we won¡¯t forget you.? ¡­ ?It doesn¡¯t look like a test of his abilities.? ¡­ ?Now the young genius is surely going to die.? ¡­ ?That¡¯s too bad. I liked him, huh¡­? ¨C The guests said to each other. They had never seen Kara so determined. She shouldn¡¯t have underestimated the boy but no one could me her. Anyone would have doubted his strength. No one would have believed he was able to withstand opponents at the peak stages of the advanced phase.


    Kyon prayed to non-existent gods, took the shield in one hand and the adamantium sword in the other. The most dangerous moment of the battle hade. The boy did not know if the sleight of his 11 levels of the battle fist would help him avoid all the attacks. What if he would die from a single blow or a powerful technique, like the sphere, or flying phoenix, or the st, or the tornado-razors? He could only hope they were still recharging. Powerful techniques often need a long rollback, especially if theye with unique bodies.


    To maximize his chances, Kyon chose a battle strategy called ¡°undress the princess.¡± He had to pull it off without arousing suspicion, to make believe it happened by chance. Then the girl might give up the fight to save her dignity and not to sh her naked body in front of everyone. It would be a perfect chance not to offend Her Highness. Everyone would understand and forgive him.


    Two fiery demon heads appeared in Kara¡¯s hands fitting her fists like gloves. The guests felt the growing menace in the air.


    Kara rushed toward Kyon at a speed superior to Tsayan in his better shape by about two stages. Awesome numbers! Her technique of movement must be the best in the kingdom.


    Kyon¡¯s mouth twisted as if he had tasted a lemon. {Fuck¡­} ¨C if the girl moved at no more than the fifth level of the battle fist, he could parry her blows away, but if she attempted to steamroller him, there was only one strategy left to save him: to undress the princess. It would also keep her at a safe distance away from him.


    His masters would have given him thousands of ps for not predicting the princess¡¯s intentions before the battle started. Observation is also power. He was not mindful enough, and now it was toote to retreat.


    The sword in Kyon¡¯s hand turned into green lightning aiming at the girl.


    Kara tried to hit him with the fiery demon-gloves, but at thest moment, the boy pointed his sword at her hips, bent in a curve like a snake and bounced aside like a cat from a cucumber.


    The princess¡¯s eyes shed with caution. The girl did not believe that her adversary was capable of causing her any serious damage. His pure energy and weapon speed would leave a slight scratch, max. But if he cut her skirt, everyone could admire her seductive lingerie. Of course, she didn¡¯t mind fighting naked, but in recent years she had learned the reaction of society and could predict the hard times her mother would give her.


    Kara dodged from the sword trying to save her clothes and rushed to the boy with the sole purpose to kill him instantly.


    Suddenly, his green lightning aimed at her skirt once again, he jumped so swiftly aside that it was impossible to hit him. He¡¯d been using the length of his weapon in full. It didn¡¯t let her approach him closer than one meter and a half (about 5 ft). At that, she had no right to draw her sword. Otherwise, the boy would have died long ago.


    {What a jerk! Is he doing that on purpose ?!} ¨C Kara was furious. The bastard was taking advantage of her only weakness as a noble princess.


    The girl stepped back again. She could hardly keep calm.


    {Come on, do it again!} ¨C Kara thought slyly.


    And then the tip of the sword aimed at her chest.


    The girl grinned and unclenched her fists. The fiery demon-gloves opened their fanged mouths and shot terrible fireballs at great speed.


    But the boy seemed to predict her intentions and instantly jumped back. The fireballs went far away almost touching him and exploded at the arena barrier making little cracks.


    {How could he know?!} ¨C Kara gritted her teeth. Her thin fingers were trembling with rage. She had a feeling he¡¯d been reading her like an open book. Now her enemy knew the feature of her technique and would be more careful in the future.


    The demon-gloves are a unique high-ranking heat + wind technique. It is unusually powerful for short rangebat and quite effective for the medium range one. Each time, when the fists unclench, the jaws open and shoot with a powerful and fast stream of me or they spit a bunch of heat which, upon contact, explodes with great energy capable of tearing even metal into pieces.


    The furious girl darted forward and had nearly overtaken the trickster when she suddenly felt slippery ice under her feet and almost fell¡­ The green lightning touched the edges of her short skirt and left a long cut.


    The male guests¡¯ jaws dropped.


    Contrary to the expectations, the princess did not seem to notice the impudence of her enemy. The beautiful girl¡¯s face became tense. Fire was burning in her eyes but it could be confused with a young, sultry, fiery passion.


    The cunning, ingenious, treacherous boy reminded Kara of Astarta, the bitch, and it made her want to kill him even more. Astarta used to pull stunts, it was impossible to fight with her. This bastard also sets the framework, avoids death, leaves sudden surprises! Scheming little sneak¡­ She had seen through him at once but the audience was unlikely to understand his unobvious motive.


    With a graceful somersault, Kara got to her feet and simultaneously released a scarlet stream of enormous temperature from her gloves to the boy who was approaching her.


    Kyon covered himself with his shield, the stream veered sharply upward. The demon-gloves were emitting the heat that exceeded many times the temperatures the girl used to create. What was that amazing technique? However, high temperatures are a child¡¯s y for adamantium which cannot be said about powerful explosions.


    Kara indignantly approached Kyon at the distance of an outstretched sword andunched a dozen fireballs from her hellish gloves. However, the cheeky boy was dodging them on purpose, he didn¡¯t dare to use his shield being aware of the consequences.


    Only one stage separated Kara¡¯s ammo from the speed that could have kept up with the enemy and turn him into a bloody mash. If only her wind element had been of the superior grade instead of the advanced!


    Kara entered the area where she might be reached with the sword to try her luck again.


    The green lightning (the tip of the sword) aimed at to the princess¡¯s hips again. It looked from the side as if the boy was trying to cut her legs. But in reality, things were different.


    Kara used all five levels of the battle fist and her full speed trying to dodge and counterattack, all to no avail.


    {Too nimble monkey!} ¨C She nicknamed the boy for his extreme speed and agility. The level of his fighting fists was clearly equal to hers at the very least. And it was extremely annoying. Who is she and who is he?


    The princess decided to grab the boy¡¯s damned weapon with her bare hands. The enemy wouldn¡¯t cut her anyway.


    She deftly grasped the adamantium sword and was happy to attack. With the long sword, she didn¡¯t have to worry about the integrity of her dress, therefore, the boy was dead!


    Suddenly, the sword collided with the boy¡¯s hand, but contrary to the girl¡¯s expectations, there was no spray of blood. Quite the opposite, the weapon turned into sand.


    Kara cursed the boy. Another dead end! How could she forget that the rock created by the practitioner has the same fluctuation as its creator? ordingly, he could easily infuse it with his earth energy and change its structure.


    {I need to do something quick¡­} ¨C The princess thought.


    With every second, her energy was running out. The fight couldn¡¯t drag on and on. The boy was exhausted at the beginning of the battle but, given his manner of fighting, he didn¡¯t spend almost any energy, therefore, fighting to the end wouldn¡¯t not work.


    By some miracle, the boy managed to dodge her attacks and avoid all the tricks. And he was a cut below in speed! The tip of his sword kept pointing at the luscious ces of her beautiful body forcing her to retreat.


    Kara understood perfectly well if she had neglected the defense and attacked the dodging lousy boy in a fit of madness, she could have caught him in a couple of seconds! But as a result, all the guests would see her sexy body which meant she wouldn¡¯t escape the severe punishment from her mother.


    His strategy struck the princess as impudent and dishonest. Can people be really so mean and mad? Her enemy was ready for anything to survive. He was clinging to his miserable life with all his might. His excessive desire to live made her waste her precious time and disgrace herself in front of her little Juno. He can¡¯t get away with that. The hatred in the princess is not made of rubber and, as a rule, it always finds a way out in the nearest future. What if¡­ Screw the rules! She could pull out her silver sword and chop the asshole along with his green mold. Also, she could increase the development by at least a stage and crush him with the speed of her techniques or her own¡­ But she can¡¯t!


    {You¡¯re pissing me off¡­ Die, please.} ¨C The princess¡¯s fist sparkled with the phoenix st that had finally stopped recharging. The technique takes too much energy which ends so quickly.


    The boy made a frightened face and backed away.


    Kara was surprised to see his reaction, but her intuition was whispering that the enemy was bluffing. He is a yer not a victim! The girl rushed into the attack, not in a straight line but in an arch.


    This time, she wouldn¡¯t let the opponent leave the zone of the explosive destruction. She would be no ¡°open book!¡± She wanted to see him predict her actions now.


    Suddenly, the ground sank under her foot and it fell underneath. A trap!


    {Come on?! I didn¡¯t run the way he wanted!} ¨C Kara was shocked to realize that the boy was one step ahead. He had read her again and pulled wool over her eyes! Sly like a fox.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    The princess kept her wits about her and tried to get up with a somersault. Some lucky ones could see her most secret ce¡­ Next week they would find it hard to fall asleep without some manualbor.


    The phoenix st was interrupted, the spent energy couldn¡¯t be reversed. She had to wait again for the reload¡­


    Taking advantage of her confusion, Kyon shortened the distance. A green spark of his sword touched the cherry skirt of the stunning evening dress and left a second long cut on the side. Now, a part of her silk wine-colored underwear could be seen from a certain angle.


    The boys in the audience got sudden shivers down the spine. Their eyes were about to pop out of their heads.


    Anna was fully convinced of Kyon¡¯s vile and treacherous nature. He had good manners and behaved well when he was around her. But in fact, he was a two-faced jerk! Look at him disgracefully stripping the princess! And he had undressed Tsayan, too! What if he had a mania to undress people?! What if he was nning to get her naked, as well?!


    The pretty blonde girl blushed. She recalled the recent battle when Kyon ¡°forced¡± her to fall on him. And the moment when he ¡°identally¡± grabbed her legs at the most inconvenient moment and saw what was hidden under her skirt. It dawned on her why he had been behaving like that. ¨C {Asshole! Just wait till I get my hands on youter!}


    ?You, sick bastard! If you cut my clothes again, you will be executed like a worthless dog!? ¨C Karashed out at Kyon.


    Kyon took a breath, raised his hand to his chest and bowed slightly. The princess had a face like thunder: the reverence in the boy¡¯s voice was in strong contrast with his impudent actions.


    ?Your Highness! I have no intention to get you undressed. Your clothes get in the way of my sword! If you don¡¯t like it you can stop the fight. Nobody will frown on the royaldy from the powerful family Grand.? ¨C Kyon said.


    The guests¡¯ jaws dropped. Some kid was offering the princess to surrender?! To admit her shameful defeat?! He is the very embodiment of arrogance and self-confidence!


    The princessughed viciously.


    ?Do you want to disgrace me?! No way, dear¡­ I¡¯m not finished with you yet.? ¨C She put ice in her voice, her bare tender shoulders perfectly straight as a sign of her fighting spirit. Kara¡¯s intuition kept whispering to warn her but her intoxicating hatred did not let her concentrate¡­


    Suddenly, two demonic faces on the girl¡¯s fists took on a shade of ck. Their aura of danger increased tenfold. Kara was tired of ying by his rules and making a fool of herself. It was time to end the fight.


    ?The princess has activated the element of darkness! I heard she had used it against brilliant Elsa only! Did Kyon deserve her totalmitment in the battle?!? ¡­ ?Oh my God, she intends to destroy the enemy at all costs!? Is he really fighting the brilliant princess with a difference of 13 stages?! Ahhhhh!? ¡­ ?Princess, kill the upstart!? ¡­ ?Your Highness, spare his life! He is just a stupid boy!? ¨C The arena was buzzing.


    Kara smiled ominously and dashed to her adversary. When she approached him at a three-meter distance (so that his damned weapon could not reach her dress) she released two fast unremitting dark streams from the demonic jaws on her fists. They spread gloomy vibes of the futility of being. The shield was destined to crumble into sand upon contact with the element of darkness. The most terrible element in the world works this way. When it reaches Kyon, a horrible ck me will engulf him, and he will die in hellish torments turning into a kind of green slug to the apaniment of his inhuman scream.


    Kyon had been dodging the jets of darkness pretty deftly. He was being shot almost in the face (because of the wind) with incredibly dangerous (due to heat and darkness) ¡°geysers.¡± It was unbelievable that he couldst even a few seconds! And then came the inevitable moment when even gods would not help him dodge¡­ Kyon gave up the futile attempts and jumped towards the girl. He put out his shield against the death stream. The expectations of all the guests had been destroyed by his unprecedented madness and recklessness.


    {This is the end of you, moron! Die!} ¨C Kara¡¯s heart began to beat faster. For the first time, the anticipation of the imminent death of a fool had given her so much joy. How many times did he break her expectations? How many times did he outwit her? How many ps did he give to her dignity? He disgraced her in front of the guests, and above all, her little Juno could see her failures. It was unforgivable! That¡¯s it¡­ He is doomed. Darkness would turn the strong shield into sand reversing its ¡°energy of life.¡±


    ~whoosh~


    The stream collided with the shield and scattered to the sides. The me had lost its ck color and acquired a greenish tint, characteristic of the spatial attribute, useless inbat.


    {He bends the light?!} ¨C The princess was stunned, she could not believe her eyes.


    The guests oohed and aahed. A green glow reflected in their eyes.


    At the convenient moment of her confusion, Kyon shortened his distance and took a vindictive unscrupulous swing with his sword.


    There appeared a long cut on her luxurious dress in the area of the bust through which herrge seductive boobs almost fell out. They were hardly restrained by the spikes stuck in her clothes.


    All the boys in the audience couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the magnificent half-naked breasts, they pulled them like some electroma. Some of the guys drooled, a couple of them fainted.


    The same motive sounded in the hearts of all male guests: {You are a legend! We will always remember you as a hero.} ¡­ {Glory to you, young brave man! I will carve your name on the memory te.} ¡­ {Although our families are fighting, my heart is on your side.} ¡­ {I will put a little flower next to the vase with your ashes.} ¡­ {In another world, they will understand and forgive you.} ¡­ {You lived for a reason, daredevil¡­ Thanks for the show and¡­ Goodbye.}


    Kara immediately backed away. She was looking at the dark-haired boy with amazement that she had experienced only a couple of times in her life. Compared to other people, her attribute of darkness is of high purity, however, her enemy¡¯s attribute of light had easily overpowered her element! Just as his element of the cold did with her element of the heat. But now there was a gap of 13 stages between them! It was like some dozens of people at the same level were simultaneously attacking him! And yet, they failed to overpower him.


    She did not know that the enemy¡¯s (usually dirty) key of light had been cleared by 100%, that the heavenly pearl would give him another 50% gain and an additional charge. Thus, the difference in 13 stages wasn¡¯t enough for her to surpass him. Otherwise, (with any luck) the girl would have turned his shield and body into a shapeless mess.


    {It¡¯s impossible! I don¡¯t understand!} ¨C Kara blinked too many times looking at the boy with her piercing eyes. He seemed to have endless tricks up his sleeve. One surprise after another!


    Kyon could not hold back a malicious smirk, he almostughed. It was too nice to look at the stupefied face of the arrogant bitch. It would seem that the girl was already assuming the role of his future ve,pletely given to his will to do as he wished, as soon as he gained power.


    The conscious part of the boy moaned from impending troubles. He¡¯d better keep calm.


    When Kara saw his predatory smile, she heard her intuition screaming about the danger. What an insolent jerk¡­ For the first time, a boy, not even a man, was looking at her so fearlessly! He was monstrously talented for his paltry stage. He was crafty like a demon of the night.


    The princess knew that the following battle wouldn¡¯t be much different. The young genius would predict and repel all her massive, directed and explosive attacks. Fighting till he wore out meant her defeat. She couldn¡¯t see any strategy leading to her victory. The girl had tasted the bitter fruit of defeat for the first time. What¡¯s worse, her adversary was a boy inferior to her by more than a phase in development.


    {I¡¯ll kill the skunk at all costs.} ¨C Kara decided. She came up with a brilliant idea of how to improve the situation. No, it would be a disgrace to increase her development and kill him with a single blow. To go headlong in the attack and expose her magnificent body for unworthy looks was no option, either. There were another couple of effective tricks but she would never use them in front of all those people. She had to act insidiously and secretly so that no one could make out her crafty idea.


    Kyon looked into the princess¡¯s eyes without a shadow of fear or doubt. He was ready to fight to thest. He looked like a dishonourable warrior, eager to win victory at all costs.


    Kara looked like a proud lioness about to stab her sharp fangs into the neck of a weak but agile and quick victim. Her majestic posture and confident look fully justified her royal title. And her half-naked breasts and skirt in shreds could suppress any man¡¯s will. Excited teenagers deified the princess inessible to them.


    Suddenly, Kyon saw the girl¡¯s eyes glow cherry red. Only he could see that. Her unforgettable eyes seemed to turn into elegant crystals of precious ga shining from the inside. They pierced his core with her overwhelming will, enchanted his soul and conquered his heart.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes clouded over. Everything around him turned into an obscure haze. The audience rumble mixed in a muffled, illegible noise that drifted to the back of his consciousness. A wonderful goddess appeared before Kyon. The sense of beauty fluttered in his soul, sang a perfect song and blossomed as a tender rose under the spring sun. The girl opposite him was an inconceivable perfection. Mountains can be moved, the worlds and gxies can be conquered for her sake. The whole spectrum of feelings concerning love for ideal beauty poured from his heart into his mind. His legs carried him to the desired person against his will¡­ The shield and sword fell out of his hands.


    The boys in the audience took the effort to look away from the princess¡¯srge melons and stared at Kyon, perplexed.


    Juno cautiously opened her eyes framed by the fringe of long eyshes.


    {Wait¡­} ¨C Kyon¡¯s mind whispered to him. ¨C {You are fascinated by her eyes! She will kill you!} ¨C {Death is worth a single touch¡­} ¨C {Do you hear yourself?! STOP!}


    Synergy tried to block the burst of his illogical emotions, suppress an endless number of neurotransmitters characteristic to falling in love, but it couldn¡¯t keep up¡­ It was surpassed by his desires welling out of his soul like a waterfall.


    Kyon knew that the brain dominates the body. The soul dominates the brain. Consciousness has little effect on the soul, just as the body does on the brain. Synergy is the master of the brain, not the soul, therefore, it has no power over his state of mind.


    If the soul is in pain, the brain will totally feel it, and Synergy will have to helplessly eliminate the symptoms but not the root cause of the disease. He was experiencing this with the heavenly pearl, which had created his new channel of light, and at the same time gave him a hellish pain, the source of which he could not eliminate. He had to go into aa to keep his mind sane.


    Simply put, if the soul is enved or bewitched, Kyon will be defenseless. Only willpower and spirit can fight the root cause of mental damage. Funny fact: the charm of a mortal girl has overpowered the formation the goddess had given him. There are two reasons for this. First of all, the boy is tabooed (not without the help of his masters.) He can¡¯t get any undeserved pleasure. The sensations preceding falling in love are hardly a pleasure. Second of all, the formation he got from the goddess affected his brain, not the dominant soul. Did the goddess test him? He had no time to think about it!


    Kara smiled treacherously, a fire red up in her palms. She directed her hands towards the neck of the enchanted fool, eager to kill him in the most ridiculous but pleasant way.


    Suddenly, Kyon momentarily activated all his 13 levels of the battle fist, dodged from her grasp, appeared behind her, threw his arms around her slender body and magnificent bust, and buried his nose in her neck. His eyes clouded with fog, bliss on his face, his heart filled with warmth. Pleasant aroma of her silky hair crept into his soul, inspiring his whole essence¡­


    Was it the delightful paradise he¡¯d been aspiring to? Not really. He could go much further. He could use and exploit this beauty, unlike the sparkling stars of the universe, breathtaking mountainndscapes, luring sunsets and mysterious depths of the ocean.


    Juno turned pale and covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide with horror.


    The whole audience caught their breath.


    The boy in the first phase of development is pawing the princess! Boobs and beauty have ruined the fool¡­ These thoughts were spinning in the heads of male guests as if caught up by a giant tornado. There was no doubt, her naked boobs were wonderful, but to lose his head because of them? And his life? What a fool¡­


    Kara was surprised by his abnormal dexterity, she could feel his elements of water and wind. She hadpletely forgotten the incident as soon as she realized what was happening. The boy was in for sure death, but all of a sudden, he mysteriously avoided the death grip! She had expected him to be an idiot for a while. What the heck?! How could he be so smart to survive on the verge of death? The princess drove the obsessive thoughts away. An insatiable bloodthirst swept over her like a wave.


    ~bang~


    Invisible high-speed elbow strike hit Kyon in the chest sending him a couple of meters flying.


    At that very moment, fat Richie suffered a mental stroke and copsed. By all ounts, the subject of his bet was going to be executed ¡­


    The princess was breathing deeply. No one had ever touched her against her will, or he would have died a terrible death from tortures. The girl despised all the men in this seedy kingdom, and yet, one daredevil did what others could only dream of doing.


    In deathly silence, Kara approached the boy who had almoste to his senses. She stood over him, her bare feet along his chest, and pierced him with a scornful look as if he was a miserable slug. Cherry ice sparkled in Kara¡¯s eyes. Satan himself seemed to rule the day in them.


    Kyon looked up with hazy eyes. He saw slender bare legs on each side of him¡­ Under the skirt cut in shreds he spotted the secret point of sensuality hidden by captivating translucent wine-colored panties. A tititing bitch, indeed¡­


    ?Kyon Stone! You have harassed the first princess in the kingdom, Kara Grand. For this atrocity, I condemn you to immediate and brutal execution.? ¨C Kara said in a poisonous voice. Her fist lit up in ck me. The boy was in for a terrible death ¡­


    {What the¡­} ¨C Kyon began to gradually realize and understand what was happening. Apparently, the arrogant wretch had used some unknown charms with her eyes. His weak undeveloped soul could not resist her strong will. He had a feeling that Kara had first abused him and then sentenced him to death. It made him mad as hell. What a beast¡­ Kyon hated the insidious snake more than he hated Dinah.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    The princess stood over the condemned boy, determined to execute him at any second.


    {This is the end to the madness of the miserable Stones!} ¡­ {Boobs have killed the fool¡­ Millions of males will understand you up there.} ¡­ {You stole my glory and will now die like a lewd beast. Bravo.} ¡­ {Why did you do that, daredevil?! I would also love to¡­ But I will never dare.} ¡­ {Rest in peace. You¡¯re my hero} ¡­ {What a fool¡­ Did he get those ideas from his hermit master ?!} ¨C Thest bitter thought belonged to Stephanie.


    {No! Please do not kill him!} ¨C Anna covered her lips with her hand. She was worried sick. The boy began to mean much more to her than just a servant in spite of his unrequited love to Dinah, dissatisfied body and fragile spirit.


    No one had expected that the battle would end in an execution. The unthinkable, crazy action had led the young genius to a well-deserved death. There was no winner and no loser in the duel. Although, when the boy died, the princess would win an unconditional victory.


    XiaoBai ran his fingers through his hair. He was pale a while ago, then he blushed, and now he turned green. He had experienced so many strong emotions that he was afraid to get a heart attack. It turned out he had won the bet, but his family would lose a talented fighter who had nearly taken his half a million. A worthy opponent!


    Cornelia wrapped her arms around her enormous man. She looked at the boy who was sentenced to death with pity and contempt.


    Only Juno refused to ept reality. The girl decided long ago that she wanted to soar above anyone else, and Kyon was the way to the top of her talent. Without him, there would always be those who couldpete with her, or even dismiss her because they had the decisive word in her fate. Besides, the servant had given her an unusual extraordinarily and demanding unique body. He must have unsurpassed hidden potential.


    The girl yelled with all her might in a shrill hysterical voice:


    ?KARA! DON¡¯T YOU DARE!?


    The princess was about to kill the boy when the familiar voice filled with emotions got her attention.


    ?Juno, he deserves a brutal death for trying to dishonor me. Your words will not change anything.?


    Juno¡¯s eyes burned with firm determination. ?If you dare to kill him I will hate you for the rest of my life!?


    Kara¡¯s beautiful face twitched. Her beloved friend¡¯s words as well as the intonation of her voice hinted at a close rtionship with the boy. Why else would she stand up for an ordinary family member with such a frenzy?


    ?Honey¡­ I don¡¯t mind if you be a second Elsa for me.? ¨C Kara said with a smile. However, there was wariness in her eyes. The dark me in her hand sparkled brighter.


    Juno¡¯s heart tightened with fear. She said in a faltering voice:


    ?If you kill my dear friend I will use all the resources of my family to kill you¡­ No, I will persuade my sister to do it! I will be your sworn enemy!?


    The guests were dumbfounded. The patriarch¡¯s granddaughter was making death threats against the princess?! She was trying to protect a pervert who was deservedly used of harassment?!


    Kara¡¯s face became emotionless, unprecedentedly serious. ?A friend then¡­? ¨C jealousy swept over her like a wave. Was Juno willing to sacrifice everything to finish her off? Because of some lousy friend?! Would she be so willing to put her family and resources at stake if Kara happened to be in danger? Why was her darling baby girl so attached to the scum of the first phase of development? She had never been known for being gregarious and having lots of friends. She had deliberately kept her friendship with the boy secret to save him from the consequences of Kara¡¯s jealousy. s, she failed to save him¡­ How did the ckie manage to get so strong emotional connection with the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter who had unfathomable charm?


    ?Are you seriously willing to stand up for the justly used pervert and put everything you have at stake?? ¨C Kara asked, her voice cold like ice.


    Juno didn¡¯t hesitate. ?Who am I if I can¡¯t save a friend? My answer is yes.?


    The princess shut her eyes with long eyshes wet with resentment and disappointment. {I see¡­ The impudent boy has conquered her soul. His talent, bold disposition and good looks have driven my baby crazy¡­ No wonder, love for the opposite sex is stronger than attachment to the family and any other feelings. Does the bastard have the honor to win my bunny¡¯s heart?} ¨C The princess breathed out. She had to reconsider the situation. After a short pause, she resolutely looked into Juno¡¯s eyes. ?I will spare him. But you have to fulfill one of my wishes.?


    The tension disappeared from Juno¡¯s face. She answered right away trying to voice calm and not give out her jubnt joy:


    ?I agree.?


    Her words were a sharp knife into the princess¡¯s heart.


    ?But don¡¯t ask for anything indecent.? ¨C The girl quickly added.


    Kara looked with envy at the boy who was lying on the ground. There was darkness in his ck eyes. She bent down, grabbed him at the shirt, pulled his ear to her lips, and whispered gently:


    ?Monkey, you owe life to my darling girl. But do not rejoice ahead of time, I have not finished with you. We¡¯ll talk about your future fate pretty soon¡­ In the meantime, you can jerk off after seeing the princess¡¯s panties. I allow it. Boo!? ¨C There was nothing but contempt in her voice.


    Kyon didn¡¯t fully understand what was happening. His mind was still drowsy, and everything connected with Kara was pleasant and far from reality. She was still a stunning and inessible goddess from his imagination. Her wonderful eyes had captivated his consciousness when she used her spiritual charm. He was still in the wondrous, sweet dream¡­


    He couldn¡¯t imagine a more vile attack. What an insidious snake! She had framed him and almost killed under a noble pretext. Now, in the eyes of many Stones, he looked like a pathetic pervert.


    Juno had saved him from the bloodthirsty princess who was carelessly shing her assets¡­ But the royal bitch seemed to be his sworn enemy. One thing was clear. He had to be extremely careful. Otherwise, the insidious girl would definitely lead him to the grave.


    Kara got up and looked at the judge.


    He shuddered and uttered:


    ?Princess Kara Grand is the indisputable winner of the tournament!?


    Some shocked guests started pping tentatively. Gradually loud apuse and cheers to the ¡°indisputable¡± victory of the great princess filled the arena.


    The guests were convinced that the boy could have won. He lost because of his primitive lust. His divine talent was worthy of the princess level that was 13 stages higher than his! They wondered if anyone outside the mansion would believe this story? It sounded like pure nonsense!


    Moreover, the boy turned out to be Juno¡¯s close friend. The youngdy was willing to lose her friendship with the princess for him. She even threatened her with all avable means. The Stone family was at stake for his lousy life!


    The boy seemed an iprehensible mystery.


    The hatred from the Brown family had intensified. The Romanovs (3) were pissed off. Kyon had defeated Kaisen with three hits and that mixed their family with slops.


    Only the Stones looked at the mysterious boy with burning eyes and a me in their hearts.


    ?He is the boy who lived!? ¡­ ?Mamma mia! His action was unforgivable and yet, the princess excused him! She spared his life! Ahhhh! It can¡¯t be true! He was definitely born to change history!? ¡­ ?The boy who lived must be a student of TsyJi? ¡­ ?Where is justice? Why did he get away with his dirty harassment!? That¡¯s what I want, too!?


    Thements ranged from frantic indignation to enthusiastic praise.


    XiaoBai¡¯s smile was the most bright of them all. He raised his hands and yelled:


    ?Attention,dies and gentlemen! Temper your ardor a little! The ceremony of awarding the queen of the party is about to begin. The princess will get a well-deserved prize and dance with my beautiful little sister!?


    The audience exploded with apuse with renewed vigor.


    Kara picked up her shiny shoes from the floor, strolled towards Juno. She took her by the hand like her beau and led into the hall. The crowd of the guests followed them.


    Anna had conflicting feelings. Then she looked at Kyon again and followed the youngdy. She found peace in her heart. Kyon was alive¡­ So she could get to know him better.


    The guests from the other families, servants, and judges had left the training ground. Only the Stones stayed. They surrounded the boy who hade to his senses. They were looking at him as if he was a mythical being from the legends. They were afraid to approach him.


    Lee, the leader of the young generation, helped Kyon to get on his feet.


    ?Kyon Stone, you are really talented, indeed. Your master must be incredible, but¡­ Damn it, what kind of crap did you do in the end? What was your sick brain thinking when you attacked the princess and pawed her like ascivious pig?!? ¨C Lee blurted out with contempt, a grimace of rage on his face.


    ?Lee, enough? ¨C Stephanie said. ¨C ?Something came over him¡­?


    ?How can we respect someone who cannot ovee his lust?! If he hadn¡¯t been so talented, he would have deserved a spit from every Stone! We are the future of our family. We can¡¯t look up to anyone with a nasty and vile disposition!? ¨C Lee preached righteously using a lot of hand gestures.


    There was doubt in many eyes.


    {I see¡­ He is jealous because I got all the fame.} ¨C Kyon understood. ¨C {Should I justify myself? No, they won¡¯t believe me and will onlyugh at me. Should I take advantage of Stephanie¡¯s kindness? No, she is number three. Her words don¡¯t have as much weight as of this hypocritical bastard.} ¨C He quickly came up with a reasonable n and began to implement it.


    ?Mr. Lee! Please calm down. I pursue neither fame nor respect. There is no need to look up to me. My shitty master has irrevocably ruined me. I turned into a piece of rotten meat with his help. Thest thing I would like is to meet people like me. Oh well, a hundred of bastards with my temper can destroy the entire empire! Kyon alone is more than enough. It¡¯s not a call to kill me, not at all. What I did at the tournament was nothing more than the fruits of my master¡¯s work of my master. It¡¯s not about some talent from heaven¡­?


    Lee lost track of his prepared thoughts aimed at belittling and insulting Kyon.


    It is difficult to humiliate a person who can mock himself, to say the least. It¡¯s quite disarming if the purpose of the insults is to degrade someone, cause pangs of guilt or make fun.


    The Stones knew nothing about psychology but the expression on their faces had changed from convicting to interested.


    ?Is your master TsyJi by any chance?!? ¨C Stephanie eximed in surprise.


    Everyone, including Lee, listened carefully.


    Kyon took a good look at everyone and said in a mysterious voice:


    ?He has many names and masks. He is either a gray-haired old man or a handsome boy. He is iprehensible like the far-away stars. Someone calls him TsyJi. I have to call him master Laurus.?


    Someone gasped.


    The girl covered her lips with a trembling hand.

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    ?Is it true?? ¡­ ?The legendary master really exists!? ¡­ ?Ites as no surprise. His power is undeniably great.? ¡­ ?If not TsyJi then who?? ¡­ ?I agree with you! It¡¯s impossible to get this kind of power all by yourself.? ¨C The Stonesmented on what they had just heard.


    Lee listened to thepliments addressed to the boy and got sickened by them. The unpleasant situation was getting really annoying. Life hadn¡¯t prepared him to be number two. ?Okay, we get it. The master made candy with bitter filling out of you. You should share the knowledge of your legendary master since you are a member of our great family.?


    ?Lee!? ¨C Stephanie looked reproachfully at him. ¨C ?He has brought the family to the finals! The Browns blush and lower their eyes when we look at them, unfinished tigers, with pride! Is it not enough for a little gratitude??


    The Stones around nodded in agreement.


    Lee exhaled peacefully. ?Okay, kid¡­ I¡¯m sorry for being rude. Thank you for your efforts.?


    Kyon held back his contempt. His resentment toward Lee grew more and more.


    ?I believe in our family and I am happy to defend our honor.? ¨C He said with a smile. ¨C ?Let¡¯s go back to the hall so that the princess wouldn¡¯t take our absence for disrespect.?


    Kyon went to the hall. He was in the spotlight. Lee walked to his right. An unpleasant aura emanated from him. He was dangerous, not to be messed with. Charming Stephanie was to the left of Kyon. She kept ncing at him with her bright eyes. She had obviously something on her mind. She smiled at him, then, as if by ident, elbowed him in the side.


    Kyon sat down at his unremarkable table surrounded by a crowd of his new admirers. He wanted tough out loud. The result had exceeded all his expectations!


    All those who watched the tournament nicknamed him ¡°the boy who lived.¡± The Stones patted Kyon on the shoulders. They ttered and praised him. The other families looked at the young meat like wolves weakened by hunger stare at arge sheep. Some girls nced at him with interest and a bit of curiosity.


    Kyon had gained not only lots of opportunities but also enemies. However, the Stones had almost no enemies. He had achieved his goal. Another question is how he was going to use his new opportunities.


    Kara had already changed her dress and was now yfully hugging Juno. The girl furtively nced at Kyon. Her amazement knew no bounds. He had robbed Lee of his title ¡°the king of the battles¡± in just two fights. He was surrounded by the members of her family as if he was their leader.


    {How is it possible?! Did he n everything?!}


    The girl wanted to meet his eyes. She wondered how much gratitude she would see in them for saving his life. By her standards, the boy should immediately make her the bender of all the elements and disappear out of her sight.


    Kyon did not honor Juni with an ounce of his attention to avoid another fit of Kara¡¯s jealousy. The slutty creature was too dangerous. She had deprived him of all his money and rewards from the tournament.


    The boy hid the molten magma of burning hatred deep in his mind. Time is the judge of everything, and he will be the judge of time. In the future, he will put his hands on the thin princess¡¯s neck and not put on a beautiful ne on her.


    At the moment he was more concerned about the echoes of the spiritual attack. Kyon sent Synergy into his soul to make a thorough analysis, but it did not find anything intelligible to deal with. The atmosphere in his soul had partly changed its tonality. He couldn¡¯t dilute it with ¡°fresh air.¡± He had to wait until everything settled and his willpower cleared up the pollution in the soul.


    As for hisbat skills, the boy had solved this jigsaw puzzle before his fight with Kara ended. At the present moment, he is a ¡°poisonous snake¡± capable of killing a ¡°bull.¡±


    If he was allowed to use previously manufactured poison during the tournament, as well as all his abilities in general (9 elements) he could defeat his opponents even one and a half phases higher than his development.


    Kyon was 100% confident in the overwhelming victory over any opponent 5 stages above his development. He could suppress them in all respects: his speed, the concentration of elemental energy during the attack, the number of elements, his dexterity, strategy¡­


    He also gave himself a close to 100% chance to defeat anyone 10 stages above him. All thanks to his huge speed. The opponent couldn¡¯t hit him with either a sword or any technique. The rarefied and massive attacks like wind and me would be suppressed or repelled. Kaisen belonged to this category of the opponents. If the idiot had used the ether barrier Kyon would have had a hard time with him. But if he had used the element of darkness¡­ Then the bastard would have been defeated with the same three blows.


    As for the opponents of 11 and higher stages above, the chances for victory decreased drastically from 100% down. Each battlergely depends on certain conditions and circumstances. For example, the use of poisons, the opportunity to fight with a long sword or a dangerous bow, if the enemy has control, if the enemy has massive and at the same time concentrated techniques that are difficult to dodge. And many other factors that somehow affect the oue of the match. If Tsayan had had a solid metal weapon, Kyon would have lost. The adversary would have rushed into a reckless attack and be the first to deliver a crushing blow with the sword. That would be the end of the battle. Although, if poison was allowed¡­ It¡¯s all unequivocal here.


    Kyon wouldn¡¯t have had a chance if Kara had used weapons or those powerful techniques correctly. The stupid princess had squandered all her skills in the most ridiculous way. She was too impatient to wait for the rollback. Phoenix Relic, Tornado Razor, Phoenix st. Each of these techniques, if used properly, would have turned him into a corpse.


    And even in spite of her stupidity, if the princess was at least one stage higher, she would have won with her overwhelming speed and power.


    Roughly speaking, Kyon had to use all his wits and adapt to the situation when fighting with opponents more than 10 stages higher in development. ¡°Speed and Dexterity¡± is the strongest, most stable weapon in his arsenal that would enable him topete with enemies (of average talent) one and a half phases above him.


    ¡­


    While the group of the young Stones bombarded Kyon with all kinds of questions, XiaoBai came up to the stage and gave a standard speech in the line of ¡°it¡¯s an excellent party.¡± Then he invited Kara and handed her a golden box with the valuable Rising Hawk medicine.


    The fat guy added:


    ?Your Grace, I am afraid you won¡¯t find the prize valuable enough for you¡­ Our family has paid a very dear price for the Rising Hawk medicine. Please don¡¯t hold it against us.?


    Kara took the box and walked towards Juno with a graceful gait. She smiled radiantly and handed her the prize.


    Juno raised her eyebrows in surprise and indescribable delight. She crossed her arms and said: ?Are you giving it to me?!?


    ?I am, my love. I joined the tournament for the sole reason to give you the prize, not to prove my strength. You know too well, I don¡¯t care about local scum with mediocre talent.? ¨C When she said thest word her eyes nced towards Kyon. She resolutely took the girl by the hand and led her to the center of the hall.


    Juno had seen Kara fight with Elsa lots of times. Of course, she knew her approximate level and capacity. And yet Kara had to break her word of the princess during the battle. She was stupid because of her arrogance towards the scum around her. (which, from her point of view, was quite justified) She had underestimated the underdeveloped monster in the human body and made herself a fool. At least in her eyes. The guests loved and praised her as usual. They all were her fans.


    The guests experienced a surge of bright joy when they saw what the princess had done. Everyone had noticed the romance out of ce. The girls dreamed to have someone like noble Kara Grand. They would dote on such a darling.


    The orchestra yed a tune.


    The guests watched the two beauties dance. Their grace was worthy of heavenly goddesses. Kara resembled the highest priestess of love, and Juno looked like an undeservedly fallen angel. They intertwined in a single harmonious rhythm. The princess was assertive. She confidently hugged the girl at the waist and evenid her hand on her ass. She immediately got an agile p for her impudence.


    Kyon thoughtfully stroked his chin. {You gave it to Juno?! Come on!} ¨C A sly smile crept in the corners of his lips.


    The dancested for several minutes.


    The boy decided to leave the party out of harm¡¯s way. What if the vengeful princess fancied looking for him?


    As he was getting up he felt someone¡¯s fingers in the back pocket of his trousers. They had slipped a note to him.


    Almost all the Stones followed Kyon leave with their eyes.


    Kyon made a sign to XiaoBai to follow him. When he left outside he pulled out the piece of paper. It said the frequency of a sound transmitter, the name ¡°Stephanie¡± and ¡°call me when you are alone.¡±


    {Well, well, well, romance on each step¡­ You¡¯re not my type, baby.} ¨C His mind was upied by Kara against his will.


    Soon Xiao Bai came out and looked at him with a searching look. He was usually in a cheerful disposition but now he looked really serious.


    ?Kyon¡­ I have underestimated you. You¡¯re a cunning, calcting bastard who nearly emptied my pockets for half a million! I thought you suck but you have foreseen everything. You lost the first bet to ask for the ten-fold rateter! I did not believe in your strength. I never thought you were capable ofpeting with opponents a phase above. You are incredible, boy! But fate loves the rich and well-fed so it sent the princess to my rescue. And you hugged her like a horny nitwit. However, Juno¡¯s friendship and courage have saved your soul.?


    Kyon smiled. ?I am immensely grateful to her. As for the princess¡­ Let¡¯s not talk about her. She appeared like thunder from a clear sky and ruined my ns. May I ask you a favor??


    ?How quickly you have changed the topic¡­?


    ?I don¡¯t have much time.? ¨C Kyon said. He wanted to get away from unnecessary worries and think about how to get rid of the consequences of the mental attack.


    ?Tell me.?


    ?You are the first student of Elder Ben who in charge of the mines and, respectively, has high authority. I want him to free a ve from the mine. His name is Byron. He is the leader of the 3rd sector. And I also want him to promote one woman to a GP on the estate. She is from the same sector and her name is Martha.?


    The fat guy frowned, visibly displeased: ?Should I mess up with the whole sector for free??


    ?Yes.? ¨C Kyon said firmly.


    XiaoBai was about to say ¡°no¡± when he touched his third chin and decided to take advantage of his future rtions with a genius who also had a financial streak.


    ?Okay. Byron and Martha. I¡¯ve got their names.? ¨C With these words, he shook hands with Kyon.


    For the next few minutes, XiaoBai asked Kyon about his master, the technique of movements, ranks, ns for the future, etc. He discussed and observed from all sides everything that had at least some financial value


    Kyon gave clear and ¡°unaffordable¡± answers. Nothing for certain and no promises. It all came down to the great legacy of TsyJi that no one else could even dream of. He shouldn¡¯t poke his fat nose if he didn¡¯t have enough money.


    XiaoBai sighed and shook hands with Kyon. He insisted on seeing him soon in Boston. XiaoBai wanted to discuss the possible increase in the efficiency of the financial system of the family, mines, and ntations in more detail. He didn¡¯t have time at the moment. He should leave early in the morning.


    They said goodbye on a good note.


    Kyon returned to his room where no one would bother him.


    He had started all this bem with the poprization of his personality for a reason. The next goal on his way was to gain strength and power in the kingdom.


    Today, he had acquired two important connections: XiaoBai, the patriarch¡¯s grandson and Stephanie, the granddaughter of one of the elders. They may y an important role in the near future. He knew the frequency of their sound transmitters.


    He could use the rest of the Stones, who became so fierce fans of the new talent, for his purposes, too.

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    Kyon was lying on the bed massaging his pulsating temples. The wonderful image of the iparable princess and her charming cherry-red eyes wouldn¡¯t leave his mind. The boy could not concentrate. He wanted to get rid of the annoying addictive ¡°love¡± ASAP.


    Unfortunately, high speed, incredible dexterity and the ability to defend well against various types of attacks do not make you invulnerable. Attacks aimed at spirit can reach the goal unhindered.


    Kyon nned to gain the outstanding quality of power to defeat his opponents in phases higher than his development. But what about spiritual attacks?


    Kyon knew if his development had been a phase higher, Kara¡¯s mental attack would not have had this effect. Most likely, he would havee to his senses after two seconds of exposure. How to reach the desired heights if any bitch, desperate to see you dead, can get directly to your spirit bypassing all your physical defense?


    Thoughts about his unique body of the voidforted him. When he develops it, he will gain not only physical strength but also spiritual. It wasn¡¯t entirely clear yet how exactly it would be expressed. Everything was too vague¡­


    Kyon saw the beautiful princess before her eyes again. He was disgusted by his own helplessness. Synergy can eliminate the effects of falling in love, but the soul still sends signals to the brain akin to a slowly subsiding throbbing pain. It was an overpowering unbearable feeling.


    He understood that love is different from carnal desires even if it is their climax and natural mechanism for conceiving children. He felt like jerking off. Once, he read in some books that sex is strongly connected with the spiritual aspect. Masturbation could have a beneficial effect on his soul. Besides, the sexy image of Kara¡¯s slender legs, her erotic underwear and mouth-watering bottom would drive any teenager crazy. And at the moment, Kyon was in the body of such.


    {No! Not on your life.} Kyon got furious when he remembered her words ¡°In the meantime, you can jerk off after seeing the princess¡¯s panties. I allow it.¡±


    ying by the rules of the insidiousscivious g? Never! His soul would burn, and his self-esteem and pride would sink into oblivion if he ever did that.


    Kyon was well aware of the stupidity and irrationality of his decision. He had personally erected a wall and hit his head on it.


    His masters kept repeating him again and again that people tend to create difficulties and problems for themselves. Education, convictions, beliefs and other suggestions limit the mind, set a certain pattern in behavior, drive into a framework and repeatedly reduce the opportunities and effectiveness.


    Kyon had correctly identified the root cause of all his problems, his weakness for beauty. If Kara was not in his type he would not give a damn about her. She would have failed to mess with him which would have significantly simplified his life. Simply put, the vile snake would have been absolutely powerless. Her physical value would be zero. The barrier of rationalism would have stopped any of her maniptions.


    Kyon could not get rid of the most valuable brick in the foundation of his nature. The foundation would copse, and he would lose himself.


    Kyon epted the soothing reality for granted and stopped worrying about his shorings. Although he strived for excellence, he couldn¡¯t and didn¡¯t want to be a perfect cold-blooded machine for achieving his goals. To do this, he had to abandon any emotions, and he was primarily a human. His masters partially adhered to this opinion. They were not trying to cultivate an emotionless god-machine.


    Kyon preferred a good night¡¯s sleep to flying solo. A minuteter he fell fast asleep in anticipation to reach peace of mind. The whole world could wait.


    ¡­


    Myriads of bright stars were shining brightly in the sky. The silver moon illuminated the deep night with its ghostly light. The hands of the clock were approaching three.


    Numerous drunk and sober Stones had been searching the entire mansion for Kyon who had suddenly disappeared. No one knew the number of his frequency or the ce of his residence. They had no end of questions and they were not going to get the answers today. Stephanie was especially nervous. She kept biting her lower lip.


    The party wasing to a logical conclusion.


    XiaoBai stepped onto the stage and made a closing speech, after which all the guests could officially leave the party.


    When the party officially ended, Cornelia, the short girl whose pretty face was beautifully framed by her dark chocte hair, took the fat guy by the hand and pulled him outside.


    XiaoBai was speechless. The assertive girl took him a walk without a word from his side. She must have been wanting to see the local ces of interest. That¡¯s a disgrace! She didn¡¯t ask him first! XiaoBai did not resist too much, though. A romantic mood came over him (connected with his huge profit.) He didn¡¯t mind to know better the beautiful girl and the possible wealth of her family.


    Kara stretched and looked into Juno¡¯s emerald eyes. ?I see you¡¯re dying to know what you owe me¡­ You¡¯re a sweet little baby! You should have asked before¡­?


    ?What is it?? ¨C Juno asked cautiously.


    ?I want to stay with you for the night.?


    The girl nearly choked on her juice. ?I told you nothing indecent!?


    ?And what is indecent in two friends sharing a bed?? ¨C The princess was sincerely surprised.


    Juno said nothing. She put her ss on the table and headed for the bathroom.


    Kara took it as a yes. She was happy like a sly fox who had cornered a little mouse.


    Soon Juno came to her chambers in her favourite gray nightie and got under the nket. She looked at her friend with displeasure. ?Could you get changed in the bathroom??


    Kara put on new panties and a revealing nightie of a noble shade of pomegranate.


    ?Sorry, honey bunny.? ¨C The princess giggled.


    Shey behind Juno and gently wrapped her arms around her as she was a big teddy bear.


    Juno wanted to protest but she knew better than that. No point to resist. It would only encourage the yful seducer.


    A surprisingly sweet aroma tickled Juno¡¯s nose. It seemed unreal, inspiring. She was uneasy. {Is it perfume?} ¨C Her heart started beating faster. Her body temperature was gradually rising.


    ?Baby, tell me¡­ Who is the noiret for you?? ¨C The princess whispered affectionately.


    ?Just a friend¡­?


    ?If my life were in danger would you risk everything to help me??


    Juno¡¯s hesitation gave her away. ?Yes.? ¨C She realised her mistake and added. ¨C ?I mean¡­ You¡¯re a princess. You have power and resources at your disposal. My family can not bepared to yours. I would do my best but¡­?


    The princess held Juno tighter.


    ?I see.?


    Juno tried to rectify the situation. The servant was too important to her. ?Kara! Don¡¯t be jealous, please. Kyon is really a friend, nothing more. Once he helped me out and now I owe him. Do not even think about hurting him! I know your jealous streak and how you like to finish the job. Please leave the boy alone.?


    Kara got angry. Her favorite baby girl was caring about a talented monkey! But she quickly calmed down. It was time to put the n into action¡­


    A few minutester, Kara¡¯s sweet fragrance set Juno on fire. Her respiration increased. The nightie stuck to her back with sweat. She had a burning feeling near her stomach. She couldn¡¯t think straight. Was it a fever?


    Kara¡¯s naughty hands had left Juno¡¯s waist and were climbing quietly her boobs. The princess¡¯s thin fingers grabbed the girl¡¯s pointed peaks, squeezed them and pulled up.


    ?§¡h¡­? ¨C Juno moaned against her will surprised at her voice. ¨C {What is happening to me?!}


    Kara felt an orgasm rising from the moan caressing her ears. Her panties got wet. She glowed in anticipation of future events. It was the highest award to merge with Elsa¡¯s sister.


    The seductress¡¯s full lips gently touched Juno¡¯s neck sending an explosion of goosebumps all over her body. Her breath was steaming. Her head was spinning¡­


    Kara¡¯s yful hand crept slowly under Juno¡¯s nightie, crawled into her panties and entered the forbidden territory.


    The girl¡¯s mind fought back. She screamed weakly:


    ?Stop it!?


    Kara hastily removed her hand, but it was toote¡­


    Juno squirmed and got out of Kara¡¯s arms. Her face turned red, her eyes were burning with excitement and the wild fire of desire. However, she resisted it as befits a well-mannereddy:


    ?Enough, Kara! I didn¡¯t let you molest me! I promised to share my bed and you keep clinging to me and harassing me! Friends don¡¯t do this. If you touch me again, I will refuse to be in the same bed with you!?


    Kara became immensely sad. ?But dear¡­?


    ?No buts!?


    ?Then¡­ Can you hug me? Just hug me, nothing more.? ¨C She asked in an offended voice.


    ?Don¡¯t do anything stupid.? ¨C Juno hesitated and finally answered in the cold, emotionless voice.


    Kara smiled and hugged Juno tight. {Her upbringing is beyond reproach if she could resist my seductive aroma. Alright¡­ You will get used to me today, and the next time I will lie with you.} Deep inside, she was crying like a girl abandoned by her beau to the mercy of fate.


    A couple of hourster, Juno was fast asleep. Kara carefully got out of the bed and headed for the exit of the mansion. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with icy cold. The idea of the boy, for whom her beloved friend had a soft spot, kept haunting her. She wanted to believe it wasn¡¯t love. It was time to put her n into action.


    She went outside and asked:


    ?Did you get him??


    Two middle-aged men stepped out of the shadows. Another one with a big mustache followed them. He looked like a typical butler. ?Mydy, the boy did not leave the mansion.?


    Kara was surprised. {Did he outwit me again?!} ¨C But it was impossible to escape her people¡­ ¨C {Could he¡­} ¨C The princess was horrified by the unspeakable thought and decided to check it out.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    Kyon opened his eyes and turned to the sound. Someone was breaking in.


    What bastard dared to wake him at five in the morning?!


    A secondter, the door swung open and a girl fluttered inside. One look at her sent chills down his stomach.


    The princess was dressed in a velvet nightie, tight-fitting her slender body. Her generous cleavage allured and attracted the eye. She had soft slippers on her delicate feet. A hairpin iid with shiny gems was shining in her cherry-red hair. The silver moon lit up the dark of the room and the girl looked like a beautiful nymph from fairy tales. However, there was danger in her determined bright eyes¡­


    Kyon did not suspect that she would scan the mansion to find him. Her people must have been waiting for him outside, but in the end, the hungry lioness decided to find her prey inside.


    {Fuck} ¨C shed through his mind. It was toote to think about the missed opportunity to hide in the treasury. All his thoughts had been consumed by the image inspired by her charm. He was unable to think clearly. The princess must have spent the night with Juno since she was still looming on the horizon.


    Kara stared at Kyon with cold, bloodthirsty eyes. Just a little bit more, and she would instantly kill the boy.


    ?Look at you! When did you bond with my baby girl, jerk? Are you best friends now, huh? How did you get your own room in her house, just a floor below hers?? ¨C She said looking fiercely at the guy.


    ?What do you want?? ¨C Kyon asked coldly. He felt emptiness growing in his chest.


    ?How dare you talk to me like this, cheeky monkey?? ¨C The princess grinned and released the full power of her developed soul.


    Kyon had a depressing feeling and such pressure as if there was a huge bull lying on his body. His soul vibrated from the great power sent by the princess. She filled his mind with fear, which he immediately suppressed by Synergy.


    The princess¡¯s power wasn¡¯t something he could deal with in the near future. She was much more dangerous than Dinah! Kyon¡¯s face remained calm in spite of all.


    ?What¡­ do you¡­ want??


    Kara¡¯s eyelids trembled. The boy did not wet himself nor did he lose control! People of the first phase couldn¡¯t possibly keep it together under her intense pressure. They usually faint and soil themselves. In some rare cases they turn pale and shake with fear. She hade with unkind intentions, after all¡­ But there is no shadow of fear in his eyes! Commendable. Judging by his cold voice and eyes, he could resist her charm. He hadn¡¯t fallen in love with her. She had met a strong one. What an extremely rare exception! Perhaps, it¡¯s for the first time of her life.


    The princess closed her eyes. Her neat little nose twitched a couple of times. She looked surprised. ?How strange. I don¡¯t smell your seed in the room¡­ My panties impressed you, didn¡¯t they??


    Kyon cringed. ?Pfft¡­ You are not the crown of perfection. You couldn¡¯t even defeat me in a fair fight. Besides, shing the underwear is for¡­? ¨C He didn¡¯t finish his phrase. Perhaps, it would be too much.


    ?In a fair fight?? ¨C Kara felt a stab in her heart. She couldn¡¯t care less about his dirty little hints.


    ?Stupid boy! I had enough tricks up my sleeve, each of them could have torn you apart like a puppy. But if I had revealed them I would be in a lot of trouble. So stop thinking you¡¯re a winner.? ¨C She got really mad.


    Kyon grunted, suspicious. ?I wonder if you lie often or all the time??


    The princess clenched her fist in anger but immediately unclenched it. She smiled at Kyon. ?You¡¯re really a fool. As for your previous question¡­ Take it easy. I¡¯m not going to shed young blood. I have other ns for you. For starters, I want you to give me some answers. Do you prefer to do it the easy way or the hard way??


    ?Ask. Then I will decide.?


    The princess waved her hair and stared into Kyon¡¯s eyes. She wanted to determine whether he would lie or tell her the truth. How naive of her.


    ?There were rumors about your mysterious master TsyJi. Is it true??


    ?It is.? ¨C Kyon said matter-of-factly.


    ?So your stunning fast movement technique and heavy-duty fire-resistant rock are his heritage??


    Like any other person in the world, Kara knew that the techniques could not be given with usual instructions. The heritage (in the form of nephrites) of any family, n, guild or master is of great value. Everyone has their own ¡°channelnguage¡± which means you need a nephrite with the necessary information imprinted inside. First, you study the information from the nephrite, then you practice hard and reach enlightenment. That¡¯s the way to master any technique. The student can¡¯t copy it a new nephrite because they know it at the level of the ¡°user¡± and not the ¡°creator.¡±


    Kara had a reasonable question ¨C who is the holder of the nephrite? It was of paramount importance to her. If she mastered the monkey¡¯s technique of movements, her power would reach an unattainable level. As for the technique of creating the heavy-duty fire-resistant rock, it would l be a pleasant gift for her mom and even her entire imperial family.


    ?I have created it myself.? ¨C Kyon said impassively destroying all her expectations.


    Kara¡¯s beautiful face was distorted with anger. Her intuition was silent as the grave.


    ?Of course they belong to the master.? ¨C Kyon said maliciously. ¨C ?Tell me if I tell you everything will you disappear from my room??


    An evil smile yed on the princess¡¯s lips. ?I will leave your room when I see fit. So, tell me who this TsyJi is. Tell me more about your master.? ¨C Kara did not doubt the boy¡¯s words at all. Of course, the Stones couldn¡¯t have a movement technique of a legendary rank. And the awesome strong fire-resistant green rock couldn¡¯t be run of the mill, either. The monkey must have had a master.


    Kyon was surprised. Everyone around him knew at least one story about this master. You¡¯d think she had been dragged up, not brought up. Kyon had no time for reflection, he gave her the same information he had given the Stones. He made his nonexistent master sound mysterious, increased its value, made him inessible to ordinary mortals.


    Kara stamped her foot. ?That¡¯s enough! My highness wants to talk with the master and make him a tempting offer. Can you arrange a meeting for us??


    ?Princess Kara, you can forget about the heritage if you n to get it through Lovr. He took a mediocre guy from a low-ranking empire as his student and turned him into a talented gem. Why would such an entric person, who can turn mountains, listen to a single word of some princess? You¡¯d better watch out! He can destroy your entire family as revenge for his beloved student!? ¨C Cunning Kyon did not miss the opportunity to protect himself.


    ?Some princess?? ¨C The girl repeated in cold quiet voice, almost a whisper, and snorted with indignation. She found a terrific opportunity, and now it was slipping out of her hands like a slimy fish. Kara did not want to put up with it.


    The princess couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of danger she was facing but she did not want to put herself at risk, either. She wanted to eat the fish and not to choke on the bone. Soon, an insidious smile appeared on her lips.


    Kyon was rmed. {What is she up to?!}


    The princess waved her thick hair and got into the bed like a passionate femme fatale. ?I know how to get what I want.?


    Kyon¡¯s heart missed a beat. ?Are you going to **** me??


    Kara snickered and then burst outughing. It was a wonderful, divineugh as if an angel was ying high notes on a silver harp. Her dazzling smile was more beautiful than the finest diamonds and the brightest stars in the universe. The princess found it so funny that she had to hold onto her tummy and wipe her tears.


    Soon, Kara calmed down. Her eyes were smiling. ?I¡¯ve never met anyone who talked to me like this. You¡¯re really an agile, quick and ill-mannered monkey. And a fool! You are so dumb! Do you really think the princess would fuck you?!? ¨C suddenly, her voice became furious. ¨C ?Your insolence deserves death!? ¨C She instantly approached Kyon and pressed his neck to the bed with her cold hands. Her grip was like steel ws capable of bending iron. One movement and she would break his neck.


    Kyon wanted to threaten her with his master but he couldn¡¯t breathe.


    The beautiful princess¡¯s eyes peered into Kyon¡¯s ck eyes for some time. She was sitting on his stomach with her sizeable bottom, deep in her thoughts.


    ?I know you¡­?


    Kyon wanted to answer but could only squeeze out a hoarse moan. Everything went dark.


    Her grip had loosened a little.


    ?It cannot be¡­ You are the beggar who I met more than six months ago!? ¨C Kara eximed in amazement.


    Kyon felt as if he was hit on the head. ?What do you mean?!?


    Kara continued to peer into the boy¡¯s face trying to recall the events.


    ?You fell under the wheels of my carriage and held me for a whole minute! And I ordered¡­ Wait¡­ That¡¯s impossible!?


    Kyon saw his whole life sh before his eyes. He remembered the outburst of anger in his soul when he first saw this arrogant fury¡­ Everything fell into its ce. The princess imprisoned the previous body owner in the mines! That is why a trace of iparable hatred for her got imprinted in Kyon¡¯s mind! Probably, that Kyon strongly regretted that a minute of the royal person¡¯s time cost him his death! He wondered if his parents were still alive? He decided not to ask, though. It would be too suspicious.


    {Joly shit¡­} ¨C Kyon realized that he had a double reason to hate the corrupt princess. In fact, the arrogant creature had killed him twice! What a nasty piece of work!


    Kyon did not let hatred show on his face. ?I have never been a ve.? ¨C The boy replied impassively stoically holding her steady gaze.


    Kara grunted. Indeed, a chance of running into a guy who looked like someone else was much higher than meeting a ve who was imprisoned in the mine for life. It was ridiculous.


    ?I guess you haven¡¯t.? ¨C Kara had to agree. Suddenly she twitched her nose like a rabbit. Her beautiful face got closer to Kyon¡¯s neck. She breathed in the smell of his body and perfume.


    Kyon winced. {What¡¯s wrong with her?!}


    Kara said gently:


    ?Mmm¡­ You smell so good¡­ The perfume is delicious, appropriate. No wonder Juno defended you. You are terribly talented, handsome, and don¡¯t smell like other stinky boys. Besides, you know how to control your lust as you haven¡¯t covered the whole room with your cum.?


    Regarding lust, Koyn had to restrain his erection with the help of Synergy. If his boner touched the princess¡¯s mouth-watering bottom he was as good as dead.


    ?Alright, I don¡¯t want to waste any more precious time on you.? ¨C Kara put her hand on Kyon¡¯s cheekbones and squeezed them so hard that his mouth opened. Then she bent over him and opened her full lips. A droplet of saliva fell directly into Kyon¡¯s mouth.


    The boy¡¯s eyes widened. He tried to jerk himself free, but Kara held him too tight. No resistance could prevent the crazy chick from getting what she wanted. Another question is what the hell is going on?!


    The saliva of the libertine dropped into Kyon¡¯s mouth and continued to trickle in a silver thread.


    Kyon was shocked. {What the fuck?!} ¨C He felt his boner growing bigger and bigger leaning against the princess¡¯s bottom, but she only smiled at the sensations from behind.


    Her saliva was sweet like honey. But his throat burned like it was strong alcohol. His body was rapidly gaining temperature and losing tension¡­ He flexed his muscles and felt no stress. Excitation in his groin was growing stronger and stronger.


    Kyon refused to believe what was happening. He wanted to surrender to the entrancing stream and enjoy the moment.


    Everything became meaningless, stupid and unrealistic. Kara was for him a higher creature above everyday life. How dared he hate such a perfect being? A tiny voice whispered inside of his head.


    His hands were on Kara¡¯s thin waist trying to push closer to his pelvis, to impose her on his heated,nguishing package. But the girl sat firmly and did not move. She would never allow his desire toe true.


    Her resistance poured on Kyon in the feeling of herplete inessibility. Something powerful interfered with his reason, intoxicated, yed games with his brain, made him fall in love with the insidious temptress.


    Kara was pleased with the boy¡¯s reaction and removed her hand from his jaw. He did not resist nor try to move away. On the contrary, he raised his head to the thread of her saliva as if it was a source of life-giving moisture in the desert.


    A few more drooling beads poured into his mouth, and then the girl closed her pink lips, wiped the moisture with her hand and smiled.


    ?From now and forever I will be the one who you will give your life in a fit of love. I will be the crown of your existence, the goddess of your heart and mind. You will be burning with an eternal desire to please me at least in something. When you develop high enough and earn the full trust of your master, you will get his original heritage or at least some copies, the technique of movements, above all. Don¡¯t tell him on me and your intention to give them to me. Then I will be kind to you. Perhaps I¡¯ll put you to good use. Maybe I¡¯ll find another handsome guy and arrange a nice show in the evenings for my beloved self. There are so many options! My fantasy knows no bounds, trust me. But it shouldn¡¯t bother you. You will fulfill any order I give you. And by the way, you are the only male who could pique my interest.? ¨C When Kara finished her tirade, kissed Kyon on the nose, got off his stomach and waved her thin gracious fingers. ¨C ?Bye, bye, noiret.? ¨C And left the room with a flying gait.


    When she left the mansion, Kara climbed a high riding beast that her servants had brought for her. She headed for Boston to the pce riding like the wind, in a really good mood.


    After she did what she did, Kara aimed to pursue two major goals. And she was going to achieve at least one of them.


    First: she was no longer worried about Juno. The girl would quickly lose her interest in the fool in love who would pay no attention to her.


    Second: she was eager to find out if the underdeveloped boy could gain his master¡¯s trust and get his heritage. He had received more than enough motivation, after all. Any elder of her family would be happy to seize the boy for themselves. Kyon was more precious than gold. He had defeated an enemy 13 stages higher in development. It had never been mentioned in any historical chronicle. The princess was not too stupid or stubborn to hold on to his insignificance and worthlessness. She gave him a chance to please her, to gift her a great technique of movements and other heritage. If he manages to do it, she will leave him by herself as a sign of gratitude.

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    Kyon ordered Synergy to shake his consciousness. An electrical spark shed in his mind bringing him to his senses. Synergy had found some strange fluid in his stomach and began to neutralize its effects.


    It turned out that Kara¡¯s saliva had already released its unlimited energy of charm through the keys into his soul. At the moment, it was nothing but ordinary liquid.


    {Fuck.} ¨C Kyon swore to himself. His heart was beating furiously like after a long sprint. His face turned red, sweat was running down his body. His whole being was inspired by a feeling that some teenagers experience when they are willing to die before the object of their adoration. He had crossed the line that separated love from mania. In his understanding, Kara became the ideal crown of creation with undeniable merits. The princess¡¯s wonderful scent was everywhere intoxicating his mind¡­ Her divine image had conquered his imagination. All he wanted was to rx his mind and merge with this intoxicating feeling.


    {Don¡¯t do it¡­ No!} ¨C Kyon closed his eyes. His willpower and Synergy worked at full capacity. He was exhausted as if he had been tortured. When he was in the mine, the goddess applied on him the formation that affected his mind through neurotransmitters. Now the situation was simr. Kara intended to make Kyon fall in love with her to the state when hepletely lost his mind. In this case, there was no cure to help him.


    Kyon looked into his soul with Synergy and found out that his inner atmosphere waspletely saturated with the energy of charm. His insides seemed to smell the princess.


    A couple of hourster, Kyon finally recovered from her captivating gaze, but getting rid of her saliva (or rather from the colossal energy it contained) was going to take him weeks¡­


    {Am I doomed to be the ve of the arrogant evil tart?!} ¨C If Kyon gave in to his emotions, the desire to eliminate the consequences would immediately disappear. These long weeks were going to make him crazy for years toe. ¡°Now and forever¡± sounded too weird¡­ The power of the curse can¡¯t be so powerful.


    And yet, he could not ept reality. Could the fatal girl take him into her possession without any subjugating formations, ckmail and tricks?


    Kyon was sure of one thing: he would be able to hold on with incredible efforts until he ran out of Synergy that he had been actively spending to resist the curse. He must avoid Kara by all means. Otherwise, he would break loose and be a ve to her love at once.


    Kyon had correctly calcted the time when he would bepletely out of Synergy. Exactly an hourter, his fate would be beyond his control. He had to be extremely focused.


    He had to find a solution right now.


    {Any options?} ¨C His brain was working to the fullest.


    Kyon listed in his mind all the known methods to influence the soul: medicine, money, keys, elemental energy of another practitioner, and pressing with pure energy (which Kara had recently used).


    However, all those options were either impracticable, or useless, or might worsen his situation. He needed purification¡­ He had to get rid of the alien energy, to clean up his soul or release his spiritual desire to reduce its intensity.


    An obvious thought came to his mind. {Sex!}


    Any sexual activity, especially with a woman, is closely connected with the soul and spiritual processes. If he could ¡°make¡± love with Kara there was a great chance of reducing the power of her curse and even of a partial recovery.


    If he could use Synergy in such a way that it would restore faster than it was spent on healing his mind, Kyon would always maintain the fragile bnce of the integrity of his personality! And his dubious fate of a ve madly in love with Kara would disappear into oblivion.


    Kyon grabbed at the only chance to keep his mind sane.


    He highlighted several problems that need to be addressed or minimized:


    First, he needs only Kara to have sex with. Otherwise, intercourse won¡¯t beplete. But the princess will never sleep with him. He worships her while she despises him. No matter how hard he tried to fool himself with Synergy, it would be a lie. And the effect of escaping the curse would significantly weaken if it didn¡¯t disappear at all.


    Second, he should have sex with a physically attractive partner.


    Third, his ¡°lover¡± must always be near him. He needs to take the weight off his soul and let off steam regrly.


    Fourth, his sex partner is supposed to be defenseless against his power. Ideally, she should be a ve who can¡¯t confront her master.


    Fifth, he has to weaken the curse as much as possible and to do that he has to belittle his sex partner to the max. He must have absolute dominance over her. She will be his personal bitch, a dirty thing that he can fuck for days on end. Then the image of the majestic and impable Kara will descend to the ground and turn into an ordinary whore from a cheap brothel. Common sense will suppress the curse or even remove it altogether. This is exactly what he wants to achieve.


    Kyon figured out that it alles down to problem number one. He must convince himself of the authenticity of the sex partner. Otherwise, everything else will be meaningless.


    Kyon lowered his head, lost in thought. Sweat dripped on the floor. The time was running out. His mind gave him a practical idea to change the strategy and imagine that everything that happened with Kara had actually happened with another girl. Theoretically, if he could convince his mind of this fact, then he wouldn¡¯t need to imagine his coption with Kara. That¡¯s how he will deal with the arrogant bitch that cast an insidious curse on him.


    Even if the soul dominates the brain, it still relies on thetter just like the brain relies on the body. If you break your leg, your consciousness will feel the pain and understand the impending consequences. You can pull off a scam like that with your soul as well! Kyon supposed if he could deceive his brain, his soul would also believe him! He doubted that the curse was self-aware¡­ It will give up Kara as its creator and take on someone else.


    In his previous world, Kyon had to deal with neuro programming. It¡¯s a dangerous thing. You can convince yourself of something for the rest of your life and then prove the truth with foam at your mouth. Besides, there is always a risk of burning your brain and bing mad.


    The idea to erase Kara¡¯s memories from his mind was not an option. It was highly probable that the curse would make him fall in love with the ¡°closest¡± memory of a girl or maybe a boy¡­ It¡¯s like a phantom pain when the brain is convinced of the presence of a torn limb. His disease in the form of the curse would certainly spread to another target. He¡¯d better choose for himself an object to fall in love with.


    {Yeah¡­ That¡¯s what I am going to do.} ¨C Kyon wholeheartedly embraced his brilliant idea. If he had sex with ¡°real¡± Kara that is with the girl who had ¡°cursed¡± him the chance to avoid the sad fate of a ve in love would increase a thousandfold.


    Which girl should he choose to make his steady sexual partner?


    Isn¡¯t it ironic? Once an emperor, he was looking for a girl for forced carnal pleasures¡­ Everything for the sake of his free conscious life.


    {Juno?} ¨C A crazy thought darted through his brain, but he ruthlessly dismissed it at once. Kara the bitch was still likely to share the chamber with Juno. Besides, it was dangerous for him to have sex with the little hottie. If he fell in love with her she would do her best to kill him. Or Bai himself would rip off his balls and then kill him most ruthlessly.


    {Anna?} ¨C Kyon really liked the blonde maid. But he would have to get to her through Juno¡­ And Juno was most likely with Kara. Besides he owed Anna even if not too much. It wasn¡¯t an option.


    {Marina?} ¨C Off the mark. He owed her too much. Besides, Flitz put his life at serious risk.


    {Stephanie?} ¨C Number 3 in the Stone family was very attractive, but it wouldn¡¯t do to subject her to constant abuse without fear of retaliation from her side. Moreover, her father was an elder.


    {Dinah¡­} ¨C The name sounded like a statement. What did the highest maid-killer cherish above all? What was she most afraid of? Who did she hate? She owed him a huge debt equal to the price of life¡­


    So, first of all, the problem with self-deception was totally solvable. Second, Dinah had a beautiful and slim body. Third, the girl could always be near him. Fourth, she was in his full power, a defenseless ve. Fifth, if he took advantage of her with an effort of his willpower, if he lowered the image of an inessible goddess to the ground and humiliated her, Kyon wouldn¡¯t go against his principles. He would create perverse and selfish love. She was a perfect victim¡­ He had made up his mind


    Kyon¡¯s eyes expressed his unkind intentions. He picked up the sound transmitter and called Dinah.


    ?Speaking.? ¨C He heard her cold melodious voice.


    ?Where the hell are you, Dinah? Come to me at once!?


    ?I¡­ I aming.?


    Kyon took the sound transmitter away and ran his fingers through his hair. {Damn it¡­}


    He went straight to the treasury. Back then when he was preparing medicine for unique bodies, he ordered Juno to remove the protection from the formations that opened the passage. At least one thief had been constantly using and robbing the treasures.


    As soon as Kyon approached the door to the first treasury, he heard the tter of high heels.


    The beautiful killer-maid came downstairs with a spring in her step. She was dressed in a luxurious pearl-gray dress and silver shoes. Her upright posture and ample bust pleased the eye. Her slender leg flirtatiously peeking out from the long slit was the cherry on the cake. The sexual appearance of the beauty did not match her role as a cold-blooded killer. She looked more like a charming heartbreaker who could charm any man with her coldness and then rob him of his wealth and disappear without a trace.


    Dinah emanated the aura that was extremely rare in women. It was impossible to ignore the deadly mixture of coldness, beauty and grace of a well-mannereddy. Her bewitching little detail was inessibility that distinguished the noble maid from the rest of the girls.


    Her delicate and wless pale skin was soft like velvet. Her eyebrows were gracefully arched and her piercing eyes were ice cold. Dinah red at Kyon approaching him quietly like death.


    Kyon ordered her:


    ?Follow me.? ¨C He quickly went into the treasury.


    Dinah¡¯s eyelids quivered. How could the servant get into the treasury just like that? She dropped all the unnecessary thoughts and followed him.


    Kyon ignored the girl. As soon as he got to the hall and out of Dinah¡¯s sight he rushed to the passage into the second treasury which was even deeper than the first one.


    When Dinah was downstairs and saw Kyon leaving in a hurry she got it: {He knows!} ¨C Her silhouette blurred, she chased the enemy. A dagger shed in her hands. Today, she will cut off the brat¡¯s head. The heavenly talent will be killed for all his sins and trouble that he has unleashed upon her peaceful life.


    After Dinah¡¯s first phrase on the sound transmitter, Kyon realized that all the orders he gave to her had been reset, and now she was a mortal threat to his life. If her ¡°cage of orders¡± had been in order, the maid would have automatically replied: ¡°Yes, sir,¡± and not: ¡°I aming.¡± Kyon didn¡¯t waste his precious time. He decided to hide in the treasury as deep as possible, but Dinah detected him and trod on his heels¡­


    How did she do it?! Juno was the first to delete Dinah¡¯s ¡°cage of orders.¡± The second was Bai. Who was the third? XiaoBai, of course!


    The mortal danger in the form of the vengeful maid was after him! If she got any closer she would kill him in a couple of seconds. He was too weakpared to her. The fear of death inherent to any normal person unpleasantly held Kyon by the neck.


    {What should I do?! What options do I have to survive?!} ¨C Kyon calcted his chances. His fighting strength was nothing against Dinah! He had attacking nephrites but all of them could harm only the enemy who was at the beginning, at most the middle stages of the superior stage. Dinah was far above that, therefore, it¡¯s all for nothing! But it was worth a shot, anyway.


    {I have to get to the castle! I have to hold her up as long as possible!} ¨C Kyon had a nice idea. If he got to the castle he could close the door. Or maybe not? He had no other options. But there was still a slim chance of survival.


    Dinah reduced the distance between them by half in a few seconds. Her speed significantly exceeded Kyon¡¯s. When she reached the entrance, she rushed down the stairs but they were covered with ice! The girl slipped and almost fell but with a deft somersault, she got to her feet and continued the pursuit as if nothing had happened. She was above such trifles. In her mind¡¯s eye, she was already cutting off Kyon¡¯s head.


    Meanwhile, Kyon ran through the next passage and headed for the castle with the tomb. He gritted his teeth when heard the killer¡¯s steps approaching him so quickly. Her aura sent a chill down his back.


    Dinah ran into the dark passage, noticed the boy and gave him a predatory smile.


    ?You won¡¯t get away, bastard!?


    Kyon took out ten most powerful attacking nephrites and activated all of them at once. She wouldn¡¯t dodge them in the narrow passage! It would be only for the better if Dinah died.


    The techniques sealed inside burst out of the cloudy green stones and headed towards the pursuer. A jet of hot water, electric fireflies, stone spikes, air sphere-des¡­


    Dinah¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, but she reacted lightning fast. She spread her arms creating a translucent wall in front of herself, kind of the ether barrier.


    ~bang~ ~ding~ ~crang~


    Bright shes of various techniques collided with the barrier and scattered in sshes, waves, and fragments in different directions making a cacophony of sounds.


    Kyon turned around with hope it was all over and saw the silhouette of thepletely unharmed girl who was appearing from the clouds of smoke. An icy cold smile was ying on her lips, her eyes were burning with bloodlust.


    ?Silly tricks won¡¯t save you, honey!? ¨C Dinah disappeared from her ce and rushed at rtively insane speed to the dead-to-be boy.


    {What the fuck! How can she be so powerful?! She¡¯s only in the superior phase!} ¨C Kyon was furious. He took out a dozen more attacking nephrites much less powerful and activated them.


    Without difficulty, almost yfully, Dinah blocked all his attacks and continued the pursuit. She was surprised to find out Kyon had the nephrites but she was even more amazed by his strong desire to survive.


    When he activated hisst nephrite, Kyon gritted his teeth frantically thinking of a n to dy Dinah at least for ten seconds! He gave up the idea of killing her. Only a few seconds of pursuit separated him from his imminent death and it was three minutes till the castle! And he couldn¡¯t say for sure if it a safe ce.


    Kyon had an idea to call Juno and order her to make Dinah freeze, for example. However, why would the maid even answer her? If Dinah didn¡¯t hear herdy¡¯s voice of the mistress, her formation wouldn¡¯t get the orders. She was not obliged to answer herdy¡¯s calls, especially as she knew that the sneaky bastard had already phoned her.


    Dinah was getting closer and closer. She could feel slippery ice under her feet and knew that Kyon had created it. But she only snorted contemptuously and showed no other response.


    The maid halved the distance in a few seconds when she saw a green cloud in front of her. She frowned.


    {Spatial attribute? He has mastered six attributes?!}


    Suddenly, a bright sh of the attribute of light dazzled the pursuer.


    Dinah could hardly distinguish the walls in the imprable darkness of the ancient cave. The silhouette of the fleeing boy disappeared from her sight leaving only the sound of his footsteps moving away.


    Kyon ran off with all his might, his heart was about to explode. Despair rolled over him with renewed vigor. He had no nephrites! Swords and other tricks were useless and wouldn¡¯t even scratch her! trying to negotiate with Dinah would be the death of him!


    {What should I do?! Think of some fucking way out!}


    A secondter, Dinah activated scanning and immediately felt the shape of the walls and Kyon running away. She chased him like an unyielding predator. Her curiosity had been piqued. The boy was trying hard to survive. How nice it would be to disrupt his ns and nail him to the wall! He had no chance. No one and nothing would save him. She was prepared for any surprise because she had never dared to underestimate her sworn enemy.

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    Kyon was overwhelmed with pointless emotions and despair. He rummaged feverishly in his mind for a way to stop the bitch, ideally finish her off! Synergy? It was useless here! The elements? All for nothing! Any of his attacking formations was ten times more powerful than his attacks! They were all over. And none did any harm to her.


    All at once, he came up with the only one andst hope for salvation. He initiated the action n straight away.


    Dinah was surprised to see the boy throw away about a thousand spheres. The mostmon harmless spheres of the basic grade. It was just money, no big deal.


    ?Do you want to buy your miserable life!? Ha ha ha! Stupid creature!? ¨C Dinah eximed enthusiastically. She was already anticipating the boy¡¯s imminent death. With no hesitation, she ran towards him. She thought the fool wanted to knock her down. In spite of their endless number, she simply blew the spheres to the sides with the element of the wind.


    ~boom~


    All the spheres exploded in a single choir under her feet in a deafening uproar that, due to resonance, intensified ten more times. The cave trembled.


    It was thest thousand that Kyon put aside for a rainy day out of good habit.


    In a brief moment of herplete astonishment, something silver cut through space and scratched Dinah¡¯s shoulder. If she had been a bit more ready she would have infused the ce of impact with pure energy and there would be no mark left!


    Dinah instantly came around. She never knew that money could explode! She quickly came to her senses and rushed in pursuit. Her ears were ringing, her head was spinning, the scratch from the throwing knife was bleeding. How vicious of him¡­ He did scratch her! She was ashamed to be scratched by him, but it was nothing. Anyway, the arrogant servant was about to die a terrible death.


    ?I am done with you! Is your life really so dear for you?!? ¨C Dinah was exasperated.


    ?What do you think, dumb bitch?? ¨C Kyon shouted to her.


    ?You may as well give up, honey! I¡¯ll catch you anyway, and after that, I will cut off your head and your tiny little penis! Don¡¯t wet your pants!? ¨C Dinah said gloating over him.


    She was amused by the boy¡¯s vain attempts to escape from his inevitable death. She moved like a panther tracking down a precious prey confidently and inevitably. His heart was beating too fast. Dinah knew about the spiral staircase and the castle. Sooner orter there would be the dead end, even if it was still far from it. He couldn¡¯t possibly hold her back for so long.


    Soon she would catch up with the boy and finally stain her dagger with his dirty blood. The cold-blooded killer wanted to torture the brat, to make him bleed, to see an expression of despair and regret on his smug face.


    Dinah gradually reduced the distance between them to twenty meters (65ft). Another moment and he would be in her power. She won¡¯t kill him right away, she was going to let him suffer. Coldness inherent to her nature had transformed into bloody excitement.


    Suddenly, Dinah frowned. Her movements slowed down¡­ Her muscles worked properly, but for some reason, the key of light rotated more slowly and released less energy. Her technique of movement technique elerated her far less.


    The key of light works like any other organ. When it gets a signal, it rotates, and the channel that runs from the body to the soul changes its shape in the right way. Now the signal to the key was somewhat weakened.


    {Did he poison me?!} ¨C Dinah remembered the scratch she ridiculously got in her shoulder and figured out everything. She took out the general antidote and injected it into the injured area.


    Dinah continued the pursuit carefully running on the slippery floor around the bumps Kyon kept creating. The distance to the boy was getting shorter and shorter. Only ten meters left (33ft)!


    Kyon¡¯s heart was about to jump out of his chest when he heard death chasing him ten meters behind. A whistle whizzed from behind, he instantly stepped aside avoiding the throwing weapons. And a couple more!


    ~whoosh~ ~whoosh~ ~whoosh~


    With the side vision of his modernized eyes, Kyon could see and dodge everything.


    Sparkling shurikens shed near his ears. But he was afraid of something else! Dinah was only five meters (16ft) behind!


    {Shit! SHIT!}


    The girl gritted her teeth. She was running at full speed. Five meters¡­ Four¡­ Three¡­ The dagger in her hand longed for the jerk¡¯s blood! Three meters¡­ Three¡­ Four¡­ Four¡­ Five¡­


    Dinah¡¯s eyes blinked in surprise. She couldn¡¯t believe what was happening.


    {Why is the poison so strong?! Why isn¡¯t the antidote working?!} ¨C Dinah didn¡¯t know that the poison was created by Kyon and it could not be blocked with the usual antidote.


    The girl¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Just half a minute ago, she was expecting e bloody massacre, and now she was devastated with fear! Her movements were getting slower and slower! Even if she caught up with him, she could do nothing. The boy was smart like a god of monkeys! And his movements were too skilled.


    {Oh gods, no!}


    Chilling fright embraced Dinah, grabbed her legs with its cold slippery hands. The girl was numb. She could no longer confront the boy. Shurikens were too slow, and her elements were crucially weakened!


    Without thinking twice, she slowed down and quietly rushed in the opposite direction in the hope that she could escape. She thought the servant would not notice her retreat.


    She heard his cheerful, insaneugh from behind. It chilled her to the bone.


    ?I¡¯ll get you soon, honey! Do not even try to run away! Just don¡¯t wet your panties! Ha ha ha ha ha!? ¨C Kyon burst out in a peal of emotionally unstableughter. It wasn¡¯t about the curse. Just ten seconds ago, he was at the death¡¯s door. Now the situation turned upside down! The craziest concoction of happy and mad was boiling inside him. But the situation with the curse remained the same. At least, he escaped the crisis of imminent death that the bitch had prepared for him!


    Dinah squealed. {He is going to me?! I don¡¯t want to die!}


    Now the tables had turned. The boy was running after the desperate frightened girl who was after his life not so long ago.


    In the heat of the chase, the couple ran into the treasury of the 2nd level.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to touch me, dirty pig! Mydy will kill you! I¡¯ll tell her everything!? ¨C Dinah screamed and drew her dagger. She looked like a cornered cat.


    The girl could no longer see any point in running away. It would take him a couple of seconds to stab her in the back. Without pure energy and other elements, using only her developed body, she was much weaker than Tsayan, or even Kaisen. She was helpless against the genius like Kyon.


    Kyon smiled treacherously. ?My little Dinah, I yed by the rules, but you decided to break them first when you stopped being my ve. Bad girl! You tried to kill me and even promised to cut off my ¡°tiny little penis.¡± I will never forgive you. Today the punishment will be so cruel that you will regret what you have done until the end of your days.? ¨C He said and slowly went to the girl.


    Dinah¡¯s pupils narrowed. ?Wait, kid! Let¡¯s bury the hatchet. It¡¯s a win-win! Thedy will know nothing about it!?


    ?I don¡¯t think she will.? ¨C Kyon muttered in response to her lies and took out a syringe.


    ?Don¡¯t be a fool! Wait! Ahhh!?


    Kyon rushed forward. He easily knocked the dagger out of the girl¡¯s hands, his knee drove into her sr plexus. Then he injected the contents of the syringe into her neck to the apaniment of her high-pitched screaming. After that, he roughly grabbed her by the hair and pressed her head to him.


    ?Thank heaven, girl, that I myself will regrly bang you like a street whore. Also, you will avoid the death that I wanted to serve on a silver tter.?


    ?Let go of me!? ¨C The maid yelled and pushed the little jerk with her strong elbow a couple of meters away. She was strong enough, shecked speed and dexterity at the moment¡­


    The imperious speech of the arrogant boy (who was six years younger than her) imagining himself a king brought the high maid to a boil. What did he mean by ¡°banging like a whore¡±? Did he intend to defile her?!


    The girl touched the ce of the injection and red at Kyon with a hateful look. ?What did you give me, asshole?! Tell me!?


    ?One of the six poisons I made. The first poison got into your blood during the chase and paralyzed the keys, and this one will weaken your strong developed body to the state of an ordinary girl.? ¨C Kyon shed her a vile smile.


    ?Are you going to deflower me?!? ¨C Dinah asked in a trembling voice. The maid had never experienced such fear. She was as cool as a cucumber when shemitted her first murder. But now the thought of possible intercourse with the dirty bastard made her feel disgusted and ashamed.


    Kyon said nothing. He looked at the girl¡¯s beautiful body up and down and pulled a strong rope out of the spatial ring.


    A wave of chilling goosebumps swept over Dinah. ?You can¡¯t do it! Lady Juno will order to torture you for months and then to kill you! Get out of my life!?


    But Kyon did not respond.


    Dinah felt a sudden weakness in her body as if a mountain had fallen on her. She shuddered and bolted for the exit, terror in her eyes. Heaven must be punishing her for an attempt on its envoy! She dreamed to lose her innocence with a handsome gentleman, her beloved and caring husband¡­ But never with an impudent boy of servile origin! For Dinah, as well as for any other nobledy, virginity was sacred! Losing it with a servant was tantamount to death.


    Kyon instantly caught up with Dinah, wrung her hands behind her back and tied her with the rope.


    ?Ahhh! Let me go, freak! Do not touch me! Don¡¯t dare to put this gross thing in my mouth! Ahhhhhh!?


    Kyon pulled off his sock that had survived the whole party from beginning to end and put it in her mouth. He threw her over his shoulder like a floundering bag of potatoes.


    Dinah mumbled, wriggled, tried to hit the invader with her weakened limbs¡­ But Kyon held her with a steel grip carrying her from the treasury into hisir.


    She wanted to throw up from his smelly sock. Her tongue kept licking the damn thing against her will. It tasted salty and disgusting. It made her stomach rise. She had never experienced such humiliation.


    {No! It can¡¯t be! My rose is blooming but not for him! Gods, I am begging¡­ Save me!} ¨C Dinah prayed unable to stop the tears running down her cheeks. Her worst nightmare hade true. Her body was weak, the elements didn¡¯t work¡­ She a captive, tied up and in the full power of the little thug.


    Kyon went into his room. Heid Dinah on the bed and tied her hands to the metal headboard. Her curved eyebrows, reddened cheeks, tears and imploring charming eyes had almost melted his heart. Her long legs bent in the knees and the sight of her most intimate ce barely covered with her skirt sent goosebumps in his groin.


    Kyon despised and hated her now. She was his sworn enemy and deserved a brutal death. The idea that the bloodthirsty maid would soon turn into the love of his life discouraged him and confused hisndmarks. But Kyon had already decided to give her a chance to survive and be a victim of his crazy scious love.


    Dinah made indistinct guttural sounds.


    Kyon ignored her. He took his spatial ring, picked up a nephrite with the formation he needed and activated it.


    The transparent film-barrier spread from the center in all directions isting the entire room from any sounds. The next 6 hours no cries for help would disturb anyone.


    When he finished preparations, he sat down in a chair, made himselffortable and closed his eyes.


    {Why is he slouching over there?! He isn¡¯t going to molest me, the little bloody jackass?! Oh, goddess! Have you heard my prayers? Please, make him fall asleep and Annae here! Or thedy¡­ I am begging you¡­} ¨C Hope sparkled in her heart and she grasped at the chance with every fiber of her being. Dinah stopped crying and breathed quietly so that the bastard would fall asleep peacefully. In her best-case scenario, he wouldn¡¯t wake up at all. The sock in her mouth eventually shrunk and she could spit it out. However, the girl remained quiet as a mouse. She kept trying to untie the rope on her hands. So naive.


    Kyon had really fallen fast asleep. Synergy, that had been actively working against Kara¡¯s curse, proceeded to neuro programming.


    Kyon needed to rece ten minutes of memories and redirect the curse to Dinah.


    His memory was going to look as follows: after the princess¡¯s defeat and the end of the party, Dinah, not Kara, broke into his room. She nailed him to the wall and made him fall in love with her using a powerful poisonous love spell. However, he caught her, tied her to the bed, questioned her about the poison and found out that there was no antidote. Then hey down to think of a way out and identally fell asleep.


    Dinah¡¯s character and behavior coincided perfectly with the original. Her motive was logical. She wanted to make him suffer as much as possible and mercilessly kill him in the end. And yet, there were a couple of inconsistencies¡­


    Kyon had to move all his love experiences from Kara to Dinah. His main task was to change the perception of the situation and deceive his soul.


    Meanwhile, he backed up the reced memories to Synergy so that he could be himself in the future. Then he would immediately remember the true culprit and the series of rted events. Synergy would regain his memory on its own as soon as got over the poisonous spell.


    In addition to the changes in his memory, Synergy would transform his love to Dinah into the greatest passion ever so that he needed to ¡°realize¡± his love in sex rather than cuddling, forey, gifts, care and other nonsense that would destroy him.


    Also, Kyon would have a mania to lower the object of his adoration from heaven to earth. He needed to turn the beautiful face of the goddess into a cheap whore from a brothel. Simply put, he had to treat her with disrespect and for his selfish needs. He would ignore her, give her cold shoulder, take her for granted and abuse her.


    To summarize, Kara¡¯s curse would now fall on Dinah, and this animal love would be extremely passionate and selfish.


    Ten endless minutes, Synergypleted neuro programming. Kyon¡¯s soul bought the deceit and now considered Dinah as the poisoner. His frenzy driven by the curse fell on Dinah¡¯s unhappy destiny¡­


    Kyon rejoiced over his sess. In his mind, everything should be just like that! What memories? Were there any memories?


    Kara was now an insidious cunning bitch who took his prize and half a million spheres. Moreover, she tried to kill him repeatedly. He hated her with each fiber of his soul.


    Kyon took a deep breath and realized that as soon as he opened his eyes and saw the quiet tied-up girl he would go crazy with passionate love, break loose and have his evil way with her. He was about to deflower great goddess-like Dinah. He wouldn¡¯t reckon with her. He was going to take advantage of her slender body as her rightful owner, physically and emotionally. He had programmed himself in this way. The defenseless victim was now in his hands.


    {The time hase.} ¨C Kyon opened his eyes and looked at the terrified girl.

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    As soon as Kyon opened his eyes, a dazzling image of a magnificent girl came to his view. She was looking at him with fear, disgust, and hatred.


    {She is a goddess¡­} ¨C Kyon¡¯s heart started beating quickly. His sworn enemy had transformed from a cruel beauty into the loveliest being. He was willing to sell his soul for her single breath. She was shining bright like a diamond. He couldn¡¯t get enough of her perfectly smooth face with porcin skin, silky ck hair, full lips, neat nose, shaped eyebrows and delicate neck¡­ Each curve of her breathtaking slender body, every emotion, and even each look were equal to billions of spheres. He was finally thewful owner of all this wealth, the rightful lord of nine worlds. A male is an invader by nature, and Kyon has acquired the treasure of epic proportions!


    A wave ofplex feelings swept over Kyon, most tender, perverted, unique sensations. He melted like sundae under the July sun. His body temperature increased He flushed with the release of pheromones and started sweating profusely. Arousal swept through him like a wildfire.


    ?Let go of me, bastard!?


    Before Dinah could react, Kyon sat on her, took her beautiful head in his hands like it was a heavenly gift and frantically sucked onto her soft lips. Their sweet taste sent Kyon into free fall. His abs tensed, his chest trembled, his heart fluttered. He was kissing perfection! It was worth getting out of the mine, enving Juno, or ever getting into this world¡­ Kyon¡¯s nose was eagerly savouring the unique smell of the charming girl.


    ?M-m-m-m!? ¨C Dinah mumbled. The horny bastard had woken up andshed out at her with his kisses! His yucky slimy lips were sucking at her mouth as if trying to eat her tongue. His eyes were closed with pleasure. The rootless creature dared to enjoy it!


    Dinah furiously bit Kyon on the lip. There was no blood or groans of pain. The poison had weakened her muscles so much that she could not bite through his flesh. He had infused his body with pure energy to protect himself against any possible damage.


    In response, Kyon sucked her delicate lip and bit it.


    Dinah closed her eyes and cried in pain.


    Kyon drank a bit of her little saliva that made him tremble. After a couple of moments of the kiss, he was overwhelmed with a desire to get a tidbit of the goddess! To eat her all and never choke!


    Dinah survived the ¡°attack¡± and tried again to bite the little pervert, but he detached himself just in time and moved lower¡­


    ?I did not let you molest me, beast! Ahhhhhhhh! Help me! Sister! Lady Juno! Aaaaaaah!? ¨C She tried to scream in a weakened voice.


    ?There is a soundproof barrier in the room. Keep on singing your beautiful song, my little bird.? ¨C Kyon purred blissfully lookingnguidly into Dinah¡¯s shocked eyes. Then he nted a passionate kiss on her tender fragrant neck. He held her from behind and pressed her tight to the bed.


    Dinah couldn¡¯t catch her breath. A blood-sucking creature from hellish swamps had sucked at her carotid artery. Her whole body was shaking with disgust, her voice was awfully quiet.


    ?Don¡¯t! Don¡¯t touch my neck, freak! Stop it or thedy will destroy you! I¡¯ll tell her everything!?


    ?Of course, you will¡­? ¨C Kyon agreed. He stuck out his tongue and licked her snow-white neck. Droplets of her sweat caused by wild horror tasted so sweet. He was absorbing particles of the divine essence. The fierce gray eyes of the nymph fueled his desire to swallow her up.


    ?You¡¯re disgusting¡­ Stop it!? ¨C The girl squealed. His nasty tongue sliding around her neck disgusted her. Sleazy leeches would kiss the ground he walked on.


    Kyon enthusiastically left the first hickey on her ivory neck. Then a second¡­ A third¡­ He marked the damsel as his property. The feeling was akin to conquering the highest mountain in the world. Meanwhile, an explosive volcano woke up in his groin. His desire to merge with the pixie girl conquered new heights.


    Dinah tried unsessfully to pull away. Damn rope! Scoundrel! Doesn¡¯t he have a conscience or a soul?! Or at least the awareness of his imminent death?!


    ?Stop it, Kyon¡­ Let me go and I will forget our disagreement. Absolutely everything! Please, hear what I am saying! My words are not an empty sound¡­ I am a higher maid and it means a lot! Please!? ¨C The girl kept begging. She was like a chained imperial bird caught by a vile hungry cat from the slums who was licking, biting and sucks on her.


    ?I don¡¯t want to¡­ You will remember everything connected with me. I¡¯ll make you remember.? ¨C Kyon said slowly. He moved lower and buried his nose in her sharp vicles. The girl¡¯s smell was intoxicating. It brought him into a strange state of bliss¡­ Blissful fog covered his eyes filing them with growing lust.


    ?Bastard! I will kill you! I will strangle you, beast! Do you even understand who you are dealing with?!? ¨C Dinah yelled.


    Kyon reached her cleavage. Her dress was in the way so he grabbed it in the breast area and tore it up. The same fate befell thecy ck bra.


    ?How dare you?! Do not look!? ¨C The wriggling girl was outraged. She kept trying to throw off the insolent jerk.


    But Kyon could hardly hear or feel the protests of his victim. He saw the miracle of the world: two innocent snow-white mounds. He was going to be the first to conquer them. He impulsively bit the creamy top, his tongue danced with the pinky peak. The sweetest candy would seem bitterpared to this wonder. The soft breasts of the nymph were magical¡­


    The girl moaned loudly and clenched her fists tight. Goosebumps ran from her nipples all over her body. What a shame¡­ She should have cut off his quick yful tongue a long time ago! Sharp in words, slippery in deed!


    With his other hand, Kyon roughly squeezed the gentle mound carrying out a bounce test. It was beyond wonderful as if his hand was crushing warm marshmallow. Her female charms were top level. The beautiful nymph fully justified her bewitchment. In his pants, something powerful had been burning and throbbing for a long time longing to taste the forbidden fruit.


    ?It hurts¡­ Stop it! Don¡¯t be such a horny bastard!? ¨C Dinah begged him with her eyes filled with hatred and shame. No one had ever seen her innermost pearls that the unworthy boy was having fun with as if they were his property! Apparently, life did not teach him to respect his elders. How could she escape the clutches of the depraved youngster?


    Kyon sumbed to the impulse and moved his lips lower on the smooth skin. He tore her dress apart exposing her tummy that he delightedly covered with intrusive kisses. Dinah had a funny reaction to his caresses. She must be very ticklish.


    Kyon took off the resisting goddess¡¯s silver shoes. Her miniature foot fit his hand like a glove. The other foot hit him right in the nose.


    ?Die! Sick bastard!?


    Kyon didn¡¯t get angry. He grabbed her foot and didn¡¯t let the frisky girl go wild. He adored her ying hard to get, every movement of hers blew his mind¡­ The very presence near the miraculous girl inspired his spirit. He was thrilled with pleasure anticipating the moment when he would be with as one.


    Her neat foot delighted his eyes and sense of beauty. Long pink toes, exquisite pedicure, and even the size¡­ Everything was perfect! The girl was well prepared for the party in honor of her beloveddy.


    Kyon forgot his sense of self-importance and dignity and sucked on her big toe moving his tongue in a circle, his eyes closed in pleasure. Then he moved on to the next finger. Dinah stirred them in disgust, but Kyon wanted to taste every cell of his beloved enchantress¡¯s body.


    ?Spawn of a demon! Only lowborn scum like you will lick dirty toes! You are disgusting!? ¨C Dinah teased him maliciously in a hysterical voice.


    However, Kyonpletely ignored her mocking words and continued to lick her toes with abandon, his eyes shut his eyes, an expression of pure rapture on his face. He seemed to have been served the most delicious candy in the world.


    Dinah looked stunned at his weird actions and could not understand anything!


    ?Can it be so delicious?!? ¨C She cried out in bewilderment. What the hell was the boy up to? Did he go crazy from sexual frustration?!


    After some time, each move of the boy¡¯s tongue began to arise iprehensible sensations in her. It would be a mistake to say they were disgusting. Once she had a dream with a king giving her a pleasant foot massage. But even then, it did not seem so strange as it did now. It was breathtaking!


    And then Dinah realized that soon the servant would get to her secret ce¡­


    She cried.


    {Please, goddess¡­ Save me¡­ I do not want to be in his nasty paws. Please!} ¨C The girl begged.


    Meanwhile, waves of goosebumps were sweeping over her body started concentrating in her belly.


    Not without difficulty, Kyon pulled away from her stirring toe and moved his tongue up her ankle, then her calf. He lingered under her knee licking up the beads of sweat that were sweeter than any honey¡­


    Dinah reacted with a scornful look, the expression on her face ¡°what the hell are you doing, beast?¡±, heavy breathing and wriggling of her body.


    She was crimson red from shame.


    ?Kyon, I can find you a girl¡­ even three beautiful girls! You want more, right? Let me go and I will organize everything. I swear! You will satisfy your lust, and they will only be happy to please you. I won¡¯t tell anything to thedy. Please. Heed my reasonable words!?


    Dinah saw a slight mockery and adoration in Kyon¡¯s eyes. His pupils were dted, his face blushed and was lit with silly smile. The image of the talented genius and enemy with great potential had evaporated. His sharp tongue was good not only in verbal skirmishes¡­ Something strange was lurking in the boy as if he had be a different person. Could the chronicle state of sex deprivation have so much influence on him?!


    ?I love only you. I am not interested in anyone else.? ¨C Kyon muttered looking up from the warm ce under her knee.


    Dinah was struck by lightning. {He loves me?!} ¨C She stared at him in amazement. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead.


    As Kyon directed his inquisitive tongue to the inside of her thigh, Dinah protested:


    ?Wait! If you really love me, I give my consent¡­ Just give me some time! Say half a day! I want to take a shower, get ready, think about everything and only then¡­?


    ?Kill me.? ¨C The little demon smiled knowingly, stuck his tongue and moved up the smooth leg right to the thigh.


    ?No! I won¡¯t kill you!? ¨C The girl said in a sly voice arching her eyebrows in desperation.


    When Kyon reached her sensitive areas Dinah was lost for words. Her body was getting wilder and wilder. Was he crawling even higher?!


    ?Wait! A-a-ah!? ¨C New bizarre sensations touched an unpleasant string of her soul. It was close to a toothache. It tickled in her stomach.


    Kyon ducked under the skirt of her pearl-gray dress. Dinah instantly squeezed his shaggy head with her thighs. With a snort, he spread her legs easily. And then his eyes widened¡­


    The view in from of him was unbelievable: sexy ck panties with a tiny string between the buttocks. A beautiful pattern around the thin stic band added the lingerie a unique charm. He could see a slight contour of herbia and tight bottom¡­ His heart was about to jump out of the chest. A fire broke out in his groin. Nothing but a miserable piece of cloth covered the luscious loins of the goddess! The forting theft of her virginity so valuable to her burned him from the inside. They would be one¡­ Paradise was close.


    Dinah could not believe the boy¡¯s reaction. He looked like a hungry dog drooling over a meaty steak. He even stuck out his tongue!


    ?N-no¡­ Don¡¯t do that!? ¨C The maid squealed exhausted from awkwardness and horror. All she wanted was to cover herself and push the pervert away. Even better to kill him at all!


    Kyon leaned forward. Dinah felt a sudden touch of his nose on her perineal and it pierced her through and through. His warm breath tickled her a bit. Her body shuddered. Her mouth opened slightly and Kyon could hear sounds that vaguely resembled groans.


    Dinah remembered his lips and tongue ying with her toes and nipples. What if he was going to do the same with her innermost ce? She couldn¡¯t imagine her future reaction. Her mind seemed to disappear, waves of goosebumps carried on sweeping over her.


    {God¡­ No-no¡­} ¨C She couldn¡¯t formte a thought in her head.


    A miserable rootless boy, who was not even worthy of her look, was sniffing the treasured flower of the innocence of a higher maid! Just a shred of silk fabric separated the unworthy from the ce that was inessible to any other man.


    Kyon caught himself thinking that he waspletely absorbed in the process. The pheromones from the apocrine nd in Dinah¡¯s groin intoxicated and stirred his imagination like the most dangerous drugs.


    Kyon could not tear himself away from Dinah¡¯s panties. He lost track of reality. His vomeronasal organ caught the nymph¡¯s pheromones and saved them for many years.


    Time passed and Kyon¡¯s needs increased.


    The poor girl stretched her whole body like a doe before jumping over a cliff, unable to resist the new sensations.


    She almost died of embarrassment when the mischievous little devil uncovered her pink treasure with his teeth¡­


    Her face got even redder and hotter while she was trying unsessfully to crush the observer¡¯s head with her legs. What an inquisitive boy from the slums! How dares he¡­


    ?Get away from me!? ¨C The girl cried out when all of a sudden something slippery touched her hypersensitive button. An indecently seductive groan came from her lips. It was capable of attracting any male within a kilometer radius. Fortunately, the barrier blocked the sound.


    ?A-a-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-h-hh-h-hh.? ¨C Dinah¡¯s whole body gracefully arched. She threw her head back, her eyes rolled up from the shock that was diverging from the erogenous zone throughout her body.

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    (author¡¯sment: the following chapter has a fair amount of gross-out humor! I intentionally make porn chapters tasteless and downright cheesy, not beautiful and graceful as I could have. You will find lots of vulgarities and phrases that can go to your head or make your stomach churn. Such chapters will be marked with (18+*). Someone mightugh, someone might get disgusted and skip the chapters altogether, but some will get hooked and find them really captivating. If I get constructive criticism or advice, I can change the narrative to some extent in the future. Thank you for understanding.)


    (18+*)


    Kyon deftly sketched a couple of little circles with his tongue around her sensitive bump and prated the trembling pussy. It was warm, soft like silk, and fragrant. It smelled better than any perfume because it belonged to Dinah¡­ And it was tight. It was so tight he wouldn¡¯t get his finger in it. A bit deeper, his tongue met the hymen. He was going to take her precious treasure once and for all! It meant for the cold-blooded goddess more than her life. The anticipation burned his groins like fire. But he was taking things slow. She belonged to him, anyway.


    Kyon¡¯s cock was so hard that it ached. He couldn¡¯t wait to plunge it into the tight, tender flesh and leave his hot mark in there.


    When Dinah felt his slippy, wicked tongue prate her pussy, she moved her hips squeamishly to shake off the jerk who stuck to her. It didn¡¯t work out. He clung like a leech.


    She was so disgusted that she couldn¡¯t breathe. The slightest movement of the viin¡¯s tongue affected her mind in every sense. She felt shock, disbelief, shame, revolt, distress¡­ Sleazy movements of his slightly rough tongue pierced her body and heart like hundreds of knives. He entered her most forbidden ce that even her fingers hadn¡¯t touched yet because she was afraid to break something in there.


    Kyon got a real taste for it. He brushed his lips back and forth and didn¡¯t think twice to use his teeth, his tongue running wild.


    ?No-o-o-o-o mo-o-o-ore!? ¨C The maid pleaded in her faint, trembling voice. The servant, who she hated with all the fibers of her soul, was caressing her vagina, kissing and sucking on herbia. Her already weakened body from the dirty boy¡¯s nasty maniptions was running on fumes.


    ?Sto-o-o-o-o-op it! Ple-e-e-ease!? ¨C The girl squealed in horror, wincing from the most unpleasant sensations she had ever had. Something unspeakable was devouring her alive below her stomach. The unfortunate victim¡¯s mind refused to ept this absurd reality.


    Her dignity of an elegant noble high-ranking maid and professional killer had been taken away. All her coldness, manners, knack of self-control had evaporated, at least for now.


    Kyon was eager to eat the goddess lying before him. However, for some reason, his love was far from blind worship, faith and unquestioning obedience. In his mind, he heard the goal perfectly well. He had to take her! He had to drop her image from heaven to earth as rudely as possible, to trample it. Therefore, he could not afford to be content with the little.


    Kyon detached himself from the sweet like honey ce, slowly got to his feet and began to undress. Leisurely. Unhurried.


    Dinah was lying on the bed, limp, panting and trembling from the nightmare she had just experienced. Her chest heaved frantically. Her whole body was in sweat, her dress stuck around every curve of her slender figure. Her long hair was a mess, her eyes half-closed. Damn weakness didn¡¯t go. She had no strength even to lift a finger.


    Dinah made an effort to open her wet eyes, and they widened with rm at once. The shaggy boy with burning eyes was taking one thing after another.


    Soon, Dinah saw the sculpted muscles of his bare upper body, as well as his pale face, where she could read his anticipation and impatience. He looked at her with a hungry wolf¡¯s grin licking his lips and continuing to undress more quickly now.


    Dinah would never have believed that someone in this life could look at her like she was a juicy piece of meat. The impending catastrophe was giving her shivers like someone just walked over her grave.


    ?Stop doing that, please! Wait for my consent! You love me, don¡¯t you?! Do you hear me?! Answer at least something, little sick pervert!? ¨C Dinah muttered quickly. She had to put all her energy into her weak, frightened voice to make it sound solid and confident.


    Kyon continued to undress even faster.


    When the servant pulled off his underpants, the maid nearly fainted. The tip of his erect penis was red from the restrained tension when it popped out like a spring.


    Dinah¡¯s frozen look drilled Kyon¡¯s manhood in horror. Viscous liquid dripped down in a sticky thread speaking for his wild excitement. His eyes with dted pupils only highlighted his image of a crazy sex-obsessed maniac.


    {Oh my god¡­}


    Kyon knelt between her legs and gently moved his penis up and down her slit, lubricating it with his natural secretions.


    Dinah was short of breath. She tried to crawl away but couldn¡¯t. Kyon grabbed her by the waist, not allowing her to move away from him.


    ?You are going to insert it into me?! No! I do not want it! Please, no! No! I beg you, Kyon! Take this abomination away from me! I ¡­ I¡¯m ready for anything! I can give you every day¡­ massage¡­ or handjob¡­ or even blowjob¡­ Please, Kyon!? ¨C The sliding sensations between herbia made Dinah dizzy. The red, swollen dick with a thick head was about to enter her. She was not ready to give her innocence to a lousy hated servant! An ex-ve! She wouldn¡¯t survive this!


    ?My love, you arepletely and entirely mine. I will take your innocence and teach you everything to be a first-ss whore for my cock.? ¨C Kyon said affectionately in an undertone. His subconscious didn¡¯t forget for a second the previously programmed goal to cut off the goddess¡¯s wings and weaken the curse.


    ?What are you talking about, jerk!? I won¡¯t¡­ Ahhh!?


    When Kyon said thest word, he aimed and moved forward. Dinah¡¯s gentlebia strenuously swallowed up the intruding ns. It was so tight and hot in there. With each passing second, it was only getting narrower, not letting him move any further in protest! At that moment, he almost exploded in pleasure. He pushed a little further and ran into her hymen.


    ?Take it out! Take it out, please! I beg you, Kyon! I¡¯ll do everything for you! ¨C Dinah lost her spirit. If the bastard were holding a knife at her throat, she would be much calmer now.


    Kyon imperiously held her around the waist and roughly pulled on his heated penis, a might half-moan half-roar escaped his throat. She was so tight! Hot! Malleable!


    Kyon experienced indescribable pleasure with every bit of his nature while her virgin pussy, frantically contracting, enveloped his swollen cock.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh! No-oo-o-ooo-o-ooo!? ¨C Dinah screamed desperately.


    Her slender body curved upward. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Tears sparkled like diamonds and streamed down her pale cheeks. She was so cute, incredibly beautiful and sexy! He had taken virginity from a goddess. He was a real demon who had desecrated a magnificent shrine with his invasion.


    A bloody flower was slowly spreading on the sheet.


    Dinah felt a sharp crushing pain the dirty dick was giving her while taking her virginity¡­ She had been defiled by a servant. If she had known what the future would bring, she would have avoided him like the gue. But it was toote. No nobleman would ever marry her. Her life as an honorabledy was over. She would lose her title of the highest maid as soon as the patriarch found out.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was in heaven. His penis was literally melting inside the beauty. His hips started to move to the apaniment of indecent viscous sounds. He was thrusting his cock harder and harder into the poor girl. Her tight pussy perfectly appeased his boundless lust. He could hear with each of his push her soft, stifled groan clearly speaking of the pain, despair and hatred that Dinah was experiencing now.


    ?P-p-please¡­ T-take it¡­ Out¡­? ¨C Dinah whispered, biting through her lip.


    Kyon closed his eyes ignoring the pleading words of his victim. He threw back his head and started moving even faster.


    Dinah could note to her senses from shock. The awareness that her treasure was being selfishly and rudely used was at odds with her worldview. Suddenly she felt that the vile thing began to pulsate and tremble inside her. Dinah was even more terrified.


    ?Take it out! Take it out immediately! TAKE OUT YOUR NASTY DICK OR I WILL KILL YOU!? ¨C The highest maid hysterically screamed in a fit of panic. If she got pregnant from her sworn enemy, from this ve-servant, she would never again look her masters in the eyes! And her child would get a pathetic seventh rank forever!


    ?Take it out! O-u-u-u-ut! Aaaaaaaaah!? ¨C Dinah let out the most woeful and desperate groan in her life. But the rootless creature snarled in ecstasy, selfishly ignoring her. He pierced her with a particrly hard push and¡­


    Sprays of hot seed began to shoot into her womb. Dinah¡¯s whole body tensed, she clenched her fists and teeth. Waves of burning nasty feelings swept over her. Only a few endless secondster, when the eruption ended, she went limp losing her will to live. Tears poured in a continuous stream. She looked like a little bird with her wings cut off. She hated Kyon with all her heart. He didn¡¯t only take her precious virginity, but he also defiled her with his dirty seed. At the first opportunity, she would cut off his balls and push them deep into his throat.


    The girl was unaware that the incident with Jean had saved her mind with essential psychological defense.


    Meanwhile, Kyon hadpletely lost touch with reality. He was floating in outer space, overwhelmed with endless euphoria like thest drug addict. He did not expect the hot sensual body of his beloved goddess to make him cum so quickly. But it was a small wonder¡­ She was already twenty. Her body must have been dreaming of sex for a while, but all her desires broke on the strong walls of her noble upbringing. And now her depraved body was ready to favor even a miserable servant if only he would pour his dirty but so desired sperm inside her, more and more of it.


    ?You¡¯re such a slut!? ¨C Kyon shoved it into her face with his still raspy voice and took out his cock.


    Her reddened pussy let out a stream of white fluid mixed with blood.


    ?Die¡­ Please.? ¨C Dinah hissed with hatred. She couldn¡¯t bear to see her tormentor and turned her head away from him.


    After the violent ejaction, Kyon was not tired at all. His reproductive system now worked at 1000%. He could do it until he passed out from exhaustion.


    Kyon¡¯s cock was hard again, even more than ever. Dinah¡¯s dress stuck to her body with sweat was barbarously torn from her bust to her t tummy, her panties were brazenly pushed to the side. All of that was driving Kyon wild. She was the divine embodiment of beauty¡­ Her chiseled body with outstanding forms, sexuality and grace would make subi jealous. But Kyon thought that the most charming and exciting about her was the despair that he could see in her indifferently spread legs and dim eyes. She was perfection, indeed, at least for the period of his curse. By the way, about the curse¡­ It had had sharply increased by about 20%.


    However, he didn¡¯t want to shag Dinah without heart and imagination. He wanted to experience new and exciting emotions with her and her body. He decided to arrange a ¡°couple dance.¡±


    Kyon didn¡¯t think twice. He moved higher, sliding his fingertips over the delicate skin of her tummy. He went up to her boobs, squeezed the tight beads of her nipples a few times, and then gently ran the back of his hand over her pale face that she carefully turned away. Bitter tears were still streaming down the snow-white cheeks of the beautiful girl.


    Dinah was surprised to feel her hands freed from the bonds. Instantly, her eyes shed with a frantic desire to kill him. She quickly grabbed the rapist by the neck, trying to strangle him to death. Her sharp nails stuck into his skin but could not even scratch.


    Kyonughed joyfully at her desperate attempt. He looked at the furious girl with affection and endless love. His smiling lips passionately dug into hers, he closed his eyes and gave himself up to the sensation.


    Dinah¡¯s long eyshes trembled, her face contorted in frustration and rage. Her hands were so weak that they couldn¡¯t strangle the bastard?! She tried to avoid his annoying passionate kiss, but Kyon pulled her tight against him.


    ?M-m-m-m-m!? ¨C Dinah tried to bite him, push him away, weasel her way out of his arms¡­ Finally, she managed to kick him in the groin.


    Kyon cringed, and Dinah, taking her chance, jumped out of bed and rushed outside at full speed. Cloudy liquid with red sshes was flowing down her legs.


    Dinah had almost touched the door handle, but the ruthless creature deftly grabbed her by the hair and threw to the chair. She banged her head against the soft back. Her knees slid on the floor, and she had to lean on the chair.


    Now her body happened to be in the doggy position.


    Kyon witnessed an incredibly sexual scene: after the sudden fall, her gray skirt rolled up almost to her back. It exposed her tight buttocks and pink pussy, still wet with his secretions. Her back was gracefully curved as if she was a cat stretchingnguidly after sleep. One look at her could cure even an impotent man. What could a sexually unsatisfied boy do?


    He instantly leaned over her and grabbed her delicate neck to lock the girl in this amazing position.


    The maid¡¯s face turned red from slight choking and, once again, reflected the whole spectrum of negative emotions from hatred to horror.


    ?Let me go, beast!? ¨C Dinah growled, trying unsessfully to hit the rapist with her elbow from behind. Suddenly, she felt his hot cock slip into her vagina. She forgot to breathe and bent even harder, her whole body tensed. The suffocation and sudden pration clouded her eyes¡­


    Kyon was out of breath from the delightful sensations after the pration. His heart was about to jump out of his chest from the perverted ecstasy. He reflexively strangled the girl a little harder, enjoying the mildpression around his penis. He began to move his hips more actively to the scious squishy sounds, faster and faster with each second.


    Pretty soon, her eyes cleared up. Dinah felt pleasant tingling all over her body, especially down her waist. Only then she realized that the lousy perverted servant was insolently shagging her like an overexcited dog during the mating season.


    Dinah almost fainted. She was leaning on the chair, her mouth agape in shock, letting out involuntary soft moans that she struggled to hold back.


    ?Let¡­ Let me go, beast! Ahhhhhhhhh¡­ I hate you! Ahhhhhhhhhh¡­?


    The beast was still holding her by the neck. There is no way to resist his violence. Otherwise, he could strangle her to death, and she wouldn¡¯t like it.


    ?Naughty slut. Doing a bitch like you doggy style is the best! You deserve it. Your master wants you to lift your ass higher. And stop poking me with your elbow.? ¨C Kyonmanded in an imperious voice, continuing with his energetic frictions.


    ?You¡­ YOU! §¡a-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-h¡­? ¨C Dinah felt like she was being zapped with electricity when his finger slid a bit into her ass. She was so scared that she instantly obeyed and lifted her tight buttocks as high as she could.


    And, lo and behold, the bastard pulled out his finger in appreciation! He groaned with pleasure, never ceasing his thrusts.


    Kyon was savoring the newfortable position. He cupped Dinah¡¯s boob with his free hand and squeezed it with force. He did not forget about the hardened nipple, properly pinching and twisting it.


    Dinah knew in her gut that the dirty and pathetic servant was sincerely enjoying the process, which made her sick at heart. Her standards were extremely high. She had met a more or less worthy man only once or twice in her whole life. And now a lousy boy was doing her, kneading her breasts and viting her pussy! Then it suddenly hit her that her body unconsciously tensed up every time he prated his full length into her and bumped against her ass cheeks, or pinched her sharp peaks. Dinah hated herself for this unconscious reaction. No matter how hard she tried, her vagina seemed to contract only tighter, and the bastard was getting more and more pleasure! She could tell by his hoarse, almost growling moans, by his movements. She could feel it even better inside¡­ Somehow, the girl knew pretty well how she should move to drive him wild! But she was not going to give in. She despised her damned body! What the hell is it doing?! Why is it whispering to her all kinds of nasty things?! It should never adapt to thescivious dirty bastard!


    The supple, sweet body of his personal whore-goddess was mind-blowing. Her soft, tight pussy multiplied by her importance and significance for Kyon¡¯s heart, the owner of this treasure, intoxicated him stronger than the most powerful drug.


    Cloudy, incoherent, carnal thoughts invaded his mind. He grabbed Dinah by the throat once again and then roughly and firmly squeezed her breast. She tensed up. It worked wlessly. His thick liquid erupted in a rapid torrent into the womb of her voluptuous body.


    {Kill me, someone¡­} ¨C Dinah sobbed. She had already experienced all of these sensations before. However, this time she could feel strange unnatural convulsions in her loins. They sent pleasant, perverted, inspiring heat to all parts of her body, which made her feel only more miserable.


    At that moment, she hated herself almost as much as she hated the servant absorbed in his dirty desires.


    Pretty soon, he took his atrocious thing out of her and removed his hand from her throat. Her body calmed down bit by bit. Her mind cleared up.


    Dinah turned her head and looked with hatred at the boy who was blissfully lying on the floor. He half-closed his eyes, his breathing still rapid, his red cock throbbing. The liquid that Dinah found so revolting was still oozing from it.


    The hatred in the highest maid¡¯s heart reached its peak. Her body was now weaker than ever. She knew that she could not escape. She needed to kill him somehow!


    She wanted to take the weapon from the spatial ring, but it was impossible without pure energy that she couldn¡¯t use. Dinah did not know what to do.


    Suddenly, Kyon enveloped her in his arms, pressing her closer to his heart, wrapping her in a tight hug. Their woven bodies shone with sweat. His nose carefully inhaled the sensual aroma of the maid¡¯s hot body.


    ?I love you, my precious. Your master is pleased with your obedience. But you are too tense. Try to surrender and go with the flow. Feel it! You must understand that you were created only to satisfy my lustful desires. Turn into my dearest toy, and I will take good care of you.? ¨C Kyon whispered gently into her ear sickening obscene thoughts that his mind received from the program he had previously set up to ¡°drop her image from heaven to earth.¡± The curse had already weakened by 50%. Although he couldn¡¯t care less about it at the moment.

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    Dinah shuddered. His disgusting words suddenly resounded in her stomach with a frighteningly pleasant sensation. Her body seemed to be whispering to her again, begging for something. What the heck?!


    ?I will kill you, bastard. I¡­ I¡­ Oh, the things I will do to you¡­ How dared you to vite me¡­ That¡¯s it! Stop it, jerk! I hate you!? ¨C Dinah could only snap helplessly. She gritted her teeth while the boy kissed her neck, ying with one of her breasts. She could not get out of his embrace no matter how hard she tried.


    Kyon purred softly:


    ?You just need to rx and surrender to passion. I know that deep inside you want it really bad. You were created to satisfy me¡­?


    ?Gr-r-r-r-r!? ¨C Dinah growled with hatred and bit his hand with all her remaining strength.


    Kyon got up, sat down on the bed and smacked demandingly his knee, his legs wide apart.


    ?Don¡¯t make me use your bum. Come and sit here!?


    ?You! You are the most despicable creature in the world!? ¨C The maid cast a desperate look at the door estimating the distance.


    {What can I do¡­} ¨C She did not know what to do. The door was far away. He could easily catch her and then¡­ What if¡­ She did not want to think about the possible horrible things that he could do with her bottom. She took a humiliating decision under the pressure of fear.


    Dinah reluctantly approached Kyon. He pulled her by the hand and sat her on his knee like a good daddy. His eyes expressed a passionate concoction of sincere love mixed with lust. His hand gently tucked a lock of her hair behind the ear. He looked at her lips with an obvious desire to kiss them.


    {What the hell ¡­} ¨C Dinah had never experienced such difort. She felt extremely uneasy around this psycho. First, he vited, strangled and bit her, and now he licked, caressed, kissed¡­


    When she turned away with contempt on her face, Kyon immediately grabbed her by the chin and pulled her lips to his¡­


    {Jerk!}


    Now Dinah had to endure his amazingly passionate kiss. Suddenly he stuck his tongue directly into her mouth, the liberty he hadn¡¯t been taking before.


    ?Mmmmmmm!? ¨C Dinah red furiously at the bastard who dared to y with her tongue drinking her saliva. She tried to bite his tongue but could not harm him without pure energy. One of his hands held and pressed her head to his lips and the other¡­


    It hit her like lightning when Kyon¡¯s hand slipped into her panties, and his mischievous fingers began to y with her pussy.


    ?M-m-m-m!? ¨C Dinah lost herself in the sensations emanating from her vagina. Her mind wentpletely nk. She tried unsessfully to push him with her hands, to get off hisp¡­ Her body reacted violently: she squeezed her legs tight together but he continued to stroke her pussy and kiss her passionately. Her resistance was a spit against the wind. It excited the boy even more. She started to feel strange new sensations¡­


    A second or a minuteter, Dinah caught herself thinking that she was less and less willing to resist. His annoying, crawling tongue in her mouth, his dexterous movements and vigorous sucking, the magic he did with his fingers¡­ Dinah did not suspect how skillful the boy was. His overwhelming, irresistible, wild and assertive disposition didn¡¯t match his miserable position of a servant. She started to think her passionate lover was a noble lord of imperial blood. His caresses in her mouth, on her lips didn¡¯t seem so repulsive anymore.


    {That¡¯s enough¡­} ¨C Dinah begged. However, her lips had already responded to his kiss. Her legs, pressed tightly together in protest, parted slowly on their own. Her pussy was his to caress as he pleased. She had never felt so good before.


    {I do not want these feelings from you¡­}


    Suddenly, to her relief and disappointment that came out of the blue, Kyon removed his hands from her panties. Dinah felt the fluctuations of the water element and saw the bastard carefully remove all the cloudy whitish liquid from her womb, carefully cleaning her vagina.


    Dinah¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The seventh element? Screw it. She couldn¡¯t deal with it right now. She knew too well what she was up to.


    Kyon took the beautiful assassin off his knee. She left a wet trace of her love juices. He got into bed,y on his back regally throwing his hands behind his head and nodded to his pulsating scarlet penis:


    ?Take a seat and push it in.?


    Dinah sighed deeply, wiped his saliva from her lips and obeyed. The idea of getting her butt vited did not please her at all. She had to y by his rules. But here¡¯s the weirdest thing. She was okay with it. About 10 minutes ago, she would have better killed herself but now¡­


    She looked in disgust at his erect penis, her face distorted bitterly. To sit there on her own and shove this thing inside?


    {Gods¡­ Why are you doing this to me? What about his evilball, after all} ¨C Dinah wiped away the tears that welled up in her eyes. Slowly and reluctantly, she hovered over his manhood. Her panties had slipped back and she had to push them aside. A drop of her love juice fell onto his throbbing penis ns. His ck eyes sparkling with love and lust ruined everything she held dear. She felt like a dirty whore who wanted to shag the little scam with ve roots. The best men of the kingdom would havepeted to have her, not this cute horny little bastard.


    ?And now gently take my cock with your hands and insert it into yourself. And don¡¯t do anything crazy or I will get angry.? ¨C Kyon warned her in an arrogant voice.


    ?Shut up.? ¨C Dinah muttered through her gritted teeth. She was very concerned that it was the third time but he was as much aroused as ever. There was not a trace of fatigue on his face or in his body.


    Dinah did not dare linger anymore and blindly grabbed at his hot pulsating thing. She thought that touching a white-hot rod would be more pleasant than the most disgusting part of her enemy.


    A strange euphoria swept over Kyon when her cool delicate fingers grasped his penis. It spread from his groin throughout his body. In his understanding, the most desired and beloved girl in the world had just taken hold of him. It was an uplifting, exciting feeling.


    Dinah held his penis in her hand for a while gathering her strength. Her shoulders shuddered as if a cold shiver had run down them. Finally, she plucked up her courage, closed her eyes, carefully guided it to her sensitive vagina and took a seat.


    A sh of indescribable pleasure overtook her. She tensed up, her legs tucked under her. Then she arched her back and let out a long guttural moan. Waves of pleasure spread throughout her body from the ce where he prated her. She hated them but at the same time, they gently rocked her blissful mind.


    Kyon also instantly experienced a terrific orgasm from the enveloping warm sensations around his penis. He had that fluttering feeling in his stomach. After a few seconds of inaction, he questioningly opened his eyes and met Dinah¡¯s gaze full of contempt and carefully concealed pleasure. A dazzling smile lit his face.


    ?Being on top is perfect for you, my adorable toy. Now move your hips. Please your master. That¡¯s what you live for!?


    ?Beast! I amdy Juno¡¯s highest maid, not your personal thing!?


    ?Move already. I want to cum fast.? ¨C Kyon waved her away with no bitterness in his voice.


    The servant¡¯s words cut Dinah¡¯s heart with a sharp knife but at the same time for some reason, they resounded so pleasantly inside.


    ?You¡­ You are disgusting¡­? ¨C Dinah muttered with a low, trembling voice. She lifted her butt and clumsily pulled herself back on his penis. Then she gently repeated the movement, wrinkling her face in pain, gradually entering her own unhurried awkward rhythm.


    Kyon reflexively pushed his hips up to meet hers, the ecstasy surging inside him.


    His penis identally fell out but Dinah quickly put it back again.


    The rhythmic colliding of their wet bodies sent indecent squelching sounds throughout the room. Kyonid imperiously his hands on her soft boobs and began to massage them ying with the pointy nipples.


    Kyon found the reaction of his lovely victim touchingly cute. Dinah pursed her full lips, her long eyshes trembled. She raised her graceful eyebrows as if she was in pain and rolled her eyes from time to time while letting out involuntarily quietly moans. For the first time, he could clearly hear notes of pleasure in her voice.


    Kyon wanted her to debase herself for him, to surrender to his will and his natural desires. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t feel a sense of aplishment, he could never prove to himself and his curse that he had dropped the goddess from heaven.


    Dinah was extremely upset. She wanted to fall into oblivion and wake up when everything was over. It was a nightmare she was eager to forget. s, her thoughts couldn¡¯t change reality. There was no way to kill her enemy now.


    Kyon¡¯s loud moans, as well as nasty but so pleasant sensations spreading from the bottom of her abdomen, diluted herplete darkness. Her body kept whispering to her to do all sorts of dirty things. Just when Dinah yed along a bit, purely out of curiosity, her sensations intensified tenfold forcing her to moan in ecstasy. For the first time, her moan was so sweet that she was disgusted with herself.


    The heinous action continued.


    As Dinah lost all her will to resist, both physically and mentally, she wanted something pleasant very much indeed. She couldn¡¯t see that she had any other choice but to try it again, to heed the annoying whisper in her head¡­ Her mind began to resonate with some entity in her soul gradually synchronizing with it.


    Her body was on fire, sex did not seem to be torture anymore. She no longer considered him a dirty bastard who had deprived her of her treasure and humiliated her. Instead, he turned into a sweet, talented and strong boy with an amazing body. These strange thoughts that came from nowhere woke up her rage and motivation to resist that she thought hadpletely burnt out.


    However, a secondter she was willing to surrender to the voluptuous feeling again. She wanted to think only about herself and her pleasure. And everything else could go down in mes.


    Her mind rxedpletely submitting to the whisper of an unknown entity. It was like a unique body thatmunicated with its owner in a simr way.


    Dinah¡¯s body started moving a little differently, her eyes closed by themselves. She was overwhelmed with a feeling that she had never experienced at any other time in her life. A stormy orgasm hit her like an ocean wave. She could no longer hold back sweet and loud moans that followed it. All her essence seemed to soar rising to a new level of existence. She began to feel crystally clear the boy beneath her, his desires and whims. His pleasure ovepped hers and she lost contact with this world. Her whole being was focused on Kyon and her desire to satisfy him with her body. All the barriers of hatred and other negative emotions had fallen off like unnecessary shell. A fog of pleasure clouded her thoughts.


    Kyon saw the girl close her eyes. She let out soft moans biting her lower lip in a most erotic way. Her tender handsy on his chest, glossy with sweat. Her previously awkward movements had noticeably changed. He could tell now that she had spent all her life fucking servants in the amazon position.


    Kyon stroked his queen¡¯s slender waist, kneaded her soft breasts with petrified nipples, squeezed her tight buttocks. Then he moved his thumb near her lips and she immediately sucked it into her mouth like a lollipop ying with it with her tongue.


    {Finally!} ¨C The boy in love rejoiced.


    Kyon felt her reddened pussy start sucking his cock like a vacuum pump abundantly lubricating it with its juices. It got hot inside his passionate lover like in the furnace. The rhythmic contractions of her vagina somehow coincided with his frictions creating an explosive effect of mutual pleasure.


    She seemed to read his mind. Kyon couldn¡¯t stop moaning in pleasure. It was unbelievable. His cock had ended up in a burning paradise and was gradually melting. His perverse love seemed to have finally been reciprocated.


    Suddenly, Dinah leaned forward and sucked in his lips like a hungry and thirsty vampire. Her soft sensual lips were incredibly supple and tender. Her pink little tongue carefully crawled in and passionately intertwined with Kyon¡¯s tongue. Out of the blue, Dinah¡¯s kissing skills had reached some unattainable level, which brought Kyon in a state ofplete bewilderment. Even he couldn¡¯t kiss like that! She felt her partner really well and did with him whatever she wanted to!


    {What the hell is going on here?!} ¨C Kyon didn¡¯t understand a damn thing. His hands reflexively reached Dinah¡¯s tight buttocks and started energetically kneading them, time after time massaging the other hole, and she didn¡¯t even resist!


    The highest maid-killer had been reced with the real goddess of sex. She vigorously stimted his penis sliding up and down with her pussy, at the same time kissing him as if she had been doing it all her life. She did no more awkward sudden movements but gracefully danced on his cock.


    Each time Dinah lifted her tight bum, his penis ns almost popped out but the greedy walls of her vagina didn¡¯t let it go. Dinah immediately sat full length down, quickly and roughly, like a venerabledy of pleasure with years of experience.


    Kyon¡¯s nose almost started bleeding with too much pleasure. Her pleasant aroma, sticky movements of their heated bodies, her sensual pussy, her tight bum and soft breasts, it was mind-blowing. His mind overflowed with passion. Things happening to him were too incredible, too unexpected. Ecstasy enveloped his penis and spread up his spine. His testicles were already pleasantly aching from the umted fluid.


    Kyon nearly breathed hisst when Dinah suddenly took his swollen balls into her cool gentle hands and began to y carefully with them. He decided that she could definitely read his mind! How else would she know? His pleasure knew no bounds.


    {It¡¯s aw-aw-awesome¡­} ¨C His penis trembled with approaching orgasm. The abundant flow of Dinah¡¯s love juices drenched his groin and even soaked the bed.


    When Kyon was rising to the peak of pleasure he felt her elerate the rhythm with her hips as if she knew that he was about to shoot his load. Her moans were getting longer and more seducing¡­ She, too, was caught up in the moment of pure pleasure.


    His cock was about to explode¡­ His head was spinning.


    {I got you! I won¡­} ¨C Dinah thought jubntly. She seemed to be almost out of her mind.


    When his hot penis began to violently throb inside her, Dinah pressed herself against it with all her strength. It exploded in her vagina in frequent powerful uncontrolled spasms. Dinah, who used to be so proud and cold-blooded had wetted herself in the most obscene way. The pleasure was too intense.


    Hot clear liquid poured over his entire groin and stomach.


    Kyon frantically squeezed his beloved girl in a tight embrace and erupted into her like never before.


    Hot cloudy liquid burst out in violent jets and was immediately absorbed through the cervix into the womb with abnormal vaginal suctions. Nothing leaked outside.


    Dinah responded with a happy growl of a fully satisfied female.


    Kyon went wild with pleasure. His soul trembled and scattered to ashes just to re-emerge anew. He felt a strong sexual connection with Dinah¡¯s soul. He had intertwined with her spiritually and physically.


    {It¡¯s impossible¡­} ¨C Lovr thought. He had a feeling he had been drained to thest drop. His whole body was unnaturally light. A warm aftertaste of out-of-this-world sex was everywhere. A quiet and calm feeling of happiness covered his mind like a dense veil.


    Dinah copsed on him unconscious. He lovingly embraced her, gently kissed her on the lips, and fell fast asleep beside her.


    (*18+)

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    The Stones were astounded when the lucky genius left the party hall and never returned. They had too many questions and attractive offers to the gifted boy.


    He had piqued Stephanie¡¯s interest so much that she decided to find him with the help of her friend Lee, Elder Boe¡¯s grandson.


    ?Please, Lee¡­ Ask your grandpa to grant me ess to the family center! I have to find Kyon! Help me out or I will have to ask my father, and he will turn to Boe, anyway! Please!? ¨C Stephanie begged Lee when they were in the same carriage on the way to Boston.


    Lee crossed his arms over his chest and exhaled in exasperation. ?Alright, alright. You¡¯re exhausting me. I will help you to find him. But you will owe me a favor. Just stay away from that half-wit.?


    Stephanie was delighted and smiled charmingly. ?Thank you, Lee!?


    She knew that all the Stones above the fourth rank could be tracked within the family formation in case of death or any other emergency. The signal went to the family center where, if the need arose, the carrier could be found the in the real-time mode.


    Kyon must be in the database because he wore a token of the third rank. When she had ess to the data, she would find his rare name and track his whereabouts in any corner of the kingdom. Also, she would find out his full background to put the heat on his unique personality.


    Stephanie supposed that the adults in her family would never believe in the story the youth would tell them. They would rather believe in the mass conspiracy of the young people, a good joke or a terrific deception on the part of a certain Kyon. That¡¯s why she decided to make friends with him before everyone else while there was an opportunity.


    ¡­


    Tsayan Brown opened his eyes and saw a white hospital ward. He had been sleeping badly for thest three days. He kept having a nightmare of his humiliating defeat followed by exhibitionism and self-defecation in front of therge audience of the Stones and other families. His delirium was getting especially annoying when he saw the girlsugh at him malevolently and the guys mock him scornfully. He was also shocked to find out he had lost the most valuable tenth stage of the second phase. His nightmare¡¯s climax was the arrogant, ck demon! He was to me for everything that had happened to Tsayan.


    ?§¡h?? ¨C Tsayan woke up. He touched his chest where three cuts intersected at one point and gave a heartbreaking scream. ¨C ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!?


    A nurse burst with lush forms and a mop in her hands barged into the room.


    ?The shithead has soiled himself again?! Oh, he is awake! I am sorry, Sir¡­ Looking after you is getting on my nerves. I can¡¯t do it anymore.? ¨C She carefully hid the mop and dirty rags behind her back.


    Tsayan gave the woman a ck look and howled like a wild thing.


    The poor nurse jumped with fright and ran away screaming for help.


    Tsayan realized with horror that he was at the ninth stage of development. The nightmare hade true! The memories of the horrible incident were giving him a headache and mental pain. It was the most crushing humiliation in his life¡­ He had been brazenly stripped and dishonored in front of the audience!


    ?It was not a dream?! Ahhhhhhhh! Son of a bitch! Kyon, motherfucker! I¡¯ll kill you, piece of shit! You will choke on your own blood, dickhead! I swear to god!? ¨C Tsayan yelled. He thought about the uing trouble with his reputation, the nickname they would give him, the contemptuous nces of his rtives. He was too scared to imagine his father¡¯s, the elder, violent reaction.


    Tworge men burst into the ward. They twisted the boy¡¯s arms behind his back and sedated him.


    Tsayan heard the snippets of their conversation in a half-conscious state.


    ?It¡¯s totally fucked up¡­ The third crazy for today. Pumba Brown was the first, next was Kaisen Romanov¡­ Now this kid. The thing is, everyone is talking about someone called Kyon!? ¨C The hospital guard muttered leaving the room.


    ?Wait a minute. The boy is a direct descendant of the Browns, isn¡¯t he? Let¡¯s call his servants. They can take this piece of shit home.?


    ?Nice idea!?


    After some time, Tsayan woke up in his carriage. The servants bowed their heads and began asking him anxiously about his well-being.


    ?SHUT YOUR TRAP!? The boy roared and punched one of them in the jaw. The rage rushed into him, filled him to the brim. He was willing to kill everyone!


    The journey took more than a day but Tsayan didn¡¯t sleep a wink. As soon as he closed his eyes, nightmares rushed into his head with Kyon the demon in the lead. Exhausted, in a lousy mood, he finally arrived at his family¡¯s estate in Boston.


    The unfortunate victim went upstairs to his father¡¯s study. He saw him with his arms crossed behind his back looking thoughtfully through the window like a gloomy thinker.


    ?Hello, father¡­ Your son has arrived.?


    ?My son¡­? ¨C Stephan the elder echoed and looked sternly at the boy. Then he slowly approached him, grabbed him by the cor and shook him roughly. ¨C ?Tell me, these rumors are a lie, aren¡¯t they??


    Tsayan turned pale. He lowered his head and stared at the floor. ?Father¡­?


    The man shuddered and ran his fingers through his long hair. It seemed that his beloved son had just been killed.


    ?Oh, gods¡­ Oh, gods¡­ No! It can not be! The gossips are true! How? Why? Where am I to me?! Could the nullity of the first phase overpower my son, force him to crap in front of the audience!??


    ?Father, Kyon Stone, the cunning bastard, is the one to me!?


    However, Stephan did not seem to hear the words of his son. ?There are stories from many sources about how my son lost to the enemy of the first phase¡­ I thought it was all a JOKE! How could you do it, dickhead?! Have I raised a sick dog instead of a mighty tiger ?! ANSWER ME!?


    With a trembling voice, Tsayan told him his story. He didn¡¯t forget to embellish it in his favor. He made Kyon a cruel demon with great talent. He portrayed himself as an innocent victim of scheming and clever intrigue.


    Stephan listened to him to the end and gave his son a deafening p in the face.


    ?You¡¯re nothing but a loathsome degenerate! It¡¯s a pity I can¡¯t disown you or my dear deceased wife will never forgive me. You¡¯ve disgraced yourself before an adversary below you more than a phase in development! You¡¯re a failure, a pathetic nobody! A snivelling dog! Didn¡¯t you get enough thrashing in childhood! It¡¯s outrageous! Why did I waste my best years raising you?..?


    ?Father, I¡¯m sorry! Kyon set me up!? ¨C Tsayan groveled at his father¡¯s feet, crying.


    ?Shut up! I sent you to the party to put the Stones in their ce. How could you lose to him with your power? You could suppress anyone in the second phase! Stupid piece of shit! Don¡¯t even dream of breakthrough medicine in the near future! You should have torn his head off with a flick of your finger!? ¨C The elder screamed his head off, spitting saliva on Tsayan¡¯s face.


    Tsayan did not have time to answer when a tall stocky young man burst into the room, his eyes red with rage, his face distorted with anger. He instantly appeared near Tsayan and mmed him in the stomach, roaring even worse than his father:


    ?How could you lose, you selfish little animal?! How could you, my little brother, disgrace our family?!?


    While Tsayan was lying on the floor, Stephan went to the window and crossed his arms behind his back. His eagle¡¯s eyes looked into the distance.


    ?Kiyan. The bastard who humiliated Tsayan, and at the same time, you and me, must be destroyed. I will get him tracked down through family ties, so you don¡¯t need to bother.? ¨C He looked at the big fellow with paternal love. ¨C ?Unlike the younger asshole¡­ You are my pride. I pin my hopes on you. Even if you never surpass Timothy, you are still my best investment. You have to dispel the humiliation your younger brother has inflicted on our family and for this, you must prove yourself in the family tournament. Show your talent in all its glory, and above all humiliate the arrogant Stones.?


    ?Thank you for believing in me, father. I will never disgrace the honor of the Browns. I am nothing like Tsayan the loser.? ¨C The 18-year-old said proudly and pped his chest.


    Stephan patted Kiyan on the shoulder with a pleased smile.


    Tsayan pounded his fists on the floor in a fit of madness. His face was tear-stained. He was panting with anger and hatred. The only thing that could return his dignity was Kyon¡¯s death.


    ¡­


    It was 2 p.m.


    ~knock knock~


    Kyon reluctantly left the kingdom of dreams.


    ?I¡¯ming in.? ¨C He heard Anna¡¯s pleasant voice.


    {Anna!?} ¨C Kyon quickly covered Dinah, who was still asleep, with a nket and jumped out of bed.


    Just as Anna opened the door, it was immediately mmed shut right in front of her nose. It was so unexpected that she almost dropped the tray with dinner on the floor. By the way, the highest maid was doing a great honor to the servant by bringing him food to the room.


    ?Ah¡­? ¨C The girl screamed.


    There was a strong unfamiliar smell in his room. She was curious about its origin. Anna wanted to know the truth.


    ?I am sorry, I¡¯m naked¡­ I don¡¯t want to die so foolishly, hehe. I¡¯ll be out in ten minutes.?


    ?Naked? Hmm¡­ Alright. Are you okay??


    ?Yes. Thank you for asking.?


    Anna didn¡¯t want to ruin her day with the sight of the naked servant.


    After some hesitation, she said:


    ?Find me when you get dressed.?


    And she walked away with a spring in her step.


    {It was a weird smell¡­ With notes of some female perfume! Why was it so familiar? Does he have a girlfriend?} ¨C Anna would never believe that it was her arrogant sister of noble birth in the servant¡¯s bed. ¨C {Kyon is very talented, though¡­ I wonder who is the lucky one?}


    The maid blushed. Why on earth did she even ask this question? She was so far from rtions between the sexes. However, her curiosity only intensified.


    {He loved Dinah, didn¡¯t he¡­ I don¡¯t understand anything!} ¨C She was in for long contemtions.


    Kyon took a breath. It would be better for Anna not to know who was in his bed now¡­


    His heart contracted painfully as soon as he remembered about Dinah. He made a remarkable effort to turn away from his beloved girl, who was peacefully sniffing beside him and tried not to think about the subject of his adoration.


    Kyon tried to concentrate and reflect on what had happened.


    To his shock and happiness, he realized that the forgotten memories of Kara had returned. It means Synergy had performed the trigger of memory return when the curse was weak enough. The spell had weakened! His crazy and unlikely n had worked brilliantly!


    Now Kyon had his reason and sanity back.


    Kyon analyzed his physical condition. He found out that the curse had weakened by 90%, and he could once again control his body without turning into a madman in love.


    As a result of the memory return, the curse began to work for Kara. The mere thought about the princess gave him desperate mental pain. Perhaps this is how he felt right after the influence of her charming look. If he met her now, he wouldn¡¯t be able to restrain himself. It was infuriating.


    {What a bitch! I love and hate her at the same time. I adore the wonderful image of the princess despite her daring attempts to kill me. It¡¯s unforgivable folly. I have to get rid of the curse as soon as possible and take revenge on the arrogant minx.}


    Now that the curse began to make him fall in love with Kara again, Kyon decided to get rid of his love for Dinah. But before he started, the memories of the hot rough night came back against his will. His heart started beating faster, his privy member hardened. It raised the question why Dinah ended up turning into the goddess of sex? It doesn¡¯t happen out of blue¡­ And why did she arouse from him viting her? He didn¡¯t give her any aphrodisiacs, did he? Girls need to be in a certain mood to get excited, don¡¯t they? Dinah wasn¡¯t in any special mood yesterday. It¡¯s so strange. It does not add up at all. She must have her little secrets.


    Kyon infused his brain with Synergy to start the love-destroying chemical reaction.


    He moaned in a short while.


    {Why doesn¡¯t it work?}


    He tried to eliminate these feelings, but any changes returned to the initial state almost at once. And no matter how much Synergy he used, his love didn¡¯t budge. It stayed at the same point.


    Apparently, his soul was the only possible reason. Only the soul could have such a powerful effect on the brain leaving even Synergy helpless.


    {Did the curse work for Dinah, too? And why was it so powerful?!}


    Kyon frowned. He sat in a lotus position and focused on his feelings. He knew that if he stopped blocking his love of Kara, he would go crazy in a couple of minutes. Moreover, he would turn into a weak-willed ve of his all-consuming love never resisting it on his own will. Synergy recovered a bit faster than it was spent to prevent the disaster. He could keep his mind in this fragile state for as long as he wanted. He could be himself without any ws or limits.


    However, he didn¡¯t observe a simr effect with Dinah. His love for her didn¡¯t increase. It was fixed at one point. As a matter of fact, it was located at the edge of madness. Kyon did not feel any suggestible love for Dinah. It means the curse had nothing to do with this love. It raises the issue of what these nearly crazy feelings were based on.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    Kyon did another couple of experiments with his mind and confirmed the truth. He came up with several theories. One of them sounded like this: his soul acquired a chronic disease of being in love and restored the bnce in his mind. If his consciousness didn¡¯t feel love, his soul would change it, thereby restoring the order.


    {Fuck, I must be wrong! How can I keep going on if love and hatred for the damned bitch will burn me from the inside? Moreover, Dinah wants me dead¡­}


    Kyon had a few more theories, but all of them sounded weak. He recalled the books about love he had read in this world and thought of a strange clue.


    In his world, lovests a maximum of 5 years. ¡°Love till death do us part¡± is often confused with affection. But in this world, ording to hisplete analysis of books about love, love is really till death.


    {It¡¯s impossible¡­}


    Kyon came to a disappointing conclusion. When love reaches a certain point (it must be a very high point) or affects the mind for a long time, the soul and brain acquire a chronic love for the partner. Until the end of life. There is no way to cure it.


    It must be the reason why Kara was so sure that Kyon would be her eternal ve¡­ The keywords are ¡°forever and ever.¡± But his analysis revealed a short term of the curse (just a couple of weeks). Could the princess be wrong? No, she knew that his love would enter the chronic phase for sure!


    Kyon refused to believe this terrible information. Had his soul irreversibly changed its structure? Now there added his adoration for Dinah? Were passionate feelings an integral part of him now? Was he doomed to love the highest maid forever?


    Kyon read about people who had be obsessed fanatics in love until the end of their days. Most likely, those who were unrequitedly in love suffered the most. For example, Yegorka loved Juno¡­ But Kyon wasn¡¯t so certain about the stupid blond boy. Perhaps his love did not reach the chronic stage. And what difference did it make if the boy had no balls in all senses?


    {I hate my soul. It¡¯s the only weakness that I cannot control with Synergy. Damn it¡­ I must have everything under control!} ¨C Kyon banged his fist on the floor, filled with a deep aversion to this world with its idioticws. He had never wanted to love Dinah but because of the curse, she captivated his heart forever. More than that, he was on the verge of madness. A single nce at the snow queen filled him with a frantic desire to pounce on her, take her into his embrace and never let her go.


    {What if Kara also enters the chronic stage? Can a soul love two girls at once?!} ¨C Kyon had a headache, he rubbed his temples. Why on earth were the self-confident beasts on his mind? At least, it less annoying than nine hours ago.


    Kyon weighed the alternatives. Theoretically, if he erased his memories of Dinah, his chronic love would lose a pir of strength. On the other hand, if you suffer from depression, changing a couple of memories won¡¯t help you. It is already within you. And there will always be good reasons. Besides, there was a good chance that his chronic love (like Kara¡¯s curse) would go to another person.


    Kyon did not want to take risks for the sake of a small chance. It¡¯s pure madness to y games with your brain. It can destroy you from within. There are numerous examples of poor sufferers who tried to forget their unrequited love but in the end either cut off their penises or hanged themselves or even flew off the handle to the state of a maniac giving other people thrills.


    Kyon decided to look for spiritual treatment or medicine in the near future. It was essential to study this obscure extremely important aspect of the new world.


    {Alright¡­ It¡¯s no use to grieve over the inevitable. I can still keep a level head in spite of my obsession with Dinah. Synergy gets restored faster than the curse devours it.} ¨C Kyon took a deep breath and sent Synergy to his soul to reveal any changes.


    He discovered that his core was rotating slowly. It happened only once when the body was first created and there was a conflict between the light and the dark. Also, at the time when he applied the healing mask on his beloved little Dinah¡¯s face. He supposed that the dark half of his core was manifested more clearly and emitted darkness.


    Kyon frowned and focused on his unique body. He wanted to hear a response. It requires to be asleep and in the state of deep meditation tomunicate with average unique bodies. But not for Kyon. The core of his unique body consists of hundreds of possible slots. It is the heart of his unique body! Nobody can ever copy it. Therefore, it is the best of the best.


    Kyon quickly received a response that turned into a visual picture.


    He was surprised. He had never heard he couldmunicate through visual images with powerful cultivated bodies. But he was happy to get even the smallest echo from his body. Before this moment, his body was close as an oyster.


    Kyon could see only a dark sphere spinning slowly.


    {Hm¡­ A sphere of darkness? And where is the sphere of light?} ¨C No matter how hard he tried, he could see nothing but the ck sphere. It sent the only response to his soul in the form of an image.


    Kyon focused on it. Suddenly, he received information in his head, or rather, a feeling of full load. It resembled sensations he had from a full dder, a rather unpleasant feeling. He had to pee.


    When he remembered how the dark part of his core rotated during the incident with Dinah¡¯s face, Kyon realized that the ck sphere was full of negative emotions. He noticed the same rotation during his battle with Tsayan and Kaisen. The hatred of the arrogant fools made his core spin a bit.


    Given the recent violent sex, Kyon assumed that the huge amount of negative emotions emanating from Dinah had oversaturated the sphere. It had gained enough energy and was now responding to his call (which manifests itself in the form of a certain picture).


    In its turn, the sphere of light was not saturated with positive emotions and couldn¡¯t be seen.


    {It makes sense.} ¨C Kyon put together some more thoughts but couldn¡¯t find any better options. Four coincidences were enough for him to give the theory 99% for existence.


    Kyon had longe to terms with theplete absurdity of the local world. A bolt of lightning could strike in the head out of the blue, the soul could feel and hear attributes, unique bodies gave unfathomable, almost unreal properties. To say nothing of the princess¡¯s love spell¡­


    {Looks like I have filled my core with dark energy.} ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes lit up with a new idea. ¨C {Darkness has tremendous destruction properties. It kills organisms, makes matter fragile, corrodes barriers and neutralizes poisons! What if Kara¡¯s curse weakened because of the dark sphere?!}


    He postponed testing this theory for the future.


    {How do I activate my body? Where can I get positive feelings? Hmm¡­ Will a good joke help? Or love? A feeling of gratitude? I wonder¡­} ¨C Kyon decided to look for the answers in the nearest future. He had never felt the light half of his core rotate. Not once. Was he evil?


    Suddenly, Dinah stirred in bed¡­


    {Shit! She is free from the influence of any orders or poisons! If my beloved girl wakes up, I will fall asleep forever.} ¨C Kyon tiptoed out of the room. He went downstairs to the treasury and called Juno in the hope that Kara had left the mansion.


    ?Juno speaking.?


    Kyon said nothing.


    ?She left.? ¨C Juno informed him as if she had read his mind. She sounded rather impassive. ¨C ?I am waiting for you in my chamber, master.? ¨C She added more joyfully.


    ?No time for that. I order you to call Dinah now and order her toe to your chamber well-groomed and smartly-dressed. When the maid arrives, tell her in a strict voice: ¡°I do not want to hear anything from you!¡± If she says anything, ignore herpletely. Give her the order not to harm me and follow all my orders until you personally cancel them. Add that it¡¯s a punishment for viting the terms of our recent bet. Then send her to my room to apologize. And don¡¯t dare to ask her any questions!?


    Kyon removed the sound transmitter and took a breath. His heart was beating fast. Dinah looked like a magnificent deity whose beauty was worth of legends. He had a feeling that he had put an arcanum on a noble phoenix and forced her to fly to his chambers for further plucking. The pleasant perverse feeling corroded, absorbed, and made his chest tremble. Distorted, delusional, ugly love where the beloved girl was in his full power. Pure egocentric dream.


    If a pervert virgin wanker had a watch that controlled time and used it to get the object of his adoration, he might experience about 5-10% of Kyon¡¯s feelings.


    Junoplied with his order feeling rather perplexed.


    When Dinah heard the call in the formation on her wrist, she rubbed her sleepy eyes, reflexively brought it to her ear and listened to herdy¡¯s speech.


    ?Yes, mydy. I will do as you say.? ¨C She replied automatically.


    Dinah opened her eyes. Unprecedented lightness reigned all over her body as if she had returned from divine paradise. She had indescribable sensations like after a wonderful massage. Her jubnt soul was appeased singing praise to happiness.


    However, in an instant, the pleasant bliss was reced by animal fear.


    Dinah found herself in the room of her sworn enemy. She was covered with a nket that had absorbed the smell of the bastard. Gross smell hovered everywhere. Her tattered evening dress stuck to her body. Her always elegant hair looked now like a bunch of spaghetti.


    {Oh my god! No!} ¨C Dinah felt cold when she recalled what had happened.


    Her fingers crawled into her panties where they found gooey fluid flowing from her secret ce. Adios to her virginity flower¡­


    {It can¡¯t be¡­ Oh my god¡­} ¨C She cried.


    In spite of her heartache, Dinah got out of bed, wrapped herself in the sheet and headed for the shower.


    The dishonored brte washed instinctively. All her essence was filled with terrible grief. She wouldn¡¯t wish it on her worst enemy. Vile memories made her sick. It was like a bucket of slops had been emptied over her. Vited on the bed, and then on the sofa. Kyon took advantage of her body like an insatiable beast from the jungle. The miserable servant had entered every cell of the body!


    She didn¡¯t remember well the further scenario.


    {I surrendered to the power of the whisper inside myself¡­} ¨C Dinah recalled bitterly. She remembered taking only this decision. All in all, her thoughts were confused and reduced to insane pleasure¡­


    The seed of the bastard, who deserved many years of torture and imminent death, was dripping from her once-forbidden ce in a transparent thread. The maid took the showerhead and slipped it between her legs willing to wash everything in there.


    {Yuck! I do not want the nasty little pervert to knock me up¡­ Goddess, please show me mercy! I will be a faithful and frequent visitor of your temple.}


    Dinah did not want to know the reason why thedy called her to her chamber. The rapist was quite a snitch but the highest maid refused to believe he had told on her. She was too scared to face the consequences.


    She took a shower, wiped herself with a towel, put on her panties and felt the very fluid oozing from her womb. The nasty filthy stuff was still inside!


    Dinah shuddered, her eyes turned red, but she obediently put on a clean maid uniform andbed her hair.


    A few minutester, Dinah entered herdy¡¯s chamber. She dutifully listened to her severe reprimand, as well as her fatal order not to harm the servant and obey him until thedy personally cancelled the order. Dinah had also to apologize for her audacious disobedience.


    When the maid left, Juno thought for a moment, frowned. {Dinah looked scared. Could she really remove the order? Then how could Kyon be still alive? What happened between them?!}


    The jerk was too proud to give her any answers to her questions. If only he dared to touch her dear maid¡­ She would skin him alive and feed him to the insatiable dogs.


    When Kyon smoothed his rumpled feathers, he decided to meet with Dinah in private. He wouldn¡¯t lose his mind because his love had not crossed the line of madness. Beside his wild desire to see her, he wanted to check if he could leave her by force of will (or Synergy) or if he wouldn¡¯t take his eyes off her.


    Kyon returned to his room.


    The beautiful girl dressed in a sexy maid uniform was standing near the curtained window. Kyon¡¯s heart melted at once.


    He silently admired the embodiment of beauty. A magnificent goddess seemed to have descended from heaven to earth¡­


    Dinah gave him an icy look that sent a weird chill down his spine. She said through clenched teeth what herdy had ordered her to:


    ?My apologies¡­ You are a disgusting animal! I am sorry that I did not kill you when we first met! I would dly exchange my position of a highest maid for a chance to return to the past and do justice. You are a selfish bastard! A beast! Your crime is punishable by death!? ¨C The angry girl yelled on and on.


    ?You can be mad with me all you want. My love for you is unshakable. I¡¯m ready to destroy the world for you alone.?


    ?If you love me let me go!? ¨C Dinah cried out loud.


    ?I am sorry, I don¡¯t speak deer. And now I order you to obey my every word and never act against me, and also¡­? ¨C Kyon gave her a number of orders thatpletely limited the unfortunate victim (she couldn¡¯t answer the sound transmitter, make hints, talk to her masters, etc.)


    After he finished his tirade, Dinah took a step back, stunned. The damned servant considered himself a rightful master of her immacte soul! The maid¡¯s pride suffered a crushing blow.


    Tears sparkled in her eyes, her lips quivered. Incinerating hatred burned her from inside, ruled in her soul. She wanted to die under his crazy look and loving expression on his face. She could not understand why he was acting like this. Why was he both affectionate and cruel? Loving people do not do that. But his words sounded like he was telling the truth.


    ?You¡­ You¡¯re a crazy psycho¡­?


    ?Now kiss me, my goddess.? ¨C Kyon ordered with his arms wide apart.


    The maid was at loss for words. She unconsciously approached the boy with the expression on her face as if she was walking towards a poisonous snake. Awkwardly but gently, she touched his lips with hers.


    Kyon held her slender body tight, his mouth came down on hers, sucking in her magical aroma intoxicating his mind. Heid his hands on her tight bottom and squeezed it like a bun. He closed his eyes in pleasure. His love had manifested itself in full¡­ He could control himself only with Synergy but he needed a lot of it. Given how much he¡¯d been spending on resisting Kara¡¯s curse, Kyon could afford to lose control once a day (and for a few seconds only). He¡¯d better not contact his dear girl or he was doomed to have sex with her all day long.


    Dinah wished the ground would swallow her up. She cried kissing the hated boy. He was like a hungry wolf licking his bleeding prey¡­ It was unpleasant, disgusting and frightening. What if he ate her up?


    When she felt Kyon¡¯s nimble fingers in her panties, Dinah trembled secretly wanting more. She arched her body allowing his hands to prate into her private ce. She moaned desperately:


    ?§®-m-m-m! §®-m-m-m!? ¨C She closed her eyes. There was chaos in her head. ¨C {Seriously? Again?!}


    Suddenly, Kyon roughly pushed her to the floor and quickly left the room.


    The stunned girl looked perplexedly at the locked door, barely catching her breath.


    ?What¡¯s wrong with you? Die, damned bastard!? ¨C She cried hysterically nearly sobbing from self-pity. Then she straightened her skirt and quietly left the room feeling like a dirty prostitute whose master and the only client was a horny servant. She had to get distracted or she would go crazy.

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    Kyon left the mansion and leaned against the wall taking a deep breath. He had just taken his only chance of the day, the opportunity to get out of the mental trap of love. He had spent too much Synergy on resisting the curse. It would take a long time to recover. He¡¯d better not see his love any time soon or all his ns would go down the drain.


    Kyon took out the sound transmitter and dialed Marina. He asked her how things were going with Flitz. She told him she was taking care of the old man as he hated hospitals. At the moment, he was getting better in his mansion.


    Kyon announced his imminent visit to Flitz with Juno and finished the call. Then he told thedy to get ready for the trip to the old man.


    {Flitz is lucky to have such a beautiful maid! Marina doesn¡¯t seem to be afraid of him anymore. Does her happiness lie in making him happy?} ¨C Questions were swarming in his head. However, they were not the reason for his trip. Kyon was building a foundation for his further actions in the Stone family. He needed a new personality.


    Soon, the servants brought a huge chestnut horse to the entrance. The magnificent powerful stallion is of great value. He is a symbol of the past greatness of the Stones. His proud disposition rtes to his tremendous speed and almost inexhaustible endurance.


    The horse nced at Kyon and snorted contemptuously. The Stones of the 1st rank only were allowed to ride mustang the mighty.


    Three guards rode up on horses to protect thedy during the journey. Even her own estate was not the safest ce.


    A minuteter, Juno ran out of the mansion with a radiant smile on her face. She was dressed in her favourite short gray skirt and silver blouse. The girl looked like a delightful angel that could bewitch anyone with her dazzling natural beauty.


    The youngdy waved her golden hair, looked at her servant and climbed the noble steed. He did not resist. However, as soon as Kyon jumped in front of her, the stallion neighed and reared. He nearly knocked Juno to the ground.


    Juno grabbed Kyon¡¯s waist just in time.


    ?Are you looking to get yourself killed, scoundrel?!? ¨C The outraged guard roared at a couple of steps from the servant. His hand was glowing with azure cold.


    ?Everyone, say put!? ¨C Juno shouted, frightened by the turn of events. ¨C ?If you dare to rear up again, you will starve for three days, inadequate animal!?


    The horse bowed his head and nged his hind hooves as a sign of apology.


    ?And you?! If you raise your hand to my servant once again I will have your head chopped off!!? ¨C Juno threatened the guard.


    The man swallowed, fearful of what wasing and bowed to her. ?I-I am sorry, mydy¡­ I thought that servants¡­?


    ?Think less and you will live longer.?


    ?Yes, mydy.? ¨C The guard bowed.


    From now on, the guards would let the servant be. Until the youngdy showed her displeasure, they wouldn¡¯t dare to go against the boy.


    {Hmm¡­ Maybe she doesn¡¯t need code number one?} ¨C Kyon wondered.


    Code 1 imposes a strong cage of orders. Because of her ample freedom of action, Juno had saved Kyon from the sticky situation.


    Kyon pulled the reins in the direction of Flitz¡¯s mansion.


    The stallion reluctantly obeyed. Once his owner was Yurich himself. Now a rootless creature was riding him at the youngdy¡¯s whim. The horse could feel the family members¡¯ formation at a distance. The rider on his back had none. What a shame! What a bitter pill to swallow¡­


    {Howe that the ve born in the slums has excellent riding skills?} ¨C Juno wondered.


    She felt embarrassed by her arms still around Kyon¡¯s waist. However, as soon as she removed them, the bastard pulled the reins, and she almost fell. She had to hold tight at him.


    {What a jerk! He does it on purpose!} ¨C Juno had an urge to pinch his ass. She couldn¡¯t help asking herself what if the servant liked her arms around him?


    The guards looked at each other in silence. They emanated a subtle aura of bloodthirst. Their beautifuldy was hugging a servant! And he acted up as soon as she loosened her grip!


    Kyon frowned. A vague feeling was smoldering in his soul like a piece of coal in the fire. He had never felt anything like this before.


    Soon the servants received their precession in front of therge mansion that belonged to Flitz.


    Juno ordered the guards to wait outside. Kyon followed her as befit a servant. But when they came out of the guards¡¯ sight, he grabbed Juno by the sleeve and pushed her behind his back.


    The youngdy opened her mouth with indignation. She was speechless by his tant show of insolence.


    The beautiful blonde girl met the couple with a dazzling smile at the entrance to the mansion. ¨C ?Juno! Kyon!? ¨C With these words, she threw herself into Juno¡¯s arms and gently shook Kyon¡¯s hand.


    Marina was in a wonderful mood. Her eyes sparkled with the fire of life. The maid beamed with happiness. She was sweet like a fresh rose. Dressed in a sexy maid uniform, she provoked a natural desire in any healthy man. Kyon felt uneasy.


    ?Juno, keep yourself busy. I need to talk to Marina in private.?


    ?You can¡¯t take my friend from me!? ¨C The little devil objected.


    Kyon took embarrassed Marina by the hand, led her to the nearest room and closed the door right in front of Juno¡¯s nose. She became even more furious, growled in anger and stamped her foot.


    ?Is it okay to wear this revealing outfit around Flitz?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    The blonde straightened her short skirt looking at the floor and smiled at him. ¨C ?Thank you for your concern¡­ It¡¯s okay. I guess Flitz has changed. He doesn¡¯t harass me anymore. Our time together showed his new traits. I¡¯ve seen him from a new perspective. He can be kind, caring, sensible. He is willing to do anything to earn my forgiveness. He hears me out, supports, protects and helps me in everything! He turned into a perfect master¡­ But he is not my master¡­ At least that¡¯s what I thought¡­ Hmm.?


    Kyon thought: {Stockholm Syndrome?} ¨C ?Do you love him??


    ?I don¡¯t think so¡­ He was so handsome in the image of Frantz. He was full of life and enthusiasm! But now¡­ I do not know how to put it. He seems to have turned into my granddad, kind, loving and caring. Once, he saved me from living on the street. He had been caring for me all these years. I am endlessly grateful to him and I will not leave him alone¡­ But my attitude to Frantz was a little different. I¡¯m confused. It¡¯s one person, after all!?


    {I see¡­ The ugly old man scares her off. Young Flitz ¨C Franz was a different person for her. That¡¯s why she acted like a silly girl in love.} ¨C ?I know what you mean. Why are you looking at the floor?? ¨C Heid his hand on her shoulder.


    Marina looked up and stroked her hair, embarrassed. ¨C ?I am worried about Flitz. He coughs too much, and his eyes are sometimes empty¡­ I get it¡­ He is in histe 130s¡­ So¡­? ¨C She said in a trembling voice, failing to hold back her tears.


    Kyon held her tenderly stroking her hair, trying to calm her down.


    {The stress might bring the old man to the grave in theing year.} ¨C Kyon kept thinking about returning his debt to Marina. He came up with a nice idea at the party. For its implementation, he needed the Student degree of Synergy (2).


    Kyon talked to Marina about her life, then gave some instructions to Juno and went up to Flitz¡¯s room.


    The formacist was in bed smoking his pipe, his frozen eyes stared at the ceiling.


    When he saw who had entered his room, he pushed himself into a sitting position.


    ?Juno, what the hell are you doing here?! If you dare to take Marina from me, I¡­?


    ?Marina decided to stay. I am not going to talk her out of it.? ¨C Juno muttered.


    ?Then why did youe?? ¨C The old man¡¯s prating eyes shifted to Kyon.


    Juno answered:


    ?I want you to give my servant a family member formation.?


    Flitz coughed dryly.


    ?That¡¯s your little game! It seems like yesterday he was a ve. Now he is about to be a rightful Stone! And in some years he will be what, the king of the world! Ha ha he! What rank do you want for him, baby??


    ?I am not your baby. The higher, the better.? ¨C Juno said coldly looking inquiringly at Kyon.


    ?Did I miss something important yesterday? Did the kid win the tournament? Ha ha he!? ¨C Flitzughed hoarsely.


    Kyon suspected the old man was a kind of psychic. Almost twice to the point!


    ?You must know the rules of joining a family¡­?


    ?Thews don¡¯t apply to me. Just give my servant the highest possible rank.? ¨C Juno repeated irritably and gave Kyon another searching look.


    ?I get it now¡­ Alright, I can give him the 4th rank. It usually requires pledges, guarantees or rmendations. But I will do you a favor¡­ Haven¡¯t I promised your grandfather to help you with everything, eh?.?


    ?Can¡¯t you give him anything higher?? ¨C Juno asked.


    ?Are you crazy, baby? You want me to give high rank to a servant?! Don¡¯t you know that 80% of family members are satisfied with the 5th or 6th rank?! Our golden youth is given the 4th rank and below! The second rank is an unattainable dream for many!?


    ?Don¡¯t call me baby, old fart! I am the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter! Mind your manners.? ¨C Juno red up at Flitz, her hands on her hips. Her fierce eyes burned brighter than ever before. She looked aggressive like a wild fox. Flitz fucked up big-time when he brought her Kyon. She would never forget it. More than that, she was willing to beat hisscivious old ass to a pulp for her dear Marina.


    The old man cleared his throat. ?Forget it. I can¡¯t apply any formation above the fourth rank. I need the documents to confirm his bloodline, merits or passing the test to upgrade the rank. Also, he must be registered at the family center. There are so many requirements like years of bearing the surname, etc. Elder Boe personally checks the documents! I can¡¯t persuade him to give the rootless guy the third rank. If I cheat, they will discover it pretty soon and use me of betrayal. No, thank you very much. And forget the second rank altogether! It will take at least three elders to confirm that he has passed the test of bing a descendant of direct blood! And to pass it, he needs to be at the Noble phase. I was an exception because of my formacist skills but¡­ The boy s still wet behind the ears!?


    Juno looked at Kyon with a silent question ¡°what¡¯s next?¡±

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143


    Kyon thought: {Elder Boe is Lee¡¯s grandfather. Damn it! I wish I was on better terms with the sorry-ass leader of the young Stones. In view of my further ns, I desperately need the status of a descendant of direct blood¡­ To pass the exam, I need to be in the Noble phase, don¡¯t I? Hmm¡­} ¨C He came up with a nice n for the future.


    ?Lady Juno, the fourth rank is an honor for me. Please don¡¯t trouble yourself. I am happy and proud to serve you.?


    Juno grimaced in contempt and looked at the old man. ?Give him the fourth rank in the Stone family. I have big ns for this boy¡­?


    The old man shrugged and muttered:


    ?The deuce you say.? ¨C He pressed his formation. Soon, the servants would bring the tools for creating the slot.


    Juno remembered another Kyon¡¯s order just in time:


    ?By the way, Flitz, if my grandfather asks anything about Kyon, don¡¯t mention his status. Keep mum about his past as a ve. Don¡¯t tell him he¡¯s a servant. Pretend that you see him for the first time. Otherwise, I will get in trouble and then you will!? ¨C She threatened him with her little fist.


    ?Mydy, your word is thew!? ¨C The old man said gantly.


    After Kyon got everything he needed from Juno, he made an imperceptible gesture to drive her away.


    Just as she was leaving, the servants arrived with the formaceptic device.


    While Flitz, pale with fatigue, was fumbling with his wrist, Kyon asked:


    ?Are you happy that Marina is back, sir??


    A smile lit his wrinkled face. ?Of course, I am! You did me a huge favour and I will be grateful to you until the end of my days. I¡¯m afraid there are too few of them, though.?


    ?Do you have any definite ns for the near future? For Marina? Or do you intend to stay in bed wasting the girl¡¯s precious time on looking after you?? ¨C Kyon¡¯s voice sounded cold.


    Flitz finished creating the formation, removed the device and red with his piercing eyes into Kyon¡¯s insolent face. ?I could send you to hell with your interrogations but you are her friend. Alright, I will tell you about my ns for her.? ¨C He took out his pipe and took some puffs. ¨C ?Sunflower Ra. It¡¯s a legendary flower that has beneficial effects on the reproductive system. They say it works on the dead! For many years that I worked as a formacist I have saved a decent amount of money. The greatest trading guild announced it for sale at the next auction. I will buy the sunflower at all costs, and then my little Marina will get pregnant¡­ Hehe! I will leave her all my wealth, give her a good rank. I will have a nice talk with the patriarch about life and the girl will have a good job. I don¡¯t want my little dove to be a single mother but¡­ I will bite the dust pretty soon. I hope everything goes ording to the n. This miracle is on sale for the first time in a decade! I am not going to miss this wonderful chance that heaven is sending to me.?


    Kyon raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. He remembered reading about the sunflower.


    ?By the way, congrattions on joining the family. You are Kyon Stone now! Well, almost¡­ Can you write? Scrawl something here. It might be useful for some future documents.?


    The old man handed Kyon a pen and a standard document that he took from his spatial ring.


    Kyon smirked when his hand began to draw clear imperial curves on the piece of paper. He signed smoothly and confidently as if a god signed the invoice for the universe. Each curl was amazing.


    Flitz nced at Kyon¡¯s ¡°scrawl¡± and nearly spat out his tongue. ?Holy fuck! What emperor has signed here?!? ¨C The old man blurted out looking at Kyon in shock.


    ?I made it up yesterday. Is it too bad?? ¨C Kyon asked modestly.


    ?Fuck you! Yesterday?! The signature of our patriarchpared to yours is a drunken monkey¡¯s doodle! You never cease to amaze me, asshole. First, you miraculously got to the tournament, now you sign like someone of the highest rank.? ¨C He finished the tirade and clicked his tongue shaking his head.


    Kyon shrugged. ¨C ?Not all the ves are idiots and not all the masters are good. Prejudice is a bad trait of character. By the way, Mr. Flitz, I know thatdy Juno asked you not to talk with the patriarch about my past but I want to ask you, too. Please do not tell him about me. Do it as a sign of your gratitude for Marina who is serving you now. If it weren¡¯t for me, after all¡­?


    Flitz interrupted him: ?I wouldn¡¯t say anything even after Juno¡¯s words. I would have more problems with her than with her grandfather! And now you too¡­ Okay. Unless I have to lose something dear to me, I will keep mum about you.?


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. Now he was about 90% sure that Flitz wouldn¡¯t disclose his status as a servant. He had to deal only with Anna now.


    The old man coughed dryly. ¨C ?Alright, I will get the documents ready, send them to the archive, and then you will be a Stone officially. It will take no more than three days. No one will verify the authenticity of your formation without good reason, anyway. You havee from the rags to riches. Just a few months and an ex-ve is a member of the family! Of the 4th rank! From rags to riches. Most Stones could only dream of this rank! And the ves don¡¯t even dare to dream. But you did! You are lucky devil¡¯s spawn. I¡¯m afraid to imagine what stands behind true Juno¡¯s motivation¡­ Well, the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter¡¯s issues are no longer my concern. Let Bai deal with her.?


    ?Do not be too much surprised if I soon be a descendant of direct blood. Alright, sir??


    ?Puh!? ¨C Flitz spat hearing these insolent words. ¨C ?Once I saw an old man screaming about the end of the world because the darkness had enveloped the whole world. His words sounded more believablepared to yours! Ha ha he!?


    ?You underestimate me.?


    ?I¡¯ve seen a lot of shit in my life, kid! It¡¯s some weird stuff you¡¯re talking about. Even if Juno wants it with all her heart, Bai will never persuade the elders to let some wimp into the elite of the family elite! If you be a descendant of direct blood, I will personally kneel and kiss your ass. Deal?!?


    ?Let¡¯s agree if I be the descendant of direct blood in the next month, you will ept me as your master and obey all my orders implicitly.?


    ?No problem! Now get out of here. I¡¯ve had enough of crazy people around. I am going out of my mind.? ¨C The old man yawned tiredly.


    ?Alright. Have a good day. Stay well.? ¨C Kyon smiled.


    Flitz remembered something, stopped the boy and removed the subjugating ve mark from his forehead. From now on, he couldn¡¯t be controlled by orders. He must obey Juno on his own initiative.


    They then said goodbye.


    With one nce, Kyon stopped Juno¡¯s cheerful friendly conversation with Marina and left the mansion. He was thinking about how to take advantage of the best formacist in the family and pay back Marina at the same time. Little by little, he came up with a good n.


    ¡­


    Kyon asked Juno to let him know about Dinah¡¯s whereabouts. He didn¡¯t want to bump into his dear girl and waste the whole day.


    When they arrived home, Kyon got off the stallion, that was still sullen from the recent thrashing, and with no hesitation went inside. ording to Juno, the maid was in the dining room. The way was safe.


    Juno returned to her chamber, and Kyon carefully followed her.


    The couple was alone. The door was locked. Anna already cleaned up in the morning. No one would bother them.


    Juno plopped down on her soft bed, crossed her arms and charmingly dangled her bare feet. She stared at the servant, obstinate as ever:


    ?Why don¡¯t you share your ns with me??


    Kyon silently slouched in the armchair propping his chin on his hand, deep in thought. He couldn¡¯t get Dinah out of his mind. She warmed his heart like sunshine.


    ?Buzz off.? ¨C Hezily waved off the youngdy with his hand.


    Juno clenched her fists in displeasure. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t tell her anything. She knew that her servant wanted to gain power in her family. But how? What for? What would happen next? She did not understand a thing. He was getting more and more mysterious to her. She could no longer take him as an ordinary servant. His ambitions were rming. What if he turned her family upside down? One fact that he was a master of 9 elements could stir up the whole empire. If her little and not so influential any more kin would get in danger¡­ The girl was afraid even to think about it. However, it wasn¡¯t what concerned her at the moment.


    ?Master, I hope you came to my room to make me happy, didn¡¯t you?? ¨C Juno smiled slyly.


    ?You willugh out of the other side of your mouth in a moment.? ¨C Kyon said coldly. ¨C ?For starters, I order you to give me everything you got yesterday.?


    Juno¡¯s eyes widened from the tant impudence of his words.


    ?You can¡¯t! You¡­ No! I don¡¯t want to! It¡¯s mine. Don¡¯t you dare!? ¨C Juno shouted, her little voice trembling. She took arge leather bag and a golden box out of her spatial ring against her will.


    Kyon raised an eyebrow in surprise and hastily grabbed the pouch. He nearly whistled at what he saw.


    ?Wow! It¡¯s a real fortune in here!?


    ?M-master, please! I beg you, give it back! It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s the money my brother lent me! It belongs to me! Please! The body, that you gave me by the way, is always hungry! I just got the mail and did not have time to¡­?


    Kyon broke into the most malicious smirk he was capable of.


    ?Bingo! The royal bitch robbed me of half a million and the valuable breakthrough medicine yesterday. But here, I have some of it back in my hands! Ha ha ha! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Kyon¡¯sugh was on purpose too evil. He couldn¡¯t stop shaking withughter.


    Juno turned pale. Her thin eyebrows arched desperately. Her emerald green eyes shining with sincerity filled with tears. Her usually ringing voice whined intively:


    ?M-master, what are you talking about? You are not going to steal from your student, are you??


    The Rising Hawk medicine is a gift from her libertine friend. Its price was outrageous. Her grandfather had spent a fair share of family funds. But most importantly, it was a special gift for her! It was her personal thing that she hoped to use for her breakthrough to the second phase!


    Moreover, she did not want to lose one hundred thousand that she had borrowed from her brother. Her unique body was starving, it kept her awake at night! She was about to feed it when she received his order to get ready for the trip to Flitz¡­


    The rootless bastard wanted to appropriate everything that belonged to her? Only over her dead body!


    ?Master, say it¡¯s a joke! Please! Are you kidding?! Stopughing! Ahhhhhh! Bastard! I HATE YOU!? ¨C The enraged girl recklessly attacked the robber. She couldn¡¯t stand his incessant mockingugh anymore. The asshole had appropriated her most valuable things. She pounced on him with a battle squeal of a cornered mouse, willing to scratch his eyes and bite him to death.


    Kyon went onughing. He easily wrung her arms behind her back and put away the money along with the breakthrough medicine at the same time. It all worked so well, indeed


    Kyon suddenly calmed down. He squinted his predatory eyes, painfully grabbed Juno by the hair and pressed her face into the soft bed.


    ?Are you fucking kidding me, girl? I¡¯m clearing your keys and you dare to attack me because of a lousy pill and a hundred thousand? Ungrateful scum.? ¨C There was ice in his voice.


    Juno was red in the face. She was almost suffocating in pain her arms were giving her. All of a sudden, she realized the stupidity of her position. The girl was no fool even if she was quick-tempered and arrogant. She quickly realized that she had gone too far. The boy changed and improved her innate abilities requiring her obedience and diligence in return. It was impossible to measure his wonderful talents in mary terms, so unique and special they were.


    The youngdy moaned intively at once:


    ?M-master, I¡¯m sorry! I beg you do not punish me! I¡­ I¡¯m so sorry! Please do not be angry with the hot-tempered fool¡­ I should be punished, but do not deprive me of cleaning the keys! I can give you a massage¡­?


    ?That¡¯s all you can do.? ¨C Kyon snorted calmly. He could not be seriously angry with her. In his understanding, Juno was still too young and too emotional. Rehabilitating her was a long and painstaking job.


    ?Okay. You did save my life. I will turn a blind eye to your misbehaviour but only this time.? ¨C He carefully sat her back and put his finger on her plexus under her blouse. Synergy flew into the wind key.


    Juno¡¯s face was still red as a ripe apple. She looked at Kyon blooming like a flower. Her gentle happy smile could enchant any mortal. Kyon was no exception. He did not show a trace of emotion, though. But inside, he was eager to pinch her cheek or nose the harder the better.


    As soon as Synergy cleared the key by a couple of percent, Juno upgraded to the 8th stage. The spatial sh was so unexpected that Kyon¡¯s heart missed a beat.


    {What the fuck?!}

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    She ascended to the seventh stage two days ago. It ispletely impossible to get to the next stage so fast. Besides, she did not practice, her soul did not do cycles of energy spending / replenishment. It¡¯s not so easy to get to the 8th stag. It isn¡¯t the beginning but the end of the phase.


    ?I¡­ I got stronger!? ¨C Juno muttered enthusiastically.


    Kyon frowned. He had a strange, almost absurd hunch. He continued to clear her key of the wind. He wasn¡¯t concerned that Juno was getting stronger. She was nothing against him. Her getting stronger was only to his advantage. He was going to take everything from her, anyway. More than that, the cleaner the keys, the faster the cycles. Her development would grow faster and he was going to take it sooner orter.


    *spatial sh*


    Juno instantly jumped to the ninth stage.


    Kyon¡¯s jaw dropped in surprise.


    ?Fucking imba!?


    ?Wow!? ¨C Juno said shortly. She was shocked by what had happened.


    ?Master, did you do this?!? ¨C She looked at Kyon as if he was her benefactor. The usual hatred in the depth of her green eyes had disappeared. She hadpletely forgotten about the lost money and medicine. She was overwhelmed with happiness!


    Kyon supposed it all came down to her unique body of the divine lotus of development. He decided to clean her wind key to 100% to confirm his hunch. Taken into ount the progression of theplexity of each next stage, she would get to the peak of the base phase right at 99%. He listened to his still inactive light part of the core. Was it going to get filled with positive emotions of the annoying girl? What if he could activate his unique body along the way?


    Soon, they could see the expected spatial sh that marked Juno¡¯s transition to the 10th stage.


    The light part of the sphere in his soul began to rotate. One turn, two¡­ and three. That¡¯s it. Apparently, the girl¡¯s gratitude had ended at that. Kyon was angry, almost furious. How could she be such an ungrateful bitch? Or maybe he should fill the light part of his core with some other emotions? Kyon wanted to beat her out of frustration! After his victory over Kaisen, the dark part of the core turned about five times. The victory over Tsayan gave him about 25 turns. Violent sex with Dinah led to who knows how many turns. There were a lot of them, by all means because it filled his core with dark energy to the brim! But this little scum gave him only three turns of light emotions?! And she was hoping to defeat her sister after that?!


    As soon as Kyon cleared thest percent and Juno became the wind bender, his Synergy identally crawled to the end of the canal and touched her soul.


    ~whoosh~


    An iprehensible blue sh lit up the room.


    Time stood still for Kyon¡­ Then everything blurred into a shimmering blue fog.


    Kyon could hardly open his eyes. The chamber of Juno was somehow reced by the surroundings of the estate. Judging by the sun, the time was around noon.


    {Did I suddenly pass out for almost a day?} ¨C Kyon incredulously rubbed his eyes and looked around. There was something mysterious and inexplicable in everything that was happening. He remembered perfectly well Synergy touching Juno¡¯s soul and then¡­ And then he didn¡¯t remember anything.


    {What the fuck! Where are my Synergy and development?!} ¨C To hisplete bewilderment, Kyon couldn¡¯t feel any connection with his soul. His keys did not rotate. Synergy did not leave the 10th key.


    No matter how hard he tried, nothing changed. It was like his body didn¡¯t belong to him. However, the clothes were the same, the ring on his finger was the same, as well as his hair and appearance¡­ Everything was in its ce!


    Without wasting his time on unnecessary emotions, Kyon quickly remembered the map of the estate and determined his location. He was about a kilometer from the mansion, which was even more confusing. What moron brought him here? Maybe he came on his own? Why did the whole day pass by? Where were his development and Synergy?!


    He took the sound transmitter out of his pocket, but he could not use it without pure energy.


    Alright, no problem. Kyon came up to a passerby and asked him to call a certain frequency.


    Kyon brought the device to his ear and waspletely at a loss. {Um¡­} ¨C He was shocked by theck of any response, which meant the sound transmitter he was calling to was destroyed as if it had never existed. Perhaps someone had intentionally broken it?


    A chill of foreboding swept over him. He decided to get as much information as possible.


    ?Hello. Can you tell me what day it is today??


    An elderly passer-by squinted blindly, straightened himself up with difficulty and creaked slowly:


    ?It¡¯s the sixth day of the week, son.?


    Kyon¡¯s eyebrows crept upon his forehead. The party was on the seventh day! Has he slept for six days?


    ?Thanks. By the way, can you tell me the month? I seem to have lost my memory in the battle¡­?


    ?You should take care of yourself, dear. Today is the twenty-third day of the fifth month.?


    Kyon blinked in disbelief. He was beginning to understand what had happened to him.


    ?And the year?!?


    When the surprised old man told him the year, Kyon¡¯s heart leapt to his throat. He had turned back time to four years! He asked a couple of more passers-by to make sure that the data was urate. The travelling in time would exin theck of his development but not his age! His body was still 14 years old. And where did his Synergy go? It was in him even before he had connected with his soul!


    Kyon thanked the old man and headed for Juno¡¯s mansion, his legs stiff with tension. He wanted to have an outside perspective. How did the contact with the girl¡¯s soul send him to the past and deprive him of all his abilities? What can he do now? Maybe he should find himself? Or return to the mines and restore Synergy? The new connection with his would be terrible if it was possible at all with his inborn talent and all the keys (he had found it out when he was in the mine).


    Kyon passed a couple of alleys and suddenly saw a white tiger that was hastily running somewhere. On his back dangled a frightened golden-haired girl of about 9. She tightly sped the animal around its neck.


    {Juno?!}


    Only an idiot would not recognize Juno in this charming cutie.


    He ran after the tiger wondering why there were no guards or escort? How did she end up on this tiger? She was afraid of the beasts, wasn¡¯t she? She looked frightened but not petrified. She must have had no phobia four years ago.


    Kyon soongged behind the strange couple. Without pure energy and his development, he was no stronger than an ordinary teenager and not much faster.


    He could see from the distance the tiger turning to a blind alley.


    A couple of ves (judging by their gray clothes) looked in with curiosity. An instantter their eyes filled with fear and they ran away in panic. In fact, they scurried off to get help.


    Kyon finally arrived in the alley. His heart sank at the thought of the bloody sight he was going to see. However, Juno, deathly pale but still alive, was crawling away from the pack of animals surrounding her. Therge white tiger was the leader. They all growled and drooled slowly approaching the girl. Their intention to devour her was more than obvious.


    {If I am in the same universe but four years earlier, someone will definitely save her, and she will get her phobia. Or¡­ What if I should save her not to break the space-time continuum?!} ¨C Kyon thought rmed.


    In his world, science hadpletely refuted the possibility of time travel. They imed people could only travel to the future, and it wasn¡¯t apletely correct interpretation. As for traveling in the past, there was no way to do it. However, countless incredible theories had always worried Kyon¡¯s mind. Even now the most unbelievable thoughts were zooming round his head.


    {Most likely they will save her at thest moment.} ¨C He finally decided. But he couldn¡¯t see anyone rushing to help her. The beasts were going to eat her up in a couple of seconds.


    {They will gobble her up, sure as eggs is eggs¡­ I can¡¯t help her anyway, can I? Why on earth do the beasts attack a family member with a first-rank formation on her wrist?! It doesn¡¯t have to be like this!}


    Kyon¡¯s eyes shed with a sudden hunch. After moving in time he kept his things, appearance and the ring. Maybe the formation stayed, too? But to his disappointment, he couldn¡¯t feel it at the moment.


    All sorts of thoughts came into his head: about the possible benefits he could get if he saved the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter, calcting the risks, calcting the probabilities of any oue, etc.


    {It¡¯s all pure nonsense! Bullshit!} ¨C Kyon did not want to believe that he would have to start all over again. The whole situation was ridiculous! He spent only a few minutes there and he was already trying to act out of habit making ns for the future!


    At the moment, he did not have time to think about the benefits or other nonsense. The frightened little girl, who hadn¡¯t done anything to him yet, was about to be torn to pieces. That¡¯s the most important thing now!


    ¡­


    A bit earlier, Juno had fallen from the tiger¡¯s back of the tiger and she hurt her side. The terrible bloodthirsty creatures were slowly approaching her growling and drooling. She was the patriarch¡¯s daughter. Everyone had to look up to her with respect. They were obliged to bow to her and show their reverence. For the first time, she had ended up in such a catastrophic frightening situation. She wished with all her heart that someone would save her, anyone at all¡­ Then she saw some ves peering around the corner. Hope for salvation glimmered in her eyes but they just ran away in fear. It had only enhanced her opinion of ves as inhumans. All her hopes had gone down the drain.


    Was she doomed to be torn to pieces? Shock and fear clutched at her. She had wet herself and was now trembling. She did not want to die, but her body froze and did not want to move, covered with cold sweat. Even her voice had disappeared. She could not ask for help or just scream.


    Suddenly, a handsome ck-haired young man bravely jumped over the shrinking ring of the bloodthirsty creatures and carefully took her in his arms. It seemed to the girl that someone kind and very brave gave her a helping hand. He snatched her from death¡¯s icy grip straight into his strong and reliable embrace that she had been craving with all her heart. She had been dreaming about this moment, his smell and warmth¡­ She reflexively hugged him as tight as she could. She didn¡¯t want to let him go.


    ?Get out!? ¨C Kyon barked with all his might.


    The beasts felt his formation of a 4th rank family member and could not attack him. He was holding their prey and there was no way for them to reach it. They had to retreat with a disgruntled roar.


    Little Juno went on sobbing quietly soaking her savior¡¯s shirt with her tears. She saw through the tears the animals retreat and felt endless gratitude to the boy. She wanted to stay with him forever. He was her savior, her hero! She would never let him go. This handsome young man was destined to be her friend and benefactor until the end of his life. She would take care of this! And she didn¡¯t need Yegorka the fool anymore¡­


    Kyon didn¡¯t care for the girl¡¯s tender. Everything blurred into a fickle blue fog again.


    {It can not be!}


    Suddenly, someone jumped from above. Perhaps that¡¯s who was supposed to save Juno. Judging by the figure, it was a girl with long golden hair. He did not have time to see anything but noticed her displeased expression.


    ~whoosh~


    An instantter, Kyon woke up in the same chamber where it all began.


    Time slowly continued its course. His head was empty after the shock. Kyon felt a strange heaviness in his chest as if his soul had gained weight and struggled to cope with a new load.


    {An illusory world created by Synergy?!} ¨C It was the very first guess that came to his mind. He was so naive to believe in time travel, but the truth was closer and simpler!


    When Synergy came into contact with his soul nothing happened. When it touched someone else¡¯s soul both matters annihted. Who could know an anomaly would ur when he touched Juno¡¯s soul. An anomaly that would make himpletely revise thews in this world!

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    All of a sudden, Kyon¡¯s mind was in a state of intense turmoil followed by delight and then endless gratitude to¡­ To himself!


    It was most certainlying from the girl lying under him. Weird! Before that he could feel only those emotions that originated from darkness or light. Gloom and cheerfulness that these mysterious elements emanated were too strong and could even change his mood affecting directly his soul.


    Usually, people¡¯s emotions should be quiet and no soul could hear them. However, he heard everything perfectly well! Her feelings had literally entered his soul where he could experience them himself. It should not be like this! Too powerful connection! The gratitude that he could hear in her soul made him feel like hugging her!


    Kyon turned and looked into Juno¡¯s green eyes. Why was this cutie staring at him as affectionately as a kitten who had been rescued from a wild dog?! Her eyes welled up with tears. Her long eyshes trembled. A delicate smile yed on her thin lips. Her little pink lips moved as if whispering something.


    {What is going on here?!} ¨C Kyon was amazed for the umpteenth time today. He could feel the previously inactive light core in his soul spin rapidly. It was feeding on bright feelings emanating, with no doubt, from Juno¡¯s soul. Ten turns¡­ Twenty¡­ Thirty¡­


    Kyon was inplete shock. Where did she get so many bright emotions?! He had recently raised her three stages and she felt nothing! Could the events in the illusory world impress her soul so much that it was now converting them into bright emotions?!


    He felt the core fill quickly with light energy¡­ At the 97th turn, (which added up to the hundredth) his soul shed a light into his body. Pleasant pacifying warmth spread to his every cell. The flow of his mind became easy and smooth. Out of the blue, he wanted to be a righteous man bringing joy and love to the world. The core continued to spin slowly.


    Kyon seized the moment of the personality crisis and shook his mind with Synergy that returned him from the ¡°good¡± state to the normal one. It was at this moment he knew that his Synergy had risen from the intermediate level of Newbie degree (1) to the advanced! It became twice as powerful. Now he would find it easier to develop his body, resist Kara¡¯s curse, get out of Dinah¡¯s paws! There was a peak level ahead, and then the beginning level of the Student degree.


    When he appeared in this world, he was at the beginning of the Newbie degree. He reached the intermediate level when he connected with his soul. With each next level, it was getting stronger. Kyon calcted that his Synergy would reach the advanced level of Newbie degree when he was in the beginning stage of the advanced phase (1-3rd stage). However, a single contact with Juno¡¯s soul had immediately upgraded his element of mind to a whole important level!


    Just then Lovr was in for another shock. He raised to the 8th stage of the base phase.


    {Come on?! That¡¯s an option?!} ¨C When he saved the girl in the illusory world, he upgraded to a whole stage, filled the core with bright feelings to the brim, activated his unique body, and also upgraded Synergy development from the intermediate to advanced level of Newbie degree!


    Did it mean that he could continue to develop with this hit-or-miss method? Kyon would dly confirm this idea if not for a strange heaviness in his soul. He had no idea what would have happened to him if he had died in that illusory world. It was a risky undertaking, after all.


    Juno was choking on her own feelings of gratitude and appreciation. She could finally let out a whisper that caressed Kyon¡¯s ears like a spring breeze:


    ?Master¡­ You¡­ Who are you??


    Kyon shook his head. He hadn¡¯t got over the changes that urred to him. He backed away from the bed until he copsed into a chair nearby.


    ?Master, I am so grateful to you! I¡­?


    ?Do you remember everything?? ¨C Kyon asked, surprised.


    ?What are you talking about? I feel eternal gratitude to you for raising my development to the first stage of the second phase! I¡­ I didn¡¯t know that you could do it! You are a wizard, aren¡¯t you??


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened. Did she also upgrade her development upon the contact with his soul? It¡¯s impossible! But his soul didn¡¯t lie! He could really feel her development! Even too well¡­ His spiritual feeling had been like the sight of an old dog before¡­ Could it be a bonus from his unique body? Not bad!


    As far as he knew, to jump to the next phase, he needed breakthrough medicine and long hard work with his soul in the state of meditation. And even so, the gratitude from the Juno¡¯s soul was too strong! Thest three stages stirred her emotions to the level that she gave him three turns of the core. And then another one, even if raising the youngdy to the advanced phase, had suddenly given the remaining 97? Of course not. It doesn¡¯t work like that. The girl¡¯s salvation from hungry animals in the illusory world must have been imprinted in her soul. And now her soul was sending signals of gratitude to her stupid brain that failed to rationally determine the cause and ¡°shoved¡± everything for her gratitude for raising the stages.


    Everything fell into ce. Psychology works like this. If somebody loves a jerk they wille up with reasons for doing it. If someone wastes time on things that are meaningless from a logical point of view, soon they will find some non-existent positive aspects of this activity. The brain does not like dissonance, it tries to connect the unrted. Just like the people of antiquity came up with the idea of gods to stop being afraid of lightning and natural disasters. Juno had also justified her emotions by Kyon¡¯s raising her stage. In fact, this ungrateful scum had simply relived the meeting with the beasts. Only now Kyon was her savior, not that golden-haired girl.


    ?Master, say something! Can you really raise someone¡¯s stage of development?!? ¨C Juno asked himpulsively, hurriedly getting out of the bed.


    ?You are such a fool! I am not a god! Your unique body responds to the key cleaning and raises development.?


    ?Ahhh! I get it! My flower in my soul felt the fresh air and thanked me by raising the stages!? ¨C the girl rejoiced.


    ?Something like that.? ¨C Kyon agreed skeptically and frowned thoughtfully, his two fingers on the chin. ¨C {I can assume where her gratitudees from. But why do I still feel her emotions like they are mine?}


    Kyon wanted to test one theory. He walked away from Juno to the other side of the room and found out that her emotions transferred to his soul had greatly weakened. When he approached her, they intensified. If he moved away from her by 15 meters (about 50 ft) this spiritual (not otherwise) connection endedpletely.


    Juno¡¯s joy gradually subsided. She watched in bewilderment the servant pacing around her room. {What the hell is he doing?}


    Juno caught herself thinking that she could no longer take him as her ¡°servant¡±. She didn¡¯t like it and it was wrong. She decided to promote his rank to her personal assistant. After his extravagant upgrade in development to the second phase and his crazy performance at the party, as well as his bing a Stone of the 4th rank, she couldn¡¯t consider the talented young man a servant.


    Kyon moved on to the next experiment. He sent to his mind emotions of fear like those that children feel in the dark. After a couple of seconds, he was surprised to notice Juno¡¯s eyes widen with fear. She was infected by his emotions.


    {Holy cow! Can she feel my emotions?!} ¨C Kyon felt uneasy. They seemed to have grown a strong spiritual connection that broke off within 15 meters (about 50 ft) of distance.


    At some point, Juno bit her lip so much it hurt. She disheveled her hair and shook her head.


    ?Can I really feel your emotions and feelings?! Why do you emanate fear?! What have you done? Answer me!?


    Kyon looked reproachfully at the sky. {Haven¡¯t you fucked up this world, dear god? What were you thinking about when you set thews of the universe?}


    He took a deep breath and came up to Juno. He infused her soul with Synergy just to confirm his guess.


    This time he had no trip to the illusory world. Kyon could easily move around Juno¡¯s soul, studying its every nook and cranny. In the area of her loins, he found a graceful flower of beautiful shape that symbolized her unique body. It was the divine lotus of development.


    At that moment, Juno cringed. She had experienced something unknown to her. A certain substance was pouring into her soul caressing and enveloping her.


    Juno opened her eyes. She couldn¡¯t believe what was happening. Her mind was empty.


    {I see¡­ The frequency of Juno¡¯s has be simr to mine. I have captured her soul and changed its tonality to my own! Now our souls resonate and catching the waves of emotions that once were weak.} ¨C Kyon realized.


    Apparently, the feeling of heaviness in his soul meant overload. It was either the restriction of heaven, if there was any, or Juno¡¯s soul was a too heavy burden for Kyon¡¯s being¡­ One thing was clear to him. He couldn¡¯t capture all souls without exception and it didn¡¯t look like an endless free ride. Most likely if he had died in the illusory world, he would have died in the real one, too. However¡­ He supposed that with the development of this soul he could capture more of them. In the future, he would understand when he could take over souls. His feelings would guide him.


    Kyon infused Juno¡¯s body with Synergy to confirm his theory experimentally. There was no resistance, indeed. It was like floating in his own body.


    Now they couldn¡¯t harm each other with elemental attacks. Their energies would flow unhindered through their bodies. Each of them would feel the emotions of the other as their own, especially when they are very close to each other.


    As Kyon was a master of ten elements, he had full power over Juno¡¯s body. If the girl removes the formation from her forehead, he could infuse her with Synergy and instantly suppress her, change her mood or make her suffer in pain. Or he could use the terrible spatial attribute that was insignificant in the battle but could easily flow through the body.


    Thus, he could always break Juno with one touch even if she gained tremendous power. Now, clearing her keys, he didn¡¯t have to worry about his safety. Given his talent, Juno didn¡¯t have a chance to resist him even without the resonance of their souls.


    A pleasant feeling of being an invader swept over Kyon. The idea that he had taken from Juno the most precious and made her his property was intoxicating.


    Meanwhile, Juno was emitting emotions of despair andck of understanding.


    ?Master, I am begging you¡­ Answer me, please!?


    Kyon looked down on her with a victorious look, gave her a vile smile and left her chamber, leaving the girl to die from an invasion of her questions and endless theories.


    ?You are a terrible person! I hate you! You cannot make a youngdy suffer from curiosity!? ¨C She shouted after him. There is no torture worse than ignorance.


    Juno was sitting on her bed, hugging her knees and sobbing softly. She seemed to have lost something important that she could never return. Her assistant had taken it away¡­ Countless questions upied her mind like a swarm of bees. Why was there a certain substance in her soul? Why could she feel his emotions? Did he feel the same? Why was she so grateful to him?! She was the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter, after all. She was always worthy of the best and she rarely thanked anyone for gifts. She hated Kyon! It was all because of him!


    {Monster! Scumbag! You are not human! You¡¯re so infuriating! Arrr! Once you pay me for everything!} ¨C Juno found peace in hatred but it wasn¡¯t enough. She needed some distraction, so she went to the training ground to test her new power.


    Her heart will never be the same again.

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    Kyon returned to his room, sat in a lotus position and entered into a meditative state.


    When he filled the bright part of the core with Juno¡¯s emotions, he seemed to have finally activated his unique body. It was time to get in touch with it!


    He focused on his soul or rather, the core inside it. The information poured into his mind transforming into an image.


    It was a naked faceless person, ideally dissected in half from the forehead to the crotch. One half was ordinary. The other was flickering like a translucent soul.


    Kyon realized that the body of the void showed him its physical and spiritual embodiment: the soul on the right side and the physical body on the left. The inextricable bond attached them to each other.


    The head of the image sparkled with blue rays that symbolized Synergy, the negotiator between the darkness and the light. Without it, Kyon would have lost himself, be the personification of the evil, an irritable, aggressive and vengeful bastard; or the embodiment of the good, eager to give others joy, happiness and love.


    The image of the divided person had outstretched arms.


    The right hand (the spiritual part) was holding a ck sphere that emitted rays of darkness from the inside.


    The left hand (the physical part) was holding a white sphere that emitted rays of light from the inside.


    Kyon understood everything. There was no doubt that the spheres were halves of his core!


    When Kyon focused on the dark sphere, the information entered his head. It was a feeling of saturation by about one-twentieth (that is, 5%).


    {The counters have returned to zero.} ¨C He made a guess.


    He checked the light part of the core and found out that it was saturated by about one fifth (that is, 20%).


    {Hmm¡­ Juno¡¯s gratitude has exceeded all my expectations! Of course, it has! I saved the damn girl from the wild hungry beasts. Do I need to refill the core with emotions to develop my unique body? Will it be enough to go to the circus? Or read a funny story? Or beat someone?} ¨C Kyon was in a good mood at the moment. His unique body was finallymunicating with the owner at the level of an image in his head. Perhaps there are no other bodies so tightly connected with the owner. Apart from Juno¡¯s, of course ¡­


    {No, it can¡¯t be that simple. Emotions do not have enough energy to make my body stronger and tougher. I must be missing something¡­}


    Kyon focused on the illusory half of the faceless person. He came up with an idea of total emptiness. He wanted to fill but with what? He didn¡¯t know. The feeling reminded hunger.


    {Just as I thought¡­}


    Kyon focused on the physical side. He had a simr feeling but in a different direction. He also wanted to fill it with something.


    To sum it up: the divided person without a face demanded to fill three entities, one of whichprised dark / light emotions. The requirements of the other two remained unclear.


    Kyon didn¡¯t find anything else. He had to figure out experimentally how to fill in the other two entities. He went to the treasury.


    On the way to the second level of the library, Kyon took out several keys with spheres and, following Juno¡¯s example, tried to interact with them. Nothing came of it. Inside the library, he picked up the first medicine he found to find out the needs of his unique body by trial and error method.


    Unique bodies usually whisper their requirements to the owner. Sometimes they want some medicine of fiery, icy or earthy nature. Sometimes their development requiresplex additives, enzymes, or specially prepared medicine. Sometimes the bodies are tailored to certain valuable varieties of herbs, berries, and fruits (or theponent that is inside them). The variety is mind-blowing. That¡¯s why Kyon was ready to spend the whole day searching for what was needed.


    A small seed in his hands turned into dust, just like a thousand-year-old mummy. {What?}


    The same situation urred with nest medicine. A little twig of a cedar tree dried in a second. It cracked and fell in ashes on the floor.


    {Seriously¡­} ¨C Kyon put a random de of grass on his tongue. It turned into tasteless dust and mixed with his saliva. His short experiments proved that he could absorb life from any inanimate organic matter when he touched it with any part of his body.


    His expectations of a whole day of searching, fortunately, proved futile. He had found at once what his body thrived on! Well, almost on everything¡­


    Kyon started his research.


    Small insects dry out, each twig crackles and crumbles into dust, the des of grass wither. The corpse of a little mouse turned into skin and bones. That¡¯s a frightening ability! But it didn¡¯t interact with the organic that had a soul, so Juno could sleep peacefully.


    This effect reminded him of the attribute of darkness. Only, there was a slight difference. The darkness took the life of matter to the negative side and turned it into something terrible. This kind of interaction brought it to a zero denominator.


    Kyon used his eye microscope and saw tiny beams of light emerging from the matter that his body absorbed. Synergy helped him to find their direction. They went his keys first, and then, through the channels, to his soul and core.


    He focused on the image of the divided faceless person. More precisely, on the physical half that was holding a bright sphere in the hand.


    As he was absorbing the organic matter, this half gave him a weak feeling of getting saturated.


    He had found an important clue. Now he had to figure out the nutritional value (or profit) of each product. A few hourster, he found out that insects, leaves and dead animals gave him practically nothing. But the medicine saturated with neutral energy that he had found in the treasury satisfied him much more.


    Kyon concluded that he should fill the physical part of the image with medicine. The higher its quality and phase, the older it is, the more satisfying it is for the unique body of the void.


    His amazing body could feed on anything. He had never read of such a thing. Every specialist in unique bodies would be shocked by this ability to absorbpletely anything organic!


    The question of the other illusory half¡¯s requirements remained open. It was holding a sphere of darkness in the hand. Did it absorb something connected with death? Kyon had no idea what to feed it on. He hadn¡¯t found any clues.


    He got hungry and returned to his room to have a delicious dinner. Suddenly, he was horrified. Everything his body came in contact with instantly lost its vital juices! The parched beef steak was clearly not his preference.


    Kyon was frightened by the prospect of starving to death. If he didn¡¯t learn to control absorption, he was done.


    Hemunicated with his unique body and sent it an order ¡°to eat nothing.¡± The absorption had stopped! In Kyon¡¯s eyes, his unique body had reached a new level of essence. It had be almost an intelligent being. Itmunicated with the mind of the owner through senses, through the prism of his soul. Everything turned out to be pretty straightforward.


    With his tummy full, Kyon returned to the second level of the treasury and thoughtfully looked at the rows of shelves with low-grade medicine (he had spent the expensive medicine on training and manufacturing in the field of alchemy).


    {The effect of ¡°to the hell with.¡±} ¨C Kyon remembered with a smile the words of his master. It was his lesson in psychology. A fatdy will most certainly say to herself ¨C to the hell with it ¨C after the first piece of cake. A smoker who wants to quit is unlikely to resist a cigarette after one puff. To the hell with it! A gambler who has spent one hundred thousand will definitely lose hisst fifty thousand referring to ¡°it¡¯s all or nothing!¡± So, the boy who had spent all the valuable medicine on alchemy did not care about the rest. The patriarch would kill him, anyway. So let him try three times!


    Kyon began to devour everything useful in the treasury. His nimble hands left only dust. The effective content of medicine disappeared in his soul without a trace. He did not worry about the consequences. If the truth was revealed, his situation wouldn¡¯t change much.


    Byte evening, he had finished the job. It felt that his physical half was only one tenth full.


    {What a gluttonous body¡­} ¨C Kyon thought, distressed. He didn¡¯t despair, though. He had only started. Redistributing resources was his thing. However, he had no time to create them. In the future, when he is the king of the world, he will create many useful things. But now they will take him years to create. It was only reasonable to be a consumer and a boundless egoist, who he was by his nature.


    Now he better understood the needs of his unique body. It demanded him to fill up the three entities. The core demanded dark and light emotions. The physical part needed the energy of life. The illusory half wanted something else.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t get anything more from the Stones¡¯ heritage. The treasury had been cleared up. He did not want to waste time in vain. The family tournament took ce soon, and there were always good prizes! The sooner he went to Boston to arrange his life, the more likely he would seed. He shouldn¡¯t stay in the mansion. Besides, he had some unkind ns for the princess who dared to cross the former emperor¡¯s road. But how to take his revenge? He would find it out when he had the necessary information on the Grand royal family. The high rank of the Stones was going to help him gain power. High-ranked people are respected. The rank opens the doors. Otherwise, he would have left the Stones long ago to look for other resources. He knew that Juno would help him.


    The idea of cultivating his strength and development in peace and security was very tempting. However, Kyon had a different view on things. He would waste years to gain his power alone and it wouldn¡¯t make him as powerful as the whole country or a small imperial army. No man is an ind! Kyon he was looking forward to his future greatness along with his power and rapid development of his unique body, as well as his soul.


    Kyon decided to go to Boston tomorrow. He wanted to leave the object of his adoration and begin to implement numerous ns to seize power, redistribute resources and build powerful weapons. On his way, he nned to drop by the mine and a vige to pick up Byron, the thug.


    ¡­


    It waste in the evening. Dinah was heading to the bathroom. She was in a terrible mood. The maid had a feeling she was a dirty slut that had been fucked in all ces. Disgusting memories did not leave her head. The nobledy had been deflowered by a boy who she longed to kill!


    She hoped to avoid meeting the hated servant and took a detour, away from his room. Suddenly, he came out of the storeroom¡­ He stared at her spellbound. He was admiring her!


    Cold goosebumps of fear bloomed all over her body. It was torture to meet this wild horny wolf.


    {No¡­ I don¡¯t want!} ¨C Dinah turned away and hurried to leave, praying that the monster wouldn¡¯t say anything. She couldn¡¯t run away, bound by his order that forbade her to attract attention.


    Suddenly, she heard his sweet voice: ?Wait!?

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    Anna took a shower, mmed the door indignantly, and went to the servant¡¯s room. The gorgeous hair framed her face. She was wearing a short nightie and soft slippers. Her eyes were chillingly resolute, her lips pursed in a tight line.


    {Stupid sister! She is always hanging around! The servant has also been hiding all day. I asked him to find me, didn¡¯t I? I will find out the truth and I tell him everything! Let¡¯ss see how he will get away with it!} ¨C She had been wondering all day and could not find any answers. What was the smell in his room? Was there a girl? Did he mess up big time? How dared he hide his rare talent and wicked temper?.


    Halfway to his room, Anna heard a familiar voice. She instantly activated the spy mode. Walking almost on tiptoe, she crept to eavesdrop.


    ?I hate you! Do you think you will get away with it?! Lady Juno will make you pay for this impudence! Let me go now!? ¨C Dinah squealed in the arms of the guy who was carrying her to his den.


    ?My sweet one, I love you so much! You can be angry as much as you like, but you belong to me.? ¨C Kyon said kindly and pressed his lips against hers, savoring the kiss with all his being.


    Anna¡¯s jaw dropped. {Wha-a-at!} ¨C She did not believe her eyes. The cheeky servant was carrying her sister in his arms! She knew Dinah too well. The boy had to die from terrible torture! And yet¡­ The always impregnable, proud snow queen allowed to kiss her?! She didn¡¯t even try to confirm her threats with actions!


    {That¡¯s impossible! What¡¯s happening? Dinah can¡¯t be¡­} ¨C Anna¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She thought for a moment, it was another girl who looked like her sister. A torrent of assumptions swarmed her mind¡­


    Maybe her sister was ying cat and mouse with him? Checking him for the strength of character and spirit? Is romance possible between a high-ranking maid and a rankless servant?


    Anna recalled the events that could give her an answer. She remembered the day when the servant confessed his love to Dinah and for some reason, she was too nervous and aggressive; the moment when Dinah jumped after him with her hands above her head like bunny ears; the party when she poisoned Kyon¡¯s opponent with a paralyzer. All of this could mean that her sister was attracted to the guy. Could his pretty face and mind-blowing talent seduce Dinah?!


    The uneptable romance made Anna¡¯s cheeks flush. New, unfamiliar feelings surged up and slipped like a waterfall. They were coveted, hot and perverted at once.


    Anna followed the couple on tiptoe. Kyon continued to passionately kiss his ¡°captive,¡± carrying her to his room. Anna¡¯s heart was beating fast. What were they going to do? Had her sister given him her virginity? That smell in the room! Did she intend to kill the boyter? Disaster wasing. Dinah¡¯s behavior was too suspicious.


    Anna quietly came to the door and pushed it. To her surprise, it opened too easily (the lock must have been broken). Through a small gap, the girl could see a hot scene between those two. She had read love stories before, but to see this for real?!


    ¡­


    Kyonid Dinah on the bed and kissed her passionately. Her magic, soft skin, intoxicating taste of saliva, fragrant hair, and aggressive reaction to any of his actions drove him wild¡­ It was hard to believe, but he was going to take revenge on this beautiful, charming bitch. Is it possible to hate perfection, the gift of gods?


    The servant and the highest maid tumbled around, rolled on the bed, their tongues intertwined. One of them tried to get free. The other took his own, getting the better of her and over again. Dinah¡¯s lips got swollen and red from the intense battle, they looked like a ripe strawberry. Her pink tongue kept getting into the ¡°trap,¡± which humiliated thest shred of her dignity.


    When Kyon took a breath, Dinah growled:


    ?Rootless scum! Die!?


    Enraged, Dinah looked like a wounded panther, cornered by a born hunter.


    ?Learn to kiss, baby. However, you fuck perfectly just like an experienced prostitute. My balls were about to burst yesterday. Let¡¯s do it again¡­ First of all, dance. Strip to me.? ¨C Kyon said and made himselffortable in the armchair.


    The angry maid heard the order and began to undress slowly, gradually exposing her gorgeous body with snow-white skin. First, she took off her shoes and stockings, then her sexy uniform¡­ The face of the beautiful brte was red when she had nothing on but her seducing ck underwear. Oh, how much she hated the hungry wolf¡¯s cheeky eyes! How much she wished to rip them out and feed to the dogs¡­


    ¡­


    Anna couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. {Had they already done this?! Her sister didn¡¯t refute his words! Why?!} ¨C Her world turned upside down. Dinah turns out to be a lioness hungry for handsome boys! She says one thing and does something different! She had seduced the boy, captivated him with charms, and was now taking advantage of his nature! Satisfying her carnal desires! She had given away her virginity, risked her job! How dared she to neglect her upbringing, moral values and dignity?


    {You have disappointed me, Dinah¡­ You are so¡­} ¨C Anna bit her lip, watching the panties slip down her sister¡¯s smooth long legs. The desire to stay and watch the curious scene took over her. Kyon¡¯s reaction mesmerised her. His eyes were burning with lust. Hemanded Dinah like the lord of the kink! There was not a shadow of fear or insecurity on his face. Were they ying a master and his displeased ve? Each of them yed their part perfectly! What was going on between them?!


    Kyon¡¯s character bewildered Anna back then at the party. Anna had revised her opinion of him once again now that he was ordering Dinah around,pletely ignoring the fact that she was a highest maid and a cold-hearted assassin. Was he really a former low-born ve?


    Anna was shocked when her naked sister approached Kyon, demonstrating her slim body as if she couldn¡¯t care less. The mischievous boy pped her bottom and began to knead her butt cheeks with abandon. Soon, his other hand shifted to herbia. He massaged her there while his lips and tongue caressed the nipples of his dear girl.


    {Do you let him touch you THERE, Dinah?!} ¨C Anna opened her mouth in dismay. Her sister was being approachable, which was so at odds with her usual arrogant nature of the highest maid-assassin.


    Dinah was standing with her back to her, but Anna could tell what was happening. She heard shy soft Dinah¡¯s moans¡­ Why did her sister allow him to that? Was Kyon worthy of the attention and body of a noble maid? Did he have the right to stroke, bite and paw her anywhere?!


    ?I hate you¡­? ¨C Dinah said quietly, arching her back, her eyes closed.


    Kyon slid two fingers into her pink slit, never letting her pointed peak from his mouth. Her whole body shuddered when he proceeded to cyclic movements worthy of an intimate massage master.


    Her moans intensified and became longer.


    {What a slut! Why don¡¯t you even resist him?! Or¡­ Do you really like it?!} ¨C Anna blushed like a boiled crab. She couldn¡¯t even imagine what she would do to the boy if he dared to do the same things to her! If he only dared to look at her as if he owned her, she would beat him to the pulp!


    However, he could do anything he liked with Dinah! And she didn¡¯t punish him, even if she said she hated him. Horny, wanton little sister!


    (18+*)


    ?Now gently wet your vagina with my pre-cum and push my penis inside.? ¨C Kyon said with a smile looking at Dinah and pulling off his pants and underpants.


    When Anna saw his scarlet red cock, she almost fainted. She could not look away, but it made the knot in her stomach tighten even more.


    {His penis¡­} ¨C Anna closed her eyes, trembling excitement, trying to calm her wild heartbeat. Then she opened them again. She wanted to leave. But even more, she wanted to see what Dinah would do.


    Dinah got into the armchair, revealing her treasure to Kyon. She slid her fingers around his penis and slowly moved the nd between herbia, lubricating the entrance for better pration. Kyon grabbed her tender boob and yed with it.


    A wave of perverse feelings swept over Anna. Dinah was personally preparing Kyon for morefortable sex! What a slutty little sister! She isn¡¯t herself¡­ What makes her do it?


    When her narrow slit was wet enough, Dinah pointed his stone-hard cock at her pussy and sat on it, letting out a sorrowful groan.


    Mirror sensations chilled Anna to the bone. She nearly screamed. The ¡°spy¡± saw the servant¡¯s penis prate her sister¡¯s vagina. Theck of blood proved she had irretrievably lost her virginity! Anna¡¯s suspicions were finally confirmed. The boy had really taken Dinah¡¯s flower. No nobleman would ever take her as a wife. She might lose her job as a higher maid, as well. If they found out, of course.


    {They have already done this¡­ Dinah, why didn¡¯t you marry him at first? It¡¯s immoral to have sex with anyone but your husband! Did he promise to marry you?! And did you believe him?! He pawed the princess yesterday! He¡¯s a lecher and only a servant! Why are you letting him do all this? Why are you so eager to have sex with him, not being his wife?! How did it cross your mind to have premarital sex with a servant?! I didn¡¯t know that you were so horny and immoral, sister! We were brought up together!} ¨C Anna could not understand anything. Her noble upbringing ran totally contrary to what was happening. She was in a state of shock.


    ?That¡¯s nice¡­ Good girl. Move your hips. Now kiss me with your tongue. Little sluts like you deserve a punishment that fully fits your crime.? ¨C Kyon purred.


    ?One day, I will¡­?


    ?I know, I know. You will have a child from me.?


    ?You¡­ §¡-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh-h-h¡­? ¨C The sweet sensations made Dinah moan against her will. Her pussy was eager to ride his shaft. Dinah leaned forward and kissed Kyon.


    Their tongues and bodies intertwined.


    This dirty scene made Anna speechless. Her sister let him call her a slut! She didn¡¯t bother to argue about the child from him! Why does she ept his abuse?! Kyon is no god emperor! Maybe there something Anna didn¡¯t know?


    {Oh, Dinah¡­ I didn¡¯t think you are like this¡­} ¨C Anna ran out of ideas. Forced very through the formation was thest thing she could think of. Was her sister willing to exchange her high position, pride and honor for living with a servant? Did she agree have a child from him and serve him? Dinah must either have lost her mind or was deeply in love with the boy. But in this case, she should enjoy his attention, gestures, words and even pration! But she didn¡¯t look like she was¡­ Perhaps the matter was in Kyon.


    A few minutester, Anna heard Kyon moan and saw white sshes from her sister¡¯s vagina. Anna¡¯s red face froze, a shiver passed through her body, her legs tightened with mirror sensations. Her nipples hardened. The voyeuse swallowed a couple of times, trying to calm her rapid breathing. She felt as if she had survived Kyon¡¯s ejaction herself. Nasty goosebumps ran down her back. Dinah was acting like a skank who let him cum inside.


    {Kyon really did it¡­ Now she can get pregnant!} ¨C Anna noticed her own breasts tremble with excitement. She had read lots of novels with intimate scenes, but she had never seen someone ejacte for real. It was a breathtaking sight. She could feel it herself. Anna wondered what sister was feeling? She wished she could see the expression on her face.


    Kyon wrapped Dinah¡¯s slim body in a towel and headed for the door.


    Anna almost got caught, but at thest moment, she snuck out of the hall.


    She followed them to the hot spring.


    {Are they going to have sex here?} ¨C The soft voice in Anna¡¯s head sounded like it wasn¡¯t hers. She muted her indignant conscience and decided to continue spying on the couple. Her heartmanded what her body wanted.


    Anna climbed the nearest tree from where she had an excellent view of the hot spring.


    When she saw Kyon¡¯s naked, sculpted torso, Anna involuntarily swallowed. He was too athletic for a former ve! Maybe his muscles had seduced her sister? Unlikely. Male beauty does not y the most important role. His status that goes along with talent is essential. Dinah must have fallen for his reckless nature and ingenious talent, and only then for his good looks. However, when Anna looked at Dinah¡¯s woeful face, she failed to understand her real thoughts.


    Kyon took off the towel from Dinah. He saw her tight butt and could hardly restrain himself from plunging into her right now. They emerged into the hot spring and hugged. After short forey, he bent her over the ledge, and his hard cock slipped inside her. Dinah let out a seductive moan, but her eyes glistened with tears. Kyon was holding her hands, thrusting himself into her vagina as if she was a rag doll. He was moving smoothly, rhythmically, moaning in ecstasy.


    {Dinah¡­ He is enjoying your body! Why do you ept this disgrace?! Why are you crying? Are you a masochist? If you don¡¯t like it, then stop it!} ¨C Anna couldn¡¯t understand her sister.


    At some point, Dinah moved her hips, letting the boy get his own. Her moans became softer. There appeared notes of pleasure from the approaching orgasm. Only the deaf wouldn¡¯t hear bliss in her voice.


    Finally, Anna found an exnation for her sister¡¯s behaviour. She enjoyed sex! It aroused and excited her¡­ Always unapproachable, cold Dinah was in the seventh heaven when Kyon prated her voluptuous body! How on earth did he deserve the nobledy¡¯s virginity? He must have been too persistent, and she failed to kill the insolent jerk¡­ But why?


    The mysterious boy had piqued Anna¡¯s curiosity.


    Their passionate sexual intercourse fascinated the spy. It looked like coercion before, now the partners merged into a single whole. Their movements were graceful, their moans were pleasant, and their facial expressions were so seductive that Anna was touched to the core. The stupid little head imagined herself in her sister¡¯s ce, feeling a magical bliss. She had a vivid example before her eyes!


    Anna was getting hotter and hotter. She trembled. The intrusive desire haunted her fingers, and they instinctively got into her panties¡­


    {I am wet?!} ¨C Anna shuddered. Why on earth would intercourse with a servant arouse her? No¡­ She longer took him for a servant. Anna secretly respected Dinah, considered her wise. Her choice couldn¡¯t have been unfounded. She believed with all her heart that Kyon had a lot of secrets and virtues. If Dinah didn¡¯t reject him, everything was possible.


    She knew it was disgusting to spy on people, but her curiosity wanted what it wanted. The previously unexplored area of ¡°sex and rtionships¡± beckoned her virgin mind.


    Her fingers hesitantly parted swollen and reddenedbia sending waves of increasing pleasure. She imagined Kyon¡¯s penis enter her. Her dirty thoughts flew in her veins like warm mead intoxicating her with delight. She was like a hungry lioness who had a taste of the prey.


    {A warm cock must feel very nice.} ¨C Anna thought. It must be! Otherwise, Dinah wouldn¡¯t be moaning as if the emperor of the world was doing her!


    Anna masturbated and enjoyed sexual pleasure for the first time in her life. Spying on her sister having sex with Kyon multiplied the naughty notes of orgasm. She was a criminal doing illegal, immoral things. Was it too weird to feel like this?


    Anna pinched her hard nipples with one hand and massaged her wet pussy with the other. Kyon had grown in her eyes from a dishonorable low-born to a sweet young man with secret charms that could win ady¡¯s heart. His slender body glowed with unbridled sexual power, hisnguid look made Anna¡¯s head spin. She desired to feel his penis inside her, his strong hands on her breasts, his hot, intoxicating lips on hers. Orgasm rolled over her like a tidal wave. She nearly moaned and bit her tongue just in time.


    Her pussy was dripping wet. She drenched the dry tree branch with her juices. Her fingers glistened with moisture and got sticky. Her squelchy slit was warm and swollen. Each gentle touch responded in the desired orgasm in her head. The world around her ceased to exist. She turned into a libertine, desperate for young flesh. She had no doubt now that real sex was even more magical and enjoyable! At this thought, Anna wanted to stick her hand deeper, but she was afraid to damage her hymen. She had to be content with little.


    In the dark corner of her mind, Anna wished to take the boy from her sister. Grab him and steal from her! She would drive him crazy with her beauty, ying the role of a helpless bird in the clutches of a cat. She would let him deflower her. She would pretend weak so that Kyon could unleash his animal temperament in her fragile body. She wanted him to release his unbridled lust, push his cock in her virgin pussy and fuck her for a long time, taking the gifts of her magnificent young body.


    Love juices flowed in an indecent stream. Anna could hardly restrain her moans. Her loins were burning. Her dirty imagination whispered new tricks that she should do to the boy. Steal him¡­ Force him¡­ ckmail him¡­ Pretend to be insane, and then fuck him hard. Let him bang her tender pussy, and then ignore him and deny everything. Nail him to the wall and squeeze his penis, and then ignore him again. Make him dream about her.


    Anna was convinced that Kyon would go crazy over her if she dropped him some hints or allowed him to hit on her a bit. Sister would surely give in to her.


    {§°h¡­} ¨C Gradually, masturbation drove the girl to the peak of sensations. The pleasure spread through every nerve ending of her body. She felt dizzy. The scene of Dinah and Kyon having sex upied her mind.


    At the crucial point, Kyon erupted into her sister with a sweet moan. Anna could feel his seed inside her. The pleasure was building up, she felt iting and wet herself at the point of no return. Was this magnificent, blissful ecstasy real?


    When Anna came, she let out a soft moan and almost fell off the tree. When she cooled down a bit, she hurried to hide in her chamber. She was so ashamed of herself. She could not fall asleep for a long time, trying to calm down. There were no answers to many questions, only guesses. What was mysterious Kyon hiding?


    (*18+)

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    The annoying knock on the door made Kyon open his eyes. He sighed heavily and broke the embrace, leaving his dear naked girl on the bed. He put on some clean clothes and quickly left the room. A few seconds of forced ignoring Dinah cost him half the supply of Synergy. It¡¯s a pity he has so many things to do. He would dly spend every day only with her.


    Beautiful Anna was standing behind the door, stamping her foot impatiently. Something was wrong with her. Light tight stockings? A short skirt? Shoes? No¡­ Her full lips glistened with gloss. It was hard to tell.


    ?Would you have sandwiches or toast for breakfast, sir?? ¨C Anna asked. There was a hint of mockery in her voice.


    Kyon rubbed his eyes drowsily.


    ?Ms. Anna, you look surprisingly cheerful and refreshed for such an early morning. Did you sleep well?? ¨C Kyon asked sarcastically in reply.


    Anna¡¯s face turned a couple of shades pinker. She frowned her thin eyebrows.


    ?I clearly told you to find me yesterday, young man!?


    Before she could finish the sentence, Kyon put in:


    ?Ms. Anna, when you say sir to a servant, it does him too much honor. If the highest maid continues pampering me with breakfast in the morning and gentle treatment, I might enjoy the forbidden taste of power and bepletely unruly. You don¡¯t want me to have my eye on you, or hit on you in the dark of the night, do you??


    Anna¡¯s face added some more shades of pink. She suddenly remembered that it all started with his hitting on her sister, and now they slept in one room! What if he started to do the same with her? How should she react, respond to his provocations?


    Anna suppressed these strange thoughts and blurted out:


    ?How are you talking to me, brat?!?


    Kyon smiled pleased.


    ?That¡¯s more like it. Now I feel a miserable servant. It makes me want to kneel and apologize. So, what did you want to talk to me about??


    ?About your behaviour!?


    Kyon did not like being scolded. He remarked casually:


    ?Oh, I don¡¯t know about that. I¡¯m not a peeping Tom!?


    Anna¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of her head. His words left her unhinged. She instantly nailed the boy to the wall and looked around to make sure there were no witnesses. Then she turned her bloodthirsty eyes to Kyon¡¯s calm, impassive face.


    ?Are you trying to get yourself killed, jerk?!?


    Kyon knew that Anna wouldn¡¯t do anything to him, and yet, he wanted to bite his tongue for the words he had said in the heat of the moment. With his modernized eyes, he could see perfectly well what the maid had been doing on the tree, watching him having sex with Dinah. How horny she was!


    ?Me and my big mouth. Ms. Anna, I would apologize to you, but we both know the truth, and empty apologies will not change anything. You¡¯d better temper your ardor. I will forget about your peeping into my room, and you will forget that I mentioned it. Lady Juno would be very unhappy if her talented personal servant was crippled. There is no need to upset her for nothing.?


    ?For nothing?..? ¨C Anna was about to explode with rage. However, the words ¡°into my room¡± gave her some hope. ¨C ?You¡­ have you seen much?? ¨C She muttered slowly, hissing like a snake.


    Kyon shook his head.


    ?When I was leaving my room, you quietly slipped by. I would be an idiot if I didn¡¯t smell your perfume. I hope you didn¡¯t see much, or I will die of shame.?


    Anna clutched Kyon¡¯s cor so hard that her fingers crunched. She hesitated what to do next. The girl did not know herself why she decided to visit him in the morning. She just wanted to see him! If she had met Dinah in his room, she would have the legal right to ask them about their rtions. But when she met this bastard, everything went against her ns! And now she was fuming with anger and shame. However, he said he didn¡¯t see much, so she didn¡¯t have to think where to bury his dead body.


    Anna let him go and took a deep breath. Her face was still like thunder.


    ?Okay, let¡¯s forget about this misunderstanding and never bring it up again.?


    Kyon nodded in relief.


    ?All right. So what did you want to talk about??


    For a moment, Anna was lost for words. She coughed awkwardly, nced embarrassed aside and asked:


    ?So, you¡¯re Dinah¡¯s boyfriend now??


    She was about to ask him a couple of hundred thousand questions to find out what he was like! However, Kyon ruined all her ns with one phrase.


    ?Didn¡¯t we agree to forget about this misunderstanding!?


    ?Ah¡­ Yes, sure¡­? ¨C Anna cleared her throat again, nced at Kyon, choosing words for further conversation, but then just left with her little ears red with shame.


    Kyon¡¯s n to avoid this conversation was sessful, albeit unnecessarily risky. He had led her to the words ¡°let¡¯s forget about it,¡± and he referred to themter. Now Anna would leave him alone and save him all possible trouble. Of course, she would definitely try and confront him again because her female curiosity hadn¡¯t been satisfied. However, Kyon was going to leave the mansion today, so Anna¡¯s question would remain unanswered for many years toe.


    He went to the nearest bathroom, wrote a note for Dinah, and put it on one of the shelves. He vaguely remembered yesterday, when he did a crazy thing trying to capture her soul with Synergy. Fortunately, the resistance of her body was high enough, and he simply could not enter another illusory world to try his luck there. He realized now that if he had somehow managed to touch and capture her soul the way he did with Juno, he would either be dead or in aa from exhaustion. He would experience tremendous pressureparable to a mountain on his back. He had been left to chance too often recently, and he didn¡¯t like it. Everything should go ording to his logical analysis and carefully thought-out ns! Unfortunately, no one asked about his opinion¡­


    Among other things, sex with Dinah had filled his core with her hatred by another 5% (total 10). ording to his calctions, it was too little! It would take six months, if not forever! Sex no longer activated the nodes of negativity in her brain.


    Kyon came to Juno to wake her up and order to organize a trip to Boston with a stop in the mine and a vige. She had also to order Anna to redirect any call from the patriarch to Dinah. She would answer all his questions regarding the events in the mansion.


    An hourter, he was riding the noble chestnut-maned stallion, and Juno, with no other choice, obediently hugging him from behind.


    On the way out of the estate, Kyon took out his sound transmitter and called Dinah.


    ?Do not say anything. Listen to mymand. Go to the second bathroom and take a note from the shelf. Follow all the points, every single one of them as thews of God. So long, my love. See you in a couple of years.? ¨C Then he finished the call at once.


    Juno couldn¡¯t hear her assistant¡¯s quiet voice because of the noise of hoofs ttering loudly along the road.


    Dinah recalled yesterday and felt sorry for herself. He did her in his room, then in the hot-spring, and a couple of times on the bed just before going to sleep¡­ Her body had again sumbed to the strange lewd whisper. It took away thest pieces of her will but granted iparable pleasure in exchange. It seems so dirty and disgusting now¡­


    Dinah obediently headed for the bathroom. She had a bad feeling. Given Kyon¡¯s unpredictable nature, the note might as well say ¡°kill yourself.¡± She really did not want to die. But she heard him say ¡°see you in a couple of years.¡± She still believed that everything would work out even if she felt terrible and was afraid of Kyon. She lost her precious virginity, it¡¯s a fact. He dishonored in every sense of this word. But someday, she would finish off her tormentor and turn a new page of her life.


    Dinah took the note and quickly read it. When she came to thest point, she froze.


    The first point told her what to say in case the patriarch called and asked about what was going on in the mansion.


    The second point restricted her from spreading any information rted to Kyon. Including hints, notes, subtext, etc. Even her usualmunication was minimized.


    The third point said that she must reread this note every day and follow it to the letter. She should cherish it like the apple of her eye.


    The fourth point regted her everyday life from taking a shower to talking with her sister as well things to eat, her duties, and even entertainment in the form of reading.


    And the fifth point, that stunned the girl so much. It said that she was obliged to y with herself thinking of Kyon half an hour every day before going to bed. She could use oblong objects or just fingers. When Anna, who shared the room with her, got tired of pretending to notice nothing, Dinah should talk to her about sex and give a couple of instructions. And if the sister expressed a greater interest, Dinah must help her. If it came to the questions about her rtionship with Kyon, she must stay mum.


    {Monster¡­ I hate you so much!} ¨C Dinah thought, folding carefully the note with orders. She was on the brink of tears from humiliation and helplessness. Now she waspletely captured by the formation on her forehead. She has no freedom. Any prisoner would dream of her life, but it was littlefort for the girl.


    Kyon¡¯sst order was not just a whim. He had Dinah prepared for himself, for his perverse love. Their next meeting wouldn¡¯t be soon. By then, she would bepletely ready to be his favorite hoe.


    Kyon was leaving the ce where he had met lots of various difficulties, suffering and deprivations. He once again looked around to see therge mansion in the distance. Now everything was in the past. Dinah had be a waste of time. Pleasant, but obviously useless. Nothing would stop his ambitions. And now¡­ It was time to seize power in the empire!

 Chapter 149: Arc 3 – Boston

    Chapter 149: Arc 3 ¨C Boston


    Previously in Everything Will Be My Way (chapters 30-148):


    Kyon buys a promotion on the money he won at the auction in the mine. He is taken to the Stones¡¯ estate. Flitz, the family formacist, has a task to find a punching bag for his sadisticdy, Juno, who despises the lower sses of society. He gives her a rootless young ve ¨C the main character ¨C as a gift. Kyon ends up in a waking nightmare. His youngdy, a beautiful girl of 13, bends elements unlike him. She uses the element of wind and ether to beat him to a pulp every day, indulging her sadistic nature. Moreover, a killer-maid, Dinah, tortures him to punish for his arrogance. It¡¯s a different world with its specific rules, where people bend elements and have developed souls that can suppress anyone who is less developed.


    Anyway, Synergy helps him to survive, as well as his resourcefulness, and a kind, though naive, Marina. He made friends with her the day he arrives at the estate. While Kyon tries to survive the hell his life turned into, he meets a perverted master Jean. Kyon tricks him and gets the basic grade of all the elements. That¡¯s when things start to get better until Kyon is unlucky to see naked Juno taking a bath in the hot spring. The youngdy ¡°kills¡± him after giving him false hope of salvation. However, Kyon doesn¡¯t die. It takes him many days to recover. He sneaks in a hiding ce behind the bushes and gets help from Marina.


    His hatred gives him strength. At the same time, he masters the basic grade of pure energy.


    When Kyon recovers, he finds a library where he studies the hidden knowledge. He practices elements of formacy on a swan and learns how to enve Juno with the help of a subjugating formation. He releases a part of hatred, beating and humiliating the youngdy. Juno turns out to be strong-willed. She has an uncanny ability to partially resist Kyon¡¯s formation and twice nearly kills her master. Kyon has a choice: t kill her or to cooperate with her cleaning her keys. His love for the beautiful made his choice.


    During the next weeks, Kyon is caught in a pickle because of Yegorka with his friends, Flitz and Dinah, the bitch. His hatred of the maid is only growing. Meanwhile, Kyon plunders the ancient tomb, studies the basic grade all the nine elements, creates the world¡¯s best movement technique, adamantium, and legendary unique bodies. He grows the body of the void and chooses the body of the divine lotus for Juno. He ns to take away her power in the future. That¡¯s his idea of revenge.


    At the family party, Kyon meets lots of young people, XiaoBai, Juno¡¯s brother, and Kara, the princess Grand in particr. The princess attempts to kill Kyon because she is jealous of Juno but loses to him in the battle. She takes revenge and turns him into a ve of love with her saliva. Kyon has to deflower Dinah to keep himself sane, after which he falls in love with the hated maid on a spiritual level. He can¡¯t stop loving her no matter how hard he tries. Anna, Dinah¡¯s sister, bes a witness of his making love with Dinah.


    Meanwhile, Kyon unofficially gets the name Stone, talks with Marina about her decision to live with Flitz, identally captures Juno¡¯s soul with Synergy, meets the 2 conditions for the development of his unique body of the void, absorbs all the medicine in the Stone treasury, and leaves for Boston to pursue his ambitions.


    ***


    The majestic ridge stretched thousands of miles into the distance. The incredible view of the gigantic mountain range was an excellent proof of how talented nature is in creating miracles.


    However, people are nasty and petty creatures who brazenly take the gifts of nature for their own benefit despite the possible consequences. They have created mines to extract spiritual crystals of the advanced phase, that passed from one family to another.


    A cavalcade of horsemen was riding in the direction of the main shaft. They were going along a special path rammed by the element of the earth. Neither rain, nor snow, nor heat would ever ruin it which helped the riding beasts animals elerate to an unbelievable speed. If their hooves touched a fallen tree or a bump, they crushed the obstacle with the help of pure energy.


    The five travelers crossed thends that never ceased to amaze. They swept through the meadows dotted with flowers and peculiar bushes that added to the distinctive charm of the wild nature. They did not forget to admire the wide rivers and beautifulkes with crystal-clear surface. The endless ck sea was hundreds of miles from their current location. On the other side, the pointed mountain range stretched along their path for thousands of miles. That¡¯s where the mines were built.


    A blond-haired young girl of dazzling beauty was holding tight to a ck-haired young man riding a vicious chestnut-maned stallion.


    Three strong male guards, exhausted after a long ride, followed their youngdy, willing to give their lives for her.


    They met only a bear along the way that was no threat to the riders. Yet, the guards had to get rid of it because the youngdy was afraid of furry beasts. The guards would dly dispose of thedy¡¯s annoyingpanion, but they couldn¡¯t do that. Usually, the senior guard was honored to help the youngdy. Now he was quietly gritting his teeth, his eyes burning the back of the servant¡¯s head.


    Kyon had been in the saddle for about eight hours. It was exhausting. The chestnut-maned stallion can develop an insane speed, about 400 km / h. (about 250 mph) Once a day, it can ride even faster for several minutes. But the horses of the guards could not keep up. So, Kyon had to restrain his horse at a speed of 250 km / h. (about 155 mph) In general, the travelers had covered more than 2000 kilometers. (about 1200 miles) They could see the mine on the horizon.


    For long journeys, the riding beasts usually have special helmets that protect the riders from the headwind. However, the chestnut-maned stallion was known for its unique ability to control the wind element. The beast reflexively defended the youngdy from any inconvenience. The servant on his back was honored to get covered only because the beast had no other choice. The stallion would not want to get another scolding.


    Kyon had confirmed some important information. The transport system of this vast world involved long-distance freight trucking. They risked being attacked by wild and dangerous beasts. That¡¯s why the goods were often stored and carried in spatial rings. Specially trained birds and fast mounts with one rider transported these rings. However, merchants of low-to-middle ie (at times of high ie as well, depending on the volume of trade) deliver the goods with a standard caravan in carts/carriages, and it takes a lot of time. Spatial rings are not the cheapest thing. They also have a limited shelf life.


    The guards met the newly arrived at the entrance to the mine. They cast a casual nce at the pretty girl and bent the knee at once with a respectful bow.


    ?Wee, Ms. Juno Stone! We are honored by your visit¡­?


    ?We just want to look around.? ¨C The girl briefly exined. ¨C ?They are with me.? ¨C She nodded at the boy and her guards and headed inside, her chin arrogantly raised.


    Despite himself, Kyon felt nostalgia when he saw the familiar walls of the mine.


    As they went further on to the third sector, he recalled the memorable events. Mob, mischievous and straightforward; Bob whose kindness had saved him from the death of exhaustion; caring Martha; Byron, the loyal andmitted leader. Each of them was associated with his first appearance in this world, his very first and often uncertain steps in it.


    Juno showed her formation to the guard at the border to the third sector, looked at her guards and said:


    ?Stay here. I will go the rest of the way with him.?


    ?Butdy, there are lots of ves inside! If they see you, they will go nuts. No one knows what they can do then!?


    ?My servant will protect me!? ¨C She answered firmly and kept on walking.


    The guards werepletely confused. What did she want to see there?! The youngdy didn¡¯t like the lower sses of society in principle. Something strange had been happening to hertely. Why could the servant go with her, and they couldn¡¯t? He was only of the 8th (1) stage. How on earth could he protect her?! The couldn¡¯t put the two things together?


    When she was alone with Kyon, Juno coughed politely. Then she cautiously asked:


    ?Master, will you be so kind as to tell me why we are here??


    Kyon did not say anything, as usual. He continued to examine the surroundings, deep in thought. He wanted to explore the ce where he had first appeared in this world, to find at least some information or a clue. Also, he wanted to meet Martha and talk with her for a minute or two. He wasn¡¯t going to see any ves. They were nobody for him, not worth a moment of his time.


    Kyon came to the familiar door to the hospital and knocked quietly.


    A pretty dark-haired woman in a white coat opened the door. She was about 30. Kyon recognized her pleasant herbal smell.


    Her bored expression had immediately changed to surprised.


    ?K-kyon?! Is it you¡­ What are you doing here?! Did they send you again to the mines?!? ¨C She nced at his charmingpanion and gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.


    {Hm¡­ So, Flitz had brought him from the mine?} ¨C Juno thought with interest, looking up and down at the nurse. For the first time, she had met someone who knew her assistant. She had at least some information about his past. Juno caught herself thinking that his endless mystery had been haunting her. At some point, she became eager to find out in what family he had grown up and how he had be a ve.


    ?Far from it, Martha.? ¨C Kyon smiled, went inside and closed the door in front of Juno¡¯s nose.


    The girl grumbled and stamped her foot. How many times had he closed the door in front of her nose?


    ?Who¡­ Who is this beautiful girl?!?


    ?Let¡¯s not talk about her now.? ¨C Kyon shrugged it off. ¨C ?Tell me what you have been up to??


    The woman looked at the door with some confusion and shook her head, throwing out unnecessary thoughts. Then she said with a sigh:


    ?It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s alright. Tell me how you got here.?


    ?It does not matter. Why are you so sad? You¡¯ve been promoted, haven¡¯t you!?


    ?How do you know this??


    ?I set this whole thing up.? ¨C Kyon decided not to hide the obvious.


    Martha was at a loss for words.


    ?You? Wait¡­ But the order hade from the highest authorities! And you are just a ve¡­ Uhm¡­ Where is your formation?!? ¨C Martha was surprised even more.


    ?I happened to be a ve in the mines by a stupid ident. Now that I have my status back, I put some pressure on XiaoBai to get you promoted.?


    ?Elder Ben¡¯s apprentice?!? ¨C Martha was filled with amazement.


    The elder was not the kind of person who ordinary low-ranking workers could meet at least once in their lifetime. The great elder of the Stones was the elite of the family. He had never cared for ordinary people. And suddenly, the former ve said that he had put pressure on the patriarch¡¯s grandson and Ben¡¯s sessor!


    ?Are you kidding me?! It¡¯s not funny at all!?


    ?I don¡¯t have much time to go into details. Take it for granted. Now tell me why you are so sad? Don¡¯t you want to leave this rotten mine??


    ?§°h, Kyon¡­? ¨C The nurse sat down on the nearest bed and clutched the nket in her hands. Then she said with undisguised grief in her voice:


    ?Mob¡­ They killed my dear Mob¡­? ¨C She said thest words and burst into tears.


    ?Who? Tell me everything.? ¨C Kyon quietly asked after a short silence. He couldn¡¯t care less about Mob, but he cared for Martha.


    She wiped the tears with her trembling hand and told him:


    ?A week ago, he was carrying out his duties in the working area. Some wardens had a conflict that he had to resolve. About an hourter, more than ten mutted ves were delivered to my office, among them were two warders and silent Byron. And two dayster, my man was found dead under the rocks! They had beaten him to a pulp! They¡­ These beasts in human guise had united to kill him! Only Byron could organize everything! He had always envied Mob! He was jealous, too, because I had chosen Mob! And he¡­ He killed him¡­ But my Mob changed! He no longer hated ves! They killed him like damned wild beasts! There was no evidence, so they got away with it¡­ Byron was released recently¡­? ¨C Martha burst into tears again. They killed the man who cared for her, who wanted to marry her, who was her true love.


    Kyon was slightly surprised by this story. He gently held Martha and let her cry in his shoulder.


    Kyon gave her a few minutes offort. Then he wished her good luck in her new job and said goodbye. Her grateful look pleased him with a turn of his light sphere.


    Kyon had taken advantage of this unfortunate woman too many times. He had deceived her too often without giving anything in return. He was no ungrateful bastard, though. He was willing to spend five minutes to change her life for the better. Otherwise, his masters hadn¡¯t brought up a future god, but aplete scumbag who didn¡¯t pay his debts.


    The fact that Xiaobai was of some assistance with Marta¡¯s promotion would spread rumors in the estate hospital about her connection with the patriarch¡¯s grandson. It would guarantee her protection from the authorities and even ensure that certain unmarried noblemen would be courting her. Kyon had no worries about her future life. Their paths had just diverged once and for all.


    There was left a little debt to Anna and a huge one to Marina. It was a kind of debt he was obliged to return or there would be no rest for him.


    As for Juno and Dinah, the situation was exactly the opposite. Everything was clear with the girl. Concerning his beloved maid, she had the punishment she deserved. Even if he loved her on the verge of madness, the debt was still there. It would be paid gradually as she would go through humiliation, abuse, dragging through the mud. He would turn her from the nobledy to a sex hungry hoe.


    The golden-haired beauty met Kyon outside, displeased, her arms crossed at her chest.


    ?Master, you should hire a teacher in manners. It would do you good. You can¡¯t m the door in front of the girl¡¯s nose! It¡¯s the second time, by the way!? ¨C Juno grumbled indignantly.


    As usual, Kyon did not deign to answer his girl ve. He resolutely headed for the ce where he had once appeared half-dead.

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    Kyon and Juno were going past some ves.


    When the men saw Juno, they were fascinated by her angelic beauty, worthy of a goddess. Women rarely visited the mine, and there was all of a sudden, such a cutie!


    Juno squeamishly held her skirt tighter to her hips. The environment with ves gave the girl nausea feeling as if she was in a swamp with vile monsters.


    Soon Kyon noticed the discreet, narrow cave that led to the ce where it all had begun.


    ?Go first.? ¨C He ordered Juno.


    ?There?!? ¨C She saw her assistant¡¯s stern face, bent and looked inside the opening. Then she crawled out.


    ?It¡¯s very dark inside! Why should I go there?!? ¨C She protested.


    ?I order you to keep going.?


    Juno obeyed, speechless. Kyon followed her. She was getting more and more scared, but there was something else¡­ She felt a weird desire inspired by the guy from behind.


    Juno guessed its nature, gasped and crawled faster.


    ?The pink ones suit you.? ¨C Kyon grinned, rejoicing at any asion to shame the wicked girl.


    Juno¡¯s cheeks turned red. Now she understood why he made her go first!


    A littleter on, they got into arger cave and went ahead.


    When Kyon first appeared here, he was exhausted. A faint light from the helmet shlight illuminated his path. Now, with his modernized eyes, he could make out every grain of sand. However, he lit a me in his hand, heeding to Juno¡¯sints.


    The girl hated him more and more. Why did theye to the mine? Why on earth did they need to get into this strange cave?! The very fact that she knew absolutely NOTHING was driving her nuts. If she were free to do as she wished, she would dly beat her silent assistant to a pulp¡­ She was used to being treated differently.


    Soon their path came to a dead-end.


    Kyon squinted at the far wall. It was covered with inscriptions. An idea shed across his eyes: {The entrance to the tomb?!}


    He touched the wall, reading the inscription.


    Juno did the same.


    ?It can¡¯t be¡­ A TOMB!?


    ?Don¡¯t scream, fool. A stone will fall on your empty head.?


    But Juno couldn¡¯t restrain herself. She was unstoppable!


    ?It¡¯s a tomb! The Stones have been controlling the mines for years as well as our predecessors¡­ But we did not find anything! And you got into a damned invisible cave and found it?! It doesn¡¯t happen like this! How can you be so lucky? Why don¡¯t heaven throw some treasure right on your lucky head?!?


    Kyon chuckled softly. In Juno¡¯s eyes, he really was the son of Lady Fortune. In fact, the castle under the estate opened after he had solved a math problem. As for these catbs converted into mines, there was a shallow tomb long ago. They dug it many kilometers deeper, searching for something they shouldn¡¯t. A little cave ran directly to its entrance. It just happened so that Kyon had appeared in this world next to this small cave. Even more so, he was firmly convinced that his appearance near the tomb was specially staged! It was someone¡¯s n. Kyon had no idea whose or what it was all about because he had no memories of the period when he was 22 years old. Someone must have set the fixed coordinates for his appearance next to the tomb. What could be the reason for that? There must be a treasure in the tomb, and the boy had been sent closer to its location to give him a good start in this world. However, he nearly died of exhaustion and ended up in the damned shaft! The scientists of his world had chosen the wrongndmark. They must have counted on a different oue.


    ?You are a damned monster!. Where did you get so much luck? Tell me! Or my head will explode with questions! Ahhh!? ¨C The shocked girl eximed.


    She refused to ept what was happening. Heaven must be blind if bestowed a filthy ve from the mine with inexhaustible luck! For hundreds of years, the Stones had been trying to open the castle, and then a rootless kid appeared and did it at once! Her family had been rummaging for many years in the catbs, and then this cunning fox came out of the blue, got into the first cave he came across (kind of sort on purpose), and found it! And now he was mocking her!


    Kyon sincerely rejoiced at the girl¡¯s suffering. To mock her even more, he pointedly ran his finger over the inscription on the wall and said in an ominous voice:


    ?It says here that the passage will open if you smear the wall with the blood of someone you hate.? ¨C Then Kyon turned slowly to Juno. Frightening dangerous lights danced in his eyes.


    Juno¡¯s shock and anger gave way to fear. She swallowed and backed away. Then she said in a trembling voice:


    ?Master, are you kidding? It¡¯s not funny¡­?


    Kyon smiled viciously and came up to her.


    ?Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take just a couple of sses of your blood. You will not die¡­ Probably.?


    ?You are my master, after all! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C Juno screamed and rushed into the darkness. Soon the little fool stumbled over the first bump and banged her head on the wall. When Kyon grabbed her by the scruff of her neck, her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. ¨C ?No-o-oo-o-oo! I don¡¯t want to! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh!?


    ?I was joking, stupid! Stop screaming, or you¡¯ll get some rocks on your head.? ¨C Kyon saidughing. He was trying to calm down. In fact, it would be great if he could fill the core of darkness with Juno¡¯s negative emotions!


    Juno turned around, pale beyond recognition. Her emerald green eyes were burning with cold rage and a desire to beat up the hated enemy. She was shaking with indignation.


    Kyon lost all his interest in the wretched girl and continued to study the wall. Soon he found a small hole. It turned out to be a sphere-shaped one by one cm notch in the rock. The dimensions were the same as the mind key in his head. The ball seemed to have been teleported from nowhere directly to the foundation. Kyon concluded that those who had sent the key in this cave had no exact ¡°aim.¡± His theory about the treasurendmark located in the tomb had a more chance to be true.


    {Here it is! Hmm¡­ The key was inside the wall, and then it appeared in my head. How?} ¨C Kyon remembered the key of light that had nearly killed him and tore his heart. He assumed that the mind key got in his head in the same way, tearing his flesh and bones. He could survive only with the help of Synergy.


    Kyon made a list of events in chronological order: {So, the previous owner of this body had wandered here. He saw a sphere that glowed blue, just like Synergy. Otherwise, he would not have noticed her¡­ When he touched it, the sphere sneaked into his brain. Sounds reasonable. But when I woke up, I did not have any broken bones or torn tissues in my head¡­ On the other hand, Bob said that I was absent for three days. It was enough for Synergy to cure me using the resources of the body. My previous life was sealed in a small ball? Did Synergy erase his personality and rewrite the soul of that guy? Did it all happen in the illusory world when he was saved? All right¡­ but how did my entity end up in the sphere? What happened to me when I was 22 in my past life? Who sent me to this world? The scientists? My masters? What for?!}


    Kyon could not find any answers to the most important questions. However, even if he hadn¡¯t found this tomb, he would never regret revisiting the mine.


    Kyon returned to the inscriptions that he could hardly read and continued to study them.


    Juno approached him, but he pushed her back with a yell:


    ?Fool! There are traps everywhere. I won¡¯t save you again. Don¡¯t touch anything.?


    Juno opened her mouth in amazement. Was he taking care of her?! No¡­ He just didn¡¯t want to have trouble with her.


    Kyon had been studying the wall for clues for quite a while. He was ready for all any difficulties when he identally touched the wall¡­ And¡­ It opened, revealing the passage to the underground tomb.


    {What the heck?! What about the riddle?!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s pattern of thinking had broken to pieces. It just opened! No riddles or puzzles, no difficulties! The gamer¡¯s instinct warned him about all kinds of obstacles and trials, and all he had to do was to push the wall! It wasn¡¯t easy to ept this fact and he felt ashamed for being prejudiced.


    ?It opened just like that?? ¨C Juno sighed woefully, not really surprised. Why is heaven so ruthless? Why couldn¡¯t her family find the open tomb for many years? The Stones could have risen with the help of this heritage! And now it would go to her lucky assistant, just like the heritage of the other tomb.


    Common sense whispered to Kyon that local tombs didn¡¯t open so easily to the first guy. There must be a reason.


    He moved forward with a thoughtful look, carefully examining everything for traps.


    Juno¡¯s startled voice came from behind:


    ?Master, I won¡¯t go with you! Last time was enough for me.? ¨C Juno shuddered at the memory from the other tomb when she snuggled up to the master to get warmer.


    ?I order you to follow me.? ¨C Kyon said calmly.


    ?You¡­ You¡¯re after my death!? ¨C Juno protested.


    Kyon strolled across therge hall. He saw dpidated statues of different creatures and cracked columns¡­ The atmosphere of antiquity and merciless passage of time reigned in the room. No one had stepped here for several thousand years.


    Kyon had a weird feeling about this. It was impossible to just get into the tomb with precious heritage! Suddenly, he noticed a sarcophagus in the center of the hall. The lid was ajar.


    {Damn, of course! It¡¯s already been looted!} ¨C Kyon was delighted, but then he got instantly upset. In this case, they had taken everything away.


    He could no longer worry about traps, though. They had long been deactivated. As Kyon was going to the sarcophagus, he saw a shriveled skeleton lying nearby. The bones had the structure of a humanoid creature.


    Another skeleton was lying inside the sarcophagus.


    {The looter died? How?} ¨C Kyon assumed that a trap had worked. Most likely, he died of hunger. But it was stupid to take on faith the very first idea that crossed his mind.


    Kyon looked around and noticed dusty broken nephrites of ancient heritage scattered around the room. The looter seemed to realize the futility of his attempts to get out and threw away everything in anger as if he had lost interest in them. However, the nephrites were scattered evenly from a single point. More likely, there was an explosion, and they flew around the hall. The st wasn¡¯t even a powerful one¡­

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    Kyon understood what had happened. Spatial objects had an expiration date. When it expired, its contents erupted outward in a stormy stream. It must be the way things had happened here. The spatial object fell apart from old age and scattered the heritage all over the room, destroying it forever.


    Kyon quickly pulled himself together.


    ?Juno, pick up all the whole nephrites in a leather bag. Don¡¯t touch them or it will be likest time. If you hide something, I¡¯ll kick your ass.?


    Juno shuddered and shook her head. ?I had no intention, master! Why are they scattered? What if the tomb locks up?! I don¡¯t want to get stuck in the same room with you again!?


    ?A little less talk, and a lot more action.? ¨C Kyon snapped casually.


    Juno sadly took out a shlight from her spatial earring and started collecting dusty balls scattered everywhere, carefully, without touching them. Last time, a sphere like this nearly killed her and her assistant.


    Meanwhile, Kyon came up with an idea. The looter died instantly, after taking a couple of steps.


    {Was it a poison that killed him? Or a technique?} ¨C He would never know.


    Kyon carefully examined the skeleton for signs of damage. Nothing. Suddenly he saw a sphere in the pelvic area covered with a thickyer of dust. He blew it off and saw an ideally smooth ck ball 1 cm in diameter (like any other key.)


    All nephrites were greenish and often translucent. He would never confuse them with anything else.


    Kyon pped himself on the forehead: {Of course! Why didn¡¯t I think of that before?}


    He had found the missing puzzle piece and could see the chronology of the events: a powerful man (no less) arrived in the tomb and put the heritage into his spatial object. When he touched the ck sphere, it gnawed the way to his intestines and killed him. In a twist of bad luck, the weakened stranger could not get out either because of the pain shock, or an injury or because another trap got activated.


    {What are the chances of finding a key of the same nature?!} ¨C Thest key of the light had almost destroyed Kyon. It also gave him in return a 50% increase in his attribute of light and a vague feature that he discovered in the battle with Tsayan. Could an object of a simr nature but inherent to the darkness judging by the ck color be in the tomb nearby?! Apparently, they were somehow connected with each other or it would be impossible to find them. This was huge, indeed. These two tombs must have belonged to the people who know each other well and owned simr treasuries. Most likely¡­ But what it all have to do with the key of mind that had materialized in this ce?


    {Theoretically speaking, if the scientists wanted to send me here, they would use a kind of beacon to protect me from endless wandering in deep space. Okay, then what does the dark ball have to do with it all?}


    Suddenly, Kyon had an idea. Synergy had an insignificant physical potential. It had simply copied the properties of this sphere-scarab! It solved the question of how it would get inside the person¡¯s brain, who touched it to enve their soul.


    Synergy had formed into a simr ball on its own and waited for someone to touch it. It all added up, almost certainly. It was typical of his masters who always calcted a maximum of scenarios: how he would he get into a body and capture it, how he would appear on a life-friendly, how he would gain an advantage for himself.


    {Bingo!} ¨C Kyon rejoiced at his hunch. If he had missed something, it was not that important. At least now, he was convinced that he was not in a super-powerful simtion. It was tooplicated, with a terrible start, designed to prove the contrary. But he still couldn¡¯t understand why they had sent him here.


    Kyon looked at the sphere and swallowed hard. This little ball would crawl into his guts to gobble up his key of darkness as soon as he touched it, giving him excruciating pain, all for the sake of a 50% gain of the attribute of darkness!


    {Fuck¡­ Motherfuckers!} ¨C Still feeling resentful, Kyon carefully wrapped the sphere in a rag and tried to put it in the ring. However, nothing came of it!


    {Uhm¡­ It emits energy?} ¨C Kyon was slightly confused. He couldn¡¯t keep objects that emitted energy in the ring.


    He confirmed his guess about the nature of the sphere once again. However, the thought of forting torments for the sake of enhancing his power killed the mood.


    Kyon put the sphere in the bag and then in his pocket. He would upgrade his key of darkness at a more convenient time.


    Juno sneezed a couple of times. ?Eww! I hate dusty tombs! Master, all the nephritis are destroyed¡­ Maybe we should to Boston before it¡¯s toote??


    ?We¡¯ll have to spend the night in the mine. You will feel the local atmosphere and the spirit of adventure. Perhaps you¡¯ll be a ve herself. Although¡­ You are already a ve! Ha ha ha!? ¨C Kyonughed.


    ?I¡¯m your student, among other things!? ¨C Juno protested.


    ?I like your optimism.?


    ?Master!? ¨C Juno stomped her leg and continued to work with a displeased look. The subjugating formation on her forehead had taken all of her willpower. She was above all his ve, hardly a student. The master did not really teach her anything. The only thing he showed her was how to feel beaten and humiliated. The patriarch¡¯s granddaughter learned to lose! However, losing to this monster wasn¡¯t a shame.


    She went on collecting nephrites, casting angry looks at the assistant who was sitting on the tombstone.


    {Get yourself hemorrhoids,zy bastardzy!}


    Juno was fuming with anger, but she also wondered why her assistant was so lucky? And was it luck at all? Come to think of it, he came here purposefully¡­ Did fortune y any role here? Back then, in the other tomb under the estate, he had opened the passage in a minute. It was obviously some kind of trick!


    {I¡¯m sure it¡¯s something else! I want to find out my assistant¡¯s secret!} ¨C Juno¡¯s curiosity had consumed the girl her again entirely andpletely. She began to think of the ways how to find the answers. What could she offer him apart from massage, which, by the way, was getting better and better.


    Soon Juno had gathered every nephrite in the room.


    The couple safely left the cave without any danger on their way.


    It was getting dark outside, and they decided to spend the night in the mine. They were allocated a VIP room each.


    The luxurious room surprised Kyon. It had fitted carpets, upholstered furniture, high-quality lighting. Even a window was carved in the wall with a mountain view! It was unexpected a seedy mine with ves.


    Juno settled in the next room.


    After a pretty decent dinner, Kyon took out the ck sphere andid it on the carpet. He swallowed nervously.


    He could tolerate severe pain, and he knew too well how terrible it could be. Once the masters gave him a pain test. It was close to burning his brain. His psychological trauma healed in about a minute after that. But the memory stayed with him¡­


    It was a mental trap, so he decided to postpone the process of rupturing his intestines, followed by the infernal pain in his soul and all over his body. Kyon gathered the nephrites that Judi had picked up and began to look for the intact ones.


    Among several hundred of them, only one looked solid. It had only a couple of microscopic cracks.


    He infused it with his pure energy but received no information about the technique it contained. He knew nothing about its nature or its direction. Absolutely nothing. The microcracks must have destroyed it forever. He had to study it by trial and error method, having no idea which element it belonged to.


    He added some more pure energy. It condensed into a white mist and entered through his nose. A bundle of neural connections appeared in his mind. Everything went as usual.


    Kyon took out some sheets of paper and began to make a drawing of military weapons, without even using special tools. Each detail had strict parameters, following which he could recreate the weapon. He would need these drawingster.


    After a couple of hours, Kyon released the attribute of darkness and light, just in case (he could see the differenceter.) Finally, he braced himself for his next move. He undressed to his underpants, swallowed a couple of pills, spread some healing ointment on his stomach and touched the sphere with it to minimize the way the sphere would gnaw to his guts.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñh! Fuck! Holy shit!? ¨C Kyon cursed the moment the little ck ball dug into his flesh like a gluttonous scarab.


    He raised his pain threshold to the maximum possible, and it got a bit better. However, as soon as the slow, voracious sphere began to devour the key of darkness, it hurt as if every cell in the body was being torn apart.


    The sphere released the energy that flew into the channel to rearrange it. The hellish pain was unbearable.


    Kyon put himself in a state ofa and cked out. ording to his calctions, the new key would take 16 hours to fit it like it did thest time. But he did not take into ount one important detail¡­


    Juno, who was in the next room, suddenly opened her bright shiny eyes. A piercing pain was devouring her to the bone. The dumbfounded girl let out soft moans, unable to scream.


    The only rational thought shed in the back of her consciousness: the master was in pain, and it was being transmitted to her soul!


    The trembling girl fell out of the bed and crawled to the furthest wall. Her Instinct told her to move away from the source of pain.


    It seemed like an eternity. To ovee these meters was the most difficult task in all her life. The connection with the boy finally broke near the far wall. The painful torture instantly stopped.


    Juno broke out in cold sweat. Her once mischievous eyes turned red, her face was puffy from crying. She had wet herself and was shivering.


    {Is he¡­ dying?} ¨C Juno embraced herself. She couldn¡¯te to her senses for a long time. She added another riddle to her collection of questions without an answer. What happened to the master in the next room?


    In some moments, Juno passed out, exhausted. She slept soundly ten long hours. Then she woke up.


    {Was it a dream?! Or .. Did my assistant die?} ¨C Juno touched her forehead. The formation was still active. Kyon was still alive¡­ She felt relieved, hurt absolutely confused. What the heck?!


    She stepped cautiously forward but did not feel the pain. She cleaned herself up and went to her assistant¡¯s room, where she was surprised to see Kyon still sleeping in his underpants.


    {I do not understand! Why is he half-naked?!} ¨C Juno approached the boy and examined his body. She didn¡¯t see any ws or damage. His sculpted muscles and peaceful caused a strange feeling in her chest. It was far from romantic. She wanted to hit him hard for yesterday! Best of all, with a stake to the heart¡­ She had never experienced such severe pain! Where did ite from? The bastard was a riddle wrapped up in an enigma! When the hell would he start answering her questions?! Juno could not stand it anymore!


    ?Wake up, you freak!? ¨C She growled like a wild cat.


    Kyon opened his eyes with a start and sat up. {Only ten hours?} ¨C He saw the angry girl and understood everything.


    ?Did it hurt??


    ?You¡¯re a monster! I almost died!?


    ?Worse than losing your virginity?¡±


    ?What?!? ¨C Juno looked down reflexively, then turned her fierce eyes to the boy. ¨C ?Stop talking nonsense! Why did you hurt?! Why do I feel what you feel?! Exin everything now!?


    Kyon stood thoughtful.


    ?Speak!? ¨C Juno said with icy disdain.


    ?First of all, mind your manners. Second, don¡¯t you dare tomand me or I will punish you. And third, I won¡¯t tell you a damn thing.? ¨C Kyon smiled maliciously.


    Juno got angry. But she quickly calmed down and came up with an idea.


    ?What can I do so that you answer my questions??


    Kyon snorted. ?Kiss me on the lips so that I am pleased.?


    ?Uhm!? ¨C Juno looked staggered.


    ?And mind you¡­ It¡¯s not my desire. It¡¯s only the fact that you can¡¯t do it. A kind of test from your master. If you can step over yourself, your teacher will reward you for your efforts.? ¨C Kyon added.


    Juno was speechless. Kiss him and get the answers? On her own? On the lips?


    Juno hated the jerk more and more. She wished she could scratch hiscent face¡­


    ?I¡¯d better¡­? ¨C She didn¡¯t finish her sentence, turned around and left the room proudly.


    Kyon grinned insidiously. Torturing her with curiosity was new to him! Judging by the hatred Juno emanated, he got an excellent result! His dark core had made a whole turn. Not much, but still nice!


    Kyon sat on the bed and released the attribute of darkness. The dark fog let out intense gloominess that could change anyone¡¯s mood. He instantly felt that the attribute had upgraded to the advanced grade. Its power increased by 50%.


    {Wait¡­ Not 50%, it¡¯s 55%!} ¨C Kyon closed his eyes and analyzed what he was feeling with Synergy. It is never mistaken!


    Kyon released the attribute of light. {This, too?! Why did the attribute of light be more powerful than the original by 5%?!}


    After he upgraded the key of darkness, both keys had increased by 55% in quality. The treasure he had found was unreasonably powerful! He had never read about such a thing. Would he ever find more? Was the increase by 60% even possible? Or even more¡­ How to upgrade the attribute to the superior grade? He wouldn¡¯t have to spend a week to master it, would he? There was no point in this anymore¡­


    {Maybe it¡¯s all about my unique body? It must have united them. It¡¯s based on darkness and light, after all¡­ And the cycle of the creation.}


    Kyon could specte forever, but he would never know the truth. But he knew for sure that no unique body offered any upgrade at the beginning of its development. None but his!


    Firstly, his spiritual senses had enhanced. He could feel better when someone released elements. He could sense souls more developed than his own. Usually, it never happened. Practitioners couldn¡¯t determine the development of a soul if the adversary was stronger than them.


    Secondly, Kyon had learned to feel strong negative emotions. The sixth sense! Or even the seventh¡­ This world was fuckingplicated. When Juno was holding him tight on the way to the mine, he could feel a faint cold sensation of danger that the guards emanated. It was akin to a mosquito flying three meters away.


    It would be cool to be able to predict his enemy¡¯s intentions! All talented practitioners could do it¡­ But those in the base phase?! No way! They weren¡¯t supposed to! And even more so, it was impossible to feel the intentions of the practitioners who were THREE phases higher in development!

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    Kyon was in a state of controlleda when a young woman appeared next to him. Her gorgeous snow-white hair reached her feet. A graceful ck mask covered her face hiding everything but her beautiful, thoughtful eyes that reflected the whole universe.


    {It wasn¡¯t by ident or pure luck that he had found the heavenly pearl of darkness¡­ That¡¯s interesting! Perhaps, I should wait till he dies from his own stupidity, and take them both.} ¨C The goddess made her decision and disappeared into thin air.


    In her world, it was an outstanding legacy if someone possessed at least one divine item that could transform the keys. Two items are as good as a whole divine artifact. There were legends that someone owned three items, but envious sons and daughters of the supreme god had united and killed the lucky man. This boy was a nobody in the first phase, and he already had two items at his disposal! More than that, both items were of the same nature. They were heavenly pearls, nothing less. Whenbined, they give an additional effect. It wouldn¡¯t happen if the other item was different.


    This amazing coincidence could not leave the goddess unconcerned. She wondered how the two items happened to be on this miserable, forgotten. What is more, this boy found them in less than a month¡­


    ¡­


    Kyon and Juno had been riding the chestnut-maned horse along the beaten track for about an hour. The fresh smell of meadows and the view of the majestic the mountains gave way to a ruralndscape with its dung, hay and golden fields. Several huge bizarre beasts plowed thend (not without the help of peasants). The farmers tended to the cattle. They were getting closer to the vige where children were ying cheerfully.


    If Kyon were an ordinary person, he would think about his sad childhood. However, he was concerned about something else. He recalled the times when he traveled via a portal cannon around thes, studying the traditions and customs of different nations. He met everywhere at least minimal technologies to facilitate the work! And here they still used the plow. Dark ages¡­


    Meanwhile, they arrived in the vige of Kornevo. Kyon had arranged to meet Byron at Mike¡¯s. In fact, it was the only guideline he could think of at that time.


    Initially, Kyon had no ns for the big man. He had been counting on some possible benefits that he could get from the Jeng family. Byron was a descendant of direct blood, as well as is his brother Hans. If Kyon had spent ¡°a couple of minutes¡± to help Byron kill his sworn enemy, he would have had something valuable in return.


    However, Kyon was interested in any reward for his work, because his requests had increased considerably. His unique body had devoured all low-grade medicine in the Stone treasury and was only 10% full. Kyon had to look for richer sources, like the Grands (0), or seek abundance. What good was Byron¡¯s family to him?


    However, Kyon could benefit from Byron. He could help Kyon fill the bright core with positive feelings. Just like Juno did not so long ago. He had to get maximum gratitude from the big man. Also, Kyon nned to carry out some experiments to find out the most efficient way and ce to fill the core with emotions.


    The local dwellers looked at the arrived gentlemen with awe and bowed respectfully. They were impressed by the proud beautiful youngdy and the majestic steed. High-ranking guests were rare visitors here.


    Kyon came to one of the seedy houses with arge tract ofnd. Behind the low fence, he noticed a tall, beefy man with a bare sweaty torso. Th§å big guy was digging the soil. He looked like a statue of a Titan of a smaller version.


    Kyon jumped over the fence and headed for the tough guy.


    When the hefty man saw the boy, he straightened his back and wiped the sweat off his forehead.


    ?§¬yon? §¬yon! Is it you!? ¨C He ran to Kyon, waving his arms and crashed into him, hugging him so hard that his bones cracked.


    ?Kyon! Bro, you¡¯re here! I¡¯m so happy to see you!? ¨C Byron was excited.


    Kyon inhaled Byron¡¯s strong smell in his tight embrace and thought that if he was a girl, he would most certainly get pregnant.


    Soon Byron¡¯s grip loosened.


    ?Enough, Byron¡­ I am happy to see you, too. What have you been up to??


    ?Life outside the damned mine is wonderful! Mike¡¯s kind wife epted me into the family when she found out I was friends with the guy who had given them money¡­ Now I help them. Do you want to try her borscht? It¡¯s finger-licking good!?


    ?No, thanks.? ¨C Kyon handed Byron an empty pill and flicked him on the forehead, infusing Synergy so that the damned scar-formation would disappear.


    ?Take this pill. In a couple of hours, your mark willpletely disappear.?


    ?Really?? ¨C Byron swallowed the pill without hesitation and looked at Kyon again. His eyes were full of gratitude and brotherly feelings, which caused strange difort in Kyon and gave him one turn of the light core.


    ?Tell me, honestly¡­ Did you connect with your spirit?? ¨C Byron asked nervously.


    ?I did.? ¨C Kyon answered straightforwardly. ¨C ?And you didn¡¯t waste your time. I can feel the third stage!?


    Tears of happiness poured down Byron¡¯s cheeks. He used to be a ridiculous joke, a miserable weakling in his family. Now that he had connected with his spirit, he was slowly but surely catching up with the rest. The big guy hugged his ¡°savior¡± again.


    Another turn of the light core pleased Kyon.


    ?I will not ask you how you did it. I won¡¯t understand. But tell me¡­ Was it you who gave me freedom??


    ?It was me.? ¨C Kyon answered with a smile and got a well-deserved extra turn. {To the heck with it! I¡¯m developing a taste for it, I guess! Hehe, it¡¯s that simple¡­}


    They started a short friendly conversation from how he had managed to arrange his freedom to who was that beautiful green-eyed girl on the horse.


    Kyon answered briefly, without overloading the hefty guy¡¯s weak brain with unnecessary content. Kyon mentioned he was on his way to Boston to change his life. He described everything shortly, referring to the previous story he had made up back in the mine. Then it came to Byron¡¯s revenge on his brother.


    ?Will you really help me?? ¨C Byron asked, hopefully.


    ?I will help you under one condition¡­ You will do what I say. I emphasize ¨C say, not order. Agreed??


    Byron didn¡¯t hesitate. He shook Kyon¡¯s hand. ?I¡¯m ready for anything to get my revenge! But ¡­ Wait! Weren¡¯t you going to hire someone strong? You have connections, after all¡­?


    ?Byron. You must kill Hans on your own with the weapon that I will give you. Only then you will find peace and start a new life.?


    Byron¡¯s eyebrows crawled up. ?Are you serious?! I will kill this scum myself?! But he is so strong! He is in the superior phase!?


    Kyon smiled. ?Trust me.? ¨C He took out a pouch. ¨C ?Here is a thousand spheres. I¡¯m waiting for you in Boston noter than in two weeks. When you get there, contact me with this sound transmitter. I will give you instructions, and then you will kill your brother.? ¨C Kyon gave him the device and the basic and only grade of pure energy.


    Byron looked at Kyon with surprise. He took the things and mmed his hand with his fist.


    ?I will do as you say! Thank you, my friend! You are a real man! If I don¡¯t die getting my revenge, I will owe you my life!?


    ?Deal.? ¨C Kyon nodded, then he froze. ¨C ?Tell me, my friend. Do you have anything to do with Mob¡¯s murder??


    Byron looked up and took a deep breath. ¨C ?Yeah¡­ I did arrange his death.?


    ?Because he hated ves? Or were you jealous of Martha??


    ?No! Ha ha! It¡¯s something else, Kyon.? ¨C There was unshakable confidence in his eyes. ¨C ?Marta was not my wife or anything. I had no spiritual connection with her. And I couldn¡¯t care less about Mob¡¯s preferences¡­ The asshole beat mostly ves of the 3rd rank, less often of the 2nd rank. He never touched me.?


    Kyon squinted, looking interested.


    ?I knew how strong he was. Even five guys like me would have never handled him. I had to exploit the widespread anger among the ves. Everyone of the 3-d rank hated Mob! And some people of 2nd rank as well. One evening, I started the conversation with those who hated the supervisor, then I ruled out the most ardent haters and shared with them my n of action. I wish you could see how many people had gathered! About a third of the sector. Everyone wanted to kill Mob. When the time hade, I assigned Bob some work to do and sent aint about fighting. The only avable supervisor, Mob, came to take care of it. When he arrived, the crowd blocked the exit and crushed him at once. No one spared himself. Mob stood no choice. In the end, we buried his cold corpse under the stones. It did look like a rockslide. Thus, everyone was beyond suspicion. No one would ever believe in a mass assassination attempt. It had never happened in the history of the mine, ha ha! However¡­ Martha tried to ruin my life, she did, but nobody listened to her.?


    ?Martha¡­? She was crying.? ¨C Kyon said angrily.


    ?Martha cried? She sed Mob on me! She pointed out to him that we had an affair. One day he entered themon room and ordered to appoint a new leader. Without any reason! I¡¯m no fool. I figured out at once he wanted to make me a ve of the 3rd rank and quietly finish me off! His evil eyes screamed about his intentions! The sick bastard had to die, or it would have been me in his ce!? ¨C Byron roared.


    Kyon nodded in recognition. If he were Byron, he would have done the same. He had already eliminated his boss Martin. And now Byron had gained this experience, too. It wasn¡¯t Kyon¡¯s level, but still¡­ Byron was a good leader and always listened to his gut, which made up for hisck of intelligence. Byron had felt Mob¡¯s hostile intentions and arranged his murder.


    ?Alright. You have gone up in my estimation. I approve of your actions.? ¨C Kyon said coldly and shook his big hand. Apparently, Martha had ruined her life herself.


    ?Thanks. I know about your friendship with Martha. Sorry I had to hurt her¡­?


    ?That¡¯s okay. It¡¯s only for the better. Mob was a nasty guy.?


    The conversation was drawing to an end. Byron thanked Kyon again, and they said goodbye.


    Kyon mounted the chestnut-maned stallion. Juno¡¯s question was on the tip of her tongue, but she did not have time to ask anything. She nearly fell off from a jerk forward.


    Boston was a couple of hundred kilometers away. Kyon was nning to arrive there at about 4 pm and see the royal capital of this weird world.

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    The travelers climbed up to the top of the hill. They had a wonderful view on the walls watching over the port capital of Boston on the horizon. It seemed far away, but even from this distance, the city looked immense.


    Kyon slowed down and estimated with his keen eyes their future route, the area around, lots of possible turns and side streets. His modernized eyes could make out even the people on the walls of Boston and their faces.


    {One of these roads is an excellent ce for an ambush. Imperial capitals teem with bloodthirsty robbers¡­ I should find some to experiment with negative as well as positive emotions. I just need to get rid of the guards somehow¡­} ¨C Kyon got off the chestnut-maned stallion and bowed to Juno. He said he had an urgent matter and urgently needed to leave.


    Juno silently nodded at her helper¡¯s request, her arms crossed at her chest.


    After a couple of minutes, Kyon dialed Juno¡¯s sound transmitter and whispered to her all the necessary instructions so that the guards would not suspect anything. Then he came back.


    As soon as he climbed the mount, Juno said:


    ?Wait! Give me the reins. Let¡¯s change ces.?


    Kyon immediately handed the reins to Juno.


    When he wrapped his arms around her slim waist, his hair on the scruff of his neck stood on end from the barely noticeable but deadly emotions the guards were sending to him.


    {I knew it! My body can feel their intent to kill! It¡¯s so cool, damn it!} ¨C Kyon was delighted.


    All of a sudden, Juno pulled the reins with all her might and clicked on the formation to turn off the tracking. Now the guards would lose the signal that helped them find theirdy wherever she was.


    The stallion reared, neighed violently, and rushed forward at full speed.


    ?Lady, wait for us!? ¡­ ?We can¡¯t keep up with you. Please take it slow!? ¨C The guards shouted desperately behind them, swallowing the dust that rose from their hooves.


    The chestnut-maned steed developed its peak speed. The horses of the guards did not evene close.


    Twenty kilometerster, Kyon told Juno to go to the side and lie low. The guards passed them without a single nce. If they lost thedy¡­ If something happened to her, the patriarch would skin them alive. Kyon couldn¡¯t care less about their problems. There would be no problems. He would return the girl whole and, possibly, unscathed.


    ?Master, what are you up to??


    ?Have you ever met robbers??


    ?Only once. A pack of scum surrounded Flitz and me on the road to Boston¡­ Why are you asking? Do you know where to find them?!? ¨C Her shrill voice sounded with fear, excitement, or even anticipation.


    ?I guess so. Let¡¯s make sure, shall we?? ¨C Kyon climbed the mount in front of Juno again.


    Juno put her wrist to her ear and quickly said:


    ?Don¡¯t look for me. I¡¯ll get back to you when I am in Boston. The patriarch will know nothing if I don¡¯t tell him.? ¨C She finished the call.


    Kyon returned to the road, turned several times at the forks he had previously remembered until he got to a dense grove of trees. It was the alleged bandits¡¯ den.


    He deliberately slowed down and activated his full vision, thoroughly studying the road.


    As expected at some point, he noticed traces of soil. The robbers had buried two nephrites with an active formation that scanned passers, their number and stage of development. It helped the robbers know when to attack and when to stay put.


    Kyon read how these brutal scumbags worked, killing merchants and viting women. More often than not, the bandits had interceptor birds of prey that caught courier birds with spatial rings containing goods. When it came to speedy mounts, they used ordinary traps, such as a ditch, a or fishing line stretched out in the middle of the road. Anything to stop a careless rider¡­ And thest, most frequent way, a regr attack on caravans.


    Kyon went carefully around the scanning nephrites and heard a quite expected question from hispanion:


    ?Why did we leave the road??


    ??Read books more often, and you won¡¯t ask stupid questions.?


    He could feel her unhappy snort with the back of his head.


    ?Here is the n. You will be the bait, and I will attack when time is right.?


    ?Are you nuts?! What if I get caught? What if they hurt me before youe to the rescue?!?


    ?The villians will deflower you. And when they find out who you are, they will certainly let you go and make off. Or they will kill and bury you in some secluded ce. But they won¡¯t sell you into very. Keep calm, it will never happen to you!?


    ?You¡­ Do you want me dead?? ¨C Juno hissed viciously, staring fiercely at his back.


    ?Stupid girl, you have a bracelet with a protective formation. I will slice everyone like a smoked salmon during the two-minute time it¡¯s active.? ¨C Kyon took out a handful of throwing needles steeped with sleeping poison.


    Juno had never trusted her assistant, and now her safety and life were at stake! She was trembling with anxiety, worry and anger.


    ?Master, if they only touch me with a finger, my grandfather will take your head off.? ¨C Juno warned him quietly.


    ?He won¡¯t. I will run away. Consider it a kind of test. Your task is to y the bait as sincerely as possible. Prove your talent for acting. Take all their attention to yourself. I fell for it once, you know¡­?


    Juno remembered the night at the hot spring when she tricked Kyon, promising that she would not kill him. This memory made her feel ufortable.


    ?¡­If you do well, I¡¯ll clean your key a bit more.? ¨C Kyon promised. He wanted to make her stronger. She was no rival to him, anyway.


    The youngdy¡¯s heart started beating faster when she heard the master¡¯sst phrase.


    ?You always know what to say! Okay, I will try.? ¨C She agreed, but her fear did not go away. What if the robbers were really strong? Her assistant was a monster, no doubt. But what if there would be someone just as good as he?


    Meanwhile, they were moving on and on.


    Kyon wished that Synergy had already finished upgrading his hearing. He had to wait just a little longer. He would know his way around even better. He would hear from which side to expect the enemy, their number, and even their age! However, even without a perfect hearing, he soon heard the sound ofughter.


    Juno took the stallion deeper into the thicket and ordered him to stay put and wait.


    Kyon made a sign that she could begin and hid in the depths of the grove.


    Juno closed her eyes, took a deep breath, filled her heart with determination, and went ahead. She gained confidence as soon as she felt the development of the robbers. They were in the finishing stage of the base phase.


    Two guys dressed in dirty rags were sitting near a stump of a tree, ying cards, cracking lewd jokes. Suddenly, one of them turned his head as if maized and stared at the girl approaching them. She was wearing a short pearl-gray skirt, a delicate blouse made with expensive fabric and dainty sandals. She had long golden hair, and her face¡­ He had never seen such cuties in all his life! A small nose,rge, crystal clear green eyes, graceful thin eyebrows¡­ She looked like an innocent angel descended to mortals!


    ?Arsen¡­ Arsen, look at this chick!?


    His friend turned around in surprise and bulged his eyes in amazement.


    Juno smoothly approached the dumbfounded couple at arm¡¯s length, and then quickly reduced the distance.


    The two robbers never came to their senses. They could only catch only the delicate aroma of the girl before she snapped their necks.


    Juno spat at the corpses of the unlucky duet and headed for the camp. {It is so gross¡­}


    The camp counted a couple of dozens of robbers. The bandits¡¯ jaws dropped when they saw their guest. They had been doing their dirty business for many years, but they had nevere across any trophies of this level of beauty! They wouldn¡¯t dream of such! Beauty in this world was often a sign of a high-born person. To see a beauty like this among sex-hungry men is heavenly grace, not less!


    Every one of them started drooling. They studied the girl with hungry eyes, her every wless curve, every line on her sweetest face.


    Someone hastily cried out:


    ?Boss Guiming! Boss! Here, quickly!?


    Juno could feel with her soul the robbers¡¯ development of the robbers. 80% of them were in the first phase, some of them were in the beginning of the second, the approaching boss was at the frightening 6th stage of the second phase. Her unique body had given her an enhanced spiritual sense. She could feel the enemy even one phase of development higher than hers. No one else could boast of it.


    Juno felt uneasy. They would get her for sure! If her assistant decided to skedaddle, her life would be over, no matter how hard she would fight.


    But for some reason, Juno was convinced that Kyon would save her, so she tried to calm down.


    Guiming, the leader of robbers, a sturdy guy with stubbled cheeks, came out from behind the bushes. He had a tattered cloak on.


    ?What¡¯s themotion all about?!? ¨C He began, but then he saw the pretty littledy. His jaw suffered the same fate as those of his henchmen. Pretty soon, his surprised expression changed into a lewd grin. He wiped the saliva from his lips and said hoarsely:


    ?What are you doing here, sweetie??


    Juno muttered with a intive look:


    ?My daddy went ahead, and I got lost, sir. Did you happen to see him??


    The robbers were closing the circle, cutting off her escape. Everyone trembled with excitement, even if they knew the chances they could enjoy the girl were slim. They could get her either for great merits or in a few weeks, after she had been used hundreds of times and lost all her charm. But even that would not stop them.


    Guiming nervously licked his lips.


    ?Baby, your dad walked by not so long ago. He was looking for you. My men will go and look for him. Until then, let¡¯s go to my tent and y with my little brother. By the way, he loves beautiful girls like you! You are sure to make friends!? ¨C He took a step forward, his eyes burning with lust.


    When the robbers heard the ambiguous words of their leader, they burst into a vile gaggle.


    ?I don¡¯t understand, sir¡­ What are you saying?!? ¨C Juno muttered, trembling. She looked terrified.


    ?BOSS, I WANT HER! I BEG YOU!? ¨C The fat ugly man roared impatiently, devouring the girl with his eyes. He was second in the gang by his rank.

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    ?Boss, don¡¯t forget us! We have served you faithfully for many years!? ¡­ ?Please, boss! I will give you everything I earned in a month! No, for a year!?


    ?SHUT UP!? ¨C Guiming barked furiously. ¨C ?You will get her only when I say so!?


    The robbers sighed bitterly. The fat guy sobbed like a girl. He suddenly wanted to kill the boss and take his ce.


    The boss spread his arms apart and slowly went forward as if he were catching a bunny.


    ?Baby, give me hug, I won¡¯t hurt you.?


    Juno huddled up, her eyebrows pitifully raised as if she was pleading. Tears gleamed in her eyes. She had never been more charming. Inside, she was sick of disgust and contempt for these savages.


    However, when the boss made a grasping movement, Juno instantly turned from a frightened bunny into a furious fox. She did a back somersault, delivering a nice blow to the bandit¡¯s jaw.


    The man did not have time to react. She moved too quickly and unexpectedly!


    ~crash~


    The youngdy crushed the boss¡¯s teeth into crumbs.


    ?§¡a-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C The leader of the robbers roared from an unbearable toothache.


    At that very moment, throwing needles rained from a tall tree from which the entire camp was out in the open. Their brilliance blended with rare sun rays, their speed reached the peak of the advanced phase. The robbers had no chance to respond to the attack, especially now. They didn¡¯t notice anything at all!


    ?What the fuck?!? ¨C A robber shouted when something pricked his neck.


    ?Who pricked me?!? ¡­ ?The girl knocked out his teeth!? ¡­ ?She hit the boss, little bitch!? ¡­ ?Little missy is for a nice gangbang!? ¡­ ?Yeah!? ¡­ ?Yeah! Let¡¯s do it!? ¨C The smart-asses shouted.


    The boss spat out the fragments of his teeth and lisped viciously:


    ?SHE IS MINE!? ¨C Guiming infused his jaw with pure energy to ease the pain. ¨C ?Little bitch, I¡¯ll fuck you like the bitch you are!?


    ?Let¡¯s y, little brother.? ¨C Juno said in a ringing voice with a bloodthirsty smile and rushed into the attack. The robber was so despicable and insignificant to her that she could not restrain herself and ignored their difference in development by 5 stages.


    ~pam~


    Her little fist crashed with the man¡¯s fist.


    The robber retreated half a step from the recoil, the girl nearly fell on her bottom. Her fist was numb. Indeed¡­ The purity of her key, even with her assistant¡¯s help, was not so great to bepared with her enemy¡¯s development.


    ?Ugh! You s-s-s-suck! I will fuck you today! Guys, you won¡¯t get the girl in one piece! Guys?!? ¨C Guiming looked around in bewilderment. To his horror, he saw a bunch of his robbers lying around unconscious.


    ?What the fuck?! What¡¯s wrong with you?!? ¨C he had a bad feeling about all that.


    Suddenly, a young man in ck clothes jumped from a tree nearby. He crunched his fingers and smiled coldly, approaching Guiming.


    ?Master, wait! He is mine! I¡¯ll deal with him myself, please! Ple-e-e-a-a-se!? ¨C Juno cried pleadingly, ring fiercely at the boss.


    ?Do you think you can defeat the enemy half the phase higher than you?? ¨C Kyon was surprised. Usually, opponents a couple of stages above be an insurmountable obstacle. On the other hand¡­ The robber was a redneck without proper skills or techniques.


    Kyon could feel the development of Guiming with the help of his spiritually improved body of the void. Not so long ago, he could hardly distinguish his own stage of development.


    ?Ple-e-e-e-a-a-a-se!?


    ?Go ahead, little one.? ¨C Kyon nodded and shrugged his shoulders. ¨C ?But if your protective bracelet works, then you lose. And then I will punish you properly because your guards wille to the sound.?


    Juno snorted and, without hesitation, removed the green bracelet and threw it at Kyon. ?I will NEVER lose to him!?


    Kyon caught the bracelet and looked at Juno curiously. {She¡¯s not afraid of him!}


    ?What the fuck are you talking about?! Was it you who knocked out my people?!? ¨C Guimin barked, taking out a long whip from his bosom.


    ?It was me. Let¡¯s make a deal. If you defeat my student, I will let you go alive. You can even take her with you if you want.?


    Juno burned her assistant with an angry look, then she clenched her fists and rushed to the boss to beat the hell out of him. He was already dead for her.


    ?Who the hell are you, sick bastards?!? ¨C The boss said with obvious fear in his voice. He attacked the approaching fierce girl with his whip.


    Juno didn¡¯t see a way to dodge, it was too fast! She stuck out her hand and created the ether barrier (of the advanced grade.) She also protected her hand with pure energy.


    The whip crumbled the thin barrier but lost 3/5 of its strength. The barrier was strong against point attacks with low impact force. The remaining impact was enough to leave a bloody burning scratch on the girl¡¯s delicate skin.


    Juno couldn¡¯t care less. With a battle squeal, she attacked the robber, using her 4th level of the battle fist in full, activating electricity, water, wind, and pure energy. Her movements were smooth and bewitching, and at the same time, frantic and furious. She was going to finish off the robber who intended to **** her.


    Kyon was watching the battle, rmed. What if she got so furious when he was deflowering her?


    {Atta girl! There is no fear in her eyes, she ignores any cuts. She¡¯s burning with rage and bloodthirst! Her movements are efficient, graceful and beautiful. Any robber¡¯s dream robber! The things I would do to her if I were the leader of their gang! Uhh! But I don¡¯t envy him at the moment.} ¨C Kyon noticed with a smile the man¡¯s face turn rapidly pale. His hair stood on end, his body could barely move from spasms caused by powerful electrical discharges. His clothes were cut with wind des and soaked in blood and water. All his courage and anticipation of a quick treat in the form of Juno¡¯s beautiful body had been washed off by growing waves of despair and fear.


    Juno¡¯s powerful ether, together with water, was a very powerfulbination difficult to resist even with a weapon.


    Guiming was shocked by Juno¡¯s frenzy. Who was this little bitch? Why the hell was she attacking him as if he had ughtered her entire family before her eyes?! Why was she winning being 5 stages lower him? And how could she bend four elements?!


    ?Get away from me, mad bitch!? ¨C The boss roared desperately. He grabbed a handful of earth, threw it the girl in the eyes and turned to flee.


    ?We haven¡¯t finished our little game!? ¨C Juno yelled sarcastically after him. The ether barrier had blocked all the grains of sand. The girl threw a stone at the fugitive and hit his ankle. The fleeing robber tumbled on the ground. Juno immediately pounced on him like a wild amazon, and with no pity, sent a discharge of into his neck to immobilize the freak.


    ?AA-a-a-aA-a-aAAH! LEAVE ME ALONE, CUNTASS!? ¨C Guiming yelled from shock in his whole body. His limbs twitched in cramps. He could not do anything. His body did not obey him!


    Juno smiled devilishly, hanging over the man who was self-confident not so long ago.


    ?You lied to me, Sir. You said you had a little brother I would make friends with! I do not like liars! Take that!? ¨C Juno mercilessly beat him with her small but strong fists, turning the seasoned robber¡¯s face into a swollen work of pig art.


    Around the same moment, a needle with a sleeping poison shed and stuck in his neck.


    ?Aah-a-aa-aa-aah! FUCK OFF! Aaaaaaaaaah!? ¨C The man kept helplessly taking Juno¡¯s blows.


    Kyon thoughtfully stroked his chin, nodding to himself. He approached Juno and dragged her from the boss.


    ?That¡¯s it, enough.?


    ?I¡¯ll KILL HIM! Master, let me go! I am not done with him! Let me go now!? ¨C Juno demanded frantically, trying to break free and attack the robber again.


    ?I said, enough! He¡¯s asleep.? ¨C Kyon snapped firmly. He had some other ns for this gang.


    Juno asked with poorly hidden hope in her voice:


    ?Aren¡¯t we going to kill them??


    Kyon pulled out a long rope ¨C he had everything in his spatial ring, he was ready even for the apocalypse ¨C and ordered:


    ?Tie everyone¡¯s hands and feet to the trees. Take their spatial rings and give them to me.?


    ?Uh-huh¡­? ¨C Juno followed his order. All the robbers were already asleep. She did her job a bit too hard, keeping in mind to knock them around, too. Guiming got a couple of additional blows in his eye.


    Kyon entered the robbers¡¯ camp, the tent of their leader. It was full of tasteless stuff, a bunch of beast skins, and stale sour smell. No trophies.


    He walked around the tent and noticed a pit in the ground. He found there two naked female corpses, as well as several male ones. Kyon had taken an irrevocable decision to kill everyone to thest! Such scum didn¡¯t belong even in this wild cruel world. But first of all, experiments!


    Juno handed him three rings. Only the leader and his first two minions had spatial rings. The rest of the robbers kept their money in leather bags behind the belt, old fashioned way.


    All in all, Kyon had acquired an impressive sum of six thousand spheres of the basic grade, several different pills, some herbs, as well as a local analogue of marijuana. Without a moment of hesitation, he absorbed all the g. His unique body filled up by a fraction of a percent. His financial situation was in a better state. He had now 105 thousand together with robbers¡¯ spheres!


    Kyon gave Juno three needles and ordered to inject each robber a drop from each one. The first needle would wake them up. The other would paralyze their keys, and the third would weaken their bodies the way he did with Dinah. During his practice in alchemy, he did not forget to create poison, one of the most effective weapons. He had made various types to use when the need arises.


    Juno did as he ordered, smiling. The robbers began to recover gradually.


    ?Juno, do you want to y with them?? ¨C Kyon asked bluntly. He had already felt her impatience and bloodthirst.


    ?Three times yes, Master! May I?! I may! Ple-e-e-e-a-a-ase!? ¨C Juno whined with a begging face, wringing her hands pleadingly.


    ?You may. Just don¡¯t kill anyone yet. Give them hell while I¡¯m practicing.? ¨C ¨C Kyon said. He returned to the tent and began to practice the advanced grade of his other elements. He didn¡¯t forget to practice even on the way, only it wasn¡¯t as effective now.


    Soon he heard hateful screams, attempts of persuasion and threats outside the tent.


    A couple of secondster, someone screamed in pain. First, he moaned and hissed in pain. A minuteter, the poor guy sounded like a howling ghost. His voice was heartbreaking and frightening.


    The rest of the robbers screamed who must have been watching the scene.


    ?Aaaaaaaaah! She¡¯s a MANIAC! Please, someone, help us! Aaaaaaah!? ¨C all the robbers yelled in chorus.


    Then Kyon heard a quiet, angry, almost insane giggle, reaching to the very soul. {Huh¡­}


    ?§¡§¡§¡§¡§¡-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! HELP!? ¨C Juno¡¯s victims yelled louder and more desperate.


    Five minutester, Kyon lost it. {What the hell is she doing with them?!} ¨C He ran out of patience and went outside to see what was happening.


    What he saw couldn¡¯t be unseen! The tied up men were shaking with fear. Their pale faces were distorted with horror. Tears were streaming down their cheeks, their pants wet. All of them were looking at the angelically beautiful girl whose face was shining with happiness. With a blissful smile, she was slowly twisting the fingers of the fat ugly man, the one who begged his boss so passionately to have her.


    When she broke hisst finger, Juno grabbed the fat man¡¯s hand and with a deft movement and pulled it towards herself at a dangerous angle. Her eyes squinted at the ¡°pleasant¡± sound of torn joints and tendons.


    Kyon had been expecting something like that from Juno, the sadist, but she surpassed all his expectations! He nned to give the rapists what they deserved, but she turned their life into hell without any intervention from his side!


    ?Help M-e-e-eE-E-E! §¡§¡-§Ñ§Ñ§¡§¡§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh!? ¨C The ugly fat man couldn¡¯t scream anymore, he hissed.


    ?Wasn¡¯t it you who wanted to deflower me?? ¨C Juno purred softly and kicked the fat man in the groin with all her might. Then again. And again!


    His mouth foamed as he shook in convulsions. Then he lost consciousness from the pain.


    The sound of his bursting balls silenced all the members of the gang. For a moment,plete silence reigned outside. Then, the seasoned killers and criminals screeched in fear, like pigs before ughter. The possible death didn¡¯t scare them as much as the sincere joy on the face of their tormentor. Why the hell did they even make ns to molest this diabolical girl?! They¡¯d better have stayed at home!


    Kyon came a little closer, connected with Juno¡¯s soul, and felt endless streams of euphoria flow into his mind.


    {Damn sadist of the hundredth level!} ¨C He had never thought that it was possible to take so much pleasureparable to sex, breaking someone¡¯s hands and fingers!


    The girl walked slowly to the next robber.


    ?Please, do not hurt me. I have kids. They will starve without me! Two girls and a boy!? ¨C The robber yelled, but when he realized that she didn¡¯t care, he changed tactics. ¨C ?And I also have kittens! And puppies! They are waiting for me at home. Let me go! Please¡­ I am begging you¡­ I do not want to die¡­ Do not beat me¡­?


    Juno eximed in surprise.


    ?You¡­ You have kittens and puppies!? ¨C The robber seemed to have found her weak spot. Only insane would think otherwise! Sincere surprise and pity shed across her eyes.


    Hope lit the bandit¡¯s face.


    ?I do! Of course, I do! Lots of them, more than ten! They need milk and cream every day! Without me, they will all starve to death! I am their only master, without whom they will die! I take care of them, because I love cute animals!?


    Juno¡¯s expression suddenly changed.


    ?And I hate them!? ¨C She kicked the robber¡¯s knee, twisting it in the opposite direction with a crunch.


    ?§¡§¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡H!? ¨C The robber was so scared of the girl¡¯s reaction and unbearable pain in the leg that he cked out at once.


    ?Oh, he broke down¡­? ¨C Juno muttered in disappointment. She came up to the pet lover and knocked out all of his teeth with urate punches .


    Several robbers had lost consciousness from fear. The girl was a demon! She took pleasure torturing the others! She gave the poor fellow a false hope and destroyed him! She didn¡¯t leave him alone even when he passed out!


    Kyon shrugged as if he was chilly. He was afraid to get any closer to Juno. What if she was contagious?!


    {Phew¡­ Thank heaven Juno did not beat me so cruelly when we first met¡­ However, when I saw her naked in the hot spring, my fate was like theirs¡­ She highly appreciates her innocence, indeed!}

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    Kyon felt negative emotions in the air and began his first experiment. He walked around, counting on a good harvest, but the ck half of his core did not react in any way. No matter how hard he tried, he got nothing.


    Kyon concluded that emotions had a ¡°focus.¡± In some unknown way, each released emotion had its own ¡°addressee¡± to whom they were directed.


    {I see ¡­ Going to the circus or the torturer won¡¯t help.}


    Kyon started experiment number two. He went to the chief robber who had the most swollen face and squatted next to him. He asked him in the tone of a zealous sergeant doing an interrogation:


    ?Name??


    The leader looked at Kyon as his possible savior.


    ?I am Guiming! Help me! Save me, please! I will give you useful information! I¡­ I will take you to our treasure! I have the money. Please!?


    ?No, I won¡¯t save you. On the contrary, I will ask my student to torture you even longer and with all her ingeniousness. I do not like you!? ¨C Kyon answered viciously.


    ?No! N-o-o-o-o. I am begging you! PLEASE!?


    Kyon frowned. The core didn¡¯t react in any way. But this time he was the initiator.


    {What conclusion can be drawn? Weak emotions? No¡­ Definitely not. They are very strong, and Guiming knows that I am the teacher of this demoness. His emotions must be directed to me! But¡­ Maybe I need to convince his soul, not his mind?}


    Kyon had to find out how to send emotions in a necessary direction. How to convince a soul that it should send all the emotions to him? The soul relies on the brain, but the brain is already convinced! Then why don¡¯t the emotions reach his core?!


    Kyon¡¯s masters told him not to trouble trouble till trouble troubled him. However, he happened to be in the situation ¡°no pain, no gain.¡±


    The case with Kaisen was the fastest and most effective. In a couple of minutes, Kyon defined the rtions between them and then humiliated him in front of everyone. All of Kaisen¡¯s hatred immediately rushed into Kyon¡¯s core.


    Kyon went on to experiment number three.


    ?Just kidding. Guiming, I will let you escape my student if you tell me everything about your gang and where you belong. Everything you know. And remember, if I feel a hint of a lie, I will give you to her mercy at once. Go ahead.? ¨C He pointed to the happy girl knocking the hell out of the next robber.


    ?Alright, alright. I will tell everything!? ¨C Guiming hastily told everything that he could remember at the moment.


    In the end, Kyon learned that the robber was the sixth brother out of seven. The first brother was Sauron, the strongest and most powerful, the head of the entire bandit syndicate. To prove his words, he gave Kyon his precious ring with number 6 on it.


    Guiming told Kyon how everything worked. They had divided their territory ording to the brothers¡¯ ranks. They gave Sauron their profit in exchange for protection and monopoly in the city. Kyon understood that the syndicate was not organized by aplete idiot, but it wasn¡¯t a genius, either. Theycked a good formacist who could to mark their people with formations. It was rather dangerous to wear an identification formation, though. A powerful practitioner could sense it, and they were many in the heart of the kingdom. The formations could disguised, hidden under some other kind, and so on, but still, anyone who had enough power and brains could crack the formation and study the code. It was too much trouble. And formatcists like Kyon didn¡¯t exist¡­


    Kyon found the information about their regr secret meetings very important. The brothers-leaders gave a considerable percentage of their earnings to Sauron. Guiming shared this fact through his clenched teeth, emphasizing how valuable and truthful it was.


    {It¡¯s curious. Robbers are the tumor of any kingdom. I can take good advantage of this.} ¨C Kyon felt it could be a big opportunity for him. He took the sound transmitter that Sauron would call sooner orter and hid it in his bosom.


    ?Am I free? I told you everything I know! Please! Young lord! Let me go¡­?


    Kyon rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    ?You tried to get away from the answer at times¡­ But I¡¯m kind. You may go. You are free.? ¨C He went to Guimin and began to untie the rope.


    Juno saw the toy that she had saved forst leave right under her nose. She ran up to Kyon and shook demandingly his shoulder.


    ?Master, you can¡¯t do it! He is mine! I will not let you let him go, master!?


    ?Please, let me go, Sir! I told you everything!? ¨C Guiming pleaded, afraid to meet the raving maniac eyes.


    ?Back off, little one!? ¨C Kyon roughly pushed the girl away and untied the ropes. ¨C ?You are free to go.?


    ?Thank you! Thank you very much, Sir!? ¨C The man ran on all his weak legs right away.


    ?MASTER! You¡­ You deserve only my contempt! How could you let the bastard go? The one who craved my body?! The leader of the bandits?!?


    {What an asshole! Not a single turn! I know he is grateful he to me, but his emotions do not find the addressee, that is my core!} ¨C Kyon confirmed his guess that he would have to earn the emotions with hard work and proper preparation.


    ?No, Juno, I was checking his reaction. Now go after him and bring him here.?


    Juno blossomed like a sunflower with the first rays of the sun and immediately rushed after him in pursuit.


    Soon Kyon heard a heartbreaking cry in the distance.


    Juno dragged the battered Guiming back by his hair.


    Kyon approached the pale robber and said coldly:


    ?You know, Guiming, I changed my mind. You are a real piece of shit. Juno, torture him as artfully and painfully as possible. I don¡¯t care if he dies, I allow it!?


    ?Yes, master!? ¨C Juno nodded exultantly and, without dy, hit the robber in the gut.


    ?Wheeze¡­? ¨C Guiming lost the air in his lungs. His hope for salvation went out like a candle in the wind. The guy had tricked him.


    And again, Kyon¡¯s test had failed. ¨C {Fuck, are you kidding me?! A whole sea of emotions, and none of them reaches me!? I guess it¡¯s somehow my fault! Why is it so difficult to focus the emotions?!}


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to ept his failure and went to knock out all the shit out of the robbers personally. No matter how much he tried or how loudly they screamed, his core didn¡¯t move!


    Kyon was gradually figuring out why it was so, but it only gave him a headache. To focus the emotions on himself, he had to earn them!


    Emotions from getting valuable gifts, saving from danger at thest moment, sudden words of gratitude, or bribery didn¡¯t work in any way.


    The case with Juno in the illusory world was exceptional. Kyon had interacted directly with the girl¡¯s soul, not with her mind. The addressee of the emotions was assigned instantly, without any difficulties. His task is to convince the soul!


    Beating to death, tortures, insults, any threat to life, unreasonable ckmail, and other things created quick and dirty wouldn¡¯t affect his core. The emotions wouldn¡¯t find their destination. The soul wouldn¡¯t believe it! To make his soul believe, Kyon had ruin someone¡¯s life altogether, let them know the reason for the tortures and Kyon¡¯s tricks. Shooting the breeze or beating someone on the spot would never work. The soul must understand what for and why! Only then it could work.


    And herees into conflict the principle of paying off his debts. Kyon couldn¡¯t fill up the dark core with emotions neglecting thisw. He couldn¡¯t do someone undeserved evil without returning the good.


    {Damn it¡­ I¡¯ll have to work hard to fill up the core with emotions.} ¨C Kyon already had a taste of hardships that awaited him on the way to fulfilling the requirements of the unique body of the void.


    Finally, Kyon stopped beating the robber and noticed Juno¡¯s quiet displeased look, as if she wanted to say, ¡°why are you touching my booty?!¡±


    Kyon coughed and stepped aside. The tensioning from the girl disappeared.


    {You are like a hound whose prey I identally took! What a nasty girl.} ¨C Kyon smiled.


    Meanwhile, Juno kept torturing Guiming, approaching the process with the imagination of a true master of her craft. She knocked out his teeth and forced him to swallow them. Then she said:


    ?You wanted to introduce me to your little brother who likes beautiful girls, didn¡¯t you??


    ?I was kidding! JUST KIDDING! IT WAS A JOKE! DONT KILL ME! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§¡-§Ñ§Ñh!? ¨C The boss of the robbers yelled with tears in his eyes.


    Juno stepped on his groin as hard as she could with a sweet smile on her face. It made a terrible sound.


    Guiming¡¯s eyes almost fell out of his face. His body cramped. His heart was about to stop.


    Juno flushed with euphoria. She was burning with excitement. Kyon was frightened ever to be the subject of her attention.


    She wasing closer to the next robber with a spring in her step¡­ The hellish show was going on.


    Suddenly, Kyon felt an urge to approach the dead man. His core sent him a message in the form of hunger, or rather a pleasant smell that made him feel hungry.


    {Just don¡¯t tell me!..} ¨C Kyon¡¯s core attracted Guimin¡¯s soul and swallowed it up, all of it. What Kyon experienced in the process couldn¡¯t be expressed in words! It was as if an unknown entity entered him and became his integral part.


    {Holy cow!}


    Kyon had never read about soul eaters before. Apparently, he had be one. Unique bodies with spatial attribute properties were legends, but soul eaters?! Was it normal at all?! He deprived a person of a chance to be reborn! There was no proof about this theory, though. It was just a belief.


    ¡­


    The eyes of the woman, beautiful, like a dawn, were filled with gloomy thoughts.


    {The unique body that makes him a soul-eater¡­} ¨C Ancient memories appeared in the goddess¡¯s mind. The supreme god had destroyed the race of soul-eaters because they went against hisws. They unbnced the world andmitted a crime against the cycle of creation. She was the only one who knew that there was one more reason why he had destroyed them.


    But then appeared a guy, weak and worthless, but capable of things that the supreme god hated and despised.


    The goddess knew that her ¡°father¡± was an egoist and a hypocrite. He was a master of nine elements but didn¡¯t let others bend more than five. He had created the universal limitation of five elements for a single person. He ruled all the souls without exception, but he had destroyed each one who had a simr ability.


    ¡­


    While Juno was killing the scum of society, Kyon was walking around, picking up the souls of the dead. He found out certain facts. If he didn¡¯t absorb the soul of the deceased within fifteen minutes you, it would fly off somewhere into the depth of the earth. At this very moment all the formations that this person has ever created dissipate. Theplete death of the brain makes the soul lose the connection with the past owner and fly away to an unknown call. Kyon also discovered the range of his soul-attracting ability. It was only five meters. He couldn¡¯t help noticing that it was more difficult to attract the souls of a more developed person. It also gave him more saturation.


    When Kyon had swallowed up all the robbers¡¯ souls, Kyon made a tsking sound. He had filled up his body by some percent only. How many souls would he have to absorb?


    Meanwhile, Juno was still torturing a dead man, turning his face into a bloody mess. The atmosphere of the infernal pain had vanished with thest dead, and yet watching the innocent little girl beating a cooling corpse was creepy.


    Kyon went up to Juno and experienced a storm of euphoria¡­ She was literally burning with pleasure! She seemed to be at the peak of satisfaction during sex.


    Kyon touched her warm shoulder.


    ?Juno, how are you??


    Juno turned around, her eyes half-closed eyes, her face burning red, her pupils dted.


    ?Master¡­?


    Juno got off the robber and went to Kyon with an apparent motive. She looked like a bloody subus, a daughter of the king of hell. Creepy and beautiful. Her beautiful big eyes were aze with a desire for sensual pleasures.

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    Kyon had an idea to let her get frisky so that she would regret it for dayster and he would mock her viciously. However, to hisplete disappointment, all she wanted from him was to beat him up and torture him just like the other robbers!


    {Ugh! What a killjoy shitbag she is!}


    Before Juno pounced on him, Kyon poured cold water on her.


    ?Little dirty pervert! Come to your senses!?


    ?§°h¡­? ¨C Juno woke up. ¨C ?I-I I don¡¯t know what came over me!? ¨C The recent events happened in a fog. She enjoyed hurting the jerks too much! And her assistant was a real jerk! If she had a chance to beat him up, she would be grateful to heaven.


    ?No excuses. Cut off Guiming¡¯s head, wrap it with something and put it in the spatial ring.? ¨C He gave her a dagger.


    Usually, a big reward was given for the heads of important criminals. Guiming¡¯s head was greatly disfigured, but with the help of Synergy, Kyon could bring it into shape. At least it would be recognizable even if not at once. The most important thing, Kyon had his identification ring!


    Juno took the cold steel and, wincing, went to do the dirty job. Her world was like this. Kids grow up seeing blood, bleeding others. Flitz was Juno¡¯s teacher when a pack of robbers like this attacked them. He was a judge, and she was a reaper. It was then that the old man discovered her true nature.


    Juno was covered in the dirty robbers¡¯ blood. She hurriedly walked away to wash thoroughly with soap and water that she created herself.


    Then Juno asked Kyon with her most ingratiating smile to give her a few spheres as her share of the loot. He said no and she was very upset, but as soon as he cleared her ether key a little, all her disappointment vanished without a trace!


    And the strange couple continued on their way to Boston.


    ¡­


    On the way to Boston, Juno touched her wrist, and soon the guards found thedy they had lost. Always serious, unshakable men now looked as pale as death.


    ?Lady, why did you turn off the tracking? If something terrible happened to you, we would die of grief and regret!?


    ?You wanted to say at the hands of my grandfather?? ¨C Juno realized quickly.


    ?Yeah¡­ Lady, please¡­ Don¡¯t do it again!?


    ?Who are you to tell me what to do and what not. It¡¯s not my problem that your horses couldn¡¯t keep up with mine. Alright, I will not say anything to my grandfather on one condition¡­? ¨C and Juno said everything that Kyon had asked her to.


    Soon, the five riders left the forest. They saw huge walls ten meters high. Around the walls, there was a moat filled with deep, predator infested water. Boston seemed impregnable. The city could be entered through severalrge, well-guarded entrances.


    A road ran parallel to the walls where they saw lots of carts and some tamed beasts.


    Kyon noticed with his modernized eyes a dome of the barrier around the city. Its main purpose was to block the pration of the city through the air. It means it was impossible to get there with the help of flying beasts.


    The riders entered the big entrance as a top priority. The nobles and a beautiful, chestnut-maned stallion! Everyone understood it was better to give way to the high-ranking party to get out of harm¡¯s way.


    The entrance guards checked the formations on their wrists and respectfully let the guests inside.


    Kyon was impressed by the scale of the first city he had seen in this world. The size of Boston was about 25 by 25 kilometers. It was humming with activity. Passers-by scurried along streets and alleys, carts that looked like buses delivered passengers along dull-gray roads (earth benders did a good job there). Various harnessed beasts dragged the cards.


    Wherever he looked, he saw breathtaking, amazing things. In the center of the city rose a huge pce where the royals lived. Not far from it, there was a tall,rge building with golden domes. The temple belonged to the cult of goddess Danna. It was hard to overlook the luxurious construction of the best trading guild in the world. A little further on, there was a gigantic arena where all the important tournaments in the kingdom were held. It was several times greater than the wonder of Lovr¡¯s world, the Colosseum.


    The strongest families have their own territory in the city where only the family members or their guests can enter. Thergest territory belongs to the Grandes (0), the next big in size area belongs to the Stones, then go the Browns¡­


    On top of that, the city is full of different ns, guilds, markets, ve pavilions, arenas, shops, and cksmith workshops.


    Kyon saw arge dwarves¡¯ factory on the outskirts of the city surrounded by a high wall. This is where Kyon went first.


    Juno ordered the guards to wait for them until they returned. As Kyon had requested, she expressed a desire to go on an excursion.


    When they moved away from the guards at a sufficient distance, Juno asked coldly:


    ?Master, may I ask you something? Why are we going to the dwarves? I know that it¡¯s dangerous for your precious life to answer my questions is¡­ And still, why??


    ?Tell me better this. Will the dwarves let us in if they know who you are??


    ?Most likely they will¡­ But when they know the purpose of our visit, they will throw us out!?


    ?Why so?? ¨C Kyon pretended he knew absolutely nothing.


    Juno grinned. She truly believed that her helper who had grown up in the slums knew nothing about the dwarves. It was a good reason for her tough at the stupid guy¡­


    ?How can you be so slow-witted, Master? Dwarves are extremely arrogant and well-known for their contempt for humans. They care only about their engineering and metallurgical science! The little people have reduced theirmunication with the human race to the minimum and they don¡¯t want to have any but business rtions. They will make fun of the curious fool who came on an excursion! Even my guards did not believe in this nonsense! You saw their looks, didn¡¯t you? Do you still want to go to the factory?? ¨C Juno asked with a victorious smile.


    ?I do, indeed. I need to talk with the leader of the dwarves and offer him something interesting and amusing.? ¨C Kyon answered calmly.


    Junoughed loudly. Her voice echoed through the crowded street, attracting the attention of passers-by.


    ?Offer something to the dwarves? Seriously? They are engineering geniuses! Who do you think you are? No one can impress them! Any weapon or mechanism made by humans will only cause their contemptuousugh! Do you really believe you¡¯re exceptional?? ¨C Juno could hardly hold backughter. She gave him a mocking smile.


    Kyon grunted. ¨C ?What if you are mistaken??


    ?You can¡¯t be serious, master. There is no way I am mistaken! Your monstrous talents do not belong to the mastery of the dwarves¡¯ craft. But if you are so stupid and naive, and your time is worthless, then go ahead. Do what you want! And then I¡¯ll say I told you so!?


    ?Challenge epted.? ¨C Kyon headed to the main entrance to the factory.


    {Does he have sawdust in his head?} ¨C Juno thought and followed him.


    Kyon knew that the dwarf race was rather weak and small in number. People took them under their wing because of their great talent in metallurgy and cksmithing. Everyone knows that offense to the dwarves means offense to their patrons (that is, the government). The offender would be in for major trouble. Historically, the dwarves fulfilled the orders of the authorities, and in exchange, they sponsored the dwarves, helped them with their connections, protected them, never interfered in any way.


    Kyon was d that dwarves lived so isted. If these racists learned any new technology, he could sure of its safety.


    Kyon and Juno walked to the factory entrance.


    Two dwarves with obvious contempt in their eyes went out to meet uninvited guests.


    ?Who are you? We didn¡¯t invite you!? ¨C One of them said in a surprisingly rough voice. They had no meetings with business partners today. They could afford to be rude.


    ?My name is Juno Stone. I¡¯m the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter.? ¨C The girl held out her hand to show the formation, but the dwarf looked her over with disdain and didn¡¯t take it. He only grimaced. Juno continued awkwardly. ¨C ?And this is my friend. He wants to visit your great factory. He also has a few business offers for you.? ¨C The dwarves scrutinised Kyon and snorted.


    ?So, you don¡¯t have an appointment? Are you taking chances with our leniency? Do you really think we will let any happy-go-lucky enter our magnificent factory?! Do you know who you¡¯re dealing with?!?


    ?Gentlemen, let me remind you. I¡¯m the patriarch Stone¡¯s granddaughter¡­?


    ?I don¡¯t give a damn who you are! You decided to arrange a tour of our factory? Ha ha ha ha! You make meugh! Get out of here, girl!?


    ?I¡­? ¨C There was anger in Juno¡¯s voice. ¨C ?I¡¯ve brought to you the best engineer in my family! I have no time for excursions!? ¨C She said through her clenched teeth, hiding her teeth.


    The two dwarves burst intoughter.


    ?Did you hear that?! The best engineer Stone hase to us! Ha ha ha ha!?


    ?The best?! Among people?! Ha ha ha ha! Do they have engineers?! They have a problem tying their shoces!?


    Juno blushed like a ripe peach. The dwarves told the truth! She was speechless with anger.


    ?Tell you what! Remember that ident we had today. Everyone looks like thunder after that. Let this outstanding clown amuse the audience! Ha ha ha!?


    ?Dandy, you¡¯re right! The lion¡¯s share ofughter will not harm our friendly working team, the great descendants of god Thor!?


    Kyon looked approvingly at Juno and nodded. She got her own, the road was open to him.


    Juno turned away, disgruntled. She wished she had been silent! Now everyone would think she was an idiot and wouldugh at her! Her solid words would be turned into a silly joke! How stupid of her to call her assistant the best engineer in her family¡­ What a shame! She didn¡¯t want to go inside.


    The dwarves couldn¡¯t stopughing when they checked the identities of their uninvited guests. They didn¡¯t forget to look for any objects that could hide the level of development. Then the dwarves escorted Juno and Kyon inside.


    They entered through a small side door that looked like a thick te of metal. The interior of the factory impressed with its bizarre arrangement. It had four floors and many sectors separated by thick walls. Each sector had a corresponding activity. They werebined with the others through rails and cable tracks that transported tanks filled with some stuff. There were plenty of different pipes and drains. Water, as well as molten metals, flowed through then.


    Everything was perfectly automated. The trolleys ran due to the traction created by a certain mechanism attached to the wheels. They drove to the basement or the upper floors, dumped the ore into the nozzles that led to the furnace.


    There were special elevators with no fences for safety. Nevertheless, the dwarves didn¡¯t mind and constantly used them.


    The working environment bustled with activity. The dwarves worked quickly and efficiently. They gave an impression that if the dwarves stopped working, it would jeopardize the lives of their families. Anyone would envy their high performance, and their mechanical mindset would outshine any human genius.


    All in all, the factory resembled the creation of a talented science fiction writer with a good imagination, who could give a very sophisticated description of the dwarves¡¯ world.

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    Two guards climbed the metal steps, went into a small room, and told what had happened to the head of the sector.


    A short bearded man nced out of the booth and didn¡¯t believe his eyes. A smile appeared on his face. He looked at the guests as if there were local fools about toe up with a new joke of the week.


    The dwarf went back and after a secondter, his voice rang out in the l speaker:


    ?Attention, attention! Hermand speaking! Bee, Bo, Dunley, Shooter, Kickleye up to me! The head of the sector has a funny surprise for you!?


    Five dwarves with grim faces approached Hermand. Today, their brother drowned in a tank with liquid metal. The poor guy decided that he would get the superpower of the dwarves¡¯ god and be the best cksmith in the world this way¡­


    ?Guys! The best engineer Stone hase to us! Juno, the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter, said so herself! I am sure he will amuse us with his wonderful skills!?


    ?Seriously? The best?!? ¡­ ?A human? §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! I get it! Ha-ha-ha!? ¡­ ?Let me have a look at him!? ¨C Everyone looked at Kyon andughed.


    ?Boss! You know how to make a surprise!? ¡­ ?You truly care about us. You did cheer us up!? ¨C The dwarves looked again at the simpleton and burst into a new peal ofughter.


    Juno wished the ground would swallow her up.


    ?What¡¯s your name, engineer?? ¨C The head of the sector asked Kyon.


    ?Kyon Stone.?


    ?That¡¯s wonderful, Kyon! Tell me what you can do. Do you have anything ready??


    ?Unfortunately, I did not take anything with me. But I have drawings of my own inventions.?


    The dwarves exchanged nces and smiled. The rascal got a nerve! A perfect buffoon for the day!


    ?Wonderful! You don¡¯t mind if we take a professional look at your work??


    ?Sure!?


    ?Wonderful! Ha ha ha! Perfect! Follow me.? ¨C The dwarf giggled and headed for the empty room, conveniently equipped for the engineering paperwork.


    Kyonid out huge sheets of drawings on the table.


    ?My invention is called firearms. This kind of weapon uses the pressure force of the powder gases to elerate the shells from the barrel bore. The pressure force is generated during thebustion of a special substance in a closed system. With a flick of the finger, you can set an impulse to a bullet that can kill the enemy even in the superior phase.?


    The dwarves¡¯ smiles froze. The tall monkey had too professional vocabry! They had been nning to poke holes in Kyon¡¯s theory and crush the smarty pants with their great knowledge. But the boy was talking about closed systems and impulse as if he did it every day.


    The boss looked at the hesitant dwarves (they were notughing) and decided to use the old tactic, the idiot test.


    ?Kyon, do you have any idea what a closed system is?? ¨C He asked meaningfully, pretending to be a specialist in this field.


    Kyon answered confidently:


    ?If two or more bodies interact only with each other (that is, they are not exposed to external forces), these bodies form a closed system.? ¨C Kyon smiled. ¨C ?Gentlemen, don¡¯t you know the momentum conservation principle?? ¨C When he saw their empty eyes, he added. ¨C ?When you pull and release the bowstring, its impulse is transmitted to the arrow. I took this principle as a basis in an artificial closed system. Then I increased the vector sum of the momenta of all the bodies inside the closed system due to the gas emission after the chemical reaction. And they transmitted the entire momentum to the weapon, releasing it from the barrel at an extremely high speed. Simply put, the bullet flies out of the barrel like a cork from a bottle with sour wine. Does it make any sense??


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñh! I get it!? ¨C One of the dwarves eximed and immediately got a smack upside the head.


    ?Boss! Aren¡¯t we going to have some fun?? ¨C The other dwarf asked and also got a thrashing.


    Usually, dwarves felt like geniuses in the society of monkeys when they talked with people. However, the situation was different now. They failed to make a fool out of this guy. Quite the opposite, he made blockheads out of them!


    The head of the sector banged his fist on the table with a frown. ?Do not take us for idiots! I¡¯ll take a look at your work and express my opinion.?


    Hermand bothered to look at the drawing of the gun. The beautiful drawings were perfect. He couldn¡¯t find any fault with them! The forms were urate, nothing to criticize! The calctions were also correct!


    A few minutester, the dwarf¡¯s eyes widened. An urate drawing is one thing, but logical, reasonablews by which the design works is quite the other!


    ?Get to work, gentlemen! We willugh next time.? ¨C The boss said sternly, and the disappointed dwarves left the room. They came to have a goodugh, they were going to think hard!


    ?I¡¯ll be back soon. Don¡¯t leave.? ¨C The dwarf said to people and went away.


    ?Hmmm¡­ What the hell is going on here?? ¨C Juno asked, scratching the back of her head. Her head was ringing with emptiness, as usual. Closed systems? Momentum?! Could this nonsense be worthy of such a reaction of the dwarves?!


    Kyon said nothing.


    Soon two dwarves entered the hall, Hermand and another one. He was about 60 years old, decorated with a thick ck beard. His eyes were full of arrogant importance. It was not difficult to guess that he was in charge here, the king of the whole factory, the best engineer and sage, all in one dwarf.


    ?Mr. Gennady, there he is! Take a look at his drawings!?


    The old dwarf came closer to the drawings to examine them with his insightful eyes of an experienced engineer. Among them was a drawing of a gun.


    Kyon was nning to reveal the drawings of a sniper rifle and an artillery systemter.


    Time passed, and doubts on the dwarf¡¯s face gave way to shock.


    ?Low cow! How is possible?!?


    The bearded old dwarf looked incredulously at Kyon, went up to him and tapped his legs.


    ?There are no stilts. He isn¡¯t a dwarf, after all!?


    Juno burst intoughter and covered her face with her hand. {§¡-§¡-§¡H! What¡¯s going on?!}


    ?Are there any dwarves in your family, young man? Or maybe your friend dwarf came up with all this? Or maybe your father is a gnome disguised as a dwarf? They are easy to confuse! After the first sentence, anyone will know who is who.?


    Kyon coughed dryly. ?Gennady, everything here ispletely and utterly my job.?


    ?It¡¯s impossible! How do you know the momentum and energy conservation principle, as well as strange chemical forms and so on?! They take years of mental work and experiments! The human scientific base is poor!?


    Kyon shrugged.


    Gennady first thought that the information had been stolen from the dwarves. However, everything he could see was formted much more urately and concisely than thews of physics the dwarves discovered hundreds of years ago. Their forms had errors that manifested themselves at macroscopic or microscopic scales, but the talented young man had eliminated all the shorings.


    The old dwarf lost himself in the drawings that showed theplete sequence of production. Ten minutester, he grabbed his hair.


    ?Oh my god¡­ It¡¯s brilliant! Why did we invent the steam engine, but did not think of this?! Damned humans had led us to believe that all our toys are weak before pure energy! They said that one quality mount is hundreds of times stronger than any steam engine! They are right, of course, but damn it¡­ It¡¯s incredible! It turns out that any practitioner in the superior phase can be finished off with a swipe of a finger!?


    The head of the factory felt like a monkey looking into the drawings of a primitive catapult. Intuitively, he understood by whatws the invention would work. However, the old dwarf could not believe in the very concept of firearms!


    ?Can it be true?!? ¨C The shocked head of the sector asked.


    Gennady grabbed ahold of him and shook.


    ?It is! We found a golden grain in a pile of human shit!? ¨C The old dwarf approached Kyon and shook his hand. ¨C ?d to meet you, young man!?


    Kyon casually nced at Juno.


    The girl blushed and hastily averted her eyes. She felt uneasy. She had thought up so many things, and she had no clue what wasing. She would have never believed in this turn of events. Why didn¡¯t they kick Kyon out? When did he make the drawings? What the hell are the drawings about? What did the dwarves find in the drawings of her assistant? Or maybe the dwarves put up a show?


    But all her doubts were dispelled when Hermand bowed before her with the words:


    ?Juno Stone, forgive us our sneers! The best engineer in your family is a true genius that happens once every hundred of thousands of years! He deserves to be a descendant of a great race of dwarves! I am so sorry!?


    Juno was shocked and speechless.


    When Kyon the desired reaction of Juno, he lost interest in her and said:


    ?I¡¯m d to meet you, too, Gennady. Can we discuss a couple of business opportunities while we are having a mug of dwarf ale??


    ¡­


    A quarter of an hourter, Kyon and Juno were sitting in the main office of the factory, drinking ale.


    Next to the dwarf was sitting a cute, short girl with red cheeks. The old dwarf lovingly stroke her shoulder.


    ?Kyon Stone, meet M, my granddaughter and your future wife.?


    Kyon and Juno splurt ale at once.


    ?Mr. Gennady, thank you for this amazing offer! But I¡¯m already engaged.?


    ?With whom?!? ¨C The dwarf was surprised to hear that.


    ?Uhm¡­ Here, with her! Juno, confirm my words, please.? ¨C He nudged the girl.


    Juno looked like a stone idol. Her lips had to say ¡°yes¡± because of Kyon¡¯s order ¡°please.¡±


    M pressed her lips and ran out of the office in tears. She was deeply hurt.


    ?Ugh! My beloved granddaughter¡¯s heart is broken!? ¨C Gennady grunted. ¨C ?Alright. Let¡¯s talk business. Kyon, you are a bright guy. How about being my right hand? I can guarantee you total immunity in the kingdom, high status and a huge pay. In exchange, you will work with us for the dwarf race. In addition, you will get inexhaustible ess to the best ale in the world! Within the bounds of reason, of course.?


    ?Thanks for the offer. But I have other life priorities, Gennady. In exchange for my technology, I will ask a little. I want a hundred units of each prototype and a total of one hundred thousand rounds of ammunition. Provide me with a VIP status among the dwarves, which means discounts for any orders and free ess to the territory of the factory. Oh, and one more request that you cannot refuse.?


    The old dwarf couldn¡¯t catch his breath. No one had any privileges among dwarves apart from their patrons! And even those didn¡¯t not have a VIP status! Only dwarves who didn¡¯t work at the factory deserved this honor.


    ?What a cheek! Aren¡¯t you asking too much?! Why are you so sure that your drawings are urate? We will probably have to modify them! In fact, you shared a lofty idea and now we, the great dwarves will have to implement it into life! It will take us lots of time and energy!?


    ?Gennady, if there is a single mistake in at least one line of my drawings, I will dly terminate the engagement with Juno and marry your granddaughter. Even more than that! I will bury my bride alive!?


    Juno opened her mouth and stared at Kyon. Her sharp teeth were eager to dig into his hated flesh, feel the metallic taste of his blood.


    The old dwarf¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest. However, the overconfidence of this human was rming. Was he really so good at drawing? Were they really so wless as he imed?


    Kyon decided to be more persistent. He rolled his eyes and created in his hand a solid bar of iron with an attribute of the earth.


    ?To crown it all, I will give you a hundred of spheres-copies of the technique to creating iron. When you take orders from the government, you won¡¯t have to spend their money on the purchase of iron, you will create it yourself. It will give you your own currency.?


    Gennady¡¯s jaw dropped. ?Do you bend the earth element?! That¡¯s a blessing!?


    Dwarves are predisposed to the earth element. A chance to create iron cannot leave them cold.


    The old dwarf grabbed the bar of iron and began to bite it and tap on it.


    ?Impossible! It¡¯s perfect iron of the highest standard! Where did you get the technique to create it?! No family has it! Do you have the slightest idea how much it costs?!?


    Juno grabbed her mug of ale and drank in one go. Golden trickles flowed down her small lips and thin neck. The number of questions in her head reached a new critical level, causing almost perceptible pain. She needed a distraction, or at least beat her assistant! To death. Or practice alone.


    ?I have an idea.? ¨C Kyon took out the nephrite and copied the legacy of creating iron which can be studied a hundred times. Theplete analysis and understanding of the elements made him a master who could copy his knowledge in nephrites. Thanks to Synergy, he has an unjustified ability to steal any heritage as soon as he studied it even at a superficial level. His technique to create iron was the result of his knowledge of chemistry, a science that didn¡¯t exist in this world.


    ?Here is a hundred copies of the iron creating technique. I forgot to tell you I have lots of ideas that I will dly share with you in exchange for the previously stated terms. Deal, Gennady??


    The old dwarf¡¯s answer was expected. He shook Kyon¡¯s hand tight.


    ?Deal! Of course! Ha-ha-ha! It¡¯s incredible!? ¨C Gennady gasped, took out a nephrite from his spatial ring and handed it to Kyon. ¨C ?As a sign of our close cooperation, I give you a copy of the superior grade of the earth element! If you have enough talent, you can study it in the future!?


    The three of them drank another mug of ale.


    ?How soon can you make a prototype of a pistol?? ¨C Kyon asked Gennady.


    The dwarf nced at the drawings and assessed the options:


    ?Alright¡­ If I engage the whole factory in the business¡­ Well, well¡­ I think we will definitely finish everything in two weeks. But I didn¡¯t quite understand what alpha powder is? Is it a kind of mmable mixture??


    ?It¡¯s an ideal mixture for firearms. It consists of saltpeter, sulfur and a few other chemicals. I¡¯ve already given you a more detailed method of its creation. It¡¯s nothingplicated or expensive, the main thing is to do everything ording to the instructions, without the slightest deviation. You know what? I¡¯ll give you Mendeleev¡¯s periodic table!?


    ?Whose table? I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about! I don¡¯t need any Mendeleev¡¯s tables.?


    Kyonughed. He did not know exactly how to organize a high-tech production now, but it would greatly simplify his life. Dwarves were unlikely to understand the whole universe of chemistry. Kyon had to exin the smallest detail of the alpha-gunpowder creation. Let the dwarves feel like children for once, creating something ording to the instructions, something outstanding and iprehensible, but effective.


    ?I¡¯ll tell you all about itter. Call me, Gennady, if you have any questions. When you make the gun, I will send you the drawings of a sniper rifle and artillery system. I expect the first prototypes in two weeks!?


    ?Artillery system?!? ¨C The shocked dwarf blurted out.


    The me in the old engineer¡¯s heart sparkled anew. If he didn¡¯t make the gun in the announced time, he would bury himself underground!


    Both of them firmly shook their hands and said goodbye.


    Kyon had acquired a significant connection ¨C the dwarves! Only they could create the technologies of his world at least for a fraction of a percent, hiding the information from unnecessary people. If Juno hadn¡¯t taken him to the factory, he would havee up with another way to get there.

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    Kyon mounted the chestnut-maned steed and headed for the Stone territory. His way ran through downtown Boston, so he decided to drop into the central royal library, the kingdom¡¯srgest storehouse of knowledge.


    Juno, who was sitting behind him, was quieter than a mouse. But Kyon did not need words to feel the whole range of emotions she was experiencing. He enjoyed the suffering of the little demon. And the girl, who could feel his joy, became even sadder.


    Juno¡¯s guards joined them along the way.


    Soon, the five riders arrived at the library. It was a colossal building in the Greek style made of exquisite white marble, adorned with columns and numerous wide steps. It was the symbol of knowledge in the kingdom! And of amazing architecture. It distinguished people from the other races.


    Juno received a couple of pokes with an elbow in the side, that helped her toe back from a mental trap, and looked around. She got off her horse and ordered a guard to take the mount to the menagerie. Meanwhile, she went to the library, ordering her other guards not to bother her and wait outside.


    At the entrance, the library guards met Juno and Kyon, checked their formations and let them inside. Free admission was free only for those who had the 4th and higher rank. The rest of the visitors had to pay a great deal of money to get through. A presentable look was a must.


    Juno wanted to ask Kyon a logical question but then changed her mind. He wouldn¡¯t answer, anyway. He was always silent as a grave.


    Kyon had been studying four floors of numerous sections of the library for about half an hour. The information stored here was ten times more than in the secret library in the mansion. It would take him several months to learn¡­ He did not have so much time.


    {What should I do?} ¨C Kyon decided to put off this question forter. He got interested in the passage on the fourth floor that led to the attic. A fierce guard stood at the entrance, keeping away unwanted visitors.


    A sign at the entrance read: the elite section of the library with exceptional information.


    Devilish lights shed in Juno¡¯s eyes, a smile crept into the corners of her lips.


    ?Master, do you want to get inside? I know you do. Follow me.? ¨C With these words, Juno went to the guard and showed her formation. He opened the passage for her.


    ?I am with her.? ¨C Kyon said and showed his formation.


    ?This ce is off limits.? ¨C The guard snapped.


    Kyon was not surprised to see an outright mockery and malice in Juno¡¯s eyes. ¨C {Little bitch, I will beat you in the training session! You will pass out in agonizing pain!}


    ?What¡¯s the matter, master? They didn¡¯t let you in? Ah¡­ I¡¯vepletely forgotten. Only descendants of direct blood can enter here! What a shame.? ¨C She giggled slyly and returned, a light floral aroma trailing behind her.


    Emotions that her assistant was emitting was a life-giving ointment for her soul! The bastard had earned her revenge for all her suffering in the mine! Although¡­ She didn¡¯t have toplicate things and divide hatred into theponents.


    Kyon asked the guard:


    ?May I pass by proxy??


    ?No.? ¨C The severe looking man answered.


    The wicked smile of the golden-haired devil got even wider. ¨C ?Master, do not worry! When you receive the 2nd rank, you will definitely get inside. But unfortunately, this grand event won¡¯t happen any time soon. Please, do not get discouraged!? ¨C She wanted to stroke Kyon¡¯s cheek man for greater effect, but she was afraid to get a p in the face. He was cold like an iceberg on the outside, but wildfire was burning inside!


    Kyon lived by the rule: knowledge is power! Before seizing power, he needed to get more information about the structure of the royal family, ways to rise over them, their weaknesses, which methods he would use. The elite section of the library was an ideal ce where he could get the maximum of useful information in the minimum time. But he couldn¡¯t get there. It was essential to obtain official high status. Kyon couldn¡¯t forge the family¡¯s formation at the level thews of this world worked. He had to qualify at the Stones, and Juno had just reminded him of that.


    ?Do you think I can¡¯t qualify??


    ?Of course, you can!? ¨C Juno retorted. ¨C ?In nine months. Or even more! When you upgrade one and a half phase of development, and preferably two and a half! Practitioners in the Noble phase only get qualified. However, your monstrous talent, is enough for your phase. By the way, you can¡¯t get to the family tournament without a high rank. You won¡¯t be allowed to enter tryouts! You won¡¯t even pass them, anyway. It¡¯s not a mini-tournament at the party.?


    ?Someone underestimates me too much. Didn¡¯t your ass hurt after the incident at the dwarves? You must be not only a sadist but also a masochist.?


    ?Nonsense! You were lucky! In any case, the qualification is held once every six months. The next one takes ce a few months after the tournament of families. You won¡¯t gain enough strength in such a short time. Therefore, you will have to wait another six months!? ¨C She smiled. Her spirits soared at the idea of her desperate assistant¡¯s crushing defeat. However, her smile disappeared when she felt his emotions, they were rming.


    Kyon said coldly:


    ?Where did you get your stupidity from? I will dly grind your silly expectations into dust. You know, when you fall in love with me, I will drag your feelings though the dirt.?


    Juno¡¯s cheeks turned red with rage. ?It¡¯s pure nonsense! I have never heard anything more absurd! You might be Lady¡¯s Fortune son but my family won¡¯t buy it. You can¡¯t qualify as a descendant of direct blood with the help of luck. Don¡¯t get upset, master.? ¨C Juno finished her little tirade and undid her hair, it tumbled down in golden locks.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time that Kyon had caught himself thinking if Juno were ugly, he would beat her more often and harder. Beauty was too valuable a resource in his understanding. His revenge would be specifically oriented (not an ordinary murder, which he had given up).


    Kyon intended to follow his ns. He had to enter the tournament and the elite section in the library. Qualification takes ce in three months. That¡¯s all right! He had earned respect among the young Stones for a reason.


    Kyon took out a sound transmitter and called Stephanie. Number 3 Stone had personally put her frequency number in the pocket of his trousers at the party.


    {Who is he calling?} ¨C Juno wondered.


    ?Hello, Stephanie.?


    ?Kyon! It¡¯s you!? ¨C He heard her joyful voice. The girl had been unsessfully searching for Kyon. He was absent from the general tracking database. She couldn¡¯t find him anywhere even if the searching function was added to any formation of the 3rd-rank family member. And here he was! He showed up himself!


    ?Yeah. Look, I have an important request. If you can do it, ask me for anything. I will try to help.?


    ?Are you serious? Tell me!? ¨C She did not dare to refuse him.


    Kyon asked Stephanie to arrange for him a solitary qualification for a descendant of direct blood. Exactly in two weeks. In a quiet way. The less people know about it, the better.


    Stephanie was in shock. She tried to prove to Kyon the absurdity of the request. Not every nobleman (4) can pass it, and he was in the first phase at all! And yet, Kyon had convinced her.


    He found out that qualification for one person had been carried out only a couple of times in the history of the family. It was too much honor! Once Elsa decided to test her strength, and they organized one for her. As a result, she was disappointed with the level of the qualification. She passed it and did not feel a thing.


    To fulfill Kyon¡¯s request, Stephanie would have to use all her connections, especially Elder Bo, Lee¡¯s grandfather Lee, who had the highest authority in the family. Only he (apart from the patriarch himself) had the power to organize qualification for one person.


    In exchange, Stephanie asked Kyon to teach her some techniques. She was upset when he said no.


    ?Kyon! You promised me!? ¨C Stephanie protested.


    ?Let¡¯s practice together.? ¨C offered Kyon.


    The girl agreed but made Kyon promise to have several training sessions with her. Workouts with an adversary who had a high level of the battle fist were priceless! Even a single additional battle fist would significantly enhance the quality of her strength.


    They finished their conversation.


    Juno began to understand why the assistant showed himself at the party tournament, why he yed on the family strife and put forward himself for the leaders of the younger generation. Now top 3 Stone is ready to be his doormat! Quite an unusual service for her. Stephanie will have to break her back to organize the qualification! All for the sake of training with the bastard! What a brainless sheep! The lessons with Kyon are not that expensive! Juno had found it out the hard way. He would only humiliate her and beat her up. Cruel bastard!


    ?Are you crazy?! The qualification is in two weeks?! You have neither strength nor skills for that! You will destroy Stephanie¡¯s status! She will make a fool of herself! When the elders see your immense arrogance and failure, they will punish you to the full extent!?


    ?Hmmm?? ¨C Kyon drawled with a smile. ¨C ?Since when do you worry about other girls? Are you afraid to lose to me again? I wonder how you will feel when I get the status of a descendant of direct blood in just two weeks? And when I am allowed to the library? And finally, when I sign up for the tournament of families? Will you choke on your own words? Or will you be crying at night, regretting your short-sightedness?? ¨C Kyon finished confidently.


    Juno was speechless. She bit her lip till it started to bleed. ?You¡­ Stupid¡­ Naive¡­ Idiot!? ¨C She turned away and crossed her arms over her chest. What if he would really exceed her expectations? Maybe then she¡¯d better hang herself right away. She had already gone down this road before. Life didn¡¯t teach her anything. Her master was a real monster. Was he capable of turning mountains? Bullshit¡­ He was her sworn enemy, not a god!


    {It¡¯s impossible! It¡¯s all pure nonsense! My assistant is as thick as a nk. He can¡¯t estimate his strength!} ¨C Juno convinced herself and calmed down a little. This time she would be right! She wouldn¡¯t lose. She was tired of losing.


    Kyon should have punished the wicked girl for her insults, but he decided to wait for a better time.

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    Following Kyon¡¯s order, Juno left the chestnut-maned steed in the menagerie and took a gray, nondescript mount. She ordered the guards to stay at a distance. Juno hid her beautiful face behind a white veil of the finest silk. It was hard to recognize the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter, who most of the Stones know too well.


    Juno safely reached the entrance to the territory of the Stones. The young guard was speechless when he checked her wrist. He got down on one knee to greet the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter, but she closed his mouth just in time.


    ?If someone finds out about my arrival, in particr, my grandfather, you will work in a pigsty as a manure cleaner. Got it?? ¨C Juno threatened him with a devilish twinkle in her eyes. Her assistant had told her what to say in advance. Who knows what¡¯s on his mind.


    ?Yes, mydy! Your word is thew!? ¨C The young guard mumbled.


    Kyon rented two decent rooms in a hotel for a hundred of spheres and settled in one of them. The second room was for Juno. If someone recognized her, Bai would know in a couple of minutes where his granddaughter was. The meeting of the grandfather with his granddaughter was inevitable. Kyon waspletely unprepared for this important event. First, he had to hear the patriarch. Second, he had tomunicate with him through the girl to set the rhythm of their conversation and find out the answers to all of his questions. And third, he had to be sure that Juno wouldn¡¯t say anything that might harm him or arouse suspicion. Even if she had basic restrictions, he wanted to hear and control everything.


    Kyon saw two ways out a sound transmitter or a sound-transmitting formation. Unfortunately, the device had a fixed size ording to the strangews of this world. Otherwise, the sound signal wouldn¡¯t be transmitted. Therefore, he couldn¡¯t make a small inconspicuous earphone¡­ He still had the second option, the formation.


    Kyon could not create a wiretapping formation before the party. He was still at the 7th stage, his development wasn¡¯t enough. The quality of energy depends on the level of development. He needs better energy to create a more powerful slot that could contain a bigger formation.


    Kyon had a considerable advantage, his perfectly pure key of energy. The quality of his slots was higher than anyone else¡¯s. Besides, his skill in creating slots made his energy invisible to others!


    Kyon decided to put a wiretap formation in the empty slot, and it worked!


    {Doh!} ¨C Kyon hit himself on the forehead. He was nning to reach the missing stage in the next two weeks and unlock the ability to create wiretap formations. But his 8th stage was enough! The quality of his energy exceeded all his expectations. Now he can create ¡°ears¡± and scatter them around wherever his hand reaches.


    Inside the formation, there was a spatial attribute that transmitted the sound signals directly into the ear in the form of electrical impulses that the brain perceived as a sound. To find out the exact transmission distance, Kyon did several experiments and found out that it covered the whole city of Boston. Communication worked without interference or dys. He could hear a mosquito flying five meters away from his ¡°bug.¡±


    But how could Juno hear his voice? Wiretapping is one thing, and an earbud is another! It would take too much energy to receive a signal and create sound vibrations. His 8th stage of the 1st phase wouldn¡¯t be enough for this.


    Kyon rxed when he remembered that he had captured Juno¡¯s soul. Her body wouldn¡¯t resist his interference in any way. He would put the bug on himself, and the signal would go directly to her brain in the form of an electrical impulse, without unnecessary conversions.


    ¡­


    Kyon went to Juno¡¯s room, did some silent tricks over the girl¡¯s soft hair and walked off.


    {Uhm¡­ What is that supposed to mean?} ¨C She wondered.


    Suddenly, his voice pierced her ear:


    ?The mermaid did the splits and died.?


    Juno jumped in surprise. Then she realized what was going on and shouted:


    ?Did you put a sound transmitter in my head?!?


    After a brief conversation, Juno found out Kyon¡¯s intentions.


    She fiddled with the nephrite-bug, hurting deep inside.


    ?Are you going to control mymunication with my family??


    ?Not for the first time.?


    ?Why intervene in my personal life? I¡¯m doing everything for you on my own¡­ I¡¯m not scheming anymore! I hate you.? ¨C Juno whispered in a trembling voice and turned away. She should remind herself more often that she was a ve! It was difficult to ept this depressing fact.


    ?Don¡¯t be upset, my little Juno.? ¨C Kyon started gently. ¨C ?If I were bad, I would have long ago organized an orgy for ves with you taking part in it.?


    Juno shuddered and turned pale.


    ?You see, I am good. You will obediently y along with my words in your head, fake your emotions, intonation, and in return, I will clear your key a little bit.? ¨C Kyon said, mentally rubbing his hands. Her power would sooner orter pass to him. Nothing was forgotten, nobody was forgiven.


    The was a silent pause. Juno was gathering her thoughts.


    ?I will, master.? ¨C His ¡°student¡± agreed.


    He was right! If she had been in the assistant¡¯s ce, she would not have let him go so easy. Usual beating and moral humiliation would never be enough for her. Apparently, the devil was not so terrible as he was painted. What were his ns for her? Was he going to take revenge in the future? The collection of questions in her silly little head had just refreshed.


    ?By the way, I have not seen Yegorka¡¯s head, yet.? ¨C Kyon reminded her.


    Juno did a little trick over the formation on her wrist and frowned.


    ?It¡¯s weird¡­ I can¡¯t contact the guard who went after him. Usually, the formation works at a distance of up to five thousand kilometers (about 3000 miles.) Either he went beyond this range, or¡­ died??


    ?What are you saying? The elite guardian died at the hands of a stupid Yegorka? Bulshit!? ¨C Kyon eximed.


    ?He couldn¡¯t have died¡­ It¡¯s out of the question! Maybe, his formation got damaged??


    ?Even the life of a drunken useless shitsack has more sense than your guesses.?


    ?§¡h??


    Kyon only sighed in response. The disposal of the pathetic dude was dyed. Yegorka could still cause him trouble with his existence.


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to waste time. He handed Juno some nephrite-bugs, reminded her what she should do, and sent her to the patriarch.


    Juno went to the heart of the Stones, apanied by her guards.


    The territory was divided into three parts: external, internal and central. 80% of family members lived in the external part (7-5th ranks.) The 4th-3rd rank, as well as their children, were allowed to live in the internal part. Cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of the 2nd-1st rank, including the patriarch, lived in the most elite and luxurious central part.


    Each part was visibly divided and protected from pration. The barriers would send a signal informing the center about the trespasser. Anyone would see a drastic change in quality moving from the outside to the inside. Everything changed: the houses, the roads, the light poles, even the trees, and decorations on the streets. It was like taking off dark sses and seeing the bright world for the first time. The variety of beautiful parks was breathtaking. Spacious ygrounds were everywhere. Stunning architecture and well-mannered, richly dressed people happened on each step. The cleaners swept the roads with the help of wind / water element. Elegant wrought-iron benches were ced everywhere. There it was, the difference between theyers of society.


    However, the transition from the border of the interior to the center part was even more impressive. It hurt the eyes to look at all the opulence and shining luxury. All the roads were in an elegant style, magnificent fancy nts bloomed on each side. Benches, statues with fountains were everywhere. There was only high-quality lighting. Neatly mowedwns pleased the eyes, and bird singing caressed the ear. Everything was top-notch.


    The 2nd-1st rank was the top of the elite. They made less than 1% of the total number. Like in any ideal democratic society (and any democratic society is capitalist), they lived in luxury inparison with the rest of the majority. They asionally condescend to them to amuse their vanity and prove their dominance.


    The descendants of direct blood were universally respected personalities. Everyone adored them for their strength and power that they regrly demonstrated. The world was their oyster. They always had their personal masters and servants. The smart of them realized that valuable resources were the key to their rapid development. The stupid believed in the talent of each descendant of direct blood. The family elite was something to be proud of. Otherwise, the poor fellows would never put up with their position.


    Juno reached the central part with a straight face and headed towards the main building of the administration. That¡¯s where the negotiations with the patriarch and elders were held, the most important issues of the family were resolved. Patriarch Bai spent almost all of his time there.


    The guards at the entrance reverently let Juno inside. A couple of servants followed her to serve thedy.


    Juno¡¯s eyes lit up with delight. She had long been ustomed to the luxury and courteous attitude. Only her assistant with whose existence she had to put up was a bright foreign spot in the nobledy¡¯s life.


    The servants opened therge doors to the patriarch¡¯s office.


    Juno went inside, saw her dear grandfather and felt warmth in her heart.


    Bai was a tall impressive man with tough features, characteristic of an experienced general who was ustomed to give orders. He was about 60 years old. His gray hair spoke of a heavy burden he had to carry. His tired blue eyes revealed his excessive zeal at responsible work. He emanated a severe aura that made everyone toe the line.


    However, when he saw his beloved granddaughter, Bai instantly lost all coldness and turned into a loving grandfather. A wide, sincere smile lit up his face. He looked at her with great tenderness.

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    ?My little sweet Juno! You¡¯re here!?


    The patriarch rose from his chair and took his little girl in a gentle embrace. A joyful smile and indescribable, sincere happiness lit up his face.


    ?Hello, grandfather!?


    After Bai greeted his granddaughter, he moved away and asked in a concerned and caring voice:


    ?How are you, darling? Is everything alright??


    If Juno didn¡¯t have a concealment bracelet, Bai would be blown away by the speed of Juno¡¯s development.


    ?Everything¡¯s fine, grandpa¡­ Same old thing.? ¨C Juno hated to lie to her grandfather. Her life was in chaos, where she was a small boat in the stormy ocean.


    ?Hmm¡­ No news at all?? ¨C Bai asked suspiciously.


    ?No¡­? ¨C Juno looked down. Her grandfather must be a superhuman!


    The patriarch sat on a soft sofa and tapped with his hand, inviting his granddaughter to sit next to him.


    Nervously stroking a lock of hair, Juno plopped down on the sofa. If she made a mistake or aroused suspicion, her assistant would leave her without cleaning, or even punish her!


    ?Do not hide obvious things from me, darling.? ¨C Bai said softly, and Juno looked at him in dismay. ¨C ?My people told me long ago about the princess¡¯s visit to the party.?


    Juno could barely hold back a sigh of relief.


    ?She ruined everything, didn¡¯t she??


    ?Not really¡­ Kara¡­ She is jealous.?


    ?I know. No young man dared to approach you in her presence. You didn¡¯t find the one for you, did you?


    ?§¡h¡­ No¡­?


    ?Then tell me¡­ Who is the boy who had been sitting at your and Xiao Bai¡¯s table before the princess arrived?? ¨C There was insight in the patriarch¡¯s voice, characteristic of wise people. He could easily feel every emotion of his dear granddaughter.


    ?Kyon. He is a good friend of mine! I did not expect to see him at the party after all these years.?


    ?My little girl has made friends! That¡¯s wonderful. Tell me all about him. How did you meet??


    ?Grandpa¡­ That¡¯s a little too personal.? ¨C Juno repeated Kyon¡¯s words in her mind.


    Bai smiled after an awkward pause. ?You grow so fast¡­ Look at you, already having secrets from your grandfather! Ha ha ha! And still, who is Kyon? I heard too much about him¡­ Tell your dear grandpa!?


    ?Well¡­ Your people have been spying on me¡­ Ask them.?


    Bai took Juno¡¯s hand in his. ?Don¡¯t be mad with me, please. I do not want to control every step you take. I have given you full freedom in the mansion. Even the sisters-maids do not stick their noses in your private life. I hired a single young guard to look after you at the party.?


    Juno smiled slightly, and Bai¡¯s heart lit up with warm rays. She wished her grandfather had watched over her better and more carefully! Perhaps then the damned ex-ve would now be in prison! However, the thoughts of the missed opportunity didn¡¯t give any emotions on the Juno¡¯s face. Otherwise, he would suspect something.


    ?I am not mad with you¡­ You love me, protect me, care about me¡­ You also give me as much freedom as can be. I am grateful for everything you do for me. What exactly did the young guard say about Ken??


    ?Pure nonsense! All the youngsters are shouting about Kyon¡¯s incredible talent. They say Kyon defeated the opponent who struck down the best fighter in our family. And Kyon is 13 stages lower in development! After that, he almost defeated the princess. However, in the end, he had his hands all over her. Never mind. All these tant lies hurt my ears. I know fathers who punished their brats, gave them a good thrashing, but they continued to stand their ground. The youngsters must have staged a mass conspiracy for some purpose. I can¡¯t make heads or tails of it. To the hell with them! I am more concerned about the youth in my family. What was I talking about? The young guard¡­ I threatened him and used a little force. Then the moron came up with all sorts of rubbish! To cut it short, he was ipetent and useless, sick in the head. I fired him at once. After that, I called Dinah, but she avoided the conversation! The investigation is still ongoing. Servants, musicians are being interrogated. I use the carrot and stick approach. Anyway, it was an absurd party! The rumors run throughout the kingdom. They call us arrogant liars! All this misunderstanding i giving me a terrible headache. The investigators are at their wits¡¯ end. They are afraid they will lose their mind. It all leads to a certain Kyon. So, my little sweet Juno, I ask you to quench your grandfather¡¯s curiosity. Tell me the truth. You¡¯re the only one I can trust. Please.? ¨C The patriarch finished his tirade and smiled.


    Juno was speechless. The adults in the Stone family didn¡¯t believe in Kyon¡¯s monstrous talent! Now the whole kingdom considered her family liars! However¡­ The difference in 13 stages did mean aplete defeat with a single blow. No one would ever believe in this nonsense. Now she knew why her grandfather had a terrible headache.


    All of a sudden, she received a stream of ¡°fresh¡± information from Kyon that she had to repeat dutifully:


    ?Don¡¯t believe anything and don¡¯t listen to anyone, grandpa. You should see everything for yourself. Come to the test pavilion to watch a qualification in two weeks. And take my mother with you. Then you will understand everything.?


    {What are you talking about, idiot?! Why call mom and grandpa to watch your disgrace? Are you crazy!}


    ?But Juno¡­ The qualification is only in three months.?


    ?Just trust me.?


    The patriarch looked thoughtfully into Juno¡¯s eyes, then nodded.


    ?Alright. I will do as you say. It will be a surprise for my old age.?


    Bai took a pipe out of his pocket.


    ?By the way, where is the servant who saved you from the swans??


    ?Umh¡­ I let him go! He asked me for freedom, and I could not refuse.?


    ?Really? Hmm¡­ I see¡­? ¨C Bai nodded to his own thoughts. He had the information that made the servant¡¯s decision reasonable.


    Juno¡¯s lips were dry with senseless and merciless lies. Why was she saying this? Couldn¡¯t Bai find out the truth? Why was it necessary to divide Kyon and the servant into two different people?


    She heard Kyon¡¯s voice again and said:


    ?Grandpa, tell me about thetest news in the family. What¡¯s the situation.?


    Bai was delighted with her question. His little girl was interested in the family! Nothing could make him happier! He began the story with thetest news: Bilya¡¯s death, the most important Elder Boe¡¯s daughter. Boe promised to find the murderer who took the life of his beloved daughter. His dear Bilya devoted her whole life to the sacred work of helping sick people.


    Then he told Juno about the day of the dark sky when the whole was covered with imprable clouds. After that huge bolts of lightning lit up the sky, and then everything returned to normal. He added that judging by the old records, it was a sign from the goddess. Most likely, she had sent a treasure to the world, or blessed someone, or had another reason, iprehensible to mortal people.


    Juno listened about the lightning with mouth open. She calcted the time and realized that it happened at the moment when she was in the tomb. Hmm¡­ Was the day of the dark sky connected with her assistant? What if the goddess had blessed him for good luck?!


    ?Grandfather, what do you think about the future of the family??


    Bai was touched even more. He was so happy to see his granddaughter interested in family affairs.


    ?My young queen, I will tell you everything with great pleasure! Be prepared to hear some unpleasant information. I am not going to lie, but the bitter truth is not to everyone¡¯s liking. Are you ready??


    ?Uh-huh.?


    ?It all goes back to the time when your father was a patriarch. He served for thirteen years and gained unprecedented authority and respect among the others. He had be the pir of our family, raised it to the level of the Grands. But as soon as Yurich disappeared three years ago, everything copsed. I took his post because there were no other candidates. XiaoBai is too young, and his personal qualities are not suitable for this important position. Elsa didn¡¯t care about taking the reins. She has a paternalplex. So¡­ I am old, but I can handle it anyway. There were no signs of trouble when my old friend, the king, suddenly ended all contact with me, and he has never ever given his audience to anyone. Then out of the blue, he sent me a letter without a single kind word. All he wrote about was raising the tax on mining to 90%, which was a huge loss for the family. He did notment on this disgrace. It cut to the heart. I realized that he was friends with me only because of Yurich¡­ When he disappeared, our friendship sank into oblivion. We¡¯ve be strangers.? ¨C The patriarch lit his pipe. ¨C ?The increased tax made us cut back on the resources for our young people. They all are off their crust, though. Fame must have gone to their heads. And theyck the talent, too! As a result, they are significantly inferior in development to other top families. The chances of our youth in the next tournament are non-existent. The elders and I make every effort to motivate and train them¡­ To no avail. Even Yegorka is not good enough, moreover, he is too young. Against these sad prospects, the other families have dramatically changed their attitude towards us. They see the next leaders of the kingdom, the Browns, who have been intensively boosting the strength of their youth in recent years. The ungrateful devils drag the Stones through the dirt! I am sick and tired of them giving us the stink eyes, insulting us behind our back! All the families humiliate and persecute our kids every day. The Stones have always been conscientious, fair and responsive. We have never given a reason to humiliate our honor, dignity and image! The insolent dogs do not even want to buy our medicine at the old rates, and we have to reduce the price. They dance after the Browns¡¯ pipe and wait for our copse.? ¨C Bai took a long puff and blew out the smoke. ¨C ?Damn it! The ungrateful bastards are already dividing the Stone¡¯s property in their contracts, like vultures. The defeat in the tournament will affect our ranking. We¡¯ll get the lowest ce. The price of our mines, ntations, and other assets will plummet. They will immediately take what is ours. They will buy everything with Tokens. The Browns have been saving up this damned currency for years, and now they are going to bite off a huge piece of our property on legal grounds. The Romanovs (3) are not far behind. Everything is against us, even the king! This attitude is like a knife in the back. No family approved of our absurd ¡°victory¡± at the recent party that everyone is talking about, including the youth. Quite the opposite, the other families believe that we spread false information about our incredible victory to return our former greatness. As a result, they despise us even more, disgusted with this dirty trick. It hurts me to tell you all this, Juno, but the next tournament will be thest page in the great story of the Stones. I hope, darling, you will not remain in this decaying family but enter the Order like your silly sister Elsa. You could reach your full potential there. And if only damned Timothy Brown dares to make an offer to buy your hand and heart with Tokens!..? ¨C Bai¡¯s face turned red with rage. The most valuable currency in the empire, Tokens, can buy anything, even a wife in a lower-ranking family. ¨C ?The wimp is not worthy of you. You will find someone you love. I hope you will give this honor to a nice fellow from one of the twelve great families in Dantes (0) and give birth to his beautiful and talented children.?


    Juno¡¯s eyes were wet from intense emotions, overwhelming her. She realized only now how deep was the pit into which the family was falling. She felt a heavy burden on her heart with unbearable feelings of hopeless future.


    ?Grandpa, I did not know! Everything is so bad¡­? ¨C Her eyes glistened with tears.


    The patriarch stroked Juno on the shoulder. ?Don¡¯t worry, little angel. I will not let a hair fall from your pretty little head. I love you more than life.? ¨C He said and pulled his dear granddaughter closer to himself, enjoying the moment together with the most precious treasure in his life.


    ?Why doesn¡¯t Elsae and help our family get the first ce?!? ¨C Juno eximed when she suddenly realized this simple truth.


    Bai sighed. ?You see, honey¡­ You can go to the youth tournament only once. Your sister took part when she was 12 years old and made the feathers fly. No one knows for sure why she had to do it at so young age, Maybe to prove her point to those families who shove their offsprings in every tournament instead of manifesting strategically their genius, or for the sake of non-existent justice, so that underdeveloped young men at the age of 16 could wait with a true heart till they are 20 and then show their full strength. Perhaps, this is a chance for the rare geniuses in low-ranking families¡­?


    Juno was glumly silent.


    The patriarch changed the subject of conversation:


    ?Would you like to take a walk in the park??


    ?Sure¡­?


    ?Then make yourselffortable in the second room, smarten yourself up and join me. I will be waiting for you there.?


    ?Uh-huh.? ¨C Juno nodded and ran to the best, most luxurious room in the elite family house.


    As the granddaughter ran away, Bai¡¯s kind face disappeared. He became dead serious and pressed his wrist.


    Three guards entered his office, the ones who had been following Juno to Boston.


    ?How did she get here?? ¨C Bai asked in a hoarse voice.


    ?All is well, sir. No incidents.? ¨C One of the guards reported.


    ?Are you sure? You didn¡¯t meet anyone on the way?? ¨C The patriarch asked suspiciously.


    A chill went down the guards¡¯ spines. The chief guard got down on one knee. ?We just killed a couple of beasts on the way, sir. That¡¯s all!?


    ?Alright. You¡¯re free to go.?


    The guards left the office, dying from fear. They kept mum about the arrogant servant, embracing Juno during the journey. If they had said a word, Bai¡¯s fury would know no bounds. But the true reason for their silence was in Juno¡¯s blood-curdling threat. She had promised to destroy their lives and families if they utter a word about Kyon and the mines.


    Of course, Juno said what Kyon told her to.


    Bai could not calm down. A vague sense of anxiety was in the air. Where did it get from? Was Juno lying or withholding things? She wasn¡¯t¡­ Even if she was lying, it was her business. There was no reason for concern. Then where did this bad feelinge from?


    The patriarch took the sound transmitter and called Anna.


    ?Greetings, Anna.?


    ?How do you do, sir??


    ?Tell me, please. Did anything happen during my absence at the mansion? Particrly with Juno. Did she have any mood changes? Did anything happen connected with her??


    ?You should speak with Dinah, sir. She had been seeing thedy more often! She must know more than I.? ¨C Anna replied, referring to Juno¡¯s recent request. Otherwise, she would have dly told him all about Kyon, the servant, and much more.


    ?Alright, thank you.?


    Bai called Dinah and asked the same question. She told him a lot, including the freedom Juno had given to her servant, about the day of the dark sky, and Yegorka¡¯s visits. She spoke clearly, impassionately, in measured words, that is, as usual. The maidplied with one of the points in Kyon¡¯s note that had created for his safety.


    Kyon managed to destroy the servant¡¯s identity in the eyes of the patriarch. He had threatened the guards, asked Anna to redirect Bai to Dinah. He kept his powder dry. The was the only witness left, Yegorka, who had escaped his death and left to Boston. Kyon had nothing to worry about before the family tournament started. But after that¡­ The Stone treasury or Anna would definitely reveal the hidden truth. He didn¡¯t have much time.


    The patriarch couldn¡¯t get rid of his anxiety, he didn¡¯t find any reason for it. So he decided to unwind and take a walk with his dear granddaughter.


    They were walking through the evening park, admiring the extraordinary beauty and talking about this and that.


    At some point, Juno changed the subject:


    ?Grandpa, can I ask you for some money??


    ?Of course. As much as you need.? ¨C Bai said with no hesitation.


    ?Great! I need half a million!?


    The patriarch almost fainted and clutched at his chest.

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    Kyon had two rtively free weeks.


    All his ns were limited to the ceiling called ¡°rank,¡± which would be broken after he passed the qualification. Kyon started training hard to increase his chances of passing.


    Synergy was constantly processing the sound signalsing from the patriarch¡¯s office. Juno, his personal spy,nded a couple of nephrite-bugs into the most inessible ces. So, Kyon could hear all the important information directly from the source.


    That night, Kyon bought a ck hoodie. He had to hide his face from the golden youth, who got a sound thrashing from their parents because of the legendary ¡°boy who lived.¡±


    Early in the morning, Kyon entered the battle hall (that every respectable family has plenty of.) He rented thergest and mostfortable room with full service, the strongest and most protected walls, and a barrier blocking any sounds and spatial vibrations.


    A two-week lease was not cheap. He had to shell out a thousand spheres. (There is always a high demand for personal training rooms.)


    What should he train in the first ce?


    Kyon had a wide choice. He could to spend his time on mastering (enlightenment) of the advanced grade of the elements, and even the superior grade of the earth that the dwarves had so kindly provided him with. Or he could master the mysterious technique from the tomb or a bunch of techniques from the Stones¡¯ heritage. However, after the battle at the party, Kyon concluded that it was pointless to master weak techniques. He needed something unique and inimitable that would increase the quality of his strength. He remembered the sma fire (the science of his world), theser, carbon skin,plete istion from electricity, and fire protection. All of them required high grades of the elements. Kyon had made his decision!


    Kyon had quickly mastered the basic grade of the elements before. However, it took him a whole week to master the advanced grade of earth. ording to the progression, the superior grade would take him a few months! He¡¯d better focus on the advanced grade.


    The process would definitely speed up when he reached the peak level of the first degree of Synergy.


    The training session began.


    With the help of Synergy, Kyon tried topare the channel movements of the elements he was bending with the iprehensible neural connections in his head. He had studied the heritage of the advanced grade back in the Stone treasury, but he hadn¡¯t wrapped his head around them, yet.


    The early morning was quietly followed by the afternoon.


    Kyon¡¯s ears caught Juno¡¯s soft, happy scream¡­ He knew at once that the little demoness got the spheres! He took out a nephrite-bug and shouted:


    ?I order not to use the spheres! Not a single one! I order to bring everything to me, observing conspiracy!?


    ?No! Please! GRANDPA GAVE THEM TO ME, only to me! Please, master! I¡¯m begging you!? ¨C Juno asked in tears, but her body had obediently left her elite room and headed to the outer part of the Stone¡¯s territory to the hall where her master was waiting for her.


    Juno had a wonderful ability. She could skillfully y on sympathy. Kyon was immune to her tricks, but Juno continued her futile efforts out of habit. Deep inside, she had gone ballistic.


    Soon, Kyon weighed in his hand arge leather bag with a total value of one hundred thousand spheres. A happy smile lit up his face. Bai couldn¡¯t find half a million for his granddaughter, but even a hundred thousand was staggering! A hundred peasants could secure a decent life with this kind of money. Of course, it would be more convenient for them to exchange the spheres for coppers at the rate of 1 sphere = 100 coppers, but the richer sses had no need for that.


    ?Master! My unique body is starving! I can not sleep at night! It tortures me¡­ Please, give me at least a hundred spheres!?


    Kyon scornfully threw a hundred spheres at the girl. They scattered all about the training room.


    ?Aren¡¯t you a sorry sight??


    Juno fell to her knees. Her fingers were trembling with humiliation, and her eyes wandered over the scattered spheres. The patriarch¡¯s granddaughter was picking up money from the floor like a dirty beggar?! No way! The insolent jerk had taken away her grandfather¡¯s gift. Last time he took away XiaoBai¡¯s money! She was about to take it in quietly¡­ However, the assistant had heard everything and ordered not take anything. Then he took the valuable food for her flower! She wanted to cut the bastard¡¯s throat and make him drown in his own blood. The amount of hatred emanating from the angry girl gave Kyon one turn of his core. Heughed smugly, his head thrown back. He was being lucky: a hundred thousand to his pocket, and emotions to his core! It was a blessing to take goodies from Juno! Business mixed with pleasure.


    Soon Juno calmed down, came up to Kyon and asked him for the promised reward for her cooperation with an imploring look.


    Not without a pang of remorse, Kyon cleared her key. He wasn¡¯t too happy to feel Juno move to the 2nd stage of the advanced phase. It wouldn¡¯t be so easy to hurt her now.


    Juno¡¯s happiness knew no bounds! Clearing the key somehow quenched the hunger of her divine lotus in the soul. It also granted her development! Her soul experiencedfort and peace emanating from the lotus.


    ?Naughty apprentice! Get ready for hard training with your master for the next two weeks.?


    Juno¡¯s lips twitched, her eyes sparkled. Her fighting spirit was written all over her face.


    ?I am always ready.?


    ?Good answer. By the way, from now on, I forbid you to ask your grandfather for money. He might suspect something. If you want to feed the flower, my condition is still valid ¨C one hit means one hundred spheres!?


    ?I¡¯ll try.? ¨C Juno said without a smile, doing her hair into a ponytail for convenience. It seemed that she wouldn¡¯t feed her unique body today.


    The training session with Kyon had begun.


    Kyon instantly noticed the futility of his attacks that contained elemental energy. Neither darkness, nor electricity, nor fire worked on the nasty girl! Earlier, Juno got serious damage when he infused his blow with pure energy. Now nothing could hurt her! Energy passed through her as it was his body. He had no choice but pretend to be a ¡°fair¡± master who didn¡¯t hurt his unfortunate student on purpose. He gave her only physical, instructive blows that she didn¡¯t feel at all¡­


    So, he could beat Juno up. She was surprised at his good attitude towards her. Did the master suddenly be kind and caring? Something was wrong. It was too weird. Maybe, he had fallen in love? It can¡¯t be¡­ She would have felt.


    The more they trained, the brighter her eyes flickered with enthusiasm for war. She was a cat ying with a mouse. She rejoiced at her mini-achievements. Training with her personal monster yielded results.


    Kyon did not want to reveal the news of their equal energies. He yed on the role of a good master. He couldn¡¯t stand himself. How could beat Juno without hurting her!? It was sheer stupidity worthy of hardbor for life.


    A few dayster, Kyon finally upgraded his hearing with Synergy. He increased hundreds of times. Now he could hear even the quietest sounds, from the rustle of the breeze in the grass to the conversations in the local tavern located two blocks from away from him.


    Besides, his ears worked non-stop as sonars within a radius of ten meters (about 33 ft.) Synergy received the sounds and visualized the environment with high uracy, at the level of scanning of the practitioner in the Noble phase (4.) It would be hard to catch him by surprise.


    Kyon was pleased with the upgrade. His eyes and ears gave him a huge advantage over the others. What should he develop further? Upgrading his sense of smell would be fast and more or less useful. Then he could boost up the other practical parts of his body that required much more time and Synergy consumption.


    The qualification was approaching. Kyon had no doubt, Stephanie would do the job. She wanted to meet and constantly called him, which was rather annoying. Juno theatrically rolled her eyes and mocked Kyon with something along the lines of ¡°two lovebirds¡± or ¡°are you getting kids anytime soon?¡±


    After a week of training, Kyon reached the 9th stage of the base phase. Juno congratted him almost sincerely.


    {Uhm¡­ Why so fast?} ¨C He asked himself. He reached the previous stage also in a week. He was supposed to enter the ninth in about two¡­


    Kyon had no choice but to suppose that it all came down to the body of the void.


    His training continued.


    On the tenth day, Kyon mastered the advanced grade of thest element (except pure energy.) As he expected, each next element came to him easier and faster. Thest one took only a couple of days to master.


    Pure energy-1 Wind-2 Water-2 Earth-2 Fire-2 Cold-2 Ether-2 Darkness-2 Light-2. It all would be fine if not two things! When he got the gluttonous spheres in the tombs that enhanced his attributes, they also gave him an advanced grade of their element (darkness and light, respectively.) But why? He could have studied them, anyway. It didn¡¯t make any sense.


    Kyon had a vague idea. Hepared his knowledge of the advanced grade of darkness and light with the neural connections he received in the Stone¡¯s heritage and¡­ They did not match.


    {Does it mean I can get the advanced grade twice?} ¨C Without hesitation, Kyon proceeded to master the advanced grade of darkness and light.


    Kyon was sessful. By the night of thest day (the qualification is tomorrow at noon), Kyon had mastered the superior grade of darkness and light.


    What is a grade? Kyon understood it as a kind of lifting of restrictions from the elements. Each grade makes the element moreplicated. As a result, it bes much more varied and powerful.


    ording to Kyon¡¯s calctions, an additional grade enhances the element to the extent as if he were to stages above (that is, for two stages.) It means that any of his elements is two stages higher than his development (with the exception of pure energy.)


    Kyon had mastered the advanced grade of darkness and light. However, their power was four stages higher. They were equal to the superior grade!


    {Hm¡­ I wonder what grade I will have when I master the superior grade of darkness and light¡­ The fourth? What is it called?} ¨C It was breathtaking to realize how unique he was. The iprehensible spheres had granted him an additional grade of darkness and light on top of the ones he already mastered. This unbelievable discovery made him extremely happy. There are probably no such people who can boast of the superior grade of any element while they are still in the base phase.


    Kyon went to bed early to get a good night¡¯s sleep before the qualification.


    Late in the night, he heard something happening in Juno¡¯s room right in his ear.


    ¡­


    A quiet creak woke her up. She fixed her frightened eyes into the darkness.


    ?Who¡¯s there?!?


    An imposing outline of someone sitting in the armchair appeared in the darkness. As the silver rays of moonlight touched the room, they revealed Xiao Bai. He was like a dark baron, menacingly looking at his future victim from the armchair. His punishment was inevitable.


    ?Brother! How did you get into my room? What are you doing here?!? ¨C Juno asked, perplexed.


    ?Where¡¯s my money, Juno?? ¨C The fat guy looked coldly at his sister, his voice was depressing. He didn¡¯t feel any brotherly love or care.


    ?What money? I don¡¯t have any! You scare me, dear brother.?


    ?My little birds whispered that Bai had given you one hundred thousand. That¡¯s exactly how much you owe me. Where¡¯s my money, Juno??


    Juno swallowed nervously. She couldn¡¯t (and wouldn¡¯t) repay his debt.


    ?I¡­ I am sorry, dear brother! I¡¯ve spent everything!?


    XiaoBai squeezed the armrest with his big hand. It broke in two.


    ?You will pay me for this¡­ I won¡¯t be so kind to you, sister.? ¨C The walking meatball finished his tyrannical speech and left the room, swaying.


    ?Never threaten me! Do you hear me, XiaoBai? Don¡¯t you dare to threaten me!?

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    Patriarch Bai and Juno entered arm in arm the huge battle hall. Its size was impressive. Every six months, it opens the door for those who want to raise their rank. The importance of an additional rank is tremendous. It can drastically change the practitioner¡¯s life for the better. The peers will have more respect, the financial situation will increase, new opportunities will arise.


    The qualification is divided into two parts: knowledge and talent assessment. The first part is carried out without to much fuss or any unwanted spectators. There¡¯s always lots of noise andmotion during the second part. Crowds of stressed out youngsters shove and push in the line. But today it¡¯s unusually quiet here.


    The hall was still empty when the patriarch took his ce in the center. His granddaughter sat next to him. One nce at her would tell how nervous she was. Juno was about to tear off her golden lock that she was furiously twirling around her finger.


    ?Right, in five minutes, the first part of the qualification begins. The knowledge assessment. I guess it will take an hour or two. Just enough time for your mother to arrive.?


    ?Uh-huh.? ¨C grunted Juno.


    The front door swung open. A pretty girl came in. It was Stephanie. A handsome 19-year-old dark-haired young man followed her with a guilty expression on his face. It was Lee. An imposing-looking tall old man who also known as great Elder Boe entered thest. He was telling Lee off:


    ?Thank you? Did I hear you say thank you, grandson? Then mark my words: thank you means nothing nowadays. The result is the only thing that matters! I had to reschedule an important meeting, wasted a lot of time and effort to organize this damned qualification, and for whom? For the kid who you all can¡¯t stop talking! God forbid this Kyon disappoints me with his mediocre talent. I will kick your ass with your ¡°thank you¡± a hundred times! And I will punish this boy properly. It¡¯s beyond me how you could talk me into this?! You have a kneeling talent, Lee! And your grandfather does not like it!?


    The elder¡¯s offensive words made Stone number one blush.


    ?I didn¡¯t lie to you, grandfather! Kyon is really a genius¡­ You¡¯ll see everything yourself¡­? ¨C He turned away from Boe¡¯s suspicious eyes and looked sternly at Stephanie.


    In her in turn, Stephanie turned away from Lee and blushed even more than he. She had to use her secret female weapon to make him ¡°convince¡± the most respected elder to organize the qualification for Kyon only. And now she wished the ground would swallow her up as soon as she saw Lee.


    ?I am counting on that.? ¨C Boe grumbled and looked surprised at the unexpected guest in the central seat, the patriarch!


    Stephanie was in shock. The patriarch himself was present at the qualification! It was all her doing! If Kyon screwed up, Lee would kill her first, then his grandfather, and then the patriarch himself! She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around how Kyon managed to talk her into this adventure. What was she thinking?! However¡­ It was toote.


    ?My respect, Mr. Bai.? ¨C The elder said politely, slightly bowing his head slightly.


    Stephanie and Lee got respectfully on one knee. They also greeted the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter properly.


    ?Lady Juno! I am d to see you no less than my grandfather. Do you want to look at glorified Kyon??


    ?I do¡­? ¨C Juno nodded and nervously twisted a lock of her hair on another finger.


    Bai said with a smile:


    ?My granddaughter promised me a pleasant surprise. How could I say her no? Besides, personal qualification takes ce for the second time in thest twenty years. This Kyon must be someone extraordinary. I hope he will not disappoint me!?


    ?As for the pleasant surprise, I will express my strong disagreement. The point is¡­ I have invited Kirsan, who has just returned from another empire, to examine this highly acimed Kyon. If only he dares to screw up before Kirsan¡­?


    Stephanie gasped. Kirsan was well-known for his strictness and inflexibility. He was a nightmare for any Stone who qualified for a higher rank. Only every 30th examinee seeded in passing the third and most challenging test in talent assessment. Each participant prayed to the goddess on the night before the qualification to help them avoid Kirsan.


    ?It¡¯s much more entertaining. The boy who made the whole kingdom use us of nasty lies shouldn¡¯t expect any preferential treatment!? ¨C Bai¡¯s voice boomed throughout the hall.


    Just then, another four people entered the room, a married couple of dignified elders among them. Kirsan, the examiner, walked a little behind them, with a stone expression on his face. A charmingdy with golden hair proudly walked at the head of the procession. There was something irresistible about her. She captivated anyone around her with her beauty and charm. She emanated the aura of a proud, nobledy could move mountains and conquer the seas. However, there was an iprehensible and almost imperceptible longing in the depths of her eyes. In some inexplicable way, Marina was a living image of thisdy.


    The patriarch rose from his seat and hugged the beautifuldy.


    ?I am so happy to see you, daughter.?


    ?So am I, father.? ¨C Diana answered in a melodious voice. ¨C ?You invited me to look at the new rising star of the Stones.?


    ?Something like that¡­? ¨C Bai nced at Juno, and she pretended not to notice it.


    When Diana saw Juno, she hugged her happily.


    ?My dear, Juno. I am sorry it¡¯s been so long since Ist called you. How are you doing??


    ?Fine.? ¨C Juno mumbled.


    The new arrivals began to greet each other.


    When Stephanie saw another two elders and Diana, she wanted to squeeze into her chair and be invisible. She thought the qualification would be held in a quiet way, with few or no spectators, and here had gathered the elite of the family: three most powerful elders, the most strict and influential examiner, the great patriarch and his close rtives! She had a feeling she came to swim in the river, and happened to be in the center of the ocean! If Kyon screwed it up, they would bury her alive!


    {I hope Kyon has a n! I am counting on that!}


    Juno felt the same, albeit to a lesser extent. She thought her assistant got a nice blow on the head when he was a child. What the hell does he think he is, a god! Not everyone in the noble phase (4) can pass the qualification, and he is only in the first phase. Moreover, the examiner is Kirsan! Let shame be a lesson to him, dumb asshole. She will get the long-awaited joy of victory in return. She will say to the battered and humiliated Kyon at once: ¡°I told you so!¡± She had a good feeling about this time!


    Everyone took their seats.


    Elder Boe asked:


    ?Kirsan! Where is your nephew, Yegorka? I have a couple of questions for him.?


    ?I have not seen him yet, Mr. Boe. I haven¡¯te over the death of my brother Martin when I get the order to examine the qualification. My apologies.?


    ?Our condolences for your loss.? ¨C Boe said for himself and the rest present.


    Kirsan nodded silently and stood in the center of the hall next to the trigram cut out on the floor, waiting for the only examinee. He was punctual, as always. Kirsan arrived just when the first part of the exam had begun, the knowledge assessment. Usually, itsted an hour and a half till someone passed or failed, in rare cases, an hour. So they all had plenty of time before Kyon entered the hall.


    Looking at Kirsan, who was even gloomier than usual, everyone, including Stephanie and Juno, came to the conclusion that Kyon stood little chance for sess.


    The patriarch said confidently:


    ?Whoever this Kyon is, it was worthing here if he passes Kirsan¡¯s qualification. Our family badly needs new talent. I don¡¯t know anyone apart from my eldest granddaughter who has sessfully qualified under the age of twenty.?


    Elder Bo coughed into his fist:


    ?Actually, my grandson Lee has passed¡­?


    The patriarch looked at the young man, who had tucked his head into his shoulders, and turned away. Elder Boe must take him for a fool. As if he didn¡¯t know who had helped this dunce to pass the difficult qualification.


    ?I have a bad feeling about all this.? ¨C Boe changed the subject. ¨C ?I won¡¯t be surprised if Kyon fails the knowledge assessment. That¡¯s augh! What do you think, Lee?? ¨C He looked at his grandson, who cringed and turned pale.


    A few minutester, a wise-looking, gray-haired old man in a white robe dashed out of the exam room, screaming ¨C ?To the hell with you! I won¡¯t tolerate this!?


    When he saw nine people in the hall, the patriarch in particr, he let out an astonished ¡°oh¡± and immediately hurried greet the important spectators with a bow.


    ?What¡¯s the matter, Master Xin? And is the exam finished so quickly? Has our promising young man already failed?? ¨C Bai asked.


    ?Sir¡­? ¨C The old man spoke in a trembling voice. ¨C ?I¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say! I have been an examiner for fifty years and have seen a lot, but I won¡¯t tolerate it when someone is making a fool of me!?


    Everyone in the hall was waiting for exnations from the old examiner.


    ?What do you mean?? ¨C Bai frowned.


    ?What a nerve! How inconsiderate! The younger generation has decided to take me to the grave! They must have used some tricks to transfer information. This rude chatan has perfectly answered all the written questions in one minute! Even the most exceptional genius writes the written part for at least one hour! Then I decided to expose him as a liar he was and began to ask him all the tricky questions¡­ And you know what? The smarty-pants fancied himself a know-it-all! He bombarded me with questions the answers to which I.. I.. I don¡¯t know! Kirsan, deal with him yourself. I quit and retire. I can stand it no more. Forgive me if I am being rude.? ¨C Master Xin finished his speech, sighed heavily and took his leave, muttering something quietly under his breath.


    All those present in the hall looked at each other, perplexed. How could Kyon send master Xin, so patient and extremely erudite, into a screaming fit? It had never happened before. This Kyon wasn¡¯t that simple, after all.


    As everyone started to discuss the mysterious young genius, the doors opened slowly, and the ck-haired young man entered the hall. He was in the ninth stage of the base phase.

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    A dead silence reigned around when Kyon came to the center of the hall and greeted everyone with a bow.


    ?Are you¡­ Are you kidding me?? ¨C Elder Boe¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head. ¨C ?I wasted so much time and energy for his sake!?


    How could the great elders and the patriarch treat a practitioner who was only in the base phase? To draw an analogy, he was a typical office worker in front of the CEO of a billion-dor corporation. The audience did not take him seriously.


    ?Are you making fun of your grandfather, little bastard?? ¨C Boe hissed to Lee.


    Lee swallowed and started to exin himself in a trembling voice:


    ?He is a great genius, grandpa! He beat Tsayan¡­ At the party!?


    ?Great genius?!? ¨C The elder yelled. ¨C ?Following your impable logic, even a disabled person is a genius! The boy can¡¯t kill a fly! Is our youth making fun of the adults before the tournament?!?


    Stephanie wished she was a turtle to hide her head in the shell.


    Juno smugly looked at Kyon, her eyes read, ¡°I told you so!¡±


    The audience was disappointed. The youth had been shouting about the new talent from the rooftops. It was nothing but a dirty trick. Who was responsible for this delusion?!


    The patriarch spoke in a restrained tone that instantly created general silence.


    ?Lee is rather short-sighted, but he wouldn¡¯t make fun of the elders in this pathetic unworthy way.? ¨C He looked at Lee with a condescending smile. ¨C ?Tell me the truth, son¡­ Where¡¯s the real Kyon??


    Lee hung down his head like a guilty child in front of his father. He was dying of shame. He wished he could kill Kyon and punish Stephanie for her dirty game¡­


    Kyon cleared his throat. ?Patriarch Bai¡­ I am real Kyon. I defeated Tsayan at the party. I¡¯vee to qualify for a descendant of direct blood.?


    The audience was speechless. Who was this guy, and who gave him the right to speak?


    Bai frowned at the boy and then at Juno. His granddaughter nodded awkwardly and looked down. Then he looked again at the boy. Were they pulling his leg?


    ?Junior.? ¨C Examiner Kirsan began trying to please the elders and the patriarch. ¨C ?You are disqualified. Practitioners below the fourth phase of development are not allowed. Wait till the elders give the final verdict regarding your fate.? ¨C He turned to the patriarch to hear his judgement for the underling.


    ?Excuse me?? ¨C Kyon red up. ¨C ?What rules prescribe the development restriction??


    Kirsan smiled viciously. He rarely came across the fools who wanted to assert their rights.


    ?Have you ever seen at least a practitioner who qualified as a descendant of direct blood being below the fourth phase? I can¡¯t remember any. So shut your little mouth and wait for the elders¡¯ decision.? ¨C Kirsan said in a stern voice.


    However, there was not a shadow of fear in Kyon¡¯s eyes.


    ?I will refresh your memory¡­ How about Flitz? Or Lee? He is at the end of the third phase, and yet, he passed the qualification himself.? ¨C Kyon emphasised thest word.


    Lee clenched his fists and cast at Kyon an angry look.


    Boe frowned. Did he just insult his grandson? It sounded like that. He was not sure and kept silent, waiting for Kirsan to say something.


    ?They are a rare exception to the rule. All of them have unique talents that put them above the rest. The other mediocrities, including you, have no free pass. I repeat for the deaf, you are disqualified.? ¨C Kirsan firmly. His eyes were grim and dangerous.


    Kyon said with no hesitation:


    ?Exactly!.. They have unique talents that helped them surpass others. You have just confirmed that the level of development is less important than talent. Are you going to disqualify me without a single test? How did you be an examiner? No wonder the Stones are in trouble.?


    It was like a p for Kirsan. An underling in the first phase dared to talk back to him! Veins bulged on Kirsan¡¯s forehead. He gritted his teeth with rage.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to question my authority of the best examiner, scum.?


    ?Already have and no regrets about that. I can¡¯t look at myself in the mirror if I pay any respect to a hypocritical and unskilled examiner like you.? ¨C Kyon said coldly, his arms crossed.


    The audience was stunned. They had never met such a cocky boy! A younger practitioner dared to offend someone at Kirsan¡¯s level? It was unheard of.


    Juno touched her forehead, groaning in shame.


    {Shut up, moron! Wash your mouth out with soap!}


    Stephanie bit her lip. {Lovr spoiled you too much! You warned me, but I didn¡¯t think it was to this extent!}


    Kirsan turned red. He was being humiliated in front of the most influential people in the family. It was like a little dog quietly pissed on his shoe during an important meeting. It was unforgivable. He said in an ominous tone:


    ?For insulting a senior examiner, I use my power to condemn you to deprivation of your development, which means destroying your main keys.? ¨C Kirsan went to Kyon, full of determination.


    Juno caught her assistant¡¯s sudden, steady look and elbowed her grandfather, giving him the ¡®puppy eyes¡¯ look.


    The patriarch took a deep breath and said imperiously and wearily at the same time:


    ?Kirsan, I annul your sentence. The test will be held as expected.? ¨C He was running out of patience. If this nonsense had started, he would bring it to an end and take it off the table.


    The examiner lost his spirit. ?But¡­ Uhm¡­ Yes, sir Bai.? ¨C Kirsan said humbly, afraid to contradict the patriarch.


    ?Father, I don¡¯t have time for this nonsense. I have work to do.? ¨C Diana said impassionately, raising from her seat.


    Two elders also stood up, intending to follow thedy. Elder Boe was seething with anger. He was already thinking of ways to punish his grandson for this ¡°innocent¡± trick.


    No one wanted to watch the futile attempts of an ant to jump over the hill.


    Juno caught another Kyon¡¯s look and stared imploringly at her grandfather. It was outraging having toply with his demands! But he had promised to clear her key in return.


    Bai rubbed his nose. He was tired and needed some rest. The work of the patriarch was too exhausting. It was sucking out all the marrow of his life. What was going on? Why were the young people so stupid? Why was Juno ying this nasty trick on him too? By all means, the copse of the family was quite justified.


    The patriarch said:


    ?My sweet Diana, wait a bit more. Then we¡¯ll take a walk together.?


    ?Alright then¡­? ¨C The dazzlingly beautifuldy sat down and crossed her legs. The elders looked at each other and also returned to their seats.


    A trigram with patterns was cut out in the floor in the very center of the hall. It was a circle with a diameter of two meters.


    It limited and, at the same time, evenly dispersed energy. There was an empty slot in the centre.


    Kirsan took a nephrite out of his spatial ring and ced it in the slot in the center of the circle. The corners of his lips rose in a grin when he announced:


    ?The first test begins. The task is as follows: when the testee stands in the center of the trigram, he will be subjected to titanic pressure equal to the beginning of the lord phase (5). If the testee can hold out for one minute without falling on the knee, he has passed. It requires appropriate development, willpower and spirit, as well as courage to face an enemy who is overwhelmingly powerful. Now stand in the trigram.? ¨C {And die!} ¨C Kirsan gloated to himself.


    He had acquired the nephrite, that was now in the centre of the trigram, in another empire at a fairly high price. He created the pressure of the peak of the fifth phase instead of the beginning stage that was intended for the test. Anyone in the first phase was doomed to death.


    Under the gaze of the nine people, Kyon calmly stood in the trigram. Everyone expected his instant failure. The kid had to fall and lose consciousness. His undeveloped soul couldn¡¯t resist longer than a moment.


    Three secondster, the nephrite was activated. Kyon felt a heavy stone on his body. His blood pressure rose, not too high but causing some difort.


    {Uhm¡­ Why is it so weak?} ¨C Kyon wondered. The pressure was really strong, but it didn¡¯t affect him because of his spiritual power. Kyon waspletely sure of this.


    He knew that a person with a development of five phases higher could kill with pressure alone, if not instantly. The target soul experiences incredible stress. The body doesn¡¯t get the direct impact, but it undergoes the consequences of mental suffering and dies. In other words, the pressure influences the soul first, and only then it destroys the body. The difference in development was now four stages, that¡¯s why Kyon was so confident he would pass.


    Kyon remembered Karae to his room and release her powerful pressure. At that moment, his soul vibrated. He felt as if a bull sat on his shoulders. Now, the pressure should be equal to his development or slightly stronger, ording to what he heard. However, neither his soul nor his body felt anything. What had changed since then?


    Suddenly, an idea shed through Kyon¡¯s mind. It was his unique body! It had given him spiritual power. How weird¡­ He had only recently activated his body of the void. Where did it get so much power to provide him with cheating advantages in its infancy?


    Kirsan frowned like the rest in the audience. It had been a minute since the testee stood calmly with his arms crossed.


    ?Have I passed?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    The examiner coughed, perplexed, hiding how ashamed he was for his mistake in front of the important spectators. ?Leave the trigram. There must have been a mistake when it activated.?


    Kyon came out of the circle. Kirsan didn¡¯t expect anything could happen to him. He entered inside. The pressure of the peak stage in the Lord phase had influenced him at once. Kirsan grunted hoarsely and nearly crawled out of the trigram.


    ?What¡¯s the matter, Kirsan?? ¨C Bai asked with curiosity.


    ?Nothing, sir.? ¨C He looked at Kyon. ¨C ?Enter the circle again!?


    Kyon carelessly went inside. His indifferent look and raised eyebrow infuriated the best examiner in the Stone family even more. Why did the pressure have no effect on this boy?!


    ?Leave the circle!? ¨C Kirsan barked.


    ?Are you really an examiner?? ¨C Kyon asked suspiciously and left the trigram.


    ?Shut up, little snot! Don¡¯t you dare to question my expertise!?


    Kirsan entered the circle again. When the pressure was about to crush his body, he struggled to stay on his feet and left the trigram, panting hard. ¨C {What the hell?! It can¡¯t be!}


    The elders looked at each other, confused. The expression on Stephanie¡¯s and Lee¡¯s faces was indescribable. Diana yawned. Juno suspected something was amiss.


    ?What¡¯s wrong?? ¨C Kyon asked with a mocking smile.


    ?Damn it! For some reason, the nephrite isn¡¯t fully functioning¡­ I have to reschedule the test for another day¡­ My apologies, Patriarch.?


    ?If this nephrite is defected, take another one.? ¨C Kyon suggested. ¨C ?Or didn¡¯t you take a spare one? It can not be! The best examiner means being ready for anything.?


    ?It¡¯s not about the nephrite!? ¨C Kirsan said through gritted teeth. ¨C ?The grooves on the trigram pattern must have rubbed off at thest test¡­ That¡¯s why it doesn¡¯t give the full pressure.?


    ?I don¡¯t think so.? ¨C Kyon said. ¨C ?The formation works perfectly.?


    ?Do you doubt my words, little shit?! Do you think I don¡¯t know what real pressure is like?!? ¨C Kirsan was furious. His helplessness failed him. If the patriarch wasn¡¯t here, the examiner would have broken his neck long ago.


    ?I do. I question your expertise so much that I will file a petition for your resignation. You can¡¯t distinguish genuine pressure from weakened. The nephrite works wlessly. Anyone can confirm it except you, of course. Let Lee enter the circle and prove me right. Moreover, he has already passed the test and knows the answer.?


    ?What are you talking about?! Patriarch, please, can I punish him?! Hecks discipline and understanding of the situation! Such ingrates must be chastised with a whip!? ¨C Kirsan implored.


    ?Let Lee enter the circle. He will say who is right and who is not.? ¨C Bai said, waving his hand.


    ?What?! No! No-no!? ¨C Kirsan¡¯s heart suddenly skipped a beat. ¨C ?Lee can¡¯t enter the circle! It¡¯s ridiculous! It¡¯s a waste of your precious time!? ¨C Kirsan became exceedingly nervous. During thest qualification, he yed along with Boe and used a weak nephrite for Lee. That¡¯s why Lee could withstand the pressure and pass the test. But what was going to happen now?!


    ?You can try and disobey me.? ¨C Bai said quietly with a clear threat in his voice.


    ?No-no! Certainly not!? ¨C Kirsan¡¯s voice trembled. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.


    Bai looked at Lee. ?Enter the circle, son. We need the truth.?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C Lee answered and went to the circle.


    He believed in himself. Last time, the pressure was not that bad.


    Only Boe and Kirsan knew the truth about the nephrite that was chosen to help him win.

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    Elder Boe thought if the pressure was weak, there was nothing to worry about. And even if it was initial, his grandson could stand for a couple of minutes, making a straight face.


    The examiner didn¡¯t want to risk the wrath of Boe. He could not let Lee stand in the circle.


    ?Oh! There must have been some mix up! Ha ha ha, what a fool I am. I¡¯ll fix it now!? ¨C Kirsan eximed and with a guilty smile went to the nephrite¡­ When suddenly, he heard Kyon¡¯s voice.


    ?Didn¡¯t you apologize to Mr. Bai just a minute ago, referring to the rubbed off slot. Weren¡¯t you going to reschedule the test? Have some respect for the patriarch¡¯s time??


    ?Everyone can make a mistake, you little punk.?


    ?I said that the formation is working properly. If you change the formation, I¡¯ll send you to hell for ipetence. Another option, Lee checks if it works and says who of us is right. If I am wrong, I will bow at your feet a hundred times as a sign of my stupidity.? ¨C Kyon said sternly a speech that wasn¡¯t characteristic of his young age.


    ?Dumb scumbag. Nobody cares about your worthless words. You can get out right now. It¡¯s your loss.? ¨C Kirsan resolutely approached the nephrite.


    Suddenly, he heard the patriarch¡¯s voice that made Kirsan freeze and tremble:


    ?Kirsan! I¡¯ve asked Lee to check the formation, haven¡¯t I.?


    ?Sir¡­? ¨C His tongue was numb, his head was empty, and his heart was about to copse. How could he forget Bai¡¯s request¡­


    Lee walked over to the trigram and stood in the centre without hesitation.


    Kirsan turned pale, Boe narrowed his eyes, the rest in the audience waited for Lee¡¯s reaction.


    ?Uhm¡­? ¨C Suddenly, he coughed and fell to his knees. His face turned red. He could feel pressure in all his body that he could not withstand.


    {Was it¡­ Did grandpa arrange things at my qualification?!} ¨C Lee understood everything now.


    Now it became clear to him how far he was from those who had passed the test without cheating. His self-esteem suffered a serious blow. The most important thing was¡­ The patriarch and grandfather were looking at him!


    Bai tapped the armrest and said sternly:


    ?It¡¯s not funny! Get up off your knees, Lee! Enough of pretense. You have already passed a test like this, and quite sessfully.?


    Elder Boe¡¯s face turned red with shame and anger. Was his grandson nothing but a pathetic scum?! Why can¡¯t he hold out for at least a few seconds? How could he be so miserable? The patriarch would quickly know the truth!


    However, Lee never got up. He crawled out of the circle, short of breath. Sweat was dripping from his forehead.


    ?What would you say, Lee?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    Stone number one was standing on all fours, still recovering. It didn¡¯t matter what he would say. He would never get his self-esteem back. He could see no way out of the pickle he was in. Today wasn¡¯t his day. Damn it! He wished he had refused Stephanie¡¯s service!


    ?I think everyone understands the meaning of his silence. I suggest we proceed to the next test.? ¨C Kyon said calmly and spread his arms.


    No one understood what was happening. What if the pressure was real, but Kyon somehow ignored it? No¡­ Most likely, it was a prank the wicked younger generation had arranged.


    ?You have staged a nice dog and pony show, father.? ¨C Diana said.


    ?I don¡¯t understand.? ¨C Bai said, massaging his temples tiredly. If Kyon wasn¡¯t Juno¡¯s friend, he would have him punished properly and leave to work, after taking a couple of pills for a headache.


    Boe red fiercely at the pale examiner. His grandson trembled with shame next to him.


    Kirsan brushed off the sweat from his forehead, cleared his throat and tried to speak impassively.


    ?We will not delve into the details of what has just happened. Let¡¯s begin the next test on the battle skills. I need any fighter with an officially recorded level of the battle fist to evaluate the examinee in the way ofparison.? ¨C He looked around the audience, carefully avoiding the patriarch and Elder Boe, when his eyes stopped on a girl. ¨C ?Stephanie Stone, please,e out here.? ¨C If there weren¡¯t any young people in the hall, Kirsan would have had to stoop to fighting with Kyon himself. It would be a crying shame.


    The girl came up to the examiner, visibly nervous. She was desperate and a bit humble.


    Kirsan announced:


    ?Stephanie Stone! You have recently passed my qualification for fourbat fists, that¡¯s why I¡¯ve chosen you as a partner in the sparring test. The rules are very simple: you are allowed to use only your body andbat skills. It¡¯s forbidden to use any elements or anything like that. Your level of development must be equal. Leaving the arena is tantamount to admitting defeat.?


    Stephanie reduced her development to the 9th (1) stage.


    ?Fighters, take a position in the arena. The battle begins after my signal andsts five minutes. It will be enough to estimate the examinee¡¯s level of the battle fist. If the level is three or below, he will be disqualified.?


    Kyon and Stephanie stood in the circle.


    ?Fight!? ¨C Kirsan shouted.


    Stephanie approached Kyon and did a roundhouse kick aimed at his chin. She carefully watched his body position, ready for any attack.


    However, something went wrong¡­ Her lightning-fast kick went an inch away from the target. Then Kyon pulled her by the ankle, which knocked her off bnce, and threw her over his hip.


    ?§¡h!? ¨C The room started spinning. And there she was kissing the floor while Kyon was sitting on her bottom, catching her in a leg lock.


    ?I give up!? ¨C She cried in a high-pitched voice.


    The elders looked at each other. The patriarch rubbed his eyes tiredly. Kirsan was speechless. Kyon had defeated the opponent who had the fourth level of the battle fist!


    ?Has he already won?? ¨C Diana was surprised.


    From the outside, Kyon did nothing outstanding. He had sessfully dodged, grabbed Stephanie by her foot and threw her over. There was a little left to do.


    ?Have I passed?? ¨C Kyon asked, interrupting the gloomy silence.


    ?I will disregard your victory. You were lucky. Take a position and try again.? ¨C Kirsan ordered.


    Stephanie¡¯s sweet face was red with shame. She took the fighting stance with no enthusiasm.


    ?Fight!?


    A secondter, the scene was just like thest time. Kyon was sitting calmly on Stephanie¡¯s back. His instant victory was even more ridiculous. He used a holding technique that no one knew in this world because it was unnecessary. When fighting with elemental attacks, prolonged contact of bodies can be dangerous. All martial arts here were designed for blows only.


    ?Have I passed?? ¨C Kyon asked,zily scratching his head.


    The patriarch tapped the unfortunate armrest again. This time it broke in two. He said angrily:


    ?Damn it! Did Ie to see a show or a qualification?! Can you do at least one test properly?! Stephanie, fight with dignity!?


    ?Yes, patriarch.? ¨C Stephanie answered with tears in her eyes. Why didn¡¯t the adults believe her? She was really powerless against Kyon!


    Five secondster, Stephanie was about to sob, warming the floor with her cheek. But it wasn¡¯t her fault!


    ?It¡¯s unbelievable!? ¨C Bai said angrily and nced at the leader of the youth in the Stone family. ¨C ?Lee, you are the role model for our younger generation. Go and fight against Kyon. And no more kidding!?


    All the elders nodded approvingly. The leader of the generation wouldn¡¯t fool around! Even Diana was curious how it all would end.


    ?No¡­ Please, no! I am begging you¡­? ¨C Lee looked desperate. They might ask him as well to jump off the cliff. ¨C ?I don¡¯t want to fight him! I will lose!? ¨C He knew too well that Kyon would defeat him. Kyon¡¯s movements were supreme master level.


    Boe hissed violently at his grandson:


    ?The patriarch ordered you to win, which means you must win! Give a good thrashing to this shameless puppy! You¡¯ve been training with Welbourne, the best master since you were a child!? ¨C The elder wanted Lee to atone for his faux pas with the trigram and quickly defeat the little brat.


    Lee entered the circle, empty-eyed, his knees getting weak. He was trembling, his soul enveloped inplete hopelessness. The patriarch himself was counting on him! His grandfather had pinned his hopes on him! What could he do?! Who should he pray for help?!


    A bright thought shed across his mind. Kyon must y along with him! After all, he had persuaded Boe to arrange his personal qualification¡­ He just had to give Kyon a sign!


    Lee started winking at Kyon.


    The patriarch had an acute migraine attack when he realized why the elder¡¯s grandson was acting like this.


    Boe¡¯s face froze with despair, mixed with rage. He would kill Lee if he took a dive. Then would break Kirsan¡¯s fingers for the farce that he had arranged for his dear grandson.


    ?Fight!? ¨C Kirsan yelled, totally unaware of anything.


    After one second of the battle, Lee repeated Stephanie¡¯s fate. He stood no chance against Kyon. Before he knew it, he got knocked down. Lee was shaking, his eyes full of fear and despair.


    Boe felt invisible scissors cut his connection with his grandson. The elder was disappointed beyond words in his descendant.


    ?Enough! I can¡¯t stand this circus of fools anymore! Lee, you have seriously disappointed me. Our family needs a strong, courageous and worthy favorite. Not like you. Get out of my sight before you get your deserved punishment!? ¨C Bai barked furiously. No one had ever dared to make a fool of him. It was unheard of! Young people held the older generation for idiots if they dare to arrange such stupid pranks.


    ?It¡¯s not my fault!? ¨C Young Stone number one screamed desperately, tears running down his cheeks.


    ?Lee! Shut up, you little bastard! Don¡¯t you dare to argue with the patriarch! I have been sparing the rod for too long! It¡¯s high time!? ¨C Elder Boe left his seat with a red face and dead eyes. He grabbed his grandson by the scruff of his neck and dragged him outside, totally ignoring his cries and pleas for forgiveness.


    Stephanie was wise enough to hide away from the older generation. She was so happy she hadn¡¯t invited her father, the elder. However, the patriarch¡¯s present was discouraging enough.


    Diana covered her mouth with her hand. All this had cheered her up for the first time in thest three years. {Poor Lee. His grandfather will beat him hard for folly.} ¨C Her father¡¯s reaction particrly amused Diana. Only her husband Yurich could ever set him off.


    Juno kept nervously turning a lock of hair on her index finger. ¨C {How did he do the trigram trick? He must have used a protective formation. Or did he talk Lee into it? It can¡¯t be. Then how?}


    The audience didn¡¯t care that Kyon had passed two out of three trials. They were convinced he would fail the third.


    It was impossible to pass the third test with Kyon¡¯s level of development. Not if Kirsan was the examiner. That¡¯s what made the qualification so challenging.


    Kirsan coughed dryly. ?Patriarch, sir. I suggest we move on to the third test and finish this rotten qualification.?


    ?Let¡¯s do that.? ¨C Bai agreed.


    ?Will he really fight with Kirsan? He¡¯s only a weak boy!? ¨C Diana exined, looking at Kyon. She also wondered how he could make Lee and Stephanie help him win¡­


    ?His problems do not concern anyone. He had persuaded Lee to arrange a qualification for him, so let him pass it. No more kidding.? ¨C Bai said sternly. If Kyon wasn¡¯t his granddaughter¡¯s friend, Bai would have punished him long ago.


    Kirsan entered the arena, spread his arms and said:


    ?Get ready for a real battle between us, examinee. You have to give one single injury. Any scratch or bruise will instantly mark your victory. In my turn, I will reduce my development to the first stage of the Noble phase. The rules forbid the use of poisons and any formations. Feel free to pick up a weapon. I will give you a head start, so be it. Moreover, I won¡¯t be using my flexible club I usually hit my examinees¡¯ heads with.? ¨C He could not hold back an icy smile. Kirsan wanted to tear up the boy who had caused him so much trouble.


    ?He doesn¡¯t stand a chance against Kirsan. Why are we wasting our time?? ¨C Elder Qing asked.


    Diana nodded. ?I feel sorry for the bo ¡­ He was too rude with Kirsan, showed him disrespect. I believe he will spend next few months in hospital.?


    Juno looked at the assistant with wide-opened eyes. She couldn¡¯t understand why he was so calm. In his ce, any reasonable person would start worrying. Kyon¡¯s impassioned face was bewildering.


    She didn¡¯t like what was going on. Her assistant¡¯s ns were unclear. It would alle down to Kirsan finishing him off with one blow. The examiner had an unbelievable advantage in speed, strength, skill, body resistance, a whole arsenal of techniques and skills. If Kyon was so keen to die, he could ask her about it. She would dly carry out this n¡­


    Stephanie was also confused. May Lovr help him!


    ?Why is he so self-assured?? ¨C Bai muttered and looked at his granddaughter. Apparently, she didn¡¯t know the answer herself. Today, the patriarch met an amazing weirdo, beyond the ordinary standards. It was unusual¡­ Fools like him were usually eliminated by natural selection or by their parents¡¯ brutal flogging when they were still kids.


    The opponents took their ces.

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    ?Let the fight begin.? ¨C Kirsan said and blurred into the direction of his opponent with an evil grin.


    The examiner¡¯s speed and mood suggested his instant, maybe even bloody victory. Some in the audience naively believed he would have mercy on Kyon, despite the recently experienced humiliation. Even Kirsan would have to pay for the murder of a young Stone, and a lot.


    With a precise movement, Kyon instantly pulled out a dark silver object with an oblong muzzle from his spatial ring and aimed it at the examiner¡¯s head.


    ~bang~


    There was a deafening p, and immediately after it, a heartbreaking cry. Kirsan grasped his eye with his hand, scarlet red liquid started dripping through his fingers onto the floor. He was seriously injured.


    Kyon impassively blew smoke from the muzzle of his gun and said:


    ?I¡¯ve passed the test.?


    All the spectators reflexively got up from their seats, their jaws dropped.


    The two elders, Diana, Bai, Juno, and Stephanie thought they were hallucinating. But Kirsan¡¯s infernal, blood-curdling scream couldn¡¯t be fake.


    Did the kid injure a reputable examiner who belonged to the top 30 in the family?


    ?He won¡­ instantly?? ¨C Juno whispered in disbelief.


    ?Gods! How did he do it?!? ¨C Diana eximed, surprised.


    ?I¡¯LL DESTROY YOU! I¡¯LL KILL YOU, VERMIN!? ¨C Kirsan roared angrily and looked with his only eye at the enemy, but he was long gone! Kyon already bent his knee before the patriarch.


    Kirsan headed toward the stands. No sooner had he raised his arm to strike and nearly hit Kyon¡¯s head that the patriarch grabbed his fist and pushed him away.


    ?The exam is over. Kyon has been qualified. You are free to go.? ¨C Bai said imperiously.


    ?W-what?! But he wounded me with an attacking formation! You must execute him in punishment!? ¨C Kirsan was himself. He kept yelling while his scarlet blood dripped to the floor.


    Everything was pretty straightforward for him: a little undeveloped bird was not equal to an eagle. But Kirsan was not aware that Kyon was Juno¡¯s ¡°friend.¡±


    Bai stood upright that made him more formidable.


    ?Everyone here will confirm theplete absence of energy fluctuations during that attack. The boy hadplied with the terms of the third test. You are free to go. Don¡¯t make me say it again.?


    Kirsan turned pale and nearly suffocated from helplessness. He cast a hateful look at Kyon, bowed to the patriarch, and left the hall, still grasping on his bleeding eye.


    Two minutes ago, the adult audience despised Kyon for his sneaky tricks and conspiracy with the youth. Now they took him for a monster. They couldn¡¯t understand how he did that.


    ?How did you do it, son?? ¨C Bai asked andid his hand on Kyon¡¯s shoulder.


    Diana, the elders, and Stephanie came closer to Kyon.


    ?It¡¯s all about the weapon my master gave me, sir.? ¨C Kyon took out his gun. ¨C ?It is a pistol, a more improved version of the crossbow. My master¡¯s exclusive development! The only copy.?


    Bai carefully took the weighty metal barrel and examined it with interest. The weapon passed from hand to hand until Juno grasped it so hard they had difficulty to take it away from her.


    ?Could you show again how it works??


    ?Sure.?


    Kyon fired ten deafening shots in a couple of seconds, drawing an asterisk with holes on the far wall.


    ?Gods! How fast the arrows fly!? ¡­ ?He made ten attacks in a couple of seconds! Even the repeating crossbow of the Astrals shoots much more slowly! What an amazing result!..? ¨C The elders were delighted.


    Now Bai could clearly see the insane speed of the bullet. Of course, he could catch one, but ten in two seconds? He would have to give it his best shot!


    ?It¡¯s a great weapon.? ¨C The patriarch concluded in an approving tone, admiring the gun with an experienced eye of an armorer. ¨C ?The speed of arrows and the frequency of shots surpasses any other distant weapons. Gods, have I really lived to a new era of arms?!?


    The patriarch¡¯s conclusion surprised many. However, his words sounded convincing, given the holes in the wall and ringing in the ears.


    Juno was the most shocked of them all: {How did he invent it?! Ho-o-o-o-ow?! Can he really have a master?!} ¨C She wanted to fall to her knees and curse heaven in despair. She had millions of questions in her head, and no one would answer them.


    Kyon understood quite well the shock of the audience. He even worried a little about Stephanie¡¯s life. What if they kill her as an unnecessary witness? It was unlikely, though. She was the elder¡¯s daughter, after all.


    The dwarves had wlessly repeated everything written in the drafts, including the consistency of gunpowder, the shape and design of the gun. The seemingly ordinary gun represented a whole set of technologies, not been avable to this world for next thousands of years. And yet, the dwarves did an excellent job. Take the chemical form of alpha powder alone! It could be mass produced even without adequate technology. The shape of the gun, its weight, the cut of the barrel, minimum of details, the general efficiency, and much more: it was impable. Could the dwarves understand at least 10% of the miracle that they created?


    Even if Kyon had exined every detail and action on several pages so clearly that even a child could figure it out, it was quite impressive that they could create alpha powder and the gun just in two weeks! Kyon knew that the dwarves would cope. He knew that they could give the metal (i.e. the parts) an ideal shape with minimal errors with the help of the earth element. In his world, they would need at least some primitive machines to work with metals. In this world, the earth element could really work wonders.


    Actually, the power of one shot of the gun is not so dangerous. Three thousand joules failed to kill the unprepared Nobleman of the first stage with an eyeshot. If Kirsan had used pure energy for his defense the gun would be nothing but an annoying toy.


    Kyon had already given the dwarves a model of the sniper that would be ten times more powerful. And still, if Kirsan protected himself with pure energy, the result wouldn¡¯t change.


    The inertia of a bullet is one thing, but the amount of pure energy is quite another. If an ordinary person shoots a simple arrow, nothing terrible will happen. But if it were Bai or Kara, their pure energy inside the arrow would crush a small stone house. The main advantage of firearms is rapid energy transportation. That is why Kyon focused on the speed of the bullet when creating the model of the gun,


    A gun would be a powerful weapon in the hands of a well-developed practitioner, to say nothing of a sniper! Meanwhile, Kyon had to settle for the effect of surprise.


    Kyon had infused the bullet with pure energy before shooting Kirsan in the eye. He had to make sure it would pierce the cornea. If Kyon had infused the shell with darkness, it would hurt like hell.


    Kirsan had underestimated his enemy and threw caution to the wind. If he had better reflexes or if he hadn¡¯t reduced his development to the first stage (that¡¯s exam ethic), he would have reacted more quickly and defended himself with pure energy. And then Kyon was in for an inevitable defeat.


    ?What¡¯s your master¡¯s name?? ¨C Bai asked.


    ?Lovr.? ¨C Kyon answered and looked at Juno. Lots of different emotions reflected in her big, beautiful eye. He could feel them all in his soul. It was so wonderful to feel her heart hurt. He enjoyed tearing to pieces the silly expectations of the little devil.


    ?Kyon, your master can¡¯t be an ordinary person, respectively, either his student. Tell me, how long is it since you have connected with your spirit?? ¨C Bai inquired. He felt there was a catch. This average boy couldn¡¯t possibly have a master who had created such a fantastic weapon. Even he couldn¡¯tprehend its structure. It was tooplicated.


    ?Three months ago.?


    The elders coughed. Stephanie, Diana, and Bai stared at the boy, stunned.


    ?Is it possible to develop so fast?!? ¨C Juno¡¯s mother asked.


    Bai didn¡¯t feel even a hint of a lie. He looked around and then headed to the exit.


    ?Follow me, everyone.?


    The six people left the battle hall, entered the main family building, and then the spacious patriarch¡¯s office.


    Bai drew the curtains on the windows and ordered the guards not to let anyone in.


    The atmosphere in the room looked like a secret meeting.


    The patriarch pulled a device to check the purity of the keys out of his spatial ring and came up to Kyon.


    ?Do you mind if I assess your innate talent??


    ?Sure, go ahead.?


    Bai took a deep breath after the check-up.


    ?Incredible¡­ His total stream is 450%!?


    The stream is the sum of purity of all the nine elements. The maximum possible is 900%.


    ?§°h!? ¡­ ?It can¡¯t be! He is so talented¡­ No one in our family has so pure keys!? ¡­ ?Elsa had a bigger stream. But his is big enough.? ¨C Diana finished, looking at Kyon with interest.


    Kyon didn¡¯t waste his time during thest two weeks. He was well prepared for the qualification, and also took into consideration all the ensuing events. He had infused his keys with Synergy to trick the device. It annihted with the iing energy, and there was just the right amount at the output. The device took the lost energy for the impurity of the channel.


    ?How many elements do you bend, young man?? ¨C Bai asked.


    ?Five.? ¨C Kyon answered calmly.


    ?It can¡¯t be! You¡¯re lying!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s impossible! Heavenly geniuses are born once every decade in the whole empire!? ¨C The elders were skeptical.


    ?Show us, please.? ¨C Diana asked,cing her fingers together.


    Kyon released pure energy, then the earth element, and then the cold. When the elders saw the light element, the elders shuddered. Diana and Bai froze in anticipation. When the element of darkness appeared, one of the elders staggered and almost fell. His wife picked up his hefty body just in time. Diana covered her mouth with her hand, and Bai ran his fingers through his gray hair. Stephanie looked like she had hit on the back of her head.


    ?Heavenly genius who bends darkness and light! Awesome! Fate took pity on the Stones!? ¨C Bai eximed reverently.


    It was known that heaven sent its geniuses to create history. And what good luck! One of them was a Stone. More than that, he had a mysterious master with terrible weapons.


    Juno looked enviously at her assistant and bit her lips in frustration. Just think about it! Her family surrounded the boy and look at him with reverence, just as they did at Elsa once. Juno was so eager to be looked at with adoration and fire in the hearts ¡­


    She did not understand how Kyon managed to achieve impossible goals. Lady Fortune helped him at the party, and he became the leader of the Stones. He didn¡¯t give a damn about her mockery or warning and achieved his another goal. He would be a descendant of direct blood! The once pathetic ve and servant had sunk into oblivion. Her grandfather and mother looked at someone with unprecedented interest for the first time in many years.


    Juno was even more desperate to know the answers to hundreds of questions in her head. But Kyon had promised to tell her everything only after she kissed him on the lips. ¨C {SCREW HIM!} ¨C She yelled in her head.


    Kyon reveled in ecstasy. Juno¡¯s emotions were priceless! The bad girl was suffering.


    ?Father¡­ I am afraid that even a heavenly genius won¡¯t help in our situation. The tournament is just around the corner, and the boy ispletely unprepared. He needs several years of hard training¡­?


    The patriarch asked, nodding thoughtfully:


    ?Did you defeat Tsayan, who I heard too much about, with a gun??


    ?By no means.? ¨C Kyon objected. ¨C ?I won on my own. I suppose the younger generation didn¡¯t lie to you.?


    ?Nonsense! It is impossible to defeat the enemy, who is thirteen stages higher in development! Children tend to exaggerate and make up things.? ¨C The elder said and frowned at Stephanie, previously used in spreading the lies.


    ?Juno, confirm my words. They will believe you.? ¨C Kyon asked.


    Everyone fixed their eyes on the girl. However, many of them did not understand why the young talent spoke so disrespectfully to the youngdy. Did they know each other well?


    ?It¡¯s true¡­ He won on his own.? ¨C Juno said against her will. ¨C ?He moves very quickly¡­ Besides¡­ His rock is too strong¡­ And the level of his battle fist¡­? ¨C Juno stopped in the mid-sentence and turned away. She had a lump in her throat. To praise Kyon? No way! She was not mentally prepared for that.


    ?Hmm¡­ Did the first two qualification tests go without any conspiracy?? ¨C The patriarch was surprised.


    Stephanie nodded vehemently. He had knocked her down fair and square! Let them think better of her. Yeah.


    Then Kyon showed his unique speed, as well as the rock adamantium. Also, he carelessly withstood the full pressure of the patriarch and the other elders. After that, all their suspicions were dispelled, and their interest in his person increased significantly.


    Everyone took the boy for a genius monster whose talent was worthy of heaven. Well, almost everyone¡­


    Bai and Diana tried to make an appointment with his master, but Kyon gave them a firm no, referring to Laural¡¯s indifference to all kinds of meetings with unnecessary or uninteresting people.


    Then the patriarch and his daughter wanted details of his personal life. They learned that he was an orphan who had wandered with his master for many years and only recently returned to his extended family. When they asked him how he had met Juno, Kyon only said ¡°it¡¯s a secret.¡±


    When the conversation came to a logical conclusion, Bai took everyone¡¯s frequency and said that he would call everyone the next day to appoint an important meeting. Then everyone left.


    Only the patriarch and his daughter stayed in the room.


    ?What do you think of Kyon, daughter??


    ?The boy is talented, indeed! He has a great future. Perhaps one day he will catch up with Elsa. His master is too mysterious¡­ After I¡¯ve seen his amazing technique of movement and super-hard rock, I don¡¯t think the stories about TsyJi are stupid anymore. His gun is so scary! I wouldn¡¯t worry about the future of our family if we had the opportunity to establish rtions with the Lovr. However, his apprentice has terrible manners. Did you hear how he spoke to Kirsan? It was outrageous! It made me sick to hear¡­?


    ?He has a strong character.? ¨C Bai agreed. ¨C ?But in the end, Kirsan was to me. He had been lying in our faces! Basically the boy¡¯s rude attitude towards the examiner was quite justified. I will put it like this, he is straightforward and does not hide his true attitude towards people. It¡¯s a huge advantage for us that he does not lie and, most likely, is gullible. We can build good rtionships with him and then get his master on our side. He might even give us a couple of pistols¡­ What do you think, Diana, how can we get the boy attached to our family??


    Diana drummed her fingers on her knee and said:


    ?Let him marry Juno.?


    ?It¡¯s out of the question!? ¨C Bai snapped, overwhelmed with her suggestion. ¨C ?I am sorry¡­ It¡¯s just he has terrible manners and rude.?


    ?But you justified him a minute ago!? ¨C Diana objected.


    ?Never mind! I made my mind long ago. I won¡¯t arrange Juno¡¯s marriage. I want her to marry for love. Unless she likes Kyon, then¡­? ¨C He paused. ¨C ?Then I¡¯ll think about it.?


    Diana had an idea that she immediately shared with her father.


    Bai was surprised at first, but after a few minutes of careful consideration, he nodded.


    ?That¡¯s what we¡¯ll do.? ¨C concluded Bai. ¨C ?But I want it to be a surprise for the boy. Let¡¯s keep it quiet for now. Tomorrow I will organize a meeting for the top Stones and not only them. Let everyone know! We will also hold the ceremony there. We can no longer afford to wait.?


    Diana nodded in agreement. She must get ready for the important day tomorrow.

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    Kirsan, with a fresh bandage on his eye, followed the group of people who had left the main building. They approached the border of the central and internal parts and said goodbye there. Stephanie begged Kyon for something for a long time, but then she left, too, visually vexed.


    {Agrh, asshole! Let¡¯s see what you can do without the protection of the patriarch!} ¨C Kirsan secretly followed the object of his hatred. His mind was overwhelmed with rage. Kirsan had to face his enemy with no witnesses around, or there would be problems. Then he could kill the boy with a single blow, or just tear his head off. No attacking formations would help him anymore!


    Kyon went into a desertedne. Kirsan waited for a perfect moment and followed him.


    Suddenly, three shadows jumped down on the pursuer.


    {What the¡­?!} ¨C Before Kirsan coulde to his senses, they attacked him in full force.


    The shadowsunched three joint attacks that left Kirsan seriously injured. He sprawled helplessly on the ground like a well-beaten piece of meat.


    The same boy appeared in front of three men in formal ck suits. He was holding a dagger that gleamed viciously in his hand. A cold grin didn¡¯t leave the boy¡¯s face. There was something about him that frightened the examiner out of his wits.


    ?I eat assholes like you for breakfast. Are you ready to get your part of suffering before death, pathetic loser??


    ?What the fuck¡­ Who are these people?!? ¨C Kirsan asked hoarsely.


    ?It¡¯s no concern of the future deadman.? ¨C Kyon answered indifferently and stabbed Kirsan at the pressure point on his leg.


    ?§¡-a§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§¡-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C Kirsan yelled. ¨C ?Sto-o-o-o-o-op it!? ¨C No one could hear him scream. One of the guards had spread a soundproof barrier.


    About a quarter of an hourter, Kirsan died in sophisticated tortures. A grimace of horror and pain froze on his face. He met a real demon who was rejoicing in his suffering, cutting his flesh with a smile on his face. No attempt to negotiate with him worked. Kirsan died a shameful death in a godforsaken ce.


    The three guards that had received their orders from the youngdy saw Kyon in a totally new light. Was he really a servant? They didn¡¯t know what to think.


    Kyon spat angrily. {Only 3% of the darkness to the core! He was as useful as a snorkel on a fish.}


    Kyon hade to a disappointing conclusion. His core of darkness now required much more emotions than it did before the activation of the body. Tsayan¡¯s hatred wasn¡¯t much stronger than that of Kirsan¡¯s and yet, Tsayan gave him 25%, and Kirsan only 3%. Much depended on the approach, though. The tortures alone weren¡¯t of much use. The development of events was more important, that is, the situation that caused the necessary emotions. In the case of Kirsan, everything happened too quickly, like a blur.


    Kyon tried to absorb Kirsan¡¯s soul, but it was too heavy and didn¡¯t yield.


    {Damn it! Does the difference in just three phases make souls so heavy? I hope the force of attraction will increase in proportion to my unique body development.}


    Kyon released the guards with a gesture and returned to his room.


    The conversation between Bai and Diana that he heard with the help of a bug still resounded in Lovr¡¯s mind with shock and distrust.


    {I imagine how happy Juno will be about her grandfather and mother¡¯s decision! I can¡¯t wait to enjoy her suffering! I wonder what she will choose to hang or drown herself?}


    The night came, and then the early morning followed. Bai called Kyon¡¯s sound transmitter. The patriarch asked him to arrive in the central assembly hall at four and make himself presentable. Bai promised Kyon a big surprise.


    At the appointed time, Kyon arrived at therge imposing building with a big stage.


    A whole crowd of various social sses had already gathered inside. There were ordinary people of the 7-5th rank, the golden youth of the 4th-2nd rank, even the elders with their offsprings, as well as Diana, Juno, XiaoBai, and the patriarch himself.


    The atmosphere of uncertainty reigned in the hall. Out of the blue, early in the morning, all the Stones received an order for an urgent meeting in the main assembly hall. Everyone wondered what the reason was: the invasion in the empire? someone important died? an announcement concerning the family tournament that takes ce soon?


    When Kyon entered the hall, he went straight backstage (the guard let him in) and met the patriarch and Diana there. Both of them looked exceptionally well-groomed and dressed up. Bai was wearing a luxurious embroidered suit, and thedy was in a long dark dress that ideally fit her slim figure. A brilliant smile lit up her face.


    The old man went to shake Kyon¡¯s hand at once.


    ?Good to see you, Kyon. As you might have guessed, I¡¯ve organized this meeting exclusively for you.?


    ?Thank you, but¡­ Why??


    ?You will find out everything soon. It¡¯s a pleasant surprise for you that will open the door to your bright future with great opportunities. Wait for my signal here, and when I call you,e up to me and say a few words to the public. Are you okay with it??


    ?I guess so¡­? ¨C Kyon made believe he was confused.


    The patriarch nodded approvingly and went on stage to give a speech.


    ?Anxious?? ¨C Diana asked quietly, adjusting the cor of Kyon¡¯s jacket.


    He caught her sensual discreet perfume. It was difficult to stay calm next to her.


    ?A little bit¡­? ¨C Kyon kept ying a part of a nervous boy.


    ?Do not worry. It will end soon and quickly. Then we¡¯ll celebrate it in our inner circle.?


    The patriarch greeted all those present and gradually introduced the topic of the meeting:


    ?¡­The rumors turned out to be true. A boy named Kyon really won the tournament at the party. He defended the honor of our family, humiliated Tsayan and almost defeated Princess Kara. On behalf of all adults in our family, I apologize for the mistrust. I have personally seen his incredible abilities. He is a genius among geniuses. Fortunately or unfortunately, the other families still don¡¯t believe this. But the Stones can take any usations of lying with a proudly raised head.?


    Everyone apuded loudly. No one would ever doubt the patriarch¡¯s words. If he said something, it was only the truth. One drop of lies would spoil the ocean of trust.


    ?As confirmation of my words, I dere that I am going to adopt Kyon, the genius boy! Greet my new son!? ¨C Bai solemnly proimed.


    Adoption in his case meant taking Kyon as his new grandson because the difference in the age was more than one generation. If Kyon hadn¡¯t mentioned yesterday that he was an orphan, most likely, there would have been no mass meeting.


    The audience burst into apuse and cheers.


    ?Is it true?! The patriarch will adopt a son?!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s heaven¡¯s grace! The Stones will have a new genius of Elsa¡¯s level!? ¡­ ?He cannot be at the same level as Elsa! She was inhumanly powerful!?


    There were indignant exmations among the endlessments:


    ?I told you, father. But you kept beating me for an hour, using me of lies! Now it¡¯s my turn!? ¡­ ?I¡¯ll show you your turn! Where is my club¡­?


    ?The boy who lived is now Bai¡¯s son?! What a twist! As expected from Tsyji¡¯s student!? ¡­ ?He suddenly disappeared and then suddenly reappeared! That¡¯s our Stone, that¡¯s our Kyon! I told you we would hear about him!?


    The golden youth, who no one had believed before, was now overflowing with happiness and pride. The rtives had finally stopped to give them dirty looks!


    Diana and Kyon went to the center of the hall where reigned under themotion, uproar, and loud apuse.


    Many in the audience could feel the boy¡¯s low development. They couldn¡¯t understand what was going on and werepletely mystified.


    The three people on the stage made an exquisite picture of a beautiful family. The happy grandfatherid his hand on his grandson¡¯s shoulder. The charming, beautiful mother hugged the boy with a gentle smile.


    Almost everyone enjoyed the enchanting picture of the son, mother, and grandfather¡­


    XiaoBai was standing in the first line, looking thoughtfully at the boy. They had recently made friends. XiaoBai thought that Kyon had forgotten about him, he had never called. And then out of the blue, Kyon had be his brother! However, XiaoBai learned not to be surprised anymore.


    The fat guy remembered Kyon¡¯s incredible talent and his miracle master, respectively. His grandfather and mother¡¯s decision did not seem strange to him. On the contrary, it was great that they had noticed Kyon and immediately got their ws into him!


    Lee was shocked to the core. The hated bastard had somehow be the patriarch¡¯s adopted son! He had qualified! How the hell did he seed in all that?! The little vermin had taken all his fame, disgraced him in front of the patriarch and grandfather, and now he happened to be a rank above him!


    {To hell with him!} ¨C Lee decided not to mess with this genius. He was too frightening, talented, had a powerful master, and was Bai¡¯s grandson to boot. Lee could hate him as much as could be but his own well-being was more important. It was stupid to cross Kyon¡¯s path.


    Boe was standing next to him. He couldn¡¯t believe what was going on. Did the patriarch tell the truth? Then he had been beating his grandson for nothing. Kyon was an incredible genius, not an average wimp. It was unbelievable!


    Juno was looking at the three people on stage while her world was crumbling before her eyes. The devil incarnate was standing next to her dearest people, who were hugging him. They had taken him to their close circle of rtives, as their own son.


    Suddenly, he looked into her eyes¡­ An evil smirk appeared on his lips for a split second. He was the vile demon who was up to steal the most precious in her world. He had already taken her grandfather and mother, her freedom, belief in her unique talent, and maybe her soul. He had given her a desperate feeling of helplessness and inferiority, as well as a lot of bitter envy. Only the flower in her soul was a perfect gift¡­


    {They are my parents, not yours! MONSTER!} ¨C Tears of despair ran down Juno¡¯s cheeks. She ran away from the hall, unable to stand Kyon¡¯s joy anymore. She didn¡¯t have faith in herself, her heart did not want to beat. Some arrogant thief from lower sses of society was the reason for her misery. It was a bitter irony. She had never regarded ves as people. Now one of them had exceeded all her expectations. She seemed to have be a rootless, weak, worthless ve, absolutely powerless in front of someone much higher in status and way more talented. However¡­ It didn¡¯t seem. That¡¯s how it actually was.


    Juno ran into her room, buried her head in the pillow, and gave way to tears for the first time in a long time. The monster had no right to invade her measured life so unceremoniously! He would never be her family! She would never call him a brother! She would never forgive her sworn enemy!


    Juno gave in to her sudden weakness for long hours. Her hatred had always saved her. Now that her assistant had be omnipotent, she lost faith in herself, in the very possibility of taking her revenge on the scoundrel. Juno stayed in her room crestfallen, shedding tears for a long time¡­


    ¡­


    Kyon happily watched Juno run away. He said a few words to the huge audience and returned backstage with his parents-to-be.


    Bai and Diana¡¯s decision had exceeded all his expectations. Heaven must have given him luck along with the powerful bolt of lightning the moment he mastered the nine elements. People believe for the reason that heaven favors those who bend as many elements as can be.


    And yet, the adoption of geniuses was a frequent event in this world. The most valuable were those who had mastered four elements, let alone the heavenly geniuses. They go off like hot cakes to the elite of the most influential empires in exchange for their free will that Kyon could not afford to lose. The gifted child acquired the family name and rank inferior by one to the oldest in the kinship. The patriarch had the 0th rank, his son (in this case, the grandson) would have first. If Bai were not a patriarch, the child would have received one rank below Diana, that is, the 2nd.


    Rumor has it that Timothy Brown was also adopted. He was now the leader of the younger Brown generation. His father, the patriarch, revelled in absolute glory. All the other families recognize the future domination of the Browns. All because of their adopted genius. So, Bai¡¯s decision was well-founded. There was no point for Kyon to think it was luck.


    As a result, Kyon received the 1st rank. His bumpy path on the verge between life and death turned into afortable road lined with signs and a red carpetid along.


    Meanwhile, Bai tried unsessfully to get through to Juno, then he dialed her guard. The man said that thedy was in her room and didn¡¯t want to see or hear anyone.


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Diana asked, concerned.


    ?Juno got offended. We should have asked her first¡­ Or at least get her ready for the news.? ¨C Bai answered anxiously.


    ?You told me Kyon is her friend. I am sure she¡¯ll get used to it soon.?


    The patriarch hesitated, but then nodded in agreement.

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    XiaoBai, Bai, Diana, and Kyon arrived at the main family building, the banquet hall that was polished to perfection in every detail. The spacious reception hall could amodate a hundred people, but only four were sitting therge table, celebrating a new addition to the family.


    ?You know, Kyon.? ¨C XiaoBai mumbled, biting into a chicken leg. ¨C ?You¡¯ve always been like a brother to me. Especially the time when you nearly scammed me for half a million.?


    Kyon looked coldly at the fat guy:


    ?I want another bet. Do you mind taking one in private for a lot of money with a high rate??


    ?Where did you get the dough?? ¨C XiaoBai inquired. ¨C ?I won¡¯t lend you any! I have yet to squeeze my money out of my sister.?


    ?I¡¯ll squeeze you now!? ¨C Bai barked. ¨C ?Be kind to your sister. Anyway, it¡¯s about time you found a girlfriend. You always get involved in risky investments. I am tired of getting your fat ass out of trouble.?


    When XiaoBai heard about a girlfriend, all his fat folds trembled at once. His round face froze with fear.


    ?By the way¡­ How is it going with Cornelia?? ¨C Kyon asked casually and immediately understood everything. The meatball of the guy squealed like a pig in the ughterhouse and was about to hide under the table.


    Bai hit the table with his fist and said sternly:


    ?XiaBai, pig¡¯s ce is in the pigsty, not in my grandson!?


    ?But it will get there sooner orter, anyway!? ¨C XiaoBai objected, turning pale.


    ?Listen to me, smartass. If you go on a diet, it will stay where it should be!?


    Xiaobai trembled even more.


    ?Ha ha ha, grandpa! You¡¯re so funny! Let¡¯s better talk about Kyon, enough about me!? ¨C He hurried to change the subject to get out of harm¡¯s way.


    In fact, Bai had already tried to put his grandson on a rice diet. However, he somehow gained three kilos (about 7 lbs) in just a week. Since then, the patriarch was too anxious to make things worse. He tried to avoid this delicate problem and only sighed, looking at his beefy grandson.


    Bai looked at Lovr and smiled warmly.


    ?I¡¯m sorry for adopting you so suddenly, without warning. It hurt me to hear you mention that you had lost your parents. However, who am I deceiving? You know perfectly well what¡¯s all about. Heavenly geniuses need patrons, otherwise haters will skin them alive. My family will help you with everything: techniques, resources, protection, tournaments. We can even get you the wife that you choose. We¡¯ll indulge your any whim and won¡¯t ask much in return. Spend time with your new family just like now and tell us about your problems and joys.?


    Diana looked at Kyon gently and nodded in agreement with her father.


    ?Thank you, grandfather, mother. I am happy to be a part of your friendly family!? ¨C Kyon answered, pretending to get emotional. Deep inside, he kept absolutely calm and indifferent. Formalities¡­ Life would be so easy without them.


    ?By the way.? ¨C Bai remembered something. ¨C ?Flitz is about to arrive to apply a new formation, and after you fill in some papers, you will officially be our family¡­?


    They enjoyed the sumptuous dinner almost in silence.


    XiaoBai was afraid to provoke grandfather and kept silent. Kyon wondered why Cornelia scared him so much. He was the patriarch¡¯s grandson, after all.


    Diana was deep in her thoughts, most likely, dwelling in the past. Kyon had noticed at once her carefully concealed grief. Diana seemed to embody all the widows in the world. The missing husband must have been the most precious thing in her life. That¡¯s why she plunged into hard work when he disappeared. Even if her upbringing and manners were impable, she was rather a ¡°passionately loving wife¡± than a ¡°loving mother.¡± It was impossible to say for sure, but Kyon could sense her dormant me. He had no doubts about that.


    Bai inquired from time to time about rtionships between Kyon and Juno. He wanted to know everything how they had met, were there any feelings between them and so on, and so forth.


    Then the patriarch allocated Kyon a new ce of residence in the most elite building, next to Juno. He also warned him against flirting and hitting on his granddaughter, referring to their ¡°close rtions.¡± If the guard caught them together, grandfather would have to punish his new grandson properly.


    Kyon felt the whole depth of Bai¡¯s concern for Juno the day when he was eavesdropping and controlling their conversation. The patriarch would no doubt give his life for Kyon¡¯s ve, how sweet of him! Kyon didn¡¯t have to worry about Juno¡¯s innocence. On the other hand, the flower in her soul would be ready for him to steal only when the girl enters the fifth phase, not sooner.


    And yet, watching Bai and Diana, Kyon couldn¡¯t wrap his head about this: {How? How on earth did they bring up such scum?! A liar, a ruthless killer, a crazy sadist who would dly stick a stake in the heart of someone she didn¡¯t like, who despised the lower sses of society! Fuck! Who should I beat into aa in the future for this? Who turned the once innocent nature of this beautiful flower into rotten garbage? It¡¯s unforgivable. Juno could be a charming cutie not only on the outside. Who knows, I might be head over heels with the ¡°correct¡± version of her¡­}


    In the future, he wouldn¡¯t spare time to find out all the circumstances and punish Bai or anyone who had spoiled the angelically beautiful girl. He could try and rehabilitate her, or find her weak points and make her fall in love with himself¡­ But it would take a lot of time and effort, and for what? To make her his girlfriend? He hated her with all his. No in this lifetime.


    Kyon thanked everyone for dinner and left the banquet hall, winking to his foster brother.


    The fat guy followed Kyon to the empty meeting room, creating seismic vibrations on the way. A mustached servant-butler joined him.


    Both of them sat opposite each other.


    ?Would you like anything to eat, Kyon??


    ?Haven¡¯t we just had dinner!?


    ?You¡¯re a lost cause¡­ I am already hungry.? ¨C XiaoBai looked at his mustached servant. ¨C ?Bring me two cherry pies.?


    ?Maybe one??


    ?Hector, I appreciate your effort to offer me one pie instead of two every time, but my will is strong, remember that!?


    ?Once, I will break it.?


    ?Don¡¯t break your back trying.?


    The servant left, and Kyon could hardly hold back hisughter at the scene of the ssic sneering servant and his capricious master.


    ?Did you want a bet?? ¨C XiaoBai asked him, his hands clenched in a businesslike manner.

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    ?I want a bet, but first, tell me about the situation in Boston. Is it possible for me, being a Stone of the first rank, to quickly and efficiently gain power in the kingdom??


    XiaoBai looked at his brother, curiously. ¨C ?You are an ambitious little fellow¡­ Well, I won¡¯t tell you how to seize power, but I can tell you how to make quick money.? ¨C The fat guy saw Kyon¡¯s eyes sh with interest and continued. ¨C ?I heard rumors from a reliable source that Prince Charles had fallen in love with a genius girl of mysterious origin, but she doesn¡¯t seem to be interested in him and avoids hispany. The youngdy has outstanding skills to slip out of sight. The smitten asshole can¡¯t find her. Therefore, he has announced a reward in one hundred thousand spheres to the one who will provide him with information about her whereabouts.?


    ?What¡¯s her name??


    ?I have no idea. They say she is highly gifted, as well as incredibly beautiful, enigmatic and cold like prating winter winds. Everyone who meets her feels weak in the knees and an icy grip around the heart. These are the special features of our mysterious beauty. Why are youughing? The royal moron said so himself¡­?


    ?It straightens things out, doesn¡¯t it? Is there anything else??


    ?No¡­ No more information about the girl. By the way, if you want to make some money, go to the nearest guild and take a couple of tasks. You¡¯re broke, aren¡¯t you??


    ?Who told you that?? ¨C Kyon took two heavy bags of spheres out of his spatial ring. ¨C ?There are two hundred thousand spheres.?


    XiaoBai grabbed the weighty bags with his hands and began to scan them with pure force.


    ?Unbelievable! Where did you get them?! You were penniless at the party!?


    ?I sold my mansion.?


    ?It was out of gold or what?! It¡¯s too much!?


    ?And a family heirloom. Never mind. Let¡¯s get back to the point.?


    The fat guy reluctantly put the money on the table. He looked like a fat troll who was forced to part with his treasure.


    ?Good call! I suppose you want me to guess your fifth element?? ¨C Greedy little stars lit up in his eyes.


    ?You¡¯re smart.? ¨C Kyon nodded matter-of-factly. ¨C ?Only it¡¯s even easier than that. You must guess the elements that I do not bend.?


    The fat guy became thoughtful. ?Hmm¡­ You¡¯re a heavenly genius, therefore, my chances of winning are four out of five, which means if you win, I will owe you a million.?


    ?Exactly. Are you willing to take a chance??


    They were both brimming with unbridled excitement.


    ?He he, no way! If I lose, I will give 800 thousand! Otherwise, there¡¯s nothing for me in it! You¡¯re outnumbered, anyway, and if you win, it will be too much!?


    ?Smart ass.? ¨C Kyon said like a brother. ¨C ?I agree.?


    XiaoBai¡¯s eyes shed, he hastily held out his hand.


    ?Let¡¯s shake hands. Then there will be no turning back!?


    Kyon shook a warning finger at XiaBai. ¨C ?First things first, we¡¯ll discuss the details. You have 5 minutes to think things over. After you admit your defeat, you will never return to this topic, take your revenge or demand your money back. If someone informs you by any means, for example, a sound transmitter, you lose at once. Now we can shake hands, brother.?


    ?Quit busting my balls! You are also someone, sharp cookie. Do you intend to tell me the answer so that I instantly lose?! Sly-assed brother!?


    ?Ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Kyonughed. ¨C {XiaoBai is no fool. He is not as simple as he looks, little devil.} ¨C ?Alright, anyone but me. Deal??


    ?You can¡¯t tell anyone, either!? ¨C XiaoBai added.


    ?I won¡¯t.?


    The pleased fat guy joyfully shook Kyon¡¯s hand, and thenughed to tears like a baron.


    ?Uh-uh¡­ You¡¯re so inexperienced and stupid, Kyon! I¡¯ve been pulling your leg all the time! I made you believe that I wasn¡¯t sure in my victory, that I was afraid to lose or be deceived. I even reduced the sum I might lose and changed your conditions! He he¡­ For your information, I have the best informers in the world! Besides, I am an invincible yer! My answer is the heat! Your fifth element is darkness, and I didn¡¯t choose it, which means I won!?


    ?He he, not bad¡­? ¨C Kyon nodded. ¨C ?But how did you guess? Wait, don¡¯t tell me¡­ When I saw you from the stage, you did not look surprised. Did you know the reason for the meeting? If so, who told you? Your mother? Grandfather? No¡­ They kept it quiet till thest moment. Even Juno wasn¡¯t in the know, which means you got the information in the patriarch¡¯s office. But there were no servants, the door was soundproof, the guards couldn¡¯t hear a thing. Did you put a wiretap in grandpa¡¯s office??


    The smile suddenly disappeared from XiaoBai¡¯s face and gave way to an angry grin. He put on a sulky expression and looked even more like a huge mountain. His brother was no fool. He hade to the right conclusion that no one should know!


    ?Just dare to tell him, little snot! I¡¯ll strangle you!?


    ?It means I can ckmail you, right?? ¨C Kyon realized.


    ?Ha-ha! Very funny!? ¨C The fat guy said glumly. ¨C ?Nobody has ever ckmailed me yet. Alright, I¡¯ll leave you five hundred spheres from your two hundred thousand, and you will forget about this incident. Deal??


    His tant greed was shocking. Five hundred from two hundred thousand? It wasn¡¯t even 1%! But Kyon was not going to give in.


    ?Do you think you won??


    ?What do you mean?? ¨C XiaoBai asked, surprised.


    Kyon shed a predatory smile and created a plume of me in his hand.


    ?My fifth element is the heat. You hit the spot, brother.?


    The color disappeared from XiaoBai¡¯s face, his little eyes widened. ?NO! I heard the conversation in the office! IT CAN¡¯T BE!? ¨C He grabbed Kyon¡¯s hand and began to check it for nephrites or any other tricks. Everything was clean! Kyon wasn¡¯t cheating!


    XiaoBai knew well that no one could bend more than five elements. He found out Kyon¡¯s four elements at the tournament, and he heard about his fifth element in his grandfather¡¯s office. He had chosen a random element from those Kyon couldn¡¯t possibly bend!


    Kyonughed loudly and rubbed his fingers. ?I¡¯m waiting for my 800 thousand!?


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! YOU HAVE SET ME UP!? ¨C XiaoBai grabbed his hair and pulled out a few tufts. Tears poured from his eyes. He fell to his knees and looked with hatred into the sky. ¨C ?Disgrace! It¡¯s you to me! YOU HAVE DECEIVED ME! §¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡h!? ¨C The walls trembled with his loud cries. Hector, the mustached servant, rushed inside, holding out a tray with shaking hands. ¨C ?Please do not punish me, sir! I¡¯m just a minutete. Your pies are still hot! Here they are, savory, nice and brown. I am begging you! I have a wife and children!?


    ?Get lost!? ¨C XiaoBai barked. ¨C ?But leave the pies!?


    The servant dropped the tray and pies in a hurry.


    XiaoBai showed an incredible sleight of hand. He grabbed the pies on the fly and immediately stuffed them into his mouth to cope with his pain.


    The silencested for a few minutes. It hurt to look at XiaoBai. He was the embodiment of sorrow and despair. He pulled his hair out, cried and howled in distress.


    ?You won¡­? ¨C XiaoBai concluded glumly. ¨C ?I will send the bird with the spatial ring tonight. You will find the money inside.? ¨C He said and trudged to the door. He med his auditory hallucinations rather than his brother¡¯s cunning trick.


    {Great. XiaoBai can ept defeat. Let¡¯s continue.} ¨C ?Would you like to win your money back?? ¨C Kyon asked, kindly.


    The fat guy turned around and stared into Kyon¡¯s innocent eyes for a long time.


    ?Tell me. I¡¯ll hear you out and give my answer.?


    ?Right. I bet the eight hundred thousand you¡¯ve lost with the rate 1 to 1. All you have to do is to guess if I bend nine elements or not.?


    XiaoBai froze. His mind was racing with ideas. {What the heck?! Does he want to lose eight hundred thousand?! Hmm¡­ Wait a minute¡­ If he hoped to win, he would bet the whole million. Is he really going to give my money back out of fraternal feelings? It makes sense! The world is full of losers who put family first! He must be after my affection!}


    The fat guy was about to agree when suddenly he had a bad feeling about all this.


    {Wait¡­ What if he really bends the darkness?} ¨C He looked at Kyon¡¯s ingenuous face and couldn¡¯t believe that the boy might be the greatest swindler. ¨C {No way! He said nine elements, not six. There are no geniuses who bend six, let alone nine elements. He just wants to give me my money back and make things right. Hehe¡­ Silly little brother, kindness will ruin you! What a goof. Too bad! I¡¯ve only just started to believe in you¡­}


    ?Alright, it¡¯s deal.? ¨C XiaoBai said with a sinking heart, praying that Kyon would not renounce his own punishment.


    They shook hands.


    ?My answer is no. You don¡¯t bend nine elements.?


    Kyon sighed and closed his eyes.


    ?Thank you, Kyon.? ¨C Xiao Bai said in a soft, ingratiating voice. His heart was beating fast with happiness. He had just returned a lot of money, more than a third of all his possessions. ¨C ?It¡¯s so kind of you¡­ Your brotherly love is beyond praise. I have never met such los¡­ such extraordinary altruists like you! If you ever need help, just tell me. I will always help you out with a couple of hundred spheres if I can.?


    ?Who told you that you won??


    ?What do you mean?? ¨C XiaoBai asked in disbelief an odd sense of deja vu washed over him.


    Kyon created water in his hand, then wind, then sparks of lightning and a cloud of darkness. One by one, he showed all the remaining elements. Kyon showed them however he wanted and as much as he wanted, enjoying the chaos of emotions on XiaoBai¡¯s face.


    XiaoBai turned pale, his eyes rolled up, and he lost consciousness. Sometimes reality is too frightening, and it¡¯s better to wait out the crisis in the dark. One cannot destroy people¡¯s expectations so unexpectedly, they might have a heart attack!


    ?Wake up! You owe me money!? ¨C Kyon poured cold water on XiaoBai. There was something in the fat guy¡¯s face that cracked Kyon up.


    Juno¡¯s brother looked like a deadman who refused to return in the world of the living.


    ?Don¡¯t worry! I won¡¯t blow all your money on booze.? ¨C Kyon repeated the phrase that XiaoBai had said to him at the party.


    The fat guy was shaking and shivering. In fifteen minutes, he had lost more than 75% of his fortune! His dear money, earned by sweat, blood, and risky financial transactions¡­


    In XiaoBai¡¯s eyes, Kyon had risen to the highest level. The boy added his condition during their first bet on purpose. He made XiaoBai admit his defeat, never return to this subject again, and not to avenge Kyon or demand his money back. And then, during the second bet, Kyon put on his innocent face lure the fat guy into a psychological trap. He had wrapped XiaoBai around his little finger!


    {He is damn good¡­} ¨C Xiao Bai admitted against his will, looking at the devil in the guise of a nice guy who had be his brother.


    ?I admit you have won the second bet. However, it¡¯s time to ckmail you. If you do not give up your win from the two bets¡­?


    ?You will tell everyone that your brother bends nine elements??


    ?¡­?


    ?XiaoBai, stop drowning in the whirlpool of despair. It makes your mind grasp at straws. You can¡¯t make me give up my win. But you can try and not give me anything. It will change my impression of you, and I will treat you ordingly.?


    The patriarch¡¯s grandson shook his head and pped himself on the cheeks, trying toe to his senses. His code of a profiteer said: know how to lose. Otherwise, he was no better than scum, gaining ill-gotten wealth. Besides, he¡¯d better not show his dishonesty before this amazing scammer and an incredible genius in one. Guys like him were messengers from the goddess, no less.


    ?I am sorry¡­ I¡¯ll give you everything. I need to cry and get drunk. Expect a ring with money tomorrow.? ¨C XiaoBai said. Then he humbly shook hands with Kyon and left the room, staggering and shedding tears.


    His heart was bleeding. How could he lose 1,600,000 spheres in just fifteen minutes! However, he did not feel like a total loser. When a god of deceit fools a scammer, there is no point in getting angry.


    XiaoBai exaggerated the awesomeness and craftiness of his newly-made brother because huge amounts of money were in question. The question of his skills and ingenious methods had faded into the background. They would talk about Kyon¡¯s talent another time. It wasn¡¯t the time or ce to get to know the details.


    {Great, XiaoBai! The whole three turns of darkness! Kirsan gave me as much under infernal tortures! You fat stingy ass! Is it really so hard to part with money?} ¨C Kyon wondered, grinning.

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    Kyon returned to the banquet hall and found a new guest there ¨C Flitz.


    The old man didn¡¯t look so good with his pale face and sunken eyes. However, even now, he looked much better than the day Kyon met himst. The formacist was talking to Bai. They were on close terms.


    ?Oh, here is my new grandson! Let me introduce you. This is Kyon. Kyon, this honorable gentleman is well-known Flitz.? ¨C Bai cordially introduced them to each other.


    Kyon calmly shook the old man¡¯s hand, while Flitz stared at the boy, stunned. He couldn¡¯t say a word.


    ?Nice to meet you!? ¨C Kyon broke the silence.


    ?§¡h¡­ Yeah¡­ Me too¡­? ¨C Flitz had a coughing fit. Then he pretended he had never seen Kyon before. ¨C ?Let me talk to your grandson in private. I¡¯ll apply the formation and sign the documents then. Do you mind, Bai??


    ?Go ahead, old fellow.?


    Flitz and Kyon went to an empty room. The old man asked in a strained voice:


    ?What the fuck?!?


    ?Reasonable question.? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?I thought Bai was talking about another Kyon! I must have gone nuts, but it¡¯s really you! Tell me, little shit¡­ How did you do it?!


    ?Well, as it usually happens¡­ One, two, and you are the patriarch¡¯s grandson.?


    ?I¡¯ll punch you for your jokes! Are you holding Juno hostage? Have you poisoned her and hidden the antidote? Or did you pull the wool over their eyes? You are an ordinary fucking ve!?


    ?Be careful with your words. You call a ve someone who is one rank higher than you. How should I call you, then?? ¨C There were imperious notes in Kyon¡¯s voice, inherent to a noble gentleman.


    ?You¡­ It¡¯s impossible!? ¨C Flitz shook his head in disbelief. Kyon looked more aristocratic than most of the Stones. There was not even a trace left from the former ve! But only three months ago Flitz brought him to Juno as a punching bag¡­ Was it a practical joke? Was heaven pulling his leg?


    ?Tell me how you happened to be Bai¡¯s grandson?!?


    Kyon crossed his arms. ?It¡¯s not about Juno. She has long known about my powerful master, so she was smart enough to help me be part of her family.?


    ?What fucking master?! You are a former ve from the mine! If I tell Bai all about it, he will kick you out of the family at once!?


    Kyon frowned, visibly annoyed. He raised his hand and released all the nine attributes at once. Multi-colored shes lit up the room.


    ?You know nothing about me, Fitz. The lessons that great TsyJi has given me differ from what ordinary people go through. I got out of the mine and rose from a ve to the patriarch¡¯s grandson in just three months. I have his blessing. I would have defeated the princess in the tournament if she hadn¡¯t used a dirty trick. Don¡¯t you dare to stand in my way, or you will lose everything precious in your life that is alreadying to an end.?


    Flitz looked at Kyon¡¯s hand, shocked. He could clearly feel all the nine elements. Nobody could ever bend more than five, but this boy was using all nine!


    Flitz recalled Kyon¡¯s high level of the battle fist. He could feel Kyon¡¯s 9th stage of development. And he was only at the 2nd when they first met. It is impossible to develop so quickly in three months! And even more so, the fact that he had survived in the cage (mansion) with Juno, the sadist, and got her on his side was the most solid proof.


    {Fuck¡­ Is it really so?! The legendary TsyJi?!} ¨C Flitz was shocked. He could see a danger in Kyon¡¯s cold eyes that he had seen only among the most dangerous killers. The formacist could notpare Kyon with a once weak ve. In just a few minutes, Kyon had risen to the highest level in the old man¡¯s opinion.


    Flitz recalled his promise to be Kyon¡¯s servant if he became a descendant of direct blood in a month¡­ The boy had smashed all his expectations. He had defiedmon sense and aplished the impossible. His talent deserved a legendary master.


    Years of experience helped Flitz calm down. He closed his eyes and spoke softly in a hoarse voice:


    ?I am sorry, Kyon¡­ I apologize for being rude and biased. I¡¯ve lived for thirteen decades and understood long ago that there are all sorts of miracles in the world. Life can surprise you¡­ I do not care about your master or your powerful talent. All that counts is your help to get my little Marina back. I will never cross your path. I will keep quiet.? ¨C An apologetic smile appeared on his wrinkled face.


    Kyon nodded to Flitz¡¯s wise decision. ?Well said.? ¨C He thought of recruiting the old man but changed his mind. He had to reach the Student degree of Synergy (2) to do it. Besides, there was no use of Flitz now (except for returning Marina his debt.) Flitz¡¯s development at the end of the superior phase was too small for a personal guard and a living ¡°weapon.¡± Kyon didn¡¯t need his Formacy skills, either. The boy had gotten the first rank. What could be higher than that?


    ?By the way, Flitz.? ¨C Kyon added. ¨C ?Remove the tracking function from my formation.?


    ?You don¡¯t want to be under the all-seeing eye of your family, do you??


    ?Kind of.?


    ?Alright, no problems. Your life, your rules.?


    Flitz removed Kyon¡¯s old formation and applied the new one, assigning the 1st rank in the Stone family to him. After some paperwork, Kyon officially became the patriarch adopted grandson.


    Then Kyon and Flitz returned to the banquet hall, where the new family had a toast and congratted Kyon on officially joining the Stones. Kyon was given a diamond token that he could wear on his chest to demonstrate his status. Juno and other Stones of the 1st rank had a simr one.


    Then Kyon shook hands with Flitz, said goodbye to Bai and Diana, and headed for the most elite building.


    It was time to see Juno and gain some dark emotions.


    Kyon entered the most elite residentialplex of the Stones, went to the top floor and got into Juno¡¯s room, avoiding unnecessary questions of the guards.


    They already heard thetest news that the patriarch had officially adopted Kyon (more precisely, Kyon had be his grandson.) The merciless demon-servant had now the first rank! From now on, the guards had no contempt or desire to kill the boy. They were still confused and even a little afraid of him as well as the youngdy.


    Juno¡¯s luxurious room was mind-blowing with its top-notch interior, soft carpets on the floor, furniture made of rare wood, and magnificent crystal chandeliers shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.


    Kyon saw Juno lying on the bed, her face buried in the pillow. He could feel lots of negative emotions emanating from her: grief, sadness, resentment, and despair.


    With the help of echolocation, Kyon quickly discovered three secret nephrite wiretaps and deactivated them. One of them was in her bed. XiaoBai was a hell of a spy. He really had ways to get information! What if there was one in the toilet, too? Kyon decided not to check it up. He didn¡¯t want to ruin his impression of the fat profiteer.


    Kyon sat on the edge of the bed and pinched Juno¡¯s snow-white thigh.


    ?How are you doing, sis?? ¨C An evil smile yed on his face.


    Juno looked up from the pillow and stared at him with deep aversion. Her eyes sparkled with tears, her face turned red. Anyone could see that the little angel was greatly upset, and now the offender should be executed.


    ?When will you disappear from life, monster.? ¨C Juno said softly. There were notes of hatred in her gentle voice, murmuring like a spring brook.


    ?You can¡¯t talk like this to your brother.? ¨C Kyon giggled.


    Juno turned away. Bitter tears poured down her cheeks. The girl sobbed quietly, trying not to show her pain. Heartbreaking sorrow was tearing her up, and he was mocking her. What a jerk! He can¡¯t be a human being.


    ?By the way, I¡¯m going to visit the elite section of the library soon. Oh, Ipletely forgot, only descendants of direct blood can enter it¡­? ¨C Kyon said sadly, dropping his head. Then he perked up at once. ¨C ?Oh, yes! I am now a descendant of direct blood! Of the first rank, no less!?


    Juno let out a whole river of negativity. Kyon was like a flower, while the girl was his bright sun.


    Kyon grabbed Juno by her slender leg and began to pinch her.


    ?Do you remember, little sister, you mocked me when I intended to qualify? What do you say now??


    Juno jerked her leg, trying to breaking free from the clinging leech.


    ?You must call me a big brother, sis! I¡¯m from a noble family now! Hehe¡­?


    Juno trembled with rage, and her breathing quickened.


    In the heat of the moment, Kyon pulled Juno¡¯s skirt.


    ?Little sister¡­?


    She grabbed her skirt, turned around and kicked Kyon out of her bed. ?Shut up! SHUT UP YOUR TRAP, BASTARD! I WILL KILL YOU if you call me a little sister once again! I will never call you big brother! You are my assistant!? ¨C Juno yelled, her voiceced with loathing. She sounded hysterical.


    ?What if I remove your formation?? ¨C Kyon asked, hardly holding backughter.


    Juno gasped, her eyes became evenrger.


    ?Are you serious?!?


    ?No! Ha-ha-ha!..? ¨C Kyon was rolling on the floorughing. ¨C ?Call me your dear big brother, please!?


    ?Dear big brother¡­? ¨C Juno whispered through tears, following his order, and turned away. She felt sorry for herself for being so pathetic and helpless. Once she deceived the jerk at the hot spring, and now he was making a fool of her¡­ It was so stupid of her to believe that he would remove the formation after he became her foster brother


    {Goddess, please let me break all his bones¡­ I will be your faithful ve until the end of time¡­} ¨C The triumphant bastard depressed her worse than any beating or humiliation.


    Kyon got up from the floor. He moved his fingers intending to grope Juno¡¯s most intimate ces to squeeze out even more sweet negative juices from her. However, to hisplete surprise, the door creaked, and Bai came inside.


    Kyon¡¯s heart sank. Too fast! Did he rush to his dear granddaughter as soon as he finished celebrating? Kyon put on a guilty face and looked at his grandfather.


    ?My little Juno? Kyon? What are you doing here??


    ?I wanted tofort my sister¡­?


    Bai approached the bed and saw Juno¡¯s tear-stained puppy eyes, looking at him. His heart trembled with pity. ?Why are you crying, my sweet little Juno?!?


    When Juno didn¡¯t react, the patriarch hugged his precious girl. He had his exnation concerning the reason for her tears.


    ?I¡¯m sorry¡­ I should have told you of our decision to adopt Kyon¡­ It was selfish and stupid to do it behind your back. Forgive your grandfather¡­?


    Juno shook her head without saying a word.


    Bai pulled back from her, surprised.


    ?Is it something else? Why are you crying then??


    Juno looked into his eyes in silence.


    ?Did Kyon hurt you??


    Juno nodded, her eyelids closed, tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. The wicked girl looked like a hurt charming angel.


    Bai flinched with rage, slowly turned around and pped Kyon in the face.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to hurt my granddaughter! She is my life, my everything! No one, not even my grandson, has a right to mess with her. Next time I will not be so kind. Get out of here!?


    Kyon indignantly rubbed his flushed cheek and looked at Juno. She smiled mischievously, secretly from Bai. The little devil was gloating just like some little sisters who hide behind their parent¡¯s back after they y a dirty trick on the elder brother.


    {I¡¯ll get back at you, bitch.} ¨C Kyon left Juno¡¯s room. Three turns in the core of darkness weren¡¯t too bad. If the defender-grandfather hadn¡¯te, Kyon would have squeezed out of her five or even eight turns. Never mind¡­ He had plenty of time.


    It was noon when Kyon went to the library, or rather to the elite section to study everything there.


    An immense building in the Greek style appeared before him.


    Kyon entered the library and went to the top floor. An impressive guard from the Grand family was standing at the door deny the entry to the unworthy intruders. Kyon had be worthy, though. A single call to the right person, a pistol in the spatial ring, and he belonged to the first rank, which greatly simplified his life and gave him lots of benefits.


    Kyon showed his wrist to the guard and went inside.


    As soon as he entered the room, Kyon felt the atmosphere drastically change. There was an isting sound barrier, quiet background music, the smell of flowers and books everywhere. The air was saturated with the spirit of secret knowledge.


    Kyon climbed the stairs and saw a spacious room with apelling interior. Bookshelves were leaning against the walls, with a diverse flora blossoming on them. The curtainedrge windows created a pleasant twilight. About a dozen reading tables were scattered around the room. Some were against the walls, while others were near the bookshelves. A few tables were in the middle of the room. Everyone could choose the mostfortable way to study.


    Two boys were sitting at the tables in the center. Both of them were the descendants of the direct blood of their families. Only the cream of society had ess to the elite section of the library. The best of the best are cherished and respected. They get the best masters and resources. 99% of people with the same surname have a high opinion of them. The other families honor their origin.


    Only one descendant of direct blood, Tsayan, arrived at the Stone party. He was incredibly strong and arrogant. Now Kyon could see two guys of Tsayan¡¯s rank. But Kyon was of the 1st rank now! He had gone from rags to riches and had yet to experience the intoxicating taste of his high position in society. Tsayan was no longer fit for him and, theoretically, should talk to Kyon respectfully and politely.


    The boys were whispering about something.


    ?Jeremy, are you sure that the girl you can¡¯t stop talking about will reallye? We¡¯ve been waiting for her all afternoon¡­? ¨C One of them asked suspiciously, pushing his blond bangs aside.


    His friend was visibly nervous. He swallowed too often, looking now and then at the door. ?I have never seen anyone like her in all my life, Arsen¡­ Even if the chances are one to a million to find her here again, it¡¯s worth waiting! Let¡¯s stay here for another hour or two. She must show up.?


    ?You¡¯re so naive. You¡¯ve always had a weak spot for beauties. If she isn¡¯t good enough, I¡¯ll kick the crap out of you.?


    ?You don¡¯t hear me, as usual. I told you yesterday, it¡¯s not about her beauty! Or rather, it¡¯s not only about her beauty¡­ This girl¡¯s aura can prate your heart with icy cold. She must be a stranger from a noble family. I wish I could marry her¡­ Then my life would have a meaning. Oh, I wish she would just look at me¡­? ¨C Jeremy was lost in his dreams.


    ?You¡¯re a fool¡­ With this attitude, you put her above yourself and kill all your chances. You are elder Milonov¡¯s fucking son! And who is she? An ordinary beautiful girl! Your presence should be a gift for her! If you know what you¡¯re worth, even unapproachable girls yield. I will prove it to you today. I bet she¡¯ll be warming my bed tonight.? ¨C Arsen blurted out with a confident look and pushed his bangs back from his eyes.


    Kyon took the first book from the furthest shelf. Fortunately, the talkative boys had ignored his presence. They might soon get tired of hanging around here, and he would read alone.


    The book impressed Kyon with an abundance of facts. He was thrilled to discover even more good books.


    A few minutester, Kyon stopped flipping through the book and froze, stunned. He suddenly could feel someone sitting quietly in the attic. With his modernized hearing, Kyon could clearly hear people¡¯s heartbeats ten meters away like finger snap in front of his nose. However, he caught this heartbeat only a moment ago. It was so unexpected as if this someone had just materialized from nowhere.

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    Kyon had read a lot about different techniques of concealment. Only the best quality techniques of ¡°B¡± and ¡°A¡± rank could hide the sound, and only the upper-ss families in the empire owned them¡­ Therefore, the person who had appeared was anything but ordinary.


    Kyon slowly turned around and saw a girl of about 18 in the dark corner. She was wearing ck tight-fitting clothes the highlighted her slender body. She had the whole world in her dark eyes. The girl was reading a book, sitting on the chair near the reading table. There was something royal in her bearing and elegant pose. Kyon wasn¡¯t wrong, the youngdy was from a noble family. He was impressed by her amazingly beautiful face. She was like an exquisite rose with ck petals in the Garden of Eden.


    Kyon took a furtive nce at her, then he shook his head and continued leafing through the book. In this world, beauty was a valuable resource. Those in power have the most beautiful wives and husbands, which enhances the quality of genes and the talent in the family. It was foolish to stare at every high-born beauty. He would only get into trouble. Once Kyon screwed things up with Juno and Dinah.


    The boys were still whispering loudly about the mysterious girl when suddenly Jeremy gasped and froze. He noticed the charmingdy and nudged his friend, letting him know that the person they had been talking about was there. He was so embarrassed he could sink through the floor. She must have heard everything¡­ However, judging by her indifferent face, she couldn¡¯t care less.


    There was no trace of arrogance or self-confidence left in Arsen. He stared in astonishment at the girl in ck. His heart began to beat a little faster, his emotions overwhelmed him. The beauty of the girl was mesmerizing. He had never seen anyone so charming, magical, enchanting. Arsen got dizzy. If ever slept with her or got a single kiss, the rest of the girls would always be a gray mass to him.


    Arsen summoned up all his courage, rose from his seat and went to the girl. Hadn¡¯t he taken a couple of steps that a cold, gloomy feeling pierced his heart, and goosebumps went down his spine. Jeremy was right! The girl had a powerful aura!


    He took another two steps, and the sensations doubled. Arsen¡¯s knees trembled. He was a miserable mortal, trying to approach a dangerous deity. His forehead was covered with beads of sweat. Arsen turned to the exit. He had a sudden urge to go to the toilet.


    {Gods¡­ She is incredible!} ¨C Arsen thought feverishly, recalling her icy look and ck sparkly eyes running along the lines of the book.


    Jeremy was not surprised by his friend¡¯s reaction. He tried his luck yesterday, but a phantom threat frightened him out of his wits. The descendants of direct blood valued their lives too much, they would never make a desperate attempt to get to know a stranger.


    Kyon noticed the boys read the same one word over and over, again and again. Their anxiety amused him. They looked like nking an important exam. He continued leafing through the book, not paying attention to what was going on around him.


    Kyon frowned when he started reading on different limits in this world. He had never heard of the restriction on five elements. He believed that those who could bend six elements were too rare, but the book proved the existence of a certain limit that didn¡¯t let anyone reach enlightenment. It wasn¡¯t about a bolt of lightning, as in his case! The book suggested that only the messenger of the goddess could ovee the barrier¡­ She was above the limitations of heaven.


    Kyon also found out there was a restriction on flying. It was incredibly difficult to stay in the air with the help of elemental energy. Even soaring was almost impossible. Only the powerful practitioners of the overlord phase (9) can move beyond limitations and fly at the expense of their incredible power (but rather slowly.)


    {It means a jetpack or an ultra-maic engine would let me fly. I would be the envy of the world!} ¨C Kyon stroked his chin, thinking of the dwarves¡¯ engineering abilities. No¡­ Too poor technology.


    At some point, the ck-haired girl frowned. She couldn¡¯t stand the naughty child leafing through the books in search of pictures. She made this a conclusion based on Kyon¡¯s young age and the way he was leafing through the book. The quiet vibrations of the earth element emanating from him irritated her.


    Two descendants of direct blood, responsive to any girl¡¯s movement, instantly understood everything and looked at each other. They rose from their seats and headed with a menacing look to the underdeveloped jerk who dared to bother the exceptional girl. If she appreciated their goodwill gesture, it would be a fairy talee true.


    Jeremy and Arsen approached Kyon and saw him take out a diamond token with the emblem of the Stone family. He blew on it and wiped it with his sleeve.


    The boys were astounded. They hesitantly looked at each other and passed by. The boys were red in the face. How could they know that the jerk who was noisily flipping through the books was a Stone of the first rank? They¡¯d rather sell out their grannies than get him and themselves into trouble. But who was he? They thought the patriarch Stones didn¡¯t have a fourth offspring? Or was it something they didn¡¯t know?


    Kyon put the token back into the ring and continued to study the books, pleased with himself. The first rank had certain perks. Itmanded respect and boosted opportunities.


    Kyon moved on to the books on developed practitioners and their features, where he learned some useful information. He had long wondered how different empires maintained bnce if the advantage in power was so uneven. Why couldn¡¯t some asshole from the top, dominant empiree to a weaker kingdom to be a king or a great master rather than staying nobody in their homnd? Why not organize courses in the top empires so that weak practitioners from Rosarrio could study there and enhance their development? The energy in the developed kingdoms was much denser, after all.


    It turned out it was pointless to going abroad to boost the development. There was another way to gain power. For example, Saturn, the empire of the first rank, didn¡¯t hold its leading position because of the high energy density in the air (sessful geolocation.) The immense heritage and high-quality resources, as well as numerous geniuses were the reason for that. High-rank unique bodies and valuable medicine increased the development to the unimaginable levels, which was unthinkable for the families in the Iron Throne. Besides, high energy density in the air is beneficial for the foetus. The babies have a higher chance to be born talented (this information isn¡¯t widely spread. It could be found in this restricted section of the library only.) Good gics gives much more geniuses and their energy is way better than in the low-ranking empires. That¡¯s where the poweres from.


    As for being a ¡°wolf among the sheep,¡± even if someone highly-developed arrived in the Iron Throne, unfortunately or fortunately, they would have no chance to dominate. The government, a priori with great power, hunts the immoral criminals down and uses the full forcew, executing them. Therefore, even scum in powerful families prefers to stay at home rather than get into trouble among wimps.


    Kyon discovered among books on advanced practitioners some more useful and disturbing information. It is known that anyone can reduce their development (power and strength of the body decrease proportionally), starting with the 2nd phase. It is more difficult to apply a subjugating formation on the practitioners of the 2nd phase. However, by the Imperial phase (7) the spiritual energy gets so intensified that the practitioners can reduce the development of their body or some part of it. Their spiritual senses are powerful and work non-stop (even when they sleep) as an analogue of scanning or echolocation, which means it¡¯s impossible to take them by surprise with a pistol or a sniper.


    At present, Kyon was no one evenpared to someone in the powerful royal phase. (6) Their powerful spiritual energy makes his weapons useless. Moreover, they can turn a heavy tank into a pile of scrap metal with a snap.


    ¡­


    Kyon was reading untilte at night.


    *sigh*


    The beautiful girl mmed the history book with irritation and left the library attic. The two descendants of direct blood timidly watched her go. The damned boy made it difficult to concentrate! However, she wasn¡¯t interested in shedding the blood of little puppies. She hoped that tomorrow his presence wouldn¡¯t disturb her reading.


    ?She left¡­? ¨C Arsen said dreamily and a little sadly, watching her go.


    ?I told you she is awesome!?


    ?Yeah¡­ I have never met anyone like her¡­ When I go anywhere near her, I feel a deadly dagger at my throat. She must be a foreigner from a noble family! It¡¯s impossible to approach her, too scary! I wish I could prove myself to her, get her attention¡­? ¨C Arsen frowned, turned to the boy who was still leafing through the book and headed to him with unkind intentions.


    Jeremy stopped his friend,ying his hand on his shoulder. ¨C ?Don¡¯t do it, buddy¡­?


    ?The asshole was bothering her¡­? ¨C Arsen hissed with righteous anger. He had always treated girls dismissively, and now he was ready to stand up for the stranger, even if it meant getting into major trouble.


    ?He¡¯s not worth it. A Stone of the first rank is not our level. I don¡¯t want any trouble. Let¡¯s go and think about tomorrow. We have to find a way to prove ourselves. Any ideas??


    The boys left the library, engrossed in the conversation.


    Kyon did not have time to enjoy his solitude. At midnight, a guard came in and announced that the library was closed. He had to postpone reading until tomorrow¡­

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    The morning followed the night.


    A servant knocked on the door and brought in a parcel in the form of a spatial ring. Kyon found inside 1.6 million spheres and a note from XiaoBai: ¡°Don¡¯t dare to waste my money, or I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    Kyon grinned and took the money. As for the way to spend them¡­ He would find it out when he decided how he would get power. He had to find out whose palm to grease, what to buy or who to hire¡­ Kyon had no doubt that there is no such thing as too much money. Besides, 1.6 million (a total of 1.8) wasn¡¯t that much the Grands¡¯ (0) standards.


    Kyon got cleaned up and returned to the library.


    And again, quiet background music caressed his soul. A subtle sense of peace prated his heart. He wanted to enjoy reading as long as possible.


    When Kyon came to the top floor, he found there four guys, to his displeasure. All of them were the descendants of the direct blood of their families, two of them were yesterday¡¯s fools in love. They were talking about the girl. Arsen and Jeremy shared their impressions, discussed some ridiculous n to get to know her. They assured their friends it was difficult even to approach the girl. She was too good for them! The two neers did not believe their warnings, just as Arsen didn¡¯t at first.


    Kyonined to himself and began to read. He knew how things went. Jeremy was alone here the first day. He called Arsen the next day. And today there were four of them. And who was the reason? A girl¡­ Certain people can destroy friendships and even countries, but was that a dark-haired girl a femme fatale?


    Meanwhile, Kyon discovered information about the types of the hierarchy of power in the empire.


    {That¡¯s it!} ¨C Kyon got absorbed in reading. Soon, he identified the most promising social elevators and summed up the pros and cons of each of them specifically for himself.


    War Office. It could take Kyon decades to get from an ordinary soldier to a general. And as a result? He would have toply with the orders of the Empress; defend the borders from enemies; lead raids on the supreme beasts and demons to rob and capture as many ves and trophies as possible; to carry out other specific military assignments¡­ All the high-ranking officials go along the line of the Empress, each Rozzarian knows this. To be a general means to get a minimum of freedom for tremendous military power. However, it can¡¯t be used without a valid reason. The military has no ce inside cities and capitals, they are confided on the border or in special camps. Kyon had no business up there. All the resources were concentrated within cities, among the families. Moreover, he never fancied robbing other races for trophies.


    Ministry of Finance. From a bank employee to the chief financial officer of the empire. Immense power and influence guaranteed. He could always find a way to get colossal amounts of money, engaging in risky financial transactions or fraud. However, hisbat power would be minimal, while the responsibility would be enormous¡­ Any slightest mistake or even suspicion of embezzlement of money was punishable by death. Besides, there would always be false usations during the endless backdoor deals of hispetitors. Anyway, it would take him too long to climb this careerdder¡­


    Ministry of Justice. It was the most extensive sector that includes diverse aspects of kingdom and empire management. From maintaining order to hunting down criminals, and paperwork.


    Kyon wanted to gain the power to acquire control and resources. Ministry of Justice, or rather one of its most important branches,w enforcement, was the most promising way. There was a number of advantages. First, every investigator is in charge of strong practitioners that carry out any his orders. Second, his high intellectual abilities would help him to solve any case and quickly upy a high post (there is always a shortage of shrewd investigators, so there is no one to fight to get the cushy job). Third, he would always have the necessary information to get resources from other families. In other words, he would have the leverage to ckmail them. And fourth, investigators, especially high-ranking ones, are respected by ordinary, as well as important people (which is essential in this world, where power means everything). Kyon made his decision to be a high-ranking investigator. The only question was how to do it.


    There were books for Kyon to read for a couple of days. So, he decided to learn everything from the books that he hadid aside first. After that, he would get down to business. What if he would find something important and useful.


    Suddenly, Kyon sensed someone appear in the dark corner. The girl seemed to have materialized from nothing. And it just so happened that Kyon was reading his books close to the ce where she was sitting. The rustling of pages must annoy her much more than yesterday. Moreover, Kyon never forgot to practice the superior grade of the earth element, not even when he was sleeping. However, everyone around could feel his vibrations. Anyway, Kyon had the diamond token. He had nothing to worry about. If he bothered her that much, she could try and persuade him to leaf more quietly, and then he would tell her his price.


    Soon, the four descendants of direct blood gasped in surprise when they suddenly noticed the object of their conversation sitting nearby. The neers grinned confidently and headed towards the girl, intending to get to know her. However, their smirks disappeared halfway through. Another few steps and the faces of unlucky charmers looked frightened. They passed the girl by, to all appearances heading to the bathroom.


    ?What the hell?! Who is she?!? ¨C The one who had no problem hitting on any girl in everyday life asked in a trembling voice when they were outside.


    ?I don¡¯t know¡­ But it seemed to me that I was approaching the very embodiment of cold and gloom! As if death itself was reading a book with its ck eyes! Even her clothes are ck¡­ If she had looked at me, I would not have uttered a single word¡­ I would have frozen to death! I¡¯ve never met anyone like her, Niks! Arsen and Jeremy knew what they were talking about! She is really a noble foreigner! And so beautiful¡­ Let¡¯s follow the n, or none of us will have the courage to speak with her¡­?


    ?You¡¯re right¡­ You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s do it.?


    Soon, Kyon was a witness to a funny scene of four unlucky guys who wanted to attract thedy¡¯s attention. She paid no attention to them. With a single disapproving nce, she instantly calmed down the home-grown womanizers.


    It was quite a sight to watch four boys quietly reading books when three of them were a far cry from intellectuals. They could hardly read, anyway. Each word took them about a minute to understand. They¡¯d better go home and do some push-ups or something of a kind. And those were the descendants of direct blood¡­ Shame.


    Lovr shook his head and continued reading.


    The frequent rustling of pages irritated the girl more and more. She frowned in annoyance, and the two new guys, sensitive to any of her reactions, immediately came to the right conclusion and headed towards Kyon. However, their ¡°enemy¡± took out a diamond token at the veryst moment and defiantly wiped it from dust. The friends tensed and left the room, allegedly to the little boys¡¯ room, nothing else. It was so embarrassing. What if the beauty thought they had a small dder?! Anyway, they didn¡¯t want any problems with someone of the 1st rank in the Stone family¡­


    Kyon reached for another book when suddenly he felt a powerful spiritual pressure, not inferior to Kara¡¯s. It fell upon him like an avnche. The girl in ck was obviously the source of the pressure. She was reading quietly at the moment.


    When she heard, or rather stopped hearing the annoying rustle of the pages, the youngdy looked up from her book for a second and looked at the boy. She expected to see a funny scene: the boy she wanted to bleed, had wet his pants or at least copsed from fear. However, she saw a smile on his face and an evil light in his eyes instead. He looked like a child who had found the long-awaited picture! The book in his hands had a long and frightening title ¡°The legendary serial maniacs: Ford Night, the bloody architect, Doca II, the pedophile queen, and others.¡±


    The girl was puzzled. She did not understand anything. Why was he ignoring her pressure? Was he enjoying the picture of dissected bodies or was she imagining things? He didn¡¯t even turn pale!


    Kyon stopped looking at the picture and rustled the pages with even greater enthusiasm as if he hade here to read this very book.


    Kyon was well aware that he was acting irrationally, emotionally. He dared to y with fire in the shape of a beautiful girl with a high level of development, who had gods know what on her mind. And yet, Kyon had several reasons to ignore her threat. Firstly, he had a high-rank token. Whoever was this girl, whose power was equal to Kara¡¯s, she wouldn¡¯t harm him. She could scare him, max. Secondly, the girl was insolent enough to start first. If anyone else was in his ce, he would wet his pants and have nightmares many nights in a row. He had no reason to be polite in response to her attitude. The case with Kirsan taught Kyon a lot. Thirdly, she was in the way of his goal to study quickly the books in the library. Fourth, she was beautiful, but it would go against Lovr¡¯s moral principles to bend over backwards for her¡­


    He often got into situations like this and regretted that he was not a cold, rational machine to fulfill his goals. On the other hand, if he didn¡¯t have his weakness for beauty and wouldn¡¯t be who he was. Synergy would not have favored him, and he would never have appeared in this world.


    The girl¡¯s patience had its limits. She finished reading, got up from her ce and put the book in its ce. The four boys, madly in love and just as much stupid, followed her with their eyes. The girl looked for another book on the topic she was interested in.


    If the boys were not ignorant in history, they would have rushed to help her with to find the necessary book. But they did not want to expose themselves as idiots.


    Kyon was just several steps away from the youngdy. The air around filled with the delicate delightful aroma of her body. He couldn¡¯t smell any perfume or shampoo. Was she really from a noble family? Kyon had never met a high-born person who didn¡¯t smell of various cream, perfume or oil. He felt the atmosphere around the stranger cool down to several degrees. His heart shuddered as if pierced with an icy needle. His senses weakened a notch. Depression appeared in the air, his mood dropped, his emotions withered. But Kyon ignored this feeling, imposed on him from the outside. He took the book that the girl had recently returned to the shelf and began leafing through it.


    As soon as the youngdy found another suitable book and headed to her secluded ce, she heard his murmur: ?Richard Clinton¡­ I guess a more pathetic and weak-willed general does not exist.? ¨C The annoying boy muttered and put the book that he already scanned, back to the shelf, shaking his head in disappointment.


    ¡°In fact, he is a recognized hero of the empire.¡± ¨C The girl voiced the obvious truth. Everyone, who knew a thing or two in history, would confirm it. This book described several of his great exploits that she enjoyed reading. She regretted what she had said at once. The kid must have read the title and blurted out the first nonsense that came to his mind. It wasn¡¯t worth answering him. She returned to her table with a straight face.


    Her calm, pleasant voice, like a faint whisper of the autumn wind, excited the four descendants of direct blood. It made them jealous of the boy.


    Kyon was already leafing through the next book. He didn¡¯t even look around at the source of the remark. He answered impassively and calmly:


    ?Christin, Goudini and Nichs praise Richard for high heaven. But there¡¯s a little coincidence, two honorable historians of the threee from the Clinton family. I will spit in the face of anyone who tells me that they are not interested in highlighting the merits of the first general, the pride of their family. Take his victory over the third army of demons twenty years ago.?


    The beautiful girl froze before reaching her table. No matter how much she wanted to remain silent, the annoying boy¡¯sment had its logic and required an answer.


    ?Hundreds of thousands of soldiers witnessed that victory. If the historians dared to lie, they would be used of disinformation, which would undoubtedly blemish the Clinton family.?


    ?Hundreds of thousands of soldiers served faithfully to their general for many years, they went through hell on earth for him. Even if they heard the exaggeration of his achievements, they would not scream around that it was a lie. As for rare exceptions, nobody would listen to the. The powerful rule the world, and the winners write the history.?


    The wise speeching from the kid was confusing. The girl was convinced that the boy did not understand a thing about what he had just said. He must have heard a couple of clever phrases from his grandfather.


    ?The victory over the third army of demons was possible only thanks to Richard¡¯s ingenious tactics. Anyway, he is a general and submits only to the Empress. Saying that hecks of will or character is the height of folly, because this is the same as insulting the Empress herself. This conversation is over.? ¨C The girl continued on her way to the table, paying no more attention to the young ignoramus.


    The descendants of direct blood were in shock. The kid could attract the attention of the beautifuldy! They even exchanged a couple of phrases! Why didn¡¯t they learn history?! They wished they could talk with her like that¡­ On the other hand, the boy had made aplete idiot of himself.


    Kyon snorted dismissively.


    ?The naivete of some readers astounds me. I mean it. No one in their sane mind would believe that a hundred thousand demons made their way to the camp of people, under cover of night, without too much noise. There were hundred thousands of sleeping warriors in the camp, and no sentinel had raised the rm. Then out of the blue, thousands of traps worked, thousands of poisoned needles flew out of the tents, killing two-thirds of the invading army. Even if the demons were mentally retarded idiots, they would have sent a small group of assassins to kill the people, but not the whole army. And even the small group would have suspected something was wrong. All in all, it¡¯s rather a fairy tale for children who do not have their own point of view, not a historical reference. As for general Richard, who had never refuted the lies, he can¡¯t be considered a hero.? ¨C Kyon finished dryly and picked up the next book.


    The girl was hurt and outraged. She believed in the described events even if they did seem rather strange. But she knew nothing about tactics or strategies. The boy had rubbed the truth in her face.

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    The girl admitted irritably:


    ?This particr story might be far-fetched. But the rest of his exploits deserve respect beyond any doubt.?


    Kyon sighed tiredly, covering part of his face with his hand.


    ?If the author, and in this case, as many as three, pulled the events out of thin air, you can¡¯t trust them anymore. If a friend betrays you once, you don¡¯t look for excuses to justify them but watch your back.? ¨C He idly looked at the book in the girl¡¯s hand. ¨C ?Staples of history by Nichs Valentine you¡¯re holding is just another invention of one of the three dirty liars. If you want to know the true story, you¡¯d better read that in book in the grey cover. It¡¯s Grigory Zhirinovsky¡¯s work about Richard¡¯s exploits. After you read it, you might see the truth behind the fog of lies.?


    The girl wanted to object, or at least ignore the boy¡¯s words, but after a little hesitation, she had to agree with his idea about betrayal. She silently went to the shelf and took the book he had rmended her to read.


    The boy¡¯s behavior confused her. He had calmly, almost aggressively pushed his position, forcing her to give way in the dispute. No one had ever talked to her so disrespectfully, idly and without interest. He didn¡¯t even look her in the eyes.


    She should have put him in his ce, but he kept to the point, his words made sense. The boy was no fool.


    {Holy cow! Look at the fucking kid! Why is he so brave?!} ¨C The four descendants of direct blood were stunned. They could not understand how the boy managed to start a conversation with her! The beautifuldy did not see his token. She was unaware of his status in the kingdom, and yet, she talked to him! She even followed his advice about the book she should read¡­ Even though he¡¯d been talking to her in an impudent, arrogant tone! How could it be?


    It was gradually gettingte.


    The girl was getting and more surprised by what she was reading. She had a feeling the book wasn¡¯t about the hero of the empire, but about a mediocre leader of arge army who a certain amount of personal strength and charisma. The previous three books about Richard turned out to be pure nonsense and a waste of time. If the annoying boy had advised her to change the book earlier, she would have spent her time more reasonably. He was good at history, but it didn¡¯t impress her much.


    Kyon put back another book he had finished reading, returned to his seat, and took out a couple of apples from the ring. As he started his lunch, he noticed out of the corner of his eyes the girl finishing thest page. Her beautiful face was perplexed.


    ?If you have any questions, I could spare a couple of minutes to tell you more about the generals.? ¨C Kyon said casually, biting into an apple. The descendants of direct blood were speechless, stunned at his balls of steel.


    The girl answered indifferently without taking her eyes off the page:


    ?I doubt you¡¯re informed well enough. Be quiet, and don¡¯t risk your life talking to me. I¡¯m not interested in idle chatter with kids.? ¨C In her opinion, he was just lucky to have read the right book. His good rmendation didn¡¯t speak of his deep knowledge of history. She had made even more correct conclusions after reading the book than the boy in his time.


    ?Sounds like a challenge. Alright, tell me any page and line number, and I will tell you everything written there.? ¨C Kyon suggested, looking at the dark-haired girl with a sly smile. He wanted to destroy her biased opinion of himself.


    His casual familiarity annoyed the girl. Only the grave would correct idiots, anyway. As for his words¡­ If she couldugh, she wouldugh to tears. She had never heard more self-confident nonsense in all her life. Well, if he was asking for it, he could go ahead and mess things up. It would save her from the presence of this vexing child. A convenient excuse, so to speak.


    ?Page 100, line 3.? ¨C She said after a long pause.


    ?With a powerful roar, the demons attacked the first army. The rumble of their footsteps created an earthquake that could destroy cities and countries¡­? ¨C Kyon spoke eloquently, staring absently at the ceiling. ¨C ?¡­Richard gave the order to retreat, leaving the wounded behind. He had no other choice. It was his retribution for choosing the wrong strategy.?


    The girl¡¯s eyes were filled with disbelief as the boy was retelling everything word for word. He didn¡¯t make a single mistake. Kyon seemed to be reading the book out loud. However, he had nothing in his hands but an apple.


    ?Enough. Page 205, the first line.? ¨C The girl said with a straight face, turning over the pages.


    ?Richard¡¯s power was overwhelming. The reinforcements arrived just in time¡­?


    ?Page 397, line 9.? ¨C She interrupted him.


    The four descendants of direct blood did not understand a thing. However, each of them could see confusion in the beautiful girl¡¯s eyes. It was unbelievable! Did the jerk hit the mark?!


    After about five questions, the girl made sure that the boy wasn¡¯t messing with her, and there was no reason to punish him. Had he learned the whole book by heart? Then he was aplete idiot to stuff his head with meaningless information! She decided that it was either some sort of trick, or the boy was sick in the head. She¡¯d better not talk to him at all.


    ?And then the general was recognized as a hero and got awarded¡­?


    ?Wrong.? ¨C The girl said in an icy cold voice, releasing a chilling aura from her eyes to the smart ass boy. The fact that he had memorized the book spoke more of his incorrigible stupidity than of his knowledge in history. She had no intention to continue this farce. ¨C ?You can go on looking for pictures. Just turn the pages quieter. It¡¯s a library, not a kindergarten. The conversation is over.?


    ?That¡¯s how I read, leafing through the books and memorizing them in the process. I don¡¯t need any pictures.? ¨C Kyon objected, disappointed by her brazen lie.


    ?Nonsense! You can¡¯t¡­? ¨C One of the descendants of direct blood decided to butt in the conversation when suddenly her pressure washed over him. He instantly turned pale and nearly copsed. His friends were shocked. They felt a bit of the pressure and realized it was better to be quiet and stay put.


    The girl red coldly at Kyon. She hated being lied straight to her face. Kyon¡¯s ¡°trick¡± nearly ruined his health, but this dirty lie was too much. The annoying bastard was asking to get killed.


    The youngdy reluctantly rose from her seat and picked up the first history book she came across. She decided not to make any decision ahead of time. She had to make sure that the liar was guilty as her uncle had taught her.


    ?I will have to punish you if you are lying.?


    The icy voice of the beauty sent goosebumps down everyone¡¯s spine. Death itself seemed to have settled in this quiet library. Someone might get killed soon¡­ The girl was too scary! The descendants of direct blood cringed with fear and no longer dared to make a noise.


    ?Alexander Goodwin, volume 1, page 71, the fourth line.? ¨C The girl said as if she were a judge reading a death sentence.


    ?Swords and armor made by dwarves were famous for qualities that non-humans had never seen¡­? ¨C Kyon said calmly. Then he frowned. ¨C ?You know, I won¡¯t prove anything to you if you dare to threaten me. I offered you help, but you probably don¡¯t deserve it.? ¨C Kyon gave the girl a derogatory look and continued to eat his apple in silence.


    The descendants of direct blood were staggered by his arrogant words. Then they went into shock: thedy¡¯s reaction revealed that the little snot had given the right answer!


    The girl looked in the book in disbelief. His few words hadpletely coincided with the text! He didn¡¯t lie! She was about to make a decision made to finish off the liar, but it would be a mistake. This weirdo could seriously memorize all the books he¡¯d been flipping through! It sounded like some crazy nonsense! She was still standing with the open book, trying to see what¡¯s the catch. It was impossible!


    The beautifuldy had to admit that the world was full of nutcases. Then she had a sensible idea: maybe she should cooperate with him. It might save her time to find the necessary information. But she dismissed this idea. She was too proud for that.


    His arrogant, sneering words could have been thest thing he ever said. His ignorance has saved him. He was unaware of who he was dealing with. Also, he had truth on his side. The youngdy was really the first to threaten him after her hasty decision that he was lying brazenly. What is more, he had given her more or less useful advice.


    Feeling a little pang of regret, thedy picked up another book and made herselffortable at the table. Some expert advice wouldn¡¯t hurt her. Her time was precious, after all¡­ But she was too stubborn to talk to the wicked weirdo again.


    She left the libraryte at night. The four descendants of direct blood took a deep breath and rxed.


    ?I¡¯ve never been so tense before¡­ Gods, where did shee from?!?


    ?I have to find out her name¡­ How can I talk to her? Any ideas, gentlemen??


    Arsen approached Kyon, his long face meat trouble. ¨C ?Be so kind as to introduce yourself.? ¨C He wanted to find out who else had the first rank in the Stone family besides the high-born members. Anyway, Arsen had to show respect for Kyon even if he thought the boy was weak and insignificant.


    ?ording to etiquette, you must introduce yourself first.? ¨C Kyon said without looking at Arsen. ¨C ?But I don¡¯t have to talk to scum like you.?


    ?What did you say?!? ¨C Arsen barked. His friends scowled.


    ?Are you looking for trouble?? ¨C Kyon asked dryly. ¨C ?If you get any closer, you will deal with the Stones tonight. Unless, of course, my guard outside kills you before that.?


    ?What¡­ You¡­? ¨C Arsen swallowed his words, choking on helplessness and rage. He gritted his teeth in silent fury, like the rest of his friends. The four guys looked like dogs on a short chain, yapping from around the corner.


    ?Don¡¯t waste your time. Let¡¯s go¡­? ¨C Jeremy called him, waving his hand.


    The four of them left the library, and Kyon continued reading, undisturbed.


    At midnight the library closed and he had to leave. Kyon had the whole night ahead that he decided to spend on practicing a new istion barrier and other techniques he had learned in his world. A few hours of sleep was more than enough.


    At about one in the morning, he heard some creaking noise through the sound transmitter that Juno always had next to her.

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    ?§¡h! Who¡¯s there?!? ¨C The sudden frightening creak woke Juno up.


    The silver moon illuminated XiaoBai sitting in the armchair like a dark baron. His little pig¡¯s eyes burned with cruel intent. He was looking at a victim of his imminent punishment.


    ?Where¡¯s my money, Juno?? ¨C The fat guy asked in a clear menacing tone.


    ?What? I don¡¯t have any money! Stoping to me without an invitation!? ¨C Juno said in a high-pitched voice.


    ?You had a few days to ask grandfather for money. But you didn¡¯t think about your poor brother, not even once. I suffer mental anguish because of you. Good sisters don¡¯t do it to their brothers, you know¡­ When will you give me my money back?? ¨C With his recent financial crisis, one hundred thousand had acquired unprecedented value.


    ?Poor?! Mental anguish?! You have money to burn! What one hundred thousand for you?!? ¨C Juno was furious.


    XiaoBai trembled. He broke into a cold sweat. He nearly lost his sister in the heat of the moment. ¨C ?Have some respect! Don¡¯t you dare to insult money! I will not tolerate sphemy in my presence!?


    ?sphemy in your presence?!? ¨C Juno echoed, getting out of bed. She looked like a wild cat that pulled out her ws. ¨C ?You sneaked into my room at night and now you dare to use me?! Have some dignity, you rotten bleeder! And don¡¯t evere without an invitation! I will return the money as soon as I can!?


    XiaoBai exhaled slowly and said in a ghostly voice:


    ?You have seven days.?


    ?What do you mean?!? ¨C Juno asked, disheartened.


    The shapeless pile of meat headed toward the exit.


    Juno stamped her foot. ?Seven days?! Are you threatening me?! Don¡¯t you dare to bully me! And don¡¯t you dare toe anymore!?


    When brother left, Juno came behind the door and gave the three of her guards a bloodthirsty look.


    ?If you ever let him inside again, you will get severely punished.?


    A chill ran down their backs.


    ?Yes, mydy.? ¨C The chief guardian nodded nervously, looking at the girl in an indecent silver nightie. A demoness in an angelic guise!


    ¡­


    When Kyon came to the library in the morning, he found eight high-born guys sitting in the room. At his conservative estimate, one frightening girl could attract the critical mass of the descendants of direct blood enough to create a ck hole.


    The once quiet and cozy library turned into a mess. The golden youth whispered noisily among themselves. About whom? About her, the unforgettable girl. Arsen and Jeremy had exaggerated her dangerous aura, power and possible family name. They were obsessed with the idea of getting to know her, even with a chance one to a million. That¡¯s what her power multiplied by beauty and inessibility did to them.


    {Fucking assholes! If you are so sex-deprived, go to the prostitutes!} ¨C Kyon thought but did not say out loud. They might skin him alive. In this world, beauty and talent were truly a valuable resource. They multiplied each other.


    Kyon drew everyone¡¯s attention as soon as he entered the room. Half of them snorted contemptuously and turned away. Someoneughed and made some barbedments. The others gave him silent, angry nces. Yesterday, Kyon showed them something that they couldn¡¯t ept without jealousy and shock.


    Kyon took a book and began to read. He got rid of the bothering stream of unnecessary information with the help of Synergy.


    The beautiful girl, who suddenly appeared in the dark corner scared the guys in the room to death. She was annoyed by the number of her fans. Thedy was getting too much attention. She always had. The number of idiots in love was reaching the limit. It hade to the point that elders the fathers implored her to marry their young sons, enumerating the benefits she would get. It was bitter and sad.


    The time went by. The girl nced from time to time at the weirdo who was engrossed in his book. Yesterday she was convinced he wasn¡¯t serious. Now she could see that the boy was scrupulously studying the text. He left nothing out. Her suspicions had finally disappeared.


    {I don¡¯t have the time to analyze hundreds of books in history to find out what I need¡­ It could take me months, but the number of idiots around me will only increase and begin to cause problems. What shall I do?} ¨C It was in her character topletely detach herself from strangers. But then she discovered a goldmine in the boy¡¯s head, and now the temptation to bring herself to talk to him was growing every second. What does it feel like using a search engine, entering any query and finding the answer?


    Around mid-afternoon, Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He read about spiritual attacks based on innate and cultivated unique bodies, as well as extremely exceptional high-ranking techniques. The attack was mainly carried out through eye contact, otherwise, its effectiveness may be reduced.


    And then it dawned on Kyon. If he hadn¡¯t looked into Kara¡¯s shining eyes, he could have avoided the sad consequences. Knowledge is power, indeed!


    Kyon took the next volume and continued reading about some spiritual attacks through eye contact, from the basic to the rarest types: suppression of will, hallucination, illusion, disorientation, blinding, as well as instilling different emotions¡­ And enchanting.


    ¡°Enchanting is an exclusively unique spiritual attack inherent in subus species of demons.¡±


    Kyon¡¯s jaw dropped. He continued reading.


    ¡°A subus is a demon in female form with wings, curved horns, and a tail. It feeds on the life force of males (mostly human) which makes them even stronger. Every subus has an innate body of enchantment that gives them the ability to use ¡°the enchanting look.¡± Its effectiveness depends mainly on the level of development as well as spiritual will and goals. Before a subus uses the look of enchantment, she prepares her victim. A man that is easily seduced or excited, as well as the one who is willing to be a ve, is more likely to be a good victim. If the attack is sessful, the victim loses his mind and experiences infinite passion to the attacker for a certain period of time. The subus power is limited by the purity of her blood. It also determines her rank. There exist inferior, average and superior subus. The inferior subi can enchant any practitioner who is three stages below in development with a short-term effect that requires a constant recharge. The average subi can enchant any practitioner two stages below with a short-term effect that requires a constant recharge. The superior subi can enchant any practitioner one stage below with a short-term effect that requires a constant recharge. There also exist imperial subi. The properties of their enchantment are still unknown. The Royal dynasty of Tristan rules the empire of demons. It¡¯s one of the seven greatest imperial families of demons. Each of them symbolizes a vice and upies their ce for many thousands of years. It can only be assumed how powerful is the enchanting look of an imperial subus who is rted to one of the seven greatest families (subi don¡¯t belong to a Royal dynasty but to one out of six subordinate to it.) Given the outstanding purity of their blood, the effect, power, and duration of their enchantment it¡¯s morepelling than that of the rest subi. They might enchant not only through eye contact. Beware of these dangerous creatures.¡±


    ¡°During puberty, the subi experience an irresistible attraction to males, especially to humans. The demons have a traditional annual male hunt. Subi have a ir for innate talent. If a male satisfies their instinctual needs, the demon can let the male seed enter her womb while she is absorbing his vital forces. It will lead to the conception of a new demon who will inherit the talents of her parents in the future. The quality of the unique inborn body (that is the purity of blood) depends on the father¡¯s talent.¡±


    Kyon was speechless. {No fucking way! Is Kara a subus?! Of imperial rank?!} Something did not add up. Of course, she could get rid of the wings and horns in some way, for example, with the help of a formation. Kara always wore a beautiful ring that matched the color of her eyes¡­ But this sentence didn¡¯t make sense: ¡°If the attack is sessful, the victim loses his mind and experiences infinite passion for the attacker for a certain period of time.¡± Kyon experienced being in love instead of passion (a different emotion), which could hardly contribute to her revelling in his sperm. Falling in love is more like subjugation of will rather than turning a male into a sex machine. Besides, if the princess had sensed his talent, she would have forced him to have sex with her.


    Kyon frowned. He decided to read all the books by this author and only then draw his conclusions. He was rewarded closer to the end of the volume: ¡°There is unconfirmed evidence that there is a powerful bloodline in the heart of one of the seven greatest families of demons. The enchanting look of the representatives of this family is of a different type, level and orientation. It¡¯s unverified information. Nevertheless, it¡¯s entitled to be published. The race of demons is evil that deservesplete extermination from the face of the. Stay alert when fighting with them. They are capable of any dirty tricks.¡±


    The scales fell from Kyon¡¯s eyes. He had found the missing part of the puzzle. {da, Kara¡¯s mother, arrived in the kingdom three years ago! It was then, ording to Bai, that the king stopped talking to him and even raised the taxes! It all added up! They had enved the king. The demonic creatures secretly rule the kingdom, the people and drink their life juices! It¡¯s despicable¡­}


    Kara and da had grown in Kyon¡¯s opinion. He saw how dangerous and cunning they really were.


    Now that he had exceptional information about where they came from, Kyon got a valuable resource. ckmail them? It wasn¡¯t so simple. He had to approach this issue carefully, put pressure on the weak points of the demons and get the most out of it. He hade to the library for a good reason. It was all thanks to his status as a descendant of direct blood. Knowledge is a powerful force. It will help him reach unprecedented heights.


    A thought shed across his mind: {Yurich disappeared three years ago!..} ¨C his disappearance was recorded on the border with the empire of demons. Kyon had no doubt that Kara and da were somehow implicated in Juno¡¯s father¡¯s disappearance. He felt he was involved in the global game with a web of intrigue on the world level.

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    It was gettingte.


    The beautiful girl returned the book to the shelf, looking for what to read next.


    Kyon¡¯steral vision let him fully appreciate her dressing style: a graceful ebony hairpin in her hair done in a ponytail, a tight jacket that didn¡¯t not restrict her freedom of movement, a short ck skirt that emphasized her slender thighs, delicate sexy ck tights with a diamond pattern, shaping her nice long legs.


    Kyon felt ufortable next to her, and it wasn¡¯t about her aura that overshadowed everything around her, sending a chill to the hearts. A fragrant, juicy piece of meat was hanging around him. The temptation to taste it was too big. The situation with Juno was alike, but Kyon had long-term ns for her. This dark person was inessible and unapproachable. She instinctively attracted Kyon. Given his fatal weakness for beauty, it took him a lot of effort to ignore her.


    Sixteen hungry eyes stared at the youngdy from her back, almost drooling.


    An angry girl came into the library, loudly stamping. She yelled furiously at one of the eight boys:


    ?I¡¯ve been looking for you everywhere, and you¡¯re in the library staring at the butt of some missy?! Asshole! Who gave you the right to look at other girls when you are engaged?!?


    ?I just came to read books!? ¨C A big, beefy guy tried to justify himself, red in the face.


    ?What books? You¡¯re sharp as a marble!? ¨C The girl grabbed the guy by the ear and dragged him out to the apaniment of his cries. She was much stronger than the unfortunate boy. Besides, she was the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter in her family and dictated everything that her fianc¨¦ did. He had no choice but to grovel before his powerful, authoritative wife-to-be.


    Everyone in the library giggled except for Kyon and the girl in ck. She didn¡¯t seem to notice anything. Apparently, it wasn¡¯t the first time something like this had happened. She could steal any boy from any girl in the kingdom if she wanted to. But she had better things to do. The beautifuldy was distant and cold. She didn¡¯t show any interest in anyone.


    A couple of minutester, Kyon grunted thoughtfully. Was she still choosing a book? It usually took her only ten seconds¡­ And then it dawned on him. The youngdy was giving him a hint that she needed help. Girls often imply things to save face or because ofmon courtesy. In her case, it wasn¡¯t so obvious. The girl¡¯s face expressed confusion at the choice which book to read. The youngdy didn¡¯t know how to make hints and was too proud to ask.


    Kyon remembered yesterday. He should ignore her or even beware of her charm. She was too beautiful¡­ Fortunately or unfortunately, the lovely stranger had already interested Lovr.


    *sigh*


    He said idly, without turning his head:


    ?You were a bad girl yesterday, but I am ready to help, anyway.?


    The descendants of direct blood almost growled at his impudence. He didn¡¯t only dare to speak with her, offering his useless help, but also reproached her! Is he stupid to treat a high-borndy like this? Like she would condescend to his level! However, what happened next made them reconsider their worldview.


    Thedy kept tactful silence for a few seconds, and then said quietly:


    ?I want to know the biography of all the generals, as well as the Empress.?


    Kyon knew perfectly well that she wasn¡¯t interested in well-known facts, she wanted to find out what was hidden behind their exploits. In other words, she wondered what was written between the lines.


    ?Alright. But I don¡¯t help anyone if I get nothing in return.? ¨C Kyon said and turned around.


    Their eyes met.


    An icy me was lurking in the depths of her bewitching dark brown eyes. It could burn the weak in spirit. The girl impressed Kyon with her beauty, her pale and smooth skin, long eyshes, gracefully arched eyebrows and a delicate nose¡­ Her love for the ck color made her look like a panther, an intimidating, dignified nocturnal predator. However, her deadly cold aura was more suitable for death.


    It was surprisingly ufortable to look at her, the sense of danger increased tenfold. If Kyon was less self-confident, he would definitely look away. It was foolish to risk his life looking at her. However, he considered her nce as a challenge, so he stubbornly stared back with an indifferent look, even if he really wanted to hit himself for being so pig-headed.


    In his turn, Kyon surprised the girl with his audacity. She rarely deigned to look at anyone and always gained respect in return. No one had ever held her stare for more than a second. And yet, the boy was no fool. What was the reason for his behavior? She had never met a jerk like him, especially considering his development at the pathetic first phase. Where did his confidencee from? And why didn¡¯t her beauty captivate him? There was no fear or admiration in his eyes¡­ She didn¡¯t understand. What if he preferred boys?


    As for his word about getting something in return, the youngdy was not used to being obliged to anyone. In fact, everyone helped her with great pleasure for nothing in return. However, this boy had clearly warned her that she would owe him. What a presumptuous boy¡­


    ?I will pay you for the information.?


    Kyon smiled and shook his head.


    ?Well¡­ I don¡¯t want your money.? ¨C He added to answer the silent question on her pretty face. ¨C ?Let¡¯s discuss the detailster. Deal??


    The youngdy nodded and sat at the reading table in the corner, keeping a straight face.


    Kyon looked around the room. The stunned guys were staring at him in shock. He grabbed a chair and sat down opposite the girl.


    The boys were boiling with rage and jealousy. The impudent jerk in the first phase of development was sitting two steps away from the beautiful high-borndy who radiated an incredible aura of inessibility and dignity. What are they doing wrong? If they were even one-tenth as impudent as this kid, they would be lying with their throats cut open. No doubt about that. Why was he still alive? They looked at each other and saw the same confusion and shock in each other¡¯s eyes.


    Kyon¡¯s of darkness slowly made a turn.


    ?Let¡¯s set some ground rules to get us started. I know by heart every History book in this room and have iparably greater knowledge than you. Don¡¯t argue with me. You can ask questions, dig into details, and make assumptions. Nothing more. Roughly speaking, I am your teacher, and you are my student.?


    The girl frowned her thin eyebrows. The reckless boy got caught with a death wish. He was looking right into her eyes with no fear or respect. But she could not punish the one she needed. And she needed him as a search engine for her questions. She had to put up with him and do without instructive bloodshed.


    ?You are not qualified to be my teacher.? ¨C Her icy gaze pierced the boy. The guys nearby could not look at her even out of the corner of their eyes.


    ?Why are so biased against me. I agree that not everyone is a good teacher, but I am a rare exception to the rule, which you will soon see. By the way, I will teach you things using the method of discussion and logical analysis rather than cramming as some stupid teachers do with their narrow-minded students. First, you will read the book that I choose for you, and then we will discuss it.?


    ?I doubt that you are capable of rational analysis. Just give me the facts. Answer all my questions, and I will analyze events, causes and effects by myself.?


    Kyon shook his head:


    ?It¡¯s either as I say or nothing at all.?


    They bored each other with their eyes. Infuriating. Finally, she said:


    ?If I don¡¯t get apetent analysis, you will do as I say.?


    Kyon smiled contentedly.


    ?Good. And now we will discuss the book by Grigory Zhirinovsky that had recently rmended to you.?


    The girl folded her hands in herp and turned into an attentive student. At least from the outside. This scene shocked the audience. The greenhorn could persuade her to y by his rules! It couldn¡¯t be true¡­ Not here, not in this universe¡­


    ?First, tell me who General Richard is and what he is like. Tell me your point of view, after which I will analyze the mistakes.?


    {What a presumptuous idiot¡­} ¨C The girl thought irritably and told him her opinion of the general based on the book she had read.


    Kyon listened to her, nodded thoughtfully and started discussing things with the air of a qualified psychologist.


    Listening to Kyon¡¯s analysis, the girl had changed her view on his teaching skills in just a minute. His arguments and conclusions went smoothly andpetently, most importantly, they were logical. The information that naturally followed from seemingly simple facts was new to her. She could only wonder ¨C {Why didn¡¯t I think of this before?}


    After ten minutes of his analysis, the girl felt like a stupid student at the lesson of the professor from the Department of History with many years of experience. He tore her arguments to shreds. He made snidements on any of her incorrect or inurate answers, and then gave her a detailed exnation of her mistakes. She had an urge to punch the arrogant smarty-pants. Even if he did not show off his knowledge, at least from the outside, she had a feeling that if he wasn¡¯t confident in his integrity, he would dly give her a smack after each mistake she made.


    During the lesson, the youngdy did not feel she was more intelligent than her ¡°teacher.¡± Kyon had taken into ount not only the author¡¯s style but also his mood, his worldview, which helped him easily pick out the truth from the text. The more the girl listened to this weirdo, the more freakish he seemed to her.


    Initially, thedy considered Richard a hero of the empire and apetent strategist. After reading this book, she changed her mind. The talented, brilliant general turned into a liar and an ordinarymander of an average mind and skills. Nothing outstanding. And only after Kyon¡¯s incrediblypetent analysis, she could see the hidden truth. She had to change her mind again. The general turned out to do everything that was beneficial for his older brother, the patriarch of the Valentines. That¡¯s why his actions were so uncoordinated. She recalled the boy mumble right after leafing through the book: ¡°I guess a more pathetic and weak-willed general does not exist.¡± Did he read the whole book and make a thorough analysis in a minute? Was she dealing with someone supernatural?


    The girl wasn¡¯t going to let the young sage go until she found out everything she needed to know.


    ?Good. Or rather, terrible. You did not understand even three percent of the true motives for the general¡¯s actions. Your teacher isn¡¯t pleased.? ¨C Kyon pretended toin, shaking his head in disappointment,


    Her icy aura intensified. The girl stared at Kyon with her brown eyes dark anger but did not argue. The truth was on his side. But what was this heavy feeling in her chest? Was it defeat? Or crashed expectations? No one but her uncle dared to talk down to her, let alone look her in the eyes. And yet, the boy was cheeky enough to call her his student, berate her and withstand her aura¡­ The little snot didn¡¯t know who she was. Let him remain in sweet ignorance.


    Kyon used his remarkable willpower to resist the temptation to lower his eyes. It was more difficult to control his desires in this world. For example, fear grew root in his soul, and he had to ovee it. He had to struggle with symptoms, and it was sad. On the other hand, he had never experienced pressure from a single nce of the beautiful girl! It was impressive and intriguing. Challenging.

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    Kyon gave the girl a book with the biography of another general. She had already studied and analyzed the first general out of 12. The youngdy had discovered that even if Richard was considered the hero of the empire, his family needs were his priority.


    Kyon continued studying books. He only had to go through a few more books, and he could organize a quick path to the top of the kingdom.


    Two hours before the working hours were over, Kyon found out that there existed a fourth grade of the elements, the master grade. Only geniuses among geniuses can get the master grade. It goes after the superior grade that only a few people have (on the condition it¡¯s avable in their family heritage). The master grade is the rarest heirloom. It¡¯s invaluable. Its history originates from ancient eras, when talented masters devoted their whole lives to their creation, and talented practitioners mastered them all their lives. Wealthy families cannot afford such luxury. Even the royal families don¡¯t have in their treasuries anything above the superior grade.


    {Hmm¡­ When I master the superior grade of darkness and light, will they automatically get the master grade because of the gluttonous sphere-keys?} ¨C ording to Kyon¡¯s calctions, any element of the master grade would be about six stages more powerful than those of the basic grade. It¡¯s a significant advantage in the battle, more than half of the phase.


    A quiet voice, devoid of any respect came from behind:


    ?Can I have a moment? We have to talk.?


    Kyon turned around and saw a bull-like descendant of direct blood, who, apparently, was not aware of his rank. His eyes were cold with contempt and hostility. The new fool felt superiority in front of the practitioner of the first phase. How naive of him.


    No sooner had Kyon waved him away with his token, when the beefy guy suddenly tensed, turned pale and left, staggering. A foul-smelling liquid dripped from his leg. What a miserable mistake of nature. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess who was the reason for his retreat.


    Kyon looked at the girl in ck. She defiantly mmed the book, making it clear that she had finished reading, and it was time for him toe to her and examine her knowledge.


    {What the¡­} ¨C Her behavior bewildered and confused Kyon. Was it really so hard just to ask? She must have been sitting silently for five minutes¡­ The girl was too proud or standoffish. Or maybe she had really just finished reading the book and was giving him an elegant hint toe up to her.


    Kyon went to her table, followed by the envious nces of the seven guys. The descendants of direct blood filled his dark core faster than usual. They could not believe that the powerful girl had be his patron!


    Kyon sat down and frowned. Thedy¡¯s eyes seemed to tell him: ¡°We are even now.¡±


    ?Uh-huh, youngdy! Don¡¯t take what¡¯s happened here for a bargaining chip! First of all, it is your fault that they are jealous of you. Second, I have everything under control, and third, my service is disproportionately more expensive than the spoiled pants of that bull.?


    He could hear discontented exmations from behind, interrupted by a low growl.


    However, the youngdy stayed cool like moonlight. Her face was imprable. She was meaningfully silent.


    It was impossible to say what was on her beautiful mind Kyon took her silence for consent. ¨C ?Alright, let¡¯s get started.?


    It was gettingte at night.


    The girl looked at Kyon calmly and expressionlessly. However, deep inside, she was mystified. The boy¡¯s level of book analysis was immeasurable. There was no other historian in the world who could read between the lines like him, picking out the unexpected truth behind tons of understatement, distortion and lies. Where did this monstere from? Why didn¡¯t he show any interest in her like the rest? He must prefer boys, after all.


    ?It won¡¯t do.? ¨C Kyon said, disappointed. ¨C ?It¡¯s like talking to myself. You do not take any part in revealing the truth. I am wasting my precious time. Do you at least remember what I say??


    The girl frowned. The little jerk didn¡¯t value the time spent with her at the same table. Any boy present here would be happy to give away his kidney for her attention, and this one¡­


    ?Choose your words carefully, boy. I have promised to pay for your service, but you are pushing it. Are you asking for trouble? My patience has its limits.?


    {Does she take me for a child? Too bad.} ¨C ?Alright, here¡¯s your homework.? ¨C Kyon handed her a list of books. ¨C ?Try not to drag it on for too long. My time is expensive. I don¡¯t want to wait.? ¨C He rose from the table and went to the exit with a straight face.


    It was about closing time¡­


    The girl closed her eyes and breathed in deep, trying to calm down. The puppy imagined himself to be a brave lion. But even predatory feline turned into obedient kittens when they noticed her presence. What was the reason? Why wasn¡¯t he afraid of someone with a powerful developed soul and an icy-cold auraing from her past, someone who could kill him with a careless movement of her finger? The kid was smart and weird, but this is not enough for his immense self-confidence.


    She had a rare feeling that shest experienced in her early childhood. The girl who was always impassionate and calm was torn by a desire to put the puppy in his ce.


    Meanwhile, Kyon left the library and idly nced at the two shadows following him. He had asked Bai to give him some powerful guards, but the two tough guys at the beginning of the fourth phase did not inspire a sense of security in Kyon. He trusted his pistol in the ring much more.


    {If only I could hire the girl in ck¡­} ¨C This idea seemed tempting and quite feasible. A personal bodyguard with the power of Kara¡¯s level, who was familiar with the high-ranking concealment technique and also unspeakably beautiful¡­ It sounded refined and ssy.


    It would be difficult to attach this unemotional snow queen to himself. Unless she was interested in money. However, powerful people are expensive. He was unlikely to afford this prouddy.


    Kyon observed that she had something inmon with Dinah. They both must be assassins. However, the way they dressed differed considerably. Dinah always wore a sexy uniform, but the girl in ck preferred modest clothes. She seemed to be a quiet type, but she could easily turn into a beautiful rose with ck petals. In fact, her tights with a diamond pattern were captivating, and her eyes scared and mesmerized at once. Besides, Dinah was too arrogant. Compared to her, this girl was devoid of arrogance at all. Or maybe, she wasn¡¯t interested in revealing this trait.


    Both of the girls had a cold aura. Only their coldness was radically different in nature. Dinah¡¯s presence sent chills down the spine because she was a professional killer who could end a life at any time. The girl in ck didn¡¯t inspire danger alone. She emanated chilling cold that could be described as an immense emptiness. It was depressing, evoking ill-disposition and apathy.


    The girl in ck piqued Kyon¡¯s interest. She was challenging. She seemed to be saying, ¡°Come on, try and surprise me. Find a way to intrigue me. No one can do it, and you can¡¯t, stupid boy. It¡¯s a lost cause for you.


    ¡­


    Kyon spent the rest of the night in his personal training room. He hadn¡¯t had a chance to train with Juno so far. Either his ve was deliberately avoiding meeting him, or she didn¡¯t want to adjust her usual sleep / wake schedule for his sake. He does not insist, anyway.


    When Kyon woke up after a two-hour sleep, he took a shower and returned to the library.


    As soon as Kyon stepped out of the sound-proof barrier, his eye twitched nervously. Judging by the sound of the beating of hearts inside, sixteen bastards of direct blood were wagging their tongues in his absence. Everyone whispered loudly about the girl in ck. The mentioned Kyon from time to time, and not with kind words.


    {Shit! They are so disappointing.} ¨C Kyon was outraged by the absurdity of the situation. He understood that the age of 14-18 years old was the period when hormones acted up and keep them awake at night, but they could try and control their carnal cravings or at least set more realistic expectations.


    Kyon crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall at the door. They wouldn¡¯t let him read quietly, anyway, especially given yesterday¡¯s incident when the girl everyone adored stood up for him.


    A quarter of an hourter, the beautiful girl materialized next to him, bringing in her amazing magical scent. Her slender body pleased the eye, her aura frightened the weak and timid.


    Kyon looked at her reproachfully. ¨C ?Your fans are too wild. Drive them away.?


    ?Are you waiting for me outside because you are too afraid to go to them??


    She touched a nerve. It sounded too humiliating. Kyon could not stoop to making excuses. He said firmly:


    ?If you go on like this, you will study the biography of the generals alone.?


    The girl snorted and proudly entered the room.


    Kyon heard their stifled groans and desperate cries followed by the heavy footfall to the direction of the door. The panic-stricken boys left the library running, crawling, and even rolling like an avnche. Their faces tensed into a grimace of horror.


    The guard at the entrance was struck by what he saw and made noints about the mysterious girl in ck. She scared even the elite guard of the Grand family.


    The descendants of direct blood are speechless. Their legs were shaking, they broke out in a cold sweat. The boys had never experienced so intense fear of death. The girl who had entered the library brought in the atmosphere of murder and despair.


    Kyon nodded impressively and went upstairs. Now their jealous eyes wouldn¡¯t disturb him from reading.


    ?Don¡¯t go there, fool! You¡¯ll die! She¡¯ll kill you!? ¨C A pale boy warned Kyon in a trembling voice. A new one.


    Kyon did not turn around. The group of boys watched him go.


    ?It¡¯s him!? ¨C The big beefy boy recognized Kyon. ¨C ?The one under thedy¡¯s protection! He must have asked her to drive us away! Bastard! It¡¯s all because of him!?


    ?What do you mean, drive us away?!? ¡­ ?Are you serious?!? ¡­ ?Were you talking about this kid?!? ¡­ ?You¡¯re kidding me! I don¡¯t believe you!?


    The faces of the descendants were distorted by jealousy, rage, anger and the urge to kill.


    ?Who is he?! How can the little jerk use the service of this powerfuldy?!?


    ?He is a Stone of the first rank! I saw his diamond token!? ¨C Jeremy said, enviously.


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense! This scum can¡¯t be a Stone of the first rank! Diana Stone had only three children. I smell a rat!..? ¨C The strongest guy barked.


    ?Have you not heard rumors about the new addition to the Stone family? It doesn¡¯t sound so delirious to me now¡­ What¡¯s the name of this adopted genius again?..? ¨C The boy looked up thoughtfully and came resolutely to the guard. ¨C ?Can you remind me the name of the boy adopted by the Stones, please.?


    ?Kyon Stone.? ¨C The guard said dryly.


    ?Yeah! Exactly! The rumors were about him!?


    ?Wait a minute! Kyon? Kyon! I heard elder Stephan Brown, Tsayan¡¯s father, is looking for him in connection with the dirty lies the Stones are spreading! He wants to get even with the cause of the rumors!?


    ?By the way, elder Romanov is also looking for Kyon! It¡¯s about his grandson Kaisen, who ended drooling in a wheelchair because of his damaged spine!?


    Even if it all made sense and they¡¯d better steer clear from this boy, the descendants of direct blood ignored this fact and conspired to tell everything to those who were after Kyon, that is, to the elders. Perhaps a couple of people of the first rank could ruin his life. Moreover, they were from other families.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was flipping through thest unread volumes and giving a wless analysis to the huge list of books the girl had read in one night.


    ?Your teacher is pleased. I did not expect such zeal from you. If we were at school, I would give you an excellent mark. As it is, I can only nod in praise. Good job!? ¨C Kyon smiled sincerely in the end, although his soul embroiled in fear begged him to keep his mouth shut.


    ?You are not my teacher.? ¨C The girl said sternly. ¨C ?I don¡¯t need your praise. Just do the analysis of all the generals and the Empress. And stop flipping through your book five meters away as if we don¡¯t know each other. I will pay you for the service some way or another.?


    ?You won¡¯t pay me ¡°some way.¡± You will do exactly what I say.?


    The girl kept a meaningful silence. Kyon couldn¡¯t tell if it meant that she agreed with him. How should he cooperate with her? What if she was ungrateful?


    ?So be it, I¡¯lle up to you in five minutes.? ¨C Just as long as it would take him to finish reading. However, he easily could read and give her a distant at the same time.


    In the afternoon, Kyon moved to the seventh general. The once indifferentdy now looked with surprise. Her opinion about Kyon had changed.


    The girl fell out of her ordinary gloomy reality and appeared in the world of the mysterious, iprehensible weirdo. She had never met anyone who could make her see things from a different perspective. He seemed to know each wart on the general¡¯s body. He processed the information so effortlessly that it was impossible to assess the true depth of his mind. She could only guess how good he was.


    Thedy decided that he was an intellectual monster. Most likely, it was the reason for his self-confidence. How naive of him! In the world ruled by powerful people, the boy derived his confidence from his talent for operating and absorbing information. Was he serious? Why had no one told him the truth?


    The girl¡¯s attitude hadn¡¯t changed too much. Despite all his genius, he was just a smart, interesting boy. She wanted to knock him down a peg even more. However, her desire to kill him for his disrespect and looking her in the eyes had disappeared. She decided he was born like this, and it was useless to put him in his ce or punish him for the fact of his existence.


    All of a sudden, they heard footsteps behind the door. Two men in expensive clothes came into the library, a pale guy followed them. Kyon was surprised to recognize Tsayan.


    The three of them werepletely unaware of the news about Diana¡¯s new son because of their busy schedule. That¡¯s why they were so determined to find Kyon.


    ?Father! THAT¡¯S HIM! Kill him, now!? ¨C Tsayan yelled when he saw Kyon, his sworn enemy. A glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes, a boundless confidence that could shake the world. He wished the hated creature would get killed with all his heart. Now his powerful father would arrange everything. His disgrace at the party had wiped out his pride and dignitypletely. Moreover, he¡¯d lost a whole stage in development. Today the bastard would die like a dog!


    Tsayan had thanked his father on his knees for convincing everyone (not with the help of his connections) that the Stones were spreading dirty lies about what had happened to his son at their party. Nevertheless, Tsayan had to hide from the poisonous looks of those who knew the truth but were forced to pretend they didn¡¯t.

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    Kyon understood everything at once. Tsayan resembled one of the men with long hair. He must be his father Stephan, the grand elder Brown. As for the older man, he was apparently their guard, judging by his characteristic behavior.


    {Kyon didn¡¯t know what to do?} ¨C The gun couldn¡¯t hurt Stephan, who was in the middle of the noble phase. The elder was no less powerful than Kirsan who got away with an eye injury. There was no time to call the guards, either. Kyon could only count on his token and the girl in ck.


    ?Bastard! You¡¯re the reason that my grandson is confined to his bed, drooling all over the ce! Get over here!? ¨C The old man suddenly roared. He clenched his fists menacingly and headed towards Kyon. The air filled with an aura of unbridled power.


    ?Asshole! Damned scum! How dared you to discredit the great name of the Browns?! How dared you mess with my son?! I will tear you in pieces¡­? ¨C Stephan roared no less loudly and went to Kyon, his eyes bulged wide.


    Tsayan stood behind them with a broad smile, shaking with anticipation like a hungry dog waiting for someone to throw him a bone.


    Kyon was about to take out the token and the gun when he heard a voice that sent shivers down his spine.


    ?Get lost.?


    The three of the newers froze. Pressure and the icy-cold aura emanating from the beautiful girl in ck inspired terrible fear and promised a quick death.


    ?My name is Stephan. I am elder Brown of the second rank. Introduce yourself, youngdy.? ¨C Stephan muttered in a trembling voice, with marked respect.


    The girl did not even look up from her book.


    ?I don¡¯t care what your name is. I told you to get lost.?


    ?Yes, mydy. We¡¯ll just take him with us and leave at once¡­? ¨C The elder tried to grab Kyon by the sleeve as if he were an item of furniture or a lost thing.


    ~bang~


    An invisible because of its incredible speed blow pierced Stephan¡¯s chest. He flew at great speed right into the door and rolled head over heels downstairs, resembling rather a rag doll than a great elder.


    Tsayan and the old man quickly ran to the exit with cries of horror. A pale bodyguard, who had been waiting outside, was bending over the elder.


    ?Father! Father, are you alright?!? ¨C Tsayan asked when he ran out. He tried to examine Stephan¡¯s chest.


    The elder coughed dryly, roughly pushed his son away and rose to his full height under the stare of eighteen pairs of eyes. Then he calmly brushed the dust off his clothes.


    ?I don¡¯t know who this girl is, but we¡¯d better stay away from her.?


    Everyone could tell that the girl did not use all of her strength. She meant to hit to the door as if great elder Brown was a ball to score in the hole.


    The old man from the Romanov family cleared his throat and said:


    ?We cannot act recklessly. We¡¯ll have to wait until this scum is left alone or he leaves the attic. Then I will find out all the circumstances and pronounce the verdict.? ¨C Anger and hatred raged in his old heart. When he saw his paralyzed grandson, the old man wanted to tear to pieces the one who did this to his boy. And then he saw an undistinguished boy who could by no means be the terrible genius (the way the rumors had described him) who defeated his grandson Kaisen in three blows. He had to figure out what was going on.


    ¡­


    ?Phew¡­ Your fans are so jealous! They even tried to get rid of apetitor with a cleverly devised ruse. I admit, the attempt was good, but my clever student had seen through their scheme. Well done!? ¨C Kyon burst into the words of praise, stretchingzily.


    The girl looked at him like an idiot. ¨C ?Do you seriously think that I will buy it??


    ?Alright, alright! I¡¯m kidding, haha. I am popr in narrow circles, but let¡¯s not talk about them.?


    The boy had piqued her curiosity. Who could he have possibly given a hard time with pathetic development? And who did he leave bed-ridden?


    ?Let¡¯s forget this insignificant event at all.? ¨C Kyon added. He had his reasons to underestimate the timely help of the mysteriousdy.


    ?¡­? ¨C She said nothing.


    And Kyon enthusiastically continued with the lesson.


    ¡­


    A typical butler entered therge luxurious hall of the royal pce. He looked elegant and sophisticated with his magnificent mustache and in the ssic livery.


    The servant approached a young man of about eighteen. He was handsome, refined, inspiring confidence and respect. His ck hair was neatly arranged. His expensive clothes were dazzling with luxury and quality in detail.


    ?Prince Charles, Your Highness! We have the information about the whereabouts of the girl you are looking for.?


    ?My dear girl?! Where is she?? ¨C The prince perked up considerably at the news.


    ?In the royal library. Upstairs.? ¨C The butler replied stiffly.


    ?Is your information reliable??


    ?Beyond reliable. This source can be absolutely trusted. Shall I prepare the carriage and escort??


    ?Do, please.? ¨C The prince answered absentmindedly with a dreamy smile of a boy who is head over heels in love.


    When the butler took his leave, the expression on the prince¡¯s face changed dramatically. The fire burning in his firm and resolute eyes had nothing to do with a naive, childish love. He was impatient, excited before the imminent meeting and the uing conversation.


    Soon Charles got into the carriage and headed for the library in the central square apanied by the guards following him on the mounts.


    The white carriage with an intricate pattern and the emblem of the Grands inspired pride and respect for the royal person inside. Some passers-by bowed as soon as they saw it. The prince was more than an ordinary person, he represented the greatness of their kingdom. Michael¡¯s son Charles was the second most powerful student of Cernos. If Princess Kara ever abdicated the throne, Charles would be the great king of the Iron Throne.


    The prince was sitting in the empty carriage, resting his elbows on his knees, his fingers interlocked. A swarm of thoughts and different scenarios tormented his mind. The beautiful, elusive girl he never got a chance to meet was not some empty-headed stubborn chick. She was the leader of the killers guild in the Iron Throne, the owner of the most dangerous and powerful shadow organization in the kingdom. If given appropriate payment, they can take an order to kill almost any person in the kingdom, including the royals.


    The girl whose name he didn¡¯t know wasn¡¯t just a leader. She was the best of her kind, an unsurpassed genius with an extraordinary ability to get invisible and quickly eliminate the target.


    Once Charles saw her in action¡­ Since then, the beautiful stranger had always been on his mind, so graceful, deadly, and inessible. She had organized the exceptional guild by herself and was running the show. Thisdy was worthy of bing his beloved, but it wasn¡¯t his real goal.


    His primary task was to hire her to kill Kara, Queen da¡¯s only weakness. He understood long ago that these creatures who had enved his father came from the demon race, but he couldn¡¯t tell anyone about it. The Queen had long taken over the entire elite of the Grands. All the servants and executives were under her control. No one could be trusted, not even friends. Once they found out he knew who they were, and the prince would die or lose his mind in very like his father. Charles hated Kara and da with all his heart, but he was no less afraid of them. Every time he woke up in a cold sweat, knowing that it could be hisst night. The prince would dly spend all his savings to get a powerful imperial killer in the capital, but his every move, call or letter were monitored. He could only y the role of a narrow-minded narcissistic prince who was student number two of the best school. Thus, pretending to be head over heels in love, he pursued the killer girl who might make his dreame true.


    Charles started noticing it was getting easier to pretend before the servants and other Queen¡¯s puppets. He did not know himself where his affection ended and something more that began. Another meeting or two and he might want to marry the brilliant girl rather than punish the nasty demons.


    Today he was sure of sess as he had acquired something valuable. The girl would be ttered by his gift and spare him some of her precious time for an important conversation. She would heed his request.


    The carriage pulled up at the library, and the prince stepped out, proud and confident. Hundreds of eyes filled with adoration and respect followed the royal young man.


    Charles went inside, waving the guard to stay outside. He didn¡¯t need any witnesses. When the prince arrived at the top floor, he was rather annoyed and perplexed to find at the entrance a crowd of 21 people astonished to see him there (16 old-timers, 4 ill-wishers and 1 guard of the Grands).


    ?Your Highness Prince Charles, my respect¡­? ¨C Stephan bowed respectfully to the young prince. Tsayan and the others greeted His Highness appropriately as well.


    The descendants of direct blood groaned and pped their foreheads after a sudden insight. How could they forget the rumor that the prince was in love with the girl with icy-cold aura? It turned out they had been dealing with her! It was clear as day they had no chance. The prince would definitely marry her. At least they didn¡¯t waste their time: they had met ady worthy of the prince himself.


    The prince nodded casually at the greetings and walked inside. When he entered the reading hall, he saw a weakling sitting at the table with a dazzlingly beautiful girl, the reason for his motives, the goal he¡¯d been pursuing. His heart started beating faster.


    Their eyes met. He looked at her tenderly while she was cold as usual.

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    ?Sweetdy! Finally, I have found you!? ¨C The prince eximed with a smile, slowly heading towards his ¡°sweetheart.¡±


    ?I am no sweetdy for you. And don¡¯t you dare toe any closer, or you will greatly regret it. I¡¯m in no mood to deal with an asshole like you..?


    The prince stopped. Then heughed nervously. ¨C ?Mydy, it was a misunderstandingst time! My people are ¡­?


    ?Feeding the worms.? ¨C The girl in ck snapped. ¨C ?I¡¯m not interested in rtionships, especially with someone who once crossed my path. Get lost.?


    Herst meeting with Charles ended with two killed servants. The prince insisted on having dinner with her, but after her second no, his guards misinterpreted the gentleman¡¯s intentions and tried to seize the girl by force. As a result, she quickly ended the lives of the two nobles (4) with a sh to their throats. They did not even have time to react to the attack.


    The prince looked at the boy, who for some reason, was sitting at the same table with her, and ordered angrily:


    ?Don¡¯t bother the adults. Go to the rest of them in line.?


    Kyon red his nostrils in rage, but he didn¡¯t get to respond.


    ?Only two people will stay here. And there will be no princes among them.? ¨C She said through gritted teeth.


    Charles was taken aback. Why was she protecting this feeble boy? Is he her brother? No¡­ They are nothing alike.


    ?Please forget that misunderstanding! I sincerely regret that some of my servants can be too eager and misinterpret my wishes. They have already suffered their punishment. So let¡¯s talk in private, without any witnesses. It¡¯s really important!? ¨C There wasn¡¯t a hint of excitement or fear in the prince¡¯s voice before the girl who was many times more powerful than he was. He spoke clearly, nonchntly, carefully choosing his words.


    ?Didn¡¯t you hear me??


    The prince clenched his teeth. The dangerous aura of the beautiful girl aggravated the situation. Besides, it was so annoying that she was kicking him out, not this unknown descendant of direct blood. He did not dare to continue the empty talk with the best killer in the kingdom, so he decided to use thest bargaining chip.


    Charles took out a golden box and opened it. Inside there was a little fragrant blue ball of medicine. ¨C ?This is the breakthrough medicine, ¡°Lightning bolt.¡± Only the best alchemists in the empire can make it. Itsponents are extremely rare and valuable resources. It¡¯s too expensive for any family in the Iron Throne. Only the prince of the kingdom can afford it. I had been meaning to take it and break into the Lord phase in the near future. However, I am giving it to you to make up for the incident with my servants. Will you forgive me?? ¨C The prince asked with hope in his voice. He made an obvious hint.


    The girl in ck was burning with a desire to get this priceless pill.


    The prince was jubnt. Why was he so happy? He was going to give away invaluable medicine! However, if she liked his gift, her attitude towards him would improve. Then he could have dinner with her in Boston¡¯s most expensive restaurant and find out who she was, prove himself a gentleman. If everything went smoothly, he would order the murder of his half-sister Kara. It would also be worth trying to make her his along the way¡­


    Thedy rose from the table, reached out her elegant, delicate hand, and took the pill with her long white fingers. Judging by the aroma and energy density around it, the prince didn¡¯t lie, the medicine was really invaluable. Her eyes sparkled with greed. She ced the little ball in her ring and sat down graciously. Then she said calmly:


    ?I ept your apologies, Prince Charles.?


    The prince breathed a sigh of relief and headed toward her with a smile when all of a sudden a silver spark shed. He felt the edge of a curved dagger at his neck.


    ?Haven¡¯t you heard what I said? I will remind you as an exception. Only two people will stay here. And there will be no princes among them.?


    Kyon looked at the prince, then at the girl in shock. He was ready for anything but to see this cute little thorny con the prince out of the precious medicine and put a dagger to his neck! She was too dangerous and self-confident!


    Charles¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He was embarrassed as if she had poured a bucket of cold water on his head. She had disappointed all his expectations. The prince swallowed and made reflexively three steps back, away from the deadly dagger. ¨C ?But I gave you the breakthrough medicine that cost me an arm and a leg! Haven¡¯t you forgotten me for that misunderstanding? Aren¡¯t you grateful for this??


    The descendant of the Grands was annoying like a pesky fly buzzing around her ears.


    ?You said you wanted to apologize in this way. I have forgiven you. What do I have to be thankful for? If you step on my foot and apologize, should I say thank you for that? Or do you think that some little pill would make me warm and cuddly? Have you been already making ns to have dinner with me in the restaurant? I told you I am not interested in rtionships, especially not with you. But the stupid prince does not listen to me at all. Does he want to repeat the fate of his underdeveloped guards??


    Charles¡¯s face froze. Did this pretty hellcat put an equal sign between ¡°some little pill¡± and his apology for the death of his two arrogant servants at her own hands?! He made his intentions clear to get closer to her, but she simply ignored him! What a narcissistic egoist she was! Of course, she was the leader of the guild of killers, an unsurpassed genius, and just a cutie, but it didn¡¯t justify her unscrupulous ways!


    However, the prince didn¡¯t let any swear words roll off his tongue even if he had so much to say to this arrogantdy. He was no rival to her. His back was covered with cold sweat because of her murderous aura. The prince was about to blow a gasket. He felt like having been robbed! Only, he had given the ¡°wallet¡± himself, without saying a word.


    ?Y-you¡­ Your audacity is shocking¡­ Everyone would understand the reason behind this precious gift! I¡¯m not any dude you can meet on the street, I¡¯m the only prince Grand! And I always get my way!? ¨C Charles couldn¡¯t help it, after all.


    ~whoosh~


    A throwing knife flew out of nowhere through the air and left a slight scratch on the prince¡¯s ear. Charles staggered back two steps, clutching his ear. He was looking at the girl helplessly, desperately. He had never met anyone so unattainable, who would ignore his highest authority in the kingdom.


    ?Coniferous poison that got into your blood will kill you in twenty minutes if you do not take any measures. I advise you to to contact the royal physician for an antidote immediately.? ¨C The girl in ck said casually as if it was her everyday activity to poison the royalty. Then she sat back at the table.


    The prince¡¯s mouth opened and closed silently, which made him look like a fish thrown ashore. ?Y-y-y-you¡­? ¨C He began but didn¡¯t finish. The prince rushed to the door. He couldn¡¯t disregard the words of the best killer.


    If the girl couldugh, she would roar withughter now. The boy sitting next to her did it for her. He burst outughing so hard that he nearly fell from his chair.


    He gradually came to his senses, wiped away tears ofughter, and said:


    ?Coniferous poison! The biggest joke of the century! Only one thing can neutralize it, and its side effect is a three-week erection! Ha ha ha!? ¨C Kyon found it amusing that she had lied, and the prince had believed her, judging by the horror in his eyes. Lovr was delighted! He had never met a girl who was so much like him! She didn¡¯t miss a trick, just like he would never have done! She got her hands on the valuable medicine so carelessly and unscrupulously (an idea to give it back had never crossed her mind, it was something that only a stupid girl with the ¡°right¡± manners and upbringing would do). More than that, she had kicked the prince out under a false pretense that would cause the guy great awkward pain for three weeks!


    The girl was impressed with the boy¡¯s knowledge. Not everyone knew about the coniferous poison, and even more so about the side effect of the drug that neutralized it. However, her face became even colder when she asked Kyon quietly:


    ?Was it you who called him here?? ¨C If he answered ¡°yes,¡± he would pay the price.


    With sincere bewilderment on his face, Kyon asked a counter-question, still chuckling softly into his fist:


    ?Why should I??


    The beautiful dark-haireddy¡¯s face was cold and distant again. The prince irritated her with his perseverance. His announcement to the whole kingdom about her search had enraged her. She didn¡¯t kill him because it would send the entire Ministry of Public Order after her. She didn¡¯t want to get in trouble..


    ?Never mind. Let¡¯s start analyzing the Empress.? ¨C The girl said.


    Before the prince arrived, they had just finished discussing all the twelve generals. She was keen on getting more information. She needed to find out as much as possible about the Empress, her sworn enemy.


    Two elders and seventeen descendants of direct blood saw the pale prince running out of the library at great speed, his face contorted with a grimace of horror. Everyone froze in shock.


    ?What the heck?! Did the girl drive him away, too?!? ¨C Jeremy cried out.


    The boys¡¯ expectations were destroyed. They had decided that she was destined to be the bride of the prince. Who was Prince Charles Grand in the kingdom? He was number two in the younger generation and the king¡¯s son! However, the girl kicked even him out! They couldn¡¯t forget the wild fear in his eyes.


    ?Who does she think she is?! Why did she let the little brat sit next to her reading books? How could she kick the prince out?!? ¨C The beefy guy shouted in anger. He was full of indignation.


    None of those present could understand what was going on. Only one thing was clear. The girl was extremely dangerous, and obviously beyond their level. They¡¯d better stay away from her.

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    ?The Empress is one hundred and seventy years old, but she doesn¡¯t look more than twenty. Why? The book exins it by her powerful ninth phase. It¡¯s weird, though. Everybody gets old¡­? ¨C The girl in ck wondered.


    ?Starting from the advanced phase, the practitioners acquire a spiritual sense. With its help, they can control the connection of the soul with the body. They can lower or raise their development. This sense undergoes changes, starting from the imperial phase. The practitioners can constantly feel or scan everything that is happening around them. Besides, they can change the development inside the body or its certain parts without affecting the soul development. And only starting from the legendary iprehensible overlord phase (9), the spiritual sense increases so much that practitioners can control even micro-processes within the body. That¡¯s why they can keep the body young, but they need life energy for that. It affects the general life span, though. But lots of people wouldn¡¯t hesitate to sacrifice a few decades in exchange for a longer young age.? ¨C Kyon instructed her.


    In his understanding, there is no life energy. It just makes it easier to exin things. In fact, the overlords (9) can forcibly increase the body¡¯s metabolism with the help of the soul. As a result, all the processes get faster, the cells regenerate more often, and the body stays young. In this case, the telomeres (the sequences at the end of each chromosome that show the general level of organism vitality) shorten faster than usual, the cells eventually reach their division limit. The body eventually dies from sudden organ failure, although it will look young and beautiful until the very end.


    ?That is¡­ Empress Lanatelle is in the ninth phase of development?? ¨C The girl asked with subtle despair in her voice.


    ?I don¡¯t think so.?


    ?Then how does she manage to stay young??


    ?There are lots of different ways: artifacts, medicine, unique bodies¡­ There even exist enchanted things and formations that make you look young.? ¨C Kyon saw her silent question and decided not to keep the girl in suspense. ¨C ?We can¡¯t know the exact answer, but there is evidence that her unique body is of ¡°S¡± rank, and, most likely, it gives her a youthful look and prolongs her life.?


    ?Isn¡¯t she in the ninth phase? All the books tell the opposite.? ¨C She wanted to make it clear.


    Until recently, she had questioned Kyon¡¯s every statement. Now she believed each word he said. He confirmed his conclusions with logical analysis, anyway. She believed him much more than the text in the books. Kyon inspired trust with his knowledge and confidence in what he was saying. The girl was stunned because she had always been skeptical of what people said and double-checked dubious statements.


    ?You see, the Empress is much smarter than she seems at first nce¡­ I would have believed in her ninth phase myself if I hadn¡¯te across numerous intricate traps instead of the information that could prove the stage of her development. Someone clever will look for evidence instead of believing the given information without understanding. Until they get into the trap¡­ And then another one, a third, a tenth, and they will finally believe. The strongest people beware of her power. They will never arrange any futile attempts on her life. I found out the truth only because one trap out of a hundred was too suspicious. Taking into ount Lanatelle¡¯s intelligence, it couldn¡¯t have been any other way.?


    The girl seemed to rx a bit. ¨C ?Do you think she is smart? I don¡¯t. I consider her shortsighted. She will bepletely out of her mind before she is two hundred. Take her tyrannical, absurd and spine-chillingws for example. And the generals! Half of them have no talent at all. Couldn¡¯t she find any ingenious military strategists in the whole empire? It¡¯s ridiculous¡­?


    ?You greatly underestimate the Empress. She is so smart and cunning that even I, the great and terrible, have to make an effort to outy her with mind games.? ¨C Kyon actually meant it. Given the thousands of years of his experience in intellectual games, his words would sound very convincing, if the girl knew about his past life. Kyon¡¯s visionary ns would make him face this terrible woman sooner orter. He should be alert.


    The girl in ck made a tsking sound and shook her head at his exaggerated feeling of self-importance and stupidment. ¨C ?Change my mind.? ¨C She challenged him.


    Kyon smiled coldly and spoke in a mysterious voice:


    ?The one who rules the empire is obliged to look down on everyone and everything. They don¡¯t only govern, instruct, regte global economic processes and politics as a whole but also control the minds of their subjects and enemies. Lanatelle does a great job. People see her as an authoritative ruler whose power is unlimited. She is a despot whosews make everyone tremble. She is cruel and bloodthirsty, ruthless andposed, categorical and authoritative. One order from her, and anyone can be executed in the central square because of a wrong look or a slip of the tongue. No rank or higher position can save from terrible imminent death. A minor mistake in the letter killed Gritsin, the respected the Deputy Minister of Finance in Rosarrio. The imperial informants wake up in a cold sweat and turn gray in a couple of days in fear to misinterpret the information they get from spies or other sources. If the tyrant has granted an audience to someone, they will spare no efforts or resources to fulfill her orders. Some of them willmit suicide or flee the empire to save their skin if they realize that they fall short of her expectations. This woman inspires primal fear. Everyone is afraid of her, her people as well as enemies. Her attempt to control the minds has been sessful. More than that, she never pretends to be who she isn¡¯t¡­ She is who she is.?


    The girl looked down, clenching her fists under the table.


    ?I only mentioned the examples of how she intimidates others. Let me give you another one¡­ Almost every Rosarryan considers the first general an incredible hero. He is smart and valiant. All the information that says the opposite gets destroyed¡­?


    The girl frowned thoughtfully.


    ?However, you can find a book by a little-known author in the elite library that reveals what a tyrant the general really is. He is no hero or brilliantmander. He is a mediocre strategist with average skills. It turns out the information is not totally controlled. Someone must have left a little hint for those who seek to find. Of course, it¡¯s a trap. But there¡¯s more¡­ The book conceals another truth: the general acts in the interests of his family. It only confirms that the Empress is inept andcks the intelligence to govern, therefore, it¡¯s best to keep your expectations low. Say, she is strong, powerful and terrible but not as smart as a ruler. People underestimate her but fear her power at the same time.?


    The girl listened carefully to Kyon. She had a bad feeling when she saw his ck eyes sparkle like storm clouds.


    ?¡­And only the smartest, a handful in the big world will realize that the three misleading traps call to underestimate Lanatelle¡¯s intelligence. Those who see the truth understand how dangerous she is. They will stay away from this insidious woman.?


    ?If Richard were a worthless general, everyone would understand what the hell it¡¯s all about. But he isn¡¯t so bad, he¡¯s just unacquainted with intricacies of military maneuver. The Empress seem to be more interested in loyal and strong people than gifted and willful ones. That¡¯s the opinion she had created of herself in the eyes of her enemies. That¡¯s who the Empress of Rozzario is.? ¨C Kyon finished the tirade looking at the girl¡¯s lips slightly open from shock. He had achieved his goal. He epted the challenge and was victorious! He impressed the unattainable, eternally cold and distantdy. It felt nice.


    ?She¡­ She is very dangerous.? ¨C The girl in ck said with bated breath. ¨C ?Is there any more evidence of her intelligence?? ¨C She asked, anxious to hear a negative answer.


    ?There are many traps and schemes that help her instill in mind anything she wants. However, controlling the opinions of her enemies is one thing, but what about her servants? She can¡¯t control everything by herself. And it¡¯s time for the most striking example: the zeroth general.?


    Her beautiful eyes framed by thick eyshes opened wide in amazement. ¨C ?But¡­ Aren¡¯t there twelve generals?..?


    ?There aren¡¯t. Though¡­ There seem to be. I called him the zeroth general because it sounds nice. He is more authoritative than all the other generalsbined. In fact, he has nothing to do with military affairs. He is the secret ruler of the capital, a dark, unknown person who has a professional army of assassins under hismand. They can easily crush the army of any other general in a minimum of time with minimal loss. Would you like to learn more?? ¨C Kyon asked, testing the waters.


    ?Yes¡­ Go on.? ¨C The girl nodded. She couldn¡¯t conceal the spark of interest in her eyes.


    ?I guess he is damn smart but inferior in intelligence to the Empress, otherwise she would not have appointed him to this responsible position. If a servant is smarter than the master, no good will evere out of it. She understands it perfectly well.?


    ?Are you sure that he exists? Why??


    ?Only those who have studied the history of Rosarrio all their lives can see the gaps or missed puzzles pieces. After studying all the books in the library and I can see what others don¡¯t. I can give you an example of his existence: ten years ago, there existed the Weber family in Dantes, the capital of the empire. They held the first position in the ranking as the most powerful family.?


    (AC: Let me remind you that the human race has seven empires, eachprising a certain number of kingdoms with the imperial capital where the imperial elite is concentrated. Dantes (0) is the capital of Rosarrio. The Webers took the first ce right after the royal family of the Russells (0). This pattern is repeated in the kingdom of the Iron Throne (5) with the Stones (1) and the Grands (0).)


    The girl held her breath, her face frozen and serious.


    ?¡­A powerful and most influential family. Everyone respected them. The Webers had extensive contacts, especially with neighboring empires. And all of a sudden, one lovely evening, the Empress gave a cold-blooded order to destroy the Webers up the ninth degree rtives. They cut out all family members with no exception. No one was spared: the children as well as the elderly, even those who had married to other families. It was a bloody purge of all those who had a direct or indirect rtion to the name Weber, a tragedy worthy of imperial mourning. People were shocked. No one could understand what was happening. The families with Weber descendants who lived under different names were outraged. Why did they have to fall victims? It wasplete chaos¡­?


    ?Remarkably, the Webers possessed tremendous power, and yet they were exterminated in one evening. Any general, and even three at once, would need at least a week toplete this operation! But the Webers disappeared over the evening. It was the powerful army led by the zeroth general, secret army carefully hidden from everyone.?


    ?The response of the government was not long ining. The very next day, the reason was announced: the Weber family was used of treason. They had handed over the secret imperial information as well as a valuable heirloom to the enemy. But the fire of chaos kept burning. People demanded the name of the person who had brought forth the evidence. The empress revealed the person who turned out to be a brainwashed scapegoat. Those who were smart enough quickly understood what was going on but said nothing afraid of being killed. They hid the information in the books that I found in this library. It¡¯s incredible, but Empress Lanatelle, who had no respect for other people¡¯s lives, defended her servant, which proved how valuable he was to her. There is no doubt, he is the zeroth general, the secret ruler of Dantes, the imperial city, who leads the powerful secret army.? ¨C Kyon said enthusiastically and froze. ¨C ?Why are you crying??


    The girl¡¯s face turned darker than the storm clouds, silver tears ran down her cheeks. The whole library filled with an aura of primal hatred that killed any desire to exist.


    Kyon¡¯s heart stopped beating. The sixth sense warned he was in perilous danger. Now it became clear why the girl had been studying the history of the imperial family. He saw in his imagination the girl leaving with her grandfather or someone else abroad, avoiding the bloody massacre. She had been hiding from dangerous people until today. She had grown and yearned to make the zeroth general and Empress pay for the death of her parents. Kyon had touched the most painful string in her soul. More than that, he revealed something that no one should know. He carelessly stepped on an unexpected mine, beingpletely lost in his desire to impress the beautifuldy.


    Kyon realized that he knew too much, and she was going to eliminate him. ¨C {Fuck!} ¨C He quietly climbed off his chair and backed to the door.

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    The girl slowly rose from her seat like a ghost and looked murderously at the retreating guy. Her eyes burned with a blue me, the embodiment of pure hatred, despair, and sorrow. She was mortally beautiful.


    Kyon cursed to himself. He took out his diamond token and began to feverishly wipe it from nonexistent dust, making it seem like ¡°Come on, what¡¯s the big deal!¡± He could only hope the dangerousdy was a kind-hearted one.


    Contrary to his expectations, the girl instantly appeared by his side. Her speed was no match for his. She was holding a curved dagger in her hand. Just one movement and his head would say goodbye to his body.


    She looked at the frightened boy and his diamond token. The little brat understood what was going on and didn¡¯t want to die¡­ Her uncle had taught her never to hesitate, to act quickly and for sure. And even more so, never to tell anyone the story of her past. But the hand couldn¡¯t make the fatal movement. Why? Because he was a Stone of the first rank? Hardly. Because of his help? No. Because he was eager to live? No way¡­ Most likely, she just liked him.


    A shadow shed in front of Kyon. It was too early to say goodbye to his life. The girl was already standing with her back to him at the far window, looking at the central square. Her presence cast darkness and misery.


    {Alive¡­ Phew¡­} ¨C Kyon was relieved when suddenly he noticed the ring on his finger was missing. ¨C ?Uhm¡­ Where is my ring?!? ¨C He looked at the girl and figured it out at once. ¨C ?You stole my ring! Give it back! Now!?


    There were lots of valuable things inside: 1.8 million spheres, his pistol with cartridges, the ring that belonged to the 6th brother of the robbers, diverse unique body pills, poisons! She could as well cut off his head, dirty thief!


    ?Talk to me! Give me the ring, thief!? ¨C Kyon yelled furiously and quickly headed for the girl. A wave of righteous anger swept over him. He had never been robbed. Even ingenious scammers used to screw up. And she just came and took away all his umted possessions! More than that, she nearly killed him over nothing! What a savage! He desperately needed money to climb the hierarchy of power.


    Kyon approached the girl and tried to grab her hand and unfold it when he felt the sharp de of the dagger at his throat.


    ?Do not dare to touch me, or I will open your throat next time.? ¨C Her voice sounded light like a whisper of wind.


    Kyon blushed with anger and helplessness. He stepped back. Some blood oozed from the scratch on his neck. ¨C ?You¡­ I have done so much for you! I wasted the whole day! But you robbed me like a dirty b¡­? ¨C He did not dare to finish the sentence. The killer looked fiercely straight into his eyes. It was too dangerous. She could always change her mind, and then goodbye, cruel world.


    The brazen boy enraged her. He wasn¡¯t like the rest who appreciated every moment spent with her. However, she had his ring. She would most likely have killed him if she hadn¡¯t the ring aspensation. It made her feel calmer. His anger was so amusing. Perhaps, she would leave him be. Her uncle was usually right, but she wanted to make an exception to the rule.


    ?The contents of your ring is the price for saving you from two elders and their son.? ¨C The girl said firmly.


    ?Seriously?! Do you mean it, b¡­?! Ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Kyonughed evilly. What a bitch! She didn¡¯t forget the incident and made it equal to his ring! ¨C ?I had everything under my control! Besides, you owe me for tuition! I provided you with invaluable information, and you robbed me!? ¨C Kyon was outraged. ¨C ?Give me the ring back and we are even. Deal?? ¨C Kyon suggested. The girl didn¡¯t know the value of the contents in the ring. What if he could go off cheap?


    The girl in ck rolled her eyes. ¨C ?Three aggressive men, as well as their guard, are waiting for you behind the door. I will pay for your tuition, protecting you from them until you leave the library.?


    ?Are you nuts?! I have my own guards outside!?


    ?The two wimps at the beginning of the noble¡¯s phase? Don¡¯t make meugh.?


    Kyon snarled:


    ?I¡¯m Kyon Stone, the patriarch¡¯s grandson! One call to grandfather and everyone here will stand on all fours. I don¡¯t need your help! Give me the ring back.?


    He told her his name, and for some reason, she had never heard of it before. She snorted with disdain. ¨C ?I¡¯d hate to upset you, boy. But your grandfather won¡¯t have time toe here. As soon as you pick up the sound transmitter, I will kindly leave the library. And the trio outside will be happy to tear you and your lousy guards to pieces.? ¨C There was confidence and threat in her voice.


    Kyon is speechless. She was ckmailing him! Indeed, his two guards wouldn¡¯t help him against the aggressive trio. Besides, he had lost his gun. Bai would have no time to send more guards. The girl would already be gone. He had no choice. He had to ept the conditions of the cunning bitch. Her wit fascinated him. At the same time, he was eager to spank her beautiful tight bottom.


    How ironic! Kyon felt sorry for the poor robbed prince, now that he was walking in his shoes. She had deftly wrapped him around her finger, and for a good reason. Now his invaluable ring belonged to her.


    Kyon took a deep breath to calm down. If the girl wasn¡¯t a charming nymph, he would not have reacted so violently. In his subconscious, her high physical value turned any interaction with her into something unreasonably important. His emotions were aggravated, he experienced more acute sensations of his mistakes and victories. The moment of weakness for the beautiful had taken its toll on him.


    ?Fine, you win.? ¨C Kyon said humbly. He had to stop in time. The lost ring of nothingpared to his future achievements. ¨C ?But we must meet again. It¡¯s really important. And it¡¯s about going out with you.?


    The girl gracefully untied her ponytail. Gorgeous thick ck hair fell on her slender shoulders. ¨C ?I¡¯d rather not¡­?


    Kyon¡¯s eye twitched. He took a piece of paper and wrote the frequency of his sound transmitter (no one in their right mind would carry it in the spatial ring, it was soundproof) and handed it to the girl. ¨C ?Call me in a couple of days¡­ In the evening. You won¡¯t regret it. I mean it. I am the patriarch¡¯s grandson. It¡¯s an extremely important matter.? ¨C Kyon said confidently.


    The girl grabbed the note, defiantly crumpled it and threw it away. ¨C ?As I told you before, our interaction is over. From now on, we have nothing inmon. Forget me like a pleasant dream.?


    ?Rather unpleasant! Alright, you¡¯re no fool. You will remember my frequency by ear.? ¨C Kyon said his frequency loudly and slowly. The pig-headed girl must call him. Was it just a waste of time? He must reap at least some benefit from his hard work.


    ?Idiot!? ¨C She said, grabbed his by the sleeve and pulled him out.


    Everything blurred in Kyon¡¯s eyes as if he had entered the astral world. ¨C {Invisibility!} ¨C He had never read about a concealment technique that could spread to another person just by contact with the clothes. It must be of ¡°A¡± rank, no less.


    There were no sounds of their footsteps. Inside the ¡°astral¡± area, they sounded muffled. The same situation is observed with electromaic waves. When they left the library, they went through a crowd of people. The two elders in the fourth phase of development didn¡¯t seem to notice them. Impressive! An awesome concealment technique. It could be even of ¡°S¡± rank¡­


    Kyon asked her when they were going downstairs:


    ?What¡¯s your name??


    But the mysteriousdy kept silent.


    Outside the building, the girl whispered softly:


    ?Goodbye forever.? ¨C And let go of his wrist.


    Kyon took a look at her, but she was already gone. A cold spike pierced his heart for a fraction of a second.


    {Bitch¡­} ¨C Kyon thought bitterly when he recalled the old saying: ¡°Don¡¯t put all your eggs in one basket.¡± He lifted a grim self-deprecating smile. He should have kept in his underwear! For some futile self-confident reason, he was sure that no thief in the world would be nimble enough to snatch a ring from him. He couldn¡¯t have been more wrong. It would never happen again.


    ¡­


    The girl in ck had received exhaustive information about the Empress and the generals. She had found out all those involved in the extermination of her family, and learned what level she must achieve to shed the hateful blood without consequences. Also, she understood who she was dealing with. Lanatelle¡¯s intelligence was higher than she had expected. The zeroth general was only a little inferior to her. Otherwise, the Empress wouldn¡¯t have stood up for him. Anyway, her unique body of concealment and assassination skills left only one opponent, and it was the Empress of Rosarrio. The rest would never feel her.


    The girl in ck returned to her room in the upscale Boston hotel, took a refreshing shower, wrapped herself in a soft towel and looked with curiosity at the shiny ring she had stolen from the weird boy. A Stone of the first rank would certainly please her with the contents of his spatial ring.


    First of all, the girl took out all the leather bags, because it is in them that they usually stored the most valuable things. She found a bunch of different balls in one of them. Judging by the smell, those were enzymes and medicine. There were three pills in another bag. One of them was exactly like the pill the prince had given to her (it was also blue, and even the energy density was the same.) The other two pills mesmerized with their beauty. They were made in a sophisticated, elegant way. One of them was ck with glossy scales. It looked ancient. The other was glowing red, cracked like a real lump of magma, but it wasn¡¯t hot at all. The energy inside both pills was mind-blowing! The density was so high that Charles¡¯s pill was no match for them. They must be tremendously valuable! Unfortunately, there were no instructions attached to them. She had no chance of selling them. What a shame! The beautifuldy was vexed. But as soon as she peeked into the next bag, her grief was gone. She found a fortune of almost two million spheres!


    {Wow¡­ So much!} ¨C Thedy didn¡¯t expect to hit the jackpot. It was a lot of money! Even for the patriarch¡¯s grandson¡­ What idiot would carry such a fortune in the ring? Exactly, the weird boy. In was totally his style to pull a stunt like this. The girl pressed money to her chest, rejoicing at meeting the smart weird boy. Fate favored her.


    However, ring scanning showed lots of other wonders. How interesting¡­


    The girl began to take out one thing after another andy them out on the floor: food, a pen, paper with drawings, a device for checking the key purity, a couple of strange mechanisms, and a patterned silver thing with an elongated muzzle¡­ There were also lots of little metal cylinders, a beautiful long sword (precious but unfortunately registered!) as well as throwing knives and needles, sharp tools, sks with a thick, almost odorless liquid. She tried a couple of drops with her tongue and understood those were poisons. It¡¯s odd. Why would he need them? Who was he going to poison? The perplexed girl looked at the duct tape and a long rope when she suddenly took something wet, wrapped in rags.


    The girl unwrapped it unwound dropped at once. She stepped back a few steps, her eyes opened wide. Inside the ring, there was a man¡¯s severed head, disfigured beyond recognition!


    {Who the hell is he?!} ¨C The girl in ck felt uneasy. She recalled the day when the boy was engrossed in the book ¡°Legendary Serial Maniacs.¡± Then she remembered his abnormal behavior, no fear of her, as well as of the two yelling elders who had broken into the library. One of them was screaming about his paralyzed drooling grandson. The secondined that Kyon had messed with his son!


    A chill ran down her spine. The girl did not suspect that she was dealing with a cruel, cold-blooded maniac. Apparently, he bound his victims, tortures him to death, and then cut off their heads¡­ How creepy!


    {Gods¡­ He is insane! I knew it!} ¨C She probably should have killed him when he found out the truth about her origin. He was a psychopath! Appearance is deceiving, after all. The delicious treat turned out to be rotten inside.


    The girl decided to stop examining the ring, although there were all sorts of little things inside.

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    It waste in the evening.


    Kyon returned to the central zone of the Stone family, entered the elite residential building, came to a certain room, and knocked on the door.


    A massive fat guy let him in: ¨C ?Gods, Kyon! You scared me!?


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Kyon looked confused.


    ?I thought it was Cornelia.? ¨C XiaoBai answered, scared.


    Kyon shook his head, firmly shook his brother¡¯s big hand and asked cunningly: ?Did you get the money??


    ?I did!? ¨C The fat guy said with a smile. His eyes sparkled when he held out a little bag. ¨C ?Your fifty thousand. Half of the money I received from the prince for the information. How did you find the elusive girl?!?


    ?I got lucky.? ¨C Kyon answered modestly, taking the money. Fifty thousand isn¡¯t much, but it¡¯s better than nothing. Now he had only money, the diamond token, and sound transmitters left. The insolent, unceremonious theft made him think of ways to protect his spatial ring in the future. His extensive knowledge gave him a hint to acquire impermeable scan proof fabric. He would wrap it around the ring and hide it under the artificial skin.


    ?I envy your luck! I don¡¯t have any, especially with my sister. She doesn¡¯t want to pay back her debt. Can you imagine?! I have to find a way to make her get the money from grandpa and stop her evil habit to bug me for more¡­?


    Kyon coughed dryly. ¨C ?You should be harder on her. She¡¯s out of control, you know.? ¨C Kyon said, recalling the day when Juno put on her most pitiful face, and her grandfather pped him in the face. She was gloating then, bitch.


    ?You know what I am talking about!? ¨C Xiao Bai eximed, patting his brother on the back. They talked a little more, and Kyon said goodbye to the fat guy. He phoned his mother Diana, who worked as the head of the ntation, and asked her to get him pills of enzymes that he needed for his body development. He usually took three daily doses (pills) every day, something that others can¡¯t even dream of. But they had been stolen together with the ring.


    Fifteen minutester, a servant came to his room and brought in a ring, as well as a message from Bai. It said Kyon shoulde to his office as soon as possible. Kyon left his room with a pensive face and entered the central building¡­


    ¡­


    Stephan, Tsayan and Kaizen¡¯s father quickly discovered the absence of the little jerk and the girl in the library. They left and parted ways, frustrated. Then one of them had a brilliant idea. It was easier to bribe the Stones to get to Kyon than waste time searching for him. The boy was of the third rank, his parents were killed on a mission (the Browns overheard the conversation at the party and reported to the elders). So, Kyon was a helpless orphan. The Stones had an informer who upied a high post. The Browns had used his service more than once. If offered a nice sum of money, the informant would dly gift-wrapper Kyon and hand him on a silver tter. Then the Browns would decide his future fate.


    The father, the son, and their guard contacted the informer at once and agreed to meet him on the Stone territory. They were weed as dear guests. However, when the neers entered the luxurious central part, they had a bad feeling about it. The meetings were usually held in a secluded ce.


    The guests calmed down a bit after they met the informer. The man led them to the central headquarters and sent them straight to the main office, which shocked them beyond words. They could not show aggression or try to escape. The building was teeming with guards. Stefan had toe up with an ostensible logical tall tale on the way to the main office.


    In the office, they found the elderly head of the family. The whole appearance of the patriarch inspired respect. Stephan got down to business right away.


    It was strange indeed to offer Bai money for one of the Stones. Only a rotten person would sell a family member for one hundred thousand. On the other hand, there were at least two reasons to expect sess. Firstly, the position of the Stone family was deplorable. They needed one hundred thousand. Secondly, the tall tale they had made up for the old man implied a reasonable, altruistic motive. Say, Kyon must publicly apologize for his dirty lies about his victory over Tsayan. It would also give the Stones a little honor. Besides, the kid woulde back safe and sound! The Browns could hardly hold backughter at their brazen deceit.


    They were proud of their nice honorable offer: they promise not to cripple the boy, restore damaged family honor, and give a hundred thousand to boot! The patriarch must agree to that!


    Of course, the boy wouldn¡¯t live. They would make up another story, for example, he died of fear, or crushed under the weight of guilt, or they might even ignore it and say nothing at all. It didn¡¯t matter. Bai would do nothing, anyway. His pathetic family was an old sick tiger whose life was hanging by a thread. No one respected them. They could hold a grudge till thest of them died. The old patriarch Stone meant nothing to the Browns.


    The patriarch kindly listened to their tempting offer. He responded surprisingly with humor,ughter and understanding. He even offered the Browns a cup of tea to pass away the time while the servants brought in Kyon to make a deal.


    What a greedy, naive idiot! The elders and Tsayan had expected anything from Bai but handing his family member over to the enemies? What a rotten bastard! The Browns rejoiced inwardly and at the same time, they despised the patriarch. He was a pathetic loser for them, whose destiny was to rot away.


    The boy entered the patriarch¡¯s office.


    ?It¡¯s him! We¡¯ve been looking for him, ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Stephanughed with a malicious look in his eyes. ¨C ?It was wise of you to hand us the boy, Patriarch! You will restore your family honor and add a hundred thousand to the treasury after he apologizes!?


    Tsayan pped his hands with a broad smile on his face. He looked at Kyon and saw his dead body. He was trembling with impatience to thrust something pointed into the flesh of his sworn enemy. His father was a saint! He had made his son¡¯s dreame true!


    Kyon looked at the guests and narrowed his eyes at Bai. A question was written all over his face.


    ?Ha-ha-ha¡­? ¨C Baiughed hoarsely in aposed, dignified manner, as if he had heard an interesting joke for the first time in many years. ¨C ?Give me the money, and the deal is closed.?


    Stephan dly handed over the bag with money and shook the patriarch¡¯s hand. ¨C ?It¡¯s been a pleasure working with you, Bai the Great!? ¨C With a happy smile, he headed toward Kyon to grab him. Tsayan followed along with impatience to get him when two powerful, tall guards appeared near the desired target, protecting the boy.


    Stephan stopped. He turned to the patriarch with a frown on his face. ¨C ?What¡¯s the matter, Mr. Bai? You aren¡¯t taking your words back, are you?..?


    Baiughed hoarsely. He sounded old. ¨C ?Dear guests, do you really think you can buy the life of my grandson for miserable hundred thousand of spheres? You think I am so stupid and naive. Don¡¯t be so sure.?


    ?Your grandson?! Ha-ha-ha! I get it. You¡¯re kidding! Very funny, Mr. Bai. You got me good. A greenhorn in the first phase of development, who ruined the honor of the Stone family can¡¯t be grandson. Nice joke¡­? ¨C Stephan turned to Kyon with a smile on his face, but the guard didn¡¯t move. His smile froze and faded.


    ?This prank has gone too far, Mr. Bai!? ¨C Stephan expressed his concern after a pause.


    ?Show them your token, grandson.? ¨C Bai asked kindly.


    Kyon took out his diamond token and showed it to the father and son, who werepletely shocked. They gasped for air. The little jerk was the patriarch¡¯s grandson?! Was he fooling everyone at the party wearing a token of the 3rd-rank and talking about his parents¡¯ death? No¡­ Stephan got it at once, the Stones adopted the genius boy. The absence of his parents just proved it.


    ?It¡¯s impossible! I saw your token at the tournament! It was of the third rank, scum! A dirty liar in the first phase!? ¨C Tsayan yelled, pointing his finger at Kyon.


    Kyon made a tsking sound. ¨C ?How dare you insult the patriarch¡¯s grandson? Are you trying to get yourself killed, buddy¡­ By the way, why are you so afraid of me? Stop trembling like a sick dog.?


    ?YOU!? ¨C Tsayan barked.


    Stephan pped his son upside the head and stared at Bai fiercely. ¨C ?We just wanted a public apology for his tant lie to restore the honor of the Stone family. We had even offered you the ransom! However, you have deceived us! You don¡¯t give a shit about the Browns¡¯ good intentions! Give the money back at once, or the whole kingdom will know about your dirty trick! Everyone will hate you!?


    Bai grinned. ¨C ?Good intentions? Oh well, sooner the moon will fall from heaven than the Browns will show good will to the Stones! Unlike you, the patriarch of the Stone family never fools friends or enemies. I haveplied with the terms of our deal. Kyon is here. You can take him away.?


    Stefan turned to the guard, and then to the patriarch again. ¨C ?Are you messing with me?!? ¨C He was almost foaming at the mouth. ¨C ?The guards are protecting him! We can¡¯t take him away without a fight! You promised¡­?


    Bai interrupted him:


    ?I promise to put him at your disposal, not to tie him up and throw at your feet.?


    Stephan and Tsayan turned red with anger. It was outrageous! The patriarch was openly taunting them! He had deceived them for one hundred thousand spheres! It was a lot of money, even for an elder!


    Bai added:


    ?But I am a generous soul. Guards! Protect my grandson only from Stephan and his guard. If Tsayan tries to take the boy, dead or alive, don¡¯t interfere.? ¨C Bai gave the guests an icy look. ¨C ?I allow a peer to take my boy away. No one from the older generation with an unjustified advantage in strength will ever touch him. It¡¯s only fair, in my opinion.?


    Stephan was speechless. ¨C ?Are you serious¡­?


    Bai nodded. ¨C ?Unlike the Browns, I never make empty promises. I swear by the honor of the Stone family and my life that neither my people nor I will keep Tsayan from seizing Kyon.? ¨C He gave a signal to the guards to confirm his words.


    The two guards stepped away from Kyon and stood beside the elder and his guard, ready to get in their way if they headed to the patriarch¡¯s grandson.


    Stephan looked at his frightened son, who was shaking his head almost imperceptibly. His eyes begged his father not to agree.


    ?What are you waiting for?? ¨C Bai asked with a mocking smile. Kyon¡¯s gun in the ring gave him confidence. ¨C ?Cat got your tongue? I have things to do. Or maybe you lied? Maybe Tsayan really lost to Kyon at the party, and the Stones¡¯ lies are only a figment of the Browns¡¯ imagination?!?


    The father and the son looked like two stone idols.


    ?Go and get him¡­? ¨C Stephan finally hissed. His face turned red face with shame and humiliation. He stared menacingly at his son. His eyes burned like coals in the fire.


    ?Fa-a-ather¡­? ¨C The boy¡¯s voice was trembling. His father had never pushed him so hard, he had never looked so strict and demanding. He was ready to tear his son. If Tsayan screwed up, his father would renounce him at once.


    He tried to take a step forward, but his legs wouldn¡¯t obey him. Tsayan looked at Kyon, a flicker of fear crossed his face. A little puppy must feel the same standing in front of a huge lion.


    Bai saw Tsayan hesitate and said slowly, savoring every word like his favorite treat. ¨C ?I¡¯ve been wondering why it was you who barked the loudest, Stephan. It turns out that the father was trying to defend the honor and dignity of his spineless offspring. Small wonder. The naked kid had crapped himself in front of the golden youth! If I were you, I would die of shame. Oh well, the Browns have no shame or conscience. How could I forget¡­ Maybe your child is going to prove the opposite? No? Doesn¡¯t an advantage in the whole phase give him any confidence? Why is he looking at my grandson like a sheep at the wolf? Ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!?


    ?TAKE HIM!? ¨C Stephan barked at his son.


    Tsayan swallowed, took two uncertain steps in the direction of Kyon and froze. His face was as pale as a sheet of paper. He was shaking with fear and despair. The difference in their development was 13 stages at the party. Now it was only 10! He had no chance even to touch Kyon. His father had pinned high hopes on him¡­ Vain hopes¡­ The hateful adversary was about to get an instant victory, and he was about to dishonor the Browns. But¡­ But¡­ But¡­


    Tsayan rolled his eyes. He copsed on the floor, unconscious. Saliva foamed at his mouth. He wentpletely nk. He was on the verge of losing his mind.


    Stephan looked at Tsayan as if he was a mistake of nature. In his heart, he had already lost his youngest son. Irrevocably. His face twisted with burning grief and humiliation.


    Kyon told the guards in an icy cold voice. ¨C ?Throw these dogs out.?


    ?I¡¯ll do it MYSELF!? ¨C Stephan barked, grabbed his son by the cor, threw him on his shoulder and quickly left the Stone¡¯s territory,menting all the way. How could he know that Bai was aware of what had happened at the party and put his face in Kyon. The little bastard was now the patriarch¡¯s grandson! It was a bad joke, and it wasn¡¯t funny at all¡­ He had never felt such shame and self-loathing.


    Baiughed heartily. He hadn¡¯t been so happy in a long time! Stephan, great elder Brown had been morally destroyed, wasn¡¯t it wonderful? The best way to end a great day!


    The patriarch came up to Kyon andid his broad palm on his shoulder. ¨C ?My boy, sooner orter, all the geniuses find enemies among the envious and the humiliated. You are no exception. Only a powerful defence will help you be yourself and reach your full potential. Don¡¯t worry. You can always rely on my protection.?


    ?Thank you, grandpa.? ¨C Kyon said with a confused expression on his face. He was still a bit perplexed. Bai turned out to be a sly fox! In his youth, he must have been a notorious swindler, he would have left XiaoBai far behind.


    ?Don¡¯t lose your head, though. I¡¯m your grandfather, but don¡¯t expect any special treatment. And don¡¯t you dare to touch Juno! If you ever make her cry again, I will beat you to a pulp.? ¨C Bai sternly warned Kyon.


    Kyon nodded. Well, henceforth, he would hurt his ve more carefully.


    ?By the way¡­ Did you kill Kirsan?? ¨C The patriarch asked, his eyes hard as flint.


    Kyon sighed guiltily. ¨C ?When I left your office, I identally noticed him following me¡­ I had asked Juno to provide me with secret guards, which I did not regret, otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t have a grandson.?


    Bai looked Kyon in the eyes and said nothing. His mind approved of his grandson¡¯s actions, but in his heart, there was a really unpleasant feeling. It was a serious crime to kill family members, especially family members of second rank. However, the boy was defending himself. That¡¯s why the patriarch decided not to say anything, hoping that it would never happen again. The Stones were Kyon¡¯s kin, after all.


    ?Alright, never mind. By the way, the money is yours, all of it. They paid for your life, as such.? ¨C Bai said, pointing to the leather bag on the table.


    ?Aren¡¯t you afraid that they will spread rumors about the brazen robbery??


    Bai pointed to a little ball hidden between books on the top shelf. ¨C ?That formation records image and sound around the clock. If only they dare to yap, I will be d to crush their morale.?


    Kyon was greatly surprised. He had underestimated Bai again. The old man had everything covered! The patriarch turned out to be even more cunning than he seemed at their first meeting.


    Kyon dly epted the money and talked with Bai about the uing tournament. The old man named the date of the trials and told him toe and take part in them. He adamantly refused to enroll Kyon in the tournament and skip the trials. Then they said goodbye.


    Kyon left the patriarch¡¯s office in a good mood. He came, looked at the clowns, and earned a hundred thousand almost in a minute. XiaoBai would envy him bittery¡­


    Moreover, those two idiots had given him two turns of the core of darkness! It makes four together with the jealous boys from the library. Pretty good yield.

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    The day was drawing to a close.


    Kyon had some time on his hands. He dialed Stephanie¡¯s frequency on his sound transmitter.


    ?You finally called!? ¨C She eximed with joy.


    ?Come to the second hall of the elite training building.? ¨C Kyon answered shortly and ended the call.


    Five minutester, Kyon was in the elite training building. It was equipped to match the highest standards: armored walls, high-quality lighting behind strong ss, a variety of sound proof barriers, spatial vibrations, and much more. The golden youth spend most of their free time here. And only the highest ranks of the family are allowed to have their own premises. Kyon was in one of them right now.


    An elegant, pretty girl in a ¡°look-at-me¡± short skirt entered the hall. Her full lips flickered invitingly, her eyebrows were delicately shaped, her boobs beckoned from under her tight-fitting T-shirt¡­ In short, any macho would lose his head and get tempted in a split second. When she saw Kyon, the girl batted her thick ck eyshes flirtatiously. Her graceful predator gait gave him all possible hints, but there was a barely perceptible nervousness about her.


    ?Hello, Kyon! Or shall I say Mr. Kyon? How should I address you?? ¨C Stephanie giggled.


    ?As you wish.? ¨C Kyon shrugged indifferently. ¨C ?We have to discuss an important matter. I need your help.?


    ?Sure. I am happy to help the patriarch¡¯s grandson.? ¨C Stephanie smiled.


    The girl didn¡¯t notice how easily she had agreed to be his servant. Narrow-minded people tend to be irrational. First, they reluctantly lend a small amount of money, and then they wee a stranger to live in their house.


    ?Your father, the elder, is in charge of military discipline and education, isn¡¯t he? Doesn¡¯t he have connections with the War Department? I need to prove that I havepleted my military service in theing days. Can you get me the papers??


    Military trainingsts one year. Young men are sent to the army where they are educated and trained in military affairs, as well as taught subordination. They also get brainwashed into blindly loving their homnd. The military service is obligatory for everyone at the age of 16-20 years old and of the fourth and lower rank. As for the golden youth, they can choose their own path. Few of them volunteer to spend a year of their lives in military training. They are not interested in taking a chance to upy a high post in the military sphere.


    Kyon needed the papers ofpleting the military service to get to thew enforcement department (the main branch of the Ministry of Justice).


    Each step on the path to gaining power was crucial. It would Kyon closer to getting wealth and his revenge on Kara. The high-ranking investigator¡¯s means and resources would gain him the necessary connections and arrange his life as it should be. He could fill his core with elements, souls, darkness / light.


    ?Yeah, but¡­? ¨C The unlucky seducer began uncertainly.


    ?Stephanie, in exchange for both of your services, that is, your recent help in organizing my qualification and the next step of getting the papers I need, I will give you a copy of the movement technique that exceeds the Stone heritage by arge margin. It¡¯s not like mine, though. But the technique is quite decent, anyway.?


    In fact, Kyon had been considering a way to earn money by selling a variety of techniques, including the ones from the Stone heritage. But it was a bit of a minefield. He could get himself executed, imprisoned or ckmailed. It wasn¡¯t a smart idea to enhance the development of his potential enemies. Anyway, he was still working on it¡­


    The girl immediately perked up.


    ?Great! Wow! It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s amazing! I will ask my dad today. You¡¯ll get your papers in a couple of days.?


    ?Uh-huh. Don¡¯t tell anyone about it. It will be our secret, okay.?


    ?Okay.?


    ?Alright. Now you may go.? ¨C Kyon looked at the door.


    ?But¡­ I thought we were going to practice together!?


    Kyon looked her up and down. The girl¡¯s outfit wasn¡¯t exactly appropriate for training.


    ?I¡¯vee straight from an important meeting!? ¨C She hurried to justify herself, straightening her short skirt. ¨C ?I didn¡¯t have time to get back home when you called. Never mind. Please, let¡¯s practice. I don¡¯t think my outfit is going to restrain my movements so much.?


    Kyon looked at the big clock on the wall, thought for a while and nodded.


    ?Alright. We¡¯ll practice for an hour.?


    ?But you promised we¡¯d have some good practice!?


    ?I promised we¡¯d practice together.? ¨C Kyon snapped.


    ?Let¡¯s¡­ Let¡¯s practice at least for three hours, ple-e-ease.? ¨C She folded her hands pleadingly.


    Stephanie understood that the technique of movements was a real treasure worth of all her efforts, but the opportunity was too good to miss.


    Kyon rolled his eyes and agreed:


    ?Alright, we¡¯ll have three sessions, each an hour long.?


    ?Thank you, Kyon! Let¡¯s get started??


    The first session began. They didn¡¯t use any attacking techniques, only the battle fists and pure force to elerate body movements. Kyon gave Stephany a head start in 12 stages of development to make faster, but even so, her skills weren¡¯t good enough to attack him or just to touch. She could feel his iprehensible skills that made her heart beat faster.


    Kyon noticed something strange going on during the fight. Stephanie was moving unnaturally smoothly and slowly. She seemed to be dancing, only her dance teacher must have been a cripple. Why the hell was she taking such an absurd position? What for? Why sticking her ass? Waving her hair like a broom¡­ Are you alright, girl? Who are you trying to seduce here? You are not Juno! She is a wild cat that moves naturally, grace is in her blood! She could seduce anyone! You, however, are fake. You are no better than an oldme drunkard who decided to dance after the third bottle, revealing her talent of a dancer all of a sudden.


    Kyon¡¯s eyelid twitched when the girl shed herce underwear. She couldn¡¯t help it, anyway. When Stephanie attacked him, she bent her leg, and her skirt had no choice but to pull up. And then again! Are you messing with me, scheming minx? Kyon didn¡¯t expect from Stephanie so assertive and at the same time so inept attempt at seduction, but he understood why she was behaving like this.


    ording to the logic reigning in this world, beauty was as important as talent for development. It should be emphasized in every possible way. Ladies often wore clothes that exposed their backs, shoulders, neckline. They preferred short skirts with stockings or tights. It was important not to overdo things, as Kara did at the party. But even in the case with Kara, no contemptuous nces had ever fallen upon her. Her beauty, status and most important power were the only things that mattered. She was too important and powerful. Even if Kara had arrived only in her underwear, everyone would be slightly surprised or embarrassed, but they would never judge her. She was too authoritative.


    Anyone who saw this noble and inessible beauty could only drool and desire her¡­ Desire her! Hence the motivation to be stronger to get a more prestigious (beautiful) wife. The society encouraged any effort of development, which expanded the boundaries for the most powerful and beautiful creatures of this world.


    Most of the girls, contrary to the above, are unwilling to show too much to the strangers or people out of their circle (which can not be said about demons), but they might use this secret weapon as the most insidious way of seduction. That¡¯s what Stephanie was doing right now. She was seducing the young mind of the mature and promising guy. Kyon was ¡°worthy¡± in her opinion, so she stepped on pride and dignity to achieve her goal. Did she deserve to be ridiculed and despised? By no means. Kyon had already inwardly praised her nice attempt, but¡­


    {You are not my type, fool.} ¨C Kyon thought, shaking his head and continuing to pretend he didn¡¯t notice her eloquent and too explicit hints.


    About half an hourter, the door opened, and Juno entered the hall, shining like the sun. She was dressed in a tight training uniform that emphasized the curves of her slender body in a delicate, sensual way. Her long hair was in braids to keep it out of the way during the training. Juno¡¯s natural charm was so great that everything around her faded and lost the color. The slowly blossoming flower in her soul had only enhanced her maism.


    After another cycle of energy recovery, Juno hade to work out in her usual gym (she always trained here in her free time) and decided to peek into the room assigned to her assistant¡¯s training. Oh well, the nasty creature was there!


    Juno¡¯s eyes were icy cold and hostile as she looked at her former servant. Stephanie realized that she was no longer alone with her target and hastily murmured:


    ?Well then, I¡¯d better be going. So long, master.? ¨C As Stephanie was leaving the room, she said goodbye to the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter as it should be.


    Juno looked up and down at the frivolously dressed girl, her eyes hard with disdain. Then she turned her gaze on the hated assistant:


    ?You look so good together, master. You should marry her!? ¨C Juno repeated the phrase she once said.


    ?Don¡¯t be so jealous, little sister.?


    When Kyon a grimace of disgust on her cute little face, he grinnedcently.


    ?Never¡­ Call¡­ Me¡­ Little sister!? ¨C Her cold, arrogant voice was addressed to an ordinary servant whom she would dly get executed right now.


    Kyon was surprised at the nerve of the girl. Where did she get it? He had never given her a reason to humiliate himself¡­ Except perhaps that p that Bai had given him. She looked a couple of years older than she was. Kyon thought it was pretty funny, but he had put Juno in her ce.


    ?Kneel!? ¨C Kyon said imperiously.


    Juno pulled away, startled.


    ?No¡­? ¨C The arrogant girl started to object, but when she saw the evil grin on the face of her newly-acquired rtive, she looked down at the floor. After a few seconds of hesitation, she knelt with a bitter expression on her face. Kyon came up to her and patted her head casually as if she was his obedient dog. ¨C ?Good girl. Never forget, you are just my ve and student, a pretty mediocre one. By the way, what happened to your manners??


    Her resentment and humiliation were so strong that she wanted to cry, but her attitude had significantly changed over the past couple of days. She had firmly decided not to show her weakness, especially from the outside, and even more so, in front of him. That¡¯s why Juno said through her gritted teeth in a very firm voice:


    ?Officially, you are my close foster rtive. I am not going to observe any good manners in your presence! ANY! End of story! Don¡¯t even start arguing with me, because I¡¯m right! And don¡¯t you dare get me on my knees and pat me!?


    Lovrughed loudly. Juno had surprised him once again, breaking his expectations. He adored this trait of hers! She was truly unbreakable!


    ?Alright, I like your confidence. I also want to beat you to a pulp, but I won¡¯t.? ¨C He wouldn¡¯t do it only because his energy didn¡¯t harm her anymore. Otherwise he would have beaten her hard today. Very hard. ¨C ?Let¡¯s make a deal. I¡¯ll turn a blind eye to your attitude, give you ten thousand spheres and clear your key by ten percent. I will even tell you three secrets, you choose! All you need to do is to cause me any damage. At least a scratch.? ¨C Kyon¡¯s sounded arrogant and dismissive. He had an extremely low opinion of her fighting skills.


    Kyon¡¯s words hurt Juno, especially his mentioning about three secrets! She felt excited and eager to win. He had evoked her feeling of rivalry with Elsa. Juno had never defeated her sister, and it looked like a long-awaited chance, only instead of her sister, there was a self-confident viin in front of her.


    Juno rose quickly from her knees and clenched her fingers into fists. Her eyes were burning with an urge for revenge and self-confidence. She looked like a hero who was going to defeat thest bad guy at the cost of her life.


    Kyon studied her face with amused eyes:


    ?I am busy today, and tomorrow most likely, too. Alright, since my obedient ve-sister hase herself, here¡¯s a task for you¡­?


    Kyon handed Juno a piece of paper and ordered to engage her servants to acquire everything ording to the list. He would be expecting the delivery in his room tomorrow morning.


    Juno¡¯s lips quivered, but she did not object. She looked at him as if he was a total nutjob and psycho. ¨C {What is he going to do with fifty birds?!} ¨C Juno was about to leave when she remembered something. She reminded Kyon through her gritted teeth that he had to clean her key. After he had done what she asked, she was gone.


    Kyon made a tsking sound. ¡°She is annoying.¡± No, not like this. ¡°SHE IS ANNOYING!!!¡± That¡¯s how enraged he was by the cheeky girl who constantly needed to get her key cleaned. If he hadn¡¯t been cleaning her key, she would have made a hundred more attempts to finish him off like then in the mansion. However, his talent restrained her like cage for a fierce, freedom-loving predator. He wanted to beat her up and torture her to death, but he had no way to show her at least a part of the former hell. The elemental energy didn¡¯t affect her, so he had to y a role of the good-natured master. If he ordered her to fight without pure power and beat her with bare hands, it would arouse suspicions. What¡¯s the point of training in this way? To enhance the level of the battle fist? Development was way more important! Besides, Juno¡¯s body had be stronger. It was hard to leave even a little bruise on her, and even that would cause unnecessary suspicions. It was stupid to apply any painful holds. How could he punish her then?


    And then a brilliant, fantastic idea shed across Lovr¡¯s mind! Why didn¡¯t he think of it before?!

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    Kyon returned to his luxurious room in the elite residential building. He found a cage with ck pet rats that he had previously ordered the servants to bring in.


    He needed some extra eyes and ears if he wanted to work as an investigator. A bug formation wouldn¡¯t do. Professionally trained people would never be victims of such a simple trick as ¡°wiretapping.¡± Kyon¡¯s low level of development greatly limited what he could do. Even the video formation was not avable to him (ording to his calctions, it would open approximately in the beginning or middle of the second phase). However, he had Synergy! He was going to test a couple of ideas with its help, as well as implement some of them. Any inanimate matter has a rtively neutral oscition frequency (Synergy flows with minimal expenses through it). Any living creature resists, though, depending on development and ¡°unwillingness / rejection.¡± When Synergy got into the rat, it lost a certain amount while flowing through the body.


    Kyon had set himself the task to minimize the consumption of Synergy, ideally, remove it altogether. The animal would be the carrier of Synergy. Kyon was going to use a formation that would y the easiest role of processing the information received by the animal¡¯s brain and sending it to his head, or rather, to the ¡°Synergy cloud.¡± Therefore, he didn¡¯t have to set a bunch of functions that would make his formation toorge and heavy. The living organism would take over the important task, and the formation would send the final result where it was supposed to go.


    In his world, Lovr could subjugate any living creature that didn¡¯t have Synergy. Envementpletely suppressed the will and took control of the brain. It had two significant disadvantages:


    1) The subjugated organism always tries to regain control, thereby burning a lot of Synergy every second of time. The smarter and more conscious living beings consume more Synergy. The exnation for this is rather confusing: Synergy is the essence of the universe that changes the information of matter at the level of its initial field. If someone (a bunch of atoms, in fact) does not want to be controlled, it takes a lot of Synergy to convince them otherwise. The situation is simr in the case of a burning twig that strives to get hotter.


    2) In Lovr¡¯s world, Synergy is also spent on transportation. Flowing through matter, it has to go around every atom and fight against the fundamental force, that was once described through four fundamental interactions. In Kyon¡¯s world, matter strived to absorb Synergy for some unknown reason, apart from the usual expense on transportation. Animated organisms were much more assertive in this regard. Elemental energy was actually the enemy of Synergy, immediately interacting with it. Kyon¡¯s and Juno¡¯s bodies were the exceptions to this rule. Synergy flew through them just like in his previous world.


    Lovr could control someone only after his Synergy had reached the intermediate level of the third degree. Kyon¡¯s Synergy was at the peak level of the first degree at the moment! It could bepared to a drop against an average puddle. However, he wasn¡¯t going to give up. If he could achieve the same effect as he did with Juno, the trick would work.


    {The main task was to minimize the rodent¡¯s resistance to Synergy. I have three options¡­ To apply any formation of the personal weapon, thereby changing the frequency of oscitions of its body to mine. To enve its soul with Synergy as in the case with Juno. To y with death¡­}


    Kyon proceeded to the first option. He already knew the answer, so the unsessful result wasn¡¯t surprising at all. The rodent¡¯s soul, even without any development, makes the body oscite with a frequency that outpowered any formation.


    {Theoretically, if I was some phases higher, I could make its body oscite with my frequency.} ¨C The thought was quite frightening. How would the soul react? Would it fly off? How was it to exist without a soul? Would the memories remain? Or would the body turn into an empty shell?


    He had discarded the first option in the end.


    Kyon considered the second option to enve the rat¡¯s soul. However, he quickly gave up this idea. It was an extremely strange, mysterious and probably dangerous phenomenon when he was with Juno in the illusory world. Besides, if sessful, the burden of the rat¡¯s soul would fall on his being. Kyon was still experiencing the impact of capturing the little demon¡¯s vile soul¡­ It wasn¡¯t an option.


    He had discarded the second. There was the third left.


    A wicked sparkle shed in Kyon¡¯s eyes. He was going to kill the rat. Kyon highly valued only intelligent life. The less intelligent and self-aware forms of life lost their significance in his eyes. The people were the highest value, monkeys were less significant, farm animals were even less important, insects were worthless. Thus, the rat, this small living creature, was of less value to him than the possible fruits of his experiments.


    He infused the rat with Synergy and instantly stopped its heart.


    Hypoxiasted several minutes when the brain began to lose its functions. The soul somehow felt the mental disconnection with the body and decided it was time to die. It immediately began to affect the brain, bringing irreversible changes.


    ording to the books, Kyon had read, the soul takes life experience from the brain, the skills and memories, and leaves an empty shell. Then it disconnects the channels from the keys and flows off somewhere into the depth of the.


    As soon as the soul gets detached from the body (the physical world), the organism begins to copse at the cellr level with a gradually increasing speed. It¡¯s almost invisible from the outside, with chaos erupting inside. The nerve cells fell apart, the muscles lost their functions, the blood vessels got covered with microcracks¡­ The terrible death of the empty shell!


    Kyon swallowed. When the soul gets detached from the physical world, all the energy with the frequency of this soul is deleted from the list of the universe and begins to disappear. The formations slowly dissipate, the techniques, the barriers, the enchantments fall apart, the body (that has the soul frequency from birth) dposes at the cellr level. Matter created by the earth benders fades away in the blink of an eye. It¡¯s the main reason why mining will always be in demand. Any traces of the soul get deleted from the universe, through any space. Awesome!


    Kyon plunged into the dark pit of his thoughts. Eureka!


    The small size of the rat allowed it to have a single key of pure force (a sphere with a diameter of 1 cm). Kyon destroyed the key with an urate and not too gentle flick. The soul lost touch with the physical world at once and plummeted somewhere on a hunch. It failed to take the rat¡¯s life experience as it had lost the connecting threads. Therefore, the brain waspletely healthy and viable, not an empty shell like before. It¡¯ was an achievement! But Kyon didn¡¯t rejoice ahead of time.


    At the same second, the rat¡¯s body with the frequency of vibrations of its soul since the day it was born began to copse. Kyon infused it with Synergy and tried to reverse or stop the process of self-destruction, making the cells work again. It was to no avail. A certain force that came out of nowhere intervened in the body and destroyed it with increasing speed.


    Everything with the vibrations of the soul that has lost the connection with this world gets crossed out. That¡¯s why the body perishes. It¡¯s a fundamentalwparable to the quantum entanglement of particles.


    The task failed. Even Synergies couldn¡¯t fight thews of the world, especially at the peak level of the Newbie¡¯s degree.


    Kyon grunted, took another innocent rat and repeated the destruction of the key. The brain and the body stayed intact while the soul stormed off. When the body began to copse, Kyon created a formation inside it that would change the frequency of the rat to his own like a personal weapon.


    After a while, Kyon exhaled disappointedly. Even a soulless body longed to maintain a frequency of vibrations. The power of the formation could not suppress such a strong desire. If Kyon was a phase higher in development, he could have faked the body vibration frequency, and it (most likely) would cease to dpose. He would create his first zombie, a living organism with a mind but without a soul.


    Kyon understood that he was dealing with very dark things. ording to humanws, this sphemy was punishable by death. However, he couldn¡¯t give up. He needed extra eyes and ears.


    Kyon assumed that he could change the frequency of a small rat (without a soul) if he was about one and a half phase higher. Theoretically, if he was dealing with a person, he would need a higher level of development. Was it possible to create intelligent zombies? It was a terrible idea¡­ He imagined a powerful foe destroying his keys, detaching his soul from his body, instantly faking his body frequency bypassing the fundamentalw of self-destruction, creating him into a soulless body with mind and memories. It would be dreadful! What if this dark process already existed in this world? Could some formacists have carried out such illegal, immoral experiments and achieved sess? On the other hand, it was easier to impose a controlling formation, right? The very idea was scary, anyway.


    Kyon was absorbed in his thoughts like an ancient philosopher. He knew that the body gets at birth the frequency of the soul vibrations. If the body suddenly changed its frequency, the soul would disconnect and fly off. It would decide the body had died. If the soul suddenly changed its frequency, it wouldn¡¯t recognize the body and would fly off too. ¡°Changing addends does not change the sum.¡± Then why could Juno¡¯s soul recognize her body after Kyon had captured her? Why didn¡¯t it fly off? Did it adjust to the new frequency of her body? No¡­ It didn¡¯t work that way. The change was too drastic. Then why? It didn¡¯t add up.


    He had only one exnation. Synergy worked it out and changed Juno¡¯s frequency, saving the girl¡¯s life. The bright sh he saw immediately after returning from the illusory world only confirmed this. Synergy of the sixth degree had changed the frequency of Juno¡¯s soul and body at once. That¡¯s how she had survived!


    {Bingo!} ¨C Kyon figured out what had happened and made an important conclusion. Synergy could change the frequency of vibrations in living beings and non-living objects. Exploding spheres (money) was a good example of this.


    After his insight, Kyon took another rat and destroyed its key. Then he instantly infused its body with Synergy and tried to change its frequency to his own (he couldn¡¯t have involved anyone else¡¯s frequency, anyway). About ten secondster, he seeded. The rat¡¯s body hadn¡¯t started decaying yet. Its mind had retained all the memories. Now it was a body without the soul. It was living and intelligent. A zombie!


    {I DID IT!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes glittered with satisfaction on his triumphant face.


    The rat stood on four legs and twitched its cute nose.


    Kyon picked up the animal and yed with him. He soon noticed something strange about it. The zombie rat was aloof as if it did not understand how to live with external stimtion. It didn¡¯t seem to have its own will. The brain was trying in vain to reach out to the essence, the soul. It got more and more confused and hesitated before making any decision.


    {What the hell¡­} ¨C Kyon frowned.


    Moreover, the rat moved indecisively and sluggishly. It breathed for a while, then stopped. Then the animal came to its senses and breathed again. The heartbeat was irregr. The muscles contracted erroneously, and the rat looked drunk. The beady eyes were empty, there was no sparkle of life in them.


    Anyone in Kyon¡¯s ce would be scared to death, but he only grimly rubbed his nose. Yeah¡­ Life without a soul is only a shadow of a miserable existence.


    Kyon infused the rat¡¯s brain with Synergy and began to control it. The movements became clear, the heart contracted in a smooth, synchronized pattern, the organs worked wlessly.


    He applied a simple formation, the signal transmitter, on the rat¡¯s head and closed his eyes. He could see in his mind everything that rat saw. He could hear the sounds it heard. He could feel its tactile sensations.


    Kyon had be a rat.

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183


    Kyon sighed convulsively. The rat obeyed himpletely and didn¡¯t resist at all. The animal had turned into a shell that he could easily control. The knowledge and experience the rat had gained were nothing but echo of the mind it had left behind. Without the consent of the soul the animal didn¡¯t know what to do and wasn¡¯t sure if it was worth doing at all.


    If Kyon was dealing with a human being in the ce of the unfortunate rodent, it would be terrible. The person would turn into a being with no will power. They would obey every word of the one who had a soul and the same frequency of the body. Instinctively, they would consider themander more important than themselves. Absolute obedience. Zombiesck amand center that gives freedom of action, confidence and purpose. Any subjugating formations can be removed, or they may contain bugs and work incorrectly. They can be resisted, albeit insignificantly. But in the case of zombies, they are nobody, real spineless puppets.


    In Kyon¡¯s previous world every creature resisted control, consuming significant amounts of Synergy. In this world, Kyon could control zombies with no extra expenses. Synergy was spent only on transporting between the neurons in the brain and information processing. That¡¯s why the peak level of the Newbie degree was more than enough for Kyon to control the rat. However, he couldn¡¯t control than thirty beings at a time, or his Synergy would be consumed faster than restored. He had also taken into ount Kara¡¯s. A certain amount of Synergy should be reserved so that he didn¡¯t lose his mind over his crazy love.


    Kyon was pleased with the result. In the previous world, he could control thirty stupid little creatures like rats only after reaching the intermediate level middle of the Student degree (2). A whole degree higher than he was now.


    At a conservative estimate, Kyon could enve human zombies and have total control as soon as his Synergy reached the intermediate level of the second degree. It would take a bit of effort to deserve this sort of fate from his hands. However, there was a disadvantage, theck of the soul in a human being might arouse suspicions. It was lessplicated with rats or birds, the creatures that had no connection with the soul. Their soul was so weak and insignificant that it was impossible to feel it without total concentration. No one in their right mind would check up the little animals that had no connection with the soul. It means that zombie animals ying the role of Kyon¡¯s eyes and ears would be beyond suspicion. But people would cause some.


    Kyon left the rats alone and went to bed.


    After the dark night came the morning of the new day. The servants entered Kyon¡¯s room and brought in fifty noisy birds in cages: crows, pigeons, sparrows, a pair of proud hawks, an owl, a parrot and some unknown species¡­ It was quite an aviary.


    Juno also bothered to show up and look at her crazy servant. She didn¡¯t get a wink of sleep all night, curiosity got the best of her. What did he need the birds for?! Her assistant had been always down to earth even if he didn¡¯t say much. She needed to find out what had caused the ongoing nonsense.


    When the servants left, Juno said with a mocking voice:


    ?Good morning, master!? ¨C Then her pleasant voice like gentle murmur of a crystal clear brook sounded concerned. ¨C ?Will you bring your pretty student up to speed? Why do you need birds? You aren¡¯t going to eat them alive, are you? I never know what you¡¯re going to do¡­?


    Kyon stretched sweetly and gave the beautiful angel a nasty nce. ¨C ?Ha! Don¡¯t even think about it. I am saying you a-ny-thing.?


    Juno snorted, visibly displeased, and thenughed loudly. ¨C ?I know! You want to tie yourself to the birds and go for a fly! Stupid master. Why don¡¯t ask me? One nice kick and you get to experience the thrill of free fall.? ¨C She shed him a mocking grin.


    Kyon remembered all her plotting and scheming. Recently, the little devil had be too cheeky. He should put this spiteful little minx in her ce, she had been pushing it too hard. Kyon was desperate to get his hands on her.


    ?I¡¯m waiting for you in the elite training building after dinner.? ¨C There was an undisguised desire in his voice to hurt the little devil.


    Juno¡¯s happy smile instantly turned icy cold. Thest thing she wanted was to get more severe injuries, giving her body unbearable pain, leaving her in a state of hopeless despair, realizing her weakness and helplessness. She longed to avenge her assistant for bing her half-rtive, but she hadn¡¯t done anything except for mocking him and showing her passive aggression.


    Juno looked Kyon up and down, giving him a withering look. Then she silently left his room, shing her slender legs.


    Kyon looked at the birds, crunched his fingers and proceeded to transform the poor creatures into zombies with the help of Synergy. The formation on their foreheads sent and received Synergy at a distance of almost two hundred kilometers (about 125 mi). They demanded constant recharge, which meant if Kyon moved away from them far enough, they would be helpless victims of any predator, unless, of course, they died of hunger. But with Kyon¡¯s development, the distance of the signal reception would only increase.


    Twenty-five out of the fifty creatures had turned into Kyon¡¯s miniature copies ruled by Synergy. They moved at hismand. He could feel everything they experienced from smell to the sense of bnce. He could read their memories. Synergy made it possible for Kyon to acquire inconspicuous live spies. An ideal tool for surveince.


    Kyon opened the window and released the birds to gather important information he needed to seize power. However¡­ The word ¡°seize¡± is too strong. It would be rather a swift rise on thedder of power, something that other hard workers could only dream of.


    His heart filled with an inspiring feeling of delight. Each bird soaring in the sky gave Kyon a sensation of his own flight.


    He spent the day practicing the advanced grade of the earth and gathering information about the ruling elite of the Department of Law.


    Late in the afternoon, Kyon headed to the elite training building. Stephanie was waiting for him at the entrance. They had made an appointment in the morning.


    ?You¡¯re an hourte! Shame on you!? ¨C Sheined.


    ?Your training outfit is embarrassing! Do you always show up in a short skirt and stockings for practice? What have you been doing for an hour?? ¨C Kyon made a snidement, putting his wrist to the circle. The door to the room opened.


    Stephanie looked guilty:


    ?My servants haven¡¯t finished theundry yet, and my training outfit isn¡¯t ready¡­?


    Kyon rolled his eyes.


    ?By the way, your papers will be ready tomorrow.?


    ?Great.? ¨C He replied impassively.


    Kyon stood in front of the girl and clenched his fists. ¨C ?Attack me quickly. We have little time before Junoes.?


    ?Lady Juno ising here?? ¨C Stephanie got upset for a moment, then she attacked him at once. The training began.


    A minuteter, Kyon lost it. ¨C ?To the hell with you, can¡¯t you fight properly?!?


    ?Sorry, I¡¯m embarrassed¡­? ¨C She said, rubbing her nose.


    Five minutester, Kyon got angry. He tripped her, climbed on top of her and locked her leg painfully. ¨C ?Stop moving like a child. You¡¯re wasting my precious time.?


    ?Ouch! Sorry! I am sorry!? ¨C Stephanie squealed pitifully.


    Kyon gritted his teeth. The stupid girl had a nerve! Was she really so naive as to think she could seduce him?! She behaved like a clumsy monkey. Stephanie had no instincts or up-bringing to help her move gracefully. At least, she was no whore or he would have kicked her out in disgust. She kept shing her assets, sticking out her ass, striking all sorts of random poses, making her eyes at him builds its eyes. Anything to get Kyon¡¯s attention and appreciation. It was just ridiculous.


    Ten minutester, Stephanie had trouble breathing. It was so embarrassing. Why did he paw the princess like she was the love of his life, and was behaving now like an inveterate hypocrite? Wasn¡¯t he a jerk? Well, the inessible Kara was iparably better, but she was also a hot dish avable at the moment! Only the blind wouldn¡¯t see the hints she was giving him! Stephany couldn¡¯t act any more bolder or she would lose all her dignity. Although, her honor was nothing against a promising husband who was going to be the elite of the empire one day. Heavenly geniuses were as rare as a phoenix feather! She had to get one by any means.


    Stephanie tried to summon all her courage to no avail. She looked into Kyon¡¯s calm eyes and asked herself: {Why can¡¯t I be more persistent? I have to take control of the situation! He is four years younger than me! Moreover, he¡¯s underdeveloped. Guys love strong girls.} ¨C She made her decision and confidently moved forward.


    ?What¡¯s wrong?? ¨C Kyon asked when he saw she had no fighting spirit.


    Stefania approached him at the distance of an outstretched arm, put her hand on his cheek, closed her eyes and moved forward. She felt something salty with her lips. She opened her eyes and saw his hand!


    ?What are you doin?? ¨C Kyon asked coldly.


    ?Uhm¡­ I wanted to thank you for the training! Here!? ¨C She reached for him again, puckered up.


    Kyon sighed and turned his cheek to her. Stephanie sucked like a leech. She was bloodthirsty.


    ?Am I interrupting anything, sweethearts?? ¨C They suddenly heard Juno¡¯s melodic but cold voice.


    The charming girl unted her tight-fitting ck training outfit.


    Kyon pushed Stephanie away and acted like nothing had happened.


    Stephanie blushed and bowed slightly to Juno. ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry, mydy! I was thanking your brother for the practice¡­ Don¡¯t get me wrong!?


    When Juno heard the hated word, her beautiful face turned even colder, it seemed to turn into marble. ¨C ?We need to talk.?


    ?Yes, mydy.? ¨C Stephanie nodded and hurried to the door.


    Juno came up to Kyon and told him, avoiding looking into his eyes:


    ?Take your wiretap off and give me more freedom. I need to talk with her.?


    ?What are going to talk about?? ¨C Kyon was really curious.


    ?About you! I will tell her that you¡¯re a match made in heaven! Please!? ¨C She said in a harsh voice that sounded like a threat.


    Kyon smiled and took the bug she had on her all the time out of her pocket. He said the code that gave her maximum of freedom with the exception of some key points.


    Juno left the room in silence. There was a soundproof barrier in the hall, she did not worry that Kyon might eavesdrop.


    Stephanie was waiting outside, visibly nervous. She had never had a chance to talk with the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter, the most important person in the family. The patriarch himself thinks so, and his word is thew. No one wouldy a finger on Juno. She was more important than any elder.


    ?What do you want to talk about, mydy?? ¨C She asked with a respectful smile.


    ?Kneel.?


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes widened. Did Juno really tell her to kneel?


    ?What did you say?..?


    ?I told you to kneel before me. You have to obey to my orders, I stand above you.? ¨C Juno ordered.


    Stephanie was stunned. No one had never talked to her like that! The Stones had always thought carefully what to say to the elder¡¯s daughter! Why was the littledy like that? Juno must have had a wrong idea that she was trying to seduce the brother and was demanding a legitimate apology.


    ?Don¡¯t get me wrong, mydy¡­ I am not making ns with your brother! I just thanked him for the training. I will never happen again! Please forgive me!?


    The word ¡°brother¡± was like a stone in Juno¡¯s heart. ¨C ?Don¡¯t make me say it again, or my grandad will throw you out of the family.?


    Stephanie winced. She was frightened even to look at th§åis stranger with an icy cold voice. She obeyed at once. Stephanie knelt with a guilty look. She sincerely regretted about what had happened. It was a shame Juno had caught them in apromising situation. Stephanie had to apologize.


    ~smack~


    Juno gave Stephanie a p with her snow-white hand.


    ?I will destroy you if you ever call him my brother again.? ¨C Juno said through her gritted teeth. She didn¡¯t sound her age at all. She sounded like a strict woman who wouldn¡¯t tolerate any nonsense.


    Stephanie¡¯s jaw dropped. This unexpected turn of events had left her speechless. The first conversation with youngdy Stone didn¡¯t get off on the right foot.


    ?Stay away from him.? ¨C Juno whispered threateningly and went inside the training hall.

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184


    ?I delivered you the birds yesterday. Don¡¯t you want to thank me, master?? ¨C Juno looked ingratiatingly at Kyon. However, her voice was rather demanding than pleading.


    ?To thank you for something that your servants did? Don¡¯t you want to fuck off??


    Juno bit her lip. She needed this book to clean her keys. The sooner she achieved the highest result, the sooner she would be freed from his unbearable control and tyrannical behavior.


    ?Alright¡­ Then tell me another way to earn the precious reward. At this pace, I will be annoying you with questions for ages!?


    ?I have a job for you tomorrow. Then we¡¯ll see. By the way, you¡¯ll get what¡¯sing to you for that p. Get your ass ready.? ¨C Kyon shed his predatory smile and beckoned her with two fingers.


    ?It served you right! You came into my family without my consent. Besides, he is my grandfather, not yours!? ¨C Juno suddenly got tense.


    ?Masters don¡¯t ask ves¡¯ consent.?


    Juno turned pale with anger. She silently raised her fists and attacked Kyon.


    The training had begun. Only Juno seemed to take it as a fight with something precious at stake. If she could hit him at least once, she would hurt him pretty bad because of her better development. He wasn¡¯t omnipotent, after all! The sweet victory over the jerk would bring her lots of perks. She would drop all the formalities with him, which would be enough to warm her heart. Moreover, she would get the long-awaited money to feed her flower, and he would clean her key by ten percent! The cherry on the cake would be his answers to any of her three questions! She would learn at least some of his secrets! Juno was so excited she had trouble breathing. It was a strong motivation. She had been suffering from insomnia, trying to find the answers to her endless questions.


    She wasn¡¯t going to lose heart over the fact that her adversary was more agile, moved disproportionately faster, and his skills went beyond her understanding. It would have discouraged anyone but not her!


    At some point, Kyon disappeared from the trajectory of the fist, and suddenly Juno felt someone grab her bottom. She nearly jumped out of her skin like a frightened cat, arching her back and even doing a somersault.


    ?Y-y-y-you¡­ YOU!? ¨C She looked at the servant as if he was a bloodthirsty maniac and pointed at him with her trembling finger. When he said, ¡°get your ass ready,¡± she thought he meant physical pain!


    Kyonughed, crunching his fingers. Her bottom was as soft as a marshmallow. For the first time, he had experienced such intense tactile satisfaction.


    ?Your ass is fat! I guess I should send you practicing to the sect of Fat as your master. They will be happy to have you. You belong there!?


    Juno¡¯s snow-white face blushed, her thin eyebrows arched upwards in a fury:


    ?Asshole! Jerk! I didn¡¯t let you to get handsy with me!? ¨C She squealed as if Kyon had encroached on the most precious thing in her life.


    ?Gods! Where do stupid little girls like youe from, huh? I made a mistake once. I should have known better¡­ But you, you have been living among ves all your life! You have been mine ve for how long already?Aren¡¯t you sick and tired of your follies and making scenes?? ¨C He disappeared as soon as he said that.


    Suddenly, Juno let out a shrill scream, full of despair. She looked as if he had poured over her a bucket of slop. The pleb had been groping her hips! Again!


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to touch me there, jerk! Or I will give you up as my master!?


    ?Go ahead. And say goodbye to your key cleaning.?


    Juno¡¯s face expressed the full spectrum of emotions, from fright to hatred.


    ?Please, master! Attack me as you did before the party! I will be very grateful to you!? ¨C She hadn¡¯te up with anything better than bringing another punishment upon herself.


    Kyon was taken aback. Did she like the torments of hell? Did she prefer getting mutted to harmlessly pawed? Wow! Did she value her innocence that much? Well, it was only for the better. It would give him the revenge he had always wanted.


    Another Kyon¡¯s touch and Juno howled like a little wolf to the moon.


    ?No-o-o! I don¡¯t want to! I can¡¯t stand it anymore!? ¨C She ran to the door when she heard the expected:


    ?Hold on. I order you not to leave the training hall until we are done with the practice.? ¨C Kyon said quickly, squeezing and unclenching his fingers. It was even nicer to touch her butts when she strained them.


    ?Leave me alone! What do you want from me? I have not told anyone about you! We have co-existed so well until all of a sudden you decided to be my¡­ family. And now you are harassing me like a lousy pervert!? ¨C Juno yelled, furious. Hatred in her eyes could melt metal.


    ?You have insulted me, and now you should be punished for that. And for that p, too. And your arrogance and insolencetely. It will make you think before taking liberties.? ¨C Kyon said calmly and ¡°attacked¡± her again.


    He heard a pleasant like the melody of a silver violin but, at the same time, desperate squeal. Juno was in hell on earth, a defenseless victim in front of a dangerous predator who decided to y with her before having a meal. Every time he touched or squeezed her thighs and butts, she wanted to die and nevere to life. A wave of shock coursing through her body was like severe acute pain. But it was nothingpared to the moral tortures. She still considered Kyon below herself, and yet her assistant was openly hitting on hisdy! He was defaming her! She could not tolerate her body being desecrated, especially by someone she hated and despised with all her heart.


    Kyon was enjoying doing his duty. In his world, he would never have found a girl with such an intense aversion to harassment. The local cult of nobility and virginity was just perfect for his revenge through sexual punishment! He had already figured out how to take his revenge on Kara, thoroughly enjoying himself at the same time. The girl in ck deserved some minor but indiscreet punishment for the shameless theft and her fleeting intention to kill him.


    He could take his eyes off Juno¡¯s pale face glowing with emotion. Her eyes welled up with tears. She looked so beautiful. The sight of her could tug at anyone¡¯s heartstrings. Juno really suffered! Lovr seemed to have turned into a real sadist. He enjoyed torturing the youngdy. He couldn¡¯t get enough of it. He had an urge to grab the beauty in his arms and deflower her at once just to see the expression on her face. The only thing that was restraining him was Bai and the flower in her soul that had to plucked strictly after the moment the girl reached the fifth phase.


    Kyon found it funny that back in the mansion, Juno had a nose bleed and fainted just because he squeezed her butt once. Now that he was pawing Juno as he pleased, touching all her erogenous zones except for the most intimate ones, she only screamed and cursed under her breath. Did things get moving? It was still very doubtful. Anyway, he had grown up in her opinion. He had proven his worth. He was no longer an insignificant ve whose touch was worse than death.


    Juno¡¯s chest heaved. Her bottom was red all over from his groping and pinching. It burned and gave her an ufortable tingling, prickling feeling. She probably wouldn¡¯t sit down without wincing for at least a couple of days. Juno regretted a thousand times that she had told Stephanie not to approach him. It would be so much better if she had given Stephanie the green light so that she could take his unbridled lust upon herself!


    ?Alright. That¡¯s enough for today.? ¨C Kyon said happily. He breathed on his hand that still had sweet Juno¡¯s smell on it. She had given him three turns of darkness! Not bad.


    ?You¡¯d better practice your dirty tricks with that girl! You¡¯re a beast! There¡¯s nothing human in you! I hate you!? ¨C Juno cried angrily and quickly ran out.


    When Juno returned to her room in a terrible mood, she took a shower, but the nasty feeling of being tarnished forever didn¡¯t leave her. It was disgusting¡­ She felt so sorry for herself, but she didn¡¯t cry. Juno held herself together.


    She had been lying awake for a long time until the familiar squeak of the armchair made her blood run cold.


    ?XiaoBai! How did you get here?!?


    ?Where¡¯s my money, Juno?? ¨C She heard the familiar voice say the phrase she knew too well. The impressive outline visible even in the dim light of the room ominously stood over her bed.


    ?Guards! There¡¯s a stranger in my room! Guards!? ¨C Juno screamed.


    XiaoBai was taken aback by her hostility and said with resentment in his voice:


    ?You are being mean, sister! What if I stop ying by the rules, too? And I will stop ying by the rules!?


    ?What rules are you talking about? Grandpa was right when he said you¡¯re a fat stingy ass! How dare you to me me for being mean if you break into my room in the middle of the night? Get out of here and nevere back! Next time I won¡¯t y by the rules, either!? ¨C Juno screamed hysterically. XiaoBai¡¯s visit was thest straw. She had run out of patience because of all the stress umted during the day.


    The guards ran into the room. How could they have let in someone they would recognize among a million people?! The youngdy had threatened them, but Mr. XiaoBai managed to get inside anyway!


    ?I will go myself!? ¨C XiaoBai snorted arrogantly when the guards tried to grab his arms. He left Juno¡¯s room, his chin raised proudly. He warned her before leaving:


    ?Four days left, Juno!?


    ?Get out!? ¨C Juno yelled.


    The fat guy left. He was experiencing financial problems, and his sister was being a demon incarnate! It was no trouble for Juno to ask grandpa for more money. Why wouldn¡¯t she? Bai would do anything for her. If XiaoBai were in her ce, he¡¯d find a way to take from grandad all the money he had! Anyway, how did she find his bugs-nephrites? How could she deactivate them?! Now he couldn¡¯t eavesdrop anymore! All that¡¯s left for him was paying unexpected visits like this. If she wasn¡¯t his sister, XiaoBai would get some enforcers to bring his money back.


    When her brother left her, Juno hit one of the guards in the stomach. She didn¡¯t forget the others, as well. They bent in half for appearances, pretending to gasp in pain. All of them began to apologize, begging to forgive them. Juno understood perfectly well that the guards were not to me, but she needed someone to blow off steam. Ideally, Kyon. She wished she could tear his cheeks with her nails and scratch his eyes out¡­


    Juno couldn¡¯t fall asleep. A crow kept croaking outside, pecking at the window. She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about how to find a way to make the monster clean her keys and then to free herself from very. Was there any way to turn the tables? No way¡­ Juno often thought about it. It was too risky. She could unexpectedly get his order tomit suicide. She could call him and speak her mind and then she wouldn¡¯t get any more cleaning and her life would be over. She was helpless. It was a bitter pill to swallow. Her goal to be stronger was still far away, and she was running out of patience to endure the dirty jerk. But there was no way out.

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185


    After the fun evening workout was over, Kyon heard a sound transmitter calling.


    He was surprised to find that it was the device that he had taken from robber Guiming. He raised his voice to the maximum and added a special tone with the help of Synergy. Then he answered the call.


    ?Password.? ¨C He heard a hoarse male voice.


    ?Chewed-up mole.?


    ?In two days at midday. Sewer sector number seven. Follow the guidelines.?


    Kyon grunted when the connection broke. His conversation with Sauron, the leader of the bandits, was short. In just two days, he had to give the money over at the regr meeting. ording to Guiming, his norm was about twenty thousand a month. The amount was impressive for the miserable thief number six.


    Kyon hadn¡¯t begun his career of the investigator yet, but he was already ready to get rid of the cancerous tumor in the kingdom, the robber syndicate. It was definitely a good idea.


    If he were already an investigator, he would organize an ambush. But he couldn¡¯t do it at the moment. Kyon came up with a more convenient option,patible with his ns. He was going to y the role of Guiming at the meeting. It would help him scope things out. He would send out his rats to explore the gangsters¡¯ habitat. It was pretty risky but totally worth it.


    He only needed twenty thousand spheres and some makeup. Nothing tooplicated. In the meantime, he came up with a brilliant idea of how to make his ascend to power even easier. He had to use his formacist skills.


    Kyon put on a ck cloak and went to the poor district of the city.


    He met a seedy drunkard in the dark alley who was slowly walking home.


    He knocked out the poor man with an urate blow to his neck. He woke up in a couple of minutes, rubbed his eyes drowsily, mumbled something under his breath and staggered home.


    The drunkard met a friend on his way. They talked for a bit and then he got home, to his rickety shed. When he went to bed, he heard an impressive voice in his head:


    ?Don¡¯t sleep, George!?


    ?Who¡¯s here?!? ¨C The drunk man jumped to his feet.


    ?Your inner self. The one you have always wanted to be. From now on, I will instruct you on the right path in life. You can¡¯t resist me, I will make you anyway. Today you stop drinking, George. Go and tidy yourself up¡­?


    George spent hours of shock, disbelief and denial then he began to get used to the voice in his head. He was no longer afraid of it. George followed the instructions. He got out of bed, got washed, neatly folded the scattered things and swept his dwelling¡­ Then he fell asleep peacefully.


    It was weird that he couldn¡¯t refuse the mysterious voice in any way. It was more than his inner self, it seemed to be a deity whose will couldn¡¯t be opposed. His mind was unwilling to do anything, but to his horror, his body moved on its own, leaving him no other choice. It was scary to watch his arms and legs move against his will. He had toply with the orders of the inner voice. It would give him an illusion of control over them. He was afraid to get lost forever!


    Kyon had ced a subjugating formation on the man¡¯s forehead, as well as two more formations that received and transmitted the sound. The set of three formations received the signal and reproduced it in George¡¯s head, just like Kyon did with Juno when she met Bai. George had no choice but to do as Kyon said.


    Everything the man said went to the ¡°cloud¡± in the form of a signal. Unfortunately, Kyon couldn¡¯t create a visual formation yet. The enved person was his ¡°ears and hands,¡± but not his ¡°eyes.¡± In the future, he could add a visual formation when he reached the second phase. Then George would be his ideal henchman.


    Kyon had created a ve that could execute hismands at the distance of up to 200 kilometers with minimal Synergy expenses. Moreover, the man didn¡¯t even suspect he was a ve. He thought the voice in his head was his own.


    Any other formacist in Kyon¡¯s ce would have given up this crazy venture. First, it was illegal and punishable by death. Second, formations required a considerable amount of money (the energy from the spheres) so that they could work for a long time. Third, no high-ranking formacist would make ves from plebs. It was easier to buy them! Fourth, who would give them orders and how would the orders be processed? Especially in the way of a sound signal! With a mercury mirror? With a sound crystal sound? In the brain? He would go crazy!


    With Synergy, Kyon could afford such things. He couldmunicate with his subordinates without any mental intervention. Kyon didn¡¯t hear their voices, didn¡¯t send themmands. Synergy automatically dealt with all this in the cloud, following the wishes of the master.


    Unlike ordinary formacists, Kyon didn¡¯t have to spend any money or keys. The trio of the formations was of the parasitic type. They fed on human elemental energy like in the case with Juno. However, the beggar had no connection with his soul. That¡¯s why Kyon had to clear his keys a little, and then feed the formation. He didn¡¯t use money (it would have been too expensive!) Kyon used the energy that the poor man had been unconsciously absorbing from the atmosphere.


    Kyon looked at the gray sky with contempt. This world where it was possible to enve people against their will was too cruel and unfair. At least, no one here was interested in people with no development or resources. The poor could live in peace. However, these dark deeds could be widespread inrge families or cities where the difference in development in the younger and older generation could be several phases or where there was a physical (sexual) or financial interest. A mere thought that a child could be enved at any moment was scary. The kid wouldn¡¯t even say anything, just leave the house in silence. All it took was an advantage in 2-3 phases to enve anyone. If there were no clearws and powerful authorities in this world, it would be scary to go out.


    Although these thoughts spoiled his mood, Kyon had enved the beggar without a slightest remorse, because he knew he would give the poor thing a wonderfulfortable life devoid of hunger. It was only a small part of his future benefits.


    Kyon crunched his fingers and got down to other dark affairs, namely to enving innocent people, submitting them to his will. He set about creating obedient puppets that would do everything that ¡°their own¡± voice in the head would say. The trio of his formations could work even on people at the beginning of the first phase. However, to be on the safe side, he chose only those who hadn¡¯t connected with their soul. It was almost one hundred percent chance of sess (It all came down to development. People with more developed soul had a stronger will and a higher intellect. There was less chance to enve them.)


    While he wasmitting this unrighteous act, a surprisingly disturbing feeling settled in Lovr¡¯s soul. It quickly began to spread throughout his body. The dark part of his core started to pulsate imperceptibly, releasing the dark energy, filling his soul and subsequently his body. His head cleared up noticeably, his feelings got more intense, his character underwent some changes. He felt the adrenaline, a thirst for new sensations, an urge to remove all kinds of barriers and limitations. Kyon had turned into a maniac who took away the will of entire families with a cruel smile on his lips.


    At some point, he went to the district where people of the middle ss lived because the beggars no longer satisfied ¡°his majesty.¡± He could feel their development with his soul. His upgraded hearing made it possible to determine their number and even age, as well as their exact location. Kyon did not worry about anything when he broke into their houses. He could achieve whatever he desired.


    Women and elderly men lost consciousness for a moment. Then they woke up with a voice in their head that controlled their livespletely. They sincerely believed that it was their inner self who spoke to them and willingly obeyed it.


    His reserve of Synergy was running gradually out. It took more Synergy to control the birds than the ves. He had to take over lots of processes in the birds¡¯ brain. In the case of people, he only needed to process and send information. To sum it up: one formation subjugated people, the other created the sound in their ears, the third formation was a bug. Kyon divided the task into parts and had enough energy to achieve his goal.


    Kyon didn¡¯t clearly remember thest hours. He woke up early in the morning in someone¡¯sfortable house, or rather, in the bedroom. A young pretty girl was giving him a thorough foot massage with her gentle hands. She did not expect a noble handsome guy enter their humble house for a family of three. She didn¡¯t know her parents would wee him. Then the girl realized that she wasn¡¯t so innocent and shy as she had thought. The voice of her mind convinced her to get into his bedroom and seduce him¡­


    The painful sensations in different parts of his body told Kyon that it had gone too far. He could have requested memories from Synergy, but he was too selfish to burden himself with unnecessary worries. He decided that the girl who waspletely in his power would know no misery if whatever happened had happened.


    ?Thank you for massage, Olivia.? ¨C Kyon whispered gratefully. He kissed the girl on the cheek and left her house. Now he had a hundred ves under his control, one third of them were of the middle ss. Synergy was getting renewed a bit faster than spent. Meanwhile, it was a little time left until the modernization of his sense of smell.


    Kyon called Byron to find out his location.


    ?I have been in Boston for almost a week! Where have you been?! I would have called you myself, but¡­ I forgot your frequency¡­ Sorry, bro.? ¨C The thick-headed fellow said.


    ?I see. Never mind, I just got off work. Go to the dwarves¡¯ factory and get inside. They will let you in. I¡¯ll be there waiting for you.? ¨C Kyon said and ended the conversation.


    He called Juno next. He didn¡¯t have to call her to the dwarves, but Kyon really wanted to see her reaction when she saw what was happening because of him. He might get a few turns of the dark core. The little devil would get jealous and fall apart¡­ Especially after what happenedst night.


    Juno sounded aggressive when she answered the call. ¨C ?What do you want?!?


    Soon she had no choice but hide her face under the veil, saddle a in horse, and leave the Stone territory in secret, apanied by her guards.


    About halfway to the factory, someone jumped on the horse on the go and took the reins. A kidnapper? Worse. If it was a dirty orc, she¡¯d breathed a sigh of relief. The jerk was worse than any monster or kidnapper!


    Juno considered buying a deadly dagger while she was contemting Kyon¡¯s broad back¡­ She wouldn¡¯t need fists if she had cold steel. One stab in the back and that¡¯s it! Nice and easy.


    Juno noticed something strange while they were riding. Birds were sitting on the poles, trying to look into her soul with their empty eyes. The birds were watching them ride.


    A chill went down her spine. The jerk pulled the reins and she had to hug him.


    {Why are they looking at me? Birds¡­ Wait! The birds?!} ¨C A scary thought shed across her mind, but Juno shook her head at once. It was pure nonsense! Those were different birds.


    Suddenly Juno shuddered. She looked carefully at the owl¡­ What was this night creation doing in the city at the daylight? By the way, wasn¡¯t it exactly like the bird the servants had brought in?


    The owl turned its head by 270 degrees, and Juno instinctively held Kyon tighter. She was frightened. In fact, she was afraid of the guy who was sitting in front of her! Maybe he was the reason why the birds were being so weird!


    ~caw~


    A ck raven nosedived near Juno¡¯s head, scaring her even more. She recognized the raven who was croaking by the window all night. It was all clear now. Kyon did something crazy again, something contrary tomon sense. His ability to clean the keys, his nine elements, his incredible speed and movement skills, his gun. All of that was more terrifying than the birds observers¡­ But when Juno put the pieces of the puzzle together, she was almost certain that the birds were somehow connected with this monster.


    Soon Juno and Kyon left the horse in the menagerie and walked to the entrance of the factory.


    ?Tell me¡­ What happened to the birds that the servants had brought to you?? ¨C Her voice trembled.


    ?The birds like sweet eye juice. Be careful.? ¨C Kyon gave her a creepy smile.


    Juno gasped. She had confirmed her suspicion. What did he do to the birds? Did he turn them into zombies? Did he train them? Did he take their souls? Did he use something unimaginable?! Juno pursed her lips. Hundreds of questions kept haunting her mind. Only training could distract her from thinking about the assistant¡¯s secrets. Maybe she should kiss him and find everything out. ¨C {No¡­ I don¡¯t want to.}


    The dwarves gave Kyon a warm wee this time. The two guards who used to look at him with contempt treated him now like he was a god of dwarves. Their eyes were full of reverence, their voice trembled. All their gestures showed respect for Kyon.


    Juno was baffled by this radical change.


    ?Take me to the main office.? ¨C Kyon asked the guards.


    ?The boss is doing bang bang!? ¨C The dwarf answered with a broad smile. ¨C ?You will find him at the testing ground. Follow me, Mr. Kyon.?


    The four of them passed several rooms. They could hear total chaos behind thest metal door. There was deafening noise, ps, shouts, screeches, crazyugh. They seemed to happen in the middle of abnormal military activities.


    The whole sector of the factory had been converted into a polygon with elements of a shooting gallery to practice shooting skills and test weapons. There were hundreds of different targets, among them empty cans on the chairs and coins in the cracks. It was a real kingdom of shooters.


    Juno covered her ears with her hands. ?What¡¯s all this noise? Is it war here?!?

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    Almost a hundred dwarves clumsily held weapons and shot at targets with broad smiles on their faces. Some halflings put the gun directly to the eye as if they wanted to get a nice bruise with recoil. The others had already gained invaluable experience. They stood nearby waiting for replenishment, giggling and pushing each other with their elbows. One dwarf held a pistol at his chest with an impromptu soft pad underneath. He seemed to have a huge bruise if not a crack in the rib. Some weirdos kept experimenting. They put weapons on their heads. The rest worked out the gangster style, holding the gun ant. Kyon looked closely and noticed that everyone had cotton wads in their ears. Almost everyone.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t hold back a quietugh. He went up to Gennady and patted him on the shoulder. Almost immediately, it was dead quiet there. Only one dwarf tried to hit the bottle like a madman.


    The old dwarf¡¯s eyes became moist. ¨C ?Gods, Kyon! Your guns are priceless! You are incredible!?


    ~bang~ ~bang~ ~bang~


    ?You have invented a wonder that can change the order of forces in the world! If the principle of firearms can be replicated onrge scale, we would gain unprecedented power!?


    ~bang~ ~bang~ ~bang~


    ?I am sorry¡­ He went deaf recently¡­ I have warned everyone to put cotton wads into ears, but he wouldn¡¯t hear! What did he say? It¡¯s more natural this way! He wanted to honor the engineering marvel! Now he¡¯ll pay for his stupidity.? ¨C The head of the factory said in an apologetic voice.


    The fellow dwarves stopped the stubborn halfling and carried him to the first-aid post. As soon as they took his gun away, he lost consciousness as if he had lost the most precious thing in his life. He passed out at once. He¡¯d been shooting three days in a row.


    Hundreds of eyes turned to Kyon. There was awe, respect, admiration in all of them¡­ Juno could not believe her eyes. The arrogant, proud race who despised people for their stupidity looked at her assistant as if he were a hero who had brought them an unattainable star from heaven. She wanted to go home and bury herself in the pillow. Damn it, how did he do it?!


    Two dwarves carefully carried in their hands a long dark silver sniper.


    ?Here you are! We¡¯ve finished it today! The whole factory has been involved in its manufacture. After creating the gun, we got the knack for following your instructions. By the way, you¡¯ve done them verypetently! You deserve to be the first to try it. We¡¯ve been waiting for your arrival.?


    Kyon took the sniper and aimed. Everyone held their breath


    ~bang~


    A hole gaped in the metal te. It was at least five times more distinct than that from a pistol. The speed of the bullet was three times faster, it was ten times more powerful. It could easily bust through light tanks! Kyon was pleased. However, it all came down to speed and the effect of surprise. This weapon wouldn¡¯t even get through the bone of the opponent in the fourth phase. Too bad.


    ?Nice.? ¨C Gennady made a tsking sound, impressed by the result.


    ?Yea-a-a-ah!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s powerful!? ¡­ ?Kyon-§¬yon-§¬yon! You¡¯re our hero! A born dwarf! Kyon-§¬yon-§¬yon!?


    Jubnt screams were heard throughout the nt. Dwarves looked at Kyon as if he was a priceless treasure. He was a unique flower grown through human dirt! Hisyouts, engineering skills, knowing how to create gunpowder, his understanding of thews of some chemistry! All of his inventions were amazing!


    Kyon decided to give the dwarves a master ss in shooting: how to hold a weapon, aim, use a rebound and reload the gun quickly. He had opened a new world of the art of shooting for them. One halfling dropped to his knees and burst into tears like a bearded girl.


    Juno grabbed the gun violently from the dwarf¡¯s hands and started firing at the targets. ¨C {How is it even possible?! Why?! I would get a serious wound from a single shot! And if I were not ready¡­ These little arrows arepletely invisible! Where did the assistant gain knowledge to create them?!} ¨C She meant to find out the answers, no matter the cost.


    Byron came inside and stared at what was happening in shock.


    Kyon brought the big fellow up to speed, and he was stupid enough to take reality for granted. He¡¯d been used to doing it. It was just a new type of crossbows! He didn¡¯t need to know anything more.


    ?Do you want me toe to this shooting gallery every day and learn how to shoot with a sniper and a pistol??


    ?Exactly.?


    ?Can I really¡­ Well¡­ Kill my brother with them??


    ?If he is in the middle of the superior phase as you say, you need to learn how to hit him in the eye with a pistol. And then you can take thew into your own hands and get your revenge.?


    ?Get my revenge¡­? ¨C Byron repeated, bewildered.


    He was given the sharpest sword that would help him make his dreamse true. Justice would be served. The ideal revenge would heal his tormented soul. The big fellow had embraced the idea. He had his heart set on attending all the sses.


    ?Your task is to get back to your family and get closer to your brother. Get into Hansa¡¯s inner circle. He will underestimate you, beat you up¡­ You have to endure everything. Imagine that you¡¯re a patient hunter, lying in wait for a prey toe close.?


    Byron listened, spellbound. Kyon was sent to him by heaven to help him take revenge on the hated brother, no less.


    Kyon gave the dwarves some written instructions on how to shoot. Then he did some hocus-pocus over Byron¡¯s forehead and said goodbye. The big fellow hugged him gratefully, picked up the gun, put some cotton in his ears and went on to practice shooting.


    Gennady invited Kyon to his office, throwing a warning nce at Juno.


    She couldn¡¯t understand why the idiot dared to look at her noble person at all. ¨C {§¡h?!}


    In the office, Kyon found M, the cute girl in a short skirt. She gave him a shy nce.


    Juno rubbed the bridge of her nose when she realized everything. It was ridiculously funny. For god¡¯s sake, she could serve this devil on the te! She didn¡¯t want to see him again. He could get married, as well.


    ?M! What a nice surprise!? ¨C The old dwarf eximed a bit too dramatically. ¨C ?Since you are here, be so kind, give our guest a foot massage! Kyon, take off your shoes!?


    ?Thank you, Gennady. But my wife-to-be will do it herself. She¡¯s got the hang of it and just loves my feet! Hehe, she¡¯s such a pervert! Right, Juno?? ¨C Kyon asked with hidden contempt in his eyes.


    Juno grimaced and blushed. An emerald me was burning in her eyes. It was the first time the jerk had dared to humiliate her in public! However, there was nothing she could do. She humbly closed her eyes, squatted down, took off his smelly (in her opinion) shoes and socks¡­ And then she started doing the dirty job, to hell with her dignity, to hell with her pride.


    M sobbed and ran away in tears. When she saw the tall beautiful girl giving foot massage to their benefactor, M realized that she was failing on every frontpared to his future wife. She was inferior in everything in her skills, appearance and even status. She felt nothing but envy and resentment. Grandpa shouldn¡¯t have persuaded her toe here at all¡­ Her heart was broken forever.


    ?I swear by the dwarf¡¯s beard! Damn her! How dared she to hurt my granddaughter?? ¨C Gennady swore, looking at Juno sweating over Kyon¡¯s feet with contempt. What a dirty pervert, indeed!


    Juno was dizzy. Tears welled up in her eyes. She could feel with her soul the assistant enjoying every moment of her massage and it made the situation only worse.


    Kyon was sipping the best dwarf ale. He felt on top of the world. The little minx had learned to give pleasure to her master. Maybe next time he should ask her to do it with her tongue? Maybe not. Her fingers were too much, let alone the tongue¡­


    ?Our first dwarf reached enlightenment yesterday. He keeps producing metal bars day and night! Unbelievable! Your heritage really makes it possible to create iron! From now on, we don¡¯t have to pay anyone to buy it. It has left us with a decent budget to buy more ingredients for gunpowder¡­?


    ?By the way, I¡¯ve received the detailed drawings. The huge cannon will be ready before the tournament starts. We¡¯ve created the imprable mask ording to your design. They will bring it in soon.?


    Kyon nodded, satisfied. He couldn¡¯t get a word in. Gennady was a real chatter-box.


    ?Tell me, do you have any more engineering ideas? My people and I will start implementing them as a matter of priority! All the other good-for-nothing orders can wait.?


    Kyon put the mug on the table, moved his toes and said:


    ?When the guard calls to tell you that five people have arrived, let them all in here.?


    ?Huh? People?? ¨C Gennady didn¡¯t have a chance to get surprised when the guard called him.


    ?Some tall bastards say they havee at the invitation of Kyon¡­ Shall I let them in, Sir??


    ?Bring them to my office.? ¨C The old dwarf said and looked at Kyon with interest.


    Five middle-aged people in white coats befitting scientists entered the main office. All of them were well-groomed and in perfect shape. There was only that weird vacant look in their eyes.


    All five of them were residents of Boston, representatives of the poor ss. They were enved yesterday, totally unaware of it. Today they got used to the voice in their heads. It promised to change their lives for the better and give them a well-paid job at the factory. All of them knew how to write. They only needed to memorize some mathematical and chemical symbols. The mysterious voice would tell them the rest. They had arrived here in spite of their inner self that was against this nonsense. Thest straw was a parcel with clothes that had literally fallen on their heads. Did they go nuts? Did the world go crazy? By all means!


    ?Meet my people, Gennady. They have great knowledge of chemistry, engineering and other technical sciences. They will teach the dwarves science. So, you will eventually learn all the charms of electricity and, sooner orter, you¡¯ll create a decent weapon. Itsbat parameters will be hundreds of times superior to the sniper. However, it will take you a year to master the new technologies even under the instructions of my people. As a result, you¡¯ll be more influential than any family. Except the imperial, of course¡­?


    The five people started smiling foolishly. They did not understand what was going on. Who was this guy? Did they know each other? Unfortunately, the voice in their head had forbidden them to say too much and limited their freedom of action.


    ?Are you serious?! People?! Training the great dwarves?! What a nerve! What madness! Do you think there are plenty of geniuses like you?! Are you insane!? ¨C The old dwarf was outraged. He could believe Kyon really meant it.


    ?Talk to them. Or give them three days of probation and several dwarves as students. If they impress you with their knowledge, then you can hire them. I trust all of thempletely. They will never tell anyone too much. Deal? You don¡¯t lose anything but get a priceless chance to increase your impact.? ¨C Kyon finished his tirade, confident in himself, and flicked Juno on the nose with his toe. ¨C ?Use your hands, little pervert. And keep your mouth shut!?


    Juno was thunderstruck. She looked at the five people who were standing peacefully nearby and couldn¡¯t understand anything. Was the monster vitingmon sense again? When did he manage to find five followers?! Where did he get the knowledge to impress the inimitable dwarves? Science? Chemistry? What was going on?!


    The painful flick on the nose brought Juno to her senses, and she continued with her job. Hundreds of curious questions buzzed in her poor little head. It was real torture! She would give anything to find out the truth. But the jerk kept silent again. The vile monster enjoyed her suffering. Juno¡¯s eyes were moist with grief. Her lips moved slightly¡­


    ?You are a fool, Kyon. I¡¯m sixty years old, but I¡¯ve never met a really smart engineer. Beside you that is¡­ Alright, I agree but only out of respect for your skills. Bear in mind, I will drive them out of here in three days. Nobody but bearded gods should work here!?


    ?I know. Thank you, Gennady.? ¨C Kyon answered, waving him off. He would have achieved what he wanted anyway. He might have offered some other metal from the heritage or ordered someone to talk to the chief dwarf on science repeating after the voice in their head. From now on, the five people would teach the proud race of dwarves the secrets that they needed to develop new high technologies.


    In the end, the dwarves gave Kyon a beautiful, elegant ck mask that hid the entire face except for the eyes and blocked scanning. Also, he requested several dozens of pistols, snipers, and cartridges. Some of them had a needle on the tip and a drop of tranquilizer inside. He agreed on this supply with Gennady via sound transmitter a long time ago. The dwarf couldn¡¯t say no.


    When Kyon was leaving the factory, he received a bird with a spatial ring. He found the necessary papers inside and a note from Stephany: ¡°Kyon, I did everything as you asked! You owe me the third training. I want to have it somewhere else¡­ I am sure you will enjoy it! Call me! I don¡¯t have the frequency of your sound transmitter. Missing you and longing to see you. ? ¡°


    Kyon crumpled the note, burnt it and scattered it in the wind. He put a nephrite with the promised movement technique into the ring and sent the post back to the addressee. Stephany was, by all means, beautiful and influential. She might as well have a rich inner world. However, she fell short of Kyon¡¯s expectations. He didn¡¯t need her anymore. His n had worked. He had the papers. His little birds would bring him the necessary information to contribute to his main goal of bing a high-ranking investigator.


    When Kyon reached the rank high enough in the department, he would find a way to implement the information that Kara is a demon. While he was at it, he would make some high-ranking families empty their wallets as well.

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    ?Let me go.? ¨C Juno said in a sweet soft voice. She was sad, depressed, her eyes cast down. She looked like an innocent angel. Anyone would hold andfort her. The poor thing was in pain caused by tons of unsolved mysteries.


    Kyon was pleased with the two turns of the dark core he got from Juno at the factory. The total hade to 28%! It was almost equal to the light core. He was not going to let her go.


    ?No, honey bunny. You are my calling card, my talisman, my lucky charm. If you go on showing your arrogance and conceit, you will get the desired key cleaning.?


    Juno reluctantly climbed the mount behind Kyon. Where were they going? He wouldn¡¯t answer, anyway¡­ Juno hated the jerk with all her heart.


    They arrived at the third precinct of the department of Law and Order, an analogue of the police station. They exist in every area of Boston. All of them are subordinate to the main department of Law and Order that is located in the center of Boston. Kyon¡¯s main task was to get there.


    Kyon left the horse in the menagerie and put out his hand. A golden ring with a red stone appeared on it out of thin air. The number six was engraved on the stone. The ring seemed to be made gold and ruby by a skilled cutter¡­ However, they were only rocks of simr color and consistency that Kyon had created with the earth element.


    When Juno noticed the ring, she froze to the spot. Each rock was highly regarded in any family heritage. Had her assistant just created gold and ruby?! Was he familiar with their legacy? It was impossible!


    They entered the building and showed their wrists at the post. Kyon expressed a desire to speak with the head of the precinct on an important matter. After some time, a fat man came to the entrance and told them to follow him.


    When the offsprings of the first rank in the family numbere to visit, it is foolish to refuse their request. The head of the precinct is a busy man at a higher level of the hierarchy, but it is quite possible to arrange a meeting with him.


    Kyon entered a spacious office and saw a stern-looking man sitting in the armchair and leafing through the reports.


    ?Mr. Kurt, it¡¯s an honor to meet you. My name is Kyon Stone. I am Juno Stone¡¯s brother. We are both patriarch Bai Stone¡¯s descendants. Something¡¯se up.?


    The head of the precinct looked in surprise at his guests and frowned. ¨C ?I won¡¯t risk my position, guys. If you want to make false allegations against someone, you need a corrupt head of another precinct.? ¨C He said loudly. However, for some reason, his words spoke about a high price for his service rather than of his decency.


    Kyon shook his head and handed him the ring. ¨C ?I¡¯ve discovered the den of Guiming, Sauron¡¯s sixth brother, and eliminated his gang. I¡¯ve decided to talk with you, Kurt, about dealing with this issue that is so important for Boston.?


    The man¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest. There was a big reward for each brother with their gangs. Guiming, for example, was worth 80,000 spheres. The head of the precinct would get something from this amount.


    He took the ring and twisted it in his fingers. There was no doubt, it was the original ring.


    ?Great! There¡¯s one bastard less. Finally! Hehe, it¡¯s good news! So, did you bring Guimin¡¯s head??


    ?I¡¯m afraid, we didn¡¯t. But we can give you the whereabouts of the gang.?


    ?Alright! It¡¯s a deal. Did youe to get your eighty thousand spheres?? ¨C Kurt asked.


    ?Not really. You can reap all the rewards yourself and say that it was you who had found and killed Guiming. In exchange, I need a one on one meeting with dimir for fifteen¡­ no, for ten minutes.?


    Kurt coughed into his hand, stunned. ¨C ?dimir? The head of the Department of Law and Order?!?


    Kyon nodded.


    ?Are you out of your mind? dimir is a very busy person! He is a young elder in the Grand family, responsible for the most important department of the Ministry of Justice, Department of Law and Order. He hasn¡¯t a minute of free time, especially for two arrogant kids like you. I am not going to risk my job.?


    ?Kurt, I want to be a high-ranking investigator. The departmentcks people with creative minds and unique skills. I am willing to change the situation. However, I do not want to waste years climbing the careerdder. Only dimir can appreciate my rich potential and make my dreame true.?


    ?Make your dreame true? Ha ha ha! It¡¯s pure nonsense! You have no experience or skills, kid! You don¡¯t even know the structure of the department. You have no manners. How do you speak to your elders! You¡¯re a typical representative of arrogant golden youth. Tell me the location of the dead robbers and go get your reward.? ¨C There was an almost mocking tone to Kurt¡¯s voice.


    Kyon gave him his military card. ¨C ?Here you are. I¡¯vepleted the basic requirement, graduated from the military school with flying colors. I know all about subordination and will respect the chain ofmand. As for my working experience as an investigator¡­ I am only fourteen years old. Where could I get it? As a proof of my abilities, I have single-handedly discovered and with the help of my people, exterminated Guiming and his gang. By the way, the best investigators of the kingdom couldn¡¯t handle it for years¡­?


    ?Don¡¯t lie! They must have attacked you because you were easy prey. Don¡¯t confuse pure luck with unique skills, stupid kid. Your military card says nothing about your true abilities.?


    ?Pure luck?? ¨C Kyon smiled coldly at Kurt. ¨C ?Each Sauron brother uses formations that scan the passers-by. They wouldn¡¯t have missed our guards. Or maybe you think that Bay¡¯s family travels unapanied??


    ?¡­? ¨C Kurt had nothing to say. The brothers did secretly scan with the formations everyone passing their forest. They couldn¡¯t have made a mistake.


    ?Besides, when I name their exact location, all your doubts will disappear. The elite of the Stones would never take a detour along a dark, dirty road. Anyone can understand that the destruction of Guimin and his gang was the result of my deliberate search. dimir won¡¯t miss the opportunity to recruit a talented investigator with creative thinking skills.?


    The man changed his mind and threw his hands up. ¨C ?Alright! As soon as my people carry out the necessary survey, I will finally believe you. But it¡¯s not enough! I won¡¯t take risks for eighty thousand and a share of glory¡­ I earn more in a year. It¡¯s not worth it.?


    Kyon wouldn¡¯t be himself if he didn¡¯t get the hint at bribing. ¨C ?I will give you another fifty thousand.?


    Kurt hesitated. Then he said with a doubt in his voice. ¨C ?Two hundred fifty thousand.?


    Kyon nearly hit the head of the precinct in his fat cheeks. ¨C ?A hundred and twenty.?


    ?Two hundred.?


    Juno looked at one of them then at the other.


    ?It¡¯s myst offer. One hundred fifty thousand, as well as all the reward for Guiming¡¯s head, and you will arrange my meeting with dimir in return.? ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t offer more. The damned thief had taken all his treasure.


    When he saw the unshakable look on Kyon¡¯s face, the head of the precinct gave up. ¨C ?Alright, you¡¯ve got a deal.?


    ?Let¡¯s shake on it.? ¨C Kyon shook Kurt¡¯s hand and gave him the bribe.


    When he man greedily epted the money, Kyon took out a nephrite just in case.


    ?By the way, Mr. Kurt¡­ Our conversation has been recorded. Don¡¯t even think of breaking the deal.?


    The head of the precinct looked stunned. He had underestimated the boy. Kurt coughed into his fist dryly and tapped his chest, putting on airs of a respectable policeman. ¨C ?I honor thew, honor and justice! I always keep my promises!? ¨C A idea to appropriate the money and break the deal had shed across his mind. Now that he saw the nephrite, he had to give up his sweet dreams.


    Juno buried her face in her hands and giggled hysterically.


    Kyon rolled his eyes. The briber was astoundingly shameless. The mean, vile man contradicted himself. Unfortunately, crooks like him were often in positions of authority.


    ?It¡¯s not funny, girl. The policemen never lie!?


    In response, Juno nearly fell off her chair,ughing.


    Kurt averted his eyes from the charming girl in confusion. Her delightful voice caressed his ears. He heard the rumors about Juno¡¯s amazing beauty. Too bad, her face was hidden under a veil.


    ?Alright, never mind. My people will analyze the situation with Guiming today. You can expect my call tomorrow. I will give you the instructions. And¡­ Send me the audio record just in case, to get a better night¡¯s sleep.?


    Any formacist can confirm that it¡¯s impossible to fake audio, let alone video formation. Nor can anyone make a copy. Therefore, it was a good idea to take the only copy for himself. Just to be on the safe side.


    ?I will.? ¨C Kyon reported the whereabouts of the robbers, gave his frequency and left the abode ofw and order with a pleased look on his face. However, why would he be happy? It wasn¡¯t the best deal to give away 150 thousand (230 left) for a short meeting, even if with a big man in Boston. If he hadn¡¯t shown his military card, nothing might havee of it. He would have to get more money. Kyon felt grateful to Stephanie.


    The reason for his sess was, in fact, of a different nature. Thanks to a little bird, Kyon could overhear the conversation of the head of the ministry on the sound transmitter the other day. The man mentioned the rare name Kurt several times in a friendly context. There had been a lot of talk about himtely. The young elder would certainly trust Kurt¡¯s rmendations when he arranged the meeting with Kyon.


    Juno silently mounted the horse and reluctantly hugged her assistant. They went to the Stones¡¯ territory.


    Juno felt her heart ache. How could the jerk be so ambitious! And the worst part, Lady Fortune favored him everywhere he went. He was lucky at the party and during the qualification¡­ He had everything nned, by all means.


    Now he wanted to be a high-ranking investigator! He had taken her along as a symbol of his sess. He had ordered the military card through Stephane, his dedicated call girl. He had created Guiming¡¯s ring! The asshole had given away her money as a bribe while her flower was starving! She turned out to be personally participating in his influence and authority. She had saved him at the party, she had invited her grandfather to watch the qualification to thest minute. She had always sponsored his schemes! On the other hand, she had always got her keys cleared for her efforts. But it didn¡¯t make things better. She desperately wanted to break her assistant¡¯s confidence at all costs. She wanted him to doubt his luck.


    ?Do you really want to be a high-ranking investigator?? ¨C Juno asked Kyon.


    ?I do.?


    ?An acquaintance of my father tried to be a high-ranking investigator. In the end, he was brutally killed on one of the tasks. I wouldn¡¯t waste my time if I were you.?


    ?There was no acquaintance of your father, was there?? ¨C Kyon asked, insightfully.


    ?There was. I am not a liar, unlike some people.?


    ?Alright. I will order you to tell the truth, and when it¡¯s uncovered, I won¡¯t clear your keys for several months. Moreover, I¡¯ll order to give me a foot massage with your spiteful tongue.?


    ?NO!? ¨C Juno cried out in terror. ¨C ?It¡¯s just¡­ I just¡­ I am sorry, master¡­?


    ?That¡¯s what I thought.? ¨C Kyonughed. He could feel all the emotions of the little devil. There was a bit of sadism among them, a burning desire to annoy and harm him. Typical Juno.


    Juno got upset. She did not take into ount that Kyon could see into her mind¡­


    ?Anyway, it takes many years of service and proving great abilities to be an investigator¡­ You can¡¯t keep taking advantage of the loophole without consequences. Everyone despises this method. They will strangle you at work.?


    ?Do you want to challenge me again?? ¨C Kyon asked with pleasure in his voice.


    ?No, thank you.? ¨C Juno did not n to take a few hits. Her assistant often destroyed her expectations. He was constantly defying anymon sense.


    ?Then keep quiet and don¡¯t squeak, stubborn little bitch.?


    ?¡­?


    ?I am waiting for you at the training ground tonight for your impudent attempt to y dirty tricks on me. We¡¯ll continue working on your glutes.?


    ?WHAT?! No, please! Plea¡­ Ouch!?


    Kyon nudged her with his elbow. What¡¯s all the screaming about? The guards might hear her yell.


    ?I don¡¯t have to exin my decisions.?


    Juno¡¯s chest trembled finely, her eyes turned red with tears. Her hands burned, but she had to hold tight to the bawdy monster riding in front of her. She would do anything to make sure the horror on the training ground wouldn¡¯t happen again!


    In the evening, Juno entered the training area. She looked like a wilted flower.


    As soon as Juno noticed hisscivious face, as soon as she saw the jerk rub his hands in anticipation, she felt sick. She was an unfortunate little fox left there for the evil wolf to torture her.


    ?Please¡­ Master¡­?


    ?Come on. Attack me.?


    Kyon didn¡¯t stop untilte at night, giving Juno hell. Her desperate screams were heard all over the training hall. By the end of the session, her red bottom was numb, tingling and burning. He¡¯d been squeezing the nasty girl¡¯s parts, not sparing efforts or hatred.


    Back in her room, Juno buried her nose in the pillow, making it wet with tears. She felt sorry for herself and tried toe up with a way to change the situation, all to no avail. Any attempt to get rid of the monster would be too risky and could cost her the key cleaning. Her only goal at this stage of her life was to master at least four elements. The nine elements would make her development skyrocket. However, did she have enough patience for that?

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188


    Before going to bed, Kyon wrote a note to Bai. He asked most beautifully and delicately to give him 20,000 spheres that Sauron would get in the end. Kyon was meeting him the day after tomorrow.


    In the morning, he received the long-awaited call. He was meeting dimir at quarter to noon. He put the nephrite with the recorded conversation in the bird¡¯s ws and sent it to Kurt, the briber. Kyon wasn¡¯t going to have anything to do with him.


    After that, Kyon called Juno. He was taking her along as his lucky charm again. Just in case. No one would dare to touch the patriarch¡¯s granddaughter.


    At the appointed time, they arrived at the central square. They saw arge white four-story building in the traditional style. The Department of Law and Order was the main branch of the Ministry of Justice out of the three. The other two branches were responsible for jurisprudence and economy that had less influence in this world of power.


    The Department of Law and Order had many functions responsible forw enforcement: discovering the criminals, maintaining order on the streets, following the rules, punishing those who vited the rules, dealing with corruption, and so on. In fact, it was the city army and the police at once. The Department reacted to anything that the current authorities had any objections to. More often than not, it was covered byws. It should be noted that the authorities meant the imperial family, not the royal one. A king or his offsprings would never prevail over thews.


    Perhaps the fact that the Grands had no power over the Department was the decisive factor for Kyon. No bitch like Kara would ever have him delivered to her on a silver tter to wait for her verdict.


    Kyon and Juno climbed the broad steps and entered the building. Despite the long line, they were let in because they had an aura of the high-ranking persons. No one was looking for problems.


    A sweet young administrator quickly found their appointment and assigned an attendant. She looked a little surprised. It wasn¡¯t too easy to get an audience with dimir.


    The attendant took them to the back of the building. He entered the elevator and applied his formation. They went up to the top floor. It was upscale, but without too many frills. Everything was decorated in an elegant austere style. They noticed a door at the end of the corridor. No doubt, it was the office of the head of the ministry.


    Juno was walking beside Kyon, ncing at him from time to time. She expected to see his anxious face, but he remained calm.


    ?By the way¡­ When I say something that doesn¡¯t make any sense to you, don¡¯t react, please.? ¨C Kyon ordered in a quiet voice.


    {Hun?! What do you mean?!} ¨C Juno gazed at him open-mouthed.


    The attendant applied his formation to the circle at the door and waited for a while. When the person inside epted, the door opened. The attendant let the visitors in and left.


    Kyon and Juno passed through the soundproof barrier and immediately felt the change in the atmosphere inside the spacious room.


    A man of about 35 years old, dressed in an elegant ck suit was standing at therge mirror. He was wearing a white shirt under the jacket. A ck bow-tie was attached to the cor, but it didn¡¯t keep straight. dimir was trying to adjust it.


    The visitors could see only part of his face in the mirror, and even so, it was remarkable. He was a handsome young man,pletely devoid of arrogance and self-importance, which is so often associated with a high position. He seemed to have survived a serious crisis.


    The man said, without turning his head:


    ?Let¡¯s drop courtesies and get down to business. Kurt, my subordinate, has rmended you, Kyon Stone, as a potential investigator. Usually, lower ranks deal with employment, but I¡¯ve made an exception for the sake of an old friend. So, you¡¯ve taken Sauron¡¯s sixth brother¡­ It¡¯s a good start. Tell me how you discovered his den. Surprise me, reveal your skills. And I¡¯ll think about where I might have a ce for you¡­?


    ?Thank you for seeing me, dimir. Taking the sixth brother was nothing but an ordinary investigation of the territory around Boston. I found ane that was teeming with robbers and checked it together with my guards. However, nothing that I¡¯ve said is much impressive. That¡¯s why I will take a step back and give you an analysis of your personality, your priorities and goals if you don¡¯t mind.? ¨C Kyon suggested.


    Everyone likes to talk about themselves. dimir looked at Kyon¡¯s reflection in the mirror, intrigued. ¨C ?I¡¯d love to hear what you have to say.? ¨C The damned bow-tie wouldn¡¯t hold straight!


    Juno wondered. ¨C {Analysis of dimir¡¯s personality? Does he hope to earn the position ttering the head of the Department? What an idiot! I¡¯ve overestimated him!} ¨C A nasty smile yed on her lips.


    ?Alright. Your beautiful tuxedo is made of expensive materials, including the solin. Only the Zemfirovs make clothes of solin in this empire. You are a proud patriot, so I dare to assume that¡¯s where you ced your order. You¡¯ve ordered your suit recently because it doesn¡¯t have a single wrinkle. It is made with taste. I suppose it¡¯s the first time you¡¯re wearing it. However, the bow-tie doesn¡¯t match the suit. It¡¯s made of a different material. Perhaps it was bought separately in a hurry in Boston. The Zemfirovs set the fashion trend in our empire. If a bow-tie isn¡¯t supposed to go with a suit, no one will buy it separately. However, you insisted on acquiring this element of clothing.?


    dimir watched Kyon closely. His gestures and the tone of his voice added confidence and conviction to his words.


    ?Your father, Gregory Grand, was the former head of the Ministry of Law and Order, a great elder, and King Michael¡¯s good friend. He died two years ago at the hands of the best killer, the ck Queen. May he rest in peace¡­ The whole department searched for the murderer for a year. However, you ordered to stop the search. You must have understood who ordered the murder. That¡¯s why you stopped looking for the killer to get the intel. As for getting your revenge, it wasn¡¯t enough justified to squander the budget of the kingdom. Even after you have found out the name of the perpetrator, there was no news of finding the one who gave the order to kill Gregory. Therefore, you have either lost the criminal or there is nothing you can do.?


    dimir froze. His face became serious, almost grave.


    ?And now, back to the bow-tie¡­ There exists an old superstition: if at the celebration (for example, a wedding, a birthday, etc.) one of the guests is wearing a ck bow-tie and has in the pocket thirteen ck rose petals, the host or hostess of the party will be damned and will soon die of a severe illness. You inherited the superstition from your father, for you respected him with all your heart. Today you are going to the pce where they are celebrating the international day of the royal family, that is, King Michael, Queen da, the first Princess Kara and Prince Charles. It leads to the assumption that you wish them death. However, King Michael and the prince are innocent. They had no reason to eliminate someone so valuable to the kingdom, which can¡¯t be said about Kara and da, who suddenly appeared in the kingdom three years ago. The king stopped appearing in public immediately after their arrival. About that time his taxws exceeded all the limits. It is reasonable to assume that the newly-made queen took over Michael and all power in the kingdom. She had eliminated your father as the most dangerous opponent. She hired a hitman to kill him. By the way, it takes outstanding formacist skills and a huge advantage in power to subjugate the king. Or there¡¯s another way. The enchanting curse known to the race of demons, the subi. I don¡¯t im that Kara and da are demons, but given their sensual nature, as well as the rare case of their cherry-red hair and eyes (although the queen has her hair dyed), there¡¯s a high probability that it¡¯s true. It turns out that you¡¯re seeking revenge. You¡¯re trying to get back at Kara and da. Am I right?? ¨C Kyon finished his speech, keeping his calm demeanor.


    dimir was speechless, amazed. Each Kyon¡¯s word had more truth than thest. dimir had spent long months toe to this conclusion! And Kyon went ahead and revealed the truth at a single nce at his bow-tie! The head of the Department had often met talented investigators who could quickly show a person their essence, but it was the first time he had met someone who could prate the very depths of the soul, touch the heart with minor detail.


    dimir turned slowly, disappeared from his ce and nailed Kyon to the wall, hissing:


    ?Who the hell are you?!?


    Meanwhile, Juno lookedpletely calm because of Kyon¡¯s order, but her heart beat out a quick drum roll. ¨C {Kara is a demon?! SHE IS A SUCCUBUS?!} ¨C Shel felt dizzy and had to lean against the wall. Given the color of her hair and eyes, her wanton behaviour, and sexual attraction to girls, Kara was truly a subus! Juno remembered the night in bed with Kara when her whole body was burning with desire. Was it Kara¡¯s enchantment curse? And what about her grandfather who had lost his best friend.. The king turned out to have been enchanted! The news fell upon her like an avnche.


    {Kara¡¯s a demon! A demon! She¡¯s a demon!} ¨C This thought echoed through her consciousness. The human race despises the demons. This hatred is encouraged since early childhood. Anyone would destroy or enve the representatives of the vile race. The demons are evil, cunning, treacherous creatures. And one of them turned out to be her friend! How could she live on with this idea?


    Juno took a deep breath and looked at Kyon pressed against the wall. Why was he so smart? How did her assistant understand that the pathetic ck bow-tie was rted to da and Kara? His line reasoning was tooplicated¡­ How did he know so many secrets about dimir? About his father? Moreover, judging by the reaction of the head of the Department, Kyon¡¯s theory was absolutely true!


    ?I am Kyon, the grandson of Bai, the son of Diana and the brother of Juno, XiaoBai and Elsa Stone. I hope I¡¯ve piqued your interest. Where do you think you¡¯ll find a cement for me?? ¨C Kyon asked with an ingratiating smile and adjusted the bow-tie on dimir¡¯s cor.


    dimir looked from the boy to the girl and back. Surprisingly, the charming girl kept calm, her eyes were empty. Judging by her unearthly beauty, she really was Bai¡¯s granddaughter. Consequently, the boy told the truth about his identity.


    ?Kyon Stone¡­ You discovered the truth at a single nce at the bow-tie, didn¡¯t you? What do you take me for? You work for da, right?! How could you know about the flower if I did not show it?!? ¨C The head of the Department said threateningly.


    ?Don¡¯t get me wrong, sir. I didn¡¯t know anything before I came to your office. I despise demons like all normal people. When I saw the petal in the vase, I figured out there was a flower.? ¨C He pointed at the vase on the top shelf.


    dimir looked at the petal in the vase and let Kyon go. He impassively straightened his the slightly wrinkled ck shirt and said with some na?vet¨¦:


    ?I¡¯ve been into deduction since I was a kid. Once I solved a case with a thief, then another one with a killer, and then I easily exposed a briber. After that, I realized¡­ that my calling is to work as a high-ranking investigator and help people. Ideally, I intend to achieve career sess and make the world a better ce by hunting down the most dangerous criminals of the empire.?


    ?You are either childishly foolish or too smart and sneaky. Who can guarantee that the royal family won¡¯t find out about this conversation??- dimir asked, looking at them wearily.


    ?My sister and I can write a non-disclosure statement. But this bullshit won¡¯t give you guarantees at all. You¡¯ll have to take my word for it. Kyon Stone has arrived here with the sole goal of bing a high-ranking royal investigator. I need the highest rmendation letter from imperial investigators. Why should I look for trouble from a dignified person like you? I don¡¯t want to waste my precious time climbing the careerdder! It is only reasonable, isn¡¯t it??


    dimir put his two fingers on the temple, massaging it and trying to analyze the personality of the new acquaintance. Was he stupid or smart? Was he really naive or just pretending to be? He was too weird. A dark horse, that¡¯s for sure. At least his words made sense. Besides, eliminating the witnesses of the 1st rank wouldn¡¯t work. There would be grave consequences. He had to take a chance, but before that, he would ask Kyon some follow-up questions.


    ?Do you really want to help the empire? Why should I trust you??


    ?You have every right to doubt me. You know, an ambitious person often longs for power that can enhance the authority not only of the family but also the whole empire.? ¨C He nned to manage a strong army, have a tremendous impact, and inspire respect.


    ?And that¡¯s it??


    Kyon scratched his cheek, embarrassed. ¨C ?Also, I dream of being the Empress¡¯s secret weapon, a hidden someone with the highest level of anonymity. I¡¯ve even got an imprable mask! Take a look!? ¨C He showed dimir the beautiful ck mask just like this.


    ?Gods, it¡¯s crazy¡­? ¨C dimir said wearily.


    After a prolonged silence, he nced at his watch. ¨C ?I give you month probation, Kyon Stone.? ¨C He handed Kyon a golden card. ¨C ?Show it to the management. They will grant you the temporary power of an investigator of the 5th rank. I will analyze and judge your results in a month. That¡¯s all. You¡¯re both free to go.?


    {A month? He underestimated me.}


    Kyon thanked dimir and left the office. Everything went smoothly. He behaved too weird on purpose. His misleading speech contributed to his psychological portrait of an entric genius and a dark horse. The Department needed investigators like him. As for Juno, she was his additional protection.


    Kyon cracked his fingers. The challenge epted! It was high time to turn the department upside down. Or his name wasn¡¯t Lovr.

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189


    Kyon left the department and arrived at the menagerie nearby.


    ?Go home. I don¡¯t need your pretty face anymore.? ¨C Kyon said casually, putting on his elegant ck mask. He was going to return to the department another person. Even his voice was a bit lower now.


    Juno stared at her assistant with dismay, then, after some hesitation, she asked:


    ?Is Kara really a demon??


    Kyon nodded.


    ?Really¡­ How could I be friends with a demon all this time and did not even notice it?! Then¡­ It means that my honor and dignity have been irrevocably lost!? ¨C Junomented in disbelief, talking to herself. Such things were of immense importance for her. That¡¯s the way she was brought up. The mere thought that she was so close to being seduced in her own room gave her a nasty shiver in her loins.


    Kyon chuckled. It was ironic that the heartless sadist was worried about her innocence and honor.


    ?Juno, believe me, you are no better than Kara, in this regard. You don¡¯t have to worry. The princess would be the first to suffer from your rtionship. I have no doubt about it.?


    ?I am not kidding! It¡¯s not funny!? ¨C Juno screamed frantically. If Kara was a demon, and everyone found it out, then rumors would spread. Juno risked to be condemned by the noble society, and it would be a serious blow to her reputation! Didn¡¯t he understand?! Dunce!


    Kyon took a deep breath as if he was about to exin something obvious to an unreasonable child:


    ?All of you have been brainwashed since childhood. They have instilled in you hostility towards the other races. It¡¯s sheer folly! Any rational creature can find themonnguage with their own kind, but the races in this worldck cultural or intellectual cultivation for mutually beneficial coexistence. Open your eyes and see that the supreme beasts or demons are the same as people, even if the beasts eat people, and the demons are vicious. Kara is a holy nunpared with you. Anyway, why do I have to exin all these simple things to you? Go away, dirty minx who makes friends with evil demons. Shame on you. Ugh.? ¨C He spat to hurt her even deeper.


    Still numb from his unexpected tirade, Juno watched Kyon leave slowly. Then her nk eyes regained their focus, and she gradually came to her senses. He was just being sarcastic! It was a waste of time to listen to this jerk, totally not worth it. The question was how to act around Kara? Was she someone to be afraid of? Did Juno have to watch out all the time? Did she have to despise the princess? In any case, it was better to stay away from her.


    A short reflection on what he said, Juno felt gratitude to Kyon for the important discovery. She had underestimated his quick wits. He greatly impressed her with his strange but reasonable line of thinking. Moreover, she was struck by what had happened. Kyon got things his way, the ambitious bastard! Juno was d that she had refused to challenge him, or she would have received another p to her dignity for hasty conclusions. How is it even possible to have everything his way?


    ?Wait!? ¨C Juno screamed, catching up with Kyon. ¨C ?You forgot to thank me!?


    ?Uhm¡­ Well, thank you.?


    ?No! Your promise¡­? ¨C Juno stood in front of him with her charming, ingratiating smile on her face.


    Kyon rolled his eyes and cleaned her key in silence. Her reaction was still enthusiastic but no longer as intense as before. Juno gave no ecstatic puppy squeals, she didn¡¯t jump for joy. She only shed a broad smile full of satisfaction. And no thanks from her! Juno no longer took into ount the colossal value of the work he did to change her mediocre innate talent. However, Kyon couldn¡¯t care less as long as she sat still looking pretty and didn¡¯t cause trouble, just grumbled and held a grudge at times.


    Shortly afterwards, Kyon entered the department with the mask on his face and presented his golden card. He was given temporary ess to the second floor, the appropriate uniform, a personal sound transmitter with the frequencies of his subordinates. He was also exined the powers that the temporary formation on his wrist gave him.


    Kyon went upstairs and was surprised by the atmosphere up there. He expected to see long gloomy corridors with lots of cramped offices, but he found a kind of office cubicles with thin translucent walls between the working space. There were no doors or sound instion. The lively conversations mixed into a continuous cacophony of sounds. The ce was bustling with activity. The Pareto principle proved to be efficient.


    All this noise andpletely unorganized corporate chaos made Kyon¡¯s inner perfectionist suffer. He recalled the floor map and headed for the file room with undisclosed files.


    The investigator in this world was a self-sufficient unit with various duties from the moment of recording and investigating the crime to taking the criminal, who would be sentencedter in court. The investigator is a detective, a forensic scientist, a police officer, and a soldier all in one. Starting with the 6th rank, investigators get a subordinate, usually an investigator of the 7th rank who is more like a junior partner. The investigators of the 5th rank have three subordinates, and those of the 4th rank (the head of the section) run the department. It¡¯s easy to determine the rank of the investigator by the uniform, size of the office, the confident expression on the face, and other signs. As a rule, the 7th rank is someone¡¯s subordinate, gaining experience. The 6th rank is almost the same. However, they sometimes get some independence to carry out clearly defined tasks. Starting with the 5th rank, the investigators get more or less free in their actions, if there are no urgent or special tasks from the authorities. Kyon decided to act as modest and inconspicuous as could be, but his damn ck mask still attracted unnecessary attention.


    Somehow, he made it to the file room and began to study the files. He couldn¡¯t concentrate at first because of the numerous investigators and servants scurrying around. The working buzz in the department also distracted him. Once again, Kyon got convinced how helpless he was without lifesaving Synergy.


    However, before Kyon turn on the ¡°filter,¡± he overheard with his upgraded ears a delicate conversation at the other end of the hall. An investigator was enthusiastically sharing with his colleagues some exciting news.


    ?It can¡¯t go on like this. The third elite brothel of Boston out of five is closed to the public. The elite prostitutes can¡¯t get out of bed. The doctors say they will have to stay in bed for another month or two. What do we do about it??


    ?We could castrate him.?


    ?Prince Charles? Are you kidding??


    ?I suggest we agree with the popr opinion and henceforth call him ¡°Prince the Hot Underpants.¡±


    Everyoneughed.


    ?Who would have thought that the great prince, the second most influential person in Cernos, the elegant and noble young man, would suddenly break loose like a lustful dog? What is it? The male libido? After all, he is eighteen years old, not fourteen! How long has he been restraining his unbridled lust? We need to arrest thedy who drives the guy crazy!?


    ?At all events, he isn¡¯t going to stop. The prostitutes from the two other brothels are already leaving the city with their suitcases, afraid to fall under his hot¡­ thing. Soon he will disable the remaining two elite establishments. However, he will just move on to the brothels of lower rank!?


    ?And then he will move on to cheap prostitutes!? ¨C Someone added,ughing.


    ?And then the men will end up brawling. There will be an increase in crime, an economic crisis and, as a result, the copse of the whole kingdom! BOOM!?


    The entire department roared withughter.


    Kyon sympathized with the poor fellow. The beautiful thief had destroyed the prince¡¯s prestige with a single sentence. She had turned him into a crazy sex maniac! How mean and cunning of her! However, if she hadn¡¯t stolen his ring, Kyon would also beughing at the prince now.


    A few people tried toe up the guy in the mask, wondering what kind of masquerade he had arranged there. However, as soon as they noticed the identification marks on his uniform symbolizing the fifth rank, they immediately got out of harm¡¯s way.


    It¡¯s funny how it all worked out. The investigators of the 5th rank and above rarely entered the file room. They sent their subordinates of the 6-7th rank instead. Nobody wanted to mess with the weird guy in the mask.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t believe his luck and continued to study the files going from one room to another. The number and variety of crimes didn¡¯t cease to amaze him, as well as their variability. Lots of immoral and cruel events might ur in the world where 2-3 stages in the soul development can be an insurmountable obstacle in the battle, and 4-5 stages can make you invulnerable to weaker opponents. Together with a low cultural level, it can turn into sheer horror. In Lovr¡¯s opinion, he was in the real dark times of looting, kidnapping, violence, street gangs at their best, criminal organizations¡­


    While Kyon¡¯s birds were flying around the city, his team of 95 people, armed with pistols and special darts, set off to follow the orders of the voice in their heads. They split into groups of 2-10 people. Some of them had a rat on the shoulder for some reason. Each group had a specific task: to get to a certain point, to find some clues, to gather some information, to talk to the witness or the victim, to find the criminals, and so on.


    The victims and the witnesses easily identified the perpetrator. However, at times, it required some more proof to develop an efficient evidence base. When all the necessary evidence was there, and the guilt was proved, Kyon¡¯s people took the criminal with the help of guns. Even a child could use those wonderful things. A soft st, and the criminal lies unconscious.


    Following the instructions of the voice, they took the unconscious body to the department by the local taxi service where three people in the investigator uniform of the 7th rank admitted the criminal and detained them. The witness or the victim of a crime often came along with them, looked at the unconscious body with fury or contempt.


    Those witnesses who had too many things to do or couldn¡¯te for some other reason visited the department in the evening, or at night, or in theing days to testify for the court.


    The three men who received the bodies and delivered them to the dungeon on the ground floor were subordinates of an investigator of the 5th rank. They had worked as investigators for many years, but they could not recall such folly in their entire service. Civilians came at regr intervals and handed sleeping bodies. Who were all those people? Why had they been sedated? Were they really criminals? Who the fuck were they working for?!


    Their colleagues nced at the trio and cracked up about it. The three men were red in the face and cursed their boss who had given them this absurd task.


    The morning gradually gave way to the evening. Kyon had just finished studying the files and was writing with lightning speed the reports on the criminals they had caught. He didn¡¯t write his name, wishing to stay anonymous.


    Kyon¡¯s found out about a terrible crime from his subordinates. A woman from a wealthy family abducted handsome men, gave them stimnt medication and forced them to have sex with her. It was a big deal for Kyon until he saw her face. It turned his stomach. Hairy warts covered half of her thick lips that were actually a decoration on her ugly fat face, strewn with e and wrinkles. Her fine mustache was in tune with her image of a pig-faced beast.


    When Kyon found the victims of the crime, he almost lost faith in this world. Poor handsome guys with thin, taut bodies seemed to have lost their souls. Their eyes were empty, their faces were lifeless and white as chalk. They had undoubtedly experienced some serious psychological trauma.


    When the news spread that the rapist had been taken, the reaction was different. Some got scared, others screamed, some roared violently like tigers who had achieved long-awaited freedom. Everyone could feel that justice existed, and the state took good care of them. The ogress would get the punishment she deserved! It was the best thing that had ever happened! People lined up at the door of the department to identify and testify. She was destined to rot in very in the mines for the rest of her life!


    Kyon had a sense of aplishment when he closed thest report. No one else in the whole world could solve 80 crimes in a day. Moreover, he had also writtenpetent reports on them. He had chosen the easiest and most obvious cases on purpose to achieve maximum effect in the shortest time. If he had begun with the mostplicated tasks, the number of solved crimes would have been less by more than ten times.

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190


    ?What the fucking hell is going on here?!? ¨C The investigator of the 4th rank barked.


    Previously empty cells were now overcrowded. There were lots of people outside the cells, too. Everyone yelled at each other. Some swore they were innocent, while others med them for every crime.


    ?We were ordered to take these people to prison! The guy in the mask gave the order! We¡¯ve been working hard all day to deliver them here!? ¨C The investigator who had been executing Kyon¡¯smands reported with excitement in his voice.


    Just then, Kyon¡¯s second and third subordinates came up holding piles of files in their hands.


    ?Sir! Here are the reports on the crimes of those who are behind bars now.?


    ?Wait a moment. You¡¯re saying that the same person did all this.? ¨C The boss muttered, barely restraining his anger.


    ?Yeah¡­ Yes, he did¡­ We did what he told us to do, but¡­?


    ?And what if they are no criminals at all?..? ¨C The second added, hesitantly.


    The investigator of the 4th rank did not know what to think. He took a look at the report and found it impable. It proved one of the prisoner¡¯s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There was also the victim present who wanted to testify.


    ?I don¡¯t know where the hell I am.? ¨C The chief investigator muttered and called his boss to find out who was the one who had organized a party of two hundred people here.


    But his boss did not have the slightest idea. He had to contact his hierarchical superior, and that one his¡­ Five minutester, dimir received a message and frowned.


    {The guy in the ck mask? Isn¡¯t it Kyon?} ¨C dimir thought for a while and left his post. He headed to the ground floor that he had not visited in more than six months.


    When he saw a horde of prisoners, he was speechless.


    ?Let me go. Now! Do you even know who I am?! I am Gotabeau, the great judge! I have a lot of pull around Boston! I¡¯ll crush your bones into dust if you don¡¯t let me go right away!? ¨C The gori-like mustached woman a roared in a low deep voice.


    ?She is a rapist! Do not listen to her! She must face the full force of thew!? ¡­ ?She is a monster, not a human being! Execute her! Never let this monster back into the world!? ¨C Several thin men yelled, their faces pale with fear.


    ?This woman is a demon incarnate, Sir! If you throw her in jail, we will be grateful to you for the rest of our lives!? ¨C The two poor guys were fellow victims. One day, they went out for a drink. The friends entered an empty tavern and were ready to order when they passed out before they knew it. The poor men woke up tied to a bed, their manhood fully erect as the effect of medication. What happened next, they preferred to leave out.


    Comints like this were heard from all sides.


    dimir¡¯s face was tense, his jaw fixed when the investigators approached him with all honors. He ignored them, still digesting what he had seen and heard. Then he took a couple of reports from his subordinate and looked through them. There was no name of the investigator who had closed the case, which means that it was Kyon who had done the paperwork.


    {It¡¯s impossible. He couldn¡¯t¡­} ¨C dimir assessed the situation once again and shook his head as if trying to wake up from a dream. Then he asked where the masked man was, but he didn¡¯t get a clear answer.


    ?I see. I order you to send me a report on what is going on by six in the morning. Find out who these people are and whether they are really guilty.? ¨C He left the floor with a grim look as soon as he finished thest sentence.


    The investigators were dismayed. They would have to engage a several dozen investigators and spend the whole night cleaning up the mess after the crazy masked psycho! Who was he, anyway? They would find it out first thing when they see him tomorrow.


    ¡­


    Late at night, Kyon returned to his chambers, tired. People often told him: ¡°Haste makes waste!¡± But he kept stubbornly breaking this stupid stereotype, trying to achieve his goal in the shortest time possible. dimir gave him a month? Then tomorrow, he would take his words back! Kyon wasn¡¯t to be underestimated.


    Later, Patriarch Bai came to visit him. He entered his grandson¡¯s room with a warm smile. His eyes were full of good humor and care. Bai shared his feelings when he was reading Kyon¡¯s letter when he asked to lend him 20,000 spheres.


    ?You don¡¯t owe me anything, grandson. We are a family. Spend it all on yourself as you please!? ¨C Bai said generously, not suspecting that his money would be in the hands of the robber chieftain by noon tomorrow.


    Kyon could feel the old man¡¯s disposition. The boy despised him for the poor upbringing the grandad had given his granddaughter, but, at the same time, Kyon respected Bai for his worldly wisdom, his epting responsibility for his actions. As for his care¡­ There was something slightly unnatural in it. Bai¡¯s motives to tie Kyon more firmly to the Stones were quite obvious. And yet, he did it in a gentle, discreet way. If the boy wasn¡¯t Lovr, he would surely love the Stone family as his own.


    Grandson and grandfather talked a little more and then said goodbye. Soon afterwards, Juno, the little beauty in a short gray skirt, came inside. She was curious to know about his sess in his new duties as the investigator. Of course, she was eager to see signs of disappointment and resentment on his face. Instead, Kyon drove her away, giving her a nice kick in the ass.


    ?Get out of here, dirty little sadist, before I made you lick my feet.?


    ?I just wanted to know how your day has been, asshole!? ¨C Juno screamed. The indignant expression on her face looked quite natural, but her real feelings that Kyon could feel with his soul said something else.


    ?I bet you did. When I see again snooping around, you leave with a salty taste in your mouth.? ¨C Kyon answered rudely. He was still outraged after what he¡¯d seen in her soul. She was one hell of a bitch who wanted his blood and suffering, waiting for any sign of his weakness like manna from heaven. Screw her!


    Juno frowned angrily. He had mmed the door right in her face.


    ?Arrr! What a jerk! I hate you!? ¨C She stamped her foot in a fit of anger and left. Later, in her room, she came to the conclusion that things didn¡¯t go Kyon¡¯s way. That¡¯s why he reacted the way he did! ¨C {Ha-ha! Serves you right, fool! The colleagues must be busting his chops?! Ha-ha-ha!} ¨C Juno had a goodugh before going to bed. It rxed her body and soul. How else could Kyon¡¯s co-workers take the one who got the job through connections?


    However, at eight in the morning, Kyon ordered her to put on a veil and go with him to the department. She had absolutely no idea why. He was given a month of probation, and there was plenty of time until it ended. Did he intend to have an impact on his colleagues shing her pretty face? Or maybe he decided to pay them with her body so that they would stop bothering him?! Thest idea scared the hell out of Juno.


    Finally, they arrived at the Department.


    Kyon showed his temporary formation of the investigator and received the expected order to go straight to the head of the department.


    They entered the familiar office.


    dimir was reading a report, holding it in one hand, and scratched his head in confusion with the other. He looked stunned and puzzled. He had seen a lot during the years of service, but it was the first time he¡¯d experienced such a shock.


    His piercing eyes were fixed on Kyon:


    ?What you did is a very serious thing!? ¨C The head of the department said hoarsely.


    A malicious smile blossomed on Juno¡¯s lips.


    ?How could you meet a ten-year work quota for a low-ranking investigator in just one day?! HOW THE HELL DID YOU DO IT?!? ¨C dimir yelled.


    Juno¡¯s smile disappeared at once, her emerald green eyes looked at Kyon, puzzled. He soul emanated mockery and gloating, clearly addressing them to her.


    {§¡-a-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! It was a TRICK!} ¨C Juno guessed, blushing against her will. She stepped back, biting her lip, visibly annoyed. It was so stupid of her¡­ She had underestimated him again, silly girl! When was she going to learn? Why couldn¡¯t she just believe that he was omnipotent?! And Juno found the answer to her question. In this case, her second dream would be unattainable¡­ She would never take her revenge on him. Why was he so¡­ perfect? Who was she to look down at him? A stupid loser, albeit of noble origin?


    Kyon generously epted her two percent of the darkness into his core, never ceasing to glee with all his heart. He gave dimir a simple reply:


    ?I am Bai¡¯s grandson, after all.?


    ?You spent the whole day in the department, studying the files and the archives. You didn¡¯t even go out! Three of your subordinates received the criminals from some civilians and delivered them to prison! Now tell me HOW?!? ¨C It was the first time in his life that dimir hade across something, or rather someone, that could get under his skin.


    Juno was no less curious to hear the answer. What other civilians? How did he do it? She took a liking to dimir, perfectly understanding his feelings. Poor head of the department. He had met a monster who toremon sense to shreds. At least, he had a chance to find out the truth, something that she, a weak and feeble ve, seemed never to achieve.


    ?I did stay in, keeping in touch with my people and giving them instructions. I cracked the cases, and my servants caught the criminals and brought them to the department.?


    ?It¡¯s still IMPOSSIBLE! The investigation is the most difficult part of solving any crime! It takes time to find the motive, the time, the ce and many other clues! Not to mention collecting evidence, talking to the witnesses, and conducting interrogations! Even if your people knew where and who to look for, they would not have time to find and take everyone!? ¨C He was almost foaming at the mouth.


    ?The Stones have always been famous for their zeal! Don¡¯t you dare to underestimate my family!? ¨C Kyon said convincingly and tapped his chest, which made him look dashing.


    dimir nervously ran his fingers through his hair and closed his eyes. He was trembling nervously. The boy was wrapping him around his finger, making aplete fool out of him! dimir couldn¡¯t believe that Kyon was a brilliant detective. There had to be some secret!


    Juno wanted to give dimir aforting pat. Poor thing! He had lost his emotional innocence. The temte in his mind had been violently destroyed. She could rte to his feelings! It was so nice to share her suffering with someone else. Juno fully sympathized with dimir at the moment. And yet, what other servants did the Stones have? She had to find it out.


    ?dimir, what if I skip the trial period and start working right away? I am ready to be a high-ranking investigator any time! I can repeat the trial period if you like, but then I promise that you will sit like this the next day, pulling your hair out.?


    dimir broke out into hystericalughter.


    ?Goddess, have mercy on my soul¡­? ¨C He rubbed his nose thoughtfully. ¨C ?You win. You can start your career as an investigator of the third rank, and then we¡¯ll see.?


    Kyon inhaled shakily when he felt Juno¡¯s shock and bitter envy.


    ?Juno, I no longer need you. You can go home now, and please don¡¯t let your pretty face to be seen on the way. No one in the department should recognize you.? ¨C Kyon said, gesturing her out.


    Juno pursed her full lips and left with an angry snort.


    dimir watched Lady Stone leave when the realization struck him. ¨C?I get it!? ¨C He pped himself in the head as the scales had fallen from his eyes. ¨C ?I have finally worked out how you could solve eighty cases so quickly!?


    Kyon asked him shrewdly with a smile:


    ?Do you think I creamed the cases that the Stones had solved before??


    ?Exactly! Damned schemer, you took me for a ride! I have almost believed in a miracle! Ha ha ha ha! Gods, it was an easy one! Ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C dimir couldn¡¯t stopughing for a minute. Hisughter sounded relieved. There was self-irony, and even delight. The damned investigator had yed a hoax on him, the head of the department! What a cunning asshole! It exined it all!


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to lose his newly gained 3rd rank. He had to make dimir change his mind, and if that didn¡¯t work, he would have to repeat his ¡°feat.¡± ¨C ?You say it was an easy one? dimir, I hate to disappoint you, but you¡¯re wrong.?


    ?Bullshit¡­? ¨C dimir shrugged Kyon off, convinced that nothing in the world could change his mind.


    Kyon locked his fingers. ¨C ?So¡­ Do you think that certain investigators in the Stone family defied the regtions, copied hundreds of cases and sent them to the family so that other unskilled Stones would solve them??


    ?Well¡­ Something like that. Or the investigators solved those cases themselves. I don¡¯t know. Stop messing with me.?


    ?I can prove this theory wrong. I will give you two examples. First, if you take a look at the efficiency of the low-ranking Stone investigators over the past year, you won¡¯t see any changes. It means that they did not take any part in the solution of my eighty cases. Second, all the cases that I¡¯ve solved are rtively new, three months max from the time the crime wasmitted. ording to you, it means that the ten-year work quota for a low-ranking investigator was done by unqualified Stones, who didn¡¯t have ess to the archives, the addresses, the names, evidence, who had neither skills nor understanding of what was going on!?


    The look in dimir¡¯s face hardened. Shock rounded his eyes.


    ?Now ask yourself why the family that barely makes ends meet, whose copse in the next tournament of the families was predicted long ago, would arrange this disastrous and financially costly show. For a slim chance to promote me to a high-ranking investigator? Me, who hasn¡¯t had the name Stone for more than a couple of days??


    dimir found himself at a loss for words.


    ?Which do you think is more likely to watch the grand theatre of absurd organized by the Stones or to meet a brilliant detective, a genius of investigation?? ¨C Kyon finished with a smile.


    dimir¡¯s reaction was funny. He was being dragged back into the hell of mental suffering. ¨C ?You¡­ Do you want me to believe in pink unicorns?!?


    ?You can as well believe in the theatre of pink unicorns.? ¨C Kyon chuckled.


    No matter how hard dimir tried, he kept getting into logical dead ends. Any attempts to justify his version got more and more unbelievable. The odds that the boy was monstrously talented were much better¡­ A few minutester, he finally gave up, exhausted, as if he had been emotionally raped.


    If Juno was there, she would sympathize with him.


    dimir muttered wearily:


    ?Alight¡­ I will believe in miracles¡­ There¡¯s nothing left¡­?


    Kyon folded his hands on the table. ¨C ?Then let¡¯s get down to business. Tell me what I need to do to get a personal letter of rmendation from you. I intend to get a promotion to a high-ranking imperial investigator??


    ?You are quite ambitious, aren¡¯t you? You should get the second rank of a royal investigator first.?


    ?And that¡¯s it?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    dimir did not see any hesitation in Kyon, which was a bit surprising. ¨C ?I see you are serious¡­ Good. When you be the investigator of the 2nd rank, I will give you a task rted with, you know with who, and if youplete it, I will give you the letter.?


    {With demons.} ¨C Kyon knew it. ¨C ?What do I need to do to be a second-rank investigator??


    dimir looked through the window for a minute, deep in his thoughts. ¨C ?The kingdom has three big pains in the ass. Solve at least two of them. Charge, your superior of the first rank, will tell you more.?


    Charge had the 1st rank and was dimir¡¯s right-hand man. dimir had the 0th rank. ording to the subordination of the department, his orders were higher than those of the queen / king, i.e, they were higher than the orders of the Grand family. The system excluded any chance of rebellion against imperial power. Lanatelle had everything covered.


    Kyon felt like he was in a kind of quest. He received a task to get rid of two issues in the kingdom, and then he would get another one, demon-rted.


    Suddenly, Kyon remembered something. ¨C ?dimir, I am sorry if I am asking too much, but I¡¯m used to solving problems alone. So, exempt me from reporting to anyone. I won¡¯t make coffee or bring documents. I don¡¯t want any minor or insignificant tasks, and so on, and so forth. Besides, you know that anyone who suddenly gets the 3rd rank bes the object of vicious bullying. I can¡¯t reach my potential under such circumstances, and I can¡¯t stay incognito either. They will make me take off the mask and tell them who I am and where Ie from.?


    dimir chuckled softly. ¨C ?You¡¯re right. You didn¡¯t sign the reports for this reason, did you??


    Kyon nodded.


    ?Then let¡¯s not waste time. Follow me. I will introduce you to Charge.?


    dimir left the office, and Kyon followed him. He changed the settings in concealing bracelet, faking his level of development to the middle of the third phase. Now everyone up to the 4th phase couldn¡¯t see his real development. They would have a different attitude on a subconscious level, at least until Kyon used his elemental energy that would reveal the truth.


    dimir nced at Kyon and gave him a mental approving nod. Kyon¡¯s development of the first phase would get him in trouble at the position of an investigator of the 3rd rank that he got in just ONE DAY. They would humiliate him by useless, meaningless orders, turning him into an errand boy. Kyon had everything covered.

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191


    dimir put his wrist to the panel, and the elevator went down. Kyon could tell they were going to the ¨C 4th floor. The well-lit corridors were furnished with some dark stuff that created an atmosphere of secrecy.


    ?The analytical department, where I have a ce for you, is the top authority of the department. Only eight investigators work there, and they have no equal in the whole kingdom. As theyck certain strength, there is also a security forces squadron administered by the department that can suppress even a mid-ranking family. You, as an investigator of the third rank, will have ten rather weak security forces officers under your authority. If you need more, you have to prove yourself. Then just ask Charge to appoint more people for the operation. Charge is just and reasonable. If he sees the potential in you, he will always help out. When he starts to use foul words to make a joke, it¡¯s a sign that you are doing everything right. Anyway, your future is in your hands.?


    Kyon nodded. ¨C {Only eight people? I see why they are facing a talent shortage.}


    They approached a huge heavy door. Behind it, Kyon saw a spacious room that reminded him of the elite library building. It was crowded with people looking through documents in arge archive. Experienced investigators were busy focusing on key areas of work.


    ?Mr. dimir! How do you do? It¡¯s been a long time.? ¨C A broad-shouldered man of about fifty came up to the neers. He had a broad smile and heavy stubble on his face


    ?Greetings, Charge.? ¨C dimir nodded briefly to him.


    A few more high-ranking investigators came up to greet the boss. Then their eyes fell on the guy in the ck mask, and they turned to dimir, perplexed.


    ?Meet the new investigator of the third rank. He wants to remain anonymous, so call him just Stone¡­?


    ?Neophyte would be better.? ¨C Kyon said in a hoarse low voice and slightly bowed his head in respect. He was disappointed that dimir had blurted out his name. Kyon should have warned him.


    The tall man, who reminded Kyon Mob from the mine, grimaced in disgust. When he heard the neer¡¯s family name, something menacing appeared in his gaze. He was a Brown.


    Almost everyone in the room became interested in the masked guy.


    ?Why does he disrespect his seniors in rank, hiding his face behind the mask?? ¨C Charge asked sternly, although he already knew the answer.


    dimir looked questioningly at Kyon, giving him the floor.


    ?I wish to remain anonymous, Sir. So, you should take the mask on my face as a given.?


    The investigators looked at each other. They had always been a friendly team where everyone knew each other before this ¡°anomizer¡± appeared.


    ?I forbid anyone to give the recruit any orders regardless of the fact that he is a 3rd-rank investigator. I see his great talent, that¡¯s why I¡¯ve decided to give him freedom. It will help him reach his full potential. I need a month to figure out what to do with him.?


    ?That is¡­ He is on probation, isn¡¯t he??


    ?Something like that.? ¨C dimir nodded, frowning thoughtfully. He didn¡¯t know what to expect from Kyon. Would the guy prove himself to be a high-ranking investigator, or would he be trouble? Would he have to have to kick Kyon out in the end?


    ?The novice has some skills and even has serious intentions to eliminate at least two of the three issues in the kingdom. Tell them all about it.? ¨C dimir said.


    Kyon heard contemptuous quietughs. A well-coordinated team of eight, the best investigators in the kingdom, had been failing for several years to achieve what the arrogant masked weirdo intended to do. This self-confident idiot was a joke.


    Charge look the rookie up and down. ¨C ?The first issue the kingdom faces is robbers, vile parasites who live at the expense of merchants and intercept goods sent by bird mail. They cause enormous losses to the kingdom, discourage other kingdoms from trading with us, and intimidate settlers and travelers. No one has ever returned from their captivity, at least there are no recorded cases.?


    ?There are six gangs and seven brothers in total. All of them follow the first brother¡¯s orders. They call him Sauron. He is the most secretive, the most dangerous and elusive,petent strategist and organizer. He developed a system of secret meetings, recruiting new members, ranking his brothers and gang members, dividing the territory. The robbers regrly change their geolocation. All this together make his syndicate too difficult to track down. Besides, Sauron has great personal power and is cautious like a field mouse. We can get rid of the robbers only after their chieftain is taken. Otherwise, one brother will reced another, and there will always be new recruits. The reward for his capture is five times more than for the other six brothers¡¯ headsbined, namely, as much as five million spheres. With each month, the amount only grows. You intend to catch him alone, without a team. Well, we all are excited to watch you do it? ¨C Charge grinned. He hoped to intimidate the greenhorn novice with his eloquent descriptions.


    Kyon nodded, smiling behind his mask.


    ?The second pain in the ass is the thieves guild. They are no less vile than robbers, but they do their dirty work without unnecessary casualties and brutal killings. They mostlymit theft, less often robbery. They steal mainly from wealthy people: merchants, high-ranking families. Sometimes they break into treasuries. Families in Boston have suffered so much from the ubiquitous thieves in recent years that they keep their wealth in the reputable trading guild Golden Piggy, paying a fee for protection. The damned thieves are well trained by their talented leader. They act in cold blood and take a calcted risk. They are not afraid to die, though. Everyone has a pill with poison behind a tooth. If you catch one of them, you¡¯ll have a corpse in a minute. Even if you knock them out instantly, the swallowing reflex will do the trick.?


    ?The entire guild is run by a woman under the name Lanai. She is an experienced and talented leader and organizer who has outstanding personal power and theft skills. Unlike any other thieves, she doesn¡¯t leave any traces after the theft, from the word at all. When shemits robbery, no victim has time to react. She knocked them out with an exact blow to the back of the head. This ingenious thief has on her ount a whole series of the most serious thefts and robberies in the past fifty years. The reward for her capture has been growing steadily for many years. Today it¡¯s a whopping fifty million! This amount is significantly higher than the annual ie of any high-ranking family. The huge reward attracts powerful practitioners from Dantes, but after a month of unsessful search, they go home, helplessly shaking their heads. If she is caught in my lifetime, I can die peacefully. The damned bitch has robbed my father! He still squeezes the ring on his finger, nervous, when he walks around the city!?


    dimir smiled at Charge¡¯s glummentary. The investigator had his own feud with Lanai. However, there was no prospect for him to catch her. She had left no trace. The criminal was too elusive.


    ?And the third issue¡­? ¨C Charge¡¯s face darkened. ¨C ?The guild of killers. It¡¯s a shadow guild of a level that Boston had never seen before. They kill for money, very professionally. They include descendants of direct blood, both old and young, even the elders. They take up anything once you negotiate the price.?


    ?Their skills are staggering, and their totalbat power canpete with the first three families. Even if we risked a straightforward confrontation and sent all our forces to them, we would most likely leave with nothing. It¡¯s not worth it. We could ask the imperial investigators for help, but first, we need to find out where to look for these killers. The devils are more secretive than the thieves and the robbersbined! We simply can¡¯t find them! The ck Queen, their leader, is beyond our level. The reward for her capture is one hundred million spheres. It¡¯s arge sum even by the standards of the Grands, but they are willing to pay so much money because the loathsome bitch had killed¡­? ¨C Charge broke off.


    dimir turned red with rage. Elder Grand, his father, who was the greatest and the most influential of them all, had be her victim. dimir hated the ck Queen with every fiber of his being.


    A deathly silence fell on the room.


    The head of the department said quietly:


    ?That¡¯s why I told you to get rid of only two issues in the kingdom. The third task is impossible. Spare yourself the trouble. If the guild of killers gets angry, you won¡¯t feel safe even in the department.?


    Kyon nodded.


    ?Alright then, good luck to you!?


    dimir said goodbye to everyone and left the analytics department.


    Grek Brown, a tall, thin man, approached Kyon and brazenly poked a finger into his chest:


    ?No one likes you here, little squirt. You¡¯re nothing but a masked idiot with an inted sense of self-importance. My team and I have been busy catching elusive thieves and arrogant robbers for years. And then youe and talk a good game like it¡¯s all a piece of cake. The truth is all the Stones are pretentious liars. You are no exception.? ¨C He said with icy disdain.


    ?Anything else you need to tell me?? ¨C Kyon inquired calmly.


    Grek clenched his teeth in anger. He was on the point of punching Kyon¡¯s impudent masked mug:


    ?Don¡¯t talk to your seniors like this! You¡¯ve buttered the boss up and think you¡¯ll have all your problems solved? Like hell you will. I¡¯m an investigator of the 2nd rank, and you are my subordinate. Go and bring me coffee. No sugar.? ¨C Hismanding tone sounded harsh and rude. He was a boss in front of an impudent subordinate.


    Kyon frowned. Why did dimir have to blurt out his name¡­ What a stupid coincidence that one of the Browns worked there.


    ?Let him be, Grek. He¡¯ll get around pretty soon and see the futility of working alone. Then he will serve us as a servant as an instructive punishment for a month. It will give him experience.? ¨C Charge chuckled and went to work.


    The rest of the high-ranking investigators also perceived the boy as an arrogant upstart, an empty windbag.


    Grek gave the novice a quick unkind nce and left.


    Kyon heaved a sigh of relief, there were no casualties. He went to the file room and began to study cases. He had a couple of hours ahead, and then it was time to pack for the robbers.


    With his keen ear, Kyon overheard Charge¡¯s conversation and singled out some pieces of noteworthy news.


    The first announcement concerned Saturn, the empire of the first rank, where they organized a summit of the leaders of the top three empires. The discussion would mainly refer to the thunderclouds that had covered the whole world, as well as future global events.


    {It¡¯s an honor. I spent half an hour to master the nine elements, and the elite of the world is already gathering for the summit.} ¨C Kyon thought, ttered. However, he understood perfectly well that the officially announced discussion of the summit was only a distraction for short-sighted people. In fact, the point of the meeting would be something else, but what? Only heaven knows. It was too early for Kyon to think about global politics.


    Charles also casually mentioned that the king was to make a statement in the central square anytime soon. Every four years, he was obliged to give a pre-tournament speech to make sure the whole of Boston was getting ready for the mass event with dedication and responsibility. It was going to be a significant event. King Michael hadn¡¯t appeared in public until now, although before marriage, he was regrly seen around town, inspiring hope and faith in his people.


    Grek was excited to share his piece of news. Elder Stephan used Patriarch Bai of brazen, unceremonious theft of two hundred thousand spheres. When the elder came ever to talk about pressing issues between their families, he was grantly robbed and kicked out of the Stones¡¯ area.


    Grek sounded very convincing. It was impossible to side with crazy old man Bai. On the other hand, Stephan was described as nothing short of a saint.


    The investigators expectedly sided with Grek and used the Stones of dishonor and spitefulness. The dirty trick concerning the victory of some little snot over Tsayan had already damaged the reputation of the Stone family. The news about theft made the Stones aughing stock in the eyes of the Bostoners.


    {Scoundrels! How dare to gossip about it, distorting and exaggerating facts!} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t help but feel he was a part of the Stone family. The gossip made him angry. However, he couldn¡¯t dispel or refute another dirty lie. It was up to Bai. He must have a video formation. There was a pitfall, though, that might ur when the evidence reached the department. The Browns¡¯ dogs could easily get rid of it. Grek was the biggest asshole among them. His family connections must have ensured him an easy path to the 2nd rank.

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192


    Kyon closed another case and hurried to leave the Department. He had a meeting with the robbers to get ready to. It would be a pivotal point in his career as an investigator. He considered three options for his possible actions:


    1) Setting up an ambush at the meeting ce. He would have to rely on his subordinates, though. There was no way to get anyone else. He was only a beginner with a zero confidence limit. Given Sauron¡¯s vaunted power and caution, it was impossible to catch him, which made an ambush pointless. On the contrary, this option had only cons. Kyon would simply lose all his subordinates which was a direct path to his dismissal. Or it would alert Sauron and he wouldy low for a long time.


    2) Sending the rats and the birds to the meeting ce to track the bandits¡¯ route and catch everyone afterwards. In this case, as well, Sauron¡¯s bestial vignce and awareness would make it impossible to follow him. There was another con of this option. When it turned out that Guiming didn¡¯te to the meeting, they would understand that he was either dead or captured. After that, Sauron would regrly check the his subordinates. At the next meeting he would be extremely cautious. Sauron remained vignt at all times, he couldn¡¯t be given any reason for concern. It would only make dimir¡¯s condition impossible to meet.


    3) Pretending to be Guiming and sending the rats and the birds to follow the robbers. The only con of this option is the risk of being disclosed. But Kyon loved taking a risk if it was worth it.


    Kyon returned to his room and found on the table makeup essories that he had ordered his servants to deliver: wax, mascara, face paints, oils¡­ But above all, he needed Synergy to seed. It could deform the facial muscles in a natural, biological way, turning Kyon into apletely different person (controlled swelling).


    About an hourter, Kyon looked in the mirror and had an urge to punch his own face. He saw the exact copy of Sauron¡¯s sixth brother, Guiming. The color and shape of the eyes, hair, even the height due to insoles was the same¡­ Every face line, even teeth were identical. It was no problem to fake his voice. He just had to cause a controlled reaction of the body as if he had a sore throat. The bracelet of concealment changed his development. Unless the robbers¡¯ leader were in the lord phase (5), which was unlikely, no one would know his actual level of development. To top it off, Kyon had created another ring that belonged to the 6th brother, using the element of earth and substitute materials.


    He left the room satisfied with the result. Pretty soon, he arrived at the sewers, at the appointed ce. The foul smell of sewage and dampness hit his nose.


    Kyon released five rats. He had to catch a sixth rodent and enve it by the proven method. Their task was to follow the route of the robbers.


    He followed the signs in the form of arrows carved on the wall and soon approached the appointed ce. Kyon heard footsteps at the end of the tunnel. Someone bent his head, squeezed through a small opening and disappeared.


    Kyon walked to the opening and also got inside.


    He found himself in a small room, lit by dim crystals.


    There were four men inside. Even their facial expressions and postures made it clear that they were criminal authorities. Two of them looked swol with their prominent muscles. They must be notorious thugs.


    As soon as the big guys heard his footsteps, they turned to the entrance, but when they recognized Guiming, they turned away indifferently.


    Only one of them, the one who looked like a pirate because of a ck round patch on his right eye, bared a couple of broken teeth and came up to Kyon.


    ?Guiming, brother, what¡¯s up? How¡¯s the catch??


    As far as Kyon knew, the guy with the eye patch was Valery, the fifth brother and the eternal rival of the 6th brother. A serial bully.


    Kyon shook grimly his ¡°friend¡¯s¡± dirty hand. ¨C ?Pretty fucked up, Valery. I¡¯ve made my quota, but¡­ I¡¯ve lost some brothers.?


    ?That¡¯s what it¡¯s about! My condolences.? ¨C The ¡°pirate¡± said with barely concealed joy in his voice. ¨C ?Well, I have made almost double of my quota. I ripped off three caravans! The merchants wanted to convey furs and armor but lost them on the way! Ha ha ha!? ¨C Valery didn¡¯t notice envy in the eyes of hispetitor and added. ¨C ?And trophies of course. The chicks are so hot this time! It¡¯s been a week, and they are still in one piece! Unbelievable, isn¡¯t it!?


    Kyon could hardly restrain himself from killing him on the spot. In his world, he had met such scum only in games, and he never took them seriously, but everything was real here. This world clearly needed radical changes. Lovr was already sick and tired of enduring barbarism that was taking it for granted here.


    Valery suddenly felt a strange chill in the back of his head and shrugged his shoulders, getting nervous. ¨C ?Brr¡­ You¡¯re being quiet! Oh right, you¡¯ve lost your brothers, and I¡¯m boasting here. Alright, alright. Take it easy. You will prove yourself next time, bro.? ¨C Valery hurried off, away from Guiming. There was something scary about him today. He wasn¡¯t himself. No reaction to bullying!


    A huge guy struggled to squeeze into the room. He had coarse facial features and eyes of a seasoned viin. He was full of deranged maniac energies. Kyon didn¡¯t envy his victims.


    ?Greetings, elder brother!? ¡­ ?Wee, great and terrible.? ¡­ ?My respect, second brother.? ¨C The bandits saluted the first brother after Sauron, known for his cruel disposition.


    The big fellow greeted everyone. They started a conversation about the work done that gradually flowed into disgusting stories about bullying victims.


    ?There was this mister, dressed in white, so ssy¡­ I had an urge to punch his glossy chubby cheeks at once. Guess what we did to him??


    ?Come on! Tell me!?


    ?We cut with a feather the joints on his legs and let out a tamed man-eating wolf. You should have heard this dandy scream when Fluffy ripped out chunks of his flesh! Too bad he kicked off too quickly, with foam at the mouth and shit from the ass¡­?


    The robbers burst intoughter.


    When the seventh brother finished his story, the fifth brother told about his gory murder, then the fourth, and so step by step, it was the second brother¡¯s turn. He was the most influential of them all.


    ?Your stories, brothers, are for shit. Now I¡¯ll tell you how to do it properly.? ¨C An evil grin distorted his already crooked face. ¨C ?Four days ago, I came across a fat gentleman about thirty years old. He had a right and proper look with his chubby cheeks, two chins, smart clothes. We gave him some hard time as it should be. When he saw me, he turned pale, even wet himself in fear, and then dared to offer a ransom for his worthless life. For such impudence and disrespect for our craft, my brothers stuck a nozzle in his ass and loaded it with burning coals.?


    Everyone held their breath. Someone swallowed noisily.


    ?When we dumped about half-bag of coals, the fatty started yelling and kicking so hard that the ropes broke, and he ran in the forest, howling like a wild animal. I shot his knees with a crossbow, and the funny guy crawled away like a hellish seal.?


    Everyoneughed and apuded. ¨C ?You¡¯re cruelly creative as always!? ¡­ ?You never cease to surprise me, brother! I¡¯ll make a note of it.? ¡­ ?Long live great and terrible!?


    They made Kyon sick and disgusted. He wished he could take out his gun and shoot all this fucking scum of the earth. Lovr understood that he was no pic himself, but he couldn¡¯t stand these callous, rotten bastards.


    Eventually, the eyes of those present focused on Guiming, who had been silent all this time and didn¡¯t react to the brothers¡¯ stories at all.


    ?Cat got your tongue, Guiming? You alwaysughed the loudest. Was my story that lousy?? ¨C There was a threat in the second brother¡¯s voice.


    ?Not at all! It¡¯s just¡­ Your story pales in the shadow of mine.?


    Everyone but the second brother gasped at his impudence.


    One of the second brother¡¯s sidekicks yelled:


    ?Are you fucking kidding us, Guiming?! Your stories aren¡¯t funny even after the tenth shot. Cut the bullshit! Don¡¯t you respect your elders?!?


    ?Wait, give him a chance.? ¨C The big guy raised his hand calmly, and everyone fell silent. ¨C ?You¡¯re cocky and funny. Alright, you¡¯ve piqued my interest. Go ahead, spill it.?


    Kyon had no choice but to tell them about a kind of execution that hadn¡¯t been invented in this world yet.


    ?Not so long ago, a big shot, or rather, his already dead supporters, killed some of my brothers. I decided to take a most terrible revenge on him, so I came up with something.?


    Everyone listened very carefully.


    ?My people and I tied the little tubby to the tree, took a metal bucket and put a wild rat inside. Then we tied the bucket with the rat to his bare belly and attached a burning torch to the bottom of the bucket. The rat didn¡¯t want to burn alive, it immediately began to look for a way out. There was metal everywhere, too hot behind, impossible to get above. So, the animal bit into the flesh forck of choice.?


    The robbers¡¯ eyes bulged out in surprise and fear.


    ?The rat gnawed a hole in his stomach, tore open his veins and ripped his muscles, prating deeper and deeper inside. The fat guy made shrill, blood-curdling screams. As it turned outter, the rat got into his stomach while he was still alive, and then moved to his, tearing it in half. The son of a bitch died a well-deserved death, only it won¡¯t bring my brothers to life.? ¨C Kyon spat gloomily and turned away.


    The five robbers could not utter a word from shock. Guiming¡¯s method of reprisal made them sick, some even had a racing heartbeat.


    The second brother burst intoughter. ¨C ?I must admit, your story is impressive. I announce you are a winner this time. You see, you can do it if you want to, bastard! I must try your method. The mere thought of it makes my blood pump faster.? ¨C The rogue sadist said with anticipation in his voice.


    Suddenly, everyone felt powerful pressure in the room. All the bandits instantly lined up and shouted in chorus, their eyes filled with fear:


    ?Greetings to Sauron, the eldest brother!?


    A broad-shouldered mannded from a dark opening with a metal clink. He was fully dressed in heavy armor like a knight from a fairy tale. A helmetpletely hid his face, its upper part looked like a pointed crown. He was wearing is a ring with curly number one. Everyone felt humble and awestruck in the presence of his absolute power.


    When the robbers saw their leader, they showed utmost reverence as if they were standing in front of the most influential authority of the entire criminal world.


    ?I am d to find you well, brothers.? ¨C The voice in the helmet boomed hard-heartedly. ¨C ?Let¡¯s cut to the chase, as we always do. Goyle, the seventh brother, go ahead.?


    The bandit stepped forward, stood on one knee and briefly reported the results of his work for the month, slightly trembling. Then he handed over a bag with spheres.


    Kyon appreciated Sauron¡¯s caution against his will. He asked the right questions, checked his brother for trust, studied all the details of his appearance in case of fraud. All in all, he was cautious like a rat.


    ?You have disappointed me, Goyle. I won¡¯t tolerate it next time.? ¨C Sauron said calmly, and with a swift p, he sent the robber in flight, knocking out a couple of his teeth.


    Goyle failed to fulfill the monthly quota because, judging by his report, he acted too cowardly. That¡¯s why he received the first andst warning. The other brothers looked at him coldly. He was miserable, ungrateful, low-life scum, unable to pay their big brother Sauron for his protection.


    ?I am sorry¡­ Big brother, please, forgive me¡­ It won¡¯t happen again, I promise¡­? ¨C Goyle mumbled, his face distorted with fear.


    ?Guiming, your turn.? ¨C Sauron said impassively.


    Kyon stepped forward and stood on one knee. He told his brothers a story about fictitious events of his dark deeds. To distract their attention from his not quite usual behavior, he depressedly spoke about the death of his two brothers.


    In the end, he handed Bai¡¯s money to Sauron.


    ?Good job, Guiming. Valery, your turn.?


    After about an hour, the collection of money was over. Sauron handed everyone a letter with information about their new den, the code word, and other points rted to robbery. It implied that the brothers weren¡¯t supposed to know the whereabouts of the rest nor had the right to meet or call one another. The punishment for breaking the rules would be terrible.


    Kyon carefully studied Sauron¡¯s behavior. Behind the mask of coldness and severity, there was hidden tenderness inherent in those people who weren¡¯t not used to expressing their feelings openly. His attitude toward his brothers revealed his true nature. Sauron seemed cruel, but in fact, he treated every robber like his son. And small wonder. ording to thete Guiming, it took Sauron great effort to organize six gangs and their leaders. He had selected the neers, taught them robbery, arranged the hierarchy and the system of regr position changes; he appointed secret meetings, set the standards, and did so much more. In his ce, Kyon would also cherish the organization in which he had invested so much effort, even if it consisted solely of homicidal maniacs and assholes.


    {I want to see your face you lose it all.} ¨C Kyon gloated.


    Sauron delivered the closing speech:


    ?You did a good job, my brothers. The money I received from you will serve our cause: bribing the right people, recruiting rookies, getting weapons, and my personal development so that I could protect you from any rivals, and so much more. Feel free to seek my help if someone messes with you. Thank you for your hard work.?


    ?Hurrah! Glory to the first brother!? ¡­ ?Yay! The brother is the best!? ¡­ ?We would all die like dogs without you! Thank you, Sauron!? ¨C All the robbers joyfully shouted to their leader. Sincere smiles lit up their faces. Without Sauron, they would never stop fighting with their rivals for territory, they would live in eternal fear of being caught and killed by the Department, or other enemies, or even traitors among their own. Thanks to the skills of their beloved leader, they could focus on the main thing: the extraction of resources and the umtion of wealth.


    The robbers respectfully said goodbye to their leader and left.


    ?Not you, Guiming! You will remain.? ¨C Kyon heard the leader¡¯s order.

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193


    Kyon shuddered. ¨C {Something went wrong?!} ¨C He couldn¡¯t see the expression of Sauron¡¯s face behind his armor. Kyon had to continue ying his part. He slowly approached the leader, ready to instantly take out his gun id anything happened and took a stand on one knee. ¨C ?Is there anything I could do for you, eldest brother??


    Sauron¡¯s intuition whispered to him about the danger emanating from one of his subordinates. His gut had never failed him. Someone must have betrayed him ormitted a serious offense and said nothing about it¡­ Sauron couldn¡¯t tell what was wrong, he didn¡¯t know who the culprit was. His suspicions fell on Guiming as he was the only one whose behavior was unusual. He said he was grieving over the death of his brothers, but it wouldn¡¯t hurt to run a check.


    ?What was the password at our previous meeting?? ¨C Sauron asked suddenly.


    Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He was being checked! ¨C ?I guess it was ¡°boiled kebab,¡± wasn¡¯t it??


    ?How long have we been working together??


    ?Long enough to trust each other with our lives, big brother.? ¨C Guiming said sentimentally, sniffing his nose. He looked up, his eyes full of blind faith and respect.


    Sauron carefully looked into his eyes and made a decision. Guiming was not guilty of anything. It made no sense to suspect him.


    ?You are absolutely right, the sixth brother. Keep it up. I will recruit new people to rece your dead brothers. We¡¯ll talk about it at the next meeting.?


    ?Thank you, big brother.? ¨C Kyon said respectfully. It was close..


    Sauron jumped up and disappeared in the dark opening.


    {Sneaky bloody devil. I knew I couldn¡¯t follow you.} ¨C Kyon thought with annoyance, already thinking of other possible options of his capture. After all, he had to catch specifically Sauron to meet dimir¡¯s conditions.


    Kyon left the sewers, moving cautiously. In the changing room of a clothing store, he changed his appearance to avoid a possible tail. Meanwhile, his rats were watching the five brothers. At some point, the most dangerous and wild second brother heard the rat and finished it with a crossbow bolt at once.


    Kyon winced painfully and continued to spy on the others. It would be a shame to miss two fattest fish. Apparently, getting rid of the syndicate wasn¡¯t going to be a snap.


    Late in the afternoon, the robbers left Boston and went to their new meeting points to get in touch with subordinate gangs. Kyon could see the scum of the human race as clear as day. He could wipe off the face of the earth the whole life¡¯s work of Sauron in a day.


    Kyon returned to the department and studied the files untilte in the evening. These cases were different from the crimes he had been investigating on the second floor in their scale and importance.


    For example, some serial maniac had been regrly kidnapping beautiful women for many years. The residents were worried and afraid of bing yet another victim, but the ministry was helpless. There was no evidence, no information. Just nothing!


    {The whole schmear, yeah¡­}


    The day was rtively quiet and calm. Only Grek Brown tried to drill a hole in the back of Kyon¡¯s head, looking at him with cold contempt, the rest did not pay any attention to the rookie.


    Late in the evening, Kyon memorized thest case by heart and got a rough idea of the most serious crimes in Boston. About 10% of cases were rted to the robbers, another 10% to the guild of killers, and about 50% weremitted by the guild of thieves, i.e., thefts of varying degrees of severity. Thetter rarely left any traces behind, and even if they did, it was of no significance. There was no good evidence apart from a long ck hair.


    {A hair?} ¨C Kyon sighed wistfully. With Synergy of the third degree, he could study the DNA and even create a virtual model of the hair owner. What could he do now? Nothing much. His Synergy was still working on the sense of smell. By the way, there was a little left until the end of the modification.


    Kyon decided to elerate the process of smell modernization to get even more advantages. He entered the Synergy saving mode, significantly reducing its consumption on the birds and the rats, and directed its excess to the conversion process.


    The remaining 30% of cases were rted to various types of criminal activity, such as drugs, smuggling, illegal very, corruption and tax evasion.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled cunningly. Why did he start working as an investigator? To gain strength, power and influence, and above all, to reallocate resources! That¡¯s what he decided to do: stoop to ckmail. It¡¯s rare to find anyone with clean hands. The time hade to turn it to his advantage.


    He immediately went to the file room with information covering the citizen¡¯s ie to get a more detailed picture of the budget distribution within families and ie tax returns. This activity would give a terrible headache to an average person, or it would take a tedious monthly data analysis. Kyon did everything automatically, through the prism of mathematical / economic methods. He looked through the numbers to get the gist. He could make out all possible gaps, ws and assumptions in the official ie documentation.


    After he analyzed all the data for thest ten years, he developed a holistic picture of the financial situation in the first ten families. Despite strictws, every family name was more or less sullied. Oddly enough, the Stones took the first ce while the rest of the families were significantly far below them. It was about hiding particrlyrge profits, and given the tax¡­ If the Kyon wanted to, the Stones would go bankrupt in a month. He got a taste of intoxicating power! Kyon was just an investigator of the 3rd rank, and he could already take resources from the elite of the kingdom!


    Kyon could understand the Stones. They barely made ends meet because of the enormous mining tax. Patriarch Bai had to find a way to avoid paying taxes to keep his family together. But was it a noble act.


    By the early morning, Kyon hadposed nine long letters, put them in the envelopes and sent them anonymously by top priority bird mail to the patriarchs of the first nine families. The seal of a high-ranking investigator, which was almost impossible to fake, obliged them to take the letter seriously.


    He decided to leave the Stones be. He had just built good rtionships with them, and Bai was doing his best to tie Kyon to his family¡­ Good for him. Besides, Bai protected his granddaughter, Kyon¡¯s ve. What a loveable character, so beneficial.


    In the early morning, Charge and his subordinates entered the department. The investigators did not take their eyes off Kyon while they were heading towards him. Their faces were burning with emotions that were far from admiration: contempt, neglect, disgust, and anger.


    {What the fuck?} ¨C Kyon frowned.


    Grek banged his fist on the rookie¡¯s table and said in a stern voice like a judge who was passing sentence on a nasty criminal:


    ?Well, well, well. It turns out that you got into the investigator position through the back door, didn¡¯t you? We have been working for years to get each next rank, and then youe and, vo, you reach our level in one day. How¡¯s that? You think you¡¯re real smart, don¡¯t you??


    Kyon wearily massaged his temples, feeling a growing headache. Of course, it was only to be expected that the best investigators would initiate their own inquiry of his personality. However, he would not have changed anything.


    Charge stopped some steps away from Kyon with his arms crossed. He looked directly into the depth of Lovr¡¯s gaze, his eyes shed his distrust:


    ?I can¡¯t get the trick you used to catch eight dozen criminals in one day. Were they all fake? Or was it a clever little ruse? Did your family solve all the crimes and you got the cream? It sounds reasonable, heh!?


    Grek balled up his fist and banged it on Kyon¡¯s table again.


    ?It doesn¡¯t matter what dirty methods miserable Stone scumbag has used. We have to get rid of the garbage like him in theing days, as soon as possible.? ¨C He fixed Kyon with a heavy look. ¨C ?Mr. dimir, who you dared to deceive, will no longer help you.?


    All the investigators thought the rookie was a brazen stranger. He made them furious. If it wasn¡¯t for dimir, they would have already kicked him out. A pathetic Stone had somehow outwitted the head of the department! They would rather die than let this scoundrel work with them!


    Grek was most furious of them all, of course. He hated the Stones more and more with each day. The news of the brazen robbery of two hundred thousand from his friend Stefan hit him hard! The dirty lie about the greenhorn who had defeated the promising Tsayan was still making him shake with anger. Why didn¡¯t the earth open up and swallow those deceitful viins! Grek would enjoy watching the Stones burn of shame at the uing tournament when everyone would point fingers at them andugh to tears.


    Kyon could foresee how events would unfold. He was going to lose his position among the investigators. They would crush and kicked him out. It couldn¡¯t go on like this. He had to take a risk and go for broke.


    ?Gentlemen.? ¨C The neophyte said solemnly, rising from his ce under the icy nces of the investigators. ¨C ?Let¡¯s make a bet!?

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194


    ?If I catch and destroy at least one Sauron¡¯s brother today, you will leave me be. If I deal with several brothers, you will allow me to use all the resources of the department that are in your power. If I fail, I will kneel before you and keep apologizing for my unworthiness for long hours. Then I will quit and never bother you again.? ¨C Kyon finished his tirade and looked at Charge defiantly.


    ?Who are you trying to fool with your smooth talk?? ¨C Grek red.


    The boss of the 1st-rank stared at the daring rookie at first, then he chuckled, and a couple of secondster, hisughter was booming throughout the analytics department. His subordinates alsoughed.


    ?Wonderful! Great!? ¨C The head of the department eximed with a dazzling smile. ¨C ?We have recording formations installed in our department. As you know, you can¡¯t tamper with those, so you can¡¯t take your words back. Otherwise, they will be throughout the department, which we will do with great joy. I guess the Stones will generously reward you for another humiliation of their family. dimir can¡¯t help you anymore, just for your information.?


    Everyone nodded in agreement, shing mocking grins at Kyon. Arguing dimir¡¯s decision was more trouble than it was worth. So much the better if the fool had decided to destroy himself with his empty, boastful words.


    Kyon smiled coldly behind his mask.


    ?Do you ept the challenge or not??


    ?Yes, of course!? ¨C Charge threw up his hands. Even he, the elite of the Grands from birth, had to struggle before he got the position of an investigator of 1st rank. Everybody would be happier when this upstart disappeared. Justice must be served no matter what!


    ?Great. Does it mean that I will be entitled to the assistance of all your subordinates when I destroy more than one gang today??


    ?Sure! You can boss around as you please! Go ahead, take action!? ¨C Charge said with a smirk as if he was talking to a naive child. Seriously, who does he think he is? What¡¯s with all his bloated self-confidence? They had been after robbers and their leader for years. At best, they managed to catch one brother once every six months. And it was a team effort! Hundreds of people searched the thickets suitable for robbery in the vicinity of Boston, but it was pointless. Two monthster, another ambitious bandit took the empty ce. Did the rookie really hope to catch someone in one day? More than that, to catch more than one gang of robbers? It was totally ridiculous!


    ?Then don¡¯t you dare to take your words back, Charge Grand. Be honest and true to your words! Now, leave me alone, if you please. We¡¯ll talk in the evening.? ¨C Kyon said firmly.


    ?I never cheat, unlike the Stones.? ¨C Charlesughed. Grek seemed to have given him his antipathy and distaste for the Stones. Charge thought he should be less biased, but he couldn¡¯t help it, not with an impudent, arrogant boy showing off before him.


    The eight investigators went about their business, still chuckling about the scene with Kyon. It was still the early morning of a working day, they expected to be in a good mood for a whole week! dimir had apparently sent them the funniest clown in the world! Thanks again for that, boss.


    Kyon didn¡¯t mind. He would never bother over such trifles. He immediately began to order his security officers around. Kyon¡¯s ten subordinates were well-trained officers at the beginning of the superior phase. It was nothing by the standards of the Stones, and especially the Grands, and yet, it should be enough for all Sauron¡¯s brothers except the 2nd one. It would alle down to a nice ambush, and perhaps there would be no casualties. Kyon could handle this.


    When Kyon was leaving the analytics department, he could still hear the mockingugh. Anyone would feel humiliated and miserable in his ce, but it only put Kyon on his mettle.


    About two hourster, Kyon and his ten security officers were in the forest, eighty kilometers from Boston.


    All the security officials despised their newly minted boss. Why did he order them to go to the forest on such a rainy day? Why didn¡¯t he give them more detailed instructions? Who were they looking for? It was a waste of time and effort. However, they couldn¡¯t disobey his order.


    At some point, Kyon made a sign for them to be as discreet as possible.


    They passed two hundred meters when the security officers heard voices to their great surprise. Another hundred meters and they could make them out. Those were the robbers! The low-life scum of the kingdom! If the security officers destroyed them, they would get no end of boons and respect from their colleagues! Did their boss purposefully lead them to one of Sauron¡¯s brothers?! Their opinion of him had instantly changed for the better.


    The ten officers scattered around the perimeter, following Kyon¡¯s orders, and then, at his signal, they immediately attacked. Their intent was to kill everyone except the leader.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¡­ ?Smash!? ¡­ ?§¡-h-h-h-h!?


    A few strangled cries and a death rattle, and several dozen decapitated bodies of the robbers were lying on the ground. They did not even understand what had happened. The robbers were ying cards, joking,ughing, and then suddenly, everything went dark. The difference in the development in more than a phase made the robbers easy prey for the ten professional security officials who had attacked out of the blue.


    The only surviving was Valery, Sauron¡¯s 5th brother. He had wet his pants and fell to his knees, deadly pale:


    ?Spare me! Mercy! I¡¯ll give you money! Spare my life, pease!?


    With great pleasure, Kyonunched a hard kick straight for his head, after which the robber dropped dead. Then Kyon found the girls, the asshole mentioned at the meeting. They were still alive, weakened and unconscious, but alive. Everything went well.


    Kyon put in each girl¡¯s mouth a recovery pill that Diana had given him and ordered his subordinates to deliver the victims and Valery to the department. After that, they should be ready for the next raid.


    Under the guise of searching the dead, Kyon swallowed their souls, which filled his core by several percents. The 5th brother¡¯s gang had total strength twice as high as that of Guiming¡¯s band.


    Rainy weather came in handy. The water droplets drowned out any noise made by rustling leaves or cracking branches under the feet. The security officers made their way through the thickets without being noticed. It was easy to do under Kyon¡¯s guidance. His modified hearing helped him to know where the sentries were standing, and thanks to echolocation, he could determine the nephrite traps, mantraps, and invisible threads that activated the rm.


    When the security officers effortlessly destroyed the 7th brother, their delight and joy knew no bounds. They had managed to free the kingdom from two vicious gangs in one day! The officers were in for fame, awards and honor! However, when the boss led them to the 4th and 3rd brother, they began to doubt it all was real. Nobody would ever believe it had really happened!


    The 3rd brother turned out to be extremely dangerous. Some of his subordinates were at the beginning of the superior phase. They came close to putting up a fight. And yet, thanks to Kyon¡¯spetent leadership and the effect of surprise, the attack was an extraordinary sess. They caught the robbers off guard during the feast. The security officers had cut down the few sentries quickly and quietly, and it was as good as done.


    Kyon was wet to the skin in the cold rain but pleased with his work. His feathered spies had done a great job in tracking down the lurking gangsters. Kyon had made the most of his formacist skills and Synergy for the time being.


    The ten-hour operation had given Kyon some trophies in the form of souls. They filled his core by 60%. The souls of the practitioners in the superior phase were particrly enriching. Kyon was sure that he would fill his core to the brim when he destroyed the 2nd brother¡¯s gang. However, the progression of the strength of each gang next in rank proved that he didn¡¯t have enoughbat power and subordinates to destroy the second brother.


    Kyon was well aware of his current potential and tried to minimize all possible risks. That¡¯s why, from the outside it may seem that everything was too easy for him.


    When Kyon was on the way to Boston, Synergypleted the modernization of his sense of smell and went on to upgrade his voice. It would enable Kyon to change the timbre of his voice without wasting Synergy or breaking his vocal cords.


    Now, Kyon¡¯s nose was second to none in the whole world. The number of olfactory neurons had increased only by five times, which was five times less than that of the German shepherd. However, the very structure of the receptors was a biological miracle. Even evolution was incapable of creating them. The receptors in his nose could catch a separate chemicalpound and reveal itsposition. His brain perceived it as a particr smell. Kyon could feel any pheromones better than a pr bear during the mating season.


    Every moment, every micron contains thousands of different chemicalpounds that Kyon also perceived as a smell. The world had changed for Kyon. It filled with a wide variety of scents and rted with them images: a decaying tree, forest moss, poisonous mushrooms, a horde of ants, the humidity of the air in the woods, y, wet sand, a swamp a hundred meters away¡­ Kyon¡¯s brain was zooming from the immense stream of information that could consume him all.


    Kyon had given his best shot in upgrading the sense of smell for a reason. It had been almost ready, anyway. Besides, the ability to sense a wide range of scents at any distance increased his possibilities many times. But first, he needed to start distinguishing between the smells of drugs, poisons, and the ingredients in general to understand what he was dealing with. That¡¯s why Kyon went to the elite mall in Boston, where money could get him almost anything at any time.


    Kyon soon arrived at the mall. He was immediately drawn to the perfumery that smelled of myriads of pleasant aromas. It totally grabbed his attention.


    Kyon didn¡¯t have a moment to waste. In just three days, there was a qualifier. In six days, the king was going to give a speech, and in less than a month, there was the tournament of the families. Kyon should focus on training, but he nned to develop his body of the void to the 2nd rank, and for this, he needed to catch the 2nd brother, and to fill his own core with souls. He also had to buy more medicine with the ckmail money to fill his core with elements, and gain the well-deserved turns of the light core from Byron, if thetter would ever be grateful for murdering his hated brother. Kyon also had to pump out more darkness from Juno. But how could he possiblyplete all this in time? Hell knows. The development of the body of the void was such a pain in the ass.

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    A pale bald man entered Patriarch Brown¡¯s main office with a thick stack of documents in his hands. A letter in the envelope was on top of them. It was the who had been serving the Brown family devotedly for two decades.


    ?I have bad news, Patriarch¡­? ¨C The man said glumly.


    ?What¡¯s happened, Allen?? ¨C An imposing man with thick eyebrows and horrible bulging eyes looked up from his notes, frowning at him. The ountant used to solve all the problems on his own, without disturbing the patriarch. Something serious must have happened.


    ?This morning, I received a letter from the Ministry¡­ It had the genuine seal of the Department of Law and Order of high importance, which means the letter was to be delivered to you personally. The right people had checked it for authenticity, for the possible traps, poison, or just insults. They found it contained lots of numbers and reports on the financial activities of our family. Therefore, it fell into my hands. I¡¯ve been studying it all day, and it was getting worse and worse with each line¡­ It¡¯s a disaster, Sir!?


    ?Will you cut to the chase already??


    ?An investigator had examined the ie documents of our family and found some inconsistencies! He identified at least five cases of tax evasion in particrlyrge amounts! I¡¯ve double checked everything, there is no mistake!?


    Herman rose sharply from his chair and roared violently:


    ?What the hell?! Which high-ranking investigator dared to dig into our affairs if the whole department was under Grek¡¯s thumb?! Tell me the name of the bastard with a death wish!?


    ?He didn¡¯t give his name, Sir! He chose to remain anonymous!?


    The patriarch tilted his head to the side thoughtfully, cursing under his breath. The penalty for tax evasion was at least five times the amount of the offense. Moreover, the system of rpse made sure that each next vition of thew was punished more severely. Given more than five cases of breaches ofw, their family was in for a tangible loss.


    ?He gave as an ultimatum¡­? ¨C Allen added in a small quivering voice.


    Herman gave the ountant a sharp look.


    ?Tell me!?


    ?He has a safe deposit box in the trade guild ¡°Golden Piggy,¡± where he keeps the original ie documents of our family with recorded vitions ofw, as well as all the evidence. We can request the administration to have them examined to dispel any doubts. But it will cost us one-fifth of the amount we have not given to the government to buy them out! If we don¡¯t pay for the deposit box in two days, all its content will be sent directly to the head of the Ministry of Justice for a more detailed check! And then the fine will be many times more! It¡¯s a catastrophe! He is ckmailing us!?


    Herman was too shocked to speak. His eyes bulged even more as if it had dawned on him only now what catastrophe Allen had been talking about. Whoever the ckmailer was, he was devilishly smart and careful. There were at least two reasons for this.


    First, the Golden Piggy guild was number one in the world. There could be no question of any bribery or forcing them to do anything. Only the chosen few had a certain influence in the guild. The Browns did not have their people there. They were ordinary customers, nothing more. The Browns could only request the official inspection of the documents from the deposit box.


    Secondly, the ckmailer demanded the money for the documents without his direct involvement! If the Browns didn¡¯t pay for the deposit box, its contents would automatically go to the ce where they didn¡¯t have any power, and a monthter, they would face a huge fine, or maybe something worse! He had everything covered.


    In this world, transactions through brokers were a rare urrence. This method of doing business was new for Hernan, so he didn¡¯t really understand how to get out of this trap, which indicated the investigator¡¯s high professional skills.


    Herman could only growl powerlessly something along the lines of:


    ?Damned bastard! He dared to mess with the Browns! He will pay with life!?


    The offer to pay one-fifth of the amount they owed to the government was way more favorable than the legal punishment. However, Herman had an insider in the department. How could Grek ept the fact that one of his colleagues had his knife into him? What was that buffoon there for?!


    ?Leave the papers here, I¡¯ll study themter. Go to the guild and request the inspection of the documents. Determine their authenticity. If they are real, get the needed sum ready. But don¡¯t send anything without my order! If I can destroy him¡­ Or rather, run him down¡­ Then¡­? ¨C Herman¡¯s face was distorted with strain and pain. He seemed to have faced an enemy beyond his strength. Even if Hernan managed to catch this cunning investigator, what¡¯s then? The deposit box must have been sealed off and out of his control! He would have to pay the money anyway. But then he could take them away. Yes! That¡¯s the best option. And after that, he would kill the ckmailer in the most sophisticated way.


    ?I will do as you say, Mister Hernan!? ¨C The bald ountant answered in a tremulous voice and hurriedly left the office.


    The patriarch took his sound transmitter and dialed Grek¡¯s frequency.


    ?Grek speaking.?


    ?What the hell are you doing there?! I¡¯ve received a letter from a high-ranking investigator who ims that we have been evading taxes! Some asshole you work with is ckmailing us! Didn¡¯t you see iting? Who is to me?!?


    ?P-patriarch¡­? ¨C Grek was panic-stricken. ¨C ?I don¡¯t know anyone who would dare to ckmail you! Unless¡­ It¡¯s the rookie¡­?


    ?What fucking rookie?!?


    ?He is always in his mask. Nobody knows his first name, but his family name is Stone!?


    ?The Stones¡­? ¨C Herman muttered, his voice hardened by obvious despise.


    ¡­


    Juno tossed and turned in her bed, unable to fall asleep. The poor thing was tormented by curiosity so intense that her eyes welled up with tears. She conducted an investigation and found out that her assistant hadn¡¯t hired any servants from the Stone family. However, Kyon told dimir that he couldn¡¯t have caught 80 criminals without the help of his family. But he did not use any family resources! He did it again¡­ He had defiedmon sense yet again!


    Juno couldn¡¯t stop her racing thoughts. Her entire body shook. She couldn¡¯t think of anything else. Kyon had brazenly exploited her emotional world, and this abuse continued to this day.


    ~squeak~


    ?Seven days have passed, Juno. Do you have my money ready?? ¨C The moon once again outlined XiaoBai¡¯s imposing silhouette. Its silver light shone on his impassive face just at the right moment.


    Her brother¡¯s visit didn¡¯t surprise Juno. She calmly got out of bed, a malicious smile blossomed on her face:


    ?I warned you, XiaoBai¡­?


    ?So did I!? ¨C XiaoBai ominously interrupted his sister, his shapeless body resembling a huge rissole twitched.


    Moonlight fell on a cute cat with magnificent white fur who was peacefully murmuring on XiaoBai¡¯s fatp. He was stroking the fluffy animal gently like a clich¨¦d viin from a movie. All he needed was a monocle toplete the picture.


    Juno gasped when she saw the furry creature. Her shivering increased, her face turned deathly pale as if she wasn¡¯t looking at a cat but at a soul-eater. ¨C ?C-c-c-cat¡­?


    The cat¡¯s predatory yellow eyes glowed in the dark, burning the terrified girl.


    Unkind sparks lit up the fat guy¡¯s eyes. ¨C ?Last time you didn¡¯t y by the rules. You shouldn¡¯t have told the guards to show the ¡°intruder¡± out. That¡¯s when I realized that you have no respect for your brother. So, today I am not ying by the rules.? ¨C He got up from the chair with the cat in his arms and slowly walked towards his sister who was numb with fear. ¨C ?Money is my ikigai, my reason for living, Juno. I¡¯ll risk anything to get it, including our fragile rtionship.?


    All of a sudden, the door to the room flung open.


    ?My little Juno! Has hee, yet?..?


    Patriarch Bai stopped short and stared at XiaoBai.


    Xiao Bai stared at the patriarch.


    The cat stared at the patriarch.


    The patriarch looked at the cat and then at deathly pale Juno.


    ?You ugly, filthy beast! How dared youe to my sister at night! Scat! Get out of here!? ¨C XiaoBai let out a piercing scream and hurled the cat at his grandfather. Then he promptly rushed to the door with incredible speed for his build.


    The patriarch almost went berserk. The cat in his hands whipped into shape his clouded mind. ¨C ?XI-AO-B§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡I!?


    The patriarch flung the poor cat out, disappeared from his ce and gave his runaway grandson such a nice p that he rolled head over heels along the corridor of the elite residentialplex.


    All the tenants peered out their rooms when they heard the loud noise. The sight of the screaming rolling meatball made their heads spin.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! Grandad! I WAS JUST SAVING MY SISTER!? ¨C The fat guy yelled angrily, shedding tears as a protest against cosmic injustice.


    ?I WILL KILL YOU! FAT EXTORTIONIST!? ¨C Even superior demons would envy the fury in the old man¡¯s voice. Bai was so furious that he didn¡¯t even think if his grandson would survive his beating. The fat cheeky boy scared the apple of Bai¡¯s eye with a cat, being perfectly aware of her phobia of furry creatures!


    XiaoBai kept rolling head over heels through the corridors of the residentialplex all night long like a huge tumbleweed. Early in the morning, when the patriarch let out all his anger, his grandson was still conscious. The extensiveyer of fat had saved his life. XiaoBai had been growing it precisely for this reason: to protect him from the outraged patriarchs.


    ?Get out! I don¡¯t want to see you anymore! And don¡¯t you dare to get anywhere close to Juno!? ¨C Bai shouted panting. He could barely restrain himself from hitting him again.


    XiaoBai furtively looked at his grandfather like a lost beaten puppy and trudged away from the family territory with his head down. He looked even more like a pig than usual because of his swollen face.


    Nobody understood him. Money was his soul! How could anyone get beaten up so cruelly for trying to get their soul back? Everyone around was a ruthless demon! Everyone but Kyon¡­ XiaoBai couldn¡¯t take it anymore to live with those who hated him and failed to understand his worldview!

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    It was early in the morning. Kyon chuckled gleefully, pleased with himself. His eyes were red from exhaustion. The amount of information he had received was astounding. Millions of scents and their nuances, poisons, perfumes, and medicine¡­ Now he could determine the ingredients, their type and age, how long they¡¯d been stored, to what extent they¡¯d worn off, the method of their refining, and much, much more. In just ten hours, he¡¯d obtained such knowledge that no perfumer or herbalist would ever get in their whole life, no matter what weed they¡¯d sniff. It¡¯s all because the nose of an ordinary person has limited possibilities.


    Kyon dozed off in the mall and arrived at the analytics department at eight in the morning. As soon as he took his ce, he heard the expected footsteps of his eight colleagues.


    ?Why are you here, deary?? ¨C Grek Brown asked snidely. ¨C ?Can¡¯t the Stones keep their words? Oh, they do not know how to do it. Or maybe you think that you make false promises, and everyone will just forget? Trash Stone, your ce is in the garbage pit¡­?


    Charge stepped forward, interrupting Grek. He appeared most displeased, disdain and annoyance left their dark mark on his face.


    ?You force me to take extreme measures, rookie. The whole ministry will have to hear your arrogant words. The Stones are going to be disappointed with you. dimir will fire you today, just as Grek said.?


    Grek scrutinized Kyon, who was sitting calmly in his ce, and mentally shook his head. ¨C {No¡­ This dumbass can¡¯t be the ckmailer. He nothing but a naive simpleton. Someone else sent letters to the patriarch¡­ But who?}


    Kyon carefully looked at each of the investigators. All of them cast contemptuous nces upon him. He coughed politely:


    ?Who said I lost the bet?? ¨C Kyon threw four reports onto the table with a gesture of the magician.


    The silence that fell wasplete.


    Charge picked up one of the reports with doubt on his face and leafed through them. A minuteter, he sighed in dismay:


    ?Did you spend the whole yesterday writing fake reports on the capture of Sauron¡¯s brothers? Don¡¯t you have better things to do, son??


    The other seven investigators burst outughing. They had never met such an idiot who would cling to a nonexistent hope of keeping his precious job.


    Grek shook his head with mock pity:


    ?Poor thing. Nature deprived Stone of his mind, and his brains as well. It¡¯s no news, though. He thinks that the investigator¡¯s job consists of lies and empty boasting! It¡¯s hrious!?


    Another wave ofughter filled the air. Kyon couldn¡¯t help letting out a stifled chuckle.


    ?Why are youughing, dumbass?! It¡¯s about you! You will be kicked out today!? ¨C Grek barked.


    Kyon ignored him and threw the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th brothers¡¯ rings on the table like dice.


    ?What¡¯s really hrious is to know that you are all mistaken.?


    The smiles on the investigators¡¯ faces froze and faded away. They grabbed the rings to examine their authenticity. Then they looked at each other perplexed. The rings were real.


    ?It¡¯s fake!? ¨C Grek imed confidently after he took a brief nce at the ring and tossed it on the table. ¨C ?You have handed in the fake reports and forged the rings as well. It¡¯s a criminal offense punishable by appropriate penalties. You¡¯re a stupid idiot, Stone.?


    Kyon rubbed his eyes wearily. {The Stones, the Stones, the Stones¡­ Why the fuck is he harping on it?! Did the Stones gang-raped him when he was a child?} ¨C It would be more effective to talk to donkeys. The disgusting eight was going to drive him crazy if they keep denying reality and talking trash about the Stones.


    ?Hold on.? ¨C Charge stopped a new wave ofughter after he had read carefully one of the reports. ¨C ?It says that ten security officers destroyed all the gangs, and the brothers are now under arrest¡­?


    The eight investigators looked at each other and rushed to the dungeon on the floor above them. The most dangerous criminals were kept there.


    Kyon followed them. He had ordered his security forces officers to arrive at the bandits¡¯ cell and testify about yesterday¡¯s operation.


    When the eight investigators saw the brothers in shackles, they looked petrified. The ten security officers revealed the details of yesterday¡¯s events with awe.


    Charge¡¯s eyelid twitched. Greek stared at the bandits with a hard, empty look. The rest of the investigators looked no better. Someone had brazenly invaded their ordinary quiet little world and tore it apart. And that someone was the rookie.


    ?He has really caught four brothers in one day.? ¨C The boss finally said. His words sounded like a verdict.


    The eight investigators stared at Kyon as if he were a mythical creature. They took a few steps backwards, away from him.


    It was Kyon¡¯s turn tough out loud.


    ?Gods, what¡¯s wrong with your faces? You are the best investigators in the kingdom, aren¡¯t you? Behave ordingly!?


    ?It¡¯s impossible!? ¨C Grek barked. ¨C ?For many years, we¡­?


    ?Open up your eyes.? ¨C Kyon interrupted him, stillughing.


    Grek noticed that he was the only one to make waves. The rest had already believed in their hearts. They wouldn¡¯t change their minds. If Grek insisted, he would make a fool of himself.


    ?Grek, I understand you. We all do. But the truth is staring you in the face. You¡¯d better have a drink. Go, you have my permission.? ¨C Charge said too calmly.


    Grek growled something inaudible and quickly left. It had dawned on him who was ckmailing his family. He must have underestimated the Stone. He had to get this scum and deliver him to the patriarch. Grek wasn¡¯t going to tolerate hispany a second more.


    The other seven investigators were still looking at Kyon as if he were a unicorn. The belief in their superiority was so strong that they had no idea how low their professional level was. The rookie helped them see it. They were devastated, full of shame and guilt for their ipetencepared to him.


    Five minutester, Kyon walked into the analytics department surrounded by the investigators who admired him. Their attitude towards him had drastically changed. In one single day, he had caught the robbers they had been after for several years. How could they not respect him for this momentous achievement?


    The next hour, everyone carefully studied the four reports, trying to gain experience from the brilliant rookie.


    In the end, Charge could not help it and asked Kyon directly:


    ?Do you want to say that you analyzed the disappearance of the caravans over the past three years, figured out the points where the robbers could be, found a sequence and calcted their location?!?


    ?Exactly.? ¨C Kyon nodded with an air of importance. Of course, it was pure nonsense. But it sounded cool!


    Charge struggled to catch his breath. He was speechless. The other investigators looked at each other gloomily.


    ?Alright! The robbers are in the dungeon. That¡¯s all it takes. You¡¯ve won the bet. You can ask me for any resources avable to the department. Just mention why you need them and you have them. Well, getting back to the robbers¡­ How are you going to catch the rest??


    ?I¡¯ll figure it out.?


    ?Well, you¡¯d better. dimir mentioned that you intend to free the kingdom of two issues. You did a good job catching the four brothers, but until we have Sauron, your mission isn¡¯t over. Moreover, there is also the guild of thieves that is much more difficult to catch. You might want to start working in a team.?


    ?We can¡¯t understand the way he works, boss!? ¨C A female investigator said carefully. ¨C ?We could not even make out the principle of determining the sequence that he had found in the brother¡¯s location¡­?


    Kyon backed her up. ¨C ?Rasya is right. I will carry out investigations on my own, using all the avable department resources.?


    ?Ho-ho, then you¡¯ll stay with us for ten years! These vile creatures are absolutely untraceable.? ¨C The head of the analytical department said convincingly.


    Kyon squinted yfully. It was an excellent chance to make some money. ¨C ?How about another bet? I bet a million that I¡¯ll catch them within a month.?


    Charge grunted thoughtfully.


    ?A million? I¡¯m not that rich, rookie. And even if I had this money, I wouldn¡¯t risk another bet with you. You are a dark horse. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re so fucking smart or just a lucky idiot. I¡¯ll think about it tonight.?


    Kyon nodded to himself. Unlike Juno, Charge was a quick learner. However, it might be a matter of respect. Speaking of respect, dimir once mentioned if Charles started to use foulnguage, it was a good sign.


    ?You really intend to catch them within a month?? ¨C Charge asked with an edge to his voice.


    ?I do. Is there any evidence, clues??


    ?All we have is a hair.? ¨C Charge sounded hopeless and even solemn. ¨C ?We haven¡¯t caught anyone yet, not alive. A pill behind the tooth kills them all.?


    ?Let me take a look at this hair.?


    ?Well¡­ It¡¯s ck, about 20 cm, most likely from a woman¡¯s head.?


    Kyon snorted with exasperation.


    ?Just bring it here, already.?


    Charge was taken back at his persistence and looked inquiringly at his subordinates. They shrugged dumbfounded. A hair is a hair. What did he hope to find out? Charge pressed on his wrist and gave an order. Soon, the long ck hair was in his office.


    Six investigators and Charge surrounded Kyon, watching him closely as if he was a mysterious animal in the zoo.


    ?Surprise us, rookie.? ¨C The boss challenged him, his arms crossed.


    Kyon carefully took the hair, closed his eyes, and sniffed it.


    The investigators looked at each other in amazement for the umpteenth time. What a freak! Did he ask for the hair to smell it? Seriously? The rookie seemed to be taking his revenge on them for giving him a hard time. However, as soon as he opened his eyes, everyone understood that he was not pretending or ying. Everyone fell silent.


    ?The hair belongs to a guy, perhaps twenty years old. Judging by the file that goes along with the evidence, he took part in major theft. Lanai, the leader of the thieves, should have trained him well, but this idiot was wearing cologne. Most likely, he has feelings for someone. That¡¯s why he put on cologne. He did take a shower afterwards, though. Naive idiot.?


    ?H-how did you find out it¡¯s a guy?!? ¨C Charge asked with a slight stammer.


    ?Pheromones¡­ Or rather, men¡¯s cologne.? ¨C Kyon wove his fingers together, putting on an air of a professional perfumer. ¨C ?This scent includes essential oils of the fragrant sunflower, Arnabi fruit after twenty years of the ripening period, felire petals, presumably of purple variety, and wild rose¡­? ¨C He kept giving them the ingredients for another half a minute. ¨C ?¡­The leaves of gudgine underwent the process of enfleurage. The fruit of gudgine were squeezed mechanically and infused with sage fumes for three days, the sage that was pollinated by green bees, no less.?


    Charge and thepany dropped their jaws.

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    Kyon looked questioningly at his colleagues. ¨C ?Who am I talking to? Take notes!?


    ?Holy fucking shit!? ¨C Charge came to his senses and ordered Rasya to keep detailed notes.


    When Kyon repeated the information, Charge smelled the hair and asked in disbelief:


    ?How? How could you determine the fucking ingredients in this cologne?! I can¡¯t smell a shit! Do youe from a long line of hounds?!?


    ?I have a unique body of olfaction, but it does not matter. Our task is to determine the name of the perfume by its ingredients, find out who produces it and where it sells. Then we can find out the rest. Come on, get to work!?


    The investigators began fussing around, and Chargeughed nervously:


    ?I thought I was the boss here! And they do as you say by reflex. You¡¯re creepy. Fucking creepy rookie¡­ I¡¯m d to get to work with you.?


    The progress in the lost case of capturing the guild of thieves was thest thing Charge expected. Damned freaking monster! It could really take him only a month! If Charge were naive enough, he¡¯d lose a million of spheres! For some reason, the current situation warmed his heart. If they got Lanai, he would get even with her for his father. And then he could die in peace!


    During the working day, the team of the investigators had quickly questioned Boston¡¯s best perfumers and found out the name of the perfume.


    ?Azure blue sky.? ¨C Charge said thoughtfully after he finished reading the report. ¨C ?This perfume is sold in many parts of the city. It won¡¯t be easy to solve this mystery¡­?


    As soon as Kyon opened his mouth, everyone almost instinctively shut up.


    ?You see, the thief apparently knows a lot about perfumery. He is aware that the musk contained in Azure Blue Sky loses its properties in a month after production and fails to attract the opposite sex. That¡¯s why he buys a new bottle every month. It exins why I smelled a trace of the cologne that he wore a month ago.?


    ?You want to say¡­ He buys a new bottle of cologne once a month, doesn¡¯t he?!?


    ?He does.?


    The investigators looked at each other in amazement. Since the rookie had taken up the thieves guild, things started to move forward by leaps and bounds! Kyon had turned into an unsurpassed genius investigator in their opinion.


    Charge ordered:


    ?Interrogate all the perfume sellers in Boston! We need to find a customer who buys Azure Blue Sky once a month! You know general information about his appearance. Let¡¯s do it!?


    ?How about teamwork, boss?? ¨C Kyon asked scornfully.


    ?You are the team! He-he! Ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Charge burst outughing with some hysterical anguish.


    The working day hade to an end. When Kyon was leaving the analytics department, he could feel Grek¡¯s hateful eyes on him. Kyon didn¡¯t pay him any mind. However, as he left the Department, Kyon¡¯s feathered spies noticed some people in ck waiting for him in an ambush nearby.


    {You screwed with the wrong guy, dumbhead.} ¨C Kyon thought with an evil gleam in his eyes.


    Before he left, Kyon took off his mask and changed his clothes so that the six in ambush couldn¡¯t recognize him.


    The next day, Kyon arrived at the ministry before anyone else. Rasya and Charge entered the department and greeted the rookie. Suddenly, Kyon snapped his fingers loudly.


    At that very moment, they heard a thunderous gunshot at the entrance to the building.


    Grek was going upstairs, frustrated by his failure to catch the Stone yesterday, when his head exploded in a bloody mess as if they hit a watermelon with a heavy hammer. Not the best start to a working day¡­ But that¡¯s a matter of opinion.


    ~Bang~


    ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-ah!? ¡­ ?MURDER! They killed him!? ¨C The passers-by screamed in horror, sttered with the contents of Greg¡¯s skull.


    A minuteter, the scene of the murder was sealed off. Investigators were fussing all around. Five minutester, Charge, Rasya, and Kyon arrived at the crime scene.


    ?They killed Grek! How dared they, dirty animals?!? ¨C Charge checked the formation on the dead man¡¯s wrist and roared in the heat of the moment. Rasya screamed in horror. The death of the second rank investigator and their colleague in one came as a shock for them.


    ?{Well done, Byron!}? ¨C Kyon sent a sound signal to his subordinate Byron via Synergy directly in his ear. It took Byron 5 days of shooting training to learn a minimal skill and hit the target¡¯s head with a sniper from the nearest roof. By the way, Grek was in the middle of the superior phase, but he waspletely unprepared for an attempt on his life. He had iting, anyway.


    Kyon had intentionally arrived earlier to have an unbreakable alibi. It all worked in his favor: the second-rank investigator had been killed, and his position was now vacant. The turnover rate seemed to be very high in the Department¡­


    The investigation of the murder was going to take all day, so Kyon had to explore each perfumery in the city together with his subordinates, questioning the shopkeepers. By the evening, they had achieved certain results. A shopkeeper with mustache told them that he had a regr customer with long ck hair who came to the shop every month to buy a bottle of Azure Blue Sky. Only a few days were left before his new visit.


    {Bingo! It¡¯s so easy to work as an investigator.}


    Kyon retold the investigators all the information, shocking them once again, and outlined a n of capturing the thief thatpletely ruled out any chance of his identally swallowing the poison pill.


    The investigators were still ovee with grief at the loss of their colleague. They perked up a bit, happy to have a real genius among them at this time of great turbulence. Did Charge say yesterday that Kyon was going to stay in the Department for years trying to catch the guild of thieves? He couldn¡¯t be more wrong!


    The second issue of the kingdom was getting gradually resolved. Kyon only had to catch the second brother and use him as a bait for Sauron. Then he would be an investigator of the second rank, and dimir would give him a task regarding Kara and da, the demons. And after that, the long-awaited rmendation to the high-ranking imperial investigator would be within his grasp.


    Kyon¡¯s unique body required developed souls and a huge amount of resources. The job of an investigator was almost perfect for his purposes. He could consume dead criminals¡¯ soul and extort resources. It shouldn¡¯t be a problem with his skills.


    ¡­


    ?What do you mean dead? Who killed him? Who?!? ¨C Patriarch Brown screamed in a frenzy when Charge called him to express his sorrow.


    ?Most likely, the guild of killers. Only they are capable of eliminating someone so quickly and effectively, ruthless bastards! He crossed them up once too often¡­? ¨C Charge said glumly.


    ?No¡­ No, it¡¯s not killers, it¡¯s your masked Stone! It¡¯s his doing! He killed my Grek, because¡­ Because he was a Brown!?


    ?Herman, calm down. The rookie was standing next to me at the moment of the crime. His alibi is airtight. By the way, how do you know about the rookie?? ¨C The head of the department asked suspiciously.


    Herman could not tell Charge too much. He should keep mum about the ckmail and Grek¡¯s motives. That¡¯s why he just smashed the sound transmitter into pieces, hurling it against the floor as hard as he could.


    Herman was hoping to find out that Stone, the ckmailer, had been caught, but instead, he got the news that his dear 2nd-rank investigator had been killed. Grek served the Browns faithfully and truthfully for many years, covering up the dark deeds of the family. His death meant a loss far greater than the sum of ckmail payment.


    {Where the hell did youe from, damned bastard?!}


    ?Patriarch, we have very little time¡­ If we don¡¯t pay for the deposit box in an hour, it will go to the Ministry of Justice! We are going to lose a lot of money! Those documents are real!? ¨C The ountant said, wringing his hands in despair.


    Herman rose from his seat, shattering the solid table into pieces with a fist punch, and hurried to the trade guild Golden Piggy.


    The manager in luxurious clothes weed the two guests, and after a small talk, he gave them a document to sign, which the patriarch did without looking. Then he loaded arge amount of cash on the counter.


    ?It¡¯s a pleasure doing business with you.? ¨C The manager smiled politely. ¨C ?The transaction will beplete soon. The best messengers will deliver you the content of the deposit box with a maximum level of protection.?


    Herman and Allen stared nkly at the manager. Then the patriarch said dryly:


    ?Just give us the contents of the deposit box. We do not need any ¨C how did you call it? ¨C ¡°transaction with protection.¡± Hand me the documents, and we will leave!?


    ?But you have already signed the document and paid the fee. It can¡¯t be undone.?


    The patriarch and his ountant looked at each other in surprise and started reading the signed agreement carefully.


    ¡°Premium delivery transaction, agreement No. 666¡­ ¡­Trade guild Golden Piggy is obligated to deliver the parcel to Niks Grand, the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Justice, noter than three days after the current agreement is signed¡­¡±


    Herman couldn¡¯t see, everything went nk. He staggered and leaned against the wall, his hand on his forehead with his palm. The patriarch felt sick and dizzy.


    ?Patriarch! Are you alright?!?


    ?No¡­ Nothing is alright¡­ Why on earth didn¡¯t you stop me when I was signing the contract?! It¡¯s your job to take full responsibility for the documents! You could have read it at the very least! WHY?!?


    ?B-b-but you signed it immediately¡­ Besides, I checked the contract yesterday. Everything was alright. It¡¯s apletely different document in your hands! I thought you were signing the right one! It was reced at thest moment. We didn¡¯t even notice it in our rush! Someone has tricked us¡­? ¨C The ountant whispered thest sentence in a strangled, shocked voice. The full realization of what had just taken ce hit him hard.


    The manager only shrugged indifferently at this dramatic scene. He did his job as expected of him. The clients could have no ims against. They should have read the contract first, dumbheads.


    Herman groaned. ¨C ?I see¡­ It¡¯s clear as day¡­ The damned ckmailer was always one step ahead. He knew that we would wait till thest minute and then we could make a mistake in a hurry¡­ Manager!?


    ?Yes, Sir?? ¨C The guild manager replied.


    ?Did you get any special instructions from the customer??


    ?I was told that you might refuse to sign this agreement, then I must provide you with another one.?


    ?Give it to me! I¡¯ll take a look!? ¨C Herman barked.


    The manager held out another agreement, and the patriarch read it carefully.


    ?That¡¯s what I checked yesterday!? ¨C The ountant eximed, rubbing his smooth bald head.


    It turned out that the first contract was designed for those who have ¡°gullible¡± written on their forehead. The second one was more or less a good faith agreement. The money would have gone to the ckmailer anyway, but the patriarch would have received thepromising material!


    Herman was on hisst legs, he struggled to catch his breath. The patriarch copsed into a chair, staring nkly at the ceiling. If only he had taken a look at the contract, he would have avoided a huge pain in the ass. Now he had to put up with the fact that he had signed his confession in five cases of tax evasion. His family was facing arge fine that could seriously damage their status and position in the list of noble families.


    Things had been going uphill for the Browns. A lot of influential people had already taken them for a potential family number one in the kingdom. The other families would go to any lengths to make friends with the Browns. Lots of mutually beneficial agreements were signed, promises and obligations were made. All in all, the Browns sessfully established rtionships with the top families in the kingdom. They assumed great responsibility to be the family number one after the Tournament of Families. This event was to be a turning point in history. When all of a sudden, the old lion Stone, who should have given up the ghost long ago, tore off a chunk of meat from the Browns! Well, it was only an investigator, but it was obvious that he had been assisted by his family and acted under Bai¡¯s instructions!


    ?Nasty Stones! I can¡¯t believe you had the guts to raise a hand against us, the new leaders of the kingdom! If this is what you want, your failure in the tournament will leave your reputation in tatters. We will turn you intoughing stocks if it¡¯s thest thing we do!?


    The patriarch was fuming, steaming. Everyone around him could feel his rage in a palpable wave.


    Allen tried to calm him down, his voice trembling:


    ?Sir, the tournament will be over before the trial, before the verdict is passed. The reward for getting first ce is, as you know, ten million and Tokens. When we have them on the family ount, we¡¯ll pay off the debt almost with no impact on our budget! No one will ever know about the crisis in our family! The Browns will suffer no consequences!?


    The patriarch¡¯s eyes brightened. He joyfully looked at the ountant, belligerently raising his bushy eyebrows.


    ?Of course¡­ You¡¯re right, Allen!? ¨C But his enthusiasm quickly faded. Herman was not used to looking for excuses. One thing was clear, though. The Browns pinned all their hopes on the tournament, on the first ce they were going to take no matter what. The patriarch had no doubt that they would take first ce because they had been preparing for this event for years. Moreover, Herman¡¯s brilliant son Timothy was his secret weapon. He alone would turn even all his opponents into dust. There was nothing to worry about. The Browns would most certainly be the leaders of the Iron Throne, just like they nned. Yeah¡­ Everything was going ording to n.

 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198


    Late at night, Kyon had a talk with XiaoBai via the sound transmitter. ¨C ?Thanks for your help with the guild, brother. Your connections are as wide as you are.?


    ?Ha ha ha! You are wee, Kyon! You cane to me every time you need to ckmail someone! I will do everything if you raise themission rate.?


    It took XiaoBai long, painstaking years of fraud and risky financial transactions to earn only three million while Kyon got five million in a matter of weeks! He was a real genius! Xiao Bai¡¯s love for his brother grew with each day. Kyon was his soul mate, unlike the sisters.


    ?When will my order take to get delivered? The qualifier is tomorrow¡­ You said it would arrive just in time¡­?


    ?The formacist falls behind schedule, that¡¯s why the delivery has been dyed¡­ I¡¯m sorry. You¡¯ll get the pill a littleter, as agreed.?


    When Kyon learned the date of the qualifier for the family tournament, he immediately told XiaoBai to order for him an item, or rather a formation inside an item, that could change the sound (vibrations) of the elements he used. For example, if Kyon released fire, the others would feel a different element, the one he wanted them to. These formations had a rather low demand in the world market, but it was important for Kyon to have it because not everyone should know that he was a master of nine elements.


    ?Got it. I will wait to hear from you.?


    ?By the way, Kyon¡­ I¡¯ve always been sincere in my feelings, as well as in taste preferences. You should know, I¡¯m proud that you are my brother!? ¨C Xiao Bai said emotionally, wholeheartedly. He was holding the sound transmitter between his head and shoulder, counting the spheres he had received from his brother. ¨C ?My sister is a rotten stingy cunt! She won¡¯t return my priceless money, can you imagine it?! Grandfather mercilessly beats me up, his hatred chills my heart! More than that, he drove me out of the family¡­ Oh, you are my sunshine after the rain. You¡¯re my real family. If you should get another chance to make some easy money, don¡¯t hesitate to contact me. I am always here for you.?


    Kyon mentally rolled his eyes. If XiaoBai¡¯s unique body fed on spheres like Juno¡¯s, he would be doomed to eternal starvation.


    ?Did they kick you out of the family??


    ?Well, They didn¡¯t take away my name¡­ That¡¯s something, isn¡¯t it.?


    ?Why are you staying? At Cornelia¡¯s??


    XiaoBai squealed, and the connection was lost.


    Kyon shrugged. He felt the weight of five million spheres in his hand and shed an evil, bone-chilling smile. His eyes sparkled with a devilish light. It took him just a day of painstaking analysis and careful collection of information to dig out the dark details of some families. After that, he made a huge sum of money from ckmail. No one in the Stone family had ever earned so much in their whole lives. He was going to spend this money on filling the body of the void with elements (the pill he¡¯d ordered through XiaoBai). He was getting ready for the uing tournament. Any gain in power woulde in handy.


    The twilight slowly disappeared into the soft morning glow as if a warm spring had followed a long frost.


    The qualifier wasing up.


    Kyon¡¯s sound transmitter rang.


    ?Where are you, grandson? The qualifier is about to start¡­?


    ?I¡¯m going to bete, grandad¡­ Can I fight with number ten? Off the grid¡­?


    ?*sigh*. Of course, anything for you¡­ Hurry up! The eager spectators have already crowded the whole stadium.?


    Bai wanted to teach his grandson a lesson to prove that he wasn¡¯t ready to fight in the family tournament. It takes much more time to reveal a talent. Bai was sure that Kyon couldn¡¯tpete with the strongest young people of the kingdom (from non-royal families).


    ?Thank you, grandad!?


    Kyon was delighted. All he needed was to get to the tournament. He would be quite pleased with tenth ce. There was no point in fighting everyone to find out who was stronger.


    His post arrived THREE hours after the qualifier started. Kyon put on a in ring with formation inside and dashed off to the main family stadium.


    Therge arena was located inside the Stone territory and held several thousand seats. All of them were filled now. Every self-respecting Stone shoulde and see the fight that would determine ten strongest in the younger generation. They would participate in the family tournament that would decide the fate of the Stones. No one in their right mind was going to miss this exciting performance.


    Kyon came in from the back door, where he stumbled upon Bai. The old man¡¯s face lit up, relief softened his features.


    ?Thank goddess, you¡¯ve made it¡­?


    ?Heroes alwayse at thest minute.?


    ?Heroes? Ha-ha, well said.? ¨C Bai smiled. ¨C ?Alright, hero. Get ready for the fight. Your adversary is a strong participant. When I was looking for the right opponent, he came forward as a candidate. And you know what, I agreed at once! He is your perfect rival who will help you know the limits of your abilities.?


    ?What¡¯s his name?? ¨C Kyon asked suspiciously. He had a chance to take a look inside the building through a bird¡¯s eyes (the windows were blurry) and study his future opponents. ording to the patriarch¡¯s instructions, the qualifier implied eight winners. However, there would be ten participants at the family tournament. Kyon knew who the ninth fighter was: someone who had entered the qualifier on a priority basis. But who was the tenth? It remained a mystery.


    ?You will find it out pretty soon.? ¨C Bai put his hand on Kyon¡¯s shoulder. ¨C ?Please, do not use the gun. Remember, even a child can be a terrible adversary with its help. The tournament should prove your personal strength! Use a sword if you know how. Be careful and try not to harm anyone intentionally. I am sure your opponent will treat you as kindly as you treat him. After all, the Stones must respect each other!?


    Kyon nodded and followed Bai to the arena that was located in the very center of the building. The audience had already settled in made themselvesfortable amodated in their seats. People were looking at Kyon with interest. He caught a glimpse of mother Diane, a beautiful, charming woman. All men around fixed their eyes upon her. Kyon also noticed old Flitz and lovely Marina in a cape. Jealous Flitz must be hiding her beauty under the hood from the rest of the world. Sweet little Juno was sitting in the front row, next to the patriarch¡¯s seat. Young men could not take their eyes off her angelic face. Too bad that the guise of the sweetest creature was hiding the devil incarnate¡­ Juno¡¯s calm eyes looked straight ahead. She was trying to hide her curiosity. In fact, she was dying to know how her assistant was going to get out of this mess this time?


    Eight participants were standing next to the arena. Lee Stone, number one in the family and the pride of the younger generation, was among them, his head up and chest out. The aura of arrogance and vanity emanated from him. As soon as Lee saw Kyon, he hunched over and coughed like an old man on his deathbed. Stephanie, the role model for many girls, had taken an honorable third ce. She was looking at the approaching boy with amazement that gradually turned into flirting. The jerk had never called!


    Kyon didn¡¯t know the other six participants. There were only eight of them. Who were the remaining two? One of them was going to be his opponent, and the other was Juno, of course. Kyon was impressed when he heard her (through the nephrite-bug) persuading Bai to let her participate.


    Juno had fully disyed her monstrous talent for maniption. Even Lovr fell short in this ount. Even god of eloquence and craftiness would envy the sweet little rogue! She was generously endowed by nature with exceptional instincts. Kyon could give her a standing ovation.


    Bai kept pounding XiaoBai till dawn for terrorizing Juno with a fluffy cat. Then he pulled it together and returned to cheer up his beloved granddaughter. She was so beautiful in her sadness, sorrowful like a withering paradise flower. She looked like a miserable little rabbit, her eyes welled with tears like raindrops on the emerald ss, her mournful face turned pale. The patriarch¡¯s heart painfully contracted in despair when he saw her like this.


    Juno made it clear to her grandfather that she would be much better off if he had not disappeared for such a long time. Bai felt the bitter taste of guilt in the back of his chest. Why had he focused on XiaoBai?! Juno was the joy of his life, the constion of his old age, after all! Then she tactfully used her grandfather of breaking his promise. He had lost control of his mean grandson. XiaoBai had broken into her chambers and almost killed her with the terrible cat! The old man¡¯s heart was on the point of bursting over his darling little girl. He couldn¡¯t stand to see her suffer. Especially not when she wasining in her sorrowful voice of a dying chick, shedding crystal clear tears.


    When Juno realized Bai was about to die of grief and self-hatred, she said that she had always wanted to be in the limelight (like Elsa used to) and gently hinted at the tournament.


    The patriarch seized the chance like a drowning man clutching at a straw. He swore he¡¯d do anything for her, promised to warrant her participation in the family tournament, and begged her to forgive him, the pathetic old man, for his mistake.


    Juno asked him: ¡°promise?¡± Probably, there was no one who could refuse her. Her innocent request sounded so charming like silver bells ringing. Bai would rather sell his soul to the devil than refuse her. That¡¯s how the sly fox became a participant. She had taken advantage of grandfather¡¯s unlimited love.


    In fact, all of the above is just the tip of the iceberg, lots of nuanced had to be omitted. Juno was a born maniptor. Words fail to describe the depths of her talent. No one could ever refuse her. She had a way of getting what she wanted. Bai had be a defenseless victim of her powerful weapon. Juno was an insidious demon in the guise of an angel. And only Kyon was able to withstand her will, to beat her up and even torture her for misbehaving.


    Kyon stepped into the center of the arena. Most spectators couldn¡¯t believe he had any special talent. When the patriarch announced that he had adopted the boy, many people could not ept that it was the one who had defeated Tsayan. Judging by the first phase of development at the age of 14, the boy really sucked!


    Bai announced:


    ?Dear Stones! My grandson expressed a desire to participate in the tournament of the families. Therefore, I have specially selected a worthy opponent for him. First, you¡¯ll be able to see how gifted he is despite his development. Second, if he wins, he will be a worthy participant in the uing tournament. His opponent is none other than the most promising, most talented young Stone whose development is at the 4th step of the superior phase. Please wee Yegorka!?


    The audience apuded cheerfully. The girls screamed, greeting the pet of the elite, the next number one. Elder Boe frowned. Yegorka was the first suspect in the murder of his daughter Bilya. He wanted to talk to him in private¡­ The rest of the elders looked at each other puzzled. Kyon was 14 years old, and he had not revealed his talent yet! He should have waited till he was 18 to take part in the tournament. He might have more chance to glorify the Stones then! It was allowed to participate in the tournament of the families only once in a lifetime. Kyon was about number 5 in strength among the participants, falling behind Lee and Stephanie¡­ Why did the patriarch let him participate? Were things with the uing tournament going so bad?


    Yegorka appeared from the dark corner. He looked nothing like his old self. His eyes were full of darkness, hidden under a thickyer of ancient ice. There was no trace of the once well-groomed, elegant young man. His greasy blond hair was disheveled. He looked like a battered ragtag, his clouded eyes fixed upon the boy in the center of the arena. It wasn¡¯t a sight for the faint of heart.


    Kyon could feel with his soul a wave of wild hatred sweep over Yegorka. It was only a little inferior to Dinah¡¯s at her peak emotional response. He looked at Yegorka and frowned. ¨C {The asshole is still alive! I knew it in my gut that his mere existence would mean trouble.}

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199


    People in the audience were surprised to see Yegorka¡¯s battered face. He seemed to have gone through all the circles of hell and fought with the devil. He had changed, grown, matured.


    Yegorka headed to Kyon, his deadly look could incinerate. A bloodthirsty desire for revenge drove him.


    When the patriarch adopted the nasty dirty ve, Yegorka realized that life was unfair and didn¡¯t make any sense. First, his father died, then this disgusting dirty bastard appeared, and after that, the girl he loved rejected him¡­ And just as he thought things couldn¡¯t get any worse the heaven destroyed his house, Flitz stole an expensive gift that was to make his dreame true, and the match in the power barrel, the old man ordered to cut off Yegorka¡¯s dearest balls! As if it wasn¡¯t enough, his only hope to take revenge on the formacist died along with his uncle Kirsan¡­ The world had rejected the unfortunate boy, and he hated the whole world back. He had nothing to lose. Today Bai¡¯s grandson would die, and if he was lucky, the vicious old man would die soon, too.


    Halfway to Kyon, Yegorka saw the beautiful girl sitting in the first row. Truly, her magnificent beauty adorned the gray stands like a delicate rose blooming amid heather. His heart contracted painfully. There she was, love of his life, the unattainable crown of happiness that was so close once¡­ He felt tears sting his eyes when he came to the realization that he had lost his chance. He wiped them off with sleeve and confidently strode to his sworn enemy.


    Bai told Kyon quietly:


    ?Yegorka is very talented! The difference in your development is one phase and a half. You can¡¯t do anything to him. It¡¯s nothing but a sparring match. You can give up at any moment. I¡¯m sure Yegorka will be gentle and careful. He won¡¯t hurt you, he won¡¯t hit too hard. He is clever enough to understand that you are my grandson. Good luck to you!?


    Kyon looked at Bai, shootingsers of contempt, suppressing a desire to give his opinion. The patriarch had deliberately picked up the opponent to make Kyon see his limits and keep his head down. Was the naive old hoping to ruin his ns? There would be amazing prizes for the first- third ces at the tournament of the families. How could he miss them?!


    ?I see, grandpa. Just don¡¯t interfere. I will give up when I see fit.? ¨C said Kyon.


    Bai nodded and went to the stands, where Diana and Juno were waiting for him.


    Kyon was silent and grim-faced after the patriarch had forbidden him to use a gun. How could he possibly defeat the opponent with an advantage of 15 stages? Kara surpassed him by 13 stages, and his life was in danger when he was fighting with her. If she had had a weapon, or use the techniques correctly, or hadn¡¯t been unwilling to sh her naked body in public, he would have lost/died. Now his opponent had the right to use a sword. Yegorka was considered the most promising Stone and intended to wipe him off the face of the earth. There was no way Yegorka would ever go easy on him.


    As for Kyon, his expensive sword had been stolen, as well as everything else. After the battle with Kara, he had mastered only advanced grades of the elements. He also learned a technique using the science of his past world. However, it wouldn¡¯t give him any significant advantage in this battle. Kyon began to think hard. What should he do?


    Thousands of spectators were excited about the battle. All of them had heard about Kyon¡¯s incredible talent, but his first phase development did not inspire confidence in anyone. He would never be able to defeat Yegorka, the famous genius in the middle of the superior phase. Bai must have arranged a mock battle for his grandson. It would take him down a notch or two.


    Before the battle started, Kyon grew in his hand a long sword of adamantium, the dark green stuff. It prompted a flurry ofments around the stadium. ording to countless rumors, this rock was stronger than any the Stones and even the Browns had ever had. They said it came from the heritage of TsyJi. Was it true? No one could say for sure.


    ?Why didn¡¯t he create a shield as he did at the battle with Kara? Isn¡¯t he aware that Yegorka is a fire bender? How is he going to defend himself from the fire? After all, his element of cold is too weak to protect him from direct contact!? ¨C Stephanie asked Lee anxiously.


    Stone number one coughed awkwardly. ¨C ?Don¡¯t ask me. I have no idea.? ¨C Lee had decided to steer clear from Kyon. He wanted no revenge. He simply ignored his existence. It felt so good, so relieving not to do anything with Kyon. However, when Lee saw him on the arena, he was afraid that Kyon would win and go to the tournament. He could prove himself there too! After all, he always had it his way! Then no one would need Lee, the ex-number one of the family. It was thest thing Lee ever wanted.


    Yegorka gave a short snort of disgust as he scornfully nced at the green sword.


    ?Let the battle begin!? ¨C The judge announced after Kyon¡¯s nod.


    Yegorka slowly moved towards his enemy, showing a clear attitude towards the scum, aka the patriarch¡¯s grandson. Was the patriarch really expecting a mock battle? Was he hoping he would go easy on Kyon? An old fool! He would kill the snot-nosed brat like a pig in the ughterhouse. Then he would say, innocently batting his eyshes: ¡°I have overestimated him, so sorry¡± ande what may. He wasn¡¯t afraid of any punishment. He would take revenge on his sworn enemy, and that¡¯s what mattered.


    Kyon tucked the sword behind his belt and grew two pointed spikes in his hands.


    Yegorka nudged his opponent:


    ?Come on, young and brilliant grandson, show me your brilliant skills!? ¨C Then he elerated so fast that no fighter in the first phase could ever confront him. However, anyone in the superior phase would consider him slow. His fist inexorably approached Kyon¡¯s head, ready to smear him like porridge around the arena. It would be worthy death for a dirty ve.


    Bai tensed. Diana frowned. Juno bit her lip.


    At thest moment, something unexpected happened. Kyon took off with extraordinary speed, dodged the fist and aimed the thorns in the enemy¡¯s eyes.


    Yegorka flinched in surprise. He did not expect such agility and speed from the opponent. He arched back, but it was toote! He covered his eyes at thest moment.


    The first blood spilled on the arena. The audience ohed and ahed. Everyone was shocked. A first-phaser had caught off guard the most promising fighter in the Stone family! It was absolutely ridiculous, but no oneughed. Kyon showed tremendous speed and flexibility, but above all, he was ruthless towards his opponent. All of a sudden, the rumors about his talent began to make sense.


    ?Was he going to stab him in the eyes?!? ¨C Diana asked her father sitting next to her. She was shocked and upset.


    ?I¡­ I have no idea¡­? ¨C Bai didn¡¯t know what to think. His grandson was a real demon! If he had blinded Yegorka, then¡­ He would have won, but at what cost?! The most promising Stone would have be a cripple! Why was he so merciless to his family?!


    Yegorka rubbed two bloody little cuts on his hand. He was dumbfounded. If he had infused his hand with pure energy, there would have been a single cut. And yet, it was kind of surprising. He said in a low, gravelly voice:


    ?I must admit, I did not expect you would be so quick. Well, I see you¡¯re serious about maiming me. I am not going to restrain myself, either!? ¨C With these words, he drew a long silver sword. A ming whirlwind swirled around the de. It could burn flesh like paper. The residual heat is the worst about this technique. No speed or block would help. Moreover, judging by the saturated orange color of the me, Yegorka had an advanced grade of the heat element.


    ?The pointed fire whirl technique!? ¨C An expert in the audience eximed. ¨C ?Yegorka is serious! If Mr. Kyon doesn¡¯t give up right now, no one can guarantee his safety!?


    The audience eximed in surprise. It didn¡¯t look like a mock battle anymore. Was the patriarch¡¯s grandson really so terrible that he made Yegorka fight for real?!


    ?Mind your manners when you speak to your elders.? ¨C Kyon said in a faux-squeamish voice. He threw the spikes away and pulled out the adamantium sword.


    Yegorka¡¯s face twisted in a wild grimace. Why on earth should he mind any manners in front of a former ve?! By way of response, Yegorka swung his ming sword and attacked.


    The de of the sword was about to pierce the flesh, but at the veryst moment, Kyon arched unnaturally, carrying out a counterattack.


    {Idiot.} ¨C Yegorka thought triumphantly, but the next moment, anger distorted his face. The heat from the technique hadn¡¯t harmed his enemy at all. However, it was supposed to turn the skin of his stomach into a crispy crust.


    {It can¡¯t be!} ¨C But there was no time toin. Yegorka dodged the counterattack in thest moment. Kyon¡¯s blow just brushed against his jacket.


    The audience gasped with awe. It was so close! Kyon had almost hurt Yegorka in spite of the huge difference in development!


    Yegorka blushed crimson-red and instantlyunched a new attack, quietly growling with anger. He would wash away his humiliation when the former ve cried in pain.


    Kyon parried the first attack, then another, and one more¡­ His speed was almost half as low, and yet, he sessfully dodged the blows at the veryst moment. The residual heat that should have burned his skin long age didn¡¯t seem to affect him at all.


    The audience loudlymented on the unfolding events. ¨C ?Why doesn¡¯t the me burn him? The pointed sharp fire whirl technique burns everything half a meter away?!? ¡­ ?Kyon must defend herself with cold. He can bend it, can¡¯t he?? ¡­ ?I do not feel any fluctuations of the cold¡­ He is only in the first phase. The cold is not strong enough to protect him from this level of heat.? ¡­ ?Can you see him move? He is so smooth! What is his level of the battle fist?! I cannot predict any of his movements!? ¡­ ?I can tell by this technique that his master is really the legendary Tsyji!? ¡­ ?Someday, he will catch up with Elsa!? ¡­ ?Well, it¡¯s very unlikely. Elsa has always been the best.?


    ?Father! Yegorka¡¯s attacks are too violent! He can cripple my son!? ¨C Diana eximed with concern, clutching the patriarch¡¯s hand.


    Bai hesitated. The first attack with a fiery sword made him believe that his grandson was in danger, but then the situation changed dramatically. Judging by the saturated fluctuations of heat that Yegorka emitted, he attacked without restraint. Judging by the absence of fluctuations of the cold, Kyon didn¡¯t defend himself. And yet, he seems to ignore the heatpletely! There must be some exnation for this phenomenon.


    ?Kyon asked me not to interfere. He will admit his defeat when he sees fit.? ¨C Bai finally said.


    Diana nodded uncertainly.


    Juno was sitting next to her. She realized how desperately shegged behind her assistant. If she was fighting with Yegorka now, she would have died in a second or two.


    Another five blows from Yegorka, and Kyon lived to rue the day. The sword hit a couple of inches from his skin. He wouldn¡¯tst long. If he missed a single blow, he was dead.


    If he was using 11 battle fists as he did in the battle with Kara, he would have already been killed. Luckily everyone perceived the elements of wind and water as pure energy, so he was free to engage 13 battle fists. No one would feel anything. But Lovr had no idea how to get out of this situation. His opponent was too strong for his current level of development!


    Yegorka¡¯s face was distorted with shame and rage. He couldn¡¯t miss this snail, not again! He focused his sixth blow at the enemy¡¯s feet, forcing him to jump up, and then he held out his hand:


    ?Die, you dirty ve! Volcano eruption!? ¨C Yegorka yelled, anticipating the death of his sworn enemy. A saturated orange column of me fired from his hand and enveloped its target in a dense cloud of fire. There was no room for maneuver in the air.

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200


    ?KYO-O-ON!? ¨C Bai roared and ran to his grandson at great speed.


    Diana, Juno, and Stephanie jumped out of their seats, stunned. In the battle with Kara, Kyon could defend himself with a shield. Now he must be dead!


    The audience screamed in horror. The stream of fire would melt even a metal wall, let alone a defenseless first-phaser! He was definitely dead!


    When of a sudden, contrary to all expectations, a green sword flew out of the fiery cloud and entered Yegorka¡¯s sr plexus an inch deep. Some ck substance could be seen on its tip, the element of darkness.


    ?A-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C Yegorka howled in pain and bounced a few steps back. His whole body shuddered in agony. The pain was so unbearable as if glowing pins were pierced under his nails. He infused the wound with pure energy, which dispelled the remnants of the darkness and helped him to regain hisposure. However, he was still trembling, his forehead soaked in sweat.


    At that moment, Kyon flew out of the ming cloud, absolutely unharmed. He attacked again, but to no avail. Yegorka hade to his senses and moved much faster than him.


    Bai froze, dumbfounded by what he saw. He never crossed the arena.


    Diana, Juno, and Stephanie pped their hands to their mouths all at once.


    The shocked audience began whispering. ¨C ?Did you see it? The fire couldn¡¯t hurt him! Even his clothes are untouched! How is it possible?! He is only in the first phase! He can¡¯t defend himself against the fire, not if the opponent has such a huge advantage in development!?


    Kyon shook an invisible speck of dust off his shoulder as if he was talking a leisurely walk. ¨C ?Your me is kind of weak, Yegorka. Itcks some masculine energy if you know what I mean.?


    Yegorka¡¯s face distorted in a grimace of hate and rage. He muttered hoarsely:


    ?How did you survive?! How did you avoid my me?! Why are even your clothes intact?!?


    Kyon decided it was a great time to mess with Yegorka.


    ?It¡¯s all because you hit like a girl. Maybe you are a girl, after all??


    ?You¡­ Shut up, asshole! SHUT UP!?


    They heard Flitz cough somewhere not too far away.


    ?Come on, dearie. By the way, thank you for your nice little present. Soaring Angel¡­ I really enjoyed it. I can still feel the effect. Too bad, you¡¯re not my type. Go and find yourself another guy.? ¨C Kyon said with an arrogant smile.


    Yegorka was shaking with anger, his face turned red. He was on the point of exploding. ¨C ?You stole it from me? It was YOU? You stole my future with Juno!?


    Juno covered her eyes in shame. Her beautiful delicate ears turned a charming shade of crimson.


    ?I would never allow you to go out with my sister, that¡¯s why¡­? ¨C He cupped his hand over his mouth and whispered to Yegorka. ¨C ?I asked Flitz to cut off your balls.?


    Yeorha¡¯s face turned gray. A trickle of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. It all deemed to add up¡­ All his troubles began with this damned ve, since the very moment he appeared! Kyon was to me for everything!


    At that moment, the me around Yegorka¡¯s sword turned dark. He started emanating waves that suppressed the will and inspired fear in the souls of those around them.


    ?The attribute of darkness! Yegorka has mastered the fourth element!? ¨C Yegorka¡¯s former master yelled happily, running his fingers through his hair. His student was a great genius who had a very promising life ahead of him. Now the name of his first master would take an honorary ce in the family history!


    Yegorka¡¯s status had instantly increased in the eyes of the Stones. Practitioners with four elements were considered great geniuses. They had a great future. Fortune favored them. Yegorka was going to reach great heights!


    The elders looked at Yegorka with rapt interest. The most promising young man in the family turned out to be even more talented than they thought!


    The girls squealed with delight. Even Juno was surprised by this turn of events.


    Yegorka mastered the darkness after the series of tragic events that had happened to him. His life became a nightmare. He had lost everything he held dear: love, home, resources, manhood¡­ He hated the whole world, especially two people in it. It was then that he discovered a new element.


    Kyon whistled grimly, ncing at the dark mes swirling around the sword. What should he do now? The effect of surprise wouldn¡¯t work this time. This moron hadpletely lost his temper. He would fight tooth and nail. However, that was Lovr¡¯s intention. But what¡¯s next?


    The good news was that Kyon didn¡¯t have to look out for any residual attacks like heat. When he mastered the advanced grade of wind, he worked out a new technique that originated from his past world. He used science to discover the vacuum barrier. Theplete absence of all kinds of particles on his skin prevented any residual attacks from transferring energy to his body through the air.


    But there was a catch. He couldn¡¯t avoid getting burned if a red-hot sword touched his body. He could also expect trouble if the heat was transferred by an object or fast wind capable of prating his vacuum barrier.


    Yegorka¡¯s sword shone brighter. Then it flickered dazzlingly, covering the entire arena in ck and white spots. A dark me danced and buzzed predatorily around his weapon. He was going to use his favorite technique.


    ?The sword of four directions! Yegorka, don¡¯t! You will kill him!? ¨C shouted his former master. He knew better than anyone else how dangerous this technique was. If his student used it now, his opponent was doomed to death. And it meant death punishment for Yegorka! The master would lose all his glory if his student killed the patriarch¡¯s grandson!


    ?THE BATTLE IS OVER! I order to end the fight!? ¨C Bai shouted deafeningly.


    The audience held their breath. Juno clenched her fists.


    ?I don¡¯t give a shit. You will die with me, dirty ve. You will die for ruining my life!? ¨C Yegorka shouted and rushed to his opponent.


    Kyon saw the dark weapon suddenly turn into four illusory swords, each of them was pointed at his vital point. Their speed was much higher than all the previous attacks. It was impossible to dodge.


    {Fucking shit.} ¨C Kyon cursed between clenched teeth.


    ?WA-I-I-I-I-IT!? ¨C Bai yelled. His daughter and granddaughter rushed from their seats to the arena.


    Kyon pulled out his gun in a honed, precise movement and fired without a second¡¯s hesitation.


    ~bang~


    The bullet passed through his open mouth and shot through the mucosal tissues. The insides of Yegorka¡¯s skull flew out like fireworks and spattered the whole arena. The already dead body with arge hole in the head was still moving forward by inertia knocking Kyon down.


    A sudden silence fell in the stadium. Someone let out an ear-piercing scream. The patriarch¡¯s grandson had killed his opponent in an instant as if everything was just a game or some kind of scam.


    Bai looked at the corpse who used to be a member of his family and then at Kyon. He was dumbstruck. However, the patriarch quickly came to his senses. His grandson was pale as a ghost.


    ?Are you injured, Kyon?!? ¨C When the old man pulled Kyon from under the dead body, his eyes widened. There was a wound in his chest. It was rather deep but it did not reach the heart. Given that it was the attribute of darkness, his grandson must be experiencing hellish pain!


    The patriarch was horrified, but his cold, rational mind took over. Bai immediately infused Kyon¡¯s wound with pure energy to free him from the invasive element. If darkness reached his heart, his grandson would die a fast yet excruciating death. However, to hisplete surprise, he did not feel any foreign energy in Kyon¡¯s body.


    Kyon was still in a state of shock. It wasn¡¯t so easy to dispel the attribute of darkness if the opponent was 15 stages stronger. What had happened? Why did he feel only a slight resonance with the key of darkness when Yegorka hit him? Yegorka¡¯s energy of darkness vanished just like the time Kyon had a battle with Tsayan. Only then it was the element of light. Could his gluttonous key-spheres really able topletely neutralize the element? Or absorb it¡­ Anyway, it was too close this time. He could have died a terrible death.


    A crowd of people ran up to Kyon: the elders, the tournament participants, Diana and Juno. Everyone looked at him as he was an anomaly. Some of them were worried, some were shocked and appalled, others felt hostility and even hatred.


    Alright, he won, he proved his overwhelming power. He left no doubt that he was a genius! But at what cost? He had infuriated Yegorka and killed him! The most promising talent in the Stone family was dead! He was at the 4th stage of the superior phase at 14. Lee, Stone number one, was only two stages above but four years older than him! Yegorka would have surpassed him by that time! He had a great future ahead. The elders were already making ns for him. And now he was a cold corpse.


    Kyon pretended to be unconscious.


    ?Is he alive?? ¨C Diana asked anxiously. She was on the point of crying.


    Bai felt his pulse and knew at once that he was simting.


    ?He is alright. The blow did not reach his heart. I have removed the darkness inside him.? ¨C He looked gloomily at all those gathered around. ¨C ?The qualifier is over. Kyon¡­ I announce Kyon the winner. He is the tenth participant in the family tournament.?


    Thousands of spectators hesitantly apuded. Next second, the cheers gave way to a heated discussion. The Stones fell into two camps. Some of them said that Kyon had defended himself. He had won fair and square, using a powerful technique because he had no other choice. The others imed that his behavior had been impudent and excessively rude from the start. He had deliberately pissed Yegorka off. Self-defence was nothing but an excuse to kill his rtive, which was a great sin by the standards of the family.


    They all agreed on one thing, though. The end of the battle, as well as Kyon¡¯s talent, was shocking and scandalous.


    Before the doctors put Kyon on the stretcher, he had absorbed Yegorka¡¯s soul. A young soul appeared somewhere in the heart of the void. It hated the guts of the one whom it served as a valuable and nourishing source of power. Wasn¡¯t it ironic?


    Apart from his soul, Yegorka gave Kyon ten turns of darkness. A nice harvest from a thick-skulled dumbass.


    Bai, Diana, and Juno followed the doctors who were carrying the stretcher to the nearest hospital. No one else was allowed to follow them.


    When Kyon was in his ward, he overheard a conversation in the next room.


    ?I don¡¯t know, daughter. I¡¯m not sure¡­ My grandson, he¡­ He doesn¡¯t seem right. He holds aloof from our ways. He doesn¡¯t ept family values. He has nothing but contempt for his rtives. He is¡­ He is like a demon!?


    ?Father! It¡¯s my son you¡¯re talking about!?


    ?He killed Kirsan!?


    Diana gasped for breath. Juno silently leaned against the wall.


    ?Kirsan¡­ Kirsan wanted to punish him, but Kyon mercilessly killed him. And now, Yegorka. I don¡¯t even know why¡­ I don¡¯t know! Maybe Kyon was envious, or he just didn¡¯t like Yegorka¡­ He attacked from the very start as if his life was at stake. It seemed a bit too excessive! He provoked Yegorka to take the battle seriously, and then he pushed him, pointing out his weakness. Then, under the pretext of self-defense, he used a gun! But all he had to do was just to give up! I believe he did it to take part in the tournament! I am¡­ I am giving up on him, Diana.? ¨C Bai fell silent for a while, covering his face with his hands. The old man¡¯s eyes went dark with uncertainty and disappointment.


    Diana didn¡¯t know what to say. Kyon had be her official son. Her attitude toward him was different from her father¡¯s. A son is a son, even if he is a killer. Diana had only one regret. She wished she had spent more time with him.


    ?Father, give him another chance. I don¡¯t believe him to be a viin as you imagine him.?


    ?Alright.? ¨C Bai finally nodded after a long pause. Then he left the hospital with his daughter.


    Soon, the patriarch filled in the list of the participants and sent it to the Grands to approve. The list couldn¡¯t be edited no more. It was thew that ensured that the families would think strategically and carefully which of their geniuses to send for the tournament.


    As a matter of fact, Bai wasn¡¯t against the idea of sending Kyon to the tournament. His grandson had proved by his cruelty and strength that he was worthy to be at least number ten. If he was so eager to be in the spotlight, let him be. As for Juno¡­ It was a different story. She would also take part in the tournament, but it was no ce for her! Well, things hadn¡¯t been going well in his family¡­ Lee, Eric, and Stephanie, the cream of the young generation of the Stones, did not inspire much hope.

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201


    In general, Kyon was pleased about the battle with Yegorka. First of all, he was now an official participant in the tournament of the families. Second, his core had received 10% of the darkness. Third, he had tested the effectiveness of the vacuum barrier. Fourth, he discovered a new feature of his voracious key-spheres: they could absorb the corresponding elements to a certain extent, even if they were introduced from the outside. Otherwise, it wasn¡¯t worth it.


    ?Wake up, pretender.? ¨C Juno hissed with exasperation, holding back the urge to punch her ¡°sleeping¡± assistant in the side.


    ?How did you know??


    ?I am not telling you.? ¨C She replied peevishly. ¨C ?You didn¡¯t kill my friend because you¡¯re stronger than him, no, you used a gun. Just when I thought you couldn¡¯t stoop any lower! My grandfather is very disappointed in you! Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself?? ¨C Juno¡¯s voice was hard with contempt.


    ?No, I am not.?


    Juno sighed wearily and shut her eyes framed by fluffy eyshes. Her assistant was so callous, so thick-skinned¡­ She would never get through to him! ¨C ?Alright, it doesn¡¯t matter¡­ Tell me how you managed to stay unharmed after Yegorka¡¯s fire attack? You don¡¯t have fire immunity, do you? Even little resistance to fire is rare! Tell me now!..?


    Juno¡¯s curiosity was so intense that it caused itching. She was dying to unravel the mystery behind him. It was tormenting her narrow mind.


    ?I am not telling you.? ¨C Kyon gave her a taste of her own medicine. Juno¡¯s rage and hatred ignited a fire in his soul. She had an overwhelming urge to kill Lovr.


    ?You¡­?


    ?You¡¯d better think twice before you say something, darling.?


    Juno wrinkled with her pretty little nose. ¨C ?I¡¯m waiting for you at the training ground tonight. And don¡¯t you dare pretend you are not feeling well!?


    ?Is it because your sweet peach has missed my touch??


    ?No, it is NOT!? ¨C Juno blushed like a ripe apple and stamped her foot, turning away from him to leave.


    ?I order you toe here and turn your back to me.?


    Juno turned around.


    ?What are you up to?? ¨C But her body had already obeyed the order.


    Kyon grabbed a handful of her lush golden hair and buried his nose in it, his eyes closed in ecstasy. His hypersensitive sense of smell burst with outpouring emotions when he inhaled Juno¡¯s mind-blowing fragrance. The aroma of shampoos, conditioners, lotions is one thing, but her intimate smell, that¡¯s what inspired him and made his heart tremble with delight¡­


    ?Are you out of your mind?!? ¨C Juno squeaked in a tiny voice, blushing with embarrassment.


    Kyon was off caught off-guard for a brief moment, but it was enough for the frightened girl to escape his hold and dash out of his ward like a doe.


    Her assistant was a dirty, lustful animal! The emotions emanating from his soul were too weird! She couldn¡¯t bear to imagine what would happen if he suddenly broke loose¡­


    All his wounds healed quickly with time. It was getting dark when Kyon came to the training ground and saw the hated little demon who could so cleverly hide under the guise of a sweet little creature. Juno was stretching before the battle. When she noticed her assistant, her eyes shed with an emerald me. Devil incarnate seemed to be heating things up. Juno¡¯s fighting spirit surprised Kyon.


    ?Haven¡¯t you been present at my battle with Yegorka? Stop fooling yourself!?


    Juno ignored him. She continued doing exercises and flexing her hands in silence.


    ?You are annoying, unteachable fool. Your master is here. What do you need to do?? ¨C Kyon muttered menacingly.


    ?Your apprentice salutes her master.? ¨C Juno said, rolling her eyes.


    If she had really epted him as her master, she would have always treated him with respect, but that was not the case. She had other important things to think about. Juno had to win the bet at all costs, to find out the answers to at least three questions, as he had promised. She couldn¡¯t wait to understand why she felt his nasty emotions, and also to find out how he had managed toplete 80 tasks in a day. She was eager to solve the mystery of his talent, his gun, the birds, the process of key cleaning, and so much more¡­ She would set prioritiester, after she won the bet, i.e., inflicted him at least some bodily harm.


    Kyon said impassively to cool her down a notch:


    ?By the way, our bet expires today. If you fail to harm me, you can forget all about your questions and other extra boons.?


    ?What?! Howe expires?! You have never mentioned any deadline!? ¨C Juno was dismayed to learn new rules.


    His words had taken the desired effect, Kyonughed out loud. ¨C ?Nothingsts forever. Come on, attack me.? ¨C He beckoned Juno over with two fingers, admiring her beautiful hips in skin-tight dark pants. His hands were itching to feel her curvy buttocks as soft as marshmallows. He couldn¡¯t wait to hear her desperate wail. Kyon gave in to his vicious, primitive desire to hunt and taunt the appealing fragrant victim.


    Juno wrinkled her cute little nose and attacked. A secondter, she squealed when she felt his nasty palms on her soft, secret ce. Her little voice was full of despair, which Kyon found really arousing. It was time to admit to himself that he had be a hopeless sadist. He didn¡¯t think he would stoop so low. Touching the tight butt of this barely ripe girl was now a real turn on for him! He still hated this fallen angel with every fiber of his soul. Kyon often recalled the episode at the hot spring when she ¡°killed¡± him for a casual look at her naked body. He had remembered her squeamish look forever. He was nothing for her but a pathetic bug.


    However, everything was different now. Kyon had be the rightful master of her slender body. He could touch her wherever he wanted, even in the most intimate ces. Juno understood perfectly well that her once peaceful life had dramatically changed. Her former ve used to be a disposable punching bag, dust under her feet. Now he ordered her around as he wished.


    A couple of minutester, Juno¡¯s breathing increased, her cute face turned red. She couldn¡¯t stand his harassment, but the emotions that she could feel in his lewd soul were simply infuriating. His excitement, thrill, and desire to make her his were unbearable.


    All of a sudden, something unexpected happened. Juno covered her butt with her hands, exposing her boobs for Kyon to attack. Her soft, shapely boobies were so appealing that he immediately grabbed them when out of the blue, there shed a cunningly hidden nephrite between Juno¡¯s legs. She was holding it in her clenched fist.


    A radiant sh enveloped Kyon and tightly bound his arms and legs with translucent chains. This technique was sealed in the formation.


    ?What the¡­? ¨C Kyon found himself at a loss for words. He let his guard down, surrendered to his carnal animal urges, and ceased to see Juno as his enemy. And the little bitch had cheated!


    Juno¡¯s lips, delicate like rose petals, twisted in a mocking grin. She arched her thin eyebrows. Her hair, like molten fiery gold framed her sweet round face. The insidious demoness took out of nowhere sleep headphones and said, gloating:


    ?Haha, stupid assistant! I called you to this training session for a reason. I tolerated you touching me with your dirty hands so that you dropped your guard and fell into the trap! I will win the bet fair and square, and you will get what you deserve for your lustful deeds and thoughts!? ¨C Juno announced triumphantly. Her assistant had always been true to his word. That¡¯s why she was counting on the long-awaited reward as soon as she hurt him. There was no indication of his state, which means he could be as well immobile. It was his problem, not hers. She had put lots of effort into finding the restraining formation so that the arrogant bastard did not suspect anything (he had constantly been eavesdropping on her).


    The elements of pure energy and wind began to condense in Juno¡¯s hand, producing a dangerous buzz and forming a beautiful bright sphere that shimmered like a cosmic pulsar.


    The Essence of Destruction was one of the most powerful techniques in the Stones¡¯ heritage. Juno had mastered it only recently thanks to her incredible talent and perseverance. The power of the technique was incredible. ording to a legend, a hermit-master with a toad on his shoulder brought it here from another world a long time ago. With its help, even Juno, who was only at the beginning of the second phase, could easily destroy the trunk of a thousand-year-old oak!


    ?Juno, WAIT!? ¨C Kyon yelled, looking stunned. When did Juno learn to bypass his orders?! He had forbidden her to use earplugs or use attacking formations! This formation turned out to be restraining, not attacking. And she didn¡¯t use any earplugs, but sleep headphones.


    Kyon had given Juno an order not to inflict him any serious damage, but she decided to weaken the technique by ten times. All she needed was to win the bet, not kill him. Juno didn¡¯t want to go too far, or the master might take his words back.


    The sphere hovered over Juno¡¯s palm, rotating at a frightening speed. Her eyes shed and glowed with wicked green light. Juno grinned viciously and thrust the little ball into Kyon chest with all her might.


    ~buzz~


    The sphere turned his shirt into dust, exposing Kyon¡¯s naked torso.


    The smile froze on Juno¡¯s face. She silently looked at his bare chest, shocked. There wasn¡¯t a single scratch! It looked like he had taken his shirt off!


    {How is it possible?! Is my technique too weak?!} ¨C Juno prepared the next energy sphere, at its full capacity this time. It was ten times more powerful. The technique consumed a lot of energy, but it didn¡¯t take long to be ready to use.


    Now the sphere was ten times brighter. The speed of its rotation had significantly increased. The buzzing sound hinted at the real destructive hurricanepressed in the small ball.


    Juno could find a way around Kyon¡¯s order ¡°not to inflict him any serious damage,¡± because subconsciously, she doubted she could ever harm him even a little. She started imagining this clever monster almost invincible¡­


    Juno threw the sphere with all her might, aiming at Kyon¡¯s immobile chest.


    ~Buzzzz~


    A bright sh lit up the room. The target waspletely unharmed, though! Kyon smiled triumphantly.


    ?It¡¯s im-m-m-m-possible¡­? ¨C Juno shook her head, feelingpletely helpless. She couldn¡¯t harm him, even if he was restrained. ¨C ?Why are you so¡­ like this! How did you survive? Please, tell me! Please! What¡¯s your secret?!?


    The effect of the restraining technique started to wear off. Kyon rubbed his wrists with apprehension and headed toward his student with a light predatory gait. He carefully removed the headphones from the silly girl, gently lifted her chin with his finger and slowly, as if savoring each sound, said:


    ?You¡¯re pathetic.?


    Juno flinched. Tears welled up in her eyes. She had lost. It felt like the king was imperiously looking at her, miserable ve, who dared to contradict him. The world turned upside down. Why was life treating her so badly?! How could a low-life scum be so powerful and formidable? Why was he so domineering and ruthless to her, a high-born nobledy¡­


    Trembling like a wet kitten, Juno rose from her knees and ran out of the training ground, tripping over her own feet.

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202


    Kyon felt like he¡¯d just taken a breath of fresh air. The cunning but stupid girl had framed herself, and now she was deservedly suffering. So much the better. And now it was time to do some exercises, which his soul required for some reason.


    A couple of hourster, the door to the training hall opened. A beautiful girl in a tight dark outfit walked awkwardly inside. Her blond hair, usually silky and well-groomed, was now dull and disheveled. Her usually charming and full of life face had turned pale, emotionless. However, there was a feverish blush to her cheeks and ethereal sadness in her beautiful eyes.


    ?Our bet has expired. Why are you here??


    Juno mumbled something he couldn¡¯t catch. Her nervously running eyes fixed for a second on Kyon¡¯s lips.


    Kyon understood everything at once and grinned. Curiosity had taken its toll on his ¡°sister.¡± It broke her noble spirit and pushed her over the edge.


    Now that the bet had expired, the only way to get answers to her questions was to kiss him. It was too hard for her to get over herself and just do it, so she decided to have a little drink. Alcohol revealed another facet of her beauty. Her unsteady but still graceful gait had a weird attractiveness. She used to be alluring like an inessible, innocent angel, whose violent temper drove men crazy. Now her appeal for him was that of the frail girl, indecisive and insecure.


    Juno approached Kyon at arm¡¯s length. Her breath grew noticeably quicker, her heart was pounding like a jackhammer. With each step she took, she was getting more and more anxious. Thest two hours in her room were like hell. She could not think of anything else but Kyon. The noble youngdy understood that she was facing a very important choice in her life: either she believed in the omnipotence of her assistant, or she had to find out what his secret was. The first option was contrary to her worldview and the second¡­ The second choice required a kiss. Juno spent painful two hours chasing away this crazy thought. If everything worked out for her, these obsessive maddening questions would finally disappear! She would get all the answers! But¡­ at what cost?


    Juno reduced the distance between them topletely uneptable. She was so charming now in her doubt, trying to step over herself to do something that she would never have done otherwise.


    Kyon detected a subtle, barely noticeable for an ordinary person aroma of her slender body. He continued to look down at her, even if they were about the same height.


    Juno¡¯s rosy lips were parted in invitation. She slowly closed her eye, framed by lushshes, and moved even closer to him a bit. There was almost nothing left until the moment when her past self ceased to exist. She would no longer be so pure and innocent, proud and stubborn¡­


    At the veryst moment, her soul and heart protested furiously. The fleeting temptation failed to break her inner self. Her curiosity might be strong, but it was not worth her precious first kiss. She would never kiss this hated person who was born at the very bottom of society, no matter how awesome and unique he was. No ve would ever be worthy of the nobledy.


    Kyon felt bitter disappointment when her little hands pushed him in the chest, and she pulled away from him. However, the intolerable girl had impressed him once again with her indomitable spirit. Subconsciously, Lovr repeatedly tried to break her down, make her surrender and bow obediently to him. It was not only out of sadistic motives but rather for his self-defense. He did not want any other feelings to get mixed with his hatred. He did not want to sympathize with his tormentor, who had turned his first uncertain steps in this world into a living hell. But damn it, he grew more and more fascinated with her!


    Kyon hugged her thin waist against her will, pulling her surprised, iprehensible face closer to his, and then pressed his mouth against her soft full lips that had long been drawing his attention. Time froze still. Kyon was in the seventh heaven of indescribable bliss. He felt the keen edge of a thrill the second he touched Juno¡¯s tender, warm lips. She seemed to have been created and sent to him for this very moment that he wanted tost forever.


    Juno¡¯s big green eyes grew even wider, her snow-white face blushed like a ripe peach. She tried to push Kyon away, but he held her very tightly, in his own imperious way as if he did not want ever to let her go. His disgusting lips made her whole body tremble. It felt like a huge sordid leech had sucked onto her mouth.


    {No! NO! NO! NO!} ¨C Juno¡¯s body sparkled brightly with a powerful electrical sh.


    When Kyon¡¯s embrace weakened for a second from shock, she summoned up thest of her strength, wriggled out of his arms and dashed from the training hall, sobbing bitterly and wiping big tears running down her cheeks. He had stolen her first kiss! This abominable waste of life had taken her first kiss! She had a crazy idea to give it to him first, but she gave it up¡­ She decided to save this important kiss for her future husband, a worthy, well-mannered nobleman, a king or even an emperor but definitely not this lustful animal!


    Kyon licked his lips andughed heartily, enjoying Juno¡¯s reaction. She was such a prude! Anyway, it brightened up his mood. Now he could continue with his exercises.


    About an hour after that,te in the evening, the door creaked again. Juno entered the training hall cautiously. Her eyes were still sore from all the bitter tears she had cried, which actually looked kind of sweet¡­ She covered her lips with her hand just in case.


    ?Are you here for some more?? ¨C Kyon winked wickedly at her.


    Juno slowly approached him, trying to keep her distance this time. She still hadn¡¯t calmed down, her breathing jerky and uneven.


    ?Master¡­ Where did you learn to clean the keys?? ¨C Juno sounded so natural as if she was sure that she would get the answer like a student asking a kind teacher a question. Juno had lost something precious ant and irreceable, that¡¯s why she was convinced that she was entitled to an equivalent exchange.


    ?Hmm? Why should I tell you??


    ?Huh?? ¨C Juno was genuinely surprised. She did not even realize at once that he had simply waved her off. ¨C ?Are you kidding me? You¡­ You have taken my first kiss. I would even say that you brazenly suck on me like an annoying mosquito! You have promised to answers any of my questions when¡­?


    Kyon interrupted her with a tsking sound. ¨C ?Let¡¯s start with the fact that it was not the first kiss. The first one I took from you a long time ago, when you fell asleep in the treasury for the first time. I carried you to your room and kissed you. Then you nearly woke up.?


    Juno froze in stunned surprise.


    ?As for my promise, I said something along the lines: ¡°kiss me on the lips until I am pleased,¡± and then I added that it¡¯s a test from your master to see if you can step over your pride. And what did I get in the end? You just stood still while I was doing all the work. I didn¡¯t feel any tenderness or affection from you. It was like kissing a log. No good.? ¨C Kyon was smiling ear to ear like a child who hadmitted the best prank in his life. ¨C ?By the way, my offer has expired right this second, so you will never get answers to any more questions.?


    All colors faded from Juno¡¯s face as if she had suddenly lost her whole family. She trembled. Confusion and disbelief in her eyes gave way to seething anger. Her inner world, which had already been pretty shakytely, had just been shattered. Again. Juno had lost something most valuable and gained nothing in return. Her heart thrashed violently against the rib cage. She could feel burning, unbearable hatred that flooded her soul like a fiery tornado, merciless and uncontroble.


    ?DIRTY BEAST, I WILL KILL YOU!? ¨C Juno attacked Kyon so recklessly as if she wanted to scratch his eyes out at all costs. She didn¡¯t care if he would punish herter. She just wanted to kill him right now, this very minute! This low-life scum simply should not exist in her world!


    Kyon effortlessly dodged her attacks. He could not helpughing. His dark sphere was revolving rapidly. It was the first time he had pushed Juno to the brink of sanity. She used to keep calm even at the most tense and difficult moments. Kyon seemed to have crossed the line, but he did not care. The more she hated him, the more emotions she gave to his core. Her hate urged Juno to get stronger. And the stronger she was, the more he would take from her in the end!


    ?DIE! Die, devil! Die, die! I will never forgive you! I HATE YOU!? ¨C The furious girl screamed with rage. The blood in her veins had turned into magma that was burning her heart. Her face, on the contrary, was ashen white. The mere sight of Kyon made her spit blood.


    He enjoyed her fit of anger another moment or two and then sent Synergy into her body. Juno fainted at once. She went limp and copsed on the floor like a puppet whose strings had been cut. It looked from the outside as if she had instantly died, but she was all right. Juno would wake up in the morning as if nothing had happened. Well, apart from the unstable mental state from the nervous breakdown.


    The same frequency of their bodies and souls allowed Kyon to do whatever he wanted with Juno¡¯s body. That¡¯s why he was not afraid of her increasing growth and talent. Synergy didn¡¯t use resources on moving through the body, it needed energy for interactions with matter. For example, it woulde into conflict with thew of physics if it needed to cool a stone. If the task was to influence somebody, make them faint, it woulde into conflict with their will and consciousness. Juno¡¯s will turned out to be so strong that she had consumed more than half of Kyon¡¯s Synergy supply. She surprised him once again! Juno¡¯s will power surpassed the best geniuses of his world (those who did not have Synergy, of course).


    The core sent dark pulsations into Kyon¡¯s body, dragging his mood to the darker side.


    Kyon gently kept kissing the sleeping girl on her delicate lips, beaming with undisguised, purring with pleasure and excitement. He didn¡¯t forget to stroke her soft private ces. He wondered why fear, embarrassment, anxiety, and other simr feelings suppressed sexual desire while hatred, anger, and rage only fueled it? He was desperate to find the answer.


    Kyon carefully carried sleeping Juno to her room and continued with his training. She had given his core twenty percent of darkness. It was a fantastic result! Even Yegorka and Kirsan didn¡¯te close.

 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203


    It was early morning when Kyon entered the 10th stage of the base phase. His speed of development was impressive! He expected to upgrade muchter. ording to the books, the reason was the recent battle when he was at death¡¯s door. Exhausting and insane training/battles develop the soul many times faster than the usual, safe environment.


    Kyon wrote a note to Diana, letting her know of his transition to the 10th stage, and asking for transformation medicine. He added that he would need supervision during the process, his master would help in everything.


    In the afternoon, Diana sent a reply, wishing him good luck and expressing a desire to spend more time together. She also sent The Rising Chickadee pill of a high (3) quality. It was meant for a sessful breakthrough (transformation) to the advanced phase. The Rising Hawk pill, which he had received at a party and which the brazen thief had stolen, was intended for a sessful breakthrough to the superior phase. It also had a chance of a sessful breakthrough in the noble phase.


    Each transformation pill can be used once in a lifetime, as well as a development eleration pill. And every medicine of transformation, breakthrough, eleration has certain limits. For example, if a first-phaser takes a pill for the 4th phase, it will mean death. If a fourth-phaser takes medicine for the 1st phase, there either will be no effect or it might lead to failure and a sudden, uncontrolled kickback.


    The value of medicine didn¡¯t result from the ¡°one-use-only.¡± It was about something else. Most ingredients that make up the pill tend to grow only in their natural habitat, and the process may take years. Artificial cultivationes at a cost, therefore, some ingredients can only be found in the wild, which exins the poprity of the herbalist profession.


    Besides, high-quality transformation medicine is rarely sold in the markets, because demand is greater than supply. It¡¯s usually made to order. The customer provides the alchemist with the ingredients and pays for the manufacture of the pill (very expensive). There is no refund in case of failure (the chance is always high), and the ingredients turn to dust. It¡¯s a risky business.


    A breakthrough (transformation) into the next phase is the most important test in the life of any practitioner. Sess factors are various: the quality and the stage of development of the unique body, the age, the phase of development, talent, and bloodline¡­ There are thousands of aspects that can affect the sess of transformation, and one of the most important factors is the quality of medicine. In rare cases, the transformation can immediately reach the 2nd stage of the next phase. With any luck, the door to the next floor of grandeur and endless opportunities in this world is wide open. In case of failure, the chances of sessful transformation decline with each next attempt. The future development of the practitioner reaches a bottleneck, and no matter how hard they try, they will never rise any higher. This moment always bes a verdict for ambitious people who are eager to take everything from life. It¡¯s especially important for highly developed practitioners when a single unsessful attempt to break into the next phase bes the end of their entire development. When Kyon was researching material about Empress Lanatelle, he found out that once she tried to transform her soul into the 9th phase but failed. Of course, only few people knew about it. Another example is Flitz who tried to break into the 4th phase but failed because of his age. He didn¡¯t have another chance. Any attempt would only lead to losing several stages in development.


    Everyone in this world is afraid to hit the ceiling of development, or rather create it with their own hands. Sooner orter, it happens anyway. That¡¯s why any high-quality transformation medicine is priceless including the Lightning Strike which is designed to make the transition from the 4th to the 5th phase.


    Diana gave Kyon very expensive high-quality medicine. Not every high-ranking Stone can afford this precious pill. It cost Kyon only one letter! He enjoyed dealing with Juno¡¯s mother. She was a pleasant woman in all senses of the term including her good looks.


    Kyon ordered the guards not to let anyone into his room. He got to the lotus position, closed his eyes and swallowed the pill. Stormy energy rushed into his keys, striving to raise his soul to a new level of existence, to transform it into the next phase. His soul experienced unbearable stress and became almost defenseless. His whole body felt tremendous tension in every cell. It hurt as if his bones were growing at great speed. His mind suffered most of all. He could feel a flock of chickadees with megaphones chirping straight in his ears.


    The type of medicine determines which sounds and glitches the brain will experience. It¡¯s inevitable. Stress affects the mind and, as a rule, it falls into a meditative state (simr to aa). Otherwise, the body won¡¯t withstand psychological tension, which will lead to copse. However, Kyon couldn¡¯t care less. His mind remained crystal clear like a mountainke.


    During the transformation, the practitioner bes extremely vulnerable in the spiritual and mental nes. They cannot be disturbed. Moreover, they be a defenseless target that is easy to kill and even apply a subjugating formation. Therefore, transformation requires privacy and effective protective measures.


    Kyon knew that he needed to focus on his soul and help it to reach transformation. The interaction with his soul took ce at the level of feelings. Sessful connection depended on many factors: talent, willpower, determination, the type of his unique body, the level of his body development, including enzyme boost, and even mere luck¡­


    At the moment, Kyon was trying to break into the second phase, that¡¯s why he had about one hundred percent chance of sess. With each next phase, the transformation will be more difficult and unbearable. Moreover, it can drag on for many weeks. As for Kyon, it was going to take him a day max.


    About 16 hours passed. Kyon took a deep breath and opened his eyes. The transformation was more than sessful. Moreover, he had entered the 2nd stage of the advanced phase at once! Only every ten-thousandth first phaser can boast of reaching the 2nd stage of the next phase right after the transformation. It alles down to the talent, body development and the quality of the transformation pill¡­


    Now his soul was able to absorb from the atmosphere the energy of the advanced phase, as well as send spiritual feeling to the brain, aka a sense of ¡°connection.¡± Kyon could intuitively weaken the connection with his soul, thereby reducing his development. The intensity of the soul connection determined the level of his development. Everyone in this world knew how to reduce their development, starting with the 2nd phase.


    A soon as Kyon reached the 2nd stage of the next phase, his whole body underwent significant changes. He had be stronger, tougher, more stress-resistant. His elemental energy had significantly improved. It had be more powerful: the fire element was hotter, the water element was more abundant, the earth element was more stable, the pure energy was is denser¡­


    Moreover, his Synergy soared from the advanced to the peak level of Newbie degree (1). Kyon reached the intermediate level when he connected with his soul. He was at the advanced level after he had captured Juno¡¯s soul. Finally, he was at the peak level of the first degree! He was about to get the Student¡¯s degree¡­ He could operate arger number of feathered spies and upgrade his vocal cords!.


    But the most surprising news was mastering the superior (3) grade of the earth element. The dwarves were so kind as to gift it to Kyon at their first meeting. However, he was expecting to master it in a month or two. It all turned out far better than he anticipated!


    A lot of inexplicable things happened in this mysterious world.


    Emotions have physical power. They can affect the soul, stimte its development. Other people perceive them as a sixth sense. Emotions can even contact the essence of the world and contribute to mastering new elements (as it happened with Yegorka).


    Transformation often grants an active or a passive feature. It depends on the bloodline or talent. It can be resistance to elements or a unique technique used at an intuitive level. It also can contribute to enlightenment or mastering new grades/techniques as it was in Kyon¡¯s case.


    The unique body development (in particr, increasing its rank) often rewards its owner with passive or active boons. For example, Tsayan could create golden skin, Lee could turn into a magma golem, and Kaisen could enter the lightning mode.


    {Well¡­ What materials can I create with the superior grade the earth?} ¨C Kyon wondered. He put out his hand where multi-colored crystals started to grow. They were breathtakingly beautiful: shining diamonds, sparkling rubies, radiant emeralds with their unspeakable charm, as well as topazes and dazzling sapphires¡­ His hand was overflowing with precious stones. Any jeweler would sell his soul to Satan to get this invaluable heritage.


    Kyon was pleased. He smiled slyly, his eyes sparkled. If he tried hard, he could organize the sale of precious stones through the guild of merchants. However, he might get himself into trouble¡­ Human greed knows no limits. Before he knew it, some concerned individuals woulde for him.


    {Perfect! Great! It seems I will need the master grade of the earth (4) to create silver, gold, tinum, and other heavy metal. And what about ultrastrong carbon?} ¨C Kyon held his breath and created a small ck bead.


    His eyes shed with a devilish twinkle. There it was, the crown of strength in his universe! Due to the advantageous structure of carbon atoms, it makes it possible to ¡°mold¡± matter of any consistency with the necessary properties: flexible, ductile, solid, heat-resistant, impact-resistant¡­


    Carbonttice can withstand extreme pressure because of its sticity. When ced under strain, thettice stretches, distributing the pressure to adjacent sections. It¡¯s an impossible task to break the atomic bonds all once. It¡¯s one thing to snap a twig, and quite another to break a broom.


    sticity makes carbon stronger than adamantium. The adamantium bead it will crumble if hit with a hammer, because its atomicttice isn¡¯t stic enough, unlike stone. The carbon bead will tten and return to its former shape. At the microscopic scale, adamantium is stronger than carbon but thetter material has an overwhelming advantage in general.


    An elevator to space can be made using a high-quality carbon cable where adamantium totally impractical. These materials havepletely different functions. Carbon is universal and ergonomic. It¡¯s used everywhere in Lovrs¡¯ world while adamantium is just another technological sess, fixed in the history of science.


    Kyon¡¯s joy soon subsided. Why did it take him so long to create a single pathetic bead? This process had consumed a great deal of elemental energy as well. Forparison, he could have created an adamantium rock instead.


    {Why?} ¨C He asked himself.


    He found the answer after endless trials and experiments. The efficiency of the earth element depends on the hardness of the material it creates. Carbon is too stic and flexible, that¡¯s why it takes a thousand or even more times of energy to create it.


    This discovery brought Kyon to a disappointing conclusion. He would have to create carbon weapon like a shield or things like that in advance. It would be impossible to grow a spike in a split second like he did with adamantium. Simply put, he would have create it a few hours before the battle started.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t too bummed, though. He would create a carbon sword in advance for constant use. He could always fix any scratches or damage with the help of the earth element. If his development got increased, there would b no need to re-create the sword (with each next stage the rock bes stronger). Kyon would just have to infuse his sword with the element of earth and it would quickly strengthen up to the new level.


    Kyon had long noticed that the strength of the material in this world was multiplied by the density of energy itprised. The carbon bead created at the 2nd stage of the advanced phase would be much stronger than the bead created on the 1st stage of the first phase. He wondered how strong the carbon weapon would be when he developed, say, to the 10th phase?


    Kyon imagined his ideal sword. It was long and straight with afortable handle that didn¡¯t slip. It had the most effective guard to protect his hand from damage. The sword must be double-edged with no frills so that he could use it with one or two hands. He would defeat anyone with this weapon by all means¡­


    There are certain misconceptions about a two-handed sword. It¡¯s considered to be unwieldy, allowing to make only sweeps and chops, effective only at a distance. However, two-handed swords may have many advantages over one-handed weapon.


    Kyon had only one concern with the center of mass. To neutralize this problem, Kyon decided to have his sword charmed for weight in the future. Without the proper weight, his attacks would leave nothing but insignificant scratches.


    Kyon knew that charmers could cast only one spell for each object. For example, the sword from the Stones¡¯ heritage, the one that the damned thief had stolen, was charmed for strength. His sword wouldn¡¯t need it, because only a very powerful and dangerous enemy could break it. Kyon considered a charm for sharpness, but it was pointless if the impact of his attacks would be at minimum. The low mass of the sword would prevent any deadly attacks even if they were lightning fast. His sword could turn into a formidable weapon if it weighed a couple of tons. Thus, he made his decision to have his sword charmed for weight.


    Kyon began to create the sword of his dreams. Bit by bit, he made a carbon stick that to growyer byyer, forming the outline of the sword¡­


    Eight hours flew by.


    Kyon was holding a perfectly smooth ck sword made of ultra-strong carbon, which structure was ideal for a ded weapon. The both sides were sharp. The hand guard was pleasing to the eye. The handle had a perfectly rough surface. The sword didn¡¯t burn or conduct electricity! It was an amazing creation fit for the gods.


    Kyon admired the weapon, experiencing the sublime. It was substantially stronger than adamantium. Yegorka had left a noticeable dent on the green sword, but he wouldn¡¯t have stood a single chance with this one.


    Kyon hid the sword in the ring and decided to find another use for carbon, namely, to introduce it into his body. He had discovered two options: 1) Rece the bones. 2) Rece the skin.


    Bone recement would take more than a month and require the second degree of Synergy. Kyon couldn¡¯t implement this idea at the moment, which left him with the second option.


    Kyon created a small piece of carbon skin on his palm. It had the same color, sticity and softness as the original skin. Besides, it had a more delicate structure than the real skin. Simply put, it was a hundred percent analog of the natural skin but a thousand times stronger, with low heat conductivity and high electrical resistance. No one who was a phase above Kyon could harm him with electricity. However, he still had to use the istion barrier against the adversaries who were one and a half phase above him.


    In his previous world, they experimented with inorganic skin and quite sessfully. That is why Kyon had been toying with this extravagant idea for a long time.


    Skin recement seems like a mad idea at first nce apart from being incrediblyplicated, but in fact, everything is much easier. All that Kyon had to do was to rece theyers of the epidermis and dermis with carbon skin, one after the other, consistently and with no surprises. The pores, the nds, the hair, the wrinkles, etc. would remain unchanged. However, he would have to stop some biological processes (such as new skin growth).


    Kyon sent his brand new weapon to the family charmer to cast a weight spell. Then hey on the bed and closed his eyes. Skin recement was going to take two to three days. It was time to increase the quality of his strength, namely the protection.

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204


    Two days had passed.


    Tonight, the king was giving his speech at 6 pm. King Michael felt it was his duty to tell his people about the importance of the tournament of the families. He usually summed up the years of his rule, talked about his ns for the future, prospects and shared the most important news of the Iron Throne and Rosarrio. It was something out of the ordinary, but the number of people present at his speech was bound to be greater thanst time. It had to do with the fact that the king hadn¡¯t appeared in public in three years. All these years he had remained a very private person for a public figure. His royal highness did not even deign to attend the recent reception in honor of the imperial family. There were some strange rumors going around. That¡¯s why everyone was eager to know the truth. People wanted Michael to answer a simple question: why did he stop going out in public?


    The time was about to start the speech. Dozens of thousands of Bostoners had gathered in the central square around the elevated stage owned by the Grands. The high-status people enjoyed their greater authority standing closer to the stage, with one exception. The Stones.


    ?How dare youe here today?! Shameless Stones!? ¡­ ?Give the Browns back the money you have stolen!? ¡­ ?No one has forgotten your dirty lies about winning at the party! Stephan was after the truth, and you acted like savage barbarians! It¡¯s unworthy of the first-rank family! Shame!? ¡­ ?Give way to the Browns! They deserve to be up front!? ¡­ ?Liars! Get out of here!?


    Thousands of people summed up the mood of many shouting out their opinion of the Stones. Such taunts and obscenities hadn¡¯t been heard in a hundred years, not addressing the first-rank family. The future elite of the kingdom, the Browns, had provided massive disinformation, and it had a great effect. Their words carried a lot of weight. They would never lie.


    The few Stones who hade to listen to the King¡¯s speech already regretted their rash decision. They were looking down, red with shame. It hurt them to know that they were right but had no chance to prove it to others. It was so unfair!


    Stephan crossed his arms behind his back, grinning like a cat who got the cream. His unsessful attempt to catch Kyon left him furious. It was the reason why Stephan had been spreading the rumors about the brazen robbery. At the height of general contempt for the Stones, the news spread like wildfire. Stephan¡¯s efforts yielded sess. He could be proud of himself. Each obscenity addressed to the hated family caressed his ears. Stephan hoped that old Bai would die of shame or get a heart attack. There it was, the sweet taste of revenge!


    Moreover, the elders from other families approached Stephan to greet him politely. The rumor about the robbery seemed to made Stephan look good. He turned out to havee with good intentions to the den of despicable bandits. This brave deed deserved respect!


    The patriarch¡¯s reaction left Stephan especially pleased. But now Herman looked irritated and taciturn for some reason. He kept giving the Stones a dirty look, a frown on his face.


    Kiyan, Stephan¡¯s eldest son, was standing next to him. He was a promising Brown number 2 of the younger generation. His vanity, pride and arrogance were written across his face. Hundreds of respectful bows had contributed to this attitude. He respected his father for his sharp mind and ability to weave intrigue. Kiyan had already got over the hurtful feeling of humiliation that his stupid younger brother had inflicted on him.


    Tsayan was silently standing nearby, dropping his eyes to his foot. He couldn¡¯t care less about the Stones. Tsayan was overwhelmed by the hatred emanating from his father, his elder brother and the peers among the golden youth. He longed to get his revenge on Kyon. However, this bastard had be the untouchable patriarch¡¯s grandson. It¡¯s so sad when life is against you¡­


    Patriarch Bai stepped on the stage, dressed in smart clothes that looked like a military uniform. His short gray hair and worn-out face betrayed his difficult fate, but his piercing eyes had the look of authority.


    Bai had arranged with the Grands to give a short speech on behalf of the Stone family. He was given five minutes as the head of a first-rank family because there was still time before the king¡¯s speech.


    ?What the hell is he doing here?!? ¨C Herman asked, shocked. His eyes bored into the hated patriarch.


    The whooping crowd quickly subsided and focused on Bay. How dared he go out in public? Did he want to aggravate the situation of his pathetic family?!


    The atmosphere grew tense and full of suspicion. However, Patriarch Bai waspletely calm like a proud eagle in front of a herd of wild rabbits. He spoke loudly, with an air of measured confidence so that everyone could hear him:


    ?Dear Bostoners! The tournament of the families will take ce soon. It might shatter the position of the rich and the powerful in the kingdom. Most of you have pinned your hopes on the Browns, the worthy, righteous, and great family. I want to put a little fly in the ointment and reveal the true nature of our future leaders.? ¨C He paused.


    The audience looked at each other, puzzled. The first chuckles turned into loudughter. Snidements and taunts belittling the Stones filled the air. Everyone found the old man amusing. Did he want to raise his family by defaming the other? Was he really hoping to convince someone? The pathetic decrepit senile should have retired a long time ago! How dared he speak out from the ce where King Michael would be standing in a few minutes?!


    ?What is he up to?? ¨C Herman asked Stephan, still frowning.


    ?I have no idea¡­? ¨C The elder had a bad feeling. Thest Bai¡¯s performance was quite revealing¡­ The old man was nobody¡¯s fool. He must have something up his sleeve.


    Bai continued after a moment of silence:


    ?I¡¯m not going to convince you with empty words. It¡¯s a waste of time if there¡¯s no solid proof. I will show you everything.? ¨C He pointed with his hand to the dark evening sky. Bright light poured up from the nephrite in his palm, forming a screen at the height of a hundred meters above.


    Bai used his energy to broadcast the recording in the nephrite into the sky. He also used a sound enhancement nephrite to increase the volume.


    Dozen thousands of people could witness Stephan¡¯s conversation with Bai in the patriarch¡¯s office. The special effects didn¡¯t surprise anyone. The visual formations were often used during grandiose events. Moreover, they couldn¡¯t be forged.


    Everyone calmed down at once to hear the details.


    Patriarch Herman slowly turned to Stephan stone-faced, a silent question written all over it.


    The elder flinched and turned pale. His heart seemed to stop beating. Bai, the old rogue, was one step ahead! Stephan could not even imagine that their conversation was being recorded!


    Herman was about to shout out ¡°why should we waste our time on this nonsense?!¡± when he changed his mind. It would be reasonable not to disturb the curious crowd. Stopping the recording would only cause more suspicion. It might ruin the image of his family. Stephan couldn¡¯t have said too much in Bai¡¯s office.


    The broadcaststed several minutes. The mood of the crowd was changing rapidly. Many jaws were subjected to the force of gravity. The audience was shocked to the core. It seemed to have cleared their minds. People knew they had learned the truth for the first time.


    The recording made it obvious to everyone that the Stones hadn¡¯t lied about Kyon¡¯s victory at the party. There were at least two pieces of evidence: Kyon had be Bai¡¯s grandson, and more importantly, Tsayan passed out from fear when he was given the task to catch Kyon! And that¡¯s considering his advantage in the whole phase!


    ?So, what¡¯s your point?!? ¨C Herman asked with a deliberately calm look. However, his face had treacherously turned red with rage.


    Stephan, who was standing next to him, trembled like a wet dog. His face turned blue. The patriarch would make mincemeat out of him! It was a disaster¡­ Stephan was about to spit blood. His career was over!


    His sons weren¡¯t much different: Kiyan clenched his fists, restraining himself from beating his younger brother to a pulp right in front of everyone. As for Tsayan, he coughed blood and fainted. He wanted to die.


    Bai put the nephrite in his pocket and answered Herman with a pleased smile:


    ?The recording said everything for me. Let people listen to their hearts. They must be more cautious when dealing with the Browns.?


    ?Do you really think that¡­?


    ?Thank you all for your attention. Be kind to each other.? ¨C Bai said gently and left the stage, leaving asting impression on the whole of Boston.


    The Bostoners exchanged nces. The firstments were followed by the roar of the crowd. ¨C ?Did the Browns lie? Could a Kyon have defeated Tsayan?!? ¡­ ?Tsayan passed out! H§Ñ! It¡¯s pretty convincing!? ¡­ ?What happened to the brazen robbery of two hundred thousand spheres?!? ¡­ ?They talked about a hundred thousand. And was it robbery at all? I would never sell my son even for a million! Well, maybe for two, at the very least¡­? ¡­ ?Our kingdom ising to an end with these deceitful leaders. That¡¯s it. I¡¯m packing my bags.?


    In just a couple of minutes after the broadcast, the Bostoners had changed their opinion of the Stones and the Browns. Only those who continued to believe that the truth was on the Browns¡¯ side kept quiet.


    Herman¡¯s hands curled into fists when he heard hundreds of cries. The day before yesterday, he screwed big time when his family was given a huge fine. Today the Stones yed a dirty trick on the Brones. Or was it Stephan? The wretched bastard dared to ruin the reputation of the great Browns! He must be punished!


    All of a sudden, everyone heard the greeting hymn. The luxurious golden carriage drawn by four beautiful white horses approached the central square.


    The strife between the two families had been forgotten at once. The audience burst into triumphant cheers. They were going to see King Michael, the holder of the Iron Throne and pride of the Empire!


    The king came out of the carriage, apanied by his entourage. He was wearing the royal garments encrusted with precious stones. There was a sceptre in his right hand. The impressive golden crown adorned his head. King Michael walked slowly, majestically, without looking around. People bowed respectfully to him.


    The prince was walking behind King Michael. His face was hidden under a dark hood. He wanted to avoid drawing attention to himself for some understandable reasons. Unlike the damned demons, Charles had arrived with his father because he truly loved him. He was the only one to notice theck of will in his father¡¯s strange behavior, and the dark emptiness in his eyes. The prince knew that the king had long turned into a weak-willed puppet. What he was unaware of was the reason why da had allowed the king to speak today. Michael would fail to give his usual speech, the audience was bound to feel that something was wrong.


    Charles wished he could run out onto the stage and scream loudly: ¡°Kara and da are demons!¡± However, no one would ever let him go to stage, and if he made noise, they would quickly calm him down and kill him afterwards.


    While the king was heading to the stage, the royal announcer had informed on the arrival of his Majesty, making everyone line up in neat rows.


    King Michael came up on stage, stood in the center, took the nephrite-amplifier and calmly looked around the excited crowd.


    Charles didn¡¯t have a chance to catch his father¡¯s eye, which made his heart shrink painfully. Suddenly, he felt fluctuations of the elemental energy nearby. When he turned around, Charles saw someone throw an ultrafast needle. Time froze for the youth prince. Realization hit him hard. He knew at once why da and Kara allowed the king to hold a speech. He instantly realized who would be his father¡¯s killer: the ck Queen.


    The sharp, lightning-fast needle pierced Michael¡¯s throat through. The huge crowd gasped all together. A trickle of scarlet blood sprinkled on the stage. The king¡¯s face froze in silent surprise. He fell to his knees and then to his chest. He died without looking at his son once.


    ?FA-A-AA-ATHER!? ¨C Charles roared in despair.


    The stunned audience couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. Old men, women, and children stared at the fallen king with the nk eyes. They seemed to have lost their souls. Charles¡¯s blood curdling scream brought them back to their senses.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! They killed the king!? ¡­ ?Murder! Catch the killer!? ¡­ ?Who could possibly kill our king?!? ¨C Screaming voices were heard everywhere.


    When the prince saw themotion in the crowd, he had no doubt that the killer would easily disappear. He could not allow it to happen. Therefore, he took the lead and ordered the guards of thete king to block ways in the certain area.


    When the powerful elite security forces of the Grand family d in gilded armor heard the order and saw the prince¡¯s furious face, they immediately obeyed him.


    ?I could feel her! She is over there! Go after the killer!? ¨C The prince yelled, waving frantically. He found the invisible person through spiritual scanning.


    The elite guard of the Grand family reacted instantly.


    ~sh~


    A bright blue re illuminated the evening Boston. A momentter, the sound of scratching ice arrived. Then the guard, or rather his cold corpse, flew at the speed of a cannonball into the crowd along the arc-shaped trajectory.


    Thousands of people scattered from the site of the massacre in a panic.


    The killer took off running. The king¡¯s guard rushed after her, and the prince followed the guard.


    In just a few seconds of the high-speed pursuit, they left the central square.


    ?She ran into the building! Do not let her go! KILL HER!? ¨C Charles roared.


    A dozen guards entered the restaurant, a two-story building.


    The prince wanted to follow them when suddenly a chill ran down his spine as if he felt a dagger against his throat. He turned around and saw the killer dressed in skin tight ck clothes. It was the beauty from the library who had ruined his reputation for life! Her cold eyes burned into him like ice. Charles faced the embodiment of death that was searing his soul with her dangerous aura. The prince felt extreme fear to repeat the sad fate of his father and made a step back¡­ However, the mysterious girl did not care about his existence. Her fist shed with moonlight.


    ~BANG~


    A single blow sent the foundation of the building downhill. A dozen of elite guards were buried under the rubble. The girl had conned them all.


    ?Assassin¡­ Gods, I swear you will pay for my father¡¯s death! l will never forgive you! I will kill you!? ¨C Charles cried out in hatred.


    The girl turned her gaze on the prince, who was trembling with fear. ¨C ?Keep it up in the brothels, boy.? ¨C She said and disappeared.


    Charles stood there totally zoned out, then he copsed to his knees and cried in a low wailing tone, mourning his father¡¯s death.

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205


    This had been the worst month in Dinah¡¯s life. She was reduced from a senior maid to a servant¡¯s sex ve. He had limited her free will to the point of telling her what book to read during her break. Not so long ago, while she was carrying out the ¡°dirty fifth point¡± from the list of his orders before going to bed, her sister got sick and tired of pretending not to notice anything. Dinah had to follow the ¡°suspended bastard¡¯s order¡± and talk with Anna about sex and masturbation. Those five minutes were a real nightmare, Dinah thought she would die of shame! Anna was getting more and more embarrassed with each next word, and her embarrassment was contagious. After this incident, the sisters could hardly look each other in the eyes.


    One evening, Dinah was ordering the servants around, lost in thought. Suddenly, the formation on her forehead began to tingle and fade away¡­ The subjugating formation was quickly losing its power, releasing the once proud bird.


    ?I¡­ I am free?? ¨C She whispered hesitantly.


    ?Dinah! You too?!? ¨C Anna came running.


    Their eyes met. They understood everything.


    The blonde maid pped her hands to her mouth in horror. ¨C ?Does it mean that our first master is dead?! Gods¡­?


    The story of Anna and Dinah began when they were about two years old, and their conscious life was still in its infancy.


    Once, after a hard day, the king went into his chambers, when to his utter amazement, he found two cuddling babies on the bed. One fair-haired and one dark-haired. There were the sun and the moon, both fascinating and captivating. The girls looked scared, tears welling up in their beautiful eyes.


    Puzzled by their mysterious appearance, Michael questioned the guards andunched an investigation. However, he didn¡¯t find out anything. The conclusion was self-evident: someone had managed to break into the king¡¯s chambers, bypassing the barriers and the guards and left two children under his care, wishing to give the girls a good father. Judging by their sweetest looks, this someone was of noble origin.


    But the mysterious stranger¡¯s scheme wasn¡¯t part of the king¡¯s ns. He was not going to adopt the beautiful girls. King Michael gave them names guided by personal reasons and ced them in the care of a good friend to the elite imperial school.


    Anna and Dinah turned out to be determined and strong-willed. They stoically survived the severe training in the elite school. By the age of ten, the girls got a top-notch education. They were taught to be ideal maids, to obey their masters and put their interests above all else. They were instilled the right life beliefs and values, manners and noble upbringing, as well as the skills to quickly eliminate the enemy. They became elite maids for their masters and, if need be, cold-blooded machines for killing enemies.


    The king took the ten-year-old girls back and put on them subjugating formations to wee them as his elite maids. It was a turning point in the life of the young maids that could be defined as a stigma of belonging.


    The formation meant that Michael had officially be their sole owner. The ideally trained maids always obeyed instructions, but orders were also in use just in case. However, formations usually had a symbolic meaning.


    The king was delighted by the charming young maids. They were mind-blowingly beautiful, but above all, they amazed every fiber of his being with their skills, manners, behavior, devoted look and ideal character.


    All these qualities made the girls an incredibly valuable asset. Of course, the king could sell them for hundreds of millions of spheres to a wealthy family¡­ However, he had never been motivated by money. King Michael decided to leave the orphans for himself.


    The girls diligently served the king for two years.


    Meanwhile, his male ego was always alert, because, with each passing year, the young talents were getting even more physically attractive. He decided to give them time to grow as they were still very young. The king nned to make them high-raking courtesans.


    One day, his best friend Bai gave him an incredibly valuable birthday gift. Michael felt obliged to return the favor. It so happened that his friend¡¯s birthday was only two weeks away. King Michael didn¡¯t have time toe up with anything better than to give Bai Anna and Dinah on the condition that the girls would be the superior maids in the Stone family. The king traditionally ordered them to obey their new masters.


    Bai was happy to wee the sisters to the family. He loved the girls as if they were his own. He had always appreciated devotion and obedience, as well as those who took care of the people dear to him.


    Sometimes Bai noticed Yurich look weirdly at the girls. Given how the bastard treated his daughter, Bai worried about Anna and Dinah. He took the girls under his protection, which contributed to even closer ties between them.


    In fact, Michael was no saint. Superior maids were required to stay virgins. When he took Bai¡¯s promise, the king didn¡¯t have to worry about their chastity. In the future, when the beauties would finally mature, he nned to give them an order to leave their second masters and return to him secretly.


    Anna¡¯s and Dinah¡¯s gorgeous beauty was extremely rare. Like delicate roses that bloom under the gentle sunshine, they became more beautiful with each passing year. They were exceptional even for high-ranking families, and their upbringing was top-notch! Michael¡¯s human nature could not give up this valuable resource. The girls were going to lighten up his old age. However, da enved him soon afterwards¡­ s, he didn¡¯t have a chance to live to the girls¡¯ing to age. And today, he died at the hands of the ck Queen.


    Dinah touched her forehead, tender like a magnolia petal, with her long snow-white fingers. Her first master was dead. His mark was gradually dissipating. The waves of sorrow and despair washed over the sisters. Now that the king was dead, Dinah and Anna had to serve the Stones till the end of their lives. Dinah¡¯s life shed before her eyes from the past to the future. The flow of her thoughts focused on the hateful servant who had taken the precious flower of her innocence. The bastard messed with the wrong girl¡­ His order to masturbate on his image made her feel a dirty whore. Dinah wanted to kill the loathsome servant with her own hands. She hoped his death would restore her self-esteem and help her start a new life. Unfortunately, she felt too helpless and had to suppress this desire. She was left with no choice but to drag on a wretched existence as a secret sex ve and wait for the boy to return after he became invincible. However, fate had mercy on her and gave her the long-awaited chance to take revenge! Dinah couldn¡¯t let it go.


    ?Where are you going, sister?? ¨C Anna asked when she saw Dinah leaving the mansion.


    Dinah didn¡¯t stop but replied coldly:


    ?I have to rid of some nasty trash.?


    Anna frowned thoughtfully. What trash was she talking about? Too vague¡­


    Dinah climbed onto a fast horse and headed for Boston. She had the necessary murder equipment in her ring. Dinah approached the matter with all responsibility. It had been only a month since Kyon left. The boy was unlikely to get any stronger. Now she was strong enough to kill the bastard herself. Dinah was not going to use help. It was a personal vendetta, and she had to exact it soon.


    Dinah intended to know her enemy first and find a nice ce to kill him. Talented people had always been in demand, he most likely had found a patron. The jerk must have caused a sensation. She should get thetest update from Boston and take it from there.


    This time tomorrow, she would be in the city where her sworn enemy was currently residing. Dinah was thrilled at the thought of the imminent revenge, it made her heart beat faster. Before killing Kyon, she would see his pain, his face distorted with despair. He must get a taste of her suffering. A weak smile appeared on her lips for the first time in a long time. Tears of hope welled up in the eyes. She wanted to thank heaven for giving her this chance but did not dare. It came at a high price. The death of thete master should not please her.


    ¡­


    Kyon woke up on the big bed in his chamberspletely naked. He took a sharp dagger and tried to cut his finger. As expected, he couldn¡¯t make a scratch. He couldn¡¯t cut his skin no matter how hard he tried. It was too strong to get hurt, but it had no recoil absorption. Any blow would fall on his bones and injure the internal organs. One punch in the chest of someone like Yegorka would turn his chest into a bloody mess. Carbon bones could solve this problem, but their creation would take more than a month and required a second degree of Synergy. Long time ago, when Kyon was in the mine, Martin discovered his key of the mind with the help of a suction formation. He could see it through x-ray sses. It wouldn¡¯t work with carbon bones. The prospects were promising.


    Carbon skin looks exactly like the real thing. It¡¯s even better than natural skin in some ways. It has an increased tactile sensitivity and sticity, it¡¯s very soft, delicate and silky to the touch.


    All in all, Kyon felt updated and refreshed. As a pleasant bonus, carbon skin would increase his sexual satisfaction. But most importantly, his defense against any sharp weapons had reached a whole new level. He did not know exactly, though, how strong it had be. He had to test his limits.


    Kyon picked up the ring that his servant had brought in yesterday and pulled out the Scourge. That¡¯s how he had named his sword. The name promised to justify itself in the future.


    The two-handed Scourge weighed 50 kg (about 110 lb), but Kyon hardly felt it. The sword had practically no effect on his dexterity and speed. And small wonder. Kyon had already reached the 2nd phase. His body had evolved, and the energy was dense enough for this weight not to hamper his movements. Now each swing of the sword would be more powerfulpared to a sword made of adamantium. His enemy wouldn¡¯t get away with some scratches.


    In general, Kyon was pleased with his performance. In just a few days, he had reached the 2nd stage of the 2nd phase, mastered the superior grade of the earth element, created a marvelous sword, and also grown ultra-strong skin.


    While his skin was being upgraded, Kyon could see all the events that took ce in the central square via his birds. He was greatly surprised by Bai¡¯s speech when he crashed the Browns in the public eye and restored the honor of the Stone family. The old man hadn¡¯t lost his touch!


    But the death of the king came as a bombshell. Unfortunately, Kyon couldn¡¯t make out the killer. He assumed it was the ck Queen, the most powerful and professional killer in Boston, as well as the head of the most dangerous criminal guild, the like of which the kingdom had not seen in its entire history. They dared to eliminate the king himself! The killers in this world seemed to be godlike figures who would scruple at nothing.


    As for the client, Kyon had no doubt it was Queen da. The enved king might have sounded too unnatural. That¡¯s why she had to take drastic steps. It was a nned and ruthless act. Apparently, cruelty and decisiveness weren¡¯t something the Queencked.


    Today King Michael¡¯s funeral took ce. The whole kingdom was mourning. Kyon the bird could see the Queen shedding her crocodile tears. He would describe her in three words: stunning busty beauty! Were all the supreme demons so good-looking? Well¡­ Kara was for sure. And she wasn¡¯t even a subus. What would imperial subi, the embodiment of lust and debauchery, look like?


    On the day of the funeral, the heavens erupted in a downpour to mourn the death of the monarch.


    Kyon was not going to waste time. He began to replenish the ranks of his feathered spies. He currently had only 25 items. It was too few. He needed at least a hundred, and preferably two. Kyon also thought of renting a shelter where they could be fed and cared for. He also decided to recruit more subordinates from the poor and the middle ss. Ideally, he would enve everyone, but he didn¡¯t have enough Synergy and time to do this.


    Late at night, Kyon had finished his day¡¯s work and was heading home. He was passing a dark, deserted alley when he suddenly a chill curled his spine. Trusting his intuition, Kyon quickly jumped to the side. A throwing needle stuck in the ce where he stood a moment ago.


    Lovr took out his gun and aimed at the silhouette jumping from the roof. He was about to pull the trigger and shoot the unlucky killer in the knee to interrogate thoroughlyter, but when he saw the attacker, Kyon stopped dead.


    ?Dinah?!?

 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206


    The moon peeked out from behind the clouds and illuminated the graceful figure in ck. Then her snow-white face got slowly unveiled, teasing him in the moon glow and revealing the piercing look of her beautiful gray eyes.


    Her beauty, as well as her assassin disposition and hatred in her eyes, created a unique deadly cold aura that could freeze everything it touched.


    The superior maid, the symbol of the family greatness since Yurich¡¯s time, was an unreasonably exquisite gift for the Stones. Perhaps, if they decided to sell her at the auction, the family would get enough money to live infort for many years toe.


    Kyon¡¯s heart was beating frantically. The image of the girl he loved methodically destroyed all the mental barriers in his sealed heart. The unrestrained stream of emotions escaped from his soul. Kyon felt he was burning up with big butterflies fluttering around in his stomach, and below his stomach, down there¡­


    ?Dinah¡­ You¡­ How did you break free?! How did you find me?!? ¨C Kyon asked quietly, his voice sounded joyful against his will. He was already licking his chops with a desire to kiss her delicate cold lips passionately¡­ Kyon could not help himself. Her image had imprinted too deep in his soul. His mind melted with hot and even perverted feelings.


    Over the past month, Kyon¡¯s feelings for Dinah hadn¡¯t weakened. However, the recently acquired advanced phase had strengthened his spiritual self-control. Now he was capable of making logical decisions and not rushing to the arms of death like a firefly in the light. Thus, increasing his development, he would eventually regainplete control over himself when he was next to Dinah.


    He heard her cold voice trembling with rage. The sound of it caressed his soul as if he was a harp, and she was a goddess strumming the strings.


    ?It must be the least of your concern, honey because today I will cut off your little friend and make you eat it!?


    ?I order you to freeze!? ¨C Kyon told her hurriedly.


    ?Imbecile!? ¨C The killer-maid replied mockingly. A curved dagger shed in her hand. She seemed to dissolve in the air, turning into an elusive shadow.


    The remnants of Kyon¡¯s rational thinking screamed, cursing everything in the world. He recalled that Dinah¡¯s development was at the end of the superior phase, which means she was above him by more than a phase and a half. She could have killed Yegorka in a couple of blows. Kyon stood no chance against her both in speed and in power! What should he do?! The gun! But it was loaded with live ammo. He¡¯d have to reload the gun with tranquilizer darts during the fight and rely on his ultra-strong skin.


    Kyon had hardly parried the dagger when there was immediately another attack. There was no way to dodge it, the difference in speed was too big.


    ~zap~


    The de cut through the shirt, but the skin on his chest remained unharmed.


    Dina was bewildered. How could her attack fail? Against someone like him?!


    ?Dinah, WAIT! We need to talk. There¡¯s something very important we have to discuss!? ¨C Kyon shouted, barely managing to fend off attacks and reload his gun at the same time.


    ?¡­? ¨C She ignored him and furiously continued to attack the unarmed enemy.


    Kyon¡¯s brazen attempt to gain time had failed. It would have been so nice if she had let him to reload the cartridge and shoot at her!


    ~zap~ ~zap~


    Two thin scratching sounds came from the point where the dagger met the carbon skin.


    {How is it even possible?!} ¨C Dinah couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. Her dagger was forged with top quality steel. It was finer and sharper than any razor but still could not leave a single scratch!


    Kyo finally managed to reload the gun.


    ~bang~


    The dart hit right in Dinah¡¯s neck, but it suddenly bounced off with no effect.


    Kyon swallowed up in amazement and immediately fired another five shots at the motion-blurred silhouette. Half of them hit the target but could not get through the killer¡¯s skin.


    ?You¡¯re a fool!? ¨C Dinah said evilly with a cold smile. ¨C ?I have gathered enough information about you, so your pistol does note as an unpleasant surprise!?


    Kyon tossed the gun straight into her face, annoyed. ¨C ?I love you, silly girl! You belong to me! You¡¯ve been mine for so long. Why don¡¯t you understand it?!?


    ?I belong to you?! I¡¯ll gut you right here, jerk!? ¨C Dinah hissed and furiously attacked. This piece of scum dared to im that she was his property!? If he ever said it again she would cut off his balls at once!


    Kyon pulled out the Scourge. He wasn¡¯t nning on being a weaponless victim. It¡¯s better to bite than be toothless at all. He attacked the approaching shadow right away.


    ~nk~


    The dagger and the sword shed. The force of the collision nearly tore the sword off his hands. The reckless exchange of direct blows can end badly if the adversary has an overwhelming superiority in strength. Anyway, his hands would have been broken if he had used the adamantium sword, light like a feather.


    Dinah lunged frantically again.


    Kyon swung his sword (he would fail to dodge, anyway). Dinah made an attempt to knock out his weapon, but he took a step back just in time, which yed into Dinah¡¯s hands. She ruthlessly stabbed him with the dagger in the stomach, the unprotected spot.


    ~zap~


    Kyon sessfully scared her away with another swing and a furious roar. Apparently, Dinah was afraid of even the slightest injury. It backfired big time on her back then in the treasury!


    The exchange of blows continued.


    ~zap~


    {It¡¯s a vicious circle!} ¨C Kyon was fuming


    He couldn¡¯t dodge her blows properly, nor could he attack her as should be. Dinah could easily disarm him with a counter-attack or maim his hands, which would instantly lead to his defeat. If Kyon had natural skin, she would have already torn him to shreds. However, something just didn¡¯t add up. Why wasn¡¯t Dinah aiming at his vital organs? And why couldn¡¯t he feel the full power of her attacks? Was she ying to lose? Or was his skin really so good?


    He was also d that Dinah was making only shing attacks. One powerful blow would turn his insides into a mash. Did she realize what she was doing? Most likely, she did. As soon as she was tired of ying cat and mouse, Kyon was dead.


    His attempts to escape failed because Dinah always appeared right before him because of her significant advantage in speed (about half the phase), forcing him to retreat to his initial ce.


    It was pointless to cry for help. The onlookers from the middle and lower sses wouldn¡¯t help him. If they pissed Dinah off, she could kill them with a single blow.


    ~zap~


    Dinah¡¯s face was getting darker and darker. She shed an evil grin. Her bloodthirsty gray eyes narrowed dangerously.


    ~zap~


    Kyon winced painfully. Thest attack left a scratch across his torso. He immediately began to heal it with the earth element.


    {Heh? A sleeping poison?!} ¨C Kyon finally got it what Dinah was up to. She was nning to catch him and then torture him properly for everything he had done before. How could he have not seen iting? That¡¯s why each of her next attacks seemed stronger than the previous one. At the moment, she could really injure him. Dinah did it on purpose, bitch! She didn¡¯t attack him with all her might because she didn¡¯t want to kill him!


    {Finally!} ¨C Dinah smiled triumphantly when she saw the filthy bastard¡¯s first blood. In fact, the unusual resistance of Kyon¡¯s body puzzled her. She had to use 75% of her power to cut through his skin. Well, he would pass out pretty soon, and then the bastard would bepletely in her power. She couldn¡¯t wait for this moment toe.


    ~whoosh~ ~whoosh~ ~whoosh~


    The battle seemed to have cycled on the same scenes. Kyon keeps a safe distance from Dinag; she keeps trying to hit the sword; Kyon doesn¡¯t let her; she leaves a new scratch at the overwhelming speed at the right moment.


    About a minuteter, Kyon¡¯s clothes turned into tattered rags. He tried to distract his attacker, to change her mind with with ridiculous promises and even threats but he had to pay for them with a new deep cut.


    {There is an elephant dose of sedation in his blood, and is he still on his feet? How can it be?!} ¨C Dinah thought irritably. She was already sick and tired of scratching him with her dagger, so she decided to speed up the process. A huge ball lightning shed in her hand. Dinah reduced the distance so that Kyon didn¡¯t have time to dodge and plunged it right into his body with ruthless uracy.


    ~boom~


    After the deafening explosion, Kyon found himselfpletely enveloped in a cloud of endless blue sparks piercing all parts of his body.


    Gradually, everything got quiet. The light from the sparks went out, revealing his figure standing firmly on his feet after the explosion.


    Dinah¡¯s eyes widened, her lips slightly parted. The ball lightning should have paralyzed him for at least a couple of hours! And there he was standing still,pletely unharmed like he couldn¡¯t care less. There was not a trace of fear, or pain, or despair in his eyes. Nothing that she longed to see. His pupils were dted like those of a drug addict.


    Dinah¡¯s hand curled into a fist. The expression of her face changed. She was full of gloomy determination.


    Kyon was appalled at this change. Dinah no longer looked at him like azy cat ying with a helpless, cornered mouse. She seemed to be satisfied to just kill him, most likely with a single punch. And she was going to seed.


    {Shit!} ¨C Kyon theatrically fell on one knee, feigning sudden drowsiness.


    Dinah was about to finish him off when she stopped abruptly. ¨C {Did it work?}


    ?Have you poisoned me?!? ¨C Kyon roared with genuine despair in his voice.


    Dinah stared nkly at her suddenly ¡°defeated¡± victim.


    ?So mean of you! So mean¡­? ¨C Kyon slowly crawled to the ground, hissed something inaudible, and passed out.


    Dinah breathed a sigh of relief. With a nod to her thoughts, she went up to Kyon, grabbed him roughly by the hair, and dragged him along the dark street somewhere only she knew.

 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207


    Kyon ¡°woke up¡± from the pungent smell of some disinebriating substance. He found himself tied up to the iron beam in the room on the second floor of a rented building, somewhere in the middle-ss area, not far from the Stone territory. Dinah was well prepared for her sweet revenge.


    ?Awake and alive?? ¨C She asked coldly, tossing the graceful dagger idly in her hand.


    ?Dinah¡­? ¨C Kyon muttered softly. He feltpletely lost and broken inside. On the one hand, he was facing death, and on the other, it was his dear beloved girl who was threatening him.


    ?Great. Are you ready for the execution?? ¨C She asked him in a deceptively tender voice, poking the tip of the dagger into his chest.


    ?My sweet little Dinah, please, let me go. I love you¡­ Why don¡¯t you understand? I want to take care of you. I want to marry you right now. Enough with this stupid revenge!?


    Dinah grimaced in disgust and shrugged. ¨C ?Low-life scum! You mercilessly raped me, and now you¡¯re telling me to forget about it? Are youpletely out of your mind?! I¡¯d sooner sleep with a gang of ves than forgive you all your sins and be your wife!? ¨C She grabbed Kyon by the chin and squeezed her hand tight over his mouth, with a look of hatred in his coal-ck eyes.


    The sharpness of her gaze made Kyon uneasy. She looked pretty serious about killing him. Suddenly, the familiar fragrance of the girl he loved tickled his nostrils. He took a deep breath of her smell, and his mind clouded with desire. The developed sense of smell had just backfired on him, even he could control himself much better than before.


    ?You¡¯re a dirty animal¡­ How can you think about it now?!? ¨C


    Dinah gave a gasp of disgust when she noticed a bulge rising between her prisoner¡¯s legs. The flow of painful memories about the horrible days with this bastard turned her stomach.


    ?I want to¡­? ¨C He began.


    ?SHUT UP!? ¨C Dinah kicked him in the groin. However, she didn¡¯t use pure energy.


    Everything turned dark. Kyon tried to bend reflexively in pain, but the ropes held him tight. If he hadn¡¯t pulled his dear ones inside, he would be twitching in agony now.


    Dinah grabbed Kyon by the hair and hissed furiously:


    ?Filthy bastard, today you will pay for what you¡¯ve done to me!? ¨C Then she gave him another kick in the groin, went to the window and looked gloomily at the moon. ¨C ?The day has finally arrived that I¡¯ve been dreaming of for so long. Heaven had mercy on me and gave me another chance, the price of which was my master¡¯s life. I¡­ I could not imagine that my wish woulde true this way¡­ It¡¯s all your fault! You will pay for his death.? ¨C She gave Kyon a scorching look full of hatred.


    ?The king was your first master?? ¨C Kyon realized after the throbbing in the groin had subsided.


    The painful answer was the only answer he got from her.


    ?So the king had given you to his friend Bai, which means that the patriarch is now your only owner, right? Hehe, I got it. My little Dinah, you¡¯ve missed one important detail. Think of the basic rule: the word of the master is thew for the maid. As you know, the close rtives of your master are the junior masters. Now, listen carefully. I am Kyon Stone, patriarch Bai Stone¡¯s grandson. Taking advantage of my position, I order you to untie me.?


    Dinah stood still, stunned, too shocked to think of a response. Technically, he was absolutely right. When the patriarch adopted him, Kyon became her rightful master. But¡­ What did it matter? Dinah couldn¡¯t, she absolutely didn¡¯t want to stop a step away from the long-awaited revenge.


    Suddenly, she broke into a very sinister smile. He¡¯d been struggling. The cunning boy obviously wanted to find a way out. He was fighting for his life. Dinah was pleased. ¨C ?It¡¯s small wonder, honey, that my master has weed you into the family with your talent. Heavenly geniuses are in high demand. It¡¯s only¡­ He would never have taken you in if he had known that you raped me. I am not just a maid for him. I am his family. By the way, I¡¯ve recently sent him a letter revealing your real nature and your crimes. I¡¯m sure he will be so disappointed in his newly acquired grandson that he will kill you with his own hands. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of it today.? ¨C She grinned wryly, her eyes scornfully fell on the bulge between his legs.


    Kyon sighed in frustration. When the ck Queen killed the king, she put at risk everything that he had been so diligently working on since he arrived in Boston.


    Dinah came closer and looked into his greedy, lewd eyes that even now kept staring at her lithe body. At the moment like this, he still wanted to fuck her! What a horndog! Only, this wild beast was under her total control. She found his unattainable desire pretty amusing. Dinah felt an urge to tease him, tickle his nerves with her inessible beautiful body. She would take her revengeter, cutting off the root¡­ of the problem. Dinah smiled dreamily, thinking about the brutal scenes of atrocity against her prisoner.


    ?You look just like my sister.? ¨C Kyon said ironically. ¨C ?I remember the day when you tortured me with exactly the same smile on your face. I am sure that you are a sadist in your soul. You and Juno are cut from the same cloth. However, this girl can drive anyone crazy, hehe.?


    ?Am I a sadist?? ¨C Dinah asked under her breath. She was addressing herself rather than Kyon. ¨C ?I don¡¯t think so. Any decent girl in my ce would enjoy torturing a jerk like you!?


    Kyon with a struggle looked away from her seductive body and tried another one:


    ?Dinah, you should not decide my fate for Bai. Let him judge my crime, or he will get angry with you. You don¡¯t want to disappoint your master, do you??


    Dinahughed loudly at Kyon¡¯s naive words. He would grasp at any straw to survive! He was so pathetic, it would make a catugh. ¨C ?Talented as hell, you¡¯ve be my master¡¯s grandson and will die a dog¡¯s death. A nice happy ending for a heavenly genius and Lady Fortune¡¯s pet.?


    Dinah grinned maliciously. She poked Kyon at a pressure point on his thigh with her dagger, and then gently pressed the hilt, forcing the de to go deeper into the flesh. Anyone would squeal in pain at once. However, Kyon ogling her like nothing had happened.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to look at me like that, jerk!? ¨C Dinah yelled and gave him a p in the face.


    Kyon impassively spat blood gushing from his lip, shook his head and continued to admire his torturer.


    Dinah grimaced in disgust and punched him a couple of times until she realized it was meaningless. With an angry growl, she thrust the dagger in another pressure point to hear Kyon¡¯s cries of pain or at least the slightest moan, but all she could hear was silence.


    {What the¡­ How can he keep calm after all this?! What kind of body is it?!} ¨C Dinah remembered the tortures she had inflicted on him in the mansion. His reaction to them was minimal back then. And now there was no reaction at all! He did not seem to feel pain. Then how else could she make him feel desperate? How could she make him regret the day when he took away her honor and dignity? She had plenty of time to cut off his cock! She didn¡¯t need to hurry, or he might die of blood loss or pain shock. Dinah wanted to extend the process of punishment as long as could be.


    She was not going to give up. She pierced him in dozens of different ces, trying not to cause heavy bleeding or life-threatening injuries, but the bastard did not react at all.


    Dinah gritted her teeth in exasperation. ¨C {He is imprable¡­ How can I get under his skin?!} ¨C She asked herself when suddenly she electrified with insight. At first, she wanted to chase off this idea. Dinah shook her head, but a minuteter, she seemed to seriously consider it. How could she torture the horny bastard properly? It was obvious¡­ She had to take advantage of his lust, his only weakness!


    ?Well, I see that pain can do nothing to you. Let¡¯s try a different approach.? ¨C She took a pill out of her ring (or were there four pills?) and made Kyon take them.


    His eyes widened in surprise when he realized what kind of medicine it was. ¨C ?Where¡­ Where did you get the aphrodisiac?!?


    ?I have it especially for you,scivious hog!?


    ?So mean of you!? ¨C Kyon immediately eliminated the effect of the poison but did not show it.


    ?And when you poisoned me on that fateful day? Wasn¡¯t it mean of you, miserable hypocrite!?


    Kyon blushed noticeably, his eyes clouded with a desire of sexual pleasures. He looked at her beautiful slender body like an animal drooling at a piece of fresh meat.


    Dinah grinned when she realized that the aphrodisiac had kicked in.


    ?I want¡­? ¨C Kyon growled, trying to break free from his bonds and attack the girl.


    ?Whatever¡­? ¨C She purred tenderly and took a few steps back, seductively swaying her gorgeous hips. Her sexual body could smite even the dead, to say nothing of a drugged boy in love.


    Kyon pretended to sound furious.


    ?Come to me, bitch! I¡¯ll fuck you!?


    Dinahughed cheerfully and began performing a kind of striptease. She slowly stretched on the bed like azy cat, emphasizing the elegance and her stunningly flexible body. Kyon¡¯s reaction gave her immense pleasure. The twitches in his groin spoke of his unbridled desire to pounce on her.


    {Suffer, dirty bastard! You must suffer!} ¨C She kept muttering under breath.


    Dinah lifted her blouse, revealing her t tummy. When she saw how eager he was to get to her, she decided to go even further. She slowly pulled it off and exposed her gorgeous body to his hungry gaze. The delicate curves were still hidden behind her bra.


    Kyon opened his mouth, drooling like a madman. Each of her smooth movements was a work of art for him, the quintessence of sexuality. The moonlight from the window softly illuminated her tender skin, turning her beautiful silhouette into something unearthly. He wanted to touch her. No, he had an urge to handle her roughly, to overthrow this goddess from heaven to sinful earth!


    Dinah looked into his eyes, bulging with passion, and rejoiced. She had found the right weapon!

 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208


    Dinah¡¯s awkward movements became more natural. She was feeling more confident in her role.


    ?Stop it! I can¡¯t take it anymore!? ¨C Kyon implored. His desire was strong enough, even without the aphrodisiac. He had this burning urge to break out and force himself upon the sly, maniptive maid.


    ?Shut up and watch me.? ¨C Dinah intoned. Then, after a little hesitation, she pulled off her tight pants the rhythm of the dance, revealing to his eyes the damn sexy ck silk underwear. She had nothing but her lingerie on. The hands of the newly made dancer instinctively reached out to cover her intimate ces. No! It wasn¡¯t the time to be ashamed. The bastard would soon die anyway. He was her victim, and she was going to make him suffer even more!


    Dinah made up her mind. She let herself reveal her most secret ces for Kyon to admire. Let him ogle her, desire her, crave her! She continued with her passionate dance. The usually cold-blooded and indifferent killer teased him with her straight back like a born stripper. She seductively moved her tight booty back and forth, torturing the helpless victim.


    ?§¡§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh! It¡¯s too much!? ¨C Kyon deliberately shouted too loud. However, with every second, his pretense was fading away, giving way to real desire. Every line of her body, every graceful movement were exciting like hell.


    Dinah giggled when she noticed the first signs of his despair she had been trying to evoke. It was so thrilling! She had almost reached her goal! A little bit more, and he would definitely lose his mind!


    Dinah resolutely approached Kyon and touched his groin with her foot, then she slightly pressed, gently purring in his ear:


    ?Do you want me? Do you dream of taking me, dirty animal??


    The unusual sensation in his intimate area washed over Kyon in waves of euphoria. He roared with rage, straining all his muscles to their limit to break the ropes. At this moment, he looked more like a fierce beast, not a human being.


    Dinah watched his violent reaction for a while. Then she removed her foot and burst outughing, a light of triumph in her eyes. She could bring her impassive captive to this vehement ardor just with a couple of moves¡­ She was delighted!


    The torture of lust continued another five minutes. Dinah showed surprising creativity, teasing the boy in love with sensual moves, stimting his erogenous zones. She got all excited herself. Dinah didn¡¯t want to stop, but at some point, she regained firm control of her emotions. She had been carried away! She shouldn¡¯t have stooped so low for the sake of revenge.


    With this thought, Dinah grabbed Kyon by the hair and said through her gritted teeth, looking him straight in the eye:


    ?You will never get me, scum. You will rue the day when you took my innocence. Cry, whine, beg me to stop! And then I¡¯ll think about how to end your miserable life quickly¡­?


    Kyon replied quietly, trying to calm his rapid, excited breathing:


    ?Dinah, you must understand that I have no regrets. If I had the chance to relive those days anew, I would do the same thing, even knowing how it all would end. Do you want to know why? Because I love you!?


    Dinah staggered back, staring at Kyon, thunderstruck. An odd but very familiar feeling woke within her heart. She felt the same when the first master praised her for a good job at the time when she was¡­ happy.


    Dinah refused to experience these emotions for this bastard. She clenched her fists with boiling anger. The damned jerk didn¡¯t mind this oue?! He didn¡¯t regret anything because he was in love?! Piece of shit! It turned out she had been wasting her time! She had humiliated herself in vain, just to please his eyes?!


    ?You will pay for your words¡­? ¨C She whispered in a trembling voice and ripped off his pants together with his underpants. A bloody red monster appeared before her eyes, full of vigor and desire. The only sight of it disgusted her. Its smell made her retch. Dinah despised this hard, dirty thing that had robbed her of the precious innocence.


    Dinah tore a piece of the sheet. Then she squatted down before Kyon, wrapped his penis with the rag, put the dagger to the base, and gazed steadily at her victim:


    ?You¡¯ll sing a different tune when you lose Kyon Jr.?


    ~wham~


    Suddenly, something flew through the window and pierced Dinah¡¯s neck.


    Dinah quickly pulled a dart out of her neck. It was smeared with some substance. The whole world seemed to freeze. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears. Dinah slowly turned her stunned gaze on Lovr. A broad smile bloomed on his face. It was clearly his doing.


    Kyon had been stalling for time. He couldn¡¯t call the investigators or his subordinates for the help. The chances that Dinah would kill him otherwise were too high. He needed Byron to this for him, but the big guy was half the city from here, so Kyon had to buy some time. It all worked out perfectly! Byron took afortable position on the roof and made a shot with a sniper rifle at the crucial moment¡­


    Dinah swung the dagger at Kyon¡¯s throat without losing another second, but the ropes holding him had suddenly burst all at once. At that very moment, he kicked her hard in the chest with both feet, pushing her to the far wall. Her whole life shed before her eyes during the flight.


    Dinah hit the wall and felt drowsy all of a sudden. She had failed to finish him off¡­ It was an epic fail. She should have killed him right away without putting on the dance show. Did it really have to be this way? She didn¡¯t want the hell to repeat¡­ She didn¡¯t want to be this monster¡¯s whore¡­


    Dinah felt the dropped dagger with a trembling hand and pointed it straight at her heart. However, she stopped at thest moment. Why?! Why couldn¡¯t she just kill herself? Why did she want to live so much? All month long, she caught herself thinking that she would kill herself without hesitation if she was given five seconds of freedom and a dagger. And now, after seeing the damned rapist, her thoughts were all mixed up and troubled. Thirst for revenge warmed her heart, made her life worth living. But was it only a desire for revenge?


    Tears of despair sparkled in Dinah¡¯s eyes, the dagger fell out of her hands. Before losing consciousness, she gave her tormentor a scorching look of hatred, hopelessness, and something that she did not even want to think about. Everything was rapidly getting dark inside. She wished this darknesssted forever¡­


    After what seemed like ages, Dinah opened her eyes. Her vision was clearing up. She was still in the same room. A cool night breeze blew through a crack in the window. Her arms and legs were not tied, herher regions seemed to be untouched. What was going on?


    Dinah looked around the room and saw Kyon sitting on the bed, his legs wide apart, his head lowered to the floor as if he was trying to find something down there.


    She quickly rose to her feet and felt a horrible weakness. Her breathing trembled, her heart racing like a cornered doe¡¯s. She tried to leave the room on tiptoe when she heard an irritated hoarse voice:


    ?Do you know how difficult it is to find the necessary ingredients for a weakening poison at one a.m, bitch??


    ?What are you going to do to me?!? ¨C She asked nervously.


    Kyon was silent for a moment, eloquently ogling her gorgeous with a predatory stare. Then he snapped his teeth yfully. ¨C ?I am going to eat you.?


    Dinah bit her lip till it bled. Reflecting upon her recent behavior, she found it absolutely inappropriate and depraved¡­ She felt extremely ashamed of herself. She wished the ground would swallow her up¡­


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to touch me, sick, dirty bastard!? ¨C Dinah hissed and dashed to the door, but he instantly grabbed her by the leg and dragged her back.


    ?A-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! Let go of me, you rutty jackass! Mr. Bai will kill you! He will destroy you!? ¨C Dinah squealed.


    ?I don¡¯t give a shit!? ¨C Kyon grabbed her by the hair and dragged her to the bed. Dinah let out a shrilling scream. Kyon pressed her into the mattress, his lips clung to hers. He savored the taste of her saliva, smelled the fear sweat on her body like a drug addict who had finally got the dose after a long break.


    Kyon had neither patience nor self-restraint to ask her about the location of the letter. The curse did not allow him to concentrate on ¡°what he had to.¡± It made him plunge headlong into ¡°what he wanted to.¡± On the other hand, the letter must have already been delivered, so the interrogation would hardly bring any results. He also had no idea what to do with her afterwards. Lovr found out long ago that he could give his subjugating formation only to the unconscious practitioners whose development wasn¡¯t more than several stages above his, or he would fail. Dinah surpassed him in the soul development by almost two phases. He couldn¡¯t possibly enve her with his formation!


    Salty tears were running down Dinah¡¯s cheeks. ¨C ?M-m-mm-m-m-mm-mm!? ¨C Her whole body was trembling. There was no trace of arrogance in her eyes. She was just a frightened girl who was being taken against her will.


    With his free hand, Kyon was kneading all the assets of his beloved girl, the ones that she had teased him with: her breasts, butt, waist. At the same time, he never stopped enjoying her lips.


    Her sexy ck bra and panties suggested the idea that she had been subconsciously prepared for this oue, slutty bitch!


    Dinah¡¯s body was a work of art, a single nce at her evoked admiration. A shadow drew a line from the border of her ribs to her slender tummy. The thin waist of impable shape begged to be touched. Kyon ran his fingers around, giving goosebumps to already trembling girl. He had a tactile orgasm, stroking her snow-white, silky soft skin.


    Kyon pulled away from her and suddenly struck her hard across the face. ¨C ?I can¡¯t believe you had the guts to leave the mansion, bitch!? ¨C Another p. ¨C ?How dared you threaten my priceless life?!? ¨C And one more. ¨C ?I can make you strip for me even with my hands tied! What were you hoping to achieve confronting me?!? ¨C Another smacking sound. ¨C ?You don¡¯t think the role of the future emperor¡¯s whore is good enough for you? You aren¡¯t smart enough to appreciate my potential, are you?!? ¨C One more p.


    The heavy blows made Dinah¡¯s cheeks burn like hell. Tears of humiliation rolled down her face in one continuous stream. Sparks of hatred smoldered in the depths of her eyes.


    ?Stop beating me!..? ¨C Dinah protested. ¨C ?If you love me, let me go!?


    ?Shut the hell up!? ¨C Kyon barked and shut her up with a kiss when suddenly he shoved her away from him, growling something under his breath, and pped her again. Then he pulled her against himself and pressed his mouth to her lips. Her tears and prayers became his best reward. The sweet taste of her delicate lips kept his spirits (and something below his waist) up.


    Dinah was thunderstruck. She no longer understood what was going on. No one had ever dared to nce at her, the superior made. And this boy, who was six years younger than her, treated her like an angry king, punishing her like a guilty but still beloved courtesan. How should she respond?


    Kyon grabbed Dinah by the arms, joined her elbows behind her back and tied them so tight that her shoulder des rubbed against each other. Then he roughly shoved her to the floor, and he sat on the edge of the bed, his legs wide apart.

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209


    (18+*)


    ?A nice happy ending for a heavenly genius and Lady Fortune¡¯s pet ¨C the guilty little slut will gobble and slurp on his hateful dick.? ¨C Kyon made her eat her own words, then he grabbed her by the hair and pressed her face to his bloody-red dick that extremely hard.


    ?No, NO! I don¡¯t want to. Take away this disgusting thing! You started it. You were the first to ruin my life. Why should I pay for everything? It¡¯s not my fault! Let me go!? ¨C Dinah screamed in panic


    ?I don¡¯t have time to list all your sins. Now, be a nice girl and suck on my dick.? ¨C Kyon told her maliciously and ran the nd around her tightly pressed rosy lips. Her cold eyes sparkled with hatred, but it only fueled his desire


    Dinah opened her mouth, showing her straight white teeth, and fiercely bit into the nd of his dick, trying to bite it off. However, she could hear no screams. Did he feel no pain?


    Kyon moaned in sweet ecstasy and pulled her face closer to push his cock deeper into her warm mouth when it hit the tongue barrier. Without the subjugating mark, Dinah struggled with all her might. It was an exciting sight¡­


    In a fit of anger, Dinah hadpletely forgotten that her body was weak, and the bastard¡¯s skin was ultra-strong. And she paid for it. Her head was spinning when his nasty hard spike went deeper, causing nausea and gag reflex. She tried to push it out with her tongue, but it also made her produce a lot of saliva, which only made it easier for the rapist, providing his penis with natural lubricant.


    The rush of pleasure consumed Kyon when his cock hit the back of her throat, his eyes rolled into the back of his skull. He shoved his cock deeper into her throat. Now she couldn¡¯t stop him with her tongue. It was a wonderful enveloping feeling. All the neurons in his brain exploded with pleasure


    ?Who does it feel to be sucking on your worst enemy¡¯s cock? Isn¡¯t it invigorating?? ¨C Kyon asked, sarcastically.


    Dinah stared at him from under the brows, trying to express her contempt.


    ?I see you¡¯re loving it. Wow! You¡¯ve got a nerve! You¡¯ve tracked me, disarmed me, dragged me here just to seduce me like this. Don¡¯t make excuses. I remember how much you enjoyed fucking mest time, little slut. Well, your striptease left me breathless. You were so earnest. You must have put all your soul into it. Anything, to make me fuck you after all. Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself, wanton woman!? ¨C Kyon said in mock outrage.


    Dinah blushed to the roots of her hair.


    ?So, shall we carry on.? ¨C Kyon increased the pace of his thrusting and gave a deep blissful sigh.


    Dinah began to choke and swallow profusely, squeezing his cock even tighter with her throat, which made Lovr moan. She felt ashamed of her dance and disgusted with her present situation. Bitter tears flowed down her cheeks, which only put another evil smile on Kyon¡¯s face.


    She felt suffocated, her breathing became rapid and shallow. The specific smell of the excited male body had warmed Dinah up as if she was running a fever. Her mind began to float away. The almost forgotten dark essence in her soul was waking up after a long break.


    Dinah realized that something was going to happen that she would regretter. She tried to get to her feet, but the bastard put his heavy palm on her shoulder and pressed her to the floor. There was no way for her to escape¡­


    A minuteter, Kyon growled, unsatisfied. ¨C ?No, it won¡¯t do. It feels like I am banging a doll. I¡¯ll have to make you.? ¨C With these words, he got to his feet. Without taking his cock out of her mouth, he tied her hair tight around his waist so that she could not pull away. Then he took the 69 position on the bed, lying on the top of his victim.


    ?§®mm-mm-mm-mmm! Hm-mm-mmm!? ¨C Dinah mumbled in protest, wriggling her whole body like a snake.


    Kyon pressed his nose to her intimate ce, hidden behind the thince of her ck panties. His superhuman sense of smell almost caused a heart attack. The enchanting scent of Dinah¡¯s pheromones reached his core. His cock got even harder. His hips moved reflexively even faster, thrusting violently into her much-desired mouth.


    Kyon put her panties aside, revealing the most precious part. He stared spellbound at her reddened pussy and the love juices flowing outside in a little stream. ¨C ?You¡¯re a fucking idiot! Trying to kill the one who makes you wet like a dirty bitch¡­?


    Dinah felt so embarrassed that her entire body quivered. She couldn¡¯t understand why his smell, his imperious attitude, and rude behavior caused a blissful tremor in her loins. She felt as if she were melting consumed with excitement. It was all her soul¡¯s fault!


    Dinah tried to cross her legs prudishly, hiding her treasure from his eyes, but Kyon forced them apart. With two fingers, he entered the tight, hot and slippery wet slit with a smacking sound. Kyon shivered. If his cock got in there, he would most likely die of ecstasy.


    Dinah¡¯s body tensed. A pleasant warmth spread all the way up from herher regions, her vision became blurry. She was still trying to break free from his passionate embrace, but to no avail. Kyon heard her low stifled moaning. She couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    Kyon silently caressed the girl who was no longer his ve. He was getting more and more amazed at the unusually high response of her private parts. Her pussy contracted at his pration, and her body was close to having a seizure. She was clearly deriving pleasure from all this. It must be mind-blowing. Kyon did not understand why she was so aroused. Why was her body so insatiable? It was abnormal.


    Kyon reluctantly took out his fingers and crawled to the other hole, threatening:


    ?Either you go on sucking, or say goodbye to your anal virginity.?


    Dinah loudly moaned with fear and shook her head in dismay.


    His threat had a momentary effect. A couple of secondster, he gasped convulsively and rolled his eyes, pleased at getting what he wanted. It wasn¡¯t the most efficient performance, though. But it was the girl he loved who was giving him head, which outweighed all possible drawbacks.


    Kyon did notst a minute when he was about to cum. Heated bliss washed over him.


    The throbbing nasty thing in her mouth let Dinah know that he was about to erupt. She was in an extremely ufortable position: her hands were tied, her head was fixed to his groin with her hair while the damned rapist was pressing her to the bed. Dinah wanted to push the disgusting organ from her mouth and turn away, but at that very moment, it shot a stream of hot sperm, filling her whole mouth. She had to swallow all up, or she would choke on it. Tears and cough, hatred and rage were smoldering inside her. Dinah ended up in her own personal hell!


    At this delicate moment, she managed to roll over and found herself on top of Kyon, who had let his guard down for a second. By pure chance, she sat right on his face that was still full of happiness and bliss. Her pussy gave the dirty bastard a peculiar kiss on the lips, sending Dinah into an instant, intense orgasm. Her hips squeezed his head tight, fixing the ¡°kiss¡± in a death grip.


    Dinah got a rare chance to give him a taste of his own medicine. Her hot body reached the point of no return with the ¡°kiss.¡± Dinah came and wet herself. Let this vile bastard feel what she had been going through!


    Kyon broke free from her grip and frantically began to wipe his wet face with his hands. ¨C ?Bitch! You didn¡¯t deserve the oral pleasure!? ¨C Kyon gave an easy p on the face for being so cheeky. Dinah had taken advantage of the moment when he was in seventh heaven and treated him to tea and brioche, so to speak!


    Dinah didn¡¯t mind the p. She was lying on the bed, her eyes half-closed in euphoria, purring something under her nose and instinctively sticking her taut butt up, like a cat after a nap. The burning shame for her naughty little dance had disappeared. She couldn¡¯t care less. Only the nasty taste in her mouth ruined the moment of total bliss. She didn¡¯t want to think about what would happenter. Her mind was a gray cloudy sky.


    Kyon heartily pped her sexy butt several times. Then he ripped off her panties with a quick careless move. With one hand, he grabbed her by the slender legs, lifting them high. With the other hand, he ran his penis around her red slit. The oozing juices, as well as her open pussy told him that she was ready for his invasion. What a lustful bitch!


    Kyon was hard again, even harder than ever, his heart beating frantically in anticipation. The recent ejaction hadn¡¯t diminished his desire. He could do it with Dinah all day long, especially when she turned into a nympho with an insatiable sexual appetite.


    Dinah finally understood what was going on and muttered:


    ?I wish you have choked on my piss.?


    Kyonughed hoarsely. ¨C ?You contradict yourself. I can¡¯t get it why trying to kill me if you enjoy it so much!?


    ?Shut up your dirty mouth, jerk. Just do what you want already.? ¨C Dinah waved him off, not resisting at all. The essence in her soul had almost taken control over her. She would have to stay in his power for a few more hours until he was exhausted. And then¡­ She had no subjugation formation, after all. She might wake up before him and¡­.


    ?Who¡¯s dirty here¡­ Alright, never mind.? ¨C Kyon aimed his cock at her slit and triumphantly moved his hips forward.


    (*18+)


    But he didn¡¯t feel a thing.


    ?§¡h?? ¨C Kyon stared at the empty bed like a fool. The girl he was about to enter was not there. She had disappeared. He turned quickly to a surprised cry behind him and froze, stunned.


    Dinah was lying on the floor, looking at her savior, appalled.


    A woman was standing next to her. An elegant mask of the color of the night was hiding her whole face. She was wearing a snow-white dress that emphasized all the slender curves of her body, especially the prominent boobs and butt. Her snow-white skin seemed to shine with an unearthly radiance, which made the woman look inessible and infallible. Her silky white hair fell to her ankles. The woman was the perfect embodiment of purity and light, which was particrly evident in contrast to her mask. And her eyes¡­ The stars faded outside the window against her beautiful eyes. Their iris consisted of three multi-colored nebe, which suggested the woman¡¯s infinite wisdom and experience.


    Anyone would be captivated by the beauty of her eyes. Kyon was no exception. His keen sense of beauty sang praises to those wonderful eyes that even the most brilliant artist in the world would never capture. Kyon froze in an absurd pose on the bed,pletely enchanted.


    The woman in the mask radiated an aura of grandeur and power. Her divine energy prated the soul, evoking sincere respect, awe, and an urge to kneel before her. She was capable of changing the history of the world with a single wave of her elegant little hand. And yet, she was standing in this dingy room, in a small town of a small kingdom when even the imperial pce wouldn¡¯t be worthy of her visit.


    Kyon was thunderstruck, even his iparable mind failed to realize what had just happened. In the end, Synergy flicked on his brain and gave him a bright idea. He saw this goddess at the Stones¡¯ party. She must be watching him! She had abducted him from the mine, nearly killed him, put a formation on him, most likely of the surveince type. Had she had been watching his every move from somewhere above? Wasn¡¯t it too petty for her divine person?


    Suddenly, Kyon felt tremendous invisible pressure that forced him down on his knees. He had to bow his head obediently. Everything fell into ce now. Kyon realized that his arrogant stare at her inhuman tricolor eyes was a crime for a mere mortal. The goddess made an enormous, disproportionately expensive present when she allowed him to take a glimpse at herself. Even the emperors must earn the chance to look into her eyes. Something told Lovr that he would not have this opportunity in theing years.


    The goddess spoke in the voice that was soft like the first snow, and gentle as the sound of a silver harp. ¨C ?I¡¯ve seen enough to make a decision. I am taking this girl as my apprentice. From now on, consider her your most dangerous enemy, the one who will be your early death.?


    An all-consuming rage washed over Kyon. This woman broke in, took his beloved girl at the crucial moment, and now she was going to make her stronger (even if she was already stronger than him at the moment) to kill him! It was unforgivable!


    ?You¡­? ¨C As soon as Kyon spoke, unbearable pain seared through his. It was so intense as if molten metal had been infused in his bones. An instantter, everything returned to normal, but a nasty aftertaste left. He really didn¡¯t want to experience it again.


    {Wait¡­} ¨C Kyon recalled the goddess¡¯s dirty method to get the information out of him. She put a subjugating formation on his mind and threatened him with a tsunami. He wondered why she had done all that if she could influence his soul directly. The answer was simple: she was testing him.


    And yet, Kyon¡¯s anger didn¡¯t disappear. He could not give up his dear girl without a fight. ¨C ?You can¡¯t take her from me¡­ I love her! Why would you need an apprentice who has neither talent nor skills?! Admit that it¡¯s all about me! You want to ruin my life for some reason! It¡¯s too low for you! You aren¡¯t a goddess, you are a demon!?


    The woman smiled with her eyes. However, Kyon couldn¡¯t look up to see it. ¨C ?Don¡¯t tter yourself, kid. The girl has a talent. She has an innate unique body of partner training. It¡¯s of the highest rank, by the way. Her sexual partner will attain eternal happiness, and their development (both hers and her partner¡¯s) will reach unattainable heights. If I unleash the full potential of her body, she will live up to my expectations, and your death will only strengthen our bonds of the master and the apprentice.?


    Dinah¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She had found the answer to the most urgent question. That¡¯s why his dirty actions aroused her so much! It wasn¡¯t her, it was all her unique body¡¯s fault! A heavy stone fell from her heart, tears of relief welled up in her eyes.


    This unknown woman was a saint: she had helped her find Kyon, and now she had revealed the truth about her unique body. Dinah¡¯s heart filled with reverence and respect for her new master. If the goddess allowed her to kill this lustful animal, Dinah would attain eternal happiness and would be devoted to the goddess until the end of her life.


    Kyon grimaced in frustration and annoyance. Now he understood why he had reached the 8th stage so quickly. Those two days of sex with Dinah gave him a whole half stage! And he couldn¡¯t imagine why! What would have happened if he had had sex with her for days on end? Which phase would he have already reached?! He was a naive fool to think that it was a waste of time to stay near his girl, but it turned out to be the direct path to the top of the world hierarchy! Kyon was angry with himself. He hadcked a bit of observation and quick thinking. Well, a couple more days in the mansion would alsoe in handy for him to guess about it¡­


    The goddess saw him squirm. She nodded in satisfaction, waved her hand imperiously, and disappeared with Dinah, who looked her torturer up and down with a triumphant look.

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210


    After the goddess had disappeared with Dinah, Kyon stayed on his knees, falling into despair.


    ?Damn it! Why did you take the girl I love away?! I hate you, goddess! I HATE YOU!? ¨C Kyon roared and banged his fist on the floor.


    Dinah was a real treasure that he didn¡¯t recognize. With her help, his development could have skyrocketed in a matter of months, and in a couple of years, he might have reached the top of the world hierarchy. Now the girl had been taken away. If the goddess unleashed the full potential of her innate body, what would she do with her then? Could she give her to another man?


    {NO!} ¨C Kyon frantically pounded his fists on the floor. He wouldn¡¯t let anyone sleep with his dear girl! He must get her back, but how?! He might have to be more powerful than the goddess. How long would it take? Was it possible at all?


    An idea shed across his mind¡­ A good old way of getting things his way.


    ?Goddess! I know you can hear me! I won¡¯t give Dinah to anyone! Here¡¯s a deal, if I defeat her in the battle, she will be mine! It¡¯s only fair because my life will be at stake! Can you hear me?! TELL ME!?


    ?Shut up! People are sleeping!? ¨C Someone screamed from the window.


    Kyon took out a gun, looked out of the window, and shot ten times into the sky, frightening the whole neighborhood to death. No one else dared toin.


    The goddess didn¡¯t reply.


    Kyon growled into the sky like an angry devil. The situation looked hopeless. A blind rage swept over him like a raging sea. Love is a strong feeling, especially when it¡¯s chronic. Even more so, if it¡¯s on the verge of insanity as in his case. He could control himself, but the burning issue was breaking his heart: was anyone else going to sleep with Dinah?


    {What other options are there? Think hard!} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t think of anything better than of proving to the arrogant bitch from above that he was the worthiest candidate for the role of Dinah¡¯s sex partner. There were lots of geniuses with legendary innate or cultivated unique bodies in this world. All of them were gifted, destined to develop and know the world. They were born to change history. Kyon had to surpass them all.


    Kyon used to be driven by his boundless ambitions that his masters had been carefully nurturing. Well, his childhood spent in the orphanage also contributed to that. Now he was totally motivated by fierce reluctance to give the girl he loved to another man. It was the first time he had experienced such a strong feeling that inspired him to continue on the path towards achieving excellence.


    Besides, today he had found out that the goddess was watching him. She was an unpredictable bitch who could intervene in his ns like a bolt out of the blue, and turn them upside down. This random factor was at odds with Kyon¡¯s nature, who loved to keep everything under his control. It was driving him nuts.


    To keep his depression at bay, Kyon went to bed and forced himself to sleep.


    In the morning, Kyon felt much better. He tried to be an optimist and look on the bright side of yesterday¡¯s situation. He had a great time with Dinah, received 5% of the darkness in his core, figured out the approximate strength of his skin, and also made a powerful enemy in the face of the girl he loved and who longed to finish him off!


    {Fuck.} ¨C s, optimism was not his thing. Kyon was an incorrigible realist.


    Suddenly he heard a conversation in Patriarch Bai¡¯s office.


    ¡­


    ?Bad news, Sir!? ¨C A servant ran into the patriarch¡¯s office.


    ?Tell me.?


    ?Your superior maid, Ms. Dinah¡­ The formation on her wrist has just worked! It sent a signal of her death!?


    Bai turned pale and jumped to his feet. ¨C ?It can¡¯t be! She¡¯s in the mansion!?


    ?The control center reports that she was in Boston for thest three days¡­ Her formation went off in the Dark Light district. Our guys are already on the site getting a better understanding of the case¡­?


    ?NONSENSE! She couldn¡¯t have died! I can¡¯t believe it!? ¨C The patriarch roared like a wounded beast. Then he grabbed his sound transmitter and called Dinah. There was no answer. Then he dialed Anna and found out that her sister had left the mansion a few days before.


    It hurt to look at the old man. The aura of hopelessness emanated from him. His eyes had lost their shine, his face froze like a stone. He shook his head, refusing to ept reality. ¨C {No! My dear little Dinah is alive¡­ She couldn¡¯t have died. I know she¡¯s all right. The formation must be out of order.} ¨C He had not recovered after the death of King Michael, his former best friend, when another announcement arrived, worse than the previous one. It was a burden beyond bearing.


    Another servant entered the office and handed Bai an envelope with a letter.


    When Bai saw Dinah ¡®s initials, he grabbed the envelope and tore it open. His eyes followed the lines of the letter intently, anxiety pumping through his veins.


    ¡°Dear Mr. Bai! I have served you faithfully for many years. I¡¯ve always taken care of your grandchildren, protected Lady Juno. I would never dare to lie to you, and even more so to betray you. Please believe my words¡­


    ¡­Four months ago, Flitz brought in a ve named Kyon. My first impression of him was horrible to put it mildly. The boy had no manners and didn¡¯t know his ce. He was ogling me like a lustful animal¡­


    ¡­Miss Juno saw his huge potential and protected him from me. Our differences should never concern her wishes. However, it turned outter that it was Kyon¡¯s doing that my underwear was stolen. Therefore, I decided to eliminate the bastard at all costs. I was going to selfishly leave thedy without the talented, promising servant because I thought it would be better for her. The rotten boy could have ruined her light aura. He wasn¡¯t worthy of being near her¡­


    ¡­He tied me to the bed andmitted sexual assault. I experienced unimaginable moral pain and hated Kyon down to the marrow of my bones. He had be my sworn enemy¡­


    ¡­In the morning, heined to Juno that I had vited the terms of the agreement. Thedy ordered me to obey him until she revoked the order. She was unaware that her order turned me into a sex ve of the nasty viin. Lady Juno sincerely believed in her servant¡¯s good intentions. She knew nothing and can¡¯t be med for what he¡¯s done¡­


    ¡­All month long, I lived in a cage. I couldn¡¯t even talk with my sister. When King Michael, my first master, died, his formation dissipated, and I headed for Boston to get my revenge. I was disappointed when I gathered enough information on him. Kyon is now your adopted grandson! You have appreciated his talent, but he has deftly hidden his rotten, corrupt soul¡­


    ¡­I should havee and see you, tell you everything¡­ But then you would try to solve the situation by arranging a meeting with Kyon. The problem is that he is eloquent like a devil and alwaysnds on his feet. I wanted to get my revenge on the boy, so I decided not to tell you anything and to see justice done¡­


    ¡­When I send this letter, Kyon is still alive. His death is a matter time. When you are reading this, everything will already have happened. Call me. I am ready to ept any punishment, even the execution. I am a bad maid, and I don¡¯t deserve such a good, kind and loving master as you are. Thank you for everything.¡±


    When Bai read thest words, tears flowed from his eyes. His soul throbbed with a tumult of conflicting emotions. His head became heavy like lead.


    The first servant, who had already left the office, had toe back and report:


    ?Nothing had been found at the crime scene, Sir.?


    Bai raised his head in hope. ¨C ?What do you mean? Nothing at all??


    ?There were no bodies or traces of blood in the room where the death signal went off. There was only a hole of strange origin in the windowpane.?


    ?The gun¡­? ¨C Bai figured out, his brain working feverishly. If there was no signal of Kyon¡¯s death, unlike Dinah¡¯s, then the hole in the window suggested the conclusion: his grandson had killed his dear Dinah¡¯s with a gun!


    {Gods¡­ No, please¡­ He couldn¡¯t¡­ He isn¡¯t like this!} ¨C A muscle in the patriarch¡¯s chest twitched. If Dinah had died at the hands of his grandson¡­ He wouldn¡¯t have the strength to survive such grief in his old age.


    Bai began investigating Kyon¡¯s true identity. The patriarch could call him and ask about everything directly, but he decided to gather more information first.


    First of all, he called Anna to find out the name of the ve that Flitz had brought. She told him the name was Kyon. It hit him like a bucket of cold water. He had already investigated a mysterious servant and found out that he was given freedom. But Dinah was under orders back then. And Juno?! Did Kyon convince his innocent little girl to lie to her grandfather?! She had hated the lower sses of society since she was a child¡­ What if he had reached out to her? If so, she could get all sorts of ideas from him!


    The old man felt unwell. He had some shots of whiskey. Then he recalled Yegorka¡¯sst words: ¡°You will die with me, dirty ve. You will die for ruining my life!¡± Apparently, Yegorka was in the know about Kyon¡¯s former status¡­ He must have met Kyon before, given his regr visits to Juno¡¯s mansion.


    Now Bai made sure that his grandson was a former ve!


    {But¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter who he used to be! Someone of low origin can also be a good person! Social status does not affect personality!} ¨C Bai said tofort himself. Suddenly he remembered the death of Kirsan, the most influential examiner in the Stone family. He knew that the guards had protected Kyon from him. But how exactly did the examiner die? Did Kyon just up and kill a fourth-phaser? It sounded terrible¡­


    Bai ordered his granddaughter¡¯s personal guard into the office to tell him the truth about what had happened. The details should shed light on Kyon¡¯s true nature.


    ?¡­Kyon kept torturing him! He inflicted excruciating pain on Kirsan for no reason! And then Kyon brutally killed him! We were just carrying out thedy¡¯s order, Mr. Bai!? ¨C The senior guard said intively.


    Bai turned pale. He had a splitting headache. How could his grandson torture the man for no reason and then mercilessly kill him? Revenge was no answer! Bai couldn¡¯t get it why Kyon had yed on Yegorka¡¯s emotions, making him take their battle seriously. Then under the pretext of ¡°it¡¯s either he or I,¡± Kyon shot Yegorka from his nasty weapon! Why couldn¡¯t he do without unnecessary victims? Yegorka was a valuable member of the family, after all! Kyon must be a demon! As for poor Dinah¡­


    The mere thought of how the superior maid might have died made Bai tremble with rage. The beautiful girl, who had been faithfully taking care of his family, was raped and brutally murdered. Even a vague image of this crime was enough for the patriarch to go berserk.


    Now Kyon happens to be Juno¡¯s half brother! Satan himself would envy his cruel nature! And this monster is always near his granddaughter. He makes her cry! His dear harmless girl! What if he raped her?! What he killed her on a whim?! Bai had a cold feeling in his chest. Suddenly he realized that he hated the boy with every fiber of his being. The disappointment in the grandson had reached its climax. The carefully created family bonds burst at the seams and transformed into a crazy desire to wipe the bastard off the face of the earth.


    ?What else did this monster do?? ¨C Bai asked the guards. His voice carried a steel quality.


    The three guards had never felt the threat of death so clearly before this moment. Bai emanated icy aura when the senior guard said in a trembling voice:


    ?When we left the estate to go to Boston, Lady Juno was sitting on the steed behind the boy. She had to hold him tight so as not to fall¡­?


    ~bang~


    With a loud racket, the three guards flew out of the office and ran away in every direction, screaming loudly.


    The patriarch nearly lost his mind when he realized that the monster was hugging his dearest granddaughter, messing with her head.


    ?We have more news, Sir¡­? ¨C Another servant entered his office.


    ?Tell me.?


    ?There has been interrogation¡­ People heard loud shots at night¡­? ¨C The servant could feel a strong bloodthirst emanated from the patriarch. He ran away with a terrified scream.


    Bai took out his sound transmitter and dialed Flitz.


    ?Hello, old friend!?


    ?Where are you now??


    ?Halfway to the mansion, why??


    ?Your nasty ve has be my grandson! He has killed Kirsan, Yegorka, and Dinah! COME HERE AT ONCE!? ¨C Bai barked, his whole body trembling in rage.


    ?I am sorry, buddy. My old mare seems to have twisted her ankle. Oh, she has a bad cold¡­?


    ?I told you AT ONCE!?


    The line went dead.

 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211


    Bai was shaking all over from shock. The patriarch believed he had taken a new incredible genius in the family, but in fact, it was a real devil who would destroy the Stones from the inside. The deaths of Dinah, Kirsan, and Yegorka had just proved hit. Unfortunately, the boy had been registered for the tournament of the families, and there was no way to remove him from the list. The Stones turned out to have only nine participants¡­ Or even eight! They wouldn¡¯t take even the tenth ce. And it would affect the value of their property in the equivalent of Tokens. The copse of the family was inevitable. It would be the end of the Stones soon.


    The patriarch thought through the next steps. Then he picked up the sound transmitter and made a call. ¨C ?Grandson, I need you toe to my office. We need to talk.? ¨C He said as calmly as could be and finished the call. He shouldn¡¯t give out his true intentions. Justice must be served. He had to execute Kyon for his serious misdeeds. It no longer mattered who his master was. The patriarch wanted to be true to himself, and for poor Dinah to find peace and happiness in the afterlife.


    Meanwhile, XiaoBai was gobbling down a chicken with a shocked expression on his face. ¨C {Oh gods, my brother was a ve?! That¡¯s why he asked me to give Byron and Martha freedom! Exactly! I knew I had heard his rare name in the mine! How could I forget?!} ¨C The enlightenment dawned on the fat guy. He tended to judge people by the amount of money they had and their ability to make money. Therefore, he couldn¡¯t care less about the origin of his half-brother.


    He finished the call and said, chewing loudly:


    ?If life is dear to you, brother, don¡¯t go to grandpa, or he will kill you! In fact, you¡¯d better leave the family before they find you! Do you hear me?!?


    ?Don¡¯t you hate me, XiaoBai?? ¨C Kyon asked, surprised.


    The fat guy got it right away that his brother knew everything, which was to be expected from the little weasel! ¨C ?You see, unlike my grandfather, I can always tell if someone has a good heart. Yeah¡­ We are kindred spirits. I am sure that all your sins have an eptable price.?


    Kyon smiled. Once XiaoBai saw him as a profitable partner, they became blood brothers. Besides, they were both kicked out of the family, which was a deciding factor to buddy up. ¨C ?I like your unconventional thinking, Xiao Bai. Well, every action I take has a purpose. I always pay my debts, just like you. By the way, Dinah is alive. My master took her as his student. He decided to develop a worthy opponent and motivate me to get even stronger.? ¨C He made up a believable story.


    ?TsyJi?! Wow¡­ All right then¡­ His entricity knows no bounds. I am d that the grandfather¡¯s dear maid is alive. How do you feel about it??


    ?I am fine. I am ready for anything that life might throw at me. By the way, there¡¯s a big order for medicine in the trade guild¡­?


    The conversation with the fat guy wasn¡¯t too long.


    Kyon was in the ministry leafing through the reports. His colleagues kept talking about the death of the king. The news had shocked everyone. They also discussed how to catch the ck Queen and how wrong they were about the Stones and the Browns. Charge even approached Kyon and apologized for his mistake.


    However, Kyon was not particrly interested in their chatter. He was a participant in the tournament of the families, and that¡¯s what really mattered. Whether Bai liked it or not, Kyon woulde and get his 1-3 prize as the most active contestant.


    ?They have caught the thief!? ¨C Rasya, the investigator, yelled joyfully as soon as she received thetest information from her subordinates.


    The gloomy atmosphere livened up at once.


    ?Neophyte, you are incredible! It¡¯s the first time we¡¯ve caught a thief alive! It¡¯s a miracle! It took you only a couple of days to get things off the ground!? ¨C Charge rejoiced.


    ?He is in the interrogation room. Come on, let¡¯s take a look!? ¨C Rasya said.


    Kyon and seven investigators headed for the minus 3rd floor to the interrogation department.


    They entered a brightly-lit white room that looked like a doctor¡¯s office. There was only a silver rack with shining instruments for torture: from forceps to scalpels and needles. In the center, there was a white transformer chair with straps. A handsome ck-haired young man was sitting there, unconscious. He had only in his underpants on.


    The thief had gotten into a primitive trap. The perfumer offered him to try a new vor of Azure Blue Sky, but as soon the thief moved closer, he sprayed a powerful ¡°sleeping¡± drug right in his face. The medicine also paralyzed the swallowing reflex.


    Rasya examined the sleeping criminal with interest and shook her head. ¨C ?It¡¯s such a shame¡­ So strong and handsome. Why did he have to mess with the wrong people? The torture will ruin his good looks beyond recognition. What a waste. Poor little thing¡­? ¨C She said sadly.


    Chargeughed at her words. ¨C ?Don¡¯t feel sorry for this low life scum, Rasya! They all deserve to be executed. I have specifically called the best executioner. Ha ha ha! I bet our guy will get out of him all the information we need¡­?


    Kyon cleared his throat, making everyone quiet. ¨C ?Gentlemen, tortures can take a whole day if not a week¡­ He is a well-trained professional thief, after all! Let me find out everything myself. Give me ten minutes. I guarantee the result.?


    ?Ten minutes? On your own? Are you kidding me?!? ¨C Charge asked, puzzled. Then an idea shed across his mind. ¨C ?Wait¡­ Don¡¯t say anything! Does it mean that you can beat out the information!??


    Kyon smiled meaningfully behind his mask. ¨C ?I can do everything.?


    The high-ranking investigators looked at each other suspiciously and turned into attentive spectators before showtime. Even now, they found it hard to believe in the trick with the hair smell.


    Kyon took a long needle from the rack, gave the thief some weakening poison, and then woke him up with pungent medicine.


    ?Name?? ¨C Kyon said, his voice as cold as ice.


    ?Huh? Who are you?! Where am I?!? ¨C The criminal cried out in rm.


    ?Name?? ¨C Kyon repeated impassively. His voice had a steely edge this time.


    The handsome guy with long hair looked around and turned pale. The sharp tools on the shelves suggested the answer: he had been caught! Fear and despair shed across his face. His heart started beating faster.


    Kyon pped him across the face and repeated his question.


    ?My name is Roman! I am from another kingdom¡­? ¨C The thief answered intively.


    Rasya turned away. She couldn¡¯t stand the sight of the handsome young man with delicate features being tortured.


    Charge grinned viciously.


    Kyon hit the criminal again in the face.


    ?I am Roman Melnikov from Inducie!..?


    Another ringing p.


    Rasya whispered Charge in the ear. ¨C ?Boss, I doubt the neophyte¡¯s skills to get the information! He is not omnipotent, after all! He doesn¡¯t know what he¡¯s doing¡­ What¡¯s the point of beating the poor guy?!?


    Charge crossed his arms. ¨C ?Patience. He asked for ten minutes. Let¡¯s wait and see¡­?


    Rasya had to watch the unpleasant scene, her heart aching for the poor guy.


    The thief screamed desperately:


    ? I¡¯m Roman Melnikov, I swear! I beg you to stop beating me! Call my parents, they will confirm everything! Please!?


    ?Neophyte.? ¨C Charge began, taking a step forward. ¨C ?Let¡¯s make a call and find out everything¡­ He said it himself¡­ Why don¡¯t you cooperate with him??


    The boss coughed in his hand and assumed an impartial look as soon as he met Kyon¡¯s scornful gaze. Charge could get angry and put this know-it-all in his ce, but after the recent events, he did not want toe into conflict with this brilliant monster. He¡¯d only make things worse, looking like aplete idiot.


    ?Don¡¯t disgrace the department, boss!? ¨C Kyon said curtly. His tone brooked no contradictions. ¨C ?It is as clear as day that his call would be a signal of danger to the entire guild of thieves! If I weren¡¯t here, you would never catch them with this approach. As for his words¡­ There are at least ten signs that he is lying.? ¨C When he finished, he hit the prisoner again on the cheek and repeated the question.


    Charge took a step back, keeping quiet. He felt ashamed of his reckless words. He was afraid to look at his subordinates. What if they considered him a fool? The neophyte was really a prodigy! It was pointless to argue with him.


    The thief groaned in frustration. The investigator in the ck mask could read him like an open book. Too dangerous, bastard¡­ All he could do was to bite off his tongue and die of blood loss! However, he wanted to live so much! He still hoped to see his beloved Lanai again. Besides, he felt weak all over. He wasn¡¯t strong enough to bite through his tongue¡­


    Kyon took a needle and stuck it the thief in the knee joint, then he poured Synergy through the needle, stimting the nervous system.


    ?§¡-a§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh!? ¨C The thief screamed his bloody head off. He had never experienced this agony in all his life! It was like white-hot rods piercing his legs! A terrible, hellish pain!


    Kyon took out the needle.


    ?Name?? ¨C He asked in a cold voice, looking into the thief¡¯s eyes.


    ?Tymoshka! I¡¯m Tymoshka! Gods, I am Tymoshka! Stop it, please! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñh!?


    ?Last name?!? ¨C Kyon demanded.


    ?Mironov! My family name is Mironov! Sir!? ¨C The thief yelled hoarsely.


    ?What¡¯s your leader¡¯s name??


    While the neophyte was asking the questions, the seven investigators looked at each other, puzzled. Their faces were shocked, amazed, even terrified. Judging by the thief¡¯s reaction, he was telling everything under the inhuman pain! But Kyon had only used a needle! What was the secret?


    At least one thing was clear. He was Timoshka Mironov, the thief.


    Kyon had applied the torture method from his own world. With the help of Synergy, he could stimte the nervous system so that the victim stayed conscious, feeling hellish pain with no harm to the body (except for the harmless needle piercing). One needle is enough for 99.99% of people. The majority cracks after one short stimtion, while others need two or three longer periods of stimtion. Only every ten-thousandth takes two needles that stimte the nervous system with pain.


    Kyon¡¯s masters once found out the limits experimenting on Kyon. It took five needles of long stimtion. The human brain can¡¯t possibly perceive more electrical signals.


    Timoshka gave up after one needle and a short stimtion. He wasn¡¯t prepared for this level of torture. Even death looked like a good idea during them. He would rather sell his soul to the devil than ever experience such excruciating unbearable pain again.


    Kyon stopped interrogating the poor fellow. He looked at the seven shocked investigators andughed. ¨C ?What¡¯s wrong with your faces, guys??


    Rasya nervously squeezed her wrist, feeling sorry for the handsome thief with wet underpants.


    Charge stepped forward Kyon and gingerly poked him with a finger. ¨C ?You¡¯re fucking real! I thought I was dreaming! How on earth did you do it?! Our best executioner can¡¯t hold a candle to you! You just pierced the needle, and that was it?..?


    ?Acupuncture. The rarest pain technique in the world. I won¡¯t teach it anyone, so forget about it.? ¨C Kyon said, raising his brow. ¨C ?Well? Did you remember everything? Or shall I write it down for you??


    Charge ran his fingers through his hair. Then he bustled about in search of a pen and a notebook. The boss did the work that servants usually did! The neophyte¡¯s authority had increased nearly to Charge¡¯s level.


    Soon, the seven investigators returned to the analytics department. Their faces lit up when they looked at Kyon. They held him in high respect and admiration.


    ?Here, drinks are on me!? ¨C Charge cried out happily.


    ?Cheers!? ¡­ ?The lost cause is making great strides!? ¡­ ?Kudos to the neophyte!? ¨C The high-ranking investigators shouted, excited. Their department would get awesome awards!


    Now they knew the meeting date of the thieves, about a week from today. They get to prepare a nice ambush, and then the second issue in the kingdom would be solved!


    Kyon was pleased with the result. He had achieved maximum effects with minimum efforts. He had to find the second brother yet, then Sauron himself. His birds would scour the forest for him. It would be a cushy task that would take him a few weeks max. Kyon could fulfill dimir¡¯s task before the tournament started and be an investigator of the 2nd rank! And after that, he would deal with the demons.

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    This unfortunate day was the patriarch¡¯s worst nightmare. Booze helped him to cope with the death of the maid he adored and the loss of his adopted grandson. The whole family was looking for the culprit. He had sensed danger like a cautious mouse and disappeared from the Stone territory. He didn¡¯t answer his sound transmitter. He must be too scared¡­


    Bai couldn¡¯t bring himself to talk with Anna about the death of her sister. He had been trying to get up the nerve to speak with Diana about her son¡¯s inappropriate behavior. But above all, he wanted to show Juno who the wretched boy really was.


    Bai gave it a lot of thought and decided to talk with the sun of his life first.


    He found Juno in the elite training building. She was pounding the dummy with a fierce battle cry.


    ?How are you doing, my dear girl??


    Juno turned around quickly. She sighed with relief when she saw her grandfather, not the hated viin. But then a wave of apprehension swept over her. Grandfather rarely drank. Something was wrong! Moreover, she could see his distorted, pained face. He was on the brink of despair. Juno asked anxiously:


    ?Why are you so gloomy, grandpa??


    Bai signed heavily. ¨C ?A great tragedy struck our family¡­?


    ?What happened??


    The old man was silent for a minute. It was a delicate subject to touch upon. In the end, he decided to get straight to the point. ¨C ?Our maid, Dinah¡­?


    Juno¡¯s eyes widened in concern. She had a bad feeling.


    ?She was killed¡­?


    Panicked look spread across Juno¡¯s white face. ¨C ?No! It can¡¯t be! Who did it? When??


    ?The subjugating formation that confined her like a spider web dissipated when the king, her first master, died. Dinah came to Boston to get her revenge on your half-brother for sexual abuse. However, our poor little Dinah did not take into ount that the scoundrel had a gun and was mercilessly killed¡­?


    Juno stepped back, shaking her head in disbelief. Her big emerald eyes welled up with tears. She was terrified. Her lips trembled. Juno remembered ordering Dinah to obey Kyon. How naive she was not to suspect the lustful monster of keeping her maid for his sexual purposes! The loyal, faithful girl was raped in the mansion and then killed!


    Juno¡¯s disappointment with the servant had reached a critical level. Hatred filled her soul like red-hotva erupting from a volcano. He personified absolute evil for her. The mere thought of him turned Juno inside out.


    Juno dug her nails into her palms, leaving bloody crescents in them. ¨C {It¡¯s all my fault¡­ Goddess¡­ I will kill him no matter what!}


    Bai affectionately hugged his precious girl to calm her down. ¨C ?Don¡¯t me yourself, my dear¡­ This viin will be executed as soon as we find him.? ¨C He wanted to find out more details, but in his heart, he knew he shouldn¡¯t ask Juno anything else at the moment.


    Juno kept silent. Her face had a fierce, bloodthirsty look. She was going to destroy her assistant. She would never forgive the sexual abuse and the murder of her dear little Dinah, who always took care of her and her family.


    ¡­


    Kyon was in the ministry trying to figure out the technique, the only one that had survived in the tomb. The feathered spies worked to full capacity. The ves from the poor and middle sses had already organized a profitable business with high levels of cash flow. The sound transmitter kept announcing calls from his mother and grandfather. The nephrite-bugs let him overhear Bai¡¯s conversation with Juno, and then with Anna (the maid cried with grief when she heard about her sister¡¯s death), and then with Diana. The woman¡¯s voice sounded tragically sad. She seemed to have lost her own son. Kyon didn¡¯t remember his own parents, but it hurt him to hear hermentations. It was wrong to hurt his mom, even an adopted one. Damned goddess!


    Kyon wasn¡¯t afraid of the Stones at all. They didn¡¯t know where he worked or where to look for him. Even if a couple of people recognized his face on the street, they would fall asleep from a tranquilizer dart in the neck. Those who his gun couldn¡¯t stop were few and far between. The possible hired killers would never find him, either. And yet, he had to be careful not to be seen in a crowded ce.


    The recent separation from his dear girl added to the heavy weight on his soul. No ttering words or admiring nces of his colleagues couldn¡¯t cheer him up. Kyon didn¡¯t consider them equal, not even close. Therefore he did not take them seriously. Kyon needed an outlet. He could do with some good news.


    Late in the night, he received a delivery from the trade guild: several dozen rings with medicine for four million spheres inside! River weed had the perfectbination of price and energy density. If his calctions were correct, he would fill his core with more than enough elements. There would be even a couple of rings left.


    Kyon entered the house of one of his subordinates and emptied a ring. A heap of pale green weed towered above him. He could easily hide inside it.


    Kyon put his hand into the heap of weed and gave his core a mentalmand to absorb the elements. The heap instantly copsed, turning into dust. Microscopic energy beams rushed into his hand, then into the keys, and followed the channels right into the kernel in his soul.


    Kyon focused on his unique body and saw the faceless person who was holding white and ck spheres in his hands. The person was divided into two parts, a physical half and a flickering one. The physical part gave Kyon a feeling of gradual saturation, percent by percent.


    After a couple of hours of continuous medicine absorption, the physical half was 99% saturated. There were a few rings left.


    It took four million spheres to fill 90% of the void. Kyon earned them when he became a high-ranking investigator and gained ess to the archives. Otherwise, it would have taken him months to get this colossal amount of money.


    The Body of Void was too demanding! Any other kind of unique body would be hundreds of times more lenient and have only one requirement instead of four! Not a single Stone of the 2nd rank could ever fill the kernel of the Void with elements, not in their lifetime. It was too expensive.


    Kyon had to wait a bit for the remaining percent was filled. Suddenly everything went dark before his eyes. A momentter, he found himself in an endless gray world. He was holding something round in his hands.


    {What the hell?} ¨C Kyon looked around and made some assumptions. Apparently, the connection with his unique body had be too strong, and his mind was moved to a specially created image, the gray world¡­ But for what purpose?


    He nced at the object in his hands. It began to change its shape, turning into traditional dynamite.


    {Wait¡­ If the unique bodymunicates with me through the prism of my consciousness, the dynamite will soon explode!} ¨C Kyon looked more closely and saw a timer appear. He had ten seconds to think things through.


    {Bullshit! This thing can¡¯t kill me! It¡¯s a mental image!..}


    Three seconds remained on the timer.


    Without thinking twice, Kyon threw the dynamite up as high as possible.


    ~BANG~


    The thundering explosion threw Kyon out of the gray world into the real one. The medicine elements concentrated in his core rushed from his soul into his head in a stormy stream. At once, his brain exploded in blinding pain, it squeezed his temples like a red-hot vise.


    The blood pressure jumped to almost three hundred. It would be inevitable death for an ordinary person. Kyon had a sudden heart attack. His body weakened, the blood roaring in his ears. His fingertips went numb. Kyon fell on his side and curled up.


    A few hourster, he opened his eyes in anger. ¨C {Are you fucking kidding me?!} ¨CThe Body of the Void had nearly killed him, and it wasn¡¯t the first time. Anyone else without Synergy would have died on the spot. This body that consisted of two ununitable bodies would kill him sooner orter.


    His head was hammering. Something had changed. Kyon focused, infused his brain with Synergy, and found himself at a loss for words. ¨C ?Huh?!? ¨C His Synergy was at the beginning level of the student¡¯s degree (2)! His soul development had not changed at all, but Synergy had upgraded to the next degree! It had undergone major qualitative changes: it had be more powerful, more flexible, insightful and effective! Now it could exist in the gaseous medium and condense there like a hologram. With second degree Synergy, Kyon would be able to pay his debt to Marina in the way he had invented himself!


    Kyon did some experiments and found out that he owed Synergy upgrade to his head development. The elements extracted from the medicine had brought the flesh from his neck to the top of his head to a new unknown level: the tissues and the bones had be stronger, the muscles had gotten tougher, the mind had sharpened. The sense of smell, sight, and hearing had improved. All in all, all the parameters had improved significantly.


    It was a nice improvement, but it did not give him anybat potential. At least no one would break his head with a single blow. And it never hurt to develop Synergy! It was a matter of some days till he could get his voice upgraded.


    Usually, unique bodies granted boons only after all the conditions had been, and the next rank had been achieved. Therefore, Kyon considered the head development as a useful, unexpected bonus! It had almost killed him, though¡­ But all in all, Kyon was pleased. He felt much better now.


    Kyon focused on the image of the faceless person to have a ¡°chat¡± with his unique body. A feeling of ipleteness swept over him. It reminded him of the moments when only the rough draft was ready, while the most difficult, essential part was left forter.


    Kyon massaged his temples. The Void Body was giving him a clear hint to get ready. It would finish his head development after a signal, and it would take more than a day, even more than a month. He¡¯d better be ready for it.


    ?Haha! Ha¡­? ¨C Kyonughed uncertainly. It turned out the head update hadn¡¯tpleted yet. He didn¡¯t think it was a good idea to lie about unconscious for a long time just to get ONE part of the body updated!


    Kyon knew from books that the unique bodies of other people were brainless amoeba. They struggled tomunicate during meditation, a major breakthrough, or sleep. His unique body was smarter than a dolphin, a raven, and a monkey all together! He decided to dy this ¡°pain in the neck¡± for the future.


    Meanwhile, it was already morning.


    Kyon returned to the ministry. His colleagues kept praising his talents. His sound transmitter wouldn¡¯t stop ringing even for a minute. It was annoying.


    During the next call, Kyon casually nced at the frequency. The caller was unknown. Could it be his grandfather calling from a different frequency? No, it wasn¡¯t he. His grandad was now drinking whiskey in his office and grieving. Then who was it?


    ?Who¡¯s there?? ¨C He answered the call.


    ?Hi there.? ¨C He heard the painfully familiar girl voice.


    His gloomy eyes perked up. ¨C {The thief from the library! She remembered my frequency!} ¨C ?Who¡¯s speaking?? ¨C He pretended to be puzzled.


    ?You don¡¯t recognize me? Too bad. Goodbye.?


    ?Wait! I¡¯m just messing with you. You¡¯re the girl from the library! Hard to forget, easy to lose¡­?


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. He had almost missed his chance. The girl knew that he would remember her. She would never descend to reminding him who she was.


    ?So, what are you up to today?? ¨C She definitely wanted to meet up.


    ?You robbed me, and now you want to see me??


    ?Fine, if you are not interested, goodbye then¡­?


    Kyon made a strangling gesture with his hands. ¨C ?Wait! I¡¯m busy today. What about tomorrow? Say, at two or four in the afternoon??


    ?Tonight at nine.?


    {She is pretty stubborn, isn¡¯t she¡­} ¨C The standard maniption rules didn¡¯t work for her. She stubbornly refused to budge. ¨C ?What about ten??


    ?No.?


    {She is pissing me off! The more we talk, the more she digs her heels in! I must try another way.} ¨C Kyon needed to seize the initiative at all costs. He didn¡¯t want to be perceived as her inferior. ¨C ?Alright, nine be it. The central square near the library.?


    ?Okay.? ¨C She said quietly and finished the call.


    Kyon smiled stupidly, wringing his hands. He had partly seized the initiative. It was he who decided on the ce of their meeting. His mood soared into the stratosphere. A single sign of attention from the inessible beautiful girl had a beneficial effect on his soul akin to the healing balm. That¡¯s what he was like in the presence of a beautiful girl.


    At nine o¡¯clock in the evening, Kyon was approaching the library perfectly dressed and scented with his favorite perfume. He was more than confident in himself. The unapproachable noirette must appreciate his good looks. Kyon had ns for her. Firstly, he had to spank her taut bum for stealing his ring and get its contents back. Secondly, she would have to pay in kind for his stolen goods, or she could work off her debt as his personal guard. He just needed an efficient, powerful guard with excellent skills. In fact, he was incredibly happy that the mysterious girl had deigned to call him. But why did she do it? She hardly had a romantic interest in him. Most likely, she wanted to rob him again. Considering theirst meeting, when she nearly killed him and then robbed him, he should be alert. But the story ended on a good note, or rather, a neutral one. She can¡¯t be too aggressive towards him. With his negotiation and persuasion skills, he was going to benefit from this meeting. s, no pistols or Byrons in the bushes could help him in any way. He had to take a calcted risk.


    In fact, Kyon had an idea to protect himself, but he did not have time to prepare. He didn¡¯t see a point in it, either. She had shown her attitude to the meeting ¡°if you¡¯re not interested, then goodbye.¡± He didn¡¯t have to worry, did he?


    However, he was absolutely unaware that he was going to meet the best killer in the kingdom.

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    Kyon arrived punctually at the steps leading to the central library. There was a busy street nearby with huge crowds of people, tents, lights, screams and lots of fun. There must be a street fair.


    Suddenly, he had a slight tingling pain in his chest¡­ Kyon guy frowned and prepared to take out his gun. He saw via his birds a throwing needle materialize out of nowhere. It was whooshing at an incredible speed somewhere from the roof. The energy inside it was phenomenal. The needle was aimed straight to his heart.


    {Fuck!} ¨C Kyon moved aside to protect the heart from the direct hit.


    ~bam~


    The tight carbon skin didn¡¯t let the needle prate his. It worked like a usual blow and sent him a couple of meters flying. The impact injured the shoulder joint and cracked a bone.


    {How did he survive?} ¨C His killer was stunned. All of a sudden, the target aimed a shiny oblong object at her. After a bang, a small metal thing flew into her face.


    The girl deftly grabbed the bullet with two fingers. The fast arrow impressed her! It posed no threat as such, but with the help of energy, it could turn into a formidable weapon! The boy was extraordinary, indeed. He knew how to impress her.


    Kyon gritted his teeth in pain when he flew into the crowd where he tried to get lost. He had instantly changed his clothes, lowered the rhythm of his heartbeat and put on a mask, turning into an ordinary resident who was having a good time at the fair.


    When he met her in the library, Kyon didn¡¯t discern the girl¡¯s killer skills, but now he suspected that she was the ck Queen! Damned Bai dipped into his pocket and hired the best assassin in the kingdom to get his grandson¡¯s head! And what does it make him? A fucking asshole, not a grandfather.


    In fact, Bai had passed the task on the elder to connect with influential people and order the best assassin in the kingdom. Bai hated the ck Queen with all his heart because she had killed his best friend¡­


    Kyon did not expect that Bai would order his murder a day after Dinah¡¯s ¡°death,¡± bypassing the wiretap! It was quite unexpected that his killer had happened to know his frequency. Kyon did not expect that the girl would y hard to get, pretending that she wasn¡¯t that much interested in seeing him. Too many unlucky coincidences made up a terrible picture, which he couldn¡¯t have predicted.


    A minuteter, Kyon calmed down. It was a close call! Too dangerous¡­ Suddenly, he felt a dagger de near his neck and heard an icy cold voice.


    ?You never cease to amaze me, boy. How did you survive the throwing needle attack? And your weapon¡­ Where did you get it?


    Kyon swallowed hard. ¨C ?You¡¯re a thief! I¡­ I will answer all your questions and even show you a better weapon! But let¡¯s talk somewhere else!?


    ?I am not interested.? ¨C She said with icy disdain.


    Kyon was desperate. ¨C ?Wait! I will give you more than Bai! He is your customer, isn¡¯t he? Money is not the issue, you know!?


    ?Prove that you have it.?


    Kyon stiffened. He did not take any money with him, because he was afraid she might rob him again. ¨C ?I don¡¯t have it on me! But I have enough! There were almost two million spheres in the ring. I can get much more! Please, believe me¡­?


    ?I should not have talked with my target¡­ It¡¯s the second time I¡¯ve made an exception for you. And now¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ Goodbye.? ¨C She said coldly and moved her hand.


    Kyon could feel her intention to cut his life short. The core in the soul reacted and released a liquid white light (the shadow of the bright feelings it had umted). The light rushed to the keys, came out of his body with a bright sh that exceeded the sunshine, and lit up the whole busy street.


    Thousands of people experienced extreme physical difort: they heard a terrible ringing in their ears, a nasty itchy feeling in their noses, their bodies went numb, and something caught in their throats. Shocked, they fell to their knees, closed their eyes and covered their ears. Everyone couldn¡¯t help screaming. The scene was terrible and very frightening.


    Meanwhile, the de slid across Kyon¡¯s throat and left a shallow cut. The throw of the needle had been rather weak. The killer had to take into ount the strength of the target¡¯s body. This time she applied a third of her power to cut him down for sure. However, she couldn¡¯t leave but a little bloody trace!


    Before Kyon knew it, he broke out of deadly ws amidst the general dismay and rushed into a desertedne. The scream of the crowd was ringing in his ears. His heart drummed frantically in his chest.


    ?You are full of surprises, boy.? ¨C He heard the spine chilling voice. The girl had appeared at the beginning of thene. She was still rubbing her eyes, but the bright sh had almost no effect on her. But it did surprise her. The strength of Kyon¡¯s neck was even more stunning.


    ?Please¡­? ¨C Kyon reached for the ring to take out the gun, but knew it wouldn¡¯t help him. An attempt to run away would result in a stupid death. He did not want to die at the hands of the hired killer! He had to convince the girl not to kill him.


    Kyon took a deep breath. He had nothing to offer her right now. He had no money on him, and she was not interested in his weapon. He was empty-handed. Except maybe¡­


    ?You know, I can clean the keys¡­? ¨C Kyon said.


    ?Your desire to survive is amazing. It¡¯s a bit strange for a maniac who kills people¡­ But don¡¯t worry, I will try and do everything quickly and painlessly. Close your eyes and rx.? ¨C She slowly approached him, beautiful like a goddess of night and dangerous like a messenger of death. The girl in ck shot him a prating look, ready to rush forward andplete what she had started when she suddenly heard:


    ?Wait.? ¨C asked Kyon. He was forced to use another leverage. He held out his hand. One by one petals of me, cold, water, earth, wind, and electricity appeared on his open palm¡­ They made up a beautiful flower.


    With each next element, the girl was getting more and more amazed. She could feel the vibrations of nine elements emanating from his hand! Was he a heavenly genius? She could bend only four elements, but he had mastered all the nine of them! The appearance of the blue middle left herpletely baffled. The girl couldn¡¯t feel any vibrations from the 10th element. She couldn¡¯t even imagine its nature.


    Kyon closed his hand. ¨C ?I am a rejected son of a goddess and a man. I have a lot of unique skills, including the talent to clean the keys.?


    The shocked girl pinned Kyon with a long silent scrutiny. She recalled his monstrous processing of the information, his body strength, the recent sh, bending nine or ten elements, and his weirdness in general. He must be telling the truth! However, his soul development and hermon sense dered him insane. She refused to believe in his kinship with a goddess!


    ?It must have been some visual trick. Are you messing with me?!? ¨C The girl asked coldly. She hated lies, and she was clearly being duped!


    Kyon sighed when he saw the look of utter incredulity on her face. ¨C ?Tell me¡­ Do you have a key purity checker??


    Her thin brows arched into a frown. ¨C ?What if I do?? ¨C Her whole life was in the ring. There was everything that mighte in handy at least once. Even if she had to leave the kingdom, she would be alright.


    Kyon smiled vaguely. ¨C ?Hail to gherkins! Now tell me honestly¡­ If the chance that I can clean the keys is one in a million, would you spend ten seconds to check if I tell the truth??


    ?Do you want me to check the purity of your keys??


    ?Yes, then my words will make sense, right? Then you will see the result¡­?


    The girl kept silent.


    ?To be more it more interesting, how about this? If you find nothing unusual, you can kill me in the most cruel way.?


    The girl didn¡¯t like where it was going. That¡¯s where the conversation with the target got her. Her uncle always told her never to negotiate, or she would be caught! But she couldn¡¯t help it¡­ She kept giving in to this strange boy.


    Kyon began to worry when he saw her hesitation. ¨C ?As far as I remember, you have ardently desire to get stronger. So, you¡¯ll get ten times closer to your goal when you¡¯re the master of all the elements! Please, listen to the voice of reason. Just check me out! A few seconds of your precious time is worth taking a chance that happens once in a lifetime!?


    The girl hesitated a little and took the device out of her ring.


    Kyon happily took off his shirt, his chest puffed out with pride, his eyes closed. ¨C ?You¡¯ve made the right choice. Starting today, your life will change drastically for the better. And I will get a pretty assistant.?


    ?Another word and¡­? ¨C She threatened him, and Kyon involuntarily flinched at the icy tone of her voice.


    The girl went up to him and put the device to his chest.


    When she took a look at the device, the expression on her face froze. ¨C {You bend the wind?!} ¨C The girl checked the next key, then a few more¡­ Her rose lips parted in disbelief. The boy was the master of all elements! The device must be broken. She had to check the purity of her keys to make sure it worked properly!


    ?How can you prove your skills?? ¨C The girl asked. There was a flicker of interest in her eyes, a desire to get stronger lurked in them¡­ She wanted to believe that he really knew how to clean the keys! Then her life would change significantly, and her talent would be infinitely great!


    ?I need to touch your skin.?


    Her turned inquisitive, her mouth straightened into a hard line.


    ?Well¡­ I can try and do it through your clothes. In this case, the effectiveness will suffer, as well as my well-being.?


    ?Do it then.?


    Kyon touched her clothes in the plexus area and infused the wind key with Synergy of the second degree. Back in the mansion, he tried to reach Dinah¡¯s soul and failed because of her body¡¯s resistance. This girl¡¯s development was much higher, but his Synergy was now at the beginning of the student¡¯s degree¡­


    When he had cleaned the key by 5% (which took about a quarter of a minute), Kyon pretended to feel unwell. He turned pale. Blood streamed from his nose and the corners of his eyes when he fell on his side. He wished the snow queen would catch him with her hands¡­


    When she saw his condition, she was shocked. ¨C ?Are you alive?? ¨C She felt his pulse through the cor of her shirt and frowned. He was getting worse and worse. He was barely alive¡­


    The girl suspiciously checked the purity of her wind key and dropped the device from her hands. She could be as well struck with lightning, so shocking it was. ¨C {It¡¯s impossible! Is he really a son of the goddess?! Did he inherit her gift to change the innate talent?!}


    Each little step on the path to her development took tremendous resources and efforts. And then he appeared out of the blue and improved her cultivation with a single touch!


    5% key cleaning cost more than she could earn in half her life! This talented boy was a real treasure. From now on, he belonged only to her. She had cancelled the order to kill him.


    Kyon felt her gentle hands on his body, and everything whirled at high speed. The pleasant aroma of her body was electric, stimting, enchanting. Kyon felt a surge of relief. She wasn¡¯t going to kill him¡­


    The girl took Kyon to her spacious room on the top floor of a luxury hotel. The atmosphere was pleasing to the eye with the gorgeous interior, perfect lighting, and architectural sophistication in every detail.


    She had good taste. At least she was no crazy-catdy or hoarder.


    About ten minutester, Kyon pretended to wake up.


    The beautiful girl was sitting on the sofa made of leopard skin, her legs elegantly crossed. She was wearing a ck blouse, an alluring short skirt, and tights with a diamond pattern. They were getting all Kyon¡¯s attention, being the highlight of her amazing outfit. Her dark eyes sparkled with curiosity when she looked at Kyon. Her cheek was resting pensively on her little hand.


    ?Our second meeting didn¡¯t go so well.? ¨C Kyon smiled.


    ?I am fine with that. What¡¯s your real name?? ¨C She asked him.


    ?You can call me Kyon. I despise the other one. How can I call you, youngdy??


    ?I am not telling you.?


    ?Then I will call you a little thief.? ¨C Kyon pushed the hair back from his forehead in a charming gesture. ¨C ?Close cooperation requires trust, and you are not going to tell me your name.?


    The girl did not react to his ¡°charming¡± gesture and got to the point. ¨C ?How often can you clean my keys?? ¨C ?I might kick the bucket soon if I keep cleaning your keys through the clothes.?


    The girl narrowed her beautiful eyes, suspecting him of another lie. However, his bloody tears weren¡¯t fake. He must be exaggerating a bit. Anyway, she got the message.


    ?I can do it more often through your skin. Let¡¯s discuss the terms of our cooperation.? ¨C Kyon tried to stand up when he heard her quiet voice.


    ?Sit.?


    ?Why?? ¨C He was surprised but stood anyway. The air mass hit him from the top and crushed him to the floor like a multi-ton boulder.


    ?I told you to sit.? ¨C The girl repeated impassively, looking down at Kyon and swaying the toe of her delicate foot.


    Kyon was taken aback. ¨C ?Uhm¡­ Why are you like this??


    ?I am asking the questions here.?


    ?You? But I provide the service!?


    ?You¡¯re alive because of me.?


    ?I ALMOST DIED because of you!? ¨C Kyon raised his voice.


    ?It¡¯s all the customer¡¯s fault. I just carry out orders and never kill boys for no reason, only for money.?


    ?What does it matter?! Only I can clean your keys. Treat me nice, and I will be kind in return. Let¡¯s team-up. Or do you think that you did me a favor saving my life?!? ¨C Kyon said, outraged.


    ?Exactly, and I¡¯m not going to make excuses. You will do as I say, anyway. It can be the easy way or the hard way. It¡¯s up to you.?


    Her unspeakable arrogance stole the breath from his lungs. In his world, no girl had ever talked to him like this. Kyon was hoping to get a helper or an assistant¡­ This girl was a real shrew! Kyon stood up, and the air stream nailed him to the floor, this time it was even more powerful.


    The girl sighed wearily. It was like handling a naughty dog. ¨C ?I¡¯ll put it differently. I had to kill you today. However, I spared you because you¡¯re more useful alive. Now you owe me your life. When you clean all my keys, I will let you go.?


    Kyonughed evilly. ¨C ?You know, 5% key cleaning pays back a thousandfold the amount your customer promised you. Anyone who wants to get stronger would ept my offer. And you are among them¡­ I don¡¯t owe you a thing. So, ket¡¯s And now we¡¯ll start from the very beginning. I am Kyon Stone who will regrly clean your keys for a fee. I won¡¯t ask you to pay billions of spheres. You will never earn so much¡­ Why are you looking at me like this?? ¨C He frowned at her.


    The girl looked more and more amazed at his words. If she couldugh, the whole neighborhood would hear her loudughter. This boy had a nerve! She had never met anyone like him! Thousands of men dreamed to please her, and this crazy psycho imagined that he was in a position to set his conditions. He even thought of making her his helper! He must be delirious, little naive puppy.


    ?You¡¯re funny. I am not the kind of girl who gives in to the boys like you.?


    ?The boys like me?? ¨C Kyon said in a quiet surprised voice. She had challenged his self-esteem, and he wanted to blow a gasket. How could she underestimate him? After everything she had seen?!


    ?I get it¡­ The hard way it is.? ¨C She elegantly rose from the couch and approached Kyon.


    ?What are you going to do??


    Without saying a word, the girl put on delicate leather gloves with an elegant gesture, grabbed Kyon by the jaw, squeezed it till he opened his mouth. She made him swallow a sleeping pill. Then she carefully tied his hands behind his back with a strong rope.


    She threw him in the corner of the room as if he was a bag of hay.


    ?You¡¯re fucking kidding me¡­? ¨C Kyon whispered. He pretended to fall asleep and even banged his forehead against the wall. He was shaking with anger. This beautiful girl was too unyielding!

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214


    The girl in ck made sure that the hostage was fast asleep, took out her sound transmitter and dialed a frequency. ¨C ?Uncle Leon!? ¨C She said, a re of emotion and unconcealed affection in her voice.


    ?My baby owl! How are things with you? Are you done with the task??


    ?Sort of¡­ Hard to say.?


    ?Don¡¯t tell me if you don¡¯t want to. I respect your personal space.? ¨C The man¡¯s voice said kindly.


    ?Thank you, uncle. I need help.?


    ?Anything, the moon of my life.?


    ?I need a totally isted room with the level of protection enough to keep a second, no a third phaser¡­ I also need a formation to block the elements.?


    ?No problem. You will have everything in the morning. Which elements need to be blocked??


    ?I don¡¯t know¡­ Make it all nine.?


    ?I see. You have a hostage¡­?


    ?Kind of.?


    ?He-he, you¡¯re growing so fast. You should have brought them to the base. We have a ward and a lock-up.?


    ?No, the base won¡¯t do¡­?


    ?Alright, then. Anything else I can do??


    ?Hmm¡­ Do you have the purity checker? Don¡¯t ask¡­?


    Uncleughed. ¨C ?Come and take it.?


    ?I am kind of busy here. Tell Alex to bring it here.?


    A few minutester, she finished the call.


    From their conversation, Kyon concluded that uncle Leon and the girl were strongly attached. However¡­ She didn¡¯t mention Kyon¡¯s talent to clean the keys. Why wouldn¡¯t she? And the man seemed to be overusing endearing names. Had he forgotten his niece¡¯s name?


    The girly down and began reading a book. She didn¡¯t have to worry about Kyon. The sleeping pill was too strong, so he would wake up only tomorrow afternoon, already in jail. She had her own ideas on how to make him obey.


    Fifteen minutester, a servant knocked on the door and announced that someone was waiting for thedy downstairs.


    The girl nodded. She lingered at the door, suspecting something but then left the room. Apparently, Alex had something to tell her.


    At the right moment, Kyon opened his eyes and quickly ran to the door. Damn, it was locked! A lockpick or using force wouldn¡¯t help. The door opened with a special formation.


    {What can I do?} ¨C Kyon looked at the window. He opened it with a single kick and jumped out without much thought. It happened to be the fourth floor, but it didn¡¯t matter! Parkour would alwayse in handy!


    Kyon rolled over the hard surface and fled into the darkness.


    ¡­


    The girl came downstairs and didn¡¯t find Alex there. No one had seen him at the reception, and no one had sent a servant to deliver the message.


    She had a bad feeling about this and hurried back only to find that the hostage was gone!


    {It¡¯s impossible! How did he do it?!} ¨C The draft from the window told her everything. The smart ass had mysteriously found out his location and got in touch with his man¡­ Then he used a distracting maneuver, neutralized the effect of the sleeping pill (his bloodline must have helped), and jumped out!


    Her deathly aura spread in all directions. The hotel guests could feel indescribable horror even two rooms away. They were frightened to the point of copse.


    Men in ck suits gathered at the door to her room. They had felt the specific aura and knew at once that theirdy was angry. They immediately arrived to take care of things.


    ¡­


    Kyon had run about a mile away. The moment he slowed down, he suddenly noticed via his birds about twenty ck shadows catching up with him.


    {Damn!} ¨C The killers had mingled with the residents so well that Kyon failed to recognize the ck Queen¡¯s aplices in them. He was hoping that there was nobody in the area or there was no chance to escape.


    The next instant, the shadows scattered across the dark alleys, giving way to their leader. It was the lull before the storm. A momentter, the powerful deathly aura enveloped Kyon. Somebody grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and pped him on the face.


    ?Who let you run away, brat?!? ¨C The beautiful girl materialized out of nowhere. Her fierce face shouted danger. Light smoldered in her beautiful blue eyes that pierced right through him.


    ?Are you stupid?! Do I need approval do save my own ass?!? ¨C Kyon sounded exasperated.


    ?Don¡¯t you ever talk to me like this.?


    She sounded surprisingly calm and quiet, but her words carried such a clear threat that Kyon felt ufortable. Even he shouldn¡¯t go too far with the ck Queen.


    The girl noticed a change in his eyes, and her icy gaze warmed up a bit. She blindfolded and gagged Kyon. Then she took him, or rather dragged him, tied up and growling somewhere only she knew.


    The killers, who had been watching from the shadows, were shocked. Their leader had never been in this close contact with anyone other than her uncle! Who was this boy who deserved attention from their unapproachabledy? Why hadn¡¯t she killed him yet?


    Time was passing by.


    Kyon saw the light of the next day. He was in a dark room that looked like a prison cell. There was only a bed and a toilet inside. Thick bars made up one of the walls. They opened with a special formation. There was a small barred window in the next wall.


    ?You will stay here until you clean all my keys.? ¨C The girl said and elegantly tossed her jet-ck hair across her shoulders. ¨C ?I will leave you without food and water for two days. It must motivate you. Your attempt to escape has left you with a bed as hard as stone. However, you can make amends by cleaning my key on your own free will. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get out of here.?


    ?Take off your blouse.? ¨C Kyon said firmly, giving her a prating look.


    ?So, you clean my key on your free will? You are more obedient than you seem¡­?


    ?Yeah¡­ I am as meek as amb. Remember, I am doing it once. Then you can discard me as unnecessary, or treat me like equal.?


    The girl rolled her eyes.


    ?Take off your blouse.? ¨C Kyon said again.


    ?I won¡¯t.?


    {She is such a prude! She didn¡¯t let me touch her once.} ¨C ?Alright then.? ¨C Kyon nodded and turned his back on her. The girl untied the ropes, and he touched her plexus, infusing it with Synergy for a quarter of a minute.


    The girl felt a slight tingling sensation. After the procedure, she checked the purity of her wind key and sighed shakily. It was cleaner by another 5%! Nevertheless, her face remained indifferent, despite the delightful sensations.


    Kyon copsed, interrupting the moment of her bliss.


    The girl stopped him from falling, startled.The bleeding boy was as pale as chalk. He seemed to be dying.


    ?Are you alive?!? ¨C She put her ear to his chest, horrified. His heart wasn¡¯t beating!


    ?No, don¡¯t die!? ¨C She refused his heart with pure energy, making it contract. ¨C ?Please, live! You have to!?


    Then she listened to his heartbeat again and sighed in relief. He was alive! Suddenly, she noticed he wasn¡¯t breathing, and her heart missed a beat. She had to do something, now!


    The girl put on thin gloves, opened Kyon¡¯s mouth and made him breathe deeply with the help of the wind element.


    {She is a total touch-me-not.} ¨C Kyon marvelled once again. Anyway, he got what he wanted. She wouldn¡¯t demand cleaning through her clothes next time. She would have to endure his ¡°nasty¡± fingers on her body endure, bitch.


    A couple of hourster, Kyon ¡°woke up.¡±


    The girl entered his cell with a tray in her hand. She had brought some sweet buns, meat stew and tea. ¨C ?You¡¯re too weak. Have something to eat.?


    Kyon touched the cor on his neck and looked impassively at his ¡°jailer¡±.


    ?I had to block your elements¡­ to prevent your escape.?


    Kyon snorted. He hit the tray and proudly turned away.


    The girl watched the stew spread across the floor and felt a pang of guilt. It was weird. She had almost forgotten this unpleasant feeling¡­ For some reason, it felt wrong to give this handsome, stubborn boy a hard time. He had nearly died four times because of her, and now he was locked up, starving.


    {I don¡¯t have to worry about small things on the way to my revenge.} ¨C The girl thought stubbornly, her eyes filled with cold determination. Then she left the room. Let him suffer. Time will make him bow his head and obey¡­


    Meanwhile, the twilight stole away the colors of the day.


    Kyon was watching the clouds fly above him through the small hole in the metal cage. He was in a lonely house on the outskirts of Boston, within the city walls. The territory is small. Ten aplices of the ck Queen were guarding him. The professional killers moved silently, but not enough for Kyon¡¯s upgraded ears.


    Judging by the girl¡¯s conversation with Leon at the hotel, she was keeping Kyon away from her organization and the base. She decided to keep him for herself. The absence of people in the house only confirmed his guess.


    {What am I going to do? What options do I have?} ¨C Kyon wondered.


    He couldn¡¯t break the cor. It was too strong. Moreover, the formation blocked all his elements, and he couldn¡¯t contact anyone. Synergy failed to remove the formation, it contained too dense energy. It was pointless to try and convince the stubborn girl. The ¡°strike¡± could drag on for many weeks, if not months. It would ruin his peculiar rtions with the noirette. Heaven forbid it woulde to tortures¡­ Kyon would be bitterly disappointed in her. He would seek revenge after that. And it was too little time left before the tournament¡­ He had to get out of there ASAP!


    Kyon had been racking his brains until midnight when suddenly he had a nice idea.


    He came up to the bars and sank his teeth into it.


    ~tin cry~


    {Iron Maiden, mamma mia! It time to go on a metal diet!} ¨C Kyon was amazed at the unimaginable power of his jaws. The body of the void had overdeveloped his head! The teeth and muscle strength went far beyond normal.


    His heart began to beat faster. He went to the tiny window and bit the way out in a minute. Then, he used his upgraded ears to know his way around and determine the guards¡¯ whereabouts.


    Soon he arrived at the dwarves¡¯ territory, and they removed his freaking cor.


    ¡­


    ?A letter to you, mydy¡­? ¨C A man in the ck suit said, bowing to the leader.


    The girl in ck took the note and inspected it quickly. There was nothing but a sound transmitter frequency. Her thin brows pulled together. She sent the messenger away and called the indicated frequency. ¨C {Who is messing with me? Who has the guts?}

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215


    Kyon answered the call in a mock-serious voice:


    ?The Lost and Found Boys office is to your service, ma¡¯am.?


    He could hear someone gasp down the line, then a gust of whooshing wind, and a little cry that sounded sweet and pleasant for Kyon¡¯s ears. The little thief seemed to have lost something valuable.


    ?You¡­ Come back¡­ At once!?


    Kyonughed so hard that his eyes started overflowing with tears. The feeling ofplete safety and the girl¡¯s reaction brought him pure joy.


    The shocked girl was in despair. How did he escape? How did he destroy the strong cage and pass her faithful guards?! Was his mother the goddess of escape?! It was unthinkable! She was shaking in a fit of rage. Hisughter only fueled her anger!


    When his excitement calmed down and finally subsided, Kyon asked: ¨C ?Do you want me back??


    ?Yes! Do not make me mad! I can be scary when I get angry¡­ Be a good boy ande back right away!?


    ?I am not the kind of boy who gives in to the girls like you.?


    She tried to swallow, but her mouth had gone dry. When she said these words, she did not think about his feelings at all. For the first time, the meaning of her phrase came home to her, giving her severe difort in her chest that followed by rage.


    ?Think about what I said.? ¨C Kyon added and cut the connection. The happy inspiration seized him because he highly appreciated this girl, mainly because of her inessibility and unique beauty.


    The sound transmitter rang unceasingly.


    He thought what to do next. He could easily destroy Kyon¡¯s identity, forget about the Stones and the little thief, and concentrate on the investigator¡¯s career. The power and influence would provide him necessary for his body resources. However, he had to be Kyon in the tournament of the families.


    Glory to cold rationalism! Screw them all! But Kyon couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the dangerous snow queen. If he managed to recruit her, the powerful, influential assassin organization would be under his control. The stubborn girl was unlikely to give in, though¡­ It would be sad to leave her until better times. Anyway, he could always call and talk with her.


    Next morning, Kyon answered his sound transmitter.


    ?Kyon,e back, please!?


    ?You said you¡¯re scary when you get angry. I am afraid of you.? ¨C Kyon said with mock fear.


    ?Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t punish you when you¡¯re back! Quite the opposite. I¡¯ll be more polite¡­ More careful¡­ Please¡­?


    {Didn¡¯t she recognize my sarcasm? Unbelievable! Does she always have to underestimate me?} ¨C Kyon¡¯s voice had gained confidence. ¨C ?I can assure you I am a free spirit. And I am not going back to prison, that¡¯s why I am afraid I won¡¯t be seeing you for a couple of next years.?


    ?Wait! Don¡¯t hang up¡­ I am sorry. I was too hard on you. Let¡¯s meet and have a talk??


    Her sweet, imploring voice could break the will of any boy, even of an experienced man. Anyone would love to please her, to make her happy¡­ However, her little trick did not work on Kyon.


    ?Do you promise not to lock me up?? ¨C He asked.


    ?¡­?


    ?I see¡­?


    ?Wait! I do¡­ I promise.?


    ?What do you promise? Do you promise not to lock me up??


    ?¡­?


    ?Are you messing with me? Say it already!?


    ?¡­? ¨C He could hear only her hesitant sighs.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t understand why she reacted like this. It would be easier for her just to tell a lie and get over with it. Suddenly, he had a eureka moment concerning the girl¡¯s true nature. ¨C ?Tell me about the day when you lied to the prince about the coniferous poison. He thought he had a bomb in his boxers because of you. Did you feel guilty for your dirty lies??


    ?I never lied to him!? ¨C The girl sounded really exasperated. ¨C ?It was a joke¡­ It¡¯s not my fault that he is a rare fool. Anyway, why are we talking about him? It¡¯s all about you¡­ Come back, please¡­ I don¡¯t want to search the whole city for you¡­?


    Kyon¡¯s eyebrows crawled up his forehead. Back in the library, the girl¡¯s reaction to the statement that he knew the entire historical section by heart was exaggerated. Anyone else would haveughed or just ignored what he had said. Kyon remembered her say, ¡°I will have to punish you for your dirty lies.¡± Does it mean that she hated liars, that she avoided lies by all means? It was quite likely. The situation with the prince was pretty transparent. What killer in their right mind would use poison that took 20 minutes to exert its effect?


    ?Have you ever told anyone about my talent??


    ?No, never¡­?


    Kyon drummed his fingers on his knee, deep in thought. ¨C ?Hmm¡­ I can meet you tonight at 9 o¡¯clock but with one condition. You have to promise four things.?


    ?What things?? ¨C She asked at once.


    Her question had definitely confirmed Kyon¡¯s guess. ¨C ?First, you won¡¯t have anyone to help you when we coborate. Second, you will never be aggressive towards me. Third, no one will ever learn from you about my talent. And fourth, you will take the terms of the deal serious and try to reach apromise. Can you promise me these four things??


    ?Okay. I promise.?


    ?Great. Now swear you do.?


    ?Why?! I¡¯ve already said I promise!?


    Kyonughed. ¨C ?I don¡¯t trust any words spoken in haste. Swear by uncle Leon that you promise these four things¡­ Then will I think about meeting with you.?


    ?Never! Are you crazy?! How do you know his name?!.. You weren¡¯t sleeping, were you?! I should have been more careful¡­ Jerk!? ¨C She sounded really exasperated. He had read her like an open book and was taking advantage of her weakness!


    ?I give you three hours to think. If you say no, you can forget about the cleaning forever.? ¨C Kyon ended the call and stretched himself.


    People¡¯s convictions are their major weakness. Living without them would be simple, but it would make you no different than an animal.


    Three hours had passed.


    Kyon answered the call. ¨C ?What¡¯s your decision??


    The girl down the line was restless. Like a true professional in her field, she had dug into her target¡¯s past and found out that he was a homeless orphan without a job. The elder who had hired her said that the boy had appeared in the family all of a sudden as if he had fallen from heaven (another confirmation of his divine origin). It all means, she had no leverage on him. All her influence, wouldn¡¯t help her find him. Her aplices had never seen the boy, and she didn¡¯t want to waste her precious time to search for him all around. Today¡¯s meeting was herst chance. She would have to make a promise and keep it.


    ?I promise.? ¨C She said in a humble soft voice.


    ?Alright. And now swear you do¡­? ¨C He also made her swear that she hadn¡¯t told anyone about his talent until now.


    She swore an oath promising to do everything he wanted. Judging by her intonation, the girl really had an unusual character trait. Unless he was mistaken, and she had outstanding acting skills, which he had never noticed in her before.


    ?I ept your oath. Wait for my instructions.? ¨C He was nning to meet up with her at the library in the evening.


    Until then, Kyon decided to find out the origin of the bright sh that came out of his body at the most dangerous moment in his life.


    He reached out to his unique body and felt the bright part of the nucleus rejoice the acquired skill like a small child who had learned something new.


    He gave a mentalmand to the nucleus of his unique body to demonstrate the skill, and another blinding sh of daylight came out of his body (or rather the keys of his body).


    {¡­}


    The body of the void sent him an overall feeling of tiredness. Hecked the energy and had to recharge.


    An hourter, Kyon received a response from his body and knew that he could use the sh again! It took the body 60 minutes to recharge!


    He kept carrying out the experiments every hour until the evening.


    Kyon¡¯s subordinatesined the sh kept them panic-stricken. All their feelings seemed to explode, causing unbearable difort and pain.


    Kyon figured out that the sh of light wasn¡¯t electromaic radiation but a concentrated attribute of light. When it prated others, it overloaded all their senses to the limit. Something simr happened with Tsayan at the party when Kyon infused his plexus with the light element.


    Kyon assumed that this sh could also neutralize the techniques based on the dark element.


    To sum it up: the sh of light takes an hour to recharge. It can leave the enemy stunned for a while. A convenient distraction!


    There must also be a sh of darkness¡­ But his soul didn¡¯t respond. Apparently, he had to activate it so that the nucleus ¡°learned¡± to use it. It was really messed up¡­


    ¡­


    At half-past eight, Kyon called the girl and told her the meeting ce, the main Boston library.


    Ten minutester, she arrived at the appointed ce. She quickly went upstairs. However, before she reached the top floor, she saw Kyon. He was sitting at the reading table, his back turned to her, leafing through a book.


    The girl walked around him and stepped unexpectedly out of invisibility to catch him by surprise. ¨C ?You used a dirty trick, nasty boy!? ¨C Her smile vanished, wiped away by astonishment. The usually self-confident boy now looked terribly scared.


    ?Are you afraid of me?!? ¨C She seemed to have lost her enthusiasm. His unexpected reaction left her disappointed.


    ?Miss¡­? ¨C The boy mumbled, turning deadly pale.


    The girl frowned and asked coldly:


    ?Who are you??


    She heard Kyon¡¯s voice behind her. ¨C ?Just a test in case you have trouble keeping promises.?


    The girl opened her mouth in surprise, looking at the two boys in turns. They look like identical twins! Only their voices and characters were different.


    The fake Kyon took the mask off his face and pulled off the wig. Then he hurried to leave the library, his legs failing him.


    Kyon paid no attention to the little thief¡¯s reaction. He entered the elite library section and showed his token to the guard. He had arranged the final test to protect himself as much as possible. If the girl became aggressive towards his subordinate, he wouldn¡¯t have appeared at all. However, judging by her reaction and words, she was willing to keep vows and cooperate with him. It was time for negotiations.


    The girl followed him like a shadow. She looked at Kyon in the back and marveled at his mysterious ways. Her opinion of him had changed. This boy pulled tricks that made her ufortable. Were all the goddess¡¯s kids so special?

 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216


    There was no one in the elite library section. Kyon took a seat at the reading table. ¨C ?So, I am offering you a key cleaning service. Here¡¯s an example for you to see the value of my work. The tournament of empires is the most significant regr event in human history. The best of the best are selected in the seven empires, those who spend their whole lives training¡­ They will fight until the end to win first prize and glorify their empire. Goddess Danna rewards the one who takes the first ce with no more than 30 percent key cleaning¡­ I am going to clean all your nine keyspletely, it¡¯s about five hundred percent, which exceeds more than ten times the goddess¡¯s main prize at the great tournament of empires. What can you offer me of equal value?? ¨C He could hardly hold back a smile at her charming reaction of the girl.


    He had offered her the maximum level of cleaning to gain achieve more benefits in the negotiations. Besides, he had ns for her power that would be equal to his.


    Her beautiful, perfectly lined lips trembled with rage. The jerk was messing with her! She could never pay him back if he was talking about the price of his cleaning.


    ?Once you mentioned that you wouldn¡¯t take money for cleaning. I can offer you protection from the killers guild, some battle techniques, and the chance to spend time with me.?


    Kyon felt a gurgle ofughter welling up inside him. ¨C ?It¡¯s a great honor, indeed¡­ To spend time with you¡­ It changes everything!?


    The girl suddenly had an urge to grab the lousy negotiator and throw him to jail. It would shut him up! However, she had sworn by the dearest to her heart, her uncle. She couldn¡¯t go to extremes or be aggressive towards him.


    Kyon stopped fooling around and looked seriously at the beautiful girl. ¨C ?You will be my personal guard for the next five years. You will kill those I tell you to kill. Your guild will strictly obey my orders. Also, you will return the contents of the ring that you stole in the library. It¡¯s my condition!?


    Her breath caught in her throat. She rose abruptly from her seat and banged the table with her fists. ¨C ?Bullshit! I¡¯ve never heard such ridiculous nonsense! I¡¯m not going to obey orders! Especially if theye from a maniac whose ce is in a rotten dungeon!?


    They looked each other in the eye across a sudden ringing silence, and both could effortlessly hold each other¡¯s stare.


    The girl¡¯s rapid breathing gradually returned to normal. She returned to her seat, giving Kyon a look that should incinerate him on the spot. No one in their right mind would offer this to her. Wasn¡¯t he a bit too arrogant? He must be out of his mind even thinking she might ept his condition. How could he feel safe around her, anyway? He knew too well who she was! If he wasn¡¯t so valuable to her, she would have done away with him long ago and walked away.


    ?Alright, I¡¯ll cut you a deal. Let¡¯s make it four years as my personal guard.? ¨C Kyon said impassively.


    ?I am not going to serve you. Do you understand??


    It would hurt her self-respect to be his servant. This boy had an overdeveloped sense of self-importance. She would never obey anyone! Quite the opposite, several hundred people followed her as their leader, honoring and respecting her. Her aplices always chose their words well and brought her only good tidings.


    ?If you do not like my condition, offer yours. I might ept if it suits me fine¡­?


    There was another long silence.


    Kyon could feel her strong reluctance to reckon with him. She wanted to do things her way, giving nothing in return. What a selfish, arrogant, and determined little thief! If she wanted to have her keys cleaned, if she didn¡¯t want to let him go, she would have to offer him decent conditions!


    ?What about beautiful girls?? ¨C She finally said, looking him straight in the eye.


    ?Do you want to pay me with your ves? Forget it.? ¨C Kyon shrugged it off indifferently. He knew too well that she would be disappointed in him, had he answered differently.


    ?Aren¡¯t you interested in ve girls?!?


    ?I already have one. But that¡¯s not the point.?


    ?Maybe, you prefer boys.? ¨C She said without thinking. For some unknown reason, he could remain cool and keep his calm around her. Any boy of his age would already feel nervous and look away, even not knowing who she was.


    Kyon¡¯s gaze went to her mouth-watering boobs, but he had to look away at once. For a moment, the room filled with icy-cold deathly aura. It was like he was about to die from a deep cut in his neck. Anyway, the little thief would have no doubts now about his orientation.


    A couple of silent minutes dragged by:


    ?Here is my offer: you swear that you won¡¯t tell anyone about me, about my past, you won¡¯t do anything against me at all. You will make me the master of all the elements as quickly as possible, without ridiculous pretense or excuses. In my turn, I will swear by my uncle that I will protect you one year long. I won¡¯t work for you. More than that, I am not going to obey any of your orders what go against my will. I will only follow you and protect you in case of mortal danger.?


    Kyonughed at her insolence. ¨C ?It¡¯s too vague! You can me me for no reason, and it will be good enough for you not to keep your promise!?


    The girl released dense, cold aura that cut to the bone. ¨C ?How can I unjustifiably me you if I swear by my uncle? Think before you speak!?


    Kyon wondered. Indeed, given her principles, if he didn¡¯t y games, dying the time of key cleaning under stupid pretexts, if he didn¡¯t do anything against her (something he wasn¡¯t interested in), she couldn¡¯t me him for anything. She would have to keep her oath as should be. Kyon became convinced once again that this girl was a very cautious person who would find any breaches of the agreement.


    ?Suppose I¡¯m ready to make a promise but for one miserable year? Really?! No way! My offer is four years of your service and the contents of the ring.?


    ?Four years¡­ It¡¯s too long¡­? ¨C Her voice sounded strained. The girl curled her hands into fists, her re burned through him


    How could she give away four years of her life to him? It was out of the question! He was asking too much! His condition was too categorical¡­ One year should be more than enough for him¡­


    After another moment of silence, the girl said:


    ?Two years it is, then¡­ And not a single day more.?


    A frown crossed Kyon¡¯s face. The tone of her voice and the expression of her face told him that she wouldn¡¯t give in any more. Time was the most precious resource for her. Even if his service was millions of times more expensive, he would never sell it without dire consequences for his life or his freedom. Two years with her powerful protection would be enough for him to be stronger with minimal risks, and rise to the imperial investigator. Then he would have a personal army for any purpose. Moreover, this time would be enough to attach her emotionally to himself. She would stick to him like glue! And yet, he wasn¡¯t satisfied. His service was priceless! He had to ask for more.


    ?Two years of being my guard, the contents of the ring you stole in the library, and ten million spheres in advance.?


    She gasped and rose from her chair. ¨C ?Ten million spheres in advance?! You told me that you wouldn¡¯t charge me! What if you run off?!?


    ?I told you that I would not charge billions. Ten million spheres is worth two years, isn¡¯t it? You can buy your time! Or you can go to the tournament of empires, take the first ce and get your keys cleaned by the goddess herself¡­ Oh, it will be only thirty percent. Good luck, anyway!?


    Her face radiated killing intent. Her gaze could burn a hole in a weak-minded person. But Kyon was as calm as a metal wall.


    ?It¡¯s a deal¡­ I will give you the money and the ring when the job is done. I don¡¯t trust you. It won¡¯t take more than a week, anyway. You can wait.? ¨C The girl said adamantly.


    The atmosphere was extremely tense. Kyon drummed his fingers on the table. He could stand his ground, but was it really worth it? He could wait for a week if she kept her promise. If she nned to break the oath, which he strongly doubted, then what is the difference if she paid in advance or not? She could always take all his money sooner orter. However, something unexpected could always happen, so Kyon decided to do it another way.


    ?If you are afraid that I will run off, pay me one tenth of the total amount every time I do one tenth of the total cleaning.?


    The girl hesitated a little, then she nodded.


    ?Great.? ¨C Kyon nodded and gave her his word not to tell anyone about her, not to do anything against her, and finish the cleaning as quickly as possible.


    The girl breathed a sigh of relief, and after a little hesitation, she said:


    ?I swear by my uncle Leon that I will protect you for exactly two years, and return the contents of the ring that I stole in the library when you make me the master of all the elements. I will also pay you one million for every one tenth of the cleaning.?


    Kyon broke into a smile and showed her the nephrite. ¨C ?I have our oaths recorded. Let¡¯s seal the deal!? ¨C He held out his hand.


    She gracefully put on a thin leather glove and shook his hand. ¨C ?When will you start??


    ?Follow me.?


    Time to make promises and deals was over. It was time to get down to business.


    ¡­


    Kyon left the library, took his horse, and headed for his subordinate¡¯s house. The girl went invisible didn¡¯t show any signs of presence.


    Soon, he arrived at the ce and left the door wide open. It mmed o its own.


    ?It smells like grass in here.? ¨C She said in a cold voice, materializing out of nothing.


    ?A friend gave me an air freshener ¡°The Goat Paradise.¡± Do you like it??


    ?It¡¯s not funny.?


    Kyon pointed to the bed and said:


    ?Take off your clothes and get into bed.?


    The girl narrowed her eyes suspiciously.


    Kyon hurried to put it another way. ¨C ?Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re not the first to hear this phrase, and everyone was satisfied with results.? ¨C He gave her a conspiratorial wink.


    ?Stop fooling around!? ¨C The girl sounded exasperated. If she didn¡¯t feel his yful mood that turned his words into a ¡°joke,¡± she might consider them a ¡°lie¡± and severely punish him.


    She raised her blouse, exposing her t toned tummy. She didn¡¯t dare to demand the key cleaning through the clothes. What if he really died? And yet, after the terrible events in the past, not a single man had ever touched her¡­


    ?Get started. Take the key of the pure force first. Try to do as quickly as possible.?


    Kyon shrugged. ¨C ?It took me a bit more than at once to clean the key by five percent. Now I¡¯m going to clean the key even more. You¡¯ll have to be patient.?


    The girl did not see any evil intent in his eyes and nodded.


    ?Can you lie down??


    ?No.?


    ?As you wish.? ¨C Kyon came closer to the unapproachable girl, whose cold beauty was like the winter dawn, appealing to his sense of beauty. Her iparable scent crept into his soul, sending chills all over the body. He put his finger in her navel. Her pale skin looked stunning, but it felt even more amazing, so delicate and tender like a petal of a marvelous rose¡­


    The girl visibly tensed at the touch. She stretched her body and winced a bit. Dangerous lights shed in her eyes, her face turned marble white. She started emanating a gloomy aura that took away a desire to live.


    ?Will you stop overreacting? I am not a slug!?


    ?You¡¯re even worse¡­Get it over with, maniac!?


    Kyon¡¯s finger traced her navel in slow circles.


    ?You¡¯re driving me crazy on purpose, aren¡¯t you?!? ¨C The girl got angry and squeezed his wrist hard.


    ?Your body resists too much. Circr movements help to weaken your defense. Let go of my hand.? ¨C Kyon said seriously, his gaze extremely focused.


    She hesitated but let go of his hand, trying to put up with her inner sensations.


    A minute had passed.


    The girl was a bundle of nerves, she could no longer endure this torture and wanted to push away the nasty boy as soon as possible¡­ But all of a sudden, he pulled away himself, breathing heavily.


    ?It¡¯s done¡­ Come in six hours¡­? ¨C He said, catching his breath. He had spent 90% of Synergy on the key cleaning. It would take some time to recover.


    The girl took out the purity checker and, in a moment, cried out, shocked and delighted at once. ¨C ?Wow! It¡¯s thirty percent cleaner! Unbelievable! So much!?


    She nced at him before leaving, her face somewhat kinder this time. Then she disappeared. The door opened and closed. The little thief left the house, leaving behind her amazing scent.


    ?She might have thanked me.? ¨C Kyon grumbled but didn¡¯t rx. He knew the mysterious girl well enough to suspect that she could have stayed to check on him. After a while, her smell confirmed his guess. If his breathing had immediately returned to normal, then all his previous fainting and nearly dying would have turned against him.


    The girl¡¯s excessive caution and mistrust gave him this sort of idea. He also remembered it was nearly impossible to convince her that he could clean the keys, a talent that saved his life in the end. In the future, he should be more careful without using intuition.


    The girl failed to catch him cheating. Her intuition kept whispering that he was scheming, but she never found any evidence.


    It waste in the night. Kyon looked really tired. Hey down, yawned and pretended to fall asleep.


    A minuteter, the door quietly opened and closed. Now the little thief had gone.

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217


    Six hourster, Kyon woke up because someone was shaking him violently by the shoulder.


    ?Wake up. It¡¯s time to perform your duty.?


    ?The conjugal duty??


    ?Dream on.? ¨C The girl impatiently lifted her blouse, exposing her snow-white tummy. ¨C ?Quick! I don¡¯t have much time.?


    ?What keeps you busy at 3 a.m.??


    ?A pillow and a nket.?


    ?Fair enough.? ¨C Kyon nodded. He put his finger in her belly button and started the key cleaning. He was almost there.


    When hepleted 99%, Kyon released Synergy with extreme caution, trying not to touch the girl¡¯s soul. He would hardly survive the heavy burden of her developed soul. As soon as he reached thest fragment of the channel, some unknown power pulled Synergy into her soul.


    ~Whoosh~


    A blue sh lit up the whole building.


    ¡­


    Time stood still for Kyon¡­ Then everything blurred into a shimmering blue fog. An instant or an eternityter, he could discern the sound of countless footsteps. He struggled to open his eyes and found himself in a spacious building that looked like a pce with a rich interior, luxury crystal chandeliers, expensive soft carpets. A floor-to-ceiling silver mirror drew his attention. It upied the whole wall. He also noticed gs with the emblem of¡­ the Weber family. Servants in smart uniforms were scurrying around.


    {Fuck!} ¨C Kyon cursed, biting his lip. He didn¡¯t know that it was impossible to clean the hundredth percent of the key (channel) without touching the soul. There was nothing he could do. He had no game n. He¡¯d have to improvise.


    Kyon calmed down and began to think soberly and rationally. ¨C {So¡­ The situation looks like the previous one: a total absence of development and Synergy. I still have the things I had at the moment of getting into this illusion. The only thing of value is the gun in the ring. But I can¡¯t take it out without someone¡¯s help..}


    Kyon looked around, studying people. ¨C {Apparently, I am in their of the ex-family number one in Rosarrio empire, the Webers. Servants are unlikely to bother me. They would never suspect that an uninvited guest could get inside. I must act decisively¡­}


    He came up to the nearest three servants. The first helped him to take out the gun. The second told him the date, and the third let him know the exact location of the mansion.


    He happened to be back in time, a decade ago!


    {Damn it! Am I going to be a witness of the elimination of the whole Weber family?!} ¨C Just the thought of it made Kyon¡¯s hair stood up on the back of his head. The idea of what would happen if he died in this illusory little world struck a chill into his heart.


    ?Leon, where are you taking me?! What happened!??


    A tall, handsome man with strong facial features, dressed in elegant clothes, led a little girl by the hand. The ck-haired beauty looked about ten years old.


    ?I don¡¯t have time to talk!? ¨C The man said sternly.


    The girl was about to cry. Tears welled up her eyes. ¨C ?You¡¯re scaring me, uncle! Tell me, what¡¯s going on? Why are you being so rude?! I want to daddy¡­?


    Kyon came back to his senses. ¨C {If tragedy is inevitable, the uncle is trying to save the girl in some kind of shelter¡­ I must follow them!} ¨C An ominous feeling overcame him, a keen sense of impending danger. He ran after the girl and her uncle.


    When they turned into the corridor, Kyon almost caught up with them and said loudly:


    ?Sir¡­? ¨C At this very moment, Kyon felt immense pressure crushing him as if a many-ton anvil had fallen on his head. Everything went dark, blood flowed from his ears and nose. There was a weird metallic taste in his mouth.


    The girl screamed shrilly. Leon closed her mouth, grabbed her by her side and disappeared at an insane speed.


    It took Kyon some time to recover. A hammering in his head didn¡¯t stop, his eyes were bloodshot. He could have been instantly killed. Leon wasn¡¯t inclined to talk with anyone. He was about to finish him off, but for some reason, he didn¡¯t. What a cruel, cold-blooded bastard! He might have taken Kyon with them!


    Kyon hobbled to the hall and hid, expecting the inevitable.


    A tall, handsome man entered the hall. A thirteen-year-old boy followed him. They resembled the girl a lot, which suggested the idea they all were closely rted. The man and the boy smiled happily, carrying on an animated conversation.


    The hordes of servants took a humble position, greeting their masters.


    ?Rafael, stop bickering! The red dragon saber will be only yours!?


    ?But dad, hundreds of families will fight for it at the auction! It¡¯s too expensive! I don¡¯t deserve to have it! Let the Valentines take it! Or The Steins¡­?


    ?Believe me, you deserve it! You are a born sabrist. Only master Yan can fight you on equal terms! Mother would admire you, and I¡¯m so proud of you! If you still think you don¡¯t deserve it, consider my gift as an investment in the future. You will pay off your debt when you are the leader of the younger generation in the empire.?


    The boy grumbled. ¨C ?You¡¯re a madman, dad!?


    Suddenly, a powerful pressure wave swept over the hall. The front door was knocked down. The dead guards flew inside together with the door. A group of people in frightening ck masks burst into the room, brandishing swords made of noble metal. Before the servants knew it, they all dropped headless. Blood squirted on the floor. Horror reigned. The scene was total chaos.


    The patriarch furiously stamped his foot on the floor, sending cracks all around, and roared:


    ?How dare you break into my house?! Who you are?!? ¨C With these words, he drew arge sword and attacked.


    A sparkling arch of enormous power headed for the intruders.


    The masked people held out their hands all at once, creating a powerful barrier.


    ~BAM~


    The impact of the collision shattered the windows. The barrier cracked.


    The man seized the moment, grabbed pale Rafael by the side and rushed to the shelter. However, dozens of people in ck had already invaded the hall, cutting off their retreat.


    ?If you want me to fight you, I will! But let my son go! Be decent!? ¨C His roaring voice sounded imploring.


    Three uninvited guests with a particrly impressive aura stepped out. They left a high-speed motion blur and aimed their weapons at the boy.


    ?BASTARDS!? ¨C The patriarch roared, trying to protect his son but was seriously injured.


    Then something terrible happened. Kyon, who was hiding under the table, felt a chill crawl up his spine.


    The masked people cut off the patriarch¡¯s arms, slowly as if enjoying the process. Then they beheaded him, ignoring his pleas to spare his son¡¯s life. The desperate father suffered in agony, letting out loud death rattle. He had enough time to realize what was happening and see the pale face of his shocked boy. They were holding him by the hair, pping him in the face so that he wouldn¡¯t faint. Before his death, the patriarch could see the whole scale of the catastrophe that his family was facing¡­


    ?§¡-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! Don¡¯t kill me! Have mercy on me!? ¨C Raphael cried, hot tears rolling down his cheeks, horror writhing in his guts. The innocent boy hadn¡¯t yet known life. He had big ns for the future. He was not ready to die. His time had juste!


    However, the ruthless people ignored his plea. They grabbed the boy by the head and began to cut it off slowly. Seconds dragged like hours. It wasn¡¯t just a massacre but hell on earth with Satan as a leader. The poor boy died with a petrified face. Desperation froze in his tear-stained eyes. The patriarch¡¯s son,dy fortune¡¯s favorite boy, died a terrible death.


    Kyon was in a state of shock. Suddenly, he heard a high squeal, or rather death howl resounding everywhere. Goosebumps rose on his skin, dread choked his throat. The world itself seemed to be in unimaginable pain, letting out a desperate groan.


    Somehow the howl resonated with the nucleus in his soul. Kyon identified its source ¨C the massive mirror on the wall. And then it dawned on him. It was a one-way mirror! It was transparent from the other side like ordinary ss. That¡¯s where Leon and the girl had been hiding. She saw her father die in hellish pain and her elder brother¡¯s terrible death. This piercing death howl wasing from her. Kyon couldn¡¯t even imagine how terrified she must feel after seeing the execution of her family.


    Before Kyon could open his mouth, he saw a masked man sending an azure sh with his hand. An instant and he died.


    ¡­


    Kyon woke up in the same room. The little thief was standing near him, shaking and shuddering. Her face was swollen, her eyes running; she emanated a very dense aura that could burn with cold and gloom. She looked like she was about to kill someone.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she disappeared and left the room. She didn¡¯t even check the result of today¡¯s cleaning. The events in the illusory world must have greatly affected her emotional state, just like it had happened to Juno before. The girl had left because she needed to be alone to get through the horrendous moment of her life.


    Then things started to go weird. Kyon couldn¡¯t believe it was really happening to him. The connection with his soul had disappeared, his vision had be blurry. His hearing had deteriorated drastically. The sounds he could hear were like an echo in a huge trumpet. He had lost his sense of smell altogether. His sense of bnce let him down, making him dizzy. His developed nervous system failed: his limbs were trembling, his heart started beating irregrly, his organs and muscles didn¡¯t perform their functions properly. He couldn¡¯t make any movement, even an ordinary wave of the hand as easily as before.


    {Uhm¡­ What the fuck?}


    When Kyon scanned his body, he was horrified by what he found out. He saw his body copse. He had already watched this process when the rat¡¯s soul left its body. The neural connections were tearing apart, the cells were gradually falling apart. His metabolism was disrupted. Chaos reigned everywhere. Everything was slowly breaking down, and the process of destruction was gradually elerating.


    He found out a simple and frightening truth. A game of chance started every time he touched someone¡¯s soul with Synergy, with his soul at stake. If he won, he would capture the loser¡¯s soul and body. However, if he failed, he would die¡­


    Kyon had lost, and now his soul belonged to the little thief. He had given her the most valuable thing he had. His soul had changed frequency and was now equal to the girl¡¯s. Consequently, all the energy in the physical world that had the previous frequency was being gradually erased from the universe. His body was falling apart, all his formations were smoldering and dissipating.


    Kyon could tell that his soul didn¡¯t belong to him anymore. It was trying to take away his memories and life experience. Perhaps that¡¯s why his soul was still holding at the keys and had not left him, turning him into a spineless zombie.


    {Fuck!} ¨C He cursed loudly. Only Synergy had remained. It didn¡¯t betray him and still had the same frequency.


    Kyon ordered Synergy to heal his body, run all the mental processes, hold tight to the memories and never let the soul take them from him. As a result, his movements became more confident, even his organs worked properly again.


    The situation was taking a dangerous turn. The situation was far from the best. Kyon had no idea how he was going to survive. With time, he would run out of Synergy die.


    {What shall I do?! I have to find a way out!} ¨C Kyon was thinking hard. Synergy was running out with every second. His life had be like water, slipping through his fingers.


    He thought about hundreds of books he had read, about everything he had experienced, everything he had known or believed possible¡­ Then he came up with a kind of rescue n, even though it was highly unlikely.


    Kyon ran out of the house so fast as if demons were chasing him. He came to the stable, mounted his horse and headed to the Stone territory. It was a dangerous ce for him to be, where everyone was looking for him, his grandfather wanted to get him executed, and his mother wanted to look him in the eyes and ask ¡°why are you such a terrible son?¡±

 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218


    Myriads of shining stars were strewn about the night sky, sparkling so bright that it was a thrill to watch. The clock had just struck three.


    Before he approached the entrance to the Stone territory, Kyon had spent a third of Synergy on keeping his body from destruction. Every second counted!


    The guard stopped thete guest.


    ?Can I see your formation.?


    Kyon got off the horse and showed his formation.


    ?Kyon Stone?! The patriarch¡¯s grandson?!? ¨C The guard sounded surprised. Then his expression grew serious:


    ?You are under arrest! Patriarch Bai is looking for you. Please, don¡¯t resist ande with me!?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Kyon barked imperiously. ¨C ?I know that grandfather is looking for me! That¡¯s why I¡¯ve arrived, dumbass! Why else would I be here?! Don¡¯t stand on my way, or you will lose not only your job but also your life! Go back to your station, dog.? ¨C When Kyon finished, he calmly climbed his horse and entered the family territory.


    The guard found himself at a loss of words. He was scared and confused. A family member of the first rank was an important person. It¡¯s better to avoid conflict with him! The reason for the search was not mentioned in the report. Therefore, the guard decided not to get involved.


    The guards of the second and third posts were also too scared to confront the confident patriarch¡¯s grandson. They let him in without any unnecessary words or actions.


    When Kyon entered the central part of the territory, he had only 10% Synergy left. It was too little. He had to use it for the most important task ¨C to protect his memories that his soul was trying to take away.


    Kyon reached the elite residentialplex, showed his formation at the entrance, imperiously demanded to let him in and got inside. His only hope for salvation was, of course, Juno.


    When he climbed the top floor, Kyon felt an abrupt deterioration of his health. He had a sudden heart attack. He was sick and dizzy, the perspiration trickling down his back. A slight tremor ran through his body, and his faltering muscles failed him utterly. He had to hurry up because his body was falling apart faster with each moment. His life was rapidly passing away.


    Pale and out of breath, Kyon reached his destination. There was a long corridor ahead¡­ And a turn¡­ And more guards¡­


    Kyon didn¡¯t give in to despair. He dragged his feet on and on, ignoring his blurry vision, poor hearing, numbness all over his body, weakness and other diforts. He reached the end of the corridor, limping like a ghastly zombie.


    The tree Juno¡¯s guards gasped when they saw Kyon suddenly appear around the corner. The root source of all their problems had arrived in person!


    ?That¡¯s him!?


    ?Go get him!?


    The guards grabbed Kyon by the arms and dragged him outside.


    Kyon saw through the dense fog before his eyes the door to Juno¡¯s chambers disappear in the distance. The forces have already left him. He was barely breathing, his heart almost stopped beating. ¨C {I must try¡­ I must¡­ for myself¡­} ¨C And he cried out with all the remaining strength he had:


    ?COME OUT!?


    ?Shut up, asshole!?


    ?You will wake up thedy, dickhead!? ¨C The senior guard barked and gave Kyon a heavy p on the head that nearly knocked him off his feet.


    In a second, the door to Juno¡¯s room flew open. The golden-haired angry fury appeared in the doorway. Her bare feet were hip-width apart. The youngdy was wearing a short pearl gray nightie. Hatred zed in her evil green eyes. She bared her teeth at him like a wild fox.


    Juno would recognize his hateful voice even in her sleep! Rage swept over her, waking her up, and she rushed out at once.


    ?You filthy beast! How dare you show up here after what you have done?! I WILL KILL YOU!? ¨C She yelled and mmed her fist into his face.


    At the moment she touched him, Kyon summoned the rest of Synergy and sent it to the furious girl¡¯s soul¡­


    ~whoosh~


    A blue sh lit up the entire corridor.


    ¡­


    Juno opened her eyes. When her vision cleared, she looked around, stunned, almost in a trance. The sun was shining. She saw a distant mountain range strangely shaped. Metallic animals were soaring in the unusually blue sky.


    Juno carefully watched them, still in her pretty nightie. Her bare feet stood on a hard surface, the warm breeze ying mischievously with her skirt and hair. Suddenly, she noticed a fanciful yground nearby. There even sand in the sandpit was ¡°solid¡± like y.


    {Am I still sleeping?..} ¨C Juno thought. She couldn¡¯t think of any other exnation. Everything here was too realistic and bizarre at once¡­ A group of kids was ying in the yground. A chubbydy was sitting beside the children, watching over them. She kept moving her hand as if she was turning pages in an invisible book. Apparently, it was the teacher¡­ Juno had no doubt, she was dreaming!


    Suddenly, a big dog ran into the yground, foaming at the mouth. He rushed toward the children, clearly intending to attack them.


    The scared kids screamed and dashed to the steel frame to climb up from the dangerous animal. A girl hit a pole and fell, crying loudly.


    The chubbydy waved her hand even more vigorously and shouted in a thin piercing voice:


    ?A wild dog at Neocortex Boulevard, 14! It¡¯s an emergency! The children are in danger!? ¨C She cowardly hid behind a tree, still screaming.


    Juno turned ashen with fear when she saw the furry creature. The phobia took over her mind, making her knees tremble. However, when the baby girl started crying, she clenched her hands and thought: ¨C {It¡¯s just a dream¡­ I can do it!} ¨C She rushed forward but stopped again. Her legs seemed to be filled with lead.


    The dog had almost reached the target.


    Suddenly, a four-year-old boy who was reading a book on the bench dashed to the dog from the back.


    Juno decided that the brave kid was unaware of the real danger and reflexively rushed forward to save him. In an instant, she developed tremendous speed and sent the rabid dog flying with a single kick.


    The kids gasped with relief. They got off the steel frame and ran to their savior, pping their hands and shouting with joy.


    Juno smiled. ¨C {What a weird dream! I don¡¯t understand theirnguage at all.} ¨C However, she didn¡¯t pay special attention to this. She squatted down and stroked the fearless boy¡¯s thick dark hair. ¨C ?What¡¯s your name, brave boy¡­?


    ?Lovr.?


    They seemed to understand each other well.


    ?Lovr?? ¨C Juno frowned. Her hateful assistant¡¯s master had the same name. But she decided not to take it serious. It was just a dream, after all. ¨C ?You¡¯re a brave boy, Lovr. But you can¡¯t be so reckless. You could get yourself killed.?


    ?Actually, I had it under control¡­? ¨C The boy muttered. ¨C ?What¡¯s your name??


    The children looked at each other in surprise. Did the smart pants really understand hernguage?


    The teacher came out from behind the tree and headed to them with a wide nervous smile on her round face.


    ?Juno¡­?


    ?You¡¯re so beautiful, Juno. I have never seen anyone so magnificent like you¡­? ¨C He said sincerely and began unceremoniously touch her soft body here and there as if she was a rare magic toy¡­


    ?Stop it!? ¨C Juno pushed him away. ¨C ?You can¡¯t touch girls like this. It¡¯s inappropriate¡­?


    ?Which version of android are you?? ¨C He suddenly changed the subject, never looking away from her. Lovr was watching her like a connoisseur examining an exquisite and expensive exhibit.


    ?Android?? ¨C Juno asked him perplexed. ¨C ?I am no android¡­?


    ?How could you move so quickly, then?..?


    The plump woman came up to them, smiling and said something in gibberish.


    ?It¡¯s a bad dream¡­? ¨C Juno protested. ¨C ?Will you stop touching me! Cheeky rude boy!?


    ?Your skin is incredibly soft! Can you have sex??


    ?How do you even know such words?!?


    ?You¡¯re almost naked, aren¡¯t you¡­ And so cute¡­ And you smell so good! Let me have a look!? ¨C The smart kid was about to look under her skirt, but something went wrong¡­


    Juno pped his yful little hand. Then she put the little brat on her knee and spanked his bare ass. ¨C ?Bad boy! Don¡¯t ever do this again! Ill-mannered brat!?


    ?Ouch¡­ It hurts! You¡¯ve been badly programmed, android Juno! You don¡¯t obey the threews of robotics! You must be upgraded!?


    ?I will upgrade you now, little bastard!? ¨C Juno was getting furious.


    The chubbydy and the kids watched them in silent shock.


    From somewhere above, several metal birds on call were arriving at the scene.


    All of a sudden, the entire froze, plunging into eternal darkness. Absolutely all processes had stopped, including chemical reactions and even electromaic radiation.


    ¡­


    ?We have an anomaly in the tenth level subspace. We¡¯ve already taken measures, counselor. The has been isted from the outside world. What do you want us to do, sir?? ¨C The operator in the gctic control center reported.


    ?Hm¡­ The tenth level¡­ The universe decided to turn upside down¡­? ¨C He whispered to himself. ¨C ?Do the report on the matter activity for thest month. I will deal with it.?


    ?Copy that.? ¨C The operator said in a measured voice


    ?Decided to take the most delicious for yourself, Western, buddy??


    ?Why are such a meddler, Hubert.? ¨C Western smiled to his friend, who was a hundred thousand light-years away from him. ¨C ?It¡¯s perfect timing, though. Set up the masters conference. We must handle this situation carefully.?


    ¡­


    Lovrl woke up in his bed and rubbed his eyes. ¨C {Huh? What am I doing here? And where¡¯s the beautiful girl?}


    He questioned other children and even the teacher, all to no avail. The inhabitants of the orphanage only shook their heads. They had no idea what he was talking about. They had never seen any angry dog or a powerful, beautiful girl.


    The boy suspected something was wrong¡­ Something incredible had happened. Nobody remembered anything, and only his memories were preserved! The reddish marks on his ass that the girl had left only confirmed his suspicions.

 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219


    Lovr¡¯s life hadn¡¯t changed much, neither had his character. With the help of Synergy, he had significantly surpassed his peers in development and sought munication¡± in books. He had be curious and inquisitive. He enjoyed problem solving and admiring beautiful pictures in books. Inparison with the gloomy orphanage, they seemed like a small piece of heaven, an unattainable paradise. He also liked to study the biographies of his future masters. He wanted to be like them, respected and influential. That¡¯s how he grew to be ambitious.


    These qualities altogether were ideal for Synergy evolution. The masters put a lot of effort to direct the boy and keep him on the right track. Their greatest achievement was nurturing his unrelentless ambitiousness, which helped him be the best at everything he did: he scored the most points in the game, he got the best grades in the exam, he achieved the best result in any task. As a result, he quickly climbed ever new steps, justifying the expectations of his masters.


    Twelve yearster, Lovr turned sixteen. He had recently reached the Doctor of Philosophy (5) and became the center of attention of trillions of people. He was a prime candidate for Doctor of Science (6), the legendary degree that only one person in the entire history of the universe had ever reached.


    The only thing that really bothered him was the memory of the incredibly beautiful girl who had mysteriously appeared in his childhood and no less mysteriously disappeared. He wanted to find the answer, he dreamed of meeting her again. He wished he could believe it was just a dream, but it wasn¡¯t! His absolute memory had never failed, and he could distinguish a dream from reality even as a child. In search of truth, Lovr kept rummaging through archives and secret databases, but to no avail.


    Today, making himselffortable in his cozy nook, Lovr entered the global system, searching for some clues. The masters had recently granted him the penultimate ess level, so he was being optimistic.


    Late at night, after a long search, he came across an image of the girl! It came with a small article with background information about the person he was looking for.


    Specifically, her name was Juno, and she was the reason for the 10th-level universal anomaly. She had mysteriously arrived from a parallel universe with differentws of information exchange, with the concept of the soul.


    Her body and mental age were not subject to aging. Externally, she was indistinguishable from people on Lovr¡¯s, but inside, she was arranged a little differently, for example, her reproductive system was organized in a more convenient way. Also, there were nine spheres of unknown material inside her body. They were a kind of bridge to another dimension with the so-called soul.


    Her DNA structure was simr to Lovr¡¯s, but it worked in two parallel worlds at once. One storage system was standard and worked on a body level. The second system contained information about the soul and the spiritual cultivation. Thus, the fetus received not only the parents¡¯ genes but also their spiritual features that happened to be dominant. They determined the child¡¯s gender, bloodline, race, the color of skin and hair, body structure¡­ Simply put, people on Juno¡¯s could give birth to a representative of another race.


    The psychological passport singled out her main characteristics: a strong-willed, dignified, narcissistic, proud, arrogant, selfish, extremely envious, incorrigible sadist with contempt for lower sses of society and a developed phobia for furry animals, especially white tigers.


    Lovr kept reading about the girl, stunned, his heart was beating hard with delight. He had been looking for her for so long. Now, he had found her! He was unaware that the entire had been isted from the outside world, and that time had been turned one day back! It would have struck him as strange that he was the only one to keep his memories.


    He couldn¡¯t stop thinking about one of Juno¡¯s characteristics: ¨C {With contempt for lower sses of society? It¡¯s not right!}


    The next morning, Lovr set off for an inconspicuous, not particrly interesting star. At least everyone thought so. In fact, it was a secret scientific base. The whole was the base. Strange things happened there. Something that ordinary people couldn¡¯t even imagine.


    After Lovr confirmed his penultimate level of ess, he was allowed to into the bowels of the, through trillions and sextillions tons of carbon, thick walls, a myriad of barriers and protective measures to the top-secret area, avable only to selected individuals among all humankind.


    Lovr entered the istion ward, where the mysterious girl ¨C the anomaly of the universe ¨C had spent thest 12 years.


    She was lying on her stomach, dangling her snow-white legs, engrossed in reading an article on the tablet. She was wearing a slim-fit whiteb coat. Her golden hair was done in a ponytail, her full lips moving soundlessly.


    Lovr stared at her, enchanted, frozen like a stone idol. It was the very mysterious girl that he had been thinking about for so many long nights! She was a top secret of the whole world¡­ and such a beauty! He coughed politely into his fist.


    Juno turned to him, frowned. ¨C ?You promised no more experiments today. How can I trust you if you do not keep your word??


    ?Juno, I came to visit you. I am Lovr, the child you met twelve years ago. Do you remember me??


    The girl stopped short, looking in amazement at her visitor. Then she briskly jumped from her bed and, at a speed that exceeded professional sprinters, knocked the boy to the floor, sat on his knees and punched him in the stomach. ¨C ?I am here because of you, dirty bastard! I¡¯ve be ab rat for regr experiments because of you! Get me out of here at once!?


    Lovr was shocked, to say the least. He found himself at a loss for words. ¨C ?Juno¡­ Take it easy. I didn¡¯t do anything. I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about¡­?


    ?Oh, you understand perfectly well, jerk! I¡¯ve just used thenguage of my native world! And you answered me in it, asshole!?


    ?Huh¡­ I see¡­ Alright¡­ Just get off me, please.?


    ?Do you take me for idiot? You¡¯re Kyon! You sent me to this damned world!?


    ?What Kyon are you talking about??


    ?You don¡¯t know?? ¨C Juno gasped, takenpletely aback. When she took a closer look, she realized he didn¡¯t really look like the boy she hated. His appearance was different as well as his character, or rather his attitude towards her. There was none of the usual mocking tone in his voice.


    They started a long conversation. Juno told him everything, describing Kyon¡¯s emotions, actions, behavior, and character. She gritted her teeth in silent fury, talking about his horrendous crimes and looked sullen at the floor, talking about his achievements.


    Lovr was staring at her, stunned! There was no doubt that Kyon¡¯s characterpletely coincided with his! How did he happen to get to another world? Time travel? Doppelganger? That¡¯s pure nonsense¡­ There must be a more reasonable exnation¡­


    Listening to her story, Lovr noticed that Juno kept smoothing over some poignant moments, like the meeting at the hot spring. Kyon wouldn¡¯t have treated her so cruelly if she had just given him a little thrashing¡­ There was something she wasn¡¯t saying. Given her sadism, the conclusion was self-evident. Moreover, Juno expertly yed on his emotions, portraying herself as a victim and making Kyon as pure evil.


    If Lovr hadn¡¯t studied public speaking, if he couldn¡¯t see through any maniptions, he would have already sold his soul to this lovely creature. He would despise Kyon with all his heart.


    Several hours of conversation were enough for Lovr to appreciate the inner world of this arrogant girl. He liked the way she unconsciously but skillfully manipted his thoughts, used to her bodynguage. He was crazy about her beautiful face and lovely voice, the way she said things, squinting her bewitching emerald eyes, arching her eyebrows and batting her eyshes. To him, she represented a paragon of perfection. She was the most charming girl in the whole world, and even in the entire universe.


    One thing made him unhappy, though. Juno was overly hostile towards people of low social status. This, along with her sadistic nature was quite disturbing. Well, nobody¡¯s perfect.


    Lovr spent a whole week talking with the beautiful girl.


    One day Lovr¡¯s master sent him the new rules of interaction with the girl, the vition of which would deprive him of seeing her ever again. Lovr was forbidden to have sex with Juno or even kiss her. The reasons for these ridiculous rules struck him as arbitrary and obscure. They were clearly made up just to spite him. Anyway, this news struck him like a bolt of lightning.


    The master also gave him a task to find out the size of her soul. It was a weird, vague task that made Lovr spend most of his time with Juno.


    So, his visits to her continued.


    Before Lovr knew it, he became dependent on his daily meetings with Juno. Every time she told him about the experiments she had to undergo, his heart ached for her. At times like this, he tried to hug her, but she didn¡¯t let him. Every time she smiled orughed, it seemed to him that these blissful, perfect moments were worth living for. As he understood, she had studied his biography and knew which ce he took in the local hierarchy. It made her look at him a whole new way. She started showing signs of affection. Every day, the egotistical girl reminded him how eager she was to go back to her to surpass her sister and take revenge on Kyon¡­


    She couldn¡¯t believe that evil Kyon and Lovr were the same person. They were totally different.


    A couple of months had passed.


    Lovr went to bed thinking about Juno and woke up thinking about her. They spent more and more time together. They had be real friends. They yed, had fun, talked, trained and sparred together¡­ Juno, however, always won and triumphantly took the ce of honor on defeated Lovr (it turns out that all these years, the masters had been teaching her to fight).


    Once, Lovr started a casual conversation about people how their social status might affect their lives.


    Juno did her best to avoid this topic, but Lovr made her listen to him. With unbending stubbornness and confidence, he carefully changed her worldview. Gradually, step by step, week after week, he transformed her attitude towards those who had not achieved anything in their lives (or had lost everything due to circumstances beyond their control). He built a new stronghold in her mind, and she changed her opinion. Now she had no contempt for any particr group in society.


    As a reward, Kyon gently hugged her, stroking her soft hair, and she hit him in the face but not too hard¡­ However, five minutester, Lovr got his way and hugged the unapproachable girl.


    At this moment, a little spark marked the beginning of a special connection between them. From now on, they were more than just friends¡­


    The rule that forbade him to take any further steps with Juno drove Lovr crazy. Once he broke it, he would never see her again. Lovr was sinking deeper and deeper into despair. The emotions had to go somewhere, he needed an outlet. Every other girl appeared dull in contrast with Juno, nothing but disposable sex dolls¡­ And his female master made him want to puke. Anyway, she always did.


    Meanwhile, Juno was slowly losing hope of evering back to her world, to Kyon the bastard, the imminent copse of her family, Elsa the bitch, Kara the demon, and other disturbing issues. At least she had found out the answers to her many questions that used to keep her up all night. It was all about Synergy and the science of this world. She was also dying to find out why she could feel Kyon¡¯s emotions. The masters indulged her curiosity, trying to work things out with her. It turned out that Kyon had captured her soul! Of course, they put it more delicately, but it didn¡¯t change anything! Her hatred that seemed to have subsided over the years had red up again.


    In this world, Juno felt at ease only with Lovr. He impressed her with his charm, self-confidence, deep understanding about everything. He could always surprise her and make herugh. Juno never was bored with him. He was a ray of sunshine in this gloomy istion ward full of painful experiments and trials. He skillfully yed any musical instrument, had a pleasant voice, and often made her lovely symbolic gifts.


    Juno enjoyed Lovr¡¯spany. Sharing funny stories and ying card games were gradually reced by cuddling to romantic music, cooing and whispering sweet nothings, somewhat awkward but pleasant caresses. They couldn¡¯t get enough of each other.


    Once Lovr told her that he would have long taken the next step if he wasn¡¯t rule-bound. His master had imposed strict rules, and this old fool never went back on his word. If Lovr kissed her even once, they wouldn¡¯t see each other again.


    Juno was not her usual self that day¡­


    In the following days, there were radical changes in her behavior. She wasn¡¯t the same person anymore. In the mornings, her face was stained with tears, and her eyes were red. She was devastated, on the verge of despair. Little by little, Juno was getting more and more detached. An invisible wall had grown up between them.


    Lovr was restless. Her attitude towards him was so cold, so distant. It was heartbreaking. He knew that she was walking away from him, from their rtionship that had no future, but he would never let it happen¡­ He would be with the girl he loved, even if the whole was against him!


    Finally, Lovr made up his mind. He turned off the protective systems that blocked teleport service, got into her room and created a tunnel in the space with the portal gun. Then he grabbed Juno by the hand, and they jumped inside the tunnel.


    They ended up on a green lit with the first rays of the morning sun. Beautiful flowers were blooming all around the meadow. High in the distance rose a ring of astonishing snow-d mountains, and the crystal clear waters of theke sparkled below them.


    Juno cried silently. Her heart was heavy with trepidation and doubts. She didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ?Juno, you mean more to me than anything in the world. I don¡¯t care for the masters or their stupid rules. You are mine, so I¡­ I¡¯ve stolen you just like this!? ¨C Having said it, he raised her head by the chin and gently kissed her on the lips, wishing this fleeting moment couldst forever.


    Juno kissed him back, her arms tight around his neck. Tears welled behind her eyelids and trickled down her cheeks.

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220


    ?What do you think, Western. Have we made a mistake?? ¨C A thin old man in the white coat asked thoughtfully, leaning against hisfortable soaring polymorphic chair and spinning an expensive crystal ss with exquisite white wine in his hand.


    He was looking at the screen with the image of the kissing couple.


    ?We might have. Anyway, we did our best to help our student. If everything goes ording to n, we haven¡¯t lived in vain.?


    Hubert shook his head. ¨C ?I¡¯ve always loved ¡°The Matrix,¡± the cult ssic, but I just can¡¯t stand the idea that you and I, we all are nothing but a projection of the second-to-god degree of Synergy. It makes me infinitely sad to realize that we will all soon disappear forever¡­?


    ?Chin up, buddy. We will always be with our student!? ¨C Western cheered him up with a smile.


    ~pew~


    A sma bolt thundered on the big screen, followed by a desperate girl¡¯s scream.


    ?To our incredible student, buddy!? ¨C Hubert solemnly raised his ss.


    ?To our student!? ¨C Western picked up his ss.


    ~clink~


    The blue light veiled the world radiance, losing its rity.


    The clear ringing sound of two sses clinked together marked the moment when the world glowed up blue, blurred and finally disappeared.


    ¡­


    The masters knew everything the very day the 10th level anomaly appeared. On a faraway, right on the yground, they detected a girl in the immediate vicinity of the gifted boy who was destined to be the greatest representative of humanity. The girl could talk to him despite thenguage barrier¡­ Their memories stayed intact, their brain had abnormal structure, and there was an inextricable bond between them.


    This couple was the center of their universe.


    The masters concluded that their ¡°real¡± student¡¯s Synergy had already reached the legendary 6th degree and had created this world. They decided not to rush things and give Lovr time to grow to the closest version of Kyon that the girl knew.


    Twelve years of experimenting on the girl had opened the veil of secrets. They found out thews that ruled her world, which would be impossible if they didn¡¯t have ess to her soul that led them to another reality.


    Juno¡¯s story helped them recreate the approximate sequence of events their ¡°real¡± student had experienced:


    Kyon had captured Juno¡¯s soul (it confirms the same frequency of her soul with Lovr¡¯s Synergy). After that, Lovr lost the frequency of his soul, and as a result, he faced a life or death situation. That¡¯s how he came up with an extraordinary decision. He ¡°lost¡± to Juno so that she captured his soul, which reset his original frequency of vibrations and saved his life.


    This decision was worthy of the first choice for the role of a god. The question of how to save Lovr had be urgent and pressing. The best minds of the universe worked on this task, although they knew how it would all end for them. What is the world worthpared to god¡¯s life?


    Western and Hubert were responsible for the development of the n. They took advantage of Lovr¡¯s weakness for the fair sex, allowed him to meet with Juno, gave him an absurd task to find out how the size of her soul, and set the rule that turned her into ¡°forbidden fruit,¡± delicious and inessible.


    Then nature took its course. The two lovebirds fell for each other. This oue also meant there was a breach, a weak point in Kyon¡¯s nature. If Juno hit his soft spot, she would capture his soul ording to thews that described her world. However, she had to kill him on her own, of her own free will.


    And how to convince her tomit this act, so treacherous, so contrary to the nature of any living being? The brilliant minds of humankind had found a perfect solution.


    Lovr was riven by internal conflict and torn apart by personal doubts as Juno was growing colder and colder towards him. He thought it was all about the rules that restricted their rtionship. That¡¯s why he made a predictable decision to kidnap her. He was willing to risk everything for her, but if he made a mistake, their rtionship would end.


    During their first andst kiss, Lovr¡¯s vulnerability reached an extreme level. It was then that Juno had to strike ¨C to kill him ¨C otherwise, Kyon would never get back the original frequency of his soul.


    It all came down to a single point that went beyond the boundaries of reality and could do the impossible. The n of the masters was sessful, their world was destroyed, and Kyon¡¯s soul returned to its frequency. He would live.


    Apart from aplishing the primary task of saving the student, the masters also granted Juno eight battle fists. It was just unbelievable for someone who didn¡¯t have Synergy! Only one in a hundred thousand had enough talent to master six battle fists, and only with the help of the best masters. And she had eight!


    s, the masters had failed to affect her mental age or psychologicalponents. Her soul obeyed only Lovr. Only he could change her essence. He had already got rid of her contempt for the lower sses of society, but there was still sadism, as well as her phobia for furry animals, and many other nuances of her mental health.


    Masters had only given her extensive knowledge about the world and people in it. Above all, they revealed to her the secret of bing a true god. If her love for Lovr was strong enough, if she could see him in Kyon and forgive him, she would definitely share the arcane knowledge that took the glorious luminaries of science ten years to achieve¡­


    ¡­


    The blue sh blinded the three guards.


    It all happened in a moment for Lovr. He realized that his wild goose chase was a sess as soon as he felt a connection with his soul. His body hurt and creaked as if he was an old man on his deathbed, but he could use elemental energy!


    Juno¡¯s fist hit him hard on the cheek. Before Kyonnded on the floor, he grabbed her by the hand and dragged her down. At the same time, he pulled out while pulling the Scourge from the ring¡­ Everything happened in a second.


    Before anyone knew it,dy Stone had be a hostage!


    ?One more step, and yourdy will die and you after her.? ¨C Kyon croaked calmly, holding the de at Juno¡¯s throat. He hadn¡¯t fully recovered yet.


    The guards were scared to death. The chief guard¡¯s voice trembled as he tried to gain time: ¨C ?Don¡¯t do anything you will regretter, boy! Let go of your sister!?


    ?Shut up and listen to me. Do not go inside without permission. Call Bai. If I hear a knock on the door or a single word, I will cut off her finger. Now go to hell.? ¨C Kyon hissed, barely audibly and headed for Juno¡¯s room step by step. Then he mmed the door right in front of the dumbfounded guards.


    ?Lovr¡­? ¨C Juno began in a thin voice, her heart fluttered excitedly.


    ?Shut up.? ¨C Kyon interrupted her and checked the formation on her forehead. As expected, the subjugating mark was partially damaged and no longer worked. He had to apply a new one but was out of the question at the moment when he had neither time nor enough Synergy.


    Meanwhile, Juno was shaking from the recent experience. She remembered too well that she had killed him with her own hands, the boy who made her heart sing and her soul flutter. The masters told her that their world had only a few days left. If she did not kill Lovr, she would die with him. And if she was brave enough to shoot him, then both of them would return to their world, their memories preserved. Those words had finally convinced Juno to do the thing that she was terrified to even think about.


    Juno turned around and looked at the hateful boy with undisguised hope in her eyes. ¨C ?Lovr¡­ Is it you? Do you remember what happened between us??


    Kyon squirmed. ¨C ?These feelings¡­ Did you fall in love with me? How nice¡­?


    Juno shivered even more. ¨C {They¡­ lied? I¡¯ve killed Lovr forever?} ¨C Despair washed over her distressed mind, and she copsed like an angel who had suddenly lost the wings.


    Kyon was a little surprised at her overreaction, but he didn¡¯t think it was a big deal. In fact, he was about to give her sleeping pills. So, her fainting yed right into his hands. He was more concerned about finding a way out of there.


    {XiaoBao got into her room somehow¡­} ¨C With the help of echolocation, Kyon quickly found a secret passage disguised as a solid wall. It led somewhere deep down, most likely to the basement.


    Kyon called XiaoBai and heard his sleepy voice:


    ?Kyon! What keeps you up sote??


    ?I¡¯m in big trouble, brother¡­ In short, your grandfather is going to kill me. Help me get out of Juno¡¯s room and from the family territory unnoticed¡­?


    The fat guy down the line perked up. ¨C ?Uh huh! Of course, I will help my brother! Sure thing! Listen to me carefully¡­ First, find the secret passage in the wall near the shelf¡­? ¨C He started instructing Kyon.


    Every self-respecting family orrge organization always had an escape route in case of danger. XiaoBai was talking about one of these.


    Listening to his half brother, Kyon couldn¡¯t help wondering why XiaoBai didn¡¯t ask him ¡°what are you doing in Juno¡¯s room?¡± Kyon had only two options: either he would leave with a hostage, and the little thief would help him out at the end of the journey (which was somewhat risky), or he would use XiaoBai¡¯s secret escape route (well, how else?).


    The thing is, Kyon wasn¡¯t one hundred percent sure in his inside man. However, Dinah¡¯s ¡°death¡± convinced him that this profiteer and he were two of a kind.


    Kyon entered the secret passage. He wanted to take Juno with him, but she had a tracking formation on her wrist, so they will immediately find them together, which would lead to the first option. He had to run alone and leave the girl who knew his secret with no restrictions at all. For some reason, he didn¡¯t even consider killing her. She had saved him, after all¡­ For the second time. Now he couldn¡¯t use revenge as an excuse to finish her off.


    Kyon went down the secret passage to the basement and then followed XiaoBai¡¯s hints. If the sense of direction did not fail him, he had already left the central part¡­


    ?Great! Now get upstairs and go to the seventh checkpoint. I have my people working there. They will let you to the outside part of the territory¡­?


    ?You¡¯re a gem, XiaoBai. You know that?? ¨C Kyon sneered.


    ?I will stand up for you, no matter what. You know.¡­ He-he.?


    Two fat men at the checkpoint didn¡¯t ask any questions the boy in the hood. A couple of nods and he was out¡­


    Kyon caught himself thinking that XiaoBai had surrounded himself with fat and ugly people. He had seen lots of evidence for this. For example, XiaoBai¡¯s best friends were all fat, even his people were obese.


    Soon, Kyon left the Stone territory without any problems.


    ?You owe me, my skinny brother.?


    ?I always pay back my debts.?


    ?Speaking of debts, have you heard thetest news? The prince has appointed a half-million award to anyone who provides reliable information about the location of that icy cold girl! If you are lucky enough to meet her again, I will dly take only 50% in exchange for the information! Consider it as paying off your debt!?


    ?You¡¯re very generous, XiaoBai. I will let you know if I am lucky.?


    ?Great! Good luck, then. See you at the auction before the tournament.?


    ?Alright. Thank you.?


    Meanwhile, real chaos reigned in the family. Far away, a drunken roar of the furious old man thundered in the patriarch¡¯s office. No one had ever heard anything like that.

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221


    ?Juno, please wake up. Your grandfather is worried sick! I will die if I don¡¯t see you again. Please, my love¡­? ¨C Bai, pale and for some reason drunk, burst into tears near the unconscious girl. He had barged into the room to get the bastard, but the boy had already gone! The whole family was now searching for the scoundrel.


    The best doctors in the Stone family were at a loss. They had checked her properly and did not find any serious health issues.


    Finally, Juno slowly opened her eyes and muttered:


    ?Grandpa¡­?


    ?My sweet child!? ¨C Bai jumped up and hugged his dear girl, and she held him close.


    Juno hadn¡¯t seen her grandfather for 13 years! Seeing him again meant so much to her. She needed his warmth, his love, his support.


    ?Are you alright?! Tell me, please!?


    ?Yes¡­ I¡­ I am fine¡­? ¨C She whispered uncertainly.


    Bai breathed a sigh of relief and muttered between his clenched teeth, still holding her tight. ¨C ?I¡¯ll kill this monster for taking you hostage whatever it takes¡­ I swear to gods, I will tear his head off¡­ I will make him regret everything he has done¡­?


    When Juno heard about the ¡°monster,¡± bitter grief and sorrow pierced her heart. She remembered Lovr¡¯s handsome face, the time spent together when he yed the guitar, sang love songs, held her close, stroking her body tenderly, his pleasant baritone that caressed her ears¡­ He had disappeared¡­ Kyon didn¡¯t have his memories, they were lost forever. She had killed him with her own hands. The masters had deceived her¡­ They told her it was possible and it wasn¡¯t¡­


    Juno moaned sadly and burst into tears. She hated herself for that.


    ?Juno, please! Don¡¯t cry! Your grandfather can¡¯t stand to see you cry!? ¨C The patriarch was worried out of his mind. He didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Juno had to ask Bai to leave because of his excessive anxiety. The doctors left, too.


    The patriarch wanted to tear Kyon into ten thousand pieces for making his granddaughter cry so bitterly! He would kill him even if heaven was against it!


    When Juno was left alone, shey curled in bed, tears soaking her pillow. ¨C {Lovr¡­ Forgive me Lovr¡­ We spent so many unforgettable nights together, we had so much fun¡­ And then I killed you ¡­ I don¡¯t deserve a boy like you¡­ I am such a fool¡­}


    Juno kept nagging herself till morning. Her heart was breaking apart. She was on the verge of suicide. For a moment, she thought that her death would bring her back to him. However, she knew that the other world was nothing but an illusion, and Lovr would be there again¡­ He was gone forever.


    {Forever?..} ¨C Suddenly, the hateful image of Kyon popped up in her head. Over the past 13 years, her hatred towards him had lessened quite a bit, and the idea that he was Lovr made her wonder if hating him was justified at all. She had to remember how they began hating each other.


    Juno recalled their first meeting, the way she treated him all the time, leaving him no chance of survival. She used to beat him to a pulp. He was nothing but dust under her feet¡­ She remembered all the terrible things she had done:


    ¡°Kyon tried to apologize for looking at her too intense and make things right, and she answered: ¨C ?I don¡¯t care about your apology. I order you: now and forever, you will never say a word. Your dirty mouth hurts my ears, you wretched ve.?¡±


    ¡°She fell on him herself when Yerogka paid her an unexpected visit and then med it all on Kyon: ¨C ?Yesterday you pawed me when I fell on you, ve. I order you to knock out all your teeth for that.?¡±


    ¡°Kyon was desperate to live. He was grasping at straws when she said she would spare his life and he believed her. And then she decided to killed him treacherously in cold blood: ¨C ?A stupid creature is so easy to fool¡­ Did you really believe that you can stay alive after what you¡¯ve seen? Today you will die a horrible death, ve. Face it.?¡±


    ¡°?Die, you fool.? ¨C She said then with augh and began to beat up the boy who even couldn¡¯t resist.¡±


    Juno covered her eyes with her hands, burning with shame and contempt for herself. After the things she had experienced in the illusory world, all her cruel deeds towards Kyon now seemedpletely absurd, unreasonably evil, and totally crazy! Was she any different from a demon? She wasn¡¯t¡­ Kyon was right when he said that it wouldn¡¯t be Kara who would ruin her, she would ruin Kara¡­


    If Juno were in Lovr¡¯s shoes, she would also hate herself. She would lose respect for Juno, beat her and torture her emotionally and physically¡­ She deserved this.


    {It turns out that I am to me for everything¡­ I have started this stupid war! He was a victim! No wonder that he is so cruel to me¡­ But why did he **** and kill Dinah? Wait, did he really do that? Lovr would never do that! I must find out the answer¡­ I¡¯m sure that everything is not what it seems.} ¨C These thoughts gave her hope. Juno started to believe that Kyon was really that handsome boy from the imaginary world.


    Juno wiped off her tears. She had found a new goal and fell asleep, calm atst. She wasn¡¯t going to tell grandfather anything about key cleaning purification or her envement. Kyon would appreciate her good intentions, then she would apologize, and they would start all over again. Besides, it was hard enough for Bai after Dinah¡¯s apparent death. He wouldn¡¯t survive even more worries.


    ¡­


    Kyon left the Stone territory, returned home, and fell fast asleep while Synergy started healing his dpidated body at the cellr level. He made it back only with the help of pure energy.


    It was early morning. Kyon had almost recovered. A solid, strong shoved at his chest and woke him up.


    ?It¡¯s time¡­? ¨C Kyon saw the girl¡¯s in the ck pretty face over him, a spark of excited anticipation in her dark eyes.


    Kyon rubbed his sleepy eyes and yawned widely.


    ?Don¡¯t make me wait.? ¨C The girl warned him.


    ?Yeah¡­ Story of my life, they only want one thing.? ¨C With these words, he reached out his hand and touched her plexus to clear the key of the wind. The girl¡¯s reaction was just like yesterday. She cringed as if a slug was crawling over her.


    A minuteter, she quickly lowered her blouse, checked the purity and stared at him in amazement:


    ?Your talent is truly incredible! Did you get it from your mother? Aren¡¯t people too impure to inherit this clean, holy bloodline??


    ?Why are you asking? §¡h¡­ I get it. Don¡¯t worry, our child will inherit it by all means.? ¨C Kyon said impassively.


    ?Watch what you say!? ¨C The girl warned him in an icy voice. ¨C ?Imbecile¡­ Why did I bother to ask?? ¨C She knew she couldn¡¯t take him seriously.


    ?By the way, where¡¯s my money.? ¨C He reached his hand.


    Reluctantly, she paid him one million spheres and hurried to disappear. She couldn¡¯t stand the sight of him.


    ?Wait! Don¡¯t go!? ¨C Kyon shouted after her. ¨C ?There¡¯s something I have to tell you. I can¡¯t clean your keys for one hundred percent if you don¡¯t have the divine bloodline. You aren¡¯t going to use it against me, are you? You¡¯re an honest, fair and understanding girl, right?? ¨C He said as kindly as could be. The previous cleaning had nearly killed him. He was going to risk his life clearing thest percent of her channel.


    The girl materialized at the door, her eyes gleamed coldly, watching him. ¨C ?You swore, Kyon. I can¡¯t trust you if you don¡¯t keep your promise.?


    ?Didn¡¯t you hear me??


    ?We¡¯ll talk about it when the timees.? ¨C She disappeared and mmed the door behind her.


    ?Damn it!? ¨C Kyon cursed and kicked the wall. How could he know about the unknown force that pulled his Synergy into another soul at one hundred percent? He had overlooked this fact with Juno because it wasn¡¯t his intention to steer clear from her soul.


    {What am I going to do? Can I break the oath I gave her? What if I try and change the conditions? No¡­ Then she won¡¯t return the contents of the ring¡­ But will she protect me for two years following the dictates of conscience and gratitude?} ¨C He had no idea. However, the fact that he would get at least nine million was pretty reassuring.


    Kyon got out of bed with a bad mood and went downtown. Today, he had to rece a lot of formations on his subordinates and feathered spies, as well as make new bug formations¡­ Besides, he had to learn how to create a formation that blocked the ¡°tracking¡± signal.


    ¡­


    At noon, a pale elder responsible for the family finances entered Bai¡¯s office. ¨C ?We¡¯re in trouble, patriarch! In big trouble!?


    ?What¡¯s the matter, Henry??


    ?Last night, I received a letter from the department. It had the genuine seal of a high-ranking investigator¡­? ¨C The elder started the report.


    A minuteter, the patriarch squeezed his ss of whiskey with such force that it shattered into fragments. ¨C ?Ten million?!? ¨C He asked in dismay.


    ?Yes, sir¡­ It¡¯s exactly one-fifth of the fine that we¡¯ll have to pay if they bring charges against us¡­ I was in the guild and had everything confirmed. The documents are authentic! We are being ckmailed big-time, dear patriarch!?


    Bai turned pale and closed his eye. He felt unwell. Where could he get this money in one month? The Stone family was struggling to make ends meet, and after the tournament there would be nothing left. It¡¯s a crying shame! A sly investigator had showed up to ckmail him! One disaster after another! Dinah was killed¡­ His grandson was on the run¡­ Juno was taken hostage by her own brother and cried all night¡­ And now he had to pay ten million!


    A strong surge of emotion swept through him. It hurt to look at the old patriarch who used to resemble a stern-faced general with nopassion or pity.


    ?Sir¡­ There¡¯s an afterword in the letter. The ckmailer addressed it personally to you¡­ You are supposed to know what it¡¯s about. It says: ¨C ?How much is my life worth? You will find the answer in the dusty treasury.? ¨C Henry added, doubting if he should have mentioned it at all.


    Of course, Bai did not get the message. Only two people knew that the masked investigator was Kyon.


    Without saying a word, the patriarch took out the sound transmitter and called Anna. He asked her to take a look at the treasury and give him the exact amount of money and keys.


    Bai had been saving the treasures for his family over many years. If he sold all the medicine and precious things and added all the money and the keys from the treasury, he could scrape half the amount he had to pay¡­ s, he wouldn¡¯t sell the goods at the market price, not in a month. He would be happy if they took them at least for half the price.


    Anna called back ten minutester. Odd¡­ Why so fast?


    ?Sir¡­? ¨C The superior maid whispered. ¨C ?We¡¯re in trouble¡­?


    Bai did have the energy to raise his voice. He asked wearily:


    ?What¡¯s the matter, dear??


    ?All the money and the keys are gone¡­ The medicine seemed to have vanished in thin air¡­ There¡¯s not a single de of grass, no pills! There are only thickyers of dust everywhere! Nothing else¡­ Even objects with formations have disappeared. I don¡¯t know where it all went! We have been watching over the mansion carefully¡­ Nobody could get inside, except thedy and¡­ Maybe¡­ Kyon¡­?


    When Bai heard the name ¡°Kyon,¡± he dropped the sound transmitter. The words from the letter: ¡°How much is my life worth? Look for the answer in the dusty treasury¡± recurred to him, and he understood everything.


    The patriarch was dizzy. He tensed with chest pain and clutched at his heart, grunting and panting. His face flushed, the veins swelling on his forehead. Death had grasped his heart in its cold hands. He did not want to die. He couldn¡¯t leave his granddaughter and daughter in the copsing family to be torn to pieces by their enemies. This thought must have saved his life in the end.


    Henry was scared out of his wits, but he came to his senses in time to call the doctor. He saved the dying patriarch at thest moment.


    Bai had a heart attack. His old heart failed, unable to withstand the hurricane of misfortunes that had crashed on his family and his dear ones. His time-tested steel nerves could not cope with this heavy blow ¡­


    The news of the heart attack was kept secret. Only Juno and Diana learned of the incident. They were awfully sorry for the head of the family and their dear protector rolled into one. They both cried with grief, standing next to him in the hospital ward.


    When Kyon learned that Bai had hired a killer (even if technically it was the elder who did it at the request of the patriarch), he decided to strike back at once. He didn¡¯t give a damn about Bai¡¯s care and his attempt to take Kyon into the family. Murder means depriving him of his life, i.e., everything he had. Nothing worse could ever happen. Bai would have to pay for this crime. That¡¯s the way Kyon thought. He had made the only exception for the little thief. She just did her job. Nothing personal. She was a rare exception. Kyon had a short way with killers. It was life for life.

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222


    Kyon had been restoring the formations on his subordinates and zombie birds until early in the morning. Thanks to the birds, he heard from the the elder that Bai had had a heart attack and was now in the hospital. The information was kept secret to avoid havoc in the family. Only a few people were in the know, Diana and Juno among them. Thedies had spent the whole day in Bai¡¯s ward, grieving.


    Kyon stayed calm when he heard about what had happened to the patriarch. The old idiot shouldn¡¯t have encroached on his life! It was all his fault.


    In the meantime, Kyon learned to create the formation he needed. Besides, he had twice cleaned the little thief¡¯s keys, the third cleaning was on the way. Thank heaven, she regrly paid him just as promised, there was no misunderstanding about it.


    By then, Synergy had finished the vocal cords modernization. Now Kyon could change the tone of his voice up to ultrasound. Moreover, the maximum volume exceeded the roar of any beast!


    This time, he directed Synergy that had already reached the second degree to create carbon bones (or rather, to change the biological processes inside the bones). It might take a month or even a couple of months.


    The beautiful girl arrived for her regr dose.


    When he did what she desired, getting a peculiar pleasure from the process, Kyon said in a businesslike voice:


    ?Today, I¡¯ll need your help, little thief.?


    ?Why do I have to help you?? ¨C She asked, tucking a lock of her gorgeous hair behind her ear.


    ?Will you refuse a sweet boy¡¯s harmless request??


    ?I will.?


    ?Wait, not so fast! I really need your help. They can kill me. You don¡¯t want someone talented to die, someone, who brings you closer to your dream.?


    ?Don¡¯t push it. We are just partners. You do the service, and in return, I keep my promise. I don¡¯t have to do as you say!?


    Kyon hung his head low. ¨C ?I see¡­ I am going to die today¡­ Too bad¡­ There is no next cleaning then¡­ Good-bye¡­?


    ?Good luck.? ¨C She bristled with annoyance and left the house.


    Kyon took out his sound transmitter and called Juno.


    ?Speaking.? ¨C He heard the familiar voice.


    ?Baby, I am sorry I left without saying goodbye. How are you??


    ?Mom?.. Why are you calling from a different frequency??


    ?I broke my sound transmitter when I heard about¡­? ¨C ¡°Diana¡± sobbed.


    ?I am sorry¡­ I¡¯m fine, mom. Grandfather will be better before the tournament starts. I don¡¯t worry about him. Exercise distracts me from being sad.?


    Kyon took into ount Diana¡¯s self-absorbed streak and immediately switched to ¡°her beloved self.¡± ¨C ?You know, I am so worried about him. This anxiety is driving me crazy. It always helped to immerse myself in work, but now everything is falling apart¡­ Come and visit me on the ntation, my sweet! We¡¯ll have a nice talk over a cup of tea¡­?


    Juno thought that her mother couldn¡¯t get over grandfather¡¯s heart attack, that¡¯s why she so desperately wanted to meet her daughter. ¨C ?Okay. I will be there soon.?


    ?Thank you, my dear.? ¨C Kyon said and finished the call.


    Kyon put on a dark cloak and headed to the downtown. A littleter, he caught a pleasant scent in the air. As expected, the little thief followed him, invisible. She worried about his life, after all¡­


    Twenty minutester, Kyon made himselffortable on the roof and took out a semi-automatic sniper. He had specially chosen a ce where he could be easily seen.


    Before long, he noticed three mounts approaching. A guard was holding the reins of the middle horse, a beautiful blonde was sitting behind him with a distant look in her eyes. Two other guards of lower rank were riding on either side. The three new guards were honored to protect the youngdy. The previous three had cowardly fled.


    ~Bang~ ~Bang~ ~Bang~ ~Bang~ ~Bang~ ~Bang~


    The sound of six shots pierced the air in a couple of seconds.


    The first dart hit a guard in the neck. He waspletely unprepared for the attack. The next two darts were fended off by pure energy. Thest three hit the defenseless animals. They stopped and fell fast asleep.


    The little thief could see with some effort the ultrafast arrows, her mouth agape. Where did the boy get this incredible weapon?! It would be easier to do her job if she had this thing.


    ?We are under attack!? ¨C The guard cried out.


    ?He is on the roof! I will. I¡¯ll take thedy. Kill him!?


    ?Copy that!? ¨C His silhouette blurred at high speed in the indicated direction.


    Kyon gasped and quick as the wind, he turned and fled¡­ However, the pursuer¡¯s speed was iparably higher. A few secondster, the guardunched a blow in his back with a furious roar:


    ?Die!?


    ~crash~


    There was a sound of breaking bones. At thest moment, the guard felt a crushing blow to the ribs and flipped over in a somersault into the wall of the nearest building.


    ?Are you looking to get yourself killed, idiot?!? ¨C The little thief asked angrily, stepping out of invisibility.


    Kyon said nothing. He jumped off the roof and rushed to Juno.


    {Did he know I was following him?!} ¨C The girl stomped her foot indignantly, sending cracks all over the roof.


    Meanwhile, the rackless boy ran headlong to the other guard as if he had a death wish.


    ~crash~


    The little thief had no choice but save the idiot again! Her powerful blow sent the other guard flying. Thest guard didn¡¯t escape his fate, either. Gods, she couldn¡¯t believe that she had be so much stronger!


    The youngdy was alone.


    ?Lovr?? ¨C Juno asked, looking up at him with nk eyes.


    ~bang~


    Kyon mercilessly shot a dart from his gun at her slender neck.


    Juno opened her mouth, bewildered, but in a moment, she fainted, lost in oblivion. It was like a little fairy had suddenly had her transparent wings cut off, a truly touching and soul rendering sight.


    Kyon caught the falling girl at thest moment, gently picked her up and quickly left the crowded street. He had to hurry up before the Stones or the investigators arrived. He also put on her wrist a bracelet with a formation that blocked the tracking signal.


    When he was a few hundred meters away from the scene, Kyon heard the little thief¡¯s annoyed voice. ¨C ?Nasty maniac. What are you going to do with the poor girl??


    ?Actually, she is my sister!? ¨C retorted Kyon.


    ?Adopted sister. And why are you kidnapping her?? ¨C She wanted to understand his motives, to see if he really was rotten inside. She had some doubts, but so far, there had been no evidence.


    ?Too many questions, wench!? ¨C Kyon put on his imperious voice, but sensing her cold aura, he hastily added. ¨C ?Don¡¯t worry. She is going to be alright.?


    The three of them reached Kyon¡¯s home in silence.


    Kyon carefully put Juno in bed and nced at the little thief. ¨C ?Leave us alone. And no secret spying, please.?


    The girl sniffed indignantly and left, tossing her ck hair. She had no time to mess with him. Nobody had ever dared to use ck Queen to their advantage, moreover, against her will. She had never yed by someone¡¯s rules! The impudent boy was asking for trouble.


    When the little thief left, Kyon infused Juno¡¯s mind with Synergy until she fell into an abnormally deep sleep. Then he put a finger on her forehead and tried to apply a subjugating formation, all to no avail.


    Kyon frowned thoughtfully. The subjugating formation may fail mainly because of her mental or spiritual resistance. The first was at a minimum. How to reduce the second?


    Kyon directed Synergy into Juno¡¯s soul and patted her graceful little flower.


    He felt pity for her. It hurt to see Juno turn ashen pale, wince in pain and groan in agony. It was rather odd, though. He usually enjoyed torturing her.


    Seizing the moment when her soul was in tremendous stress, Kyon tried to apply another formation. This time it worked! Now Juno was once again in his power. Everything was back to square one.


    After a while, Juno woke up and rubbed her sleepy eyes.


    ?Lovr?!? ¨C She batted her eyshes in surprise.


    He was standing before her, looking upon her coldly.


    ?Call me your master.? ¨C He said sternly.


    ?Lovr, why did you kidnap me?? ¨C Juno reflexively touched the tingly spot on her forehead and immediately understood everything. A tidal wave of resentment swept over her.


    ?Call me your master.? ¨C He repeated in a sterner voice.


    ?Lovr¡­?


    Kyon pped her in the face. ¨C ?Are you deaf?!?


    Juno looked intently at the offender with herrge emerald green eyes and remained silent. She had trouble breathing, the tears choking her. Lovr never beat her¡­ They both were capable of doing the impossible, but their characters were too different!


    In the next five minutes, Kyon was the only one to speak. He made a new ¡°cage of orders¡± and asked if Juno had told anyone about his talents, if she was brewing anything against him.


    Juno shook her head sadly and looked at Kyon, sullen. Her lips quivered. She tried to see Lovr in this cruel boy. She was grasping at straws, all in vain. She did not tell anyone about his unique abilities, hoping to evoke his sincere repentance¡­ However, he had it his way, making her a ve again. Her kind gesture had failed to touch his heart.


    ?I see. It was smart of you not to mess with me. Now tell me everything you have experienced in the illusory world.?


    Juno had to obey. The story took about an hour. She told him everything and also added some information about the frequency of souls. But she could surprisingly easily keep quiet about the most important secret the masters had shared with her. Why? Was the subjugating formation too weak?


    Kyon ran his fingers through his hair, his head bent low as if deep in thought. He had already figured out by trial and error the way with capturing souls. It had nearly killed him. Now he was eager to find out howe that Synergy of the sixth degree was enough to create the entire world with 13 years of history in an instant? Lovr had been using Synergy all his life, and still, it wasn¡¯t enough to find out all the secrets.


    As for Juno and Lovr¡¯s love story, there was nothing surprising about their feelings. Juno was breathtakingly beautiful and high-spirited to boot. She seemed to Lovr mysterious and inessible like the moon, attracting him with her charm. At the age of 16, Lovr was a true romantic. Besides, he was number one in terms of Synergy evolvement, a truly legendary person. A year was enough for her to lose her heart to Lovr.


    What was the master¡¯s n? Why did they make them fall in love with each other? The smartest people in the universe don¡¯t do anything crazy.


    Kyon understood perfectly well that something was missing. Did the masters believe that Juno would forgive real Lovr if she fell in love with him in the illusory world? Did they arrange it so that she would help him in the most dire circumstances? But they had no idea about his real intentions.


    {To hell with her love! I need her to plot revenge on her sister and me. The tenacity of purpose will give her soul the motivation to evolve faster¡­}


    Juno suddenly said. ¨C ?Master Lovr, I am very sorry for my past deeds. I admit I acted stupidly half a year ago¡­ If I could turn back the time, I wouldn¡¯t be a nasty, ruthless bitch¡­ Please, forgive me!?


    Her pleading eyes would mollify even Satan, but Kyon stood firm. ¨C ?Toote, Juno. There is nothing you can say to earn my forgiveness.?


    ?How can I earn it then? Tell me!?


    ?Take off your clothes.?


    ?No! You can¡¯t be serious?!? ¨C Juno frightened, instinctively covering her boobs.


    Kyon sneered. ¨C ?I see you don¡¯t care much about my forgiveness.?


    Juno frowned and bit her lip. She felt resentment welling up inside her. If she could see Lovr in him, she might have agreed to his terms¡­ But this bastard waspletely different! Would it help to know him better? It might¡­ She didn¡¯t want to give up because he was future Lovr!


    Juno calmed down. First, she had to get rid of her prejudice about him, find out what both boys had inmon. ¨C ?Master¡­ Tell me what really happened to Dinah. Did she run away? Did you stage her death? Why??


    Kyon looked at her thoughtfully for a minute and then said in a frightening voice:


    ?I have vited and killed her.?


    Juno opened her mouth, thunderstruck.


    ?It¡¯s true. That¡¯s who I am. Dinah has been my sworn enemy ever since she started messing with me. I made her my sex ve and enjoyed raping her a lot of times. Things went out of control when she tried to kill me. So, she had to pay for her crime¡­?


    Juno trembled with anger. Her hands curled into fists, her eyes shed with wild, bloodthirsty light. Her old hatred burned anew in her chest. This wild beast wasn¡¯t Lovr! She had always been right about him! He was evil incarnate, a cunning servant of the devil! He had killed the poor maid! The bastard deserved a merciless death for his crimes! He was not worthy of her forgiveness and love!


    Kyon sneered venomously, his ck eyes flickering maliciously. ¨C ?By the way, the investigator who ckmailed you grandad, who is the reason he is in hospital now, is me. How is he doing? Is the old fart already dead?? ¨C He asked, his voice filled with hope.


    It was like he doused her with boiling water. ¨C ?Nasty bastard! I will kill you, beast!?


    The furious girl attacked him at once.


    Kyon snapped his fingers. ¨C ?I order you to freeze.?


    When she obedientlyplied with his order, Kyon kissed her lips pressed tightly together and squeezed her taut butts. Juno¡¯s eyes sparkled with a variety of emotions, her face was whiter than chalk. The desire to rip out his heart and feed it to the dogs was written all over her face. Finally, everything fell into ce! He could recognize the old Juno, the one who was ¡°crazy¡± about him.


    This attitude had at least two advantages: she wanted to take revenge on him, which inspired her to be stronger, and she filled his nucleus with darkness!


    Juno couldn¡¯t ept the fact that her soul belonged to the devil, that it was captured by his dirty Synergy, and now her elemental energy had no effect on him¡­


    A minuteter, his nucleus stopped turning. He had received in total 80% of darkness. Kyon supposed that his mood swings were caused by the significant imbnce between darkness and light. Especially now! His blood was boiling with the urge to inflict physical and emotional pain on the little demon! Darkness was taking hold of his soul! It was wrong. It shouldn¡¯t be this way. He was not aplete sadist, no matter how much he hated her. Kyon had to use Synergy to restore his emotional bnce.


    ?Great! The master is pleased with his ve girl¡­ I order you to go back home and do code three. Shut your mouth and go. Get out before I fuck you!? ¨C Kyon yelled at her andughed loudly. He had already given her a bug, there was no way she couldin.


    Juno shuddered and rushed away from the residence of evil. Hatred was burning in her chest, gradually giving way to emptiness and dizziness. A few years couldn¡¯t have turned Lovr into an inveterate scoundrel! No way! It couldn¡¯t be! Kyon was messing with her. It was a prank! But his words were too convincing¡­ Juno didn¡¯t know what to think. Her world was falling apart. She did not want to believe that the handsome boy she fell in love with had disappeared without a trace, leaving her only pain. She was willing to grasp at straws, at anything that would give her hope¡­ Please¡­ Please¡­


    Hope was still flickering in her heart.

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223


    A day had passed.


    The little thief was surprised when she did not find the hostage in Kyon¡¯s house. His exnation, ¡°I kidnapped her just to talk,¡± didn¡¯t sound convincing. She had a gut feeling that something was wrong. The boy was a total mystery. She should have spied on him¡­


    She was also interested in the fast weapon that he had used to kidnap his sister. When she asked Kyon to take a look at it, he promised to teach her how to use it as soon as she became his protector. Well, she could wait a couple of days. The weapon that carried energy at an incredibly high speed would alwayse in handy.


    Juno¡¯s return to the central part of the family territory without protection came as a great surprise. It turned out that the guards had run away, like the previous three, to avoid punishment for their ipetence.


    Meanwhile, two hundred feathered Kyons had located Sauron¡¯s second brother. The cunning bastard had holed up somewhere far away! Hisir was on a dead street three hundred kilometers from Boston. Traders hardly ever appeared there, scared of being robbed or killed. However, those daredevils who dared to take the risk usually had expensive goods and strong guardsmen.


    Kyon was about to organize a military operation when he heard one of the robbers talking with the second brother named Hans.


    {Wait¡­ Hans?!} ¨C Kyon was taken aback. Byron once said that his brother was Hans. Coincidence? Hardly. The robber was also well-built, he even looked somewhat like Byron!


    Kyon called Byron and asked him how his integration into the family was going (he had to aplish this task in Mike¡¯s vige).


    ?I haven¡¯t located the bastard yet! They don¡¯t tell me anything¡­ Everyone here is too suspicious and distrustful!?


    ?What does he look like??


    ?Hans? Well¡­ nk eyes¡­ Well-built like a gori¡­?


    Byron¡¯s description coincided with Sauron¡¯s second brother. It was quite fortunate, on the one side. Kyon could kill two birds with one stone. However, it would only get him in trouble and jeopardize the military operation¡­ If Hans went to prison, Byron wouldn¡¯t get his revenge. Therefore, he wouldn¡¯t fill Kyon¡¯s nucleus with bright emotions.


    ?Listen to me, Byron. If you want to take revenge¡­?


    ?I WANT IT!?


    ?Take it easy! If you want to get even with the bastard, have a nice talk over a ss or two with someone close to Hans. You have to find out the frequency of his sound transmitter. Then give it to me, and I will organize everything.?


    ?Will you find him for me?!?


    ?I will.?


    ?Kyon, you¡¯re a real brother for me¡­ I¡¯ll do my best!?


    ?Good luck.? ¨C Kyon ended the conversation and thought hard. How could he have his cake and eat it too? One thing was clear, one wrong step in organizing the capture of Sauron¡¯s second brother, and he would lose a great opportunity.


    Three days had passed.


    Byron hadn¡¯t found out Hans¡¯s frequency, so the first kingdom¡¯s issue was going to drag. But tomorrow evening, the capture of the guild of thieves was nned! Thanks, Timoshka, for the information.


    Kyon could hear through the bug Juno cry every night. She must be grieving Lovr, poor thing. How could she fall in love with an illusion? However, stranger things had happened.


    Meanwhile, Kyon had reached the third stage of the advanced phase. His desire to get Dinah back was a strong motivation to exercise really hard.


    He had been regrly cleaning the little thief¡¯s keys, brazenly caressing her soft snow-white skin. Anyone from her guild would envy him: their inessible, cold leader allowed the snot-nosed brat to touch her and even pays him an obscene amount of money for this! s, her reaction to his touch left much to be desired. Kyon suspected his fingers were rted to slugs. The girl winced too naturally and convincingly.


    This morning he had finally cleaned the key of darkness to 99% and received the promised 8th million.


    The girl looked straight at him with her piercing eyes, trying to find the hints of lust in Kyon¡¯s eyes, but she couldn¡¯t see even the slightest sexual attraction. It struck her as strange and somehow annoying.


    Her intuition kept whispering to her that the boy was hiding his true nature. She wanted to prove once and for all that he was nothing but a frothing maniac and vulgar liar and never take him seriously anymore. But all her efforts were in vain!


    ?Don¡¯t you find me attractive?? ¨C This question had long been bothering her.


    ?Well¡­? ¨C Kyon intoned. ¨C ?You¡¯re pretty but¡­?


    ?Pretty?!? ¨C The girl was deeply hurt as if he had insulted her. She was used to thepliments on her beauty. Men usually considered her magnificently beautiful but inessible, like the distant moon.


    Kyon hurried to calm the little thief down:


    ?Try to understand me. I just don¡¯t like slender, long-legged and strong girls with soft snow-white skin. You¡¯re just not my type.? ¨C He was sure the bait would work.


    The girl looked confused. Was it praise or insult? Her delicate facial features, gorgeous hair and seductive curves had never failed to delight everyone around her! Her pride had been hurt¡­


    She had better ignore the stupid boy, but he was the first to evoke arge array of emotions in her and for a number of reasons: he read her like an open book, yed her, touched her body and constantly surprised her with his unusual abilities and weird character! He was aplete and total mystery to her.


    ?Hm¡­ What girls are your type then?? ¨C She asked, casually, trying to make her voice sound disinterested.


    ?The girls who make feel good.?


    Her eyebrows rose a fraction.


    ?You know, you make me feel nervous. Let¡¯s go to an elite restaurant tonight¡­ Your treat¡­?


    ?My treat?? ¨C The girl echoed, surprised. What a nerve! Who does he think he is?!


    ?Do all the girls pay for you in the restaurant??


    Kyon put his hands behind his head and gazed at the ceiling. ¨C ?I am rather old-fashioned: it takes flowers, sweets, presents¡­ Nothing will happen until I get my gifts.?


    The girl gasped. What was going on in his head? Where the hell did hee from?! Was it really hard for him to be normal? The boy was a mess¡­ He turned the whole notion upside down!


    ?I am not interested in a rtionship, not with a greedy maniac like you!?


    Kyon snorted. ¨C ?Ha! What are you talking about? I offered to have dinner together, and you already see a future with me? You¡¯re such a mess! That¡¯s why you¡¯re not my type.? ¨C With thest word, he turned around and walked off with a straight face.


    The girl was taken aback. The boy must havepletely lost his mind! She wanted to give the cheeky boy a response he deserved, but sheckedmunication experience, and the oath she had given stopped her from putting the rude asshole in his ce. This situation of absolute helplessness made her feel a total loser.


    When Kyon left the house, he heard the loud stomping of feet that made the whole building tremble. He smiled victoriously: it felt nice to tease a dangerous panther in the strong iron cage.


    ¡­


    In the evening, the little thief came again for the next dose of cleaning.


    Something had changed in her appearance. She looked as always stunning: ck tights with a diamond pattern that emphasized her slender legs, a short ck skirt that attracted men like a ma, and a ck blouse that fit her like a second skin. And the icing on the cake, her hairstyle was a bit different.


    When she got what she wanted, she said impassively:


    ?I am going to have dinner.?


    Kyon guessed her intentions at once. ¨C ?Let¡¯s go to my favorite restaurant.?


    The girl nodded and silently left the house.


    Soon the couple took a corner table on the second floor of an expensive restaurant that was often visited by wealthy people and guests from other kingdoms.


    They were immediately were served hot dishes just after making their order. The secret of this trick was simple: the food was prepared in advance and ced in the rings, where time had almost stopped. The dishes were served as soon as the order was ced! The instant and convenient service.


    The beautiful girl was proudly sitting next to Kyon, who was idly turning an eye of the sea monkey on his fork. The girl was eating a sd with all her inherently noble manners.


    A middle-aged man who looked like an overfed hog was having dinner at a nearby table with his fat wife. When he saw Kyon with the delightful nymph, he sensed ¡°injustice.¡± What was the pathetic loser doing with such a beauty?!


    The fat man looked at his chubby wife, whose round face resembled a plump pancake, and then at the beautifuldy. He realized that it was pointless topare a crocodile to a proud night pegasus and headed for his potential future wife. He hadn¡¯t taken more than a few steps when his soul felt icy cold and deadly gloom. He felt the cold sweat rolling down his back, all his confidence suddenly evaporated. He froze on the spot, too scared to even move.


    His young wife was looking at him, her mouth agape. What the hell was her dear husband doing?!


    Kyon nodded to the man who looked like a shocked hippo. ??? ?At least he finds you attractive.?


    The girl fixed her eyes on the fat man. He shuddered and retreated to the restroom. When she turned her eyes to Kyon again, he spied a teasing glint in them.


    ?I don¡¯t care about someone¡¯s stupid quirks. You¡¯d better worry about being attractive enough for me.? ¨C She said, faking indifference.


    ?I think you are fascinated by me. You hide this from everyone, including yourself.? ¨C Kyon said calmly, finishing the rest of the sea monkey¡¯s eye.


    ?Gods! He sounds like a blubbering fool¡­? ¨C The girl had lost her appetite. Things always went awry when she was next to Kyon. She couldn¡¯t think straight, losing hermon sense.


    They resumed their meal in silence.


    Kyon made no attempt to revive the conversation or impress the girl. Being a funny clown wasn¡¯t his thing. He could always pick up the thread of a conversation to direct it into an interesting and profitable for him direction.


    The little thief picked up her annoyingly buzzing sound transmitter with a message from her people. The snow queen¡¯s eyes turned icy again. The dagger shed in her aristocratic hands. The whole restaurant was shrouded in the gloomy aura that made the visitors run out in fear.


    Ten people entered the building and headed upstairs with their swords ready. They emanated a powerful fighting aura of the elite warriors of the kingdom.


    Prince Charles himself had arrived with his people.


    The prince red at the girl with burning eyes, and she looked back at him, the northern chill in her gaze. Suddenly, the prince noticed the underdeveloped brat from the library!


    During their unfortunate meeting in the library, Charles couldn¡¯t understand why the beautiful assassin had preferred thepany of a loser to his highness. He remembered her words: ¡°Only two people will stay here. And there will be no princes among them,¡± and then she confirmed her words, treacherously poisoning him¡­


    On that unlucky day, the prince¡¯s heart filled with hatred for the girl. He was even a little jealous of the ordinary boy from amonce family. The pip-squeak was no match for the second heir to the throne. Wasn¡¯t he the most talented person in the kingdom after Princess Kara, and also infinitely handsome and gant to boot!


    A swift hurricane of sudden and utterly inappropriate jealousy swept over Charles.


    Heeding the voice of reason, he suppressed the unbing and smiled viciously at the killer of the king. ¨C ?What a surprise! The bitch who had killed my father and her underage fuckbuddy¡­?


    Kyon shifted his gaze from the prince to the little thief.


    ?Watch your mouth, boy. Once I spared your life and let you enjoy a life full of brothels and cheap prostitutes. But you don¡¯t seem to have enough brain to understand a simple truth: don¡¯t y with fire¡­? ¨C She said coldly.


    The prince was about to explode with anger. He was in terrible pain every day. Itcerated his groin, clouding his mind, making him yearn to be with a woman to let off steam. Regr visits to brothels kept him sane! People started calling him ¡°prince the hot pants.¡± What a shame¡­ His reputation as a noble gentleman had slipped downhill.


    However, Prince Charles quickly calmed down. He threw his head back andughed loudly. ¨C ?Open your eyes! I have the best warriors of the kingdom! The restaurant is surrounded by a few dozens of powerful people! I am no fool! And I¡¯m not afraid of you, bitch! You will pay for everything! One hundred million promised for your capture wille in very handy!?


    ?Are you sure, naive puppy?? ¨C The girl asked and snapped her long fingers.


    The restaurant was suddenly under pressure equal to hundreds of powerful people. Ordinary citizens had instantly be willing to fight for the ck Queen to death! The aura was so depressing that the top ten warriors had lost their fighting spirit. Did the prince bring them to ughter?! They were not ready to die without honor and dignity for someone with a derogatory nickname!


    The expression on Charles¡¯s face changed. His pupils narrowed, his face distorted, his forehead drenched in a cold sweat. ¨C ?You¡­?


    ?Choose your words carefully, boy.? ¨C She warned him with an icy voice.


    The prince felt like he was a hare in the ws of a hungry panther. Try as he might, the girl would blend with her people and finish him off, anyway. There was no way out, he had to grab any chance he got!


    The prince pointed at Kyon with a trembling finger. ¨C ?If you attack me, this greenhorn will die at once!?


    Her eyes sparkled dangerously. ¨C ?Are you afraid to die??


    The prince shuddered. The cunning, merciless assassin had ignored his threat! He lost his chance when his warriors saw his desperate reaction. Now they were not ready to fight to the death. He had zero chances to win!


    He took a deep angry breath, making a decision. Then he clenched his fists and said nervously:


    ?I admit, I overreacted! You are one step ahead. Let¡¯s do without mutual ughter. We don¡¯t need unnecessary losses, do we??


    ?Believe me, you and your cowardly dogs will die without killing anyone.? ¨C She said menacingly, resembling a cold-blooded maniac. ¨C ?But I will kindly give you another chance if you kneel and apologize for interrupting our dinner.? ¨C She pointed at him with the tip of her dagger.


    Charles¡¯s heart started beating faster. He wanted to live much more than to die.


    The warriors looked imploringly at their master, wishing he would submit to the sly ¡°death in the skirt.¡±


    And the prince cracked. He fell to his knees, gritting his teeth. ¨C ?Forgive me¡­ I was a fool¡­?


    The girl gave him a look of withering contempt. Then she grabbed Kyon by the sleeve, went to the window, knocked it out with a jet stream, and jumped out. She knew it was too big a risk. If the prince was a bigger idiot and decided to attack, the boy¡¯s life would be in danger. She took a risk and pressed on Charles¡¯s weak (against hers) spirit. She had won by crushing him psychologically.


    Kyon was delighted. She had tricked the prince! She did it again. He adored her cunning and selfish character, it was very close to his. The important thing was not to turn her against him. She did steal his ring with treasures once. She also imprisoned him to get her keys cleaned¡­ On the other hand, any person in this world would do the same if they knew about his talent. As for the contents of the ring, he would soon have it all back. He held no grudge against the girl. He just had a perfectly normal urge to spank the little bottom till it turned red. She was like a dangerous poisonous rose for him, the thorns of which were directed in the opposite direction. The delightful girl was definitely his type. He loved them dangerous and inessible. He always loved to y with fire, and not only when it came to girls.

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224


    After a while, the girl came out of invisibility next to Kyon.


    ?Did you invite him here?? ¨C She asked him directly. This question had been bothering her all the time.


    ?I¡¯ve never heard a sillier thing!?


    ?Well¡­ I don¡¯t know you at all! What if you decided to cash in at my expense¡­ You¡¯ve been doing it for a while, anyway. What if it¡¯s your revenge for the stolen ring or the imprisonment.? ¨C She looked at him, confused, looking for an answer in his eyes, all in vain. She wished she could read him like an open book¡­


    ?Do you think that I would risk my precious life because of miserable half a million spheres, that I would break my oath?! Do I look like someone with no money??


    ?¡­?


    ?Gods! You can¡¯t have such a low opinion of me. I can alone, without the help of my family, make more money than you and all your guild altogether! Believe me, it has nothing to do with my invaluable service. You are my only customer. It doesn¡¯t count.?


    The girl snorted skeptically and went faster. She had no intention to continue this stupid conversation.


    ?You don¡¯t believe me, do you?? ¨C Kyon smiled. ¨C ?Alright, then. I will show you what I can.? ¨C He caught up with her and pointed his finger at a crow that was sitting on amppost nearby. ¨C ?I bet a hundred thousand that the crow will fly away exactly thirteen seconds after I snap my fingers. I am not going to scare it on purpose.?


    A greedy me sparkled in her beautiful ck eyes. ¨C ?Prove you have the money.?


    ?Are you going to steal it??


    ?You have my oath¡­?


    Kyon showed the necessary amount with a smile and held out his hand. ¨C ?Deal??


    The girl hesitated a little, then she put on a glove and shook his hand.


    Kyon snapped his fingers loudly and, with a faint smile on his face, turned his eyes to the crow, counting under his breath. ¨C ?One, two, three, four¡­ seven, eight, nine¡­ twelve¡­?


    At thest second, crow (which at that moment was under Lovr¡¯s control) sarcastically croaked. It had almost flown off the post when Kyon felt a sharp pain as if his brain was struck by lightning.


    When he looked at the ce where the bird was sitting a second ago, he saw a little headless body falling on the ground. The evil assassin had killed the crow, throwing a sphere right into its head! She had outwitted him. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t fly away if it was dead!


    ?Are you fucking kidding me!? ¨C Kyon yelled in a fit of anger.


    The girl carelessly took his money. ¨C ?I must admit, you were right, only in the opposite sense. You alone can squander money faster than me and my guild altogether.? ¨C She said and walked off, pleased with herself. Easy money is always a good idea! And to twist a fool around her little finger is even better.


    ?Very funny! Ha-ha!? ¨C Kyon grunted. After a second¡¯s hesitation, he pulled out a weighty bag with spheres of different phases with a total value of three million. ¨C ?I bet three million that at a click of my fingers, the birds will form a V in the sky. In one distant country, a V means¡­ Never mind. You won¡¯t dare to take this bet, anyway!?


    The girl looked at him, stunned. ¨C {Is he crazy?!} ¨C It was clear that he had blurted it out, overwhelmed with emotions. He just wanted to win his money back. The sour expression on his face and a quick movement of his hand that quickly put the money bag back to the ring had only confirmed her guess!


    The little thief quickly grabbed Kyon by the wrist, not letting him hide the money back. ¨C ?I take the bet.?


    ?Wait! I didn¡¯t mean it! I was just kidding! Ha ha? ¨C Kyon giggled nervously and tried to pull his hand back, but hispanion¡¯s grip was very tenacious.


    ?No, you weren¡¯t kidding. You blurted out something stupid, and you¡¯re going to pay for this. The bid is epted and non-refundable.? ¨C She carefully checked the contents of the bag, her eyes glittering with greed. Three million spheres don¡¯te along every day! Her guild would make this much in three months at best! This boy was really a doofus! She was d to have met him, such a stupid and naive fool, the son of a goddess, sent to her to make her life much easier.


    The little thief put the money in her ring in a matter-of-fact way.


    ?You¡­ You¡¯ve just ripped me off! You swore by your uncle!? ¨C Kyon was outraged.


    ?I just keep the money during the bet, silly boy. You¡¯re going to lose it anyway. You have started this folly, and you will pay for it. I repeat, the bid is epted and non-refundable.?


    Kyon snapped his fingers. All the feigned emotions of dismay, despair, anger, and resentment hadpletely disappeared from his face. Only the smugcency was written all over it. ¨C ?You are a peach, little thief. I adore you. I see yourck of foresight has backfired again. Aren¡¯t you tired of underestimating me? Think carefully about your mistakes when you lose.? ¨C He pointed upwards.


    He had left too many gaps in the conditions of the first bet for a reason. It would give some credibility to the second bet. He had almost managed to pull off a simr trick with XiaoBai at the party, but, s, Kara ruined everything.


    ?What are you talking about, silly boy?? ¨C She asked in bewilderment and looked at the sky, frowning.


    The birds were gradually forming the letter ¡°V¡± up above.


    The girl¡¯s lips parted in a silent ¡°Oh.¡± Her dark eyes focused on the inscrutable boy in disbelief.


    {It¡¯s impossible! He canmand birds?!} ¨C Her heart felt a stab of an unusual and unexpected defeat ¨C a bitter, nasty feeling. She would never have epted this extravagant bet if it came first. She would have assumed that the boy had another wonderful talent inherited from his mother. He had yed a simpleton to get her into his trap, jerk!


    She needed money to cultivate her body and soul and get her revenge in the future. Three million was too big a loss! Enough to get depressed. It was all the damned boy¡¯s fault! Once again, he yed with her feelings like a skilled violinist!


    ?What did I tell you about my talent to make money?? ¨C Kyon asked shamelessly, stretching out his hand in a gesture of ¡°give me my money.¡±


    The girl gritted her teeth in frustration, but she had to take out six million and give it to him. Her hand did not want to let go of the bags. Kyon had to make an effort to take them away. She could not understand why she should give away her honestly earned money?! She had just lost three million for nothing! It was sheer folly! She made a decision long ago to cast aside humanity and dignity for the sake of power that couldn¡¯t be obtained without money. Then why?!


    Kyon weighed the pouches and sniffed them, teasing the girl. ¨C ?Hmm¡­ I adore the sweet scent of easy money!?


    ?One more word!? ¨C She threatened with an icy tone and disappeared, not wishing to be near this terrible person another second. Things used to turn around the ck Queen. Everything was as she wanted, but this time, the situation changed. He was unusual to deal with! He was driving her mad! It was a nightmare to lose so much money in just a couple of minutes! She had been robbed in broad daylight! The money her guild had made in three months had vanished in thin air!


    ?You can¡¯t run from yourself, dear! Ha ha¡­? ¨C Kyon yelled after her, ying with fire.


    He went to the battle hall and trained there hard untilte at night.


    A bird delivered him a ring. He found inside 250 thousand spheres and a note that said: ¡°Dear little brother! Have I told you how much I love you? My love is now twice as much. I am amazed at your ability and luck to make money! You have found the wanted girl twice (!) in a couple of weeks in a huge city! From now on, you owe me nothing. I am looking forward to seeing you at the uing auction. Yours XiaoBai.


    P.S. Where did you get this beautiful figurine?! If it is really made of precious stones, as you said, then it¡¯s priceless! The ¡°Golden Piggy¡± is sure to take it as the next lot at the auction! I¡¯ve sent it to my friend jeweler for evaluation, just in case¡­ ¡°


    Kyon folded the letter and burst outughing. He was hoping to make some money with his earth element. The advanced grade allowed him to create precious stones like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and whatnot. He had recently created a beautiful figurine of the fiery phoenix with lots of gems. ording to his calctions, a single lot should not attract too much attention, and a few hundred thousand spheres (if not more) would alwayse in handy.


    At the moment, he had a total of 12.150.000 spheres. He received eight million for cleaning, three million for winning the bet (minus 100 thousand that he had lost). He got 250 thousand from the prince (XiaoBai had shared the information. There was one million left from the old ckmail (he received five million then and spent four million on the medicine). If he correctly calcted his strength, he would easily make more money, making bets during the tournament of the families that took ce soon. He couldn¡¯t wait for the auction to begin. He was hoping to get an expensive and necessary thing ¨C the imprable cloth.


    As for the oath he had broken, ¡°not to harm her in any way,¡± she would have to prove he had. All in all, he considered the oath exclusively from the materialistic point. No unknown forces would punish him.


    By three in the morning, he had returned to his (well, not quite his) house to have a few hours of sleep.


    The little thief had juste for a regr dose of key cleaning.


    ?How are you feeling?? ¨C Kyon asked her.


    ?Shut up, please.? ¨C She answered in a quiet, melodious voice.


    The intonation betrayed her bad mood.


    Kyon shrugged. ¨C ?Don¡¯t be a sore loser.?


    ?I didn¡¯t lose. You didn¡¯t leave me any choice¡­ You cheated.?


    ?I didn¡¯t cheat. I outwitted you, taking advantage of your greed andck of forethought.?


    ?Shut up already¡­? ¨C She gave him another grim look.


    ?There are only two keys left, the light and the water. I¡¯ll begin with the light.?


    The girl silently took off her blouse, revealing her straight ivory white back, her slender waist, and the hills hidden behind a sexy dark bra that she covered with her hand for some reason. The girl cast him a surprisingly docile nce andy on the bed, turning her eyes away.


    Kyon wondered what had caused her unusual behavior. He had a theory as for her being detached, taciturn, reserved. It even gave her a peculiar charm. But he could only guess why she had taken off her blouse for the first time, showing off always carefully hidden bare skin.


    Kyon approached the little thief and touched her sr plexus. The tactile sensations from contact with her delicate velvety skin were delightful. He gently reached her soft breast under the bra and began massaging a small area near her heart (where the key of light was). Only a few centimeters separated him from the pointed peak, the single touch to which, even an ¡°ident¡± one, could cost him his life. He could feel the tense atmosphere of an ¡°intimate and dangerous¡± moment. Her tight breast under his fingers was driving him insane.


    It all took about half a minute.


    Kyon noticed the girl¡¯s heartbeat increase as well as his. He looked into her eyes and was surprised by what he saw. She was no longer testing him for lust or any other evil intentions. She was trying to understand what he was like. Wasn¡¯t it cute! There was not even a trace of the usual disgust on her pretty face. Did she no longer consider him a nasty slug?


    They say that girls love those who make them suffer and experience strong emotions. In this case, there was still a long way till love, but their rtions had certainly reached another level.


    Her cold, careless attitude towards him had be a real challenge for Lovr. He dreamed of melting her heart! Gradually changing her opinion, Kyon was like a sessful hunter. He could feel his blood rush through his veins, his excitement heightened to a fever pitch. Before he knew it, the mysterious icy cold girl had started to mean a lot for him. It was now a matter of principle to make her his.


    Meanwhile, the girl looked at the busy boy and could not understand why she was experiencing a whole palette of strange, unusual feelings when she was next to him.


    She caught herself thinking that she could no longer take him as a boy, and couldn¡¯t say why. His actions and character didn¡¯t strike her as brave! He behaved like a fool more often than not! He always took advantage of her, cracked dirty jokes. His words were at times pure nonsense, and yet, he always meant what he said, and, in the end, he always had it his way¡­


    When Kyon finished the cleaning, the little thief silently put on her blouse and left, deep in her thoughts.


    As soon as she left his house, the kaleidoscope of unusual feelings had suddenly disappeared. Everything was back to square one. The world had only shades of gray. Everything seemed futile, dull, uninteresting. A wave of misery and apathy washed over her. In this lifeless void, there was only a distant, mercilessly unrealistic dream to take revenge on the murderers of her family. The girl epted long ago that her life would be always like this, but everything was different,pletely different just a minute ago! Did she really forget about her worries next to this incorrigible rascal? Why did he evoke so many different emotions in her? How could he draw all her attention to himself, making her forget all the world around her?


    {It¡¯s impossible¡­ I seem to be losing the meaning of my life because of him¡­}

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225


    Kyon spent his free time enthusiastically exercising in the training hall.


    The morning key cleaning of the keys went in silence. Then it was over, the girl handed him the 9th,st but one million and left. When the evening came, she appeared before him. Kyon did his ¡°painstaking¡± job with pleasure. He found it amusing to see her eyes searching for ¡°truth¡± in his, where not so long ago, she was looking for lust. She was treating him differently now, but it did not change her taciturn nature.


    Kyon wanted to upy even more ce in her thoughts, make her depend on him even more. Should he invite her somewhere? Was there any mutually beneficial cooperation? There was nothing he could do today: the hunt for the thieves guild was about to start in a few hours¡­


    Then as if struck with sudden insight, Kyon gave a p to his forehead. It¡¯s true what they say: ¡°The best ce to hide something is in in sight.¡± The little thief could be¡­ A thief! Or even the head of the thieves guild. She was highly unlikely to descend to themon thief, her pride and arrogance would never allow it. This pretty obvious thought had juste to mind to one of the most favourite Synergy¡¯s pets¡­


    {I have half a minute to think. I wonder what the odds are.} ¨C Kyon was thinking hard while doing the key cleaning. ¨C {There rumors that the ck Queen and Lanai hate each other. However, if I were the head of two guilds, I would benefit from creating this image for the investigators, so it makes sense. The ck Queen has excellent theft skills. Both girls have outstanding leadership qualities. They are powerful, and their influence on Boston has been stronger than of any shadow organization since the capital was founded. It all adds up. It¡¯s not easy to run two guilds at once, but that¡¯s where uncle Leones to her rescue, and the chanced the ck Queen and Lanai are the same person get even higher. The guilds were created with a difference in four years, and the total probability that the girl is the leader of two guilds is approximately 95%! Holy shit!}


    It was going to hit the fan.


    Everything was ready to capture the guild. The department would never back off. How could he persuade the girl to cancel the monthly meeting? It was no less than an important fifth anniversary. The only option was to tell her about the ambush. However, the little thief was too smart and cautious. She would require proof¡­ The low-ranking investigators that work for her in the department knew nothing about the operation. Only a narrow circle of people was in the know, which means that she wouldn¡¯t believe him or she would find out about his position as a high-ranking investigator. What would happen next? Would she trust him? Hardly, given her suspicious nature. All their agreements and existing rtions woulde to an end. If she ever survived ¡­


    {What if the five percent turn out to be true? What if Lanai is someone else?} ¨C A hopeful thought flickered through his feverish mind. He urgently needed to refute it or confirm, or he would never find peace.


    ?Do you have any ns for the evening??


    ?I do if you want to ask me out.? ¨C She answered quietly, waiting for his reaction with poorly disguised interest.


    ?Would you agree to a cup of tea with me for a hundred thousand, say, in a couple of hours??


    She looked at him with surprise. ¨C ?Maybe. Do you want to buy my time for a hundred thousand spheres??


    {Is she free or not?..} ¨C His hope increased tenfold. In a few hours, Lanai had to be in the meeting of the guild, not drink tea in the cafe. ¨C ?I have a discount coupon. My smile takes off a hundred and one percent.? ¨C He shed a wide smile at her.


    ?I take no smiles today. Come tomorrow.? ¨C The girl jokingly said and turned away. She was lying on the bed, letting him massage the area near the key of light (her heart). His touch was gentle and urate. She felt a bit sleepy. How did he do this? His touch used to disgust her, now it felt so nice.


    {I need more information¡­ How can I get it?..} ¨C ?By the way, can you teach me how to steal as skillfully as you? I want to take a couple of lessons.?


    ?Why do you think I can steal??


    ?Well¡­ You skillfully took off my ring in the library. Not every professional snatch thief is capable of this.?


    ?You were as slow as a snail. Anyone in my phase can do it. By the way, I didn¡¯t rob you. It was payment for your protection.?


    {Sure it was!} ¨C ?But you did rob the prince.? ¨C Kyon insisted.


    ?He gave me the medicine himself, convinced that I would return the favor. He can me himself. Why do you want to be a thief, anyway? Didn¡¯t you tell me that you can make more money than me and my guild altogether? Go, earn your bread.? ¨C She snapped at the end.


    Kyon said nothing. Her words sounded convincing, but it wasn¡¯t enough. It was still too risky. If she really was Lanai, Lovr would never forgive himself if they caught her. He wanted to one hundred percent sure.


    Meanwhile, the minute allotted for the key cleaning hade to an end.


    The little thief got out of bed, stretched herself, slightly arching her slender body, and went to the door.


    Her key of light was 99% pure. There was only the key of water left. However, it was quite pure from birth. It would be great if he could clean it in one go.


    Kyon hastily thought of an idea and shouted as she was leaving the room:


    ?Lanai.?


    The girl slowly turned around and gave him an icy look. ¨C ?Why did you call me so??


    ?You are the head of the thieves guild, aren¡¯t you??


    ?You are mistaken.?


    Before Kyon only opened his mouth to object, the girl interrupted him:


    ?Not a word more. I don¡¯t want to hear anything about them. Never mention mypetitors again.? ¨C She said and mmed the door loudly behind herself.


    {Maybe, I am overthinking it?..} ¨C Kyon rubbed his eyes wearily. Her answer had significantly reduced the chance of a coincidence. However, given her cautious nature, she could have deliberately avoided the subject. Kyon took out his sound transmitter and called her. He had a very bad feeling when she didn¡¯t answer. But there was nothing he could change. He should have thought about it earlier. Seeking to distract himself from such gloomy thoughts, he went to the training hall.


    At some point, the sound transmitter rang. Finally, news from Byron!


    They talked for about a minute. Byron happened to have had a private conversation with his uncle. A keg of beer and snacks, helped Byron to fish out the frequency of Hans¡¯s sound transmitter!


    Kyon finished the conversation and called Hans at once.


    ?Who is it?? ¨C He heard the second brother¡¯s hoarse voice.


    ?Password.? ¨C Kyon said in Sauron¡¯s voice. Once, he received just as unexpected call and had to give a password.


    ?The eldest!..? ¨C Hans¡¯s voice trembled. ¨C ?Password¡­ Just a moment. I can¡¯t remember it¡­? ¨C *paper rustling* ¨C ?They who deceive once will deceive many times. They who dare to betray will never stop betraying.? ¨C The robber recited without understanding what he was saying.


    {What sophisticated nature the leader of the wild robbers has!} ¨C Kyon thought, amazed.


    ?Why are you calling from a different frequency, the eldest brother?? ¨C The second brother asked suspiciously.


    ?To stay under the radar. A little bird told me that you had been talking with your uncle. You know the rules. If it ever happens again, I will have to punish you.?


    As Sauron said, anymunication with the outside world during the ¡°business trip¡± was prohibited. Hans would really get it from Sauron if he found out.


    The inveterate bandit was surprised and even frightened by Sauron¡¯s cunning ways. Henceforth, he would blindly trust him and obey all his rules. ¨C ?My bad! Forgive me, the eldest brother¡­ It won¡¯t happen again!? ¨C The robber¡¯s suspicion had disappeared, fear had reced it.


    This short call gave Kyon the necessary password to capture the first brother, aka Sauron. Kyon had been nning to get it by torture, but when he learned that the 2nd brother was Byron¡¯s brother, he decided to take the long way, or the big guy would never get his revenge. The most dangerous criminals (like the other five brothers of Sauron) were kept on the lower level of the department, and even Kyon, the investigator of the 3rd rank, couldn¡¯t save anyone from there.


    ?I talked with your uncle and found a new member for our gang. He is rather weak but fiercely loyal. His name is Byron, he is your younger brother. You will wee him properly.?


    ?The eldest¡­? ¨C Hans found himself at a loss for words.


    ?He will be there today or tomorrow. Good hunting!? ¨C Next, he called Byron and told him the n of action that included infiltrating into the gang, the long-awaited revenge, and wonderful survival.


    Byron was shaking with anticipation. He thanked his friend a thousand times for his help and promised to do everything in the best possible way. ¨C ?I¡¯m ready to leave right now! I¡¯ll be waiting for your signal!?


    ?Good luck, Byron.?


    ?Thank you, brother.? ¨C Byron thanked Kyon from all his heart.


    Kyon did his best to minimize the odds of Byron¡¯s failure. Byron could take it up from there. Tomorrow would be a big day. Of course, Lovr couldn¡¯t care less if Byron would get his revenge. He was after his personal gain, namely, the chance to fill the nucleus with light. Nothing had changed in their rtionship since he had left the mine. Kyon¡¯s attitude had never changed.

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226


    It was nearly nine o¡¯clock, the twilight setting in. A girl came out of invisibility next to a huge mansion on the edge of Boston. She was wearing a gorgeous ck evening dress with a thigh slit. The dress ¡°Crow Wing¡± was custom made and fit the girl like a glove, emphasizing her stunning body. It covered her like a softyer of feathers, revealing some ivory skin. Also, she had a ck filigree mask with the most delicate lines that formed graceful patterns. Beautiful ck feathers adorned the corners of the slits for the eyes. The mask covered only half her face, leaving her delicate nose and full pink lips open.


    Lanai, the little thief, was the notorious head of the guild of thieves.


    When Kyon invited her for a cup of tea, she was curious if the boy was really willing to pay that much money just to be with her. It turned out he was just fooling around. A shame. She wanted to tease him, saying something along the lines of: ¡°You can¡¯t afford even a cup of tea with me, boy,¡± and enjoy the disappointment on his face.


    When he mentioned her stealing the ring, the girl had no intention to reveal her skills ¨C he didn¡¯t need to know that. And when he insightfully called her Lanai, she had no choice but to deny everything stubbornly. Why? Because she didn¡¯t want him to know everything about her, to be an open book in his hands. He should mind his own business.


    ?My respect,dy Lanai!? ¨C A man eximed at the entrance, nearly falling to his knees.


    Numerous people in elegant evening clothes, mainly of dark colors, hurried to greet Lanai. They felt a deep reverence for their leader, who had created the guild almost from scratch.


    The girl watched over all those present and nodded majestically. ¨C ?I am happy to see you all.? ¨C Then she headed to the banquet hall with her confident, graceful gait. The absence of Timoshka, her first and most talented student, struck her as strange. He always followed her, looking for any opportunity to please hisdy.


    The crowd of thieves followed her with a look of awe. Two strong young men of the highest rank in the thieves¡¯ hierarchy went on each side, exactly one step behind their leader. Who were they to go with her as equals, after all?


    Someone grabbed one of them by the hand and hissed menacingly:


    ?After the failure in thest mission, you¡¯ve forfeited the first rank, as well as the right to go next tody Lanai! I¡¯ve been assigned the first rank, so know your ce, Silver!? ¨C He said and proudly stood next to the leader. Only the first rankers were given the honor of following Lanai by her side and filling her ss with wine. These two seemingly insignificant privileges were enough for everyone to strive to get the 1st rank in the guild.


    Lanai had earned her authority for a reason. She perfectlybined the greatest thief skills and confidence, as well as unsurpassed grace, beauty, and charisma.


    Those who were privileged to take private lessons quickly learned new skills and held a high rank in the guild. It was all thanks to their charming leader.


    The girl went into the main hall, where another hundred of smartly dressed people of all ages respectfully greeted her. The tables were heavy with all kinds of expensive dishes. Today was not just a meeting of thieves, today was the fifth anniversary since the creation of the guild. Everything was done in the best possible way.


    The leader took the honorable ce at the main table and looked at her faithful aplices. She valued each member of the guild. She had chosen them from the most promising people in the kingdom, re-educated and trained them as professional thieves devoted to her alone. She had created the guild from scratch, almost without the help of her uncle, which is why she appreciated it much more than the assassins guild. It was her own brainchild, justifying and even exceeding all the girl¡¯s expectations. Now, seeing their happy smiles and faithful eyes, she was filled with pride like a mother who had raised a good son.


    The 1st-ranking man poured excellent wine into her ss and went to his table.


    Everyone was waiting for their leader to give a toast.


    The girl took the ss and stood up. Everyone followed her lead.


    ?My faithful disciples! Over the past five years, we have gone through lots of difficulties,mitted numerous dangerous thefts, and even stirred the pot in the Iron Throne. The rich people of the whole kingdom are afraid of us. They hate and despise us because we terrify them, we are a threat to their wealth and prosperity. Over the years, our guild has gained undeniable authority in the shadow world and has achieved significant sess. I want to thank those who have made a special contribution to the development of the guild. Moriarty¡­, Aya¡­, Kalina¡­?


    There was loud apuse after each name. Everyone announced was on the verge of tears with happiness.


    ?¡­Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done. Let¡¯s drink for your well-being and, therefore, for our sess and prosperity!?


    ?Make the most of it!? ¡­ ?Make the most of it!? ¡­ ?Make the most of it!?


    Hundreds of people yelled the motto of the thieves guild in unison and drank the wine in one gulp. They did not consider themselves dirty criminals or viins because those who had money were never lost. They didn¡¯t kill or ****, they only take what others had in abundance.


    ?Where¡¯s Timoshka, Moriarty?? ¨C Lanai asked.


    ?I recently called him, and he said that he was sick, mydy.?


    ~st~


    There was a smacking sound of someone¡¯s face touching the sd.


    Those sitting nearbyughed nonchntly at first, but then someone at the next table also copsed.


    Then there was an ominous silence almost instantly and everywhere.


    A shrill scream marked the fall of the next man.


    ?We¡¯ve been poisoned! Someone has poisoned the wine!? ¡­ ?§¡§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¡­ ?Who had the antidote?! Who has the fucking antidote?!? ¡­ ?I don¡¯t want to die! I don¡¯t want to die!? ¡­ ?Lady Lanai, save us! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! I can feel it! I feel it!?


    The ¡°poison¡± was a fast-acting powerful sleeping pill. It could even put someone underdeveloped in aa.


    In just a couple of seconds, there was a sudden panic. The thieves copsed one after the other. The weakest zonked out first, those who were strongersted longer.


    Lanai¡¯s heart was racing anxiously. She rose from her seat, but before she knew it, all the windows crashed at the same time, and the security forces flew inside. There were ten, twenty, fifty of them! With each moment, there were more and more of them!


    {It¡¯s an ambush!} ¨C She thought desperately. Every second counted. What was she going to do? To die, protecting the most cherished, or cowardly save her life?


    ?HANDS BEHIND THE BACK, FACE TO THE FLOOR!? ¨C A booming bass roared.


    Screams, squeals, explosions, the sounds of breaking bones, dying rattle were heard everywhere¡­ The tables crashed into pieces, the tes with food and the bottles with drinks shattered into fragments¡­ The members of the guild tried to resist, but it waspletely useless. They were no fighters, especially against well-trained royal warriors.


    Two dozen people at the end of the nobleman¡¯s phase burst into the hall. They emanated unprecedented confidence, as well as an overwhelmingly powerful aura. Their main task was to find Lanai, the leader. They had no interest in small people.


    ?At three o¡¯clock!? ¨C The chief security force officer ordered briefly and rushed to Lanai together with his group.


    With no hesitation, the girl entered invisibility and rushed to the center of the hall. There was a secret passage, her only chance to escape. They had surrounded the whole building.


    However, she wouldn¡¯t make it! They would overtake her¡­ She wouldn¡¯t hold out even a few seconds against two dozen of the best warriors of the kingdom! What should she do?!


    ?WE MUST SAVE OUR LEADER WHATEVER IT TAKES! FOR LANAI!? ¨C Silver shouted loudly, inspiring a fighting spirit in the hearts of his desperate associates. He loved and revered his leader with all his heart, and he was willing to die for her.


    The next moment, most of the thieves began to fight ardently. Many of those who were lying ¡°face to the floor¡± broke out free and made their final stand for their leader. All the same, they faced the execution in the central square.


    Twenty most powerful security officers did not expect to meet such fierce resistance. The suicides, how else to describe them, attacked with a desperate roar. The brave thieves met the overwhelming power of the twenty security officers at the end of the noble phase. They stood no chance¡­ Just a couple of seconds and they all died. Their bodies went limp and copsed to the floor, flooding it with blood. Before his death, Silver begged the goddess to let Lanai escape.


    The little thief couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. Her faithful aplices that had lived through lots of hardships were dying for her, winning her a couple of precious seconds of time. Guilt, sorrow and regret tormented her mind, and only the desire to survive moved her ahead to the only hope of salvation.


    {I will survive, your efforts will not be wasted¡­} ¨C She vowed to herself. She was nearly the center of the hall. The girl jumped high, aiming for the small drawing on the stained with scarlet blood marble floor. Dozens of security officers were already running after her, ready to attack. Somewhere behind them, she noticed a motionless high-ranking investigator in a ck mask.


    ~crack~


    With a cracking sound, the floor copsed at the ce of hernding. The girl dived into the hole, leaving the path of attack of the numerous adversaries. She slid a secret pipe to the nearest hidden underground exit.


    The group of the elite security officers hesitated to jump after her. They had to! Their main goal was to catch or eliminate Lanai! Moreover, she must be under the effect of sleeping pills, so there was a chance that she couldn¡¯t resist!


    ?FREEZE! No one jumps after her! It¡¯s an order.? ¨C The masked investigator barked sternly.


    The puzzled security officers had to obey.


    This day would be recorded in Boston history. The thieves guild, that had been terrorizing all the kingdom¡¯s families for many years, had beenpletely destroyed. Half of the criminals were killed, the rest were taken to jail to wait for the obvious verdict, and only their elusive leader had managed to escape.

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227


    The little thief ran along the dark underground passage, carefully scanning her surroundings. She had taken a general antidote to neutralize the poison, just in case. Her breathing was unsteady, her eyes stung with unshed tears. The terrible image of her dear aplices dying a heroic death shed through her mind. These memories caused an ache in her heart. She just wanted to lie down and fall asleep. ¨C {Is the sedative taking effect?!}


    The girl immediately took out the sound transmitter and called her uncle. ?Leon, save me, please! I¡¯m in the secret underground passage, not far from the pier and the lighthouse¡­ They are after me¡­ The royal¡­ Investigators¡­? ¨C She whispered thest words. The sedative carried her just as far as that, and then she copsed.


    ¡­


    The little thief struggled to open her heavy eyelids and saw the familiar gloomy room in the headquarters of the assassins guild. A man was sitting next to her, his head drooping low.


    When she saw her uncle, the girl perked up.


    ?Leon¡­? ¨C Her voice sounded warm, fond.


    Leon was tall and handsome. The slight stubble on his jaw only served to emphasize the masculine strength of his beauty. This man could be entrusted with raising boys because they would grow to be real men under his guidance. He was a man of unbending integrity and fearless courage.


    When he noticed that the girl woke up, he breathed a sigh of relief. He squeezed her little hands, and she could feel a heat in them. ¨C ?Are you alright, my love? You aren¡¯t hurt, are you??


    The girl was silent. Any memory of what had happened caused her physical pain. ¨C ?They sacrificed their lives for me¡­? ¨C She said quietly and cried. It was for the first time in eight years. She had a deeply-rooted habit of hiding her emotions behind an icy mask of indifference. She had never shown weakness to the world or her aplices. Only her uncle could see her tears after so many years¡­


    Leon hissed through his clenched teeth furiously:


    ?The royal investigators are to me! How dared they dared to hurt you?! I will destroy everybody for you! I will never forgive them!? ¨C His little girl had created the guild almost on her own in thest five years. He knew too well how much effort she had put into her work, and how much she valued the guild. Leon could feel her pain and suffering.


    The little thief closed her eyes. What¡¯s done is done. She didn¡¯t want to hear about reprisal he was going to take against her enemies. All she wanted now was a fewforting words and a hug. Unfortunately, uncle never hugged her. She didn¡¯t think he ever would. He always kept his distance. A fool¡­ So many years with her, and he never understood what she needed most.


    A few minutester, the girl wiped her tears, but they did not stop running down her pale cheeks. ¨C ?You shouldn¡¯t start a war with the department, or we will perish. Only high-ranking investigators knew about the operation. Our people would have reported everything otherwise. I guess I know the true culprit¡­?


    ?Who is it??


    ?The investigator in the ck mask.? ¨C Her eyes turned icy cold.


    ?Then I will find the bastard and throw him at your feet! You will avenge the guild and make him regret his crime¡­? ¨C Leon man said fervently. His words sounded like an oath, like a sentence that he would inevitably execute.


    ?Thank you, Leon¡­? ¨C The girl said softly. ¨C ?Bring me some hot mead, please¡­ I am parched.?


    He nodded understandingly. ¨C ?I will, the moon of my life.?


    If only he had the willpower to hug her, without crossing the forbidden line¡­


    ¡­


    The next morning in the analytics department.


    ?Fuck, novice, what the hell?!? ¨C Charge yelled at Kyon, spraying spit all over the ce. ¨C ?Why did you ordered them not to dive into the fucking hole?! Lanai, the bitch, was drugged out of her mind! They would have caught up with her in two seconds! Who do you work for, motherfucker?!?


    Kyon answered calmly:


    ?I will never risk the best security officers to catch a fool who no longer has a guild or people. She could have taken them into a trap, or kill the daredevils on her own. She is powerful enough for that. The casualties wouldn¡¯t have justified the risk. It was wiser to wait until sedative took effect!? ¨C He finished and stubbornly rose his chin.


    ?Fucking¡­ Shit! You¡¯re a bloody idiot!? ¨C Charge helplessly clenched and unclenched his fists, not daring to punish the promising neophyte who had acted quite wisely, guided exclusively by his cold-hearted calctions and logic.


    The security forces descended into the hole a few minutes after Charge¡¯s order, expecting to find Lanai sleeping nearby. They searched the underground passage and all possible exits up and down. However, the girl had mysteriously disappeared! It was a great loss to catch the guild but miss the root of all ills.


    Charge understood that his anger was rted to his hatred for Lanai. He was even ready to lose several elite security officers just to catch this bitch. Anyway, the neophyte did arrange a sessful ambush. They had destroyed the thieves guild. The head of the department should rejoice at this news. But it didn¡¯t get any easier for Charge.


    Kyon didn¡¯t care much about all thismotion. He wanted to save the little thief even at the cost of his job. However, everything worked out for the best. The girl had escaped, and he had handled the first ¡°issue¡± of the kingdom. dimir had ordered to capture the thieves guild. He had never mentioned their leader. It was a different story with the robbers. He had to catch their leader by all means. Then the second issue would be solved, and he would get a promotion.


    However, Kyon was restless. He was filled with self-hatred, bitterness gnawing at his heart. Lovr had never been a knight in shining armor. He didn¡¯t be an investigator to make the world a better ce. He had wiped the thieves guild from off face of the earth following his own ambitions and interests. It was his job, nothing personal. He had effortlessly destroyed something that was extremely important and valuable for the girl, the fruit of her years of hard work. He understood this at the moment when her aplices started bravely sacrificing themselves one by one to gain at least a second of precious time, fighting the enemy beyond their strength. Their selflessness for the sake of their leader deserved admiration. He couldn¡¯t even imagine how deep he had hurt the girl, he couldn¡¯t save her from the torments. Kyon med himself for what he had done. A bitter lump of regret was lodged in his throat.


    ?Boss, get ready for another operation. It¡¯s time to catch the second brother.? ¨C Kyon said gloomily, rising wearily from his chair.


    ?The second¡­ Brother?!? ¨C Charge repeated, stunned.


    The other investigators bulged their eyes in surprise.


    ¡­


    Byron was sitting on a stump of the tree, skinning a wolf. He had a big bruise under his eye. He had recently arrived at the robbers¡¯ camp, where Hans gave a ¡°warm wee¡± to his little brother. Outraged, Byron could hardly suppress the urge to shoot right in the scoundrel¡¯s hideous face. As a result, they made him do the dirty job ¨C to gut a beast. The other bandits gave the neer a hard time, making him a scapegoat. He was trembling with impatience. He couldn¡¯t wait to get a signal from Kyon and finally make his old dreame true.


    The sound transmitter vibrated and rang three times.


    {FINALLY!} ¨C Byron threw the carcass away and headed for the tent of his archenemy.


    Everything was going to run smoothly. Strange as it may seem, the robbers trusted each other. Each of them had a clearly defined rank and responsibilities. No one would dare to do anything against the rules, especially barge into the leader¡¯s tent without good reason.


    When Byron entered the tent, he witnessed a most disgusting thing: the bastard was sweating on a badly battered woman who had no more strength to resist him. The former miner turned pale with rage and hatred. This cruel monster must die. It was time to clean up this evil world a little bit.


    ?What the fuck are you doing here?!? ¨C Hans barked, turning to the intruder.


    Byron immediately pulled out a gun and fired.


    ~bang~


    Before Hans knew what had happened, his body tipped over. The fragments of the brain mixed with blood gushed from the hole in his eye. The hours of training had paid off: Byron would never have broken the skull otherwise. It was a perfect hit.


    ?What¡¯s that noise?!? ¨C The watchman yelled from outside. A secondter, he let out thest scream, followed by the death rattle and the crack of broken bones¡­


    A p was a signal for the elite security officers to step in. Theyunched an attack, killing everyone mercilessly on their way. The robbers died like cowardly dogs, trying to save their miserable skin at all costs.


    The investigator in the frightening ck mask walked through the chaos of the massacre with a spring in his step.


    Kyon drew aside the curtain and entered the tent, where he found Byron on his knees, his head thrown back. He was crying with happiness.


    Kyon picked up the gun (the only evidence). He carefully covered the poor woman with a nket, took off his mask and patted Byron encouragingly on the shoulder. ¨C ?How are you doing??


    Byron¡¯s face radiated endless gratitude. He came up to Kyon and grabbed him in a big bear-hug. ¨C ?I am immensely grateful to you, brother! You gave me this powerful weapon, taught me how to use it, and helped me kill Hans¡­ Thanks for everything¡­ You are the best¡­ You are my guardian angel¡­?


    Kyon let out a half-strangled sigh. He could feel the bright part of the nucleus grow increasingly: 10, 30, 50, 60¡­ 70. One more percent, and it would be full. His supporting Byron had paid off! He gave him the whole 70%! It was too much. The nucleus must be less demanding of positive emotions.


    After the rush of bright emotions, Kyon found peace in his soul. He had restored his emotional bnce. The sudden leap in the light half of the nucleus inspired him to do good and bring happiness.


    Synergy helped him restore his mental state to normal. But he had to maintain it at this level because his heart kept wanting what his soul demanded¡­


    ?Byron, they areing after you, but there¡¯s nothing to worry about! I will you out soon. Just tell them that you work for me. It¡¯s all ording to our n. Get it??


    ?I get it.? ¨C Byron replied joyfully, finally letting go of the boy.


    Kyon absorbed Hans¡¯s soul, left the tent, and began to reap all the advantages of his victory. The second brother¡¯s gang turned out to be very powerful. Their developed souls had quickly filled his nucleus from 60% to 100%.


    At thest percent, Kyon felt his whole being infused with unexinable sensations. They evoked a feeling of omnipotence and omniscience. The strange sensation passed as instantly as it appeared. Now his nucleus was one hundred percent saturated with souls. At the same time, an attempt to absorb additional souls was sessful, which means there was still some ¡°ce¡± for them.


    Kyon wondered if they wouldn¡¯t be wasted. What would happen to the souls that he had absorbed beyond the norm?


    Now, Kyon only needed to get 1% of light and 20% of darkness toplete the first stage of the unique body of the Void. It had to be ready for the tournament! It was a little less than a week before the start.


    Meanwhile, the security forces had finished their job. They had destroyed the robbers. The hostages had been given first aid and sent to the department. The only survivor was also sent there as a suspect.


    The evening hade.


    Kyon called the little thief a couple of times, but she didn¡¯t answer his call. Her silence only aggravated his guilt. His conscience tormented his soul with sharp, poisonous ws. It was unbearable! He should have guessed before that the icy cold girl was somehow connected with the thieves. He could have asked her, after all. He could have made up another beautiful lie, something along the lines of ¡°a gift from his mother to see prophetic dreams¡± or some other nonsense that would have made her cancel the meeting and begin to trust himpletely¡­


    But he had no time for mental self-getion. Kyon was working on getting ready for the ambush to capture Sauron.


    The head of the analytics department, together with six high-ranking investigators, listened carefully to the neophyte¡¯s n and nodded sternly. ¨C ?I get you, colleague. We all must retire, and you will work alone for the entire department.?


    The investigators looked at each other sourly and gave a self-disparagingugh.


    ?I mean it. You have destroyed the thieves guild and all the brothers of this slippery bastard! And tomorrow, you are ready to organize an ambush for Sauron himself. Without you, we wouldn¡¯t get rid of this pain in the ass for many years toe. You can fulfill the ten-year norm in a couple of weeks! All these years, being the head of the department, I¡¯ve considered us the best. I thought we¡¯ve been effectively solving the issues in the kingdom. But it turns out that we are inept monkeyspared to you. Damn it!?


    ?Calm down, sir¡­ There¡¯s no one to me. Our neophyte is really monstrously talented¡­? ¨C Rasya gave the boss a reassuring pat on the shoulder.


    The high-ranking investigators¡¯ self-esteem had been decreasing since the brilliant new investigator hade. However, the huge rewards that the department kept receiving were gratifying.


    ?No offence, Charge.? ¨C Kyon said absent-mindedly, his hands crossed behind his head. ¨C ?I won¡¯t stay here for long. I am going to build my career and leave you pretty soon. Then everything will return to normal here¡­?


    ?I need a drink.? ¨C The head of the department head grunted and left.


    Kyon continued to think over the ambush for Sauron. The bastard was always on alert.


    At some point, the little thief called. Kyon¡¯s mood instantly soared into the stratosphere. The girl told him that she would be free at three in the morning.

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228


    The time was crawling like an old, sick snail.


    About three in the morning, Kyon got home just before the little thief materialized from nothing. She was sitting on the bed, crossing her slender legs in translucent tights. She fixed on Kyon her imprable dark eyes of the snow queen, whose element was burning ice.


    ?I thought you had run away¡­?


    ?Why were you so interested in the thieves guild yesterday?? ¨C She asked impassively.


    ?I had a dream¡­ You were robbing a treasury and got caught. My bloodline bestowed me with prophetic dreams. That¡¯s why I was worried about you¡­? ¨C Kyon came to the girl at arm¡¯s length. She was beautiful like a silver moon beyond his reach and cold like winter frost.


    The girl lowered her eyes, framed with thick ck eyshes. If she had told him the truth, he would have told her about the dream. Then she would have been more careful. She might have cancelled the meeting altogether. She had to trust him. A mix of anger and frustration rolled through her, tearing her apart.


    ?It¡¯s time to clean your water key.?


    She nodded andy down, emanating depression and apathy. Kyon wanted tofort the sad nymph, give her warmth and peace, inspire faith in a bright future. With his help, she would make her dreamse true and find happiness. He would surely return to this sad girl, something equivalent to her loss. And by all means, he would make her his woman.


    The little thief felt the touch of his warm palms on her tummy. They gently and slowly moved to their panties, the forbidden shrine for anyone else. She looked him straight in the eyes but couldn¡¯t see any lust in them. He wouldn¡¯t cross the line. She wanted to trust him. To hell with her intuition, it only lied¡­


    The minute dragged slowly by. All her worry and anxiety seemed to disappear. She felt morefortable with this mysterious boy than with her uncle. Even the dangerous proximity of his fingers to her intimate ce didn¡¯t scare her for some reason. He was quite cautious and careful¡­ She could feel her heart racing.


    Kyon sighed heavily and removed his hand. ¨C ?I have done everything I can. Your keys are almost one hundred percent pure. I can¡¯t make them any more cleaner. Only someone with a holy bloodline can have 100% pure keys. Now it¡¯s your turn to keep your promises and oath.?


    The girl checked her keys and said with genuine regret in her voice: ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t give you two years of life. You have broken your oath, and I can break mine. You have to understand, I really value my time¡­ It¡¯s priceless.?


    ?It was to be expected.? ¨C Kyon answered humbly. If he had known that he couldn¡¯t clean her keys 100% without capturing her soul, he would have enforced changes in their agreement in his favour. ¨C ?And that¡¯s it? You will just leave??


    The girl gracefully stood up and let her hair out of the ponytail, loose, thick mane of the color of imprable darkness around her head. She took out the ring she had stolen in the library and threw it to Kyon. Then she silently headed for the door. She didn¡¯t regret losing a few millions as long as she had nothing to do with him.


    She gave up easily the weapon that fired fast arrows. It would be useless against those who were one or two phases stronger than her.


    When she was at the door, she felt his hands hold her gently from the back. The touch was so familiar, and yet, it sent a shiver down her spine as if he had struck her with the ether element.


    ?I won¡¯t let you go. To the hell with the ring and the money! I need only you¡­?


    The shocked girl was at a loss for words. His voice sounded unusually deep and firm. His sincere words and gentle embrace took herpletely by surprise. She was thinking of leaving him forever because she was losing herself in him, and he¡­


    ?Let go of me.? ¨C She muttered menacingly. At least, she wanted to sound menacing, but her voice was rather timid and uncertain.


    ?ck queen! I want to be your ck king. If you follow me, you can make all your dreamse true. I swear¡­?? ¨C Kyon whispered in her ear, fervently. He could feel her strange, chaotic aura something between a destructive ice blizzard and a quiet, sad snowfall. But he didn¡¯t care. All he wanted was to hold her in his hands forever, breathing in her heavenly aroma.


    Her legs trembled but held. His words were like the first ray of the sun after endless night, filling her frosty soul with life-giving warmth. This mysterious boy who she hardly knew had just given her what she had been waiting from Leon for so long¡­


    A powerful jet stream threw Kyon to the farthest wall.


    The girl turned slowly around. There was a distant, lost look in her eyes. Then she said:


    ?I am sorry¡­ This is where we part ways.? ¨C And she disappeared at once, hiding true feelings behind invisibility. No one would ever see her weakness, especially not he.


    ?What¡¯s your name?? ¨C Kyon quietly asked the void.


    ?Valeera.? ¨C He heard a soft rustle on the other side of the door.


    ?I will find you, Valeera¡­ Whatever it takes¡­? ??? Kyon said slowly, making each word distinct, his face hardened with bitter despair, his fists clenched white-knuckle tight. If he were more powerful, she would just have to face the fact that he would never let her go. Alright¡­ It was just another good reason to get stronger, more powerful than anyone in this damned world.


    ¡­


    In the afternoon, the meticulous preparations for the operation were nearlypleted. All was left to do was to make a call, and Sauron, so smart and extremely cautious, should get trapped.


    Kyon had prepared the trap, using a few dozen kilos of explosives, a couple of horse-drawn carriages and carts, as well as a dozen prisoners on death row of different kinds: from a fat bribe taker to vicious thugs, embodying the concept of ¡°powerful guards.¡± Thetter had objects that faked their stage of cultivation to the fourth phase.


    All these people had been promised tomute the punishment if they yed their part well. They even had a little rehearsal.


    Kyon got into in the carriage for the background sound of a road ride. He cleared his throat, changing the tone of his voice, and called Sauron.


    ?Junior?? ¨C The leader of the robbers asked in a dry, restrained voice.


    ?We are in big trouble! We¡¯ve run into a caravan with two strong guards! Dozens of my brothers have been killed, many are seriously injured, the others have fled! I fought like an angry lion, but all in vain. My hands are cuffed and my legs are shackled! I activated the sound transmitter with pure energy to call you! Save me! I am begging you! I do not want to die!? ¨C ¡°Hans¡± was pleading desperately.


    He could hear muffled sounds, and then a cold voice said down the line. ¨C ?Password!?


    ¡°Hans¡± groaned. ¨C ?I can¡¯t remember word for word¡­ I didn¡¯t have time to learn it by heart! It¡¯s something about lies and trust! And it rhymes¡­ I guess¡­?


    ?Did you notice any mark or emblem on their carts? How long have you been on the way? How far are you from the camp?!?


    ?I guess there was a gray horned horse¡­ About an hour¡¯s journey¡­? ¨C Kyon described the coat of arms of a little-known but powerful trading guild. It¡¯s better not to mess with them.


    *the sound of something breaking*


    ?Damn it, dumbass! I ordered you to memorize the emblems of the trade guilds and carefully avoid the most dangerous ones!? ¨C Sauron yelled into the sound-transmitter. He could have predicted it would happen. Hans was a rare dumbass, always making mistakes.


    ?I am sorry¡­ I don¡¯t deserve your punishment!?


    ?Who¡¯s talking here?!? ¨C The fake cabman barked. There were sounds of the door opening, curses, and a couple of ps¡­ The device was confiscated and turned off.


    {I¡¯ve got you hooked. Just wait till I catch you.} ¨C Kyon thought gloatingly.


    He had set up the trap so that the leader of the robbers had two choices: to save Hans or check the camp to confirm the facts. He would be caught either way. This approach had an important psychological advantage. Two loopholes would make a cautious person like Sauron less suspicious.


    Besides, there was a fairly long distance between the camp and the caravan. It would take Sauron a lot of time to go there and back. His choice would reveal his true nature. What was more important to him: his own safety or his valuable subordinate that made a good profit? Kyon was inclined to believe Sauron would choose the second option. He had taken a convenient position on the hill with a good view of the road and the caravan.


    However, the ¡°bait¡± was quite sophisticated. A shackled prisoner with a physique simr to Hans was locked inside the wagon. He was wearing a bracelet that concealed his cultivation and had a bag on his head. If Sauron scanned the contents of the cart, he wouldn¡¯t suspect anything. But even if he did, he would try to get inside, anyway. There was no attaching formations so powerful as to catch the leader by surprise. He knew it perfectly well. Apart from the dwarves, no one could even imagine such a thing as explosives! It was Kyon¡¯s secret weapon that guaranteed his immediate sess.


    Soon the third brother¡¯s sound transmitter rang. Sauron called to ask if everything was all right and then asked for the password. Kyon answered in the third brother¡¯s voice, saying what Sauron had to hear. Then the leader called the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh brothers, checking if his gang was safe. He was, indeed, an extremely cautious type like to a tortoise who hid in the shell at the slightest danger. Oh, it would be so nice to make the bastard squeal at tortures! Kyon just had to wait until he showed up.


    About an hourter, something that had to happen happened. Someone opened the back door of the wagon, and it triggered the trap.


    ~BAAAM~


    There was a deafening explosion. The prisoner inside was blown to bits. Two more wagons suffered the same fate. The rest of the prisoners had a concussion.


    A man dressed in thick armor flew back a few dozen meters like a cannonball and rolled on the ground, making a low ringing sound.


    {Got you!} ??? Kyon grinned viciously, but then he stopped short for the bastard was moving! The leader of the robbers was supposed to die instantly and clean the world of his evil existence. Why did he survive? Apparently, his armor was very durable.


    Immediately after the explosion, the security forces rushed to the road. They had been hiding in the forest all this time. Reaching the scene of the incident, they stopped, dumbfounded. There was a gaping hole in the ground, about a meter deep. Wooden chips from the carts and bits of blown bodies were scattered everywhere. The man in the cracked armor was lying nearby.


    The wounded leader of the robbers was slowly crawling straight ahead, clinging desperately to thest threads of life. He was plowing the soil with his armor, painting it bloody red. Every move was a torturous effort.


    Kyon was on a high hill, almost a kilometer away. He decisively pulled the trigger with a smirk. ¨C {No pity for those who kill for fun¡­} ¨C He couldn¡¯t admit one thing. He hadn¡¯t recovered after Valeera left. His lousy mood required emotional discharge.


    ~bang~


    A bullet hit the head, crushing the helmet. The recoil twisted Sauron¡¯s head at a grotesque angle. He did not move anymore.


    {It¡¯s much better now.} ¨C Kyon grinned and hid the sniper in the ring. The two issues of the kingdom had been solved. His promotion was in the bag. When hepleted dimir¡¯s task concerning the demons and got his letter of rmendation, he would be an imperial investigator.

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229


    Half a day had passed.


    Kyon was in the analytics department, working on the report and answering hundreds of questions from his prying colleagues. They looked like curious little children, gaining knowledge from a wise teacher. And those were high-ranking investigators¡­


    At a certain point, Charge got an update and announced cheerfully:


    ?Good news, gentlemen! They have brought Sauron back from the dead and taken to the interrogation department! I suggest we take a look at the bastard and spit on his face! Ha ha ha!?


    Everyone, including Kyon, hurried to the white office. It was equipped with all the necessary tools for tortures and a special chair with fixing straps. The room of suffering was designed specifically to inflict the most excruciating torments on the most dangerous criminals of the kingdom.


    Charge, Rasya, and other high-ranking investigators went inside and stood still. Kyon came inst and froze, dumbfounded. A pot-bellied executor with puffy cheeks was holding a torn bloody nail in his tongs, and next to him, there was a beautiful girl in the underwear, tightly fixed with straps in the torture chair. Lovr¡¯s heart fell into a bottomless ck abyss, his mind went nk as if a red-hot anvil hadnded on his head when he recognized the prisoner¡­ It was Valeera.


    The little thief decided long ago to give up everything human in her. She started down the dark path to get the resources and strength she needed for her revenge. Her uncle had yed a major role in her upbringing. He taught her to kill, steal, stay cold-blooded, ruthless in any situation. She was used to taking, ignoring morality andws, giving almost nothing in return. Even if a child stood between her goal and her, no one would envy the poor kid.


    Under Leon¡¯s guidance, she acquired excellent leadership skills and became an example of perseverance, grit and strength. Over the years of hard training, she had tempered her character that turned into a deadly, unbending de. However, her uncle often repeated, ¡°you cannot tie a knot with one hand,¡± meaning that she wouldn¡¯t achieve much on her own. She wanted to prove him wrong and created a thieves guild and a robbers syndicate. It took incredible efforts, lots of money and time to organize them. Working on the invaluable ¡°brainchildren¡± she had reached the peak of her skills and talents. That¡¯s they were so dear to her.


    This morning, having received the rming message from the Hans, Valeera couldn¡¯t stay away. After the elimination of the thieves guild, her heart would not ept another loss of the valuable subordinate. Therefore, she came to his rescue, hoping there would be no unnecessary victims.


    The trap and the powerful explosion caught Valeera by surprise. At thest moment, she managed to use the pure energy and protect herself. However, it only dyed the inevitable. Her body writhed in agony, her insides felt like churning. The ringing in the ears was unbearable, and her mind was like in a fog. The only thing that moved her at that moment was a frantic desire to survive, to live at all costs. No matter how much she hated her damned life for the hell she had to go through, she refused to believe there was no meaning in her existence. The meeting with the talented son of the goddess¡­ The patronage of the best uncle in the world¡­ Her devoted and selfless subordinates¡­ The hope still lived on that everything had happened for a reason. Once her dream woulde true, she couldn¡¯t give up. She clenched her teeth and continued to crawl.


    Her cloudy eyes caught a glimpse of a small, swift object flying in her direction, and a momentter, everything went dark.


    {Am I dead? What¡¯s the use of all this? Why did I have to suffer?}


    Eventually, Valeera opened her eyes. The bright light in the white room pierced arrows in her brain. She saw a variety of tools on the shelf and knew their purpose at once. They looked ominous. She was bound tight with straps on a very strange chair. Her keys did not spin. A throbbing pain, like a hungry predator, gnawed its sharp teeth into her weak flesh.


    A crushing realization struck her. She knew right then that the worst thing that could possibly happen to her had happened. Thew enforcement officers had caught her! All the valuables ??that she had been collecting for many years (in the ring), and even her own life, everything was gone. There would be tortures and a shameful execution in the central square¡­ She had failed her uncle, she did not live up to his expectations. The death of his beloved niece would only bring upon Leon grief and misery, for he had invested in her a great deal of time and effort, raising her as his own daughter.


    The door to the room opened.


    Valeera grimaced in disgust when she saw who hade.


    It was an ugly, plump, short man with a big belly. He had a radiant bald patch on his head, sunken shifty eyes, greasy lips that rounded with an ¡°oh¡± when he saw the girl.


    ?What a nice catch! He-he-he!? ¨C The short man jumped with joy with an evil cacklingugh like a child who had received a long-awaited gift.


    Thest weeks had been endlessly annoying for Chuggington. A high-ranking masked bastard had taken his precious job! He happened to know how to get the information without tortures! All this made Chuggington sad and depressed. He started having nightmares where he didn¡¯t torture anyone. He had considered himself a hand of justice, a saint punishing sinners. The best executioner in the department was without work! It was unheard of!


    Today, the pissed off executioner decided to beat the investigator to it. He had taken the criminal first and was about let off steam. But he didn¡¯t expect a beautiful girl to be waiting for him in the interrogation room! It was a gift from heaven! He had never tortured so lovely prisoners! He was trembling with anticipation. He was going to do his best. Soon she would be begging him to let her die! She wouldn¡¯t recognize herself when it was over!


    He immediately rushed to the tools rack, picked up the nail puller and walked to the girl with a spring in his gait. ¨C ?So¡­ The first question, what is your name??


    ?¡­? ¨C She didn¡¯t intend to open her mouth until she dies.


    ?No answer? He-he-he!? ¨C The pot-bellied short executor giggled. He almost gently took the girl by the finger and pulled out her nail with a slow dexterous movement.


    The prisoner just frowned silently, her eyes shut tight.


    ?Tell me your name¡­ I can y this game forever! He-he-he!? ¨C He enthusiastically reached for the next finger and put the puller to the nail¡­


    {Goddess, isn¡¯t it pathetic¡­ To fall into this parasite¡¯s hands and endure his tortures¡­} ¨C She felt sorry for herself. Her uncle once showed her people after tortures. The looked like mutted chunks of meat with their eyes gouged out and their teeth knocked out. They often missed limbs or had only stumps corroded by gangrene¡­ It would be a nightmare. She didn¡¯t want to die like this.


    At this moment of despair, she didn¡¯t think of her caring and loving uncle. She remembered the mysterious boy who never ceased amazing her with his crazy tricks and phenomenal abilities. If he appeared now like a noble knight from the fairy tales that fought dragons to save their beloved princesses, they might give it a chance¡­ She wished he could find a way to keep his promise. She would dly protect for two years, just to not be here.


    Suddenly the door to the room swung open again. High-ranking investigators came inside. One of them was wearing a scary ck mask on his face.


    When Chuggington saw thetter, he made a grimaced and hastily hid the nail puller behind his back. Was he going to take his sweet victim away?! How dared he interrupt his work?!


    Everyone was looking at the prisoner.


    The pale, desperate beautiful girl with a bleeding shredded finger was a surprise for all of them. The investigators stood there in shock. Could this amazing creature be Sauron, the vile bastard, the leader of the bloodthirsty robbers?


    ?Gods.? ¨C Charge scratched his head, perplexed. ¨C ?Is this cutie Sauron?! Who dared to ruin her?!? ¨C The boss was furious.


    Just then, an assistant investigator ran into the room and bowed low. ¨C ?Sir! The initial inspection of the criminal¡¯s things has shown that the criminal has a close rtionship with the thieves and the assassins guilds! Most likely, she is the head of both organizations!?


    ?What did you say?!? ¨C Charge and the other investigators gasped.


    The little thief almost growled in frustration. How dared they rummage through her things with their dirty hands?! She had in the ring all the treasures the three organizations had earned over a long period of their existence. There was the result of about a year of their painstaking work.


    ?We¡¯ve found lots of evidence in the ring. For example, a mask and tools that belong to professional thieves. ording to Tymoshka¡¯s testimony, the feathered mask is the one that Lanay used to wear!?


    ?There is also lots of weapon, toxic substances as well as medicine, keys, special clothes, and a few millions of spheres! And above all, there is the seal that belongs to the head of the assassins guild!? ¨C The assistant finished triumphantly.


    The seven investigators were speechless. They slowly turned to the rookie. This talented monster had caught all the evil in the kingdom in one fell swoop! They didn¡¯t even dream of getting rid of the assassins guild. And he had captured the ck Queen, Lanai, and Sauron all rolled into one! This boy was really endowed with great talent.


    All those present couldn¡¯t take their admiring eyes off the masked investigator. Valeera understood everything at once. She stared at him a long moment, hatred welling up in her. ¨C {Damned bastard! You¡¯ve ruined me! You¡¯ve destroyed the result of my continued efforts¡­ I hope my uncle will avenge my death and gut you alive¡­}


    Her icy gaze seemed to pierce Kyon like a sharp dagger soaked in poison. ¨C {I¡¯m an asshole¡­ Why did it turn out like this? Howe she is Sauron? It¡¯s so fucked up!}


    What baffled him most was his reaction at capturing Sauron: gloating, the urge to let off steam connected with HER leaving, and the final shot in the head¡­ He had almost killed with his own hands the girl he wanted to make his in the future. He felt like a soulless scoundrel for destroying the two organizations where she had put her heart and soul. And then he had caught the poor thing and sentenced her to death¡­ Indeed, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.


    Kyon could see his own hypocrisy. He had dly destroyed the robbers, but now, he felt pity for their leader. Why was that? It¡¯s simple ¨C he had never been a fan of the system of justice. If his friend happened to be a killer, it wasn¡¯t a reason to break ties. In this case, Valeera was more than just a friend. It wasn¡¯t love, of course, but the attraction was too strong.


    Rasya came up to the criminal and snorted contemptuously. ¨C ?How could there be such a dirty soul behind this pretty face? Baby, how did you stoop so low as to steal and kill people? Do you even understand who you are for the residents of Boston?! No answer? Okay¡­ I will admire your disfigured face after tortures at the execution! The bitch that killed the king¡­ You are going to get what you deserve.? ¨C She shed a vicious grin. Wasn¡¯t she more condescending when it was about cute Timoshka?


    Charge was the next to approach the captive. He lifted her head by the chin and looked into her eyes the colour of ck gold, deep and clear as mountainkes. There she was, the bitch that had robbed his father, who he hated with all his heart, the filth that had been guing the kingdom for many years. He had imagined the criminal as an ugly creature with horse teeth, but she turned out to be a charming girl with slightly pale cheeks. Her cold beauty resembled a poisonous rose with deadly thorns.


    Charge took a deep breath as if he was going to say something, but then he just turned around and left.


    The investigators were perplexed: didn¡¯t Charge always express his contempt and disgust for the thieves guild and Lanai in particr?


    Kyon lingered for a while and followed the boss, feeling his non-verbal sign.


    When they were alone, Charge said gloomily:


    ?Rookie¡­ Please, don¡¯t think that I am willing to forgive Lanai for all the atrocities she has done. But I don¡¯t want to see Chuggington mutte this rare beauty. I give you the task to conduct an acupuncture interrogation.? ¨C He pped Kyon on the shoulder and left.


    The captive stubbornly remained silent to all the provocative questions. One by one, the investigators left the interrogation room. Only three people remained inside. The pot-bellied executer naively believed the masked investigator had left for good, looking at the beautiful girl in anticipation.


    All of a sudden, Kyon grabbed the freak by the cor and took him out.


    ?Who do you think you are?! I am the best executioner in the department, not just some criminal! Let me go!? ¨C Chuggington screamed, scared stiff


    Before the fat man finished, a quick blow reached his jaw, and then another one, and then a dozen more. Half of the teeth fell into his throat and then into the stomach, the other half flew out.


    ?§¡-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh! He will kill me! Help!? ¨C Chuggington squeaked.


    Kyon released the bastard after he kicked him in the face one more time.


    ?Why?!?


    ?Because I don¡¯t like you.? ¨C Kyon answered impassively. He could kill the bastard for the two nails he had torn off Valeera¡¯s fingers. He should be grateful that Kyon had a principle not to kill fools due to a misunderstanding.


    Chuggington picked up his broken teeth from the floor and ran to the clinic, whining. Soon afterward, he filed aint and submitted it to Charge for consideration. However, to hisplete disappointment, the boss waved him off with the words ¨C ¡°I don¡¯t have time now. I¡¯ll take care of itter.¡±


    Charge¡¯s words made it clear that the masked bastard would get away with it! The boss valued him too much! Chuggington was bursting with hatred. He was about to explode! But what could he do? Or there was something he could do?


    ¡­


    Kyon hesitated before entering the interrogation room.


    Valeera opened her eyes, and Kyon¡¯s confused look met with her gaze of burning hatred.


    Kyon had an urge to beat himself to a pulp. He took out a small sweet candy, infused it with Synergy and came up to the girl. ¨C ?Here, take it¡­?


    ?¡­? ¨C She kept silent.


    He pressed the candy to the captive¡¯s white lips and pinched her nose¡­ It was necessary.


    Valeera grimaced painfully, but she had to open her mouth to take a short breath. However, once it reached the stomach, the candy sent a pleasant chill throughout her body. The throbbing pain went away, it became easier to breathe. Her fingers didn¡¯t hurt anymore.


    {He is curing me so that I lived through the tortures.} ¨C She concluded despondently.


    Kyon stroked her pale cheek, but she squirmed squeamishly and turned away.


    The nasty touch of the investigator made Valeera sick. From her standpoint, the vile freak couldn¡¯t be happier! He was a sessful hunter! He had even protected her from that sadistic scum! If she had evere across him before, she would have turned him into minced meat. She thought that she had learned to control her emotions, but she couldn¡¯t help shaking with rage and a wild urge to break the bastard¡¯s fingers and wring his neck. Leon would find him. This thought made her feel better.


    It was for the first time that the consequences of Kyon¡¯s actions had yed a dirty trick on him. He was used to destroying other people¡¯s lives, and it had never given him anxiety or guilt. However, this time a beautiful girl had suffered because of him, the girl he cared for. Lovr would never admit he could get attached so easily, but he could not let them execute her. He had to do at least something and save her without losing anything in return.


    {I¡¯ll get her out of here!} ¨C Kyon thought decisively.

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230


    When Kyon returned to the analytics department, they immediately asked him about the results of the interrogation. His reply, ¡°nothing so far¡± did not surprise the male part of the team: only few people would torture such a beautiful woman to get the answers. However, Rasya made a huge row until the boss put her in her ce.


    Soon they had a meeting regarding what to do with the ck Queen.


    The investigators unanimously decided to get rid of all the members of the assassins guild with the help of the captive. Charge had to send a request to the imperial department to provide them with additional security forces as they had a shortage of military force. It was for a good reason, they must answer soon.


    Strange as it may seem, the answer came almost instantly. About half an hourter, dimir announced that tomorrow morning, they were going to receive a high-ranking guest who should be treated with the greatest possible respect like a king. The guest would take care of the ck Queen and the assassin guild, and they could take a paid vacation until the end of the tournament.


    Also, dimir made an appointment with the masked investigator in his office tomorrow.


    Charge and the rest of the investigators were happy for Kyon. They wished him good luck and started enthusiastically sharing their guesses as for who the mysterious guest might be. Usually, the Dantes authorities (0) responded to requests for help very reluctantly. They provided backup only in case of an emergency. And then they were sending a big shot, even more important and influential than dimir! It was an unprecedented event! Did the ck Queen have so powerful enemy?


    Kyon¡¯s face darkened for a brief moment. ¨C {Don¡¯t tell me that the beasts from the empire had guessed the girl¡¯s origin! They have decided to finish off the remaining Webers¡­} ¨C It made sense, taking into ount the quick response and the alleged high authority of theing guest.


    Kyon was running out of time, and it was driving him mad. If he didn???t get Valeera out in a day (maybe less), then one of those involved in the destruction of her family woulde and kill her. It was too cruel and unfair. He couldn¡¯t let it happen.


    Unfortunately, the 3rd rank did not make Kyon omnipotent. He could only interrogate the most dangerous prisoners on the minus third floor. Trying to get someone out of there was suicide. He hadn¡¯t lost his mindpletely to rescue the girl from the guards with the cultivation in the fourth phase!


    He also could study the evidence and inspect personal things, but only upon prior notification. Leaving the room with her things (the only exception was the sound transmitter) would get him in big trouble. Stealing evidence was considered a serious crime. There was no way he could appropriate her treasures.


    {How can I get her out with minimal risks? Think hard!} ¨C Kyon used his brain to the fullest.


    Only a few influential persons were legally capable of setting Valeera free: Charge, the head of the department, dimir, the head of the ministry, and the royal family.


    He would never talk Charge into it. The boss didn¡¯t care for money and was a man of principle.


    dimir was out of the question, either. The ministry couldn¡¯t afford losing the dangerous criminal. It would affect their authority. He would face dismissal or even something worse. No chance!


    As for da and Kara, it was pure madness to turn to them. Anything could happen from subjugation to getting into sexual very as a seeding bull. But the most important thing, he was running out of time! He would never get their audience today. The tournament was too close. It waspletely impossible!


    Kyon remembered the prince ¡°the hot pants¡± but discarded this idea at once.


    {Who else can get her out of here? Who?!} ¨C Only her uncle came to his mind. Leon was a dark horse. No one knew the level of his cultivation. Presumably, it was very high. No one could get her, but he. No one was more motivated, either.


    Kyon had no choice but to save the little thief with the help of her own uncle. In fact, he would stay away from her, acting through somebody else. It minimized the risk of being caught red-handed.


    With that in mind, he headed for the evidence room and picked up the ck Queen¡¯s sound transmitter. As soon as someone called, he would connect with the assassins guild and start the negotiations, the oue of which was certain.


    At the same time, he sent his subordinates to the hotel where the girl used to live, hoping to find anyone from the assassins guild. Any thread leading to the guild was priceless.


    While Kyon was waiting for the call, he decided to study the department building n, but it was ssified. He had to collect the information in pieces from different sources¡­


    It was about six in the evening.


    Kyon was all nerves. It was all in vain. The hotel room had been given to other people, there hadn¡¯t been a single call to the sound transmitter.


    ¨C {What the hell! Shouldn¡¯t the head of the guild get at least a few calls a day?!} ¨C On the other hand, he had seen her receive only one call at all. It was in the restaurant when the prince showed up, which means it was a business call.


    {What if nobody calls her? Will she die at the hands of the killers who destroyed all her family? Is there no hope?} ¨C Kyon sighed heavily. A frightening idea shed across his mind: he should get Leon¡¯s frequency directly from Valeera.


    It was just the time for taking another candy with Synergy, programmed to cure her body. There was something else on the schedule, so he headed to the interrogation room.


    ¡­


    Someone entered the interrogation room. There was a gleam of triumph in his eyes. ¨C ?Look who is here! The ck Queen herself, chained to the torture chair! How could it happen?! Is there justice in the world, after all??


    Valeera opened her eyes and made a contemptuous grimace. ¨C ?You¡­?


    Prince Charles let out an evilugh, slowly approaching her. ¨C ?Unbelievable! The gods have blessed me! The investigator didn¡¯t lie! They have really caught the fucking bitch!?


    Recently, he had received a totally insane offer from a female investigator, which he could not refuse.


    ?Get lost!? ¨C The girl snapped, releasing a noticeably weak icy aura.


    ?How scary! Ha-ha-ha! Oh goddess, I am so happy!? ¨C The prince grinned like a kid who had found a pile of sweets fallen from the sky. He growled menacingly: ¨C ?You¡¯re in no position to give memands, bitch! You have killed my father, stolen expensive medicine, and deprived me of my honor when you poisoned me with coniferous poison! I can kill you right now! But if you beg me for forgiveness, maybe I will have pity on you! Come on, start begging me!? ¨C The prince roughly grabbed the girl by her delicate neck.


    ?Screw you.? ¨C Valeera said hoarsely and closed her eyes. She knew she couldn¡¯t frighten the despicable bastard. Apparently, the masked investigator decided to cash in at her expense¡­


    Charles violently squeezed the girl¡¯s neck, then he hesitated a little, removed his hand and stepped away. ¨C ?No. You won¡¯t get off easy. They will execute you in the central square before the scornful eyes of thousands of citizens. Only then my father will find peace.? ¨C The prince said, glowering at her. ¨C ?As for my ruined honor¡­? ¨C He grinned sciously, looking at her slender half-naked body. ¨C ?I¡¯ll return the favor!?


    ?What are you going to do?? ¨C Valeera asked, warily. But before she could blink, the crowned bastard turned one of the levers on the chair and spread her legs apart.


    ?What a wonderful device!? ¨C The prince said jubntly and pulling her bra down with a quick movement. His hand eagerly squeezed her tight breasts, his eyes burning with desire.


    ?You¡­ Get lost, scum!? ¨C Valeera screamed, disgust and hatred written all over her face.


    ?Did you lose your impassive mask, bitch? What about your manners? The arrogantdy did not expect me to turn the tables on her.? ¨C Charles grinned, brazenly twisting her tender nipple.


    ?I thought you were better than this, jerk¡­ Too bad that scum like you¡­? ¨C She stopped short. The happy expression on the prince¡¯s face told her that any words were useless. She knew what would happen. There is no point resisting¡­ To hell with everything. It couldn¡¯t get any worse.


    ?That¡¯s right. You¡¯d better keep silent! Know your ce.? ¨C Charle turned red with excitement, his speech became jerky and broken. He was bursting with desire! No elite prostitute couldpare with this pearl of a girl. Her skin was as delicate as silk, the slender curves of her body were breathtaking. She was the embodiment of femininity alchemy and grace! He was about to fuck this cutie!


    ?One hell of a body¡­ It must be heavenly to fuck you! Let¡¯s get started!? ¨C His hand slipped to her panties and pulled them aside. Charles¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets with excitement. His trembling fingers ran over the gentle slopes, leaving him breathless.


    ?A virgin¡­ It¡¯s incredible! I hit the jackpot! Ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C The princeughed happily. Virginity in the understanding of any high-born person was a symbol of purity and chastity. To take the hated beautiful bitch¡¯s innocence against her will would be the highest measure for her punishment and his reward! He was incredibly d that the ck Queen hadn¡¯t let anyone in her sexy body so that he could absolutely enjoy it. His inner beast was crazy with the desire to taste the forbidden fruit.


    No matter how calm and impassionate Valeera seemed, Charles¡¯s nasty touch in her intimate ce made her sick. She would prefer being tortured with red-hot needles¡­


    The prince trembled with impatience. He hastily pulled down his underpants and grasped his manhood of the unnatural purple color. He put it to her pussy, licking his lips with anticipation. ¨C ?Anyst words before turning into a dirty whore??


    There was no answer.


    ?As you wish.? ¨C He thrust his hips forward.


    {§¡h?} ¨C Just then, his penis started losing its hardness and went limp andid. ¨C {What the fuck?!} ¨C A second ago it was hard as a rock¡­ He felt confused and disoriented. ¨C {I must be overexcited! It has never happened before!!}


    Try as he might, Charles couldn¡¯t get his erection back. He felt embarrassed and even ashamed of his failure at this crucial moment.


    Valeera opened her eyes and was taken aback by the absurdity of what was happening. She immediately understood what it was all about: the prince got hyperexcited! He must be subconsciously afraid of her. Her heart started beating frantically at the thought that not everything was lost. She said with a grimace of disgust:


    ?Pathetic slug. If you ever take your father¡¯s throne, the kingdom won¡¯t stand a chance! Just like some part of yours!?


    ?SHUT UP!? ¨C Charles barked and blushed, rubbing the shaft of his penis frantically.


    ?It¡¯s no use, boy. Being impotent is your calling, it¡¯s a part of your spineless character. Go away before I die fromughter!? ¨C Valeera wished she couldugh just to make fun of him or at least fake a smile.


    ?Shut the fuck up, bitch! I¡­ Just a moment¡­ Come on¡­ Why? Why don¡¯t you get hard?!?


    At this awkward moment, someone knocked out the door. A high-ranking investigator with a ck mask on his face barged inside. He instantly assessed the situation, stared at the half-naked prince.


    Charles blushed even more. He got dressed nervously and hurried, giving the investigator a sign to follow him. His failure today didn¡¯t matter, he would achieve his goal soon!

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231


    When they left the room, the prince proudly raised his chin and demanded:


    ?Bend your knee before His Highness and say your name!?


    Kyon retorted indifferently:


    ?High-ranking investigators don¡¯t have to obey the first ranking Grands.?


    Charles threw the investigator a furious look and snorted: ¨C ?My Highness has a score to settle with the bitch who killed my father. Don¡¯t you dare to intervene. And not a word to anyone about what you have seen, or you will greatly regret it.? ¨C He waved his finger menacingly, releasing the pressure of the finishing stage in the noble phase.


    ording to thew, a royal Grand of the first rank had every right to visit any criminal, especially those condemned for killing their family. Even dimir could not get rid of the prince, especially when it came to the criminal whose execution was a settled matter.


    Kyon urgently had to rectify the situation. However, he had to find a way to save the girl and keep himself safe and in office. He felt a strong attachment to Valeera, but he wasn¡¯t in love with her. Not yet. He was acting out of principle. If he had decided to make her his woman, he had to save her.


    The masked investigator asked impassively:


    ?Does the medicine ¡°Lighting Bolt¡± ring a bell??


    The prince was surprised at the sudden change of subject. ¨C ?The ¡°Lightning Bolt¡±?! The bitch has stolen it from me! Can you give it back?!?


    ?I can.?


    Charles¡¯s face brightened up. He patted the investigator on the shoulder in a friendly manner. ¨C ?I see you¡¯re a good man! If you return the medicine to me, My Highness will never forget about it. You know, anyone in their right mind seek my favor. I can pull the necessary strings that will raise your rank!? ¨C The prince confidentiality informed Kyon, lowering his voice to a whisper. In fact, he wouldn¡¯t lift his finger for the bastard who had witnessed his fiasco. The boy should be grateful he wasn¡¯t killed on the spot.


    ?I am not interested.? ¨C Kyon refused coldly.


    ?How do you mean?? ¨C The prince didn¡¯t understand.


    ?Let¡¯s make a deal. I will give you back the transformation medicine ¡°Lightning bolt¡± and remove the visual record on the formation of what happened in the interrogation room. In exchange, you will leave the ck Queen alone for a day. For your information, without my help, you will get the record no sooner than in a month. By then, everyone in the kingdom will know about this misunderstanding¡­?


    The realization that his recent visit had been recorded hit him hard! Why didn¡¯t he think of it?! After all, it was the interrogation room!


    The prince¡¯s face distorted into a grimace. He didn¡¯t want to be aughing stock of the whole kingdom. They might give him a new shameful nickname, something like ¡°the little prince of the iron throne.¡± It was the most tempting offer, but the investigator¡¯s motivation was unclear. ¨C ?What a stupid condition? Why for a day? What is your benefit? A big favor for nothing¡­ Wait¡­ Have you decided to take her virginity to yourself? Bastard!? ¨C Bits of the puzzle fell into ce, and he didn¡¯t like it.


    ?She has ruined my life, too¡­ I will get my revenge by taking her most.? ¨C Kyon replied calmly.


    ?You are standing in my way! Do you have a death wish?!? ¨C Charles hissed viciously. He stepped forward, emanating bloodthirst.


    ?I am the one who caught the ck Queen, which makes me indispensable for the department. If you hurt me, it will lose ess to the criminal forever. Are you threatening me with death? It¡¯s not something I¡¯m afraid of. You can¡¯t stop me. ept it.? ¨C His voice was full of unshakable determination. He was ready to sacrifice everything to get his righteous revenge.


    The prince found himself at a loss for words.


    Kyon added. ¨C ?Now, ask yourself if the vile creature¡¯s virginity is worth your reputation and the priceless medicine??


    Charles was stunned. He had never met such a desperate man, willing to go against a member of the royal family to get his revenge! His determination was impressive.


    In his understanding, the cost of the ck Queen¡¯s virginity was ten times more valuable than the ¡°Lightning Bolt.¡± He dreamed of fucking the beautiful bitch, taking her priceless treasure! He wanted to see her contemptuous, arrogant attitude transform into hopeless, raw, tearful despair! Charles had two choices: to get rid of the desperate madman and stay with nothing or agree to his favorable conditions and wait until tomorrow when he wouldy his hands on the ck Queen, no longer a virgin, but still!


    ?You¡¯re nuts. I¡¯ve never anyone like you!? ¨C The prince signed. He had no choice. ¨C ?Well¡­ If you hate her so much, My Highness will do justice and give her innocence to you.? ¨C Charles felt a lump in his throat, so unwilling he was to say this phrase.


    ?Follow me.? ¨C Kyon said unemotionally. He felt an indescribable relief and satisfaction. He had aplished the unimaginable: Valeera was free from the prince. Charge would never help him to achieve this feat! Not even dimir! It was hard to imagine how much the prince wanted to get his revenge. Besides, Kyon¡¯s n included cruel revenge for Charles¡¯s encroachment on his future woman.


    The investigator and the prince arrived at the evidence room.


    Kyon handed the prince a form to fill in. ¨C ?Give a full description of the medicine here.?


    ?What is it for??


    ?The confiscated things belong to the department. You can¡¯t take whatever you want. Unless you prove that the item previously belonged to you, you can¡¯t get anything back. In your case, you need to describe the medicine as detailed as possible and provide the receipt. But with me, you don¡¯t need any receipt. And it will all take you two minutes, not weeks.?


    Charles nodded in agreement and did everything necessary. In the end, he left the genuine imprint of his formation.


    Kyon gave the document to the responsible for the safety of the evidence, and received the medicine ¡°Lightning Bolt.¡± It was a little blue ball filled with explosive energy. It was easy to understand why the prince valued it so much. Any medicine of transformation / breakthrough / eleration of the cultivation was a real treasure.


    ?This is it, right?? ¨C Kyon asked, handing the pill to the prince.


    Charles stared at the bluish pill, enchanted. The medicine guaranteed him the breakthrough into the Lord (5) phase. After the transformation, he could surpass Kara, the evil princess! He would get the first rank among the whole generation and regain his fame and universal respect! These were his ns for the near future.


    He carefully held the pill in his hands, breathing in its aroma. Something was strange about it¡­ Had anything changed? Was it the smell? It seemed to be the same. A slightly different vour? Just a little bit¡­ Or was it just his imagination. Then he got it! The energy inside was different! It used to resemble a mighty geyser, but now it wasparable to an erupting volcano! Judging by the energy density, the transformation medicine in his hands was of an ¡°A¡± rank, not ¡°B¡± as it should be! Why? Was it even possible?


    ?Are you sure there wasn¡¯t any mix-up or something?? ¨C The prince asked the responsible for the evidence.


    ?Your Grace, there is only one medicine that coincides with your description¡­ There can be no mistake about it.? ¨C The old man answered.


    A sudden idea shed across his mind. His jaw dropped open in surprise, and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. ¨C {The pill must be blessed!} ¨C He had read a couple of books about miracles that happened in the world. The universe had a way return debts, or grant a chance to change the history of the world! He must have been rewarded for his suffering!


    The truth was different. Kyon reced the priceless pill of the ¡°Lightning Bolt¡± with the medicine of the unique body ¡°Mom¡¯s Pet¡± that he had made in Juno¡¯s mansion. Both pills looked alike and had the same level of energy inside.


    Charles hid the medicine in his ring, his eyes aze with excitement. However, when he was leaving the department, he had a nasty feeling that he had missed something precious, something that he would never have again. Not in his whole life.


    Kyon watched him go with a mocking look. It was not easy, but Lovr managed to turn the situation in his favor. He had won the priceless medicine of the ¡°Lightning Bolt¡± and at the same time got the dyed and terrible revenge. When the prince decided to take the pill to evolve his soul into the 5th phase, there would be a very unpleasant surprise for him.

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232


    When Kyon entered the interrogation room, Valeera red at him with rage and hate. The gloomy aura had filled the room, extreme cold cut to the bone.


    He found the girl sitting still in an indecent position against her will, showing off the curves of her slender body and other charms.


    Valeera tried to intimidate the masked bastard, but all she had was her cold gaze. She knew too well what treacherous men could do to her to satisfy their insatiable lust.


    Kyon¡¯s eye twitched several times. He approached the sexy nymph as lovely and matchless as if she had stepped out of the painting of a delightful dark goddess.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to touch me!? ¨C The girl threatened him.


    The investigator silently adjusted her underwear, yanked the lever by the chair, pushing her fixed legs together, and walked away from the girl.


    Valeera watched him inplete bewilderment.


    Kyon checked the room with echolocation, picked up all the hidden nephrites with formations and ced them in the ring. The arrival of the prince was a very convenient asion to get rid of monitoring. It would make a perfect excuse. No one should know what was going to happen in this room.


    Valeera understood everything at once. ¨C {I see¡­ He has been feeding me the healing sweets so that I could recover by the time the prince arrived, and when he screwed up, the bastard decided to take advantage of me¡­ Gods, I¡¯m so naive¡­}


    The investigator slowly turned around. The girl coldly said:


    ?Don¡¯t you dare.?


    Kyon shook his head. ¨C ?I¡¯m not going to do what you probably thought I would.?


    ?¡­? ¨C She didn¡¯t trust him.


    Kyon went outside and took out her sound transmitter. The was no call from the assassins guild. It was alreadyte in the evening. There was very little time left before the arrival of the guest from the empire. He had to contact Leon by all means. Otherwise, no one would envy the fate of the little thief¡­


    How could he convince her to tell him her uncle¡¯s frequency?


    Valeera wouldn¡¯t tell the investigator anything, even under pain of death. All that remains was the personality of Kyon she knew¡­ There was a catch, though. He had to make up another tall tale to justify his presence in this unfortunate ce. But would it work? The girl was too smart. She would suspect something was amiss at once. And when she figured out his lies, he would lose her confidence forever¡­


    Kyon thought hard and came up with two equally good options.


    1) He could employ torture to get the information without revealing his identity. This way, he wouldn¡¯t ruin his rtions with Valeera. She would hate the weirdo in the mask. Only dimir and Juno knew his real face. However, he would have to kill dimir or send him to the far end of the world after that. Valeera would definitely interrogate him, seeking revenge on the investigator in the future.


    2) He could stay honest with her and himself. He could convince her in his desire to help. As ast resort, he could use his secret weapon. Among the cons of this option, she would most certainly want to kill him, but she would know that it wasn¡¯t his intention to destroy her guilds. Thus, when he became more powerful, he would fix everything without having to worry about his life and health.


    In fact, both options imply that he had to get stronger and gain power. He was no saint, and he wasn¡¯t going to do good if there was for nothing in it for him. It wasn¡¯t Lovr¡¯s style. He would repay his debt just as he did with Martha and Byron with minimum effort and time, or with reasonable benefit for himself.


    Hismon sense and logic suggested the first option, but his soul tormented by conscience advised him to take a risk and opt for the second. It was his choice in the end. Kyon didn¡¯t want to hurt Valeera anymore. She had already suffered enough.


    Kyon hid the mask in the ring and returned to the room.


    Valeera looked in the direction of the open door and stared in shock at him. ¨C ?Kyon? How is it possible??


    ?I¡¯vee to save you, Valeera.?


    Hope, small and fragile as a new spring flower, bloomed inside her. It was like the first ray of the spring sun illuminating the imprable darkness of the eternal night. An instantter, it dawned on her that he was wearing the uniform of a high-ranking investigator. And then a wave of bitter disappointment swept over her. ¨C ?It can¡¯t be¡­ Are you the masked investigator??


    Kyon sighed heavily. Then he nodded uncertainly. ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry. I prayed to find out that you and Lanai were different people. I tried to ask you about it delicately, but you got me all mixed up¡­ Just think of it¡­ You are Sauron! It¡¯s pure madness¡­ I had never expected things would turn out like this. I couldn¡¯t imagine that the two guilds were yours!?


    Guilt weighed heavy on my Kyon¡¯s heart, which was extremely uncharacteristic of him. He watched in bitter silence Valeera¡¯s crystal clear eyes. Trust and hope were fading in them.


    ?Why you? You got close to me, studied my lifestyle, learned my weaknesses, and then hit me in the back¡­ Why¡­? ¨C She whispered desperately.


    ?Valeera¡­ It¡¯s just a coincidence! I couldn¡¯t have possibly staged it, because the risks were very great! Please, believe me! I want to get you out of here¡­?


    ?Then do it. Get me out!? ¨C She immediately eximed.


    Kyon stopped short, trying to put it more delicately. ¨C ?I¡¯m just a minion here by local standards. I can¡¯t do it alone¡­ I need the help from your guild, from your uncle.?


    ?That¡¯s what you really want¡­ To destroy Leon and the assassin guild¡­? ¨C She concluded gloomily.


    ?Valeera¡­?


    ?Go to hell.? ¨C She said impassively.


    ?Valeera¡­ I¡­?


    ?I believed you¡­ And you yed me¡­ A secret instinct warned me about you, but I was a fool. It was a big mistake to stop trusting my intuition, and now I will pay for this with my life.? ¨C She whispered.


    He was getting frustrated and annoyed at her stubbornness. ¨C ?Silly girl! I got rid of the prince for you! Do you have any idea how dangerous it was? Listen to the voice of reason! Stop jumping to conclusions!?


    She shot him an icy cold stare. ¨C ?Liar.? ¨C She stated tly. It seemed that nothing could convince her otherwise.


    ?What do you mean?!? ¨C Kyon got angry.


    ?The prince told me that he had an informant in the department. An investigator had told him about me. It was your idea to make some quick money by selling me to thescivious bastard, wasn¡¯t it? It was a miracle that I intimidated him and kept my innocence. I hope he didn¡¯t pay you anything. Soulless beast!?


    Kyon covered his face with his hands with a moan. ¨C ?It wasn¡¯t me¡­ I swear I didn¡¯t know till the end that you¡¯re both Lanai and Sauron¡­ When you jumped into the hole, I ordered the security forces not to follow you! §¡s for Sauron¡­?


    ?You shot Sauron in the head with the deadly weapon.? ¨C She interrupted him in a voice surcharged with disgust. She did not believe a single word that came out of his mouth. The treacherous, ambitious investigator had ruined her life and taken away all her savings. The motley kaleidoscope of feelings and emotions was a mistake.


    ?Your face was under the helmet¡­ How could I know¡­? ¨C Kyon began but did not continue. It was pointless. Anything he wanted to say would sound like pathetic excuses. He clenched his fists, recalling her motto: ¡°They who deceive once will deceive many times. They who dare to betray will never stop betraying.¡± He concluded that Valeera had a peculiar code of honor based on her principles. It would be easier to turn over the sky than win back her favour, even if making a mistake had never been intentional. Valeera was unwavering and even stubborn in her beliefs.


    ?Someone important ising here straight from the empire tomorrow. They must suspect you of being rted to the Webers¡­ You will find yourself at the mercy of those who had exterminated the Webers! And then there will be nothing I can do to help you.?


    ?¡­?


    ?Your uncle must call you soon, but it will be toote! If I wanted to destroy Leon and the assassins guild, I would wait for his call, and it all would be over in no time. Please, understand that I need his frequency to save you!? ¨C Kyon deliberately pronounced thest words in Valeera¡¯s voice, letting her know that she had no choice.


    She stared at him in dismay. Now she started worrying about her uncle¡¯s safety. ¨C ?You won¡¯t dare! Leon will know that he is talking to someone else. He has known me since my early childhood!?


    ?I never wanted to ruin your life, Valeera, and I am not going to.? ¨C Kyon said tenderly.


    Valeera fell silent, thinking about something. Then slowly shook her head and said coldly through her gritted teeth. ¨C ?I don¡¯t believe you. You¡¯re a liar.?


    {¡­} ¨C Kyon ran his fingers through his hair. She was incredibly stubborn! He¡¯d have to resort to his secret weapon¡­


    Valeera heard the sound of metal. Kyon took the clippers from the shelf and went to her with a determined expression on his face. ¨C {He¡­ Is he going to torture me?} ¨C The mere thought of it was creepy. Was he willing to mutte her after everything they had lived through?


    Kyon stood right in front of her. He took a few deep breaths, put the clippers to his little finger and¡­ With a quick, confident movement, he cut off his finger.


    A stifled groan and scarlet blood dripped onto the floor.


    Valeera¡¯s heart sank painfully. ¨C ?What are you doing??


    ?I have always been on your side! I like you. My feelings for you are real! Being an investigator, I¡¯ve done everything possible to protect you! I swear! You have to trust me or else¡­? ¨C He turned pale and put the clippers to the next finger.


    ?Stop it. You won¡¯t convince me of anything, traitor! It¡¯s all for nothing¡­? ¨C She eximed,pletely shocked by his desperate actions.


    ~clip~


    His painful scream echoed in the room. The ring finger fell to the floor.


    ?Idiot! It won¡¯t get you anywhere! Stop screwing around!? ¨C In spite of the unspeakable hatred burning in her heart, Valeera was not pleased with his crazy stunt. When he crippled himself, her heart ached for him.


    ?Valeera, for crying out loud! Please, believe me!..? ¨C Kyon wasted another minute of beautiful words that failed to reach her heart. She was unapproachable like the imperial walls. Reluctantly, he cut off another finger.


    ?You are a crazy idiot! Stop maiming yourself!? ¨C Sympathy in her was more powerful than hate. Where did it onlye from?


    Another minute of persuasion and the fourth finger met the sad fate.


    Valeera could no longer stand Kyon sufferings. She turned away and closed her eyes. She should be feeling sympathy or pity for liars and traitors, and it tormented her soul to realize that she was. For some reason, she wanted to believe that he was doing this atrocious act for a reason. Maybe, she should listen to what he had to say. She would dly destroy the icy wall of distrust that she had erected between them, and then things would run their course! But the tragic fate of the thieves and the assassins guilds as well as worry about her uncle kept her from temptation. She would stay true to herself.


    The thumb fell to the floor.


    She said tly:


    ?You¡¯re wasting your time. You can cut yourself into pieces if you like. It won¡¯t change anything. Only your death will convince me.? ¨C She said and closed her eyes, angry with herself for her willful character


    {I see¡­} ¨C Kyon helplessly lowered the bloody stump. It was time to stop pretending that he was willing to kill himself for her. It would only make things worse. No arguments of reason, no emotional pressure had reached Valeera¡¯s heart.


    Kyon picked up his clipped fingers and left the room. Outside, he attached them to the incision points. The carbon skin gradually grew together, leaving no scars. Theplete recovery would take a day. Synergy would heal the nerves, the blood vessels, the tissues, and the bones quickly and easily. Bloody bandages mighte in handy.


    Kyon leaned against the wall and slipped on the floor,pletely devastated. His secret weapon didn¡¯t work. Valeera had branded him a traitor for the rest of her life. He had one option left. Or were there two?


    He couldn¡¯t apply a subjugating formation. The difference in their cultivation was too big.


    He threw back his head and whispered a fervent prayer, asking the goddess to save Valeera and promising to repay the debt in the future. It was perhaps the most humble, the most sincere request Lovr had made in his both lives. However¡­ Of course, the goddess didn¡¯t give a damn! The world seemed to have conspired against him. He had no choice but to resort to thest method that had never been known to fail¡­

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to torture Valeera. He would never earn her trust back after that. However, he preferred the option where she hated him but lived rather than losing her forever. He would keep her alive whatever it takes!


    Kyon returned to the interrogation room, took out a silver needle and went to the beautiful prisoner awaiting her death in silence.


    ?Valeera, you leave me no choice¡­ Please, give me the frequency of your uncle¡¯s sound transmitter, or I will have to use a most severe method¡­ It will hurt. It will hurt so much so that you will want to die¡­?


    Valeera nced at his surprisingly impassive, chalk-white face. A tiny, pointed needle gleamed in his hands. ¨C ?Will you stoop so low as to torture me??


    An oppressive silence filled the room. ¨C {I was right¡­}


    Kyon hesitated a moment, still hoping that his victim would change her mind, but then he slowly approached her and reluctantly but with a quick, deft movement thrust the needle infused with Synergy into her thigh.


    She let out a piercing scream of agony. Anyone who could hear her would instantly regret what they had done.


    Kyon was no exception. He instantly stopped infusing Synergy, begging the universe to make Valeera give him the information he needed. It was unbearable to torture the innocent girl that he truly liked.


    When the pain finally subsided, Valeera thought she had returned from the dead. She was drenched in a cold sweat, shaking like a leaf. The weak girl focused her eyes on Kyon¡­ She was scared. The once handsome and harmless boy had turned into a ruthless monster. How far would the bastard go to fulfill his ambition? It turned out that she meant nothing to him¡­


    ?Give me Leon¡¯s frequency, and I will stop at once!? ¨C Kyon implored.


    ?Oh, just drop dead!? ¨C Valeera replied through her gritted teeth.


    ?I really didn¡¯t want to have to do this! It¡¯s all for your sake¡­ Why don¡¯t you get it??


    By the look of things, the little thief was not going to tell him anything.


    Kyon hesitated a moment and infused Synergy again into the needle.


    Another heart-rending cry cut through the silence in the torture room.


    Kyon stopped, appealing to hermon sense. ¨C ?Give me his fucking frequency already! I do not want to hurt you, stubborn fool! Please¡­?


    Her whole body was shaking as if she was cold. Tears of pain, disappointment and resentment treacherously rolled down her pale cheeks. ¨C ?You said you would be my king¡­ Damned traitor¡­?


    Over the past eight years, Valeera had cried only twice. The first time, when Leon wasforting her after the loss of the thieves guild. And now, because of Kyon, the main culprit responsible for everything that had happened to her.


    She was about to confide in the gentle, polite boy who turned out to be a treacherous liar, willing to kill her to achieve his selfish goals. Well,e what may, she would never tell him anything for the sake of her uncle. He was the ray of sunshine in this filthy world teeming with bastards like Kyon¡­


    The sight of her tears pierced him like a knife. His heart ached like an open wound. He could feel it weigh a million pounds in his chest. Lovr could stand it no more. He had to use Synergy and block his feelings that prevented him from his main goal ¨C to save the girl.


    An instantter, Kyon continued the ruthless torture, his face deadpan, not a flicker of emotions in his eyes.


    Five minutester, he finally became convinced that Valeera was among a few persistent people who could stand more than one needle. There was no other way.


    {I¡¯ll be damned.} ¨C He thought, taking the second needle from the shelf.


    When Valeera saw another torture instrument in his hands, she felt a sticky, suffocating wave of fright roll over her. ¨C ?No¡­ Kyon, please don¡¯t. I¡¯m begging you! For heaven¡¯s sake! You¡­ That¡¯s not who you are. I know!?


    ?Tell me. Your uncle¡¯s. Frequency.?


    ?Never! Please, do not torture me. I can¡¯t stand anymore!?


    Kyon calmly stuck another needle with a skillful, precise movement.


    A bloodcurdling scream echoed in the room. It would make even the seasoned guardsmen shudder if there was no soundproof barrier.


    It felt like every cell of her body was burning in hellish me. It was a real-life nightmare. The memories of her father¡¯s and brother¡¯s death, blocked out for so many years, were nowing back. She relived the tragic events of the past to get back to the present, filled with suffering and pain, and then returned to the past. It repeated over and over again. She was one step from insanity¡­


    ?Please, Kyon¡­ Enough! No-o-o-o-o! §¡-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C Valeera tried to stop him by all means. She begged for mercy, promised to do anything¡­ But she couldn¡¯t tell him what he wanted from her. Anything but not this, not her uncle. Leon was everything for her. He had brought her up like his own daughter. He had taught her everything she knew. She couldn¡¯t give away the only person she loved to this monster!


    Kyon stopped the stimtion. ¨C ?Give me Leon¡¯s frequency.?


    ?Please, Just kill me already! Please! I don¡¯t want to live! I am so tired¡­? ¨C The broken prisoner muttered in a hollow voice. She could no longer meet his cold gaze with her brave stubborn eyes. She stared at the floor listlessly. The pain took away her courage, corroded her unbending will. All that remained was fear that had permeated her whole being. Death seemed the only escape.


    Kyon knew that there was no turning back. His mind, isted by Synergy from unnecessarypassion and pity, was focused only saving the silly girl from the bloodthirsty, powerful murderers who had destroyed her family. It might be selfish, perhaps inhuman, but he had decided that she would live at any cost. She could hate him even more if it gave her the strength to live on.


    When the impassive executioner touched the needles again, the girl could no longer scream. The excruciating overwhelmed her senses. When it was over, she burst out crying, her hot tears falling on the snow-white floor of the torture room:


    ?Stop it, please! I¡¯ll tell you!?


    ?Tell me.?


    When Kyon dialed the frequency she gave him, there was no answer. The number didn¡¯t exist, or it was out of range.


    {She broke her principles and lied just to stop the torture.} ¨C Kyon thought indifferently. Synergy had blocked his self-disgust, ring up in his belly like bile. He looked like a soulless machine programmed to solve a task. Nothing should distract him, his emotions would only stand in the way. He had to continue.


    Another five minutes had passed.


    He had be for Valeera a symbol of suffering and nightmares. He scared her more than death. If he beheaded her right now, she would only be grateful to him. She mixed up the past with the present, letting hallucinations and bloody visions of all her dear ones dying cloud her perception with a dark veil. All her remaining strength, her will, and her faith were aimed at protecting her uncle, the most important person in her life. She had to hold on. Hold on! Hold on¡­


    Kyon did not expect that the girl belonged to those unique, existing only in theory, people without Synergy who were able to withstand the stimtion of the nervous system with two needles. It was unfortunate that her talent turned out to be her curse. He had no choice but to take a third needle¡­


    Kyon the executioner came up to Valeera, his eyes were empty, nk. His prisoner in the chair seemed to be frozen in numb horror¡­


    When Valeera saw the third messenger of pain in his hands, she let out a howl that had nothing of the human in it. She squeezed her eyes shut like a little girl who was having a nightmare, slowly shaking her head from side to side like a pendulum. Her heart was beating furiously, her legs scraped desperately on the chair in a hopeless attempt to escape. ¨C ?Don¡¯t¡­ Please¡­ Have mercy on me, kill me already¡­ I beg you¡­ I had nothing against you, Kyon. You¡¯ve turned my life into a living hell¡­ and destroyed it¡­ Just finish me off¡­ You can **** if you want to, I don¡¯t care¡­? ¨C She pleaded in a hoarse, raspy voice, desperately hoping that there was still something human left in this demon.


    Kyon stared at his victim with a vacant look. ¨C ?You know what I need¡­ Valeera, don¡¯t make me use three needles. You know what I am waiting for.?


    ?¡­? ¨C Valeera buried her wet cheek against the chair, her face turned gray with fear. Didn¡¯t she deserve to die? But she had been trying so hard¡­ still trying ¡­


    When Kyon realized that she no longer reacted, he stuck the third needle with a jerky, mechanical movement.


    A terrible sharp stab of fiery pain pierced her body. It was like a supernova explosion. She felt liquid metal pouring down her bones, a myriad of ants were consuming her alive, but she lived for some reason. It was intolerable, gruesome torture. Time seemed to slow down; seconds felt like years. She was caught in her personal hell with no way out. She had no more thoughts, her feelings had burned out. The pain was beyond her body and mind. It was as if he was cutting off her soul bit by bit, piece by piece, totally enjoying the process. She couldn¡¯t imagine it was even possible until today.


    Valeera couldn¡¯t take it anymore¡­ The pain of losing her parents had faded away after the second needle. Why couldn¡¯t she just die and find eternal peace? To hell with it! She was ready to lose everything dear to her, just to make the tortures stop. In this case¡­ Goodbye, dear uncle¡­ See you in the next world. Oblivion would be her reward; seeing her parents again would be paradise.


    At that stage, Valeera¡¯s strength dried up. Her soul released an invisible ethereal wave of iparable power that could cover the whole empire. It was the roar of the void. The world had received a gaping wound that led to nothingness. There was no ce for emotions, for the soul¡­ There was nothing but death.


    Kyon was at the epicenter of the pain that the little thief was emanating. He could feel her tormented soul turn upside down, about to dissipate. At the pang of the piercing pain that suddenly exploded in his head, Kyon nearly lost his mind. His blood ran cold. His heart stopped beating. Icy sweat drenched his back; a creeping chill raised all the hairs on the back of his neck.


    Kyon fell on the tailbone and closed his eyes, resisting the will of the void. The nucleus in his soul resonated with this entity and neutralized the process. It stopped the inevitable copse, the consequences of which were a matter of conjecture. It was all over. However, something in the room had clearly changed.


    The emotional blockage had disappeared from Kyon¡¯s pale face. He stood up and hastily felt Valeera¡¯s weak pulse. ¨C {She is alive!} ¨C He breathed a sigh of relief. Kyon had no idea what had happened. Nothing of the kind had ever been mentioned in the books.


    ?Valeera, say something! Valeera?!?


    Valeera muttered her uncle¡¯s frequency in anguid, indifferent voice and closed her bloodshot eyes. Her face could no longer convey the emotions, nor could she truly feel them. Deep inside, she could still feel the echo of her indescribable fear of this heartless demon.


    Kyon understood at once that she had given him the real frequency. He knew very well what broken people looked like. She was ready to tell him anything. She could resist no more.


    Kyon was ovee by deep feelings of guilt and shame for what he had done to his innocent victim. If he hadn¡¯t felt so wretched after destroying the guilds into which she had poured her whole life, he might have been less selfish and allowed her to find eternal peace.


    At least, he made sure that she didn¡¯t lose her mind or get psychological traumas. The candies infused with Synergy that he gave her every hour weren¡¯t so much for treatment but to upgrade her nervous system. It would help her cope with stress. It would take her a couple of days of rest to bounce back. Now her body could take three daily doses of enzymes per day, which would boost the body (as well as the soul) cultivation.


    Kyon stroked her cold, wet cheek, wiped off her tears and made a short recording with the visual formation as a proof for Leon. Then he whispered tenderly in her ear:


    ?Valeera, you did the right thing when you have me Leon¡¯s frequency. He will get you out of here. When you are free, please, think carefully about what happened here. You have to understand why I had to do this. We will talk about it when we meet again. I promise I¡¯ll find you.? ¨C He sighed sadly, gave her a candy to swallow, and left the room with an unsteady gait.


    The damned demon¡¯s voice resounded in her mind like thunder. She would give anything just to forget her tormentor forever. But she would always remember the indescribable suffering inflicted upon her.


    Left alone, Valeera finally felt peace. She could barely keep her eyes open. The long-awaited darkness embraced her, but it wasn¡¯t death. She had entered the kingdom of dreams. She felt a pleasant warmth in her body as if someone had gently covered her with a soft nket after a long day. The exhausted, broken girl had fallen into a deep sleep.

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234


    The monstrous tortures evoked in Valeera a lot of negative emotions. They gradually filled Kyon¡¯s vessel of darkness. As a result, it was full to the brim at thest crucial moment. The nucleus spun slowly and uncertainty, especiallypared to the situation with Juno.


    It seemed to Kyon that something was absorbing the lion¡¯s share of the negative emotions. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t either confirm nor refute this theory. Anyway, only 1% of bright emotions was left before the first stage of the unique body of the Void wasplete! Too bad, he had no time to rejoice. He had to save Valeera!


    Kyon left the department and found a secluded ce to call Leon (not from Valeera¡¯s sound transmitter). He hade up with a simple and extremely effective n that didn¡¯t require any special tricks.


    ?Who is calling?? ¨C Leon asked coldly when he noticed the unknown frequency.


    ?Leon, I want to help you save Valeera.? ¨C Kyon told him point-nk in a slightly altered voice that inspired confidence.


    ?How do you know her name?!?


    *a pause*


    Suddenly, the connection broke, and then Valeera¡¯s sound transmitter rang. Of course, Kyon wasn¡¯t going to answer it. A minuteter, the first sound transmitter vibrated again.


    ?Who are you?! How do you know my frequency? Where is she?!? ¨C Thest question sounded like a death threat. Valeera had always instantly answered his calls. If there was no answer, it meant that she was in serious danger. Leon wasn¡¯t talking to just a stranger as he knew his frequency and Valeera¡¯s real name!


    ?I am a well-wisher with good connections. I have an offer for you¡­ Can you meet me in 15 minutes? The meeting ce is your choice.?


    Leon bombarded him with questions but received only vague and unclear answers. He couldn¡¯t stand the suspense and agreed to meet.


    Leon arrived on time. He didn¡¯t suspect any ambush. It all had taken only 15 minutes, he had chosen the ce himself, moreover, the territory was surrounded by killers in disguise.


    A postal pigeon flew right into Leon¡¯s hands, carrying a thick envelope with a letter and a visual formation. When Leon received the package, he went to a secluded ce to examine the contents.


    The letter said that Valeera had been caught in a trap, and her fate was sealed. Leon found out her whereabouts and the information about the department structure, the guards, and the protective formations. Kyon had attached the effective ways of getting inside without causing rm, and the route of retreat.


    The visual formation showed Leon the image of Valira first. She was pale as death, curled up in a strange-looking chair, clearly designed for torture. She looked utterly helpless. Immediately after this, there appeared a bluish screen with a detailed n of the ministry building, including the schedule of working shifts, the patrol routes, and the location of the barriers. The information was clear, concise. Nothing superfluous.


    Soon Kyon heard the long-awaited call.


    ?Do you work for the investigators?! Why should I believe that you want to save my girl, not make a surprise attack?! Tell me!? ¨C His voice sounded menacing.


    ?I pursue my personal interests, Sir. I don¡¯t mean money, rather connections. An ambush would get me nothing but an award divided between the entire department. You know, this prospect does not please me at all! However, if you save the girl with my invaluable help, then the great assassins guild will be deeply indebted to me¡­ That¡¯s my endgame.? ¨C It sounded like the speech of a stingy person like XiaoBai.


    ?And that¡¯s the reason to trust you blindly?!?


    ?It¡¯s up to you if you believe it or not. The ck queen is in the department, and that¡¯s a fact. If you don¡¯t save her tonight, then both of us will suffer the consequences. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t say more. I hope you will find this information useful. I wish you sess! Talk to you soon.? ¨C Kyon finished the call and took a deep breath. He did everything to inspire Leon to kidnap his niece. Kyon just hoped that he hadn¡¯t misjudged Leon.


    ¡­


    The clock had struck three when a man dressed in ck clothes activated the concealment technique and entered the department through the back door. The door was open just as mentioned in the mysterious well-wisher¡¯s letter. There were no guards, no traps. The way was clear.


    Following the instruction, Leon entered the room, broke into the safe after deactivating the barrier-trap, and took the key-formation. Then he headed for the main elevator.


    Leon was in no hurry. He was wary about the arch and the two sleepy guards standing on either side. Their task was to check the formations and ess passes. If he tried to trespass, the formation would create an invisible barrier-rm inside the arch.


    Leon waited for some investigators to leave the department during the night shift. As he was passing through the arch, Leon slipped stealthily inside. His cultivation and the quality of the concealment technique made it possible to walk around unnoticed.


    He came to the elevator and went inside as soon as another investigator came out of it. When he put the key card to the panel and released some pure energy, the elevator went to the ¨C 3d floor.


    He saw two guards outside. They both looked puzzled when they saw the empty elevator open.


    ~bam~ ~bam~


    Two instant blows on the back of the heads and the unconscious bodies leaned against the wall. If Leon had killed the guards, the formation on their wrists would have sent a death signal to the information center, activating the rm.


    Leon pulled the guards into the nearest empty room. Every minute counted¡­ Anyone passing by could suspect something was wrong!


    Leon carefully but not slowing down, headed to the central room, the unfortunate ce where they kept the most dangerous criminals of the kingdom.


    He turned a couple of times, bypassed another checkpoint, and then he saw the entrance to the dungeon, guarded by several men. Two of them were in the middle of the noble phase.


    When Leon approached the guards, one of them turned and squinted suspiciously.


    Leon did not wait. He mmed the knuckles of his fists together, creating an invisible wave.


    Suddenly, the guards couldn¡¯t hear anything. It was eerie and inspired a feeling of fear, strange and frightening. Stunned and puzzled, they stared at each other with increasing iprehension.


    The only guard who knew about the situation tried to warn his colleagues, all to no avail.


    Leon raised his palms and muttered something. A stream of bright golden me shot from his hands, enveloping the group of bewildered guardsmen.


    Their hair turned gray instantly, their skin wrinkled, cataract clouded their eyes. In a few seconds, they turned into blind senile men with fragile bones and rotting organs. They had a couple of hours to live.


    The strongest guard, the one that had turned around, managed to release pure energy to protect himself. But even he lost ten years of his life¡­


    Leon was breathing heavily, his forehead soaked in sweat. His body was too weak for a technique of this level. The conditions were not met.


    The frightened guard touched his wrist and raised the rm. However, no one heard him. A weird unusual technique was suppressing all sounds. The guard had to ept the inevitable and got ready for a desperate fight.


    Leon had instantly shortened the distance. He dodged all the attacks with absolutely inhuman dexterity and masterfully thrust a scarlet dagger into the guard¡¯s shoulder. His body immediately stiffened, the heart stopped beating, and the lungs emptied of air, and small wonder. The powerful paralyzing poison started working almost instantly.


    Leon recalled the instructions and darted into the dungeon. The death signal wouldn¡¯t set off for a while¡­ He had to hurry!


    He was passing the thick bars of the cells where the former members of the thieves guild and the chiefs of the robbers were kept in shackles. All of them had been working for Valeera. Now they were waiting for the inevitable execution in the central square.


    He came across guardsmen a couple of times. One blow with a dagger, and they did not move anymore.


    At the end of the corridor, Leon stopped at the bars. His breath caught in his throat¡­ He opened the passage with his dagger, broke into the room and held tight the half-naked girl in shackles. She looked cold, weak, fragile and tender like a marvelous rose petal! His heart ached with pity for her.


    ?I¡¯vee for you, my moon!? ¨C He eximed, his voice shaking with emotion.


    Valeera woke up and saw Leon¡¯s kind, anxious face. The dearest person in the whole world was there for her. Her ck eyes widened in amazement and disbelief. Her long eyshes trembled.


    ?I¡¯m so d to see you safe and sound¡­ Is that so, my little bird? Tell me that you¡¯re fine.?


    Her lips quivered. ¨C ?Leon¡­? ¨C She whispered softly. A warm ray of the spring sun had fallen on the cold winter meadow. Her vacant lifeless eyes lit up. It was like he was returning her soul back to her. She had alreadye to terms with losing her uncle forever¡­ And then, all of a sudden, he came to save her from this terrible ce like a noble knight! A glimmer of hope lit up the bottomless abyss in her heart.


    ?Am I dreaming??


    ?It¡¯s all real, my dear! I am going to get you out of here!?


    ?Uncle¡­? ¨C Her emotions seemed dull, somehow distant like a faint echo in the huge cave. She should be exuberant now¡­ But for some reason, she felt no joy.


    Suddenly, Valeera felt scared as if she remembered something important:


    ?Leon¡­ How did you find me??


    Leon didn¡¯t waste any time. He was struggling to remove her shackles. ¨C ?Someone helped me¡­ An informer.?


    Valeera¡¯s whole life shed before her eyes. Her uncle had fallen into a trap! His high cultivation must have helped him to get in unnoticed. But the guards could capture them at any moment!


    ?No! Leon, it¡¯s a trap! Your informant must be the same investigator who brought me here. You have to leave me and run away. You stand a better chance alone. Leave me, please!? ¨C She was trying to scream, but her voice hadn¡¯t recovered after the tortures. She sounded hoarse as if she might cough at any moment.


    ?Is it really?? ¨C Leon frowned. ¨C ?Even if it¡¯s really a trap, I will never leave you, love!? ¨C He eximed confidently, threw her over his shoulder and rushed to the door.


    ?Leon¡­ Oh, Leon¡­? ¨C Valeera knew her uncle well. He cared for her as if she were his own daughter. He would never leave her. The warmth of his affection was like a balm for her wounded soul.


    Valeera looked at the outlines of the bars flying by and saw the faces of her people behind them. Why did they seem like strangers? When dod she stop caring for them? Howe she had be so callous and insensitive?


    ?Uncle, wait. Save the guy over there. He was my best student in the thieves guild.? ¨C Valeera pointed to a handsome long-haired thief chained in shackles. It was Timoshka.


    Reluctantly, Leon slowed down¡­


    Valeera couldn¡¯t understand why she was wasting precious time on saving someone so insignificant. But Timoshka seemed to mean something important to her.


    Timoshka asked in surprise:


    ?Who are you?!?


    ?Shut up, or I will leave you here to die!? ¨C Leon barked. Then he grabbed the young man in his arms and carried them both, discontent with Valeera¡¯s decision.


    Timoshka didn¡¯t say another word. He looked anxiously around over Leon¡¯s shoulder.

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235


    Chuggington, the best executioner in the department, came out of the bathroom. An evil giggle escaped his lips as headed toward the torture room with a spring in his gait. He couldn¡¯t wait to see the dark-haired stubborn beauty again. The masked bastard¡¯s warning wouldn¡¯t stop him. He didn¡¯t get any explicit order, so he was going to let them admire the result of his painstaking work. He was a true master of his craft, after all. Yet, he was afraid of the investigator, so Chuggington decided to do everything at night, just in case.


    The big-bellied executioner was dying of anticipation to hear the charming nymph moan in pain. A joyful smile yed on his greasy lips. He had long noticed that punishing criminals on heaven¡¯s name was his true calling! Torturing beautiful girls gave him particr pleasure, and the beautifuldy sitting in the torture chair was charming beyond words! He was approaching the torture room, dancing clumsily and whispering something under his breath:


    ?I love what I do! Give me a high five!


    I¡¯ll chop you into bits after skinning you alive!


    I¡¯ll shave off your hair, I¡¯ll pull out your nail,


    And then I¡¯ll twist your fingers! Come on, why so pale?


    The screams fill the night,


    The bloody rivers run,


    Facing the pain, taking thest inhale


    We all be one¡­


    I feel like dancing, doing my job well,


    Give me your hand, it will hurt like hell!?


    Suddenly, Chuggington stumbled and fell in the dark corridor of the dungeon. When he stood up, he was horrified to find an immobilized guard. ¨C ?Bloody hell!? ¨C He touched his wrist at once and yelled. ¨C ?rm! Guards! Murder!? ¨C Before he could take another step, he saw an approaching shadow.


    Valeera¡¯s eyes shed when she said coldly to her uncle:


    ?Kill the asshole! Make him suffer like hell!?


    Leon nodded. The golden me red up again.


    Chuggington got scared. He suddenly turned and dashed off, his belly pping like that of a little hippo. He tripped over a dead body and rolled head over heels down the corridor. A weird burst of me reached his ankles like living fire and started eating his flesh. It looked like a hungry wolf stuck his sharp teeth into juicy meat.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh!? ¨C The bald executioner squealed in hellish agony. The me passed from his legs to his arms, and then reached the stomach and the neck¡­ The torturested two minutes. The muttor didn¡¯t die too soon, though. He had paid tribute to all the victims of his blood-chilling atrocities before meeting his own death.


    The rm went off. A howling siren rang in the ears. All the security forces of the department quickly mobilized and cordoned off the building. The escaped criminals fell right into their clutches.


    ?Damn it!? ¨C Leon cursed when he saw a group of rtively weak guardsmen. He broke their bodies with his legs like dry branches, without giving them a chance to react.


    Valeera clenched her fists. She ardently wished to get out of this damned ce. ¨C {Leon, please¡­ You have to survive¡­ I don¡¯t want you to die because of me. You do not deserve my fate¡­}


    They could hear the rumble of footsteps of several dozen security officers ahead. They were much more powerful than the previous ones.


    {Shit!} ¨C Leon realized that he couldn¡¯t cope with them. They had to retreat.


    Leon ran into one of the dungeon chambers that the well-wisher had told him about. He kicked the rotten floor, and it opened the way from the ¨C 3d floor to the lowest ¨C 4th floor. He could hear yells and ordersing from above.


    Leon rushed into a specific direction. There was nothing left to do but trust the well-wisherpletely, no other options. He wasn¡¯t powerful enough to break through the elite security forces on his own.


    {Where is he running? Isn¡¯t the exit in the opposite direction?} ¨C Valeera had a bad feeling. If her uncle ran into a dead end, they would lose the chance to escape this mess forever. She had to believe in him.


    ?There he is! Get him!? ¨C A security officer ran around the corner. Two dozen more armed people followed him. There appeared more and more of them.


    ?Damn it!? ¨C Leon ran along the winding, tangled corridors until he reached the dead end. He knocked down the door to the toilet,id Valeera and Timoshka against the wall, and then began to kick the toilet with all his might as if trying to crush it. The entire ministry could hear the racket.


    ~bam~


    The floor under the toilet copsed.


    Leon breathed a sigh of relief. The well-wisher hadn¡¯t deceived him! Leon had found the sewage system of the department. Without help, he would never have figured out under which room to look for the pipe.


    Leon grabbed Valeera with Timoshka and jumped down.


    A nasty rotten smell hit their noses. The foul scent of decay hung thick all around them, a dank chill filled the air.


    The fugitives saw apletely frozen waste pipe, the height of a very tall man in diameter. In the distance, they noticed about a dozen of Leon¡¯s subordinates, waving to them. They had been waiting patiently for their boss toe. They had created a thick icy wall with a single purpose to protect the escapees from the sewage.


    A sewage led into the open sea. If Leon had tried to get into the department through this pipe, it would have set off the rm at once. If he had tried to get from the ¨C 4th to the ¨C 3d floor, he would have had to turn everything upside down¡­ It wouldn¡¯t have worked.


    Suddenly Leon turned pale. ¨C ?I can feel someone powerful approaching here!? ¨C He handed over Valeera and Timoshka to one of his most reliable subordinates and gave the order. ¨C ?Get them to headquarters now! The rest will stay with me!?


    ?Leon!? ¨C Valeera eximed anxiously. ¨C ?What¡¯s on your mind?!?


    He kindly looked at her and smiled:


    ?My moon! No matter whoes here, they won¡¯t pass. Your uncle will protect you at all costs. It¡¯s my parental responsibility¡­?


    ?No! You can¡¯t leave me! I can¡¯t live without you! Please, stay with me! I beg you, don¡¯t leave me!? ¨C Valeera¡¯s eyes filled with tears. Her feelings that seemed to have faded away forever were running rampant like a hurricane sweeping away everything in its path. She didn¡¯t want to lose her uncle again!


    Leon froze, taken aback. Then, after a little hesitation, he took out a mirror locket from his bosom and put it on her thin, ivory neck. ¨C ?This trinket keeps a fiery spark of my soul that will burn forever¡­ If you feel lonely, sad, desperate, just hold this locket close to your heart and remember that even if I am not there anymore, my love and faith in you will never die.? ¨C Leon wiped a tear from her cheek with a gentle touch. ¨C ?Take care of yourself, darling. Never cry again.?


    An assassin named Alexander caught the signal and rushed down with the two fugitives in his arms. Valeera and Timoshka were exhausted beyond belief.


    ?No-o-o-o-o-o-o! Le§à-§à§à-§à-§à§à-§àn! Don¡¯t leave! L§Ö§à-§à-§à§à-§àn!? ¨C Valeera tried to scream, straining her raspy voice, clutching the mirror locket in her hands.


    When she looked back at her uncle disappearing in the distance, she had a bad feeling. Was Leon leaving her forever? She thought she would never see him again, but she tried hard not to give up hope.


    After several miles of the speedy escape through the pipe, they could detect the salty smell of the sea. The moonlight fell on the refugees. A deafening explosion thundered somewhere far behind. The pipe cracked all the way through. Leon had met someone incredibly powerful.


    When Valeera heard this sound, she moaned desperately and lost consciousness. Her weak mind could cope with emotional stress. The endless sorrow and despair had undermined both her body and her mind.


    ¡­


    Timoshka, the young professional thief, had already realized that the girl he had to thank for escaping his impending execution was Lanai, the impable head of the thieves guild.


    He couldn¡¯t calm down, looking at her beautiful pale face, his heart beating too fast in his chest. He had imagined different beautiful faces behind her graceful mask, but Valeera exceeded all his wildest expectations! She was beautiful like a moon goddess! He felt himself falling, tumbling head over heels in love with her¡­


    Timoshka was afraid that they had caught Lanai because of him (he cracked under torture). He feared her anger. He would have to pay for the rest of his life working for her. However, it didn¡¯t upset Timoshka, not in the least. He dreamed of being near her all the time. It was more than he could ever wish for. What if he could prove himself, show his wits and talents, pique her interest with his charisma and charm? What if they might¡­


    ¡­


    Alexander brought Valeera and Timoshka to the assassins guild headquarters. Timoshka was given clothes and ordered to wait, and Valeera was taken to the bathroom where the female assassins carefully washed her.


    Valeera woke up pretty soon and remembered all the horror that she had experienced. She immediately got up and ran out into the main hall, looking around in panic. ¨C ?Where¡¯s my uncle?! Where¡¯s Leon?!?


    ?We haven¡¯t heard from him yet¡­? ¨C Alexander, the deputy head of the assassins guild, said gloomily.


    ?No¡­ It can¡¯t be¡­? ¨C Valeera looked at Timoshka, then at the other assassins and shook her head in disbelief. ¨C ?He couldn¡¯t have left me¡­?


    The members of her guild kept awkward silence.


    Devastated, she turned back and trudged to her room.


    Timoshka reflexively followed her.


    Three men rose from their seats, intending to stop the insolent guy when they suddenly heard Alexander¡¯s warning. ¨C ?Thedy had a reason to save her former student. Leave him alone. Only he canfort her now.?


    The gloomy assassins silently returned to their ces. She was absolutely out of his league! But if the bastard had the guts¡­


    The assassins furiously clenched their fists at the mere thought that the handsome jerk had a chance to be near the magnificent head of the guild.


    ¡­


    Timoshka slightly opened the door leading to Valeera¡¯s room and saw her sitting by the window, looking mournfully in a little mirror. She was crying quietly. Her tousled hair and wrinkled, casual clothes added a certain charm. His heart was pounding in excitement as he approached Lanai. He wanted to hug andfort her so much. The experienced lover knew it was either now or never.


    Valeera saw the mirror crack in half. The man who had taught her to stop at nothing to get what she wanted, who insisted that she should have no regrets. Her wonderful uncle who had always supported her, who had always been there for her; her amazing mentor who had forged an unbending, powerful leader from a miserable, weak girl; the closest person to her in the whole world¡­ died. His soul had left this mortal world.


    She could stand it no more. Valeera fell to her knees, her hands covering her face. She let out a breathless silent scream. She was ready to give up on life. It couldn¡¯t go on like this! She had suffered a loss of a dearest person, and now she was all alone against this huge, cruel and so ruthless world¡­


    Valeera slowly pulled a dagger from the sheath and pointed it straight to her heart. One movement would end her suffering. Thest Weber would die, and the great family would be interrupted, all ording to Lanatel¡¯s and the 0-th general¡¯s n.


    When she remembered her sworn enemy, Valeera felt a dull hatred in her heart. This feeling had always kept her moving forward, helping her ovee any difficulties¡­ But now it seemed so weakpared¡­ To what?


    Valeera recalled Kyon the demon. It was his fault that the thieves and the assassins guilds had been destroyed¡­ He had made her experience pain worse than death. And, the most terrible of all, because of him, she had lost her uncle. This enemy had brought her more suffering than the Russels, the imperial family (0). The mere thought of the bastard filled her with horror and agony at once. But then a strange and new feeling began to rise up from deep within her. It was more than a primitive and raw fear.


    Fury. Hatred. Anger. They went through her wounded soul like fire, burning out the unnecessary feelings like self-pity or powerlessness, and saturating her whole body with dark, scorching, poisonous energy. Now she had a burning desire to live. It was the only way to quench her thirst for revenge.


    With a quick move, Valeera put the dagger back into the ring. She didn¡¯t need it anymore.


    Valeera wanted to leave everything and look for the bastard right away. However, killing him, she would lose her motivation to fight. She might give up the idea of avenging her parents. She had to destroy the Russels first¡­ She should go to the capital of the empire and find the means for further cultivation. Only then could she proceed to the main task and deal with Kyon.


    Somewhere deep inside of her tormented mind, in the consciousness of the former leader of the two most dangerous guilds in the entire kingdom, there was a naive, cheerful girl who had believed the insidious deceiver, the scoundrel. She didn¡¯t just believe him, she let him stir up the feelings she had avoided for so long. This naive girl was no longer destined to wake up¡­


    Valeera¡¯s cold aura spread to the entire headquarters, sending chill even down the most seasoned killers¡¯ spines. It didn¡¯t depend on the level of cultivation, it all came down to the willpower and mental strength. Alexander was the only one who managed not to tremble. They say it¡¯s so cold at the very bottom of hell¡¯s abyss that even a soul could freeze through. Valeera¡¯s aura resembled this mythical frost a lot.


    Meanwhile, Tymoshka sobbed frantically with horror, leaning against the wall behind the door. He was trembling all over, his eyes twitching nervously. Dark liquid began to flow from his trouser leg just as he got an acute bout of hups. He looked like he had just survived his death. He had been gathering the courage to hug her when she suddenly red up with an icy glow so heavy and gloomy that he could not breathe. He missed his only chance¡­ Anyway, to hell with it. It wasn¡¯t worth dying for¡­

 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236


    Early in the morning, Kyon arrived at the department, disguised as a stranger. There was absolute chaos everywhere. The citizens were not allowed inside; the investigators rushed around like crazy, not knowing what to do.


    Kyon showed his card and put on his ck mask as soon as he entered the building. Then he headed for the ¨C 4th floor. Downstairs, he was horrified by what he saw. The corner bathroom above the sewer was missing. The huge hole created by the shock wave meant the imminent copse of the upper floors and irreparable damage to most of the building.


    There were several people at the site, among them Rasya, the high-ranking investigator. She noticed the man in the mask and immediately approached him. ¨C ?Rookie, go upstairs now! The head of the department wants to see you!?


    ?I am going there. Tell me what had happened here¡­?


    ?I have no idea! I¡¯ve just arrived.?


    The masked investigator nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly heard:


    ?By the way¡­ I can¡¯t find the visual recordings from the interrogation room. Do you happen to know where they are??


    Kyon slowly turned around and asked coldly, his eyes gleaming like ice:


    ?Do you want to watch the intercourse of the prince with the ck queen??


    Rasya blushed. ¨C ?Of course not! I¡¯ve been collecting the evidence rted to the escape¡­ Go to the boss.? ¨C She continued to work, visibly confused.


    Rasya¡¯s reaction had betrayed her. Kyon could try and believe that she had rushed to the interrogation room to study the evidence first thing in the morning, that she looked through the register to find out who had entered the room when she found no nephrites. However, everything was much simpler. She was still wearing street shoes, and she said that she had only recently arrived. It was now clear who had tipped the prince. He had nearly raped Valeera because of her!


    Kyon came to the fourth floor, made in a luxurious but simple style, showed his formation to the guard and went into the head¡¯s office.


    Red like a boiled lobster, dimir was shouting at Charge, who had lowered his head, looking guilty. ¨C ?Bloody hell! I nearly got fired! The deputy head of the imperial department hade to visit us, and what did he have to witness?! A fascinating tour in the best sewage of Boston! Fighting to the death with some bastard! And the cherry on the cake, the criminal he hade for, waved her tail at his nose! If Chuggington hadn¡¯t sacrificed his life to raise the rm, we would not even have time to react! Is it a hotel for the criminals here?! Why didn¡¯t you bring more powerful guards, you fucking moron?! It¡¯s your direct responsibility! Now the image of our department is worse than shit! Shit can be used as fertilizer, at least¡­?


    Charge was about to copse. It was beyond his power to predict such a thing. The intruder had an understanding of all the nuances in the department structure. He had killed a group of powerful guards by himself! He was invincible! But he couldn¡¯t tell dimir all this¡­ It was toote now.


    dimir¡¯s furious monologue had dispelled the pink clouds in Kyon¡¯s head.


    Last night, Kyon saw ten people enter the pipe and only three leave, Timoshka and Valeera among them. He couldn¡¯t follow the third man as he had taken the underground passage. Kyon wondered. Wasn¡¯t it Leon who was carrying Timoshka and Valeera? No, it wasn¡¯t him. Valeera¡¯s eyes were full of wild despair when she looked into the pipe. She looked like she had left her soul back there. Moreover, the huge destruction proved that it wasn¡¯t the fight between two ordinary people but extremely powerful opponents.


    {She will me me for the death of her uncle¡­} ¨C Kyon concluded gloomily. ¨C {Was it worth it?} ¨C On the one hand, he had made an enemy of Valeera and developed a strong sense of guilt. On the other hand, he had received the priceless medicine of transformation, 19% of darkness into the nucleus. He had also solved two kingdom issues. Anyway, he did the right thing without viting his principles and values.


    ?Go away before I fire you!? ¨C dimir barked, and Charge hurried to leave.


    ?Things aren¡¯t going well, are they?? ¨C Kyon asked the obvious question.


    ?You¡¯re smart, aren¡¯t you??


    The level of toxic sarcasm in his voice was a bit too high.


    It took about a minute for the head of the department to calm down. He was standing at the window with his hands behind his back.


    ?I am sorry I snapped.? ¨C dimir finally said. ¨C ?It¡¯s not your fault. I don¡¯t know who to me. This scandal cost me an impable reputation I¡¯ve worked for years to attain.?


    ?It happens to the best of us. Do you want me to help you find the culprit??


    ?The culprit is dead. You don¡¯t think he could run away, do you? Ha ha¡­?


    ?It¡¯s not about¡­ By the way, can I have a look at the body??


    ?You can¡¯t. His body has been taken for an autopsy.?


    {Do they want to determine his rtionship to the Webers? It¡¯s dangerous for Valeera to stay in Boston¡­ However, she is not stupid. She will leave.} ¨C Kyon sighed glumly. ¨C ?I was talking about the original culprit, the one who had leaked the information. I¡¯m sure it was a mistake. She had no idea it would end like this.?


    ?Who are you talking about?!? ¨C In a moment, dimir was close to Kyon, holding him by the scruff of the neck.


    ?Take it easy. I will tell you everything.? ¨C Kyon brushed off the dust from his shirt. ¨C ?Last night, I happened to witness the prince arrive in the interrogation room. Charles wanted revenge on the ck Queen. Here¡¯s the proof.? ¨C Kyon handed dimir all the nephrites except the one with the prince¡¯s failure.


    ?I tried to find out who had told him about her arrest, and he referred to a female investigator. There is only one woman in the narrow circle of high-ranking investigators. Her name is Rasya. By the way, she asked me if I know anything about the visual recordings in the interrogation room.¡­?


    ?Bitch!? ¨C dimir hissed, banging his fist on the table.


    Kyon wanted to take revenge on Rasya, but he didn¡¯t want her to die a brutal death.


    ?Rasya made a private gain out of her agreement with Charles, and someone from the prince¡¯s entourage turned out to be a spy. The rest, I guess, is history. She had vited the department regtion, which started a chain of events. I would just fire her for this. But if you¡¯re looking for a scapegoat, then so be it.?


    dimir sighed heavily. Rasya¡¯s life was in his hands. He decided to talk with herter and find out what she wanted to get from the prince. If she refused to cooperate or gave him the wrong answer, then¡­


    ?Let¡¯s stop talking about sad things. I have something nice to tell you.? ¨C dimir looked with admiration at the investigator in the mask. ¨C ?Kyon, you have exceeded all my expectations. Your reports are breathtaking! It took you one hair to destroy the whole thieves guild¡­ I still can¡¯t believe that you alone had solved the three issues in the kingdom. It didn¡¯t take you three or five years but only a couple of weeks! It¡¯s incredible! I am not sure if your ambitions exceed your talent or vice versa¡­ You are exactly the person I¡¯ve been looking for¡­?


    ?So-o-o?..? ¨C Kyon took off his mask, ready for the words he had been working for so hard.


    ?You have kept your side of the bargain and solved the two issues in the kingdom, and even more! You have exceeded my expectations on so many levels! I can¡¯t ask for more, or I might get struck by lightning. I will also keep my promise¡­ From now on, you are an investigator of the second rank! Congrattions!? ¨C dimir shook Kyon¡¯s hand.


    If Kyon had received the 2nd rank the day before, he would have had the chance to save Valeera. He wouldn¡¯t have had to torture her. However, it would have turned him into a wanted criminal. Would he have taken this chance? Kyon decided not to answer this question.


    ?Thank you. There¡¯s more to it, right??


    ?Right.? ¨C dimir became serious. He drew the curtains and checked if the door was locked. ?? ?To get my letter of rmendation to the imperial investigators, you will have to provide thepelling evidence that Kara and da belong to the demons.?


    ?Why don¡¯t you share your suspicions with the important guest??


    dimir paused for a moment, staring grimly at the ceiling. ¨C ?Once I tried to convince the authorities in the imperial department. To put it mildly, they considered me an idiot and demanded solid evidence. Small wonder¡­ Nobody wants to deal with the imperial family without making a big profit. Besides, da regrly pays taxes and manages the kingdom well. Nothing more is required of her. The damned doofuses choose not to see the real enemy! Listen, Kyon, understand my situation. Fernand Russell himself (0) was telling me off. At what point should I have dropped a hint about the queen¡¯s true origin? It was absolutely out of the question. I am lucky that there is a long-awaited tournament of the families in three days. Fernand was nning to get there by all means¡­ It¡¯s quite fortunate, otherwise, his arrival would have been a waste of time.?


    {A certain Fernand who killed Leon will watch the tournament!?} ¨C The news had piqued Kyon¡¯s interest. Eventually, the n of how to finish the existence of ¡°Kyon¡± was taking shape. The absence of masks in this cruel world would put anyone in a freshly dug grave. Kyon had been toying up with the idea of his next personality for a long time. He just had to make it real.


    ?I will get the evidence, dimir. But I need ess to the ssified materials to find out the structure of the pce, its secret passages and organisation, any possible traps. I also need your invaluable help to enter Cernos¡­? ¨C Kyon told him a little about his n of enrolling in the best school of the kingdom and getting closer to Princess Kara Grand.


    dimir approved his n, but he had to warn Kyon. ¨C ?Keep in mind it will be the most dangerous mission ever! Capturing the ck Queen will seem like a glorious fairy talepared to this. Take care, be careful, Kyon. Demons are cunning and treacherous. They value their life, and the slightest suspicion will give them a reason to kill you. Contact me whenever you need help! I will provide you with any department resources you ask for. Consider yourself my personal secret agent.?


    Kyon shook dimir¡¯s hand. ¨C ?By the way, I am taking part in the forting family tournament on behalf of the Stones. I am thinking of doing something grandiose, even breathtaking. It could stir up the whole empire. I hope it won¡¯t surprise you too much. Please, don¡¯t tell anyone that Kyon Stone is the masked investigator. You might have a temptation to share this information with Fernand, please don¡¯t do it. Otherwise, I can¡¯t trust you anymore¡­ I won¡¯t be able to deal with the demons after that. Even more so, you may be my enemy.?


    ?What?.. You are going to participate? To shake the empire? Not to tell Fernand?! Ha ha! Gods, what are you talking about! Of course, I won¡¯t tell anyone about you, my secret agent. Don¡¯t ever be my enemy, please! Ha ha ha!? ¨C dimirughed out loud.


    Kyon nodded and left the office, looking pleased with himself. He was convinced that when it came to friends, it was not the quantity but the quality that mattered. XiaoBai was worth at least ten (and weighed as much). The head of the department was at about the same level.


    dimir was sincerely surprised at Kyon¡¯s multifaceted talents and capacities. The new investigator had really impressed him with his effective results and decisions! dimir was curious to see how Kyon was going to resolve the case with vile demons.

 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237


    Kyon took advantage of his ess to the department secret archives. He was lucky dimir had granted it to him, even the second-rank investigators were forbidden to enter there!


    Kyon thoroughly studied the information about the pce. As expected, it was full of secret passages and traps. However, it was quite possible to get inside bypassing the security barriers. He could enter almost every room! There were also several underground exits¡­


    In the meantime, Prince the Hot Underpants had arrived in the department. The news about the ck Queen¡¯s escape hit him really hard. Charles¡¯s imagination yed a dirty trick on him, conjuring up the scene where the masked bastard was taking the beautiful bitch¡¯s innocence. The prince could hear their happy moans, see the treacherous smile under the mask when the jerk made her a child. And then,te in the night, the sly bitch escaped¡­


    Charles could forget about his revenge. From now on, every day of his life would be full of mortal danger. The girl would kill the prince at the slightest opportunity! He risked to wake up with his penis cut off or even never wake up at all!


    ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C The prince suddenly wailed like a wild animal. ¨C ?Why did she escape?! Where is this fucking investigator?! I want to see him!?


    The maddening howl of the unlucky lover scared all the people around.


    Charles grabbed the first guard he saw and shook him hard. ¨C ?Where is this masked piece of shit?! Take me to him!? ¨C When he saw that the guard had copsed with foam at his mouth, the prince grabbed the next one¡­


    A group of elite security officers had to drive the prince away. From now on, he was banned from the department. It was going to be a long day with the criminals of the century running away and the mad princes going berserk! This day investigator Rasya was fired without warning!


    She left her dear workce in tears. Rasya bitterly regretted calling Charles. The efforts of her whole life werepletely destroyed at the cost of self-indulgence. To find some constion, she contacted the prince. It was time for him to keep his end of the bargain¡­ However, he told her to get lost, using the most vulgar expression.


    ¡­


    When Kyon finished studying the secret archives, he took advantage of his newly acquired 2nd rank of the royal investigator to release Byron, who was suspected of robbery.


    Byron was in a damp cell. When he heard the sound of the door opening, he raised his head and smiled at the ¡°guest.¡± ¨C ?You¡¯vee to save me, brother??


    ?It¡¯s time! Now let¡¯s talk about your future.?


    ?Well¡­ Okay¡­? ¨C Byron scratched his head.


    ?You did me two huge favors, and I owe you big time. Would you like to join me on my journey to change the world? In the future, I will give you a more powerful gun, and you will be a sniper! You are guaranteed an unforgettable adventure, a decent life, tremendous power and influence, as well as lots of beautiful women and delicious drinks¡­?


    Byron gave him a shy smile and looked down at the floor. ¨C ?Kyon, don¡¯t tempt me. I have changed my priorities while sitting in jail. Being a ve in the mine made me realize that I am a freedom-loving person! When I finally murdered the bastard, I realized that pursuing power was a false dream, a tool to achieve the goal. I will never return home again to those rotten bastards. Money does not interest me. As for women, after Martha¡¯s betrayal¡­ To cut it short, I will manage. I¡¯ve decided to go on a long journey to explore the vast world and feel the real taste of life!? ¨C His voice was full of happy anticipation.


    ?Are you sure? Wild animals will kill you¡­?


    ?Ha! We¡¯ll see who will get killed first!? ¨C The big fellow smiled viciously.


    Kyon tried to persuade Byron to follow him until he had finally seen how futile it was. Byron had saved him from Dinah and had helped to remove investigator Grek Brown. Kyon¡¯s debt to him was now repaid. ¨C ?Well, the choice is yours. You decide your fate. But I¡¯ll help you, anyway¡­?


    Kyon took out the Kronos unique body pill that he had made in Juno¡¯s mansion, improving the Titan unique body pill. It looked like cracked, almost cooled magma, glowing red, boiling with unbridled energy. Its requirements matched Byron¡¯s simple-minded personality perfectly.


    ?Take this pill when you¡¯re in danger. It will instantly give you strength. Remember, as soon as you take it, it will enhance your power and unleash your true potential. Your body will grow even more, and you will get more powerful and stronger. It might lead to increased hunger, and you will feel like you¡¯re starving day and night. Your character will also undergo some changes. In the end, you will be a giant of all giants, but you will survive¡­?


    Byron took the pill and hid it in the ring. ¨C ?Thank you for everything, brother¡­ You are the best person I have ever met. I wish there were more people like you¡­? ¨C He said gratefully and shook Kyon¡¯s hand, patting him on the back.


    Kyon scratched his cheek, looking embarrassed. He imagined a world inhabited by himself. Perhaps, there couldn¡¯t be a more dangerous and crazy ce to live in.


    Soon Byron said goodbye to Kyon and headed off on a long journey.


    Kyon had received the long-awaited 1% of the light, which met all the requirements of his unique body of the Void. He had met all three (four) conditions and entered a new stage of evolution. The souls he had absorbed were 100%, as well as his elements, and the darkness and the light in his nucleus. Everything was 100%.


    He had taken mostly the robbers¡¯ souls, only a few of them used to be the thieves. The Stones had helped him to get some of the elements. Kyon had acquired the rest of them ckmailing the top 10 families, being an investigator yed an important role in the process. He spent the money from ckmail to order the medicine for his further cultivation. As for the light part of his nucleus, he had received some amounts of positive emotions from Martha, but most of them hade from Byron. Juno and Valeera had mostly filled the dark half, as well as Yegorka, XiaoBai, and Kirsan.


    The conditions for harvesting emotions seemed crazy and most unpredictable. And yet, he had managed to fill 100% of the nucleus. Each event that evoked negative or positive emotions had yed an important role. If Kyon hadn¡¯t received at least 10% of the light or the darkness, his unique body wouldn¡¯t have developed to the 2nd stage three days before the tournament. All his efforts would have been in vain.


    It does raise some interesting questions¡­ Will his hard work pay off? What extra boons are there in his newly developed unique body? Will it help him win in the tournament and get the best rewards?


    Kyon could feel the nucleus in his soul rev up, pulsating with spatial shes that make him dizzy. The Body of the Void had announced the imminent breakthrough. Kyon had the annoying, itchy feeling like that when he was about to sneeze but couldn¡¯t. It was getting stronger with every second.


    Kyon immediately left the department. It took all his willpower to dy the inevitable.


    It happened as soon as he dashed into his secluded house¡­


    ~bam~


    There was a soft p, and Kyon let out an intangible spatial wave that created a mesmerizing effect of the curved mirror. The furniture crashed into pieces, and the window panes shattered! The floors, the walls, and the ceiling had changed beyond recognition. In an instant, the whole house looked like the handiwork of a drunken architect.


    {Bloody hell!} ¨C Kyon dashed outside just in time. He barely avoided being buried alive as the multi-ton building copsed behind him.


    ?I know that you hate me! But would you stop trying to kill your owner? Don¡¯t bite the hand that feeds you!? ¨C Kyon started showing the first signs of schizophrenia. Anyway, that¡¯s what an outside observer would conclude. No one in their right mind would ever talk to their unique bodies like this.


    The Body of the Void squealed like a child eager to demonstrate the new skills to the parent.


    ?Oh! Do you have a surprise for me? Way to go!? ¨C Kyon smiled broadly. He started having sudden mood swings. A nice addition his unstable mental state¡­


    Kyon headed for the nearest training hall, dying to find out what boons his unique body had in store for him.


    Kyon took a few steps when he noticed that something had changed. He analyzed his body and was genuinely amazed. There had been a major breakthrough, three stages no less! His soul had evolved from the 3rd to the 6th stage of the advanced phase, which made him way stronger! However, if he hadn¡¯t been training daily, he would have advanced in two stages only.


    His Synergy had also evolved from the beginning to the intermediate level of the second degree.


    Kyon was delighted by his unstable unique body. At times, it was about to kill him; at other times, it made him extremely happy! Ordinary unique bodies were more adequate, but they were of significantly inferior quality. Unique bodies of a ¡°B¡± rank and above could asionally evolve but one stage max. And this one had evolved three stages at once! What an unpredictable body of the Void¡­


    On the way, Kyon found out that his achievements had been reset. He had to refill the nucleus with new souls, elements, and emotions. He could feel that his core contained 1% of souls at the moment. At least, the excess of the absorbed souls hadn¡¯t been lost forever. Why only 1%? Wasn¡¯t it too little?


    Kyon had been practicing for a few hours.


    He rejoiced in his newfound strength. In addition to the evolution in three stages, the unique body of the Void had greatly enhanced the attributes of darkness and light. They used to condense into a light fog; now they looked more like dense clouds. At the same time, their prating ability and power had increased. With the same energy costs, the attributes affected the environment much more effectively! As a result, the sh of Light had also intensified, the one that he had learned to use when Valeera made an attempt on his life.

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238


    Kyon would dly continue to explore his new features, but he waste for an important event where he was nning to acquire some valuable things. Some of them would help him to pay his debt to Marina and get positive emotions at the same time.


    The annual auction would take ce at 4 pm. It was organized by thergest and most reputable trading guild the Golden Piggy. It¡¯s hard to overestimate the importance of this event. The richest people in the kingdom were going to try their luck and find something precious that could never be found in the ordinary market, i.e., the transformation, evolution, elerated cultivation medicine, various elixirs, exceptional ingredients, unusual formations, enchanted things, powerful techniques, magnificent armor and weapons, ancient artifacts, elite ves, and even some Tokens, the most important currency in the empire.


    The guildhall was an architectural masterpiece. There were no ceilings higher or no decorations more expensive except for the royal pce. The gigantic building represented the power of its fabulously wealthy owners. There were statues of pigs made of pure gold standing on marble pedestals at each corner of the building. Large rubies sparkled in their eyes, the guild gs fluttered from their golden hooves.


    Hundreds of people in expensive clothes, the elite of the Iron Throne, crowded at the entrance where the guards were thoroughly checking their documents authorizing ess. Apart from the most important and exceptional people, none of the guests dared to cut in line. The guests with the highest rank were granted priority ess. They entered the building with straight,posed faces. The members of the royal family stood out from the crowd. There were noble elders responsible for the vast territories of the kingdom, the director of Cernos, and other high-ranking royal persons.


    Suddenly, everyone heard a high pitch, creaky voice:


    ?REPENT! THE END OF THE WORLD IS CLOSE!? ¨C A skinny old man in stinky rags howled, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.


    ?Three messengers of death will mark the end of our history! They are closer than we thought! The first one has already arrived! The day of the dark sky! The day of the green night! And the day of eternal darkness! Death! Death awaits everyone! Get on your knees and pray the goddess for help! Only she can change the fate of the world! You! Can you hear me? Pray for us sinners!?


    The old man grabbed the first person next to him. It happened to be a young man standing nearby.


    Kyon rudely pushed the stinky old man away and kicked him in the ass. ¨C ?Get a job,zybones.? ¨C {Great, the shirt is dirty.} ¨C He thought, displeased, as he was heading for the back entrance. When he showed his formation pass, the guard let him in without saying a word and assigned him an escort.


    The servant led the guest to the VIP floor, the highest in the building. Then he pointed to the door of room number 33.


    Just at that moment, two ugly red-faced fat men came out of the room. Kyon recognized Balim Milonov and Zhou Weicin, XiaoBai¡¯s best friends (the money bags). He was hanging out with them at the party in Juno¡¯s mansion. The friends wereining about something, visibly upset.


    ?It¡¯s unheard of! What happened to bros before hos? Why did he let her drive us away? When did Bai¡¯s grandson be so henpecked??


    ?I strongly agree with you! Who¡¯s this bimbo, all dolled up like that and acting like a queen? Her tits are even smaller than mine!? ¨C Zhou wiped off the saliva from his lips.


    ?There is nothing to be proud of¡­ You¡¯d better shut up.? ¨C Balim grimaced with disgust.


    Kyon pretended not to know the indignant fat fellows. He waited till they left, showed the formation, and entered the room. He saw a spacious room with ess to the balcony of the auction room. It was furnished with several leather armchairs and a massive mahogany table. A no less huge, meatball-like guy was sitting in therge soft armchair. A short, slender, brown-haireddy in an elegant blue dress perched on hisp.


    The beauty turned to the neer, her thin eyebrows frowned angrily.


    ?XiaoBai, it¡¯s me.? ¨C Kyon greeted him with his usual, unchanged voice.


    ?Brother! I didn¡¯t recognize you in this mask! You¡¯re here atst!? ¨C XiaoBai carefully put the girl on the armchair and went to meet the guest with a happy smile. Kyon couldn¡¯t tell what made him more pleased: the arrival of his dear adopted brother or escaping close contact with his girlfriend.


    They shook hands.


    Kyon approached Cornelia and greeted her politely. However, she coldly snorted and turned his back on him, her nose arrogantly turned up.


    Cornelia was annoyed that some guy was going to take her future husband¡¯s precious time. Well, at least this fellow didn¡¯t stink ten different fragrant oils and toad perfume to boot. Nor was he going to chomp down on chips here.


    Kyon looked inquiringly at his fat brother, who shrugged and forced a smile.


    ?Alright¡­ XiaoBai, I have something important to discuss with you. Very important.?


    ?Yeah, sure¡­? ¨C XiaoBai mumbled and headed for the free armchair. As soon as he sat down, Cornelianded on his knee, looking as regal and majestic as ever.


    Kyon settled in front of them. ¨C ?Let me get straight to the point. XiaoBai, I want you to bet all my money on the Stones¡¯ victory in the tournament.?


    ?What!? ¨C The milk he had just sipped came out of his nose. ¨C ?Are you serious!? No kidding??


    ?I¡¯m as serious as a heart attack. I am going to take first prize. How about increasing your capital??


    XiaoBai jumped up to his feet without even noticing that he had dropped Cornelia on the floor. He shook Kyon¡¯s shoulders vigorously. ¨C ?Are you crazy, Kyon?!? ¨C Xiao Bai eximed while Cornelia hissed angrily. ¨C ?Do you even that the Stones¡¯ defeat is inevitable? I¡¯m nning to bet against them!?


    ?You don¡¯t believe me, do you??


    XiaoBai led Kyon to the balcony and pointed his finger somewhere down the hall. ¨C ?Can you see that arrogant bastard looking at everyone like they are insects? His name is Timothy Brown. He is Brown number one. It hase to my attention that he conceals his real strength! Once Timothy rented a training hall downtown. The destruction after his training cost the managers dearly. I am still so sorry for them! Anyway, no one the younger generation can cause so much destruction. Timothy has supernatural power! It doesn¡¯t matter who your master is or how strong you imagine yourself, your defeat is guaranteed!?


    Kyon smiled. ¨C ?You don¡¯t believe me??


    ?Oh no¡­? ¨C XiaoBai shook his head in disbelief and backed to his chair. ¨C ?Not this¡­ I know this expression on your face! Nothing is going to stop you now!?


    ?Exactly.? ¨C Kyon nodded, pleased with himself. ¨C ?Here is a deal: I give you the money, and you will make bets with all the wealthy families in Boston in the remaining three days before the tournament. You bet that the Stones will take first ce in the tournament. The higher the odds, the better for both of us. However, don¡¯t mess with the royal family! They are not very good ¡°people.¡±?


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense¡­ It¡¯s madness! You¡¯re crazy!? ¨C XiaoBai yelled.


    ?I know. I will give you a tenth of the total winnings. We are talking about tens of millions, by the way.? ¨C Kyon said impassively, hitting XiaoBai¡¯s weak point.


    Xiao Bai seemed to be in a stupor,pletely ignoring Cornelia¡¯s painful pinches from behind. It would rip the whole kingdom off their money! Who else but his brother was capable of this? He remembered the miracles that Kyon was doing at the party. The younger generation still discussed his fight with the princess, adding some ridiculous theories and making up things! Why not doing the impossible again? Especially given the fact that he wouldn¡¯t have to spend any money at all!


    ?How much are you going to give me?!?


    Kyon took 15 million spheres out of the ring. His total capital was 16 million, mainly thanks to Valeera, who now considered him her sworn enemy. She turned out to be quite conscientious and returned him everything she had promised. She didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with him anymore¡­


    Xiao-Bai¡¯s jaw dropped when he saw the fortune of colorful spheres, his eyes glittered with greed. ¨C ?Unbelievable! How?! When did you manage to get so much?!?


    Kyonughed at his reaction. ¨C ?It¡¯s a secret.?


    ?You¡¯re freaking monster! Ha-ha-ha!? ¨C XiaoBaiughed hysterically. He had finally met a genius who could make 15 million in a couple of weeks. It would take him several years! His respect for the younger brother was higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean.


    XiaoBai assessed the potential winnings and stoppedughing. No one in the world, even the Stones themselves, would believe in their victory! It means that he could increase the stakes as much as could be!


    ?I want thirty percent, not ten.? ¨C XiaoBai said decisively. ¨C ?I will have to engage all of my connections. It will take my unique skills to pull thousands of strings and establish the Bostoner¡¯s payment capacity. And there are only three days to seed! I won¡¯t even have time to sleep! Make it thirty percent!?


    Kyon snorted. ¨C ?First of all, your family will get first ce because of me. Second, it won¡¯t cost you anything. Third, only three days of hard work, and you will get millions! So, ten percent, buddy??


    ?Twenty five! Twenty five percent, that¡¯s my final word!?


    ?Ten. Don¡¯t forget to add the money you will get in the auction.?


    ?TWENTY!? ¨C XiaoBai yelled desperately. The phoenix figurine was unlikely to bring him too much money. He wanted MORE!


    ?Ten.?


    ?§¡§Ñgrrr! Alright. Fifteen percent it is then.?


    Kyon nodded smugly. A sly grin touched his lips. ¨C ?Deal!? ¨C Just as he had nned. Xiao Bai was rather predictable. He would turn the whole world upside down for as much as 15%. Kyon couldn¡¯t dream of a better partner!


    They shook hands.


    ?I swear on my honor as a great financier that I will do everything in the best possible way. The brotherhood of the fat fellows will bleed the whole kingdom dry with great pleasure. Bring us the victory of the Stones. Can you guarantee you will??


    ?I can.? ¨C Kyon said confidently.


    The deal with XiaoBai would be the brilliant result of all his financial schemes in Boston. Each sphere he had received from Valeera, Charles, XiaoBai, and others was now at stake. He would either increase his treasure in case of his victory or lose it forever in case of defeat.


    Kyon was going to win mainly because of his unique body of the Void, to be more precise, the recentlypleted 1st stage and the acquired boons. Thus, each percent of the emotions, the souls and the elements he had received would y an important role.


    Kyon no longer regretted that he hadn¡¯t kill Juno but made a decision to clean her keys instead. This decision had brought him 15 million spheres. His unique body hadpleted the first stage of evolution. Besides, he had be an investigator of the second rank! The Stones had helped Lovr to realize all his ambitions. How long would it have taken him to achieve all this if he had left on some purposeless journey? He had no idea¡­


    ?By the way, XiaoBai! Can you give me a privileged badge of the guild?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?The word ¡°give¡± doesn¡¯t exist in my vocabry, but if you really want to have it, I¡¯ll write my price, and you will give me your answer.? ¨C XiaoBai instantly took out a piece of paper and began to write down endless zeros, carefully hiding it from Cornelia¡¯s prying eyes.


    {What a tightwad!} ¨C Kyon squinted, taking the note. However, he nearly burst outughing when he read what was written there: ¡°Save me frooom her.¡± What a trick! Kyon didn¡¯t want to set up his aplice and burnt the paper at once. ¨C ?I agree, XiaoBai. I¡¯lle up with something after the tournament, okay??


    XiaoBai¡¯s eyes glimmered in gratitude. Kyon could take her away; he could even marry her if he wished. XiaoBai didn¡¯t want to see this woman again. She made him lose his appetite¡­ ¨C ?Swear you will do it!?


    Cornelia stared nkly at them.


    Kyon rolled his eyes. ¨C ?I swear.?


    ?Great. I trust you, brother. Take this.?


    Kyon had be a happy owner of the privileged badge of the guild. It was made of gold, had a detailed image of the pig on the obverse and the formation with the necessary data inside. The badge gave him a discount in the guild (which only the elite of the elite could boast of), an exclusive, most secure deposit box in the bank, a privileged ount, and some VIP services like a private room during the auctions and other events, express delivery of goods, and so on.

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239


    Kyon was sitting in the chair on the balcony, studying the guests in the hall with his upgraded vision. There wasn¡¯t a single Stone! The elders and the high-ranking members of the family had tightened their belts, foreseeing the imminent copse of the family.


    Kyon noticed his old acquaintances in the crowd, an old man and a girl. Their faces were hidden under the hoods, but it was no obstacle for Kyon¡¯s vision. Flitz looked terrible, to say the least. His eyes were hollow, almost lifeless, his face was pale, haggard, his lips were dry. Marina was the exact opposite of him, radiant with life. She must be doing all right.


    The old formacist once shared his ns with Kyon. He had been saving money to buy sunflower Ra and heal his seed. He was hoping that Marina could have his child. He¡¯d been waiting for this day for so long. The rare miracle was rumored to appear at this auction today.


    A sudden cry of surprise resounded throughout the hall. The eyes of all the high-ranking guests focused on the VIP balcony, where princess Kara took her ce, crossing her slender ivory legs. Her sexy, sensual figure was enhanced by the exquisite burgundy dress that matched the color of her hair and her eyes. It had an indecently deep slit up the thigh. The low cut in the dress fully revealed her juicy boobs.


    Her indecent outfit attracted like a ma. Young men blushed shyly, married men risked to get a squint or a reproachful look from their spouses, and the girls looked gloomily at the floor with toxic, bitter, hopeless envy.


    However, several people didn¡¯t fall under Kara¡¯s charm. The director of Cernos, for example, did not even look in her direction. Timothy cast a fleeting bored nce and continued to radiate his arrogant aura. Cornelia¡¯s coldness didn¡¯t seem to be a mask of envy. She was pretty and she knew it. She was of a different type, perfect in her way. Cornelia clung to XiaoBai, purring like a happy cat. The fat guy cringed like a snail that was being removed from its shell.


    No one in the hall considered the proud, dazzling princess to be pretentious. She behaved ording to her status, which was well-earned. She was the first student of Cernos, after all. Many wanted to deserve at least a second of her attention.


    A faint smile yed on princess Kara¡¯s full lips. It was evident that she had arrived here to win a bid. She didn¡¯t care about anything else.


    When Kyon looked at the charming demoness, a violent emotional storm swept over him. His hatred, keen, sharp, severe, had woken up stronger than ever. Then came a feeling scorching like magma, and toxic like deadly poison. This tangle of emotions rushed to his heart, and then down to his pants. The cursed love had lost its innocent, romantic shade. It had be something truly obscene, like in the case with Dinah after neuro programming.


    {What the hell?!..} ¨C Kyon gritted his teeth and calmed the destructive passion with the help of Synergy. Fortunately, the intermediate level of the second degree Synergy was enough to cope with it.


    Meanwhile, a tall, elegant man, apparently the auctioneer, stepped into the center of the hall. He greeted the guests, delivered a solemn opening speech, touching upon the uing tournament, exined the auction rules and presented the first lot.


    ?Noble impermeable cloth of the highest quality! No spiritual sense or scanning will pass through it! Wrap up your weapon with it and hide it on your body, and your opponent will be in for an extremely unpleasant surprise! The best thing for the uing tournament of the families! The starting price is 100,000. The bid decrement is 5.000!?


    Several people raised their numbers, intending to buy the lot. Soon, the price rose to 195,000. The fabric made it possible to create an effect of surprise in the most challenging battle. Many bidders wanted to offer the highest price for it. Meanwhile, the price had already doubled. The bidder who had offered thetest bid was visibly worried.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes shed dangerously. He raised his number with full confidence and won the lot for 200,000.


    With this cloth, he would be able to hide rings and bracelets from any spiritual scanning. ced under carbon skin, his cache would be invisible even for the imperial security department. It was definitely worth it!


    After a dozen lots, the auctioneer presented medicine for the unique body destruction. It was an expensive pill that could destroy a unique body of the 1st or 2nd stages up to B rank inclusively. The risk for the recipient (such as losing the level of the current cultivation) was minimal. If someone had made a stupid mistake and started developing a wrong unique body, it could be destroyed to create a better one.


    Kyon thought for a while, then nodded to himself and bought the lot for 250,000 spheres.


    The next few lots didn¡¯t attract Lovr¡¯s attention. However, when he saw the next one, he jumped from his chair. The auctioneer demonstrated a breakthrough pill of the best quality for the practitioners of the 2nd phase.


    Kyon whistled enthusiastically. Any opportunity to increase the chances in the uing tournament was worth a lot. It would be a profitable investment, especially considered the prize he would receive when he won.


    ?The lot goes for 300,000 to our wealthy guest number thirty-three!? ¨C The auctioneer announced joyfully, rubbing his palms with glee.


    The noble guests in the audience started whispering to each other. Judging by the impressive, clearly visible figure on the VIP balcony, it was XiaoBai Stone, the patriarch¡¯s grandson. The person next to him must also be a Stone. The guests were curious where the Stones got the extra ie. They didn¡¯t notice any other Stone in the hall.


    Half an hourter, they started to offer costly items, even by the royal nobility¡¯s standards.


    Three pretty girls with fox ears were brought into the hall, chained and cored. They were dressed in bright, smart clothes that left little space for imagination. Their clean, fiery red hair had been elegantly done up, their legs bare to the knees. Their bewitching looks made a strong contrast with their furry tails twisted in a panic, their fangs bared desperately, and their big eyes the color of freshly cut grass filled with fear and hopelessness. Their free life had been long over. Their future was dark and full of horror in the role of lifelong ves for dirty, vile masters, the people.


    ?Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the representatives of the supreme beasts, three members of the royal fox family. It cost indescribable efforts to capture and bring them here! They are clean, obedient, elegant, fluffy and, you will not believe it, virgin! They will warm your bed, cook your meals, do the cleaning, and fight for you to the death! They are willing to serve until the end of life, fulfilling any whim of their master! The entire army had to get into the very thicket of the ancient forest and destroy the carefully hidden vige of these red animals. Our warriors had met fierce resistance¡­ This trophy cost a lot of victims. Hundreds of imperial soldiers have sacrificed their lives for victory. The starting price is 300,000. The bid decrement is 20,000.? ¨C The auctioneer announced.


    The royal foxes belong to the priceless species of the supreme beasts. They are highly intelligent and can transform into humans as soon as their cultivation reaches the 2nd phase, not the 4th, which is necessary for other wild creatures.


    The guests enthusiastically raised their bids.


    Kyon felt heavy disdain rise in his heart for these people caught up in a bidding war. It made him sick, sick as never before.


    ?Vilent, if you win this lot, I will dly pay you three hundred thousand for one beast. My son Glen is too young and hot-tempered. He needs to let off steam, or it will prevent him from fully realizing his talent.? ¡­ ?Damned creatures, I hope their future master will ughter them all.? ¡­ ?These nasty animals look healthy. My granddaughter needsboratory rats to hone her skills in formateutics and alchemy.?


    Kyon could hear hundreds ofments like this throughout the hall. He knew that no one would express their dirtiest ideas in public, but he didn¡¯t have to be a professional psychologist to understand what was on some guests¡¯ minds. The lewd glint in their eyes spoke for itself. Kyon knew what the unfortunate and so adorable foxes were in for the moment he saw the winner of the lot smilesciviously at them.


    {This world needs to be changed.} ¨C Kyon thought.


    Kyon had no intention of saving them. He had no time for nonsense if it didn¡¯t help him be stronger. He had a lot of things to do in the future that would make this world a better ce.


    People enved demons and harnessed the supreme beasts to unleash their basic desires. They used them in inhumanly hard work, starved them, ughtered them for food and resources for medicine. All parts of the body were used: skin, fur, blood, keys, hearts¡­ At least, people didn¡¯t eat the flesh of demons being afraid that their depravity could be contagious. They also seldom used their parts with the exception of the keys.


    Demons would do just the same. Only their instincts were even more evident due to their hot temper.


    The supreme beasts were second to none in cruelty. They preferred to use the captured representatives of the other races for food. The beasts especially valued hearts, genitals as well as brains and tongues. It depended on the type of animals and their preferences. The elite of the supreme beasts, for example, had taken to raising beautiful human or demon kids as pets. Such pets enhanced the status of their owner. There werepetitions to find out whose person / demon was stronger, more beautiful, who had a more noble bloodline. The best, most talented, high-born species were paired for breeding to raise high-quality offspring. Sometimes this dirty action turned into a whole show. Pet arenas were also widespread. In the beast kingdom, they loved everything rted to the humiliation of the lower races. They treated them in much the same way as people handled wild dogs.


    In general, each race paid the other the same courtesy. The three of them deserved each other. Millennia of irreconcble hostility had taken root in the minds of all the inhabitants of this world, ustomed to racism since childhood.


    There were lots of wars that had almost determined the winner, but every time, the losing side received support from the third party that remained neutral until a certain moment, which brought the political map of the world into a perverted bnce.


    Half an hour had passed.


    ?Ladies and gentlemen.? ¨C The auctioneer announced pompously. ¨C ?Recently, our guild was lucky enough to meet a person from Vatican (2). He has brought an item that contains an advanced formation created by the highly-ssified technologies of the elite formacists of their empire!?


    Solemn music yed when two beautiful girls brought a stand with a cor to the center of the hall.


    The guests of the hall whispered, enthusiastically sharing their guesses.


    ?It has long been believed that arcanums could enve only supreme beasts, stupid, principled animals who think they are proud beings. However, the formation enclosed in this cor is the prototype of the arcanum for cunning and treacherous demons! This informationes from a trusted source! It can enve a demon with cultivation up to the fifth phase inclusive! All you have to do is to put the cor on the creature with a trace of your energy inside. The nasty, despicable demon will obey you all year long!?


    The loud buzz of conversations filled the air. All those present were stunned!


    It was known that arcanum was a subjugating formation, usually working exclusively on supreme beasts. Arcanums could be created using a minimum amount of resources pared to other subjugating formations). They didn¡¯t require a high level of cultivation to enve the supreme beast forever. And today, all of a sudden, there appeared an arcanum that worked on demons?! It was unheard of! It could change the bnce in the world!


    The auctioneer added with a conspiratorial smile:


    ?Winning this lot will give you ess to the internal structure of the formation. If there are talented formacists in your family, you can try your luck and learn new technology! You might glorify your family in the entire empire!?


    A hundred of excited voices flooded the hall at once. Each family tried to shout the loudest to acquire the arcanum at an outrageous price and discover its secrets.


    Kyon was about to give in to general enthusiasm, but then he wondered. ¨C {A trusted source? Try your luck? Prototype?} ¨C The scam was so obvious that even the most suspicious wouldn¡¯t believe it at first. Even the great trading guild turned out to be fooling its customers as if there was ever any doubt. The well-chosen words absolved them of responsibility. It was beyond reproach!


    Kyon heard XiaoBai¡¯s muffled grunt that might have been augh. He sounded like a satisfied squealing pig. Cornelia nced into the fat fellow¡¯s small eyes, stroking his soft meaty hand with her graceful thin fingers.


    ?Why are youughing? Is it all your doing?..? ¨C Kyon asked, squinting suspiciously.

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240


    ?Yeah! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C XiaoBai broke into a bit ofughter until tears poured down his face. ¨C ?It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve been helping the guild invent all sorts of money-making scams, selling junk to the losers for high interest from the profit! And they buy it! Look at them fiercely rais§å their bids with foam at the mouth! Aren¡¯t they fools? Ha ha ha!?


    It started to dawn on Kyon how his brother the scammer had made connections in the guild. ¨C ?So you¡¯re selling a big bag of nothing? Isn¡¯t it a bit too much??


    ?It¡¯s not nothing. It¡¯s a closely rted formation at a reasonable price. If anyone everins, their ipetent formacists will be to me. We¡¯ve got it all sewn up.?


    ?What kind of formation did you use??


    ?Suppressing. It will render any demon in the third phase powerless.?


    ?What¡¯s it original price??


    ?A bit less than a hundred thousand. Why?? ¨C XiaoBai couldn¡¯t understand what his younger brother was getting at.


    ?Can you get me a cor like this but for demons in the fifth area inclusive??


    ?Uhmm¡­ I guess I can¡­? ¨C XiaoBai frowned.


    Kyon immediately ordered one cor. The price of 1 million spheres didn¡¯t stop him at all, which cannot be said about XiaoBai, whose heart had skipped a beat.


    Meanwhile, the entire auction hall burst intoplete mayhem.


    ?Three hundred thousand!? ¡­ ?Three hundred and ten thousand!? ¡­ ?Three hundred twenty thousand!? ¡­ ?Three hundred fifty thousand!? ¨C The patriarch Romanov (3) yelled vehemently.


    ?Four hundred thousand.?


    An authoritative woman¡¯s voice rose over the general hubbub of the hall. Hundreds of guests stared at princess Kara Grand who was elegantly sitting on the VIP balcony. Was there anyone crazy enough to outbid her? It was unlikely. The price was too high. Each family knew how far they were from the Grands. If the princess was after this lot, it was better to think about the future and not cross her.


    Kyon chuckled inwardly. Was the princess going to study the formation to secure her demonic family? He would like to see her reaction when she failed!


    All of a sudden, Kyon heard XiaoBai¡¯s loud voice nearby. ¨C ?Four hundred and fifty thousand.?


    All the guests gasped in shock. No one could believe that the patriarch Stone¡¯s grandson would go up against the princess herself!


    Kara nced down at him in surprise. When she recognized her dear Juno¡¯s brother, she frowned and said coldly through her gritted teeth in a tone that didn¡¯t bode well. ¨C ?Five hundred thousand.?


    ?Five hundred and fifty thousand.? ¨C XiaoBai said dryly.


    ?You shouldn¡¯t provoke her.? ¨C Kyon warned XiaoBai. The insidious revengeful demons were too dangerous, especially if they had power.


    ?I have two aces up my sleeve.? ¨C XiaoBai assured him. ¨C ?First, I¡¯m her best friend¡¯s brother! She wouldn¡¯t be too aggressive with me. And second¡­? ¨C XiaoBai looked meaningfully at the prettydy on hisp, swallowed loudly and quickly turned away. Toote! Cornelia had already understood everything and smiled, ttered. In a moment, she threw herself at his neck with a joyful glee and passionately kissed him on the lips.


    XiaoBai turned pale, then blue and after that green. His eyes rolled back. It seemed death itself was slowly sucking out his soul.


    {I see¡­} ¨C Kyon¡¯s guess confirmed. There was no need to be afraid of the demon.


    The confrontation between the princess and XiaoBai continued, the bid had grown to one million.


    The guests panicked. They couldn¡¯t believe it was really happening.


    Then Kyon noticed that his fat brother fell silent. XiaoBai looked hesitant and uncertain, so Kyon yelled his bid that was fifty thousand higher than the previous one.


    ?Idiot!? ¨C XiaoBai hissed. ¨C ?You will screw it up! It has gone too far. I won¡¯t make it up to you! You will buy this cor with your own money!?


    Kyon grinned glumly. ¨C ?You don¡¯t have to. I¡¯ll take half of the profit.? ¨C If XiaoBai started this war, they should bring it to the logical end! Cornelia would be their shield if need be.


    Princess Kara bared her white teeth, giving the death stare to the other madman on the unfortunate balcony. She could forgive XiaoBai: he would sell his soul if the price was right. But she wasn¡¯t going to let this unknown fool off so easy!


    Actually, the princess needed to buy another expensive lot, which didn¡¯t leave her much money. Her mom hadn¡¯t given her much, and Kara wasn¡¯t going get more anytime soon.


    ?Million one hundred thousand.? ¨C Kara said firmly.


    The bid continued to grow, approaching two million.


    The people of the hall turned their heads from one balcony to the other. A couple of impressionable guests fainted; the others turned pale. Two million of spheres for a cor? Wasn¡¯t it too much?!


    Kara¡¯s voice was getting colder and colder. There was a clear threat in it, gradually giving way to bloodthirst. She clenched her fists till her knuckles were white. Her arrogant cherry-red eyes burned into the bastard.


    ?Two million!? ¨C Kara eximed in exasperation.


    Kyon could feel the princess¡¯s vibrations. She couldn¡¯t offer more. He grunted thoughtfully and said quite gantly with a beaming smile on his face. ¨C ?You have won, Your Highness.?


    Kara wanted to run the phoenix technique and turn the bastard into ashes right on his damned balcony! It was a total waste of money! She hoped her mother would forgive her.


    The princess said to her two knights, tall and strong like a rock:


    ?I want to see him at my feet when the auction is over.?


    ?Yes, Your Highness.? ¨C The knights bowed.


    Many guests in the hall breathed a sigh of relief. The crisis was over. The princess had always been famous for her hot temper. It was a close call. The madman from the Stone family had ripped Her Highness off two million spheres, which meant a death sentence!


    Cornelia saw XiaoBai looking at his brother in admiration. She pouted her lips, jealous of Kyon.


    ¡­


    ?Ladies and gentlemen! I am giving you an incredible, breathtaking, unique piece of art created by Phoenix God himself!?


    They brought a little table with a beautiful silver stand to the center of the hall. The stand was strewn with bright lighting crystals. Everybody saw a proud phoenix majestically spread its wide wings as wanting to cover the whole world with them. This divine creation was made of precious stones in vibrant shades of scarlet and orange. There were red diamonds, rubies, rubellite, imperial topaz, citrine, and ga. Due to the lighting in the hall, its fiery radiance spread all around. It was an awe-inspiring sight. It seemed almost unreal, and everyone in the hall was convinced in the imaginary divine aura of the legendary creature.


    The figurine was impable. Each curve, each groove was made with tediously pedantic uracy. It was a breathtaking piece of craftsmanship that no brilliant sculptor or talented jeweler could ever create.


    While the guests were staring in awe at the unique work of art, the auctioneer told them a made-up legend. He said that the figurine had been found in ancient ruins filled with deadly traps. It was one solid piece, integral in parts and details. Therefore, nobody could ever make it. Gods only had the power to create such a miracle.


    Kara eagerly looked at the beautiful figurine. It was a symbol of her kin and her unique body! Its colorful splendor had touched her heart and soul so much that she had to rise from her seat. The princess wanted to get the precious phoenix at all costs!


    ?Half a million.? ¨C She said, interrupting the auctioneer.


    The hall fell silent.


    ?Six hundred!?


    Kara and all the guests in the hall werepletely surprised to hear Cornelia¡¯s resolute voice. She was leaning on the balcony railing, her big brown eyes fixed on the figurine.


    {What?!} ¨C Kyon thought of all the families who might be rted at least to a certain degree to phoenixes. A sudden idea grabbed him. Every such family was on apletely different level than the families of the Rosarrio empire (6). ¨C {Who is she?!}


    Kyon was nning to rip the princess off himself, but then his big brother¡¯s girlfriend came to his aid.


    Kara stared at Cornelia, trembling with rage. Perhaps she shouldunch a phoenix into that damned balcony after all. The people over there were obviously eager to die!..


    ?Seven hundred!?


    ?Eight hundred!?


    The price was growing at an incredible speed.


    ?Four million!? ¨C Kara said angrily, waving her hand.


    Some guests hastily left the auction room, fearing the inevitable fight. Everyone could feel the dangerous, bloodthirsty aura emanating from the princess. ¨C ?What¡¯s going on here?!? ¡­ ?Gods save us!? ¡­ ?I am going the hell out of there!?


    Two-thirds of the guests remained in their ces, nervously watching the scene. They dropped their jaws when they heard that the price of the figurine had risen to four million. It was an outrageous sum of money that no family in Boston could afford. Only Timothy remained calm. He didn¡¯t give a damn.


    Cornelia pursed her lips. ¨C ?Baby Bear, I am short of money. Can you lend me some, please¡­? ¨C She asked imploringly.


    ?What? I am broke! I have nothing!? ¨C XiaoBai grabbed at his ring, terrified.


    ?I will return twice as much, my sweet¡­?


    XiaoBai opened his mouth like a guppy fish.


    ?Five¡­? ¨C Before Cornelia could raise her bid, XiaoBai hurried to shut her talkative mouth with a kiss. Cornelia opened her eyes wide with surprise. Her baby bear had never shown initiative before!


    His efforts were not in vain. The auctioneer hurried to announce the winner to avoid the impending fight. The princess¡¯s aura had subsided. The guests breathed a sigh of relief: they had avoided the disaster.


    Princess Kara gritted her teeth. ¨C ?I want to see this insolent bitch at my feet, too!?


    ?Yes, mydy¡­? ¨C The knight said nervously.


    Cornelia did note to her sense at once. ¨C ?No! XiaoBai! What did you do?! I need this fiery phoenix! It¡¯s¡­?


    XiaoBai kept silent, crestfallen. He seemed to have caught a tropical fever.


    ?Silly boy!? ¨C Cornelia bit her nail. She had missed a magnificent relic, a real symbol of her family! In the future, she would have to buy it for a higher price from the Grands, the beggars.


    ?Cornelia, will you pay me four million for this figurine if I get it in a few days?? ¨C Kyon asked, stroking his chin.


    Cornelia frowned at him for addressing her so informally, then she raised her eyebrows, surprised. ¨C ?Sure, I will! Can you get it??


    ?I suppose so.? ¨C Kyon smiled slyly. He decided to kill two wolves with one shot without being eaten alive. ¨C ?Just tell me your family name.?


    ?I am sorry I can¡¯t.? ¨C She shook her head.


    ?Even to get a phoenix??


    Cornelia hesitated for a while. ¨C ?Arseniev¡­?


    {She¡¯s lying! The Arsenievs have nothing to do with phoenixes.} ¨C Kyon thought. He didn¡¯t seem to have a choice anyway. Thedy wouldn¡¯t tell him the truth. ¨C ?Alright. I will get you the figurine. XiaoBai will send you a parcel one of these days.?


    Cornelia smiled and thanked him in a low, soft voice. She didn¡¯t like Kyon at first, but now she did not know what to think about him. She would be very grateful if he could get the phoenix, and building a good rtionship with her might be extremely profitable.

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241


    ?I give you the penultimate lot!? ¨C The auctioneer announced loudly.


    They brought in a stand with a crystal vase. Inside, there was a golden sunflower. Its vibrant petals radiated warm sunshine. The seeds in the center of the flower wererge, fresh, and fragrant.


    ?Sunflower Ra! A rare, almost legendary flower that despises the moon and worships the sun!? ¨C The auctioneer enumerated the merits of the lot, describing it as something of sky-high value. Finally, he got to the point. ¨C ?Sunflower Ra seeds have wonderful long-term properties. The energy they contain reaches the soul with a beneficial effect on the potency of men that attracts women in mysterious ways!


    A hundred-year-old gentleman will feel young again, he will find a source of new power! Thedies will feel your attractive energy and will follow you forever! Your children will be healthy and talented! You are guaranteed a hundred, or even a thousand descendants!? ¨C He finished his tirade and announced. ¨C ?The starting price is half a million. The bid decrement is 50.000!?


    The flower piqued the general interest. The elderly guests were especially eager, the ones who had already forgotten what regr sexual activity was. One of them raised his hand¡­


    ?Number 118 bids five hundred thousand!? ¨C The auctioneer thundered, pointing to the old man in the hood who turned out to be Flitz.


    ?Five hundred and fifty thousand.? ¨C There was a cold determination in Kara¡¯s voice.


    The elderly men were perplexed. What did the princess need Sunflower Ra for? A present for someone? To seduce girls?


    ?Six hundred thousand.? ¨C Suddenly, Cornelia broke the silence.


    XiaoBai flinched when he guessed Cornelia¡¯s ulterior motive. The fat fellow turned pale and tucked his head deep into his shoulders, which made him look like a clumsy tortoise in its shell.


    ?Six hundred and fifty.? ¨C Flitz yelled in a hoarse voice.


    The guests looked at each other in surprise. Crossing Her Highness was tantamount to digging one¡¯s own grave. Where did all these crazy peoplee from?


    The princess squinted her phoenix-shaped eyes. ¨C {Get out of my way, bitch! And what is the bald old man doing here? It¡¯s time he bit the dust!}


    The three voices echoed in the hall, overbidding each other.


    The price had reached two million spheres¡­


    The sickly looking old man moaned bitterly. He closed his sunken eyes that hadpletely lost their luster. He didn¡¯t have more money. He did not expect two rich monsters would be fighting for his only ray of hope. Only Sunflower Ra could heal his seed that had lost its strength, and make his cherished dreame true. He had longed for a child with his dear girl for so long.


    Flitz sighed heavily and coughed. With difficulty, he got up from his seat and slowly left the hall, his head drooped low. The beautiful, sad blonde girl in the hood wanted to support him, but the old man refused her help.


    The hearts of the guests sank as the bids for the lot grew.


    ?Four million!? ¨C Cornelia said, clenching her fists. Unfortunately, she had no more money. Her baby bear looked ashen. He wouldn¡¯t lend her a wooden sphere.


    ?Five million!? ¨C Kara said with murderous intent. She would have to beg her mum for the rest of the sum. How could she stoop so low¡­


    Auctioneer announced the winner.


    The princess seemed quite calm now that she got what she wanted. It was time to collect debts, and money was only a small part of them. She said threateningly:


    ?Why are you still here?!?


    The knights flinched and immediately disappeared in search of those sentenced to death.


    Thest lot turned out to be tokens. The majority of the guests, the Browns (2) in particr, had to endure everything to get them. When the Browns took first ce in the tournament, the property of the kingdom in the equivalent of Tokens would be much cheaper for them. Therefore, they nned to get them as many as possible, despite their financial crisis after paying the fine. They wanted too much to raise as high as possible after their victory in the tournament.


    Kyon and XiaoBai were not interested in thest lot at all.


    ~knock knock~


    They delivered the items won in the auction: the imprable cloth, the breakthrough pill, and the medicine for unique body destruction. Kyon had spent 750 thousand on them. He had only 250,000 left. XiaoBai had the rest of his many millions! Kyon would receive money for the phoenix figurine soon.


    Kyon offered hispanions to get away from the imminent trouble as soon as possible.


    As soon as they left the room, they saw two very tall, quickly approaching knights in armor.


    One of them grabbed Cornelia by the wrist and yelled: ¨C ?How dared you her cross Her Highness?!?


    Suddenly knights¡¯ eyes widened. They turned pale, kneeling in front of the pretty, short girl. They looked like obedient servants who were honoring their great queen. The knights trembled, their hearts beat faster.


    ?You are so ill-mannered.? ¨C Cornelia sniffed coldly. She turned around as if nothing had happened, and walked away, seductively wagging her hips for her baby bear.


    Kyon looked at XiaoBai, shocked. The fat fellow sighed convulsively. His eyes said: ¡°You have sworn to save me! Don¡¯t forget about it!¡±


    Kyon found a secluded ce to create a new bright phoenix figurine of precious stones with the earth element. As soon as it was ready, he sent it to XiaoBai. The fatso would either believe in miracles or go crazy when he received money for the same figurine twice. It was hard to say for sure.


    Then he rode a couple of miles, stopped at a cottage where they let out rooms, and knocked on the door.


    A charming blonde dressed in a sundress opened the door. She resembled Diana, Juno¡¯s mother, only she had no charm of a mature woman. Anyway, she was sweet and somewhat naive.


    ?Can I help you, young man?? ¨C She asked in a kind voice.


    ?Marina, it¡¯s me.? ¨C Kyon took off his carbon mask and smiled.


    ?Kyon?.. Kyon!? ¨C Marina shed him her prettiest smile and hugged him tight. ¨C ?I¡¯ve missed you¡­ You never call, and I don¡¯t remember your frequency¡­ How are you doing??


    ?I am great, thanks¡­ May Ie in??


    Marina noticed that he avoided talking about himself and shook her head. ¨C ?You¡¯d better drop by in the evening. You see, Flitz¡­?


    ?Who¡¯s there?!? ¨C Kyon heard an angry hoarse voice.


    When Flitz recognized his guest, he froze in shock, bared his teeth. ¨C ?You little shit! They kicked me out of the family because of you! You¡¯re fucked!? ¨C He attacked Kyon swinging his bony fist.


    Kyon calmly dodged and punched Flitz in the gut. The old man grimaced, coughed and literally crashed to the floor. The blow wasn¡¯t too hard but rather painful. Flitz looked pathetic.


    ?Gods, Flitz!? ¨C Marina got scared and tried to help him get up, but he waved her off, writhing and wheezing on the floor. It hurt Marina¡¯s heart to watch his attempts to rise. Why did he refuse her help?


    Marina reproachfully looked at Kyon who was as calm as can be. ¨C ?Why??


    ?He had iting.? ¨C Kyon muttered.


    ?Go to the kitchen, Marina!? ¨C Flitz croaked.


    ?But¡­? ¨C She reluctantly left.


    ?Why dide, little piece of shit?!? ¨C Flitz wouldn¡¯t stop.


    ?I have a proposition for you.? ¨C Kyon began.


    But Flitz interrupted him. ¨C ?I do not need any propositions! Get the hell out of here before I kill you! You are not wee in this house!?


    ?The sunflower Ra that you wanted to buy would not cure your seed, Flitz. It has no healing properties, for it serves another purpose¡­?


    ?Are you done talking now??


    Kyon sighed. It was pointless to exin anything to him. ¨C ?We¡¯ll talk when you see the result, and now get out of the way. I want to talk with Marina.?


    ?No way! I won¡¯t let anyone like you near my little Marina!? ¨C The bald old let out an oppressive aura of the finishing stage in the superior phase. His wrinkled palms sparkled with sharp water des vibrating with light¡­


    ~pop~


    ?You¡­? ¨C Before Flitz could wink, he felt a prickle down his neck. In an instant, he got drowsy, his legs giving way beneath him. Because of his blurred vision, he had failed to fend off a little fast arrow (bullet dart).


    ?Oh no! Flitz!? ¨C Marina, who had been secretly watching the scene, ran into the room to help the poor old man. ¨C ?Please, don¡¯t die! Flitz!?


    ?He is just sleeping. I sedated him. Don¡¯t worry.?


    Marina glowered at Kyon. ¨C ?How can I not worry about him? His health is undermined! And you¡¯re partly responsible for this! All he wanted was to protect me. Don¡¯t be so evil, Kyon. I don¡¯t recognize you.? ¨C She was supporting Flitz¡¯s head with a worried look.


    Kyon squatted beside her and touched her shoulder. ¨C ?I am sorry.?


    Marina calmed down. ¨C ?Help me carry him to the bed. The floor is cold¡­?


    Kyon did as she asked, and soon they were alone.


    After a few minutes of a friendly talk over a cup of tea (to get her ready), Kyon took her gentle hand in his. ¨C ?Marina, I am going to ask you an important question. Will you take it serious and give me an honest answer, please??


    ?I will¡­? ¨C She looked away with a shy smile.


    ?What do you feel about Flitz??


    Marina was at a loss of words. ¨C ?I¡¯d say it¡¯s pretty personal¡­? ¨C She looked thoughtfully at the window, gathering her thoughts together. Then she said. ¨C ? I¡¯m very worried about his health. He¡¯s got a bad cough, he barely walks¡­ He even struggles to get out of bed. He has lost his appetite¡­ I can see his life wither away¡­ He doesn¡¯t have much time left, and it makes me feel guilty. I don¡¯t think I am directly responsible for this, but it seems to me that his current condition is somehow connected with his new attitude towards me¡­ I can¡¯t feel his tyranny, possessiveness and sexual potency¡­ Oh¡­? ¨C Marina blushed. ¨C ?I didn¡¯t mean it that way!?


    ?Go on.? ¨C Kyon said calmly.


    ?He has turned into a kind loving grandpa, and I am only happy he has. However, it has changed him from within. He has stopped being a man with me. I guess that¡¯s how his soul has lost the incentive to support his body. He has lost the desire to live¡­?


    ?What can you say about the auction??


    ?I don¡¯t understand what he was thinking trying to get Sunflower Ra! He dreams of making me a child, but I wouldn¡¯t let him sleep with me! Gods¡­ He keeps repeating how sorry he is for everything he has done. What does he hope to achieve?! Is he trying to destroy all the good he has done?! I won¡¯t sleep with the old man! I want to have children only from the man I love¡­ And Flitz is like a friend to me¡­ A kind grandpa¡­ But he is not the man I love¡¯s definitely not a beloved.?


    Kyon asked some more questions, drew his conclusions, nodded to his thoughts, took an envelope and a sweet candy from the ring, and handed them to Marina. She had to give the candy to Flitz in the morning, and after his reaction, give him the envelope with the note which she wasn¡¯t allowed to read.


    ?What is it?? ¨C Marina asked, bewildered.


    Kyon smiled. ¨C ?Just wait and see.?


    After an hour of their animated conversation over buns and tea, the guest left the house.


    As agreed, Marina gave Flitz the candy before going to bed. She was worried it might be poisoned, so she couldn¡¯t fall asleep right away.


    It was a cloudless night.


    Flitz woke up at the crack of dawn. ¨C {Weird.} ¨C It was only five in the morning, but he felt cheerful and full of energy. For some reason, the skin all over his body was unbearably itchy.


    Scratching here and there, he could feel something on his fingers. When he saw it was skin, Flitz¡¯s hollow eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. ¨C ?Oh no!.. I must have caught another disease!? ¨C He ran to the mirror with bated breath. He didn¡¯t see the pale half-dead ancient man. A cheerful and lively elderly chap was looking back at him!


    ?Holy tomatoes! What¡¯s going on?!? ¨C He nervously scratched his face, tearing offrge pieces of old dead skin only to find new young skin beneath. He didn¡¯t understand how this miracle could have happened.


    Marina entered the room, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She was wearing a pretty allce nightdress. Her mouth parted in amazement when she saw Flitz.


    ?Ffff¡­ Flitz?! You¡­ Did you get younger?!?


    ?I? Younger? I got younger?!? ¨C Flitz rushed to the mirror to examine himself from all sides. His smile was getting wider, he was just radiating happiness. He was so excited he was about to dance. Now he understood what had happened to him. It was unbelievable! Overwhelmed with emotions, Flitz ran up to Marina and hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground.


    ?That¡¯s what the pill Kyon gave him¡­? ¨C Marina muttered, stunned. She nearly lost her mind. What would she feel about Flitz if he turned into young Franz? The moment she had this thought, her heart started beating faster.


    The candy actually contained Synergy that hadunched aplex of processes in Flitz¡¯s body (in particr, it turned the telomerase enzyme on). It made his telomeres, the regions at the end of chromosomes, grow longer. Now the somatic cells of his body showed a greater activity (division and vitality) that helped Flitz get about two decades younger.


    ?Did you say Kyon?..? ¨C Flitz pulled back in confusion.


    Marina didn¡¯t know what to say. ¨C ?I¡­ Yesterday, Kyon¡­ Anyway, he told me to give you this. Read it, please.? ¨C She held out the envelope.


    Flitz quickly opened it and began to read the letter.


    ¡°Life is a sinking ind surrounded by death. I am your fucking ship that can pull you out of this shit. The ticket costs ten years of your loyal service.¡±


    ¡°More specifically, as soon as you be my ve (let¡¯s call a spade a spade), I will turn you into a twenty-year-old fellow in the prime of your life. Upon the end of your service, you will get your seed restored. If you refuse, the trial cruise will be over in a week. I expect your final and irrevocable decision after the tournament. P.S. You¡¯d better keep Marina out of this.¡±


    Flitz read to the end and fell to his knees. The letter in his hands trembled. The student of legendary TsyJi, who had mastered the nine elements and ruined his life in the family, could return his youth and restore his seed. With this short note, the bastard had hit his weakest spot. If Flitz became young, he could get Marina back. She would change her opinion of himpletely! And in eleven years, he would get his dear Marina pregnant¡­ Could pride be more important than a dream?

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242


    In the morning, Kyon arrived at the dwarf factory.


    Gennady, the head of the factory, personally handed him everything he had previously ordered and also told him about their sess in mastering electricity, new technologies, scientific knowledge, etc.


    In fact, Kyon had already heard everything from his ves disguised as the scientists. He was aware of the progress. He knew that the dwarf factories located throughout the empire were getting upgraded and equipped to work with electricity and manufacture the next-generation weapons. He was surprised only to hear thest piece of news.


    ?Oh, great descendant of Thor! I took the liberty of setting up a production center in Dantes (0), in thergest factory in the entire Rosarrio empire. The most skilled and talented bearded gods will work there to master the science and create the fancy stuff from your big head. I guarantee that production will increase tenfold. Moreover, I want to introduce your technology at the world dwarf conference and win the Golden Factory nomination. If everything goes well, and I have no doubt it will, our factory in Dantes will be a global dwarf center! The best representatives of my people from all over the world wille here, and each of them will want to make your acquaintance over a ss of dwarf ale!? ¨C The old dwarf said passionately.


    ?By the way, I guarantee the safety of your technologies from the tall monkeys. My great dwarves won¡¯t tell anyone the secrets of our manufacture even on pain of death!?


    Kyon encouraged his ardent enthusiasm but warned the little bearded fan that imperial authorities would soon intervene in the affairs of the dwarves. It was inevitable.


    The old dwarf yelled, spraying spit all over. He swore that he would never give out any technological secrets. Kyon listened to him, shaking his head. ¨C ?Gennady, your resisting patrons will only lead to disaster. You will both be better of if you trust each other and cooperate. The government will protect you and provide you with resources, and you will provide them with weapons.?


    ?Dwarf¡¯s beard, Kyon, they will steal our technologies! They don¡¯t deserve to get them!?


    Kyon snorted. ¨C ?At most, they might steal production drawings that no one will make out! It¡¯s impossible to recreate the technology without a knowledge base. Who is going to teach them? Where will they find mentors? See??


    Gennady was as stubborn as a donkey. Kyon had no other choice but to remind him about the ¡°request¡± that the dwarf owed him since the moment they made the first contract. The stocky old dwarf epted the inevitable with a pained expression on his face.


    In fact, Kyon was going to carry out some long-nned projects such as 1) getting rid of ¡°Kyon¡± and creating a new personality; 2) tacit cooperation with the 0th general after proving he is a valuable asset for the empire (with the help of the dwarves, or rather, the artillery they created); 3) creating a strategic n tobat demons; focusing primarily on getting revenge as well as making a gain for himself.


    When the meeting with the head of the factory was over, Kyon headed for the Stone territory. Not without XiaoBai¡¯s help, he entered the central zone and ended up in the elite training hall.


    The formation of the 1st rank allowed him to get into the closed room.


    Kyon saw a slender, golden-haired girl in the skintight training uniform, who was violently attacking a punching bag: a lightning fast jab, a powerful right hook followed by a left one, a roundhouse kick and finally, a jumping knee kick. With impressive skill, sheunched a series of punches and kicks to the bag¡¯s midsection. Her flexible body was glowing with heat. All of her movements were so elegant and graceful as if she was gliding over the ground. Beads of sweat trickled down her cute face.


    ?Who¡¯s here?!? ¨C Juno turned around and red at the intruder. ¨C ?What brings you here? And why do you show up announced??


    ?Am I to announce myself to the ves??


    Juno snorted, baring her white teeth. She looked at Kyon with caution as if she had met a dangerous, unpredictable predator.


    ?I see you¡¯re training hard, but I don¡¯t understand why you have stoppeding to get your keys cleaned. Is there anything more effective than improving your natural talent if you want to get stronger??


    ?I don¡¯t think there is anything else.? ¨C Juno replied impassively.


    ?So??


    And then Juno couldn¡¯t help it. ¨C ?All it takes is a trace amount of Sinergy to clean my keys! Do you really think that I will stoop so low as to ask you for cleaning like a hungry dog begging for a ??bone? You¡¯re an asshole who raped and killed his maidservant, who yed an important part in bringing on his grandfather¡¯s heart attack! You can go to hell!? ¨C She eximed indignantly, her eyes glowing with bottled-up hatred. She wanted to punch his arrogant face so badly her whole hand itched.


    Her words made Kyonugh out loud. He thought that Juno started tock motivation, and there she surprised him again, taking a stand, baring her teeth! She was frightening, arrogant, headstrong.


    ?Stopughing! It¡¯s not funny.? ¨C Juno growled, fighting against the urge to attack him with every bit of might that she had.


    ?Anything more you want to say?? ¨C Kyon became serious.


    Juno stepped back. His low, calm voice sent shivers down her spine.


    ?Alright, then I order you to strip down to your underwear.?


    Now Juno was scared, a look of panic on her face. ¨C ?What¡¯s on your mind?! Cancel the order! Cancel it now!? ¨C Juno¡¯s hands had already pulled up her blouse against her will, exposing her slender tummy and pink bra. ¨C ?No! Don¡¯t look!? ¨C She yelled hysterically, bitterly regretting everything she had sais in a fit of rage.


    Kyon watched her undress, thoughtfully stroking his chin like a pimp who is to pick a new whore.


    The look in his eyes made Juno¡¯s insides twist and contract in fear. ¨C ?Please forgive me! I am sorry! I take my words back only cancel the order! PLEASE!? ¨C She could feel with her soul his arousal and was afraid of losing her virginity. Her heart sank in her chest at the thought of the bastard taking it. She would give her innocence only to the man she loved! Only to her husband!


    Kyon winked yfully at her pleas.


    Juno touched the stic waistband and pulled her pants down, sobbing quietly¡­


    Kyon seemed to be in a much better mood, appreciating the scene before him. How beautiful she was! She had a perfect waist. Her slender body wasn¡¯t too overmuscled after exhausting workouts and had breathtaking sensual curves. Her ivory white skin was so smooth that it took Kyon a lot of effort to hold back his inner beast from pouncing on this enchanting fairy and eating her alive.


    ?Come here.?


    Juno approached, covering her groin and breasts with her hands. Her face was contorted in a grimace that spoke of fear, despair and some deeply hidden disappointment. ¨C ?Please, Kyon! Lovr must have left something good and noble in you. Forgive me for my quick temper! Please don¡¯t make me¡­?


    Kyon pped her hard across her tender cheek. The impact of the blow sent his half-naked ve reeling backwards. She fell heavily to the floor. ¨C ?Stop provoking me, idiot! You¡¯re already twenty-five and still a fool¡­?


    Juno gingerly touched her burning cheek, looking at the bastard from under hershes.


    Kyon grabbed her delicate wrist and pulled her into his arms. A fragrant scent filled his nostrils. Juno¡¯s body after her workout smelled so wonderful.


    Juno closed her eyes¡­ He was going to kiss again, and then¡­ No¡­ She couldn¡¯t even think about it!


    {Huh?..} ¨C Her big eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing. She couldn¡¯t believe it was really happening. ¨C {What¡¯s going on? Why?}


    The divine lotus of development that was growing inside her soul somewhere in the groin area let Juno know that her keys were being cleaned. She had a familiar feeling of flight that spread throughout her body, concentrating in the lower abdomen.


    Juno couldn¡¯t understand this cruel viin¡¯s intentions. First, he made her undress, then he hit her, and now he was cleaning her keys?! What was going on in his head? Juno looked at the ¡°rapist¡± totally confused.


    At this moment, Juno looked extremely sweet and charming. With her sparkling eyes, lips slightly apart, tousled hair, she touched the deepest part of his heart


    A spatial sh marked the transition to the next stage¡­


    ?Why?? ¨C Juno asked quietly. She didn¡¯t understand anything at all.


    ?My dear reckless ve, you are too weak and worthless for me now. You¡¯ll be no use to me if you can¡¯t remove the numerous obstacles on my long and dangerous path.?


    This strange, vague answer didn¡¯t exin anything! She wanted to continue her interrogation when indescribable, overwhelming sensations washed over her. Juno closed her trembling eyelids and surrendered to the fantastic stream. The flower in her soul started to grow rapidly.


    *sh* *sh*


    As Juno¡¯s cultivation grew, she thought her heart was going to explode from sheer bliss.


    *sh* *sh*


    A soft moan escaped her lips. She bit her bottom lip and blushed, but she could no more restrain herself as tremors of pleasure and shock raced through her body.


    *sh* *sh*


    Juno timidly crossed her legs. The burning, hot sensation concentrated in her groin was somethingpletely new to her. This sensation only enhanced with each next stage that her flower reached (with Kyon¡¯s help).


    *sh* *sh*


    Juno moaned gutturally, unable to express her desire in words. She opened her eyes sparkling with joy and indescribable pleasure. ¨C ?Stop it! I can¡¯t take it anymore! It¡¯s driving me crazy!?


    ¨C She felt the flower grow the roots in her soul, embracing her womb, caressing some secret ce inside her in unbearable sweet waves.


    ?Did you tell me to go on like this and never stop?? ¨C Kyon grinned mischievously. It pleased him immensely to know she was on fire. There was nothing surprising in her passionate response. Her unique body was closely rted to the intimate parts, after all.


    Kyon slid his fingers into her panties and infused her key of water with Synergy.


    *sh*


    ?Stop it! Stop it now!.. Oh¡­ Ohhh!? ¨C Juno was on the floor twitching and arching in a fit of orgasmic spasms. Her pretty innocent face was distorted from euphoria she had never known before. Her eyes rolled back in her head. Loud, obscene moans escaped her lips.


    ?Pisspants¡­? ¨C Kyon said almost affectionately, watching Juno squirt. His lips curled up in a contented smile of an experienced seducer.


    To spare his nerves, Kyon left the room soon after, feeling frustrated. If it were not for Juno¡¯s divine lotus of development and the uing tournament, he would have forced himself upon her. The ungrateful bitch had refilled his nucleus with only 5% of light!


    Juno had be the master of all the elements (her keys were perfectly clean). She had also had her nervous system upgraded. As a result, she had ascended ten stages, entering the beginning stage of the superior phase (3.3).


    The upgraded nervous system would allow her to use more enzymes, which would elerate the cultivation of her body and hence her soul. The perfectly clean keys would double the training effect as the speed they absorbed the energy from the atmosphere would elerate significantly. Also, her initial four elements had evolved in five stages pared to the practitioners with a standard talent).


    Evolution and transformation of her soul had happened a couple of minutes. Such lightning-fast progress was pure cheating. No one in their right mind would believe it was even possible. For example, even with the help of the legendary breakthrough medicine, she would have evolved 4-5 stages, not more.


    Kyon knew how this strange world worked. Juno was bound to pay for this breakthrough in the future (when she reaches the lord phase (5) and the flower in her soul blooms). He did not know what the price was, but he was sure that it wasn¡¯t about a decline in her talent or reaching the ceiling.


    Kyon made Juno super talented for several reasons:


    First, the faster she developed, the more she would return in the future.


    Second, her growing strength didn¡¯t bother him. Synergy would make sure she was no danger to him


    Third, they would soon have to say goodbye for a long period of time. He was nning to change his personality (something that Juno was not supposed to know), solve the issue with the demons (dimir¡¯s task), and be a high-ranking imperial investigator (which meant moving to the capital city). Juno would only get in the way. She¡¯d better join the best school in the empire. If she showed her talent in the tournament, they would love to admit her. Kyon had still to find a decent and worthy opponent for her. If he miscalcted, Juno might suffer big time, and then¡­


    Fourth, even if Juno had tried to get rid of him so many times, she had also saved his life more than once. The first time was in the tomb under the mansion when she gave him a healing pill, without which he would have nevere to senses. The second time was at the party. If not for Juno, Kara would have killed him. The third time was in the illusory world. Kyon wasn¡¯t ungrateful to forget about it. Perhaps when she lost her development, Lovr wouldn¡¯t let hermit suicide or drag on a wretched existence. Time would tell. He hadn¡¯t taken the final decision yet.

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243


    Juno regained herposure a few minutester, the insane extraterrestrial pleasure still echoing in her body. She could feel the quivering rhythm of bliss and a sweet tingling sensation in her fingers.


    {What did I do?!} ¨C Juno was overwhelmed with shame for her violent reaction to her flower growth. She looked around the room and sighed in relief ¨C he had left! She would die of embarrassment if he was still here,menting on what he had seen in his typically ironic manner.


    Juno hurried to make herself presentable and leave the training hall. Intrusive thoughts kept popping in her head. ¨C {Why? Why did he do this? Why?}


    When she arrived home and locked herself in her room, Juno checked her keys purity. The device fell out of her weakened hands. Her shock gave way to pure delight. She jumped to her feet and ran around the room like crazy. Now her victory over her sister was only a matter of time! Each percent of key cleaning used to cost her great efforts, and then all of a sudden, for no obvious reason, she got what she had wanted for so long!


    Joy was gradually reced by confusion. She couldn¡¯t understand what had happened. Why did Kyon do this? Didn¡¯t he hate her? Didn¡¯t she provoke him with her outburst of anger?


    Juno¡¯s heart started racing with uninvited, deeply hidden feelings. For an instant, she seemed to recognize Lovr in Kyon¡­ Only Lovr could make her so happy, surprise and confuse her, make her head spin and her blood rush¡­


    A tiny spark of hope suddenly rekindled in her soul. If Kyon was Lovr, he couldn¡¯t be a monster? But¡­ if Dinah¡¯s death might be open to question, her grandfather¡¯s heart attack was as clear as day.


    Her mental torment and sufferingsted several hours. She had too many questions and not enough answers. Juno doubted everything. Kyon¡¯s action was beyond her understanding as usual¡­ Just like Lovr¡¯s actions sometimes.


    {What if it was his way to thank me for saving him in the illusory world?!} ¨C Juno waspletely baffled.


    She wasn???t quite sure of what he was. If Kyon did another good deed, then perhaps¡­ Even a terrible monster could turn into a handsome prince, right?


    ¡­


    Kyon had safely left the Stone territory and settled in the house of another subordinate on the outskirts of Boston.


    Kyon took out the impermeable cloth he had acquired at the auction for 200,000 spheres. White with a matte finish, it was thin like a sheet of paper but also quite dense: no spiritual scanning could see through this cloth.


    Kyon cut off small pieces of the cloth to wrap three objects: a spatial ring, a concealment bracelet (it faked the stage of cultivation up to the 4th phase inclusive) and a bracelet that changed the ¡°sound¡± of the element vibrations up to the 4th phase inclusive as well.


    With the help of the earth attribute, he removed the carbon skin on his wrist and middle finger, put on the ring and two bracelets, and grew his skin back. There were no scars of any kind, the area was smooth and indistinguishable from the other ces.


    From now on, searching him was a waste of time.


    Kyon nodded, pleased with himself. He sat on the floor in the middle of the room in the lotus position, took out the breakthrough medicine acquired at the auction for 300,000 spheres and swallowed it.


    He could feel an explosion of energy in his stomach. The released energy rushed into the keys and through the channels into his soul. He cringed, feeling a horrible, sickening pain in his guts, his blood pressure soaring at two hundred. Fortunately, the intermediate level of the second degree Synergy was helpful.


    An hourter, Kyon moved from the 6th to the 7th stage. It felt like his soul was pushed forward with a good hard kick in the ass, leaving a terrible cloying feeling in his mouth, which meant that the rapid growth was not to his soul¡¯s liking.


    At this stage of cultivation, Kyon could easily defeat golden-skinned Tsayan, kill Yegorka (whose cultivation had reached the 3.4 phase), and put down Stephanie and Lee altogether. Even Flitz together with Dinah wouldn¡¯t cope with him now!


    The post had arrived with his Scourge. The sword had a new weighting enchantment. Now the ck carbon weapon weighed 100 kg, not 50 kg as before!


    Kyon brandished the new addition to his armory in the air. As expected, he did not feel the mass of the sword at all. The weapon did not constrain his movements, and it was much more powerful than before.


    The next day, there was a brutal execution of the robbers and the thieves in the central square. They were hanged, decapitated, and burned. Other monstrous methods not worth mentioning were also used.


    Thousands of people took great pleasure in the bloody but truly just spectacle.


    Kyon secretly absorbed most of the souls, filling the nucleus at only 1%. Such insignificant progress was discouraging¡­


    He spent the remaining time before the tournament exercising.


    ¡­


    The hands of the clock showed eight in the morning. Heavy dark clouds had covered the sky over the capital of the kingdom. They were so dense that no sunlight could break through them. The storm wasing. Old people could feel it in their joints. All the living creatures hastened to find shelter.


    *sh*


    Bright lightning illuminated the arena the size of several Colosseums in Lovr¡¯s world. The design of the arena was also simr: made of white granite adorned with an intricate pattern, it contained thousands of arches and tall columns¡­ The belligerent aura reigned supreme, making blood boil in veins.


    The arena withfortable seating facilities for approximately two hundred thousand persons was the highlight of the kingdom. The most exciting events took ce here. It was the ce where the fate of people, ves, nonhumans, and even whole families was at stake.


    It started drizzling. Eventually, the rain was falling more heavily. Big drops made big sshes when they hit the ground.


    Dozens of thousands of spectators hurried to get inside, pushing and shoving at the first entrance. Among the four million inhabitants of Boston, only a small part was lucky enough to see the historical event, the tournament of the families.


    Thepacted sand turned a darker shade.


    With a wave of her hand, queen da sent up two beams of light, creating an invisible water-repellent and soundproof barrier over the open arena. As raindrops hit it, they spread in all directions, forming a bizarre water umbre. The flickering lightning lost the lion¡¯s share of its deafening roar.


    The line at the second entrance to the arena, just as big as the first one, stretched to a shorter distance. The people were much calmer and more dignified here. All of them had an important family name: the Romanovs, the Browns, the Stones, the Grandes¡­ They all had influence in the kingdom and went inside through a separate entrance, inessible to themoners. The cream of society took ce in the guarded area, morefortable and convenient for watching the show.


    The Grands, especially young people, scared away the other families¡¯ members with a single nce. They cut in line as if nothing happened. Any person from the royal dynasty resembled a proud tiger among stray dogs. There was no hint of equal treatment. Of course, they were not going to participate in the tournament. They will be watching the others fight.


    The loud hooves ttering attracted everyone¡¯s attention. Stunned exmations sounded out from the crowd.


    ?Mommy, why can go inside with horses, but we can¡¯t? I want a horse too!? ¨C A little girl from the Grand family said.


    The mother instantly covered her baby daughter¡¯s mouth. ¨C ?Hush! Shut up!?


    The girl nodded, frightened by her mother¡¯s reaction.


    All the families, including the Grands, hastened to run away from the path of three ostentatiously luxurious carriages drawn by beautiful mounts. The magnificent coaches belonged to the envoys of the first three world sects.


    The power of each of them wasparable to a low-ranking empire. Their legacy and resources made it possible to bring up excellent warriors (Cernos and the Order of Rosarrio were no match to them in terms of training quality). However, it wasn¡¯t easy to get into the sects. Only the best of the best were admitted there.


    The visit of the envoys meant that they intended to find a raw diamond in a handful of dust, that is, to recruit students in their sects. The sect representatives were reluctant to go to low-ranking empires and kingdoms. The concentration of geniuses was minimal there.


    But those who were lucky enough to be noticed had a promising future. The sects graduates had unprecedented power by the standards of their families. The only thing that stopped many geniuses from joining a sect was aplete change in the worldview after a couple of years of training. Even their own parents wouldn¡¯t recognize their child afterward.


    The first carriage drawn by the fat royal pigs had a bizarre coat of arms: a smiling fat man sitting in the lotus position.


    The envoy of the Fat sect (3) named FatTso was dozing peacefully on a soft bed inside the coach. He didn¡¯t take the uing tournament seriously.


    The second and third carriages were going neck and neck behind. One of them had a coat of arms of an innocent naked maiden with a leaf at her groin. The envoy of this sect was called Nargise. The other sect¡¯s coat of arms was a dancing couple, a woman and a man. The envoy¡¯s name was Seva.


    Several questions ensue¡­ What the hell was going on here? Why did the Fat sect that had the 3d rank go before the 2nd and 1st ranking sects? And why were thest two going neck to neck?


    Two beautiful women peered out of carriage windows at the same time. Their eyes met, creating invisible lightning. The eerie wind howled. The bloodthirsty aura made everyone tremble with fear. Even the powerful elders from the Grand family had instantly turned pale. There was a moment when a bloody fray seemed inevitable¡­ However, an instantter, the envoys drew the curtains. The pressure subsided. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    It was no secret that the Dance and the Virgo sects had been feuding for several hundred years. However, no one knew exactly why. This hostility was especially pronounced over the fight for female talents. There had been a number of recorded deaths.


    ?How dare the sluts from the Dance sect take in talented girls and train them together with dirty, sweaty goris?! These whores may fuck as they please without involving others in their sodomy. Why should they make the innocent girls suffer? Why do they destroy their future?!? ¨C With a rush of confidence, Nargise hissed like a snake almost spraying poison all over.


    ?You¡¯re absolutely right, mydy¡­? ¨C The maid sitting next to her said.


    ?I didn¡¯t ask you.? ¨C Nargise said irritably.


    ?I am sorry¡­? ¨C The maid bowed her head guiltily. Thedy tended to be easily excited or irritated. She should have known better than to provoke her.


    The three carriages safely drove in, cutting in line. No one dared to object. Even the most important people from the Grand family had to ept it.

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244


    There was also a third entrance to the arena, smaller in size than the other two. It was intended only for the participants and apanying persons, not more than three, which means no more than 13 people per family.


    Patriarch Bai headed towards the entrance with the participants. His daughter Diana and elder Boe were apanying. Lee and two girls, Stephanie and Juno, were walking proudly behind them.


    Diana linked her arm through her father¡¯s. He hadn¡¯t fully recovered after the heart attack. Ashen pale, weak, with blurry eyes, Bai looked like a sick old man rather than the unbending patriarch of the great family. The Stone pir had cracked. The patriarch was advised to stay in the hospital, but he wouldn¡¯t miss the important event in the life of his family.


    The other participants and the patriarchs looked at the Stones like vultures that smelled carrion. The predatory flock pointed at them with their fingers and viciously sneered, not daring to say what was on the minds out loud.


    Herman Brown, the patriarch (with thick eyebrows and bulging eyes), was just passing by. He turned around and said with a hostile look:


    ?Not at all respected Patriarch Bai, nice to see you! You look pathetic. Are your false teeth too tight? Or did you forget to rinse them in the morning?? ¨C His words were like venom, trying to stir Bai¡¯s anger.


    ?Anything else?? ¨C Bai asked dryly, his legs were failing him.


    Their angry eyes met in an invisible battle. The invisible duel was brief yet ferocious. The Stones felt intense pressure from the proud Browns, thebat aura of the opponents was dispiriting.


    Lee, who had recently reached the peak stage of the superior phase, was confident in his victory until he spotted Kiyan (Tsayan¡¯s brother). He lost all his determination in a brief moment.


    The hefty guy smiled contemptuously. ?Ha! Didn¡¯t my little brother beat the shit out of you? Wait! Aren¡¯t you number one in the Stone family? A pathetic puppy, that¡¯s who you are. You¡¯ve got some nerveing to the tournament! Did you hear that the tigers of the Brown family are going to fight today?? ¨C The Brownsughed out loud.


    ?Screw you¡­? ¨C Lee turned away, gritting his teeth.


    Elder Boe encouragingly patted his grandson on the back. ¨C ?Don¡¯t get provoked, Lee. Argument is war. If you lose your moral, it will reduce your chances in the battle.?


    Boe¡¯s words hit home, but it didn¡¯t change anything, especially for the rest of the Stones. They were ashamed of Lee¡¯s depressed state and rapidly lost their fighting spirit.


    Suddenly the Stones turned around. They felt a handsome dark-haired young man stare at them with his hawkish eyes. It was a look of a bird of prey before attacking a helpless, bleeding victim. Timothy¡¯s graceful and densebat aura was breathtaking. The Stones could hardly stand on their feet, they nearly fell into the mud, struggling to keep bnce.


    {What kind of monster is he?!} ¨C Usually straight, Lee¡¯s back stooped as if crushed by wounded pride. He realized how mistaken he was, considering himself the greatest indestructible genius in the whole kingdom.


    Stephanie and the other participants felt even worse. They wanted to leave as soon as possible. They had no chance of victory anyway. Why did they bother toe? It was a ughterhouse!


    And yet there was an exception¡­


    Timothy looked over the Stones and suddenly noticed a young blonde dressed in abat outfit. She was a sight for sore eyes! Skinny ck pants looked great on her slender legs, her tiny feet looked snug inside her leather boots, the jacket emphasized her slim waist. Unlike the rest of her family, the girl was strong-willed and looked at him without a shadow of fear. The proud fox seemed to challenge the big ck wolf.


    The weakest participant in terms of cultivation was able to withstand Timothy¡¯s pressure?! The strong-willed youngdy won everyone¡¯s sincere admiration. She deserved to be the daughter of Yurich the great! Even the Stones wondered how theirdy could be so fearless.


    {So beautiful¡­ She had the same look as Elsa. It might be interesting to break this damned little thing. Too bad her cultivation left a lot to be desired¡­} ¨C Timothy nodded to his ns with a barely noticeable smile. He wasn¡¯t driven by any romantic feelings, not to Juno. He was nning to take first ce in the tournament, and then his father would organize everything.


    Herman snorted coldly, casting a contemptuous nce at the depressed Stones. He could sense their depressed state. ¨C ?What a disappointment. I expected more from family number one. This lousy scam is not worthy of our attention. Come on, guys.?


    The group of smug Browns followed the patriarch with malicious snickers and twisted grins.


    The patriarchs and the participants of other families almost openly mocked the humiliated Stones. Their sneers and chuckles could crush self-confidence like a multi-ton rock, killing the will to win.


    A defiant, self-important voice came from the Romanovs (3). ¨C ?Oh, the Stones are not doing so well, right?? ¨C It was an effeminate tall young man with long hair. His family members giggled behind him, even the patriarch smiled, not intending to stop his favorite.


    The Stones turned to answer back when they recognized Charlie Romanov, the charming number one. The young Stones lost the desire to start a conversation.


    Bai didn¡¯t react to what was happening. He had an indifferent look on his face,pletely ignoring everyone. The patriarch had neither the strength nor the desire to argue with anyone. He was too tired of all this shit¡­


    ?You have nothing to say? It¡¯s regrettable, but not fatal. Sending this little wuss who is still in the first phase to the important tournament, you show your disrespect. What did you expect in return?? ¨C Charlie smiled, looking down at the beautiful girl.


    The members of the other families had realized that the Stones had three adults in their group, which means the girl in the first phase was a participant! Smart Charlie.


    ?What did you say, hairy bedbug?? ¨C Juno stared at the ¡°smart¡± guy as if he was a dung fly. She instantly guessed his true intentions.


    ?Are you talking to me?!? ¨C Charlie asked, trying to look intimidating when suddenly Bai¡¯s fierce aura made him choke. He cleared his throat, not showing his fear and embarrassment. ¨C ?I will be generous and give you some valuable advice for free: take your slender legs out of here before it¡¯s toote! Baby girls like you shouldn¡¯t be in the same arena with monsters like me.? ¨C Charlie waved his thick hair with a charming smile, secretly watching the others for their reaction.


    The girls squealed involuntarily with delight. They couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the smug handsome boy. Unlike them, Juno didn¡¯t bat an eyelid, giving the arrogant idiot a scornful look. ¨C ?Shove your advice up yours! And stop staring at my ass, freaking pervert.? ¨C Juno said with disgust and left.


    ?Dirty liar! I didn¡¯t look!? ¨C Charlie frantically looked around as if being caught red-handed. The looks around him suddenly turned into sharp daggers. Soft giggles and condemning whispers burst into his consciousness, creating a keen sense of shame. His face instantly turned red, which told the truth better than a full confession.


    {Cheeky bitch! How dare you nder me! Just wait till I get you in the tournament. I¡¯ll put you on your knees and teach you to cry!} ¨C Charlie didn¡¯t want to stay in the spotlight anymore and hastened to mingle with his group.


    When Charlie noticed Juno¡¯s bold look at Timothy the mighty, he couldn¡¯t help his desire to get to know her better. The girl looked fascinating. Her vibrant personality and high status challenged him. He had never seen girls like her. She pricked his pride, but more, she pricked his interest! In spite of being angry, Charlie definitely liked this wayward devil of a girl.


    The Stones took their ce in the spacious training room, designed personally for them.


    Bai wearily sat down in a chair and closed his eyes. He wanted to forget about the recent nightmare. The patriarch¡¯s poor health wasn¡¯t connected so much with his heart as with his wounded soul.


    It was one disaster after another for Bai. His best friend, the family formacist, had fled, and the entire system of the Stone hierarchy hinged upon him. The traitor grandson had killed his dear Dinah, Yegorka, and Kirsan; he had also robbed the treasury and was now ckmailing him for a colossal amount of money, ten million spheres. Everyone in Boston, despite Bai¡¯s efforts, continued to believe that the Browns were innocent and kept mocking the young Stones.


    Diana and Juno approached the patriarch.


    ?You look so pale, father. You¡¯d better return to hospital.? ¨C Diana said concerned, holding his hand in hers.


    ?Grandpa, mother is right¡­ You need to rest. Your presence will not change anything.? ¨C Juno agreed with her.


    ?Mr. Stone, I¡¯ll take care of everything. Take care of yourself¡­ You should really get some rest.? ¨C Elder Boe added.


    Despite their best intentions, Bai shook his head vehemently, resolutely. ¨C ?My dear ones¡­ I am staying. Don¡¯t try to persuade me. I am the head of this family, and I have to do my duty.?


    Diana and Juno looked at each other anxiously. They were proud of their father and grandfather, but their hearts ached to see him suffer so. They hugged Bai andforted him softly, which made him even more vulnerable, he was on the brink of tears.


    It was a touching sight. The young Stones perked up. A stream of amazing energy filled their hearts with determination. They had to fight until theirst breath! The enemy was strong, indeed, but they were willing to do everything possible so that respected Bai, proud Diana and dear Juno had no regrets.


    The first bell out of three announced that the tournament was about to start.


    Bai stepped aside with Juno and said:


    ?Baby, the level of your cultivation is too low to fight today. You¡¯ll have to abide by the rules, or our family will get fined. It means you will have to and surrender. Just say ¡°I give up¡± as soon as you enter the arena, don¡¯t make your grandpa worry. It¡¯s killing me to know you¡¯re in danger!?


    Juno touched sadly her concealing bracelet that faked her cultivation, reducing it to the first phase, and nodded dutifully.


    ?Don¡¯t me yourself foring to the tournament instead of another Stone. In the grand scheme of things, our participants won¡¯t change anything¡­ Our family¡­?


    ?I understand, grandpa.? ¨C Juno interrupted him said impatiently but softly.


    Bai smiled kindly. ¨C ?It makes me happy. ording to the rules, our turn to summon the opponent will be thest, and it won¡¯t be anytime soon¡­?


    While Boe was instructing the participants, Bai decided to remind Juno of the tournament rules.


    ¡­


    The top 50 families in Rosarrio were eligible to take part in the tournament. The royal family had chosen to participate. The lower-ranking families went to an individualpetition that had been held several months earlier. There was nothing outstanding about it.


    Each family chose ten strongest young practitioners. The better they prove themselves in battle, the more ¡°glory,¡± in other words, ¡°points¡± will the family get.


    After the tournament, the official judges willpile a new chart of families ranks in the kingdom, based on the number of points they had earned.


    The first three ces receive the best prizes. For example, today the winner will get an award of 200 Tokens and 10 million spheres. The most active participant will be given: precious high-quality transformation medicine to make a breakthrough into the 4th-5th phase; a selection of high-quality enzymes; and, most important for all young people (except for Kyon), a B ranking technique of movements (single copy).


    The awards give families incentive to cherish and nurture young talents to get a high rank, which itself has great value. It grants the family universal recognition, respect, the right to speak first in the disputes, as well as discounts on everything that their heart desires (even someone¡¯s hand in marriage).


    ¡­


    It¡¯s expressly forbidden: to take part in the tournament twice in a lifetime; to be more than 20 years old; to use poisons or formations as these battle tools don¡¯t show personal strength. Everything which is not forbidden is allowed. However, deliberate killing was a rare event. Who would want to mess things up with other families? Besides, you can always say, ¡°I give up¡± and leave the tournament, thereby saving your life.


    Each family gets three summons 1a 1, two summons 2a 2 and one summons 3a 3.


    When a family epts a summons, they have a strategic advantage to use appropriate defense. For example, they can send a waterbender if the firebender is to attack first. It alles down to gathering intel on the opponent. There exist lots of tactics and strategies for any asion.


    ¡­


    How to earn more points to get a higher rank?


    The scoring system works as follows: the winner takes almost everything, and the loser gets nothing or just a little bit, depending on the battle.


    The winner¡¯s points get multiplied if the loser is from a higher-ranking family. The points get reduced if the loser is from a lower-ranking family.


    A sessful attack brings a few times more points than a sessful defense (it¡¯s only reasonable because the defensive strategy already gives benefits; also, otherwise, the oue of the battle might depend on the number of summons).


    So, every family has to wait for their turn and then sessfully attack the participants from the families whose rank is higher or as close to theirs as possible.


    ¡­


    There¡¯s a number of regtory rules that ensure rtively fair y. It¡¯s forbidden to use the same defensive participant twice in a row (unless there is no one else to choose from). It¡¯s not allowed to summon families ten ranks higher or lower than that of the participant. In case a low-ranking family gets a genius like Elsa, she won¡¯t be able to quickly improve their ranking. The result of the previous tournament is also taken into ount, which prevents the losing family (even if all the ten defensive participants lose before it¡¯s their turn to attack) from a sudden ranking drop¡­

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245


    The second bell rang.


    The participants, together with the apanying persons, hastened to leave the training room. An audience of two thousand people erupted in apuse as they reached the arena. An electric atmosphere of excitement and upromising rivalry reigned here. The spectators were breathless with excitement. Everyone had already ced their bets and stocked up on food and drinks for the whole day.


    Fifty tforms rose up from the ground all around the colossal arena. They were adorned with heraldic emblems and colorful gs of noble families. That¡¯s where the participants and their family members went.


    A high railing surrounded the tforms, protecting the stands behind them. The most luxurious seats in the front row were reserved for a few VIPs: the elders of the Grand family, the sects and the schools envoys, the distinguished guests from the other kingdoms, and the representatives of imperial power. The royal box was situated in the heart of the grandstand.


    The stands were specially designed so that the tforms and the participants on them were visible to everyone in the audience.


    Juno looked up and saw Queen da in the royal box, a beautiful busty woman with bright, bewitching eyes. She had a peculiar, elusive charm that made her dangerously seductive. She was wearing an elegant ck custom-made dress in honor of the deceased king.


    This beautiful woman had an undeniable talent and an outstanding intellect. Her invisible introduction into the human race and exhausting the kingdom¡¯s resources was a case in point. People made noints against her as everyone honored with her audience returned enchanted. Small wonder, she was a supreme demon, a charismatic,petent maniptor.


    Juno noticed da¡¯s slight frown and intent gaze at the representatives of the sects, who were too powerful by the standards of the Iron Throne. They must be high-ranking members of their vile sects.


    Like any other representative of the demon race, da felt an aversion towards human sects that poked their curious noses into almost every brewing conflict. She despised Yevga and Lana, the terrible women at the head of the Virgo and Dance sects. They had long gone beyond ordinary limits. Yevga and Lana alone could change the oue of any battle, even if they have to fight with the generals of the empire. Their intervention in thetest world battle was a real tragedy for demons who lost a patriarch of one of the seven great families.


    Kara, who was sitting next to her mother, didn¡¯t care about such things. She didn¡¯t follow her mother¡¯s example, choosing a sexy burgundy dress as her outfit. The spectators would fall from the stands in admiration if she only spread her legs. It was like her.


    Prince Charles was absent.


    The princess licked her bloody-red lips, her passionate gaze unblinking as she stared at Juno. ¨C {You¡¯ve impressed me, baby girl! How did you get to the tournament? Aren¡¯t you too weak to take part in it?}


    Juno turned away from the insidious demoness and noticed a stately man d in a smart suit in the front row. It was Fernand, the representative of the highest echelons of imperial power. Something about him seemed strange and frightening. He looked straight at the youngdy Stone.


    Juno turned her eyes away, but then she was even more confused: the representatives of the sects were also looking at her!


    {Why do they keep staring at me?! Did my clothes suddenly disappear or what?!}


    In fact, nearly two hundred thousand people present in the arena took a nce at Juno. She attracted ordinary people with her unusually charming looks and tight-fittingbat outfit, but those who could see her stage of cultivation through the concealing bracelet admired her talent.


    {It¡¯s interesting¡­ She is reaching the middle of the superior phase at her young age. There¡¯s a ce in the Virgo sect for a diamond like her. No one is taking this girl for me, not the slut from the Dance sect. This girl doesn¡¯t belong to the sex club.} ¨C Nargise decided firmly.


    Seva¡¯s mind travelled in the same direction.


    Both women looked at each other from different sides of the arena and immediately understood each other¡¯s intentions. A storm wasing¡­


    Meanwhile, FatTso grunted his disapproval. The girl was too thin for his liking.


    XiaoBai and Cornelia were sitting sat a few rows above the Fat sect employ. XiaoBai wanted to sit closer to the Stone tform, but for some reason, his ¡°sweetheart¡± insisted on these seats. He had no desire to argue with her. The fat guy hadn¡¯t had any sleep recently, taking bets from all the solvent families in Boston. With pouchy bags under his red eyes, he looked like a restless spirit of the miser, pining away over gold.


    Some patriarchs, being confident in the Stones¡¯ imminent defeat, made a deal with the Fat sect (and XiaoBai) at a leverage ratio of 50x and more. No one had any second thoughts, but they felt apprehensive and couldn¡¯t rx because the future of their families was at stake. They would be on the brink of poverty or even broke if the Stones somehow managed to take first ce. If they heard that Juno was as talented as Elsa at her age, they wouldn¡¯t find it funny.


    The rest of the families turned out to be smarter. They agreed to make a deal but kept the leverage to around 3x-10x. Now the patriarchs were rubbing their hairy hands in greedy anticipation. They decided to undermine the morale in the Stone family to boost their chances of winning. All their family members were to get into the young Stones¡¯ heads, taunting and mocking them.


    Kyon¡¯s intention to rip off all the families in the kingdom turned the Stones into a subject of ridicule. Their newly revived optimism was rapidly dying away. All Bostoners seemed to consider them a piece of garbage.


    ?Stephanie, can you see it too? What is going on here? Why are they messing with us? Are they taking us for clowns or what ?! Stephanie, tell me!? ¨C Lee was getting more and more nervous, watching the people around him in panic.


    ?Don¡¯t be such a disappointment, Lee. I told you again and again no one else¡¯s opinion matters. Our family is everything. Remember this.? ¨C Boe patted his grandson on the shoulder, encouraging him. The boy had be a total emotional wreck.


    ?Maybe it¡¯s all because we have only eight¡­ that is, nine participants.? ¨C Stephanie said.


    Juno snorted. They underestimated her, but it was even better so. She couldn¡¯t wait for the tournament to start to prove to them that she wasn¡¯t just a pretty face. It would be a nice surprise for grandpa and mom.


    Timothy Brown turned his empty eyes away from Juno, who was standing on the tform on the opposite side of the arena. ¨C ?By the look of things, the Stones are going to lose even before we get to them. The Romanovs will mash their guts out. I expected more from a first ranking family¡­ They are wusses and wimps. None of them deserves my attention.?


    Herman roared withughter. ¨C ?Ipletely agree with you, son. Two decades ago, they were worth nothing until Yurich, the brilliant patriarch and damned maniptor, arrived. The whole kingdom danced to his tune, so it is not surprising that they rose. But now that he¡¯s dead, it¡¯s time for this family to return to their rightful ce of residence, the stinky garbage dump!? ¨C The patriarch said spitefully. He sincerely rejoiced at the miserable prospects of the Stone family and Bai¡¯s fatal illness. He was hoping that patriarch Stone would die of a heart attack when the Stones lost their mines and ntations, and his beloved granddaughter was sold into very.


    By the way, if the Browns beat the Romanovs after they defeated the Stones, they would get lion¡¯s share of the points, which guaranteed them the 1st rank in the kingdom.


    Finally, the third bell rang.


    The royal representative came to the center of the arena and delivered a five-minute opening speech through the formation of sound reinforcement. He reminded of the tournament rules and added that the first forty families were going to have 1-3 battles at a time. The protective barriers would be provided if necessary.


    In other words, the families of the 50th -10th rank were unworthy to take the arena every time they got summoned.


    da solenmnly announced the beginning of the start of the tournament.


    The buzz of voices and apuse from hundreds of thousands of people filled the air. Some praised the queen, others supported their favorites, and some cheered in anticipation of uing battles.


    As soon as da waved her hand, high up above the waterproof barrier appeared a bright screen with the list of the families. It nearly covered the whole sky. The emblem and the 50th ranking family name showed up in the middle of the screen, as well as the number of avable summons.


    The Patriarch Zhvsky (50) was given the formation of sound reinforcement to announce the names, fight format, and the family they were summoning.


    To screams and shouts and loud apuse, participants Zhvsky entered the arena.


    The patriarch of the summoning family conferred with the elder, nodded several times, and gave orders to his participants. Three of them valiantly jumped off the tform. The moment they stepped into the arena meant the the choice of the participants couldn¡¯t be changed (just like in chess when a piece has been released on a square, it cannot be moved to another square on this move).


    The judges activated the formations, isting the six opponents with three transparent domed protective barriers, and gave an audible signal to start the battle.


    Six people shed head-on¡­


    Ten hours raced by in a blur, full of heart-rending, thrilling battles.


    The participants used a variety of weapons: swords, hammers, axes, clubs, throwing knives, needles, bows, crossbows¡­ Many preferred to fight with their bare fists, with the help of the elements. Some were wearing sharp or heavy brass knuckles, gloves, shields, or te armor. Each participant had an individual battle style. Their techniques captured the imagination of the audience, and their unique bodies features surprised even experienced masters¡­


    The spectators hollered, screaming loud enough to tear their throats; they would do anything to support their favorite star performers. The battles between the 50th-10th ranking families worked the audience up into a frenzy. And yet, each spectator understood that it was only the beginning. The fights would be getting even more breathtaking between the higher-ranking families where the fighters were more powerful, thepetition was greater, and the stakes were higher.


    The sects envoys¡¯ reaction was radically different. Nargise and Seva watched the participants without any interest, looking over them with nk eyes. By their standards, these kids were mediocre scum. At some point, FatTso was so bored that he dozed off.


    Unlike them, Queen da was watching the battles with undisguised excitement in her eyes, something Princess Kara had yet to master: the fine art of pretense and ying to the crowd. Instead, Kara chose to admire her dear innocent flower, a ray of light in the darkness of ugliness. To her disappointment, Juno didn¡¯t look back at her. She waspletely ignoring the princess. However, it didn¡¯t prevent Kara from imagining hot seducing scenes with this cold unapproachable girl.


    When the emblem of the 9th ranking family appeared on the screen, the royal representative stepped into the center of the arena and announced a one-hour break.


    Nobody was going to leave the arena. Outside, the rain wasing down in sheets. Thunder rolled loud over the protective barrier in the lightning-pierced sky. No umbre could help in this storm.


    The break ended before it even started.


    The royal representative announced that from now on, each battle would take the whole arena.


    The audience was all for it, they no longer had to tear between the participants.


    The battles continued, the suspense was rising, the most exciting was still ahead.


    About an hourter, it was the 7th ranking family turn. Patriarch Leontiev gave a 2a 2 summon to the Stones, impressing the audience with their courage.


    ?What a nerve?!? ¨C Elder Boe eximed indignantly. No one below the third rank had ever attacked a first ranking family. The others were afraid to even look at their tform!


    ?Lee, Stephanie, turn them to dust! They will pay for their insolence!?


    ?We will, grandpa!? ¡­ ?I am ready!? ¨C The young Stones replied in unison and jumped down from the tform, radiating self-confidence. They were eager to wipe thousands of evil grins off the faces that had been mocking them for no reason. The first victory would raise the fighting spirit of the Stones. Boe had chosen them for a good reason! They wouldn¡¯t fail him!


    Bai wanted to stop the young people, but he did not have time. They had already jumped (touched the surface of the arena). He sighed heavily and closed his eyes. Only Diana noticed his strange behavior.


    As soon as there was a signal to start the battle, both opponents yelled in chorus. ¨C ?We give up!?

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246


    ?What? They give up?? ¡­ ?Have we won?..? ¨C Lee and Stephanie looked at each other, perplexed.


    The audience was also confused. No one could understand what had just happened.


    Elder Boe rubbed his chin, puzzled. What was it? What were the Leontievs thinking of? Did they want to give their family some points? But why?


    ?Boe¡­ Henceforth, don¡¯t make decisions without consulting me first.? ¨C Bai said wearily.


    ?I¡¯m sorry, patriarch Bai. I am too impulsive, I am afraid¡­ But the Leontievs have gone too far. I couldn¡¯t stay calm. We are a family of the first, not the tenth rank, after all!?


    ?It¡¯s something else, Boe. You were emotionally vulnerable, and the Leontievs took advantage of you. They deliberately provoked you to make you send the strongest of our participants to defend family honor, which weakened our defense in the next summon.?


    Boe pped his forehead. He felt utterly stupid,pletely out of his mind. ording to the rules, it was forbidden to use the same defensive participant twice in a row (unless there was no one else, or until another family attacked).


    ?There¡¯s no need to be upset. Our Eric isn¡¯t as green as you might think.? ¨C Bai supported him with a faint smile on his face.


    Meanwhile, Patriarch Leontiev summoned the Stones again, this time three against three. Three most powerful participants in their family jumped from the tform on the arena.


    Lee and Stephane had just returned to their tform. ¨C ?Grandpa, I¡¯ve won! Grandpa?? ¨C His face fell when he saw Boe¡¯s sour expression.


    The elder didn¡¯t reply to his grandson, he said dejectedly:


    ?Eric, Ilya, Zoe, it¡¯s your turn. Keep your heads down. Be team yers in everything you do as I¡¯ve always taught you. Show the damned Leontiev what we are worth!?


    At the elder¡¯s sign, the second, the fourth, and the fifth most powerful Stone participants jumped from the tform.


    Soon, the bell announced the start of the battle.


    The three on three battlested almost five minutes.


    In the end, the Stones won at the cost of losing Eric, the top 2. He was seriously injured when the three Leontievs attacked him at once. If he were a little more attentive and careful, or if the young Stones¡¯ actions were more coordinated, the result would have been different. Low morale must have affected their performance. Moreover, the difference in power between the families was too little. The young Stone generation was devoid of talent. And now, ording to the rules, Eric dropped out of the tournament after saying, ¡°I give up,¡± which he did to avoid getting crippled.


    The oue of victory disappointed everyone in the Stone family. Elder Boe had got himself all worked up for his ipetence. Defending against low-ranking family attacks ced them at a disadvantage! The two victories had gained them virtually nothing. It wasn¡¯t worth losing Eric, anyway. One sessful attack 1a 1 against the Browns would have won ten times more points. Now the Stones had only sevenbat-ready participants left, and they had tost until it was their turn to summon the opponents.


    Bai, Diana, and Boe grew silent. They didn¡¯t even try to cheer up the young members of the family, which almostpletely erased the remnants of their confidence in the sessful oue of the tournament. The nasty the patriarchs of other families kept mocking them, which only made things worse. Damned jackals!


    The Leontievs didn¡¯t dare to mess with the Stones anymore. Eric¡¯s defeat had gained lots of points. It was totally worth it.


    The 6th ranking family didn¡¯t dare to attack the Stones, but the 5th ranking family summoned them at once, and then again and again.


    The Stones won twice but then lost, losing another participant. The paltry number of points earned for a sessful defense didn¡¯t pay off.


    The Milonovs, the 4th ranking family and the former allies of the Stones, stabbed them in the back with an air of icy indifference, making a devastating series of attacks.


    The Stones lost their participants one by one. The young fighters either missed a serious attack from a more powerful opponent or lost due to ack of team cohesion and a general defeatist attitude in the family.


    Each next participant dropping out of the tournament put another nail in the Stone family¡¯s coffin. Patriarch Bai and Diana could no longer stand the nightmare happening in the arena¡­ They couldn¡¯t believe their former allies were depriving them of their future with a smile on their faces.


    *victory* *defeat* *victory* *defeat* *victory* *defeat*


    If things went on like this, they would slip into the 30-40th ce in the kingdom. The family property would be a cheap delicacy at the feast of the vultures. With Tokens, the rest of high-ranking families would get anything of value on the cheap. They could even enve a couple of unwanted Stones (with official subjugating formation).


    There only two participants left: Lee and Stephanie (and Juno). The whole family counted on them. They were both strong and skilled, synergizing effectively with each other.


    The patriarchs, who had made a deal with the brotherhood of fat guys, couldn¡¯t be happier about the gravy atmosphere on the Stone tform.


    The royal representative handed over the sound amplifier to the Romanovs.


    Charlie whispered something to their patriarch. He nodded several times, announced the summon, smiling:


    ?Two on two! Against the Stones! Charlie and Christie!? ¨C The patriarch roared.


    A charming effeminate young man and a tall, pretty girl jumped into the arena. They looked rxed as if they were not to defeat the strongest participants of the 1st ranking family but take out the trash.


    Bai and Diana would love to find some inspirational words for Lee and Stephanie, theirst hope, but they averted their eyes. It was useless to pretend. They didn¡¯t stand a chance to hang in there until it was their turn to summon the opponents.


    Elder Boe, tormented by guilt, fell to one knee before his young fighters. His trembling voice sounded pleading. ¨C ?My dears, give it your all, and whatever happens to you, never regret it. The hearts of all the Stones are with you. Good luck!?


    Lee and Stephanie jumped down without saying a word, conscious of the heavy burden of responsibility which weighed on their shoulders. They already felt a bitter, pungent taste of defeat.


    The young fighters took their positions, and the judge gave a signal to start the fight.


    The Romanovs were in no hurry to attack just like the Stones.


    ?Christy, leave it to me.? ¨C Charlie confidently dered. Tossing his gorgeous hair behind his shoulder, he released thebat aura of the beginning stage in the noble phase, so vast that even the spectators in the furthest corner could feel it a little.


    Charlie Romanov¡¯s beautiful looks and the power he manifested made numerous female spectators blush, while the guys tried to ovee envy, their arms crossed.


    Juno immediately guessed who his gesture was meant for and grimaced in contempt.


    Lee and Stephanie stoically withstood the pressure. They looked at each other and nodded.


    {Kiyan¡¯s aura, my primary opponent, was more powerful! Charlie is nothing but an obstacle on my way! I will destroy him!} ¨C Lee thought and held out his hands as if he was holding a one-foot sphere. Heat energy rushed to the center, creating a small but monstrously powerful orange flower that emitted an impressively mighty aura. Its temperature distorted the air.


    Stephanie repeated the gesture with her hands. She formed a small dense air hurricane in the center of an empty sphere. It made the sound of an impending storm.


    Both Stones threw their hands towards the enemy at the same time ¨C ?Flower tornado!?


    The little air hurricane and the fiery flower united halfway and, with a loud, terrifying roar, transformed into a terrifying six-meter formidable tornado that looked like a whirlwind of sakura blossoms.


    Most of the spectators widened their eyes in surprise. They had never seen such a powerful and beautiful technique.


    Charlie grinned confidently at the approaching monstrous attack ¨C ?Sand God Axe!? ¨C He threw up his hands and waved as if slicing the world in two. In an instant, a sand axe appeared in his hands. Not without effort, but it cut the whirlwind into two parts.


    The audience immediately understood: Romanov number one bended the earth and the wind elements. The Sand God unique body made it easy tobine them. His attacks with the wind and small stones were monstrously heavy and dangerous.


    Before the mes subsided, Romanov saw another joint attack.


    ?Earth dragon king!? ¡­ ?Smashing wind spear!? ¨C The Stones cried out simultaneously.


    Under the ground, a scarlet granite dragon¡¯s mouth swiftly crept facing the opponent. It created a rocky ridge above the surface. This technique, unlike the one that Lee had created against Tsayan, really resembled an underground dragon, not a worm. If this dragon swallowed the target, it would grind the bones into tiny bits.


    A few meters higher, a sharp translucent spear cut the air. Stephanie¡¯s best technique could break through a thick metalyer. It was almost invisible and faster than an arrow.


    ?You¡¯re wasting your time, wusses.? ¨C Charlie said contemptuously and stamped his foot, crushing the dragon¡¯s mouth with the earth element like a fly. Then with his fist infused with wind energy, he smashed the air spear.


    ?Howe¡­?!? ¨C Lee cried out in shock.


    ?He is overwhelmingly strong¡­? ¨C Stephanie whispered, horrified.


    Patriarch Romanov burst into uncontrobleughter, the rest of the participants followed his lead. Their taunts quickly spread, reaching the other families whose patriarchs had made a deal against the victory of the Stones.


    In the blink of an eye, Charlie closed the distance between him and the Stones, and almost carelessly threw a punch at Lee.


    ?Watch out!? ¨C Stephanie warned him.


    Fiery flowers shed in Lee¡¯s hands. He used the art of fire dance to fend off the blow and counterattack.


    Charlie snorted and did a reverse kick.


    The spectacr kick amplified by wind energy instantly put out the fiery flowers, nearly broke Lee¡¯s fist and threw him to the edge of the arena like a rag doll.


    ?Asshole!? ¨C Stephanie yelled, attacking with an air de.


    ?Mind yournguage, girl!? ¨C Charlie barked and pped her in the face.


    A smacking spread throughout the arena.


    Stephanie flew a couple of meters, then rolled as far. She failed to react: the enemy was too fast!


    The judge instantly assessed the situation and announced the winner.


    Charlie proudly puffed his chest up and triumphantly raised his hands.


    Charlie Romanov was standing amid the deafening apuse of the audience. The families whose patriarchs had made the bet did not miss a nice chance to scoff at the Stones. Charlie¡¯s dominance was amazing. He had scattered the strongest Stones like chaff driven by the west wind!


    Charlie winked at Juno yfully.


    {What an extremely annoying arrogant upstart!} ¨C Juno thought.


    As soon as the barrier was removed, Boe rushed to his grandson, examined him and breathed a sigh of relief: nothing serious. Stefanie wasn¡¯t injured either, only her cheek was red and swollen, and one of her teeth got chipped.


    The defeated participants walked to their tform, feeling hopeless. Stephanie sobbed quietly from humiliation, holding her swollen cheek. Lee dropped his head and hunched his back. He was going to fight on equal terms with Kiyan but lost to a weaker fighter like an inexperienced greenhorn. He used to be proud of being the family¡¯s asset, the greatest genius in the kingdom, but in fact, he was only the best among the worst. What a stroke of bad luck to be born a Stone¡­


    An oppressive silence hung in the air when Lee and Stephanie returned to the tform. The other participants (who stayed out of curiosity after their defeat) guiltily lowered their heads, staring at their feet. Patriarch Bai had lost all hope and was standing with his eyes closed. Diana was silent: it was pointless to say anything. Nobody med Lee and Stephanie in their defeat because the opponent was head and shoulders above them. The difference in four stages was an insurmountable obstacle¡­


    Juno was the only participant left. No one could understand Bai¡¯s decision to register her for the tournament, even Diana couldn¡¯t find out the truth.


    Meanwhile, XiaoBai began to nibble on chips, wondering when Kyon was going to appear.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, patriarch Romanov summoned the Milonovs, not the Stones. No one could understand why. They could gain a lot of points for thest participant of the first-ranking family. Why not earn them all?


    Juno noticed Charlie¡¯s boastful nce after his next victory over the Romanovs. She closed her eyes, suddenly realizing what was going on. It became obvious to her that the stupid boy wanted her to see how strong and cool he was, so he had talked the patriarch into summoningst.

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247


    {Gods, could he be any more annoying? Make yourself scarce, hairy bedbug!} ¨C Charlie infuriated Juno so much that her chest hurt. She wanted to beat him up, making mincemeat of him. He should know he¡¯d better not mess with her!


    The Romanovs summoned the Milonovs (4) four times and won each of them. Then they expectedly summoned the Stones for the fifth (in total the 6th, thest) time.


    ?One on one! Against the Stones! Charlie, go ahead!? ¨C The patriarch wished Charlie good luck and patted his pet on the back.


    Charlie jumped off the tform and threw up his hands in greeting like a superstar. The enthusiastic cheers of dozens of thousands of fans filled the arena. He blew kisses in all directions, never taking his eyes off the Stone tform, off Juno the mischievous cutie, giving her his imperious look, as if to say, get down here at once.


    ?My little Juno, surrender as soon as the battle begins. Just give up and don¡¯t have any second thoughts. This boy has unkind intentions, I can feel it in my heart. Grandpa will die of grief if a hair falls from your head. Do you understand?? ¨C Bai said with care and concern, gently holding his beloved granddaughter closer.


    Because of the cage of orders, Juno could not show her real strength. Even if she could, her opponent was eight stages more powerful. Bai would never let her fight with him. Apparently, Juno had to be a bad girl who paid no heed to her grandfather¡¯s words and made him worry.


    She had an idea of how to calm him down. ¨C ?Grandpa, don¡¯t worry about me. In fact, this guy¡¯s in love with me. I¡¯ve exchanged some messages with him. He will do me no harm.?


    ?Whaaat?!? ¨C Bai¡¯s jaw dropped in surprise.


    Diana, standing next to him, also opened her mouth like the rest of the young Stones.


    Juno smiled and jumped off the tform, not letting her grandfather ask her a single question. She made a decisive step toward the opponent, whispering in the bug for Kyon not to stop her (no telling what was on his mind). She was determined to knock the shit out of Charlie, her eyes zing green fire.


    Last night, Juno was trying out her newly attained power. Her attacks had reached apletely different level! She was an entire phase stronger! Juno was extremely delighted, her happiness knew no bounds! What opponents could she tackle now? At this point, it was hard to say¡­


    Juno remembered her battles with Kyon. Even with higher cultivation, it was a bad idea to exchange blows with him. Why? Because he was the master of all the elements! His level seemed to be five stages higher. She had now the same advantage over other mediocrities, and her name wasn¡¯t Juno Stone if she didn¡¯t beat Charlie to a pulp today!


    Juno took a fighting stance, her feet shoulder-width apart, her arms crossed. Her charming looks made her look like a battle angel without wings.


    ?Here you are, cheeky liar!? ¨C Charlie said, loud enough for everyone to hear. ¨C ?I can tell by your face that you feel guilty for your dirty nder and want to apologize. How about doing it right here and now??


    His words left many people perplexed. They wondered what lies he was talking about? Princess Kara looked jealous and especially interested, pricking up her ears.


    Juno made a guilty face, folded her hands in supplication and repented. ¨C ?I am sorry¡­ I am sorry that you like me so much¡­ I am very sorry that a pathetic show-off like you has a crush on me. Please, forgive me¡­?


    A heavy silence filled the stands. Then someone burst outughing, defusing the situation, and a whole wave of giggling broke out. Even the most inattentive spectators had noticed the strange behavior of the Romanovs, in particr Charlie, who kept looking up at the Stone tform for a couple of seconds after each battle. Everything was clear now. He liked the youngdy Stone! Charlie wanted to impress her!


    When Kara heard Juno¡¯s witty response, she was literally melting. ¨C {That¡¯s my girl! I love you!} ¨C She gave a re of jealousy at Charlie.


    The envoys of the Virgin and the Dance sects covered their smiles with their hands.


    Even Queen da liked Juno¡¯s reckless act. She appreciated the irony of her response that not everyone would dare to say to the womanizer from the Romanov family.


    Diana and Bai looked at each other, perplexed. Juno did not use to behave like this.


    Charlie¡¯s eye twitched when he heard theughter, his cheeks burned hot with shame. He managed to keep a straight face and even gave a carelessugh. ¨C ?Very funny! Ha ha! I¡¯ll tell you what we are going to do,dy Stone. As an apology for your behavior, you will say that you give up like a little chicken as soon as the battle starts. Then I, Charlie Romanov, will forgive you your lies.? ¨C He shed a mischievous smile.


    The audience uttered an exmation of surprise and even anger. What a dirty trick! Such an overt maniption! It would injure her dignity and pride when Juno surrendered (how could she not?). No one could imagine what the youngdy should say to save her dignity.


    {Cunning bastard! I will kill you if you dare hurt Juno or eveny a finger on her!} ¨C Kara swore to herself, clutching the armrest till it cracked. She appreciated the maniption, though. It was pretty sly for a human.


    Juno clicked her tongue. ¨C ?Rejoice, I will not give up. Not because you dared me! I am not going to give up to a hairy bedbug like you!? ¨C She nodded to the judge.


    The judge activated the protective barrier and signaled the start of the battle.


    ?Juno¡­ What are you talking about?! Juno, give up! Juno, don¡¯t be silly! GIVE UP!? ¨C Bai cried out in despair, terrified to see his granddaughter grasping the railing in silence.


    It broke her heart to hear grandpa¡¯s desperate cry, but she could not give up. Returning from Lovr¡¯s world, Juno realized how stupid it was of her to take part in the tournament. In her blind desire to prove to everyone her worth, she had signed up to the tournament where she didn¡¯t belong¡­ Now that Juno had be the master of all the elements and gained power, she could not give up the chance to make her wishe true and get inside Elsa¡¯s skin at least once in a lifetime! She wanted to feel what it¡¯s like to bask in her own glory when everyone considered her an unsurpassed genius! She wanted to see the admiration in their eyes, to be recognized!


    When she realizes her motives, Juno marched straight to her opponent. Grandpa wouldn¡¯t have a moment¡¯s peace until she showed her true power.


    ?JUNO, GIVE UP!? ¨C Bai jumped from the tform and punched the barrier.


    ~buzz~


    The impact threw him to the railing, where he hit his back hard and almost gave up the ghost.


    All the Stones were concerned about his severe condition and began to scream to Juno to give up, Lee and Stephanie being especially loud. She was too weak! She shouldn¡¯t be in the arena next to the monster like Charlie!


    Meanwhile, Diana and Elder Boe ran up to the patriarch to help him get up¡­


    The audience averted their eyes and clenched their fists. No one wanted to watch the young cutie suffer. She was fairer than the moon, hotter than the sun. She shouldn¡¯t be here! Why did sick old Bai make her a participant?!


    Juno was standing ten steps away from her opponent. Her whole body was tense like apressed spring, ready to burst. ¨C ?Why so silent? The cat got your tongue? Come on, show everyone that top-1 Romanov is rotten inside!?


    Charlie, who was taken aback by her courage, had finallye to his senses and burst outughing. He admitted that Juno¡¯s undaunted disposition and looks of an innocent angel were really charming. Yurich the great had a wonderful daughter. However, this bitch had humiliated him several times! He couldn¡¯t leave it like this!


    ?Your courage is impressing! Not every little one has the guts to mess with someone whose cultivation is a couple of phases higher! Well, I won¡¯t disappoint you! To change your mind, I promise to restrain myself. I am even willing to give youbat training afterward.? ¨C Charlie was not going to kill or cripple her, but why not make her cry like a baby?


    ?Will you lower your cultivation?!? ¨C Juno said happily.


    ?I am sorry. I¡¯m not as good as you think I am.? ¨C He shook his head.


    ?Then¡­ Will you give me a three strike head start?? ¨C Juno asked ingratiatingly.


    Again, Charlie burst out with apletely inappropriateugh. It was impossible to refuse this cute little devil! ¨C ?Alright, three strikes it is! Punch me with everything you have, I won¡¯t budge. Come on! Let¡¯s not make the audience wait!? ¨C Charlie wasn¡¯t afraid to ept this disadvantageous offer for a reason. Not so long ago, he heard from his peers who had been at Juno¡¯s party that her cultivation was still very low. So, he could y a little by her rules.


    Juno approached him leisurely. Her dazzling smile conquered the hearts of the most part of the audience. Charlie could feel his pulse increase slightly. Lots of people held their breath.


    Bai had juste to his senses and darted to the barrier, his eyes wide and wild with terror. ¨C ?Juno?!?


    The girl slowly came close to Charlie and swung out her fist.


    Her swing without any elemental energy seemed so weak that Charlie broke out in a yful grin. He felt like a cat ying with a careless little mouse.


    Right before hitting him, Juno¡¯s hand filled with powerful energy, her charming face distorted in a bloodthirsty grimace. The youngdy shed a sadistic smile. ¨C {Take it for ?little one?!}


    ~crash~


    Everyone heard a crunch from broken cartge in his nose. Charlie did three spectacr somersaults in the air, sprinkling blood all over, and fell hard on his back. With trembling fingers, he carefully touched his once beautiful nose that was now pushed to the left side, noticeably swollen.


    A deadly silence fell upon the arena. The spectators expected to see apletely different scene. How could a first phaser deliver such a crushing blow to someone in the noble phase! The strength of his body alone should be enough for him toe outpletely unscathed! She must have a concealing object. It was the only exnation!


    Those in the audience who were at least at the finishing stage of the advanced phase could clearly feel Juno emanate elemental vibrations characteristic of the beginning stage of the superior phase!


    ?Were the rumors about Juno¡¯s mediocrity so exaggerated? She is a real genius if she could injure the strongest Romanov!? ¨C Someone yelled in the crowd.


    The patriarchs, who had made the deal with the fat brotherhood, looked as if they had a heart attack. However, Romanov had underestimated her, and paid the price for it. She wasn¡¯t Elsa, just a weakling at the beginning stage of the superior phase! She was no match for Charlie or the other participants. There was nothing to worry about, right?..


    {My little Juno¡­ You turned out to be so strong! Why did you keep it from me? Why were you hiding your talent? Did you want to surprise me? Oh, baby¡­ It¡¯s so sweet of you!} ¨C Princess Kara was excited and moved at the same time.


    Bai and Diana were stunned. The patriarch was standing near the barrier, staring at his granddaughter and her opponent with a broken nose. His hands trembled with excitement.


    The female envoys were pleasantly surprised by the skillful performance of the talented girl.


    {Did she y the role of a weakling to break this long-haired monkey¡¯s face? Bravo! I am going to get you in my sect whatever it takes!} ¨C Nargise from the Virgo sect had finally confirmed her observations. Juno¡¯s anger, rage, and ruse that helped her deliver the blow were impressive. However, she thought the baby girl should immediately surrender, otherwise, the angry buck could cripple her.


    Timothy Brown, who didn¡¯t use to take any interest in Juno, sped the armrest. ¨C {So, the rumors about your ipetence turned out to be a lie. It is getting even more interesting. It¡¯s true what they say, you have to keep your eyes peeled for the Stones.} ¨C When the young Brown recognized a part of Elsa¡¯s talent in Juno, he decided to buy her with Tokens and enve.


    Juno squeamishly wiped the blood from her fist with a white handkerchief and gave Charlie a ck look. ¨C ?Charlie Romanov, now everyone knows that you¡¯re nothing but a pompous windbag! You said that I could hit you three times and you wouldn¡¯t budge, but the very first punch sent you flying!?

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248


    Loud chuckles echoed over the stands. Romanov¡¯s fans, who until recently passionately supported their idol, grew silent and embarrassed. But patriarch Romanov got the worst of it. Laughter at his favorite family member felt likeugh at his expense.


    Charlie blushed deeply. He felt Juno¡¯s cultivation lower than his by eight stages, and couldn¡¯t understand why he had failed to react. He was ashamed of his poor performance against a weaker opponent. Charlie had to do something to save his face. ¨C ?Dirty liar! You have hidden your cultivation! Well, it¡¯s only expected of the nasty Stones.?


    ?In fact, concealing cultivation is not forbidden by the rules. Your attempt to set me up to take the fall is pathetic, especially since you¡¯re considered to be the strongest in your generation. Just think about it, a pompous peacock let a girl punch him on the nose, the girl whose cultivation is eight staged lower! Just die of shame already, please.?


    The Stones burst intoughter. The other families also started to grin. Half of the audience could hardly hold back a smile.


    Charlie blew a clot of blood out of his nose, his eyes shing with bitter hatred. ¨C ?Watch yourself, pipsqueak. I¡¯ve missed your punch only because I promised to restrain myself. I took into ount your cultivation, and you deceived me! But I don¡¯t take back my words! You still have two strikes, and, believe me, I am not going to budge this time.? ¨C He said, steel in his voice.


    Juno smiled faintly. ¨C ?Alright then, get ready for my next attack.? ¨C Charlie snorted. Of course, she was a miserable practitioner at the beginning stage of the superior phase¡­ What else could he expect? He felt even more ashamed of his broken nose.


    Charlie casually grabbed the little feet but, to his amazement, he couldn¡¯t stop it. The quality of the pure energy inside corresponded to the beginning stage of the superior phase, but its density was impressive!


    {It¡¯s pure nonsense?! Is it even possible?!} ¨C Charlie thought feverishly. ¨C {No way! Not on your life! Screw you, bitch!} ¨C He instantly grabbed her foot with the other hand infused with all avable pure energy.


    He stopped Juno¡¯s foot right near his forehead.


    Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. Then he noticed her sly grin and got scared.


    ~ZAP~


    A crushing bolt of lightning went from her foot right into his hands and then through over his body. The power of the ether attack was striking for a third phaser. Charlie¡¯s hair stood on end, a thin smoke rose above it.


    Romanov could not recover from the shock. Myriads of sparks sparkled in his eyes, his muscles twitched. He had a pins-and-needles feeling all over. ¨C {Why was it so powerful?! What grade is her ether?!}


    Normally, no one would dare mess up with the strongest in the young generation of the great Romanovs, but now, no one could helpughing, looking at the toasted hedgehog who was twitching stupidly and ridiculously pping his eyes. Even Queen da, Princess Kara, and the sects envoys perked up.


    But there were those who felt no better than Charlie. His fans cast their eyes down. So did his family members, in particr, the patriarch, who was burning with anger to such an extent that his face was covered with red spots.


    In the midst of the general mirth, the Stones felt inspired for the first time. Finally, they had stopped being aughing stock. Their opponents were beingughed at! However, their situation was still very deplorable. Juno couldn¡¯t win against Charlie.


    Lee and Stephanie, who suffered the most from the arrogant bastard, admired Juno more than anyone.


    Bai and Diana didn¡¯t know what to think.


    Charlie looked around bashfully, trying to sweep his hair back, all to no avail. Finally, he red fiercely at the bitch, the sole reason for his bing the object of ridicule.


    ?I wanted you to look even better. I am afraid I am not a very good stylist, though. Anyway, you do look more handsome. What do you think?? ¨C Juno kept mocking him.


    ?Tease me all you want, I will stick to my word. You have hit me once again, and then I am going to give you a memorable lesson of good manners! Come on! Attack me!? ¨C Charlie waved his hand as if inviting her.


    ?How can I refuse?..? ¨C Juno squared her shoulders and stretched out her hands. An energy ball formed in the center of her palms. It was tiny and dim, containing the wind element and pure energy. Gradually, it grewrger and brighter with a barely noticeable vibration. The energy ball was buzzing rather loudly with a powerful whirlwind swirling around it.


    As time passed, the ball grew bigger and bigger. Soon it reached the maximum size and brightness. The wind around Juno roared like a hurricane. The aura from the ball astounded with its grace and power hidden inside.


    ?This is the essence of destruction! I¡¯ve been trying to master this technique for many months! How did she manage to learn it? Only geniuses can do it!? ¨C Lee cried out, filled with a mix of envy and disbelief.


    This technique was special because it could be mixed with any element, increasing its efficiency. At the moment, Juno was using the essence of destruction together with pure energy and the wind element, one of the best variations ever!


    Patriarch Bai and Diana were beaming with pride. The Stones in the stands admired the mighty technique that only a couple of dozen people had ever mastered in the entire history of their family¡­ It would blow their mind to find out that Juno had learned it in a couple of weeks.


    Timothy Brown was pensive, rubbing his fingers on his chin. ¨C {What an interesting technique¡­ If Lee tells the truth, this girl really resembles her gifted sister. I seem to like her more and more¡­} ¨C His eyes gleamed with a greedy light.


    {What technique is this?! Why is it so powerful?!} ¨C Charlie¡¯s mouth went dry. How dared this pipsqueak at the 3rd stage of the superior phase scare him with her arsenal of skills. Well, he was going to defend himself as it should be, with no restraint this time.


    When the technique had maximum power, Juno rushed forward.


    Charlie turned pale. He made a quick movement as if leaning against an invisible wall and screamed:


    ?Sand god¡¯s wall!?


    A cloud of fine yellow sand came out of his hands and immediately condensed a thousand times, forming a wall. This convertible protective technique could take any shape and withstand the impact of a three-ton rhino.


    Juno stopped just in time before the wall. She tried to go around it, but there grew another one¡­ She had an idea. Juno touched the wall with a bright sphere. No explosion followed. She had enough talent and understanding of the technique to control its shape and dy the explosion as long as necessary. At the moment, the essence of destruction served her as a saw, gnawing the path to her victim!


    ~vrinnn-vrinnn~


    Inch by inch, the heavy-duty wall was getting destroyed.


    When there appeared a little hole, the sphere instantly exploded, releasing all the umted energy and catching Charlie by surprise.


    ~b§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-m~


    A tremendously effective and powerful thundered in the arena. The audience couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. It was like an explosion of a star! No practitioner with equal cultivation would have stayed alive!


    ?§¡-W-WW-WW-WW-WW!? ¨C With a terrible inhuman howl, Charlie flew a dozen steps away.


    The spectators started whispering excitedly when they saw Charlie¡¯s face. His eyes bulged like ping-pong balls; a huge tuft of once beautiful silky hair had been pulled out by the roots; wide patches of hair had been cut; his luxurious clothes had turned into rags; his skin was all in bruises and deep cuts.


    Patriarch Romanov just wanted the ground to open up and swallow him.


    Stephanie and Lee screamed joyfully and gave each other a high five. They almost fell in love with Juno and were even willing to kiss her! The stunning patriarch¡¯s granddaughter had made their dreame true!


    Kara squealed like a happy puppy, unable to hold back her joy.


    Juno gracefully brushed herself off and sarcastically inquired of the battered opponent:


    ?Look at you! It¡¯s so much better! Shall I get you a mirror so that you could admire yourself??


    Charlie examined himself with a stupefied, vacant stare, and touched his remaining hair. The luster had gone from her eyes.


    Many people in the audience started to worry about Juno, especially the Stones. She had turned the once handsome and popr guy into a humiliated monster. He was unlikely to be grateful for this.


    ?Juno, give up! JUNO, HE IS ABOUT TO ATTACK!? ¨C Bai yelled and once again hit the barrier in a fit of panic¡­


    Seva and Nargise prepared to intervene in the battle if Juno was in mortal danger.


    ?Mother, stop the battle. This bastard will kill her!? ¨C Kara cried out, concerned.


    da shook her head. ¨C ?He won¡¯t¡­ She has everything in hand. Take a better look.?


    Kara watched her dear girl carefully and noticed a hint of a confident smirk ying across her pink lips. It took Kara by surprise. Did Juno really have everything under control? Did she con Charlie out of the first three strikes, mutted and humiliated him to make him lose his temper, thereby gaining an advantage over him? ¨C {It¡¯s a cunning move! But can you handle him? He is way more powerful than you!}


    Charlie stared at Juno with his wild, bloodshot eyes. Then he threw back his head and burst out in a hysterical fit ofughter. ¨C ?Ha ha ha! Nice! Ha ha ha! Great! Ha ha ha!?


    Juno raised her eyebrows. ¨C {He¡¯s gone insane!}


    The audience looked at each other in confusion.


    Charlie raised his hands to the sky as if he still was the popr idol of the arena, and spoke solemnly, with a self- approving smile. ¨C ?Pipsqueak, you¡¯ve gone up in my estimation. You turned out to be much stronger than expected! It was my mistake to restrain myself, for which I had to pay with my hair and broken nose! If I were a tad more serious, things would have been different. Anyway, it¡¯s a matter of time, a couple of months max. Well, my gifteddy Stone, as promised, I am going to give you the bestbat training ever! Mind that I will praise you for good moves, but if you do it badly¡­ I will punish you.? ¨C {KILL!} ¨C Charlie¡¯s words sounded intimidating.


    Somewhere in the back of his angry consciousness, he realized that his decision would lead him to the grave. Elsa? Bai? Or Juno¡¯s friend in the person of Princess Kara? One of them would definitely kill him to avenge Juno¡­ If he hadn¡¯t lost control of his emotions, he would restrain himself from doing something stupid that would put his life in danger.


    The audience hadunched a heated discussion. Did Charlie let Juno mutte him? What if it happened because he was restraining himself, not because Juno was too powerful? If that were the case, he was a man of great integrity. They admired him! He had sacrificed his good looks but kept his word! Charlie was, in fact, a respectable gentleman from the great Romanov family!


    Charlie was about to lose it, but he gained control of his emotions. After all, he was his family¡¯s pride, the patriarch¡¯s favorite, the leader of the young generation! Everyone looked up to him! If he killed Juno (with a single blow), he would revel in a moment¡¯s bliss and turn into a despicable bastard in everyone¡¯s eyes. People would think that he had taken his revenge on a weak girl who had humiliated him! Charlie knew better than that. He would hold back his anger, making everyone believe that he was too noble and a bit naive, and then he would finish her off with an awkward blow! He might say he had overestimated her or even kneel before the Stones, begging forgiveness. Thus he would retain his honor, take his revenge, and he would rise again, regaining his former glory. The n seemed perfect!


    ?Whatever¡­ Attack me already, scarecrow.? ¨C Juno beckoned him with a finger.


    Charlie gritted his teeth and charged toward her. They started to fight. Within seconds, he took a kick in the leg and rolled across the arena, raising dust. However, he got up andughed. ¨C ?What the hell! I see I¡¯ll have to take you more seriously,dy Stone! You¡¯re really tough! Mypliments!? ¨C Charlie said slyly and rushed at Juno.


    His next blow seemed very slow, but in thest moment, it blurred with tremendous speed and power hidden inside. ¨C {DROP DEAD!} ¨C He thought jubntly.

 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249


    ~whoosh~


    {What the¡­?!} ¨C Charlie¡¯s eyes opened wide.


    ~bam~


    At thest instant, Juno dodged the blow that must have been fatal (ording to Charlie) and jabbed her fist imbued with pure energy hard in his gut. A loud thump and a sizzling crackle of lightning thundered all over the arena. Charlie rolled over on the ground a dozen meters until he stopped, coughing, his body bent over like a cooked shrimp.


    He had to use pure energy to be able to breathe again.


    The audience couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. Would ever a stronger fighter be willing to be beaten time after time? Or was he still controlling the force of the blow because he didn¡¯t want to hurt the girl, which would make him look like a jerk?


    ?What if Charlie is actually a masochist, and he likes it when ourdy beats him?? ¨C Lee asked Stephanie loud enough for everyone to hear.


    His words echoed in everyone¡¯s minds, making the audience wondering if it was really true.


    All that the Romanovs could do was to blush profusely to that statement. Only a few people noticed that Charlie¡¯sst blow was in full force and speed.


    ording to them, Juno was able to dodge because of the unbelievable for her cultivation speed that she had never shown before. She must have been deliberately hiding her real potential!


    Charlie has juste to his senses when he saw a hellish angel swooping down on him¡­ He dodged at thest moment and rolled forward.


    ~crash~


    The surface of the arena opened inrge cracks in the ce where Juno¡¯s foot hit the ground.


    She clicked her tongue. If she had aimed a bit lower to his sr plexus, he wouldn¡¯t have managed to dodge! ¨C ?Was it a good move? Are you going to praise me??


    ?Well done!? ¨C Charlie growled furiously. He had no idea why she was still alive! She must have lucky! To hell with her! Good luck is not forever! Charlie rushed to Juno, still restraining himself, trying to y to the crowd and not betray his true intentions to finish this bitch off.


    After a few seconds of the battle, Charlie got punched in the liver. Nobody can live forever.


    ?What about this move?? ¨C Juno gloated.


    ?Well done! It was a good one!? ¨C Charlie sounded as if he wanted to strangle her with his words.


    ?Thank you.? ¨C The wicked angel smiled and attacked again¡­ She could feel her opponent¡¯s internal state and controlled him as if he were a puppet. Boys are so predictable! Juno was beyond happy that she was able topete with opponents of his level. Kyon had given her an encouraging upgrade as well as Lovr in his world.


    Charlie rushed forward like a gust of wind, no longer restraining herself. He found out during the fight that it was too difficult to hit this sly bitch! Even more so, she managed to bite him back! Why were her blows so painful? It might as well be someone whose cultivation was just a couple of stages weaker. What kind of wild power was hidden in her fragile body?!


    Charlie was furious! She was reading him like an open book! Juno could see through his four battle fists in Granieri style at a much slower speed! Her movements were too unpredictable. She was flexible like a snake, stretching her body into shapes that made Charlie¡¯s head spin. Anyway, there was no time to admire her curves. The honor of his family and his own were at stake as well as his revenge!


    {It can¡¯t be! Who the fuck is she?! Who taught her to move so unpredictably?! Concealment items be useless during the fight, don¡¯t they?!} ¨C His brain was no longer able to cope with endless questions. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, his eyes puffy and bloodshot. His clothes were torn, which made him look even more like a monster.


    People in the audience were notplete idiots, they began to suspect that Romanov was fighting seriously. Their jaws slowly dropped, and their eyes widened. They could not believe that an eight-stage weaker opponent couldpete with him in closebat! She was incredibly fast, agile and flexible! Were they dreaming?


    The sect envoys closely watched Juno¡¯s movements. They wouldn¡¯t have to interfere in the battle, she was doing pretty well! And yet, they could not understand her intricate,plex movements. Eight battle fists were as far away from them as the stars in the night sky. Who had been training her? They had to find it out.


    It hurt to look at the patriarchs who had made the deal with the fat guys. Pale as death, they clutched at their chests, guzzling valerian root extract.


    Charlie was known as a master of deception. When his signature trick took Juno by surprise, he smiled maliciously. ¨C ?And now the punishment for a bad move!? ¨C He hit Juno with all his might.


    ~bam~ ~puff~


    {It can¡¯t be!} ¨C Charlie was too stunned to say anything. His brain was utterly fried. Normally, his blow would make mincemeat of anyone eight stages weaker, but this girl just dragged her feet on the floor, maintaining her bnce. She didn¡¯t have any visible damage!


    ?Tell me, bald bed bug, how long you are going to pretend it¡¯s only training if we¡¯ve been fighting for real all this time.?


    ?I don¡¯t understand what you are talking about. I have given you my word that I will go easy on you, and I am!? ¨C Charlie yelled a bit too loud, trying to convince the audience.


    ?Well, well¡­ Or maybe you just like being thrashed? What a shame! The leader of the young Romanovs is a masochist. Lee was right.?


    Patriarch Romanov covered his red face with his hands. He knew that Charlie wasn¡¯t taking it easy on Juno. The bastard was risking the honor of their family! Gods forbid he wouldn¡¯t break her neck!


    Charlie gave a rather forcedugh. ¨C ?Very funny, pipsqueak!? ¨C He rushed forward and tried to repeat his signature trick in a different interpretation, but the bitch figured him out. She pretended she was trapped, and then she hit him in the head, splitting his lip.


    ?Will you praise me, master?? ¨C Juno was ying to the crowd, waving her hands.


    The people in the audienceughed loudly.


    Charlie spat a clot of blood and forced a crooked grin. His teeth were bloody as if he was a demon. ¨C ?Well done. You¡¯re doing great!?


    Juno giggled to herself. What a dumb idiot he was! Finally, she was in her element. She wanted everyone to see that she was worthy of attention and respect, just like Elsa! The Stones must look up to her. She began to feel her blood boil. Juno was very grateful to Kyon for the unexpected upgrade¡­ To hell with him!


    ?All right, pipsqueak. If you want it so bad, I¡¯ll take this fight a bit more serious! Sand god¡¯s cut!? ¨C In an instant, a sand cloud five meters high appeared above Charlie. It condensed into an extensive five-meter de and headed rapidly towards Juno, intending to cut her in two. It was powerful enough to cut stones and rocks like butter!


    Bai, Diana, and the other Stones turned ashen.


    Juno activated the ether barrier and the wind element for protection¡­ She couldn¡¯t dodge such an extensive attack.


    The de hit her¡­ Myriads of sand grains of which it wasposed collided with the barrier, sending bright sparks flying in all directions. They fell on the ground helplessly, while Juno diminished the sharp air currents with her wind element.


    Thousands of people opened their mouths when they saw her ether barrier withstand such a powerful attack.


    {Fuck, she has a superior grade of ether?! Or is it a master grade?! What the hell?!} ¨C Charlie thought.


    ?A bit more serious? I can¡¯t tell the difference.? ¨C Juno shed a mischievous smile at him.


    ?Don¡¯t push it, I¡¯ve only started! Divine sand tornado? ¡­ ?Mountain crushing des!? ¡­ ?Indestructible boulders!? ¡­ ?Sand god¡¯s stream!?


    For a couple of minutes, Juno had to withstand a flurry of sophisticated techniques: heavy sand whirls, thousands of dangerous wind des, axes, and hammers created from a sand cloud, sand eruptions, streams and shes, huge heavy boulders, hail, and wacky traps for kids!


    The way she gracefully moved, yfully avoiding deadly attacks, as well as her unthinkable beauty, had gained her a hundred thousand ardent fans in five minutes of the battle. They apuded and cheered the new brightest star of the tournament. Princess Kara was, of course, the biggest fan.


    Charlie began suffocating under pressure, sweat streaming down his face and neck, then dripping down. He could not believe that his entire arsenal of skills was useless. It seemed to him that gods were making fun of him, having sent him an invincible opponent. The huge boulders awkwardly missed the target. The wind element was useless against the equal wind bender. The ether barrier protected Juno perfectly from his sandy style, while her lightning strikes were lethally dangerous should they hit him in the neck or next to the heart (harder than before).


    ?Is it everything you¡¯re capable of?? ¨C Juno grinned contemptuously, stretching casually as if doing her morning exercises.


    Suddenly Charlie¡¯s eyes darkened. ¨C {Fuck! Don¡¯t tell me that she has been teasing me to make me waste my energy!}


    His anger had dimmed his judgement. Charlie started wearing down. He had no more energy, which couldn¡¯t be said about this bitch!


    {It can¡¯t go on like this¡­ If I lose to her, I¡¯m dead! I have to use the unique body¡¯s signature technique!} ¨C Charlie pointed at Juno. ¨C ?Alright then, I¡¯ll show you half my real power!?


    ?A whole half!! Wow!? ¨C Juno covered her mouth in mock fear.


    ?Now mock me if you will, this time it will work!? ¨C Ugly Charlie threw up his hands to the sky like a virtuoso conductor before the concert. ¨C ?Ancient god¡¯s sand hurricane!? ¨C He activated the unique body¡¯s technique. It consumed a huge amount of energy, which would leave him with 10%. He had to finish the fight as soon as possible.


    A weird, somewhat dangerous aura enveloped the arena, causing dizzy spells and dry mouth. A strong wind made up of myriads of sand grains howled, whirling around Charlie. It soared upward and spread throughout the arena, forming a miniature hurricane. Its height reached ten meters at a speed of two hundred kilometers per hour. In the midst of this rampage, Charlie felt like a sand god!


    Princess Kara murmured excitedly. ¨C ?Is it the sphere of the essence?!?


    Queen da shook her head absent-mindedly. ¨C ?Don¡¯t be deceived by its looks. It¡¯s only a pale imitation. Only kings can have the sphere of the essence or even emperors.?


    Charlie grinned viciously. ¨C ?Time for the realbat to begin!? ¨C His face disappeared behind the thick veil of the hurricane.


    Juno had a wary expression on her face. She couldn¡¯t see further than an arm¡¯s length away. With the help of the wind element, the zone of visibility could be increased to three meters¡­ Too little!


    She activated scanning. To no avail! The strange aura had narrowed her spiritual scanning! It was too scarce to react fast enough¡­

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250


    {It sucks!} ¨C Juno bit her lip. If she didn¡¯te up with anything soon, she was in for deadly blow to the head. Maybe, she¡¯d better up? ¨C {No way!} ¨C She thought carefully and remembered the science in Lovr¡¯s world. When dust storms and rain clouds collided, they produced rain; the same happened when a dust cloud hit a cloud of steam.


    {But it¡¯s not really dust! He uses sand! What if it doesn¡¯t work out?} ¨C Faced with no other choice, Juno decided to give it a try. She slowly raised her hands, emitting streams of cold steam to saturate the sand hurricane with moisture.


    Charlie could feel her vibrations of the water element. ¨C {Fuck, she has mastered four elements!} ¨C Once again, the bitch surprised him with her unbelievable talent! But what was she doing? Releasing steam into the air? What for? Had she gone crazy?


    Charlie froze, stunned. He was closely connected with the hurricane, it was like an extension of his body. When it gradually began to thin out, all the effects such as scanning suppression also started dissipating.


    Charlie was seriously scared. There was no way he could resume the hurricane! He couldn¡¯t recreate it either, it would take too much time! There was no time to waste! Charlie decided to attack her at once and kill this cunning bitch.


    At thest moment, Juno scanned Charlie attacking her from behind. She tilted her body sideways to avoid the strike, and yet, she received a severe blow in the shoulder that sent her rolling on the ground a dozen meters with her pants ripped.


    {It hurts! Butpared to the blows of that devil¡­ It¡¯s nothing!} ¨C With firm determination, Juno got to her feet and continued to release steam upward. The visibility had slightly improved, so it wasn¡¯t all in vain!


    ?You will be punished for your shitty reaction!? ¨C Charlie began to mock her.


    Juno instantly reacted to his voice and managed to dodge just in time. Without ever stopping, she ran along the protective barrier to win some precious time¡­


    ?You can¡¯t run away!? ¨C Charlie giggled viciously, dissolving in the hurricane¡­ If he had used this technique at the very beginning, he would have enjoyed the game! But it was toote now. It was time to finish the battle.


    At the right moment, Charlie caught Juno by surprise like a professional killer, delivering a powerful punch to her back¡­


    Juno rolled head over heels across the arena, wincing with pain. Tears sprang to her eyes. Things didn¡¯t look good, but she had to endure! She got to this tournament for a reason. Grandpa, mother, and all the Stones must be proud of her! Nothing but victory! She must keep going! Besides, the sand hurricane was slowly but surely thinning out¡­


    {Crap! How does she do it? Her pure energy keeps her alive?!} ¨C If Juno hadn¡¯t protected herself with pure energy, his blow would have broken her back. If only he could grab her by the thin neck and wring it! Damned ether¡­


    Juno had barely noticed a kick in the leg. She shifted lower and got a kick in the thigh¡­ It was hellish painful and wouldter turn into an ugly bruise, but once he hit the bone, it would surely break, leading to her crushing defeat!


    {That¡¯s it. I¡¯ve had enough of you!} ¨C Charlie created a stone hammer. He had less than a minute of energy left. He had to hurry up¡­


    A powerful blow came from the imprable hurricane, striking Juno right in the ribs.


    ~crash~


    ?Agrrr¡­? ¨C Juno groaned, tumbling like a rag doll until she hit the barrier. The pain in her chest was unbearable. There was a metallic taste in her mouth. Everything blurred before her eyes¡­ She couldn¡¯t breathe or get up, not even scream! The injury was too serious. The judge¡­ Why didn¡¯t he say anything? Wasn¡¯t he scanning the arena? Was it the end? A feeling of despair overwhelmed her¡­ Charlie wouldn¡¯t spare her¡­ He would kill her without thinking twice!


    ?I don¡¯t want to die!? ¨C She muttered to herself in a trembling voice amidst the imprable sandy hurricane. No one could hear her¡­ No one would save her. Lovr¡­


    Suddenly, she felt a pleasant, refreshing chill spread from the formation on her forehead all over her body. The pain was gone. Her body felt so light that she could fly away. Her mind had be clearer, her vision and hearing sharp as never before!


    With a rapid movement, she rolled over. A huge granite hammer smashed the ce where her head was a moment ago¡­ If it had hit the target, her head would have burst like a ripe watermelon.


    ?Huh? How did she do it?! Who are you, bitch?!? ¨C Charlie yelled frantically, gasping for air. His previous blow was supposed to crush her whole body, but ording to his senses, she had only a few broken ribs! And now she had dodged so briskly as if it didn¡¯t hurt a little bit!


    ?I am your doom!? ¨C Juno rushed to Charlie, but he immediately disappeared in the hurricane.


    ?You¡¯re a spineless coward! Even with a huge hammer, you are afraid to sh with a girl who is eight stages weaker than you! You¡¯re disgusting!?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Charlie squealed.


    Juno instantly turned to his voice and ducked just in time as the hammer whooshed over her head. She kicked him fiercely in the stomach, sending him flying.


    Juno rushed to get him, but he disappeared again like a shy mouse! Her hatred of Charlie seemed to have be even more intense. She despised two-faced bastards like him! Unlike Kyon, this ugly bed bug was pathetic and cowardly! He made her sick!


    Soon Juno deftly blocked his insidious blow to the back¡­


    ?How¡­ How did you do you it?!? ¨C Charlie muttered, and then he understood everything: the density of the hurricane had decreased more than twice, and Juno could feel him approach her!


    Juno clenched her sparkling with electricity fist. ¨C ?Are you scared? You should be, jerk!? ¨C She threw her hand forward, releasing a stream of water and ether.


    Charlie hit the stream with his hammer, fencing it with the wind element, and rushed towards Juno with a fierce roar. He was hoping to get this deft but wounded bitch because with his advantageously long weapon. It was time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat!


    After a couple of strikes, he found out that the bitch was dodging his blows even better than before, and unlike him, she was unarmed! ¨C {What the fuck is this shit! Is she even a human?} ¨C Charlie¡¯s face turned gray with anxiety and¡­ fear? No! His honor, reputation, and rtions with the patriarch were at stake! He couldn¡¯t give up!


    Juno concentrated on parrying and retreating,unching streams of electric water into him, making Charlie constantly waste his energy.


    A few minutes of this weird endurance battle and Charlie significantly slowed down.


    Juno noticed it at once. ¨C {It¡¯s over!} ¨C She devilishly quickly punched the hammer flying towards her, pushing it aside¡­


    At the same moment, Charlie screamed. ¨C ?I GIVE¡­?


    Before he could say, I give up, Juno grabbed him by the throat and lifted him on her outstretched arm like a naughty puppy. Charlie¡¯s eyes bulged in horror. His defenseless body twitched helplessly in electrical seizures.


    The sand hurricane instantly dissipated, covering the arena with a thickyer of sand. The ominous dry aura hadpletely disappeared.


    The audience could finally see what was happening in the arena that had cleared up from the sand whirlwind¡­ They saw Juno, proud and decisive, albeit somewhat battered. She looked like a war maiden from old tales. She was holding deadly pale Romanov by the neck like a fox that had caught her prey.


    The spectators were breathless, many of them opened their mouths in surprise. Hardly anyone expected to see this today.


    Juno dropped Charlie on the ground and tightly squeezed his throat so that he could not utter the cherished words, I give up. ¨C ?Now¡¯s the time to pay off debts!? ¨C He heard the angelic voice of the rather upset sadist girl, her little fist clenched tightly. ¨C ?This one for insulting the Stones!? ¨C A crushing blownded in his sr plexus. ¨C ?This one for trying hard to be someone you¡¯re not !? ¨C She smashed her fist into his jaw. ¨C ?This one for calling me a pipsqueak!? ¨C This time, her fist crashed into his nose with the most terrible crunching sound.


    The enumeration of the sins of the unfortunate victim continued for half a minute. The heartrending sounds of the battered flesh and cracking bones made the audience sick. Juno knocked all the crap out of Charlie, just as she had initially nned.


    The judge should have dered Juno the winner, but formally, he had no right to do it until the conscious opponent said, I give up.


    Now Charlie looked like the highest quality mincemeat: his face was bloated; both of his eyes were horribly bruised, swollen shut; his teeth were missing, or there were only their fragments left; his nose was caved in and t¡­ This masterpiece creation of the talented executioner was generously sprinkled with blood and saliva.


    Charlie experienced animal fear of this girl with angelically charming looks. She scared him more than death! If only he could rewind the time, he would have never messed with her, not for anything in the world!


    Juno stood upright and smiled ominously. A bright sphere filled with pulsating energy shed in her hand. Death itself was hanging over Charlie.


    The once handsome guy shuddered like a fish on the sizzling frying pan. Some gurgling noises and moans came from his twisted mouth. It could be a plea for mercy. He couldn¡¯t see it, but he heard and felt the approaching danger.


    Charlie raised his trembling hand.


    Juno said, displeased. ¨C ?I see, you¡¯ve decided to praise me for the good fight. How nice of you¡­ Considering the fact that you nearly smashed my head with your huge hammer! Drop dead already!?


    Without a second¡¯s hesitation, Juno blew off Charlie¡¯s head with her sphere. His brains scattered all over the arena. The eyeballs flew out of the sockets and burst as soon as they hit the protective barrier. So inglorious was the death of Charlie the Great, by the standards of the Romanovs family. Long afterward, there were gossips about what had be the main reason for his defeat. Was it indiscretion or stupidity? Or maybe excessive self-confidence? No, it¡¯ wasn¡¯t that. He had crossed Juno¡¯s path. And as itter became known, it didn¡¯t end well.

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251


    The long and exhausting battle had finally ended.


    The whole arena was deeply shaken. The Romanov family were grieving. Many people wept, mourning their loss. Others gritted their teeth and clenched their fists, hating Juno, wishing to tell her a piece of their mind but did not dare, because they knew deep inside that Charlie had been fighting in full force even if he stubbornly refused to admit the truth. The hammer used against the unarmed girl was particrly discouraging. Even if they tried to bring Juno to justice, all the other citizens would expectedly take the winner¡¯s side¡­


    Juno¡¯s legs and arms were lead-like. She washed away the fluids left by the dead body from her hands and trudged wearily toward the Stone tform. She really wanted to bathe in the rays of glory and wave to the audience with a joyful smile on her face, but the blow to the ribs did not go unnoticed and required immediate attention¡­


    As soon as Charlie died, the sand he created, covering the arena with a thickyer, quickly disappeared. There was no more of it in Juno¡¯s shoes and hair, underneath her jacket, pants, and even in her underwear. The worst irritation and difort had also vanished. She should have killed him long ago just to get rid of this awful feeling.


    The signal announcing the winner broke the silence. The name Juno appeared next to the Stones¡¯ coat of arms. The giant golden letters glowed on the screen at the top of the arena, where a real storm raged behind the barrier with lightning tearing the sky apart. There were only 2 participants left on the list of the Stone family. One of them was a certain Kyon, much-rumored but never seen.


    Most of the audience stood up and apuded, their cheers of triumph proiming Juno¡¯s victory. The number of her fans was increasing exponentially. Her sess was something out of the ordinary! Tournament killings were a rare urrence, even more so the exciting sight of a head st! From now on, Juno would be remembered in the whole kingdom as a ¡°ruthless angel in the Stone family.¡±


    As soon as the barrier was removed, Bai and Diana rushed to their dear girl and hugged her tightly.


    ?My baby! I am so happy you¡¯re alive and in one piece! I prayed for you to all the gods I know! I was so afraid he would cripple you or worse! I nearly died of grief! Gods, I¡¯m so happy¡­ I am happy¡­? ¨C The patriarch burst into tears, stroking his granddaughter¡¯s hair with a trembling hand. At some point, he thought that she was seriously injured¡­


    ?You were incredible! I am so proud of you, my daughter!? ¨C Diana¡¯s eyes were also full of tears. Unlike her father, she wasn¡¯t overexcited or anxious but proud and happy. ¨C ?Why did you hide your talent from everyone? If only grandfather or I knew about it before¡­?


    ?Give me some medicine. A couple of bruises do bother me.? ¨C Juno asked quietly with a faint smile.


    When Juno returned to the family tform, her peers gave her a warm wee.


    Ex Stone number one went down on one knee before her, paying his tribute. The youngdy defeated the one who had beaten him with a single p in the face! Stephanie, who had always thought of Juno as an insignificant weakling, was now praising her to high heaven


    Shaking his head, Bai tended to Juno¡¯s bloody wounds and scratches that could be seen through her torn clothes¡­ Diana carefullybed her disheveled, matted hair¡­ Boe had brought her some water¡­ They all were treating Juno like a princess. It was a new, pleasant feeling.


    When grandpa asked Juno to take off her jacket, she refused, saying that it was embarrassing. Bai suggested she should leave the tournament at once. He would be only happy to pay the fine. However, Juno resolutely shook her head:


    ?Grandpa, I¡¯ll give up as soon as the next battle starts. We must wait for a couple of minutes.?


    ?Promise me¡­? ¨C Bai implored her.


    ?I promise¡­? ¨C Juno looked away, feeling guilty.


    Meanwhile, the audience wasn¡¯t getting any quieter. Hundreds of thousands of people continued to cheer and apud with the only exception of the Romanovs, whose patriarch was clutching his head, muttering something inaudibly under his breath.


    The patriarchs, who had made the deal with the fat guys, gasped for air, reaching for pills. They had finally understood who the madmen were counting on. Fools! The girl was already exhausted while Kiyan and Timothy Brown were much more powerful than Charlie the wuss! She had no chance. Not a chance¡­


    Kara wiped away the tears welling up in her eyes. She blushed like a silly schoolgirl. The princess loved Juno¡¯s character so much that it made her stomach clench. Juno was a cunning deceiver, a pretender, a maniptor who had no pity for the guys who showed interest in her! She was perfect! To crown it all, Juno had mastered four elements, just like Elsa! What is more, she had broken her elder sister¡¯s record when she defeated the opponent who was eight stages stronger than her!


    Seva and Nargise had been keeping their eyes on Juno since the moment they found out that she manipted four elements, which meant she was a great genius.


    Fernand, the imperial envoy, was also interested in the talented but wayward girl. What was the secret of her power? The high key purity? Anyway, her gift belonged to the best school in the empire. If Juno agreed, she could enter Cernos without taking the hard entrance exam that only the chosen ones could pass. For example, Charlie would never have passed it. His cultivation was rather average, by the order standards.


    Fernand¡¯s decision to invite Juno to Cernos marked an important step in Kyon¡¯s n to ¡°get her off his hands.¡± Charlie turned out to be an ideal opponent who had revealed and demonstrated Juno¡¯s incredible potential. Now she would undoubtedly get a ce in the school where only Timothy out of all the participants might ever get a chance to apply.


    Meanwhile, the ingenious representative of the Brown family was about to break the long-suffering railing. His eyes were burning with the desire to get this talented girl for himself. She was too for a ve, though. A concubine would be just right!


    ?Father, summon the Stones. I want to fight with her.? ¨C Timothy demanded firmly.


    Patriarch Herman smiled broadly in response. ¨C ?Your wish is mymand, son!? ¨C Without waiting for the apuse to subside, he announced their first summoning.


    Like a skydiving falcon, Timothy promptly jumped off the tform. His dense, viscous aura spread through the stands, making everyone shut up at once. It was impossible to ignore him unless he wanted to go unnoticed.


    The audience focused on the handsome guy dressed in ck and white.


    Unlike Charlie, the most powerful young Brown was taciturn and unboastful but too arrogant. He looked down on everyone except those he had to respect. Timothy was known for his cold and cruel disposition towards his fans and even rtives. During mockbats, he deliberately inflicted serious injuries on his opponents and even ruthlessly crippled them for being weak¡­ He didn¡¯t treat them like human beings at all. Once a fan fell in love with him and wanted to get to know him better. She came up with a clever, reckless n of how to meet him in person¡­ After that, she was doomed to spend her whole life in a wheelchair. Only extraordinary, vibrant, strong personalities could get his attention. Elsa Stone, the great genius, was exactly like that. She was the only girl who had ever touched his proud, cruel heart. When Elsa defeated Timothy in a duel, he was all fired up about ??winning the genius girl. However, she wouldn¡¯t let him anywhere near her. Then he tried to attract her attention in the most sophisticated ways that were still being talked about throughout the kingdom. In the end, Elsa didn¡¯t return his feelings. One day, she left without saying a word. Since then, there had been rumors that Timothy¡¯s heart was broken and that he had a thing for Juno, Elsa¡¯s younger sister


    Juno carefully descended from the tform and went to Timothy. Her body seemed to weigh a ton. She did her best to hide her deplorable state.


    {I¡¯ve promised grandpa I¡¯ll give up but¡­} ¨C She¡¯d hate to witness their copse. Unlike Elsa, she really cared for her family. She had done everything she could but still¡­


    {?I order you to give up.?} ¨C Suddenly, Kyon¡¯s calm voice sounded in her head.


    Juno gasped in surprise: what was he up to? Anyway, she felt that a heavy load was taken off her soul. Now that she had been given the order, there was nothing she could do. There was no point in ming herself for being powerless.


    As soon as the battle began, Juno raised her hand and gave up.


    Hundreds of patriarchs, who had made the deal with the fat guys, breathed a sigh of relief andughed heartily.


    Timothy stared down at her with barely concealed disappointment. ¨C ?Do I really have to act like a headless fool to make you fight with me??


    Juno snorted in response and left the arena in silence. He was right, though. If she had a reason to hate him¡­


    Timothy returned to the family tform with a thoughtful look on his face. Was she scared of him? She didn¡¯t seem to¡­ She was not the type to avoid strong opponents. It was the other way around, which she had recently proved. Most likely, old Bai had made her give up¡­ He must have made her swear she would. It seemed like the only reasonable exnation.


    The Browns¡¯ coat of arms appeared on the top screen of the arena along with the name of their representative¡­ The name ¡°Juno¡± was crossed off the list.


    The Stones sighed sadly. Juno¡¯s victory in defending had gained too few points, so their family was doomed to sink to the 30th something rank. Thest ray of hope for their better future was gone. The once great family slid into terminal decline with one final sh.


    ?One on one. Against the R¡­? ¨C Herman started summoning the next opponent when Timothy suddenly interrupted him.


    ?Wait.?


    ?What¡¯s wrong??


    ?Look there.? ¨C He nodded toward the screen. ¨C ?There¡¯s one more name on the Stone list, the notorious Kyon. Something tells me that Bai has decided to outwit everyone. The Romanovs were stupid enough to fall for it when they thought that Juno was thest participant. We will be smarter this time.?


    Herman smacked himself on the forehead. ¨C ?Gods¡­ Timothy, you are a genius! Ha ha ha! It¡¯s so like Bai, the cunning fox! I nearly fell for it too! If we hadn¡¯t figured it out, the Stones would wait for their turn, and then Kyon will¡­ Wait¡­ Something does not add up. If the rumors are true, the jerk could hardly defeat pathetic Tsayan. What the hell is he registered at this tournament??


    Kiyan, who was standing nearby, turned red with anger and shame for his useless younger brother.


    ?What does it matter?? ¨C Timothy looked indifferently at the 10th strongest Brown. ¨C ?Turn him to dust. Prove that the tales about brilliant Kyon are pure nonsense. Kill him.?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C The boy said bravely and, with a respectful bow, briskly jumped off the tform.


    ?One on one! Against the Stones! Arsen!? ¨C Herman announced loudly.


    The Stones looked perplexed. ¨C ?What¡¯s going on??


    ?They are openly mocking us.? ¨C Diana said glumly.


    Bai remained silent.


    ?Come on, brother! Come out! Show these bastards that you are not easily beaten! The Stones will love you again, and my money bag will be full of cash!? ¨C XiaoBai muttered under his breath, making some nervous gestures with his hands, which looked like appealing to Ga¡¯Ben, the ancient demon of greed.

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252


    The spectators exchanged guesses. ¨C ?Haven¡¯t the Stones lost yet?? ¡­ ?I know! If the Stones don¡¯t happen to have the tenth participant, it¡¯s not the Browns¡¯ problem. Anyway, let¡¯s wait until the judge has spoken.?


    The judge looked puzzled at the screen at the top of the arena. ording to the rules, the active participants were not allowed to stay outside the tform. It meant that Kyon was disqualified. ¨C ?I announce Arsen Brown the w¡­?


    Before the judge announced the winner, the wooden surface of the Stone tform burst open. Totally unexpectedly, thest remaining Stone participant was standing there. He gave all those present a cold gaze of his anthracite-ck eyes and stamped his foot on the surface of the arena, thereby announcing that the challenge had been epted.


    ?W§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§à§àw?!? ¨C Hundreds of thousands of spectators gasped. The 10th participant of the Stone family, hiding somewhere under the tform, came as aplete surprise!


    Bai, Diana, Boe, and the rest of the family were stunned. They couldn¡¯t understand what was going on.


    ?It¡¯s him! How did he manage to get to the tournament?!? ¨C Princess Kara eximed in amazement. She had recognized the tenth participant of the Stones. She knew this Kyon too well.


    Kara¡¯s reaction piqued Queen da¡¯s curiosity. She also noticed Kyon¡¯s cloudy stare at her daughter. He seemed to be in love with her, only this dopey look was rather a sign of his being enchanted.


    {?Is Kyon Stone the guy from Juno¡¯s party? Rumors have it that you could not defeat him being at the peak of the advanced phase. I also heard he was molesting you¡­ Did you have to use the enchanted eye to win??}


    ?Well¡­ I guess I did¡­ But I really had to!?


    {?You are a demon of anger, Kara. Small wonder that you couldn¡¯t let the weakling in the advanced phase humiliate you. He offended you, you hit the roof and had to use a little trick. I don¡¯t me you at all. But why didn¡¯t you have him executed? You¡¯d better have a good reason, or I will have to punish you.?}


    ?My little Juno was there to protect him¡­ He happened to be her friend! I will never hurt my dear little girl!?


    {?Kara Tristan, leaving him alive, you have put not only your life in danger but the whole race of demons! Friendship with Juno does not justify your recklessness and stupidity! It¡¯s not the first time that you have disappointed me¡­?}


    Mother¡¯s stern, imperious voice thundering in Kara¡¯s mind put great pressure on her. At first, Kara felt ashamed, but almost immediately this feeling was reced by a burning rage. She wasn¡¯t the one to me for anything! Everything was going ording to her n when this bastard appeared and, as always, ruined everything! What the hell was he doing here? The tournament of families was way out of his league! Grandpa Bai must have a screw loose to choose this wimp as a participant!


    ?Huh?? ¨C The princess startled, perplexed when she sensed his cultivation at the 7th stage in the 2nd phase. ¨C ?When did he be so powerful?!?


    {?What are you talking about??}


    Kara shrugged absent-mindedly, hiding her surprise behind a mask of indifference. ¨C {Damned genius. I see he¡¯s been doing his best to please me. His desire must be too strong. He managed to keep the rest of hisposure, registered for the tournament. He has even evolved a whole phase. What a miracle! Good job, but it¡¯s not enough. At least two Browns will eat you up alive! Sorry, noiret, but you have chosen a bad day to impress me.} ¨C Kara smiled to herself.


    da thought about what Kara had said. ¡°When did he be so powerful?¡± What does it even mean? ording to the rumors, Kyon was at the 7th stage in the base phase when Kara was fighting with him at Juno¡¯s party. But it must be a tant lie or some creative embellishment. No one 13 stages weaker could defeat Kara, the owner of the legendary body of the Phoenix (albeit unawakened yet). Even more so, it was impossible to evolve a whole phase in less than two months, especially in this rotten provincial kingdom with no resources. And yet, this boy had defeated her daughter! He had certainly piqued the queen¡¯s curiosity, which was rare for her. da decided to watch him closely.


    Patriarch Brown did not believe in Kyon¡¯s miraculous power either. The boy couldn¡¯t possiblypete with opponents more than a phase stronger than him. Hernan¡¯s thoughts were moving in precisely the same direction as Queen da¡¯s. Trusting his logic andmon sense, he confidently dered:


    ?The tournament of families is a sacred tradition. Its aim is to show the strength and potential of our younger generation, and therefore the future of our families!? ¨C Herman¡¯s voice thundered all over the arena. He wanted to humiliate his old rival, as well as cleanse the family name that Tsayan had stained. ¨C ?Hiding a weakling at the seventh stage of the advanced phase under the tform is a mark of disrespect for this significant event! This most despicable deed will breed nothing but contempt! As the head of the next 1st ranking family, I will hold myself responsible for putting you in your ce! The weakest participant of the Brown family will drag through the dirt your so-called incredible genius, who humiliated Tsayan the Wuss at the notorious party. Our fighter will prove to everyone that your tant lie has gone too far!?


    Patriarch Romanov did not miss the opportunity to throw in his two cents. ¨C ?Patriarch Bai, your pathetic attempts to maintain the high status are outrageous! You¡¯d better give up your post at once, kneel before our queen and apologize for your dishonest behavior! It¡¯s the only way to save the remains of your dignity if you have any!?


    ?That¡¯s right! Beg our great queen for forgiveness!? ¡­ ?What?! Kyon is only at the 7th stage of the advanced phase?! Then his victory over Tsayan doesn¡¯t mean a thing! Tsayan Brown must be a pathetic wimp! Haha, they have made such a big deal out of nothing! I¡¯ve been suspecting it all this time. It did sound ridiculous¡­? ¡­ ?What a bunch of clowns these Stones are! Their dirty trick is a spit in the face of the whole kingdom! Shame!? ¡­ ?Shame! Shame!? ¡­ ?Boo! Kick this loser out! Boo! There is no ce for weaklings in this tournament!? ¡­ ?Ha ha ha! Just look at him! He¡¯s so afraid that he can¡¯t say a word! Ha ha ha! Is he the Kyon the whole kingdom was talking about?! Ha ha ha! It¡¯s hrious!? ¨C The shouts of a thousand voices rose over the arena. The loudest of all were the noble families who wished to butter up the future leaders of the kingdom.


    Hiding his face under the hood, Tsayan was shaking with anger in one of the faraway seats. This bastard has ruined his whole life! His father was in prison, he was taken for a wimp, even his elder brother wanted to beat him to death! Blood sprayed from Tsayan¡¯s nose when he suddenly lost a stage of cultivation. He nearly lost his mind.


    Patriarch Bai gave his grandson an empty, expressionless look. He had ignored mass usations and nder. The old man was seething with anger, disappointment, and a desire to avenge Dinah, Yegorka, Kirsan, and his beloved granddaughter, who this insidious devil was holding his hostage! Nothing else mattered. His fate was sealed a long time ago.


    Kyon took a fighting stance and looked at tens of thousands of spectatorsughing at him. There was nothing surprising in that. By the standards of the top ten families of Boston, his cultivation of the seventh stage in the advanced phase did not deserve their attention. No one believed that he could fight opponents a phase stronger than him. Bai¡¯s efforts had been in vain.


    Five meters away opposite Kyon, a young Brown with disheveled brown hair was getting ready for the battle. Arsen, the 10th strongest in the family, was nicknamed ¡°instant death¡± because of his quick and deadly sword techniques. He was 8 stages stronger than Kyon (4th stage in the superior phase). The difference was the same as between Juno and Charlie. Even the weakest Browns was close in strength to Stephanie and Lee, the Stone leaders.


    ?Are you the Kyon? Bai¡¯s brilliant grandson? Didn¡¯t we meet in the library? Do you remember me?? ¨C Arsen said in a mocking tone, loud enough for the people in the stands to hear. ¨C ?I see. You¡¯re too afraid to speak. You should be. Anyway, cowards usually live longer. You know, I don¡¯t want this to be a boring thrashing. How about a deal? I will take it easy on you. I won¡¯t kill you with a single blow if you try andst for at least a minute. Show everyone what the vaunted genius Stone is capable of! What will you say?? ¨C Arsen gave Kyon a wry smile.


    Kyon said nothing.


    ?I see. Too bad. You¡¯ve been hiding all day to give up like a cowardly dog. You deserve to be with your louse family, Stone! Well, I am rather upset.? ¨C Arsen sighed heavily, just to show how much he was disappointed. He was skillfully pushing Kyon¡¯s buttons, trying to provoke him.


    The Brownsughed out loud, enjoying to see thest of the Stones humiliated. Herman nodded approvingly. Well done! He was going to reward the brave boy for this show. If Arsen happened to seed and finish off Bai¡¯s grandson, Hernan might personally take care of the sly provocateur!


    The other spectators burst outughing.


    The judge announced the start of the battle.


    When Arsen didn¡¯t hear the expected and hasty ¡°I give up,¡± he grunted thoughtfully and then shed a predatory smile. ¨C ?The wise decision!? ¨C He rushed toward Kyon, excited to hunt the easy prey down. The patriarch and Timothy would finally appreciate him when he killed the moron! The victory would help him to rise, and one day he might be at the top of his family!


    ?Rapid willow leaf!? ¨C Arsen drew a razor-sharp sword from the scabbard and aimed in the neck. His technique was so skillful and swift that no one doubted that Kyon would be killed in the first instant of the battle. That would be funny! A wonderful end for the wretched Stone family!


    ~crack~


    An unpleasant crunch of broken neck vertebrae wiped the smiles off the Browns¡¯ faces and interrupted the excited whispering in the stands.


    Arsen finished his spectacr attack with his head turned 180 degrees. Everything happened so quickly that a triumphant smile was still on his handsome, arrogant face. The battle did end in an instant. Kyon had suddenly disappeared from the trajectory of the blow. When he reappeared behind Arsen¡¯s back, he casually wrung his neck with a painfully bored expression on his face as if it was something he did every day.


    Juno groaned with envy and humiliation. The opponent 8 stages stronger had almost cost her her life, while this freak had killed his adversary with the same difference in cultivation in a second! It was so unfair!


    ?Dirty bastard!? ¨C Herman roared furiously, breaking the silence. ¨C ?You¡¯ve killed our most good-natured participant, taking advantage of his offer to go easy on you! He gave you a chance to prove yourself, and returned his gesture of goodwill with a treacherous murder! Miserable scum, I will see your head on the chopping block, yours and all the Stones¡¯ heads as well!?


    His tirade was so ardent and convincing that it touched the hearts of the most indifferent onlookers in the stands.


    ?Boo! Low life scum! Drop dead!? ¡­ ?Shame on the Stones! You should have never shown up from your hiding ce!? ¡­ ?A spawn of the Stones! Die in agony! Damned freak!? ¨C The number of indignant spectators increased exponentially. Kyon¡¯s ¡°heinous act¡± left even the most silent and reserved people fuming with anger. The patriarchs who had made the deal screamed the loudest.


    Herman breathed a sigh of relief. Stupid and gullible crowd saved him from deep humiliation. If Arsen had lost in the ¡°fair battle, his promise to ¡°show everyone the Stones¡¯ true nature¡± would turn against himself. Things worked out for the best, though. Anyway, Kyon turned out to be the opposite ofpletely inept. The Browns must take it into consideration and send someone more powerful next time.


    Kyon grimaced with annoyance. What a brainless herd¡­


    ?Look at him, he¡¯s justughing at us!? ¨C A fat matriarch screamed hysterically. She had offered the highest leverage ratio in the deal.


    ?There¡¯s nothing funny, jerk! Drop dead already, rotten scum!? ¡­ ?Be just, Your Majesty, order to execute him!? ¡­ ?Monsters like him have no ce in our society!? ¡­ ?I agree! Put his head on the chopping block!? ¨C There were more and morements like this. Most spectators couldn¡¯t even see Kyon¡¯s face from their seats, they just blindly believed what the others cried out.


    Patriarch Herman cleared his throat and respectfully addressed the queen. ¨C ?Your Majesty, on behalf of all the citizens, I ask you to yield to the wishes of your people. Give your order to execute the bastard, and you will make the world a better ce!?


    da gave the patriarch an authoritative, unblinking look that made him startle. Herman quickly dropped to his knees.


    All the audience held their breath, waiting for the monarch¡¯s decision.


    Kara bit her full lip as if in deep thought. Mother was unlikely to miss the opportunity to get rid of the boy who knew about their rtionship with the demons. She was still unaware of Kara¡¯s ns to coax his master¡¯s heritage out of Kyon! The princess couldn¡¯t care less about the talented ve who was in love with her, but she didn¡¯t want to lose him because of the stupid people. Besides, she really liked the quick, thrilling, unceremonious murder of insolent Arsen, even if she didn¡¯t want to admit it.


    ?Mom, please don¡¯t listen to these idiots¡­ I have big ns for him. I am going to tell you all about it a bitter on.? ¨C The princess whispered, barely audible.


    da considered her words with a slight nod, and then she waved her hand with a majestic look. ¨C ?I¡¯ve heard your speech. Now let¡¯s hear what the boy has to say in his defense.?

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253


    Hundreds of thousands of people looked at Kyon usingly.


    Kyon yawned widely, stretched out, and then said in a confident, loud voice:


    ?As far as I can recall, I did not ept any favors. If the idiot was out of his mind, it¡¯s his problem. I mean, it was his problem. We are fighting here for the future of our families. We¡¯re risking our lives, not ying giveaway!?


    ?It doesn¡¯t change the fact that you have brutally killed the participant who took pity on you! You will pay for what you¡¯ve done, rotten bastard!? ¨C Herman barked.


    Kyon might as well ignore these stupid usations, but he had another n in mind. He wanted to impress the two prim and proper demons, upying the royal box. It was imperative to raise his importance and value in their eyes. Kyon couldn¡¯t miss a chance like this. He couldn¡¯t care less about what other people thought.


    Kyonughed loudly, turning toward the Browns¡¯ tform. ¨C ?Patriarch Brown should buy sses if he didn¡¯t see Arsen¡¯s intention to behead me. He wasn¡¯t going easy on me, and I returned the favor. Do you take yourselves for higher beings who can never do wrong? Or does the patriarch believe that killing in the tournament isn¡¯t allowed? You should have read the rules before the tournament started!?


    An overweight guyughed loudly somewhere in the bleachers. The Stone zone couldn¡¯t helpughing either.


    Patriarch Herman banged his fist against the railing. ¨C ?Wasn¡¯t going easy on you?! How could he possibly not be going easy if he died in an instant?! No one in their right mind would believe in the instant victory of some greenhorn who was eight stages weaker! Even brilliantdy Juno, legendary Elsa¡¯s sister, had some trouble with a simr opponent! How dare you fool all of Boston, including Her Majesty?! You will have to pay for disrespect with your pathetic life!?


    Thousands of spectators nodded in agreement and began to cheer out of habit. However, this time not all of those present supported them.


    There was a gap in his arguments for a reason, and he got Herman hooked. He walked right into the trap. ¨C ?Are you using me of lying to Her Majesty and all of Boston? It means that my honor and even my life are at stake. But what if you¡¯re mistaken or brazenly lying? Will you apologize? It won¡¯t do! It will be only fair if you offer something of equal value! You will kneel before patriarch Bai and apologize for your arrogant attempt to tarnish his adoptive grandson¡¯s name! And you will apologize to Her Majesty and Princess Kara for wasting their precious time on a deceitful scumbag like you!?


    ?HOW DARE YOU! LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT!? ¨C Herman wailed, turning crimson with anger.


    ?Well, sorry is just a word. I want something really equal in value!? ¨C Kyon went on with a straight face. ¨C ?You will also give up your post of the patriarch!?


    The Browns, including Herman, had never seen such insolence. They nearly choked with anger, stuck in the midst of absurdity. How dared hepare his worthless life with the post of a patriarch in the great family?!


    ?WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO¡­?


    Princess Kara tugged her mother by the hem of her skirt. Just look at this little weasel! It was going to be a thrilling show to honor her! She couldn¡¯t wait to watch the old fart (who encroached on the life of her property) humiliate himself, give up the status of the patriarch, or even die of shame! Gods, her ve was such a darling: he knew how to please his princess!


    Queen da knew that her daughter wanted to ¡°have some fun¡± (she wouldn¡¯t mind, either). She waved her hand, releasing a dense, powerful aura that made all those present in the arena breathless. ¨C ?Enough!?


    Herman shut up in mid-sentence. Everyone was silent, waiting for the queen to speak.


    ?I¡¯ve made my decision. If Kyon Stone, patriarch Bai¡¯s grandson, turns out to be a liar, he will be executed for his disrespect to the royal family and all the citizens of the kingdom! However, if the usations happen to be false, Patriarch Brown will pay the price equal to the life of the first ranking family patriarch¡¯s grandson. As the young man said, he will apologize and give up his post of the patriarch.?


    da didn¡¯t give a damn about Herman¡¯s authority in the kingdom, his influence, and future ¡°domination¡± over other non-royal families. Compared to her, he was a dog in front of a tiger. So she decided to spice up this boring tournament with something exciting and offer exciting entertainment for her daughter and herself.


    ?But¡­? ¨C Hernan instantly turned and swallowed all his objections under da¡¯s steel gaze. All the Browns heard the queen¡¯s words. Her wish was theirmand, which meant they could lose the patriarch and be humiliated in front of all Boston.


    The oppressive aura had disappeared.


    A sigh of relief spread across the stands, and everyone began to discuss what had just happened. No one was any longer sure that Herman¡¯s usations were true. Anyway, the queen¡¯s decision was only fair. The thrill of the final battles in the tournament was growing.


    In fact, even if the queen had ordered Kyon to fight naked, the crowd would have also considered her decision to be absolutely reasonable and justified¡­


    ?Patriarch, let me turn him to dust!? ¨C Kiyan Brown, second-best in his family, implored Herman, wishing to avenge his father and all the humiliation the Browns had to endure.


    The patriarch would dly agree, but he could feel the queen give him a warning stare, leaving him drenched in a horrible cold sweat. If he released a bloodthirsty tiger against a field mouse, his reputation and prestige of his family would be ruined forever.


    ?No, I can¡¯t send you. Cait, it¡¯s your turn! Don¡¯t let us down! Be as hard as nails! The sooner you will kill him, the better!?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C A beautiful fair-haired girl bowed to him.


    ?One on one! Against the Stones! Cait!? ¨C Herman thundered throughout the arena, announcing the third and thest summoning 1on1.


    A seductive young girl with appealing curves jumped from the tform, her long golden hair flowing like sun rays. Kyon rated her sophisticated facial features as 6.5 out of 10, which, all in all, was a great result¡­ Cheers, whistles, and apuse from young and not so young spectators only confirmed his assessment.


    Cait, nicknamed Hot Sun, was the most popr girl in the Brown family. She was a little spoiled by general attention and adoration. However, her beauty wasn¡¯t the only reason she was so popr. Her cultivation and talent had yed a major role in her sess. Cait was the fifth in the young Brown generation, and she was two stages stronger than Lee Stone, number one in his family (3.9).


    She stood in front of Kyon, charmingly tossing her mane of golden hair behind her shoulder. ¨C ?You are so young and undeveloped but have already gained fame that many will envy. What is so special about you other than arrogance and a long tongue??


    Thousands of guys all over the arena put their listening ears, swallowing their jealousy.


    ?The expression on your face when you¡¯re talking about my long tongue is a bit confusing. Let¡¯s put romance aside and focus on the uing battle??


    ?Shut up, jerk!? ¨C Cait snapped, her cheeks flushed a pinker hue. His words made her uneasy in front of a huge crowd of people, something which had never happened to her before. ¨C ?You have signed your own death warrant. You will know why they call me Hot Sun.?


    ?Come on, Cait! I love you!? ¡­ ?Burn the bastard to the ground! Turn him to ashes!? ¡­ ?You¡¯re the best! Carbonize him! Scatter his ashes on the solstice from the highest mountain in the world!? ¨C The spectators yelled to support their idol.


    Kyon had an aha moment. ¨C ?I know! They call you so because you are as beautiful and inessible as the sun.?


    ?It¡¯s only half of it¡­ The truth is that no one can touch me without my permission or they will burn to the ground!? ¨C Cait spread her arms and burst into mes like a miniature sun. Fire-resistant clothes saved her fans from possible over-excitement. Her scorching aura burned the skin¡­


    Juno watched the zing pompous trollop with undisguised hostility. She was so annoying! Her arrogance knew no bounds! Juno would dly knock her down a notch or two¡­


    Kyon grinned carelessly. ¨C ?You know what? You are an empty shell hiding behind a mask of arrogance, an ordinary fool, naively convinced of being irresistible.?


    ?How dare you talk tody Cait like this, jerk?!? ¡­ ?Who do you think you are, underdeveloped skunk?!? ¡­ ?Incinerate him now,dy Cait!? ¡­ ?Give him the sun cremation!? ¨C The most ardent fans screamed hysterically, defending their insulted idol.


    Cait snorted coldly. ¨C ?How can you back up your words? With your death??


    ?Wait and see.?


    Cait rolled her eyes and nodded to the judge.


    The judge gave a signal to start the fight. Since Kyon was thest participant, he could be summoned in defense any number of times in a row. The ban on resummoning no longer worked.


    Kyon slowly headed toward Cait with a bored expression on his face.


    She immediately raised her hands, releasing a column of deep orange me.


    When the heat + the wind elements reached Kyon, they copsed in a deafening explosion letting off a scorching cloud that could instantly turn flesh to ashes, leaving a heap of charred bones.


    {That¡¯s it?! What a weakling! He even didn¡¯t have time to react!} ¨C A strange disappointment stabbed through Cait unexpectedly and inappropriately. ¨C {All talk and no action? Just another big talker¡­} ¨C She lowered her hands, shutting down the technique, and froze in surprise, not believing her eyes.


    Kyon¡¯s silhouette loomed in the center of the fiery cloud, slowly but steadily approaching her,pletely unscathed. He didn¡¯t seem to mind the raging me around him.


    ?How is it possible?!? ¨C Cait cried out.


    Hundreds of thousands of spectators gasped at the scene that defiedmon sense. Only the Stones, who had witnessed his battle with Yegorka didn¡¯t look surprised, even if they had no exnation for this phenomenon.


    ?Huh?!? ¨C Kara raised her delicate, graceful eyebrows, looking totally perplexed. When she fought with him, Kyon used the damned fire-resistant green skin and the cold elements, but she couldn¡¯t see either at the moment! Even if he were using the cold, it would be of no help against the direct collision with the extreme heat, especially given that his opponent was 12 stages stronger than him!


    {I¡­ I don¡¯t understand¡­ How can he ignore the mes? What a cheeky trick! Has he always had this incredible skill?! Then why did he block my me as if here were scared?! Or¡­ What if¡­ Was it just a game?!} ¨C The princess thought she knew her ve too well and made the same mistake twice: she had underestimated him again! She felt angry, frustrated, and yet she couldn¡¯t help admiring her ve!


    The sect envoys, Fernand and da closely watched the battle.


    {My element of heat does him no harm?!} ¨C Cait refused to admit it. She used then the fire vortex technique, enveloping Kyon with a five-meter hurricane of me, much more powerful than the usualbination of heat + wind.


    It was a failure again. Kyon kept casually approaching her with the same deadpan expression on his face. He looked bored and indifferent as if she was just an annoying child he had to deal with.


    ?Don¡¯t underestimate me!? ¨C Cait screamed angrily andunched a fiery fist in his head.


    Before she knew it, her target blurred, and something whistled through the air to her left¡­


    ~smack~


    The p found its target.


    Kyon spotted her literally scorching hot bottom next to himself and gave her a nice kick, sending everyone¡¯s darling flying. In other words, he returned the sun to heaven¡­


    The humiliating scene and the loud smacking sound were like a balm to Juno¡¯s soul. A happy smile yed across her pink lips. All her pain was instantly gone.


    Cait¡¯s fans jumped from their seats, howling like wounded animals, grabbing their heads.


    Herman and many others could not believe what had just happened. Only a few people had cultivation strong enough to understand what was going on.


    Cait nearly died of embarrassment. She had been kicked in front of hundreds of thousands of people! How could he be so fast for his level of cultivation? How did he manage not to get burned? Her unique body of the bright sun gave serious burns even to equal opponents within a meter radius. And he only got his shoes burned!


    The truth is that carbon skin is not only ultra-strong, it also has a low thermal diffusivity,parable to that of adamantium. Kyon¡¯s skin didn¡¯t warm up / cool down when it came into contact with matter, and even if it did, then the cold / heat element helped him keep the temperature bnced. Inbination with the vacuum barrier, his protection had be even more effective.


    ?You¡¯ve signed your own death warrant, boy!? ¨C Cait hissed viciously. She was still wreathed in me when she drew a long zing sword.


    Thousands of experts gasped. Cait used the Burning Beam only when she was determined to give it her absolute everything! He managed to psych her out in a heartbeat! Was it justified, or was it another cheeky provocation?


    Kyon pulled out the perfectly ck Scourge from the ring and beckoned Cait with a quick bend of two fingers. The twelve stages of the difference in power did not bother him.


    ?Do you think you¡¯re really cool? What are you trying to prove? Let¡¯s see how you like it!? ¨C She ran her fingers along the de, covering it with her blood. The me around the sword got colored with a blood-red hue, swirling into a dense whirlwind that snaked around the weapon. Within a five-meter radius, the air was shimmering, distorted by extremely high temperatures. Under these conditions, the flesh would turn into ashes, ice or water into steam, and stone into magma. This ultimate technique could only be used once a day.


    Cait rushed forward and stabbed Kyon in the chest.


    ?Sr re!? ¨C Her sword turned into a dazzling scarlet ray, so swift and dangerous that it could kill even those in the noble phase.


    Kyon ignored the heat. He sent some dust in Cait¡¯s eyes and hit with the 100-kilogram sword at the most vulnerable spot near her wrist, knocking the weapon out of her hands.


    Before she knew it, there was the pointed tip of the sword near her neck, and the icy voice, devoid of any emotions said:


    ?Give up, or you¡¯ll die.?

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254


    Kyon could have killed her during his previous attack, but he didn¡¯t. He had several reasons for leaving her alive. Firstly, it was the patriarch¡¯s decision to send her against him. Secondly, it were his taunts that ad psyched her out. Well, and above all, she was pretty¡­


    ?I¡­ I give up¡­? ¨C Cait said in a trembling humble voice and knelt down, tears glittering in her eyes. First, he defeated her on the psychological level, then she lost control over her emotions and her sword. As a result, she was humiliated and crushed.


    The judge announced the winner.


    Kyon removed his sword, and the me around Cait went out. Holding back her tears, she and covered her red face and broke into a run away from the arena, somewhere up the aisle (to watch her weird noble opponent), not wanting to see or hear anyone. Kyon Stone was telling the truth. There was nothing unique or special about her. She was an ordinary fool with an attitude. It was a day that Cait would remember for the rest of her life.


    ?She has lost?..? ¨C The Browns and Cait¡¯s fans whispered incredulously.


    The rest of the audience did not know what to say. Kyon¡¯s victory seemed to be another lucky coincidence. He moved slowly and awkwardly, his fire immunity must be some cheating trick, and throwing dust in Cait¡¯s eyes was despicable! Even the way he made Cait lose her sword looked somewhat wrong and unrealistic!


    There was loud apuse and cheers in the Stone zone. Some other spectators caught the mood of the perked-up family and broke into uncertain apuse.


    ?Father, Kyon has spared the girl even if he could have killed her! Why did you say that he was pure evil? What if we are wrong about him? We should have let him exin his point of view before using him and sentencing to death¡­? ¨C Diana said anxiously.


    ?You don¡¯t know anything about him¡­ He is the one who pays back evil for good. He has been taking advantage of our family, holding your daughter hostage! You can¡¯t trust him, daughter. He is a lying, deceiving scumbag¡­? ¨C Bai said wearily, sinking heavily into the seat. He didn¡¯t want to add to her anxiety, that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t tell Diana that Kyon had emptied the treasury and was ckmailing the family for 10 million spheres.


    ?But he is defending our family in this tournament! He is risking his life! Doesn¡¯t he deserve your forgiveness?! My son¡­?


    ?Stop calling him your son, Diana! He is the devil incarnate! Trust your father at least once. Can¡¯t you see that he is not helping our family? He is just an arrogant prick who likes to show off! Mark my words, he will give up as soon as his life is in danger, after which he wille here with a guilty expression on his face and say: ¡°I did everything I could¡±¡­?


    ?Father¡­? ¨C Diana snapped, crossly turned to Kyon, standing beneath the tform, bravely protecting their family. Was she the only one who saw his bright side? Bai used to be skeptical and hostile towards Yurich, but in the end, their family rose, their children happened to be so healthy and talented that her heart burst with pride! With all her heart, Diana wanted to believe in her adopted son. She had pinned her hope for their bright future on him. Like Yurich, Kyon appeared out of nowhere, making the whole world run with his outstanding skills¡­ Did Diana cling to blind faith, an attempt to fill the void after her husband left? Even if she did, she couldn¡¯t care less.


    da took her eyes of the boy who had exceeded all her expectations and looked reproachfully at her daughter. ¨C {?Did you nearly lose to him despite the fact that he was thirteen stages weaker than you??}


    ?I did¡­? ¨C Kara nodded reluctantly.


    {?So, you¡¯ve seen his unimaginable talent, fire defence, impressive speed, and dexterity, and you did not take him with you? Daughter, what were you thinking?!?} ¨C Her voice in Kara¡¯s head sounded as if she was reprimanding a brainless naughty child.


    Kara immediately tensed up and whispered back with exasperation. ??? ?I didn¡¯t want to hurt Juno¡¯s feelings! He was her friend, and I didn¡¯t want to take him away from her. Anyway, the uncouth boy was supposed to disappoint her with his obsession with me, and when it happened, he was to find me with his master¡¯s heritage¡­ I gave him an important task, and he ruined everything, wishing to impress me. Damned bastard¡­?


    {?Say no more.?} ¨C da ordered, lost in her thoughts. For certain reasons, it wasn¡¯t surprising that Kara was drawn to Juno and Elsa. But what master was she talking about? He must be someone special, given the strength of the boy, his alleged student. She would have to take Kyon to the pce and find everything out.


    Kyon turned his cold, contemptuous gaze to Herman. ¨C ?Highly disrespected Patriarch Browns, it¡¯s time to keep your promise¡­?


    The frog-faced patriarch pretended he didn¡¯t hear anything and announced loudly:


    ?Two on two! Against the Stones! Kiyan, you are going alone!?


    A wave of exmations swept through the audience, from angry to gloating.


    The patriarch had used a precious summon 2on2, sending only one participant! It was a small wonder, though. If he sent two ¡°titans¡± against someone he considered a weakling, his family¡¯s reputation would bepletely ruined¡­


    Herman bowed to the queen, pressing his hand on his chest, over his heart. ¨C ?Your Majesty, like many people present here, I am still not sure in Kyon Stone¡¯s strength¡­ His victory was again ridiculously simple, and his heat resistance is pure cheating! Therefore, he must once again confirm his allegedly great strength and skills in a battle with a worthy opponent¡­ One on one.?


    da thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. At least he didn¡¯t have to deal with two monsters at once, but it didn¡¯t get much better. ording to Kyon¡¯s intel, Kiyan was 15 stages stronger, just like Yegorka back in the day. He managed to defeat that moron only with the help of the gun, but what to do with this thud? Most likely, even a shot in the eye would do him little harm. Kiyan was as tough as Kirsan¡­ The practitioners in the noble phase were unbelievably strong. And there was an even more powerful opponent, Brown number one!


    Timothy looked indifferently at the pretentious opponent. He couldn¡¯t quite understand how he could be so strong with his cultivation. What was the secret? Anyway, nothing was going to help him defeat Kiyan, let alone Timothy himself.


    A healthy young stud jumped off the tform. He released a frosty aura of the second stage in the noble phase that surpassed even the one previously demonstrated by Charlie. A cold bender! Many in the audience guessed.


    She shivered, hugging herself to keep warm. She was anxious. Kiyan was obviously stronger than Charlie. If he were her opponent, she would lose in half a minute, if not faster. Kyon didn¡¯t seem to stand a chance¡­ However, Juno wanted to believe in his victory. ¨C {For the family¡¯s sake, of course.}


    The situation seemed deplorable to Lovr, especially when his fortune earned in Boston, as well as his ns for Kara, da, and imperial power were all at stake. It was all or nothing! Victory or¡­ Victory!


    Kyon focused on the uing battle duel and nodded to the judge.


    The judge signaled them tomence.


    Diana bit her lips anxiously. ¨C ?Father, you see, Kyon is in serious danger, but he won¡¯t give up! Kiyan can kill him with one blow, but Kyon is willing to fight for our family!?


    Bai shook his head incredulously. ¨C ?Don¡¯t jump to conclusions. It¡¯s really surprising that Kyon has be so strong in such a short time, but now the difference between him and Kiyan is the same as it was between him and Yegorka int the qualifiers, which doesn¡¯t mean instant death for Kyon. He will give up as soon as he smells trouble¡­?


    Kiyan headed toward the opponent, who he already considered a dead man. It was time to return the family honor and dignity stained by wretched Tsayan! Herman ordered him to kill the adversary as quickly as possible to make him look a boastful weakling, which, in its turn, would free the patriarch from his part of the deal. However, Brown could not miss a good opportunity to taunt the culprit of all his trouble, and at the same time, kick Herman, the bastard, out of his position of the patriarch for sending his father unjustly to prison. Thus, Kiyan was counting on dragging the battle to give Kyon plenty of a hard time before killing him!


    When Kiyan approached Kyon close enough, he instantly developed a high speed, although far from the maximum, and tried to hit him in the head.


    ~whoosh~


    Kiyan¡¯s attack did not find its target, instead, a jet-ck sword was rapidly approaching him in response. It seemed rather slow, though, and the energy inside was insignificant.


    Kiyan snorted arrogantly. He wasn¡¯t going to dodge this one, wishing to prove to the opponent and all the spectators that there was nothing Kyon could do to harm him.


    ~bam~


    As the Scourge hit him, Kiyan the Mighty tilted like a sinking ship, almost falling over. He did not expect the sword to weigh a hundred kilos!


    Suddenly, Kiyan¡¯s face contorted in a grimace of pain. He moaned, reflexively clutching the cut. Thick, yellow pus oozed from the wound. The darkness made the little scratch rot in no time, causing Kiyan unbearable suffering! He managed to stop the torment with a fair amount of pure energy.


    If Kyon¡¯s darkness hadn¡¯t changed and be denser (when his unique reached the next stage), rotting would be much weaker and less painful.


    No one, whose cultivation hadn¡¯t reached the lord phase, noticed the darkness element because Kyon¡¯s bracelet concealed the ¡°sound¡± of the element vibrations, which didn¡¯t apply to da, Fernand, and the sect envoys. They suddenly realized that Kyon Stone was a heavenly genius! Their greedy predatory eyes sparkled when they looked at him. Lanatelle, the bloody ruler, was the only person in the entire empire of Rosarrio to be registered as a heavenly genius! It was believed that heavenly geniuses stole good luck from heaven. They were supposed to change the fate of the whole world! And there he was, a living legend! Even Nargise wanted to get the gifted guy into her sect, disregarding that he was a hairy bumpkin!


    da was annoyed that her daughter turned out to beplete fool. How could she let him go?! However, the answer was obvious. Rumors had it that Kyon bended only four elements. Apparently, he was hiding his real talent.


    ?You¡¯ll pay for this with your life!? ¨C Kiyan said fiercely.


    ?For your stupidity??


    Without saying a word, Kiyan rushed at him, furiously waving his big bearish arms. He was no longer restraining himself.


    {He is too fast!} ¨C Kyon realized, struggling to fend off the endless stream of punches, each of which could break his bones and tear out his insides. There wasn¡¯t a single breach for a counterattack. Moreover, the collision with Kiyan¡¯s huge fist would result in losing his sword or even injury¡­


    The whole battle looked like a one-sided beating. Even if Kiyan hadn¡¯t hit him once, there was nothing Kyon could do to harm his opponent. Lovr concentrated on defense, using all his 13 battle fists that helped him evade the attacks, on condition that nothing prevented him from moving.

 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255


    At that point, it became clear to everyone that Kyon Stone was no wimp, and his victory over Arsen and Cait was well-deserved. It wasn¡¯t about dirty tricks or pure luck. Now the spectators understood why Kyon had been ignoring Arsen¡¯s taunts: he didn¡¯t give a damn about the real weakling. Also, they knew now why he was so self-confident with Cait: she would have never hit him! Herman was wrong! The Browns had ndered the Stones for no reason!


    With every second of the battle, patriarch Brown was getting paler. Even if Kyon died, he wouldn¡¯t get away with it! He needed to get ready for the humiliating apology and leaving the post of patriarch¡­ Anyway, it was no biggie. He would appoint Timothy as the new patriarch. He¡¯d been nning this for years.


    Cait watched the battle with an empty look in her eyes. As for Kara, she had a gut feeling that Kyon didn¡¯t move so deftly a short time ago. She did not understand the difference between 11 (at the party) and 13 battle fists, but her intuition never failed her. Had he really improved his skills in a couple of months? She was growing strangely fond of Kyon.


    Those who knew at least something about martial arts were experiencing cognitive dissonance, watching Kyon¡¯s iprehensible style of moves and techniques. Their attempts topare his actions with any fighting style or predict his next step gave them a headache.


    Meanwhile, Nargise and Seva received a call from the deputy head and got the ¡°approval.¡± Both envoys trembled nervously, getting the jitters, their backs drenched in a cold sweat. In the most fierce battles, when their lives hung by a thread, they didn¡¯t experience the thrill they were having now.


    The thing is, the sect envoys had fulfilled the instructions of the highest priority: they had found a heavenly genius, who was as rare as a phoenix feather. Now the greatest sect leaders were going to test Kyon¡¯s talent through a special miniature portal. Both sect envoys were eager to find a worthy sessor to their responsible positions.


    Earlier, Nargise hesitated if she should send a request, given that the heavenly genius was a guy. It was the Virgo sect, after all¡­ There was no ce for hairy men. However, the instructions did not specify the sex of a heavenly genius. Taking into ount the fact that Kyon could fight opponents a phase stronger than him, she decided not to take any risk and sent a request¡­


    In the end, both envoys had to activate the portal exactly a minute after they received the approval. The green triangle, about five-centimeter across, could create a hole in space for an hour and receive a certain amount of energy, e.g., an aura, natural vibrations, images, sounds¡­ The price of the device was outrageous. Only ultra-wealthy people could afford it.


    When the time was up, Nargise and Seva simultaneously activated the portals and pointed them to Kyon, who is fighting with Kiyan in his iprehensible style.


    Many dozens of thousands of miles from Boston, a woman of incredible beauty that could destroy kingdoms saw the arena through the gap in space. She crossed her delicate legs, squared her delicate shoulders and made herselffortable on the soft seat. Her name was Lana, the great leader of the Dance sect (1), the one who single-handedly turned the oue of the grand battle with the demons during the world war. Her authority among people and demons was even higher than of certain emperors, sometimes in a bad sense.


    Many dozens of thousands of miles from her, another woman, opened her beautiful eyes to watch the battle. She was the greatest leader of the Virgo cult (2), named Gina. She had an enormous impact on the whole world. She was a powerful force in the empire, the leader of the sect that wasmitted to her to death, but what¡¯s more, she was a woman of surpassing grace and beauty. Gina was considered a symbol of purity and virtue, the embodiment of female beauty and chastity. She could drive kings crazy and win emperors¡¯ hearts, but she despised men, especially fat and hairy ones. Gina¡¯s sworn enemy Lana, the leader of the Dance sect, was no rival of her beauty.


    Thus, two persons added to the spectators of the tournament, whose power and authority could turn the whole event into dust. If someone in the audience found out who might be watching them, they would go crazy with worry.


    ?Pff¡­? ¨C Kiyan snorted coldly, not wanting to humiliate himself in front of the audience. ¨C ?You¡¯re a quick little bastard. Let¡¯s see how quick you will be now!? ¨C He tapped his hands on the surface of the arena, releasing a stream of water. In a few seconds, a shallow puddle flooded the entire battlefield. Another secondter, it instantly froze. Now the whole arena turned into a smooth, shiny skating rink.


    The Browns and other haters grinned maliciously.


    Kiyan smiled triumphantly and stepped forward. ¨C ?Let¡¯s get started!?


    ?Wait a moment!? ¨C Kyon eximed, raising his hand. His stunned opponent was taken aback by such impudence and stopped. Kyon took off his shoes and put on ice cleats with metal spikes.


    His unceremonious changing shoes in the middle of the battle shocked everyone, especially Kiyan. Kyon¡¯s infinite impudence made him forget that he could actually attack while the opponent was defenseless¡­


    ?I¡¯m ready. Shall we resume?? ¨C Kyon asked carelessly, scratching the ice with the toe of his cleat.


    At this moment, Kiyan¡¯s expression waspletely indescribable. It was as if Kyon had spat right in his face, turning him into aughing stock. How could he¡­ How did the bastard dare to pull it off right under his nose?


    Loudughter thundered from the Stone zone. All the tension umted from the beginning of the tournament had now transformed into hope pinned on the patriarch¡¯s grandson. All the Stones were counting on him, including Bai, Diana, Juno, as well as XiaoBai.


    The fat guyughed the loudest, letting out a happy piggy squeal that gave people in his vicinity severe nausea and migraine.


    ?DON¡¯T TAKE ME FOR A FOOL!? ¨C Kiyan roared, crimson with anger.


    ?Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t take you anywhere¡­?


    Kiyan fiercely rushed forward with nothing better than swinging his huge arms like a bear trying to smack down a swift hare.


    It soon turned out that the ice surface didn¡¯t affect Kyon in any way (thanks to the spikes on his cleats). His movements were as always deft and quick. However, Kiyan had be much more clumsy and received got two deep cuts in his upper torso¡­


    ?Grrrr! DIRTY BASTARD!? ¨C Kiyan groaned.


    His scratches quickly turned into purulent wounds, causing unbearable pain as if there was a poisonous scolopendra under his skin. Unable to tolerate the pain anymore, Kiyan swept his hand in a wide arch, releasing a stream of water that no one could dodge unless they could fly. ¨C ?Ice geyser!?


    ~ssh~


    Kyon was totally drenched head to toe. However, Kiyan didn¡¯t intend to push him away or knock him down. The water was infused with the cold element that turned it into an analogue of liquid nitrogen!


    Kiyan¡¯s unique body of Ice Essence kept water in liquid form even with the cold element inside (no one else could boast of this feature), turning it into a frightening weapon. Liquids conduct temperature (and energy) much better than solids or gases.


    In an instant, Kyon seemed to have frozen to death: his clothes were covered in frost, his hair turned white, and his lips turned blue, even his eyes didn¡¯t move.


    The Stones were horrified by what they saw. XiaoBai clutched at his chest. The Queen, Fernand and the sect envoys were about to intervene when they felt the vibration of¡­ The heat element?


    ?ytime is over! Now drop dead!? ¨C Kiyan took a swing at Kyon, intending to smash his head into tiny ice fragments, but at thest moment, Kyon rolled to the side, nearly popping Kiyan¡¯s eye in the process. It was like nothing ever happened. Kiyan managed to dodge, but he did get a long cut that started instantly rotting under the influence of the darkness element.


    Kiyan hissed in pain. He clutched at the wound and, with a wave of his hand, sent hundreds of heavy hailstones at Kyon, each of them could easily break through a concrete wall.


    Kyon dodged most of them, the Scourge smashed the rest.


    Kiyan realized that his cold element didn¡¯t work on Kyon, just as was the case with Cait! But why? Who the fuck knows! ¨C he chose to take it lightly. Kiyan had no time for this shit, it was time to finish off the annoying Stone.


    Kiyan reduced the distance and with a sweeping movement sent dozens of long pointed icicles at Kyon. If he couldn¡¯t get him in closebat, let him try and dodge these!


    Each icicle weighed only a few kilos, but due to their incredible speed, a fair amount of pure energy, and pointed ends, they could hurt even noble phasers.


    {I can¡¯t dodge all of them!} ¨C Kyon understood at once. He stood in the area with the least density of the icicle attack to minimize the effect of any possible damage, fending off the rest of them with his sword¡­


    Several ice darts hit Kyon, sending him flying four to five meters away.


    Kiyan was about to raise his hands in victory, but then he froze inplete bewilderment. Damned Kyon was already on his feet, not a scratch on his skin! Icicles that could pierce granite with ease failed to prate his skin!


    Kyon felt his joints painfully crack and bones creak. A few more attacks like these, and things would get really bad, he could even get a serious injury. If Kiyan were a stage or two stronger, Kyon could forget about winning the battle!


    Before Kyon could recover, a new portion of icicles flew at him, then another¡­ Ordinary shellfire at a five-meter distance made him wiggle in order to survive no less than in those unfortunate days of his first ¡°sparrings¡± with Juno the sadist! The difference of 15 stages was too great. Even such uplicated long-range attacks may end in disaster, let alone the direct collision when a hefty fist would undoubtedly turn him into mincemeat with a single blow¡­ The opponents whose cultivation was more than 13 stages stronger were too dangerous.


    In a couple of seconds of dancing with death, Lovr¡¯s body was covered in severe bruising, his bones could crack at any moment¡­ If it weren¡¯t for his carbon skin, he would have already been stuffed with icicles.


    Soon, he finally managed to grow an adamant shield of the necessary shape. The ice shells ricocheted to the sides, no longer causing much damage and not disrupting his bnce.


    Before Kyon could rejoice at his small but important victory, he saw Kiyan rushing towards him.


    He put his hands in front of him, releasing a water stream a meter thick. It could easily turn into a flood! Kiyan had in store a variety of the most sophisticated techniques andbinations of ice and water, not to mention the two ultimate features of his unique body, but the straightforward thug decided to do it the easy way: m the opponent to the ground and finish him off with a single blow!


    Kyon bit his lip, annoyed. ¨C {Shit!}


    This unpretentious fountain without additional eleration (that is, no maniption from Kiyan¡¯s side) was quite weak per se. It didn¡¯t pose any danger, but it was quite enough to throw Kyon, who was in passive defense, off his bnce. Given Kiyan¡¯s strength it would be a disaster!


    ?WAIT! OR I WILL GIVE UP!? ¨C Kyon cried out, theatrically starting to throw his hands up.


    Against his will, Kiyan stopped abruptly, his face twisted in anger. ¨C ?Stand and fight like a man, you little piece of shit!?


    ?Alright, alright!? ¨C Kyon said in a false peaceful tone, lowering his hand. ¨C ?Let me show you something¡­? ¨C He took a rounded thing strewn with precious gems out of his ring. The Browns¡¯ coat of arms was engraved on the top it. ¨C ?Your father left it behind when he was in patriarch Bai¡¯s office searching for me. It looks pretty expensive, it must be your grandfather¡¯s relic. I think it¡¯s only reasonable to return it to the owner, but I want you to stop using this terrible stream of water against me in exchange. What will you say??


    Kiyan looked carefully at the magnificent piece of wealth. ¨C ?What the fuck is this? I¡¯ve never seen anything like this. Let me take a look!?


    ?No way! Promise you won¡¯t do it!? ¨C Kyon demanded, hiding the desired object in his pocket.


    A hundred thousand spectators witnessed the brazen bribery. Kyon Stone must think it was all fair in the tournament. He was a dishonest, shameless bastard who wanted to trick simple-minded Kiyan Brown.


    As for da and Kara, they really liked it. They had always believed that the end justifies the means. Kyon cut corners, brazened it out, and lived by his wits. There was definitely something demonic about him!

 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256


    Kiyan hesitated for a while, scratching the back of his head. Was it possible that his father, now in prison, had left something important in that unfortunate office? The unknown damned thing looked expensive. Besides, the Browns¡¯ coat of arms was carved on it, so the bastard might not be lying. As for the promise¡­ There were plenty of ways to kill the lousy bastard without a jet of water! What was he counting on? Wasn¡¯t he stupid?


    ?Alright! I won¡¯t use the water stream against you. I promise, or my family name is not Brown. Let the whole city of Boston be our witness. Now give it to me!?


    The audience held their breath when Kyon brazenly bribed his opponent! Where was the judge looking?! Weren¡¯t there any rules to stop this anarchy?


    Kyon hesitatingly took the thing out of his pocket as if he was regretting the offer. He lingered for a while and then threw it to his opponent.


    Kiyan caught the ¡°relic¡± and cast a greedy gaze over the precious crystals encrusted in it. He had never seen anything so delightful before!


    Kyon smirked. He took a in ring out of his pocket and turned it on his finger. ¨C ?Best regards to your grandfather!?


    ?Actually, he fought with demons and died like a noble hero.? ¨C Kiyan replied coldly.


    ?I know.? ¨C Kyon grinned even wider.


    ~BAAAM~


    There was a powerful explosion. A deafening sound wave lifted a thickyer of ice dust, sending the echo throughout the arena. The protective barrier shook dangerously,


    Kiyan¡¯s giant body slowly slid down the barrier, leaving a bloody trail. His body was ripped apart by the shock wave, a final jagged shard severed him both hands. His clothes were ripped to shreds. There was partially no skin on his chest, neck and head. Bones poked through his skin covered with deep wounds. Kiyan¡¯s eyes were cloudy like those of a dead fish, staring into eternity.


    The ice surface and water, that Kiyan had created, were instantly evaporating into nothing.


    The explosion contained no fire, but impact force turned the fragments into a formidable weapon.


    The deafening rumble made hundreds of thousands of people jump from their seats. Many panicked and screamed. The judge, who was at the epicenter of the explosion, got the fright of his life. His hair stood on end, and his pants were wet. He was standing there, watching the fight, minding his own business, when suddenly ¨C BOOM! ¨C the end of the world hade!


    Even Kara¡¯s heart had skipped a beat. She suddenly realized that the precious thing was the cause of the explosion. The bastard had perfectly yed the role of a ¡°briber.¡± He had even pretended to doubt his decision to pull the wool over Kiyan¡¯s eyes and kill him. The realization struck her like a physical. It was a wless trap served with perfect acting skills. It might have worked even on her! ¨C {My ve is incredibly talented!} ¨C Kara was thrilled at the discovery, her fondness of her property grew more and more.


    The sect envoys, Fernand, and Queen da gaped in astonishment.


    Timothy, who was idly thinking about something, had instinctively taken a defensive stance. Diana and Bai resembled stone idols, the rest of the Stones were not much different from them. Stunned Herman stared at dead Brown number two. The shock of the other Browns was gradually reced by horror, but their emotions were only a small part of what many patriarchs were experiencing at the moment. The color of their faces could tell their percent of the leverage in the deal with the fat guys. A white face meant no more than 5x. Grey faces indicated no more than 15x. Green faces suggested a higher risk.


    ?What was it?!? ¨C This question was on everyone¡¯s mind.


    The only person besides the culprit who knew the answer to this question was Juno¡­ ¨C {A grenade! The smart bastard created a grenade with the dwarves and disguised it as a jewel!} ¨C She rejoiced like a little girl at the teddy bear she was dreaming of. With grenades, Kyon could turn the tournament around! What a swindler! She had always wondered what the hell he was doing here. Did her family have a chance to keep their rank now?


    Kyon breathed in the air filled with smoke and shock. He wished there was a nucleus in his unique body that fed on the emotions of surprise. He would never have any problems filling it to the brim. The good news was that someone in the stands was sending him concentrated negative emotions. Lovr noticed Tzayan, the younger brother of the deceased, pulling his hair out. The poor guy must be feeling unwell. The second source was Herman, and his stream was only getting stronger by the second.


    ?BASTARD!? ¨C Patriarch Brown suddenly screamed at the top of his lungs and jumped into the arena. ¨C ?You used an explosive formation! It is against the rules of the tournament, but what is more, you murdered one of the most promising members of the Brown family! YOU MUST BE EXECUTED AT ONCE, VILE CREATURE! Judge, remove the barrier!?


    Hundreds of thousands of people realized what had just happened, announcing their anger with loud screams. Their indignation was almost tangible. The bastard had broken the rules! He had killed an innocent man! And above all, he did it with the help of a formation! The scoundrels using dirty tricks like poison and attacking formations were most despicable! It was one of the main reasons why such things were not popr.


    ?Booo! It¡¯s abominable! Off with his head!? ¡­ ?Patriarch Brown, kill him in public! RIP HIS HEAD OFF!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s disgusting! I¡¯m going to puke! He¡¯s not a human, he¡¯s a demon if he uses such insidious methods!? ¨C the audience yelled under Hernan¡¯s influence.


    ?Save him, father!? ¨C Diana begged in tears, worried sick about the boy.


    Kyon coughed in his fist and said loudly:


    ?Actually, it wasn¡¯t a formation, it was an ordinary weapon, something like a firecracker but a little more powerful. It wasn¡¯t forbidden to bring in a pre-cocked Daedric crossbow three tournaments ago. Dishonorable patriarch Brown, you realize that weapons are not forbidden in the arena, do you??


    ?WHO DO YOU THINK YOU¡¯RE FOOLING, JERK?!? ¨C Herman roared.


    ?The judge can confirm that there were no elemental vibrations. Were there any, judge?? ¨C Kyon took a hard look at the trembling man standing nearby.


    Hundreds of thousands of people turned their eyes to the judge and the dark spot on his white pants.


    Finding himself the center of attention, the poor man was red in the face. He even wanted to disregard the rules and tell a lie to take revenge on the jerk who had put him in this embarrassing position when he felt queen¡¯s oppressive aura and realized that it wasn¡¯t worth dying for. ¨C ?There were no recorded elemental vibrations!?


    ?But¡­ How is it¡­? ¨C Herman stopped short. He felt absolutely helpless.


    However, many spectators were not convinced by the judge¡¯s words. Kyon pulled off the victory with the help of some tricky device! It unleashed a barrage of angryments followed.


    Some patriarchs tried to redirect their anger at the judge, iming that he was scared stiff to feel the vibrations, but it didn¡¯t help. Their voices were lost amid the hollering din.


    Herman realized that the audience was against the scoundrel and decided to use it to his advantage. ¨C ?Even if the judge is telling the truth, you must be disqualified immediately! The participants are forbidden to leave the tform during the tournament! Am I right, judge? Then go ahead, do something!?


    Thousands of people shouted agreement.


    Kyonughed mockingly. ¨C ?How did you even be a patriarch? The rules say it¡¯s forbidden to stay out of the tform, and I was inside it the whole time. Besides, when the judge gave the signal to start the fight, I automatically became a participant even if I weren¡¯t one! Read the damned rules already! You should be ashamed of yourself¡­?


    Thousands of nodding a second ago spectators went awfully quiet.


    Patriarch Herman was blushed up to his ears. He had never been so humiliated! The damned little snot had dragged him through the mud in front of the whole city of Boston! He was about to explode with anger.


    The judge announced the winner in a loud voice and removed the protective barrier with evil intent.


    At the same moment, Herman rushed to Kyon to snap his neck and get rid of him once and for all!


    {What a fool¡­} ¨C Kyon thought carelessly. The sect envoys, Fernand, and Queen da wouldn¡¯t let him die. On the contrary, they would benefit from winning his favor. At least one of them wouldn¡¯t sit idly by and watch Kyon die.


    Right then, someone he knew very well was standing next to him. When Kyon saw Bai¡¯s broad back in front of him, he was a bit puzzled. He didn¡¯t expect his ¡°grandfather¡± to help him out.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to hurt my grandson.? ¨C Bai warned Hernan sternly, releasing a powerful aura. It had cost him an effort to find the strength to enter the arena and stand up for Kyon.


    Herman stopped suddenly, almost tripping over his feet. His face was distorted in frustration at the missed opportunity to do away with the asshole. da was his only hope. He raised his meek eyes to her, ready to ask her to fulfill the will of the people. However, the next moment, his face turned ashen pale at the mocking smile ying across the noblest and most beautiful woman¡¯s lips.


    ?It¡¯s time for your apology.? ¨C da ordered in a voice that warned she would tolerate no dissent.


    Kara could not hide her anticipation. She was eager to see this horrid patriarch disgrace himself. He should never have raised his hand against her precious possession. It was so nice of her mother to share her feelings and give the order at the right moment!


    With undisguised horror in his eyes, Herman opened and closed his mouth in silent plea like a fish washed ashore. If he apologized on his knees to the hated old fart and the princess, if he renounced his position of the patriarch, it would forever ruin his family¡¯s reputation, and he would die of humiliation!


    Timothy squinted his eyes. Even if Herman wasn¡¯t his biological father, even if he didn¡¯t have much respect for the patriarch, he didn¡¯t enjoy watching him suffer. Suddenly, Timothy realized it was hatred¡­ He hated Kyon, who had the guts to make his adopted father go through this agony. He shouldn¡¯t that this miserable bug serious, but this time he would make an exception. Timothy Brown promised himself that he would brutally kill Kyon Stone.


    It came as no surprise for Kyon that the queen had seized the moment and ordered Herman to humiliate himself right now. Demons were corrupt, evil creatures who put on a show anytime as long as someone died of shame or humiliation. That¡¯s why Kyon was so confident when talking with Patriarch Brown. He knew perfectly well that his cheeky behaviour would pique the interest of the femmes fatales in the royal box. This, and for the sake of the darkness element, of course.


    It would be all right but it was his secondary priority, the main goal was to win. Kyon had revealed his trump card. He was supposed to slip the grenade to Timothy and get rid of his most dangerous enemy¡­ Kyon seemed to have hit a wall.

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257


    Meanwhile, Herman knelt down in front of Bai and his grandson, and remained silent for a long time, his dead, empty eyes staring at the floor. He was hoping he could handle the shame, but he couldn¡¯t. He was losing it.


    The patriarch whispered barely audible:


    ?I¡­ I apologize¡­ for¡­?


    ?Stop mumbling like a little girl! Apologize properly, lying scum!? ¨C Kyon interrupted him with undisguised scorn. He would never miss an opportunity to get some darkness in his nucleus.


    Gloatingughter rolled down somewhere from the Stone zone.


    A corpulent spectator in the stands didn¡¯t only weigh but alsoughed for ten people.


    Herman couldn¡¯t breathe, he wheezed as if struck by some terrible disease. His face took an unhealthy shade of grey, his bulging eyes popped out of their orbits. Suddenly, everyone with cultivation at least a stage stronger than Hernan¡¯s could feel that he had be a stage weaker. It was so humiliating that patriarch Brown felt like he had soiled his pants in public.


    His family members pitied him, taking their eyes away and hiding their faces in embarrassment.


    ?Gods, is it really great patriarch Brown?? ¨C Kyon winced squeamishly.


    The audience in the Stone zone was rolling in the aisles. The Browns would dly tear Kyon apart with their bare hands for his big, dirty mouth, but they didn¡¯t have the courage to protest in public. The head of their family had to apologize¡­ He was guilty.


    Kara hid her dazzling smile behind her little hand, unable to hold back the inappropriate giggle. Her trembling big breasts kept happy the men sitting in her vicinity. She appreciated her cunning ve for taunting the pathetic old fart. He was better than any demon in this regard! So evil, rude, tricky, and shameless! The arrogant old man had even lost a stage of cultivation because of him. What a shame!


    Strangely enough, Juno smiled, shing her pearly white teeth. It delighted her to watch Kyon make sport of patriarch Brown, the longtime enemy of the Stone family, who brought them nothing but trouble.


    da managed to maintain an impartial image of a stern and fair queen.


    ?I apologize¡­? ¨C Herman said through gritted teeth. ¨C ?for falsely using your grandson¡­?


    ?Apology epted.? ¨C Bai waved him off wearily and headed for his tform, Lovr followed him. If he could have it his way, he¡¯d keep taunting the fucking old man until thetter died¡­


    After that, Herman apologized to the royal family, took an oath that he would resign as patriarch as soon as the tournament was over, and returned to the Browns¡¯ tform, keeping his head down.


    ?Father, are you alright?..? ¨C Usually nonchnt Timothy asked him in a slightly concerned tone.


    ?Kill him¡­ I beg you to kill him¡­ I don¡¯t often ask you to do anything for me. Please, butcher him the most cruel way¡­? ¨C Herman whispered fervently, as treacherous tears began welling up in his eyes.


    ?I will.? ¨C Timothy nodded calmly and jumped off the tform, gentlynding on the arena. His elegant aura of the fifth stage in the noble phase spread everywhere, shocking everyone with its power. His cultivation was stunning for his age. He was only 17 years old and not even from the royal family!


    ?Two on two, against the Stones. I am fighting him!? ¨C Timothy announced loudly instead of Herman.


    The judge epted the summon, pointing to the Stones.


    Kyon stood in front of Timothy, frowning glumly. The eighteen stages of the difference in strength was an insurmountable abyss between the opponents. There was no chance of winning against a MUCH stronger adversary. Kyon had no choice but to do the impossible.


    XiaoBai prayed with all his heart for the profitable oue of the battle.


    When Juno felt Timothy¡¯s aura, she started nervously shifting from foot to foot.


    Diana was worried sick about her son.


    Bai nervously locked his fingers together. He couldn¡¯t understand why he would bother about someone who had killed Dinah and brought the family a lot of trouble. Bai didn¡¯t see iting. He didn¡¯t think he would ever worry about that ¡°demon.¡±


    da knew that Kyon wasn¡¯t stupid. He would most likely give up at the most critical moment. She would only have to intervene and save him if she had to¡­


    Gina and Lana were closely watching the unfolding events. They were curious to see what this insolent and reckless boy was going to do. Until now, he had managed to get away with it only thanks to his sharp mind and ingenuity.


    Everyone was holding their breath, waiting.


    Kyon nodded to the judge to announce the beginning of the battle.


    Timothy turned into an indistinguishable blur, rapidly moving towards Kyon.


    In a split second, Kyon took the grenade out of his ring and threw it right at Timothy¡¯s head¡­ A momentter, another one¡­ He knew that he wouldn¡¯t stand even five blows if Timothy got any closer. His attack would be Kyon¡¯s death.


    Instead of getting down, Timothy jumped to the right.


    ~BAAAM~


    The grenade detonated directly at the ce where his ear should have been. If Timothy had moved his head to the side (as Kyon expected), he would have had at least a slight concussion. Ideally, he might have died. The shards of the grenade just shattered against the air barrier that Timothy had prudently created in advance.


    {Careful bastard¡­} ¨C Kyon cursed, annoyed. He was lucky that all his previous opponents were reckless idiots with a little brain. This dude didn¡¯t underestimate him even despite his arrogance. He had activated a barrier in advance. Bravo.


    A few more explosions didn¡¯t let Timothy anywhere near Kyon.


    Kyon threw five grenades at once: to the left, to the right, in a straight line, and two of them to fall from above. Timothy wouldn¡¯t be able to dodge from this. It was intended to make the opponent jump back.


    But contrary to expectations, Timothy rushed forward.


    ~BAAAAAM~


    Five explosions sted simultaneously behind his back. The pale judge felt relieved that he was outside the protective barrier this time.


    Kyon continued throwing grenades, keeping Timothy away. His opponent had his head screwed right. He was no fool, acting in a creative and unpredictable way. Kyon might run out of the grenades soon.


    Timothy decided that it couldn¡¯t go on like this. He took a handful of basic grade spheres out of his ring and began to flick them into the ¡°firecrackers¡±, blowing them up in flight. This strategy worked perfectly!


    The tant waste of money made XiaoBai jump from his seat. He swore so angrily that a few spectators next to him recorded some particrly eloquent phrases. The tight-fisted guy hated Timothy to the bone.


    Timothy gradually reduced the distance with his opponent, quickly destroying all the shells, when he nearly missed the moment when Kyon threw a curve¡­


    ~BAAAAM~


    At thest moment, he managed to jump a few meters back¡­


    {What a pesky thing?!} ¨C Timothy thought, annoyed. His ears didn¡¯t stop ringing.


    Firing spheres was no longer effective since the explosive firecrackers could suddenly change their direction, catching him by surprise.


    Kyon had only a dozen grenades left. It sucked.


    {To the hell with it.} ¨C Although Timothy had no doubt that the explosion wouldn¡¯t kill him, nor would it cause any serious injury, he decided not to risk the already precarious family situation and his ns for Juno.


    Timothy took a run-up and created a bright, sparkling ball of lightning in his hand. A dangerous crackling sound rumbled across the arena. His technique was many times more powerful than that of Juno. Besides, it took him half a second to create it, using a minimum of energypared to Juno, who had to put much more effort into it.


    The charge beam was an elementary, basic technique in Timothy¡¯s arsenal.


    Like a balluncher, Timothy threw the ball at the opponent.


    The tangle of lightning cut through the air at great speed, leaving bright sparks, distorting the space, and filling the air with the characteristic smell of ozone.


    da and the other influential observers were about to intervene and save the heavenly genius¡¯s life when they noticed a confident smile ying across his lips, which changed their minds.


    *crackle*


    When the ball hit Kyon, it exploded in a dazzling sh of numerous electric discharges that reached their target. Even noble phasers might get their internal organs fried after that.


    When everyone recovered after the sh, they saw Kyon totally unscathed. Throughout the audience, jaws dropped to the floor and eyes popped wide.


    {He doesn¡¯t burn in the fire, he doesn¡¯t freeze in ice, lightning does him no harm, either!} ¨C Kara bit her full lip, caught up in the thrill of the moment. She wanted to find out the secret of Kyon¡¯s incredible and downright outrageous resistance to the elements and learn how to do it herself!


    Juno gritted her teeth with envy. She suddenly thought of the vacuum barrier that Lovr¡¯s master had told her about. It must be the secret ingredient if his sess. She had these thoughts during his battle with Cait. She had to put to good use the knowledge of that high-tech world and get stronger!


    All of a sudden, Timothy found himself walking in the shoes of all the Browns before him, who had failed to defeat Kyon neither with the heat nor with the cold elements. However, he managed to get all the unwanted emotions under control, carefully analyzed the situation, and decided to engage his ultimate technique with a big rollback. He should hit from a certain distance to reduce the risk, though. Was Timothy ashamed of being so cautious when fighting with a wimp? Not at all. He didn¡¯t give a damn about what other people thought. Winning was the only thing that mattered, and he would whatever it took to win.


    He traced a half-meter sphere at his chest with his hands, and there appeared a bright blue sun that was ring with millions of electric sparks. After that, he infused it with the darkness element¡­ The bright blue shes took a dark purple hue, the trajectory of their movements no longer resembled electrical discharges, rather the swaying of thousands graceful tiny tentacles. The sphere made a dull, unpleasant noise; its aura gave the shudders to almost everyone in the audience. Their mood had dropped dramatically, thoughts of suicide and not only that started running through their heads¡­


    The Browns¡¯ eyes lit up. It was the first time they had seen this kind of technique. Kyon Stone stood no chance! It was the end of him, no doubt about that!


    Herman rejoiced. He knew about his son¡¯s feature, and it was incredibly powerful! ording to Timothy, anyone hit by the Wrath of the Evil God was doomed to a terrible death: the nerve endings would be slowly rotting until the body died from a pain shock. Patriarch Brown might quench his rage after all.


    Finally, the purple ball had formed. Timothy spun around like a professional shot-putter and threw the sphere at his opponent. The sphere went straight and true to its target, leaving the opponent no time to flee.


    Kyon threw several grenades at the sphere, but they unsessfully detonated a meter away because of the damned dark-violet sparks scattering in all directions¡­


    {What shall I do?} ¨C A panicky thought shed across Kyon¡¯s mind. His unique body was whispering something, but there was no time to listen to it¡­ He analyzed the situation. The sphere wasn¡¯t flying in a straight line, it aimed directly at his feet. There was no way he could dodge, only try and get as far away from the epicenter as possible. But there was a problem: if a shadow of fear or concern reflected on his face, if he tried to run away, then someone from the mighty five would intervene in the battle, and he would lose all his money because he would be disqualified for the external intervention.


    da, Nargise, Seva, FatTso, and Fernand really intended to immediately stop the battle and save Kyon when they saw his well-known confident grin. They used to take it for empty boasting, but then they understood it meant that Kyon had everything under control. It might seem absurd, but all the five had changed their mind at once¡­ Or their bodies refused to follow themands of their minds as if they subconsciously knew that it would only make things worse for the genius boy and his family, which would ruin their possible rtionship.


    Kyon took a reckless risk. He knew that electricity was the conductor of the darkness element in Timothy¡¯s technique, that¡¯s why he had three reasons to believe he could beat this: 1) the instion barrier blocked 99% of the electric charge; 2) the vacuum barrier didn¡¯t offer matter for the charge to flow; 3) carbon skin was a poor conductor.


    However, the direct collision with the sphere was too risky, so Kyon pulled the adamant shield (the one he had created in the battle with Kiyan) from behind and threw it towards the frightening dark technique¡­


    The shield collided with the dark violet ball three meters away from Kyon. An unprecedented power exploded out in an instant, leaving a ten-meter purple electric cloud. An intense crackling hum reverberated throughout the arena, making the thick protective barrier vibrate helplessly.


    Only a little part of the whole technique had reached Kyon. However, the purple lightning that looked like living tentacles had freely passed through the vacuum barrier and the istion and invaded his body through the skin pores, after which it attacked the nervous system. The pain spiked with such intensity that Lovr nearly lost consciousness¡­ An instantter, the effectpletely disappeared. His body suffered significant damage. If he hadn¡¯t upgraded his nervous system back in the mine or hadn¡¯t thrown the shield, Kyon would most likely have died instantly. What a nightmare!


    Kyon was slightly shocked. He had read piles of books, had made a series of experiments, but the element of darkness was still a mystery for him. It seemed to have a mind of its own! Somehow, this pest had figured it out to open the pores to get inside¡­ Fortunately, the gluttonous sphere of darkness quickly absorbed the self-simr attribute, transforming it into its own energy and canceling any effects. Kyon decided to be careful with the light and the darkness elements in the future, even when using vacuum barriers.

 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258


    When the cloud dispelled, everyone saw Kyonpletely unharmed.


    No one could believe their eyes. The world-ss professional fraud seemed to be taking part in the tournament! The fire, the cold, the electricity, and the darkness did him no harm! It was pure nonsense! And only a few people noticed the color of lightning suddenly turn into bright blue at the epicenter of the cloud as if the darkness itself was scared of Kyon Stone¡­


    Kara, Juno, Diana, XiaoBai, and even Bai breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Kyon safe and sound


    Juno believed with all her heart that Kyon had some new tricks up his sleeve, otherwise¡­ ¨C {My family will fall to the very bottom of the ranking¡­ I want you to save us from this abyss!} ¨C She was convinced that she was worried about her family only.


    Princess Kara fidgeted in her seat. Would this bastard ever stop surprising her?! Would he ever run out of tricks up his sleeve, or he had an infinite number of them? But it wasn¡¯t her biggest worry. ???? {Why didn¡¯t Timothy¡¯s darkness hurt you? If you are immune to it, why did you use the light element as protection against my darkness at Juno¡¯s party? Was I so unimportant in your eyes? JERK!} ¨C Kara clenched her fist until her knuckles crunched. The events at the party were a humiliating stain on her reputation. She had lost on the spiritual level, after all. And now Kyon turned out to have been ying with her without showing even half of his real talent! Kara had to interrogate him thoroughly. She¡¯d love to see him try and evade her questions this time! She would strangle the jerk on the spot!


    Timothy had been surprised for the first time in many years. It wasn¡¯t normal¡­ It wasn¡¯t even possible! How could the Wrath of the Evil God fail to hit the target almost two phases weaker than him? It didn¡¯t even touch him! It was as absurd as if Timothy had failed to crush an ant¡­ And now Kyon was standing there with an arrogant grin on his smug face! He didn¡¯t even wince! Who the hell was he?!


    Of course, Lovr was bluffing. He had only a couple of grenades left¡­ Nothing else would even scratch Timothy! Except, maybe¡­


    ?Bravo.? ¨C Kyon sarcastically apuded. ¨C ?Bravo, Timothy. You truly deserve to be the most powerful young fighter in Boston. I can¡¯t imagine an opponent stronger than you, unless, of course, members of the royal family. I must admit, yourtest ¡°serious¡± attack has exceeded all my expectations¡­? ¨C He brushed an invisible speck of dust off his shoulder with exaggerated indifference.


    Timothy stood stone-faced. Kyon was mocking him¡­ And deservedly so!


    ?It would be impolite on my part not to return the courtesy. One must respect their elders. So, let¡¯s get started.? ¨C Kyon finished in a calm tone, his face rxed, his eyes closed. He stretched out his hand, raising the Scourge to heaven.


    There was a long pause. The audience looked puzzled.


    ?What the hell is he talking about? It sounds like he had been going easy on his opponents! Without those weird firecrackers, he wouldn¡¯t have been equal to the task even fighting with Kiyan, let alone Timothy! Kyon will never defeat him, not in his lifetime!? ¨C The spectators yelled angrily.


    Simrments were heard everywhere. Kyon was strong and powerful, no doubt about that, but histest victory was gained by the foulest treachery. No one would respect a dishonest champion who had been using dirty tricks to win. Anyone could win this way, even the poorest weakling.


    Timothy was alert, ready for anything. After a long wait, he rxed a bit, but then suddenly, he looked around, anxious.


    da, Kara, Juno, the sect envoys, Fernand, Lana, and Gina froze at once, stunned. The hearts of the spectators, even those who hadn¡¯t connected with their souls, started beating wildly. Everyone could feel the enormous pressure formed by a domineering aura.


    It was devoid of tyrannical, unbridled power, or mortal danger. No one could distinguish any particr element or emotion in it¡­ The aura was radiated by someone quite young and inexperienced like a spring chick. But even this barely sensible will could tell that in the future it willmand all things.


    Normally, when two practitioners release their auras, theye into conflict with each other. If the opponents are about equal in strength, there will be no special effects. If the difference is great, then the strongest will win, oppressing the spirit of the weakest, as it was the case when Lee and Kiyan met at the entrance to the arena. However, this aura was much more mysterious. It doesn¡¯t matter how strong and powerful practitioner might be, they couldn¡¯t reach and crush it. The aura was higher than anything like the sky that protectively extended over the trees, the mountains, and the clouds. It was rather discouraging. Those who felt this mysterious aura experienced a wide range of emotions, like anger, rage, humility, apathy, protest, etc.


    It came as a shock even to Gina and Lana. Their mighty auras could bring even kings to their knees, while simple and serene vibrations of this aura had upied the ¡°upper tier,¡±pletely ignoring any attempts to influence it.


    Gradually, all attention was concentrated on Kyon, the source of the unusual aura. He was still standing with his eyes closed, holding his ck sword pointed towards the sky.


    Suddenly, the gusts of cold storm wind swept throughout the arena, exceeding the speed of Charlie¡¯s sandy hurricane¡­ A white cloud formed overhead. It must have absorbed all the moisture from the atmosphere¡­ A thickyer of dust spun around at his feet, taking its own flight path, absolutely ignoring the chaotic wind¡­ The stands on the northern side of the arena got covered with hoarfrost. The spectators huddled together, their teeth chattering from the freezing cold¡­ Those on the southern side felt as if they were sitting next to a giant roaster. Dry hot air was burning their skin. Then out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning almost hit the long-suffering judge¡­ And if this madness wasn¡¯t enough, sinister inky-ck mist emerged from the ground, and golden like the sun mist condensed high above¡­


    And then something happened that overshadowed even the miracles that had just taken ce. Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled in triumph when he finally opened them. Then the wind, the clouds of dust and vapor, the sh of lightning, the heat and the cold, the darkness and the light rushed to the tip of his ck sword¡­


    At the behest of their master, all the eight attributes made up a crazy spinning ball the size of an adult¡¯s head. The trajectory of each super concentrated element was arranged toplete the circuit (sphere). It was just like the cycle of the creation that Kyon had devised in Juno¡¯s mansion. The circuit made sure that the opposite elements could coexist. It went as follows: the light, the wind, the heat, the darkness, the water, the cold, the ether above, the earth below, the pure energy in the middle. The eight elements were inactive as if waiting for something.


    This unattainable-perfect bnce of the nine elements united in a single sphere made everyone dizzy. Nobody knew how could the 9 elements coexist when the opposite attributes interfered with each other. Didn¡¯t the heat and the cold level each other when attacking the same target? Didn¡¯t the darkness and the light elements create a spatial attribute with no destructive potential?


    ?HE¡¯S GODDESS¡¯S MESSENGER!? ¨C XiaoBai roared reverently, raising his hands to heaven like a prophet. Kyon asked him to do a dramatic scene yesterday.


    ?Goddess¡¯s messenger?!? ¡­ ?He has mastered nine elements?! Is it even possible?!? ¡­ ?His aura¡­ It¡¯s awesome! Kyon Stone is definitely goddess Danna¡¯s messenger!? ¨C The audience hummed in confusion, grasping their heads.


    Kyon was endlessly happy that stupid Timothy had given him enough time to prepare the full version of the technique. Without wasting time, he rushed to Timothy, clutching the Scourge with both hands. The nine-elemental destructive sphere, also known as the annihtion sphere, rotated on the tip of the sword.


    The sight made Timothy cringe. Even if the difference in their cultivation was two phases, he wouldn¡¯t dare confront this damned never-before-seen thing! Gods know how dangerous it might be. However, it didn¡¯t seem to be very powerful. It must be at the end of the superior phase max.


    {Goddess¡¯s messenger? I don¡¯t give a crap! I won¡¯t lose!} ¨C Timothy firmly decided to win and waved his hands. His body got covered with a thin film of bright moonlight. His unique body¡¯s ultimatum technique formed with the light attribute granted short-term resistance to any element slightly increased speed and quickly healed any wounds. It was definitely not the time to go easy on him now!


    Everyone knew that the genius in the Brown family bended 4 elements, but he had never used the light before! It was clear that Timothy was dead set on winning.


    Keeping his distance, Timothy began to fire at Kyon with the paired techniques of the ether and the darkness. As expected, they harmed neither his opponent nor his sphere! It seemed to have the same resistance as its owner!


    ?You can run away all you want, coward. I can maintain this technique as long as I need it!? ¨C Kyon chased him, adding fuel to the fire.


    It was a rather weird and unexpected sight: the generally recognized Brown number one was cowardly trying to escape his opponent, who was 18 stages weaker than him!


    {How is it even possible?!} ¨C The same question echoed in everyone¡¯s mind.


    {How long am I going to bounce like this?!} ¨C Timothy thought irritably. Upon reflection, he decided to provoke Kyon tounch his crown technique. Timothy was certain he would be able to protect himself or just dodge¡­ As soon as this damned upstart lost his precious sphere, it would be the end of him!


    Timothy reduced the distance between them and with a scream: ¨C ?Don¡¯t you dare to underestimate me!? ¨C He menacingly swung his sword, pretending tounch a terrible ether wave¡­


    All the spectators held their breath.


    Kyon activated the ¡°sh of light.¡± His body sparkled with dazzling light so bright as if a few suns had risen at once¡­ Everyone who saw it experienced short-term blindness, nausea, itching and pain throughout the body, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and disorientation.


    It had the strongest impact on the judge and Timothy. In a brief moment of confusion, Timothy reflexively jumped back¡­


    {What a fool!} ¨C ?Take this, quitter!? ¨C Kyon eximed valiantly, cutting the air with the Scourge. The annihtion sphere fixed on the tip broke away from the weapon and crashed into the chest of the retreating opponent.


    As soon as it touched his flesh, the sphere enabled the crucialmand. All at once, the eight elements copsed into the core where the pure force, the 9th element was located. They united into a single entity that went beyond understanding.


    Everything seemed to go into slow motion. Kyon could hear distinct heartbeats thundering in his ears.


    *sh*


    The ripples flowing from the epicenter of the collision wrapped the space like in a curved mirror. With a dull thud, it spread in all directions in a sh, refracting the light and the sound waves as well as the matter, including the earth and the air. When the sh reached the protective barrier that had sessfully blocked the noble phasers¡¯ attacks, it instantly snapped and crumbled like ss. As for the nephrite that maintained it, it simply turned into dust.


    Timothy¡¯s light and either barrier, along with pure energy, had absorbed the lion¡¯s share of Kyon¡¯s supernatural attack, but its remaining power was enough to bite into his rib cage to the bone. The injured area looked very strange. There were no burns or cuts; blood didn¡¯t squirt in all directions either. There was no flesh at all as if an invisible scalpel cut it off, smooth and perfect!


    Timothy shuddered. He touched his chest with a vacant stare and then copsed on his back like a sack, either from serious damage or severe pain.


    The silence that fell wasplete.

 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259


    {I won? I WON!} ¨C Kyon had never felt such relief. If Timothy had been at least a stage stronger, more than likely, he wouldn¡¯t have copsed. If he weren¡¯t so cautious, if he had recklesslyunched a counterattack, something that stupid Kiyan would have done, he would have stifled most of the energy that the sphere released and would have won after all. Well, ignorance is bliss. The rest of the opponents were little wimps, which means the Stones were going to take first ce! It was amazing! His crazy idea had worked, damn it!


    The only reason Kyon won was the ultimate technique he had gained when his unique body of the voidpleted the 1st stage. The annihtion sphere was the crown of all his efforts in cultivating the unique body of the void from the moment of its conception. Normally, the darkness and the light elementsbined create space. Who would ever think that all the nine elementsbined create time? This incredible technique could somehow ¡°request¡± additional energy from the atmosphere,bining all the nine elements into an iprehensible entity of time that erased everything it interacted with.


    The attribute of time has the best prating power of all the elements and theirbinations (the attribute of space is the worst in this regard). It can prate through manyyers of defense even if the opponent is 2 phases stronger.


    Kyon had tried more than once tobine all the nine elements the way he did with the darkness and the light to create space, but nothing ever came of it. Apparently, he was missing something to create the legendary attribute, the secret that only the body of the void knew.


    But until recently, he had believed that his body was based on space. He had read about it in myths and fairy tales, but it turned out to be much more surprising and unimaginable! After Kyon created the unique body of the void, it just happened so that the fundamental ingredients posing the nucleus) of the Archangel and the Archdevil bodies included all nine the elements! The bodies he had given to Juno, Byron (Kronos), and the Dragon god body were quite different. They were all with the help of the cycle of creation (using the nine elements), but their nuclei contained only several elements.


    Thus, Kyon had be the only owner of the unique body specialized in the attribute of time.


    With a fierce and triumphant face, Kyon raised his sword, his sly nce directed at Kara.


    The audience had just watched Kyon Stone defeat the invincible opponent by himself, without using despicable, dirty tricks, like the firecrackers. No one could say now that his victory was undeserved. And above all, he had used a technique that included all the nine elements! It was so unbelievable that stunned spectators jumped from their seats one second, trying to make out the lean figure of the winner, and took their seats again the next, deeply absorbed in thought. The silencested for about a minute.


    ?My son¡­ He has won?? ¨C Diana murmured, crying tears of joy.


    Bai drilled the strange little demon, who had caused his family a lot of trouble, with his gaze when he felt a sudden surge of warmth in his soul as if he could not decide who was before him: the family curse or his beloved grandson who had miraculously saved them from the desperate situation.


    {Damned monster!} ¨C Juno realized for the umpteenth time, her heart trembling. When the grenades failed to harm Timothy, she thought that Kyon was going to lose. What else could he do? The mere thought that his failure was inevitable, that he might even die was unbearable for her. However, against all logic, he did the impossible¡­ Yet again. Her feelings were a tangle of envy, happiness, delight, shock, and something else¡­ She was convinced that he was capable of doing any miracle, just like Lovr. This thought kept niggling at her, making her heart beat faster.


    XiaoBai squealed with delight like a newborn piglet and pped loudly, initiating tumultuous apuse and a standing ovation. He could swear they would never see anything like this again. Kyon¡¯s aura, his technique, his victory: in a word, it was a remarkable show!


    At this moment, the Stones were the happiest people in the world.


    In contrast, the Browns looked like death. The only exception was Cait, who kept casting admiring nces at Kyon.


    ?TIMOTHY!? ¨C After some long contemting, Herman gave a roar of rage and rushed to his son¡­


    Kyon gave Kara a wink and casually headed to the Stones¡¯ tform.


    {Look at this rascal! What a jerk! A viin! He is a fucking genius created to amaze me! Congrattions, you did it. I am very impressed! You got your way in the end¡­ Boy, the princess will take you home to her pce!} ¨C Kara beamed, her eyes wide with amazement. She didn¡¯t dream that her ve would be so gifted! The princess was having big ns for him. Would she let him be even stronger to be her bodyguard? Or would she¡­


    As for da, she was determined to take the goddess¡¯s messenger to the pce to check him out and decide what to do with him. She hadn¡¯t expected to find such a gem of the human race in some average kingdom. Was he really the goddess¡¯s messenger as those losers screamed? Who was his master? But the most burning question was how to take him away without anyone noticing?


    Meanwhile, Gina and Lana, the sect leaders, had also made ns. Such talent happened once in never! His arrogant, cocky, confident nature, along with his silver tongue, gave the young genius a certain charm. His spirit, courage, ingenuity, ability to kill an opponent with a single blow fully met their unreasonably high expectations! They were still impressed by his trick with the fake relic, which happened to be some crafty explosive. But above all, they appreciated his skills: the unseen supreme aura, flexibility, speed, supernatural agility, and mysterious technology, incredibly beautiful and equally deadly. All this made Kyon the ideal candidate for the future sect leader!


    Even Gina, who despised men, had made a rare exception to the rule. The boy¡¯s talent and character outweighed his disadvantage of being a male. An idea shed across her mind to change his gender, but she quickly dismissed it and decided to enroll Kyon to her sect. The genius who had stolen good luck from heaven was bound to lead the Virgo sect to world domination!


    ?You must do everything possible to recruit him. It¡¯s our top priority!? ¨C Lana ordered the envoy of their sect.


    Gina ordered about the same thing.


    ?Yes, Your Excellence!? ¨C Both envoys answered in a reverent tone.


    Suddenly, the two green broadcast triangles intersected. Gina¡¯s and Lana¡¯s eyes met. For the first time in many years, the sworn enemies had seen each other. They instantly released ferocious aura that resembled a raging ocean of infinite energy. The spatial triangles crashed and crumbled under pressure¡­


    Kyon walked up the steps to the tform where Diana and Bai had been waiting for him. If he were a typical teenager, he would be mortified and wish the ground would swallow him up.


    ?Kyon¡­? ¨C The beautiful woman approached her son and raised her hand as if to p him across the face.


    Kyon tactlessly bounced back. ¨C ?Leave it out¡­?


    ?My prodigal son¡­? ¨C Diana came closer to Kyon and hugged him tight. ¨C ?I was worried sick about you! I was afraid that you might get killed¡­?


    Kyon looked slightly taken aback. She had casually ignored his obvious reluctance to bond with her and just¡­ hugged him. Her embrace was warm and pleasant, and above all, sincere.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t understand why Diana had such feelings for him. Was she kind andpassionate? The historical records on her rtionship with Yurich proved the opposite. Was she a loving mother, willing to forgive even an adopted child? That¡¯s pure nonsense! Her children didn¡¯t strike Kyon as spoiled with love, care and attention. What remained? Jurich? Did Kyon remind her of her husband? The idea seemed gross and exciting at the same time.


    Bai stood between his daughter and his grandson, giving Kyon a ck looks. ¨C ?My dear daughter, this demon hadmitted too many criminal misdeeds that can¡¯t be forgiven so easily! He has to exin himself and tell us where he has hidden Dinah Stone¡¯s body. After that, he has to repent, kneeling before her grave, to atone for what he has done!? ¨C Bai was ready to forgive Kyon but only under certain conditions.


    Diana nodded hesitantly. She didn¡¯t know what to think about this difficult boy. At least, she was not mistaken in believing that he was their hope for a bright future. When Kyon was near, Diana felt safe, peaceful and calm. She felt the same Yurich was around. In her heart, she had forgiven Kyon for all his misdeeds just like she once forgave her husband, turning a blind eye to his weird obsessions.


    ?We¡¯ll talk about itter.? ¨C Kyon grunted, leaning on the railing.


    Bail and Kyon red at each other for a long moment. The tense atmosphere on the tform made everyone feel uneasy. Only Stephanie sympathized with Lovr, who was in all respects perfect for her. Did she have at least a tiny chance to get to know him better?


    Bai¡¯s shoulders sagged wearily. Arguing was pointless. They would talk tomorrow.


    Kyon knew that there would be no conversation tomorrow, he had other ns. Besides, he had no intention to develop a good rtionship with the evil old man who had ordered his murder. All Kyon wanted from the Stones were 10 million spheres that Bay was going to get as a reward for the first prize the family had taken in the tournament. His pragmatist approach would definitely upset Diana¡­


    Meanwhile, Herman was hurrying to the hospital with Timothy in his arms. He no longer cared about his reputation, about the 30+ rank their family was going to take, the fine they had to pay that would ruin thempletely¡­ The only thing that really mattered to him was that his son was alive.


    Elder Brown announced thest summon 3 on 3 against the Romanovs, hoping the family would get at least the 10th rank, but without the top fighters, his attempt failed miserably¡­


    Then it was the Stones¡¯ turn to fight and earn the points. The defense had gained them five victories. However, six sessful summons guaranteed that the Stone family would get the 1st rank. In fact, the tournament rules and regtions ensured that the Stones would get the 1st rank even if there were no more fighters in the families of the 2nd-49th ranks. All they would have to do was to summon the family of 50th rank. The ranking system had been honed to perfection for hundreds of years of the tournaments.


    At Bai¡¯s behest, elder Boe announced the summon 3 on 3 against the Browns.


    There was a deafening roar of apuse when Kyon stepped into the arena.


    His opponents were the three remaining Browns. When they saw his evil smirk as well as three firecrackers in his hands, they turned deathly pale¡­ An explosive for each of them!


    As soon as the judge announced the start of the battle, the young Browns gave up.


    If only they knew that Kyon had only three grenades left and only 10% of energy. He would lose to these weaklings by all means.


    The Stones summoned the Romanovs the final five times. The oue of the battle was obvious. It was the same situation at the previous tournament. Everyone gave up when Elsa stepped into the arena. Damned Stones with their invincible and absolutely crazy geniuses!


    When the final battle was finished, everyone raised their heads to the screen at the top of the arena, waiting for the family ranks to update. The results were put in the nephrite after each battle, so it didn¡¯t take much time to upgrade the final score. The formation did the calction and ranked the families in ascending order.


    The Stones¡¯ coat of arms had peaked at number one¡­

 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260


    Once the Stones saw their name at the top, they exploded in deafening apuse. They all cried out in unison Kyon¡¯s name because he was the one who had done the impossible! Juno was standing aside, biting her lips to contain her resentment and envy. Why was no one crying out her name? Wasn¡¯t she talented enough? Here she was, standing in the shadows¡­ She fought to the death with Charlie. What for?! She longed for recognition and glory, but everything she had were some broken ribs! Juno could kill someone in a fit of rage.


    The audience erupted in cheers and apuse. However, some of the spectators looked rather desperate. The patriarchs, who had made the deal, pulled their hair out and howled with grief, taking handfuls of pills at a time. It was the end. They had to pay exorbitant charges to settle their debt. Their families would go broke! They would have to sell all their possessions, all their legacy, maybe even sell their children to very! It was a real tragedy for more than a hundred families in Boston. Anyway, they had iting.


    A well-rounded, respectable young man could not get enough of his cash harvest that had finally ripened and fell into his hands. There was a smile dancing on his lips. It was an insane, crazy smile. A thrill of excitement ran through him, making him shiver all over. He couldn¡¯t stopughing. Finally, the stress and long sleepless nights had taken their toll, and XiaoBai fell asleep, but even in his sleep, a big smile didn¡¯t leave his happy chubby face.


    Suddenly, Cornelia¡¯s beautiful eyes narrowed shrewdly. She hit the seat with her sleeping darling so hard that XiaoBao rolled head over heels downstairs. The smiling meatball of a man turned into a weapon of mass destruction, destroying everything in his path. Those who weren¡¯t lucky enough to react in time were ruthlessly crushed under his weight¡­


    The Fat sect envoy turned around when he heard loud cries and crash of breaking chairs. He thought that nothing could ever surprise him after Kyon??s phenomenal victory. He couldn¡¯t be more wrong! A giant smiling ball of meat with pouchy folds under the eyes was heading straight at him, smashing everything in his path!


    FatTso stopped XiaoBai, who was still fast asleep, with one hand and gasped in admiration when he realized that the weird huge ball was, in fact, a young man. ¨C ?Gods! Gifts keep falling on my head! This guy¡­ He is phenomenally massive! Does he have a high-ranking unique body of fat?!?


    Cornelia made sure that her future husband was noticed and nodded gently to herself. Now his fate was sealed. XiaoBai was going to enter the Fat sect and achieve great results, not without her help, of course. She might need to give him a gentle push if he resisted too much.


    Kyon returned to the tform and gave Diana a hug, winking mischievously at Juno. What was that feelinging from her soul? Was it jealousy? How curious! Stephanie got in line to get a free hug¡­


    Patriarch Bai stood there, shuffling his feet awkwardly. He was noticeably happy and proud of his family but tried not to show it. Apparently, he didn¡¯t want to please his grandson.


    The horn yed in honor of the three winners.


    Royal representative came up with the closing speech, after which the winners received their prizes to the sounds of horn and apuse. Patriarch Bai was given the certificate for ten million spheres and two hundred tokens from the Imperial government. Juno watched with envy as Kyon got a few gift packages for the most active participant, where he found a useless for him copy of the movement technique, a medkit with enzymes, and, most important, the invaluable, high-quality (3) breakthrough pill for reaching the 4th phase.


    All in all, Kyon had a transformation pill to reach the superior phase (which he got at the party), the noble phase (which he got as a prize) and the lord phase (which Prince Charles had ¡°willingly¡± given away). Besides, he had a decent supply of enzymes, and given his newly acquired wealth, he would never run out of them: he could always ce a new order.


    The awards ceremony came to an end. It was time for the sect envoys¡¯ assistants to get on the tform, ording to the instructions they had received, and hand the selected talents an invitation to the sect. The lucky ones were immensely proud of themselves and endlessly happy to have the chance to join a great sect or a powerful order.


    However, things were different today. The envoys, not their assistants, together with Ferdinand, approached the Stones¡¯ tform. There was no trace of arrogance and haughtiness characteristic of their status. More than that, they didn¡¯t climb the tform, showing their respect for the goddess¡¯s messenger. They weren¡¯t of worthy standing on the same level as him. Even brilliant Elsa didn¡¯t receive any special recognition at the previous tournament. Judging by the tension in the air, the envoys were intended to fight for Kyon to the end.


    ?Mr. Stone¡­? ¡­ ?Great goddess¡¯s messenger¡­? ¨C Seva and Nargise reverently spoke at the same time and nced at each other fiercely.


    The heavy collision of their monstrous auras consumed the entire arena. A bloody battle seemed imminent.


    ?Mr. Stone.? ¨C The fat man said with an obsequious bow, calming thedies down. ¨C ?My name is FatTso. I am the envoy of the richest sect in the world, the Fat sect. On behalf of all the sect envoys, I apologize for this misunderstanding. It is not surprising that the ¡°respected¡± representatives of the Virgo and the Dance sects failed to hold back their emotions, ignoring the possible consequences, for the genius who happens once in a million years¡­?


    Seva and Nargise gave the fat man a ck look, fighting the urge to finish him off. The jerk had taken advantage of their feud to present himself in a favorable light!


    ?¡­I am not going to fight in your beautiful kingdom, putting the noble Stones at risk. The members of the greatest Fat sect are the most famous peacemakers with a heightened sense of justice. I only dare to assume that no matter what choice you make, you will be given all the resources to unleash your potential. Don¡¯t listen to empty promises, listen to your heart, not your head! Choose the sect to your liking.? ¨C FatTso finished his eloquent speech.


    ?Watch your tongue, fat freak! You oversell your sect and tell us to shut up?! What a nerve!? ¨C Nargise red up.


    ?Who gave you the right to decide anything for the goddess¡¯s messenger? He will listen to all the candidates and only then make a decision!? ¨C Seva added indignantly.


    Their slightly weakened but still oppressive aura made most of the audience tremble with fear. Many of them hurried to leave the tournament as soon as possible, scared of the terrible battle.


    Bai turned pale and hugged his granddaughter tight.


    Kyon cleared his throat to draw attention to himself and spoke in a quiet voice:


    ?Dear envoys, I understand the situation perfectly well. However, you must understand that no matter which sect I choose, it will acquire lots of enemies. After all, envy is the root of all evil. Therefore, I offer the following scenario: each of you will write a letter of rmendation and enclose your sound transmitter frequency, and I will contact the sect I choose. Thus, my choice will be anonymous. I won¡¯t even say a thing to my foster family, so giving the Stones a hard time will get you nothing, in case you don¡¯t like my decision. If you cause any problems for my family, you¡¯re in big trouble.?


    His words touched Diana, Bai, and even Juno.


    The sect envoys exchanged cold, hostile nces.


    ?Your decision is perfectly reasonable, Kyon Stone. We will proceed ordingly.? ¨C FatTso bowed slightly and left topose his letter.


    Seva and Nargise looked scornfully at the bootlicker. Be that as it may, he had made a good impression on Kyon and hadn¡¯t given them a chance to speak for themselves!


    ?You are wise beyond your years, young Stone. I ept your offer.? ¨C Seva also took a bow


    ?Mydy Gina¡­? ¨C Nargise began.


    Kyon shook his head, interrupting her. ¨C ?Please, don¡¯t say too much¡­?


    Nargise stamped her foot in anger and retired to write the letter.


    Ferdinand, the imperial envoy, also left to draw up his letter.


    da admired Kyon¡¯s speech. She had been wondering what he woulde up with to get out of it and meet his adored Kara¡­ His words were simple but effective! Now no one would dare to harm or threaten him as the envoys amused themselves with the idea of ??winning his trust. How cunning of him! One question still nagged her. How could she take him from the tournament to the pce? What if he had a n for this case, too? Besides, the queen was afraid of the imperial envoy¡­ There was something strange and even frightening about him.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t going to dance to anyone¡¯s tune, and the reason for this wasn¡¯t his irresistible love for Kara. He just did not want to be a little boat in the stormy ocean of their intrigues. Quite the contrary, he was used to keeping everything under control.


    Soon, the four envoys approached the tform with their letters, and Stephanie passed them to Kyon with great reverence.


    Kyon carefully put the letters in his ring and said politely:


    ?Thank you, distinguished envoys. I will carefully consider all the proposals and make a responsible decision in theing days. Would you be so kind as to ept my messages, too.? ¨C With a wave of his hand, Kyon released a carrier pigeon that came out of the blue with five little envelopes sealed with wax. The bird dropped a letter into each envoy¡¯s hands and delivered the fifth envelope to Princess Kara.


    Kyon bowed, smiling charmingly at Kara. Then he deftly jumped from the tform to the stands and disappeared in the nearest passage¡­


    {Eh?!} ¨C Everyone present looked totally bewildered.


    {He left?!} ¨C Queen da gasped at his reckless attitude. Was he a genius or an idiot? Did he even know how dangerous it was to go out without any escort ?! He could be kidnapped or killed! She must send someone following him, empty-headed cretin!


    {?Follow him.?} ¨C Fernand gave a mental order to his people.


    The queen and the sect envoys did the same.


    Several dozen people in ck, who had been standing in the rain with a straight face, started searching all over the arena for Kyon. Even if he was a master of disguise, they could feel his cultivation and find him in any hiding ce, in any crowd. However¡­ He seemed to have disappeared into thin air.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was walking carelessly, with a cheerful expression on his face through the narrow secret tunnel. Everything was going ording to n: he had ensured that Juno would be taken to the most powerful order; he had increased his wealth; he had turned Kyon into a legend, which was another trump up his sleeve; he had received 10% of darkness in his nucleus; and he had sent a message to the 0th general.


    He took out the envoys¡¯ letters and started reading them.


    {What? Lana wants me to join her sect to be the next leader in the future? Bullshit.} ¨C He put the letter aside incredulously and took the next one.


    {What the¡­?} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t get it. Was Nargise stupid, or did she take men for brainless idiots? Did she want him to believe that legendary Gina had decided to offer, wait a minute, ¡°A MAN!¡± to be the next leader in the, just think about it, ¡°FEMALE!¡± sect.


    Kyon thought that the envoys must have sawdust in their heads. Their promises lookpletely insane as if the sect leaders had been present at the tournament and ordered their envoys to get Kyon at any cost. Yeah, whatever.


    Anyway, they were no match for FatTso. His letter was full of promises: tons of priceless medicine, heaps of money, no end of noble girls, and immense influence! That¡¯s the way to rmend a sect to a teenager, even if Kyon was one only on the outside. The offer sounded inviting, tant, trivial, and had no specifics.


    Fernand¡¯s letter was not so obviously tempting, but Kyon could read between the lines a clear hint for his future cooperation with the empress, a chance to be her student and then even her counselor! The offer sounded so ambitious that it made Lovr¡¯s blood boil. He had almost made his choice, and yet, he had second thoughts. The empress was too dangerous and unpredictable. Before getting any closer to her, he had to test the waters and make sure she wouldn¡¯t turn him into a ve or something worse. If he were to cooperate with the Empire, it would be through the 0th General, proving his value beforehand. A beginning had already been made: Fernand was delivering the message.


    {Who are you, zeroth General? I know that you are extremely smart. Even the empress is willing to protect you. How will you react to my offer? Are we going to be friends, or will you take a businesslike approach?}

 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261


    Meanwhile, the envoys got on the tform and handed Juno their invitations. The audience gasped at FatTso¡¯s insolent attitude. Did he really think that Juno, the ruthless angel, the wless beauty, would ever agree to disfigure herself with hundreds of kilos of fat! It would be a nightmare.


    On Kyon¡¯s order, Juno said politely that she needed a few days to think about it.


    The envoys agreed and went away. They didn¡¯t seem to be going to invite anyone else to join their sects. When it became obvious, the royal representative came to the center of the arena to give the closing speech, after which the tournament officially came to an end.


    At this time, the envoys were impatiently reading Kyon¡¯s letters. There was nothing interesting or important in his letters to Nargise, Seva, or FatTso, just a handful of polite expressions, which cannot be said about the message that fell into Fernand¡¯s hands¡­


    When he read the first lines, the imperial envoy hastily folded the letter and went to a deserted spot, where he continued reading with a serious face. In short, the letter said that Kyon had no intention of joining any sect or dancing to anyone¡¯s tune, risking his freedom, or even his life. He was interested in eventual stable rtions with the imperial authority with consequent benefits for both sides. By ¡°imperial authority,¡± Kyon meant the 0th general, which could be inferred fromplicated details of the boratelyposed text. Kyon wrote that he would prove his indispensability, after which he would find ways of working together. He also suggested visiting the dwarves¡¯ factory in Boston.


    Fernand was impressed. The goddess¡¯s messenger was a 15-year-old who knew how topose letters with hidden meaning and had the secret information about the 0-th general. He was incredibly ambitious and managed to escape the arena as if disappearing off the face of the earth. It seemed really curious. Benefits for both sides? Well, first of all, Fernand was going to visit the dwarves¡¯ factory¡­


    da took Kara¡¯s letter away, leaving her pout and grumble, and nced over it with a thoughtful frown on her face. Besides the expected derations of love for her daughter, Kyon also showed his concern for Juno, asking Kara to give her an escort to bring her to the pce. He added that he couldn¡¯t wait until the moment Kara returned to her chambers¡­ It sounds rather strange as if he had everything under control, but¡­ Where did he go? Was he kidnapped? The queen would be disappointed if he was.


    Kara finally got her letter back and hurried to read it. She had a sudden pang of jealousy, not to Juno, to Kyon. ¨C {Howe he still cares about her? Is he interested in anyone but me?!}


    Anyway, Kara was going to escort Juno to the pce without Kyon¡¯s request. It was high time she used Sunflower Ra. Why else would she have wasted so much money?


    The princess was about to leave, but she heard her mother¡¯s voice resound in her mind.


    {?My guards will apany Juno to the pce.?}


    ?What? You won¡¯t let me apany her?!? ¨C Kara was fuming.


    {?I will. But if you are going to escort Juno to the pce, you will miss the chance to meet the subject of your dreams.?}


    ?Is Elsa here?!? ¨C Kara perked up at once and stared at her mother with wide, unblinking eyes.


    da could easily feel an extremely cultivated soul among two hundred thousand people. Taking a closer look, she noticed an outrageously beautiful blonde, the one her daughter desired so passionately. Why not take advantage of Kara¡¯s weakness if things turned out so well?


    {?She is. However, I¡¯m not sure that you deserve to meet her¡­ You¡¯ve been a disappointmenttely.?}


    ?Mother, please! I beg you! I will be a good girl! I will do whatever you say just tell me where she is!? ¨C Kara was on the brink of tears. She had a little less attitude now.


    da smiled. It was so easy to put pressure on her dear silly one¡­


    Soon, the royal convoy approached the Stones¡¯ tform with an order from Her Majesty to deliver Juno to the pce. Bai was worried, but he realized that his granddaughter would be safe there.


    Before she left, Bai asked Juno about her ns for the future, assuring her that he would support her in anything she decided to do. Juno could no longer stay at home. She couldn¡¯t miss a chance like this! Once, Elsa had rejected all offers because her devotion to her dad was fanatical, but Juno was different! Besides, the Stones simply didn¡¯t have the necessary resources for her further cultivation.


    Guided by Kyon¡¯s orders, Juno offered her grandad to have this conversation another time.


    Bai promised to drop in tomorrow and talk about it with her in private.


    It was two in the morning when Juno was escorted to the pce, where she was allocated luxurious rooms on the top floor. The downpour hadn¡¯t stopped, soaking thete passers-by to the bone.


    Juno had a dull, extremely unpleasant pain in the ribs area. If not for pure energy, it would be unbearable. In theory, it would take her a couple of days to fully recover, but Juno knew that she would be alright in the morning.


    {What are you up to? Your name is going to be famous all over the world. What are you going to do about it? Where will you go? Will we be in the same sect?}


    da returned to the pce. Two dozen servants obsequiously escorted Her Majesty to the sixth of the eight floors and gave way to thedies-in waiting. They couldn¡¯t go any further. The two top floors were open only for superior servants and invited guests of the royal family. Juno¡¯s rooms were on the 7th floor.


    da entered the bathroom and spread her arms imperiously. Five beautifuldies-in-waiting immediately helped her to remove the annoying ck clothes, exposing her gorgeous body.


    The queen plunged into a hot tub that looked like a little pool. It was a perfect way to end this strange day full of incredible events.


    Several beautiful girls gently washed the velvet skin of their queen, who had iparable power over Boston. It was a great honor to serve Her Majesty. They held on to their position at all costs


    Suddenly, one of thedies-in-waiting received a mental order. Without a second thought, she dived straight to the queen¡¯s spread legs¡­


    da couldn¡¯t rx. She couldn¡¯t stop thinking of the amazing young man. Or was the thought that she had let him go bugging her¡­ It was her unlucky day, he must have been kidnapped! If only she could get him to the pce so that the imperial envoy wouldn¡¯t know anything¡­ s, she couldn¡¯t deal with it straightforwardly. Otherwise, Fernand would have already appeared at the pce to take Kyon away.


    Then she remembered thest lines of his letter, saying, ¡°I can¡¯t wait until I see you in your chambers, my dear Kara,¡± and opened her eyes. ¨C {What if he really is there?} ¨C The sudden guess made da overexcited. Without letting the subservient maid finish her job underwater, she left the hot bath.


    Twodies-in-waiting dried andbed the queen¡¯s long, dark crimson hair. The other three gently wrapped her in soft towels, then dressed her in a silkce nightgown. They were used to the fact that Her Majesty liked to sleep having barely anything on. Perhaps no man in the world could resist this insidious seductress, especially when she looked like this.


    da sent her maids away and went to Kara¡¯s chambers, where she stared at the uninvited guest she knew too well who was passionately hugging and kissing her daughter¡¯s pillow. The queen¡¯s looks did not correspond to her high status at all, especially now that her face had lost its usual calm, impassionate expression.


    ?How did you get here, Kyon Stone?!? ¨C da asked in a high-pitched, surprised voice.


    Kyon reluctantly looked away from the pillow that still smelled of Kara¡¯s hair and, with the grace of azy cat, climbed out of bed, bending his knee before da in a most courteous manner. ¨C ?Your Majesty, I used a secret passage¡­?


    Kyon looked up and stared at the queen, lost in contemtion. It was¡­ It was a breathtaking weapon that could easily destroy the self-control of any man. Besides her majestic grandeur and glory, da had an irresistible charm and sensual femininity. She didn¡¯t look more than 30, and there was not a single wrinkle on her soft creamy skin. Her enchanting eyes of amazing ga color looked straight into his soul. Her hair fell like a waterfall over her shoulders, curling seductively over her gorgeous breasts that were covered with the delicatece of her indecently short nightie. The demoness wasn¡¯t obviously wearing any underwear¡­ How insidious of her! She must be the Demon Emperor¡¯s daughter, no less? Why else would her body draw everyone like a powerful ma? Now it was clear who Kara owed her smoking hot beauty.


    da noticed Kyon¡¯s fleeting greedy nce at her assets and winced, visually displeased.


    As soon as Kyon felt the queen¡¯s depressing aura, he instantly bowed his head. He should keep it together if he wanted his big ns for the demons evere true.


    ?Follow me.? ¨C da said shortly.


    Kyon followed the queen to the guest quarters. Her seductively swinging hips hypnotized Kyon, making him fix his eyes on her taut bottom. It was some kind of demonic magic, no less.


    Kyon knew that the insidious queen was carefully watching his reaction and behavior, so he manned up and did not yield to temptation. Above all, he should stick to the legend about his blind love for Kara¡­


    da took a seat on the leather armchair, gracefully crossing her long slender legs. Funny plush slippers kept her feet warm.


    Kyon sat down on the chair opposite her, feeling her intent gaze fixed on his face. He met her eyes and asked absent-mindedly like a fool in love.


    ?Is your darling daughtering any time soon??


    ?I will ask questions here until I say otherwise.? ¨C da snapped.


    Kyon bowed respectively. ¨C ?Your wish is mymand.?


    ?How do you know about secret passages??


    ?My master told me all about them.? ¨C He smiled politely.


    da squinted at him. ¨C ?What¡¯s your master¡¯s name??


    ?He is a man of many names and faces. Sometimes, he is a gray-haired old man, sometimes he is a handsome young man. He is iprehensible like the distant stars. Some people call him TsyJi, but I address him as Lovr.? ¨C Kyon proudly finished the well-prepared tirade.


    ?Are you talking about the legendary TsyJi??


    ?Exactly. The one you know from the myths, legends, and tales. His heroic feats will live in the centuries toe. The echo of his great deeds will resound forever.? ¨C Kyon said pompously, using lots of hand gestures.


    ?I want to see your master. Can you arrange a meeting with him?? ¨C The queen asked unassumingly in a rather yful voice.


    Kyon had a vague feeling that he was being tested. Did da smell a rat? Thest time he had this feeling was when his master was interrogating him¡­


    ?He hasn¡¯t been seen for more than a hundred years, living the life of a hermit. I am the only one who has deserved his attention thanks to my immense potential. He generously took me on as a student provided that I won¡¯t burden him with any troubles.?


    da smiled meaningfully, her closed hand was resting on the cheek, with the index finger pointing upwards. ¨C ?I see¡­?


    Her sinister smile made Kyon feel uneasy. Was he missing something?

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262


    ?Aren¡¯t you afraid to lie your queen in the face?? ¨C da asked calmly.


    ?How do you mean, Your Majesty?? ¨C Kyon was totally stupefied and numb with anxiety.


    ?There is no master.? ¨C da¡¯s pleasant silvery voice had a new hard edge. Her eyes turned icy cold, and her imperious aura fell on Kyon¡¯s chest like a ten-ton rock.


    {What¡¯s the fuck?!} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t understand what was happening under the relentless pressure. He had no choice but to continue ying his part to the end. ¨C ?I don¡¯t understand you, my queen! There are truly impressive techniques in my arsenal. I have no rival in speed and agility, and you im that I have no master? Well, I couldn¡¯t have learned it all by myself! Why should I deceive you, anyway??


    For a moment, da looked confused. She had used some of her real aura to crush his spirit and shake the truth out of him, which usually took no longer than a couple of seconds, but he didn¡¯t even turn pale! Moreover, he kept talking like nothing had happened. Was it even possible?


    The queen toyed with the idea to unleash the full power of her aura on him out of sheer curiosity and to put the brat in his ce, but then she realized that it might kill him, and it didn¡¯t serve her interests.


    ?And if your life is at stake, are you going to keep iming your master exists?? ¨C da continued pushing, her eyebrows furrowed angrily.


    ?¡­? ¨C Kyon remained silent, unable to find the right words. He couldn¡¯t understand what he was doing wrong. Why did she mistrust him? His acting skills were perfect! Why was she doing this?!


    They stared silently into each other¡¯s eyes for about a minute when da removed her oppressive aura and smiled at Kyon. She was even more interested in him now than at the moment of his victory at the tournament. The queen¡¯s attitude towards him hadpletely changed. He had awakened a curiosity in her. She had never met anyone so anomalous as this goddess¡¯s messenger. What a nerve! Even supreme demons of deceit could never resist her aura and death threat. They would either tell the truth or try to justify themselves, while this one didn¡¯t crack. He didn¡¯t even break a sweat, which was delightful! And best of all, he was devilishly self-confident! He talked to her the way he did with patriarch Herman, the nasty piece of work, and she was way more dangerous than him! Or didn¡¯t he see the difference? It was inconceivable that a boy with no status and low cultivation would treat the Queen of Boston with no servility and awe. What gave him the confidence to behave like this?


    Perhaps the reason for his reckless behavior was in his nine elements. He had imagined himself a hero who was not afraid of patriarchs or queens. But was it true? da had no idea. She had no one topare him with. She had never considered a ¡°transcendental talent¡± as a sign of ultimate authority, and now Kyon was trying to convince her otherwise, and quite sessfully so. It was rather funny! Above all, she found it interesting and curious.


    ?Okay, you win.? ¨C da said finally, tossing her thick hair behind her shoulder.


    Kyon could feel his shoulders rxing in relief.


    da took out something red and threw it at Kyon with a lightning movement of her fingers. ¨C ?Do you remember this??


    Kyon recognized the diamond at once. It was a little phoenix feather that he had created for the auction. His heart began to beat faster, but he regained hisposure, not without the help of Synergy. His face turned into an imprable mask.


    ?What is it?? ¨C He asked impassively.


    Valda rolled her eyes. ¨C ?I can¡¯t help but admire your acting skills. You are pretty convincing in ying the part of a dim-witted simpleton. The art of deception is a natural talent. I would have believed you a couple of times if I didn¡¯t have proof. You persist so stubbornly in standing your ground¡­ I¡¯ve nevere across such a skillful liar.?


    Kyon looked at the queen glumly.


    ?You see, anything that an earth bender creates has characteristic features that determine the master¡¯s power. However, not everyone can see things as I do. An extreme spiritual feeling is not enough, it also takes some extraordinary skills that I am not deprived of, unluckily for you. I have found out that the phoenix was created by an earth bender in the advanced phase at the third stage. This fact alone made you the lead suspect. But when you took out the explosive firecracker disguised as a relic studded with precious crystals, I had no doubts. As expected, only the goddess¡¯s messenger with iprehensible heritage could create such a wonderful phoenix of gems. I wouldn¡¯t be da Tristan if I didn¡¯t see through you, mischievous rascal.? ¨C She charmingly uncrossed her long legs, dangling them gracefully in the air, and crossed them again.


    Kyon was stunned. She had revealed him because he was unaware of some nuances in this world. It wasn¡¯t mentioned in the books that it was even possible to determine the master¡¯s cultivation based on the things they created. Why on earth did he trust blindly that the information in the elite section of the Boston library was full and exhaustive? He knew that creating jewelry was too risky and got caught up in the end! By the most dangerous creature in Boston, too! Kyon swore to himself that he would never again make money with the help of the earth element.


    Anyway, his lie about the master had a hidden agenda. da had revealed the first meaning, but she would never guess the second, so Kyon didn¡¯t lose hope. In fact, he didn¡¯t worry about his life or freedom because he was well prepared to meet the demon face to face. He had proved his incredible value at the tournament, and this together with his knowledge of secret passages, Kara¡¯s curse, and a couple of other trifles were his main selling points.


    And now it was time to do what he did the best of all, improvising and making his nse true.


    The queen¡¯s full lips curled up into a delightful, triumphant smile. It felt so nice to expose a liar, especially such a hard nut to crack. ¨C ?How dared you lie to your queen in the face, boy¡­ What punishment do you think you deserve??


    Kyon sighed heavily and confessed, staring into the distance. ¨C ?Your Majesty, I must admit that I have no master named TsyJi. You probably want to know why I was such a persistent liar. It¡¯s simple. The truth is even more incredible. People find it easier to believe that I have a legendary master than that my mother is a goddess. Ask yourself, if you may not believe me, how else I could have mastered all the nine elements, ignoring the heaven limitations, why I have superhuman speed, why I am agile like a snake, how I have mastered the iprehensible techniques. I couldn¡¯t have made them up, right??


    da was listening attentively to another intricate story, her eyebrows raised at him incredulously. ¨C ?Hypothetically, you couldn¡¯t.? ¨C His words sounded, as usual, sincere, and most importantly, logical. He really couldn¡¯t get around heaven¡¯s limitations without the help of someone incredibly powerful like a goddess. But could she believe this skillful liar? Anyway, there are was a trusted method to find out the truth, and she was going to use it soon, but for now, she decided to pretend that she believed everything he had said.


    ?When I was born, my mother left me for some unknown reason and sent me to mortals, leaving me knowledge as a legacy at parting, maybe because she still loved me. Curiously enough, my knowledge is not superficially intuitive, I can make nephrite recordings for others to study it.?


    The queen¡¯s eyes sparkled with the desire to get it. If the demon empire got the legacy from his head, their race would enve the whole world in the next few generations! The mere thought of his aerial protective technique against the heat, the cold, and the ether gave her goosebumps! da really wanted his words to be true.


    ?As you may have guessed, I am not telling you this to impress or justify my lies. I want to make my dreame true and make Princess Kara my wife.? ¨C Kyon breathed shakily with sudden passion. ¨C ?I¡­ I love her more than anything¡­ I can give away my legacy for her¡­ I can even give away my heart if need be.? ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes were clouded with a dreamy veil.


    ?So, what about giving her you-know-what gift and making her happy?? ¨C da said happily.


    ?I can¡¯t.? ¨C Kyon shook his head, visibly upset.


    ?Sorry, but I don¡¯t know what you are getting at.?


    ?I really want to make her happy, but I know that she will never love me for expensive, meaningful gifts. On the contrary, she will take me as a servant, or even worse. Such rtions will break my heart and tear my soul. I¡¯d rather die in hellfire than let it happen! Therefore, I will share the most precious thing that I have, I mean my legacy, but only in exchange for your daughter¡¯s eternal loyalty.? ¨C He finished with unfeigned determination and unwavering gaze.


    da looked at Lovr in amazement. His behavior was too bizarre for someone enchanted. Was it even love if he wasn¡¯t willing to give his life for her whims? Besides, he wanted to make her his forever. It was absurd! Love didn¡¯t work through the prism of self-interest! Something didn¡¯t add up¡­


    ?Are you talking about a wedding?? ¨C da¡¯s voice sounded threatening.


    {She is shrewd.} ¨C ?This and the wedding night!?


    ?Bullshit!? ¨C da red up. His insulting words made her release the depressing aura again. ¨C ?Do not even think of asking this from my daughter without giving her the precious gift first. She is the princess of the empire, not a vige girl who would fall for shiny trinkets. Your request is absolutely ridiculous and disrespectful.?


    Kyon¡¯s answer was quick and to the point:


    ?Your Majesty, I am not forcing you to do anything. I¡¯m just saying that I¡¯d rather burn in hellish me than lose my chance to be with the girl I love even if she isn¡¯t too happy about it. Forgive my impudence, but I will exchange my knowledge only for your daughter¡¯s hand, heart, and virginity.?


    da¡¯s fierce eyes the color of ga pierced the insolent jerk. His words drove her out of her mind. Kara¡¯s virginity was the root of all trouble connected with their move to Boston! The scale of this problem affected not only the two of them but the entire demon empire. All in all, her virginity was of too a great value for a mere human to take it for himself! If he were talking about a wedding, they would quickly exchange rings as primitive people love to do, and that would be it. But no, the jerk wanted something really priceless!


    ?The little liar wants too much from the empress¡¯s daughter! Well, you will have to pay for your lies!? ¨C da growled furiously. She instantly approached Kyon and hit him on the head to knock him out for a while.


    Kyon pretended to pass out,pletely confused. He couldn¡¯t understand what she was up to. Did she want to kill him? It was absurd! To punish him? He had mentioned that he didn¡¯t mind any tortures! Kyon was going to y his part to the end! She had no choice but to y by his rules¡­ And why did she call herself an empress and her daughter a princess of the empire? Could she be one of the wives of that very emperor?


    Suddenly, Kyon had a tingling sensation on his forehead¡­ Was it¡­ A formation? ¨C {Does she know formacy? Is she applying a subjugating formation?!}


    It was a pleasant surprise for Kyon. As expected, Queen da wasn¡¯t only extremely intelligent, she also had a wide range of diverse skills, including formacy. It would be a sin not to take advantage of this opportunity!


    A minuteter, the formation was sessfully applied. The difference in da¡¯s and Kyon¡¯s cultivation was too great for anything to go wrong. Besides, the queen was a formacist of the third rank. Forparison: Flitz had the 5th rank, and the best formacist in Rosarrio also had the 3rd rank, and he was the only one.


    Now the queen was going to know the truth, and no miraculous deception skills would help him anymore, not with this formation on his forehead. By the way, it was the best formation in the demon empire applied to a human being.


    da slowly bent over Kyon and purred almost affectionately in his ear:


    ?You are in the wrong hands, dearie. From now on, you will be my ve. Open your eyes.?

 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263


    The call from the formation permeated his entire mind, forcing him to follow the queen¡¯s insinuating voice. Her voice must be a trigger for hypnotic suggestions.


    Kyon looked at the insidious seductive woman with cloudy eyes.


    ?Where shall I begin?? ¨C da muttered thoughtfully. She approached Kyon and took the ring off his finger to check its contents. She didn¡¯t find anything interesting, though, apart from three firecrackers and a ck sword.


    ?Where¡¯s the money you got from the phoenix?? ¨C The queen asked Kyon.


    ?I gave it to my brother XiaoBai. He promised to multiply my profit in a year. I tend to trust him.? ¨C Kyon replied impassively.


    The queen was a little disappointed. She took the explosives, anyway, to study the technology that was used to create them. If it was possible to copy it, the demons might gain an advantage over their enemies. If only she knew Kyon¡¯s opinion on this matter¡­ After that, da took the sword and checked its condition. Everything about it, its strength, sharpness, craftsmanship, was worthless.


    In fact, the real Scourge, firearms, bullets, poisons, and everything that demons should not see was in the ring under Kyon¡¯s skin wrapped in the imprable cloth. The ring that fell into da¡¯s hands was a fake used for distraction.


    da put the curiosities in her ring and sat in the chair opposite Kyon. ¨C ?To begin with, tell me how you found out about the secret passageways??


    ?My grandfather has ties in the Department of Security. I used my status of the patriarch¡¯s grandson and did my research.? ¨C Kyon said in a careless tone.


    da snorted. She hadpletely forgotten that these pathetic human beings love to build all sorts of mazes and secret passages. And the most frustrating was that the high ranking investigators were fully informed about all of them! How dared they open her pce to the public? She would have to do something about it and soon.


    ?Alright, next question. Why are you so certain that you are a goddess¡¯s son? Is she still looking out for you? Have you ever met??


    ?I can still see her angelic face among the images imprinted in my mind¡­ I know, no, I feel that she is my mother and a goddess at the same time even if we have never met. She might be looking out for me, but I can¡¯t say for sure¡­?


    da didn¡¯t doubt that Kyon was telling the truth, but she didn¡¯t quite trust his memories. She took out a key purity checker to get some facts straight and found out that the total purity of his keys was 900 points out of 900 possible.


    {Oh, Persephone, it¡¯s incredible!} ¨C The queen was shocked to the core. Only divine creatures had the gift of cleaning the keys. There was no doubt, Kyon was a human goddess¡¯s son!


    da started worrying that the goddess might avenge her son in the future, but there were a few facts that calmed her down. First, gods had a principle not to interfere in human affairs, otherwise, the world would plummet into chaos. Second, rejected kids didn¡¯t enjoy their parents¡¯ protection, such were the ancient traditions. Third, there was still a lot of time until goddess Danna day. She was unlikely to watch him constantly, so da had enough time to return to the demon empire where Persephone, the goddess of demons, ruled. Her Excellence would definitely protect the demon emperor¡¯s future wife from any danger. The principle of non-interference in the affairs of the inferior races was on her side.


    Besides, Kara had already enchanted Kyon with a curse, there was no turning back. It wouldn¡¯t get any worse, anyway. The boy was on the hook, and his love had entered the chronic stage. There was no use crying over spilt milk. It was time to move on and never look back.


    {This human¡¯s potential is limitless.} ¨C da admitted, thrilled, her heavy breasts trembling excitedly. His cultivation speed must be amazing. Why ¡°must be,¡± though? He hadpleted the entire phase in a couple of months (from the party till the tournament)! If he had enough resources for cultivating his unique body and soul, in 20-30 years, he would be one of the most powerful people in this world! It might be a smart decision to marry her daughter off to this genius monster! But¡­ But it was impossible, absolutely impossible! She couldn¡¯t let someone who would lead them all to destruction im the throne of the demon race¡­


    It was pretty sad that Kyon had no chances with Kara, but if he was truly and madly in love with her, it was no biggie. He would be her faithful ve! The subjugating formation was already on his forehead, anyway. da¡¯s bad mood had instantly perked up. There was no need to change ns. She still felt a little sad for the gifted boy: the girl he loved was going to marry the future emperor of demons, give him heirs, and love him with all her heart¡­ As for Kyon, he was going to be a miserable sex ve, an instrument to satisfy his mistress¡¯s sexual appetite. He wasn¡¯t destined to spill his seed in the womb of the woman he loved. A tragic fate was awaiting the poor thing.


    Anyway, da couldn¡¯t care less about Kyon¡¯s feelings. Everything worked out perfectly well for her! The only question she had was how else she could use the gifted monster to benefit the demon empire.


    {Human goddess¡¯s blood flows in his veins. It¡¯s precious blood¡­} ¨C da was deep in thought, tapping her fingers against her bare knee.


    Pure bloodline and high quality of blood were for demons above anything else. Sleeping with a mid-ranking demon was considered indelibly disgraceful, and having sex with lower demons was worse than death. If even a drop of human goddess¡¯s blood flowed in the veins of her descendants, it would have a beneficial effect on their talent¡­


    The queen smiled greedily. Astarte, the heiress of the great subi family, would give everything in the world for the boy¡¯s talent. da imagined all the intrigues she could plot using this knowledge¡­ Or she could sign a profitable contract with some perverted family, say, for a hundred years! Gods, it sounded tempting! da was going to consider this great idea a bitter. One thing was clear: the boy was a gift from heaven that fell into her hands!


    ?Where are your adoptive parents, Kyon? You¡¯ve be a Stone quite recently, after all. Where and with whom did you live before that?? ¨C da asked, curious about the past of this mysterious boy.


    Lovr quickly made up a story of his adoption by rather poor people, which was the reason why he couldn¡¯t connect with his spirit until recently.


    da thought about the goddess¡¯s choice. Her decision seemed rather stupid. She could have sent her son to the elite family of the human race, where they gave him a proper upbringing and provided him with everything he needed to have a great future. But digging deeper, da could see that his mother¡¯s decision revealed the depth of her care: she let her son see life in all its diversity, from the bottom to the top; she gave him the freedom of choice, used difficult trials to mold him before he emerged from the shadows. All this had made him even more ambitious, which he had proved during the tournament¡­ And when he was trying to make Kara his, too.


    In the end, da was quitefortable in her decision.


    ?Your mother is wise, but you were unlucky enough to fall into the wrong hands.? ¨C da said in a low voice and gently stroked Kyon¡¯s cheek, feigning sympathy.


    An expectant smile yed on her lips. ¨C ?Now, tell me if you can really make a copy nephrite of your mother¡¯s legacy.?


    ?I can.? ¨C Kyon nodded reluctantly, wincing as if from a cracked tooth under the influence of the formation.


    Was he willing to exchange his heritage for Kara? What a fool! A stupid, naive fool! She was going to make him deliver everything for free! For some reason, da felt immensely pleased to have this fool-in-love wrapped around her finger. He reminded her of those happy days when she ripped off a wealthy human emperor, enchanting him with her beauty and deceiving him with false promises. It was unforgettable! Exciting. Thrilling.


    da took an empty nephrite and put it in Kyon¡¯s hand, carelessly patting him on the head as if he were her obedient puppy. ¨C ?Copy the movement technique that you used in the tournament. Humor your Empress.? ¨C She made him move over and sat next to him, almost on hisp, enveloping him in her maic, seductive scent, oozing with pheromones. da must have never heard of discretion or the idea of personal space.


    Kyon could feel the warmth of her body even though her thin nightie, he felt her powerful soul, her imperious disposition behind her perverted demonic character. She could kill him in a split second if she wanted to. It was an extremely unpleasant experience, even if Lovr was only pretending to be helpless. da somehow reminded him of his hated female master, and it was depressing¡­


    Kyon stared nkly at the cloudy green sphere, releasing vibrations of pure energy until there appeared a formation inside the nephrite that looked like little bubbles endlessly circling in the ss ball.


    da grabbed the sphere greedily and checked its contents. Her smile disappeared as soon as she realized what was inside. She gave Kyon a piercing icy-cold nce and grabbed him by the chin. ¨C ?How dare you resist the order of your empress?!? ¨C She hissed furiously. Her dense aura could crush even a royal phaser, considering the absence of distance between them.


    Kyon¡¯s formation inside the sphere was as follows: ¡°I am not giving you anything until I have my beloved Kara. She is the light in this dark world. I am not going to lose my only hope, even if heaven is against me.¡±


    ?You are not the empress of my heart.? ¨C Kyon answered in a calm, quiet voice.


    da could feel a vein throbbing in her temple. ¨C ?I order you to copy the movement technique in this nephrite.? ¨C The queen repeated her order firmly, cing another sphere in his hand.


    Kyon turned a steely gaze toward her. ¨C ?Not A Chance.? ¨C Kyon snapped his fingers, and the nephrite crumbled to dust.


    da¡¯s enchanting eyes bulged out in surprise. She never dreamed that someone would have the guts to refuse her, especially when she was sitting so close! What a daredevil! da had always admired his resilience, but now she faced the other side of his indomitable spirit. How could he resist the orders of the formation?! She was a formacist of the 3d rank, one of the best in the whole empire! Her technique of subjugating humans the best of the demon race heritage! Why was he so strong?!


    da gave him a resounding p across the face. ¨C ?Vile miscreant! I order you to stop considering your heritage as something important! Imand you to see Kara in me! Now copy the movement technique in this sphere. Make your dear Kara happy!? ¨C da finished impatiently with greedy sparkles in her eyes, handing him another nephrite.


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Kyon clenched the sphere in his fist and shattered it into pieces. Then he said adamantly:


    ?Nothing in the world will make me lose my only chance to win the girl of dreams. You¡¯re wasting your time, Your Majesty.?


    da looked shocked for a brief moment, thoughtfully ying with a lock of her hair. As far as she knew, resisting formations was immensely difficult. It required a monstrous will and fortitude. It wasn¡¯t the first time that this cheeky brat had set up for her an unforgettable emotional experience. She stillughed every time she remembered the scene with Herman. Kyon¡¯s self-confidence had ignited da¡¯s interest.


    {What shall I do with this naughty goddess¡¯s offspring?} ¨C da wondered, stroking Kyon¡¯s handsome face. He looked really impressive¡­ Her thumb gently ran over his soft lips. She started to understand what would be a perfect way to end her day.


    Before Kyon knew it, da¡¯s warm full lips touched his. Her kiss was so gentle, and the situation was so unusual that his heart fluttered with excitement against his will. Her maic scent prated his nostrils, making his blood boil. Was this treacherous seductive MILF really after him? Why would she?!


    Kyon felt her domineering and surprisingly long tongue invade his mouth, so yful and determined, flexible and wet, so weirdly exciting. It briskly reached his deep throat and danced delicately as if probing the soil, then it appreciatingly tickled his pte and teased his tongue.


    Kyon convulsively tensed his whole body and rxed again as if she were trying to drag his soul out of him. He had never experienced anything like this before. His hands reflexively hugged the queen¡¯s thin waist and pulled her closer to him. Her huge taut breasts pressed into his chest as she arched her back gracefully. However, the moment his hands touched her desired butt, it got seized by an inexplicable spasm¡­


    Kyon realized that da wasn¡¯t going to let him get handsy with her and decided to attack her differently, invade the demonic body with his tongue¡­ It was futile. da bit the uninvited guest, showing him his ce. She would let him do only what she wanted him to do. He had no choice in the matter. It was pretty unusual and weird for Lovr not to be able to control this sensual process. And rather humiliating.


    A few endless minutester, when Kyon almost forgot how to breathe, two pointed peaks crowning the marshmallow breasts of the excited demoness pricked his chest. She sucked on his lips, greedily taking in a considering portion of his saliva with a drop of blood.


    Kyon sagged against the chair, breathing heavily and staring at the ceiling. He had gained an indelible experience. He had no more strength to resist, and to be honest, he didn¡¯t really want to. What was going on here, anyway? How long was she going to vite his mouth? He wanted to be in control, at least of something¡­


    With the air of an experienced gourmet, da clicked her tongue and sexually licked her scarlet, swollen lips. There was still his blood all over them. ¨C ?Kara¡¯s curse definitely works. It turned out that my suspicions were unfounded. And yet, you have an iron will, honey.?

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264


    Kyon stared at the temptress in disbelief. ¨C {Did she kiss me just to find it out?}


    ?Follow me.? ¨C The queen snapped and went somewhere only she knew.


    Kyon followed the demoness, listlessly watching her luscious swaying hips in front of him¡­ Now her gait seemed to him the graceful perfection.


    They arrived at the queen¡¯s chambers.


    ?Lie down.? ¨C She ordered and flicked him on the nose as she noticed the bulge in his pants.


    ?Why are you doing this??


    ?Shut up and do what I say, cocky little brat.? ¨C da smiled yfully, tossing the mane of her gorgeous hair behind her shoulders.


    Kyonplied. His heart was pounding with excitement. The downpour drumming against the windowpane and bright shes of lightning in the moonless night lightened up the tense atmosphere of private little hell.


    (18+*)


    ?Close your eyes. Kiss passionately and ept with tenderness everything that your naughty lips will touch.? ¨C Kyon heard hernguid voice.


    {¡­} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t think straight. Before entering the demons¡¯ir, he considered all potential scenarios, carefully calcted the possible risk, and developed countermeasures for any dangerous situation, but he didn¡¯t assess the possibility of being raped as more than 5%. Kyon decided to y along. It¡¯s no big deal. Once is never.


    da straddled his chest with her knees on the bed and scooted forward until his head was right between her thighs, and his mouth could reach her pink bud¡­


    ?M-m-m-m¡­ Yeah¡­? ¨C The queen moaned with pleasure, throwing back her head. Thedies-in-waiting had never given her so intense sensations. They did it too obligingly and unnaturally. Kyon, on the contrary, had the most talented tongue and lips ever.


    In a fit of delight, da grabbed the goddess messenger by his disheveled hair and pressed his face closer to her swollen vulva, red and hot from the increased blood flow, to let him suck on her clit even harder.


    Kyon could taste her sweet juices in his mouth. His enhanced sense of smell was driving him crazy, his head was spinning as he tried to rein in his scattered thoughts. The queen turned out to be a slutty, vicious creature! Were all demons such horny bitches? For some reason, Kara did not **** him¡­ Well, he had to endure this torture to survive.


    Today was a quite eventful day for da. She needed to blow off steam when this gifted handsome young man, who had been on her mind all the timetely, arrived himself! He dared to lie to her and did it so brazenly and skillfully that she was impressed with his extraordinary skills in thisplex and sophisticated craft. His attitude would insult any human queen, but the demoness liked his personality. Besides, considering his boundless potential and divine origin, his behavior started to make sense, so she decided to put the little liar to the test.


    ording to demon mentality, her actions didn¡¯t undermine her honor, dignity, or authority. She had the son of the goddess submissively lying under her, and making him eat her pussy wasn¡¯t shameful for her regal person, not at all. da proudly seized the opportunity, especially since she derived such obvious pleasure from it.


    ?Use your tongue faster, honey.? ¨C da murmured.


    When his tongue entered her vagina, she bit her little finger with excitement, never stopping her perfect rhythmic movements, smearing her love juices all over his face.


    ?Oh¡­ Yeah¡­ You¡¯re amazing, dirty human!? ¨C da moaned in ecstasy, reaching such a wildly intense orgasm for the first time in ten years. His sweet, yful lips, oh¡­ His skillful talented tongue, ooh¡­ It was sheer bliss!


    ?Oooh!? ¨C da grabbed Kyon by the hair, nearly pulling it out, and pressed his mouth even closer to her vulva. Suddenly, she gracefully arched her back, her body shaking with the power of her climax, and released a gush of pleasure all over his face. For the first time in many years, she had let out all of her stress. It felt so nice to have the goddess¡¯s son to satisfy her physiological needs¡­ An iparable experience¡­ The next few years of waiting for the X day were going to be much more pleasant than she thought. da would never leave this talented brat alone, now that she knew how skillfully he could use his tongue and lips. da wondered how long he could hold his breath underwater. She had to find it out.


    Kyon coughed. His throat burned with sugary sweet, sticky, hot fluids that tasted like heady mead. He winced with annoyance at the sight of the pleased queen lying beside him, totally rxed. Apparently, his turn would nevere: she wasn¡¯t going to let him do anything. What the fuck is going on?! What about everything-you-does-back-to-you?! Damned shameless demon! Is was worse than torture! He had no choice but to be patient. Perhaps in the future, she would pay for this. As for him, he would never forget, that¡¯s for sure.


    As if she could read Lovr¡¯s thoughts, da nced at him, gently ruffled his hair, and gave him a patronizing kiss on the cheek. ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry, honey, but I am not going to do anything for you. You may tickle your pickle in your chamberster, dreaming of your dear girl. By the way, where is Kara?? ¨C Thest question was addressed mainly to herself.


    (*18+)


    ¡­


    Stealthily following a slender, tall, golden-haired girl dressed in in dark, tight-fitting clothes, Kara entered the stable that was quite far from the arena and red at her straight back. The girl was adjusting the bridle of her imperial white-mane horse.


    Kara¡¯s heart began to beat faster. She was like a hare who had bumped into a hungry fox. The girl she had been dreaming day and night was so close¡­ So much time had passed since theirst meeting! Gods, why wasn¡¯t the extract from the sunflower Ra ready yet?! However, there was no time for regrets! How could she start a conversation? Should she sneak up on her? Or pounce on her? The princess hadn¡¯t felt so thrilled in a long time¡­


    ?How did you find me?? ¨C Elsa turned around and asked in a clear, melodious voice.


    Kara trembled with delight at the sight of her dazzling beauty. A charming, gentle smile yed on Kara¡¯s lips, which was quite unusual for her. Her legs walked to the object of her adoration on their own. ¨C ?I will see you through a million faces¡­ I am so d to see you, my little vixen!?


    ?Well, I am not. Get lost.? ¨C Elsa said indifferently.


    ?Why are you so rude! I¡¯ve missed you!? ¨C Kara elerated so fast that her silhouette blurred and tried to hug Elsa¡­ But nothing came of it. A momentter, Elsa was already twisting the persistent princess¡¯s arm.


    ?Stop bothering me, stop dreaming about me. Find yourself a decent man already or I will have to break you a couple of bones just likest time!? ¨C Elsa said coldly.


    Kara¡¯s blushed with excitement at the rough touch of Elsa¡¯s gentle hands and her breathtaking scent. She had missed her dearest girl so much! ¨C ?My dear little fox¡­ I¡­ I want to¡­ hug you¡­ and kiss you¡­? ¨C Kara mumbled passionately and grabbed Elsa¡¯s thigh, squeezing her butt cheek that was so close at her hand¡­ Oh, great Persephone! It was worth waiting for so long just to feel this delicate, taut butt!


    When Elsa realized that the pesky princess was pawing her, she grimaced in disgust. ¨C ?Horny skank!? ¨C She kicked Kara right in the ass, sending her tumbling head over heels to the nearest wall.


    ?So young and so dirty! I¡¯m sorry for you¡­ You will never grow up.? ¨C Elsa¡¯s voice was hard with contempt. She turned away and went to her horse.


    Kara grinnedsciviously and licked her hand. She could still feel the recent touch. It was totally worth it! ¨C ?Why are you so prudish, little fox? I know you love me, don¡¯t deny it. It¡¯s obvious. Did you forget what happened between us??


    Elsa froze for a second. Then she slowly turned to the annoying demoness, her emerald green eyes ring with fury.


    Kara calmly continued provoking her. ¨C ?Don¡¯t you remember the day when I patiently waited until you ran out of steam during our training session, which ultimately led to my unconditional victory??


    ?If you say one more word¡­? ¨C Elsa red at her threateningly.


    ?Come on! I still hear your soft little moans that sounded like a bird song on an early spring morning! I still hear your sweet voice begging me to stop, and it makes me instantly wet¡­ And your yful helpless resistance¡­ It was¡­ It is unforgettable!? ¨C Kara looked at Elsa with adoration, smacking her lips with sweet memories. Then she sensually put her index finger in her mouth, which had to remind Elsa of something.


    ?That¡¯s it, bitch!? ¨C In the blink of an eye, Elsa found herself near the foul provoker, giving her several sobering ps in the face to knock the nonsense out of her ex-friend. Then Elsa grabbed Kara by her long thin neck and hung her on the outstretched hand, pressing her firmly against the wall like a helpless puppy. ¨C ?Damned lesbian, what happened between us was a big mistake! I should have killed you, but you looked too pathetic and humiliated! Forget about that day as if it never happened! Stop chasing false hope. I have never loved you. I never will. We are not friends, not even rivals! You have always been an annoying weakling, unable to take even one serious blow.?


    Kara convulsively wriggled in helpless attempts to break free from Elsa¡¯s iron grip. His cheeks burned like fire, tears of resentment welled up in her eyes. Those were the most hurtful words she had ever heard in her whole life! They were like daggers in her heart. Kara couldn¡¯t ept it. She longed to be one with perfect Elsa! To give up her dream? She would rather die! ¨C ?No! You¡¯re lying! We have always loved each other. Let¡¯s face the truth! Someday I will be stronger and you will understand! You will know all the delight of being a woman and be grateful to me all your life, pleasing me day and night!? ¨C The demoness wheezed with mad frenzy, her dark ga eyes sparkled with emotion.


    Elsa pressed her lips together with undisguised contempt, looking at Kara as if she were batshit crazy. ¨C ?Do you think I won¡¯t kill you right here and now? You crossed the line a long time ago. Why should I tolerate you any longer?!?


    ?Because¡­ You love me¡­? ¨C Kara hissed confidently, turning purple fromck of air.


    ?Brainless incorrigible fool¡­ I hope someone will **** you while you lie here in a seductive position that leaves your headless puppets mesmerized.? ¨C Elsa whispered with hatred and tightened her grip, which left the desperately writhing demoness consciousness¡­


    After that, Elsa threw Kara into the straw with her ass stuck out. She tore off Kara¡¯s sexy panties and shoved them in her mouth with a gloating grin. Then, wincing in disgust, she lifted the princess¡¯s indecently short skirt, revealing her private parts to the whole world. It would be very fortunate if a passer-by who wasn¡¯t burdened with decency noticed her lying here. It would be even better if he were dirt poor and had arge penis, and if he could make her a child at first try¡­ Motherhood would change her dirty, lewd mind.


    Elsa gracefully jumped upon the back of her horse and dashed off to the imperial order. She was incredibly happy to watch the Stones win thanks to some incredible genius, who she would soone across, but the damned bitch ruined her mood for the rest of the day. The mere thought of that hateful day made tremble with rage.

 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265


    Kara woke up, sleepily rubbing her heavy eyelids. She found in her mouth a rag soaked in saliva. Immediately, she spat it out and was shocked to realize that it was her underwear. ¨C {My panties? In my mouth?!} ¨C A cool breeze ran over her naked buttocks.


    Kara reflexively turned around at the sharp sound of convulsive swallowing and saw two ugly sweaty ruddy men, judging by their ragged clothes,moners. At the moment, they were staring at her bare ass with dopey lust-filled eyes.


    {?!} ¨C The princess instantly went berserk¡­


    A single blow shattered their heads in fragments. The two guys were unlucky to run into her highness at such a vulnerable, unsightly moment. They had only a couple of minutes to make some reasonable decision, but they just stared at her until retribution came like a thunderbolt, punishing the hesitant, indecisive weaklings.


    Kara wiped the rest of their brains off her fist in disgust and left the stable, sobbing intively. She was trembling with unbearable rage. It was so mean of Elsa to leave her in that position without any underwear! What if they raped her?! Devious wench! Kara wanted to focus her anger on the object of her love but couldn¡¯t. Her blond dream had always been unapproachable and vindictive¡­ Especially after that naughty erotic moment. Ever since that day, Kara couldn¡¯t approach her without serious consequences. Today their paths had crossed¡­ And it was wonderful, though quite risky. Anyway, it was totally worth it. But now Kara had to release her anger¡­


    Kara returned to the pce. When she reached the top floor, she remembered the talented rascal. She was so immersed in her suffering and grief that she hadpletely forgotten about the goddess¡¯s messenger until right now! Where was he? He had promised to arrive at the pce, but she had no idea when and how it would happen. Kara decided to pay a visit to the Stones and pick him up¡­


    ?Had fun with Elsa?? ¨C da came round the corner.


    ?Yeah¡­? ¨C Kara nodded glumly. ¨C ?You look refreshed, mom. What¡¯s up??


    ?Your cute little friend had sneaked into the pce.?


    ?My raven-haired boy is here?!? ¨C Kara eximed happily, somewhat relieved to hear this.


    ?He is, and I have an important task for you. You must make him give away his heritage, everything without exception: the movement technique, the way to connect with the soul, resistance to the elements, and so on.?


    ?Uhm¡­ I didn¡¯t understand¡­ I have ordered him to bring me his master¡¯s heritage, and do it unnoticeably. He didn¡¯t do it? He dared to disobey my order! When did he get so cocky?!? ¨C Kara red up. She had an urge to give someone a good thrashing, mainly because of the incident with Elsa.


    ?You see, there¡¯s no master. His entire heritage is imprinted in his head. He has deceived you, my naive, silly daughter. Kyon made up a legend about himself that kept him safe and sound. You were afraid to take him to the pce, let alone injure or kill him. Anyway, the boy is a skillful liar, so I don¡¯t me you¡­ I don¡¯t me you that much.?


    Kara tilted her head to the side, batting her long eyshes, which made her look rather stupid. ¨C ?Huh? No master? But it can¡¯t be! How can he be so talented?! It¡¯s pure nonsense!?


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense in your head, Kara Tristan. He turns out to be a rejected son of the human goddess. His perfect key purity and high-ranking techniques only confirm this fact. Besides, he has admitted it himself under my subjugating formation.? ¨C The queen announced arrogantly, proudly lifting her chin.


    Kara was literally speechless. Her mouth opened so wide that she could fit a whole tangerine inside. The goddess¡¯s son?! The master of all elements?! It was crazy! Was this gifted creature her ve?!


    ?Moreover.? ¨C da added with a mischievous smile. ¨C ?You really seem to get off on that little phoenix. For your information, his creation is easy to identify by the energy trail he left behind. It turns out you have wasted a load of money on the figurine your own ve has made. The scoundrel has given the money to XiaoBai, his brother and business partner, so you can¡¯t have it back.?


    Kara hit herself in the forehead. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. ¨C ?My phoenix¡­ Is his creation?! I paid four million spheres for some cheap dirty trick?!?


    ?Exactly.? ¨C da reveled in her daughter¡¯s reaction. She wanted to tease her a little more. It might do her some good. ¨C ?Let¡¯s get to the point. I want you to get the goddess¡¯s legacy from the naughty little brat. For some reason, your enchantment didn¡¯t cloud his mind as it should have. He ispletely sane and can even think logically. He knows perfectly well that his dream will nevere true as long as he is your ve, so he made a condition: he wants to exchange his heritage for a wedding night with you.? ¨C The queen smiled predatorily.


    ?WHAT?!? ¨C Kara stamped her foot angrily. ¨C ?My ve has lost his mind?! Insolent little beast. I¡¯ll kill him for this! Crazy psycho! He must strictly obey my orders. How could he possibly make this insane condition??


    ?Here, here, sweet baby.? ¨C da calmed her down. ¨C ?I forbid you to injure or torture him. The little rogue has monstrous willpower. He isn¡¯t afraid of pain. He is even capable of resisting my orders under the subjugating formation, so forget about such methods. You need your cunning ways to get his heritage. Work your magic on him, convince him, seduce him, use your maniption skills! Only the empress of his heart can do this. But even if it¡¯s you, I¡¯m not sure you can do it¡­ In fact, I doubt it very much.? ¨C da made a tsking a sound, shaking her head.


    ?You doubt I can do it? He is actually hopelessly in love with me! I will get anything I want from him in five minutes!? ¨C Kara yelled furiously.


    ?Well, we¡¯ll have to see about that.? ¨C da smiled slyly.


    Kara closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. ¨C ?I can see through your little tricks. I know what you¡¯re trying to do, but I can¡¯t always defend myself or maybe I just don¡¯t want to. Too bad that you have such a low opinion of me.? ¨C Kara said in an icy cold voice and went to her chambers. She was angry at her mother for treating her like a little kid.


    da followed her with an approving look. ¨C {The daughter is growing up. She will make a good wife to the demon emperor.} ¨C No matter how much Kara disappointed her, she could not be angry with her for a time.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Kyon was cuddling with Kara¡¯s pillow, waiting for her to appear. He could have easily escaped from the demons pce through the secret passages, ignoring da¡¯s order ¡°not to run away,¡± but his job here hadn¡¯t been finished yet. Meeting with Kara was the most difficult part of his n. She was going to do her best to get his heritage, and his task was to endure it all and make her run to her mummy and cry.


    In fact, Kara¡¯s enchantment still worked, and it was the most challenging about their uing meeting. After the unfortunate incident at the party, Kyon had managed to weaken its power over him and achieve an overall bnce (Synergy fights for Lovr¡¯s mind faster than it gets expended). However, whenever Kyon thought about Kara, saw her face or, worst of all, took a whiff of her voluptuous scent, the almost dormant curse began to rage like a storm, sweeping his mind with violent force. And now the storm was near. He had to survive it somehow. His Synergy of the Student¡¯s degree (2) at the intermediate level seemed to be enough to withstand it.


    Kyon really hated this bitch. Because of her, he was doomed to suffer from a chronic love for Dinah, and, by the look of things, for Kara as well. The mere thought of her angelic face filled him with a passionate desire to fuck her or at least, kiss her to death¡­ On the plus side, he had perverted and vulgarized his initially pure, innocent, servile love by neuro-programming, just like in Dinah¡¯s case.


    Soon the door opened. A beautiful, majesticdy entered the room. She was wearing a wine-colored dress with cutouts on the shoulders and a low-cut neckline.


    Kyon was fascinated by Kara, who was equally gorgeous as her mother. The expression ¡°devilishly adorable¡± suited her perfectly. Kara could drive anyone crazy with her soft, radiant skin and bare shoulders with sharp, defined corbones. Her slender legs and long delicate neck caused an irresistible desire to cover them with affectionate kisses. Her royal posture, along with herrge breasts and prominent booty, attracted the attention of even the pickiest emperors¡­


    All this was enough to make any girl sell her soul to get such a body, but Kara¡¯s main priority was her beautiful face withnguid, maizing eyes that always looked as if she just had sex. The demon princess was worthy to be da¡¯s and the demon emperor¡¯s daughter with her delicious scarlet lips, pointed nose, expressive eyes the color of ripe cherry with a phoenix me hiding in their depth, gracious outline of long eyshes and narcissistic eyebrows that revealed her capricious nature. Synergy helped Kyon fight the raging curse, but he deliberately gave his desires some free will so that the insidious bitch believed in his sincere love. He went straight to Kara with his arms wide open, ready for a hug.


    ~bam~


    A sudden p in the face instantly threw him aside. There was almost no pure energy into the blow, but it was enough to calm down a practitioner at his level of cultivation.


    ?Don¡¯t even think about it!? ¨C Kara sternly warned Kyon, giving him an arrogant nce. She went to the closet, took out her silk burgundy panties, and slowly pulled them on her smooth legs under her dress, ignoring the eager look of her ve in love.


    ?Love of my life, we meet atst!? ¨C Kyon said, rubbing his red cheek but beaming with happiness.


    Kara ignored his words. She took off her high-heeled shoes, exposing her delicate ankles, and sat on the bed chin raised, shoulders back, pointing with her finger to the floor. ¨C ?Kneel before me!?


    Kara knew that her mother had included her to the subjugating formation on Kyon¡¯s forehead, which meant that the goddess¡¯s messenger had to obey hermands.


    The formation really worked. Kyon was so annoyed that his eye began twitching. Should he obey her? He desperately wanted to flip her off, fucking the hell out of her beforehand, but the timing wasn¡¯t right. He had to follow at least the most harmless orders to hide his ability to resist the formation.


    Kyon obediently knelt before her with an expression of devotion and adoration on his face.


    ?Good boy.? ¨C Kara nodded, visibly pleased. However, a momentter, her face darkened. When she spoke, her voice held a hard, steely edge. ¨C ?Is there anything you want to tell me??


    ?I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡­?


    ?You know everything perfectly well.? ¨C Kara wrinkled her nose at Kyon, pouted her lips and stared at him angrily. ¨C ?How dared you go easy on me during our battle at the party?!?


    ?I didn¡¯t¡­?


    *p*


    ?Don¡¯t deny the obvious!? ¨C Kara hissed, getting even angrier with each next word. ¨C ?You yed me for a fool, jerk! With your incredible resistance to the heat, you messed with me, amusing yourself with my pathetic attempts to fry you!?


    *p*


    ?You didn¡¯t use all your power!?


    *p*


    ?You didn¡¯t use all your elements!?


    *p**


    ?Your disrespectful behaviour is insulting! I am not amoner, I am the first princess and your mistress, bastard!? ¨C Kara gave Kyon another hard p in the face that sent him to the floor. ¨C ?If you weren¡¯t so valuable, I would have you executed on the spot!?


    Kara¡¯s breasts were heaving with her panting breaths, her teeth clenched in anger. She wanted to tear the insolent jerk to pieces for hurting her ego and pride! Anyway, Kara just tried to take it out on her ve for the unfortunate meeting with Elsa. Kyon just happened to be in the wrong ce at the wrong time. Whatever¡­ It served him right.


    Kyon said nothing, looking miserable on his knees. His cheeks were rapidly turning purple with the help of Synergy, of course. His head was inhumanly strong, and he didn¡¯t feel a thing when she hit him, but her petty, mean attempt to humiliate him was most irritating. Kyon¡¯s eyes gleamed dangerously with barely contained hatred.


    ?Well? Say something!? ¨C Kara ordered in a t voice. ¨C ?Beg for my forgiveness, pathetic ve!?

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266


    ?I¡¯m¡­ Sor¡­ Sor¡­? ¨C Kyon¡¯s forehead soaked in sweat, he clenched his teeth, breathing heavily as if experiencing excruciating pain or resisting the powerful will that was trying to break him. However, he quickly calmed down and looked firmly at Kara. ¨C ?No.?


    ?Huh? What did you say?? ¨C Kara nearly bit her tongue in confusion. ¨C ?Your mistress demands an apology for insulting her, and you say no?!? ¨C She noticed his struggle to resist the formation but could not believe he did it!


    ?I didn¡¯t mean to offend you at the party. I just didn¡¯t want to reveal my abilities to the whole world ahead of time. Do you want me to grovel at your feet for something I didn¡¯t do? Even if you are the princess of the kingdom, I refuse to do it! My pride won¡¯t let me! Otherwise, I will be nothing but a ve for you, someone you will never love.?


    ?But you are my ve!? ¨C The princess eximed angrily, jumping out of bed.


    ?What makes you think so? Were you a queen herself, I wouldn¡¯t obey all your orders or endure humiliation! Anyway, I love you more than life. I will give everything I can and everything I have to win your love. But it doesn¡¯t make me your servant or ve!?


    ?You¡­ Are you out of your fucking mind?!? ¨C Kara was frozen in disbelief with her mouth wide open. She remembered her mother saying that the goddess¡¯s messenger had a monstrous will, but she couldn¡¯t believe it was really happening. Why did her innate unique body of the highest rank, created by mixing the purest bloodlines, fail to turn this weakling into a submissive zombie, ready to fulfill any whim of his mistress? What was wrong with him?


    ?Apologize to your mistress immediately!? ¨C Kara demanded with a touch of childish resentment in her voice. He had to obey! He was her ve! It was an established fact!


    Subconsciously, the princess no longer understood who was this strange person. She confronted him to figure out how to deal with him. However, she could control him, and it drove her round the bend!


    Kyon hesitated again. He let out a groan as if being tortured and said grimly, shaking his head. ¨C ?No!?


    ?Asshole!? ¨C The furious princess gave him another powerful and really painful p in the face. His busted lip started to bleed, but his eyes sparkled even more than usual.


    The demoness did it a couple more times until she realized the futility of her actions. It was useless. He refused to obey. The indomitable will of the goddess¡¯s son was able to ovee the formation and the enchantment taken together.


    He followed only those orders that didn¡¯t humiliate his dignity¡­ What the hell was going on? How should she treat him after that? He was definitely no ve¡­ ves had no pride. Maybe a servant?


    Without knowing it, Kyon went up in Kara¡¯s estimation from a pathetic ¡°ve¡± to a potential ¡°servant.¡± She was still toying with the idea of how exactly she should treat him.


    The princess sighed wearily and went to the restroom. She returned a few minutester looking cool, calm and collected. Kara sat on the bed and ordered in a tone that brooked no contradiction:


    ?Get undressed.?


    {Huh?!} ¨C Kyung thought he had misheard her. What was she up to? Did all the demons drag to bed those who showed character? If it came to what he was thinking, he was as good as dead! Synergy wouldn¡¯t cope with the curse!


    ?Why are you doing this?? ¨C Didn¡¯t he ask da the same question not so long ago? Damned lewd demons. What was on their mind?


    ?To put my new servant to the test, of course. If you don¡¯t want to be my ve, you will be my servant. It¡¯s very prestigious, by the way. You can be proud of yourself. Why are you staring at me like this? You don¡¯t like it either? Go to hell then! The princess¡¯s choice isn¡¯t up for discussion. Anyway, it¡¯s all your fault you fell in love with me.?


    {My fault? Are you fucking mental? If it wasn¡¯t for Synergy, I would have turned into a submissive andpletely brainless vegetable!} ¨C Kyon hated this arrogant bitch more and more, experiencing controversial and annoyingly painful love at the same time.


    Kyon undressed to his underpants deliberately slowly ¡­


    Kara got out of bed and walked behind Kyon with a dancing gait. She was clearly plotting something.


    Suddenly, Kyon felt her cool hand gently touch his biceps, squeeze it a couple of times and move higher up his arm, carefully tracing all the curves on the way¡­


    The princess¡¯s breath slightly tickled his skin, sending waves of goosebumps all over his body.


    Kara shamelessly pawed all his muscles, from the sculpted abs to his strong back muscles, examining their shape and stic property. Her increased heart rate and breathing made it clear that she liked to touch his muscr body. She snorted in surprise from time to time as if she could not believe her eyes. Was he really that impressive? Did he satisfy her aesthetic ideal after Synergy did a great job on his physique? It would be fine if Kyon didn¡¯t have a weird feeling that she wasn¡¯t admiring him but her property or her pet!


    Kara¡¯s hands moved higher to his trapezius muscle and kneaded it gently as if giving him a neck massage. Her delicate aroma and skillful moves clouded his mind and caused a wild euphoria in his pants. When Lovr felt a fleeting touch of her nose, sucking in the air at the back of his head, he was about to break loose and pounce on the demoness! She was smelling him! And judging by her quiet and contented purr, she liked his smell! The unapproachable and powerful princess behaved like a passionate slut craving sex! It must run in her blood.


    Even more mysterious seemed the abrupt change in her mood. Only recently, she kept pping him in the face, growling with rage, and now she didn¡¯t seem to have an unkind bone in her body. Why was that? Were all the demons so light-minded and fickle?


    {Men tend to be all sweaty and smelly like pigs, but the goddess¡¯s messenger is different¡­ Why does he smell so good? Is it because of his divine ancestors? I¡¯d love to smell his mom if ites down it¡­} ¨C Kara, like many other demons, was bisexual, but she preferred women who smelled better than men and surpassed them in their beauty. Besides, she couldn¡¯t imagine any dirty outgrowth prate her intimate parts. All this was merely a consequence of her high standards, which didn¡¯t exclude men from the list of her possible partners. For instance, the future demon emperor was good enough for her, even if she would dly exchange a dozen of emperors for her Elsa.


    ?You can consider my affection as a gift for the show with patriarch Brown. I really liked the scene of his ??public humiliation. It was so much fun when he lost a stage of his cultivation. It left me in stitches!? ¨C Kara whispered in his ear, standing behind him.


    She remembered that her main task was to get his heritage out of him. Mother had warned her that no orders worked on him, and she could see it for herself. Kara had to approach this issue the cunning way¡­ And she had set the ball rolling. Kara¡¯s seducing skills were on the par with the subi, which, by the way, she was not. It should do the trick.


    The princess smiled slyly. ¨C ?If you want more, give your mistress something valuable, for example, your heritage.? ¨C Kara said in anguid, slightly hoarse voice and yfully bit his earlobe, affectionately hugging him behind.


    {She is bringing out the big guns.} ¨C Kyon wasn¡¯t surprised. Kara¡¯s attempt to seduce him to get his heritage was quite expected. Combined with the curse of enchantment, it was the most difficult part of his n, for which he was mentally ready before entering the pce ¡­


    Kyon pretended to be in agonizing pain for a while, then he confidently shook his head. ¨C ?My terms remain unchanged. I won¡¯t give away my heritage until I am sure that you will be my woman¡­ My dear life partner.?


    {Your life partner? In your dreams! You¡¯re just a pathetic human head over heels in love with me! Even a thousand men like you are not worth a single Elsa¡¯s finger! She is my ideal, and you are just a servant who has to obey mymands!} ¨C Kara thought crossly.


    Kyon heard a barely audible angry growl from behind¡­


    ?Well, maybe you should reconsider?? ¨C Kara said in a lilting voice and kissed her victim on the back of his head, her hand moving down to his groin¡­ Her graceful finger touched the protruding bulge in his panties¡­


    Kyon tensed his entire body. His face distorted in a genuine fit of desire, but he kept his cool. His faithfulpanion in this trying period was hismon sense. If Kara got what she wanted, it would ruin all his ns. She wasn¡¯t going to give him anything in return, instead, she would beat him to a pulp for his disobedience.


    He refused again.


    ?Obey your mistress, jerk!? ¨C Kara red up for a second, then cleared her throat and calmly continued to caress him¡­


    The unsessful seductionsted for half an hour. Kara¡¯s attitude changed as fast as lightning in the night sky from a rampaging fury to a sweet angel.


    In the meantime, Kyon was allowed to touch her taut bottom and soft breasts, stroke their hair and even tickle with his nose the narrow cleft between her weighty mounds. She also let him admire her sexy underwear in very obscene positions¡­ Kara did her best to fuel his desire, ying mind games and feeding him promises. She was performing at her highest level, considerably surpassing Dinah at the moment of her sweet torture. Kara even promised to sleep with him as soon as she received his precious heritage, but Kyon stubbornly demanded the reverse order of events¡­


    In Kara¡¯s opinion, Kyon was unaware of the race she belonged to. She thought he had no idea why her virginity is so valuable and kept pulling the wool over his eyes¡­ Whyplicate things by a wedding night if they could sleep here and now as soon as he gave away his heritage! Kara¡¯s hint couldn¡¯t be more obvious.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes turned bloody red, blue veins throbbed in his temples. He clenched tightly his teeth. His willpower had endured a terrible trial, but he stubbornly declined her unfavorable offers.


    After another failure, Kara furiously pped him on the cheek, spewing venom all over him. It was terribly disappointing that her gorgeous body and the exceptional skills of an experienced seductress failed to get her what she wanted. Some greenhorn didn¡¯t crack under the pressure of the first demon princess! How humiliating! She would get her revenge, whatever it cost. However, she couldn¡¯t help but admit that his will power was stronger than atomic energy! It was monstrous! Mother didn¡¯t deceive her¡­ Kara admired him even if she would never admit it. She subconsciously promoted him from a servant to a superior servant, although he infuriated her with each failed attempt.


    Kara would have to use dirtier ways to get what she wanted, but it was gettingte, she started to feel sleepy. Tomorrow this vile human would definitely break! In the meantime, she had to try something else¡­


    The princess sat on the bed, crossed her slender bare legs and gave her superior servant an arrogant look. ¨C ?Take off your underpants.? ¨C Shameless as she was, Kara stared at his bulge with a professional look of a true penis connoisseuse.

 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267


    Kyon didn¡¯t feel embarrassed. He removed his underpants, revealing his burgundy hard on. He didn¡¯t care what she was up to this time. He was ready for anything.


    Kara snorted in disdain and giggled in nervousughter, pping her knee. ¨C ?Oh gods, how can it be? Everything is perfect about my superior servant! Everything except the most important thing! Howe? Maybe your mother didn¡¯t love you that much? I can¡¯t look any more§Ò or I¡¯llugh myself sick! Ha ha ha ha ha!? ¨C Karaughed until she cried, rolling on the bed.


    Any teenager in Kyon¡¯s ce would burn with shame and humiliation, wishing the ground would open and swallow him up. It really hurt Lovr¡¯s feelings, too. He understood perfectly well that the demoness was deliberately taunting him to get her humiliating revenge. Not a single muscle flinched on his face. However, he firmly decided to increase his penis with Synergy before meeting Kara to make her choke on it, in all senses of the term.


    When Kara had enough fun, she raised her eyebrows in a sad, puzzled expression, her mocking voice became genuinely sympathetic as if she were talking to someone with a disability. ¨C ?I am sorry¡­ It¡¯s not your fault that you have a birth defect¡­ I must have overreacted, right? Did I hurt your feelings? Poor thing¡­ I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t restrain myself. It¡¯s just¡­ I expected more from the goddess¡¯s son! Something much bigger than that!? ¨C She brokeughing again with even more tauntingments¡­


    Kara was happy to get even with Kyon for his attitude¡­ On average, a male demon¡¯s penis was bigger than that of male humans by about a third, so herugh sounded almost sincere. However, it was pretty frustrating that he didn¡¯t respond to her taunts. Anyone in his ce would be burning with shame, but not he¡­ Damned goddess¡¯s offspring! Well, he would change his tune tomorrow.


    When Kara¡¯sughter subsided, Kyon said maliciously:


    ?Actually, your mother quite enjoyed it¡­ Try it, you¡¯re sure to like it, too. And then you will get the heritage that you want so much.? ¨C He was talking about his tongue, obviously. If worstes to worst, he would just exin it away.


    Kara¡¯s smile disappeared at once. ¨C ?WHAT DID YOU SAY?!? ¨C She grabbed the naked guy by the throat, radiating high levels of killing intent. ¨C ?I order you to tell the truth! Was there anything going on between you two?!?


    ?Yes¡­? ¨C Before Kyon could finish the phrase, he got kicked in the groin.


    ?Argh! I hate you!? ¨C Kara shattered the side table that got in the way, and then a chair¡­ She was shaking with anger. The princess really wanted to take out her rage on the servant, but she didn¡¯t dare to cripple him, he was too valuable! He couldn¡¯t have fucked her mother! It was pure nonsense!


    Kara wasn¡¯t furious because she hated her superior servant, it resulted mainly from the traditions among the supreme demons that said that only a husband or a sex ve could prate a demoness. A sex ve is an honorable title, more prestigious than a superior servant because the master bes the patron. Only a select few, regardless of race, are offered the job. Applicants are required to have excellent physical characteristics (beauty) and be of noble origin in their home country. They undergo a rite of passage, which, among other things, includes the application of a subjugating formation¡­ Could she¡­


    If da had really slept with Kyon, it meant that she had taken him as her sex ve, keeping it secret from her daughter! She had officially and forever appropriated him, without even asking Kara¡¯s permission!


    Kyon was immensely pleased with himself, watching Kara¡¯s reaction. A single phrase had turned her mockery into an uncontroble rage. Sweet revenge! Kyon could hardly hold back his evil grin. It gave him a special pleasure to realize that Kara was jealous of her own mother!


    Kara red furiously at his naked body. ¨C ?Gloating, aren¡¯t you? Do you find it funny?!?


    ?I would neverugh at you, honey¡­? ¨C Kyon muttered, barely holding back a smile.


    Kara grabbed him by the neck and pressed him against the wall. ¨C ?I can see through your rotten arrogant nature, asshole! You are happy to make me angry, because, in your opinion, I have undeservedly beaten and humiliated you! However, my actions arepletely fair and justified!?


    Kyon was rapidly turning pale. He tried to say anything, but pretended that he couldn¡¯t, because anyone at his level of cultivation wouldn¡¯t utter a word. Kara¡¯s grip was too tight, and he had to y along.


    ?You have nothing to say? I knew it! You have disappointed me, jerk¡­ I have humiliated myself in every possible way, showing you my gorgeous body, letting you touch me in the ces where any man in the whole empire can only dream of! I have offered myself to you because you are the damned goddess¡¯s son, not just anyone! You are quite worthy of me, after all! And all I wanted in exchange was a mere trifle! But you, ungrateful dumb creature, have ignored my obvious hints! Do you have any idea what I had to go through? It¡¯s like a p in the face! You have insulted me, bastard!? ¨C Kara skillfully yed the victim; she looked hurt, disappointed and a bit angry with the idiot who didn¡¯t understand the obvious.


    Suddenly, her eyes sparkled with a devilish light, she tightened her grip on his neck. ¨C ?And now I find out that you have already slept with my own mother! Do you think you¡¯ll get off with just a ps in your face? No way! I will punish you properly!? ¨C She shed a predatory smile that didn¡¯t bode well. ¨C ?Did you hear of the ¡°fruit rings¡± that are in use among the supreme beasts? You didn¡¯t? They give the formation owner full control over the male reproductive system¡­ I¡¯m thinking of giving you one for life. Oh, I almost forgot the most important thing! I remember you mumbling something about your pride. You did your best to keep it¡­ We¡¯ll see what happens tomorrow when I introduce you to your new friends! You are going to have so much fun¡­?


    Kara let go of Kyon¡¯s neck and ran her hand through her captive¡¯s hair, a careless, unceremonious gesture, very simr to that of her mother¡¯s. ¨C ?But I¡¯m a kind princess. I¡¯ll give you a chance to earn my forgiveness. Give me your heritage or some handsome muscr guys will work on your ass tomorrow. Don¡¯t give me that look! You had iting¡­ You showed disrespect to my highness, insulted, humiliated me, and you will pay for this!?


    Kara¡¯s audacity was disgusting. She presented herself as a saint, innocent virgin, making him a dirty ungrateful scoundrel! Kyon seriously considered changing his n and strangling the brazen bitch when he had a chance!


    ?I¡¯ll give you time until tomorrow morning, but if I don¡¯t like your decision then in the evening¡­ Well, you understand me, my dear raven-haired boy.? ¨C Kara escorted Kyon to the spare room not far from her own and gave an order to two imposing elite knights not to let anyone in or let out. Then she went to find her mom.


    ?Any luck?? ¨C da asked, holding a ss of emerald wine in her hand. She was sitting majestically on the sofa as befits a lonely boreddy.


    ?No.? ¨C Kara said coldly. ¨C ?I¡¯ll take care of it tomorrow. I will get his damned legacy whatever it takes¡­ He is only human, after all.?


    ?He is the goddess¡¯s son, daughter. I have never met anyone else like him. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it takes you months, if not years, to get the heritage from his smart little head. Keep trying, anyway. You¡¯re going to make it right.?


    Kara narrowed her fiery eyes suspiciously. ¨C ?Did you like him??


    da looked thoughtfully at her daughter. ¨C ?I won¡¯t deny it. He is just my type.? ¨C A dreamy smile appeared on her face as she remembered the recent sweet moments.


    Kara glimpsed a satisfied expression on her mother¡¯s face, which was a rare asion in her experience, and immediately drew the natural conclusion. Kyon wasn¡¯t lying. There was no doubt that she had slept with him¡­ Now it was clear why her mother looked so refreshed thest time they met! Kara went cold with fury while another stinging, prickly, not quite familiar sensation well up in her heart¡­


    {You took him without my permission! How could you?! I¡¯m not giving him away!} ¨C Kara came up with a n of action, namely, ckmail. As soon as she got Kyon¡¯s heritage, she would use it to make her mother give up the boy without killing him. It was going to get ugly. A sex ve was a lifelong job, after all. Anyway, this misunderstanding would remain between her mother and her. Or¡­


    Kara couldn¡¯t understand why she did not want to give Kyon to her mother so much.


    When the princess was about to leave, da called out to her. ¨C ?By the way, I strictly forbid you to visit Juno Stone in theing days, or until I give you my permission.?


    Kara turned around. ¨C ?Why?! Do you want to punish me for overspending at the auction??


    ?Not quite. The imperial envoy knows that youngdy Stone has arrived at the pce. He can show up at any time without warning to enroll the gifted girl to the imperial order. Under no circumstances can Ferdinand see you or our lives will be in great danger.? ¨C da said, her voice sounding very earnest. ¨C ?Did you hear me??


    ?Yes, mom¡­? ¨C Kara nodded reluctantly.


    A couple more admonitions and Kara could finally leave the room.


    She gritted her teeth, angry with her mother for treating her like an unreasonable and frivolous child. She felt that her mother monitored and controlled her every move, and it was unbearable! And, worst of all, the situation wouldn¡¯t change in theing years¡­


    ¡­


    da visited Kyon in his room, examined him for injuries with a slight hint of concern, then she ordered him to tell her the smallest details of his meeting with her daughter¡­


    As expected, the boy had an unbending power will. Even the ¡°empress of his heart¡± couldn¡¯t get what she wanted. No torture, subjugating formations, or treacherous ruse worked on him. The chances to get his heritage were close to zero. If nothing happened shortly, it would be pointless to keep on trying. They would have to wait until they returned to the demon empire, and then try a couple of new methods, ore up with something more interesting like apromise. The heritage in his head was too valuable for the entire demon empire, but giving him Kara would bring a disaster upon their race¡­


    With a sad sigh, the queen asked Kyon if there were any secret passages in his room. Then, she scanned the walls just in case and ordered him not to plot anything, including escape. Finally, she applied a tracking formation on his wrist, just to be safe.


    Kyon obediently agreed. The queen leaned over, impulsively kissed him on the cheek, and went to her chambers.


    After a few hours of simted sleep, Kyon opened his eyes. With the help of Synergy, he cut the skin around the slot with the formation on his wrist and took out a piece of flesh like removing a cyst. He did it extremely carefully because the formation might have sent a signal if damaged. Otherwise, he could also destroy the formation with a sharp object, ripping open his skin. However, he couldn¡¯t dissipate it with Synergy because the cultivation level of its creator was too high. He could try and teleport her, but there was a chance that da would feel it.


    If the queen had applied a tracking formation on his forehead instead of the subjugating formation, he would have had to open his skull and cut his brain. It would only hurt a bit, mostly during the painful process of recovery.


    When it was done, Kyon got under his bed, pressed two marble blocks at once, opening a secret hole in the floor, and disappeared¡­


    Now that da was convinced that even her daughter was unable to get his heritage, he could proceed to the next part of his n. However, before that, he had to sort things out with Juno. He was going to take it slow, he had to be cautious!


    ¡­


    Early in the morning, da dropped by the goddess¡¯s son¡¯s chambers. Imagine her surprise when she didn¡¯t find him there!


    {Did his goddess-mother step in to save her son?!} ¨C The most frightening thought shed across her mind.


    The queen immediately checked the tracking formation and found the bloody piece of flesh. A look of utter shock distorted her beautiful face, gradually giving way to sheer horror. How could he escape and lie to her under orders? Why did he do it? How? He loved Kara and couldn¡¯t live without her, could he?


    da examining the room more carefully and found the expected secret passage. She dropped powerlessly to her knees and burst into tears. The walls of the castle were made of granite that was hard to scan. Even with her power to detect hollows, she had to touch every surface, and she was too proud to check out the dirty floor under Kyon¡¯s bed.


    A minuteter, her majesty raised a general rm. All the servants were ordered to find a young man with a wounded wrist. Many of them found only secret passages crammed with deathly traps.


    When Kara found out what had happened, she couldn¡¯t remain calm, unlike her mother. She screamed in shock. The princess had already given the order to bring in a hundred beautiful boys to the pce to choose the best two for¡­ Well, it didn¡¯t matter anymore, because the target of her revenge plot had brazenly run away!

 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268


    Sixteen hours had passed.


    In the evening, when the servants were ordered to leave the upper floors, Kyon was still wandering in the underground maze. The incredible hidden tunnels ran underneath the whole pce. The only ce without passage was the treasury. Well, it would be great to take all the Grands¡¯ treasures.


    At the moment, Kyon was in a hurry to talk with Juno in private, and then finally leave the abode of the damned demons. In the meantime, he had hidden in the corridors of the upper floors several sensitive bugs and visual formations, which, by the way, he could already create. They didn¡¯t only record everything around them but also transmitted the signal to his Synergy cloud. No other visual formation could boast of such a feature. The necessary precautions would protect him from any surprises, so he didn¡¯t have to dy his meeting with Juno anymore.


    Kyon moved the far wall aside and crept carefully into the cozy room. The girl of surpassing beauty was lying on the wide bed. Juno was wearing her favorite casual clothes: a short pearl gray skirt and a silver blouse with thin straps. Lost in thought, she swayed her bare feet, sadly sighing from time to time.


    Juno turned at the barely audible rustle in the corner of the room. ¨C ?Who¡¯s there?!?


    When Juno saw the familiar face appearing from behind the wall, she was so surprised she froze to the spot. ¨C ?Kyon?! How did you get here? Why did youe??


    Kyon sighed wearily. He was sick and tired of reminding her to show him more respect. Apparently, he had to leave her be. ¨C ?I seem to have lost inside the walls. What do you think??


    ?I have no idea!? ¨C Juno got out of bed, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other. ¨C ?What a surprise¡­ Have you missed me?? ¨C She asked as a joke, but her eyes glimmered with hope.


    Kyon snorted in response. ¨C ?I am here to change your destiny.?


    ?Why does it sound like you want to hurt me??


    ?Isn¡¯t it obvious?? ¨C Kyon chuckled grimly, approaching Juno.


    She looks even more charming closer. Such a pity that this seemingly innocent and fragile angel was in fact a ruthless as hell demon-sadist.


    ?No, it isn¡¯t! It¡¯s never obvious what¡¯s going on in your head!?


    ?Are you really that stupid or are you just pretending?? ¨C Kyon asked irritably. He was tempted to smack her really hard.


    Kyon¡¯s taunting words cut her deeper than a knife. ¨C ?I might be stupid but I¡¯m not blind! I always beat me or humiliate me as if it¡¯s your goal to tick me off and make me hate you, but at the same time, your actions are theplete opposite!?


    Kyon folded his arms dispassionately and waited for Juno to pour her heart out.


    Juno clenched her fists and puffed her delicate chest out, subconsciously trying to convey her message as effectively as possible. ¨C ?I was in a dire situation when fighting with Charlie. My ribs were broken, and it hurt to breathe. I could hardly move my arms and legs. I was desperate, the end was near¡­ And at that moment, I felt your Synergy spread throughout my body, taking away the pain, sharpening all my senses, clearing my mind, giving me light and inspiration. It gave me a second chance! You saved me despite your ostentatious hatred! You helped me to win! The key cleaning had gained me a whole phase of cultivation. Without it, I would be a dummy with a cute face, a burden for my family at the tournament¡­ Besides, in the world where they called you Lovr, you taught me to fight the way no master here would ever teach me! You made me strong! I have proved myself with your help. By the way, you stole the limelight, but it¡¯s only fair because thanks to you the Stones took first ce at the tournament! My granddad and mom are still beaming with happiness, and I couldn¡¯t be any happier!?


    Suddenly Kyon felt his nucleus fill with bright feelings. It came as aplete shock that the blond bitch was their source, and the ungrateful skank was being generous today!


    Juno was quiet for a second. She gave Kyon a look full of warmth and tenderness. ¨C ?Tonight, you healed me while I was sleeping. Do you think I didn¡¯t notice? No rib fractures heal overnight without high-quality medicine. Synergy did it. Even if you have been so cruel to me, treating me like a viin, deep inside you care for me and my family, too. And for that, I am forever grateful to you.? ¨C Juno was finally ready to speak her mind.


    In fact, Kyon only cared for his investment in the future. It wasn¡¯t his fault that she had made it all up and brought in her family to boot! She was so annoying¡­ Lovr¡¯s worst suspicions confirmed. Juno didn¡¯t hate him anymore.


    ?I needed your family to get their resources. The empty treasury and my ckmailing your grandfather reveal the truth.? ¨C Kyon said indifferently.


    ?To get our resources?? ¨C Juno stood with her hands on her hips, looking at Kyon with a mockingly smile. ¨C ?Ha ha, that¡¯s a good one! You¡¯re a terrible liar! I am sure you will soon return everything in a snap and even add to that! As for ckmailing my grandfather¡­ Ten million spheres, isn¡¯t it??


    Kyon¡¯s eyebrow jerked up in surprise. Was she really smart enough to figure it out on her own?


    He looked so funny that Juno burst outughing. ¨C ?Ha ha, I knew it, my hunch was right! I can ask grandpa to dispel any doubts!? ¨C She enjoyed the frown on Kyon¡¯s face. ¨C ?Wondering how I figured it out? It¡¯s exactly what Stones will receive as a reward for the first ce! You are going to appropriate your honest earnings! As for ckmailing grandpa, it¡¯s all because he wasing after you after Dinah¡¯s ¡°murder,¡± right? I guess his heart attack was an unavoidable ident that you regret! Moreover, you didn¡¯t kill Dinah! You must have stolen her from the family, because¡­ well¡­ because you like her¡­? ¨C Juno turned suddenly sad and quiet, lowering her emerald green eyes to the floor.


    Kyon was impressed. The time she spent Lovr¡¯s world was good for her. She started to reason logically, analyze the facts. She almost got to the heart of the matter! He had to change his opinion about her mental abilities. Unfortunately, now she treated him even too well, naively thinking that all his actions were for her good, while he did everything solely for selfish reasons. In fact, he wanted her to hate him!


    ?I believe there¡¯s another reason why you treat me like dirt. It¡¯s not only about my past misdeeds. You want me to hate you to hate me back with a clear conscience. After all, you treat others the way they treat you, so if I trust and believe you, then you will have to behave ordingly because you are Lovr!? ¨C Juno concluded shrewdly with a soft smile on her face. She had spent enough time with Lovr getting to know him.


    Kyon ignored Juno¡¯s naive emotional nonsense, absorbing her bright emotions in his nucleus. The flow was so dense and pleasant that Kyon took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. Warmth and peace enveloped his body like the heat in the sauna.


    Juno¡¯s eyes gleamed with triumph. She took Kyon¡¯s deep sigh as a sign that she was right. It really made her feel happy. For a brief second, there was hope to return her dear Lovr to this world. Juno unconsciously reached out and touched his chest with a trembling hand. It still disgusted her to see Kyon¡¯s face.


    Then she came even closer and said in a soft, barely audible whisper. ¨C ?I know you better than anyone in this world, Lovr. Look at me.? ¨C Juno¡¯s delicate hand touched Kyon¡¯s cheek. Her heart was filled with pain of too much tenderness that she felt for her beloved Lovr.


    At this moment, that seemed like an eternity for both of them, Kyon felt torn between conflicted unusual feelings.


    On the one hand, he hated Juno with every fiber of his soul. Her treacherous deception at the hot spring, her repeated attempts to end his life were deeply rooted in his memory and consciousness. Kyon didn¡¯t know what could happen so that he changed his mind about this sadist. Whenever time she helped him, it was mutually beneficial or rted to his orders.


    On the other hand, Kyon began to feel for Juno more than attraction or appreciating her angelic beauty. Back in the mansion, he admired her strong will and indomitable spirit. He liked to tease this cunning fox, make her angry, tug at her fluffy tail and watch her reaction. She continued to challenge him with enviable regrity and lost every time, which had a certain charm, because subconsciously, Kyon believed that he was doing his best for her. Besides, to bepletely honest, she was the most unusual girl he had ever met before getting to this world.


    ?Did you finish your monologue?? ¨C Kyon asked politely with a vicious wry grin, giving her a dismissive look. He let her give him all the bright emotions that had umted in her soul. There was nothing left, he would have to ¡°deserve¡± them again, which he had no intention to do anytime soon.


    ?What?..? ¨C His cold reaction scared her. Juno quickly pulled her hand away as though she¡¯d been burned. Was she mistaken about him? Didn¡¯t he get it, or did she fail to get through to him? What was going on?


    ?Oh¡­ I see¡­? ¨C Juno shook her head and nced at him with a sigh. ¨C ?Lovr, I am so sorry for what I have done. I have so much regret. Please, forgive me for all the stupid things I did to you in the past. You can feel my sincere intention to apologize, so you know that I am telling the truth. If my words are not enough, I will go with you to study in the imperial order, where I will do everything I can do to make it up to you for all the pain that I¡¯ve caused you. I will help you in every way possible. Can we go there together?? ¨C Juno asked quietly in a trembling voice full of hope.


    ?To the imperial order?? ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t hold back a malicious grin. ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry, but you are going to study with XiaoBai. I order you to be a diligent student in the Fat sect! I order you to stick to their diet and get the most of their training sessions!?


    Juno swayed as if under the impact of a heavy blow. She couldn¡¯t imagine herself in the same weight ss as XiaoBai! It was a fate worse than death! ¨C ?What are you talking about? It¡¯s not funny at all! Lovr, if you hold a grudge against me¡­?


    ?A grudge? I hate you, stupid fool!?


    ?I am genuinely sorry! I understand that you hate me but give me a chance to make it up to you!? ¨C Juno begged him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.


    Kyon didn¡¯t want toe across as overly judgmental. He decided to put Juno to another test, as an exception. If she passed it, he might forgive her for once. If not, he wouldn¡¯t deviate from his original n.


    ?So, you want me to give you a chance? Alright, then. Take off your clothes.? ¨C Kyon licked his lips on purpose, giving her a lewd nce.


    Juno stepped back in horror, her arms instinctively wrapped around herself. ¨C ?No¡­ Don¡¯t say that! Please, Lovr!? ¨C Bitterness crept into her heart, hurting like a dagger. She wanted to shout, scream and cry. Why was he acting like this? Did the words she had so painstakingly chosen mean nothing to him?


    Juno believed that Kyon and Lovr were the same person, but she was not ready to give her innocence to someone who felt nothing for her! Besides, she had no idea of his real motives. What if he was testing her? What if he just wanted to take advantage of her and then discard her like a dirty whore? Juno was scared to death.


    ?What is your answer??


    ?No!? ¨C Juno eximed nervously, covering her breasts from hisscivious gaze.


    ?I see. You don¡¯t need my forgiveness.? ¨C Kyon concluded indifferently, drawing the final conclusion. He couldn¡¯t trust her if she refused to give away the most valuable asset that she had. (He would not have taken it anyway. The flower in her soul would open only when she reached the lord phase.)


    ?Why are you like this? I¡¯m asking for your forgiveness! Why are you doing this?!? ¨C Juno could feel tears well up in her eyes.


    ?I¡¯ve always been like this. You and Lovr had a fresh start, so you got to know the bright side of his soul. I¡¯m exactly the opposite.? ¨C Kyon grabbed Juno by the hand, pulled off her green protective bracelet, and put it on his wrist.


    Juno turned pale. She reflexively covered her face, expecting a blow, but it did not follow.


    ?You have jumped to the wrong conclusions, considering my actions as a sign of affection for you and your family. The Stones can¡¯t offer me more than ten million spheres, anyway. As for you¡­ There¡¯s a perfectly simple exnation. You are my ve, and I won¡¯t tolerate any property damage. I want to make you stronger, which is why you are going to the Fat sect.?


    The color drained from Juno¡¯s face. She couldn¡¯t believe that she was destined to be ugly and fat by Kyon¡¯s will¡­


    ?You always forget your ce, trying to get fresh with me. You¡¯re disrespectful. You keep creating false expectations and leaping to conclusions. It¡¯s pathetic. I¡¯ll have to make it clear once and for all.? ¨C With a strange gleam in his eyes, Kyon put his arm around Juno¡¯s waist and pulled her towards him¡­

 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269


    Kyon found out (analyzing the bugs he had put around Juno) that her motivation to get stronger and surpass her sister had considerably decreased, especially after she had lived for years in his civilized world, where she had other things to worry about. Besides, she had fallen head over heels in love with the Lovr¡­


    If a soul had a good motivating factor, it evolved twice as fast, without taking into ount the increased number and time of training sessions. Without proper motivation, Juno would bepletely useless. If she didn¡¯t evolve at a faster rate, Kyon would gain at best one stage of cultivation, and it¡¯s the same as getting nothing. Therefore, Kyon decided that Juno needed a new incentive and became an object of her hate.


    Initially, since the moment Kyon enved Juno, he had been restrained only by Bai, who meticulously scanned his granddaughter every time he saw her. After that, Kyon realized that Juno would suffer from irreversible psychological trauma or turn into a limp puppet whose strings had been cut if a ve or a servant took her virginity. After that, he nted the lotus in her soul, which couldn¡¯t be taken until a certain time. These three reasons kept him from having some good time with the hated bitch every evening, pumping her for dark emotions, and releasing his hate for her at the same time.


    Now Juno wasn¡¯t in danger of any traumatic experience because Kyon was no longer a ve, not even a servant. Therefore, he decided to y with her so that she would never forget his dirty games.


    ?What are you doing?!? ¨C Juno screamed and pushed Kyon away.


    ?I order you not to resist me.? ¨C Kyon replied gloomily and pulled her harder, biting her pink lips parted in surprise. They were so soft and sweet like marshmallows.


    ?Hmm?!? ¨C Juno stared at Kyon with disbelief. He frightened her. What was he up to? Why was he so different from Lovr? It was the same person, right? She never felt like a helpless victim of sexual harassment with Lovr, which she constantly did with Kyon!


    Lovr¡¯sst kiss was so tender, so sweet that she could feel the love wash over her. This nasty jerk sucked on her lips like a monster that wanted to devour her! A bundle of mixed emotions pricked her heart. This time, disappointment prevailed.


    Suddenly, Kyon¡¯s unfortunate victim felt his long brazen tongue invade her mouth. She reflexively tensed, arching her back, looking at him with her most eloquently pleading expression. Her eyes sparkled with tears of despair.


    Kyon slid his hand under her skirt, ced it against her firm taut butt in silk panties, and squeezed it several times. Her protesting moans coupled with pathetic attempts to break free awakened the wild beast inside Kyon, and her floral scent drove him crazy¡­


    The passionate kisssted a whole minute. All this time, the shameless scoundrel never stopped pawing her.


    Juno was suffering unpleasant, disgusting sensations, which cannot be said about the maniac that was sucking on her lips. His soul radiated diametrically opposite feelings: pleasure, rapture, lust¡­ These intense, pleasant emotions were extremely contagious! Juno rushed to his warmth like a summer bird, surrendering to the flow of his desire. Her face and neck flushed, her emerald green eyes became cloudy, her long eyshes trembled. She crossed her legs in a feeble attempt to get away from his annoying omnipresent fingers. She felt hot¡­ Very hot. Her heart thundered at a frantic pace, its raging rhythm echoed in her ears


    {Stop it, please. It¡¯s not you. I know that you are doing it on purpose. For some reason, you want me to hate you. Please, stop!}


    Suddenly, Kyon took her hand and brazenly put it on his groin. Her hand felt something hard, hot, throbbing, hiding behind his pants. All her instincts screamed bloody murder. Until thest moment, Juno naively believed that Lovr wouldn¡¯t cross the line, he wouldn¡¯t stoop to raping her¡­ However, he seemed to be merciful. Juno was filled with deep resentment¡­ She should have listened to him and get undressed. What if¡­ What if he was testing her?


    Juno wanted to embrace her anger and hate but couldn¡¯t. This dirty scene had made her too sad. Was she destined to be deflowered by a bastard who believed she was his property?


    {Don¡¯t¡­ Please, stop!}


    Juno¡¯s hand, led by Kyon, slowly began to unbutton his pants.


    Her enchanting eyes filled with panic, her face turned deathly pale, her trembling lips parted in a silent scream. ¨C ?Please¡­?


    Kyon was determined to continue, ignoring his victim¡¯s pleas when he suddenly swore under his breath. The formations hidden in the corridor showed him that Princess Kara was two meters away from the door¡­ Another second and she would enter the room!


    {WHAT THE?!} ¨C Kyon dived headlong under the bed and held his breath. At the same moment, the door opened. He couldn¡¯t believe it was really happening. How could the demoness approach the door unnoticed? Visual and aural formations could recognize any movement more than fifty meters away from the door! Only high-ranking concealment techniques, like those that Valeera used, could hide the vibrations. Why did all his formations show nothing as if they had been spellbound?


    {I see¡­ Bloody hell!} ¨C Kyon gritted his teeth with sudden rage. The answer was obvious: it was the goddess who decided to get him fucked up! Fucking bitch! She was the damned random factor that could ruin any of his ns, which drove Lovr nuts. He strived to keep everything under control. However, he had figured out the reason for her intervention. He would take it into ount¡­


    ¡­


    ?Your Excellency, even a thousand words won¡¯t express my gratitude to you. I vow with my life to be your faithful and diligent student until the end of my days. Thank you for helping my formerdy escape from the clutches of this filthy monster¡­? ¨C Dinah said with reverence, bowing to the awe-inspiring silhouette of her newdy.


    Not so long ago, the superior maid learned from her new master about the subjugating formation ondy Juno¡¯s forehead. The realization struck her like a thunderbolt. It was now clear why the youngdy had been so strangetely, why she kept giving Dinah the cold shoulder, defended her ve in every possible way, upgraded him to a servant, and even helped him be her adopted brother¡­


    Dinah was thrilled to hear thatdy Stone had stayed a virgin during this difficult time, but when she saw the dirty lecherous beast going to deflower her, she begged her master on her knees to save the girl. Dinah was ready to put her life on the line to get help fordy Juno.


    In the end, the goddess agreed to help, but the roots of Dinah¡¯s hatred for Kyon went even deeper. If the great master allowed her to get even with him, Dinah would be the happiest person in the world!


    ¡­


    A devilishly charming girl with perfect make-up, dressed in a most revealing outfit entered Juno¡¯s room. She was wearing high-heeled shoes, fis stockings, a mini skirt that barely covered her hips, and a burgundy blouse that looked more like a torn piece of cloth.


    Her eyes sparkled with excitement, her facial expression and the way she walked spoke of her indecency and lewdness. Making eye contact with her for more than a second could seduce any male. All in all, it was not difficult to guess the purpose of her visit.


    ?I am so happy to see you, my sweet little doll!? ¨C Kara gently hugged the cute girl who was sitting on the bed. She took the astonishment on Juno¡¯s face as a sign of her impressive appearance. Her sexual clothes and impable make-up must have left Juno too stunned to speak!


    If Juno had not lived in Lovr¡¯s world for some years, she would still be a victim of negative stereotypes about demons. She had been brainwashed with horror stories about them since her childhood, and now¡­ Now she thought, Kara was just a perverted friend with quirks.


    ?Look¡­I¡­? ¨C Juno whispered the order that Kyon had mentally given her. ¨C ?I am kind of busy at the moment. I¡¯ll see youter¡­?


    ?No way!? ¨C Kara eximed resolutely, taking Juno¡¯s hand and locking fingers with her. ¨C ?Don¡¯t even try to get away from me! After your enchanting performance at the tournament, I am not leaving you alone! Tell me, kitty, how dared you hide your monstrous talent from your best friend?!? ¨C Kara asked cheerfully, shing her a smile


    Kyon tried a couple more times to get rid of the annoying demoness until he realized the futility of his attempts. Juno resisted his orders! She distorted his words and deliberately behaved in a silly way. She must have realized that she would have a hard time if Kara left. It couldn¡¯t go on like this, or Kara might suspect something, and then he would have a hard time. He could onlyy low until her visit was over.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t figure out what was wrong. Somehow, he had a bad feeling about this. Considering Lovr¡¯s inherent bad luck, it was surprising that lightning hadn¡¯t struck him yet! Hold on a minute¡­


    A wave of total panic swept across Juno¡¯s mind. How could she avoid catastrophe? As soon as she was alone, the under-bed monster would finish what he had started at once! Juno couldn¡¯t let Kara go¡­ She had to give away Kyon. Let the demoness take him to her den of lust and desire. He was a good match for her!


    For a whole minute, Juno fought with Kyon in her head, trying to resist his orders. She made hints to Kara, acting dumb on purpose¡­ However, Kara didn¡¯t respond. Where was her devilish intuition at this important moment? What was on her mind? Oh, well¡­ It wasn¡¯t hard to guess! Juno was surrounded by perverts¡­


    Suddenly Juno felt¡­ weird. She felt a pleasant chill touch upon her soul, enter her heart and spread through the blood vessels into every cell of her body. It was refreshing like swimming in a crystal clear mountainke.


    {What is it?!} ¨C Juno was surprised at the unnatural feelings in her soul.


    As soon as the chill enveloped her entire body, Juno felt an insanely strong attraction for Kara as if she had finally seen that her friend was a real treasure! Her soul mate! Kara was the one who Juno could and should trust, the one who would never betray or deceive her! Juno wasn¡¯t looking at a perverted, lustful demoness, but her close rtive she met after many years of separation! She even wanted to hug her.


    When Kara saw a glint of adoration in Juno¡¯s eyes, she breathed a sigh of relief. She stopped worrying at once. Kara was so anxious that her n would go down the drain that she didn¡¯t follow the conversation. She was afraid it would never work.


    The demoness gave Juno a predatory smile and pulled her dear girl close in a gentle embrace.


    ?What are you doing, Kara?!? ¨C Juno muttered uncertainly.


    The princessnguidly whispered in her ear. ¨C ?I¡¯m just hugging my friend. What¡¯s the big deal? Go on, you were saying something¡­? ¨C She switched to the previous conversation as if nothing had happened, as if her embrace meant nothing but a friendly gesture.


    Juno continued the story. She was perplexed. What was going on? Why did she let her friend paw her? It was humiliating! Just a moment ago, she would have kicked Kara out! She was no longer a base phaser. Juno had be much stronger and could defeat even a noble phaser in the beginning stages. She had lived in Lovr¡¯s world for years, after all! Her self-esteem and pride had reached a whole new level, and she wouldn¡¯t let anyone manipte her. Well, with the exception of one annoying bastard¡­ And yet, the mere thought of hurting her friend made her heart hurt¡­


    {Did she use some demonic magic on me?} ¨C Juno got scared.

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270


    Meanwhile, the implementation of Kara¡¯s n had reached its peak. She hadced Juno¡¯s food with some powerful concoction, and together with exhrating energy, it should work!


    Earlier, the princess had hired skilled alchemists to make the extracts from the sunflower Ra and the Northern lotus. Both flowers were extremely rare and expensive nts, saturated with opposing yang and yin energies.


    The yin energy offers a number of advantages: elerated cultivation, predisposition to the cold element, legendary soft skin, beauty and sensuality, personal transformation, including character improvement. There are also side effects, such as attraction to a soul saturated with the opposite energy, which manifests in deep attachment and trust.


    The yang energy offers simr advantages, but the type of attraction is different and reminds the effect of an aphrodisiac: increased sexual desire, excessive craving for sexual pleasure, the need to take it in every sense of the term.


    Paired training of souls saturated with these energies usually leads to incredible results!


    Both extractsst only a few days.


    Kara approached her scheme with meticulous care. She even saved the energy of her enchantment curse and didn¡¯t waste it on Kyon. Kara was going to turn Juno into a lesbian and then into her voluntary sex ve, or her mistress, the word choice doesn¡¯t change its meaning. She wondered what Elsa¡¯s reaction would be when she found out that her little sister belonged to the one she hated so much?


    It was important to seduce Juno without breaking her psyche. Raping her with the help of tranquilizers or drugs wouldn¡¯t work (by the way, an aphrodisiac for women was extremely rare and much more expensive than the sunflower Ra). It was one of the reasons why Kara had chosen thisplicated method. Another reason was no less important: the yang extract increased the chance of activating the unique body of the divine phoenix.


    ording to myths, this body had a remarkable feature to emit yang energy on a constant basis, which was thousands of times more effective than any extract. If only it had already been activated, Kara would have saved a fortune¡­


    In fact, Kara¡¯s n had almost failed. The flower in Juno¡¯s soul absorbed the yin energy at once. Kara was lucky that Juno¡¯s unique body chose then its own path of cultivation and went through irreversible changes. It could be exined by the proximity to the source of the yang energy.


    Juno felt a pleasant warmth in her body. It enveloped her like a hot nket, turning her cheeks red, making her neck and breasts more sensitive, burning in her groin. Her heart was beating too fast, and she was breathing rapidly. There was a pleasant lightness in her head. She felt an iprehensible desire to do something stupid, just like that night after the party. It was all Kara¡¯s doing, wasn¡¯t it?


    ?What did you do? I feel dizzy!?


    ?I didn¡¯t do anything!? ¨C Kara said in a hurt voice.


    To her surprise, Juno immediately believed her.


    ?You¡¯re burning. Let me take your temperature.? ¨C Kara put her hand on Juno¡¯s smooth forehead. ¨C ?It¡¯s so hot! Take off your blouse. I will listen to your heartbeat!?


    ?Hmm¡­? ¨C Juno nodded absent-mindedly. She didn¡¯t understand why she couldn¡¯t yell at her perverted friend or tell her off for the obvious harassment. Juno had a feeling that Kara was a close friend, like Lovr, who she would never refuse, because they had no malicious intent.


    {What¡¯s wrong with me?} ¨C Junoined to herself. As soon as Kyon stopped groping her, Kara arrived and started molesting her. ¨C {Misfortunes nevere alone, do they?}


    Kara could see that Juno had taken enough of her curse. Now the enchanted girl would easily believe more or less grounded nonsense. Sess was guaranteed.


    Kyon was lying under the bed, gritting his teeth and biting his lips. The usually calm enchantment curse had turned into a raging ocean, or even into some cataclysm! He decided that the reason for this was Kara¡¯s smell. It was rather weird, though. Nothing of the kind happened yesterday. Could Kara enchant with her scent alone? Besides, the intriguing sounds overhead made his imagination run wild. The absence of visual formations in the room was quite frustrating.


    ?Your heart goes crazy! Have you caught love fever? Gods, where did you get it??


    ?Love fever??


    ?Yes! A deadly disease! It has no cure, except perhaps¡­ You are lucky that I know about this disease. I can cure you, but we will have to undergo certain procedures together every day¡­?


    ?What procedures? Are you kidding me?!?


    ?I am your friend! I would never joke about your sensitive¡­ I mean about sensitive issues!?


    ?Then¡­ Save me¡­ Please¡­?


    Juno couldn¡¯t understand why she naively epted all Kara¡¯s nonsense. It was irrational and stupid! Butws of logic didn¡¯t apply to her soul. Her heart ordered her to believe Kara, and her mind obeyed. Besides, all her will power had been spent on confronting Kyon. She had no more strength to resist.


    ?A-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! What are you doing??


    ?You are so wet! We need to act immediately before it¡¯s toote!?


    ?Oh¡­ No, I am not ready. Take your hand away! Take it away!?


    ?I can start from the top, but it won¡¯t have the same effect¡­?


    ?Don¡¯t bite my breast! Stop it! M-m-m¡­?


    ?Trust me, my little dolly! I know how to save you! Just rx your body and mind and let me heal you! Stop resisting me¡­?


    ?But¡­ M-m-m¡­ All right¡­?


    Juno¡¯s moans grew louder, her objections weaker and quieter. Kyon froze like a stone statue, resisting the power of the curse. He figured it out at the auction why Kara needed sunflower Ra, but he thought that she was going to use it on Elsa in the future¡­ Anyway, he could live with this as long as Kara didn¡¯t take Juno to the demon empire. Nothing else mattered.


    Suddenly, Kyon heard something and almost howled in frustration. ¨C {Oh no¡­ No¡­ NO! Not now! Why am I so unlucky? Fucking goddess, is it your doing?}


    ~knock-knock~


    ?Lady Juno! It¡¯s Fernand, the imperial envoy. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you.?


    Dead silence fell over Juno¡¯s room.


    ~knock-knock-knock~


    ?Lady Juno, I know you¡¯re there. I¡¯ming in¡­?


    ?Just a moment, please! I am not ready!? ¨C Juno yelled, but it was toote ¡­


    The deputy head of the imperial department, a high-ranking official with great influence in the empire, hade to the pce with the sole purpose of recruiting the talented girl into the imperial order.


    At the first knock on the door, the princess rushed under the bed, creating a hiding barrier that isted her from sound and spiritual scanning. Mother had warned her that Fernand was the most dangerous person she could meet. It would be a disaster! da told her that he would arrive and forbade her to visit Juno, but Kara ignored her because she couldn¡¯t give up her n that cost her a lot of money, effort and time! Why now¡­ Why did the fucking imperial jerk show up without warning? It was so unfortunate!


    Imagine Kara¡¯s surprise when she met Kyon¡¯s eyes at this wonderful time, in this lovely ce¡­


    ?You!? ¨C Kara hissed fiercely and immediately covered her mouth with her hand. Her sound barrier was good but not perfect, and highly cultivated people had a hypersensitive hearing. She had to keep her head down and her mouth shut.


    The shock on Kara¡¯s beautiful face gradually gave way to disappointment and grief. Hot tears of resentment streamed down her cheeks. She turned away and whimpered softly, curling into a ball and not paying any attention to the asshole-in-love behind her. The mere thought that Fernand wouldn¡¯t leave the pce without Juno was killing her. He would drag her into the imperial order by force if need be. No one could resist a man of his level, especially a pipsqueak from a family of minor importance. Her innocent dear girl was being stolen from under her nose! Kara¡¯s hot body wasn¡¯t destined to be the one with Elsa¡¯s sister, and endless longing overwhelmed her broken heart. She harbored a fierce hatred for Fernand, wishing to tear him into a thousand pieces.


    Meanwhile, Kyon could feel a sledgehammer pounding his mind again and again. The enchantment curse emitted a scent that had a stronger effect than any aphrodisiac, and together with his recent exciting scene with Juno, Kyon could barely restrict himself. A vein popped out on his forehead, his face turned purple with effort. He had to use all Synergy to fight the curse, which turned into a real apocalypse.


    He stared with wild eyes at Kara¡¯s quivering back, her sexy short skirt that almost didn¡¯t hide hercy cherry-red underwear, her fis stockings, better than of a first-ss prostitute¡­ He recalled being poisoned with her fucking curse that tormented him to this day, her yesterday¡¯s taunts, her fucking egoism, pride, and boundless arrogance, and, at the same time, surprisingly careful attitude to her virginity as if it was the most precious treasure.


    Kyon remembered all her insults and wild with desire, he gave way to anger, hatred and an uncontroble urge to fuck the bitch into all her holes, which led him to a rash emotional decision. ¨C {TO HELL WITH IT! I will fuck this bitch here and now! Remember me as a hero¡­}

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271


    (18+*)


    Lovr recklessly pulled off his pants, ripped off the princess¡¯s panties with a quick motion of his hand, and aimed his penis at her pussy¡­


    It happened so quickly and unexpectedly that Kara¡¯s tucked her legs, her eyes popping out of sockets. She could barely hold back a cry and instinctively covered her vagina and anus from a possible threat of invasion, hissing furiously:


    ?Do you want to die, bastard? Stop immediately or I will kill you!?


    The unexpected obstacle disappointed Kyon, but he wasn¡¯t going to stop ¨C keep your enemy disoriented! ¨C he started moving his pelvis rhythmically, running his penis between Kara¡¯s smooth, taut buttocks¡­ The demoness got reflexively tense, trying to squeeze it with her muscles and make him stop, but Juno did a good job ¨C the love juice streaming from the wanton princess saved the day. It felt so good! Just as good as prative sex! Absolute bliss!


    Meanwhile, Kyon ripped off Kara¡¯s blouse and bra, grabbed her soft, delicate mounds and began kneading them vigorously, putting all his hatred and anger into action.


    Kyon experienced an emotional orgasm. Kara¡¯s breasts were ideal for huge anti-stress balls. Therge ivory grapefruits soon turned red from his rough hands, and her nipples stuck hard against her will.


    ?You¡¯re insane¡­ Stop kneading them¡­ Sick bastard¡­? ¨C Kara covered her mouth to muffle the moans. His hot penis in herher regions sliding back and forth, his uncouth ¡°caresses¡± of her breasts, it was all too much.


    Kara was in a state of utter confusion, on the verge of panic! The lewd human was doing things to her that deserved hundreds of executions, and she even couldn¡¯t stop him! If she used energy, Ferdinand¡¯s highly-cultivated soul would feel her vibrations even through the barrier, and if she squeezed his balls with her free hand or caused him any other pain, the bastard would scream, thereby giving away their location! The human seized a chance that happened once in a million years!


    Kara felt so helpless that her legs turned to jelly. The strong stimtion of her breasts made her buttocks squeeze, giving even more pleasure to the damned molester. He had control over her, which was unbearably painful and extremely unusual¡­


    Kara bit her little finger when the lecherous human started twisting her delicate sensitive nipples. She couldn¡¯t believe that some pathetic no-good male was kneading her breasts so carelessly! She had to do something! Kara removed her hand from her mouth, grabbed the from behind bastard by the neck and squeezed it hard to cut off oxygen to his brain.


    {Come on! Go out like a light, scumbag!} ¨C She squeezed his neck with all her strength, albeit without pure energy, but none the worse for it! Kara almost growled in despair.


    Thanks to his body of Void that cultivated his head and neck, Kyon didn¡¯t feel any pressure at all.


    (*18+)


    Meanwhile, Juno was talking with the imperial envoy.


    Fernand immediately felt the vibrations from the girl¡¯s forehead, where Kyon had applied his formation. He was about to study it when Juno stopped him, saying that her grandfather was using this formation to track her vital signs.


    The man nodded and proceeded to the next issue ¨C the purity of her keys. He took out the purity checker and took a look at her stream (the total key purity that can be 900 points max. His mouth opened wide in amazement. Even geniuses among geniuses had a stream that didn¡¯t exceed 400 points, but as many as 540?! The girl was a diamond in the rough! He was lucky the sects wouldn¡¯t get her! Now it became clear how she managed to withhold blows from a stronger opponent without taking damage herself.


    Kyon had faked the purity of Juno¡¯s keys with Synergy. It wasn¡¯t difficult at all. The right amount of Synergy annihted with iing energy, and that¡¯s it.


    After Ferdinand had discussed the main issues, he mentioned the prospects of studying in the imperial order, its advantages and other details, and demanded to give him an answer without dy, because it is time for him to return to Dantes, and he ¡°wasn¡¯t going there alone.¡± His voice sounded threatening. Only a fool would fail to understand that he wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer, he would do it the hard way otherwise¡­


    Suddenly, Juno heard a clear order in her head: ¨C {?I order you to agree.?}


    She was stunned at Kyon¡¯s unexpected words. The news lightened her heart. She wasn¡¯t going to gain massive weight in the Fat sect, after all! Was it only a joke? Hardly. It must have happened so. Kyon had to get rid of Fernand as soon as possible, or Kara would strangle him under the bed. Anyway, why was he radiating so powerful waves of pleasure? What was going on between them? Juno was unlikely to get the answer, and she didn¡¯t really want to.


    Juno gave her assent to the proposal and left the chambers. Her heart was full of sorrow and despair. She was deeply disappointed at Kyon¡¯s brutal attitude towards her. He treated her like an obedient and pretty ve. And yet, it only reaffirmed her belief that Kyon was Lovr, the boy she once fell in love with. They just got off the wrong foot in this world, but it was her fault, wasn¡¯t it?


    (18+*)


    Kyon was too engrossed in an important, painstaking process. When Fernand and Juno left, he finally heard a voice of reason, prompting him the only way to avoid Kara¡¯s revenge and get out of this mess unharmed!


    With his hand on her heavenly boob, he hugged the princess by her slender waist and carefully ran his other hand all the way down until he reached the clitoris¡­


    ?Aaah! Aaaaaaah!? ¨C The princess gasped surprised, wriggling like a bitten snake. Intoxicating sparks of pleasure ran in all directions out of the most sensitive ce in her body¡­ Even the tips of his fingers went numb.


    It took an extraordinary finger dexterity to drive the demoness to the peak of arousal. For the first time in his life, the talent to caress a woman¡¯s body had saved his ass in all senses of the term.


    ?Aaaah¡­ Nooo! Stop it! I¡¯ll kill you!? ¨C Kara moaned, losing herself in pleasure. The bastard expertly stimted her clitoris with his nimble, skilful fingers. She wouldn¡¯t have done it better herself! Her head reeled as wave after wave of pleasure rolled through her. Kara could feel an excruciating ecstasy grow inside her. The memory of Elsa during the incident after sparring intensified her orgasm tenfold.


    Kara¡¯s scent filled the entire space under the bed. Kyon was trying to focus on her satisfaction as long as possible, but he could barely control himself.


    With a loud moan, the princess trembled and then shook violently, arching her whole body as if spreading invisible wings. At this very moment, Kyon ejacted with a blissful expression on his face, filling with his cum her entire crotch that she was trying so hard to cover with her hand. When this long, voluptuous moment was over, our hero finally hurried to leave the pce¡­


    (*18+)


    Kara couldn¡¯te to her senses for a whole minute. Her groin trembled with pleasure, her eyes closed, her cheeks blushing. She had never had such a wildly intense orgasm. Masturbating on Elsa with Kyon¡¯s hands was just a wonderful experience!


    The princess had subconsciously upgraded Kyon from a potential ¡°superior servant¡± to a potential ¡°sex ve,¡± which was iparably higher in status. However, she hadn¡¯t reasoned about it yet, nor was she going to. She touched her slippery crotch, smeared with dirty human seed.


    ?JERK!? ¨C Kara crawled out from under the bed and fiercely looked around, but Kyon was already gone. ¨C ?GET OUT, DICKHEAD! You must answer for what you have done! You have insulted Her Highness! Come out immediately!? ¨C Kara screamed hysterically, boiling with rage and anger. She had never felt so humiliated before.


    The goddess¡¯s son never appeared.


    Kara smashed all the furniture in the room and hurried to the bathroom to wash the slimy, nasty stuff from her precious private ce, but at this moment, she saw the queen at the door. da¡¯s gave her daughter an icy stare.


    Kara was scared as hell.


    da looked over the red-faced princess and noticed her tousled hair, beads of sweat on her forehead, reddish patches all over her body, and the seed dripping down her long legs, straight on the floor¡­


    da red at her daughter, but Kara saw the fear lurking in the depths of her eyes. da put her hand to Kara¡¯s groin and breathed a sigh of relief, after which she gave Kara a deafening p on the face. ¨C ?Reckless fool! How dare you put our lives at risk??


    Kara¡¯s eyes glistened with tears as she touched her burning cheek. ¨C ?I was just looking for Kyon. And I found him, by the way!? ¨C Kara found herself making excuses like a hurt child.


    ?Where¡¯s he?!? ¨C da barked angrily.


    ?He¡­ He escaped¡­?


    *hard p*


    Kara fell to the floor, trembling with fear. She could feel her mother¡¯s infuriating rage. Kara had never seen da so enraged. Her mother seemed to be apletely different woman, capable of killing even her own daughter in a snap. Her pressure was terrifying!


    ?How dare you lie to my face? You reek of sunflower Ra!?


    ?But¡­ I wanted to redeem myself after Kyon¡¯s escape!? ¨C The princess yelled.


    ?Even if it¡¯s so, what the hell is his seed doing between your legs? How could you let him cum on you? Did Fernand see you??


    The next half hour, Kara reported to her mother about what had happened, sobbing intively¡­


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Kyon had left the pce with a weary smile on his lips. Bending elements was considered to bring luck, the more elements, the better luck. Apparently, bending the nine elements changed the situation for exactly the opposite.


    However, Kyon was pleased with the oue. He had received 10% of the light and the darkness into the nucleus. He had also sent Juno to the imperial order that was located near the capital of the Dantes empire. Soon they would be separated by thousands of kilometers! There would be no connection via her formation, so Juno would be for a big surprise when they meet next time. And most importantly, he had proved to da that no formations or enchantment curses would ever turn Lovr into her obedient puppet. Quite the opposite, it was her turn to dance to his tune.


    In less than a week, the entrance exam to the best school in the kingdom would start. Kyon was nning to stay in Cernos for several months to gain a foothold in the city, solve some unfinished issues with the body of the Void and its mysterious features, and harvest the dark emotions from Kara¡¯s fans and bright emotions from Flitz and Marina.


    Kyon could also try and win some good awards at the international tournament of the best schools in the kingdoms, which was due in a couple of months. Although, he was unlikely to take part there. Kyon had no desire to take any unnecessary risk without a solid foundation under his feet. After all, only the most powerful fighters of all the seven kingdoms in Rosarrio were going to participate in the tournament (with the exception of Dantes, the imperial capital, which was on a whole different level).


    Kyon¡¯s main task for the next few months, apart from dimir¡¯s task to deal with demons, was to maximize his potential and keep growing. After he left Cernos, Kyon was going to pursue a career as an imperial investigator, so Juno would have to wait for him in the order for at least six months.


    ¡­


    After a long conversation with her daughter, da returned to her chambers, where she found an envelope with Kyon¡¯s elegant sweeping signature and initials.


    The queen immediately tore it open and nced over the lines.


    ¡°Dear Queen da, the time I spent in the pce left me deeply disappointed and depressed. You and your dear daughter treated me terribly: you raped me, tried to subdue me with your formation, trampled my dignity, threatened to sic some muscr guys on me or torture me to get my heritage, without showing the slightestpassion for my sincere feelings¡­ ¡°


    ¡°You stubbornly stood your ground, which left me with no choice but to issue you an ultimatum. Noter than in two weeks, you will announce the date of Princess Kara¡¯s wedding. The whole kingdom must know that it will take ce on the 25th day. You will learn the future husband¡¯s name on the day of the ceremony, when I will show up. I will look different and have another name, so there is no cause for concern. I will make your daughter mine after the ceremony, on the traditional wedding night¡­ ¡°


    ¡°If you follow all my instructions, I promise to give you my heritage and protect my dear Kara at the cost of my life. If the wedding night does not take ce or you imprison me, then very next day, the sect representatives and the imperial envoy will receive a letter with the real name of the new Prince Grand. No torture will convince me to cancel posting the letters. If you ignore my offer, I will have to go on a long journey and return in a few years to take Kara by force. If she has a spouse or children by that time, blood will be shed, and it won¡¯t be mine¡­ ¡°


    da folded the letter and gazed thoughtfully into the distance. What should she do?

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272


    Previously in Everything Will Be My Way (chapters 149-271):


    Kyon has big ns for Kara, Franz and Marina, the 0th general, Valira, Juno, and getting a job as an imperial investigator.


    Juno leaves for the imperial order. Thanks to Kyon, she has be even more talented. The flower in her soul has undergone significant changes due to the yin energy. She spent many years in the illusory world, where she learned the secret of bing a true god, and also fell in love with Lovr, but Kyon doesn¡¯t care about her feelings. He doesn¡¯t remember anything.


    XiaoBai leaves for the Fat sect. He reveres and respects his adopted brother. In his opinion, Kyon¡¯s talent for risky financial transactions must be given by gods, no less.


    Bai and Diana have a lot to say to Kyon, but he has disappeared, and they can¡¯t get in touch with him.


    Kara hates Kyon for what he did to her under the bed, but at the same time, she is impressed by his audacity. Besides, she really enjoyed it.


    da doesn¡¯t know what to do after receiving a letter from Kyon. He demands to marry Kara on a certain day and in a certain way. The queen is being ckmailed!


    Valeera has left for Dantes, the capital of the empire. She hates and fears Kyon as a demon of death. In her opinion, he betrayed her, destroyed everything that she had created over the years, and killed her uncle for his benefit. However, with his help, she has be incredibly talented. Also, her soul has undergone an unusual, weird metamorphosis.


    Flitz has a chance to be young again and revive his seed on the condition that he would be Kyon¡¯s servant.


    Byron received the Kronos unique body pill and set off on a long journey.


    dimir, the head of the investigation department, pins his hopes on Kyon. He believes that Kyon will capture the demons to avenge his father¡¯s murder. In exchange, dimir will give Kyon a letter of rmendation to help him be an imperial investigator.


    Prince Charles received the Mom¡¯s pet unique body pill instead of the transformation medicine Lightning Strike, but he wouldn¡¯t know it. He hates the masked investigator, but he can¡¯t find him.


    Kyon¡¯s subordinates work for the dwarves, teaching them new developments in science and technology.


    ***


    Freederrium, the capital of the empire of the supreme beasts. The central zone of the forest.


    A charming, handsome, twenty-something young aristocrat of supreme beats, dressed in refined custom-made skins and pelts in noble savage style, was slowly strolling through the noisy meat market. There was nothing unusual about his human-like form (all residents of the kingdom can take it) except for his bloody-red short hair and ruby ??eyes that left passers-by in awe. Only manticores, the dominant species of the beast kingdom, looked like this.


    However, manticores didn¡¯t stand above the other great bestial families for their beautiful eyes. Their long, powerful scorpion tail with a deadly poison sting at the tip could kill a dragon! When they took a human form, the tail disappeared.


    The manticore was called Diamant, the highly respected 7th prince, the youngest descendant of the beast emperor who died in the recent world war. Diamant was holding a leash attached to the cor of his human pet. If the humans and demons harnessed and tamed beasts, why not treat them the same way?


    The aristocrats of supreme beasts had always had a pet, this tradition went back to more than ten centuries. Their pets had be a status marker for their owner. The most respectable aristocrats had the most beautiful, well-groomed, and noble humans or demons.


    The pets were strictly forbidden to wear outer garments, speak, and even more so walk on hind legs, because they were a priori lower than any supreme beasts. It was thew. So were cultural and social norms.


    Diamant¡¯s pet was a beautiful youngdy with gorgeous blond braid, smooth ivory skin, appetizing booty and breasts, a charming face, well-defined eyebrows, and captivating clear blue eyes. She was wearing elegant custom-made pink lingerie. Every detail in a pet¡¯s appearance should be perfect and irresistible.


    The status of thisdy was the highest among the other pets. All the aristocrats immediately recognized her with admiration and envy in their eyes. It wasn¡¯t only about her perfect upbringing and charming looks (although it was of great importance). Her noble origin made her an invaluable asset. Thedy was the youngest daughter of the emperor Cliath (8), destroyed during the recent world war. All members of the imperial family fought to thest drop of blood to protect Her Highness Daphne, but all of them were killed in the end. The girl was a valuable trophy, obtained at great sacrifice.


    A couple of years at the school for future pets, made the young princess suppress the tragic memories of her past as well as her pride. She allowed the supreme beasts to reeducate herself. She chose to be a diligent pet than spend another day in that awful ce, or appear as an exquisite delicacy at their feast. Daphne¡¯s life took a turn for the better when Diamant bought her for a colossal sum at the auction. She had always been immensely grateful to her brave, noble master, the manticore.


    Pets owners happened to be mean and disgusting, often treating their pets in a most cruel way, doing indescribable things to them. However, Diamant was perfect in everything. He never let anyone hurt Daphne, always took care of her, being gentle and affectionate with her like a human would treat his dear elite purebred kitten. Daphne liked it when he stroked her head and caressed her neck. How great it would be if Diamant became her husband, which waspletely impossible. Giving her owner an adoring gaze, Daphne wanted to confess her feelings to him, but she did not speak hisnguage, and it would be the height of stupidity to address him in the humannguage, so despised in thisnd¡­ She wouldn¡¯t want to mess things up with him.


    Now the half-naked girl was silently walking on all fours after her master. Her beautiful face was pale, her mournful eyes lowered. As a matter of fact, they sold meat there¡­ human meat. Daphne hated going to this damned market where she could see the flesh of her kinsmen arranged on the shelves. Diamant, like any other supreme beast, regrly ate human flesh. She did not judge her master, but going to this market was very hard for her.


    ?Sun-dried denailed baby fingers! 150 thousand spheres a kilo!? ¡­ ?Chilled mighty warrior¡¯s brain! Treat your dear children to this gourmet dessert!? ¡­ ?Fresh innards for your soup! Only eight thousand spheres a kilo! Male and female innards avable!? ¡­ ?Ribs for 20 thousand spheres a kilo! Come and buy some!? ¨C The vendors tried to outshout each other.


    The noisy atmosphere was no different from any human market. The supreme beasts bought human flesh in a matter-of-fact manner, like people bought pork or beef.


    Some passers-by recognized Daphne and eximed in delight. They looked at the 7th prince with instinctive fear and respect that the pack members have for their alpha male.


    The manticore came up to the counter. ¨C ?I¡¯ll take filet mignon. Five kilos, please.?


    ?Yes, Your Highness! I will give it to you for half the price! This human meat is so tender. I am sure you will enjoy it!? ¨C The fat vendor bowed respectively.


    ?No doubt about it, but I will refuse the discount. I would never abuse my position, and money has never been an issue for me.?


    ?I insist, Your Highness.?


    ?I said I refuse the discount!?


    The killing intent in the prince¡¯s voice made everyone within 100-meter range shudder with fear. It got awfully quiet all around the prince.


    Daphne did not take her admiring nce from the owner, even if she felt terrified.


    Drenched in a cold sweat, the vendor weighed the fillet mignon with trembling hands¡­


    Diamant took the meat and resumed his walk with a straight face.


    Soon a leopard ran up to the prince with a concerned expression on his face. ¨C ?I¡¯m afraid I have bad news, Your Highness!?


    The manticore prince nced back at his messenger in the bestial form. ¨C ?What¡¯s the matter, Leo? Did you deliver the package to the king of the white tigers??


    White tigers were the second most powerful and influential beasts in the kingdom. Their innate unique bodies allowed them to control weaker opponents in unlimited numbers, which had brought them victory over other species, but they were significantly inferior to manticores in 1-to-1 fights. That¡¯s why they held the 2nd rank in the hierarchy.


    ?Princess Triana has run away!? ¨C The leopard reported anxiously.


    ?Howe she has run away?!? ¨C The prince looked surprised.


    ?His Majesty Ildun says that Triana and her uncle have left the central zone of the forest, their destination unknown! He can¡¯t get in touch with them, so your right to dominant choice can be executed only when she returns!?


    The imperial family of the dominant species had the right to gather a harem of no more than ten virgins, one of whom was to be the senior wife. The prince decided that the time to invoke his right hade and sent a message to the king of the white tigers.


    ?Aghrrr, she talked her father into it! What a self-willed tigress! She doesn¡¯t honor our traditions at all!? ¨C The manticore prince growled. His arms instantly got covered with fur, his forehead creased with veins popping up, and his face twisted into an evil grimace.


    Diamant knew that the world was on the verge of another bloody war. Empress Hera was summoning her army, awaiting the appearance of the light ones. Following his gut, the prince decided to seek support from elsewhere. If Princess Triana became his superior wife, King Ildun Tirindun, the white tigers leader, would be his father-inw.


    Apart from the apparent benefits, Diamant had also heard a lot about Ildun¡¯s youngest daughter. Many supreme beasts could only dream of her. Rumors had it that she was perfect in everything: wild, strong-willed, talented, beautiful, graceful, with a powerful father, whose authority was second only to Hera. Could Diamant ever find a better jewel to crown his harem?


    By a lucky chance, the youngest manticore prince was the only one in the imperial family who hadn¡¯t gathered a harem yet. Nor had he used his right of dominant choice. Triana was the only king¡¯s daughter without a male. She was too young and inexperienced, which meant she was a virgin! He couldn¡¯t miss a chance like this.


    ?Leo, use all our connections and track Triana and her uncle. First, interrogate the alphas in all the cities. They should be the first to hear about the princess. If they know nothing, check all the border posts around the forest, private mansions, hunting grounds¡­ Use any means to find her. It shouldn¡¯t take too long!?


    ?I¡¯ll do what you say, Your Highness.? ¨C The head servant bowed to his master.


    Daphne sighed sadly. She didn¡¯t grasp the whole conversation between her owner and his servant, but she didn¡¯t want Diamant to have any harem. Even the wives at the bottom of the harem hierarchy would be hundreds of times more valuable than a pathetic pet¡­ They would take all the attention and love of her owner. The former princess of the empire felt hopeless and helpless, realizing her inevitable bitter future. She often dreamed of bing a noble superior beast and entering the harem of the 7th prince, her caring and loving savior¡­


    Diamant returned home and went to the kitchen to cook up something for himself. He was a rare member of the imperial family who preferred to prepare his own meals. It helped him to organize his thoughts.


    {Triana is quite smart for her age. She must have a n. But what is she up to? Does she want to be an alpha?}


    If the princess became an alpha, Diamant would lose the chance to decide her fate.


    However, he immediately dismissed this idea. First, he was a manticore with a terrifying inborn weapon in the form of a poisonous sting. Second, he was the most talented manticore (after Hera). No matter how hard she trained, no matter how hard she tried, she would never win.


    {What are the other options? She couldn¡¯t have run away just because she doesn¡¯t want to be my wife, right?}


    He remembered the recent tournament and the way the tigress looked at Fenrir, the most ingenious male of the ancient wolf race (3). Fenrir defeated even the most talented manticore peers. Moreover, he was the son of the leader of the ruling family!


    Then suddenly, all the pieces fit together!


    There would be a tournament of the young beasts on the day of the goddess Ceres. The winner would have the right of absolute dominant choice, which was more important than the right of dominant choice for two reasons. First, it had a higher priority, which meant that the males wouldn¡¯t have to fight to win the female. Second, the male (or female) could choose even the alpha, i.e., the strongest beast, and enter the harem even against the alpha¡¯s wish.


    Diamant concluded that Fenrir was going to use his absolute dominant choice to win Triana. She would ask her father to push him or would ask him herself. There was no doubt about that!


    The seventh prince couldn¡¯t take part in the tournament because of the age limit. There were only two options left: to find Triana before the day of Ceres, which was a couple of years ahead, or find a way to get rid of Fenrir without arousing unnecessary suspicion.


    Trying to push Ildun wasn¡¯t an option: the father would give his life to make his daughter happy. Killing Fenrir in an honest and open duel was tantamount to suicide. It would be an unfair battle, so the king of the ancient wolves would immediately avenge his son, and the majority of the beast kingdom would be on their side.


    Ordering Fenrir¡¯s murder wasn¡¯t an option, either. Diamant was a noble and valiant supreme beast. He would never stoop to mean and cowardly ways to achieve his goal. Leave it for pathetic humans and insidious demons.


    All in all, Diamant had no choice. He could only hope to find Triana before the day of Ceres. The flow of his gloomy thoughts was really frustrating.


    Daphne immediately approached her owner and licked off the yogurt left on Diamant¡¯s finger. Her ears blushed in embarrassment when she cast down her eyes shyly. However, she did not forget to take a sensual stance, sticking out her charming butt. She wished she had a tail to wiggle it yfully at such moments.


    Her delightful gesture did not go unnoticed. Diamant bared his teeth in a pleased smile and scratched his dear pet behind the ear. ¨C ?My dear silly little pet knows what her owner needs better than himself. Come on, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll feed you.?

 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273


    A majestic temple of indescribable beauty towered over the surrounding teau at the top of the gigantic mountain that prated dense, snow-white clouds floating around it. The temple was built in the antique style. The colossal columns of emerald marble and the crystal statues of beautiful naked maidens framed the structure, creating a truly extraterrestrial atmosphere. The endless peacefulndscapes suggested the idea that this ce was a truly divine abode.


    Inside the temple, a lovelydy was sitting on a soft throne encrusted with precious stones. She was wearing a white, satin robe, entuating her slender body. Her dark long, slightly tousled hair hung in loose curls down her shapely, perky breasts, and her beautiful, albeit indifferent face with a small pointy nose and piercing eyes seemed deep in thought.


    A stately gentleman with a powerful physique was lying at her slender legs. Several years ago, he ruled an entire kingdom until he met her. He was instantly captivated by her charm, voice, looks, and character¡­ Before he knew it, the kingpletely lost his mind and gave her his heart. Unfortunately, she never returned his feelings, and soon the former king realized that he was not destined to be the one, but he was given an important mission that made him feel happy up to this day. Sometimes, when the goddess was in the mood, he was allowed to massage her divinely soft, perfect feet. That¡¯s what the former king was doing now.


    This domineeringdy, famous all over the world, was Lana, the matriarch of the Dance sect, sect number one in the whole world. Her immense power, charming appearance, irresistible charisma, and strong personality made kings and emperors bow to her and even fall in love with her.


    *ring*


    Lana activated her sound transmitter.


    ?Your Excellency!? ¨C Her envoy Seva sounded really guilty. ¨C ?I have followed your instructions, but there was no trace of Kyon Stone left. Even Patriarch Stone knows nothing about his whereabouts.?


    Lana pushed her arched eyebrows together, visibly displeased. Her frightening aura sent energy ripples through the air inside the temple. With a light kick, she sent the former king into a flight, and hended right at the open entrance gate.


    ?Mydy, I suspect that the genius boy has already chosen the Fat sect. Envoy FatTso has been seen leaving Boston in a hurry. I can go after him and¡­?


    ?There¡¯s no need for this. The fat guy has figured out the boy¡¯s game. He wasn¡¯t going to join any sect. His letters were nothing but a distraction. I have seen enough at the tournament to determine his free-loving spirit and reluctance to obey. His carefully nned appearance and elusive retreat proved him to be a creature of logic and calction. I suppose he was pursuing a specific goal at the tournament, and it wasn¡¯t to find a patron. I think he wanted to make a statement, create an impression that would benefit him in the future.?


    Unlike her sworn enemy Gina, Lana could see through people without resorting to logical analysis. She had already drawn some conclusions about Kyon after watching him at the tournament.


    ?Report to me if any unusual incidents ur in Rosarrio. We will hear of the ambitious goddess¡¯s messenger sooner orter, and it¡¯s our job to catch this goldfish before anyone else.?


    ?Yes, Your Excellency!?


    ¡­


    Somewhere over a hundred thousand kilometers away, the bright starry sky and tworge moons shrouded in a green mystery of the northern lights illuminated a very simr temple, captivating with its beauty. This heavenly ce must have been created for gods, no less.


    In the temple, a fabulously fair maiden was sitting on a soft throne, entwined in a flowering vining nt. Her charm was beyond this sinful world. She was the embodiment of divine purity and virtue. The Universe itself had gone all out to endow her with such impable beauty.


    Gina was wearing a white ankle-length robe. The sight of her bare delicate ankles and gracious long neck could make any man hers, but Gina hated the opposite sex. Her long blond fell down her firm, pointed up breasts. Her green eyes were partly closed, which gave themnguishing and almost sleepy softness.


    Gina, the matriarch of the Virgo sect, was famous all over the world for her beauty, cruel disposition towards men and unbridled power that could cast down clouds, devastate vast forests, and turn mountains to dust. Only a few would dare to meet her eyes.


    *ring*


    Gina activated her sound transmitter.


    ?Your Excellency.? ¨C Her envoy Nargise said in awe. ¨C ?We haven¡¯t found any trace of Kyon Stone. The Stones haven¡¯t heard of him either. His hiding skills are amazing. I suspect that he has chosen the Fat sect as the fat envoy left Boston in a hurry.?


    The matriarch slowly opened her eyes, shining with a mystical green light. ¨C ?You¡¯re mistaken. If the goddess¡¯s messenger had conspired with the fat guys, FatTso wouldn¡¯t have been in a hurry. He would have left without arousing anyone¡¯s suspicions. I think it¡¯s something else¡­? ¨C There was a long pause before Gina continued. Unlike Lana, she didn¡¯t read people like open books. She preferred to put logic first.


    ?What is it? Please, pardon my curiosity¡­? ¨C Nargise hastened to add.


    Gina¡¯s voice had a new hard edge that sent shivers down Nargise¡¯s spine. ¨C ?If you had watched the tournament more closely, you would have noticed that each Kyon Stone¡¯s victory made certain patriarchs ashen pale. By the end of the tournament, the most impressionable of them had to be carried on the stretcher after aplete emotional copse. Huge sums a lot of money must have been at stake, probably with considerable leverage. In anticipation of his imminent victory, the boy made deals with numerous families of the kingdom and bankrupted them all. Doesn¡¯t it speak of his shrewdness and remarkable intellect? Do you think he would waste so much time and effort to rob a rtively poor kingdom if he was looking for a patron??


    Nargise found himself at a loss for words. ¨C ?No¡­ Of course, not!? ¨C Tears of respect and admiration for the leader of her beloved sect welled up in her eyes.


    ?Exactly. The boy is too cunning and careful. We are unlikely to trace his payments, but we will try. He is over ambitious and independent, so you¡¯d better pay close attention to the imperial order, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Finance. If some extraordinary and ambitious young talent appears in the above structures, no matter under what name or image, get all possible information about him and report to me at once.?


    ?Yes, Your Excellency¡­? ¨C Nargise replied in an awed whisper.


    ¡­


    A day before these conversations took ce.


    A huge meatball-like young man gave hispanion a bone-crushing hug. ¨C ?My little brother, my soul mate, you have won the tournament just as you promised! Thanks to you, I have earned such amounts of money that I couldn¡¯t even dream of! Why, oh why it¡¯s Cornelia who wants to marry me, not you?! Why¡­? ¨C He gave a strangled cry before bursting into tears.


    It came as aplete shock for Kyon, to say the least. For the first time in his life, he felt like the most important person in the world, not for some beautiful girl in love, but for his greedy adopted brother!


    The light nucleus was spinning wildly: 1 ¡­ 3 ¡­ 5 ¡­ 15 ¡­ 30 turns! Kyon¡¯s suspicions confirmed. Emotions had one convenient property: they could umte in the soul. For example, Juno had been thinking of Lovr all night long, and as soon as the ¡°trigger¡± in the form of a confession was released, all her gratitude streamed to the right ce. A simr situation happened to the fat brother. He realized what had happened, umting bright feelings in his soul, and as soon as he raised this topic, they all went to Kyon.


    All of the above means that the Lovr doesn¡¯t have to be in the center of the events to harvest the emotions. He could do itter, triggering an intense emotional response, either negative or positive, and all the umted emotions would stream to his nuclei. Kyon had found out that the necessary distance for this was no more than a hundred meters.


    Kyon wondered what if it was karma at work. Say, after death, the highest heavenly court counts the emotions the soul has experienced. If light emotions prevail, the next life will be happy, if dark feelings prevail, the next life will be miserable and wretched. At the same time, the system doesn¡¯t allow emotions from the same actions twice. If the repetition urs, it doesn¡¯t feel anything.


    {Why would gods set up a system like this? Who needs the gods that create a piece of shit.} ¨C Lovr thought that hardened robbers who enjoyed their way of life would avoid negative karma, but those who stole out of hunger wouldn¡¯t. XiaoBai had filled his light nucleus by 30% with gratitude for robbing the entire kingdom, in fact.


    Kyon might have considered himself in debt if he wasn¡¯t sure that the stolen money would benefit everyone in the future. All the affected families would live much better when he got stronger.


    The light feelings had enveloped his whole being. Kyon had to shake his consciousness with Synergy to wake up. He had recentlypleted the 1st stage of the unique body, and the light nucleus was already 45% full! XiaoBai¡¯s gratitude was truly unlimited. It was even greater than that of Byron, who had almost single-handedly filled Kyon¡¯s entire nucleus of light after he helped Byron to kill his brother.


    ?All right, brother, stop crying on my shoulder. Tell me when you are going to get the money. And when will I get my package??


    Kyon was nning to get 10 million spheres on his ount for the ckmail. Together with the money received from the bets, it would exceed a hundred million spheres! Any non-royal family of the Iron Throne could only dream of such money.


    XiaoBai wiped away his tears and sniffed. His red, tear-stained face looked rather funny, albeit scary. It wasn¡¯t a sight for the faint-hearted. ¨C ?You will get the package these days, the money transfer will take about a few months. Those who dare to dy payment will face the best corrupted court system in the kingdom. I can guarantee that the fat brotherhood will fight for each sphere to death! I will have the whole sum in six months max. It wille to my trade guild ount. You have the token and the necessary information, so you can use it anytime. It¡¯s all yours. I have already invested my share.?


    ?Do you understand that the Fat sect that has contact with the trade guild will guess that we are closely connected? How else would you know that the Stones were going to win??


    ?Uhm¡­ You¡¯re my brother, so it¡¯s a small wonder¡­? ¨C XiaoBai scratched his head.


    ?We will do it like this: redirect the entire financial flow from your Boston cell to Dantes. Let¡¯s expand their search area from Boston to the whole empire.?


    ?No problem, brother! It¡¯s your right to stay in the shadows. But how are you going to pay for your daily expenses? They will track you, sure as eggs.?


    ?They won¡¯t, believe me. By the way, when they start asking you about me in the Fat sect, don¡¯t deny our friendship. You can even say that you are my patron! It will guarantee you a bright future in the sect. They will appreciate and cherish you because you are the goddess¡¯s messenger friend and sponsor.?


    ?Yeah¡­ I will.? ¨C XiaoBai remembered that he was leaving for distantnds with FatTso and became sad. ¨C ?Fucking Cornelia¡­ It¡¯s all because of her. How could she set me up like that? I didn¡¯t want to go to any sect, but she decided everything for me¡­ It¡¯s unfair! She never listens to me! Brother, you swore to save me from her when the tournament is over. It¡¯s time to keep your promise!? ¨C Tears of resentment welled up in his little piggy eyes.


    His insistent request left Kyon somewhat confused. ¨C ?Uhm¡­ Why don¡¯t you like Cornelia? She is beautiful and quite nice.?


    When Lovr noticed XiaoBai shudder and turn pale from these words, he hastened to add:


    ?I¡¯m sorry bro. I¡¯ve been too busytely, you know. I will take care of herter.?


    ?Swear to me you will!? ¨C XiaoBai grasped his brother by the shoulder and shook him.


    ?I swear¡­?


    A few minutester, they shook hands, wished each other sess and said goodbye. They wouldn¡¯t see each other for at least a few years.

 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274


    The next evening, Kyon, in the guise of another person, met with two old friends in a secluded ce. One of them was irresistible Marina, who looked surprisingly cheerful and happy. There was a sparkle in her eye that could not be hidden. The second guest was Flitz, who had lost his image of a decrepit skeleton covered with skin. He had be Franz, a blond, handsome young man.


    Kyon caught the gleam of happiness in Flitz¡¯s eyes. A soft breeze ruffled his blond hair. His elegant white suit entuated his lean physique and added to his image of a charming, handsome gentleman from a foreign noble family.


    Flitz owed his youth and beauty to Synergy, ced in cebo pills that Kyon had given to him after escaping from the pce. When Flitz turned twenty years younger and witnessed Kyon¡¯s stunning victory in the tournament, he didn¡¯t hesitate to agree to his terms. ording to Lovr, Flitz had to be his servant for an indefinite period of time, and at the end of the service, his seed would be restored¡­ A few days after Flitz epted the terms, he found himself in a totally new body.


    ?I don¡¯t have enough words to express my gratitude to you, Kyon¡­? ¨C Even when Marina disappeared, Flitz tried not to show his emotions, but now he could not help it. ¨C ?You have given me a new life, a chance to achieve an almost impossible dream! I promise to serve you faithfully and honestly¡­? ¨C He got down on one knee and bowed his head.


    Kyon nced at Marina. If Flitz dreamed of making her a child, he was aplete idiot for bowing to another man in front of the woman he loved. Anyway, Flitz streamed 10% of the light to the nucleus! It was totally worth rejuvenating him. Too bad it would never work with other old geezers.


    ?Get up.?


    Flitz stood up. ¨C ?Tell me what to do.?


    ?From now on, your name is Franz. Forget about Flitz. The mere sound of the name pisses me off.?


    Kyon gave this order for a reason. Marina associated the old man, his cruel deeds, and their bitter past with that name. Changing his name and appearance would give her a new perspective. She would start from scratch with apletely different person.


    Franz nodded obediently.


    ?First of all, give me all the secret ID codes of the Stone family.?


    Franz was surprised to hear this. He hesitated for a moment and then bowed his head. ¨C ?All right¡­?


    The Stone formation was protected against forgery. It was a special ID code that only a select few knew about. Each rank had its own code. The practitioner could feel it in their soul and say with confidence that the formation was real. Each formation rank had a different code. If Kyon had it, he could create a slew of fake Stone patriarchs or pure-blood descendants.


    When he got what he wanted, Kyon moved on to the next order. ¨C ?As soon as you get home, take this unique body destruction pill.? ¨C He took out the expensive little ball that he had bought at the auction.


    ?But I have cultivated this body for a hundred years! I have invested so much time and effort, and now it has to be destroyed!? Besides, I will lose at least a stage of cultivation, if not three!? ¨C Franz said indignantly and immediately regretted it.


    ?If I see this defiance in your eyes ever again, I won¡¯t let you off easy. And you know too well that skipping the rejuvenation pills will turn you back into a half-alive skeleton.? ¨C Kyon lied. ¨C ?Your life is in my hands. You have epted my terms, and there¡¯s no way back. I can order you to gouge your eye out, and you will do it!?


    ?I am sorry¡­ I will obey¡­ It¡¯s so difficult for me to get used to the role of a servant. I am used to leading and giving orders, which gained me some respect, after all.? ¨C Franz hastened to justify himself and took the pill. He had always been willful and headstrong, and now he had to lose his freedom, perhaps for a very long time. But his youth and bright future were totally worth it! He had made his decision, so he had to learn a little humility.


    ?When you destroy the unique body and have some rest, take the Dragon God pill.? ¨C Kyon took out a little ball covered with ck scales that had an aura of antiquity. The requirement for its cultivation was to have a 100-year-old soul, which was ideal for young Flitz who had preserved his old soul.


    Franz took the pill with trembling hands. The explosive energy was raging inside it! He could swear that he was holding at least an A ranking body. Where did Kyon get it? Franz had a whole new respect for the boy.


    ?And thest order: get ready to go to Cernos!?


    ¡­


    The very next day, about 50 smartly dressed readers entered the central Boston library over different periods of time. Former representatives of the poor and the middle sses, who had never had ess to this prestigious library, were now the fourth-ranking Stones! Their status had significantly upgraded. It was like a former ve in the mine had suddenly be a domestic servant in the aristocratic household.


    Each of them had four formations applied by Kyon. The fourth-ranking formation on their wrists indicated their belonging to the Stone family. They also had three formations on the forehead: visual, auditory, and subjugating ones. The signal from the three formations was processed in Synergy cloud. Roughly speaking, the ves were Kyon¡¯s eyes, ears, and hands. They had nobat potential, but they were an ideal resource for performing routine tasks. Their task was to flip through stacks of books in the months toe.


    Lovr had time to read all the books in the elite section of the library only, where pure-blood descendants were allowed, but the devil is in the detail. He was going to learn a lot of new and useful things when he thoroughly studied the entire library. It was the first significant advantage of having Flitz as his servant. Without Flitz, he wouldn¡¯t have had a chance to use the ID code. The Stone family, of course, would never know about their fake members. They were not mentioned in the documents, nor were they tracked in the center.


    ¡­


    A week had passed since the tournament ended.


    Today, the most prestigious school in the kingdom held an annual entrance examination. Young people under the age of 20 could try their luck after paying a symbolic fee of 1000 spheres.


    A thousand spheres was nothing for some, but for the majority of the poption, it was a lot of money. For example, 10,000 spheres of the base phase was enough to buy a medium-sized house on the outskirts of the Stones¡¯ estate. An average peasant earned about a thousand spheres a year, and the beggars could live on a single sphere a whole week (after changing it to coppers). Anyway, the attempt to enter the school could be rather expensive, even for a middle-ss family. The school offered financial grants for those who had the highest entrance exam scores, but those were exceptionally rare. The rest had to rely on their parents for money.


    All young people of the kingdom dreamed of getting to Cernos because the school offered the best educational programme and the most eminent masters. Representatives of many influential organizations regrly visited Cernos, all of them could be an excellent start for their future career. The school was famous for well-equipped modern training rooms with the densest energy concentration in the entire kingdom. It also had a good system for rewarding good work with techniques from the rich Grand heritage. The students took part in local tournaments and other numerous events that brightened up the working days.


    Many dreamed of enrolling in Cernos, but only a few seeded. More than 90 percent of the applicants got rejected from their dream school, and this despite the fact that the most talented youth after several years of preparation came here to try their luck.


    The school was located not far from Boston. The gigantic walls of the capital city could be seen on the horizon. The territory of Cernos was tens of square kilometers, fenced with high walls and signal barriers. It goes without saying that troublemakers were not favored there.


    It was an early grey morning when several thousand young people crowded in front of the school building, waiting for the test to begin. The exam was to start in a few minutes, and the applicants were getting all antsy.


    ?Damn it! Even watching the goddess¡¯s messenger at the tournament, I was less worried as I am now! What will happen at the test? My anxiety is killing me!? ¨C Sam cracked his knuckles and turned to his friend.


    ?There¡¯s no reason to worry.?


    ?No reason? Look around, almost everyone here is pale, muttering something under their breath! They say that nine out of ten fail the exam, and I can feel it in my gut that I¡¯m going to fail¡­ Damn, my father will beat the shit out of me!?


    Alex patted his friend encouragingly on the shoulder, a confident smile ying upon his lips. ¨C ?Take it easy and keep your shit to yourself. Don¡¯t worry about things you can¡¯t control. It¡¯s a waste of energy. Take a deep breath! We are pure-blood descendants of the Grand family! The sky¡¯s the limit for us! My brother is the third most powerful student in Cernos, and my father is an honorable elder! Even if we shit on the examiner¡¯s table, we¡¯ll pass anyway! Ha ha!? ¨C Alexughed carelessly.


    Girls and boys standing nearby and eavesdropping on this conversation had an overwhelming reverence for the pure-blood descendants of the imperial family. Their status wasparable to the elders of the Stone family, or even higher! They were feared and respected. Any conflict with them could turn into a real disaster. There were no obstacles and barriers for the elite of the Grands in the Iron Throne. Making friends with them could turn life in Cernos into paradise. However, none of those present was in a hurry to approach the friends. They were cautious but ready to seize an opportunity to kowtow to the Grands or prove themselves worthy of their attention¡­


    ?It¡¯s not convincing.? ¨C Sam grunted glumly.


    ?Have you ever wondered why half of the students in Cernose from the Grand family??


    ?No, why??


    Alex came closer and whispered to his friend:


    ?Because it¡¯s our school! De jure and de facto! The Grands founded it hundreds of years ago. But it¡¯s more than that. The Grands are more talented and smarter than all this lowlife scum. I mean the top thirty students of the school are Grands, and small wonder, royal blood flows in our veins, after all! The rest is garbage. They get epted to school so that we wouldn¡¯t go at each other but blow off steam at them. It¡¯s Cernos policy to make the Grands happy. Did you know that ording to an ancient, unspoken tradition, each of us should have three ves? But hush, the plebs can¡¯t know about this, or they will rebel. You were lucky to be born into the Grand family, so, rx and enjoy your life. Seek pleasure and avoid pain, and you will never regret anything.? ¨C He finished his inspirational speech with great self-confidence and poise. In the kingdom that belonged to his family, the golden elite, the boy felt like a phoenix among the pigeons.


    ?I see¡­ I¡¯m still worried, though. I guess I will pass the talent test. As for the knowledge test¡­?


    ?Cheer up, buddy. Focus your attention on the beauties from other families. Check out the way they look at us. You can have any of these girls, but choose wisely! They will want something in return, hehe.? ¨C Alex shed a dirty smile. He was at the age when the head controlled the body, but it wasn¡¯t the one on his shoulders. He craved bawdy adventures.


    Meanwhile, a hideous young man, to put it mildly, quietly entered the waiting area. His face was a real work of art, created by gods who favored everything repulsive and disgusting. If there was magic that turned ugliness into its antipode, he would be the most handsome guy in the world.

 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275


    The boy of about 15 years old looked appalling. He weighed more than 150 kilos (about 350 lb). His back was hunched over, his deep-set little eyes looked in different directions, which wasn¡¯t too obvious, though, as they were hidden under his bushy unibrow. His face was red and blotchy, with a big nose covered with ckheads and e. His thin, patchy mustache looked creepy, but they were no match to his crooked yellowish teeth that were toorge for his mouth. His head was crowned with greasy hair the color of¡­ milk chocte.


    This creature evoked a gag reflex in anyone who was unlucky to look at him. However, the cultivation of this scarecrow left much to be desired, which instilled confidence in the traumatized applicants.


    ?AAAAH! It¡¯s a monster!? ¡­ ?What is this? Mamma mia! Ew!? ¡­ ?Yuck, it¡¯s disgusting! I¡¯ve never seen anyone uglier than him!? ¡­ ?Take him away! Or even better beat him up! Someone beat him up!? ¨C Some girls were speechless, others screamed and swore, their faces distorted with disgust. They could barely suppress the urge to throw up.


    ?Ugh, this scum is the beginning of the second phase! Ha-ha-ha! Is this a joke?? ¡­ ?Who invited the freak circus to Cernos?? ¡­ ?My eyes! I seem to have gone blind! AAAAAH!? ¡­ ?Holy shit, what a freak!? ¡­ ?Now I have seen everything, and I wish I haven¡¯t! Does anyone have a memory loss pill?? ¨C The guysughed so hard their stomachs hurt. They finally released the stress umted before the text mocking this wondrous creation, in a certain sense. The applicants felt much better.


    The fat guy gave a condescending nce at those present with a look of the master of all things. He grinned, raised his chin haughtily, and waddled towards the examination building, swinging his arms, with a self-confident expression on his face.


    It was, of course, Kyon in his new guise. He had chosen his next personality to pursue two purposes: differ as much as possible from the famous goddess¡¯s messenger, and zap negative emotions from everyone around. If he gave a shit about what other people thought, he might have been more careful picking up a new personality for himself.


    The mockingughter around quickly changed to shock and disbelief. ¨C ?Why is he acting like he¡¯s a big shot? They should have finished off the freak at birth!?


    However, no one in the crowd went as far as to attack the fat guy. They didn¡¯t want to get their hands dirty. The girls felt like they were going to faint.


    ?Hey, fat freak!? ¨C The bravest pure-blood descendant of the Romanovs came closer to the new boy. If he made a good impression on those influential friends, they might even make friends with him.


    Kyon pointed at himself in confusion. ¨C ?Are you talking to me?? ¨C His high-pitched voice was so annoying that everyone had yet another urge to beat him to death.


    ?To you! Who else?? ¨C Romanov grinned viciously, clenching his fists. He would pin the pathetic second phaser with a single blow! It was a perfect n to rise at the expense of this scum, sucking up to the Grands at the same time.


    All of a sudden, two imposing bodyguards wearing sunsses and all-ck suits materialized out of nowhere in front of the ugly guy. Their square faces seemed made of stone, their powerful auras were awe-inspiring. They looked down at the bully as if he were an annoying midge.


    dimir ensured that the two strongest security officers of the department would watch over his best investigator and the goddess¡¯s messenger rolled in one. Moreover, at Lovr¡¯s request, he pulled some strings to help Lovrplete his task of dealing with demons.


    ?You must have me confused with somebody else.? ¨C Kyon squinted suspiciously, peering from behind the bruiser.


    The color drained from Romanov¡¯s face. His eyes nearly popped out of her head. ¨C ?I¡­ I¡­? ¨C He swallowed nervously, stepping back. ¨C ?I wasn¡¯t talking to you, sir!?


    ?Really? Weren¡¯t you??


    ?I wasn¡¯t! I swear on my mum¡¯s life!? ??? Romanov eximed, his teeth chattering loudly.


    Kyon looked back, spotted another fat guy and let out a shrillugh. ¨C ?I¡¯m messing with you! Of course, you weren¡¯t talking to me. Who would ever call me a freak if I¡¯m so handsome and slender? It¡¯s ridiculous! Ha ha ha!? ¨C He turned away and went to the school building, giggling quietly all the way.


    Romanov froze like a statue. Everyone around him was stunned, too. No one could get it: was this freak joking or just immensely arrogant? Anyway, one thing was clear: the boy had an influential family in another higher-ranking kingdom, or he wouldn¡¯t have been allowed into the school grounds apanied by bodyguards. Only princes and princesses could take guards with them. And yet, it just boggled the mind: was this monster unaware of how ugly he looked?


    When the fat guy walked away, Romanov fell to his knees and covered his red face with his hands. The quiet chuckles and sidelong nces of the Grands hadpletely destroyed thest remnants of his pride.


    Meanwhile, a charming couple approached the waiting area: a handsome blond guy walked in with an irresistible blonde girl on his arm. Everything about them was perfect: from their impable manners to their exquisite outwear! Compared to the fat monster, they looked like angels. No one could take their eyes off them.


    ?This gentleman is so handsome! He must be from some great neighboring kingdom! But who is this feeble hag on his arm?? ¡­ ?I can¡¯t feel his cultivation. He must be very powerful! Where does this noble gentlemane from?? ¡­ ?I would never believe that no one knows anything about this handsome guy! Spit it out, girls! Who is he? And who is this chick next to him?? ¡­ ?Look! They have matching rings. Could they be married?? ¨C One of the girls asked with resentment and jealousy in her voice.


    Franz ignored the chatter around them. As he stood at the testing building with Marina, he was so happy he felt like singing out loud. Who would have thought that Kyon would persuade his dear girl to act like she was his bride? Franz hadn¡¯t proposed to her yet. He didn¡¯t dare. First, he needed to make her fall in love with him. It was a matter of time, and Franz had enough of it.


    Sam Grand noticed the ridiculous expression on his friend¡¯s face and shook him by the shoulders, feeling concerned. ¨C ?Alex, are you all right. Alex??


    Alex Grand closed his mouth atst. ¨C ?Sam, I¡¯ve never seen such a beautiful girl! She¡­ She is the ideal girl! She is perfection! I¡¯m sure that this girl is a pure-blood descendant of some powerful family from a high-ranking kingdom! Will she really study here? It¡¯s a sign I¡¯ve been waiting for!?


    ?Actually, she is married¡­ And you as always jump to conclusions. Hey! Do you hear me? She has a husband, Alex!? ¨C Sam clicked his fingers at his friend¡¯s nose.


    ?I don¡¯t give a damn! I¡¯ve fallen in love at first sight for the first time in my life! I must at least try!? ¨C Alex pushed his friend away and strode confidently towards the dazzlingly beautiful girl.


    As he approached her, he put his hand to his heart and said pompously:


    ?Your Grace! I will have no peace until I find out your name!?


    ?Marina Smirnov.? ¨C The girl replied with a smile, charmingly tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.


    ?Marina Smirnov¡­ You must be from a farawaynd.?


    ?I am pure-blood Smirnov from Athens¡­? ¨C She said, following the legend that Kyon had made up for her. He had asked her to dere her non-existent status at once. Kyon had forged all her documents and formations. No one would ever reveal the truth.


    {Huh! I knew it! Cool!} ¨C ?Wow! You are from the kingdom of the first rank! I feel privileged! Oh, forgive my manners, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Alex Grand, a pure-blood royal descendant¡­?


    ?Nice to meet you.? ¨C Marina said shyly.


    ?You know, my brother is a student at Cernos. He is the third most powerful person here! I know a lot about this school from his stories! I will dly tell you everything I know and show you around. Don¡¯t worry about anything. No one will ever touch you as long as I am around.? ¨C His eyes sparkled with passion as he took her soft hand.


    Franz listened quietly, boiling with anger. Was the dude flirting with his girlfriend and future wife right in front of him, or was he imagining things? The former formacist was well known for his jealousy when he worked at the Stones estate. He even assigned spies to watch her every step and ay his suspicions. Now the unforgivable things were happening right in front of him. Jealousy and rage were building up in him, turning into a typhoon that could sweep away everything in its path, and when the pompous prig took his beloved by the hand, Franz felt like someone had poured boiling water on him. He shoved the lover boy away from Marina. ¨C ?You¡¯re asking for it, you little shit! Are you fucking molesting my wife in front of me??


    ?Ew! You¡¯re being rude, sir. I am not molesting anyone! Why would you say so? Are you jealous of your wife? If you love her, trust her!? ¨C Alex¡¯s scathing words hit home.


    ?Boys, don¡¯t fight over me¡­?


    ?Stay out of this, my dear Marina. The fucking twat has crossed the line, and he knows it! I will make him pay for everything!? ¨C Franz rushed forward and pped his rival across the face.


    Suddenly, Alex reacted with equal speed.


    ~bang~


    The impact of the blow sent them flying a couple of steps in opposite directions.


    Thousands of excited spectators crowded around them, forming a kind of arena. The aggressive fighters emanated a powerful aura that put everyone under tremendous pressure. The day had only begun, and they had already had enough excitement tost them a lifetime.


    ?Did you really attack me just because I took your wife by the hand?? ¨C Alex asked, genuinely surprised, but his voice held a note of disdain.


    Franz, being a hundred years more experienced than the arrogant brat, felt that he was losing ground. If Marina weren¡¯t there, watching him, he might have taken it easy. Most likely, he wouldn¡¯t have paid the slightest attention to the jerk. But his beloved girl had always been his only weak point. Even Yegorka, his student¡¯s son, got what he deserved and lost his balls. Why would Franz be kind to some disrespectful stranger?


    Franz¡¯s fist vibrated with energy concentrated within when a water stream enveloped it, shimmering as if lit by thousand rays of sunlight. ¨C ?You had iting!?


    ?Ha! Come on! Give it to me!? ¨C Alex¡¯s fist was engulfed in a dazzling me. He smiled dreamily, not taking his eyes off his rival. Winning his wife away was the easiest thing in the world! The doofus had dug his own grave. All Alex needed was to give the blond guy a nice thrashing to prove to Marina that her husband was nothing but a failure. The rest was a matter of technique.


    ?Please, don¡¯t!? ¨C Marina screamed in panic, but no one heard her.


    Franz and Alex had already rushed towards each other¡­


    ??Stop it!?


    The impressive, rumbling and, at the same time, melodic voice made everyone freeze at once. The applicants turned to the source of the sound and saw a good-looking, effeminate man on the balcony of the school building. He was about thirty, with long blond hair fluttering in the wind.


    ?It¡¯s the headmaster of Cernos!?


    Franz and Alex exchanged hostile nces and reluctantly parted ways.


    The headmaster looked at Franz with a strange gleam in his eyes, then he majestically raised his hands and solemnly said:


    ?Wee to the annual entrance exam at Cernos School! My name is Nn Grand, the principal of Cernos. You will have two exams today. Thebat will test your talent, and the written test will assess your knowledge. You can earn up to 50 points on each exam. If you applied for theoretical research, you don¡¯t have to face thebat, but the written test will be twice as long and difficult and will get you up to a hundred points. The minimum admission requirement is 75 points¡­?


    While the headmaster was talking about details, Alex was looking at his newly found love:


    ?Marina has applied for academic research as her cultivation is too weak. I bet she has chosen alchemy! Oh great goddess, I¡¯m begging you, let her pass! Am I asking too much?? ¨C He folded his palms in prayer, his eyes raised to heaven.


    When Sam heard such nonsense from his extravagant friend, he covered his face with his hand, shaking his head in disapproval.


    ?¡­Our school boasts of the best teachers and masters, and also our unique dormitories. The highest floors and the lowest room numbers are designed for the students with the highest status. The rooms are located on five floors, not counting the three underground levels. Those of you who get 95 points at the exams will be offered financial grants and the amodation on the elite 5th floor, where each of the residents has their own servants. Ny points will provide you with the rooms on the 4th floor. The rest you can think for yourself. Research dating back a century has shown that our student amodation system motivates young people to try harder and strive to reach greater heights. But don¡¯t hold your breath. The rumors that nine out of ten applicants fail are true, so you will have to give your best. And never forget that our school has a spotless reputation. No bribes, no dirty tricks can improve your performance or help you earn more points than you deserve!!?


    About a thousand hearts started beating faster with excitement. The applicants dreamed ofpleting at least the minimum admission requirements, let alone living on the highest floors. But the idea that no spoiled rich kids or cunning swindlers would get to Cernos was heart-warming.


    ?By the way, I just learned some amazing news.? ¨C Headmaster Nn said in a low voice. ¨C ?Queen da has sent Kara Grand to take the entrance exam! The princess will sit the test like everyone else, there¡¯s no favoritism! As for Her Majesty¡¯s motive, well, judge for yourself. I invite you toe inside and follow the instructions of the senior examiner. Good luck to you all!? ¨C The principal finished his weing speech and disappeared inside the building.

 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276


    ?What?! Is the princess going to take the test with us? Why?!? ¡­ ?Oh! It can¡¯t be true! Is she here to provide expert advice and guidance? Or maybe to show what it means to be a perfect student? How noble of her! She is perfection! She is the kindest princess in the world, a symbol of love and care!? ¨C The anxious applicants proceeded to the assembly hall through the opened gates of the school building.


    {da couldn¡¯t have guessed that I was going to Cernos¡­ Why on earth would she make her daughter take this lousy exam?} ¨C Kyon started to analyze the situation and soon found the answer. It wasn¡¯t a big deal, after all, as long as the bitch didn¡¯t ruin his n of collecting dark emotions from these sissies. Kara¡¯s behaviour would make their blood boil at once. His goal was to gain a bad reputation, being a real pain in the ass.


    More than three thousand applicants met the beautiful, proud princess in the assembly hall, and their hearts skipped a beat. She was dressed in the school uniform: shiny crimson shoes, a burgundy just above the knee skirt with a neatly tucked blouse that didn¡¯t hide her bulging boobs. The girls in the crowd bit their lips with envy and whispered, admiring her, and the boys did their best not to stare. All of them greeted the princess with low bows befitting her status.


    Kara gave the crowd a cold look. She nodded slightly and turned away, crossing her arms over her chest. The princess emitted a sullen, irritated aura as if she had been nursing a thousand babies. In fact, she felt humiliated! The punishment she got from her mother was too harsh. She had to resit the exam for her unauthorized visit to Juno and letting the goddess¡¯s son go. This time she would have to do it without any secret agreements. The princess had spent almost a week sweating over textbooks about boring human history and sciences so that she wouldn¡¯t fail. If she didn¡¯t get at least 98 points, she would make a total fool of herself in school and the whole kingdom! Everyone would start wondering how she could get a hundred points in the first ce. Did she suddenly go dumb? Her damned mother didn¡¯t understand anything! She only controlled, humiliated, and restricted her! Anyway, Kara was afraid of her, feeling helpless anger and bitter resentment over and over again. She bottled them up and gradually felt hatred rising inside her.


    The senior examiner came out on the tform in the middle of the hall and announced the four uing tests. The first and most important one was scored on the scale of 0 to 20 points, and the others to 10. Then he went over the details of the tests.


    The test takers were divided into 30 groups of over 100 people. A lower-ranking examiner took charge of each group. Everyone was invited to arge open area with running tracks, arenas and lots of exercise machines.


    The applicants formed thirty neat lines.


    ?Look, principal Nn and the senior examiner are watching us from the balcony! The principal has never been interested in the entrance exam, but now he decided to take a look at us! Haha, he wants to watch the beautiful princess. It¡¯s a no brainer! You¡¯re so busted, principal Nn¡­? ¨C Sam chuckled, nudging his friend with an elbow. ¨C ?Alex, are you alright? Alex??


    Alex was ogling the beautiful blonde, standing in the next line with her husband, whom he gave a brief jealous nce. You¡¯vee to the wrong ce, blond devil! Alex belonged to the kingdom¡¯s elite, his family owned the school, where his brother held an honorable 3rd ce! It would be a shame not to take advantage of his superior status. He plotted something evil against Franz when a more convenient opportunity should offer¡­


    When Marina suddenly nced back, Alex immediately looked away and cleared his throat. ¨C ?Ah, yes, so you were saying? Damn it! Why is the fat freak standing behind us??


    ?Didn¡¯t you see him?? ¨C Sam rolled his eyes.


    Meanwhile, Kara, who was in the first group, had passed the test on a priority basis, gaining 20 points. Everyone started oohing and aahing over her exceptional talent¡­


    {She is at the ninth stage of the noble phase, and her stream is 440 points. Hmm¡­ She is really talented.} ¨C Kyon thought, watching the 16-year-old princess from the corner of his eye.


    A few minutester, the examiner of the 3rd group, who looked so old as if he had been there to see the world¡¯s creation, looked closely at the next test taker over the thick lenses of his sses. ¨C ?Show me your formation and say your name.?


    ?Alex Grand. Yeah, I am Arcadius Grand¡¯s son.? ¨C He said with arrogant self-assurance, graciously holding out his hand.


    ?I didn¡¯t ask your father¡¯s name.? ¨C The examiner retorted sternly, checking the formation on the boy¡¯s wrist. ¨C ?Take off your shirt.?


    Alex made a wry grimace. The ancient half-dead old-timer didn¡¯t care about his father¡¯s authority? How unfortunate! He should have chosen another group. A younger examiner might have given him some additional points.


    The examiner put a nephrite to the boy¡¯s navel and saw a blinking number ¡°320¡± (out of 900 possible) and ¡°3.7¡± next to it, which indicated the 7th stage of the superior phase.


    ?Your flow is quite powerful, young man. As for your cultivation, it¡¯s quite decent for your age. I¡¯d say you¡¯re above average. Congrattions.?


    ?Thank you, sir.? ¨C Alex smiled smarmy at the examiner.


    ?Now show the elements that you can bend.?


    When Alex Grand held out his hand, it red orange.


    ?Hm, the me of advanced grade.? ¨C The old examinermented.


    Then a little hurricane swirled in the middle of his palm.


    ?And the advanced wind. A goodbination.?


    Alex removed his hand and pursed his lip in displeasure as the examiner was expecting more from him. Unfortunately, Alex Grand could bend only three elements. He felt awkward and ufortable.


    ?It¡¯s a good result, young man. You don¡¯t have to feel discouraged. However, only geniuses among geniuses will live on the fifth floor after the entrance exam. Add it to your goal list. If you do well on your end of year exam, you will definitely get a higher floor. I award you thirteen points. Next, please!?


    Alex walked away, his hands balled into fists. Miserable 13 points out of 20? For him, the pure-blood descendant?! The damned old fool must have a death wish! Father would beat the shit out of him! Anyway, the boy had no ess to the 5th floor this year. How humiliating! The senile dotard had ruined his bright hopes.


    ?I¡¯ve got only eleven points.? ¨C Samined.


    ?Shut up.? ¨C Alex hissed in reply.


    The applicants who had already passed the test sighed with envy. They all gained from 4 to 10 points. A significant difference! However, they didn¡¯tin while Alex Grand looked like he fucked up. He seemed to have been expecting more than that. Anyway, now everyone was convinced that Cernos had a crystal clear reputation.


    ?Tell me your name and family name. Show your formation.?


    ?Dick Baker.? ¨C The fat guy next in line announced in falsetto.


    Hundreds of nk stares focused on the ugly boy. Even depressed Alex turned around and raised his eyebrows. ¨C ?Dick¡­ Baker? Ha¡­ Ha ha¡­ Ha ha ha!?


    A secondter, all the test takers of the 3rd group burst into loudughter. The applicants from other groups looked puzzled at a hundred peopleughing out loud.


    Alexughed the loudest, taunting the ugly boy. ¨C ?The parents must have loved him a lot for giving him such a suitable name! Ha-ha-ha-ha! Dick Baker, that¡¯s funny!?


    Sam added, holding his stomach. ¨C ?They were sick and tired of changing his bedding every morning and named him after who he is!?


    ?My grandfather used to say that your name reflects your personality. I didn¡¯t believe him, but now I¡¯m starting to understand the wisdom of his words!? ¨C The recently disgraced Romanov added with augh.


    Kara nced indifferently at the annoying, noisy scum debris and noticed the object of ridicule. The princess found him so ugly that she felt sick to her stomach. His sidelong gaze, patchy mustache, and yellowish protruding teeth made it difficult to think clearly: {Mother, why did you send me here?} ¨C She turned away with a convulsive shrug and closed her eyes never to see this pathetic thing again. If it were up to her, Kara would have him executed on the spot for the mere fact of his existence in the same ce with her.


    The taunts andughter didn¡¯t subside for a long time. However, the ugly guy acted as if everyone wasughing at someone else. He turned his head and squinted his little eyes, trying to find theughing stock and have some fun for himself.


    ?You don¡¯t get it, fool? We are talking about you!? ¨C Alex yelled and broke into another fit ofughter.


    The senior examiner, standing next to the principal on the balcony, threatened loudly to take their points for insubordination. The crowd fell silent at once. Everyone looked at Dick and wondered if he was really unaware that everyone wasughing at him?


    The old examiner pushed back the sses that had slipped down his nose. ¨C ?Take off your shirt, young man.?


    When the fat guy took off his shirt, shing his swollen belly, the girls booed at him and turned away, and the boys grunted withughter, trying to hide it behind a sudden coughing fit.


    The examiner put the nephrite to the examinee¡¯s navel. Light poured out of it, forming flickering numbers ¡°100¡± and ¡°2.2¡± in the air.


    Hundreds of observers stood dumbfounded, staring at the figures. A stream of 100 points? It was outrageous! Practitioners, whose streams didn¡¯t exceed 200 points, were worthless. No one knew how they had managed to connect with their spirit. Their cultivation was doomed to get stuck in the first two phases. A stream of 150 points was as rare as dying stars in the sky. The cultivation of anyone with such a stream was at the level of those three stages weaker. However, the ugly guy was unique in his own way. He managed to go lower than rock bottom. There was no one like him in the whole world! Add to this his royal arrogance and you¡¯ll get a genius of mediocrity and self-confidence, no less!


    His cultivation was so absurd that other applicants didn¡¯t even scoff any more. Who wouldugh at a legless and armless cripple? How did he get here? Was he really hoping to apply to Cernos?


    All of a sudden, the examiner¡¯s sses shattered. ¨C ?Oh! Too bad!? ¨C He took them off and shook his head in dismay. ¨C ?What a fool I am! Why didn¡¯t I take a backup pair? How can I go on if I am as blind as a bat??


    While the old man rubbed his watery, weak-sighted eyes, Dick¡¯s burly bodyguard stepped forward with a straight face, pressed his navel to the nephrite and returned to duty. The number ¡°100¡± changed to ¡°350¡± and ¡°2.2¡± to ¡°4.10.¡±


    The old examiner finally opened his eyes, squinted at the shing numbers and eximed in shock:


    ?Gods!? ¨C He clutched his head in his hands. ¨C ?Do my eyes deceive me? You¡¯re a real genius, Dick Baker! You¡¯re only fifteen and already a peak nobleman with a stream of three hundred and fifty points!?


    ?Wha-a-a-at?!? ¨C Everyone around him gasped, including the applicants from the other groups.


    The princess made a grimace of disgust at the terrible noise.


    The senior examiner furiously ordered everyone to shut up. The damned kids had no decency! This new generation was really crazy¡­


    ?Thank you, sir. I owe my talent to my parents, who gave me the purest sacred blood of the Baker family. As you can see, I¡¯ve inherited something more than good looks and love of pastry from my ancestors.? ¨C Dick said proudly, puffing out his chest.

 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277


    His loud words reached Princess Kara¡¯s ears. She turned around and grimaced as if with a toothache when she saw the nightmarish creature. Her beautiful ga eyes shed with killing intent. It was disgusting and even offensive for the first demon princess to hear the freak brag about his blood purity.


    Everyone who heard his arrogant words opened their mouths, stunned at his audacity. Sacred blood? Good looks and talent? The pompous brat pulled the wool over the examiner¡¯s eyes, ignoring hundreds of witnesses watching him! Why didn¡¯t the old man notice anything? Because his sses had shattered? That¡¯s pure nonsense! He must have felt it in his soul¡­


    It became clear now why Dick was stroking his bracelet before the test¡­ Despite strict school rules, he had faked his cultivation with a concealment device! Dick was hoping to trick the examiner, but the soul checking formation detected his ridiculous prank, so he had to use the bodyguard¡¯s help! It was the guard who broke the old man¡¯s sses¡­ And it worked!


    ?Can¡¯t you see that he is deceiving you? His stream has only one hundred points! And his cultivation is at the beginning of the second phase! Check him again, and you will see that I am telling the truth!? ¨C Alex cried out. He couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. He wasn¡¯t going to let the miserable scum get more points than he had received!


    The other applicants supported Alex, using Dick of cheating.


    The princess nervously stamped her foot, boiling with rage. She had a desperate urge to kill the annoying loudmouths. Why were they screaming bloody murder? Who was cheating whom? Couldn¡¯t they just shut up and stop infuriating her with all this fuss?


    ?How dare you lie to my face, young man? No applicant¡¯s stream can possibly have one hundred points. It¡¯s almost nothing! Don¡¯t bother me with your nonsense!? ¨C The examiner barked unexpectedly.


    ?But he¡­?


    ?Another word and I will take a point from your result!? ¨C The old man turned to the beaming fat guy with a broad smile. ¨C ?Commendable, verymendable! Dick Baker, your cultivation for your age is even higher than Prince Charles¡¯s at his time! Now, show me what elements you can bend, if you please.?


    ?Sure.? ¨C Kyon folded his hands tight, then waved them in the air and then opened his hands. A crimson fire shed on them.


    ?Oh! The advanced grade! Only geniuses have the advanced grades of elements at the age of 15! All the more, the heat element!? ¨C The examiner had nothing but praise for the fat guy.


    Alex knew what was wrong, and he couldn¡¯t stay silent. It was outrageous. ¨C ?He has hidden a nephrite that emits me under his hand! It¡¯s a dirty trick! He has no advanced grade of heat! He can bend a single element at most! Am I right, guys??


    The crowd obediently nodded their heads like chickens pecking at the seeds scattered in front of them.


    Kara crunched her fingers impatiently, balling her hands into fists every now and then. She could kill the screamer on the spot!


    The examiner red at Alex. ¨C ?Alex Grand, you lose a point for misconduct during the entrance exam!?


    ?But¡­ No¡­?


    ?Now let me work! I am a professional in this field with many years of experience! If you keep bothering me, I will take even more points from you! By the way, you can¡¯t use your father¡¯s authority as an argument. It¡¯s only his fault if his son is so ill-mannered!? ¨C The old man¡¯s bellow brooked no argument.


    Alex swallowed his protest and looked at his friend with hope.


    Sam looked away as if saying: ¡°Don¡¯t look at me! There¡¯s nothing I can do!¡±


    ?I thought you were my friend!?


    ?He will fail me!? ¨C Sam hissed quietly in response.


    Alex continued to look for support. He turned to the boy from the Romanov family, the disgraced one.


    The pale boy took a step forward. ¨C ?Dick Baker is really cheating, sir!?


    The examiner put ice in his voice. ¨C ?You lose a point for interference.?


    Romanov dropped to his knees, turning even paler.


    Alex spat with sudden fury: {Worthless piece of scum! Didn¡¯t they want to make friends with me? If they screamed all together, the dotard would have to double-check him!}


    However, the other applicants had recognized the old examiner¡¯s power. He didn¡¯t hesitate to take points even from elder Arcadius¡¯s son, and they were no better than him. No one was willing to risk their future for the chance to make friends with Alex Grand. It wouldn¡¯t matter anyway if they failed the exam. There would be another chance.


    While the examiner was yelling at Alex, Dick shamelessly threw out the used fire nephrite and put another one under his hand. Everyone stared at him, shocked by his impudence.


    ?Go on, young man.? ¨C The examiner turned to the fat guy and said with a polite smile.


    A dense and powerful air whirlwind appeared on his palm.


    ?The advanced grade of the wind! Wonderful?


    Alex gasped with anger. The jerk had chosen his elements, only a grade higher! The fat bastard had outshadowed Alex with his dirty trick!


    All of a sudden, the fat freak sneezed loudly. The used nephrite whooshed through the air and hit Alex right in the forehead, creased with bulging throbbing veins.


    ?It¡¯s great, the advanced grade of the ether! Four elements! You are a great genius, young man!?


    ?Yeah, it¡¯s me.? ¨C Dick felt ttered. His heart swelled with pride.


    He could feel the applicants around him get all butthurt


    ?Well, I am awarding you the well-deserved twenty points out of twenty possible! You can go and wait for the next test with the other test-takers. Next, please!?


    Kyon stood in the line, his nose in the air. If it were not for the two burly bodyguards following him, the crowd would have definitely strangled him. Their killing intent pressed a bit on his neck.


    When the final applicant had passed the talent test, the old examiner brought everyone to the huge running track. ¨C ?Remember, kids, a strong mind starts with a strong body! Do not forget the teaching of the ancestors. Your soul will cultivate faster if your bodies are fit. The next two exams will ensure that you¡¯re in good shape. You will be tested for strength and endurance. Get ready for the endurance test first. Be careful, using elemental energy is strictly forbidden and can lead to expulsion! Don¡¯t push! You are required to run a hundredps at maximum speed. Alright, now make groups of fifty people. Each of you will be given a bracelet-formation with a built-in timer andp tracker. As soon as you finish a hundredps, you will hear a beep. Then you wille back to me to find out how many points you¡¯ve earned. The applicants with the best cultivation must achieve the best possible finishing time¡­?


    The test-takers approached the examiner, received the bracelet, and joined their group at arge running track.


    When Kyon took the bracelet, he heard loud booing behind his back. His hunched back and disproportionate overweight physique didn¡¯t promise his athletic sess. ¨C ?I bet a thousand spheres that he will never do a hundredps!? ¡­ ?You overestimate him! I bet two thousand spheres that he will bite the dust before he starts the 50th? ¡­ ?The 50th? Look at him! He¡¯s already short of breath, and he hasn¡¯t even started yet! Ha-ha-ha! I bet three thousand spheres on thirtyps!? ¨C The test-takers were trying to outshout each other, making ridiculous bets. They all had one thing inmon: the anticipation of the fat guy¡¯s inevitable failure. It was clear as day that a powerful ¡°peak noble phaser¡± should dops like falling off a log, but regarding his physical condition, it would be a miracle if he did at least a couple ofps. He might have a heart attack.


    ?Out of my way! I am running with him! I want to be the first to see him copse!? ¨C Alex was shivering from excitement, thinking of the ways to mess with the jerk who had ¡°honestly¡± surpassed his results.


    Fifty test-takers took up their positions on the starting line and rushed forward after the signal.


    In an instant, everyone overtook Dick Baker, who was trudging like a snail. A gust of wind almost knocked him down. It was to be expected. Their smirks turned into malicious grins at the sight of the freak who could barely drag his feet.


    A few secondster, Alex did the secondp, overtaking the fat guy again. ¨C ?Careful! If you fall, you¡¯ll die!? ¨C anotherp. ¨C ?Move on, piece of shit!? ¨C When Dick had almost finished the firstp, Alex threw another taunt at him. ¨C ?Come on, champion! You¡¯ve done one percent! Ha ha ha!?


    The test-takers were smiling wider and wider, overtaking the fat guyp afterp.


    ~beep~


    The piercing squeak announcing the end of the test puzzled everyone! When the runners found out its source, they nearly fell on the spot. Their vicious grins disappeared, and their jaws dropped to the floor. Alex was on the point of fainting. He froze in bewilderment and screamed like a banshee:


    ?Whaaaat?!?


    The princess shuddered once again from someone¡¯s shrill scream. She closed her eyes and counted to 10.


    Kyon took a deep breath,pletely satisfied with himself. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a silk handkerchief and headed to the examiner. ¨C ?I¡¯ve done a hundredps, sir. I guess I deserve the honorary title of the king cheetah! Everyone had a chance to see my broad back when the mighty wind nearly blew them off the track.? ¨C Dick bragged, his chest puffed out with pride.


    The old examiner checked the formation in Dick¡¯s bracelet and eximed admiringly:


    ?It¡¯s an amazing result! A hundredps in just five minutes! Your stamina is incredible! Are you a professional runner? You don¡¯t look like an athlete!?


    ?Hehe. It¡¯s all thanks to my pure Baker blood!? ¨C Dick purred smugly.


    His shameless impudence outraged everyone¡¯s sense of justice. The angry test-takers were short of breath, which could affect their final result. Some of them were already suffocating. They prayed that the goddess would strike the cunning cheater with lightning of justice.


    ?I see. I give you ten points out of ten. You may go now and wait for the next test.? ¨C The old man screeched approvingly.


    ?Wait! WAIT! He has done only onep! Why do you give him ten points?? ¨C Alex eximed indignantly, speaking for his outraged group and even onlookers from other groups.


    Everyone looked at Alex Grand with great hope. He was a savior, a warrior of justice. May goddess bless him with health and good luck.


    ?Young man, the formation in the bracelet can¡¯t lie. It says that Dick Baker has crossed the starting line exactly a hundred times, while you haven¡¯t finished the test yet, and each second makes your result only worse. I advise you to hurry up, or I will have to take another point from you for obstructing the examination process!? ¨C The examiner scolded the trouble maker.


    Alex opened and closed his mouth, unable to utter a word. He had no choice but to continue running.


    The outrageous, impudent, ugly freak got away with it. Everyone felt infinitely helpless.

 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278


    The endurance test was over soon.


    The old examiner pointed to the weight-lifting machine. ¨C ?It¡¯s time for the muscle strength test. There¡¯s a wide range of loaded weight tes. The gray tes weigh 50 kg, the white tes weigh 100 kg, the light blue tes weigh 250 kg, the dark blue tes weigh 500 kg, the red tes weigh 1000 kg, and the ck tes weigh 2500 kg. Your task is to choose any number of tes of any color, put them on the barbell and raise it over your head. You will be given three attempts.?


    The test-takers started wondering what dirty trick the cheater had up his sleeve this time.


    The strength test had begun. After a while, it was Alex¡¯s turn.


    He rolled two red tes to the machine and put them on the bar¡­ Putting forth a great effort, he managed to pull 2000 kg off the ground. After about a minute of grunting and gritting his teeth, he lifted his inhumanly heavy burden over his head.


    ?Passed.? ¨C The examiner said stiffly.


    ~bam~


    The ground vibrated when he dropped the loaded barbell with a loud crash. Alex went up to the examiner, pleased with himself.


    ?Not bad, young man. I give you seven points out of ten.?


    ?Howe seven? I¡¯ve lifted 2 tons! No one here can lift more than 500 kg!?


    ?The endurance and muscle strength tests are adjusted for the level of soul cultivation. You don¡¯t have to be a tough guy to get more points. As for the girls, they are expected to do even less. You are just a little stronger than average and should be grateful that I didn¡¯t give you five points that you deserve.?


    Alex¡¯s heart sank when he heard these words. He heaved a sad sigh and stepped aside.


    The cheater was next in line. Everyone was already expecting another trick, but it turned out to be ridiculously simple¡­ And even more impudent. So impudent that everyone finally understood what the matter was. Almost everyone.


    The burly bodyguard approached the examiner and showed him his formation.


    ?Oh, Dick Baker! I am sure you will make me proud! You can start.?


    The tough guy rolled ten ck tes and put them on the barbell. With a jerk, not without effort, he raised it over his head. The test-takers stared, stunned. Twenty-five tons of weight overhead like it was no big deal!


    The barbell arched from the weight and broke in two with a loud crunch.


    ~CRASH~


    The ten ck tes hit the protective coating on the tform with a deafening bang. The ground cracked and shook so hard that the test-takers standing nearby almost fell off their feet.


    The old examiner cheered. ¨C ?Congrattions! Well done, Dick Baker! You are the first applicant in my lifetime to raise twenty-five tons! You are three times more powerful than any noble phaser! Your muscle strength deserves twenty points, but I can¡¯t give more than ten¡­ Bravo!?


    The guard, the walking mountain, stood behind his master as if nothing had happened, and Kyong nodded, pleased. ¨C ?Thank you. As you can see, I am not only into athletics. I do some lift weighting, too. How else would I have a perfect physique and divine beauty??


    The test-takers who watched this farce were nearly knocked off their feet by this ridiculous, unwarranted self-confidence.


    Alex couldn¡¯t hold back his anger:


    ?It wasn¡¯t Dick Baker, sir. It was his hunky bodyguard!?


    Many in the crowd threw him sympathetic nces. Was he really too obtuse to pick up what was going on?


    ?I might be as blind as a bat, but I will know the right formation out of a thousand! As well as your voice, Alex Grand! If you distract me one more time, you will lose another point! It applies to everyone.? ¨C The examiner warned the test-takers.


    ?Come on! Tell him!? ¨C Alex turned to those around him, seeking support. The farce happening before his eyes was killing him.


    The test-takers of his group kept silent, some turned away, feeling ufortable and awkward. Sam was trying to give his friend a sign to shut up andy low.


    ?To hell with you, I¡¯ll take care of it myself!? ¨C Alex looked at the balcony, where the principal and the senior examiner were watching the exam. He bowed respectfully and addressed them with exaggerated politeness and respect. ¨C ?Distinguished principal Nn has recently mentioned that Cernos is famous for its impable reputation and that no cheaters can get an undeserved result. However, this arrogant jerk received ten points at the strength test with the help of his bodyguard! In broad daylight! Before that, he got ten points with a forged bracelet. And his bodyguard passed the talent test instead of him, getting the maximum twenty points! Being Arcadius Grand¡¯s son, I demand to take immediate action and punish the cheater! Let justice prevail!? ¨C He mentioned his father¡¯s name on purpose, hoping it would add weight to his words.


    The examiners stopped the tests, which caused another Kara¡¯s fit of rage. She was seething with anger and urge to kill the bastard taking her precious time. However, the majority of the test-takers were on Alex¡¯s side.


    The principal devoted exactly one second of his precious attention to the trouble-maker and turned away without the slightest sight of care on his face.


    When the senior examiner noticed the headmaster¡¯s reaction, he shouted angrily:


    ?You dared to address the school principal for no good reason! You lose three points for showing disrespect! If it happens again, you will be disqualified!? ¨C He waved his hand, and the junior examiners continued their work.


    Alex was speechless: {What the hell?!} ¨C He turned around,pletely confused and finally realized that he had made himself look like a fool. It took him a while to figure out what was going on, but he felt like aplete idiot when he did! How could the old examiner make out 10 ck tes with his blind eyes but failed to see the huge guy representing his master? Why did he ignore the fact that the fat freak was barely moving his legs while running? Why did the examiner decline his request to double-check the fat guy even if it wouldn¡¯t take ten seconds? The answer was obvious: he had paid a bribe! A crystal clear reputation? No cheaters would ever pass? How could he believe this tant lie? Of course, money can buy everything! His shortsightedness cost him four points and made aplete fool out of him¡­


    Alex became suddenly aware that if his father weren¡¯t an insignificant elder (responsible for a social institution that no one ever needed), everything might have turned out all right. And the old examiner might have treated him with proper respect¡­


    {Damn it¡­ It¡¯s so unfair! I know that life is ruthless to the weak, but why does it hurt so fucking much?} ¨C Alex used to be the very source of injustice for many unfortunate people who got on his bad side. Now he was walking in their shows. He tried to order his thoughts. Screw them all! He must enter Cernos whatever it takes, or his father would kill him.


    The examiners¡¯ sour faces told him that they had already put up with that and weren¡¯t going to do anything. It was time for him to grow up and ept that the world was evil and unfair.


    The old examiner brought a hundred of the test-takers to one of the battle arenas. ¨C ?Dear applicants, the talent test is over, and so are the strength and endurance tests. It¡¯s time to test your fighting skills, namely, the level of your battle fist. Keep in mind that battle fist isn¡¯t only about dexterous moves or skillful attacks, it¡¯s mainly about the skill to read your opponent in a fight.?


    ?Your task is to enter the arena and have sparring with another test-taker. Since many fighting styles require elemental energy, you are allowed to use only pure energy, but you must decrease your cultivation to the level of your opponent in case they are weaker than you to make it a fair fight. I have many years of experience, so one minute of battle is enough to get clear results. Alex Grand, the noisiest test-taker, and Dick Baker, who he made feel so unwee, will fight the first exemry battle. Get ready!?


    ?What?! Why me?! No way, he will¡­ Fucking shit!? ¨C Alex cursed loudly when he saw the burly bodyguard enter the arena with a straight face.


    ?Mind yournguage! The examiner¡¯s decision is not a subject for discussion.?


    Several hundred test-takers gave Alex Grand a sympathetic look.


    ?Stay strong, buddy.? ¨C Sam tapped Alex encouragingly on the shoulder.


    When both fighters entered the arena, the old examiner gave the signal to start the battle.


    {Screw you! All my years of training have prepared me for this moment. My master has taught me three battle fists. I am not going to lose!} ¨C Alex fearlessly approached the muscle mountain. The bodyguard was so impressive that he didn¡¯t even look like a person anymore. Before Alex knew it, a fist the size of his head was at his face. He barely had time to block the blow¡­


    ~bam~


    Everything went white. A single direct blow of the fist, hefty and heavy like a sledgehammer, threw Alex out of the arena as if he were a rag doll. He rolled a dozen meters, groaning painfully.


    Everyone gasped.


    Kara also noticed this powerful blow. The princess raised her gracious eyebrows in surprise, wondering what the hell a forty-something thug was doing among the test-takers.


    Sam hurried to check on his friend. ¨C ?That was one hell of a punch! Are you alright??


    ?I am alive¡­ Kind of.?


    The examiner pped his hands. ¨C ?Amazing! Dick Baker, you get ten points! Alex Grand, I can¡¯t give you more than two¡­ You have shown nothing.?


    ?What?! Please, give me at least a couple more! I blocked the blow, after all. It¡¯s not my fault that his one-ton fist knocked me out! No skills would have helped me fight against him! I didn¡¯t stand a chance! Please, sir!? ¨C Alex begged desperately, probably for the first time in his life.


    ?Out of the question. The test results are non-negotiable.? ¨C The old examiner said firmly. In fact, he might have given Alex a chance if he hadn¡¯t received Dick¡¯s order. He was just a pawn instructed to look the other way and obey Dick Baker¡¯s signs.


    Alex said nothing. He looked crushed. If it hadn¡¯t been for the fat freak and his bodyguards, he would have received at least 8 points! But he got only 29 points and lost 4, which left him with 25, the minimum entry points. If he failed the written test, he wouldn¡¯t get to Cernos. It was so foolish of him to expect that everyone would dance attendance on him as soon as they learned he was a pure-blood descendant.


    {It¡¯s all your fault, bitch. You¡¯re dead!} ¨C Alex thought, ring at Dick with hatred. He was so fixated on the fat guy that he hadpletely forgotten about Marina. How did he fall so far? He cared more about a pot-bellied cheater than a gorgeous girl who took his heart away at first nce¡­


    A few hourster, thebat test came to an end.


    The test-takers returned to the exam building to take a written test, after which they were told to gather in the assembly hall. After a half-hour break, they could see a bright screen with the results shine on the wall. Kara Grand came first with 50 points, followed by Dick Baker with the same result. The next one was Franz with 45 points ¡­


    There was a huge uproar in the hall. One and a half thousand test-takers who had received 25 or more points were discussing the results and those who had taken the first two ces.


    They spoke of the princess as a living legend, an ideal representative of the human race. She was beautiful inside and out, for she hade to retake the entrance exam ¨C an event not befitting her noble status ¨C to set an example for the beginners, inspire them to be sessful! Wasn¡¯t she an angel?


    They spoke of condemned ugly freak with contempt and disgust as a ridiculous spawn of a sow and a troll. The rotten cheater hadn¡¯t only bought the results, he behaved as if he deserved them!

 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279


    {Dick Baker? His parents must have hated their son.} ¨C The princess frowned when she saw the ridiculous name of thepetitor sharing first ce with her. Didn¡¯t everyone scream bloody hell because of him, driving her up the wall?


    She squinted to find the bearer of the annoying name and cringed, recognizing the freak, the worst eyesore ever. His parents must be relieved to get their nightmarish child off their back. Apparently, they had to pay a tidy sum for his admission, or he would never have scored more than five points. No doubt about that. His pathetic cultivation physique and development were a case in point. Kara also noticed the bodyguard representing his master at thest test. How could this tant, outrageous scam work? How much did it cost? da Grand had ordered the principal not to inte her daughter¡¯s points, and the Bakers had pulled such a stunt!


    Kara¡¯s beautiful eyes gleamed spitefully. She really didn¡¯t relish the idea of sharing the first ce with this miserable scum. And what would happen if he got a hundred points at the written exam, beating her by 1-2 points! She would die of shame and humiliation. No way in hell she was letting it happen!


    The princess entered the head office of the examination building, went up to the senior examiner and banged her fist angrily on his table. ¨C ?Why does the school where I study enroll such rubbish as Dick Baker??


    The examiner shifted nervously in his chair. ¨C ?Your Highness¡­ He¡­ I mean, his parents paid a great deal of money, and nine-tenths of the sum went to the royal treasury. We remember our duty¡­? ¨C Kara¡¯s stern, prating gaze made him turn pale. ¨C ?Please, do not judge our choice. You entered Cernos the same way in your time¡­?


    ?Shut up! If this bastard gets undeserved points, I will use you of corruption. You will lose your job in the best case. Got it??


    ?Yes, Your Highness¡­? ¨C The senior examiner swallowed nervously.


    Kara grinned smugly and walked out of the office with confidence and poise. She could breathe a little easier now. They wouldn¡¯t dare to give him more points than he deserved, and the fat freak was highly unlikely to get much on his own. His dull, expressionless gaze spoke of his mediocre intelligence.


    Half an hourter, the senior examiner came onto the assembly hall tform and gave the written exam instructions. The exam wouldst two hours, the test results would be disyed an hourter. Everyone who had passed should proceed to the Formacy department¡­


    After his speech, one thousand five hundred test-takers went to a spacious hall equipped with desks. They found two pens and a stack of assignment sheets on each of them. An observer monitored the test at every 5th row.


    The examinees took their ces. Some of them were already mumbling the material they had learned by heart. No one could stay calm in the arduous atmosphere because all the test-takers were determined to fight for every point. Only five points above the minimum entrance admission would allow them to live on a higher floor for a whole year, with a different environment and ambi§ænce where they could establish connections with powerful, talented roommates. After all, the students in Cernos were not divided by rank like in other schools, but by the floor and room number.


    Alex Grand looked at the person sitting at the next desk and winced: {Is it him again?!} ¨C He tried to ignore the existence of the hated bastard, but his weird sweeping movements drew his attention. Alex looked closer and froze in mute shock. ¨C ?Holy shit! Just look at this moron!?


    Half of the audience looked at Dick, the sweeping movements of his pen, and his focused look, characteristic of great artists.


    ?He is drawing dicks on the test sheet! The exam has not started yet, but he has all the answers! Of course, he¡¯s a damned genius! Dick! That¡¯s the answer to all questions!? ¨C Alex sarcastically eximed. ¨C ?What a blockhead!?


    The test takersughed loudly, despite the tense atmosphere. The fat freak had found a new subbasement after he hit rock bottom.


    Even Princess Kara snorted with disdain.


    ?Quiet please!? ¨C The senior examiner boomed loudly. ¨C ?I announce the beginning of the written exam! Two hours and counting!? ¨C He turned over therge two-hour hourss, and all the examinees got engrossed in their tasks.


    The assignment sheets consisted of open-ended questions that provided the freedom for the test-takers to demonstrate their knowledge. Each correct answer would get them half a point. They had to answer a hundred questions, but students like Marina, who had applied for theoretical research, had twice as many questions, and they were more advanced. The subjects varied from the basics of alchemy and formacy to mathematics and linguistics.


    There was a tense silence in the room. Everybody was trying to do their best.


    Kara nced at the questions on her assignment sheet and clenched her teeth in rage: ¨C {You haven¡¯t only made me retake this humiliating entrance exam, you have also given me advanced tasks? Mother¡­ I hate you.}


    Five minutes after the exam started, Dick Baker got up from his desk, walked up to the senior examiner, turned in his assignment and left the room. Only a few examinees paid him any attention, and they weren¡¯t amused. Everyone focused on their tasks that turned out to be much more difficult than they had thought.


    Two hours passed quickly. For Kyon. For the rest, they dragged on for eternity.


    One and a half thousand test-takers left the room. About five hundred of them trudged outside with glum looks on their faces. They knew very well what we were facing. The others paced up and down the hall, waiting for the results.


    ?Where are you going? Don¡¯t leave! Let¡¯s wait for the final results!? ¨C Sam said.


    ?I know that I¡¯ve failed¡­ I didn¡¯t know the answers to some questions! Just a few! If I hadn¡¯t lost four points, if I hadn¡¯t stopped at the track, if I hadn¡¯t been fighting with that massive thug, I would have passed! It¡¯s all because of the fucking fat freak!!? ¨C Alex Grand red with hatred at the ugly guy chomping on a donut nearby. He had a strong urge to attack the freak and clobber him, whap him, gouge his blinkers out¡­


    Sam tried hard to convince his friend to wait for the results.


    In fact, Alex stayed because he cherished the illusion that he would get to Cernos. His father had promised to help him but didn¡¯t get into specifics.


    Kara didn¡¯t want to wait for the exam results together with the low-life scum. The princess was about to leave when she caught sight of the ugly guy, overconfident in his sess. She could feel her primordially demonic sadistic instincts well up deep inside her. She was eager to see his disappointment when he got his pathetic 0 points.


    An hourter, Kara returned to the assembly hall, just at the moment when the new list of 301 names shed on the screen.


    ¡°1st ce ¨C 100 points, Dick Baker¡±;


    ¡°2ns ce ¨C 99 points, Marina Smirnov¡±;


    ¡°3d ce ¨C 95 points, Franz Smirnov¡±;


    ¡°4th ce ¨C 94 points, Kara Grand¡±;


    ¡°15th ce ¨C 86 points, Sam Grand¡±;


    ¡°301 ce ¨C 75 points, Alex Grand¡±.


    The leaderboard was a bolt from the blue.


    ?I did it? I¡¯ve entered Cernos! Ha ha ha ha! Yeah!? ¨C Alex was the happiest person in the world. He realized that his father had bribed the examiner at the written exam. It made sense. Why should he arrange the battle if his son was good at fighting?


    ?Congrattions, Alex! You¡¯re going to live in the basement! Ha ha!? ¨C Sam¡¯s sarcastic remark brought Alex down to earth.


    The smile died on his lips. Alex trembled as if he were standing in the cold, biting wind. He took 301st ce, the lowest in rank and importance! The residence ce determined the student¡¯s status in Cernos, which meant he would be amodated in the bowels of the dorm along with the rest of scum. And he could have lived on the 4th floor! He was doomed to insignificance for a whole year!


    Alex looked at the leaderboard with the hated name at the top of the list, and all hell broke loose. ¨C ?A hundred points? The stupid moron got a hundred points for drawing dicks? WHAT THE¡­ FUCK? His ce is in the cesspool! Why is he going to study for free and live on the elite floor next to the prince? Where¡¯s the justice? WHERE THE FUCK IS THE JUSTICE?? ¨C Alex roared at the top of his lungs, ignoring his own hypocrisy.


    But when he looked at the leaderboard again, he thought he was going off his rocker! ¨C ?WHY?! Howe that the stupid freak got one hundred points, and the great and brilliant princess only ny-four?? ¨C Alex had faced an injustice level god. His brain was strained to the limit, his eyes bloodshot. He could feel the rush of adrenaline as his whole body started shaking.


    Suddenly, a cold shiver ran down his spine as if someone was walking over his grave. Kara¡¯s killing intent felt like falling into the ocean full of magma. He instantly realized his mistake and fell with his face to the ground before Her Highness, begging her to forgive him his hasty words¡­


    All the test-takers were shocked to see Her Highness get 4th ce, while the first three ces were taken by Dick, a piece of trash, and two strangers. They couldn¡¯t understand what had happened there? A couple of years ago, Kara got 100 points at the entrance exam. Now she scored only 94! It made no sense!


    Kara was burning with white-hot anger, her heart a seething, molten mass of hatred, mostly for her mother. It was all her fault. She didn¡¯t only make her retake the damned entrance exam but made it ten times more difficult! If the tasks had been easier, she would have had 100 points! Then her punishment wouldn¡¯t mean a thing. It was a matter of a week¡¯s preparation. Instead, she had made aplete fool of herself! Everyone thought she was setting an example of passing the exam, and she screwed it up. Tomorrow everyone in Cernos would hear this absurd news and wonder how could the princess turn suddenly dumb¡­


    Kara needed to let her rage out, ideally to tear apart a couple of jerks she hated, for example, Alex Grand, or Dick Baker, who had bribed test examiners to get first ce and who was good for nothing but shoveling shit, which he would mess up anyway. She would smash his head at once if there weren¡¯t the pretty powerful bodyguards standing next to him. She hadn¡¯t lost her mind to arrange a massacre here. It would only confirm her humiliation and make her mother even angrier¡­ In the end, Kara thought of the way to release her fury.


    The princess red at Dick and left the assembly hall with firm quick steps. She went upstairs, entered the head office and instantly appeared at the dumbfounded senior examiner, hanging him by the neck. ??? ?I said that you would lose your job if the bastard got the undeserved point. Well, it wasn¡¯t quite true. You will die!? ¨C Her mocking voice and demonic gaze pierced the poor man¡¯s soul.


    The examiner turned pale and hissed intively, on the verge of pissing his pants:


    ?Your Highness¡­ I didn¡¯t inte his points! I wouldn¡¯t dare! He didn¡¯t make a single mistake! Every detail on his assignment sheet was impable! You can see for yourself, I beg you!? ¨C He pointed to a stack of papers on the table.


    Kara threw the examiner away, looked through the sheets and quickly found the one she needed. It was written in beautiful handwriting, precise and clear, withpetent, correct answers¡­ The assignment was really impable. She wouldn¡¯t have done better. As for scribbled dicks, they were nowhere to be seen.


    The princess frowned, clearly annoyed. No doubt the fat bastard had somehow tricked the system! Someone had given him the test with the correct answers beforehand! How else could he have done it in five minutes? And how did his pieces of art disappear? She was really fucked up! There was no way to undo the mess she got herself into, and she would never stoop so low as to find out how the freak had done, who he had bribed, and who else was involved. It wasn¡¯t her level. To hell with him! The princess smashed the examiner¡¯s table, kicked the door open and left the building. A mixture of anger and rage was boiling within her.

 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280


    Meanwhile, seven hundred test-takers had left the school with a gloomy expression on their faces, the remaining three hundred headed for the Formacy Department as instructed earlier.


    Kyon took a look at Marina¡¯s test on his way there. He was amazed: {You scored 90 points, after all!}


    Kyon had tempered with her answers for fear that she would fail, but the fake result turned out to be only 9 points higher than her real ones, which meant that in the worst-case scenario, she would have lived on the floor below.


    He redefined the role of Flitz in Marina¡¯s life. Even if he always referred to her as a maid to getid and a naive silly girl, he let her cultivate¡­ Her old master had taught her many useful skills, and small wonder, he was actually creating a perfect wife, a smart and talented hearth keeper.


    Future students entered the Formacy Department, simr in structure to the examination building, only without the adjacent sports ground. Three formacists greeted them in the assembly hall.


    The applicants stood in three lines to get registered. They approached the formacist, showed their identity documents and the family formations on the wrist. The formacist checked their first andst names with the database, gave out two sets of school uniforms with room keys, and applied formations, which meant that they were officially admitted to Cernos.


    There were two types of uniforms: school and training uniform. They also had different colors. Those who lived on the underground floors or the first floor wore ck uniforms. Navy uniforms were for those who lived on the 2nd floor, blue for those who lived on the 3rd, light blue for those who lived on the 4th. Those who lived on the 5th floor wore white uniforms. With each next floor, the uniform was lighter, and the student¡¯s prestige higher. As for Kara, she was the exception with her burgundy uniform and her skirt that was way shorter than the norm.


    When it was Dick Baker¡¯s turn, the formacist looked into the database and loudly gasped.


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    The formacist gave an awkward cough. ¨C ?You see, the student¡¯s rank depends on the ce of residence. The higher the floor, the higher the status. Every year, on the check-in day, that is today, our students move into the residence hall regardless of where they livedst year. Their amodation depends on the points received at the entrance or end of year exams. Since we already have the end of the year exam results, we amodate the neers first. However, if the students have the same number of points, the senior student has priority. Anyway, Prince Charles turned out to be the most sessful student at the end of §Ö§â§å year exam. He received ny-nine points, and today you got one hundred! Formally, I have to amodate you in room number one of the male dormitory where his highness lived for two years in a row¡­?


    ?So, what¡¯s the problem?? ¨C Dick asked casually.


    Formacist stopped short, surprised by his dumb question. ¨C ?Well??? He will be furious when he finds out who lives in his room. A neer who looks like¡­ Anyway, with your permission, I¡¯d better amodate you in room two, sparing you any possible problems with the prince.?


    Kyon had already nned everything and considered potential risks, so he answered without hesitation. ¨C ?Who do you think I am? I am a noble gentleman and I will live in the best room, and that¡¯s final!?


    Hundreds of people who heard his arrogant statement almost fell off their feet, some of them yelled indignantly, Alex in particr. ¨C ?What the fucking noble gentleman? Your ce is in the ditch next to the rats!? ¡­ ?If it wasn¡¯t for your parents¡¯ money, the examiner would personally break your face just for trying to enter Cernos!? ¡­ ?How can you be such an arrogant, self-confident scum?? ¡­ ?You don¡¯t deserve to live in the prince¡¯s chambers! Go to the basement where you belong!?


    Kyon snapped his fingers, and the two bodyguards emitted the aura of the peaking noble phase, bringing the screamers to their knees. Trembling with fear and hatred, the students couldn¡¯t look up at the bastard who had put them in a terrible position. Some of them wet themselves, others were boiling with anger, trying to recall all existing tortures, even the prohibited cruel and unusual ones.


    ?Is there a problem?? ¨C Kyon smiled serenely at the formacist who was ashen with fear.


    ?No, no! It¡¯s your right!? ¨C The formacist applied a Cernos student formation, gave him the white uniform and a number 1 badge, encrusted with sparkling gemstones.


    ?Great! Then I¡¯ll go and celebrate my admission to Cernos, dropping a nice load! For Cernos, so to speak!? ¨C Disying his exquisite manners in this way, Dick Baker spread his arms as if wishing to embrace the whole world. Then he left the building with a proudly puffed out chest that only emphasized his hunchback posture.


    The students had a queasy feeling in their stomachs. The girls felt nauseous just looking at the ugly arrogant freak, and the guys were boiling with helpless rage at the scum of the earth, depending on his bodyguards and his parents¡¯ money!


    {Your thugs won¡¯t save you from a quick death! My brother and his friends will grind you to dust, gutter rat!} ¨C Alex thought, shaking with anger.


    He was given the humiliating ck uniform and a key to the room in the bowels of the basement. The student in blue uniform would look with contempt at him, and those who wore light blue or white uniforms wouldn¡¯t notice him at all¡­ It was the way of things in Cernos.


    After checking up, the students went to the residence hall, exploring the vast territory of Cernos on the way.


    There was a shopping area nearby where you can find just about anything, even rent a room. After all, Boston was only 30 kilometers from here.


    Closer to the center, there was a low, round, white building without windows. Lovr thought that it looked like a golf ball. Thebat training centre had lots of underground floors, where the experienced masters demonstrate secret techniques and effective fighting styles to their students¡­ They also provided private sessions in smaller, safe rooms.


    The main building of Cernos towered in the very centre. The spacious construction with a sophisticated, elegant aesthetic was, by all means, one of the most impressive pieces of architecture. Here, the best teachers of the whole kingdom taught young students a variety of subjects six days a week.


    The freshmen finally arrived at the residence hall, a huge building that looked like a gigantic box that amodated about one and a half thousand people. Girls lived on the left and boys on the right. It was strictly forbidden to visit the opposite parts. Students were severely punished for having sex, that¡¯s why many of them did rash things due to their age and raging hormones. It happened more often when they caught sight of Kara, the devilishly seductive princess.


    At the entrance of the residence hall, ten tall guys in white school uniforms lined up with their arms crossed behind their backs. They had no number badges on their chests as they would be amodated only in thete afternoon, but it was clear that they had previously lived on the 5th floor.


    The freshmen nced at them in excited bewilderment and whispers. What were the seniors doing here? Who were they waiting for? For the first-year students?


    ?They are the princess fan club leaders! The most powerful and influential team in Cernos! They must be waiting for Her Highness!? ¨C A well-informed freshman said to enlighten the others.


    Only the strongest and most distinguished young Grands were epted to the Princess Kara fan club. No wonder that they were informal school leaders. Many powerful young practitioners like Timothy, Kiyan, Charlie, who took part in the tournament of families, were no match for them either in strength or their reputation in the kingdom. These young Grands were the elite of the kingdom.


    Alex beamed at the sight of the guys in white and ran towards them. ¨C ?Brother! I am so happy to see you!?


    Artemis smiled slightly at him and patted his brother¡¯s hair. He was a tough guy about twenty, unmistakably the head of the club. ¨C ?Hello, little brother. I had no doubt you would get to Cernos. Hello, Sam.?


    Sam greeted his friend¡¯s older brother and entered the dorm.


    Just at that moment, Franz and Marina wereing up arm in arm to the residence hall.


    The ten strongest Grands noticed the beautiful girl but didn¡¯t react. Princess Kara stole their hearts long ago, and they couldn¡¯t care less for others.


    Alex immediately stood on Franz¡¯s way like a pompous ass. ¨C ?Wait a minute. As far as I remember, our fight was interrupted. How about finishing what we started? You aren¡¯t afraid, are you??


    Franz cast a disdainful nce at the top ten and shook his head. ¨C ?Can you do anything without your army??


    ?What did you call us?? ¨C Artemis asked coldly, stepping forward and releasing the menacing aura of the peaking noble phase. The greenhorn had an attitude problem. It wouldn¡¯t do.


    ?I thought so.? ¨C Franz looked at Alex with contempt.


    His simple maniption worked, and Alex did as expected.


    ?Wait, brother! It¡¯s personal.?


    Artemis gazed intently at the charming blonde girl holding the tow-headed guy by the hand, then at his younger brother who, for some reason, protected the idiot who did not know his ce and immediately understood everything. ¨C ?I see. Lover¡¯s tiff¡­?


    ?Actually, I am married!? ¨C Marina eximed. ¨C ?But your younger brother was too persistent during our meeting, so ¡­ There was a misunderstanding between him and my husband. Please, forgive us all.? ¨C She said in a soft and slightly anxious voice. Marina disliked obsessive and arrogant Alex, but she was too kind to admit it.


    Junior Grand turned pale. He found Marina¡¯s words a bit too insulting.


    ?Don¡¯t apologize! It¡¯s not our fault.? ¨C Franz snapped. ¨C ?If you want a duel, I¡¯m ready at any time. But if these guys step in, the whole school will witness your shame.? ¨C He pointed at the boys behind his back.


    Artemis squinted. He should bring this blond wimp to heel by all means. However, he didn¡¯t want to ruin his brother¡¯s reputation and his chance to win the beautiful girl¡¯s heart. Alex would be popr after defeating this jerk from the 5th floor (which could be seen by the white uniform in his hands) and gain some experience after an affair with this small-town simpleton. His little brother needed to experience sweet teenage life to have no regrets when he married a girl befitting his status in the future.


    Alex couldn¡¯t keep fromughing. ¨C ?I can handle it! At nine in the evening at the residence hall arena. You will strip naked and crow loudly three times if you lose.?


    ?Don¡¯t do it! He is provoking you!? ¨C Marina asked Franz, clutching her ¡°husband¡¯s¡± hand even tighter. She didn¡¯t want to witness his possible defeat. It would be a bitter disappointment.


    Franz nodded stubbornly. ¨C ?Alright, but if I win, your brother, his friends, and you will get out of my wife¡¯s and my way.?


    ?Deal.? ¨C Alex agreed at once. ¨C ?Check the battle up at the arena. I¡¯ll see you at the appointed time!? ¨C He said and winked at Marina.


    Alex¡¯s and Franz¡¯s cultivation was at the same level, but Alex Grand was confident in his victory, relying on his talent and his family¡¯s rich heritage. He had picked a fight with Franz to show his beautiful wife how pitiful and weak her husband was, but also to prove himself worthy to her, ying a fair game, unlike Dick Baker. If everything went ording to his n, it wouldn¡¯t be hard to make Marina his girlter on.


    Artemis smiled mischievously. ¨C ?This school year seems to be fun.? ¨C He nced at Marina, but she turned away, embarrassed. He liked this shy girl, so eager to protect her dear ones. Not every girl in the base phase would have the courage to contradict him.


    Franz and Marina quickly entered the residence hall, and then they went their separate ways. Alex watched them leave, grinning with anticipation.

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281


    ?Well, tell me how many points you got? What¡¯s your room number?? ¨C The leader of the fan club asked with a bit of curiosity and brotherly concern.


    Alex¡¯s face darkened. He heaved a sigh and took out his ck uniform.


    Artemis made a wry face. ¨C ?Fuckng little shit, you have disgraced me! How could you get less than eighty points with your talent??


    ?I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s not my fault! I lost fifteen points because of the sick freak! I could have lived on the fourth floor if he hadn¡¯t set me up! Right, guys?? ¨C Alex looked at the new students standing behind him.


    The boys nodded in agreement. They were in no hurry to enter the dorm because of Alex, or rather the chance to take revenge on the freak for their ragged nerves and wet pants.


    The next few minutes, Alex Grand, supported by ¡°the 300 sufferers,¡± told his big brother an eloquent story about humpback the 301st and his tricks at the entrance exam. He did his best to make Artemis feel sorry for him and motivate him into action. Still, his brother¡¯s reaction did not satisfy Alex, so he specifically mentioned that the freak was amodated in room number 1 after he cheated to get 100 points.


    When Kara¡¯s fans heard this news, they went ballistic.


    ?The bastard will live in the prince¡¯s room?? ¨C Artemis stamped his foot and shouted angrily. His henchmen looked equally furious with their red faces and blood-shot eyes, their fists clenched tight, ready to batter the jerk. They were boiling with rage! Some show-off dared to live above them? An unforgivable audacity!


    ?The bastard doesn¡¯t give a shit about Cernos prestige! He also has sentenced my little brother to life in the basement like a lousy gutter rat!? ¨C Artemis eximed vehemently


    Alex blushed at his hurtful words: {Gutter rat yourself! Did you have to put it like this, moron?!}


    ?Alright, I heard you, little one! My family name isn¡¯t Grand if we don¡¯t make mincemeat of Dick Baker today! He will live in room number one in the wheelchair, eating with a feeding tube.? ¨C Artemis said with righteous anger, ready to fight for justice, and gazed thoughtfully into the distance.


    He wanted to make a good impression on the new students, show that they were all respectable guys with a righteous mind, make them feel respect for his recognized as the strongest group in Cernos, the fan club of Princess Kara.


    ?Don¡¯t forget that his bodyguards are too strong¡­? ¨C Alex reminded his brother.


    The leader¡¯s wingman, a dumb bulky boy, who looked like a bull, snorted coldly. ¨C ?Too strong? Ha ha ha! I will grind them into dust! I¡¯m so fucking angry now! My brothers and I will punish the cheater who is going to live above us whatever it takes!?


    Before the wingman finished speaking, Artemis smacked him upside the head, which nearly sent him tumbling to the floor. The stupid, dimwitted cretin was discrediting their great club in front of new students! The senior student should evoke awe and admiration with a single look.


    The freshmen looked at each other uncertainly.


    Artemis patted Alex¡¯s hair to smooth out the effect after the ipetent bruiser¡¯s rude speech. ¨C ?I will personally beat the freak and his guards to avenge my little brother. I mean it. As for my good-natured clubmates, they are always ready to stand up for what¡¯s right. You have nothing to worry about.?


    Alex was deeply moved. It felt so nice to know there¡¯s someone ready to help you in any difficult situation. He wasn¡¯t used to his brother taking care of him.


    The other 300 students grinned maliciously, anticipating Dick¡¯s imminent punishment. When was heing out of the bathroom? They intended to wait for him. It was an event not to be missed!


    ?Oh!? ¨C The wingman eximed nervously. ¨C ?Her Highness ising! Get back in the line!?


    A carriage pulled by six snow-white thoroughbred horses was approaching the residence hall.


    The fan club guys instantly drew themselves up. Artemis lost interest in Alex, his problems, and everything else. He proudly puffed out his chest, ready to meet thedy of the heart.


    Kara wearily closed her eyes. She had a throbbing pain in her temples. The princess had a huge fight to get room number one back (in the girls¡¯ part). Her mother had ordered the principal to amodate her ording to the grade she earned at the entrance exam. A score of 94 points guaranteed her a room on the 4th floor, but Kara would rather die than live there!


    The carriage stopped. The coachman in gold livery hurried to open the door before the princess. Kara¡¯s delicate foot in an elegant shoe touched the ground almost weightlessly.


    The ten Grands fell on one knee and thundered in unison:


    ?We salute Her Highness, Princess Kara Grand!?


    The sultry princess nced with indifference at her loyal fans and stared at Alex, who was standing nearby. He was getting on her nerves during the entire exam and dared to emphasize her low score in the end! She wouldn¡¯t beat him personally to retain at least some dignity but now was her chance¡­


    ?Artie Grand, it¡¯s time to prove your loyalty to your princess.?


    ?Your Highness, my name is Artemis Grand¡­? ¨C The leader of her fan club babbled with deep resentment in his voice. The princess just messed up his name, and he already wanted to go hang himself! How long had he been in charge of her fan club? How many times did he try to impress her? And she didn¡¯t even care to say his name properly!


    ?I don¡¯t give a damn. I will call you Artie. This boy is used of insulting the princess and viting the order at the entrance exam. I order you to beat him to a pulp as punishment!? ¨C The demonically charming princess said irritably, nodding at Alex.


    Alex goggled at her in total disbelief. ¨C ?Your Highness, I apologized and I meant it¡­ If you still hold a grudge against me, I beg you to forgive the fool! I screamed because of Dick, the cheater! He has deceived everyone!? ¨C Alex rapidly turned pale, realizing that no one was listening to him.


    Kara didn???t say anything. She gave Artie, or whatever, a meaningful look¡­


    Three hundred onlookers watched with interest. They knew that the princess was angry with Alex for a reason. He deserved to be punished anyway. Who would ever me the princess?


    The brothers stared at each other in silence.


    ?Artemis¡­? ¨C Alex¡¯s quiet voice was full of hope.


    ?My name is Artie, moron!? ¨C He approached Ales at phenomenal speed and without hesitation hit his brother in the gut, sending him high in the air. Then he started battering him mercilessly like a beast intoxicated with bloodthirst¡­


    ?A-a-a-a-a! §¡-§¡-§¡-§¡H! Enough! Brother, don¡¯t beat me! Please! I am begging you! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-aah! Have mercy on me, brother! §¡-§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡H!? ¨C Alex screamed at the top of his lungs, begging for mercy, but Artemis wouldn¡¯t stop.


    The witnesses of his lunacy stared at him with their mouth wide open, watching the elder brother ruthlessly batter the younger one, although a minute ago, he beamed with brotherly love and care¡­ Was he going to kill him to death just to please the princess? Kara¡¯s fan club seemed to be madly devoted to their idol. They wouldn¡¯t hesitate to cut down their own families for her sake! The new students looked at Artemis with contempt and fear of bing a new victim of the crazy Grands. Where the hell did they get to?


    After a minute of cruel beating, Alex began to forget his name. His entire body was covered with bumps, bruises and hematomas. His nose was so swollen that it looked like a pig¡¯s snout. His face was swollen to a pig¡¯s snout. He was curled up in a ball, depressed and crushed, moaning hoarsely, scared to die.


    Artie dusted his hands off, feeling a sense of aplishment, and bowed gantly to the princess. ¨C ?Are you pleased with your servant, Your Highness?? ¨C He had been dreaming of getting her praise. Beating up Alex to get the approval of his goddess for the first time since the club was founded? It was totally worth it!


    His nine henchmen silently envied their leader¡¯s sess. He had proved himself worthy! Lucky guy!


    The princess rolled her eyes dismissively and was about to enter the dorm when she heard the sound of heavy steps.


    Two hefty men in smart suits and ck sses on their square faces that looked like carved in stone were approaching the residence hall. The humpbacked fat freak trotted carelessly between them, enthusiastically licking vani ice cream.


    Kara¡¯s thin eyebrows arched with interest. A gentle but totally unkind grin yed on her lips. He had cheated to get a hundred points and outshadow her on the leaderboard. Was he really hoping to get away with it? The hell he would!


    ?Artie, if you want me to recognize your fan club as valid and at least marginally useful, beat this ugly guy to a pulp. For my sake, of course.? ¨C Kara did not consider it necessary to justify her order. Dick¡¯s guilt was obvious.


    Since the very day her fan club was created, Kara hadpletely ignored it, showing no interest in her fans. All their attempts to please her or get her attention didn¡¯t end well. When the ten fans heard the first-ever request from their beloved princess, they experienced a surge of energy and enthusiasm. They were beaming with joy. It was their easy chance! What a stroke of luck!


    ?Your wish is mymand, Your Highness!? ¨C Artie intoned delightfully and with a loud battle cry ¨C ?CHARGE!? ¨C rushed forward, the nine smiling henchmen followed his example.


    Dick Baker dropped his ice cream in surprise¡­ It made him furious.


    The kids at the middle to finishing stages of the noble phase had recklessly attacked the elite professional enforcers of the investigation department. How would their collision end? It was predictable.


    ~crash~ ~boom~ ~bang~


    Before anyone knew what was going on, the ten energetic, healthy, and inspired heroes turned into fresh mincemeat, their cries of pain echoing all over Cernos.


    Dick pointed his trembling finger at Artie, his face crimson with anger. ¨C ?ASSHOLE! You made me drop my ice cream! It¡¯s sacrilege! Get him and beat him to a pulp!?


    The two bodyguards immediately grabbed Artie by the arms and delivered powerful blows to his stomach and head. His face was so swollen that he looked like a pig. To the apaniment of heart-rending screams, they heard the crunch of broken teeth and crumbling nose cartge.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh! §¡§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡H! MERCI! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh! You¡¯re killing me! Princess, save me. I am begging you! §¡§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh! Gods, it hurts!? ¨C Artie screamed his bloody head off, looking less and less like a human being.


    {Didn¡¯t he say that his family name wasn¡¯t Grand if he didn¡¯t make mincemeat of Dick Baker?} ¨C Every new student thought with contempt.


    Soon the bodyguards released the maimed boy. Artie hurt so much that he couldn¡¯t remember his real name. His entire body was covered with bumps, bruises and hematomas. He was curled up in a ball, depressed, crushed, and humiliated in front of his beloved princess, making wet, gurgling sounds, scared to die.


    The onlookers had a strong sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu and fear of Dick and his bodyguards. They whispered to each other, feeling frustrated. If the strongest group of Cernos failed to punish the jerk, then who would? It looked like he was going to get away with it, after all.


    Only battered Alex, who was lying nearby, burst outughing like a sick hyena, gloating over his brother¡¯s misery: {Serves you right, fucking douche! You are not my brother anymore! Die, damned degenerate! !} ¨C How could he give up his brother for a pretty face¡­ Fucking piece of shit.


    Kara made a scornful grimace. ¨C ?You are nothing but trash. What¡¯s the point of your fan club if you are unable to aplish even the easiest task? You only pretend that you are willing to do everything for me, but in fact, you are good for nothing!?


    The ten battered senior students whined intively. The words of their dear princess hurt more than any beating. All their efforts went down the drain.


    The princess put on a vicious smile. ¨C ?I guess it¡¯s true what they say, if you want a thing well done, do it yourself.? ¨C She slowly stretched her neck and walked towards the guards with poise and confidence, releasing a searing killing intent.


    All of a sudden, an elderly mustachioed man materialized near the princess. Judging by his suit ¨C a carefully ironed tailcoat, white gloves, shoes polished to a mirror shine ¨C it was a traditional butler. ¨C ?Mydy, let us handle the dirty work.?

 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282


    ?That won¡¯t be necessary.? ¨C Kara waved her senior servant off. She needed to blow off steam, and these thugs were just right. They were no weaklings. And then the fat freak will be the cherry on the cake. She would y with him to her heart¡¯s content¡­


    The crowd of onlookers eximed in surprise. Was the princess going to fight with the two peaking noble phasers? The fragile girl against two thugs whose cultivation was a stage higher! Wasn¡¯t she amazing! They gained a whole new respect for her. No wonder that they had created a fan club with such active members! The princess was a living embodiment of the goddess. She deserved monuments and temples to honor her! Dick Baker would get what he deserves. Dreams woulde true! Justice would prevail!


    Kyon became a little rmed. He had to get out of this situation before it got worse.


    Kara was about to elerate for an attack when she froze, taken aback.


    The ugly boy stepped forward and fell to his knees with an expression of raptured enchantment on his face. He stretched out his hands like a dying traveler who had finally found the long-awaited oasis in the desert. ¨C ?Gods! I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you! You shine brighter than all the stars in the sky! You are more graceful than the moon and hotter than the sun! Great princess, you came and conquered my heart! From now on and forever, my heart belongs only to you! Please, marry me! I promise to love you forever, warm your bed at night, kiss you day and night!? ¨C He smacked his full greasy lips. ¨C ?I will give you all the Bakers¡¯ treasures just to make you happy! Please, be my beloved, my only one!? ¨C His sincere words of love and tenderness could have melted the most unapproachable girl¡¯s heart if he weren¡¯t so weak and ugly¡­


    Kara staggered back. His words struck her. In a negative way, though. Her pretty face twisted in a grimace of disgust. The abhorrent freak was so loathsome that she began to have muscle cramps all over her body. ¨C ?You¡­ Miserable toad¡­? ¨C Before Kara could express even a fraction of her contempt, she felt a lump in her throat and couldn¡¯t breathe. It was like a cold hand grasped her stomach and squeezed hard. The freak must be a human-pig hybrid with his greasy hair, repulsive big lips, behind which she could see yellow crooked teeth, deep-set crossed eyes under the bushy unibrow, and a nose that looks like a snout¡­ No doubt, she was under a high-level mental attack that made herpletely powerless.


    The princess turned away and hurried to the dormitory.


    ?Wait! Don¡¯t go! PLEASE, STAY! Your Highness, you didn¡¯t respond to my love deration!? ¨C Dick rushed after her in despair, but Kara disappeared at incredible speed in the residence hall, muttering something under her breath.


    ?DON¡¯T GO! I LOVE YOU!? ¨C The boy in love went rogue. He was about to enter the girl¡¯s dorm when an old doorkeeper and two guards restrained the unfortunate lover.


    Meanwhile, the three hundred new students stood there bbergasted. ¨C ?WHAAAAT?!?


    They couldn¡¯t believe their eyes! The princess was running away from the scumbag?! ¨C ?Seriously? Did he escape punishment? He got away with it, after all!? ¡­ ?Holy shit, he is so disgusting that Her Highness did not want to mess with him! His face and body are a powerful psychological weapon!? ¡­ ?I would also run away after his love deration! To another kingdom¡­ No, to another empire¡­ No, to the ends of the world!?


    Feeling empty and devastated, Dick picked up his ice cream from the ground and trudged to the dorm, licking it gloomily and sighing grievously.


    Kyng couldn¡¯t stopughing in his mind. The mental weapon worked like a charm against Kara¡¯s sense of beauty! He liked his new personality more and more. It was perfect for Lovr¡¯s primary purpose to harvest dark emotions.


    He was two weeks away from the wedding with Kara (if da agreed). During this time he had to make ALL Cernos students ready to be grossed out. It was a good beginning. Now all he had to do was keep it up.


    When Kyon entered the dorm, he didn¡¯t see the expected crowd. The new students hadn¡¯t moved in yet. The others were still checking up at the Formacy Department. In a couple of hours, this residence hall would be packed, especially the lobby that, by the way, was an impressive, nice spot of luxury.


    There was a striking difference between the top and bottom floors. The 4th floor looked like a fancy hotel while living on the 5th floor was like staying in the magnificent pce.


    Kyon had to show his formation to the guardian to get to the top floor. Thetter looked incredulously at room key number one, called somewhere to double-check and let Kyon in with a doubtful expression on his face. The two silent living mountains followed their master.


    Kyon walked to the very end of the long corridor that sparkled with grandeur, pressed his formation at the spot near the door adorned with patterns, and entered the most spacious and luxuriously furnished room in the male part of the dorm. It was no different than chambers of a king: arge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, mahogany furniture, a big four-poster bed, a firece, a beautiful master bathroom that no other room could boast of, huge windows. The servants were on call ready to fulfill his every whim at any time as soon as he pressed his formation against the spot on the wall.


    The windows in this particr room faced both sides of the building whereas the other rooms faced only the inner yard.


    Kyon looked out of the inner side window and saw a round tform towering half a meter over the ground. Cernos dorm was famous for its ranking room number system and the arena in the inner yard.


    Everyone, except those who lived in the basement floors, could look out of the window and watch the ongoing battles, learn something new, or just enjoy the show.


    Anyone can book the arena for a certain time to resolve a dispute, a conflict, or have a rank fight (the winner acquired the loser¡¯s rank). By the way, Franz had already applied for a fight with Alex. Priority was given to those who lived on a higher floor. In general, it was forbidden to fight outside the arena, but this rule was often ignored.


    About an hour had passed.


    A buzz of conversation filled the air. Kyon looked out of the window and saw lots of senior students approaching the dorm in groups. All of them had checked up at Formacy Department and received room keys. It was time to move into their new rooms.


    Lovr recognized Lee and Stephanie Stone and looked closely at three people:


    Prince Charles was the first to catch his eye. Many girls nced with adoration and timid coquetry at the elegant, well-groomed, ck-haired prince, but none of them dared to break the distance and approach him without a good reason.


    Then Lovr noticed Cait Brown, who he easily defeated at the tournament not so long ago. The attractive slender blonde girl nicknamed Hot Sun was the journalism club president, beautiful and popr. The girl was surrounded by a bunch of immature school kids from non-royal families.


    The third person to draw Kyon¡¯s attention was surrounded by thergest group of fans, consisting mainly of the Grands. They treated her like she was a superstar, Miss Perfection. Her beauty captured everyone¡¯s attention, especially her fire red hair and gorgeous freckles. In short, her beauty was beyondpare! Kyon recognized her as Julia, the pure-blood descendant, principal Nn¡¯s (the elder¡¯s) daughter, a respected military officer¡¯s granddaughter, and the 4th strongest Cernos student. She was a high flying popr person at school, unapproachable and inimitable. Her strength was impressive for her age of 18 years old, and her academic results were second only to the princess.


    With his upgraded hearing, Kyon could hear a crowd of students gather in the hallway. Artie, the battered leader of Kara¡¯s fan club, respectfully addressed Prince Charles. He told him and all the other senior students that Dick Baker, who now lived in the prince¡¯s room, had cheated to gain a hundred points and deserved severe punishment or even execution for the rude attitude to His Highness.


    {I see you can¡¯t even stand up for yourself.} ¨C Kyon chuckled and heard the expected knock at the door.


    Kyon opened the door and saw Prince Charles standing there speechless between his two mighty bodyguards. Several dozen Grands in white uniforms huddled together behind them. Those of them, whose faces were swollen from recent beating, smirked maliciously, expecting uing revenge.


    ?Oh, you must be Prince Charles! Pleased to meet you.? ¨C With a wry smile, Dick stretched out his hand for a handshake.


    Charles did not shake his hand. He had never met anyone so disgusting as Dick Baker. The mere idea of touching his hand grossed him out. ¨C ?How did you get a hundred points, boy?? ¨C The prince asked coldly.


    Kyon patted his biceps with undisguised pride and boasted in a high-pitched, almost squeaky voice. ¨C ?On my own, of course! The exam was not easy, to be honest. I found it extremely difficult to run, but I did it! I ran like a young cheetah, overtaking everyone!?


    The spiteful haters¡¯s faces twisted when they heard the fat freak¡¯s tant lie.


    ?I was told that you did only onep, and, judging by your physical condition and cultivation, I tend to trust their opinion, which leads to the logical conclusion that your points are undeserved.? ¨C The prince said sternly, folding his arms on his chest. ¨C ?What do you have to say for yourself??


    Prince Charle¡¯s pressure would intimidate anyone.


    ?What do you want me to say?? ¨C Kyon said in an indignant screeching voice. ¨C ?If you want to challenge my result, you can appeal to the principal! I am sure he will consider yourints in a few months!?


    A vein popped out on the prince¡¯s forehead. Under his pressure, everyone would get confused and immediately apologize, but the fat guy positioned himself as an equal! Who did he think he was? Judging by his mighty guards and their presence within the Cernos walls, the boy wasn¡¯t just anyone. The prince decided to find out more about himter. ¨C ?Isn¡¯t your family name Baker? What kingdom do youe from??


    ?Why are you asking? Ah! I see! You want to evict me! You intend to take my room, right? No way! Go and get a hundred points, then you can have this room!? ¨C Dick said in an unexpectedly firm voice and mmed the door right in the prince¡¯s face.


    Charles¡¯s and the other students¡¯ eyes nearly popped out of their heads. The freak was either insane or a king¡¯s son!


    ~KNOCK KNOCK~


    ?I am Prince Charles Grand himself! Open the door at once and exin yourself. Tell My Highness how you got your exam results! I demand an answer, or I will have to take the necessary action!?


    ?You¡¯ll never take me alive! Eat your heart out, Prince Charles. Leave me alone, or you will deal with my guards!? ¨C Dick screeched hysterically behind the door.


    ?Do you realize who you are talking with?? ¨C Charles barked furiously.


    ?GUARDS! If anyone bothers me, beat them to a pulp!?

 Chapter 283

    Chapter 283


    Charles was taken aback and shocked by what he heard. He cautiously jumped back from the bodyguards that emitted an auraparable to that of the ck Queen. His urge to fight for room number one had immediately disappeared for fear of being defeated and humiliated in front of the Cernos elite.


    ?Your Highnesh, you mush do shomeshing!? ¨C Artie begged, lisping. His father, the elder, had no power in Cernos, and the princess didn¡¯t want anything to do with the freak. The prince was his only hope! Artie could have got even with the fat guy if not for his powerful guards. Even the entire fan club wouldn¡¯t cope with them, they were no warriors, after all. Besides, he wasn¡¯t feeling well enough to fight¡­


    Charles looked glumly at him and shook his head. ¨C ?Deal with it yourself.?


    ?But the bastard has undeservedly moved into your room! Don¡¯t you want to punish him for cheating and disrespect for your Highness? I think you should ask the principal to expel him.?


    Charles would dly do it if he had at least some power, except for his alleged high status and the echo of his father¡¯s authority. The demons had him bound hand and foot, and after Michael¡¯s death, the elders of the Grand family (the principal among them) didn¡¯t take him seriously. The prince was powerless against the family who could arrange a hundred points at the entrance exam for their son and put behind him two powerful bodyguards in the walls of Cernos. He thought it would be reasonable to back off a bit and humbly ept room number 2.


    ?The world is an unfair ce. ept it or deal with him yourself, and I¡­ I am leaving.? ¨C The prince waved Artie off and went to his room number two.


    *desperate whispering*


    ?What should we do now? We can¡¯t let Dick get away with it, right?? ¨C The leader¡¯s ¡°right hand¡± asked simple-heartedly and immediately got a p on the head.


    Artie took the Grands to his room, away from the eavesdropping bodyguards.


    Two dozen students were waiting for the unofficial leader of the movement Down With The Fat Freak to say something. Half of them didn¡¯t belong to the fan club but had a hunch they were in the right ce,


    Artie said firmly: ?As you might have guessed, the rumors are true. It¡¯s humiliating for all of us to live below the shameful cheater. We must get rid of the jerk immediately. Lashing out at him doesn¡¯t work. I learned it the hard way.? ¨C He spat out a fraction of his tooth. ¨C ?We¡¯ll either get thrashed or expelled for fighting outside the arena, so we need another n.?


    ?But he¡¯s just a student from a non-royal family! Can¡¯t they kick him out, referring to some excuse like fighting outside the arena? Or maybe we could use the help of our parents and pull some strings forcing the teachers to expel him!?


    Artie shook his head regretfully. ¨C ?It won¡¯t work. Didn¡¯t you hear how he had passed the exam? His fucking bodyguard fought instead of him! And no one said a word! I don¡¯t know who the Bakers are, but it must have cost them a fortune to arrange his hundred points and make everyone shut up! The rules don¡¯t seem to apply to him in Cernos. Even the prince gave up the idea of ??putting pressure on the school authorities when he realized who he was dealing with. We need fresh ideas on how to get him out of here. Suggest anything thates to your mind, no matter how off the wall it may seem. We¡¯ll select the most interesting ideas and make a decision.?


    There was a long, pensive silence.


    ?Well¡­ I mean¡­ He is in love with our gorgeous princess Kara, but she rejected him.? ¨C The ¡°right hand¡± said in a deep voice. ¨C ?Then why don¡¯t we make him a target of public scorn, ridicule and humiliation. He will either kill himself or leave Cernos. What do you think??


    Artemis and the fan club members stared at him open-mouthed. They couldn¡¯t believe their ears. He was always dumb as a box of rocks, and now he came up with a brilliant idea!


    ?It¡¯s pure genius!? ¨C Artemis eximed and stood on tiptoe to pat the big guy on the shoulder. ¨C ?That¡¯s what we¡¯ll do! However, the odds of sess are slim, and it will take some time¡­ We need to get rid of the fat pig as soon as possible and with a bang. Any more ideas??


    There was another long pause.


    The fan club leader¡¯s face lit up ¨C ?I think I¡¯ve got it! It¡¯s in and simple!?


    Everyone pricked their ears up expecting to hear a truly brilliant idea!


    ?We need a suicide attack!? ¨C Artemis eximed with a happy smile.


    ?A suicide attack?!? ¨C Someone asked with bulging eyes.


    ?Exactly! We need someone to sucker punch the bastard, someone to sacrifice his life, taking Dick Baker with him! We¡¯ll bury the hero with all the honors. Half of Cernos will cry over him! Goddess herself will be grateful to the daredevil for his feat and provide him with a nice afterlife¡­ Are there any volunteers??


    Half of the Grands looked at Artemis as if they were facing a dangerous mentally ill person. The rest darted nervous nces around, looking for someone with the honorary title of the victim.


    ?Well? Anyone?? ¨C The leader¡¯s smile gradually faded. His idea didn¡¯t turn out to be as good as he thought it would be. Everyone seemed to value ??their lives.


    *deafening silence*


    The members of the fan club were afraid to squeak not to get into the spotlight. What if he forced them to volunteer? Everyone started to get scared of their leader and the terrible delusional idea of his, no doubt, sick mind¡­


    ¡­


    While the fools were discussing their doomed to failure ns, Kyon, not without Marina¡¯s help, had left his bugs throughout the dorm. Now he could hear almost everything that happened in the building. Too bad that the walls on the 5th floor were too thick.


    As expected, rumors about him spread throughout the dorm at an incredible speed. The girls tried to describe Dick¡¯s ugliness as eloquently as they could, but theycked synonyms for the word ¡°disgusting.¡±


    There was also a rumor about his sudden falling in love with Kara¡­ Of course, everyone sympathized with the poor princess.


    The second most discussed news was Kara¡¯s retaking the entrance exam, or rather her poor result. The lion¡¯s share of the students refused to ept reality and tried to justify the princess.


    When the ¡°ears¡± instation was over, Kyon started to prepare for his next trick. He wanted to y with Princess Kara to harvest a decent amount of negative emotions in front of the whole school. In the worst-case scenario, he would have to leave school for two weeks. He had considered all possible risks.


    At nine in the evening, Lovr looked out the window that faced the inner yard to watch Franz fiercely fighting with Alex, who had not yet recovered from the recent beating. The local doctors got him to his feet, but he wasn¡¯t in his best shape yet.


    Marina was standing not far from the barrier that protected the duelists from the outside world, biting her lip. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess that she was supporting the blonde guy.


    A lot of spectators leaned out of the windows to watch the fight, but all eyes were the beautiful blonde girl in the white uniform.


    ?An incredibly beautiful blonde girl! I heard she lives on the fifth floor! She must be from a noble family¡­ I want to get to know her better!? ¡­ ?The new girls are a feast for the eyes this year¡­ The blonde one has earned 99 points and lives in room number one!? ¡­ ?Do you think she fancies chubby guys?? ¡­ ?Chubby? You could easily pass for an elephant! You are a fucking fat ass, Mike!? ¨C The friends, who often gathered in one room,ughed out loud.


    Guys from the top two floors stroked their chins with intense interest. They couldn¡¯t take their eyes off Marina. Her beauty was mesmerizing! And her low cultivation gave them unjustified confidence. Many of them had firmly resolved to meet the girl.


    ?Look at the handsome young man in the white uniform! He will be mine!? ¡­ ?Toote, I already called dibs on him!? ¡­ ?Oh really? Only the winner will have him! I¡¯ll meet you at the arena!? ¡­ ?Hush! Don¡¯t you see a ring on his finger?? ¡­ ?Oh! Is that dopey bitch his wife? I¡¯ll strangle the skank!? ¨C Not very well-mannered friends from the Grand family also gathered on the 5th floor to gossip about this and that. They were ready to fight to the death to get the handsome guy, not inferior to the prince himself with his spectacr movements and apparent dominance in the battle, even if he was fighting some low-life scum in the ck uniform.


    A pretty face withrge, inhumanly bright ga eyes peeped out of the window in room number one at the female part of the dorm. Princess Kara watched closely the beautiful blonde girl at the protective barrier. Kara found herself inexplicably attracted to this girl, who reminded her Juno and Elsa at once. The princess had a feeling that she had met someone who looked just like her.


    In Kara¡¯s opinion, there were only three girls worthy of her attention in Cernos. Cait Brown was beautiful and hot, but the princess got fed up with her toy a long time ago. Kara had lost interest in having sex with her. Julia Grand was an irresistible, red-haired beauty, but she reminded Kara of Astarte the bitch, which made the princess suppress her desires. And then the third beauty appeared¡­ Moreover, this girl wasn¡¯t only good looking, she was smart as hell! She earned 99 points at the entrance exam and would probably have taken first ce if the examiners weren¡¯t corrupt. Kara liked everything about the cutie, but she found her too weak. The princess wanted to be with someone stronger than herself, someone like Elsa¡­


    The demoness ordered her servant to invite the blonde to her chambers tonight. She needed to relieve the tension.


    Meanwhile, Franz delivered Alex a crushing knockout blow with a triumphant battle roar, pinning him to the protective barrier.


    The judge announced the winner, and hundreds of girls screamed and cheered happily. The number of blown kisses per square meter went off the scale.


    Franzpletely ignored their attempts to attract his attention. He went up to his dear girl and gave her a gentle hug. ¨C ?I¡¯ve won, my dear Marina! They won¡¯t bother us anymore. How about taking a walk around the shopping district??


    ?Yeah, let¡¯s go.? ¨C Marina smiled and nodded happily. Her blushing cheeks looked really charming.


    Many students envied the happy couple that looked as pretty as a picture.


    When Artie saw his younger brother¡¯s defeat, he spat in contempt. The stupid, worthless idiot had twice dishonored his name! Artie didn¡¯t regret knocking the shit out of him at Princess Kara¡¯s request. He should have done it long ago.


    Alex came round in half a minute and immediately realized what had happened. He was boiling with rage and hatred for his elder brother. It was his fault that Alex had lost to the blond opponent. He was so close to winning! At least, he thought so.


    Before everyone had moved away from the windows, someone screamed. ¨C ?Look! Someone has booked the arena to fight with the princess!?


    Artie and his henchmen rushed back, nearly falling out of the window. ¨C ?Who dared to challenge her??


    Hundreds of eyes stared at the screen flickering in the sky. An anon had reserved the arena with a message: ¡°The battle with Princess Kara for the first ce¡­¡± The duel was to begin in five minutes.

 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284


    Kara looked up in surprise and muttered:


    ?Someone has challenged me to a duel?? ¨C She couldn¡¯t remember thest time someone had challenged her first ce. Besides, this duel was taking ce without prior notice! The princess became increasingly annoyed at being presented with a fait apli. What cheeky lunatic was calling her? Anyway, it was an excellent chance to blow off some steam that had bottled up during this long awful day. Kara decided to leave the blonde girl for dessert if she had any energy left to deal with her.


    The princess didn¡¯t even think of ignoring the challenge. She quickly changed into herbat uniform and hurried to the arena. A vicious smile was ying upon her lips, her fists clenched with barely restrained fury.


    Artie hit the window frame angrily. ¨C ?Who has lost their brains to challenge Her Highness without notice? It¡¯s an intolerable insult to her dignity! I won¡¯t be the leader of Princess Kara fan club if I don¡¯t beat the shit out of the bastard!?


    His henchmen nodded in agreement.


    Everyone in Cernos knew that insulting the princess was tantamount to suicide because her crazy fan club would skin any jerk alive! Whoever the cheeky bastard was, he would have to face cruel punishment right after his defeat in the duel.


    In the next few minutes, the audience had multiplied several times. The news of the duel has already spread throughout the dorm. Even the basement residents had begged their upstairs neighbors for permission to watch the great battle between Kara, Cernos student number one, and some cheeky anon! His secret identity kept everyone guessing. Was it the prince? No, it was unlikely. Last time he lost to her, leaving the ring with broken ribs. Maybe it¡¯s one of the new students?


    Prince Charles had just looked out of the window to find out why everyone was screaming bloody murder.


    Kara gracefully walked into the arena, attracting almost a thousand admiring nces, and pulled her gorgeous hair up in a ponytail. She was simmering with curiosity, too. Who was her mysterious opponent? And, by the way, where was he?


    There was only a minute left before the duel started, but no one had shown up. The fan club members grew increasingly irritated. They were convinced that the madman should have been waiting for the princess at the arena like a dog for his treasured bone! But the asshole was making her wait for a whole minute! He definitely had a death wish¡­


    The final minute wasing to an end.


    Kara stamped her foot angrily. She was standing there in front of everyone, waiting for her opponent, who thought he was an emperor himself. Who else would have the courage to challenge her and make her? Kara thought that things couldn¡¯t get any worse¡­


    ~bam~


    The fat ugly guy jumped ¨C or rather fell with a crash ¨C right into the center of the arena from somewhere above. ¨C ?Aaaah! I seem to have broken my leg! GODS, IT HURTS! Aaaaah? ¨C He yelled in a high-pitched voice.


    ?You?!? ¨C Kara eximed, stunned.


    ?He?!? ¨C The fan club members eximed with frenzied rage.


    ?§¡aah! What a freak! Gods!? ¨C The girl in the crowd screamed in disgust.


    ?Is it Dick Baker?!? ¨C The boys in the crowd had heard a lot about the freak.


    Kyon looked up at the gorgeous princess and froze on the spot, amazed at her beauty.


    With thest second on the big clock, the protective barrier was activated.


    A look of disgust came over Kara¡¯s face as she slowly clenched her fists, intending to attack the hideous monster opposite her and smear him in a thinyer across the arena¡­ She was going to hill the wicked creature!


    ?I give up¡­? ¨C Dick whispered reverently.


    The judge waspletely confused. He didn¡¯t understand what was going on. Still hesitating, he removed the barrier and announced the winner.


    ?But my heart never will¡­? ¨C Dick continued, putting his hand over his heart. With an expression of a great martyr, he pretended to be standing on a broken knee. ¨C ?¡­not will my soul! I will conquer the whole world, the moon and the sun, I will cross the endless seas! I¡¯ll get the rainbow and the stars for you, my love! Please, marry me right now! Don¡¯t break my heart. Now and forever, you are my goddess!? ¨C He intoned in a melodious baritone either a poem or a song. ¨C ?Please, never forget that my heart belongs only to you!? ¨C With an awkward wave of his hand, Dick took out 101 dark-red roses from the ring.


    A thousand spectators almost fell over, and someone even dropped out of the window. Princess Kara was loved and adored by many, but no one had ever dared to confess his love to her, and even more so, propose to her. Even if Artemis, the fan club leader and one of the kingdom¡¯s most promising practitioners, was ten times more courageous, he would consider himself unworthy for this bold, impudent step. The ugly freak had made the dreams of manye true. And what was so special about him apart from his pathetic cultivation andpleteck of manners?


    All the girls in the crowd looked like they were forced to eat a maggot. They genuinely sympathized with the princess. To hear a confession from this ugly pig? They¡¯d better die!


    The fan club members stood like stone idols.


    The princeughed maliciously. Serves the demon bitch right!


    Kara¡¯s ample boobs rose angrily, her face flushed crimson red. She felt so humiliated as if she were publicly stripped and smeared with hot sticky tar.


    ?Vile creature¡­? ¨C Kara hissed like a snake. ¨C ?This time, you¡¯ve really crossed the line. You sentenced yourself to death the moment you insulted me in front of the entire school!?


    ?Your Highness, I never wanted to scare or offend you!? ¨C Dick tried to justify himself. ¨C ?It took me too long to poop, but I didn¡¯t want to waste even a minute of your precious time. That¡¯s why I rashed here even without wiping my ass. I jumped out the window like an angel of heaven! I risked my life to be in time for our appointment. Isn¡¯t it sweet of me? You can¡¯t me a saint for something that happened against his will! I had no idea that eating ice cream off the floor would end in¡­?


    ?Shut up, filthy pig! You¡¯re risking your life now!? ¨C Kara squealed hysterically, her whole body shaking.


    To say that everyone was shocked by what they heard would be an understatement. The students didn¡¯t understand if they were dreaming or going crazy? Where didmon sense end, and where did Dick¡¯s ego, inted toary proportions, begin? The senior students had heard enough about the cheater, but all the rumors paled inparison to what was going on.


    The princess drew a few shaky breaths to calm herself. She shouldn¡¯t act rashly. She should use official usations and punishment, or the people of the kingdom wouldn¡¯t understand, and, most importantly, her mother would severely punish her.


    Common sense and the beautiful dark-red roses in the ugly freak¡¯s hands had stopped the princess from the furious attack.


    ?You are charged with insulting the first princess Grand. You challenged me to a duel only to confess your unwanted feelings, thereby wasting my precious time and distracting me from important matters. I sentence you to¡­?


    Everyone held their breath.


    ?Wait a moment, Your Highness!? ¨C Dick interrupted her, holding up his index finger. ¨C ?You epted my challenge, didn¡¯t you. You knew what you were getting into. Why do you me it all on me then?? ¨C He looked sincerely perplexed


    ?I knew what I was getting into?? ¨C The princess muttered, working herself into a frenzy again.


    Dick nodded with an air of importance. ¨C ?Yes, you did! You knew who and why had challenged you, and yet, you came here of your own free will! I am sure it¡¯s all because you have been desperate to find such a brave, handsome and charming man like me!?


    The princess¡¯s fans were about to explode with anger, but they didn¡¯t dare show their emotions, fearing to get in trouble with Her Highness. The prince burst outughing. In his opinion, the whole situation was utterly ridiculous. The rest of the students stared at each other in shock, some of them dropped to the floor,pletely drained. Even Kara staggered a bit. It was the worst day of her life.


    ?Why are you so surprised? Did you read the message to the end?? ¨C Dick asked, raising his bushy unibrow.


    All the students looked up at once. The message was still flickering on the bright screen, saying, ¡°The battle with Princess Kara for the first ce¡­ in her heart. Dick Baker.¡±


    ?WHAA-A-AAAT?!? ¨C Hundreds of surprised voices screamed at the same time. Either they all went blind, or the message was different, or rather, iplete! System failure? Now the princess couldn¡¯t punish him! How could it happen?


    Kara¡¯s full lips parted in disbelief, her elegant eyebrows arched gracefully. She turned out to havee here by mistake to meet the freak who made her shudder with disgust. The bastard wasn¡¯t guilty of anything, and she was absolutely powerless. Was she already dead and went to hell?


    {No way¡­ To hell with it!} ¨C The cup of Kara¡¯s patience was overflowing. She wanted to kill the fat freak, regardless of public opinion and other limiting factors. The princess was sick and tired of justifying her every step with alleged concern for the royal family¡¯s dignity.


    Kara¡¯s ga eyes fell on the fat guy. Her fierce, searing killing intent filled the arena, raising the temperature by several degrees. The demoness already jerked to attack Dick when she saw the powerful bodyguard behind his back and stopped short. It wasn¡¯t worth the risk. Her attack would start a fierce battle creating many victims and total destruction of the arena and even the entire residence hall. She hadn¡¯t lost her mind!


    Meanwhile, Dick noticed Kara¡¯s eyes lit up with love (it was hatred, of course) and happily jumped up. ¨C ?Ha! Ha ha ha! I can see the fire in your eyes. Don¡¯t restrain yourself! I knew it! I KNEW that you epted the challenge because you were subconsciously interested in me! You want me to be your first both in your heart and¡­! Let the battle begin!? ¨C Dick pped his hands and threw them up like a great orchestra conductor. Thousands of crimson rose petals fell from the sky at once, and a tender, romantic tune started ying somewhere up above, apparently from the window of room number one.


    With the grace of a pregnant hippo, Dick moved his hips to the beat of the music. Twisting his arms in different directions like a crazy spider, he gradually approached the princess with an air of the alpha male. The yboy bit his thick lip, making flirtatious waves with his unibrow.

 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285


    Several guys dropped out of the windows, and some girls fainted. Bile covered the floors in the dorm. It all seemed like a horrible nightmare: screams, groans, and curses were heard everywhere. Dick Baker had inflicted an absolutely inhuman mental attack! Poor young minds couldn¡¯t stand this depressing scene. Even a goddess would lose faith in humanity if she saw it.


    Princess Kara¡¯s eyes darkened as the dancing monster approached her. How could he be so ugly and underdeveloped and yet so confident? His clumsy movements, yful eyebrows, and inappropriate winks made her sense of beauty and harmony scream in horror. The demoness had never seen anyone who could make her sick to her stomach as well as to her mind. If she stayed there for another second, something irreparable would happen. She had no choice but¡­


    A look of horror crossed her beautiful face, as the princess made a step back, another one¡­ Then she did a 180 and disappeared at a dazzling speed, the trail of her exquisite perfume lingering in the air for some time.


    ?Where are you going, my goddess? Why are you so shy? I have so many surprises for you! Please,e back, I have only started to win your heart!? ¨C The ugly freak stretched out his arms in a pleading gesture.


    Artie yelled indignantly: ?Why is she shy?! WHY IS SHE FUCKING SHY?! Her stomach turns every time she looks at you, UGLY FREAK! You have no chance with her! People like you are nothing but creepy bugs for her! GO KILL YOURSELF! Do everyone a favor!?


    His henchmen hurried to do their part, offering the unlucky lover the most sophisticated ways of suicide. However, nothing came of it. Dick paid no attention to them at all. He had other things on his mind¡­


    ?Is Dick really the winner?? ¨C Julia Grand wondered out loud. The red-haired girl was leaning out of the window to see all the details of the princess¡¯s escape. ¨C ?He has made her leave! I can¡¯t believe my eyes! How could the first student of Cernos lose her cool??


    Almost all ¡°window¡± spectators heard Julia¡¯sment, the fourth most powerful and second most popr student.


    ?Go easy on the princess, Julia!? ¨C Cait Brown stood up for her lover girl. ¨C ?No girl in the world could endure a confession from this¡­ monster. I would die of shame and humiliation in her ce¡­?


    ?You¡¯re right.? ¨C Julia smiled. ¨C ?Or maybe you just defend the one you make¡­ ahem¡­ well¡­ you know.?


    Cait blushed with embarrassment and waved her hands, trying to say, ¡°Please, say no more!¡±


    The red-haired girl made a ¡°zip-the-lips¡± gesture andughed loudly.


    Cait felt relieved. However, she hurried to draw the curtains in her room, when she felt curious nces that hundreds of students were giving her.


    Anyway, everyone was unanimous over one point. The fat freak managed to get away with it. Moreover, he made the first student in Cernos run away from his nasty character and ugly appearance. An unprecedented case in history!


    The prince¡¯s evilughter was still heard from room number two of the male part of the dorm.


    Dick heaved a sad sigh and left the arena: {It was perfect.}


    His trick with romantic music, roses, and the message that was changed at the right time was a resounding sess. Now, almost everyone in Cernos knew about the ¡°pathetic ugly freak.¡± Lovr was hoping to achieve this result in a week or two, but he had as always surpassed himself. He had exceeded his n in just a couple of hours! Kara was a perfect tool to achieve his goal. The risks were high, but he was convinced that it was totally worth it. He liked ying for high stakes.


    Lovr had received a lot of dark emotions and even some light ones.


    ¡­


    The princess spent many hours in the shower, but she couldn¡¯t wash off the imaginary dirt. Kara turned and tossed in the bed until three o¡¯clock in the morning, unable to sleep. After the recent events, she felt an irresistible desire to sink into the ground and disappear.


    Kara hated Dick with all her heart. He had given her a headache, crushed her pride, humiliated her in front of Cernos students. She would destroy this bastard at any cost. But how? She couldn¡¯t get him expelled from school: after da had given the principal specific orders, Nn no longer obeyed Kara. The princess had trouble even getting her room back! What if she came up with a light punishment for his undeserved points and then destroyed him for resistance? No¡­ It wasn¡¯t an option either. Technically, he hadn¡¯t vited a single rule, and his burly bodyguards had every right to protect their master from any harm. Challenging the fighters of their level would lead to massive destruction and numerous victims, which would make the queen furious. Although Kara hated her mother, she was afraid of this dangerous and cruel woman. What other options did she have? The insulted princess didn¡¯t want to give the ugly freak a quick death. The bastard didn¡¯t deserve her mercy! He would go through the same circles of hell as she did! Dick Baker must break psychologically! Ideally,mit suicide!


    Kara¡¯s eyes shone with a vicious hellish light. She had found perfect revenge: driving Dick Baker to suicide! She was the love of his life, after all, which meant she had an ace up her sleeve. It wouldn¡¯t be hard to crush his self-esteem and dignity. The princess wanted to y this merciless game as soon as possible. It would give her new experience, fresh impressions. It must be exciting.


    Kara¡¯s n coincided with that of the fan club leader. All Cernos students came to the obvious and ¡°easiest¡± solution to get rid of the walking disaster. From now on, everyone in Cernos was going to drive Dick Baker, a huge pain in the neck, to suicide.


    The cunning n didn¡¯t give the princess enough satisfaction. Kara had to find a way to rx. Why didn¡¯t the new studente? Did she dare to ignore the invitation? Or was she going to answer tomorrow? Anyway, the princess had to do something right now! After a little hesitation, Kara called Cait Brown for the first time in a long time¡­


    The girl nicknamed Hot Sun walked to the fifth floor (the guards didn¡¯t stop her) and slipped inside the princess¡¯s chambers. She was wearing an elegant nightie over her sexy lingerie. The beautiful blond shivered, feeling the hungry gaze of ga eyes searching her face.


    After spending the night with the yful princess, Cait felt like a squeezed lemon. It seemed that a crowd of healthy, insatiable men had been working on her! Princess Kara had been immensely passionate and creative. Was it because of Dick?


    Kara wasn¡¯t particrly happy when she woke up early in the morning. She couldn¡¯t forget the recent events even after the rough night.


    A servant knocked on the door, brought in a huge package, and bowed: ?Letters from your fans, Your Highness. Would you like to read them or burn them as usual??


    Usually, Kara burnt them in the firece, but today they were suspiciously numerous. Why? Was it somehow connected with yesterday¡¯s humiliating evening?


    The princess opened the first envelope and read its contents. The letter was about boundless love and ¡°a single sunray in the midst of the endless emptiness,¡± which meant Kara, representing the ideal of beauty, a perfect goddess. It wasn¡¯t the first time Kara had happened to read something like this, but the handwriting struck her as clumsy and illegible, and mistakes in every second word hurt her eyes. Even children could write better than this. It was obvious that the letter was from an illiterate, dumbmoner.


    When the princess saw the initials, she felt her eye twitch. She caught herself thinking: {I knew who was writing! Why do I react so emotionally?} ¨C The next thought made her feel depressed: {Why in the hell am I reading this bullshit? What is wrong with me?}


    ?What¡¯s the matter, Your Highness? Did anyone hurt you?? ¨C The mustachioed old man asked kindly when he saw his princess unhappy.


    ?Make a fire!? ¨C Kara ordered him, tearing the letter in tiny pieces.


    {How did he scribble more than a thousand letters in less than a day?} ¨C Kara looked stunned, almost in a trance. She was about to jump out the window in the heat of the moment: {Gods! Why do I even care about this scum? I must have gone crazy! He is driving me nuts!}


    Kara couldn¡¯t understand and control her emotions. Her subconscious perception of yesterday¡¯s event was something like this: no one had ever had the guts to speak to her without a good reason, and Dick had taken her precious time, driving her into a frenzy. Moreover, he was creative and romantic enough to confess his feelings in front of the whole school, without fear or awe of her high status! In the end, Kara could no longer look at him like he was nothing but dirt under her shoe.


    After she burned thest letter, Kara began to write a reply that, in her opinion, had to crush the addressee, that is, Dick Baker.


    When she wrote half of it, the princess nced at the window ¨C what if she¡¯d better jump out?


    {What the hell¡­ Why am I wasting my time writing to him? I must bepletely out of my mind!} ¨C The inner conflict red up in the poor princess¡¯s mind. ¨C {How else can I drive him to suicide? I can¡¯t ignore him. He¡¯s too stupid to understand¡­ He might think I¡¯m too shy to deal with him.}


    As a result, Kara decided to use all her talents and skills. Dragging the dignity of the lover boy through the mud was for the supreme demon as easy as shelling peas! An evil grin yed on the princess¡¯s lips.


    ¡­


    As a rule, the school began the next day after checking in. However, today was the seventh day of the week, so the students had a day off.


    They did all sorts of things: training, fighting in the arena, walking around, hanging out in the shopping district, talking and getting to know each other. Kara and Dick were everyone¡¯s main topic of conversation.


    Kyon had be the school star. They gave him dirty looks wherever he went. He provoked a storm of emotions and a barrage of stingingments. It was hard to avoid being seen in his situation.


    To make sure that he wasn¡¯t being followed, the fat guy walked into a cafe (in the shopping district) and ordered a tub of vani ice cream with a heap of strawberries on top.


    The cafe visitors dropped their jaws. The passers-by noticed the huge tub of ice cream through the window and hurried to get inside and watch the extraordinary situation. All the students stared at Dick as if he were the mythical spirit of gluttony. Some of them started betting if he would ever be able to finish this tub.


    As he struggled to finish thest spoonful, Kyon clutched his stomach and rushed to the toilet with a strained expression on his face¡­ Now he had an alibi for the rest of the day. Wrapped in a cloak, he left the cafe through the back door.


    He entered the rented basement to meet the handsome blond guy and his charming blonde beauty.


    They both stood like stone idols, not believing their eyes. Kyon and Dick turned out to be the same person! They would never have guessed if he revealed himself!


    Kyon kindly asked Marina to wait outside the door and soundproofed the room with the invisible sound istion barrier in case she decided to eavesdrop.


    He took the foundation for the barrier from the Stones¡¯ heritage and refined it to perfection during the time between his escape from the pce and the entrance exam. Lovr could soundproof an area of ??about a hundred square meters if need be (so far).


    Kyon sat at the table and sped his hands in front of him like an investigator who was about to start an interrogation: ?So, how was your day yesterday? Why are you so sad? Where did you get all these bruises??


    Franz sat opposite him and muttered, keeping his eyes down on the table: ?I have been better.?


    ?I need more details. I want to know what you didst night. It¡¯s an order.? ¨C Kyon insisted. He noticed that the former Stones¡¯ formacist didn¡¯t want to talk about his day. Franz looked embarrassed.


    He threw back his head and stared at the ceiling for a while. Then he let out a deep breath: ?Well, everything was great at first. I invited Marina to the cafe, then we walked in the park, talking about this and that¡­ Then those annoying girls in white uniforms appeared out of nowhere.? ¨C He put a pipe in his mouth and took a few puffs. ¨C ?Those little sluts from the Grand family started hitting on me. One of them pinched my ass! I was so fucking wrong to think that all the royal pure-blood descendants had good manners! They must have been possessed by demons! Or were they in the heat? I tried to stop the pesky bitches, but they¡­ They were stronger than me! I had to beg them! It was so humiliating, I thought I would die of shame! They were molesting me right in front of Marina, and I couldn¡¯t stand up for myself! Oh¡­ Fucking bitches!? ¨C He took another long puff.

 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286


    Kyon listened attentively. He knew that the horny girls had been watching Dick¡¯s confession to Kara, which made their imagination run wild. Each of them would like to be in the princess¡¯s ce if a strong and handsome young man took the ce of the miserable freak! Franz, the most handsome boy in Cernos, became a victim of the over-excited girls.


    He puffed out a cloud of smoke and continued gloomily: ?When one of the skunks pulled Marina by the hand, I lost it¡­ When they saw my desperate determination to protect my wife, they retreated but promised toe back another time. Grr¡­ The very thought that some noble phaser bitch dared to hurt my baby makes me go wild. The dragon inside me is going to break loose and kill everyone.? ¨C Franz sounded really threatening.


    *a long pause*


    ?What about the bruises?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    Franz hesitated, reluctant to talk about yesterday¡¯s events.


    ?Tell me. It¡¯s an order!? ¨C Kyon insisted coldly.


    ?On the way to the residence hall, we came across the guys in white uniforms¡­ There were some bastards from the princess fan club, who had promised not to touch us, but they fucking lied! The jerks roughed me up!? ¨C Franz growled. ¨C ?The beasts cornered me like a mouse, taunting and thrashed me right in front of Marina! She begged them to stop, but the bastardsughed and flirted with her, beating the crap out of me! Fucking shit! My inner reptile was too close to breaking free! I knew that I would harm Marina in the dragon form and used all my willpower to restrain myself. I had to let the bastards humiliate me! THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO!? ¨C Franz banged on the table in a fit of rage, leaving visible cracks on its surface. Tears came to his eyes. He wasn¡¯t upset by the shameful beating. Being humiliated in front of his dear Marina gnawed away at him. The proud formacist wanted to sink into the ground and stay there.


    ?And that¡¯s it?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?Are you kidding? No, it¡¯s fucking not! The damned sluts came back and saved me! THE GIRLS PROTECTED ME IN FRONT OF MARINA WHILE THE FLIRTING BASTARDS WERE BEATING THE SHIT OUT OF ME! I¡­ I can¡¯t do this anymore¡­ I want to get out of this school with Marina ¡­ Please let me go with her!? ¨C Franz looked crushed. He knew that he could lose his dear girl if he became a pathetic hopeless weakling, not worthy of her trust.


    ?I am sorry but no.? ¨C Kyon resolutely shook his head.


    Franz red angrily at Dick: ?Why did you take me to this school??


    ?You are my servant. I need you to order you around.?


    ?To order me around? You have two huge bodyguards who can protect you from anyone. What¡¯s the use of the weakling like me? I don¡¯t want to put Marina at risk! It¡¯s killing me to see someone hurt her! Why the fuck do I need my youth if it makes my baby suffer?? ¨C He jumped up and started shaking Kyon but then came to his senses. ¨C ?I am sorry¡­?


    Kyon straightened his shirt and said impassively: ?You don¡¯t have to worry about Marina. Believe me, starting tomorrow, no one will dare to hurt her.?


    ?Are you going to give her one of your thugs?? ¨C Franz asked hopefully.


    ?Even better.? ¨C Kyon smiled wryly. ¨C ?The princess will take care of her!?


    During their short conversation, Lovr found out that the principal wanted to see Franz.


    ?Hmm it seems a bit fishy to me.? ¨C Kyon said, picking at his patchy mustache. ¨C ?I don¡¯t think you should go. You¡¯d better ignore him.?


    ?Why should I? What if he agrees to protect me if we get along well??


    ?I have a bad feeling about this.? ¨C Kyon looked suddenly somber, pensive. ¨C ?Don¡¯t go. It¡¯s an order. And try to avoid any problems. Take advantage of Marina¡¯s close rtionship with the princess, her future patroness.?


    Franz liked that Kyon was taking care of him and gratefully shook his hand.


    Soon, Kyon let him go and invited Marina to enter the room.


    She stared at the monster before her in stunned silence.


    ?It¡¯s me, Kyon. Can¡¯t you get used to my new personality? I can prove it¡¯s still me. Do you remember the day when I kissed you in the mansion?? ¨C The ugly freak said in Kyon¡¯s voice, smacking his big lips.


    ?Kyon!? ¨C Marina blushed with embarrassment. ¨C ?Could you remind me of something less private?? ¨C The blonde beauty reproached him.


    ?It was the first thing that came to my mind.? ¨C He shrugged.


    ?Could you¡­ Well¡­ Could you take off this ugly mask??


    ?Why??


    ?I want to see you real, handsome. I haven¡¯t seen you for so long, I¡¯ve missed you.? ¨C Marina smiled coquettishly, tucking a golden lock of hair behind her ear.


    ?I can¡¯t. The superglue will tear it off with skin and bones.?


    ?Then don¡¯t.? ¨C Marina muttered sadly.


    ?Let¡¯s not talk about me. You are here for interrogation, by the way, and I am a meticulous investigator! So, if you don¡¯t mind, I will ask you a couple of questions.?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C Marina giggled, giving him a salute.


    Kyon had already heard and seen everything that happened to Marina and Franz. He was interested in their mental state and rtionships with each other. That¡¯s why he had arranged this secret interrogation meeting.


    Marina told Kyon a sad story of Franz being beaten and then saved by his fans. When he asked her what she was feeling at that moment, Marina whispered that she was frightened. She also felt uneasy when they humiliated her former master. Now she was scared to leave her room because the girls were after her, and she didn¡¯t feel safe around Franz. He couldn¡¯t stand up even for himself! Any student in the white uniform could do to him whatever they wanted.


    Marina looked at Kyon intively, gently touched his hand, and asked him to protect her. After all, he was the goddess¡¯s messenger who could make anything possible, unlike Flitz who was absolutely powerless.


    Lovr¡¯s heart started beating faster. No one in the world could refuse to protect this kind, gentle, beautiful girl. Not him, for sure. But there was another way out.


    ?I can¡¯t protect you because it will reveal my true identity.? ¨C Kyon resolutely refused.


    Marina looked down sadly and pursed her lips. She understood why Kyon had to say no. She thought he would, but still, his rejection hurt too much.


    ?I will give you under royal protection.? ¨C Kyon smiled encouragingly at her.


    ?Do you mean Kara Grand??


    ?Exactly. ept her invitation and make friends with her as you did with Juno once.?


    ?I can¡¯t!? ¨C Marina panicked. ¨C ?Juno and I were friends because I look like her mother. How can I make friends with the princess? I don¡¯t even know why she invited me! What if she wants to find out if I cheated on the exam¡­?


    ?Marina, it¡¯s much easier than you think. Just pay her a visit in the evening and tell her that the senior girls don¡¯t look kindly at you. Believe me, no one would dare to move against again.?


    ?And that¡¯s it? So simple?!? ¨C Marina gasped in disbelief. Kyon was truly the goddess¡¯s if he came up with such an easy way to keep her safe! She was happy to stay at school.


    ?Well¡­? ¨C Kyon started, scratching his head. ¨C ?You see¡­ There¡¯s a chance you will have a new, unforgettable experience.?


    ?Huh?..? ¨C Marina tilted her head.


    ?Princess Kara prefers girls. Do you understand??


    Marina¡¯s face turned the color of a pink peach. She looked so charming that Kyon was about to kiss her on both cheeks.


    ?Is she a lesbian?? ¨C She muttered confused. ¨C ?Is it the reason why she invited me to her room??


    ?Yes, that¡¯s why.? ¨C Kyon nodded.


    ?Gods, Kyon! Are you leaving me to her mercy? No way! I¡­ I¡­ I am not going! It¡¯s out of the question!? ¨C Marina protested in a high-pitched voice.


    Kyon took her hand in his and said firmly: ?Don¡¯t worry, Marina. The princess never takes what she wants by force. Kara is used to seducing her victims so that they begged for her caresses and asked for more. Be determined and don¡¯t let her too much.?


    ?Why are you so light-minded?? ¨C Marinained, her face crimson red. ¨C ?I¡¯m just a weak girl and I don¡¯t know how to say no, especially when ites to the princess!?


    ?It¡¯s only for two weeks. Then everything will be over. If it gets unbearable, use some pure energy on this nephrite, and I will do my best to help you out at once. Okay?? ¨C Kyon put a cold nephrite in her gentle hands. He had known for a long time how weak Marina¡¯s will was. With a little push, she would do whatever he asked, which the cunning schemer didn¡¯t hesitate to take advantage of.


    Marina hesitated a bit, and then agreed under Kyon¡¯s convincing gaze: ?If Kara¡¯s protection helps me stay at school, and you promise to save me from her if the princess goes too far, then I agree.? ¨C The gullible girl nodded slightly and put the nephrite in the ring.


    When they were saying goodbye, Marina hugged the ugly freak and left the basement with the blond guy.


    Kyon could not tell her the whole truth. First, the princess would not lift a finger to save Franz, herpetitor, which meant that only Marina would be under her protection. Second, despite his promise, Kyon wouldn¡¯t be able to help Marina, even if she used the nephrite.


    It was totally up to her if she became the princess¡¯s sexual victim or not. In the worst-case scenario, she would gain new experience. Lovr didn¡¯t consider the girls¡¯ ¡°games¡± something terrible. Otherwise, he would never have sweet-talked Marina into this adventure.


    Despite this reckless gesture, Kyon did care for Marina. He had applied a visual and listening formation on her forehead (no without difficulty) before the entrance exam, so the girl was always under his supervision.


    When Kyon was watching the fight between Franz and the Grands, he wanted to send his bodyguard to protect Marina, but everything turned out well.


    Lovr owed Marina his life, but he perceived her as a close, dear friend, with whom he liked to spend his time.


    ¡­


    The day had flown by. It was already evening.


    After an exhausting work-out, Princess Kara was engrossed in a novel about lesbian love when an annoying knock on the window disturbed her from reading.


    ?How is it possible?? ¨C Kara looked startled. Who could possibly knock on the window on the fifth floor?


    She pulled the curtains apart and saw a beautiful colorful parrot.


    As soon as the princess opened the window, he perched on the windowsill and recited:


    ?I love you more than life itself,


    you¡¯re the goddess of my heart.


    I pray to heaven every day


    to bring you back in my life.?


    ?Seriously? A bird has just confessed his love to me!? ¨C Kara looked amazed.


    ?Yours forever, Dick Baker.? ¨C The parrot chirped wickedly and made a sound too close to a mockingugh.


    ?Bother! Get out of here!? ¨C Kara was furious in a heartbeat. She was about to kill the bird, but then she remembered that it was actually innocent. The princess blew the parrot out with the wind and mmed the window.


    Before the princess had drawn the curtains, three parrots were knocking on the window with their yellow beaks, reciting love poems in the chorus.


    More and more curious faces peeped out of the windows of the dorm. In a minute, there were probably several hundreds of them. It wasn¡¯t every day that they got to hear a chorus of parrots chanting romantic poems addressed to the princess!


    Prince Charles also watched the performance. When he realized what was happening, he burst outughing for the second time this year! He was ready to shake Dick¡¯s hand to express his gratitude.


    ?What¡¯s going on here?? ¨C Artie, the head of the fan club, was outraged. ¨C ?How did the scoundrel teach the parrots to recite poems? Is he really hoping to win her heart? It¡¯s ridiculous! The idiot doesn¡¯t see that he is nothing but a piece of shit. He¡¯ll never have the gorgeous princess! Ha-ha-ha! GODS! Ha-ha-ha!?


    His henchmenughed with their leader.


    ?Feeling envious?? ¨C Julia, the red-haired beauty, said with a knowing smile.

 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287


    ?Feeling envious? Me? That¡¯s a good one! Dear Julia, if I wanted to impress my princess, I woulde up with something more exciting! Anyway, I am stronger and smarter and more handsome than the fucking freak! I have always known that our great princess is different! She is like a phoenix among eagles, ravens and even worms like Dick Baker!?


    *Kara¡¯s fans rolled on the floorughing*


    ?Well¡­ I do not know. In my opinion, he is sophisticated and creative. I would be impressed by the birds reciting love poems to me. If Dick were more¡­ well, attractive, I would give him a chance.? ¨C The red-haired beauty thoughtfully twisted a lock of her hair around her finger.


    The fans of the second most popr girl took a hint. Many of them had already rushed to the pet stores to get all the avable talking parrots. Julia¡¯s smile at their attempt to attract her attention was totally worth the efforts!


    Kara¡¯s fans snorted indignantly. The fan club leader¡¯s Hand took a sphere and aimed at the nearest parrot when he got heavily smacked in the head.


    ?Imbecile! You can break the window to the princess¡¯s room!? ¨C Artie snapped.


    ?I am sorry¡­? ¨C He muttered guiltily.


    Meanwhile, the princess pressed her back against the wall and closed her eyes, slowly sliding to the floor: {How did he do it? When? I don¡¯t understand! It¡¯s one thing to write a thousand letters in one night but teach the parrots to recite poems in a day? You blow my brain out with your crazy tricks, bastard. I¡¯ll destroy you anyway. I¡¯ll break you! The pathetic nobody like you doesn¡¯t deserve to live¡­}


    However, Kara could feel her heart fluttering. She tried not to listen to the poems, but she couldn¡¯t. The refined metaphors and their presentation impressed the princess to the core. She imagined for a second that the parrots belonged to Elsa who wanted to conquer her heart. It made the princess feel so nice and warm that her hand moved inside her panties all by itself.


    As soon as the parrots finished singing, Kara heard an uncertain knock on the door and a timid, trembling voice behind it: ?It¡¯s Marina Smirnova, Your Highness. I have received your invitation¡­?


    Kara¡¯s eyes sparkled with desire. The demoness jumped into the bed, took a seducing position that would give anyone love fever, and pressed the formation. The servant opened the door and let the guest inside¡­


    Meanwhile, Kyon was lying in his bed, admiring through the visual formation on Marina¡¯s forehead the sexy supreme demoness, whose curse still tormented his mind.


    Night fell upon Cernos.


    Kyon was getting hotter with every minute he watched the girls. He was breathless with excitement, his fists clenched tight. Kara¡¯s expert way to seduce Marina deserved apuse. Her yful phrases turned into a persistent intimate invitation. Her innocent touch turned into outright caresses with her sensual full lips and long skillful tongue. The horny princess seemed to have set a goal of tasting every part of Marina¡¯s graceful body, from the lobes of her ears to the sweetest loin.


    Marina had no strength to resist the princess¡¯s pressure. Her head was spinning, her body was burning. She had many times called for Kyon with the nephrite he gave her, all to no avail¡­ What else could she do?


    A minuteter, Kyon¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor when he saw Kara dive under Marina¡¯s skirt while she didn¡¯t particrly resist¡­ The dirty vicious demon of love had subdued the innocent kind girl to her will. Lovr had promised to help her out but instead, he had to ¡°help himself.¡± How ironic!


    A few hourster, Marina left the abode of passion and returned to her room. She was so exhausted that she could barely stand on her feet. Marina buried her face into the pillow and sobbed bitterly until she cried herself to sleep. She couldn¡¯t even be angry with Kyon. He had always wished her only well, even now, or so it seemed to her.


    ¡­


    Early in the morning, sleepy students packed up their school things and headed to the main building of Cernos. Everyone gossiped on the way. The main topic for discussion was yesterday¡¯s parrot chorus and the new girl in the white uniform. From now on, no one would touch the blonde because the princess herself had be her protector. How did everyone know about this? It was elementary! Kara Grand arrived with Marina Smirnova hand in hand!


    Marina was red in the face, keeping her eyes downcast. Most of the students understood why she was so quiet and giggled at her. Only Cait Brown was biting her lips, feeling jealous.


    Franz was trudging behind the beautiful couple. He looked depressed. The students snorted in disdain, looking at him. Some girls even pitied him: the princess had stolen his wife! Someone should take advantage of his grief and fill a vacant ce in his broken heart.


    Nobody had seen Dick Baker. He must have overslept, or even died. It was just what everybody wanted.


    The students entered the school building and went to their ssrooms.


    Soon the lessons were over. It was lunchtime. Cernos had five canteens, each for the students with a specific uniform color. The more prestigious the uniform, the more richly the dining hall was furnished and the more sumptuous dishes were served.


    About fifteen hundred hungry students went to have lunch. Fifty of them, all in white uniforms, headed to the most prestigious dining hall number one. Almost all of them were from the Grand family. They were eating in silence, scrupulously observing manners and rules of good society. No one even dared to whisper because Her Highness was dining with them! It was a great honor, especially for the princess fan club. They looked at their gorgeous idol with loving eyes, letting out long dreamy sighs every now and then.


    Kara was sitting at a separate table with Marina. Numerous servants were serving them. The blonde girl was polite and modest, but she seemed ill at ease. The other students thought that she felt honored to have lunch with Kara, which exined her anxiety.


    Prince Charles didn¡¯t attend the canteen.


    Julia Grand, the principal¡¯s daughter, also had a separate table. The boys couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the red-haired beauty. It might seem from the outside that she was even more popr than the princess, but it wasn¡¯t true. In fact, everyone was afraid of Kara¡¯s aggressive fans. A single nce at Her Highness was enough for those lunatics to ask the insolent jerk ¡°toe out and have a talk about the meaning of life.¡±


    All of a sudden, the indescribably ugly fat boy entered the dining hall, searching with his little piggy eyes over those present until he found the princess and trotted over to her with a confident look. His two hefty, silent bodyguards followed him like shadows.


    To harvest the ripening fruits, Kyon had to pretend to be madly in love with Kara until their uing wedding, or the students wouldn¡¯t understand the sudden change of his character and he would get less darkness than he was nning to.


    It was the most risky part of Lovr¡¯s n. He had to keep his rtionship with the demoness at the level of ¡°he pursued her, and she ran away.¡± Was it going to work? He didn¡¯t know. It was time to do what he did best ¨C to improvise.


    Kara could feel with her skin the presence of the evil spirit nearby. She had lost her appetite at once. She frowned, prepared for the imminent conversation.


    ?Look, this moron is going to fuck things up!? ¨C Artie whispered maliciously to his henchmen, who grinned viciously, anticipating Dick¡¯s fiasco.


    ?Oh, goddess of my heart!? ¨C The fat freak went to one knee near the princess¡¯s table. ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry to disturb your lunch, but tell me, please, if you have received my thousand love letters.?


    The girls in the dining hall exchanged sympathetic nces. A thousand letters? A single letter from this walking nightmare would make them feel dishonored and insulted! And the princess had received a thousand of them! Poor thing. No one would envy her ¡°happiness.¡±


    Slowly, reluctantly, Kara turned back, ring down at the freak: ?I threw your scrawled notes with mistakes in every second word to the firece.? ¨C Her voice carried a vitriolic edge.


    The students around, especially the fan club members, could hardly hold back theirughter. The princess was making their dreame true! If Her Highness destroyed Dick¡¯s pride and ideally drove him to suicide, they would start worshipping her.


    ?Did you burn them?? ¨C Dick eximed in shock, staggering back.


    Kara¡¯s lips lifted in a particrly vicious grin: ?I burned them to fucking ashes! It was really good kindling.?


    ?I¡­ I¡­? ¨C Dick babbled in a trembling voice, wiping away the treacherous tears. ¨C ?I am so happy that my letters that I wrote with so much love could warm you up a bit! Gods, I¡¯m so ttered I can¡¯t even describe it!?


    The students stared at the scene with their mouths wide open.


    What a stupid idiot! Kara¡¯s pretty face distorted with rage: ?You¡¯re pathetic! What part didn???t you understand? Your letters are nothing but waste paper! I haven¡¯t read a single line in them! What makes you so ttered??


    Everyone looked at the fat guy waiting for the meaning of Kara¡¯s to finally dawn on him.


    ?Oh, great goddess! Your modesty knows no bounds and it makes my love only grow. My heart is on fire, boiling over with passion! I¡¯m smart enough to understand that you have read each line of all my letters. Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t have mentioned my exquisite handwriting and perfect grammar!? ¨C The crying fat guy put his hands over his heart, deeply moved.


    Some students pped their foreheads. The princess made everything crystal clear, but he found some hidden meaning in her humiliating words and got out of it. His emotional resilience was really great! Or was he just too dumb?


    ?You¡­ Are you messing with me?? ¨C Kara began choking with anger. She was used to being understood without words, and this one was as thick as two short nks. ¨C ?Alright, I¡¯ll put it like this. Everything about you annoys me insanely! Your disgusting voice hurts my ears, your ugly face hurts my eyes, and your low intellect kills my faith in humanity! The very fact of your existence insults me!? ¨C Kara¡¯s harsh, ruthless words were meant to break his heart.


    The Grands looked expectantly at Dick Baker, keeping their fingers crossed.


    Dick nodded solemnly: ?Oh, beloved princess. I know exactly what you¡¯re doing. You are testing your future husband¡¯s grit, resilience, and patience. I even know why you¡¯re taking forever to return my feelings. You need time to understand if you will live up to my expectations, and it only makes sense, not every woman is worthy of the perfect man like me¡­?


    The first demon princess, the future wife of the demon emperor went ballistic when she heard these absurd and arrogant words: ?I¡­ I am worthy¡­ OF YOU?? ¨C Kara could no longer restrain herself. She pped the arrogant upstart across his ugly face and immediately regretted it. She didn¡¯t want him to die so quickly. It was too kind of her!


    Marina, who was sitting quietly next to the princess until now, let out a frightened scream.


    The students jumped up from their seats. Was he finally killed?


    However, the p with the power of the finishing stage in the noble phase only sent him flying to the far wall of the dining hall. Dick clutched at his reddened cheek with a groan.


    {What? Didn¡¯t I hit him with all my might?} ¨C Kara looked surprised.


    Everyone whispered in bewilderment. Why was the freak still alive? Was the princess holding herself back? What was the point? Dick had insulted her like no one ever had! Knowing her quick temper, he should have already died ten times! What was going on?


    Anyway, it was going ording to Kyon¡¯s n. His body of the void could withstand any blow from an opponent two phases stronger.


    The princess drew a few shaky breaths to calm herself and said with icy disdain: ?Remember once and for all: you will never againpare yourself to me. The dung beetle is no good for the phoenix. Even if you conquer all the known empires on your own, I will never take you as a man. You are nothing but a pathetic stinking pig that is mistaken for a human being! Do you want to be my husband? DREAM ON!? ¨C This time, her words must have reached the underdeveloped brain of this fat monster. It was impossible to make it any more clear!

 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288


    Kara¡¯s fans shivered at her harsh, stabbing words. Some of them wouldmit suicide the very next day if she were speaking to them.


    ?No, it can¡¯t be true¡­? ¨C Dick muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.


    {Did he get it right this time? Thank Persephone!} ¨C Kara smiled charmingly. The princess could always break anyone¡¯s spirit in a snap, but this thick-skinned freak had challenged her skills. Anyway, she had achieved her goal. Now she could rx!


    She had never been so wrong.


    After a long pause, Dick eximed with relief as if he had just had a sh of inspiration: ?You are ying hard to get! How could I forget that women tend to hide their real feelings behind a facade of disdain and indifference!?


    Kara gasped, choking with anger. What a disappointment! The demoness had already believed in her sess, which turned out to be a failure. He screwed her over again.


    The students around pped themselves in the forehead at Dick¡¯s unsurpassed stupidity.


    Kyon shook himself off and approached his dear princess with excessive self-confidence, handing her a heart-shaped box full of choctes: ?Take this humble gift, my great goddess!?


    Kara was a demon of anger, but she found it more and more difficult to get angry at this pathological idiot. She clenched her fists, ready to send the moron to the next world with one good blow. Why all this suffering if she had a proven solution? Who was he anyway to waste her precious time and energy?


    However, she declined this idea. Kara didn¡¯t want to change the n. Her demonic charm could break anyone¡¯s heart, and this freak was no exception. Her vanity and pride would never ept that she couldn¡¯t handle this worthless abomination. Kara was used to achieving her goals, no matter what. It ran in her blood.


    The princess made the final decision and knocked the box out of Dick¡¯s hands: ?I don¡¯t need your scraps! If you really want to please me, then castrate yourself in front of the whole school, pig! You will do a huge favor to the whole world, leaving it without your ugly offsprings.?


    ?Don¡¯t you want to have kids with me?? ¨C Dick asked in a trembling voice.


    ?I¡¯d better have kids with a dog that with you!? ¨C Kara snapped.


    ?Then¡­? ¨C Dick pensively knelt down, picked up a chocte candy from the floor, tasted it, and spat it out in disgust: ?Yuck! Goddess, you were absolutely right. These candies are trash! The greatest Bulkovs¡¯ descendent has made a huge mistake by giving you sweets instead of delicious, crispy buns!? ¨C With a little sleight of hand, he three fresh baguettes out of the ring.


    ?Gods! What a ridiculous blockhead!? ¨C Kara hissed irritably.


    Artie decided it was a perfect moment to interfere: ?Can¡¯t you see it, you ugly slime bag? Your gifts don¡¯t mean a thing! The princess said she didn¡¯t need anything from a pig like you! Go to hell! Don¡¯t ruin our lunch, monster!?


    The fan club leader¡¯s henchmen hurried to join the bullying: ?Smelly bag of shit! Her Highness doesn¡¯t want to see or hear you! Do everyone a favor, castrate yourself!? ¡­ ?Bang your head against the wall, fucking pathetic asshole!?


    The rest of the Grands sided with the fan club to humiliate the jerk. It was a great honor for all present to stand up for Her Highness. Besides, it was an unspoken dream of most of the students to drive the fat freak to suicide.


    Kara looked pleased to get help from usually annoying her little humans. Their genuinely moving disy of solidarity made her give a rash order: ?Servants, throw this underdeveloped trash outside!?


    A couple of powerful servants were about to seize Dick when his two burly bodyguards stood in front of their master like a steel wall.


    Their furious auras shed, reaching even the students from other dining halls. Everybody got silent and tensed. Were they facing a serious battle?


    The servants stood rooted to the spot.


    The demoness had already regretted her hasty words. Of course, the thugs would protect him! What should she do next? Her mother would kill her if the fight broke out! Kara could not take her words back either. It was too humiliating for a princess.


    ?Kara, please, cancel your order¡­? ¨C The timid harmonious voice belonged to Marina. She was worried about Kyon, even if he hurt her when he didn¡¯te to save her yesterday. She didn¡¯t hate him for that. He just wanted to help her¡­ And he did.


    Kara wanted to kiss Marina on both cheeks: ?Well, if my dear friend wants me to cancel the order, I will. Servants, you may go to your ces.? ¨C She turned away, showing apleteck of interest in the fat freak.


    When the oppressive auras dissipated, the students breathed a sigh of relief. The crisis was over.


    Dick once again realized something and pped himself on the forehead: ?What a tactless idiot I am! Now I understand why you want me to leave! How could I forget that you are having lunch? Please, forgive me, my beloved goddess. Bon appetit. I will pay you a visit right after the meal!? ¨C He puffed his chest up and left the dining hall inplete silence.


    Kara¡¯s fans, like the rest of the Grands, exchanged dark nces. The moron didn¡¯t get the message. All their efforts to reach him were in vain. Dick was going to continue his wooing, messing up with the princess, the students, and her fans in particr. Everyone wondered why Her Highness, or the prince wouldn¡¯t order the principal to expel the jerk. Why did Kara restrain herself when she delivered that sudden blow to Dick¡¯s head?


    Kara didn¡¯t even see turn back to see Dick Baker leave: {What can I do? He uses all my attempts to crush him to his advantage¡­ How long can I endure his ugly face and annoying courtship?} ¨C Kara thought, picking her cake with a teaspoon with no appetite.


    ¡­


    Time went by. Dick Baker kept wooing the princess to spite her fans and secret admirers. He gave her flowers, sweets, jewelry, etc., and the demoness destroyed all his gifts with a malicious grin right in front of him. He confessed his feelings to her in the most unusual and creative ways to receive in return insults and dismissive attitude.


    Kara¡¯s truly heartless attitude drove into depression numerous witnesses of Dick¡¯s fruitless efforts, but the thickheaded admirer was invincible! The princess began to suspect that he had some kind of mental disorder that prevented him from admitting his defeat¡­ However, this theory soon copsed. When the demoness incinerated his delicious baguette, Dick burst into tears like a child. So, she could still hurt him, after all. She should try harder!


    Even gods would envy Dick¡¯s resourcefulness and perseverance. There was a saying in the Iron Throne kingdom that even the most impregnable walls protecting the girl¡¯s heart from a conqueror in love would sooner orter fall. Kara¡¯s fans found a hundred and one reasons why it was bullshit! They even filed a petition to remove this heresy from all possible sources. Everyone believed that Dick¡¯s pathetic attempts to win their dear princess¡¯s heart were absolutely useless.


    Kyon rubbed his hands with glee. He was enjoying messing with his dear bitch, raping her brain. This sadistic pleasure filled his nucleus with darkness while the most delicious tidbit was waiting for him at the uing wedding¡­


    Lovr also liked to watch the developing rtions between Marina and Kara through the visual formation. Sometimes the scenes he saw made him cross his legs. The lecherous demoness surpassed herself with each day. She must have been pursuing some secret goal. Eventually, their games moved to school.


    Marina could not resist the perverse princess. She tried, but shecked confidence and determination. Kara prevailed on her new friend, manipting her into anything she wanted.


    Marina cried bitterly the first time it happened. A few dayster, she got used to her new life, and with time, she started to enjoy it. Marina liked Kara¡¯s beautiful face and sexy figure, and having orgasms was a new wonderful experience. Sex with the decrepit old man made her feel disgusted and pity herself. Anyway, she didn¡¯t consider herself a lesbian.


    At the end of the week, Marina couldn¡¯t recognize herself. She let Her Highness do things that could have made her run away in tears not long ago. Now she was eager to explore any indecent proposal. Gaining this experience was not a big problem because of Marina¡¯s past with Flitz. She quickly learned the new skills, and her resistance weakened each day until it finally faded away. Kara seemed to be deliberately trying to loosen Marina up.


    When the princess persuaded Marina to do it in the girls¡¯ restroom at school, Flitz¡¯s former maid thought she would burn with shame, but soon she had to admit that it was an impressive and unforgettable experience. Fortunately, no one had seen them.


    Marina was also curious why Kyon was trying to seduce her friend in the most peculiar ways. Why did he confess his love to the princess if it wasn¡¯t true? And why was he messing up with everyone around? Marina was at her wit¡¯s end, trying to find out what he was up to.


    She wanted to meet with Kyon and find answers, but he refused to see her and exined everything over the sound transmitter. From his words, Marina found out about his uing (possible) wedding with Kara and his harvesting dark emotions before this event. It sounded crazy, to say the least! The former maid could hardly believe her ears. She had a weird, suffocating feeling and a painful lump of conflicting emotions in her stomach¡­ Could it be jealousy?


    The conversation about his wedding and everything dragged on for an hour. Marina showed unusual persistence in her investigation. The unpleasant feeling didn¡¯t go away. She didn¡¯t want Kyon to get married. But why?


    When Kyon apologized for not saving her from the princess¡¯s harassment, Marina tried to pretend that she was still offended and nothing could change it, but she quickly gave up. She had already forgiven him and was even grateful in a way.


    Marina also thought a lot about Franz. He insisted they spend more time together, and she wanted to, but they rarely met. Lessons at school and insatiable Kara took all her time and energy just like Flitz once. What a cruel irony it was! Besides, Kara needed her help with the homework¡­ An unusual request from an A student, but Marina couldn¡¯t refuse.


    In the end, a few dates with Franz didn¡¯t bring Matina any pleasure, rather disappointment. Her former master was always bruised, hurt, gloomy, and depressed. He didn¡¯t tell her any jokes or funny stories. The students in white uniforms gave them dark nces. The most daring of them taunted them with something like: ¡°How nice, two girls are walking!¡± or ¡°Hey, loser, you are hanging out with the princess¡¯s best friend. Show more respect! Bend your knee!¡± The Grands were bullying him, but Franz refused Marina¡¯s offer of help.


    Marina understood that Franz still had the pride of the former best formacist in the Stone family. He could ept help from the girl he loved. Being more than a hundred years old, he behaved like a stubborn boy¡­


    Also, Franz seemed to attract strange events. He had been gued by failures! Once, the waiter spilled the drink down Franz¡¯s back. Then a flower pot with fresh manure dropped on his head. Once a crazy fan in the mask poured someone¡¯s (if not her own) urine all over him and disappeared. Franz looked so lost and crushed at that moment that Marina couldn¡¯t look him in the eye. In a word, it was a nightmare.


    A week had passed like this. It was a day off.


    In the morning, Franz left the dorm and sneaked to the school building, nervously looking around, trying to avoid the Grands in white uniforms. The bastards would start bugging him until his already humiliated dignity waspletely ruined. They weren¡¯t after him only out of envy (after all, he was Marina¡¯s husband). He refused to be stigmatized as ¡°worthless nobody,¡± that the Grands skillfully pinned on their victims.


    Franz had no more strength to endure the humiliation. So, against Kyon¡¯s order, he went to the principal to seek protection, and to avoid being followed, he left his nephrite-bug in the room.

 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289


    Thest week was a real nightmare for Franz: girls kept molesting him, boys kept bullying him, and thest straw was when the princess told him to stay clear of her new dear friend. Now he couldn¡¯t even talk to Marina. She was busy all the time either with her lessons or the damned princess. More than anything, Franz was afraid to break loose, turn into the dragon and kill all the fucking foes.


    The God of Dragons unique dragon that Kyon had given him was terrifying. It opened up only a fraction of a percent but was capable of incredible things. As a price for its tremendous power, his mind was consumed with an urge to kill all living beings, but it wouldn¡¯t be easy to return to human form. It would take sacrifice, something that Franz couldn¡¯t afford, not in Cernos, the most famous ce in the whole kingdom.


    But all this worried Franz less than his rtionship with Marina. He noticed that she started to treat him coldly. She didn¡¯t smile at his stories, ask questions, pick up the conversation. She just nodded absent-mindedly. And small wonder. What girl would like to be with a guy who couldn¡¯t stand up for himself?


    His helplessness was killing him. He thought he was too weak and unworthy of Marina. By the end of the week, it got so bad that he stopped asking her out¡­


    Franz knew he had to get the situation under control before things got hairy. He went to the principal to get himself a protector. Theoretically, he could turn to one of his fans who had influential parents, but she might order him to forget about Marina, and he would never do that. It was pointless to ask Kyon for help. How would his ¡°master¡± help him? Give him one of his guards? It was ridiculous.


    The main school building was usually empty at the weekend. Franz didn¡¯t meet anyone on the way to the fifth floor. As he walked along the corridor to the principal¡¯s office, he couldn¡¯t help wondering why Nn had invited him? How should he ask the principal for protection? What was the best way to apologize for being a weekte?


    At that moment, Julia, the red-haired, freckled beauty, the fourth strongest and the second most popr Cernos student, came out of the principal¡¯s office. She had lots of admirers as well as haters. Julia was the target of envy for her outstanding aplishments. She was smart, charismatic, had a great sense of humor. Her gorgeous body with sensual curves and smooth skin could drive anyone crazy. She always seemed confident, gracious and poised. Now Julia looked somewhat annoyed. Apparently, the conversation with her father (the principal) didn¡¯t go well.


    She suspiciously raised her eyebrow at the blonde guy and put out her hand: ?Where are you going, handsome??


    Immersed in his thoughts, Franz didn¡¯t notice Julia¡¯s hand until he bumped into her. He looked up, thought that he was dealing with another annoying fan and eximed painfully, not particrly choosing his words: ?How do you always find me, fucking sluts??


    ?How are you talking to me, brat?? ?? Julia hissed coldly, pushing the rude guy away from her.


    ?Huh¡­ Aren¡¯t you one of those?? ¨C Franz asked, staring at the insulted girl. He had no idea who Julia was. School celebrities didn¡¯t interest him in the least.


    ?One of those? You think you can talk to me like this if the principal fancies you?? ¨C Julia narrowed her eyes.


    ?What do you mean fancies me?? ¨C Franz waved her off, unwilling to waste his time on idle chatter: ?Listen, little one. I have enough problems in this fucking school without you. Leave me alone for god¡¯s sake. Let me pass.?


    Nobody had ever been so rude to Julia. Her father¡¯s and grandfather¡¯s prestige made everyone in school, including the teachers, dance to her tune, and this pretty wuss dared to call her a little one. He had no respect for her! Julia opened her mouth in anger: ?You cheeky bastard! Did you call me a little one??


    ?Huh?? ¨C Before Franz knew it, the furious freckled beauty gave him a hard p in the face. By some miracle, he managed to turn his head away at thest moment, but her long nails left three deep grooves on his cheek. Blood trickled down Franz¡¯s face.


    ?Are you fucking crazy, little wretch?? ¨C Franz cursed, clutching at his cheek.


    His insult sent Julia into a frenzy. She would teach the arrogant fool some humility: ?You had iting, little punk! Being a senior and responsible student, I will teach you some good manners!? ¨C She growled, slowly approaching him.


    Being about 19 years old, Julia thought that Franz was much younger than her.


    When the principal felt the elemental vibrations behind the door, he came out to find out their source. As his daughter was going to attack the student he knew so well, he rushed forward and grabbed her hand: ?Julia! Go to your room, now!? ¨C The tone of his voice brooked no argument.


    ?But father! This idiot has insulted me! I must punish him!? ¨C Juliained, giving him her most charming smile. If she were talking about one of her fans, he wouldn??t believe his luck or would die of happiness.


    ?I¡¯ll take care of it. Go to your room.? ¨C Nn repeated.


    Julia was deeply disappointed at the turn of events but didn¡¯t dare to say anything. Her strict grandfather, a famous general, had taught her to respect her elders.


    She red daggers at Franz as if saying, ¡°We¡¯re not done yet!¡± and left the school building with a striding gait.


    Franz only now realized who he was dealing with. He already regretted his attitude because now he could forget about her father¡¯s help.


    ?You¡¯re Franz, aren¡¯t you?? ¨C Nn smiled at him. He was a man with long, soft hair, a delicate face with feminine features and expressive eyes.


    ?Principal Nn, you know my name? It¡¯s an honor¡­?


    ?Don¡¯t. Come on in. We need to talk.? ¨C The principal interrupted him, inviting him to enter his office.


    About five minutester, Franz darted out. His face was deathly pale, drenched in cold sweat, his eyes widened in horror: {Shit, shit, shit. FUCKING SHIT! Where am I? Aaaah!}


    ?Think carefully about my offer! We don¡¯t have to do it the hard way!? ¨C Principal Nn shouted behind the door. His smug, predatory grin turned into melodiousughter.


    Franz quickly left the school building and ran into the nearest secluded ce, a men¡¯s restroom in the shopping area. He was gasping for breath like a scared rabbit who had barely escaped the wolf¡¯s clutches. His hands trembled with intense emotions.


    {I should have listened to Kyon! Why didn¡¯t I do as he said? Why? What shall I do now?} ¨C Franz wailed, desperately trying to take the heavy-duty metal bracelet off his wrist.


    The conversation with Nn was promising at first: he epted Franz¡¯s apology foring toote and his rude attitude to his daughter. The principal was friendly and gentle. He even offered some tea and cookies.


    Nn¡¯s warm cordial wee gave Franz a false hope, and he told the principal all about his problems with the Grands in white uniforms and asked him for help, adding that the Smirnovs would make it up to him.


    At that moment, the principal¡¯s eyes shed with an evil light. He showed sympathy andpassion when he gently stroked Franz on the shoulder and promised his personal protection and many privileges on one little condition¡­ If Franz agreed to be his sex toy.


    Franz felt like his whole body was immersed in a tub of ice. He threw Nn¡¯s hand off his shoulder and tried to leave the office as soon as he could, but the principal stopped him.


    Franz screamed, trying to break free. He threatened the principal that his family would never let him get away with this, but Nn only smiled. He said that his cousin, a pure-blood descendant of the Smirnov family, had revealed that Marina and Franz had bought their family name to apply to Cernos. They didn¡¯t have any family privileges. The couple was a fake, probably from a third-rate family or even some rootless mongrels.


    Franz was desperate. All he could do was swear up a storm.


    Nn tried to convince him to ept his offer, but Franz categorically refused to take any part in it, so the principal had to go the hard way. He put a tracking bracelet on Franz¡¯s wrist that even a lord phaser couldn¡¯t take off and gave him a week to think about it. Nn would take him by force anyway, and if his victim tried to run away from Cernos, then ¡°Smirnov¡¯s¡± life would turn into a nightmare.


    Franz leaned over the toilet and emptied the contents of his stomach. He looked like hell. His attempt to get help got him into even more trouble. He wished he had never gone to the principal just like Kyon told him, but he couldn¡¯t turn back the time.


    {Is there a way to get out of this shit?} ¨C Franz wondered. As a professional formacist, he knew about the objects of the restraining type. They were usually put around the neck, ankle, or wrist. They were extremely difficult to break due to the formation ced in the special durable slot. The most effective way to remove a restraining object was to deactivate the formation. However, only the owner, Nn in his case, could do it.


    In other words, there was no way Franz could escape from Cernos unnoticed. He thought long and hard about it. Finally, he came up with the only decision to turn to the goddess¡¯s messenger for help.


    As soon as Franz took out the sound transmitter, he heard a crash behind him, and when he turned around, he saw Julia, who had just broken down the toilet door with a kick.


    ?What the¡­? ¨C Before Franz realized what was happening, he was pinned by the red-haired beast face to the floor.


    The girl grinned unkindly, sitting on his back, with her arms crossed over her chest: ?You thought I forgot about you, little boy? If you y with fire, you get burned!?


    Franz tried to free himself, but it was useless. She held him tight. He never thought he would stoop so low. A girl was bullying him on the dirty toilet floor. He couldn¡¯t imagine a greater humiliation.


    He muttered between his clenched teeth: ?What do you¡­ want??


    ?Your apology for a start!? ¨C Julia demanded and twisted his arms harder.


    ?Ow¡­ My bad! I am sorry!? ¨C Franz hissed in pain.


    ?Were you raised by dogs? Apologize properly! Show some respect!? ¨C Julia said in themanding tone, making herselffortable on his back.


    She had never used such a rough way to teach someone manners, but she was sure that any other ¡°hurtdy¡± would have broken all his bones for disrespect. He should be grateful that her innate nobility made her control her aggressive impulses.


    ?Please, forgive me. I thought you were a fan. It was rude and disrespectful of me!?


    ?Hmpf! A fan?? ¨C Julia snorted dismissively. ¨C ?Don¡¯tpare me to those ugly cows! You are so full of yourself to imagine I would be interested in you!?


    ?I am just a pathetic blind dog. Forgive me, please! I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re the principal¡¯s daughter!? ¨C Franz wailed intively.


    ?And you¡¯re like putty in my hands! You are all the same¡­? ¨C Julia grumbled.


    ?Look, I¡¯ve already apologized. Can you take your¡­ Could you get up, please? I¡¯m not used to talking when I lie t on my stomach¡­ I usually do other things in this position.?


    Julia got up and took three steps back. She had a feeling that his apology wasn¡¯t sincere, but she didn¡¯t want to make too much out of it. It was time to get to the point.


    Franz stood up with a groan and dusted himself off.


    Julia looked at him closely: ?Did you agree to be my father¡¯s bed-warmer??


    ?What? How do you know??


    ?I¡¯m asking the questions here!? ¨C She snapped angrily.


    ?Okay, okay! No, I refused. There¡¯s no way I would be someone¡¯s bed-warmer! Besides, I am a married man¡­?


    ?Great.? ¨C Julia nodded indifferently. ¨C ?Listen to me carefully. My father is very persistent, but I won¡¯t touch you if you are strong enough to refuse his further requests. I might even reward youter. However, if you surrender and bring him your ass, I will be your school nightmare. I will turn your life into hell! You will meet every school nurse personally! I will not leave you alone until you disappear from school.? ¨C Julia threatened him in a t, impassive voice, but meant every word she said.


    Julia had always wanted to have a brother, but her father refused his husband¡¯s duty referring to feeling unwell or too tired. Like hell he was unwell! She had long found out where he spent all his energy. Nn took a new sex toy every year! This time, she would take radical measures.


    Franz found himself at a loss for words.


    ?You¡¯ve been warned. Now think for yourself. Chao.? ¨C The red-haired girl was pleased at his reaction. She left the men¡¯s restroom with a proudly raised head. However, when she noticed a couple of stunned men and realized that she shouldn¡¯t have been there, Julia blushed and quickly ran away.

 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290


    Nervously biting her lip, Kara arrived at the top floor of the pce. She had been restless ever since the queen had summoned her for an important conversation. Was da going to punish her again? What for this time?


    ?Greetings, darling. How was your trip? How¡¯s school?? ¨C da gave her daughter a warm-hearted wee in the main hall.


    ?I¡¯m fine, mom.? ¨C Kara¡¯s voice sounded a bit too tense.


    ?Pleased to hear that.? ¨C The gorgeous queen smiled. ¨C ?Take a seat.?


    Kara sat down in the wingback chair under her mother¡¯s close stare. da looked at her as if expecting a full confession in all her crimes. Kara¡¯s heart was pounding. She lowered her eyes, pretending to look guilty. It was incredibly annoying!


    ?Why did you call me?? ¨C Kara asked with a note of familiar anger in her voice.


    ?I should have been honest with you, daughter. The day the goddess¡¯s son fled, he left me a letter. Here, read it.? ¨C da took out Kyon¡¯s letter.


    ?A letter? Howe I¡¯m just now learning about it?? ¨C Kara grabbed the piece of paper and read it carefully. Since that ill-fated day when she experienced the unnned frolics under the bed, the princess was concerned about everything that had to do with the goddess¡¯s son. She longed to find Kyon even more than to see Elsa once again! It was an incredible, unimaginable honor for a male human being!


    As she finished reading the letter, Kara said impassively: ?Mother, don¡¯t tell me that you have already decided for me.? ¨C Herposed attitude was like the calm before the storm.


    ?Darling, I didn¡¯t know what to do. Your father and I had a talk yesterday, and we made the final decision.? ¨C da noticed resentment in her daughter¡¯s eyes and tried to justify herself: ?You have to understand. The boy gave us an ultimatum. It was either ignoring Kyon¡¯s offer or taking it. In the first case, he woulde back for you sooner orter. His limitless potential and obsession with you raise serious concerns. In the second case, we will get the goddess¡¯s heritage and a mightybat unit under our control. With chaos and bloodshed approaching, our empire needs more power. It¡¯s a chance not to be missed!?


    Earlier, da had been talking with her husband on a special ultra-protected sound transmitter.


    ?I do not care! Why didn¡¯t you talk to me first? You could at least pretend that your child¡¯s opinion is worth something! How can you be so callously wicked? I do not understand!? ¨C The princess was hysterical.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to shout at me, Kara Tristan! Your parents hold responsibility for the entire empire! In such matters, there is no ce for the opinion of an unreasonable girl!?


    ?An unreasonable girl?? ¨C Kara echoed, clenching her fists.


    ?Exactly. You have bought a fake demon arcanum and a phoenix figurine created by the earth element. You have wasted your money on alchemists, on the Sunflower of Ra and the Northern Lotus. And to crown it all, you have nearly revealed our secret to the imperial envoy, defying my order! And you promised me to obey if I showed you where Elsa was! You are too impulsive, dependent and inexperienced, so your father and I can¡¯t let you get involved in issues of an imperial scale! So don¡¯t you dare to hold it against me! Show that you¡¯re independent and reasonable or be the demon emperor¡¯s wife, then I will treat you like an adult.? ¨C The queen¡¯s imperious voice would bring anyone to their knees.


    Kara was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Was it her fault that she was crazy about Juno and Elsa? Was it her fault that she liked the phoenix figurine, the symbol of her soul? Was it her fault that she cared about the empire so much that she bought a demon arcanum, albeit a fake one? Even if all of this was her fault, they had no right to decide on her precious innocence without asking her first! What if she hated this Kyon and was eager to kill him? It was unfair!


    At this moment, another thought seemed to sh through her mind: ?Wait¡­ Did you say the emperor¡¯s wife? But how can I be the demon emperor¡¯s wife if Kyon takes my innocence? Or¡­ Do you mean that a human will be a demon emperor??


    da raised her eyebrows and smiled knowingly: ?Silly girl! We aren¡¯t going to give your virginity to anyone. You shouldn¡¯t have been worried about this. You will drug Kyon after the wedding, and he will have sex with some maid of honor, thinking he slept with his wife. When the marriage is consummated, you will demand the goddess¡¯s heritage as his legal wife. That¡¯s it.?


    This news calmed Kara down. She was beaming now. The princess had already cursed her parents, but they weren¡¯t so bad after all! She shouldn¡¯t have worried, they weren¡¯t going to give her away to a weak (for the time being) human, whose balls she would dly tear off for that situation under the bed.


    Things worked out pretty well! She was going to meet Kyon and crush Dick with her news of marrying someone else. Kara felt absolutely delighted!


    However, something else was bothering her. She had to ask her mother: ?Weren¡¯t you going to make Kyon your sex-ve??


    ?What nonsense are you talking?? ¨C da frowned.


    ?Well¡­? ¨C The princess tensed up. ¨C ?Kyon let it slip that he¡­ With you¡­?


    ?I just messed around with him. The matter is closed.? ¨C The queen answered sternly and left. What was going through Kara¡¯s head? The devil only knows.


    Kara couldn¡¯t understand why she was happy. Kyon didn¡¯t belong to her mother and waspletely at her disposal! She could decide for herself what to do with him and how to use him! The mind-blowing experience under the bed suggested some ideas¡­


    ¡­


    Franz was pulling on his hair: {Are you fucking kidding me?}


    Coming to his senses, he decided to call his master: ?Kyon, we need to talk.?


    ?I told you to call me Lovr, especially on the sound transmitter.?


    ?Sorry¡­ I am in real big trouble. I need your help. Only you can help me out. Please, listen to me!?


    Franz sounded so desperate that Kyon understood something was wrong.


    ?Tell me.? ¨C Kyon ordered.


    Franz told him about the situation with the principal and his daughter, without holding anything back. He made Kyon understand that if nothing changed, he would turn into a dragon and fucking kill them all.


    Kyon groaned: ?Idiot! I told you¡­?


    ?I know! I¡¯m a fool. I¡¯m a stupid idiot! I am sorry for not listening to you! Please help me, or I will turn into a monster, and then we are all in trouble!? ¨C Franz begged. He suddenly felt pity for himself. Being 130 years old, he had to ask for help from a greenhorn¡­ He seemed to have lost all his pride and self-respect.


    ?I¡¯ll help you out, buddy.? ¨C Kyon reassured him. ¨C ?I will be granted the title of prince next week. Then you and I will quickly make official friends, and I will solve all your problems with the principal and the Grands. Can you make it a week??


    ?Are you serious? You will be a prince and help me?? ¨C Franz looked at him, stunned.


    After their conversation, Franz wanted to kiss his ¡°master¡± on both cheeks for giving him hope. He couldn¡¯t wait to walk with Marina again, see her smile and hear her melodiousughter.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t let Franz turn into a dragon. It would ruin all his ns for the former formacist. Actually, he¡¯d been meaning to help him since the entrance exam. He could have made friends with Franz under the guise of Dick Baker and give him one of his bodyguards, but there were some ¡°buts.¡± First, he couldn¡¯t spare a bodyguard in the midst of enemies, including the princess. Second, they would bully Franz even more if he were the hated freak¡¯s friend. So, it wasn¡¯t an option after all.


    Why did Lovr take such a risk? It¡¯s simple: he didn¡¯t. When he experimented with the Dragon God body, Kyon found out that it was so easy to turn into a dragon. Wishing it to happen or getting angry wasn¡¯t enough. It all came down to a burning, sincere desire to protect someone. The dragon was a symbol of chaos. His weak point is the heart. He could transform into the reptile only protecting his dear ones, Marina in this case. Therefore, Kyon had solved this problem when he gave Marina to the princess. Otherwise, Franz would be a ¡°walking bomb.¡±


    As for his uing wedding, Kyon had been eavesdropping da¡¯s conversation with Kara through wiretaps scattered all over the pce. Their naive n to drug the unfortunate lover sounded funny. He should make the most of it!


    Also, listening to da¡¯s conversation with her husband, Kyon once again confirmed the idea that Kara and da were very important persons in the demon empire.


    Kyon had big ns for the demon family. Toplete dimir¡¯s assignment and receive a letter of rmendation, he only needed proof that they belonged to the insidious race. He didn¡¯t have to capture them, which, by the way, would not have happened without victims. Kyon did not want to kill them, not even Kara. It wasn¡¯t because he passionately loved the arrogant bitch. She would be the key to his future achievements in the demon empire!


    ¡­


    Just recently, one of Kyon¡¯s subordinates had found in the Boston Library an extremely mysterious book on the crossing of different species, written on the research of an entric scientist.


    To sum it up, crossbreeding was universally epted in this world: a demon could have offspring with a supreme beast, and human women could get pregnant even from a dog. If the difference in the souls wasn¡¯t too big, fertilization was possible. It was basically soul crossing, not genes.


    However, children inherited the race of only one of the parents. They weren¡¯t something in between. In other words, the children of a human and a demon would be either humans or demons, not half-breeds.


    Inheriting a particr race depended on many factors. For example, if a child was conceived from a consensual sexual act of parents whose cultivation is more or less equal, the odds would be about 50 to 50. The difference in cultivation would determine the odds. In the case of non-consensual conception, as it often happened among subi, 9 out of 10 children would inherit the rapist race. Half of the genes would still belong to the raped person, but they would be dormant, which wouldn¡¯t prevent their owner from adapting to their environment. Their soul would submit to the dominant half, giving up the right to choose the race, but not other characteristics like facial features, etc. It was determined by the urge to survive through a future generation or natural selection.


    Raping (suppressing a will) the individuals of the same race made no sense as there were no dominant genes to repress or manifest to increase biological fitness.


    After analyzing the information, Kyon felt a bit disheartened. He couldn¡¯t change his current DNA to the original even if his Synergy reached the third degree. Lovr and the Kyon werepletely different. They were like aliens to each other! The same picture could be painted with watercolors or with oil paints. If Lovr made Kara a child, the offspring would belong to an unknown beggar named Kyon, who had got under the princess¡¯s carriage and should have long ago rotted in the mine. The best females in the world would produce progeny from some insignificant and rootless weakling with ipetent genes.


    {Great¡­ Kyon, you owe me big time. Can you hear me, the former owner of my body? Take your love and shove it.} ¨C Lovr thought glumly. But was he really a Lovr? Someone else¡¯s body would make children to his future wives, and he would be just a manager with unlimited powers. The once world-famous Synergy owner thought deeply about things that only he could understand¡­

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    The informers had spread the news overnight: Princess Kara was getting married in a week! The announcement evoked an immediate public reaction that spread like wildfire on a hot summer day. The shocked people shared unbelievable news with their friends and family. The first princess of the Iron Throne (5), the most gifted and beautiful girl in the kingdom, was going to get married!


    The kingdom residents wondered why the lucky groom¡¯s name was kept secret. He must be really amazing if he was worthy of Her Highness, a lord from a high-ranking kingdom, handsome and powerful, a genius among geniuses!


    The mustachioed princess¡¯s servant came to the center of the dorm arena and called everyone¡¯s attention.


    The students, who had just finished their lunch, looked out, puzzled.


    ?It¡¯s the servant of Her Highness! He has something to announce! Let¡¯s listen to him!?


    When curious faces, including Dick Baker¡¯s, peeked from almost every window, the servant cleared his throat and dered solemnly: ??Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that Her Highness Princess Kara Grand¡¯s wedding takes ce in exactly one week! The invitees will receive a notification by mail.?


    ?IT CAN¡¯T BE TRUE!? ¨C Hundreds of students shouted in unison. Everyone could feel the heating from the dorm. It was about to hit the fan.


    Artie¡¯s face turned an unhealthy purple color: ?WHO IS HE?!?


    His henchmen roared like beasts wounded to the heart.


    ?I DON¡¯T BELIEVE IT. There¡¯s no man in the whole universe worthy of Her Highness! ¨C Artie wailed, sobbing and sniffing bitterly. ¨C ?Tell me who he is, please! I BEG YOU! I want to know who the groom is. Who is marrying the goddess for whom I created a fan club??


    Many students nced at Dick Baker peeking out his window. The frozen expression on his face and the emptiness in his eyes delighted all his enemies and ill-wishers.


    The beautiful princess appeared at the opposite side of the dorm. A malevolent evil smile yed upon her lips. Kara stared at Dick, reveling in his reaction. It felt so nice to see the person she wanted to drive to suicide suffer.


    ?My goddess!? ¨C Dick said intively, wringing his hands. ¨C ?Is it a joke? Tell me, please!?


    There was a deathly silence. All the students were waiting for her answer.


    ?No, it isn¡¯t.? ¨C Kara said in a gentle voice. ¨C ?I am really getting married.?


    Her words broke the fan club members¡¯ hearts. Several students groaned desperately. The girls gasped. They all wanted to know only one thing: who was this lucky man? And how handsome was he?


    Dick stammered: ?Goddess, is your future husband¡­ Is he¡­ ME??


    ?Ha-ha-ha¡­? ¨C The princessughed like a silver bell. ¨C ?Silly naive creature. I told you that I¡¯d rather sleep with a dog than with you. The one who deserves to be my lifepanion and share my bed¡­? ¨C She dreamily gazed up at the sky. ¨C ?¡­He is a thousand million times better than you in all respects. He is immeasurably prettier and smarter, and his talent and potential surpass even mine. Inparison with him, you are an empty ce or a hole in the rock bottom. You know if unrequited love hurts too much, it might be a good idea to hang yourself. All Cernos students and I will understand and support you. Come on, you can do it!? ¨C She suggested cheerfully.


    Kata showed Dick Baker her true demonic colors long ago. She had never hesitated to humiliate him in public. Everyone despised and hated this mean, nasty freak anyway. Nothing unusual happened.


    ?Goddess, you¡¯re testing me again, aren¡¯t you? I know that you don¡¯t say the groom¡¯s name because it¡¯s me! It¡¯s your final test before the wedding! How smart of you! Ha ha! Anyway, my love can stand any test!? ¨C Dick nodded knowingly.


    Kara¡¯s smile disappeared at once. She cursed under her breath and shut close the window, drawing the curtains behind her: {World¡¯s dumbest idiot!} ¨C The thick-skinned bastard wasn¡¯t going tomit suicide right now. Maybe it would happen when she exchanged rings with Kyon, ideally right in front of them. Unyielding dumbass! He should get a wedding invitation by all means.


    ?Degenerate scumbag!? ¨C Artie yelled. ¨C ?An inbred freak like you has no chance of marrying the princess! Everyone tells you this a hundred times a day, but you¡¯re too dumb to understand! The earth will sooner change ces with the sky, I will sooner eat pig slop than you will be her fianc¨¦! The princess¡¯s future husband is the most talented, charming and intelligent man in the world. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have won her heart. As for garbage like you, you¡¯d better hang yourself right now!? ¨C Artie put into his tirade all the resentment and grief he felt at thetest news.


    Artie created Kara¡¯s fan club more than a year ago, trying to get her attention, but the unknown lucky guy would get the hand and heart of the best girl in the world without making any effort whatsoever (or so it seemed)! The mere thought that someone would spend the wedding night with thedy of his heart turned him inside out. Tears rolled down his cheeks, and his soul wanted to fly away to the afterlife as soon as possible.


    The other members of the fan club felt the same. If Kara¡¯s future husband didn¡¯t turn out to be at least a demigod, their intense jealousy would cause palpitations,ck of sleep and appetite.


    And only Kyon almost diedughing.


    A sudden thought struck Kyon. What would his dear Dinah think when she found out that Kara had be his first official wife? In this world, where polygamy was a norm, the first wife was considered to be more important than the rest. Would it make her jealous? He wanted to believe it would¡­ What would Juno think? And Valeera? And Anna?


    The next hour, Lovr was deep in bittersweet memories, thoroughly analyzing his difficult rtionships with girls. When he finally came to his senses, he let it go and went to training. Even the best minds of the humankind hadn¡¯t found the answers to his questions up to this day.


    The next day, Kyon received the long-awaited package from XiaoBai, as well as the first part of the debt. He received an eight-figure sum on his ount at the trade guild. The ruthless fat guy had made a deal with up to 100x! Stingy asshole! They would have to pay off the debt with their blood or even life. Anyway, they had iting.


    Lovr immediately ordered tons of medicine of standard quality to fill the nucleus with elements. When his unique body hadpleted the first stage of cultivation, it became more particr about the quality of the absorbed medicine. It identified the river weed left from thest time as ¡°second-rate¡± and filled the nucleus with a huge penalty. His capricious body could no longer be satisfied with the quantity, it required quality! It would be so great to order a hundred tons of cheap river weed to fill the nucleus. And then one hundred thousand tons to reach the third stage. And then ten million tons¡­ Too bad it wasn¡¯t meant to be.


    Kyon was even more disappointed with the soul penalty. He used to fill the nucleus with ten base-phasers that were equal to one advanced-phaser. Now it wasn¡¯t enough anymore, which was rather discouraging. It meant that Kyon had to exert himself to get the souls of powerful victims!


    It was the same with emotions, but Kyon hadn¡¯t figured out their requirements yet.


    Something happened the following day. Numerous parents started toin to the administration of Cernos, demanding that Dick Baker be expelled for misconduct and rules vition. However, principal Nn, following orders from above (dimir¡¯s), replied that it would take about two weeks to expel him¡­ Kyon¡¯s n was simple: the disgruntled parents and their kids would shut up as soon as he became the crown prince.


    Apart from the indignant parents, the final week before the wedding was no different from the previous one: Dick Baker kept courting the princess with unshakable confidence, causing much resentment and ridicule. Franz kept being bullied, and Marina molested.


    Kyon had a bad feeling about Kara¡¯s ns for Marina. Initially, he didn¡¯t think something terrible would happen in these two weeks, but he had underestimated the cunning, perverted demoness.


    Marina¡¯s study in Cernos turned into debauchery lessons with Kara. Every day, she surprised herself even more, doing more and more outrageous things. Would the princess ever have enough? Did making love in thedies¡¯ room calm her down? No way! The very next day, the libertine dragged her friend into an empty ssroom, and the following day they did it in the corridor during the break. Marina thought she would burn with shame. Fortunately, there was no one to see them.


    The fun and frolics, if such they could be called, had no end. Kara was unspeakably thrilled ravishing Marina every single day. Her vicious soul almost danced with excitement. Why had the demoness chosen Marina as her victim? Maybe because she looked somewhat like Elsa, against whom the princess held a grudge for the incident in the stable. Or maybe because she camete to ept the princess¡¯s invitation¡­ Kara didn¡¯t have to justify herself, she wanted to y and that¡¯s it. What was so terrible about revealing Marina¡¯s true colors? Removing the shackles of her marriage?


    When Kara asked her friend to wear to school the translucent lingerie she had given her the other day before, Marina was so embarrassed she wanted to sink into the ground. It was the most thrilling experience for her in recent years until the day when Kara made her have no underwear at all! Marina tried to protest but it was no use. She had to go to school without underwear. Her heart was jumping out of her chest with shame, her ears red and burning.


    Marina was terrified by the thought that her naked butt could be seen from behind as she was walking up the stairs, and her nightmare came true when the princess sent a light breeze to raise the skirt of Marina¡¯s school uniform. Several shocked students nearly tumbled down with their jaws dropped in amazement. Marina would have died of misery if Franz was among them.


    The next quarrel with Kara didn¡¯t change anything. They ended up making love in the empty ssroom. Marina learned that anger or fury could spur sex drive, making the process vibrant and much more pleasant. It was a shocking revtion for her. Marina couldn¡¯t hold a grudge against the princess afterwards even if she really wanted to! She took it into ount.


    That evening, Kara introduced her to Cait Brown, and the friends had a nice chat in the cafe of the shopping district. Marina liked the sweet, beautiful girl at once.


    In the evening (of the fifth day in total), Marina was in for a big surprise. She was already overexcited by Kara¡¯s torrid caresses when suddenly Cait Brown came to visit. Why did Marina agree to make love with a girl she hardly knew? She could never exin. Her mind was cloudy, and she couldn¡¯t think straight. She was lost in a tumble of new amazing sensations. Shame, rejection, and fear gave way to the long-awaited pleasure.


    Marina was engaged in lewd,scivious activity with the girl she met only once while the princess couldn¡¯t take her cherry-red eyes off them, ying with herself under her panties. It was a most unusual and enticing scene. Kara seemed to have opened the veil for her friend into the world of unknown pleasures, where each day brought even more mind-blowing catharsis, emotional release, i.e., orgasm. Marina just had to get rid of the annoying feeling that she was doing something wrong and dirty. Or maybe she shouldn¡¯t?


    It was the evening of the sixth day.


    Marina dressed for the asion and arrived at her passionate friend¡¯sir to find herself in Kara¡¯s strong embrace, followed by gentle kisses and touching her intimate ces. The blonde beauty had already forgotten when she stopped considering such greetings to be dirty and depraved. Marina didn¡¯t only enjoy the process and the climax, she also revelled in the idea of being the object of Kara¡¯s desire. The princess herself had chosen her for her sexual games, the most beautiful girl, a genius among geniuses, everyone¡¯s idol of the whole kingdom. It dramatically increased Marina¡¯s self-esteem.


    In the middle of the process, Marina heard a strange sounding from behind her. She quickly turned around and saw a naked, aesthetically pleasing man in a ck mask sitting in an armchair and vigorously jerking off his erected penis.


    ?Just ignore him, honey.? ¨C Kara murmured, getting under Marina¡¯s skirt.


    ?What? No! No-o-o-o! I didn¡¯t sign up for this! I WILL NEVER DO IT!? ¨C Marina screamed. Red in the face, she pulled her white panties on and tried to run away, but Kara held her hand tight¡­


    ?Darling, this man is just a servant. He is my toy. You are going to experience somethingpletely different if he watches us! Give it a try, my dear. Don¡¯t be coy!? ¨C Kara insisted.


    ?NO! No way! Let go of me! Let me go now or we can¡¯t be friends anymore!? ¨C Marina protested fervently, pulled her hand away and fled from the room in tears.


    ?Shall I leave, ma¡¯am?? ¨C The servant asked calmly, keeping wanking.


    ?Are you still here? What do you have, a death wish?? ¨C The princess raised her delicate eyebrow.


    The servant disappeared at once. He had been following special instructions, nothing more.


    ?I must have overdone it¡­? ¨C Kara made a tsking sound. ¨C ?Well, it¡¯s alright. We have a year ahead. It¡¯s going to be fun!? ¨C She murmured dreamily, imagining her future full of sensual pleasures.


    Kara took her infatuation with her new friend very seriously. First of all, she shielded Marina from her, threatening him to stay away from her. She ruined their ¡°secret¡± meetings with the help of her puppets, ordering the Grands to beat and humiliate Franz, after which Marina¡¯s and Franz¡¯s rtionship expectedly cooled down. Everything went ording to Kara¡¯s insidious n.


    At the same time, Kara kept ravishing Marina until she started getting wet with a single touch. One small thing seemed to be missing, or so Kara thought. After introducing Marina to Cait, Kara was going to initiate sexual advances from male partners.


    Kara realized her mistake. She had to stretch the step with Cait for a couple of days, better a week, and only then involve the servant. Well, it was back to square one.


    Kara had absolutely no doubt that it would take her a week or two, a month at most, to persuade Marina to let a penis into her soft pussy. Being a demon, she knew on the subconscious level that sex under voluntarypulsion could seduce even an angel. It would have a strong effect like a powerful drug without which her beautiful friend wouldn¡¯t be able to live through a day.


    In Kara¡¯s opinion, Marina would start having vaginal sex without unnecessary persuasion after two weeks of regr hot sex. Then she would learn how to deep throat, and after another week or two, she would open up her appetizing taut butt and give her anal virginity to the superior servant.


    All these erotic immoral scenes made Kara¡¯s imagination run wild. The ruthless demoness even started drooling. However, her ultimate goal ¨C to turn Marina into the most depraved slut in school ¨C would take some time. It wouldn¡¯t be so easy to persuade Marina to do ¡°sex tasks,¡± giving her the order to record the process on the visual formation. She would start with some nice boy from the fifth floor and go downstairs until she took part in the gangbang with low-life scum in themon shower. If it went on like this, she wouldn¡¯t need Kara¡¯s help in a couple of weeks, and the young and horny Cernos students would live like it¡¯s heaven on earth. They would never find a beauty of Marina¡¯s level in any elite brothel. And then, maybe some lucky guy would even knock her up.


    Her husband¡¯s reaction would be the icing on the cake.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was boiling with rage after seeing through the princess¡¯s n. However, his impassive face wouldn¡¯t betray the violent, merciless me that was burning in his soul at that moment. He could kill Kara for her dirty ns for the pure, gentle girl. He had read lots of books about demons and couldn¡¯t understand until now why people had hated them since ancient times. Now he knew it. After tomorrow¡¯s wedding, the spawn of demons would never see Marina again. His sweet as honey and hot as magma revenge was close! Unless, of course, he didn¡¯t screw it up tomorrow. Kyon smiled bitterly, perfectly aware of his total absence of luck, which was the reason why his most urate schemes and well-thought ns often went awry.

 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    Today is the big day for the whole kingdom. Kara Grand, the first princess, is marrying the future king of the Iron Throne!


    More than a thousand noble guests had gathered in the ceremonial hall of the pce: the patriarchs and elders, the pure-blood descendants, noble families from other kingdoms, and even a couple of visitors from Dantes, the imperial capital.


    Director Nn arrived with his gorgeous red-haired wife and daughter. Marina and Franz were sitting next to each other. In the corner, patriarch Bai was saying something to his charming daughter Diana, who was holding his hand. One of the most honorable ces was taken by dimir, the head of the investigation department, dressed in a tailored ck suit with a bow tie. He was sitting alone, engrossed in his thoughts, a puzzled frown creased his forehead.


    Everyone wanted to know why the wedding had been announced only a week in advance, not six months, as was customary. Who was the groom? And why was all the information about him kept a closely guarded secret? The whole situation had created an atmosphere of exciting mystery, which made this event even more intriguing.


    The fan club members looked concerned. Ten young Grands resembled strict fathers who were going to meet their beloved daughter¡¯s boyfriend. Heaven forbid they find a single w in him! His manners, looks, talent, cultivation, everything should be god-level, no less!


    The wee song started ying. The guests rose from their seats all at once. The superior servants opened the main gate, and the queen walked the red carpet in the ceremonial hall. da could outshine even the moon goddess with her charm and sensuality. Her dignity inspired instinctive respect. The queen¡¯s eyes seemed to shine with a mysterious light.


    Anyway, all the eyes were on the princess, walking next to her mother. Kara resembled the images of the ancient sun goddess. Her sultry beauty captivated the hearts of all thedies and gentlemen in the hall. The first princess was wearing an incredible white and burgundy wedding dress. Smooth as silk, it emphasized the delightful curves of her slender body. The bride walked gracefully like a gentle, barely perceptible spring breeze. The confident gaze of her crimson eyes could enchant even the most picky man! Kara had no doubt in her irresistibility. Even the gods themselves would kneel before her. She had to charm and outwit the cheeky goddess¡¯s son, and her sess was inevitable!


    The fan club members moaned involuntarily as if they had been stabbed in the heart. Some of them burst into tears yet again. They could not believe that their goddess was going to be someone¡¯s wife, giving him her innocence and her heart! It was too cruel!


    Following Kyon¡¯s instructions, da led her daughter to the center of the hall, opened the envelope and read the letter to everyone present: ?Ladies and gentlemen, do you believe in fate? Do you believe that it¡¯s inevitable and has all of us in its absolute power? I don¡¯t. Being princess Kara??s groom, I prefer to create my destiny, and I suggest you do, too.?


    While da was reading the contents of the letter, the guests exchanged intrigued nces with each new phrase. It was not every day that they heard such confident statements. This person had an extraordinary mindset and no fear of taking responsibility. Therefore, he would make a good king!


    Kara¡¯s husband-to-be had already left an indelible impression on all the guests. The fan club members, who had been too tense up to this point, rxed a bit, trying to convince themselves that the groom of their beloved princess was really worthy of her.


    The queen went on reading: ?We knew from the moment we first met that we were meant to be together. We have a strong spiritual connection. I am an open person and expressed my feelings clearly and confidently as befits a real man, while my beloved bride treated me with enviable coldness, being true to her delightfully unapproachable nature. She didn¡¯t let me anywhere near herself. We¡¯re like ice and fire swirling in the endless wedding dance of true love.?


    Suddenly, all Cernos students invited to the wedding had a bad feeling.


    Kara felt the earth disappear beneath her feet as if someone invisible had grabbed and squeezed her throat. The confident, proud demoness looked confused now.


    ?Finally, the day hase when I, Dick Baker, will be her husband. Meet the great me!? ¨C da finished reading the letter and took on a silent and imprable expression, ring at the entrance door.


    The greeting hymn began. The servants opened the main gate, and inside, like a superstar, a fat guy in a sleazy ssic ck tuxedo rolled in with a sweeping step and headed towards his lover. His disgusting smile revealed crooked yellow teeth to all the guests.


    The wee song yed again, the servants opened the gates, and a sleazy fat guy strolled inside in a ssic ck tuxedo. He headed to the bride, shing a repulsive smile with crooked yellow teeth.


    If a bloodthirsty manticore had burst into the wedding hall, the guests would have stayed calmer. This monster was petrifying! Bai, Diana, dimir, and all the other guests, who had seen Kara¡¯s groom for the first time were outraged. It was to their eyes and minds. They had never seen anyone uglier than him. And his pathetic cultivation¡­ It was terrible! Was he really the first princess¡¯s groom? How was it even possible?


    The Cernos students refused to believe it was happening for real. The fan club members stared at Dick with ssy eyes as if he were a ghost.


    Only Prince Charles, who hade to the wedding out of idle curiosity, grinned like crazy, feeling delighted with this turn of events. He had to cover his face with his hands to smother the urge tough out loud.


    When the princess saw the familiar ugly face, her heart seemed to have forgotten to beat. Confusion in her wide-open eyes gave way to shock and even horror: {No-no-no! It can¡¯t be! NO! Why him? I don¡¯t want to believe it! I refuse!}


    She felt like a stupid child as her mother often called her. She had been iming in front of all students that Dick Baker was a pathetic nobody who had no chance to touch her, and now it turned out that she had lied! Even if it concerned only the sorry-ass Cernos students, the princess wanted to evaporate into oblivion! They would say that she had given in to the persistent freak and agreed to be his wife of her own will! All her inted pride, vanity and self-esteem had received a tremendous blow in the gut. Kara could barely catch her breath.


    The princess could not understand why she had not guessed that Dick, who had fallen in love at first sight, was in fact Kyon, over whom she had cast an enchanting curse. It was obvious all along!


    On second thought, it wasn¡¯t. They were too different! And it wasn¡¯t about how they looked. They were poles apart in personality! Dick¡¯s words and deeds were nothing like Kyon¡¯s! No girl in the world would associate the pathetic monster with the handsome genius!


    da unwillingly admired Kyon. She could hardly believe that it was the goddess¡¯s in the guise of this mutant. His theatrical makeup was wless! Not a single sect envoy would recognize him as Kyon! He had even procured a concealing item of the lord phase (5)! Now it was clear why he had demanded not to invite anyone whose cultivation was above the fifth phase.


    Meanwhile, Dick approached the princess and secretly winked at her. The expression on her face was priceless. Finally, he could enjoy the sweet taste of the destroyed expectations of the hated and at the same time adorable bitch.


    The noble guests whispered to each other, ignoring decorum: ?Who is this ugly guy?? ¡­ ?Why is marrying Princess Kara?? ¡­ ?Is it a joke??


    The fan club members twitched in a fit of anger. They all wanted to shout: ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± But they didn¡¯t dare ¨C too afraid to draw attention to themselves.


    Somewhere in the far corner, Alex Grand stared absently at the bridal couple and wondered how the miserable, insignificant freak could get all the best? How did he get to live in room number and marry the first beauty in the kingdom?


    Pale as death, the head of the fan club was on the verge of insanity. When he couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, he spoke in a trembling, breaking voice: ?Your Highness, I beg to satisfy the curiosity of all present. What is it all about??


    All the guests turned their heads to Alex Grand. Deep inside, they were grateful to the brave boy who dared to ask the nagging question that had been on their mind since the groom appeared in the hall. However, his father, the respected elder of the Grand family, looked tense and uneasy.


    da gave the daredevil a haughty look: ?What exactly are you asking, young man??


    Artie swallowed hard and summoned up the courage to continue: ?Why is Dick Baker here? He is the most disgustful student in Cernos! Her Highness feels nothing but disdain and hatred for him. Is it a kind of joke??


    The rest of the students nodded like dummies in support of Arthie¡¯s words.


    The queen narrowed her eyes. When she spoke, her voice was ice cold and deadly: ?Do you think that the future king of the Iron Throne is the most disgustful Cernos student? Is my beloved daughter¡¯s wedding a joke for you??


    da¡¯s voice and overwhelming aura inspired horror. The guests stood there drenched in a cold sweat, feeling weak and miserable in front of this powerful, fragile-looking woman. She could kill everyone present with a wave of her hand!


    Shaking all over, Arthie, babbled, barely moving his lips: ?I didn¡¯t mean it that way! Your daughter¡¯s face¡­ And the guests¡­? ¨C His face turned ashen white.


    Arcadius grabbed his son by the hair and pressed his head to the floor, forcing him to bend before the queen. Then he turned a pleading look to her: ?Great Queen da! My spoiled, ill-mannered child didn¡¯t mean to insult you! I beg you to be merciful. Spare him! I will punish him myself so hard that he will forget his name! Your majesty, please take pity on my son!?


    da fixed her eyes on the two fools and nodded solemnly: ?So be it, Elder Arcadius. Today is my dear daughter¡¯s wedding, and I do not want to ruin it because someone is extremely stupid. I forgive you.?


    ?Much obliged, your majesty!? ¨C Arcadius breathed a sigh of relief.


    Artie kept lying with his forehead on the floor. For some reason, he was not so happy that he had escaped the execution. The Queen made him understand that the wedding was real. The low-life scum was going to marry thedy of his heart for whom he had created a fan club, who he had been trying to please every day. The mere thought of their imminent wedding night made him want to die, preferably taking Dick Baker with him!


    The fan club leader and his henchmen were mostly concerned with the following questions. Why did the precious princess agree to marry Dick Baker if she imed that he was a pathetic nobody? Was it true what they said: the most impregnable walls protecting a girl¡¯s heart from a loving conqueror would sooner orter fall? Was unlimited arrogance and perseverance a secret way to any goddess¡¯s heart, no matter how pathetic and wretched the candidate was? Well, it kind of fell into ce! The princess didn¡¯t kick Dick out of school. She didn¡¯t get him punished for the fake result or executed for the insults. It must have been a grit test, even if at the subconscious level! When Dick proved that he was strong enough, she fell in love with him! It seemed pretty convincing if not for one thing: Kara didn¡¯t look like a girl in love, not a little bit!


    The incident with Queen da and Artie Grand was a good lesson for those who were outraged with Dick Baker for his cheating. He enjoyed Her Majesty¡¯s patronage. He was the future crown prince! From now on, no one would dare to oppose him no matter what.


    Meanwhile, elder Grand approached the young couple and proceeded to the wedding ceremony. While he was reciting the standard speech, the bridal couple exchanged eloquent nces.


    The princess looked at the groom with an expression: ¡°How is it even possible?¡±


    Kyon smirked like a cat that had cornered a mouse, enjoying the reaction of the beautiful girl, the dream of any man all over the world. His heart was about to burst in his chest because of his already habitual chronic love for Kara.


    After the bride and the groom had made their vows, the elder asked them to exchange the rings. He nced sympathetically over Kara, then jealously over the groom and announced:


    ?Seal your union with a kiss!?

 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293


    Kara rolled her eyes in exasperation at this formality in the human race. She might have kissed Kyon without much resistance but revolting ugly Dick? No way! The princess gave the groom a scorching, hostile look as if saying: ¡°Don¡¯t you dare or you will regret itter!¡±


    The groom grinned. Nothing was holding him back anymore. He passionately kissed Kara¡¯s cherry-red lips to the envy of all the men in the hall. He savored his power over the charming girl, and to get even more pleasure, he put his arms over the bride¡¯s thin waist, slightly pressing her ample boobs against himself.


    Kara stared at the boy kissing her like he was a slimy, nasty slug. All the things she said to him went over and over in her head: ¡°You can¡¯t even touch me!¡± and ¡°You can have me in your dreams!¡± And now the freak was kissing and hugging her! Kara¡¯s head was spinning with conflicting feelings and shame. Nevermind¡­ Her imminent revenge would be terrible. She would get back at him right on the wedding night for the two-week nightmare, for this sickening kiss, and pawing her hands in front of the noble guests! Kara would be happy to knock the wind out of him right now, but her mother¡¯s intense gaze and their agreement held her back.


    Her ten ardent admirers, led by Artie, gritted their teeth, grimacing with pain. They¡¯d rather suffer hour-long tortures than watch the despicable asshole kiss their beautiful goddess and get away with it. The panicky expression on her face ¨C as if she were kissing a slug ¨C begged them to save her. However, they wouldn¡¯t risk their lives. The chance to kill the freak was too small.


    ?I now pronounce you husband and wife!? ¨C said the elder with watery eyes, breaking the solemn silence.


    dimir, the head of the investigation department, seemed to have guessed who was hiding under the guise of the ugly freak. A wide smile yed on his lips when he stood up to be the first to apud, sparking a chain reaction.


    He could hear indignant whispers and insults through the loud round of apuse.


    Prince Charles could not restrain himself anymore. Pretending to suffer from a stabbing pain in his stomach, he ran out of the hall and burst outughing. Had he stayed in the hall, he wouldn¡¯t have helped it! The prince couldn¡¯t stand the heroes of the asion, but the whole situation and the hurt face of the hated demoness were a balm for his tormented soul.


    After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds signed the documents. Dick Baker received the first ranking formation of the Grand family that gave him the prince title and was handed a diamond token. The princess¡¯s formation on the wrist also underwent some changes. Then everyone headed for the reception hall.


    The great festivity had begun. It was abundant with precious gifts, eloquent toasts and congrattions, a mind-blowing array of sumptuous food from first-ss chefs, elite drinks, and music of the most talented musicians invited from all over the kingdom¡­


    ?No, no, NO! It¡¯s all bullshit!? ??? Artieined to his henchmen sitting with them at the same table. He was outraged but moderately loud. ¨C ?I refuse to believe that the son of a bitch will get everything! Just look at the princess¡¯s face! She would rather kiss me a hundred times than this freak! It must disgust her just to be sitting next to him!?


    ?You¡¯re right.? ¨C His Hand nodded in encouragement. ¨C ?Listen, what if it¡¯s a sham marriage? What if the notorious Bakers are so rich that even the queen is interested in marrying her daughter to Dick.?


    All the fan club members stared at the thickheaded big guy, their mouths parted in surprise. He was usually dumber than a bag of wet mice, but these days he was full of neat ideas!


    ?You¡¯re a genius!? ¨C Artie eximed with enthusiasm. ¨C ?It¡¯s so fucking obvious! I wonder why no one guessed that. Only the richest family could buy a hundred points at the entrance exam and even Princess Kara¡¯s hand! Ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Until recently, Artie was filled with despair, now he seemed to have been reborn!


    The young Grands were so relieved that they burst outughing. The delight of their hearts had be the freak¡¯s wife, but there was no love in their marriage! And there would be no wedding night!


    The party continued untilte in the evening.


    Those guests who had a good first impression of the groom grimaced with disappointment. Dick was terrible! His stomach was a bottomless pit, his manners were absent. He could be honored the title of a pig of the world for being so shameless!


    The newlywed husband kept boasting to the guests, especially to the fan club members, about the imminent wedding night. He was going to show his girl who was the boss here. He put the moves to the princess, dragging her to the dance floor, hugging and kissing her with his droolings lips, pawing her delicious ces with his thick fingers¡­


    From the outside, it looked like the fat, horny bastard was harassing the beautiful goddess who had no chance to fight back. Poor thing! It must be so awful for her! The princess had to shove a spoonful of sd in his mouth to avoid his kisses. Why didn¡¯t she resist him? Why didn¡¯t she threaten him with her aura? Why did she let him get handsy? Was it because of her mother¡¯s stern gaze? Apparently, it was. The guests tried to turn their sympathetic looks away, fearing to insult the bride, but it didn¡¯t work.


    Kara¡¯s fans burned with jealousy and envy. They would give anything to be in the ce of the fat monster and feel how taut the princess¡¯s butt was, twirling with her across the dance floor. Why did the miserable freak get the best things? Where was the justice?


    ?Screw him! I¡­ I can¡¯t stand it anymore. I¡¯ll kill him!? ¨C Artie hissed, reaching the boiling point.


    The henchmen hurried to stop their leader. The Hand said thoughtfully: ?Artie, please don¡¯t do anything stupid! His bodyguards will kill you on the spot! Your intentions are too obvious! Suppress your aura, sneak up to him and do it quietly¡­?


    The rest of the henchmen nodded unanimously in agreement.


    It was at this moment that Artie realized that he had no friends. He was surrounded by real bastards, ready to drive a stake in his heart for a ghost of a chance to win Kara¡¯s attention. If any of them were equal to him in cultivation, they would start a fierce battle to be the new leader. He was so wrong to believe that the fan club was his real family, if not by blood then by heart.


    ?I changed my mind.? ¨C Artie replied with icy disdain and defiantly turned away.


    ?But it was you who suggested a suicide attack!? ¨C The ¡°Hand¡± added. ¨C ?We will pray for you every month or even every week! The princess herself will honor your funeral with her presence, shedding tears of gratitude! Don¡¯t you want to save her from the clutches of this monster?? ¨C He said convincingly.


    The others nodded unanimously as they always did.


    ?One more word and I will beat the shit out of you.? ¨C Artie threatened between clenched teeth.


    Nobody had anything else to say.


    It was close to midnight, the traditional. As tradition had it, it was time for the wedding night.


    Kara and da exchanged nces and nodded conspiratorially to each other.


    The princess gave her new husband another ss of wine, grabbed him by the sleeve and pulled him out of the hall.


    ?He-he, my girl already wants me! Ha-ha-ha! I¡¯m so happy! Eat your heart out, guys!? ¨C Dick stuck out his chin, teasing Kara¡¯s enraged fans. Today¡¯s harvest of darkness had exceeded all his expectations! The flow of negative emotions was so great that his mind entered the ¡°dark state,¡± making him feel an almighty and cruel ruler of all things. He liked this feeling so much that he didn¡¯t want to leave it even if he could.


    ?What does he expect from her, fucking asshole? It¡¯s pure nonsense! Phoenixes don¡¯t sleep with pigs! The world works differently! You stupid bastard, don¡¯t you dare to say that there was something between the princess and you! I am not buying you bullshit!? ¨C Artie yelled in a jealous rage.


    da watched Kyon¡¯s fat body wobble as he left the hall with her daughter and sighed to herself: {Poordies-in waiting. They are going to have a long night.} ¨C The wedding reception usuallysted until early morning, and the queen had to stay there to the delight of the guests. She was counting on her daughter. Kara would manage. It wasn¡¯t a difficult task to do.


    The newlyweds walked down the path strewn with rose petals.


    As soon as the couple was upstairs where nobody could see them, Kara released Dick¡¯s arm and sped up. Her beautiful fluttering dress had a striking effect with every step she took. Her breathtaking sweet scent and the sight of her wagging butt caused uncontroble spasms in his groin.


    Kyon could barely hold back and not grab her ass. The darkness had changed his train of thought.


    As they reached the top floor, Kara entered the chambers first. As soon as Kyon saw the familiar room furnished with dark red furniture and essories, the demoness grabbed his hand and threw him onto the spacious bed.


    ~click~


    He could hear the door lock behind them.


    ?Sly bastard! Have you been hiding under the guise of Dick Baker from the start?? ¨C Kara asked without further preamble.


    Kyon replied with a confident smile: ?I have. Judging by your reaction, you like my second personality more than the original one, don¡¯t you??


    ?Screw you!? ¨C Kara snapped, arching her delicate eyebrows. ¨C ?How¡­ How did you do it? There¡¯s nothing left of Kyon in you! Even a pig has better intellect, character and manners!?


    ?True master never fades away.? ¨C Dick gloated.


    ?Okay! Mother told me that you are one hell of an actor, but how did youe up with this realistic make-up? Where did you get your crooked teeth and squint eyes? And your squeaky voice? I didn¡¯t notice a voice changing formation on you! You look too real!? ¨C There was admiration in Kara¡¯s voice. She appreciated Kyon¡¯s skill to disguise himself as someone else. The princess would never have recognized Kyon in Dick. They were twopletely different people!


    Kyon regained his original voice and removed his squint: ?Do you recognize me now??


    ?It¡¯s not enough!? ¨C Kara approached him and noticed the familiar green bracelet on her husband¡¯s wrist. ¨C ?Hm¡­ It¡¯s Juno¡¯s protection bracelet! Where did you get it??


    Kyon scratched his nose: ?She gave it to me before I left. As a keepsake.?


    Kara snorted and took it away: ?I need it more. Besides, I¡¯ve been friends with Juno longer than you, shithead.? ¨C Then she pulled him by his nose that looked like a snout covered with e and by his thick ruddy cheeks and ears. She tried to tear off his ¡°mask,¡± but to no avail: ?How does it hold? Take off this gross thing now! I can¡¯t stand this ugly freak. I need the handsome guy you used to be!?


    ?s, the mask is stuck to my face. It will get unstuck together with my bones.? ¨C Kyon said impassively.


    Kara did not insist. If her maids saw his real identity, she would have to kill them. He¡¯d better keep his make-up. Apparently, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to apply it again.


    The newlywed husband said with a theatrically passionate voice: ?You won¡¯t see your dear Kyon tonight.? ¨C He got out of bed and slowly walked around the room, scanning it with echolocation for the presence of da¡¯s nephrites and so on.


    ?Self-confident fool!? ¨C Kara snorted again. ¨C ?But I must confess you¡¯re starting to grow on me.? ¨C The princess sat on the bed and crossed her slender legs. Two graceful ankles peeped from under the long dress, one of them swayed yfully in the air.


    ?Really? Why?? ¨C Kyon asked out of curiosity, lingering at the bottle of emerald wine on the table.


    Kara stroked her gold ring and replied, choosing her words carefully: ?Your performance at the tournament proved your limitless potential that is really impressive. You seemed to have no end of cards up your sleeve, exceeding even my wildest expectations. However, I failed to see a man in the brat in love with me. Everything changed after your crazy trick under the bed. Fucking psychopath, you nearly raped me to please yourself, taking advantage of my helplessness. And you got away with it! Son of a bitch! I was exploding with rage, and then my mother punished me! I could not sleep for a week, thinking about what had happened¡­ But if truth be told, there were some pleasant moments, too.?


    Kara took off her tiny high-heeled shoe, put her lovely snow-white foot on the bed and began to massage it: ?And then mother told me about your ckmail letter. I knew that you wanted to make me yours at any cost, but I had never believed that you would seed! And look at you, it¡¯s not even a month, and I am already your wife, warts and all! I¡¯m impressed. You¡¯re more cunning, resourceful and ambitious than any demon. And you know what? You¡¯re exactly my type.? ¨C The princess murmured gently.


    Demons loved sly, power-hungry persons. It ran in their blood.


    Kyon was ttered.

 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294


    ?Considering everything that has happened between us, I decided to make you my sex ve.? ¨C Kara said, watching Dick¡¯s reaction. ¨C ?I mean after the real wedding, so don¡¯t tter yourself.?


    ?What?..? ¨C He perked up indignantly.


    It wasn¡¯t the response Kara was waiting for: ?Aren¡¯t you happy, my raven-haired boy? You should be thankful for this incredible honor! Anyone else would give all his treasures to be my sex ve, and you dare to frown upon my offer!? ¨C Kara yelled angrily, throwing her other shoe at her new husband. She would dly tell him her real title in the demon empire, but even the son of a goddess mustn¡¯t find out her ancestry.


    Being a superior servant of the first demon princess, the future empress, was as prestigious as being the goddess¡¯s ve, and she offered him to be even a more authoritative title-holder! His job would be to satisfy the physical needs of the best woman in the entire demon empire, and he dared to show his discontent!


    ?Are you fucking crazy? Stop talking nonsense and pull your panties down already. I want to do it doggie style!? ¨C Kyon interrupted her ranting, influenced by the dark half of his nucleus.


    Kara found herself at a loss for words. No one had ever talked to her in this vulgar,manding tone as she were some prostitute! Did he think he was getting away with it because of his agreement with her mother? Asshole! The princess growled with the urge to punch her newly made hubby, but she quickly came to her senses. Why would she reveal her ns to him now? She would present him with a fait apli after she got the goddess legacy, but she had to bury her impulsivity for the time being. She would knock him down a peg or twoter! Releasing a killing intent, Kara said in a threatening voice: ?Look at this impudent husband! Do you really think I¡¯ll go easy on you after everything you¡¯ve done? You soiled me with your semen, raped my brain with your ridiculous derations of love, kissed me with your revolting mouth and harassed me in front of the guests! I will never forgive you!? ¨C In fact, Kara was hoping to take her revenge tonight while he was on drugs. She could tear his ass apart. Her imagination ran wild at the variety of ways how to do it.


    ?I don¡¯t give a shit!? ¨C He interrupted the princess impatiently. ¨C ?I¡¯ve made a deal with da. Like it or not, I will fuck you tonight! Take off your clothes!? ¨C He tore off his tie and shirt, burning with desire.


    Kara gritted her teeth. She could not understand why the jerk was still in his right mind after a couple of sses of ¡°special¡± wine.


    When she saw Dick unbuckle his belt, Kara eximed: ?Wait! Don¡¯t do it!?


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Kyon growled, ready to pounce on his newlywed wife.


    The princess forced herself to calm down and smiled charmingly at him: ?Let¡¯s have a drink. I can¡¯t sleep sober with a freak like you! Besides, I need a romantic atmosphere. I¡¯m a girl, after all. And it¡¯s my wedding night. Give me some time to get into the mood!? ¨C She came to the bottle of emerald wine and poured a ss to her husband and herself.


    ?You¡¯re just dying the inevitable. Alright, I¡¯ll give you a break.? ¨C Kyon grinned unkindly.


    They had a ss of wine.


    The drug did not work on Kara because of the specialponents in her blood. As for her husband, it should do the trick at once. To buy some time, the demoness asked him about his new ugly personality and the reasons for its creation. Why did he walk on thin ice for two weeks? What the hell was going on with him?


    He told her that he could help it when he saw her in Cernos. He had to confess his love to her but in such a way that neither she nor other students would suspect anything. He had to y his part until the wedding day.


    After a few minutes, Kara poured another ss of wine. For some reason, this mind stayed sane. His speech was logical and coherent. But Kara couldn¡¯t wait to end this as soon as possible. If anyone had told her yesterday that she would have a ¡°friendly¡± talk with Dick Baker tonight, she would have never believed it.


    ?No more questions! What romance are you talking about if we don¡¯t even touch? Take a seat on myp. I want cuddles.? ¨C Dickmade an inviting gesture.


    ?Let¡¯s leave it out.? ¨C Kara said coldly, with a squeamish grimace. Take a seat on the fat freak¡¯sp who she hated with all her heart? Count her out!


    ?Dear Kara, why won¡¯t you just meet me halfway? I married you, not my hand! And I¡¯m not going to fuck my hand, but you!? ¨C Kyon insisted.


    Kara hesitated. A range of emotions shed across her face: reluctance, disgust, despair, and ultimately helplessness. She couldn¡¯t refuse him. She had to y her part! The invaluable legacy (and much more) was at stake.


    The princess approached her ugly husband, a single look at whom turned her stomach. She turned her back on him and, reluctantly, lowered her delicious butt on hisp. Revulsion and childish resentment were written all over her face.


    ~click~


    ?Huh?? ¨C Kara could feel a cold object touch her neck. ¨C ?What the fucking thing have you put on me, idiot?? ¨C When she realized it was a cor, Kara jumped up with a start, but Kyon wrapped his hands tightly around her slender waist.


    ?Quiet, girl. No panic.? ¨C He whispered kindly.


    ?Are you crazy? I am not your puppy, asshole!? ¨C Kara tried to remove his hand but suddenly realized that she could not use elemental energy, and her power had significantly decreased.


    The demoness was horrified to find out that her cor contained a suppressive formation. She slowly turned around and saw an evil grin on her captor¡¯s face that made the hair on her head stand on end.


    ?You might be no puppy, but tonight, you will be my bitch.? ¨C Kyon snarled, twisting her arms and tying them with a rope. Now she couldn¡¯t send a signal to da via the formation on her wrist.


    Lovr closed his eyes. He was so thrilled as if he had just conquered the whole world, but it was only a wretched demoness. From now on, the bitch was in hisplete power! He had dreamed about this moment ever since the Stones party. The fun was just beginning. The dark side of his nucleus throbbed wildly with anticipation of his imminent revenge.


    ?What the HELL are you doing? Let go of me now! §¡§¡§¡H!? ¨C With a shrill squeal, Kara broke free from his embrace and rushed to the door. Her gut instincts roared, Danger!


    Kyon grabbed the shrieking princess by her soft hair and hit her hard in the face: ?Shut up, stupid cunt! No one can hear you, anyway! It¡¯s useless to run away, don¡¯t even try!?


    Kara sank to her knees with a cornered look in her eyes. The situation looked hopeless. The goddess¡¯s son must have figured out their drug n and came up with his own. Somehow he managed to get hold of the damned cor and seized the opportune moment. Now the princess couldn¡¯t fight back no matter how much she wanted to. Her hands were tied up in all senses of the term.


    {I can¡¯t give up! I am the future empress of the demon empire, and I won¡¯t give up my chance because of the shameless idiot in love!} ¨C Kara summoned all her courage and stood tall with dignity as befits a princess: ?Your joke has gone too far! Why all these games before our wedding night? I won¡¯t tolerate this behaviour from my husband!? ¨C He could hear uncontroble fear in her seemingly firm voice.


    Kyon threw his head back in evilughter: ?Whose balls you are trying to bust, fool? There was no wedding night in your ns! Yourdies-in-waiting were to do your dirty job, right??


    Kara took a step back: {He knew it?! How?}


    Kyon grinned: ?You still don¡¯t get it, do you? Look in the mirror!?


    Kara paled when she saw herself in the mirror.


    ?Do you recognize the cor?? ¨C Kyon smiled.


    ?¡­? ¨C For a few moments, the princess stood in shocked silence. Her throat was dry with the obvious, terrible guess.


    ?It¡¯s the cor that you won at the auction.? ¨C Kyon lied. He had asked XiaoBai to get him a simr cor with a much more powerful formation. It could suppress even a lord phaser. ¨C ?Why do you think it¡¯s in my hands, not your mother¡¯s??


    Kara snapped, her feistiness returning as quickly as it left: ?How would I know where you stole this thing, asshole??


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?If you have at least a little brain in your head, you will agree that it¡¯s absolutely impossible to steal anything from powerful da. Your mother has given me the cor herself so that I could take your innocence without too much resistance from your side. Your mother has sold her daughter to the goddess¡¯s son. Isn¡¯t it amazing??


    Kara shook her head in disbelief.


    Kyon added with a grin: ?da knew that you would not agree to sleep with me, so she messed up your mind with the n to involve the maids of honor and drug me to let my guard down, when in fact she had added a female aphrodisiac to the emerald wine! Ha-ha-ha! Don¡¯t you feel a tingle in the cooch? Or are you going to keep disappointing me with your bird brain?? ¨C Kyon asked mockingly. Of course, it was he who had added the aphrodisiac while he was walking around the room. He had also nted some visual formations to capture every detail.


    Kara had just noticed that her panties were soaking wet. Did her mother really betray her? Did she give her daughter at the mercy of this monster?


    Kyon removed Juno¡¯s green bracelet from the princess¡¯s wrist and put it on: ?I am not going to lose it.?


    Kara winced ¨C she didn¡¯t have time for this ¨C inhaled shakily as if gathering her strength, and took off her ring with the precious ga stone.


    Suddenly, the princess puffed out her chest and closed her eyes, wincing painfully. Two glossy ck curved horns grew on her head. A thin, long, pointed tail with an arrow at the tip burst from her tailbone through the dress. Her ivory smooth skin turned a couple of shades red like she¡¯d just left the sauna. No more metamorphosis happened until the demoness opened her beautiful eyes. They were shining like two perfectly pure ga gems under the moonlight. In her original form, Kara appeared to be a powerful, dangerous, and bewitchingly seductive demoness.


    The princess released the demonic aura of the middle lord phase (5) that saturated the air with pheromones and debauchery. However, the formation in her cor suppressed her power before she hadpleted her transformation.


    {It didn¡¯t work?!} ¨C Kara did not expect that the formation would be more powerful than the fifth stage of the lord phase. What should she do?


    With a dignified air, Kara gave Kyon an arrogant nce of scarlet eyes: ?You have seen my true form, wretched human. I am Kara Tristan, the first princess and Emperor Lucius Tristan¡¯s daughter. I give you a chance to make amends to my highness! Take off this cor and I promise your death will be quick.? ¨C The princess said imperiously in the haughty-majestic voice with which da usually gave orders.


    {Emperor Lucius Tristan¡¯s daughter?!} ¨C Kyon blinked, stunned at the news, but he didn¡¯t take her word for it and demanded to show the formation.


    Kara chuckled and turned her back as if she was doing him a huge favor.


    Kyon checked her formation that opened at Kara¡¯s will and nearly swallowed his tongue with delight: {Bingo! Finally, luck smiled at me after so many failures!} ¨C It was like winning the lottery with a chance of one in a billion. He found out that Kara and da bore the same family name as the demon emperor¡¯s n when he first appeared in the pce, but the details of their origin remained a mystery to him. Now that he had seen her formation, Lovr was almost 100% sure that the demoness was the emperor¡¯s daughter! By the way, the Tristans didn¡¯t belong to the subus family. It proved the pointed tip of their tail that looked like an arrowhead and theck of wings.


    ?Take it off now! Don¡¯t make me wait!? ¨C Kara demanded.


    Kyon interrupted her with a burst of Homericughter like an evil scientist who had finally made a long-awaited discovery.


    ?What¡¯s so funny, idiot? Take the cor immediately or I will get angry!?


    ?Are you threatening me? I don¡¯t give a shit who your father is! Why should I be afraid of him? He is on the other side of the world! Besides, he must have given the go-ahead to defile his daughter! Don¡¯t you think that da would have done anything without his permission? Moreover, I know that you are all demons! The queen told me herself!?


    Kara¡¯s feigned pride vanished into thin air: {No, it can¡¯t be!} ¨C She remembered her mother mentioning the recent conversation with her father. ¨C {They have decided my fate without me! They have given me at the mercy of a human! They have drugged me!} ¨C Kara felt hatred that could set heaven on fire.


    Her unusually intense killing intent made Kyon ufortable. However, it only fueled his desire to pounce on Kara and fuck her hard. Her exotic appearance spurred his dormant multifaceted fetishism. Kara¡¯s wagging tail, impressive dark horns, attractive face, ruddy smooth skin, and eyes glowing from the inside with fiery hell were a huge turn on.


    Dick approached the princess and shortened her wedding dress up to the hips with a quick movement, revealing the delicate edge of her underwear.


    His hungry gaze dropped to herce burgundy panties with arge wet spot in the middle. Her juices were running down her leg. Any fan club member would give all their belongings for a picture of this seductive scene.


    Kara¡¯s hatred instantly gave way to fear of being taken by this ugly monster. She jumped a step back and cried out with plea and horror: ?WAIT! Please, Kyon! Wait! Listen to me!?


    Red with desire, Kyon snorted: ?I am not dying the wedding night any longer! Daughter of the emperor, are you going to fuck me or do you prefer it rough??


    Kara swallowed hard: ?Kyon, honey, don¡¯t you love me? You don¡¯t want to hurt the one you love, right? As the saying goes, if you love someone set them free. Please, let me go! I¡­ I will forgive you and won¡¯t hold any hard feelings!?


    ?I have a feeling I¡¯ve heard it somewhere before.? ¨C Kyon mumbled, scratching the back of his head. ¨C ?Excuse me, I don¡¯t understand sheep bleating, but the tongue wrapped around my penis is another matter. Let¡¯s start with a blowjob!? ¨C Kyon eximed enthusiastically, taking off his pants.


    Kara¡¯s eyes widened. Her breath caught when she saw therge dark-red boner popping out of his pants, throbbing and dripping transparent droplets on the floor! Kyon¡¯s manhood used to be twice as short and thin, but now it would make any demon feel inferior!


    After Kara¡¯s taunts about the size of the penis, Kyon decided to erge it with Synergy. He would drive the poisonous words back into the throat of the demonic bitch!


    ?Why is your penis sorge? I remember it was a different size!? ¨C Kara cried out in fright, instinctively tucking her legs. If this monster prated her, he would tear her vagina and even her soul apart!


    ?Imagine that you¡¯re doing it with the fat guy you love so much! Then everything will fall into ce!!? ¨C Kyon said in Dick¡¯sscivious voice and slowly approached her, stroking his erect penis. It was time to avenge Marina and punish the princess for her other sins. Now she couldn¡¯tpare Kyon with Dick. She would fuck with a creepy freak!


    ?Nooo! Talk in your normal voice, beast! TALK TO ME IN YOUR NORMAL VOICE, ASSHOLE!? ¨C Kara¡¯s sense of beauty squealed with panic. She was shaking with disgust.


    All of a sudden, the princess felt a surge of strength.


    Kyon was about to pounce on his sultry wife when he stood rooted to the spot. There was no cor on Kara¡¯s neck. The sparkle faded from his eyes. His heart missed a beat or two.

 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295


    Puzzled, Kara touched her neck and did not find the unfortunate cor: {Disappeared?..} ¨C She was perplexed. Anyway, she would think about itter. At the moment, her top priority was getting her revenge!


    The princess looked up at the numb naked freak. The most vicious smile yed upon her lips. An instantter, Kara tore the ropes behind her back and made a swift, sudden attack, wondering should she maim or kill him. She doubted that she would be able to restrain herself after he encroached on her innocence with his gross huge cock at the ready, moreover, in his ugly disguise!


    Kyon¡¯s face turned ashen, dripping with cold sweat: {Goddess¡­ Bitch¡­ I¡­ I hate you¡­}


    When the princess almost reached him, the cor returned to its rightful ce, suppressing her power again and making her crash into Kyon at full speed. They end up rolling over the whole room.


    As the saying goes, lovers¡¯ quarrels are swift to heal.


    Kyon could see the turning point with his upgraded vision. It would be an understatement to say that he felt relieved! It was like he had risen from the dead!


    ¡­


    Somewhere on the mountain that stood high over cloud nine, the goddess smiled for the first time in hundreds of years, and her fleeting smile could eclipse both the stars and the moon.


    ¡­


    Kyon¡¯s heart was racing wildly under enormous stress: {I¡­ I¡¯ve been trolled!} ¨C The mere thought that he was at death¡¯s door, and his carefully designed n nearly went down the drain made him feel depressed. If the goddess¡¯s prank hadn¡¯t been just a ¡°harmless¡± joke, he would have been killed, and poor Marina would have be the demoness¡¯s victim!


    Lovr got to know the goddess a little better. She had a horrible sense of humor.


    ?Huh?!? ¨C Kara eximed in shock, her eyes popping out of her head.


    ?You! Fucking bitch!? ¨C Kyon pped her in the face, twisting her arms and tying them behind her back again. ¨C ?Were you going to kill your own husband, stupid fool? Have you prayed tonight to your damned gods, demoness?? ¨C He grabbed her by her delicate neck and began to choke her mercilessly.


    (18+*)


    Kara¡¯s beautiful face took on an even brighter shade of red, her eyebrows arched intively, her eyes glistening with despair. She groaned and wriggled like a snake until identally ran into his erected penis that had slipped between her thighs.


    It was so sudden to feel his penis in her sensitive genital area that she immediately squeezed her legs and stuck out her ass. However, it didn¡¯t help her get away from him: the cunning lover had already put his arms around her waist, holding her tight.


    Kyon let out a soft moan when he touched the familiar taut butt in silk panties soaked in her juices and immediately began to rub his erect penis against her soft buns.


    ?Stop it, dirty pig! Or I will kill you!? ¨C The furious demoness roared.


    ?Shut up your filthy mouth!? ¨C Kyon barked and pressed his mouth to hers.


    ?Mmmmmph!? ¨C Kara mumbled in disgust and tried to pull away, but he held her head tight, clutching at the horn with his free hand. The cor had suppressed her power, so she had to endure the revolting kiss.


    Finally, Kara managed to wriggle free from his embrace and kick her rapist in the balls. She immediately got up and rushed to the door¡­ However, he pounced on her from behind, pressing his penis to her ass, where the thin fabric of her panties saved her from disaster.


    ?You had iting!? ¨C Dick said menacingly.


    ?Wait! Let me do it another way, PLEASE!? ¨C She begged him, raising her voice to a scream when she felt him pull her panties aside: ?I¡¯ll suck your dick! Just stop it, please! I will satisfy you orally!?


    Fortunately for her, Kyon stopped pulling off the most important piece of her clothes.


    ?Do it quick, bitch, or I will change my mind!? ¨C He was already overexcited.


    Kara knelt and turned around, almost brushing her nose against his huge boner. The shock on her pretty face gave way to disgust. The penis had such a foul smell that she felt dizzy. Her nose tingled, herher regions shuddered. The creepy freak hadn¡¯t had a shower to ¡°please¡± his wife! And she, the first demon princess, had to take this filthy stinky rotten thing in her mouth?!


    Kara hesitated as if making herself jump off the cliff into the abyss. Her full and tender lips opened and closed like the petals of a wonderful rose.


    Kyon yanked at Kara¡¯s horns unceremoniously which made her kiss his ns.


    ?§®-§®-§®! GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY HORNS! I¡¯LL DO IT, JERK!? ¨C The demoness screamed, wiping her lips wet from his precum on her shoulder with disgust.


    Kyon said impatiently: ?Do it quick, or I¡¯ll pull you on my cock myself!?


    The humiliated princess hesitated for another half a minute, despair written all over her face.


    ?Well, I count to three! One¡­ Two¡­?


    On three, Kara opened her mouth, closed her eyes and moved forward, nipping the head of his penis with her snow-white teeth, obviously intending to bite it off. To her amazement, there was no blood or screams. When she looked up, she saw Dick moaning with pleasure, not disturbed by her sabotage at all.


    {Why?!} ¨C Kara realized the absurdity of this situation. When she tasted his revolting viscous fluid, she tried to pull away, but Kyon didn¡¯t let her go, holding his victim tight by her horns¡­


    ?§®-§®§®-§®-§®-§®§®M!? ¨C {NOOOOOO!} ¨C Kara was seized by panic and horror. The most abominable dick in the world was getting inside her mouth! The dignity and self-respect of the first demon princess were making death rattle¡­


    Kara wriggled, trying to push him away and break free, but with her hands tied behind her back and the formation that suppressed her power, this struggle was doomed to failure. The heinous sadist adamantly kept pushing his enormous penis into her tiny mouth. She choked on its pungent taste, barely holding back the urge to throw up! Her legs twisted in convulsive seizures. Her private parts had a weird reaction.


    Kyon had long dreamed of getting a blowjob from his beloved demoness. His soul was on fire with amazing delight atpelling the beautiful arrogant bitch to please him. She would have easily crushed him like a bug in her usual self. More than that, Lovr was overexcited by her ridiculous attempts to break free, and her eyes full of panic and bitter tears.


    He kept pulling the princess by the horns as if they were two handles until he reached her throat. Changing the position of her head as if she were a mere puppet, he soon found the right angle and moved his reproductive organ even deeper¡­


    Her perfectly shaped lips gently caressed his sensitive skin. Her thick saliva enveloped his penis, helping it slide deeper and deeper until it finally fit all the way down. Her throat squeezed the shaft convulsively, bringing him to the edge, but it was too early to shoot his load¡­ It wouldn¡¯t do!


    ?Give it your all, or I¡¯ll ask for moreter¡­ And the next mouth I intend to fuck is located lower!? ¨C Kyon warned her and pulled out his cock halfway.


    Kara gave him a scorching look, firmly resolved to kill him as cruelly as could be at the first opportunity, but right now¡­ She was not ready to lose her virginity with Dick Baker!


    Kyon felt a slight, uncertain movement in the groin area. It was so sluggish that he growled, displeased: ?I will pop your cherry if you don¡¯t try harder!?


    He immediately felt something warm and soft wrapping around his penis¡­ Of course! Besides the tail and horns, demons had a long tongue! The princess wrapped her tongue around his penis like a vine, and started sucking with all her might, slightly shaking her horned head.


    ?Oh! It feels fucking awesome!? ¨C Kyon let out a moan of pleasure. Kara¡¯s long tongue turned and twisted around his manhood. She pulled it out almost to the end but didn¡¯t let it leave her sweet trap and sucked it back like a vacuum pump with indecent squelching sounds. Kara understood perfectly well what could happen if she didn¡¯t do her best, so she sucked with all her might, using her skillful tongue.


    His body trembled with delight, his penis swelling in Kara¡¯s mouth as if she was trying to milk everyst drop of cum out of it! Did the wretched bitch have such a strong aversion to fucking with him? On the other hand, Her Highness had stooped so low as to sucking the fat freak¡¯s cock. There was something unsightly aesthetic about it that satisfied Kyon¡¯s vengeful needs.


    As Kyon figured out, demons knew instinctively how to give pleasure to the opposite sex. There was no doubt that it was Kara¡¯s first blowjob, but her skill was second to none!


    Kyon could no longer hold back. A wave of goosebumps rose on the back of his head, ran down his spine and concentrated in the ns, exploding there with an incredible orgasm. He reflexively pulled the princess by the horns, driving his penis all the way down her tight throat. His testicles contracted convulsively, and letting out a guttural moan, he shot a thick stream of cum into her stomach.


    With indescribable disgust, Kara could feel hisrge cock throbbing in her throat and his dirty hot fluids filling her stomach. Her pussy reflexively contracted as his penis erupted, creating a little puddle under her feet. Damn drugs! By the way, she would have thrown up many times already, but demons had no area in their throats that triggered the gag reflex.


    Kyon leaned back with a blissful expression on his face, pulling Kara along with his manhood. Her tongue and lips reluctantly released his cock, making a smacking sound at the end.


    Kara coughed hard, spitting out cloudy gooey cum giving her husband purring with pleasure with a hateful, scorching look: ?Smile while you can, jerk! You don¡¯t have much time left!? ¨C She got up and wobbled to the door.


    ?Where do you think you are going?? ¨C Kyon asked quietly, grabbing his wife by the tail.


    ?Ouch! DROP IT, FREAK!? ¨C The demoness shrieked, tensing up her whole body. The tail was any demon¡¯s weakest point! Even the slightest brush against this sensitive organ sent signals through the whole body as if someone touched their heart. In battle, demons protected their tails above all. If the enemy got hold of it, the demon was no longer the owner of their destiny. Kara was stupid enough to turn her back on the most insidious enemy in the world!


    Kyon was holding the ck arrow-like tip of Kara¡¯s tail. It was so soft and warm. Pressing it any harder and the princess squealed and jumped in the most amusing way: ?Is it your remote control??


    ?Let¡­ Let go of me! Please!? ¨C Kara yelped intively.


    ?How convenient!? ¨C Kyon smiled yfully, wrapping the tip of her tail around his finger. It twitched, tried to break free.


    He sat on the bed, pulling his dear bitch into a tight embrace. Her sudden weakness and the captivating scent of her hot body had ignited fire in his groin. Kyon¡¯s reproductive system worked at 1000%, so he was ready to have a good time with his dear wife all night long.


    ?Please! §®-m-m!..? ¨C His ardent kiss interrupted Kara. Brushing away a tear, she wished she had never taken off the damned transformation ring. She¡¯d better remain in the human form and half a phase weaker than enduring like this! The cor suppressed her power, anyway.


    Kyon relished every second he spent with his beloved wife, all the more so because he wasn¡¯t going to see her for a couple of years after this night. The intensified enchantment curse and his ¡°dark¡± mood made him feel like the king of the world. He had to make an effort to go through with his ns with style and in the most ¡°romantic¡± way.


    Suddenly, Kyon felt Kara¡¯s long tongue in his mouth, moving deeper down his throat, just like da did once. Did she acquire a taste for it? No, not at all. The vengeful gleam in her big bright eyes revealed to him that she was trying to make him feel sick and disgusted. Wasn¡¯t she sucking his cock with the tongue that was now caressing his throat? How naive of her! Lovr would have no respect either for himself or his sexual partner if he worried over such trifles. He solved this issue a long time ago and was happy to do so.


    When Kara noticed approval written all over her husband¡¯s ugly face, she hurried to take out her tongue, but he was enjoying it too much to let her go. Instead, he started kissing her back¡­ His kissing skills could have impressed the demoness if he were in his real form, but while he was in Dick¡¯s body, it had a diametrically opposite effect!

 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296


    Kyon ripped open the bodice of Kara¡¯s wedding dress. Two delicious reddish mounds with stiff peaks on the tops came into view. Cernos students spent so many sleepless nights fantasizing about them during sleepless nights, and now the most despicable, in their opinion, person in the world was going to enjoy them!


    Without taking his tongue out of Kara¡¯s sweet mouth, Kyon began kneading her breasts. He was about to cum from the soft velvety delight under his fingers. She could easily feed ten insatiable kids, including Lovr himself, with these impable melons!


    It struck Kyon as funny that she was in no hurry to interrupt the kiss even after he let go of her horns, and her attempts to bite off his tongue looked phoney but no less exciting. Did she really start to like it?


    {When will he stop? What shall I do?} ¨C Kara¡¯s thoughts were confused and jumbled. She could tell her husband was horny even with her eyes closed. His penis reaching his stomach and ready to explode said it all! But how could she drain Dick out of lust? The princess had no idea. Why should he have found out her weakest point? The timing for it couldn¡¯t be worse!


    ?§®-§®§®-§®-§®§®-§®-§®§®-§®!? ¨C Kara moaned in protest when her husband put his hand into her panties and expertly found her most sensitive button.


    As soon as Kyon started skillfully stimting her clitoris, the demon princess moved her hips, trying to get rid of his omnipresent fingers. All to no avail. Within a minute, she ceased resistance, her eyes half-closed with an expression of pure bliss. Then her seductive hips began to move towards his virtuoso finger movements. There was no doubt ¨C she had given in!


    The princess did notst even a minute. She came hard, her juices flowing profusely on the floor. Her pussy contracted intensely, and the moans leaving her throat turned guttural. They were so loud that she felt ashamed of herself.


    Bewildered thoughts were spinning at the back of Kara¡¯s blissful mind. She had never experienced such a wildly intense orgasm. Neither her fingers nor Marina¡¯s had ever given her such pleasure! Only once, when she raped Elsa (while she was helpless), Kara felt almost the same. The princess could not understand why the freak¡¯s magic fingers felt so good. Was it because of drugs? On the other hand, the raven-haired boy¡¯s pleasant and unique smell made it easier for her to imagine the son of the goddess in ce of Dick Baker.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was crazy with the desire to enter the pussy of his beloved happy bitch. He had prepared her pussy for pration, and he was not going to waste a second! Kyon pulled the princess onto all fours.


    Kara smelled a rat and protested helplessly: ?You promised not to touch me if I suck your dick, jerk!? ¨C She meant to give her voice a hard edge, but it sounded tender and high.


    ?I never said it. It¡¯s all in your head, silly girl.? ¨C Kion replied impassively, fixing her ass with the help of her tail. How convenient, damn it! No need of ropes or handcuffs. He didn¡¯t have to stock up on them after all.


    Kara was horrified after these terrible words. She had to suck the dangerous for her virginity fluids from the ¡°root of evil¡± to thest drop. The demoness dived with her face on his penis like a fox catching mice in the snow.


    ?What are you up to, bitch?? ¨C Kyon objected but then moaned with pleasure. She swallowed his cock, wrapping her tongue around it like a snake, and sucked like a leech, not intending to let him go, no matter what.


    Lovr could barely restrain himself from ejacting at once. With regret, he pushed the enthusiastic head-giver off his penis: ?No way! You can¡¯t run away from your destiny!? ¨C He wound her tail around his hand and pulled it up.


    ?Do-o-o-o-on¡¯t do it!? ¨C Kara screeched, sticking out her ass as high as possible, her eyes wet with tears. Her sexy position, coupled with her sumptuous curves, would seduce anyone. Kara hated her ponytail. It increased her soul cultivation but the price was too high!


    ?Well, it¡¯s the day of reckoning now. You nearly killed me at the Stones party, turned me into a zombie of love, tortured me with striptease, threatened and humiliated me to get the legacy, and to crown it all, you¡¯ve been depraving Marina all this time! You won¡¯t get away so easily. You¡¯re going to pay for everything that you¡¯ve done!? ¨C The ugly freak said hatefully and resolutely tore off her sexyce panties.


    ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh! Don¡¯t look, disgusting MONSTER! Eww!? ¨C Kara howled in panic. She didn¡¯t even wonder how Kyon knew Marina. The situation was getting critical. She had no time for thoughtful analysis!


    Kyon lifted up the torn skirt of her wedding dress and saw something that made his eyes pop out of his head and his cock shudder in anticipation. He had admired this pussy via visual formation on Marina¡¯s forehead dozens of times. He¡¯d been dreaming of it, wanking over it to keep a sane mind. The juicy peach with a quivering pink cleft made him dizzy and caused an uncontroble urge to enter it at once. A thin stream of her juices trickled down her inner thighs onto the bed.


    He unconsciously moved closer with an empty gaze and buried his nose between her reddened, swollenbia. The first demon princess¡¯s musky aroma of pheromones prated Lovr¡¯s nostrils and struck his very essence. It was at this moment that he knew he hade all this way for a reason. As the saying goes, to live is to risk it all, otherwise you¡¯re just an inert chunk of randomly assembled molecules drifting wherever the universe blows you.


    ?I¡­ I will fucking kill you! I¡¯LL KILL YOU IF YOU DO IT!? ¨C Kara screamed in a high, piercing voice. Her heart was pounding against her chest so fast it seemed that it would jump out of her chest. Dick¡¯s snout and heavy breathing at her intimate ce were a hundred times more revolting than his kiss.


    Kyon wiped her juices off his nose and pointed his penis at the princess standing in a doggy position before him. He moved it up and down between her soft buns. The tight vagina swallowed the ns, and he felt the scalding heat and the precious hymen blocking the way inside. Colorful butterflies fluttered in his stomach. Coils of heat ran down his spine as he pictured himself taking her from behind. He knew he could hold back no longer.


    ?TAKE! YOUR! DISGUSTFUL THING! AWAY!? ¨C Kara screamed desperately, trembling with fear as if she were to be executed. One push of this monster and her whole life, all her ns for the future would be ruined! If Dick prated her, taking her innocence, the princess would never forgive him! And she would never forgive her mom and dad who had left their own daughter at his mercy!


    ?Tell me that you love me.? ¨C Kyon asked suddenly.


    ?What?! I¡¯ll kill you if¡­?


    ?Tell me that you love me or I will enter you.? ¨C He said loudly and more firmly than before.


    Kara hesitated for just an instant: ?I¡­ love you! I do!?


    ?I love you, too.? ¨C Kyon exhaled and without a second thought pushed his hips forward, deceiving the ¡°naive¡± demoness. Blood trickled in two rivulets down her leg and then on the bed.


    ?N-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O!? ¨C She screamed painfully, throwing her head back. Tears poured out of her eyes. The scoundrel had destroyed the short moment of bright hope, taking her virginity. From now on, she could no longer be the demon empress. She was an ordinary slut who had given her innocence to the first one who came along.


    Her stuck out butt was perfect for pration. Kyon confidently pushed his long, thick cock deeper and deeper. Her tender, wet vagina could hardly fit therge guest, greeting him with a squeeze. It was tight as a vice and hot as an oven. His every cell screamed in pleasure, his penis throbbing in delight¡­


    He plunged his cock deeper and deeper, wondering where the end was. Then he remembered that the demons¡¯ reproductive system was different. Kara¡¯s vagina could take an extremely long penis. Besides, it was exceptionally sensitive. She could clearly feel each centimeter he moved inside. His revenge was perfect.


    The agony Kara felt was excruciating: her pussy was on fire, and her insides seemed to be torn apart. Her husband¡¯s cock was so immense that he could pull her fully on. The mere thought that it was Dick Baker, the ugliest person in the world she hated the most, made her want to die. Kara let out quiet, painful groans like some unfairly humiliated, tormented girl.


    Soon Kyon shoved his cock in up to the root, kissing her cervix. The first surge of violent ecstasy flooded his body. A low growl of pleasure issued from deep in his throat. His penis shuddered and shot a thick shot of seed into the princess¡¯s womb. Dick Baker, the pathetic freak, made the dreams of countless men all over the kingdom of Iron Thronee true.


    Kara moaned desperately. Her sensitive vagina could feel too well the pulsations of his dirty penis while his hot revolting fluids filled her womb. He seemed to be ejacting forever, filling her to the brim. The princess had experienced severe emotional traumapared to ripping out her guts. She moaned and cried like a little girl.


    As soon as Kyon pulled out his penis with a happy face, he found a demon symbols tattoo that gracefully glowed all along the shaft. A simr pattern had made a path from Kara¡¯s crotch to her navel.


    ?Now we¡¯re married for real!? ¨C Dick eximed proudly pped Kara¡¯s butt as if she were his dear working filly. His mean behavior totally matched his viinous personality. He would do anything to get his revenge.


    Kyon had heard about the specific wedding ritual among the highest demons. The husband took his wife¡¯s virginity in front of the guests, creating an indestructible marriage formation. It prevented even a single drop of another man¡¯s semen get into the woman¡¯s womb. That¡¯s why sex ves weren¡¯t something uneptable among demons. The wife gave children only from her legitimate husband, anyway. At the same time, the formation didn¡¯t restrict the husband, either. Sex ves couldn¡¯t get pregnant because of their special formations.


    Kara looked at her marriage formation, then at the white fluid mixed with blood flowing from her swollen pussy and sobbed: ?Liar! You have raped me¡­ You¡¯ve taken my precious virginity¡­ I will destroy you! I swear by my name, I¡¯ll have my revenge at the first opportunity!?


    Kyon chuckled fearlessly: ?We¡¯ve just got married, and you are already fighting. You¡¯re such a pain! By the way, I still remember that you wanted to make me your sex ve. Did you really think it would ever be enough for me? What a stupid idiot!? ¨C He kept taunting her.


    In fact, Lovr couldn¡¯t care less about the local traditions, their value of marriage,mitment, the cult of the hymen, and so on. He was a skillful hunter who hade across a forest full of amazing game. Kara was his first victim, and girls like Juno would follow. They deserved their punishment for their misdeeds, after all. Since they cherished their virginity above all, it would be foolish of him not to take advantage of it. Anyway, Lovr would hate to kill the beautiful girls.


    Kara gritted her teeth in silent fury: ?You will choke on your words!?


    Kyon retorted, his voice hard with contempt: ?Hypocritical bitch! Don¡¯t you know that you deserve it? Put yourself in my ce! What would your reaction be if some self-righteous prince tried to brazenly kill you just for the mere fact of your existence or for being friends with Juno? And then he would make you fall in love with him, turning you into a brainless zombie! how dare you me me when you are just as much to me??


    Kara looked away, her eyes still full of hate. She could ept that he had his reasons for revenge. She also admitted that she would do the same in his ce. But on the other hand, why should she imagine herself in his fucking ce? Who was hepared to her?! He could as well ask her to try walking in a rootless ve¡¯s shoes! What a brainless moron!


    Kara¡¯s reaction said it all to Kyon: ?I see. The first lesson was a failure. Let¡¯s continue our lecture.? ¨C He said with a wicked grin, stroking hisrge boner again.

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297


    ?INSATIABLE BEAST! When will you run out of steam atst?? ¨C Kara was outraged.


    ?My wife is so beautiful that I can¡¯t get enough of her!? ¨C A crooked lewd smile yed on his lips.


    ?You¡¯ve already ruined my life. What else do you want? Leave me alone, ugly, horny bastard!?


    ?Your request had been taken into ount and will be considered in theing months, and now, be a good girl or I will use your anus.? ¨C Kyon warned her, pulling her by the ankles to the edge of the bed.


    If there was a scale that assessed the uneptability of a particr action, her first blowjob would be estimated at 10 points, anal sex would get 50 and vaginal intercourse 10,000 points. Now that the bastard had taken her precious virginity, the demoness didn¡¯t want to make her hopeless situation even worse. She sobbed intively, no longer resisting her husband¡¯s will. At least, he had let go of her tail¡­


    Kyon got out of bed and spread his dear wife¡¯s slender naked legs. Her thrilling puffy pussy excited his most primitive, primal instincts.


    Kara felt his thick fingers touch her sore, for obvious reason, intimate parts and gritted her teeth with disgust. When Dick cleansed her vagina of excess fluids with the water element, the princess sighed painfully. Wasn¡¯t she destined to make a mark on history? Only yesterday she was nning what to do with the goddess legacy after the ¡°idiot in love¡± handed it to her, and today the most pathetic Cernos student and the most disgusting creature in the world rolled in one was washing her pussy for the next visit.


    Suddenly, her throbbing, gnawing pain had disappeared. She felt a refreshing, pleasant sensation of chill in her burning loin. Even the most expensive ointments didn¡¯t have such a healing effect! The demoness looked at her husband in amazement, eager to ask him an urgent question, but when she saw his lewd leering face and his huge cock pointed at her pussy, she didn¡¯t even want to breathe¡­


    Kyon, leaning his elbows on the edge of the bed, drove the head of his penis along the sensually quivering pink slit, then took aim and enthusiastically moved his pelvis forward ¡­ Inside the enveloping hot tight vagina, the penis seemed to melt with pleasure.


    Kara moaned mournfully. She bit her soft lip till it bled and closed her eyes, beautiful like precious gems and brimming with tears. The pration wasn¡¯t as painful as it was the first time. She only felt ufortable tension and had a terrible sensation of Dick all up inside her vagina,pletely prevailing over her. The realization of this depressing fact took the starch out of the once arrogant princess.


    Her pussy seemed to Lovr so small and tight, and yet it amodated his penis till the very root of its shaft. It was the most euphoric, mind-blowing experience of absolute domination over his beloved bitch, which he had been dreaming of since the party in the Stones¡¯ mansion.


    Gradually, Kyon started to find the rhythm and depth of his thrusts, fucking the hated demoness. With every shove, her seductive reddish breasts swayed. He enjoyed her quiet, bitter moans that she carefully tried to hold back and decided to tease his little wife even more with his sarcasticments: ?Your pussy¡­ it¡¯s just amazing, Kara. I bet it was made just for me, baby. It¡¯s soaking wet, perfectly tight and deep! It clenches with every thrust. It doesn¡¯t let me slip out, always sucking me back! It begs me to fill it up with my hot thick sperm. It¡¯s a bliss¡­ Such a thrill¡­ I adore it.?


    ?Shut¡­ Up¡­ Wretched creature!? ¨C Kara hissed with hatred, blushing still more. Her husband¡¯s words cut her deeper than a knife. It was disgusting and sickening to hear them! He made her look a filthy whore obsessed with sex, which made her loin contract treacherously with a sweet longing. How revolting!


    The furious demoness couldn¡¯t take it anymore and tried to justify herself: ?I would never get turned on by a miserable freak like you! I am a princess, not a sl¡­ Aww-ww-ww-ahh!?


    Kyon thrust even deeper to shut up the arrogant bitch, keeping to taunt her: ?I am fucking you in a humiliating position while your pussy is getting even wetter with my every push, and you dare to babble something about your dignity and status! Being my bed warmer is the best job for you!?


    ?It¡¯s all because I¡¯ve been drugged! Stop messing with me, stinky bastard!? ¨C Kara protested, barely holding back her moans.


    ?The aphrodisiac in wine doesn¡¯t increase your sexual drive, naive fool.?


    ?Fucking liar!? ¨C Kara yelled in disbelief.


    ?I¡¯m not lying at the moment. Female aphrodisiac normally increases sensitivity and increases desire, making you want to fuck out of your mind. In this case, you are just getting wet like a bitch in heat, but, as you might have noticed, you are not turned on. Why do you think it¡¯s happening??


    Kara¡¯s brows furrowed in concern. She had a bad feeling about this. Her libido had increased insignificantly, but her pussy leaked like a dam bursting. Why?


    Kyon didn¡¯t feel like talking at the moment, so he ordered Synergy to control the flow of his speech while he was enjoying the process:


    ?I¡¯ll put it like this ¨C I haven¡¯t been sincere with your demon family. My agreement with da isn¡¯t real. She doesn¡¯t know that I¡¯m using her. The Queen fell for my ckmail without suspecting anything. She sincerely believed I didn¡¯t need anything but you, my beloved one.?


    It was hard for Kara to listen to his sudden revtion, and not only because she was being raped with her hands tied behind her back like a trashy whore.


    Kyon went on: ?da believes that I will keep my promise if she meets the requirements in my letter. She thinks that I will follow you and protect you all my life, that I will give you the goddess legacy, and so on. She can blow me, stupid bitch! I¡¯m just using your mother to pursue my ambitions! I will hand over all the information I have on you to the authorities to get a promotion! The ring that helps you take a human form is enough evidence for me. The imperial authorities wille for you tomorrow and your reign over the Iron Throne will be over.? ¨C He whispered in her ear.


    Lovr, whose almost whole attention was focused on fucking her, was slightly confused by the words, intonation, and manners generated by Synergy. The dark state of his mind must have affected the essence of the universe. He would have never been so rude and blunt-spoken.


    Kara went berserk when she heard this: ?Sick bastard! They will **** and torture me to death there! That¡¯s what you do to your dear wife! Is it because I¡¯m a demon? Damn monster! I should have killed you back at the party! How short-sighted of me!? ¨C Kara wailed. Everything would have been alright if not for Kyon: she wouldn¡¯t have lost her virginity, and Juno would have be her docile pet.


    ?I don¡¯t give a fuck that you¡¯re a demon!? ¨C Dick snorted, pping her ass. ¨C ?I have a score to settle with da and you! You have nearly killed me and enved me, and she has raped me and applied her subjugating formation!? ¨C The grimace on his face that betrayed deep hatred suddenly softened. ¨C ?Anyway, don¡¯t call me a monster. If I were so terrible, I would have told Fernand everything at the tournament. I give you a chance to leave the kingdom. You have a whole day to run anywhere until the information reaches the imperial investigators.? ¨C In fact, it would take the imperial authorities three days, if not a whole week, to react after dimir gave them evidence against the demons.


    Kara stared at her rapist in bewilderment. Everyone in her world hated demons to the core and was willing to kill them at any cost. However, her husband was no racist. Was he driving them out of the Iron Throne just to pursue his ambitions? He didn¡¯t want his dear wife to die a painful death, did he? Did he love her at all if he was so cruel to her?


    Kara had a sudden insight: ?Wait, you said that da told you about my true nature! Then how did you know about it at the tournament? Are you lying again, asshole??


    ?I am not. She really told me all about you. But I had known it for a long time. After you enchanted me with your saliva, I spent a lot of time in the library to find out how you could do it. You had given yourself away, and then I took advantage of it.? ¨C Kyon spoke in a rtively calm voice, enjoying sex with his dear wife.


    ?I see. If not for my stupid mother, your ns would have nevere true. The selfish stupid fool had sold her own daughter to the jerk who puts ambition above love.? ¨C Kara assumed and closed her eyes. Two tears rolled down her cheeks. The princess despised and hated her mom and dad even more. They hadn¡¯t only decided her fate without her knowledge, they had screwed everything up.


    ?Kara, don¡¯t you think it runs in your blood? You have even surpassed your mother in this regard. I guess there¡¯s an apple and tree analogy lurking¡­?


    ?Shut up! I would have steered clear of the devil like you! I wouldn¡¯t have fallen for your provocations! I would have lured you into the pce, pulling one over on you. I¡¯d have broken your bones, chained you in the basement, and got the precious legacy out of you even if I had to torture you! I am not da!? ¨C Kara went into hysterics, asserting her superiority over her mother.


    Kyon chuckled with a grunting sound that only Dick Baker could make: ?If you were da, I would have fucked you both in all holes and get you ripped off!?


    ?What do you know?!? ¨C The princess screamed and turned away. Loose lips sink ships! Why couldn¡¯t she just ignore the rapist? She was way too hot-tempered!


    ?I¡¯ll give you an example to prove my point¡­ A real example of how I have already screwed you. Do you remember that guy, sitting next to Xiao Bai at the auction?? ¨C He smiled slyly.


    ?IT WAS YOU?!? ¨C Kara gasped in shock. Some bastard at the auction had overcharged her for the phoenix and the cor, ripping her off to thest sphere! The asshole got away with it! And it turned out to be him. It was Kyon! The princess felt ashamed and embarrassed by her bravado that he instantly threw back in her face. She blushed even deeper.


    Kyon enjoyed what Synergy was doing. The red-faced bitch¡¯s pussy gently squeezed his penis with each emotional outburst, bringing him tremendous pleasure. He could hardly hold back.


    ?They say: ¡°Deceive a human, and they will hate you. Deceive a demon, and they will love you.¡± I¡¯ve fooled you so many times that you should be head over heels in love with me. Are you, honey??


    ?SCREW YOU!? ¨C Kara barked. ¨C ?I will never love you, wretched freak!?


    ?Let¡¯s wait and see.? ¨C Kyon answered with a cold smile in the fluent demonnguage.


    Kara¡¯s eyes widened in shock. He spoke her native dialect!


    Kyon continued speaking the demonnguage that he had learned back in the library: ?I have thoroughly nned everything, including your destiny since the day you crossed my path. Taking part in the tournament was the first step. I impressed your mother, and she seemed mighty interested in me. After that, I arrived at the pce, revealed my identity and expressed my ambitions, demonstrating my enormous willpower. All this prepared for step three, and here¡¯s the result: sessful ckmail, wedding and the following wedding night. Now I am Prince of the Iron Throne, whose status is even higher than that of Prince Charles. Once you leave the kingdom, I will have about a month until they take my title away. Anyway, back to step four, the most important one.? ¨C Something sinister lurked in his eyes. ¨C ?Why do you think I have chosen this particr date for our wedding??


    Kara opened her mouth struck by a sudden guess. She began to tremble, ovee with panic.


    ?Remember, back in Cernos, you imed that you¡¯d better get pregnant from a dog than sleeping with me?? ¨C The fat guy said triumphantly.


    Kara¡¯s face contorted with pain and horror. Her crimson-red face paled, turning the color of caked blood.


    ?I see you have figured it out. You¡¯re ovting today, aren¡¯t you? So, it¡¯s a perfect day for the wedding night to make you a child. I had ordered da to add to your wine the drug that boosts fertility, increasing the chance of your pregnancy to one hundred percent. You¡¯ll get knocked up right before your shameful flight to your homnd by someone who you¡¯d dly exchange for a dog, ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Dick guffawed crazily at her priceless reaction.


    ?I¡­? ¨C Kara gasped for breath, looking at him in despair, tears streaming down her face. ¨C ?I don¡¯t want a child from you¡­ I¡¯ll get rid of it as soon as I have it¡­? ¨C Kara muttered, her voice broken with emotion. She didn¡¯t want a child from the guy she wanted to make her sex ve, not from Dick Backer. Was she destined to go through all this because of her hated parents who had brazenly used their daughter?


    ?Don¡¯t talk nonsense. The legacy will be sealed within our baby. You can use it when the child grows up.? ??? Kyon lied to her face without blinking an eye. ¨C ?Without it, you have no chance to get your revenge on me. Besides, I have a priceless gift for you so that you could protect our kid.?


    ?I don¡¯t need anything from you, jerk!? ¨C The princess let out a loud, doleful wail.


    ?I¡¯ve decided everything for you, silly girl. If it¡¯s a boy, call him Rnd. I¡¯ve always dreamed of a son named Rnd. And now¡­ Ahhhhhh¡­? ¨C With these words, Kyon grabbed his dear wife by the hips, piercing her with his throbbing cock, and moaned with pleasure.

 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298


    ?Take it out! Take it out NOW! O-u-t! Aaaahhhh¡­? ¨C Kara threw her head back, letting out a heartrending groan like a helpless victim of a brutal sex maniac. She could feel his profuse dirty cum inside her womb. Against her will, her vagina contracted, sucking the nasty viscous fluids into her uterus. The demoness felt overflowing and empty at the same time. She didn¡¯t want to breathe the same air with this lousy cunning human, let alone having his child. She hated her own body for submitting to the rapist¡¯s will.


    After half a minute that seemed for the princess an eternity, her husband went limp, plopping his blissful face on her naked boobs. Kara didn¡¯t even have the strength to kick him off, so crushed and heart-broken was she. She was pregnant with a child of this despicable jerk who had willfully and cynically changed the course of her life. Just like her parents did¡­


    Kyon purred with happiness, enjoying the soft firmness of Kara¡¯s voluptuous breasts. His cock had already emptied all of his creamy seed, but her tight pussy was still trembling. This bitch had tried to kill him, enve him with her curse, tortured him with her twisted art of seduction, and above all, she had been depraving Marina. Her debt was huge, but today she did a good job paying it off. She would have a beautiful (probably) and healthy child from Dick Baker, the hated ugly freak.


    Among other things, Lovr had an unusual feeling of heavenly peace. Somehow he figured out this phenomenon was closely rted to the previous owner of his body and soul. He listened to himself and understood everything. Now that he knocked up the princess, who had put Kyon in the mine for the rest of his life, the boy had finally found peace!


    Now that the burden of the former owner¡¯s hatred fell off his soul, it must be easier for him to cultivate. New horizons opened up in front of him on the path of development. Lovr would never have thought that there were invisible obstacles and barriers in his soul thatplicated his life! The timing couldn¡¯t be more fortuitous.


    Ever since the days he spent in the library and found out that Kara and da were demons, Kyon had drafted a n of action that included three points: revenge, gain, and prospects.


    His primary goal was getting revenge that included harvesting darkness and indulging his whims like raping his dear bitch and making her a child. Lovr had long wanted to have a baby boy from the girl he loved, and there was a chance! The new mother might even get attached to the hated father of her child in the process of upbringing. And if she didn¡¯t, it wasn¡¯t a big deal. It was worth taking the risk just to satisfy these two whims, even if his other goals failed.


    His second goal was getting certain advantages or benefits. After bing a prince and driving the demons back to their homnd, Lovr would gain ess to the Grands¡¯ treasury that was at least 100 times bigger than that of the Stones. He would also fulfill dimir¡¯s request and get the rmendation letter for the imperial investigator¡¯s post. Andst but not least, he would prove his worth to the mysterious zeroth general for the second time, expressing his intention to cooperate with him and the empress. He had earned the general¡¯s attention for the first time when he invited Fernand to visit the dwarf gun factory.


    ording to the ancient demon tradition, if the emperor showed his ipetence (which happened after the world war), the first princess¡¯s husband would be the emperor of the nation. In other words, since Kara was Kyon¡¯s wife, he could im the throne of the entire kingdom, despite being a human! Usually, everyone knew everything about the future emperor, but Lovr would need irrefutable proof of his right to the throne. The marriage formation wasn¡¯t an option. Kara could always change or even destroy it. The most reliable evidence would be a child, whose bloodline could be determined with special formations.


    Initially, Kyon was unaware of Kara¡¯s ancestry. He was hoping to be some elder¡¯s son-inw and then infiltrate the demon nation, but it turned out to be even more amazing than he had even imagined! It must have been his lucky day! However, it wasn¡¯t going to be that easy. He had to think carefully about each detail, take into ount his chances and risks, get stronger, etc. In any case, he had to take the bull by the horns.


    Also, he had his reasons for his pitting Kara against da. First, the hurt princess would flee home, and her mother would follow her. Second, the willful stupid girl would no longer be under the wise, calcting queen¡¯s supervision, which would make it easier for him to deal with her in the future. Third, he would get his revenge on da for the recent events.


    Without taking out his cock, Kyon kissed the crying demoness in the cleft between her breasts, tracing with his lips a wet path to her gracious neck. The incredibly beautiful girl was in his absolute power. It was such a turn on.


    The freak¡¯s revolting kisses made Kara look away with disgust. He was worse than a smelly mongrel licking her, and she couldn¡¯t kick him off.


    ?Smile, honey. You¡¯re going to be a mom. Aren¡¯t you proud of yourself?? ¨C Dick taunted her in his low sensual voice, hugging her tight and kissing her red lips. ¨C ?Are you sulking? Or do you want more? Well, whatever you wish, darling¡­?


    Kara was about to argue when she realized that the bastard was messing with her. She couldn¡¯t understand why there was so much sperm in him? Did his mother sleep with a bull inseminator?


    With a crooked, lewd grin, Dick put his wife on all fours and cleaned her red pussy from unnecessary fluids. Then he pulled her back on his penis, grabbing her sensitive, breathtakingly soft mounds.


    Her tender pussy contracted each time he squeezed breasts and pinched her stiff peaks. The demon reproductive system was arranged more conveniently than in humans. Kara had perfectly developed pelvic muscles, her vagina was deeper but at the same time more stic. Lovr was in the seventh heaven, fucking the demon emperor¡¯s daughter.


    The newlyweds y had been fucking for over an hour. Their bodies were drenched in sweat, the room was filled with sweet and pungent after-aroma of sex. Kyon¡¯s sophisticated approach and skillful caresses spurred a powerful reaction from his partner. Gradually, Kara¡¯s suppressed moans filled with pleasure. Her enchanting cherry-red eyes closed in bliss. Her previously immobile, numb body became limp and started to respond, moving her hips forward to help him prate her.


    Within a few hours, the princess was fully involved in the process. Her recent orgasm was so intense and longersting that the temperature in the room got a few degrees higher as if Kara could use the heat elements.


    A couple of times, Kyon put the transform ring back on Kara¡¯s finger. He could rx while his dear girl fucked him better than any whore. Her lithe body moved as one with him, taking on various intricate positions that he could only wish for. He had a hard time keeping his body fluids up in this exciting, passionate marathon. Piercing guttural moans, loud pping sounds of ps, sighs of orgasmic joy merged into a song of insane, sweet debauchery, where one singer sounded like a mesmerizing legendary phoenix singing and the other like a lousy pig squealing.


    Kara had lost track of time and herself in her fantasies. She refused to believe her eyes and ears,pletely concentrating on her sense of smell. She found the raven-haired boy¡¯s scent very exciting. The demoness had never fantasized about guys even while masturbating. It was too low for her, too disgusting and unworthy of her status, but now she realized what she had been missing. In her imagination, she was making love with the goddess¡¯s son, the future ruler of the world, the one who would have the best harem in the world that she would be honored to lead. She developed a fever just thinking about it.


    (*18+)


    A new day was dawning.


    Lovr had heard something through Franz¡¯s bug, but he didn¡¯t react in any way.


    Apart from mind-blowing pleasure, Kyon had received a nice bonus in the form of darkness. Before entering Cernos, the body of the void was filled by 20% with darkness, half of which he had earned at the family tournament. Juno had given him the rest at parting. Lovr had never expected to get as much darkness as he had received during his two weeks in Cernos! 25%! Now his nucleus was filled by 70% with darkness, and it had proved to be an incredible amount!


    As soon as the body of the void had finished the first stage of evolution, it became more demanding not only for the quality of the souls and the elements in the medicine but also for the emotions it consumed. The amount that used to be enough to fill up the nucleus was insufficient now. He needed five times more darkness and light than before, and it wasn¡¯t as simple as it seemed. The equation for harvesting emotions was closely corrted with two factors: the cultivation of the practitioners releasing intense emotions, and his emotional closeness to them. But even this assumption wasn¡¯tpletely sure. Valeera, for example, had given him only 19% of the darkness, although ording to this theory, she should have released 1000%. Why was that? Heaven knows.


    Kyon didn¡¯t know that invisible formless energy of time was pouring into Kara along with the semen from his core. It ascended through the channels into her soul and prated the dormant phoenix egg, the symbol of her unique body.


    After endless ¡°couple training,¡± little cracks appeared on the shell, glowing with the dazzling light of the divine being who was destined to rise above all mortals.


    The wedding night was over. The newlyweds leaned back on the pillows, exhausted. Kyon was lying behind Kara, hugging her tight, gently stroking her tummy swollen from his extract. She emanated a weird, abnormal fever. His body couldn¡¯t feel it, but his soul was simmering as if in the oven. It was a strange feeling, but Kyon didn¡¯t think it was a big deal.


    {Are you happy, the former owner of the body? Your ipetent genes will live on through the hated princess. A single hair on her head is worth more than your life. You should be thankful, lucky guy.} ¨C Lovr thought wistfully.


    Suddenly, he felt an obsessive desire to find out more about the fate of his parents as if the previous owner of his body was begging for it. Kyon gasped in shock. He was anxious to know something about them! However, he couldn¡¯t ask Kara directly. She wouldn¡¯t tell him or she would lie. He decided to do it another way: ?Darling, I must confess I lied to you that unfortunate evening when you crossed my path. The beggar under the wheels of your carriage was actually me, before embarking on the path of cultivation. Now that you are with my baby, we are even, hehe. Do you have this gnawing feeling of regret? What would you do if you could go back in time??


    Kara shuddered. When she spoke, there was venom in her voice: ?You¡­ It was you¡­ If I went back in time, I would make you watch your parents being executed, and then I¡¯d brutally kill you¡­?


    {I see.} ¨C Kyon inferred from his wife¡¯s reply that his parents had been given the same punishment as their offspring. But he decided to rify just in case: ?How cruel of you. Well, everything turned out well. I got out of the mine and took my family along.?


    She snorted angrily instead of an answer. Her reaction would have been different, had he guessed wrong or said something stupid, which meant that his parents were still in the mine! He had to find them and set them free as soon as possible!


    Kyon suddenly wanted to p himself on the forehead. He had been meaning to interrogate Kara and find out why the demons hade to the Iron Throne, how Yurich was connected to this, why they hadn¡¯t left yet, and so on. However, the desire to fuck his dear girl was so overwhelming that it kept all his other thoughts at bay. Now that he had no bargaining lever in ckmail, he was unlikely to get the necessary information. Moreover, time was of the essence. Sooner orter, da might want to visit her daughter! He got a bit carried away!


    He stroked his beloved wife on the butt, running his finger between the taut buns: ?Darling, tell me if Yurich Stone has anything to do with the demons??


    The demoness visibly tensed, then rxed and whispered listlessly: ?Do what you want. I won¡¯t tell you anything, even if you kill me.?


    Kyon sighed in exasperation. However, he didn¡¯t think that he had missed something important. There is no point in getting upset about it. It was time to say goodbye and go looking for his parents. That¡¯s what really mattered!

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299


    Kyon got out of bed and walked around the room, collecting the visual formation nephrites. Then he carelessly washed the weak girl and helped her get dressed in a loose ck coat. He put on her head a ridiculous wide-brimmed hat to hide her face and the horns.


    Kyon didn¡¯t worry about Kara. He had added a couple of formations to her cor, including a visual one. If she got in trouble in the city, he would send a signal to deactivate the suppressing formation. There might be casualties, but he valued her life more than a couple of strangers. With her cultivation in the middle of the lord phase, the demoness would be able to protect herself from any ill-wishers.


    Lovr gently kissed his wife on the lips and untied her hands: ?It¡¯s time to say goodbye. You must leave Boston before daybreak or they will catch you. I don¡¯t cherish the idea of my pregnant wife being tortured by imperial investigators. Take care. I will pay a visit to your homnd in a few years, noter than the goddess Persephone¡¯s day. My invaluable gift will help our child and you in the future. Have a safe journey. By the way, the formation on your cor will dissipate in a couple of hours.? ¨C He said, gently stroking the princess¡¯s hair.


    Kara rubbed her stiff wrists, looking at him with doubt: the cloak, the absurd hat¡­ This cunning boy had nned it all out with his usual attention to detail. ¨C ?Do you really let me go?? ¨C She snorted in contempt when he nodded in reply. ¨C ?If you¡¯re trying to coax me with fake care, you¡¯re so pathetic and messed-up. A selfish creature like you that puts his ambitions above love, who has raped his own wife, deserves nothing but death. I will finish you off at the first opportunity. I will never forgive you, no matter what you do.?


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?Wipe that smug smile off your face, stupid fool! I don¡¯t give a damn what you think about me! You¡¯re mine because I chose you for myself. You don¡¯t get to say anything because you don¡¯t deserve it, bitch. Just get home alive, fucking idiot.? ¨C He snapped and nted a kiss on her lips.


    Kara immediately leaped away: ?I hope I will never see you again, jerk!?


    ?I love you, too. See you in a couple of years.? ¨C He yfully blew her a kiss and disappeared into a secret passage.


    Over the past few hours, Kyon¡¯s Synergy had upgraded Kara¡¯s nervous system and cleaned all her keys up to 99%, just like it did with Valeera in due time. His extravagance was justified by several factors: his love for Kara and desire to make her strong, talented, and worthy of himself; his disregard for her potential and urge to get her revenge. He wasn¡¯t afraid of fire benders as he was incredibly powerful for his stage of cultivation. Moreover, his high-ranking body of the void helped him evolve with meteoric speed. But above all, he wanted to protect his child. As soon as the princess realized that the goddess¡¯s son could clean the keys, she would believe that a part of his legacy was sealed in their child.


    Kyon thought that the princess would never find him, especially considering his disguise skills, and it would be pure nonsense to start a war with Rosarrio, that is, the entire human race, for a ghostly chance to find her offender.


    ¡­


    The goddess sighed glumly, watching the stupid boy about to turn the demoness into the bender of all elements. Because of the arrogant brat, her innocent game had reached epic proportions with irreversible consequences. From now on, there was no turning back. It was all or nothing.


    ¡­


    Kara climbed the most decent mount in the stable and left Boston.


    Tears streamed down her cheeks. All the mes in hell burned in her soul, embittered with deep hatred for her parents and husband. With her mother¡¯s help, the wretched human had ruined her whole life in one night. She would no longer be an empress. She would never have a wonderful harem led by Elsa. Over the past three years she spent in the Iron Throne, Kara¡¯s cultivation had been significantlygging behind her peers. All in all, she was now a mediocre whore, pregnant with a human child. As soon as her father died of illness, and he didn¡¯t have long left, no one would envy her fate.


    After a few hours, the cor lost its power. Kara was relieved to throw it away, but it didn¡¯t get it any better. The burning anger in her chest didn¡¯t subside.


    {I feel hot¡­ Why is it so hot?} ¨C Her chest heaved with every breath, steam came out of her mouth, and her tears evaporated before rolling down her cheeks. Was her hatred so great? It was highly unlikely!


    Soon her mount whinnied intively and reared, dropping the princess on the ground. Then it sped away and disappeared. Spiders, ants, and other bugs instinctively scattered in all directions. The birds flew away in awe. All living organisms within ten kilometers fled, sensing the ming aura of the divine being, the ruler of heaven and the lord of fire.


    Kara curled up into a ball, groaning in agony. Her heart was pounding, her keys white-hot, the channels numb. Her body felt like it was on fire. ¨C {What is going on? Am I dying?}


    Kara¡¯s clothes caught fire, exposing her tender and unburned skin. The grass turned yellow and ck within a radius of a meter around her, and then it burst into mes. The heat got stronger and stronger with each next instant, increasing the me radius¡­ two meters, five meters, ten meters, one hundred meters! The trees burst into mes¡­


    A minuteter, everything around the princess turned into hellish heat. The air dried up, the ground turned red-hot and cracked, the sky was overcast with smoke. She couldn¡¯t hear a single living creature around her, only the howl of the eery dry wind.


    Kara couldn¡¯t even breathe. Her soul seemed to be about to explode with the excessive energy of something iprehensibly powerful.


    {Is it the phoenix body awakening?} ¨C The bewildered princess supposed.


    Since she was a child, the princess was told that she was special because she was lucky to be born with the divine phoenix¡¯s unique body. If she were fortunate enough to awaken it during her life, the chances of which were pretty small, she would be the most powerful practitioner in the world with a life expectancy of thousands of years. When she asked why she had this amazing body, her parents told her all sorts of tall tales. Either they did not know it themselves, or they kept it secret for some reason.


    Kara suggested that there could be only one reason for her unique body awakening: she had slept with the son of the goddess! His divine bloodline must have influenced her soul and awakened her unique body! However, she was desperately worried now. If everything went on like this, she would die!


    {I don¡¯t want to die! I need this power! My dreams¡­ I want to see theme true!} ¨C Her cherry-red eyes sparkled with an unquenchable desire for life.


    It took Kara some effort to sit in the lotus position, but when she closed her eyes, she saw a clear image of a cracked egg glowing with bright light. She could feel with all her soul the creature inside, its desire to get out, its capricious disposition, unyielding will, and unbridled energy. Even her father was no match for this power (and her cultivation was still in the middle of the lord phase). Such a strong bond with her unique body took the demoness by surprise. Kara had no doubt that she had something exceptional!


    With her heart filled and wonder, the princess sent a mental message to her unique body, and, to herplete surprise, it heard her. The baby phoenix stood still, puzzled. Then it snapped its beak and listened to the voice of its owner¡­


    It was the start of their partnership thatsted a lifetime.


    A quarter of an hourter, the princess released an unimaginably powerful burst of energy, marking the birth of the phoenix. It reduced everything to dust within a radius of a kilometer around the epicenter. The ground turned into ake of seething magma. At the same time, all the inhabitants of the and even the distant moons could feel the burning noble aura that impressed with its depth and magnificence even the wisest and strongest representatives of this harsh world.


    Thepletely naked demoness rose to her full height. Her slender seductive body did not change at all at first nce. However, her lonely figure seemed to be filled with invisible pride and grace worthy of the phoenix god. The spirit of the scarlet bird came down and invaded the princess, changing her very essence and raising her to the level that no mortal would ever reach.


    Kara opened her beautiful, clear eyes glowing with dangerous lights and sparkling withplex emotions. On the one hand, her husband had helped her activate the body of the divine phoenix. On the other hand, his help was done in the most sordid, degraded way. The bastard had caused her too much suffering to be forgiven so easily!


    After some hesitation, the princess had made her final decision. At this very moment, huge fiery wings with a span of five meters grew on her back. With a graceful movement, she soared into the air and flew to her homnd at great speed like a swift phoenix.


    Not so long ago, Kara was in the abyss of her despair, and now she was soaring above the clouds. With the newfound power, it was now a matter of time to make any dreame true, be it revenge, dear Elsa and Juno in her harem, or the title of empress. From now on, Kara would be in control of her life and destiny. Her parents could no longer tell her what to do.


    ¡­


    A little earlier, Kyon had seen via visual formations da meeting thedies-in-waiting. She found out that they hadn¡¯t slept with anyone and started to suspect that something was wrong. The queen tried to contact her daughter, all to no avail. Then she checked the formation and found the princess far away from Boston. The worried queen burst into Kara¡¯s chambers and instantly smelled the specific after-sex odor. Her face turned ashen and she rushed to leave the city with horror on her face ¡­


    As soon as the queen left Boston, Lovr sent a pigeon with Kara¡¯s transformation ring to dimir. Finally, he would receive a rmendation letter to get a job as an imperial investigator. But before going to Dantes, he had to find his parents and stay in Cernos for a while to cultivate his unique body and soul.


    Suddenly, Kyon sensed an iparable burning aura that was emanating from everywhere. It seemed to proim its dominance over this world, instilling fear and making everyone tremble. The scared mount whinnied in panic, nearly knocking the rider off.


    {What¡¯s going on in this fucking world?} ¨C Lovr wondered.


    Therge-scale explosion happened a thousand kilometers from Boston with high mountains all the way. Kyon couldn¡¯t detect it with his feathered spies.


    He sighed grimly, concerned with his uing meeting with his parents. He felt both peace and sadness. Lovr had finally got over the dark side of his mind and felt peace and serenity. He hated the idea that he might have been toiling in the sector next to his parents, that he could have freed them with Xiao Bai¡¯s help. However, he didn¡¯t know their names or their exact location. They were ves, after all.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was approaching the entrance to the first mine. The cool breeze brought in the fresh scent from the rocky mountains. The breath-takingndscapes inspired Lovr, who loved everything beautiful.


    Two guards stopped him at the gate. They grimaced in disgust when they noticed how ugly the visitor was and asked to show the formation. The expression on their faces suggested that they would beat him to death if he was someone insignificant.


    Kyon showed the formation he had received at the wedding ceremony.


    ?Huh?!? ¨C The guard stood rooted to the spot. ¨C ?Are you Dick Baker? The new Prince Grand?!? ¨C his eyes nearly popped out of his head. The news of the wedding had already spread throughout the kingdom, but only few people knew the name of the husband. Given the elite mount, the visitor¡¯s outfit, the diamond token with the Grand Crest on his chest, and the genuine formation of the first-ranking royal, it could be no one else but the prince in front of him! Was it even possible?


    Kyon said with a look of quiet, stern arrogance: ?How are you talking to me, servant? Do you want to go to the guillotine??


    ?Oh!? ¨C The guard caught his breath, nearly wetting his pants. He fell to his knees and began to beg for forgiveness. Even if it wasn¡¯t the prince, it would be reckless to take risks!


    Kyon casually waved him off: ?Take me to your boss. It¡¯s urgent.?


    The monstrously ugly visitor was respectfully escorted to the main office, where the deputy head (the elder) named Mairi greeted him with reverence.


    After checking the prince¡¯s identity, Mairi said: ?Your Highness, I apologize for the rude behavior of my subordinates. How can I help you? What is the purpose of your visit??


    Kyon got down to business: ?Six months ago, two or three ves were brought to the mine individually by my wife¡¯s order. I want to take them with me.?

 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300


    The deputy head raised his eyebrows in surprise. It wasn¡¯t every day that the prince himself came to the mine to pick up some ves: ¨C ?I am afraid you¡¯ll have to wait, §íir. It may take some time to find them.? ¨C He said with regret in his voice.


    ?I¡¯m in no hurry.? ¨C Dick nodded at him, full of royal dignity.


    Mairi gave orders to bring in all the detailed reports on ve delivery for thest six months, and soon he had a huge pile of papers in his office.


    Mairi sighed wearily. Considering that more than 10,000 miners toiled in the three mines, and up to a thousand new ves were brought in every month, the search could drag on until the evening. That¡¯s what he thought until he came across a woman¡¯s name¡­


    ?Huh? A woman in the mine? Who would let it happen?? ¨C Mairi muttered angrily when he saw the high-ranked seal with the name Grand and the note ¡°for life¡± that meant that the woman couldn¡¯t buy her freedom. ves were usually delivered on the first days of the month, but the report stated the second week.


    Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat when he saw this entry: {Lydia Ostap¡­ She is my mother! I feel it!} ¨C He picked up the next report. ¨C {Ostap Peter!} ¨C An inexplicable sadness filled his soul. His eyes were stinging with the desire to meet his parents surging inside.


    Ordinary people had no surname. The children were given a first name and their father¡¯s name. The wives bore their birth name and their husband¡¯s name that they got after the wedding. That¡¯s how they distinguished male-headed households.


    ?I¡¯ve found them¡­ I going to see them.? ¨C Kyon tried to sound casual, barely holding back his impatience.


    ?Oh¡­ I¡¯m d¡­ I could help! I will order the guards to meet you there. The second mine is about seventy kilometers from here. I can show you the way.? ¨C Mairi obligingly offered his help.


    ?Don¡¯t.? ¨C Kyon grasped the reports and promptly left the office. Once, Martin deleted Kyon from the database, which yed right into his hands as nosy enemies could have found him by his rare name.


    Lovr left the first mine and headed to the second on his fast thoroughbred horse. The weather was getting worse. It looked like rain. He couldn¡¯t calm down, eager to meet his parents.


    Half an hourter, he arrived at the second mine. The guards escorted him to the living room of the third sector. A tall one-eyed leader (of the 1st rank), who looked like a typical bandit, greeted the guest. Kurt was ordered to wee a very important visitor and help him locate two ves. On either side of the hefty leader were two henchmen of the same build.


    ?I¡¯m looking for Ostap and Lydia. Show them to me.? ¨C Kyon demanded in a trembling voice.


    Kurt looked uneasy and nervous: ?Sir¡­?


    Kyon had a bad feeling about this. He swayed a little, almost falling to the side.


    ?Sir¡­ They¡­ There has been an ident¡­? ¨C The leader spoke in a servile tone. ¨C ?Two weeks ago¡­ A deadly rockslide¡­? ¨C He nervously swallowed. ¨C ?They got buried alive under those rocks.? ¨C Kurt stumbled and stuttered.


    Kyon sank down helplessly, his hands trembling. He did his best to hide the emotional turmoil behind his poker face. He hadn¡¯t looked through the reports, afraid to read what he just heard. His worst fears hade true¡­


    Every minute of the tense silence made the leader even more nervous. The prince emanated a dense aura of grief that made even the seasoned guards feel uneasy. If he weren¡¯t so ugly, they might even feel sorry for him.


    The orphan stared at them with nk eyes: ?Show me where it happened.? ¨C He whispered listlessly.


    ?Follow me, Sir¡­? ¨C Kurt answered quietly, walking deeper into the mine.


    Passing endless tunnels with numerous turns, the ve leader brought the important guest to the entrancepletely blocked by the boulders. The poor fellows had been buried alive behind them with no chance of survival.


    Kyon walked over to the rocks and thoughtlessly began to pile them aside.


    The guard dared to warn him: ?It¡¯s too dangerous, Your Highness. The tunnel will copse!?


    Lovr stopped acting stupid and gloomily bowed over the stones that served as the grave for the parents he never had. Thinking about Ostap and Lydia¡¯s fate was depressing. Theirst six months must have been hard like hell. They had lost their freedom and their only son, who they had been raising with love for fourteen years. They understood perfectly well that the mine was no ce for a weak boy, which weighed them down with sadness. His poor parents had to work hard, plunging into a depth of despair, and when it was only two weeks before their son¡¯s arrival, their freedom, and happy life, they tragically died. Life was too cruel to those kind, simple people who had to eke out a miserable existence in extreme poverty. Kyon was toote.


    After a minute of silence, Lovr was on the brink of tears when he felt hatred oozing from his soul: {You¡­ Do you hate her again?} ¨C He asked himself. ¨C {Kyon, she took two lives that were too dear for you. Let her bring them back. That¡¯s the only way to get even with her. There is no point in leaving your child motherless.} ¨C After this thought, his sudden anger gradually subsided until it disappearedpletely.


    Kyon got up, brushed off his hands and took a look at the reports again. Then he said curtly to the ve leader: ?Show me to Simon Abdul.?


    ?What for?? ¨C The one-eyed leader asked, stammering with fear.


    ?Do you want to die? Don¡¯t waste my time. Do it now!? ¨C Kyon barked.


    Kurt shuddered and apologized. He was drenched in a cold sweat, his legs shaking in fear as he led the guest to Ostap¡¯s former warden.


    Lovr wanted to find out as much as possible about the parents of the former owner of his body. He could feel intive impulses from his soul asking not to do it (apparently, Kyon did not want to know about their suffering) but did it his way.


    Soon he saw a group of ten people: ?I¡¯ll take it from here. Wait for me behind the corner.?


    Two wardens and three ves obeyed. For some reason, Kurt hesitated.


    Kyon walked over to the warden with a mark on his forehead: ?What¡¯s your father¡¯s name??


    When the warden saw the guest in noble clothes, he replied with all due respect: ?It¡¯s Abdul, sir! What can I do for you??


    The ves, who were working nearby, stopped mining and watched with interest the unusual things happening in their life.


    ?Tell me, Simon, how it could happen that your subordinate Ostap was buried alive two weeks ago, and you are here safe and sound?? ¨C The warden could hear a mortal danger in the fat guy¡¯s colorless voice.


    However, instead of feeling, Simon scratched the back of his head, puzzled: ?No one has ever been buried alive since I was appointed the warden of this group, sir!?


    A sinewy old man in tattered, dirty rags timidly emerged from the group of ves: ?Are you talking about Ostap Peter, sir??


    The warden angrily shook his fist at the fool, letting him know that he would not get off easy for his initiative.


    ?Did you know him?? ¨C Kyon asked gently.


    ?I did¡­ He was my friend.? ¨C The ve said hoarsely.


    ?Follow me, Amos.? ¨C Lovr ordered, reading his name on the mark.


    The prince and the old man went away from prying eyes and ears.


    Kyon gave the exhausted ve a bottle of water.


    Amos drank it up greedily, looking respectfully at his benefactor:


    ?May I know why you¡¯re looking for Ostap, sir??


    ?I want to atone for my newly-made wife¡¯s sins before the goddess. She put an innocent family in the mines.? ¨C Kyon decided to tell him a half-truth. ¨C ?Tell me more about Ostap and his family. Say everything you know.?


    The old man was touched to the core. There were good people in this damned world! However, he was nervous talking to the prince, which made him choose the right words for a long time¡­


    ?Don¡¯t choose your words, forget about respect. I¡¯m not the kind of person who would care about such trifles. Tell me everything you know about your friend.?


    Amos took a deep breath and began his story.


    There was a hugemotion the very day when Lydia and Ostap appeared in the mine. Women had never taken to mines as ves because they were weak, and men would lose their heads because of them. Kurt immediately spotted her andid his grabby hands on her. Lydia¡¯s husband desperately tried to protect his wife, for which he was severely beaten. He miraculously managed to recover in the hospital. As soon as he was released, he began to talk the other ves into overthrowing the leader, promising them anything, but no one agreed. The desperate man could not see his own wife because she was kept in the leader¡¯s room¡­ Kurt didn¡¯t let her out, locking her up as his property.


    Amos made friends with Ostap because he felt sorry for him. He believed that if he did not support the poor fellow, he would die of grief. Ostap turned out to be a kind, even naive person, fond of his ¡°wonderful and precious Lydia.¡± He never gave up on the idea of setting her free and kept trying. One day he made a deal with the leader in public. Kurt promised to give him back his wife if Ostap bought her for 100,000 rupees. Since then, Ostap worked tirelessly, killing his health that was already ruined by eternal mental torment. About a month ago, on the sry day, one of the leader¡¯s henchmen faked a fall, using Ostap of pushing him and demandingpensation for the ¡°shoulder dislocation. The poor man, whose only and most cherished desire was to get his dear wife back, was robbed of all his money earned by sweat and blood for five months of hard work.


    Ostap used Kurt of setting him up, but he was again beaten to a pulp. Almost all the ves were on the side of the sufferer, but no one turned against the leader and his powerful henchmen. Many of his group shared with Ostap their portions of food, but he seemed to havepletely lost his will to live. Ostap never recovered. He sat there staring into space with unblinking eyes and about a weekter, he quietly died.


    The next day, when the leader came, one of his eyes was scratched out. Lydia was carried out of his room dead. The woman died at Kurt¡¯s hands, trying to avenge her husband¡¯s death.


    Amos suddenly stumbled. The prince emanated a frightening oppressive aura that prated right into his very soul, dragging it into the bowels of hell.


    The ugly guy muttered through clenched teeth: ?Did Ostap tell you anything about his son??


    Amos nodded and said that all Ostap¡¯s stories about his past were about his only precious son. His Kyon was of an unsocial, taciturn disposition. Whenmunicating with peers, he looked at the floor. When talking to girls, his knees trembled. The only people he loved and spent most of his time with were his parents. But it wasn¡¯t what Ostap meant to say. He used to repeat with a smile: ¡°My son is sweet, shrewd, and highly gifted!¡± Kyon wanted to be a great architect and kept asking his mom and dad to take him somewhere to admire architectural masterpieces. He begged them to buy him rulers and paper to draw his first drawings with sharpened coal. He must have been very good at it. Ostap had high hopes for his son and saved up money to send him to an elite school. However, soon he and his wife were arrested and sent to the mines. Since then, the parents hadn¡¯t seen their child, but they knew that their frail, weak boy was working in another mine. Ostap suspected why they had been captured: Kyon had always wanted to visit the pce and study its architecture, but after another polite refusal, he decided to see it by himself¡­


    When Kyon was about to end this difficult conversation, Amos suddenly blurted out: ?By the way, I almost forgot to tell you! Ostap once mentioned that the boy was adopted! Someone left him as a baby at their front door with a bag of money and a medallion around his neck¡­?


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened. He listened in silent amazement.


    ?Ostap said that Kyon took great care of his medallion. Whenever he left home, Kyon always asked his father to keep it, afraid of losing his treasure. I¡¯ve never seen it, but Ostap said that he had managed to sneak it into the mine¡­ However, he decided to leave it with Lydia¡­? ¨C Amos finished his story.


    Kyon patted the old man on the shoulder and touched his forehead: ?Thank you, Amos. You¡¯ve just secured yourself a cushy life.? ¨C The stunned ve stared in bewilderment as Kyon headed for the exit.


    Kyon found only the wardens outside. He asked emotionlessly: ?Where are those three??


    ?They have left, sir¡­?


    ?Give me the tracking mirror.? ¨C Kyon ordered in an even voice.


    A minuteter, he kicked out the stone door leading to Kurt¡¯s room.


    The three pale thugs looked at the prince that stormed into the room like sheep at the wolf. They were hoping that those ves weren¡¯t important enough for the prince toe for them!


    Kyon was boiling with rage. He wasn¡¯t so furious even with Juno back then at the hot spring: ?Where¡¯s the medallion?? ¨C His deep voice sounded more dangerous than the whisper of death.


    Kurt took out something from the cab: ?Here it is, sir¡­? ¨C He handed the prince a silver medallion.


    Lovr put it carefully in his pocket. His body blurred in an instant.


    Before Kurt and his henchmen could blink, they saw something red in the prince¡¯s hands that spurt blood and contracted convulsively. The two ves on either side of their leader stared in horror at the holes in their chests and went limp with nk eyes.


    ?§¡§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡§¡-§¡§¡H! DON¡¯T KILL ME!? ¨C Kurt squealed, freaking out. His henchmen¡¯s hearts had been ripped out! The prince was a real monster!


    ?Die in agony.? ¨C Kyon mercilessly inserted three needles infused with Synergy into Kurt¡¯s body.


    He made an indistinct wheezing sound. After a minute of the shock therapy, he died of a heart attack. Even unyielding Valeera couldn¡¯t stand it in her time and gave away her secrets. Kurt¡¯s face was frozen in indescribable horror bordering on madness.


    Kyon left the mine and sat on the edge of the cliff dangling his legs. He didn¡¯t care about the height, stormy winds and cold rain. Grief gripped his heart. For the first time in his life, Lovr could feel his heart breaking. His adoptive parents shared his ambitions, wished him happiness, pinned their hopes on him, saved their money to give him an education¡­ But fate had ruthlessly crushed them. It separated them with their child, then with each other, and finally brutally killed them, without leaving Kyon a chance to bury them properly.


    He felt sorrow and sympathy for the previous owner of his body. Hot tears streamed down his cheeks, mixing with icy drops of rain. Lovr was really crying for the first time. Losing dear parents was the worst tragedy he could imagine¡­


    When tears washed away the pain, Kyon took out the silver medallion. He looked in disbelief at the familiar coat of arms.

 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301


    Kyon stared at the sun-shaped coat of arms carved in the medallion, overwhelmed with emotions: {The Torres family crest? They are the most powerful non-royal! Why is their coat of arms on my medallion?}


    The Torres held the 1st rank in the capital of the Saturn empire(1). They were like the Stonespared to the Grands, only this imperial family was the most powerful in the human race. Their influence in the world was equivalent to the high-ranking sects. A single non-royal family in Saturn wasparable to the whole Rosarrio empire, that¡¯s how grand they were.


    {Am I Kyon Torres?} ¨C He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    Apparently, the soul of his body¡¯s former owner was also eager to learn the truth about his origin, sending hot waves of impatient curiosity to Lovr. Kyon was pinning his hopes on him to find his real parents.


    {Alright, alright! Calm down! I¡¯ll honor your request in the future.} ¨C Lovr waved him off and wondered how they could give away a member of a great family. Why did they send him to some nameless beggars in a low-ranking empire? Why didn¡¯t they leave him with a royal family where he would have been raised without hardship? Why didn¡¯t they provide his poor parents with all the necessary resources? All this seemed too weird, given the local traditions. Moreover, the nobility rarely gave up a child ¡­


    Lovr sighed grimly, creating a vacuum barrier around himself that served as an umbre. He wrote and sent a letter to the head deputy ordering him to free Amos. Then he headed to Boston.


    There was no time to grieve about the parents he never knew. He had to focus on himself. His ns for the demons had been sessful. They had left for their homnd, he had be a prince and the future imperial investigator. It couldn¡¯t have been better.


    It waste at night when Kyon returned to the pce. He immediately went to the treasury, located in the deep basement behind numerous living and non-living guarding barriers. it was the only ce with no secret passages.


    The guards recognized the new prince, the future king of the Iron, and let him inside. If he were Prince Charles, the bastard, he would not have been granted ess to the treasury.


    The treasury wasposed of two sections. The first section contained disposables, money, keys, formations of different types, resources, medicine¡­ The second section was the sacred ce for the Grand family where they kept their legacy: medicine descriptions, formations, and techniques¡­


    Kyon¡¯s forehead creased with veins popping as he examined the first section of the treasury: ?Bitch¡­ She took it all!? ¨C He sighed in frustration looking around the half-empty shelves. He was hoping that the queen was leaving Boston in a hurry and didn¡¯t have time to take anything with her, but it turned out that she had always kept the treasures with her. What else could he expect from a demon who had been sessfully exploiting the entire kingdom for three years?


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that he hadn¡¯t received his awards for capturing Sauron, Lanai, and the ck Queen, which were 5, 50, and 100 million spheres respectively. In fact, Kyon wasn¡¯t counting on this money. The demons couldn¡¯t care less who was terrorizing the Iron Throne beside them. The budget wouldn¡¯t steal itself.


    Kyon tried to be optimistic. He managed to find a bunch of attacking and defensive formations, spatial rings, concealing bracelets, and medicine that da had neglected. ording to rough estimates, the treasure he had found was worth over twenty million spheres! Quite a jackpot.


    Kyon took everything that might be of the slightest value, filling up more than 10 spatial rings, and went downstairs, to the 2nd section of the treasury. As expected, da wasn¡¯t interested in the Grands¡¯ legacy. In the demon empire, all these descriptions and techniques were considered rubbish. Only aplete idiot would dig into them. She would never make money on the copies, and taking the originals could have serious implications. For Kyon, the value of the legacyy in its endless possibilities. He could use it to produce something really useful, powerful and impressive of at least the legendary ¡°S¡± rank. Once, he found base ingredients in the ancient tomb under Juno¡¯s mansion, thanks to which he now had the powerful body of the void.


    For inquisitive Lovr, the night passed in the blink of an eye. He studied every nephrite without taking it in. Anyone else would have died from information overload. There was more than enough: numerous medicine instructions,bat techniques, protective formations, including the highest grades of all elements.


    There was a ¡°password¡± on each nephrite, without which the ess to the legacy would have been denied. It protected the treasury against thieves. However, it wasn¡¯t difficult for Kyon to find out the ¡°password¡± from the chief butler. He was the first prince, after all, not just anyone.


    Kyon outlined an action n for the next two months: to find out all the secrets of his upgraded spatial attribute; toplete the upgrade of his head (in the unique body); to master all the highest grades (apart from the earth element that he already knew); to create a concealment technique, ideally simr to Valeera¡¯s. A treatment technique woulde in handy. Also, he needed a technique that could deceive the opponent, creating an illusion or a mirage. Dinah used something like that at the mansion when she had lost the bet.


    Kyon was really motivated to be stronger by his desire to take back his dear Dinah from the goddess-bitch, make Valeera his woman, even if she didn¡¯t want to, and deal with consequences after his wedding with Kara, who hated her own husband.


    When he made up his mind, Kyon left the pce and went to Cernos. If da ever returned to take the ¡°son of the goddess¡± to the demon empire, she would fail. Kyon was going to forget about Dick¡¯s personality for at least a few days. Although the queen was unlikely to risk her life staying in the kingdom, where the imperial authorities would be looking for her, it wouldn¡¯t be superfluous to take measures for his safety.


    On the way to Cernos, Kyon heard his sound transmitter ringing: ?How are you doing, dimir??


    ?I¡¯m great! Ha ha ha!? ¨C The head of the investigation department hooted withughter. ¨C ?You have found irrefutable evidence! I¡¯ve been after them for years and you did it in three fucking weeks! Geez! Who are you, Kyon Stone??


    ?Come on, boss. You¡¯re ttering me.? ¨C Kyon chuckled quietly.


    ?ttering? If you call my praise ttery, then I badmouth everyone all day long! Never mind. We are going to get the bitches, and it¡¯s the only thing that matters! How did you do it? How did you set up your wedding? Why did you turn into a fat freak? And did you finally fuck that bitch? Damn! You muste to my office at once! There¡¯s so much we need to talk about!?


    Kyon was about to refuse when he remembered how hard it was to fill the light side of the nucleus and agreed. He turned around halfway to school and headed for the department.


    His conversation with meticulous dimir dragged on the whole morning. The stingy boss filled the core by only five percent, which was rather disappointing. Bright emotions were tricky to earn. Until the demons were captured, dimir wasn¡¯t going to get emotionally generous. Therefore, Kyon shouldn¡¯t expect a tiny bit of bright emotions from his boss when he learned about da¡¯s and Kara¡¯s escape, or better yet stay away from him. It was fortunate that dimir didn¡¯t realize that the missing ring could alert the demons and even provoke their escape if there wasn¡¯t another one. Kyon could already see his boss pping his forehead in frustration.


    Foreseeing dimir¡¯s imminent anger, Kyon asked for the rmendation letter at once, without further dy. It should be written to Dick Baker. Kyon had no intention of wearing the ck demon mask in the Imperial Department. The zeroth general would sooner orter find out that Kyon Stone was, in fact, Dick Backer. He was destined to start cooperating. The only question was when.


    When he received the long-awaited letter of rmendation that opened the doors to the whole new world, Kyon carefully put it in the ring and set off for Cernos. He entered the school territory under the guise of Dick Backer so that only the guards knew about his arrival. Then he put on a spacious hooded cloak to remain incognito and changed his appearance in the nearest restroom, turning into an ordinary-looking student in the mediocre ck uniform.


    First of all, Kyon called Franz, but he didn¡¯t answer. The cheeky boy must have left the wire at home. Kyon wondered who would ever keep such a disobedient servant.


    Then he happened to overhear a conversation between two girls who were sitting on the bench in the park.


    ?Gods, she beat the shit out of him! I heard he is ck and blue all over!? ¨C The pretty schoolgirl in the white uniform eximed pitifully.


    ?I heard he threw himself at her! I¡¯d say he got off easy¡­ At least she didn¡¯t kill him!? ¨C Her friend shook her head sadly.


    ?Pfft! It¡¯s pure nonsense! If only he had thrown himself at me, I¡¯d have returned his feelings! What¡¯s wrong with her? I would understand if it was Dick Baker, the ugly freak. She could have killed him on the spot! But Franz is so handsome! How could she??


    ?Anastasia has fallen in love!? ¨C Her friend knew it at once.


    ?So what? Let¡¯s visit him in the hospital!? ¨C Anastasia offered, red in the face.


    ?Do not even think about it! The nurses kick everyone out! There are crowds of visitors to him. Every slut at school considers it her duty to visit him! What¡¯s the point anyway? He is half dead and can¡¯t even say a word!?


    Kyon went to the medical center. He was heading there anyway. When he was on the top floor, he bribed the nurse and entered ward number one.


    Franz was lying in bed like a lifeless carcass, bandaged like a mummy. His pale face was covered with bruises. His eye was ck and swollen.


    Mentally groaning at the sight of Franz, Kyon approached his bed and asked him in a quiet,forting voice: ?What happened??


    Franz opened his eyes and stared nkly at the visitor.


    ?It¡¯s me, Kyon. Why did she do it to you??


    The maimed patient turned away apathetically, his breathing uneven. He looked like a spirit-broken man, anguished after a serious moral injury.


    ?I can¡¯t help you if you don¡¯t tell me anything.?


    Franz slightly shook his head and wheezed: ?You can¡¯t help me. It¡¯s toote.?


    ?Toote for what? To get up from bed? To get over it? Are you going to be like this when Marinaes to visit you? Do you want to disappoint her?? ¨C Kyon bombarded him with his questions.


    ?She won¡¯te¡­ She hates me.? ¨C Franz whispered.


    ?That¡¯s what you think. You are my servant, but you bring more problems than benefits. I promised to tackle your problems with the Grands as soon as I be a prince. The time hase! Come on, chin up. It¡¯s time to win Marina¡¯s heart. You can do it!? ¨C Kyon assured him cheerfully.


    ?The principal has raped me.? ¨C Franz said hoarsely. ¨C ?Then Julia beat the shit out of me in front of everyone. Marina will never love a total loser like me. Leave me alone. I want to die.? ¨C His voice was saturated with despair and heartache.


    Kyon sighed and threw his head back. While he was enjoying the happiest day of his life, Franz had just the opposite experience. While Kyon was fucking beautiful Kara, principal Nn porked poor Franz. Their situations were so different, yet so simr.


    Lovr put his finger on Franz¡¯s forehead and released some Synergy.


    The former formacist felt blissful lightness enveloping his body. Gentle chill took away the pain. Franz soared above the abyss of hopelessness he seemed to have been falling into. For a moment, he started to believe that life was not so bad after all.


    ?Franz, your fate is terrible, but that¡¯s no reason to take your own life. You are a wise man, you must understand that life is like a zebra. There are white and ck stripes. Do you remember the first time you lost Marina? You nearly died of depression back then. But soon, everything changed, and you even remained good friends. Recently, you were dying of illness, being a decrepit feeble old man who had lost thest chance to restore his seed, and now you are fresh and frisky, full of enthusiasm and hopes for your dreams toe true! I wonder who got you out of this mess time after time. Exactly, it was me! But I didn¡¯t sign up to be your fucking guardian angel! My patience is running out. I give you onest chance. Do you want to take revenge on Julia and Nn? Do you want to win Marina¡¯s heart and make her a child? Make a decision or keep lying on this bed feeling sorry for yourself until you die!? ¨C Kyon insisted.


    Franz¡¯s eyes sparkled. His heart fluttered with delighted hope. Why was this bastard so inspiring? To hell with it! How could he refuse if the goddess¡¯s son himself wanted to help him?


    When Franz looked at Kyon, his gaze was steady and firm: ?Please¡­ Help me!?

 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302


    After talking with Franz, Kyon left the medical center and headed to the main school building. On the way there, he took out the sound transmitter and called Stephanie, number three in the Stone family. With her help, he had organized the unscheduled qualification to be a direct blood descendant. She had also arranged his military card without which he couldn¡¯t be an investigator.


    ?Stephanie Stone speaking.? ¨C He heard in the sound transmitter.


    ?Do you remember me, Stephanie Stone?? ¨C Kyon said pompously.


    ?Is it¡­ Kyon?? ¨C She eximed in surprise. Thest thing she expected to hear was the goddess¡¯s messenger¡¯s voice! Stephanie thought that this eagle had flown away and would nevere back to her.


    ?Make sure that no one can hear you.? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?Uh-huh!? ¨C She peeped out of the toilet booth and looked around. ¨C ?No one is here!?


    ?Alight. I¡¯d like to ask a favor of you. As a reward, I¡¯ll give you some powerful techniques.?


    ?Wait! I don¡¯t need any techniques! I just want to see you!? ¨C Stephanie said excitedly. ¨C ?Where are you?? ¨C If she got to meet him, she would never let him go again.


    ?You can¡¯t see me. I¡¯m in another kingdom.?


    ?I cane to you!? ¨C She wasn¡¯t going to give up just like that.


    {What a tenacious girl¡­} ¨C ?N-o spells no!? ¨C Kyon said imperiously. ¨C ?Don¡¯t make me raise my voice.?


    Stephanie panicked. She knew that she had to be persistent and assertive, but she could not afford it. Kyon could simply end the call! She couldn¡¯t lose him again. ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry Kyon. I have always been invisible and unimportant to you¡­? ¨C The cunning girl was ying the victim to getpliments from Kyon and then use his words against him, but, to her disappointment, he said nothing.


    When the silence became ufortable, Stephanie desperately blurted out: ?I¡¯ll do anything you say if you give me the real frequency of your sound transmitter!?


    {How did she figure it out?} ¨C Kyon used a disposable sound transmitter, anticipating the unwanted calls from the pesky stalker. ¨C ?No.? ¨C He said resolutely.


    Stephanie fought back a sob. ¨C ?Then promise to call me again¡­?


    ?You can¡¯t seduce me, girl. I am not interested in rtionships. I have a lot on my te. I can only promise to protect the Stones in the future when I get stronger. As for the techniques¡­ They don¡¯t cost me anything, but you might find them useful. They can help you be Stone number one in your generation. I thought you might be interested in this.?


    Stephanie moaned sadly: ?Alright¡­ When you put it like this I have no¡­ I mean I agree. What do you want me to do?? ¨C She asked humbly.


    ?First, check your mail. I¡¯ve sent you arge sum of money. Use it to rent a spacious, fortified basement in the shopping area and organize a fight club there. It will be a ce where the Stones can meet every night for sparring sessions. If someone does not want to get involved, put some pressure on them, use your father¡¯s authority. You can also justify it by the fact that the Grands bully everyone at school, and now you will have a ce where you can gainbat experience and at the same time learn to work in a team. Can you do it??


    Stephanie was deeply moved: ?Do you really favor the Stones so much??


    ?Don¡¯t be a fool. Your main task is to inspire one depressed guy and lift his spirits. I will describe him in detailter. Arrange a tournament at the very first meeting in the club. The winner will be the leader. He will supervise everything: resolve conflicts, instruct the fighters, and announce the winners. You will be his right hand to make sure there¡¯s no discontent in the club.?


    Something seemed to be bothering her: ?Wait, the fight club is for the Stones, right? How can the leader be an outsider??


    ?He is a former Stone. He has the formation.?


    ?But Lee is the strongest Stone! I will never persuade him to give in! He¡¯s too proud to lower himself in front of everyone, even for a million spheres!?


    ?Don¡¯t worry about that. The future leader will defeat your vaunted Lee in no time.?


    ?Really? I thought Lee was the strongest in our generation!?


    ?Can you do it or not?? ¨C Kyon ignored her statement.


    ?Yeah! Sure! You can count on me, my hero!?


    ?Good luck.? ¨C Kyon said instead of goodbye and ended the connection. Then he called the pce using the royal formation that he had received at the wedding ceremony.


    ?Benjamin, the chief butler, is at your service, Your Highness, Dick Grand.? ¨C Kyon heard a firm but at the same time obliging voice of the mustachioed butler, willing to serve his master until his death.


    ?Benjamin, the prince has an urgent important task for you. Money is not a problem, I will cover all expenses.?


    ?I am all ears, sir.? ¨C The butler said courteously.


    Kyon ordered to find the best specialist in his field in the whole empire. ording to rough estimates, this person would arrive in Cernos to provide his services to the customer, i.e. Lovr, in a week or two.


    Kyon made sure that the butler got everything right and hung up. Then he went to the nearest toilet on the top floor of the main school building and regained Dick¡¯s appearance. The sses hadn¡¯t been over yet. The school halls were empty, but he released a couple of zombie rats to scout the area just in case. Then he left the toilet and knocked on the door to the principal¡¯s office.


    ?Come in.? ¨C An irritated voice answered back. Nn had been the principal of the prestigious school for many years,bining this post with the respectful status of an elder. He was one of the most respected Grands in the kingdom. When someone knocked on his door with no appointment, they rarely received a warm wee. Heaven forbid the guest shoulde without a good reason!


    The door opened. The prince came inside with a lordly gait. On either side of him, two bodyguards emerged from invisibility like living mountains.


    Nn¡¯s face twisted in disgust at the sight of the fat freak with guards, but he immediately smiled broadly: ?Your Highness! To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?? ¨C He instinctively wanted to get rid of the unwanted guest as soon as possible..


    Dick grunted thoughtfully, indifferently looking around the office as if it belonged to him, and plopped onto the chair. The fat guy looked extremely arrogant, as he always did: ?You do realize that I can be where I want and when I want, right??


    Dick¡¯s impudent attitude drove Nn round the bend, the corner of his mouth twitched nervously: ?Of course. I didn¡¯t want to offend you with my stupid question. And yet, you¡¯vee here for a reason if I am not mistaken.?


    ?Aren¡¯t you observant!? ¨C Dick nodded his head in acknowledgment, raising his thumb. His inappropriate gesture and words evoked Nn¡¯s intense hate. ¨C ?I¡¯ll cut to the chase. Rumor has it that you fuck beautiful boys in the ass¡­? ¨C The prince said carelessly as if discussing the weather.


    The principal had a sudden coughing fit. He tapped his chest and stared nkly at his interlocutor: ?Your Highness! I have never heard such nonsense in my life! I¡¯m a trustworthy principal of the kingdom¡¯s finest educational institution, not a vicious rapist! Who dares to throw around such dirty lies??


    Dick pped his hand on the table: ?Do you take me for an idiot, sick bastard??


    The unexpected imperative tone in Dick Baker¡¯s usually shrill voice scared the director: ?Prince Dick, I am not¡­?


    ?Shut the fuck up!? ¨C The fat guy interrupted him in a dismissive tone, taking out a visual formation. ¨C ?I have all your atrocities recorded on this visual formation! I¡¯ve seen what you did to Franz. It¡¯s a sight to behold! Who would ever have thought that the respected headmaster of the most prestigious school in the Iron Throne is in fact a piece of shit, raping and threatening poor guys? What would Boston residents say when they find out about it?? ¨C Dick spoke sternly and pompously as if he were in the Supreme Court ready to pronounce the verdict.


    Nn was in a state of colossal emotional turmoil. It did not even ur to him that Dick might be bluffing. His face rapidly turned pale. He was trembling. His mouth opened and closed, but instead of making excuses, he uttered unintelligible sounds. How could he prove anything if the fat freak was holding the visual formation that couldn¡¯t be faked? Was there any way to avoid the consequences? Attack the prince? No! That would be a mistake! His bodyguards were too strong!


    Nn couldn¡¯t even imagine what they would do to him when it went public. His whole life, his achievements and authority he had earned over the years would bepletely ruined. He wouldn¡¯t wish it upon anyone!


    ?Are you scared, beast?? ¨C Dick grinned coldly. ¨C ?Just one word and the queen will destroy you! Well, you should have been hanged long ago, but I have something to offer you.?


    Being on the verge of fainting, Nn grasped at straws: ?What is it??


    ?You will do exactly as I tell you!? ¨C Dick said with poise and stuck out his finger. ¨C ?First, you cut this shit once and for all. If there¡¯s a hint of your addiction left, I¡¯ll get you executed at once. Second, you will make it clear to everyone at school, including the teachers, that Franz is untouchable or they will have to deal with you. Above all, do something about your psychotic daughter who has already beaten him to a pulp.?


    ?My daughter beat up Franz?? ¨C Nn gasped.


    Dick continued calmly: ?Third, your wife and you will leave your signatures and seals with your energy here.? ¨C He took a nk sheet of paper from Nn¡¯s table and drew two lines at the bottom with a pen.


    Nn looked at the nk sheet with confusion. He fully understood and epted the first two points, but the third?


    ?Your Highness¡­ Why do you need our signatures and seals?? ¨C He asked in a trembling voice.


    ?It¡¯s none of your fucking business!? ¨C The monobrowed guy yelled as if he didn¡¯t know the answer himself.


    Nn swallowed hard, plucked up his courage and insisted: ?I cannot sign a nk piece of paper without knowing your intentions! You can write anything here!?


    The fat guy thought for a while and then frowned with annoyance: ?Consider it as a lever of pressure.?


    The principal couldn¡¯t get it. If the future heir to the throne asked him for something, he would do it anyway. What was the point in the third condition? The prince was going to make him do something against his will! But what?


    Then Nn finally understood! It was the way the pathetic idiot asserted himself! Right! It was written all over his face! He had made three specific conditions for effect, but he couldn¡¯te up with a decent third point. That¡¯s why he thoughtlessly grabbed the piece of paper and stated the first thing that came into his stupid mind!


    ?Will you give me the formation if I agree?? ¨C Nn said calmly.


    Dick snorted and said boorishly: ?Do you think I can¡¯t use you without formation? I¡¯m sure a couple of your victims will dly testify!? ¨C Before Nn opened his mouth, Kyon added: ?I won¡¯t give you this formation because I don¡¯t want you to wank watching it. But I give you my promise I will destroy it.?


    ?It¡¯s enough for me.? ¨C Nn forced a smile.


    ?In this case, I¡¯m waiting for the paper with your seals and signatures tomorrow afternoon. And don¡¯t even think of busting my balls! My personalwyer will check everything. If you try to deceive me, I¡¯ll get you impaled on a spike.? ¨C Dick warned the principal and left with a satisfied look on his face like the cat swallowed the canary.


    Actually, the prince had a minimum of power over the elder as they both had the first rank. Even more so, it was impossible to get the signatures and seals without da¡¯s order, but Kyon got his way by putting a little pressure on the principal. At the same time, he quite convincingly imitated his stupidity and desire to stand out at the cost of Nn¡¯s humiliation.


    As soon as the unwanted guest had left the office, Nn groaned exhaustedly. He rubbed his temples wearily, staring at the piece of paper. It seemed he had to give to the moron their real signatures and seals. Too bad he would never have fun with Franz again. It looked like he had bought the candles, the whip and the handcuffs for nothing¡­

 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303


    Stephanie did her best to aplish everything the goddess¡¯s messenger had told her to. Later the same day, she rented the best, in her opinion, spacious basement with strong walls. She spent lots of money to hire a bunch of excellent specialists whose task was to equip the fight club by tomorrow evening.


    There was a lot of work to be done in a day and a half. The structural workers had to set up an elevated tform where the leader would perform most of the time; three battle arenas; tables for the spectators to have a bite during the battles. The painters were to decorate the walls with battle patterns. The merchants were told to deliver formations from Boston: protective ones for the arenas and one for the tournament screen. The formations cost more than anything elsebined, but generous Kyon had given plenty of money.


    While the construction and renovation of the future fight club was in progress, Stephanie organized the Stones¡¯ meeting for tomorrow evening. First of all, she persuaded Lee to take an active part in the club, using her ¡°feminine charm,¡± the rest followed. When the Stone students learned the leaders of their family had created a club, they all were eager toe.


    The next evening, about a hundred students gathered in the newly-made club. Franz, who was almostpletely healthy, also showed up. Synergy of the intermediate student¡¯s degree had him back on his feet in no time.


    The young Stones were stunned to see the most handsome student of the school in the white uniform. Was he from their family? This meeting was for the Stones only! He didn¡¯t belong here!


    Stephanie hurried to introduce Franz to everyone, and Lee supported her. Everyone cheered enthusiastically when they found out that the handsome guy was a Stone. His made-up story was heartrending. Many felt honored to shake his hand¡­


    Being in the spotlight, Franz looked gloomy and detached. It gave him the charm of a lone wolf, though. At least, he didn¡¯t seem to be an arrogant jerk, unlike the prince. The girls had already begun to cast predatory nces at the cute neer.


    A littleter, the tournament for the post of the club leader began. Everyone present considered it a formality. It was obvious that Lee, number one in the Stone family, was going to be the winner. They were dumbfounded to see Franz take first ce!


    Lee¡¯s reaction evoked genuine sympathy. The poor guy stared into space, lost, not responding to anything. Since Elsa¡¯s escape, he had had the title of the strongest in the young generation of his family, and now some neer at the equal stage of cultivation had easily beaten him!


    No one wanted the unknown guy to be the leader of the fight club. Besides, many felt pity for Lee¡­ There were angry whispers suggesting to make a leader someone they respected and knew well.


    Stephanie noticed the discontent of the masses just in time. She quickly led apathetic Franz to the tform and announced the new leader. Her positive, joyful attitude eventually spread to the rest of the Stones, barely eliciting a ripple of apuse. From now on, Franz was the official leader of the fight club. In all the confusion, Stephanie appointed herself his right hand¡­


    ¡­


    Five days had passed. Marina had heard from Franz since the wedding day. She was a bit upset about it. He used to ask her out every day and even more often. However, she caught herself thinking that she had grown cold to her former master. If he suddenly disappeared, she wouldn¡¯t grieve long.


    She talked to Kyon on the sound transmitter today. He asked her to visit the private club open only to the members of the Stone family.


    Long ago, Flitz saved Marina from starvation. He gave her shelter and provided with a high-ranking Stone formation that ensured her respect in the family and protection against wild beasts.


    Marina came to the appointed cete in the night. Two Stones checked her formation at the entrance and let her in. The young guards looked at each other, stunned at her beauty, even if they knew that she was Franz¡¯s ¡°wife.¡±


    The appearance of the dazzlingly beautiful blonde girl did not go unnoticed. The hubbub in the fight club died down as lots of guys admired the pretty guest.


    At first, Marina was surprised, then she felt insecure and fearful under the gazes of the young elite of her family. She could see Lee, Eric, Stephanie and others! Marina had heard about them and respected them, and now they were all looking her over with appraising eyes! But she didn¡¯t know anyone personally¡­


    Marina instinctively turned her eyes to the center of the hall and noticed Franz standing on the tform. He held out his hand to his former maid with a confident smile like a prince inviting hisdy to dance. Marina walked towards the only person she knew so well.


    Franz gently took his dear girl by her trembling hand and pulled her onto the tform. He held Marina tight and introduced her as his beloved wife.


    The Stones apuded loudly, greeting the beautiful girl with smiles andughter.


    Over the next hour spent at the club, Marina found out that boys and girls, with rare exceptions, perceived Franz as their highly respected talented leader, the most powerful person in their generation, and powerful people were appreciated everywhere. The friendly, tight-knit atmosphere in the club resembled a noisy wedding withvish meal on the tables, plentiful drinks, and merry fights.


    It seemed toe out of nowhere. Marina couldn¡¯te to her senses. She felt embarrassed, confused and scared. Franz¡¯s gentle embrace calmed her down when her mind was in turmoil. She felt safe in his arms. Marina didn¡¯t even notice that she was hugging him back.


    {How is it even possible? What happened to him after Kara¡¯s wedding?} ¨C Marina wondered, ncing at Franz who looked lively, charming, full of enthusiasm and positivity. That¡¯s how she remembered him when he had just regained his youth.


    Marina was no longer filled with depression, despair, fear, and everything else that she had experienced with him over the past two weeks. She no longer saw the crushed and humiliated man next to her. Franz seemed to have been reborn.


    It was an unforgettable night for Marina, better than any she had spent with Kara. She gradually changed her opinion about the former master and decided to spend time with him as often as possible, both in the club and outside.


    ¡­


    This morning Kyon received a message from Benjamin saying that the specialist he was expecting would arrive the day after tomorrow. With an evil grin, he took out the paper with the signatures and seals he had received from Nn and started to draw up a contract, ruthlessly deciding someone¡¯s fate. Nn and Julia had iting, it was the day of reckoning. Julia¡¯s grandfather, the well-known, respected military officer, would avenge the red-haired bitch, going after the head of the school.


    Imperial investigators hadn¡¯t arrived in Boston yet. Kyon did not dare to appear in Cernos in the guise of Dick before they showed up. Unlike the pce, was poorly protected from the invasion of a powerful person like da.


    Besides, Lovr was nning to harvest the darkness before everyone found out that he had slept with a demon, not with everyone¡¯s beloved princess. He would not get anything this way. He wanted to have his cake and eat it.


    Two days had passed.


    Three broad-winged saddled birds flew one after another at a great height across the Iron Throne border towards Boston. The middle vahana was significantly different from the rest. It was a huge fearsome gray falcon amodating two elegantly dressed 18 years olds in the saddle.


    One of them was a handsome long-haired blond guy who looked like a bright flower, graceful in every gesture. The only thing hecked toplete the image was a rose in his hand. For the record, Rose was his name. He was patriarch Valentine¡¯s second son. His family had the first rank in the Rosarrio empire.


    The other was a dark-haired guy who looked like a typical arrogant bully enjoying his high social status and impunity. Besides the bad boy image, he had masculine features and a slender physique. His name was Roman. He was patriarch Clinton¡¯s second son. His family had the second rank in Rosarrio.


    The two guys were inseparable despite the fact that their families had not been getting on well. Rose and Roman had the same position in the family, living in the shadow of their elder brothers, who were lucky to have had a head start to achieve greater cultivation.


    Roman noticed the dreamy smile on his friend¡¯s face and asked: ?Why are you smiling??


    ?I heard Princess Kara is gorgeous. I can¡¯t wait to meet her in person.?


    ?It¡¯s getting clear why you agreed to fly to this miserable kingdom as soon as you got the prince¡¯s order. I thought you were crazy!? ¨C Roman pped his friend on the shoulder. ¨C ?Listen, you do realize that this nasty hobby of yours will get you in big trouble sooner orter? You might want to consider giving it up.? ¨C There was a hint of reproach in Roman¡¯s voice.


    ?Life is too short to give up a little time for myself. My status is high enough, and it¡¯s stupid not to use it. Who would ever go against patriarch Valentine¡¯s son? Maybe a madman.? ¨C Rose shrugged.


    ?What would your girlfriend say when she finds out?? ¨C Roman asked, squinting slyly.


    Rose pierced his friend with his gaze: ?You¡¯re no saint, son of a bitch! Your soul is just as rotten as mine! Do you think I don¡¯t know that you keep staring at my girlfriend! By the way, give it a break or I¡¯ll smack the hell out of you.?


    ?Ha ha ha!? ¨C Roman burst outughing. ¨C ?You¡¯re a fool. Half of the order stares at your Elsa! Smack the hell out of them first! Anyway, her hot little sister is more my type. I wonder when Juno will stop acting like a picky arrogant bitch and deign to suck me off??


    Rose shook his head: ?Elsa¡¯s sister isn¡¯t a slut to sleep with anyone until she gets married. Besides, she doesn¡¯t care for you. Give up this hopeless idea, or make her your wife. It¡¯s the only way you can fuck her.?


    ?Come on¡­ Juno is a rare angel, but she is from a third-rate family, and her pathetic cultivation leaves much to be desired! I will be aughing stock for the whole empire. They will say, I¡¯ve chosen my wife for her beautiful face, not her quality¡­?


    Rose looked at him with a contemptuous smile and said in the same tone: ?Haven¡¯t you learned anything? Use your brain and tell me why they epted a weakling in the order without a hard entrance exam.?


    ?Are you saying?..? ¨C Roman asked, surprised.


    ?She is a chip off the old block. She can¡¯t be much weaker than Elsa or maybe just the same. Juno must have connected with her soul only recently. Don¡¯t consider her as a one-night stand. Try and gain her trust! If you are not good enough for her, you can always buy her with Tokens before it¡¯s toote. Go to your daddy, drop to your knees, give him the puppy-dog thing, begging him to give you a couple of hundred Tokens to buy a pussy. I know you can do it!? ¨C Roseughed heartily at his own joke.


    ?Fucking asshole¡­? ¨C Roman said through gritted teeth. ¨C ?Anyway, thanks for the idea with Tokens. I will think about it if the arrogant bitch keeps ying hard to get. By the way, we have almost arrived. Look.? ¨C He pointed to the high walls of Boston.


    ¡­


    Early in the morning, Julia was awakened by a loud knock on the door. A royal servant delivered her a message from ¡°Queen da¡± with an invitation to the pce at 9 pm.


    {In three hours?!} ¨C Julia got all excited at once! Without thinking about the reasons for the invitation, she rushed up and down preening herself:bing her hair, tapping her neck with perfume, applying lip gloss, mascara, some face powder¡­ She chose to wear the Ray of the Sun, a dress made by the elite tailors of Dantes and given to her by grandfather for the beginning of the school year. The dress was devilishly attractive and mesmerizingly bright, revealing her delicate shoulders and corbones. Julia was thinking of wearing it at Kara¡¯s wedding, but she was afraid to steal the bride¡¯s thunder (something she would never have).


    Julia quickly left Cernos and headed to the pce on a fast mount. She arrived half an hour ahead of time and was escorted to the top floor, where she was asked to wait for Her Majesty.


    Julia had never been so anxious before. She wondered about the possible reasons for the invitation. Was da going to introduce her to the potential husband? Or was it somehow connected with the merits of her grandfather at war? What if they were going to invite her to the order for her excellent academic performance? It was very exciting¡­


    ~bang~


    In a split of a second, everything went to darkness when a dastardly blow hit her to the back of the head¡­


    Dick¡¯s bodyguard materialized behind her back and made the unconscious girl swallow strong sleeping pills. Then he disappeared.


    A minuteter, the redhead opened her eyes and tried to get up, but she couldn¡¯t. Darkness clouded her mind again, and she fell fast asleep.

 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304


    Threerge birdsnded near the walls of Boston in the vacant lot designed for the flying beasts. Two handsome, well-dressed guys jumped off the fearsome falcon. The menagerie workers hurried to greet the important guests and provided them with the best mounts, following orders from above.


    ?What a shit hole¡­ Can¡¯t they afford a decent barrier? It¡¯s the capital after all! Why the hell should we drag to the pce on these half-dead mares?? ¨C Roman grumbled.


    ?Run home and cry to mummy.? ¨C Rose waved him off, gracefully mounting the white-maned horse. The blond guy on the elegant horse looked like a prince from fairy tales, every girls¡¯ dream, especially in their younger years.


    The two friends headed to the pce with a group of bodyguards. Ordinary citizens hurried to clear the road before them. Even the guards at the entrance were afraid to check their formations. The mere sight of the diamond tokens spoke eloquently about the status of the guests who couldn¡¯t waste a second of their time.


    Soon the couple arrived at the Grand territory and then at the pce. Apanied by servants, they went up to the top floor and entered the great hall, where an ugly, obese young man, apparently the prince, was waiting for them at the negotiating table.


    ?Greetings, gentlemen. My name is Dick Grand. Nice to meet you!? ¨C Kyon cheerfully held out his hand, but the partners were in no hurry to shake hands.


    ?Let¡¯s do without formal greetings, prince Grand.? ¨C The long-haired blond guest asked politely, trying to hide a squeamish grimace behind a mask of courtesy.


    His dark-haired friend nodded in agreement. He was even worse at hiding his disdain for the ugly prince with the pathetic cultivation in the advanced phase, so he turned away, pretending to study the interior of the pce.


    ?My important guests must be in a hurry.? ¨C The prince said with an understanding smile. ¨C ?In this case, let¡¯s get down to business. Here is a document confirming that the service requested from you is legal.?


    Rose looked over the paper and raised his eyebrows in surprise: ?How curious¡­ What did the poor daughter do so that her parents decided to give her into very? And who is going to be her owner??


    ?Seriously?? ¨C Roman stared at the document. ¨C ?Ha! Crazy, right? It looks like primitive customs flourish outside of Dantes! Well, at least they don¡¯t walk around swinging a mace¡­?


    Dick satisfied their curiosity: ?This youngdy¡¯s parents are authoritative elders in my royal family. They wanted to marry their daughter off to a wealthy gentleman, but she is a stubborn one. Finally, they came to me for help. They need a formacist who will make her the most faithful wife, even to her hated husband.?


    ?Really? Why didn¡¯t theye themselves?? ¨C Rose squinted suspiciously.


    ?They don¡¯t want to see their daughter being enved.? ¨C Dicj looked at his guests glumly. ¨C ?The only question I have is if you can apply a subjugating formation on the noble phaser in the finishing stage??


    Rose¡¯s inted sense of self-importance overshadowed all his suspicions. He puffed out his chest and said proudly: ?I am Rose Valentine, the only formacist of the third rank in the whole empire! They will write stories about my achievements for thousands of years! I can¡¯t fail! Consider the job already done!?


    ?Here, here. Your halo is growing heavy!? ¨C Roman teased his friend.


    Dick gasped in awe: ?Wow! Incredible! You¡¯re the Rose Valentine?!?


    Rose nodded smugly. Everything returned to normal: he was the center of attention and widely admired. Even his grandfather, the great first general whomanded the strongest army in the empire, bragged about his gifted grandson to the officers! The best formacist in the empire, he was like a star among the rubbish! However, the wretched prince gave him a somewhat sluggish, unnatural response¡­ How annoying! The freak couldn¡¯tprehend the whole spectrum of his greatness.


    {I don¡¯t give a shit who you are, dude¡­ Your skills are trash, you¡¯re just a frog trying to jump to the moon.} ¨C Kyon thought scornfully and said with respect: ?I am counting on you, great formacist. Follow me.?


    The two guests followed the prince into a well-guarded luxury room.


    They saw a red-haired barefoot girl in an exquisite dress, bright as a sunray, sleeping on a wide bed. She looked like she came straight from a fairy-tale leaving a pleasant trail of her sweet scent and striking with the expression of innocence on her sleeping face.


    ?How¡­ Charming!? ¨C Roman eximed excitedly, clenching his fists. ¨C ?Lucky bastard who will own her! I¡¯m sure he is the sponsor of her envement! Cheating little shit! I want to do this to the wretched bitch too!?


    ?I don¡¯t need yourments here. You make us look like idiots before His Highness. Get out of here. Let me do my job.? ¨C Rose hissed irritably, envious of Julia¡¯s fianc¨¦.


    Roman sighed convulsively and left the room to save himself from heartbreak.


    ?What sedative did she get?? ¨C Rose asked, touching Julia¡¯s smooth forehead.


    ?Scarlet sage extract.? ¨C Dick replied.


    ?Great. It¡¯s just what I need.? ¨C Rose the formacist nodded.


    Applying a subjugating formation was only sessful if the soul and mind didn¡¯t resist. As Julia was fast asleep, her mind waspliant. Her soul was the only barrier, the difference in cultivation between Rose and Julia in almost one and a half stage should do the job.


    ?Would you please leave the room premises or be quiet while I am working.? ¨C Rose asked the prince and put the slotter to Julia¡¯s forehead. Any formacist required maximum concentration during work. The slightest mistake in the ¡°code¡± could ruin everything.


    Kyon folded his arms leaning against the wall. He watched Rose work, making no attempt to hide the disgust in his eyes: {What a disgrace¡­} ¨C Such a shame to watch the sloppy work of an ipetent formacist. To enve the girl, the klutz had chosen a formation of a fiery type, ditching about a thousand fire keys of the advanced grade. From Lovr¡¯s point of view, it was like trying to shoe a flea with a sledgehammer. It had no efficiency, but with their difference in cultivation, it should work.


    If Lovr were at least two phases higher (total 4.7), he wouldn¡¯t have required anyone¡¯s service. Julia¡¯s parents¡¯ seals and signatures wouldn¡¯t have been necessary either. Laws didn¡¯t apply to him.


    After 15 minutes of ¡°hard work,¡± Rose wiped the sweat from his forehead with relief: ¨C ?I did it.?


    They left the room and sat at the negotiating table in the main hall.


    Roman was shifting from foot to foot. He seemed preupied with something.


    Rose sped his hands in front of him: ?Job¡¯s done. The first to give the girl an order will be her master forever. The future owner has to press his family formation against her subjugating one for registration.? ¨C He said nonchntly and grabbed suddenly his friend by the cor: ¨C ?Where do you think you¡¯re going??


    ?Nowhere¡­ I need to go to the bathroom! Why? Is it forbidden??


    ?Just stay put like a good boy.? ¨C Rose said curtly. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t permit such familiarity with Roman in front of important people, but who was Dick Baker? A pathetic prince of a worthless kingdom. He should be grateful for being treated with feign respect.


    ?Well, you owe me half a million spheres.? ¨C Rose grinned smugly.


    Half a million spheres would be an unspeakable sum for any family from a third-rate kingdom, even the royal family couldn¡¯t afford such expenses.


    Kyon held out a bag of money: ?Thank you for your great work. Have a safe trip home.?


    ?Hold on, I¡¯m not leaving.? ¨C Rose put on an air of dignity. ¨C ?I was very upset when I never received an invitation to your wedding. I¡¯ve heard a lot about Princess Kara¡¯s breathtaking beauty, and I¡¯d hate to leave your wonderful kingdom without meeting the future queen.? ¨C He spoke quietly, politely, and resolutely as if hinting that he would not take no for an answer.


    Kyon had a bad feeling about this: ?I¡¯m afraid I have some bad news, gentlemen. I have not seen my wife or her mother for a week! Kara didn¡¯t tell where she was going. She had left her sound transmitter, and I can¡¯t find her even with a tracking formation! It¡¯s like she disappeared off the face of the earth!? ¨C The princeined with genuine concern.


    ?What are you saying?? ¨C Rose jumped up angrily. ¨C ?Howe disappeared? Don¡¯t lie to me!? ¨C He put off the mask of pretense. There was no more respect in his voice, only an explicit threat.


    ?Don¡¯t say that. I would never lie to you!? ¨C Dick took out a handkerchief and blew his nose and groaned piteously. ¨C ?I don¡¯t want to burden you with my worries, but could you help me find her??


    Rose shook with rage, his face scowling and flushed. It was written all over the prince¡¯s idiotic face that he couldn¡¯t lie. The main purpose of his visit would remain unattainable! Did hee a long way to these boondocks for nothing? He wasted the whole day!


    Roman patted his friend consolingly on the shoulder: ?Next time, buddy. Next time.?


    ?Fuck you!? ¨C Rose gave the prince a scorching look and left the pce with his friend without saying goodbye.


    Kyon thoughtfully pinched his thin moustache, fully embracing the image of Dick Baker: {What the hell is going on in their heads?} ¨C The whole thing seemed suspicious to Kyon at once: why would the best formacist in the whole empire take this insignificant job? Wasn¡¯t half a million spheres a mere trifle for patriarch Valentine¡¯s second son? It was just a little pocket money. Rose wasn¡¯t motivated by the desire to make money, but what exactly was his goal?


    Lovr didn¡¯t want to think about it. It didn¡¯t matter anyway. He pressed the formation, and the superior servants let a handsome blond guy into the room.


    Franz broke into a beaming smile as he shook the prince¡¯s hand: ?Kyon! Why did you invite me to the pce?? ¨C He was no longer the sad miserable man, harassed by the Grands and the principal. Franz now radiated warmth and confidence, something that made all girls go crazy.


    The fat prince leaned back in the hair with his hands sped behind his head: ?If you had the chance to get revenge on Julia, what would you do? Imagine that I am a genie willing to grant you one wish.?


    Franz tilted his head to the side: ?A genie?? ¨C He thought a bit and then said calmly, retaining hisposure: ?After beating me up, she said she wasn¡¯t done¡­ But definitely won¡¯t survive next time! I can¡¯t afford to be merciful. I¡¯d make a wish to take away her cultivation and hurt her so badly that the goddess would cringe.?


    ?Cruel but just.? ¨C Kyon agreed. ¨C ?Why don¡¯t youbine revenge with your desire to win Marina??


    ?What do you mean?? ¨C Franz sounded surprised.


    ?Every girl dreams of a prince, but what¡¯s the point if his heart is already hers? Women love intrigue! The fact that numerous girls fall for you leaves Marina cold because you turn them down at once, showing a wolf¡¯s loyalty. It would be fine if she sincerely loved you and reciprocated, giving all her soul and body to you¡­ But somehow it¡¯s not happening¡­?


    ?What are you saying?? ¨C Franz swallowed anxiously.


    ?Make Marina fight for you! Be a desired goal for her, a prize for her efforts! Gain some value by proving that only the best girls are worthy of your love. Let her feel hurt, anxious, jealous because of you, but do not let her go away. She must know that she has a real chance to win you! With this attitude, she will fall head over heels in love with you. She will be proud to have won the most eligible bachelor in town. Then you will make her the happiest girl in the world.?


    Franz was speechless. If Kyon had told him all this two weeks ago, he would have spat him in the face, but now¡­ Now he took his word for it. Ever since Flitz met Kyon in Juno¡¯s mansion, when Kyon was a footman who helped him be Marina¡¯s friend, Flitz had changed his opinion of the little bastard. Later, when Flitz learned that the legendary TsyJy was Kyon¡¯s master, that Kyon bended nine elements and was a pure-blood Stone, his opinion changed even more drastically. But the most fundamental change of his mind had taken ce quite recently, when Kyon helped him get his life back on track after Franz had reached the rock bottom where he would have died of despair¡­ He could no longer perceive his master as an inexperienced kid. Kyon had earned his deep respect on the subconscious level.


    ?Where shall I start?? ¨C Franz asked quietly.


    ?Like I told you before, you must prove to Marina that you deserve the best girl. In Cernos, it¡¯s Julia, the second most popr girl. She is under sleeping pills in the next room. I¡¯ve hired imperial formacists to apply a subjugating formation on her. Her owner will be the first to give her an order. And it will be you! Show everyone at school that you are Julia¡¯s boyfriend now! Make them believe that it was you who chose her, not the other way around! But make sure to let Marina know that she takes up much more space in your heart than the red hen. In this game, your winning prize will be Marina¡¯s heart.? ¨C When Kyon noticed Franz¡¯s stunned expression, he raised his eyebrows. ¨C ?Why are you looking at me like this? Don¡¯t you get it? Instead of taking away Julia¡¯s cutivation go and fuck her!?

 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305


    Julia woke upte in the evening. Awakening medicine quickly reduced drowsiness. She rubbed her eyes and looked around: {Did I fall asleep in the pce?} ¨C She realized with a shock. ¨C {Am Ite for the meeting?}


    The redhead drew back the curtains and saw the sunset glowing on the horizon. She felt panicky. Did she sleep through the meeting until the evening? The Queen would never forgive such disrespect! How did it happen? Why did she fall asleep? She had never had sleeping problems!


    Julia heard the door opening and turned to see who wasing in. She expected to see anyone, be it Kara or da, but definitely not Franz.


    ?You? Why are you here?? ¨C She glowered at him.


    Franz closed the door and stared at the hated beautiful girl in a bewitchingly bright dress. His gaze lingered at her bare feet, slender hips, delicate shoulders and seductive corbones. At the sight of all this beauty, he didn¡¯t know what to do next. He was seething with hatred, but at the same time he had butterflies in his stomach and ants in his pants. It had happened each time when he was anxious to eat the forbidden fruit, for example, having the first sex with Marina.


    Julia lifted her chin, defying him: ?I don¡¯t know how and why you havee here, but you¡¯d better say something before I get angry.?


    ?Do you take pride in beating those who are weaker than you and getting away with it?? ¨C Franz asked emotionlessly.


    Julia snorted in disdain: ?I am not going to exin myself to someone as worthless as you.?


    ?When I ask you a question, you give me an answer, bitch!? ¨C Franz interrupted her imperiously, surprised at his own reaction.


    Julia¡¯s mouth quivered slightly with indignation, her fists clenched. She muttered under her breath: ?Who are you to talk to me like this? My father¡¯s bed warmer? Show respect to your elders, fucking cunt! Or maybe you think that you can do anything if my dad fucks you in the ass? If you hadn¡¯t run away like a cowardly dog the day before yesterday, I would have beaten you once more, and even harder!? ¨C She approached him with her hands on her hips. ¨C ?But since you havee to me alone, with no support¡­ Don¡¯t beg me for mercy!?


    ?Freeze! I order you!? ¨C Franz cried out just in time.


    The enraged fury was about to attack when, to her horror, she found out that her body did not move. She couldn¡¯t utter a word, gaping in shock.


    Franz breathed a sigh of relief. Anyway, his anxiety only grew, his heart almost jumped out of his chest. He pped the stunned girl in the face and growled with hatred: ?My patron is not Nn, but someone a million times more terrible and dangerous!?


    Franz took off his pants, bent speechless Julia by her neck against the nearest wall, lifted her skirt, pulled down her panties and mercilessly prated her sweet pussy, taking her virginity. He got swept away into an ocean of bliss. He had never expected that his revenge on this pretty girl would be as intoxicatingly delighted as strong rum. His every move was filled with primal rage, his desire to hurt the red bitch, and insane pleasure. Her shrill screams only fired up the lustful dragon inside his soul ¡­


    After a long intercourse with the freckled bitch, Franz created a cage of orders for her, following Kyon¡¯s advice. From now on, Julia would support his made-up story that he had seduced her, making her his girlfriend. Her admirers may choke with jealousy.


    Julia¡¯s life became a waking nightmare. She was mad with rage. She realized that someone had imposed a subjugating formation on her while she was sleeping, but she could not find out who it was or why they had done it to her. The fucking bastard had forbidden her to ask questions or take any initiative. Julia was bound hand and foot by his orders, which made her his thing, his toy¡­


    Franz arrived at schoolte in the evening with his redhead girlfriend, just in time for the fight club opening. Following his order, Julia was holding her owner¡¯s hand, leaning her head against his shoulder as if she were madly in love with him. Everyone the couple met could not believe their eyes. Julia¡¯s admirers looked like stone idols.


    When the couple approached the dorm, Julia kissed him on the cheek, leaving numerous students dumbfounded. Then they parted and went to their rooms.


    ?What was it? WHAT DID I SEE?? ¨C Julia¡¯s disheartened admirer screamed desperately, clutching his head.


    ?Why did Julia kiss Franz!? Is she really his girlfriend?? ¡­ ?What?! Julia is Franz¡¯s girlfriend?! He is married! Does he need a second wife?? ¡­ ?NO NO NO! Shut up, everyone! YOU¡¯RE MAKING IT ALL UP!?


    The news that the principal¡¯s daughter had a boyfriend spread throughout Cernos like fire in dry, windy weather. Many girls envied Julia, others did not understand her decision. Wasn¡¯t it humiliating to be a second wife? The guys couldn¡¯t get it: why did a weakling get the second most popr girl in the school? There were lots of stronger students after all! Did it alle down to his handsome looks and charm? Julia¡¯s fans went totally mad.


    Soon the Cernos students came to obvious conclusions. Why did the principal let everyone know that Franz was his favorite student? Why did Julia beat him up because of the alleged harassment? Why did she glom onto him today and kiss him on the cheek? It was obvious! She was nuts about Franz, and her father knew it! There¡¯s a reason why they say that beating is a sign of affection.


    When Marina heard the shocking news, she refused to believe it. She hurried to the fight club to see Franz as soon as possible¡­ Soon she wished she hadn¡¯t arrived! The Stones surrounded their leader, bombarding him with endless questions about Julia, but he did not deny anything! He waved them off saying that she was totally hooked on him!


    Marina felt like there was a hole in her chest, like she had lost something precious. Franz had always treated her like she was one and only, the goal of his entire life, the ultimate dream. It turned out that he had been deceiving her when he suddenly found another one, his real love¡­


    The heart-broken girl ran out of the fight club in tears.


    When Kara disappeared, Marina lost confidence in herself. She had lost the most talented and popr patron in the kingdom. As soon as everyone understood that Kara wasn¡¯ting back, the boys would start pestering her again, and the girls from the Grand family would insult her. She would have to ask Kyon for help¡­ She was so pathetic and good for nothing while Julia was the fourth strongest and the second most popr student in Cernos! Her father was a principal, and her grandfather was a military officer! She was talented, smart and of noble origin! It came as no surprise that the fight club leader had dumped the in weak girl with no family!


    All these thoughts made Marina whine in self-pity. She needed a shoulder to cry on, but she had no friends, and Kyon didn¡¯t answer her calls.


    Suddenly, someone hugged her from behind her and murmured in her ear in the pleasant familiar voice.


    ?Don¡¯t cry, Marina. It hurts me to see you cry.? ¨C Franz whispered tenderly.


    ?Let go of me!? ¨C She tried to writhe herself free.


    ?Marina, you must understand. I need Julia as protection from the Grands! I¡¯ve made her my girlfriend so that the principal would be my patron! Don¡¯t be mad with me for doing my best to avoid further humiliation!?


    ?I don¡¯t need to hear any of this! Let me go!? ¨C Marina struggled to break free, sobbing hysterically.


    Even if Kyon had convinced him to position himself as a man worthy of the best girls, Franz couldn¡¯t stand to hurt his dear Marina. He spent another ten minutes trying to justify his actions. He seemed to have seeded.


    ?Are you¡­ Are you serious?? ¨C Marina muttered, still sobbing.


    ?I am! Julia is my girlfriend out of necessity, for my selfish reasons! I want to be only with you, I always have! I want to be near you, go out with you, have fun and¡­ win your heart!?


    Marina wanted to believe what she had heard. She understood that anyone in Franz¡¯s ce would want to fix their deplorable situation, but there was something else that worried her. He owed his sudden increase in self-confidence to his rtionship with Julia, not his leadership in the fight club!


    ?Do you¡­ Well¡­ Do you feel anything for her?? ¨C She asked expectantly.


    ?Nothing!? ¨C Franz eximed fervently, then he remembered Kyon¡¯s words and stopped short. ¨C ?Well, not really. She agreed to be my girlfriend. She is sincere and has feelings for me. I¡¯m not aplete jerk to turn her down. I have to treat her right¡­?


    ?You¡­? ¨C Marina burst into tears again, broke free and ran away.


    Franz was about to run after her when a parrot sat on his shoulder out of nowhere and chirped clearly: ?Hold on!?. When he listened to Kyon, who had contacted him through the bird, Franz realized that he should Marina be alone. She had to change her attitude towards him and start acting. Why was the bird talking? Franz was no longer surprised at anything.


    Marina cried in her room, tortured by conflicting emotions. She no longer felt that Franz had been deceiving her about his intentions. Instead, she had a burning, searing sensation that had a name of jealousy. Marina understood that she had no right to be mad with Franz. He did what he had to and never deceived her at that. He honestly exined everything to her. He acted like a man, protecting the feelings of the girl in love with him, but it didn¡¯t make things any easier for Marina! She didn¡¯t want to lose such a great man! Why would this trifle ruin their friendship? Friends were allowed to have dates, after all! But why did it hurt so much if he was just a friend? Where did she feel jealous? Why was her heart breaking?..


    The sleepless night full of doubts and self-examination was nearly over, but Marina didn¡¯t understand if she really loved Franz. What if she was just emotionally attached to him, the way she felt about Kyon. She didn¡¯t know how she should treat her former master. Should she let her intense emotions lead her? Should she resent him like a fool, refusing to understand his perspective? No! Should she break up with him and wait until he crawled back to her and apologised? He could as well dump Julia to make it up to her! It felt wrong too! Marina couldn¡¯t y with his feelings to indulge her ego! Why would Franz break up with Julia, depriving himself of precious patronage? He would never choose to return to those days when the Grands beat and humiliated him! Why would he trade a stupid, capricious blonde for a smart red-haired beauty in love with him? Then what should she do? Marina had no idea, but she was sure that she would never give Franz to the red-haired bitch, who dared to kiss him on the cheek in front of everyone!

 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306


    A week had passed since Kara¡¯s and da¡¯s escape from the kingdom. Kyon no longer intended to hide. It was to appear in the guise of the new prince and reap the harvest of darkness!


    In the evening, when the students were returning from school, they heard a weing hymn. The royal carriage drawn by six white-maned horses was approaching the dorm.


    Many students stopped to watch, and those who had already entered the dormitory hurried to run outside. Everyone was in one way or another concerned about the rtionship between Kara and Dick, especially the princess¡¯s fans. Over the past week, they had been stressed out, some had even acquired the first gray hairs.


    The prince stepped off the carriage with two giant knights on either side. The girls made a sour grimace at his revolting appearance. They wondered how the princess treated this ugly freak. Did she despise him with all her heart, or maybe she truly loved him? Everyone was waiting for her to appear, but she never came out¡­


    ?Where¡¯s Her Highness? Why didn¡¯t shee? What happened?? ¨C The students asked themselves.


    ?The husband disgusts our dear princess!? ¨C Artie said defiantly. ¨C ?It was written all over her face during the wedding ceremony! Who could me her? Not a single girl in the world would want to marry the sickening Dick!? ¨C He stood up belligerently like a desperate knight, ready to sacrifice his life for a just cause. He didn¡¯t care that he had insulted a pig in the body¡­ of a pig. He¡¯d been deeply depressed sincest week. Nothing in his life could make him happy. Finally, he decided to be clear and direct about what he was feeling, saying it in the disgusting face of the guy who was the only one to me for his woes. And if it got rough, so be it.


    His bold statement earned Artie Grand respect from all the students with no exception.


    Dick cast an arrogant look at the fan club leader: ?Oh! Aren¡¯t you my wife¡¯s henpecked fan? You served her loyally for many years. But what¡¯s the point if someone else sleeps with her in the end??


    Artie¡¯s face turned purple. He gritted his teeth, his tightly clenched fists turned white. It was a sore point with Artie, and the prince knew it. Artie could barely control his rage and the urge to pounce on the ugly freak: ?You¡¯re lying! Great princess Kara is embarrassed to be with you in the same carriage. What wedding night are we talking about?? ¨C He snapped as if he didn¡¯t believe his own words.


    The prince snorted loudly: ?In fact, she is absent precisely because she can¡¯t get over the wedding night! No one can resist me! I can give a girl the ride of her life!? ¨C Dick imed proudly, thrusting his chest out.


    He heard a thousand muffled grunts. The students tried to hold back theirughter, but soon they realized that the prince was outnumbered and couldn¡¯t go after everyone. In a couple of moments, the dorm exploded in many-voicedughter of a legion of students.


    Artie¡¯s relief was incredible. The students¡¯ support was a balm for his soul. He spread his hands with a confident smile: ?See? Nobody believes you. Everyone knows that there was no wedding night. I won¡¯t be mistaken if I say that the princess never wanted to marry you. Queen da forced her. Probably, the wealth of the Baker family was the reason! You can say a million words to justify yourself, but everyone knows the truth!? ¨C He said triumphantly.


    Numerous students nodded in agreement, especially the fan club members.


    The expression on Dick¡¯s face gradually changed. He looked hurt as if being driven into a corner. It came as a real shock for his indestructible, natural confidence: ?Are you questioning love between Kara and me? NOBODY BELIEVES MY WORDS?! Well, then you leave me no choice! YOU! In five minutes! IN THE ARENA!? ¨C He pointed his finger at Artie and walked quickly into the dorm.


    Artie Grand blinked, dazed and confused: ?Me? Duel with me?! Seriously??


    ?§°-§à-§à-§à-§à-§àh!? ¨C Hundreds of students cried out enthusiastically. It called for a celebration! If Artie humiliated the self-confident fat freak in battle, this day would go down in the history of Cernos! No one could understand what the prince wanted to prove with this duel, but it didn¡¯t really matter! Everyone rushed to the windows of their rooms, anticipating an incredible show. The basement dwellers asked the neighbors upstairs to watch the show from their rooms, and they kindly let them in.


    The fan club leader couldn¡¯t believe his luck. Was it his lucky day? With a broad smile, he gave a high five to his henchmen and hurried to the arena. He was spoiling for a fight to humiliate the first prince, to return all his insults in his disgusting face a thousandfold! Finally!


    Five minutester, more than a thousand students impatiently looked out of the windows at the arena, where Artie was already flexing his muscles. The audience included Franz, Marina, Prince Charles, Cait Brown, Stephanie, Lee, and everyone else.


    There was quite a hubbub when Dick Backer entered the arena in a battle cloak, shadowboxing. He had left his mighty bodyguards behind, outside the arena. The prince threw off his cloak and pointed his finger at his opponent, his eyes aze with excitement: ?You! Are you ready to eat your words, my wife¡¯s henpecked fan??


    Artie smiled slyly: ?Well, how can I possibly say no to Your Highness. I am always ready! I¡¯ll do my best to restrain myself, but there¡¯s always an element of chance! Don¡¯t judge me if I touch you!?


    ?You touch me?! Little pervert!? ¨C The princes winced in disdain. ¨C ?Okay, do whatever you want as long as it doesn¡¯t go my way! I won¡¯t judge anyone because it is impossible to keep your hands in in view watching this! Let¡¯s get it started!? ¨C Dick snapped his fingers.


    The prince¡¯s words puzzled everyone present, especially Artie, but since the beginning of the duel had been announced, he had no time to think. He had to attack! However, something went wrong. Suddenly, there was dead silence. The prince didn¡¯t seem to have any intention to fight¡­


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñh-hhh-hh-h-h-hh¡­? ¨C They heard an incredible, sensuous, soft groan.


    Artie instinctively looked up at the source of the sound, that is, the evening sky, and saw a bright screen with the image of his beloved princess¡­ In a tattered dress with her assets in in sight. His heart almost exploded, his eyes popped out of their sockets. It took him about a minute to realize what was happening. With a smooth, wavelike motion, his dear Kara was pulling herself on the indecentlyrge reproductive organ that belonged to¡­ Dick. Her smile reflected genuine bliss, her moans only confirmed the obvious.


    The fan club leader shuddered as if struck by lightning. He had a buzzing, ringing, whirling sensation. The world started spinning around him, his body stiffened with tension. He felt like he was in the bowels of hell! His mind could not ept what he saw. He was on the verge of mental destruction¡­ Madness! The fan club members¡¯ reaction wasn???t much different. Their beloved princess enjoyed fucking with a pig-troll hybrid¡­


    The most impressionable students lost consciousness, some even fell out of the window. Others turned pale, and some blushed and covered their groins with their hands. Almost all the guys had one thing inmon: they wanted to be in Dick¡¯s ce! They longed to be there! All the girls had one thing inmon: the unfolding scene made them sick to their stomachs¡­ One way or another, no one could take their eyes off the screen.


    Sexy princess Kara was in human form letting out sweet moans as she was fucking her husband who was squealing with pleasure like a pig during mating. There was no disgust or reluctance on Kara¡¯s face. She was genuinely enjoying the process, giving it all that she had. It looked like the princess was having sex with her dearest, adorable prince. Only a pervert would think otherwise. It became obvious that Dick was right when he imed that the princess had been testing him for his strength! As a result, she had fallen in love with him and immediately said yes to his marriage proposal.


    From now on, the saying that even the most impregnable walls protecting a girl¡¯s heart from a loving conqueror would sooner orter fall had be an unshakable truth for the Cernos students. The persistent monster from the worst nightmares was able to win the first student¡¯s heart¡­ It was pure nonsense! But it was recorded on a genuine visual formation!


    Marina¡¯s and Cait¡¯s faces flushed treacherously. Franz rested his chin on his hand and shook his head in admiration, amazed at his master. Alex, the fan club leader¡¯s younger brother, mumbled something incoherent. Many guys secretly put their hands in their pants. Prince Charles was among them. However, he immediately pulled his hand out,ing back to his senses. After ck Queen¡¯s prank with coniferous poison, his character had undergone certain pervasive changes, but doing it in public was too low for his title. The longer Charles watched the erotic scene, the colder his gaze became. Once he almost took revenge on Lanai, but a masked investigator saved her from being raped. Now the indescribably ugly freak was fucking the beautiful demoness who Charles intended to get even with like this. Prince Charles should be happy, but¡­ but¡­ but¡­ There was something wrong about all this, but he couldn¡¯t understand what exactly, no matter how hard he tried.


    Kyon was having fun with Kara not only in her demonic but also in human form while the formations recorded everything specifically for this moment. He couldn¡¯t care less that everyone had seen his beloved hated bitch naked. The result was the only thing that mattered. A ton of negativity poured into his nucleus, mainly from the fan club leader and other members: one percent, five, twenty¡­ At the conclusion of the intimate scene, he had received all thirty percent, filling the dark core to the brim. He had fully met the first condition for his unique body of void!


    Kyon was pleasantly surprised. How much was 30% darkness? He had received only 25% in two weeks of messing with Kara¡¯s and other students¡¯ minds. Now, in just a couple of minutes, he had harvested the same amount and even more! It was hard to imagine how cruel he was to those who loved the princess with all their hearts. Probably inhumanly cruel. Anyway, they had iting.


    The students watched the recorded intercourse from the beginning to the very end, for a couple of minutes. Every guy at school had probably imagined a simr erotic scene at least once, ying a lead role in it. Over a hundred billion potential kids were doomed to death tonight due to the prince¡¯s stunt. Inhuman bastard.


    ?What will you say, poor henpecked fan?? ¨C Dick asked with a broad evil grin. ¨C ?Do you believe me now, fool? You¡¯ve been chasing my dear girl, and I have made her! So, eat your heart out¡­?


    Artie dropped his nk stare on the prince who was bursting withcency, and roared: ?I¡¯LL FUCKING KILL YOU!? ¨C With these words full of hatred, he dashed towards his sworn enemy at full speed, but the knights immediately stepped forward, ready for this maneuver¡­


    ~bam~


    A huge fist hit Artie right in the forehead. He instantly passed out, flying into the window of some girl¡¯s room (the barrier hadn¡¯t been installed). He woulde round in a few days at the medical center with a severe concussion.


    ?You push yourself too hard, dearie.? ¨C Dick clicked his tongue with feigned sympathy and left the arena as if nothing had happened.


    Some girls followed the fat freak with curious nces. They were dying to know what kind of magic he had been using on the princess, the first most popr girl in the Iron Throne, to make her fall head over heels in love with him. They all thought, with no exception, that if he had been chasing them instead, they would die of shame. There was no way they would end up with him in the same bed, moaning with pleasure! What was his secret?


    The students suddenly mmed the windows shut and drew the curtains. Those who had let the ¡°basement¡± guests in, hurried to drive them away¡­ But they couldn¡¯t: the visitors disappeared a long time ago.

 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307


    In the morning, shocking news shook Cernos: the dorm overseer received two death notifications from the family center. Two Grands hadmitted suicide! After checking the rooms, they found two young men in the prime of their lives, presumably the members of the princess fan club, who had cut themselves and bled to death. The fools must have been so desperately in love with Kara that they decided to take their own lives. Many students and school administration felt sorry for the poor fellows. In the end, they dered a day of mourning in their honor and canceled the lessons.


    Kyon could hardly believe his ears. Now he realized what it meant to harvest 30% of darkness in 5 minutes. Anyway, the suicide victims had been taking the most active part in Dick Baker¡¯s persecution, trying to drive him to suicide. Isn¡¯t it ironic?


    By lunchtime, ten imperial investigators showed up at school. Many believed that they had arrived to investigate the suicides, but it was not the case! The detectives began to interrogate the students about Princess Kara, getting into details from the first to thest day of her stay in Cernos.


    It turned out that the investigators suspected Kara¡¯s and da¡¯s connection to demons. They used the demonesses of arranging the king¡¯s death and exploiting the kingdom. The school nearly exploded with rage! The demon race was despised in human society. They were caught at the first opportunity and executed by impalement or burning. The demons were thought to be killer maniacs, if not worse. The mere mention of them scared children and agitated adults, and now it turned out that they all adored, revered and loved the vile, despicable demon! The students were dying inside, their hearts and souls going numb. They fell into depression and lost their will to live. Now it came as no surprise that Kara had reciprocated Dick¡¯s feelings! They were cut from the same cloth!


    Dick Baker was interrogated about every detail. He was bombarded with thousands of questions about his family, his rtionship with Kara, the reason for the wedding, why his parents were absent from the ceremony, whether he had stolen the transformation ring, the reason for his entering Cernos. Finally, they confiscated the visual formation with the recorded intercourse he had recently shown the whole school. Every student was rambling about it. Kyon wondered how it was going to help them in their investigation? Weren¡¯t they fine fellows, doing a great job!


    Kyon was perfect in his role of a grief-stricken husband who wasn¡¯t aware of his wife¡¯s demonic origin. He made up a story that his parents hated him (they had dumped him to Cernos and ignored his wedding), that da had set her sights on the huge fortune of the Bakers and decided to marry her daughter off to him. The question why the princess enjoyed fucking the ugly freak did not even arise. It was known that all demons were crazy perverts! The biased attitude towards the enemy race yed into Kyon¡¯s hands.


    By the way, Kyon would never have done it, hadn¡¯t he bought from the Bakers (not without a loan from the head of the investigation department) a fake identity, history, and formation on the wrist. The Baker family was really a wealthy one, but they lived in another empire, which made interrogating them a very costly task, primarily for diplomatic reasons. Most likely, the authorities would get only superficial facts in the conste, most of which would be fake.


    At the end of the interrogation, the investigators announced that they would contact him and officially take away the no longer legitimate title of Prince of the Iron Throne as soon as the investigation was over. However, Kyon knew too well that it could drag on for several months.


    The official version of the case reads as follows: dimir obtained the evidence ring with the help of a trusted superior servant from the pce, which the demons almost immediately found out and fled the kingdom before even getting their hands on the Baker¡¯s fortune.


    However, Kyon was under no illusions. He understood perfectly well that the authorities, or rather their elite, would sooner orter get to the bottom of this. Anyway, at his own request, dimir would report to the high-ranking person from the imperial department about his secret agent Dick, also called Kyon. It was only to be expected. His cooperation with the 0th general was also inevitable. Therefore:


    The unofficial (secret) version of the case reads as follows: Kyon Stone, the ingenious investigator and goddess¡¯s messenger, bribed the Bakers, forged his identity, seduced the demons with enormous wealth, arranged a wedding and stole the evidence ring, but due to the slow government reaction (it took them a whole week to get to the Iron Throne) the demons managed to escape.


    To sum it up, Kyon did the empire two invaluable favors: he gave them revolutionary firearms and saved the kingdom from demonic parasites. Zeroth General was too rational not to appreciate the good intentions of the goddess¡¯s messenger.


    Among other things, the sects were still looking for Kyon, it would take them some time to find out that Dick¡¯s identity was fake. In theing weeks, Kyon had to close all issues in Cernos (the case of Franz and Marina, for example) and leave the school to find a safer ce for his further cultivation. He had no reason to stay there, and more than anything he didn¡¯t want to get involved with persistent and dangerous sects representatives.


    When the investigators left, Kyon¡¯s sound transmitter began to ring. As soon as he answered the call, he heard a never-ending stream of curse words from dimir. The head of the investigation department had wised up! He must have realized that the stolen transformation ring had provoked the demons¡¯ escape! dimir had lost his chance to avenge his father! It took the sorry bunch of tediously slow investigators a whole week to get here! Well, he could put all the me on the imperial authorities. Kyon had already received a letter of rmendation, and royal knights had reced the elite security officers. Their one-year contract obliged them to carry out Dick Baker¡¯s orders even if he was deprived of the royal title. Kyon had thought of everything.


    Kyon had justin down when someone knocked on the door. When he opened the door, he saw his mighty knights at either side, closely watching Prince Charles. His Highness looked exhausted. A fake smile was ying upon his lips. Behind his back, a little more than ten witnesses in white uniforms were watching him with interest. All of them were the young Grands, skinny, pale, with bags under their eyes.


    There was contempt in Charles¡¯s voice as he spoke to Dick: ?How does it feel to be the wretched demon¡¯s husband??


    Kyon mumbled glumly: ?It¡¯s not funny, younger brother. Don¡¯t you see? I am grief-stricken!?


    {Younger? Me?!} ¨C Charles lost it for a moment, which made his face twitch nervously. The fat freak, who was a couple of years younger with cultivationgging a whole life behind, dared to him a younger brother?! Did the jerk really think he was more powerful?


    The prince blurted out: ?I am not your brother! Bas¡­? ¨C but he stopped short. The two hefty men came close to him and stared straight into his eyes. ¨C ?Anyway, your title is no longer valid. It would be a mistake to call you Prince Grand. From now on, you are an ordinary simpleton, while I am almost the king of the Iron Throne. So, my first order to you. Leave the first room at once. It belongs to His Highness!? ¨C Charles proimed imperiously, his chin arrogantly raised. A born king, no less.


    Dick groaned sadly: ?Stupid little brother! First of all, I got a hundred points at the exam and I will legally live here until the end of the year. Do not put pressure on me with authority you do not have! Second, I still have my title. It is not for you to decide whether I am the prince or not. It¡¯s up to the imperial authorities. Anyway, they are unlikely to deprive me of the royal status. I am worthy of the emperor¡¯s title, after all. And third, why do you think that a low-born bastard has a better chance of taking the throne? Anyhow, stop bothering your elders! Stress gives me stomach pain, and I already feel bad¡­?


    The young Grands behind the prince looked at each other in bewilderment.


    Furious, Charles pointed his trembling finger at Dick but did not say a word. There was a palpable tension in the air. The prince did his best to curb the urge to finish off the annoying freak on the spot!


    Charles hesitated for a while and turned around. As he took a couple of steps, he looked at Dick again and said in a surprisingly calm tone: ?There¡¯s a great tournament in three weeks that is held every few years. The strongest students from the best schools in their kingdoms will take part in it. If you consider yourself worthy of being the emperor, you must enroll and show everyone your greatness. Or maybe you¡¯re nothing but a pompous windbag??


    {He decided to finish me off at the tournament?} ¨C Dick knew it at once and answered: ?If My Majesty isn¡¯t busy with pce affairs, I will definitely take part.?


    ?Well, then you should know that you need to be among the top 20 Cernos students to participate in the tournament. Hurry up, the list will be approved soon. Today a few concerned fan club members have challenged you to a duel! Prove to me that you are not lying!? ¨C The prince yelled angrily and quickly disappeared in the hall.


    Kyon closed the door, catching a couple of lifeless looks from the fucking zombies (the fan club members). They looked like real psychopaths. Dick was wary of turning his back to them. Their lot could cut his throat in no time.


    He flopped down onto the bed and thought about the future. Soon there would be a tournament between the best schools in the kingdoms of Rosarrio. It was well above the tournament of families. ordingly, the awards were much more valuable. The majority of the participants were of royal origin, wealthy young people who had easily taken the first 20 ces in their schools, and therefore in their kingdoms.


    Anyway, Lovr could not take part in it for many reasons:


    First, each participant would be at least as strong as Timothy. At most, they would be in the powerful lord phase (5), against which he was helpless. By the way, more than 5 weeks had passed since that battle, and he hadn¡¯t made any progress in cultivation. It was logical to assume that the reason was in the breakthrough medicine he had taken the day before the tournament. It had granted him a stage of cultivation, without which he would have definitely lost. ording to his sensations, the side effect was almost over. He expected the next upgrade any day now.


    Second, taking part in the royal tournament was fraught with risks. If Charles didn¡¯t break his neck, then wild beasts might devour him. Thepetition took ce in the forest, after all.


    Third, a low-middle ce would get Kyon less benefit than victory in the family tournament, and if by some miracle he took the leading position, he would again attract the unnecessary attention of the sects representatives¡­


    Anyway, he could always refuse to participate even if he got to the top 20 of school. It would never hurt to harvest some extra darkness. The excess of it wouldn¡¯t get lost, it would move on to the next stage of filling up his unique body! Therefore, Kyon decided to put off his experiments with the spatial attribute untilter and, with a sly grin, he began to think of another trick.


    Half an hourter, Dick entered the arena, apanied by his two knights.


    ?Look, the spawn of demons is in the arena!? ¨C Someone yelled loudly.


    After yesterday¡¯s erotic recording, the students were tormented with the unbridled envy of the lucky husband all night long. Now that they found out that their beloved princess Kara belonged to the enemy race, they relentlessly reproached themselves for their naivety! The despicable demoness lived among them for three years, and they werepletely unaware! Their anger demanded an exit, and the demoness¡¯s husband was the perfect victim!


    Hundreds of students rushed to the windows, ready to spew insults at Dick, but then¡­


    The fat freak impassively pointed his finger at the screamer: ?Break his legs!?


    As soon as the hefty knight received an order, he seemed to vanish into thin air, rushing at lightning speed to the student who had offended the prince.


    ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! MERCY! Gods, my leg! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh! IT HURTS!? ¨C He screamed in pain, bitterly regretting everything he had said earlier.


    All the students immediately bit their tongues. They didn¡¯t want to incur the wrath of the ruthless monster. He must be grief-stricken after the recent news of his wife. They¡¯d better not get on his bad side.


    ?So, I hear someone has challenged me to a duel?? ¨C Dick shouted, spreading his arms.


    A student in the white uniform jumped from the fifth floor. His face was thin, pale, exhausted. He stared nkly somewhere through Kyon, like a maniac fixated on the target only he knew.


    ?It¡¯s me. Shall we start?? ¨C The boy asked with a predatory threat in his voice and flexed his neck.


    Dick nodded towards the arena: ?Why not??

 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308


    The students whispered excitedly: ?Don¡¯t tell me that he is going to show another recording of his wedding night with the demon!? ¡­ ?Hell no¡­ Never again! You must be kidding me!? ¡­ ?What if he will?? ¨C An emaciated boy said hopefully, swallowing hard.


    The duellist went to the center of the arena but as he turned around, he saw a hefty knight instead of Dick: ?Huh¡­ Wait, I am not fighting with¡­?


    ~ding~


    The judge gave a signal, and the protective barrier covered the arena.


    ?What the hell? What¡¯s it all about?? ¨C The scared boy yelled. ¨C ?I am fighting with HIM! WAIT! Don¡¯te anywhere near me! Gods, no! I GIVE UP! §¡§¡-§¡§¡§¡-§¡§¡H! DON¡¯T BEAT ME!?


    Half a thousand students witnessed the mighty knightpletely defeat the poor boy. His heart-rending screams and pleas werepletely ignored. He kept yelling ¡°I give up,¡± but the judge cleared his ears deep in his thoughts, taking his time to announce the winner.


    When the unfortunate duellist looked like mincemeat, the judge deigned to raise the g: ?Dick Grand has won an ultimate victory! He is awarded the first rank! Congrattions!?


    His words left everyone speechless: ?Whaaaat?? ¡­ ?Howe victory? The knight fought instead of Dick Baker! Are you blind?? ¡­ ?The judge needs specs!? ¡­ ?First rank? It belongs only to Kara¡­ I mean to Prince Charles!? ¡­ ?You have no scruples! Are you really the unbiased and fair Cernos judge?? ¨C The audience was outraged.


    Charles, who was watching the duel, squeezed the window frame till it cracked. After the disappearance of the demonic bitch, he should have received the first rank in Cernos, but the fat freak had bribed the judge and once again undeservedly appropriated the title of the strongest student! The asshole had taken his room and stolen the first rank! This unforgivable impudence must be severely punished. s, Prince Charles didn¡¯t have the power to administer justice. He would have to wait until the tournament and catch the freak alone, without his strong guards, if, of course, he decided to participate. Otherwise, he would have to wait until the official coronation that would give him an ocean of opportunities.


    ?I¡¯ve been fighting like a lion, but you don¡¯t even apud me! What¡¯s the matter with kids today? Alright, never mind! Who else wants to have a duel with me? Come out! Don¡¯t be shy! I can fight with everyone!? ¨C Dick announced proudly, showing off his biceps barely visible under the fat.


    The top three Cernos students deserved to be called the best of the best in the kingdom, and now pathetic Dick Baker was number one! The students gritted their teeth louder than the wind howled. They wanted to beat the weakling to death, but no one dared to fight with his knights! That¡¯s why everyone stood silent, gloomily exchanging nces with each other.


    ?No one? Bother.? ¨C Dick sighed and casually went to his room to continue experiments with the spatial attribute.


    Now that all Cernos students were UNDER Dick, this school could be officially titled the most worthless in the world. First, the respected princess turned out to be a despicable demon, then the director¡¯s daughter became the cute weakling¡¯s girlfriend, and now the meanest, ugliest, and the most odious person in the world had be student number one!


    ¡­


    In the morning Marina found out about the princess¡¯s true nature and immediately felt dirty and stained. Like all the children in this world, she considered the horned creatures to be perverted and immoral, which she learned from experience.


    Marina had this nagging feeling that Kyon had known about everything but said nothing. How else should she exin his prediction about Kara¡¯s escape? Unfortunately, there was no way to find out the truth. He didn¡¯t answer her calls, ignored her letters, and she would not dare to speak to him in public. He kept their friendship secret¡­ She couldn¡¯t reveal it.


    Anyway, Marina couldn¡¯t be angry with Kyon and beat herself up for too long. All her thoughts were upied by Franz and his rtionship with Julia. It was all she cared about.


    Marina decided to act. The day before yesterday she ran away from Franz. She ignored his calls yesterday, but today, she went to the fight club to be with him as if nothing had happened. On the way there, a group of hostile girls from the Grand family surrounded her with mean, evil grins on their faces.


    Marina was scared to death! They would tear her from limb to limb for being under the protection of a demon! She trembled with fear, tears welling up in her eyes, her thin eyebrows arched intively. Marina was expecting a blow at any moment when suddenly Franz and his red-haired, freckled girlfriend appeared at the scene of the failed assault.


    Julia¡¯s very presence drove away the bullies as if she were a shark and they were little fish. She coldly warned the girls that if theyy a finger on Marina, they would be expelled from school in the best-case scenario. In the worst, they would feed the worms in the ground.


    After such a frightening threat, the cowardly students scattered. Did the blonde have a new patron now? They would never have thought that the director¡¯s daughter would be nice to her lover¡¯s first wife! Usually, it happened the other way around.


    Franz held out his hand and helped Marina get up: ?Are you alright??


    ?I am fine¡­ Thank you.? ¨C She blushed and nced shyly at him.


    ?Great. Let¡¯s have some fun in the club.? ¨C He offered, smiling tenderly.


    ?Okay¡­? ¨C His former maid nodded. Her heart started beating faster. Her eyes sparkled with intense emotions. She feltpletely safe next to him, thanks to his newly acquired girlfriend. His decision to seduce the redhead didn¡¯t seem so wrong now.


    On the way to the club, Marina felt sorry for yesterday (ignoring him). She wanted to apologize, but she could not find the words and the right moment. Besides, Franz didn¡¯t seem to care about such trifles. He had be so strong!


    At the entrance to the club, Julia shamelessly kissed Franz on the lips and left. Without a family formation, she couldn¡¯t get inside.


    Seeing them kiss, Marina wanted to run away in tears, but she held back the inappropriate anger. She no longer had the moral right to throw a tantrum. Julia was Franz¡¯s girlfriend, she had all the aces! Plus, she even protected them!


    Marina and Franz went into the basement.


    After the next few hours spent with him at the club, Marina was impressed more than ever before. He was so tender and romantic, holding her hand, flirting, staring at her with a burning gaze. Marina wanted even more attention, affection, tenderness from him. She wanted to return his feelings, ande what may! A single kiss would be enough! Just like Julia did! Come on, it¡¯s just a kiss¡­ But no matter how hard Marina tried, she could not force herself. She couldn¡¯t take the initiative.


    After closing hours, the red-haired girlfriend met Franz with a hot kiss in front of the Stones, pouncing on him like a hungry lioness! She showed no modesty or decency! Everyone was jealous of their leader and watched with interest the reaction of his ¡°wife.¡±


    Marina blushed up to her ears a thousand times. She wished she were more determined. Julia took away what she had so longed for! The red-haired bitch sucked on Franz like a leech! Oh, how Marina wished to be as rxed, straightforward, and confident as she was! Marina was about to hit the roof! She could hardly restrain herself from pouncing on the kissing couple to separate them!


    The nightmare was soon over. Franz and his girls said goodbye to the Stones and walked around the park tillte at night, talking about abstract topics. Julia looked detached. She gave only short and indifferent answers, but at the same time, she constantly clung to Franz, holding his hand as if deliberately ying with Marina¡¯s feelings.


    When they approached the dorm, Franz kissed the girls on the cheeks goodbye and went to his room.


    Marina did not quite understand what was happening between her, Franz, and Julia. On the one hand, polygamy wasn¡¯t umon in this part of the world, but on the other hand, she wasn¡¯t his girlfriend, not even his wife! She hadn¡¯t figured out her feelings yet!


    All these thoughts disappeared from her mind as soon as Marina saw Julia furtively follow Franz into the male part of the dorm. Her mouth quivered with indignation, she instinctively tried to catch up with the insolent girl, but the doorkeeper didn¡¯t let her in. The director¡¯s daughter could enter the male part, but Marina couldn¡¯t!


    Marina bit her lips till they bled. Gradually the anger gave way to resentment. She waited for Julia for a minute¡­ Five minutes¡­ Thirty minutester, she ran to her room in tears.


    Marina¡¯s heart was breaking. It would be naive to believe that the redhead stayed over in Franz¡¯s room, in his bed, without having sex! Was Julia really going to take her ¡°husband¡± from her? What could a miserable rootless weak girl do against the best (at the moment) student with reputable parents?


    The next morning, it was announced that the redhead would live with Franz despite the internal dorm rules that prohibited opposite-sex students from living together. The news drove Marina mad with despair. Why? Someone stop this nightmare! Punish Julia! Enlighten Franz! Julia used to have so many admirers. Why weren¡¯t they doing anything?


    Marina lost heart. She was losing the will to fight. She just wanted to disappear, to run away from all this nightmare. Even in those days when Flitz took her by force, her heart ached less. But now¡­ It was unbearable!


    The disheartened girl would go on skipping sses, unable to leave in her room if Franz had not called her and asked out on a date, this time without Julia! Marina¡¯s eyes sparkled with hope. Of course, she said yes.


    Marina understood that there was no point in giving up as long as Franz loved her.

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309


    Kyon was enthusiastically doing experiments, ignoring the sound transmitter bursting with constant calls from Franz and Marina. The girl must deal with her issues herself, and the servant would have to keep his gratitude forter. If the theory was right, bright emotions didn¡¯t go anywhere. They remained in the soul where they multiplied with time, so it was only reasonable to collect them all at once, not in little portions.


    Since the very moment Lovr entered Cernos, he had been spending every free minute experimenting with the spatial attribute. Thepletion of the first stage of his unique body of the void had fueled his enthusiasm. It had granted him an altered state of darkness and light. They used to condense into a light fog, but now they looked more like a dense cloud. With the same energy consumption, their efficiency had slightly increased. Whenbined, the green glow of the spatial attribute also was more intense than before. Lovr had a gut feeling about thebination of these two most remarkable elements in the world. Their attribute couldn¡¯t possibly be so useless inbat. He was desperately looking for their hidden possibilities.


    The spatial attribute had two main drawbacks that made it rather useless. First, it was very noisy and noticeable (for the soul), therefore, it was not suitable for sudden attacks from the back. The enemy would hear an annoying buzz from behind. Second, it had poor pration, especially into the animate matter. It took a colossal difference in cultivation to harm someone.


    Over the past three weeks, Kyon had done lots of experiments: teleporting bullets, all sorts ofbinations with other elements, attempts to make the attribute ¡°quieter,¡± creating a shield or a mirror from enemy attacks¡­ However, everything was useless or ineffective for battles. His improved spatial attribute only had a slightly increased efficiencypared to the other few owners, but it wasn¡¯t enough to use it inbat.


    {If only I could put it in my soul¡­} ¨C Lovr mused dreamily. If only it were possible, he would teleport himself, flesh and bones. It¡¯s hard to imagine how useful it would be in battle. Unfortunately, the soul repels any energy (except neutral) like mas with the same pole. Trying to get inside your soul is as difficult as swimming up the waterfall. The higher the cultivation, the stronger resistance. No tools would help, be it formations or medicine. It was believed that the only way to get into a soul was doing it by force, on condition that the attacker was at least a stage more cultivated than the victim.


    (When Kyon took the unique body of the void pill, he received the energy from the ingredients and spheres he had used to make it, which means it did not belong to Kyon even if it was synchronized with his frequency.)


    However, Lovr was a legendary exception to the rule. He was the only one who could get into his soul with his own energy. He could do it with the help of the mind element, the lightest and the gentlest essence in the universe. His Synergy was in the middle of the student¡¯s degree (2), but Kyon had no idea how long he should evolve until his blue energy could ovee the natural resistance of his soul.


    To sum it up, no one in the world could do more than they could. It was impossible to get into the soul, even with the help of certain tools. Only Synergy could do it because it ignored natural resistance to a certain degree.


    Lovr considered other options for instant teleportation.


    Theoretically, he could create a teleportation formation, but he wouldn¡¯t be able to use it himself. He would need a more developed pharmacist who needed special training anyway¡­ However, it might be useful in the future. Kyon made a mental note to return to this questionter.


    There were also teleportation trigrams that the elite often used. There was one in the pce. Trigrams separate some space from the outside world with a unique barrier and send its contents to the ce with another trigram. It takes a considerable amount of energy (spheres and keys), and it¡¯s absolutely impossible to do something like this during a fight. The process requires a special pattern under the feet and a lot of time. Besides, it can be easily interrupted. Out of the question.


    Kyon had been thinking if there was any other efficient way to implement his spatial attribute, but he could not find anything despite the huge library in his head. It was nothing but a pathetic nonbat attribute that could be used for spatial rings at most.


    And then a creative spark flew through his minds. It was small but bright like aet. The space inside the ring was located in a thinyer between the spiritual and the physical worlds where the singrity was observed, i.e, time practically stopped. Bread would get stale in a billion years there. What would happen to something that moved fast, a flying bullet, for example? Orrge-caliber projectiles fired by artillery? A thousand artillery rounds? What if they appeared all at once?


    The axioms describing spatial objects read: ?It turnsmon sense inside out when you try to ce a ring inside a ring, you fool; fear gods when you ce a living thing in the ring, you are not omnipotent, sinner; may peace guide you when you ce energy or matter in the ring!?


    In other words, it¡¯s impossible to ce other simr objects, organisms, active energy or matter inside a spatial object.


    Once, creating the unique body of the void pill, Kyon challenged the alchemy axiom that imed that the ingredients of the opposite elements couldn¡¯t work together. What came out of it? He created ¡°The Cycle of Creation,¡± a method that made it possible tobine the ubinable, something that could make all alchemists in the world kneel before him. Now Kyon had to create something that defiedmon sense again. He was counting on his improved spatial attribute to help him with it.


    Kyon went on experimenting. He sent a little bit of pure energy to the ring and saw a water-thin, ck as coal film emerge from it, striving to take the shape of a bubble. If he wrapped something with this film and activated the ring, the contents of the bubble would be instantly sent to the pocket located between the worlds where the singrity ruled.


    The experimenter soon became convinced of the generally epted axioms. He tried to wrap a burning candle, a flying pebble, a shaken bottle of water, ice infused with the cold attribute, and a de of grass that contained the light element. The bubble moved the objects to the ring for a while and then returned them back and burst.


    Kyon knew from the books that a spatial object didn¡¯t differentiate between a flying stone or a reaction between baking soda and vinegar. It wouldn¡¯t work anyway. The vector sum of ¡°the molecr chaos¡± per space unit was the only thing that mattered.


    Inyman¡¯s terms, overactive atoms are less likely to be moved into a spatial ring. It doesn¡¯t matter if the molecules move in the same direction (a flying bullet) or at random (boiling water). The ring is too sensitive to contain anything in the storm. Fortunately, Kyon will never face such difficulties with his nine elements.


    The elemental energy made things even moreplicated. The teleportation would ur, but the ring might spit it back or even copse, spewing all its contents out. A bit of active energy is enough.


    To be more specific, the object must be at rest, the energy must be enclosed in a stable system (formation, sphere, key, medicine). It¡¯s the only way the teleportation would happen. The process doesn¡¯t depend on the quality of the ring. Even if the goddess creates it, thews of the universe apply to everyone. Lovr nned to bypass the generally epted rules, find a loophole in them and outwit god!


    {Where do I begin?} ¨C He rubbed his hands in anticipation


    First of all, he needed to reach the ¡°turning point¡± when further movement was impossible. Then he would find out what factors affected it. Was it possible to change them? What could he do to put, say, a thousand artillery rounds in the ring? May the scientific method help him!


    Lovr filled a cup with boiling water and tried to ce it in the ring. Failure. Water molecules heated to ny degrees Celsius move actively enough to be transferred into the ring. Then he took a shot ss and tried again. It didn¡¯t work either. He reduced the amount of boiling water to a drop. Failure again. As expected, the amount did not matter. The activity of the substance was important. The ring seemed to know that a drop multiplied thousand times would get a bucket of boiling water. The same situation was observed with moving objects. What is the difference between a stone and a grain of sand? None, from the ring¡¯s point of view. A million flying grains released at once would make up a boulder, crushing everything in its path! Size doesn¡¯t matter, after all. He had to look further. It was as if god had created spatial objects exclusively for storing and transporting things. Anyway, Kyon wasn¡¯t giving up.


    Kyon gradually reduced the degree, but the hot water refused to move into the ring. Only when the temperature dropped to 70 degrees, it suddenly began to work. Following this logic, Kyon tried to ce an ice cube with a temperature of -71 degrees in the ring to no avail. However, heating it by one degree was sessful.


    {So the starting point is the freezing point of water?} ¨C Kyon assumed, scratching the back of his head. The freezing point of water depends on the environmental conditions¡­ What would happen if he ced the ring in a different environment? Would the starting point change? Had he found a loophole? Lovr changed the pressure around the ring with the wind element and tried to ce some water at 71 degrees into the ring, all to no result¡­


    {I see, there¡¯s a fixed constant.} ¨C This fact was really amazing. If there existed other inhabited worlds, the pressure there must be the same. Otherwise, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to use spatial rings in some corners of the universe! God couldn¡¯t have allowed this as the infrastructure of any civilization on such huges would cease to exist without spatial objects.


    The information that Kyon had learned since he was in the mine proved his theory. The length of this giant is 240,000 kilometers (75,000 in diameter) while the pressure, gravity and weather conditions are quite eptable for simple carbon life! Kyon made a logical assumption that the other inhabited worlds must be simr to this one, regardless of their size and physical conditions. Anyway, it was just a theory that had no practical value.


    Lovr returned to his experiments and tried to ce a stone in the ring on the run. He was sessful! However, when he took it out, the stone fell to the ground instead of continuing its flight¡­


    He spent the whole day doing various experiments. Kyon began to despair. He couldn¡¯t find any loopholes. The divinews were wless. Kyon tried everything. His improved spatial attribute didn¡¯t help in any way. The task seemed impossible. Otherwise, millions of formacists in the entire history of the world would have already found something.


    Kyon came up with a desperate idea to create his own spatial ring, fill it with his spatial element and put inside what he needed: flying bullets and artillery shells.


    First of all, he took a small animal and prepared its keys with Synergy. He removed all energy waste and blockage and created instead countless micropores that sucked any energy into the thinyer between the worlds. It was the only proven way to get there. All spatial objects makers would fight to the death to get this idealb rat.


    As soon as Kyon sent his elemental energy into the rat¡¯s keys, the countless micropores in its channels started sucking it into the endless emptiness like holes in the spaceship. The energy disappeared without a trace in the merciless singrity. Synergy was no exception. Nobody and nothing could function there where time had almost stopped.


    However, the spatial attribute didn¡¯t scatter like everything else. It began to create a spatial pocket, a kind of container in the shape of a bubble. The process looked like blowing a soap bubble only a thousandfold more slowly. The harder Kyon infused it with green energy, the bigger it got. If he stopped ¡°blowing¡± it up, the bubble would gradually dete, which is only logical. If the bubble got detached, it would take a spherical shape, the shelf life of which depended on the quality of its creation. It should be attached to the formation or it would fly away forever. The formation attracts the bubble if it contains the spatial attribute with the same frequency as the bubble creator¡¯s. That¡¯s how spatial objects are created. In fact, god had outpictured their creation from beginning to end as they couldn¡¯t have existed on their own.


    Kyon knew that no one with cultivation below the superior phase could make even the smallest spatial pocket. A noble phaser at the peak stage could create a five-cubic-meter pocket in a week of painstaking efforts. The spatial attribute wouldck cultivation to make anything bigger.


    To Kyon¡¯s surprise, he had created a ten-cubic-meter bubble in just 2 hours! It was phenomenal! Only peaking royal phasers (6) could achieve a simr result, not sooner than in a week!


    The purity of darkness and light in ordinary people rarely exceeded 20%, whereas Kyon¡¯s keys were as pure as could be as well as of better quality! His spatial attribute was a hundred times more powerful than that of people at his stage of cultivation! Besides, the perfectly prepared animal helped to create the spatial pocket with no waste of energy. That¡¯s why it took only two hours, not a week! However, ten cubic meters were his limit at the moment, no matter how hard he would keep trying.


    Kyon did some experiments with a high-quality ring he had created himself. But it obeyed the samews as the other items. He didn¡¯t gain anything. The water hotter than 70 degrees could not be sent inside the ring¡­


    Kyon did not despair. He gritted his teeth and tried to study the structure of the bubble with Synergy. But the singrity canceled even the effect of the essence of the universe.


    {What defies the very nature of space and time? Photons!} ¨C Lovr recalled. By its nature, electromaic radiation travels at a constant speed, including the atmosphere, where it has to cover a longer way due to the numerous atoms. Even the ck holes are just gravity traps for the photons.


    Kyon converted his Synergy to radiation and began scanning. The spatial pocket turned out to be surprisingly sensitive to electromaic radiation of different frequencies. It bent at every angle and could break easily! Apparently, god had created a simple way to control all the spatial pockets of all the inhabitants of the universe.


    The results were thrilling. It turned out that the spatial attribute created a barrier apart from blowing up a bubble! The barrier has twoyers: an outer and an inner one. Apparently, the outeryer protects the pocket from breaking. Otherwise, its content would get lost in endless space. ording to Synergy andmon sense, the inneryer ys the role of a beacon and a radar at once. With its help, the spatial pocket gets connected with the formation. When the spatial object receives pure energy, the inneryer sends the information straight to the practitioner¡¯s brain about the item location inside the pocket. It takes a single mentalmand to take out whatever is needed. Thisyer coordinates the pocket owner and ensures there¡¯s no mistake.


    {Well, god did put a lot of effort into creating spatial objects.} ¨C Kyon thought sadly. Apparently, the creator had decided to provide the inhabitants of this universe with a convenient transport system that couldn¡¯t be used in any other way.


    Lovr got convinced that it was impossible to teleport anything inside a spatial object. It could only be ced ording to the divine n. The only thing that could exceed god¡¯s expectations was Synergy, but inside the singrity it can only ¡°shine.¡± However, the attribute of time that Kyon could hardly control created this very singrity in the physical world.


    {That¡¯s it? Am I wasting my time on these experiments? Is it time to give up? I guess so¡­ I can¡¯t surpass god, ying by his rules!} ¨C Kyon looked lost for a while. Then his eyes sparkled. ¨C {Wait! I can!}


    (A.C. The channels and the keys between the worlds: https://ibb.co/kDnNgXd)

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310


    God had developed a convenient tool for manipting spatial objects with electromaic radiation so that their owners stayedpletely unaware of it. Kyon intended to take advantage of this loophole and bypass the god¡¯sws.


    He took the rat and created a new spatial pocket through the micropores in its channels. A few minutester, he converted Synergy into radiation ranging from radio waves to X-rays and sent it into the bubble.


    Thanks to Synergy and his vast knowledge about wave interference, Kyon could create incredible things with the spatial bubble. He tore it, bent it, stretched it, gave it any shape!


    Kyon immediately put his n into action. He confirmed his assumption that the externalyer obeyed the differential geometryws, which meant that its walls could cross each other without consequences, but the bubble burst as soon as there were any bends. As a rule, it was restricted by topology.


    With the help of electromaic radiation, Lovr divided the bubble into segments, twisted and turned them, and then turned the bubble inside out. The outer and the inner sides of the bubble swapped ces without breaking the spatial pocket. The protectiveyer was now inside, and the one that served as a beacon was outside.


    Kyon did not rejoice ahead of time. He connected the bubble turned inside out with the ring and held his breath, trying to put 90-degree hot water inside. The cup with hot water disappeared and then returned at a wave of his hand!


    Lovr dropped to his knees. Tears of happiness welled up in his eyes, shining with triumph: {Suck it, god!}


    Kyon would never have believed that knowledge about solving the Smale paradox would help him bypass god¡¯s n in another universe. Turning a sphere inside out is impossible in the usual physical world, but it worked between the worlds, where thews were distorted! God had left a loophole in his rules, stupid old fart!


    The restrictions on sending the active matter and energy to the ring weren¡¯t enclosed in the space between the two worlds (Fair enough! Why create a universe out of a speck of dust?) They were concentrated in the inner wall of the bubble shell! Combining the function of a beacon and a radar, it also performed the function of a limiter, catching any contraband from the physical world and spitting it out!


    When Kyon turned the bubble inside out, the ¡°confining field¡± created by the shell started to spread outward, into the endless and ruthless singrity. From now on, he could put into the ring everything that god did not allow.


    However, with the bubble turned inside out, he couldn¡¯t ¡°feel¡± the item located inside the spatial pocket. Anyway, it wasn¡¯t a big deal for Synergy! It never forgets. It can execute mentalmands without ¡°beacon¡± prompts.


    Kyon had cracked god¡¯s puzzle and came up with a non-trivial way to bypass hisws. He had found the ¡°imba¡± of this world, the possibility to put the active matter in the spatial ring, be it boiling water, fire, magma, an explosion, a flying bullet, and even an artillery shell! It was in his power to destroy a disproportionately stronger enemy with a wave of his hand! All he needed was to ce pre-made shots in the ring, turning himself into a walkingunching system that didn¡¯t need a reload or a muffler! But how to put it all in the ring? He still had to figure it out.


    But before that, Kyon did some more experiments. It was not possible to put the ring in the ring. Nor a living organism. Much to his disappointment, he failed to send active energy inside the ring, for example, an attack. As soon as there was any movement, the bubble shell immediately destroyed, spewing its content outward. It was as if a mousetrap snapped. Apparently, the inneryer that used to impose constraints was too sensitive. Even being outside, it instantly reacts to the slightest radiation generated by the elemental energy.


    Anyway, today nothing could spoil Kyon¡¯s mood! Tingling with excitement, he headed to the dwarves¡¯ factory in Boston. He was bursting with pride. Hadn¡¯t he deceived god himself! Hadn¡¯t he found a loophole in hisws! He was, however, apprehensive about the punishing lightning like the one that struck him when he had mastered the basic grade of the nine elements.


    The dwarves received him at the factory as he were an angel descended from heaven! Not a single human in the world had ever deserved such respect and veneration from the bearded people. Kyon was the one who had given them chemistry, electricity, and firearms. They would lick his shoes clean and thank him for the honor.


    Kyon listened to the report on the meeting with Fernand, the imperial envoy. Then he tried to get rid of Gennady¡¯s granddaughter, who did her best to seduce him on her grandfather¡¯s instructions. M did everything she could except wag her butt in sexy lingerie! She was really cute, but now the self-proimed genius had his te full right now.


    Kyon exined to the displeased head of the factory the reason for his visit, and Gennady gave him the go-ahead to experiments with artillery of all sorts and on any scale. Kyon was provided with unlimited amounts of warfare materials and projectiles. He was even given a couple of helpers just in case.


    Kyon began his experiments. First, he tried to ce a flying bullet into the ring. It wasn¡¯t so easy. He had to cover the bullet with film in a fraction of an instant and send it the ring at once. He got it right on the tenth try!


    However, he wasn¡¯t happy with the oue: {It¡¯s driving me mad! There must be an easier way to do it!} ¨C After a little reflection, Kyon came up with a solution. He infused the cartridge with the spatial attribute and sent some energy under the ck film. When he fired a shot, he instantly teleported the flying bullet into the already formed bubble and sent the contents inside the ring.


    ~bang~


    With a loud bang, the contents of the ring erupted outward. One of the bullets hit Kyon in the forehead.


    {It¡¯s dangerous!} ¨C Kyon thought, rubbing the red spot on his forehead. If the bullet were an artillery shell, the room would have been full of red spots and his brains! Apparently, the residual energy in the spatial pocket was the major cause of failure.


    The task was clear. He had to find out the atomic mass of the bullet, calcte the amount of energy for each nanogram and arrange everything so that no energy would remain after teleportation. The super-urate calction was just the right task for Synergy!


    This time, he did it on the second try. The task was a piece of cake!


    Kyon patted the huge artilleryunching system with a smile. Once he could hardly hit the examiner in the eye with a pistol. If Kirsan had protected his eye with pure energy, he wouldn¡¯t have even batted an eyelid. A noble phaser ready for the attack would feel a pistol shot like a grain of sand in windy weather, which cannot be said about an artillery shot!


    ording to rough estimates, one projectile was equivalent in power to the ¡°Annihtion Sphere,¡± with which Kyon almost killed Timothy at the family tournament. By the way, Timothy Brown was at the 5th stage in the noble phase. At least three shots would be required for a lord phaser (5) at the beginning stages. About ten shots would hurt a lord phaser in the middle stage. As for a royal phaser (6), 100 shots may not be enough even at the beginning stage! These monsters can turn a heavy tank into a pile of scrap metal in a snap! If they are ready for the attack, even artillery shots will be nothing but firecrackers for them.


    However, there¡¯s always an effect of surprise. It is unlikely that anyone would expect any danger from a practitioner who is 2-3 phases weaker.


    As if that weren¡¯t enough, Kyon had reached the 8th stage of the advanced phase! Finally, the negative effect of taking breakthrough medicine had disappeared.


    At some point, Lovr was obsessed with a fixed idea: {Why don¡¯t I take part in the tournament?} ¨C A momentary flicker of greed lighted his eyes. The tempting award made his mouth water, but the soul harvest was more interesting! His nucleus was filled with souls by only 1%! He didn¡¯t like the idea of going on a rampage toplete the next requirement of his unique body of the void! The tournament was aimed, among other things, at reducing rapidly multiplying poptions of dangerous to humans beasts. The beasts had no intellect. Moreover, they were a danger to the peaceful poption, so Lovr could kill them without viting his principles. With the newly acquired weapon, he wasn¡¯t afraid of anyone. No beasts, mad Artie, Prince Charles, and even the sects envoys (if they ever suspected him at all) posed him any threat!


    Besides, just before the tournament started, his bones would have been upgraded. Kyon¡¯s skeleton would be made of ultra-strong carbon. Together with his carbon skin, Kyon¡¯s level of protection would rise to an unattainable level! His skin would absorb stabbing and cutting attacks, while his bones would protect him against crushing and prating blows. The organs would get a minimum impact. However, even 1% of the recoil could lead to disastrous consequences.


    After considering the pros and cons, Kyon made an affirmative decision, entirely in his ambitious, adventurous nature. His desire to hit the jackpot, i.e., banal greed, also influenced his judgment. He could hardly persuade himself toy low in Cernos and raise his cultivation. After all, he was not the kind of guy to hole up in a safe cave for years while his soul evolved like some hermit or an immortal cultivator¡­


    But his main motivating factor was Dinah. Every second counted. Kyon wouldn¡¯t forgive himself if another guy took his dear girl. He had to get stronger as soon as possible to prove to the fucking goddess that he deserved the beautiful assassin more than anyone. The tournament, or rather the awards, should increase the speed of his cultivation.


    (A.C. That¡¯s how the sphere eversion looks. The brain eversion looks the same: https://ibb.co/80C4bvw )

 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311


    A little more than three weeks had passed. There were only a few days left before the grand tournament.


    Deep underground, a deafening rumble resounded again and again in one of the most fortified rooms of the Cernos training building.


    ~b§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñm~


    The blow, surpassing all the previous ones, smashed a mighty metal dummy to pieces. Drenched in sweat, exhausted by long, hard training, Charles threw back his head and smiled: ?I did it¡­ Right before the tournament. After many months of painstaking training, I¡¯ve finally reached the damned tenth stage!?


    Thest time Charles felt this rapture was three years ago, when he basked in the glory, being respected by his people. He was number two in the whole kingdom, second only to Elsa. However, everything changed after Michael¡¯s sudden marriage to da. His life instantly turned into a nightmare! The Queen¡¯s daughter became the first princess, the main contender for the throne, as he was only a bastard. Kara beat him up in front of everyone, confirming her dominant position and taking away all his power and glory. Neither the students nor the elders took the prince seriously. To crown it all, his father the king had changed beyond recognition, unwilling even to talk to his son about what was going on!


    It took Charles almost two years to realize what was happening. He tried to bring the demons down but received a first andst warning, or rather, a death threat. It dawned on him then that he was just a puppet to divert suspicion, and his father was a pathetic ve.


    The prince was not going to give up and secretly looked for a way out of his deplorable situation but to no result. The demons controlled the entire kingdom and his every step. A single mistake could mean death.


    Charles was on the brink of despair when he saw the impable work of the ck Queen, the best assassin in the kingdom! New hope kindled inside him. He made the decision to recruit her at any cost.


    For a whole year, the prince followed the girl pretending to be a fool in love for the amusement of the entire kingdom, and she kept blowing him off like a pathetic loser. Charles ran out of patience. He risked and spent most of his savings on a transformation pill to bribe the killer, but his kindness didn¡¯t pay off. She brazenly robbed and ¡°poisoned¡± him with coniferous venom ro boot! He suffered in brothels for three weeks because of the heartless bitch! As if it weren¡¯t enough, she killed his father at da¡¯s request. Prince Charles had experienced so many hardships that he was tired of praying to the goddess for justice.


    Just then his pleas were heard. One evening, a whore-investigator called and informed him that the ck Queen had been captured! The prince immediately rushed to the department to make sure that it was true. His happiness knew no bounds! The unapproachable bitch, whose ¡°harmless¡± joke had nearly given him all sorts of STDs, was now in hisplete power! He couldn¡¯t imagine sweeter revenge than raping her! At that moment, he desired to fuck her like a dirty whore! Her slender body excited him, arousing his primitive urges.


    It seemed that fortune had finally smiled on him. The hell it did! The ruthless bitch had somehow called a crazy masked investigator! He left Charles no choice but to wait for his turn the next day. As expected, the girl was rescued at night. Charles had no doubt that the jerk had had a fun time with her! A psychopath who left no traces had taken the prince¡¯s dream.


    It was one of the worst days in Charles¡¯ life. Only his boundless hatred and hope that sooner orter the demons would be caught saved him from despair. Charles was nning to **** at least Kara to get his revenge. The ¡°little¡± joke with coniferous had really perverted his nature, since it was his only goal.


    A little more than a monthter, there was another hit below the belt. The wretched freak had taken Kara¡¯s virginity. Charles should have been happy, but his hands itched with an urge to strangle Dick.


    Anyway, the events of the following day brought Charles back hope for a better future: the demons were revealed! Now that the Iron Throne had no official ruler, the imperial authorities had to appoint a new king! And who could be a better choice than the strongest young man in the kingdom, the king¡¯s son no less?


    However, Charles had gnawing doubts about his sess. He was a bastard, after all. And his reputation left much to be desired. The folk in the kingdom nicknamed him ¡°Prince the Hot Pants¡± for his regr visits to the brothel and rendering the best prostitutes in the capital useless! The citizens were fuming with righteous anger. They wouldn¡¯t let him get the crown. It was crucial to regain his honor and increase his chances by one hundred percent! The timing of the uing grand tournament couldn¡¯t be any better! For thest two decades, Cernos had been ranked fifth and below (out of 7 possible). If the prince managed to get the school fourth or even third ce, it would earn him the desired fame! An opportunity not to be missed!


    All month long, Charles had been working up a sweat, and today he had finally reached the long-awaited 10th stage. He was hoping to break into the lord phase by the beginning of the tournament! The fifth phase would ensure his impressive results! Thest time such a powerful student appeared in Cernos was more than twenty years ago.


    The prince took out a bluish pill from the ring and inhaled its thick scent with awe. The Lightning Strike transformation pill guaranteed him a 100% chance to enter the next phase with a slim chance of getting to the second stage at once.


    Charles trembled with impatience. He wanted to start transformation right now but wisely decided to take a rest after the exhausting training. The process would take no more than a day, and there was about a week before the tournament. There was no rush.


    The next morning, Charles locked the door to his elite training room, took the lotus position and, gathering the courage, swallowed the pill.


    As soon as the Lightning Strike reached his stomach, it exploded with searing energy and shot through the channels straight into his soul like an erupting volcano. Charles was sure that the goddess herself had blessed the pill. Why else would its energy have increased after the ck Queen had it? He had no doubt he was going to reach the second stage of the lord phase!


    ?O-o-o-uch!? ¨C His face twisted in a grimace of pain as if he were struck by lightning. His soul seemed to have faced an aggressive conqueror. Was it the way it should be? Why was there a conflict? Could the energy in the pill blessed by the goddess be so intractable?


    {Another test of fate? Hell no! I won¡¯t lose this time!} ¨C The prince promised himself and focused on his soul, trying to absorb the energy of the Mom¡¯s Pet pill.


    After two hours of ¡°transformation,¡± Charles was about to lose consciousness. Something was burning inside him as if demons were tearing his soul apart! He even lost one stage of cultivation!


    ?§¡§¡-§¡§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡H!? ¨C With a wild roar, Charles summoned up all his strength for onest fight. The pain gradually disappeared. He seemed to have pulled through. But why was he still at the ninth stage? ¨C {What the hell? Where is my breakthrough? Where is my second stage of the next phase?}


    ?§°-§à-§à-§à-§àh!? ¨C The prince groaned, shivering convulsively as if his soul was plunged into a fiery ocean, hot but not scalding. The me enveloped his spirit, imposing its passionate and perverted will.


    Charles suddenly experienced a feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu and shuddered with horror, looking at his groin, where a bulge was growing like a bamboo shoot in a thousandfold eleration. He had never been scared of his own boner before.


    The lustful will of the me came out of his soul and concentrated in the lower abdomen, preparing his little buddy for passionate adventures that wouldst a lifetime. An unhealthy blush appeared on Charles¡¯s pale face. Obsessional ideas of copting with women invaded his mind, his desire increasing with every second. It was many times stronger than in those nightmarish days!


    ?NO! NOT AGAIN! WHAT¡¯S THE HELL? WHAT¡¯S GOING ON?? ¨C Charles screamed out in agony, pulling his hair out. He could not get why the invaluable transformation pull had taken a stage of cultivation and acted like an elite aphrodisiac! Was the goddess¡¯s blessing in a curse in disguise?


    After a few minutes, the prince realized that the ever-growing lust wouldn¡¯t decrease in spite of all his efforts: ?Why? FUCKING WHY? WHO DID I RUB UP THE WRONG WAY IN MY PREVIOUS LIFE?? ¨C Charles wept bitterly. ¨C ?§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡H!? ¨C With a frantic howl, he rushed in search of beautiful victims. However, he wouldn¡¯t make it till the nearest brothel!


    Mom¡¯s Pet pill was the first medicine Kyon had created using the Cycle of Creation. It had unreasonable properties that would bring death to anyone taking it. The owner of this unique body would die of pleasure after having the first sex.


    At the time of taking the pill, Charles had already been growing a unique body, so he had received only a part of the properties: a lifelong erection and an irresistible attraction to the opposite sex. As a price for such excellent bonuses, he would lose his chance to break into the lord phase. If the stupid prince had focused his efforts on resisting the energy of the pill, not absorbing it, he would have escaped the severe consequences.


    ¡­


    The central zone of the Hunters¡¯ territory, the main administration building.


    ~knock knock~


    The patriarch¡¯s assistant gently knocked on the office of her master: ?May Ie in, young master??


    ?I am busy. Come back in five minutes.? ¨C She heard his gentle voice.


    ?But, young master, it¡¯s urgent!? ¨C The servant begged.


    This time she heard his grumbling and belt buckle rattling.


    ?Come on in!? ¨C He ordered in a displeased voice.


    The assistant went inside and saw her master at the table. The handsome, fair-haired man with a short beard was Asagi Hunter. He was only 20 years old but already the patriarch of a great family, the bloody empress¡¯s student! Any girl would consider herself unworthy even of his single nce.


    The patriarch¡¯s legs were wide apart, his hand stroking the silky hair of a cute girl sitting next to him on her knees. She had sexy lingerie on, a gorgeous red tail, and lovely pointed furry ears. The beautiful girl was a representative of the royal foxes and a daughter of the local forest city head, a descendant of pure blood. She had been lured to the border, caught and shackled. The gaze of her enchanting green eyes was focused on the floor, expressing sadness and at the same time hopeless humility.


    The servant noticed the shackled supreme beast and made a scornful grimace as if she had seen a vile orc. Then she immediately got down to business: ?Young master, there¡¯s a top priority order from the government!?


    Asagi¡¯s idle annoyance immediately disappeared as he regained hisposure. He furrowed his brows and red at her: ?Tell me!?


    ?You have an order to catch two supreme beasts alive who have invaded Rosarrio from the east side! They both are in the royal phase and will soon enter the Elk Woods! If you don¡¯t catch them in time, they can destroy the whole city! Civilians are in great danger!? ¨C The assistant said it all in one breath.


    The Hunters had the third rank in Dantes for a reason. The source of their resources (and hence power) was catching and killing supreme beasts. They often raided forests, getting trophies in the form of ves, who they sold at the auction, as recently in Boston. The wealth of the family was so great that everyone above the 4th rank had their own harnessed beast or even a group of them. The Hunters were well-known experts in their field, and even the imperial authorities used their services. They hadn¡¯t failed once over the long history of the family. That¡¯s why the Russells assigned them an important task of catching two royal phasers.


    Asagi listened attentively to his assistant, wondering to himself. Supreme beasts tended to raid small settlements in groups of ten to thirty to replenish their supplies with people (food) and loot resources. Their leaders were usually noble phasers or the beginning-middle lord phasers at best. Now the situation was beyond his reason! Why were there only two supreme beasts? Howe they were royal phasers? Only warriors starting with lieutenants reached this level! What was their real purpose? Did they intend to hunt defenseless people and get away with it?


    Asagi nodded: ?L, give orders to the first six divisions. They must start as soon as possible in full gear. Murat willmand, as usual. We will catch these bloodthirsty creatures!?


    ?Yes, young master!? ¨C The assistant eximed with a broad smile, cast a dismissive nce at the fox and ran off to carry out the order.


    Asagi drummed his fingers on the table thoughtfully, turned his gloomy gaze at the long-eared fox and unbuckled his belt.


    The fox pursed her lips and crawled to her owner without saying a word, fearing to make him angry.

 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312


    Three days before the forest tournament, Cernos was overwhelmed by good and bad news. The good news was that Dick Backer had officially lost the title of Prince Grand. The bad news was that Charles had raped a student and ran away from school. Everyone was shocked! Prince Hot Pants was at it again! The elite prostitutes weren¡¯t enough for him!


    The witnesses imed that he was like a wild beast, dragging the poor girl into his room right after the sses. The exhausted girl was still recovering at the medical center. The whole school was outraged. The wretched bastard thought that he would soon get the crown and could do anything he wished. Actually, it was exactly the case¡­ and that¡¯s the trouble! Who would cut him down to size?


    When Kyon learned the news, he immediately knew what was going on and ordered his knight to protect Marina. He had no doubt that as soon as Charles saw his beautiful friend, he would do anything to fuck her! Even Julia wouldn¡¯t help.


    Despite the first innocent victim, Lovr did not regret giving Charles the Mom¡¯s Pet instead of the transformation pill. But he should have, and he understood this. When it came to the beautiful girls who were dear to him, Lovr turned into a furious avenger. He wasn¡¯t guided by reason but by the principle ¡°Man is a wolf to man.¡±


    Three days had passed. The grandiose event started today. Every few years, twenty strongest students from the best schools in the kingdoms that made up Rosarrio took part in the tournament, the main goal of which was to reduce the number of fast-breeding wild beasts in the forest. This time it was the Iron Throne turn or rather the huge Elk Woods adjacent to the kingdom.


    Over the past few months, workers under the direction of Cernos administration had been installing a stage with stands for five thousand seats at the forest borders. It would take the visitors from other kingdoms to ovee the distance from 2,000 to 10,000 kilometers to get here. That¡¯s why it was supposed that the majority of the spectators would be Iron Throners. Only the most devoted patriots, school administrations and the participants¡¯ parents mighte from anywhere else, with the exception of the kings and the queens. These important persons had no free time to be distracted by a tournament thatsted for two weeks. Besides, there was not much to see apart from the opening and the closing parts.


    A long line of carriages with Cernos students drove up to their destination. The crowd noise echoed from the stands for several kilometers. One and a half thousand young people, the participants in particr, sighed dejectedly every now and then. They seemed to be pursued by an invisible cloud bringing upon them bad luck and adversities. There were only 17 Cernos participants, not 20 as was customary! No one considered Dick Baker a participant. Charles the rapist was still absent, and he was their strongest candidate after all! Julia Grand, the third-strongest Cernos student with the fourth rank, had recently withdrawn her name, just after the lists were approved. As a result, everyone pinned their hopes on the morally destroyed former fan club members. However, the two suicides had been reced by the 21st and 22nd ranking students, that is, absolute weaklings. Could the situation be any worse? The total power of the current participants was much lower than at thest tournament, where they were ridiculed anyway! They were going to disgrace the Iron Throne for hundreds of years toe, no less!


    The only one who ignored the general pessimistic mood was obviously Dick Baker. His fat fingers sparkled with about fifty precious rings, his ears were adorned with three earrings each. He nibbled carelessly at a straw, lying on the carriage roof with half-closed eyes. Many openly envied his calmness and serenity.


    Soon, the Cernos participants saw the stands. The Iron Throners greeted them with a loud ovation. Six fenced areas had been upied by the participants from other schools, a total of 120 people. They looked at the neers with no interest, rather with a slight irritation. The weaklings, who took seventh cest time, dared toest. Who did they think they were?


    Aware of numerous eyes fixed on them, joyless Cernos students took their seats, and the participants headed to their zone. Those who were not lucky enough to notice the ugly fat guy with a proudly puffed out chest found themselves at a loss for words and turned away in horror. Representatives of other schools, including princes and princesses, were no exception.


    ?Look! There¡¯s a pig among Cernos participants! Ha-ha! He is disgusting!? ¨C The hefty third prince of Liberia (2) said to his elder brothers with a crooked, contemptuous smile.


    ?Wow!? ¨C The burly second prince eximed. ¨C ?What hole did he crawl out of??


    ?What the hell?..? ¨C The first prince, huge like a mountain, shouted indignantly. ¨C ?A freak in the advanced phase among thepetitors?!?


    The three famous princes-heroes yelled all over the area, attracting the onlookers. Dick did nothing but instantly became the center of attention. His arrogant look, numerous rings and earrings awakened the dormant feeling in everyone¡¯s heart¡­ the feeling of disgust.


    Haya, an exceptionally beautiful girl who was the most talented person in her kingdom noticed the nightmarish creature and hastily covered her eyes with her hands. This scene instantly spoiled the mood of the young first princess of Athens (1).


    The citizens of the Iron Throne started to discuss the ugly freak:


    ?The freak in the advanced phase will represent Cernos?! ? ¡­ ?It must be a joke! There had never been a participant below the noble phase!? ¡­ ?But the first prince of Liberia won¡¯t lie!? ¡­ ?Look! They are only eighteen! Howe??


    Meanwhile, principal Nn went up to the stage and was about to give a speech when he was suddenly interrupted.


    ?Nn, this joke is out of bounds!? ¨C The first prince of Liberia thundered over the stands. He could afford to ignore the etiquette rules as his authority was much higher than that of Nn.


    The spectators instantly fell silent. Everyone listened to their conversation.


    ?It¡¯s an important tournament, young man. What jokes are you talking about?? ¨C The effeminate principal asked softly with a polite smile.


    The prince spread his enormous arms: ?Ordinary people can¡¯t feel this, but the total power of your participants is an insult to this tournament! Who is that fat freak in the advanced phase? We have alle to the Iron Throne to clear your forests from dangerous creatures that threaten peaceful civilians, and you have organized a dog-and-pony show! Your entire group of losers can be easily defeated by a more or less strong participant alone! It can¡¯t be that the best geniuses of your kingdom are nothing but trash! Or can it??


    His words sounded fair enough. The participants and the administrators of other schools sneered maliciously while the Iron Throners fell silent in shame. Cernos students stared at the floor, clenching their fists until they turned white. They wanted to beat Dick Baker to death for the very fact of his existence! However, it wouldn¡¯t change the fact that they were nothing but trash.


    Dick man stamped his foot in anger and yelled furiously: ?Hey you, big guy! I am Dick Baker, the first-ranking student of Cernos! How dare you underestimate me? I¡¯ll single-handedly beat all of you, fucking losers! All at once!?


    ?Ahem!? ¨C The three princes, half of the participants, and arge part of the audience coughed at his arrogant statement. His tant arrogance was so confusing that those he was addressing found themselves at a loss for words.


    ?You have nothing to say, don¡¯t you? Then keep your mouth shut!? ¨C Dick said self-confidently.


    Haya Feruz was the first toe to her senses: ?Are you the miserable Dick Baker who married the demoness??


    The audience gasped. The rumors that Princess Kara and Queen da turned out to be demons spread throughout the empire long ago. The name of Dick Baker, her official husband, was also famous, but no one knew exactly how he looked! And now everyone could see him with their own eyes! It came as a shock to many. How could hemit himself to an evil monster? It¡¯s terrible! It¡¯s one thing to keep a demon as a ve, but marrying them? No way!


    ?Yes, it¡¯s me! So what?! I thought she was a human when I married her!? ¨C Dick replied at once.


    Haya didn¡¯t make anyments, but her contempt for him was written all over her face. In fact, all those present had almost instantly developed quite a dislike for the fat ugly freak. Now it had multiplied tenfold.


    The first princeughed out loud as if it was the best joke he had ever heard. His younger brothers, as well as the members of other schools followed his lead. The ridiculous name, the low cultivation, the absurd attempt to provoke the first prince of Liberia¡­ No one doubted that the ugly freak was hired to entertain the audience!


    ?Great! Ha ha! I take my words back! I have no issues with Cernos any more.? ¨C The first prince nodded contentedly, wiping tears ofughter from his eyes. The words of the pathetic freak affected neither His Highness nor the other participants who were serious about winning. It would have been beneath their dignity. They could always beat Dick just for fun! Wasn¡¯t it Nn¡¯s idea?


    Almost every Iron Throner blushed deeply at these words. They felt ashamed for Cernos and their kingdom. They had never been so embarrassed before. The students, especially the Grands, wanted to sink into the ground or to disappear. They wished they could rip the arrogant prince¡¯s tongue out!


    Nn made sure that no one was going to interrupt him again, cleared his throat awkwardly, and began his opening speech: ?Ladies and gentlemen, princesses and princes! It is a great honor for the Iron Throne to wee all of you at this forest tournament¡­? ¨C The atmosphere was still awkward because of Dick Baker, so the principal decided that he¡¯d better get over the official part and get to the point. ¨C ?You know the tournament rules. The participants have two weeks to collect as many beast keys as possible. The keys with higher quality will get more points. It is allowed to take the keys from the opponents. All is fair, but it¡¯s forbidden to kill or maim the participants. The slightest vitions will be investigated with all seriousness. The school with the most points will take first ce and get half of the total amount of keys. The second ce will get twenty percent of all the keys, the third ce will get ten percent. The keys will be distributed among the participants ording to their contribution. They can keep the rest of the keys, but any appropriation before the general calction will be severely punished. It¡¯s easy to find out by simple statistical analysis, so we strongly advise against cheating. Now, here¡¯s the good part: the most active participant of the school that will take first ce will get five million spheres, a thousand Tokens for their family, and a personal harnessed supreme beast at the beginning of the lord phase¡­?


    A chained man with a wolf¡¯s tail and ears appeared on stage.


    ?¡­and what is more important, a ¡°Scarlet Meteor¡± transformation pill of an ¡°A¡± rank designed to break into the imperial phase (7)!? ¨C Nn opened the precious box with the blood-red pill. Its exhrating aroma and energy spread throughout the stands, evoking exmations of admiration.


    ?For real?!? ¨C The three princes shouted at once, overshadowing the surprised audience with their loud voices. Even the principles couldn¡¯t believe their eyes, ears, and souls. A transformation pill of an A rank gave an almost 100% chance of breaking into the unattainable imperial phase! Practitioners at this level of cultivation happened as rarely in Rosarrio as pearls in the sea! In the history of thest fifty tournaments, they had never given a breakthrough pill into the imperial phase. Moreover, it was of an A rank, a C or a B rank that would be only reasonable! It was pure madness!


    Haya Feruz stared at the pill in fascination. Even for her, the first princess of the strongest kingdom in Rosarrio, the transformation pill into the imperial phase was a luxury. An ¡°A¡± rank pill was absolutely unaffordable! She wanted to have it at any cost! And she had every chance to get it. All the participants of her school were extremely powerful, and she waspletely invincible in a one-on-one battle!


    Dick thoughtfully stroked his patchy mustache. No one could get a transformation pill into the imperial phase of an ¡°A¡± rank even at the annual auction in Dantes, and now it suddenly became a reward in some forest tournament? It was too suspicious to say the least!


    As for the other rewards, he wouldn¡¯t mind getting five million spheres. It might be a huge sum for some, but for Kyon it was nothing.


    Kyon considered the beast keys to be the second most valuable reward (after the pill). They can be used almost everywhere, from alchemy to enchantment. As ast resort, he could always see them. The demand for the beast keys was always high.


    Among other things, Kyon found it outraging that the wolf-man had received surprisingly little attention, only some scornful snorts and sidelong nces.


    {The awards are worth the risk. Definitely worth it.} ¨C He nodded to his greedy thoughts and listened attentively to the people around him.


    The three princes whispered excitedly exchanging their ideas on how to win first ce. Statistically, their school took the leading position every third tournament. However, they had almost no chance this time because of Princess Haya, whose talents were well-known throughout the whole empire. They could defeat and rob her only if they acted together, which they finally agreed upon.


    Princess Haya couldn¡¯t care less about the other participants. She stared at the pill mesmerized, licking her lips in anticipation.


    Representatives of the other schools were silent with envy. They didn¡¯t have a single chance to get this award.


    Principal Nn closed the box and took out a silver bracelet: ?Now let¡¯s get down to the details. Each of you must wear these bracelets until the end of the tournament. The formation inside them has three functions. First, once an hour you can find the direction to the nearest opponent that doesn¡¯t belong to your school. Second, you will get help as soon as the formation is activated, but it means your disqualification. Third, the bracelet will vibrate if you approach the forest edge or one of your teammates. You will be disqualified unless you move one kilometer away within three minutes after the vibration.?


    The three princes looked at each other gloomily. They hadpletely forgotten that the forest tournament was aimed at demonstrating personal sess without excessive cooperation. Otherwise, everyone would cooperate and rob weaker teams, exploiting the function of tracking the nearest opponent.


    ?I must also tell you the obvious. Any outside help means disqualification of all school participants. Anymunication on the sound transmitter means disqualification, as well as losing one tenth of the total keys. We have effective methods to trace any vition of rules. I don¡¯t rmend taking risks. And once again, I remind you that it¡¯s forbidden to kill any participants! Only a fair duel is allowed, after which the winner takes the loser¡¯s keys. If ites to investigation, we will use the database of your movements. When all the secrets are out, the offender will face full force ofw.?


    Kyon knew about it. He had a huge arsenal of weapons in his pocket. All he needed was to estimate the fire power to disarm the opponent without killing them. He was informed what to expect from the majority of the participants. It would be absurd for Lovr go to the tournament without doing his homework. As for calction, he totally relied on Synergy.


    ?And closing my speech, I announce the order in which the participants will go to the forest. The first-ranking student of the school that took thest ce at the previous tournament is going first and then in ascending order.? ¨C Nn made a gesture to Cernos students toe up on stage.


    The eighteen participants approached him. The principal gave each of them a bracelet with their initials for easier tracking. Dick Baker was the first to leave.


    The Iron Throners grumbled in disappointment. The ugly freak in the advanced phase was indeed the 1st ranking student and the official husband of the demoness. Cernos had turned into the circus. No one would have thought they could stoop so low. What a disgrace!


    The members of other families were watching, disgusted and dismayed, the fat freak leave.


    Artie Grand fixed his gaze on Dick. If he was lucky, he would strangle the ugly freak with his fat guts. However, he would be most likely devoured by wild beasts. It would be good news, too, but in this case, the bastard wouldn¡¯t suffer enough.

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313


    Kyon instantly elerated the moment he disappeared behind the trees from thousands of spectators. One participant went to the forest every five minutes. It was Artie¡¯s turn next who was eager to finish him off, and Kyon would hate to waste his time on him. In fact, there was no point in meeting anyone so soon. Kyon was not interested in penniless losers. He was going to start looting in about seven days when they would get a few animal keys. With the formation in his bracelet, his upgraded senses, and flying spies, he would have no problems tracking the opponents, even more so robbing them.


    With each kilometer, the dense forest became thicker and thicker. Kyon began toe across ancient giant trees measuring several meters wide. At times, the area turned into a swamp; at times, there was a clearing full of the most peculiar mushrooms and nts.


    With his upgraded sense of smell, Kyon could differentiate thousands of forest smells, among which damp moss and conifer trees prevailed. He could hear myriads of sounds from little rodents under the ground to wild beasts stomping everywhere. With his keen eyes, he could see swarms of the smallest insects from mosquitoes and ants to ticks and centipedes. The forest evoked memories from his past life full of traveling.


    Lovr had always admired the beauty of wild nature, but there was no time to be sentimental. He had to go deeper into the forest, preferably about three hundred kilometers away from other participants.


    The nned journey took six hours. Synergy¡¯s error-free calctions reduced the risk of getting a cross-country speed penalty to a minimum, letting Kyon move as fast as average noble phasers (in the forest).


    The Elk Woods stretched over a vast territory, but it was like a meadow against the endless wild jungle inparison with the kings of nature. The level of danger in the Elk Woods was about 2 points out of 10 because there were no animals exceeding the advanced phase, no supreme beasts that had inborn intelligence, no deadly poisonous creatures, insects, or nts. A standard antidote would be enough to ensure a safe trip. There were no predatory vines, natural traps, or tricky formations. It was a kind of forest park where a noble phaser could feel absolutely safe.


    It was getting dark. A cold autumn wind stirred the tent that Lovr had set up on a hill. Only two months before winter. In the current conditions, those who didn¡¯t bend the heat element had better wear something warm.


    After dinner, Lovr left his tent and threw a chicken bone at the growling wolf: ¨C ?Do you think you¡¯re after a weak prey? No way!? ¨C He waved his hand with a predatory smile, releasing ten silent shots previously fired from a sniper rifle.


    Ten carcasses of gray wolves went limp, their eyes shot through.


    Kyon took out a hunting knife and proceeded to skinning. The catch wasn¡¯t bad: 9 keys of the superior phase, 81 keys of the advanced phase, and souls that filled his nucleus for a fraction of a percent. It was disappointing. He would need at least ten thousand animals to meet the requirements of his body of the void! A phenomenal amount. No hunter would kill that many animals in their lifetime.


    Lovr didn¡¯t let it go to his head and went off raiding.


    It was already five in the morning.


    With blood up to his elbows, Kyon got washed and set up a tent to have a nap. In twelve hours, he had killed and skinned only two hundred animals. He wouldn¡¯t fill his soul in two weeks at this rate. It would take him at least a month! On the other hand, he could alwayse back after the tournament. It was forbidden, but who would ever catch him?


    Before Dick Baker had closed his eyes, he winced as if in pain. His flying scout showed someone approaching him at high speed. The grumpy first prince was about five kilometers away from him. The second prince was following his brother, keeping at a kilometer behind him. The third prince walked at the tail of the procession.


    Normally, the participants didn¡¯t look for the opponents in the first few days of the tournament. There was nothing to take from them, anyway. But the princes had been actively using the tracking function of their bracelets (once every 20 minutes, sharing the allowed time among themselves). Apparently, they wanted to find and defeat Princess Haya as soon as possible and get their school first ce. Unfortunately for them, the princes had confused the beauty with Dick Backer, who was even more wonderful in every sense of the word.


    {Just my luck!} ¨C Kyon quickly took down his tent and sped away from the brothers¡¯ line of movement. When he left them many kilometers behind, he pitched his tent again and went to bed, but a minuteter, he opened his eyes agrily. ¨C {Are you fucking kidding me?} ¨C The princes approached him with enviable determination. Maybe, if all guys in love pursued their girls so persistently, there would be less broken hearts in the world.


    Lovr did not want to go back a hundred kilometers so that the bracelets of his pursuers would point to another closest opponent, but it was too soon to disable them now. They were still to collect lots of keys in two weeks! Lovr was going toy his hands on about half of them! It would be careless of him to lose freebor.


    The first prince stopped abruptly and picked a piece of paper with a message from the tree: ¡°Three pathetic losers! Stop pursuing me or I will have the pleasure of destroying you one by one like bulls in the ughterhouse. Haya Feruz.¡±


    The prince stared at the message in disbelief, cold sweat running down his spine: {Fucking genius bitch!} ¨C He turned ashen pale and rushed back to share the information with his brothers. He was allowed three minutes by the rules.


    Initially, the first prince of Liberia was nning to find a member of the Feruz family who had been camping in the area. They were going to take him or her hostage and make them use the family formation to call for help. Then the princes were going to disarm as many mainpetitors as possible. If they were lucky enough, the three of them would even defeat Princess Haya. However, they turned out to run into the biggest fish in theke, a real shark! The princess had found out who was following her, how many of them, and also managed topose a message! She would have easily disarmed them if she really wanted to! Apparently, Haya didn¡¯t take them seriously if she gave them a chance to run away¡­


    Kyon smiled contentedly when he made sure that the annoying overgrown bullies had retreated. He made another dozen kilometers, pitched his tent and finally fell asleep.


    The next day, another annoying pursuer caught up with Dick. His attempts to leave her a threatening message failed. The blind hen didn¡¯t notice any of them. It didn¡¯t help to change his location every time she found him. The girl persistently used the tournament bracelet once an hour to track the fleeing fat guy.


    When Kyon got tired of wasting his time, he made an ambush.


    Before the girl knew it, she got a dart in her neck and fell fast asleep. No pursuer, no problem. Everything she had was his for the taking. The girl hadn¡¯t reached the lord phase. It would have been absurd to use big guns on her. A sniper rifle was enough to pierce the soft skin of her neck with a dart.


    As expected, the girl had almost no keys.


    Kyon saw no benefit in activating her bracelet to disqualify the silly girl from the tournament. He had nothing to gain from this. She could still get him more keys. He wrote her a threatening message under Dick Baker¡¯s name to stop her from following him and stuck it in the gap between the bracelet and her hand.


    The first real confrontation ended before it even began.


    The next day, Lovr went deep into the forest, skinned a bunch of animals, partially filled his nucleus with souls, and met two more participants. Two unexpected shots from the sniper rifle with a written warning were enough to get rid of the pursuers. It struck him as strange, though, that six participants had found him in the depths of the forest.


    In the evening, just before he was going to bed, Kyon smelled a subtle scent that an average person couldn¡¯t feel. His eyebrow raised in surprise: {Psychoactive substance!?}


    He wasn¡¯t surprised by the presence of this smell in the air, its wide spectrum was stunning. As many as thirty-two types of psychoactive substances had suddenly appeared in the air! Most of them belonged to hallucinogens. Among other things, his nose sensed fungal spores.


    Rummaging in the library in his head, Kyon found the only possible option: {The demonic mushroom!}


    Any huge ancient forest was believed to have a heart that received nutrients through the roots from all over its area. It looked like an ordinary unremarkable tree to keep it safe from animals or intelligent creatures.


    The demonic mushroom was mythical medicine. It searched for the heart of the forest to grow there for fifty years, and then bloomed during the parade of the moons (when there was a month in the sky). During three days it scattered its spores to find a new incubator and disappeared without a trace.


    This mushroom was phenomenally rare. The price varied from reasonable to exorbitant. Usually, the price of a Demonic mushroom was only a few million spheres because no one knew how to use it apart from taking it as a drug. But collectors were usually ecstatic about it.


    Kyon wanted to get the mushroom anyway. He would certainly find a good use for it. Why giving up a pie falling from the sky! The question was where it was located and how long it would still bloom.


    {The moon parade was eighteen hours ago. Considering the average speed and direction of the wind, the Demonic mushroom grows two hundred and fifty kilometers to the east!} ¨C Lovr took down his tent and ran in search of the rarest mushroom in the world.


    Almost five hourster, alreadyte at night, the smell of narcotic substances became unbearable. Kyon heard someone breathing ahead and slowed down. A hundred¡­ two hundred¡­ almost three hundred wild animals were nearby! They were making no fighting or growling sounds.


    His feathery spies saw an army of beasts who absolutelycked their will-power. They were standing around an ordinary thick tree covered with about a hundred ball-shaped red mushrooms with notable white spots. The mushrooms contracted in unison like lungs, spewing a rich green gas into the air.


    Lovr immediately understood the reason for this unusual zombie parade: the Demonic mushroom used narcotic substances as protective measures while it was in bloom to enve wild animals and make them protect it at the cost of their lives. Even a noble phaser would lose control within a fifty-meter range.


    Without hesitation, Kyon stepped forward and greeted the zombie army with an artillery discharge.


    There was no sound heard, only an unpleasant whistle of the shells, and then¡­


    ~BAAAM~ ~BAAAM~ ~BAAAM~


    The mushrooms shriveled from the roaring rumble. Fiverge craters deformed the forest floor. In an instant, half of the animals were blown to pieces. The rest was badly injured, but they pressed a furious attack, anyway. Another couple of shots had finally calmed them down.


    The forest in the shot-range of a hundred meters looked like a military chronicle. A great number of trees were felled or destroyed to pieces. Guts, eyes, pelts were hanging from the branches like decorations. Bones and chunks of flesh were scattered everywhere. What a ring demonstration of the advanced civilization!


    Sensing a dangerous human nearby, the Demonic mushroom started to contract feverishly, releasing even more gas, but it was not in its power to dope up the owner of Synergy and the upgraded nervous system.


    Kyon cut the frightened mushrooms and ced them in the ring. He felt as thrilled as a mushroom hunter who had found a secret hiding spot of the king boletus.


    Later, when Kyon was fast asleep, he dreamed of myriads of mushrooms, dancing to seduce him so that he would not eat them.


    Early in the morning, Kyon stretched and rubbed his eyeszily. Four days had passed since the beginning of the tournament. It was time to loot¡­ However, he could hunt first, and it was exactly what he did.


    An hourter, a sudden loud tiger¡¯s roar made Lovr jump. All living creatures instantly rushed to its source, abandoning their affairs and even their cubs. Predators and herbivores ran side by side,pletely ignoring each other.


    {A supreme beast!} ¨C Kyon realized, stunned.

 Chapter 314

    Chapter 314


    The thundering roar turned arge part of the forest upside down. Small andrge animals had stopped whatever they were doing and rushed off to the alpha beast¡¯s call. Their whole existence had lost any meaning. Protecting their master was the only thing that mattered.


    It shocked Kyon to the core. Instead of running away as a normal person would do, he rushed to the source of the roar that was only ten kilometers away, right in front of him. He could easily avoid unpleasant surprises with the help of his flying spies, so it was only reasonable to investigate the situation. That¡¯s how he justified his immense curiosity.


    But before that, Lovr had put a soundproof barrier on the tournament bracelet so that no one could get any unwanted sounds, namely the school administration. It was through the bracelet that the judges learned about the vition of the rules. Communication via sound transmitters, getting an assistant, even a premeditated murder could be revealed with the help of this device. The absence of sounds could also be a give-away, so Kyon sent Synergy a task to imitate them inside the barrier. By the way, information about wiretapping was strictly ssified.


    Soon, the winged scouts found nine people in ck woolen robes with the Hunter¡¯s coat of arms on their shoulders. Five of them were fighting against hundreds of distraught animals whose number was only increasing. The alpha beast¡¯s will was so strong that even trained bloodhound dogs had betrayed their owners, which led to the extermination of the loyal pets. The other four hunters infused the ropes that made up a with pure energy. The was glowing bright blue. Inside, a white tiger was struggling, bleeding from a deep cut on its side.


    A mustachioed man holding the brightest rope barked: ?Shut the fuck up, kitty!? ¨C He was obviously the strongest hunter and the leader of the group.


    His words made the tiger even angrier: ?RRROOOAAARRR!?


    The roar caused gusts of wind that blew away stones, branches, and leaves in all directions. An ordinary person would have had a ruptured eardrum.


    ?The local pets are no danger to us! Your growl is only getting on our nerves! Be a good kitty. Stop it! I promise not to skin you alive when I harness you!? ¨C The mustachioed leader yelled with an evil smile.


    However, the tiger didn¡¯t even think of giving up. Its life would turn into a nightmare as soon as the huntersid their formation on its forehead. The beast desperately resisted, but thes wouldn¡¯t break, sucking out all its energy and blocking its elements, draining the victim of strength.


    ?Boss, the animals are arriving in greater numbers! At this rate¡­?


    ?SHUT UP!? ¨C The mustachioed leader interrupted his minion.


    The tiger understood everything and continued to resist with renewed hope.


    ?Fucking beast! If we survive, I personally will neuter you!? ¨C The leader swore furiously.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was watching this scene on a nearby hill behind dense bushes about a kilometer away. He was carefully analyzing the situation. Judging by the power of attacks and the difference in the glow of the ropes, the hunters were in the beginning-middle stages of the lord phase. The leader was in the final stages of the same phase. However, even nine of them couldn¡¯t harness one supreme beast! They looked scared, cowardly waiting for the restraining to deprive the beast of all its strength. The white tiger was dangerous¡­ What monster managed to leave a wound on its side? It can¡¯t have been one of these nine. The supreme beast must have been recently fighting. It managed to escape, hid in a cave (it was just in Kyon¡¯s sight), and the hunters set up an ambush. If everything went on like this, they would soon harness the kitty.


    {The white tiger is the king of supreme beasts! With its innate ability tomand animals, I could fill the core with souls a hundred times faster! With this mighty protector in the royal phase, loyal to the master, nothing will ever threaten me even in Dantes! Moreover, they are tough and fast like hell! A devoted, strong, fast, enduring beast that will help me to cultivate my unique body¡­} ¨C The temptation was unbearable. Kyon bit his lips helplessly. He was shaking with the urge to get a personal harnessed white tiger in the royal phase. The haggard gray wolf at the beginning of the lord phase was as nothingpared with the tiger. Even five or ten main awards of the forest tournament were not equal to the reckless beautiful beast. But how do you get it? Was it worth the risk?


    Although Kyon despised the rules of this world, he began to understand their barbaric ways and y by their rules. When it came to valuable booty, he was ready to kill seemingly innocent people without a twinge of conscience.


    Lovr was one of those people who would kill an innocent person for a greater benefit. His progress would ultimately do good to the whole world. Temporary hardship for certain individuals was just a little sacrifice for themon good.


    But in this particr situation, Kyon subconsciously justified his actions as follows: the hunters did not defend their homnd from the invader, they tried to capture it, risking their lives. Their death would be nothing but a failure in the pursuit of a trophy. They were like pirates trying to hijack a ship full of gold.


    However, there was another issue. The nine men, judging by the coats of arms on their shoulders, belonged to the Hunters, an extremely influential third-ranking family in Dantes, the capital of the empire. Their sudden death would definitely be investigated with all seriousness. There was no doubt that they would find out about the tournament and get interested in the winner. It wouldn¡¯t matter much if Kyon would get away with it or escape to Dantes. The Hunters would find him even in the imperial department!


    Kyon weighed the pros and cons, carefully considering all the possibilities and solutions to the possible problems. Two things never changed. He was not going to lose Dick¡¯s personality. The tiger would be harnessed, anyway. The only question was who would do it.


    Not so long ago, providence (and his sense of smell) granted Lovr wonderful Demonic mushrooms, and now it lured him with the white tiger. Who was he to give up these gifts? He had made up his decision!


    ?Rrrooaaarrr!? ¨C Kyon could hear desperate notes in the faint growl of the supreme beast.


    The number of animalsing from everywhere had significantly decreased. Five exhausted hunters smeared with blood and mud could rx atst: ?Boss, the number of the beasts has gone down. The danger is over.?


    The mustachioed leader wiped the sweat from his forehead: ?I am not blind. Just a little more, and it¡¯s over.?


    The tiger was struggling in the shining, bleeding profusely from the wound, trying to cut the ropes with the razor-sharp ws, biting with the long white fangs, all to no avail. With every passing minute, its strength slipped away like sand through the fingers. Was it destined to lose the priceless freedom and be a ve to pathetic dirty people?


    The hunters grinned viciously watching the supreme beast final sluggish attempts at resistance. How many family members did this creature kill? A lot! The tiger wouldn¡¯t get off easily. If it¡¯s a male, he would get fixed. As for a female, there are other ways to pay for her misdeeds.


    Soon, the supreme beast stopped fighting and cked out from energy deficiency. The hunters roared with delight like warriors who had won a bloody war. They had never caught anyone that powerful. The beast was in the damned royal phase! They were destined to gain incredible fame! They would be proud of this feat until the end of their long, well-fed lives.


    The mustachioed leader walked up to the tiger, put his foot on its head and proimed gloatingly: ?Brainless creature! You are at my feet atst! Now I will definitely get my promotion. You¡¯ve made me so fucking happy!? ¨C With a beaming smile, the hunter took out the harness.


    ?Boss¡­? ¨C His helper cried out in dismay, pointing at the approaching armageddon.


    ~BAAAM~ ~BAAAM~ ~BAAAM~


    In the blink of an eye, the entire area of ??at least a hundred meters in diameter turned into ashes. Each hunter got a shot in proportion to their cultivation. Many lost their heads in the literal sense of the term, and only the strong leader died with a scalp ripped off.


    Kyon had used up half of his artillery supply, but something else was worrying him: {Please! The harness must stay safe!} ¨C While he was dashing to the bloody beast tangled in the, a bird picked up the harness and delivered it to him. ¨C {It is! Holy tomatoes!} ¨C As expected, formations of this level were mostly durable.


    Kyon ran to the tiger and, to hisplete amazement, saw its wide-open bright amber eyes, ring at him as if he was enemy number one. The greedy grinning fat guy with a harness in his hands didn¡¯t look like a benefactor. Kyon felt as if he had suddenly fallen into the ice hole. His instincts screamed bloody murder. His body was numb, the hairs on the back of his head stood on end.


    Deep in his heart, Lovr cursed the stupid ipetent hunters. With their ¡°long¡± experience, they did not bother to check if the tiger was faking being unconscious!


    {Am I going to die¡­ of greed?} ¨C The time slowed a thousandfold for Kyon. An enormous paw with razor-sharp silver ws was approaching at speed beyond the reaction of any advanced phaser. He was just a pathetic midge against such power. No chance to dodge or defend himself.


    The nucleus in his soul reacted to the tiger¡¯s attempt to end his life. It vibrated and released liquid darkness, a clot of umted dark feelings. It rushed to the keys and left his body, plunging the forest around him into imprable darkness.


    The beast was caught off guard. It felt like plugs in the ears, water up the nose, scratching the eyes out, the instincts reduced to the level of an old beaten dog! The despicable man¡¯s dark magic was strong, but it wasn¡¯t going to change anything! The paw crashed into him at full speed¡­


    ~CABOOM~


    When the darkness cleared away, the tiger found the man alive lying nearby! The beast opened its mouth in disbelief. The legendary ws could cut king phasers like a red-hot knife would slice butter, but instead of being slit open, the ugly pathetic advanced phaser had just lost an arm and received a deep chest wound!


    ?Whiskered beast, I give you a chance to run away, or I¡¯ll do to you what I did to the hunters!? ¨C Kyon yelled in a threatening voice, clutching at the stump of his arm. In fact, he was inplete shock. Carbon skin was a perfect defense against cutting attacks, and carbon bones were an indestructible wall! However, the tiger¡¯s careless blow with the paw had cut off his arm and left a deep cut in the chest that almost reached the internal organs!


    The tiger twitched the whiskers contemptuously and took up an attacking position. The yellow eyes glittered with bloodthirst. The beast waited prudently, ready for any trick from the vicious man.


    Kyon almost cried in despair. The bluff didn¡¯t work. The proud kitty hated people too much to keep him alive. He couldn¡¯t escape. They would never agree. All that remained was to fight: {It¡¯s the tiger or I¡­}


    The terrible white muzzle suddenly disappeared from sight. The ground under the bleeding paws cracked from the force of the jump. In a split of a second, Lovr emptied all his rings with a wave of the hand.


    ~BAAAAAAAAAM~


    Numerous explosions united into a single boom. The shock wave smashed everything in its path, turning trees into chips, and vegetation into dust. The beast in the royal phase flew about a hundred meters away andnded on the paws. Then, without a moment¡¯s hesitation, the tiger attacked again at amazing speed.


    The residual shock wave threw Kyon away. His ears were ringing, his vision was blurry, his temples throbbing, but he couldn¡¯t care about such trifles: {Damn it! So many shots at once and nothing! Fucking shit!} ¨C He had overestimated his weapons. The tiger didn¡¯t get a single scratch. The firearms had only infuriated the supreme beast! The tiger was running towards him at a breathtaking speed like an immortal reaper, and nothing could stop it! This sight would scare anyone to death.


    Kyon swiftly picked up his arm from the ground (still clutching at the harness) and activated the rings on his lost hand.


    ~BAAAAAAAAAM~


    The explosion was as strong as the previous one. Local cataclysm, no less. However, the tiger managed to block a good share of the shells and flew only about fifty meters away.


    The situation seemed hopeless. Kyon¡¯s ammunition hade to an end. There was nothing else he could do to this monster. He had only lots of protective formations from the Grand legacy¡­ Something that could at least dy his death.


    The supreme beast approached the man and delivered a crushing blow.


    ~BANG~


    The mighty paw destroyed ALL his protective barriers, leaving a long cut deep to the bones in the carbon skin. The incredible impact sent Kyon flying a hundred meters like a cannonball. He plowed the ground another ten meters and crashed into a tree.


    {I will die¡­ Prettyme, huh¡­} ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes lost their sparkle. He could not think of any way to escape. The legless hare was no match for the alpha predator. In hisst moments, Lovr remembered the girls he had met on the way, especially Juno, the sweet little demon in the guise of an angel. She was the first to nearly kill him¡­ The thought of the goldilocks gave him hope. There was a chance of survival! One in a million, but still!

 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315


    Kyon took out an emerald bracelet from the main ring and put it on his wrist. Xiao Bai, the caring grandfather, gave this jewelry to his golden-haired granddaughter a long time ago to protect her from possible murderers and kidnappers. Kyon took this bracelet from Juno as a keepsake during their ill-fated farewell in the pce.


    The white-whiskered muzzle of the predator in the royal phase appeared above the grave that Kyon had already mentally dug for himself. The tiger was cautious dealing with the cunning man like a hunter who was after a weakened but poisonous prey.


    ?Whiskered beast! Are you after my flesh? I won¡¯t give up without a fight!? ¨C Kyon shouted fiercely, feigning his heroic despair.


    The tiger growled contemptuously. The beast wouldn¡¯t eat this human monster even if it were starving, but killing him was another thing! The strong-willed worm in the advanced phase deserved some respect, but it wouldn¡¯t cancel his uing death.


    The tiger attacked the man with its paw, but his reaction defied anymon sense: instead of trying to dodge or attack, he lowered his head as if trying to take the blow! Crazy monkey.


    When the silver ws almost touched his head, several events happened at once. The man was suddenly aze with dazzling light that affected all the tiger¡¯s senses, including hearing. The green bracelet had covered its bearer with a thick protective film and released a high-pitched sound so loud that it must have rmed everyone many kilometers deep in the forest. The man let out a loud grinding sound unbearable for any living creature;


    The bright sh that was no ordinary light had multiplied two sound attacks a hundred times, causing a truly stunning in every sense of the term effect. However, the paw blow hadn¡¯t been canceled.


    ~snap~


    ~BAM~


    The light dissipated. The tiger blinked twice, focusing the vision, and saw two legs sticking out of a deep hole. It was weird not to find any blood or bits of flesh on the ws. Did the paw hit a thousand-year-old iron oak instead of the fragile human? And why did it feel so itchy in the head?


    {What¡¯s there on my neck?} ¨C As soon as the bbergasted tiger touched the harness with the paw, a multi-colored parrot came out of nowhere and rapped out in the supreme beastsnguage: ?Now and forever, you will be a devoted and obedient servant of your master, the man who you have nearly killed.?


    After the bird¡¯s words, the itch in the tiger¡¯s head intensified a thousandfold, piercing the consciousness like a divine spear and forcing it to say the cherished ¡°yes.¡± Resisting the will of the harness formation was just as difficult as going against the instincts. If the supreme beast is hungry, they hunt, catch the prey, and eat their fill. If they are defeated in a fair fight, they humbly ept beta¡¯s role until they be stronger. If the alpha male / female expressed their sexual needs, they did their best to please them. If the dominant (harness formation) demands a ¡°yes,¡± they said ???yes.¡±


    The supreme beasts couldn¡¯t lie at the level of instincts. They couldn¡¯t deceit or manipte anyone of their kind. Even lust wasn¡¯t manifested in the supreme beast kingdom. They hated all this to the marrow of their bones and despised people and demons who were deeply wed with lies, greed, and depravity.


    By their nature, the supreme beasts were naive, trusting, straightforward and sincere. Their thoughts, words, and deeds were pure like crystal. They took great pride in their virtues. If the topic was too delicate, they would remain silent or say it directly. This unbreakable chain of morality in each representative created a unique mentality that helped the society of intelligent beasts, consisting of the most diverse and different species, coexist in peace and harmony.


    However, humans and demons had invented the damned harness formation, the whole point of which was to make the supreme beast say ¡°yes¡± once, which turned any order into an unshakable truth. Giving their consent, the beasts ended up in the psychological prison with no way out. They had to submit to their owner¡¯s will.


    The tiger could not resist for a long time and reluctantly growled agreement, obeying the will of the diabolic device: ?Gr-r-r-oo-ar¡­? ¨C The arcanum immediately cracked and copsed.


    ?Your master will suffocate now! Pull him carefully out of the ground!!? ¨C The parrot chirped anxiously.


    {Why is the bird¡­ Is he alive? It can¡¯t be!} ¨C Stunned, the tiger nipped at the man¡¯s ankle and dragged him out of the pit. The newly minted pet stared at the unrealistic sight: blood oozed profusely from four deep wounds on the man¡¯s head, stretching from the top to the ear! Severed skull bones revealed bleeding brains. But he was still alive!


    Kyon could barely breathe from countless injuries. He had significantly raised his pain tolerance to cope with the shock. This severe traumatic brain injury would have instantly killed any ordinary person. However, Synergy of the student¡¯s degree (2) could take over the damaged brain functions. Kyon had survived the blow mostly thanks to his upgraded head by the body of the void, but without the protective formation in the green bracelet, the ws would have ripped the brain deeper, which meant inevitable death. If he had taken the blow in any other way, the ws would have cut him in half.


    The one in a million chance had worked. Lovr had correctly calcted the strength of his head and the power of the protective object, and chosen the perfect moment to put the harness on the tiger. The light sh worked like a severe hangover. It overstrained all the senses, and even a mosquito buzz could cause an unbearable migraine. The sh had multiplied the effect of the sound attacks a hundred times. Otherwise, the beast would have dodged the harness or destroyed it. There was also a risk that the striped beast would have torn the parrot into pieces, oveing the subjugating formation.


    Screaming with his upgraded vocal cords alone wouldn¡¯t have been enough to achieve the goal. Juno¡¯s bracelet contributed to about 85% of the sess. Bai¡¯s love for his granddaughter was truly immense: his protective object created a barrier, protecting its bearer from lord phasers¡¯ attacks for several minutes. It also let out an unbearably loud ringing. Once again, Juno had saved her adopted brother, albeit unintentionally.


    Kyon looked at his whiskered trophy with half-closed, foggy eyes and tried to smile but almost cked out in pain. The big cat hissed as if it was about to spit out a huge ball of fur. The bright amber eyes bulged with shock looked rather funny. They no longer frightened Kyon. He found them quite cute instead. The beast seemed to be surprised that the bug in the advanced phase had survived and harnessed it. From now on, the man had be the master of the strong-willed kitty. As the saying goes: don¡¯t let your guard down, or someone will get a free ride on your back.


    ?Obey my parrot¡¯s orders.? ¨C It took Kyon an unbelievable amount of effort to utter a word.


    ?Nod if you understand humannguage.? ¨C The tiger nodded silently, its mouth still wide open.


    ?Find all the explosion craters left by your owner and deform them beyond recognition. Order the wild animals to eat up the killed hunters.? ¨C the parrot shouted in amanding tone.


    Sooner orter, the Hunters would get here to carry out an investigation. He had to destroy all the evidence that Dick Baker had been in this ce and make them think that the beast had killed everyone.


    The tiger dashed off to follow the orders. The thundering roar and deafening crash could be heard miles away. The beast turned out to be the earth bender, which greatly simplified the task but didn¡¯t change anything otherwise.


    Meanwhile, Kyon¡¯s carbon skin and bones had regenerated at speed visible to the naked eye, all thanks to his earth element. The four deep cuts had healed. Some internal injuries that would take time to heal, like internal bleeding, the consequences of a severe concussion, destroyed neurons, damaged ear, etc.


    With an effort, Kyon took a sitting position, picked up his severed left arm, washed the area of ??the cut with the water element, pressed it to the stump, and the earth element firmly attached it to its ce. It remained only to heal the muscles, the blood vessels and other tissues. The arm would have fully recovered by the evening.


    There was still a soundproof barrier on his other hand that protected the tournament bracelet from any sounds from the outside. The school administration could only hear some muffled ps instead of the loud artillery explosions. In any case, he had to destroy the nephrite with the sound recording and the participant movements through the forest, or Kyon would be given on a silver tter to the Hunters.


    While the tiger was changing thendscape, Kyon feasted on the hunters¡¯ souls that hadn¡¯t flown away yet. Three of them were at the beginning of the lord phase, four souls were in the middle and two at the final stages of the same phase¡­ They filled his nucleus by 25%! Not bad.


    After his unique body of void hadpleted the first round, he could absorb the souls with increased power and at a longer distance. The souls 2.5 phases stronger used to be his limit. Now he could take in souls that were 3 phases stronger than his. Not without effort, he managed to consume the leader¡¯s soul that was at the 8th stage in the lord phase.


    The tiger hadpleted all the tasks and returned to the master. The beast stared in amazement at his almost healed arm and head and roared somewhat timidly: ?Ro-oo-ar?!? ¨C The intelligent beast thought it was going crazy! A talking parrot, supernatural regeneration and strength of the body, strange but powerful firecrackers¡­ How could possibly a pathetic advanced phaser harness the powerful supreme beast? The tiger was hoping to get freedom as soon as the man died from injuries ipatible with life, but the mysterious ugly freak had miraculously recovered!


    ?Come here.? ¨C Kyon ordered, giving the stunned striped kitty a ck look.


    When the tiger approached, Kyon grabbed the beast by the white whiskers: ?Floppy-eared beast! You have almost killed me! You have cost me too much risk and blood! Now you will be my mount, my protection, and my pillow! You will live up to your full potential!?


    ?Gr-r-r-r-o-o-a-§Ñ-r¡­? ¨C The predator roared aggressively, giving Kyon a piercing nce as if warning him to do it the easy way.


    ?I didn¡¯t ask you!? ¨C Kyon snapped as if he could hear the thoughts of the freedom-loving cat. He hugged the beast by the neck and with an effort, climbed onto its back. ¨C ?Now run slowly west. If you drop me, say goodbye to your whiskers.?


    The tiger obeyed the order and ran west extremely slowly for its normal speed. The beast was burning with intense shame. The royal supreme beast was saddled by a fat, disgusting man! And harnessed at that! Thest week had been the most terrible in the tiger¡¯s life. The beast had gone through a living hell that seemed never to end.


    After five minutes, Kyon frowned. Two dozen hunters with bloodhounds arrived at the site where he had been fighting with the tiger. These men looked more powerful than the previous ones. Most important, they were more skillful. Their leader smelled a rat just by looking at the ruined ground. Soon, they picked up the scent and followed the tiger, exceeding the animal¡¯s speed twice.


    {Damn it! The timing is bad!} ¨C ording to Lovr¡¯s calctions, the Hunters would overtake them in less than ten minutes. If only Kyon could endure high speed¡­ It was impossible without a saddle and with a damaged arm! Besides, the tiger looked exhausted, too. The beast must have lost lots of blood from the deep wound. Kyon knew the animal wouldn¡¯tst more than half an hour. Anyway, the Hunters would catch up with them much earlier than that.

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316


    The Hunters were catching up with the fugitives.


    The leader stopped, rubbed fresh blood between his fingers and imed confidently: ?The tiger was here only five minutes ago. The animal is badly injured and losing strength. We¡¯re almost there. Get ready to meet the beast!?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C The hunters said in unison.


    Meanwhile, Kyon asked himself: {How to lose a tail?} ¨C If he didn¡¯te up with anything in ten minutes, the hunters would get them. The bleeding tiger was doomed against twenty people with royal phasers among them (6). They would harness the beast and kill the fat freak.


    If he only had the superior (3) grade of the wind element, he would have carried the tiger on his back, isting the smell from the outside world with a vacuum barrier, but s.


    An attempt to throw the best hunters of the empire off the trail with the water element was doomed to failure. The supreme beast¡¯s blood had a strong smell. Besides, the wet trail would convey the idea about the tiger¡¯s helper. Why else hadn¡¯t the beast used this method before?


    Using pungent stuff like Demonic mushrooms would have the same result. Where should the tiger get them? Why hadn¡¯t the beast used them before? It was no brainer, either. Kyon would hate to lose the identity of Dick Baker. He had a rmendation letter to the imperial investigator under that name, after all.


    He had enough ingredients in the ring to create an odorless powder that would confuse the hunters, but he had no time to do it. Every minute counted. Besides, he had only one working hand! Kyon deeply regretted not spending a few days studying at least the most basic healing techniques from the Grand legacy.


    And suddenly, it hit Kyon. He ordered the beast at once: ?Run to the North!?


    At some point, the group of hunters turned north.


    ?Mr. Murat, why did the tiger change the direction so suddenly?? ¨C A promising young hunter named Rizat asked the leader.


    Murat thought for a while and then cried out: ?The river Stream! The tiger wants to cross the river and throw us off the trail!?


    The group of hunters rushed forward even faster than before.


    Meanwhile, Kyon approached a cliff over the river and ordered the tiger: ?Jump down, swim with the current until that rock. And don¡¯t shake off the water!?


    {Why is he so excited? Is anyone chasing us? I can¡¯t hear anything, and neither should he.} ¨C The tiger thought carelessly and obediently jumped down. After two hundred meters, the fluffy beast climbed up arge rock and was about to shake off the water instinctively but stopped just in time.


    Kyon clenched his teeth. In two minutes, the hunters would run to the cliff and see them! He was running out of time. He had to hurry.


    The tiger opened its fanged muzzle in amazement, watching the man¡¯s actions. He dried up himself, the beast, and the rock under them with the heat element; created ridiculous stone shoes with long shovel-shaped soles that left no trace; and finally, threw the tiger on his back and ran in the forest, holding the beast like a bag of rotten potatoes!


    ?Rr-oo-o-o-ar!? ¨C The tiger roared indignantly.


    ?Shut up, kitty! I order you not to make a sound during an hour!? ¨C Kyon hissed irritably. It wasn¡¯t too easy running with two hundred kilos on the back! Anyway, it was something he could do. The Scourge weighed a hundred kilos. So what? He waved it with no effort. The sticky blood trickling down his back was the most annoying part of it all. He had to dry it with the heat until it turned into a crispy crust. It felt sickening.


    Suddenly, the tiger shuddered: {Huh! I can hear more than twenty people and dogs. They are already on the cliff! Did this human hear them before me?} ¨C The supreme beast stood rooted to the spot. Now it became clear why the man was so anxious to run away. The newly-minted master was no ordinary human. The beast hadn¡¯t met anyone with such extraordinary skills! Only supreme beasts were capable of this.


    Kyon created an acoustic barrier and hid behind a huge tree. Royal phasers had sharp senses as hell. Smell, hearing, vision¡­ With only cursory scanning, they could feel living beings within half a kilometer around them. He should have spent a couple of days learning at least the elementary barrier of concealment!


    Kyon had to use Synergy to calm down his heart jumping out of the chest. The decisive moment, and¡­ The hunters went further along the river bank. The disaster had passed. It was another close call. Which one for today? Kyon had chosen the leeward side to leave the river for a reason or else¡­


    The Hunters had been searching for the tiger for about an hour, all to no avail.


    The leader destroyed a thick ancient tree near him with a careless blow and shouted angrily: ?Shit! The fucking cat was no bright spark! This beast is a hothouse flower that grew up in the center of the forest. How could it possibly outwit us? I smell a rat!?


    If the tiger had drowned, the hunters would have found the body by scanning. If it was out of the water, the bloodhounds would have taken the trail. They couldn¡¯t understand how the beast had managed to slip away.


    Rizat squinted suspiciously: ?Unless someone is helping the beast¡­?


    Kyon carried the tiger on his shoulders, scattering newly made powder that would throw the dogs off the scent. From now on, the hunters wouldn¡¯t find them in this huge forest.


    ?Are you kidding me?? ¨C Lovr cried out suddenly.


    The tournament participants were approaching him from both sides. Two of them had miraculously found him in this wilderness. It would be alright, but theplete absence of ammunition made Kyon absolutely defenseless. He could rely only on his recently acquired trophy.


    Kyon carelessly threw the tiger off his neck, but contrary to his expectations, the beastnded on the back, not on the paws.


    ?No¡­ Not now!?


    The whiskered beast gave the master a intive look and tried to get up, but then it fell on the side and lost consciousness. Its energy, as well as life, was running like sand through the ws. If the wound wasn¡¯t treated soon, the tiger would die of blood loss.


    Kyon felt a bit sorry for the supreme beast, but he felt even more sorry for himself. If the tiger died, it would mean that he had risked his life and resources (the artillery shells) for nothing. He couldn¡¯t let him die! Kyon grabbed the striped cat and dashed off. The two participants ran into each other. As expected, they started a fight for the keys.


    He hadn¡¯t run too far away as another opponent appeared, the third prince himself.


    ?Damn it! Fucking timing! Is it coincidence or what?? ¨C Kyon grumbled and rushed in the opposite direction from the prince. It wasn¡¯t too hard to get rid of him. Kyon didn¡¯t have any spare time to waste.


    Five minutester, Kyon cursed again: ?Fucking shit!? ¨C His zombie birds had spotted Artie Grand. ording to the rules, the tournament bracelet should not indicate the participant from the same school and must vibrate within a kilometer range, but nothing of the kind was observed.


    {I see. Someone has forged the tournament formations just to finish me off. And I thought I was a total loser. Anyway, who could it be? It¡¯s a trick at the royal level?} ¨C Kyon wondered on the run.


    At the most inopportune moment, Artie used the tracking function in the tournament bracelet and changed his direction, scanning the area to detect any possible opponent.


    With the tiger on his back and the damaged arm, Kyon was moving much slower and failed to escape. Artie could feel someone a hundred meters ahead, behind the trees and said out loud: ?Dear sir! Would you be kind enough to stop? I challenge you to a duel!?


    {*$%#@¡í!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s reaction was obvious. He had had enough trouble today. He wouldn¡¯t get off easy this time. It was impossible to make a deal with someone whose dear girl he had fucked. Fighting with the opponent four stages stronger than even Timothy Brown was pure madness, especially without the light sh or a single shot in the ring. Even if he managed to shoot from a sniper once, Artie would be ready for the fight. He would have time to react. What was left?


    However, Kyon didn¡¯t despair. First of all, he dug a hole with the earth and hid the unconscious tiger. Just at that moment, he heard the former fan club leader¡¯s familiar annoying voice.


    ?Is it¡­ You?!? ¨C Artie¡¯s face lit up. ¨C ?Come on! Did the gods hear my prayers??


    The fat guy turned slowly around: ?Dear Artie, what¡¯s up? How¡¯s your arm? Doesn¡¯t hurt anymore??


    Artie¡¯s evil smile distorted and disappeared for a second but quickly reappeared again, even broader and uglier than before: ?Are you cracking wise? Okay¡­ It¡¯s even more interesting! Shit! Who¡¯d ever think that I will be happy to see Dick Baker! If I told it myself in the past, I¡¯d spit in my face, and you know why??


    ?You don¡¯t like your face??


    ?That¡¯s not what I mean! But what can I expect from a degenerate with intelligence at the level of a snail¡­ I wonder what you wille up with to save your fragile inner world when I strangle you with your own guts like a pathetic pig you are.? ¨C gloated Artie.


    ?It¡¯s not funny¡­?


    ?Not funny? Fucking scum, you fucked the girl I loved! Well, Kara turned out to be a demon, but what difference does it make if she was the best of the best? You¡¯ll pay me for everything!? ¨C Artie took the dagger out of the ring and, roaring like a beast, attacked at dazzling speed, against which an advanced phaser was totally powerless.


    Dick backed away, covering his face with his hand that made his opponent sh a thirty-two teeth smile.


    ?Take that, pig!? ¨C Artie swung his dagger, intending to rip the fat freak¡¯s stomach open.


    However, Dick caught his opponent by surprise, putting his hand in front of him with lightning speed.


    Artie could dodge the blow, but he changed his mind. The pathetic weakling¡¯s empty hand without a bit of energy wouldn¡¯t do any harm to him. He didn¡¯t want to show undue fear. It would only make him aughing stock. Instead, Artie decided to exchange ¡°blows.¡± He thrust the dagger into Dick¡¯s guts and received a harmless p in the face. The sharp weapon plunged into the fat guy¡¯s flesh up to the hilt, but it couldn¡¯t rip him open: his skin was as hard as the dragon scales!


    Kyon actually didn¡¯t intend to punch him. By a dexterous sleight of hand, he took a Demonic mushroom out of his sleeve and pped Artie on the nose with it, releasing a dense green gas directly into his lungs.


    ?Fucking asshole!? ¨C Artie barked, realizing what Dick¡¯s n was.


    ~bam~


    The blow sent the fat freak flying ten meters away straight into a tree.


    ?Cough¡­ Cough-cough¡­ COUGH-COUGH-COUGH¡­? ¨C Artie coughed violently. His lungs seemed to have filled with hot dry air from the sauna. His mind was clouded, his vision blurry at times and focused at others. ¨C ?What did you do, imbecile? Cough-cough¡­?


    Kyon spat blood to the ground. The energy at the tip of the dagger had almost destroyed his spleen. The impact of the blow had cracked his carbon ribs and torn a lung. The bones had consumed 99% of the blow, but the remaining 1% was enough to do the damage.


    ?Cough-cough¡­ Cough¡­ Ha-ha-ha! Cough¡­ Ha-ha-ha-ha! Did you seriously think that you could defeat a noble phaser with some poisonous gas trick? Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Artie threw his head back andughed like a madman. ¨C ?I¡¯ve never met anyone so naive and stupid like you! Ha-ha-ha! You aren¡¯t even a human. You are a spawn of goblin! Ha-ha-ha-ha!?


    Artieughed another minute, then rushed to the fat freak and delivered a heavy blow straight into his head: ?DIE ALREADY! HA-HA-HA!? ¨C He cackled like crazy, beating the fat ugly body to a pulp: ?HA-HA-HA! I am so happy, I am so happy! Ha-ha-ha-ha! THANK YOU, GODDESS! Ha-ha-ha!?


    Artie kept beating his sworn enemy until there was nothing left but a greasy spot. His soul gradually cleansed from burning hatred. Finally, he had found the long-awaited peace. He meant to torture Dick as long as could be, but it was impossible to restrain himself!


    All of a sudden, Artie heard a delicate, ephemeral voice behind him that sent shivers down his spine.


    ?Purr, my sweetheart. You have finally finished him off. Come here, I will thank you properly¡­?


    Artie turned around and saw gorgeous, half-naked Kara, love of his life. Her skin shone with a glow of its own, her enchanting eyes gave him a yful re, her magnificent hair seductively disheveled, a wet spot clearly visible on her panties.


    Artie¡¯s jaw dropped. He almost fainted in disbelief. His soul perked up with happiness, and his body trembled with excitement: ?Your Highness¡­ What are you¡­ I¡­ I¡¯ve always wanted to tell you that I love you!?


    ?I love you too, honey¡­ Purr, wanna get frisky?? ¨C The princess beckoned Artie with her long, thin finger, giving him a sexy wink.


    Without hesitation, he jumped into her embrace. Kara growled with excitement. Passionate kissing with tongues intertwined, his back scratched with passion¡­ They looked like the world¡¯s best lovers. Artie¡¯s face blushed with emotions, his heart leaping out of his chest.


    ?Naughty girl! What are you doing? §°h¡­ §°-§à-§àh¡­ A-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! Wow!? ¨C Kara ripped his briefs off so vehemently that Artie was at a loss for words. When her soft lips wrapped around his penis, her teeth yfully biting him, Artie was in seventh heaven, wriggling like on the frying pan. ¨C ?Yeah! Deeper! Take it deeper! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! O-o-o-oh! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C He moaned in ecstasy, rolling his eyes.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was watching Artie ¡°making love¡± with a ck panther. He was deadly pale, his jaw askew. At first, the wild beast growled, scratched, and bit the prey. Then the bloodthirsty panther sank the teeth into his soft tissues, namely into the crotch. The poor guy lost his testicles and penis, moaning blissfully. The wild cat was eating him alive while he was kissing and hugging it tight. The sight was clearly not for the faint of heart. Even a battle-hardened warrior might throw up watching it.


    Bit by bit, the insatiable panther tore Artie¡¯s stomach apart and briskly pulled out his guts, meter by meter devouring its lunch. Artie begged the beast not to stop, moaning with pleasure¡­


    {This mushroom is¡­ Really demonic!} ¨C Lovr thought, shaking his head with an indifferent expression on his face. He felt a bit sorry for Artie. On the other hand, he would die in the arms of his beloved one¡­ He would give her the best of himself¡­ literally.


    Initially, Kyon did not have a single chance to defeat the noble phaser. He had to use a trick, pretending that he wanted to exchange blows. If Artie had been a little more careful, nothing would havee out of it. A strong body was an important resource. During a battle, protection could be neglected to deliver an irresistible and fatal blow. Regeneration would help to get back from the dead if need be.

 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317


    Kyon waited until the panther chewed on Artie¡¯s bones, absorbed his soul and took his rings with the keys. Hobbling and holding his stomach, Kyon approached the hole he had made to hide the tiger. Despite his terrible condition, he was in no mortal danger ¨C ¡°been there done that¡± ¨C which couldn¡¯t be said about the dying supreme beast.


    Lovr pulled out the unconscious wild cat, ced it on his back, and carried to the nearest hill. Any meeting with a tournament participant could be a disaster, primarily for the tiger. He didn¡¯t have a moment to waste.


    {Damn it, not again¡­} ¨C Another opponent was approaching.


    Barely avoiding the unwanted encounter, Kyon reached the hill, dug a fifty-meter deep cave with the earth element and blocked the entrance. The primary source of oxygen was supposed to be water electrolysis that he would create himself, venttion was no problem, either. A high-quality crystal would serve as a light source.


    Kyon covered the floor with his spare clothes andid the tiger on top of them. There was no way to stitch up the wound as the patient¡¯s body was too strong and resistant to all sorts of irritants. For the same reason, freezing the wound with the cold element wouldn¡¯t work either. Synergy was of little help here, but it worked on a weakened body much better than before.


    First of all, Lovr did not spare healing ointment for the wound. As expected, it wasn¡¯t effective for royal phasers. The least it could do was to slow down the bleeding.


    In a matter of minutes, Kyon had concocted some viscous substance, smeared it over the cut and dried it with the wind and the heat elements that created a hard crust and stopped the bleeding.


    {It was close! I could have lost my tiger¡­} ¨C Lovr stroked the tiger leisurely. The beast would live. All that was left for him to do was to give his new pet something to drink, dress the wound and take care of the beast until it woke up.


    Meanwhile, there was a consistent rumbling sound somewhere above them. All the tournament participants headed to Dick Baker like bees to honey. The tracking function in their bracelets led them to the hill, where they started a scuffle against each other.


    Late in the afternoon, there were too many people. Everyone who approached the hill with a 500-meter distance could feel the bracelet vibrate, reminding them of the ban on cooperation between the participants of the same school. Paradoxical as it may sound, the most dangerous ce in the forest had suddenly turned into the safest one.


    While the whiskered beast was unconscious, Kyon created a cozy room inside the hill with the earth element. He ordered a falcon to catch some rodents for him and released them inside the room.


    The field mice huddled together in the corner from fear. All they could see was a bright light in the center of the room and the shining eyes of a big, scary man. Suddenly, the whole world turned dark. They couldn¡¯t feel anything anymore, their mindpletely disappeared.


    {Did I kill them?..} ¨C Kyon wondered. The sh of darkness created by his unique body had instantly killed the little mice and even extinguished the lighting crystal. The instant attack that never missed turned out to be deadly. How curious.


    Being at the death¡¯s door because of the tiger, Lovr had discovered a new feature of his unique body that he named as a sh of darkness. It waspletely opposite to the sh of light that he obtained when Valeera tried to kill him. He could only guess why the body of the void revealed its secrets only in desperate situations.


    After many hours of experiments, Kyon hadpletely restored his arm, healed his lungs, created a germ of a new spleen and eliminated all the consequences of the concussion, but he still had to restore a considerable part of the lost neurons. The brain is aplicated organ, after all.


    Using mice and one manul cat, Kyon found out that the sh of darkness had an hour rollback and acted radically opposite to the sh of light. It suppressed all senses. Hearing, vision, smell, and taste deteriorated, the body went numb, the bnce got upset, the connection with the soul weakened¡­


    He couldn¡¯t use both techniques at the same time. There had to be at least a second pause between them, but after one of them had been used, the effectiveness of the other significantly increased. Roughly speaking, the light strained the senses even more if it came after the darkness and vice versa. Depending on his goal, he could choose the best sequence.


    Kyon hadn¡¯t noticed one important detail: he ceased to spend Synergy reserved to fight Kara¡¯s curse (eliminating the effects of her enchantment that turned him into a madman ready for anything).


    {Come on! I got rid of the enchantment curse! Really?} ¨C He was bursting with delight. Darkness tended to destroy everything in its path. Once it appeared in his soul, or rather, once it originated there, it neutralized the alien energy inside. Finally, he got over this disease that used to continuously consume a bit of Synergy, threatening to drive him insane. On the other hand, he had already fallen head over heels in love with Kara, the hated demoness and Dinah, the maid-assassin in a natural way. Wasn¡¯t it crazy?


    ?M-i-i-§Ñ-§Ñ-w-wrrr¡­?


    Kyon almost jumped from the loud yawn and checked the time: {Is it morning already?!} ¨C He headed to his furry trophy in the next room, taking out a bright lighting crystal.


    The beautiful amber eyes greeted the man first with surprise, then with the awareness of what had happened, and finally, with helpless hostility. The striped beast growled angrily. The proud freedom-loving cat didn¡¯t seem to like the new owner.


    ?I¡¯ve saved your life, and you dare to growl at me?? ¨C Kyon said reproachfully.


    The tiger saw the bandage and the crust instead of the wound: {Did he save me?! Oh, yes¡­ All humans are greedy. I must have a certain value for him¡­} ¨C The beast stared at the man cautiously, with no gratitude.


    When Kyon squatted beside the tiger and stroked itsrge head, the beast bared its teeth. It was an unusual and amazing feeling to caress a powerful creature that had been trying to kill him and now had be a harmless tame kitty.


    Kyon didn¡¯t hold a grudge against the tiger¡¯s aggressive behavior. Any beast would hate someone who intended to harness them. Besides, interracial enmity had been deep-rooted in the minds of the inhabitants of this world for thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years. Anyway, Kyon thought it was stupid to be mad with his property and an important trophy rolled in one.


    Kyon scanned the wound with Synergy. It had almost healed. The tiger¡¯s heightened regenerative abilities, the essence of the universe, and the healing medicine made the deep cut almost heal in one day.


    Lovr took off the bandage and removed the hard crust from the wound under the painful growl of the striped beast. There was a reddish trace left on the skin, but it was nothing to worry about. It would havepletely healed by the evening. The tiger was already abat-ready unit.


    Kyon remembered the most important things and said with anticipation:


    ?I order you to take the human form.?


    The tiger growled and stood upright. The paws started transforming into hands and feet. Joints and bones creaked. The head, the powerful body, the huge tiger legs turned into human ones. The body shrank, acquiring the feminine curves characteristic of a tall athlete. The beast¡¯s weight decreased a couple of times, following the basic principle of ¡°weight enchanting.¡± Two soft mounds formed in the chest area, growing slowly to a B cup, then to a C cup. The snow-white fur and the whiskers had disappeared, transforming into the epidermis. The fur on the head turned into long, gorgeous cascading locks of snow-white hair.


    The skin became paper-thin of healthy, creamy color. The head acquired human features: symmetrical feminine outlines on the face of a sweet, breathtakingly beautiful, one in a million girl. The vanishing tiger stripes highlighted perfectly arched eyebrows. The amber eyes no longer had a feline shape, but they didn¡¯t lose a hidden threat either. Their unique lookbined the charm of the young beast princess with her ferocity hidden within. She could bewitch with her innocent beauty and then scare with a vision of her fangs digging into the prey¡¯s throat. The girl had little sharp fangs, lovely fluffy ears and a medium-length white furry tail as a reminder of her animal nature.


    The white-haired girl looked about 16 years old. Her body hadn¡¯t fully formed yet. In the future, her facial features would take an even more perfect look, her figure would be more feminine, and the breasts would grow to a D cup.


    Kyon watched the entire transformation process from beginning to end, frozen like a stone statue. His eyes nearly popped out of his head with astonishment. He had never thought that his tiger was a girl of exquisite beauty. Her height was about 1.80 cm (about 5.11 ft). She had a proud posture, an naked athletic body glowing with power, smooth soft skin, firm breasts and butt, beautiful enchanting eyes¡­ All this had left an indelible impression on Kyon.


    By the way, the tigress didn¡¯t mind being naked at all. Supreme beasts put on clothes with the same frequency and need as people wore socks. If someone came into a public ce naked, no one would ever pay any attention. The beasts were nowhere near to human depravity, and they were blissfully unaware of the concept of shame. In their true form, they were all equal before each other, all wearing their birthday suit.


    When the transformation was finished, the girl noticed the man¡¯s filthy gaze drilling her gorgeous body, her breasts and hips in particr. She felt suddenly embarrassed and even afraid. She knew how cunning people could be. She would bitterly regret it if she forgot about their vicious nature even for a second.


    The tigress covered herself with her hands but did not blush. She arched her eyebrows angrily, gave the man an intent threatening stare as if saying, ¡°don¡¯t even think about it,¡± and warned him: ?Don¡¯t you ever give me that dirty look!?


    The sound of her voice melted Kyon¡¯s heart. The pleasant sounds with a characteristically growling ¡°R¡± gave him goosebumps. Otherwise, her speech was no different from the usual human dialect. She had no ent.


    Kyon stopped admiring the girl¡¯s beauty, sat on a stone chair and asked her with a serious look on his face: ?All right then. Tell me your name to begin with.?


    ?My name is Triana Tirindun. I am the third princess and the youngest daughter of King Ildun Tirindun, the leader of the white tiger leaders.? ¨C The girl introduced herself without being boastful but in a manner befitting her high status.


    Kyon¡¯s eyebrow crept up, and his jaw dropped to the center of the earth. He had harnessed the third princess of the white tigers¡¯ king himself! Her father was second only to Hera, the manticore, the forest empress, and his youngest daughter would serve an insignificant man with nearly zero authority!


    ?As you understand, my father is themander-in-chief of all the forest warriors. His single order can wipe your seedy kingdom from the face of the earth. He will shed a sea of ??blood for the sake of his youngest daughter. Be wise and grant me freedom, and I promise not to kill you, man.? ¨C The tigress said with royal dignity, expecting to impress him with her generous offer.


    However, to herplete surprise and disappointment, Triana didn¡¯t see any awe or even fear! The weird stranger nodded happily to his thoughts, threw back his head andughed out loud.

 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318


    ?Why are youughing? Did I say something funny?? ¨C Triana growled ferociously, not understanding why he wasughing at something that should have scared any reasonable creature on the.


    ?I don¡¯t think you fully understand this situation, baby tiger. Let¡¯s dot the i¡¯s and cross the t¡¯s. You are my trophy that almost cost me my life. I did not save you from the cruel hunters. I took you for myself. It wasn¡¯t an act of kindness but greed and selfishness that you, beasts, hate so much. Roughly speaking, you¡¯ve changed the owner, and you will serve me as long as I want, and the way I want. No threats will ever make me give up this adorable, precious kitty. Did you get it??


    Even if the tiger had turned into a decrepit old man instead of the beautiful girl, Kyon would not have regretted his reckless actions to capture his trophy. On the other hand, the tigress was hardly a trophy. Kyon had harnessed her on his own, only the formation wasn¡¯t his. Hadn¡¯t he intervened, the hunters would have enved and abused the beast for revenge, despite her attempt to trick them by faking unconsciousness. So, she was his well-deserved prey, after all.


    Triana looked at the man, burning him with her intent gaze. Indeed, human greed knew no bounds. She failed to get her freedom, and it would be incredibly difficult to do because she was a noble supreme beast who didn¡¯t know how to cheat or manipte. What else could she do if she failed to convince him?


    ?By the way¡­? ¨C Kyon smiled slyly. ¨C ?You have promised not to kill me, but what will prevent you from beating me to a pulp? Did you leave a gap in your promise to get even with me? You are quite scheming and cunning for a supreme beast. You might have the makings of a deceitful human, after all!?


    ?It¡¯s not true!? ¨C Triana snapped, holding her tail high in the air. ¨C ?I am a white tiger, a noble descendant of the royal dynasty, not some filthy human! I promised you not to kill you, and itprised the idea of doing you no harm! You humans always think there¡¯s a catch in every word, but don¡¯t you dare topare me to the sleazy scum that tries to deceive everyone at the first opportunity!?


    Kyon snorted coldly: ?You sound so arrogant, but not so long ago, being caught in the, you pretended to be unconscious to kill the brainless hunters and did it quite well. You used the typical ¡°sleazy scum¡± trick and you still have the audacity to deny my words??


    Triana opened her mouth with indignation. It was painfully humiliating to hear his shameless and seemingly well-grounded words as if he poured a pot of slop over her head. He had hurt her pride that was based on racial superiority, and she categorically denied everything: ?No! It¡¯s not true! I was a survival thing, an instinct to defend myself! There was nothing mean or insidious in my actions. I was just trying to protect my freedom and life!?


    ?Easy now.? ¨C Kyon interrupted the over-excited girl and stroked her soft hair with his hand. ¨C ?I don¡¯t care about your excuses. Stop screaming like I¡¯m insulting your parents here. Calm down and don¡¯t provoke your owner.?


    Triana¡¯s chest heaved with anger. It was vital for her to protect her honor, for her own sake in the first ce. How dared this ugly man stroke her? He might be her owner, but she wasn¡¯t going to put up with such treatment!


    ?Get your hand off me. No human will ever touch me!? ¨C Triana barked in her growling voice, but Kyon didn¡¯t move his hand. His grin grew even wider.


    The tigress bared her white, vampire-like fangs: ?I would dly kill you even though you are my master who I promised to obey! Don¡¯t you ever question my honor! I am no human but a noble supreme beast!? ¨C She returned to the main issue. Each word she said sounded with a firm belief in her superiority.


    ?As you say, noble supreme beast, who feeds on people.? ¨C Kyon smiled slyly, scratching her ears that she pinned back in anger. What a ferocious cat! Every word, every gesture only highlighted her predatory nature. Her eyes sparkled with bloodlust.


    ?As if you don¡¯t eat us!? ¨C The tigress objected angrily, throwing his hand off her head.


    {Well, she¡¯s right¡­ What is this ce if my argument about man-eating has been waved off so easily?} ¨C Kyon sighed. ?Alright. Tell me about your skills and cultivation in as many details as possible. It¡¯s an order.?


    Triana caught her breath. It was unbearably disgusting for her to deal with this nasty man. He made her feel like she was a thing whose value he wanted to estimate. With a heavy-heart, Triana did what he said. She understood that she¡¯d better prove herself an asset to him: ?I am at the fifth stage in the royal phase, bending the pure energy, the wind, the earth and the light elements¡­?


    {The light element?!} ¨C And then it dawned on Kyon. He recalled his fight with Timothy at the family tournament. His body of the void whispered to him about something when Timothy used his powerful technique of the darkness. It must have suggested Kyon use the sh of light to neutralize the opposite element. Following this logic, everything fell into ce! Valeera, the ck Queen, had the attribute of darkness (the investigators had experienced it firsthand). That¡¯s why the body of the void had released liquid light to protect the owner as soon as it sensed the killer¡¯s intentions to end his life. The tiger had a light attribute, so the body released darkness to neutralize the light attack, revealing to the owner the sh of darkness technique.


    However, this theory was a bit inconsistent. How could his body guess which elements the source of the mortal threat had at their disposal? Triana might have instinctively infused her ws with the light to increase the effect, and his body could have sensed it, but Valira wouldn¡¯t have infused her dagger with the darkness to kill a weakling who had helped her in the library¡­ It seemed rather weird.


    After Triana told him about her skills, she went on to the most important things: ?By virtue of my purest royal bloodline, I have an alpha beast inborn body of the highest rank that allows me tomand unintelligent beasts one phase below me with a roar. If they are intelligent, the difference in the cultivation should be at least three phases¡­? ¨C The tigress spoke of herself in a boastful manner. She was convinced that her presentation could win the owner¡¯s favor. However, her attempts looked endearingly inept, even charmingly ridiculous as if a child was trying to impress an adult.


    ?Also, I cultivate the legendary Jade ws body. With my ws, I can destroy mountains, chop down thousand-year-old trees, and even cut equal opponents like a red-hot knife slices butter! Yeah¡­?


    ?Even me?? ¨C Kyon asked casually.


    Triana was confused for a moment and looked thoughtfully away: ?No, not you¡­?


    ?Why? Lying again?? ¨C Lovr pretended he didn¡¯t get to tease her again.


    ?No! Stop insulting me! You are tough like Valuev, the wild boar in the lord phase, who cultivated diamond skin¡­? ¨C Triana said confidently. ¨C ?By the way, may I ask you why you¡¯re so strong and tough?? ¨C The curious girl tilted her head to one side. She couldn¡¯t help it, curiosity ran in her blood. She still couldn¡¯t believe that he had thrown her a hundred meters away with a careless wave of his hand.


    ?A hundred push-ups a day. A hundred crunches a day. A hundred squats a day. 10 km of daily jogging. That¡¯s my secret!? ¨C The fat guy imed with fanatical zeal.


    ?Really?!? ¨C Triana¡¯s eyes got wide with amazement. ¨C ?But¡­ But I¡¯ve been training at least thirty times harder since I was little! You don¡¯t even have any muscles! Wait¡­ Are you¡­ You are lying to me!? ¨C She bristled, angry again.


    Kyon burst outughing at her childish reaction. She could hardly recognize an obvious lie. Supreme beasts were truly naive creatures.


    ?I knew it! Filthy liar! Gr-r-r! Despicable, wretched monkey!? ¨C Triana bared her teeth, snarling at the vicious enemy, a human being.


    Kyonughed out loud, wiped away the tears that came into his eyes, and said dryly: ¨C ?Now tell me why you¡¯re here, in the human empire.? ¨C He swore that if she said something along the lines of ¡°hunting for humans,¡± he wouldn¡¯t have any mercy for her in her uing service.


    Triana began her sad story: ?It happened two months ago. Out of the blue, my father received a letter from the seventh prince of the manticores. Diamant expressed a desire to make me, Triana Tirindun, the senior wife in his harem, using the right of the dominant choice.?


    ?What does it mean?? ¨C Kyon interrupted her.


    ?The dominant choice is a right to create a harem from any nine virgin weaker females or males. Only the best of the best are awarded this right for certain achievements before the empire, with the exception of the manticore princes and the princesses, who have it from birth. Young prince Diamant is the only male who has this right to this day.?


    ?I see.? ¨C Kyon nodded. ¨C ?Go on.?


    ?I would never be happy being a manticore wife. Their cruelty is well-known, isn¡¯t it? Anyway, my heart belongs to Fenrir and only to him. My father has always wished only the best for me. When he saw me grieving, he came up with a n¡­?


    ?Wait, who is Fenrir?? ¨C Kyon interrupted her again with a sullen look on his face.


    Triana rolled her beautiful amber eyes, fluttering her eyshes: ?Fenrir is the best male warrior in the entire young generation of the central forest. He belongs to the ancient wolves (3), and his father is the family leader. Fenrir¡­ He is so¡­ He is wayward, unbridled, wild¡­ He is a handsome and noble genius, the future alpha leader of his mighty family¡­? ¨C Kyon could hear adoration in her voice, her eyes sparkled with emotions overwhelming her, her heart beating faster. ¨C ?Lots of high-status females always hang around him, eager to be part of his harem, but he has not chosen a wife yet because he is too demanding and picky. All of them are unworthy of him, but¡­ Well, he likes me.? ¨C Triana smiled happily. ¨C ?His predatory nce conquered my heart during that amazing dance¡­ Purr, I want to be Fenrir¡¯s senior wife and make him lots of cute kids, wolf cubs as well as tiger cubs¡­? ¨C She lowered her dreamy gaze from the sky and met the harsh reality in the form of the unsightly fat man, her owner.


    Triana¡¯s face reflected the whole spectrum of despair. She was just an obedient servant of this vile, ugly, both inside and outside, man. Why should she always wear her heart on her sleeve?


    Kyon could barely keep himself together. He caught himself feeling jealous, but he wanted to burst outughing even more. His damned weakness for everything beautiful was killing him: ?Alright, I get it. I guess I know who he is. Go one, baby tiger. You haven¡¯t finished your story.?


    Triana covered her naked boobs and gave him a stern look: ?Don¡¯t call me baby tiger! I am the princess of the white tigers, not a kid¡­?


    ?I¡¯ll call you whatever I wish, baby tiger.? ¨C Kyon snapped.


    Triana bared her teeth, but didn¡¯t insist. She didn¡¯t want to spoil the rtionship with the man. He called her baby tiger, so what? It was the smallest of her problems.


    Triana returned to her story: ?Ildun came up with a n. I had to escape from the central forest with my uncle and hide from everyone, including my father, for several years until the day of Ceres, the goddess of all beasts. Traditionally, there¡¯s a grand tournament of young beasts on this day. The winner gets different awards, even from the goddess herself, among which the absolute dominant choice.? ¨C She added, anticipating his question. ¨C ?Every male and female in our empire dreams of getting this award. It has absolute priority over other ¡°dominant choices¡± and gives the right to create a harem of thirty-three members! The absolute dominant choice also gives the right to lead the alpha¡¯s harem, regardless of his authority in the empire. My father has already made an agreement with the ancient wolves¡¯ leader. When his son takes first ce ¨C no doubt about it ¨C he will choose me. Thus, Fenrir will get beyond thepetition with Diamant the invincible. Dad had considered everything.?


    ?Everything? Are you sure?? ¨C Kyon chuckled skeptically, not taking his eyes off the harnessed tigress.

 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319


    Triana bit her lip and dropped her eyes: ?I don¡¯t understand why things turned out this way¡­ My uncle said he had a good friend in this forest who would protect us and teach me something new but¡­? ¨C Triana shed a quiet tear. ¨C ?My uncle died protecting me from the hunters¡­ He sacrificed himself so that the mean humans wouldn¡¯t get his niece, and then you harnessed me¡­? ¨C Her voice was full of grief, gradually giving way to sadness and, finally, resignation to cruel fate.


    Kyon felt pity for her. Now he understood why the tigress was so eager to kill him. She was taking her revenge on him for her uncle. However, his sympathysted only a second. What else did she expect in enemy territory? It was either him or the hunters. Triana was nothing but a trophy.


    {Anyway, what the hell? The forests that belong to the supreme beasts upy almost half of thend. Couldn¡¯t they have chosen a safer ce to hide? Either her uncle is aplete idiot, or the manticores are too powerful¡­ Unless something else is going on here¡­} ¨C Lovr was fairly certain there was some mystery involved.


    Triana¡¯s story was quite convenient for his current situation. The king of white tigers believed that his youngest daughter was hiding in a safe ce for several years. He had no idea where she was, otherwise, he would have to tell the truth to the manticores, which meant that there would be no sudden attack of the beasts on Rosarrio. Kyon had nothing to fear.


    He took a bottle of water out of his ring: ?You must be thirsty. Take this.?


    Triana swallowed convulsively when she saw the water but then shook her head: ?I am not taking anything from a human. Let me hunt and get some water by myself.?


    ?You lost too much blood yesterday. Drink it up already.? ¨C Lovr said in a stern voice.


    ?No! I won¡¯t!? ¨C The tigress insisted. It was an intolerable humiliation for a born hunter to ept water or food from a human. She would rather swallow her tongue than agree to it.


    ?It¡¯s an order.? ¨C Kyon said curtly.


    The girl nervously twitched all over her body and reluctantly reached for the bottle with a trembling hand. Kyon could see despair in her eyes, her voice was pleading: ?Let me find water for myself¡­ Please¡­? ¨C Maintaining the dignity of the supreme beast was essential for her.


    Kyon hesitated a bit. Then he winced, made a tsking sound and grabbed the bottle: ?To hell with you. The way out is over there. Come back as soon as possible.?


    Triana beamed with joy. The man understood her instincts which meant she could influence his decisions to some extent. There might be hope for her yet.


    ?Wait!? ¨C Kyon suddenly remembered something. ¨C ?You will see many people outside who I forbid you to touch, kill, and even more so eat. Don¡¯t get seen at all. Got it??


    ?Yeah¡­? ¨C Triana nodded awkwardly. ¨C ?Are they¡­ hunters?? ¨C She asked carefully.


    ?No. Take it easy. Just steer clear of them. You may go before I change my mind.?


    Triana darted out like a bullet. Heaven forbid he reconsidered!


    Kyon held his breath, watching via his birds the graceful nude cat-girl moving through the forest. Even his zombie-crow crashed into a tree, carried away by the sight of the beautiful girl. Shebined a breathtakingly gorgeous body and irresistible looks¡­ Her every movement was full of feline grace and tiger power. Every wiggle of her taut butt seduced the secret observer. Everyone who saw her at least once would dream of her forever. So that¡¯s how the princess of the second most powerful supreme beast looked? She was incredible¡­


    Five minutester, the tigress quenched her thirst and returned to the man-made cave with a bright, dead pheasant in her hands. Her breasts and hips were covered with hastily made garments of leaves and branches that made her look like an amazon girl. Her newly made clothes naturally matched her animal image. She was a symbol of unity with nature.


    ?May I know your name?? ¨C Triana inquired cautiously, lowering her tail.


    Kyon closed his eyes for a second, suppressing the inappropriate arousal: ?Lovr. You may call me Kyon. However, call me Dick when in public.?


    The tigress grimaced dismissively with a sense of racial superiority and muttered: ?Disgusting, pathetic humans¡­ They will take three names to deceive everyone around.?


    Kyon wanted to object, but he had no moral right to do that. Triana had hit the mark.


    The tigress hesitated, her eyes running around the cave. She was clearly getting her thoughts straight. Then she bowed and begged her master: ?Please, don¡¯t hand me over to the authorities or anyone else. Being the third princess of the white tigers, I am considered the sworn enemy of your race and my fate will be terrible. At best, they would strip me of my skin, and at worst, they would give me away to the soldiers in the barracks or torture me to death. If I am destined to serve, then let it be you. I tried to find in you disgust or hatred for me, the supreme beast, your natural enemy, but there¡¯s none. You let me hunt by myself even if you could ignore my pride. I want to believe that you are a kind person who will not offend me for no reason. Please, take good care of me during my service.? ¨C The furry-eared beauty held out a pheasant, looking at him hopefully with her bewitching clear eyes without a bit of humility. She was a freedom-loving supreme beast who no man could ever tame or whose trust he could ever gain.


    The tigress had developed a certain prejudice about people from stories and books. Even if this particr man behaved properly, it didn¡¯t change a thing. Triana wasn¡¯tpletely sure she was safe. That¡¯s why she intended to get Kyon on her side, show herself in a better light, and take a promise from him to take care of her. Triana was afraid to experience things that the manticore princess had gone through.


    Kyon was touched by her cute attempt to appease the master, but he saw no reason to bend to her wishes. If someone else were in his ce, they would have kicked the tigress in the ass for being too naive. She was his valuable trophy that had cost him great risk and amount of resources (he¡¯d been charging the rings at the dwarves¡¯ for a couple of weeks). He wasn¡¯t going to give his property away so easily and was going to make full use of her in every sense of the term.


    Lovr smiled meaningfully: ?I will take into consideration your wishes.? ¨C He nodded at the pheasant. ¨C ?Pluck it and cut into parts. I will make something to eat.?


    Triana¡¯s face brightened at once, she even breathed a sigh of relief. The man had epted her gift, which meant that he agreed to her terms! She was nearly purring with happiness. The tigress no longer faced the horrible things that she was scared even to think about! She started to tear the bird into parts while Kyon was taking some items and spices from the ring.


    When she finished, the tigress handed the pheasant to the master and asked him: ?Let me hunt again, please.? ¨C Her heart was beating faster with excitement. If she asked him for more and more, she would get the desired freedom sooner orter.


    ?I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea.? ¨C The chef answered tly.


    ?But why?!? ¨C Triana was taken aback.


    ?Don¡¯t you know why??


    She stared nkly at him and then suddenly realized the truth, shaking her head in disbelief: ?Oh, no¡­ Are you going to starve me? Mean, dirty man. I knew it! You have taken my gift but didn¡¯t keep your promise! You¡¯ve tricked me¡­? ¨C Triana reproached herself for her gullibility and naivete. He was a man, no a beast. Human beings found itpletely obvious and right to lie and trick others. She shouldn¡¯t have been so excited. It only spoiled her mood once again.


    ?What promise? Who did I trick? Can¡¯t you wait for some ten minutes!? ¨C Kyon waved her off irritably, piercing a piece of the pheasant on a long stick, but the tigress had already given way to despair. She was sitting in the dark corner, staring nkly into space, waving her tail angrily. Did she feel hurt or what? Kyon couldn¡¯t tell.


    Soon the cave was filled with a delicious aroma of roasted meat and spices. There was a loud gurgling sound of someone¡¯s belly rumbling. The tigress wagged her tail even more aggressively, gritting her teeth. So that¡¯s how it felt to be the rotten man¡¯s servant! He was torturing the hungry beast, teasing her with the heavenly aroma and not letting go outside to hunt for her meal! What a shame¡­ And it was just the beginning¡­


    *crunch*


    Kyon walked over to the depressed girl and held out her share of the pheasant fried until crispy: ?Here, take this. Come on, stop sulking.?


    Triana growled fiercely: ?Are youughing at me? I gave you a GIFT! And you epted my GIFT! You made a promise and didn¡¯t keep it in the end! You¡¯ve deceived a noble supreme beast ¡­ I do not want to talk to the wretched human anymore¡­?


    Kyon opened his mouth to answer but said nothing. It was foolish of him to overlook the tradition of giving gifts among supreme beasts. This custom had two important rules:


    First, the gift receiver had to use it alone. The gift couldn¡¯t be sold, given away or shared with anyone. It was meant for one person only.


    When the tigress gave him the pheasant, she didn¡¯t expect to get anything back, or she would have torn herself a piece beforehand.


    Second, the reason for the gift was pronounced directly, without any catch. It could be a condition, an attempt to apologize, kowtow to the alpha, ¡°payment¡± for a harem member, etc. If the beast didn¡¯t agree to the terms, they didn¡¯t ept the gift, thereby confirming the refusal.


    Kyon was mistaken to think that Triana meant to appease her master when she was trying to make a deal with him, bribe him, make him give her an ¡°unbreakable¡± promise. It didn¡¯t matter what he called it.


    Kyon smiled reassuringly: ?I am a human being, baby tiger, not a supreme beast. I don¡¯t know your traditions, and I don¡¯t have to follow them. I said that I would take into consideration your wishes when I was taking your gift. It doesn¡¯t mean that I signed for any agreement. Why would you even think that some dead bird would change my attitude towards you??


    Triana turned to him, wrinkling her nose and baring her white fangs: ?Then why did you take the gift?? ¨C It was easier for her to believe that he had deceived her than that he had a fundamentally different idea of giving gifts. Triana knew too little about any other mentality beside hers. Besides, her master was the first human with whom she talked as an equal.


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?I epted it as a symbol of goodwill, not a document signed in blood! Humans are not that straightforward. There are all sorts of reasons why we give gifts from being polite or respectful to ying the sympathy card. Stop arguing with me. Come on, eat up.? ¨C He smeared grease on her parted lips.


    ?Even so, I don¡¯t want any handouts! Ruthless monkey, let me hunt or I¡¯ll starve to death!? ¨C She turned away in sullen, resentful silence, brushing his nose with the tips of her white hair. When she was out of his sight, the hungry tigress swallowed hard and licked her lips.


    ?Actually, it¡¯s no charity. I share food with you. Unlike you, the so-called monkeys, share food not only with our kids but also with our fellows. It¡¯s the principle that our civilization is based on. You caught and prepared the bird, and I did the rest of the work. In fact, half of this meal is yours by right. Enjoy it.? ¨C Kyon said sternly.


    {Mine by right?} ¨C Triana understood him atst. ¨C ?Really??


    ?What do you expect from a wretched liar like me?? ¨C Kyon grumbled sarcastically.


    ?Filthy human. I knew it!? ¨C The hurt tigress fled to another corner of the cave.


    Kyon wearily pped himself on the forehead. Sarcasm¡­ They don¡¯t get it¡­


    A minuteter, Kyon managed to persuade the supreme beast to share his meal.


    Triana bit off a greasy piece and narrowed her eyes with pleasure, dazzled by his skill. She had never eaten anything more delicious. The perfectly cooked juicy meat with fragrant spices tasted a million times better than the raw meat that she nned to get hunting. How could the man prepare the pheasant tastier than the best chefs in the pce? His culinary skills were divine¡­ She promised herself to keep bringing him meat for cooking.


    When her hunger was sated, Triana looked cautiously at the still eating man, stuck out her butt and started licking herself. Humans didn¡¯t fit into the supreme beasts framework. She¡¯d better consider this fact.

 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320


    After she licked herself thoroughly, Triana looked at the man with curiosity: ?Who are you, master, if not one of the hunters??


    ?A tournament member.? ¨C Kyon said curtly, throwing away a bone.


    ?I want to know more!? ¨C She asked impatiently.


    Still finishing his meal, Lovr told her the basic information about the tournament.


    The expression on Triana¡¯s face changed until it turned into a frozen mask: ?You want to say that you ughter thousands of animals just to win in a pathetic tournament?!?


    Kyon nodded.


    ?Vicious creatures! I would¡­?


    ?Kill us all?? ¨C Kyon suggested.


    Judging by Triana¡¯s stern face, the answer was obvious.


    Kyon chuckled disdainfully: ?Aren¡¯t you a hypocrite? You use people of senseless cruelty, but not so long ago, your roar called lots of animals to their death to defend you from the hunters. But you don¡¯t me yourself, do you??


    ?It¡¯s different!? ¨C The tigress sounded resentful. ¨C ?I am the third princess of the white tigers! My life is many times more valuable than a thousand, if not a million, unintelligent animals! To die protecting me is a privilege, not a tragedy! How dare you use me of hypocrisy, dirty human? I am not one of you!? ¨C She thrashed her tail vigorously.


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?Your life is more valuable than that of unintelligible animals, but what about the lives of thousands of peaceful humans? Wild creatures breed like rabbits and attack the human settlements close to the forest border if their poption is not reduced at least once every thirty years. Are you going to rock the boat, iming that humans are unjust and cruel, fucking racist??


    Triana blinked in confusion and lost her courage at once. The wretched man hadn¡¯t told her the reason for the tournament on purpose and made aplete fool of her. On the other hand, she didn¡¯t even think to change her point of view.


    Kyon noticed her awkward attempt to keep quiet and ordered her to give him a full answer.


    The tigress muttered through clenched teeth: ?You¡¯re right¡­ I am a racist who thinks that human life is less important than the life of an unintelligible animal! But I¡¯m not a hypocrite! I am not taking my words back! Are you satisfied with my answer?? ¨C She gave him a slightly hurt look.


    ?Pretty enough.? ¨C Kyon nodded. How could he not understand such obvious things? His goal was to make her see the light. ¨C ?Come on, let¡¯s go.?


    Lovr had developed a simple n of action for the remaining 9 days of the tournament: to fill the core with souls and rob a great deal of the participants with the help of the tigress. By the way, whoever had forged the tournament formation, Kyon was grateful to them. It would only make the search easier.


    When they left the cave, Kyon asked hispanion: ?Do you have any concealment technique??


    Triana put her hand on her chest and dered proudly: ?I am a born hunter! If I didn¡¯t have a decent concealment technique, my family would have made me aughing stock! In my family, the legendary technique The Rustling of Leaves is passed down from generation to generation. I¡¯ve mastered it at the highest level while only one out of ten geniuses among geniuses can ever get it. Every herbivore in our empire is horrified by the name of this technique, because¡­?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Kyon interrupted her arrogant speech. ¨C ?It¡¯s either yes or no.?


    Triana opened her mouth with indignation. The third princess of the white tigers had been rudely interrupted! No one had ever treated her like this before.


    ?Listen and remember what I say. During the next nine days, you will steer clear of humans and won¡¯t make a sound until you are at least a hundred meters away from them. Everyone, except for me. I am going to meet other participants and discuss something with them. When you hear me say BOOM, knock out my opponent at once but leave no visible damage. Any questions??


    ?No¡­ I mean, yes! What are you up to??


    ?All right then. Let¡¯s go.? ¨C Kyon created a stick with the earth element, fixing a nephrite on the top of it, and ran southwest.


    They easily got past the ¡°cordon.¡±


    Triana was stunned to see how quickly her master moved through the forest, and she nearly fell over when she looked closely at his movements. Even a born hunter like her made asional mistakes running through the rugged forest paths, but the man¡¯s every step was honed to perfection as if he knew the forest backwards and forwards. How could he move so quickly with his level of cultivation? Triana couldn¡¯t help it and asked him directly but received no answer.


    Kyon slowed down. A minuteter, they could hear a tournament participant from behind.


    ?Freeze! I will recognize this freak out of a million! Dick Baker, the local clown, isn¡¯t it??


    Kyon looked at the skinny, grinning boy and said quietly: ?Do you want to see a magic trick??


    ?No, thanks! Hey! I just remembered that you insulted the first prince of Liberia¡­ The best genius of my kingdom. You know what? I¡¯ll teach you a lesson in good manners. Being a good-natured person, I¡¯ll give you a choice: I¡¯ll beat you to a pulp and take all the rings, or you give me all the rings and I beat you to a pulp. Which do you choose??


    ?Extensive options, aren¡¯t they?? ¨C Kyon chuckled. ¨C ?Alright, but first, my magic trick!.?


    Dick took a beautiful patterned staff decorated with the nephrite out of the ring and waved his hand, reciting a powerful, apparently deadly spell like a fairy-tale wizard: ?Hocus-pocus, mumbo-jumbo, argle-bargle, gobbledygook¡­?


    The skinny boy listened to this nonsense for a whole minute. The absurdity of the situation had clouded his judgement. Birds must have learned to crawl and wolves could fly. What the hell was going on here? This sick psycho was driving him crazy!


    Kyon waited until the participant ran out of patience and waved his staff, uttering the secret word: ?Bibbity-Bobbity-BOOM!? ¨C Thest word sounded like a grenade explosion.


    Everything went dark before the boy¡¯s eyes. Unconscious, he flew to the feet of the fat freak who immediately started to rob him. His rings contained not only keys but also other things necessary for a two-week stay in the forest.


    Kyon moved on.


    As he walked a hundred meters away from the robbed participant, Triana appeared out of nowhere and asked him suspiciously: ?You could wipe that weakling off the face of the earth with a wave of your hand. Why did you use my services??


    ?No time to exin.? ¨C Kyon waved her off.


    The tigress grunted suspiciously. Why did the master avoid the question? Why did he imitate the sound of his powerful attack? Something told her that her master wasn¡¯t that powerful after all. It all came down to the attacking formations.


    ?How did you make such a loud noise with your undeveloped throat? Humans can¡¯t do that¡­? ¨C Triana enquired, trying to get to the bottom of the hidden truth. She would be disappointed if the master wasn¡¯t as strong as she had thought.


    Kyon gave her a cold stare: ?As you may have noticed, I can. No more questions, baby tiger.?


    ?Don¡¯t call me baby tiger, fat ugly monkey!? ¨C Triana snapped angrily.


    Kyon could have bound the freedom-loving cat hand and foot, but he liked conversations with the supreme beast with apletely different mentality. She didn¡¯t cross any boundaries. As for calling him names, she did it with no malice and fair enough in response to his teasing. Yet the name Triana sounded too proud and majestic for a straightforward and naive supreme beast.


    ?I forbid you to call me a monkey.? ¨C He smiled broadly and added teasingly. ¨C ?Baby tiger.?


    The tigress growled angrily but helplessly. It was awful to live in captivity¡­


    Meanwhile it was evening. At the moment, the situation at the tournament was like this: about three dozen participants, who had been waiting at the cave, followed Dick Baker and his tournament formation¡­ They formed a long line with shes for resources along the way.


    The fights rarely ended in disqualification. Some managed to escape, some were spared. So, the top three kingdoms kept trying to get rid of each other in order to increase the chance to take a higher ce.


    Kyon lured his pursuers one by one and plundered them with the ancient Knockout spell. In total, he had robbed 8 participants.


    Triana cracked the best geniuses of the 7 kingdoms like peanuts. The tigress was so powerful that she alone could have defeated all the participants in the tournament at once. Her concealment technique helped her hide from noble-phasers¡¯ scanning. Only the lord phasers could sense her starting from 10 meters. She was goddess-like in this forest, and this goddess was now serving a weak man.


    ?Why am I doing this?? ¨C Trianained once again. ¨C ?Can¡¯t you beat them yourself? You impressed me with your strength during our fight, but now I suspect that you brazenly deceived me! You tricked me!?


    ?What do you care about my strength?? ¨C Kyon asked quietly.


    ?How can I notin if my master is a weakling?!? ¨C Triana growled. It was as obvious to her as the difference between fresh and rotten meat. She couldn¡¯t understand why the man had asked this ridiculous question.


    Kyon chuckled, recalling a quote from one book: {Humans respect power, beasts worship it.}


    Even in the world where power was everything, the difference in the local customs was apparent.


    A person with intellectual abilities will easily find a good use for them. For example, dimir was happy to hire Kyon who was only a base phaser. Anyway, it would be hard to climb to the hierarchicaldder for a weakling. There was a great risk of getting worn down in the shadow of a powerful boss. Besides, thepetitors would dly crush the weak insolent careerist at the first opportunity.


    As for the supreme beasts, they were highly opinionated. A weak individual is nobody. They can only dream of getting a high position and joining the harem of a worthy male / female. They were destined to be aughing stock. Even parents would give up a weakling as a mistake of nature that was doomed to failure, destined to drag out the miserable existence of an omega. That¡¯s why the tigress was concerned about her master¡¯s strength. Indeed, would she choose to serve an emperor or a servant?


    Triana continued to pry until Kyon suddenly ordered her to transform into a beast. The tiger transformation took her half a minute. Meanwhile, the master took out a leopard skin, ropes, and created a saddle, not without the earth element¡­


    ?Rr-rr-r-o-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñr-r!? ¨C The supreme beast protested and tried to sidestep him.


    ?Where do you think you¡¯re going? Come here, whiskered beast! I order you!? ¨C Kyon insisted.


    Triana obediently approached the master and allowed him to saddle her¡­ Her lowered eyes, muzzle, and curled tail could tell anyone how embarrassed she was. If the tigress could blush, her fur would take a crimson shade. He put a saddle on the princess! He turned her into a pathetic mount¡­


    Kyon held the tigress¡¯s neck tight and ordered her to move carefully southwest with gradual eleration. When the speed reached a certain point, he ordered to keep it up, or he would fall off. Running at this speed, they would break away from the other participants far enough to have some rest.


    Late in the night, when they were a thousand kilometers, Kyon stopped the tigress on the hill, ordered her to take a human form and started to set up a tent.


    Triana hastily made another pair of underwear, climbed onto a thick branch and watched Kyon with a displeased but curious look: {I feel fear in all creatures below the royal phase, but not in him. He didn¡¯t show weakness even being at death¡¯s door, looking into the born hunter¡¯s eyes¡­ How can he be so confident?}


    In the dark of the night, Triana¡¯s pupils dted, her hunter¡¯s instinct awakened. She felt an urge to scare the man to death. Without using the concealment technique, she hid in the dense crown of trees. Her glowing amber eyes watched the prey. The predator was waiting for the best moment for the ¡°attack.¡± He deserved it, at least for putting the saddle on the third princess.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was ready with the tent and walked away to make water. He had hardly emptied his dder when a zombie bird saw a breathtaking scene. The strong-willed tigress pricked up her ears, stuck out her tight ass, showing her assets. When she saw her master bump into a tree for some unknown reason, she did a little butt wiggle just like a pet cat before pouncing on its target¡­

 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321


    Lovr quickly stepped aside, grabbed the unlucky predator by the white tail, pulled her to himself and flicked her forehead: ?Wanted to scare me??


    Triana opened her mouth in surprise: ?You¡­ noticed me? But how?? ¨C She was careful to pounce off the branch so that it would not creak, using the concealment technique. The master couldn¡¯t have noticed her even if he had eyes on the back of his head.


    Kyon snorted coldly: ?I see right through you. Every step you take is in my power.?


    ?You lie as easily as you breathe!? ¨C The tigress snapped in disbelief. ¨C The Rustling of Leaves is wless! Even lord phasers can hardly notice me, and you definitely couldn¡¯t! I must have activated it toote¡­ Yeah, it makes sense.?


    ?You¡¯re so stupid and naive¡­ Come on, try and hide again.? ¨C Kyon yawned loudly.


    Triana narrowed her eyes to slits. She jumped back and disappeared into the darkness of the night forest. Graceful as a lynx, silent as a shadow, Triana disappeared behind the distant trees when she found out to her shock that the man looked her straight in the eyes.


    {Wha-a-a-a-t?!}


    The tigress ran even further and turned aside, but he slowly turned his head in her direction as if maized andughed loudly.


    {It¡¯s impossible! I¡­ I can¡¯t believe it!} ¨C It seemed so absurd and ridiculous that Triana wished it was a bad dream from which she could wake up. The¡¯s best predator couldn¡¯t hide from the dirty, ugly second phaser! She was losing faith in her superiority over the man! He was the only one like this, right? Otherwise, the supreme beasts would have died out long ago!


    Only aplete fool would not have noticed his incredible skills: he cooks the pheasant from scratch better than any cook in the empire; he moved through the forest faster than an experienced ranger; he had an incredibly developed voice and was tough like a boar in the lord phase; he could regenerate like a thousand newts; he could detect anyone¡¯s presence, including the concealed one, even at night; and, above all, he had harnessed her with his dastardly tricks!


    Supreme beasts rarely hid something from each other, but her master deliberately ignored her questions. He brazenly deceived her, hiding the truth, which made her experience absolutely new sensations that surpassed mere feline curiosity. This mysterious man had piqued Triana¡¯s interest.


    Triana couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and screamed with impatience in her melodic voice that easily turns into a gentle growl: ?How are you doing it? How could you see me from behind??


    ?Come here.? ¨C Kyon beckoned her with his finger.


    The tigress approached cautiously, ready for any dirty trick.


    Kyon whispered in her ear: ?You will never catch me off guard. You¡¯re not good enough for this. I can hear, see you, and smell you even when you arepletely unaware of it.?


    His arrogant statement made Triana tremble from the tip of her tail to her fluffy ears. Her innerpetitor was awakened. She wanted him to eat his words.


    Kyon added in a condescending tone: ?Your master will teach you how to catch people off guard but not now. Later.?


    Triana frowned: ?You? Will teach me? To catch someone off guard? Supreme guards can¡¯t joke, but I am sure you¡¯re joking now¡­? ¨C Her voice was clearly mocking, her eyes sparkled with arrogance.


    Kyon snorted disdainfully: ?Holy arrogance! You¡¯re so self-centered! In fact, you¡¯re an ordinary stupid cat that does not know her ce! I will show it to you.? ¨C He put two fingers together and pointed them on the ground, creating a bright dot of light.


    Triana stared at the strange creature, mesmerized. Suddenly ¡°it¡± started moving, awakening her hunting instinct. She instantly rushed in pursuit.


    With the ether element of the advanced grade, Kyon could focus energy into a beam, creating aser. His limit was to temporarily blind someone with no cultivation. However, it was a terrible weapon against a cat, especially at night!


    With a guttural growl, Triana chased the bright firefly at an astounding speed. As soon as she ¡°got¡± it, the prey escaped. It made her mad and caught up in the thrill of the hunt.


    {She is so¡­ cute.} ¨C Kyon thought with adoration.


    He effortlessly drove the yful cat into the tent and blocked the exit.


    ?Got you! §¡h? Where are you?? ¨C Triana looked around for another half a minute as if in a trance, but she could not find the bright, elusive firefly. It noticeably upset the predator.


    ?Who got whom?? ¨C Kyon grinned.


    Triana stood up and found herself inside the tent. She opened her mouth in shock. It was like a sudden memory loss! How did she get here?


    ?I have just lured you, conceited fool, into a trap with an ordinary sunbeam. You fell for the easiest trick in the world, pathetic stupid cat. Do you know what I mean?? ¨C Kyon said with a snide look on his face.


    ?A trap?! You¡¯ve tricked me! It doesn¡¯t count!? ¨C The tigress growled, blushing with humiliation. He manipted like a puppet, and she did not even notice it! Her inted self-esteem made a fool out of her over and over again¡­


    {Wait, a trap?!} ¨C Triana tensed. ¨C ?What trap are you talking about?? ¨C She had a bad feeling about it. ¨C ?Whatever you¡¯re up to, I am sleeping outside¡­?


    ?I will decide where you¡¯re sleeping.? ¨C Kyon pointed imperiously at the fur on the ground. ¨C ?Lie down.?


    Triana obeyed, perplexed: ?I don¡¯t want to sleep next to you¡­ I won¡¯t!?


    ?I don¡¯t give a shit about your opinion! Your words have no weight here. I might listen to them, but the final decision will be mine. Forget your free life. You serve ¨C what did you say back then? ¨C a fat ugly monkey.?


    Triana pinned her ears in resentment. He was right. He had warned her that she would serve him as a mount, a protector, and a pillow. It was time for the third point. The princess turned into a pillow¡­ What a shame!


    Kyon crouched beside the tigress and ripped off her self-made bra. The luscious soft mounds of her breasts were on full disy. Their perfect form could fascinate anyone. His hands reflexively reached out to the stiff peaks¡­


    Triana lifted her tail and jumped to her feet, instinctively covering herself: ?What do you think you¡¯re doing?? ¨C She looked both frightened and furious at the same time.


    ?Today, your boobs will serve me as a pillow. They are¡­ They are soft enough.? ¨C Lovr smiled cunningly. ¨C ?Get down and take your hands off, don¡¯t make me order you.?


    Triana had a bad gut feeling. She had somehow dismissed the idea that her vicious master with full ess to her body would take advantage of her. With their innocence, supreme beasts pledged devotion to their partner, expressed their trust and respect. Those who had lost their virginity would never get epted into the harem. She could forget about happy-ever-after with Fenrir. What were the chances to keep innocence for the beautiful tigress harnessed by the horny monkey? Next to nothing. She shouldn¡¯t have pinned her hopes on a kind, understanding master. She wanted him subconsciously to destroy her prejudice about humans, but¡­ it wasn¡¯t meant to be.


    She tucked her tail and mumbled, arching her graceful eyebrows: ?Kyon¡­ You aren¡¯t going to **** me¡­ Are you? Please, don¡¯t¡­?


    Kyon stretched wearily: ?I repeat. You will be my pillow tonight. Get here before I change my mind.?


    The tigress gritted her teeth. She didn¡¯t trust him. The fear of being raped by the wretched, ugly man was stronger than meeting Empress Hera¡¯s direct gaze. But what could she do if her fate was in the wrong hands? Supreme beasts couldn¡¯t manipte others or put pressure on their feelings. There was nothing she could do¡­ Why did uncle bring her to this damned forest? Why did it have to be this way¡­


    Triana didn¡¯t want to provoke the master, so shey down on the leopard skin, obediently baring her enchanting breasts mounds and hoping for the best. The poor tigress kept a close eye on him, praying to goddess Ceres for help.


    Kyon quickly stripped naked. He had a habit of sleeping without clothes.


    ?I knew it¡­? ¨C Triana whispered in resentment, with tears in her eyes. However, when I took a closer look, she did not find anything worth worrying. She felt bewildered at first, then pleased, and after that, puzzled. How could her gorgeous boobs not excite the lecherous human? Wasn¡¯t she good enough for him?


    Kyon unceremoniously plopped his face into her breasts, burying his nose in between them. Her warmth, angelic softness and tenderness tickled his cheeks, carrying him to heaven¡­ He couldn¡¯t deny himself the pleasure of shaking his head, digging deeper into her soft marshmallows. Her wonderful aroma,bining both the musky smell of a predator and the floral freshness of a young princess, made him lose his mind.


    Lovr enjoyed hugging her warm athletic body, glowing with power, his eyes half-closed with delight. He couldn¡¯t imagine a man who wouldn¡¯t dream of holding a cruel, dangerous but so attractive predator like this, without any harm to himself? Even gay men wouldn¡¯t say no to this¡­ The strong-willed wild cat would have torn the jerk to pieces had she been given freedom at least for a second. However, she had no choice but to serve as a submissive hug cushion. Gods must be having a goodugh at her.


    Kyon noticed that tigers in this world only looked like tigers. Unlike their earthly rtives, they lived a long time, could sweat and were aware of themselves. They purred, and the color of their eyes and fur was different. They had a variety of feline habits that were moremon among pet cats than tigers.


    Triana wrinkled her pretty face and clenched her fists tightly. How disgusting¡­ It felt like a vicious swamp monster was hugging her. She would better have azy male walrus lying on her. The wretched human¡¯s fat, ugly face was basking in her assets¡­ It was unbearable torture. The princess didn¡¯t do anything to inflict upon herself this terrible agony. If only he would keep his word¡­


    Kyon moved slightly aside and stroked Triana¡¯s abs, thinking: {She is impressive¡­ Thanks to their powerful bodies and developed instincts, tigers can kill anyone at least three stages stronger, and given her jade ws and other techniques, this baby tiger might defeat even an imperial phaser in the beginning stages! And she is only sixteen¡­ How strong will she be at the age of twenty? At twenty-five? With her talent, she will reach the sovereign phase! By the way¡­} ¨C ?Triana, is it true that the princess¡¯s number depends on her strength??


    ?Yes, it¡¯s true.? ¨C The tense tigress muttered. In the society of supreme beasts, power was everything.


    {I wonder if she will rise to the first princess if I make her stronger? She will have full ess to resources then¡­} ¨C Greed woke up in Kyon. If he made her his secret agent, he could easily get the white tigers¡¯ resources and even more.


    Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t turn her into his political instrument anymore. The moment he harnessed the supreme beast, Kyon became the sworn enemy of the entire forest empire. It was a crime for them, worse than killing children. He couldn¡¯t hide it either. The beasts felt it in the gut when someone of their kin had been harnessed. Besides, they always checked everyone who returned from the territories of humans or demons. If not for these precautions, their empire would have been destroyed long ago. This idea might work only if Triana learned to lie. With this in mind, Kyon decided not to deviate from his initial n: bing an investigator, putting Valira and Juno to use¡­ But first things first, he had to deal with the Hunters, and before them, with Marina and Flitz.


    ?Purr for me.? ¨C He asked Triana in a low, sleepy voice.


    ?You don¡¯t deserve it. I will never purr for a wretched, despicable man like you!? ¨C The tigress hissed through gritted teeth.


    As a silent threat, Kyon slid his hand over her tender belly in her panties¡­


    ?Stop it! Alright¡­ Just don¡¯t do it¡­? ¨C Triana begged desperately.


    Kyon hadn¡¯t had enough rest since the very first day of the tournament. A kaleidoscope of the recent events kept racing through his weary mind: annoying participants, Demonic mushrooms, the fierce tigress, the hunters following her, the sh of darkness¡­ And finally, the long-awaited sleep. Kyon was too tired to get to know Triana better. Not tonight.


    At this moment, a sweet purring sound caressed Lovr¡¯s ears. Making himselffortable on her tender firm breasts, holding tight Mother Nature¡¯s wless creation, he instantly plunged into the most pleasant dream ever.


    A couple of hourster, Triana got used to the ugly face sniffing on her boobs. She calmed down. The crisis was over. Her master had kept his word. He used her as a pillow, nothing more. She would be only happy if nothing else came out of it. Anyway, the tigress would rather be lying in her royal bed, courted by dozens of servants that treated her like a goddess, not a pillow.


    Triana noticed that the man smelled nice, despite his disgusting appearance and rotten nature¡­ His aroma was rather tempting. Were she blind, she would buy such a delicacy on the meat market regardless of the price.

 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322


    Early in the morning, as Kyon left the tent, he found a big drawn and dressed swan at his feet.


    The hungry gaze of the huntress lying on the tree branch spoke for itself.


    At a rough estimate, the participants would arrive in less than two hours. Kyon shrugged his shoulders and decided to use his great cooking skills to ¡°feed his pet.¡±


    Soon the meal was ready.


    ?Purrr! So tasty! Gr-r-r¡­? ¨C Dangling from a tree branch, Triana growled, eating with gusto a huge roasted piece of the swan. The meat was so tender it could melt in her mouth, and the vor caressed all the taste buds of her tongue. Triana could swear that she had never eaten anything more delicious in her life. Another two or three meals like this, and she would get addicted to the food prepared by his magic hands. Her master was really gifted.


    While the tigress was diligently licking herself with her rough tongue, Kyon caught a ring fallen from the sky with delivery from Boston.


    ?Come here, baby tiger.?


    Satisfied tigress approached her master: ?What can I do for you?? ¨C The mouthwatering meal had put her in a good mood, so she didn¡¯t mind much being called a baby tiger.


    Kyon pulled a pair of lingerie out of the ring: ?Try it on.?


    Triana arched her eyebrows, her eyes wide open: ?Human¡­ clothes? No way!?


    The master¡¯s stern gaze made her pick up her new things and leave behind a tree.


    Soon, the newly minted model approached Kyon looking like she had been smeared with sticky honey from head to toe. Thince panties and a dark-colored bra looked terrific on her, but she did not appreciate it. Her snow-white hair created a pleasing contrast with the underwear.


    Kyon walked around the tigress, nodding to his thoughts. The tailored underwear satisfied all his secret fantasies and was ideal for his future goals. He didn¡¯t give her any upper garments for a reason. The tigress wasn¡¯t going to freeze due to her animal nature, and, without clothes, she would satisfy his aesthetic needs.


    ?It¡¯s the worst underwear ever!? ¨C Triana growled angrily. ¨C ?The slit is meant for the tail, but why is it longer than necessary? What cack handed monkeys have made this disgusting abominable thing? I¡¯d rather wear hedgehog needles!?


    ?It¡¯s alright. You¡¯ll get used to it. Get ready to meet humans.? ¨C Kyon said coldly, pointing to the north.


    Sweeping small trees in his path, the first prince of Liberia, huge as a mountain, was dashing at full speed. He¡¯d been chasing the elusive opponent half the night but he hadn¡¯t found him. It drove the prince up the wall.


    ?Huh?!? ¨C The prince stopped as soon as he saw the fat freak¡¯s back. ¨C ?It¡¯s you!?


    Kyon turned around with a beaming smile, taking out the patterned staff: ?Hello! Want to see a magic trick??


    ?Fuck! I¡¯ve been chasing this scum for six hours?!? ¨C The best genius of Liberia (2) asked himself angrily, cutting down a thick tree with a powerful blow. He could have robbed two or three participants, making a good profit, but instead, he had wasted so much time! Now his chances to get ahead of Princess Haya were close to non-existent, all because of this penniless pig.


    ?Hey, what about the trick?? ¨C Kyon insisted.


    ?Shut up, dickhead.? ¨C The prince contemptuously as if talking with a cheeky ve. He had no respect for Dick Baker and considered it humiliating to waste an extra word on the future deadman. The one who had taken so much of his time, the one who had called him a fucking loser in front of everyone, signed his own death warrant long ago. As for the possible consequences, nothing would ever happen to him due to his authority.


    The first prince took a fishing line from the ring, tied it to a branch, and made a noose. He pulled at it like a pensive executioner, checking the strength of the cord.


    ?Are you going to hang yourself?? ¨C Kyon asked, appalled.


    ?Yeah, indeed. But first, I¡¯ll check the rope on your neck. You won¡¯t refuse to help the prince, will you?? ¨C He asked with a venomous sneer.


    ?Count me out.? ¨C Kyon adamantly refused. ¨C ?I save my neck for hickies from beautiful girls.?


    ?Then I have bad news for you. You have no choice!? ¨C With a vicious grimace, the first prince rushed to the fat freak, intending to hang him like a pig before butchering. The ugly clown¡¯s screaming and twitching would raise his gloomy mood. Wasn¡¯t it the reason why the director of Cernos had admitted the freak to the tournament after all?


    ?BOOM!? ¨C Kyon yelled as quickly as he could.


    The prince in the lord phase didn¡¯t understand why everything went dark. Some timeter, he woke up in sharp, stubbing groin pain. When he opened his eyes, the prince found himself in torn clothes hanging by the balls on the fishing line tied to a tree branch. A brown bear was scratching his bottom as if stirring up a hive full of honey.


    ?§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡H! FUCKING HELL!? ¨C Screaming in pain, the prince first tore the fishing line, then the bear. He curled up on the ground, gritting his teeth and crying in unbearable agony. Every cell of his body was in overwhelming, intolerable pain.


    A few minutester, the hefty prince came to his senses, checked the integrity of his genital organ and exhaled with relief. There was no damage. All that remained was burning humiliation. Suddenly, he noticed the absence of most of the rings on his fingers. When he inspected the rest, he found them were empty!


    {HE ROBBED ME! HOW? Did anyone help him? ASSHOLE!} ¨C The first prince was shaking with anger and shame. Someone had knocked him out, robbed, and hanged by the balls! All his clothes were torn, and he had no spare ones!


    Suddenly, a carrier pigeonnded next to him with a note tied to its leg. The message read: ¡°Did you enjoy the trick? I think it was amazing! I have even recorded it on the visual formation. If you want to watch it together with your family, feel free to contact me. Forever yours, charming Dick Baker.¡±


    The big prince spat out blood. His eyes bulged like those of a toad, his face turned purple. He started emanating chaotic aura. The prince nearly lost a stage of cultivation. The most talented person in Liberia (2) and the first prince rolled in one was being ckmailed by a pathetic clown!


    What should he do? If he followed the fat freak in the forest, he would have to deal with his powerful secret bodyguard, who could knock out a lord phaser out of the blue! If he dyed his revenge, his dignity would be ruined! Whoever Dick Baker was, he¡¯d better not mess with him!


    Meanwhile, Triana stepped out of invisibility and enquired: ?Why did you order me to hang that big man by the balls? You have deprived him of the chance for leaving behind offspring. It was too cruel of you. He¡¯s a human too!?


    Kyon exined one of his reasons: ?A fishing line won¡¯t harm the tough lord phaser. Anyway, what was cruel about it? The prince wanted to hang me first! Beasts would have eaten my skeleton clean. He should thank me for not castrating him.?


    {The prince?} ¨C Triana wanted to object, but she agreed with the master¡¯s decision in her heart. ¨C ?By the way, I wanted to ask you yesterday. Why are the other participants always after you??


    ?Because some bright spark messed with the tournament formation.?


    ?Some bright spark? So, you have enemies??


    ?I have lots of ill-wishers, but I would pay them too much honor if I call these losers my enemies. I have one enemy, though¡­? ¨C Kyon suddenly fell silent.


    ?Really? Who is it? Why? Tell me!? ¨C Triana was eager to know.


    ?You will find out one day.? ¨C Kyon waved her off.


    Half an hourter, they heard a deep, male voice behind them.


    ?Aren¡¯t you the Cernos clown? I wish I knew it before I had been after you for seven hours! Shit!? ¨C The next furious screamer was the second prince of Liberia. He could have robbed two or three participants while he was chasing the pathetic clown. His anger was well understood.


    Kyon turned around with a crooked smile on his face and took out his staff: ?Hello! What about a little trick??


    ?Shut up, pig!? ¨C The prince thundered in a contemptuous tone as if addressing a cheeky servant.


    Kyon burst outughing as he saw the second prince pull a gutting cleaver out of the ring. If the prince was a bit bigger, he could easily be confused with his elder brother. They looked like each other and shared the same impulsivity.


    ?Do you think it¡¯s funny?? ¨C The huge like a mountain prince muttered through clenched teeth. ¨C ?It¡¯s my turn tough!?


    A few minutester, the naked bully woke up with a cleaver in his ass. After he got over the hellish pain and patched up the holes, he found a note in the heap of his torn clothes and read it: ¡°Something tells me that there¡¯s a better treatment for hemorrhoids. Your masochistic inclinations are rather rming! You¡¯d better do something about it before I show the recording with the cleaver in your ass to your parents and the citizens of Liberia. From Dick Baker with love. P.S. Take good care of yourself.¡±


    The second prince roared like a big grizzly bear.


    Ten hours had flown by. Kyon had robbed a pretty number of participants with Triana¡¯s help, among whom were the first, the second, and the third princes of Liberia (2), the second prince of Auston (3), and a dozen other ordinary opponents, even a member of Kara¡¯s former fan club.


    He came into possession of tens of thousands keys. It was a colossal amount, but it wasn¡¯t enough for Cernos to take first ce.


    Triana got curious once again: ?Why do you mess with every prince of your empire you meet, but only rob the others? Are you so jealous of those in power? You hung one by the balls, put a cleaver in the ass of the other, smeared the third with lipstick. I guess that¡¯s how the thing your females use is called¡­ And why did you undress all of them? Don¡¯t you have enough ill-wishers, or what??


    Finally, Kyon decided to satisfy her curiosity: ?You see, baby tiger, I¡¯m going to take first ce in the tournament. When I win, everyone will get butthurt. I don¡¯t think anyone would be able to restrain their emotions of disappointment, shame, and anger. The royal families of the other six kingdoms will hate me and want to punish me. The only way to avoid the consequences is to get some dirt on the most authoritative of them, that is, princes and princesses. When they realize that I have a recording that could ruin their dignity, they will think twice before confronting me. They will calm down the masses of the butthurt participants.?


    ?That¡¯s why you used the nephrites and the messages!? ¨C The tigress had changed her opinion of the master. She didn¡¯t see him as a silent idiot with a collection of enemies anymore. Triana started looking at him with understanding and a certain amount of respect. ¨C ?I have to admit your method might work! But won¡¯t they disqualify you after the tournament? You mentioned that help from outside was strictly forbidden. How are you going to exin your victories over the opponents who are overwhelmingly stronger than you? After all, you couldn¡¯t have done it without me!? ¨C Triana puffed out her chest proudly.


    ?I got everything covered.? ¨C Kyon interrupted her without going into details.


    His tournament bracelet with the wiretapping formation was still under the soundproof barrier that blocked any sounds. Synergy would fake everything he needed, which meant that the administration would never prove the presence of his assistant. Lovr had forbidden the tigress to make any sounds with a 100-meter distance from the participants for a reason. Their wiretapping formations were in order, after all.


    Triana frowned and bombarded him with new questions: ?Why didn¡¯t you get anyone disqualified? Why did you tear the princes¡¯ clothes into rags? I didn¡¯t think you were a pervert?? ¨C She said conspicuously.


    ?Every second key the participants get will end up in my ring. It would be pure madness to disqualify my sponsors. As for their torn clothes, I can¡¯t stand the sight of those princes. They won¡¯t find clothes to fit them anytime soon. Alright, it¡¯s time you turned into a tiger. We must lose the tail.? ¨C Kyon ordered. ¨C ?Don¡¯t forget to take off your underwear or you will tear it!? ¨C He hurried to add.


    Triana did as he said.


    Kyon saddled the graceful tigress and in a few hours, they overcame a thousand kilometers in the southwest direction. Kyon stopped near a smallke and set up a tent. With a spacious ring of ten cubic meters, he could afford to take a whole bed with him.


    The tigress took a human form and bathed in the clean coldke. Then she caught some huge trout.


    Kyon cooked the fish. Two of them he took for himself and handed the other six to Triana. He could not take his eyes off the fur-eared girl enthusiastically eating fish. Kyon got a lump in his throat when she licked her lips with her long tongue. Even the moon and the stars faded in the night sky in the presence of this beauty. She was irresistible with her snow-white hair, long fluffy tail, pointed ears, and long fangs. It was an unusual but surprisingly attractivebination of human and animal appearance. Her mentality, so alien to Lovr¡¯s, excited his curiosity. He wanted to talk to her more and more, which he often did in his free time, learning details about her past, her family, her dear Fenrir, and not only this.


    Unlike Juno, Dinah, and Kara, Lovr didn¡¯t want to harm the tigress, but he enjoyed teasing her, messing with her, arguing with her.


    On the one hand, the tigress was his ve. On the other hand, she was a harnessed trophy. From yet another perspective, she was his pet, but above all, she was a girl, a charming foreigner with whom he wanted to spend more time.


    ?Thank you for the treat.? ¨C Trisna said, throwing off thest fishbone. ¨C ?By the way, why are you always staring at me? Are you challenging me? Your fish is already cold¡­ Can I have it if you¡¯re not hungry??


    Kyon came to his senses, warmed his fish with the heat element and started eating it.


    It was Triana¡¯s turn to stare at him with a wild, predatory look.


    Lovr swallowed his fish with some effort and said indignantly: ?What are you staring? I gave you three times more! Do you want my share? Have some decency!?


    Triana didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, she came close to the master and suddenly licked him on the neck three times. Her long tongue was covered with cat papie designed for scraping the fur from her prey, but they could also be soft and tender, just like they were now.


    Kyon¡¯s heart missed a beat, a shiver ran down his spine, and his hair stood on end. It felt like a bloodthirsty predator was tasting its prey. A rather feeling¡­ And it was just a beautiful obedient pet cat.


    Kyon swallowed hard: ?What the fuck??


    ?Three consecutive licks mean our highest degree of gratitude. I just wanted to thank you for not taking advantage of mest night. You¡¯ve kept your word..? ¨C Triana answered calmly, lifting her little chin.


    Her unbearable gullibility made him feel uneasy. She was so naive that he almost felt a twinge of conscience. She wouldn¡¯t be too happy about his ns for tonight¡­


    ?Also¡­ I can¡¯t help it. I must say you have an appetizing smell,pletely opposite to your looks, like you¡¯re wearing someone else¡¯s skin. I wanted to taste you. I could eat you if I had a bad vision.?


    {Beasts can do it?} ¨C Kyon wondered and said. ¨C ?Thank you for thepliment.?


    ?I could hear your heartbeat. You were afraid of me like a little bunny, and you said that I would never scare you. I have won, after all.? ¨C Triana smiled triumphantly. Defeating a human? No sweat!

 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323


    Kyon shed her a dirty grin: ?How could you confuse being afraid with being horny??


    ?Being what?? ¨C Triana couldn¡¯t get it.


    ?It¡¯s a huge turn on for a human male when a beautiful girl licks him.?


    ?§°h¡­? ¨C The tigress lowered her tail in frustration. It was too early to dere herself the winner.


    ?By the way, I wanted to thank you for catching the fish.?


    ?How?? ¨C Triana perked up, ncing at the two remaining fish.


    Kyon approached the girl, gently hugged her slender waist and stroked her head.


    ?Uhm¡­ What are you doing?? ¨C Triana cringed.


    Lovr scratched behind her ear: ?You don¡¯t like it??


    ?I don¡¯t appreciate your¡­ caresses! It¡¯s not the best way to thank a supreme beast.? ¨C The tigress tries to break free.


    But Kyon didn¡¯t let her: ?Hold on! You don¡¯t get it. Rx, close your eyes, clear your mind of unnecessary worries and thoughts¡­ Find your inner peace. Imagine that I am someone else, say, Fenrir¡­?


    ?Fenrir? You?? ¨C Triana¡¯s pretty face distorted in a grimace of contempt and then irritation. ¨C ?Alright! But if it doesn¡¯t work in a minute, you¡¯ll give me your fish.?


    ?Deal.? ¨C Kyon infused his fingertips with Synergy. He wanted her to be on the same page with him, or she would suffer greatly tonight.


    Triana didn¡¯t like this stupid idea at all. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and tried to imagine handsome Fenrir in the ce of this dirty ugly man. All to no avail! She could find nothing inmon between cow dung and a gold bar.


    Suddenly, Triana felt a wave of pleasure running down her spine. Her body went limp, all her thoughtspletely disappeared. Her soul felt calm and peaceful. She found calm in the chaos of the restless thoughts that had umted over the past week. His embrace and caresses didn¡¯t seem so disgusting anymore. She found them rather rxing now. It felt so good¡­ Was it his way to thank her? Not bad¡­ Even better than fish.


    When Triana¡¯s ear twitched with pleasure, Kyon gently kissed her soft lips. The scent of a predator and a young princess captivated his heart and mind. Her slightly increased breath and trembling eyshes created a wondrous romantic atmosphere.


    ?§®-m-m?? ¨C Triana¡¯s eyes were still closed when he touched her lips. She raised her eyebrows, not understanding what he was doing. Kisses weren¡¯tmon among supreme beasts due to certain racial peculiarities.


    Lovr¡¯s tongue prated her open mouth.


    Triana felt something warm and soft stir inside her mouth. It reminded her of the velvety texture of a raw oyster. Full of curiosity, she touched ¡°it¡± with her tongue. First, she was hesitant, but gradually, she was getting more and more excited. Did the master decide to feed her with some delicacy?


    Kyon was thrilled, kissing the tigress. She was amazing, both tender and passionate! Even if she was doing it for the first time, she was already taking the initiative, skillfully ying with his tongue, nibbling and sucking on it.


    Suddenly, Kyon heard a quiet but aggressive growl like that of a cat that didn¡¯t want to share her prey with others. He opened his eyes and saw Triana swooshing her tail, her ass stuck out, her ears pricked up.


    {Ouch!} ¨C Kyon felt a painful bite. He tried to take out his tongue but couldn¡¯t do it. The tigresstched on him like a leech. He tried to push away the carried away girl, but she hugged him to a cracking sound from his bones, not letting him go. Lovr realized with horror that Triana wasn¡¯t driven by passion, but the urge to try the delicious tidbit!


    The soft wet piece of meat in her mouth excited the tigress. It wriggled, struggling to run away like a slice of living bacon. Triana didn¡¯t let it leave her mouth and bit it through every time it tried to escape. Hot fresh blood made her mad with bloodlust. She had an urge to eat up the impudent creature for being so stubborn, but she was in no hurry. The tigress wanted to savour her master¡¯s gift to her heart¡¯s content.


    ?§®-m-m!?? ¨C With panic on his face, Kyon made an outright disastrous attempt to stop Triana. She seemed to be in some kind of trance! All he wanted was to y with her and ended up a delicacy at the predator¡¯s feast.


    ~click~


    ?LET GO OF ME, STUPID BEAST!? ¨C A parrot screamed, materializing out of thin air.


    Triana swallowed a piece of the treat, opened her eyes in surprise, and saw the pale master: ?Huh?!?


    Kyon clutched his mouth: the wretched beast had bitten off a third of his tongue! He could hardly restrain from screaming in pain.


    The tigress realized in horror what she had done and began frantically nting excuses: ?Kyon, I¡¯m sorry! I didn¡¯t know it was a tongue, moreover, that it was your tongue! I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it. It just happened so! But why did you put it in my mouth? What on earth were you thinking??


    Kyon spat out a mouthful of blood, gave the tigress a scorching look, and hissed in pain: ?Go to the tent, damned man-eater!? ¨C as he searched in the ring for the medicine.


    ?I¡­ I am really sorry¡­? ¨C Triana tried to apologize once again and hastily retired to the tent with her tail between her legs. A tongue was one of the most precious delicacies in the supreme beasts empire! Why did the human imbecile stuff it into her mouth! She lost control¡­ and hurt her master. Now she deeply regretted what she did.


    With the help of the earth element and healing ointment, Kyon stopped the bleeding. His tongue would havepletely restored by tomorrow night. No permanent damage had been done. Too bad, she had misinterpreted his intentions. Her instincts had prevailed. Well, soon she would get what she deserved, not for the bitten off tongue, but for the very fact of man-eating.


    When Lovr entered the tent, he saw the beautiful girl lying on the leopard skin. Her bra was thrown aside, her iparable bare breasts were ready for his head. Her pure, enchanting eyes looked guilty, her charming face expressed a humble desire to save as a pillow for her master. It was a truly captivating scene.


    ?Kyon¡­? ¨C Triana started.


    ?Shush.? ¨C Kyon interrupted her coldly. ¨C ?I order you not to do me any harm.?


    The master asked her to ¡°be quiet,¡± so she whispered in her melodious voice: ?I know¡­ You¡¯re my master, after all¡­ I had no idea that¡­?


    ?Enough excuses. Turn away and don¡¯t look at me.? ¨C Kyon curtly ordered.


    The tigress turned onto the other side. The master wanted to thank her, and she injured him¡­ How stupid of her. Triana kept reproaching herself. She purred obligingly to make it up for him a bit.


    Kyon stripped naked andy behind her to the reassuring purring song, pressing his chest and stomach against her straight back. Her skin would have surpassed the finest velvet, so smooth it was. Her snow-white hair covered his face, making him shudder with its heavenly scent.


    Kyon grabbed her by the soft mound and gave it a squeeze, kneading her flesh between his fingers like it was pliable dough. Triana grumbled angrily but naively continued to purr, trying to appease the ¡°offended¡± owner.


    With his other hand, Kyon pointed his erect penis to the slit in her panties and moved forward¡­ Her underwear was so convenient. It took him one movement and no unnecessary fuss to touch Triana¡¯s secret ce while she was too innocent to understand what was going on.


    ?I feel like something is poking me¡­? ¨C The tigress whispered, puzzled.


    Kyon¡¯s breathing became heavy. The half-naked beauty had been looming in front of his eyes all day long, showing off her slender figure, delicious ass and sometimes, without even noticing it, her mind-blowing pink pussy. His sex drive had never been so high. He was dying with the desire to have sex with her. He dreamed of entering her even more than he wanted to see his dear Dinah or Kara. The long-awaited moment had finallye. He couldn¡¯t wait anymore¡­


    Triana heard his intermittent warm breath on the back of her head and repeated even more anxiously: ?Is it you poking me? Stop it!? ¨C She energetically wriggled her hips to throw off his annoying stake.


    Kyon held the tigress tight, pulling her onto his reproductive organ, but something went wrong. He exerted his best efforts, letting out a low guttural sound. His face turned red from the exertion, but nothing came out of it. He used pure energy, but he couldn¡¯t break the hymen of the royal phaser in the middle stage. Her body was too strong. He risked breaking his penis, trying too hard. He didn¡¯t even think of ?using something sharp.


    {Did I blow it?} ¨C Lovr was taken aback. He felt deceived by this insidious and unjust world that had teased him with a ripe carrot, or rather, teased his carrot with Triana¡¯s seductive body and then let him down in every sense of the term.


    Not long ago, Kyon managed to fuck Kara. The difference in their cultivation was a bit less than three phases. Back in the mansion, Dinah was his victim. The difference in their cultivation was a bit more than three phases. Triana was three phases and seven stages stronger than hum (3.7). It was enough to make her body imprable for his stake. Anyway, even if he did manage to prate her without using weakening poison or a suppressive cor, as he did in the case of Kara, Triana¡¯s vaginal muscles would have done lots of damage.


    Triana¡¯s purring died up. She growled anxiously: ?Are you poking your penis in my pussy?! How¡­ How dare you?! Are you going to¡­? ¨C The tigress was seriously scared of a possible ****. She was about to jump to her feet, but Kyon was ahead of her. He silently left the tent and the overwhelmed girl inside.


    Kyon sat down on a huge boulder near theke, took the pose of a thinker and stared at the dark moon. A gust of tar-smelling cold wind ruffled his hair. He thought that he had learned to ovee any failures and learn from them during his long first life, but one fiasco in bed with a beautiful girl could shatter his faith in himself. Someone or something seemed to have hit his weakest point.


    In his world, he could work miracles beyond reality, influence the whole universe, but here he was like an insect among giants, unable even to have sex with someone he liked. This seemingly minor failure was serious enough to reconsider the importance of his weakness for beauty.


    After thinking for half an hour about the meaning of life, Lovr suppressed his bad mood with Synergy and decided to upgrade his reproductive system the same way he did with his nervous system, hearing, smell, vision, skin, and bones. It would take him about a month and give him pretty amazing features like adjusting the size of his penis. It would also be stronger many times and wouldn¡¯t break regardless of the circumstances. He¡¯d been wasting his Synergy on some nonsense anyway.


    ¡­


    Early in the morning, Triana left the tent and found the owner exercising on a thick tree. He looked devastated as if he had been working out all night long, trying to get rid of dark thoughts.


    The tigress asked quietly: ?Were you going to **** me yesterday??


    Kyon gave her a gloomy look, shook his head and went to get washed in theke.


    {What does it mean? Is he lying?} ¨C Triana hesitated. If the owner had intended to fuck her, he wouldn¡¯t have suddenly left, he would have done it. But why did he poke his penis into her? Or was it something else? The tigress had no idea about different body strength, not because she was ignorant, but because she knew nothing about sex.


    Soon, Kyon ordered her to get ready for the next meeting with the participants.


    The first participant they met was the first prince of Liberia, wrapped in pelts of killed animals.


    When he saw the fat freak, the hefty prince visibly tensed: ?Are you fucking kidding me?!? ¨C He didn¡¯t lose hope of taking first ce and was desperately looking for his opponents when he stumbled across Dick Baker once again, the freak who had robbed him of an unthinkable number of keys and torn all his clothes.


    Kyon took out his staff: ?Long time no see. Do you want another magic trick??


    The prince pointed his trembling finger at the fat freak and yelled with hatred: ?Asshole! You¡¯ve robbed me and hung my by¡­ with the help of your bodyguard!?


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense. Do you want to see a magic trick?? ¨C Lovr repeated stiffly. He was in no mood to y his role properly.


    The hefty prince swallowed, looked around, and even scanned the area around him but couldn¡¯t feel any bodyguard. However, it spoke of his strength rather than absence.


    After an awkward pause, the fist prince said in a business-like manner: ?Dick Baker, how about a deal??


    ?What deal??


    ?You give me the nephrite with the recording, as well as all my rings with their contents, and I promise not to tell anyone that you have an assistant. You don¡¯t want to be disqualified along with Cernos, do you? Otherwise, you are in danger of bing an outcast of your school!? ¨C The prince said confidently.


    ?Well, you¡¯re asking for another trick!? ¨C Kyon said ominously and stepped forward. His ugly personality had lots of advantages, among which was the fact that almost everyone considered him mentally retarded. People tend to judge by the cover, after all.


    ?WAIT!? ¨C The prince yelled, stretching out his arms. ¨C ?Alright! The nephrite with the recording is enough!? ¨C When he realized that the freak said nothing, he clenched his teeth and added: ?I will give you a hundred thousand spheres after the tournament! Two hundred thousand! Half a million? My final offer: one million spheres!?


    ?Three hundred billion.? ¨C Kyon suddenly said. The prince¡¯s word was worth less than a Chihuahua dog¡¯s barking.


    The prince caught his breath, his face flushed with tension: ?Are you out of your mind, fat pig? If you don¡¯t give me the damned nephrite right now, you will pay with your life after the tournament! Your secret bodyguard won¡¯t save you!?


    As soon as Kyon raised the staff, the hefty prince did a runner at lightning speed for his build.

 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324


    Half a day had flown by.


    Since then, fifteen more participants had be victims of Dick Baker¡¯s and his unknown assistant¡¯s dishonorable robbery. Thest thing they heard and saw was the fat freak waving his staff, reciting a mantra, a loud BOOM, and then darkness.


    Some of them became victims twice, like the first prince of Liberia. People like him tried to cut and run as soon as possible. The most desperate and stupid among them were asking for being robbed again.


    When Kyon was a couple of kilometers away from another robbed participant, he yfully licked his lips, imperceptibly approached the unsuspecting tigress and roared deafeningly straight into her ear: ?R§à-§à-§à§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-r!?


    Triana jumped twenty meters up, her eyes nearly popped out of her head, getting the size of saucers, her tail bristled. Triana never expected to hear someone roar her in the ear during a peaceful walk through the forest. She had been taken by surprise for the first time in her life! It was so sneaky!


    When he met Triana¡¯s shocked gaze, Kyon couldn¡¯t helpughing. Not so long ago, she made fun of his promise to scare her. Now it was his turn tough! It was worth taking the risk of getting a blow in the head from the frightened tigress, but, fortunately, everything turned out okay.


    Triana¡¯s pride was hurt, but it meant nothingpared to her woken dominant instinct! Some pipsqueak wanted to show her who was in charge here! It was ridiculous! She urgently had to put him in his ce! The tigress approached theughing master and let out the roar of a real alpha tiger: ?R§°-§°-§°§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡R!?


    The powerful sound wave created whipping winds that left behind torn off leaves, broken branches, severely leaning trees. Fifty kilometers around them, the birds flew into the air, the animals howled and roared, bowing to their leader.


    Kyon nearly jumped out of his skin. He looked dumbfounded at the tigress who smirked smugly, proud to have put the arrogant omega in his ce.


    ?YOU STUPID FOOL! Are you out of your mind?!? ¨C Lovr barked angrily: the tiger¡¯s roar in the proximity of the tournament participants significantly increased the chances of being used after the Hunters¡¯ investigation.


    The expression on Triana¡¯s changed at once: ?What? You started it! I had to take you down a notch. Besides, I did scare you! Even if it was a kind of trick, after all¡­ but I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.? ¨C Triana snorted, making excuses.


    ?To hell with you! Take the tiger form, quickly!? ¨C Kyon ordered.


    ?It wasn¡¯t my fault!? ¨C Triana protested, stripping for the transformation.


    Over the next few hours, they had covered about a thousand kilometers.


    The tigress returned to human form, caught some wild game and gave it to Kyon to cook.


    Kyon could barely eat at lunch. Triana¡¯s intent amber gaze made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end: ?Why are you staring at me like that? Do you want to lick me again??


    Triana kept a straight face: ?No, thank you. On second thought, you look more delicious now but as always ugly.?


    ?Thank you very much. That¡¯s apliment from a predator. Be honest, you liked my tongue and now you want more, damned man-eater! I order you to give up human flesh forever!? ¨C Kyon¡¯s voice was cold like ice.


    ?You have already forbidden me to eat human flesh! I wasn¡¯t going to. It was your fault! But there¡¯s something else¡­ I don¡¯t understand why my attitude towards you has changed after your pale imitation of the alpha-roar¡­?


    Triana couldn¡¯t sort out her feelings. She started to see a male in her master. Theoretically, he could be her full-fledged alpha if he were hundreds and thousands of times stronger. In other words, she began to consider her owner as a potential man, even if he was nowhere in the league of other candidates that were thousands in the supreme beasts empire, the best of whom was Fenrir.


    But Kyon couldn¡¯t care less for the feelings of his pet: ?Speaking of roaring. Can you summon here beasts in the advanced phase and above within ten-kilometer distance??


    Triana felt it was a nice moment to prove her value to the owner, even if she had to repeat herself. She straightened her back, put her hand on her chest and said proudly: ?I am Triana Tirindun, the third princess of the purest royal bloodline of white tigers. Everyone in the animal kingdom respects me on an instinctive level. I can summon unreasonable animals with my roar if they are below the lord phase within a fifty-kilometer distance¡­?


    ?Careful! The crown is falling!? ¨C Kyon warned her.


    ?Where? What crown?? ¨C She touched her head in confusion. Suddenly, a bird crapped on her hand.


    Kyon burst outughing: ?Everyone in the animal kingdom respects you! I see!?


    Triana was red in the face. How dared the feathered creature poop on her after her proud speech! It was so humiliating that she wanted to stick her head in the ground.


    ?Gro-oo-ar-r-r!? ¨C Her aggressive, imperative roar was meant for the bird.


    The feathered culprit, who turned out to be a fat pigeon, obediently flew down. However, the bird didn¡¯tnd in the paws of the tigress who was eager to tear it apart but on the man¡¯s shoulder who was stillughing like a hyena.


    ?THE QUEEN OF THE BEASTS! HA-HA-HA!? ¨C Kyon was almost rolling on the ground in a fit ofughter.


    Triana blushed like a tomato. She had never felt such burning humiliation. How could the damned bird disobey the leader? More than that, how dared it to crap on her from above right at the moment when she was trying to win her master¡¯s favor? It didn¡¯t work this way!


    Because of the feathered creature, she had disgraced herself in front of her master! It was unforgivable! The tigress rushed to punish the insolent pigeon, but Kyon protected the bird, covering it with his hand.


    ?Why are you protecting this pigeon? Did you¡­? ¨C Triana¡¯s anger instantly gave way to confusion. She remembered the talking parrot and other birds constantly flying over her head, and it suddenly dawned on her. ¨C ?¡­train it? Of course! I knew it!?


    Kyon pped his fingers: ?Smart baby tiger!?


    ?But how could the bird ignore the alpha¡¯s order? It is absolutely impossible, even if you were the best trainer in the world! They don¡¯t have enough will to resist! My piercing roar prates every beast¡¯s heart and soul!?


    {This bird has no soul.} ¨C Lovr thought and said: ?I have trained the birds and harnessed the strong-willed tiger. As you can see, nothing is impossible for me.? ¨C When he said this, he spread his arms wide ¨C the very image of a grand maestro ¨C and dozens of birds from the nearest branches flew down and perched on them.


    Triana opened her mouth in amazement.


    Kyon scattered grains, and the birds began to peck at them.


    It awoke Triana¡¯s hunting instinct: her pupils dted, she took a pouncing position. A moment, and she leapt at the fattest pigeon, the very one¡­


    ?I order you to do them no harm!? ¨C Kyon hurried to order her.


    The tigress stopped, licked the bird¡¯s neck and wondered: ?I don¡¯t understand! This pigeon¡­ These birds¡­ They aren¡¯t afraid of me. It can¡¯t be!? ¨C Her voice wavered. ¨C ?Uhn¡­ Wait¡­ Why¡­ Why can¡¯t I feel their souls?? ¨C Triana stood rooted to the spot. She couldn¡¯t feel the birds¡¯ soul! Either they all were imperial phasers (7), or they all were dead. There was no other exnation, and both options were equally unbelievable!


    ?I¡¯ll tell you one day.? ¨C Kyon put on a mysterious look. He wanted to enjoy the tigress¡¯s humiliation a little longer, but she was already distracted. Too bad, but it was his fault.


    ?Are you going to keep silent again? I want to know the answer! Are you a necromancer? Tell me!? ¨C Triana grabbed the owner by the cor. Her amber eyes glowed with intense curiosity. She would knock the truth out of him if she had her way.


    ?Next time, baby tiger.? ¨C Kyon waved her off.


    ?But, but¡­? ¨C Triana arched her thin eyebrows sadly and tucked her furry ears in frustration. Her owner was too taciturn! Where did he get monstrous regeneration and durability? And his amazing power or magic tricks? How could he be so quick for his level? Did he really train soulless birds? It was a waste of time trying to find the answers. He never gave anything away!


    Whatever he was up to, it clearly worked! He had piqued her curiosity and held it, and if he had given her an answer, she would have lost her interest in him. The damned mystery about him attracted her like a siren song. He must be ying with her feline curiosity for some insidious purpose.


    ?Is there any chance I will get the answers to my questions?? ¨C Triana asked hopefully.


    Kyon scratched his head thoughtfully and then nodded: ?I guess there might be. I¡¯ll think of something. Now listen to my order. Use your alpha roar to summon as many animals in the advanced phase and above as possible and kill them as painlessly as can be. Collect all the keys and hand them over to me, then bury the dead bodies as deep as possible so that there will be no traces of digging in the soil. You have about six hours to finish everything before the tournament participants arrive. Hurry up.?


    His order aroused a strong protest in Triana¡¯s heart, but she decided not to argue with him. The truth was on his side: overpopted animal species were a threat to humans.


    Triana took a deep breath and let out a powerful roar.


    From all corners of the forest within a fifty-kilometer distance, animals rushed to the call like puppets. They had lost control of their lives and their future. All their instincts had disappeared, leaving a single one: to follow their leader.


    In half an hour, a thousand animals in the advanced phase and above gathered around Triana: foxes, wolves, bears,rge lizards, all kinds of felines, snakes, giant spiders, horned animals, and many others. They bowed silently to the white-haired girl who looked at them with pity. When she called them to die for her, the tigress didn¡¯t feel any sympathy. It was a worthy death protecting the third princess of white tigers. Now a human was going to take their lives for his selfish purposes.


    The tigress closed her eyes, mentally apologizing to all the animals. Silver ws grew in ce of her nails. The space around them vibrated with power. Little, bright fireflies concentrated in a single attack. The light attribute left a golden train of with the slightest movement of her fingers.


    When the technique was fully charged, Triana opened her glowing eyes. Her hands cut the air crosswise at lightning speed. Each w sent an extremely thin and long, razor-sharp golden arch. In the blink of an eye, the thousand beasts turned into pieces of meat. The animals didn¡¯t even feel anything.


    Triana sighed and started collecting the keys.


    {Not bad.} ¨C Kyon gave a low whistle. He had already heard about all the tigress¡¯s features. What he just saw was called the Fury of the Jade ws ¨C an ultimatum technique with an hour rollback that required a long time to prepare and took lots of energy, but it was incredibly powerful and massive. She could easily cut even his strong head with a direct blow.


    Lovr walked around the pile of meat, absorbing souls. The terrible stench of blood and entrails could turn anyone¡¯s stomach inside out, but neither he nor the supreme beast minded it in the least.


    Hundreds of souls filled the core with every second. 1% ¡­ 2% ¡­ 5% ¡­ 10% ¡­ As he had absorbed all thousand souls, Kyon loaded the nucleus by one tenth, which meant 37% in total (the hunters had given him the main part). The amount was amazing! It would have taken him several months of hunting in the forest to fill up the core, but with Triana¡¯s help, three days will be enough!


    While Triana was darting from one carcass to another at high speed, Kyon used his ability to suck life force from any inanimate organic matter, i.e., he turned a couple of bodies into skin and bones. He determined that it would require at least a million corpses to fill the nucleus with elements (one of the conditions of his body of the void). It would be easier to buy medicine rich in elements than get involved in this nonsense for months on end, exterminating the inhabitants of the forest. There was also something else to consider: Kyon read in the Boston library about so-called ¡°blood energy¡± contained in the blood of living beings. It was allegedly a result of the body¡¯s vital force and granted protection against poisons among other things. However, Kyon didn¡¯t find any signs of this energy even after draining a couple of animal carcasses. Apparently, the body of the void was too rough and indiscriminate to benefit from such delicate matter as blood.


    A few hourster, Triana threw up her hands, sending a powerful earthquake over many kilometers of the forest. The ground hummed as if the end of the world hade. Gradually, a huge crack opened at the site of the massacre. Tens and hundreds of corpses fell into the abyss, fertilizing the forest and bringing joy to the worms.


    When all traces of the living creatures disappeared in the abyss, Triana masterfully closed the crack as if nothing had happened. As for countless sshes and pools of blood, the forest wouldpletely absorb them in a couple of days, and the rain would wash away the rest.


    The tigress was soaked in blood as if she had just escaped from a gory battle. She approached the owner with a heavy bag full of keys of the advanced phasers and above.


    ?Well done! You¡¯vepleted one eighth of the task. It???s about a week until the end of the tournament, and you need to arrange nine more sessions like this. Let¡¯s do it again today, and even twice.? ¨C Kyon said cheerfully, hiding his belongings in the ring. He was pleased with his body development, or rather, the progress in fulfilling one of the conditions.


    Unlike her master, Triana was upset. She looked at him hopefully and asked: ?Will you give me freedom if I help you kill ten thousand animals and win the tournament??


    Kyon patted her naive head with a smile: ?Nice try, but no.?


    Triana thought for a while and said: ?And what if I ask my father to give you many, many keys and spheres? Will you let me go?? ¨C He could tell by her voice how much she wants to be free and away from all this.


    Lovr remembered that ckmail didn¡¯t work on the supreme beasts, and he is not ready to exchange his adorable tigress for any material values: ?Don¡¯t even think about it. If you want a reward, I guess, I know how to thank you for your work.?


    ?Are you going to stick your tongue in my mouth again?? ¨C Triana crossed her arms on her chest with a skeptical expression on her face.

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325


    Kyon and Triana repeated the process of collecting souls (killing thousands of creatures). Late at night, they set up a tent near a clean mountain river. The tigress looked like a blood-born demon while Kyon didn¡¯t have a single speck.


    Lovr stripped naked and looked meaningfully at the tigress: ?Wash me properly.?


    Triana tried to protest: ?But you¡¯re perfectly clean! There¡¯s no drop of blood on you!?


    ?It¡¯s not true.? ¨C Kyon pointed to some imaginary dirt on his side. ¨C ?Get undressed and follow me.?


    Triana sighed bitterly. Her life was terrible. She had to serve this vicious person, and he wasn¡¯t even a noble supreme beast. On the other hand, she had nothing toin about. Triana heard numerous stories and read lots of books about horrible things that humans did to harnessed beasts, unlike her mysterious owner.


    The tigress obediently undressed and went into the river. The smooth surface of the river reflected the soft light of the two moons. The slight current picked up the bloody trail, giving the cool water a scarlet shade. Triana approached the owner and reluctantly got down to washing him.


    Kyon closed his eyes in pleasure. Her hands were softer than rose petals, and she touched him so gently and skillfully as if she were a professionally trained superior maid, not a young princess of the bloodthirsty white tigers.


    ?§°h!? ¨C Triana eximed as she touched something hard and long.


    ?Wash it as well.? ¨C Kyon murmured.


    ?But it¡¯s¡­? ¨C She mumbled.


    ?No arguments.? ¨C He quietly interrupted her. She will serve him properly, with no excuses.


    If Triana wanted to change her position of a ¡°lower servant¡± and get a ¡°promotion,¡± she would have to do two things, neither of which was simple. First, she had to change herself. Lovr couldn¡¯t possibly have normal rtions with a childishly naive predator who never lied and enjoyed human flesh. It was like trying to establish a business rtionship with an unreasonable man-cub Mowgli. Second, she had to gain the owner¡¯s trust. If Kyon gave her freedom now, she would tear him apart for the very fact of being a human. Why would he be noble with her? She was his trophy and his ve rolled in one. He would never have enough patience to build rtionships with a strong-willed beauty for months, if not years. And for what? The girl was in his power, anyway. He had no interest in winning her over. She could initiate something if she wanted to. It was totally up to her. That was Kyon¡¯s position.


    Triana took the thick thing and began to wash it gently, with no haste, smoothly moving her hand back and forth. She had a bitter look on her face, her eyes glittered anxiously: if the owner got overexcited, he would lose it and pounce on her. It would be a disaster, so Triana was doing it as slowly as could be, not realizing she was actually achieving the opposite effect.


    The increasing pleasure made Kyon lose touch with reality. Each movement of her gentle hand created blissful waves that spread from his groin all over the body. Soon it reached its zenith¡­ Even his fingertips turned numb. He leaned back on Triana¡¯s soft breasts and released the concentrated passion that had umted recently.


    ?It¡¯s throbbing¡­? ¨C Triana whispered and gave him a curious look. ¨C ?Are you peeing? §°h¡­? ¨C She did not understand at once why his urine was white. Triana let go of his genital organ and hid under water out of harm¡¯s way.


    Kyony on his back for a while,ing to his senses. The poor tigress was so afraid of bing a victim of his sexual appetite that she seemed to be willing to drown¡­ He came out of the river, just in case.


    Soon, her charming little face peeped into the tent, scouting the situation.


    Kyon yawned sleepily: ?Come on in. I won¡¯t bite you.?


    Triana obeyed. She was alert andposed, her eyes sparkling with anxiety mixed with anger.


    ?Baby tiger, you can tell me whatever you¡¯re thinking. Come on, shoot away. Don¡¯t be afraid to hurt my feelings.?


    ?You! You¡¯re disgusting, wretched, despicable! How dared use my hands for your satisfaction! I¡¯m speechless!? ¨C She yelled angrily, her tail wagging aggressively in different directions.


    ?I¡¯m a male. It¡¯s normal for me to get overexcited when a beautiful washes my penis.?


    ?YOU COULD WASH IT YOURSELF!? ¨C Triana growled loudly.


    ?Why are you so angry? It¡¯s because you eat meat. You should be a vegetarian.?


    ?I am not a herbivorous, dirty bastard!? ¨C She protested.


    ?Lie face down. It¡¯s time to reward you for today¡¯s work.?


    ?What?!? ¨C Her righteous anger instantly gave way to fear. ¨C ?Don¡¯t! Please! I don¡¯t want to!?


    ?I am not going to hurt you! You need to learn the difference between humor, sarcasm, and a promise. Lie down, it¡¯s an order.?


    Triana obeyed, ashen pale. She didn¡¯t trust her owner at all, especially after the recent wash in the river. Her chest heaved as she struggled to control her breathing. Her heart pounded as if she were a scared rabbit running from a wolf. She was on the brink of tears, her eyshes trembling.


    Kyon dropped some essential oil on his palm and touched her silky, straight back. Not without the help of pure energy and Synergy, he started massaging her. His extensive knowledge and skills worked miracles.


    At the very first touch, Triana eximed her surprise: the sensations spread throughout her whole body as the pleasure built slowly and gradually. What kind of magic was a person doing with her? Was it really a massage?


    {That¡¯s what he was talking about!} ¨C Triana could not believe it was happening. She would never have thought before that a dirty human could perform such a divine massage with his uncouth hands. The best massage therapists in the empire, who had mastered this art for ages and knew all secret techniques, were nothingpared to him!


    Triana lost track of time. All her muscles rxed, her skin was shiny and oily when Kyon suddenly raised the bar of his skill to a new level as if he was just warming up. His furry eared client groaned with delight and started purring a happy song. Her fingers and ears twitched. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She was melting on cloud nine and even drooling. She would never have believed that a wretched human¡¯s touch could be so amazing.


    The unimaginable sensations surpassed the pleasure she experienced when she was eating the delicacies he had cooked, easily reced the anger after the recent events, and even washed away her grief over the two thousand animals she was forced to kill!


    Soon, Kyon turned sleeping Triana over andy down on her sumptuous boobs. She woke up, hugged the owner who was relishing her mounts and began to lick his head in gratitude for not taking advantage of her after she washed him in the river.


    Three days had passed.


    On the first day, Kyon heard via his feathered spies an announcement at the central square of Boston. The coronation would take ce the day before the forest tournament ended. When he learned the name of the future king of the Iron Throne, Kyon could not believe his ears. It was someone wise and experienced who he knew well. Unlike Prince Charles, he really deserved the throne!


    On the second day, Kyon filled up the nucleus with souls by a hundred percent. He decided to stop there even if he knew that extra souls would go to the next stage of his unique body. Kyon decided not to waste time and practice. Anyway, the requirements for the quality of souls would increase. He wouldn¡¯t get better results even if he destroyed half of the forest.


    There were only two conditions left: to fill the soul with elements contained in medicine by 100 % with light emotions by 40 %. He had the first condition under control. Kyon had already ordered a ton of medicine from the Golden Pig with his colossal gain from the deals. Thanks to XiaoBai, he had a VIP status and could get the highest possible discount. In a week or two, his order would be delivered to Boston from Dantes by most intricate routes. As for the second condition, it wasplicated. Nothing but a headache.


    On the morning of the third day, during his morning workout, Kyon reached the long-awaited 9th stage of the advanced phase. It took him a whole month! Closer to the peak of the phase, each next stage was getting more difficult.


    Lovr read in the books that it took the great geniuses of Rosarrio about a year to get over the advanced phase while he was going to do it in three months, which means four times less time! It was an amazing result, but Kyon had a gut feeling that something was wrong. Compared to ordinary people, he consumed three times more enzymes. His foundation, aka unique body, was of an unprecedented SSS rank. Theoretically, he should evolve like a rocket, but in fact, his cultivation was even lower than expected. Was it because hecked an innate body? Or because his soul used to belong to another person? Didn¡¯t the former owner of the body remove some shackles after he got his revenge? What if it was something else? Kyon would never guess the reason and if he did, he would be overwhelmed for the rest of his life.


    Among other things, Kyon regrly preyed on the other participants, or allowed them to find himself. More often, he met the same participants twice. As soon as Dick Baker took out his staff, they immediately retreated, shouting usations and threats on the way. Many of them had already guessed that someone had messed with the tracking formation.


    Triana began to get used to her new life. She thought her every waking moment would be a hell on earth, but it turned out to be quite tolerable, in some aspects even better than before like delicious food without which she couldn¡¯t live anymore and divine massage. Triana even began to feel a weird tenderness when the master caressed her. She had never felt like this before. Unfortunately, the absence of freedom, as well as her duty to fulfill the sometimes extremely revolting orders, overshadowed all wonderful moments. For example, he demanded to clean his penis more thoroughly during every night wash. Triana was afraid that his requests would eventually grow into something more and tried to appease the owner with her good behavior and obedience. She licked his head before going to bed and brought all kinds of sweet berries and wild fruit. Although he treated her much better than she had expected, she had a bad feeling about all this.


    It was the evening of the third day.


    Fiddling with her tail, Triana walked up to her master and drawled:


    ?What about some massage??


    Kyon raised a questioning eyebrow: ?I didn¡¯t know you could give me a good massage.?


    ?I am not saying that! I mean could you give it to me? Just like you did thest three days¡­?


    ?In your dreams! You have to earn it.?


    ?But I was doing my best!?


    ?Doing your best? You mean waving your arms twenty times at my order? It won¡¯t get you much. Go and get us some meat.? ¨C He nodded at the side of the forest.


    Triana went hunting, holding her tail down. The tigress would never have believed that she would be happy to kill another thousand of her wild rtives just to get a massage. s, thest butchery was yesterday. The owner had enough keys to take first ce.


    Soon she returned from the forest with a carcass of a small wild pig and a pleading look in her eyes: ?Master, I¡­ I¡¯ve strained muscles in my back¡­ Could you give me a massage??


    Kyon looked at her incredulously. He first thought that she was lying, but supreme beasts didn¡¯t lie. Did she strain her back on purpose to get a massage? It meant that she had deliberately hurt herself and had the audacity to ask him for a favor! An awesome move! The tigress might be unaware, but she did what supreme beasts hated above all. She was trying to manipte him! And small wonder. Each massage made her moan and squirm with pleasure. He was getting lower and lower, but she didn¡¯t even notice. At this rate, she would soon get addicted to him! It wouldn¡¯t do.


    ?I¡¯ll think about it. Cut up the boar.? ¨C Kyon said, hardly keeping fromughter.


    Triana smiled happily and got down to work.


    While he was cooking, Kyon heard a tree fall with a thunderous crack. He spied with the birds on the tigress that was working out nearby and hurried to her: ?I didn¡¯t let you practice, idiot!?


    ?But you didn¡¯t forbid it, either! I just want to get stronger for F¡­? ¨C She stopped short. ¨C ?For my own sake¡­ Supreme beasts have to be strong and constantly evolve. I want to grow up to be the first princess! If I don¡¯t practice, I will soon be mediocrepared to the rest of the top beasts of my generation¡­?


    ?If you want to work out, do it without leaving a trace. A pile of stones and trees destroyed by tiger¡¯s ws will lead the hunters to me.?


    ?But I need a ce to sharpen my ws!? ¨C Triana protested sadly. ¨C ?Without training, my unique body will stagnate, and as a result, I won¡¯t be able to cultivate it at all!?


    Kyon thought for a while, nodded to himself and said: ?I will find a ce where you can sharpen your ws after the tournament, but for now, don¡¯t leave a trace.?


    ?Alright.? ¨C Triana nodded sadly.


    When dinner was ready, Triana returned from behind the tree and met Lovr¡¯s curious gaze: ?Did mark the territory as all animals do??


    The tigress snorted: ?Nonsense! I just peed. Only little kids and idiots do stuff like this.?


    Suddenly, Kyon turned around and frowned. Someone ¡°intelligent¡± was approaching using a high-quality concealment technique. Otherwise, the birds would have detected the intruder long ago.


    Triana pricked up her ears as she heard someone approaching: {The master¡­ Why are his senses so sharp?} ¨C Totally bewildered, she climbed onto a thick branch and concealed her presence.


    Kyon was surprised to see the approaching participant: {Wow! Isn¡¯t it Princess Haya? She is the strongest participant, but it¡¯s the first time we meet¡­ She won¡¯t rob just anyone.} ¨C Kyon was a little confused. The first princess of the first kingdom was the most important element of his strategy. It was more important to have dirt on her than on all the other princes or princessesbined. What should he do with her? What ckmail to use?


    Lovr was waiting for a better moment behind a tree.


    ?Damned beasts! Darn you all to heck.? ¨C The short beautiful girl deactivated the concealment technique as she approached the very ce where the tigress had peed and lifted her skirt.


    {Are you kidding me?} ¨C Kyon eximed.


    Triana¡¯s instincts kicked in when she saw a weak human female trying to pee over her mark. Against her will, the tigress made a low guttural sound as if she were about to pounce on the impudent human and tear her to shreds. Her growl was barely audible, but the sensitive princess could hear it.


    ?Who is there?? ¨C Princess Haya eximed nearly plopping in her own puddle.

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326


    Kyon walked out from behind the tree, smiling amiably.


    ?It¡¯s you! The ugly freak who tied the knot with the demoness!? ¨C The first princess of Athens (1) eximed in surprise. This unbelievably ugly guy who dishonored the human race by his very existence was hard to forget.


    ?Hello, pretty. Wanna see a magic trick?? ¨C Dick Baker took out his staff with a habitual movement.


    Haya¡¯s eyebrows furrowed: ?Wait, were you watching me??


    ?Uhm, no. Of course, I wasn¡¯t? I didn¡¯t get a chance¡­? ¨C Kyon replied with regret.


    ?Yeah, like I¡¯m supposed to believe that!? ¨C The princess pouted.


    ?Why did you ask then? Anyway, you¡¯vee here and made yourself my guest, and now you me me for everything!?


    ?Shut your fucking mouth and don¡¯t speak! You¡¯re disgusting. Our meeting must be as short as possible for everyone¡¯s good. But first, get on your knees, apologize for your existence, and beg my forgiveness for watching me.? ¨C She pointed her finger at the ground as if he were a dog. Her tone suggested that his life depended on her whim. The princess understood by the delicious smell that she was an unwee guest, but she was not going to let the freak off the hook too easily. He wouldn¡¯t get away with this and his connection with the despicable demon as well.


    Kyon made a tsking sound: ?Seriously? You showed up to ruin my dinner, and now you¡¯re going to humiliate me! Maybe it¡¯s you who needs to apologize? Or you have no manners??


    Princess Haya was taken aback by his words and reaction. She was used to total respect and reverence of everyone around her, but this weakling treated her with familiarity. His way of addressing her was impolite and insulting, though he should tremble with awe before her.


    ?Do you understand who you are talking to?? ¨C She said pompously.


    ?With an arrogant pisser.? ¨C Kyon replied nonchntly.


    ?Do you have a death wish, asshole?! I am Haya Feruz, the first princess of Athens!? ¨C She hissed, releasing the powerful pressure of the lord phase. Any member of Kara¡¯s fan club would have turned pale already, any of the young Stones would have fallen to their knees, but Kyon did not even move.


    The princess added: ?You¡¯d better do as I say if your life is dear to you! Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness! But first, give me everything from your rings. My punishment for showing disrespect to my highness depends on the valuables in them.?


    Kyon sighed heavily. Was he doomed to face this attitude all his life? Well, it wasn¡¯t surprising since he was significantly weaker than his opponents and enemies¡­


    He threw up his hands: ?Sorry, I am as empty as your dder.?


    ?That¡¯s it! You crossed the line!? ¨C The enraged princessunched into a furious attack. Sharp silver daggers shed in her eyes at lightning speed, but a secondter, she stood frozen in ce under pressure of the royal phase that fell upon her like a mountain. Her body was numb with fear. She had a feeling that a mighty bloodthirsty monster had chosen her as his prey. The difference in the whole phase was an insurmountable obstacle.


    It was Triana, of course, who had created the pressure at the quiet order of a parrot sitting nearby.


    Kyon said coldly with an expression of absolute superiority on his face: ?Have you ever wondered why I have the first rank in Cernos? How could I survive in the thicket of the forest and why do I sneeze at your pathetic pressure??


    Haya froze, stunned. She could not make a sound even if she wanted to. The princess was paralyzed with fear. Her face turned pale, her heart thumping in her chest. She would never have believed that this ugly Cernos was on par with the best practitioners from the capital of the empire.


    ?I am not who you think I am. I¡¯m a genius among geniuses! And you are nothing but trash under my feet!? ¨C Dick Baker let out an evil and creepyugh. ¨C ?So, let¡¯s get back to the pressing issues. Tell me which one of us sets the rules here?? ¡­ ?Well, you can at least nod at him!?


    Soon, the first princess regained herposure, swallowed and squeaked in a trembling voice: ?If you do anything to me, the judges will disqualify you and all Cernos to boot, and my father will tear you apart, no matter who you are!?


    Kyon snorted in disdain: ?I don¡¯t give a shit. My credo is seize the moment, live for today! Now you¡¯repletely in my power. I can **** you right now, and no one will prove anything, and if they do, your life and honor will be ruined anyway!? ¨C He threatened her casually.


    Haya¡¯s knees trembled, panic was written across her face. She had never been so scared before. The princess wouldn¡¯t wish it on her worst enemy. A mere thought of how this monster would dishonor her drove her insane.


    ?Are you just going to stand there like a lost lemon? Don¡¯t you think that sex with me will be the highest reward for you? Take it easy, I¡¯m not a monster. I know that a princess¡¯s virginity is worth a lot. I hope you didn¡¯t wet yourself. Ah¡­ I forgot, you¡¯re empty. Anyway, you should be punished, for trying to rob and humiliate me, but I¡¯m a good man. I¡¯ll give you a chance. You need to do only two things. First, you give me all your rings. Everyst one. Well? What are you waiting for??


    Her perky breasts heaved up and down. She took off three rings with precious stones and threw them at the fat freak.


    Kyon picked up the first princess¡¯s treasure and scanned the contents. It was impressive! She had acquired more keys than the three hefty princes together. Unlike them, Haya kept herself busy. She didn¡¯t chase fat ass to find nothing but problems.


    ?What¡­ What is the second thing?? ¨C Princess Haya said anxiously.


    Dick shed an evil grin: ?Second, I need leverage against you.? ¨C He took out the recording nephrite. ¨C ?Strip to your underwear for me.?


    Haya¡¯s big eyes got even wider: ?Are you crazy? Perverted psychopath! My father will kill you if you don¡¯t let me go!? ¨C She screamed hysterically.


    ?Now you will think twice before getting in my way. Well, any option will do. Either you get undressed and keep your virginity. Or¡­ In case you don¡¯t want to keep it, strip naked.? ¨C Dick said impassively, stroking his chin in a business-like manner.


    The princess gritted her teeth: ?Our paths will never cross anyway! You have my rings, jerk! Let¡¯s part peacefully and forget about this meeting once and for all!?


    ?No, it won¡¯t do. Make your choice quickly. You have a minute.?


    ?You¡¯re sick in the head, you know that? I swear on my life I will never seek revenge! Just let me go! Do you hear me?? ¨C Haya screamed.


    ?Fifty seconds.? ¨C Dick said calmly.


    The princess tried to convince him to change his mind for a whole minute. She threatened him, promised to forget everything, came up with persuasive arguments and different tricks, but the fat freak kept an eye on the countdown. The princess was willing to give up all the tournament just to avoid this freak¡¯s sexual assault, but she didn¡¯t want him to record her naked either. What if he was nning to jerk off on her? And yet the first fear outweighed the second one many thousands of times.


    ?Three¡­ Two¡­ One¡­?


    ?WAIT! Can you give me a cast-iron guarantee that you won¡¯t pounce on me the moment I take off my clothes??


    ?The recording won¡¯t make any sense if I do! I don¡¯t need it as a souvenir. There¡¯s no point in raping you, but you can take it as a justified risk. What¡¯s your final choice??


    ?I¡¯ll undress¡­? ¨C The princess said with tears in her eyes


    ?Good girl.? ¨C Kyon nodded approvingly, activating the nephrite. ¨C ?Come on, get started.?


    Haya turned deadly pale. Whimpering and shedding tears, she pulled her tight jacket up¡­ She took off one thing after another, revealing her snow-white skin that seemed to glow in the dark. The princess looked like a fragile and weak but charming fairy. Her long brown hair fell to her breasts hidden behind an exquisite bra, pleasing to the eye and arousing imagination.


    The enchanting atmosphere thrilled him to the core, excited his spirit and something below. A weakling disguised as a powerful man could make the first princess strip naked to record some leverage against her. If Kyon didn¡¯t have Triana, this luxury would be unavable for him for a long time toe. He could buy nephrite to create pressure, but it was easy to determine it was fake because of its poor quality. It was like the difference between a human voice and a screeching sound from an old loudspeaker.


    Kyon walked around the princess with the nephrite in his hands with an obscene smirk, licking his lips and saying all sorts of nasty things: ?Mmm¡­Delicious! The first princess is a beauty. Lots of guys must jerk off on her at night. Yeah! Show me your panties¡­?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Haya hissed through clenched teeth, finally taking off her skirt.


    ?Nice! Now take your hands off your delicacies. Show them to me¡­ I mean the visual formation.?


    The princess obeyed with a shudder, her lips pressed tightly together. She wanted to kill the fat monster here and now! She wished she could attack him even if she died with dignity in the unequal fight!


    ?Now take this position.? ¨C Kyon stuck out his ass and folded his knees.


    ?I didn¡¯t agree to this!? ¨C The princess protested.


    ?This recording will impress all the men in the empire! Of course, in case you provoke me. So take this position! It¡¯s toote to take your words back.?


    Haya did as he said with a intive moan.


    ?Stuck out your ass! More! Even more! Right! Good girl¡­ Arch your back!? ¡­ ?You have a talent for this! Now straighten your back, don¡¯t slouch! Yeah¡­ great!? ¡­ ?Stand like this! Mmm, you¡¯re so good at it!? ¡­ ?Now get on your knees and open your mouth as if you¡¯re ready for a huge one!?


    ?Jerk! Asshole! Have some decency!?


    ?I have none. So? What are you waiting for? Do you want a real one??


    The hapless model took a humiliating pose, breathing convulsively. She felt ashamed and scared, but it paled inparison with the possible consequences. If the whole kingdom saw the recording, she would lose her honor and dignity that she valued more than life.


    Soon Haya covered herself and yelled: ?I did everything you asked! Now let me go!?


    ?You know, you look much better without clothes. I guess I will take them with me.? ¨C He picked up the process¡¯s clothes and hid them in the ring.


    ?Are you totally deranged? Give me my clothes back!? ¨C The princess red at him with a face like thunder.


    ?Well, it was nice to meet you.? ¨C The rascal smiled radiantly.


    ?It¡¯s nearly winter, jerk! I need my clothes!? ¨C Haya yelled, gritting her teeth with anger.


    ?You may stay if you¡¯re cold. I will keep you warm.? ¨C Kyon winked at her meaningfully.


    The princess turned around and rushed off, muttering curses under her breath. When she was about thirty kilometers away from the wretched scoundrel, she stopped and hugged herself, shivering in the piercing wind. The fragile, half-naked girl was alone in the autumn forest full of bloodthirsty wild animals. Where could she get clothes? The only way was to steal them.


    Haya knew that Dick alone could not bring Cernos to first ce, which meant that her school could still be the leader and receive the corresponding awards. However, now that she lost everything that she had gained in more than a week, the chance to take first ce was minimal! The princes from Liberia will get it all. The fat bastard hadn¡¯t only taken her clothing. He had also deprived her of the chance to win the invaluable transformation medicine Scarlet Meteor, which she nearly had in her hands. And at this very moment he must be jerking off at her naked! The princess boiled from all-consuming hatred mixed with a wild desire to get her revenge.


    Suddenly a bird flew by and threw down a ring. Haya opened it and found a message:


    I forgot to say that every tournament formation has a bug. If the administration listens to the recording, they will find out that you are in a pickle. Isn¡¯t it great? Anyway, it will be fun! Yours and only yours, Dick Baker, an admirer of everything beautiful.¡±


    Haya¡¯s face turned red with rage: {I will kill you! I WILL KILL YOU, NO MATTER WHAT!}


    The princess believed the taunting freak¡¯s words because they sounded reasonable, but she was going to check the information, just in case. If it was confirmed, Haya would do her best to erase it from the database, with the database itself, if need be. Nothing was impossible with her authority and connections. And nothing was more important for the young princess than her honor!


    Meanwhile, Kyon was eating the cooked boar with a wide triumphant smile. Even the dark side of his nucleus was gloating. He had stirred up a ho¡¯s nest and was going to get away with it thanks to the dear Princess Haya.


    ckmail wasn¡¯t the only way to use her authority. With her help, Kyon was going to delete the tournament records that included all his routes and sounds. Hemented on her little striptease and wrote the taunting message for a reason. It kept him above suspicion and provoked her to act. Lovr was 95% sure that the princess would do all the dirty work for him. She would destroy the tournament database with all the records, thereby depriving the Hunters of irrefutable evidence on Dick Baker.

 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327


    As she finished mouth-watering meat, Triana turned to her master: ?Why were you so vile and obscene with that weak female while you¡¯re pretty decent with me? Is it because I¡¯m prettier than her??


    Kyon took a bite from his meat and thoroughly chewed it. Then he replied: ?Like I told you before, there are three personalities inside me. One of them differs significantly from the other two. There are many reasons for this, and I am not going to exin them now.?


    Triana snorted with contempt: ?Wretched personality¡­ Wretched character¡­ Wretched human¡­ I will never understand you, thank goddess Ceres for that.?


    ?Speaking of humans. Do all white tigers have white hair??


    Triana imed with pride in her voice: ?Not at all. On the contrary, white hair is a rarity. It happens once in a million. Only manticores¡¯ hair retains its color after transformation because their soul is tightly linked to crimson blood.?


    Depending on the bloodline, as well as the innate and nurtured unique bodies, hair could take on a variety of colors, including rainbow. For example, Kara had burgundy hair, and Lanatelle, the bloody empress, had tinum blond hair. However, white tigers had no emotional attachment to hair color and changed its color after transformation.


    {Great. I won¡¯t have to make her dye it!} ¨C Kyon was pleased with her reply. He liked her snow-white hair.


    ?Can you take aplete human form?? ¨C Lovr asked.


    ?Noble supreme beasts always leave key elements of our original form. It¡¯s not for the sake of convenience but to distinguish ourselves from disgusting humans.?


    Kyon nodded: ?I see. The tournament will end soon. Be ready to follow my order to take on aplete human form and get rid of your tail, furry ears, fangs, rough tongue, and purring. Also, stop rolling your ¡°R¡±s. It is essential that no one would recognize you when you¡¯re among humans.?


    The tigress wagged her tail angrily and bared her teeth: ?Do you want me to look like wretched humans? Can¡¯t you think of something else? I could use the concealment technique, I could hide! Please, Kyon!? ¨C It must mean a lot to her. And small wonder. It was humiliating for the supreme beast to have anything inmon with humans.


    ?You¡¯re weird. After the transformation, your appearance looks nine-tenths human, and yet you cling to the remaining part as if your precious honor depends on it.?


    ?Can¡¯t you understand? How can you say such stupid irrational things?? ¨C Triana growled with sincere bewilderment.


    ?Alright, stopining. You¡¯ve deserved a treat for your efforts.?


    ?You promised to give me a massage! I even had to strain my back!? ¨C Triana pouted.


    ?I am shocked about that. But I didn¡¯t promise you anything. I said I would think about it. Alright, tail up. You¡¯ll get your massage after the treat.? ¨C Kyon grinned slyly.


    Triana was happy like a little girl: ?You can be so good!?


    ?Yeah¡­ Sure¡­? ¨C Kyon mumbled, scratching his head. He took out a bottle filled with a substance that looked like yogurt heated the contents with the heat element.


    ?Is it sweet?? ¨C Triana wondered. ¨C ?I am going to like whatever you¡¯ve made for me! Purr¡­ You are the best cook I know.?


    ?Thanks. It¡¯s cr¨¨me fraiche. Put this blindfold over your eyes for a better effect.?


    ?Uhm¡­ Okay.? ¨C The unsuspecting tigress obediently put on the blindfold.


    ?Don¡¯t even dare to bite it, I don¡¯t have another bottle.?


    Triana nodded. Then something warm, slimy, and obviously tasty pressed against her lips.


    ?Open your mouth.? ¨C Kyon said in a strangled voice.


    The tigress obeyed with a thoughtful frown. She was troubled and full of doubt about the master¡¯s ns. Why did he give her the blindfold? What cr¨¨me fraiche was he talking about? Before she knew it, hot viscous liquid filled her mouth in moderate portions. Triana tasted it, then swallowed, licked her lips and took off the blindfold.


    ?So, how was it?? ¨C Kyon asked her. He was sitting on the ground, short of breath.


    ?It has a¡­ particr taste.? ¨C She said absent-mindedly, smacking her lips. ¨C ?I¡¯ve never tasted anything like this. It¡¯s neither fish, nor meat. It isn¡¯t salty, nor sweet¡­ But it¡¯s quite filling. I like it! Can I get some more??


    ?You can, but you will have to earn it with your good behavior.? ¨C Lovr mumbled, leaning back blissfully on the moss. His mind was floating on a sea of pure bliss, he could hardly keep his eyes open.


    ?Alright. I will be on my purrfect behavior.? ¨C Triana purred and stretched like a cat. She went into the tent and made herselffortable on the leopard skin, waiting for the master to join her. She was going to purr for him and lick her face as usual. He was quite tasty after all.


    Tonight Triana was going to sleep with one eye open, that is, expecting the tournament participants to show up at any time. She couldn¡¯t miss any of them. She had to rob and undress everyone. The owner said so.


    {I am being too gentle with her¡­ What for?} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t understand why he cared so much for his trophy. The tigress who would have killed him on the spot if she had been free even for a minute. He had saved her from a terrible fate the hunters had in store for her. Indeed, she was lucky to have an owner like him, but he was not her benefactor! He didn¡¯t risk his life for her happiness. He did it only out of his selfish reasons. He should have been tougher with her and made her give him a blowjob. Instead, he decided to take things slow. There was something exciting, thrilling, electrifying about it.


    Lovr had read several books about the supreme beasts¡¯ passion for food. They were quite gourmets, ordering reproductive organs, brains, tongues, or seed served in a ss. Some preferred it sweet, others consumed sour creamy liquid. Some appreciated it mature, others liked it young. To keep it short, tastes differed. In their empire, there were even milking parlors for these purposes. They considered every detail in the production that dated hundreds of years back: from the formation that automatically collected the ¡°product¡± to the diets that help to produce the seed faster and gave it a certain vor, shade, and consistency. Lovr thought of the dairy farms that were so wide-spread on Earth. There was nothing indecent about the milking process in the supreme beasts¡¯ empire¡­ with rare exceptions. With all this in mind, Kyon decided to make Triana a gourmet of his own ¡°milk.¡±


    ¡­


    The tournament wasing to an end.


    After meeting Dick Baker, Haya hurried to find the other participants to rob them and get some clothes. She was lucky enough toe across the first victim soon, but the things turned out to be several sizesrger. Anyway, it was better than the stinking wolf pelts she had. The next meeting ruined all her hopes and dreams. She met the ugly freak once more! The damned bastard stripped and robbed her again! Haya was desperate to pounce on him, rip out his eyes and shove them up his fat ass, but fear held her back.


    In total, Kyon had met and robbed about 130 participants, including his mates from Cernos. ording to his spies, the remaining participants were disqualified for various reasons, which meant that he had robbed everyone at least once. Many of them met him twice, some three times, and the most slow-witted even more times. The second meeting with the cute princess was no worse than the first. Lovr would never forget the shock written across her face when she ¡°voluntarily¡± undressed once again to the apaniment of his nastyments while he was recording the processes. He doubted there would be a third meeting. The princess must have figured out that someone had messed up with the tournament formation.


    Kyon had gained over 800,000 keys altogether. It was a colossal amount. No school had ever been even close. His victory was guaranteed.


    As for Triana, spending time with a human didn¡¯t seem so terrible for her anymore. Nice moments outweighed all the negative ones, among which was his ¡°human nature¡± in every sense of the term, his constant mockery of the supreme beasts¡¯ mentality, as well as his unwillingness to satisfy her curiosity and answer the most interesting questions. Anyway, he had every right to keep his secrets. Wretched mysterious man! Among the good things was delicious food, massage that she had to earn, and, since recently, his caresses before going to bed. She got used to sleeping with the owner. His touches and weird nces at her naked breasts, his nightmarish appearance and obese physique no longer disgusted her, mostly because he never crossed the line.


    Every evening, the tigress looked forward to the moment when the owner blindfolded her and treated her to the delicious dessert. s, the portions were too small even if he had the whole bottle of it. Damned greedy master! Triana couldn¡¯t understand why she had to keep her eyes closed, and the owner didn¡¯t exin¡­


    The tigress really liked the treat. It was rich and nourishing with a pleasant aftertaste. She longed for the moment when the hot, creamy liquid streamed down her throat, and then unspeakable lightness lingered in her body for a long time. She wished she knew the secret ingredient of this mysterious dessert. Anyway, her master definitely had a gift for cooking!


    Also, Triana became addicted to the owner¡¯s heavenly touch. His fingertips seemed to be made of invisible divine feathers. When he scratched behind her ear, Triana lost perception of time and space, purring loudly. He showed her affection, and she experienced something that she had never felt either with Fenrir, or with her father, or with the servants that gave her massage. It was something between tenderness and desire to bury her head in his gentle hands. In general, the tigress could get used to this life.


    ¡­


    It was seven o¡¯clock in the morning, five hours before the participants started to arrive (beingte was punishable with disqualification), but the stands were already crowded with spectators.


    Franz was among them together with two beautiful girls. Marina, the charming blonde, and Julia, the charming red-head, snuggled close to him. Both girls seemed to be head over heels in love with the handsome young man. The three of them attracted hundreds of admiring and envious nces. Numerous male spectators tried to find an excuse for themselves: if Franz weren¡¯t so good-looking, the girls would have never even looked at him.


    Prince Charles was apanied by a pretty brte. The prince didn¡¯t seem to be in his best shape. He looked haggard and unhealthy. Thest two weeks turned into a nightmare for him. He had lost a stage in cultivation, missed the tournament, lost the crown. His reputation hit rock bottom. An unquenchable fire kept burning in his underpants. Nothing could ease his tortured life, no matter what he did. Finally, Charles acquired a ve girl to blow off some steam. He had chosen a tough one, strong enough to endure his appetite, or he wouldmit an unspeakable crime again.


    Many wondered why the prince did not participate in the tournament and came to the conclusion that he had been training to the bone. Well, they were right in a way.


    A little further, the Stones were waiting for the ceremony to start, among them Lee, Stephanie, as well as patriarch Bai and his beloved daughter Diana. They were eager to know what ce Cernos would take. After all, the forest tournament was way more prestigious than the family tournament with the royal families taking part in it.


    As usual, the citizens of the Iron Throne upied the lion¡¯s share of the seats, but this time, several hundred high-ranking persons from other kingdoms had arrived. They all wanted to see the results and find out what their school had achieved. The spirit ofpetition was in the air. The guests and parents from Athens (1) and Liberia (2) started the most heated debates.


    ?I beg to differ! Three brave princes are more effective than a skinny princess! Together they can turn the entire forest upside down! They can get a star from the sky if need be! The boys would do anything to get the main reward!? ¨C A plumpdy dered loudly in defense of her position, without ignoring the norms of etiquette.


    ?You must be joking! Princess Haya is a genius among geniuses. People like her are born in Athens once every hundred years. She is destined to take first ce! Our princess must have collected more keys than your three princesbined! Unless they were unlucky enough to meet her and lose the contents of their rings!? ¨C A sturdy man from Athens retorted, disagreeing with his interlocutor.


    Disputes like this were heard everywhere. No one discussed other schools, though. It was quite obvious that they would never win. The pressing question was who would take first ce, Athens or Liberia? Their victory meant above all the sess of the whole kingdom, not only the school¡¯s triumph.

 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328


    ?I have never seen such a tense atmosphere at the forest tournament. Everyone is arguing with, shouting, making noise. Another moment, and they will be at each other¡¯s throats¡­? ¨C A smart lookingdy in a long dress said, watching indifferently themotion. It was Jezzaya, the respected principal of the first ranked school in Athens (1). A person of her level was superior in authority to any elder of the Grand family.


    ?I guess it alles down to the main prize. I wonder what is the reason for such generosity of the imperial government?? ¨C A stately man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. It was Kael, the respected principal of the first ranked school in Liberia (2). He inspired awe, giving the impression of a calm, reasonable person, worthy of his high position.


    ?But we understand that this dispute will lead nowhere. May the strongest and the most sessful win, be it the three princes or Haya Ferus, my dear student.? ¨C Jezzaya said pompously, holding her hand.


    ?I totally agree with you.? ¨C Kael shook her hand with a smile.


    The conversation between the two most authoritative principals sounded peaceful and carefree, but it clearly implied that the possible victory for the other five schools was never on the table. Theirplete disregard for the rest of the rivals was nothing more than passive neglect, but the other schools did not dare to object. It was crystal clear that the winner would be one of the two leaders.


    Kael noticed an effeminate man standing nearby and approached him to express sympathy: ?Principal Nn, I can¡¯t imagine what it feels like to lose Artemis Grand, the third-ranking student. Please ept my sincere condolences.?


    Nn nodded grimly. Artemis¡¯s parents were absent, mourning over their son¡¯s death, but the principal was worried about something else, something personal.


    Suddenly, everyone heard the greeting hymn. A luxurious golden carriage pulled by four beautiful white horses approached the stands.


    A hush fell over the stands. Everyone focused on the approaching carriage.


    ?It¡¯s the new king of the Iron Throne!? ¨C One of the spectators screamed enthusiastically.


    The citizens of the kingdom burst into loud apuse to wee the new king. Everyone was d that the imperial authorities had ignored despicable Prince Charles and gave the title to the one who deserved it more than anyone else.


    The king stepped out of the carriage. His virile posture drew everyone¡¯s gaze like a ma. Greatness and fervor were written all over the king¡¯s face. The audience greeted dimir Grand, the former head of the investigation department. The imperial authorities had at least three reasons to give the crown to him: his extensive management experience, his rtion to murdered Michael, and his unconditional and extensive influence in the Iron Throne.


    Since dimir had expelled the demons from the empire and eliminated the three issues of the kingdom, albeit with the help of his subordinates, every Bostoner knew, loved and respected him. However, the former head of the investigation department understood that he had be the king thanks to his secret brilliant masked investigator. That¡¯s why he was immensely grateful to Kyon. dimir¡¯s resentment at him for letting demons escape execution soon seemed irrelevant and insignificant.


    The only drawback of the new status was losing his power in the department. A hundred years ago, Empress Lanatelle excluded the Ministry of Justice from the royal families¡¯ influence to avoid possible betrayal and conspiracies. In other words, dimir had no more connections with his former ce of work.


    When Prince Charles saw the new king, he lowered his head and clenched his fists in a fit of helpless anger. The title should have been his by right of blood, but heaven was unfair.


    dimir greeted the citizens, the principals and took an honorable ce in the Royal Box. He was eager to know what Kyon, aka Dick Baker, was up to. He didn¡¯t belong to this tournament with his weak cultivation after all.


    After several hours of waiting, one of the spectators suddenly eximed: ?Look who ising!?


    Immediately five thousand nces darted towards the forest. A tall savage was approaching the stands. Animal pelts served him as clothing. His body was covered with dried mud and caked blood. His eyes shone with primal madness. He was quickly recognized as the second prince of Liberia.


    Many spectators opened their mouths in shock. Who could have robbed the hefty prince? Who was so merciless to deprive him of his clothes?


    The second prince approached the stands, his face red with shame. He had tried to take clothes from other participants, but they were too small for him, so he had no choice but toe here in the hides like a wild barbarian. He decided to be first to arrive, or he would have died of shame among the smartly dressed participants.


    ?What happened to you? Who did this?? ¨C Kael came up to him, visibly worried.


    ?Principal¡­ I don¡¯t want to talk about it¡­? ¨C The tall prince hissed through his clenched teeth, shivering as if he were cold.


    The guests from Athens smiled maliciously, giggling quietly. Who else could have left the mighty prince like this? Princess Haya, of course! It was as obvious as the fact that the fire was hot! No one else was capable of this.


    When Kael saw an arrogant smile ying on Jezzaya¡¯s lips, his world seemed to turn upside down, but he remained imperturbable. He felt unbearably hot with humiliation. The hypocritical snake! She said one thing but meant to say something else! A momentter, this woman showed her true attitude towards her opponent. No matter how reasonable and reserved she tried to seem, it was hard to keep calm when her favorite student proved to be the best of the best, especially at the grand forest tournament, where the honor of the kingdom was at stake.


    ?Principal Kael, I am warning you for the first and thest time that unauthorized persons are strictly prohibited from approaching the participants before the results are announced.? ¨C Principal Nn hissed coldly. This rule protected against cheating. What if someone decided to hand over extra keys to the participant.


    ?I am sorry. My bad.? ¨C The principal from Liberia nodded and walked away.


    When another hefty savage in pelts came out from the forest, the guests from Athens could not helpughing. It was the third prince of Liberia! It was ridiculous! Did a fragile girl rob these two thugs? It meant that their kingdom was going to take first ce! No one from Athens could restrain the unbridled joy and triumph.


    Principal Jezzaya could not hold a jubnt smile, too. However, principal Kael was so gloomy that it hurt to look at him. He was burning with shame. Two best students of his school screwed up, and Princess Haya, their main rival, got all their belongings.


    ?You too?!? ¨C The third prince was surprised to enter his school zone and meet his elder brother there. He thought that he would be the first toe, but his brother was ahead of him.


    ?Me too.? ¨C The second prince mumbled grimly.


    The two brothers blushed with embarrassment: five thousand people were looking at them standing there in animal hides, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot. Clubs in their hands would havepleted the image of cave morons. It was all because of Dick Baker! The princes hated him with all their hearts.


    By a ¡°lucky¡± coincidence, the huge first prince of Liberia was next to arrive. He was also dressed like a primitive hunter.


    The guests from Athens burst into loudughter at once, almost falling from their seats. Even spectators from other kingdoms couldn¡¯t help smiling. Heaven must have arranged this funniest joke ever! What a coincidence! The princess had found and robbed all three of them, but they were first toe to the final ceremony!


    A fat, pale man with drooping cheeks interrupted everyone¡¯sughter with a loud scream: ?Gods! Don¡¯t tell me that the forest curse really exists! I don¡¯t want to die!?


    ?What forest curse?? ¨C Everyone started whispering. Theughter quickly subsided.


    ?Didn¡¯t you hear? Legends say that a carnivorous fungus lived in the forest five hundred years ago! Its spores prated into the lungs and then through the blood into the brain, devouring them from the inside! Everyone who fell under its influence lost their minds, turning into bloodthirsty madmen, and then died!?


    ?It can¡¯t be true!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s terrible!? ¡­ ?Is it really happening?? ¡­ ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! I need my brains. I have so much to do!? ¨C Someone ran away with a hysterical squeal.


    ?Silence!? ¨C dimir¡¯s loud voice calmed down the starting panic. ¨C ?There¡¯s no brain-eating fungus. Someone had robbed the princes.? ¨C The king said and frowned thoughtfully. Who could have done this atrocity?


    *countless sighs of relief*


    Some timeter, participants from other schools began to appear properly dressed. They gave their tournament bracelets to an authorized person and went to ??their school zones that were in full view of all the stands. Everyone was shocked to see the three princes in pelts.


    When it was less than an hour before noon, someone yelled:


    ?Look! The first princess of Athens ising!?


    Five thousand spectators focused their eyes on the brilliant girl who had single-handedly robbed the three hefty princes, but soon everyone seemed to be petrified. She¡­ She was also wearing animal hides¡­ Just like the princes. The beautiful young barbarian timidly stepped out of the shadows of the trees.


    Prince Charles snorted excitedly and led his ve somewhere away from the stands.


    The guests from Athens dropped their jaws. Principal Jezzaya¡¯s beautiful face turned into an icy mask, her eyes gleaming with horror and confusion. Was her favourite genius student also robbed? How was it even possible? Who did it? She wasn¡¯t seeing things, was she?


    Principal Kaelughed heartily, appreciating the irony of heaven. Suddenly, he stoppedughing and hastily covered his mouth with his hand, but it was toote. Everyone had already heard him, including Jezzaya, the old snake! Their eyes met for a moment, flickering with an evil, ominous spark.


    The audience whispered, wondering what had really happened. It became obvious that something abnormal was happening at this tournament. Everyone was eager to figure out the mystery behind the chain of undressing!


    With a crimson face, Haya came up to the stands to take off the bracelet with the help of an authorized person. Then she entered ??her school zone, shyly covering herself with her arms. The princess wished she could sink into the ground and never return. It was uneptable for the first princess of Athens and the most brilliant girl rolled in one, but she couldn¡¯t help it. Haya spent the recent days searching for other girls to take their clothes without using the tracking function ¨C thest thing she wanted was to bump into the fat freak again ¨C but she couldn¡¯t find anyone in the endless forest. Today Haya set up an ambush at the exit from the forest, but no one showed up, so she had toe to the ceremony dressed like this. It was all because of Dick Baker, the wretched bastard! He was to me for everything!


    It was almost noon, the appointed time after which everyter would be disqualified. Almost all 140 tournament participants were already in the seven school zones, with the exception of thete Artemis Grand and some missing Cernos students.


    The three hefty princes whispered among themselves, sharing the stories of their inglorious defeats.


    ?He hung you up by the neck and recorded everything? The fat son of a bitch! Well, as for me¡­ He shoved a huge stick up my a¡­ uh.. into my mouth¡­ My jaw still hurts!? ¨C The second prince hissed furiously, scratching his anus that suddenly started to itch.


    ?You were lucky, guys. Your stories are no match for mine.? ¨C The third prince of Liberia said glumly.


    His brothers looked at him with interest, waiting for the rest of the story: ?So?!?


    ?Well¡­ He painted me with lipstick.? ¨C Unlike his brothers, the third prince told the truth. ¨C ?Why are you smiling, idiots? There¡¯s no threat to your honor! And I would be aughing stock of the whole kingdom if my recording is ever exposed! They will call me the Amazon Princess¡­?


    The smiles on the elder brothers¡¯ faces quickly faded away. The youngest one got off easy, but they¡­


    The second prince cleared his throat: ?We all will suffer if one of us screws up. The bastard only seems to be aplete idiot. The truth is, he sessfully ckmails us! He might as well get away with it! What do we do??


    ?Nothing. We can¡¯t risk our honor. We should think about our safety.? ¨C The eldest brother said emphatically and turned to his schoolmates. ¨C ?Listen to me and heed the order of the first prince. If any of you goes against Dick Baker, they will have to deal with me. Is it clear??


    ?Yes, Your Highness!? ¨C The participants answered in unison.


    A situation like this happened in other zones. The princes and the princesses were so scared of Dick that they ordered their schoolmates not to do him any harm. In fact, it wasn¡¯t necessary because every participant believed in their unique fake formation and meeting with the insidious fat freak. All of them decided it was better to be safe than sorry and kept silent. The story that an advanced phaser had robbed them would sound ridiculous anyway.


    Princess Haya had no idea if she could ever take her revenge on the ugly freak in this lifetime. Even her personal knight was a few stages weaker. How else could she get her revenge? Apparently, she had to steer clear from him.


    ?One minute left.? ¨C Principal Nn announced and nced at the forest.


    All the participants without exception, especially princess Haya and the three hefty princes, prayed that Dick Backer would bete and thus disqualified. It would warm their hearts. However, they all were disappointed. The fat freak came out of the forest with a staff in his right hand, dressed in a white cape like a magician from fairy tales.


    When the guests of the six kingdoms saw the outcast, they directed at him a barrage of offensivements: ?Look. It¡¯s the clown from Cernos! Why is he still alive?? ¡­ ?Ugh, the scum who tied the knot with demons is still alive! How could it happen? How could heaven allow this?? ¡­ ?The beasts must have been afraid of being poisoned by rotten meat and didn¡¯t eat him!? ¡­ ?Ha-ha! Nicely put!?


    The Iron Throners clenched their fists, willing to strangle the monster for his devilish vitality.


    Only dimir chuckled with intrigue, wondering what the goddess¡¯s messenger was up to this time.

 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329


    Kyon went up to the stands, ignoring offensivements. He was wearing a white cape and holding a magic staff in his hand. He nodded to surprised dimir and winked at the stunned participants, causing chaos in their ranks. When the authorized person removed his tournament bracelet, he went to Cernos zone.


    A fearless Grand clenched his fists and took a step towards the hated bastard with something unkind on his mind, but the fat freak suddenly turned around.


    ?Wanna see a magic trick?? ¨C Kyon said with a smile.


    The other participants instinctively flinched at this phrase.


    The unlucky avenger turned deathly pale and rushed headlong to the edge of the zone.


    More than five thousand spectators looked at each other, puzzled. What was it about?


    ?No? Whatever.? ¨C Kyon snorted and raised his nose haughtily. All the tournament participants were afraid of the man who wouldn¡¯t beat any of them in singlebat! He got them trained well, didn¡¯t he? Kyon felt really proud of himself.


    While principal Nn was going up the stage, Lovr looked around the stands and noticed familiar faces: patriarch Bai, Diana, Franz, Marina, Julia. He looked at the top rows and saw Charles. A girl with disheveled hair was sitting next to him, apparently, his sex ve who had recently fulfilled her main duty.


    Kyon¡¯s heart missed a beat. A shiver of cold surprise ran down his back: {Dinah?}


    The heavenly features of the moon goddess and her icy stare¡­ The Stones¡¯ maid, who he was madly in love with, was lustful Prince Charles¡¯s sex ve?!


    Kyon frantically rubbed his eyes¡­ and this time, he saw aplete stranger sitting next to the prince. His soul returned to the body, and his heart started beating again. In just one second that seemed like an eternity, he plunged into hell and back.


    {Goddess¡­ You¡­ Heartless bitch¡­} ¨C Lovr figured out that he¡¯d been yed again like that time when Kara¡¯s suppressive cor suddenly disappeared.


    It would seem that nothing terrible had happened, but Kyon felt uneasy. He had been given a new perspective: his dear girl might be fucking a powerful man right now, cultivating her unique body and soul, and he could do nothing about it. The goddess made him understand that he was still a nobody.


    {Wait! What if it was a warning, not a mockery?} ¨C Kyon wondered if the goddess could be interested in his talent. What if it was a way to motivate him to get stronger. What if he was too slow on his path of self-improvement, she would give Dinah to another man¡­ Or was it just idle spection?


    Meanwhile, principal Nn went up on stage and solemnly said: ?Greetings,dies and gentlemen! The forest tournament hase to an end! The best talents of the seven kingdoms of Rosarrio have spent two weeks in the forest to¡­?


    After the opening speech, the effeminate man pointed to the center of the stage. There was a huge patterned ss te on a low table. In the center of the strange object was a nephrite with a formation of unknown purpose.


    ?Here is a scale that measures the value of the obtained keys in points. One animal key taken from a base phaser at the first stage is worth one point. One animal key taken from an advanced phaser at the first stage is worth ten. One animal key from a superior phaser at the first stage is worth one hundred. And so on. You will see thetest updates in the tournament table. The school with the most points will be ranked first, and its participants will receive fifty percent of the keys collected by other schools. The second ce will get twenty percent, and the third ce will gain ten percent. Other schools can keep the rest in proportion to the contribution ratio¡­?


    Long ago, 50%, 20% and 10% of the keys used to be distributed from themon fund, not from schools that didn¡¯t take a prize ce. But the rules had to be adjusted after one significant forest tournament when participants from Athens had gained much more keys than their opponents and suffered serious losses during the award.


    The principal continued: ?Let me remind you that the most sessful participant from the school that took first ce will get the main prize of the tournament in addition to the keys. It¡¯s five million spheres, a thousand tokens for his family, a personal harnessed superior beast in the beginning stages of the lord phase, and Scarlet Meteor, the transformation medicine!?


    When he said thest words, the stands erupted into apuse. Many of the spectators hade here to find out who would take the incredibly valuable award.


    Initially, everyone believed that princess Haya or the three hefty princes would be the winners, but it wasn¡¯t that simple, after all. Someone else was strong enough to rob all of them! If this mysterious genius was from a third-ranking or even fourth-ranking kingdom, he could single-handedly bring his school to first ce and take the main prize!


    Nn waited for the noise to subside and said: ?At the beginning of the tournament, we released the participants in ascending order, starting with the school that finishedst in the previous tournament to give them a little head start. Now we are going to check the quantity and the quality of the collected keys in the opposite order! Meet Edgar Feruz of the 20th rank!?


    The audience gave a big round of apuse to a skinny student of school number one in Athens. He took out a handful of keys from the ring and put them into the huge dish.


    When the principal activated the formation, everyone could see two numbers above the scales: 2.524 & 50.248.


    Nn announced solemnly: ?Edgar Feruz has collected two thousand five hundred keys with a total value of fifty thousand points! Another round of apuse for Edgar, please!?


    There was scattered apuse.


    Principal Jezzaya shook her head in disappointment. He had collected too few keys. Edgar must have been robbed a few days ago. Bad luck!


    Edgar was burning with shame for his poor result. He left the stage with his head bowed low. If it wasn¡¯t for Dick Baker, he would have gained about three times more keys! If the tournament formation had not been forged, and he would have met a weaker opponent, the result would have been even better.


    The 19th-ranking student came next¡­ Then the 18th¡­ The 17th¡­ The 16th¡­


    Jezzaya frowned: {What is going on? Have they been all robbed?} ¨C She felt embarrassed for her students. This result was uneptably low for the geniuses of her kingdom.


    The 14th-ranking student came on stage¡­ The 13th¡­ The 12th¡­ The 11th¡­ The 10th¡­


    Jezzaya suddenly looked ten years older.


    The other principals exchanged puzzled nces: Inparison with previous tournaments, the Athens participants¡¯ performance waspletely worthless! Could they screw up like this all at once? Did heaven cast a curse on them?


    Kael made a tsking sound: ?It¡¯s a shame! The best geniuses of Athens have such a terrible result that even I feel embarrassed for them.?


    His piercing remark made Jezzaya want to sink through the ground.


    Looking at the gloomy faces of the participants from Athens and the depressed mood of their principal, the audience began to understand what was happening.


    The 9th-ranking student came on stage¡­ The 8th¡­ The 7th¡­ The 6th¡­ The 5th¡­ The 4th¡­ The 3rd¡­ The 2nd¡­


    Jezzaya was ashen like a living corpse. She watched the result of each student with increasing despair. Her school was doomed to get fifth or even sixth ce! These losers would disgrace the kingdom for many years toe, and she would be dismissed from her position¡­ Jezzaya pinned all her hopes on Haya, but¡­


    ?Princess Haya is next! Everyone, please put your hands together for Her Highness!? ¨C Nn announced.


    The audience burst into apuse when the most ingenious participant of the tournament came on stage. There was hopeless despair in her eyes as she approached the table and emptied the keys into the bowl. Then she left the stage, without waiting for the result, her eyes fixed on the ground.


    The nephrite activated, and the following numbers appeared above the scales: 12.121 & 303.303. It was about 10 times less than anyone would expect from a participant of her level. And since the tournament formation was forged, the number should be at least 3 times higher.


    Nn announced: ?Haya Feruz has collected twelve thousand keys with a total value of three hundred thousand points! Let¡¯s hear it for the first princess of Athens!?


    The audience pped loudly to cheer up the sad, brilliant princess.


    Principal Nn waited until it was quiet again and announced: ?Altogether, the participants from Athens have collected one hundred thirty thousand two hundred and six keys with a total value of three million one hundred and five points! Bravo!?


    There was another round of restrained apuse.


    ?Are we going to win? We¡¯ve already won! Ha-ha-ha! It¡¯s incredible! HA-HA-HA!? ¨C The first hefty princeughed loudly, unable to hold back his joy. He was convinced that he would get the priceless medicine Scarlet Meteor, and it made him burst with delight. His two brothers cackled withughter, and his seventeen schoolmates smiled broadly nearby. The secret of their joy was simple: each of them believed that Dick Baker had messed only with them. Well, maybe a few more people at most, like princess Haya. But it could not possibly be enough to get Cernos first ce.


    Kael¡¯s shoulders shook from barely restrainedughter. He was euphoric to see Jezzaya humiliated. Besides, the principal of Liberia was absolutely sure that his school would definitely take first ce. The dreamy veil clouded his eyes. As they say, one man¡¯s joy is another man¡¯s sorrow.


    ?Our next participant¡­? ¨C Nn invited the 20th ranked student from Liberia.


    Kael shook his head in disappointment at the low result. The girl must have been unlucky to meet the robber. Suddenly, he frowned. Jezzaya did the same when she saw the result of her student! A coincidence?


    Nn invited the 19th ranked student¡­ The 18th¡­ The 17th¡­ The 16th¡­ The 15th¡­ Their results were just as low.


    The three hefty princes and other participants from Liberia stoppedughing at once. They became quiet and grew more gloomy and silky every minute, while the participants from Athens raised their heads. A tiny hope to get the main prize appeared in princess Haya¡¯s heart.


    Deep in his thought, Kael realized something and coughed loudly, attracting everyone¡¯s attention. Then he turned to the head of Cernos: ?Principal Nn, don¡¯t you find it strange that the best geniuses of Athens and Liberia have achieved such poor results??


    Nn nodded: ?I do find it unusual, but I have no idea what the reason for this phenomenon might be.?


    Kael eximed, using lots of hand gestures: ?Don¡¯t you see that it¡¯s not about our young geniuses. The reason is the forest itself! Apparently, the poption of wild animals has not grown at all over the past decades. That¡¯s why our participants have collected so few keys. Now we have the burning issue. Why did the administration of Cernos make a disastrous miscalction and why didn¡¯t they report it? This tournament has been held for fun!?


    ?But our administration has recently checked everything up¡­?


    ?There are only ipetent fools or cheaters in your administration! Let the participants confirm my words.? ¨C Kael looked meaningfully at the participants from other schools.


    Boys and girls had a chance to justify their low results. How could they miss it? They nodded in agreement, convincing each other that there was ack of animals this year. They were lucky to get so many keys at all.


    ?As was to be expected.? ¨C Kael said with a confident smile. ¨C ?You will be held ountable for your mistake, Principal Nn. But we won¡¯t raise this issue until the end of the tournament. Let¡¯s not ruin the performance.?


    ?Fair enough.? ¨C Nn agreed.


    Now everything was obvious. The scales fell from everyone¡¯s eyes. Needless to say how it affected the mood of the spectators, the participants and the principals. In short, everything went back to normal.


    Only Kyon could hardly hold back hisughter.


    Finally, it was the three princes¡¯ turn.


    The first prince had a result of 8.411 & 219.348. The second prince achieved 7.250 & 188.731, and the third got 9.769 & 235.532.


    Nn announced: ?Altogether, the participants from Liberia have collected one hundred thirty-one thousand and fifteen keys worth three million two hundred and ny-five points! It¡¯s incredible! Athens is only one hundred and ny points behind Liberia!?


    The stands exploded with apuse and loudments: ?Only one hundred and ny points?! You must be kidding! It can¡¯t be! This victory will go down in history!? ¡­ ?Liberia will take first ce by such a small margin!?


    The three princes could not believe their eyes and ears. They did it! Dick Baker failed to mess up with their result! They would glorify Liberia! Tears of happiness welled up in the first prince¡¯s eyes. His younger two brothers pped him on the shoulders as if he had already received the main award. The rest of the participants also rejoiced at their ¡°inevitable victory.¡±


    Princess Haya¡¯s eyes lost their sparkle as if she had lost her soul. One hundred and ny points? She was a heartbeat away from winning! A single beast in the middle of the advanced phase could have changed the oue! The mere thought of this multiplied her resentment a hundredfold¡­ If the fat ugly freak had not stripped her, she would not have wasted time looking for clothes. Instead, she would have killed a hundred or more beasts! Then the first ce would be hers! It was all because of Dick! Grief in her heart was overwhelming. She could not hold back her tears. The princess had to take out her handkerchief and bury her face in it.


    Principals Kael and Jezzaya exchanged nces. Keal winked arrogantly at her, and she turned away not to let him know how humiliated she felt.


    Meanwhile, it was the turn of the third-ranking school in the kingdom.


    Principal Nn checked each participant and announced the result, which was about 30% lower than the current winner¡¯s. The guests and the participants from Liberia felt relieved. They were going to get first ce!


    The second and the third princes pped their eldest brother on the cheeks and poured barrels of cold water to bring him to his senses, all to no avail! The first prince was on cloud nine and refused to descend. His feelings were quite understandable. Even geniuses born to the elite of the elite could break into the imperial phase only in one out of ten cases while he had a 100% chance to get there with the Crimson Meteor! He was destined to be a king of great Liberia!


    Two hourster, Nn checked the rest of participants and moved on to Cernos. As expected, the result was so low that the Iron Throners and Cernos students were red in the face. However, no one was paying any attention to Nn¡¯s announcements. Other schools preferred to discuss the results and prematurely congratte the participants from Liberia on their victory. Many considered the tournament already finished.


    ?Dick Baker, the final participant from Cernos.? ¨C Nn announced coldly.


    The buzz of conversation abruptly subsided as if someone had pressed the mute button. All the participants of the tournament stared intently at the fat guy who was slowly going on stage. Princess Haya and the three princes sent him incinerating res.


    ?Damned ugly clown, die already!? ¡­ ?Abominable scum that slept with a demon! You are not worthy of the first rank in Cernos!? ¡­ ?You are a disgrace to our kingdom! Even the king is ashamed to look at you! Do us a favor, get lost!? ¨C The citizens of the Iron Throne and Cernos students yelled in a fit of righteous anger.


    The principals of all schools had to pay attention to the infamous Dick Baker. They looked at him as if he were a foul-smelling trash can. How could he be still alive?


    With an air of imperturbable self-possession, Kyon took out an enormous bag and emptied its contents into the huge bowl with such disdain as if he were getting rid of junk. Tens and even hundreds of thousands of colored spheres filled the scales.


    At that moment, themon sense of everyone present seemed to have scattered along with the keys.

 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330


    The huge dish was filled to the brim with keys. The pile was three times higher than that collected by all the participants put together.


    Suddenly, there wasplete silence. No one could believe their eyes: the miserable fat freak in a fairy-tale robe and with a magic staff had dumped a ton of keys as if he were disposing of trash.


    Nn began to doubt that Dick Baker was an idiot. He must have pretended to be a fool to get the signatures and take full advantage of the principal and his wife. It gave him the leverage against Nn to cover his fat ass. Dick could officially ruin the principal¡¯s and his wife¡¯s lives. All Nn could do was to follow the orders, no matter what problems they might cause. The principal was already regretting that he had ever been tempted by Franz.


    Nn activated the nephrite. The following numbers appeared above the scales: 808.303 & 29.731.408.


    The audience dropped their jaws, responding with oohs and aahs. Many gasped. No one could utter a word. The principals, Prince Charles, and even King dimir jumped from their seats. The numbers on the screen were beyondprehension.


    Nn cleared his throat and announced in a constrained voice: ?Dick Baker has collected eight hundred thousand keys with a total value of thirty million points! It means that Cernos gets ten times more points than the participants from Liberia¡­ And therefore, I dere Cernos¡­ the winner¡­? ¨C He said hesitantly.


    ?Wha-a-a-a-a-a-t!?? ¡­ ?It can¡¯t be!? ¡­ ?Are you kidding me?? ¡­ ?What¡¯s going on? Who can exin it to me?? ¡­ ?Cernos has taken first ce? I can¡¯t believe it! It¡¯s impossible!? ¨C Hundreds of bewildered and surprised Iron Throners and Cernos students shouted all at once, trying to understand what was going on. However, judging by their nk, bbergasted expressions, they were in a state of shock.


    King dimir watched everyone with undisguised interest.


    The three princes had been already celebrating their victory and receiving congrattions, but suddenly, everything changed. They knew that Dick had robbed Princess Haya and the three of them, so they suspected that he could have collected 30 or 50 thousand keys, 100 thousand at most. It still wasn¡¯t enough to get Cernos first ce and take the main prize. And then, this devil turned out to have collected an unheard amount of 800 thousand keys!


    Their suspicions that they desperately refused to believe had been confirmed! First, someone had forged every single tracking formation, not just five or ten, which would be only reasonable if they wanted to avoid getting caught! Second, the tournament participants¡¯ poor results weren¡¯t caused by the low poption of animals as Kael had convincingly suggested. Dick Baker had been continuously robbing them! Each participant hade across the fat freak and his secret assistant at least once! It exined everything. Now the burning issue was how to bring down this pig so that justice would prevail.


    ?This joke has gone too far!? ¨C Kael¡¯s indignant voice thundered above the stand. The principal of Liberia had finally gathered his thoughts. ¨C ?Nn, you disappoint me! First, you assigned the first rank to this impudent ill-mannered boy and let him participate in the tournament. Then you made a disastrous mistake, miscalcting the animal poption. Now you are a part of this travesty which only proves your ipetence!? ¨C This time, he treated Cernos principal with overt disrespect and contempt.


    Kael¡¯s incriminating tirade found a response in the hearts of many present. The participants from Liberia breathed a sigh of relief when they heard it. Of course! There was no way that Dick Baker would get the main award with his dirty tricks! It was pure nonsense! It didn¡¯t work that way. Kael wouldn¡¯t back down until he made sure that Liberia won. He would expose and punish the swindler and the whole of Cernos to boot. The participants from Liberia should take it easy. The main reward wasn¡¯t going anywhere from them.


    Nn hesitated for a moment and then replied in a soft tone. Thest thing he wanted was an increasingly escted conflict: ?Principal Kael, I am just doing my job checking the results. Dick Baker showed his result, and I announced it¡­ Taking it into consideration, Cernos took first ce¡­?


    Kael stretched his lips in a crooked grin and shook his head: ?In my opinion, even a fool will see that we are dealing with scam and fraud. You have just dered Cernos the winner! Are you being so reckless because you are interested in their victory? Anyway¡­ You can¡¯t be so stupid and naive as to believe that it will work¡­ Have you been bribed? Or maybe you¡¯re being ckmailed??


    Nn¡¯s cheek twitched for a moment. Kael was shrewd as befitted a man of his level.


    The participants and guests from Liberia felt happier and rxed. They were proud of the principal of the best school in their kingdom. He had exposed the scoundrel like a mouse cornered by a cat. Now no one doubted that Dick Baker had cheated.


    ?You will be held ountable for your actions. However, if you honestly admit to aiding the cheater and confess to your crime in front of the king and our distinguished guests, I will take your side and make certain that your punishment would be limited to resignation.? ¨C Kael said kindly.


    Nn looked at Dick¡¯s inscrutable face and swallowed hard. The principal had no doubt that he had obtained the keys by cheating, but Dick¡¯s cunning ways should not create any serious problems for him. Even getting into trouble at work would be much better than the things that Dick Baker threatened to do in case of his disobedience.


    ?Like any principal, I am interested in the victory of my school, but I have no idea how my student had achieved this result. You have the right to contest the oue. I will not interfere in any way.?


    Kael snorted: ?Whatever. I think it¡¯s easier than it looks. Our hapless cheater must have brought the keys to the tournament with him.?


    Thousands of people, especially the Cernos students who knew about Dick¡¯s wealth, believed his words. What else could it be? Principal Kael seemed to have solved this case at once.


    ?It¡¯s out of the question.? ¨C Nn shook his head. ¨C ?These scales were made by the imperial formacist. They can tell when the keys were extracted. The numbers that show the quantity and the quality of the keys will turn red if the time exceeds two weeks.? ¨C Nn put another key on top of the pile, and the numbers instantly turned red. When he removed it, they turned white again.


    The audience whispered, puzzled. Things had taken an interesting turn. Only the participants were not surprised. It was clear as day for them that it all came down to the forged tournament formation and the fat freak¡¯s secret helper. The question was how soon the truth would be revealed. Too bad that the princes and princesses had forbidden them to go against Dick Baker. They really wanted to intervene!


    Kael snorted thoughtfully: ?The scoundrels nowadays have clever ways to cheat. He managed to collect eight hundred thousand keys in two weeks in the forest with a low animal poption¡­ I wonder how he did it.?


    ?He had a powerful helper!? ¨C Someone said in a low rough voice.


    Everyone turned their heads and saw the third prince of Liberia.


    ?Little bastard!? ¨C The two princes stared at their youngest brother as if he had juste out. For the two of them, thepromising evidence in Dick¡¯s hands was a terrible weapon! But it didn¡¯t seem so bad for the third prince. They wouldn¡¯t imagine in their worst dreams that their brother wasn¡¯t afraid to be seen by the whole empire with smeared lipstick all over his body.


    But the rest of the participants supported the third prince, especially Princess Haya. It was so great that he wasn¡¯t from her school. Now the risk of disgracing herself in front of the whole empire was minimal. She still shuddered at the mere thought of someone seeing her half-naked in those humiliating positions. She couldn¡¯t understand, though, what helper he was talking about. Didn¡¯t the fat freak do everything on his own?


    ?Are you sure?? ¨C Kael asked politely.


    ?I am! He robbed me three times! And each time, someone helped him!?


    There was a hubbub of excited exmations. Once was bad enough, but three times in a row?


    ?How can you prove it, bull?? ¨C Kyon asked, snorting with disdain.


    The third prince¡¯s face contorted with rage. With a single jump, hended on the stage, leaving cracks all over it, and barked deafeningly: ?How else could a weakling like you defeat me? I¡¯d rather die than keep silent! I will let everyone know that you cheated!?


    ?I know why you are so angry. I¡¯d be pissed off just like you if I hadn¡¯t changed my underpants for a week.? ¨C Kyon took out the oversize boxers and threw them at his feet. ¨C ?Here! Don¡¯t put them on now, please.?


    The third prince gasped, his face turned red. A few chuckles from the stands pierced him like daggers. The audience must have understood who had made hime here in animal skins. The humiliation he felt was unbearable.


    ?The third prince of Liberia would never lie.? ¨C Kael concluded impassively as if he already knew the answer, and all that remained was to observe all due formalities. ¨C ?We need some solid evidence, ideally check the database. Prince, tell us when and where you met Dick Baker.?


    ?I met him¡­ I¡­ Uhm¡­?


    Princess Haya suddenly got nervous. If the administration listened to the recording from Dick¡¯s bracelet, they would find out about their intimate conversation. She had to destroy the database at once, right after the tournament was over!


    ?I met him at noon nine days ago!? ¨C Edgar Feruz cried out.


    ?Duly noted.? ¨C Kael nodded, turned to the audience and bowed slightly. ¨C ?My apologies,dies and gentlemen. It will take an hour or two hours to check the database and confirm that Dick Baker has vited the rules of the forest tournament.? ¨C He said and hurriedly left the stands. Something struck him as strange, though. How could a single secret helper get Dick Baker 800,000 keys? Anyway, it didn¡¯t matter now. They were going to disqualify him and get all his keys for the prize fund. It would be only better for everyone.


    The other six principals and even King dimir followed him to the guarded tent. The chief administrator helped them find the necessary information that was recorded in Dicks¡¯ and Edgar¡¯s bracelets at a certain period of time.


    They started listening to the recording from Edgar¡¯s bracelet. Soon the necessary fragment was found. They heard Edgar¡¯s voice:


    ?Wait! Isn¡¯t it the ugly freak? You¡¯re Dick Baker, the local clown, aren¡¯t you??


    ?Do you want to see a magic trick??


    ?No, thanks!..?


    ?What an extensive answer. But first, let me show you a magic trick. Hocus-pocus, mumbo-jumbo, argle-bargle, gobbledygook¡­?


    Nine most influential people in the empire listened for half a minute to the ridiculous spell with stone faces. They had never heard anything more absurd. Dick Baker seemed to have read too many fairy tales about all-powerful magicians.


    ?¡­Bibbity-Bobbity¡­?


    ~ BOOM~


    ~swish-swish-swish~


    The people in the tent looked at each other perplexed.


    ?What¡¯s that supposed to mean?? ¨C dimir asked slyly.


    ?I suppose that ¡°BOOM¡± marks the moment the helper appears¡­? ¨C Kael suggested.


    ?Unconvincing.? ¨C The king disagreed while Nn nodded his agreement.


    ?Administrator, y us the same fragment from Dick¡¯s recording. He must have exchanged a couple of words with his secret assistant or betrayed their presence in any other way.?


    ?Yes, sir.?


    They listened to the recording from Dick¡¯s tournament bracelet and soon heard the loud BOOM. Then there was suspicious rustling and a barely perceptible sound of footsteps. Instead of the expected dialogue with the secret assistant, the listeners heard someone whistle a melody. It was a simple, uplicated tune that repeated every half minute. Its distinguished catchy rhythm instantly upied everyone¡¯s mind. Once they heard this melody, they would hardly ever forget it.


    ?I guess we¡¯ll have to wait.? ¨C Kael said.


    A few minutester, the earworm obtained additional high and low notes that created a total dissonance of the melodic line. The melody started to sound out of tune. There was no consistency anymore. It was an absolutely chaotic, unpredictable order of increasing or decreasing sounds that changed randomly with each cycle.


    The sudden volume spikes drove their ears absolutely bonkers. It was worse than the annoying squeal of chalk on a ckboard. Dick must be totally deranged if he couldn¡¯t whistle such a simple tune properly.


    {Gods! Why is it so fucking loud out of a sudden?}


    Half an hourter, the people in the tent started getting visibly nervous. Some kept shifting from foot to foot, others sniffled and moaned with irritation, some began to swear quietly under their breath.


    ?What the fuck¡¯s going on? Can¡¯t he can¡¯t even whistle normally? Where is his damned helper??


    ?Hold on¡­ We¡¯ll have to wait just a little more.?


    Soon, in addition to the dramatic changes in the tonality, there started to appear inappropriate pauses or abrupt transitions. They got on the nerves even more than sudden volume spikes. The broken rhythm of the earworm was more nerve-wracking than a drunken violinist strumming a single string.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the nine listeners couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. Two of them broke into a sweat, three of them flinched at any sudden increase in the volume, and four of them clenched their fists, trying to find at least some consistency in the melody as befits any normal person.


    ?Gods, I can¡¯t take it anymore! IT¡¯S PURE MADNESS!? ¨C The pale headmaster of one of the schools groaned and left.


    A few more minutes had passed.


    The remaining eight people, pale and tense, were still looking for the proof that Dick Baker had an assistant. It onlysted some time but seemed like an eternity. The administrator gnawed at his fingernails, someone tore out a chunk from his beard, others swayed back and forth as if hypnotized.


    ?Son of a motherless goat! This psycho is driving me crazy!?


    ?My head¡­ MY EARS! §¡-§¡-§¡-§¡H!?


    ?Shitake mushrooms! I will strangle this loony musician as soon as I see him!?


    Three more principals lost their nerve.


    ?Fast-forward this nonsense an hour or so!? ¨C Kael demanded through his gritted teeth.


    The administrator obeyed.


    What they heard next sounded more like a sonata of hell. It was the same melody, the same ragged rhythm, and sudden volume spikes.


    {We are under a psychic attack!} ¨C dimir understood with a hystericalugh.


    The remaining principals looked at the king with understanding.


    Kael shook his head and stopped the recording: ?Alright. We¡¯re getting nowhere. I¡¯d rather hang myself than keep listening to this. I can¡¯t imagine how many people will lose their minds in an attempt to find any evidence. We¡¯ll do it otherwise. Let¡¯s check Dick Baker¡¯s cultivation. The best proof of fraud will be his inability to defeat a lord phaser. We won¡¯t need to look any further. Do you agree, King dimir??


    ?Sounds reasonable.? ¨C The king smiled faintly.


    The former head of the investigation department had underestimated the goddess¡¯s messenger. Kyon had everything covered. It was impossible to find any evidence of fraud in the recording, but it was easy to drive a hundred or two people crazy. He might have helped him to be the king on purpose, to secure his patronage at the forest tournament. dimir couldn¡¯t tell where Kyon¡¯s abilities ended and something incredible began. The boy seemed to be capable of anything. However, he understood that he would be helpless without a powerful patron. They would easily crush him regardless of the tournament rules and in spite of his unceremonious arrogance.

 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331


    Principal Kael came out of the tent with an irritated look and stepped up the tform.


    Nn stood next to him and said: ?Dear Iron Throners and our guests from other kingdoms, thank you for waiting. We failed to detect Dick Baker¡¯s fraud, but it would be disrespectful of us to keep you waiting until we finish a thorough investigation. So, we¡¯ve decided that a simple test of Dick Baker¡¯s abilities would be enough to reach a consensus.?


    ?Dick Baker, show us your power.? ¨C Kael demanded in a stern tone.


    Kyon, who was still standing on the tform, released some pure energy.


    When princess Haya sensed the energy he released, she stood rooted to the spot: {How is it even possible?}


    She knew that practitioners revealed themselves when they released energy. No objects of concealment or natural cultivation could hide the truth! There was only one option besides the most obvious one¡­ Had the fat freak intentionally suppressed his cultivation (just like Kara did once)? But even the highest quality formations could suppress only one phase, not three and a half! And why would he do it? Decreasing cultivation would help him win!


    ?I thought so.? ¨C Kael smiled coldly. ¨C ?The ninth stage of the advanced phase! This result says it all. You¡¯ve broken the rules and will be disqualified.?


    Numerous spectators booed, some cheered happily.


    King dimir rose from his seat, setting the silence in the audience, and said calmly: ?Kael, haven¡¯t we agreed that you will press the charges if Baker fails to defeat a lord phaser??


    The principal arched his brows, perplexed: ?But¡­ isn¡¯t¡­ this information enough? I don¡¯t understand¡­ Do you really believe that he could ever defeat a lord phaser being in the advanced phase??


    dimir smiled faintly: ?The world is full of miracles. Not so long ago, the famous goddess¡¯s messenger beat the opponent eighteen stages stronger than himself. A miracle can happen again!?


    The king¡¯s words sounded utterly ridiculous. Many in the audienceughed and even questioned his sanity. The principal did not even know what to say.


    dimir carefully looked at the fat guy standing on the tform: ?Dick Baker, how did you manage to defeat lord phasers??


    ?Yeah! Tell us how you did it!? ¨C The third prince of Liberia shouted furiously.


    Kyon was faced with a challenge. He had to convince everyone of his overwhelming power. However, he had run out of the shots in the rings, and using Triana would be the height of stupidity. There was no way he could defeat anyone except the weakest participants, and even those he could beat only with the annihtion sphere that would reveal his personality. What should he do?


    Kyon shed a mocking grin and hit the floor with his staff encrusted with a nephrite on its top: ?Magic! I can do anything with my magic trick, even defeat all the participants herebined, which I already mentioned before the tournament started. Do you want to see my magic trick again??


    The word ¡°trick¡± made all the participants shudder.


    The third prince jumped onto the tform. His trembling knees betrayed his fear. The poor guy was ready to die: ?Who do you think you are? A magician from fairy tales? Come on! Show me your trick! I¡¯m ready to meet your secret helper! I will take the blow for everyone!?


    Like everyone in the audience, princess Haya focused all her attention on Dick Baker¡¯s next step.


    ?Fine. This time, you won¡¯t get off easily. I will use deadly force.? ¨C Kyon warned him and began to recite the notorious magic spell.


    The third prince tensed, infusing his entire body with pure energy, just in case.


    Meanwhile, the tip of the staff lit up with a tiny green light, emitting characteristic vibrations of a spatial attribute. It materialized something that moved at an amazing speed and sent it straight into the prince¡¯s face¡­


    ~B§¡§¡§¡NG~


    A powerful explosion threw the hefty prince about ten meters away and destroyed the base of the tform. The prince did a couple of somersaults andnded among the spectators, breaking some seats and bones.


    The sudden thunderous rumble made a few people faint. Some even wet themselves. Those with at least some cultivation got scared out of their wits. And the most powerful people, including the king, jumped to their feet.


    ?What was that?? ¨C Haya asked everyone present in shock.


    Earlier at the dwarf factory, a subordinate received an order to pull the ring igniter. The shell instantly got teleported to the top of the staff and hit the prince straight in the forehead. Kyon had teleported spatial energy to his subordinate¡¯s formation the way he always did when he transmitted signals via Synergy.


    Unfortunately, Kyon could not charge the ring without his personal presence at the factory. The teleportation distance decreased the uracy of measurement, and the slightest error in energy expended per nanogram of mass could be fatal. The ring could erupt and, as a result, get him wounded with an artillery shell.


    The third prince struggled to his feet, rubbing his red forehead. He saw bright stars floating before his eyes, his ears rang. Half of the hair on his head had burnt, the rest stood on end, which made him look like a bald hedgehog with patchy bald spots. But all in all, there wasn¡¯t any major damage.


    ?The third prince!? ¨C Kael rushed to his student, appalled.


    ?I¡­ I am alright¡­ Damn it!? ¨C The hefty prince gritted his teeth angrily, and in one jump, appeared on the tform again: ?Son of a bitch, you¡¯ve used an attacking formation!?


    ?An attacking formation?? ¨C The principals, the king, and many others eximed in unison. Now it became clear how the fat freak had been defeating and robbing everyone. The audience decided that his victims had been stunned. If any of them had received a direct blow, most of them would have been decapitated. Even the third prince, ready for any surprise, had lost a fair amount of hair!


    {He used a formation?} ¨C Triana, who was hiding half a kilometer away, understood the reason behind her master¡¯s power. It made her feel bitter. She wanted to believe that her owner was strong and mighty, but he turned out to be an ordinary cheater. Her worst suspicions had been confirmed, which was disappointing.


    ?Is it all you have? I will beat you to a pulp! You will never say again that you have robbed my brothers and me on your own!? ¨C The third prince of Liberia growled.


    Kyon burst outughing: ?Alright, alright. Here ites. Try and survive my next attack.?


    ?COME ON!? ¨C The third prince roared and tensed, ready to take the blow.


    Dick started to recite his spell: ?Hocus-pocus, mumbo-jumbo¡­? ¨C About a hundred green lights lit up over his staff.


    All spectators caught their breath at once, scared out of their wits. If each light meant the recent attack, there would be nothing left of the tform and the stands! They would start a local Armageddon!


    ?Stop him! HE WILL KILL US ALL!? ¡­ ?§¡-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! I DON¡¯T WANT TO DIE!? ¡­ ?Goddess, save me! I didn¡¯t even have time to sin!? ¡­ ?Mummy, daddy, I want to live!? ¨C Uncontroble panic broke out in the stands. The spectators ran over each other¡¯s heads, trying to leave the arena as soon as possible.


    The Cernos students knew how reckless Dick Baker was, but they did not suspect that he was a crazy psychopath! The Stones, Franz, Marina, Julia, Prince Charles, the participants, the principals, and the king broke out in cold sweat all at once.


    The color drained from the third prince¡¯s face, his animal pelts leaked yellow liquid. With shaky legs and trembling voice, he managed to say: ?Wait! Don¡¯t!? ¨C When he saw that the fat freak continued doing his magic, he left the tform with a yell, leaving a wet trail behind him, heading towards the forest.


    Kyon put out the lights and let out a loud and creepyugh: ?It was only to be expected! Look at the brave, great and powerful third prince of Liberia! Isn¡¯t he worthy of his position!? ¨C He suddenly wondered if he had been bluffing too much. A dozen green lights would have been enough.


    King dimir took a breath and tried to calm the audience. It took him a few minutes to restore order. Dick¡¯s actions would leave an indelible impression on everyone¡¯s psyche. As for the participants and guests from Liberia, they felt incredibly ashamed of their cowardly prince.


    ?Who else wants to check my power? You? Come on up here!? ¨C He waved to the participants, inviting them onto the stage. ¨C ?No? Alright¡­ What about you? No? What are you so scared of??


    The participants huddled in the corner of their zones. They were afraid of Dick Baker as if he were a demon of death. Didn¡¯t he say that he could beat all of thembined? Didn¡¯t they take his words for the dumbest joke ever? The value of a single attacking formation like this was beyondprehension, and the fat freak could recharge it many times! Moreover, he could shoot dozens of them at once!


    Back in the forest, Kyon took his time to react when someone of the participants appeared. Otherwise, it would have been too conspicuous. An advanced phaser would never notice a noble first. After casting a spell, he uttered a loud BOOM, pretending to use an attacking formation, not a secret assistant.


    ?I have a question.? ¨C Princess Haya stood up, swaying awkwardly.


    Kyon encouraged her with a quick motion of his hand: ?Shoot away.?


    ?What about the pressure??


    No one except the two of them understood the question. They stared at each other for a long minute.


    Kyon bared his teeth: ?It¡¯s easy to fool a stupid girl by a cheap pressure-generating formation.? ¨C He arrogantly winked at her.


    The first princess froze on the spot. Was she undressing and taking those humiliating positions under false pressure? Did the fat, perverted bastard wrap the first genius of Athens around his little finger? The sad realization of a bitter truth made the princess cough up blood. Her aura was in chaos. It was as if a hundred-ton rock pressed on her mind with humiliation, hatred, resentment, despair, rage¡­ Haya leaned against the wall, trying to calm down. She might lose a stage of cultivation working herself up like this.


    The audience looked nkly from Haya to Dick.


    ?Well¡­ Does anyone else here doubt my power?? ¨C Kyon asked with a vicious grin. He was rejoicing at the huge harvest of darkness he had gathered in a couple of minutes.


    Kael wiped the sweat from his forehead and growled: ?What power, idiot? You used an attacking formation in the tournament where the participants must show their talents, not their family¡¯s wealth! Cernos will face a huge fine for this insolence, and you will be executed!?


    Kyon snorted: ?The participants must show their talents, not the family wealth? But even an average pig can be a demigod with abundant resources! Everyone knows that power is talent multiplied by the family wealth. Doesn¡¯t it mean using formations as well? I thought you were smarter, Kael¡­ Anyway, who am I talking to? Just tell me the rule that prohibits using formations, and I will shut up.?


    ?You¡­? ¨C The principal stared at Dick with an urge to pound his thick face into the ground. Thest time Kael was so pissed off was many years ago, but not to this extent.


    ?Dick Baker is absolutely right.? ¨C Nn interfered, feeling suddenly brave. ¨C ?The rules don¡¯t say anything about attacking formations. The ones that could change the battle between lord phasers cost an arm and a leg. I can¡¯t remember any of them being used. Dick Baker has revealed a loophole in the rules: if someone is rich enough, they can defeat any opponent. We will do our best to fix it, but until then, his actions arepletely legitimate.?


    Kael red at Nn: ?Are you saying that Dick¡¯s victory is legitimate? Then exin how he could collect eight hundred thousand keys in the forest with the animal poption several times lower than usual!?


    ?You¡¯ve convinced yourself it¡¯s true, Kael.? ¨C dimir said in a calm but imperative tone. ¨C ?The forest is full of animals, I know it firsthand. The participants imed otherwise to justify their poor performance. You shouldn¡¯t judge them. Anyone would do that in their ce.?


    {Two against one? Are you fucking kidding me?} ¨C Kael thought indignantly. Those two were defending the interests of their kingdom, which was quite understandable. But why did he have to question the tournament legitimacy alone? As he nced at Jezzaya, Kael understood everything. The old snake was enjoying his helpless attempts! She wasn¡¯t going to interfere.


    The king added: ?I suppose that someone messed up with the tournament searching formation that drew all the participants to Dick Baker like moths to a me, and he met them with open arms. Am I right, guys?? ¨C He asked the participants in a kind voice.


    The spectators and the principals focused their attention on their lowered eyes. Their sullen faces spoke for themselves. Now everyone understood what had happened, and it was hard to believe! Dick Baker turned out to have robbed each of them¡­ Even several times in a row.


    Kael seized an opportunity to pick at him: ?So, you admit that he forged the tournament formation! Well, it simplifies everything! I wonder what the imperial authorities¡¯ reaction will be. Who will go to prison and who will get executed??


    dimirughed carelessly: ?Only an imperial formacist can forge the tournament formation, which is officially approved by the imperial authorities. Can you question the legitimacy of this action even if the Bakers have paid for it? Go ahead! You may write aint, collect signatures, and we will watch the events unfold. Let¡¯s see who will be jailed and who will be executed.? ¨C Heughed again. dimir felt surprisingly at ease being the king.


    The Iron Throne liked his razor-sharp words. They had crowned a wonderful man, worthy of recing king Michael!


    Kyon stroked his chin thoughtfully: {He is right¡­ Neither Charles nor Nn could have done it. Then who could it be?} ¨C He looked up against his will. ¨C {Goddess?} ¨C Something told him that this terrible deity would not be engaged in such nonsense. But were there any other options?


    Kael couldn¡¯t find the words. He opened and closed his mouth but couldn¡¯t say anything reasonable. The bastard had used attacking formations? They were allowed! The tournament bracelet had been forged? Only the imperial formacist could do that! The Bakers had bribed the imperial authorities? Suing them would be more trouble than it was worth! To go against dimir and Nn? It would be insane. He was on their territory with no support! All that remains was to admit his defeat¡­ Too bad. Liberia had lost. They had to give away the main prize to the insidious swindler.


    The participants of Liberia looked pitifully at their principal, especially the three princes. They begged him with puppy eyes to do everything possible for their victory¡­


    But the principal shattered his students¡¯ hopes when he said humbly: ?I understand¡­ I get it¡­ Cernos has won. Congrattions on winning first ce.?


    ?Cernos has won? We are victorious?! HOOR-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡Y!? ¡­ ?Dick Baker is the champion! Dick Baker is our hero!? ¡­ ?Ye-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! Cernos is the best! Cernos is the best of the best!? ¨C The Iron Throners were terrified not so long ago, now they rejoiced at their victory.


    They had despised Dick Baker. They had insulted him, dragged him through the mud, considered him a wretched scum, but then they radically changed their minds because Cernos had taken first ce thanks to him and his wealthy family! It was an dishonorable victory, but who was going to judge the winners? As expected, money could buy everything! And if not everything, then a lot¡­


    In this motley crowd, only Diana Stone intuitively felt that there was something familiar about this unsightly fat boy.


    dimir met Dick¡¯s eyes and winked at him. An admiring smile didn¡¯t leave his lips. Damned bastard¡­ He was capable of anything! Thanks to Kyon, he became king yesterday, and on the second day of his reign, his kingdom became famous in the international arena! How could he not admire this wizard?

 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332


    Principal Nn announced solemnly: ?With the joint efforts of all the participants, Cernos has collected eight hundred thousand keys worth thirty million points! The contribution of each team member brings Cernos first ce in the forest tournament!?


    ?You must be ashamed of yourself, hypocrite!? ¡­ ?Dick Baker did everything on his own!? ¡­ ?Are you kidding? The other participants are nothingpared to him!? ¨C The citizens of the Iron Throne shouted withughter.


    The former fan club members and the Grands were burning with humiliation. They wished they had never participated in this tournament.


    Kyon stood on the tform, smiling and waving to the cheering audience. dimir¡¯s confident and logical arguments had saved the day. Without his support, Kyon would have been crushed in the world where the strongest were always right. His n had almost turned out to be a fatal mistake. If it wasn¡¯t for the king dimir, Nn wouldn¡¯t have made it. He was too spineless and cowardly for this. It was a miracle that Dick Baker had won, and now it was time to take all the glory.


    Nn cleared his throat awkwardly to the usations of the citizens: ?As the winners, the Cernos participants are entitled to half of the total amount of the keys in proportion to each participant¡¯s contribution. Since Dick Baker had collected ny-eight percent of the keys, he gets four million five hundred and one thousand points, as well as the main award! Bravo!?


    The audience gave a big round of apuse and sniffed enviously when Kyon received 49% of all the keys collected by other schools, which made up approximately 200,000. Adding them to the keys he already had and averaging their quality, he had acquired about 1,000,000 keys of the third stage in the advanced phase.


    Next, Dick Baker received 5,000,000 spheres. The harnessed wolf was ordered to obey him as his master, and at a rapturous round of ovation, Scarlet Meteor, the legendary ticket to the unattainable imperial phase, was handed over to the winner of the tournament.


    When the box with invaluable medicine was in the fat freak¡¯s hands, the first princess and the three princes trembled with the urge to attack him, snatch the treasure and go on the run. Luckily, theirmon sense prevailed.


    Finally, Nn hesitantly handed the winner a bag full ofrge gold coins with the Russell crest on the obverse and the token symbol on the reverse. There was also a document to acknowledge receipt that had to be sent to the Dantes ministry.


    Kyon took a quick look at the document and noticed that the prize was awarded to Dick Grand: {Lousy bastard has issued the prize to the Grands¡­ It won¡¯t do.} ¨C Before Kyon could express his indignation, he heard Kael¡¯s loud voice.


    ?Gentlemen! Can I have your attention, please!?


    Everyone fell silent and looked at the principal of Liberia.


    ?If my memory serves me right, the main award has never been given away to another empire in the entire history of the forest tournaments. Losing the transformation medicine, spheres, keys, and the wolf is bad enough, but who can exin what the foreigner will do with tokens? They are useless in his homnd! In this regard, I suggest that we divide them equally among the three leaders of the royal families. It will be only fair!? ¨C He smiled slyly, finishing his speech.


    King dimir burst outughing: ?What a stupid offer! Dick Baker was registered for the tournament as a Grand, but due to unforeseen circumstances, his title was taken away, therefore it is logical to assume that the tokens must belong to the Grands!?


    The men stared at each other with overt hostility.


    ?Kael is absolutely right! We must share the tokens between three of us!? ¨C Jezzaya, the principal of Athens, interrupted in the conversation.


    {Sly fox!} ¨C The other principals understood everything at once. Kael had offered to divide the award into three parts for a reason. He wanted Jezzaya to side with him and take action.


    While the three of them kept bickering, Kyon snatched the bag with the tokens from Nn, who was standing there taken aback, ced it in the ring, and gave it to the bird that flew away at once.


    A stunned silence fell over the stands. The three rivals had an eloquent expression written all over their faces: ¡°What the fuck?!¡±


    Kyon cleared his throat: ?Gentlemen, don¡¯t get your hopes high. I won¡¯t give anything to any of you. Not for free. The tokens have just been sent to my personal ountant in the Golden Pig guild, who will write out a safekeeping certificate¡­?


    ?What¡¯s that supposed to mean?? ¨C dimir asked, bbergasted.


    Kyon continued calmly: ?Here is my offer for those of you who want to buy tokens. Send a notary with the money to the guild to perform the transaction. The token price starts with one hundred thousand spheres. Whoever offers the highest bid will get the lot with fifty tokens. One lot will be sold every day. That¡¯s all I have to say.?


    ?Are you¡­ Are you crazy?? ¨C Kael finally lost it. ¨C ?Are you sure that the Russells will allow you to own tokens after all? How dare you arrange an auction for us? Stupid piece of shit! No one in their right mind will ever cooperate with you! Tokens are worth nothing in your hands. How can you ask for a whopping hundred thousand spheres for each coin? Listen to me, stupid boy. Give them back if you don¡¯t want to get yourself in trouble!? ¨C He broke into a scream.


    Kyon snorted coldly: ?First of all, ording to the first paragraph of Article101 of Rosarrian economicw, foreigners can own tokens on the condition that they resell them within three months. Otherwise, the empress formation will dissipate, turning them into nothing. Second, Tokens are usually sold in extremely limited quantities, no more than fifty to one hundred at a time. As a rule, their price varies from two hundred to three hundred thousand spheres. I sell them for one hundred thousand, so it¡¯s the height of arrogance and stupidity to me me for setting a high price. Third, if you, principal Kael, consider yourself better than others, you don¡¯t have to buy anything. No one forces you. The authorities from other kingdoms will buy the tokens. It¡¯s their right, after all.? ¨C He said, falling out of Dick Baker¡¯s character. Anyway, something would save his image of an idiot.


    {SON OF BITCH!} ¨C Kael thought, turning purple with anger.


    At some point, dimir straightened his shoulders and breathed a sigh of relief: {§°h! He had everything covered! Of course¡­}


    Other principals shared his opinion. They could not believe that Dick had nned out the scenario of his victory even before the tournament began. He had incredible foresight! The fat freak was not an idiot as he seemed to be at first, at second, and at third sight. His wealthy parents must have instructed him about everything. It couldn¡¯t have been any other way. There still was a chance to buy the most coveted currency, and buy it in bulk! It was an opportunity not to be missed! And if they managed to cooperate, they would buy two or three lots at a minimal price! The august family would be delighted with their deal.


    They didn¡¯t know that Kyon had thought of this a month before the tournament. The daily auction was going to be held behind closed doors in strict anonymity. There would be no way the buyers could see each other. Whatever agreement they might reach, they could outbid each other¡¯s bet without the risk of being discovered. Lovr was counting on collecting the maximum resources from all the kingdoms of the empire. However, even in the best-case scenario, they wouldn¡¯t get any poorer. The rulers of the kingdoms always had treasuries full of money.


    When the principals had nothing more to say, Kyon ordered the wolf to take the animal form, saddled him and rushed off, his chin proudly raised.


    About five thousand people watched him leave with a variety of expressions on their faces. Be that as it may, the fat freak had left an indelible impression in their hearts for a very long time¡­


    Princess Haya discreetly activated the family formation on her wrist and whispered: ?My faithful knight! Go after Dick Baker at once. Brutally kill and rob him. Do everything as quietly as can be. Destroy the evidence. Follow the order now.?


    The tall man obeyed Her Highness and quietly left the stands. Using a concealment technique, he rushed after the fat freak on the wolf. Haya¡¯s father had always cherished his only dear daughter. That¡¯s why he gave her one of the best knights in the kingdom in the beginning stages of the royal phase.


    When Haya learned that Dick was nothing but a pathetic advanced phaser, she made a firm decision to get rid of him. She was going to get her revenge, as well as the nephrite with the indecent recording, her honestly deserved Scarlet Meteor, and a ton of keys as moralpensation.


    She closed her eyes and saw herself be an imperial phaser. With such power, her authority would rise to the most influential families in Dantes, the capital of the empire. That¡¯s what her talent was given her for.


    The princess would never have told anyone about the incident in the forest, not even her own father. Her devoted knight wasn¡¯t supposed to know anything. The secret of Dick Baker ckmailing her would go to the grave with her. But before that, the wretched freak must die.


    The knight rushed along the road, scanning the area, but, contrary to his expectations, he did not find his target. It struck him as weird. Scanning helped him see everything half a kilometer away. Where could they have gone? Two hourster, the knight lost all hope and returned to hisdy. The awards ceremony had juste to an end, and the princess was waiting inside the royal carriage.


    ?How could you miss him?? ¨C Haya lost her temper listening to the knight¡¯s report.


    ?I am sorry, mydy¡­ I¡¯ve looked everywhere but I couldn¡¯t find him¡­?


    ?I don¡¯t need your excuses!? ¨C The princess bit her finger nervously. ¨C ?Alright, anyway. I guess he will hole up in Cernos. Find out where he lives and do what must be done while I¡¯m waiting for the news at the hotel.?


    ?Yes, mydy.? ¨C The knight bowed to her.


    ?But first, I¡¯m afraid I have pressing business elsewhere¡­? ¨C Haya recalled the database.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was galloping on the tigress¡¯s back over rough terrain towards Cernos. The stunned wolf was following them. He had never expected to see his new master astride an alpha beast whose level of cultivation was exorbitant.


    Lovr stayed in a little pre-rented house outside Boston. There was a ring with a certain medicine waiting for him on the table. His subordinates had recently bought it from the Stones.


    Triana took the human form and put on her underwear, growling angrily: ?I thought you were strong! I thought you could crush noble and lord phasers! You are nothing but one hell of a cheater! You¡¯ve been using attacking formations all the time! Why is my master such a weakling! I am so disappointed in you! Gr-r-r-r¡­?


    Kyon understood that strength for supreme beasts was an indicator of status but said nothing. She must be hurt to serve a ¡°weakling,¡± but he couldn¡¯t care less. He took out his alchemy kit and began to brew some medicine.


    ?You have nothing to say, huh! It makes me so mad¡­ What a shame! You could at least try and convince me otherwise! Are you really worthless without your money? It¡¯s terrible¡­ You are so¡­? ¨C The tigress keptmenting, wagging her tail in frustration and doingps around the room.


    ?Wolf! Get in here in the human form.? ¨C Kyon ordered in a cold voice, grinding a nt with a mortar and pestle.


    The gray beast uncertainly opened the door with its muzzle and went inside, taking the form of a man with wolf¡¯s whiskers, ears, and tail. He gazed with awe at the beautiful girl. White tigers were considered the kings of the forest, and this girl, judging by her appearance and excessive cultivation, was one of the strongest representatives of her kind.


    Triana walked around the naked man with his tail between his legs: ?You smell of fear¡­ Too weak for your age. You¡¯re a disgrace to the ancient bloodline of wolves¡­? ¨C When the tigress finished her examination, she ordered sternly in hernguage: ?Drop to your knees before me!?


    The wolf whimpered and obeyed with a shudder.


    ?Tell me about yourself.? ¨C Kyon said in the same dialect.


    The wolf was greatly surprised to hear the noblenguage from the human¡¯s mouth: ?Wolfie is an ordinary warrior of General Verior¡­ Wolfie failed the task and was sent on a raid as punishment where he was captured and harnessed.?


    ?I see¡­ Do you know this tigress¡¯s name??


    ?No, I don¡¯t¡­?


    ?Alright, then you¡¯re free to go.?


    ?Huh?!? ¨C Triana raised her eyebrows in surprise.


    The wolf¡¯s eyes widened in shock: ?I must have misunderstood you, sir.?


    Kyon looked up from his alchemic task and nced at the wolf with no interest: ?You are a weak, morally crushed supreme beast who won¡¯t ever reach the peak of the noble phase. I don¡¯t need you. I release you from the power of your formation. You may go to your homnd and live as you wish. Only¡­ stay away from humans. It¡¯s my only order.?


    The wolf¡¯s eyes welled up with tears of boundless gratitude. He even squealed with happiness: ?You¡­ You¡­ You¡¯re the kindest of all humans that Wolfie has ever met¡­ Wolfie will never forget you! Wolfie will stay away from all humans and tell his kind that there are nice humans after all!? ¨C The wolf-man bowed to his former master with gratitude and to the shocked tigress with respect. Then he turned into a beast and headed towards the forest.


    Ten percent of light in the core was worth letting the wolf go. Kyon knew that Wolfie would not ruin his life by telling his kind about the harnessed white tiger. The third princess had left the forest kingdom unnoticed, so her father still believed that she was hiding with her uncle somewhere nearby.


    ?Did you really let him go on the grounds of his uselessness?? ¨C Triana was surprised beyond words. ¨C ?Greedy humans are supposed to follow the rule ¡°the more, the better!¡±? ¨C The tigress was once again convinced that her master was an unusual person. Humans would never let a supreme beast go. They would have killed Wolfie at the very least, but more likely, they would have resold him! Kyon¡¯s decision impressed her once again.


    ?I agree with you, but I have no desire to mess with crushed weaklings. As for the reselling him¡­ I don¡¯t approve of intelligent beings trafficking. Besides, I have enough resources, and I don¡¯t see the situation changing any time soon.?


    ?Then¡­ If you let him go¡­ Maybe you will set me free, as well?? ¨C Triana asked ingratiatingly, leaning gently on his shoulders.


    Kyon chuckled wryly: ?No¡­ Never. Forget about it.?

 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333


    ?But you let the wolf go!? ¨C Triana eximed indignantly.


    ?A wolf is no tiger. Have you ever seen a wolf performing in a circus?? ¨C Kyon waved her off.


    ?But the wolf was weak and battered, and I am powerful and strong-willed! Besides, I helped you throughout the tournament! I deserve freedom more than him! Let me go, please¡­? ¨C The tigress pleaded, poking Kyon painfully in the back with her thin finger.


    ?Don¡¯t even try. You¡¯re all mine.? ¨C Kyon imed matter-of-factly.


    ?Why are you doing this to me? You hurt me¡­ You hurt me more than I deserve.? ¨C Deeply hurt, Triana sat in the corner of the room, her ears tucked close to her head.


    He had let the wolf go without asking anything in return. Why did he treat her differently? What was wrong with her? Her heart was troubled by injustice. Supreme beasts rarely felt jealous, but now the tigress seemed to have plunged into it. It was a disgusting, unbearable feeling that made her want to cry.


    A few hours after the tournament, Lovr could see via his birds Princess Haya¡¯s knight enter the tent, knock out the chief administrator and destroy the database.


    Why wasn¡¯t Kyon concerned about a possible copy? It alles down to the basic principles of formacy. Formations could contain only two types of information.


    The environment created non-logical information defied logic and couldn¡¯t be deciphered or copied, for instance, visual or sound recording.


    Logical information could be created by a living being with the help of the elements, for example, the family legacy. Created by craftsmen, it lost consistency if copied.


    Anyone could copy the source code created by masters, but the duplicate of the family legacy didn¡¯t cost much. It couldn¡¯t be replicated and given to lower-level craftsmen. That¡¯s the way it worked.


    That¡¯s why Kyon wasn¡¯t concerned about a possible copy.


    {Great. Haya is my pretty puppet on a string.} ¨C Lovr thought, mentally rubbing his hands. He could read this naive girl like an open book. Her fate had already been sealed.


    Late in the evening, the first princess of Athens was enjoying an elite brand of tea in the VIP room of the Boston hotel, ncing at her watch and nervously shaking her leg. When the clock struck twelve, she nodded to the man standing next to her.


    The knight disappeared from the room and left Boston, heading for Cernos. He covered thirty kilometers in less than ten minutes. The school territory was protected by an rm barrier from an unauthorized entry of anyone below the king phase, so he had nothing to worry about. Using a concealment technique, he quickly approached the dorm, searching for his target.


    At the same moment, Kyon snapped his fingers. Following hismand, Triana approached the VIP room door and released the pressure inside. After another click, the tigress used a concealment technique to break in and hit the petrified princess on the back of her head.


    Kyon went inside, activated a barrier on the unconscious girl¡¯s wrist and made her swallow three pills.


    ?You promised to reveal your n to me! So, tell me what¡¯s it all about!? ¨C Triana demanded impatiently.


    ?I¡¯ll tell you everything on the way to Cernos. Take your animal form!? ¨C Kyon ordered, taking Haya in his arms.


    Soon, the three of them were rushing from Boston towards Cernos at full throttle.


    ?Gr-r-ro-o-§Ñ-§Ñr-r?!? ¨C Triana let the master know she was all ears.


    ?When you released your aura, Haya pressed the family formation, sending a message to her knight. Now he is running at full speed to save hisdy, but he won¡¯t find her because I put a barrier on her wrist to block the tracking signal. In other words, we got rid of problem number one.?


    Kyon learned about this primitive muffler after the events in Lovr¡¯s illusory world. He needed it to kidnap Juno without unnecessary pursuit, after which he would have to reapply his subjugating formation on her.


    {What pills did you give her?} ¨C ?Gr-r-r-ro-o-ar??


    Kyon answered, understanding the question in her roar: ?The first one was the oblivion pill to help her forget thest hour of her life. The medicine is from the Stones¡¯ ntation, so it¡¯s rtively weak. The effect will be minimal, but the princess will definitely forget meeting you. That¡¯s all I need. The second one was a sleeping pill to keep her asleep all the way to Cernos. The third one was an aphrodisiac.?


    {Are you going to **** her?} ¨C ?Gr-r-ro-o-ar!? ¨C The disappointed tigress protested.


    ?No. It¡¯s not that simple. I¡¯ll tell you all about it tomorrow.?


    The arousal medicine for Haya was significantly different from the one he gave to Kara before their wedding night. The previous pill served mainly for the sessful conception. It didn¡¯t affect Kara¡¯s mind much. This one, on the contrary, was designed to make Hayapletely lose control over her sexual desire. By the way, all the female aphrodisiacs were difficult to produce and were much more expensive than the male ones. The Golden Pig Guild could deliver the pill only a few dayster, so Kyon had to purchase the ingredients from the Stones. It had cost him an arm and a leg.


    Soon he got to school, passing the knight on the way. Using a tant lie, Kyon convinced the janitor that he was apanied by an invisible lord-phase bodyguard so that Triana could ¡°officially¡± carry Princess Haya inside without arousing suspicion from the school security.


    Dick Baker entered the dorm, ignoring the annoying aahs and caustic congrattions of the students he met on the way. He went up to his room on the fifth floor and opened the window that led to the outer courtyard. The next moment, the tigress jumped into the room with the hostage on her back.


    ?Are you sure you are not going to f¡­?


    ?Say less!? ¨C Kyon interrupted the curious beast and took the princess in his arms. ¨C ?Wait outside in the invisible mode.?


    Triana squinted herrge, bewitching eyes in suspicion and jumped down.


    Kyon carefully tied Haya to the bed with a strong rope and injected her with a considerable dose of poison that blocked the elements and weakened the body, just like he did with Dinah back in Juno¡¯s mansion. However, the poisonous effect wouldn¡¯tst long in the princess¡¯s powerful body. He needed to hurry. That¡¯s why he also injected her with medicine to reverse sedation.


    ?§®-m¡­ M-m-m¡­? ¨C Haya fidgeted, opened her sleepy eyes and blinked. Her mind was still clouded, her vision blurred. Gradually, her focus increased. The princess found herself in a strange room, clearly not the one she had fallen asleep in.


    Haya tried to get up and realized that she was tied up. At first, she was confused. Then a newfound horror crept into her heart. The frightened girl used the pure energy to release herself when suddenly, she realized that the elements were out of her control, and she was dizzy and weak.


    Kyon watched his frightened captive with interest. Every pale inch of her ivory skin beckoned him. Her silky brown hair fell over her shoulders, covering her perky breasts. She looked like a wonderful, fragile fairy brazenly kidnapped by a malicious ugly robber. Her beauty alone was worthy of the first princess of Athens. Someone was going to be lucky.


    ?Hello, beautiful.? ¨C Kyon finally said.


    His sudden voice made Haya jump. She turned her head and saw the ugly fat freak in underpants, sitting in a chair in the dark corner. Fear gripped her heart.


    ?You probably want to know how you got here and what is going on. It¡¯s simple! You ordered your knight to kill me, and I decided to take revenge. I waited until you were alone, lured you out of your room, and knocked you out. Then I dragged you to my love nest, tied you up, and drugged you to have the hottest night of my life!? ¨C Kyon licked his lips lecherously.


    Animal panic was written all over Haya¡¯s face: ?You¡­ are going to **** me? No! I don¡¯t want you! HELP! §¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡H! ANYONE!? ¨C She screamed.


    ?Scream all you want, honey! This room has thick walls! Your pleasant voice awakens the beast in me!? ¨C With a bulge in his underpants, he approached the screaming princess, whose nice smell was driving him crazy, and lifted her skirt. ¨C ?Wet already¡­ §®-m¡­ It was a nice pill¡­?


    The princess stopped screaming: ?Please, Dick. I¡¯ll do anything for you! Just let me go!?


    ?It¡¯s all your fault!? ¨C Kyon said firmly and tore off her clothes with a dirty look on his face, leaving only her underwear. Her slim body and slender proportions were mesmerizing. He had an urge to touch her soft skin, craved the taste of her on his tongue¡­


    ?My father WILL KILL YOU! My knight will tear you into pieces if you¡­?


    Kyon pulled the stic of her panties up, shutting her up.


    The stimtion in her intimate ce struck her like lightning. Haya puffed out her chest, letting out a loud, voluptuous moan. Only now the princess realized how excited she was. A cascade of juices was flowing down her thighs. Her body was on fire.


    ?Nice reaction. I want more!? ¨C Kyon gently touched the wet spot on her panties and began to massage it with two fingers.


    ?U-oo-aaaa-a-a-a-ah¡­? ¨C Haya screamed shrilly, throwing her head back. Every movement of his fingers lit fire in her groin that filled her whole body. In a matter of seconds, her smooth skin was covered in sweat, as if she were anxious to start. A rush of blood to her face, neck, and chest made them scarlet red. She couldn¡¯t calm her heavy, ragged breathing.


    {I¡­ don¡¯t¡­ want to do it with him¡­ I don¡¯t want to¡­} ¨C Her ¡°tormentor¡± evoked hellish hatred and demonic passion at once. It was getting harder and harder to resist. The princess realized that she would go mad if the bastard didn¡¯t stick his hideous stake inside her. She was doomed to have sex with him tonight and ruin her life. Haya wished she had never met Dick Baker at all. What a pitiful fate.


    Kyon kept caressing the princess¡¯s clitoris with a mix of pleasure and annoyance until he made sure that she was at the peak of arousal and couldn¡¯t resist anymore.


    ~bang~


    The front door was kicked open.


    Haya opened her eyes full of helplessness and bliss and saw a handsome blond man who looked like a fairy-tale knight who hade to save the damsel in distress.


    ?What are you doing to her, bastard?? ¨C Franz barked furiously, locking the door behind him and sending Dick flying with a heavy blow to the face. ¨C ?I will kill you, scumbag!? ¨C He released an aura to show that he was willing to fight to thest.


    ?You will not get away with it, son of bitch!? ¨C Kyon cried out emphatically and jumped from the window.


    ?Did he run away? Rotten coward! Don¡¯t you evere back!? ¨C Franz shook his fist and, following the n, went up to the girl to untie the ropes. ¨C ?Are you okay, mydy? I will untie you. Don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s all over. This freak won¡¯t do anything to you. I swear on my bones.?


    ?Don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯t untie me¡­? ¨C Haya said in a low,nguid voice.


    ?What? What are you talking about?? ¨C Franz lowered his head in confusion as he removed thest loop.


    As soon as Haya was free, she pounced on the handsome guy and knocked him to the floor.


    ?What are you doing? §®-m-m¡­? ¨C Her ardent kiss immediately silenced Franz.


    Haya put her hand under his shirt and dug her nails into his strong masculine chest. Her hero¡¯s beautiful body satisfied the princess¡¯s exorbitant demands.


    With a quick movement, Haya tore off his shirt. Then she pulled back and whispered passionately: ?You¡¯re a fool¡­? ¨C She hugged him tight and sucked on his nipple.


    ?Let me go, idiot! Can you hear me?? ¨C Franz tried to push away the pesky girl, but she was incredibly powerful. She wouldn¡¯t let him escape. Her fragile body seemed to contain the strength of a bear and the lust of a demon while he was a poor fluffy bunny.


    With her little hand, the princess grasped her savior¡¯s hard manhood. She longed to feel this wiener inside herself. She would go crazy if the raging sea of desire didn¡¯t calm down. Since she had no choice, the princess was happy to give her innocence to her noble stately savior, not to the wretched freak. As a result, she dragged Franz to bed against his will.


    Voluptuous moans came from the window of Dick¡¯s room. Two bodies intertwined in a lecherous dance thatsted all night long. Both were drenched in sweat. They nearly broke the bed in the process.


    Haya fell asleep in Franz¡¯s arms.


    Franz also almost fell asleep. He would never forget this night, both in a good and in a bad way. Of course, he could tell that the girl had been drugged. However, the sudden sex caught the former formacist by surprise. He realized that she was the brilliant first princess from Athens. Under normal circumstances, he would have been executed even for a sidelong nce at Her Highness, but he happened to deflower the nobledy while she actively participated in the process.


    {Kyon, I didn¡¯t let you choose who I will fuck and who I won¡¯t! You could have warned me at least! First Julia, now Haya¡­ On the other hand, you¡¯ve made me young and healthy. You even promised to heal my seed for faithful service. You helped me take revenge on the red-haired bitch. Thanks to your instructions, Marina is now crazy about me¡­ I have no right toin. My destiny is in your hands. You can do whatever you wish if it brings me any closer to my dream.} ¨C When Franz thought about this, his anger subsided and he fell fast asleep. He had neither strength nor desire to think about the possible consequences of this night.

 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334


    At about noon, thepletely naked princess yawned sleepily and stretched in bed. When she saw the naked blond guy lying next to her, Haya was scared out of her wits. Yesterday¡¯s events, particrly in the evening and at night, came back to her in a stormy stream.


    {No¡­ Gods¡­ I slept with him. My virginity¡­ Because of him¡­ I can never get married because of him!} ¨C Gradually, fear gave way to burning rage. The princess released an aura of killing intent. He must die for his unforgivable action. A single blow would end his life.


    {But¡­ He saved me from that nightmare¡­ And I raped him¡­ He had nothing to do with it¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ I have no right to kill my savior, my hero¡­} ¨C Haya felt guilty. The killing intent disappeared, followed by grief and self-pity.


    Franz woke up to the sound of her crying. He turned around and saw the princess on the edge of the bed, wrapped like a cocoon in a sheet. She did not kill him after all. Kyon must have figured out her character really well, but what next? What was the point of all this?


    Franz put his hand on the princess¡¯s delicate shoulder: ?Hey, I¡¯m sorry for what happened. I should have guessed that the wretched rascal had drugged you. I am an idiot. Will you forgive me?? ¨C He was choosing the right words for this situation, trying to say them as politely as possible, but, given his natural callousness, they sounded awful.


    Haya shrugged her shoulder irritably and took a sitting position, glowering at her savior with tear-stained eyes: ?I don¡¯t need your pity or apology! You¡¯d better watch your tongue, or I will get you executed for your unforgivable crime!?


    Franz wiped a tear from her cheek without hesitation: ?I can¡¯t stand when women cry. Stop it, alright??


    ?You¡­? ¨C Haya wrinkled her nose in anger and released the pressure of the middle lord phase. However, contrary to her expectations, Franz did not show fear, even if anyone would shake in horror at his level of cultivatio, begging for mercy. Haya was greatly surprised. Was he really so brave and strong? In fact, it all came down to his unique dragon god body. Thanks to it, Franz was almost immune to any pressure or aura.


    Franz felt sorry for the sad beautiful girl and tried tofort her with a hug.


    ?Do you have a death wish, jerk?? ¨C With a slight blow, Haya sent the tactless idiot against the wall. ¨C ?I am Haya Feruz, the first princess of Athens, not just anyone! Show your respect!?


    ?I know who you are¡­? ¨C Franz moaned, rubbing his side.


    Haya was shocked to hear that. She thought that her savior didn¡¯t know who he was dealing with, that¡¯s why he was being so cocky. It turned out he had always been like that.


    Franz added: ?I don¡¯t care about your title. You are my woman, and it¡¯s the only thing that matters. I just want tofort you.?


    {I¡­ am his woman?} ¨C ?Apologize immediately!? ¨C Haya demanded in a threatening tone.


    ?Why should I?? ¨C Franz sounded genuinely surprised. ¨C ?It was you who dragged me to bed like a sex-starved amazon! I just wanted to help you, but instead, I was brazenly raped! Don¡¯t you dare make me apologize for the misunderstanding that is not my fault!?


    ?Mind yournguage, asshole!? ¨C The furious princess released the killing intent again, but she still felt gratitude to Franz for saving her.


    They red at each other for a long time.


    The princess quickly realized that she was dealing with an idiot with a big mouth. It was pointless and even stupid to hold a grudge against him. She calmed down, took out the things she had bought the day before in Boston, and ordered: ?Turn away!?


    Franz obeyed.


    Haya threw away the sheet, got quickly dressed and asked: ?What¡¯s your name? Your family name and rank? Are you married??


    ?Franz¡­ Franz Stone. Second rank. No wife. I mean not married!? ¨C He rattled off the words that Kyon had ordered him to say. Also, he had to hide the fake wedding ring.


    ?Franz Stone, we are getting married soon. You will be my official husband and the first prince of Athens. Be proud of your glorious destiny. That¡¯s how I express my gratitude for saving me.? ¨C Haya announced glumly but resolutely.


    ?You must be kidding me!? ¨C Franz opened his mouth in surprise.


    Contrary to her expectations, he didn¡¯t show any delight, which was rather strange. In her kingdom, thousands of men had been dreaming of her, and this uncouth dork was lucky enough to be her husband. How could he not be happy?


    ?I guess I have no choice, do I?? ¨C Franz asked sadly.


    Haya replied through her gritted teeth: ?Of course not! You¡¯ve taken my innocence, asshole! Now it¡¯s time to take full responsibility for your actions! Are you unhappy about it? Didn¡¯t you call me your woman not so long ago? It¡¯s toote to take your words back.?


    Haya had a lot of time to think about her gloomy future. Among a variety of options she came up with, she chose the one where her savior became her husband. It was the only way for her to retain her honor and dignity. There was a downside, though. The aristocrats would ridicule her, say, she fell in love with a pretty face without talent, money, position, or connections. However, Franz¡¯s powerful will helped her make the final decision. He showed great fortitude, unlike anyone else who might have been in his ce.


    ?Yes, but¡­ I¡­ Uhm¡­? ¨C Franz¡¯s mind was reeling. Gradually, he came to the realization of what a terrible person his master was. Kyon had foreseen everything up to this point and decided his fate without even asking Franz¡¯s opinion! Now he was to be the first prince of Athens, the future king of the first kingdom! What for? The answer was obvious ¨C to drain them of their resources!


    ?I won¡¯t take no for an answer. Get ready for this important event.? ¨C Haya cast a nce at his groin and threw the underpants lying on the floor at him. Then she pressed the formation to call the knight. Where the hell was this dumbass? He wasn¡¯t getting off easy!


    Franz hastily put on his underwear: ?Uhm, princess¡­ I already have two girlfriends, and I won¡¯t part with them for any carrot or stick. Do you understand??


    Haya narrowed her eyes, giving him a piercing, dagger-like nce, but when she saw the determination on his handsome face, she snorted: ?Okay, never mind. I will be your wife, and they will be your concubines. It does not matter. Just stay out of public sight with them.?


    ?Actually, I wanted to marry one of them. Or both!?


    Haya flew into a rage: ?Stubborn fool! I showed my kindness and boundless generosity when I let you leave concubines, and you want to make them wives and make me aughing stock! You have no right to do that! You are a talentless weakling without connections, and I am the first genius in Athens and a princess to boot! So keep your mouth shut and stop making waves!?


    ?Might makes right, doesn¡¯t it?? ¨C Franz nodded in understanding.


    ?Exactly. The matter is closed.? ¨C She waved him off coldly.


    ?Wait. So, I will marry them when I am powerful enough, right??


    Haya snorted dismissively: ?I will even let you sleep with me if you ever defeat me! But this will never happen, believe me.? ¨C She said firmly, tossing her hair over her shoulder.


    ?All right. Then we have a deal.? ¨C Franz smiled confidently, holding out his hand.


    Haya rolled her eyes and shook his hand. What a stubborn daredevil, so full of himself! Anyway, she liked him. He was something unusual in her monotonous life. Too bad he had no experience, or talent, or connections.


    Only, Franz had all of them. He had one hundred and thirty years of experience. Thanks to the dragon god body, anyone would envy his future sesses. As for his connections, he was the legendary TsyJi¡¯s servant! He couldn¡¯t ask for more.


    Soon the knight appeared near the dorm. Haya told Franz the time and the ce of their departure. He had half a day to pack up and take the girls with him. Then they would travel on arge flying beast to the capital of Athens.


    When the princess was leaving the dorm, the students of Cernos greeted her with drooping jaws. The authority of the first princess of Athens was even higher than Kara¡¯s in her best times! What was Haya doing in the male part? It was unbelievable!


    ?Who is the lucky one to have received an audience with Princess Haya!? ¡­ ?I saw hering down from the fifth floor!? ¡­ ?Guys¡­ You won¡¯t believe me, but she came out of Dick¡¯s room!? ¡­ ?Wh-a-a-a-a-a-t?!? ¡­ ?Shut up!? ¡­ ?Mind yournguage and your teeth!? ¡­ ?Don¡¯t tell me that the freak has been with her¡­?


    Prince Charles was passing by the dorm and froze to the spot. He saw Princess Haya leave and heard the numerous witnesses whisper, so he jumped to conclusions: {Seriously¡­ She was in his room?! You must be fucking kidding me!}


    Haya was ignoring the annoying Cernos students. A new stage of her life had begun. She seemed to be ten years older. The carefree days of the daddy¡¯s girl were over. It was time to take matters into her own hands.


    After the knight¡¯s report, the situation with her kidnapping hadn¡¯t be any clearer. There were too many gaps. It just didn¡¯t add up. No guesses, no theories worked. An assistant? Ancient magic? Amnesia? She just couldn¡¯t get it! The princess craved to get her revenge on Dick Baker, but she decided to steer clear from him for her own good. Anyway, it would be pure madness to send a single knight to look for him all over the kingdom, and Haya would hate to get her father involved in all this. The fat freak would leave her no choice if he dared to disclose the incriminating evidence, but he was not so stupid as to turn an entire kingdom against him, right?


    Meanwhile, in the rented basement of the Cernos shopping district, Kyon was talking with a dazzlingly beautiful blonde girl who was absentmindedly winding a lock of hair around her finger. She seemed to shine with beauty and joy from within as if a marvelous flower had blossomed to delight the world with another wonder.


    First, they talked about Princess Haya¡¯s ns: her moving to Athens and imminent wedding, the reason for which Kyon chose not to disclose. Then they discussed impudent, greedy Julia. And finally, then mentioned Marina¡¯s personal life and her emotional state.


    As nned, Marina had fallen head over heels in love with Franz, glorifying his positive qualities as if he were the emperor of the world. There were many exnations for this, but to sum it up, Kyon had turned Franz into a precious reward and made her fight with the best of the best to get it.


    All in all, Marina¡¯s possessive instinct had fallen for his exclusivity. Then she analyzed and epted her feelings, needs, and goals as befits a reasonable woman, which resulted in her fighting for Franz¡¯s heart and attention. Just a few days ago, she plucked up her courage and confessed her feelings to him over a romantic dinner. Since then, they had been together. Marina would have given up long ago if she did not know how much Franz loved her, which he consistently reminded her about. As a result, Franz had be her man, and she was not going to give her ce in his heart either to Princess Haya, or Julia, or anyone else in this world. And she was going to have lots ofpetitors!


    Marina had matured, blossomed and found her only one. Now she dreamed of having children with him. She took a promise from Kyon that he would help Franz heal his seed. She really had strong feelings for him.


    Even if Lovr had always wanted only the best for Marina, he gave her away to Flitz, the nasty old man albeit in an attractive young body, with a light heart. There were two reasons for this.


    First, Flitz had taken her innocence. It was essential for the women in this world to be faithful to their husbands (sometimes to several of them). Otherwise, they will feel wed and inferior all their lives. The examples are well-known. Instead of killing Franz, Haya preferred to take him as her husband, even if there were no actual advantages from this marriage. Deep in her heart, Marina had always belonged to Flitz, which Kyon began to suspect back in Juno¡¯s mansion.


    Second, Franz loved her. Kyon had no doubt that Franz would sacrifice his life, protecting Marina if she were in danger. How could Kyon not entrust his beautiful friend to him.


    When their conversation ended, Marina hugged the fat guy tight: ?Thanks for everything, Kyon. I often doubted your motives. It was your fault that the demoness had nearly depraved me, but everything turned out alright. It was a valuable experience. However, recently I realized how much you cared about me. If not for your secret bodyguards, Prince Charles¡­ Anyway, thanks a lot.? ¨C She gratefully kissed him on the cheek.


    Kyon felt a surge of bright emotions from Marina that gave him about 10% (total 80%). However, his eyes sparkled with ice: {Prince Charles¡­ You have a death wish¡­} ¨C Back at the forest tournament, he saw through the visual formation on Marina¡¯s forehead the bastard burning with desire after taking Mother¡¯s Pet pill. Prince Charles noticed Marina walking alone, pinched her butt, and began to molest her with the obvious purpose of getting under her skirt. Something terrible would have happened if it were not for the two knights who came out of the shadows just in time.


    At that, his conversation with his dear friend came to an end.


    Franz was the next to enter the basement. It was time for Kyon to reap the harvest.

 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335


    ?Kyon! Why the hell didn¡¯t you warn me?? ¨C Franz asked furiously, banging his hand on the table. It was their first face-to-face meeting in several months, and it started like this.


    ?It was a surprise. How did it go? Too bad??


    ?No¡­ Not at all¡­ It was amazing! The princess almost ate me alive! But if I had known, I would have been prepared, and everything would have been even better!?


    ?The effect would be different. Haya might have suspected something was wrong.?


    Franz ran his fingers through his hair and wearily rubbed his eyes: ?Okay, never mind. You¡¯re the boss, but you could at least tell me about your ns concerning me! I make more freedom of choice when I buy tobo than when I decide what to do with my life!?


    ?I will.? ¨C Kyon nodded, understanding his resentment. Now it was time to harvest bright emotions. His nucleus was almost full. Kyon had received the first 5% from Juno for cleaning her keys, she also gave him 10% before they parted. XiaoBai gave him 30% for winning the tournament. Flitz added 10% for returning him his youth. dimir granted him 5% for getting rid of the demons. Wolf provided Kyon with 10% for setting him free, and Marina gave him 10 % literally five minutes ago. He still needed to get 20%.


    Over the next few minutes, Kyon prepared his interlocutor for a heart-to-heart conversation and finally asked the crucial question: ?What do you think about the prospect of bing the crown prince? How are things going for you right now? How¡¯s your love life with Marina??


    Franz lit his pipe and let out a puff of white smoke, looking at his master with a tender smile: ?I used to go with the flow, living carelessly with no ambitions. I took pleasure in street fights, booze, and hookers. Even my career path as a formacist was determined by my father¡¯s belt and a sudden talent. Everything changed after I met Bai, Diana, andter Marina, who looked just like Bai¡¯s daughter. The girl became my only joy in life. She gave me a chance to have children with her. So, I had to nut it up and began to work hard for the Stones and save money for sunflower Ra that could heal my seed.? ¨C He puffed on his pipe grimly, leaning back in his chair. ¨C ?As it often happens, everything went south. Marina disappeared, my health deteriorated, I had a falling out with Bai. My bones told me I was at death¡¯s door. I still wanted to make my dreame true, but I would never leave my dear girl with a baby in this cruel world. Some hundred thousand spheres and Juno¡¯s patronage were supposed to provide Marina with a good life, but then fate kicked me in the gut when your wife bought sunflower Ra! My ns went down the drain¡­ And when I plunged into the abyss of despair, the wizard named Kyon appeared.? ¨C A grateful smile yed on his lips. ¨C ?You saved my life and gave me a new one. You granted me tremendous talent and revived my dream! However, training in Cernos almost broke me, showed me how weak and decrepit I was. Marina was almost disappointed in me, but you did not give up on me! You helped me get back on my feet and get my revenge. You provided me with a beautiful girlfriend and a patron rolled in one! Thanks to your instructions, Marina has fallen in love with me! You are the reason for my happiness!? ¨C Tears of gratitude flowed from his eyes. ¨C ?And now I am going to be the prince of Athens and the future king! With their resources, I will be able to unleash my potential and be stronger to take responsibility for my women! I will be able to protect them! I don¡¯t know if one life is enough to thank you, Kyon¡­? ¨C Franz shook Dick¡¯s fat hand. ¨C ?You are a miracle given to me by heaven. Thank you.?


    Lovr felt as if a wholeke of bright emotions poured down on him. He got the missing 20% ??almost instantly! The number of bright emotions emanating from Franz exceeded everything that he had ever received so far! If the theory was right, the surplus would go to the next stage of the body of the void, and it was at least 30%!


    However, it wasn¡¯t pure luck. Kyon had nned everything. Even demons would envy his cold-hearted, ruthless calction. It¡¯s generally known that the higher they rise, the harder they fall. This rule works in the opposite direction: the deeper into the ass, the cleaner the air outside. Keeping it in mind, Kyon had two goals. The first step was to destroy Franz¡¯s dignity.


    Since the very first days of his stay in Cernos, Franz had been facing ¡°setbacks¡± and pressure from all sides. Birds constantly shat on his head. Bribed waiters addedxative into his tea or spilled the contents of the cup on his pants. The teachers gave him low marks and humiliated him, and the students waited until he was alone to give him a good thrashing while Kyon didn¡¯t give him a single bodyguard. When Franz was near Marina, his disasters umted even faster. In fact, Kara¡¯s help wasn¡¯t something unexpected. The demoness adored Juno, and Marina was almost Diana¡¯s copy. Small wonder that she got interested in the beautiful blond girl. All this drove Franz crazy, he lost the will to live, and the rtionship with his dear Marina was getting worse and worse. He thought that the whole universe was against him.


    Actually, Kyon had designed the most powerful blow even before Franz entered Cernos. He knew about Nn¡¯s orientation. That¡¯s why he had chosen Smirnof as a family name for Franz. ording to the documents, the principal¡¯s cousin came from that family. As expected, Nn Grand found out that the handsome student had no one to back him up and invited Franz to his office, unafraid of consequences.


    Meanwhile, Lovr was ying a role of an outside observer who had nothing to do with all that. He forbade Franz to ept Nn¡¯s invitation, but it was a no brainer that he was desperate to find a patron and stay with Marina.


    Thus, Kyon had diverted all possible suspicions from himself. He made poor Franz believe that he was his benefactor who only wanted the best for his servant and, at the same time, made him feel guilty about everything. After all, if Franz had obeyed his master, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten into trouble.


    After their fatal meeting in the office, Nn began to ckmail Franz, and in the end, raped him. Lovr could hear everything through the bugs at his wedding night with Kara, and he could have sent the bodyguards to stop the principal at any moment, but he didn¡¯t. He had sold Franz¡¯s ass for his own good!


    In fact, it was also a kind of revenge. The former formacist once gave him away to the mercy of Juno the sadist. Now they were even, with potential for the win-win cooperation.


    The second step was to revive discouraged Franz and even raise him to a new level of being.


    Kyon would have never seeded in pulling him out of the depths of despair if it hadn¡¯t been for Marina. She had motivated Franz to ept Kyon¡¯s help, just as nned.


    First, Lovr created the fight club and, with the help of Stephanie, promoted the former formacist to the leaders. Being at the top of the hierarchicaldder, which also included Marina, Franz¡¯s self-respect rose from the ashes and sky-rocketed in a matter of days. He made a good leader, and Marina started to take a keen interest in him.


    Kyon did not stop there. He gave him Julia as a ve, which allowed Franz to get his revenge and a patron in Cernos. It also took his authority at school to a new level, after which Marina realized that he was a desirable man. It boosted his self-esteem yet again. To achieve the maximum result, Kyon only needed to instruct him on how to treat the woman of his heart.


    Both steps together gave an explosive effect of fall and rise that transformed into gratitude, bright emotions. If Kyon¡¯s nucleus had no restrictions, it would be filled with light at least by 300%.


    Kyon took a deep breath, feeling peace in his soul and body. Synergy managed to stabilize his excessively good state of mind due to the bnce of the dark and light emotions in his nucleus.


    ?Franz, I guess you do understand that I didn¡¯t give you to Haya for nothing.?


    Franz wiped a tear that was rolling down his cheek: ?Of course, I am not so naive as to believe in altruism. Tell me how exactly you are nning to take advantage of my position??


    Kyon clenched his hands together: ?A week or two after you be the prince, I wille and clean out the Feruzovs¡¯ treasury. I will need you to give me the password for the family legacy and show the formation to the guard at the entrance.?


    Franz smiled sourly: ?So I¡¯ll have to run away? I¡¯d hate to hurt Haya. She¡¯s nice¡­ But I don¡¯t seem to have any choice. The most important for me is to keep Marina and Julia safe. If you gave me some time to escape¡­?


    Kyon patted his shoulder encouragingly: ?I have everything covered and got you an irond alibi. You won¡¯t have to run anywhere. Just deny any connection with the thief. Sooner orter, they will leave you be.?


    Franz breathed a sigh of relief at first, then frowned with concern: ?What about my pill? It¡¯s been about three months since I took one¡­ I don¡¯t want to be old all of a sudden.?


    ?Sure¡­? ¨C Kyon took out a fake pill and gave it to Franz. ¨C ?Here. If I am not around next time, you will get it by bird mail.?


    ?Thank you¡­ Thanks a lot!? ¨C Franz shook his hand tight.


    They talked about life and discussed their ns and then they said goodbye.


    Franz, Julia, and Marina left the school building and headed to the point of departure near Boston, where arge lizard-like flying beast was waiting for them.


    Haya was sitting on the saddle, swinging her legs in the air. She narrowed her eyes and shook her head in disbelief, seeing two dazzlingly beautiful girls next to her future husband. Then she scoffed and shrugged indifferently.


    {Where did he find them?} ¨C The beauty of her husband¡¯s concubines surprised the first princess. She was even more amazed by the red-haired girl, whose cultivation was an entire phase higher than his. Poor girl must have fallen for his good looks¡­


    Soon they took off.


    Marina and Julia leaned their heads on Franz¡¯s shoulders, while Haya was sitting alone on the opposite side of the saddle with her arms crossed. She was pretending to be asleep, but her angrily twitching eyebrows betrayed her. At some point, Franz tried to hug her and got a ck eye, which calmed him down until the end of the trip.


    Julia could hardly hold back an evil grin. She was on the same side with the first princess of Athens and would dly beat Franz herself.


    Over the past two months, her life hadpletely changed. The free bird was locked in a steel cage with a thick padlock. Nobody could save her, nobody could help. Neither grandfather, nor Nn, nor mother were aware of the subjugating formation on her forehead. It was all because of Franz. She hated him to the core, but recently something had changed.


    Her terrible life as a ve had long turned into a routine. Julia got used to her master, his depraved nature, and insatiable desires. She noticed that he had changed his attitude towards her after she decided to take the initiative sometimes. Julia quickly realized that she could raise to his maid or even his girlfriend with due diligence, and she loved the prospect of a promotion! She even started to envy Marina! Julia was torn between hatred and a desire to change Franz¡¯s attitude towards herself. It was rather weird.


    Meanwhile, Kyon sent Julia¡¯s grandfather, the military officer, a visual formation of Franz¡¯s intercourse with his granddaughter, as well as a copy of the agreement to give Julia to very signed by Nn and his wife.


    It was his revenge on principal Nn. Would he live after this? Fate does as it pleases.

 Chapter 336

    Chapter 336


    Kyon rented a top floor room in one of Boston¡¯s most prestigious hotels. He opened the door with a keycard and saw an exquisitely appointed room: a crystal chandelier, furniture made ofcquered patterned wood, shining marble floors, afortable king-size bed, a glossy white bathroom with a shower. Anyone would stand frozen to the spot, absorbed in this luxurious interior design. Only rich people could afford to spend a day in this ce.


    ?It sucks.? ¨C Triana muttered with disdain, emerging from invisibility.


    Kyon smiled. The difference in cultural values ??was striking. What was delightful for one seemed gross for others, but her opinion didn¡¯t mean a thing to him: ?You¡¯ll get used to it, baby tiger. We are going to live here for a month, maybe two.? ¨C He had been meaning to rent the entire hotel, but it might have drawn unnecessary attention.


    Lovr noticed Triana casting a brief nce at the corner of the room and warned her at once: ?Hey, I forbid you to mark the territory! The bathroom is over there¡­?


    ?I wasn¡¯t going to! I told you that only children and stupid males do this¡­ I am too mature and reasonable.? ¨C She imed, waving her tail.


    ?By the way, I order you to take theplete human form as we agreed in the forest. And get rid of your growling ent.?


    ?Alright¡­? ¨C The tigress reluctantly obeyed. Her pointed ears, tail, fangs, spiky papie on the tongue, and purring disappeared without a trace. Shepletely resembled a human, or rather, a stunningly beautiful girl with tinum hair. She twisted her face in a grimace of disgust as if she were smeared with sticky honey. ¨C ?Since I don¡¯t have a tail anymore, can you give me panties without a slit?? ¨C She asked, straightening her underwear in the crotch area.


    Kyon took some out of the ring and threw them on the bed: ?Choose any.?


    Triana looked thoughtfully at the panties of different colors and styles and grunted: ?But they are all slitted! They look so weird¡­ You must be kidding me! They are made so because you like looking at my pussy¡­?


    ?I will often order you to return the tail and the rest, so consider it investing in the future.? ¨C Kyon retorted impassively and threw a school uniform to her. ¨C ?It¡¯s your clothing. You¡¯d better get used to it soon.?


    She put on human things with the expression what-are-they-even-for. The uniform consisted of a short white skirt, a blouse, and long stockings with shoes. The white color perfectly matched her hair and ivory skin. All in all, her dazzling appearance could leave breathless a good share of the men on this.


    Kyon hugged the tigress from behind and buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent. She was really good!


    ?What are you doing?? ¨C Triana was taken aback. She couldn¡¯t understand why he was being like this. He was gentle and caring but why? ¨C ?Stop licking me¡­ I¡¯m ticklish! And my ws itch. If I don¡¯t sharpen them, my unique body won¡¯t evolve! When can I start working out? You promised in the forest!?


    ?Follow me.? ¨C Lovr came to his senses.


    They left the hotel and went to the next building ¨C the training center. They went to the underground floor, passed a long corridor and entered the veryst door.


    The room with thick metal walls contained a dozen bs glittering scarlet red.


    ?Where are we?? ¨C The tigress asked, looking around.


    ?This is your training room with thirty tons of ultra-strong scarlet lebirrium in the center. It must withstand your ws for at least a few weeks.?


    ?I highly doubt it.? ¨C Triana retorted skeptically.


    ?I paid for them about a million spheres. You¡¯re high maintenance, you know. Well, at least I didn¡¯t have to buy a litter box. Aren¡¯t you going to thank me??


    ?No, I am not. You have forbidden me to practice in the forest.?


    ?I see¡­? ¨C Kyon nodded. ¨C ?I will be in the next room trying to break through into the superior phase. You will stay here and protect me. I don¡¯t think anyone might appear, but everything is possible.?


    ?Huh¡­? ¨C Trina tilted her head, puzzled. ¨C ?Are youpletely insane? Who in their right mind would break through into the next phase, being only in the ninth stage? Do you understand that the probability of failure is about one hundred percent? And if you fail, you will hardly reach the superior phase ever again! Ah, I get it. You must be joking¡­?


    ?I am not. And I am sure I will seed.? ¨C Kyon said confidently. The sensations in his soul couldn¡¯t lie. His nucleus was whispering that he could pull it off. He wasn¡¯t going to wait for about a month until he reached the peak of the advanced phase.


    ?You¡¯re a reckless fool! The way you behaved at the award-giving ceremony! You were lucky to get the main prize only thanks to the king and your indescribable impudence, but now no one will help you! Heed to Princess Tirindun¡¯s advice and don¡¯t do the stupid thing that you will regret for the rest of your life.? ¨C She said coldly.


    ?I hear you. Now make sure that no one enters my room.?


    Triana sighed sadly: ?As you say, master.? ¨C Suddenly, she remembered something. ¨C ?By the way! Will I get a massage for my service??


    ?Sure.?


    ?Great! Also, could you make me that mysterious viscous drink? Only add some honey, please.? ¨C Triana begged him, her hands put together, her eyes glowing.


    Kyon coughed into his fist in embarrassment: ?Of course, darling.?


    ?Thank you!? ¨C She cried out with joy.


    He walked into the empty room that resembled the previous one and took a lotus position on a soft pillow. First, he had to think of an action n for the next month or two. Soon after Franz¡¯s wedding, he would go to Athens for a few days and then to Dantes.


    But above all, he had to finish upgrading his head. The body of the void had four conditions toplete the current stage: harvesting two types of emotions, as well as souls and elements, preferably from quality medicine. Last time, thest condition almost killed him, but it also granted him an unimaginably upgraded head, both in terms of strength and other features. However, his unique body kept whispering to him that only half of the work had been done. He could continue at any time. Judging by the sensations in his soul, it was an ongoing and time-consuming process that could make him defenseless for a while, but it was certainly worth it.


    He wanted to spend this time in Cernos to give Triana a taste of human society and harvest some darkness from the students at the same time. However, the Cernos students¡¯ asses had hardened, and Dick¡¯s tricks might be ineffective against them. Besides, he would hate to meet the Hunters or the sect envoys. Of course, Triana would protect him, but it wasn¡¯t worth the risk.


    Anyway, he had to get Triana a family formation. She needed a kind of cover story, so Dick took out his sound transmitter and called the Bakers to send him a skilled formacist for a tidy sum.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief, took the Rising Hawk pill that he had stolen from Juno at the Stones party and swallowed it.


    With this high-quality medicine, the probability of a breakthrough was about 100%, but Kyon was only at the 9th stage, not the peaking one, which reduced the chance a hundred times. Only a few would dare to take the risk, but he was confident of sess. His high-ranking body wouldn¡¯t lie.


    The pill dissolved in his stomach, and its energy rushed to the keys and into the soul. Soon, he heard the muffled scream of a thousand hawks. With every minute, the sound grew louder and louder, gradually bing unbearable. It was inevitable, although the intensity of the noise differed depending on the quality of the medicine. It was as if gods tested the practitioner¡¯s willpower and spirit. If they were not strong enough, they would fail, blocking the transition to the next phase forever. To ease mental stress, practitioners entered aa-like meditative state, during which they were defenseless.


    Kyon shed a scornful smile. Synergy shut down all the irritants emanating from his soul like a magic pill for all trouble. He feltpletely at peace with himself. His mind was crystal clear. Nothing could prevent him from concentrating on transformation.


    As a rule, breaking through into the superior phase didn¡¯t take more than two days, which couldn¡¯t be said about higher phases. It could take several days, or even weeks. Apparently, a day would be enough for Lovr.


    As expected, twenty hourster, he opened his eyes wide with satisfaction.


    ~bam~


    Triana rushed in, nearly breaking down the thick metal door, shock written all over her pretty face: ?You really did it! You broke through! But how?!?


    ?Like this.? ¨C Lovr snapped his fingers loudly.


    ?You mean you have ovee the most difficult stage just like that? Come on! I am not buying it! What¡¯s your secret? Spit it out!? ¨C The tigress roared in amanding tone, grabbing the master by the jacket and shaking him from side to side. She had no doubt that even a highly gifted practitioner would have failed. Was her owner a real genius among geniuses? Or did he use another trick? She had to find it out!


    Kyon gave her a forehead flick and then suddenly kissed her right on the lips.


    ?Huh?!? ¨C Triana was taken aback, twitching in a funny way.


    Reluctantly, Kyon pulled away: ?Don¡¯t forget the order not harm me in any way¡­? ¨C And pounced on her again, this time using his tongue. She was so delicious! Kyon missed her warm, dangerous mouth. He could eat her up.


    Triana¡¯s embarrassment quickly gave way to excitement. She sucked on the juicy piece of meat in her mouth, savoring its taste and aroma. She wished she could take a tiny bite! Her master must be insane if he put it in the mouth of a predator¡­ Anyway, she didn¡¯t mind a little bit.


    A few mind-blowing minutester, Kyon said: ?Wait for me in your training room and don¡¯t even peek in here. I am going to prepare a treat for you. See you soon.?


    ?Alright!? ¨C Triana licked her lips and went to practice, yfully wagging her ass. She could get used to this. Games with the ¡°mouse,¡± an everyday treat, and a massage on the way! Being harnessed by a despicable human, she couldn¡¯t ask for more! Even if the owner acted weird at times, he was never beyond the pale.


    When Kyon was left alone, he analyzed the changes after the breakthrough and immediately noticed that Synergy had leaped from the intermediate level of the student¡¯s degree (2) to the peak level! As expected, the essence of the universe grew stronger with each new phase. Then he checked the quality of the elements, but there was nothing unusual about them besides the standard enhancement.


    Kyon¡¯s servant entered the room and handed him a couple of several rings.


    {Finally!} ¨C Kyon rejoiced, clutching the long-awaited delivery from Dantes.


    It took more than two months! Collecting debts required a lot of time. Numerous families that had made a deal against the Stones¡¯ victory in the tournament went bankrupt and refused to give their money away. Even the Golden Pig guild took their time to deliver a big order that included lots of various medicine and two precious artifacts. Finally, it took a great effort to discreetly deliver the package from the capital to Boston so that no one could track down where the goddess¡¯s messenger lived.


    The money Kyon had received from the phoenix, Valeera, and ckmail had multiplied many times thanks to the numerous families in the Iron Throne. Adding to this the ten million spheres Kyon shook out of Bai, minus XiaoBai¡¯smission, he had made a whopping 121 million spheres!


    Kyon had spent 1 million on heavy-duty metal for the tigress¡¯s ws. He had given 4 million on bribing the teachers and on all kinds of expenses. About $ 10 million had gone to the Bakers, including the recent order to send a formacist for Triana. Also, the guild had received 96 million spheres. At the moment, Kyon had only 10 million spheres left.


    Lovr had toplete thest condition of the body of the void: to fill the core with elements, and today he would definitely do it! It was time he got stronger¡­

 Chapter 337

    Chapter 337


    Kyon took two thin bracelets out of the ring delivered from Dantes.


    The first one could fake the soul cultivation. It could be set up to the royal phase inclusive, and no one below the imperial phase (7) would ever suspect anything. However, as soon as the bracelet owner used a tiny bit of energy, everyone would die ofughter. Anyway, it could also be considered a weapon. This item was sold for 13 million spheres. Even the Grands would find it rather costly.


    The second bracelet was designed to rece elemental vibrations. If the bracelet owner used the earth, the water or the wind elements to raise the battle fist level, everyone in the royal phase inclusive would feel, for example, pure energy and wouldn¡¯t recognize the heavenly genius, or the goddess¡¯s messenger. Kyon paid for this bracelet 9 million spheres, and there was a story behind it. Some bright sparks in the Golden Pig guild had put a tracking formation inside to spy on Kyon.


    Lovr put on both bracelets, wrapped them in the imprable cloth and hid them under his skin using the earth element as he did with the spatial ring once. Now even monsters wouldn¡¯t detect them with scanning.


    Next, Kyon took out a fragrant cultivation elerator pill. It was more difficult to get than he had thought, and its price was outrageous ¨C 16 million spheres. With its help, his cultivation would boost for the whole two months! However, he couldn¡¯t take more than one pill per phase. By the way, once he got a pill like this only much cheaper from Yegorka Stone, who wanted to give it to his beloved Juno as a gift. The medicine was called Soaring Angel, but somehow Juno didn¡¯t get it.


    Lovr was about to swallow the pill when he remembered that he had been meaning to finish upgrading his head. The body of the void had whispered to him that he would be defenseless for a while, so it was only logical to assume that he would be unable to upgrade. It would be reasonable to take the pillter.


    Finally, Kyon took out a few tons of different herbs toplete thest stage of the body of the void. He had paid for them 40 million spheres. He had spent the remaining 18 million out of the $ 96 million order on ingredients for various medicines he was nning to sellter, as well as for the enzymes for Triana, the royal phaser.


    Kyon walked over to one of the twenty heaps of herbs and held out his hand. As if by magic, it turned to dust. His hand turned into grey dust everything it approached. An unknown force drew the life out of the herbal medicine and sent it to his soul and nucleus.


    Ten minutester, only one heap remained intact. Lovr had filled the core with elements up to 99%. Thest percent would mark thepletion of the 2nd stage, but he had a pressing matter to attend to.


    Kyon entered the next room, where the charming girl was scratching her razor-sharp tiger ws on metal tes.


    ?Finally!? ¨C Triana turned around and seemed to have teleported to her master. She was eager to taste the delicacy she was already addicted to. She wasn¡¯t keen on the unusual treat known at first, but now she could no longer imagine her life without it.


    ?Well, I¡¯m waiting! Come on!? ¨C She demanded impatiently, kneeling down.


    Before Kyon took out the blindfold, the tigress had already covered her eyes with it.


    And then it was treat time.


    Triana enthusiastically swallowed the sweet reward, savoring the delightful hot, viscous liquid flowing down her throat, trembling with pleasure, when suddenly she frowned: ?Hmm, what the hell! You can¡¯t do this to me! I need more!? ¨C She resolutely grabbed the thick ¡°bottle¡± and eagerly sucked on it.


    ?Wait¡­ Ahh¡­? ¨C The wet enveloping, pulling sensation in his delicate ce made Kyon double over. He lost the ability to think and move. An electric-like shock went all over his body, even his fingertips trembled. It was a delightful feeling.


    ?Huh?!? ¨C Triana suspected that something was wrong and pulled back, removing the blindfold. She was stupefied by what she saw. The tigress plopped on her bottom like a rock and slowly crawled away. ¨C ?What? Did I drink¡­? ¨C She couldn¡¯t finish the phrase. The realization that she was drinking the wretched human¡¯s seed and the understanding that she was really enjoying it defied her worldview.


    Back at home, her sisters used to offer her to try this delicacy. They said it was an acquired taste and could be appreciated with time, but she always refused. It was uneptable for her to consume despicable humans¡¯ or demons¡¯ disgusting seed. Her sisters did not share her opinion. It was food, after all. Insects, blood, eyes, limbs¡­ Was there any fundamental difference? Not at all! Nutritional value was the only thing that mattered.


    Kyony on his back and stared at the ceiling. She would have found out sooner orter, anyway. He had no regrets. It was time to move on to the next level of intimacy between them.


    The tigress wiped the foul moisture from her lips and yelled with hatred: ?Have been lying to me all this time, ugly monster? It¡¯s no cr¨¨me fra?che but your semen!? ¨C Her body had digested and assimted the owner¡¯s genital secretions. She refused to ept this!


    ?It finally dawned on you¡­ You¡¯re so naive.? ¨C Kyon said casually.


    ?I¡¯ve had a bad feeling about all this, but I couldn¡¯t even imagine that you could be that insane! I wouldn¡¯t even think of that!? ¨C The tigress eximed angrily.


    Kyon chuckled: ?You jerked me off while washing me for several days like it was no big deal, and after we finished with this and I began to feed you some ¡°mysterious delicacy¡± you didn¡¯t suspect anything! Holy naivete! You don¡¯t have to be a mathematician to add two plus two. Or maybe you thought I could just ignore a juicy, attractive piece of meat walking in front of me? Supreme beasts are so stupid.? ¨C His tone was tinged with scorn and even pity.


    ?Don¡¯t you dare to talk about supreme beasts like this, filthy human!? ¨C Triana bared her teeth, almost trembling with anger. Her eyes sparkled, her fists clenching violently. She had been insulted and humiliated like never before. It was outrageous!


    ?I¡¯ll tell you what ¨C you know what you have to do if you want your favorite massage. You can have your cake and eat it, so to speak.?


    ?You are so¡­? ¨C Triana shook her head and spit with disappointment. ¨C ?I swear by goddess Ceres that I will kill you if I get the chance.? ¨C She sat in the corner of the room and stared at the wall, looking hurt. The owner was right, she was terribly naive, but it ran in her blood! She was born like this! Was it her fault?


    Kyon shrugged and went to the next room. The tigress would eventually go along with it just as she did with bathing together. She just needed some time alone. In a couple of days, she woulde for more. The supreme beasts couldn¡¯t go against their nature and they had never been known for being picky eaters.


    Lovr¡¯s unique body¡¯s absorbing power turned thest heap of medicine into dust. The elements rushed into his soul and core, filling it up. He had met all the conditions. The second stage was over!


    The nucleus in his soul vibrated and started spinning. With each turn, it emitted spatial shes, or to be more precise, time distortions. Kyon felt dizzy as if from drug intoxication. He had a fiery urge to sneeze.


    {Stop!} ¨C Kyon ordered the body of the void and, to his surprise, it obeyed. The elerating rotation had slowed down significantly. He couldn¡¯t do it before he hadpleted the first stage. Had the body of the void be smarter or more obedient?


    With his willpower, Lovr appeared in the gray world created by the body of the void. There was dynamite with a timer for 30 seconds at his feet. Last time, he threw it up before the explosion, and all the collected elements rushed into his head, upgrading it and nearly killing him.


    {What part of my body should I upgrade now?} ¨C Kyon has been thinking about this for a long time. His intuition, or rather the body of the void, suggested that he could choose only one option. It was either the head, or a leg, or an arm, or the body. A total of 6 variations, one of which had already beenpleted. Did this mean that the body had only six stages of evolution? The devil would know!


    Lovr took some time to reflect on the decision: if he chose the body, he would be able to take blows from powerful opponents with no harm to himself. However, would it be pointless if he was slow and his attacks were weak? It made no sense. He could significantly elerate upgrading one of his legs! But something told him that afterpleting this stage, he would be able to escape from almost any creature on this. What was left? An arm! It would definitely help him defeat stronger opponents.


    {What the¡­} ¨C Kyon frowned when he tried to toss the dynamite up. It just wouldn¡¯t go anywhere above his head, which meant that he couldn¡¯t upgrade the same body part twice. When he realized it, Kyon resolutely threw the dynamite to the right.


    ~bam~


    The explosion threw him out of the illusory world. The elements collected from the medicine rushed from his soul into his right arm in a stormy stream. The limb got instantly covered with red spots. Veins bulged to the surface, swollen and visible above the skin. Even the carbon bones cracked and itched.


    Kyon groaned in pain. Thousands of worms seemed to wriggle inside his arm, myriads of ants crawling over the bones. Pain and itch mingled together. However, Synergy had instantly suppressed them.


    After waiting for three hours, Kyon opened his eyes. The right arm upgrade had beenplete! Its strength and durability had increased by an indefinite amount that he had to determine yet.


    Kyon took four spheres out of the ring. The translucent one was of the base phase. The amber one was of the advanced phase. The purple sphere was of the superior phase. The pale green one was of the noble phase. Each sphere was ten times more durable and more expensive than the previous one. Using pure energy, practitioners could crush with their hand only spheres of the corresponding phase. The lower the stage, the less obvious the destruction.


    Lovr took the base phase sphere with two fingers and instantly turned it into dust. The amber sphere followed its example. The purple sphere shattered into pieces. Incredible! Being at the first stage, he was supposed to crack the sphere, not turn it into crumbs! Kyon held his breath and took the pale-green sphere. He infused it with pure energy and squeezed it as hard as he could.


    ~crack~


    He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes when he opened his hand: the sphere broke into four pieces!


    {Amazing¡­} ¨C Lovr took a deep breath. Being at the 1st stage of the superior phase, he did what only noble phasers at the 1st or even the 2nd stage could do! Technically, his physical strength alone was on a par with those a phase above him!


    Kyon took the Scourge in his hand and waved it for a few minutes. Surprisingly, his arm did not feel any tension or fatigue as if it were a twig, not a hundred-kilogram sword!


    Once, at the Stones¡¯ party, he could barely defeat Tsayan, giving him only harmless bloody scratches with the adamantium sword. He could not harm Princess Kara at all, he could only cut her clothes, sending her into a rage. However, if he could go back to the past with his upgraded arm, he would have turned both of them into a bloody mess!


    {Wait¡­ Can it be possible¡­} ¨C Kyon had a sudden feeling just like he didst time: the arm could be upgraded even more! It could be even stronger! He just had to devote some time to upgrade it!


    Meanwhile, the nucleus rotation in his soul had reached a dangerous level. Judging by his sensations, the body was going to make a breakthrough! And it involved the sh that had distorted the space and the ce around himst time!


    Kyon remembered that he was underground and quickly rushed outside to find a safe ce. Triana followed him under the order not to lose sight of her master. He did not have any reason to stop her.


    Lovr left the building and rushed to the nearest abandoned construction site five kilometers away. The nucleus in his soul was emitting strong chronotic pulsations. Just a little more and¡­


    As soon as Kyon ran into the deserted site surrounded by a thick wall, it all started¡­


    ~bam~


    Triana¡¯s pupils narrowed. Her senses heightened, her instincts kicked in. The aura emanating from the owner was breathtaking and amazed her to the core. It could not be suppressed or surpassed as if it were at the very top of any hierarchy, which was its rightful ce! Itcked arbitrary, unbridled energy or mortal danger, but its power was undeniable! There was no doubt that this aura can only belong to the Sovereign!

 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338


    {What¡¯s going on? Is this auraing from the master? How is it even possible?!} ¨C An endless spiral of questions flooded Triana¡¯s brain. She reflexively used a concealment technique and hid behind a pile of wooden beams, secretly watching the owner emitting a mystical aura.


    Suddenly, she saw a bright sh that wrapped the space around the master like a lens effect. Everything it touched got distorted beyond recognition and crumbled to dust. The enormous construction site copsed in an instant.


    When the second stage of the body of the void was over, Kyon fell to his knees touching the ground with his head. He was overwhelmed with an iprehensible feelinging from his nucleus.


    ?What the hell are you?? ¨C Triana yelled, jumping out from her hiding ce.


    Kyon opened his mouth but didn¡¯t say anything. This feeling¡­ Seriously¡­ No way¡­


    Suddenly, the tigress felt something and gasped: ?What?! You¡¯ve skipped from the first stage to the fourth in a second? How?!? ¨C She took him by the shoulders and shook him like a rag doll as if trying to shake his soul out of him. He radiated the imperious aura of a sovereign. He created a destructive technique that frightened even her. And now he turned out to have raised his cultivation by three stages at once! Was he a monster?


    ?I order you¡­ Stay in the hotel room¡­ Until Ie back¡­? ¨C Kyon uttered with an effort.


    ?Are you seriously driving me away? Ruthless bastard! I will die of curiosity!? ¨C Triana headed towards the hotel, a flood of emotions on her face. She had a key card but no answers to thousands of questions.


    {That was close¡­} ¨C The thought shed across his mind.


    Synergy suppressed all mental pictures of Triana as well as cut off the connection with bugs and visual formations in the hotel room. Nobody and nothing should remind him of the tigress or he would let her go home.


    Who would have thought that the bright emotions he had received from Franz would fill up his nucleus by 80% as soon as the second stage of the body of the void wasplete! Franz¡¯s gratitude turned out to be truly colossal. His ass did a great job. Lovr was experiencing so many good feelings that it was going to take him some time to bnce his emotions even with the help of evolved Synergy. The situation was actually quite dangerous because he rejected the idea of regaining bnce. He was euphoric, finally at peace with himself, filled with lightness of body and being¡­ Who in their right mind would give it all up? Anyway, Synergy was working ording to the predetermined n because this scenario had been taken into ount.


    Filling up the nucleus with darkness was as sessful ¨C only 8%. Messing up with the participants and the principals at the tournament didn¡¯t bring him much? How disappointing¡­


    At the moment, Kyon had received 80% light, 8% darkness, 0% souls, 0% elements. He had to fulfill all four conditions in order toplete the third stage of the body of the void.


    When he reached the 2nd stage, Kyon instantly skipped from the 1st stage of the superior phase to the 4th without any consequences. Also, it was now in his power to absorb souls that exceeded his cultivation by 35 stages (three areas and five stages), which he would soon find out. But the best part was about his Synergy that had evolved from the advanced to the peak level of the student¡¯s degree! One more step and it would evolve to the bachelor¡¯s degree (3)! New possibilities would open up for him, and his Synergy¡¯s power would increase tenfold.


    Lovr returned to his training room with a peaceful smile and took a lotus position. He was bathing in the light of his being. He was being kinder than any monk or altruist. Only persistent admonitions of his real self kept him from going out and helping people in need that were abundant in the streets.


    Kyon had found out about the four conditions, about the leap in Synergy evolution, about the three stages given by his body of the void. Now he was curious about something else. He stretched out his arms and created darkness in one hand and light in the other.


    {Amazing!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight. Darkness and light used to condense into a light fog. After the 1st stage wasplete, they resembled a dense cloud, but now they were concentrated into a bright clot of sma! The aura emanating from the attributes was at least ten times clearer than before he hade into possession of the body of the void! Along with the light and the darkness enhancement, the sh of light and the sh of darkness had improved significantly.


    Lovr held his breath and put his hands together. The dark and the light clots of sma collided, creating a bright pale green ball of light ¨C the spatial attribute.


    Kyon enjoyed the enhanced properties of the green element doing numerous experiments with it. It had be more intense and its pration power had increased so much that it could ovee the natural soul resistance and raise up the channels. No one else in the whole world could do such a thing! In other words, Kyon could infuse his soul with the attribute and teleport! His calctions and intuition did not fail. He was d that he had chosen to upgrade his arm. He might have lost too much if tempted by a possible increase in speed, he would have upgraded a leg.


    A peaking noble phaser could create a 5 cubic meter spatial ring. A peaking lord phaser could produce a 10 cubic meter one. A peaking royal phaser would make a 20 cubic meter one, and so on. Kyon was in the middle of the superior phase, but with the help of his new spatial attribute, he managed to create a 30 cubic meter ring. Only middle imperial phasers were capable of this! Kyon didn¡¯t seem to ever have problems with storing things.


    Kyon knew there was something more to the new spatial attribute beside the possible teleportation and creating rings of huge capacity. Something undiscovered but very useful. His intuition didn¡¯t lie.


    {Hm¡­ What is this strange feelinging from my soul?} ¨C Lovr closed his eyes and focused on his nucleus, forcing it to reveal its secrets. It suddenly started to spin, sending peaceful waves that resonated with the channel of light as if changing its properties.


    Staying focused, Kyon released the attribute of light¡­ Bright golden liquid appeared on his palm. It spilled onto the floor and evaporated at once.


    He opened his mouth, amazed. It was time for mind-blowing experiments!


    In a few hours, Kyon got the picture of the process. Under the impact of the nucleus pulsations, the light attribute lost its connecting properties and acquired attacking ones. In other words, it couldn¡¯t be transformed, mixed with anything, or used in any way, but it could be used to make an attack!


    Lovr drew the Scourge and activated the light element. The sword surface got covered in a thin golden film emanating a noble, holy aura as if a gant knight had raised the legendary sword of justice to punish his enemies.


    He swung the sword, letting out a bewitchingly beautiful wave of light shaped like a crescent moon. It crashed into the steel wall cutting it in two and stopped somewhere deep in the ground.


    Kyon seemed genuinely surprised. The distance to the wall was 5 meters, but the impact of the blow stayed the same if not even stronger than expected. It was as if he had lengthened his weapon, attacking with his sword from a distance¡­ This battle technique would quickly be legendary because of its effectiveness.


    He had spent more than ten hours experimenting.


    Kyon figured out many things about Light Cut, that¡¯s how he decided to name the liquid light attack. Although it would be a mistake to call it liquid. It resembled a non-Newtonian liquid that bes solid under certain conditions. Any light attack copied the characteristics of the weapon and the swing from the mass and strength of the sword (or even a fist) to the sharpness and the speed. Roughly speaking Light Cut was the strike extension. When attacking with the Scourge, the de of light would be as difficult to cut as the carbon from which the sword was made, taking into ount how sharp and heavy it was! Considering the weight and strength of his sword, as well as his upgraded right arm, the new feature was a real blessing for Kyon! If he could find a way to increase the weight of the sword up to a trillion tons, then Cut of Light would destroy anyone! However, after 5 meters covered to the target, the copied characteristics would drastically decline. After 10 meters, they would almost disappear. Anyway, the light element would increase the impact of the attack by about 2-3 stages.


    Most importantly, Light Cut wasn¡¯t actually aimed at killing in spite of its attacking function. It was the embodiment of the bearer¡¯s goodwill. Even if cutting the enemy, it would bypass the vital organs. If it happened to enter the opponent¡¯s body, it would deprive them of the opportunity to use the elements and weaken the system. To cut it short, a good thrashing with Light Cut would totally incapacitate the adversary.


    Kyon also suspected that there must be a dark version, but he couldn¡¯t use it in his current state. He had to be exposed to darkness to the same extent as he was exposed to light at the moment.


    After he finished exploring Light Cut of Light, Kyon moved on to discover other features that appeared uponpletion of the second stage. He found out something amazing at once.


    The annihtion sphere used to take a lot of time to prepare: all the nine elements pompously united into a little ball, spinning and twirling until they copsed in the center, creating a miracle element. While exercising, Kyon noticed that the time to create the technique was gradually decreasing. Now that hepleted the 2nd stage, his understanding of the time element had reached apletely different level as if he had been practicing it for years! He could see a number of changes for the better.


    First, the time for preparation had reduced many times. Second, it had be more powerful. Third, the need for pompous performance had disappeared. Now Lovr could create a small annihtion sphere from nothing and reach its maximum power in a matter of seconds as he did at the family tournament.


    It means that an outside observer wouldn¡¯t see or feel the nine elements in a single sphere and wouldn¡¯t recognize the famous goddess¡¯s messenger, the bender of the 9 elements. They would think that Kyon was using his unique body¡¯s powerful feature, exining this way his imperious aura and mysterious vibrations.


    Considering the fact that Lovr had used a sh of light before he activated the annihtion sphere at the family tournament, practically no one knew what the time element looked like. Thus, he could use this ultimate technique without fear of being recognized, which gave him leeway!


    A day had passed, but Kyon¡¯s mental state was still unbnced. He decided to seize the moment and practice enchanting. Everything he needed was in his ¡°bottomless¡± ring. It was time to master another trade and find his new strong points.

 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339


    There exist various professions in the world, from cksmiths and cooks to artists and hunters. But three of them surpass them all at least a hundred times!


    An alchemist is a professional who makes medicine. They produce both general and special medicine: enzymes, transformation medicine, breakthrough medicine, cultivation elerators, healing medicine, unique bodies, medicine that fulfills the conditions for some unique bodies cultivation. Alchemy is first in order of importance.


    Formacist has the skills to create formations. Among them, for example, family formations (passport), hierarchical formations (rank and position at work, school, in the army¡­), legacy formations (techniques, instructions¡­), attacking or defensive formations, spatial formations (for storing things in a spatial ring), subjugating, tracking, recording or functional formations (standings, calctors, clocks, vitals, thermometer¡­), and so on. Formacy is second in order of importance.


    An enchanter has skills to enchant inanimate things or matter. Trying to enchant living beings is as ridiculous as trying to set water on fire. Teachers would beat their students to death with a stick on the head for this. The mostmon and demanded enchantments include strengthening (of armor, weapons, clothing, construction material¡­), hardening, resistance (to temperatures, elements, pressure¡­), voring (making things sweet, salty, sour¡­), densification or imprability (like the imprable, scanning-proof cloth; walls, foundation instion¡­), weighting, and even painting. Roughly speaking, an enchantment changes one selective characteristic forever (until another enchantment is applied). Enchanting upies its rightful third ce.


    At this point, Kyon had mastered formacy to perfection, thanks to his extensive programming skills from his world. He could be easily called a 0-ranked formacist, a legend among legends, the god of formacy.


    As for alchemy, he had mastered only one of the branches ¨C unique body creation. He had yet to study lots of other fields of this discipline. Most importantly, Lovr had invented the Cycle of Creation, before which all the alchemists in the world would kneel. He had defied the basic principles of alchemy and achieved unexpected sess.


    Kyon cracked his fingers and neck, a sly smile ying on his lips. He was about to repeat his feat. This time, in the field of enchantment. He was hoping to find a loophole and get a huge advantage over anyone else in the whole universe. He wouldn¡¯t give up until he achieved all his goals!


    First, Lovr took a look inside his mind, where he had the whole Boston library, and highlighted the main points. The most important element in enchanting was a trigram, a magic circle, the bridge and at the same time the key to a single characteristic. Adding elemental energy (keys) to the trigram would get this characteristic multiplied. For example, when enchanting water for strength, the characteristics of the liquid state would remain unchanged, but the ice would get much stronger. The multiplication factor depends on the type and the level of the enchantment.


    There are four levels of enchantment, each of which is more expensive and more difficult to implement, and most importantly, more effective than the previous one: 1 ¨C basic, 2 ¨C advanced, 3 ¨C superior, 4 ¨C master, which hardly ever used. They got their names after the grade of elements required for each level. Only few people can study even the superior grade, let alone the master one! It¡¯s hard to imagine the genius of those enchanters.


    For each next level of enchantment, it¡¯s necessary to apply the previous one of the same meaning.


    However, the grade of the elements isn¡¯t the essential part of thisplex science. It alles down to the trigram. Basically, there are two steps to create it:


    First, it is necessary to draw a perfect trigram. A single wed bend or line, and the probability of failure is close to one hundred percent. Resources will be wasted, and there is even a risk of a dangerous explosion. It takes many years of practice under the guidance of an experienced teacher to draw a trigram at high uracy. The apprentice must also learn to work with special tools.


    Second, each practitioner has a unique channel way, or the way the energy emerges from the keys, which means that the trigram drawing will be individual for everyone. Fortunately, there are certain rules and patterns for all types of enchantment that help novice enchanters achieve sess. Teachers and textbooks also help.


    However, the second point wouldn¡¯t present any difficulty for Kyon. After all, he had mastered the grades of elements through a thorough analysis, not through enlightenment (at an intuitive level). Synergy helped him know them at the creator level.


    On average, it takes an average talent 2 or 3 years of active practice and learning to reach the 7th rank in enchantment. With a bit of luck, it¡¯s possible to get to the 6th rank in 20-30 years, but it takes extraordinary talent to ever get to the 5th rank. However, there are monsters that reach the 7th rank in a matter of days! Masters from high-ranking empires grab them easily and quickly like a rare chance.


    {I wonder how many years will it take me to seed?} ¨C Kyon¡¯s face assumed a sort of dreamy expression.


    With the help of the earth element, he created a perfectly t metal te a meter in diameter. Only cksmiths could reproduce this mold following specific detailed drawing. Then without any tools, he drew a wless trigram inside it with mathematical precision. The trigram consisted of shallow grooves with nine funnels at the edges and onerge in the middle (see the image). The central one was intended for the enchanting item. The nine small ones were meant for the keys (or rings with the keys).


    Regardless of the type of enchantment, the ratio of the keys of each element must always be the same. Theck of the necessary amount will lead to an inevitable failure. However, the surplus of the keys will remain intact.


    Lovr ground the cloudy green stones (nephrites) into powder, and put it carefully into the grooves. It would conduct the elemental energy.


    He ced an equal number of keys of each element in each of the nine funnels. Then he put two granite stones in the center of the trigram. One was twice the size of the other.


    {Well, well¡­ All I need is¡­} ¨C Kyon touched the green powder in the grooves and infused it with pure, earth, and heat elemental energy.


    Any enchantment requires three things: 1 ¨C a perfect magic circle, 2 ¨C payment (in the form of the keys), 3 ¨C energy bending. For example, weighting requires pure, earth, and heat energy. The most popr hardening enchantment requires pure, light, and ether energy.


    There exist elementary enchantments for beginners that require only two elements, and there are unreasonablyplex ones that only a heavenly genius with five elements can realize. Theoretically, there should be enchantments that require six or more elements, and the quality it affects can bepletely unpredictable! Fortunately or unfortunately, such experiments are impossible in this reality. They are destined to remain an unknown mystery, a world secret, a subject for writers¡¯ fantasy. Maybe some divine being will realize and test them once.


    As soon as the elements permeated the green powder, almost all the keys turned into gaseous iridescent energy that entered the green powder and followed the pattern to the center of the trigram like electricity flowing in wires¡­ The nephrite powder burned bright and gradually disappeared without a trace while two granite stones glowed scarlet light for a second, which meant that the experiment was sessful.


    {First crack out of the box!} ¨C Kyon could not repress a burst of Homericughter. Even if Lovr was on the bright side, his character did not lose its arrogance and self-importance.


    If any master-enchanter found out that someone managed to cast an enchantment at the first attempt, he would die of a heart attack or would be disappointed in himself and all his students forever.


    Kyon just cast a weighting enchantment of the basic grade. It increased the weight of stones tenfold. An advanced grade enchantment would increase it a hundred times, and a superior grade could increase the weight a thousand times. The Scourge initially weighed about ten kilos, but the basic grade enchantment cast by a Stone enchanter increased to a hundred.


    How could the enchanter raise the weight up to 50 kilograms? The answer is simple ¨C he enchanted only half of the sword, which was quite easy to do. Enchanting didn¡¯t work on animate organisms and bypassed elemental energy, that¡¯s why the part of the weapon infused with energy remained intact. This practice had been long known and used everywhere.


    Kyon picked up the granite stones. One weighed 4 kilos, the other 2 kilos. As expected, each weighed ten times as much as before. If he had cast an advanced grade enchantment, one stone would weigh 40 kilos, the other 20 kilos. Theoretically, it was possible to enchant an entire mountain, but it would take billions of keys! The more massive the object, the more keys its enchantment requires, and there is no way to bypass thisw. For example, Triana weighed about 200 kilograms as a tiger and much less as a human. Her mass was sealed inside the body in the form of energy. It¡¯s the same with inanimate objects, and the hidden mass alsoes with a price.


    Kyon wondered where he should look for a loophole? Which one? After racking his brain for a bit, he made a decision: {First, I will study enchanting inside out and then I will find a way.} ¨C And he started practicing and experimenting.


    5 days flew by.


    Kyon was still in the bright state, making impressive progress in enchanting. He didn¡¯t need a tutorial to figure out how to cast certain types of enchantments. He had discovered the deep meaning of this subtle science and understood how it was connected with matter. In fact, he had learned how to cast any enchantment of the advanced (2) grade, and even some of the superior (3) grade. And small wonder. After all, he had the superior grade of earth, light and darkness thanks to the dwarves and the voracious spheres-keys. However, it was going to take him some more time to study the superior grades of the remaining elements that he had taken from the Grands¡¯ legacy.


    The nuances of the profession didn¡¯t cease to impress Lovr. Enchantments could affect absolutely any characteristic of matter. Those that required 2-3 elements affected mainly the most primitive characteristics, such as mass, strength, and density. Enchantments that required 4-5 elements affected more subtle characteristics, such as: mass reduction, suppressing or increasing radiation ¨C from spiritual scanning to electromaic waves, decreasing or increasing resistance to elements, etc. No one in this world had ever tried to go beyond this. Enchantments that required 6-7 elements interacted with moreplex characteristics, like increasing the speed of chemical reactions, metabolism, cell regeneration, changing the consistency, boosting elemental energy (except pure energy). The most interesting enchantments required 8-9 elements at once. They must be only in gods¡¯ and goddesses¡¯ power if they have the right to bend more than 5 elements. The list of enchantments includes resistance to or boosting pure force, the basic element, increasing or decreasing the distance between the atoms (radiation), changing characteristics of the fundamental interaction (annihtion, maism, gravity), changing the direction (charge) of the atoms and quarks (antimatter), and even transparency (invisibility) for all types of radiation¡­


    Anyway, those who had banned bending all the nine elements did it for a reason. However, the enchantments that could cause a real apocalypse came with an insane price. For example, there aren¡¯t enough keys on the to annihte a single stone.

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340


    When he learned the enchantment principles, Kyon understood that the three main professions of this world have the same purpose ¨C to control matter or energy. With this in mind, he came up with a theory in which he was 99% sure. There was an empty slot in everything that existed, and he could enter his code in each slot.


    Lovr was convinced that there was only one slot and a single-threaded code with a linear function. The underlying principle in formacy suggested single-threaded processes just like the binary code used inputing.


    If there were two slots, then medicine could be enchanted without losing its properties. It also worked the other way around ¨C the enchanted ingredients couldn¡¯t be used twice. Formacy collided with the two other professions.


    When an enchanter casts a spell for durability, say of a granite stone, they write a code in the form of a form for increasing strength. When enchanting the weight of the same stone, the form of strength is reced by the weight calction. Each next level of this enchantmentplements it. The trigram is used as a writing pen. The skill of writing is determined by the grade of the elements. The keys serve as ink.


    When a formacist applies a formation, they enter an action code for the energy contained within the formation. The longer the code, the less energy in each line, the less efficient the formation. In this case, pure energy is used as a pen. The skill of writing is determined by the rank. The formacist¡¯s energy and spheres serve as ink.


    When an alchemist creates medicine, they enter an action code for the energy contained within the medicine. The longer the code, the less energy in each line, the less efficient the formation. That¡¯s why narrowly focused pills are always more effective. The interaction of the energy in the ingredients is used as a pen. The skill of writing is determined by the rank. The spheres and the keys serve as ink.


    To sum it up, enchanters fill the slot inside the matter, formacists find a way to fill the slot inside the energy. Alchemists fill the slot inside the soul (using unique body pills and not only them). It proves that there¡¯s a slot in everything that exists, and only the creator of this world has direct ess to it.


    But why did the god need to create a slot? The answer is obvious ¨C to control the universe without interfering with its fundamentalws! It allowed him to dissipate the souls of the unwanted and destroy entires with mind power! Presumably, he can reenchant things many times, maintaining the previous changes! He wouldn¡¯t limit himself, after all¡­


    But why did he create only one slot and not ten? He didn¡¯t want toplicate an alreadyplex universe! This stupid god did not even see the bug with turning the spatial pocket inside out! There is ample evidence that he stole the idea of this world from Lovr¡¯s universe.


    Why did the inhabitants of his world have to fill the slot using the three professions? Because it¡¯s in his nature! He is no creator or originator, but just a bored omnipotent being. The whole system of phases, stages, unique bodies, and slots, the three exciting professions, numerous races, goddesses, legendary artifacts and much more¡­ no doubt, the god just wanted to have fun.


    Kyon nodded in understanding. It all added up. He could see through the creator without even making sure of his existence. Who said that it was impossible to win ying the weakest piece by someone else¡¯s rules?


    {We¡¯ll see about that!} ¨C Lovrughed.


    After all the deductions and conclusions, Kyon was interested in two things: how to reenchant things without losing the effect of the previous enchantments and how to enchant a living being. The answers to these two questions seemed to yield good results.


    Kyon decided to deal with reenchanting first. He had to find a cheat code to be able to enchant things as many times as could be, which was tantamount to finding critical vulnerability that could create significant effects.


    {There must be a key that enters the enchanting code to the system forever¡­}


    Kyon started experimenting.


    A day flew by.


    He tried to find a way to enter the code into the system. He used formacy, alchemy, the time attribute, the nine elements, even Synergy! Not a single clue. No progress at all.


    {If I were a god, I would keep the key to this important feature with me¡­ in my soul.} ¨C As he came to this assumption, Lovry on his back and stared at the ceiling. No creator in his right mind would leave a chance to take advantage of this precious feature. It would be the same as granting a premium ount in the world order.


    {I am wasting my time.} ¨C Kyon decided it was time to move on to the second issue and find a way to enchant a living being. It didn¡¯t require any extraordinary skills, even an average person could do it with the help of a teleportation trigram! It was abination of formacy and enchanting closely linked to each other. The formation creates a barrier and releases a spatial attribute, and the trigram enchants everything within the barrier, reducing resistance to the spatial attribute. Thus, spatial energy with insignificant permeability prates the body, the keys, the channels, and the soul. Then it remains only to enter the coordinates, get a response and activate the movement.


    Only few people could afford spatial trigrams. They could be created by someone who bended pure energy, ether, darkness, and light. It must be a high-ranking formacist and enchanter rolled in one because the energy frequency of bothponents had to be the same. However, the formation made it possible to perform the movement without anyone¡¯s help. It only took plenty of spheres and keys. The formation activated the enchantment, converted energy into the spatial attribute and performed teleportation.


    Kyon suddenly remembered the teleportation trigram under Juno¡¯s mansion in the heavy-duty tombstone. Now he realized that it was of master grade! With its help, he could teleport far away¡­ Even in the Saturn empire, the most powerful teleportation trigram was of superior grade only, which was enough to move around the. What powerful creature was buried under the Stones¡¯ mansion?


    {Where shall I start?}


    A servant brought Kyon a cage with a rat. Being in a bright state, he did not approve of cruelty to animals, but enchanting wasn¡¯t dangerous, especially when he was in charge.


    Lovr created two molds with a teleportation trigram, created a teleportation formation in each of them, stuffed them with spheres and keys of light and darkness, ced them in different corners of the room, put theboratory rat in one of them, entered the data of another formation and activated it.


    A translucent barrier formed above the trigram. Green energy emanated from the formation, prated the rat, and about a minuteter¡­ teleported it to the other trigram.


    Kyon grunted pensively, deep in thought. He took the frightened rodent and infused it with the spatial attribute. The enchantment for reducing the resistance of the spatial element had dissipated for no reason. It shouldn¡¯t be like this.


    When he tried to cast another enchantment, nothing came of it.


    {The god must have made an exception to the teleportation rules.} ¨C It made sense. The god created spatial bags to stimte economic development in his world. Why not allow teleportation through his universe?


    Anyway, Kyon was not going to give up. The rules are meant to be broken, after all. He would always regret the missed opportunity!


    He spent another couple of hours experimenting, seven days in total.


    Kyon became quite mncholic. He looked tired, his eyes red-rimmed, his hair a mess. He hadn¡¯t had more than a couple of hours sleep during a week, engrossed in enchantments, but things were still where they started. Even understanding the concept of the profession and learning millions of variations beyond averageprehension, he hadn¡¯t found anything better than weapon weighting


    {Damned rules¡­ Why can I enchant a weapon that has the same frequency as my soul, but I can¡¯t enchant my body? I¡¯ve tried so many things. I even glued the enchanted skin to the flesh, but the effect immediately disappeared¡­ As if the very soul ruins everything!} ¨C Every time an invisible emanation from his body swept away all the enchanting effects.


    A sudden guess made Kyon jump: {Wait¡­ Why didn¡¯t I think about it? It¡¯s all about life force emanating from the soul! It resists enchantment!}


    Kyon confirmed that there was some invisible essenceing from the soul that scanned his mind, resonating with brain waves, and checked his body for foreign energy simr to immunity. It was also known as ¡°soul connection¡±, ¡°soul¡¯s volition,¡± or ¡°life force.¡± He had found enough evidence for this. The soul of the former owner of his body remembered its offenders, wanted revenge and meeting with parents. It was difficult to apply formations on advanced practitioners. Medicine lost its effect in a highly cultivated body and soul. A subjugating formation inevitably faced soul resistance. Life force seeked to dissolve and dissipate any foreign source. Willpower only increased this resistance.


    {It considers my enchantment to be an invasion and removes it¡­ Damned soul immunity! Of course! Why didn¡¯t I think of that? It will work as soon as my soul stops attacking the enchantment! I need Synergy!}


    In millions of years, they would have found a way to enchant the body if they could order the ¡°soul immunity¡± not to attack the enchanting energy. However, theycked the most important tool ¨C Synergy. It was the only substance that could work with information at a basic level. Even if it couldn¡¯t enter a code into the slot with a code, it could change the attitude of the soul¡¯s immunity to the foreign energy!


    First of all, Lovr made a risky decision to capture the rat¡¯s soul. He infused it with Synergy¡­ An instantter, he returned from the illusory world. He had never experienced anything weirder in his life. All he had to do to capture the soul was to feed the hungry rodent.


    Kyon infused the rat¡¯s soul with Synergy¡­


    A few hourster, Lovr¡¯s eyes sparkled. He instantly activated the trigram. The keys turned into energy and flowed into the rat. A scarlet glow enveloped his body and rushed into its soul¡­ Failure.


    {Not enough power?} ¨C He realized and swallowed hard.


    He tried again and again, doubling the number of keys each time. The glow became more and more intense, but at some point it dimmed andpletely dissipated, which indicated that there wasn¡¯t enough power.


    {Is it so expensive to enchant a soul?} ¨C Kyon doubled the keys again.


    The energy of enchantment flowed into the rat¡¯s keys¡­ The glow dimmed for a moment and was about to go out when it red ten times stronger than before, illuminating the entire training room.


    Kyon squeezed the animal lightly like a pom-pom. He really enjoyed this sensation¡­ He threw his head back and heaved a deep sigh. Sess tasted so sweet. A week of hard work wasn¡¯t in vain. He had enchanted the rat for strength, and its soul had gained a new quality, thanks to which it would surpass the rest of its species until the end of its life. Kyon went against the basic principles of enchantment and was sessful! Well, it wasn¡¯t without the help of Synergy, of course.


    There is a slot in everything that exists, and if the living beings have an empty slot, it doesn¡¯t mean it should be this way. It only makes them weaker than they could actually be. It¡¯s like a talented warrior who has to fight with his left hand because the right hand does not work.


    If Lovr enchanted his soul, it wouldn¡¯t give him any external strengthening factors such as powerful weapons or thick armor that would wear out sooner orter. Quite the opposite, this qualitative amplification would be for life as if his body of the void had granted him another bonus. It would be his new passive ability, a part of his body and soul. The form inside the slot multiplied the characteristic. Therefore, it would never lose its relevance.


    The only significant drawback was the price! Soul enchanting was devilishly expensive even if it was a little rodent. How many resources would it take if adding it to the advanced grade of enchantment or even the superior grade? A lot¡­ An awful lot.


    Now he had to find out which characteristic he should enchant given that the effect would remain for life. Regeneration? Durability? Pure energy amplification?

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341


    Kyon took the choice of enchantment seriously. He had enough resources to enchant a human soul up to the advanced grade. First, he needed to test the waters experimenting on a rtively cheap rat.


    Lovr picked up the animal and cast the most promising enchantment of enhancing pure energy that required all the nine elements.


    As expected, the new enchantment reced the previous one. The effects didn¡¯t stack.


    Kyon infused the rat with Synergy and forced it to release some pure energy to test the changes.


    {Hm¡­ How curious! The element has be two stages more powerful. It means it will be only eight stages more powerful after a master grade enchantment. Not too much.}


    Any practitioner in the world would hit him in the head for this outrageous statement. Eight stages for the fundamental element with a single grade! Wasn¡¯t it a blessing from above? Pure energy could be used for both defense and attack! This arrogant bastard was a tad too presumptuous!


    Kyon was disappointed that even an 8-stage advantage wouldn¡¯t do him any good. Competing with opponents 15 stages stronger would be pure idiocy like head butting with a bull. One stage in their cultivation meant more energy density than eight stages in his. His offensive and defensive elements would hardly change!


    {This enchantment will slightly increase all my characteristics and most importantly, it will raise my speed by almost half of the phase! That sounds interesting¡­} ¨C Lovr concluded and moved on to consider other options.


    The pure energy resistance also piqued Kyon¡¯s interest. An enchantment of the master grade would decrease the impact of the opponents¡¯ blows by 12 stages. However, he would have to find another way to block the rest of the elements. Fortunately, there were plenty of them. And yet, the increase in speed still looked more promising.


    The regeneration enchantment seemed to be good, but it was nothing like the previous two. Besides, Kyon was nning to create a healing technique based on the Grands¡¯ legacy.


    The muscle-strengthening enchantment didn¡¯t work. In fact, there were lots of non-material things, such as detecting the source of darkness, light, killing intent, or possible surveince, as well as increasing spiritual sense, soul instincts, and maybe even good luck, but Kyon had no idea how to get through to these metaphorical features and create the necessary trigram pattern.


    Kyon went over a dozen different options but didn¡¯t find anything outstanding. It was only a waste of resources. He would have to make a choice between two enchantments: enhancing pure energy or increasing durability of his body.


    The most demanded enchantment in the world that required only three elements was on a par with the one that enhanced pure energy and required nine elements. It increased durability of the body by five stages with each grade (taking into ount the pure energy protection), which was really impressive.


    All enchantments gave a different stat multiplier. For example, weighting enchantment multiplied the mass by 10, hardening enchantment made the object about five times stronger (5 stages), element enhancing increased its density by about 170%.


    If an average practitioner was given a choice between enhancing the most important element by four stages or increasing the body durability by 10, anyone would choose the first option. It increased the speed due to the movement technique, as well as defense and attack.


    However, Kyon was in a different situation. Enhancing pure energy would speed him up by 4 stages multiplied by 13bat fists. However, increasing durability by 10 stages would be multiplied by his carbon skin, his carbon bones, his upgraded arm and head. Roughly speaking, he had to choose between speed and super strength. Which should he choose?


    Lovr recalled his battle with Princess Kara at the Stones¡¯ party, where any opponent could deliver a fatal blow and take his life. Dozens, if not hundreds of times, he miraculously avoided being hit at the veryst moment. He didn¡¯t enjoy dancing on the razor¡¯s edge. He¡¯d prefer to be a tank than a racing car on the battlefield, especially if he could teleport.


    {That settles it.} ¨C Kyon concluded.


    He created a massive mold with a pattern for unbreaking enchantment, filled the holes with an equal number of all types of keys, stood in the center, and activated the enchant. The scarlet energy consumed the enchanter and rushed to the keys in his soul.


    Kyon felt a slight tingling sensation all over his body, flowing into the channels and beyond. Then it gave way to another one that felt like drying wax on the skin as if he were turning into stone under Medusa¡¯s gaze.


    A bright sh lit up the room as a mark of sess.


    Next was the unbreaking enchantment of advanced grade. ording to rough estimates, it was ten times more expensive and would take about 800 thousand keys out of a million that he had. He would have to spend almost everything he had earned in the forest tournament.


    How many keys would he need for the unbreaking enchantment of the highest grade? The whole Feruzovs¡¯ treasure wouldn¡¯t be enough. Anyway, hecked the superior grade of ether. As for light, it already had a superior grade thanks to the voracious key sphere.


    Kyon cast aside all his doubts and created another trigram, this time with more intricate patterns. He filled the grooves with nephrite powder and put the keys in the rings, or there wouldn¡¯t be enough space for such an amount.


    Soon the scarlet glow lit up the room. Sess again, but at what cost!


    Kyon clenched his fists and smiled: {It was worth it. By all means. There is nothing more important than getting stronger. Especially in terms of protection.} ¨C He reassured himself.


    Now the durability of his body wasparable to that of a practitioner ten stages stronger (if they used only pure energy for defense) without taking into ount the carbon skin and bones, the modified arm and head. Ifte Artie (Artemis) Grand tried to stab him now, he would hardly leave even a small cut. Even if Triana hit him in the head with her ws just as she did when they first met, she would leave only minor scratches on his skull. That¡¯s how unbreakable he had be.


    He was so sleepy, he couldn¡¯t think straight. His hand reached for the pillow, but his mind demanded a few more experiments. He had to get rid of some doubts and confirm some guesses.


    Kyon created a granite stone and crushed it with his hand. It turned out to be harder than usual.


    {As expected, everything my soul creates will also be augmented with enchantment.} ¨C Kyon grunted contentedly. His earth element had reached apletely new level. Even lord phasers would find it difficult to crash the adamantium rock.


    Lovr put the stone in the trigram, cast a weighting enchanted, and broke it again. To his utter amazement, the stone had gained extra weight beside being ultra-strong.


    {Seriously? The previous entchant stayed! But why?!}


    Kyon quickly realized that his enchanted soul had undergone qualitative improvement. That¡¯s why it had such a high price to pay. It wasn¡¯t just about protection, something like invisible armor. His soul now released enhanced elemental energy, albeit with an empty slot.


    Lovr was delighted. His weapon would be ultra heavy beside being ultrastrong. Besides, his earth element was many times more powerful than was expected to be. He did not regret his choice of enchantment, not in the least.


    He took out the Scourge and infused it with the earth element to multiply its strength. It¡¯s one thing to create something new, and a different thing to make something better. It took him only two hours to do the necessary upgrade. As the sword became stronger, it also changed its shape and turned red. Kyon would hate to reveal his true identity.


    Now Lovr had just enough resources to enchant the Scourge with the superior grade weighting enchantment, but hecked the superior grade of ether. Besides, 10,000 kilos of sword would be too much even for his upgraded right hand.


    Kyon cast an advanced grade enchantment and waved the sword. A thousand-kilo sword was ok. He couldst two or three minutes of the battle with it. However, there arose a new problem: he lost bnce with each swing! His dexterity could go to hell if the sword brought him down.


    He could solve this issue by the sticking to the floor technique that could be performed with pure energy and was known to any experienced practitioner. Any noble phaser faced the problem of sliding on the floor during hard braking or eleration. This technique solved the problem once and for all. It allowed any sudden change in direction. A practitioner could stop a racing horse and not budge.


    A surprisingly bright thought shed across his tired mind.


    He applied a formation on the handle and activated it, his eyes red as he were a maniac vampire.


    The sword suddenly lightened by 900 kilos. Its weight had been sealed into the formation in the form of energy, simr to Triana¡¯s transformation process.


    Then the weight returned just like that.


    Kyon wiped the sweat from his forehead and burst intoughter: ?I am fucking genius!?


    The weight-reducing formation has two conditions: 1 ¨C the object must be infused with pure energy. 2 ¨C increasing or decreasing weight requires energy. Therefore, this method is ideal for heavy weapons but not suitable for construction. Lovr couldn¡¯t find a single mention of this method in the entire Boston library because such formations were never as perfect as his. They required too much energy, needed to be recharged, and the object reduced only half of its mass.


    Kyon could seal as much as 95% of its mass instantly with minimal energy consumption. No formacist in the world could ever reach this result. With this formation, he could dodge and attack with the same ease as if he held a cane in his hand! Only, he would have to return the mass just before attacking the opponent.


    Lovr¡¯s eyes suddenly shed brighter than the stars with another idea. He applied another formation on the hilt and threw his sword across the room, holding out his hand as if carrying out his own mic drop.


    The spatial attribute enveloped the weapon at once.


    ~whoosh~


    The sword teleported back to his outstretched arm.


    Kyonughed even harder than ever. Now he could change the mass of the sword as well get it back in his hand! He didn¡¯t have to worry about losing his weapon. He could even throw it like a spear without thinking about the consequences!


    Kyon copsed onto the pillow with a happy face and instantly fell asleep. He was as happy as a chick that had just hatched from an egg and realized that he was not a chicken but a pterodactyl. He had be powerful beyond imagination.


    While he was sleeping, Synergy worked at full power. Kyon had been in the light state for a whole week. If Juno or Triana had been around, he would have given them freedom. That¡¯s why he had to erase the slightest mention of the tigress from his memory. If he had met his sworn enemy, he would most certainly have spared them. Kyon couldn¡¯t live like that anymore. It was time he got back to normal.


    ?I loved her¡­? ¨C A ghostly voice sounded in his mind.


    Kyon opened his eyes and stretched. He got back in shape after almost ten hours of sleep, but most importantly, he returned to his true self! Now he could go back to the tigress and y with her properly. He¡¯d missed her and her gorgeous body.


    With Synergy, he saw the hotel room through the visual formation, and his eyes grew to the size of saucers: {Triana! What are you doing, stupid bitch?} ¨C He rushed off to the hotel, his fists clenched, his teeth gritted in silent fury.


    (A.C. I¡¯ve calcted the exact mass of the weapons in different arcs, including the final ones, and concluded that these numbers are so extreme they¡¯re virtually inconceivable. I will have to sacrifice ¡°realism¡± in favor of beauty. You might want to consider it a beneficial convention.)

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    It waste evening. The sun went down below the horizon, allowing the stars to illuminate the sky.


    A fleeting shadow scared away the gang of cats roaming the streets.


    Kyon stormed into the hotel, dashed to the top floor and kicked open the door to his room. He was enraged by what he saw: three boys naked from the waist up were sitting on the wide bed, showing off their sculpted muscles. Their faces were glowing red, their overexcited nces fixed on something incredibly bewitching. They were on the verge of drooling, a huge bulge in everybody¡¯s pants.


    That¡¯s a no brainer that he found Triana sitting opposite them. She was holding ying cards in her hands, confusion and even despair written all over her face. She seemed to be losing the game. They must have been ying strip poker because the tigress had nothing left on apart from her panties, and those were crotchless. Her slender, graceful body glowed in the dark room. Her hair fell over her shoulders in a cascade of snow-white curls, giving her an extraterrestrial look. She was the paragon of grace, elegance and poise as befitted a princess. Her delicious melons with stiff peaks had already captured the souls of the three mortals, and her pretty face with clear amber eyes had won their hearts. She was iprehensible as if she were an emperor¡¯s daughter. And yet, this noble person had been ying strip poker with a bunch of teenagers.


    The sudden rumble made the four gamblers jump. They stared at the intruder, bewildered.


    Triana¡¯s perfect amber-colored eyes widened nervously as she looked at her master. The expression on his face did not bode well. She realized that she had messed up. But when and how?!


    The three boys¡¯ faces twisted with anger. The bastard would regret that he had interrupted their ascension to heaven!


    ?Who the fuck are you?? ¨C One of them barked.


    ?None of you fucking business.? ¨C Kyon answered coldly, slowly approaching them.


    The three belligerent boys jumped off the bed, releasing pressure at once: ?Mind yournguage, freak!? ¡­ ?Do you know who we are? We¡¯re pure-blood descendants of the Romanov family!? ¡­ ?You must have a death wish!? ¨C Two of them were in the middle of the superior phase, and one was at the finishing stages of the same phase. Why should they be afraid of the jerk who was only at the fourth stage?


    The strongest of the three was perfectly aware of his superiority. He shed a vicious grin at Kyon: ?Gods know what hole you crawled out of, but you have interrupted my brothers and me from an important matter! I should beat the shit out of you, but I¡¯ll give you a chance. Drop to your knees and hit your forehead on the floor three times as hard as you can, and then I might forgive you!? ¨C He said haughtily as if doing a great favor to a worthless creature.


    Kyon continued to approach them with a ruthless gleam in his eyes. He was emitting a dense, all-pervading blood intent that even the most evil killers and maniacs would fail to release.


    The three boys shuddered and turned pale. What was going on? Why on earth were they afraid of this weakling? In front of the gorgeous girl! It was uneptable! They had to make him pay for this embarrassing moment!


    ?I¡¯ve changed my mind, jackass!? ¨C The leader of the band stretched out his hand to grab the fat freak by the neck and lift him up¡­ but he was faster.


    ~bam~


    In an instant, Romanov¡¯s face met the floor. His nose broke before he lost consciousness.


    With the same light movement of his hand, Kyon threw him through the open door like a bag of trash and looked menacingly at the other two: ?Go to hell. You have three seconds. Three¡­ Two¡­ One¡­?


    A gut feeling or maybemon sense brought the two Romanovs to their senses. They left the room like a meteor and mmed the door behind them to escape the monster who had overpowered their elder. The eldest Romanov had never been defeated in a duel before. But it wasn¡¯t over. They would return to spend some more time with the divine beauty. The three of them had fallen head over heels in love with her over thest three days. Their souls and hearts belonged to the snowy-haired goddess named Triana.


    ?What the hell are you doing, little bitch?? ¨C Kyon barked, pping Triana across the face


    Triana pursed her lips, ring at her master.


    Suddenly he raised his eyebrows in anger: ?You didn¡¯t go down on them, did you??


    ?No! I¡¯d never do that!? ¨C She quickly turned away, outraged.


    Kyon could hardly restrain himself from hitting her again. He was burning with rage at her na?vet¨¦. The three bastards had wrapped her around their little finger, and she didn¡¯t realize what they were after! They had tricked her into stripping her clothes to admire her charming assets¡­ And what happened then? Kiss, chat, and flirt? Blow job? Attempted ****? There must have been some of this!


    Lovr closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm down.


    ?You¡­ You¡¯re abominable!? ¨C Triana growled, crossing her arms over her chest.


    Kyon clenched his fist and hissed threateningly, taking a step towards her: ?Is that what you think of me??


    ?It is!? ¨C Triana affirmed, sticking out her chest. ¨C ?I starved for four days! I stared at the ceiling for hours, my itchy drove me mad! And all this because of your cruel order not to leave the room! Where have you been, ugly freak? How could you forget about me? You don¡¯t give a damn about me! I thought I could tolerate a master like you, but it will never happen if you treat me like that!?


    Kyon¡¯s expression went from angry to tense. He stood rooted to the spot. An unpleasant and heavy feeling of guilt sat at his heart. Over the past week, he hasn¡¯t thought of Triana once. Even if he had a good excuse, it didn¡¯t change the fact that she was suffering because of him. He had no right to be angry with her.


    Triana hugged herself, visibly uneasy: ?I would have died of hunger if not for those pretty boys¡­ They didn¡¯t only feed me every day but also entertained me. They taught me how to y cards, told me all sorts of stories and jokes. We had fun together until the owner beat one of them and drove the others away! You are so¡­ bad.?


    Kyon shook his head: ?Are you really so stupid that you don¡¯t understand their primitive motives? Why do you think they were kind to you??


    Triana gave him a nk stare: ?Did they need a reason to help a poor girl in need? We were just having fun! They wanted to distract me¡­ They liked mypany because I am a beautiful, noble princess.? ¨C She nodded with conviction.


    Kyon buried his face in his hands with a painful moan. Then he spat with contempt: ?The Romanovs wanted to fuck you, fool! Didn¡¯t you find a game of strip poker strange or suspicious? In human society, nudity is uneptable, and you knew about it! What did you feel exposing your tits in front of the horny teens??


    Supreme beasts had a less-developed sense of shame. Wearing clothes was optional for them. On the contrary, it wasmon practice for them to walk around naked, showing off their assets. Triana didn¡¯t think she was doing something bad, showing her boobs to the excited boys. She did not perceive them as potential males at all and took their flirting or attempts to get closer as a funny joke. The tigress had perceived only Dick Baker as a potential male after he frightened her with his roar characteristic of an alpha male.


    ?But ¡­ they were just cute, tasty, harmless boys! Why should I feel anything unusual about them? Even if they had something on their mind, I would never let them take advantage of me!? ¨C Triana retorted, certain that she was right. She really couldn¡¯t get it why the master was so angry with her. ¨C ?I felt grateful to them for food and fun, but you have made me sad!?


    ?You are such a baby. I can¡¯t keep an eye on you every second¡­? ¨C Kyon mumbled glumly.


    ?Don¡¯t me me! It¡¯s all your fault! Why did you give me that terrible order?? ¨C She turned away, snorting angrily.


    Kyon rubbed his eyes with his fingers: {She is right in a way¡­ but I don¡¯t give a damn. I just have to knock some sense into her. She is too naive even for a servant. I will have to teach her some human concepts no matter what.}


    Kyon decided to change Triana, and the best way to do it was to send her to study in Cernos. The students and the teachers would teach her morality, culture, traditions, and values ??of human society. As for Lovr, he was going to y the main role in this process.


    Besides, It would give Kyon darkness, and most importantly, he would close the issue with the Hunters. Any dy could be disastrous. If they started digging into Dick Baker¡¯s background, they would find out his real identity, and his investigator career would go down the drain.


    As for any possible risks, there were plenty, for example, the sect envoys or the Hunters. However, his tigress was capable of defeating even an emperor phaser. She would definitely protect him.


    Kyon took a shower. As soon as he came into the room, he met Triana¡¯s predatory gaze.


    ?Are you going to apologize?? ¨C Triana muttered, straightening her stocking with a pouty face.


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?I admit that I have a lot to answer for, but I am not going to apologize to my trophy. However, I do remember that I owe this pouting baby tiger a massage.?


    Her beautiful face lit up as soon as she heard this: ?Really?!?


    Soon Triana was letting out sweet moans, feeling like a b of butter that is melting in the sun. Her owner¡¯s wonderful hands¡­ She fell in love with them long ago. However, one session of massage was not enough for her to forgive all his wrongdoings.


    At some point, Kyon put a couple of pillows under Triana¡¯s belly, raising her delicious butt, and pulled her panties off, revealing the most enticing scene for which the Romanovs would give away their souls at once. He started massaging her taut buttocks, his hands moving lower and lower.


    Triana was in seventh heaven, so she had let her guard downpletely. When his skillful hands were low enough, she reflexively fidgeted her booty, purring something unintelligible.


    A minuteter, a new sensation appeared in the tigress¡¯s half-awake mind. It was strikingly different from the usual rapture during the massage. It used to be like a harmless, gentle breeze. Now it resembled a scorching sun burning her with desire. Its hot rays spread from her groin all over her body, inducing a state of euphoria.


    A pleased moan left the princess¡¯s mouth.


    Kyon was fascinated by Triana¡¯s reaction to her first orgasm: she spread her fingers wide, lifted her sweet bottom, and parted her slender legs as if begging him to y a bit more with her red wet pussy. He could easily make a nymphomaniac out of her, get her hooked on pleasure to motivate her to obey his orders.


    {What is this sensation? Why does it feel so good?} ¨C A flood of sweetness overwhelmed her senses, making Triana dizzy with pleasure. A sudden thought of Fenrir multiplied her delight tenfold. At this wonderful moment, something warm and soft sucked on her most intimate ce. Ecstatic seizures shook her entire body. The tigress growled as if she were mating with an alpha male. It was an incredible feeling. She had never experienced anything better!


    Kyon patiently waited for the ¡°final point,¡± cleared his throat, taking the towel off his waist, and pulled the euphotic princess to himself, touching her lips with his manhood: ?Come on, baby. Give me head.?


    Triana jumped up when she came to her senses and saw his erected penis in front of her nose: ?What do you think you are doing??


    ?It¡¯s your turn to please me orally.?


    She indignantly gasped for air, but the words did note out of her mouth: ?What do you mean my turn?? ¨C Then she remembered the heavenly sensations and eximed. ¨C ?Did you¡­?


    Kyon nodded: ?Yeah, I did. I wanted a taste of you, and I liked it. Now it¡¯s your turn.?


    ?No! No way! If you make me do it, I will¡­ I will¡­? ¨C Tears showed in her amber eyes. She was not willing to give her master a blowjob, not even for that delicacy! And what is more, she would hate to get an order to do it, or else¡­


    ?Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t make you do anything. You will do everything yourself.?


    ?Never!? ¨C Triana resolutely refused, ncing at the long, throbbing scarlet thing with disgust. She felt a huge lump in her throat. ¨C ?I am a supreme beast, not a whore for your penis! I didn¡¯t ask you to caress my pussy, so I don¡¯t owe you anything!?


    Kyon sneered: ?All sounds, smells, and colors in nature serve only as bait to eat you or fuck you, depending on the circumstances.? ¨C With these words, he took out a little bottle and dropped something fragrant on his hand.

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343


    (18+*)


    Triana watched her master in bewilderment as he was carefully rubbing a clear oily liquid in his penis. Suddenly, a strong mint smell reached her nose, so alluring and desirable that it was impossible to resist.


    Her pupils dted in shock: ?Devine catnip!?


    Kyon shed a sly smile. He held out his catnip-smelling fingers to Triana¡¯s face and lured her to his groin like an experienced hypnotist.


    ?Jerk¡­ It¡¯s a mean and dirty trick¡­? ¨C Triana said in a trembling voice and eagerly threw herself on his fragrant manhood, rubbing her nose, lips, and cheeks on it, purring loudly, her ass stuck up high.


    Mint essential oil worked on the tigress like the pheromones of the leader of the pack. Triana was powerless against it, unable to resist her instincts. She wanted to taste it, feel it, take it, swallow it.


    It was despicable of Lovr to take advantage of the tigress this way. Anyway, it was better than ordering her to do her duty. Now she could me her natural weakness. It was her who pounced on his penis. There was nothing he could do about it.


    The tinum mane of Triana¡¯s hairpletely enveloped the object of her passion. She grabbed his penis with her cold soft hands and began to jerk it off smoothly as if ying with a mouse. She gently nibbled on it from all sides, enjoying its hardness, savoring its taste, purring yfully.


    Kyon held his breath. She was getting closer and closer to¡­ When her soft lips and tongue wrapped tightly around the ns and began to suck on it, he growled in ecstasy. She was good in every sense of the term! Triana had the charm of an inexperienced human girl, yful like a cat. Her eyes were half-closed, her pupils dted. She was obsessed with the process. Kyon would never stop. If the catnip had fallen into the Romanovs¡¯ hands, they would have died of happiness, making their most perverted fantasiese true with this gorgeous girl.


    ?Easy, baby tiger. Do it slow. He isn¡¯t going anywhere.? ¨C Kyon moaned quietly, tucking a snow-white curl behind Triana¡¯s ear and stroking her soft cheek and neck.


    ?Jackass¡­? ¨C Triana purred indistinctly with his cock in her mouth, eagerly sucking on it and wagging her bottom with pleasure. ¨C ?It¡¯s unfair¡­? ¨C She felt so good as if she were her desired Fenrir¡¯s female, giving him oral pleasure.


    Kyon was about to turn inside out with delight. A week of abstinence followed by the tigress¡¯s blow job didn¡¯t belong to the everyday events.


    ?Ah¡­ You¡¯re so good¡­ Oh¡­? ¨C Laurel, unable to restrain himself any longer, grabbed Triana by the back of her head and pulled her warm mouth over his penis. He used her tight, soft throat as a masturbator, and judging by hernguid look and uterine growl, she didn¡¯t mind it at all.


    Unable to restrain himself any longer, Lovr grabbed Triana by the back of her head and pulled her warm mouth over his penis. He used her narrow tender throat as a masturbator, but judging by hernguid look and uterine growl, she didn¡¯t mind it at all.


    {I want to bite it off¡­ Can I? No¡­ Why? The order¡­ Too bad!} ¨C Hypersalivation made the tigress swallow frequently, which took Kyon to the clouds above. What an asshole! How could he tease a predator with the delicious sausage! The nerve of her master was infuriating. He was thrusting the most desirable delicacy nearly to her stomach! The filthy beast!


    Soon, a stream of euphoria rushed from the groin to the back of Kyon¡¯s head, causing convulsions throughout his body, in his penis in particr. His testicles contracted. The explosive ejaction that followed resembled a milk volcano eruption.


    ?M-m¡­ hm¡­ prr¡­ hm¡­? ¨C The tigress closed her eyes and sucked on the delicious throbbing piece of meat, swallowing the erupting delicacy. She despised human seed and penis in her mind but adored both with her soul and body. Triana would love to bite off this seductively twitching mouse. She could drink liters of this delicious sweet liquid every single day.


    Kyony on his back, rxed, but before he could catch his breath, he realized that Triana had no intention to stop. Well¡­ He didn¡¯t mind a couple of rounds.


    Fifteen minutester, after the third eruption, Kyon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The catnip effect should have worn off long ago. Triana was a king phaser, after all. Was she giving him a blowjob of her own will? Did she get a taste for it and wanted more?


    A knowing smile walked its way across his face. As expected, the predator couldn¡¯t resist her nature. There was nothing tender or yfulness in Triana¡¯s behavior. She continued sucking on his penis, her eyes closed, trying to get more of her favorite treat.


    {It¡¯s so fucking exciting!} ¨C Kyon thought, stroking Triana¡¯s head


    (*18+)


    Suddenly Kyon jumped to his feet, rming Triana: ?Get dressed! Now!?


    Snapping out of her trance, she bared her teeth and squinted angrily: ?Unscrupulous freak! Don¡¯t you have anything to tell me??


    ?I told you to get dressed, fool!? ¨C Lovr threw a bra to the tigress.


    Meanwhile, a crowd of angry people burst into the hotel, among them the three young Romanovs and their fathers, the elders, their faces twisted with fury.


    ?You¡¯re slow as a pregnant turtle!? ¨C Kyon pulled the slitted panties on Triana, grabbed her graceful hand and jumped off the window, disappearing into a dark alley.


    Only then the tigress heard the footsteps on the ground floor. She was once again surprised by her owner¡¯s keen ear. She came to her senses and pulled her hand out his, pouting: ?Reprobate freak! You¡¯ve tricked me into doing dirty things!?


    Kyon snorted: ?Come on, you liked it. You got a taste for it in the end.?


    ?I¡­? ¨C Triana was lost for words for a second. ¨C ?I didn¡¯t want to do it! But since I started, it would be stupid to¡­? ¨C The tigress suddenly fell silent. Somehow, she didn¡¯t want to tell the owner that she had changed her mind.


    Triana had missed the turning point when the desire to drink the owner¡¯s delicious seed overpowered her disgust at the process of its, ahem, ¡°extraction.¡± Maybe it happened during the four days of starvation? Or after the recent blowjob? Just the thought of the delicious meaty sausage sliding down her throat, followed by a portion of the delightful treat, made her mouth water. It was much more enjoyable than ying with his tongue. At least, her efforts were rewarded after the blowjob. Were the sisters right when they said that it was nothing but food? Were nutritional value and animal nature the only things that mattered? No way! She would never do it if it were someone else¡¯s seed and sausage! But why was she interested only in her owner? Maybe it was all about her attitude towards him?


    Kyon stroked her head: ?There¡¯s steaming out of your ears. Do you want more??


    Triana opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t say, ¡°no way.¡± Instead, she only swallowed hard. The tigress couldn¡¯t lie, and if the truth was uneptable, she preferred to say nothing at all.


    ?I see.? ¨C He chuckled.


    Finally, the night gave way to the dawn.


    Kyon received a message from the Golden Piggy about the sale of another lot for 50 Tokens. As expected, the price for this one was also far from minimum. He was gloriously happy! He was going to roll in money!


    On the same morning, Kyon and Triana arrived at the meeting point with an elderly man, the Bulkovs¡¯ formacist. Heplimented the beautiful girl and put the family formation on her wrist, which was arranged long ago.


    ?Why on earth do I need this?? ¨C The tigress wondered, rubbing her wrist.


    ?You need a fake identity to avoid suspicion. Listen carefully: you are a pure-blood descendant of the Bulkov family, whose mission is to protect Dick Baker, the elder¡¯s bastard¡­? ¨C Kyon gave Trianaplete information about her new identity. ¨C ?If anyone starts asking questions, you will say what I told you to say. It¡¯s an order. Do you understand??


    ?I do¡­ But¡­ I am no Baker¡­?


    Kyon made a tsking sound and repeated the legend created for Triana, his bodyguard. Then he checked if everything worked on his servant. She seemed to have passed the test.


    ?Alright! I will do as you say!? ¨C Triana agreed. From her perspective, she would ignore any questions and say what she was ordered to. She didn¡¯t consider it as lying. She wouldn¡¯t be lying, she would be following her owner¡¯s order.


    ?What is this all about?? ¨C She asked, her arms crossed over her chest.


    Kyon adjusted her uniform: ?Today is your first day in Cernos.?


    ?Human school?!? ¨C Triana looked bewildered.


    ?Well, it¡¯s certainly not a beast school!?


    Meanwhile, an ugly incident happened in Cernos. A crazy gray-haired man in the military uniform burst into the school grounds and smashed every bone in principal Nn¡¯s body. Then he turned the whole dorm upside down, bombarding the frightened students with questions about Julia Grand.


    As everyone guessed, it was Gustave the respected officer and the red-haired beauty¡¯s grandfather. For some reason, the old man had put aside whatever he was doing and rushed to Cernos to meet his dear granddaughter, but he couldn¡¯t find her there. The students told him everything they knew: she left school the next day after the forest tournament with Franz, her ¡°dear¡± boyfriend. Where did they go? Who knows?


    It never urred to anyone to connect Haya¡¯s departure to Athens with Franz and Julia¡¯s disappearance. Gustave would have been investigating this case for months, if not years, but he was unlikely to seed.


    As a result, the principal of Cernos faced months of rehabilitation after being beaten by his father-inw. That¡¯s how Kyon had avenged Franz.


    ¡­


    In the afternoon, a horde of students returned to the dorm from the school building, among them the former members of the fan club and Prince Charles with his humble girl ve.


    As they approached the building, they saw something unbelievable: a dazzlingly beautiful girl in the white uniform. Her snow-white hair, ideal proportions, poise and grace, as well as an indescribably pretty face, made everyone believe that the goddess herself had arrived at Cernos.


    Charles swallowed, his pants instantly underwent certain changes. His little, inextinguishable me of desire turned into a zing volcano. The prince was dying to feel his body intertwined with the snow-white nymph! He had never met a more beautiful creature in his life! Unlike demoness Kara, this girl was no libertine. Unlike Lanai, she didn¡¯t look like an unapproachable cold bitch! She was perfect!


    The prince turned his gaze to his pretty sex ve, then back to the stunning white-haired beauty and realized that a chicken was no match for the graceful snow phoenix.


    His Highness stepped forward from the stunned crowd of students and cleared his throat: ?Mydy, I am Prince Charles, the first prince in the Grand family. May I know your name??


    ?I¡¯m Triana.? ¨C The tigress replied curtly, giving the prince a quick scrutiny. She instantly identified the leader of the school hierarchy, but his strength was so miserable inparison with males from the animal kingdom that she couldn¡¯t consider him as a potential male. He gave her an impression of a cute, delicious pig that had no idea who he was dealing with.


    Her predatory look sent a chill running down Charles¡¯s spine, but he ignored this feeling. He was not going to retreat. He asked her, carefully hiding his burning desire: ?Triana. What a beautiful name. Are you new here??


    In rare cases, students could be admitted to school without an entrance exam if they had enough talent or money. When Charles saw her white uniform, he decided that the girl was as powerful as he was. He couldn¡¯t feel her cultivation anyway.


    ?I am.? ¨C She nodded.


    Charles shed her a confident smile and held out his hand like a prince on the white horse: ?Let me show you to the dorm, youngdy. I will show around and tell you all about Cernos. I can¡¯t wait to get to know you better. I won¡¯t deny that you have piqued my interest.? ¨C Charles was nearly drooling, his eyes burning with desire, and it wasn¡¯t in the least a desire for small talk.


    The prince¡¯s intentions were so obvious that all the students, without exception, wanted to beat him to death. Everyone hated and envied His Highness, but at the same time, they felt sorry for the beautiful girl. If only she wouldn¡¯t take his invitation!


    ?Alright.? ¨C The unsuspecting tigress shrugged and held out her hand.

 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344


    Before Triana could take Charles¡¯s hand, someone interfered.


    ?Hey! You are not going anywhere!? ¨C The notorious fat freak appeared out of the blue and put his arm around Triana¡¯s shoulder.


    Everyone stared at Dick Baker. He must have crawled out of a crack inmon sense. It was a small wonder that no one had noticed him. It was easier to see a mosquito against the midday sun than the short freak next to the tall beauty!


    Some girls choose to be friends with ugly girls so they look pretty inparison. As for Triana, her beauty was eye-blinding next to Dick Baker.


    The students¡¯ jaws dropped when they finally realized what had happened. Why did Dick Baker hug this gorgeous girl, and she didn¡¯t react? Did they know each other?


    Charles flew into a rage: ?Take your filthy hands off her!? ¨C He raised his fist in front of the fat freak¡¯s face, intending to ¡°identally¡± kill him, but Triana stopped him.


    The onlookers¡¯ eyes popped out of their heads. The new girl had blocked the prince¡¯s blow as if it were a baby¡¯s fist! Was she really that strong? The prince was no less astounded, but he was focused on a different issue.


    ?Why are you protecting him?? ¨C Charles looked genuinely surprised.


    ?Because I¡­? ¨C Tears welled up in Triana¡¯s eyes, her thin eyebrows arched intively. ¨C ?¡­was ordered to serve him.?


    Dick grabbed her gorgeous breasts with a smug look: ?My precious! You¡¯re mine, mine only! Ignore these losers, Triana. Come on, we have many business meetings scheduled for today¡­ In bed.? ¨C He pulled the new girl to the dormitory like a disgusting swamp troll kidnapping an innocent princess.


    The students felt their hearts pierced with daggers. They felt sorry for the beautiful noble nymph who was forced to serve the monstrous creature. Their resentment towards Dick Baker had just exceeded all possible limits!


    ?Let go of her, fat freak!? ¡­ ?Son of bitch! You don¡¯t deserve such terrific luck!? ¡­ ?Rotten bastard! If heaven doesn¡¯t punish you, we will!? ¨C The students shouted in unison, rallying around amon goal to punish Dick.


    Prince Charles yelled louder than anyone: ?Miss Triana, you don¡¯t have to serve this bastard! Let us destroy him. I promise you will get away with it!? ¨C He led the movement to get theurels and Triana¡¯s gratitude for himself. Given his royal status, everyone assumed that the new girl would warm his bed tonight.


    A horde of students approached Dick Baker with furious cries.


    Triana heaved a deep sigh. They were so weird. Why did they behave so stupidly? The owner must have pissed off everyone in this school, that¡¯s why they were so furious. Anyway, she would have to protect him. The tigress waved her hand, releasing the pressure.


    The suffocating oppressive aura of the middle royal phase covered the army of students. The advanced and superior phasers lost their heads, wet their pants and fell to their knees, petrified with horror. Those who had reached at least the noble phase, including Prince Charles, turned pale and froze to the spot. The density of her pressure was like a magnificent waterfallpared to their tiny stream. Instinctive fear tied them up in knots. Everyone understood they¡¯d better not provoke this beautiful monster.


    ?Don¡¯t get anywhere close to my master, boys.? ¨C Triana warned them in a bored voice, casting a predatory nce at the delicious pigs that she couldn¡¯t eat.


    Kyon grinned at the unfortunate students. He put his hand palm under Triane¡¯s skirt and left with his adorable bodyguard.


    The intimidated students watched the couple leave. They couldn¡¯t understand why Triana had chosen to serve the monster instead of epting their help. They couldn¡¯t understand why the universe was benevolent towards Dick Baker. First, he got away with fucking Princess Kara. Even if she was a demon, she was still the idol of the Iron Throne. Now an even more impressive girl was serving him.


    ?Why is life so unfair? Do you have to be an ugly freak to be so lucky?!? ¨C Alex Grand, the younger brother ofte Artemis Grand, appealed to heaven, sobbing. He had envied and hated Dick Baker more than anyone else.


    Kyon brought Triana to his room: ?Make yourself at home. You will live here for a while.?


    The tigress didn¡¯t appreciate the decor of the room. She sat on the bed with her legs crossed and asked him suspiciously: ?What business meeting in bed were you talking about??


    ?You won¡¯t understand. It¡¯s a nuance of the humannguage.? ¨C Kyon chuckled.


    Triana snorted, then asked, her head tilted to one side: ?I will never understand humans. You could at least tell me what happened at school. Why did the students pick at you for no reason? Do they hate you so much that they want to kill you? I believe it¡¯s true! If I hadn¡¯t been constrained by your order, I would have already attacked you and eaten your tongue that you constantly tease me with!?


    ?Nice to hear that. Well, you¡¯re right in a way, but the main reason was the cunning maniption on your part. You made the students feel sorry for you, and they wanted to save you from the guy with a bad reputation, that is from me.?


    Triana squirmed: ?So, that¡¯s why you told me to grimace before saying those words and gave me those bitter eye drops! What a dirty maniption! Ew! You¡¯re abominable¡­?


    ?By the way, you did a good job!? ¨C Kyon gently stroked her hair.


    Triana didn¡¯t seem to notice it. She got used to her owner¡¯s hand: ?And¡­ Why do you need it??


    ?Just so. Their butts must be ready for the next portion of hurt.?


    ?Ready for¡­ butt¡­ hurt¡­ What?..? ¨C Triana intoned, perplexed. She couldn¡¯t understand the meaning of his words.


    ?Don¡¯t think about it. Thinking is my prerogative. Doing is yours.? ¨C Kyon said, stroking her tender neck and admiring her pink lips. Triana didn¡¯t mind his caresses at all. She got addicted to them!


    Before he could kiss her, Triana tilted her head and said: ?I can do many things. What about asking questions and getting the answers??


    ?It depends on the questions.? ¨C Kyon smiled slyly.


    Triana¡¯s eyes lit up. She grabbed him by the cor and pulled him closer to her: ?What was that supreme aura that you emitted before giving me that damned order??


    ¡­


    Two days had passed.


    First of all, Kyon organized a new training room for Triana and equipped a simr one for himself. He had finally learned and perfected the sticking to the floor technique. From now on, he could reduce slipping on any surface to zero and even catch a horse with his bare hand without moving a bit.


    On the first day of school, Triana was steaming when she tried to understand human behavior and their motives in her sociology ss. It was more difficult for her than quantum mechanics for a child. She wanted to growl, throw herself at the teacher and eat his heart out. The poor old man on pins and needles, anxious under her predatory gaze.


    In his free time, Kyon watched the students follow Triana wherever she went. This phenomenon was easily exined. After Kara¡¯s and Julia¡¯s disappearance, there was a vacant position of a female idol in school. The beautiful blond girl with monstrous power was destined to take it at once. She instantly became the main subject of discussions and night fantasies.


    It wouldn¡¯t be Lovr if he didn¡¯t take advantage of Triana¡¯s sudden poprity to collect dark emotions. He enjoyed pawing her in the corridor and the ssroom. He kissed her passionately, causing such violent jealousy that it distorted the space around him. Half of the ss regrly blushed while the other half turned green with envy.


    As soon as the new girl appeared in front of Prince Charles, he tensed, blushed, grabbed his ve girl by the hand and ran away. However, he wasn¡¯t the only reason why the men¡¯s toilet was always upied. Teenagers, virginity cult, and the ban on sexual rtions did their job. It came as no surprise.


    On the second day, Triana came up to the window and pointed to the glowing screen in the sky: ?Why is your name constantly up there? I¡¯ve seen it at least five times!?


    ?The restless fools are challenging me to a duel. I wonder what they want to prove.?


    ?Really? Why don¡¯t you ept?? ¨C Triana asked, concerned. In the animal kingdom, refusal was uneptable even if the opponent was invincible. However, the owner seemed to be afraid of his peers.


    ?I see no reason to reveal my true power.?


    ?You have no power, dirty cheater! You won the forest tournament with my help, and you harnessed me with dastardly tricks like attacking and blinding formations!? ¨C Triana growled, confident and disappointed at once.


    ?Deception is also power. It helps you defeat opponents beyond your level. Anyway, I wouldn¡¯t consider me a weakling in your ce.?


    ?Why??


    ?For example, how could a weakling take the blow of a royal phaser and live? How did my hand recover so soon? Why could I move through the forest so fast? And what about that supreme aura that sends you into a breeding frenzy??


    Triana was lost for words: ?You¡­ You were cheating again!?


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?Alright.? ¨C Now he wouldn¡¯t reveal his true power to Triana on principle. It was important for her to know that her master was powerful and strong, but it was her fault that she wouldn¡¯t find it out. Her mistrust was incredibly annoying. She had to pay for it. He couldn¡¯t care less. Even more than that, no one should find out that he was the goddess¡¯s messenger.


    ?And that¡¯s it? You have nothing more to say?!? ¨C The tigress said indignantly, poking him in the stomach with her finger. ¨C ?Are you so weak that you are afraid to fight? I knew that you belonged to the very bottom of the local hierarchy! Wretched omega!?


    Subconsciously, Triana was annoyed by the fact that she had seen a potential male in this pathetic omega. It was even more outraging that her master was a weakling. Her royal pride was hurt. She couldn¡¯t help feeling angry.


    ?Do you suggest I should make excuses for my own trophy?? ¨C Kyonughed out loud and smacked her bottom. ¨C ?In your dreams!?


    Her brow furrowed in resentment. She curled up with the nket on the bed. Why was he so weak? It broke her heart.


    On the third night, Kyon noticed that Triana was tossing and turning in his arms.


    ?It¡¯s been three days. I can see that you can¡¯t live without it. Let¡¯s do it.? ¨C Kyon whispered in her ear.


    Triana turned around and yed him with her gaze: ?I hate doing it!?


    ?It¡¯s ok. You can have both negative and positive emotions for the same thing. The only question is which ones prevail. Ask yourself and you will get the answer.? ¨C He threw off the nket and wagged his hard penis, luring the cat with a mouse.


    Triana hissed through her clenched teeth: ?Asshole! Dirty, mean asshole!? ¨C She turned away, trying not to think about it. After ten minutes of turning and tossing, she had to take a shower to distract herself. However, when she returned and looked at the delicious scarlet sausage, she lost control.


    Triana grumbled, wincing pitifully: ?You gave me too little food, jerk!? ¨C The tigress rushed forward and swallowed the bait. She could not resist her animal nature anymore.


    That night, Kyon became the happiest person in the world. It was so nice to introduce this hostile girl to intimacy without orders or coercion. She had agreed to a blowjob, which meant that she was going to take the initiative pretty soon. Kyon believed that he was getting too soft, trying to spare her emotional trauma.


    Three more days had passed. It was already the sixth day. The next day was a day off. As expected, Triana had learned to pleasure him orally without much fuss, even on a full stomach. She wasn¡¯t so eager at first, butst night she did not get out from under the nket at all. Triana growled angrily when she could not get her treat longer than ten minutes. Kyon decided to give her a restraining order, or she might turn him into a skeleton in a few weeks.


    {I just have to make sure she won¡¯t be hitting on other guys.} ¨C Kyon thought jealously.


    ¡­


    A couple of majestic birds were heading towards the Iron Throne. A mighty eagle with a wingspan of thirty meters was leading the flock. He was carrying three members of the Hunter family on his back.


    The eldest of them, Murat, was a respectedmander-in-chief, a veteran with more than five decades of experience. He was a powerful royal phaser who had aplished thousands of sessful assignments. His reputation was impable, or rather it was so until he failed thest task to catch the tiger. Unfortunately, that task was of the utmost importance.


    The youngest of them, Risat, was Murat¡¯s promising student and sessor. He was a smart go-getter, whose cultivation was skyrocketing.


    Asagi was sitting between them. He was a brave blond man with a short beard, the youngest patriarch in the empire. He was the head of the Hunters, the greatest third-ranking family in Dantes, who gave the lead only to the Russells (0), the Valentines (1) and the Clintons (2).


    Murat spoke, looking concerned: ?Are you sure this case deserves your personal presence, dear Asagi? Your task is to lead the family, not waste time on something that your subordinates can easily cope with¡­ The family needs you!?


    Asagi shook his head: ?I knew that this case was the highest priority, but I could not even imagine that even my teacher was interested in it. Her Majesty will severely punish me if I don¡¯t do my best to find the beast¡­? ¨C Asagi¡¯s voice trembled as he mentioned his master, his eyes sparkled with fear. All his authority didn¡¯t take away his fear of Empress Lanatelle.


    Murat lowered his head, feeling guilty: ?It¡¯s all because of me¡­ I am a bad hunter if I missed the tiger on its trail. I have no excuse. I will ept any punishment, even¡­ Even death.?


    ?Forget about it.? ¨C The young patriarch waved him of. ¨C ?The years of service have proven your dedication and skill. One mistake won¡¯t change my opinion of you.?


    ?Thank you for trusting me, sir.? ¨C Murat was touched to the core.


    An hourter, Risat eximed: ?We¡¯re almost there. I can see Cernos!?


    Asagi gazed into the distance for a long time. Then he muttered in a quiet but menacing voice: ?We¡¯re approaching the main suspect. Dick Baker, if you are the reason for all my problems, you¡¯d better die right now, or you will regret that you were born.?

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345


    It was getting dark.


    A group of students returned to the dorm after training. At the entrance, one of them looked up and eximed: ?Look! Someone is flying here!?


    The students looked up, surprised. The Iron Throners rarely saw flying beasts, and there were seven of them at once! Whoever the approaching guests were, they had the nerve to disregard the important Cernos rule: therge flying animals were forbidden to trespass the school barrier.


    The deputy principal, aka the superior examiner, came out to meet the distinguished guests. He had been informed about their arrival, but even so, he was ashen-faced. A cold shiver ran down his spine as the guests approached Cernos. He couldn¡¯t even imagine that he would have to meet such important people. The patriarch Hunter and the empress¡¯s student rolled in one had arrived in Cernos! The deputy principal was a bug who was to give an elephant a proper wee.


    The seven huge flying birds had ovee the barrier andnded on the school grounds. Powerful gusts of wind nearly knocked down weak students. Three people dressed in noble clothes gracefully jumped off the huge eagle. Two of them emitted powerful royal-phase auras. One of them was about twenty years old! What a monstrous talent!


    The students¡¯ hearts missed a beat as they watched the noble guests approach the Cernos dormitory. Nobility from the great kingdom, an entirely different environment, had condescended to visit this neck of the wood.


    Their royal-phase guards appeared out of nowhere. Any of them could single-handedly destroy the entire investigation department and Cernos to boot, without even breaking a sweat.


    ?Wee, Mr. Asagi.? ¨C The deputy principal bowed low. His voice sounded shaky. ¨C ?My name is Demid Grand. I can do anything for you. Awaiting your orders!?


    Asagi nodded: ?I¡¯m looking for Dick Baker to ask him some important questions. Take us to him.?


    ?With pleasure, sir. Follow me.? ¨C The deputy principal bent down again.


    When the distinguished guests disappeared behind the front door, the students could finally exhale. Everyone wondered what the hateful fat freak had to do with the neers. They hoped that it was something serious, like a cruel execution.


    Kyon opened the door and saw a group of people with unreadable faces.


    One of them said coldly, skillfully concealing his disdain for the ugly object of his search: ?Dick Baker, you¡¯re under investigation. My name is Asagi Hunter. Will you answer some of my questions?? ¨C Even if his question suggested a choice, only a fool wouldn¡¯t understand the patriarch¡¯s intentions.


    Dick wiped his mouth stained with chocte with his sleeve and then waved to his guests with the same hand: ?Of course! Come on in, gents. Would you like some tea with chocte? You must be hungry after your long trip.?


    Asagi gestured for the guards to stay outside and entered the room with Murat, the seasoned hunter, and Risat, the talented young student. Unlike the patriarch, hispanions couldn¡¯t stay calm when they saw the suspect and felt his cultivation. They were about to throw up! Even his first andst name justified his disgusting looks. The parents must have hated their offspring.


    When the three guests came inside the room, they froze to the spot. They saw a dazzlingly beautiful blonde girl, feminine, attractive, and at the same time, unbelievably strong! Her yellow predatory eyes seemed to be looking straight into the soul.


    The guards sensed a threat and immediately rushed inside. Asagi, Murat and Risat tensed. The tiger they had missed was a royal phaser! Dick Baker was suspected of harnessing a supreme beast! It all added up: they were after this girl! A fierce fight was inevitable!


    Everyone was ready for battle, but¡­ the girl smiled sweetly, raising her eyebrows in surprise: ?I do not bite, gentlemen. Why do you react so violently? When was thest time you saw a beautiful and strong girl? Well¡­ There¡¯s something deeply wrong in your Rosarrio¡­? ¨C She stuck out her yful tongue to mock the guests.


    The three Hunters looked at each other. Judging by her sarcastic speech, it was an ordinary yful human girl. No supreme beasts ever behaved like this. However, her identity was yet to be confirmed or refuted.


    ?Gents¡­ I am going to soil my pants! Stop it, please!? ¨C Dick stammered. He was as white as chalk. As befits an advanced phaser, he looked scared to death of the aggressive royal-phase auras.


    The tension in the air had eased, but no one rxed.


    Asagi didn¡¯t drop his guard when he addressed the girl: ?My name is Asagi Hunter, youngdy. May I know your name and the reason why you¡¯re here??


    Triana sat gracefully on the bed and elegantly introduced herself, her knees put together, her hand at her chest: ?I am Triana Baker, a pure-blood descendant of my family, called to the Iron Throne to protect this young man.?


    Asagi squinted suspiciously: ?To protect him? Isn¡¯t it too much to send such a powerful defender to a school with no students above noble phase??


    ?It was the patriarch¡¯s order.? ¨C Triana shrugged. ¨C ?I don¡¯t know the details, but I was warned to be ready for some serious challenge.?


    It wasn¡¯t enough for Asagi: ?Let me see your family formation.?


    ?Yes, please¡­? ¨C Triana held out her wrist and looked away indifferently.


    Asagi nodded to the guard to check the formation. He confirmed the information. Everything was correct.


    But Asagi was still full of doubts. Too much was at stake. He had to be 1000% sure that the girl was a human. He knew the harnessed supreme beasts better than anyone else in the empire. They couldn¡¯t lie, but if the owner ordered them to give certain answers, they would obediently follow the order. She might have given a prepared answer, but he knew a secret to reveal who she really was.


    If a supreme beast gets a deep personal question for which they have no prepared answer, they will tell the truth. Their master¡¯s general order to pretend to be a human and answer any questions as if they were a human wouldn¡¯t work because it¡¯s too vague! Their integrity will surpass the vague order, and the truth will be out.


    Asagi took five steps back: ?Tell me about your parents. Are they noble, powerful tigers or miserable, wretched humans?? ¨C He asked seriously. The girl¡¯s beauty was bewitching, but Asagi held it together. She would make him happy in a certain sense of the term if she happened to be a supreme beast. Later. When he returned home with her.


    The guards were ready for the battle. Supreme beasts always gave an honest answer to such provocative questions that hurt their exaggerated pride.


    ?My parents are noble people! Are you a misanthrope or what?? ¨C Triana was genuinely angry. She stood there frowning, her arms crossed. ¨C ?Wait, do you think I am a beast??


    ?That¡¯s right, youngdy. We suspect that this gentleman has appropriated a harnessed tiger, that is you.?


    ?Are you talking about me?? ¨C Kyon gasped.


    ?It¡¯s ridiculous! I am a human, not a wretched beast!? ¨C Triana eximed.


    ?I understand your anger, but get me right. The government gave us an order to catch two tigers alive. One of them died, trying to cover the other¡¯s retreat, which was an ill-fated coincidence of unfortunate circumstances. If we do not catch the escaped tiger alive, Her Highness the Empress will severely punish us. It¡¯s essential for me and every Hunter to find this beast, and you are still under suspicion if only on the grounds of your royal phase. Let me ask you a couple more questions.?


    Triana¡¯s eyes sparkled with animal ferocity for a brief moment. She knew instinctively how to hide her killing intent so that the prey wouldn¡¯t feel it and couldn¡¯t escape. If she revealed herself now, the Hunters would catch her and re-harness her at once. It would mean much more than just changing the owners! She knew too well that her life would turn into living hell. Triana had chosen the current owner. The tigress got used to him even if she still considered him disgusting. It was better to serve him than the wretched, hateful creatures that had killed her uncle who had been defending her to hisst breath!


    Triana nodded: ?You may ask me any questions. I have nothing to hide or to be afraid of.? ¨C She said with a slight smile on her face.


    Asagi and hispanions admired Triana. She was a sweet, charming girl with impable looks and impressive talent. She was about sixteen and already a royal phaser, which was only expected from a high-ranking family member from the Saturn empire (1). They all were monstrously talented there. Too bad she was serving this fat bastard. Hopefully, nothing was going on between them¡­


    The young patriarch asked the beautiful girl a few more questions simr to the previous ones and finally said: ?Youngdy, I hope you don¡¯t mind if I speak to your master in private.? ¨C He addressed her to show that he had no respect for Dick, and small wonder. Anyone would believe that the girl had more power here. She was on apletely different levelpared to her master in terms of beauty and manners, as well as talent.


    ?Ask him, he is in charge here.? ¨C She said, tossing her thick mane of white hair.


    ?Leave us alone.? ¨C Kyon ordered.


    Triana nodded and left the room with the guards. Four people stayed. The atmosphere got colder by several degrees. The absence of the beautifuldy made the visitors drop their courtesy, their faces serious and stern.


    ?How did you get the first prize in the forest tournament?? ¨C Asagi asked with a threat in his voice.


    ?Well¡­ I mean¡­ With a resourcefulness mindset!? ¨C When Kyon understood it only heated the things, he added. ¨C ?Well, my parents also helped¡­ Just a little bit!?


    Asagi exchanged nces with Murat and Risat and shook his head. There was no point in discussing anything with this imbecile. The gossip turned out to be true. He was nothing but a dim-witted scumbag with too much self-esteem.


    ?The interrogation is over. Get out of the room.? ¨C Asagi said in an imperious tone.


    ?Actually, I live here!? ¨C Kyon protested.


    Risat grabbed the fat freak by the cor and threw him out like yesterday¡¯s trash.


    ?Did you understand anything, sir?? ¨C Murat asked.


    Asagi sat at the table and steepled his fingers: ?It isn¡¯t him.?


    ?Are you sure? There¡¯s no room for error! Too much is at stake. Remember, we have no more suspects! Those powerful attacking formations could have killed my hunters¡­ I guess, Dick Baker may well be a great deceiver. Is it possible that a fool could take first ce in the tournament, surpassing the other six schools! He must have staged this performance, engaging Triana to throw us off the track!?


    The patriarch looked glumly at the seasoned hunter: ?Murat, you know like no one else how intractable supreme beasts are. If you hurt their pride, they always give honest answers under the order to tell otherwise. That is why spies are useless in the beast kingdom. Moreover, jokes and sarcasm arepletely alien to supreme beasts. She¡¯s just a human.? ¨C He concluded, addressing Murat¡¯s students rather than the hunter himself.


    ?Even so, Dick is no ordinary fool¡­ He could have harnessed the tiger by trickery!?


    Asagi rolled his eyes: ?Don¡¯t disappoint me, Murat! If Dick were smarter, he would have never taken the harnessed tiger to Cernos! Only aplete idiot woulde up with something like this. Remember, you told me that he had bribed his way to victory? The Bakers are ridiculously rich. They could have staged all the travesty at the tournament. They even figured out how to sell the tokens. As for Triana, she was sent to protect this bastard after he had insulted six kingdoms. Dick Baker is a pathetic dumb asshole.? ¨C Asagi said with grim confidence. He wished he were mistaken¡­


    Risat, who never spoke, coughed in his fist: ?During our investigation, we found out that someone had destroyed the database. Isn¡¯t it another piece of evidence against Dick Baker??


    ?Not at all. It could be some prince or princess who used their authority to clean up some dirt on their dear selves. As the tournament formation had been forged, they could havee across the fat freak three or even five times. Someone could have used the sound recording of those encounters, and they might have wanted to avoid public humiliation.?


    ?Suppose it¡¯s true¡­ But don¡¯t the white tigers retain their hair color after transformation? Triana has snow-white hair¡­ Besides, yellow iris, which is somon among tigers, is rare in humans!?


    ?Not at all¡­ Hair color changes during transformation. The beasts can even get rid of all their characteristic traits, like pointed ears or a tail. Triana¡¯s white hair and yellow eyes are just a coincidence.? ¨C Asagi bit the tip of his finger. ¨C ?Anyway, you might be right, Risat. There are too many coincidences. We need to double-check. Do you have any catnip??


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C Risat was happy to help.

 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346


    Apanied by the guards, Triana entered the room at the invitation of patriarch Hunter: ?What else can I do for you, gentlemen??


    Asagi dropped something on his finger and said: ?One final check, youngdy. Come here and smell my finger. Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t hurt you in any way.?


    {Divine catnip?!} ¨C The tigress got scared. Her heart started beating faster. Was she going to reveal her real identity? She didn¡¯t want to be a ve to the scoundrels who had killed her uncle! She¡¯d better die fighting with them!


    The guards and the guests prepared for a possible battle.


    Triana walked over to Asagi and sniffed his finger pressed to her nose. Her face was as unreadable as stone, even if her mind was in chaos: ?Well¡­ it smells minty. Should I smell anything else?? ¨C She smiled, ncing at his lips.


    Everyone rxed.


    Asagi put his hand behind his back and muttered: ?I am sorry for doubting you, youngdy.?


    ?It¡¯s nothing. You are just doing your job. You protect your family¡¯s interests, and I am just a servant who does not want any problems for her master.?


    Asagi took her tender hand in his and said with deep emotion: ?Your master isn¡¯t trying anything funny, is he? Tell me the truth. I can help you.?


    Triana looked perplexed for a moment. She hesitated and then replied: ?Well¡­ It¡¯s nothing much. Nothing to worry about.?


    ?Nothing much?? ¨C Asagi felt suddenly jealous. He had a strong urge to kill Dick Baker on the spot. He wouldn¡¯t mind taking this beautiful girl for a wife! She was too good for him, anyway! How could she serve this pathetic snot-nosed brat? It waspletely wrong! The damned Bakers¡¯ life was too cushy in bloody Saturn! Ungrateful assholes! How could they turn such gorgeousdies into ordinary servants?


    ?I can hide you from the Bakers if you want. It won¡¯t be difficult for Patriarch Hunter to ensure that you live a life.? ¨C He added.


    ?Are you saying¡­?


    ?Run away with me!? ¨C He finished the phrase, hoping for a positive response.


    Triana thought for a while, then shook her head: ?I am sorry, I can¡¯t.?


    Asagi dropped her hand and nodded: ?I understand. Enjoy your service.?


    When the young patriarch left the room, he went up to Dick Baker, who was waiting outside, leaning against the wall. Without saying a word, Asagi hit the fat freak on the head until he passed out. He bent Dick¡¯s right arm behind the back and broke it with a sudden, quick movement.


    ?Are you really?..? ¨C Murat looked genuinely surprised.


    ?Noment.? ¨C Asagi waved him off and left the dorm and then the Iron Throne with a heavy heart. He almost wished that Triana happened to be a supreme beast. Even more, he wanted her to fly away with him. But the girl must be devoted to her family. Too bad.


    As soon as the Hunters left, Kyon stood up as if nothing had happened, returned his arm to its rightful ce and shrugged his shoulder. He had used the earth element to fake the bone crunch and fracture. Asagi¡¯s blows weren¡¯t fatal, his intent was to hurt Dick, not kill him. Besides, it was really nothing for Kyon¡¯s strong upgraded body.


    {What a jerk. Anyway, I understand him perfectly well.} ¨C Lovr decided not to hold a grudge against Asagi. He would have done the same if he were in his ce. He might have gone even harder on the patriarch.


    When Kyon returned to the room, he was caught off guard by Triana¡¯s fervent embrace, but before she could say anything, he closed her mouth, activated echolocation and found a sound transmission nephrite in his bed. It was the same bug that XiaoBai had nted in Bai¡¯s office.


    {Ha-ha, Asagi. You didn¡¯t fall off the turnip truck.} ¨C Kyon smiled, creating a soundproof barrier around the nephrite. Synergy would imitate the sounds in the room until the Hunters got tired of listening, just as it happened with the tournament formation.


    ?Now you can talk.? ¨C Lovr said to bewildered Triana.


    The tigress hugged the owner until his bones crunched and licked his neck three times as a token of gratitude (ording to the supreme beasts¡¯ tradition): ?Thank you for your help. You dirty human trickery saved me from those terrible people! Without you, I would have revealed my true identity at once!?


    Supreme beasts are not the grateful kind. Their actions and gifts always mean certain intentions. They express themselves directly, with no hidden catch, intrigue, or altruism. The beasts don¡¯t even share food with anyone except their cubs. However, Triana¡¯s beautiful eyes lit up with a rare, unknown to her feeling. The supreme beast felt grateful to the dirty human, which was something unbelievable for this world. He had saved her from the dangerous, cunning hunters, albeit using his despicable human deception.


    The motives of the selfish owner were obvious to her. He didn¡¯t want to give away his trophy, but he had shown her that he appreciated her! The master risked his precious life, even if he could easily hand her over to the Hunters. Given the Bakers¡¯ authority in the empire, he would have gotten off with a huge fine. At least, that¡¯s what the princess thought.


    Kyon felt that his light nucleus had filled by five percent. He had to use Synergy to bring his mental state into a state of bnce.


    He had used two things to get rid of the Hunters: drops to block the smell and taste receptors and ultrasound that his upgraded throat could produce to give her orders ¨C what to do and what to say. He managed to remain unnoticed because humans couldn¡¯t hear high-frequency sounds.


    In fact, the Bakers¡¯ formacist could have also yed an important role. If the Hunters checked if any Baker had crossed the border, they would find one. They would mistake the formacist for Triana.


    Patriarch Hunter had figured out the rest. However, his extraordinary didn¡¯t y into his hands this time. He had made all sorts of intricate connections and assumptions and convinced himself that the interrogated was slow-witted and dumb. It helped Dick Baker get off the hook and spared Triana an additional, in-depth check. Everything went ording to Kyon¡¯s n.


    Kyon had got rid of those who could create big trouble for Dick Baker, the future imperial investigator. He had spent too much effort and money to get this job to give it up just like that. Now he could safely finish upgrading his head and head for Dantes to start his new career!


    Triana kissed Kyon on the lips and said again, meaning every word: ?Thank you! It warms my heart to know that you really appreciate me! I don¡¯t know a single human in the world who would risk their lives to save a supreme beast! I¡¯d love to be free, of course, but since I have no choice, you are the best possible owner!?


    Kyon was ttered by her sincere gratitude. He even felt ashamed of his ns, but a momentter, he brought his conscience to its knees. He wouldn¡¯t give up a juicy piece of meat and starve for months or even years, just to please his trophy and keep her naive life in pink safe.


    ?Do you understand, baby tiger, that I did it primarily for myself??


    ?Of course, I do! You¡¯re a nasty piece of work¡­ Dirty, wretched, pathetic, despicable egoist. Dishonest, ugly ¡­?


    ?Stop! Are you fucking kidding me?? ¨C Kyon interrupted her, slightly confused. ¨C ?So, you didn¡¯t change your opinion about me, did you? Or maybe you think that I will treat you any better now??


    Triana tilted her head, looking perplexed: ?Why would I think that? I told you that I could feel that I am important to you. Shouldn¡¯t I be happy about it? You could have sold me or done something terrible to me¡­ But now I feel positive about the future.?


    {I must have misunderstood her.} ¨C Lovr smiled to himself. ¨C ?Alright then. Come here, I will give you a massage. I¡¯ve missed your gracious back. And you have deserved it, after all.?


    For a moment, Triana was delighted, then she tucked her legs under her, looking uncertain: ?Do you promise not to touch my pussy??


    ?I don¡¯t promise you anything. Lie on your stomach and don¡¯t turn around. It¡¯s an order.?


    Triana pursed her lips, suspecting him of some hidden malicious intent, andy down: ?Please don¡¯t touch me there! I don¡¯t want anyone but my alpha to caress my private parts. You know, it¡¯s very important for us, the supreme beasts¡­ We despise omegas who want to jump over their heads. They must know their ce.?


    {She is so fucking annoying! Omega that, alpha this¡­ I couldn¡¯t care less! How can she be so naive and gullible? All my intentions are written across my face. I do not even try to hide them! I must change her! She can beg me all she wants, I¡¯ll do it anyway¡­} ¨C Kyon mentally made a decision.


    ?Say something! Did you hear me?? ¨C Triana turned her head.


    ?You have no power over me, so shut up and take everything that might happen for granted.? ¨C He ordered, taking the school jacket off her. Then he suddenly added. ¨C ?By the way, grow back your pointed ears and tail.?


    ?Why? What are you up to?? ¨C The tigress got frightened. She had a bad feeling about all this, but she could not challenge the order, so she had to grow back the tail and the pointed ears. Triana tried to say something else, but Kyon¡¯s magic hands had already touched the back¡­ Her mind went nk. For some reason, the massage felt even more pleasant after a week¡¯s break. She did not know that it wasn¡¯t only about his hands, it was mostly Synergy¡¯s work. After the breakthrough from the intermediate to the peak Student¡¯s degree, his service quality had significantly improved.


    The sense of time distorted in her mind. The minutes passed like hours or maybe like seconds. She tried to stay alert and stop any touch in the wrong ce, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere. The mind was somewhere beyond the clouds and wasn¡¯t going to return.


    Kyon lifted Triana¡¯s butt, propped it up with a pillow, pulled off her panties and began massaging her private parts without meeting any resistance. If she were human, she would probably have woken up already! The feline nature of the supreme beast had another vulnerability. She couldn¡¯t resist caresses of the proper quality.


    (18+*)


    Overexcited, Lovr skillfully massaged Triana¡¯sbia while she wagged her booty, whipped him on his cheeks with her tail and growled something unintelligible, apparently subconscious protest. The tigress got really excited soon. Her growl turned into purring followed by sweet, barely discernible moans. Her most alluring pussy overflowed with thick clear juices that were all over his naughty fingers.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t hold himself anymore, he sucked on her slightly swollen redbia. Triana¡¯s concentrated aromabined the scent of an alpha predator and the perfume of a delicate princess. She tasted like a ripe peach, filling him with bliss.


    Triana wrapped her ankles around his sides and hugged him tight. She was about to squirt! Kyon could feel with his tongue her vagina tremble with ecstasy. Her voluptuous moan alone could drive any Cernos student crazy.


    Kyon hastily escaped Triana¡¯s embrace and pulled out his small pared to thest time) penis from his briefs: {Finally¡­ The three weeks seemed like forever!}


    The reproductive system upgrade had finished just in time before the Hunters arrived. In a matter of minutes, Kyon reduced his penis to an eptable size and was ready to make his dreame true. From now on, he risked no damage to his delicate part. He could also change the size of his penis in a matter of minutes and make love for days on end.


    Kyon aimed his cock at her pussy and moved forward. Triana¡¯s tight vagina that wrapped around his ns seemed to be on fire! It trembled, begging to shove it deeper inside. Her tail bent into a question sign as if asking him, ¡°what are you waiting for, silly?¡±


    Lovr swallowed hard. He put his arms around her slim waist and pulled her on himself.


    Triana opened her eyes. Her dted pupils instantly narrowed. It hurt in the lower abdomen as if she had a string down there that had just broken. She hastily turned around and saw the owner leaning on her bottom with an extremely happy face.

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347


    ?What do you think you are doing?? ¨C Triana hissed, her ears perked up, her tail held high. She would have jumped up but could not because of the order ¡°lie down on your stomach and don¡¯t turn over.¡±


    Kyon didn¡¯t say anything. He could not. He was enjoying the process too much to think about anything. His dick slowly but surely prated deeper and deeper into the tight, soft pussy. Each pulsation of the vaginal muscles squeezed him like a vise, raising him above the mortal world. Triana¡¯s slippery, hot pussy felt incredibly pleasant and yful at the same time.


    That¡¯s how King Ildun¡¯s daughter had lost her innocence. The second princess in a row had been dishonored right in this room on this very bed.


    Triana could feel her owner¡¯s cock slowly slip inside her: ?No! No-no-no! TAKE IT OUT!? ¨C A wave of grief engulfed her and ripped through to her core. She would never be Fenrir¡¯s wife, she would never have cubs with him. The wretched, vile,pletely unworthy omega had dishonored her! His pretentious, weak cock had ruined all her dreams!


    Kyon¡¯s groin touched her taut bottom, starting smooth rhythmic movements. He could not hold back his moan with mind-blowing pleasure. His eyes kept rolling back. So fucking nice! What a lucky trophy! It was definitely worth all the risk! Kyon understood perfectly well that he had destroyed Triana¡¯s dreams, but she was to me for crossing the line. Anyway, it was better than giving her away to the Hunters¡¯ mercy. s, she would never understand how lucky she was. But Lovr didn¡¯t want her gratitude.


    Hurt and shock on Triana¡¯s face soon gave way to anger, her teeth clenched tight. A noble, strong-willed supreme beast would never give in to despair and self-pity. Her grief was reced by burning indignation¡­ towards the owner: ?Wretched freak¡­ Get off me¡­ GET OFF ME NOW! You are not my alpha, you¡¯re a pathetic OMEGA! You¡¯re not worthy of my body! GET OFF!?


    Kyon was too carried away to respond. He grabbed her by the tail and pulled it up, lifting her tight ass (the position from behind, her knees unbent). With his free hand, he held Triana¡¯s thin neck and imperiously pressed her to the bed as if punishing her for something.


    Triana¡¯s overflowing patience exploded like a volcano: ?Jerk! TAKE YOUR HAND OFF ME! I swear I will kill you someday! I¡¯ll tear you apart if you don¡¯t take your damned hand right away and get off me! Asshole! Gr-r-r-ro-o-arr!? ¨C A deafening roar escaped her throat. The soundproof barrier around the room came in really handy, or they would have rmed the entire dorm.


    Kyon was dominating the tigress, and such behavior towards the alpha beast was considered totally uneptable. Any vition of the supreme beasts¡¯ strict hierarchy drove them up the wall.


    If Triana didn¡¯t perceive her owner as a male, sex with him would be no different from shagging with a dog, which would be disastrous for her self-esteem. It might have worn her out like Wolfie.


    Kyon smoothly moved his hips at the fierce tigress¡¯s loud roar. Her powerful vaginal muscles seemed to be chewing and swallowing his penis. What a wild hungry beast! Her both openings were after his flesh and the rare delicacy! The pleasure was incredible. Each friction felt as a sheaf of bright sparks in the back of this head.


    ?Monster! You are a monster! I HATE YOU! Gr-r-rr-r-r-r-r!? ¨C Triana couldn¡¯t stop trembling with anger. His warm omega sausage inside her drove the tigress insane. When would this torture end?


    Suddenly, the tigress remembered about the ejaction at the end that could give her cubs. The tiger princess couldn¡¯t ept the mere idea that she would have a child from the ugly human omega. She froze in shock.


    ?O-o-oo-o-oh! You¡­ You¡¯re so good!? ¨C Kyon pressed Triana to the bed even tighter, leaning on her tight bottom. His penis shot thick sperm inside the tigress. Incredible pleasure clouded his mind. The whole world contracted into a single point of the orgasm. He lost track of time and connection with reality.


    ?No! I don¡¯t want cubs from you!? ¨C Triana groaned intively, moving her ass fiercely. It did not help her get rid of the owner. Instead, it helped him to shoot the sperm even deeper. The damned sausage twitched inside her, pouring hot delicacy into her womb.


    An invisible substance from his body of the void entered Triana along with his semen.


    The ejaction seemed tost forever. Suddenly, the princess could feel the element of water injected something into her. Her tummy started swelling. Triana¡¯s amber eyes nearly popped out of her head: ?Are you pumping me up with your semen? YOU ARE FUCKING CRAZY!?


    ?I didn¡¯t want to soil the bed. Besides, your second mouth was so hungry. The least I could do was to feed it properly.? ¨C Kyon said calmly. In fact, he was chasing only one single goal. He wanted to get Triana hooked on sex with him to stop her suffering and help her enjoying it. Nothing would serve it better than showing great skill in bed and making her womb addicted to his seed, just the way he did with her stomach. He was nning to make her a sex addict. Bing a nymphomaniac. Volume two.


    ?You¡¯re a fucking psychopath! I¡­ don¡¯t want¡­ tiger cubs from you¡­ I don¡¯t want them¡­? ¨C Tears welled up in Triana¡¯s beautiful eyes. She knew now what the manticore girl from that cruel story felt. The tigress hoped that she would escape this fate, but all humans were the same! Everything could be different if her owner were stronger than her. She might have epted her fate and even fallen in love with him. But ¡­ He was just a pathetic omega! A weak, feeble human scum.


    ?Don¡¯t worry. You won¡¯t have any. I don¡¯t need them.?


    ?You¡¯re lying¡­? ¨C She whispered, sobbing sadly.


    ?I healed my arm and, if you haven¡¯t noticed, I¡¯ve changed the size of my penis. Killing the seed is not a problem for me either.? ¨C Kyon said, stroking the tigress¡¯s thigh.


    Only now, Triana noticed that the size of his penis had significantly decreased. She blinked, perplexed. It couldn¡¯t be! What kind of monster was he?


    Kyon turned the depressed princess over, pulled her by the graceful thin ankles towards him, sat her down on his knees, hugged her and whispered to her: ?I know you are in pain, but in a few months, you will get used to it and even start enjoying it. Just be patient. And now I order you not to resist me.? ¨C With these words, he lifted Triana by her hips and pulled her pussy, tight as a vice, on his penis. Her vagina squeezed it powerfully but gently, making him tremble and sending goosebumps all over his body.


    Triana winced painfully. Hatred, aversion, killing intent were written all over her face: ?Jerk¡­ I will never ept you as alpha until you be stronger than me! Mating with omega is disgusting! Let go of me!?


    Kyon was short of breath, moving his hips up and down to make her bounce on his penis: ?I am your master. That¡¯s what you call me yourself. The master is your alpha. Don¡¯t be ridiculous, baby tiger.?


    Triana retorted with a growl, baring her clenched white teeth: ?The master is the owner! And alpha is the leader, who leads the pack and the female leader! He hasplete control over her body and feelings, and you are not a leader. You¡¯re a coward and pathetic omega at the bottom of your school hierarchy!?


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense¡­ The females have harems too¡­ with no alphas¡­? ¨C Lovr said with an effort.


    ?It¡¯s apletely different thing!? ¨C Triana growled angrily, her head thrown back at the tremendous sensations within her. ¨C ?They create a harem forck of choice, choosing the best of the best, but definitely not omegas like you! Pathetic freak!?


    It rarely happened in the animal kingdom. The desire to mate and the absence of an alpha, who would take them to his harem, forced some females to resort to desperate measures, such as creating their own harem from weaker males, which contradicted their instinct to find a male leader. Manticore Empress Hera was the only exception. Her strength was so great that even the strongest males in the forest seemed pathetic omegas to her, so she was doomed to be lonely for the rest of her life.


    Kyon wanted to focus on sex, but he couldn¡¯t keep quiet: ?I don¡¯t care about your opinion of me, baby tiger. You¡¯d better make sure to please me. Win my trust, make an effort to be more human¡­ And then, perhaps, you will be my girl and¡­ will be granted all privileges.?


    When he said it, Lovr kissed Triana on her parted pink lips and stuck out his tongue. She immediately sucked on it. With one hand, he embraced her from the back, pressing her tender mounds to his chest. With the other, he scratched her furry ears while she beat him on the sides with her tail. What a fierce and predatory cat! Doing it with her is sheer pleasure.


    Her athletic feminine body burning with power multiplied his ecstasy while her hot yful pussy gave an elite massage to his penis. His bliss quickly reached a critical point. A concentrated euphoria ran from the ns up the spine to the brain. A pleasant, painful sensation enveloped his testicles. Kyon grabbed Triana by her ass, pulled her closer to him, and erupted even harder than thest time. Everything turned white before his eyes.


    When Triana felt the owner¡¯s meat sausage tremble inside, she moaned and broke the kiss: ?M-m-m! Stop it! I DON¡¯T WANT IT!? ¨C As his hot seed shot into her womb, she threw back her head with a painful moan and tensed her whole body. ¨C ?No-o-o-o¡­ §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh¡­? ¨C Hot liquid kept pouring inside, no matter how hard she strained her lower abdomen.


    The tension seemed tost an eternity. The tigress trembled as the element of water filled her swollen belly. The feeling of her loaded womb was driving the princess crazy! Meanwhile, the wretched owner was enjoying the undeserved mating. This humiliation was really shameful for the tiger princess. She wanted to rip out his heart. Was she going to have to go through this horror all the time? And what if the bastard had lied and she would get pregnant?


    (*18+)

 Chapter 348: 349

    Chapter 348: 349


    Kyon gently kissed Triana on the neck. She curled up in a ball, growling angrily and pping him with her tail. The past few hours were the worst in her entire life. Only the death of her uncle had caused more negative emotions. Anyway, the despicable human looked very pleased. Bastard!


    However, Lovr was a little disappointed with only three percent of the darkness in the core. He had been expecting more. It had be too difficult to harvest it, or maybe Triana didn¡¯t release the right kind of negative energy. Her emotions were of fiery nature: rage, bloodthirst, anger, aggression, ferocity¡­ While the body of the void required dark, gloomy, cold, sharp like a razor de sentiments. Apparently, it wasn¡¯t in Triana¡¯s nature to give in to despair and sorrow. That¡¯s why she was unfit for filling his nucleus with darkness. On the other hand, Kyon didn¡¯t really want to get the darkness out of her. For some reason, it didn¡¯t feel right to use the tigress like this, unlike Dinah, Juno, and Kara who he¡¯d torture with great pleasure and without any regrets!


    ?Don¡¯t growl¡­ It turns me on¡­? ¨C Kyon said, kneading Triana¡¯s juicy buttocks.


    The tigress fell silent at once: ?Asshole¡­ You¡¯re a terrible master¡­ How dared you to pump me up¡­ It will take forever to leave my body¡­? ¨C Tears welled up in her eyes. Her heart ached, her soul hurt and tingled inside. The mere thought of her dear forest and freedom filled her with bitterness and resentment. She remembered him saying that she could gain all the privileges if¡­ she pleased him, made him trust her, and became more human¡­ But what did he mean by ¡°bing more human?¡± Did he really want her to sumb to human vices?


    ?You know, all beasts belong to three types: we eat them, we ride them, and we have fun with them. You belong to the third type!? ¨C He pressed Triana¡¯s bulging tummy.


    The tigress gasped as she tucked her legs and tensed. A viscous liquid flowed out of her intimate ce and flooded the sheet. She couldn¡¯t believe it was really happening. The wretched human omega had taken her many times, depriving her of her innocence and dreams, and she could do absolutely nothing about it.


    ?Baby tiger, your sad face makes me ashamed. Alright, fine. I¡¯ll show you the incentive on the way to your new lifestyle. Listen carefully. First, I will show you visual records from my past life, some of which you will take your breath away: nature, space, technology, science, movies, and even cartoons. Second, I will reveal to you my secrets, from my unique body features to my past life. Third, I will clean your keys, teach you how to fight better, and give you a high-quality movement technique, and much more. Fourth, I will give you the best dishes and your favorite massage that won¡¯t necessarily lead to sex.?


    Triana listened to him with an empty feeling in her head. What was he talking about?


    ?Each incentive has a price in points. You mustplete different tasks to earn the points: sexual duty, domestic chores, studying human culture, increasing your cultivation, surprising me, and so on.? ¨C Kyon was intending to train the tigress, turn her into an ideal, nymphomaniac servant. The carrot approach should increase her performance tenfold. Within a month, she would start taking the initiative in bed and enjoying it.


    ?Today, I will clear your wind key a little for your efforts, or rather, patience, and then I will show you a video. Ready?? ¨C He asked cheerfully.


    Triana sighed convulsively. Her owner must be crazy. She had always suspected that he had a screw loose. Why did she let this idiot harness her?


    ?What¡¯s the purity of your wind key? Tell me, it¡¯s an order.?


    ?Sixty-five percent.? ¨C Triana mumbled, nervously wagging her tail.


    {Not bad!} ¨C Kyon touched her sr plexus and infused it with Synergy, surprised at her powerful resistance. The immunity of her cultivated soul absorbed almost all foreign energy. If his Synergy hadn¡¯t raised from the intermediate to the peak of the student¡¯s degree (2), he would have even reached the key. However, now he could clean about twenty percent of any of her keys once a day.


    When he finished, Lovr ordered: ?Now I order you to release some wind, without destroying anything. Feel the difference. Make sure you¡¯ve be stronger.?


    Triana reluctantly blew on the wall. At first, she didn¡¯t feel anything. Then she had some doubts. As a supreme beast, she could perfectly feel her body, strength, capabilities, and density of her outgoing energy. Something had definitely changed.


    Gradually, Triana¡¯s face changed from gloomy to extremely focused. She got out of bed, letting a trickle of fluid flow from her intimate ce to her ankle, and released a more powerful jet of wind. The chandelier nearly fell off its hinges. Triana raised her eyebrows in amazement.


    After two minutes of experiments, Triana lost her self-control. She seemed to have forgotten what the owner had been doing with her for the past few hours. She had something else on her mind:


    ?Why? How is it possible? Did you enhance my wind power with some dirty trick??


    Kyon took out a formation to check the key purity: ?Can you use it??


    Triana took the device, pressed it against her plexus, and stared at number 70 glowing in the air. She rubbed her eyes, astonished by what she saw.


    ?Do you believe me now??


    ?You¡¯re tricking me! It can¡¯t be! Let¡¯s go to the training room! I want to make sure!? ¨C The tigress demanded, grabbing the owner by the cor.


    In the training room, Triana was convinced that she was not dreaming. She fiercely pounded the metal te and could not exin what was going on. She had been training here every day and knew perfectly well what she was capable of when suddenly, the strength of each of her blows increased by about a tenth! The drastic change couldn¡¯t be a perceptual error!


    {Did he really clean my wind key by five percent?} ¨C Triana looked perplexed. She nced at her master, who was leaning nonchntly against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. Natural talent was almost impossible to change, and yet this omega human had just made her stronger! Forever! The ss ceiling had cracked!


    ?So, do you believe me now?? ¨C His mouth twisted into a wry smile.


    Triana swallowed hard: ?How? Who are you??


    ?Your master.?


    The powerful and proud tigress shifted uncertainly from foot to foot: ?If¡­ I earn enough points¡­ Will you tell me who you are? How do you clean the keys? Will you make me more talented??


    ?Sure. Now that you believe me let¡¯s watch a video clip.?


    ?Video¡­ what?? ¨C Triana tilted her head sideways in confusion.


    Kyon took her back to the room and sat her on the bed, hugging her from behind. In the blink of an eye, a blue square appeared in front of her that turned into a bright living picture like a visual formation record. Then she heard the sound.


    Triana opened her mouth and moved her hand over the screen (it passed through). Then she looked in amazement at the owner who was sitting behind her: ?Is it some visual formation??


    ?Kind of.? ¨C Lovr agreed. He could project this screen indefinitely with his level of Synergy. There was nothing better than movies and video clips to teach the supreme beast the wisdom of the human culture.


    When they finished watching the video, Triana said, impressed: ?I¡¯ve never seen anything like this before¡­ How did humans learn to make so beautiful high-quality visual recordings? Zoom out, zoom in, editing technique, different angle shots! It¡¯s amazing!?


    ?You will see that it¡¯s not that simple soon. Alright, then. What about some dessert??


    Triana felt something hard pressing against her back and jumped out of bed, hissing furiously, her tail raised tail, her ears tucked angrily. After doing some little reflection, she heaved a sigh and returned to bed. The tigress closed her eyes and swallowed the bait. She preferred to let her omega master pour his boundless lust into her mouth rather than her pussy. She was still disgusted by the gross feeling of her womb getting filled and the slippery fluid flowing from the intimate ce afterward¡­


    In the evening, Kyony down and gave the body of the void a mental order to begin upgrading his head. Half the work had already been done, but it might take a month or a couple of months toplete the remaining part. The time hade.

 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349


    Lovr could feel that his nucleus started to spin. All the energy inside his soul, including Synergy, formed a funnel around it, drawing inside under the influence of some unknown force and then transforming into something invisible that rushed through the channels into the physical world to his head, gradually upgrading it.


    Suddenly, he could feel the weight of the world on his temples. His blood pressure spiked. The upgrade process had started, and it couldn¡¯t be stopped! It would take two weeks or several months. There was no telling.


    Kyon¡¯s unique body had whispered to him that he would be defenseless during the process, but it was news to him that almost all of his Synergy would also be out of his reach. At the moment, he could use only 10%. It would hardly be enough to suppress the unpleasant sensations in his head, to clean Triana¡¯s keys, and for video tutorials with her.


    As for elemental energy, his nucleus had absorbed about 99%, and the remaining percentage was not enough to protect himself or cultivate his soul. However, he could master the elements¡¯ grades. Kyon started with the superior grade of heat that he had taken from the Grands legacy but hadn¡¯t acquired yet. He needed the superior grade of earth and heat for the superior level of weighting enchant. Kyoncked only heat, and then he would be able to lift a 10,000-kilo sword.


    {I hope upgrading the head is really worth it¡­} ¨C Lovr understood that his future sess depended on the quality of his strength. As for protection, his priority was to protect his brain. That¡¯s why he had chosen without hesitation to upgrade his head, not the right hand.


    Two weeks had passed.


    Since then, Kyon had sold all his tokens at the auction and made a total of 190 million spheres, which was a little more than he had ever earned in this world. With 10 million in his ring, he now had 200 million spheres.


    Every day, Lovr spent 1% of the avable elemental energy to the best advantage, acquiring the superior grade of heat, producing unique body pills of ¡°B¡± and ¡°A¡± rank to sell them in the future. He had bought the ingredients for the alchemy process along with the unique body pill.


    Also, Kyon often provoked the students to emit darkness with Triana¡¯s help. His nucleus liked the emotions of jealousy and envy, but it demanded too much! The process of filling his core was like trying to fill a bath with a pipette.


    By the way, Triana enjoyed even more poprity than Kara used to do. The blond, beautiful girl was not inferior to the demon princess. Moreover, Triana had a better character and wasn¡¯t a bit arrogant!


    Anyway, everyone in Cernos refused to believe that everyone¡¯s favorite girl was sleeping with the notorious fat freak. It couldn¡¯t be true! The world didn¡¯t work that way! He could paw and kiss her all he wanted, but it could never lead to more! Even under orders!


    The journalism club decided to confirm or deny these rumors. At first, the club members pestered Triana with their attempts to take an interview about her personal life, but when Dick Baker drove them away, they had to use the old traditional method ¨C spying on her. However, no matter how hard they tried, they could find absolutely nothing. Not a single clue.


    Constantly squeezing Triana¡¯s butt, Kyon prudently used the water element, not allowing the ¡°irrefutable evidence¡± to leak out. The tigress fiercely red at the owner, but she couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    One day, Boe Stone came to school and tried to arrange a date for his grandson Lee and the beautiful girl who had stolen his heart. To cut it short, Lee Stones nearly burned with shame. Their date, of course, never took ce.


    As if all this was not enough, a Grand created a fan club dedicated to Triana. The fools didn¡¯t learn. First, they worshiped the supreme demon, they switched to the supreme beast. And that¡¯s in the world where everyone was an inveterate racist or xenophobe.


    All of them were united by one thing: they were fed up to the back teeth with Dick Baker! They were willing to do whatever it took to save Triana from harassment and cohabitation with the freak. The slightest chance that he was fucking their idol made their hearts bleed.


    As for Triana, she put the worst moment in her life behind and got used to her new life. By the second week, she had taken the initiative. She hated sex with the omega master, especially in a submissive position. It was even more terrible if he took her against her will. That¡¯s why she decided to initiate sex with him to gain the desired sense of control and earn points at the same time. The tigress always put some effort to end the nightmarish intercourse faster and get even more points for this. Soon, she took action the moment she saw the distinct bulge in Dick¡¯s pants.


    Out of the countless positions that Kyon had taught her, Triana hated the least the being on top. That¡¯s the position that alpha females use in their harems. They dominate the males and never allow them to do the same. This kind of position muffled the humiliation from intercourse with an omega. She initiated it herself, after all. She was in control! Thus, the tigress learned the basics of the ancient profession being the controlling, not the controlled side.


    The dominant positions were the only thing that gave Triana the feeling of independence she needed in her restricted life. Getting freedom, or at least the right of speech was all she could think about. Their absence oppressed the supreme beast. She lived to get some bonus points! They were her only joy. Divine massage! Key cleaning! Delicious food! Videos! She could spend them on anything. The bnce was disyed on the mysterious blue screen, and she could spend the points on any service, choosing from thousands of them (automatically created by Synergy). The owner made generous discounts on some services, tempting her to try them, and even paid for some of them. It was so exciting that Triana had to find a way to earn the points faster, which surprised her owner a lot!


    The videos on the visual formation made the tigress suspicious. They seemed to have been recorded in another reality. There was no apparent hierarchy in the society, no information about souls or energy. There wasn¡¯t a single mention of supreme beasts or vile demons. She found that the people in the videos had a weird moral sense. It was too flexible and strict. Any injustice was often punished. The world couldn¡¯t work like that!


    One day Triana¡¯s finger reached for the science section, the cosmology subsection. What she saw got imprinted in her mind for the rest of her life. Stars¡­ Billions of stars! Beautiful and mesmerizing like yful fireflies, yet inconceivably huge! Triana discovered a new wondrous world. She learned about their cycle of life, their evolution, and death. She also found out about satellites,s, ck holes, and gxies. The video was apanied by wonderful music that caressed her ear. Triana burst into tears. She realized that her owner was from another world. She was a hundred percent sure about it.


    From that day on, Triana spent all her points to learn about Lovr as much as possible. She wanted to know about his world, his ability to clear the keys, his regenerative skills, and much more.


    Kyon was so fascinated by her sincere interest in his past that he decided to clean her keys with the rest of Synergy. However, he was in no hurry to answer her questions. She should learn about him and his world by herself.


    Tonight (by the end of the second week since the Hunters had left), Triana smiled happily, squared her shoulders, and dered with pride in her voice: ?Master Omega, I have reached the sixth stage! You promised to reward me for my sess!?


    Kyon walked into the training room and saw the scratched metal tes in the middle. Next to them, Triana was stretching after hard training, beaming with happiness.


    ?Great news, baby tiger!? ¨C Kyon came up to her and kissed her passionately on the lips, hugging her slender waist. Her musky smell after the training was arousing.


    Soon Triana let go of his tongue, licked her lips, and asked with her head slightly tilted to the side: ?What is my reward for sess? Show me!?


    Triana opened her mouth in amazement when she saw the numbers on the screen: ?Ten thousand??


    ?I will generously reward you for any sess. But don¡¯t call me omega. It¡¯s thest warning. You will be fined next time.?


    ?But it¡¯s truth¡­? ¨C Triana retorted, wiping the sweat from her forehead. ¨C ?Well, okay.?


    ?How are you going to spend your points??


    The tigress thought for a moment and raised her hand, ready with her request: ?Can I spend my points to get you to ept the three hundred summons from Cernos students??


    Kyon heaved a sigh: ?No! Stop asking that!? ¨C Apparently, Triana wanted him to be at the top of the school hierarchy. She believed that he was at the very bottom. It was so annoying! The supreme beasts must be obsessed with the rank system. Dick Baker was sick and tired of hearing from her things like ¡°be an alpha already!¡±; ¡°beat that guy, he drools over me and stares at my ass!¡±; ¡°break his nose, he thinks you are trash!¡±; ¡°beat this female, she stinks like rotting flesh¡±, and so on and so forth.


    Triana lowered her eyes sadly: ?Then¡­ I don¡¯t know what to choose. I want to learn more about your world and about you, but I want to save enough points for the movement technique¡­? ¨C She hesitated for a reason. Recently, the owner had shown her a technique that no one would even dream of. It allowed him to move an entire phase faster than his opponent! A skill like this was valuable beyond words. Even all the looted treasures of the destroyed Cleathean empire (8), including cattle, couldn¡¯t bepared with it. The owner offered her to buy it for only one hundred thousand points! Even if only one copy.


    ?I can help you to save up for the technique.?


    Triana nced dejectedly at his groin but didn¡¯t see any threat there. She arched her eyebrows in surprise. Was he offering her a way to earn points without forcing her to have sex with him? If so, she would grab this opportunity with both hands!


    Kyon added: ?You will have toplete one task, no matter how difficult or horrible it might seem. Here¡¯s a hint: it¡¯s about something that the supreme beasts hate most of all. Think hard.?


    ?I agree!? ¨C Triana cried out with a gleam of enthusiasm in her pretty eyes.


    Under no circumstances would the supreme beasts agree to such conditions, especially if it involved a human or a demon. They would be obliged to do whatever they were asked afterward, be it suicide or anything else. They would be responsible for their words. Such a promise was even more serious than following an order. Its effect amounted to being harnessed.


    Kyon shed a beaming smile: ?My kitty didn¡¯t disappoint me! Now that you¡¯ve made your choice, there is no turning back. Let¡¯s go to the room. I¡¯ll tell you everything after we take a shower.?


    After Triana washed Kyon with her rough tongue, she put on a clean, carefully ironed school uniform, sat down on the bed, waiting for the owner. As she straightened her white stocking, a spot of foreign liquid formed on the sheet under her. Her body had long got used to the constant discharge from her womb after coitus.


    Kyon came out of the shower, sat opposite her, and looked into her clear amber eyes: ?You must learn to lie. The task won¡¯t be considered done until you achieve sess in this challenging, delicate art.?


    Triana¡¯s eyes widened. Her firm conviction to do anything to get her cherished goal quickly gave way to shock and horror: ?No¡­ You can¡¯t be serious¡­ Why this? I don¡¯t want to do it¡­? ¨C Tears rolled down her face. She gave him a promise that made her give up her worldview, the very essence of a noble supreme beast.


    ?Cheer up. Some lies can be bad, but some can be good. If you learn to lie, you will take a huge step towards getting the right of speech. You will outgrow being a servant and be my girlfriend. In the future.?


    Triana closed her eyes and shook her head desperately. Why did she agree to this? Why?!


    ?Alright, let¡¯s get started.? ¨C Kyon cleared his throat. He intended to use the full arsenal of his knowledge about lies to change Triana¡¯s innate principles. He made this decision the moment he saw her ying strip poker with the Romanovs.

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350


    Kyon sat in the lotus position on the bed and turned to his tense student: ?What¡¯s a lie??


    Triana muttered under her breath: ?This is key to achieving dirty goals. It¡¯s inherent in humans and demons! Lies exist to benefit profit and satisfy your vicious ego! Deception is the weapon of the weak! It¡¯s amassing wealth from those who earned it on their own!? ¨C She seemed to have memorized those words from the ancientmandment stone tablet.


    This sensitive subject infuriated the tigress. Being a supreme beast, Triana couldn¡¯t stay calm, no matter how hard she tried because she had promised to learn to lie!


    It was a vicious circle as it would be a lie if she didn¡¯t keep her promise. Thus, Triana found herself in a mental loop with no other way out as having to lie.


    Lovr shook his head, tracing the infinity symbol in the air: ?You¡¯re right and wrong at the same time. Tell me who is more powerful: the one who won the race or the one who lost it??


    ?The one who one¡­?


    ?And if the winner had secretly taken a shortcut??


    ?Then¡­? ¨C Triana balled her hands into fists. ¨C ?The winner is a cheater! No one should ever enjoy undeserved fame! The mere thought of it makes me feel sick to my stomach¡­?


    Kyon snorted: ?What¡¯s so sickening about it? The winner came first and won the main prize, fame, and maybe even the heart of the beloved one! All is fair in love and war! Deception can provide immense long-term benefits, which means that the ability to manipte and cheat, something that supreme beasts despise, can be a powerful tool in the right hands!?


    Triana hesitated for a moment, then she resolutely said: ?Deceiving will bring total chaos where everyone can walk all over you! It multiplies murders, violence, vandalism, looting among your own people! Demons and humans are just disgusting! Noble supreme beasts are nothing like them! We interact in an open, honest manner and are guided by what is right! The weak humbly submit to the strong, and the strong don¡¯t abuse their power because they were born like that! Your so-called tool is nothing but a fetid discharge of your vicious nature! If¡­?


    Lovr interrupted her: ?You digress. I repeat: those who masterfully use this tool will achieve greater heights. They will earn the respect of others, get the best mate, and, quite possibly, give life to talented children. Isn¡¯t it a perfectpetition that you adore so much??


    ?It is, but without¡­? ¨C Triana tried to continue her line of thought.


    ?But the supreme beasts¡¯ proficiency level of handling this tool is non-existent. Therefore any human or demon will achieve effortless sess in your society. Supreme beasts are not extinct only because they follow their animal nature and reject strangers, but it doesn¡¯t mean that they are stronger or better than others. On the contrary, it only means that they have a destructive habit that makes them unable topete with anyone. To spare themselves humiliation, they call their innate inferiority virtue, and it makes them proud. It¡¯s ridiculous!?


    Triana bared her white teeth and growled. Her heart was racing with anger. She wanted to defend her principles and take this insolent human who humiliated her sacred culture down a notch, but he had given indisputable facts. She needed some time to sit and contemte, but this nasty monkey wouldn¡¯t give her even five seconds!


    Kyon continued pressuring her: ?If stupid beasts had mastered even a little bit of this skill, they would lead the animal kingdom, bringing arrogant manticores down a peg. However, your soft and fair nature won¡¯t let you take what is yours. Why can manticores use their innate unique body in the battle, but you can¡¯t? It¡¯s obvious that the poisonous tail gives them a huge advantage in one-on-onebat! What will be their response if you summon a thousand animals with your roar? It will be an unconditional defeat!?


    Triana¡¯s chest heaved with anger, her face turned purple: ?It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s not a duel! The battle must be fair! One on one! Their tail is part of their body! It¡¯s their personal power! As for our roar, it¡¯s the power of the whole forest! Of course, we could set the entire forest on them, but we don¡¯t want to win like this! If we acquired the throne this way, we would burn with shame. The forest dwellers would snort at us with contempt! Supreme beasts don¡¯t use dirty formations, or any powerful enchanted weapon, or armor that humans brandish all the time! This kind of power is borrowed from the family. It¡¯s no indicator of the individual talent!?


    A sudden fit of contempt activated Kyon¡¯s dark side. It took all his willpower to hold back the urge to swear:


    ?You give up formations, powerful weapons, and armor because it¡¯s supposed to be family wealth, not personal talent. However, it¡¯s a no-brainer that manticores¡¯ higher cultivation depends on their resources! Their talent doesn¡¯t surpass yours, but their family¡¯s wealth gives them a great head start! You contradict yourself, silly girl.?


    ?It¡¯s a different thing!? ¨C Triana shook her head vehemently. She didn¡¯t sound so confident, though. ¨C ?They are more powerful because¡­ Because¡­?


    Kyon waved her off: ?Your vaunted hierarchy is based on injustice, and you¡¯ve never noticed it. Listen to me: the strong will get even more powerful while the weak will get only more helpless. This simple principle applies everywhere in the universe. Unlike you, humans and demons understand this. They would never be ruled by someone inferior to them. If humans changed ces with white tigers, you would rule the forest kingdom less than in a week! I don¡¯t think it would happen without sacrifice, but it would totally be worth it.?


    ?Why don¡¯t you understand?? ¨C Triana growled, piercing her with her ferocious eyes. She wished she could sink her teeth into his thick neck and break it like a dry twig! Why couldn¡¯t he understand the obvious things?


    Lovr raised his hands to calm her down: ?Alright, alright. Cool it. I¡¯ll put it another way.?


    A minuteter, when the tigress seemed to have calmed down, Kyon took out a ck-and-white picture drawn on paper by Synergy. He covered half of the drawing with his hand and showed it to her: ?Tell what you see.?


    Triana looked at the image: ?Some hefty rude male in dark clothes hugs a delicious girl¡­ I think she is in trouble. His dirty intentions are written all over his face.?


    Kyon opened the other half of the image.


    Triana was astounded: a man was hugging a girl who stabbed him with a knife. It was now clear that the hefty man had no dirty intentions, but the seemingly harmless girl represented the embodiment of evil.


    ?Well, did it change your opinion??


    ?Yeah¡­? ¨C Triana intoned, still baffled by what she saw. ¨C ?It looked quite different before¡­?


    ?The information I showed to you was iplete, but it was enough for you to make an opinion about the picture. Words can be deceiving in the same way. They are more flexible and safe than pictures because they sound usible even when based on a distorted perception of reality. Supreme beasts remain silent when they have to handle awkward topics, but in some exceptional cases, they say half-truth, without realizing that they manipte others¡­?


    ?Bullshit!? ¨C Triana eximed suddenly. ¨C ?We¡¯ll never stoop to maniption!?


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?Do you remember the day when you told me that you pulled a back muscle and needed a massage? You unwittingly used the simplest maniptive tactic. If I knew that you had pulled the muscle on purpose, you might not have gotten what you wanted! You see, you didn¡¯t tell me the whole truth to achieve your goal. You subconsciously hid some information.?


    Triana blinked in dismay. It was exactly like he said. She suddenly felt so dirty. But was it her fault? She didn¡¯t see it that way! She was just happy to achieve the result!


    Kyon continued to speak in a calm voice: ?You have no idea how thin the line is between truth and lies. Say, an offended woman exims: ¡°He yelled at me, and I didn¡¯t even touch him!¡± She wasn¡¯t lying, per se, she was just ying a victim to make those around her stand up for the poor defenselessdy. However, the whole truth would sound like this: ¡°He yelled at me because I had insulted his parents, but I didn¡¯t even touch him!¡± From this perspective, no one would take the brazen woman side. As you can see, facts can be manipted, omitted, and shaped to fit a certain point of view and achieve the necessary result. The line between half-truth and lies is almost imperceptible. You didn¡¯t even notice that you had actually deceived me. Learning to lie is easier than you think.?


    Triana frowned: ?Anything can happen, but there¡¯s a difference between unintentional and deliberate lies! No one will hold it against you if your thoughts are pure! Sooner orter, everything will fall into its rightful ce! Supreme beasts never shift the focus from truth to malice or improper motive, as humans do! We are too noble to do that! It¡¯s our sacred duty to protect the honorable way of life!?


    ?Sacred duty?? ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t hold back a scornful grin. ¨C ?Your traditions are as rotten as ours. I¡¯ve read so much about your cruel ways with intelligent food¡­ Your custom of keeping humans and demons as pets is abhorrent. You force close rtives to mate! What pure thoughts are you talking about, striped bitch??


    Triana gasped and growled angrily: ?Don¡¯t you inbreed dogs as well as supreme beasts! At least, we are decent enough not to do it for fun. We keep the bloodline pure! Supreme beasts will always stay honest with themselves!?


    Kyon found himself lost for words. He didn¡¯t have a leg to stand on in this debate. Humans and demons were no better than supreme beasts. He couldn¡¯t refer to the culture of his past world because they had different rules,ws, and moral ideas.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Lovr pped his hands to get her attention: ?Alright, there¡¯s no need to delve too deeply into all this. Getting back to my story, let¡¯s discuss when lies can be useful, why the inability to lie is a major disadvantage.?


    ?Go on! I¡¯ll dly listen to your rant!? ¨C Triana growled, baring her teeth.


    ?Imagine that you are a mother with three children. The enemy have invaded the forest. They will kill everyone they don¡¯t like and take the rest into very. Their army prates deeper and deeper until they finally reached your pce, where you have hidden your cubs. The leaderes forward and asks if anyone is hiding in the basement. What will you tell him??


    ?I¡¯ll say nothing!? ¨C Triana snapped.


    ?Alright.? ¨C Kyon nodded. ¨C ?What will you say if your cubs are not in the basement??


    ?I¡¯ll say nothing! I won¡¯t tell them a word!?


    ?I see. And what will you say if the children are not there, but the invaders threaten to **** you until you die? They will let you die a quick death if you answer them.?


    Triana looked aside and said: ?I¡¯ll say there¡¯s no one in the basement¡­?


    Kyon shed an evil grin: ?And what if your kids are really hiding down there??


    ?I¡¯ll say nothing! I¡¯ll¡­? ¨C A fearful idea came across her mind.


    ?Exactly. You would say nothing. You¡¯d rather die than give your kids away. However, if your children were safe, you¡¯d prefer a quick death. If I were the invader, I would quickly figure you out. Your silence will be the answer! The supreme beast¡¯s mentality will y right into my hands. Thus, your inability to lie, the so-called virtue you are so proud of, is nothing but weakness. You can¡¯t deny the obvious! I can give you a hundred more examples.? ¨C Kyon insisted.


    Triana turned ashen. She did not suspect that there was a weakness in her worldview. They could easily get the desired answer even from her silence! If only she knew how to lie, she could have saved her (imaginary) children!


    ?Now that you see that there¡¯s a w in your mentality let¡¯s continue our lesson. We¡¯re going to talk about double-truth; to each their own truth; white lies; maniption and machinations mixed with truth and lies in different proportions! Let the lesson begin!? ¨C Lovr grinned, a mischievous spark glinted in his eyes. He intended much more than just teaching Triana to lie. She was to learn cheating, the basics of maniption, and a great deal more. It was all interconnected, so she would learn other things easier once she knew at least one.


    Kyon presumed that it was enough to show the supreme beast the thin line between lies and truth to teach her lie. He would have reached his goal as soon as Triana stopped to consider truth as something infallible and unambiguous.

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351


    Kyon gave Triana a two-hour lesson on lying that she struggled to understand. The tigress even gave him a few percent of the darkness. Of course, Kyon did not expect to reach his goal with the very first lesson. He had prepared an action n, the first three steps of which were as follows: convince the tigress that her mentality had some significant ws; prove to her that the skill of deception had a lot of advantages, giving her a couple of good examples; show to her the thin line between lies and truth, including the slightest change in intonation that could drastically change the meaning of the phrase (for example, sarcasm).


    Supreme beasts were so simple-minded and straightforward that they couldn¡¯t understand irony. They didn¡¯t get jokes, were over-trusting and easily fooled. When hearing some absurd information or sarcasm, they would bare their teeth while any human being wouldugh at it or show a you-are-nuts gesture. Lovr knew perfectly well that he was not only teaching Triana the art of deception, he was also changing her worldview.


    Probably, no one had ever tried to teach a supreme beast to lie. It took at least some faith in achieving sess in the process that was equal to convincing a pebble it was sharp. Even if someone did try to do it, they would never seed without a vast knowledge base and tremendous motivation like Lovr¡¯s.


    At the end of the first lesson, Triana curled up in bed. She was as pale as chalk, her body soaked with cold sweat. She was shaking, tears welling up in her eyes. The wretched owner made her look at the world through different lenses. He had provided her with vivid examples of the drawbacks in her worldview. He had masterfully presented lies, maniptions, and treachery as an ¡°invaluable skill for every self-respecting, selfish and powerful leader.¡±


    Her head was swarmed with rapidly flowing terrible thoughts. His words had imprinted in her mind and echoed like rolling thunder, resonating with each other, making her tremble, crushing her strong mental state.


    Kyon had destroyed everything she knew about her sacred noble culture. As she had promised to learn to lie, Triana could resist the chaos in her head. She had to go with the flow.


    Kyon touched Triana¡¯s forehead and frowned. She was unconscious and had shaking chills! The tigress seemed to be fading away like a delicate flower under the scorching desert sun. She waspletely defenseless at the moment!


    First of all, Lovr undressed her and treated her with the help of the wind, the water, and the cold elements. Her sweaty forehead, the hurt expression on her face, her painfully closed eyes made his heart hurt. He had no idea that he had be greatly attached to this beautiful girl: {I must have overdone it.}


    Three days had passed. Triana was still running a fever.


    {I promised to make her more human: teach her to lie, understand sarcasm and jokes, see through treachery and maniption, but¡­ Wouldn¡¯t it help her ignore the harness effect? I guess I am digging my own grave.} ¨C Kyon bit his lip. This extremely important thought had never urred to him because he firmly believed in his n and didn¡¯t allow himself to have the slightest doubt. However, now he had a good reason to think about Triana¡¯s fate again.


    {If she learns to cheat, then¡­ I am in big trouble! Triana isn¡¯t attached to me enough to be confident in my safety!} ¨C Lovr decided to dy their next lesson for an indefinite period of time. First, he had to make the tigress dependent on him, both emotionally and physically. He had no control over her. No subjugating formations or any other nonsense would affect the king phaser.


    {I guess I am jumping the gun. Again.} ¨C Lovr heaved a sigh and touched Triana¡¯s smooth forehead. No more fever. Finally!


    Triana opened her clear amber eyes.


    ?How are you feeling?? ¨C Kyon asked kindly.


    ?Like dried meat¡­? ¨C Triana stretched and yawned like a cat. ¨C ?Gr-r-r-o-ow¡­?


    ?Do you remember ourst lesson??


    She frowned at once: ?Too well¡­ I wish I didn¡¯t! But I gave you my promise¡­? ¨C She sighed deeply. ¨C ?I am ready to continue¡­?


    ?Speaking of that¡­ I¡¯ve changed my mind. I can¡¯t stand to see you suffer. You must forget about your promise. I order you to forget everything that you heard during the lesson. We will reschedule our lessons for the indefinite future when you are ready.?


    ?But why? I can¡¯t take my words back!?


    ?You will take them back. I order you.? ¨C Lovr said sternly.


    ?Okay¡­? ¨C Triana nodded uncertainly, casting a predatory nce over his neck and swallowing hard.


    ?Are you hungry?? ¨C Kyon understood her without words and took various goodies out of the ring.


    Triana finished a juicy chunk of meat and demanded: ?Do you have more?? ¨C Her gaze slowly lowered to Kyon¡¯s groin. Seeing the evident bulge down there, she licked the goose fat from her lips and crawled for more with feline grace.


    Kyon closed his eyes, longing for oral pleasure.


    ¡­


    Two and a half months had passed unnoticed. Fluffy snow adorned the territory of Cernos.


    ?Dratted parrot, I spent almost six months teaching you to recite poetry, and all I hear from you is a stream of profanity!? ¨C Some frustrated, furious student swore out loud. A few months ago, Dick Baker¡¯s romantic way to conquer Princess Kara¡¯s heart inspired him to train a parrot, too.


    ?Nitwit, dimwit, I love you! Pea-brain bird, you love me too! Dumbo, dum-dum, fathead goof! Drongo, plonker, nipoop? ¨C The multi-colored parrot squealed, proudly fluffing up its feathers.


    The downhearted young man in the white uniform locked the bird in the cage and left the dorm. He had an important meeting at Triana¡¯s fan club tonight. The leader had told all middle and high-ranking members to be there to clear up an important issue.


    In the most prestigious building of the shopping district, three dozen students were sitting behind a massive round table in a poorly lit spacious room, nervously exchanging nces. Five of them were in the journalism club.


    ?Alright, bring us up to speed!? ¨C Alex Grand,te Arthie Grand¡¯s brother and the former leader of Kara¡¯s fan club, barked, banging his fist on the table. He had started his own fan club with a firm conviction to seed after his brother had suffered a crushing defeat.


    ?We have evidence that Dick Baker sleeps with Triana Baker¡­? ¨C Cait Brown, the head of the journalism club, said in a trembling voice. Despite the fact that she was addressing someone in the ck uniform, Cait was filled with awe. After all, Alex Grand was respected elder Grand¡¯sst son.


    The fan club members shouted all at once: ?Bullshit! It can¡¯t be! Ady of her level will never let the fat monster anywhere near her body, even if she is his servant!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s been three months since we didn¡¯t have a single piece of evidence. Why would we believe you? You just want to earn some fast cash, no doubt!?


    Alex Grand looked more anxious than anyone else. He cleared his throat and put on a calm face: ?I have an urge to tell you to get lost, but I will try to be reasonable. Show us your evidence, and if it turns out to be true, I will give you the promised reward!?


    Cait, nicknamed Hot Sun, ced a nephrite with the visual recording on the table and activated it. A stream of light created a bright screen against the ceiling.


    Three dozen people saw someone enter the men¡¯s restroom with a recording formation in his hand and raise the nephrite over the booth, where the hated fat freak was doing indecent things with the school idol.


    All the fan club members stood white and speechless. The news seemed to have sucked out their soul and burst their hearts. The nephrite with the visual recording couldn¡¯t be forged, which means that the girl they worshiped was really fucking the fat freak, moaning with pleasure. Their envy, jealousy, and hatred were suffocating.


    Someone grabbed his head, someone swayed from side to side, others threw their heads back with a nk stare: ?I don¡¯t believe it¡­ I don¡¯t believe it! I DON¡¯T BELIEVE IT!? ¡­ ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! Howe? Why didn¡¯t the goddess stop him from sphemy?? ¡­ ?Everything is lost¡­ My life has no meaning.?


    ?No¡­ No¡­ No¡­? ¨C Alex muttered, clutching at his head with a nk stare.


    Two hours had passed.


    Kyon and Triana were returning from the training room when he led her to the basement instead of the fifth floor.


    Triana was a little surprised: ?Where are we going??


    ?Wait and see. Until then, get rid of the tail.?


    Triana released some of her pressure, and the crowd of not very skillful pursuers scattered, screaming with horror.


    With a sleight of his hand, Kyon opened the locked door and saw a guy standing on the chair in the dimly lit room, putting a noose around his neck. It was Alex Grand, the leader of Triana¡¯s fan club. Plunged into the abyss of depression, he decided to end his life.


    Long ago, Lovr allocated a little Synergy for several zombie birds just in case. That¡¯s how he noticed Alex Grand¡¯s state as he was returning to the dorm. In fact, Kyon had leaked the video of sex in the booth on purpose. It was time to gather some emotions from the students.


    ?It¡¯s you!? ¨C Triana eximed Triana when she saw the annoying pesky boy.


    Alex froze to the spot. He did not expect to see the gorgeous girl before dying. He¡¯d been ving away at the fan club day and to attract the attention of this goddess, all to no avail.


    ?You don¡¯t have to do it.? ¨C Kyon said calmly.


    ?I don¡¯t? Ha¡­ Ha-ha¡­ I have no reason to live. I am disappointed with life. Get lost and leave me alone.? ¨C Alex mumbled, as white as snow.


    ?What disappointed you?? ¨C Kyon asked kindly, trying to get the silly boy to talk.


    Alex Grand cast a nce full of love at the beautiful girl and lowered his head: ?The wretched bastard like you always gets the best: free admission to Cernos with amodation in the best room, getting married to Princess Kara and having sex with her without anymitment, getting first prize in the forest tournament on a silver tter. And now the powerful and stunningly beautiful girl I am in love with warms your bed! I deserve all this and much more! But¡­?


    When Triana heard about some ¡°wife Kara,¡± she stared unkindly at the owner.


    ?And that¡¯s it?? ¨C Kyon shed a big smile and said: ¨C ?Triana, I order you to kiss him without tongue. Three seconds will be enough.?


    ?What?!? ¨C She eximed indignantly.


    ?Huh?!? ¨C Alex gasped, taken aback.


    The tigress obediently approached Alex, took him off the chair, and kissed him on the lips.


    Alex blushed, feeling overwhelmed.


    Kyon said coldly: ?Would you dare topete with me on equal terms if I were dashingly handsome with unlimited potential??


    ?I¡­ Ehm¡­ I¡­ Uhm¡­? ¨C Alex couldn¡¯te to his senses. His heart was about to leave his chest and run away to distantnds. Triana¡¯s tender lips had imprinted in his soul, heart, and mind until the end of time.


    Lovr held out his hand and demonstrated the nine elements: ?The world is unfair. Get used to it.? ¨C He balled his hand into a fist and warned Alex. ¨C ?If you ever cross my path, you will regret that you haven¡¯t finished what you started here.? ¨C Then he left the basement.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t care less that Triana had kissed someone under his order. It didn¡¯t matter that he had revealed his identity as the goddess¡¯s messenger to some Cernos student. Alex was just a teenager in love. No one would believe a word of his if he came up with some nonsense to spite his rival. Dick Baker, the goddess¡¯s messenger? It sounded really crazy. They would think Alex Grand was a raving lunatic.


    What Lovr did should be enough to prevent the fool frommitting suicide. He wasn¡¯t worried about Alex¡¯s life that much, but he didn¡¯t want to disappoint his masters, who had spent many years preparing the future god. Of course, he was self-serving and egocentric, but Alex¡¯smitting suicide was entirely Lovr¡¯s fault. Letting him do it was the same as killing him himself. Kyon wasn¡¯t the man who killed intelligent beings for no reason.


    A few months ago, two Kara¡¯s fansmitted suicide after watching the sex scene, but it was different. They had repeatedly tried to finish him off or were nning to do it. Alex Grand suffered because of him, without making any attempts to take revenge.

 Chapter 352: 1

    Chapter 352: 1


    As soon as Triana entered the room, she voiced her discontent: ?Why did you order me to kiss that maniac stalker without asking me first? Haven¡¯t I earned a little respect in four months of faithful service??


    ?It was just a kiss. What do you care?? ¨C Kyon asked, arching his brow.


    ?How can you be so frivolous? Haven¡¯t you shown me hundreds of films where a kiss is considered something intimate! I share this opinion! Every self-respecting girl will kiss only her boyfriend or husband, not a pesky, mad, spineless psycho! He pulls a new stunt every day! You could leave that pathetic softie to die!? ¨C Triana eximed angrily.


    ?A kiss onmand is just a touch on the lips. You¡¯re making a mountain out of a molehill. Alex Grand wanted to end his life because of his unrequited love for you. You must be ashamed for being so pretty and driving all the males crazy.? ¨C Kyon yfully hugged Triana.


    ?It¡¯s too much honor to call them males! It¡¯s their fault that they keep praising me, their natural enemy! But it doesn¡¯t change the fact that you treat me like a thing! Didn¡¯t you tell me during our mating that I am your most precious trophy in the world? Be a man of your word!?


    ?I¡¯m lost without you.? ¨C Lovr smiled. ¨C ?By the way, I¡¯m surprised that some kiss outraged you more than watching me reveal the nine elements.?


    ?Well, you always pull so many tricks that nothing can surprise me anymore! I¡¯m not a fool to believe that you can bend all the nine¡­ elements¡­? ¨C She sounded less certain in the end.


    Kyon winked at her with a mysterious look: ?Wait and see. But until then, let¡¯s take a shower.?


    Already in the bathroom, seeing the man undress, the tigress remembered something and, squinting unkindly, said:


    When they were in the bathroom, Triana thought of something and squinted angrily: ?Who is Princess Kara? Howe she¡¯s your wife? And how is it possible that you had sex with her with nomitment?? ¨C From Triana¡¯s point of view, sex withoutmitment was not uneptable in any form. Either Kara was his female, or he was part of her harem. For some reason, the tigress did not like either option. But it wasn¡¯t the point. Howe she found out about her owner¡¯s wife only now? And what was this unpleasant feeling that made her heart so heavy?


    ?You don¡¯t know her.?


    ?I don¡¯t indeed! How did you guess??


    ?I have a feeling I am being interrogated. A servant should know her ce.?


    ?But¡­ I¡¯m just¡­ Take points for my curiosity, but tell me!?


    Kyon nodded at the screen.


    A wave of anger swept over Triana at the sight of the 5,000-point price tag: ?Are you kidding me??


    Lovrughed: ?The price is only reasonable, considering your reaction at this information. Alright, cheer up! I¡¯ll show you a movie to make up for the kiss and Kara.?


    After a shower, they went to bed together. Kyon hugged Triana from behind and buried his nose in her fragrant nape as the screen with a movie appeared in front of her eyes. The tigress pricked up her furry ears impatiently. She got used to returning her animal attributes when she was with the owner.


    Tears welled up in Triana¡¯s eyes when the three-hour movie was over. She said in a voice full of pity: ?Why¡­ Why did they execute the dark-skinned one? He was innocent and they knew it! How could they kill such a kind man??


    ?It was the court verdict¡­? ¨C Kyon sighed. ¨C ?In my world, thew is a powerful thing. Only those at the top of the hierarchy can ignore it. As for ordinary wardens, they will ruin their lives ignoring the court decisions.?


    Triana sobbed bitterly. Supreme beasts never cried, but this film was heart-rendering. The main character that looked like delicious chocte reminded her of Bernie, the well-known teddy bear from the animal kingdom. People from Lovr¡¯s world knew how to make a good movie that reached the heart.


    ?Don¡¯t cry baby tiger. I can¡¯t stand to see you cry.? ¨C Kyon whispered, stroking her delicate neck.


    ?I feel so bad¡­ If only my master showed his real personality, one unhappy tigress would be pleased at once¡­? ¨C She muttered, drying her tears, her ears pulled back miserably.


    ?In your dreams. It will cost you extra to see how Kyon and Lovr look.?


    ?But the tigress will never save up that much!? ¨C Triana whined.


    ?You won¡¯t save up anything at all if you keep wasting all your points on oral pleasures. You have absolutely no control over yourself, and that¡¯s from the noble supreme beast! How long should I raise the price of this service so that you came to your senses??


    ?But I didn¡¯t know it felt so nice! I really want to acquire the movement technique and see how you really look, but I forget about everything as soon as I think about that feeling! Do you understand?? ¨C Triana sighed convulsively.


    Two months ago, the service ¡°massage without sex¡± came with some lick job at a bargain price. Triana decided to give it a try and¡­ got hooked on it at once. It was the best feeling ever. Her whole body experienced a moment of pure bliss, her every cell vibrating with orgasm, followed by intense emotions. No goodies or any other service could bepared to that. It was like being in harmony with the whole universe. That¡¯s what she might feel mating with her dear Fenrir. Triana was willing to spend all of her points to relive those wondrous moments over and over again.


    ?Shame on you¡­? ¨C Kyon scratched his head. ¨C ?Alright, I will make a concession. As soon as you buy the movement technique, I will let you see how I look for free. I¡¯ll even tell you who Kara is and let you know if I really bend the nine elements. However, I will deny you ess to your favorite service until you get the movement technique.?


    ?It¡¯s too much! How can you be so cruel?? ¨C Triana eximed. She didn¡¯t believe a word about the nine elements. It was pure nonsense! He couldn¡¯t have broken thews of the world, even with his mysterious Synergy.


    ?Cruel? Have you lost all sense of shame, baby tiger? I give you a half-price discount on the most expensive services, canceling only lick job, and you¡¯reining?!?


    ?I haven¡¯t lost any sense of shame¡­ I¡¯ve paid you for every service in full¡­? ¨C Triana turned away as the tip of her tail twitched nervously from side to side.


    ?Enough of your sad face for today. I want to see your smile! Let¡¯s dance. I¡¯m sure you dance well. I remember you telling me that you met your wolf at the dance festival, where he stole your heart with his fierce look.? ¨C He activated a sound recording nephrite with a built-in amplifier that yed an energetic melody.


    ?Supreme beasts dance only with potential alpha males¡­ with those we deem worthy. Our dance is an exquisite gift, an attempt to attract attention and awaken marital interest. That¡¯s how it started between Fenrir and me. As for you¡­ You know too well how I feel about you. I don¡¯t want to dance for you.? ¨C Triana shook her head and turned away.


    Kyon snorted: ?You have no choice!? ¨C He pulled Triana out of bed, grabbed her firmly by the hand, hugged her tight, and spun her vigorously. His thick monobrow raised in waves as if trying to dance along.

 Chapter 353: 2

    Chapter 353: 2


    This funny scene on the owner¡¯s forehead made Triana sh a dazzling smile. She knew him too well to understand that she couldn¡¯t get away from the dance. So be it then. Let him enjoy her gracious gift!


    Dancing to the beautiful melody with the graceful cat, Kyon admired her elegant, flexible body and alluring eyes, but soon his amazement gave way to anxiety. He had noticed some changes in her behavior. Triana had been using sarcasm for some time now. She yfully teased and even openly provoked the most annoying students into conflict. She tried to coax Kyon into bing an alpha or making concessions to her. She yed the pity card and acted more like a human. Triana did it subconsciously, no doubt, but Lovr had a bad feeling. He hadn¡¯t tamed her yet! If she somehow broke off the chain, he would unlikely stay alive. It was too dangerous.


    {Is it about the students? Certainly not. She does not talk to anyone without my knowledge. Maybe it¡¯s all about school lessons? It¡¯s out of the question. They teach different things there. I guess it¡¯s all about the movies. I should censor content.} ¨C Kyon resolved.


    However, some changes in Triana¡¯s behavior delighted Lovr beyond measure. For example, she began to take the initiative in bed, initiating sexual intercourse anding up with something original and new every time. However, she preferred dominant positions, otherwise, she got angry, growled, whipped her tail, and was extremely rude.


    Also, the tigress learned to give pleasure to her owner, both orally and vaginally. In the first case, she was motivated by the desire to get her favorite treat. As for the second case, she wanted to end this nightmare! It was clear as day that Triana despised and hated having sex. She initiated it only to earn points and because she had no other choice. It would happen anyway.


    However, Triana¡¯s body believed otherwise. It got used to Kyon¡¯s seed. Her most private ce epted his penis that was getting bigger and bigger all the time, rewarding it with lubrication. Quiet, gentle moans came out of her throat from time to time. However, the tigress couldn¡¯te this way. Only intimate caresses with the help of Synergy could bring her to the peak of orgasm. That¡¯s why she loved lick job so much.


    In addition to the physical and mental changes, Triana had also increased her potential. Kyon had cleaned her keys to arge extent, making her stronger and more talented. He taught her five battle fists (a few more months, and she would definitely master six of them). Moreover, she had moved from the 6th stage of the royal phase to the 8th. It took her only two months in the kingdom with rtively low energy density in the air! The best genius in Rosarrio would envy her cultivation speed. But the most interesting and mysterious change happened to her unique body.


    Once Lovr brought in brand new metal tes of heavy-duty liberrium. They should have been enough for a week of w sharpening. However, when he entered her training room in the evening, he saw a pile of shredded metal! She hadpletely shed a week¡¯s supply of metal in just a few hours!


    Triana didn¡¯t understand what was happening to her, but Kyon had never seen her so happy. As he found outter, her connection with the unique body of the Legendary Nephrite ws had grown immeasurably. She even learned to feel its needs without going into a special meditative state! And it was not about the transition to the next stage. It was still too early for that.


    Anyway, from now on, Kyon would have to order metal bs with the highest grade of durability enchantment, which was costly! Not everyone could afford to keep a royal phaser pet.


    In contrast to Triana¡¯s sess, Kyon felt crushed, to put it mildly. Over the past three months, he hadn¡¯t mastered even the superior grade of the heat! One percent of the avable energy was too little for an effective training session¡­ And he had a good reason to be stronger! Just to think about Dinah, the goddess¡¯s student, who wanted to finish him at the first opportunity. As soon as she got stronger than him¡­ he was as good as dead.


    Besides, Lovr was not used to sitting around. His cultivation now was equal to that of a base phaser, which made him helpless in any conflict. It wasn¡¯t the best time to seize power or expropriate resources, which he would do with great pleasure now. He couldn¡¯t stand this stagnation any longer. Lovr was about to tear and throw! If he didn¡¯t y with Triana regrly, he would definitely give way to despair.


    ?Why are you so sad?? ¨C Triana asked, wagging her tail to the music. Then a sudden hunch scared, annoyed, and even angered her. ¨C ?Is my Spring Tide dance not good enough for you?? ¨C It was humiliating for the white tiger princess, the best dancer in the animal kingdom, to see the frown on his omega face!


    ?Your dance is wonderful.? ¨C Kyon smiled and kissed Triana passionately, knocking her to the floor.


    Triana did not understand anything, but it was thest thing she was worried about at the moment.


    ¡­


    Three days had passed.


    Three months ago, news spread throughout Rosarrio about Haya Feruz¡¯s, the first princess, wedding to a man whose name was kept in strict confidence. Many wanted to know who was worthy of the best genius of Athens. Today was the day. Lots of distinguished guests from the seven kingdoms and a couple of bigwigs from the capital had arrived at the ceremony.


    Kyon was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, his hands behind his head. He kept sighing while the tigress was doing her best at his groin. Right at this moment, his most grateful servant was to have his wedding night sex. Unfortunately for Franz, it wasn¡¯t going to happen. However, his cultivation speed would make it possible in a year or two when the first princess of Athens would warm his bed. He was already in the middle of the noble phase!


    Suddenly everything went dark before his eyes. Invisible energy enveloped his body.


    When his vision returned, Kyon found himself sitting on a cloud¡­ on a hard cloud, just like the time he was in the mine when the goddess nearly finished him off. A voice he knew too well came from somewhere above, full of contempt and disgust.


    ?This pathetic look of a stupid fat freak suits your wretched nature.? ¨C She said scornfully, her chin raised arrogantly.


    Lovr looked up and saw a girl in the shade of the sun hovering on the cloud above him. Her breathtaking beauty made his heart skip a beat: ?Dinah¡­ My darling¡­ Why¡­ The timing for your revenge couldn¡¯t be any worse!? ¨C The nude fat guy muttered under his breath. His cultivation was at the base phase at the moment.

 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354


    Dinah looked dazzlingly beautiful, as always. Icy scorn in her grey, contemptuous eye could make any man feel inferior to her. She instilled an idea that no one ever would be worthy of a girl like her. Her dark robe as thin as paper emphasized her graceful curves, making Kyon lose his head. No one could resist her wless body. Since theirst meeting, Dinah had be even more beautiful as if someone had sharpened and polished the moon dagger to a silver shine, and now this dagger could pierce even the most callous heart. Whatever goal she pursued, it had been achieved.


    ?Dinah¡­ My darling¡­ Why on earth are you here? The timing for your revenge couldn¡¯t be any worse.? ¨C The naked fat freak asked in a strangled voice. His cultivation was now at the base phase due to the irreversible upgrade of his head that hadsted over three months.


    ?Another word while you are naked, and I will cut off your penis.?


    Dinah¡¯s voice was so cold that it sent shivers down Kyon¡¯s spine. It would be foolish not to believe her overt threat, so he took his things out of the ring and hastily dressed: ?My dear little Dinah¡­?


    ?Call my name again, and you¡¯ll bitterly regret it. I am ady for you. You may call me just Great Lady.? ¨C Arrogance and confidence sounded in her every word as if he had an audience with a conceited but powerful empress.


    {#@¡í$%} ¨C Kyon wanted to put his hands on her long neck and give it a good squeeze. Dinah had never been gentle with him before. Now that she became the goddess¡¯s student, she simplyshed out at Kyon.


    ?Why should I do what you say if you¡¯vee to kill me anyway?.?


    Dinah tossed her long, silky ck hair behind her shoulder and sat on the cloud, gracefully crossing her perfectly toned bare legs: ?I will tarnish my great master¡¯s honor if I take revenge on the defenseless enemy. Besides, I want to see how you will fight for your worthless life, or my revenge won¡¯t give me any satisfaction. However, I will punish you for disrespectful behavior.?


    ?Then what do you¡­? ¨C Dinah¡¯s killing intent made him mind hisnguage. ¨C ?How can I serve the Great and Powerful Lady??


    Dinah raised her nose angrily. The fat freak spoke with respect, but she could tell that he was mocking her! It would be stupid to start splitting hairs, though. She had no choice but to y along with him: ?I am pleased that you know your ce. Thedy has deigned to descend to your pathetic level to offer you a deal.?


    ?What deal?? ¨C Kyon eximed, surprised.


    The former superior maid waved her hand. A visual projection appeared on the nearest cloud. It wasn¡¯t an ordinary recording, but three-dimensional. Kyon has never heard of them before.


    He could see a handsome young man with long blond hair.


    {What the hell?} ¨C Kyon was taken aback when he recognized Rose Valentine. His father was the patriarch of the first family in Rosarrio (after the imperial one). Shortly before the forest tournament, this ingenious formacist arrived with his friend at the Grands¡¯ pce to give Julia a subjugating formation, making her Franz¡¯s ve.


    Rose was walking along the corridor in a pce. For some reason, the guardspletely ignored him. He must be using a concealment technique. As he turned behind the corner, he went up to a massive door, took out an airtight container, and ced it against the threshold gap, releasing invisible gas into the room.


    Suddenly, Kyon saw the interior of the room, and his heart skipped a beat. Franz was in the tuxedo talking with Princess Haya, who was still in the wedding dress. He was visibly unhappy that his new wife refused to have sex with him¡­ However, soon they began to yawn and rub their eyes.


    Lovr suddenly remembered Rose trying to find out where Kara was. He seemed to have arrived only to meet with her, not to fulfill his task.


    Kyon had a hunch: {Does this asshole have a fetish for raping other men¡¯s wives?}


    The rich of this world have many different ways to entertain themselves: physical, psychological, and sexual abuse of supreme beasts, demons, and even people; drugs; murdering the innocent; tortures; kidnapping; applying a subjugating formation and enjoying the poor victim¡¯s nightmare, and much more. One way or another, they want to get a taste of power and test their strength in the most devious ways. Rose was one of those. He sedated, bound, and temporarily weakened the newlyweds and then raped the bride in front of her spouse, recording the act on the visual formation. Their reaction was a balm to his wicked soul. He never worried about the consequences. Who in their right mind would ¡°nder¡± patriarch Valentine¡¯s son? But the main point was as follows: no princess or prince would ever tarnish their honor and dignity, admitting it had ever happened. That¡¯s why Rose always got away with it. In fact, his fetish was quite harmlesspared to some others¡­


    The visual formation suddenly changed to the ongoing wedding reception. Roman, Rose¡¯s best friend and patriarch Clinton¡¯s son (2), was closely watching a dazzlingly beautiful blonde girl, who was sitting in the dark corner picking absent-mindedly at the sd on her te.


    Kyon wouldn¡¯t confuse this dirty look with anything! Roman was plotting to do nasty things to his best friend! If this jerk harmed a hair on Marina¡¯s head, Kyon would surely kill him¡­


    ?Let¡¯s make a deal. My master saves poor Haya from Rose¡¯s clutches, as well Marina from Roman¡¯s. In exchange, you will lose the chance to use shell shots from your ring.?


    Lovr froze to the spot. Did he have a choice? How could he let the dirty bastard hurt his best friend? Now it became clear to him what it all was really about. The goddess¡¯s student wanted to impose a restriction that would help her win fair and square as soon as his head¡¯s upgrade was over!


    {What if it isn¡¯t as simple as it seems?} ¨C Kyon frowned thoughtfully. Was there a chance that the goddess wanted to encourage his self-improvement? Say, he had be fearless with his weapon in the ring and had less motivation to grow¡­


    {But if it were so, she would also have taken my tigress, with whom I don¡¯t need any shots! She would have given Marina to Roman to show me the recording afterward so that my rage rocket-boosted my cultivation!


    Most likely, the divine bitch wants to make her student believe that she is an honest and noble master. She didn¡¯t only save Dinah¡¯s formerdy¡¯s best friend, she also made her sworn enemy pay for it, taking his dangerous trump card away! It¡¯s so like her. But I¡¯m not a hundred percent sure. I need to think this through.} ¨C Lovr concluded.


    ?Hurry up. Perverted Rose is approaching the princess, and Roman ising over to Marina.? ¨C Dinah rushed him in a t voice.


    Her rapid heartbeat told Kyon that his dear Dinah was worried. However, he couldn¡¯t be sure that she wanted to save Marina. He didn¡¯t want to take risks! Kyon owed Marina his life. No one could hurt her, not while he was alive.


    Kyon heaved a sigh and muttered under his breath: ?Alright. It¡¯s a deal.? ¨C He gave up a precious opportunity! Soon, the dwarfs would get impulse guns and artillery that were hundreds of times more powerful than existing analogs (he had been teaching them science and electricity quirks for a reason). He could destroy imperial phasers with a wave of his hand, cing the shots in his rings. However, Roman and Rose deprived him of this opportunity, trying to abuse Princess Haya and Marina, the kindest girl in the world, whom Kyon owed his life¡­ He would never forgive them for this.


    ?Excellent choice.? ¨C Dinah nodded and looked at the 3D visual recording.


    Roman, who was approaching Marina, suddenly clutched at his stomach and then at his bottom, after which he rushed headlong to the bathroom. He wasn¡¯t getting out of there until the next morning.


    As for Rose, the goddess¡¯s punishment made Kyon never underestimate her in the future. The sleeping princess suddenly disappeared, an ugly old woman appeared in her ce. Franz was reced by an equally ugly old man. Rose didn¡¯t seem to have noticed anything at all! Was it an illusion technique of god level? Did Rose go insane? Who knows?


    What happened next would disgust any reasonable person. Who would have thought that the great patriarch Valentine¡¯s son preferred older women! The damned pervert even recorded his immoral sex on the visual formation¡­


    Kyon¡¯s heart suddenly skipped a beat. He looked at his dear girl and asked quietly: ?Tell me¡­ Do you sleep with other men??


    Dinah looked haughtily at the hated jerk and shed an evil grin: ?Of course, I do. I sleep with powerful, handsome men that are nothing like you. How else would I cultivate my unique body of couple training, idiot??


    Kyon dropped to his knees and exhaled with relief as if his soul had returned to his body.


    ?Ah, I¡¯m so relieved¡­ Gods, I am so happy¡­ Such a load off my mind! I¡¯ve been worrying for days on end¡­ But it turned out just fine!?


    Dinah¡¯s beautiful calm face instantly distorted with anger: ?Do you want to die right here and now?? ¨C Kyon¡¯s words hurt Dinah so much that she almost fell off the cloud in a fit of rage. How could he be happy that his dear girl fucked someone else? Was hepletely nuts? She wanted to knock all the shit out of him and bury him deep underground!


    Kyon shook his head with a smile of relief: ?Forgive me, my Great Lady, but I could spot a lie on your pretty face. Now my soul is serene like a thousand mountainkes.? ¨C It wasn¡¯t hard for Lovr to tell her awkward lie with the infrared spectrum of vision and his ultra-sensitive ears.


    Dinah gritted her teeth angrily. She just wanted to make the fat freak suffer, but he turned tables on her! She¡¯d better have said nothing at all, silly girl!


    ?Enjoy it while you can! Your death wille for you as soon as you regain your strength. Be sure our next meeting will be thest in your life.? ¨C She finished her pompous speech and disappeared.


    Everything disappeared before Kyon¡¯s eyes, and then he found himself back in his bed.


    {Ha-ha, I recognize my Dinah! She will do anything to make me suffer¡­ When I think of that breathtaking striptease¡­ Oh, how I wish I could go back to that time and fix everything¡­ I love you so much, evil bitch¡­} ¨C Kyon heaved a deep sigh, overwhelmed by his chronic love. Being a superior phaser, he could control himself at the sight of the former maid, whereas back in the mansion, he used to lost it every time he saw her.


    Lovr didn¡¯t get upset over the lost opportunity to use ring shots. He was indescribably happy to learn that no one slept with his woman. As soon as his head was upgraded, he would find a way to defeat the irrepressible avenger. s, it wouldn¡¯t be that east ¨C his inner pessimist whispered in his ear.


    ?How did you do it?? ¨C Triana peeked out from under the bed, her ears pricked up, her tail straight in the air, fully fluffed out, her eyes as wide as saucers. She¡¯d been looking for him everywhere when he suddenly reappeared just like that!


    Kyon smiled kindly: ?Let¡¯s continue what we started.?


    ?How¡­ Why did you disappear? Where have you been? Why is your hair covered in ice?? ¨C She jumped on him and stroked his head affectionately. ¨C ?It¡¯s so cold!?


    ?You see, sometimes bad women kidnap good guys¡­ They mess up with us and do all kinds of bad things until we run away. You see, I¡¯ve returned.?


    ?I don¡¯t understand! A woman kidnapped you? Why didn¡¯t I see her?? ¨C She frowned in disbelief.


    ?If you want to know the details, I will offer this service at a good price. You will quickly earn points now that you don¡¯t have lickjob on the list.?


    ?Cheeky boy.? ¨C Triana bared her fangs, going down on him¡­


    After half an hour of pure pleasure, something hit Kyon on the forehead.


    A nephrite fell out of nowhere with a small note attached.


    Kyon unfolded the piece of paper and read the message: ¡°Here¡¯s a mind-blowing gift for you! Don¡¯t rub your dick to dust, jerking off. I want to cut it off before you die. Dinah Stone, your inevitable doom.¡±


    Lovr activated the visual recording for a second, embarrassing Triana with the scene: {Seriously? You sent me a recording of Rose¡¯s ¡°perfect crime!¡± It¡¯s a great piece ofpromising evidence! Dinah wanted to mess with me, but she only made things better! And it¡¯s not for the first time!} ¨C He remembered Dinah¡¯s mind-blowing striptease again, a stupid, dreamy smile on his face¡­ Triana was pleased.

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355


    Five months had passed since Kyon¡¯s meeting with Dinah. In total, he had spent 11 months in Cernos, most of which he spent with Triana. The process of his head¡¯s upgrade hadsted for 8 months. It was irreversible and deprived him of power and ability to cultivate further.


    The exams were scheduled for next week, after which the students would go home for a three-week vacation. Then there would be the next entrance exam, and another academic year would start.


    During her first school year, Triana turned into apletely different supreme beast, mainly thanks to her owner. Lovr had used the example of his civilization to show her that the inhabitants of this world were retarded barbarians, whose life was a cauldron of hatred, wrath, and revenge. It was a vicious circle, a whirlpool of eternal enmity with no way out.


    Kyon had fundamentally changed Triana¡¯s outlook. Her deep hostility towards people and demons gave way to something else, intrinsic to an intelligent being with a sober, understanding look at this cruel world.


    Lovr gave Triana a dozen lectures on why eating intelligent beings on an industrial scale was pure evil,parable to genocide. He taught the supreme beast to empathize with people and demons, made her put herself in ce of her victims, the ordinary poor people doomed to be eaten since the day they were born. Triana would never forget these lessons. They had imprinted on her mind. Lovr had no doubt that she would never be like her rtives in terms of meat preferences, even though she was a born predator, and it ran in her blood.


    Triana was fascinated by Lovr¡¯s high-tech world. Synergy, endless space, mesmerizing stars, science and art, culture and morals at an unattainable for this world level! Trillions of different dishes and vors! The intergctic quantumwork and millions of exciting games and jobs! Bing an alpha? Why not? She could choose any hierarchy and assert her dominance! It was a dream and a fairy tale rolled in one.


    Triana had toe to terms with some changes in her inner world, but there were others that she couldn¡¯t ept. As a supreme beast, she couldn¡¯t stand being raped, that is, having sex with an omega. However, she really took to mating with her owner! Either he was skillful in bed, or his wiener had grown big enough to reach her heart, but the moment Triana saw his penis, she got wet in a matter of minutes, which waspletely uneptable for the white tigers¡¯ princess! Her body seemed to have a life of its own! If she hadn¡¯t been doing it for half a day, she had sudden mood changes, and her lower abdomen started itching. One day, Triana tried to satisfy herself with her fingers but realized it didn¡¯t work. It was nothingpared with her master¡¯s thick penis or the lickjob that he had so ruthlessly removed from the list of services. She licked him down there every day! Why was he so greedy? It was fucking unfair!


    Before Triana knew it, she had be a nymphomaniac, addicted to sex at the physiological level. However, it didn¡¯t concern other boys from her environment. The very idea of ??mating with them was disgusting to her. The factor of supreme beasts¡¯ upbringing had also yed a significant role. It was uneptable for Triana to have more than one sexual partner unless he was from her harem.


    Her passion for sex had other side effects. Triana began to feel her sexual partner¡¯s preferences as if his body belonged to her. Her sexual skills went far beyond the limits. Triana noticed the slightest change on Kyon¡¯s face, smell, and movements that helped her to bring him to orgasm almost immediately. She also learned to choose sexy clothes, bat her eyes, and much more.


    Yet, despite all her wonderful skills, Triana couldn¡¯t help but notice the owner¡¯s gloomy face and heavy sighs. He said he was bored, but she couldn¡¯t understand why. The white tiger princess wasn¡¯t fun enough for him? What an arrogant pig! Why did he stop practicing, anyway? He had stuck at the fourth stage of the superior phase! What a pathetic omega!


    But there was more to it. Now that Triana¡¯s keys were more than 720% pure (out of 900% possible), some invisible, inconceivably powerful entity focused on her soul. It didn¡¯t seem to be alive, but it wasn¡¯t dead either. Since then, her mind had been open to some new memories, knowledge, skills, and even other supreme beasts¡¯ heritage¡­ Her innate body of Alpha Beast had undergone an iprehensible metamorphose. It didn¡¯t affect her personality in any way, but it was terrifying as if her mind had received experience from somebody else¡¯s life! And not only one, but thousands of lives at once! What was going on? Triana decided not to tell the owner about it. There must be at least something he didn¡¯t know about her! The tigress didn¡¯t like being an open book for him! She preferred to be a mystery. Anyway, it wasn¡¯t a good time for this¡­


    Kyon was lying on the floor of his training room, staring at the ceiling. He was bored stiff. No intrigue, no power-grabs, no harvesting. It drove his ambitious nature up the wall. He couldn¡¯t just stand by and do nothing.


    ?A-a-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! I¡¯M DYING OF BOREDOM!? ¨C Kyon roared.


    He was so depressed that he would be d to see even the sect envoys or anyone from the imperial government. He wished he could meet the 0th general already. Strange enough, but his first ce in the forest tournament did not cause any suspicion. His legend about Dick Baker must have been too good. Or maybe, the general thought that he would find him himself. Yeah, right. It had been 8 months already.


    Juno must have be much stronger over these 8 months. As for Kara¡­ The demoness gave birth to a child about a month and a half ago. His child, his little baby. Valeera must be more powerful now. She had created a new criminalwork in the imperial capital. He couldn¡¯t wait to get more news about her.


    Lovr wondered what took his head so long to upgrade. His first six months in this world were the most productive. He had reached the middle of the superior phase, upgraded his body, in particr his vision, hearing, smell, voice, nerves, carbon bones and skin. He had created the annihtion sphere, the light cut, the sh of darkness and light. He had enchanted his body and weapons and learned to ce artillery shots in the rings! Then another eight months passed and¡­ Nothing. He hadn¡¯t mastered even the superior grade of heat. Kyon felt stagnant, even worse than that, he felt degraded. Since he had made the deal with the goddess through her student Dinah, the shots from the rings that vited the world bnce were no longer avable to him. It was no idle promise but a categorical ban at the physical level! As soon as he released the moving objects from the ring, they fell on the ground, losing speed and posing no threat.


    ?§°h? Finally!? ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes lit up. He had acquired the superior (3) grade of heat! It had taken him so long because he had only 1% of elemental energy avable. Now that Kyon had the superior grades of earth and heat in his arsenal, he could cast the superior weighting enchant on the Scourge!


    Without waiting another moment, Lovr took out a mold with a superior weighting formation, filled the grooves with nephrite powder, put the keys into the nine holes, and ced the Scourge in the center, activating the enchantment.


    Sessful and just in time! He had run out of keys!


    When Kyon tried to raise the sword, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Ten tons was a bit too much! He managed only to lift it a bit, his joints cracking dangerously. He was right to have created a formation inside the sword that sealed up to 95% of its mass! In a blink of an eye, 10,000 kilos turned into modest 500 kilos. With the sticking technique, this weight should not affect his bnce during the fight. Before each attack, he would have to release at least 2,000 kilos, or he wouldn¡¯t have enough strength for a proper swing.


    {Finally, some progress!} ¨C Lovr¡¯s eyes filled with tears of happiness. It took him eight months to achieve some sess! With the superior grade of heat, the element of time had also got stronger as it was derivative of all the nine elements.


    Suddenly, Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He could feel someone in the next room have made a breakthrough! As he reached the source of the fluctuations, he found Triana all sweaty after a good work-out.


    ?Triana¡­ Congrattions! The peaking stage of the royal phase!? ¨C Kyon eximed excitedly.


    Triana smiled in response, baring her sharp white fangs. She sat on a thick metal te, crossing her bare legs, and narrowed her golden predatory eyes: ?They say that the royal phase is more difficult to attain than the imperial one. It¡¯s a certain turning point for a major spiritual transformation¡­ It was easier for me than reaching the lord¡¯s phase!?


    Kyon sat down next to her, took her soft hand in his, and stroked her smooth glittering ws. They were stronger than a diamond and sharper than a scalpel! These ws had be so dangerous that they could easily rip open his carbon skin. He was lucky to have this wonder under his control. The tigress was a deadly weapon that Kyon was going to aim at his enemies.


    Triana continued: ?It¡¯s all thanks to you. My keys are now almost one hundred percent pure, which has raised my body¡¯s rank. As a result, it evolves much faster. If only the energy density in the air was higher¡­ Oh¡­ Too bad I will never break through to the imperial phase¡­? ¨C She tucked her ears sadly.


    ?Why do you think so??


    ?Well¡­ I need a high-quality breakthrough medicine for this. I don¡¯t want to take a low-quality one because if I¡¯m not lucky enough, I will get stuck in the royal phase for life¡­? ¨C She heaved a sad sigh.


    Kyon hesitated for only a moment. Then he took out the precious shiny box from the ring and opened it with a solemn air as if he was going to propose. The dense, exciting aroma and the aura of the pill filled the training room.


    Triana raised her eyebrows in amazement. A round blood-red pill reflected in her charming eyes. She hadpletely forgotten that her owner had the Scarlet Meteor transformation medicine designed to break into the imperial phase ¨C the main reward of the forest tournament!


    ?Are you¡­ Are you messing with me?? ¨C Triana got angry, which was only expected of her. What harnessed supreme beast would ever believe that the owner was giving away such a treasure? She refused to believe it even if she knew Lovr pretty well!


    ?Not at all!? ¨C Kyon winked at her.


    ?Liar! Stop teasing me! I know you¡­ It¡¯s just an excuse to add something to your list of services for a huge price and make me pay for itter! I will never believe you¡¯ve suddenly be so generous!? ¨C Triana kicked the metal te in a fit of anger.


    ?The point is¡­ I don¡¯t want to dy your growth. Getting a movement technique was an incentive to earn points! It can wait. But at your age, every month counts. I can¡¯t keep you waiting.?


    ?You mean¡­ Is it a gift?? ¨C She asked incredulously.


    ?Exactly!?


    Triana staring at the pill, bewitched. She swallowed hard, still not believing in her happiness. Then she reached out her hand, took the scarlet pill, and sniffed at it. Her eyes welling up with tears, her eyshes fluttering: {Is he really giving it to me?..}


    ?Let¡¯s go to Boston. You need a safe ce for breaking through.?


    ?But¡­ I need to reach the tenth stage first!?


    ?No need for that. Your upgraded body and the transformation medicine of A rank will do the job.? ¨C Kyon said, heading for the door.


    Triana took him by the hand: ?Wait.?


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Kyon turned around.


    ?Thank you, Lovr.? ¨C She came closer and kissed him on the cheek.

 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356


    Three dayster, a new and only imperial phaser appeared in the kingdom, reaching the second stage at once. The imperial phasers (7) were powerful beyond imagination. They could order the king phasers (6), rule the lord phasers (5), and be in charge of the noble phasers (4). Only an organized group of the king phasers, a horde of lord phasers, or a legion of noble phasers could overthrow them. Everyone below that level couldn¡¯t even leave a scratch on them. That¡¯s how strong they were.


    ?You did it.?


    Triana opened her eyes and nced back at the voice. Her owner was sitting in the shadow.


    ?I did it¡­ Straight to the second stage¡­ It¡¯s unbelievable¡­? ¨C Triana exhaled convulsively, overwhelmed with an indescribable delight. She could defeat her elder sister and be the second princess Tirindun, and in a year or two, she would surpass the first princess of the white tigers and be the most authoritative princess of her kin. In this case, Fenrir wouldn¡¯t be an alpha for her, and even Diamant the manticore would never make her the head of his harem! It was all thanks to her owner and his miracle power called Synergy. He had made her a genius above geniuses.


    Lovr came up to the tigress from behind and put his arms around her slender waist: ?I never doubted you, baby tiger.? ¨C He was sincerely happy for her. With her upgraded ws and pure keys, she couldpete with anyone in the imperial phase! And this mighty beautiful cat belonged to him! Kyon was so proud of his trophy. With her, he wouldn¡¯t need any weapons in the ring. As soon as she mastered the movement technique, she would destroy any imperial phaser who might stand in his way! The breakthrough medicine he had spent on her was totally worth it.


    ?Don¡¯t call me baby tiger, please. I am no longer the naive supreme beast that I used to be. I am an imperial phaser at the second stage! And you are just a talentless omega in the superior phase. It¡¯s been eight months since you can¡¯t get to the next stage. Shame on you! Those two big moments of breakthrough must have gotten you stuck.? ¨C Triana imed with contempt.


    ?You¡¯re singing a different tune now! Don¡¯t you want to thank me for the breakthrough medicine??


    Triana shook her head: ?I had enough time to think about your unexpectedly generous gesture, and I came to the conclusion that an egoist like you just wanted to get a stronger ve! You won¡¯t get any gratitude from me. I will express it with my service.? ¨C She grumbled, her arms crossed over her chest.


    When the owner saved her from the Hunters, he also acted selfishly, and Triana knew it, but she was grateful to him anyway because he had risked his life. That self-sacrificing action had shown Triana that he really appreciated her. There was nothing more valuable than life after all. Now it was all about a single pill that he had received as a reward with her help. He couldn¡¯t take it himself, he could only sell it, and it wouldn¡¯t be a problem with his never-ending tricks.


    Kyon was slightly offended by her words, but he brushed it off and said with a sly smile: ?I am sorry you have such a low opinion of me. I just wanted you to be my girl¡­?


    ?Seriously?!? ¨C Triana growled angrily. ¨C ?You lying! It¡¯s written all over your face!?


    ?Good girl. Let¡¯s celebrate your breakthrough with hot sex. I¡¯ve never fucked an imperial phaser before!? ¨C He put his hand under her skirt and passionately kissed her on the neck.


    ?You¡¯re so¡­? ¨C Triana winced, but as soon as his fingers touched her intimate ce, she shuddered and moaned softly. She just realized how she longed to feel his sausage inside! Her pussy leaked and itched. A strange feeling of emptiness was overwhelming, but it wasn¡¯t hunger. Her other mouth was starving. She felt irritable, her nerves were on edge.


    As Triana¡¯s gentle hand gripped his manhood, Kyon couldn¡¯t hold back a gasp. He lifted up her skirt, bent her over, and started his favorite activity.


    After a long session of intercourse, Triana asked Kyon, still lying in his arms: ?I can¡¯t get it¡­ You have been in the simtion for about a thousand years, haven¡¯t you? Haven¡¯t you sown enough wild oats to start thinking with your head, not your penis? I can¡¯t believe that a thousand-year-old sage will be as lecherous as you are¡­?


    ?It¡¯s simpler than it seems.? ¨C Kyon began. ¨C ?It was not me who had spent a thousand years in the simtion, but my consciousness copied by Synergy. My mental age has not changed. I just turned twenty-two years old, and I love sex with beautiful girls as befits a guy of my age. I prefer real ones, not the girls created by Synergy from Synergy¡­ I don¡¯t like fake people if you know what I mean.?


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    After a three-day breakthrough into the imperial phase, Triana was mentally exhausted. The following two-hour mating had a surprisingly beneficial effect on her well-being, but she could hardly keep her eyes open.


    Late at night, Triana returned to the dorm, took a refreshing cold shower, wrapped her naked body in a soft towel, andy down on a wide bed. Triana felt tired and drowsy, but she was in no hurry to fall asleep.


    Triana had been working hard to get points for five long months, earning her well-deserved reward with her body, creativity, and obedience. She counted and recounted her points that she had earned by honestbor, driven by the desire to make her cherished dreame true as soon as possible. She couldn¡¯t wait to save 100,000 points and buy a movement technique of SSS rank that came with a generous gift! What did Kyon, aka Lovr, look like? How was he connected with Princess Kara? Who was she anyway? Did he really bend all the nine elements? The owner had promised to tell her all about this after she got the technique!


    Even if good looks were never important for female supreme beasts, Dick Baker¡¯s appearance disgusted Triana. That¡¯s why, as soon as she found out that he had specially created this ugly personality for a reason, she couldn¡¯t wait to know what he really looked like! As for Kara, she made Triana feel anxious for unexinable reasons. The tigress couldn¡¯t rest until she found out everything about this female in the smallest detail. However, Triana didn¡¯t believe the story about the nine elements. It must be some dirty trick.


    When she reached the tenth stage, the tigress had 82,000 points. When she became an imperial phaser at the second stage, she was to receive at least 20,000 as the owner gave her 10,000 points for every breakthrough. It meant that she was going to see Lovr¡¯s and Kyon¡¯s face!


    When Kyon left the bathroom, he heard Triana¡¯s melodious voice.


    ?Show me my ount, Lovr¡­? ¨C She asked impatiently.


    Kyony down beside her and created a screen with Synergy.


    Triana¡¯s eyes widened in shock, her tail raised high: ?WHERE ARE ALL MY POINTS?!?


    ?Don¡¯t get so excited!? ¨C Kyon hushed her, irritated. ¨C ?Scarlet Meteor cost you a hundred thousand. Now you have nothing left in your ount.? ¨C He said with a no-nonsense tone to his voice.


    ?Are you fucking kidding me?!? ¨C With tears in her eyes, Triana grabbed her owner by the shoulders and shook him well. Her pretty face was red with righteous anger. ¨C ?I¡­ I¡¯ve saved them for five months! I¡¯ve been busting a gut! And you have taken them away without even warning me?! You told me that it was a gift! How dare to hurt me like this, shameless brute??


    ?Take it easy! You know that I will never hurt my baby tiger! It was just a test of trust that you, unfortunately, haven¡¯t passed.? ¨C Kyon shrugged his shoulders, upset. ¨C ?Your points are back, but you can spend them only after you have a good rest.? ¨C He pointed to the screen.


    At the sight of her legitimate 102,000 points, Triana felt relieved: ?What a jerk!? ¨C She let go of his shoulders, wrapped herself in the nket, and turned away from him. Mean owner. Why did the second princess of the white tigers, the imperial phaser at the second stage, serve this wretched, pathetic omega? It was wrong! She wished she were free. Triana missed the time when she could decide herself where she would go and what she would do.


    Kyon shook his head in frustration: {Too bad¡­ She doesn¡¯t trust me. After all this time.} ¨C He followed the principle that if he was regarded with mistrust, he wouldn¡¯t trust in return.


    Since their very first meeting, Kyon had always kept his promises made to Triana and never deceived her. His cheating had always been obvious as, for example, the creme-fraiche from the bottle and the blindfold. Anyone would immediately see it through. Over the past six months, the tigress had be more human. She was no more so naive and gullible as before. The months spent together with him had to teach her who she was dealing with and whether he was worthy of her trust. The right reaction on her part should have been disbelief. It was an obvious rtionship disruption, something that went beyond Kyon¡¯s usual behavior. Earning points was her motivation to grow. He could not take them away without warning. She believed he could and showed her mistrust. Test failed.


    {What do I have to do to change her mind about myself? What is the reason for her deep distrust? Is it because I¡¯m human? Or because she thinks I am an omega? Hasn¡¯t she understood who I really am?} ¨C Lovr failed to see her point of view. ¨C {Uh¡­} ¨C He heaved a deep sigh, hugging his offended tigress. He would think twice before teaching her lies again.


    Somewhere in the middle of the night, Triana began tossing and turning in her sleep.


    Kyon woke up and stroked her head tofort her. She must be having a nightmare. Triana hadn¡¯t been sleeping through the night for months. Something had been nagging at her.


    ?M-m-mr¡­ m-m-m¡­ Mew¡­? ¨C She muttered something quietly in her sleep.


    Kyon listened carefully.


    ?Mew¡­ Pew¡­ Two¡­ Chirp¡­?


    {She has never talked in her sleep before. How curious.}


    ?Two and two makes¡­ Four¡­?


    {Is she worried about her exams disturbing? Triana isn¡¯t so good at math. She must be studying even in her sleep. Good girl! I mustpliment her tomorrow.}


    ?Two and two makes¡­ F¡­ Four¡­?


    Kyon frowned.


    ?Two and two makes¡­ F¡­ Five¡­?


    His heart skipped a beat. A cold shiver ran down his spine. It seemed that the room temperature had dropped by five degrees. In an instant, he sensed the presence of the alpha predator in the imperial phase. His pet cat had be the most dangerous creature, a harbinger of death.


    ?Blood is¡­ Blue¡­?


    Kyon swallowed hard. He wasn¡¯t dreaming. Triana had really learned to lie.


    ?I am¡­ an ancient grey wolf¡­?


    Lovr exhaledpulsively, shuddering: {Why? I have been carefully filtering all the information she received! I didn¡¯t teach her this! How did she learn to lie? Who taught her?}


    ?I am a wolf¡­ Ha-ha¡­? ¨C Triana mumbled, giggling like a child.


    {Can she deceive her harnessing formation when she wakes up? She definitely can! What will happen to me then? What is the chance that she will spare me? She doesn¡¯t trust me and thinks I am an omega who undeservedly mates with her! Twenty percent? Ten? Or maybe there are no chances at all! I don¡¯t know what she will do once she gets free!}


    ?I am a wolf pup¡­? ¨C She continued mumbling in her sleep.


    {I¡¯ve spent so much time with her, so many wonderful nights¡­ And yet, as soon as my dear baby tiger gets independence, she will kill me. What should I do? I don¡¯t want to leave her! But I don¡¯t want to die, either¡­} ¨C Kyon rubbed his face wearily. The prospect of breaking away after he had invested so much energy and time was heartrending. Triana had long ceased to be just a trophy or a friend.


    Thest thing he wanted was to leave his dear tigress, but did he have a choice? Let¡¯s just say he takes the risk and miraculously persuades Triana not to take revenge on him. What good would that do? Will she stay with him? Of course not. She will definitely return to her homnd. How could he lure the predator to his side? Nothing came to his mind¡­ She despised sex with the omega with all her soul (but not her body) and depriving her of the movement technique or any other gifts he had promised would be the height of audacity, for which he might pay with his life. He had nothing else to offer her.


    ?I am a big bad wolf¡­ I will bite you¡­? ¨C Triana babbled indistinctly, her snow-white fangs bared in a slight smile, striving to bite into something.


    Lovr desperately stared at the ceiling. His heart was bleeding. Someone had ruthlessly ruined all his ns. He had already pictured in his mind the mighty tigress destroy all the enemies and obstacles in his path, but she turned out to be the most insurmountable obstacle on his way. Oh, the irony!


    Kyon heaved a painful sigh, wrote a farewell note, left two nephrites with different formations inside, opened the window, and left the room, and then Cernos. Each meter towards Boston was harder than climbing the hill called Calvary. The grief was unbearable. However, Lovr allowed himself only a single man tear. Someday, he would arrive in the forest and be for Triana the alpha she dreamt of. They would be happy together.


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    ?Where do you think you¡¯re going??

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357


    ?Where do you think you are going??


    When Kyon heard the well-known icy voice, he turned around, keeping cool, and saw the bright yellow eyes a hundred meters away. This gaze she gave at him at the moment when he approached the to harness her. How could she approach him unnoticed? Had she learned the silent steps technique?


    Lovr squeezed a smile: ?Well, I¡¯m just going out for cigarettes¡­?


    ?Sly mouse, you aren¡¯t going anywhere from the big angry cat.? ¨C She said, strolling towards the fugitive, her ears pricked up. She was flicking her tail vigorously, beingpletely naked as if defying him. Even the grasshoppers fell silent at her perfect beauty.


    Kyon could feel the intimidating killing intent of the approaching alpha predator in the imperial phase. His instincts were screaming RUN. However, even if all his strength returned to him, he couldn¡¯t defeat her anyway.


    Kyon pulled himself together and said sternly: ?I order you to return to our room!?


    The tigress frowned, turned around and even took a few steps back, but then, after a moment¡¯s hesitation, she stopped and answered firmly: ?No. You are not my owner anymore. You¡¯re just a despicable, cowardly mouse that decided to run away from me!? ¨C She released the full pressure of the imperial phase.


    Kyon fell to his knees. Everything was lost. She no longer kept her word given under the harnessing formation. All restrictions had been lifted. The tigress didn¡¯t consider him her owner anymore. He was a tyrant who had been brazenly taking advantage of for thest eight months.


    ?You¡¯d be wise not to resist.? ¨C Triana grabbed the fat freak by the leg, threw him over her back and carried him back to their room.


    Triana¡¯s heart was beating with joy as if she had caught the most precious, juicy prey in the world. She could feel a burst of euphoria spreading through her veins. Triana had learned to deceive, use sarcasm, and other despicable human tricks, but she did not feel dirty! Quite the opposite, she was bursting with pride! She was the first supreme beast in the world who had bypassed the harnessing effect!


    Many months ago, Triana promised Dick Backer to learn to lie. If she had not kept her promise, she would have kept it anyway. It was a mental trap with no way out. Under the influence of this promise, Triana¡¯s mind soaked up the lesson about lies like a sponge. The owner had ordered her to forget about all that, but her subconscious thought otherwise. It decided that the promise was more important than the order and kept processing and analyzing the received information. Kyon¡¯s recent stunt became the catalyst of understanding lies, the final touch.


    It still hurt her to realize that she had lost her innocence to this scoundrel, but it wouldn¡¯t ruin her happiness. If Triana had to resort to faking her virginity, it would never be a problem for her. She could put a sachet with blood inside and be done with it!


    §¦verything blurred before Kyon¡¯s eyes at the incredibly high speed his former ve was running¡­ He wanted to change his life, but not this way! How many times had he been kidnapped? The goddess was the first, then Dinah, Valeera. He came to the demons himself, and now it was Triana¡¯s turn. There was a consistent pattern. Could he make any ns based on it? Kyon waspletely confused. He just wanted to fall asleep and wake up with a harnessed tigress who couldn¡¯t lie.


    As soon as they returned home, Triana threw her captive onto the bed.


    Kyon looked at the table but did not see the nephrites that he had left for the tigress as a farewell gift. Things took a turn for the worse. He had lost his trump card ¨C the movement technique! He could only reveal his other personalities, but was she interested in them?


    ?Are you going to kill me?? ¨C He asked dryly.


    ?We¡¯ll talk tomorrow.? ¨C Triana answered, yawning. Shey on the bed and hugged her victim from behind, tickling the back of his head with her warm breath.The tigress was in a wonderful mood. She even started to purr.


    ?Triana¡­? ¨C Kyon started.


    ?Another word¡­? ¨C She warned him with a quiet growl.


    Kyon fell silent. He could not sleep a wink all night long. He felt like a fawn up a tree with a yful tigress beneath who was in no hurry to eat him. The ferocious, bloodthirsty predator had broken free from the harnessing formation! It was him who used to sleep with Triana, hugging her like he owned her. Now she turned the tables on him! What an irony.


    The first thing Triana saw when she opened her eyes in the morning was a screen created by Synergy. There were 102,000 points on her ount. The first service on the list said: ¡°Freedom. The offer will expire in fifteen minutes! You can get freedom and return to the forest now or never again! Don¡¯t miss your chance! The price is 102,000 points!¡± There was a postscript in the corner ¨C ¡°Murdering Dick Baker is punishable by a million points and one broken heart!¡±


    The tigress bared her fangs and giggled: ?Nice try¡­? ¨C She turned around and unceremoniously pushed the fat freak out of bed, reaching for her school uniform.


    ?Good morning, baby tiger! Did you sleep well? Would you like some coffee! With cream?? ¨C Kyon asked politely, rubbing his hands.


    ?You¡¯re wasting your time.? ¨C Triana said, pulling up her white stockings. ¨C ?I won¡¯t let you go alive, and no amount of begging will make me change my mind. By the way, I will have ck tea with lemon.?


    A cup of hot tea (from the ring) instantly materialized in Kyon¡¯s hand. He ced it on the table next to him: ?Your words are sharper than a knife, baby tiger! Let me give you a massage! Just the way you like it¡­?


    Triana growled angrily: ?I¡¯ll break your neck if you call me a baby tiger once again! My wrath will be terrible, and you¡¯re out of immunity to my rage.? ¨C She said, adjusting her skirt. ¨C ?I don¡¯t need your massage. No cowardly omega who tried to escape at the first sign of danger will touch my body.?


    {Stop pulling my leg! You need it!} ¨C Kyon thought indignantly and said. ¨C ?Don¡¯t be mad at me, Triana. Revenge won¡¯t change anything. Do you really want to kill the one who made you a genius among geniuses? I have opened your eyes to the cruelty of this world and set you on the right path. I¡¯ve taught you to lie, use sarcasm and understand jokes. I¡¯ve changed your outlook! I¡¯ve made you stronger, not only physically but also mentally! Just think of thousands of interesting videos and other pleasant moments of our time together! Don¡¯t be so unkind and forgive my silly egoism!?


    Triana bared her teeth and growled: ?How dare you ask me for forgiveness, damned freak? Your white liquid is stilling out of my pussy! Every single day, you forced me to have sex with you! And you knew that supreme beasts couldn¡¯t stand having sex with omegas! Everyone here humiliates you and curses you in the face, but you do nothing about it! I have asked you a thousand times to beat at least one student and rise from the bottom of the hierarchicaldder, but you do not care about things important to me, selfish monkey! Anyway, I swore to goddess Ceres that I would kill you, and I¡¯m not going to take my words back. Live with it. Everything has already been decided. It¡¯s a done deal.?


    Kyon threw his head back: ?Triana¡­?


    ?I don¡¯t need any excuses from omega!? ¨C The tigress interrupted him and took out the nephrites he had left to her. As she scanned the first one, Triana heard: ¡°A farewell gift to my dear baby tiger ¨C the movement technique.¡±


    Triana dly activated it, after which the nephrite cracked and shattered. She had used the only copy of the technique she had been dreaming of! She still had to acquire it, but it should not take too long. Heaven had been favoring hertely.


    Next, Triana activated the second nephrite and heard a recording with Kyon¡¯s voice: ?My dear baby tiger, I¡¯m saying goodbye to you, but in a few years, we will see each other again. I will keep my identities as Kyon and Lovr a secret to make you eager to see me as soon as possible, and I will tell you about Kara so that jealousy keptpany to your loneliness¡­?


    Kyon cleared his throat nervously: ?Triana, you¡¯d better turn it off¡­?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C The tigress snapped and took the cup of tea, listening carefully to the recording.


    Lovr gritted his teeth. Things had gone south. Triana should never have heard this recording in front of him! The whole point was to put pressure on her possessive instinct and show her his great, far-sighted ns!


    Five minutes had passed.


    Triana grimaced in disgust when she heard that Kara was a demon. When she learned that the princess was also Emperor Lucius¡¯s daughter, her feline eyes glowed with bloodlust. After the details of the fake wedding, the suppressing cor and following sex and pregnancy, Kara¡¯s escape to her homnd and Kyon¡¯srge-scale ns for her, the cup of tea in Triana¡¯s hands fell to pieces under the imperial pressure. The tigress couldn¡¯t understand why she was overwhelmed with seething rage! She got out of bed with a fierce expression on her face and walked towards Dick Baker, releasing sharp ws that shone with a golden glint.


    {Shit!} ¨C Improvising, Kyon held out his hand and released all the nine elements at their full power. A multi-colored flower rose into the air and illuminated the room.


    The tigress retreated, stunned: ?Is it real?? ¨C Triana could clearly feel the nine elements. She scanned him to make sure it wasn¡¯t a trick but couldn¡¯t find any hidden nephrites, which could only mean that he really bended all the nine elements!


    Suddenly, the elements rushed to the center of his palm, creating a little crystal clear sphere that distorted light like jelly or a lens. It emanated a supreme aura, but it wasn¡¯t suppressing at all. It seemed to be above all that existed.


    The tigress raised her eyebrows in amazement. Full of curiosity, she reached out and stuck her finger inside the mysterious sphere. Incredible! The technique that contained only a tiny amount of energy caused a tingling sensation in her finger!


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. He had to keep her distracted: ?Triana, please, give me a chance! In five¡­ no, in three years, I will surpass your Fenrir! And in the future, I will be the alpha you deserve! You must understand that my potential is limitless! I am the goddess¡¯s messenger you¡¯ve heard about!?


    Triana resolutely shook her head: ?What potential are you talking about? Your level hasn¡¯t budged in eight months! You have some amazing abilities, but it only makes you a little stronger than your current stage! You will still remain a worthless omega for the rest of your life¡­ At least for me, a supreme beast with unrivaled talent.?


    ?Triana¡­?


    ?But I will give you a chance to die with dignity. Go to the arena and fight the students until you meet an overwhelming enemy. The higher you climb the school hierarchy, the better I will think of you. At best, you¡¯ll die trying to impress Princess Tyrindun. I think it¡¯s a worthy death for a pathetic monkey.? ¨C Triana said dryly.


    ?Triana¡­? ¨C Kyon continued. ¨C ?My power is suppressed by the unique body¡­ It¡¯s been eight months already! That is why I am not evolving! I¡¯ll be a powerless punching bag if I go down to the arena¡­?


    Triana let out a sigh of disappointment: ?I don¡¯t want to hear your pathetic excuses¡­ Get ready to die.?


    ?Wait!? ¨C Lovr put out his hands, stopping the tigress. ¨C ?You want to know how I really look, don¡¯t you? My other two personalities are really handsome! That will make you drool! Do you want to see them??


    It was written all across Triana¡¯s face: she opened her mouth, losing the desire to kill Dick Backer on the spot. She had always wanted to know what Kyon and Lovr looked like, how delicious her former owner was. His smell was really mouthwatering!


    Triana looked closely at him andmanded: ?Show me them!?


    ?Give me a week! Just a week and I will show you both personalities!? ¨C Kyon was trying to buy some time. There was no better way out.


    ?You must be kidding me? Turn into Kyon now!? ¨C Triana ordered, releasing the imperial pressure and baring her fangs.


    Kyon stomped his foot: ?NO! Just one fucking week! One week until the exams are over! Show some patience, it¡¯s thest will of your former master!?


    Triana snorted, but then she bit her lip thoughtfully. Her master was stubborn and persistent. She saw the proof of it at the forest tournament. The tigress could torture him, but it was unworthy of her status. Besides, she did not want to do it, and she did not really know how. What was left? Did she have to make another deal with him?


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Triana made a decision: ?Alright, you have five days. But you should know that tonight your body might be cut into pieces if I deem it necessary! It all depends on your behavior. Don¡¯t you dare to piss me off¡­?

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358


    Kyon was leaning against the wall, jubnt. A five-day dy was exactly what he needed! All he had to do was to figure out how to sneak away from the ruthless predator.


    Triana sat at the table and demanded: ?Give me something to eat.? ¨C She added sternly, noticing his nce. ¨C ?Don¡¯t even think about it!?


    ?I wouldn¡¯t dream of it!? ¨C Kyon hurried to take out the chicken he had prepared.


    After breakfast, he asked: ?My dearest Triana, what about watching a movie together??


    Triana wiped the grease off her lips: ?Let¡¯s get this straight. You are not my master but a suspended prisoner. You are forbidden to provoke me or touch me until I ask for it. You are an omega who must know his ce. As a movie, I don¡¯t mind watching a good one.?


    ?Alright then!? ¨C Kyon flopped onto the bed.


    Kyon felt a strange difort when the tigressy behind and hugged him. Was she doing it on purpose? Was it kind of revenge to turn the tables on him? Anyway, contact was better than none at all.


    It waste in the evening.


    Kyon noticed a dramatic change in Triana¡¯s attitude towards him. She showed no respect, humility or even politeness! She didn¡¯t make any jokes, provoke him or flirt with him. The tigress seemed to have lost interest in sex or her favorite blowjob. She only snorted as if she was unhappy about something.


    ?Triana, I decided to cheer you up with a great delicacy! Believe me, it¡¯s the tastiest thing you¡¯ve ever eaten in your life! You are going to purr with happiness all night long¡­? ¨C Lovr dered with conviction and a wide smile.


    The tigress sat at the table: ?Use your skills to please me, monkey chef.?


    Kyon took a little bowl out of the ring and put it on the table.


    A fragrant aroma of mushrooms with sour cream sauce and some other ingredients filled the room.


    ?Why so little? It¡¯s just a mouthful!? ¨C Triana grumbled.


    {I can¡¯t risk giving you more!} ¨C Kyon thought nervously and shrugged. ¨C ?No one in their right mind would fill their stomach with delicacies. You must enjoy it, taste it with all your soul and heart! And after that, I¡¯ll serve dinner¡­?


    The tigress nodded, taking a slice of mushroom with a fork. She stared at it, sniffing it carefully.


    Lovr stamped his foot impatiently. What took her so long? Didn¡¯t she believe in his culinary skills?


    Triana calmly put the fork, came up to her former owner and nailed him to the wall, grabbing him hard by the throat: ?Do you want to poison me with the demonic mushroom, cheeky monkey??


    Kyon¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head: {HOW DOES SHE KNOW? IT CAN¡¯T BE!} ¨C His mind refused to believe in such an impossible coincidence. She could not possibly recognize in the small, generously seasoned slice of mushroom without any white spots, the mythical demonic mushroom that hardly anyone knew at all! It was impossible!


    The tigress had recognized the demonic mushroom by its smell because of strange someone else¡¯s memories in her head. She had immediately understood Kyon¡¯s insidious n! What an asshole!


    ?Triana¡­? ¨C Kyon said in a coarse voice. ¨C ?I am sorry¡­ I just wanted to stay alive¡­ I gave you just one mushroom¡­ because I was worried about your¡­ well-being¡­? ¨C With a wave of his hand, he took a dozen mushrooms out of the ring.


    Triana narrowed her eyes a moment, studying him. Then a moment¡¯s hesitation, she let him go: ?I¡¯ll give you one more chance, but if you try to run away, I¡¯ll tear you apart!?


    The tigress knew that one demonic mushroom of this rank with no processing or enhancement would not cause any serious damage to the imperial phaser. Moreover, there was a chance that she could resist its effect. However, the former owner hadn¡¯t given her more of it, even if he was running the risk. Triana could not ignore his care and had mercy on him.


    ?Triana¡­? ¨C Lovr cleared his throat and said. ¨C ?How did you know what I have made for you??


    ?I could smell it.?


    ?Have you ever smelled a demonic mushroom??


    ?I haven¡¯t¡­? ¨C Triana wanted to say something, but then she changed her mind. ¨C ?It doesn¡¯t really matter.?


    Kyon realized that this mystery would remain unsolved. Well, he had saved his ass, but he was still at risk. What should he do? There was no other poison that could affect the tigress. Sleeping pills or anything else would have no effect on the imperial phaser, and he didn¡¯t have the time to order any powerful ingredients to make another toxicant.


    Lovr had a brilliant idea! Nine months ago, doing experiments with a rat, he created two teleportation trigram molds. If he found a way to give one to his man in Boston, he could disappear right from under Triana¡¯s nose! The whole process wouldn¡¯t take more than a minute. He could pull it off under the pretext of going to the toilet. However, teleportation required keys, and he had run out of them enchanting his sword. It would take him about two days to get the right amount, which meant he had to y for time.


    Actually, there was no way he could escape without a teleportation trigram. Even if Lovr¡¯s power suppressed by his head¡¯s upgrade returned to him, he wouldn¡¯t be able to teleport, not even using his enhanced spatial attribute. Teleporting a soul along with a body was much more difficult than sending an artillery shot. A single mistake in calctions, even a fraction of a percent, could result in missing some brain cells or losing the soul without a trace. Besides, there was another important problem. He had toe up with a way to evenly distribute and maintain spatial energy without leaks in the shape of the human body, probably at a huge distance.


    Simply put, Kyon had to create an ideal clone that moved, obeyed hismands and didn¡¯t release a single bit of energy while maintaining an ideal bnce of energy density at every point of his body. It was no easy task, and most importantly, it was time-consuming. At best, it would take him a week or even a month.


    Kyon went to bed and fell fast asleep without even taking off his briefs, which happened to him very rarely. This night, he could rx in Triana¡¯s warm embrace, listening to her joyful purr. It was strange, though. Why would the harbinger of death snuggle up to someone she wanted to kill? Was it about her feline nature or did she still have feelings for the former owner, somewhere deep inside?


    The sun had risen over the horizon.


    Love woke up with morning wood. He turned his head and saw Triana¡¯s dted pupils. She was staring at the bulge in his groin as a hungry cat looking at a mouse. A secondter, he nearly broke the wall from her powerful push.


    ?Perverted monkey! How dare you seduce the princess with this? Do you want to die?? ¨C The tigress barked, getting her ws out. She trembled with anger or impatience.


    ?Silly, this is a morning erection! All men have it, you know! Don¡¯t you dare me this on me. It¡¯s mother nature¡¯s fault!? ¨C Kyon snapped angrily.


    ?Gr-r-rr-r-r-r¡­? ¨C Triana growled, gritting her teeth. Then she hastily put on her school skirt and blouse, pulled up her stockings and shoes, and left the room.


    ?Where are you going?? ¨C Kyon asked, disheartened. He had an unpleasant feeling in his heart that looked much like jealousy. She couldn¡¯t have gone to the other students to do what he had in his mind! Hell no! She couldn¡¯t do it to him! Or could she!


    Lovr ran to the door and looked into the distance, but the tigress was already gone. Where did she go? Kyon swore under his breath ¨C he should learn to prioritize! He looked out the window. What if he tried and escaped? No, he¡¯d better not to! Triana might have gone for a walk! It could be a test! And he had no right to make a mistake! Besides, the imperial phasers could feel everything that happened around them within a radius of up to 100 meters due to their enhanced spiritual feeling! Active scanning increased the search area to a kilometer! Triana would easily find his pathetic superior phased soul! No concealment bracelet could hide him from her! As for concealment techniques, Kyon hadn¡¯t studied any because he had no time for practice. He decided to follow the following n: to get the keys and then teleport out of this cage.


    Meanwhile, the students going to the exams watched Triana walking around without her master. She had allowed herself such liberties for the first time since her appearance in Cernos! Several brave students from the journalism club tried to ask her what had happened, but they werepletely ignored. As it turned outter, Trianat went for a walk.


    Soon the tigress returned to her room and demanded that the former owner follow her to the exam building. She was not going to leave him alone.


    Kyon could tell how tense Triana was. She kept clenching and unclenching her fists. The tigress clearly wanted something. She looked nervous. Looking into her eyes, Kyon had a feeling that he had met the gaze of a fierce starving predator who wanted to sink her fangs into his neck.


    After the exams, they went to practice and returned to the dormte at night. Triana was exhausted, but it didn¡¯t calm her down.


    ?Triana, I¡¯ll give you a massage if you want¡­ You need to rx.?


    ?Shut up.? ¨C Triana snapped. ¨C ?No omega will ever touch me. Give me a big portion of juicy meat for your own good!?


    Kyon shrugged and pulled a cooked turkey out of the ring.


    While the tigress was having dinner, he went to the shower. Suddenly Kyon felt a strange tingling sensation in the back of his head. He realized that Triana was scanning him, watching for some reason. She was unaware that he could feel it with his body of the void! Well, at least it became clear why she was like this. He should benefit from her weakness!


    Kyon decided to tease the tigress. He resolutely grabbed his manhood and did something that made a piece of meat stuck in Triana¡¯s throat. It pleased him to hear her heavy, ragged breathing and then the sound of coughing. She choked on a piece of meat.


    Before falling asleep, Lovr asked her yfully: ?Aren¡¯t you going to hug me??


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Triana growled, tucking her legs under her.


    ?Let me hug you if you are so shy!?


    ?Don¡¯t you dare.? ¨C Triana whispered.


    Kyon didn¡¯t say another word. He didn¡¯t have to, though. Something told him that he had done enough to drive Triana crazy. And¡­ As expected, he felt a strange stirring under the nket in the middle of the night.


    ~rrrrip~


    (18+*)


    After the ripping sound of his briefs, Lovr felt his penis sucked into the warm, humid environment. He threw his head back and groaned with overwhelming pleasure. The supreme beast did not have enough willpower to resist her nature.


    Lovr felt like he had thrust his cock into a honey-filled hive, both in terms of sensation and danger. It gave him a peculiar pleasure, considering the fact that he was confident in his safety. He had been drilling Triana¡¯s consciousness with lessons on the uneptability of eating intelligent creatures for a reason. She should not bite it off!


    Kyon lifted the nket and saw the predator of the imperial phase eagerly swallow his penis, gurgling with pleasure. Her tender throat pleasantly vibrated and squeezed, caressing him from all sides. He reflexively reached out and stroked the tigress on the head but immediately regretted it. Triana opened her glowing yellow eyes and hissed as a warning.


    Lovr would lie if he said he was not afraid. He lowered the nket to be out of harm¡¯s way. Meeting Triana¡¯s eyes was fraught with consequences. He couldn¡¯ give her a hint that all her honor and unavability that she had shown recently were in vain. He let her enjoy her favorite activity.


    Soon, Lovr lost track of time, and he wasn¡¯t the only one. As if in a trance, the tigress was yfully swaying her appetizing bottom wrapped in a nket. It was so exciting! So nice! He was on edge!


    Triana was not fully aware of her actions. She just really wanted to y with her favorite meat sausage and balls, anticipating a big portion of the mouth-watering delicacy. Why limit herself? She owned the situation! She made the rules and could do whatever she wanted! However, the tigress did not want to think about the former owner ¡®s reaction. For some reason, it made her feel ashamed.


    Everything would be fine if she didn¡¯t have this annoying itch and fever in her private parts. To ease her excited craves, she started ying with her wet pussy. Soon, a pleasant warmth spread throughout her entire body.


    Once again, Kyon admired Triana¡¯s skills. He couldn¡¯t have restrained himself any longer, even if he wanted. A stormy fountain of semen hit the tigress¡¯s throat, and she purred in satisfaction.


    (*18+)


    The recent event prompted Kyon to a tempting idea: was it possible to tame Triana by seducing her? He hadn¡¯t managed to do it in 8 months, but the situation had changed! All living beings were prone to self-justification. Now that the tigress was free of the harnessing formation, she had freedom of choice. She might as welle to a decision not to kill her former owner.

 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359


    Early in the morning, Triana came to her senses and quietly returned to her half of the bed.


    Kyon was staring at the ceiling with his arms crossed behind his head. He couldn¡¯t help asking: ?Did you like it??


    The tigress let out her ws and growled fiercely: ?Another word, and I¡¯ll tear you apart!?


    Her icy cold reaction to his harmless question sent goosebumps down Kyon¡¯s spine. He wished he had kept silent.


    Triana drew in her ws and gritted her teeth. She was infuriated! Why did she fall off the wagonst night? It was the spineless omega¡¯s penis and seed! The white tiger princess should be above ying with the first savoring the second!


    Triana took her textbooks and began to revise for exams to calm down a bit. In the morning, she went to take an exam in sociology together with her former owner. It was her favorite subject, but she received only 6 out of 10 points despite her recent academic sess. She couldn¡¯t concentrate.


    In the afternoon, Kyon noticed that Triana was as nervous as she was yesterday and was getting worse and worse. It was dangerous to talk with her and even meet her eyes. Triana growled and snorted, threatening him with her ws. She became a fury! Kyon was inclined to believe that it was a bad idea to seduce her. If she didn¡¯t kill him on the spot, she would definitely do it afterward! There was an intense inner conflict between her desire, reason, bestial pride and self-respect. Triana would never admit that she would be d to be his ve at least for 15 minutes so that the master would fuck the hell out of her.


    In the evening, Lovr was waiting for the delivery of the keys from Boston, sitting in the lotus position in his training room and repeating a mantra: {Head upgrade¡­ Head upgrade¡­ Head upgrade¡­}


    Suddenly, he had a feeling of ting relief as if a heavy boulder had been taking off his head. The world had suddenly be brighter, his hearing got more acute, his mind clearer!


    {FINALLY!} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t believe it. The body of the void had been upgrading his head for endless eight months! It remained to finish upgrading his hand (half of the work had already been done), but he didn¡¯t have that much time, considering the fact that he would be totally defenseless. Kyon doubted it was worth it.


    It was time to figure out what bonuses he had received with the head¡¯s upgrade.


    Kyon noticed that Synergy, the essence of the universe, had evolved, making a leap from the peak of the student¡¯s degree (2) to the beginning of the bachelor¡¯s (3). It¡¯s quality has significantly increased. His Synergy had be more powerful, efficient and versatile.


    In his world, Lovr could use Synergy of bachelor¡¯s degree to create a kilometre diameter screen (manipting the electromaic waves); slightly change the characteristics of the environment at the same distance ¨C from temperature to electrical charge; cause a variety of chemical reactions; subjugate until thest neuron a multitude of unreasonable creatures or one reasonable person who didn¡¯t have Synergy; performplex calctions in a short period of time and much more.


    In this world, all of the above features could be divided by one hundred because of the aggressive environment. All except one: creatures without a soul couldn¡¯t resist Synergy so Kyon could subjugate hundreds of thousands of birds or even a hundred zombies (soulless people).


    Lovr had experimentally confirmed that he couldn¡¯t see the divine slot in all things because it was too small. He suspected that even Synergy of doctor of philosophy degree (5) would not be enough for that. But without ess to the slot, he wouldn¡¯t be able to get rid of his chronic love for Dinah and Kara, look into the memories of the former owner of his body sealed in the soul, as well as change the characteristics of his unique body, create divine medicine from junk, and enchant matter for free. However, if he could do all this, he would be a godlike being.


    As for thebat aspect, Synergy remained useless. Any opponent would use pure energy to destroy Synergy in their body. Only a? ?basic phaser would be defenseless against Kyon, he didn¡¯t consider them as his opponents.


    {Synergy is great, but what about physical changes?} ¨C Kyon decided to experiment as he once did with his right hand. He took out a purple, a pale green, and a light brown sphere of the superior, noble, and lord phases respectively. Each of them was more expensive and stronger than the previous one. It was believed that practitioners could crush the sphere of their phase with a bare hand, using pure energy. The lower the phase, the less obvious the destruction.


    Lovr was at the 4th stage of the superior (3) phase. He took the purple sphere and bit it in half with the same ease with which a child would eat a scoop of vani ice cream. It wasn¡¯t unexpected, though. Biting through the pale green sphere was as easy as chewing a piece of raw potato.


    Holding his breath, Kyon took the lord phase sphere. It took some time and effort before the sphere burst. It was like biting through a ball of ice. Easy but not too easy.


    {Hm¡­ Will it work?..} ¨C Kyon frowned and pulled out a bright red sphere of the royal phase. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he bit into it with all his might. After a minute of hard work, he looked at it and noticed a hairline crack in the center.


    Kyon was impressed. The jaw muscles may be the strongest in the human body, but not every lord phaser was capable of creating a crack on the surface of the royal phase sphere! Carbon teeth and the super bite technique aside, the head enhancement was equal to two phases or 20 stages, both in terms of power and teeth strength. Considering the carbon skin and bones, as well as the advanced-level enchantment, he could take the attack of any royal or even imperial phaser on his head without significant damage! Unless, of course, the recoil went to the spine.


    {Great! But¡­ I spent a hundred thousand spheres for nothing¡­}


    Thepleted head¡¯s upgrade let Kyon know that his hand would also give him an advantage in strength in two phases, not in one as it was now, which begged the question, was it worth another eight months of total helplessness and stagnation?


    Lovr frowned, closed his eyes and asked his unique body: {And that¡¯s it?}


    To his surprise, he felt a negative answer and then a strange tingling sensation in his eyes. He focused on them with a chuckle. Suddenly, he felt Synergy whirlpools in the area where the eyes should be. The suction was minimal. He could easily hold the essence of the universe within himself. If he stopped focusing, the whirlpools disappeared altogether, which meant that the process waspletely under his control.


    Kyon frowned thoughtfully and looked around the room but didn¡¯t see anything unusual. He looked in the mirror and saw that his eyes were slightly glowing from the inside. They looked spectacr: {What does it mean for me?}


    Eyes were considered to be the window to the soul. They were also any practitioner¡¯s weakest point, especially in case with a stronger opponent. Almost all spiritual attacks were aimed at the eyes. For example, at Juno¡¯s mansion, Kara used the gaze curse to force Kyon tomit the unforgivable crime. Kyon¡¯s intuition told him that no attack would ever affect his glowing eyes. But was it all?


    Lovr released pure energy into his palm. Imagine his surprise when he saw the energy in color! Then he released the remaining eight elements and admired them in awe. Each of them had its own color, and theirbinations created new colors. For example, golden and ck glow (the light and the dark elements) made green. Pure power was gray, and the time element created inverted colors. But the most amazing news was the fact that he could see invisible barriers!


    The soul could differentiate each element and get ready for the appropriate attack. However, it wasn¡¯t always possible to see theplete picture with spiritual feeling. For example, some techniques were abination of several elements, and it wasplicated to understand what to expect. There were also countless barriers and traps invisible to the eye and difficult to feel, even being at the same level as their creator. There existed lots of concealment techniques for people, weapons or even other techniques¡­ They required careful scanning, but if the difference in cultivation was on the other side, it was challenging to detect them.


    However, with the Eyes of Truth ¨C as Kyon called his new feature ¨C he could see through everything at any distance, without using limited scanning! The only question remained if there was a limit to this vision? Could he see the iprehensive energy of the goddess or anyone using the legendary concealment technique?


    All in all, Kyon was content. And yet, eight months was a lot. There must be more to the Eyes of Truth, but the timing for experiments wasn¡¯t right. First, he had to save his ass from the tigress¡¯s clutches! By the way, the keys for teleportation had just been delivered from Boston. He had borrowed the teleportation trigram from King dimir.


    Lovr left the training room, took the ring with the keys from the messenger and went to the bathroom. Now that Triana was busy practicing, it was the best time to teleport.


    Kyon went into the bathroom, took out the teleportation mold, filled it with nephrite powder, put the keys into the nine groves ¨C the fee for the enchant to reduce the resistance to the green attribute, he ced the ring with a considerable number of spheres in the tenth grove ¨C the price for teleportation.


    He made sure with his keen hearing that Triana was immersed in training, stood in the center of the mold and activated teleportation. A translucent barrier formed above the trigram and his head. Green energy emanated from the formation, prating his body and the keys, and then his soul.


    {Goodbye, baby tiger. I will see you in a couple of years when I am strong enough to be your alpha.} ¨C Lovr heaved a sigh.


    Five seconds before teleportation¡­ Four¡­ Three¡­


    Suddenly, Kyon¡¯s eyes got wide, his heart pounding with fear: {No! No! No! WAIT!} ¨C Someone was approaching the bathroom at a terrifying speed.


    Two¡­ One¡­


    ~bam~


    Triana knocked down the door and shattered the formation¡¯s barrier, canceling his teleportation. With a vicious grin, she looked at her former owner down (not only because she was higher than him). The shrewd cat had seen through the cunning n of the sly mouse: ?Cowardly monkey! Haven¡¯t you boasted of being a legend in your world? Why should I underestimate you? I watch every step you take! After all, you will do anything to save your skin!?


    Kyon stared nkly at the floor. He was screwed. He couldn¡¯t understand why he was so unlucky. A split second separated him from freedom! What was the chance that Triana would notice the faint frequency of the spatial attribute, considering that teleportation trigrams were notmon in the animal kingdom! How did she figure it out?


    Triana let out her razor-sharp ws and said in a calm but frightening tone: ?I gave you onest chance, I warned you that I would tear you apart, but you decided not to believe the words of the princess. Well, too bad I have to kill you too soon¡­? ¨C She whispered to his ear. ¨C ?However, if you show me your both personalities now, I¡¯ll give you a farewell kiss and¡­ I will think of you sometimes.?

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360


    Pressed against the toilet wall, Kyon frantically thought of the options for getting his ass out of trouble: {What if I try and capture her soul? The imperial soul is impossible to handle. I will be torn to pieces in the illusory world! Try and teleport with my energy? She will interrupt, and if not, I¡¯ll die anyway! Ask Dinah for help? She dreams of killing me as soon as possible! What if I say that my power is back? That¡¯s exactly what I will do!} ¨C The tigress wouldn¡¯t resist the temptation to see what ce in the school hierarchy the former owner might take. However, it would only dy the inevitable¡­ Kyon needed a working rescue n! Well, he would have to improvise.


    ?Alright, I will show you Lovr!? ¨C He said proudly, exposing his torso.


    ?Do it now!? ¨C The tigress said impatiently, hiding her ws.


    Suddenly, Dick Baker¡¯s fat body began to deform and crunch painfully. His posture improved, his shoulders straightened. He became 10 centimeters taller. Dick¡¯s facial features changed slowly, his pig nose and sunken little eyes acquired the pretty shape, his teeth turned white and straight. The greasy skin became smooth and clean, the e disappeared. The hair on his head, including the facial hair, fell off like a husk, and new dark, silky, healthy hair grew rapidly in its ce. Dick lost weight instantly, acquiring ideal athletic proportions as if he had devoted his whole life to sports.


    With each passing second, Triana¡¯s jaw dropped lower and lower. She could not believe her eyes so good-looking he was! Compared to Dick, Lovr was mind-blowingly handsome! The first boy against the second one looked like a devil of hell, while the second boy against the first one looked like an angel! The mere thought that she could have been having sex with this charming, handsome young man instead of the hideous monster made Triana fall into a frenzy. Her former owner was a real jerk who never thought about her feelings!


    Five minutester, the transformation was over. The tigress swallowed nervously, stretched out her hand and stroked the handsome young man on the thick dark hair. She touched his sculpted abs in disbelief. Her nose unconsciously approached his neck and frantically inhaled the scent. Pure delight! He was so juicy and delicious! If the tigress hadn¡¯t given up eating intelligent beings, she would eat him up right now. Dick Baker was nothingpared to him.


    Triana grabbed Lovr by his hair, clinging to him and kissing his inviting soft lips. He was so sweet¡­


    ?Huh?..? ¨C Kyon was pleasantly surprised by her reaction. He hugged the tigress¡¯s slender waist and stuck his tongue into her mouth. She eagerly started to y with the bait.


    Endless five minutes, Triana enjoyed Lovr¡¯s strong, stately body, wishing this hot kiss would never end. Her breathing quickened, her temperature rose. me of desire sparkled in her eyes. The heat inside her became unbearable. A clear trickle of fluid ran down her thigh. The tigress took the handsome man in her arms and rushed off with him to the dorm.


    {What¡¯s on her mind?} ¨C Kyon¡¯s heart was about to burst out of his chest. He liked the yful cat, but he was frightened by her excessive aggressiveness as if a hungry predator had caught its prey. One good thing was that she wasn¡¯t going to kill him yet! Things might be better than expected.


    At an imperceptible for the students¡¯ detection speed, Triana burst into room number one of the male part of the dorm, threw Lovr on the floor and yelled: ?Please me with your nimble tongue! Now!?


    Lovr cleared his throat: ?I will do it on one condition. You must swear by your family that you won¡¯t kill me¡­?


    When Triana heard his voice, she trembled from the tips of her ears to the tail. In contrast to Dick Baker¡¯s squeaky voice, Lovr¡¯s enchanting baritone seemed to belong to a professional announcer. It was so pleasant to the ear that the tigress wanted to pounce on the handsome young man and eat him up at once, or at least lick him from head to toe.


    ?I gave you oral pleasure every day, and you dare to refuse me!? ¨C Triana eximed, baring her fangs. ¨C ?I have one hundred and two thousand points, and I¡¯m willing to give them all for just one favor! Come on, don¡¯t be such a jerk!?


    ?My life is worth more than some points and good conscience! Take the deal, and I will keep you satisfied for days on end!? ¨C Kyon retorted passionately. ¨C ?You can even take me to the animal kingdom as a pet. I will only be grateful! Come on! Take the deal! Listen to the sound of your purring!? ¨C He desperately clung onto this faint chance


    ?I can only promise that you will die quickly and painlessly¡­? ¨C The tigress flushed, her tail twitching nervously. ¨C ?Alright, I¡¯ll have to do it the hard way!? ¨C Triana kicked the air twice, taking off her shoes, pulled down her white panties and came up to Lovr. She pressed on his shoulders, making him kneel.


    ?Are you going to stoop to my level?? ¨C Kyon eximed.


    ?That¡¯s what you get for teaching me¡­ Fool.? ¨C Triana said impatiently, tugging at his hair.


    (18+*)


    When the tigress lifted her skirt, Lovr¡¯s saw the most amazing sight that any student in Cernos could only dream of: a fragrant wet pussy swollen with excitement that was rapidly approaching his mouth¡­ The collision was inevitable as she had grabbed him by the hair.


    ?You¡­ Little bitch¡­? ¨C Kyon said before his lips pressed against the hot flesh.


    ?O-o-o-o-oh! Gods¡­? ¨C Triana¡¯s voice trembled like a violin string. An incredible pleasure spread from her clitoris all over her body, and it was not only about the handsome bastard¡¯s lips. The mere thought that she had forced him into this was mind-blowing! The tide had turned. She had never thought it was so nice to dominate the hated man. An unforgettable experience!


    Kyon wanted to caress the tigress properly, but he kept his wits about him. If he kept her wishing for more, she would need him alive! It sounded desperate, but his life was at stake. He couldn¡¯t give up a single chance.


    Triana felt incredible pleasure, surpassing any self-satisfaction with her fingers, but something was missing: ?Use your tongue, wicked monkey! Use¡­ Use your tongue or I¡­ I will get angry! Oh-h-h¡­?


    Kyon stubbornly took no action. Screw her! Her threats were nothing but bluffing. He was sure of that.


    ?I am so angry now, jerk! O-oh-h-h-h¡­ You asked for it!? ¨C Triana growled in dissatisfaction and dragged him to the bed by the ear. She sat on Lovr¡¯s handsome face so that her erected bean slipped through his lips and touched his teeth.


    {Bitch! She isn¡¯t afraid I could bite it off!} ¨C Kyon was steaming. He had been used for someone¡¯s self-satisfaction for the second time in his life. It wasn¡¯t that humiliating, but it left an unpleasant aftertaste on the former emperor¡¯s dignity.


    ?A-h-h-h¡­ Asshole¡­ O-h-h-h¡­? ¨C Triana twisted his head back and forth so that his perfectly straight white teeth stimted her clitoris. Every vibration echoed throughout her body. She shuddered with ecstasy. Lovr¡¯s scowl was the icing on the cake, which made her want to use him even more roughly.


    After a few minutes, Kyon heard a long, voluptuous groan. A transparent liquid sshed onto his face when the tigress threw back her head andy limp on the bed, trembling and purring blissfully.


    Triana hadn¡¯t had a real orgasm for more than five months as she was denied the lickjob service. Today¡¯s orgasm turned out to be much stronger than all previous ones, even if the former master wasn¡¯t active at all! It all came to reversing roles. An iparable feeling¡­ However, even after she blew off some steam, Triana felt that something important was missing.


    Suddenly, the tigress noticed the handsome man strip naked and approach her feet with his erected manhood. Obviously, he wanted to enter her with his big, throbbing cock! The thought of it made her pussy shudder.


    As soon as Lovr got closer, Triana pushed him hard to the wall: ?Dim-witted asswipe! How dare you even think that the princess will let you prate yourself? Are you out of your mind??


    {You want it, bitch!} ¨C Kyon thought indignantly and said. ¨C ?I am doing this for you! You¡¯re over-excited!?


    Triana snorted: ?You lie like most people breathe! How can you even think of this, knowing that you will die soon? Are you crazy? Well, why am I asking? Of course, you are.?


    ?Alright! I¡¯ll go another way¡­? ¨C There was a vague hope of seducing Triana, so Kyon focused entirely on it. He could note up with any better idea of surviving.


    ?Another way?? ¨C Triana arched her thin eyebrows.


    Kyon came to the side of the bed, puzzling the tigress. He took her by the hand and pulled her to the edge of the bed.


    ?What the hell are you trying to do?? ¨C Triana asked, bewildered, trying to understand what he was up to. ¨C ?Go on if you can¡¯t wait to die! Huh??


    Kyon tilted Triana¡¯s head over the bed, making a straight line with her neck and chin and brought his hard penis to her soft lips, touching them with his ns: ?Open your mouth¡­ Let the train in! Say ah! Come on! Choo-choo!?


    Triana was speechless. It wasn¡¯t news that her former owner was reckless, but it was only now that she started to realize the full scale of his madness! Poking his cock into the predator¡¯s mouth! Wasn¡¯t she the imperial phaser who had threatened to finish him off today?


    The delicious salty piece of meat prodded into my mouth. The tigress would lie if she said that she didn¡¯t want to taste it, especially if it belonged to handsome Lovr, not ugly Dick. She was so hungry after the training¡­ And he smelt so¡­ tempting¡­ She couldn¡¯t resist anymore¡­ It was humiliating for the white tiger princess to suck the omega¡¯s cock, but¡­


    Triana¡¯s heart was pounding, her pussy trembling, making her lose her mind. Her eyes glowed with an irresistible desire. After all, she was in charge, she decided what would happen and what would not. Why restrain herself? She had made the decision to kill the bastard, anyway!


    Kyon felt Triana¡¯s lips wrap tight around the tip when she roughly sucked all the pre-ejacte umted in his penis and swallowed it eagerly, savoring the taste. Her teeth were no longer a barrier in his way. His penis got sucked into the warm, humid environment while her rough tongue wound around his excited penis.


    Lovr couldn¡¯t hold back a voluptuous moan. Did the predator let him fuck her in the mouth? Did he have a real chance to seduce her? It was incredible!


    The deeper Kyon went, the tighter was her throat. He could see by the bulge on her neck how deeply he had prated. Her warm saliva enveloped his penis while the walls of the throat gently caressed the long guest. An insane pleasure spread from his groin to every cell of his body, sending goosebumps all over his skin.


    ?Ah-h-h-h-h¡­ Baby tiger¡­? ¨C Kyon said sweetly, inserting his penis all the way down her throat. She hadn¡¯t eaten him up. Re-educating her had paid off!


    ?Gr-r-r-r¡­? ¨C Triana growled indignantly with his cock in her mouth.


    Kyon¡¯s heart missed a beat. The earth was spinning under his feet. Her throat vibrating with growl was out of this world! His pelvis moved back and forth to the squelching sounds and growl, fucking the tigress deep in the throat.


    Triana released her ws, sinking them into his tight ass ¨C the nerve of him to call her a baby tiger! ¨C but instead of a cry of pain, he gently took her hands, interlocking their fingers. She did not expect him to be so tender with her¡­ and this sausage deep inside her throat¡­ What was this feeling? Pure bliss¡­


    Triana closed her eyes, squirming restlessly on the bed. Her pussy was burning and leaking. She couldn¡¯t wait to get this piece of meat down there, but¡­ it would never happen! Soon, this wretched jerk would die, and no one would know what dirty things she let him do with her throat before his death.


    ?Baby tiger¡­? ¨C Kyon repeated to tease her as his excitement had reached its peak. Oh¡­ Her neck vibrated angrily again¡­ His soul nearly burst with pleasure. A violent stream of sperm erupted deep in her throat. He couldn¡¯t stop cumming. His pelvis continued mechanical movements for a long time, pumping his seed into her stomach. She wouldn¡¯t leave any of it anyway, savoring every drop.


    Lovr sat on his ass, out of breath. However, he couldn¡¯t let his guard down, so he jumped back on his feet when Triana briskly got out of bed and threw him back to the floor.


    ?Are you going to¡­? ¨C Kyon was hoping that she was going to fuck him now, and his chances of survival would grow! But the tigress parted her slender legs and sat on his face with her wet pussy¡­ He should have known better.


    (*18+)


    It waste at night.


    The sweat-drenched couple was lying on the bed, out of breath.


    Triana had been rapturing the handsome young man, savoring his delicious fluid for hours. Lovr had repeatedly tried to enter her, but he wasn¡¯t worthy of mating with her. The pathetic omega¡¯s efforts were enviable, though. He even dared to take out the catnip. Did he really think she would fall for this trick twice? He must be grateful she did not finish him off at once. The timing wasn¡¯t right for killing him.


    Kyon gritted his teeth with anger. Failure again. He had failed to seduce the tigress. She wanted him with her body but not with her heart or mind, and it made it impossible to save his skin.


    Lovr started to give way to despair. Suppose he dyed the inevitable death for one day, what¡¯s next? Suddenly, he had a great idea! The sess rate was approximately 50%, which was more than enough to take the risk! He put his hands on Triana¡¯s straight back.


    The tigress turned her head, piercing Lovr with her fierce golden eyes: ?You need to calm down! I can help you if you are in such a hurry to leave this world¡­?


    ?I just want to give you a massage! Since you¡¯ve given up your pride and let me touch you, why not get even more pleasure? Hopefully, you will understand how useful I might be to you¡­ and spare my life¡­? ¨C Thetter phrase was just to distract her. Lovr knew too well that no massage would save him.


    Triana¡¯s eyes narrowed with suspicion. What was he up to? He seemed to be catching at straws, hoping to buy his life with some massage. What a fool. He should have realized by now that she had serious intentions.


    ?Okay, my back is at your disposal. I will kill you if you go any further.? ¨C She warned him.


    The tigress knew too well her impulsive nature, so she decided to take precautions and created a stone loyalty belt from the earth element. The former owner¡¯s caresses were her weakness. Triana could easily lose control. She had to seal off the breach.


    Kyon made a sour face, making the tigress smile¡­ Then he took out a bottle of massage oil.

 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361


    Kyon was doing the massage, engaging all his skills. Recently, he had gained ess to 100% of his Synergy instead of 10% as before, and it was now bachelor¡¯s degree! Consequently, the effect of the massage was going to be mind-blowing.


    Triana sighed convulsively. What kind of magic was he doing? When did hands be so wonderful? And he hadn¡¯t even started yet! The tigress couldn¡¯t believe in this miracle¡­ Her throat started purring a sweet song¡­


    After about an hour of hard work, Kyon held his breath and touched the back of her head, infusing it with Synergy. He did the same thing with Juno before subjugating her: sending her to an abnormally deep sleep phase. As Triana was an imperial phaser, the effect of his influence on her mind was reduced a thousandfold. However, the higher degree of Synergy and her feline weakness should do the job.


    Ten minutester, Lovr concluded from her heartbeat and breathing that Triana had entered the state of deep, nearly hypnotic sleep. In fact, even the sound of the gong wouldn¡¯t wake her now.


    {Please¡­ I¡¯m tired of failing¡­ I just want to live! Am I asking too much?} ¨C Kyon begged in his mind this cruel world. Then he quietly opened the window, jumped on the ground and disappeared into the night.


    Leaving Triana¡¯s scanning zone, Kyon could rx a bit, but it was too soon to let his guard down. He had lost all the keys after the unsessful teleportation, and there was no way he would get any anytime soon. All he could do was to run away.


    Walking another kilometer away, Kyon started to believe that he had seeded. The hope of survival was inspiring! When suddenly, his soul seemed to have been plunged into an ice-hole. The familiar goosebumps ran down his spine, meaning that someone powerful had focused their attention on him.


    Lovr fell to his knees and hit the ground with all his might. He knew about the theory of probability well, but he was running out of patience to fail again and again! Was there a pattern behind his failure? Could he benefit from it?


    Kyon turned around and shouted furiously: ?How did you wake up??


    Triana bared her fangs: ?Silly boy! I have ordered my unique body not to lose sight of you. It pulled me out of slumber as soon as you left the area of my spiritual feeling.?


    ?I see¡­? ¨C Kyon replied grimly. When Triana learned to lie, she mastered all possible cunning tricks as well.


    The tigress let out her nephrite ws, cutting the air with them: ?You have tried to escape twice, viting my orders. It would be foolish of me to keep dying the inevitable. I was nning to kill you tomorrow morning, but it seems that the time hase¡­?


    ?Triana¡­? ¨C Lovr began, rising to his feet.


    ?By the way! My promise still stands. If you show me your second personality, I will give you a goodbye kiss and think of you sometimes.? ¨C She threatened him yfully with her golden w. ¨C ?But this time, don¡¯t even think that I will drag you to bed. It won¡¯t work.?


    ?My power is back.?


    Triana raised her eyebrows for a moment, but then she shook her head: ?I don¡¯t believe you.?


    Lovr waved his hands and sent a fiery and icy stream at the tigress. They perfectly demonstrated the full power of a superior phaser in the middle stage.


    ?Wow! You¡¯re not lying!? ¨C Triana eximed happily and added: ¨C ?In this case, I want to see you beat one of your ssmates to a pulp in five minutes!?


    ?Are you out of your mind? It¡¯s three o¡¯clock in the morning! Everyone is asleep! Will it be a fair victory if I drag someone out of bed? Fighting a sleepy fly! That¡¯s not how it works!? ¨C Kyon protested, wanting to buy time.


    Triana shifted impatiently from foot to foot, pondering what he had said and had to agree: ?Alright! You will fight in the morning¡­ So be it.?


    Kyon nodded and headed in the direction of Boston.


    ?The wrong direction, silly monkey!? ¨C The tigress grabbed Lovr by the ear and dragged him to the dorm.


    It was already noon.


    Triana yawned, looked at her watch, and jumped out of bed: ?Wake up, soldier! Time to fight!?


    Kyon sleepily rubbed his eyes: ?All soldiers fight at the exam¡­?


    ?So what?? ¨C She eximed impatiently.


    ?The legendary battle without witnesses is nothing but a farce!? ¨C Kyon said through his gritted teeth.


    Triana frowned thoughtfully. Lovr¡¯s resonated in her heart. Indeed, she would like every student to see Dick Baker¡¯s new position in the school hierarchy. She had to agree: ?Alright, let¡¯s wait.?


    ?Great.? ¨C Kyon muttered and crawled over to Triana¡¯s side of bed.


    As soon as the cheeky boy tried to hug the tigress, she kicked him to the nearest wall and roared: ?Do not even think about it! What happened yesterday was just an uncontroble outburst of emotions that will never happen again!?


    ?Damn it! I just want to hug you. Is it forbidden or what?? ¨C Kyon retorted.


    ?Yes, it is!? ¨C Triana snorted and went to take a shower when she noticed that Lovr was following her there. She got really angry. ¨C ?Do you have a death wish??


    ?I just want to have a shower with you! Is it forbidden too?? ¨C Kyon grunted grimly.


    Triana didn¡¯t know whether to cry orugh: ?Go to hell, shameless wretch!? ¨C She locked the bathroom door. What a nerve! Did he think that he could do anything since he had be so handsome? What a fool! WHy on earth would he do that when his time was running out?


    Taking a shower, the tigress could not understand why she was feeling so bad. Something was missing. Soon, the former owner would get his real rank in the school. ording to her rough estimates, it must be somewhere in the middle of the hierarchy. Shouldn¡¯t she be happy? Moreover, she blew off some steam yesterday, but everything was getting even worse!


    Kyon gritted his teeth and returned to the bed. All his attempts to seduce the tigress had failed. Of course, he would keep trying, but the chances of sess were close to zero. The only way to raise them was to show absolute dominance in thebat with students, but this n seemed hopeless even so.


    Over the rest of the night, Lovr had been thinking over all possible options to escape and hade up with the most promising one. All he needed was one goddess and some keys for teleportation, just in case! Thetter should arrivete in the evening.


    In the evening, after the exam, Triana said impatiently: ?It¡¯s time to fight! Come on!?


    Kyon cleared his throat nervously: ?Actually, arge part of the students have gone to the shopping district to celebrate their exam sess. It would be foolish to lose a huge part of the audience, don¡¯t you think? Let¡¯s start in two hours¡­?


    ?You¡¯re ying for time!?


    ?Maybe, but count the number of students in the dorm.?


    Triana focused on the number of souls in the building and felt that many were missing. She growled, stamping her foot: ?Alright! You will fight in two hours! I am not going to wait for you until the heat death of the Universe!!?


    Kyon didn¡¯t answer, secretly rejoicing at the time he had gained: {Come on! I need these damned keys! Are you a king or a greedy miser, dimir? Quick!}


    Two hourster, the exhausted Triana pointed to the arena: ?Stand and fight! Another attempt to stall for time will be considered as desertion punishable by immediate death!?


    ?Alright, alright! Give me five minutes to change my appearance¡­? ¨C Lovr replied sadly.


    Triana nodded, and Lovr transformed into Dick Baker with a heavy sigh. He did not want to show his real power to Cernos as they might recognize the goddess¡¯s messenger in him, but he had no choice. Anyway, it was the lesser of his troubles.


    When Lovr reached the ground floor, he imperceptibly received a package with keys from Boston and gave a nephrite with visual formation to the person in charge of the tournament screen. Finally, he went down to the arena. It must work!


    The two students had just finished fighting and stared dumbfounded at the notorious fat freak. When was thest time Dick Baker had been out without his beautiful servant? What was he up to?


    The fat freak stood in the center of the arena, proudly raising his chin and solemnly announced to the whole dormitory: ?Today, you envious people have a legendary opportunity to fight with great me! You have been challenging me for nine months, hoping to get an invaluable lesson from Dick Baker, but it¡¯s too great an honor that¡¯s why you have been ignored! Today, I¡¯ve decided to take pity on you and ept several challenges. Let those lucky ones who want to know my heroic strength stand in line. I¡¯ll give you five minutes to decide who will be the first to fight with me. The clock¡¯s ticking!?


    The students rushed to the windows, almost falling out: ?What?? ¡­ ?Did you hear that? I can¡¯t believe my ears!? ¡­ ?Dick Baker has epted my challenge? The goddess must have heard my prayers! It¡¯s a miracle!?


    In an instant, the dormitory was filled with deafening noise. The hype had reached incredible levels, surpassing the day when an unknown fat freak challenged Princess Kara. The tenants of the underground floor rushed to the neighbors above as soon as they learned the cause of themotion in the hall. Among them was Alex Grand, the young man whom Kyon had saved from suicide, revealing his identity. He was more eager than anyone to find out what the goddess¡¯s messenger was up to.


    Prince Charles peeked out of the fifth-floor window, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    ?I will be the first!? ¨C A student who wanted to be popr yelled.


    ?I want to punch him out. In fact, I¡¯ve been dreaming of this for a while!? ¨C Cait Brown cried out.


    ?If you stand in my way, you will greatly regret it! It¡¯s a personal matter!? ¨C One of Kara¡¯s former fan club members yelled. Now he was an avid Triana fan.


    Every student wanted to beat Dick to death, each of them was fed up with his tricks and stunts. The mere presence of this jerk got on their nerves and caused a severe butthurt. After meeting him, they could go to the world war with a grin.


    In half a minute, a hundred students had gathered around the arena, trying to convince each other why they were worthy of crippling Dick Baker. Everyone considered the fat freak a pathetic weakling who anyone could easily beat up one way or another. There were two reasons for this: judging by the spiritual feeling, he was only at the 9th stage of the advanced phase; he had never epted a single challenge for the entire academic year, which meant that he couldn¡¯t really fight! He had gone through the forest tournament with the help of attacking formations and his parents¡¯ money.


    ?You! Come here!? ¨C Kyon announced, pointing at a young student at the peak stage of the advanced phase. ¨C ?You¡¯ve been calling me trash every day for half a year, so prove your words!?


    ?Me?? ¨C The blond boy looked sincerely bewildered.


    ?Yes, you! Get yourself over here, booger-eater!? ¨C Dick confirmed.


    The young student climbed to the tform under the angry and envious gaze of the crowd. He couldn¡¯t believe his luck! If he beat the most hated person in school, he would be the most popr student, if not the legend of Cernos!


    The judge activated the barrier and announced the start of the fight with a wave of his hand.


    More than a thousand spectators held their breath. Their eyes lit up, their hearts were beating furiously in anticipation of the sweetest sight they could only dream of ¨C the thrashing of Dick Baker. Unlike the battle when a bodyguard represented Dick, no one was going toe out and fight for him because beautiful Triana was watching the arena from the window.


    The blond student clenched his fists and roared, releasing the pressure of the advanced phase: ?Get ready for a serious fight, Dick Baker! Today is the day when justice will prevail! You will pay for my fellow students¡¯ suffering!?


    ?Hold on!? ¨C Kyon stuck out his hand, stopping his attack. ¨C ?There are hundreds of battles every day in this arena, each of them is more monotonous and boring than another. How about making this battle more entertaining? Let¡¯s have an unarmed strike exchange duel. Whoever surrenders first or fails to continue will obey any winner¡¯s order. You will be the first to strike. What do you say??


    ?I agree!? ¨C The blond student agreed without hesitation and grinned viciously. He couldn¡¯t believe his luck! How could anyone give up such a wonderful opportunity?


    Someone in the audience said in shock: ?Wait¡­ That is, theoretically¡­ hypothetically, the winner can order Dick Baker to give him Triana to his service??


    ?What?? ¡­ ?Is it true?? ¡­ ?You¡¯re kidding me!? ¡­ ?I MUST BE IN HIS PLACE!? ¨C The students went ballistic. They could tear the blond student apart for the chance that happened once in a million lives! The mere thought that he could get Triana made them choke on their saliva.


    The young student was anxious as never before, his legs started to shake. What if Dick Baker kept his word? If only!


    ?Get started already.? ¨C Kyon impatiently teased his opponent, crossing his arms behind his back like an honorable master and bowing his head slightly, ready to take a blow.


    ?With great pleasure!? ¨C The young student eximed, covering his fist with a thickyer of rock and infusing it with pure energy. He pressed a furious attack, aiming at the opponent¡¯s temple.


    The audience stood rooted to the spot in shock when an evil smile appeared on the attacker¡¯s face. Judging by the absence of pure energy vibrations, Dick Baker wasn¡¯t going to defend himself at all! The fatass was asking to get killed!

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362


    ~boom~


    Stone crumbs chips flew in all directions from the rock-covered fist. A knockout punch at the temple! Pure victory¡­


    The smile disappeared abruptly from the blond student¡¯s face. He looked at Dick Baker, who had moved half a step, then at his fingers twisted at a grotesque angle, and cried out from the surging shooting pain: ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh! My hand! My fingers! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!?


    More than a thousand spectators stood rooted to the spot: ?What¡¯s going on?? ¨C They did not understand how it was even possible. The student had struck, but he was the only one to be injured! Judging by Dick Baker¡¯s appearance, he did not feel anything at all!


    ?Hey! I haven¡¯t even hit you yet, and you¡¯re yelling like a virgin on her wedding night! Fucking faker, let¡¯s cut the preludes!? ¨C Kyon grunted, ncing at Triana. He didn¡¯t mind impressing the girl, but it wasn¡¯t rted to his main n.


    The tigress slightly raised an eyebrow, not that much surprised. Her former owner had always had an incredibly tough, durable body.


    The crowd jeered. They wanted the blond student to fail because it would give them a chance to fight with Dick Baker and make him give away Triana! A majority of the male audience was obsessed with the idea of getting the gorgeous, powerful servant! Even some pretty girls like Cait Brown, converted by the demoness, licked their lips.


    ?What¡¯s your skull made of? Oh dear¡­? ¨C The blond student moaned in pain, setting one finger after another. A fearful foreboding of possible defeat squeezed his heart. His hit was 80% of his maximum strength, but the fat freak didn¡¯t seem to feel a thing!


    ?Didn¡¯t I say that my head is as hard as the legendary thousand-year-old buns??


    The blond student was relieved to hear that. If Dick¡¯s head was so hard, he would hit him elsewhere! The student took a defensive stance and yelled: ?Alright then. Hit me with all you might! I can take any blow from a scumbag like you!?


    Kyon rolled his eyes. He stood two meters away from his opponent, stomping his foot as if figuring out where to strike first. At the same time, his Synergy streamed in the ground and reached the blond student through his shoes, raising his leg.


    In fact, Synergy is absolutely imperceptible until it interacts with the target¡¯s body. Only Triana, an imperial phaser, could feel something surging underground to the student¡¯s feet. She narrowed her eyes, doing the passive scanning of the area.


    ?Come on! Let¡¯s get on with it! Hit me!? ¨C The young student repeated with his arms wide apart.


    ?You asked for it!? ¨C Kyon casually waved his right hand. It didn¡¯t have a bit of elemental energy. His low speed caused uncontroble spasms ofughter in the audience.


    ~p-a-m~


    An inexplicably loud p resounded throughout the dorm.


    The blond student tumbled into the protective barrier like a fly hit with a firecracker and slid limply down.


    The audience opened their mouths in shock, the disbelieving look in their eyes. No advanced phaser could hit so hard without pure energy! It was known!


    Kyon walked over to the unconscious boy and stepped on his chest: ?Who is scumbag here? Your words mean nothing, little piece of shit.?


    Triana could not help smiling. She rested her chin on her hand, admiring her former owner. The tigress liked this manifestation of dominance even more than the best films from Lovr¡¯s world!


    ?How is it even possible? I saw that his blow was slow without a trace of energy!? ¨C Someone cried out a question that was on everyone¡¯s lips.


    ?I saw Dick Baker jump before hitting the poor boy!? ¡­ ?I saw it too! He did it on purpose!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s a setup! The boy pretended to be defeated! He was paid to y along! Corrupt, dirty bastard!? ¨C The audience went ballistic. This spontaneous idea sounded so reasonable that no one doubted it.


    As soon as the judge announced the winner and removed the barrier, the unconscious blond student was dragged by the legs and beaten up for bribery. Corrupt swine! Taking Dick¡¯s side was a more terrible crime than treason against mothend! He was eternally unforgiven.


    In fact, the student¡¯s leg muscles had contracted because Kyon had performed the same trick on him as he once did with doctor Martha, stimting her wrist with Synergy to convince her of his talent. It was easier to do such tricks with Synergy of the Bachelor¡¯s degree. No advance phaser could feel Synergy of the third degree and react in time. Noble phasers might, though.


    Among hundreds of furiousments, Lovr drew attention to the following one:


    ?Haven¡¯t you bribed him, moneybags? We know your tricks! I dare you to fight with me! Of course, you will never ept my challenge because you are afraid of me! I don¡¯t care a damn about your money!? ¨C The screamer turned out to be Sam Grand, Alex Grand¡¯s friend.


    Dick Baker shed a dazzling smile and pointed his finger to the upstart: ?What a fervent speech! So, you aren¡¯t going to take a dive, are you? Great, get over here and prove it!?


    Sam said proudly: ?I am a pure-blood Grand! I can¡¯t be bribed, unlike that corrupt pig! Not with your dirty money! I don¡¯t give a damn about your position in the Baker family!?


    The audience nodded in agreement. The elder¡¯s son couldn¡¯t be bribed! That¡¯s for sure. His words were worth a lot! Even if he dared to take Dick¡¯s money, it would ruin not only his honor but also his father¡¯s!


    Kyon beckoned Sam with his finger: ?Get down then! What are you waiting for??


    With one jump, Sam was down in the arena ten steps away from the fat freak: ?Are we fighting on the same conditions? Can the winner give any order to the loser??


    ?Yes, of course!? ¨C Dick nodded. ¨C ?But this time, I will be the first to strike!?


    ?Okay, okay! I will even let you hit me three times in a row! Ha-ha!?


    ?There¡¯s no need.? ¨C Kyon waved him off. ¨C ?You¡¯d better carry yourself with dignity as befits the royal family! Take at least one blow.?


    ?I will, your fatness! A pure-blood Grand won¡¯t let his family down!? ¨C Sam couldn¡¯t help grinning. He would be the happiest man in the kingdom if Triana was given to him as a servant. He had recently reached the noble phase, so the fat freak could beat him all he wanted, he would not leave a scratch.


    The judge activated the protective barrier and signaled the start of the fight.


    Just like thest time, Kyon stood two meters away from the opponent, stomping his foot, pretending to choose where to deliver a blow while wagging his fat ass. Then he ridiculously swung his hand to p Sam.


    Thetter couldn¡¯t feel any elemental energy in Dick¡¯s hand, and its speed was slower than a light breeze. He shed a wide grin but used 100% of pure energy to protect his face, just in case!


    The audience held their breath.


    ~P-§¡-M~


    A loud p resounded all over the arena.


    Sam went flying to the nearest protective barrier, still smiling but missing a few teeth. Soon, he slid down the barrier, just like the previous Dick Baker¡¯s opponent did.


    Kyon came up unconscious Sam and wiped his shoe on his face with a contemptuous grimace: ?The elder Grand¡¯s son¡­ It sounds like my mother¡¯s dog¡¯s son! You are nothing but trash just like the previous scumbag!? ¨C He kicked Sam on the head, looking eloquently at Triana as if telling her that she was totally wrong about him.


    The tigress opened the eyes in amazement. A pleasant feeling was growing in the heart as if she had drunk mead with a pinch of catmint. She was really impressed by her former owner¡¯s stunning sess! How did he manage to defeat a fully protected noble phaser? She had never felt how strong he was during sparring because all his blows seemed equally weak to her.


    Prince Charles, who was watching the battle from the window of his room, narrowed his eyes. Was he seeing things, or did Dick Baker¡¯s hand elerate a hundred times at the veryst moment? But why did Sam jump before taking the blow? Something didn¡¯t add up.


    Alex Grand felt a chill down his spine. He still could not understand how the ingenious monster had disguised himself as Dick Baker. The goddess¡¯s messenger was incredible, but what was the purpose of his staying for a whole year in pathetic Cernos?


    The audience exploded with rage as they had clearly seen Sam bend and unbend his legs at the moment of the blow: ?This one jumped, too! What the heck?? ¡­ ?So many arrogant words for a corrupt swine! What a windbag!? ¡­ ?Is he the great elder Kirov¡¯s grandson? I am so disappointed!? ¡­ ?Shame on Sam! Boo!?


    ?You have bribed him, too. You are nothing without your money, fat freak! Try and y this trick on me, and you will see it¡¯s true!? ¨C Another ?avenger? yelled.


    ?Hell no! If you volunteer, it means you¡¯ve been bribed? ¡­ ?We must choose Dick Baker¡¯s opponent, otherwise how can we be sure of their integrity?? ¡­ ?I agree! Let¡¯s vote for the next fighter!? ¨C The students didn¡¯t trust anyone anymore. They cast distrustful looks at each other, seeing only spies and traitors among themselves.


    A momentter, the students voted for the best candidate to fight Dick Baker.


    A long-haired student in white uniform jumped onto the arena: ?I am Timur Grand, a former member of Kara¡¯s fan club. I will turn your face in a bloody mess even if you offer me a billion spheres! I am ready for the fight on the same conditions!?


    Kyon shook his head: ?Look, all those weaklings have ruined my mood. I just want to punch someone who can take at least one blow of mine! But you seem to be too weak for this. Give me another one.?


    ?What did you say, fat bastard?? ¨C Timur barked, red with anger. ¨C ?I am a noble phaser in the seventh stage! I will turn you into mincemeat with a single blow! Who do you think you are, son of a bitch? You¡¯re a nobody! You¡­?


    While Timur Grand was spewing his angry vitriol, Triana thoughtfully looked at her former owner, curling a snow-white lock of hair on her finger: {What are you up to, Lovr? He is thirteen stages stronger than you! You are no match for him even with your pure keys, your monkey dexterity and inimitable technique of movements!} ¨C She was really curious atst. Lovr had challenged someone almost at the top of the school hierarchy. She had no doubt that this fight was going to be on the verge of life and death. Lovr would have to make incredible efforts to win, putting his life at risk a hundred, even a thousand times, giving it all he had and even more! But then, the tigress would be delighted if he was victorious!


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Kyon interrupted Timur. ¨C ?If you really consider yourself worthy of fighting with me, you will probably be able to hold my weapon in your hands.?


    ?What weapon are you talking about?? ¨C Timur tilted his head to the side.


    Thousands of spectators exchanged confused nces.


    Kyon took out his Scourge that looked different from the one he had used at the families¡¯ tournament and threw it to Timur Grand with such ease as if it were a wooden stick. The formation that had sealed 95% of the sword¡¯s weight was about to stop to have effect¡­

 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363


    ?Idiot!? ¨C Timur said disdainfully and confidently grabbed the sword hilt flying at him, but the sword didn¡¯t stop. Before he knew it, the weapon knocked him down and fell above him.


    ~crack~


    With the characteristic crunch of broken ribs, Timur Grand was pressed to the ground with the sword.


    ?§°-§°-§°-§°H!? ¨C Timur let out a painful groan as if trying to lift a box full of bricks. A shock and horror were written all across his face. He felt like a multi-ton rock had fallen on his chest!


    ?What¡¯s going on?? ¨C The audience stared at them with disbelief. Timur was one of those who could sacrifice his life to take Dick Baker along, but now he was lying on the ground, in no hurry to get up.


    ?T¡­ Take¡­ Take it away¡­? ¨C Timur wheezed, begging for help.


    Kyon approached him, took the sword by the hilt and easily raised it as if it was made of styrofoam: ?Are you kidding me? Is it your limit? My fucking weapon has beaten you even without my help! What were you talking about a single blow??


    ~crack~


    A ten-ton sword hit Timur¡¯s chest again, turning his ribs into crumbs.


    Timit spit out a clump of blood and passed out. He would live but with lots of pain.


    ?You have been picking on me for a whole year, but in fact, you¡¯re not worth anything. I have wasted my time on a scumbag like you.? ¨C Dick Baker spat in Timur Grand¡¯s face with disgust and gave Triana an inquiring look: are you still underestimating me?


    Triana opened her mouth in shock. She expected to see a ten-minute bloody battle, where one wrong move could turn into a fatal trauma, where Lovr busted a gut to win, but the jerk had won without lifting a finger, spectacrly reducing his opponent to dust! The tigress was trembling with delight. Lovr had surpassed all her expectations. She elegantly leaned against the windowsill, arching her back and sticking out her butt.


    A sudden silence fell over the dorm. The audience dropped their jaws, not believing their eyes. This development of events was less possible than the sudden appearance of goddess Danna!


    After the judge announced the winner, Timur Grand was taken to hospital on the stretchers.


    ?I get it! Triana Baker had helped her master, releasing her pressure! That¡¯s why Timur couldn¡¯t stand up!? ¨C Cait Brown uttered. ¨C ?It¡¯s his level of cheating! We all know that the Dick Baker can¡¯t do anything by himself!?


    Only a few people had heart Timur¡¯s ribs crack, the Hot Sun¡¯s idea resonated with the students: ?Of course! It¡¯s obvious! Dick Baker is up to his old tricks!? ¡­ ?The fat freak has arranged a show again! He is ying mind games with us!? ¡­ ?Can you do anything on your own?? ¡­ ?Go to the dumpster where you belong, smelly trash! You can¡¯t fool us!?


    These statements made Triana furious. She wasn¡¯t angry because they had given her all the credit, she was angry because they still considered Dick Baker a pathetic omega! He had defeated all three opponents! His sword was also a part of his skills!


    ?Have you lost your sense of fear, pipsqueaks?? ¨C The tigress growled.


    A part of the imperial pressure reached the audience. The weakest students dropped to their knees, the strongest only felt their knees quiver.


    Kyon shed a happy smile. He had achieved the desired result. Two final strokes and Triana wouldn¡¯t forget him until the end of her life. On the other hand, it wasn¡¯t part of his escape n. But why not? It would be his backup n! Besides, he was going to meet her in the future, even if it was too early to think about that. He had to escape first.


    Triana continued: ?I will never stoop to interfering with an honest battle for the rank in the hierarchy! Dick Baker had defeated those weaklings by himself! I didn¡¯t help him! Let someone else prove it!?


    Everyone wanted to believe the school idol even if they didn¡¯t see any logic in her words.


    ?I will do it.? ¨C Someone cried out in a cold voice. A ck-haired, handsome man jumped off the fifth floor, and everyone recognized the infamous Prince the Hot Pants. A girl humbly peeked out of his window.


    Triana scanned the elegant young man and nodded, pleased. She had noticed him long ago as the strongest Cernos student, the leader of the school hierarchy. The tigress was sure that he was the one who would make her former owner give it his all and then perish in an unequal battle. ording to Triana, to die for the ce of the leader was the best death ever. It would also spare her from the necessity of killing him herself.


    The students whispered among themselves: ?I hear the prince Has reached the tenth stage of the noble phase¡­ It must be humiliating for him to duel with a weakling in the advanced phase!? ¡­ ?Could he fall any lower?? ¡­ ?What is he after?? ¡­ ?He wants to be famous!? ¡­ ?No way! His perverted Highness wants to get Triana as his servant!? ¡­ ?How dares he!? ¨C Havinge to this conclusion, the audience drilled the despicable bastard with angry eyes.


    Prince Charles tried to ignore numerous whispers and condemning nces. Over the past year and a half, he had lost his power and respect of the kingdom citizens. He did not have anything to be proud of apart from his strength. Today he had a unique opportunity tomake up for all his failures: to kill the wretched bastard and enve beautiful Triana!


    Charles Grand hated Dick Baker for many reasons. Dick had taken away his room, humiliated him in public more than once, took first ce in the forest tournament, and above all, he had slept with the sexy demoness and was fucking every day delicious Triana! It concerned His Highness more than anything else, and the reason for this was the damned medicine that had corrupted his character. Because of it, he was tormented by the restless me of lust that gave him intolerable pain in the groin.


    The prince realized his hatred vile, but he had lost his pride and dignity long ago, so what was the point of defending what he didn¡¯t have? None at all.


    As for Triana, Charles had long lost his head over the fat freak¡¯s servant. Her strength, personality, and beauty were bewitching. His paid girl was no match for the beautiful blond girl, even Kara the demoness was significantly inferior to Triana in beauty and charm. Such a wonderful sex ve would turn his life into a fairy tale.


    Prince Charles said confidently: ?Dick Baker, if you think that everyone around is too weak for you, then the strongest Cernos will fight with you. I mean, if you don¡¯t chicken out.? ¨C He finished defiantly, daring his opponent.


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?No problem. Let¡¯s fight.?


    ?Let¡¯s make it even more exciting. The condition you gave the previous opponents stands: the loser obeys whatever the winner orders. What do you say??


    Kyon shrugged: ?Why not? I don¡¯t mind.?


    Charles threw up his hands: ?Great! However, anything can happen in battle. What if someone loses consciousness, gets a serious injury, or worse¡­ How would he meet the terms of the deal then? It¡¯s only reasonable to ask Triana to obey my order in this case.?


    Kyon looked at the tigress, then at the prince: ?So be it. If I am too injured to hold up my end of the deal, my servant will do it.? ¨C {If she wants to!}


    Many students began to bite their nails nervously, keeping their anger to themselves: {The goddess must punish you for your arrogance, son of a bitch!} ¡­ {Triana will never be yours, perverted bastard! Even Dick Baker is a better owner than you!} ¡­ {I would cut off your dick if I could have it my way, fucking degenerate!}


    Charles was thrilled deep inside, but his face stayed calm. He stood in the center of the arena and made a gesture to show that he was ready for battle: ?Let¡¯s get started. Show everyone what you¡¯re capable of, fat freak.?


    ?I am not fat, just big-boned!? ¨C Dick Baker retorted, taking out the Scourge.


    The judge activated the protective barrier and announced the beginning of the duel.


    Kyon focused on his core and tried to use the Cut of Light, but it didn¡¯t work. He couldn¡¯t use this feature unless he was in the bright state of soul. He could not simte it, which meant he had to fight with his sword.


    At the Stone Party, Kyon fought with Kara, who was 13 stages stronger than him. He had technically won the battle, even if he hadn¡¯t even left a scratch on her. If they had been allowed to use weapons, he would have died by all means.


    At the families¡¯ Tournament, Lovr had killed Brown number two, who had an advantage of 15 stages with a grenade that was as powerful as the Annihtion sphere.


    His victory over Timothy Brown, who was 18 stages stronger than him was a pure miracle, no less. Kyon was hoping to defeat him with a trick, handing Timothy the wonderful grenade, but he had to use it on the previous opponent.


    Now Lovr had to fight an opponent 16t stages stronger than himself, and he was not going to use any grenades because they werepletely useless against a peaking noble phaser. It was time to find out what he was capable of!


    Charles breathed in the warm summer air, anticipating breaking the hated jerk¡¯s spine. With a calm, almost indifferent facial expression and devilish fire in his eyes, Charles came up to Dick Baker totally unarmed. It was below him to use a sword against this wretched bug. Then he elerated half-way, aiming with his hand at Dick¡¯s neck. The bastard wouldn¡¯t even have time to understand why he died.


    Kyon¡¯s pupils narrowed. He instantly elerated, using pure energy and hardened his sword up to 2.000 kilos before delivering a blow. Then he hit with all his might Charles¡¯s stretched arm.


    ~crack~


    After the collision, everyone heard a loud cracking of bones breaking into fragments. Blood sshed in all directions, painting the protective barrier scarlet.


    ~bam~


    Almost at the same moment, Charles hit the protective barrier, shock and disbelief written all across his face. He cast a nk stare at his maimed left hand that looked like a poorly chopped mincemeat made of bones, flesh, and a piece of sleeve. Right then, the royal prince felt an unbearable acute headache. He couldn¡¯t hold back a piercing cry: ?§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡H!?


    The prince¡¯s loud wail broke everyone¡¯s stupor, but they couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. Was it possible that everyone in the audience was having visual hallucinations?


    Triana squeezed the windowsill until it cracked and stared at the yelling prince, her beautiful head sticking out of the window: {WHAT? Did Lovr ruin his hand with a single blow? Is he that strong? How haven¡¯t I seen it before?} ¨C She was expecting to see her former owner crippled and leaving for the better world, but it was the other way around! Her heart was about to jump out of her chest.


    The prince¡¯s eyes were bloodshot like those of a furious beast. He had been too careless. Underestimating his enemy had cost him a hand. Charles stopped the bleeding with pure force, soothed the unbearable pain. It was followed by the feeling of disgusting numbness at the ce of the injury and annoying pulsation in the temples.


    ?Have you been hiding your strength for a whole year to catch me by surprise, son of a bitch?? ¨C Charles muttered through his gritted teeth, releasing an aura of killing intent.


    ?You are so full of yourself, Charlito.? ¨C Kyon grinned,ying his sword on the shoulder.


    The prince took out a long straight sword with his only working hand, pointed with it at the fat freak and said resolutely: ?You¡¯ll die today.?

 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364


    The students thought that the world had finally gone off the rails. What was going on here? Was the prince bribed? Was it Triana¡¯s trick? Or was Dick Baker not the guy they all thought he was?


    As Dick Baker hit Prince Charles, some students could feel his vibrations of the superior phase. However, even if he had concealed his cultivation, it didn¡¯t exin anything! He had to be in the noble phase to inflict severe damage on a peaking noble phaser!


    Charles rushed to the enemy, holding his long sword in his right hand.


    Kyon grabbed the hilt of the Scourge, increased its weight to 2.000 kilos and crossed the des with his opponent.


    ~boom~


    The protective barrier vibrated from the sound wave. The unexpected rumble made several students scream, the most nervous ones jumped in their seats. The audience stared in shock at the result of the collision: Baker had taken three steps back while Grand had taken only one! And still, the fat freak had made the prince retreat!


    Charles couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. Some weakling, 16 stages inferior to him, was almost equal in strength?! It was even more shocking to feel energy fluctuations in his attack! The speed of Dick Baker¡¯s arm had to be faster than a falling star to achieve this result of the collision! But it wasn¡¯t so. Consequently, the fat freak¡¯s weapon had to weigh about a ton, which raised a question ¨C how could Dick Baker handle such a heavy sword at such a fast speed?


    ~boom~ ~boom~ ~boom~


    The three next deafening blows did not differ much from the first. Both opponents, almost equal in strength, were not going to give in. The tension in the arena was palpable.


    The audience and the prince, in particr, had the same question on the mind: {How is it even possible? Does he have a unique body that gives him monstrous power?} ¨C However, something didn¡¯t add up. ¨C {Speed! This monstrous sword inhibits his speed and dexterity!}


    Charles¡¯s eyes sparkled. He had found Dick Baker¡¯s weak spot. There was no need to fend his attacks. All Charles needed was to par a blow and counterattack or get to his opponent from the side and cut him in two with one aimed blow!


    When Kyon saw the prince trying to pull off his ruse, he snorted contemptuously: ?My poop is more unpredictable than you!? ¨C He decreased the sword¡¯s weight and changed the trajectory of the strike, aiming at Charles¡¯s leg to break it.


    Charles dodged ridiculously at the veryst moment, rolling on the ground and collecting dirt with his white uniform: {What¡¯s wrong with him? How could he change so quickly the trajectory of such a heavy sword?}


    The students¡¯ months opened so wide that a chicken egg could fit inside: ?Is it a staged show?? ¡­ ?It can¡¯t be, judging by the crash? ¡­ ?Pinch me, someone? ¡­ ?He had destroyed the prince¡¯s hand, and now he makes us swallow dust!? ¡­ ?Is Dick¡­ Is Dick Baker really¡­ really so strong?? ¡­ ?Has he been hiding his power all this time?? ¡­ ?By no means. He¡¯d always been saying he was an invincible genius, but we did not believe him! He is so self-confident that he did not want to prove anything to anyone!? ¡­ ?Oh, yeah!? ¨C Dick Baker, who they had considered a nullity for the whole year, was pulling stunts like that! The end of the world must be near! However, their reaction would be even more intense if the students hadn¡¯t hardened their nerves during the school year.


    Triana bared her snow-white fangs in a wide smile, listening to the students¡¯ments. Finally, they had recognized her former owner! Her heart bloomed flowers, blood burned her veins with excitement. Let them know that her master was no omega. However, the tigress would be deeply disappointed if he failed to overthrow the leader of the hierarchy. It meant worlds to her, so she cheered for Lovr with all her heart.


    ?Get up, Charlito. I am not done with you!? ¨C Kyon sneered like a typical viin.


    Prince clenched his teeth: {He is getting under my skin, bastard!} ¨C He saw through his opponent¡¯s n and tried to focus. Dick Baker had a natural gift to drive people crazy, he could do it with his ugly face alone. However, Charles Grand was not going to give up. Honorable Master Gia had taught him how to stay calm. The teacher always told him that a hot heart makes predictable strikes. He had to keep calm like a serene mountainke. Cool and calcting, nothing more. Charles had learned this rule well enough.


    {So, what prevents me from killing the fat freak? I have fourbat fists, and a huge advantage in speed. I can destroy the fat ass in a few seconds even with one hand!} ¨C Charles¡¯s goal was clear, he pressed a furious attack.


    ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~


    {Shit! Why is he so unpredictable? How can he know my next move three steps ahead?} ¨C The Prince couldn¡¯t keep calm. How could Dick Baker keep up with him with such a massive weapon and disadvantage in speed! He effortlessly fended off all the attacks and saw through all the tricks!


    Meanwhile, Kyon rejoiced at his new power. His usual strikes were about one and a half phase (15 stages) more powerful than anyone¡¯s with his level of cultivation! It was all because of his half-upgraded right arm and the fact that he could instantly change his sword¡¯s weight from 500 to 10.000 kilos! However, he was limited to two tons at the moment. Anyway, it didn¡¯t affect either Dick¡¯s dexterity or speed! It was rather hard to dodge from opponents like Prince Charles, but he could always send his two-tone ¡°sledgehammer¡± in his royal face!


    A collision with an opponent one and a half phase stronger used to present a huge risk for Lovr. Now he could afford it¡­


    ?Die, idiot!? ¨C Charles shouted triumphantly, noticing Dick Baker¡¯s fatal mistake.


    Kyon fearlessly caught the flying sword with his teeth, hitting the prince with Scourge.


    ~crack~


    Everyone in the dorm heard a deafening crack of Charles¡¯s breaking ribs. With a painful cry, the prince flew a dozen meters and hit the protective barrier.


    ?What?? ¨C Thousands of shocked voices mixed into a single hum. The students were expecting Dick Baker¡¯s instant death, not the situation where he got through the battle unscathed and took Charles¡¯s sword away while breaking him a couple of ribs! Only Triana stayed calm because she knew how tough Lovr¡¯s head was, but even she felt uneasy.


    Kyon had sessfully exchanged blows with Prince Charles, taking advantage of his indestructibility. His upgraded head, carbon bones and skin, as well as the enchantment for endurance, had worked in his favor¡­ In fact, he did not even feel a thing.


    Kyon spat the prince¡¯s sword from his mouth, threw his head back and burst intoughter: ?It¡¯s hrious! I thought the most sessful Cernos student would be a bit smarter, but he is even dumber than he looks! Haven¡¯t I just recently said that my head is harder than the legendary thousand-old buns? What a fool!?


    Charles rose to his feet, clutching at his side and trembling with anger. His usual deadpan expression distorted in indescribable hatred: ?You will answer for your words, jerk¡­ Behold the Rage of the Purple Dragon!? ¨C He balled his hand into a fist as he uttered the name of the technique. In a matter of seconds, his fist got covered with a purple rock crystal that formed a three-meter dragon¡¯s head.


    ?It¡¯s the most powerful earth technique! Has Prince Charles acquired it!? ¨C One of the students eximed. If the dragon reached the enemy, it would swallow them up, grinding their bones into dust.


    Triana nervously shifted from foot to foot.


    Charles punched his fist in the air as if breaking the invisible wall in front of him, and the head of the dragon rushed forward at high speed, dragging its long scaly body behind.


    Kyon wondered: {Huh¡­ It¡¯s a target-seeking technique that requires the highest grade of earth¡­ which means, its power is equal to a middle lord phase. Well, I¡¯ll have to use the third mode.}


    Lovr took the Scourge in his hand, jumped three meters up (not higher because of the sword¡¯s weight), and yelled: ?Falling scourge!? ¨C dropping 10 tons on the approaching dragon.


    ~BADABOOM~


    With an ear-splitting roar, the Head of the Dragon scattered into pieces, its body fell to the ground. Deep cracks ran throughout the arena floor, covered with purple rubble.


    Kyon had used the most powerful mode of three. It returned the Scourge its full wights, and the gravity pulled it down, increasing the power of the strike. This mode had some drawbacks: speed, uracy, time-consuming preparation, and yet, it had a colossal destructive effect if choosing the right moment.


    Lovr put his sword on the shoulder and sneered: ?Nothing I haven¡¯t handled before! It¡¯s not likely to be a big hit with thedies, though¡­ Try again!?


    The audience was amazed and confounded so much that their hair stood on end. Any of them would instantly die, meeting the rage of the purple dragon created by Charles, but the fat freak had effortlessly destroyed the lord phase attack and was now messing with the prince!


    Triana quickly ran her fingers through her hair: {He told me so many times that I underestimated him, but I didn¡¯t believe him¡­ I didn¡¯t believe him!} ¨C The tigress felt a pang of guilt. She had called him a weakling so many times! So wrong of her¡­


    Charles was dripping with sweat. He couldn¡¯t catch his breath, gasping for air. The technique he had used was the most powerful in his arsenal, but it was energy-consuming and had a long rollback. Dick Baker had destroyed it as if it was a joke for him¡­


    Every time, life gave Charles an element of surprise that made him wish to hide, to sink into the ground, or to disappear: Lanai had stolen his precious medicine and killed his father; the wretched investigator had taken away the chance that happened once in a lifetime; the demons had escaped unscathed; something had gone wrong with the transformation medicine that closed him the door to the lord phase forever; his cultivated unique body had lost all its features; and now the most pathetic person in the whole universe was making a fool out of him! Charles Grand understood that his defeat would mean losing the remnants of his self-esteem, but above all, he would miss thest chance to get his once-happy life back. Was it possible that life had been making him stronger? NO WAY! This bitch was unlikely to smile upon him ever again! He would ruin its ns and take the bull by the horns!


    Charles¡¯s dark eyes lit up. A spear appeared in his hand, sparkling like lightning, and he immediately threw it at his sworn enemy: ?The rage of heaven! Die!?


    ?I am sorry, I don¡¯t smoke.? ¨C Kyon shook his head and hit the lightning with Scourge, turning it into a ten-meter cloud of sparks. Instead of striking his body, it struck his sword and disappeared without a trace. All it took was a little istion trick.


    {What the hell is going on here?} ¨C Charles thought in panic. The technique he had used had a powerful residual effect that could paralyze opponents up to the peaking noble phase, or destroy those with lesser cultivation, but the scarlet sword had absorbed his lightning!


    ?Alright, Charlito. I¡¯ve got enough of you. Let¡¯s call it today.? ¨C Kyon said wearily and yawned. Then he snapped his fingers and pointed up.


    An image of the sterile white room appeared on the bright screen¡­


    Charles¡¯s face froze when he recognized the room. He had seen it too many many times in nightmares.


    The audience raised their heads to the night sky.

 Chapter 365

    Chapter 365


    More than a thousand students looked at the night sky and saw the recording on the screen: a sterile white room; a slim ck-haired girl, whose face was not seen, tied to the chair with her legs apart, Prince Charles, jerking his soft,id penis with an expression of painful shame on his horny face.


    ?Pathetic slug. If you ever take your father¡¯s throne, the kingdom won¡¯t stand a chance! Just like some part of yours!?


    ?SHUT UP!? ¨C Charles barked and blushed.


    ?It¡¯s no use, boy. Being impotent is your calling, it¡¯s a part of your spineless character. Go away before I die fromughter!?


    ?Shut the fuck up, bitch! I¡­ Just a moment¡­ Come on¡­ Why? Why don¡¯t you get hard?!?


    Then the recording stopped.


    There wasplete silence. The girls in the audience exchanged meaningful looks, and then someone giggled. In a moment, everyone was rolling on the floorughing. The despicable prince had screwed up big time! The students couldn¡¯t stopughing.


    Triana smiled. Her former owner had never had erection problems, despite her being the princess of one of the most powerful ns of the supreme beasts, gorgeous and powerful, no longer restrained! As for Charles, he was too nervous being so close to the tied girl who must be inferior to her in power and appearance. Shame on him. That¡¯s what it means to be an omega.


    Charles gave Dick Baker a nk stare, then asked him in a lifeless voice: ?It was you! The masked investigator was you! Have you taken Lanai¡¯s innocence in my stead??


    Kyon nodded eagerly: ?Yes, I did! By the way, Lanai had a wonderful body! I kept cumming into her like a horse! She moaned with pleasure all night long! Her sweet voice was unforgettable! The mere thought of that night takes my breath away!? ¨C The fat freak smacked his lips.


    The studentsughed even louder. Some girls turned away with a grimace of disgust.


    Charles¡¯s forehead creased with veins popping up, his red eyes made him look like a mad bull. He might have stayed calm if not for the coniferous poison and the damned medicine that had perverted his character. It was impossible for him to keep it together! Dick Baker had raped damned Lanai, fucked demoness Kara, and slept every day with the beautiful girl he could only dream of! All the three girls looked like exquisite diamonds in the world of coal and shapeless y! How could this monster possibly get them? How could the prince not get jealous? He hated the fat freak with all his heart.


    Triana arched her delicate eyebrows: {Who is Lanai? Why haven¡¯t I ever heard of her? Why can¡¯t Lovr tell me all his secrets? What a mysterious jerk! He does it on purpose to kindle my interest in him!}


    ?Ah, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you what do you think of ¡°Eternal Erection¡± that I have given you instead of this.? ¨C Kyon took out a blue pill of Striking Lightning that once belonged to the prince.


    Charles¡¯s eyes popped out of his head, veins throbbing in his temples: ?It¡­ You have it¡­ It¡¯s you¡­ given me this¡­ I suffer¡­ because of you¡­? ¨C The prince choked on his own words, which made his speech unintelligible. He thought he was going crazy as hundreds of students started tough. Was the lion¡¯s share of his troubles Dick Baker¡¯s fault?


    Meanwhile, Kyon was basking in Charles¡¯s dark emotions. Despite his deplorable situation with Triana, Lovr was the kind of people who would harvest his gains, even going to hell. That¡¯s why he had given the recording with Charles¡¯s fiasco in the investigation department to his man responsible for the dormitory screen.


    ?You¡­ It¡¯s all because of YOU!? ¨C The prince red up with a beautiful pink me emanating a vile, perverted aura that caused itching in everyone¡¯s groin.


    The audience stared at him: ?The prince has acquired the fourth element?!? ¡­ ?Why is he glowing pink? Is it possible?? ¡­ ?Yuck, what a nasty feeling he inspires!?


    The me engulfing Charles¡¯s body swirled and rushed into his right hand. There was some lightning crackling followed by a dazzling scarlet bolt of lightning, slowly concentrating in his fist.


    Kyon frowned thoughtfully: {Hm¡­ Usually, provocations make people drop their guard and lose vignce, but now it¡¯s the opposite¡­ What an unpredictable world!} ¨C Lovr would be concerned about his safety if he wasn¡¯t resistant to heat and lightning. Anyway, it was time to finish this show, just in case.


    Lovr took an attacking stance and drew the Scourge back by the right side for a quick jab. He looked like a stretched spring that could pierce even dragon skin.


    The audience held their breath. Triana leaned out of the window, nearly falling down in excitement.


    Charles rushed to the embodiment of all his misfortunes, throwing a spectacr concentrate of pink fire and lightning and yelling at the top of his lungs: ?DIE!?


    {Scourge fracture!} ¨C The Scourge turned into scarlet lightning that struck in the direction of Charles Grand.


    ~woosh~


    The collision of the strikes created a dazzling purple sh of fire and lightning that burned Dick Baker from head to foot and spread over the arena like a dome. The audience felt scorching heat that caused weird, obscene visual hallucinations. The special effects dissipated pretty soon, and the students saw the unscathed fat freak who had stabbed Charles¡¯s hand and chest near his heart.


    Kyon pulled out the sword with an impassive face and cleaned it from blood with a wave of a hand.


    Charles dropped to his knees and carefully touched the wounded chest. His heart was not beating. Pain and hatred were written all across his ashen face, giving way to powerless bitterness: {What did I do wrong¡­ What was my mistake¡­} ¨C Once, he was the only prince Grand, albeit a bastard, but the heir to the throne. Then the demons appeared out of nowhere who enved his father and ruined Charles¡¯s future, and now he was dying at the hand of the fat freak who had made aughingstock of him in front of the whole Iron Throne. Charles closed his eyes and fell face down. His short, full of suffering life hade to an end. Death dragged him into another world¡­ His full of regrets soul rushed straight to the Void body¡¯s core.


    Kyon had killed Charles for many reasons: for his harassment of Valeera and Marina, for his intentions to kill him in the forest tournament and enve Triana. But above all, Kyon¡¯s sworn enemy wanted to kill him even before the battle started. Nothing else really mattered.


    The prince wanted to kill, but he wasn¡¯t ready to die.


    If Lovr didn¡¯t have the carbon skin or the vacuum barrier, the residual heat and the lightning would have burned him to ashes. He had used the second mode out of three, focusing most of the muscles for a quick, powerful strike. It was much more effective than any ordinary attack, but not without certain drawbacks like the narrow focus of implementation, forced immobility, muscle overstraining. Anyway, this blow was perfect to finish the battle.


    Somewhere on the fifth floor, a girl cried with happiness.


    Alex Grand, the unsessful suicide, smiled like an idiot. The envy and jealousy that used tocerate his heart had disappeared. He was a mosquito next to the dragon and had no right to im the goddess¡¯s messenger¡¯s girl!


    The excited students could not hold back exmations of surprise: ?Dick Baker has killed Prince Charles? He killed him without getting himself injured?? ¡­ ?I can¡¯t believe my eyes! How could he do it?? ¡­ ?Gods, is it even possible?? ¡­ ?So, Kara married Dick Baker not only because of his money!? ¨C Their bottled-up anger umted for the entire academic year had suddenly turned out to be a misunderstanding. Myriads of damaged nerve cells with hatred and rage¡­ It was all a huge mistake! An epic joke! Were the students relieved to know that? Not at all! They felt deceived!


    Triana¡¯s amber eyes glowed with pride. The most painful spot in her soul, strained for many months to the limit, had rxed, giving her an incredible relief. She felt like being born again! An indescribable feeling! Her former owner was the leader of the school hierarchy! Everyone appreciated him! It felt so nice to know it.


    No one seemed to mind his murdering the royal person. Charles had always been standoffish with no authority in the kingdom. He was justte King Michael¡¯s pathetic bastard who had avoided the punishment for **** thanks to his impable reputation. It was actually strictly forbidden to kill in the Cernos arena, but who would ever judge Dcik Baker? Even dimir Grand, the king himself, had sided with the fat freak, protecting his rights at the forest tournament. In the end, Dick Baker would get away with a fine for negligent homicide.


    Kyon was pleasantly surprised by some bright emotions from the students, but it wasn¡¯t the time for joy. It was only the beginning. He isted his head with a soundproofing barrier and shouted, raising his eyes to the sky: ?Dinah, I summon you to fight! Get out! You promised to fight with me as soon as I gain strength! It¡¯s the perfect timing!?


    Triana jumped down to take the former owner into a secluded ce when she suddenly bumped into an invisible protective barrier. It was weird as the judge took it away a second ago, and he didn¡¯t set a new one. Anyway, an emperor phaser would have felt a barrier, but she couldn¡¯t.


    {What?..} ¨C The confused tigress touched the invisible protective barrier, pushed it harder, poked it with a w, but it didn¡¯t shake. She slightly hit it ¨C nothing. Triana frowned, balled her hand in a fist and struck it with all her might, but it bounced back at her.


    ~BAM~


    The sudden crash made about a thousand students jump out of their skin. They watched with eyes wide open the school idol fly off to someone¡¯s room with the speed of a cannonball. Judging by the loud bang, she broke a couple of walls on the way.


    {What was it?} ¨C Everyone gasped.


    A secondter, Triana returned with a serious face. She touched the invisible protective barrier: it was intact! What the hell? Its quality was far beyond what Cernos could afford!


    Suddenly, Triana noticed that the dead prince was lying outside the arena, although no one had touched him, and the stunned expression on the judge¡¯s face said that he was now no more than a spectator here. She saw her former owner shaking his head as if saying that she shouldn¡¯t even try. The tigress had a really bad feeling: {Do they want to take him away from me? Who is this?}


    A dazzling white sh illuminated the dorm. More than a thousand people and one supreme beast witnessed a beautiful dark-haired girl elegantly step down invisible stairs like a goddess. She was wearing a paper thin dark robe slightly above her knees that highlighted her best assets. There were glossy-ckbat shoes on her delicate feet.


    The mysterious guest amazed everyone with her beauty, but even more striking was her ability to walk through the air! Her cold aura cut to the bone and made everyone shudder. Who was she? Why did she appear here? What was this barrier that even Triana couldn¡¯t break through it?


    The tigress red at the uninvited guest: {The second stage of the lord phase! How does this omega female dare to stand on my way to Lovr! No¡­ This barrier doesn¡¯t belong to her¡­ It¡¯s her master¡¯s! So, he didn¡¯t lie about the goddess¡¯s apprentice who had kidnapped him!} ¨C Triana helplessly bared her fangs. She did not want to give Lovr to anyone, but who was she to go against the human goddess¡¯s and her student¡¯s will?


    {Has Lovr ever lied to me?} ¨C The tigress suddenly realized that the former owner had lied too tantly and straightforwardly as if he was checking her animal na?vet¨¦. Every time she spent points to buy some absurd information, Triana thought it was another trick of her mysterious, cunning owner, but it turned out that he hadn¡¯t been lying to her! The princess of the white tigers was touched to the core to know that this human had never deceived the supreme beast.


    When Dinah descended on the arena, she said dismissively: ?I haven¡¯te because you asked me. I¡¯vee to kill the dirty pig in front of everyone.?

 Chapter 366

    Chapter 366


    It took Kyon some effort to take his eyes off the former superior maid, beautiful like a divine work of art. He looked around to make sure that no one in the audience could hear him so that there would be no need in the soundproof barrier. He was still hoping to keep his personality of the goddess¡¯s messenger in secret.


    Lovr removed the barrier and said with dignity, raising his eyes to heaven: ?Goddess, I am about to start a vicious fight that might take my life while your student doesn¡¯t risk anything! I am begging for your grace and mercy to reward me for my victory! Five minutes of your protection will be enough for me to teleport from the Cernos away from Triana¡¯s ws! Only in this case, your student will be able to take revenge, otherwise, you will be teaching a girl who has never triumphed over her enemy! I am sure that it will have a negative effect on her future! I beg you to be reasonable!?


    Dinah leered at him: ?Who are you to beg my great master for anything? And why are you so confident that you can defeat me? Today, I won¡¯t let you go alive, arrogant bastard!? ¨C She released a formidable pressure, characteristic of the second stage in the lord phase.


    Thousands of stunned spectators started whispering excitedly: ?She is at the beginning of the lord phase! No mistake about it! I¡¯ve been to lots of tournaments and can tell the lord-phase pressure!? ¡­ ?Gods, who is this powerfuldy and what is she doing in Cernos?? ¡­ ?What does she want from Dick Baker? Is she really fighting with him? He does not stand a chance against a lord phase! He could hardly handle the prince!? ¡­ ?Who has set the barrier that evendy Triana can¡¯t break?? ¡­ ?Can anyone here read lips? ? ¨C The students had hardly got over the fat freak¡¯s victory over the prince when out of the blue, there appeared another opponent, head and shoulders above him.


    ?I am not talking to you!? ¨C Kyon snapped, turning his eyes from her to the sky.


    His words hit Dinah like a bucket of cold water. When Kyon¡¯s power was suppressed, he showed at least some respect for her, but now his arrogance knew no bounds! How dared he talk to her so disrespectfully like she was no goddess¡¯s apprentice but his unfaithful wife!


    Dinah took out an elegantly patterned ck dagger and blurred with speed in the direction of the fat freak: ?You will regret what you have said.?


    As soon as they started fighting, Kyon noticed the invisible protective barrier had acquired a greenish tint. At the same time, he got a feeling of being pulled out of reality and ced in an isted ce. Even if the students could see him, as well as he could see them, he could not feel their presence with his soul. Did it mean that any auras, including the annihtion sphere, wouldn¡¯t leave this spot? Was it possible that the goddess decided herself what the audience would see? Why was she doing all this?


    Without hesitation, Lovr increased the Scourge¡¯s weight to two tons and delivered an immediate counterstrike towards the rapidly approaching silhouette.


    ~bam~


    The collision impact didn¡¯t make Dinah budge a step while Kyon slid on the ground about three meters, nearly losing his bnce.


    Dinah grinned wickedly: ?What a shame¡­ I haven¡¯t attacked you at full strength, and you are already staggering¡­ My great master told me not to underestimate you, but I will prove to you that you are no rival to me.?


    ?As you wish, darling.? ¨C Kyon muttered through clenched teeth.


    Dinah snorted and resumed her half-hearted attack, prodding the ground.


    ~bam~ ~ bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~


    Kyon fearlessly fought her back, not worrying about the recoil, but she kept pressing him to the barrier. He analyzed the situation and came to a disappointing conclusion: he was on a losing streak for three reasons:


    First, Dinah¡¯s allegedly half-hearted blows left dents on the sword Scourge despite the advanced enchant for strength! When Kyon created his carbon weapon, he arranged the atomicttice so as the de could take the blows with maximum efficiency, but it was of little use now. Dinah¡¯s dagger was too dangerous. If nothing changed, the Scourge sword would break, marking the end of its owner. He would have to use the earth element, restoring the sword in the heat of the battle.


    Second, due to the high-ranking movement technique, the goddess¡¯s student was as fast as a lord phaser at the finishing stage. Competing with her in speed was tantamount to suicide, which left Lovr with a single working strategy: keeping the former superior maid at the distance, giving her timely counterattacks.


    Third, although Dinah was at the 2nd stage, the full power of her attacks was equal to a lord phaser at the 4th stage. Apparently, the goddess hadn¡¯t cleaned her keys to the maximum. There must be some restrictions even for Her Holiness.


    All in all, Kyon was fighting an opponent 18 stages stronger than himself, just like when he had a battle with Timothy, only Dinah made an impression of being whole 20 stages stronger. Besides, she was frighteningly fast for her level. The goddess must have taught her student something scary and dangerous over thest year. The precious ck dagger in the hands of the beautiful opponent was the icing on the cake.


    {It¡¯s¡­ fucking¡­ no good¡­} ¨C Lovr concluded glumly.


    ~bam~ ~ bam~ ~bam~


    Dinah had acquired five battle fists, but no matter how hard she tried, whatever tricks and maneuvers she used, she couldn¡¯t find a breach in Kyon¡¯s defense. It was incredibly annoying, even humiliating. Dinah was ready to use the shadow style, but there was still time for that.


    Even if Kyon was significantly weaker than his opponent, his half-upgraded right hand moved much faster than the rest of his body, that¡¯s why he managed to fend any attack. However, he couldn¡¯t even think of parring Dinah¡¯s blows.


    Dinah approached him even closer and delivered a roundhouse kick to the Scourge.


    Kyon did a double somersault and flew off to the barrier¡­ Or so he thought. In fact, he flew in from the opposite side as if where the barrier began just where it ended.


    {An enclosed space! Is there any limit to what this goddess can do?} ¨C Lovr scratched the back of his head, perplexed. He was still working on teleportation while the goddess could turn space into a donut or an infinite loop.


    ?Shake in the knees? Can you feel death slowly but inexorably getting to your stinky, disgusting body?? ¨C Dinah whispered in a scary voice and licked her dagger.


    Kyon stood up and imed confidently: ?It¡¯s you who is locked with me in this cage, stupid fool.?


    ?Empty words, considering what you can do nothing but defend yourself.? ¨C Dinah pressed another attack, this time at 75% of her maximum strength. However, Kyon wouldn¡¯t let his heavy weapon out of his hands.


    ~bam~ ~ bam~ ~bam~


    Each collision might have sent Kyon flying many meters away if he hadn¡¯t been using the best sticking to the ground technique. Using it, he slid about five meters and stopped, keeping his bnce. Most of the recoil went into his carbon bones enchanted for strength.


    Dinah stopped and smirked: ?You¡¯ve dug fifteen traps under the ground, but I haven¡¯t got into any of them¡­ How dumb of you!?


    ?I will bury you alive.? ¨C Kyon snapped.


    ?Not in this life. Anyway, it¡¯s nice of you to dig your own grave. I¡¯ll throw your lifeless body into one of them!? ¨C Dinah¡¯s gray eyes sparkled as she approached Kyon at an incredible speed and hit him with all her might.


    ~bam~


    Kyon did not expect such a strong attack. An elephant, racing at full speed, would have hit him with the same force. The Scourge flew out of his hands as he rolled on the ground for about fifteen meters. Dinas wasn¡¯t going to get him. She rushed to the sword instead, but the weapon sparkled green and disappeared at the first attempt to grab it.


    ?Huh?? ¨C Dinnah gasped. She turned to her sworn enemy and saw the scarlet sword in his hands.


    ?You shouldn¡¯t take something that isn¡¯t yours! You will be punished for that.? ¨C Kyon took an attacking stance and drew the Scourge back by the right side. All his muscles were ready to perform the Scourge Fracture.


    Dinah made a tsking sound: ?Are you strong enough for this, boy?? ¨C She instantly reduced the distance between them with a nk expression on her face. As soon as she was within Kyon¡¯s reach, the Scourge turned into scarlet lightning pointed at her chest. In response, she began to use the shadow style.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened. He was sure that he had hit the target until Dinah dispersed in a ck haze like a shadow and materialized a half-meter away from him, throwing her ck dagger at his stomach.


    {Fuck!} ¨C In a fraction of a second, Lovr had grown a thinyer of adamantium, but the dagger pierced his stomach through the rock and the carbon skin like a hot knife through butter.


    ~bam~


    The impact sent Kyon flying more than ten meters away. He painfully clutched at his side while the earth element started growing new carbon skin on the ce of the cut. It would have been over if Dinah had aimed at his heart or his tendons, but she wounded him in the stomach, intending to prolong his suffering. The bitch wanted to enjoy her victory, taking her revenge for the past.


    The goddess¡¯s student cleaned the blood from the de with a wave of her hand and turned the dagger, admiring its patterns: ?The shadow dagger¡­ I couldn¡¯t even dream of such a great weapon. It would be priceless in our world. It¡¯s so sharp that your tough skin is no better than a sheet of paper against its de¡­?


    ?It won¡¯t help you.? ¨C Kyon said confidently, standing up with his hand pressed against his stomach.


    Dinah looked up from the dagger and red at him: ?Look who¡¯s talking! If I had aimed at your heart, you would have already taken yourst breath!?


    ?But you aimed at my stomach because you still love me deep inside¡­ That is why you are not my enemy. You will lose.? ¨C Kyon said with conviction.


    ?Bullshit!? ¨C Dinah got furious, wrinkling her delicate nose. ¨C ?Your strength is nothing against me! Your lightning protection does not bother me! You can¡¯t use your hypersonic weapon from the ring! Your explosives are useless against me! What else remains? The pathetic shes of light and darkness that I am ready for, and a nine-element sphere that I can destroy with a counterattack. You can¡¯t use your liquid light, which leaves you with increased physical strength and a heavy sword. All this is no use against me, a lord phaser at the second stage. I am much stronger than you in all respects! So, where does your confidencee from??


    {She knows everything about me¡­ The worst opponent ever.} ¨C Kyon smiled in spite of his pessimistic thoughts. ¨C ?My confidence¡­ It¡¯s nothing. I have two choices: I will win, or I will die, and if I die, it doesn¡¯t really matter! It means I have only one choice: I will win! Whatever it takes.? ¨C He pointed his sword at his opponent like a knight, defending the most precious princess ¨C his life.


    Dinah clenched her: {What a freak! He won¡¯t give up!} ¨C She wanted to undermine Kyon¡¯s moral to see the despair on his wretched face, but it was too thick-skinned. What a disappointment! Well, next time, she would thrust her dagger even deeper.

 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367


    The shadow dagger in Dinah¡¯s hands mysteriously doubled. She took one in each hand and made a swift, sudden attack, her eyes cold as ice.


    {Are they fake? No, both of them are real!} ¨C Kyon concluded. The very name of the dagger suggested that it could create its shadow copies. As expected, a gift from the goddess was a real treasure.


    Dinah blocked Kyon¡¯s attack with one dagger, sending him 8 meters away. She threw the other dagger at his neck, infusing it with the wind element for speed and the dark element for devastating effect.


    {Has she acquired the fourth energy?} ¨C Kyon remarked sadly and bowed his head to take the dagger with his tough forehead. The de cut his skin and got stuck in the skull. After that, it magically dispelled, turning into a curling ck fog that the voracious key of darkness soon absorbed without leaving a trace.


    Lovr couldn¡¯t be happier with himself for finding this treasure in the tomb. He would have died three times without it: at Yegorka¡¯s hand at the qualifying test, at Timothy¡¯s hand at the families tournament, and now that this wretched energy was aiming at his brain to destroy it.


    Dinah watched the cut on Kyon¡¯s instantly heal and snorted thoughtfully: ?My great master has warned me about your tough head and your immunity to the darkness. You should thank heaven that I hadn¡¯t mastered the piercing shadow technique yet, or your brain would have turned into purulent drainage.?


    ?You can¡¯t screw my brain out in any sense of the term.?


    ?There¡¯s nothing to screw out! The miserable remnants of it don¡¯t work properly, anyway!? ¨C Dinah spread her arms, casting a fine ck string strewn with shadow daggers like a gand. It hung in the air in the most mysterious way.


    Kyon could feel his hair move¡­ with static electricity. That¡¯s how Dinah must have been controlling the line and the daggers. It didn¡¯t look good. He had barely coped with two des, and there were hundreds of them!


    ?They say that the head works better if there¡¯s enough iron in the blood. I will take care of it!? ¨C With a venomous smile, Dinah started performing an elegant shadow dance. The string vibrated and twisted¡­ Three daggers separated from it in Kyon¡¯s direction at high speed. They weren¡¯t too powerful but strong enough to pierce his hard skin.


    ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~


    Kyon fended off the daggers without turning his head: ?Strip off if you want to take care of me. Fully dressed dancers have never turned me up, you know. You used to do it better, but I see you¡¯ve been cking off recently¡­? ¨C Kyon shook his head, admiring the enchanting performance of the shadow dance.


    Dinah¡¯s beautiful face flushed with embarrassment. The ugly fat freak¡¯s stare was disgusting, as if a nasty slug was crawling all over her body. She remembered that stupid thing she did a little less than a year ago¡­ How could she give this dirty bastard ap dance just like that! When her master warned her about his abilities, Dinah realized that he had simted his passion, making her strip dance for him even with his hands tied! She was so ashamed that it hurt. Dinah would never wash off this humiliation, even with his blood.


    ?You will choke on your words, asshole!? ¨C Her dance became more aggressive. The string whirled, sending the daggers flying at an impressive speed one after another by dozens and by hundreds per second. All of them were aimed at Kyon.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled excitedly. He held the Scourge tight, spinning like a top and fending off all the daggers flying at him, except for those that aimed at his head. At this speed, he was nothing but a motion blur. Anyone within a two-meter distance would be instantly chopped into tiny pieces.


    Lovr had created three most effective ways of using his ultra-heavy sword:


    Falling Scourge, a pointed crushing attack, had a single requirement ¨C the opponent should stand still. Kyon had destroyed Prince Charles¡¯s stone dragon this way.


    Scourge fracture, a thrusting, shocking attack, much faster and more powerful than any other but requiring a lot of strength and immobility. Kyon had killed Prince Charles this way.


    Scourge storm, a spinning attack, covering the entire attacker¡¯s field of vision in all directions. Being a massive attack, its radius was limited to the length of the sword if no liquid light / darkness was used. It was a bit more powerful than a usual attack but required a lot of strength, making it impossible to move quickly while it was activated. Kyon was using it at the moment to protect himself from the daggers, reaching him from all sides.


    ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~ ¡­ ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~


    When Dinah was out of daggers, her face distorted in surprise that quickly changed to anger: the fat freak hadn¡¯t got a scratch! He had fended every single de! The dance of thousand shadows that she was so proud of turned out to be useless against him.


    ~bam~


    At thest moment, Dinah noticed the sword flying in her back and managed to infuse the ce where it would hit with pure energy. The sword knocked her to the ground, but she rolled away just in time, or she would have been trapped under its frightening weight. Before she knew it, Kyon had attacked her again¡­


    ~woosh~


    Kyon swung the sword that had just appeared in his hand, but Dinah had disappeared in the ck fog. However, hitting her wouldn¡¯t have changed anything.


    Dinah took ten steps back, infusing the future bruise with pure energy, and shouted furiously: ?How did you do it, jerk? I had been watching you!?


    Lovr shrugged and said with sarcasm: ?I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, dearie.? ¨C In truth, he was mentally screaming with disappointment: it almost worked! If the sword had crushed her under its weight, he would have won! Anyway, throwing the sword wasn¡¯t as effective as Kyon had imagined it to be. The Scourge slowed down ording to the mass it regained as soon as its weight returned.


    Dinah clenched her teeth. She could clearly see that Kyon was holding the sword in his hands again¡­ Did he have two of them?


    {Wait¡­ Shouldn¡¯t his sword be scarlet? What?} ¨C Dinah gasped when she realized what was going on. The goddess had warned her not to underestimate the enemy, but it took her a while to discover how insidious he was:


    First, Kyon took advantage of her position close to the border of the arena: he approached the opposite edge and threw his sword at her while he was in her blind zone. As the arena was actually a closed loop, the sword flew in from the reverse side, covering only a few meters of the way.


    Second, Kyon had gradually and secretly changed the color of the Scourge with the earth element so that it looked exactly like thete prince¡¯s sword. Dinah would have noticed at once if he had created a fake sword. Instead, he instantly took the prince¡¯s sword from the ring, misleading her.


    {He is more dangerous than he seems¡­ I must be alert.} ¨C Dinah pressed another attack. This time she was going to use the shadow style to the full.


    {I see you! The same trick again!} ¨C Kyon saw through Dinah¡¯s attempt to turn into a shadow and quickly changed the direction of his attack, but her silhouette was a false one. ¨C {From behind!}


    ~bam~


    The dagger smoothly entered Kyon¡¯s back, sending him a dozen meters flying. and melted heavy on Earth. He fell t on his face with a dangerously torn lung. Kyon¡¯s eyes welled up with tears in unbearable pain. He had to raise his pain threshold. The bitch must have wanted to take her revenge for the bruise, or she would have pierced his heart, infusing it with darkness or ether. Anyway, Dinah¡¯s tactics weren¡¯t much of a surprise for him.


    The technique she had learned from the goddess was too good. Kyon¡¯s spiritual scanning, echolocation, hearing, vision of various spectra, and even smell¡­ It all did not work. She could disappear and reappear wherever she wanted.


    ?Any regrets you want to share with me before you die?? ¨C Dinah whispered with hatred, fiddling with the dagger in her hand. ¨C ?If you beg me to forgive you for the nightmare I had to go through because of you, I might take a pity on the wretched bastard and give you a quick and painless death¡­?


    Kyon grinned glumly: ?I¡¯ve already told you this, so I will repeat: I don¡¯t regret anything. Even if I could go back in time to change things, I would leave everything as it was because I love you!?


    Dinah stood rooted to the spot. She had this nasty feeling that she experienced the day she gave the wretched bastard a freep dance. A repulsive, hateful feeling: ?You never learn, do you? I guess I will have to pierce your dick next time!?


    When Dinah once again turned into a shadow, Kyon used his trump card that he had been getting ready all this time. It was a matter of milliseconds. At first, he activated the Eyes of Truth to see energy in color.


    {I CAN SEE YOU!} ¨C As soon as he determined Dinah¡¯s location, Lovr used the sh of light along with the sh of darkness to increase the effect. At the same time, an iplete annihtion sphere appeared at the tip of the Scourge that aimed at her chest.


    The closed area first filled with a dazzling white light brighter than ten suns. Then the light suddenly went out, and there was an eternal imprable darkness.


    There wasplete silence for a while.


    Then a malicious smile lit up Dinah¡¯s face: ?What a fool¡­ I am a master of shadow style. It was a mistake to use darkness against me¡­ However, it was impressive, I¡¯ll give you that. You had missed my two attacks to make me drop my guard. I have no idea how you could know that I would not kill you¡­ As for the third attack, you put to work your shining eyes that can see my shadow maneuvers¡­?


    Kyon closed his eyes, cursing to himself. He didn¡¯t have any more cards to y. The shes had recharge for an hour, the Eyes of Truth had been revealed, the trick focus throwing the sword across the edge of the arena wouldn¡¯t work again. No elements would help him against the lord phaser. He would lose in the game on endurance, he was already running out of energy. His hand was throbbing with tension. Things were bad¡­ very bad¡­ There wasn¡¯t a single ray of hope.


    ?Hmm¡­ I like your gloomy face¡­? ¨C Dinah whispered, biting her lip. ¨C ?However, it was better when it belonged to that handsome boy, not this ugly fat freak. By the way, why don¡¯t you change back? I will take my words back and won¡¯t stab you in the penis then.?


    ?You will have to defeat me first if you want to see the face you always have on your mind!?


    Dinah flinched. For some reason, his words had hit home. Only, her thoughts about Kyon were full of hatred and the desire to take revenge, while he meant a totally different thing.


    ?If you haven¡¯t learned how you should talk to the Great Goddess¡¯s student, I will cut off your sprout and shove it down your throat as I¡¯ve been meaning to do for so long!? ¨C Bloodthirsty determination was written all across Dinah¡¯s face. She pressed a furious attack, no longer holding back.


    A fierce, deadly fight began.


    Dinah was extremely concentrated. She carefully used the shadow style, taking into ount that her opponent could see her every movement. She doubled the dagger for distant and close attacks, using the strong string to confuse the enemy¡­


    Kyon activated the ether and maism barrier to free himself from the omnipresent loops of string that encircled around his neck and limbs. The Eyes of the Truth showed him every direction Dinah¡¯s shadow moved so she couldn¡¯t take him by surprise. If not for them, he would be lying dead in one of his own traps.


    Lovr was doing his best toe up with a sessful action n, all to no avail. He had been standing against the incessant disasters that kept going his way, but it couldn¡¯tst forever. The permanent change of the Scourge¡¯s mass and sticking to the floor required a lot of energy, and each fended blow took the precious energy from his right hand.


    Five minutester, Lovr was soaked in sweat. His lungs were burning with theck of oxygen, his right hand was numb after losing a third of the energy. Soon, he wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand Dinah¡¯s blow, and it would be the end of him. Anyway, the Scourge would break even sooner. Before that, he would run out of energy. It remained only 10%. He didn¡¯t want to die. Was there a chance that the goddess was trying to make him stronger, using Dinah to motivate him? It would be nice, but the chance was slim.


    The fat freak¡¯s bone-tired face told Dinah that she was nearly there. She couldn¡¯t get to him, but she didn¡¯t have to. Dinah still had half of her energy, so it would be only reasonable to take advantage of his exhaustion.


    {I can¡¯t wait to see the despair on your face!} ¨C Dinah thought in a flutter of anticipation.

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368


    ?I remember you telling me that I am locked with you in the cage? You imed that I was bound to lose? So?..? ¨C Dinah asked in a mocking voice, ying with a dagger. She could feel that his elemental energy had be unstable, which meant another one or two blows, and he would be defenseless.


    {Body of the void, my faithful friend, you have saved me from Valeera and Triana, so help me again! I call upon your help!} ¨C Kyon prayed in despair. There was nothing left but to expect a miracle. He wasn¡¯t counting on it, anyway. Kyon had appealed to his body of the void a thousand times, but it was as silent as the grave.


    ?Well, cat got your tongue? Your words mean nothing, and your love confession is an empty sound? I knew it¡­ What a shame¡­ What a disappointment. Anyway, I will be only happy to interrupt your wretched life.? ¨C Dinah said with icy disdain.


    ?Ha-ha¡­ Ha-ha-ha¡­ Ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Lovrughed suddenly. All his anxiety and worry had inexplicably disappeared.


    ?What¡¯s so funny? Have you gone insane?? ¨C Dinah frowned.


    Kyon smiled confidently and turned to the goddess¡¯s student: ?I¡¯ve already won, dearie!?


    He was beaming with confidence and determination, which gave Dinah a bad feeling: did she miss something important? She couldn¡¯t ignore Kyon¡¯s unexpected bravado because he was capable of anything! She shouldn¡¯t underestimate him again¡­


    ?What the hell are you talking about? Are youpletely deranged with fear of inevitable death? How can I possibly lose to you?? ¨C Dinah eximed emotionally, squeezing the dagger and taking a protecting position.


    ?Because the sovereign has said so!? ¨C Kyon let out a heart-wrenching roar, activating the Eyes of the Truth at 10000%.


    It seemed to Dinah that she was looking in the eye of the Lord of All, whose word was thew. Kyon¡¯s stare had be so tyrannous and frightening that no ordinary girl could resist such an impressive will. Dinah¡¯s body went numb, her heart froze still, her soul trembled in horror. The hated boy seemed to her the most terrible and invincible creature in the whole universe.


    The second Kyon had gained, he used to jump high in the air and activate the Falling Scourge. Ten tons started their deadly fall straight on Dinah¡¯s head¡­ There was no doubt she wouldn¡¯t survive it. At the veryst moment, Kyon shifted the sword to the side.


    ~BOOM~


    The ground shuddered beneath their feet as there was a local earthquake. Huge cracks spread from the epicenter of the blow on the fortified floor that covered the whole arena. A thick pir of dust rose into the air filling all the space above the arena.


    The shock wave sent Dinah flying a couple of meters away. As she got up, she retreated even further, her legs shaking from fear.


    Kyon said impassively: ?You¡¯ve lost.?


    Dinah shuddered. The recent events had shocked her to the core. She wanted to see Kyon tremble in fear, begging her for forgiveness to finish him off with a peaceful mind. Dinah had never suspected that this scumbag could be so despotic and willful? She must have been wrong about him.


    Finally, she pulled herself together, grabbed the dagger and pointed it at her sworn enemy: ?I¡­ I haven¡¯t lost! I can fight while you can barely stand on your feet! I am determined to end your life!?


    ?There seems to be a leak in your determination.? ¨C Kyon grinned.


    Dinah looked at her wet leg and burned with shame. She felt so embarrassed that I wanted to sink through the floor. The goddess¡¯s student had wet herself in front of the thousand spectators! Everyone could see what was happening here! She would ept it with understanding if her master killed her after all.


    Dinah was about to immediately rush at the bastard and cut him into pieces for humiliating her when she suddenly stopped: {What am I doing?} ¨C She understood that it would be a despicable thing to do. If Kyon wanted, he would have killed her with that powerful attack. If she didn¡¯t ept her defeat, it would mean that she didn¡¯t have any honor or dignity left. Her Great Master would give up the pathetic student whose life had been spared by the winner. Dinah wondered why he had done it. Was it because he was afraid of her master or because he really loved her?


    Meanwhile, Lovr could barely stand on his feet. He was running out of power, energy, and Synergy. He had won only because the body of the void had hinted that he could use the full version of the eye technique. All he had to do was to use more Synergy to make the Eyes of Truth so concentrated that they acquired a new feature of extremely effective intimidation. From now on, he would call this technique the Sovereign¡¯s Eyes.


    Thepleted head upgrade granted the owner a spiritual attack that every practitioner dreamed of. They were extremely rare and dangerous because they instantly attacked the soul at any distance as long as there was eye contact. Kara used a spiritual attack at the Stones¡¯ party, but it was of a different type. Kyon would soon find out that the power of the Sovereign¡¯s Eyes depended on three factors: the soul cultivation, the degree of Synergy, the victim¡¯s emotional background and their cultivation.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Dinah put the dagger away and imed pretentiously: ?I must admit, I dropped my guard for a second and,as a result, suffered a humiliating defeat. However, if my great master hadn¡¯t destroyed my initial cultivated unique body to create a new one, a hundred times better, then I would have be a peaking lord phaser by now, and you would have died like a dirty dog! You have been lucky, boy¡­ But my revenge won¡¯t be long ining.?


    Kyon snorted dismissively: ?I¡¯ve kept my word and won. What about you? You promised to prove that I am no rival to you. You told me I would choke on my own words. You threatened to cut off my cock¡­ And so what? You have wet yourself, my little Dinah! You peed in your panties in front of all Cernos students, like a little baby girl! And now you¡¯re trying to justify yourself like a fool! If it were up to me, I would spank your little ass to teach you a lesson!?


    Dinah¡¯s was burning with rage, she was shaking, her breasts heaving as she struggled to control her breathing: ?You¡¯re asking for trouble! I could kill you for your impudence right now! This time you¡¯ve gone too far, asshole!? ¨C Kyon got her steaming like a fresh pork bun. She moved forward to attack him¡­


    ?That¡¯s enough.? ¨C The goddess¡¯s ephemeral voice resounded everywhere, prating the hearts and the souls, leaving everyone in awe before its owner. Out of nowhere, there appeared huge shining eyes created from energy.


    Dinah dropped to her knees in fear and awe and bowed her head.


    The deity focused her look at Kyun, expressing her discontent: ?You humiliate me, humiliating my student. I should turn you into dust as a punishment, but it¡¯s the girl who should kill her sworn enemy.?


    ?Goddess!? ¨C Kyon eximed resolutely. ¨C ?If you can¡¯t make her keyspletely pure, I can do it! I can offer you a deal if you wish to make your student a genius among the geniuses!?


    The eyes released an invisible pressure that knocked out the air from the lungs: ?The ignorant kid dares to underestimate the highest being¡­ I have limited the purity of her keys during the battle for a reason. Her victory can¡¯t be quick or unconditional. Otherwise, she won¡¯t get satisfaction from her revenge, which might harm her potential.?


    Kyon wanted to say something else when he realized that it was still difficult for him to breathe. He was shaking with rage. As expected, the goddess had arranged everything so that her student could win with great effort. That¡¯s what would have happened if Kyon hadn¡¯t activated the Sovereign¡¯s Eyes, the feature that he had discovered by pure chance and that the heavenly bitch hadn¡¯t taken into ount.


    The bright eyes looked at Dinah, making her tremble with fear:


    ?Your shameful defeat is humiliating for your master. Yourck of confidence has yed a crucial role. I will deny you ess to energy for five minutes to discipline you. ept your deserved punishment.?


    Dinah hurried to bow: ?Yes, my great master. Your student epts your punishment with dignity. Thank you for disciplining me.? ¨C She raised her head and looked at the fat freak. Five minutes in his power? It¡¯s no punishment, it¡¯s torture! But Dinah wouldn¡¯t dare toin. Even to herself.


    The vision of the giant eyes dispelled. The translucent protective barrier had lost its greenish color and becamepletely transparent like it was before the battle. It was still soundproof, but anyone¡¯s presence could be felt from inside and outside.


    {Five minutes? So, the barrier won¡¯t be removed, and can I teleport!} ¨C Kyon wanted to sing with happiness. The goddess didn¡¯t want Triana to kill him, after all! She meant it for her student who was for the whole five minutes in his full power! Great.


    Lovr nced at the thousand shocked students and one stunned tigress and turned to defenseless Dinah with a predatory smile on his face.


    ?What are you up to?? ¨C The pale goddess¡¯s student mumbled, quickly retreating until she reached the barrier with her back. She could feel her cultivation plummet to the base phase, which meant she was absolutely defenseless!


    In the blink of an eye, Kyon was near his beloved girl, ready to pounce on her. His chronic love had taken over him. He was going to take full advantage of his minutes with her! The chance of the century wasn¡¯t to be missed.


    Dinah screamed indignantly: ?Don¡¯t touch me with your dirty paws, monster! Don¡¯t you dare!?


    She looked even more attractive now in her sweat-soaked thin robe that stuck to her skin, emphasizing every curve of her flexible, slender body. Her long, toned legs were closed tight in the premonition of something terrible. Panic was written all over her face, her eyes filled with fear and despair.


    ?I¡¯ve missed your tender, sweet body!? ¨C The fat freak grabbed Dinah by her ck hair, pressing her delicate lips to his. Her sweet aroma went to his head, making him feel giddy. His soul was on fire with perverted chronic love, demanding physical intimacy.


    ?§®-m-m-m-m-m!? ¨C His sickening thick lips and disgusting tongue turned Dinah inside out. When his sausage-like fingers crawled under her skirt and into the panties, touching her innermost part, she began to squirm and wriggle furiously. The damned freak was caressing her pussy! She had never been more disgusted in her life. Dinah¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. If only she were more confident in herself! If only she hadn¡¯t given in to that terrible stare! What a shame¡­


    To Lovr¡¯s approximate estimate, it would cost about an infinite amount of money to touch the goddess¡¯s student¡¯s pussy like this. No living being on the would ever have been given this honor, including him. Dick Baker was incredibly lucky. However, who else but her sworn enemy could have punished Dinah for her misdeeds?


    ?Huh, a fat freak like me has made you so wet in front of a thousand spectators¡­ You¡¯re so depraved, my little Dinah. You must have missed my thick cock! You don¡¯t mind doing it right now, do you?? ¨C Kyon decided to intimidate her, pulling his huge Damocles Sword out of his pants.


    ?NO! DON¡¯T! DON¡¯T YOU DARE, DICKHEAD!? ¨C Dinah screamed desperately, shaking her head and wriggling like a snake, trying to escape. Her tear-streaked face was distorted with horror. Was the loathsome, ugly freak going to **** her in front of a thousand witnesses? It wasn¡¯t something the goddess¡¯s student was dreaming of doing!


    Suddenly, Dinah noticed his previously hard penis go soft.


    {What the¡­?!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor. However, he knew who was behind his failure. He just wanted to tease Dinah, y with her emotions, but the joke turned into an unfortunate truth.


    Dinah understood what was going at the instinctive level and was relieved beyond words. Her gratitude to her master had increased by order of magnitude, while her hatred for the fat freak had significantly enhanced. She said, gloating: ?What¡¯s the matter? The dirty animal has lost his erection? What a shame! You¡¯ve won in the battle but can¡¯t get the prize! Let me go, spineless scumbag, or I will die ofughter!? ¨C Poisonous mockery oozed out of every word she said, generously seasoned with contempt.


    ~smack~


    Kyon pped the arrogant bitch across the cheek: ?Use your head, stupid fool! Do you think I would fuck you here? I¡¯d rather give you a good over the knee spanking.? ¨C He put her over his knees and started spanking her bare, tight ass really hard with one hand. He ran the other hand under her robe and into her bra, kneading mercilessly her breast. It was no less pleasant to punish her in front of everyone.


    ~smack~ ~smack~ ~smack~


    Dinah clenched her teeth, heroically holding back painful groans, but it did not help. Her ass was on fire, her breast numb after his rough kneading! She was happy that the master had saved her from being raped, but she could use some help now that a thousand overexcited teenagers were watching this obscenity! Dinah¡¯s eyes welled up with tears of shame. However¡­ At the same time, her lower abdomen was getting hotter and hotter. Damned body of the partner training! If only the ugly freak was in Kyon¡¯s body¡­


    Meanwhile, Triana was watching her former owner spank the goddess¡¯s student, which aroused a turmoil of contradictory feelings in her. She started to doubt Lovr¡¯s hierarchical status. She must have been awfully wrong about him!


    ~smack~ ~smack~ ~smack~


    Kyon went on: ?Stupid piece of shit! Do you think a goddess¡¯s student can get feisty with me? Sooner orter, you will be pleasing my penis because you were born for this! I will pull you on cock day after day until you can¡¯t live without it!?


    Dinah felt her vagina contract after his nasty words. These sudden amazing sensations turned her painful grain into voluptuous moans. She gave the fat freak a scorching stare:


    ?I don¡¯t care for a single word you said¡­ You were born a ve and are of no importance to me¡­?


    Kyon shed a sly smile, took out a medallion with the image of the sun and showed it to Dinah: ?Do you recognize this coat of arms? It belongs to the Torres family, the most authoritative family in Saturn after the Walders. I had it on my neck when I was given away as a baby to my foster parents. What do you think is the value of the Torres¡¯ descendant? Any higher than the Stones¡¯ superior maid? Exactly! A million times higher! You¡¯re worthless garbage against me. But, unlike you, I couldn¡¯t care less about it. I have already decided to make you my maid.?


    ?You¡¯re lying!? ¨C Dinah responded emotionally. ¨C ?Why should I believe you? You could have created this medallion by yourself!? ¨C She had never liked Kyon. Being a born ve, he had dared to look at her as if he owned her. Had she known he belonged to the Torres family or was qualified for such overbearing behavior, she would have treated him seriously and, possibly, with interest.


    ?You can ask your master. The negative answer would mean that she is using you for some reason. She might give you away to her real student as soon as you reach your potential. In case of a positive answer, you might stop hating me. Perhaps, you wille every night to me for a portion of hot sex.?


    Dinah made a tsking sound: ?Fuck you! Even if you are Torres¡¯s descendant, it does not justify the terrible things you did to me! Anyway, you were a pathetic ve at that time, and it¡¯s the only thing that matters! Enjoy your power over me until itsts. You will be in that cat¡¯s paws in two minutes, and there you will die, dearie.? ¨C She spat with an evil grin on her lips.


    Just then, Kyon¡¯s internal timer went off: {Two minutes! It¡¯s time to hit the road!}

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369


    Kyon had blocked Dinah¡¯s keys with four urate blows, temporarily depriving her of ess to the elements.


    Her face distorted with pain and hatred: ?You will bitterly regret it!?


    ?You have thrust me with your dagger twice, so fuck off, skank!? ¨C He took out five sleeping pills and tried to shove them in her mouth, but they disappeared into thin air.


    {The goddess won¡¯t let me sedate her student! Well, to hell with her¡­} ¨C Lovr twisted Dinah and tied her arms and legs, wrapping them in adamantium like in cuffs. Just in case, he stomped his foot, creating a two-meter deep pit and threw Dinah down there like a potato bag. She let out a shriek as she reached the bottom.


    Having done everything to protect himself from his dear girl, Kyon threw a teleportal mold to the floor, filled it with nephrite powder, keys and spheres, stood in the middle and activated it. There appeared a barrier above his head; the keys turned into green energy that flowed through his body. The teleportation had begun, which put Kyon¡¯s mind at rest.


    As a matter of fact, some barriers didn¡¯t allow teleportation within their area of action. Many families protected their treasuries in this way. However, the goddess¡¯s barrier left him a chance to escape! It was as clear as day that she wanted her student, not the tigress, to finish him off. Besides, the goddess was likely to have arranged all this for Kyon.


    Lovr¡¯s heart was beating fast. Preparation for teleportation would take about a minute and a half, which meant that he still had time. Finally, he would break free from Triana¡¯s sharp ws! He yearned for nothing but to breathe the air of freedom once again!


    Triana looked at Lovr with eyes wide open, pounding at the barrier with her fists: ?No! Don¡¯t you dare to run away! Don¡¯t make me angry, monkey. I don¡¯t let you leave!?


    ~tick~ ~tock~


    Sixty seconds¡­


    Kyon waved to the tigress with a naughty smile: {I understand your desire to kill me, but my life is worth infinite times more than your hatred. However, I won¡¯t hold a grudge against you because you are my woman. I said so. I won¡¯t lift your punishment, but you will like it. Wait for me in a couple of years, tiger cub.}


    Suddenly, Kyon heard a suspicious rustling sound from behind his back. He turned around and saw the fog rising above the pit and materializing into Dinah with her hands and feet free.


    Chill ran down Kyon¡¯s spine. The shadow style didn¡¯t require elemental energy, it was a unique body¡¯s feature! That is why Dinah could use it with blocked keys, which meant that he wouldn¡¯t have avoided consequences even if he had known about it.


    ?What¡¯s with the face, dearie? Didn¡¯t expect to see me?? ¨C Dinah smiled gloomily, rubbing her wrists. She knew that the fat freak was about to escape with the teleportation trigram and understood perfectly well that she was holding all the cards.


    Forty-five seconds¡­


    ?Dinah, if you want revenge, take it into your own hands!? ¨C Kyon cried out anxiously.


    Dinah giggled: ?Of course, I want to kill you myself, but even more than that, I want to destroy your ns! You have nearly raped me in front of everyone! How can I give up this chance to take my revenge at once??


    ?Silly girl! I was just messing with you! You would have seen it yourself if the goddess hadn¡¯t intervened!?


    ?Liar!? ¨C Dinah snapped. ¨C ?You spanked me in front of everyone! You¡¯ve been molesting me! Pawing me!?


    ?I did it out of love for you! What do you care for some school kids? The goddess¡¯s student will never mind what some insects think! They don¡¯t know who you are, anyway!?


    ?You humiliated me before my master and myself. That¡¯s what really matters.?


    Kyon said through his clenched teeth: ?Imagine how happy you will be when you kill me with your own hands!?


    ?That¡¯s what I will do as soon as interrupt your teleportation, silly boy.? ¨C She said almost kindly, tossing her long ck hair behind her shoulder and taking out the dagger.


    Thirty seconds¡­


    Lovr shook with anger and despair. He had no time nor resources for another teleportation that was so easy to interrupt: ?Your master suppressed the purity of your keys to make your hard victory only sweeter, and now you want to go against the goddess¡¯s will??


    Dinah shook her head: ?You¡¯re my enemy¡­ It¡¯s my revenge¡­ I know better how to take it and find peace of mind.? ¨C She stood next to Kyon, with her arms behind her back, puffing out her chest proudly. ¨C ?I can give her a chance. I might let you teleport if you drop to your knees, begging me for mercy.?


    {I¡­ want to¡­ strangle her¡­} ¨C Kyon thought, gritting his teeth with annoyance. There was so much superiority in her eyes as if the bitch was deciding the fate of a tiny ant who had dared to bite her. It was quite obvious that she would humiliate him even more the moment he dropped to his knees. Anyway, he would never do it of his own free will.


    Ten seconds¡­ Five¡­ One¡­


    As soon as Dinah swung the shadow dagger over the barrier created by the teleport trigram, Kyon used summoned the rest of Synergy (about 10%) to activate the Sovereign¡¯s Eyes, but she instantly turned her gaze away as soon as she noticed his eyes start to glow and ruthlessly destroyed the barrier. The green glow around Kyon had disappeared. The teleportation was interrupted.


    ?I WILL KILL YOU!? ¨C Lovr barked, raising his right arm to hit Dinah on the head.


    ~whoosh~


    The fist went through her: the goddess took her student away at the most crucial moment. The protective barrier that was holding back Triana also disappeared. A buzz of voices filled the arena.


    ?I thought you would run away, monkey!? ¨C The tigress eximed happily, pouncing on her precious prey and tumbling him on the ground.


    Kyon caught his breath. He had won the battle but lost the war. His promising n had gone down the drain. Even if he could turn back the time and be gentle with Dinah during those 5 minutes, nothing would change. Dinah would do anything to ruin his life. Take thatp dance for an example. This turn of events was inevitable. Kyon would give a hundred million spheres just to p his dear girl across the face, but the goddess had taken away her student ahead of time, destroying his idea that she had been secretly supporting him.


    The school idol took the fat freak in her arms and jumped into room number one in front of a thousand of students. Then she drew the curtains behind them.


    ?It¡¯s incredible! Dick had really defeated and humiliated a lord phaser! Eighteen stages between them and he came out the winner! I have never met anyone like him before!? ¡­ ?Actually, the goddess¡¯s messenger pulled off the same feat!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s true, but Kyon kept the opponent away with the help of explosives that are not part of his strength, while Dick Baker bravely hit the lord phaser in the forehead!? ¡­ ?I think that the goddess¡¯s messenger is a hundred times stronger. He must have already reached the noble phase by now. He would beat the shit out of Dick Baker in, like, two seconds!? ¡­ ?The goddess¡¯s messenger is so handsome while Dick Baker is a dirty pervert! Did you see that? He got inside that girl¡¯s panties and spanked her! I would burn from shame at once!? ¡­ ?Does anyone have any idea who she is?? ¡­ ?She must be from a noble family, judging by her looks. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the Bakers are behind all this. Who else would have arranged such a spectacr appearance out of thin air?? ¡­ ?Hmm, it sounds reasonable¡­?


    The students would keep talking for another good hour, however, no one would suspect Dick Baker of being the famous goddess¡¯s messenger, and there were four reasons for that: Dick Baker¡¯s painstakingly thought-out image was wless; their fighting styles were too different (no one had seen or felt the annihtion sphere); Kyon as everyone remembered him would never spend the whole year in Cernos boondocks, he was a high flyer. Besides, the fat guy¡¯s cultivation was too slow: he was at the 9th stage of the advanced phase at the forest tournament, and now he was only five stages stronger. Far from outstanding. It was officially estimated that the goddess¡¯s messenger had evolved from the 7th stage of the base phase to the 7th stage of the advanced phase in just two months. It was really impressive.


    Today, the Cernos students learned the most invaluable lesson: your name, looks, and character don¡¯t matter. It¡¯s the oue that does. If you seed, no matter when or how, you should not worry about other people¡¯s opinion.


    Thanks to Dick Baker alone, the Iron Throne took first ce in the tournament. He had screwed three if not four incredibly beautiful girls and delivered the kingdom from the despicable prince, doing all this under the guise of a miserable loser! He had earned everything that he gained during this academic year. They all had been wrong about him.


    Looking ahead, the students¡¯ parents woulde to the same conclusions when they heard the news. Many months ago, they began toin to principal Nn about Dick Baker in response to numerous requests of their offsprings, demanding to expel the cheater, but in a week, he became a prince under Queen da¡¯s patronage. When Baker lost his title, they began to fileints again. This time, Dick Baker enlisted the help of dimir, the new king, after taking first ce in the forest tournament. They couldn¡¯t do anything to get rid of the annoying pest, banging their heads against a brick wall. Soon they would realize that the students were misleading them. Their punishment would be severe enough.


    ¡­


    ?Are you sure that you do not want to take revenge in your own hands?? ¨C The goddess asked.


    ?My master, you advised me to listen to my heart, and it told me what to do. If Kyon dies at the tiger¡¯s paws, I will ept it as if I have taken his life myself. However, he is evil and devious enough to survive¡­ In that case, I will dly take revenge in my own hands. Some day.?


    The goddess dressed in white was meaningfully silent.


    Dinah realized that her master could see her through, so she hesitantly added what had been worrying her recently: ?My master¡­ Is it true that he is a Torres??


    ?It is. He is a pure-blood descendant.?


    Dinah gasped in amazement. His worth was significantly higher than hers! Now it was clear why Kyon was so handsome! Anyway, it didn¡¯t justify his behavior¡­


    ?You don¡¯t need to worry about it. He is just your sworn enemy, who wanted to **** you in front of the whole school. Keep a close eye on him.? ¨C With those words, the goddess vanished in haze.


    ?Yes, master. Thank you.? ¨C Dinah bowed respectfully. She made herselffortable on the cloud and began to watch what was happening in room number one of the Cernos dormitory. It turned out that Kyon had asked Triana to give him some time to have a rest. He didn¡¯t want to die exhausted. The tigress agreed and hugged him from behind as her most precious property.


    As nothing interesting was going to happen, Dinah turned away from the screen and put her hand on her forehead. She had a weird feeling. If the master wanted to punish her, why did she do it through Kyon? Why did she mess up with his erection so quickly? She could have waited until thest second so that he couldn¡¯t justify himself! The master seemed to be deliberately adding fuel to Dinah¡¯s hatred for Kyon¡­


    Kyon¡¯s words were haunting her. What if the master was really getting her ready for the real student? It sounded only reasonable, given her unique body of partner training. Sooner orter, she couldn¡¯t do without a partner. What a terrible idea. The first poisonous seed of doubt had taken root in Dinah¡¯s heart¡­

 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370


    Kyon was lying on the bed in the strong embrace of death, that is, Triana¡¯s. He was in such a deep depression that he decided to make an exception to the rules and rx with the help of Synergy. That¡¯s the least he could do before the tigress took his life.


    After a while, at three o¡¯clock in the morning on the dot, Lovr¡¯s heart skipped a beat. At the same time, the tigress got out of bed and went to the window. Lovr followed her and stared at the clear star-lit sky with his eyes wide open. There was an eerie green glow above their heads that resembled the Northern Light, but unlike it, it was evenly spread throughout the sky. Tonight, the dark moon Yin and the bright moon Yang were closest to each other and the Life.


    ?United heaven formation¡­? ¨C Triana mumbled.


    ?United heaven?? ¨C Kyon eximed.


    ?The dark and the bright, the descendants of the once great race, created the most powerful teleportation formation in the world. Except for¡­?


    Lovr turned to her, stunned: ?How do you know??


    Triana shook her head without saying a word. She had always known this.


    {She wouldn¡¯t lie to me! But how does she know about divine techniques created by the people from the moons?} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t wrap his head around this. He activated the Eyes of Truth but couldn¡¯t see anything unusual in the sky above. His guess that the eye technique had some restrictions had confirmed. Apparently, those who had created this formation were too cultivated for him to see their energy.


    On his way from the mine to the Stones¡¯ estate, Kyon had concluded that the moons rotated around the that rotated around the sun that rotated around an invisible object significantly heavier than the sun but with an extremely small radius. This object had characteristics of a ck hole, but itcked gravitational lensing, which was extremely mysterious.


    Kyon focused his vision and gasped: {I can see it!} ¨C With his powerful upgraded visionbined with the Eyes of Truth, he could discern an object in the shape of a cube that measured about a thousand kilometers.


    ¡­


    Timothy Brown was standing on the roof, staring in the emerald sky: ?I can¡¯t believe that the heavens favor me atst! I did not expect them to arrive so soon! The damned shackles have been removed! Elsa and Juno, you are going to be mine soon¡­?


    ¡­


    The glow had gradually disappeared.


    Triana turned to Lovr with a nce that didn¡¯t bode well and asked him gloomily: ?Who is Lanai??


    Her ice-cold voice sent shivers down his spine. In his deplorable situation, he could only hope to convince Triana that he was a future alpha, and therefore, she shouldn¡¯t kill him.


    ?It¡¯s a girl whose life I ruined¡­ She isn¡¯t a very good person, but I don¡¯t care. I want to change her and redeem myself.? ¨C When he saw that Triana wasn¡¯t satisfied with his answer, he added. ¨C ?We didn¡¯t have sex. I was just provoking the prince.?


    ?I believe you.? ¨C Triana nodded. She started to trust the former owner from the moment she realized that he had never actually deceived her. ¨C ?But tell me, why on earth did you harass that weak female, the so-called goddess¡¯s student? I¡¯ve always known that you¡¯re a crazy maniac, but I didn¡¯t realize the full extent of your lunatism! Why didn¡¯t her master punish you??


    Kyon forced a smile: ?It¡¯s simple¡­ She can¡¯t admit that she has feelings for me, and I¡¯m trying to open her eyes! Dinah must realize that she was made to be my maid!?


    ¡­


    ?What feelings are you talking about, dickhead? I don¡¯t feel anything apart from hate and contempt for you! It¡¯s the body of partner training reacting this way!? ¨C Dinah hissed furiously through her clenched teeth, watching them talk from the cloud.


    ?I see, I see¡­? ¨C Triana nodded with a stone face. ¨C ?Shoving your hand in her panties, kneading her breast, and pping her bottom contributes to expressing her true feelings for you¡­?


    ?She has specific sadomasochistic preferences that I satisfy¡­? ¨C Kyon told the truth as he saw it. Dinah picked up the sadistic trait fromdy Juno, and her partner training body really enjoyed the rough treatment.


    Triana snorted in disbelief: ?Alright! But how on earth are you still alive after that??


    ?It¡¯s a reward for my victory and a punishment for her defeat.? ¨C Kyon touched Triana¡¯s slender waist. ¨C ?I won, and it¡¯s the only thing that matters. Tell me what you think about my strength? Have I be an alpha in the school hierarchy??


    The tigress red at his hand on her waist but decided to ignore it: ?You are stronger than I expected¡­ much stronger. I am still impressed by the way you dominated that female. It¡¯s just¡­ You are still an omega in my eyes.?


    Kyon said confidently: ?My strength is back, and it will only grow. I will be stronger than the goddess¡¯s student and even you. Do you want me to be your alpha??


    Triana looked in the window and said quietly: ?I do¡­?


    ?Great! I will! Give me three years, and you will get the alpha you dream of: handsome, strong and authoritative! The one who will give you a lot of cute cubs!? ¨C Kyon said resolutely and passionately held her slender body tight. Her smell was very tempting.


    Triana hesitated for a moment, then pushed the fat guy away: ?I am sorry, but I don¡¯t share your confidence. You will never keep up with the talented, purebred white tiger princess. My innate and cultivated unique bodies have ranked up, my keys are pure. Moreover, you¡¯ve upgraded my nervous system¡­ You have made me unattainable for yourself.?


    Kyon raised his voice: ?Then be grateful for that!?


    Triana answered sternly: ?I worked hard to earn every point that I spent on getting stronger! I paid for each of them in sweat and blood, with my body and a lot of pain! Don¡¯t you dare to say that I am ungrateful! You have given me too much pain. A few words of beautiful promises can¡¯t make me forgive you. I swore to goddess Ceres that I would kill you¡­ I promised it to myself. My decision has been made.?


    Kyon was angry with Triana, but he understood her point. When Juno returned from Lovr¡¯s world, she begged him to forgive her because she had fallen in love with him, but he didn¡¯t. Her beautiful words couldn¡¯t remove the feeling of hatred in his heart. Juno had threatened the most valuable thing ¨C his life. Also, she had almost killed his non-existent parents many times. He would be a hypocrite if he said, ¡°I forgive you,¡± and then suppressed the desire to beat her to death every time he saw her.


    Kyon understood that no words would convince Triana. Her hatred was too strong. He had to fight it with a more powerful feeling or it would be the end of him. ying the pity card? That¡¯s pure nonsense! Taking advantage of her jealousy? That¡¯s suicide. Giving her hope for a bright future with him? He did try. Using logic? Feelings don¡¯t get along with logic.


    {What is her weak spot?} ¨C Kyon wondered, though he knew the answer: increased sex drive! It was her vulnerability that had been creating for thest nine months! Triana hadn¡¯t had sex for a couple of days. Even the position she took betrayed her desire to satisfy her intimate needs. He had to seduce her!


    ?Wait!? ¨C Lovr eximed when he saw Triana¡¯s grown ws. ¨C ?Let me take a shower first. I¡¯m sweaty after the long battle¡­ I don¡¯t want to die dirty¡­ It¡¯s¡­ so below me.?


    ?Alright.? ¨C Triana agreed at once and sat on the bed with her legs crossed.


    Kyon washed himself without soap but with Synergy to get rid of the foul smell but to leave pheromones. At the same time, he took Kyon¡¯s identity and left the bathroompletely naked.


    Triana stared at the athletically built young man with a sculpted torso, toned muscles, a long neck that she wanted to lick and bite, an attractive face and dishevelled ck hair. Unlike Lovr, he looked extremely cute and aroused her predatory instinct, reminding her of an elegant tomcat with a whole universe in his clear, deep, ck eyes.


    ?Is it the Kyon!? ¨C The tigress eximed, surprised, swallowing hard.


    ?The very same.? ¨C He approached her, holding his huge, hard penis with his hand.


    Triana protested: ?What are you doing? Don¡¯t tease me! Hide it away! Nice try, but it won¡¯t save your life!? ¨C No matter what she said, Triana kept ncing at the meat sausage with appetite.


    ?Let me hug you and kiss you farewell.? ¨C Kyon said softly.


    ?Only if you cover your penis!? ¨C Triana eximed.


    ?As you say!? ¨C Lovr agreed and bent his penis so that it appeared from the backside. Such a trick was no problem for his upgraded manhood.


    Triana snorted withughter: ?You will break it, fool! Now your balls look likebia! Ha-ha! Stop it. Just put on your briefs, or I will die ofughter! Ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Her charmingughter filled the room.


    Kyon took the tigress by hand, held her tight and kissed.


    ?Hm-m-m¡­? ¨C Triana wanted to push him away, but the tasty tongue was already in her mouth and his tempting smell tickled her nostrils. The sharp, manly fragrance made her feel dizzy and sent her low abdomen on fire. Triana closed her eyes with pleasure, her throat purring, her arms hugging his handsome, lean body back. She didn¡¯t want this kiss to stop. Anyway, she would stop him if he dared to cross the line.


    Kyon gentlyid the purring tigress on the bed, stroking her below the waist. Itsted about a minute.


    ~cloth ripping sound~


    As soon as Triana felt her panties disappear, her pupils narrowed dangerously. She spat out his tongue and, without letting go of Lovr, rolled aside, taking a position over him: ?You¡¯ve gone too far, monkey!? ¨C She put his hands above his head to prevent any struggle from his side.


    ?Triana, wait! I haven¡¯t enjoyed the kiss yet!? ¨C Lovr protested.


    ?Hard luck.? ¨C The tigress snapped. The nails on her free hand turned into long sharp ws that she sank into his chest in the heart area. The cut started bleeding at once. ¨C ?What are yourst words??


    Kyon¡¯s eyes glowed. He used all his Synergy to activate the Sovereign¡¯s Eyes and said in amanding voice that could belong to an emperor, no less: ?You¡¯re my woman!?

 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371


    Triana was all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. At this moment, Kyon seemed to her to be the leader of all leaders! He had touched the very core of her female nature in ascending glissando.


    After a while, the tigress pulled herself together: ?Wow! What was that!? ¨C She was thrilled to pieces. ¨C ?How did you do it? What a predatory stare! I want more of it! Please, look at me like that again!? ¨C Triana would worship him if he always gave her that look!


    ?Kiss me.? ¨C Kyon demanded.


    Without hesitation, Triana obediently kissed Kyon, putting her arms around his neck. His controlling stare and powerful words, ¡°You are my woman!¡± were still on her mind, echoing in her soul until her pussy juice trickled down her leg.


    ~cloth ripping sound~


    Kyon ripped her school blouse off her, scattering the buttons all around the room. The bra followed. Two ivory melons with stiff stems appeared in his hands. Their softness and tenderness excited his mind and something below.


    Triana put up with it for a while, but then she came to her senses: ?No, I can¡¯t!? ¨C She grabbed his arms and pressed them to bed so that he couldn¡¯t caress her breasts. The tigress pressed her lips against his again. Her exalted emotions after his nce needed to be released, at least in the form of a kiss.


    (18+*)


    {If I am to die, let there be fire!} ¨C Lovr spread his legs and activated the wind element. Triana¡¯s skirt rose for a moment. His penis slipped out and mmed on her sweet buns.


    ?Hm?? ¨C The sudden sensations made Triana jump. Her buttocks instinctively squeezed something long and hot, sending goosebumps all over her loins. The tigress frowned and stuck out her ass, trying to throw off the ¡°poisonous snake,¡± but the cunning devil raised his pelvis and started moving it up and down, polishing her crotch to a shine. No matter how hard she wriggled her ass, Triana couldn¡¯t get rid of the annoying sausage between her legs. The stimtion of her intimate ce made her roll her eyes, getting it harder and harder to resist.


    Kyon¡¯s penis was basking in the burning heat of the wet environment that indulged him with affectionate squeezing from time to time. Triana¡¯s love juices had soaked his manhood. Taking into ount their amount, the tigress must be incredibly strong-willed, resisting such a strong desire. Or was she so averse to the idea of sleeping with an omega?


    ?Stop it, idiot! Stop it at once! Or I will kill you!? ¨C Triana interrupted the kiss and growled, her face distorted with anger and passion.


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Kyon ordered, flexing his hip and pressing his penis even tighter to her groin. Triana let out a sweet moan and buried her face in his chest.


    Triana couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. She hadn¡¯t been so excited even when he gave her oral pleasure! Her whole body was on fire. His words¡­ She wanted to listen to them, to obey them. His powerful look had changed everything.


    The tigress pressed Lovr¡¯s arms tight against the bed, but it wasn¡¯t so easy to restrain the sophisticated lover! Seizing the moment, he caught her hard pink nipple with his mouth and started to caress it with his tongue.


    Trina¡¯s breathing became heavy and uneven. She looked excited and tense: her face was red, her forehead soaked in sweat, her teeth clenched, her delicate eyebrows angrily frowned at times, painfully arched at others. Triana was going through an internal conflict: a part of her wanted to stop this nonsense at once and finish what she had started, that is, to kill him on the spot; her other part desired intimacy with this handsome man who had imed her, whose gaze was impossible to forget. The mere thought of it made her heart flutter, creamy juicing flowing out of her throbbing pussy.


    Kyon did his best, rubbing Triana¡¯s crotch as if trying to cut the rope that was hauling him into the abyss of death. His life depended on it! Suddenly, as luck would have it, his penis fell out of the voluptuous groove¡­ and clung to his stomach. Kyon¡¯s heart missed a beat.


    To Lovr¡¯s surprise, Triana grabbed his penis with her long fingers and put it back¡­ Then she took his hands in hers, but this time with no intention to restrain him. The tigress intertwined their fingers just the way she saw the lovers did in so many films. With her beautiful, strong hips, she helped him stimte her excited pussy, letting out an affectionate growl. Her tail stood up the way the cats raised their tails when they allowed the males to mate with them. It had never been this way before!


    {Seriously?} ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t believe his luck. He wanted to scream for joy. It was the first time the white tiger princess had been so gentle with him or showing subconscious signs to be ready to mate with him!


    ?Pur-r-r¡­ §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh¡­ M-rr¡­ §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-h¡­? ¨C Triana was purring and moaning. A blissful bright smile was fixed on her beautiful face. She had gone beyond the point of no return. Now she would rather lose her tail than interrupt this amazing process, more pleasurable than any lick job she had ever received. She didn¡¯t consider Kyon an omega anymore. He had be worthy of being in her harem. Not an alpha, but not an omega either. Well, some spections and fantasy had helped her to reach this conclusion.


    Kyon stuck out his tongue, turning it like a fan to lure his prey.


    Triana¡¯s pupils dted. She moved her beguiling hips like a hunting cat and rushed forward and to catch the tempting piece of meat.


    After urate calctions of the spatial coordinates, Lovr seized the moment to move his hips down and then, at the most dangerous moment, up again¡­ The enveloping, tight sensation around the penis marked the sessful operation.


    ?O-o-o-oo-o-o-o-oh!? ¨C With a hoarse moan, Triana threw her head back, tossing a snow-white mane of hair. As Kyon¡¯s huge penis had entered, her soft hot pussy tightly squeezed it all the way long as if greeting a weed guest. Highly pleasing acute electric impulses had filled her every cell. Her body had missed these thrilling sensations so much¡­


    ?Nice¡­? ¨C Kyon uttered, pleased and satisfied. However, he didn¡¯t drop his guard for a single moment. He wasn¡¯t doing it for pleasure but to save his life! Kyon moved his hips, smoothly prating the white tiger princess¡¯s yful, sensual vagina. Lewd, squishy noises together with moans filled the room. Triana¡¯s pussy was flowing with love juices,pletely soaking Kyon¡¯s penis and scrotum.


    ?Huh! You¡¯re pushing it!? ¨C Triana snorted blissfully and took matters in her own hands: she began to move her slender hips up and down, pulling herself on his stone-hard manhood. The tigress didn¡¯t perceive Lovr as an alpha but as a potential member of her harem. Therefore, he had no right to take her as he wanted. She was in charge here! The tigress was having sex with him to satisfy her needs, and she couldn¡¯t care less about her partner¡¯s feelings.


    Kyon did not mind. It was better than nothing. Now the most important thing was not to cum too early, which wasn¡¯t an easy task without Synergy, and he was already running out of it. The tigress was too good! Shebined the beastly passion and amazing grace. Her gorgeous, athletic body could cause any girl to have an inferiorityplex. Her yful tight pussy was out of this world, an unattainable paradise for virtually no male¡­ Her vagina walls were really strong, but they squeezed his penis with tenderness and love. Any Cernos student would give a fortune, if not life, to have sex with Triana at least once. She was moving her hips so hard that her hard nipples were drawing patterns on Kyon¡¯s face. He grabbed one of them with his teeth, sucked on it and started to caress it with his tongue.


    ?§¡-a-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh¡­ Go on¡­ §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh¡­ More¡­? ¨C It was the first time that Triana had found a bnce between passion and affection, where the two key factors multiplied each other, creating an amazing effect. That¡¯s what happiness must feel like¡­ Fucking this delicious handsome boy who looked at her like that! It was even better than imagining Fenrir! A year ago, the tiger princess believed that there was nothing more exciting than haunting. Now she realized that her demands had significantly increased. Everything paled inparison with sex that she got hooked on!


    Her red, swollen pussy greedily sucked in his long thick cock, not letting it out. Kyon was out of breath. Every time his penis kissed the cervix, he could feel it throb in delight. Kyon couldn¡¯t hold himself back anymore, and he was running out of Synergy!


    As soon as Triana felt his penis throb inside her, her bottled-up desire burst like a supernova explosion. She pressed her tight buttocks into his belly, cumming hard.


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñh!? ¨C The tigress let out a sweet moan. She rolled her amber eyes and drooled. Her vagina walls contracted rhythmically. A hot wave of pleasure spread from her clitoris all over her body, so intense that Triana had trouble breathing. Sticky clear transparent discharge sprayed on Lovr¡¯s sculpted chest. Triana had never squirted from sex before, and she liked those incredible sensations much better than oral pleasure. She would never forget them. At the same time, a thick stream of human seed shot into the supreme beast¡¯s womb, and it was exactly what her body was dreaming of.


    Kyon¡¯s penis was throbbing in heavenly delight. It was so hot and tight inside her! Triana¡¯s pussy firmly squeezed his manhood from the base to the tip, milking it in rhythmic waves. Kyon erupted like never before. The insane tsunami of pleasure swept over him. He had conquered (seduced) the unapproachable predator atst! Not long ago, she had to wear a chastity belt to keep him away from her sacred ce during the massage, and now she was holding him tight with her legs. The exhrating feeling gave him confidence that he could conquer even heaven.


    Soon, after the intense, long ejaction, the tigress went limp on his chest and fell fast asleep. Their two bodies, drenched in sweat, intertwined. The tigress purred in her sleep while Kyon was trying to regain self-control. He was exhausted.


    (*18+)


    Kyonid the sleeping tigress on the bed and sat down beside her. He could stay in the hope that the predator wouldn¡¯t kill him when she woke up, or he could try and escape. The first option was the most desperate. When the tigress started her day with a clear mind, she would most certainlye to the conclusion that the Sovereign¡¯s Eyes were nothing more than Lovr¡¯s another clever trick. The fact that she had sumbed to temptation didn¡¯t prove anything. It is unlikely that the girl has changed his mind on his ount. However, the second option was no less dangerous: if Triana had given her unique body an order, just like thest time, she would catch Kyon before he had gone two hundred meters away.


    Lovr hesitated for a minute, opened the window and jumped down. About a kilometer away, he looked nervously around. About three kilometers away, hope bloomed in his heart like a meadow in the spring. About ten kilometers away, he wanted to dance with joy. Did he escape? Did he slip away from the paws of death? He couldn¡¯t believe it! After so many attempts, sess atst! Lovr was about to take the stigma of a loser: there couldn¡¯t be so many horrible unlucky coincidences in a row as if heaven was so envious of him that it decided to punish him for the 9 months of easy life.


    Triana opened her eyes and covered her face with her hands: {Why did I let it happen?} ¨C It was like a glitch in the system. The tigress could have caught the fugitive, but, for some reason, she pretended to be asleep. Had he stayed, he would have died on the spot. Triana could not understand the logic of her decision. She seemed to have crossed the line, but she didn¡¯t quite understand what it was.


    Lovr¡¯s good deeds had yed their role: saving her from the Hunters, the talent he had given her along with the metal tes, the enzymes and the Scarlet Meteor, his sincerity and being mostly honest, his incredible sess in the arena, including his victory and dominance over the goddess¡¯s student, his handsome looks, his stare of a true alpha and, finally, fantastic sexst night¡­ She might have taken a different decision if something of that hadn¡¯t happened or had happened another way.


    An hour had passed.


    *the sound transmitter rings*


    Triana put it to her ear and activated the device: ?Did you run away??


    ?I did.? ¨C Kyon confirmed calmly.

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372


    ?Don¡¯t you want toe back?? ¨C Triana said quietly in the sound transmitter.


    ?No, thank you. I want to live, you know.?


    ?¡­?


    ?Where are you heading? Home??


    ?Stupid question¡­ I have nowhere to go.?


    Kyon heaved a deep sigh: ?Be careful on the way home. It¡¯s the end of the world as we know it. If the dark and the bright are here, we¡¯re on the brink of a bloody war. Your father will protect you. Tell him that humans, demons, and supreme beasts should unite to fight back¡­?


    ?Stop worrying about me.? ¨C Triana interrupted his solemn speech. ¨C ?I heard of the dark and the bright a year ago¡­ Father said they wereing with a different purpose. I won¡¯t give you any details.?


    {That¡¯s how you know about the United heaven formation!} ¨C Kyon concluded, cooling off at once. He would hate to be an ant among the fighting dragons. He was still too weak. Triana¡¯s words sounded encouraging.


    ?I have good news for you, baby cub.? ¨C Lovr said.


    ?What news??


    ?You¡¯re pregnant.?


    ?Are you fucking kidding me?? ¨C Triana instantly got furious and clutched at her stomach instinctively.


    ?Didn¡¯t you want to be a mother?? ¨C Kyon pretended to sound hurt.


    ?Why didn¡¯t you kill your seed? I would never want to have a child with an omega! I wanted to be happy with a decent male, which is now impossible because of you¡­? ¨C Her voice was trembling with grief and resentment.


    When Kyon heard her words and intonation, he felt immensely relieved. He hadn¡¯t been wrong about the tigress and had taken the necessary steps just in time. He wouldn¡¯t have killed the seed, anyway, even if he hadn¡¯t run out of Synergy at the most crucial moment. As a matter of fact, Triana had adopted some human qualities from him for the nine months of their cohabitation, including the ability to lie. Therefore, there was a chance that she would lie to her kin to live happily with an alpha she had always dreamed of and have many tiger cubs with him. The mere thought that his woman might end with some burly, flea-infested wolf gave him a heartache. Even if the odds had been only 1%, he would never regret his decision.


    ?You were ovting, tiger cub, and I ran out of Synergy¡­ Even if I wanted ¨C but I did not want to ¨C I could not have killed my seed, so here we are. You will be a mom in nine months! Stop being obsessed with seeing me as an unworthy weakling, or it might affect the child¡­ Consider me the future emperor of the world if you wish! I will visit you in about three years max¡­ I am sure I will be the one you have been dreaming of!? ¨C Lovr said with confidence, but honestly, he wasn¡¯tpletely sure of his sess. Triana had a higher quality of energy, as well as the cultivation speed. It would be extremely difficult for him to catch up with her. He could only count on losing the omega rank in her eyes. She might also consider that sooner orter he would be her alpha.


    Kyon could hear Triana¡¯s angry snorting in the sound transmitter: ?How am I supposed to go back to the animal kingdom? The white tiger princess got pregnant but can¡¯t show her alpha? Why did I fall for that? I shouldn¡¯t have let you go¡­ jerk¡­?


    {Let me go?} ¨C Lovr had a strong suspicion that she was telling the truth. ¨C ?§´iger cub, you can lie! You are a leading authority in the forest kingdom! You can tell your family that goddess Ceres has rewarded you with a kid! No one will dare to say a thing against you¡­ There won¡¯t be a single sideways nce in your direction¡­ You will be popr even with a human child! No one will know that! Let Diamant choke on his intention to make you the head of his harem¡­ and Fenrir may go to hell, too¡­?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Triana interrupted her former owner angrily.


    Kyon smiled to himself: ?Anyway, you can solve any problem in your homnd with lies. You have nothing to worry about. I have only one request: if you have a boy, call him Rnd.? ¨C His voice trembled with emotion on thest word. Kyon was pinning his hopes on Triana in case Kara didn¡¯t give birth to a boy. Lovr had always wanted to give his child this name. He didn¡¯t mind if there were namesakes.


    The tigress said in a quiet but stern voice: ?I¡¯ll heed to the words of my baby¡¯s father, but you will have to keep your promise ande to the animal kingdom noter than in three years to prove that you are worthy of being my alpha and the rightful father of my child! Otherwise, I will be deeply disappointed in you¡­ I hope there¡¯s a reason behind your confidence.?


    ~crack~


    Kyon could see through a bird the tigress crush up the sound transmitter and disappear. Apparently, she wasn¡¯t going to keep in touch with the wrecked omega. He frowned, visibly annoyed. Too bad he could not say goodbye to the tigress properly. She meant a lot to him.


    Triana got undressed and turned into the beast, rushing at an incredible speed in the direction of the Elk closer to her homnd. The tigress had be so powerful that she could be equal to a peaking emperor phaser, but the mighty predator was shedding bitter tears, wounded in the most vulnerable, delicate ce ¨C her heart.


    All Triana had ever wanted was to be happy in Fenrir harem while he hadn¡¯t lost the alpha rank for her¡­ But the wretched human had ruined everything by getting her pregnant. A child from an omega¡­ There wasn¡¯t a deeper humiliation for the supreme beast. The tigress could only pin her hopes on Lovr bing an alpha one day. This thought warmed the heart with the idea that she had made the right call and things would work out for the best. Triana couldn¡¯t wait to see her father¡­


    ¡­


    The next day, Lovr rented the roof of a cafe in the suburbs to meet someone in Kyon¡¯s personality. A pleasant warm breeze caressed the skin. He could hear the murmur of voices downstairs, discussing the green night.


    {Triana said that they didn¡¯te to invade the, then why are they here?} ¨C Lovr needed more information. His conversation with King dimir didn¡¯t help much. It would take a more powerful source, someone like the head of the imperial department, to shed some light on the situation! Kyon was intending to get a job as an imperial investigator in Dantes, but before that, he had to drop in Athens to visit the Feruzovs¡¯ treasury.


    ~click~ ~ck~


    Kyon could hear a loud, confident sound of high heels approaching him.


    He turned around and saw a charmingdy in a thin bright summer dress who bore a striking resemnce to Marina. She didn¡¯t look older than twenty-five even if, in fact, she was a little older. The guest had enchanting green eyes. She was wearing a wide-brimmed from beneath which her hair fell like a river of molten gold up to her waist. The beautifuldy emanated an aura of a proud, powerful woman who could move mountains and tame the seven seas. Her irresistible charm surpassed even that of Queen da¡¯s. No man could possibly remain unimpressed by this gorgeous widow.


    When Diana Stone saw the handsome young man, she approached him and held him tight: ?Oh Kyon! I¡¯ve missed you so much, my dear son! I¡¯ve been worrying about you!?


    ?Hello¡­ Mother¡­? ¨C Kyon greeted her awkwardly. The most delightful, dazzlingly beautiful widow, who also happened to be his adopted mother, was tenderly hugging him. Subconsciously, he considered her just a woman because he had never known his biological mother. Likewise, boys who have no sisters can have private fantasies about them without any guilt.


    Diana kissed her son on both cheeks, then she took his face in her hands and looked into his deep dark-brown eyes: ?Why didn¡¯t you call me, Kyon? You had my frequency, didn¡¯t you? I was wondering where you had been and what you had been doing!?


    A wry smile twisted Kyon¡¯s lips: ?I am sorry¡­ I am a selfish brute.?


    Diana shook her head: ?I know you¡¯ve been busy¡­ I don¡¯t me you.? ¨C She took a seat at his table and continued: ¨C ?Tell me all your news! What are your ns for the future? Have you found yourself a bride?..?


    Lovr took out some buns and two cups with hot tea from the ring and began to talk about his adventures in Cernos. He didn¡¯t tell Diana about some things, but it wasn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t trust his mother. He didn¡¯t want to worry her.


    Diana was the only reason, beside XiaoBai, to care about the Stones. Her sincere feelings were difficult to ignore. Perhaps, somewhere deep inside, Kyon needed this emotional connection, being an orphan from birth. He was really d to see his mother and learn thetest news about his family.


    Once Lovr concluded that Diana saw him as a copy of her missing husband, not in terms of his character or appearance. She knew that he could also move mountains. After all, he was now the new indestructible pir of the family who made her feel protected, calm and peaceful. Kyon didn¡¯t seem to mind, on the contrary, he was ttered.


    ?¡­So, I am heading to Dantes to begin my career as a high-ranking imperial investigator, but you can¡¯t tell anyone about it.? ¨C Kyon added.


    All this time, Diana listened carefully to her son: ?I didn¡¯t expect anything less from you! I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be soon the head of the Imperial Department! Please keep in mind that people there hold on to their positions¡­ If they see you as a threat, they will get rid of you. Be extremely careful, enlist somebody¡¯s help! You will need someone powerful by your side! I can introduce you to Elsa, your strong and talented sister. I¡¯m sure you will get along with her! She will benefit from meeting you: Elsa loves to be in the spotlight, and it is impossible to stay unnoticed next to you!?


    Kyon coughed dryly: ?It¡¯s a good offer, but I can¡¯t give you an answer right away¡­ Will you arrange a meeting for us if I let you know my decision a bitter??


    ?Of course!? ¨C Diana perked up. ¨C ?My reputation obliges the order to connect me with Elsa at the first request! I can arrange your meeting if my rtionship with Elsa leaves much to be desired.?


    ?Alright. How is the family doing after the tournament?? ¨C Kyon changed the subject.


    Diana started to tell him: ?The Stones have acquired an unprecedented reputation thanks to you! We returned the humiliation that we had suffered from the Browns. Their family went bankrupt due to the conviction for tax evasion and was dissolved¡­ Thousands of Browns lost their family name¡­ Patriarch Herman and Timothy had been expecting to win the tournament, but they screwed up thanks to you.? ¨C She gently took his hand into hers.


    Diana smiled affectionately as she noticed Kyon¡¯s embarrassment. She assumed that her words had reached his, but in fact, he was struggling to hold back his indecent emotions.


    Diana went on: ?Every day, we receive hundreds of letters from all different kinds of people. Respectful masters send us gifts, expressing a desire to take you as a student. The sect envoys have been particrly persistent! They speak on behalf of their leaders, promising us untold riches and much more¡­ Bai has been a mess after talking to them. He would dly send you to the Fat sect, but he didn¡¯t know where to find you¡­ Silly father! He does not understand anything. I do not share his opinion because my son must decide his future himself! By the way, your grandfather no longer holds a grudge against you for ckmailing him for ten million spheres¡­ Neither do I. You should have got even more because you deserve credit for the Stones¡¯ victory! Our family must invest all the resources in such a promising family member, the goddess¡¯s messenger!?


    Kyon wondered while his mother kept talking about family affairs: {Does she want to strengthen family bonds? Or is there a hidden catch behind her good intentions?}


    An hour flew by.


    Lovr could tell Diana¡¯s motives were ambiguous and quite selfish. She seemed desperate to get closer to him. It was hard to resist her charm, care and tenderness. Yurich had taken a wonderful wife.


    ?Tell me what women do you prefer?? ¨C Diana asked suddenly.


    ?Beautiful and unapproachable. I like the challenge.? ¨C Kyon answered brusquely.


    ?Hm¡­? ¨C She seemed to be choosing her words carefully ¨C ?Then I need to ask you for something important.?


    ?Ask for anything. I will help you if I can.?


    ?I want you to marry my daughter.? ¨C Diana looked serious.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened: ?Which one??


    She looked mysteriously: ?It¡¯s up to you!?


    ?But I am your son! They are my sisters!? ¨C He retorted.


    ?They are your foster sisters, and you¡¯re their foster brother. Marrying within a family isn¡¯t a rare event, but people tend to condemn closely rted marriages like in your case. But what does it matter? I give you my blessing. That¡¯s the main thing!?


    {Wow! She is so..} ¨C Lovr was surprised. He had underestimated his mother¡¯s determination.


    ?Elsa wanted to be an investigator as a child, and that¡¯s what you are going to be. I¡¯ll be very surprised if you don¡¯t get along. However, she has a boyfriend, Rose Valentine, his name or so it seems. But when Elsa finds out that you are the goddess¡¯s messenger, she will definitely choose you over him.?


    {Rose?} ¨C His mere name set a re of hatred burning in Kyon¡¯s heart.


    ?As for Juno¡­? ¨C Diana lowered her gaze. ¨C ?You have a year left.?


    ?A year??


    She spoke quietly: ?She is getting married in a year.?


    ?To whom?? ¨C Kyon became concerned about his ripening property.


    ?Roman Clinton convinced his patriarch father to fork out for buying my daughter¡¯s hand and heart with Tokens. I have no doubt that he is captivated by her beauty, talent and inessibility. As soon as Junoes of age, she will be obliged to marry him, or else we will all be in huge trouble.?


    ?One year¡­? ¨C Lovr whispered and nodded. ¨C ?Alright, mum. I¡¯ll do what you say.?


    ?You will? I am so happy!? ¨C With a happy smile, Diana rushed to hug her son. It was her initiative to adopt Kyon, and now she talked him into marrying her daughter. If the wedding took ce, he would never turn his back on the family! A promising future awaited the Stones! He was a diamond in the rough that she had spotted the moment they met.


    Their conversationsted a couple of hours. Then Kyon said goodbye to his mother, saddled the fastest mount in the kingdom and set off for Athens.


    Lovr took out a fragrant pill and swallowed it without hesitation. It was a boosting medicine that he had acquired for 16 million spheres after the forest tournament. It was a good decision to take the pill after the head upgrade was over. It was effective for only two months.


    During his stay in Cernos after the tournament, Kyon had received only 14% of the darkness in the core. Prince Charles had given him 5% before he died. The students had given him 9% in nine months. The result was pretty discouraging. It was harder to harvest dark emotions than light ones, which was absolutely illogical! His body of the void was created with symmetrical opposites, so the conditions must be the same! But for some reason, it didn¡¯t happen.


    As for collecting souls, the peaking noble phaser didn¡¯t give him even one percent. It was even more oppressive than gathering the darkness. Where was going to get so many deadly opponents? And how was he going to kill them?


    As a result, the nucleus of his body of the void was filled with 0% souls, 0% elements, 85% light emotions and 25% dark ones. It was a real challenge to meet the four conditions. But Lovr was not going to give up. Athens and Dantes were his next destination! He was in for numerous new adventures and achievements.

 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373


    Previously? ?in? ?Everything? ?Will? ?Be? ?My? ?Way? ?(chapters? ?272-372):? ? ?


    Kyon finally reced his bones with carbon ones; he learned to create spatial rings and ce moving objects in them; he studied formacy and enchanted his soul, and therefore the his body for strength, and his sword for weight, making it 1,000 times heavier; he learned to use the cut of light and three attacking techniques with his Scourge; he improved the annihtion sphere, fully upgraded his reproductive system and his arm by half; when the head upgrade was over, he discovered the eyes of truth and the sovereign¡¯s eyes.


    Kyon received money from the tournament bids and said goodbye to Xiao Bai, who was leaving for the Fat sect.


    Kyon created the personality of Dick Baker and made him famous all over the Iron Throne and Cernos: he cheated at the entrance exam and evicted Prince Charles from room number one in some; he seduced and married princess Kara who turned out to be a demon; he single-handedly brought Cernos first ce in the forest tournament; he used Triana, his beautiful and powerful bodyguard, in every possible way; despite his weak cultivation, he turned out to be so strong that he defeated Prince Charles and a girl in the lord phase.


    Trying to get the goddess¡¯s legacy, da had to agree to Kyon¡¯s terms. She married her daughter to him but failed to pump him with drugs and fake the wedding night. The goddess¡¯s messenger had outyed her and raped her daughter. Kara fled to her homnd, her feelings hurt. da had to follow her.


    Kara believed Kyon when he said that her parents had set her up to make her marry him, otherwise, she would have never agreed. She harbored deep hatred and anger in her heart and fled to her homnd. On the way, her unique body of the divine phoenix awoke within her.


    Kyon had left the demoness with a child and cleaned her keys by 99% each. There appeared a connection between them in the form of a tattoo on the genitals, a marriage formation with different functions. Kyon was nning to take advantage of it in the future.


    Lovr gave dimir irrefutable evidence that Kara and da were demons to get a long-awaited letter of rmendation to the imperial investigators. It was also Lovr¡¯s another chance to show the 0th general his good intentions.


    Kyon decided to participate in the forest tournament. As a result, he found demonic mushrooms, earned a lot of resources and even got a trophy in the form of a white tiger princess. However, it got him in trouble with the Hunters.


    Lovr made a deal with Franz: ten years of faithful service in exchange for youth and infertility treatment, something that the former formacist had been long dreaming of.


    Julia beat up Franz for seducing her father, Cernos principal (she didn¡¯t give up her dream of having a brother), but in the end, she became Franz¡¯s ve because of the newly made prince¡¯s whim.


    Princess Haya wanted to take revenge on Dick Baker and rob him for ckmailing her, but she fell into his trap. At thest moment, a blond handsome boy saved her, but Haya was under the influence of aphrodisiac what made her **** him. In the morning, she decided to marry her savior, or her life would have been ruined.


    Marina fell in love with Franz for his new character of a leader and out of burning jealousy of herpetitors.


    Franz¡¯s life was a nightmare from the very first days in Cernos. Kyon had deliberately arranged things so that Franz plunged in the abyss of despair only to extend a helping hand: Kyon made him the head of the Stones¡¯ fight club, made Julia, Franz¡¯s red-haired offender his ve, gave Franz instructions on how to behave around Marina so that she fell in love with him, and even arranged Princess Haya¡¯s and Franz¡¯s wedding. In the end, it brought Kyon a ton of bright emotions from Franz.


    Triana found out what her lustful owner was really like. He taught her to lie, which helped her get rid of the harnessing formation. However, the tigress didn¡¯t kill the former owner at once because he was skillfully ying for time. In the end, he showed his true strength and two personalities, and Trina slept with him and let him escape.


    Kyon cleaned Triana¡¯s keys, upgraded his nervous system, and taught the legendary movement technique that made the supreme beast incredibly talented. He left her with a child to make sure the tigress wouldn¡¯t give up the ¡°pathetic omega¡± for her dear Fenrir.


    Rose Valentine and Roman Clinton had crossed Kyon¡¯s path. To save Marina, he had to make a deal with Dinah and no longer use shots from the rings.


    Dinah failed to kill Kyon. Moreover, she lost to him in disgrace, something that she would never forget. Anyway, her defeat made Dinah suspicions as for the goddess¡¯s true motives.


    Diana told Kyon about Juno and Roman Clinton¡¯s future wedding. It wasn¡¯t going to be a love marriage. Roman had bought Juno¡¯s hand with Tokens. Diana also offered Kyon to marry one of the daughters to tighten the bonds with the legendary goddess¡¯s messenger and her family.


    ***


    A fat, ugly young man was sitting on a bizarre scaly beast. The riding animal was rushing so fast that the wind whistled shrilly around the rider, and the trees merged into an endless green strip. Landscapes changed one after another, leaving no chance to enjoy their beauty.


    Kyon had been speeding towards the kingdom of Athens for two hours. He was one-fifth of the way there, nning to arrivete in the evening. Kyon counted the hours until he could see Marina, his best friend in this world.


    A dreamy smile yed on his lips, then it suddenly disappeared. The temperature seemed to have instantly dropped, sending goosebumps down his spine. The air trembled from an invisible threat as if ck and white dragons shed somewhere far away. This feeling was radically different from being followed by an assassin. This time it was something more extensive, covering many hundreds of kilometers. If all this grisliness were focused on him alone, then Kyon would not be able to budge.


    {What the heck?} ¨C Kyon released fifty zombie birds from the ring and scouted the environment, all to no avail. He could see only the sky covered with clouds and an endlessndscape of rivers, mountains,kes, fields, and forests. A small town was seen about half a thousand kilometers away, nothing else.


    Lovr climbed the nearest hill and looked carefully around. He might see even more with his upgraded eyes with integrated binocrs. A momentter, he stared at two points three hundred kilometers from him.


    {They¡­ They are flying¡­} ¨C Kyon shivered nervously. Until now, da was the most powerful being he had ever met besides the goddess. Her pressure was at the level of a middle or a finishing imperial phaser. However, Triana would ovee her despite her weaker cultivation. Now he could see two overlord phasers (9). Only they could ignore the world¡¯s limitation on flying due to their oppressive power.


    {Three hundred kilometers¡­ There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of, right?} ¨C Lovr grinned wryly, feeling like an ant before the sh of bulls. Who were they? The answer was obvious. They were creatures from the moons! He looked closer and discerned that one rider was wearing a white dress while the other had a dark dress on. However, he couldn¡¯t make out their faces. The evaporation after the recent rain blurred his vision.


    The two powerful creatures didn¡¯t stand in Kyon¡¯s way, their fight was further to the east from his itinerary, but he was curious to watch the duel of such strong practitioners. It was a chance to gain some experience that was not to be missed!


    ~wheeeeze~


    The sh of the powerful opponents created a mesmerizing air distortion sphere that grew in size at the speed of sound. The clouds cleared away within a kilometer radius. The trees bent in the strong wind, the beasts fled.


    A fierce exchange of blows began. Kyon wondered: {Why aren¡¯t they fighting on the ground?} ¨C Down on the ground, it¡¯s possible to reach any speed instantly due to the sticking technique. Besides, it¡¯s easier to surpass the opponent with better skills (like the battle fists). All this is ruled out in the air.


    A momentter, Lovr realized what the matter was. The woman in white wanted to move the battle downwards while the woman in ck opposed her. One of them must have an advantage on the ground. Kyon wondered which one. It was unlikely to be battle fists. Probably, one of them had some techniques that worked only on the ground.


    Soon, the two opponents rose higher, and the clouds hampered his vision. The fighters weren¡¯t doing anything impressive anyway.


    The sound of the first exchange of attacks did not reach the observer until fifteen minutester, and this p could say a lot about all the power that an ordinary blow contained. Any mountain will turn into rubble! Any carbon bones to dust!


    The sound of the first blow reached the observer only fifteen minutester, and this p could say a lot about its impact. It could turn any mountain into rubble. It could crush any carbon bones to dust!


    A chill curled Kyon¡¯s spine: {Will I be just as strong in the future? No, I will be stronger! I will be the strongest in the world!} ¨C Tears were in his eyes as obsessive dreams invaded his mind. Being ambitious by nature, Lovr trembled with delight. This world was to his liking, no matter how cruel it was.


    He suddenly turned around. He spotted through the birds rising clouds of dust a hundred kilometers behind. It looks like a cavalry hidden behind a massive concealment technique. Were they the government forces, racing to find out what was going on?


    Lovr watched them for a while and frowned. They were rushing towards¡­ He had no doubt that their destination crossed the spot where he was! What a weird coincidence. Or not so weird? In fact, they were not rushing towards the battle, but straight to him! It didn¡¯t look like a mistake.


    A spontaneous thought made Kyon pull down his briefs and find out a faintly blinking mating formation.


    After taking the superior (imperial) demon¡¯s innocence, there appeared a connection between the partners in the form of a marriage formation. This connection that Kara had awarded him could also track down the spouse!


    {Demons!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s heart sank as he realized who they were. Kara must have been hiding her pregnancy from everyone who could feel the baby in her womb, and now that she gave birth, she immediately sent a squad to capture the man! It took them a month and a half to reach their goal.


    Kara¡¯s parents couldn¡¯t have agreed to their daughter¡¯s request. Most likely, she did not ask them at all. Anyway, Triana was gone, and no one else would save his skin!


    Lovr gathered his wits to consider possible scenarios. Hiding? It was absolutely pointless. Fighting back? Judging by the quality of their mounts that was much higher than his, they were all lord phasers, if not royal phasers! It would be like jumping into an active volcano. Running away? The nearest town was five hundred kilometers away. They would catch him before he knew it. Even if not, the guard of the small town wouldn¡¯t protect him from powerful demons anyway. Trying to persuade them? Pure nonsense. There is a high probability that they would kill them on the spot under the order. There was only one option left¡­ Or two!


    Kyon put a barrier on his groin to block the signal, jumped on his scaled mount and rushed away, leaving the demons behind.


    When the demons also changed their direction, Lovr realized that his barrier was too weak to block a signal of this level. He had only one option left! He rushed in the direction of the two fighting women, where no living being in their right mind would ever dare to go.


    The demons¡¯ leader used the long-range technique and eximed in theirnguage with glee: ?There he is! Huzzah! We¡¯ve got the fat human pig!? ¨C The riders removed their massive concealing technique and sped up.


    Ten minutes passed¡­ Twenty¡­ Thirty¡­ The great battle was getting closer and closer. The rolling thunder of the fight hurt Lovr¡¯s ears as if the epicenter of the storm was right over his head. The earth was shaking. The residual wind tore off vegetation and bent trees. The two powerful beings¡¯ auras prated the soul, inspiring primal fear.


    The scaled scared mount was trying to turn around and rush in the opposite direction¡­ so Kyon had to convince it with Synergy. The demons had no problem with that. Their ¡°horses¡± must have been trained specifically for the war. The distance between them was rapidly decreasing.


    As soon as Kyon got into the center of chaos, he screamed at the top of his throat to get noticed. He activated the sh of light, then the sh of darkness, created with Synergy a bright ten-meter screen with the word Help across, all to no avail. The women fighting to the death 10 kilometers above didn¡¯t notice the ant below them. They were focused on the fight.


    ?Your efforts are futile, human pig! Yippee!? ¨C The demon leader shouted with a noticeable ent in the human dialect and burst into insaneughter. He knew that Kyon couldn¡¯t hear him, and yet he couldn¡¯t help it. The rest of the demons didn¡¯t understand a thing, but the chaos around them only steamed up the horned pursuers.


    {Shit.} ¨C Lovr concluded, still running away. The gap between him and the demons was narrowing. Ten kilometers¡­ five¡­ two¡­ one¡­ He took out a sniper rifle and started to shoot back, but the bullets could not prate their strong skin, not from this distance.


    Meanwhile, the fighting women were left 30 kilometers behind.


    ~buzzzz~


    Suddenly, the air vibrated and hummed with two opposite frequencies that were fighting for global dominance. The whole world faded, the sounds died away, the wind gusts disappeared. Even the dust froze in the air, not daring to move. Small pebbles rose from the ground like in zero gravity.


    The souls of all living beings within enormous range trembled on the brink of copse. An inexplicable colossal sense of threat enveloped the whole world.


    Kyon looked into the sky with eyes wide open and saw both ¡°monsters¡± loading a sphere that looked like Juno¡¯s technique at the family tournament. The woman in white was holding a life-giving dark-green sphere while the woman in ck was holding an oppressive burgundy red one.


    {Fuck!} ¨C Lovr cursed under his breath, his hair standing up on the back of his head. In the blink of an eye, he activated the istion barrier, created a protective adamantiumyer, jumped off his petrified mount and buried himself with the help of the earth element as deep as possible.


    ~B-O-O-O-O-O-O-M~


    The collision of the spheres seemed to mark the end of the world that split into pieces. A little rainbow sun grew in size at a lightning speed up to thirty kilometers, evaporating all the clouds, turning everything into dust. It took off from the ground and soared up in the sky. A new star was born sparkling with all colors in the world: purple, pink, green, yellow, blue, and all the rest.


    The rainbow glow illuminated the earth, blurring the line between reality and fiction. The cost of this beautiful scene was theplete eradication of all living organisms within a radius of hundreds of kilometers. Soon, the sun would rise into the stratosphere where it would disappear due tock of oxygen.


    Deep down the funnel, on the red-hot earth, a bare, wounded back with torn, scraped skin could be seen, almostpletely covered with a brown-scarlet crust of dirt and blood.


    ?A-a-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C With a painful groan, Kyon climbed out and sank to his knees. Searing pain rushed through every cell of his body. Kyon felt foggy, everything blurred in his eyes, and he had an unbearable ringing in his ears after contusion. Then a wave of the hand and Synergy removed all painful effects. The carbon skin gradually grew back, covering the bare flesh.


    The damage was not fatal. The impact on his internal organs was optimal, both in terms of the shock wave and the temperature. There was no radiation at all. Staying deep underground, enchantment for strength, heat-resistant carbon skin, adamantium and, above all the istion (vacuum) barrier, yed an integral role in saving Kyon¡¯s life.


    Lovr raised his head but did not see the terrible creatures, only the beautiful rainbow sun rising higher and higher. The battle was over, but who won? He turned around he did not find his pursuers either. It looked like the demons were gone to hell. No one had survived, including his feathered zombies. Anyway, he had plenty of them.


    Kyon straightened and crunched his bones. Then he created a small hill to look around the area. He immediately detected a rugged terrain as if something had plowed it up. Apparently, one of the women hadnded there at full speed. Soon, he found another mound like this on the opposite side from the epicenter of the explosion.


    {Did they both die?} ¨C Lovr¡¯s momentary surprise gave way to thirst for profit. It wasn¡¯t in his nature to miss the opportunity to cash in on such monstrous creatures. They had almost killed him, by the way! Or saved him¡­ That¡¯s not the point. But before that, he had to absorb the demons¡¯ souls to quench his body¡¯s of the void eternal hunger.


    Kyon rushed in the direction where hest saw his pursuers, but he could not feel their souls, even if the body of the void always did an excellent job. They seemed to havepletely dissipated, which was crazy. Everyone knows that souls are invulnerable.


    Kyon suppressed his resentment and rushed towards the nearest woman¡¯s body. There was no time to lose. The people from the government would soon get here, and then he could say goodbye to any trophies.


    As Kyon approached the first body, he heard a weak heartbeat and barely discernible moans. She was alive but unconscious! The poor thing didn¡¯t seem to have much time left, but she was still alive! Kyon couldn¡¯t believe that anyone could possibly survive after such a powerful attack. Those were monsters in the flesh.


    Lovr came closer and saw the woman lying on her stomach, her once white dress torn in shreds. When he turned her over, his amorous heart skipped a beat, his eyes widened with delight. The stranger looked so charming and innocent that Kyon thought the very goddess of fairies was before him!

 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374


    Kyon stared at the deathly pale face of the unconscious woman and marveled at her incredible beauty. She had slightly curly fair hair, delicate facial features, not a single wrinkle on her smooth glowing skin. Her lips were like cherry blossoms carved by a skilled craftsman. The shape of her eyebrows and eyshes was amazing, despite her eyes being closed. She looked like a creature from another world, beautiful, sweet and innocent as if she were a goddess of fairies. Gods had granted her the key to conquer any man¡¯s heart. So this is what moon creatures looked like!


    Lovr almost unconsciously touched the tender cheek of the dying woman and infused it with Synergy. To his surprise, her overcultivated soul hardly resisted the intrusion. She must have been exhausted. Kyon scanned her body and found many internal injuries, from broken bones to severe concussion. Suddenly he gasped in surprise: the woman was 322 years old! She smelled like death from old age! This beauty would have died of natural causes in a few years even if she didn¡¯t die of wounds.


    Kyon knew that overlord phasers (9) had such a strong connection with their soul that they could control many of the body processes, including staying young by increasing metabolism. However, it came with a price ¨C an increase in life expectancy. And yet, this woman had always maintained her youth by sacrificing at least a hundred years of her life.


    {Wait, what?} ¨C Lovr noticed her hymen with Synergy. What a confusing contradiction. It¡¯s one thing to maintain beauty for her husband, but she wanted to stay young and beautiful just like that! Well, can any man truly understand a woman?


    Kyon felt this vice-like grip squeezing his heart. Was this valuable biological resource going to disappear from this world without reaching its potential, that is, without leaving any progeny? It would be a disgusting sphemy from Kyon¡¯s point of view who always overestimated the value of beauty. It was like walking into a beautiful wild forest that had miraculously grown on a desert and burning it down.


    {What if I save her?} ¨C It sounded challenging. The woman would surely be grateful for this. However, the potential gain from this would be less than from the contents of the ring on her finger. Besides, it wouldn¡¯t be so easy because of the severe brain damage. He wouldn¡¯t have time to finish the treatment, anyway. As soon as her soul regained enough strength, it would deny his Synergy ess to her body.


    Kyon tried to apply a subjugating formation, but to no avail. The soul resistance was now at the noble phase level, and Kyon could apply a formation only on those who were a couple of stages stronger than him.


    Next, Lovr infused her brain with Synergy to give up this idea altogether when, to his surprise, he found out that only one area was damaged, the one responsible for memories. What an unlikely but fortunate coincidence!


    {Total amnesia!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes lit up. It meant that he could cure the woman, rob her, and even use her power! Why the hell not? He could always disappear if her memory came back to her. He urgently needed a bodyguard! Besides, this woman had saved him from the demons, albeit unintentionally! Kyon made up his mind, but he had to think it over. Only, he had no second to spare.


    Lovr took the ring off her hand and infused it with Synergy, not to heal her but to keep her alive so that she would not die on the way. He took her in his arms and rushed to the second woman. It took him less than half an hour to ovee a dozen of kilometers. Kyon found her alive but in a deep state of unconsciousness. He had no doubt that she would die in 10-15 minutes.


    {Also alive? This one is tougher¡­}


    Kyon was dumbfounded once again when he pulled the woman out of the ground. She had dark brown curly hair and skin silky and soft. Her face looked haughty and arrogant but inexplicably captivating. A line of pearls ran through her parted lips. Her eyshes like sharp arrows and arched eyebrows seemed to belong to a pixie, a mischievous but very attractive pixie.


    {Are you kidding me¡­}


    Kyon poured Synergy into the woman¡¯s body and gasped. She was an exact copy of the first woman in all respects, starting with age and virginity to brain damage. Moreover, they were paternal sisters, even if they looked like pr opposites.


    Lovr concluded that it was the rainbow sun effect, otherwise, the odds of getting the total amnesia for both women was about one in a trillion. But how to exin the fact that the sisters were fighting to the death? How could they have the same father, being from different moons? Where were they so different in appearance? Only their lips, nose and ears looked the same. Well, the size of their tits and butts was also pretty simr.


    Kyon cast aside all unnecessary thoughts and emotions and poured Synergy into this woman¡¯s body just enough to keep her breathing. Then he took a back road to the nearest city with both of them in his arms. If someone had told him two hours ago that he would soon acquire two beautiful monsters with amnesia, he wouldn¡¯t have believed it even if his life depended on it.


    In the evening, Lovr arrived in the nearest city that was badly damaged by the st wave. The residents¡¯ behavior could be described in one word ¨C panic. Someone fled, shouting about the end of the world, others locked themselves in their houses, and the most daring watched the rainbow sun that was gradually fading in the stratosphere.


    Kyon rented a room in one of the most inconspicuous hotels. A couple of thousand spheres helped the owner to forget about two bodies wrapped in cloth that the ¡°unremarkable traveler¡± brought in. There was no one else in the hotel for obvious reasons.


    Kyon created a kind of a wide bath with the earth element, took off the remnants of the women¡¯s torn clothes (he tried to tear them off, but the cloth was too strong) and thoroughly washed their bodies of blood and dirt with the water element. Both women, even being terribly wounded, looked indescribably enchanting, attractive and seductive. Every curve of their bodies was an exquisite piece of art.


    Kyon got overexcited mostly due to their enchanting, out-of-this-world scent. How could some pheromones have such a strong effect on his mind? The analysis of the structure of their aromatic molecules left Kyonpletely confused. There was some unexined anomaly. Was it some enchantment energy? Or a soul imprint? How else to exin this unhealthy maism¡­ it remained even without smell. One nce was enough.


    Lovr had always suspected that something was wrong with this world. A ten-point scale for assessing female beauty didn¡¯t work here. Even Juno defied any calctions, which didn¡¯t make any sense, no matter what insane aesthete appreciated her. Anyway, if Kyon was ying by someone else¡¯s rules, nothing prevented him from using Synergy to keep sain.


    As if by magic, Kyon suppressed the lion¡¯s share of inappropriate feelings and desires, put the women in bed, flushed the water down the drain, and turned the stone bath into dust. He needed to sit down and think about a n of action.


    Kyon didn¡¯t hesitate for a second: he was going to deceive the monsters to have total control over them. Well, it was nothing new. The women wouldn¡¯t hold it against him, anyway. He had saved their lives after all! It didn¡¯t matter, though. He would be far away from them by that time, just to be on the safe side.


    Task number one: how to dy, if not prevent, the moment of getting their memory back?


    Kyon came up with two effective methods. He could rejuvenate them to about the age Juno was when they first met, and they would hardly recognize themselves and each other, or he could slow down or stop their recovery with Synergy. They regenerated many times faster than ordinary people. However, how could he do this if the healed soul wouldn¡¯t let Synergy enter the body? Lovr had a solution.


    He applied a formation that transmitted Synergy directly to the area that was responsible for memories so that he could easily get ess there. He also started the rejuvenation process, intending to turn the women into young girls. Their bodies would do everything on their own, i.e., his Synergy was no longer required.


    Rejuvenating bodies was a thousand times easier than making them old. The organism perceived the first process as a treatment, but it tried to fight the second process as a disease. However, it was impossible to turn the opponent (who didn¡¯t resist Synergy) into a baby. There was a minimum age that could be trespassed due to physical and biological limitations. It was rather difficult to revert the reproductive system, the brain, the immunity and so on¡­ The body resisted obvious degradation, as well as a deadly disease, as well as aging.


    Task number two: how to manage the young girls as effectively as possible?


    On his way to the city, Lovr came up with the perfect legend for his new personality: the girls¡¯ father, a middle-aged man. It would be the best solution to manipte them as a ¡°dear daddy.¡± He would be a reliable, serious man, not in the least like Lovr, Kyon, or Dick. His name would be Zosimos.


    This personality could have another purpose. If he added a couple of basic features from Valeera¡¯s father, who he saw in the illusory world, then it would be much easier to infiltrate her organization as he would inspire trust on an instinctive level.


    Some minutes had passed. Dick¡¯s fat body gradually transformed. He grew taller. His hair started receding, his facial features changed. Soon the young man turned into a tall man in his fifties with expressive pale blue eyes, stern bushy eyebrows, arge nose, masculine features, albeit a little chubby cheeks, dark hair with a receding hairline, and arge beer belly. Zosimos gave the first impression of a mature, experienced man who had seen a lot in his life. When he took a lotus position, he resembled a highly skilled government official or an important baron.


    Kyon looked in the mirror, pleased with himself. His new identity inspired confidence at first nce.


    Lovr had the feeling that something important was missing. The perfect image required more than a new appearance. He racked his brain and thought of such an important factor as smell. How could he forget about it! Lovr would have died as a fool the moment he came to Valeera like this. The solution was simple, he had to upgrade the corresponding nds, which wouldn¡¯t take more than two days with his Synergy of the Bachelor degree.


    Next, Zosimos applied three formations on each girl: a visual and audio formation to see and hear what was happening with their eyes and ears, just the way he did with Marina in Cernos; a sound transmitting formation tomunicate with them without a sound transmitter, the way he did with his subordinates; a tracking formation to determine their exact location to within a meter at a distance of a thousand kilometers away.


    The three formations made it easier to control the girls. And yet, his sess depended on his acting skills and improvisation. Lovr wished the girls happened to be humble and obedient. However, judging by one of the girls¡¯ demonic appearance, there would be nothing meek about that one.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Lovr cleaned their keys by 99% each. The rest of his Synergy was enough to upgrade their nervous system. Why not make them stronger and more talented if they were meant to be on his side? Anyway, he would disappear as soon as he noticed their memory was returning to them. There was nothing to be afraid of? Even if he was unlucky (as usual), they wouldn¡¯t kill him out of gratitude.


    Kyon nodded to his ns and thoughts, took the girl¡¯s rings encrusted with gems and tried to look inside, but he could not. He was lost for words. Was it possible to create a spatial formation with a password in this world? Kyon thought of doing it once, but he gave up this idea. The ring would spew its contents out if damaged, breaking and destroying things inside. He saw it happen in the tomb, where he found hundreds of damaged nephrites and made Juno collect them (he was still to acquire the knowledge from the only surviving one). If he had set a password on the ring that Valeera stole from him in the library, things might have turned out differently. However, a password on the ring was in general quite useless.


    Soon, Lovr realized that it wasn¡¯t so easy to crack the rings. It would take a couple of centuries as the speed at which the channels released energy was slow, unlike aputer that could go through a billion passwords in a second. Lovr wasn¡¯t going to destroy the ring even if he could do it with Synergy (he figured out how to do it, creating inverted pockets). Anyway, he was in no rush to find out what was inside, and he might bitterly regret destroying the rings and their contents when the women regained their memory.


    {Never mind.} ¨C Kyon hid the rings and proceeded to heal the girls. He was ying with fire, but he enjoyed taking the risk if the game was worth the candle.


    The marriage formation was the only thing that worried him. In a month or two after the first demon squad failed the task, they would send another one. However, it wasn¡¯t that bad. It would be a great opportunity to fill the core with souls¡­

 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375


    Kyon had spent two and a half days looking after the unconscious strangers.


    After the first hours of healing, their souls were strong enough to prevent Synergy from getting into their bodies. Only the timely applied formation could teleport it directly to their brain.


    The wounded girls had almostpletely recovered and were about to wake up. Their monstrous regeneration caused by their high cultivation made Kyon question his n. How quickly would they regain their memory? He¡¯d have to reserve the lion¡¯s share of Synergy to slow down this process.


    The girls had also rejuvenated to the age of Juno when Kyon first met her in the mansion. Their bodies also resembled that of the little demoness. Their facial features had slightly lost their mature charm but kept their natural beauty.


    In case they didn¡¯t remember their names, Kyon decided to call the girl with dignified, innocent looks Eve, with reference to the Old Testament. As for the mischievous pixie, he called her Le, a name to match her dark chocte brown hair. They were so different, and yet they were sisters.


    Eve and Le were still unconscious, lying in bed like beautiful porcin dolls. Lovr had never been fond of toys, let alone dolls, but he enjoyed taking care of these girls all day long like a child who knew the burden of responsibility for the first time.


    Kyon was particrly enthusiastic about choosing dresses for his girls. He ransacked the whole town searching for nice clothes until he decided to make them himself to his taste. Why not? He had enough free time.


    He made a white summer dress for the girl who looked like the goddess of fairies. She looked like a ray of sunshine in it, a charming, innocent being who could embrace the whole world with her warmth. Pixie Le got a simr dress but dark and more defiant. The form-fitting dresses matched their looks and maybe their characters. The girls looked really nice and decent because Kyon decided not to make the dresses too open. He didn¡¯t want to attract unnecessary attention.


    Kyon was pleased with the result. He could not wait to harness their tyrannical power. Then no one would be a threat to him, except for the bloody empress, other beings from the moons, and powerful practitioners beyond Rosarrio.


    *peep*


    Synergy informed the owner about the pheromone nds upgrade. All that was left to do was to improve his internal organs, but it wouldn¡¯t help him much in the battle. At the moment, his weakest points were his heart, liver and kidneys¡­ Some day, he would take care of them, too.


    From now on, Lovr could instantly change his smell, from smelling like a hefty guy to a sissy boy. He could actually smell ??like a girl or even an animal. He could change the chemicalposition of the molecules of smell within reasonable limits, emitting aroma hundreds of times more intense than ordinary people.


    Pheromones can tell a lot about a person on the subconscious level, from their health to their willingness to mate and even when thest time they had sex or masturbated. The attractiveness of pheromones depends on many factors.


    Kyon changed his natural youthful scent to the smell that could only belong to a man of forty with no health problems, both physically and mentally.


    {Great. I am ready.} ¨C Lovr knelt on the floor and leaned on the bed, portraying a restless father. He couldn¡¯t miss the moment of awakening.


    Early in the morning on the third day, Eve opened her eyes and looked around nkly. She was lying in bed with some girl and next to her¡­ Next to her, there was a terrible hefty stranger!


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñh! Who are you?? ¨C She screamed in a thin, frightened voice and curled up in the corner. The bed was against the wall.


    Le also woke up and looked around in confusion until she saw a big, scary man: ?Huh? Who are you??


    For a moment, Kyon lost touch with reality. The girls¡¯ voices sounded like enchanting trills of a divine violin. Theirrge clear eyes beckoned to plunge into their depth, and breaking away from their silent contemtion was a real challenge.


    Eve¡¯s dark green eyes seemed to be woven with myriads of threads, a mysticalce created by nature itself. Diamond beads of fear started to well up in their corners.


    Le¡¯s dark red eyes seemed to be slowly rotating like a hellish whirlwind that could devour stars and entire worlds. The longer Kyon looked into them, the harder they drew him. Le¡¯s eyes were just as beautiful as her sister¡¯s, but instead of peace and warmth, they inspired danger and anxiety.


    ?You¡¯re awake, my little ones!? ¨C Kyon eximed in his mellow bass full of love and care, but the girl crawled back.


    ?Stay away from me!? ¨C Eve shrieked, pale with fear


    ?Who are you? And why do you call us your little ones?? ¨C Le asked sternly, but it was clear that she was only slightly less frightened than her sister.


    {It¡¯s weird. They are being so¡­ childish¡­} ¨C ?You don¡¯t remember your daddy? I am Zosimos! I am your father, and you¡¯re my daughters! Don¡¯t you really remember me??


    Eve and Le stared nkly at the man, lost for words. Their minds were still foggy.


    ?What are your names? Do you at least remember them?? ¨C The man asked with hope in his sad eyes.


    Le frowned her thin eyebrows thoughtfully and said uncertainly: ?I don¡¯t remember anything¡­ I don¡¯t remember my name, I don¡¯t remember. I don¡¯t know how I got here and what I am doing here¡­ I don¡¯t remember anything!?


    ?Yeah¡­ Nor do I¡­? ¨C Eve hugged herself and nodded in agreement.


    Kyon¡¯s guess that the girls¡¯ mental age had decreased due to amnesia was confirmed. Wise, mature women tended to hide their emotions.


    ?Hey, tio. Tell me everything!? ¨C Le demanded, sticking out her petite bosom.


    ?Yeah¡­ Me too¡­? ¨C Eve added quietly.


    {Three hundred twenty-two years old and they behave like kids¡­ Isn¡¯t it wonderful?} ¨C Kyon trembled with delight. It was going to be much easier to win their trust and control them as a ¡°daddy!¡± It was a great decision to save the wonderful monsters from death. It was definitely worth it.


    ?Oh no¡­ It can¡¯t be¡­? ¨C Kyon shook his head desperately and said with genuine sadness and longing in his voice. ¨C ?You¡¯re Le! And she is Eve! You¡¯re sisters! I guess you got into a serious fight and lost your memory¡­ It took eternity until you have recovered atst! I was so worried about you, my dear daughters¡­ How do you feel??


    The sincere concern on the man¡¯s face kept the girls from having a panic attack. They looked rather confused and even a little guilty.


    Le clenched her fists and protested: ?Your story doesn¡¯t add up, tio! Who could little defenseless girls fight with? Why did both of us lose our memory at once? Where have you been all this time??


    ?Honey, daddy rushed here as soon as he could! You are powerful girls, and I have never interfered in your fights, but three days ago something happened, something that only you two could do! I have no idea why the goddess took your memory, but you¡¯re alive and that¡¯s the only thing that matters!?


    {We are powerful girls?} ¨C Both girls thought, perplexed. His emotions were quite natural, but his words¡­ It was pure nonsense!


    Before Le could express her disbelief again, Eve said timidly: ?May I have a mirror??


    ?Of course, my sunshine. Of course!? ¨C Kyon rummaged through his bottomless ring and pulled out the necessary thing.


    Eve took the mirror and looked at her reflection, surprised. She was so beautiful! The face seemed familiar to her, but she didn¡¯t expect to be so grown up. Eve thought it was her elder sister in the mirror.


    ?May I??


    ?Here.? ¨C Eve gave the mirror to her sister.


    When Le saw her reflection, she couldn¡¯t hold back an excited squeal: ?Hee-hee! I am so¡­ pretty! I am a miracle in the flesh! Just look at my face, eyes, nose! Hee-hee!? ¨C She briskly stood up in bed with bare feet, fire in her eyes, and pointed an using finger at Zosimos. ¨C ?I knew right away that you were up to something bad, tio! A beautiful girl like me can¡¯t be a daughter of a pot-bellied bald thug like you! Come on, tell me what you are up to! Are you going to take advantage of me?? ¨C She said in dismay, taking a step back.


    Kyon was confused. He didn¡¯t see iting: ?You are dearer to me than anything else in the world, my little pixie! Your words hurt my heart!?


    ?Le, you might be wrong¡­? ¨C Eve interrupted.


    ?Why so? Look at him! It is written all across his face that he is a bad tio! We could easily fit in his belly, both of us! What if he is a cannibal?! I don¡¯t want to be eaten up!? ¨C Suddenly, her stomach rumbled treacherously, making her blush.


    Eve shrugged her shoulders and turned pale.


    ?I¡¯m no cannibal, and I¡¯m not going to eat you. I could have done it while you were sleeping!?


    ?I knew it! You wanted to eat us!? ¨C Le shrieked, grabbed Eve by the hand and rushed out of the room, dodging from Zosimos. Freedom for beautiful girls!


    ?Le, wait! You got him wrong!? ¨C Eve yelled, but her sister was in the world of her own.


    The girls went downstairs and saw arge tavern. There were a dozen of tables like an impregnable barricade between them and the exit. Big scary men were sitting at each of them. Some were bearded or with gold teeth, some had an eye patch or a crutch.


    The music and voices in the hall instantly died down. Everyone stared at the two gorgeous girls with slender waists and delicate shoulders. Their innocent faces seemed to belong to a different world. The exquisite, skillfully tailored dresses matched perfectly their beauty. Two fairy stars descended into the mortal world!


    Some men got up and walked towards the girls: ?So beautiful!? ¡­ ?I¡¯ll take the one on the right!? ¡­ ?Goddesses! They are mine! My goddesses!? ¡­ ?How about going home with a kind uncle? I have puppies! And kittens! And many, many toys!?


    Eve squeaked softly and closed her eyes, hugging her sister tightly. Le tensed and trembled.


    ~bam~


    Suddenly, Zosimos kicked the nearest man from his feet. The others immediately attacked him with a loud roar, but he deftly dodged, ducked and knocked them all over. A fierce battle began.


    Eve opened her eyes and watched with Le their self-proimed father beat up the offenders. He was like a furious hog, scattering predators in all directions to protect his children.


    ?I will tear you all to pieces for my little ones!? ¨C Zosimos barked furiously, breaking into the crowd.


    {He is so strong!} ¨C Both girls thought with a feeling of great respect for the hefty man, probably their father. Theirrge eyes gleamed with indescribable emotion. He didn¡¯t seem bad anymore, only a little bit stern and intimidating.


    The people who Kyon was selflessly battering with his feet and fists were his subordinates, of course. It was the first scene of the staged performance called Caring Daddy.

 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376


    ?Go to your room, now!? ¨C Kyon ordered sternly.


    Eve and Le disappeared. Zosimos had beaten a dozen burly men! They did not dare to disobey him. They could not. They didn¡¯t want to.


    When Kyon returned to the room, he found the dazzlingly beautiful girls waiting for him on the bed. Their frightened nces followed him as he approached, kneeled before them and said with concern in his voice: ?Eve, Le, listen to me. The beauty you inherited from your mother is so irresistible that anyone who sees your faces, men in particr, wants to take you. They mightck the courage to take action, or they might be too noble for that, but you shouldn¡¯t take risks. The desire to get you might let their dark side out.?


    Lovr really meant it. Their inexplicable beauty could charm anyone, including women. Could the girls stand up for themselves? It was a whole different story. Anyway, the sisters considered themselves weak, which was only expected.


    ?Uhm¡­ Where is our mother?? ¨C Le asked.


    ?She¡­? ¨C Zosimos closed his eyes. ¨C ?Ten years ago, she went to heaven¡­ In the literal sense of the term. Your mother is a goddess, and she had duties in the upper world that she couldn¡¯t give up. The way to us is closed for her forever.?


    ?Our mom is a goddess?? ¨C She eximed.


    Now Eve and Le understood why they had such beautiful faces and unusual eyes.


    Kyon sat on the edge of the bed and began his story, staring into the distance: ?Goddess Lily was a wonder of wonders. I never thought that I could marry the one who ruled heaven. We met under very unusual circumstances¡­?


    While Lovr was telling them his cover story, he wondered if he should mention Synergy. What consequences might it have for him? Lovr assumed that he could always escape and made his decision. If worse came to worst, his incredible abilities wouldn¡¯t hurt. They would only increase the chances of his survival.


    ?Uhm¡­ How can I put this¡­ I wonder what she saw in you.? ¨C Le asked bluntly. ¨C ?I am sorry for being rude! It¡¯s just¡­ If I were a goddess, I would never have turned my noble head to a bald, pot-bellied man¡­ Ouch!? ¨C She covered her mouth with her hands, fearing that she had said too much, but daddy didn¡¯t get angry. He onlyughed in response.


    ?I used to be stronger and have more hair! But Lily was more interested in my incredible talent! My appearance, character, and other qualities came next¡­?


    ?What talent?? ¨C The girls asked in unison.


    Kyon put out his hand to let Synergy pour out. It transformed into a cube, then into a diamond, a ball, and finally, even a human being. The girls¡¯ eyes lit up with genuine curiosity and admiration as they silently watched the unimaginable scene.


    Anticipating Le¡¯s question, Lovr added: ?I can create anything, and it doesn¡¯t require any special concentration. I won your mother¡¯s heart with my imagination, passion, and creativity¡­ I staged shows for her, and not only that.?


    ?So devious!? ¨C Le praised him with respect.


    ?Can you show us our mum?? ¨C Eve asked timidly.


    ?Of course, honey!? ¨C Synergy created an image of a beautiful woman whose face had characteristic features of both girls. One eye glowed green, throbbed slightly dark red, which had to exin why the girls had different eyes.


    The girls talked animatedly, watching the bright image until Lovr closed his hand: ?I will show you something interestingter, sweethearts. How about having breakfast??


    ~grr~


    The girls¡¯ stomachs rumbled at the same time. They blushed up to their ears and nodded: ?I am hungry¡­? ¡­ ?I could eat an elephant!?


    ?Then wait for me here and not a step outside!? ¨C Zosimos warned them sternly.


    ?Yeah!? ¡­ ?Sure!?


    When he left, Le looked outside to make sure he was gone. Then she came up to Eve and asked her bluntly: ?Why do you think he is our father??


    Eve put out a fist: ?I have several reasons to trust him¡­? ¨C She held up a finger. ¨C ?We both resemble him a bit, which wouldn¡¯t happen if he were a stranger, or at least, not both of us at once.? ¨C She held up a second finger. ¨C ?The story of how our parents met sounds real. It all adds up if we are goddess¡¯s kids! Our beauty, our eyes, and the power he once mentioned¡­? ¨C She held up a third finger. ¨C ?He is quite sincere. Either he¡¯s a good actor, or he is really our father. I will never forget that he protected us.? ¨C She held up a fourth finger. ¨C ?Look at yourself. You are clean and tidy. Your dress is beautiful and your wounds have been treated! It means that he took care of us while we were unconscious. He saw us naked but didn¡¯t do any bad things! Considering how beautiful we are, I don¡¯t doubt that he is a good man¡­ otherwise, he would not have resisted his dirty nature like those men downstairs.?


    {Clever girl!} ¨C Kyon, who was eavesdropping their conversation through the formations on their foreheads, was moved.


    ?And still¡­? ¨C Le winced sceptically. ¨C ?I have a feeling¡­ My heart tells me that I have no father and never had! I want to believe my heart¡­?


    ?I have the same feeling!? ¨C Eve eximed, raising her eyebrows.


    ?Really? You see!? ¨C Le smiled, taking her sister¡¯s hands in hers.


    ?But¡­ There¡¯s nothing we can do even if we¡¯re wrong. Two beautiful girls who have lost their memory¡­ What can we do even if he is not our father? Let him be our guardian! Let¡¯s pretend that we consider him our daddy. If he does anything bad, then¡­ then we¡¯lle up with something. We can run away, for example. Okay??


    ?You are cleverer than I thought!? ¨C Le smiled, stroking her sister¡¯s head. ¨C ?I¡¯ll call you my little sister. You will be the voice of reason! Okay?? ¨C She held out her hand for a handshake.


    Eve was embarrassed. She knew that they were the same age, but she could not say no. Le and her looked quite mature in her opinion, but Eve did not want to argue, not in this situation: ?I agree.? ¨C She muttered, shaking hands with Le. Eve was not as bold and straightforward as Le, but she was sensible and reasonable. They perfectlyplemented each other.


    Soon Zosimus entered the room with arge tray full of sweet and salty treats: ?Enjoy, my precious ones! You must be hungry after everything you¡¯ve been through¡­?


    ?We¡¯re starving.? ¨C Eve nodded and grabbed her fork and knife. She couldn¡¯t understand why she used utensils like a nobledy.


    ?Bon appetit!? ¨C Le unceremoniously started to eat.


    Kyon concluded that Eve was a shy girl, possibly afraid of men. During the meal, she constantly nced at him sideways, ready for any attack. Anyway, she was calm and rational. As for Le, she lived up to her pixie looks. She meant trouble, brave, stubborn, straightforward, mean, living in her own world¡­ Patience, Lovr, patience.


    As soon as her hunger was sated, Le jumped onto the bed and said proudly, crossing her legs: ?You should treat me like a goddess, tio, if you are my father, which I am not sure! Your daughter is the most beautiful girl ever! You won¡¯t find anyone like me in the whole world! Am I right??


    {Not by a long sight.} ¨C Kyon could hardly hold back from snapping.


    Eve bit her lips in frustration. She was no less beautiful than her sister, but she was too modest to say it out loud.


    Lovr took Le¡¯s tender hand and kissed it gently: ?Queen of my life, I swear to faithfully take care of you, even if I am dying!? ¨C He held out his hand to Eve to repeat the ¡°oath, but she turned her head and walked two steps away. He didn¡¯t insist.


    ?Well, your oath doesn¡¯t sound convincing, but it will do!? ¨C Le nodded condescendingly.


    ~knock-knock~


    ?The doctor came to see you!? ¨C Zosimos eximed happily.


    ?The doctor?? ¨C Eve repeated, afraid.


    Kyon opened the door, and a woman in white coat entered the room ¨C another undercover subordinate of his. Eve visibly rxed, which once again suggested an idea that she was afraid of men.


    ?They are awake! Great!? ¨C The doctor was in her early thirties. As she approached her patients, the girls could smell herbs and medicine. ¨C ?How do you feel, darlings??


    ?Not bad.? ¡­ ?It could be better!?


    ?They have lost memory and act childish¡­? ¨C Zosimos stated sadly.


    ?Hmmm¡­? ¨C The doctor took out a shlight with a lighting crystal inside and shone it into her patients¡¯ eyes. ¨C ?I¡¯ve never happened to treat anything like this. Total dissociative amnesia with age-rted changes¡­?


    ?When is it over, doctor?? ¨C Le asked directly.


    ?Maybe in a week, maybe in a mother, or maybe never!?


    ?Uhm¡­? ¨C Le looked disappointed, and Eve cast her eyes down, sorrowful.


    ?Any brain injury is unpredictable, and there¡¯s no universal cure for their numerous consequences.?


    ?How can we speed up their recovery?? ¨C Zosimos sounded genuinely concerned.


    ?I can only rmend that they keep a consistent sleep schedule, take it easy and eat more fish. That is the extent of my knowledge.? ¨C The doctor shrugged.


    The girls looked helplessly at each other.


    ?Don¡¯t worry, girls. You have nothing to be afraid of with a father like yours.? ¨C She came nearer to the girls and whispered. ¨C ?Between you and me, everyone wants to be a child again! You¡¯re lucky!?


    ?What do you know about our situation? We couldn¡¯t care less about your prehistoric notions, tia!? ¨C Le snarled.


    The doctor cleared her throat: ?Let me tend to your wounds. Get undressed.?


    The girls tensed and stared at their father.


    Eve hid behind her sister¡¯s back, and Le tilted her head in surprise: ?What are you staring at? Do you want to admire the naked goddesses, bold hog? In your dreams! Get out of here!? ¨C She screamed, pointing at the door.


    Kyon was about to roll his eyes, but then he smiled: ?As you say, honey.?


    When the door mmed shut behind him, the girls had the courage to undress. The doctor took off their bandages and examined the patients. She listened to their hearts and breath sounds. Then she took out a syringe and said: ?The injuries have healed, but your bodies have not fully recovered yet. Some vitamin injections will do you good.?


    ?§¡-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñh!? ¨C Eve squealed at the sight of the needle.


    ?Whoa¡­ Old crone¡­? ¨C Le mumbled, retreating.


    ~§Ò§Ñ§Þ~


    ?What¡¯s all the noise?? ¨C Zosimos burst into the room.


    ?I just wanted to inject some vitamins¡­? ¨C The doctor mumbled.


    ?You want our blood, old hag?? ¨C Le yelled usingly.


    ?No injections! The girls don¡¯t like them!? ¨C Zosimos took the doctor by the hand and led her outside.


    When Lovr came back, the girls were already dressed. Their eyes were full of resentment and gratitude at once.


    ?Did you see everything?? ¨C Le hissed unkindly.


    ?Uhm¡­? ¨C Kyon shrugged. ¨C ?So what??


    ?Then you must take full responsibility!?


    ?For what?? ¨C Lovr seemed not to understand.


    Le and Eve looked at each other, perplexed.


    ?I don¡¯t know. For anything¡­? ¨C Le blushed, feeling like a fool. She always acted on emotional outbursts, but now that her memory was gone she had nothing to say.


    ?I am your father, my love! I am responsible for everything. I will do anything for you. I will fulfill your every whim, your every desire within reasonable limits, of course. I only want one thing in return: your obedience. Is it clear??


    ?I will try.? ¨C Le grumbled. ¨C ?But I don¡¯t promise anything!? ¨C She added hastily.


    ?I will obey you, father. Thank you for taking our side. And thank you for saving us from those bad men downstairs.? ¨C Eve said quietly.


    Kyon was feeling a hero, even if this whole injection scene, as well as the fight in the tavern, had been thoroughly staged: ?I will move the world for you. Take some rest and then we hit the road.?


    ?Where to?? ¨C They asked in unison.


    ?We¡¯re going to Athens for a day and then to the capital city of Dantes!? ¨C Zosimos announced solemnly.


    The girls pped their hands in excitement.

 Chapter 377

    Chapter 377


    Mno, the capital of Athens (1). The Royal Pce.


    In the centre of a luxurious hall, a slender girl was sitting cross-legged in the leather armchair. Her name was Haya Feruz, the first princess and the first genius of the kingdom. Her spy entered the hall, kneeled before the princess and greeted her: ?Your Highness!?


    Haya ordered him coldly: ?Tell me!?


    ?We have been following Dick Baker under your orders. Something extraordinary happened five days ago¡­? ¨C He told the princess the details of Dick Baker¡¯s fight with Cernos students, how he killed Prince Charles and defeated a girl in the lord phase. The next day he disappeared from Cernos and became a legend.


    The longer Haya listened to him, the gloomier became her face: ?All this is pure nonsense. No one in their right mind would believe that. Cernos must be getting attention again to increase the authority. But I trust my spy who vowed to tell the truth and nothing but truth.?


    *a silent pause*


    Haya did not know what to think. Dick Baker must have staged a grandiose show to carve his name in the students¡¯ hearts and be famous throughout Rosarrio. However, he did not take into ount the green night and the rainbow sun. The tall tales about Dick Baker would be quickly forgotten against the backdrop of these significant events that almost everyone in the entire empire had seen.


    ?You¡¯re free to go.? ¨C Haya said and headed for the training building. Over the past nine months, her blond hubby had been catching up with her by leaps and bounds. If everything continued like this, she would soon be weaker than him and would have to let Franz marry Marina and Julia, as well as keeping her words: ?I will even let you sleep with me if you ever defeat me! But this will never happen, believe me.?


    ¡­


    A beautiful horse was racing through forests and fields, carrying three riders: two dazzlingly beautiful girls and a pot-bellied man.


    Kyon was surprised how quickly Eve and Le got used to high speed. However, it could be exined by their excessive cultivation. The speed of their reaction was also many times faster than that of ordinary people.


    ?Remind me, daddy, why you¡¯re sitting behind us.? ¨C The pixie cried out, trying to shout above the deafening wind.


    {Because you might break my spine with your arms if I¡¯m sitting in front of you.} ¨C Kyon thought but said the following. ¨C ?You¡¯ve always loved sitting in front of me.?


    ?Something tells me that you just like hugging your beautiful daughter! I¡¯m right? Tell me!?


    ?Honey, we still have a long way to go. You will understand soon why you¡¯ve always liked to sit in the front.? ¨C Zosimos said with indescribable love and patience.


    ?Don¡¯t give me that, humbug.?


    {Smug skunk.} ¨C Kyon spat to himself but said nothing, just held the bridle tighter.


    Half an hourter, Le fell asleep, leaning on daddy¡¯s soft belly and wide chest. Her sister followed her lead soon. Kyon had to hug them. Eve would freak out if she found out that a man was touching her.


    The evening hade.


    The girls woke up in the stable.


    ?Are we already there?? ¨C Le asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes.


    ?We are in Mno, the capital of Athens.? ¨C Zosimos announced.


    ?Wow! I want to go sightseeing! I want to visit museums!? ¨C Eve demanded, getting off the mount.


    ?To hell with boring museums! Take us to the toy store! Daddy, your gorgeous daughter wants to go to the toy store! Oh no, I take my words back. I want a cake! A chocte cake! Yippee!? ¨C The mere thought of chocte cake made Le squeal like a puppy.


    ?My sweet ones, daddy has a lot of things to do. Tomorrow morning, we are leaving for Dantes, the capital of the empire! There you will find museums, toy stores, and whatnot!?


    His words got stuck in Le¡¯s throat: ?Are you saying that we will sit in our room and¡­?


    ?Read books!? ¨C Eve suggested with enthusiasm.


    Le looked at her sister as if she were a leper.


    ?You will watch cartoons.? ¨C Zosimos smiled.


    ?Cartoons?? ¨C The sisters didn¡¯t understand.


    Soon, Kyon rented a room and brought the daughters there. He sat them on the sofa, took out some treats from the ring and a nephrite with a formation that teleported Synergy. Liquid light flowed out of it, forming a screen.


    ?Enjoy the show, girls! If you don¡¯t like anything, just say it, and the cartoon will change. When the screen goes out, go to bed. All right??


    ?All right¡­? ¨C Eve and Le mumbled, staring at the screen.


    Kyon intended not only to keep the girls busy with cartoons and films, he was going to bring them up like his own children. It would certainly take some time.


    Love left the hotel and went directly to the pce, changing his appearance on the way. It wasn¡¯t so difficult to get inside unnoticed, having ess to the crown prince. He got to the top floor and found himself in a spacious hall where he met two young people: Franz and Marina.


    ?Oh, Kyon! I¡¯ve missed you!? ¨C The stunningly beautiful girl fell into his arms.


    ?My dear Marina¡­? ¨C Lovr hugged his friend tight. Beautiful moment, do not pass away!


    While the two hugged, Franz came up to them and coughed dryly: ?Greetings¡­?


    Kyon gave the first prince of Athens a pill that would supposedly maintain his youth and brushed him off: ?Leave us for half an hour.?


    Unsessfully trying to suppress a bitter attack of jealousy, Franz went to the sitting room. He had nothing against his master. TsiJi¡¯s student had given him a new eventful life full of pce intrigues.


    Kyon learned a lot from his half-hour conversation with Marina. To cut it short, her present life was full of positive moments, but sometimes it was tainted with negative feelings, mostly jealousy. She worked hard on herself studying and training every day for many hours, all this to have a special ce in her beloved Franz¡¯s heart. Marina was jealous of Julia and even of Princess Haya, but she was well aware that she was more important to Franz than the two rivals together.


    His n to link Marina¡¯s and Flitz¡¯s destinies proved to be effective. This couple hade a long way, pretty thorny at times, but now they lived happily together, and Marina¡¯s happiness was the most important thing for Kyon.


    Kyon hugged Marina goodbye, giving her a little gift to boost her cultivation many times over. Then he invited Franz in, firmly shook his hand and patted him on the shoulder: ?What¡¯s up, buddy? What do you think of your life in the pce??


    They had recently talked on the sound transmitter, so there was no point in formal greetings. Franz smiled, lit his pipe, sat with his legs wide apart, and began his story: ?Being a crown prince turned out to be much more fun than I had expected! I¡¯ve made some connections and trustworthy friends. As for the untrustworthy, I told them to fuck off and got rid of some assholes who were ruining my life. Thedies-in-waiting kept making eyes at me. When I first met the king, he had nothing but contempt for me and denied his daughter¡¯s decision to marry me, but Haya was more persistent than her father¡­ As a result, my father-inw and I have daily talks over Emburgh whisky and Eden tobo!?


    ?You¡¯ve made friends with the king? I am impressed.? ¨C Kyon said even if he had already known about it.


    ?Of course you are! And it¡¯s not because of my unrivaled talent. It all came down to my life experience. What would I do without it? The king has his worldview, and I have mine. We always have something to talk about¡­?


    After talking about pce life, Kyon asked: ?What¡¯s up with Julia??


    ?She has be more obedient. Well, she has always been obedient because of the formation¡­ But now I can tell it¡¯s for real. She is caring and affectionate. Julia must have fallen in love with me, but I am not sure. I¡¯ll have to set up a soundproof barrier soon, or Haya, who sleeps in the next room, will die of jealousy. Ha-ha-he! By the way, Julia¡¯s grandpa has somehow found his granddaughter¡­?


    ?And taken her away?? ¨C Kyon eximed.


    ?He couldn¡¯t. It would have been a different story if I had not joined the royal family¡­ My red-haired lioness would have been set free, but does she need her freedom? Where will she go? Julia is my woman. Besides, she¡¯s almost free¡­ I practice a policy of least restraint. She does whatever she wants to. However, I can still feel her hatred, albeit not as strong as it used to be.?


    When Lovr learned all the details from Franz¡¯s life, he concluded that there was nothing to worry about. Still, he warned the crown prince: ?Be careful with Julia. She might hit your weakest spot in revenge as soon as she gets the chance. Keep Marina away from her.?


    ?I get it. I am no fool.? ¨C Franz said dryly.


    ?Great. Let¡¯s get down to business. Did you follow my instructions??


    Franz turned suddenly serious: ?I¡¯ve been spending day after day in the treasury, pretending to study the heritage descriptions, just as you ordered me. I¡¯ve made friends with the guards and learned their schedule. They let me in without checking the formation and don¡¯t mind the absence of the mandatory escort. They trust mepletely!?


    Kyon held out his hand and immediately received the ring. He looked inside and gave a pleased nod. The entire Feruz¡¯s legacy had been copied! Selling it would be risky and unprofitable, though. There was no original staff created by the master but only a copy that was impossible to duplicate due to world restrictions. Anyway, Kyon was interested in something else: he needed the legacy to create more advanced techniques of concealment, treatment, as well as cloning to achieve teleportation.


    ?Great job. So, we proceed as follows¡­? ¨C Lovr recalled the n of action or, rather, outlined a new one, based on the additional information he had just received.


    Franz nodded and then asked anxiously: ?Have you made any contingency ns??


    ?I repeat, you will have an alibi. Deny all charges. y dumb. Take your stand. Your life will get better in a month or two when everything settles down. I will save Marina and Julia if anything goes wrong.?


    Franz heaved a sigh of relief: ?That¡¯s what I wanted to hear.? ¨C He hastened to add. ¨C ?By the way, what about healing my semen? If the operation is sessful, I¡­?


    ?No way.? ¨C Kyon said firmly. ¨C ?You haven¡¯t served me for ten years yet.?


    ?With your powerful master, you could rob¡­?


    ?My powerful master thinks that the student must be independent. This conversation is over.?


    ¡­


    Late in the evening. The Royal Pce. The entrance to the treasury located in the basement.


    A handsome young man approached the two guards.


    ?Your highness, crown prince Franz!? ¨C One of the guards greeted Franz, taking a bow.


    A secondter, the three of them burst intoughter.


    ?I forgot when youst greeted me like this, Pete!? ¨C The crown prince said cheerfully.


    ?You¡¯ve spoiled me! Ha-ha! What have you been up to??


    ?Same old, same old. I¡¯ve been trying to find a decent technique to prove myself in the tournaments of my generation. I have nothing to show so far¡­?


    ?Choosing the right technique is crucial. It¡¯s for life, after all. Try the Rock Crushing Mountain Stream Fist! It will be perfect for your water and light elements. My son defeats opponents two stages stronger with it¡¯s help!?


    ?Thanks for the tip, Pete.? ¨C Franz said, holding out his wrist casually.


    After the required formation check, he went inside and ran out three secondster with the words: ?Shit! I¡¯ll be back soon!?


    A few minutester, Franz returned to the treasury and grunted grimly: ?False rm. I thought Haya was calling me to her room because she was finally ready, but no. Nothing has changed. She only gave me false hope.?


    ?Still ying hard to get?? ¨C The guard grinned slyly.


    ?She is. Well, never mind. I will catch up with her soon, and then the Rock Crushing Mountain Stream Fist will pin her to the ground, and I will get to her¡­ Well, you understand.? ¨C The prince smiled, patting Pete on the shoulder, and slipped inside the treasury without the formation check of the formation or the escort. The guards had long known and trusted the crown prince.


    ?I hope my advice will help you!? ¨C The guard shouted after him.


    It was Kyon, of course, in disguise. His n had worked! Changing personality, smell, bracelet, and even faking the soul¡­ Franz had made friends with the guards for a reason. Once, he ¡°identally¡± told them about his disastrous rtions with Haya to create a diversion. As for Franz, he had an indestructible alibi: he was talking with his majesty the king!

 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378


    The royal treasury of the first kingdom in the Rosarrian empire was impressive in its size and grandeur. Almost all the wealth of the country was kept here. Every day, redited authorities with trusted escort visit this ce, among them ountants, craftsmen, alchemists, formacists and even enchanters, but now,te at night, there was only one person in the treasury ¨C Kyon in the guise of Franz, the crown prince-.


    The treasury consisted of three levels. The first level was full of different valuable formations: attacking ones, defensive ones, tournament formations, formations for specific functions, and many others. Various medicines were arranged in even rows on the second level, including enzymes, unique body pills, many tons of different herbs, some keys and spheres. The second level was also called the resource department. The third level was of particr importance from any family¡¯s point of view because it usually contained the family heritage: techniques (that required a high-ranking family formation), including movement techniques and those that established a connection with the spirit, alchemy and formacy instructions, and much more. Everything was kept in the original form, created by family masters¡­ The family heritage was the reason the Feruzs flourished. The other two levels werepletely renewed every 10-30 years.


    There was a protective level before the third one that denied ess to anyone without a special formation. It meant that Kyon wouldn¡¯t get there even if he wanted to, but he didn¡¯t want to because Franz had already provided him with the copies.


    First, Lovr went to the second level of the treasury with a greedy gleam in his eyes. He found tons of medicine and other resources¡­ Without hesitation, he set about piging countless shelves, bags, chests and cupboards. His body of the void regarded certain herbs as low-grade and did not take them as food. He left those on the shelf, the rest he ced in the ring. Lovr had no problems with storage space with spatial rings he had created himself.


    In just ten minutes, he had taken whatever he found useful. By Kyon¡¯s rough estimates, he had just be about ten times richer! He had 800 stolen million spheres alone. Together with his 200 million spheres, it was a whole billion! The Stones would have saved this amount of money for hundreds of years. He could buy a small city!


    As for the keys (the ones that were obtained from beasts and demons), there were quite a few of them. The failure of Athens in the forest tournament wasn¡¯t the only reason. This resource was always in short supply because it was required for enchantment and alchemy.


    Kyon was a bit disappointed as he climbed to the first level of the treasury. He quickly shoved all the formations into rings and left the basement. As he went outside, he gave Pete and another guard a ring (blocked with a timing formation) as a token of gratitude for the rmended Rock Crushing Mountain Stream Fist. Then he left the pce as if nothing had happened. He could not have used the teleportation trigram to get to the treasury with little risk because it had a barrier that blocked this opportunity. Anyway, an advanced teleportation trigram wasn¡¯t powerful enough to escape. There was no point in even trying.


    Lovr returned to the hotel room and found his girls cuddling on the sofa, fast asleep. They resembled two kittens so cute and adorable that it took his breath away. It was impossible not to kiss them on the cheeks. Le¡¯s mouth was smeared with chocte.


    Kyon entered an empty room, set up a barrier to block the signal transmission (he put up the same barrier on Juno¡¯s wrist when he stole her from the guards and enved her a second time). Then he began to study thousands of stolen formations.


    First, Kyon sorted the attacking and defensive formations in different rings, throwing away those that weren¡¯t worth anything. However, one formation piqued his interest. Judging by the description, the Annihtor could deactivate formations created even by emperor phasers.


    If he ordered a formation like this in the Golden Pig guild, they would hardly find a formacist who could create it. It was a curious and unique thing that mighte in handy.


    Lovr suddenly remembered that he still had da¡¯s subjugating formation on his forehead, which he could remove with Synergy only in a couple of months. It wasn¡¯t worth it. However, he could remove it with this formation! Or he could teleport it outside with a piece of his brain! Anyway, it could stay where it is. He would take care of it next time.


    After sorting out all the formations, Kyon ced a whole bunch of keys into a huge bag. He needed them to cast the superior grade of strength enchant on his soul (and therefore his body) that would make him five stages stronger. Kyon knew the exact cost of the enchantment, so it was not difficult for him to calcte that he needed to rob about 20 treasures like this to aplish his goal!


    {Damn it¡­ I was expecting more.} ¨C Lovr thought bitterly. The keys he had stolen were enough only for 5% of the superior enchant! Soul enchantment didn¡¯te cheap. He had to find a good bargain. If he exchanged his billion spheres for keys, he would have about 15% of the required amount, which meant that he needed to get somewhere another 9 billion spheres and acquire the superior grade of ether! Five stages strength was a significant upgrade. It was certainly worth it.


    Kyon put the keys away and took out several tons of medicine. He selected some that mighte in handy and ordered the body of the void to absorb the rest. The herbs and the pills in the room began to wither and turn into dust. The microscopic elements rushed to his keys and then into his soul. Kyon didn¡¯t expect that the power (and hence the radius) of absorption had increased so much since his body hadpleted the 2nd stage!


    The medicine worth almost a billion spheres had filled its core with elements by about half a percent! The first kingdom of Rosarrio had been collecting the herbs and making the pills for decades, and all that for¡­ almost nothing. His voracious body of the void was spinning out of control! There is no point in even trying to fill it up until he became the emperor of Rosarrio! And it was only the third stage out of the nned six.


    At the moment, Kyon had a total of 1 billion spheres (all his avable money), keys for 5% of enchantment, a lot of different formations, a heap of various medicine and a whole bunch of all sorts of things that he had umted even before the robbery.


    Anyway, Lovr was pleased with his long-term venture of marrying Franz to Haya Feruz. His n had paid off. He would not have been able to rob the Feruzs¡¯ treasury and study their heritage otherwise. With the help of the Stones¡¯, the Grands¡¯ and the Feruzs¡¯ heritage, he would create a super-quality concealment, treatment, and teleportation technique.


    What did the Feruzs go wrong to make Lovr rob them so diligently and mercilessly? It wasn¡¯t only because Princess Haya, the heiress to the throne, once ordered her knight to kill him. The real reason was simple. They were idental victims on Kyon¡¯s way to bing stronger. Anyway, the Feruzs weren¡¯t going to go bankrupt. ording to Franz, the royal family had reserve funds (which was only logical), so they wouldn¡¯t be drowning in debt until the next tax collection. They hadn¡¯t lost their heritage, the fundamental pir of any family, and it was the only thing that mattered. In Kyon¡¯s opinion, the economic copse and theck of resources for the youth was just insignificant temporary sacrifice. The day he gained power, Kyon would pay back his ¡°little¡± debt with a high interest rate. In the worst-case scenario, i.e., if he died, his debt wouldn¡¯t matter to him anymore. No life, no worries. He wouldn¡¯t win the bid he ce on the Feruzs in that case.


    ¡­


    Half an hour after Franz left, the ess to the crown prince¡¯s gift was finally open. The guards looked inside the ring and found two bags with a million spheres each and one single nephrite with a visual formation that showed the crown prince seated in the armchair, his fingers intertwined. He said that the guards had 2 choices: they could disperse the family formations to avoid being tracked down and run away with their families, or they could take responsibility and get executed. As he said this, ¡°Franz¡± took off the mask, revealing apletely unfamiliar face and added that he had ransacked the treasury half an hour before.


    The shocked guards rushed into the treasury with eyes wide open and ascertained the truth. Everything was lost! They were done! They had let the impostor inside without checking the formation! He didn¡¯t even have an escort, although even the prince should have one ording to the charter! They were in for torture and execution! There was no doubt about that!


    ?Pete, I don¡¯t know about you, but I want to live! It¡¯s stillte at night, and we have two hours before the shift changes! If we run away, we will have a chance to save our lives and our families! I don¡¯t want to dier!? ¨C The deathly-pale guard said in a trembling voice.


    The other guard hesitated, then nodded reluctantly: ?The noble thief gave us a chance¡­ To hell with my pride, dignity, honor, oath! My son shouldn¡¯t die because of my mistake! And you shouldn¡¯t either! We are leaving.?


    ?Goodbye, my friend! Thank you for everything!? ¨C They shook hands and left their posts. The guards were powerful royal phasers entrusted with protecting the treasury. It was not difficult for them to leave the pce unnoticed.


    Thus, Kyon had given the guards a chance to avoid the fate of idental victims on his way. It cost him nothing to make a formation and give them two million spheres.


    ¡­


    Literally two hourster, the ck level rm went off. In a matter of minutes, the entire pce was turned upside down. By the evening, almost every Mner would have heard that the Feruzovs¡¯ treasury had been robbed, and in two or three days, the whole empire would know! This news would be even more shocking than the rainbow sun! No royal treasury had ever been robbed in the whole empire, although there were attempts. The incident with the demons in the Iron Throne didn¡¯t count.


    Princess Haya was utterly appalled to hear the news, but even more, she was worried about her father¡¯s health. The king looked like an ashen corpse with an absent soul. The family¡¯s savings umted for decades had been stolen overnight! A war with demons would be better than this shame and horror! Only the thought that their heritage hadn¡¯t been touched helped him escape a heart attack. Their family would continue to exist, albeit with an indelible stain of shame on their reputation.


    The investigation began. First, they suspected the guards as they were absent from their post, which was simply unthinkable for such a responsible position. How could those who belonged to the family and took vows to serve all their lives faithfully conspire to rob the treasury and escape? It was unheard of! Moreover, the guards were forbidden to meet at their time off, all their conversations were recorded and analyzed to exclude even the slightest possibility of collusion!


    There was no way to contact the missing guards. Theirst conversation before dispelling the family formation made it clear that the suspects had fled with their families to save their lives from imminent execution for negligence.


    After checking the visual formations inside the treasury, experienced investigators fell into a stupor: the crown prince turned out to be the robber! Later, Franz did not even resist his arrest, showing the highest degree of surprise.


    Franz admitted having entered the treasury when he suddenly felt the need to go to the restroom, after which he decided to talk to his father-inw. One call to the king confirmed this information and gave the prince a watertight alibi. It wasn¡¯t him! The high-ranking family members¡¯ database confirmed that the prince did not spend even a minute in the treasury. Then another piece of evidence came up: someone had mixed a powerfulxative into Franz¡¯s whiskey, which was brought to him just before he went to the treasury! When he was with the king, he drank, of course, father-inw¡¯s whiskey.


    As a result, the investigators had the following picture of the crime: an unknown thief had found out that Franz visited the treasury once a week being on friendly terms with the guards. He addedxative into Franz¡¯s whiskey but did not take into ount the prince¡¯s poison resistant unique body. The king and princess Haya confirmed this information. They had seen prince Franz take three daily doses of enzymes at a time without consequences (due to his upgraded nervous system). If the crown prince had not changed his mind about going to the treasury after the restroom, the thief¡¯s n wouldn¡¯t have worked out, but fate was not on the Feruzs¡¯ side.


    Moreover, the thief had for some reason saved the guards from the consequences of their negligence.


    The investigators put forward other versions, but all of them didn¡¯t add up. The evidence was irrefutable. The facts were obvious. The logic was simple and clear. Franz was beyond reproach. Someone had nned everything well! Someone with ess to the Royal Pce. In the end, the investigation came to a standstill.


    The green night, the rainbow sun, and now the royal treasury robbery! The third big event thundered throughout the empire. Everyone was afraid that the peace thatsted only nine years after the world war hade to an end. Fortunately, the information about the invasion of 33 demons into the empire had been ssified.


    There was the only weak spot in Kyon¡¯s n: they could have given Franz a subjugating formation and thoroughly interrogated him. However, the chance of this turn of events was less than 1%. This humiliating method would be used against the crown prince only when absolutely necessary.


    ¡­


    ~ clip-clop, clip-clop ~ ¡­


    A horse with three passengers was rushing towards the capital of the empire. Two dazzlingly beautiful girls were sitting in the front while a pot-bellied man was holding the bridle.


    ?Car¡­ Car¡­ CARTOONS!? ¨C Le screamed and covered her mouth with her hand. She couldn¡¯t help it.


    ?I¡¯ve told you again and again, I will tend to your every whim and as long as I can do it, and I want only one thing in exchange: your obedience! There will be no cartoons and cakes until tomorrow night after your recent tantrum when you started trashing the room! If you keep asking for them, you won¡¯t get anything for another three days!? ¨C Zosimos¡¯ voice held an unusually steely quality.


    Le said, her eyes filled with tears: ?But¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to! I was trying to get what I deserve! You can¡¯t be so ruthless and ignore the request of a gorgeous cutie like me!?


    Kyon was a kind but adamant daddy: ?I had told you in advance that we were leaving for Dantes in the morning, but your selfish request dyed our departure for an hour! Look at your sister. You will have cartoons and cakes if you are as obedient and nice as she is.?


    Eve was quite embarrassed to hear that, but she pursed her lips in a pleased smile. It felt so good to be a role model for her capricious ¡°elder¡± sister.


    ?I¡­ I will try¡­? ¨C Le mumbled quietly. Something told her that she should get whatever she wanted. It was thew. It had been this way before she lost memory. However, Zosimos was inexorable! And he dared to call himself her father? It was highly doubtful! The blow to her self-esteem was unbearably painful.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t going to give up. He understood that children grow up to be capricious if their brazen behavior pattern seeds. If he let Lel get what she wanted through tantrums, sooner orter, it would be a habit. It would also affect Eve, who would never act like this by virtue of her character. There would beplete chaos.


    And yet, Kyon didn¡¯t intend to treat his ¡°daughters¡± as Triana in the sense that they had to earn it first (like earning points). He wanted to turn their lives into a fairy tale, but their disobedience would turn it into a dull reality.

 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379


    It was about six in the evening.


    Three riders on a mount overcame arge hill and saw something unimaginable and breathtaking far ahead.


    ?It¡¯s Dantes, girls. The capital of Rosarrio!? ¨C Zosimos announced solemnly.


    ?So beautiful!? ¨C Eve was amazed at the sight.


    ?Wow!? ¨C Le eximed enthusiastically.


    The gigantic city stretched from horizon to horizon, surrounded by thick fifty-meter walls and a wide moat filled with water. The capital looked especially impressive now when millions of bright lights contrasted with the cloudy evening sky. Next to this pearl of the empire, Boston looked like a stray skinny dog ??next to a king¡¯s elephant.


    Kyon decided to give the girls a brief outline: ?Many people call Dantes a zeroth rank kingdom because all the wealth, power and strength of the empire is concentrated here. This city alone surpasses the other seven kingdomsbined! The families living within its walls have tremendous influence throughout the empire, among them the first three: the Valentines, the Clintons and the Hunters. You¡¯d better not cross their path. They are head and shoulders above the Feruzs. However, the Russells rule over them all. It¡¯s the imperial family, headed by Lanatelle, the bloody Empress of Rosarrio.?


    ?What is she bloody?? ¨C Eve asked anxiously.


    ?Because Lanatelle is a tyrant. Her methods are brutal, she is adamant and neverpromises. Anyone who crossed her path or disobeyed her order signed their death warrant. The Empress haspletely changed the empire in one hundred and fifty years of reign, raising it from the seventh to the sixth rank. It¡¯s a huge achievement as the ranks of empires stand as far from each other as heaven and earth.? ¨C Kyon exaggerated a bit to make a point.


    ?Rank this, rank that¡­ What is a rank?? ¨C Le asked.


    ?Rank is a numerical indicator of the family¡¯s, country¡¯s, or even empire¡¯s power. No authority without power. No power without money. No money without authority. The threeponents corrte with each other and determine greatness and rank.? ¨C Kon said and pulled on the reins.


    ?How can ranks be obtained?? ¨C Le went on asking questions.


    ?In tournaments between families, between kingdoms and even between empires. The family with stronger and more talented representatives will take a higher rank. This world is full ofpetition for the higher rank, influence, wealth and, subsequently, power. Luck is also an important factor because the family might lose their high rank at the tournament without young talents. The powers that be are usually stronger than their lower-status counterparts. However, the royal family does not participate in family tournaments because they are one level higher. The same is true for the imperial family. By the way, no rebellion is possible because the royal and imperial families are head and shoulders above their subordinates.?


    ?Can royal families ever be overthrown?? ¨C Eve interrupted.


    ?It¡¯s possible. But it takes decades of decline until someone dares to challenge the royal family and takes their cushy ce. The change of the royal family is a phenomenal event that has happened only three times in this era. As for the imperial family, it has never been overthrown. Any imperial family has a strong hold on power. It is so powerful that even families close to her, like the Clintons and the Hunters, are superior to the royal ones. As you see, this world is rigidly hierarchical, my little ones.?


    ?Oh gods! Why is it soplicated! I get it, but does it have to be soplicated?? ¨C Leined out loud.


    ?What is our family name, father?? ¨C Eve asked.


    Kyon froze for a second then shook his head sadly: ?We have no family name.?


    ?How is that?? ¨C Le protested. This fact had hurt her pride.


    ?I am an ordinary person with no family name, and the goddesses are forbidden to have a family. That¡¯s why Lily left. To keep us safe.? ¨C Zosimos said with tears in his eyes.


    The girls fell into stunned silence.


    ?Please be careful, my sweet ones. As we have no family name or status, the noble may consider it as weakness and take advantage of us. Try and avoid problems rather than to solve them by force.?


    ?What are you talking about?? ¨C Le winced. ¨C ?You keep saying that we are strong, but I see nothing of the kind! How does our power manifest itself? I don¡¯t think that I can kick anyone¡¯s ass! I can only enchant them with my beauty¡­ It¡¯s a snap¡­?


    ?We¡¯ll have a training session these days, and I will show you everything.?


    When the travelers approached Dantes, Eve eximed in amazement: ?What beautiful birds! I want to fly on them around the city and see the sights!?


    ?We can¡¯t fly on them in the city.? ¨C Zosimos replied. ¨C ?No one would want to get droppings the size of a watermelon on their heads. Large birds disturb the peace of the city, so it¡¯s forbidden to ride them unless it¡¯s a rare exception.?


    ?I don¡¯t mind flying outside the city¡­? ¨C Eve said modestly, tapping her fingers on her knee.


    ?You will, but now put on your veils.? ¨C Kyon ordered the girls, and they obeyed.


    A mount with three riders turned from the deserted path onto a wide road with thousands of people passing them: residents, merchants, travelers, hunters, herbalists and many others. It led to one of the many entrances to the city.


    As they mingled with the flow, Kyon said quietly to the girls: ?The customs in Dantes is considered the strictest in the empire. It¡¯s almost impossible to get inside without a pass, and you need to register to get it. There are three types of registration: for the noble, that is, for those who have a certain position in the family; for a legal entity, that is, for those who are going to start their own business; and for individuals, that is, for ordinary well-off citizens. Since we have no family name, the first type isn¡¯t an option. To register a legal entity, we will need a lot of documents, including all sorts of permits and certificates, but it¡¯s the only thing that bothers me. They will have to give each of us a tracking formation to monitor business activities! But you are too powerful, my little ones. No one will be able to apply formations on you, and it will cause us huge problems. There is only one option left: to register as individuals, but it is not that simple. The middle and the lower ss of immigrants are not wee here. They prefer the rich. But the wealthy people also get a tracking formation in case they want to start their own business. Why notply with all regtions at once??


    Eve asked, puzzled: ?But what can we do if they apply a formation anyway, and it¡¯s uneptable for us??


    Zosimos grinned: ?There is another group of individuals who can get registered without a formation: active citizens!?


    ?Active¡­ citizens?? ¨C Le couldn¡¯t get it.


    ?Wait and see.?


    ?Why can¡¯t we just bribe them?? ¨C Le snorted and added, gracefully tossing her hair. ¨C ?If you have no money, then you can pay them with my beauty. I don¡¯t mind showing off my face, and I am one hundred percent sure that no one will ever resist such a bribe.? ¨C She shed a dazzling smile that could outshine the sun.


    Kyon shook his head: ?Bribing the customs is punishable by death for both sides. Nobody will take risks. Besides, your smile can bring us only trouble, honey.?


    Le narrowed her brow at him: ?Howe??


    ?Dad is right. Our beauty won¡¯t help here.? ¨C Eve interrupted.


    ?Not you too!? ¨C Le got angry. She immediately decided to prove to everyone that beauty could bring something more, but she didn¡¯t say anything. It would be a surprise.


    Lovr was very sorry he hadn¡¯t made contacts in the customs in Dantes. He was nning to arrive in the guise of Dick Baker, but the ¡°daughters¡± who had literally fallen out of the sky made him change ns. However, he had made some preparations in Athens.


    ?Well, it¡¯s going to take some effort to get citizenship. Eve, Le, please, be good girls. Do not draw attention to yourself or remove your veils until I say so.?


    ?Uh-huh.? ¨C Eve nodded obediently.


    ?I will try¡­? ¨C Le grumbled.


    The three of them soon found themselves on a wide and long drawbridge. After standing in line for half an hour, they approached the checkpoint, where they met a couple of imposing guards.


    ?Prepare your documents.? ¨C One of them demanded.


    ?We¡¯re first time here, moving to Dantes from Athens. Here are our papers.? ¨C Kyon handed over the documents that he had secretly made in Athens with the help of the crown prince. He had made sure that no one would see or remember anything.


    ?Zosimos with daughters Eve and Le, right?? ¨C The guard asked.


    ?That¡¯s right.?


    ?Go to the check-up building.? ¨C He gestured to a small square house in a well-guarded area with a high fence. Next to it, there was a menagerie.


    Kyon left the mount in the stall for ten pennies, entered the square registration building, stood in line with the girls for almost an hour (Le could hardly control herself), and finally, the three of them entered the office.


    ?Your documents.? ¨C A woman in a business suit demanded sternly.


    Zosimos handed her the papers. When she made some records, the customs officer asked: ?What is your purpose ofing here??


    ?To start a pickle business and find a ce to live for my daughters and me!?


    ?A pickle business?? ¨C The customs officer was surprised. She had never heard anything weirder in all her long career. Wasn¡¯t it too presumptuous to open a whole store to sell pickles?


    ?I¡¯m very serious about getting rich! Pickled tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms!? ¨C Zosimos took out one jar after another from the ring,menting on their contents in a loud rural dialect. ¨C ?My father taught me how to make the best pickles in the world! They are finger-licking good! Here, take them as a gesture of good will! I bet my business will flourish inl Dantes!?


    The two girls giggled softly, covering their mouths.


    The customs officer gasped, pulled herself together and mmed her fist on the table: ?Take them away, now! It¡¯s a registration centre, not a wet market counter!?


    Zosimos took the jars away: ?I am sorry. It¡¯s just¡­ I follow my dream, and my dream is to sell my pickles and make my daughters¡¯ and my life better.?


    ?I am happy for your dream.? ¨C The customs officer wrote something in the paper and asked. ¨C ?What is your start-up capital??


    ?Almost twenty thousand.?


    The office raised her eyes, surprised: ?A father¡¯s heritage??


    ?No way! My father died ten years ago. I¡¯ve been saving for years to collect as much as I said!?


    ?I see.? ¨C The customs officer nodded. She asked some more questions and finally said. ¨C ?You get the status of active citizens. Pass the final check and wait for registration. All the best.?


    Kyon felt relieved. It was over! He had received the desired status. Only every thousandth of applicants was granted the active citizen status. This status was quite convenient because, on the one hand, it was far below a businessman level and it wasn¡¯t worth the trouble to monitor, and on the other hand, it was above a middle-ss level that wasn¡¯t wee in the city. Simply put, everyone would benefit from Zosimos¡¯ presence in the city.


    To achieve sess, Lovr made his business look unpromising while showing his motivation (to struggle for his daughters) and start-up capital. Such an ambitious man wouldn¡¯t stop at anything, but he wasn¡¯t going to thrive, either. Pickle business¡­ seriously? Each jar took months to prepare!


    ?Thank you very much! By the way¡­ You didn¡¯t ask me, and I didn¡¯t tell you¡­ My little one is afraid of men. Can a woman do the final check, please!? ¨C Zosimos insisted.


    Kyon folded his hands, seeing the officers¡¯s angry grimace: ?Please! My girl will scream hysterically at the touch of a man¡­ I don¡¯t want to see her cry! She is my little angel, the me of my soul! I am begging you!?


    ?Go already. I will inform them.? ¨C The customs officer waved her hand, visibly displeased. Thest thing she wanted was to argue with this bald, pot-bellied, persistent man.


    ?I am grateful to my core!?


    Eve¡¯s heart felt warm at Zosimos¡¯ words. Daddy was caring about her. His attention was worthy of her respect and admiration.


    The three of them entered another office where they met a sullen, plumpdy who usually worked with a male partner. She asked them to remove all objects, including the spatial ones, after which the officials searched them with special devices. They couldn¡¯t find either the ring or other formations under the imprable cloth.


    As for the formations in Eve¡¯s and Le¡¯s heads, even his Synergy couldn¡¯t get there, let alone some weak devices.


    Next, the official asked Zosimos to use his elemental energy to make sure that his cultivation corresponded to that indicated in his documents. The girls hadn¡¯t allegedly connected with their spirit. This information was confirmed. In fact, Eve¡¯s and Le¡¯s cultivation was so strong that it was beyond the reach of any devices or the customs officers¡¯ sensing.


    Thest step was a passport photo. When the two girls took off their veils, the customs officer fell into a stupor for a long time. She had never seen such beauties in her life. They were like mythical creatures from another reality. She muttered something unintelligible and activated the formation that would create a photo in a while.


    While the documents were getting ready, the customs officers checked the contents of three rings filled with pickles and some other things to the brim. They didn¡¯t find anything interesting. That¡¯s how Zosimos, Eve, and Le received citizenship in Dantes, the capital of the empire.

 Chapter 380

    Chapter 380


    ?I can¡¯t believe that we got citizenship with three jars of pickles! I¡¯m impressed, daddy!? ¨C Le praised her father arrogantly, pping him on the ass as if she could have done everything a hundred times better, but she was pleased with the result anyway.


    {If you p me like this once again, I swear on my balls, I will spank you.} ¨C Kyon thought, struggling to suppress the urge to hit her.


    ?What are we going to do?? ¨C Eve asked.


    ?First, we will check into the hotel and drop by the library on the way, and then¡­?


    ?Do you mean we are homeless?? ¨C Le interrupted Zosimos in a hurt voice. ¨C ?Is twenty thousand not enough for a pretty mansion? What kind of father are you if you can¡¯t get a decent house for your beautiful daughters?? ¨C Le felt on a subconscious level that she deserved better.


    ?Don¡¯t give me that attitude!? ¨C Kyon raised his voice.


    Le shut up, afraid that she had provoked Zosimos to forbid her from watching cartoons for a few more days. It was the only thing that really mattered to her.


    ?Your father has more money than¡­? ¨C He stopped short. ¨C ?Anyway, we won¡¯t live in a mansion not because we can¡¯t afford it, but because we are going to move ces due to my job.?


    ?What are you going to do?? ¨C Eve asked quietly.


    ?Sorry, sweety pie, but daddy can¡¯t tell you this. You are too young for such important information.? ¨C He hid it for so many reasons.


    The girls grunted suspiciously. The man who called himself their father wasn¡¯t as simple as he seemed. He had received citizenship with three jars of pickles! He imed to be rich! He concealed facts about his job!


    The three of them turned from the crowded street into a rtively deserted alley where they found an attractive cafe. While the girls enjoyed baked fish and potatoes, Kyon went up to the roof andy down with a sniper.


    There were no wild birds in Dantes. They were all killed by hawks when crossing the barrier, and those that miraculously reproduced in the city were exterminated. It was done for two reasons: prevent any smuggling and keep the city clean from droppings. Any bird mail was under control, including flight routes, pick-up and drop points, bird training and feeding, bird numbers¡­ Any attempt to evade taxes didn¡¯t end well for merchants.


    Meanwhile, a zombie falcon had ovee the city barrier, holding a bag of spatial rings. At the same moment, an ultra-fast hawk flew out of the tall walls, catching up with its target with incredible speed due to the strong cultivation.


    ~bang~


    When the hawk almost reached its target, a bullet tore through its body. A few secondster, five ever faster hawks flew out of the walls, but the falcon had already descended and got lost among the buildings.


    {It worked.} ¨C Kyon thought with relief when he received the package.


    At least, he could keep his zombie birds in the ring or it would be difficult to find spies within the walls of the city. However, any unregistered birds would attract unnecessary attention, so his spying activities were severely curtailed.


    The bag that Lovr had received contained powerful spatial rings of his own production that took him a couple of days to create. He could not bring them through the customs, so there were only two ways: by a bird mail or through an advanced teleportation trigram. However, the city barrier recorded any unauthorized movement and sent the coordinates to the base. An Emergency Response Unit would arrive before the teleportation was over (in a minute and a half). Dantes ran a tight ship and kept everything under control.


    After dinner, Kyon invited the girls to the rooftop. A marvelous view opened up from there.


    ?It¡¯s so beautiful¡­? ¨C Eve muttered, her wondrous emerald eyes wide open. It was almost eight in the evening, and the city lights were really impressive.


    Le studied the city that stretched to the very horizon in silent delight.


    Lovr pointed his finger: ?Look, my sweet ones, that square golden building with four domes belongs to the Golden Pig, the world¡¯s most prestigious trading guild. Most world transactions happen there, and the security there is the best. The huge rectangr structure that adjoins the wall and lets out puffs of steam is the dwarves¡¯ factory. It¡¯s under the Russells¡¯ protection. The building with a silver statue on the roof is the temple of goddess Danna. I don¡¯t think she exists, or your mom would have told me about her. And that building over there with arge white dome is the central library of Dantes. That¡¯s where we¡¯re going right now.?


    Eve pped her hands and hopped with joy: ?Library!?


    Le rolled her eyes and grumbled: ?I guess I know who¡¯s daddy¡¯s pet here¡­?


    ?I love you both, my little ones!? ¨C Zosimos said tenderly, gently cing his calloused hands on the girls¡¯ shoulders.


    Eve shuddered with fear in her dark green eyes and pulled away from him while Le looked defiantly at her father: ?You are shameless, aren¡¯t you! Pawing me on the horse, giving us shoulder massage¡­ What¡¯s next? Getting married to us??


    Zosimos ignored her, pointing to the city center: ?By the way, there is an imperial pce over there. The tallest and most luxurious building in the empire! No ordinary people have ever been there. The Empress spends almost all of her time in the pce and woe to those who dare to bother her. Even someone as strong as you will be in trouble!?


    The pce was an exquisite work of art made by the world¡¯s best architects. It was so extraordinary that famous artists often portrayed it in their paintings. However, this unique ce had an impable security system.


    Eve¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of her head.


    ?That¡¯s where I want to live! I am ready whenever you say we¡¯re moving there! Yippee!? ¨C Le squealed dreamily.


    ?I repeat, my darling, they will kill even someone as strong as you.? ¨C Kyon said sternly. This whole presentation served a single purpose: to warn the girls to steer clear from there. In theing days, he was going to remind them how strong they were, and if they suddenly got out of hand, he could control them only with fear.


    It was eight in the evening. A vast, bright image with text appeared high in the sky on the city barrier.


    ?What is this?? ¨C Eve screamed in fear.


    ?Cartoons?? ¨C Le was so surprised that she fell on her butt.


    ?Every day at 8 p.m., the Russells activate the city screen to inform all the residents about breaking news in the empire. They broadcast one piece of news for a minute, and then the next starts. As a rule, there are no more than two announcements, but after the recent epoch-making events, they show three or four clips every day. Let¡¯s have a look.?


    The first image of the aurora borealis exined that the green night was a rare natural phenomenon caused by the approachinget. The second image of an enormous crater made it clear that this veryet had fallen down, creating a massive explosion. The rest of its energy created the rainbow sun that flew into space due to its nature.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t surprised at this fake news. He who owns the information, owns the world. The one who rules the sources of information controls the country. Misinformation could calm down most uneducated residents, preventing public protests.


    The third image of a pce told about the carefully prepared robbery of the Feruzs¡¯ treasury.


    Exmations of surprise were heard from all sides: ?The Feruzs¡¯ treasury has been robbed! Oh goddess, what is happening to our world?? ¡­ ?How could they let it happen? First, they embarrassed themselves at the forest tournament and now this!? ¡­ ?The royal family is having a hard time. Maybe it¡¯s time for them to change the king!?


    As Kon expected, the imperial authorities didn¡¯t wait too long before announcing this breaking news to increase the citizens¡¯ confidence in the news screen.


    ?And we have juste from Mno¡­? ¨C Eve said, ncing at Zosimos.


    ?Our father must be the thief!? ¨C Leughed loudly, pping his thigh as if she had recognized the viin. In fact, she considered it impossible. A pot-bellied, bald red-neck had robbed the Feruzs¡¯ treasury? It¡¯s pure madness!


    ?What do you have to say for yourself?? ¨C Eve asked slyly as a joke or maybe not.


    Kyon felt cold inside. He couldn¡¯t believe that this brat was testing him! He should consider Eve¡¯s extraordinary intelligence next time, or she might reveal his other ns! She may seem to be gentle and obedient, but in fact, Eve was even more dangerous than her wicked, noisy sister.


    ?I will say that I expected more!? ¨C Zosimos replied jokingly andughed loudly.


    Leughed with her father. Her pleasant voice sounded like the murmur of a clear stream. Eve only smiled, carefully studying her father¡¯s reaction.


    Soon the three of them left the cafe and went to the central library of Dantes. The journey took more than half an hour, even by the high-speed road. The city was huger than any metropolis! Many tens of kilometers were covered with high-rise buildings, private mansions, and even factories. High, thick walls surrounded perfectly round private areas as spherical barriers were the most effective. Residential districts were rich, middle-ss, and poor. The industrial areas where the government controlled air pollution were a striking contrast to the rest of the city.


    They saw canals and bridges, parks, gardens, schools and colleges of martial arts, fight pavilions, stadiums for training andpetition, shopping centers, stores, restaurants, markets, bazaars, fairs, circuses, museums, theaters, and cultural centres. There was everything and a little bit more.


    The girls kept gasping and screaming with delight. This world was breathtakingly enormous and versatile. Thousands of people they met made up the incredibly huge socialwork of Dantes, unique and unrepeatable.


    As they approached the city centre, the area was getting more and more sophisticated. The pce blocked the sight even if it was still about 10 kilometers away. Lovr was even a little anxious whether the Empress could feel the girls¡¯ souls.


    When the three of them tried to enter the library, they weren¡¯t allowed inside. A monthly pass cost 10,000 spheres, which was unreasonably expensive! He could buy a mansion with this money! As it turned out, it was the golden token that was so expensive, not the pass to the library. Buying this status marker was considered worthy of respect and admiration in Dantes.


    Then Lovr found out that the price for high-ranking families was much lower, and the 1st rank members, i.e., direct descendants, had free ess to the elite section of the library that was located in the attic, just like in the Boston library (only, there the 2nd rank members were also allowed). However, the free entrance suggested buying a lifetime pass: a diamond token that cost 1,000,000 spheres.


    Gettingplete and reliable information was essential to create an effective action n. If Kyon had not spent several days in the elite section of the Boston Library, he wouldn¡¯t have found out that Kara and da were demons, consequently, he would not have been able to get a letter of rmendation and be an investigator. The elite section of the Dantes library should contain even more unique and secret information avable only to every millionth capital dweller.


    {Will they let in a third-ranking investigator? Of course not. Will a second rank be enough?} ¨C Lovr wondered. He knew that his 1st rank Stone formation would not work, because he had to belong to a family that lived within the city walls. Unfortunately, families like Bakers, who could sell their name, were rare. They might not exist in the capital. Anyway, it would take him too long to find them, not without connections like dimir, the head of the investigation department. Kyon nned to get the second rank of the imperial investigator and get into the library.

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381


    ?They aren¡¯t letting us in?? ¨C Eve asked, frustrated, while Le impatiently shifted from toes to heels, her arms crossed behind her back.


    ?I¡¯m d to see you¡¯re so enthusiastic about books, but it¡¯ste. I suggest we head for the hotel, have a shower and go to bed. As for the books, I can project an infinite amount of them for you!?


    ?Really? Great!? ¨C Eve pped her hands with a charming smile.


    Zosimos helped the girls mount the horse, and they headed east, in the opposite direction of the pce. Another mile or two, and they left the mount in the elite menagerie and went to a five-story building.


    ?Don¡¯t tell me we¡¯re going to live here!? ¨C Le was amazed, staring at the spacious, beautiful building.


    ?We are.? ¨C Zosimos confirmed curtly.


    Garden of Eden hotel had 4.5 out of 5 stars. The hotel lost half point because of its unique style that did not please some of Dantes¡¯ critics. It was a diamond in the rough.


    The hotel¡¯s name perfectly matched its design thatprised wooden walls, floors and ceilings, lush vegetation everywhere. Even the roof was a paradise garden with a pond!


    Kyon had learned about this hotel from many sources in Boston, but he wasn¡¯t interested in its beauty. He was concerned about staying inconspicuous, anonymous and safe. This ce had powerful patrons and serious security. No one would dare to invade here. But above all, they sacredly honored the fundamental rule of confidentiality and non-disclosure unless it was required by a high-ranking governmental order. This rule had never been broken so far. The reputation of the establishment was crystal clean.


    Lovr checked in and took his ¡°daughters¡± to the fifth floor. Their enthusiastic reaction made him smile. The new ce of residence had exceeded all their expectations. How could it not be so? It was one of the best hotels in the whole empire!


    The suite consisted of tworge independent rooms with a king-size bed, two armchairs, a sofa, and a coffee table. The air in the rooms was fresh and clean as if they were in the mountains. The room decor inspired peace and quiet as if they were about to take a nap on the alpine spring meadow.


    ?The air is so clean and fresh! It¡¯s so nice here¡­? ¨C Eve eximed.


    ?Dad, I apologize for what I told you on the roof in the cafe¡­ This room is better than any mansion! It¡¯s fabulous!? ¨C Le said with respect in her voice.


    ?Your happiness is my happiness. And now let¡¯s go to the bathroom.? ¨C As he noticed Eve¡¯s eyebrows crawl down her face and Le¡¯s crawl up, Zosimos hurried to add. ¨C ?Don¡¯t worry, I will go after you. You¡¯re old enough to wash yourselves.?


    ?What shall we wear?? ¨C Eve asked shyly.


    Kyon took out underwear and two nightgowns from the ring and handed them to the girls.


    ?Will do!? ¨C Le yelled, grabbing the things and her younger sister by the hand and rushing to the bathroom. In the next half hour, Lovr could hear cheerful screams and a loud ssh from there. When the girls came out, he admired their beauty against his will. They looked refreshed, in light and dark nighties that matched perfectly their looks of an innocent fairy and a wicked pixie. Very pretty and feminine.


    ?What are you staring at, baldhead?? ¨C Le asked yfully, seductively sticking out her butt and showing her tongue. Then she ran with her ¡°little sister¡± to their room, squealing andughing. Soon, Lovr could hear the bed squeaking ¨C they decided to jump on it.


    {Nice¡­} ¨C He thought on his way to the bathroom. The girls¡¯ childish behavior didn¡¯t arouse him, which couldn¡¯t be said about their indescribable beauty, femininity and grace.


    At some point, Kyon heard a quiet knock on the door. He would have ignored it if Le hadn¡¯t rushed to open it, shouting: ?I will get it. I aming!?


    ?Put on your veil! Veil!? ¨C Zosimos yelled, wrapping a towel around his waist.


    {I will prove to him that my beauty can bring us not only problems but also free service!} ¨C Le thought as she opened the door.


    The young concierge fell into a stupor at once. He had never seen anyone more beautiful in his life! This girl¡­ her innocent features¡­ her big dark green eyes¡­ She was a goddess!


    ?Hi!? ¨C Le said yfully with a seducing smile, but then she frowned. ¨C ?Say something! I am here! Hello!? ¨C Le waved her hand until she realized that the young man was not looking at her. Following his gaze, Le saw her ¡°little sister¡± peeking out from behind the door. The visitor was staring at her.


    ?My fairdy¡­ You are the most beautiful girl in the world! May I kindly ask you what your name is?? ¨C The handsome blond boy in histe teens sounded like a hopeless romantic.


    Eve¡¯s eyes widened in fear as she slowly stepped back.


    ?Who are you?? ¨C Zosimos barked, standing in the boy¡¯s way and releasing the pressure.


    ?I¡­ I¡­? ¨C The young man swallowed in fear. A hefty man with a cultivation several stages higher than his was thest thing he wanted to meet. ¨C ?My name is Romeo, and who are you?? ¨C He asked defiantly.


    ?I am your guest and your master, damn it! Mind your manners, brat!?


    Romeo was confused for a second, then he hastened to apologize with a bow: ?Please, forgive me. I am an idiot! I forgot myself and greeted the guests inappropriately! I humbly beg your forgiveness! It¡¯s just¡­ Your girl¡­ She¡¯s so¡­?


    ?She is my daughter!? ¨C The man snapped.


    The soul returned to the young man¡¯s body. His eyes sparkled with joy: ?She¡­ Is she your daughter? She¡¯s amazing! I¡¯ve never met anyone more beautiful! You have my respect, sir¡­ If I had a daughter like her, I would be the happiest father in the world!?


    Kyon had a great idea to teach the girls a lesson, so he pretended to be pleased by the boy¡¯s tant ttery: ?You¡¯re right. She is my precious daughter. I love her more than anything!?


    Meanwhile, Le looked first at Eve and the boy with resentment. Why did he fall for her younger sister, not her? She was much more beautiful than Eve! It was unfair! Le was about to fly into a rage!


    The young concierge smiled slyly: ?I¡¯ve received a call. Your beautiful daughter must have pressed the button out of curiosity, and here I am, at your service. If you press the blue button, I will be yours tomand at any time. You can send me an audio message, and I will do my best to make your any wishe true.? ¨C He spoke with courtesy as befits a well-trained servant.


    Zosimos nodded and pped the boy on the shoulder: ?Alright, alright. We do not need anything at the moment. You can bring us porridge with strawberries at eight in the morning.?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C Romea said, extremely pleased.


    When he left, Kyon looked at Le sternly: ?Why didn¡¯t you put on your veil??


    ?I¡­ I followed Eve¡¯s example just like you told me!? ¨C She said quickly.


    Kyon looked at Eve, but she only shook her head and closed the door behind herself. He heaved a deep sigh and said: ?Next time, think for yourself.? ¨C Then he went to the bathroom. Le lived in her own world and listened to what she wanted to hear. Lovr might be in great trouble with her if he didn¡¯t be an authority for her.


    The night turned into morning.


    Romeo brought porridge with strawberries for breakfast and found out the guests¡¯ names, including Eve. He wished them bon appetit and left. If it were not for Zosimos¡¯ stern look, he might have dared to exchange some more phrases.


    When they were ready, Kyon and the girls mounted their horse and set off. Soon, they approached a huge rectangr factory almost as high as a city wall.


    ?Dad, tell me about dwarves.? ¨C Eve asked out of curiosity.


    ?Dwarfs are little people with a thick beard and an engineering mindset.?


    ?Even women have beards?? ¨C Le grinned.


    ?No, only men. By the way, the dwarfs hold the beard in high esteem. Would you like to grow one for yourself??


    ?How? I am a beauty! Beautiful girls don¡¯t have facial hair!?


    ?I can get you a fake one! The dwarfs will mistake you for their kin! Ha ha!?


    Eveughed quietly with her dad, making Le blush: ?It¡¯s not funny!?


    Zosimos added: ?Besides, the dwarfs are racists. They consider themselves bearded gods and call humans overgrown monkeys. Be prepared for their contempt, and don¡¯t waste their emotions on them.?


    ?I am no monkey!? ¨C Le eximed resentfully, but no one listened to her.


    ?If they are so racist, then what does my tall, beardless dad have inmon with the little bearded dwarves?? ¨C Eve made as usual an insightful observation.


    ?Even the dwarfs have appreciated your dad¡¯s engineering skills! They consider me a rare exception to the rule. We have been on good terms with them for a long time. You will see it very soon.? ¨C Kyon replied. He had warned Gennady that he would arrive as a different person under the name of Zosimos, but the unexpected always happened.


    The girls looked interested. They wanted to know more about the man who called himself their father. It was great that he was on friendly terms with the dwarfs who were under the imperial family protection! The fact that they owned thergest factory in Dantes also said a lot.


    Kyon came up to one of the many entrances to the factory and casually said the secret password to the dwarfs in the uniform: ?Six, six, six, seven, seven, seven.?


    Recently, the head of the factory had instructed the two guards to bring three people into his office if at least one of them mentioned this password. Their righteous indignation made him add that it would be the very person to whom they owed everything: the firearms, the explosives, the electricity, the breakthrough technologies of melting, forging, quenching, processing¡­ And also new machines, furnaces, venttion and much more!


    As they heard the coveted password, the two guards gasped and dropped to their knees. Tears welled up in their eyes, and their stern faces filled with awe. They looked at the pot-bellied man as if he were a god in the flesh.


    ?I can¡¯t believe that I happened to meet the creator himself! Oh, great THOR, you have heard my prayers!? ¡­ ?You are our savior! A new era of dwarf greatness will soon begin thanks to you! You are heaven-sent, amazing human!? ¨C The dwarfs¡¯ voices trembled with excitement as if they were little girls confessing their love.


    Eve and Le were lost for words. They looked at each other, puzzled. A silent question was written all across their faces: {What on earth is going on here?}

 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382


    The guards apanied the three guests to the head office. The dwarfs were radiant with happiness! They locked their fingers in admiration, put their hands to their chests and looked at Zosimos with sparkling eyes like his devoted fans. They seemed to have been given the honor of apanying Thor himself!


    Eve and Le had not spoken a word since Zosimos said the secret password. They couldn¡¯t wrap their heads around what had happened. How could their father provoke such an emotional reaction from the dwarfs! Why were they being escorted directly to the head of the nt? Wasn¡¯t it too much honor for an ordinary person without a family name?


    Five people entered the elevator. When the guard pressed abination of buttons, it did not go up, as one would expect, but forward, judging by the thrust, with great speed! Eve was a little scared, but she quickly understood what was going on and calmed down.


    The ride took about a minute. Then the elevator stopped.


    Two turns and the guests saw a massive steel door.


    ?May I shake your hand, sir?? ¨C One guard asked, hopefully.


    ?And I! May I, please? I¡¯m begging you!? ¨C The other guard eximed, ignoring the decorum.


    ?Yeah, sure¡­? ¨C Zosimos shook their calloused hands and entered the office.


    ?He shook my hand! He shook my hand!? ¨C The first dwarf sobbed with happiness.


    The second guard dropped to his knees, grabbed his wrist and raised his hand as if holding a divine treasure: ?I will never wash it! NEVER!?


    Eve and Le exchanged embarrassed looks once again. It was insane!


    Inside the office, Kyon saw a short, ck-bearded old dwarf in his 60s.


    ?Greetings, Gennady. It¡¯s me.? ¨C Kyon smiled broadly.


    The dwarf looked up from the periodic table and looked at the visitor over his sses. Gennady ran up to the man a bit too briskly for his age, grabbed him by the cheeks and asked, unable to keep the disbelief out of his voice: ?Isn¡¯t it you¡­ You¡¯re Zosimos? Zosimos! It¡¯s you! Ha-ha-ha-ha! I can¡¯t believe my eyes! You¡¯vee atst, old friend! Long time no see! Ha-ha-ha! I hardly recognized you! Ha-ha-ha!?


    They shook hands,ughing loudly. The bearded dwarf looked tiny against the healthy man. The girls would remember this scene for a long time, grunting and snorting.


    ?Is it really you? You¡¯ve changed so much! You¡¯re a different man!?


    Gennady had recently answered the frequency that could belong only to Kyon. The dwarf was informed about the reasons for his change, but Gennady couldn¡¯t believe his eyes when he saw the pot-bellied man! He looked differently¡­ He had a different voice and different eyes¡­ Even his smell was different! This man had nothing inmon with Kyon.


    ?I agree, I¡¯ve gone a little bald and grown a belly¡­ But it¡¯s still me! Remember when I gave you a hundred copies of the iron making technique? And taught you to shoot at the shooting range? How I¡­? ¨C He gave some more examples only Kyon could know.


    ?There you are! Now I have no doubt it¡¯s you!? ¨C Gennadyughed loudly. He walked to the table, hit the button with his fist and shouted. ¨C ?Xena! Bring a barrel of elite ale and hot mead to my office! And call Lenny! Quick! We have an important guest!?


    After that, the dwarf approached the two charming guests in veils and uttered the phrase that Kyon had told him to say:


    ?My dear Eve and Le! You¡¯ve grown so much! Thest time I saw you were eight years ago! Do you remember old uncle Gennady??


    Eve shook her head, and Le protested: ?Who¡¯s a baby here??


    ?Gennady, tell me what progress you have made in mastering my technologies?? ¨C Kyon hurried to change the subject.


    The dwarf put his hand on his chest and said passionately: ?It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s just amazing! Zosimos, you and your students worked miracles here! I used to think that we are geniuses in the world of tall monkeys! I thought that dwarfs knew things that humans would never understand! I was mistaken! I was a frog at the bottom of the well! You made me realize that there was much more to the world I had known! It took us years of hard work to have mastered molecr physics, thermodynamics, electrodynamics, and electricity!?


    Eva and Le exchanged nk looks. Electrodynamics? Electricity? Molecr physics? They had never heard of them before! And the dwarfs owed it all to Zosimus and his disciples?


    ?You seem to have managed to put a lot of it into practice.? ¨C Kyon had known and seen everything through his ¡°scientists.¡± A bunch of his copies had been teaching the dwarfs at Boston factory for a whole year! They moved to Dantes just a few days ago because their long-distancemunication via formations had a limited range.


    ?We¡­ We have transformed the whole factory!? ¨C Gennady barked, spraying spit. ¨C ?It has changed beyond recognition! Its effectiveness has increased tenfold, not to mention the powerful weapons we have started to produce! We use electricity absolutely everywhere, except maybe by flushing! Who knew that this type of energy was so underestimated? It was a real eye-opener. Thank you, Zosimos¡­ Thanks to you, I have alone united all the dwarfs of Rosarrio under my leadership! My younger brother Lenny used to be the head of the factory. He was happy to hand over the reins to me. Now almost all the dwarfs from the seven kingdoms have moved to Dantes.?


    ~knock knock~


    The servants brought in a keg of cold ale and mead. The girls were offered the sweet drink, and the men the stronger one. Before they left the room, a frisky old muscr dwarf of about 70 years old rushed inside. He had a ck beard and small but piercing eyes that immediately noticed the tall guests.


    ?Is he the man we owe everything to?? ¨C The dwarf asked suspiciously. Contempt, bewilderment, and respect followed each other on his mobile face.


    ?It¡¯s him! Let me introduce Lenny, the ex-head of the factory! This is Zosimos, who we owe new knowledge and technologies to!? ¨C Gennady introduced his benefactor with a happy face.


    ?Hm¡­ I thought he would be younger? You told me his name was Kyon!?


    Gennady coughed loudly: ?Kyon was Zosimos¡¯ best student!?


    Eve turned a suspicious nce at Zosimos, but he didn¡¯t raise a brow at the ck-bearded dwarf¡¯s strange behavior.


    Lenny approached the man almost twice his height and asked inquisitively: ?What is the atomic mass of hydrogen??


    ?1.6735 x 10-24 g.? ¨C Kyon answered at once.


    ?Ha ha! Wrong! It¡¯s 1,00784 amu! I got you, impostor! Who are you? What do you want here, tall ape?? ¨C The old dwarf turned red and took a boxing stance.


    Kyon rolled his eyes. Eve flinched. Le, on the contrary, stretched out.


    Gennady stomped his feet and yelled: ?Lenny! Thor¡¯s hammer on your head! Do you have any idea what amu is??


    A change passed over Lenny¡¯s face. He thought for a while, then said uncertainly: ?Ehm¡­ I think it¡¯s an atomic mass unit¡­?


    ?And how is it defined, tattered tees?? ¨C Gennady continued pressing his brother for an answer.


    ?Well¡­ As a mass equal to one twelfth the mass of an unbound atom of carbon¡­?


    ?And how much is it in grams, fucking anvil??


    ?Uhm¡­ I guess I forgot¡­? ¨C Lenny scratched his head, feeling guilty.


    ?1 amu is equal to 1.66 ¡Á 10-24 g, idiot! Multiply this by the one you said and you will get 1.6735 x 10-24 g! That¡¯s exactly what Zosimos said!? ¨C Gennady was enraged by his brother¡¯s stupidity.


    Old Lenny gasped and then eximed suddenly: ?I get it! I GET IT! Thor¡¯s hammer on my head! Ha ha ha! I am an idiot!? ¨C He had foolishly forgotten that atomic mass could be expressed not only in amu but also in grams. As for the mass of elements, he had never bothered to memorize it.


    Meanwhile, the girls looked like their brains were boiling over a slow fire. Zosimos and the dwarfs seemed to be talking in a broken demonguage! It was hard even for Eve to figure out what it was about. Le felt sick from the big numbers. She drank mug after mug of mead to find peace of mind.


    ?Did you have a goodugh, junior?? ¨C Gennady asked sternly. ¨C ?Now apologize!?


    Lenny caught his breath. How could he call the hope of the dwarf race a tall ape? He fell on his face in front of the pot-bellied man and said pitifully: ?Oh, great Zosimos, forgive this fool! My beard can only wash floors! I am sincerely sorry I annoyed you with my stupidity¡­ Please, forgive me!?


    ?Okay, okay. Stand up. Let¡¯s forget all about this.? ¨C Kyon waved him off.


    ?Thank you!? ¨C Lenny wiped off his tears, standing on his feet.


    ?May I ask you something?? ¨C Le suddenly talked to Gennady.


    ?Of course, my sweet. What would you like to know?? ¨C The dwarf asked kindly.


    ?Why do you call Lenny your younger brother? He looks much older than you.?


    Gennady grinned: ?Don¡¯t judge the dwarfs by human standards! We measure our age by experience! When molecr physics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics and other advanced sciences became essential for our family business, I took my rightful ce as the head of the nt. I¡¯ve just proved that Lenny is my younger brother. Hehe¡­? ¨C And he drank a ss of dwarf ale in one go.


    ?I agree with him! It is hard for my old brain to understand all this difficult knowledge. I am experienced in forging, smelting, and processing! But no one really needs them anymore¡­ A single generator can work better and faster than me¡­ Oh, heartless modernization¡­?


    ~brrring~


    The head of the factory answered the sound transmitter: ?What is it, Xena? WHAT? They will be here in fifteen minutes? Thor¡¯s hammer on my head! I can¡¯t believe it! Okay¡­ Alright¡­ Tell all the dwarfs at the factory to get ready for the most important guests! And tell the guards to inform me of their arrival at once! I will meet them in person! Yes¡­ Yes¡­Thank you! Ugh¡­ It¡¯s my worst nightmare¡­?


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Kyon asked. Usually, dwarfs meet even the most powerful people without much reverence, but Gennady was so agitated as if he were holding a firearm for the first time.


    Gennady heaved a deep sigh and said: ?Zosimos, I understand that every second of your time is priceless, but we need to show three guests around¡­ Three guests of extraordinary importance! The three great dwarf brothers! We need your help!?


    Kyon opened his mouth in surprise. He hade in time! The timing couldn¡¯t have been more perfect!


    ?Who are these three dwarf brothers?? ¨C Le couldn¡¯t hold back her curiosity. She was still holding a mug of hot mead in her hands.


    ?The three great dwarf brothers are living legends! The third brother is Dorin. He presides over all the factories in the Landan Empire. The second brother is Bdin. He is the head of the factories in the Vatican Empire. The first brother is Gimli! He runs all the factories in the Saturn empire! The three of them represent the dwarf authorities in the first three empires! Each of them is second only to Thor! They embody the ideal representatives of my race. All dwarfs, young and old, dream of being as skillful as they are, but no one can hold a candle to them¡­ My younger brother Lenny was in charge of the factory in Dantes for twenty years because he had no equal in the entire Rosarrian empire, but even with his seventy years of experience, he is no match for the three brothers. And they are not old yet! Even the miserable humans on the throne of Saturn, Vatican, and Landan treat them with respect. They patronize them as the Russells patronize us. They order the best custom weapon for themselves and their offspring because it¡¯s the strongest and sharpest weapon in the world!?


    Although the dwarf said pretentious things, it was no secret that ancient precious weapons were much better than the three brothers¡¯ best works.


    Gennady turned his stern gaze at Zosimos: ?Six months ago, my brothers and I presented firearms at the world assembly of dwarfs. It¡¯s needless to say that it made a sensation. We took first ce at once, leaving the rest of thepetition far behind! Everyone wanted to know what bearded genius had invented alpha gunpowder andunched a projectile usingpressed gas! However, when I told them that it was a man¡¯s doing, they refused to believe me¡­ They took my words with skepticism and mistrust. I told them about advanced technologies, that electricity is the future, but they didn¡¯t take me seriously, some dwarfs evenughed! I was humiliated and upset¡­ In despair, I tried to convince my fellows that we lived in a new era of progress and prosperity, that they had to unite and move to Rosarrio to master new technologies, but they just kept making inappropriate jokes andments, not believing a word of mine¡­ Gimli once told me a universal truth: ¡°Our kin follows the best,¡± which means those like him. And yet, he promised to visit our factory soon and see for himself the reason for my enthusiasm and faith in the great future of the dwarf race. Since then, I¡¯ve been engrossed in my studies and achieved some results¡­ I¡¯ve be the head of the factory in Dantes and turned it into the center for future technology!?


    Gennady seized Zosimos by his belt: ?Everything we have achieved we owe to you! All the dwarfs have pinned their hopes on you, you are our way to live in the era of prosperity! If we organize a world dwarf center in Dantes, then the best minds and hands of the world wille here! Then our sess in mastering your technologies will increase a hundredfold! I might be able to see our great future before I grow old. It¡¯s my dream! Please help us!? ¨C The head of the factory pleaded.


    Lovr was touched by Gennady¡¯s sincere, passionate speech. However, he pursued mainly his selfish goal ¨C weapons! Powerful and destructive weapons! A hydrogen bomb or something even more powerful! That¡¯s what would help him get rid of the enemies that didn¡¯t let him take a step in this world. With the best minds on the, the deadliest weapons in history would appear much sooner!


    ?Gennady, you can always rely on me.? ¨C Zosimos winked cheerfully at him.


    ~brrring~


    The dwarf grabbed the sound transmitter and eximed excitedly: ?The main entrance! They are waiting for us!?


    ?Let¡¯s go!? ¨C Le proimed, marching to the door with a swaying gait and a red face.

 Chapter 383

    Chapter 383


    A dozen stocky riders were approaching thergest factory in Dantes on wild boars. Nine of them had golden armor with weapons in ornately decorated scabbards and radiated a battle aura, the other three were apparently the leaders of the group. The golden-bearded stern men of about forty drew everyone¡¯s attention. Their sculpted muscles were stronger than metal! Their arms were huge like pirs! They were wearing traditional dwarf clothes with a white and green check pattern, including the socks. Their feet were protected with crocodile leather boots.


    ?Is it really the capital of their empire? Any average town is more impressive back at home.? ¨C Dorin, the third brother, said with a tinge of contempt. ¨C ?I am disappointed! It is impossible to build something good in this shit hole¡­ There can¡¯t be enough resources for manufacturing! Where did Gennady get the courage to suggest creating a world dwarf center here? The old man has lost his marbles¡­?


    ?I agree with you.? ¨C Bdin, the second brother, said. ¨C ?The infrastructure in Dantes is worse than in the fifth-ranking kingdom! I might be mistaken, but my uncle¡¯s factory is even bigger than this. My beard tells me that we are going to waste a week of our precious time.?


    ?Don¡¯t forget that we are not here for fun.? ¨C Gimli, the first brother, barked. ¨C ?The best minds of my factory had been trying to recreate the firearms for three months, but nothing worked¡­ It takes the right gunpowder, the exact amount of energy released duringbustion, the right level of gas pressure, the strength of the design, and a thousand more damned details! It¡¯s tooplicated. It will take us at least five years to recreate even a simple pistol, not to mention artillery that can break through a steel wall! To ze with my beard! I don¡¯t know who invented this technological miracle, but he is a real genius! I could give half of my factory to recruit this dwarf! That¡¯s what we¡¯re here for. A week of your time is nothingpared to this.?


    ?I totally agree with our eldest brother.? ¨C Dorin replied reverently.


    Although the dwarfs were close-knit, they had legally secured types of property, including intellectual property. For example, all the factories of the Rosarrio empire belonged to Gennady, Lenny, and other brothers. Gimli, Bdin, and Dorin would never share the secret technologies with the fellows from the 4th ranking empire and below. Thus, at the world dwarf assembly, Gennady kept the secrets of the firearms. No one would ever think of stealing them because it was considered as a betrayal and punishable by exile, ostracism and, above all, a shaved chin. Dwarfs would never stoop to the tall monkeys who kill each other for profit! There was the hammer and anvil justice to solve serious conflicts and an invible ¡°beard contract¡± for everything else. It was as important as wearing a beard, raising children, and paying your duty to the factory.


    ?Hmm¡­ Do you notice anything weird?? ¨C Dorin asked, looking at the factory.


    ?Weird? What can be weird about an ordinary factory?? ¨C Bdin shrugged.


    Gimli frowned his bushy brows: ?Smoke¡­ There¡¯s no smoke. Steam ising out of the pipes! How is it even possible that there is no smoke? Are they so rich that they heat water and stoves with heat formations? Ha ha ha!?


    The three brothersughed together. It was well-known that heat formations that required spheres were many times more expensive than yellow coal. They also had certain disadvantages that affected the quality of the oue. As for using heat benders for heating, there were many pitfalls involved. First, it was expensive because the benders were quickly exhausted as it took hours to maintain the temperature. Second, they could ruin the furnace and metal by overheating. Third, their elemental energy had a specific vibration frequency that left an indelible trace on any heated substance and impaired the pration of a different frequency element. Weapons and armor created this way would be a burden that no one needed in battle.


    ¡­


    Zosimos, the two dwarfs, and the two girls approached the main entrance.


    When Gennady saw the three great brothers, he hurried to bow: ?Honorable Gimli, great Bdin, esteemed Dorin! I am an unworthy dwarf named Gennady, and I am honored to wee our noble guests at this factory!?


    Lenny also hurried to bow and greet the distinguished guests.


    Eve hid behind Zosimos¡¯ back in fear. She was ufortable, to put it mildly, among these brutal-looking men. She wanted to sink through the ground or at least bury her head there!


    Le huped and nodded regally, nearly copsing from overwhelming feelings¡­ or alcohol. Hard to say which.


    Kyon greeted the guests dryly, showing no respect in his nce, gestures, or voice as if they were no great brothers but ordinary workers from the factory.


    Gimli and Bdin furrowed their eyebrows. Dorin took a step forward to voice his elder brothers¡¯ eloquent silence: ?How dare you be disrespectful to your elders, Gennady? Shall I exin to you who we are, balding beard? We did you a favor, arriving at your pathetic factory! You¡¯ve been warned about our arrival long in advance! And instead of greeting us at the entrance, you made us wait for three whole minutes. More than that, you brought these obnoxious people here? That¡¯s you¡¯re meeting us? Rotten anvil!?


    Gimli put his hand on the younger brother¡¯s shoulder: ?Take it down a notch, Dorin. You¡¯re being too harsh. Perhaps, Gennady has a solid excuse for his behavior.? ¨C He looked expectantly at the head of the factory.


    ?I¡­ Uhm¡­ So¡­ I mean¡­? ¨C Gennady looked confused, blushing like a child who was sternly reprimanded. The guests had every right to do so. Their authority was beyond a shadow of a doubt while he was the youngest among them and had yet to prove his significance and skill!


    ?I don¡¯t like him, daddy. Beat him up!? ¨C Le demanded, clenching her fists.


    Kyon hid her behind his back, taking a step forward: ?Allow me to intervene, gentlemen. My name is Zosimos. I am the very person Gennady spoke about at the world dwarf assembly. I have dyed Gennady for three minutes, which is only justified by my authority and the fact that your arrival is on short notice. You had called Gennady fifteen minutes before you arrived. As for my obnoxious attitude¡­ I do respect your sess in the field of metallurgy and engineering, but I don¡¯t feel obliged to treat you with reverence. You probably don¡¯t know what I mean. Well, you will have a chance to understand me better when you take a tour of this factory.?


    Lovr had chosen a provocation strategy instead of defending himself. This approach had lots of benefits. For example, if he piqued the brothers¡¯ interest in the new technologies, they would have to show him respect or at least treat him with patience and attention.


    ?Stop pulling my beard!? ¨C Dorin yelled furiously. ¨C ?A miserable human cannot be the creator of a firearm! I have seen thousands of smart guys like you trying to earn our trust with their dirty tricks! What a nerve!?


    ?Ha ha ha!? ¨C Meanwhile, Bdin clutched at his stomach withughter. ¨C ?Thor, strike me! A human is the creator of a firearm? It¡¯s the funniest joke ever!?


    Gimli was the only one who remained calm: ?I have met only three humans worthy of wearing a beard, but their skills weren¡¯t good enough even for an apprentice dwarf. And now some upstart ims that he invented the firearm? It¡¯s pure nonsense! Humans are only interested in power and women! You never use your head! Out with it. Are you a Russell? Did you press on Gennady to earn our trust??


    ?I will press on your liver for insulting my daddy!? ¨C Le was all fired up, rolling up her sleeves for the uing battle. She wanted to appease uncle Gennady, ideally bing his favorite. Eve had to be taken down a notch¡­


    Kyon had already regretted letting her drink mead. Who knew that her mental age would influence her unbreakable body and magically decide not to process alcohol to the full extent! It would take a special drink or a strong-willed order, Drink or Die, for a powerful practitioner like her to get drunk.


    Lovr grabbed the drunk girl by the hand and said with a confident smile: ?I do not care who you have met before, but don¡¯t you dare to give me abel a ¡°stupid primitive human.¡± In fact, you¡¯re unworthy to tie my shoes!?


    The third brother turned purple with anger.


    The second brother rolled on the floor withughter again.


    The first brother snorted with contempt: ?Your arrogance has no limits, which is only expected from a human. Well, you¡¯ve made your point. Now I want to set you straight and kick you into the dung heap!?


    ?Excuse my ignorance, but how are you going to do this? Mind you, I¡¯m not going topare the size of our jars. But I couldpare the size of our brain¡­ Why not??


    ?Ha ha! I will take you down with three questions, giant zit!? ¨C Gimli epted the challenge.


    Meanwhile, Gennady and Lenny tucked their heads into their shoulders, feeling like minnows in the battle of water dragons. They respected the three brothers, but they had pinned the hope of their entire race on Zosimos. However, it didn¡¯t allow them to take sides. Zosimos was a clever guy, he could handle it!


    ?See if you can.? ¨C Kyon grinned wryly.


    ?What will fall faster in the vacuum furnace: a kilo of feathers or a dumbbell??


    The second and the third brothers grinned. Vacuum furnaces were extremely difficult to manufacture. They required at least an emperor phaser and a good formacist who would know how to impose a barrier to pump out air. Someone from Rosarrio couldn¡¯t possibly know the answer to this tricky question!


    ?They would fall at the same speed.? ¨C Lovr replied and exined. ¨C ?In the absence of air resistance, objects of different mass would be falling with the same rate of eleration under the sole influence of gravity.?


    The smiles disappeared from the second and the third brothers¡¯ faces as if by magic.


    Gimli snorted: ?Not bad. However, you could think it through logically. My second question is: what is the melting temperature of dedrithium??


    The second and third brothers shed sarcastic smiles.


    Lovr enquire: ?What ss of dedrithium? Any impurities??


    ?Second ss. One percent.? ¨C Gimli said, raising a brow.


    ?Six thousand seven hundred fifty one degrees. It also requires a powder alloyposed of seventy percent osmium, twenty-nine percent pure quenched ice quartz enchanted forpatibility of the highest grade, and one percent of emperor phase spheres serving as an alloying agent.? ¨C Kyon replied at once.


    The second and third brothers gasped, impressed by his profound knowledge of alloys! It would take them some time to answer such aplicated question, and he gave an instant reply! Gennady and Lenny did not know the answer at all.


    Gimli frowned. His two questions failed to turn this man down. It was humiliating! He said angrily: ?I see, you have learned the alloys by heart. Did you get ready for my arrival? Anyway, it does not matter. Here is my third question that very few people can answer!? ¨C {I mean, only I can!} ¨C The gold-bearded dwarf grinned unkindly and asked. ¨C ?How to dissolve insoluble ss??


    Gennady and Lenny studied chemistry. Their eyes sparkled with excitement. They didn¡¯t know the answer, but they really wanted to hear what their savior would say!


    The second and the third brothers had no idea what the answer might be. It was one thing to melt ss and quite another thing to dissolve it! The pot-bellied man was going to screw up! It was mean of their eldest brother to ask the miserable human such difficult questions. Anyway, they totally approved of his behavior.


    Kyon looked surprised: ?Oh, you have made an impressive discovery! You will make a great chemist. We could use a man like you. To begin with, there are thousands of types of chemically resistant ss. If we take, for example, the mostmon type that for some reason everyone calls insoluble, there are hundreds of advanced acids that dissolve it in no time. As for the simple acids, only hydrofluoric acid can do it. To put it simply, you need to dissolve fluorite in aqua regia or hellish liquid in yournguage. The by-product will dissolve insoluble ss. The effect depends on the acid concentrate.?


    The second and the third brothers looked at the pot-bellied man as if he were aplete idiot, but as soon as they looked at the first brother, the look on their faces changedpletely. They had never seen Gimli so shocked before! He seemed to have seen his grandfather rising from the grave!


    ?What¡¯s the matter, Gimli? Are you alright?? ¨C Dorin asked anxiously.


    ?How do you know that? How?? ¨C Gimli grabbed the pot-bellied man by his cor. ¨C ?I discovered this acid by ident, trying to find a new weapon dye! It can¡¯t be that you invented it before me!?


    Hydrofluoric acid was manufactured by heating purified fluorspar that came in a wide range of colors. Gimli wanted to dissolve it to create a new dye when he suddenly noticed that the sides of the insoluble ss had turned dull. That¡¯s how he discovered an unknown acid.


    ?Hands off my daddy!? ¨C Le shouted indignantly, pushing the dwarf. She couldn¡¯t understand why the little bearded man flew off a dozen meters like a fluff!

 Chapter 384

    Chapter 384


    When Gimli flew a dozen meters away, the other dwarfs stood rooted to the spot in shock. Gennady¡¯s and Lenny¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of their heads. Even the guards were shocked. How could a harmless girl with no cultivation (judging by their sensations) give such a powerful push?


    ?Le, what are you doing, silly girl?? ¨C Kyon barked.


    ?But he¡­ He grabbed you by the cor! I just wanted to help!? ¨C Le said resentfully, her eyes bulging with fear. She had acted reflexively! Le didn¡¯t like the arrogant dwarf pressing Zosimos!


    ?He didn¡¯t grab me, he was trying to reach me!? ¨C Lovr snapped. ¨C ?I had everything under control!?


    ?Human trash!? ¨C Dorin yelled as he came to his senses. ¨C ?Guards, take her!?


    The nine dwarf guards in gilded armor took a step forward.


    Le squeaked in fear and shivered. It was so stupid of her! What had she done?


    Kyon bravely stepped between Le and the overdeveloped brothers dwarfs and eximed, spreading his arms: ?Hands off my daughter! She didn¡¯t mean to hurt you!?


    ?Take him, too!? ¨C The third brother yelled furiously.


    As the guards rushed forward, a loudmanding voice ordered: ?Stop!?


    Gimli shook himself from the dust, approached Zosimos and roughly poked him in the chest with a thick knobby finger: ?I¡¯ll ignore your daughter¡¯s disgusting behavior if you exin to me how you found the answer to my question!?


    ?Did he really give the correct answer, elder brother?? ¨C Bdin said, surprised.


    ?You will let them away with such insolent behavior and disrespect?? ¨C Dorin gasped.


    Kyon cracked a smile: ?Gimli, I could answer your questions using my knowledge of chemistry. This science is quite difficult to understand, and it will take me some time to exin it with more details. Let¡¯s save it forst? How about after we take the factory tour??


    Gimli gave him a scorching look but agreed: ?Alright.?


    The tension in the air lessened significantly.


    Le looked at Zosimos¡¯ broad back with wide-opened eyes. She found his concern really touching. It was nice to know that he would always protect her! Le had a vague feeling that she had never experienced this before, which was stupid, right?


    ?What¡¯s your family name?? ¨C Gimli asked.


    ?I am Zosimos. No family name.? ¨C Kyon replied, surprising the dwarfs once again.


    ?I must admit, Zosimos, you have extensive knowledge for someone from the human race.? ¨C Gimli said reluctantly.


    Soon, the five dwarfs, the man, and the two girls passed through the main entrance. The nine guards stayed outside, following Gimli¡¯s order.


    Kyon whispered to Gennady to make someone bring a Te coil and some mas. They would help him save time for exining some of the nuances.


    The eight of them walked along a long corridor. The three great brothers were surprised to see theplete absence of anything superfluous or unnecessary in the decor. Even the light crystals were embedded in the ceiling, or rather, in a simple but ingenious mirrored contraption that distributed the light in the room. A curious technology.


    Gennady went to arge steel door and proudly waved his hand as he opened it: ?Behold! The smelting shop!?


    The three brothers found themselves in a huge room with the wonderful lighting they had just seen and caught their breath. They expected to see a typical smelting shop with chaotically ced furnaces, rails with trolleys, ropeways loaded with containers, drains and pipes, the constant sound of pouring metal, high temperatures, and sweaty workers, but that was not the case! Rtively tiny ovens were ced like chess pawns. Cranes were hanging from the ceiling without disturbing anyone. The pipes were hidden underground, out of sight. The workers looked neat, with rxed smiles on their faces. The atmosphere was unusually calm with no shouts or loud noises. Everything looked so perfect that the three dwarfs were speechless.


    ?Greetings to the great brothers dwarfs!? ¨C A horde of workers yelled in unison¡­


    ?What¡¯s this?? ¨C Gimli cried out. He thought it was impossible to surprise him. He had promised himself to remain calm even if he saw something unusual, but it was beyond him to keep calm among this minimalism and simplicity!


    Kyon sounded impassive when he said: ?Awork of underground vacuum tubes connects sixty-four furnaces of SSS rank. Those are cranes for loading metal into the furnace. And those¡­?


    ?What do you mean SSS rank?? ¨C Dorin eximed. ¨C ?It is known that the best furnaces in the world are in our factory! Hence, they were assigned an S rank!?


    ?That¡¯s the thing. Our furnaces are more efficient than your furnaces of S. Hence, they had to be assigned a non-existent SSS rank because if they were of S rank, yours would be of C or even D rank.? ¨C Zosimos replied matter-of-factly.


    ?Exin yourself!? ¨C Bdin demanded, his voice full of resentment


    Kyon walked up to the furnace and pointed at it: ?The efficiency factor of this furnace is almost one¡­?


    ?But it¡¯s impossible!? ¨C Gimli interrupted him. ¨C ?Even if it¡¯s made of ultra-low thermal conductivity materials and equipped with heat-insting barriers, a good percentage of heat will still be lost in fuelbustion along with smoke!?


    ?Did you see any smoke from our factory pipes?? ¨C Lovr asked.


    The three brothers were taken aback. Indeed, there was no smoke! But how was it even possible?


    Kyon continued: ?There is no smoke because we do not use fuel. Our factory, including the furnaces, is powered by electricity.?


    ?Electricity?? ¨C The three brothers asked in unison.


    ?It¡¯s one of the most useless forms of energy in the world! Electricity is a weak resource that is difficult to extract. Moreover, it turns into ash or melts everything that it passes through! You can¡¯t use it without consequences, especially on a factory-wide basis!? ¨C Gimli retorted.


    ?It¡¯s because you use direct current. An inverter can make it variable, changing its properties and it can move along an enchanted copper wire without any resistance. With alternating current, you can heat furnaces, produce thrust of thousands horsepower, illuminate the factory and even purify impure metals by electrolytic refining¡­?


    ?Nonsense! Fairy tales!? ¨C The three brothers disagreed in unison.


    Kyon took a ma and a Te coil from the messenger dwarf who came up just in time and connected them to the electricity supply. Crackling, purple sparks emanated from the electrode of the coil. Zosimos defiantly touched them and invited the brothers to follow his example.


    ?He didn¡¯t get electrocuted?? ¨C Gimli gasped.


    While the dwarfs studied the coil with wide-opened eyes, Lovr exined: ?This coil is operated with currents of very high frequency that practically do not interact with matter and therefore are harmless to the body. If you lower the frequency, the situation will change. Electricity can be transmitted at high voltages and used as energy for heating and more.?


    ?It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s unbelievable¡­? ¨C Gimli muttered, staring in amazement at the harmless sparks falling on his fingers. ¨C ?How does an inverter work??


    ?It¡¯s ssified information.? ¨C Zosimos smiled slyly. ¨C ?But I will tell you everything you need after you sign the ¡°beard agreement¡± after the tour.?


    The three brothers looked at each other grimly. The purpose of the contract must be to create a worldwide dwarf center in Dantes. So, it was Zosimos¡¯ idea to unite the dwarfs, not Gennady¡¯s? Was it pointless to persuade him to go with them to Saturn?


    ?May I?..? ¨C Eve said quietly.


    ?Of course, love.? ¨C Zosimos said tenderly, passing the coil to the girl, after which he turned to the three brothers. ¨C ?The highest possible temperature for this furnace is thirteen thousand one hundred and one degrees¡­?


    ?It¡¯s pure nonsense?? ¨C Dorin objected at once. ¨C ?The hottest furnace is in Gimli¡¯s factory! It can heat the metal up to nine thousand degrees! However, it requires special barriers and enchanted refractory insting materials!?


    ?If you delve deeper into chemistry, you will find that there are many alloys that can withstand more than ten thousand degrees. With enchantment, they get even more effective.?


    ?Chemistry this, chemistry that¡­ What on earth is that?? ¨C Gimli sounded really irritated.


    ?I will tell you about it after the tour.? ¨C Zosimos winked slyly and pointed to a little temperature sensor that indicated 10561 degrees at the moment. ¨C ?The melting point of some refractory metals is more than twelve thousand degrees. That is why I created this furnace. However, some refining processes are characterized by extremely high temperatures¡­?


    Lovr pointed to a tiny bagel-shaped furnace: ?This special furnace heats metals to one hundred and fifty thousand degrees under high pressure. Powerful electromas do not allow them toe into contact with the furnace, so the structure does not melt, which helps to obtain about a hundred percent pure metal.?


    The three brothers were speechless. In their opinion, nothing could be a hundred percent pure!


    Gennady broke into their conversation: ?We have not yet fully understood how it all works, but it works! Many furnaces as well as the alloys they are made of are created ording to the exact Zosimos¡¯ and his students¡¯ instructions. It will take us years to learn how to create one on our own! And that¡¯s just the tip of the iceberg.¡­?


    ?What electromas are you talking about?? ¨C Gimli interrupted the old dwarf.


    ?Look at your hair. It¡¯s because of the coil.? ¨C Kyon replied softly.


    The dwarfs suddenly noticed that the hair on their heads and their beards had mysteriously stood on end.


    Lovr held out a ma and two metal screws: ?Electromaic waves consist of vibrating electric and maic fields that can exert force over objects at a distance. These mas use a simr principle. Their unique structure allows electricity to flow through them, making alike maic poles repel each other and dissimr maic poles attract each other.?


    The three brothers studied the powerful ma with interest. They knew about maite, the iron ore that attracted some metals. This property had no practical value and was exined by the elemental energy in the atmosphere. Now that they knew the truth, the dwarfs started to believe that electricity was the most underrated energy in the world.


    ?Where do you get so much energy, Zosimos?? ¨C Gimli asked with reverence without realizing it.


    ?One million spheres is enough to power a huge factory for a day. It¡¯s nothing with the Russells¡¯ financial support. Formations transform the energy of the spheres into electricity¡­? ¨C Kyon wasn¡¯t afraid to tell them all about it. The three brothers wouldn¡¯t be able to reproduce these technologies even if they wanted to. He had even invented the formation that converted the energy of the spheres into the ether.


    After a short exnation, Lovr pped his hands: ?Gentlemen, you can make sure that it works in practice, but first, let¡¯s proceed to the next workshop¡­?


    The dwarfs followed him as if he were a wizard.


    Next, Kyon told them about pyrometallurgical, electrolytic, and chemical refining (purifying an impure metal). He also showed them a chemicalboratory, the production line, and facilities under development or construction.


    The evening wore on.


    Eve and Le were amazed at what was happening in front of them. They were curious (even if it didn¡¯t make any sense to them) about everything their father showed and said, but even more than that, they were stunned by the striking change in the dwarfs¡¯ attitude! The arrogant, aggressive, skeptical brothers turned into good boys! They were growing silent and polite, even Dorine the most aggressive of them all. Instead of arguing, they asked questions and paid attention to details. Their eyes sparkled with interest and admiration. They saw endless prospects for their people! There was a nascent hope they wanted to believe! Their skepticism had turned into blind adoration of the ¡°wretched¡± human.


    The girls concluded that Zosimos was iprehensibly smart, on the verge of being omniscient. He seemed to be from another reality! The dwarfs could feel it, and now the sisters felt it too.


    The three brothers enjoyed everything! They were shaken by the furnaces of SSS rank. It took them a long time to understand how chemical purification worked. They marveled at the efficiency of various machines. Back home, they would not be able to repeat even half of these miracles! They were also interested in high-speed pipes that conducted cylinders with spatial rings.


    When everyone got into the spacious elevator, Dorin said shamefully: ?Gennady, forgive me for calling your factory a shithole¡­ Despite its small size, it is many times more efficient than any of our factories. I¡¯m sorry.?


    ?It¡¯s alright. We owe a debt of gratitude to Zosimos. We n to build up the entire industrial area. The Russells have already given their approval. All private properties are already under demolition. I am sure that we will construct thergest factory in the world.?


    ?It is going to be noisy. Here, put in the earplugs, my sweet ones. There¡¯s nothing to fear. I have everything under control.? ¨C Zosimos said tenderly, holding out the plugs to the girls.


    Eve and Le obediently inserted soft things into their ears.


    ?Where are we going?? ¨C Gimli asked excitedly.


    ?To the shooting range!? ¨C Gennady announced solemnly.


    As soon as the door opened, the eight of them saw a spacious hall with thick metal walls. Shots and explosions thundered everywhere from artillery, grenades, explosives, rifles, and pistols! A hundred dwarfs managed the weapon effortlessly, broad smiles ying on their lips. Some of them had lost their limbs but didn¡¯t seem to have any regrets. The workers used to let off steam drinking and dancing, now they coulde here.


    ?Oh, great §´hor!? ¨C The three brothers screamed in unison, crying in front of the indescribable beauty.


    Gennady raised his chin with a smug grin on his lips: ?Pneumatics! Thanks to it, the Russells have been generously sponsoring us. They have ced an order big enough to provide the entire army! And it¡¯s only the beginning. We will show you an outstanding presentation of the new generation of weapons that will mark the new era of dwarf greatness! Zosimos will be the first to test it as he is the greatest man in the world!?


    With a bow, the three dwarfs handed Kyon a gold patterned case with weapons inside.

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385


    About a hundred dwarfs stopped shooting, following the order of the head of the factory and gathered in the special area to observe tests.


    ?What? A new generation of weapons?? ¨C Gimli gasped. ¨C ?Do you want to say that you¡¯ve created something more powerful than an artillery cannon??


    ?You bet!? ¨C Gennady¡¯s ck beard twitched with delight.


    Bdin said abruptly, never taking his eyes off the golden case: ?Don¡¯t tell me that this powerful weapon fits in this tiny box!?


    ?Exactly! Behold the pulse rifle!? ¨C The head of the factory announced solemnly.


    Kyon took out a dark shiny weapon the size of a sniper rifle but a bit different: its magazine was half the usual size and there was a convex sphere the size of half hand in the front.


    The three great brothers frowned in disbelief. They could believe that electricity was the most underestimated energy. They could believe in the existence of a ¡°chemistry¡± that helped create unimaginable things with metals and not only. But to believe that this small toy was more powerful than artillery? No way!


    ?Shoot, my elder brother.? ¨C Gennady said in a trembling voice.


    Kyon aimed the pulse rifle at the meter-thick steel wall and pulled the trigger.


    ~bang~


    In a split second, something flew out of the muzzle at an unimaginably high speed.


    ~BAM~


    After a deafening roar, everybody saw a one-meter hole in the thick wall. Forparison, artillery would leave only a deep crater, so a shot from a miniature pulse rifle was about five times more powerful. To put it another way, an artillery shot could beparable to the Annihtion Sphere of the 27th stage. It could harm even a noble phaser in the 5th stage ready to attack (for example, Timothy). As for a shot from the impulse rifle, it could injure a lord phaser in the beginning stages, which wasn¡¯t very impressive. However, it could kill a peaking lord phaser if taken by surprise, which wasn¡¯t so bad.


    ~BAAM~ ~BAAAM~ ¡­ ~BAAAM~ ~BAAAM~


    Lovr made ten consecutive shots at one second interval, turning the steel wall into a sieve.


    Le and Eve clung to each other in fear. What a terrible weapon! What a crash! Did the dwarfs manufacture it from Zosimos¡¯ invention? It was a living nightmare! Had they known they could wipe the entire factory off the face of the earth with a single blow, they would have forgotten to breathe.


    ?§°H GREAT THOR!? ¡­ ?UNKNOWABLE POWER!? ¡­ ?§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡H!? ¡­ ?IT¡¯S¡­ SOMETHING¡­ UNBELIEVABLE!? ¨C The workers screamed, pulling their hair out. Insane delight was written all over their faces. The polygon filled with incessant noise created a unique atmosphere of primal happiness.


    Tears came to Gennady¡¯s and Lenny¡¯s eyes, and they secretly brushed them away. What power! What beauty!


    The three great dwarfs were speechless as their jaws almost dropped to the ground. How could such a small gun be so powerful? It took only a second to recharge! And there was no recoil at all! Did it mean that soonmoners would be able to make ranged attacks like lord phasers?


    ?What was that?? ¨C Gimli asked Zosimos with a stutter as he approached them.


    ?A pulse rifle. The most powerful weapon in the factory so far. However, a couple of tons of explosives could make a bigger st.?


    ?How¡­ How is it possible that there is so much energy in this small thing the size of a crossbow? I didn¡¯t see any smokeing out of it!? ¨C Gimli cried out. The other two brothers drilled Zosimos with a questioning gaze.


    Zosimos exined dryly: ?The pulse rifle, as you might guess, works on impulse, not pneumatics. Inside this spherical bulge, there is a maar that makes three hundred thousand revolutions per second. Electromaic force and vacuum reduce friction to zero. Every trigger pull converts rotational kic energy into trantional kic energy that is transferred to the bullet. That¡¯s why its power isparable to five artillery shots, silent and without recoil. The fire-rate is one shot per second and twenty shots per minute with a magazine for forty bullets.?


    The three brothers ran their fingers through their hair, trying toprehend the information they heard. Everything he said was intuitively understandable but simply not feasible! Only a genius could create a working prototype, applying thews of physics, taking into ount forms, creating suitable materials and making the correct design! But before starting all that, it required a lot of mental work!


    ?Wait!? ¨C Gimli said. ¨C ?Wait, wait, wait! How can it fire ten shots in half a minute? Can the maar spin faster??


    ?Maar is an ultra-strong superconductor with a specific structure. It¡¯s elerated with the help of high-frequency electromaic waves created by its shell, i.e., the weapon walls, that feed on energy. Initially, the design suggested a super-capacious battery, but due to the technological capabilities of this¡­ Anyway, we used an ordinary lord phase formation that emits energy in exchange for spheres. A shot costs fifty spheres. It doesn¡¯te cheap, but it¡¯s not too much, either. In the near future, we n to create pulse artillery, which will cost much more! But it will be progressively more powerful, too¡­?


    ?Pulse artillery?? ¨C The three brothers eximed.


    A hundred hard workers cheered at the top of their lungs, hearing these words.


    ?Daddy, may I try it?? ¨C Le asked, tugging Zosimos at his shirt.


    Kyon marveled at her courage for a second, then nodded: ?Of course, love. Come on.?


    Lovr handed Le the pulse rifle, helped her take the correct pose for the shot and told her to pull the trigger, holding her by the arms just in case. After the shot, Le¡¯s eyes lit up with happiness. It was much more exciting than watching cartoons!


    Eve also wanted to shoot, but she didn¡¯t dare to ask Zosimos because she would have to be too close to him then, and she shuddered at the very thought of it¡­ Imagine her surprise when Zosimos handed her the weapon and gave her verbal instructions! Under his and hundreds of bearded dwarfs¡¯ gazes, Eve timidly shot at the steel wall! Her heart was overflowing with gratitude to her father, who had shown remarkable consideration for her feelings. He was so¡­ cool.


    Le pouted and wanted to shoot herself too¡­ However, the three brothers, Gennady, and Lenny had already lined up before her¡­ With a fight, she managed to cut in line.


    After about an hour, the five dwarfs, Zosimos and his girls came to the head office.


    ?What are our ns for the future, Zosimos?? ¨C Gennady asked excitedly.


    ?To begin with, we will improve the technology to create pulse artillery. The next-generation weapons are tooplex. That¡¯s why then we will focus on alpha TNT, the most powerful explosive. Grenades with this filling will surpass even pulse artillery, but it will take at least three years even with the support of all the dwarfs in the world. The same applies to the hydrogen bomb with a yield equivalent to one hundred megatons.?


    ?One hundred megatons!? ¨C Gennady and Lenny eximed in disbelief.


    ?Is it a lot?? ¨C Gimli wondered.


    ?It will blow Dantes off the face of the earth!? ¨C Gennady barked.


    ?It can¡¯t be!? ¨C The three brothers gasped.


    Gimli, Bdin, and Dorin had been nning to manufacture artillery and some firearms at their factory soon, but now they fully realized the insignificance of their ideas. Pulse artillery! Alpha TNT! H-bomb! That¡¯s real power!


    The dwarfs didn¡¯t stop talking until Kyong asked for silence: ?Gentlemen, we are going to design a resonator along with alpha-TNT and hydrogen bomb. It¡¯s a weapon of mass destruction that uses sound vibrations to create an earthquake¡­?


    ?You can do that? How do you know all this?? ¨C Gimli asked, stuttering.


    ?Imagine that Thor himself told me about it in my dreams. It will be easier for you to understand.? ¨C Zosimos smiled and created a piece of gold in his hand. ¨C ?Now let me tell you about chemistry.?


    ?Is it gold?? ¨C The five dwarfs gasped in shock.


    For the next half hour, Kyon exined what chemistry was and how it worked, creating gold, tinum, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other minerals with the earth element to demonstrate the world at the atomic level.


    While the girls yed with beautiful gems, the bearded dwarfs listened and watched Zosimos as if enchanted. He was Thor himself giving them a private lesson. The world turned upside down. This man could create any rock or metal in his hands! Wasn¡¯t that proof enough that he knew the way the world worked? It would take anyone else years to create at least one piece of rock, studying family heritage, i.e., through enlightenment.


    Gimli, Bdin, and Dorin had realized what kind of monster they were dealing with. His disrespect for them was fully justified! They couldn¡¯t hold a candle to him, to put it mildly! They were specks of dustpared to his phenomenal knowledge!


    Gimli hesitated for a long time, and then said the following as if trying to persuade a stranger to marry his dog: ?Zosimos¡­ I have never met anyone smarter than you¡­ I really want to have someone like you in my factory. Being the head of all the factories in Saturn, I have to offer you a job on your terms¡­?


    Gennady and Lenny tensed.


    ?I appreciate it, but no.? ¨C Kyon declined the offer with a gracious smile. He had to go to Cernos because he was too weak for Dantes. In Saturn, there were beings on apletely different level! Lovr liked to keep his life under control. He¡¯d hate to be a small boat in the raging ocean full of monsters. Therefore, he was not going to deviate from his original n.


    Gimli reacted as if it was what he had expected to hear: ?So, you want to conclude a ¡°bearded agreement¡± to create a worldwide dwarf center in Dantes??


    ?That¡¯s right. We need clever heads like yours.? ¨C Zosimos said condescendingly.


    The dwarfs did not mind his attitude. He was a gold mine. No, he was iparable to any riches. He was a star descended from heaven!


    ?In short, my basic conditions are as follows: the best minds and hands of the dwarf race and all kinds of resources will be secretly delivered to Dantes for implementing new technologies. The governments of your empires should stay in the dark as the possible consequences are too unpredictable. All new technologies and weapons will stay in Rosarrio until I say otherwise. Leaks are uneptable. You may discuss with Gennady the details like determination of seniority, ces of residence, and so on.?


    The three brothers were made an offer they couldn¡¯t refuse.


    After that, Kyon asked in a deep voice: ?Gimli, do you have an earth grade??


    Grade specifies a certain level of expertise. Basic grade makes it possible to use the element, but even a heaven genius can¡¯t use more than five elements. Advanced grade removes the restrictions from the element and enhances it by 2 stages, allowing to create unique and more powerful techniques. Only a few people had the superior grade that enhanced an element by 4 stages. Master grade has been considered the highest level of expertise for mortals since ancient times. Even great geniuses that have mastered 4 elements may never acquire it in a lifetime. Master grades are extremely rare and priceless. Even in the imperial treasury of Saturn (1), there are hardly any master grades of at least three elements.


    Lovr had taken the superior (3) grades of all the elements from the Grands but had mastered (acquired) only the earth and the heat. He couldn¡¯t even imagine where to get master grades! That¡¯s why the question he asked Gimli was more important for Kyon than it might seem at first nce. Nobody sold master grades. They couldn¡¯t be found anywhere.


    Gimli and his brothers exchanged meaningful looks, nodding solemnly to each other: ?Dwarfs are born with an earth element. Our heritage goes back to Thor himself! We¡¯d be damned if we didn¡¯t have a master grade of earth! But this information is top secret. If the human race finds it out, they will inevitably try to steal it. Zosimos, you are the only human in the world who knows because you are worthy of the master grade of earth! Even I feel unworthy after you have demonstrated your skill. I will send you a copy.?


    ?Thank you.? ¨C Kyon shook his hand firmly.


    Lovr left the factorypletely satisfied with today¡¯s results: he had filled the core with 10% light, which was 95% in total. It took him a lot of effort to leave the light side: he had organized the world dwarf center in Dantes, got a pulse rifle, aka powerful pocket artillery, made arrangements to receive a master grade of earth, and changed the girls¡¯ attitude towards himself for the better!


    Eve and Le made a conclusion that Zosimos was wicked smart and conversant with any issue. Arguing with him was tantamount to ignorance. He was so good that even clever dwarfs were willing to kneel in front of him to get his instructions!


    {Now I know what mom saw in him.} ¨C Le thought. It always seemed strange to her that some flickering pictures could win the goddess¡¯s heart. Now it all started to make sense. Only an extraordinary and brilliant personality could conquer even the goddess¡¯s heart! She was very lucky if he really was her dad! It would be nice to tease this smartass. Moreover, she seemed to be very strong! Even stronger than Zosimos.


    Eve frowned thoughtfully: {If he has been working with the dwarfs for more than eight years, then it is evident that he has the money for the expensive hotel. But why did he say that they were too young for such important information? He could just say, ¡°I work as an engineer for the dwarfs.¡± It wasn¡¯t too difficult to exin!} ¨C Eve thought about it for a long time. The only thing that came to her mind was that her dad was sincere and honest with them. He didn¡¯t want to lie to them even asionally! Did it mean that she could trust him? So it seemed¡­


    ?My sweet ones! Daddy is going to work tomorrow, and you will be watching cartoons.?


    ?CARTOONS!? ¨C Le cried out excitedly, raising her hands jubntly.

 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386


    The following day after breakfast, Kyon gave the girls instructions on how to behave and what to do in case of some unforeseen circumstances. At first, Le protested when Zosimos said he was leaving Eve in charge, but his stern nce stopped the tantrum. Anyway, the only thing she really cared about were cartoons! It would be hard to handle her without this wonderful maniption tool.


    Lovr left the Garden of Eden hotel and the walls of Dantes for a very simple reason: he had to get citizenship for his second identity as an imperial investigator. Otherwise, there would be questions like, ¡°How did you get into the city after passing the customs?¡±


    After spending a couple of hours on registration, Kyon headed towards the Imperial Department of Law Enforcement, located five kilometers closer to the city center than the Garden of Eden Hotel.


    It was a majestic five-story dark grey building with the Russells¡¯ coat of arms on the facade. The vast park around it was dotted with bushes, flowers, fountains, and statues of generals.


    Each floor was about five 5 meters high, so the building seemed really huge, several timesrger than the Boston Department.


    The Imperial Department of Law Enforcement was the main of the three branches of the Ministry of Justice. Itprised many functions, including those performed by the armed forces and federalw enforcement agencies. Any criminal activities in the capital fell under its jurisdiction: from minor offenses and crimes to corruption and treason. Being an investigator required versatile skills, while other jobs inw and economics were of lesser importance and influence in this world of power.


    Wherever he went, he attracted numerous nces. People around him started whispering, gasping and even screaming in horror. He had chosen this particr identity that guaranteed walked a thorny path for one important reason: to harvest darkness. He had filled the core by 25% so far, which was too little. Staying in the guise of Dick Baker would earn him more darkness, but it also came with a price of ¡°raising the level of difficulty.¡±


    That¡¯s how he got into the investigation department. Dick Baker¡¯s formation, papers, and rmendation letter helped him to pass the reception desk.


    The following steps are required to upgrade (or receive) a rank: prepare the necessary documents, submit them to the front desk and wait for their response, which might take several months as a rule. If approved, the next step is to get an appointment to take the exam for the dered rank. This exam can¡¯t be taken more often than once a year. If it¡¯s passed sessfully, they change (or issue) the documents, the formation, and the uniform, and it¡¯s back to work.


    Kyon was not going to waste months on all the red tape. One hundred thousand spheres in the right hands, and he cut in line. Another half an hour, and his documents were approved. An hourter, he entered the office.


    A corpulentdy adjusted her sses. As she saw Dick Baker, she gasped and coughed loudly. When fifty valerian drops brought her to her senses, she skimmed through the papers and the rmendation letter: ?Dick Baker? .. From the head of the Iron Throne department? .. The best investigator ever? .. Saved Boston from the criminal of the century? .. Gods¡­?


    The woman nced suspiciously at the fat, unsightly young man over her sses and asked: ?Do you really think you will be a third-ranking investigator just like this? With this piece of paper?


    ?This paper matches my deeds.? ¨C Kyon reassured her firmly.


    She took another look at the aplishments described in the document. If the letter¡¯s authenticity hadn¡¯t been approved, she would never have believed her eyes. She took off her sses and said coldly: ?A high-ranking imperial investigator is a position of authority. Our city with fifty million people has over two hundred thousand investigators. You must have a military ID card and special training to get at least the seventh rank. Only every tenth applicant seeds in getting it. The sixth rank requires three years of impable experience. To get the fifth rank, you need five years of experience and a rmendation letter from the boss. The fourth rank requires ten-year experience. You will also have to prove your qualifications and skills with a certain number of resolved cases and be in your superiors¡¯ good books. Only a few be investigators of the third rank and above¡­ To be more precise, every thousandth does. They are talented people with extraordinary abilities who have stood the test of time and have proven their dedication. As you can see, thepetition is insane. And then you appear out of the blue, thinking you can cut out this difficult path with one letter of rmendation? They will nip you in the bud!?


    Kyon said nothing. He expected to hear something like that.


    The woman realized that she was wasting her breath and shook her head: ?Anyway, I have no right to refuse a rmendation letter of this level. You may go to room 216 at four p.m. Here is your exam pass. I give you ten points, but I doubt they will let an upstart like you pass!?


    Kyon took the pass and left the office in a foul mood. What were the odds that he would get a reasonable examiner? It was highly unlikely. Nobody liked bastards that went through the back door. Anyway, if they flunked him, he had a genuine letter of rmendation and enough knowledge to win an appeal. The chance that they might destroy the letter was almost zero as the department was literally stuffed with surveince formations. No one would risk their position or even freedom for who knows what.


    Ten minutes before the exam, Lovr entered room 216, a spacious hall withrge windows and numerous desks, nothing fancy.


    About thirty investigators from the 7th to the 5th rank stared at the new guy. They were taking an exam to upgrade their rank. All kinds of grimaces distorted their faces. Someone even became hysterical: ?Where did this creaturee from?? ¡­ ?Hey kid, where are you from?? ¡­ ?Aren¡¯t you too young to be a 6th investigator? Have you finished military service and training? Do you have three years of experience?? ¨C They must have taken him for a 7th rank investigator.


    Lovr ignored their numerous questions. He took an empty seat and got engrossed in reading.


    Soon, most of those present lost interest in the fat guy and focused on the uing exam, but one of them grabbed his head and desperately groaned: ?Why is this happening to me? It¡¯s the third time in a row that Raisen has been my examiner!?


    ?Who is Raisen?? ¨C A woman sitting near him asked.


    ?He was my examiner in two exams! I had almost all the answers right, but he kept splitting hairs and finally flunked me! I ran a background check on him and found out that Raisen has the lowest pass rate in Dantes!? ¨C He howled, making everyone even more anxious.


    ?Damn it! I don¡¯t want to wait another year!? ¡­ ?Bloody hell! I have already promised my wife to be a 5th rank investigator!? ¡­ ?What did I get myself into?? ¨C The investigators buried their nces in their desks with grim faces.


    Just at that moment, a lean, short-haired middle-aged man entered the room with a pleased grin on his face and gave everyone a condescending look: ?My dear examinees, that¡¯s the right approach.?


    The examinees tucked their heads in fear.


    ?Ha ha! Why so grim faces? I am an examiner, not an executioner!? ¨C Raisenughed loudly. ¨C ?There is nothing to worry about if your track record is good as well as your knowledge and self-confidence! A strict examiner kills your confidence? Then you are not worthy of getting an upgrade!?


    Kyon raised an eyebrow. The howling examinee turned out to be a fraud. He added to the atmosphere of fear so that those who considered themselves unworthy of an upgrade for some reasons made mistakes and failed.


    ?So, my name is Raisen Postte. I am a 4th ranking investigator. I will be your examiner today. You need to keep at least one point to pass the exam sessfully. Each of you has been given a different number of points, from ten to fifty. The number depends on your experience, achievements, rmendations, and the desired rank. To be honest, your status and strength will also y a role.?


    ?There are three types of assignments: multiple choice questions, written and oral tasks. First, you will get one hundred questions with four possible answers each. You will lose a point with each mistake. Then, there are ten written tasks to exin in detail on a separate piece of paper. Finally, I¡¯ll ask you three random questions to get yourpetent answers. The higher the desired rank, the more difficult and tricky my questions will be. Any questions??


    ?How will you evaluate the written and oral tasks?? ¨C One of the investigators asked.


    ?Written and oral assignments are of great importance as they reveal your abilities, skills, experience, and attitude. I will take ten points for each wrong answer.? ¨C Rasen shed a dazzling smile.


    *the examinees gasp in fear*


    ?But how will we know if our answer was wrong or right? What criteria are you using to evaluate the answers??


    Raisen answered in an indifferent voice: ?An investigator is a precise and meticulous job. Each of your possible actions has been described in the book that gives the sequence of procedures that need to be performed. It will be easy even for a 4th ranking investigator like me to assess the quality of your work.?


    ?By the way!? ¨C Raisen eximed suddenly. ¨C ?Today is a special day. I¡¯ve seen a lot in my career, but this is my first! One of the examinees doesn¡¯t even have the 7th rank. He hasn¡¯t gained ten years of experience. In some magic way, he has received permission to pass the exam for the job of an investigator of the third rank!?


    The thirty examinees made a terrible racket: ?What do you mean he has no 7th rank?? ¡­ ?Is it a joke? What kind of injustice is this?? ¡­ ?How much did he pay and whom to do this?? ¡­ ?Who is he? I want to look him in the eye!?


    ?Ha ha!? ¨C Raisenughed viciously as he walked towards thest row of desks. ¨C ?I have dreamed of bing a high-ranking investigator since I was a child just like many of my colleagues. We work tirelessly for days on end for this position! And then, there¡¯s this smartass who believes that he can deceive the system! It¡¯s funny! A high-ranking imperial investigator is not a job that you get with a bribe or any other tricks! You must have a huge amount of knowledge and experience! Kind uncle Reisen will judge this rogue to the fullest extent of the powers given to me! I am sure that he will achieve nothing with his ten points. Am I right, Dick Baker?? ¨C Raisen hissed sarcastically, banging his hand on the desk with an extremely unpleasant-looking fat guy.

 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387


    ?Seriously? This piece of shit wants to be an investigator of the third rank? Isn¡¯t it too much? My son is older than him, but he is still in the army!? ¡­ ?Ha ha! First, the green night, then the rainbow sun and the Feruz¡¯ treasury, and now this? The world is insane!? ¡­ ?If he bes an investigator, I will dig up my grandmother from her grave and marry her!?


    The investigators were full of righteous indignation. Hatred and contempt distorted their faces, red with rage. All of them had been dreaming of getting the third rank! And now this scarecrow was going to cut the line! They wanted to break his fat neck for this arrogance! Also, they had ganged up on Dick to appease the examiner.


    ?Please, don¡¯t make a fuss.? ¨C Raisen said, holding up his hands in a cating gesture. Then he handed out the assignments and set the timer for three hours. After that, he sat at the teacher¡¯s table, looking carefully at the fat guy, ready to catch him cheating.


    {Finally.} ¨C Kyon thought as he got started.


    He solved the multiple-choice test at once, but he pretended it took him half an hour. The questions were supposed to test his knowledge of the legition, but this type of testing was highly ineffective. Whatever¡­


    The written test turned out to be much more difficult. It touched upon many facets of the investigator¡¯s activity: the mechanism for solving crimes, individual peculiarities of this kind of job, moral aspects of decision-making, and professional ethics. All this didn¡¯t only require the right answer, it also had to be correctly formted. An ordinary investigator of the 4th rank had to thoroughly know his job to pass this test.


    As Kyon wrote a few sentences, he could feel the restless examiner rise over him. He stared at his writing with a stern gaze, looking for something to find fault with.


    A crooked smile lit up Raisen¡¯s face: ?Someone has been skipping lessons at school and doesn¡¯t know basic punctuation rules! I will be happy to take points for the punctuation mistakes!?


    Some of the examinees snorted.


    Lovr rolled his eyes and continued writing.


    The examiner walked around the room and stopped again near the fat guy, disapprovingly clicking his tongue: ?Pffft¡­ So many mistakes¡­ How stupid! These clumsy patterns¡­ I am going to throw up! I was expecting more from someone who dared to jump over the years of hard work as an investigator!?


    This cycle repeated every five minutes. Any examinee in Kyon¡¯s ce would not have withstood the pressure and made a lot of mistakes. That¡¯s what Raisen was counting on.


    When two out of three hours passed, Lovr got up from his seat and put thepleted assignments on the examiner¡¯s table: ?I am ready.?


    The examinees¡¯ faces twisted in a contemptuous sneer. He didn¡¯t even try!


    ?What¡¯s your rush? Can¡¯t wait to get your job? Ha ha! It¡¯s really funny!?


    Raisen took the first assignment sheet and began topare Dick¡¯s answers with the correct ones. Soon, he let out an annoyed snort: ?Well, you¡¯ve been lucky.? ¨C He took the written assignments and carefully read the text. Gradually, the smile disappeared from his lips. Dick¡¯s paper was like a work of art! Everything was perfect about it: handwriting, sentence construction, presentation, content¡­ It was at an unattainable high level! No one had ever written better!


    The ssroom was stuffed with recording formations, that¡¯s why Raisen couldn¡¯t flunk anyway on a whim. He couldn¡¯t im there was a mistake if there was none because the examinee could request a review or appeal, which could get Raisen fired!


    ?Exin what you understand by ¡°teamwork¡±?? ¨C The examiner asked.


    ?It¡¯s the coborative effort of a group to achieve amon goal.?


    ?Okay, but what is a team??


    ?It¡¯s a powerful unit of collective performance.?


    ?Alright, what¡¯s amon goal?? ¨C Raisen kept pressing.


    Kyon had an intense urge to hurt him. He would give a million to hit that arrogant face!


    Meanwhile, the other examinees listened to their conversation awestricken. The fat guy seemed to be a walking encyclopedia! The examiner tried to split hairs but failed. There wasn¡¯t a moment when Raisen could object, or he risked misconstruing the meaning of the term and the articles of the code, which would make him look like aplete idiot. Raisen had to find a way around and tried to find mistakes in Dick¡¯s understanding of what he had said, but it didn¡¯t help.


    Raisen¡¯s face was getting tense. The examinees¡¯ nces pierced him like razor-sharp knives. It was a shame! He couldn¡¯t flunk this brat! Raisen moved on to checking the next task, hoping to find something there¡­


    When the examinees saw the expression on his face, they wondered what was going on. Why hadn¡¯t the arrogant jerk flunk the exam yet? What if they both were on the same side, yingedy in front of the audience?


    Raisen took the second task, then the third, the fourth¡­ the eighth. He was in shock! This fat monster was indestructible. At that moment, the examiner realized that he wouldn¡¯t be able to flunk this fat pig if everything went like this. As for the oral exam, he waspletely already sure of hispetence! Was he dealing with a damn genius? The mere thought of uing humiliation made him feel a lump in the throat.


    ?Is anything the matter?? ¨C Kyon asked with a mischievous smile on his face. ¨C ?What did you say about many mistakes in my assignment? Nomas, awkward sentences? Huh??


    A grimace distorted the examiner¡¯s face. Suddenly a pen ¡°identally¡± fell off the table. When Raisen picked it up, there was an 8 on the assignment sheet instead of the number 9.


    ?Do you want to lose your job?? ¨C Kyon asked with icy disdain.


    ?Look what¡¯s this!? ¨C Raisen shed a vicious grin. ¨C ?Did you write the wrong task number? Ha ha! Ha ha ha! What a gross, barbaric mistake! Two tasks number eight! My apuse¡­? ¨C Raisen got up and started pping his hands, unaware how weird it looked. There was no way he could let this monster get a rank higher than his own!


    Kyon snorted with contempt: ?This scrawled number is even written in different ink. I wonder what the authorities¡¯ reaction will be when they find out about this??


    Raisen banged his fist on the table: ?Watch your tone when talking with your senior!?


    Lovr rolled his eyes and pointed his finger at the next assignment sheet.


    When the examiner saw another task with number 9, he could feel his stomach starting to churn. The fat jerk had deliberately provoked him, predicting a possible trick. Had he duplicated the task? The examiner¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head.


    ?What will you say this time? Do you think I am messing with you¡­?


    ?You are, snotty brat!? ¨C Raisen barked, banging his fist on the long-suffering table. ¨C ?Task number eight is done twice! And it means that I am taking ten points from you! You are free to go. Next, please!?


    Kyon could hardly hold back hisughter. It would be as easy as pie to challenge the result of the exam.


    The other examinees held their breath. Did the fat guy really pass the test with flying colors?


    When Dick Baker left the room, Raisen got a call on his sound transmitter. His face immediately turned pale and he ran out, yelling: ?Dick Baker! Wait! I¡­ I overreacted!?


    ?You did?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?Yes¡­ Yes! It¡¯s my fault!? ¨C The examiner muttered in a trembling voice.


    Kyon returned to receive the official document stating that he had passed the exam, not forgetting to make it clear: ?So I passed? Even without taking the oral exam??


    Raisen wanted the ground to swallow him up: ?You did.?


    ?What did you say? I can¡¯t hear you. Say it again loudly!? ¨C Kyon held his hand to his ear.


    ?You passed! Congrattions on getting the job of an investigator of the third rank¡­?


    The other examinees were seething with anger: ?Howe he passed?? ¡­ ?What about the oral exam?? ¡­ ?Are you kidding me? Has he got the job of a high-ranking investigator?? ¡­ ?You said he didn¡¯t stand a chance and helped him to get the job!? ¡­ ?Oh granny¡­ I am so sorry¡­?


    Raisen¡¯s face changed from gray to red. He wished he could dig his fingers into the fat jerk¡¯s nting eyes and plunge them into his brain! If he had any.


    ?Have a good one.? ¨C Kyon snorted and left the room, leaving about thirty investigators with burning butthurt behind. A bit of darkness in the core felt nice.


    Lovr thought that it would take him a week or two to clean up all this mess, but someone from above had taken Raisen down a notch, moving Dick Baker up the careerdder. Lovr was harvesting the fruits of his secret cooperation with the 0th general. He had no doubt it was his doing. He wondered how soon they would meet. Would the general invite him to his office?


    Lovr received the papers, the formation of an imperial investigator of the 3rd rank, and the uniform of his size. After he got changed, he went to the fifth floor where the top power of the department was located: almost all the investigators from the 3rd to the 1st rank.


    The guards at the elevator of the 5th floor doubted that he was an investigator of the 3rd rank. Finally, they made a call and let the fat guy in.


    Kyon saw a wide staircase with metal railings like in expensive hotels. From there, he had an excellent view of the entire investigation department with an open floor n and some pirs dispersed throughout the area. In the middle, there was a fountain in the shape of a dolphin and a mermaid. The working area was divided into numerous tiny cubicles with ss walls, some of them with matt ss walls. Apparently, they were for the investigators of the second rank. On the right, there was the entrance to the archive of public records. There was also the archive of civil cases, the archive for high-ranking cases, the archive for documents of utmost importance, where no ordinary investigator of the 3rd rank could enter, the analytical department, the conference room, and the canteen.


    Investigators scurried back and forth, but it wasn¡¯t noisy even if the whole ce was a hive of activity. There was a soundproof barrier in each cubicle that helped focus on work. The investigators could even yell at the top of their lungs. No one would hear anything outside.


    Kyon looked pleased. The analytics department in Boston wasn¡¯t anywhere close to this beautiful ce! Everything was perfect here, including work and space efficiency.


    First of all, Lovr intended to meet Milin, the head of the department, and gain ess to the archive of high-ranking cases (¡°A¡± and ¡°S¡±), the entrance to which was open only for investigators of the second rank and above. He didn¡¯t want to do it the hard way, solving cases of ¡°B¡± and ¡°C¡± rank. They might fire him without much ado if they didn¡¯t see his value!


    As Kyon went downstairs, he immediately attracted the attention of all the investigators. The silent question ¡°what the¡­¡± was written all over their faces. He headed to the head office without saying a word while everyone around stared nkly at him.


    High-ranking investigators were usually 30-35 years old or at least 25 in exceptional cases. This one was still a boy! And his looks¡­ A walking nightmare!


    As Kyon approached the door to the head office and pressed the button, two aggressive investigators stepped from the crowd that surrounded him. However, the saving green light let Dick Baker inside.


    ?What the¡­? ¨C ?What the¡­? ¨C The head of the department winced, adjusting his sses. ¨C ?Are you¡­ Dick Baker? The brat that was imposed on me??


    ?The very same, Mr. Mn!? ¨C Kyon greeted him with a gant smile, taking a seat.

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388


    As he entered the office, Kyon saw the head of the department, the first-ranking investigator, sitting in the chair. He was a handsome, tall, a bit effeminate man in his mid-thirties, wearing a ck suit and sses. His disheveled, blond hair was the Valentines¡¯ family trait (1). Mn was the patriarch¡¯s brother and Rose¡¯s uncle, the very bastard who was engaged in lewd activities with the olddy at the goddess¡¯ behest.


    Mn gave the impression of a cold-blooded, self-confident perfectionist, practical and reasonable. His office was in impable order. The whole department must walk on eggshells around him. Now his dark-green eyes were full of fatigue and irritation. There were two cases on the table in front of him: S-1 and A-3¡­ They must be the cause of his concern.


    ?Are you¡­ Dick Baker? The brat that was imposed on me??


    ?The very same, Mr. Mn!? ¨C Kyon greeted him with a gant smile, taking a seat.


    ?Gods¡­ Why are you doing this to me¡­? ¨C He took off his sses and wearily rubbed his eyes that hurt not only because of the monstrously ugly young man in front of him.


    ?If you¡¯ve read my rmendation letter, sir, you know what I¡¯m capable of. I will prove my worth if you give me ess to the high-ranking cases archive. You will get the results tomorrow.?


    Mn said tly,pletely ignoring his words: ?You must be stinking rich to buy this post, but I will never ept it. You are an indelible stain on the reputation of my department. Since I can¡¯t fire you without a good reason, you¡¯d better make yourself scarce. Do not bother anyone, do not create problems, and do not eat much in the canteen.? ¨C He emphasized thest words.


    Kyon shook his head: ?Sir, you can consider me arrogant, you can underestimate me, but give me a chance to prove myself! May I take a look at the two cases on your desk??


    ?What a nerve¡­? ¨C Mn banged his fist on the table. ¨C ?Get out of here!? ¨C His patience was not unlimited. Even if this brat was under protection, he wasn¡¯t going to tolerate his attitude.


    {¡­} ¨C Kyon looked annoyed when he left the office and headed to the archive of the B and C ranking files. The rest of the cases were for low-ranking investigators of other departments. Well, it seemed that he had to do it the hard way, like with dimir in Boston. Anyway, it was too soon to give up¡­


    As soon as he entered the archive, the aggressive investigators appeared out of nowhere, followed by the third, apparently their leader: ?Hey dude, where did youe from? Aren¡¯t you too young for an investigator??


    {Heree the outcasts.} ¨C Kyon nodded to his thoughts and shed a confident smile. ¨C ?Gentlemen, I am an exchange investigator from Saturn! I am curious about your way of life here and can¡¯t wait to see what you are capable of. How are you doing? How much progress have you made??


    The three friends exchanged perplexed nces.


    ?Are you serious?? ¨C Their leader asked.


    ?Of course I am! My name is Dick Baker! Look!? ¨C He held out his wrist with the family formation.


    The investigators were surprised: ?The Bakers! It¡¯s the third-ranking family!?


    Now it was clear to them how the fat guy had got the job of the third-ranking investigator. Anyone from Saturn seemed to be on another level of existence. This snotty brat was like a capital dweller visiting a small vige.


    This information took them down a peg. They exchanged another phrase and let the fat guy go. They had to hide their anger and contempt because messing with this neer would bring them only trouble.


    Kyon was taking a risk. As soon as his ill-wishers ran him through the database, he was screwed! Any fight would end in his dismissal¡­ However, he wasn¡¯t going to endure humiliation or even beating¡­ No way. He had gained a few hours toe up with something that would ensure Mn¡¯s support.


    As Lovr was studying the files of B and C rank, he could hear conversations from everywhere. The investigators talked mainly about the green night, the rainbow sun, the Feruz¡¯ treasury, and the new young investigator who was ugly beyond imagination. No one mentioned the invasion of 33 demons. This information must be ssified. Suddenly, he heard something interesting from the canteen.


    ?Did you hear thetest news about the demon huntress??


    ?You bet! I follow her every move! The girl has destroyed a group of bandits on her own! Gods, she is good! She does more than any of us. I wish I could team up with her¡­ Helping her fight criminals¡­?


    ?Ha ha, stop drooling!? ¨C His colleague chuckled. ¨C ?Given her strength, I assume that she is from some elite family. She won¡¯t even look at you. If you were someone like Mn¡­ Well, that¡¯s another story¡­?


    ?Guys, are you talking about the demon Huntress? I adore her! Look, I have a poster!?


    ?Come on, let me take a look!? ¡­ ?Take a seat! The lunch is on me! Where¡¯s the poster?..?


    As Kyon found out, there was a supergirl in the capital called ¡°Demon Huntress.¡± She always carried a bow and wore a mask and a seductive outfit. The investigators emphasized the stunning figure of the brave girl who fought the bad guys. Over thest two years of gratuitous activity, she had won such great poprity that the residents considered her the asset of Dantes! She was an angel in the flesh and an example to follow.


    {Wow! Great!} ¨C Kyon was so impressed that he took a moment to think about what he had heard. A kind soul appeared in the world where no one cared about the others. This girl was fighting against injustice and evil! She was worthy of his admiration. It was a truly amazing phenomenon. He wished he could get to know her and shake her hand as a sign of his approval.


    Suddenly, Lovr heard someone leave the head office. He looked out and saw Mn bringing the two cases to the archive and heading to the canteen.


    {Here goes!} ¨C Kyon dashed to the nearest cubicle behind the matted ss and pressed the button. As soon as the green light was on, he went inside.


    ?Gods! Who on earth are you?? ¨C The investigator of the 2nd rank let out a cry of rm.


    ?Good afternoon. I am the new investigator of the third rank. I have an offer for you¡­?


    ?GET OUT OF HERE!? ¨C The owner of the cubicle barked.


    Kyon signed and closed the door behind himself. He pressed the button on the next cubicle. Finally, someone got interested in his offer.


    ?What is it about?? ¨C An investigator inquired curtly.


    ?Aizar, I will give you a million spheres for a small favor. I need the two cases that are of Mn¡¯s great concern. To be more precise, they are cases S-1 and A-3. You risk nothing as I will give them back as soon as I look through them. I just want to impress the boss.?


    The investigator grunted thoughtfully, rubbing the stubble on his chin: ?You want to look through the cases? And you will give me a million spheres if I bring them to you??


    ?That¡¯s right!? ¨C Dick Baker nodded enthusiastically.


    Aizar shook his head: ?Sorry, but I won¡¯t even touch the notorious S-1 case. It¡¯s the Valentines¡¯ sore spot, and, as you know, Mnes from that family. I will not risk my position, but I can get you the A-3 case for a million and a half.?


    Kyon¡¯s gaze fell on the golden pig, a symbol of wealth, in the corner of the table. It was supposed to bring money to its owner, which led him to the conclusion that Aizar was money-driven and bargaining with him might cause heavy financial losses.


    ?Deal.? ¨C Lovr agreed, taking out the money. He realized that his assumption was correct when he heard the investigator make a frustrated tsking sound.


    How much is a million and a half spheres? For example, Juno¡¯s gorgeous mansion with the pond, the park, the training area, the library, treasury, and the barriers costs five million spheres. One and a half million is a second-ranking investigator¡¯s three-month sry. This investigator will get this amount for a short walk to the archive and back!


    Aizar brought the A rank file number 3.


    Kyong quickly read its contents, nodded to him and left.


    It was about the following: the 65-year-old elder of the Valentines family was poisoned by the hellish rose. Elisha left behind an enormous fortune. There were a lot of suspects, and the situation looked confusing. The butler, a faithful servant who had known his master for more than ten years had, hadmitted a serious offense a week before the murder and received a severe punishment that also touched upon his precious family. The 40-year-old son had been beaten and humiliated by his father since he was a child. Judging by some reports, the son was vindictive. The 37-year-old daughter despised her father for his selfish greed and often quarreled with him, having persistent and severe tantrums to export every copper out of him. The son-inw, a military man, had poisoned his father as a child for beating his mother after getting drunk. The 20-year-old grandson loved his grandfather, but, ording to the investigation report, mainly for his expensive gifts, especially if they concerned his progress in cultivation. The 22-year-old granddaughter was jealous of her brother and studied herbalism. Elisha and his brother often had a drink together. The day before the murder, the brother had lost a lot of money gambling and tried to convince Elisha that he didn¡¯t know what he was doing due to excessive drinking, but Elisha never returned the money. The beer in the victim¡¯s mug turned out to be poisoned.


    The butler, the son, the daughter and her husband, the grandson, the granddaughter, the brother. Seven suspects. Everyone had their reasons. Questioning each of them didn¡¯t shed any light, and no one would torture high-ranking family members. Who was the killer? That¡¯s what Mn Valentine, the patriarch¡¯s brother, had been working on.


    A demonic smile yed on Kyon¡¯s lips. He took a pen and scribbled a two-page text, signing it with the initials D.B. He had given the analysis of the case, his arguments and conclusions, and indicated the sequence of actions that would inevitably lead to solving the murder. The content and style of presentation would pique anyone¡¯s interest, and only a fool wouldn¡¯t try to solve the case using the described method.


    ¡­


    After dinner, Mn found in his office a thick envelope with a pile of scribbled sheets inside. The longer he read the contents, the more intently he red at the lines. At the end, he took off his sses and pped himself on the cheeks: ?Holy cow! Why didn¡¯t I think of it myself??


    Then he noticed the initials D.B. and wondered: {Diesel Branigan? Daisy Bayer? Dale Brewing? No, no¡­ Who did I forget? Dimitry Bolohov! Yeah, that¡¯s him! Only this rogue with a ton of experience behind his back could think of this! Damn old genius, I have underestimated you! Ha-ha-ha! I won¡¯t leave your old bones without a bonus!}


    The head of the department took the sound transmitter and made an order concerning all the seven suspects. He was going to interrogate them himself.


    ¡­


    Kyon had left the letter in the right ce and was going to leave, when suddenly the leader of the three friends called him in a loud, full of contempt and hatred voice.


    ?You, fat pig! You have lied to us!?


    They have recently run Dick Baker through the database and found out that he was no exchange investigator from Saturn but an ordinary fat monster who had paid arge bribe to get his job!


    {I need to get out of here!} ¨C Lovr rushed to the elevator and pressed the button without even turning around.


    The door mmed shut right in front of his pursuers before their leader hissed spitefully to the escaping fat guy: ?You¡¯re a dead man!?


    (A.C. The poster: https://ibb.co/THkQHDW )

 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief, left the department, and transformed into Zosimos in the restroom of a city restaurant. Soon, he appeared in his room at the Garden of Eden hotel:


    ?Hello, my sweet ones!?


    ?Hi, daddy! How was your day?? ¨C Eve said tenderly, running up to him.


    ?He¡­llo¡­ da..ddy¡­? ¨C Le said abruptly, never taking her eyes off the screen.


    ?I¡¯m good, and you?? ¨C Zosimos asked.


    ?The elder sister almost pissed herself because she couldn¡¯t get away from the cartoons. Also, the young gentleman dropped by and brought me a bouquet!? ¨C Eve boasted, pointing at the vase.


    Le let out a vicious roar: ?What did he see in her?..?


    Kyon got down on one knee and said with genuine concern: ?Don¡¯t call him gentleman, my love. It¡¯s too much honor for a kid in love. You are so much better than him, both in terms of strength and intelligence. You are the most beautiful and stunning girl in the world, the goddess¡¯ daughter! And he is just a servant in the hotel, longing for a miracle¡­ If Romeo ever gives you something or showers you withpliments, just ignore him. Do not give him any hope, or you will only hurt him in the end.?


    Eve nodded shyly, tossing a mane of her wavy fair hair.


    Le jumped up from the sofa and stamped her foot: ?When are you going to teach us to fight? What if this idiot wants to kidnap my little sister and you aren¡¯t home! I am not going to save her! It¡¯s all her fault that she¡­ that she attracts freaks.?


    ?I won¡¯t let anyone hurt you, my sweet ones. I am going to work tomorrow. We¡¯ll practice some fighting moves the day after tomorrow.?


    ?Why not now?? ¨C Eve asked, brushing her hair.


    ?Your power is so great that you can destroy the entire hotel! Daddy doesn¡¯t want any trouble, that¡¯s why we¡¯ll go to the countryside.? ¨C Zosimos said. ¨C ?And now go to the bathroom and then to bed!?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C Eve smiled, giving him a yful salute.


    ?Stop ordering me about¡­? ¨C Le grumbled, shaking crumbs off her skirt. ¨C ?I¡¯ll see how you talk to me when I learn to use my power¡­?


    ?What are you mumbling about?? ¨C Kyon said sternly with a sly smile.


    ?Nothing! You¡¯re hearing things!? ¨C Le said under her breath and rushed to the bathroom.


    When the girls fell asleep, Kyon went to the poor area of ??Dantes to replenish his collection of ves with his subjugating formations. His Boston subordinates were still in the closest city to the capital. They couldn¡¯t cross the border for two reasons: first, the customs officers¡¯ sensitive devices would detect the formations on their heads; second, they would be imposed obligatory tracking formations. Kyon decided that it would be easier for him to anonymously transport his subordinates to Dantes when he became an investigator of the 2nd rank and could use his authority. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t use the dwarfs for this task. Dealing with his assistants (scientists) was much easier.


    Early in the morning, Lovr returned to the hotel. After breakfast, he took the girls to the roof, the miniature Garden of Eden. He was in no hurry to get to the department.


    Eve opened her green eyes wide in amazement: ?It¡¯s so beautiful!? ¨C She skipped happily around the garden, stroking the flowers and the bushes on her way. For some reason, they turned their leaves and buds towards her as if she were a walking sun. She was pleased to feed the swans, and they carelessly basked in her hands. The little fairy squealed with delight when butterflies tickled her fingers with their proboscises as if they had found a flower full of nectar. It felt like paradise to Eve.


    Le was in thepletely opposite situation: the nts scornfully turned away from her, and the living creatures scattered away as if from the messenger of death. Shel stamped her foot in frustration: ?What the heck? Why can¡¯t I do the same? I want butterflies to lick my fingers, too!? ¨C Her envy was so strong that Le could not resist taking nasty revenge. She began to pluck leaves and flowers. Le looked like a vicious pixie, chasing the butterflies and the swans away. Her behavior was uneptable.


    Kyon had to step in and put a stop to it.


    Le came to her senses and stopped brawling only when her father took out from nowhere three beautiful birds that were not afraid of her touch. She calmed down, stroking the birds. Daddy ¡­ How did he do it? He is so¡­ cool.


    For some reason, Eve was apprehensive about these birds and tried to stay away from them as if she could sense the aura of death emanating from them. Her reaction only amused her elder sister. Le showed Eve her tongue and continued to caress the birds.


    {The light and the dark. Now I see why they are called so. All living things reach out to the light and keep away from the darkness¡­} ¨C Lovr concluded.


    ¡­


    ?Dimitry Bolohov, old genius, how did you guess who the criminal was and how to pin them down?? ¨C The head of the investigation department patted the old man on the shoulder.


    ?What criminal are you talking about, sir?? ¨C The old investigator of the second rank gaped.


    ?What criminal?? ¨C Mn repeated, baffled. ¨C ?Didn¡¯t you take case A-3??


    ?No¡­ It wasn¡¯t me!? ¨C Dimitry shook his head.


    ?Who then?? ¨C Mn asked, puzzled.


    ?Who knows??


    Mn recoiled, discouraged. He went to the next investigator, whose initials were D.B. After several unsessful attempts, Mn returned to his office and sat at his table, deep in thought.


    ~brrring~


    Mn was d to hear the signal. He had no doubt that it was the one he was looking for! Who else would dare to bother the head of the department at lunchtime for no good reason?


    He pressed the button, the green light lit on the outside wall, and the fat investigator immediately rushed inside. His three pursuers stopped short behind the door, their faces twisted with anger. They must have been chasing Dick, but he managed to escape again.


    ?What the hell are you doing here?? ¨C Mn asked angrily.


    ?It was me who helped you solve case A-3! Didn¡¯t you get it? D.B. stands for Dick Baker!?


    Mn looked dazed: ?No¡­ It can¡¯t be¡­ YOU??


    ?Of course, it was me! The head of the department couldn¡¯t slip you an ipetent pig! Have you read my rmendation letter?? ¨C When Mn gasped, Kyon added emotionally. ¨C ?Oh, higher powers! You should have at least asked him about his opinion of me! It¡¯s disrespectful for your boss in the very least!?


    ?Enough!? ¨C Mn interrupted him angrily. ¨C ?I get the message. I hardly ever have a chance to talk to the boss face to face more than once a year¡­ I¡¯ll be honest, I don¡¯t even know what he looks like! I admit I have underestimated you¡­ It was too soon to jump to conclusions. We¡¯ll see about that.?


    Mn made a call and ordered to bring him Dick Baker¡¯s rmendation letter. After which, he gave the fat guy a fresh look, trying to see him as a promising personality, not a sickening mountain of foul-smelling garbage or a monster from the crazy executioner¡¯s nightmares: ?So, tell me how you did it.?


    ?Well, I got the case with my persuasion skills, studied and solved it, wrote down the solution and sent the letter to your desk. In fact, that¡¯s all.? ¨C Kyon shrugged.


    Mn shook his head: ?I want to know how you realized that there was more than one culprit! Where did you learn the method that can get a confession without ckmail or violence??


    ?I came up with the method myself. It alles down to the basics of human psychology. As for your first question, it¡¯s simple: such a crime can¡¯t bemitted alone. The suspects knew each other well, and they all had their reasons. The victim¡¯s daughter could unite them all, she has the right personality for that. By the way, did my method work?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?You bet!? ¨C Mn eximed, spreading his arms. ¨C ?I¡¯ve never seen anything like this! You have a good head on your shoulders, son! I didn¡¯t expect such creativity!?


    This morning, Mn personally interrogated the suspects to avoid the publicity that couldpromise the family. Following the instructions, he put the seven suspects into separate dark rooms, took a pause and then went to each of them, shining a bright crystal in their eyes and dering in a harsh voice that ¡°someone¡± had confessed to the crime and gave away the names¡­ They had two options: remaining silent and waiting for the verdict or cooperating with the investigation and get a suspended sentence.


    The helpless suspects cracked one by one. If someone had turned them in, the subjugating formation would only confirm their guilt. Why not take the chance and get a suspended sentence?


    ?In the end, it turned out that everyone except the butler was guilty! The scoundrels had set him up. They had arranged his motive for murder when the patriarch punished him for a fake misdeed! Fucking assholes made him a scapegoat!? ¨C Mn chuckled, being in a great mood. This case was of great importance for him as many high-ranking family members had pinned their hopes on him, and there were no results for many months. He was really desperate when Dick Baker appeared.


    ?So, I want to describe my career goals.? ¨C Kyon began.


    ?Don¡¯t rush things. Let¡¯s have some tea first.? ¨C Mn interrupted him, pouring water into the cups.


    Soon, they brought in the rmendation letter. Mn¡¯s eyebrows raised as he read it: ?Caught all the robbers?.. Identified the perfume brand and found the thief and through him the leader of the thieves?.. Got rid of the three main issues in the kingdom represented by the criminal of the century?¡­? ¨C He looked at Dick with surprise. ¨C ?Is it all true??


    ?I wouldn¡¯t have been admitted to sit the exam if the rmendation letter hadn¡¯t been approved. Anyway, you can call dimir and ask him personally.?


    ?You¡¯re right.? ¨C Mn agreed. ¨C ?I am not going to waste my time. Everything will be clear in a month or two of your work. If you don¡¯t turn out to be as talented as you im to be, you¡¯re on your own! Anyway, congrattions! From now on, you are a full-fledged investigator of the third rank! Room 13 is at your disposal! I¡¯m d to wee a talented person to my team!?


    ?It¡¯s an honor to work with you.? ¨C Kyon shook his hand and said. ¨C ?I have three requests that will help me do well in my job. Without them, I won¡¯t be able to reveal my unlimited potential. May I??


    ?You have a lot of nerve, young man¡­ Go ahead, I¡¯m all ears.?


    ?I need your protection from annoying envious guys. I want to work without interruption or distraction.?


    Mn remembered the three investigators at the door that had been chasing Dick and nodded: ?No problem, son. What are the other two requests??


    ?Let me ignore the chain ofmand. I mean work schedule and the obligation to obey investigators of the second rank. I can reach my full potential alone or with a handful of handpicked subordinates. If I get distracted with orders to make coffee¡­ I can¡¯t work like that.?


    Mn heaved a deep sign: ?I see¡­ But it will jeopardize the whole hierarchy if an investigator of the third rank does not obey the seniors¡­?


    ?Then tell everyone that I am not to be disturbed as I am working on your task!?


    Mn frowned thoughtfully and finally nodded: ?All right, but only on one condition. If I am not satisfied with your performance in a month, you will work like everyone else and obey the higher-ranking investigators.?


    ?I agree!? ¨C Kyon smiled. He would turn this ce upside down in a month.


    ?By the way¡­? ¨C Mn rubbed his temple. ¨C ?About the subordinates¡­ You will have three 4th-ranking investigators at your disposal, including their subordinates, as well as three security officers in the beginning of the royal phase and ten lord phasers. However, you will get a severe punishment if any of them gets killed because of you¡­?


    ?I get it. I¡¯ve had the experience. As for my third request¡­ I need ess to the high-ranking cases archive. I don¡¯t want to waste my precious time doing the tasks of B and C rank. I promise it will bring good results.?


    Mn hesitated for a moment: ?Alright, another exception won¡¯t hurt. However, if there are no results in a month, then¡­?


    ?I get it. As a matter of fact, I won¡¯t mind getting ess to the documents of utmost importance¡­ It will make it easier to do high-ranking tasks¡­? ¨C If Lovr got ess to them, he could pull off a stunt as he did in the Iron Throne when he ckmailed the first ten families, including the Stones.


    ?That¡¯s too much!? ¨C Mn adamantly refused. ¨C ?I will never give ess to this archive to an investigator of the third rank, let alone a novice like you!?


    ?Then what should I do to be an investigator of the second rank??


    ?Are you out of your mind? Work here for about five years first, then we¡¯ll get back to your question!? ¨C Mn growled. This brat thought he could pluck a star from the sky, messing with him andmon sense.

 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390


    ?In five years, my ambitions will only grow, hehe! It¡¯s too long to wait! What if I solve the S1 case you are so interested in? Will I get a promotion then?? ¨C Kyon asked in a firm and resolute voice.


    Mn red at him as if it was the most puerile thing to say: ?Any A and, above all, S rank tasks require hard teamwork that takes a long time! I am patronizing you and giving you freedom of action only to bring you down to earth. Self-confident boys like you learn the hard way, taking the thorny path. You have to find out who you are and what you are capable of. I believe that you are talented, but you should stop trying to pluck the stars from the sky. You can¡¯t move mountains alone.?


    ?I appreciate your advice, but it¡¯s no answer.? ¨C Kyon said tly, not sharing Mn¡¯s opinion. Back in his home world, any unpresentable individual could gain wealth and influence with due diligence and luck, let alone this world, where miracles happened every day, where anyone could be incredibly strong if they had enough motivation.


    Mn heaved a deep sigh: ?All second rank investigators tried to solve the S1 case. Many guys of the third rank helped them in the investigation¡­ All to no avail. The Clintons are sick and tired of the guests from the department because it¡¯s all for naught. There¡¯s no evidence, no leads, no witnesses, and minimum information! It¡¯s a hopeless case¡­ A joke of the century!?


    ?Is this case important for your family?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?It¡¯s an understatement, son! This case is of the greatest importance for the Valentines and the Clintons because it is connected with our young Stein, who is also the Empress¡¯ student and the future patriarch. This case has formed tensions between the Clintons and us.?


    ?So, if I solve this case¡­?


    ?If by some miracle you solve this case, I will instantly make you an investigator of the second rank! In fact, if you solve any S rank case, the position is yours. I will personally shake your hand in front of the whole department. Only, it takes the entire department a year to solve a case of S rank, and you want to do it alone. I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t believe in fairy tales, and you are no magician.?


    A mischievous smile crossed Kyon¡¯s lips: ?I am no magician? Let¡¯s make a bet. If I solve at least one S ranking case within a month, you will stop calling me a son and keep your promise. You will also put on a wizard hat and walk around the department, scattering glitter all around.?


    Mn gave a little grunt of surprise: ?Are you serious??


    ?I am!?


    ?Ha ha! Ha-ha-ha! Damn it, I¡¯m starting to like you! I agree! Why not? If your self-confidence proves its worth, I will be d to have someone like you in my department! Ha ha!? ¨C For the first time in many years, Mn enjoyed talking with a subordinate. It would be fun to see Dick Baker¡¯s fat face if he won. And if he lost¡­ Well, it would be even more fun!


    ?It¡¯s a pleasure dealing with you.? ¨C Lovr shook Mn¡¯s hand and left the office. He had to take advantage of Mn¡¯s ambitions. The head of the department wanted results? He will give them to him. It was pretty straightforward.


    Meanwhile, It was announced in the entire department, in every cubicle that Dick Baker, the new investigator of the 3rd rank, was working on Mn¡¯s personal task. Everyone who would dare to distract or bother the neer would deal with the head of the department.


    The investigators were in shock. The rumors didn¡¯t lie! The fat freak had paid a bribe to get this position, and then he enlisted Mn¡¯s support! It was unthinkable!


    The aggressive three friends were dumbfounded. What a jerk! He hadined to Mn! Now they couldn¡¯t do anything against him no matter how much they wanted to¡­


    Feeling safe, Kyon walked over to the archive and put his wrist against the door. Nothing happened. He did the same in a while, and this time the door opened. Mn¡¯s order must have entered the system, and now Dick Baler¡¯s formation had ess to the high-ranking cases archive.


    Inside the archive, Lovr found two simple ss racks, one ten timesrger than the other. On the shelves of therger rack there were thick folders with A rank files, about 6 or 7 dozen of them. The smaller rack contained about 8 quite voluminous S rank files and only one rtively thin one.


    Kyon licked his lips and picked up the first A rank case.


    All of them were about corruption, fraudulent schemes, murders, serial killers, thergest criminal gangs, everything that harmed the economy of the capital, or disturbed its dwellers, noble families in particr.


    Kyon could see at once that the solution to about a third of A-rank cases was on the surface. A bit of investigation, and the culprit could be easily found. The rest of the cases required more time and patience. Every tenth was unsolvable as the necessary logical links were missing. In other words, there was too little information.


    However, Kyon was not interested in A-rank cases. He preferred to hunt one elephant than a flock of partridges. That¡¯s why he began to study the S rank cases, starting with the leastplicated ones.


    The case gave Kyon the whole picture on the capital¡¯s shadow infrastructure: drug trafficking, illegal envement and human trafficking, smuggling, robbery and theft, racketeering and child prostitution, killings and raids¡­ It all came down to eight shadow ns. Although they had alwayspeted with each other for some market sectors, they all had some unbreakable rules and concepts, the foundation of their coexistence. For example, it was strictly forbidden to do any activity on someone else¡¯s territory. These territories covered the whole city with such a powerful criminalwork that Valeera¡¯s activity in Boston didn¡¯t even stand close.


    Over many decades, the ns had created a multi-level system of protection. Even if someone got caught, the investigation department would never get any information because no criminal knew anything about their bosses. Average bandits knew nothing about middlemen who had very little information about the head of the gang who knew very little about the leaders of the organizations, up to the loyal subjects of the head of the n. The most important criminals had a formation that scattered without a trace when activated, sending an rm signal.


    Shadow ns were more than rats hiding in the sewers. They were the dark side of the city that all residents were afraid of. They were dangerous and intimidating, invisible and intangible. The power of each n but one wasparable to that of 25 to 50 ranking families in Dantes. Each of their members had impressive cultivation, but the influence they had throughout the infrastructure of the city was even more frightening. They had covered merchant guilds andw enforcement, high-ranking families, and government officials. They were everywhere. Nothing and no one could escape their informationwork. It was the main problem. Whatever ideas the investigators came up with, the criminals were one step ahead because they had been informed. Any attempt to infiltrate investigators into ns failed as soon as they reached an important position and got a subjugating formation.


    About half of the A rank cases were rted to the ns, being only a fragment of a huge puzzle. The same applied to the numerous cases of B, C and other ranks.


    {Impressive.} ¨C The thieves guild and the band of robbers he met in Boston were like miserable antspared to these ns. It was no surprise that their cases were given the most important rank.


    However, case number 9 was nowhere close to S rank. This small n was created about six months ago and had already created a stir and provoked a public outcry. Its name Silent Horror fully justified itself. Nobody knew who had made it, but its leader must be a genius. The investigators failed to find any witnesses to the crimes! There were only cards with the n symbol on the crime scene, left to make themselves known and earn credibility with other ns. Considering that there were no new cards from Silent Horror over the past two months, everyone concluded that they had reached the goal.


    The investigation department was concerned about the Silent Horror n and its leader, too talented in all spheres from organizing crimes that left no traces to the rapid expansion of their activities. If everything went on like this, a mega shadow n would appear in Dantes in 5-10 years, being many times more powerful than any present ones.


    {Valeera¡­} ¨C Lovr understood at once who was in charge of the n. His heart sank painfully. The little thief was a bad person, but she had never deceived or harmed him. During their first goodbye, he could tell that she had feelings for him¡­ In return, he destroyed everything that she had been working on for many years. He tortured her with three needles. He was the reason her uncle was killed. Of course, he would not feel guilty if he had not be emotionally attached to her. She was a lost soul trapped in the darkness on a whim of fate.


    Kyon calmed down and picked up thest case, so important for families of the 1st and 2nd rank.


    Two months ago, there was a birthday party for Rose Valentine, the patriarch¡¯s youngest son. The young elite of top ten families arrived, including the guests of honor: Stein, the patriarch¡¯s elder son, the Empress¡¯ student, and the birthday boy¡¯s elder brother rolled in one, and Lindia Clinton, patriarch Clinton¡¯s daughter and Roman Clinton¡¯s younger sister. The party was a huge sess with duels, booze, dancing, and even illegal substances. Itsted untilte at night. Lindia wasst seen walking with Stein into a private room where they could have a nice chat far from the madding crowd. In the morning, it turned out that the girl had lost her virginity and became pregnant, as it became knownter.


    Stein categorically denied his guilt but admitted that he didn¡¯t remember anything. Lindia also had a ckout. They had both drunk a lot and might have taken drugs, which onlyplicated the investigation.


    The capital nearly exploded with gossip! Stein, the first genius of the empire, had knocked up Lindia, the patriarch¡¯s daughter! Every resident of Dantes had heard about this incident at least once and shared their opinions on the situation. Someone considered Lindia ady of easy virtue. Others believed that patriarch Clinton had arranged everything for the family¡¯s good. Some even called Stein a randy-dog.


    It¡¯s needless to say that the Clintons were humiliated. It was as if heaven had turned against them! All family members were afraid to look people in the eyes! It was a big blow to their honor and dignity. Hundreds of contracts had been terminated overnight. Many family members had lost friends and connections in other families and organizations. The Clintons faced financial hardships.


    Horace Clinton, the patriarch,mented on the situation something along the lines of ¡°my great family will never stoop to such despicable ways! The fact that Stein didn¡¯t remember the details of his crime didn¡¯t make him innocent! He had to take full responsibility for his actions!¡±


    If Stein married Lindia, the family would regain their honor or a part of it. However, the empress¡¯ student wasn¡¯t interested in her. In fact, he wasn¡¯t interested in anyone, being a high-flyer. That is why the rtions between the 1st and 2nd rank families were tense at the moment.


    One way or another, everyone wanted to know the truth, but the suspect and the victim didn¡¯t remember anything. There were no witnesses, no recording formations. There was no proof of illegal substance in their sses. Lindia¡¯s personal knight had obeyed the order of his derangeddy and waited outside the building (like all the other knights), for which he was eventually executed along with his close family. The investigators had reached an impasse.


    {So exciting!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement.

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391


    It was getting dark when Kyon started to study case S-1.


    There were two options: either Lindia got pregnant by Stein or someone else.


    In the second case, the offender was someone who adored Lindia and who could drug the patriarchs¡¯ children. Who was capable of this? No one among Lindia¡¯s young fans, that¡¯s for sure. Thus, this theory was highly improbable.


    What if Lindia got pregnant by Stein. Who was he? A popr 22-year-old guy, the first genius of the empire, an example for the younger generation, the empress¡¯ student who didn¡¯t show any interest in the opposite sex. What were the odds that he couldn¡¯t hold back his lust in front of the weak and clingy Lindia? Hardly any.


    Therefore, the patriarchs¡¯ children had been drugged with unknown powerful substance as Stein was a peaking king phaser (6). Who might be responsible for this? Who could be capable of this?


    The main suspect was Rose, the disgusting fellow who raped other people¡¯s wives. The bastard had a lot of experience with illegal substances. Once, he used gas to put Franz and Haya Feruz to sleep. Perhaps, he was jealous of his brother.


    The second suspect was Lindia herself. If she was secretly in love with Stein or dreamed of getting married to the most popr guy in the empire, she could have him drugged as ast resort, using her connections, for example. Why did she say that she did not remember anything in this case? Was she smarter than she seemed?


    The third suspect was Horace, Lindia¡¯s father. He could be motivated by his desire to give his daughter a decent future and achieve prosperity and sess for many years toe. His motive was quite logical and justified.


    The fourth suspect was his son Roman, a sketchy dude. The Devil knows what was on his mind.


    Kyon also had some other suspects: Lindia¡¯s new knight, who was interested in getting rid of hispetitor; Lindia¡¯s friends; people envious of Stein, etc. There were too many options, and Kyon had to find the culprit among them.


    In fact, the investigators had interrogated all possible suspects, all to no avail. Lovr would have to follow the trampled routes and find a secret path leading to the truth.


    {Where shall I start?} ¨C Kyon asked himself. He didn¡¯t have much choice: either the Clintons or the Valentines. Since Lindia was both a suspect and a victim, he decided to start with her. Only, there was a major problem. He was only an investigator of the third rank, too young, too weak, too ugly. Lindia would send him to hell as soon as she saw him. He wouldn¡¯t get anything like this. Kyon needed a reputable aide. s, he had absolutely no connections in Dantes apart from the dwarfs. He could try and bribe the corrupt investigator again. Aizar might agree to apany him for 10 or 15 millions. Or he coulde up with an even better idea.


    {Elsa!} ¨C Kyon thought. Diana once mentioned that Elsa was Rose Valentine¡¯s girlfriend, which meant that she enjoyed great authority in Dantes. Besides, she was renowned for her talents. It will be a thousand times easier to conduct an investigation with such a remarkable partner like her! Mother promised to arrange a meeting between them at the first request. It was a nice excuse to get to know each other.


    Lovr called Diana and started a small talk, after which he asked her to arrange a meeting with Elsa the day after tomorrow, emphasizing that she would not reveal his real personality by any means. Diana could tell Elsa that he was an imperial investigator of the 3rd rank, a pureblood Stone who used a different family name for his undercover investigation. He would tell her the rest himself, whatever and whenever he saw fit.


    Ten minutester, Diana called Kyon back with a message from Elsa. She could meet him the day after tomorrow in the Green Hollow cafe in the center of Dantes.


    Diana added before saying goodbye: ?I wish you only the best, son! I will be only happy if you get along with Elsa. She is a girl with a temper, but she likes handsome and sessful men. You¡¯re just her type. Come on, make a good impression on her!?


    ?Thank you, mom. I will try.? ¨C Kyon said with sincere gratitude in his voice and ended the connection.


    Next, Lovr called Mn and asked him to arrange an appointment with the Clinton family to investigate the notorious case the day after tomorrow. Mn hesitated for a brief moment, then he waved his hand and agreed. He had nothing to lose. It wouldn¡¯t get any worse.


    Soon Mn called back with good news. If anyone else called the Clintons, even a 2nd rank investigator, there would be no personal meeting with Horace, Lindia, and Roman. It would be too much honor from their side. The authority of the patriarch of the 2nd rank family was many times higher than that of Mn, let alone ordinary investigators.


    As always, Kyon achieved his goal with the help of other people. It used to be Byron, then Juno, XiaoBai, Bai, dimir, etc. Now it was Mn, which would be impossible if Kyon had not solved the A-3 case, so important for the head of the department.


    Now that everything was ready, Lovr went home with peace of mind.


    The two yawning beauties met him in the hotel room. Eve boasted that she had been ignoring Romeo, who bombarded her withpliments, and Le demanded that her father forbid that idiot toe to them. The boy must bepletely insane if he could ignore a beauty like her!


    ?Honey, where was your head when you opened the door to him without your veil? In your bottom??


    ?I didn¡¯t know that he had no taste at all! If he had fallen in love with me, I would have made him my ve for the rest of my life! And I would have proved to you that beauty can bring more than problems!?


    Kyon mentally thanked the universe that Eve never took her sister¡¯s words personally, otherwise, they would have been fighting day and night: ?Romeo could have as well fallen in love with you. But he liked Eve more.?


    ?I don¡¯t care! I don¡¯t want him to evere to us!? ¨C Le demanded, clenching her fists.


    ?No, otherwise you won¡¯t learn your lesson!? ¨C Kyon replied sternly. Then he knelt down, putting his hand on Le¡¯s shoulder. ¨C ?Watch closely what Romeo does. Imagine that you could be in your sister¡¯s ce. Draw conclusions to understand what problems your beauty can bring if you do not hide behind a veil. And keep in mind that it would have been even worse if Eve had epted hispliments and gifts instead of giving the boy the cold shoulder.?


    ?So, you want me to treat my sister as ab rat?? ¨C Le maliciously. Now she would be only happy to call Romeo more often to their room so that he lost his headpletely over stupid Eve.


    Kyon was confused for a moment, then he shook his head: ?No¡­ Of course not.?


    ?Daddy, I am scared now¡­? ¨C Eve whispered, shivering as if she were cold.


    ?You won¡¯t fear after tomorrow¡¯s workout when you realize how strong you really are. Believe me, Romeo can¡¯t hurt you physically even if he wanted to.? ¨C Kyon assured her.


    Eve immediately calmed down. Indeed, why should she be afraid if she could stand up for herself? The lesson that the father was going to teach them must be exciting. Eve was really curious about the consequences her beauty could lead to. As for Le, she would think well before shining her face in public, that is if she was smart enough to learn her lesson.


    When the girls went to bed, Kyon went hunting for subordinates again. He stopped only after getting five hundred of them. The other half thousand people were waiting outside Dantes. In total, there were about a thousand people under his control who believed that the insinuating voice in their heads was their own thoughts. With the Synergy of the bachelor¡¯s degree, Kyon could control even a hundred thousand people, but there was little practical use of that. He¡¯d better spend this Synergy on Eve and Le so that they didn¡¯t regain their memory anytime soon.


    Lovr slept only a few hours. Early in the morning, after breakfast and taking a shower, he took the girls to the country. It took them more than half an hour to leave Dantes. Then they rode northeast across the untrodden, uninhabited area for another two hours.


    ?How long until we get there? I want to start working out!? ¨C Le was running out of patience.


    Just then, Kyon stopped and looked around. The area around them was covered with low grass and rare single trees for many kilometers away. They were surrounded by high hills on all sides. No one would ever see what was going on here. They were 500 kilometers away from Dantes, no aura should reach them.


    ?We¡¯re here.? ¨C Zosimos said.


    The girls dismounted and looked at their father with impatience.


    Kyon knelt down, looked into their beautiful eyes and said in a convincing voice: ?The primordial, divine is hidden inside your bodies, but, for some reason, you have forgotten how to use it. It¡¯s quite usual for you to uproot trees with bare hands and turn mountains into dust. I have an assumption that your mind can¡¯t take this power for granted and blocks it in every possible way. It gets released only during strong emotional outbursts. Do you remember pushing that dwarf, Le??


    ?Yeah¡­ I was really angry back then¡­? ¨C She nodded.


    ?Right. However, emotions are not the best way to release your power. Today, I will try to teach you how to harness it whenever you want. You need to realize the limits of your strength, get used to your power, ept it and learn to control it. Your first task is simple.? ¨C Zosimos pointed to two trees that were two hundred meters apart from each other. ¨C ?You will race each other from one oak to the other until I tell you to stop.?


    ?I am ready!? ¨C Eve saluted her opponent.


    ?I will outrun you, sister!? ¨C Le yelled confidently.


    ?I am d you¡¯re so enthusiastic, but get changed first.? ¨C Zosimos handed them two ck leotards that only ballerinas wore. Instead of tights, he offered them knee-high socks, instead of ballet shoes, he gave them sneakers with a rough rubber sole. Their clothes were made of quality materials and had the highest level of strength enchantment.


    Kyon wasn¡¯t going to hide his instincts. His nature demanded the revealing and sensuous design of their training wear. He needed to satisfy his sense of beauty. Otherwise, he would have chosen a more modest outfit like Juno¡¯s, for example.


    Le nced at the clothes and gave Zosimos an using look: ?You¡¯re an old pervert. Are you out of your mind to dress us up like this? Next time, you will make us practise in our underwear or what??


    Kyon retorted impassively: ?These clothes are worn in the circus and in the theater as they do not hinder your movement. It¡¯s the best workout gear.?


    ?You lie like most people breathe!? ¨C Le wouldn¡¯t leave it alone.


    Eve interrupted them: ?You have forgotten Alice on stage in the third episode. She was wearing the same clothes! Daddy isn¡¯t lying. He never deceives us. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll confirm this if we go to the circus or to the theater.?


    Le wanted to argue but changed her mind when she remembered the 3rd episode. It must have been for a reason that her smart little sister was ¡°the voice of reason.¡±


    Kyon added: ?It doesn¡¯t matter what you¡¯re wearing during your workout as long as it¡¯s not your dresses. It will break my heart to see you stain or tear them. I put my heart and my soul into them.?


    ?Did you make our dresses yourself?? ¨C Eve asked, genuinely surprised. Zosimos wasn¡¯t only a brilliant engineer but also a tailor?


    Le was also amazed. Did her dad make this lovely dress that she fell in love with at first sight? Unbelievable! His talent deserved her respect and admiration.


    ?Let¡¯s get started. We¡¯re on a tight schedule today.? ¨C Zosimos reminded them.


    The girls looked at each other and nodded.


    Le did a gesture ¡°I¡¯m watching you¡± to her father and ran behind the nearest tree with her sister.


    Soon, they came out in tight ck leotards, looking embarrassed. Eve hid behind her sister while Le was trying to cover the most important parts of her body with her hands. She red at her pot-bellied dad, shifting from foot to foot. The girls felt ashamed! The tight-fitting gear was so revealing that it seemed they were naked!


    Kyon¡¯s heart skipped a beat. They looked so delightful as if two little goddesses had descended to earth¡­ He wanted to kiss and hug them all day long. If Romeo saw Eve now, he would lose his head at once. However, anyone, regardless of gender, would be bewitched by the scene.


    Kyon made an effort to pull himself together and carelessly pointed to the tree.


    The girls stood at the oak tree and rushed to the opposite tree onmand. Soon, they forgot all about their embarrassment, focusing on the task. They had twice the speed of an ordinary person. Le ran ahead of her sister because she had started first and didn¡¯t let Eve overtake her, blocking her path with her hand.


    A minuteter, the girls elerated one and a half times. Five minutester, they darted from one tree to the other in a matter of seconds. Another half an hour, and they turned into blurred spots, almost invisible to the eye. They were moving faster than him and even without using pure energy!


    ?That¡¯s enough!? ¨C Kyon cried out.


    Le wanted to slow down, but she didn¡¯t take into ount the friction force. She slipped and rolled head over heels several hundred meters on the ground. All covered with mud, she briskly jumped to her feet and shouted triumphantly, throwing up her arms: ?I won! I am the best! Le will have great sess! I am better than everyone else! Flying colors await!?


    Eve pursed her lips. How could her sister be so disgustingly rude?

 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392


    ?Bravo, girls! Good job! Come to daddy!? ¨C Kyon said.


    ?I was so fast! I can¡¯t believe it!? ¨C Eve boasted. ¨C ?I think I can run even faster! I only have to get used to it¡­?


    ?I won! I am the best! Dad, say I am the best!? ¨C Le demanded, running up to him with a dazzling smile.


    The girls seemed to be no longer embarrassed by their revealing outfits.


    Zosimos gently stroked Le¡¯s hair: ?Well done, my sweet, but don¡¯t block your sister¡¯s path next time. It was unfair. You would be angry if Eve had been in your way, wouldn¡¯t you? You are sisters, so you must support each other.?


    Le shrugged off his hand angrily: ?But you told us to race and didn¡¯t mention any rules. You can¡¯t me me for that!?


    ?It¡¯s ok. Le is right.? ¨C Eve said, not even remotely offended.


    Kyon wanted to kiss her for being so reasonable and obedient.


    ?Why did you stop us? I am sure I can run even faster!? ¨C Le said, puffing out her chest with pride.


    ?Without the sticking technique, you will always roll on the ground.?


    ?The sticking technique?? ¨C Eve sounded genuinely interested.


    ?I will tell you about it when you learn how to use energy. Now let¡¯s move on to weight training.? ¨C Zosimos created a thick, strong metal te under his feet and put the Scourge on it. This time it weighed 10 tons and had the color of polished metal. ¨C ?I will give each of you a minute to try and raise the sword above your head. The first one to do it will get a gummy bear from me.?


    ?Me! I am the first! Let me do it first!? ¨C Le yelled, raising her hand.


    ?Eve will do it first because you won the race.? ¨C Kyon said.


    ?It¡¯s absolutely illogical! Hey, where¡¯s the logic?? ¨C Le protested angrily.


    ?I¡¯ll let my elder sister be first if she wants to.? ¨C Eve smiled kindly.


    Le kissed her younger sister on the cheek and grabbed the sword by the handle, trying to lift it, but she couldn¡¯t: ?It¡¯s¡­ so¡­ heavy¡­?


    ?It only seems that it is heavy, dear. Your mind limits your power. Imagine that you can lift the whole world with your bare hands. Believe in yourself and you will raise the sword.?


    ?I am¡­ trying¡­ Come on¡­? ¨C Le hissed through her clenched teeth.


    It was almost a minute when Kyon saw the sword budge, but he had to stop Le anyway: ?You¡¯ve run out of time.?


    ~bam~


    ?Phew¡­ It¡¯s really heavy! How much does it weigh??


    ?Ten tons or twenty mounts that we rode on our way here.?


    ?Wow! It¡¯s so small and so heavy!?


    Meanwhile, Eve went to the sword and grabbed the hilt. Ten secondster, when the sword moved, Le¡¯s pug almost cracked with shock. Half a minuteter, Le¡¯s jaw nearly dropped on the floor when her sister lifted the sword. Within thest seconds, she managed to raise the sword above her head and dropped it a momentter.


    ~BOOM~


    ?Bravo, Eve! Good job!? ¨C Zosimos praised Eve, handing her a gummy bear.


    She threw the candy into her mouth with a happy face. It felt so nice to be better than her arrogant elder sister, like a balm to the soul! Lifting the sword was easy. She only had to suppress her emotions and visualize raising the whole world above her head! An easy victory for a smart girl.


    ?How did you do it? I don¡¯t believe it! You cheated! Howe you did it and I didn¡¯t?? ¨C Le said in a hurt voice. ¨C ?I want a gummy bear, too!?


    Kyon gave her a candy and patted her on the head: ?It¡¯s foring first in the race. Don¡¯t be so mad. You can¡¯t and you don¡¯t have to be the best at everything. Eve is also talented, for example, she is more reasonable and more patient than you.?


    Le ate the candy with pleasure. Her resentment was fading away after dad¡¯s reassuring words. Why did she have to be better than her sister in every little detail?


    Eve was amazed at wonderful father once again. How did he manage to please his two daughters, not depriving any of them of his attention and care? At the dwarfs¡¯ factory, he had noticed that she wanted to shoot but was afraid to ask¡­ When the three of them were on the hotel roof, he took those scary birds out of nowhere and calmed Le down¡­ And there he was again.


    ?Now, take turns raising the sword until I tell you to stop.?


    For the next half hour, the girls took turns training with the sword. Le was able to raise it above her head only at the fifth attempt while Eve was ying with the sword like it was a dry stick, flopping on her bottom with each swing as the weapon weighed two hundred times more than she did! Le giggled at her until she flopped exactly like Eve. Her red, embarrassed face made her younger sister pleased.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was amazed at his daughters¡¯ strength. They were waving the sword like it was a straw while he struggled to raise it over his head! They were monstrously strong¡­


    ?That¡¯s enough!? ¨C Zosimos eximed, pping his hands. ¨C ?And now let¡¯s test your reaction! Take a position as if you want to catch a mosquito. I¡¯m starting.? ¨C He took out a gun and aimed at the ¡°defenseless¡± girls like a professional special forces soldier.


    ?Are you out of your mind?? ¨C Le shrieked, holding out her hands in front of her face.


    Eve reacted instantly, falling on the ground and covering her head with her hands.


    Kyon took a look at himself andughed. He looked like a cold-blooded assassin who was about to kill the cute girls. Then he calmed down and exined: ?It¡¯s no pulse weapon! Even if it were, it would not harm you in any way because you are stronger than stone or metal! There is nothing to be afraid of, my sweet ones!?


    ?Are you serious?? ¨C Le asked incredulously.


    ?This weapon won¡¯t harm even me! Look!? ¨C Lovr shot himself in the hand.


    When the girls saw that there was no damage to his hand, they calmed down a bit. Kyon had to prove his high proficiency in shooting firearms and give his word that he wouldn¡¯t aim at them.


    They started training. At first, the girls instinctively closed their eyes as they heard the shot, but soon, Le squinted and caught the bullet with a quick movement.


    ?It¡¯s easier than I thought! And it doesn¡¯t hurt, not a little bit!?


    ?Atta girl! Eve, your turn.? ¨C Kyon continued shooting.


    Soon, Eve caught a bullet, too. Indeed, it was no big deal. And it didn¡¯t hurt at all.


    With each minute, the girls were getting more and more rxed, their reaction elerated. Finally, ten minutester, they were catching bullets with such ease like those were little flying snails.


    Kyon took out a more powerful weapon, a sniper rifle, and began shooting from it without any warning. The girls noticed the difference at once, but they were not scared this time. Anyway, they could not catch those lightning-fast bullets right away.


    Ten minutester, they started catching them as quickly as they did with the bullets from the gun.


    ?Well done, my little ones. Daddy is pleased with you. Now let¡¯s move on to fighting techniques. I will attack each of you with the sword, and you must fend off attacks. Don¡¯t worry, the de won¡¯t hurt you. You are too strong.?


    Le retorted with a smug smile: ?Don¡¯t worry this, don¡¯t worry that¡­ We got the message, dad. We are super strong! And your ¡°heavy¡± sword is lighter than a feather!?


    ?Are you sure?? ¨C Zosimos asked mysteriously.


    ?Actually, I am! Why??


    ?Nothing. You used to take an attack thousand times more powerful than a pulse shot. By the way, are you ready to do it now, my sweet?? ¨C Zosimos continued to provoke her.


    Le felt a sudden loss of confidence: ?But¡­ It¡¯s¡­ I¡¯m¡­?


    ?Are you afraid? But you have just admitted that you¡¯re strong, now prove your words by your deeds! Put out your hand, and I¡¯ll shoot it. I promise you won¡¯t get hurt. Are you ready? Show how brave you are to your little sister!?


    Le bit her lip in doubt.


    ?Before you lost your memory, you could take down that hill with a single blow and stay unscathed. The pulse rifle is not nearly as powerful so it¡¯s quite safe. Come on, let¡¯s do it!? ¨C Kyon egged her on.


    ?Alright! But you will give me a whole bag of gummy bears after that!? ¨C Le gave in.


    ?Deal!? ¨C Lovr smiled, pulling out his pulse rifle.


    Le raised her hand over her head and closed her eyes. She could feel her heart beat against the ribcage. Le had never been so anxious before. She was really scared!


    Eve opened her mouth in shock. Her sister was so brave! She totally deserved her respect!


    ~Whoosh~


    ~BANG~


    In a split second, the bullet flew ten meters at an unimaginable speed and hit Le¡¯s palm. Then it bounced off it and flew a long way to the distant hill, leaving a deep crater in it.


    Eve covered her mouth with her hands.


    Le stared at her hand and then to her dad: ?I¡­ I didn¡¯t feel a thing! It was like pping hands! It¡­ It can¡¯t be a shot from the gun! Am I so strong??


    ?You are much stronger than you think.? ¨C Zosimos said proudly. ¨C ?Let¡¯s do it again. Try not to close your eyes.?


    ?Alright! Let¡¯s do it!? ¨C Le said excitedly.


    A dozen shotster, Kyon invited Eve to join them. She resisted for a while, but then she had a go and found out that there was nothing to be scared of.


    The training went on in a yful manner. The girls could not follow a bullet from the pulse rifle for a long time, but then they seeded at some point. Eve was the first to catch the bullet.


    Soon, both girls could yfully touch every bullet passing by. Their inhuman power, strength, and reaction exceeded ordinary people.


    When Le yfully touched the flying bullet with her tongue, Kyon realized that he did not want to fight with her. It would make no point. He would move slower than a turtle for her. Zosimos couldn¡¯t teach her anything, Le would only understand how weak her father was. He was not going toplicate life with his daughters.


    ?That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s have lunch and then the final workout where you will learn to harness pure energy.?


    ?But what about fighting techniques? You were going to attack us, weren¡¯t you?? ¨C Le¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    ?Daddy decided there¡¯s no need for that.? ¨C Kyon replied tly.


    ?Huh?? ¨C Le snorted suspiciously. ¨C ?I think you say so because you are afraid of losing to me in battle! Are you ashamed of being weaker than your daughter?? ¨C A dazzling wicked smile shed across her face.


    ?You are a million times stronger than your dad. Anyway, how about some fried chicken?? ¨C Zosimos switched the subject, taking lunch out of the ring.


    ?I am hungry!? ¨C Eve ran up to him with a happy face.


    Le was fuming. How did he do it? His attitude was really disarming! She had intended to make fun of him, embarrass him for being weaker than her, make him respect her as an elder, but he didn¡¯t give a shit! During lunch, Le kept trying to get under his skin, but nothing worked. Zosimos was imprable, which pissed Le off. Did he have no weak points at all?


    After lunch, Kyon said: ?Now it¡¯s time for the final workout where you will learn to use pure energy. Take the lotus position and imagine there is a whirlpool in your navel. Now imagine there¡¯s an elephant¡¯s trunk attached to it, leading to your soul bursting with energy. Your first task is to feel the whirlpool. Then, use them to absorb or release energy from your soul. After that, feel the trunk and learn to move it. Finally, you must remember how to move the trunk to set particr properties to the outgoing energy. All these tasks will take your time and require your utmost concentration. You can¡¯t rush things, or you will only make it worse.?


    The girls obediently sat on the grass and began to meditate.


    Kyon didn¡¯t know if it would work. He assumed that the women he had found had lost their memory, which didn¡¯t change the fact that they could use their energy as it happened instinctively, like breathing or using their hands.


    In the normal course of events, the practitioner swallowed a nephrite with the main and only grade of pure energy after connecting with the soul, which started an iprehensible set of neural connections in their head. While the key turned and the channel moved at random, the practitioner reached enlightenment, after which they could use pure energy as they pleased. However, this method wouldn¡¯t work with the girls. Their cultivation was so advanced that no nephrite would affect them. The only way to make it work was to make them remember their usual actions.


    It was essential for Lovr to get strong protectors and warriors rolled in one. Without pure energy, the girls lost 99% of their power. If they didn¡¯t remember anything in a month, he would have to stop teaching them. Demons could attack them outside the city, and the blood-thirsty empress with a sensitive aura dwelled inside.


    In the evening, Kyon was pleased with the result. Eve and Le had learned to use some of their strength, speed, and reaction. Now they would be able to fend for themselves. Moreover, no lord phaser could everpete with them, and even a king phaser wouldn¡¯t leave a single scratch on them.


    And now, Kyon was going to do some exercise for the first time in a long time.

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393


    Kyon was about to start practicing for the first time in a long time. It was not about fighting a fictional enemy but about increasing the quality of his strength.


    Kyon had alot of options:


    He could enhance the Annihtion Sphere to give his unique body the fundamentalws of time. The technique would get more powerful and less time-consuming over time. After the body of the void had reached the 2nd stage, the understanding of thesews had increased significantly, but it wasn¡¯t the limit. Kyon could still shape it into a ball only!


    He could practice the sovereign¡¯s stare to reduce the dy before its activation and increase its power. Last time, Dinah looked away as soon as she noticed his eyes glow. Any good master would tell their students that the glow in the opponent¡¯s eyes meant the intention to use a spiritual attack, that¡¯s why any eye contact should be avoided. Kyon had learned it the hard way at the Stones¡¯ party when he was the victim of Princess Kara¡¯s enchanting stare.


    Kyon also needed to learn to create clones. The content of the Stones¡¯, the Grands¡¯, and the Feruz¡¯ treasuries should be enough to put this idea into action. There was nothing more important than getting a chance to teleport away from any dangerous situation.


    The concealment technique was also important, but he wouldn¡¯te up with the best technique at once this time. It wasn¡¯t as easy as the movement technique he had created at the first attempt as he didn¡¯t only have to be invisible but also hide his soul from anyone¡¯s scanning. The ether alone wouldn¡¯t be enough. He would need other elements, if not all nine of them. It might take him forever going through an infinite number ofbinations, so it would be reasonable to use the existing concepts. Combining the three families¡¯ legacies, Kyon hoped to create a concealment technique of at least A+ rank, which he could improve in the future.


    Lovr didn¡¯t forget about the healing technique. Someday, it could save his life.


    Kon also intended to create sma me, both hot and cold, as well as aser, but it required at least a superior grade of ether, and he had only an advanced grade.


    Besides, he had to learn how to enter the light and the dark state at will and use Light Cut and theoretical Dark Cut.


    After his body of the void hadpleted the second stage, Lovr suspected that his improved spatial attribute harboured enormous potential. He couldn¡¯t wait to find out what exactly it had to offer.


    All in all, there were a lot of good options for him, an embarrassment of riches. Kyon had to prioritize. The most important for him was to learn how to clone and teleport himself. It was also worth experimenting with the spatial attribute. Perhaps, its secrets were on the surface. Also, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to try entering the light and the dark state of mind during his practice.


    As for the sovereign¡¯s stare that consumed Synergy, he had to find out how much of it Eve and Le needed to stay oblivious, otherwise, he would be in big trouble.


    {Alright. Let¡¯s get started.} ¨C Kyon said to himself.


    What is a perfect clone? They are strong enough to withstand a weak attack from an equal opponent and deliver a blow that resembles their creator¡¯s weak attack. Their shape is stable, and they look identical to the original so that even a keen eye won¡¯t tell the difference. They emit a dense aura of their owner¡¯s soul, deceiving the opponent. Their speed and skills are equal to their creator¡¯s, and they can be controlled from a distance.


    Kyon was going to create a clone that had all these qualities. Anyone in their right mind would find it ridiculous because all the characteristics mentioned above couldn¡¯t be engaged in one technique! Even an A-rank technique could involve only one point from the whole list!


    There exist many techniques that imitate clones: illusions, earth, water, air, fire, and ice golems, the creator¡¯s reflection, dolls and puppets, but all of them have their drawbacks. Only 10% of clones are strong enough to withstand a weak attack from an equal opponent; only 10% can deliver a blow that resembles their creator¡¯s weak attack; only 10% have a stable shape and appearance identical to the original; only 10% emit a rtively dense aura of their owner¡¯s soul; only 10% of clones have the same skills and speed as the original; only 1% can be controlled from a distance.


    Usually, creating a clone, the creator sets a certainbination of actions, and it either dissipates or stops moving uponpleting them. Clone techniques that can be controlled from a distance are extremely rare because they require a spatial attribute.


    The earth element makes the clone strong enough to withstand a weak attack. The heat and the cold enable them to deliver a blow equal to the creator¡¯s weak attack. The water and the ether give the clone a stable structure and color. They emit a dense soul aura with the help of pure energybined with the basic grade of the technique. The wind gives the clone agility and speed. The space element (the darkness and the light) is required to control the clone from a distance.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes lit up. The answer was obvious: he had to use the nine elements to make a clone! It wasn¡¯t about mixing them all together, he had to make sure that each element was in perfect harmony and synergy with each other! This task wasn¡¯t just difficult, it was impossible for any living being in the world.


    At first, Lovr sorted out the techniques from the three families¡¯ treasuries (that he had learned but not acquired yet) into three categories: useful, might be useful, and not useful at all. The first group contained about 100 cloning techniques. The second category had techniques whose characteristics were close to his goal. The remaining 98% were absolutely useless for his task.


    When he was ready, Kyon started to study the legacy to create his technique of an ideal clone. He would have to do the same for concealment and healing techniques in the not too distant future.


    At the same time, Kyon tried to enter the light and the dark state of mind that in no way interfered with his primary task. No luck so far.


    It was getting dark when Kyon stopped studying the techniques as he had reached the 5th stage of the superior phase. His eyes lit up with joy. Some progress atst! The breakthrough pill would be in effect for at least another month. He had to practice more often.


    Meantime, it had be pitch dark because of the hills surrounding them.


    Le walked over to Zosimos, visibly annoyed: ?It¡¯s too difficult. I need to fuel my brain.?


    ?Do you want my advice?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?I need a gummy bear!? ¨C She snapped. ¨C ?You promised to give me a pile of them. Where is it??


    Lovr handed a jar with colorful candies to her: ?Here you are. Don¡¯t forget to share with your sister.?


    ?Why should I? They are mine. I¡¯ve earned them with my courage and strength of character!?


    ?What if Eve received a jar of candies? Would she share them with you? By all means! Be a good girl and share your gummy bears with your sister.?


    ?I will think about it.? ¨C Le muttered angrily and walked away.


    Soon, Kyon saw her reluctantly share her candy with Eve and nodded, pleased with himself. The little pixie was mean, impulsive, and selfish to the core. Still, there was a grain of empathy in her, which meant that with due upbringing (which was inevitable with Synergy), she would learn to empathize with other people and not consider herself as the center of the universe.


    A littleter, Kyon announced: ?That¡¯s enough for today, my sweet ones. It¡¯s gettingte.?


    When the girls approached him, Lovr asked them: ?Any luck so far??


    ?None.? ¨C Le replied, looking away.


    ?I could feel the whirlpool in the navel, but I couldn¡¯t move it.?


    Le angrily folded her arms, jealous of her younger sister.


    ?Well done, my darling. Don¡¯t rush things. You will practice again soon. Don¡¯t despair, my sweet baby. You can do it, too.? ¨C Zosimos patted Le on the head tofort her.


    ?Of course, I can! But it takes me longer than Eve!? ¨C She eximed in a hurt voice and turned away to hide her tears.


    ?You were faster than your sister in the race, she was stronger than you. You reacted faster, but she could concentrate better. It¡¯s a tie! You don¡¯t have to be jealous of your sister.? ¨C Kyon said confidently.


    Le felt much better. Daddy always could find the right words.


    The girls got changed behind the tree in their favorite dresses, mounted the horse with their father and went to Dantes, to the Garden of Eden hotel. As soon as their heads hit the pillows, the sisters immediately fell asleep.


    Kyon kissed each on the cheek and went to bed. They were so cute that his heart skipped a beat. However, he wasn¡¯t going to be anyone else for them but their father. He wouldn¡¯t change a thing in their rtions, not in the guise of Zosimos anyway. It disgusted him even to think about it. Moreover, they were mentally too young.


    After breakfast, Lovr said goodbye to the girls and left the hotel. He transformed into Dick Baker, got dressed into a smart suit with a bow tie and went to the Green Hollow cafe in the central part of Dantes, not too far from the hotel.


    Kyon entered the beautiful four-story ss building and walked up to the roof terrace where his subordinates had reserved the best table. He enjoyed the cozy decor rich in flowers and unusual nts, as well as rxing music and, above all, the stunning view of the Empress¡¯s pce.


    He had 5 minutes before the appointed time. Today, Kyon was hoping not only to meet Elsa but also pay a visit to the Clintons during their joint investigation, whose sessrgely depended on her as Elsa had great authority in Dantes. With her help, Kyon would achieve better results than even with a 2nd rank investigator.


    Any young man would be anxious in ce of Lovr because the girl he was going to meet was perhaps the most popr person in the capital after the Demon Huntress. All doors in Rosarrio were open for her. Her impressive talents in alchemy, formacy, cultivation were only expected from Yurich¡¯s daughter. The best masters dreamed of getting such a gifted student, but she belonged to the order, which meant that she had a chance to be a student of the empress herself.


    Kyon heard rumors that his adopted sister had lots of fans in the order, but Rose was honored to be her boyfriend. And a small wonder¡­ The little pervert was the most promising practitioner in the empire! Even if he was weaker than Stein at the moment, the speed of his cultivation overshadowed his elder brother and gave him a chance to be the next patriarch. And yet, in Lovr¡¯s opinion, Elsa¡¯s intuition had failed her if she didn¡¯t realize that she was dating a douchebag.


    It was the top priority for Lovr to findmon ground with Elsa, but there was a major problem. He was in the guise of Dick Baker, and thest thing he wanted to do was reveal his identity as the goddess¡¯ messenger. However, he would have no choice if his adopted sister refused to cooperate with him. He would find it out pretty soon.


    Just then, Kyon heard the click-ck of high heels on the steps. As he turned his head, he saw a breathtakingly beautiful girl enter the roof terrace!

 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394


    A dazzlingly beautiful girl in herte teens entered the rooftop cafe. One nce at her suggested the idea of wlessness. She was perfect from head to toe! The girl was wearing a midi lime-green dress and leather shoes. The summer dress highlighted her graceful body and revealed her sharply outlined corbones. Elsa¡¯s face was a masterpiece. It was hard to stop looking at her! She was as beautiful as Juno, but she had no innocent charm of thetter. Elsa had the charisma of a seductive woman who knew her worth.


    A sudden silence fell over the cafe. The few visitors turned their heads towards the gorgeous girl as if spellbound. Thedies felt a pang of an inferiorityplex. The gents¡¯ primordial hunting instincts began to awaken. However, their prey estimation was something along the lines of ¡°unattainable beauty!¡±


    Elsa looked around and saw a 16-year-old boy. She headed to him and was about to take a seat at his table when she heard his overexcited voice: ?My beautifuldy, how may I address you??


    {It¡¯s not him.} ¨C Elsa turned around and saw a fat guy energetically waving his hand. Her breath caught in her throat. What a walking nightmare! What a disgusting suit with a bow tie! Was he really the Stone investigator? It was humiliating even to share the same family name with him!


    Elsa closed her eyes to calm down. Soon, she regained herposure and walked stone-faced to Dick Baker¡¯s table and took a seat without saying a word. She seemed to be doing him an unprecedented favor, like donating a kidney to a sick hobo.


    The guests in the cafe couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. Why did this gorgeous girl sit at the troll¡¯s table?


    ?It is a great honor and pleasure for me to meet the first genius of the Stone family! Oh Elsa, I have heard a lot about your sess in formacy and alchemy, your impressive cultivation! My name is Dick Baker. I am an imperial investigator of the third rank¡­?


    ?Show me your formation.? ¨C Elsa demanded coldly. Her gentle voice prated his soul like a cold autumn wind.


    Kyon obediently held out his wrist.


    The formation of the investigator proved his identity. Her mother had warned her that he would have a different name for cover but why Dick Baker? Couldn¡¯t he think of anything better? Besides, how could he be an imperial investigator with this ridiculous name, low cultivation and young age? It just didn¡¯t add up!


    Suddenly, Elsa could feel one more formation with another identity of Thomas Stone, a pure-blood descendant, 15 years of age. Now she was finally convinced that it wasn¡¯t Diana¡¯s or anyone else¡¯s bad joke.


    ?I know how precious your time is, so I¡¯ll get straight to the point. Your beautiful mother and Mr. Bai have high hopes for me. If I get a promotion, I will solve any family problems and provide financial support! However, my boss agreed to promote me on one condition: I have toplete an important task, which I can¡¯t do without your help¡­ That is why Lady Diana has arranged our meeting¡­?


    Elsa interrupted Kyon as if she wasn¡¯t listening to him at all: ?I want to hire you.?


    Kyon raised his eyebrows: ?To hire me? What do you mean??


    ?You will give me cases with all necessary information, and I will solve them.?


    Lovr gazed adoringly at her: ?Do you really want to help me? I¡¯ve always known how much you care for our family! Grandpa would be so proud of you¡­?


    ?Not at all.? ¨C She interrupted him again. ¨C ?It¡¯s not about you or my family.?


    Kyon opened his eyes wide when he suddenly understood everything. It was alling together now. Diana had mentioned that her daughter wanted to be an investigator as a child. Therefore, Elsa had always wanted to help people. Despite her high status and busy life, as well as her total indifference to her family, Elsa hade to the appointment with Dick Baker and didn¡¯t even turn around when she saw the fat monster. The heroine on the poster also had golden hair and green eyes, simr proportions of her body, her lips, and her nose. Taking all of this into consideration, only an idiot would not understand that Elsa was the demon huntress!


    Kyon wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Elsa.


    Elsa snorted as she read what he had written: ?It¡¯s none of your business.?


    Elsa made it clear that she did not care about his opinion. It was utter rubbish, total nonsense. Besides, nobody would believe him anyway.


    {I knew it!} ¨C Kyon was proud of his adopted sister, superheroine, the national asset of Dantes, the scourge of the underworld, struggling for justice. He wanted to shake her hand. She was doing a great job, wasn¡¯t she? Why did a bastard like Rose get such a wonderful girlfriend?


    But above all, Lovr was curious how the demon huntress could catch so many bad guys alone? Her effectiveness is ten times higher than any high-ranking investigator¡¯s! She didn¡¯t seem to have any assistants, or she would not havee to this meeting with the intention to recruit him. It was weird, very weird.


    Elsa didn¡¯t appreciate the admiration in his ugly eyes. The mere sight of him filled her with disgust. A fat young freak among her fans! The day couldn¡¯t have started worse! Anyway, Elsa¡¯s n was more important for her than anything else.


    She held out a piece of paper with the frequency of her sound transmitter and said in a voice that would tolerate no argument: ?You will provide some information tonight.? ¨C Dick Baker shook his head but before she got up from the table.


    ?Sorry, but I can¡¯t fulfill your request. I have other top-priority tasks.?


    ?It¡¯s an order, not a request.?


    ?I am sorry¡­? ¨C Kyon shrugged apologetically.


    Elsa pierced him with her gaze: ?I am Elsa Stone of the first ranking family, and I have every right to give orders to anyone with a lower status.?


    Anyone would tremble with fear under Elsa¡¯s intense scrutiny, but Kyon remained calm: ?I am sorry, but Patriarch Bai¡¯s and Lady Diana¡¯s orders are of higher priority for me. Thomas Stone¡¯s burden is heavy! I can¡¯t waste a single second of my precious time¡­ I have to do everything for the sake of my family!?


    {He refers to himself in the third person¡­ Isn¡¯t it crazy?} ¨C Elsa turned away, feeling that she was about to lose it. How would she respect herself if she let this monster get under her skin? She had to end it as soon as possible. Elsa knew a way out.


    She stared at him menacingly, her eyes narrowed to two green slits. She emitted a crushing royal-phaser aura and said with a steely glint in her eyes: ?How dare you to contradict me??


    Kyon looked away in embarrassment: ?Don¡¯t look at me like this¡­ It makes me feel awkward¡­?


    {Why is he acting like this?} ¨C Elsa was surprised. She knew that only one in a hundred could withstand the pressure of 2 phases stronger than their cultivation. The difference between them was 3 phases, and this pig said he felt awkward instead of trembling with fear!


    A stocky thug approached their table and asked in a low voice: ?May I help you get rid of this pipsqueak, my beautifuldy? Is he bothering you??


    Kyon could feel the presence of a beginning noble phaser behind him who was confident that a superior phaser was nothingpared to him. Kyon turned around, activating the sovereign¡¯s stare and said in themanding tone of an experienced investigator: ?Bugger off, dude, before you find yourself in jail.?


    Kyon¡¯s spiritual attack made the man jump out of his skin. It seemed to the thug that his life was hanging by a thread, and any wrong movement meant instant death. A wet stain spread down his pants as he trembled all over. His legs were too weak to hold him when he hurried to leave the cafe.


    ?That¡¯s better.? ¨C Kyon nodded to himself and turned to the dazzlingly beautiful girl with an apologetic smile expression as if nothing had happened. ¨C ?I¡¯m really sorry, but I can¡¯t do what you say¡­?


    Elsa opened her mouth to say something but stopped with her mouth open and a wide-eyed expression on her face. What was that? Was Dick Baker so monstrously ugly to make even strong, self-confident men pee in their pants at the mere sight of him? What a terrible gift the fat freak had! Or was it a curse ¡­


    ?Anyway, I could do a favor for the great genius of the Stone family. Let¡¯s make a deal. I will find some information for you, and you spend the afternoon helping me interrogate the Clintons.?


    Elsa was about to send him to hell when she heard about the Clintons: ?Are you talking about that notorious case??


    ?Exactly! Probably all high-ranking investigators have tried to solve it, but they are nowhere near the answer. There¡¯s no harm in trying. I am sure I will seed withdy luck on my side!? ¨C Kyon assured Elsa with a big smile.


    Elsa thought for a while. It would be great to solve the case that involved her boyfriend¡¯s family! Besides, Dick Baker would owe her after that. His offer looked quite tempting! As long as the fat freak didn¡¯t get in her way¡­


    ?I agree if you provide me with the necessary information for six months.?


    Kyon resolutely shook his head: ?I am sorry, but six months is too long for me. I don¡¯t like the idea of being bound by a long-term contract¡­?


    {Who does he think he is!} ¨C Elsa thought scornfully. She hated dealing with this arrogant upstart, but she would not stoop to putting him in his ce.


    Kyon suggested apromise: ?What if I provide a fixed amount? Say, I will supply you with information until you have solved ten A-ranking cases or five times as many lower-ranking cases, and so on.?


    Elsa thought about it. Any high-ranking investigator could solve ten A-ranking cases in 5-10 years while she could do it in six months. In other words, there was no difference between Dick Baker¡¯s and her offers.


    ?Alright. Deal.? ¨C Elsa agreed.


    ?Let¡¯s shake hands to seal our deal!? ¨C With a beaming smile, Kyon stretched out his hand but in vain: the beautiful girl had already risen from her seat.


    ?I have an appointment with the Clintons at noon, so we have another half hour. How about telling your most dedicated fan all about you? I will treat you to dessert!?


    ?I won¡¯t waste a minute of my time.? ¨C Elsa said coldly, heading to the exit, and added. ¨C ?I will be at the main entrance to Clinton¡¯s mansion at noon.?


    ?See youter.? ¨C Kyon said, heaving a sign. ¨C {She¡¯s gone¡­ Maybe, I should have revealed my true identity? No, I can¡¯t¡­}


    Lovr was honest with himself: he really liked Juno¡¯s sister! She was so beautiful that he wouldn¡¯t be able to take his eyes off her for a minute if he had juste out of the mine! Now that he lived with the two goddesses, he got control over his desire for beauty. However, it didn¡¯t take away his urge to show off his talents. If he didn¡¯t have to be in the guise of Dick Baker (ying the part of Thomas Stone), he would have talked to her differently, the way he did with Valira in the Boston Library.


    There was something else that really bothered Kyon. He intended to punish Rose someday, and the fact that he was Elsa¡¯s boyfriend didn¡¯t change his ns in any way. However, he didn¡¯t want his adopted sister to hate the future avenger. There seemed to be a solution! It was not an easy one, but why not give it a try?

 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395


    The Clintons¡¯ area was like a little, luxurious town surrounded by a high thick wall. Hundreds of people passed through the main entrance every minute. Kyon was sitting on the horse near the entrance, waiting for his partner to arrive.


    At noon, Lovr saw the beautiful blonde girl on a graceful white-maned horse at the end of the street. She was so dazzling that it seemed that the sun itself had saddled the mount. Elsa attracted so much attention that there was a road ident with several carts at once. The coachmen couldn¡¯t take their eyes off her, and it wasn¡¯t their fault as the girl could charm even the emperor!


    ?I can assume by your imperturbable look that road idents happen quite often because of you.?


    ?Hurry up. You need to show your pass.? ¨C Elsa said, tucking her hair behind her ear.


    Kyon showed the ID and rode inside along with Elsa. The family territory had the standard system of allocating the houses into zones ording to the status of their residents. There were the external, the internal, and the central zones, the entrance to which was carefully guarded. As they approached the central zone, the buildings and the decor became increasinglyvish.


    At the final checkpoint, Dick Baker and Elsa were given a guide who showed them the way to the main building that was privately called ?the heart of the family.? There they were given another guide, and soon they arrived at the patriarch¡¯s office.


    This appointment was on a par with the reception hosted by the king because the Clintons¡¯ status, wealth, and power were no less than that of the Feruz family, even significantly surpassing them! The patriarch Clinton¡¯s brother alone was worth a lot, being the second general, themander of a huge army, an imperial phaser in the finishing stages.


    As Kyon and Elsa entered the office, they saw a valiant well-dressed middle-aged man sitting at the table. There was nothing outstanding in Horace¡¯s appearance. But his gaze¡­ The patriarch seemed to have suffered many trials and hardships.


    Horace raised his eyebrow, getting up from the chair: ?Elsa?! What are you doing here??


    She bowed respectfully and said: ?Patriarch Horace, my assistant and I are investigating your daughter¡¯s pregnancy. I would appreciate your assistance.?


    The patriarch looked at the fat guy and winced. The drastic contrast between the two guests hurt his eyes.


    ?Good afternoon, patriarch Clinton.? ¨C Kyon said reverently.


    Horace ignored him, addressing Elsa: ?I don¡¯t want toin, but you are not an investigator, Elsa¡­ You have no experience! How could Mn trust you to solve this case? And what is this brat doing here with you??


    ?Rosa and I are close enough so I can rely on the Valentines.? ¨C Elsa told the truth, but she didn¡¯t want to reveal her secret activities. That¡¯s why she had met with Dick Baker. ¨C ?Don¡¯t consider me rude, but I have some methods that are different from those the investigators use. If Stein is really guilty, I¡¯ll find out who¡¯s behind it.? ¨C She chose not to mention her fat assistant.


    Horace heaved a deep sign: ?My dear Elsa¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say. You pursue the Valentines¡¯ interests that¡¯s why it¡¯s rather weird to see you here.?


    Elsa arched her delicate eyebrow: ?All are equal before thew. I will find the culprit, and it doesn¡¯t matter which side I¡¯m on.?


    Horace would prefer them not to look for the culprit in his family, but at the same time, he wanted to find the offender as soon as possible: ?Words of wisdom, my girl¡­ Go on, conduct an investigation. Let me know if I could be of any help.?


    ?May I ask you a personal question?? ¨C Elsa seized the moment at once.


    ?Sure. Shoot away??


    ?Do you know anything that the department doesn¡¯t know??


    The patriarch frowned: ?No¡­ Why? Do you suspect me??


    ?No. You got me wrong!? ¨C Elsa exined herself. ¨C ?I need to know if you have any ideas that the department has not considered, even the most absurd ones. Anything could help with the investigation.?


    Horace resolutely shook his head: ?The mere thought of this gives me a headache. I don¡¯t want to look into it. The department knows better.?


    ?I see. In this case, I want to talk to Lindia, Roman, and Eugene, as well as the other suspects.?


    ?Why would you need Eugene? He is on active service and has nothing to do with what happened to Lindia.?


    Roman had always been in the shadow of his elder brother Eugene, who was much more talented. Besides, Eugene spent most of his time with their uncle, the second general of Rosarrio, as he had a good chance to be his sessor.


    ?As for Lindia and Roman, they are expecting you in the guest room. The guards will show you the way. The other suspects await an invitation outside the building.?


    ?Thank you.? ¨C Elsa bowed and left the office.


    Kyon followed her. He had a feeling that he was an odd man out or invisible! He couldn¡¯t even imagine what he would do without his sister.


    ?I want to interrogate each of them. Can you arrange it for me?? ¨C Lovr asked.


    ?I will interrogate them myself.? ¨C Elsa said coldly.


    Kyon gave his self-confidentpanion a stern look: ?It¡¯s pure nonsense. A novice isn¡¯tpetent enough to conduct an interrogation. Leave it to the professional. First, I want to talk to Lindia and then to Roman.?


    ?Exactly.? ¨C Elsa confirmed, without even looking at him.


    {Do you want to steal my case, little stinker?} ¨C Lovr guessed. He had to be persistent, or he would not achieve anything. ¨C ?Elsa, wait!? ¨C But before he could add anything, she had already opened the door.


    They saw a brave 19-year-old boy sitting in the armchair in the guest room. He was of slender build, with short dark hair. Roman Clinton looked annoyed and angry, with his arms crossed. A typical arrogant bully.


    Roman raised his head and jumped up in surprise: ?My beautiful Elsa, what are you doing here? Visiting your secret lover??


    ?Choose your words carefully when talking to me.? ¨C Elsa said in a t voice.


    ?You¡¯re cold as always! Why can¡¯t you treat me like Rose? I am no worse than that idiot!? ¨C Roman protested jokingly.


    ?Maybe, you are?? ¨C Elsa gave him a questioning look.


    ?I am only one stage weaker than him! Does it make any difference? Anyway, I am more handsome, aren¡¯t I? Just look at these muscles!? ¨C He flexed his muscles at her with a wide smile.


    Elsa hissed through her clenched teeth: ?No man worthy of the name would buy my sister¡¯s heart with Tokens but a cheap bastard like you!?


    ?Don¡¯t worry, beautiful! Juno will like the taste of a real man!?


    In an instant, Elsa appeared near Roman, aiming at his forehead with an arrow on the bowstring that came out of nowhere: ?Do you have a deathwish, rotten goblin??


    The guards tensed and looked at each other uncertainly. Kyon was watching this unexpected scene in disbelief. So much for an assistant! She would help him get to hell if it went on like this! Anyway, now he knew who had bought the right to marry Juno in about a year, which was rather shocking! Another degenerate wanted to steal his investment!


    ?Will you dare to kill the patriarch¡¯s son in his own house? Do you want to ruin your life and take all the Stones to hell?? ¨C Roman asked with a sarcastic smile, not in the least disturbed by the weapon pointed at him.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Elsa put the bow away. The guards immediately surrounded her, but Roman waved them off: ?Rx, guys. Don¡¯t you see it¡¯s only a game?? ¨C He gestured for them to leave the room.


    When the guards left, Roman Clinton noticed the fat investigator. His eyes widened in surprise: ?YOU? You are that ugly prince who bought everyone around!?


    ?Greetings.?


    Elsa cast a surprised nce at Dick Baker and then at Roman again. What was going on? Did they know each other? What prince was he talking about?


    ?What the heck are you doing here, freak?? ¨C Roman asked, looking at Dick Baker with disgust.


    ?I am an investigator. Lady Elsa is my assistant who helps me conduct this investigation. Today, we are interrogating the suspects together.?


    ?Don¡¯t bullshit me! Elsa is your assistant?! I¡¯d rather believe that Rose has slept with an old hag!? ¨C Roman nced at Elsa.


    She couldn¡¯t keep quiet: ?I am not his assistant, I am in charge here. He is my subordinate.?


    ?It¡¯s a lie!? ¨C Kyon said curtly.


    At that moment, the door swung open, and a sweet young girl entered the guest room. She was wearing a loose velvet dress with colorful butterflies. Lindia created the impression of a spoiled patriarch¡¯s daughter, frivolous and easy-going. A girl like her was hardly capable of conspiracy and intrigue. A two-meter bulky knight towered behind her, his eyes as hard as steel and so his muscles.


    ?Good afternoon? Elsa?? ¨C Lindia eximed, looking at the beautiful guest in surprise.


    ?To hell with it! Go on without me.? ¨C Roman said, heading to the door.


    ?Wait! I haven¡¯t interrogated you yet!? ¨C Elsa approached him.


    ?Interrogate my balls!? ¨C Roman snapped and blurred with speed, leaving the room.


    Elsa did not run after him. She only clenched her fists so tight that her knuckles turned white. Then she looked at the patriarch¡¯s daughter and bowed slightly: ?I am sorry, Lady Lindia. This whole thing has been a farce.?


    ?Elsa, my friend! You don¡¯t have to be so formal with me. Don¡¯t you remember how many sses we drank together at that unfortunate birthday party?? ¨C Lindia said with a smile and tilted her head with a puzzled look. ¨C ?What are you doing here??


    ?I am here to conduct an investigation with my assistant. Do you mind if I ask you some questions??


    ?Huh¡­ Your assistant?? ¨C Lindia had just noticed another person in the room, the mere sight of whom made her sick to her stomach. She wrinkled her delicate nose in disgust.


    Kyon could tell that his concealment technique worked. He could feel it even if he hadn¡¯t done anything special yet. He said politely: ?Lady Lindia, we have the patriarch¡¯s permission to interrogate you. Let me ask you some questions.?


    Lindia swallowed hard: ?Gods¡­ Elsa, how could you take this goblin for an assistant? Get him out of here! Now!?

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396


    ?I will leave you for a moment. Lady Elsa and I need to talk.? ¨C Kyon got up, ring at his sister.


    ?Couldn¡¯t you find a better assistant, my friend?? ¨C Lindia mumbled.


    Kyon took a few steps towards the door and saw that his wretched sister hadn¡¯t even budged! He repeated, emphasizing each word: ?I said that¡­ Lady Elsa and I¡­ need to talk! Face to face!?


    Elsa tch¡¯ed and rolled her eyes but followed him out of the room.


    ?Are you trying to double-cross me?? ¨C Kyon barked at her.


    ?I¡¯m trying to solve the case. What¡¯s your problem? Isn¡¯t that why I am here?? ¨C Elsa sounded hurt as if she was being wrongly used.


    ?We had a deal! You help me with my investigation, and I solve ten ¡°A¡± rank cases for you! I didn¡¯t ask you to throw a spanner in the works!?


    ?I am helping you. We didn¡¯t agree that I would indulge your every whim.? ¨C Elsa retorted.


    Kyon clenched his fists. He would achieve nothing if he did not insist: ?If you think I am good for nothing, I have the same opinion about you! Alright, let¡¯s take a different approach. If you don¡¯t help me, then I won¡¯t help you either.?


    Elsa narrowed her eyes: ?Actually, we had a deal. The Stones never break their words. Or maybe you are not a Stone??


    Kyon snorted in disdain: ?A handshake seals a deal, which you refused to do! But I will keep my words if you help me with the investigation.?


    Elsa red at him for a couple of seconds and gave up: ?Stubborn idiot. You¡¯re such a nuisance!? ¨C She headed for the guest room. The fat, stupid investigator onlyplicated things. Anyway, she will get to the truth no matter what. No obstacles, even so corpulent, wouldn¡¯t stop her.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief, put on his mask and followed his sister.


    ?Why is he still here?? ¨C Lindia eximed indignantly.


    ?I am sorry, my friend, but he has to stay. He has unusual talents that might help me to conduct an investigation¡­ You see, fate had to make up for his ugliness.? ¨C Elsa assured her.


    ?Lady Elsa is telling you the truth.? ¨C Kyon added. ¨C ?Otherwise, how could I be an investigator of the third rank at my age and with my cultivation? That¡¯s it!?


    Lindia looked at her friend, then at the masked freak, and finally gave in to their pressure: ?Alright! But do it quick! The mere presence of this goblin spoils my mood¡­ And I am pregnant! I can¡¯t get upset!?


    ?Then let¡¯s get started. Do you know anything that the department doesn¡¯t know?? ¨C Elsa asked calmly.


    Lindia crossed her arms and mumbled: ?No.?


    ?Do you remember anything that happened that night??


    ?No! What a stupid question?? ¨C Lindia sounded really offended.


    {What extraordinary stupidity and tactlessness.} ¨C Kyon thought with a grin. What was she going to achieve with these questions? Either his little sister was a fool, or she was deliberately trying to make Lindia angry. But what was the point? Did she want to fight? Or did she have some of Juno¡¯s sadism?


    ?I am sorry, but it has to be this way. Do you love Stein?? ¨C Elsa continued her interrogation.


    ?Of course I don¡¯t! I am not going to answer your stupid questions!? ¨C Lindia was already steaming.


    The knight stood tall like a mountain between Elsa and hisdy, making it clear that the guest would regret another insulting question.


    ?Andrew, don¡¯t.? ¨C Lindia asked. ¨C ?I am sure she means well.?


    The knight stepped back, but his intent gaze was suffocating. His cultivation seemed to be at the beginning of the imperial phase. Damned monster.


    ?That¡¯s it. Lady Elsa has asked enough questions.? ¨C Kyon stepped in.


    ?I am not done yet!? ¨C Elsa snapped, ring at the fat freak.


    ?It¡¯s your ugly assistant¡¯s turn! I hope he will be more tactful.? ¨C Lindia said, shaking her leg nervously.


    ?Thank you, mydy.? ¨C Kyon said.


    Elsa snorted and turned away. This stupid fat freak was wasting her time.


    ?How would you describe your condition in the morning after the party? Any head fog, dizziness, disorientation, tingling sensation in the back of the head? Give us as many details as possible. Every detail counts.?


    ?I¡¯ve been asked this question five hundred times! I hadmon hangover symptoms! A headache, dizziness¡­ In a word, as usual. Next question, please.? ¨C Lindia blurted out impatiently.


    ?Did you feel groggy?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?Yes¡­ No¡­ I don¡¯t remember!?


    ?Numb fingertips? Goosebumps on the back of your head??


    ?I don¡¯t remember anything like that¡­?


    While Dick Baker was asking questions, Elsa snorted contemptuously to herself: {He is a mediocrity, as expected¡­ A failure of the Stone family! How did he be a high-ranking investigator? Did he kiss Mn¡¯s enemy to death?}


    Lovr asked Lindia another question, seeing she was running out of patience: ?Did you have a feeling that your body didn¡¯t obey you? As if it acted with a weird dy??


    ?I don¡¯t remember! Wait¡­ Yes, I felt something like that!? ¨C Lindia raised her eyebrows in surprise.


    {Hm¡­ Interesting.} ¨C Kyon had just discovered a rare symptom of the Red Beetle Energy Tincture, a drug meant to pull a patient out of any abnormal condition with minimal side effects. Such drugs were used in various situations: to wake the patient up after giving them tranquilizers or sleeping pills, get rid of narcotic effects or enzyme intoxication, and much more.


    There are dozens of cheaper and more effective analogs, but they were easy to detect. Kyon had read about the Red Beetle Energy Tincture in an ancient book in the Boston Library. This drug was so rare that no doctor in the empire would recognize it from the previously mentioned symptom.


    Kyon was a step closer to solving this case.


    ?By the way, I often have this feeling¡­ Is it because I am pregnant?? ¨C Lindia asked, harboring a tiny hope to get to the truth. It was the first reasonable question she had heard so far. Elsa was right when she said that her assistant has some talents topensate for his monstrous looks.


    ?You often have this feeling?? ¨C Kyon grunted, thinking about what he had heard. Then he said: ?May I talk to your family alchemist??


    ?Sure. I¡¯ll call him.? ¨C Lindia took out a sound transmitter.


    After she finished the call, Elsa asked Dick curtly: ?Are you done??


    Kyon made an inviting gesture with a smile.


    Elsa asked Lindia some more questions, this time not so provocative. However, in Kyon¡¯s opinion, they didn¡¯t make any sense.


    Finally, the door opened. A wiry old man in a white coat entered the guest room. He was about 70 years old with thinning hair and wisdom in his eyes.


    The alchemist politely greeted everyone: ?How can I help you, Lady Lindia?? ¨C He asked her in a hoarse but gentle voice.


    ?Albert, these investigators want to ask you some questions.?


    ?I will be happy to help.? ¨C The alchemist sat in the chair and looked at the dazzling blonde girl and the fat man in the mask. ¨C ?What may I do for you, gentlemen??


    Kyon cleared his throat: ?Sir, you are considered the best alchemist and doctor in the whole empire. Tell us a little about yourself, please.?


    Elsa rolled her eyes and walked to the nearest window. Damned investigator! The stupid fat guy asking useless questions that would get her nowhere.


    The old doctor was ttered: ?Several years ago, after the world tournament in honor of the goddess Danna, my son and I decided to leave stuffy Saturn and move to a quiet and peaceful ce like Dantes. The reason for this decision was simple¡­?


    While Albert talked about himself, Kyon grunted thoughtfully. Even a mediocre alchemist of the 1st ranking empire would be an unrivaled authority in Rosarrio. However, very few people would leave their family and home in the big city to start their careers in the ¡°slums.¡± Yet, the doctor hade here with his son, leaving his past behind and burning all the bridges behind them.


    ?¡­since then, I have been working as an alchemist and have achieved great results. The Clintons have sheltered my son and me, for which we are deeply indebted to them.? ¨C He looked warmly at the patriarch¡¯s daughter. ¨C ?Thank you so much, Laly Lindia!?


    Lindia smiled shyly: ?Don¡¯t mention it¡­ It¡¯s my family who should thank you! You are a real asset to the family, and your son Andrew is the best knight in the world, so loyal, caring and above all strong! Unlike the previous one¡­ May he never rest in peace.?


    Kyon asked another question: ?Sir Albert, what do you know about the Red Beetle Energy Tincture??


    ?Hm¡­? ¨C The alchemist touched his temple and shook his head apologetically. ¨C ?I am sorry, but there¡¯s always room to grow even for a highly-respected alchemist like me.?


    ?I see. May I have your sound transmitter frequency??


    ?Sure.? ¨C The old doctor took out a piece of paper and handed it to the masked investigator.


    ?Thank you. I am done. No more questions.?


    ?What do you mean no more questions?? ¨C Elsa quickly turned around from the window.


    ?So soon? Will you share your ideas with me?? ¨C Lindia looked disappointed.


    ?I am sorry. Thank you for having us here.? ¨C The fat investigator said with a bow and left the room, taking off his mask.


    Elsa caught up with him and grabbed him by the shoulder: ?Are you an idiot? Why did you finish the investigation? The Clintons have dozens of suspects you haven¡¯t even met! And you haven¡¯t interrogated those you have met properly!? ¨C It was not Dick¡¯s stupidity and negligence that drove her nuts but the fact that he didn¡¯t let her conduct a proper interrogation! She knew that he would be a nuisance, but this moron had ruined her chances of finding the culprit¡­


    ?I¡¯ve learned enough.? ¨C Kyon coughed dryly.


    ?And what did you find out??


    ?Hm¡­ Nothing much.?


    {Why is he lying?!} ¨C Elsa clenched her fists and said through her gritted teeth. ¨C ?You are¡­ a disgrace¡­ to my family name! It was madness to use a fool like you! I am ashamed to have a Thomas Stone in my family!? ¨C Elsa wanted to hit his fat impudent face several times, but she would not stoop to that. She felt already humiliated by the fact that Dick Baker had gotten under her skin.


    ?Lady Elsa, don¡¯t be mad at me! You said that I am your assistant, so go back to Lindia and interrogate the remaining suspects. Nobody can forbid you to do this.?


    {Oh¡­ It¡¯s true¡­} ¨C Elsa felt stupid. Why did she convince herself that she couldn¡¯t conduct an investigation without Dick Baker? Embarrassed by her own stupidity, she turned back, saying before she left: ¨C ?I expect you will keep your promise today. Hopefully, our cooperation will be limited to delivery of folders with information only.?


    ?You wound me¡­?


    ?Great.? ¨C Elsa snapped coldly, mming the door behind herself.


    As Kyon left the Clinton territory, a diabolical cunning twinkle sparkled in his dark eyes.

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397


    Kyon returned to the department and picked up ten easiest ¡°A¡± rank cases to solve. He copied and attached step-by-step instructions to each of them, following which even aplete fool would solve the case.


    Elsa had offered him to work for her for six months, but why not cut his obligations 180 times? Lovr¡¯s logic was simple. He couldn¡¯t wait to see Elsa¡¯s reaction when she found out how quickly he got rid of her?


    Soon it was evening and then night.


    Le threw a tantrum before going to bed: she refused to sleep and demanded to watch cartoons. Kyon had to calm down the naughty girl, threatening to deprive her of her favorite pastime. An amazingly effective approach!


    At night, Lovr noticed Le tossing and turning and groaning in unsessful attempts to fall asleep. Eve did not sleep either. However, it wasn¡¯t because she wasn¡¯t sleepy ¨C her sister kept kicking her. Kyon had to go to their room, sit in the corner of the bed and tell them a story. He would never forget the way the girls looked at him then.


    The next day, after breakfast with the girls, Kyon went to the department. He took the elevator to the top floor and headed straight for the head office. The green light turned on, and he went inside.


    ?Dick Baker?? ¨C Mn adjusted his sses, surprised to see him. ¨C ?What are you doing here??


    Without saying a word, Kyon walked around the office, turning all the recording formations into dust, then he sat in a chair and pped his hand on the table: ?You must see this!?


    ?See what?? ¨C The head of the department asked, puzzled.


    When Dick removed his hand, Mn saw a nephrite under it.


    ?Something that will blow your mind! Watch carefully.? ¨C Liquid light formed a screen over the entire ceiling when Lovr infused the visual formation in the nephrite with pure energy,


    Mn saw a dense forest. The first prince of Liberia, a hefty naked guy, was hanging from a tree branch, suspended by his balls with a fishing line. He was swaying unconsciously from side to side like a pear in the wind.


    ?Sorry, wrong recording.? ¨C Kyon instantly changed the nephrite.


    Mn¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head: ?WHAT WAS THAT??


    ?A mistake.? ¨C Dick coughed dryly into his fist and activated the next recording.


    ?A mistake? A MISTAKE?? ¨C Mn looked at Dick Baker as if he were a maniac. Where did he get the recording of the first prince hanging by the balls? The mere idea of it was so absurd that Mn thought he had imagined it.


    Another screen lit up, showing the head of the department a different recording or rather its copy. It was obviously no original:


    In the middle of the night, someone was making a recording through a small hole in the curtains (how did it only get there) from the outside. The room¡¯s interior suggested that there lived someone very rich.


    When the girl who was sleeping in bed turned over, Mn could see it was Lindia, Patriarch Clinton¡¯s daughter. Suddenly, a tall man entered the room, and Mn recognized Andrew, Lindia¡¯s personal knight. Andrew put a cor on the sleepingdy¡¯s neck and a bracelet over the family formation on her wrist, then he woke her up, hugging and kissing passionately.


    Lindia didn¡¯te to her senses at once. She screamed in horror and kicked, trying to break free, but she could not use the elements because of the cor. The bracelet blocked the rm signal in the family formation. It was easy to guess that the knight had set various barriers in the room.


    Andrew yed with Lindia, kissing her on the lips, on her tummy, down her legs, and even between them, forced her to please him with her mouth and do other obscenities, and then he pounced on her and raped her. He looked like a hungry wolf tearing a poor sweet bunny apart.


    ?It¡¯s¡­ terrible¡­? ¨C Mn muttered, clutching his head, his gaze focused on the disgusting scene that could turn the entire Dantes upside down.


    As soon as Kyon heard Lindia mention the symptoms that suggested taking the Red Beetle Energy Tincture, he immediately suspected something was wrong. His suspicions were confirmed a thousand times after talking to the doctor andter observing the girl¡¯s reaction to hisst question. To get irrefutable evidence, Lovr sent the birds to the Clinton territory with a nephrite in their beaks, made a hole in the curtains with Synergy, and recorded everything that happenedte at night in Lindia¡¯s chambers.


    ?My guess is like this: during the world tournament, Andrew met the patriarch¡¯s daughter in the audience and immediately fell in love with her. He found out who she was and persuaded his father to move to Rosarrio. Over a couple of years, they made a name for themselves and got the Clintons to trust them. Albert became the senior family alchemist, and Andrew proved to be a strong and devoted family knight. But it was only the first step of their n. To get closer to his target, Andrew organized a setup of the century: at Rosa¡¯s birthday party, he put Stein and Lindia to sleep, making everyone believe that the couple had made love, when in fact, it was Andrew who had raped the girl and made her a child. While society condemned Stein for what he had done, Lindia¡¯s ex-knight was executed for ipetence, and Andrew was appointed as her personal knight because, ording to Horace, there was no better candidate to protect his beloved daughter. The patriarch still believes that the new knight performs his duties while this dirty pig rapes his daughter every night.?


    ?But how¡­ Why didn¡¯t she say anything?? ¨C Mn said in a gruff voice.


    ?Apparently, he gives Lindia oblivion pills made by Albert with the resources of her family! She considers her knight the best protector in the world and respects him for his loyalty and devotion, not suspecting that this bastard fucks her every night. However, the pills are less effective if taken without breaks. Therefore, I dare to assume the knight has started giving thedy sleeping pills and rapes her while she is asleep. That¡¯s why he needs the Red Beetle Energy Tincture to get rid of symptoms like drowsiness.?


    ?§°h¡­ great¡­ goddess¡­? ¨C Mn looked like a simpleton who had discovered the great secret. He still considered Dick Baker a monster but this time, in terms of talent, not his looks. He had too many questions and too few answers. It¡¯s impossible to describe the whole spectrum of emotions that Mn was feeling at the moment.


    ?I can¡¯t believe it! You have solved this case in two days?! How did you do it? Who the hell are you?? ¨C Initially, the head of the department considered Dick Baker to be stinky scum given to him to spoil the air around. Then he understood that this overly narcissistic young man was talented but had to be taken down a peg. Now Mn was afraid of this brilliant maniac! How else to exin the recording of the prince of Liberia hanging by the balls and the fact that he had solved the sensational case in just 2 days?


    While Dick Baker was exining the details of his investigation, Mn had almost calmed down.


    Finally, Kyon said: ?It¡¯s not as simple as that, boss.?


    ?What do you mean, son? Ah well, the bet¡­ I can¡¯t call you son anymore, can I? He-he. And I also need to find a wizard¡¯s cap and glitter! Ha-ha! I still can¡¯t believe that you did it! With this recording, we¡¯ll finally get rid of public criticism and regain our honor! WAIT! What the¡­?!? ¨C Mn Valentine¡¯s eyes widened as he saw the nephrite with the irrefutable evidence split in two.


    Kyon interlocked his fingers and said solemnly: ?I cannot turn in the evidence, sir. Not today or anytime soon. It¡¯s my condition.?


    ?Are you kidding me?? ¨C Mn stood there dumbfounded.


    ?I don¡¯t think it¡¯s funny. I¡¯ve destroyed a copy of the recording. The original is safe.?


    Mn red at him until he realized that Dick Baker was not joking and yelled indignantly: ?Are you fucking crazy? I¡¯m your boss! It¡¯s because of me you are enjoying the privilege of being untouchable! Give me the damn evidence at once! I¡¯m not ying games with you!?


    ?What evidence, sir?? ¨C Kyon smiled coldly. ¨C ?I didn¡¯t see anything, did you? What if you were dreaming? How can you prove otherwise? Who will believe you? The fat novice has solved the ¡°1-S¡± case in two days¡­ Sounds like the ravings of a madman.?


    Mn finally realized why Dick Baker had destroyed all the recording formations in his office. Their conversation and the irrefutable evidence didn¡¯t seem to exist at all!


    ?Dick¡­ I guarantee your safety and promotion to the second rank! I¡¯m even willing to pay you a bonus equal to the annual sry of a second rank investigator! Turn in the fucking evidence, or else¡­?


    ?Don¡¯t threaten me.? ¨C Kyon warned him coldly. ¨C ?The original recording is kept in the VIP box in the Golden Pig trade guild. I am the only one to have ess to it provided I have no subjugating formation. If anything happens to me, the recording will be sent to the Clintons, and they will do everything to bury the story.?


    ?Then why did you bring this fucking evidence at all if you¡¯re not going to hand it over? Are you messing with me?? ¨C Mn barked, his face crimson with surging anger.


    ?It¡¯s obvious, isn¡¯t it?? ¨C Kyon asked with an innocent smile. ¨C ?Now that you know who you are dealing with, you will value my opinion, which means you will do whatever I ask you to.?


    {The damned freak wants to take advantage of everyone!} ¨C Mn thought and hissed through his teeth, adjusting his sses. ¨C ?I¡¯m no donkey that will move the cart with a carrot dangling in front of him!?


    ?Any request of mine will benefit the department and you as well. The purpose of my visit is to make you appreciate my talent and my personality in general. As for the evidence, I cannot turn it in now. I need some time. You will get it noter than Lindia has a child.?


    ?You are going to ckmail the Clintons.? ¨C Mn mumbled wearily.


    ?Everything is possible.? ¨C Kyon nodded nonchntly.


    ?Then think twice before choosing which side you are on.?


    ?Like any reasonable person, I will favor the strong over the weak. The Clintons will be my enemies anyway, so why not take advantage of them? However, I need time to protect myself.?


    Mn realized that he once again had underestimated Dick Baker. He must have had it all nned out, little demon! Mn had better not mess with this guy. It was good to have the fat investigator on his side¡­ Before he changed sides¡­


    By the way, if Dick Baker had not expressed his intentions to ckmail the Clintons, Mn would have had to intervene to save the poor girl from daily abuse. Soon patriarch Horace would learn everything anyway¡­


    ?Thank you for your time.? ¨C Kyon got up from the chair and left the office inplete silence. Well, now it was time to start ckmailing the Clintons, but before that, he had to deal with something, and it was not about Elsa.

 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398


    Kyon knew that he would have to choose a side after he found the culprit in this sensational case. He could let nature take its course, hand over the evidence and ask the boss not to reveal his name as if it was done anonymously, but it would be too risky. Both Mn and the Valentines could share the information. Besides, Dick Baker was in charge of the case over the past two weeks.


    Lovr decided to act tough, not relying on luck that always seemed to be against him. The risk wasn¡¯t justified this time. ckmail would serve as a perfect deterrent! And when it was time to hand over the case¡­ Well, he would act ording to the circumstances.


    ¡­


    The senior alchemist of the Clinton family received a call from patriarch Horace who ordered him to visit an old friend who was in bed with an unidentified illness. Albert was to determine the disease and prescribe medication.


    He left his family territory and soon arrived at the spacious, luxurious mansion in the wealthy Dantes neighborhood. The alchemist had to leave the guards at the entrance to get inside. He went up to the top floor and opened the door to the patient¡¯s room. Suddenly, Albert felt an intense burning sensation in his throat. Everything went dark in his eyes.


    Kyon appeared out of nowhere next to the dead man. He had killed the old man (a noble phaser in the middle stages) with such nonchnce as if taking out the trash. Kyon had lured the bastard out, faking his voice and giving an order in the strict patriarch¡¯s voice. Then all he had to do was to separate the target from the guards and quietly finish him off.


    Lovr quickly absorbed Albert¡¯s soul, threw his body into the ring and quickly left the rented mansion before the death signal went off. He had killed the alchemist for a simple reason: to steal his identity! After all, the old man enjoyed great authority in Dantes, which would be a sin to waste when he died at Horace¡¯s hands.


    In any other situation, this scheme would have failed as the alchemist¡¯s sudden disappearance would seem suspicious and unreasonable. However, Kyon had sent Horace the recording to justify Albert¡¯s escape by his desire to save his life.


    ¡­


    ?Patriarch, you have a message from the department.? ¨C A servant reported, entering the office with a colorfully decorated box in his hands. Then he left with a bow.


    Horace opened the box and found inside a nephrite with a letter: ¡°Dear patriarch Horace, greetings from Dick Baker, the unsightly investigator that youpletely ignored yesterday. I have solved the case concerning your daughter. The criminals are the ones who you trusted the most. They stillmit their atrocities, using sleeping pills and oblivion medicine made with your family¡¯s resources. You will find the evidence in the nephrite. Now let¡¯s get to the point: at the moment, I am the only person in the world who knows the truth. You can call me anytime to talk about things.¡± There was a sound transmitter frequency and a signature at the end of the letter.


    The patriarch¡¯s eyes widened. The message seemed to be pure nonsense, but he felt uneasy for some reason. With a shaking hand, Horace activated the nephrite, hoping it was the damned investigator¡¯s bad joke.


    He could immediately see that it was a copy. The next scene shocked him even more: his beloved daughter¡¯s private chambers! The fat investigator had somehow managed to record everything without being noticed!


    Meanwhile, the video yed on. When Andrew entered the room, put the cor and the bracelet on the youngdy and woke her up, the patriarch instantly deactivated the recording. It wasn¡¯t a joke or a bad dream¡­ It was a harsh reality!


    Horace clutched his head and sat for a long time in silence, trembling as if he were freezing. Then he roared like a wounded animal, making anyone who could hear him feel anguish andpassion.


    {My daughter¡¯s baby¡¯s father is¡­ Andrew¡­ the asshole! He¡­ did it¡­ every night?} ¨C The mere thought of this drove the patriarch mad. He gritted his teeth in silent fury, his fists clenched so tight that blood trickled from the flesh pierced by his fingernails.


    Horace could feel that he was about to lose a stage of cultivation. With one sharp movement, he took out a bottle of sedatives and swallowed a dozen pills at once. It took him a long time to recover ande to his senses.


    Eventually, he called Albert and Andrew and asked them toe to his office, reminding himself to remain calm.


    At the appointed hour, the tall knight entered the office.


    When Horace didn¡¯t see Albert, he suspected that something was wrong and called the alchemist again. However, the absence of any signal suggested that Albert had destroyed his sound transmitter. Did he really figure it all out and run away?


    ?What can I do for you, patriarch?? ¨C Andrew asked, feeling inexplicable anxiety.


    Horace said in a quiet voice: ?Did you think about the consequences when you weremitting your crimes, each of them punishable by death??


    The knight tensed: ?I don¡¯t understand¡­?


    ?You understand everything, dirty scum! You were like a son to me! I entrusted you with the most important things that I have! But you turned out to be a lying piece of shit, a parasite that got to my heart!?


    It was like a bucket of ice water tipped over his head. Andrew turned pale and broke out in a cold sweat.


    ?You did unforgivable things to my beloved daughter every night, using medicine made with my own money! What will you say in your defense before you die?? ¨C The patriarch could keep it together because he had overdosed on sedatives. But even that wouldn¡¯t have held him back if he had watched another second of the recording.


    Andrew stood frozen to the spot. Then he looked up and desperately yelled: ?I love your daughter! I WANT TO BE THE FATHER FOR HER BABY!?


    ?My daughter doesn¡¯t need your DEGENERATED LOVE!? ¨C Horace barked, turning crimson red.


    ?You don¡¯t understand¡­ It¡¯s love at first sight and it has been driving me crazy! I wanted Lindia at any cost, but how was it possible for an ugly nameless forty-year-old man to make his dreame true? Lindia would have never looked at me! And you would have never allowed me to be with her unless she liked me! I had no choice but to do what I had to, no matter how despicable it was¡­ Now that she is carrying my child, I have no regrets¡­ I am ready for death.? ¨C The knight¡¯s voice dropped to a humble whisper. He knelt, awaiting the verdict.


    ?If you really loved her, you wouldn¡¯t have pounced on her like a hungry dog ??who grabbed a delicious bone. You would have told everything to me, and I would havee up with something¡­? ¨C Horace said with tears in his eyes.


    Any imperial phaser was the elite among the elite in Rosarrio. Even if Andrew was a 40-year-old man with no status, he still had a tiny chance of bing Lindia¡¯s husband, but the bastard needed more than maybes and ruined Lindia¡¯s life. Insane egoist¡­ Horace couldn¡¯t even think about it without tears.


    The knight looked up with hope.


    Horace got up, walked over to Andrew and hugged him like a father, totally confusing the knight: ?I screwed up¡­ big time. I am a bad father.?


    ~crack~


    With a loud crack of breaking neck, the patriarch took his daughter¡¯s rapist¡¯s life.


    Andrew¡¯s fading eye stared at Horace in shock and disbelief. Did he really kill him? Was it all for nothing?


    Horace took the sound transmitter and dialed the frequency of a 2nd rank investigator.


    ?How can I help you, patriarch?? ¨C Simon Clinton asked courteously.


    ?Simon, do you know the fat, ugly investigator named Dick Baker who works in your department??


    ?Of course, I do. Everyone knows him. Do you need something from him??


    ?I do. I need his life! Kill him at once! You can exin it to Mnter, say, you hit him a bit too hard! Do you understand??


    ?Kill¡­ The Dick Baker?..? ¨C Simon couldn¡¯t believe what he heard.


    ?Yes, kill him! I will make sure that you don¡¯t get fired. Call me as soon as it¡¯s over. Now go for it!?


    ?I am at yourmand, patriarch.? ¨C Simon said meekly and ended the call.


    If the letter was true, Dick Baker was the only one who knew the truth. That¡¯s why he had to disappear at any cost! His daughter¡¯s honor should not be tarnished any more! If everything went well, no one could deny that the child belonged to Stein, and the intrigue would remain until the end of his life. Stein looked a bit like Andrew anyway. Lady Fortune seemed to give the Clintons a chance not to hit rock bottom this time.


    Twenty minutessted forever for Horace. He couldn¡¯t wait any longer and called the investigator again: ?Why is there no news??


    ?Dick Baker isn¡¯t in the department, sir¡­?


    ?Then go and find him! You¡¯re an investigator, not a trash collector, after all!? ¨C The patriarch ended the call, turned the sound transmitter in his hand, and finally dialed the frequency written in the letter. ¨C ?Dick Baker??


    ?Greetings, patriarch. I am d to hear from you.? ¨C Kyon said.


    ?Dick, my boy, you have solved the case that no one could solve before you!?


    ?Why are you so calm? Shouldn¡¯t you be heartbroken?? ¨C Kyon asked incredulously.


    Horace ignored him: ?I have so many questions for you, my boy! How did you suspect it was the knight? How did you do the recording? And also¡­ I also want to reward you for relieving me of this pain in the neck! When can youe here??


    ?I guess never¡­? ¨C Kyon said uncertainly.


    ?Why do you say that? Are you worried about your safety? I am the head of the great Clinton family, and I will never stoop to hurting my well-wisher. You have nothing to worry about, I swear on my honor!?


    ?You treated me like I was nothing not so long ago, patriarch Horace and then suddenly, you¡¯ve changed your attitude¡­?


    ?I didn¡¯t know you were so talented! Everyone makes mistakes! I¡¯m endlessly sorry that I judged the book by its.. ahem¡­ cover¡­ So, when are youing??


    ?I am noting.? ¨C Kyon said resolutely.


    ?What do you mean you are noting?? ¨C Horace protested. ¨C ?Do you want to hand in this case jeopardizing my family¡¯s reputation? Do you understand what will happen to the Clintons if the public finds out the truth? Think about the consequences!?


    Kyon rolled his eyes: ?Alright, I won¡¯t beat around the bush. Let me get this straight. I¡¯m not going to give you the recording for nothing.?


    ?Do you have a death wish, Dick? ckmailing the head of the second rank family? You might as well order the king around! Come to your senses, fool! I can forget everything you said!?


    Kyon ignored his words: ?I have five demands.?


    ?Son of a bitch! Do you have any idea who you are messing with? I will destroy you in a blink of an eye! I have my people in the department where you are just a third rank investigator! It¡¯s yourst chance!?


    ?I¡¯ve talked to my family and decided to protect myself. In the VIP cell of the Golden Pig guild, there is one original recording and one hundred copies. If I don¡¯t arrive there every three days or I fail the check for the subjugating formations or injuries, then the express delivery will automatically send the recordings to the elders of top ten families, including the Valentines, as well as the Russells, directly to the media center. Even if you somehow capture and torture me, trying to bring me under control, it won¡¯t change a thing.?


    The patriarch¡¯s chest heaved with anger: ?Do you don¡¯t understand who you are trying to ckmail, snot-nosed brat? I will send to hell not only your life but also the lives of your rtives and your whole family! There must be people who are dear to you!?


    ?You are going to send the Bakers to hell? Good luck. I¡¯d like to see an ant fighting with an elephant.?


    Horace suddenly realized that Dick was a Baker, the third-ranking family in Saturn. The Clintons were indeed like ants in front of an elephantpared to them. It became clear to him how the boy had be an investigator: he had paid a bribe to get the job! The Bakers were known for their avarice. They were a family obsessed with money, so it wasn¡¯t surprising that they had been helping Dick get some money ckmailing the Clintons.


    ?As for me,? ¨C Kyon added, ¨C ?if I fail to make you cooperate, I will have to go home. I risk losing my job but, on the other hand, I can benefit from ckmail. A profitable scam, isn¡¯t it??


    Desperately thinking of options, Horace said the first thing that came to his mind: ?Even if your family is untouchable, even if you run away, Elsa will stay here! She¡¯s your friend, isn¡¯t she? How else could you record what was happening in Lindia¡¯s chambers and remain undetected! You value her life, don¡¯t you??


    Kyon snorted in disdain: ?Pure despair. My ears are bleeding. How can Rose¡¯s girlfriend and the most promising student of the Order be a friend of a fat freak like me? It¡¯s obvious: I have bribed her, and for a good reason. Without her, you would have kicked me out at once. You can do whatever you want with her. The problems in your family are none of my concern. As for the recording, I did it with a trained pigeon and a trick. You can even see some feathers recorded a couple of times.?


    ?You¡­ You are bluffing¡­? ¨C Horace hissed.


    ?Maybe I am, maybe I am not. Maybe you should send me to hell and reveal the truth to everyone: the family knight has raped Lady Lindia, using medicine made by his father, the best family alchemist! I¡¯ll give you half an hour to think about it.? ¨C Kyon ended the call. Everything went ording to his n. The patriarch would have to dance to his tune if he hadn¡¯t lost his head. The honor of his family and his daughter was more important to him. Patriarch Horace would swallow his pride and submit to the ¡°snot-nosed brat.¡±


    The sound transmitter rang incessantly for half an hour until, finally, Kyon answered the call.


    ?What are your demands?? ¨C Horace barked.


    Kyon was right: ?I have five demands. First, you will soon receive a message with some names. All those investigators must write their resignations by tomorrow night. Second, you will give up all attempts to capture me or find any information about me. I will cancel the deal immediately if I spot anyone outside of the department waiting for me, but I won¡¯t tell you anything, of course. Third, I will give you the original recording and all the copies of the incident in Lindia¡¯s chambers in seven months after she gives birth. Fourth, you will transfer one million superior phase keys of the beginning stages to my ount in the guild within a month. Fifth, I will get a ring with Andrew¡¯s body to my ount in the guild by tomorrow night.?


    Lovr wanted to demand one more thing: to annul the wedding agreement between Roman and Juno that the Valentines had bought with Tokens, but it would be too suspicious and unreasonable. He had a year toe up with something else.


    The patriarch almost choked with rage after he heard the first demand. When he heard the rest, he fell into a sort of stupor and could not utter a word. Horace heard a ringing noise in his head as if a huge bell was ringing in the temple of the goddess Danna.


    For example, the dismissal of all high-ranking investigators would hit the family hard. The Clintons will lose their influence and an important information source. The fulfillment of this condition would cost Horace even more than a million superior phase keys!

 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399


    ?Are you¡­ Are you fucking kidding me, jerk?? ¨C Horace barked at the sound transmitter.


    ?Ah, I forgot to say that my demands can¡¯t be altered. They are irreversible.?


    ?You¡­ You are¡­? ¨C The patriarch was steaming. He grabbed a bottle of sedatives and swallowed five pills at once.


    ?Don¡¯t make me a demon. It¡¯s all your fault. I didn¡¯t start the fire.?


    ?Who did? I just wanted to talk to you in person! I offered you a reward! I treated you kindly, and you couldn¡¯t care less! You started to ckmail me like the devil¡¯s spawn! You want to destroy the honor of my family and my dear daughter, but I haven¡¯t done anything to you! You can¡¯t me the head of a noble family! I gave you a chance. Not just once. But twice!?


    ?That¡¯s it. I can¡¯t treat a hypocritical jerk like you with respect.? ¨C Kyon said with disdain.


    ?What are you talking about, jackass??


    ?Half an hour ago, you ordered an investigator to finish me off. I heard everything. The spying formation is hidden in the armchair!? ¨C Lovr grinned. ¨C ?I am the victim here, and I need to protect myself from such a maniac like you! As for bribing you, it¡¯spensation for moral damage.?


    Horace¡¯s face contorted with shock. He looked carefully at his armchair and found a little ball. The patriarch felt devastated and confused. He had no leverage against the ckmailer because Dick¡¯s actions were justified.


    After a long pause, the patriarch asked in a low, gravelly voice: ?Why seven months??


    ?I have some business to attend to in Dantes. I can¡¯t give you any more details.?


    Horace suspected that the greedy Bakers were always looking for ways to cash in on something. Dick Baker seemed to be telling the truth, and yet, the patriarch couldn¡¯t hide his anxiety: ?How can I make sure that I will receive the recordings in seven months? I want to speak to someone in charge!?


    ?I am in charge here. There are no guarantees. It will be totally my fault if I fail. But ask yourself, what I will gain from deceiving you? §´o one will pay me, not even the Valentines. The honor of their family is not at stake. Only an idiot will stay in Dantes when the whole second-rank family is after him. I will keep my word if you keep yours.?


    The patriarch gritted his teeth and decided to restrain from trading barbs: ?Then tell me why one million keys of the superior phase? Why not money??


    ?You ask too many questions, that¡¯s why.? ¨C Kyon retorted. In fact, there was a shortage of keys on the market. It would take too many years and too much money to buy a million superior phase keys. Even a billion spheres wouldn¡¯t be enough if time is short. Simply put, demand was greater than supply.


    Horace grunted something under his breath and then barked: ?And why do you need Andrew¡¯s body??


    ?I¡¯m tired of this conversation. You know my demands, but I will send you a letter with everything I¡¯ve said in case you have memory problems. Whether Lindia¡¯s honor is ruined or not is entirely up to you.? ¨C Kyon said and ended the call.


    The patriarch pondered his options. Like it or not, Dick Baker was untouchable. Even if Horace somehow captured him, what about the recordings in the guild? Only a few chosen had the connections in the Golden Pig to get into the VIP cell. The fat investigator too, but Horace couldn¡¯t harm him in any way. No visible injuries or subjugating formations! Any other tortures were out of the question: as soon as Dick got inside the sanctity of the guild premises, he would request protection. The Bakers had thought of everything. The swindlers had honed their methods to perfection.


    Horace had only two options left: to ruin his dearest child with his own hands or do as the jerk said and fulfill all his demands.


    At the patriarch¡¯s order, the superintendent entered the office and bowed respectfully: ?Good afternoon, patriarch. How may I help you??


    Horace checked the room for bugs and uttered in sepulchral tones: ?You have to get information on Dick Baker! As much as possible! And be discreet!?


    ¡­


    The inner territory of the Order. A spacious house designed for one student. A candle-lit cozy room.


    Two people were sitting at the table opposite each other. Arge crystal sphere on the table emitted a dim colorful glow like a rainbow kaleidoscope. A young man fidgeted in his chair, a dazzlingly beautiful blonde girl sat calmly in hers.


    ~ring~


    The bell rang. Elsa squinted and saw a messenger at the front door. She said coldly: ?We¡¯ll finish the session earlier today. You will get a discount next time.?


    ?I am really grateful, Lady Elsa. I wille again.? ¨C The Order student bowed and left.


    Elsa picked up the spatial ring delivered to her and took out 10 A-rank cases.


    {Finally!} ¨C Burning with anticipation, Elsa took the first folder and began to study it. She had never seen A-rank cases whose value was recognized by the government and society. Elsa was eager to perform her heroic deeds and increase her fame tenfold!


    Elsa grinned dismissively after reading the first page: {Holy angels! The ipetent fat investigator has scribbled some hints for me.} ¨C For some unknown reason, she looked through his pathetic attempts. Did he really think he could end their deal sooner this way? How ridiculous of him!


    As Elsa continued reading, her smile faded. Finally, she gasped in disbelief. Dick¡¯s hints were simple, understandable, and logical. At the same time, it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, toe up with them!


    {Somebody must have helped him!} ¨C Elsa picked up the next case dotted with simr notes. All the cases had Dick Baker¡¯s directions! How could he do so much work in one day? It was impossible!


    Elsa spent half a day studying the A-rank cases. Nobody had ever seen Demon Huntress look like this. She was shocked! It must have taken a team of professional investigators to solve each case! The notes on the cases were so simple that even a child could understand them. Elsa literally didn¡¯t have to do anything but get changed and follow the step-by-step instructions. It¡¯s pure madness!


    {I¡¯ve underestimated Dick.} ¨C Elsa admitted to herself with a heavy sigh. However, she did not feel regret. Anyone who saw the fat freak would think that they were dealing with a clinical idiot. Who knew that Mother Nature had endowed him with brains aspensation for his ugly looks? Now it was clear how he had got the job! It all seemed to add up. The only thing that she couldn¡¯t understand was why he gave up so quickly after taking up that sensational case.


    Anyway, Elsa had yet to prove if Dick Baker¡¯s notes were really helpful.


    ¡­


    It was already evening. Kyon had been productive today: he had sent 10 A-rank cases to Elsa, killed Albert and stolen his identity as the best alchemist in the empire, risen in Mn¡¯s esteem, and put forward his demands to Horace. Could he make this day even better? Kyon knew the answer.


    Lovr went to a secluded ce, transformed intote Albert, activated numerous visual formations and made a recording where he announced that he was breaking all contracts and agreements because he had found a student blessed by heaven. From now on, he would spend his free time training the young genius. Everyone would soon hear about his new student. A star was born.


    Kyon put the recordings in envelopes with forged signatures. He found a seal in the ring of the deceased alchemist and sent the letters to the patriarchs of the first ten families, including the Clintons and the trade guilds under the name of Albert. He added a ring with a batch of medicine he made back in Cernos for the Golden Pig Guild.


    Why did Kyon need to be the alchemist¡¯s genius student? To take advantage of it, that¡¯s why!


    Late at night, Lovr tucked his girls in and went to one of the run-down neighborhoods. Soon, his updated hearing allowed him to find an abandoned warehouse filled withughter and shouting.


    With the help of birds, Kyon watched through the broken window a typical street gang. Unkempt, brutal, armed men were smoking and drinking alcohol, celebrating a good week.


    Lovr could easily determine who was their leader. He waited until the morning when the scum of society went about their business and began to follow the boss.


    The man with a stubble beard and a raincoat was heading in a certain direction, looking around. In one of the darkest alleys, he met a man in ck and gave him a ring with money.


    {I¡¯ve got the messenger.} ¨C Kyon nodded to himself.


    Then the man in the ck raincoat returned home. Early in the morning, he sent five identical parcels to different addresses by bird mail at a certain hour.


    He was an ordinary citizen in a financial crisis, ready to do any job. It was a cushy job: he had to pick up the delivery at a certain hour, take five identical envelopes and send them to different addresses. It had to be done at certain intervals with no dy. If there was a tail, the original parcel must be sent to another address, or his family and friends were in danger.


    Kyon spent the next day tracking down the mail birds¡¯ routes. Three¡­ No, four levels of security, each of them moreplicated than another and well-thought-out. No one would ever make heads or tails of them. Dozens and hundreds of routes stretched throughout the city to anonymously deliver the weekly profit of a small, crappy gang to the n leader. The scheme involved more than 50 civilians with money problems and a family, which meant they were tied up with this job.


    At the fifth level of security, Lovr noticed that one of the many postal birds wasn¡¯t registered in the postal system, which meant that no one was tracking her route! That bird was going to the n leader!


    {Valeera¡­ Your uncle made a monster of you!} ¨C Lovr thought admiringly. No investigator in the world could ever find her location. Even he couldn¡¯t do it without the horde of feathered zombies, not in 1 day for sure. The security level was incredible! Small wonder that the government was wary of a shadow mega-n that might appear any day soon.

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400


    ?You too, Run? But you are not a Clinton¡­? ¨C Mn said bitterly.


    ?I used to be¡­ I am still under patriarch Horace¡¯s orders. I am sorry, I didn¡¯t want to do this, but I had no choice¡­ Please, ept my resignation effective today¡­? ¨C The high-ranking investigator handed in his letter of resignation with tears in his eyes. He had been working for many years to get this position, but an order that came from the top made him lose everything.


    {Screw you, Dick¡­} ¨C The head of the department epted the letter with a heavy heart. He had lost two 2-nd rank and nine 3-d rank investigators. All of them had brought a letter of resignation at patriarch Horace¡¯s order. It must have been the fat ckmailer¡¯s scheme! Mn started to respect Dick against his will. What trick would he pull next?


    ¡­


    Kyon received a spatial ring from the trade guild and found a secluded room to examine Andrew¡¯s hefty corpse. It was real! Even a tiniest chance that the patriarch hadn¡¯t killed Andrew would be fatal for Dick Baker. Imperial phasers were too strong. Even a shot from a pulse rifle in the head wouldn¡¯t kill them unless they protect it with pure energy.


    A closer examination revealed that Andrew had died from a broken neck. His keys had been removed, which came as no surprise as nine imperial phase keys cost a leg and an arm. It was one-tenth of what Kyon had earned in the forest tournament.


    As a matter of fact, it was quitemon to remove the keys from the dead. The deceased gave their descendants a chance to get rich, and therefore get stronger. A gesture of generosity. If anyone refused to donate their keys after death, their bodies would stay untouched. However, graves were often desecrated for easy gain.


    Kyon remembered something: he could never find any keys in the dead bodies in the tombs even if their shelf life was unlimited. He concluded that the voracious keys of light and darkness gobbled up their owners¡¯ keys after death, as they did with Kyon¡¯s keys of light and darkness back in the tomb.


    After Lovr finished examining the body, he made sure that Horace had fulfilled his demand regarding the investigators and returned to the hotel room withplete peace of mind.


    ?Hi, daddy!? ¡­ ?What¡¯s up!? ¨C The girls ran up to Zosimos.


    ?How have you been, my sweet ones?? ¨C Zosimos asked cheerfully.


    ?Romeo invited me to take a walk around the garden! He had such a cute little puppy in his hands¡­ So sweet! But I restrained myself from petting it¡­? ¨C Eve said sadly. ¨C ?And I didn¡¯t ept his invitation.?


    ?Good girl. Daddy is so proud of you.? ¨C Kyon wanted to pat his little fairy on the head, but she shyly stepped back, still afraid of contact with the opposite sex.


    ?Did you bring me a pile of jelly candies?? ¨C Le demanded, poking his belly with her fingernail.


    ?Here you are, honey.?


    ?But it¡¯s only a jar! And it¡¯s half full!!! Is it some kind of joke?? ¨C The little pixie protested, her hands balled into fists.


    ?You won¡¯t sleep if you eat too much candy, begging for fairy tales all night long.?


    Le pursed her lips and grabbed the jar with candies: ?Alright! It will do¡­ But you will give me more tomorrow! You promised to bring me a pile of jelly bears! You should keep your promise.?


    ?I will.? ¨C Kyon nodded.


    ?Good. What else do you have for me?? ¨C Le asked defiantly, raising her delicate eyebrows.


    ?I can give you a nice spanking.? ¨C Zosimos gave her a sly wink.


    ?No, not spanking!? ¨C Le rushed to her room but a secondter, she realized the absurdity of the situation and came out, proudly sticking out her chest. ¨C ?Are you strong enough for that??


    At the moment, Kyon was concerned about Le even more than the Clintons or Valeera¡¯s n. He would be in big trouble if he couldn¡¯t manipte her with cartoons anymore. There was only one way to make Le obey him: establish his parental authority. But how to do it? She had significantly changed her attitude towards Zosimos after going to the dwarfs¡¯ factory, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Cartoons about obedient children weren¡¯t effective either because everything she heard went in one ear and out the other.


    A week ago, Kyon could have earned the little pixie¡¯s respect if he had not allowed any flippancy from her and spanked her for any sign of disobedience. However, this method could work with ordinary children, not with Le, who had regained her strength and would be happy to take the pot-bellied daddy down a notch. If he had been using this method, Le would have considered that Zosimus could no longer control her, which meant that he would lose his authority over her. If he had forbidden Le to watch cartoons after that, she would have thought that he was acting out of despair. His paternal authority would have been hurt. He couldn¡¯t allow that.


    ?This attitude will deprive you of watching cartoons.? ¨C Kyon said.


    ?No, don¡¯t forbid me to watch cartoons!? ¨C Le ran back into the room, looking really concerned.


    Eve giggled merrily. She enjoyed watching her dad manipte the naughty and mischievous elder sister, shamelessly hitting her weak spot.


    Le looked out from behind the door and cried out angrily: ?Why are youughing? It¡¯s not funny!?


    ?Unlike you, I can live without cartoons!? ¨C Eve retorted proudly.


    ?Me too¡­ It¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t want to¡­? ¨C Le mumbled uncertainly.


    Eve raised her beautiful green eyes and said to Zosimos: ?I want to work out, daddy, fly on birds or visit some events¡­ When are you going to spend some time with us??


    ?Tomorrow, we will pay a visit to someone, and the day after tomorrow, we might do some practice.?


    ?A visit to whom?? ¨C The girls asked at once.


    ?I will introduce you to your peers.? ¨C Zosimos nted the seed of intrigue.


    ¡­


    Arge mansion on the outskirts of an elite Dantes district. It¡¯s a ce for wealthy people without a noble family name.


    ?Morning, sir. Cr¨ºpes with dulce de leche for breakfast. Would you like green tea or coffee with cream?? ¨C The servant asked obligingly, rubbing his hands.


    ?Coffee with cream for me and cocoa with marshmallows for the boys. I will wake them up.? ¨C The tall, stout master of the house stretched and went to wake his two sons. He was about 50 years old, with thick eyebrows and arge nose. There was nothing extraordinary in his appearance: a typical nobleman with bushy eyebrows and arge hooked nose who had made his money selling things.


    As Bernard entered the bedroom, he was shocked to see a stranger there. A tall, pot-bellied, bald man was sitting on the bed, turning a dagger in his hand¡­


    Zosimos said coldly: ?No sudden movements, Bernard.?


    ?Who are you? What do you want?? ¨C The deathly pale man whispered.


    Lovr pointed to the sleeping boys¡¯ wrists: ?Can you see those bracelets? They have secret formations. No one but me can remove them without activating the formations that are sensitive to any damage. The moment I give a mental order or lose consciousness or die, the formations will get activated, releasing a deadly poison into their veins. Your children¡¯s lives are in my hands, so you¡¯d better not send an rm to the n or do anything stupid.?


    Beads of cold sweat formed on Bernard¡¯s forehead, his eyes wild with fear.


    Kyon hid his dagger in the ring and carelessly walked past the dumbfounded man to the door: ?We need to talk. Follow me.?


    Bernard hesitated but then decided with a heavy heart not to disturb the sleeping children.


    As they sat at the table, Bernard babbled in a trembling voice: ?If you need money, I will give you everything I have! I am rich, I can give you a lot!?


    ?I don¡¯t need your money.? ¨C Kyon waved him off. ¨C ?I want to join the Silent Horror and I need your help.?


    ?What are you talking about! Please, let my sons go!? ¨C Bernard begged him.


    ?Yesterday, you received the profits of the gang that acts on the n¡¯s territory. Your official ie is barely enough to maintain this luxurious mansion, servants, and security. Only an idiot would spend all his money to have a sweet life. Don¡¯t y dumb. I know that you are a personal assistant of the n leader, the ck-haired girl who radiates a dense, cold aura that prates the soul.?


    {How does he know?} ¨C Bernard could not hide his amazement. Only a few chosen knew such details about Lady Arpha ¨C as she called herself. However, the scoundrel who had taken his boys hostage knew about her!


    ?What does she call herself now?? ¨C Kyon asked, sipping his coffee.


    After a short pause, Bernard realized that he couldn¡¯t hide the truth: ?Arpha. Lady Arpha.?


    ?It¡¯s a beautiful name. She used to be Lanai, but it¡¯s not her real name either.?


    ?Who are you and what do you want?? ¨C Bernard asked in an intense voice.


    ?My name is Zosimos. I want only the best for Arpha.? ¨C Kyon said calmly, helping himself to a cr¨ºpecrepe.


    ?I received the ring only yesterday, but you already know everything about my ie, estate, servants, and security¡­ You work for the government.? ¨C Bernard concluded. ¨C ?I am sorry. I¡­ I don¡¯t want my sons to die but¡­? ¨C His eyes turned red.


    ?Wait!? ¨C Kyon screamed when he saw Bernard¡¯s abnormal reaction. ¨C ?Are you so loyal to the n that you are ready to sacrifice your sons? Don¡¯t you love them at all??


    ?I love them more than life¡­ But¡­ I love Arpha, too¡­ My boys and I will be executed if you work for the government, so why should I take her with me?? ¨C Bernard¡¯s eyes glowed fanatically. He was on the verge of despair. Nothing seemed to matter to him anymore.


    Things didn¡¯t go ording to Kyon¡¯s n. There was no way he could have known that Bernard had feelings for Valeera. Now, he¡¯d have to improvise, so he said wholeheartedly: ?I care about her, too¡­ An icy flower that hates the whole world by a twist of fate. There¡¯s nothing I want more than to give her all my warmth and care¡­ I screwed up and inadvertently hurt her, and now I want to repay my debt. Believe me, I mean her no harm!?


    Bernard asked glumly: ?What color are her eyes??


    ?Dark brown. She loves wearing all dark and diamond-patterned tights. She is an ice-maiden who never smiles, taciturn, cold and withdrawn¡­?


    Bernard exhaled convulsively and said in a low voice, staring into the distance: ?She is so like my Selbine¡­ They wouldn¡¯t have killed her if I had spent more time with her. I was such an idiot¡­ And now I can be the cause of death of the woman I love again¡­?


    Kyon realized that everything might go down the drain: ?We have the same goals. When you decided to protect Arpha, you probably realized that her life was in danger in the world of shadow ns, cruel, merciless and greedy for money and territory. I can help her.? ¨C His voice rang with conviction, his eyes glowing. ¨C ?I can see all sorts of dangers: traps, barriers, invisible mode and much more. I want to be Arpha¡¯s eyes and prevent any failure!?


    Bernard¡¯s hand stopped on the way to the rm formation: ?There are many holes in your story. How are you going to get close to Arpha after you¡¯ve hurt her? She will kill you¡­?


    ?I used to work undercover, pretending to be someone else. Now I am going to guide Arpha to the right path, make her realize the value of life and the pain of those who suffer because of her. She is a lost soul, but she shouldn¡¯t do such wicked things!?


    His words hit the nail on the head. Bernard was no viin at heart, and he wanted to change Arpha for the better, to show her that the world was not as cruel as she thought it to be.


    Bernard offered glumly: ?You are an investigator, aren¡¯t you? But your methods are too cruel even for an investigator or for someone who wants to help Arpha. You took the children hostage, the children of the man whom she cherishes¡­ The children of her most trusted aplice! Take off the bracelets, and then we will discuss what can be done¡­?


    ?It¡¯s out of the question.? ¨C Kyon said resolutely. ¨C ?I can¡¯t trust a stranger, a crime boss. There¡¯s too much at stake. My life is also tied up with two kids who lost their mother¡­ My death will give them a lot of grief.?


    ?Do you have children?? ¨C Bernard frowned incredulously.


    ?Tell the guards to let the guests in.?


    Bernard hesitated but gave an order.


    ?Eve, Le,e in!? ¨C Kyon cried out.

 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401


    Two girls climbed the steps to the second floor balcony, took off their veils and bowed to the man: ?Hello, uncle. Thank you for seeing us.?


    Bernard froze with amazement: what beautiful girls! Young charming creatures that bring warmth to the soul with just their appearance! Are they Zosimos¡¯s daughters?! How is this possible?!


    ?Wake up the sons. Let them have breakfast with the girls.? ¨C Kyon asked.


    No matter how much Bernard wanted to strangle Zosimos, he felt a kind of connection with him: he also looks 50 years old, is also a single father of two children and also has feelings for Arpha. He wants to change her and warm her with spiritual warmth. The man felt: it is all a lie! They¡¯re using him! But for some reason, his heart wanted to believe the ckmailer¡¯s sincere words.


    In fact, Kyon¡¯s ckmail is a bluff. He is not the kind of person who would kill the children of a man who has done nothing wrong to him personally. Bernard is the lord of the 6th stage, which means he is not much stronger than Dinah. Andpared to Eve and Le, he is not dangerous at all. So even if the ckmail n fails, he will definitely leave alive.


    Valeera¡¯s chief henchman went to wake the children. Soon he appeared on the balcony with two boys: cute, ck-haired, one is 8 years old, the other is 10.


    ?Wow! We have guests¡­ girls?!? ¨C the older one was surprised.


    ?How cute they are¡­? ¨C the younger one muttered embarrassedly.


    ?Eve, Le, meet my younger son Adam, and my older son Pavel.? ¨C Kyon introduced the children.


    Eve waved her hand shyly.


    Le tilted her head to the side with interest: ?Howdy.?


    ?Hi¡­ Is your name Eve? You are very beautiful!? ¨C said Adam, turning pink.


    ?Uh-huh¡­ Thank you¡­? ¨C the beauty lowered her eyes. For the first time she dealt with peers. At least, it seemed to her that they were the same age.


    ?WOW! What cool eyes! Like a sandstorm trying to devour my soul! WOW!? ¨C staring tactlessly, Pavel opened his mouth with admiration. Frighteningly fascinating!


    ?I¡¯ll eat you alive! Yam!? ¨C Le snapped her teeth threateningly and, seeing the boy¡¯s fright,ughed. Her gentle voice resembled the ringing of a thousand silver bells.


    ?Behave yourself, son.? ¨C Bernard asked dryly.


    ?After breakfast, Adam and Pavel will show you their possessions and games. I remind you: be careful and cautious!? ¨C Kyon sternly reminded, looking mainly at Le. Before the visit, they agreed that the girls would not use their power, otherwise they could inadvertently injure Adam and Pavel.


    ?I got it! I will not hurt the boys. Hee-hee.? ¨C the pixie grinned mischievously.


    ?Bernard and I will discuss something in private.? ¨C finished Kyon and nodded to the man.


    The two men went out into the living room.


    ?Your daughters are very beautiful.? ¨C said Bernard.


    ?You might want to know why I took the children to the one I¡¯m so openly ckmailing. How can I be such an irresponsible father, and am I even a father at all, if I¡¯m so careless about the safety of my girls?? ¨C asked Kyon, settling himself morefortably in a nearby chair.


    The man frowned at Zosimos. He really wanted to know the answer.


    ?It¡¯s simple. My girls are a pledge of my loyalty to the n. I deliberately show my vulnerability in order to be trusted. If it happens that I betray you, then my daughters will be in danger. Now do you see how serious I am in my intentions??


    Bernard didn¡¯t know what to say. He froze, startled, considering what he had just heard. Just now, his confidence in Zosimos has significantly increased, and the thought of sending an rm signal, spinning at the edge of his consciousness, has disappearedpletely. And yet the boys¡¯ father was now worried about something else: ?If you love Eve and Le, you must understand how I feel when my children are in danger. Take off their bracelets. Listen to your father¡¯s heart!?


    ?I have already given the answer.? ¨C Kyon firmly rejected the request.


    ?Bald monkey¡­ I hate you so much.? ¨C Bernard said through clenched teeth.


    ?You will have nothing to worry about if you carry out all my errands. You can see the purity of my intentions along the way. First, tell me about the hierarchical structure of the n¡­?


    Bernard did not trust Zosimos at all, but he had already decided to take the risk. Even if the chance is 50%, it¡¯s worth it. What if everything will be alright? I want to believe! Therefore, he reluctantly decided to obey the wishes of the extortionist.


    First of all, the boys¡¯ father told them that Silent Horror n has a head and five of her direct assistants. Everyone is responsible for certain functions. For example, he is engaged in secret receipt of ie from all sources. He checks and calctes profits, keeps records and eliminates inconsistencies, incidents and other problems, sells goods on the ck market, participates in auctions and, most importantly, knows how to negotiate.


    As Lovr understood, Valeera appointed the man to this position for the reasons above, since such professionals of wide profile do note along every week, and also because of the fact that his children are his weak point.


    Having found out everything he needed, Kyon gave Bernard a step-by-step instruction, following which he would be part of the n. The n also includes a trial period, during which not only Arpha, but also the man himself will be convinced of the good intentions of Zosimos.


    It waste afternoon.


    While Kyon skillfully endeared Bernard to himself, Eve and Le spent time with Pavel and Adam. They talked, studied their collection of toys, pictures and drawings, yed cards, checkers and a card game with polyhedral dice called ¡°Dragon Dungeon¡±. It was a new interesting experience for the girls, as well as for the boys.


    Pavel was interested in Le¡¯s yful and mischievous nature, and he wanted to please her. He was ostentatiously showing off his power of the 5th stage of the advanced phase, but it didn¡¯t impress the girl at all. And Pavel soon became noticeably depressed.


    Eight-year-old Adam became very attached to Eve. At first, the cutie was embarrassed with the boy. She was even wary of him. But by the end of the day Eve was liberated: she talked boldly, giggled, joked and let him tickle her.


    Zosimos and Bernard, having finished all the discussions, watched from the balcony how the boys and girls yed on a bench in the park.


    ?They get along pretty well. I think in the future, when we be partners, and possibly friends, I will bring them to the boys to y with.?


    Bernard said nothing, but sighed grimly.


    Kyon pped his hands and raised his voice: ?Come on, bunnies! We are going home.?


    ?Oh, I just learned how to y¡­? ¨C Le pouted.


    ?You¡¯ll win next time, little viin!? ¨C Pavel said mockingly.


    ?See you soon, Eve. It¡¯s nice to spend time with you.? ¨C the younger brother said embarrassedly.


    ?Bye, Adam. You¡¯re funny.? ¨C a dazzling smile appeared on the girl¡¯s lips.


    Kyon said quietly at the end: ?We¡¯ll do as we agreed. We will meet an hour before the weekly meeting the day after tomorrow. And remember, I¡¯m watching your every move. Any hint of the ckmail vition and I will have to act.?


    Bernard nodded helplessly. During the half-day ofmunication with the extortionist, he had doubts about the fact that there was a deadly formation inside the boys¡¯ bracelets, but there was no desire to check this possibility.


    Kyon spent the rest of the evening with Eve and Le. After dinner, he made popcorn, sat next to his daughters and turned on the movie. For the first time, he showed them a movie, not cartoons, and the girls were very impressed.


    Lovr spent the next day training. He made progress in this, as well as the girls. Eve learned how to absorb and release energy from the soul pleted the second stage of the 5 set by Zosimos), while Le just coped with the first one.


    Finally, the day ¡°X¡± hase.


    After dressing up and perfuming himself, Kyon heard Le¡¯s sarcastic voice.


    ?Are you going on a date?? ¨C the girl asked, leaning her shoulder against the wall and crossing her arms.


    ?Maybe I¡¯ll find you a new mom.? ¨C Kyon teased her, straightening his tie.


    The girl snorted: ?It sucks! You have a wife! What would she say?!?


    ?She would understand me.? ¨C Lovr sighed sadly.


    ?Even so, I doubt very much that there is a better woman than the one who gave birth to a goddess like me! Ugh¡­ don¡¯t go on a date!?


    ?Is daddy going on a date?? ¨C Ev§Ñ looked out. ¨C ?What is her name??


    ?Va¡­ Arpha.? ¨C Zosimos grinned stupidly. ¨C ?She¡¯s not Lily, of course, but I like her.?


    ?Ugh! What ame name! Ew-ew-ew! I will vanquish her single-handedly, why do you need her at all?! Even I¡¯m better than her! But I won¡¯t go on a date with you.?


    ?Why not?? ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t resist asking.


    ?Well¡­? ¨C Le was a little confused and ran her eyes over the room. ¨C ?Because you¡¯re weak, bald, pot-bellied¡­ And you don¡¯t give mepliments, don¡¯t carry me in your arms, don¡¯t listen to me, and even threaten to ban cartoons for nothing! This is why.?


    ?You have forgotten the most important thing! He is your dad!? ¨C Eve giggled.


    ?Oh, that too! Yes.? ¨C said Le.


    §¬yon leaned over and kissed the girl on the forehead: ?No matter who I go on a date with, you will remain dearer to me than anyone else, bunnies.?


    The pixie rubbed her forehead with her palm, stuck out her tongue and ran away to watch movies and cartoons.


    At the appointed hour, Lovr met Bernard: he looked tense, nervously pacing back and forth. Of course. Today is the weekly meeting of the head of the n with close henchmen, and he brought a ckmailer and spy working for the department!


    ?You must wear a blindfold and ck sses. And also do not use pure energy for scanning, otherwise I will consider it as a betrayal.? ¨C the man did not ask, but demanded it, holding out the blindfold.


    ?As you wish.? ¨C Kyon agreed, pulled on the blindfold with sses and climbed onto the horse.


    Bernard took Kyon to a fairly busy area of ??the city, after making several deceptive maneuvers and checking whether they were being followed. He took Zosimos to one of the front doors of a four-story house, then he went down to the basement, opened the lock with a key, walked forward along a damp corridor, turned sharply several times and stopped at a dead end, and then he groped for some pipe and moved it like a lever. The wall parted.


    Meanwhile, Lovr was perfectly observing everything with echolocation and birds. As he guessed, this was the headquarters of the Silent Horror n. It was well hidden! Surely the walls are made of scanning-proof material, and there are all sorts of barriers. How did Valeera manage to build it? Apparently, this is one of the underground secret passages belonging to the Webers.


    ?You may take off the blindfold.? ¨C Bernard said as the wall closed.


    Kyon looked around: a long corridor, dimly lit by dusty lighting crystals, decorated with thick dark brown marble. No doors.


    ?Follow me.? ¨C Bernard said dryly.


    Lovr¡¯s heart was beating faster than usual. For the first time in more than a year, he will meet someone who considers him her sworn enemy, hates him and wants to kill, while he still has warm feelings for her and guilt for what he did.


    Kyon was not worried about the fact that Valeera might recognize him, because he was well prepared:pletely different appearance, smell, voice and even character. All the formations on the wrist are wrapped in impervious material and hidden under the carbon skin. No instruments or scans can detect them. Also, his development is equal to the 5th stage of the superior phase, while in the family tournament Kyon has only reached the 7th stage of the advanced phase. That is, it turns out that the messenger of the goddess has developed only 8 steps in a year. Too slow for such an important person!


    Bernard turned right and opened the only door at the end of the corridor, which led to a dark brown room. 10 chairs were turned to the chalkboard, 6 of them were upied by people: a handsome long-haired guy, a plumpdy and four men. All of them were beautifully dressed and well-groomed, they were expecting the head of the n.


    ?Hello, Bernard.? ¡­ ?d to see the best of the best!? ¡­ ?Greetings.?


    ?For the first time you arete. Has something happened?? ¨C asked a tall slender man, deputy head of the n and a former assassin named Alexander.


    At the very moment Kyon entered the room. He hastened to bow and say respectfully: ?Hello, dear ones. My name is Zosimos. Nice to meet you.?


    Everyone stared speechlessly at the intruder.


    Bernard cleared his throat: ?Hello everyone. This is an old friend of mine. He has some abilities that can be useful to the n. I thought it wise to bring him here.?


    Alexander, frowning suspiciously, said: ?It¡¯s very rash of you to show a stranger the location of the headquarters¡­ Exin yourself.?


    ?He doesn¡¯t know anything. And Lady Arpha is aware of my initiative.?


    ?Even so, do you understand what will happen to him if the Lady refuses? He saw our faces¡­ He knows where you work. He will be killed!?


    ?I¡¯m sure everything will go well.? ¨C Bernard replied calmly and sat down on a chair, crossing his arms.


    No one else said anything, just looked askance at the guest.


    Zosimos sat down on a chair, feeling himself in the center of attention of inveterate crocodiles, waiting for the right moment to rush and tear the victim. Feels like he¡¯s the least developed practitioner here. Even that young guy is already in the noble phase. He looks at the intruder with contempt and superiority. By the way, Kyon recognized him as the thief named Tymoshka, who had been caught by him with the help of that very hair. When the uncle saved Valeera, the girl for some reason took the young man with her.


    Suddenly, a cold arose in the heart, increasing with every moment. This omnipresent feeling was impossible to resist, as well as the superior aura of the element of time. The skin was covered with goosebumps. The hairs on the back of the neck prickled. All thoughts flew out of the head in an instant. Any positive emotions quickly faded away, and chills, anxiety and fear of death came in their ce.


    Looking back, Kyon saw all the people stiffen and stand up respectfully.


    {She ising!} ¨C Lovr thought excitedly.

 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402


    The girl entered the room. Her heart-chilling aura could frighten even the bravest warrior, no matter how advanced he was. Intimidation, causing an instinctive fear of death ¨C this quality was perfect for the leader of the shadow n.


    In addition to this, Valeera attracted attention with her appearance: a graceful slender body, her hair was the color of a raven¡¯s wing, falling in waves to her breasts, thin sharp eyebrows, small chiseled lips and nose, a smooth neck and expressive ck eyes, in which you can drown forever. The beauty of the outlines of her face is nothing more than the apogee of the skill of the god of the night, who hones his skills for eternity just to create such filigree perfection.


    If not for the white skin, the girl could be confused with a shadow. She liked to wear ck clothes: a tight, thin jacket perfectly fitted the wasp waist, a skirt just below the knee with a slit ¨C fitted and narrowed to the bottom ¨C suited the image of a confident woman and n leader. Her favorite diamond pattern tights have long be the highlight of the girl, and ck shoespleted the image. §¯er uncle¡¯s cracked mirror hung around her neck.


    Valeera gave the impression of a ck rose in the Garden of Eden, which absorbed the darkness and apathy of the entire sinful world. Next to such a person, anyone will feel ufortable and timid, and will hardly dare to disagree.


    With the noiseless smooth gait of a killer, the girl went to the board.


    Kyon caught the scent of Valeera and shuddered involuntarily, either from the rush of memories, or from the omnipresent, all-consuming cold. In an inexplicable way, the girl¡¯s aura has thickened many times since theirst meeting.


    ?Greetings to the head of the n!? ¡­ ?Hello, Lady Arpha!? ¡­ ?I offer my humble obeisances to our great n leader!? ¡­ ?My regards!?


    Everyone present greeted the girl respectfully.


    Valeera examined her subordinates and fixed her gaze on Zosimos. Her eyelids twitched in surprise: the man bore an uncanny resemnce to her father! In at least a few basic facial features. Within a second, the girl¡¯s gloomy gaze fell on Bernard.


    ?Lady, he is the one I spoke of. I really hope that his abilities will interest you.?


    ?Let him wait outside. Tymoshka, take him to the third room and keep an eye on him.?


    ?Yes, Lady.? ¨C the guy obediently agreed and headed for the exit.


    As soon as Kyon was left alone in an empty room with Tymoshka, this idiot sharply hit him in the stomach without warning, restraining the force, of course.


    ?You pathetic fool, why the fuck did you show up at headquarters?!? ¨C he barked.


    Kyon cringed and coughed ¡°in pain¡±. He guessed what the matter was.


    The long-haired guy kicked the man in the chest: ?You piece of shit, I have to skip the meeting because of you! Why the hell am I forced to keep an eye on a pot-bellied, bald-headed nobody instead of thepany of a beautiful girl?!?


    Obviously, the one who was honored to attend the weekly n head meetings and was a noble phaser at the beginning stage, cared nothing for a nameless old man, who was a superior phaser at the middle stage. Judging only by strength, it¡¯s likeparing an experienced adult warrior and a helpless puppy. Respect was out of the question.


    ?Bald impotent, even if Bernard brought you, do you think your strength will be of any use to Lady Lanai?! I¡¯ll make sure that a piece of trash like you fucks uppletely!? ¨C filled with rage and contempt, Tymoshka kicked the man in the stomach and ribs, making him incapable of demonstrating any of his abilities. For obvious reasons, he hated Bernard, and all the more, he did not care about the friend he had brought, since he had ruined his wonderful meeting with Lanai.


    {Annoying.} ¨C Kyon thought wearily, feigning unbearable torment. It was very insulting that he could not, or rather, had no right to fight back. Now he¡¯s a nameless nobody. Any wrong action, even in rtion to this impulsive shorty, is like death, because even he at the moment is of much greater value for Valeera.


    When the groans of the pot-bellied old man began to be reced by gurgling wheezes, Tymoshka stopped beating and said with a threat: ?Just dare to ther at least a word about what happened. We will see who Lady Lanai believes more: a sick in the head senile or a loyal member of the n.? ¨C having finished, he spat, took out a book, and leaned against the wall with a sullen look.


    It¡¯s been about an hour.


    As soon as Tymoshka heard the creak of the door to the assembly hall, he immediately kicked the pot-bellied man in the ass and hissed: ?Get up and follow me, you jerk!?


    Kyon dusted himself off and followed the fool with a deliberate limp.


    In the room, Lovr saw Bernard, Valeera and a tall, slender man.


    Going forward, Kyon dropped to one knee and said respectfully: ?Lady Arpha, my name is Zosimos, it is a great honor for me to meet you. If my abilities are useful to you, I will be immensely d.?


    Tymoshka involuntarily frowned: he seemed to beat the old man so well, but he talks and moves as if nothing had happened! What is it?


    ?What can you do?? ¨C Valeera asked bluntly.


    ?Besides my extensive experience in trading, I am a good organizer and engineer. Even the great dwarfs have appreciated my skills and consider me a good guest at the factory. But the most interesting thing for you is my innate ability.? ¨C Zosimos¡¯ eyes glowed blue. ¨C ?I can see the invisible: practitioners, traps, barriers, and just elemental energy.?


    The girl snorted in disbelief. Seeing energy? Sounds likeplete nonsense.


    ?Show me.? ¨C the girl asked and nodded to the tall man. ¨C ?Alexander, use the concealment technique and show a few fingers, let Zosimos try to guess how many of them you will show.?


    The man moved away and turned into a transparent image.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes lit up: ?Three¡­ one¡­ And now four¡­?


    The killer came out of invisibility with a slight surprise on his face: ?That¡¯s right.?


    Valeera chuckled with interest. Alexander used the ¡°B¡± rank concealment technique. Being a lord phaser at the middle stage, a practitioner in the stage below will at best be able to detect him only at a distance of 2 meters, however, Zosimos with a development of as many as two stages below did it from 10 meters, he even instantly saw the number of fingers on his hand!


    The girl held out her hand and asked: ?Name the numbers that I will now show.?


    Kyon¡¯s eyes lit up, and he saw the number ¡°13¡±, formed from pure energy.


    {Oh! Is she a lord phaser of the ninth stage?! Impressive!} ¨C Kyon thought. In just one year, the girl has developed about 10 stages! Impressive progress.


    A few days ago, Lovr found a clever new way to determine the development of practitioners. He came to this as follows: even during his farewell to Triana, when the tigress poured pure energy into the ws before trying to kill the former owner. He activated the eye ability and realized that he could see the energy of the imperial phaser at the 2nd stage with great difficulty. A little analysis, and the conclusion can be made that practices that are developed in more than 4 stages are beyond the reach of ¡°The eyes of truth¡±, that is, invisible. Thus, by the brightness of energy, it is possible to determine the development of any creature that does not go beyond the designated limits.


    Kyon began to list with confidence: ?Thirteen ¡­ One hundred and one ¡­ Five¡­?


    Valeera moved farther and farther, changing numbers, and was amazed more and more: {Does he really see energy? He doesn¡¯t hear it, but he sees it? How is this possible?!}


    As all practitioners know, any use of elemental energy is apanied by fluctuations between the worlds, which can be heard by the soul, determine the direction, power, and even the type of element, thereby preparing for an attack. The more energy the technique consumes and the more unstable it is, the ?louder? it is heard. However, if the difference in the development of the opponents is one stage, then nothing will be heard. This is the fundamentalw of the universe. A higher-order soul is beyond the reach of a lower-order one. And suddenly Zosimos demonstrates a skill thatpletely breaksmon sense. To see the energy of a practitioner who is more developed by almost 2.5 stages, and even at a huge distance? This is absurd!


    Seeing the surprise on the n leader¡¯s face for the first time, Bernard and Alexander looked at each other in disbelief.


    Tymoshka clenched his fists in sudden jealousy. Why did some pot-bellied old man manage to surprise Lady Lanai?! For so many years he tried to impress the girl, and some bum from the street managed to do it in a minute!


    ?Okay. Tell me, how many fingers am I holding up?? ¨C Valeera asked, disappearing.


    The situation suddenly changed. Everyone in the hall felt as if the n head had suddenly erased herself off from reality. The aura of coldness, tension in the atmosphere, and even the feeling that she was near and watching thempletely disappeared.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Synergy has just recorded an abnormal activity in the brain: the mind was literally forcibly trying to forget about Valeera, as if they had never met! The intensity of the rush of oblivion, if you can call it that, was small, but still palpable. Is her invisibility really so good that it can erase her existence from the universe (or rather, try to)?! This is unthinkable!


    Lovr took a shuddering breath. What has just happened is as phenomenal as the illusory world created by Synergy in contact with someone else¡¯s soul! There is no doubt that Valeera used more than just technique, but the ability of a unique body! And not cultivated, but innate! But how did she get it?


    Kyon activated ¡°The eyes of truth¡±, but he could not see Valeera. Vision in different spectra and sense of smell also did not bring results. Echolocation and keen hearing didn¡¯t help either. And yet, there was something that pointed to the girl¡¯s location: the faint fluctuations in the air as she breathed, and the faint fluctuations in the floor that were created by the heart and transmitted through the feet.


    Lovr shook his head apologetically: ?I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t see you. You¡¯re too good at disguise. As expected from the head of the Silent Horror n.? ¨C he did not fail to tter.


    Valeera came out of invisibility and asked: ?Are you cultivating some unique body??


    ?Yes, Lady. I am cultivating a body that enhances all physical parameters.?


    ?Are you from a noble family?? ¨C Valeera continued.


    ?I don¡¯t have a noble family name. I am an ordinary citizen of the rich ss. My father was a merchant, and my mother was the daughter of a baron. I can show you the documents, but it would be better if Bernard confirms it. You¡¯ll believe him more.? ¨C Kyon said gravely.


    ?Yes, he¡¯s an old friend of mine¡­?


    ?Silence!? ¨C Valeera cut off in an icy tone, squinting suspiciously into Zosimos¡¯ pale blue eyes, then nodded to her most trusted person. ¨C ?Alexander, check him for the presence of formations.?


    The killer took out the scanning nephrite and ran it over the man¡¯s body. Nothing.


    If Kyon hadn¡¯t wrapped an imprable cloth around his wrist and added carbon skin over it, this would have been the end of his adventure. The guy¡¯s inner tension has subsided slightly, but it¡¯s too early to rx.


    Despite the result, Valeera could not shake her suspicions. The fact is that innate unique bodies are uncharacteristic formoners. Of course, there are rare exceptions, but even so, the probability of getting an innate body with an active eye ability is extremely negligible! Especially in such an unknown direction.


    ?Use the energy.? ¨C coldly demanded the head of the n.


    Kyon released a bit of pure energy, proving to everyone that he really has the development of the superior phaser of the middle stage, and he does not use any concealment items.


    There was an oppressive silence. Everyone felt uneasy, mostly because of the head, who was tensely frozen in thought. Tymoshka mentally prayed to the goddess that the head of the n would finish off a suspicious pot-bellied bum.


    Kyon added cautiously: ?Lady, my mother cultivated the Crystal Eyes body. I guess that was the reason why I got such an amazing ability.?


    ?When the head of the n does not ask ¨C you are silent!? ¨C Tymoshka said angrily. He was like an aggressive poodle, ¡°protecting¡± the owner from a passer-by with an annoying yapping.


    {What¡¯s wrong with him?} ¨C Valeera asked herself, feeling inexplicably uneasy. The suspicions have intensified due to the fact that he behaves quite confidently and with dignity, as if he knows his own worth. Usually, any person with whom she deals is always nervous in her presence, afraid, shivering, or even covered with cold sweat and goosebumps. However, Zosimos is obviously brave. Why?

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403


    Realizing that nothing suspicious could be found on the surface, Valeera decided to move on to deeper questions: ?Zosimos, what prompted you, a member of the wealthy ss, to risk your life in order to join the shadow n??


    Zosimos sadly arched his thick eyebrows and lowered his gaze: ?It¡¯s about my girls¡­ From the very birth, they lived in prosperity: they ate the best food, wore luxurious clothes, lived in a beautiful mansion, went to elite institutions, and the servants fulfilled their every whim. However, after the death of my wife, luck was not on my side: fines, theft, confiscation of goods at customs, ubiquitous and endless taxes, and other troubles¡­ To get out of debt, I had to sell my parents¡¯ inheritance and even my own property. Now the three of us live in a hotel, but if I cannot get money in the next month, we will have to tighten our belts¡­ Most of all I am afraid that I will disappoint the expectations of my daughters. They should only get the best! Go to a prestigious school, learn from a worthy master, learn powerful techniques, live the way their mother lived! If I can¡¯t provide them with all this, then what kind of father and husband am I?!?


    Even Bernard was impressed by the fiery words. He almost believed it himself!


    Lovr took a deep breath and added calmly: ?Bernard listened and understood me. And here I stand before you, Lady Arpha, ready to do any job for a decent pay.?


    Valeera listened intently. The recruit¡¯s story seemed usible to her: any normal father would want to make his children happy. Zosimos, of course, is mistaken, believing that love can be bought, but it is not for her to judge him. The girl learned through her bitter experience how painful it is to lose something, including the standard of living.


    The head of the n liked three things: the man loves his daughters very much, which means that he has a weak point; he lost his parents and wife, therefore, nothing connects him with the outside world, that is, he is a good candidate for secret assignments; he has sufficient motivation to earn money, which makes him a business person.


    However, all this did not negate her suspicions. Suddenly, a qualified specialist appeared, with a tragic life story, with an indescribably unique ability, invaluable for the activities of the shadow n ¨C in a word, an almost ideal candidate for joining the n. Isn¡¯t it too fortunate for someone the universe wants to destroy?


    ?Are you not afraid of what you will do?? ¨C Valeera asked atst.


    ?Saints and soft-handers do not survive in the trade business. I often had to do not the most noble things: sell low-quality goods, deceive customers, cheat naive partners for money, destroypetitors, and much more. In general, if there is money at stake, then I will get used to everything. Maybe not right away. I disapprove of many bad things, but I don¡¯t have to choose.?


    After a long pause, the n head nodded briefly: ?You¡¯re good for us. I will give you a trial period. Alexander will contact you in the next few days.?


    Kyon broke into a grateful smile and bowed: ?Thank you, Lady Arpha!?


    Tymoshka¡¯s face twisted: {Damn it!} ¨C the worst expectations were confirmed. How to live if the old fart suddenly somehow bes a part of the n, and even begins to benefit more than he does?


    ?Bernard, escort Zosimos out of the headquarters.? ¨C asked Valeera.


    When the man took the recruit away, the girl coldly ordered: ?Alexander, find out everything you can about him. Report any oddities or suspicious behavior.?


    ?Yes, Lady. Should I check on Bernard, too??


    ?No need. I¡¯ll talk to him in person.? ¨C having finished, she disappeared.


    ¡­


    Bernard blindfolded Zosimos and escorted him to the meeting ce, and then, after a friendly farewell and congratting him on his sess ¨C this is the instruction ¨C he left.


    Kyon was impressed by the meeting with Valeera. It is impossible to ignore the chilling atmosphere she creates and the ability to be invisible so much that even the mind tries to forget about her existence.


    Lovr also noted that although the girl leads a n engaged in dark affairs, she herself is not saturated with his vicious spirit. For her, all this is just a job ¨C a tool to achieve her goals. She¡¯s like a professional hitman. She kills people, but she¡¯s not a maniac. It didn¡¯t excuse her, but it gave him some hope.


    As soon as Kyung returned to the hotel room, the girls ran out to meet the man. A sarcastic unctuous voice was heard immediately.


    ?Why so early? Did she kick you out?!? ¨C Le smiled maliciously.


    ?The little mischief was wrong. Your dad will have another meeting.? ¨C reflected Lovr.


    The grin vanished from the imp¡¯s face.


    ?How old is Arpha?? ¨C asked Eva.


    ?She is very young. She¡¯s about twenty. She¡¯s old enough to be your older sister.? ¨C {Or rather, great-great¡­ great-granddaughter.} ¨C he chuckled to himself.


    ?And this little thing can be our mother?!? ¨C Le was indignant.


    ?Actually, your mom always looked twenty, even though she was a thousand years old.?


    The girls¡¯ mouths opened in amazement. A thousand years is a long time!


    ?Of course! Goddesses live long. The main thing for me is that she was wise. However, Arpha is also not stupid, which makes me d.?


    ?So you like smart girls, don¡¯t you? So why don¡¯t you spend more time with Eva instead of your Arpha?! It¡¯s better to be with her than with some dummy from the street!? ¨C Le eximed resentfully and, pouting, ran to her room.


    ?I don¡¯t¡­? ¨C Eva started to say, but changed her mind.


    ?Maybe she¡¯lle to her senses?? ¨C Zosimos optimistically suggested.


    ?I doubt it very much.? ¨C Eve muttered skeptically.


    Kyon looked at the little fairy with warmth: ?Let¡¯s not talk about sad things. I have good news for my little flower: after lunch we will go outside the walls to fly on a big bird!?


    ?Really?!? ¨C the girl was delighted, raising her graceful eyebrows.


    ?Are we going to fly?!? ¨C Le immediately stuck her head out of the door.


    After lunch, Kyon and his girls saddled a horse and went outside the walls to rent a flying bird. It was not difficult for him to detect the chase: Alexander was running on his heels in invisibility. Did the fool think that without his glowing eyes, Zosimos would not notice him? I do not think so! The lousy invisibility of the ¡°B¡± rank is riddled with vulnerabilities, including a bit of sound leakage.


    Lovr was not at all surprised by the chase. On the contrary, it would be strange if he was not followed. Everything goes ording to n. He had just finished all the affairs in the department, and he had free time. However, he will not be able to go out of the city to train. In general, he will have to spend some time with his girls and simte trading activities.


    After getting out of the city, Kyon left his horse in the menagerie and headed to the take-off site. The servant showed the customers ten extensive pens, in which there wererge flying animals.


    ?I want this one! This one!? ¨C Eve squeaked in fascination, pointing to an inconspicuous bird in the corner pen.


    Kyon was a little surprised by Eve¡¯s choice. Among the ten birds of the most oundish appearance and bright colors, the girl chose a bird that was inconspicuous in appearance, but at the same time the best in all other parameters ¨C a hidden diamond.


    ?Good choice, my little flower!? ¨C Zosimos smiled and told the servant. ¨C ?We rent a snowy owl for a few hours.?


    The servant dly epted the money and put the coachman.


    The next few hours turned into a real-life fairy tale for Eve and Le. They flew through mountains, rivers, fields, forests and clouds, admiring the scenery from a bird¡¯s eye view.


    At the end of the session, Zosimos took his daughters, drunk with impressions, to a restaurant, then to a pastry shop. Then persistent Le persuaded him to go to a toy store, and in the evening the guy read the unspoken desire of the modest Eve and took hispanions to the theater, for which he was rewarded with a charming ¡°thank you, daddy!¡± and a look full of gratitude.


    All this time, Alexander was watching them, but this did not prevent Kyon from constantly inventing the technique of creating clones. An ordinary person (a master who creates techniques) would have topletely focus on the task, but the young man did not bother. He simply gave the Synergy amand, and it automatically did everything necessary: moved the channels and released energy.


    If Lovr had not acquired an object that fakes the sounds of the elements, Alexander would have quickly recognized in the man the well-known messenger of the goddess. However, now he can only assume that Zosimos performed cycles of energy release and replenishment: a kind of low-effective training, a kind of physical training to maintain shape. By the way, many practitioners do this when there is no time for a full workout. For Kyon, this is a huge opportunity. If he hadn¡¯t been doing this day and night, he would now be at least half the stage weaker.


    On the same day, three thunderous news about the recent achievements of ¡°Demon Huntress¡± spread through the city like a forest fire in windy weather. She destroyed the brutal gang ¡°Northern wolf¡±, terrorizing several districts of Dantes; defeated the drug den ¡°Fragrant flower¡±, which killed many people in its mind-numbing trap; and even eliminated an organization that struck terror into the hearts of all the parents of the city, as it was engaged in the abduction and envement of children.


    ¡°Demon Huntress''¡± glory took off like a rising star. People wanted to pray for her! Here she is ¨C the savior of the capital and an angel in the flesh! Previously, the superheroine also helped ordinary people, but not on such a scale. In literally 5 days she has done more than in 2 years of her activity! The department even receivedints from citizens: how is it possible that the effectiveness of one girl in a mask is higher than that of hundreds of professional high-ranking investigators?!


    Recently, Elsapleted the fourth case of the ¡°A¡± rank. Late in the evening, returning to her house in the Order, the girl fell into bed and touched her forehead with the back of her hand: {Who is he?}


    The blonde seemed to be in a trance thest few days. Previously ¡°A¡± rank cases seemed to her an inessible refinement, the path to universal glory, which she dreamed of. However, in recent days, the girl easily copes with them ¨C one a day. She hoped that Dick Baker¡¯s notes would turn out to be wrong, but as a result, everything turned out perfectly and wlessly!


    {I can¡¯t believe it¡­ He got rid of me in one day?} ¨C a bitter smile appeared on Elsa¡¯s lips. So that¡¯s what self-irony tastes like? I wanted to recruit Stone for six months, but agreed to 10 ¡°A¡± rank cases, believing that their solution would take just the above-mentioned period, but this freak closed them all in one day! He¡¯s probably sitting right now and making nasty grunts over her. Asshole.


    When she came to her senses, the girl took a sound transmitter and called a good friend: ?Elder Gilbert, hello. This is Elsa.? ¡­ ?Yes, that¡¯s the one. Since you are responsible for the internal security of the family, I can only entrust this matter to you. I need help.? ¡­ ?Find out as much information as possible about Thomas Stone, a descendant of direct blood, date of birth¡­ I don¡¯t remember exactly, he is fifteen years old. And he also has another name: Dick Baker. Perhaps it tells you something.? ¡­ ?Thank you so much. Any details about him and his past will be useful.? ¡­ ?Goodbye.?


    Sitting down, Elsa fiddled with the sound transmitter in her hand with a bleary look: {What is his secret? He can¡¯t be such a good investigator, can he?} ¨C these thoughts were apanied by a tart feeling of inferiority. Previously, she tried to handle ¡°A¡± rank cases on her own, but nothing worked, despite the fact that she had a huge advantage in abilities over any high-ranking investigator. However, the fat man surpassed her only with the help of logical and deductive analysis of cases! About a hundred times.


    ¡­


    The next day, Kyon imitated a stormy trading activity, or rather, the bad state of his business. Several clients (his subordinates) were furiously swearing at the quality of the goods, one fake investigator, a ton of fake tears ¨C and it¡¯s in the bag.


    The spectacr performance for one spectatorsted until dinner, until Lovr, through the eyes of Eve, noticed Romeo who brought dinner. The guy¡¯s reaction attracted attention: he was overly excited, but diligently trying to hide it.


    {Damn it! What a bad time!} ¨C having abandoned all business, Zosimos quickly jumped on a horse and headed towards the hotel.

 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404


    As soon as the servant named Romeo left the room, Kyon immediately called Eve: ?My little flower, don¡¯t eat the dinner! And tell your sister not to touch it!?


    ?I understood, but why?!? ¨C the girl asked fearfully.


    ?I¡¯ll tell youter! Dad will be by soon!?


    Having reached the hotel, Kyon climbed to the roof in a roundabout way (Romeo stood near the door), asked Eve to open the window and jumped into the room.


    The girls were pretty surprised at this turn of events.


    ?What happened? Why through the window? But something else is more important: I want to eat, and you forbid it! What¡¯s the matter?!? ¨C Le was indignant.


    ?I noticed the oddities in the behavior of this young suitor through the recording formations that I installed everywhere for your safety.? ¨C Kyon exined, sniffed the dishes brought for the dinner and nodded to his thoughts. ¨C ?Just as I thought. Sleeping pills were added there.?


    ?Sleeping pills?!? ¨C both girls were amazed.


    ?Yes. For twelve days, Romeo has been unsessfully trying to court Eve, but in return he receives onlyplete indifference, so despair prompted him to take extreme measures: to steal his beloved one while I work.?


    Eve¡¯s mouth opened in disbelief.


    Le¡¯s lips spread into a devilish smile: ?It can¡¯t be!?


    ~click~


    The front door opened slightly, and Romeo cautiously looked inside.


    ~bang~


    Before the attacker had time to understand anything, a fist flew into his forehead.


    The guy came to himselfter in the room. There were three people standing in front of him: a man filled with rage, a beloved little fairy looking at him with disappointment, and her exultantly smiling sister.


    Romeo¡¯s heart was pounding wildly from the horror that seized him: ?W-what are you doing?!?


    ?You tried to steal my daughter!? ¨C the crimson-faced Zosimos snapped.


    ?I¡­ Ah¡­ Don¡¯t¡­ No! You¡¯re wrong! I would never!?


    ?He¡¯s lying to my face!? ¨C Kyon was artistically indignant.


    ?No, I swear! I love your daughter and I would never¡­?


    ?Then eat, you scum!? ¨C Lovr poked the te right into the liar¡¯s lips.


    ?But I¡¯m not hungry¡­?


    Eve, with shame and disappointment, covered her face with her hand. Le giggled maliciously, grunting unsightly.


    ?Eat, I said, or I¡¯ll push it into your mouth by force!? ¨C the man shouted.


    In tears and snot, Romeo took a te and began to eat. Spoon by spoon.


    After eating half of it, the guy fell on his side and fell asleep.


    {What a stupid bastard, if Eve were an ordinary girl, this dose would have killed her!} ¨C thought Kyon, wanting to kick the runt in the head ten times. Instead, he sat down next to the blonde and gently said: ?Little fairy, don¡¯t worry, daddy won¡¯t let you be offended. Romeo is a vivid example of what happens to guys and men when they see only your appearance. His patience came to an end in just twelve days.? ¨C the next he said to both at once. ¨C ?With your beauty, you drive people crazy, revealing the dark sides in them.?


    ?I understand¡­? ¨C Eve nodded sadly. She will remember her father¡¯s lesson for the rest of her life.


    ?Hehe, a maniac fell in love with Eve! Hehe! My little sister attracts only half-witted psychos! A-ha-ha!? ¨C Le did not let up. How nice it is! As if flowers are blooming. So, I was unnecessarily jealous.


    Kyon sighed wearily: ?Le, you could have been in Eve¡¯s ce¡­?


    ?No, I couldn¡¯t!? ¨C the girl immediately replied with conviction. ¨C ?Because I don¡¯t attract crazy people to me! That¡¯s why Romeo fell in love not with me, but with Eve! And I kept thinking, what¡¯s the matter, and that¡¯s how it turned out! A-ha-ha! I know that only the best and kindest guys will fall in love with me, but definitely not so sick in the head!?


    Zosimos and Eva exchanged nces and shook their heads in understanding: hopelessly stupid.


    Romeo woke upter in a prison cell. As it turns outter, he was not only fired and added to the ck list, but also deprived of his home to pay off the debt forpensation to Zosimos. Simply put, by his act, the guy ruined his life.


    ¡­


    Rosarrian center of the Golden Pig trade guild in Dantes.


    Thest floor. There was an insistent knock on the head¡¯s office.


    ?Come in.? ¨C a healthy, plump man who looked very much like a toad said authoritatively.


    A slightly smaller fat man came inside and rattled: ?Mr. Gusteau, a miracle has happened!?


    ?Did the lightning kill the tax inspector?? ¨C the head looked up hopefully from the table.


    ?No¡­ s¡­ Do you remember that letter from Albert Clinton, which was apanied by a small batch of medicine with supposedly miraculous properties??


    ?Ah¡­ That pile of fake trash¡­ Stop. Really?!..? ¨C Gusteau¡¯s eyebrows rose to his forehead.


    ?Exactly! Our research department has confirmed the authenticity of their properties on the subjects! I refused to believe it until the end! The medicine that cures impotence, cataracts and intestinal ulcers has really been invented! As well as rejuvenation medicine! Old Ephraim¡¯s wrinkles have decreased, his arthritis has disappeared and his back has stopped hurting! He seemed to be ten years younger!? ¨C almost breathless with emotions, the fat man shouted.


    ?It¡¯s fucking bullshit! Are you crazy, or what?!? ¨C Gusteau barked, puffing out his toad cheeks. ¨C ?Rejuvenation medicine? The one in the struggle for which the whole world will turn into burning ruins?! Only a child will believe in this!?


    ?Sir, I am extremely serious! I saw it with my own eyes! Albert has indeed found a disciple blessed by the heavens! The information is reliable!?


    ~knock-knock-knock~


    There was another knock on the door.


    ?Who the hell else is there?!?


    A messenger entered the room with a small box and a note: ?Mr. Gusteau, Albert Clinton has sent you another message¡­?


    The head of the center opened the letter and, frowning, read out: ?Hello again, Mr. Gusto. Have you already made sure of the miraculous properties of the medicine made by my glorious disciple? If not, here¡¯s another small batch for you to be sure. So, I offer you cooperation, during which you will definitely get a huge profit and fame. However, I have one simple condition for a person of your caliber: noter than in a month, everyone in this city should know about my disciple, nicknamed ¡°The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron¡± and believe in his wonderful alchemical abilities. I am sure it will not be difficult for you. If the condition is met, I will definitely contact you. I give you my word. I wish you all the best. Albert Clinton.?


    The box contained a spatial ring with five anti-aging pills. If you take all of them, you can be 50 years younger, that is, even a blind person will have to believe it. However, they only work for practitioners of the superior stage and below, otherwise the Synergy, enclosed within, will not have enough power.


    With the help of the Golden pig guild, Kyon was going to create the personality of a legendary alchemist. What for? Obviously, for new opportunities. For example, the medicine produced by ¡°The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron¡±, will be bought for colossal money like hot cakes, and their wonderful properties will be believed.


    ¡­


    Alexander, fulfilling the order, regrly followed Zosimos. In three days, he collected a lot of information, but all of it did not arouse much suspicion: a generous disy of love for his daughters and continuous failures in the trading business ¨C what¡¯s wrong with that? There were only two things that puzzled him: why do girls wear veils? And why did the man suddenly drop everything yesterday and rush home? Unfortunately, he could not get inside the hotel unnoticed, so he could not find out the answer.


    On the third day of continuous surveince, the killer passed all the information to the head of the n, after which he received approval to take him on a test mission.


    At 1 am, Alexander called Zosimos and ordered him to leave the hotel, saying that it was time to prove himself. When the man came out, the killer put a bag on him and, sitting on a sled animal, went on a mission. The path was long andbyrinthine. They had to walk some part of it. In the end, by 2:30 am, the two arrived at the ce.


    By echolocation and bird scouting, Kyon found out that he was taken to a two-story abandoned construction site. The muffled voices of two dozen people could be heard from the first floor. Obviously, thebor force for the task ¨C the usual stooges. On the second floor, when the bag was removed, he saw serious Bernard, dissatisfied Tymoshka with crossed arms and gloomy Valeera, this time dressed in tight ck killer clothes.


    ?Alexander, check Zosimos for the absence of formations.? ¨C asked Valeera.


    The killer ran the nephrite over the man¡¯s body, took the ring and examined the contents. Nothing useful or suspicious: ?He¡¯s clean. The detector was also silent, no tails.?


    As Lovr guessed, it was about the nephrites, scanning the practitioners passing over them. The same ones were used by the robbers, when he and Juno went to Boston from the estate.


    ?Tymoshka, bring Zosimos up to date. We move out in fifteen minutes.?


    The cute guy looked at the old man with disdain, as if he needed to teach a sick dog to piss in the tray, and said in a contemptuous and patronizing tone: ?Old man, you must kiss the earth for your luck! You are honored to take part in a mission for which the head of the n has been diligently preparing for over a month. Hear and heed: The Stalbers are a family of the thirtieth rank, three-quarters of whose ie is metal mining. Today we will rob one of theirrgest warehouses. The point is that Lady Arpha provides us with a safe and invisible pration, and we work with the guys on the floor below as movers. Everything should go quietly, peacefully, without a hitch. You are required to¡­ The devil knows what the fuck you are needed here at all, but if I see even one extra movement or suspect something is wrong, I will dly cut off your head. Did you get it??


    When there was a minute left before the start, Alexander approached Bernard and asked: ?Remind me, why are you participating in the task??


    ?This case is very important for Lady Arpha. I cannot afford not to participate. After all, I am the second most powerful person in the n, and if something unexpected happens, my help will not be superfluous.? ¨C although he said so, the main reason for his concern, especially for Arpha, shifted from foot to foot nearby ¨C Zosimos.


    ?This is not your specialty, and you are not a warrior.? ¨C said the killer coldly.


    ?Lady Arpha gave me permission.?


    ?How long have you been begging her??


    ?Stop asking stupid questions!? ¨C Bernard exploded.


    Valeera¡¯s calm voice interrupted the silent confrontation between the men: ?Zosimos, what do you see?? ¨C although she knew the answer, an extra test of the beginner¡¯s abilities would not hurt.


    Activating ¡°The eyes of truth¡±, Kyon looked towards the warehouse a kilometer away: arge rectangr building surrounded by a high wall. There are more than five security towers along the perimeter and one checkpoint at the only entrance.


    ?I see a thin barrier running from the walls all the way to the top. It is powered by five sources located in security towers. I believe that if at least three of them are deactivated, a gap will form, and practitioners starting from the advanced phase will be able to get inside, remaining unnoticed. However, information about faulty sources will be sent at least to the warehouse information center, and possibly to the family information center¡­?


    Creating barriers is almost a separate science, which has its ownws and rules. But if we simplify itpletely, then especiallyrge barriers need additional recharge, because it is very expensive to transfer energy over long distances. So, for example, the formation that creates the border barrier of the Rosarrio empire is located in the pce, while it is powered by sources, of which there are more than a thousand, located on the border.


    Valeera was a little surprised by Zosimos¡¯ awareness of protective barriers: ?In that case, wait for the signal. Alexander, let¡¯s move out.? ¨C having finished, she disappeared.


    The assassin nodded and, entering invisibility, followed the head of the n.


    With his upgraded vision, Kyon watched what was happening: Alexander stopped near the barrier, probably covering the possible retreat of the head, and Valeera, judging by the bending grass, jumped over the wall.


    Surprisingly, the barrier did not respond to the invasion! Alexander, even if he were the king of spades, would immediately be discovered, but the girl as a lord phaser at the 9th stage passed unnoticed ¨C this is how good her stealth is.


    For some time, Lovr did not notice anything suspicious. It seems that Valeera got inside to neutralize people in the info center, from where the warehouse and the state of the barrier are monitored through visual formations. The destruction of the defensive formation would automatically raise the rm.


    Suddenly, he noticed how people at the checkpoint and security towers began to freeze one by one, staring at nowhere with ss eyes.


    {She uses a paralyzing poison, what a good girl.} ¨C Kyon nodded to himself. There are at least two good reasons to use this poison instead of sleeping pills. The first is that the family formation reads the physical condition of the owner. The second is that the visual formations in the warehouse, quite possibly, also send a signal to the family information center.


    Suddenly, a guard on one of the towers squinted suspiciously, took a sound transmitter and started calling someone, but, apparently, he could not get through. His eyes were getting bigger and bigger with growing anxiety.


    With a wave of his hand, Alexander threw the attacking nephrite directly at the guard¡¯s head. There was a barely audible electric click, after which the man lost consciousness. Only ten secondster, Valeera was next to him, she leaned the man against the wall and injected him with a paralyzing poison. One could only hope that the short-term loss of consciousness of one person would not be noticed in the family information center.


    The killer received a sign from Valeera and waved his hand twice towards the construction site.


    Twenty-three people, including Kyon, rushed to the man.


    ?So, I remind you, the guards will be paralyzed for no more than forty minutes! Now Lady Arpha will turn off three power sources of the barrier, and you must ovee the wall as quickly as possible and stand next to me!? ¨C Alexander reminded just in case, strictly examining everyone.


    Soon, the sound transmitter in the man¡¯s pocket rang, and he waved his hand: ?Let¡¯s go!?


    In a matter of seconds, 24 people overcame the walls and stood near the killer.


    Alexander activated a massive concealment technique: a barrier that distorts visibility. Thanks to this, visual formations will not detect anyone except the warehouse guards standing on duty (now paralyzed).


    A group of visibly nervous thieves quickly headed towards the building. Probably, no shadow n would dare to invade the possessions of the family of the 30th rank so brazenly. One can say that today Silent Horror is making history, aplishing an impressive achievement.


    Meanwhile, two kilometers away, a handsome guy with a cunning smile on his lips watched 24 rats enter the warehouse territory. Next to him, two dozen more people were whispering in a rxed manner, ready to move out at any moment. To hunt, of course.

 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405


    As far as Kyon knew, the information from the visual formations could well be duplicated in the family information center. This means that the destruction of any observant nephrite is fraught with raising the rm. He was wondering what Valeera hade up with to hide the metal loading zone from observation.


    Meanwhile, a group of people led by Alexander, hidden by a barrier, entered the warehouse building. Among them, half belonged to the former assassin n in Boston, and the rest were ordinary, albeit strong, bandits of Dantes. They were moving along a long corridor, when suddenly a girl appeared next to them. She pointed two fingers at the subordinates and at the door on the right.


    Without a word, two assassins, dressed in security uniforms, entered the warehouse information center office. Theyid both paralyzed men in a corner and covered them with a nket so that they would not attract attention to the recordings of visual formations. The task of the two is simple: to watch the screens of visual formations in case of the appearance of the Stalbers, as well as to answer calls and report that ?everything is in perfect order?.


    {But how will you hide the workspace from observation, Valeera?} ¨C Kyon wondered mentally.


    Using concealment techniques, the girl entered the warehouse together with Alexander. Both climbed to the same level with the visual formation, of which there were more than 10, made a copy of the image, glued the nephrite next to the copy and activated it. Thus, a high-quality image simting the recording of an unmanned warehouse was created right in front of the visual formation.


    When Kyon went inside and saw this, his mouth opened in surprise: {Valeera, what a smart girl you are!} ¨C he couldn¡¯t believe that the girl did something that can only be found in spy movies.


    A huge room with numerous stacks of metal fused into thick tes appeared before the group of people. Thousands and thousands of tons of various metals: from cast iron and aluminum to titanium and steel.


    The question is why is all this not stored in spatial objects? And why don¡¯t they do the same with things and resources in the treasuries? It¡¯s so logical and profitable! The mass and volume are lost! Easy to reach, fold and count! The answer is simple: the rings have an expiration date, depending on the quality of the formation and nephrite. It is too expensive to change a spatial object every few years. And if the ring suddenly erupts, few people will like the sight of metal tes flying around the warehouse, crushing everything around. That is why the rings are used only for transportation.


    It is also worth considering that after the death of a person, his energy, and therefore the formations created by him, dissipate. However, those that are enclosed in nephrite, and not in organic matter (on people),st at least for an eternity. These stones seem to be blessed by the almighty.


    ?Zosimos, search the warehouse for traps.? ¨C Valeera ordered. ¨C ?Everyone else, get to work! Tymoshka and Bernard, this also concerns you. Don¡¯t get distracted.?


    The guy and the man, who identally looked at their beautiful leader, came to their senses and moved.


    Kyon studied his surroundings with glowing eyes.


    Time passed. In just 10 minutes, half of the metal was immersed in the rings.


    At some point, the heavy te slipped out of the hands of a hurried Tymoshka and fell with a crash into a two-meter cubic pit in the center of the hall. The guy guiltily folded his palms in front of the head of the n and tried to jump down, but Zosimos grabbed his hand and threw him away.


    Everyone stared at the pot-bellied man in surprise. What is he doing?


    Tymoshka grinned angrily and growled: ?Do you want to die, geezer?!?


    ?What does this mean, Zosimos?? ¨C Valeera frowned with elegant eyebrows.


    ?I see a barrier in this pit¡­ A very powerful barrier! A very powerful barrier! If the guy had jumped down there, something irreparable could have happened.? ¨C Kyon answered seriously.


    ?What are you talking about, senile?!? ¨C Tymoshka barked.


    ?Be silent!? ¨C Valeera said coldly, took out the nephrite and held it over the pit. When it vibrated, the girl raised her eyebrows in surprise: indeed, a barrier! She didn¡¯t feel it, but the man¡¯s amazing eyes were really able to fix the danger.


    ?Kid, how about apologizing for your bad temper?? ¨C Kyon couldn¡¯t resist teasing.


    ?Fuck you¡­? ¨C Tymoshka began excitedly, but immediately choked on Lanai¡¯s sharp gaze, coughed and muttered softly. ¨C ?Thanks.?


    ?Speak louder and clearer when adults are talking to you!? ¨C Lovr did not let up.


    ?I told you ¨C thank you!? ¨C the guy hissed, trembling and blushing from unbearable anger.


    ?That¡¯s better.? ¨C Kyon nodded condescendingly.


    Some of the group of movers sneered. It serves Tymoshka right.


    ?Zosimos, what do you think, how developed was the practitioner who created it?? ¨C asked Valeera.


    ?An imperial phaser at the beginning or even middle stage. However, why is there such a powerful barrier? Considering that the barriers created by strong practitioners consume a lot of energy, I dare to assume that it is of an rm type and guards the passage to the hidden part of the warehouse with more valuable metals.?


    The eyes of everyone present, including the girl, glittered greedily.


    Bernard took a step forward: ?Lady Arpha, I¡¯m afraid that even you will not be able to pass the rm barrier created by the imperial phaser unnoticed¡­?


    With barely discernible annoyance, Valeera nodded briefly: ?That¡¯s right. The chance of failure is too high to risk the entire operation. Keep working.?


    Numerous disappointed sighs were heard.


    ?Lady Arpha, there is one way.? ¨C Zosimos volunteered.


    Everyone stopped loading the metal again and stared at the bald man.


    ?What way?? ¨C the girl asked suspiciously.


    ?Use the teleportation trigram.? ¨C with these words, Kyon took out from the ring two meter-long metal pancakes with a trigram carved inside.


    Many of the thieves were surprised by Zosimos¡¯ ingenuity.


    The silent pausested too long for an event where every second counts.


    ?Where did you get the teleportation trigram from?? ¨C finally asked Valeera.


    Alexander also wanted to know the answer, however, not ¡°why¡±, but ¡°how¡± they ended up in his ring. Earlier, while searching Zosimos, the sensitive device found only one ring, and the man did not notice any objects of a simr shape inside it. Or was he inattentively scanning? Yes, it seems to be true, because there can be no other option.


    ?Now there is no time to answer questions!? ¨C Kyon replied quite sharply.


    Valeera frowned slightly at that tone.


    ?Ha! Ha ha! Didn¡¯t anyone understand what the recruit was up to?? ¨C Tymoshka began with a gleeful smile. ¨C ?It¡¯s so obvious! It is known for certain that an unregistered teleportation trigram cannot be used in Dantes, and if the ban is vited, a group of security forces will arrive at the ce of discement in a few minutes! This old bastard wanted to set us all up!?


    ?What?! Seriously?!? ¡­ ?Is he really a traitor?!? ¡­ ?Lying scum!?


    The guy¡¯s convincing words, fueled by unbreakable confidence, instantly turned everyone against the neer. The gazes of killers and bandits filled with bloodlust and anger. Everyone wanted to tear the pot-bellied traitor to pieces.


    ?What do you say in your defense?? ¨C Valeera asked with a dangerous gleam in her eyes.


    Just as Zosimos opened his mouth, Bernard intervened: ?Lady Arpha, it¡¯s better to listen to the words of a hardened merchant, and not a stupid youngster. Historically, it is known that more than a hundred years ago, the capital underwent a sharp economic leap, and the reason for this lies in the fact that the bloody empresspletely changed the customs policy. One of the important steps was the reinstalling of the city barrier. Since then, if a teleportation route passes through it, it fixes the coordinates, and any unregistered movement is fraught with the appearance of powerful people from the government. However, how does all this prohibit movement within the city? A thin barrier cannot fix any teleportation inside the immense capital! And what is the expediency? That is why the option proposed by Zosimos is safe.?


    After the speech of one of the most authoritative members of the n, the opinion of the listeners changed dramatically again.


    Under heavy condemning nces, Tymoshka felt like aplete idiot. He blushed and clenched his fists with burning shame and rage. He really wanted to say something in defense, or at least bite out Bernard¡¯s throat, but this would only make it worse. A great chance to get rid of the old fart is lost! Eh, why the hell did Bernard insist on going on this assignment? Filthy thing.


    ?I believe you.? ¨C Valeera agreed, then turned to the others. ¨C ?Get to work! If I see any more shirkers, I¡¯ll cut off their heads.? ¨C her words were supported by the bloodlust that spread in the air.


    The group of people, including the oppressed Tymoshka, trembled with fear and continued to work.


    Valeera approached Zosimos and asked: ?Your n??


    ?Since I am the weakest of all, it is advantageous to teleport me. Let Alexander bring the information center employee here. A high-level ess family formation may be needed to open the passage. I¡¯ll need the keys from you.?


    The killer understood thedy¡¯s intentions from one look, nodded and disappeared.


    While the girl was taking the keys out of the ring, Ken took out the nephrites, turned them into powder and poured them into the furrows of the trigram. He ced a bag with spheres in one of the 10 holes. The head of the n filled the remaining 9 holes with the keys of different elements.


    ?Lady, I will need the keys on the way back.? ¨C Kyon reminded her impudently.


    With a displeased chuckle, Valeera took out another handful and handed it to the man. Since the creation of the assassins guild, she was used to keeping everything of value in one ce, so she had the keys, like anything else, with her.


    When Alexander brought the paralyzed Stalber, the preparations were justing to an end. And although the second teleportation trigram does not need resources to sessfully move, it is necessary to fill it with nephrite powder and add a few spheres to feed the formation.


    Kyon asked the killer for a rope, tied the second metal trigram in a special way and carefully lowered it into the pit without scattering the powder, and then with a sharp movement untied the rope knot and pulled it out, because it would not allow teleportation.


    Valeera, Alexander and Bernard could not help but appreciate the high skill of Zosimos.


    ?When I go down, let someone pour the powder into the trigram and put at least a hundred spheres in the center, otherwise I will not be able to go back.? ¨C having finished speaking, Kyon took the warehouse employee, squatted down with him on the trigram and activated the movement. A greenish film formed over the heads of the two, indicating the beginning of the movement. The same barrier appeared on the second trigram in the recess, as if copying the first one.


    A minute and a halfter, a green sh lit up the warehouse.


    The two men were at the bottom of the pit so that their heads almost touched the barrier.


    Valeera, like many other observers, breathed out a sigh of relief: it worked wlessly!


    Kyon almost immediately found an externally distinguishable fragment of the wall and put the paralyzed person¡¯s wrist there. Just like the time when he sessfully left the Stone treasury with the help of the sleeping Juno¡¯s wrist.


    ~scratch~


    With an unpleasant screech, the stone wall slid aside.


    ?There really was a secret passage!? ¨C Bernard wiped sweat from his forehead in amazement.


    ?Unbelievable! He found a storehouse of the Stalbers!? ¡­ ?I can¡¯t believe it! This neer is not a fool!? ¡­ ?Zosimos is a damn genius!? ¨C without being distracted from work, the bandits muttered admiringly. Even Valeera and Alexander grunted respectfully, and only Tymoshka with a twisted face tried not to pay attention to what was happening.


    ?Give me a lot of spatial rings.? ¨C Kyon¡¯s voice came from below.


    Alexander threw off the bag: ?Don¡¯t forget about the possible traps. We rely on you.?


    ?I understand.? ¨C Kyon nodded and went into the passage, went down about five meters and found there a small room filled with bars of silver, gold and tinum.


    Lovr¡¯s eyes lit up with joy: {It¡¯s true: a storeroom of precious metals!}


    Ten minutes passed, when suddenly the doors to the main hall opened deafeningly.


    The mass barrier of concealment fell, and the members of the Silent Horror n saw two dozen audacious bandits. They were led by a handsome guy in his twenties with long bangs. Terrifyingly strong practitioners were standing next to him.

 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406


    ?Well, well, well, what is happening here?? ¨C spreading his hands to the sides, the young guy asked with a frightening smile, inspiring awe with his whole appearance. He looked like a panther before jumping.


    Twenty people of bandit appearance stood behind the uninvited guest, and two bodyguards stood on either side of him. They had the imperious gazes of masters, as if looking at bugs. One of them had palms twice the normal size.


    Some members of the Silent Horror n screamed loudly in unfeigned terror.


    ?Edward?! What the hell are you doing here?!? ¨C eximed Bernard.


    ?Old man, if you speak to me without respect again, and I swear to the gods, I will cut off your head like those two.? ¨C the guy threatened with a chilling intonation.


    Bernard flinched involuntarily, as did most of the group. Are those two guys in the info center dead?! Did the son of a bitch decapitate them?! Sick maniac! Just like his grandfather. They say his grandfather killed his son with his own hands. Now it¡¯s clear who this kid took after.


    A fake-affectionate smile yed on Edward¡¯s face again: ?Kids from the Silent Horror n, take the trouble to exin to me what the fuck are you sneaking around in my n¡¯s territory??


    Alexander stepped forward: ?What nonsense?! We coordinated the territories of our activity with each head of the n! Your n border is two blocks south!?


    ?h h h, that¡¯s what I hear!? ¨C the guy rolled his eyes. ¨C ?I know better where my territory is. It¡¯s not good: my brothers and I have been preparing to rob this warehouse for a whole month, we thought everything out carefully, nned everything, and then suddenly some rats appear in front of our noses and want to steal our cheese! And from our own territory! Are youpletely fucked up, or what?!?


    ?Yeaaaaah!? ¡­ ?Bastards, have youpletely lost your fear?!? ¡­ ?Do you want to die?! A-ah?!? ¡­ ?On your knees, trash!? ¡­ ?Apologize, you sons of bitches!? ¨C the members of the ck Star n shouted indignantly, egged on by their boss.


    The pressure emitted by the bandits oppressed Arpha¡¯s subordinates. Each of the opponents is at least half the stage stronger! If a battle starts, they won¡¯tst even a minute! However, this thought was too optimistic: when the two main subordinates of the young boss put out their hands and released the pressure, everything became much worse.


    ?Ha-a-a-ah!? ¡­ ?Oh my god!? ¡­ ?They¡­ Are they kings?!? ¡­ ?So¡­ Sorry¡­?


    The members of the Silent Horror n turned pale and trembled with fear, some fell to their knees, and Tymoshka even wet his pants. The oppressive tyrannical aura of the kings wasparable to a rampant waterfall! Instinctive fear chained hands and feet. Now it is clear why these monsters look at them as if they are insects! So that¡¯s how strong are the members of the first n in authority?


    Edward said with a smirk: ?I see you¡¯ve already pissed yourself. Okay, since I like Arpha, I¡¯ll give you a chance to leave safe and sound. Aspensation, I ask for a small fee: everything that you have looted today.?


    The members of the Silent Horror n could only silently swallow what they heard. Bernard and Alexander looked at each other gloomily. What should they do? Where has Arpha gone? If this goes on, the impudent bastard will brazenly take their loot!


    Edward¡¯s interest was not in profit ¨C let his grandfather deal with it ¨C he was only interested in Arpha: an unapproachable icy beauty, the only person who did not fall for his authority, beauty and character. The obstinate bitch does not give up ¨C this must be fixed!


    The guy, of course, knew that the girl would be present at such a risky and important task for her. There was a big reward at stake, so he took two practitioners with him. The royal phasers at the 3rd and 5th stages. With them, it will be easier than ever to intimidate a ck cat by force. Then the result depends on a trifle: to threaten to withdraw the stolen fish and offer apromise, from which she will eventually moan with pleasure.


    ?Palms of death, where is she hiding?? ¨C he asked the strongest subordinate in a whisper.


    A mighty warrior with huge palms began to scan the surroundings, looking around. It seemed strange to him that upon arrival he did not immediately discover his goal: some worthless lord phaser at the finishing stage.


    Suddenly, the royal phaser at the 5th stage turned sharply back, waving a huge palm.


    Valeera materialized half a meter from the bodyguard. Gracefully somersaulting back, she dodged the lightning grip at thest moment, and a long sharp de poked out of her shoe, aimed at the head of the enemy.


    At thest moment, the bodyguard grabbed her leg in such a way that the de only slightly pierced her chin. If he had reacted a fraction of a secondter, the de soaked in darkness would have pierced his skull and turned his brain into jelly. The pure energy will quickly dispel the darkness that has fallen under the skin, so the damage received is minimal.


    Without removing the steel grip, the man, restraining himself so as not to identally kill the target (such is the order of the master), threw the girl on the floor with such force that the entire warehouse trembled, and the surface was covered with awork of cracks. The unique body made his hands monstrously strong, fast and durable. He will release the victim¡¯s leg only if he dies!


    Meanwhile, the second bodyguard came to his senses and attacked Arpha with a rope, but the girl, as it turned out, was not even stunned, moreover, she turned around with lightning speed, almost dislocating her leg, and struck a swift blow with a dagger.


    ~CHICK~


    Bright red blood irrigated the floor of the warehouse. The royal phaser at the 3rd stage clutched his cut throat with a look of horror in his eyes. He fell to one side, where he let out a death gurgling wheeze.


    Valeera immediately struck the palm holding her leg with her dagger, but to her shock, she could only scratch it.


    ?BITCH!? ¨C the man barked and again hit the girl on the floor, this time not holding back, because he wanted to break all the bones of the she-devil for the death of a friend. Then he hit her in the gut with a huge fist.


    ~BOOOOM~


    The floor was a mess. The windows of the warehouse were blown out by the shock wave. Some of those present even fell off their feet.


    ?Kha-a-a-a!? ¨C Valeera felt as if a meteorite had crashed into her. The weapon flew out of her hands. She doubled over, unable to breathe and resist. Unbearable pain spread through his body like lightning. It seems that a rib is broken, or even several.


    Arpha is a lord phaser at the 9th stage with amazing killer skills and high-quality movement techniques from the Webers heritage. Also, the keys cleared by 99% give her an advantage over the rest of the practitioners in almost 5 stages. Considering all this, it is not surprising that the girl instantly killed the royal phaser at the 3rd stage, pretending to be stunned, however, the royal phaser at the 5th stage could also die if the sudden attack worked. s, it didn¡¯t work out. As soon as she was grabbed by the leg, the oue was predetermined.


    ?Stop! You will kill her!? ¨C Edward intervened,ing to his senses.


    Gnashing his teeth, the bodyguard grabbed the girl across the waist, then hung her over his head, squeezing the victim¡¯s limbs with his hands so that she resembled a fragile doll, ready to break in half at any second.


    Everything happened so quickly that Alexander and Bernard reacted only now. The killer sent 2 throwing knives with a wave of his hand, while the father of the two boys roared and moved to attack like an angry rhinoceros.


    ?Stop! Or I¡¯ll break her spine!? ¨C the bodyguard warned, boldly meeting two flying knives with his chest, and those, except for insignificant scratches, left nothing.


    Pale as chalk, Bernard braked and yelled: ?LET HER GO!?


    Alexander clenched his fists, trying toe up with something. The situation is as bad as possible: the monster that took Lanai hostage will single-handedly destroy their entire n! So what can be opposed to him?!


    Tymoshka and the rest of the group of people froze like rabbits in front of a boa constrictor.


    ?Bitch¡­ She killed my bodyguard¡­? ¨C Edward mumbled forlornly, clutching his head in frustration. His grandfather will definitely p him for the loss of such a valuable subordinate! The guy didn¡¯t expect to lose anyone at all! How the fuck was Arpha able to kill the royal phaser at the 3rd stage and even slightly injure the royal phaser at the 5th stage, if she is a lord phaser?! And how did she manage to develop into two difficult stages in two months?! This is absurd! Is she a genius monster?!


    ?Blood¡­ For blood¡­ Son of a bitch.? ¨C Valeera hissed, spitting blood towards the offender.


    ?Put her down!? ¨C an angry Edward immediately ordered.


    When the bully nicknamed Palms of Death obeyed, the guy, who was the lord phaser at the 6th stage, hit the head of the n on the cheek with all his might: ?Stupid bitch, how can youpare the life of two insects with a royal phaser?! Are youpletely fucked up?! I have to skin you alive for this!?


    ?Let her go! Please, let her go! We will give you all the loot!? ¨C Bernard began in such a pleading tone as if his wife were being held hostage.


    Edward furiously pointed his finger at the man: ?You fucked me up! When the master speaks, the ve is silent!? ¨C he pointed to Alexander nearby. ¨C ?Hey, you! If you want yourdy to stay alive today, break the hand of this miscarriage victim!?


    All of the members of the Silent Horror n, terrified to death, stared at the two men in shock.


    ?Who the fuck are you waiting for?! I count to five!? ¨C the enraged guy shouted hotly. ¨C ?Five! Four!?


    Bernard held out his left hand: ?Do it¡­?


    ?Three! Two! One!? ¨C Edward continued to bluff. Of course, he won¡¯t kill Arpha. She¡¯s too pretty. Such a beauty can not be finished off without using her for her intended purpose. Nevertheless, manipting idiots is always a joy.


    ~crunch~


    With the edge of his palm, Alexander broke his friend¡¯s hand in the wrist area.


    Bernard stoically endured the pain without even crying out. Now it was much more painful for him to look at the desperate expression of Arpha. She¡¯s suffering! How to save her?!


    ?Good boys, I like it.? ¨C Edward nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Valeera and gently stroked his blood-smeared cheek. ¨C ?If you¡¯ve been watching me from invisibility, you should know why I¡¯m so unhappy. Anyone in my ce would be furious! But I have treated your unforgivable crime with sufficient restraint. However, the death of the royal phaser is not so easily forgiven! The fact that I demand a proportionatepensation should not surprise you, Arpha! So, how will you pay? Any suggestions??


    Frowning contemptuously, Valeera spat again in the guy¡¯s face, and this time she hit the target: ?Die, you bastard!?


    Edward was not at all embarrassed, he calmly wiped off the bright scarlet saliva and smiled radiantly: ?I see you have no suggestions. Well, in that case, I will choose the payment method. To begin with, I propose to move to a more secluded and calm ce where no one will interfere with us. Palms of Death, we return home. Hold her tight and don¡¯t let her go.?


    ?Yes, sir.? ¨C the big man boomed and, without giving her the slightest opportunity to move, threw the girl on his shoulder and carried her to the exit.


    ?STOP!? ¨C shouted pale Tymoshka with trembling knees.


    ?LET HER GO, YOU SON OF A BITCH!? ¨C Bernard,pletely desperate, rushed into a hopeless battle.


    All members of the Silent Horror n, roaring, followed the example of the man. For the sake of their leader, they will not spare their lives.


    The royal phaser at the 5th stage, with a cold snort, sent a huge wave, more like a rampant tsunami, at the attackers with a wave of his foot.


    ~bang~


    With a crash, half of the warehouse wall was washed away along with people.


    Valeera watched with bitterness. Even at the first meeting of the ns, her intuition told her that Edward was a scum, but who would have thought that he was so filthy. That¡¯s how the day of triumph turned into a disaster. Another tragedy in her miserable life¡­

 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407


    As soon as Edward and his group of bandits crossed the threshold of the main hall and walked a little forward, the man nicknamed Palms of Death started up excitedly.


    ?Someone strong ising¡­?


    ~BANG~


    The front door literally crumbled from a powerful kick. At the end of the corridor, a figure appeared, emitting the terrifying aura of a royal phaser of the 7th stage. His face was contorted with bloodlust.


    ?Filthy thieves, DIE!? ¨C roared Stalber, throwing out his fists in front of him.


    An incredibly hot stream of me, resembling the mouth of a dragon, filled the corridor.


    All the members of the ck Star n were numb with horror. Is this what death looks like?..


    Palms of Death made a hand pass, sending a water geyser towards the me, thereby neutralizing the attack. If he did not possess the element of water, he would not be able to protect hisrades, and they would all turn into ashes!


    Valeera, whose legs were freed from the grip of a huge palm, twisted and pushed off the back of the invader, simultaneously dislocating his shoulder.


    ?A-A-A-A! BITCH!? ¨C the royal phaser at the 5th stage roared and released the girl, not because he could not hold her, but out of necessity. Now it is important to save the skin of the master and his own, and not to drag hostages! If only the trash hadn¡¯t killed a friend, they would have had a chance to escape with the master and the hostage.


    ?Damn, she¡¯s gone!? ¨C Edward swore desperately. ¨C ?Why did you let this happen?!?


    ?Your life is more important, sir!? ¨C grabbing the guy, Palms of Death rammed the wall with his shoulder and rushed to escape. It was obvious that the arrived royal phaser at the 7th stage was only the beginning. The rest of the Stalbers are on the way! To join the battle is to seek death.


    Meanwhile, Valeera poured pure energy into her broken ribs to get rid of the pain, and rushed to her subordinates. On the way, she picked up a dagger and just found Zosimos climbing out of the pit, looking around in amazement.


    Before Kyon had time to understand anything, the girl took him in her arms and rushed away from the warehouse with tremendous speed.


    Tymoshka and all the others nkly watched the head of the n holding a pot-bellied man in her arms. This sight was so strange and ridiculous that the eyes could not believe it!


    ?Lady, you have escaped!? ¨C Bernard said happily, wiping away the tears that came out.


    ?The Stalbers areing! Scatter!? ¨Cmanded Valeera, entering invisibility.


    Everything blurred in Kyon¡¯s eyes, as if he had entered the astral world. Any sounds were muffled and prolonged, like in a huge pipe.


    ?You heard the leader! Those who do not escape, they will die!? ¨C the man shouted and rushed at full speed far away. Despite the danger of the situation, he felt so relieved, as if he had been born again. Arpha freed from the clutches of the vile Edward!


    A group of the Stalbers began to surround the warehouse. The first to arrive was the strongest: the royal phaser at the 7th stage, who was already chasing Edward with a bodyguard. The next came the royal phasers at the 6th step and below. Their main task was to find a leader! After all, it was the leader who should keep the rings with the stolen loot. And the rest of the underlings will surrender as soon as they see that their leader has fallen.


    ?The leader is there!? ¨C the royal phaser at the 6th stage shouted, pointing to invisibility, and rushed in pursuit. Five more royal phasers immediately appeared behind him, but they all had the development at the 4th stage and below, so they did not keep up with the goal. Little by little, the pursuersgged behind, but at the same time did not cken their efforts, seriously intending to overtake the fleeing ones.


    {Damn!} ¨C Valeera bit her lip excitedly. She could not defeat the royal phaser at the 5th step, and this enemy is even stronger! Besides, she has a pot-bellied load in her hands! Even if Zosimos slowed her down a little, the thought of leaving him to his fate did not arise. There are two good reasons for this: the man¡¯s rings are filled with precious metals and¡­ He has amazing eyes.


    Stalber, having reduced the distance to 10 meters, threw a thick ball with nephrite inside at the fleeing thief. With a soft pop, without losing speed, it turned into a widework consisting of heavy-duty metal wire. No heat, no cold, no sharp weapons can harm thiswork.


    Without slowing down, Valeera turned 360 degrees in the jump and used one of the signature techniques with her free hand: {Thousand-leaved Darkflower!}


    The dagger in the girl¡¯s hand flickered. At one moment, a lot of the thinnest ck threads of darkness came out of it, formed into a wonderful thousand-leaved flower, which, meeting with thework, made arge hole in it.


    ?You scum¡­ You won¡¯t leave anyway!? ¨C shouted Stalber furiously, quickly approaching. When there was very little left to the target, something suddenly exploded under the feet of the pursuer. Fire, dust and even lightning enveloped half a block. The man almost immediately realized that the power of this trap was worthless, but it fulfilled its goal: distracted for a second!


    {Ah?! Where?!} ¨C the royal phaser at the 6th step was amazed, looking around. He waspletely sure that he had not stopped scanning the environment, and if so, even if the invisible thief fell through the ground, he would not lose sight of him¡­ However, he couldn¡¯t feel anything right now!


    Turning around, Stalber found an open hatch, the walls of which were obviously made of imprable material blocking the scanning. That¡¯s why he lost sight of the thief who jumped down!


    ?Bitch!? ¨C the man dived into the hatch and rushed along the underground corridor until he reached the triple fork. With a furious roar, Stalber spread his arms in different directions and released monstrous jets of cold, while he rushed forward.


    The Webers legacy helped Valeera once again. If she had engaged in a battle with that opponent, she would have lost unconditionally. One could only hope that Zosimos¡¯ loot, as well as his life, were worth the risks.


    Kyon¡¯s masculine pride was slightly hurt due to the long trip in the girl¡¯s arms. Getting to his feet, he coughed in embarrassment: ?Thank you, Lady Arpha¡­ You saved my life. I am indebted to you¡­?


    ?Don¡¯t mention it.? ¨C the killer said dryly, pulling the lever.


    Soon they found themselves in the main headquarters building, currently deserted.


    Valeera, crossing her arms over her chest and standing next to the man, looked shrewdly into his pale blue eyes: ?It was you who activated the rm, wasn¡¯t it??


    Kyon felt himself getting goosebumps under this icy gaze of bottomless ck eyes. Now it would be prudent to lie, but the girl probably already knows the truth: she felt him put his hand through the rm barrier, which triggered the signal, and as a result, the Stalbers arrived. She tests him for honesty.


    When the bandits suddenly appeared, Lovr urgently needed to act. He couldn¡¯t let the fucking bastard take Valeera. A variety of options came to mind: should he fight himself?Absurd. He, being in the middle of the superior stage (3.4), barely overcame even Dina, who was the lord phaser at the 2nd stage (5,2). And he would never have defeated the royal phaser at the 5th stage (6,5). He didn¡¯t really want to be a whipping boy¡­ should he call Eve and Le? No. They are far away, sleeping, and they do not know how to fight. Their speed is low because they do not know the sticking technique yet. Use a pulse rifle? Also no. Uselessly. As it turned out even among the dwarfs, the striking factor of this weapon is a ready-to-attack lord phaser at the beginning stage, or an unprepared lord phaser at the finishing stage. However, the royal phaser at the 1st stage, even when sleeping, will not receive significant damage.


    The most realistic option came to mind: call the Stalbers! Only they could force Palms of Death to let the girl go, and she just had her amazing invisibility and, judging by the careful preparation for the operation, the ways to retreat. Well, he would say that he was working undercover. That¡¯s why he touched the signal barrier, activating the silent rm.


    In the end, everything turned out in the best way: Valeera escaped from Edward and left the chase with him! Is it luck? It depends on how you look at it.


    Zosimos guiltily lowered his gaze: ?I¡¯m sorry, Lady¡­ I couldn¡¯t let that thug take you away. Only the Stalbers gave us a small chance to escape. You are the head of the n, and without you we are like without hands, just an unorganized rabble. I put the n members, including myself, in danger just for your sake. If you want to kill me as a punishment, then¡­ Then¡­ I will ept it¡­? ¨C the man¡¯s voice trembled. There were tears in his eyes, and his palms were tightly squeezing something.


    Valeera held out her hand: ?Show me.?


    Kyon put a pocket watch in a gentle feminine palm.


    Opening the item, the head of the n saw the image of two incredibly beautiful girls: {Daughters? How beautiful they are¡­} ¨C the very thought that such lovely creatures would be orphans, abandoned to the mercy of a merciless fate, made her heart ache painfully. Zosimos reminded her of her father, which made Valeera involuntarily project herself into the ce of one of the girls, and this made it quite sad. Kill a single father for trying to save her? Doom the children to orphanhood? It¡¯s out of the question.


    With a soft sigh, the killer returned the watch and shook her head: ?It¡¯s all right. There¡¯s nothing to punish you for. Without me, the n will really cease to exist. Even more: I¡¯m the one who should thank you for risking your life for me. Thanks.?


    Kyon looked up, full of respect and relief. Suddenly he shuddered with concern: ?Lady, your wounds¡­ How do you feel??


    It seemed strange to Valeera that Zosimos¡¯ disy of concern was perceived by her without any irritation. With Bernard, for example, everything is different. And when Tymoshka is worried, for some reason she ispletely disgusted. She couldn¡¯t understand what the reason was.


    ?Everything is fine. They will heal in two days.? ¨C the girl took out and swallowed a medicinal pill, then took out an object that looked like a mirror.


    {Mercury mirror?} ¨C Kyon guessed at once. Martin used the same in the mine. All the ves, on which the search formation was imposed, were disyed as dots on the mirror, so that their location was easily determined.


    This means that when he officially joins the n, the same will be imposed on him, and then the path to the department is forbidden to him: {Or not?} ¨C he already had ideas on how to cheat the formation. Yes, perhaps there is nothing to worry about. He wille up with something.


    ~rustle~


    There was a muffled sound of an opening passage.


    Bernard ran into the room. When he found the head of the n, he fell to his knees next to her with wet eyes: ?L-Lady, you have escaped! What happiness! I¡¯m so d! I was so worried about you! Are you all right? Oh my god! Your wounds! They need to be treated!?


    ?Stop it!? ¨C Valeera cut off coldly. She understood why she didn¡¯t like Bernard¡¯s care: there was too much guardianship and heartbreaking anxiety! He treats her like his wife: a fragile helpless girl. It¡¯s almost insulting.


    ?Excuse me¡­ Are you really feeling well?? ¨C the man asked cautiously.


    ?For practitioners of my level, such wounds are no worse than a bruise.? ¨C she waved away.


    Bernard breathed a sigh of relief and, busily picking himself up, asked: ?What is the situation??


    Valeera, looking at the device, answered gloomily: ?We have lost contact with ten people.?


    ?What a horror¡­ Is Alexander among them??


    ?No. Seven bandits and three murderers.? ¨C there was relief in the girl¡¯s voice. The value of people recruited from various small gangs is much lower than that of time-tested murderers.


    Soon Alexander entered the room, followed by Tymoshka in new pants.


    After a short conversation, Valeera interlocked her fingers in the lock and got down to business: ?The appearance of Edward with his gang is not an ident. He knew about our operation, so he was properly prepared for my capture. Someone told them about our ns. There is a traitor among us!?


    ?A traitor?! Who dared¡­? ¨C Bernard snorted with his nose, like a bull before a dash.


    Alexander stared thoughtfully at the floor.


    Tymoshka thoughtfully scratched the back of his head, cleared his throat and said: ?Lady Arpha, besides you, only three people knew about the operation, and all of them, including me, were tested by time and deed. All the rest, working as loaders, did not know about the uing events until thest moment, and especially that the head of the n would be with us. I don¡¯t want to sound unfounded, but isn¡¯t the answer obvious? Zosimos is to me!?


    Everyone once again stared at the pot-bellied man in disbelief. Bernard¡¯s gaze was particrly suspicious.


    Kyon could hardly resist the furious curses. He really wanted to knock out all the kid¡¯s teeth!

 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408


    Kyon shrugged his shoulders and began to overwhelm his opponents with retaliatory arguments: ?At first nce, it sounds logical, but there are several inconsistencies: I was woken up at 1 am; I had no idea where and why I was being led; there was no tail behind me, there were no formations and I could not contact anyone either, Alexander will confirm this. And anyway, why do I need all this??


    Tymoshka crossed his arms, desperately trying to think of something else to cling to.


    Bernard thoughtfully rubbed the stubble on his chin, and Alexander nodded in agreement.


    Valeera trusted the killer more than anyone else in the world, and he certainly would not have made a mistake when following the man, and if we consider that Zosimos recently risked his life by this act giving her a chance to escape, doubts disappearpletely.


    {But who else could have done it?} ¨C Valeera wondered. Alexander has long proven his loyalty. Tymoshka dotes on her, as well as Bernard with his impable reputation and iron motives not to betray. They would not do such contradictory acts. Is it really one of the 20 movers? Say, someone promised Edward a meeting with Arpha for money¡­ Anyway, something does not add up: before the operation, they were checked for the absence of sound transmitters and alien formations, besides, they had no idea how important the uing task was, and especially they could not know that the head of the n would be present there!


    ?Remind me, old man, why the hell are you carrying teleportation trigrams with you?? ¨C Tymoshka finally found something to find fault with.


    Everyone once again stared suspiciously at the bald man.


    Kyon smiled bitterly: ?You won¡¯t believe it: I bought them in Dantes, believing that I could smuggle the goods! I had to pay dearly for my stupidity. Didn¡¯t I tell you where my debts came from? Didn¡¯t I tell you why I had to sell my parents¡¯ inheritance and even my own mansion? Well now you know the answer.?


    ?It sounds somehow strained¡­ There¡¯s something you¡¯re not telling us, old man!? ¨C Tymoshka said.


    ?The question is closed.? ¨C Valeera said coldly. ¨C ?Zosimos, show the results of your work.?


    ?With great pleasure!? ¨C Kyon took out a bag with rings and began to empty them one by one. Piles of bars formed on the floor: silver, gold and tinum. Huge piles!


    Two men and a guy dropped their jaws. The n head¡¯s eyes widened.


    Having emptied thest ring, Lovr proudly said: ?I collected all the bars to thest! I didn¡¯t leave a single one. The entire storeroom of precious metals is in front of you.? ¨C in fact, the guy could not physically leave the storeroom uncleaned to thest bar, otherwise he would wake up in cold sweat for the rest of his life.


    ?There¡­ There is two hundred million worth of precious metal! God, there¡¯s so much! This is ten times more than we will get from the sale of the rest of the loot!? ¨C Bernard moaned, gasping for air. He practically had no doubts about Zosimos¡¯ motives. He definitely wishes Arpha well! He proactively figured out how to get into the storeroom and cleaned it out¡­ The investigator wouldn¡¯t do that!


    ?Well, Lady, is my contribution worthy of your praise?? ¨C Kyon smiled confidently, looking with interest into the girl¡¯s eyes, clear as mountainkes, shining with greed.


    ?This is¡­ really¡­ impressive!? ¨C said Valeera impressively with raised eyebrows. Her opinion of Zosimos has just grown significantly. However, in just one night, the man was transformed from a ¡°suspicious recruit¡± into a golden boar of prosperity, a favorite pet of the mythical demon of greed, from which, ording to rumors, the name of the famous trade guild came! And there are enough reasons for that: he saved her from Edward; he did not allow Tymoshka to fail the whole operation when he almost activated a hidden rm; he found a storeroom of precious metals and came up with a way to get there; and now, as it turned out, he alone extracted resources much more resources than all the othersbined!


    Valeera¡¯s grateful look made Kyon happy. Unfortunately, the girl never smiled. He doubted that she generally knows how to smile and sincerely enjoy life. Perhaps the maximum that she is capable of is to feel fleeting satisfaction from the work done¡­ It¡¯s kind of sad.


    Meanwhile, Tymoshka¡¯s throat was dry with burning envy. He wanted to cry and scream. If only Lanai had told him ¨C ?This is¡­ really¡­ impressive!? ¨C with the same look and tone, he would have soared to the heavens from euphoria! If he told himself yesterday that he would be jealous of his beloved for a pot-bellied bald old man, he would have died ofughter!


    Alexander and Bernard patted Zosimos respectfully on the shoulder.


    Valeera nodded: ?I¡¯m happy with the result. Bernard, your task is to recalcte the cost of all the metal and make the necessary preparations. The ck market is in a week, you know.?


    The man bowed slightly: ?I¡¯ll start right now.?


    ?Lady!? ¨C Tymoshka eximed hysterically. ¨C ?You shouldn¡¯t say such things in front of a suspicious person! Maybe it¡¯s his fault for Edward¡¯s appearance! Maybe he¡¯s an undercover investigator at all!?


    ?Oh yes?, ¨C the girl remembered, looking at the pot-bellied man, ¨C ?Zosimos, you are epted. From now on, you are part of the Silent Horror n, congrattions!?


    Tymoshka looked as if he had swallowed a huge slug. His words were ignored!


    Bernard shook his friend¡¯s hand firmly: ?Congrattions, Zosimos! Don¡¯t do anything stupid, and you will achieve a lot! Now you are part of our family, remember this.?


    Alexander nodded, also shaking the man¡¯s hand: ?Congrattions on joining our n, newbie.?


    ?Thank you. I am d to be a part of a big family.?


    Valeera knew the main reason why Zosimos decided to get involved in a criminal syndicate, so she decided to thank him for his work not with a word, but with money: ?By the way, you will receive your share as soon as we sell the metal on the ck market.?


    ?Lady Arpha, why do you say that?!? ¨C Tymoshka could not stand it. ¨C ?He¡¯s only been with us for two hours, and you¡¯ve already taken him into the n and promised a share! He does not deserve anything like that, because the task was a test! You nned it from the beginning to the end, and he will get money for it?! We are still not sure that he was not involved in the appearance of Edward! Please, be careful, do not take a stranger into your family so soon! Extend his probation period for another six months or a year!?


    Valeera slowly turned to the boy and said in an icy tone: ?Tymoshka, since when have you be so insolent that you allow yourself to question the words of the head of the n??


    ?I¡­ I did it with the best intentions¡­? ¨C the frightened young man pitifully justified himself. This was the first time Lanai spoke to him in such a frightening tone.


    ?Your best intentions are crossing the line. If you want your words to have weight, earn this right by doing. Today Zosimos has brought a hundred times more benefits than you have ever done in the n! And that¡¯s not to mention the fact that he stopped you from activating the rm! From now on, think carefully before using Zosimos, otherwise, expect a serious punishment.? ¨C the girl snapped, deciding to put the impudent man in his ce.


    Tymoshka hastily shut his mouth and pressed his head into his shoulders. Lanai¡¯s intonation, gaze, and heart-chilling aura were truly terrifying. It seemed as if he was no longer her subordinate, but an outsider! As if this disgusting man is much more important to her! But he loves her! He does everything for her! But now the guy doesn¡¯t even have the right to condemn Zosimos! It¡¯s so unfair¡­ With the appearance of this old fart, everything goes to hell¡­ And what will happen in the future if the old man bes an important figure in the n? What will he do with the one who beat him at the first meeting?..


    ?What is the ck market?? ¨C Kyon asked as if nothing had happened.


    ?Bernard, tell the newbie the basics.? ¨C asked Valeera, elegantly crossing her slender legs.


    ?Shadow ns have a set of rules: do not vite territorial borders; do not deceive the organizers and ns in any case; attend meetings of n heads; forget about all disagreements while being in ?buffer zones?, which include the ck market, auction and meeting ces of n heads. For vition of any of the rules, a proportionate punishment follows, up to depriving the n of all privileges.?


    ?The ck market is the dark heart of the capital, where n members and other not particrlyw-abiding individuals sell and buy illegal goods: drugs, ves, information and much more¡­ There you can sell the loot to buyers without risks, but at a low price. The market is held about once every three months, and the next one is in a week. The heads of the ns receive the address, and then dispose of the information at their discretion. The security of the market is rtively low, so the heads of the ns do note there. At least,st time, Lady Arpha and I didn¡¯t find anyone important there.?


    ?What does ¡°receive the address¡± mean? Aren¡¯t the ns the organizers of the market??


    ?No¡­ It is impossible to say exactly who the organizers are, but there are versions that the Golden Pig trade guild is involved. They are the ones who are looking for profit in everything and everyone.?


    ?I see¡­ That sounds reasonable.? ¨C Kyon agreed.


    ?However, the ck market is not even close to an underground auction, a mastodon of the criminal world. Rumors say that they sell really unique things there. Once a year, the most prominent criminal authorities of Dantes gather there. It, by the way, will be held in about a month. The exact time and address are kept secret until thest day. The highest security measures allow even the most important members of the n to safely attend the auction.?


    ?In addition to the market and auction, the heads of ns are required to attend meetings every six months. The absence will be considered as a deration of war to all ns. There, the n leaders share the most important news and information, discuss ns and much more. Two months ago, Arpha and I attended one. The heads of the ns appreciated the abilities and potential of mydy, and also took into ount the words of Edward, thanks to which she officially registered her n.?


    ?Did Edward influence the decision?? ¨C Kyon frowned, suspecting something was wrong.


    Valeera frowned and turned away with a gloomy look.


    The man said dryly: ?Nothing special. He simply said that he would enjoy watching the sess of the first female shadow n leader.?


    ?Then why the hell did he attack us?!? ¨C Kyon blurted out.


    ?God knows what¡¯s going on in his sick, unbnced brain¡­ But we will not leave it that way. Lady, how are we going to act against him?? ¨C Bernard asked.


    ?We will wait for the meeting of the heads of the ns and resolve the situation peacefully. The ck Star n will pay us fullpensation.? ¨C the girl calmly replied, carefully suppressing her bloodlust.


    At the moment, Arpha is not yet influential enough in the world of shadow ns. She is obliged to follow their concepts and rules, just like snakes, which do not use their venom against their rtives. Therefore, it would be right to do the following: at the next n meeting, use the guy of active activity on someone else¡¯s territory, killing two of her subordinates and trying to steal loot, and then the ck Star n will be obliged to paypensation, irreparably ckening its reputation at the same time. Thus, Edward¡¯s act will turn against him tenfold.


    ?I can¡¯t wait for the scheduled date.? ¨C Bernard said impatiently and continued. ¨C ?Since mydy ¡°officially¡± founded the n, she has received the same rights and privileges as the other ns. If someone brazenly vites the rules, like, for example, Edward, that is, goes against the charter of the shadow ns, then his own people will eat him with pleasure, because reputation is most important for the ns.?


    ?Among other things, Lady Arpha needs to pay rent for the acquired territory, and to redeem it in the future. The proceeds from today¡¯s loot should be just enough. This will be a weighty argument at the meeting of the heads of the ns.?


    Kyon asked: ?And what will happen if you do notply with all these obligations? Why would anyone pay anything at all andply with any charters there? After all, we are essentially criminals, and we don¡¯t care aboutws and regtions!?


    Valeera answered dispassionately: ?In one year of illegal activity, I earned less than two months since the creation of the n, and this is without taking into ount today¡¯s operation.?


    Bernard added: ?It is extremely difficult to conduct activities on the territory of a foreign n: a low reputation in the criminal world makes itself felt, stiflingpetition and eternal skirmishes. In addition, it is impossible to get to the ck market and auction. Lady Arpha had no choice but to found a n.?


    ?I see.? ¨C Lovr nodded. He understood that the girl had nopetition in Boston, but here she had to y by someone else¡¯s rules. At least until she bes strong. What does she n to do in the future? He would like to know.


    Valeera rose gracefully from her chair: ?Now you are part of our family, Zosimos. In a week you will go with us to the ck market, it is very likely that your dubious skills as a trader will be useful. Bernard will inform you about the details.?


    Kyon bowed deeply: ?Thank you, Lady Arpha. I won¡¯t let you down.?


    ?I¡¯m d to hear it. Alexander, help Zosimos with the formation. The meeting is now over.?


    Three men and the guy said goodbye to thedy and to each other.


    This ended the meeting.

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409


    Early morning.


    A guy with long bangs entered the office of the head of the ck Star n.


    A thin old man with sparse gray hair on his head sat in a chair with his hands folded in a lock. His face and gaze inexplicably inspired fear, giving the impression that their owner was an extremely immoral, even terrible person.


    However, the first impression is unmistakable. The head of the ck Star n is a very vicious person, and everyone in the world of shadow ns knows about it. For example, he killed his own son, does not disdain punishing the guilty with torture, and sometimes he is happy to kill a dozen souls with special cruelty if they got in the way of his n.


    ?Little cunt, where were you hanging outst night?!? ¨C Isaac almost growled.


    ?Grandpa¡­? ¨C Edward swallowed nervously. ¨C ?I¡­ I just wanted to visit Arpha, but she wasn¡¯t in the mood for conversation, and¡­?


    ?So you¡¯re seriously trying to convince me that a slut who is a lord phaser killed the royal phaser at the third stage?!? ¨C Isaac said in a sinister tone.


    ?She¡¯s too strong¡­ Excessively strong!? ¨C the guy replied in a trembling voice. He did not expect that everything would turn out this way. Every royal phaser counts, and any loss significantly affects the overall strength of the n. If the grandfather punishes him, there is nothing to be surprised about.


    ?Is the lord phaser at the finishing stage strong?! For you ¨C yes, but not for the royal phaser at the third stage! I gave you two bodyguards, so that you don¡¯t die in the alleyway while you are drinking until you lose consciousness, and yet you lost one of them?!? ¨C the old man was angry.


    ?I didn¡¯t know that she¡­? ¨C the grandson made excuses.


    ?Since when did you start lying so brazenly to your grandfather¡¯s face?! Come clean, or I¡¯ll cut off your finger!? ¨C Isaac shouted, releasing the oppressive pressure of the royal phaser at the finishing stage.


    Edward clenched his fists and stared at the floor until he had the courage to look the head of the n in the eyes: ?Grandpa, this bitch has developed two steps in two months! And the quality of her power goes beyond any reasonable limits! Damn it, listen to me! If we let everything take its course, in a year or two your skull will adorn her office!?


    The old man¡¯s expression froze into a terrible, imprable mask, after which he chuckled approvingly: ?Unlike your father, you have the courage necessary for the future head of the n, however, a lie will not be true because of the courage alone. At least, not for me.?


    ?I¡¯m not lying!? ¨C the guy protested.


    ?Palms of death, enter the office.? ¨C Isaac ordered calmly.


    Edward¡¯s bodyguard entered the office and knelt in front of the old man. At the request of the head of the n, he told about everything that happened at night: from Edward¡¯s n and the invasion of the warehouse, to the loss of the royal phaser at the 3rd stage and the appearance of the Stalbers.


    The guy¡¯s face turned white.


    After listening to the end, the old man thoughtfully leaned his forehead on his intertwined fingers. He was not a fool and understood that if Arpha is talented not only as a leader and manager, but also as a practitioner, then in less than two years, at the next meeting of the heads of the ns she will bend everyone over: either kill them or force them to work for her. To be under the wing of a piece of trash that came from nowhere? Work for a woman? No. This is not going to happen!


    After a long silent pause, the n head said: ?Your act is worthy of serious punishment¡­ However, as a result, it brought important information, so you are lucky.?


    Edward looked like he was relieved: ?Then how will we act??


    ?Obviously, we¡¯ll kill her.? ¨C Isaac said casually, as if he was talking about taking out garbage.


    ?Wait!? ¨C the guy shouted excitedly. ¨C ?I really like Arpha¡­ I have never met such talented beauties, and even with a character! Grandpa, please don¡¯t kill her! Let¡¯s do something else¡­ Let¡¯s kidnap her and suppress her powers! Let¡¯s enve her! Let¡¯s turn her into an ordinary weak girl with some kind of suppressive formation!? ¨C he offered enthusiastically. He really wanted to live with such a beautiful girl as a servant.


    ?Emotions¡­ Sympathy¡­ Affection¡­ Love¡­ Bullshit!? ¨C Isaac spat out contemptuously. ¨C ?All these feelings are nothingpared to power and authority. The well-being of the n is what you should be worried about.?


    ?I understand this, but try to understand me too! My feelings are not empty words! Let your grandson take possession of Arpha, and then I will use all my strength and will to be the best n leader in the world! I will not let you down!? ¨C Edward said confidently.


    ?Do you remember why I killed your father with my own hands??


    ?Yes, he went against the interests of the n¡­ He betrayed us.?


    ?Not really. When one bastard killed your mom, Leo went crazy, and he took revenge on the ?buffer zone?. He vited the charter of the shadow ns, thereby practically dering war on everyone else. If I had not defiantly executed him at the meeting and had not paidpensation, our n would have ceased to exist. Love for a woman ruined him, and I was only trying to save our family business.?


    Edward sighed convulsively: ?But what does Arpha have to do with it? I don¡¯t love her¡­?


    ?You are emotionally attached to her ¨C that¡¯s what matters. The head of the n must forget about any sympathy for women, otherwise it willter turn against him, as in the case of Leo. That¡¯s why I let you sow your wild oats before growing up. Since you like Arpha so much, I will make you stop liking her.? ¨C Isaac grinned ominously, like a maniac who has found a new victim.


    ?And what do you suggest, grandpa? After killing her, I will not draw any conclusions¡­?


    ?That¡¯s right, you won¡¯t. We¡¯ll grab Arpha. I¡¯ll let you try the girl¡¯s flesh inside and out, in all holes, as you wish, and then the dogs will take the baton.?


    ?What?!? ¨C Edward stared at the old man in amazement. The guy¡¯s heart almost stopped at what he heard.


    ?I said that after you, the dogs will fuck Arpha, and then we will disfigure it with torture. I will make any thought of her disgusting to you. You must understand by a living example that women¡¯s beauty, inessibility, pride, honor and nobility are worthless. Anyway, they are all just holes in the meat, imagining that their pussy is worth more than gold. The truth is that only those who have the strength, power and influence decide the fate of the rest: whether you will be untouched or fucked by dogs. This will serve as a lesson to you, after which no whore in the world will ever stupefy my grandson¡¯s head again. This is the only way for you to be the perfect head of the n, Edward.?


    ?But I don¡¯t want¡­? ¨C the guy began almost desperately.


    ?And I don¡¯t give a fuck. Choose: either we will kill her immediately, or as I said.? ¨C Isaac said categorically. He has enough problems without that. Some masked bitch who thinks she¡¯s a superhero destroys important profitable points.


    ¡­


    In the morning, after breakfast with the girls, Alexander contacted Kyon and organized a meeting with the n formacist, as it turned out, of the 6th rank, like Franz.


    After the application procedure, Lovr recognized its functions by the amount of energy inside the formation: transmitting a position signal, as well as a built-in rm button, when activated, the formation dissipates without a trace and sends a signal. However, he was informed about this directly. No pitfalls, like wiretapping, were found.


    Kyon returned to the room and asked the girls to prepare for a trip out of the city, and in the meantime he estimated all possible options for deceiving the formation. By andrge, there are only two of them: to hide or fake the signal source.


    In the first case, he can close it with a barrier that he learned before the abduction and re-envement of Juno. However, are there many ces in Dantes where there is a barrier blocking the signal? No. Therefore, it will be too suspicious.


    The second option remains: to fake the signal source. The simplest solution would be to create an exact copy of the formation in nephrite, but for this it is necessary to get all the information from the formacist, which, s, is impossible without ckmail. What remains? Elementary! He can teleport the formation outward along with a piece of flesh! And then those who follow him will mistakenly confuse the meat piece with himself.


    Kyon had already used this method on da, escaping from the Grand Pce. However, then he made a cut with Synergy, fearing that the queen would ?hear? the sound of teleportation.


    Sighing, Lovr enveloped the formation slot with darkness and light. With a slight green glow, a piece of flesh, consisting of vessels and meat, appeared on the hand. He disinfected him, encased it in quartz and put it in his pocket.


    Soon Zosimos with Eve and Le went to the take-off site.


    When the trio together with the coachman were in the sky, Le impatiently asked: ?And now exin to me why you forbade us to ask questions and why we fly on a bird instead of training?!?


    ?I won¡¯t lie. There is a small chance that an invisible person is watching your dad, and if he finds out about your power, I may even be killed!?


    ?Oh my god!? ¨C Eve was frightened.


    ?Are you kidding us?!? ¨C Le was amazed.


    ?I¡¯m not in the mood for jokes. Your dad has a very dangerous job.?


    ?What kind of job?!? ¨C Eve asked immediately, longing to know the answer.


    ?I can¡¯t say. In any case, in order not to arouse suspicion, we will train no more than twice a week.? ¨C Kyon dered. He would like to do it more often, but this is too suspicious. If he does not teach the girls how to use energy in three weeks, they will never be the powerful bodyguards that he dreamed of from the first day of their ?acquaintance?. They can¡¯t train in the city because of the empress, and demons may appear outside. At least, the horned ones will not get into Dantes.


    ?Tell me at least who¡¯s watching you! Maybe I¡¯ll beat him up! I¡¯m strong¡­?


    ?Honey, if someone is watching me, it¡¯s an ally.? ¨C Zosimos smiled sourly.


    ?That is, I can¡¯t beat him up, can I?? ¨C Le concluded, annoyed.


    ?No, you can¡¯t.? ¨C answered Kyon.


    {An ally who can kill dad just because he is hiding something?} ¨C Eve frowned thoughtfully. Now she wanted to know even more about his work!


    Kyon was afraid that it was not Alexander who was following him, but Valeera. Given how careful she is, this is possible, although unlikely. The n to ensure the necessary safety is as follows: he and the girls fly along a certain route, where the grass is tall, and any invisible pursuer is easy to notice. Then hends on the spot for training, and the coachman continues to fly in circles riding the bird until the evening with a piece of flesh (formation and bait in one) on board.


    Flying over the tall grass, Lovr did not detect any pursuit. Although it would be quite strange if the head of the n started running after a flying bird instead of calmly watching the mercury mirror from the headquarters.


    Four days passed unnoticed. There were three days left before visiting the ck market.


    Another training session outside the city wasing to an end.


    The girls had some sess inpleting the tasks given by their father. Eve learned to move the canals a little, and Le just felt them. That is, they moved to the 4th and 3rd stages, respectively, out of 5 prepared for them by Zosimos.


    Just before leaving, Kyon felt his soul make a light p. How nice it is to develop a soul! ¡°Oop!¡±, and in a moment you became stronger than your former self by almost a third. The amazing world of power.


    Under the influence of the medicine of elerating development, it took only 9 days for Lovr to move from the 5th to the 6th stage of the superior phase. Given the fact that he did not train as often and as hard as he would like, the speed is mind-blowing so much that he began to worry: what should he do when Valeera asks a natural question ¨C why did a fifty-year-old man begin to develop at such a monstrous pace without any reason?


    This was not the only good news: Kyon received a delivery from Horace and the dwarfs! With the help of ckmail, he received one million keys of the superior phase from the patriarch of the Clintons, and one copy of the master (4) level of the Earth element from Gimli. Is it worth talking about their value? On the whole, at best, 100 people have mastered them! They are so valuable and rare that they can hardly be found even in the treasury of the Russells. If the imperial family of Saturn (the Walders) found out that the dwarfs have a master level of Earth, they would definitely take it away by force, because it¡¯s not good for some bearded dwarfs to have such legendary things.


    Returning to the city, Kyon and the girls went to their favorite cafe, and then, on the way to the hotel, at the beginning of the street, they noticed a group of men who looked like bandits approaching them with evil grimaces on their faces.


    ?Dad, I¡¯m scared¡­? ¨C Eve whispered in fright.


    ?The brawlers arepletely out of line!? ¨C Le said itpetently, having learned such words from somewhere.


    Kyon with the girls hurriedly turned into a dark alley and elerated, but another small gang of pursuers jumped out in front, while the previous group blocked the passage from behind.


    ?Well, well, are these the girls you were talking about, Romeo?? ¨C asked the leader of the bandits, grinning with chipped gold teeth. He was covered with gold rings and tattoos, the most powerful of those present: a noble phaser at the middle stage.


    A short-haired blond guy appeared from behind the man: ?Yes, Mr. To. As we agreed, take the one with the dark hair, and leave the blonde for me.?

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410


    Romeo lost everything: money, friends, home and work that anyone can only dream of, and all because of the insane unrequited love for Eve, which led him to try to kidnap the girl from the family. The thoughts of suicide against the background of indescribable self-loathing increasingly visited the guy sitting in a prison cell for attempted kidnapping, when suddenly he was released without any exnation.


    For several days, Romeo wandered about the city, lost, thinking hard about what to do with the little fairy, but after what he had done, the path to the girl¡¯s heart was obviously closed to him. Only illegal, immoral methods remain. It was not possible to resist thoughts about them. The guy wanted to be with his beloved so much that in the end he decided to go for a desperate act: he turned to the bandits with a request. He will help them rob the rich man and, in addition, take his pretty daughter with dark hair as payment, and he will take the one with light hair. It¡¯s a terrible act, but unrequited love is even more terrible.


    Seeing a familiar face, Eve cried out: ?Romeo?!?


    ?I¡¯m sorry, my love¡­ But in order to hug and kiss you every day, I am ready to do anything!? ¨C said the guy with an insane gleam in his eyes.


    Zosimos shouted angrily: ?You son of a bitch, how dare you set these bastards on us?!?


    ?Hey, old man, who did you call bastards, huh?! Now, fell to your knees in front of the boss!? ¨C apparently the right hand of the leader boldly ordered.


    Le finally understood what was going on: ?Stop, stop, wait a second! So a psychopath who is in love with my little sister decided to sell me and my dad to these brawlers?! Say, he can¡¯t do it himself, so he called others to help?! Oh my god, I can¡¯t believe it! Are there really such sick people?!? ¨C the girl smiled broadly. She wasn¡¯t really afraid of the consequences, not at all, she rather really wanted to try out her strength! And at the same time show her dad that he is making a mistake bymunicating with her without proper respect.


    ?Oh, what a charming voice¡­ Baby, fulfill my request, take off your veil and show your face!? ¨C the leader named To grinned, exposing his golden teeth.


    ?No! I want to y you with my fists, not my beauty!? ¨C the girl said confidently, stretching her shoulders, mentally preparing for the fight.


    ?What a brave one! I like you! Ah-ha-ha!? ¨C mockinglyughed To.


    The group of bandits gradually approached.


    Eve hugged her sister tightly, looking around fearfully.


    Le rolled up her sleeves, wailing defiantly: ?Come on, you nasty goblins, attack at least all at once! I¡¯m not afraid of you!? ¨C she was very worried, although it was not noticeable. Her knees were shaking with fear. For the first time she will have to fight seriously, and even with such uglies.


    Being surrounded by quite strong bandits, Kyon was more worried not even about safety, but about the fact that now someone invisible could watch him from the side. However, this is hardly possible. So, what are the options? To hope for salvation by Valeera; to let Le beat (not without killing) the bandits; to show the formation of belonging to the Silent Horror n; to act independently ording to the situation.


    Anyway, all the options have both pros and cons. However, now there is nothing more important for Lovr than to get the girls attached to him more tightly. Having revealed to them the rotten essence of human nature, he will seem to them the best father in the world after meeting with such garbage! As for oveing the inner fear of opponents ¨C they will have time.


    ?Eve, Le, although your dad told you to always wear veils, now I ask you to make a minute exception.? ¨C Kyon whispered.


    ?But I wanted to win by force, not beauty!? ¨C Le was indignant.


    ?On the count of ?three? take off your veils. One¡­ Two¡­ Three!?


    As soon as the girls took off their veils, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The bandits stopped. The smiles on their faces disappeared, and their jaws dropped. Their eyes bulged. They¡¯ve never seen anyone more beautiful¡­ In a life overflowing with dirt, they happened to see goddesses! These delicate outlines of faces, pure snow-white skin, silk hair and striking green and burgundy eyes, as if belonging to beings from the higher world¡­


    ?Oh holy heavens¡­ How beautiful they are!? ¨C the bandit leader muttered in fascination, not believing what he saw. Only a minuteter he managed to take his eyes off the beauties. He looked at the aplice and asked coldly. ¨C ?Kid, did you want to take the one with the blonde hair??


    ?Y-yes, Mr. To¡­? ¨C Romeo nodded excitedly with hidden hope.


    ?Are youpletely fucked up, or what, you little shit?!? ¨C shouted To furiously, grabbing the guy by the neck.


    ?Eh?!? ¨C the blond man was amazed, not understanding anything.


    ?How dare you ask for such a thing?! Who the fuck are you to be worthy of at least one hair of thisdy, huh?!? ¨C he man growled, like a mad animal. From his point of view, the boy asks for half of the priceless loot! We can¡¯t leave it like this!


    The light in Romeo¡¯s eyes went out. The guy felt like he was being consumed by primordial despair. How could he be so naive that he believed that the bandits would give him his beloved?! A naive fool whose feelings have clouded his brain¡­ And now the dirty bastards will get the one he dotes on, to be torn to pieces?! The very thought of it took his breath away. Regret was tearing his soul. The tears didn¡¯t stop flowing.


    ~boom~


    With a strong blow to the face, To knocked out a dozen teeth from the impudent man.


    ?A-a-ae-eh-eh-hh¡­? ¨C groaned Romeo, unable to utter a word.


    ~boom~ ~boom~


    With two more blows, both of the blond man¡¯s eyes were swollen with blood.


    ?O-oaa-a-aeeo-o-oh¡­? ¨C the beaten man howled intively, without resisting.


    ~boom~


    The final blow in the gut sent Romeo¡¯s body into the wall, where he slumped, like a limp doll. If the guy now sees Eve¡¯s desperate look, he will definitely go crazy. After what he sentenced his beloved to, it will not be enough for him to spend eternity in a cauldron with boiling oil. He only wanted to die as soon as possible after what he had done.


    Eve screamed and covered her face with her hands in horror.


    ?It serves you right, you fool!? ¨C Le quipped, wincing with disgust.


    Kyon cracked his neck: ?Well, since everyone has learned their lesson, it¡¯s time to finish the farce. Eve, Le, please close your eyes and ears.? ¨C having finished, he abruptly elerated towards the leader of the bandits and, taking out his sword, boldly swung at his shoulder, at thest moment weighing down the weapon from 500 kilograms to 2 tons.


    ?Oh you¡­? ¨C To took out his sword and put a block from a primitive swing. Considering the speed and size of the opponent¡¯s sword, he decided to spare no energy for defense.


    ~crunch~


    Not a single bandit expected what happened: the man¡¯s blow was so powerful that itpletely broke through the protection of their leader, and, falling on his shoulder, cut him to the very sternum. The sound of breaking bones and tearing tendons reached everyone present. It was easy to see the internal organs of To.


    No one had time to understand anything, while Zosimos, like a fierce hog, rushed into battle.


    Le already regretted that she hadn¡¯t closed her eyes right away, like Eve. Her father killed a man with a single blow! He suppressed him with a superior force, as an elephant would have suppressed an ant! For the first time since the very beginning of their unusual acquaintance, the girl was so afraid of the man that her knees were shaking. He¡¯s a monster! And he, fortunately, is her father.


    ?We can¡¯t beat him! Take the girls hostage!? ¨C one of the bandits shouted and ran away.


    Eve curled up in a ball from fear, and pale Le dared to open her eyes. The three terrifying bandits were rapidly approaching! Come on, hands, obey! One blow, and they are defeated! But she never managed to move. Too scary!


    ?Hands off my daughters!? ¨C Kyon roared,nding from somewhere above and cutting all three attackers in half with a powerful horizontal swing.


    From now on, Le will have nightmares about this shocking sight. Their father is ready to tear people apart for their sake! He is not afraid of lightning or mes! Here it is, a demonstration of his love for them. His feelings were felt so strongly that the pixie could not help but admire it. However, she couldn¡¯t stop being afraid too. First time she saw the murder of a man.


    Half a minuteter, more than half of the bandits fled, and the rest turned into piles of meat. The dark alley was filled with a thick stench of entrails, but not a single drop of blood fell on Eve and Le¡¯s favorite dresses. The girls, trembling, hugged each other with tightly closed eyes.


    For Lovr, these bandits did not pose a danger, it was easy for him to defeat even the leader, who was a noble phaser at the 5th stage (4,5). Nine stages of difference are too small for him to feel threatened. He is not afraid even of opponents 15 stages higher.


    Kyon and the girls hurriedly left the alley. He tried to calm them down with a kind word, and even stroked Le on the head, but she seemed to be more afraid of him than of the bloody spectacle. After five minutes, the daughters more or less came to their senses.


    Lovr dragged Romeo by the scruff of the neck and leaned him against the wall.


    Through a narrow gap in his numb blue eyelids, the guy saw three people he knew well. When he discovered that Eve was safe and sound, an excessively heavy load fell from his heart. Zosimos was able to protect his daughters from the monster¡­ From him. He¡¯s a good father.


    ?You condemned Eve¡¯s father and sister to death in the hope of a ghostly chance to be with her¡­ You acted like a real ruthless creature¡­ There is no forgiveness for you.? ¨C Kyon said calmly.


    Romeo only nodded briefly in response and turned away. That is right. And he has already realized that.


    As soon as the man pointed his sword at Romeo¡¯s head, Eve stood in the way and desperately protested: ?Daddy, don¡¯t kill him! It¡¯s not his fault!?


    Kyon was a little surprised: ?But he almost ruined our lives! If we had not fought back, everything would have ended tragically! Besides, if we let him go, he will either try to do something else, ormit suicide¡­?


    In the beautiful green eyes of the girl, tears shone bright like the sacred drops of the juice of the Tree of Life: ?Daddy, but it was I who broke his life! He lost his mind because of me! I am to me for everything from beginning to end! He has nothing to do with it!?


    Kyon knelt down next to the little fairy: ?My little flower, you shouldn¡¯t apologize to anyone or feel guilty for being born so beautiful. The fact that women envy you, and men want to have you is a given.?


    ?But it¡¯s only my fault that I provoke them with my appearance! It costs me nothing to wear a veil and save myself and others from these unnecessary problems¡­ My sister made a mistake, you tried to teach me a lesson, and I must take responsibility!? ¨C Eve tried to reach the man.


    {She is too kind, responsible and smart.} ¨C Kyon thought, sincerely admiring the girl. Although he partially agreed with her words, Lovr himself was of a different opinion: even if he initiated the enmity, for example, out of jealousy, envy or self-contempt, if the opponent crosses the line, encroaching on his priceless life, then let him put his own on the line. So it was with the examiner Kirsan, with the investigator Grek, with Prince Charles and, possibly, will be with Tymoshka, who constantly puts a spoke in his wheel. Roughly speaking, trying to kill and, no less importantly, wanting to kill, be ready to die, whoever you are and whatever good motives you have.


    ?Hey, what¡¯s this got to do with me?! It¡¯s your own fault that crazy people are hitting on you! That¡¯s why Romeo didn¡¯t fall for me¡­ Because he¡¯s crazy! I have already exined this¡­?


    ?Le, you¡¯re wrong.? ¨C Kyon shook his head.


    ?I¡¯m right! God, why do only I understand such obvious things?! Followers make leaders! Even I know that!? ¨C she continued to insist.


    ?Le, in that cartoon it was about internal qualities, not external¡­? ¨C Kyon said in a fatherly, instructive tone. It¡¯s hard to argue with such intonation.


    ?Am I bad?? ¨C Eve bowed her head with some resentment in her voice.


    ?That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about! You just¡­ You ¡­ Oh, that¡¯s it! I want to go to the restroom.? ¨C the girl waved away.


    Kyon looked at Le and tried once again to reach out to her meager mind: ?Honey, I won¡¯t get tired of repeating this. You and your sister are real beauties! And beauty in men¡¯s eyes is worth a lot. All of them will be interested in you, just as robbers and thieves are interested in a precious treasure, even if they do not show it. You must have powerful patrons to keep yourself safe, but your dad is weak, so wear veils in order not to attract attention, and train to be stronger! Do you understand me, honey??


    The girl was silent for a few seconds, and then stubbornly stamped her foot:


    ?I want to pee!?


    Kyon sighed in disappointment, turned to the little fairy and asked again: ?So do you want to save his life? Do you want him to suffer further, bringing us trouble??


    Eve looked thoughtfully at the battered Romeo, then nodded: ?I think he has learned his lesson. Well, unrealizable love will serve as his punishment for what he did.?


    A sparkle of life appeared in Romeo¡¯s eyes. Indeed, the torment of love is worse than any torture! If you look at the situation this way, then at least by his old age he will not feel heartbreaking guilt for what he did.


    ?You know best, little flower. As you wish.? ¨C Zosimos smiled tightly.


    ?Thank you, Dad.? ¨C Eve beamed. Today, looking at Romeo, she realized how reckless and fanatical people can be when they are intoxicated with strong feelings, in particr love. This does not mean that all men are bad from birth. Not at all. They are not to me for the fact that it is inherent in them to strive for the best of the best, and she is not to me for being so beautiful that she reveals the worst sides in them. It turns out that any man with whom the girl will contact will sooner orter lose his head? Not necessary! There is one exception: Zosimos.


    {Wait a minute¡­ Did he do all these lessons in order to attach me to him? So that I would stop being afraid of him touching her?} ¨C the girl did not take her emerald eyes off the smiling Zosimos. It seems to be true! Whatever his methods are, they work! Because next to him, the girl felt safe.


    {Even if he¡¯s not my father, I¡¯d like him to be.} ¨C Eve thought fondly.


    Five minutester, when Romeo was able to get to his feet, someone pretending to be passers-by came up to him and put a strange ck thing to his eye.


    ~bang~

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411


    Today, Elsa finished thest avable task of the ¡°A¡± rank. When she returned to her house in the Order, she slumped in a chair with a devastated look. And although the rumor about her, ¡°The Demon Huntress¡±, thunders in all corners of the capital, there is no desired feeling in the heart. Not at all, the girl felt bad and even humiliated instead. Of course, she did not deserve any glory! All her work was done by a nasty cunning fat man. And in general, there was a feeling that it was not Dick who worked for her, but she worked for him, say, she got a job as a servant ¨C to do dirty work! What a humiliation¡­


    The blonde, lying in azily depressed pose, could charm any man. All parts of her body from the top of her head to the tips of her toes delighted the imagination. Even doing the most primitive things, the girl looked graceful and unique.


    ?He got rid of me in a day¡­ Well, no!? ¨C Elsa resolutely took out the sound transmitter.


    ?The future head of the department is listening to you.? ¨C Kyon introduced himself dryly.


    ?Is that the best you cane up with??


    ?I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. With whom do I have the honor of speaking??


    ?Do you expect me to believe that you didn¡¯t remember my frequency?? ¨C the girl snorted.


    ?Ah-ah-ah¡­ Tamarochka, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I forgot. Is Lyolik rowdy again??


    ?Haha. Very funny.? ¨C Stone said, rolling her eyes.


    ?Oh¡­ Excuse me, Lady! I didn¡¯t recognize you right away! You¡¯ll be rich!? ¨C Kyon instantly changed his tone, turning from an uncouth bumpkin into an obliging gentleman. Such a sudden change could be confusing. ¨C ?Did you want to thank me for the work I did??


    ?The thing is that you did all the work, and left me only the role of the performer.?


    ?Well, it depends on how you look at it¡­ I would not mind putting an end to any cases and taking all the credit for myself. I don¡¯t understand why you are unhappy. It¡¯s mind-boggling, to be honest¡­?


    Elsa took a deep breath and said with restraint: ?I¡¯m not like you. I have a conscience, honor and dignity! I am not interested in other people¡¯s merits. And anyway, did I ask you to exin every step, as if I was a fool or your servant who undertook to run errands?!? ¨C she got angry at the end.


    Kyon said: ?Wait a minute! Lady, either you contradict yourself, or you are too smart. Our agreement meant that I would help you until youpleted ten ¡°A¡± rank tasks, which means that the sooner youplete, the sooner I will be released from the terms of the deal and will be able to pursue my career. And now you suddenly im that there was no need to help you, right? Or did I still need to help you, but not so much? And then who will tell me how well I should have tried? Or was I supposed to feel it? To connect my psychic abilities and understand your desires from a distance? You have to thank me for clearing the city of evil spirits so quickly! Otherwise, how dare you call yourself a superhero and a fighter against injustice and evil?!?


    ~crunch~


    The sound transmitter in Elsa¡¯s hands cracked sharply and fell to pieces. She stared at thendscape outside the window with a pained expression on her face. Her chest was heaving rapidly, and a throbbing vein popped out on her smooth forehead. For the first time since that ill-fated training with Kara, the girl was so exasperated, and the reason for this was not someone authoritative, but some kind of thick, brainy snot!


    The blonde would never have reacted to the words of a person of such a level, no matter how bilious they turned out to be, but Dick hit the nail on the head. He chose the most painful topic and hit it with impable logic!


    How dare she call herself a superhero, if she can¡¯t be banally happy that she has cleared the capital of ten ?demons?? Why is she even heroic? Previously, the girl did not ask this question, because she was subconsciously afraid to find out the answer, but now Dick provoked her to understand her own feelings.


    It took the girl about one agonizing hour to find the answer: {Yes, I¡¯m doing this for fame and recognition, so what? Am I bad? Am I making the world worse?! I just do what I like! And it makes everyone feel better!}


    Until now, it was so nice to feel that you are better than others, say, almost a saint, fighting evil for free, and even not disclosing your identity. But now it is impossible to think in this way.


    Havinge to this conclusion, the girl regained her peace of mind and confidence. In fact, she was even grateful to Dick, because he helped her open her eyes. Thanks to this, in the future, she should not have serious internal conflicts, which means that it will be easier to ovee the bottleneck ¨C the peak of the royal phase.


    Elsa took another sound transmitter and called Dick.


    ?Tamarochka?? ¨C Kyon asked happily.


    ?No, not Tamarochka! Since you really want to get rid of me as soon as possible, then give me ten more ¡°A¡± rank cases with rted information, but without any prompts. I¡¯ll investigate the cases myself, okay?? ¨C calmly, but with emphasis on thest phrase, the blonde asked.


    ?Okay¡­ Let it be. For the sake of the genius of the Stones, I will devote five minutes of my precious time.?


    ?I am very grateful.? ¨C the girl responded venomously and cut off the connection. Suddenly she remembered that she had broken the previous sound transmitter, and the Elder of the Stones, who was entrusted with the investigation of Thomas, did not know another one.


    Elsa called: ?Hello, Elder Gilbert. This is Elsa. I want to say that my previous sound transmitter broke down. By the way, how are you progressing with the investigation? Did you find out anything??


    ?Lady Elsa, I was just about to contact you¡­ The fact is that in our family there are only ten people named Thomas, and only one of them is a descendant of direct blood, and he is now studying in Cernos and he is eighteen years old¡­?


    {Double conspiracy?} ¨C thought Elsa.


    ?As for Dick Baker, everyone in the kingdom knows about him. A fat, ugly young man of about fifteen has recently be a legend of Cernos¡­?


    ?What? What legend? What are you talking about?? ¨C the girl frowned.


    ?Well¡­ To start with¡­ Dick Baker is the most shameless and impudent person in the world, who does not hesitate to use the worst methods to achieve his goals. He is insanely narcissistic and arrogant¡­?


    ?Stop-stop! Who are you talking about?? ¨C Elsa did not understand. All these qualities, except for the description of appearance, are clearly not about the person she was dealing with. Or maybe she doesn¡¯t know him at all?


    ?Dick Baker! Very fat, hunchbacked, cross-eyed, with one eyebrow¡­ In general, an indescribably ugly young man. At the end of the training year, he disappeared from Cernos¡­?


    {At the end of the year? No¡­ It can¡¯t be! How did he be a high-ranking imperial investigator in a week?!} ¨C the girl thought to herself. It doesn¡¯t make sense.


    The Elder continued: ?The guy single-handedly pulled the Iron Throne to the first position in the forest tournament, collecting more keys than all the other kingdomsbined¡­ And with the help of a powerful multiple attacking formation, he robbed everyone two or even three times! And nothing could be opposed to him. Also at the end of the training year, he demonstrated his real strength by killing the despicable Prince Charles and defeating the girl who appeared from the sky, who was a lord phaser at the beginning stage¡­ Oh, yes, he also became the husband of the demon princess Kara¡­ A very, very shameless man, this Dick!?


    Elsa felt dizzy. There was utter bem going on in her head. If she wasn¡¯t sure that she was talking to a trusted elder, the most loyal Stone, she would have already dropped the connection and flushed the sound transmitter into the toilet.


    {What¡­ nonsense¡­ is this?!} ¨C the blonde tried to pull herself together and asked Gilbert to tell everything from beginning to end, in the smallest details.


    After an hour the conversation ended.


    Elsa went into the shower and turned on the cold water to cool her head, which was splitting from the chaos going on inside it. She couldn¡¯t believe some things, but she had to! Gilbert could not go crazy so suddenly and so confidentlypose such utter nonsense on the go. Besides, the girl had heard something about the victory of the Iron Throne at the forest tournament. And the whole empire knew about the fact that Kara was a demon. At that time, the blonde was not very surprised, because she always guessed that this trash hails from hell. It is even possible that it is somehow connected with the disappearance of Yurich, but it will not be possible to find out about it.


    {Did Dick really be Kara¡¯s husband? How could this lesbian allow a man to approach her, moreover, such a disgusting one?! Oh yes¡­ She¡¯s a demon¡­ It seems that her vicious nature could not resist the temptation to **** handsome Dick!} ¨C she thought with malicious mockery, although she guessed that there was no sex. In fact, it is impossible to find out the truth without interrogating Dick. There are too many incredible and inexplicable things. Too little information.


    Suddenly, an ironic smile appeared on the girl¡¯s lips, tender as rose petals: she is a ¡°Demon Huntress¡±. Kara is a demon. Dick is the demon¡¯s husband. Does this mean that she should grab the fat man and burn him at the stake?


    In any case, this was the first time Elsa had such an interest in anyone other than her father. Dick¡¯s personality seemed so absurd, unrealistic and mysterious that she wanted to reveal all his secrets. Where did hee from? Maybe he has some kind of artifact that makes him stronger? Or is he the son of some king? Or does he hide his development? And is he one of the Stones at all? Too many questions and assumptions, but no answers. Maybe I should talk to him directly? But he is unlikely to say anything, given the fact that he has not yet said a word. Unless you insist on it, humiliating yourself in front of him¡­ No, no way! There is another way, easier: call mom.


    ?Hello.? ¨C Diana¡¯s pleasant voice came from the device.


    ?It¡¯s me, Elsa.? ¨C the blonde said briefly.


    ?My daughter, hello! How are you??


    ?Everything is fine. Tell me, who is Thomas Stone?? ¨C Elsa immediately got down to business.


    ?Has he told you yet? Hee-hee!? ¨C Diana switched to a conspiratorial whisper, giggling contentedly.


    ?What? And what¡¯s so funny? And who is ?he??!? ¨C the girl was puzzled.


    ?Soon he will tell you everything himself! Don¡¯t let him go, honey! Grab him with both hands!?


    ?Who?! What do you mean?! WHO ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!? ¨C confused Elsa almost shouted. The mother¡¯s intonation sounds like she¡¯s wooing her future husband! But she has Rose.


    ?Who am I talking about? About Thomas Stone! This young man will not yield even to Yurich!?


    ~crunch~


    ?ARE YOU A FOOL, OR WHAT?!? ¨C Elsa snapped, but another sound transmitter had already shattered to smithereens.


    {How dare shepare some smart pig to dad?! Crazy woman! And what did he see in her?!} ¨C the girl¡¯s teeth were gnashing from anger and her fingers were cracking from her tightly clenched fists. Now there is no way for her to find out the truth, except to persistently demand answers from Dick, which she will not do out of pride.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, the 7th day hase to an end. The ck market opens this morning.


    Kyon came to the headquarters by invitation, where familiar faces were waiting for him: Alexander, Bernard, Tymoshka and Valeera. The girl was almost shaking with impatience, she must want to hand over the metal as soon as possible and get the money. Of course, about 200 million spheres, this is the amount of annual earnings for the shadow n of the first three!

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412


    ?Greetings to our leader!? ¨C Kyon bowed to the girl.


    Now Valeera was, as always, dazzlingly beautiful, and because of her favorite tight-fitting clothes ¡°the boss¡¯s favorite secretary¡± everyone was looking only at her: shoes, thin tights with a diamond pattern, a thigh split skirt in order not to restrict movements, and a thick jacket with sleeves ending almost at long well-groomed nails. Lovely sight!


    Using his willpower, Lovr took his eyes away from the beauty and greeted the others with a strong handshake, making the only exception.


    ?How dare you make the head of the n wait for you?!? ¨C Tymoshka appeared.


    ?Are you two minuteste because you were dressing up in this?? ¨C Bernard smiled ironically, looking at the man withbed hair and a slightly rumpled suit with a red bow tie.


    ?Yes, I¡¯m sorry¡­ You called suddenly and made an appointment in just an hour¡­?


    ?You are not going on a holiday, but to the most rotten ce in the capital, where drugs and people are sold. This suit¡­ Is that the best you cane up with?? ¨C Alexander said dryly.


    ?Let¡¯s move out.? ¨Cmanded Valeera, not paying attention to such trifles.


    Three men, the guy and the girl left the headquarters and went in a certain direction on inconspicuous sled animals. Having covered about twenty kilometers, they found themselves in a disadvantaged area built up with three-storey buildings: narrow streets, crowds of people everywhere, noise and hubbub. Clothes were dried on ropes stretched between the houses. Stray dogs stole sausage from the shopkeeper right in front of them and ran away, yapping happily.


    From a distance, Kyon, using ¡°The eyes of truth¡± noticed a huge invisible dome-shaped barrier covering, apparently, the territory of the ck market.


    Leaving the sled animals in the menagerie, five people came to the address: an inconspicuous gap between the houses led to the entrance, the way to which was blocked by impassable crowds of people. The n members who squeezed through the people came to a particrly narrow passage, nked by two practitioners of the royal phase.


    Valeera showed the formation and walked in with fourpanions.


    The atmosphere changed dramatically, as if the element of darkness was mixed into it. Because of the rag curtain hanging everywhere, the light practically did not prate inside, thereby creating a gloomy atmosphere in the literal and figurative sense. The eyes of the five who entered saw a lot of trade shops and tents with goodsid out. Rare clusters of whispering people in ck reced the crowds of people.


    The new visitors instantly attracted numerous nces, mostly because of the pot-bellied man in the suit with the red bow tie. He was like a matador with a red rag for the local criminal authorities. The rich and juicy game was immediately visible.


    Valeera clicked her tongue disapprovingly and worked on Zosimos¡¯ appearance.


    Kyon tragically lost his bow tie and sleeves, causing his elegant jacket to be an unevenly torn vest. His hairstyle was also affected. The man did not hold a grudge for the loss, because he began to resemble a bodyguard at a wedding or a drunken fighting father-inw.


    Noticing Arpha¡¯s gaze, Bernard wiped the smile off his face and cleared his throat: ?So, newbie, as promised, I will give a short tour. The ck market is the dark heart of the capital. The lion¡¯s share of illegal trade urs here¡­?


    While the man was talking, they were moving deeper into the ck market. Suddenly Kyon noticed a building with a sign ¡°ves¡±. If this is the ce he thought of, then earlier, back in the mine, if he hadn¡¯t killed Martin, he would have ended up in the same ce.


    At Zosimos¡¯ request to go there, Valeera nodded in agreement.


    Inside the building, Kyon, in addition to a considerable crowd of visitors, found rows of cages with living people, demons and higher animals, mostly young. All of them differed in some peculiarity: from simply high development (warriors-ves), to a unique body, innate or cultivated.


    The ves who had a unique body from childhood were less fortunate than others: their flesh can be used for food, for making medicine, for fulfilling the conditions of their masters¡¯ unique bodies, for fertilizing the earth, for unreliable strengthening of the body or increasing cognitive abilities. Some girls even have a low-rank pair training body in order to use it for development and sexual pleasures.


    On one of the cages with a fat boy-hog of higher animals, desperately drooping his head and ears, there was an inscription: ?the unique body of ¡°Delicious meat¡±. This delicacy will charm all guests at any celebration. You can even eat it raw?.


    This inscription caused Lovr a terrible contempt for this world. To raise a sentient creature to be eatenter?.. He could only hope that when he became the ruler of the world, he would have the willpower not to destroy it.


    Valeera and otherrades felt the frightening aura emanating from Zosimos.


    ?Is everything all right?? ¨C the n head asked cautiously.


    ?Yes. We¡¯re leaving.? ¨C Kyon said sullenly, turning around abruptly.


    Bernard patted Zosimos on the shoulder: ?You are not very suitable for dark deeds.?


    ?I¡¯ll get used to it. I need time.? ¨C he retorted colorlessly.


    The five people approached the central domed building, thergest on the ck market. There were significantly more people here than in any other ce.


    Valeera with fourpanions skipped the line and, showing the formation to the guard, proceeded inside. On the second floor, a fat man greeted the guests with a smile.


    ?Wee, Silent Horror n members! My name is Fufei and I am an official buyer. I think you know the rules. Show me your product, and I will tell you the price!?


    The guests greeted the buyer, after which Bernard took out of the ring three bars and tes, one of each type of metal: ?Mr. Fufei, Silent Horror n wants to hand over noble, non-ferrous and ferrous metals. Among the precious metals we have three tons of tinum, eight tons of gold and fifteen tons of silver of ny-ninth purity¡­?


    While the man was listing the quantity and quality of metal, the buyer¡¯s face stretched out in surprise: a lot¡­ A lot of metal for the shadow n of the 8th rank!


    It took about two hours toplete the recalction and confirm the quality.


    ?Considering the quantity, quality and market value, as well as taking into ount themission of the ck market, we expect to get two hundred and fifty million.? ¨C Bernard finished the presentation of the goods, hinting that a smaller amount would not suit him.


    The buyer nodded, counted something in a notebook for a long time, then, sharply scratching it with a pen, said: ?I can offer you fifty million spheres.?


    ?What?!? ¨C surprised, Valeera jumped up from her ce.


    ?Is this really a joke?!? ¨C asked Bernard, who was taken aback.


    Fufei calmly exined: ?There are many reasons for such a low price. I¡¯ll start with the most insignificant and finish with the most problematic: firstly, your n registered quite recently, you upy thest rank and don¡¯t even own your personal territory, taking it for rent, which means that trust in you is low; secondly, six months ago, the bloodthirsty Empress Lanatelle significantly raised the tax on the export of metal abroad and its sale on the territory of the empire. The exception is the dwarfs, but it is possible to cooperate with them only through the government, which is impossible in our case¡­?


    The participants of the recent robbery now understood why that warehouse was packed to the brim.


    The buyer continued: ?¡­thirdly, you immediately hand over a huge batch of the same type of goods, rumors of the theft of which are still heard in every corner of the capital. That is, we will have to divide it into parts and sell it for many years¡­ And fourthly, there is a marking of the Stalbers on the metal. This means that we will have to find a metallurgicalplex within the city and melt the goods in order to get rid of the marking, and this, I can tell you, is not cheap. All things considered, the price is fifty million. Take my word for it, you won¡¯t find a better offer.? ¨C concluded the little man, crossing his arms behind his back.


    Valeera looked terrible. She came in a good mood, hoping to get at least 200 million, but in the end they are openly trying to cheat her right in front of her eyes, and she can¡¯t do anything! The mood has sunk into oblivion. The habitual apathy has seized the soul.


    Bernard turned purple with anger: ?Are you kidding me?! Do you want to buy a precious metal for some twenty lousy percent of the market price?!?


    ?Yes, that¡¯s right.? ¨C Fufei calmly agreed, as if he was not robbing the guests, but offering them alms.


    The man¡¯s chest heaved with indignation: ?I checked the information and I know that you always buy precious metals for half the cost! And you don¡¯t care if there is a marking or not! You im that themission is going to conspiracy! So isn¡¯t the removal of marking, dividing the product into parts and gradually selling it a prime example of what this money is spent on?!?


    ?I have already exined to you¡­ Your case is special. The batch is too big. There is too much noise in the capital.? ¨C Fufei repeated dispassionately.


    ?Then why are you discriminating against our n? Yes, we are the eighth rank, and we don¡¯t have a personal territory yet, but what does it matter to you? Why the hell are you putting us on the same level as bandits who are not part of any n?! Did we register in vain?! Two hundred million! This is our price!? ¨C Bernard said decisively.


    ?You persuaded me: fifty-one million and not a sphere more.? ¨C the buyer concluded, once again crossing something out in his notebook.


    Bernard¡¯s eyes almost bulged with indignation. He was only able to bargain for a pitiful 2% surcharge?! Perhaps excessive emotions prevented him from showing all his skills, but still!


    Kyon and Valeera suspect something was wrong. It seemed that they were being brazenly robbed.But the founders of the ck market wouldn¡¯t do that to such a promising n, right? It¡¯s like spoiling rtionships with future profitable partners in advance.


    Suddenly the head of the n abruptly turned around.


    Edward entered the room with two bodyguards on either side, one of whom was ¡°Palm of Death¡± ¨C the royal phaser at the 5th stage, who almost stole Arpha in the warehouse.


    ?Well, well, well, as I live and breathe!? ¨C with an unkind smile, a handsome guy of about 20 years old with long ck bangs confidently said, spreading his hands to the sides. He looked at the beautiful Arpha as if she were a juicy prey that had fallen into his trap.


    ?How dare you appear in front of me, you vile nonentity?!? ¨C Valeera released a bloodthirsty aura, and her ck eyes shone with a steely gleam.


    ?Hey, hey! Calm down, baby! We are actually in the ¡°buffer zone¡±, I remind you, here you have no right to even scratch me!? ¨C Edward hastily threatened and tried toe closer, but the instinct of self-preservation immediately convinced him not to do it.


    ?And why did you bring two bullies here then?!? ¨C Bernard quipped.


    ?One broken arm didn¡¯t teach you how to talk to those who are in charge?!? ¨C Edward hissed contemptuously.


    ?Oh, you little shit!? ¨C the man barked, trembling with anger.


    The guy smiled affectionately at Arpha: ?Baby, how are you doing with the sale of metal??


    ?So it was you!? ¨C Valeera immediately realized. ¨C ?I swear, you will pay for this in full¡­?


    ?Will I pay? For the fact that you killed the royal phaser of the third stage, as well as half of my gang on my own territory, you stupid bitch?!? ¨C Edward grabbed his head with theatrical drama.


    ?How dare you lie so tantly?!? ¨C Bernard barked furiously.


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Alexander snapped angrily.


    ?You¡­ are a liar¡­? ¨C said Tymoshka, shaking.


    Edward¡¯s tant lie made even Kyon clench his fists involuntarily. So that¡¯s what this bastard is up to.


    ?You¡­? ¨C Valeera sighed, suppressing hatred, and calmly said. ¨C ?Everything will be decided at the meeting. Just wait.?


    ?Speaking of that¡­? ¨C Edward raised his finger, as if he had just remembered something important. ¨C ?Because of your trick, I had to arrange an urgent meeting. It wasn¡¯t easy to do, you know! In short, in twelve days I rmend you not to bete.? ¨C he grinned with satisfaction.


    ?Twelve days? Wonderful. So, in just twelve days, you will realize that you have been dealing with the wrong one. And now get out of my eyes, you nonentity!? ¨C the girl said in a chilling tone, narrowing her eyes predatorily.


    Edward shivered from the dense feeling of threat and instinctively walked away a few steps, however, pulling himself together, added furiously: ?You ungrateful bitch, you¡¯re alive only because of my speech at the meeting! Only because of me you were allowed to found a n, most of whose territory, by the way, you rent from my n! And instead of at least saying ?thank you?, you ignored my offer of a date!?


    Valeera raised her graceful eyebrows in surprise: ?So that¡¯s how it all started? Did you decide to take revenge because I didn¡¯t hear your inarticte babble, and you took it personally??


    ?You heard everything!? ¨C Edward spat out irritably.


    ?What a wretched creature you are¡­ However, take my word for it, I¡¯m ashamed to be even in the same room with such a tense degenerate! Disappear.? ¨C every word of the girl exuded poison and mockery that could crush the dignity of any man.


    ?Bitch, you¡¯repletely fucked up¡­? ¨C the future head of the ck Star n hissed.


    ?I told you to disappear!? ¨C the girl shouted in a tone that brooked no objections, releasing her bloodlust.


    Edward shuddered, hesitated for a second, turned around and left. He had nothing to say. It was impossible to talk to this bitch without feeling like a jerk, and he didn¡¯t intend to continue humiliating himself in front of her. The guy wanted to give her a small chance to apologize to him and thus avoid a sad fate, but she obviously does not deserve it. We¡¯ll see what she says to him, being tied to the bed before the imminent ****. Looking forward to the meeting!

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413


    As soon as Edward and his bodyguards left, the tension in the air decreased significantly.


    ?Lady, are you nning toe to the meeting?? ¨C Kyon asked anxiously.


    ?I¡¯ll think about itter.? ¨C Valeera replied coldly, secretly trying her best to calm down. That¡¯s bad. She nned to use the proceeds to buy out her territory, which should have be a weighty argument at a meeting of the ns, but for forty-five million, minus the share of the rest, she would only beughed at.


    ?What are we going to do, Lady Arpha?? ¨C Bernard asked with feigned cheerfulness.


    ?I don¡¯t know¡­ Tell me, do we have any other options to sell the metal??


    The man thought for a long time, then said uncertainly: ?I don¡¯t have such connections as the ck market, but I think I can sell a hundred kilograms of precious metal a month¡­ However, this is quite risky, and the price at best will be seventy percent of the market price¡­?


    ?Too slow.? ¨C the girl shook her head. She doesn¡¯t have that much time left. She is already twenty, which means that the chances of bing stronger than Lanatelle are getting less and less every day. In addition, Bernard has many other equally important duties. It is not so easy to find a recement for such a valuable and, moreover, a trusted person.


    ?Then¡­ Will you really sell the metal for fifty¡­??


    ?We have no choice.? ¨C Valeera said with a heavy sigh, giving the buyer a disgusted look.


    An avid smile spread across Fufei¡¯s face: ?In that case¡­?


    ?Wait.? ¨C Zosimos suddenly spoke up. ¨C ?I have an idea.?


    ?What is it?? ¨C asked Valeera.


    Kyon motioned everyone out the door and whispered: ?Didn¡¯t I tell you that even the dwarfs appreciated my engineering skills? They are happy to wee me to their factory! How about trying to sell the metal to them directly??


    Valeera looked silently at Bernard, and the man cleared his throat¡­


    However, Tymoshka was the first to speak, obviously deciding to once again put a spoke in Zosimos¡¯ wheel: ?Bullshit! The buyer said that you can work with dwarfs only through the government!?


    ?Dwarfs are very businesslike and independent guys. They don¡¯t care about the government and everyone else except themselves.? ¨C Kyon objected. ¨C ?If we offer them a good deal, they will dly agree. Well, I will be the link.?


    ?You? The link?? ¨C the guy grinned contemptuously. ¨C ?I will never believe in my life that natural-born racists will make an illegal deal with some unknown people, risking themselves! Your idea is disgusting¡­?


    ?If it doesn¡¯t work out, we will have time to return to the market and hand over the metal.? ¨C Kyon added.


    ?They¡¯ll arrest us as soon as we get to the entrance! The dwarfs are protected by the Russells, and everyone knows about it! And we, in case you forgot, are members of an illegal organization! I close my eyes and see youe to the factory, shake hands with two familiar workers and offer a deal for half a billion! Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Tymoshkaughed mockingly.


    ?My connections are not limited to a couple of workers. Many dwarfs respect me. In the worst case, they will get angry and kick us out, but they will definitely not incite the guards and use us of anything. I swear on my life, in the worst case, we will lose nothing but time.? ¨C Zosimos confidently promised, saying all this first of all to Valeera.


    ?Let¡¯s try.? ¨C the girl agreed gloomily, forcing Tymoshka to shut the mouth that had opened, and headed for the exit. Her situation is already hopeless, so why not trust Zosimos? He had already pleased her once, maybe he would seed this time too.


    Kyon was very nervous. The fact is that any mention of firearms by dwarfs is like death. Valeera, like no one else, is familiar with a sniper rifle and a pistol, and she associates these weapons with the one she vowed to kill.


    To increase the chances of sess, Lovr, with the help of his subordinates, brought Gennady up to date, gave a brief instruction and exined what a risky situation he was in.


    On the way to the factory, Kyon changed his torn jacket for a new one, defiantly called Gennady and asked him to be invited to visit, ostensibly to consider a major business proposal, to which he received consent.


    To defuse the situation, the man told the n members a fictional story about how he loved to be engaged in engineering since childhood, but because of his father¡¯s insistence he was forced to be a merchant. However, the childhood pastime was not forgotten and turned into a hobby. And then one day he was lucky enough to get to the factory, where, having shown his work, he achieved recognition from an authoritative dwarf, with whom he had just called up.


    The story of Zosimos was taken with skepticism. In particr, Tymoshka did not trust him, and Valeera looked darker than a cloud. They could hardly believe that the dwarfs, masters of all trades, appreciated the skills of the pot-bellied beardless bully so much that they began to consider him their brother. Dwarfs are famous for their derogatory attitude towards other races, and the powerful of this world let them get away with it, because they are the best in what they do. And now it turns out that dwarfs respect a man? It even sounds stupid! It doesn¡¯t make any sense.


    Lovr finished his story just at the entrance to the factory territory.


    One gray-bearded dwarf-guard was enthusiastically telling something to a friend: ?¡­And I pull out the pin with my teeth and push the grenade down his throat with the words: ¡°I asked for a 9 mm wrench, not 7!¡± ¨C and then boom! Bang! Brains, guts, blood all over the workshop! Eh?? ¨C a sudden knock interrupted the narrator-dreamer.


    Two dwarfs came out of the security booth. The senior guard, recognizing in the pot-bellied man the very person about whom Gennady had warned, began to carry out the instructions. With a slight bow, he said respectfully: ?Hello, Mr. Zosimos and hisrades. Follow me, I¡¯ll take you to Gennady.?


    Kyon nodded briefly and followed the dwarf. Bernard and Alexander exchanged nces, Valeera bowed her head in intrigue, and Tymoshka frowned. It¡¯s amazing who Zosimos was talking to, since the most inveterate racists in the world had organized such a polite reception for them?


    The dwarves know, respect, honor, praise and even idolize Kyon, the one who opened their eyes to the wonderful highly scientific world through his students. For them, he is the hope for the great future of the dwarfs, almost a saint. However, only a few dwarfs know that Kyon is Zosimos. Therefore, the dwarf guards did not react in any way when they saw the pot-bellied man.


    Five people, following their guide, went inside the factory, oveing manyyers of various security, got into the elevator, which took them to the top floor, and, walking along a long deserted corridor, found a single door to the office.


    Bernard coughed a couple of times and asked uncertainly: ?Zosimos, who is this Gennady? He¡¯s not an ordinary foreman or something like that¡­?


    ?The head of the factory.? ¨C Kyon answered with an indifferent look.


    ?What?! But the head of the factory is Lenny! Everyone knows this!? ¨C the man did not believe it.


    ?Dwarves measure seniority not in age, but in skills. Recently, my good friend Gennady has headed the factory.? ¨C Kyon exined in the same indifferent tone, without showing a drop of pride, although anyone in his ce would brag about such connections.


    Seeing on the door the sign ¡°Head of the factory Gennady ZonZon¡±, the members of the Silent Horror n lost all doubts. They opened their mouths in shock. Even Valeera widened her eyes in disbelief, frozen like a stone statue.


    Who is the head of the Dantes factory? Judging only by authority, he is approximately at the level of the patriarch of the family of the 10th rank (this is without taking into ount all those grandiose changes over the past year), and it turns out that an ordinary merchant is in such friendly rtions with the head of the factory that he knows his frequency and can easily ask for an audience without an appointment and for a good reason?! This sounds even more absurd than the friendship of a field mouse with a royal elephant!


    The guests entered the office and found a ck-bearded old man sitting at the table. His proud appearance alone proved that he was in charge here ¨C the king of the whole factory.


    Noticing the guest, Gennady with a wide smile energetically trotted to the pot-bellied man and firmly shook his hand: ?Oh, K¡­ Kind of you toe, my best friend Zosimos!?


    ?d to see you, old fellow! How are things going at the factory? How is your health??


    ?Everything is perfect as never before! And I am safe and sound! And are these yourrades?? ¨C a sturdy old man asked, as if he had just noticed the others.


    ?Hello, Gennady!?¡­ ?My bow to the head of the factory.?¡­ ?Hello.?


    ?Hello, sir.? ¨C Valeera bowed slightly.


    ?Heh-heh, Zosimos¡¯ friends are my friends! Make yourself at home, guys!? ¨C Gennady waved his hands in greeting, took out a sound transmitter and shouted into it. ¨C ?Zinochka, bring a keg of elite ale to the office! Quickly!? ¨C then, with a conspiratorial grin, he nudged Zosimos in the side and whispered. ¨C ?What, paradoxically, a hot piece of ice this girl is! My insides are trembling! Have you found a new wife? She¡¯s a beauty! Congrattions!?


    ?She¡¯s his boss! And he is her subordinate!? ¨C Tymoshka yelled indignantly.


    Bernard also suddenly coughed awkwardly.


    Valeera only crossed her arms, keeping her sharp eyes on Zosimos.


    ?Boss? Ah¡­ I see, I see. So did you want to sell us metal?? ¨C the dwarf asked, pping his hands, he was clearly in high spirits.


    Valeera frowned thoughtfully: did Zosimos mention anything about metal during the conversation over the sound transmitter? No¡­ But then how did Gennady guess?


    Kyon¡¯s chest went cold. He hastily eximed in surprise: ?How did you guess?!?


    Gennady realized that he had made a mistake ¨C he said too much. And how to get out of this situation? Smiling, the dwarf tapped a finger on his temple and said: ?I guessed it! I¡¯m not just anyone, but the head of the factory! I¡¯m supposed to be smart.?


    Kyon raised his eyebrows in mock amazement: ?Yes, but you must be a genius to be able to connect my words three days ago that I decided to take up a ck job and soon get rich, with the robbery of the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse?!?


    ?Ha¡­ Yes¡­ Well, in my opinion, any fool will understand that this is interconnected! Well, seriously, what other offer can interest the head of the factory, except for the sale of a particrlyrge batch of metal? Hehe¡­ Actually, I wasn¡¯tpletely sure, but you reassured me, you fool! A-ha-ha!? ¨C Gena burst out with an extremely unnaturalugh, not realizing what he was talking about.


    ?So now you know who we are?? ¨C Valeera summed up with deceptive calmness.


    Bernard and Alexander tensed. Tymoshka took a step back.


    Everyone was strained to the limit. People were in a desperate situation: one movement of Gennady, and the mighty warriors of the Russells woulde here, and they were also in the center of a huge steel box-trap.

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414


    ?I¡¯ve already figured out that you are members of the Silent Horror n, but you have nothing to worry about, guys. We, dwarfs, don¡¯t give a damn about what you, people, are doing. However, the fact that you robbed the Stalbers, our long-standingpetitors, pleases me inexpressibly!? ¨C Gennadyughed. He told the truth. As for the rest of the information, he knew it in advance through Kyon¡¯s subordinates. He exined as he understood it.


    Valeera rxed. Dwarfs really deserve their title of the smartest creatures on the, since they manipte information with such ease. And their istion from human society ys into their hands: Gennady does not care that she is a criminal! In fact, the girl hoped for this, because anyway the dwarf would have recognized her belonging as soon as he saw the markings on the metal. She took a conscious risk.


    A red-haired dwarf-woman entered the office, took out a keg of ale from the ring and poured it intorge wooden mugs, after which she left with a bow.


    Kyon took a sip and said: ?In that case, let¡¯s get down to business.?


    Bernard turned his puzzled gaze to Arpha, waiting for themand.


    Valeera, as if she had made a decision a long time ago, nodded to the man.


    As soon as Bernard took out three bars from the ring, they were suddenly intercepted by Zosimos.


    ?Gennady is my friend, so I will give him the presentation. Do you mind?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?Um¡­ Okay. Good luck to you.?


    Kyon handed the dwarf a gold bar and began to exin. He cleverly revealed all the details: from the quality and quantity of the goods to the benefits that the factory can derive from the transaction. His speech was impable and literate, as if he had been studying this all his life. Impressed Valeera chuckled with a satisfied look, and Bernard felt like a dilettante.


    ?¡­all that is required of you is to make up several fake invoices with an overestimated amount of purchased metal. Given that the transaction with the dwarfs is not taxed, this greatly simplifies the bureaucraticponent. And people will willingly make concessions, because everyone knows for sure that to help the dwarfs is to pave a path to the future! And I understand perfectly well that the Russells take all the expenses on themselves, and in return they expect certain results, and they will be! After all, the metal is not fictional. Even if they have any inconsistencies in the reports, any suspicions or doubts, if they arrive at the factory and see an overcrowded warehouse, they will have no choice but to leave with their heads lowered in shame! Thus, I offer a price ten percent lower than the market price, that is, four hundred and fifty million.? ¨C summed up Zosimos.


    Bernard, Alexander and Tymoshka almost choked on ale: how arrogant he is! As if a dwarf would ever agree to buy stolen goods for almost full price! And even if he deliberately called an inted price, it is an insulting overkill!


    Valeera held her breath. She did not dare to dream of such money.


    ?Hmm¡­? ¨C the old man thoughtfully scratched his beard, finished his mug of ale and said in a hoarse voice. ¨C ?Well, that¡¯s right, but let¡¯s take into ount the worst scenario: when the Russellse to check the goods, and there is a marking of the Stalbers, and then what? Nothing good! That is, we will not only have to forge the invoices and bribe these families, but also remove the markings from each te and bar¡­ Therefore, my offer is seventy percent.?


    The mouths of the two men, the guy and Valeera opened in shock: seventy percent?! This is a huge amount of money! Will they really buy metal at such a price?!


    Zosimos grinned: ?Gena-Gena, you twist my ears again, right? I will give Benya a couple of thousand spheres, and he will remove all the marks with the element of heat in two weeks! Besides, it¡¯s the metal of your swornpetitors, so let¡¯s not show off! Let¡¯s do this: take it for eighty percent, you petty miser.? ¨C the manughed at the end.


    ?Oh, so be it, you persuaded me, you pregnant asshole! Ah-ha-ha!? ¨C Gennady shook Zosimos hand.


    Friendship between a dwarf and a human is considered an incredible event, but what the members of the Silent Horror n have now observed is nothing more than a manifestation of the strongest connection: jokes, banter,ughter and joy, as well as a sincere desire to move towards each other.


    The four guests with their mouths open silently blinked their eyes in shock.


    Bernard felt an indescribable envy. He barely managed to raise the cost of the metal by a million, while Zosimos yfully bargained for fifty million, and also managed to have a nice chat with the head of the factory!


    Tymoshka wanted to sink through the floor, because he shouted louder than everyone else that they would have a direct road to jail. Now, it turns out, he shat himself to the full. He tried to deprive the n of a deal worth several hundred million¡­


    Valeera pinched herself on the side: to check if she was having a sweet dream. No, it¡¯s all for real! It turns out that she will receive 400 million instead of the expected 51?! And it¡¯s all thanks to Zosimos?! What a good fellow he is, like a golden bird of luck in the flesh of a man. For the first time, the girl wanted to say ?thank you? to someone from the bottom of her heart.


    On behalf of Gennady, a ring was brought to the office. When it turned out that all 400 million was inside, Valeera froze to the spot along with herrades. ording to her most optimistic estimates, it will take a month, or at least two weeks, to take so much money from the government, but here it is right in her hands!


    The truth is that Kyon gave 400 million to Gennady, which the dwarf will return within a few weeks. In general, to heighten the effect on Valeera, he decided tomit a small fraud with a deferred payment.


    Gennady epted the rings with metal and joyfully shook hands with everyone. The girl didn¡¯t hold out her hand, so he just nodded: ?It¡¯s a pleasure to cooperate with you, guys. Zosimos, you have goodrades, though they are very taciturn. Take care of them and yourself.?


    ?Thank you, Gena, and good luck at the factory.? ¨C Kyon waved his hand carelessly and left the factory.


    Only after the five people returned to the headquarters, they finally decided to discuss what had happened.


    ?H-how? I don¡¯t understand¡­ Based on many years of experience in trading, I can say with confidence that suchrge transactions do not go so smoothly and quickly! And Gennady got such a sum so quickly, as if he had prepared everything in advance! And no contracts, no checks!? ¨C Bernard expressed his thoughts.


    ?I agree with Bernard?, ¨C Alexander intervened. ¨C ?Everything went so smoothly that I have a sickly feeling that I was deceived, and I can¡¯t understand how¡­?


    ?Gentlemen, you are making a fundamental mistake.? ¨C Kyon replied calmly. ¨C ?You judge dwarfs by human terms, and this is stupid. Firstly, they are very careful, so they always have a spare safe with a decent amount of money. Secondly, if the dwarfs trust someone, they do it thoroughly. Gennady is my friend, and he doesn¡¯t care that I¡¯m a member of the shadow n. When he made the deal, he had no doubts, because he trusted me. But it¡¯s better not to abuse this trust.?


    Valeera, scanning the contents of the ring over and over again, was inclined to trust the words of Zosimos. Alexander and Bernard can doubt as much as they want, but what¡¯s the use of their doubts if the money is in their hands! Real, not fake! The girl still could not believe what was happening. She never held 400 million in her hand. Nice feeling.


    Tymoshka cleared his throat, reminding everyone of his presence: ?Then exin to us all, how did it happen that you, being familiar with the head of the factory, instead of getting a job with him for a good sry, joined the shadow n, whose deeds you do not like??


    The guy¡¯s question was so appropriate that even Valeera looked at Zosimos with interest.


    Kyon replied in a colorless voice: ?For two, even three reasons: first, I can¡¯t work twelve hours six days a week like dwarfs. I have daughters, and for me they are in the first ce. Secondly, the dwarfs do not earn much. They work for the idea, and the money is umted at the head of the family, that is, the factory, that is, at Gennady. And thirdly, I have already shown all my inventions to Gennady, for which I received recognition. And to create new ones¡­ I ran out of ideas.?


    ?You¡¯re not telling us something again, old man!? ¨C Tymoshka got angry, dissatisfied with such a simple answer.


    ?Enough!? ¨C Valeera snapped. ¨C ?From now on, you are forbidden to reproach and call Zosimos names in any way. From today on, he is higher than you in status: now he is Bernard¡¯s deputy.?


    ?Are you p-promoting him?!? ¨C the guy was horrified. The heart seemed to do a somersault and broke.


    ?My deputy?!? ¨C Bernard was amazed.


    Kneeling before the head of the n, Kyon respectfully said: ?Thank you, Lady Arpha.?


    ?Get up.? ¨C the girl asked and put her hand on the man¡¯s broad shoulder. ¨C ?If anyone should thank anyone, then only I should thank you, because everything that we have earned today is entirely your merit.? ¨C there was genuine gratitude in her voice. ¨C ?Instead of useless words of gratitude, ept one tenth of the earned.?


    Kyon¡¯s eyes watered when he epted his share, that is, 40 million. The man yed his role wlessly. In fact, such a low reward even disappointed him a little, because he made 95% of the contribution.


    ?Keep it up! You deserve it!? ¨C Alexander congratted him.


    ?Congrattions on the first share, my friend!? ¨C Bernard cheerfully echoed.


    ?Well done, Zosimos. I hope that the money will not discourage you from working in the n. Keep trying and your share of sessful tasks will grow.? ¨C said Valeera.


    In fact, in a normal situation, the girl divides 10% among everyone, but this time she made an exception, which is an unprecedented generosity for her. At the same time, if Zosimos¡¯ contribution continues to be at its best, then she is ready to raise the rate even higher only for him alone.


    Bernard opened the champagne, and five people drank to the sessfullypleted case. Tymoshka was the only one who was not particrly happy. It was as if he was being forced to have fun at his own funeral. What to do next? To apologize to the old fart? Or to pretend that nothing happened, and to remain silent? Why is he being punished like this¡­


    When the fun subsided, Kyon asked an important question again: ?Lady, are you really going to go to the meeting of the n heads??


    Putting down her ss, Valeera gracefully crossed her slender legs, wrapped in diamond tights, and reluctantly nodded: ?I will have to attend.?


    ?But this is almost certainly a trap!? ¨C Zosimos eximed confidently. ¨C ?Let¡¯s say we can understand how Edward and his grandfather managed to organize an urgent meeting, but why? Moreover, there is no significant evidence in their favor! It is possible that they set up a trap in order to get rid of you! Perhaps the reason is that they saw you as a future threat! Please, Lady Arpha, don¡¯t go to the meeting¡­?


    ?Zosimos is right. This is all too suspicious. Lady, although I am on your side, but, please, this time skip the meeting¡­? ¨C Bernard said worriedly.


    Alexander was silent, and Tymoshka did not dare to speak.


    After thinking for a while, Valeera shook her head gloomily: ?Out of the question. Authority is too important in the shadow world. Without it, I will not be able to support the whole n, control the gangs and look for trusted people. The ie will fall, and I don¡¯t have time, because¡­ In general, I can¡¯t help but go. And, seriously, I know what Edward and Isaac are up to, and I have everything under control.?


    ?What are you talking about, Lady? Share it with us¡­? ¨C Bernard asked.


    ?Isaac operates on the principle that ¡°The best defense is a good offense¡±. Instead of waiting four months for the meeting, he decided to organize it himself, thereby seizing the initiative. Today he nned to deprive me of the ?mary argument? by putting pressure on the ck market administration. And in twelve days he will provide a forged map of the territory rented by my n, where the Stalbers warehouse will suddenly appear on the possessions of their n, and he will call the document that I show in response a fake. All other n leaders will tend to trust Isaac, and there are many reasons for this, especially due to the fact that he will act as the user first, and in this matter the attacking side has an advantage. However, neither Isaac nor Edward can know about my two trump cards: I got the money thanks to Zosimos, and¡­ Let the second trump card remain a surprise. Believe me, it is much more important than money.?


    The words of the head of the n inspired confidence and calmness. After all, she is a very good leader and organizer, which means that she will seed.


    ?Oh, Lady, you¡¯ve got it all covered! I didn¡¯t expect anything less from you!? ¨C Tymoshka ingratiatingly interjected.


    ?But, Lady, what if they all united against you?? ¨C Kyon asked anxiously.


    ?I doubt it very much.? ¨C Valeera waved away. ¨C ?Shadow ns have longpeted with each other. If there is an opportunity to eat a neighbor, appropriating his possession to themselves, they will use it. My n has no personal territory, so I am not of interest to them yet.?


    ?But by killing the royal phaser, you showed how high your potential is! Isaac may well use this argument to pit you against the rest!? ¨C Kyon persisted.


    ?If everything was really like that, then he would not have twisted all this intrigue. He would have just finished me off outside the ¡°buffer zone¡±.? ¨C answered Valeera coldly.


    {This is a typical long con!} ¨C Lovr wanted to shout, but restrained himself: the girl¡¯s severely arched eyebrows indicate that it is better to be silent. He would only embarrass himself in front of her once again. She¡¯s already made up her mind. As always, she is stubborn. Trying to convince her of something is even more stupid than banging your head against the wall. Even in Boston, he was convinced of this quality of her.


    {So what should I do?} ¨C Kyon thought, biting his lip. He would like to be wrong.

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415


    Leaving the headquarters, Kyon watched with augh as Tymoshka ran away, just not to meet his eyes, when suddenly Bernard called out to him from behind.


    ?Zosimos¡­ Can we talk?? ¨C the man asked cautiously.


    ?I¡¯m in a hurry to see my daughters, so another time.? ¨C Lovr hastened to end the conversation, fearing chase from Valeera. Any hint about ckmail or something else in the same spirit is fraught with consequences.


    ?Okay¡­? ¨C Bernard sighed in frustration, not insisting.


    Kyon was able to safely take out the sound transmitter and call the man only when he returned to his room and went into the bathroom: ?Did you want to talk??


    ?Zosimos?! Oh, I didn¡¯t guess right away¡­ Were you afraid of being followed??


    ?What did you want?? ¨C Kyon repeated gruffly.


    ?I¡­? ¨C Bernard sighed noisily. ¨C ?Zosimos, it turns out that you are cool! You¡¯re just very careful. Today I saw firsthand that you only want the best for Arpha, so I thought we could get along¡­?


    ?I will not take off the bracelets from the boys.? ¨C Kyon said tly.


    ?You misunderstood me! I really don¡¯t see you as an enemy anymore¡­ And if so, I would like to¡­ That is, my boys want¡­ Or rather, they beg me every day to invite Eve and Le to visit them. And I thought, since you seem to be a good person, why not? We can also get to know each other better. I¡¯m interested in your past, Zosimos.?


    ?I see. We will be with you soon.? ¨C Kyon replied and dropped the connection. Apparently, Bernard is one of the sincere people, which means that sooner orter they will berades, or even friends.


    Soon Lovr brought the girls to visit the boys, where they yed and frolicked together.


    Everything would be fine, but these stupid meetings, games, watching cartoons, going to theaters and toy stores will in no way help solve the impending disaster: in 12 days there will be the meeting of the heads of the ns. He needs to figure out a way to ensure Valeera¡¯s safety.


    The first and most sensible step is to focus on training. He will be able to be a superior phaser at the 7th stage just by the time of the event. Perhaps this will y an important role in future events, but definitely not a key one.


    9 days passed unnoticed.


    Every day, Kyon worked hard in the underground training room, collected information and generally prepared for the uing event. Although he never appeared in the department, he could still collect up-to-date data through his subordinates.


    Lovr has repeatedly noticed that the Clintons are digging under him, trying to track down and find out where he lives, who hemunicates with and much more. Although he strictly forbade Horace to follow him, he vites the rules¡­ Too bad for him. It¡¯s his own fault.


    Kyon also found out that Elsapleted one ¡°A¡± rank case on her own, and even in just 9 days! An impressive result. Either she is a genius, or she has some secret method that allows her to work for ten high-ranking investigators at once. Given the absurdity of the questions during the interrogation of Lindia, he was inclined to the second option.


    Three days were left until the day ¡°X¡±.


    Today, Lovr and his daughters went out of the city to train. He made good progress in creating new techniques, entering a dark and light state of mind and not only, but the girls were doing much worse.


    ?Aa-a-a-a-aa! Why is it so difficult?!? ¨C Le shouted, ruffling her hair. ¨C ?If even Eve cannot master the fifth step, then how will I master it?!?


    On the very first day of training, Kyon gave the girls a task: to follow 5 steps in sequence. Thest one sounded like this: ?to remember how to move the proboscis in order to give certain properties to the outgoing energy?. This means that if theyplete the 5th step, they will learn to use pure energy, that is, they will regain the lion¡¯s share of their power. This is exactly what he dreamed of, but both girls were stuck on the 4th step. Perhaps if he had given up everything and trained with them everyday, things would have been different? He will never be able to find out the answer. In any case, given the passions that ur in the n because of Edward, if he had dyed joining, he might never have met Valeera, so it¡¯s stupid toin about his choice.


    ?Honey, try a little more. Today is thest day of training, and we will not be able to do this in the city ¨C it is strictly prohibited. In other words, you will no longer have a chance to regain your former power¡­ Not in theing years for sure. Or until you get your memory back.?


    ?Thest day? Why?!? ¨C Le was surprised.


    ?Because your dad is being hunted by bad people¡­ They have a magical way by which they can find me, but they can¡¯t get to Dantes. We¡¯re safe there.?


    ?What are these bad people?? ¨C asked Eve.


    Kyon decided to tell a part of the truth: ?I won¡¯t go into details: a few months ago I offended one authoritative demoness and, I suspect, when she returned to her homnd, she sent her subordinates after me. Given the distance between our empires, I guess that in theing days, ill-wishers will be close by.?


    The first wave of demons took a month and a half to ovee the path from the demon empire to Rosarrio. Since then, 32 days have passed, and Kyon could no longer afford to be out of the city. If the girls do not learn to master pure energy today, they will not be able to do it soon. He was very ufortable with the realization of what a great opportunity he would lose because of a whim of fate. Only these feelings forced him to risk leaving the city today, hoping for Eve¡¯s talent: what if at least she seeds?..


    ?Why won¡¯t you go into details? I want to know more! What kind of demoness is she? How did you hurt her? Tell me!? ¨C the little fairy demanded.


    ?My little flower, let¡¯s talk another time, there¡¯s no time now!? ¨C Kyon hurried.


    {Are these endless secrets of him again?} ¨C Eve thought with displeasure.


    ?Demonesses¡­ Ill-wishers¡­ In general, you mean that we have only a few hours to learn how to use energy?? ¨C Le asked, putting her hands on her hips.


    ?Yes¡­ As soon as you regain the ability to use energy, I can be sure that you are not in any danger. Try, please.? ¨C Kyon almost begged them.


    ?So motivate me!? ¨C the pixie eximed with a challenge.


    ?Do you want a mountain of marmde? A life size doll? A cherry juice pool? Ask for anything, honey, just do your best today¡­?


    ?I want¡­ I want¡­? ¨C thoughtfully raising her wonderful eyes to the sky, Le touched her delicious pink lips with her little finger. ¨C ?I want a wish!?


    ?A wish??


    ?Yes! If I learn to use the energy, you will be obliged to fulfill any of my wishes!? ¨C said the pixie. ¨C ?Oh, three wishes! Three!? ¨C she jumped up and down.


    ?One wish. Agreed. Eve, honey, are you also participating??


    ?Yes, daddy. With joy.? ¨C smiled Eve, and her smile was dazzling, like the legendary flower of the Nine suns blooming.


    ?Well, damn it! I wanted three wishes!? ¨C Le protested.


    ?No backsies.?


    ?It¡¯s not fair!? ¨C the girl did not agree.


    ?It is fair! That¡¯s it, stop acting like a child. We don¡¯t have time.?


    Eve giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.


    Le muttered something under her breath and sat in the lotus position, closing her eyes.


    It was getting dark. Kyon¡¯s mood sank with every passing minute. He hoped so much that the girls would learn how to use the energy, but it seems that this will not happen. Opportunity missed. With the current strength, which is at best 10% of the maximum physical strength, they will be inferior to the imperial phaser at the beginning stage, and if we talk about speed, even the royal phaser at the middle stage will overtake them. In addition, he still hasn¡¯t ustomed them to blood. Hopelessness. It seems that they have nothing to do at the meeting of the heads of the ns. He will have to use n B.


    Suddenly, Kyon¡¯s heart sank into his boots: he discovered that a dozen huge riding birds, hidden behind a massive concealment technique, hadnded silently on a hill three kilometers away.


    {For fuck¡¯s sake!} ¨C Lovr cursed mentally. These words perfectly described his feelings and the situation in general. Due to the fact that he decided to take the risk of getting out to thest training with the girls, he was ¡°lucky¡± to stumble upon demons!


    If only he had managed to notice the approach in advance, he would have managed to teleport, and he would have told the girls, for example, to temporarily hide, but everything turned out in the worst way: the demons appeared like a bolt from the blue! It was not possible to detect the approach by the birds due to the high quality of the mass concealment technique.


    Lovr was feverishly thinking about how to act next: to escape, to fight, or to somehow try to negotiate? There is no other way. So, thetter option can be immediately excluded, because the intruders received an order from their masters, and it is unlikely that anything will make them change their minds; it is impossible to escape. No one will allow him to use the teleportation trigram, and the snowy owl is far away. And it¡¯s not a fact that its quality is higher than that of the flying beasts of demons; all that remains is to fight, but he himself is not capable of anything even against the royal phasers, to say nothing of the imperial phasers. It is unknown how much the second wave is stronger than the first one. The only hope is the daughters.


    While the demons were slowly approaching, Kyon sat down between Eve and Le and sadly said: ?My bunnies, something has happened that I was afraid to even think about¡­ The bad guys are approaching us, and they are about to be close¡­?


    The girls¡¯ faces turned white with fear.


    ?Do they want to kill us?!? ¨C Eve was horrified.


    ?I¡¯m afraid so¡­? ¨C Kyon began, when suddenly a strong contradictory feeling ofpassion and pity red up in him. Being a born egoist, he almost always put his safety first, but the very thought of what would happen to the girls if they were captured by demons broke his heart. It seems that his father¡¯s feelings were actually awakened in him. Or rather, he had experienced these feelings before, but only now he realized how strong they were.


    No matter how strong and durable Eve and Le are physically, they will turn into punching bags for fast, dexterous and ruthless demons, because there are probably the imperial phasers among them¡­ The girls will not help him in any way. The chance of sess is close to zero, and it¡¯s not worth risking their lives.


    Realizing all this, Lovr said: ?Or rather, no¡­ They want to kill only me. I don¡¯t want you to suffer because of me! You must run to the city!? ¨C at first uncertainly, but then with inflexible determination, Zosimos dered.


    ?Are you leaving us?!? ¨C Eve squeaked in disbelief.


    ?Dad, no! No, don¡¯t you dare! What are we going to do without you?!? ¨C Le¡¯s eyes glistened wetly from tears.


    Shifting things into a spare ring, Zosimos said: ?I will try to hold them back, but I won¡¯t be able to do it for long¡­ You must run as fast as you can without stopping! Although you are slower than demons now, fear will help you unleash your full potential of speed and get to the walls of Dantes first!? ¨C he held out the ring to Eve. ¨C ?Find the menagerie and ask Lyuda to get things out of the ring. Before passing through customs, be sure to change your clothes. Show the document, and you will be allowed inside. You know the address of the hotel, ask strangers for directions. Wait for Bernard to appear there. Tell him that dad was kidnapped by bad people outside the city, and you were able to escape¡­ He will take care of you. Don¡¯t show your strength to him unless your lives depend on it. And be sure to stick together!?


    ?Dad, what are you talking about?!? ¨C Eve sobbed, refusing to ept the inevitable.


    ?I will not leave you! No! I do not want to!? ¨C Le hugged the man tightly, not wanting to let him go.


    ?These demons are strong and ruthless¡­ They will do to you what you would not wish to your worst enemy! Run quickly, do not hesitate! Run fast!? ¨C ordered Kyon.


    ?No, I don¡¯t want to!? ¨C the pixie insisted.


    ?I SAID RUN!? ¨C Kyon shouted as severely as he could.


    Le let go of the man out of fright and walked away a few steps.


    The little fairy almost reflexively took up the bags entrusted to her and turned to run¡­ Her heart did not allow her to disobey the man, especially when he was so serious in his intentions, but she was stopped by a loud cry from her sister.


    ?NO! I WILL NOT LEAVE!? ¨C Le stubbornly stamped her foot and bulge out her chest. ¨C ?And I don¡¯t care how strong those bad guys are, I¡¯ll beat them all! I won¡¯t let them take my cartoons and dad away from me! I am ready to fight to thest drop of blood!? ¨C she shed a memorable beautiful phrase.


    ?Sweetheart¡­ Please, for my sake¡­ If something happens to you, I will not forgive myself¡­? ¨C Kyon pleaded, not lying at all. They became dear to him.


    ?NO! And that¡¯s it! I will fight for you!? ¨C the girl eximed resolutely, wiping away her tears and clenching her palms into fists.


    ?I¡¯m¡­ going to fight too¡­ I¡¯m not going to lose you, dad! And I don¡¯t want to live without you either!? ¨C Eve interjected with tearful eyes. She herselfcked the determination to show her feelings, but with sisterly support, everything is different.


    Kyon tried to find other words, but realized it was useless. Although he could manipte Eve, the only thing that worked for Le was the prohibition of cartoons and nothing else. Her disobedience, arrogance and self-confidence, as well as attachment to Zosimos, as to the person who makes her happy, will not allow the pixie to retreat. Given the huge chance of failure, he terribly did not want to put the girls¡¯ lives on the line, but there was no other option.


    Lovr humbly epted the girls¡¯ decision to stay with him and focused on the impending disaster: ?If I can¡¯t convince you, then I, as a father, am obliged to do everything to increase our chances of victory.?


    ?We are listening to you attentively, dad!? ¨C Eve nodded with fire and fear in her eyes.

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416


    {?Judging by the signal strength, our target is behind those hills.?} ¨C the deputymander of the demons sent a mental message to the group.


    {?Let¡¯snd.?} ¨C the strongest horned onemanded.


    A dozen huge birdsnded on the tops of hills several hundred meters high. Below, the demons saw a multi-kilometer in, overgrown with low grass and sparse trees, in the middle of which there were three people: two girls and a man.


    ?Why do these human bitches have such an outfit?? ¨C the deputy asked, raising his eyebrows.


    ?I don¡¯t care. Our target is that man.? ¨C recalled themander.


    ?And what are we going to do with the girls?? ¨C the deputy asked, licking his lips unkindly.


    ?If they are ugly ¨C we will kill them. If on the contrary ¨C we will capture them.? ¨C the leader grinned knowingly. ¨C ?Let¡¯s move out. And remember, our goal is not easy. Be on the alert.? ¨C having finished, he and his subordinates went to the people, having previously imposed various barriers on the birds.


    As they approached, the demons felt that the man was only a superior phaser at the 6th stage, and the girls had no development at all. Such weaklings against them are like cockroaches against a herd of elephants. All tension disappeared instantly. Themander even changed his mind aboutunching the surprise attack and removed the veil of mass concealment technique.


    As soon as the people turned around, the demons involuntarily froze. The beauty of the two human girls was so amazing that they could not believe what they saw: pale, delicate skin without a single wrinkle, graceful arched eyebrows, small noses and chins, lips like the most delicate petals of a fiery flower, and their wonderful clear bottomless eyes¡­


    The appearance of one girl was so innocent and beautiful, as if she was a goddess of purity, standing above this sinful world. The appearance of the second, on the contrary, gave the impression that its owner was a dangerous, capricious and mischievous cheat, however, only the non-existent daughter of the demon emperor could match her charm.


    And these two beauties were dressed up in unusual open clothes: ck tight leotards, like ballerinas or gymnasts, but instead of tights ¨C ck knee high socks, and instead of gymnastics slippers ¨C a kind of shoes. Their clothes, coupled with slender figures and extraterrestrial appearance, struck the imagination. The demons couldn¡¯t look away!


    ?Demons?! Oh no¡­ Oh no¡­ OH NO!?


    The man¡¯s shrill cry of terror brought the demons to their senses. A smile yed on themander¡¯s lips, peculiar only to Xiao Bai, who found the lord¡¯s sphere on the floor. He walked towards the man, taking out a long huge ax.


    Eve and Le were petrified with horror at the sight of 33 huge red-skinned demons, as if sprinkled with blood, with long ram horns and mes in their eyes.


    ?Wait! Master Demon, I beg you, listen to just one of my requests! My daughters¡­ Please don¡¯t kill them! Kill me, but don¡¯t touch them!?


    Themander grinned and said in broken Human: ?Old man, you to y at nobility is useless¡­ Such a beauty we to capture. You are our target. You we to kill.?


    ?To capture?!? ¨C the man blurted out with relief and grief at the same time. ¨C ?In that case, Master Demon, please take care of them¡­ They are very nice and kind girls! They are the best girls that exist in this world! If you offend them, you will incur the wrath of the universe! Eve, Le, hug the big guys, show them your love¡­?


    When the two girls, looking down, stepped forward, the demons looked at each other in surprise: are they really going to hug their enemies? Isn¡¯t that too¡­ weird?


    Eve went up to the most terrifying female demon. She was the third strongest of the squad ¨C the imperial phaser at the 1st stage. The girl, raising her wet eyes full of fear, stretched out her hands as if she wanted a hug.


    Nine out of ten demonesses are bisexual, so when such an innocent, fragile cutie wanted hugs, the woman absolutely could not refuse her. With a vulgar smile, she took the slender body of the beauty in her arms, while the other soldiers nearby hissed and snorted with envy.


    Le went to the most terrible demon: themander. Showing remarkable courage, the girl looked up at the horned one and also held out her hands. Her eyshes quivered with fear, and diamond tears sparkled in her brilliant eyes.


    Such a charming creature made the heart of a battle-hardened warrior tremble. The enchanting fragrance of the damsel got into the nostrils, causing a slight dizziness, as if from intoxication or immeasurable happiness. Baring his teeth in a dirty grin, themander allowed the damsel to hug him, and he shamelessly grabbed her firm butt covered with leotard with his palm.


    ?Your daughters are very good-looking!? ¨C themander growled contentedly. ¨C ?Fortunately for you, one of my warriors to know a subordinate formation that suppresses suffering and makes you happy. So the sex ves will not get a head-injury §Ú to be happy with their fate. And in gratitude to you, I to give a quick death.?


    The deputy received a mental order from themander and, taking out a long sword, headed towards the man. Coming closer, he elerated sharply to cut off the head¡­ When suddenly the man opened his shining blue eyes. An inexplicable panic seized the demon¡¯s soul, as if he was looking into the eyes of an angry Emperor Lucius. Although this feelingsted only a split second, the horned one seemed to have fallen out of reality.


    With a wave of his hand, Kyon took out a prepared a few weeks ago, dotted with hundreds of nephrites with formations inside, and, as if with a snap of his fingers, with the help of pure energy, he activated all the attacking formations of the Feruzs at once.


    ~whoosh~


    A sh, brighter than even the sun, illuminated the entire in. Countless attacks of different nature and direction-from fire and lightning to earth and darkness-hit the demon. Although each attacking formation hit at best a lord phaser at the middle stage (5), all at once they were iparably more powerful than that volley of artillery in Triana, when the tigress was not yet harnessed.


    A cacophony of sounds filled the in.


    The glow of the previous attack had not yet disappeared, when suddenly the whole world was plunged into imprable darkness, and then the dazzling light triumphed again.


    While the demons were under the effects of ¡°sh of Darkness¡± and ¡°sh of Light¡±, Kyon consecutively fired three shots from a pulse rifle into the heads of the horned ones.


    ~WHAM~ ~BAM~ ~WHAM~ ~BAM~ ~WHAM~ ~CLAP~


    One bullet was caught with bare hands, like an annoying fly. The second one hit the head, protected by pure energy. And only the third one hit the forehead of the weakest demon in the squad, the royal phaser at the 4th stage, because of this, the horned one flew several tens of meters, but he only had a small bruise.


    Kyon¡¯s goal was simple: to create as much chaos as possible to buy time for Eve and Le. To do this, he did not hesitate to roar loudly, like a mighty lion, using his modernized vocal chords one hundred percent.


    When the demons came to their senses, they found the deputymander lying in the bubbling magma. His body was shaking with agony and shock. His hair and clothes had evaporated, and half of his face and body were charred. He was still alive, but he obviously won¡¯t live long.


    ?A human bastard! DIE!? ¨C the soldier roared in a fit of hatred and, taking out a throwing ax, threw it at the screaming man with such speed that even the lord phaser at the peaking stage would not have time to react. But the weapon inexplicably did not reach the target.


    Kyon took out a, studded with hundreds of nephrites with the Feruzs protective formations, and activated several dozens at once. Numerous stone walls, shields and deep quicksand formed around him.


    The enraged demons took out their weapons and rushed at the man to attack¡­ When suddenly there were booming sounds of blows. The demons turned around and looked at theirmander. He bulged his eyes from the strain, wheezed something, twitching strangely and beating his fists on the head of the girl hugging him, as if he was trying with all his might to throw her off¡­


    ?What the fuck¡­? ¨C the soldiers blurted out in shock, not understanding what was going on there at all. Why don¡¯t themander¡¯s blows, which clearly contain all the power of the imperial phaser at the 3rd stage, cause harm to an ordinary girl? This human girl can¡¯t be that strong!


    ?This bitch is choking him!? ¨C shouted one of the shrewdest soldiers.


    The demons rushed to help themander, but even ten demons could not unhook the hands of this pixie: she grabbed tightly, like a Diamond boa constrictor! And, judging by the lcplexion of the horned one, her grip was only getting stronger with every second!


    ?Die-die-die-DIE!? ¨C Le screamed without stopping. The blows of the terrible demon echoed with pain in the head. For the first time, the girl felt pain! If he manages to escape from the grip, there is no doubt that she will die from his strong hands.


    Meanwhile, Eve finally released the horned woman, whose neck was twisted at an unnatural angle, and the vital sparkle in her eyes had long gone out. She died! Now the attention of all the demons was focused on saving themander, and only a small part fiercely attacked the protective barriers created by the father. If this continues, they will break through and kill him.


    {I have to save my dad!} ¨C the girl thought desperately, trying to move from her ce. Her knees were trembling, her face was deathly pale, her hands were shaking, but the desire to save her father¡¯s, sister¡¯s and her own lives was stronger than any fear! The realization of this simple but important truth restored mobility to the legs.


    Eve pounced on the most terrible demon, deciding to face the fear, but he easily dodged and tried to wring her hands, naively hoping to do without killing the ¡°weak¡± girl and the future captive.


    The horned one did not know yet that this girl had recently broken the neck of a woman, the imperial phaser at the 1st stage, because he was absorbed in attacking a fucking screaming old man!


    The demon¡¯s touch almost knocked the spirit out of the girl, but instead of freezing from shock, she fiercely grabbed his hand and pulled it towards her like a rope, then grabbed his throat with her palms¡­ No dexterity and speed allowed him to dodge such a simple attack.


    ~crunch~


    The girl did not understand why the enemy¡¯s neck was so soft, unlike the one that belonged to the woman. She tried to attack the next horned one, but he hurriedly jumped back, because he witnessed the brutal murder of a rtive.


    ?Die, bitch!? ¨C the demon shouted, sharply reducing the distance and hitting the seemingly fragile girl with a foot in the stomach.


    Eve flew off a dozen meters, but did not feel any pain. Her heart was pounding loudly in her temples. The fear was still there, but now she could fight it because she knew what she was dealing with! Leaping to her feet, the fair-haired girl with the screech of a desperate Amazon rushed to the attack¡­


    Meanwhile, there wasplete chaos among the demons trying to save themander.


    ?Cut this bitch¡¯s hands!? ¨C the horned one roared desperately.


    The fourth strongest demon in the squad, the royal phaser at the peaking stage, came forward, took out a fragile-looking sword simr to a katana, and shed the girl¡¯s arm with all his strength, but instead of the expected loss of a limb, he only left a reddish stripe on her skin.


    ?What the fuck?!? ¨C the horned one eximed in disbelief, staring wildly at his weapon. He got an extremely high-quality example of a sword from the east, one of those that are famous for their sharpness, from his older brother, the legendary swordsman, and still he could not even scratch the girl?! Incredible!


    Realizing that the problem was already serious, half of the squad attacked Le. They beat her with axes, swords, hammers, spears and bardiches¡­ She was affected by all the elements¡­ The horned ones used all the techniques that they had in their arsenal.


    The girl¡¯s clothes were torn to shreds in a matter of moments, and her wless naked body was exposed to the red eyes of angry demons. Red marks began to appear on the delicate satin skin, and in some ces even scratches, small burns and bruises, but thedy stubbornly continued to squeeze themander¡¯s neck with her elbow¡­


    ?Let ourmander go, and we will give you mercy!? ¡­ ?Gouge her eyes out, for fuck¡¯s sake!? ¡­ ?Fuck, let me try!? ¡­ ?Why doesn¡¯t my attack work on her?!? ¡­ ?Don¡¯t hurt themander!?


    The demons pulled the girl¡¯s hair, tried to get to her eyes, but she buried her face in themander¡¯s back. They groped her ass, trying to make her twitch, and used the dirtiest techniques¡­ All to no avail. Too stubborn, strong and surprisingly tough.


    ?Bastards¡­ How dare you touch me there¡­ Heaven will punish you for this¡­ And I will help it!? ¨C clenching her teeth, Le said. She was literally shaking with indescribable fear and burning rage.


    ?DROWN HER!? ¨C suggested the smartest demon, but he was interrupted.


    ?We won¡¯t have time!? ¨C the other horned one objected, seeing that themander was practically not resisting anymore. ¨C ?Take her father hostage!?


    While one demon created a water bubble on the girl¡¯s head so that she could not breathe, about ten horned ones rushed to the man, who was still standing due to the constant use of protective formations¡­

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417


    {Shit¡­ Shit! SHIT!} ¨C Kyon cursed himself for his helplessness, watching as half of the squad rushed at him, as Eve unsessfully tried to prevent that, and Le was drowned in a bubble of water while she strangled the most dangerous demon¡­


    Lovr activated several dozens of defensive formations.


    ~CRACK~ ~CRUNCH~ ~CLAP~


    Under the onught of the horned ones, the quicksand froze, the earthen walls copsed, the icy ones melted, and the etheric barriers burst harmlessly. At this rate, in a minute all the protective nephrites of the Feruzs will end, and then only death¡­


    Eve tried to help her father with all her might, but fell under a stream of me, and although she was not injured in any way, all her clothes turned into ashes. Because of this, her perfect naked body appeared to the greedy scarlet eyes of numerous male demons. A tsunami of pressure and shame hit the girl. It was as if her body was shackled by chains! She lost the will to resist. As a result, the beautifuldy, all bathed in tears, just curled up on the ground, pitifully watching how the horned ones got close to her dad¡­


    Kyon¡¯s heart sank as he watched what was happening. He could only rely on Le, but she has been held in a water bubble for almost half a minute! In such a stressful situation, it is impossible to hold your breath for a long time. The fact that she is still standing is already a miracle!


    Meanwhile, the squad leader¡¯s eyes darkened fromck of oxygen. He no longer felt the ground under his feet, and the surrounding noise turned into an indistinct hum. The mind gradually began to fade. As soon as the horned one lost consciousness, the pure energy protecting his neck dissipated. At the same moment, the man¡¯s throat instantly crumpled and broke, like a thin crust of spring ice under the light pressure of a foot.


    ~CRUNCH~


    Feeling the demon¡¯s corpse being dragged to the side, Le tenaciously grabbed the bastard, who was still trying to drown her, by the hand and with a sharp squeeze broke it like a dry branch¡­ The water balloon burst, and the girl was finally able to breathe deeply.


    ?A-A-A-A-AA-A-AA! LET ME GO, BITCH!? ¨C the demon roared, trying to throw off the impudent bitch with a geyser, but she inexorably pulled him towards her until she grabbed him by the neck¡­


    ?No one dares to strangle me without my consent!? ¨C Le screamed hysterically and squeezed her palm.


    ~CRUNCH~


    With a face twisted with fear and hatred, the demon was killed by his own stupidity.


    Meanwhile, the soldiers stared nkly at the already deadmander: ?Oh no, no, no, it can¡¯t be! I don¡¯t believe it!? ¡­ ?That bitch¡­ She killed themander!? ¡­ ?Fucking bitch, you¡¯ll pay for this with your life!? ¡­ ?WE¡¯ll KILL ALL THE PEOPLE!? ¨C someone let out a battle cry in Demonic, and the demons seemed to break loose. They always respected their leader, but he died a shameful death by the standards of warriors at the hands of a cute human girl.


    The horned ones were divided into three unequal groups: some bit into the protective barriers of the pot-bellied man, wanting to tear the father of this ?vile fiend? to pieces with all the fibers of their soul, others attacked the scoundrel who brutally killed themander, and only a few remaining preferred to try to finish off the obviously surrendered naked girl.


    Looking around, Le immediately realized that everything was bad. Her father¡¯s protection will soon fall, and her sister is not able to fight at all. Everything depends only on her! Alone, naked and beautiful, against a group of cruel and persistent demons! And what to do next? There was a ringing emptiness in her head!


    Unfortunately, the girlpletely forgot the content of Zosimos¡¯ instructions right before the battle: the blows of her and her sister¡¯s fists will not cause harm to the demons. It is necessary to grab and strangle!


    Based on this simple truth, Kyon made a n with ?innocent? hugs, thanks to which he was able to get rid of two of the most dangerous enemies, while he killed the third one himself. However, these three imperial phasers, as it turned out, were able to pierce the skin of the girls. The fact that they are dead gives them (and mostly only them) a tiny chance to survive.


    Le was mercilessly attacked by a crowd of angry demons. The very first blow sent her slender body into a somersault for several tens of meters. Before she could get to her feet, a hammer blow flew into the back of her head, and again a whirl before her eyes¡­ She was kicked like a ball on a football field, and she could not do anything about it, although she saw and realized everything perfectly. The fact is that bare feet at such speeds slide on green grass and damp ground, as if on ice. The girl could not physically slow down and regain bnce.


    Thedy¡¯s body was covered with injuries, although small, but extremely numerous: somewhere a bruise, somewhere a scratch, somewhere a burn. Due to an overabundance of adrenaline in the blood, the pain was not felt, as well as shame and fear, but it could notst forever. The demons will not stop until they turn her body into a lifeless corpse, which will then be defamed as a sign of revenge for the murder of themander.


    With a desperate groan, Kyon activated the remaining 50 defensive formations at once and prepared to attack the first demon that broke through with the sword of Cmity. There was no point in trying to dodge at his snail¡¯s pace. Royal phasers are not the kind of practitioners he could withstand.


    A squad of demons violently crashed into the barriers, splitting them like nuts. After half a minute, thest protectiveyer disappeared, and a demon burst forward. With a gleeful evil smile, he blurted out: ?Die atst!? ¨C and swung a huge hammer at the man¡¯s chest. His blow was as powerful and fast as a meteorite¡¯s fall.


    Meanwhile, Kyon made the first movement ¨C ¡°Fall of Cmity¡±, with which he defeated Dinah in Cernos. Jumping up, he swung his sword towards the hammer, weighing down his weapon to ten tons.


    ~BOOM~


    The shock wave scattered clods of earth and flower petals around the area. The hammer blow made by the royal phaser at the finishing stage easily suppressed ¡°Fall of Cmity¡± and flew into the man¡¯s chest, sending him into a long uncontrolled flight.


    ?Dad¡­ Dad¡­? ¨C Eve squeaked pitifully, sobbing softly.


    ?Dad, don¡¯t die! Dad!? ¨C Le screamed desperately. Her heart sank painfully.


    Kyon tumbled limply on the ground like a rag doll. The demon¡¯s blow broke almost all of his ribs and caused many internal injuries of varying severity: the lung and esophagus were pierced, many blood vessels and tissues were torn, and the heart was damaged.


    Lovr¡¯s eyes darkened, and his face turned pale, but despite the severe injuries, the thought echoed through his head: {I don¡¯t want to die like this¡­ I want to live!} ¨C he spat out blood and tried to get up, but he was already surrounded by demons.


    ?Vile little man, how can you still stand on your feet?!? ¨C the demon with the hammer was amazed.


    ?Tear him apart in front of this bitch!? ¡­ ?Tear out his heart and crush it!!? ¡­ ?Tear off his head and show it to her!? ¡­ ?Rip off his skin!? ¨C the demons shouted, piercing the person with bloodthirsty nces. They wanted to destroy the trashy girl who killed themander, not only physically, but also mentally. The cruel death of her father should help in this.


    The demons stopped attacking the girls, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the execution.


    Eve wanted to say something, but the words did not leave her mouth from an overabundance of emotions. Seeing the deathly pale face of her dad, the girl¡¯s heart was torn with grief.


    ?Let him go! D¡­ Don¡¯t you dare¡­? ¨C a bitter lump of regrets rolled up in Le¡¯s throat. Thest thing in the world she wanted to see was her father¡¯s death. Just ten minutes ago, she was living a wonderful life, where every day was a joy¡­ But everything that happened now was like a nightmare, from which she could not wake up in any way.


    The demon with a hammer hung the man by the neck.


    {Kara¡­ I should have strangled you while I still had the chance!} ¨C Kyon thought with regret. If he had known earlier that he would get into such a situation because of the marriage formation, he would have acted differently. Well, now it remains to rely on the n of the st hope?. With all his remaining strength, he hit the horned one in the face.


    The red-skinned demon easily grabbed the man¡¯s hand and tore it off with a sharp movement.


    ?AAA-O-O-AA-A-OO-O-E-EEE-EE-EAA!? ¨C howled Zosimos, as if he was being cut alive. Blood spewed from the stump in a pulsating stream to the ground, staining the man¡¯s side.


    The girls were thrown into an uncontroble tremor from this tough sight. They could not take their shocked gazes away from their father, who was moaning in pain.


    The demonsughed in unison. One of them picked up the severed hand and, with an ugly grin, waved it to the little creatures.


    Due to the inhuman howl of the man and the delightful reaction of his daughters to this, the demon with the hammer felt the excitement, and grabbed the man by the other hand, but he could not pull it out. And this despite the fact that he took up the task with full dedication. With much more effort, he managed to pull it out with part of his shoulder.


    ?VO-OO-OOO-OOA-AA-AAAAA-AH!? ¨C the man, pale as chalk, howled painfully.


    The anguished cry of their father literally drove Eve and Le crazy. An annoying ringing began to sound in their heads, increasing with every second, as if resonating. The girls¡¯ heads were literally splitting from terrible pain. The bodies were covered with cold sweat.


    The hammer-bearer grabbed the man by the head and tried to tear it off¡­ unsessfully. No matter how much force he applied, it did not separate from the body. He even felt ashamed in front of hisrades for his slip. Having given up, he threw the man on the nearest stone and smashed the hammer with all his strength on the back of his head, intending to tten the enemy¡¯s skull like an overripe watermelon.


    ~BOOM~


    The stone under the man¡¯s head shattered into rubble. Arge crater formed in the ground. From the blow, the body of the unfortunate man went deep into the ground.


    {NO-OO-OO-O-OO-OO!} ¡­ {DAAD-DYYY-Y-YY-Y!} ¨C seeing the execution of their father, the girls got stuck. The headache disappeared, and the pure, icy rage expressed in the desire to destroy all enemies came in its ce. The curtain opened slightly.


    The demons wereughing at the top of their voices, and only the horned one with the hammer was stunned by the indescribable amazement that seized him, because he did not feel that the blow somehow hurt the surprisingly strong man. What nonsense?!


    Suddenly the atmosphere changed. It seemed that the in and nearby hills were torn out of this reality and ced in another eerie dimension. The air vibrated strangely and thickened, as if the whole world around was submerged under water. Gusts of wind, swaying grass, chirping of insects ¨C everything seemed to be frozen. The demons felt as if the heavens had fallen on them. They felt such pressure only at that fateful battle between humans and demons! Immense fear enveloped the hearts and souls of the horned ones. They all fell to their knees at once, as if by someone¡¯s unquestioning order. Pale and terrified, they turned to the source of this dominating power, and it turned out to be¡­ Naked girls!

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418


    The demons slowly turned to the source of the tyrannical pressure and realized that it was being emitted by the girls they were trying to kill and break: they tried to burn them, freeze them, drown them, stab them and beat them, and they also groped them and much more. Animal terror gripped their hearts. Now the horned ones understood why they could not do any serious harm to these strange girls.


    Eve and Le straightened with unhurried grace, as if spreading invisible wings. It was impossible to read anything on their beautiful faces, only deathly indifference and lifelessness were reflected in the clear bottomless eyes. They only needed scythes in their hands to be reapers of death.


    The horned ones, exerting remarkable willpower, got to their feet and scattered¡­ The only thing their souls screamed about: save yourself at any cost!


    Eve and Le disappeared at the same time, as if they had teleported. The ground beneath their feet exploded as if an artillery shell had hit it. In an instant, the girls found themselves near the horned man with the hammer who killed their dad. Eve grabbed the man by the legs, and Le grabbed his hands, and each girl pulled him towards her.


    ?VU-OU-OUU-A-AA-AAA-AH!? ¨C the demon howled from the heart-rending pain and fear.


    ~crunch~


    The body of the horned one was torn along the waist. The girls literally tore the enemy in half! The intestines of the red-skinned demon fell out of the torso, and he, breathing madly, frantically tried to put them back in, while a puddle of his blood spread on the ground.


    Eve and Le took the sufferer by the hands and pulled him towards them again, this time tearing off his limbs¡­ But quartering the viin was not enough for them¡­


    The head of the demon with the face twisted from despair and pain was in the hands of the girl. One could see a bloody spine sticking out and severed arteries with blood gushing out from there. The dead demon¡¯s pupils widened in disbelief.


    Le ced his head between her palms and almost tenderly began to squeeze her fingers, clearly deliberately letting her victim feel the painful death as long as possible. At the end, she brought her palms together with a sharp and quick movement. The mess of brains, blood and bones scattered for several meters, staining the girls, but they did not seem to care at all.


    ?AA-A-AA-AA! I DON¡¯T WANT TO DIE!? ¨C roared the demon with a katana-shaped sword, when suddenly a naked, blood-spattered reaper of death appeared right in front of him¡­


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Kyon, buried two meters underground, was writhing in hellish agony. He lost more than a liter of blood. His arms were torn off, one of which was torn out along with his shoulder, his sternum was turned into a bloody mess, and his brain was almost shaken into a homogeneous liquid! Synergy worked to the limit, pulling its owner out of the grave: it repeatedly increased the pain threshold, repeatedly stopped internal bleeding, prevented blood loss from the stump and shoulder, and even took on the role of damaged areas of the brain.


    Lovr¡¯s head was splitting with unbearable pain, and even his miraculous energy could notpletely suppress it. And although there were no cracks in the skull (after all, carbon bones are too strong), the brain hit the skull very hard. Tinnitus was maddening, as well as the dizziness. Stars were exploding in his eyes. He received a serious concussion, after which people usually die instantly, but Synergy managed to connect the critically important severed neural connections, thereby pulling the owner out of the otherworld. One can safely say that this injury is much more severe than the one that Kyon received from the tigress.


    ording to Kyon¡¯s rough estimates, the demon was the royal phaser at the 9th stage, that is, he had an advantage over him in three phases and three stages (3.3). The enchantment of the advanced phase makes the body stronger by 10 stages, and the fully developed head ¨C by 20 stages, that is, one might say, he was hit by a hammer on the head by a practitioner 3 stages higher. This usually ends tragically.


    In the case of Triana, the situation was significantly different. At that time, she surpassed a human in development by three phases and seven stages (3.7), while he had not yet performed the enchantment, and his head had not yetpleted the improvement process (it took 9 months). He survived then for two significant reasons: firstly, the lion¡¯s part of the blow was absorbed by the barrier bought by Bai for his beloved granddaughter, and secondly, the tigress attacked with ws, that is, a huge part of the power of her blow was extinguished by carbon bones and skin.


    Kyon felt someone gently grab his waist and pull him out of the hole. Through a narrow gap in the half-open eyelids, he saw Eve and Le, covered from head to toe with the blood of demons. They looked at him with emotionless faces and lifeless eyes, as if their souls had left their bodies.


    ?You¡­ Coped¡­? ¨C said Lovr and spat out a blood clot.


    Hearing their father¡¯s voice, the girls shuddered. Something in them came to life and squeezed painfully. Both of them had wet eyes, they swayed at the same time and, limp, copsed to the ground.


    Kyon held his breath anxiously, but quickly calmed down, because he could clearly hear their heartbeat, albeit weak, but stable. So everything will be alright with them!


    Lovr did not spare Synergy for managing several birds. With their help, he discovered dozens of corpses in a small radius around. Someone¡¯s limbs were torn out, someone¡¯s head was torn off, some were brutally torn in half, and the rest had their reproductive organspletely torn (it was clear why) and their eyes were squeezed out. An eerie sight. There was a total ughter. Not a single demon survived. It was clear who was to me for everything.


    What Eve and Le did is impossible without the use of pure energy, including the technique of movements or at least the technique of sticking to the ground. There is no doubt that the girls fell into a state of affect, or even something more!


    That was the n of the st hope?. Lovr deliberately provoked the demon to torture him in front of his daughters. The loud inhuman howl of a man who lost his limbs in the most cruel way contributed to the psychological shock of his daughters. If the horned one had not felt the excitement of a hunter ying with a helpless victim, then everything could have ended differently, but in the end everything worked perfectly: Eve and Le experienced a mental shock and awakened their hidden knowledge about the possession of energy. It remains to be hoped that they will not awaken the rest of their memories.


    Now the main thing for Kyon is that the girls are safe, alive and well, even if they are unconscious. If you remember what they had to go through in thest hour, they will lie like this for at least a day, or even more. The smart decision now is to take care of himself.


    The birds picked up the hands torn off by the hammer-bearer demon and helped to attach them to the owner. Using the earth element, Kyon fused the carbon skin, firmly attaching the limbs to the body. Then Synergyes into y: to disinfect, to heal vessels and veins, muscles and tendons, nerves and other tissues. ording to rough estimates, it will take a day, or even two. As for the restoration of internal organs and the brain, it is unlikely that it will be possible to fully recover even in 5 days, but the meeting of the ns is in 3 days.


    When the recovery process stabilized, and nothing was threatening his life anymore, Kyon breathed a sigh of relief, which caused a sharp pain in his chest. What had happened still seemed unreal to him. So suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, he found himself in a situation on the verge of life and death. If histest n with the girls¡¯ mental trauma did not work, he would be already dead.


    {Kara¡­ What a bitch you are¡­} ¨C Kyon gritted his teeth in anger. And although the demoness is his wife, beloved one and even the mother of his child, there is no one to me but her, because the squads find him through the marriage formation in the groin, and only the demoness has ess there. That recent thought, which broke out in the heat of the moment, when he was on the verge of death ¨C ?I should have strangled her? ¨C perhaps has nothing to do with reality. Only by going back in time and looking into the eyes of the woman he loved, he would be able to understand whether he was able to do this.


    Until today, Lovr was not sure of the demons¡¯ motives: do they want to kill or kidnap him? It would be logical to assume the kidnapping, because the princess, as far as he knew her character, would not be satisfied with just the sight of his severed head. But the truth turned out to be different. Why is it so?


    Kyon used cold logic in his rational thinking. His mind quickly built logical chains, the probability of error in which is minimal.


    The first question: did Kara get to her homnd unharmed? The answer: undoubtedly, otherwise how else would the demons get ess to the tracking function of the marriage formation. And da, with her development, was very unlikely to be hurt.


    The second question: was da able to catch up with her daughter when she left the Iron Throne? The answer: yes, because she had a tracking formation imposed on her daughter (and how else), besides, she is too developed not to catch up with a sled animal. And since Kara got to her homnd, then her mother did it too.


    The third question: did Kara send the demons? The answer: most likely indirectly. Probably, she did it through someone, because if she had an elite squad under hermand, or rather, even two, she would not have waited 9 months, but would have sent them immediately. Let¡¯s say she would have givenmands through a sound transmitter to keep the pregnancy a secret.


    By the way, Kyon was in Cernos at that moment and was ready for the appearance of anyone. After all, he had a mighty striped cat under hismand. At worst, he would have hidden somewhere if the horned bastards had appeared on the school grounds.


    The fourth question: why didn¡¯t Lucius send a squad to catch his daughter¡¯s fiance, since the search function was built into the marriage formation? It can¡¯t be that there is a sufficiently good reason why he will give up trying to capture the scoundrel who impregnated his daughter, spoiled some grandiose ns. In addition, he is an immensely talented ?son of a goddess? with the legacy of the ?mother?! Kara could not refuse the powerful, albeit poisoned, emperor. And she couldn¡¯t hide her pregnancy either, because da would have told Lucius everything! Kyon couldn¡¯t find the definite answer. At this point, the logical chain ends. Not enough information.


    The fifth andst question: who then sent the demons, if not the parents? Obviously, some authoritative acquaintance of Kara, whom she somehow persuaded to give her a squad of demons, or simply gave a task that he had toplete. And the girl did it right after the birth of the child.


    And yet something is wrong: why would she kill her husband? No, it¡¯s clear that she wants to finish off the rapist who knocked her up. The problem is that strong hatred must be released. Given the vindictive nature of the girl, she would definitely want to take his life herself at least, or even to torture him in a sophisticated way before that.


    Based on the above, another version appears: someone ckmailed her to find and kill the groom. However, the chance of such an oue is insignificant. Too exact a coincidence in time, besides, who would dare to go against the first princess of the Tristans?..


    Anyway, the demoness failed to aplish her n, and even if the third wave arrives, which is quite possible, Kyon will survive, because now his daughters have remembered how to use energy! He can only hope that they will not remember everything else¡­


    And by the way, he is grateful to Kara, because the souls of three dozen royal phasers and imperial phasers are very juicy.


    {Souls¡­ My souls!} ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes widened as he remembered the most important thing.

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419


    Usually, after death, souls are detached from the keys and fly away underground. It is believed that they return to the origins, where they pass some kind of a wheel of samsara and are reborn, or fall into the kingdom of the dead. Some call it heaven or hell, others purgatory, others yellow springs¡­ Kyon did not know whether this was true or not, but in Boston he found out through experiments on rats that souls do not hurry to the next world, but stay next to the body (or what is left of it) for 10-15 minutes, as if they do not believe that their lives havee to an end, and only then they fly away to the call underground. Almost ten minutes have passed since the first demon was killed! He needs to hurry!


    Lovr activated the force of gravity of the core of the void, which was currently filled with 0% souls, and even the soul of Prince Charles, the noble phaser at the peaking stage, was felt as nothing more than a drop in an empty sea.


    Under the influence of the force of gravity, the souls of the demons slowly went to the core. As soon as they flew close, they shrank into a thread and, twisting into a funnel, were drawn into the core of the void through the navel. At the same time, their integrity was preserved, at least Kyon felt that the souls inside him did not lose their individuality.


    The radius of gravity was about 100 meters, so Lovr had to get up and hobble with an uneven gait across the in to the bodies of the dead. The souls were slowly but surely drawn to the core. The body, weakened due to serious injuries, affected the soul, and therefore the body of the Void, due to which the force of gravity also weakened. Very soon he consumed 30 souls. Wait a minute, weren¡¯t there 33 demons? Did the remaining three souls fly away? Not at all.


    As far as Kyon knew and felt, with each subsequentpleted stage of the Void body, the ability to absorb souls significantly improved: the radius and power increased. So, for example, he found out on hunters trying to harness Triana that at that time he could absorb the souls of practitioners 3 stages higher. Now, apparently, by 3.5 stages, but due to serious injuries, this figure decreased to 3.4 stages, that is, the imperial phasers are already going beyond the designated range.


    {Do I really have to give them up?} ¨C Kyon frowned in displeasure. ¨C {No way!} ¨C he decided, not wanting to lose the goldfish out of his hands. When else will he be able to fill the core with the souls of the imperial phasers? Those bastards almost killed him!


    Lovr kicked the corpses of the woman, themander and his deputy closer to him (the souls followed the bodies) and, groaning painfully from the sharp pain in his chest, sat in the lotus position, closed his eyes and concentrated. No matter how hard he tried, the souls refused to leave the area next to their lifeless bodies. They seemed to care nothing, except that their body was dead, and they were destined to go to the realm of the dead.


    {And what if I try¡­} ¨C with a bright thought in his head, Kyon came close to the soul and tried to swallow it, but it didn¡¯t work, as if the vacuum cleanercked the power to suck in a very heavy piece of garbage.


    Suddenly Kyon¡¯s eyes gleamed with joy: the souls, albeit with the speed of a snail, flew to him! It is reasonable to assume that they lost interest in the body and went to the ?call? of the core of the Void, which, apparently, turned out to be stronger than the call of the kingdom of the dead!


    However, the joy of Lovr was soon dispelled. The souls were drawn to his soul like maized balloons to hair, but they refused to be absorbed by the core, apparently due to theck of the thrust power.


    {Damn.} ¨C Kyon concluded disappointedly, wondering what to do.


    An hour passed unnoticed. Lovr clearly felt his strength, physical and mental, melting away. This was strongly influenced by a serious injury to the body. His head is already spinning, his vision is unfocused, even breathing bes difficult. If everything goes on like this, he will lose consciousness, or even worse, but he could not let go of the souls. He looked like a monkey who had put his hand in a box of nuts, but could not open it to get out.


    {Why doesn¡¯t it work? How does it even work?} ¨C Kyon wondered. Where did he initially get the power to control the movement of souls? There was nothing even close in meaning in the unique body of the Archangel and the Archdevil, from which the body of the Void was created. This ability could not have appeared by chance¡­


    Suddenly, the soul of the imperial phaser at the 3rd stage began to slowly move away from him and fly down. The call of the kingdom of the dead, equally inviting for any soul, overcame the gravitation of the core of the Void, whichpletely depended on the development of the owner.


    {Damn¡­ Damn!} ¨C Kyon gritted his teeth, when suddenly something snapped in him. ¨C {Wait a minute¡­ Control of souls? What is above everything and everyone in this world? What is so great and immense that it can control even souls? Time!} ¨C He has found enlightenment. And how did he not immediately guess about this? With the help of space-time flows, you can manipte the movement of souls! Even a photon flying past a ck hole (near which time is slowed down) changes the vector of movement in its direction.


    Realizing the secret, Lovr created a ¡°Sphere of Annihtion¡± in his left hand, which had regained some mobility: a transparent ball that bends space like a crystal ball, and brought it closer to the body. The energy of time emanating from the technique, or rather, a part of it, ignoring the natural resistance of the channels, prated through them into the soul and resonated with the core of the Void, significantly increasing the force of gravity¡­ Themander¡¯s soul was pulled back and, twisting into a funnel with two other souls, fell into the core.


    {Yes! Damn it, yes! I did it!} ¨C Kyon with a happy smile fell on his back andy there for a while, recovering. Now he knows how absorption works, which means that in the future he will be able to absorb more developed souls.


    In total, Lovr absorbed 30 souls of demons that were the royal phasers, and 3 souls of demons that were imperial phasers, which filled the core of the void by 15%. Depressingly little. Where else would he get such strong enemies? There is a solution: they will just appear! When the crisis passed, and the souls replenished the core, he gloatingly decided to properly thank Kara for a delicious treat in the future. He would like to see the expression on her face when she realizes that her actions eventually helped a hated person.


    Kyon took out a sound transmitter and ordered the coachman to pick them up, and before he arrived, he created a small bath with the elements of the earth, filled it and bathed the naked unconscious girls, rubbing them with a milky fragrant balm and not forgetting to wash their hair with a mild shampoo. Their silky thick hair caressed his palms, and their skin seemed so smooth, like ticklish feathers of angels, and so pale, as if it glowed. It was incredibly pleasant to take care of the girls. The perfect curves of their bodies fascinated and delighted. He wanted to hug one of the beauties by her slender waist, kiss her tender sweet-smelling navel and, without opening his lips, climb up her tummy to the intimate cloud mounds, so seductive and soft that the mind empties. No man could resist such a temptation. There is no doubt that for 322 years, only parents have seen the girls naked¡­ Well, now he and the demons have also seen them naked. However, the horned ones are already dead, and it¡¯s not a pity to die after such a sight.


    {I¡¯m their father! Stop thinking about it!} ¨C Lavr ordered himself, trying to stop an erection. He understood that no matter what kind of rtionship he had with beauties, it would not be possible topletely suppress his nature.


    Having summoned all his willpower, Kyon pulled on panties on the girls, fastened bras and dressed them in their favorite dresses of his own tailoring. After that, he began to eliminate all traces of the recent battle: he leveled the relief, buried the corpses of demons, giblets and sshes of blood.


    The question arose: should he expect the appearance of an army of people? The demons used a powerful concealment technique and probably flew confusing routes, getting rid of possible chase. The battle, if one can call it that, took ce on a in surrounded by hills several hundred meters high, besides, the nearest city is 300 kilometers away, and Dantes is 500 kilometers away. It is also worth remembering about the huge birds on which the demons arrived. They flew away, frightened of the pressure of Eve and Le, which means that they will someday attract attention, however, this is unlikely to happen soon, and it is hardly possible to track the ce of the battle by them. Considering all this, Lovr doubted that arge army would appear here. At most, some reconnaissance squad will fly by in a couple of weeks, and that¡¯s not a fact.


    Soon a coachman flew in on a snowy owl and picked up good clients. It seemed strange to him that he sometimes smelled blood, but there were no visible wounds on the passengers. It was also unclear why two clients were sleeping on the man¡¯sp, being wrapped in a sheet.


    Within a few hours, Kyon flew around two cities, rented a well-guarded room in each and put the girls there. These are all necessary precautions. If the girls wake up, regaining their memory, they can begin to fight, and then millions of lives in Dantes will be at risk. He did not want to take such a burden on his conscience at all.


    Returning to the hotel, Lovry down in a soft bed with great pleasure. He couldn¡¯t help but worry: what if Eve and Le regain their memories? Will they want to kill him? He did so much for them¡­ And he didn¡¯t even allow himself too much¡­ On the other hand, he saw them in their underwear and even naked. It is unlikely that such adult chaste women, brought up in the strict framework of the eternal observance of honor, dignity and nobility, will let him get away with it. There¡¯s no way to guess.


    The day came to an end. The girls did not wake up, and Kyon finally returned mobility to his hands. He went to the in to dig up the corpses of demons for looting: to take their rings and snatch the keys from their bodies. Only by the end of the day he collected everything of value.


    He didn¡¯t find anything special in the rings. No identification marks, as if the purpose of the assignment and the affiliation of the squad were deliberately ssified. But the number of the keys obtained was pleasing: the total value is like half of the treasury of the Feruzs.


    The main reason for collecting the keys is to enchant the soul to the highest level of strength. The Feruzs¡¯ treasury approached the goal by 5%, as did the ckmail of the patriarch of the Clintons. And this wave of losers added another 2.5%, for a total of 12.5%.


    After finishing with the demons, Kyon returned to Dantes for a hard training in the underground hall.


    ¡­


    It¡¯s been almost three days since the meeting with the demons.


    Less than 6 hours left before the meeting of the heads of ns. Eve and Le did not wake up, so they will not be able to help Kyon get out of a dangerous situation. He will have to rely on his abilities. By the way, recently he finally developed to the superior phaser at the 7th stage. Who knows, maybe this will y an important role.


    With a gloomy sigh, Lovr left the underground training room, washed, changed his clothes, prepped himself up and, although he was not invited, went to the headquarters of the Silent Horror n two hours before the meeting, where he met familiar people.


    Valeera instantly attracted his attention. Her stunning clothes in the style of ¡°the boss¡¯s favorite secretary¡±, coupled with her slender figure, will never fail to delight. The girl gave off a subtle and very refreshing fragrance, reminiscent of the winter cold and causing a tingling sensation in the back of the neck. A good choice. It was the first time she used perfume since they met. That¡¯s how important the uing meeting of the heads of ns is for her.


    Tymoshka, Bernard and Alexander put on business suits. They looked painfully serious, as if they were going to a funeral. Tension thickened in the air.


    ?Hello, mydy!? ¨C Kyon greeted the n leader with a slight bow, then shook hands with two men, and ignored the guy.


    Tymoshka wanted to reproach the old man for beingte, but wisely changed his mind.


    ?Why have youe?? ¨C Valeera asked coldly.


    Kyon opened his mouth in surprise: ?I¡¯ming with you,dy¡­?


    ?No, you¡¯re not going. And you, Tymoshka, are not needed there either.? ¨C the girl said indifferently.


    ?I¡­ I¡¯m not going?.. B-but¡­? ¨C the guy got confused. However, he was not the only one.

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420


    ?Your presence is not required, Zosimos. It will only make it worse: my n will be ridiculed if a weak practitioner, who is a superior phaser at the seventh stage,es with me¡­ And in general, when did you manage to develop so much?? ¨C raising her eyebrows, Valeera asked in surprise.


    ?Profitable and dangerous work in the n motivated me to be stronger¡­? ¨C said Kyon and abruptly dodged the dangerous topic. ¨C ?Lady, I¡¯ming with you! This is my duty! You said that I am now part of the family, so how can I leave it in a difficult moment?!?


    ?Lady Arpha is right.? ¨C Bernard interrupted suddenly. ¨C ?It will be very dangerous at the meeting. You better take care of your daughters. For their sake, you should not get involved in situations that threaten you with death. So stay at home.?


    Kyon immediately objected, continuing to insist: ?On the contrary, if I go, I can help all of you avoid a possible trap with the ability of my eyes! Besides, I just seem like a weakling, but in fact my unique body of physical power will even give you a head start.?


    Bernard chuckled at this statement. Who does he think he is?


    ?Zosimos, that¡¯s enough.? ¨C the head of the n asked ¨C ?Better worry about your daughters. You have already received your share from the sale of metals, and if I do not return, the proceeds will be enough for you for the rest of your life.?


    {Damn it, I have to be there!} ¨C Kyon thought desperately. He didn¡¯t want to risk his life once again, but given his defensive abilities, as well as a pre-prepared n, the risk of dying is minimal, while the chance of losing Valeera once and for all is huge. He needs to be at the very epicenter of events in order to make the right decision in a timely manner and save this fool.


    Lovr had to act tougher. He bowed his head and said: ?Lady Arpha, I single-handedly multiplied the value of the metal stolen from the warehouse by more than ten times, and then helped sell it for three times the price that you would have agreed to due to theck of alternatives. In exchange for all this, you took me into the family, but¡­ I don¡¯t feel like a part of it. Now, when the most crucial moment is approaching, which determines the very existence of the n, you did not even invite me to the headquarters, and now you forbid me to go with you! Stay at home and follow the order ¨C that¡¯s what I hear! Is this how close rtives behave?! How can I feel like a part of the family after this?! I am ready for any danger! Just take me to the meeting!? ¨C Zosimos spoke with the expression of a deeply offended fanatic.


    At the end of this emotional speech, Valeera sighed gloomily and wearily covered her eyes with her eyshes. It seemed that she was dealing with another Bernard, ready to jump into a cauldron of boiling oil for the sake of his beloved. Did Zosimos suffer the same fate? Previously, he did not show any signs of such feelings, but now everything fits together: a man has tasted the praise of a delightful woman, has fallen in love with her, and now wants to get her attention by performing feats. But it doesn¡¯t work that way! Yes, he was lucky twice, but there will not be a third time¡­


    There is the question: is it worth refusing Zosimos? This is unlikely to change anything¡­ At the meeting, he is neither here nor there, but the refusal will offend the man, and to infringe on the trusted members of the n is not what Uncle Leon taught her. Opening her eyelids, the girl looked at Bernard, giving him thest word.


    ?Zosimos won¡¯t go anywhere!? ¨C the man snapped sharply. ¨C ?Either he or I! That¡¯s it!?


    ?So, the decision¡­? ¨C Valeera began, but stopped in mid-sentence.


    Kyon stood up and gestured for the man toe outside with him.


    When both were outside the door, Bernard angrily muttered: ?You¡¯re not going anywhere!?


    Lovr calmly scribbled something on a piece of paper and showed it to the angry big man.


    Bernard¡¯s expression changed dramatically. He hesitated, looked closely into the eyes of Zosimos, then, sighing as if a huge stone had been removed from his shoulders, he nodded.


    The inscription on the sheet was as follows: ¡°As soon as I get to the meeting, I will send a mentalmand, and the bracelets will be removed from your boys¡±.


    Obviously, the man did not allow Zosimos to go to the meeting, because he was afraid of a situation in which, in the event of the man¡¯s death, the bracelets on the boys¡¯ wrists would be automatically activated. He only worried about his children.


    When the two men returned to the room, Bernard said humbly: ?Let Zosimose with us. I do not mind his presence at the meeting of the heads of ns.?


    Alexander and Tymoshka were surprised. Valeera raised her graceful eyebrows in amazement: what did Zosimos say to convince the ardent Bernard in half a minute? This is interesting¡­


    Suddenly Tymoshka also got up from his seat and, clearing his throat, confidently dered: ?Well, since everyone ising, then I¡¯m with you! I¡¯m part of the family too! I have worked for the n since its foundation and I am ready¡­?


    ?You¡¯re not going anywhere.? ¨C Valeera snapped in an icy tone. ¨C ?Sit down and be quiet.?


    Tymoshka gagged as if he had been pped in the face on a date. The n leader¡¯s sharp gaze instantly destroyed all confidence in him. And even if he had the same confidence as Zosimos had, it would not have changed anything, because it¡¯s obvious how great the difference is in her attitude to him and to the old fart: the guy was not even allowed to finish the sentence! But they listened to the man and made a concession to him! It is so unfair! His chest ached with unbearable humiliation and resentment¡­


    Shivering, Tymoshka humbly sat back down, hunched over and pressing his head into his shoulders, like a turtle hiding in its shell.


    The next half hour was spent discussing the uing event.


    Kyon handed the nephrite to the n head: ?Lady Arpha, please take this tracking formation. If it happens that you are kidnapped, and I manage to escape, I will do my best to save you¡­?


    The girl frowned with displeasure: ?Zosimos, you are crossing every line¡­ Despite how much you have done for the n, I will not tolerate such disrespect! Apologize!?


    ?I¡¯m sorry¡­? ¨C Kyon bowed slightly. ¨C {Damn it¡­ She makes everythingplicated!}


    Bernard patted his friend on the shoulder knowingly: ?Although Lady Arpha looks like a fragile girl, her appearance is deceiving! If you had seen how she killed one of Edward¡¯s bodyguards, you would have kept quiet now, ha-ha!? ¨C he saw in Zosimos an exact copy of himself in the past. He, too, once went too far and was punished. Considering all this, he was sure that Arpha was dear to the man, which, oddly enough, instead of jealousy caused only trust, because only a madman would believe that a pot-bellied, bald old man with low development had at least a ghostly chance to win the heart of a young , incredibly beautiful, unapproachable, charismatic, intelligent and gifted head of the n.


    Valeera took the call, received the address and loudly announced: ?Let¡¯s move out.?


    Three men, led by a girl, went to the meeting of the heads of ns.


    Half an hourter, they found themselves in an uncrowded, rich area of the city: everywhere there were luxurious mansions, a well-groomedwn, parks, fountains, and even ponds with tame swans. The territory isrge and well guarded.


    Four people approached an especiallyrge mansion surrounded by high marble walls. As Kyon saw, it was covered with several protective barriers at once, and there were guards at the entrance, who were royal phasers.


    Valeera showed them the formation, and she and herpanions were allowed inside.


    The size and screaming luxury of the inner territory of the mansion were only slightly inferior to those of Juno mansion in the Stones¡¯ estate. The main difference was in the atmosphere: it seemed that the guests were in the abode of demons and other dark creatures. Everyone was nervous.


    Approaching the building, the guests met a thin man with bags under his eyes, smoking a pipe. Next to him there were two bodyguards and the ?right hand?.


    Bernard and Alexander instantly changed their faces, as if the king himself had appeared in front of them.


    ?Greetings to the head of the Ravenfeather n, Mr. Diego.? ¨C said Valeera politely, bowing her head as a sign of respect.


    ?Girl, you camest. It¡¯s not very polite of you to keep everyone waiting, being the head of the n of only the eighth rank, besides being used of viting the charter.? ¨C the man said dryly, calmly looking into the ck eyes of thedy.


    Diego gave the impression of a pragmatic and punctual person, at the same time very strong, strict and responsible, which is more characteristic of some high-ranking imperial officials, rather than influential bandits. At the same time, he seemed detached and lonely, which only added charm to his image.


    ?We have yet to find out who is really to me for the vition of the n charter. As for my beingte¡­ I was given the address only half an hour ago, and I could not physicallye faster.? ¨C Valeera answered in her usual dispassionate manner.


    ?A smart move on his part¡­? ¨C shaking off the ashes, Diego proceeded to the mansion with the guests.


    At the moment, Valeera liked only the head of the Ravenfeather n, while all the others aroused suspicion and disgust in her. He is the only one who behaves like a gentleman, and she likes his appearance and character.


    The members of the Silent Horror n proceeded to the assembly hall: a spacious room with a wooden floor. In the middle there was arge round conference table, divided into eight sections, each of which belonged to one shadow n.


    There were about fifty people in the hall: bodyguards, deputies and the heads of the ns. Only seven people, but the influence they have on the whole city is undeniably great. One can say that the authority of each of the heads is approximately equal to the patriarch of the family of 30-50 rank, while their capabilities are much higher. These dark persons in the eyes of the government and citizens are not just criminals, but a real evil. Cancer tumor of the capital!


    The leaders of the ns created an oppressive impression, reminiscent of a meeting with age-old maniacs. They are all sharks and piranhas in a sea full of ordinary peaceful fish, dolphins and whales. Their predatory nces, fixed on the guest who entered, spoke for themselves.


    Isaac stood out in particr: a thin old man with sparse gray hair on his head. His face and gaze inexplicably inspired fear, as if signaling that their owner was an extremely unprincipled person.


    ?Greetings to the heads of the ns.? ¨C the girl bowed slightly to those present.


    ?You have finally deigned toe, Lady Arpha¡­? ¡­ ?What a great honor you have shown us by your presence, oh great queen¡­? ¡­ ?It is not very wise to bete for your own funeral.? ¡­ ?How about apologizing??


    The heads of the ns did not miss the opportunity to poke the girl venomously. By their behavior, they showed apleteck of respect for Arpha, and there were many reasons for this: she was a novice, the first female head of the n (just a woman), besides, the reason for today¡¯s urgent meeting.


    ?Gentlemen?, ¨C Diego suddenly intervened. ¨C ?On someone¡¯s initiative, Arpha received the address only half an hour ago. Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions.?


    No one else said anything. The weight of the words of the head of the Ravenfeather n is undeniable.


    Valeera nodded gratefully to Diego, stood near her part of the round table, located just on the opposite side of Isaac, and identally met Edward¡¯s eyes. She felt so disgusted that she immediately turned away.


    The guy with the long bangs confidently looked at Arpha with a carnivorous grin, like at a juicy piece of grilled meat that he would soon taste. His gaze would have made any girl shiver with disgust, as if she had been doused from head to toe with a sickly sweet syrup.


    Suddenly, the attention of the heads of the ns, as well as their deputies, focused on Zosimos. The mere presence of such a weak person in the meeting attracted attention.


    ?Queen Arpha, why did you bring the jester here?? ¡­ ?Why jester? Maybe this is her bodyguard, ha-ha¡­? ¡­ ?I suppose the leader of the Silent Horror n has specific tastes: he is her boyfriend! Like attracts like.? ¨C quiet malevolent chuckles were heard everywhere. Even Edward was smiling.


    If Valeera had been an ordinary girl, such an insulting mockery would have hurt her, but since she had already made a decision about the presence of Zosimos, she was ready for something like this.


    Kyon felt as if he was under the same pressure as during the heat of the battle with the demons. All those present here are mostly practitioners of the royal phase. They are very strong, and most importantly, ruthless and immoral personalities, while he¡­


    Isaac coughed softly, causing all noise and din to instantly subside. Respect for the head of the ck Star n could be felt with closed eyes: ?Gentlemen, once again I greet everyone present. The reason why we have gathered here today, as you know, is the vition of our charter by the Silent Horror n, namely: conducting activities on the territory of another n.? ¨C suddenly the old man¡¯s business tone changed sharply. ¨C ?This bitch almost disrupted the operation, for which my grandson had been preparing for over a month! She used him! Because of her, my grandson lost half of the gang, his bodyguard and almost died himself! I¡¯m not going to let this bitch go unpunished after what she did!?


    The expressions on everyone¡¯s faces hardened. They stared at the girl sternly.


    Alexander, Bernard, Zosimos and Valeera almost dropped their jaws when they heard such an impudent statement.

 Chapter 421

    Chapter 421


    After such a brazen nder from Isaac, even a statue would have blushed with anger. You have to be either very calm or dead in order not to react to such words. Bernard turned purple, Alexander also lost hisposure, Zosimos¡¯ eyes were clouded with bloodlust, and only Valeera narrowed her eyes rapaciously.


    Many people looked at Arpha usingly. Diego crossed his arms thoughtfully, looking askance at the culprit, while everyone else felt it necessary to express their point of view: ?So that¡¯s what the first woman who heads the n is like? I didn¡¯t expect anything more¡­? ¡­ ?For the sake of profit, women do not hesitate to ignore any rules. A well-known truth.? ¡­ ?Yes, but what kind of bitch does one have to be to do this?! She didn¡¯t have enough of her own abilities to organize a great robbery, so she decided to appropriate a ready-made one from a neighbor?! How disgusting it is¡­ I¡¯m going to throw up!? ¡­ ?Mr. Isaac, your anger is fully justified. I wouldn¡¯t put up with it either.? ¡­ ?Mr. Isaac, I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I admire your courage. None of us would even dare to think about robbing the warehouse of a family of the thirtieth rank! The whole city is still full of rumors about your feat. You made history, pushed the boundaries of the possibilities of the shadow ns, and I am d that you are one of us!? ¨C the head of the n of the 7th rank respectfully said this, with the obvious intention of sucking up to the strongest one.


    Despite the fact that she was under intense emotional pressure, Valeera delivered a surprisingly calm and thoughtful speech: ?n heads, please do not jump to conclusions. Today you are acting as judges, but I do not intend to remain the only defendant, so Iy a counter charge: the ck Star n operated on the territory of my n. Edward and his gang nearly disrupted the operation for which I had been preparing for more than a month. They killed two of my men, almost stole my loot, tried to take me prisoner, and in addition, because of this dy, the Stalbers appeared, which caused me to lose half of the gang.?


    Arpha¡¯s words sounded extremely confident for someone who was used by Isaac himself, but such arrogant behavior only angered those present more: ?Are you serious? Do you think we will believe that some woman is capable of such a thing?!? ¡­ ?Girl, you are only the head of the eighth rank n, so give that crap to someone else!? ¡­ ?I¡¯m going to throw up from such a brazen lie!? ¡­ ?How dare you?!?


    Bernard looked like an over-inted red balloon that was about to burst. Even Kyon could barely restrain the desire to strangle each of the screaming. Yes, ¡°some¡± woman and the head of the n of ¡°some¡± 8th rank did what you will never dare to do! Valeera looked calm, although at these moments her heart gave out a frantic rhythm.


    As soon as Diego spoke, everyone else fell silent: ?He-he, this meeting is getting more interesting. You should admit that not everyone has the courage toy a counter-charge against the head of the ck Star n. Arpha is a very brave woman and she deserves respect even for this reason. We need such leaders of shadow ns, don¡¯t we?? ¨C the man asked, ironically lifting the corners of his lips, looking intently at the head of the n of the 7th rank, who recently openly sucked up to Isaac, like a young lion cub to the leader of the pride.


    The head of the 7th rank n turned away in embarrassment, feeling humiliated.


    Edward¡¯s face twisted hideously, as if he had sniffed his socks.


    The heads of the other ns did not know how to respond, apparently deciding to simply remain silent.


    Valeera looked at Diego gratefully. She decided that if everything goes well, then in the future, when she leads all the shadow ns, this man will be her deputy, and maybe even get a personal date with her.


    There was an oppressive atmosphere in the room. Isaac broke the silence, saying in an ominous tone: ?Bitch, you have a lot of courage, but what¡¯s the use of it? Your words are worthless here. The question is not who is to me, but in determining the measure of your punishment.?


    Valeera, who was on the opposite side of the round table, confidently parried: ?The question is in determining the identity of the one who vited the rules of the shadow ns. And whoever it turns out to be, he will bear all the apanying sanctions that correspond to the charter of the ns. Or do you disagree with this??


    Isaac silently stared at the speaker with his frightening deathly gaze. There is no doubt, the girl knows how to choose words. In such a situation, he has nothing to answer. It would be smarter to ignore what he heard.


    ?He-he, Arpha won one-nil.? ¨C smiled Diego.


    The head of the ck Star n got down to business: ?Twenty-one days ago, at three o¡¯clock in the morning, a gang of my n led by Edward, broke into the territory of the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse in order to take out its contents. It is worth noting that the warehouse is located on Foundry Street, which, as many people remember, has been part of the territory of my n for more than twenty years. So, when the metal was almost collected, Arpha suddenly appeared with a group of subordinates and tried to take away my grandson¡¯s loot, but she most likely did not know who exactly was robbing the warehouse and how strong his bodyguards were. However, she managed to get away with it, because the Stalbers appeared. If my grandson hadn¡¯t wasted his time on this bitch, he wouldn¡¯t have had to flee, and he would not have lost half of the gang and his bodyguard, who bravely sacrificed his life for the protection of the master!?


    When Isaac finished speaking, indignant usations against Arpha fell from the heads of the ns.


    ?Let¡¯s hear Arpha¡¯s version.? ¨C Diego finally suggested, leaning back in his chair with an interested look.


    Bernard took the floor on behalf of his leader: ?Twenty-one days ago, Lady Arpha and I met at a construction site not far from the designated warehouse¡­ After discussing the details of the n with us, Lady Arpha, using a high-quality concealment technique, single-handedly entered the warehouse territory, paralyzed all the guards with poison, turned off three protective sources out of five and gave us an order to get inside¡­? ¨C the man¡¯s carefully prepared speech flowed smoothly and without hesitation. Even despite the shark nces of the surrounding kings of the city¡¯s underworld, the speaker¡¯s voice never wavered, because he spoke the pure truth from beginning to end, which means he has nothing to worry about. The only thing he didn¡¯t mention was who got the metal in the end.


    When the man finished his speech, no one bombarded Isaac with usations, as in the case of Arpha. Only Edward blushed and trembled ¡°for some reason¡±.


    ?Well, this version sounded much more detailed than the previous one. What do you say to that, Isaac?? ¨C Diego asked with a cunning glint in his eyes.


    Edward snapped almost naturally: ?Dirty LIE! The bastard has read all the details in the newspapers, and now he passes off my achievements as his own! Fuck, how ANGRY I am!?


    The old man patted the guy on the shoulder reassuringly: ?Calm down. Govern your temper.? ¨C he addressed the audience. ¨C ?I didn¡¯t see the point in describing every step. I value both your time and my own, unlike some.?


    Despite Edward¡¯s overly vivid reaction, the n leaders epted Isaac¡¯s position, while they looked at Arpha and her assistant with even greater distrust.


    Bernard, noticing that everything was turning against them, cleared his throat and said: ?My version is more voluminous, but I agree that this does not mean its authenticity. I propose to go into the details. Edward, tell us, how did you lose your strong bodyguard during the meeting with Arpha??


    ?He was killed by the Stalbers during the escape!? ¨C the guy grimaced angrily. He said what his grandfather asked him to say, and the reason for this is simple: if the girl who is inferior to the bodyguard in development by 4 steps still could kill him, it would sound too absurd and imusible.


    Bernard nodded, took out a stack of magazines from the ring, each of which he opened on a certain page, on which important paragraphs were highlighted in red, and handed them out to the heads of ns, then calmly said: ?The first inconsistency looms before us. In the magazine published by the Russells themselves, there are details of the official investigation carried out by the department, where it is written in ck and white that the practitioner of the royal phase had his throat cut before the appearance of the Stalbers. But why would the Russells lie? On the contrary, it would be beneficial for the Stalbers to say that they killed the royal phaser, but this did not happen.?


    ?You never know what these cops messed up there¡­? ¨C hissed the guy, clenching his fists to a crunch.


    ?In this case, we are moving to the second inconsistency. The official investigation says that two practitioners were found with their heads cut off in the information center of the warehouse. What do you say to that, Edward?? ¨C the man asked venomously, clearly wanting to drive the liar into a corner.


    ?Obviously, Arpha killed them!? ¨C Edward angrily snapped, wanting to tear out the man¡¯s heart.


    ?A bold statement, especially considering that the uniform on the dead was different from the one worn by the bodyguard who died ¡°during the escape¡±! This is written in the fifth paragraph. Or are the Russells lying again? Why do they need it??


    Edward looked as if he was in a hopeless dead end. He was trying to invent something.


    Isaac chuckled to himself: the girl had thoroughly prepared for the meeting of the ns, but he had prepared even better. The old man calmly said: ?This proves nothing. The magazines write what attracts the attention of the public, that is, ordinary and uneducated citizens. It is not at all necessary that reliable information about the incident will be written there.?


    The other n heads nodded in understanding. It sounds usible.


    Bernard spread his hands, as if hammering thest nail into the lid of the paired coffin of the hated Edward and Isaac: ?You can argue with that, but let¡¯s move on to the third and biggest inconsistency. To begin with, I will ask: you managed to bring the stolen metal to the house, didn¡¯t you? Of course! Otherwise, your list of usations against Arpha would have expanded by one more point, but I have not heard anything like that. So, you still have the metal??


    Isaac would have been happy to me Arpha for this, but in this case there would have been questions about the money from the sale of metal. The option of losing the loot along the way also does not work, because in this case the Stalbers would have returned the metal, and everyone would know about it.


    ?Do you want to see proof that we have the metal?? ¨C the head of the n of the first rank guessed. ¨C ?Baby, we sold it twelve days ago on the ck market. We have the check.? ¨C he took out a piece of paper with a radiant smile of a maniac capitalist. ¨C ?It should be enough for you to shut up your fucking mouth.?


    The other n heads smiled. It became obvious to them who was right and who was not.


    Bernard shook his head and said confidently: ?I don¡¯t need your check. Having connections with the ck market administration, it is not so difficult to forge it. Our im is different: if you sold the metal, then where did mydy get the money from its sale??


    The grin on Isaac¡¯s wrinkled face bloomed in all its disgusting gloating: ?And what kind of money are you talking about? A couple of tens of millions? Ha-ha, everyone knows that the Stalbers suffered about half a billion in losses, and if you don¡¯t give us at least two hundred million now as proof, you can go fuck yourself!?


    Edward grinned maliciously. The other n heads were also interested. It was about a huge amount of money, equal to approximately the annual ie of an average n!


    Now Alexander, Bernard and Valeera are finally convinced why Isaac agreed with the ck market to reduce the price of buying metal from the n of the 8th rank. Instead of a reasonable 200-250 million, they wanted to buy it for a measly 50 million! Isaac had nned everything thoroughly. What a treacherous old man!

 Chapter 422

    Chapter 422


    If Valeera knew how to smile, she would definitely have done it, because now she had enough money thanks to Zosimos and the dwarves! She deliberately fell into a trap set up by Edward and Isaac to use it against them. Bernard was the bait. It¡¯s time to use the ?money argument?. They tried so hard to deprive her of it.


    The girl took out a huge bowl from the ring, filled to the top with multi-colored spheres: ?Since I was left without metal, then where did these two hundred and fifty million raised from its salee from?? ¨C she asked the old man and his grandson in a mocking tone.


    Isaac opened his mouth slightly in surprise, which said a lot. His grandson¡¯s eyes widened, because he knew about the agreement with the ck market and he did not understand at all how the girl could sell the metal otherwise.


    ?Two hundred and fifty million?! It can¡¯t be!? ¡­ ?So Isaac lied to us?!? ¡­ ?I have to make sure!? ¡­ ?Let me check!? ¨C the heads of ns pounced on the pile of spheres, like vultures who saw a rotten carcass, and confirmed the total amount with an unmistakable scan. The men¡¯s eyes glittered greedily.


    ?Isaac, what does that mean?? ¨C after scanning the money, Diego asked suspiciously.


    The old man returned the mask of equanimity to his face and, without looking at all guilty or trapped, shrugged his shoulders: ?Who knows? Maybe she borrowed money from a familiar family or someone else¡­ Judge for yourself: she broke into the shadow world clearly not as a simple person from the street. She has a lot of experience and skills. It is hardly possible that a woman could do all this alone without someone¡¯s support. She borrowed money from these people. Let her provide a check of the transaction to confirm that I am wrong, otherwise all this clownery is not worth a penny.?


    The heads of the ns could not disagree with the words of the authoritative old man: ?Mr. Isaac is right in his own way. We need to check it out.? ¡­ ?Arpha, show us the check from the sale of metal.? ¡­ ?Dispel our doubts. You have the necessary documents, don¡¯t you?? ¨C the men demanded.


    Valeera frowned slightly. She expected a slightly different reaction, both from Isaac and the others, but in the end she would have to defend herself again? Why did such a powerful blow to the credibility of the head of the ck Star n have almost no effect? The problem is that she doesn¡¯t have any written evidence. The dwarves didn¡¯t provide anything. And even if it were otherwise, these sharks of the shadow world would never have believed that the criminals had made a deal with the dwarves themselves, who are patronized by the Russells. It even sounds stupid.


    However, the girl had an alternative argument: ?I didn¡¯t sell the metal to the ck market, because someone?, ¨C she nodded at the old man. ¨C ?Put pressure on the administration of the market, and because of this they intended to buy it for a song¡­?


    Isaac clicked his tongue with mock pity: ?Oh, this is so unexpected¡­ She has no check! Wow¡­?


    The eyes of the other n heads were instantly filled with distrust of the girl. It was as if the ?money argument? she had previously demonstrated no longer mattered.


    ?Don¡¯t interrupt me! Yes, I do not have the check, but there is another confirmation that I received the metal.? ¨C she took out and activated the visual recording nephrite.


    A bright screen with the image of neat stacks of metal formed on the ceiling. Bernard walked through the corridors of silver, gold and tinum and exined aloud their quantity, quality and approximate market value.


    The n heads exchanged puzzled nces. They hesitated again.


    Isaac angrily mmed his fist on the table and handed out the check: ?I¡¯m fed up with this clowning! Look, my check says that we sold the metal for two hundred million, while the official data says that the Stalbers suffered half a billion losses! And where did the fifty million disappear?! It¡¯s obvious¡­?


    Edward intervened in the dialogue: ?Obviously, she stole some rings from me!?


    ?What nonsense? When could I have had time to do this?!? ¨C Valeera was indignant at such a tant lie.


    ?When the Stalbers appeared and we had to let you go!? ¨C the guy chuckled.


    Bernard added: ?The record clearly shows that the amount of precious metal is much more than fifty million! Why are you lying so brazenly?!?


    ?Speak to me with respect, you brainless bastard!? ¨C Edward snapped venomously. ¨C ?Any fool could use the illusion technique, or just get a forgery in order to fake the amount of metal on the record! Judging by how well you have prepared to nder us, I would not be surprised if you do something like this again!?


    All members of the Silent Horror n had a headache because of such boundless rudeness, oveing all limits of permissible. They wanted to break all the bones of the vile liar, especially Bernard could barely restrain himself from the impulse.


    ?Ha-ha-ha?, ¨C Isaacughed, although there was not a drop of amusement orcency in his eyes. ¨C ?I am impressed by your desire to make us look bad. This bitch is a real genius of deception! Such insidious women are rare¡­ Commendable. She has nned everything so exquisitely that even I am beginning to doubt the truth! Damn, why couldn¡¯t I see such a venomous snake earlier??


    Once again, the n heads took his side. Indeed, the woman is too insidious and cunning. All her actions could well have been a well-nned attack against Isaac.


    Valeera frowned grimly. What¡¯s happening? Why haven¡¯t they attacked Isaac yet?! What could be more profitable than destroying a powerfulpetitor and sharing his wealth among everyone?! The girl literally tore the old man¡¯s argument to shreds, showing money and metal, but for some reason it had no effect! It can¡¯t be that these cretins believe any nonsense rather than their eyes andmon sense! And even Diego is silent, as if he can¡¯t decide to do something¡­


    ?Maybe you will believe your eyes more than a lying old man!? ¨C the girl said, trying with all her strength to remain calm, and used her main trump card: she activated the visual recording nephrite. A bright screen appeared on the ceiling with a picture of a warehouse, at the entrance of which Edward stood with his gang and bodyguards and said something.


    ?Edward?! What the hell are you doing here?!?


    ?Old man, if you speak to me without respect again, and I swear to the gods, I will cut off your head like those two.?


    ?Kids from the Silent Horror n, take the trouble to exin to me what the fuck are you sneaking around in my n¡¯s territory??


    ?What nonsense?! We coordinated the territories of our activity with each head of the n! Your n border is two blocks south!?


    ?h h h, that¡¯s what I hear! I know better where my territory is.?


    The recording stopped there.


    There was a deathly silence. All emotions disappeared from Isaac¡¯s face, there was shock in his eyes. Edward turnedpletely pale, as if he was caught having sex with a dog.


    Judging by the recording, or rather, the words uttered by the guy, those two poor fellows in the information center of the warehouse belonged to the Silent Horror n, and not vice versa, and it was not Arpha who came to the ready-made robbery, as Isaac said, but Edward!


    Now it became obvious to everyone that the head of the ck Star n had been actively trying to cheat everyone all this time.


    ?Ha-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha!? ¨C Diegoughed in a bass voice, pping his knee. ¨C ?Arpha won two-nil! Ah-ha-ha! Isaac, you¡¯ve been pinned to the wall like a little piece of trash, you lying old bastard! What do you say in your defense?! Ah-ha-ha!?


    Isaac publicly gave his grandson a p on the head and, with an expression as if he had eaten a rotten lemon, said: ?We all want to get away with it, but it doesn¡¯t always work out. Please tell me, how does this cancel out the fact that she was operating on my territory??


    The attention of all those present abruptly switched to a new argument, perhaps the most weighty of all. Indeed, no matter what was discussed earlier, if the warehouse is located on the territory of the ck Star n, then everything else does not matter.


    Valeera tried to pull herself together. Everything was not going as she nned, but she will still win, because she still has something to say.


    The girl said in an official tone: ?At thest meeting, when registering the n, I was given the right to rent the territory of other ns, which I used. I entered into the agreement with Isaac, signed by the head of each n, in which the border of the leased territory is indicated in detail. The warehouse located on Foundry Street is subject to the jurisdiction of my n! All of the above is described in this document. Check its authenticity for yourself. The eyes will not deceive you.? ¨C she held out the sheet.


    The document was passed from one n head to another. When it fell into Isaac¡¯s hands, everyone focused on his reaction. The old man suddenly burst outughing: ?Well, well, this is nuts! This bitch was so well prepared that she even forged the contract! Here is the real one! Compare them.? ¨C he took out a piece of paper.


    The heads of the ns wereparing documents one by one and were amazed: ?Well, they are the same in everything. Only the border of the leased area is different.? ¡­ ?Both of them definitely bear my signature. However, I couldn¡¯t sign two different documents! One of them is clearly a fake, but it is impossible to say which one it is¡­?


    When the document reached the part of the table belonging to the Silent Horror n, the girl took both papers and studied them closely, but found nothing.


    Suddenly Zosimos pulled the papers towards him, carefullypared them and, clearing his throat, loudly said: ?To forge the document, Isaac used the method of transferring signatures through a spatial attribute. This method is good because the signatures do not lose their shape, and the ink remains the same, but there is one drawback: along with the ink, a piece of paper from the previous document moves to the new document. Therefore, with a detailed study, you can notice a barely perceptible roughness at the ce of the signature¡­? ¨C while he spoke, Synergy imperceptibly merged into the sheet of paper and made the roughness more obvious so that anyone could notice it even without sses.


    Valeera looked at Zosimos in surprise: is he really a specialist in this area?


    At first, the heads of ns were skeptical about this statement: ?I did not notice anything like that¡­? ¡­ ?Let me see.? ¡­ ?Does anyone have a lensing technique in the arsenal?? ¡­ ?I have it, give it to me!?


    Lovr handed the documents to Diego, when suddenly a throwing needle flying from Isaac at an incredible speed pierced both documents, turning them into dust, and, flying near Zosimos¡¯ neck, broke through the wall and flew somewhere further away.


    The old man mmed his palms on the table and barked impatiently: ?If you dare to nder me so audaciously again, the next needle will be in your forehead!?


    Everyone was speechless.


    {What a bastard!} ¨C Kyon was almost as angry with Isaac as he was with Juno in his first days in this cruel world.


    ?You¡­ You were just scared that we would reveal your fake!? ¨C Valeera also raised her voice.


    ?No, it¡¯s much simpler: I was fed up with this circus!? ¨C Isaac snapped in an icy tone.


    ?What circus are you talking about?! We are finding out who vited the charter of the ns, but for you this is a circus?! And who are you to speak for everyone?! A lying, vile old man! So that¡¯s how the head of the first n acts!? Are you afraid to take responsibility?!?


    Not every lord phaser at the finishing stage will have the courage to argue with a royal phaser at the 9th stage, however Valeera has handled it sessfully without showing fear or insecurity.


    ?Your stories are annoying. I am not the kind of person who will vite the charter of the ns, and everyone knows about it. Confirm my words.? ¨C he nodded at the head of the n of the 7th rank, previously obligingly sucking up to him.


    ?It¡¯s true¡­ Once, at an urgent meeting, Mr. Isaac killed his son to atone for viting the charter of the ns! This act speaks for itself! It is unlikely that the respected Isaac would do such contradictory things. There is no proper motivation!?


    ?He may not have it, but his grandson does!? ¨C Valeera objected and took out herst trump card: the nephrite with a recording of a conversation on the ck market between her and Edward.


    ?Everything will be decided at the meeting. Just wait.?


    ?Speaking of that¡­ Because of your trick, I had to arrange an urgent meeting. It wasn¡¯t easy to do, you know! In short, in twelve days I rmend you not to bete.?


    ?Twelve days? Wonderful. So, in just twelve days, you will realize that you have been dealing with the wrong one. And now get out of my eyes, you nonentity!?


    ?You ungrateful bitch, you¡¯re alive only because of my speech at the meeting! Only because of me you were allowed to found a n, most of whose territory, by the way, you rent from my n! And instead of at least saying ?thank you?, you ignored my offer of a date!?


    ?So that¡¯s how it all started? Did you decide to take revenge because I didn¡¯t hear your inarticte babble, and you took it personally??


    ?You heard everything!?


    The recording stopped there.


    Edward¡¯s face twisted, as if he had found out that he had drunkenly married the aforementioned dog. He wanted to sink into the ground, just not to feel this unbearable shame. How could he have known that the girl was recording everything that happened!


    Isaac, standing next to him, could barely restrain himself from wringing his useless grandson¡¯s neck.


    Based on the record, it is easy to understand what motives the guy was guided by when he broke into the warehouse: the desire to take revenge on the girl for not appreciating his help in registering the n and ignoring the offer of a date. How pathetic and low. He so simply vited the charter of the ns, because of his disadvantaged ?dignity?¡­


    ?Now you know the truth. That¡¯s what Isaac really is.? ¨C Valeera said triumphantly. ¨C ?Judges, I hope for a fair verdict. I would like to receive decentpensation from the ck Star n for the murder of my n members, for trying to appropriate the hard-won metal, for an attempt on my freedom and life, and for repeatedly trying to nder me by deceiving you all.?


    Diego burst outughing: ?Ah-ha-ha! Arpha won three-nil! Ah-ha-ha! Who would have thought that she would be able to beat the head of the first shadow n! Ah-ha-ha!?


    The other n leaders couldn¡¯t helpughing this time either. But these were not the malevolent grins of hyenas inexorably approaching a dying lion. Not at all, there were almost weing smiles on their faces.


    Valeera tensed. A very ominous premonition began to cover every cell of her body.

 Chapter 423

    Chapter 423


    ?Ha-ha¡­ Yes¡­ I¡¯m not the man I used to be. Some girl has overtaken me! Wow¡­? ¨C Isaac pretended toin. ¨C ?As I said, she is too dangerous for us. You saw everything yourself.?


    ?What¡¯s going on here? What does all this mean?!? ¨C Valeera whispered incredulously, uprehendingly shifting her gaze from one person to another.


    ?Don¡¯t you understand yet, you fool?? ¨C the old man grinned bloodthirstily. ¨C ?You lost as soon as you came here! Such a dangerous person is not needed in the shadow world. No matter how much truth is on your side, hyenas will not allow a lion cub to grow into a lion. Well, to bepletely frank, I brought everyone up to date in advance, and we have already divided your property, including the money from the sale of metal, among ourselves. As for this circus, everyone already knew the answer to most of the questions, and as for the details¡­ Well, who of us would refuse to try to save face for himself and his grandson in a ?fair? fight??


    The other n headsughed in unison.


    Bernard and Alexander turned pale, and only Kyon was not particrly surprised.


    Understanding of what was happening gradually began to appear In the beautiful eyes of the girl, it became increasingly difficult for her to maintain the appearance of calm on her face. She looked hopefully at Diego, who had previously sided with her: ?Please help me, as you did recently! Take my side! Please¡­?


    The man burst outughing: ?You fool, I was just having fun!? ¨C he stared at Arpha with unblinking wolf¡¯s gaze, and then turned to Edward with a dirty grin. ¨C ?Boy, I¡¯m going to y with her tonight. Don¡¯t die by the time Ie.?


    ?She¡¯ll be busy tonight, Mr. Diego. Come to us in the morning.? ¨C Edward replied in the same manner. After a moment, the guy forgot about all the recent humiliation, plunging into his obscene fantasies.


    Another unanimous guffaw echoed through the mansion.


    Valeera was overwhelmed by a wave of despair. Even Diego looks at her like she is a juicy piece of meat. All of them united against her one alone, the weakest n head of only the eighth rank,ughing and smiling¡­ The pretense is over!


    Why didn¡¯t she listen to Zosimos? He had warned her that all this could be a trap, but she was so focused on the n. She believed so much that she would win in a ¡°fair¡± trial against Isaac, that she did not pay attention to the state of affairs in general. Stubbornness yed a cruel joke on her, not allowing her to assess the situation from different angles, and now her fate is unenviable. The old man set a double trap for her.


    Uniting against Arpha, the n leaders were guided by pragmatism. In the next few years, no one wanted to kneel in front of a talented woman who hade from nowhere, give her part of his ie and carry out her orders. The very thought of it irritated the men and caused a sickening reflex.


    When Arpha was already being surrounded, pale Bernard suddenly stood up for the girl: ?DREGS! From the very beginning, you all conspired against the poor girl! How can you be such NONENTITIES?!?


    ?For the sake of their prosperity, the shadow ns have never shied away from taking vile measures against outsiders.? ¨C Diego retorted. ¨C ?If you have not yet understood this, then you are stupid.?


    Edward looked from the desired beauty to the big man: ?Old man, I¡¯m tired of your constant yelling! Somebody, rip his head off!?


    ?Do you HAVE THE BALLS to defeat me?!? ¨C Bernard shouted defiantly, banging his fist on his chest.


    Edward snorted contemptuously: ?With ease!? ¨C he wanted to finish off the freak for a long time. With hisbat experience, it will not be difficult to defeat a practitioner with equal development (5,6).


    The guy took out a short sword and pointed the tip at the man: ?Let¡¯s go out. There is no need to dirty the mansion with your guts.?


    ?If I win, will you let Lady Arpha go??


    ?Why would I promise something to a dead man??


    ?Are you afraid of losing to me? This was to be expected from the grandson of a rotten man like Isaac! MOTHERFUCKING COWARD, you take after your GRANDFATHER!? ¨C Bernard quipped.


    Isaac frowned, already figuring out how to finish off the suicide with a long tongue.


    Edward rolled his eyes. It is easy even for him to see through such an undisguised maniption. However, considering how he recently disgraced himself in front of everyone, he would really like to regain at least a little respect, so the guy said with a grin: ?Well, you convinced me. I give my word of the future head of the n: if you defeat me, I will let her go!?


    As soon as Edward finished this phrase, he received a p on the head from the old man: ?What an idiot you are! I should have beaten you more often as a child! Maybe you would have be smarter! Now go and destroy the tot, otherwise I will break your arms and legs!?


    Edward rubbed the back of his head and said angrily: ?I will not lose to him!?


    The heads of the ns talked animatedly for a while, then nodded and followed outside. Why not diversify this event with a spectacr fight to the death? Anyway, all the members of the Silent Horror n present, except for Arpha, will not be released alive.


    Kyon mentally thanked his friend: {Bernard, thank you. You created a great opportunity for Valeera to avoid a tragic fate¡­} ¨C he wanted to put the n into execution right now, but he gritted his teeth and restrained himself: it¡¯s not the time yet.


    Bernard¡¯s act touched Valeera. He deliberately provoked Edward so that she would have a chance to escape, but the girl did not believe in the naive fantasies that she would be released if the man wins, so she hurriedly said: ?Bernard, this will not change anything! They won¡¯t let me go!?


    ?I¡¯m doing what I have to do, Lady Arpha.? ¨C the hero courageously said.


    {Bernard¡­} ¨C the girl clenched her fists, trying toe up with something. No matter how you look at it, the situation is hopeless: she is surrounded by a group of powerful practitioners. Any sudden movement will instantly provoke them to act.


    In the backyard of the mansion, the earth magician organized an improvised arena: he created a round stone tform with a diameter of twenty meters, which was immediately surrounded by spectators. Diego erected an ether barrier, trapping the two fighters.


    ?Fight!? ¨C Isaacmanded, raising his hand.


    ?A-a-a-aa-aa-a-aaa-ah!? ¨C Bernard roared furiously, rushing at the enemy with a dagger.


    ?What a clown¡­? ¨C Edward muttered with a grin, seeing many gaps in the enemy¡¯s attack. He immediately recognized the dilettante. The guy with a lightning swing knocked the weapon out of the man¡¯s hands and with a kick in the stomach sent him flying to the nearest wall of the barrier.


    A terrible grin spread across Isaac¡¯s lips. Many others shouted praises towards the guy. One way or another, it became clear to everyone that they would not see a battle on equal terms, but the butchering of a pig, even though both fighters were equally developed.


    Valeera moaned softly from her own weakness.


    Clearing his throat, Bernard loudly demanded: ?Give me the weapon!?


    ?Get down on your knees and ask your master properly, and then maybe I will return it!? ¨C Edward put forward the condition with a sense of superiority, twirling the dagger in his hand.


    ?No way!? ¨C the man barked, this time rushing into the attack with only his fists.


    Edward snorted, put Bernard¡¯s dagger in the ring and stabbed the approaching man in the heart area. At thest moment, his eyes widened in surprise¡­


    Bernard fearlessly grabbed the cold weapon with his bare hands, stopping it right near his chest, and kicked the guy. At the cost of his cut palms, he tore out the weapon. Blood sprinkled the floor.


    The brave act caused a wave of gasps among the audience.


    Edward was not hurt at all when Bernard kicked him, but the fact that his weapon was also taken away from him was a very humiliating event for him: ?You sick bastard, I didn¡¯t expect such shit from you¡­ You won¡¯t be able to use my de anyway!?


    Bernard tried to pour pure energy into the weapon, but immediately realized that it hardly prated inside, and this significantly reduced hisbat capability. This means that it is personalized, that is, a formation has been imposed on it that suppresses any energy, and no one, except the owner, will be able to use it to the fullest.


    ?In that case, let¡¯s exchange weapons. Your de in exchange for my dagger.?


    With a slight smile, Edward took out the same de and pointed it it at the big man.


    ~Bang~


    A thick silver lightning bolt came out from the guy¡¯s weapon, which instantly hit the second de, at the same time hitting the opponent holding it. Immediately after that, the weapon, as if maized, escaped from the man¡¯s hands and returned to its owner.


    Bernard¡¯s hair stood on end, and his body shook uncontrobly. He never understood what had happened. The enemy did not even move from his ce, but struck him with lightning at a staggering speed and regained his weapon!


    Watching the carnage, Valeera felt worse and worse. Edward has ether, or even one or two more elements, while Bernard has only pure energy. And although the man is well developed, he is not a warrior at all. He never killed people or fought to the death. Even a miracle will not help him to win this battle¡­


    ?Impressive!? ¡­ ?The highest grade of ether?? ¡­ ?Your grandson will achieve a lot!?


    ?Is that why Edward is called the ¡°Two-Headed Thunder Dragon¡±?? ¨C Diego rubbed his chin.


    ?He hasn¡¯t really shown anything yet.? ¨C Isaac replied dryly.


    Edward said contemptuously: ?You are not worthy of fighting with you in full force. Even if you were three steps higher, I would still win! That¡¯s how pathetic you are¡­? ¨C hiding the de, he moved to the attack.


    As soon as Bernard regained consciousness, he had to tumble to the side from the blow.


    The audienceughed at how ridiculous he rolled.


    Before the man had time to get to his feet, he had to jump to the side again¡­ However, this time Edward managed to change the trajectory of the blow and leave a deep wound near the elbow. Bright scarlet arterial blood sshed onto the ground.


    ?Bernard!? ¨C Valeera shouted excitedly.


    ?He-he, he doesn¡¯t have much time left!? ¨C someonemented.


    Seeing the man¡¯s desperate plight, Kyon could only watch. He really wanted to put the n into action now and save his friend, but Valeera was dearer to him¡­


    Bernard gritted his teeth and covered the wound with his hand. He felt as if his palm was on fire. Thest of the color was draining from his already pale face. With such blood loss, he won¡¯tst two minutes. He doesn¡¯t want to die, especially here¡­ For the sake of Arpha, he needs to do his best!


    ?A-AA-AA-A-A!? ¨C roaring, the man rushed into a reckless attack on the petty scumbag.


    Edward foresaw the intentions of the enemy and at thest moment jumped back from the grip, and then jumped forward sharply, piercing the big man¡¯s chest in the heart.


    ?Bernard!? ¨C Valeera shouted, arching her thin eyebrows in pity.


    ?Dead!? ¨C Edward said triumphantly, when suddenly the man, whom he considered already dead, wrapped him in a steel embrace and threw him over his back, arching like a bridge.


    ~Boom~


    The audience witnessed how Isaac¡¯s grandson was thrown on a solid floor. Despite all his boasting, Bernard was still able to cause damage to the guy, and, judging by the booming sound, he got hit hard.


    ?Uh, it¡¯s not bad¡­? ¡­ ?Ha-ha, and this man is devoted to hisdy, since he tried to protect her honor at the cost of his life¡­? ¡­ ?Yes¡­ I would need such people in the n.? ¡­ ?Death worthy of respect. I didn¡¯t think I would ever say that.? ¨C the heads of the nsmented on the incident.


    Edward quickly recovered, jumped to his feet, pulled the de out of his opponent and with a reddened face kicked him with all his strength: ?Bastard, how dare you!?


    The mannded very close to thedy, slumping helplessly on the floor of the arena.


    Seeing Bernard¡¯s whitening face, and the way his gaze was filled with despair in half with some otherworldly calm, Valeera¡¯s icy heart clenched in pain. She jumped abruptly and hit the barrier with her fist.


    Those who surrounded the girl did not even have time to react: she broke off too suddenly and quickly for some lord phaser at the 8th stage! One can¡¯t be prepared for this.


    ~BANG~


    ?What a strength!? ¨C Diego whistled in amazement, discovering that his barrier had burst with one blow, like a soap bubble. Since he was the royal phaser at the finishing stage, his massive ether barrier should withstand any attack of the lord phaser, but the girl was able to destroy it with the first blow!


    Isaac reacted instantly and stood in front of his grandson in order to protect him from a possible unpleasant incident, but it turned out to be useless: the girl did not even look at him.


    Valeera hastily bent over the dying man, under whom a bright scarlet puddle was spreading more and more, and gently ran her hand over his ashen face: ?Bernard¡­ Why¡­?


    Bernard struggled to focus his bleary eyes on the girl. There was an inexhaustible warmth and tenderness in his sad eyes. He only looked at her and his children like that. Summoning thest of his strength, the most devoted member of her n barely uttered: ?Lady¡­ I am so d to see you¡­ before I die¡­ I do not want to lose you¡­ Like my wife¡­ Please live¡­ For¡­ Me¡­? ¨C having finished, he let out hisst breath.


    Valeera closed the eyes of the deceased. Two lonely tears ran down her pale cheeks. A brave man has just died, to whom she could easily entrust even her life. He always showed his care and attention to her openly, and it seemed that he did not care at all that they would forever remain unrequited. Until the very end, he did everything for the sake of a woman who warmed his soul by her very existence. Bernard never asked for anything in return.


    Once again, the world deprives the girl of what is dear to her. Alexander and Zosimos are next, and then she herself¡­ Nothing changes. Fate, with the same mockery, weaves its cruel loops from her nasty life in order to close them on her throat at one moment. And this damn apathyes again¡­


    She doesn¡¯t want to live. Everything. Must. Disappear.


    All those present simultaneously shivered from the inexplicable omnipresent cold, which affected not only their bodies, but also their souls. They could not resist this feeling. It seemed that its source was the head of the Silent Horror n, which was a little rming.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes twinkled. Here it is, the chance! Coming forward, the man loudly barked: ?Sucker, are you going to hide behind your grandfather? Come out now! I¡¯ll kick your ass for my friend and Lady Arpha! Well, why are you silent?! Are you afraid?!?

 Chapter 424

    Chapter 424


    ?Zosimos, it¡¯s pointless¡­ It¡¯s all useless. They will not let me go.? ¨C Valeera said in a colorless tone with a nk look, as if she didn¡¯t care about anything anymore.


    Kyon ignored the girl¡¯s words: ?Well! Come out from under your grandfather¡¯s skirt! Come on!?


    Isaac gestured to grab Arpha and dryly said: ?Get rid of this rubbish. I hope you can cope with this trifling task without unnecessary problems.?


    ?Show at least a little respect for your grandson!? ¨C rubbing the bump on his head, the guy muttered resentfully, jumped forward sharply and grabbed the man by the neck, but for some reason it was not possible to break it. No matter how much effort he applied ¨C to no avail.


    Kyon imitated ack of oxygen, and even in feigned convulsions, he grabbed the opponent¡¯s hand, ostensibly trying to escape from the grip, when in fact he was pursuing a different goal.


    ?What¡­? ¨C Edward¡¯s face fell from shock. Is that possible? How can a practitioner of some superior phase be so solid? In order to finish what he started, the guy used the element of ether, hitting the man with electricity, but this did not help either!


    Meanwhile, Valeera and Alexander, who was standing next to him, were surrounded by a group of bodyguards, including a thug nicknamed Palms of Death. By the way, he was not at all the strongest of those present, among them there were even royal phasers of the 6th and higher stages.


    ?Dishonest scum¡­? ¨C said the most devoted to the girl murderer, took out a dagger and attacked Palms of Death. The lord phaser of the 4th stage versus the royal phaser of the 5th stage¡­ This is suicide.


    ~smack~


    The big man instantly crushed Alexander¡¯s skull with his mighty hands.


    At the same moment, the nephrite with a blinding effect was triggered, which the killer activated before dying. A bright sh lit up the mansion. Everybody closed their eyes.


    Valeera took advantage of the only moment, entered invisibility, but, despite Bernard¡¯s request to survive at any cost, rushed to Palms of Death, they will not allow her to escape anyway.


    {Cursed dagger.} ¨C the girl mentally remembered the name of the technique. Her weapon and hand were covered with an imprable ck haze, through which scanning practically did not prate, and invisibility only multiplied the effect.


    Palms of death only at thest moment felt the approach of an invisible enemy due to a distracting sh. He didn¡¯t have time to defend himself properly, so the man did what he does best: grappling. He tried to grab Arpha by the wrist¡­ When suddenly his palm passed through the hand covered with darkness, as if through a fog, and the real hand, as it turned out, had just struck¡­


    ~ding~


    The dagger pierced the man¡¯s chest. The energy of darkness immediately attacked the heart. With a twisted expression of pain on his face, the big man withrge palms went limp and copsed dead on the floor.


    ?Oh, fuck! Hold that bitch down!? ¡­ ?Grab her!? ¡­ ?Tie her up immediately!?


    A crowd of royal phasers attacked Valeera, tied her up and put on a cor that blocks the ability to use the elements. Now she, with all her desire, will not resist in any way. However, the girl did not expect anything else. For her, the main thing was to avenge the death of her most trustedrade, Alexander, with which she coped.


    Isaac found himself next to the dead man and, bending down, scanned his body. The old man¡¯s face is twisted with anger. He furiously pulled the killer towards him, grabbing her by the throat: ?STUPID VIXEN! How dare you kill him?! How¡­ Stupid bitch¡­ Dare?!?


    ?She killed the royal phaser at the middle stage?!? ¡­ ?How is this possible?!? ¡­ ?Who is she?!?


    Diego nervously pulled back his cor, as if he felt stifled: ?What a dangerous girl¡­ I¡¯m damn d we listened to Isaac and caught her! Ugh, it¡¯s like I dodged a stray arrow¡­?


    Edward, hearing Isaac¡¯s scream and noticing that he clung to the girl as if he was going to strangle her to death, hit the opponent with all his strength on the head and rushed to rescue the person he liked: ?Grandpa, stop it! You will kill her! Stop it!?


    {It¡¯s now or never!} ¨C Kyon thought and gave the remotemand ¡°start the operation¡±.


    As soon as the vital sparkle in Valeera¡¯s eyes faded along with her consciousness, a rolling rumble sounded.


    A sufficiently powerful protective barrier of the mansion was instantly destroyed.


    ?HELP, COPS!? ¨C the guard yelled, after which he huddled in his dying convulsions.


    The heads of the ns, their henchmen and guards were rmed and frightened.


    ?Shit! Let¡¯s retreat!? ¨C Isaac ordered, releasing Arpha¡¯s throat and grabbing her under her arm, and rushed to the mansion. Edward, Diego, and the other n heads followed him, while their guards covered the retreat.


    ?HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD, FACE IN THE FLOOR!? ¨C the chief security officer deafeninglymanded.


    More than thirty powerful practitioners of the department, led by the royal phaser at the peaking stage, raided the mansion on the orders of their superiors. They killed everyone who resisted or ran away. The rest were ordered to disarm and be tied up for interrogation.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was lying on the ground, pretending to be dead. He even slowed down his heartbeat to the minimum allowed, and at this time the outlines of his face and the shape of his body gradually took on the appearance of the investigator Dick. Now, with all his desire, he will not change anything. He is absolutely powerless. All he could do was watch as Valeera was kidnapped.


    Meanwhile, Isaac, Diego and the rest of the n leaders ran into the deep basement of the mansion and scattered along the numerous underground passages specially equipped for such asions. The walls, as it should be, were made of imprable granite.


    The battle in the mansionsted more than two minutes. Explosions, lightning, screams of pain and horror were heard from both the members of the shadow ns and the security forces.


    When the noise stopped, someone approached Kyon to check on his condition.


    ?Is he alive or what? Tie him up!? ¨C the security officer ordered.


    ?My name is Dick Baker! I¡¯m an undercover investigator of the third rank!? ¨C Kyon said loudly and clearly, holding out his wrist.


    Cautiously checking the formation, the security officer was surprised, but hastily pulled himself together and helped an ugly colleague to get up: ?Sir, you will have to follow us to the department!?


    ?Roger that. Report the situation.? ¨C Kyon demanded dispassionately, dusting himself off.


    ?The suspects escaped by underground tunnels. Among our people, ten were injured of varying severity and two were killed. ording to current estimates, five were killed from the enemy side. No one surrendered alive¡­?


    ?I see. Continue working.? ¨C Kyon nodded gloomily.


    Very soon he was taken to the department and, after holding him behind bars for literally five minutes during which they confirmed his identity, they sent him immediately to the office of the department boss.


    Mn banged his fist on the table so that his sses fell off: ?For fuck¡¯s sake, we lost two security officers of the royal phase! Each of them is invaluable to the department, but now they are just corpses! And all for what?! For five petty bandits?! What the fuck am I supposed to tell the head?! What the fuck, Dick?! What was the point of this fucking secret operation?!?


    Even Mn did not have all the information about the uing operation until thest moment. And all this was necessary so that the raid would certainly turn out to be a sudden surprise for the heads of the ns, because they have enough rats in the department. Kyon had to spend a lot of time and effort for the selection of security officers: thorough checks of the dossier and background of each of them.


    ?You couldn¡¯t fucking say what we¡¯re going to face, or what?! I have fivew enforcement officers of the imperial phase under mymand, one of whom is at the middle stage! He would have turned everything upside down there! He would have defeated everyone! Dick, what the fuck?!?


    Kyon could, but did not call the security forces of the imperial phase, because if Valeera had been captured by the department¡¯s employees, as in Boston, then, being an investigator of only the 3rd rank, he would very unlikely have been able to rescue her. The sewerage system in the department of Dantes is designed in such a way that even a mouse will not slip through unnoticed, besides, this time the girl does not have Leon, who is ready to get even to hell at the cost of his life.


    ?Will you say anything?!? ¨C Mn was furious.


    Despite the screams of the boss, Kyon sat with half-closed eyes, his whole dejected appearance seemed to radiate depression. Opening his eyes, he wiped the boss¡¯s saliva from his cheek and said: ?Boss, I didn¡¯t know for sure who we were dealing with. Bothering such powerful practitioners without a good reason is thest thing I would dare. I am very sorry that I thought this was a meeting of an authoritative gang, but in fact it turned out to be a meeting of the heads of ns! I wanted to catch a school of fish, but there were fifty sharks!?


    ?And that¡¯s all you can say in your defense?!? ¨C Mn did not calm down. ¨C ?The head of the department will devour me with guts for the death of two royal phasers!?


    If any other investigator, even of the 2nd rank, were in Dick¡¯s ce, the head of the department would at least demote him, or rather even put him behind bars for such a rash decision. Losing two trusted security officers of the royal phase without any result is not a joke! Such practitioners do not grow on trees like apples.


    The fact that the fat man, judging by his sullen expression, is aware of his guilt; the fact that he is a young genius who has earned the respect of Mn; and the fact that he has a record exposing the sensational ¡°S-1¡± rank case ¨C all this yed a role in the special attitude towards him.


    Kyon got rid of the boss as quickly as he could. He received only a reprimand, as well as a requirement to write the most detailed (fictional) exnatory note.


    Lovr quickly left the department and rushed to rescue Valeera. But he didn¡¯t know where she was. She refused to take the nephrite with the tracking formation from his hands. As for her personal formation, the probability that the tracking function is built in there is approximately zero. And even if it is there, the cautious Isaac scattered it anyway, because he is not just anyone, but the head of the shadow n, who knows how to ensure the safety of himself and his people.


    So, he needs to look for Valera through Edward (or his confidant), but it¡¯s very difficult to track him down. Even after the robbery of the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse, the guy escaped from pursuit in about the same way as Valeera, that is, the feathered reconnaissance was useless. Something simr happened after the ck market. These rats from the shadow ns are extremely careful: they do not appear in crowded ces, they act quietly and carefully, and their return home always includes getting rid of a possible tail, that is, passing through a bottleneck with a variety of detectors ¨C signaling barriers.


    The question is, how to track Edward if aerial surveince does not help? Kyon found only one effective method:e to the meeting and put a tracking formation on the guy. For this purpose, he waited for the perfect moment, put himself under the blow and for those 5 seconds, while he allegedly resisted and knocked on the hand that was squeezing his neck, he imposed the formation.


    But how can he leave the meeting alive? Obviously, he will need help from outside. Security forces are needed, but not too strong, otherwise Valeera will be caught with a great chance¡­


    As for the girl herself, Kyon was sure that Edward was too attached to her to allow someone to kill her. Also, judging by the caution of the shadow ns, there are definitely escape routes in the mansion, so everyone will flee.


    As a result, Lovr managed to impose the tracking formation on Edward and survive (this was the essence of the raid), and Valeera was sessfully kidnapped, no matter how stupid it may sound. If Lovr had note to the meeting in person, nothing would have happened.


    Kyon decided long ago that getting Valeera out of the department would be much more difficult than taking her out of Edward¡¯s clutches. One thing is clear ¨C it is not worth calling the security forces there, otherwise, the girl will be behind bars.


    Now Lovr will have to go alone to the abode of evil ¨C to the headquarters of the ck Star n. He can only hope that Valeera has not yet been dishonored¡­

 Chapter 425

    Chapter 425


    Evening came. The sun went down behind the city wall, the twilight gradually gave way to the darkness of the night.


    After leaving the department, Kyon raced at full speed towards the signaling from the tracking formation superimposed on Edward¡¯s wrist. Despite his haste, he had no idea how to rescue Valeera from the well-guarded territory of the ck Star n. There is no point in calling Elsa, because she is just a practitioner of the royal phase. Eve and Le are still unconscious. And if he uses the services of the security forces, then during the raid Valeera will definitely be captured, and then only one end awaits her¡­ It turns out that he can only rely on himself and his capabilities. There is no other way.


    When he thought about how the prisoner was feeling, his heart bled. Almost an hour has passed since the abduction, and with every second the probability that the girl was raped by Edward is getting higher. If this happens, Lovr will make the guy beg for death.


    Suddenly Kyon¡¯s face darkened: {For fuck¡¯s sake, what a bad time!} ¨C he heard two unknown people following him, and judging by the fact that the pursuers keep their distance and do not rush to reveal themselves, it is easy to guess that they are from the Clintons.


    After the ckmail incident, Horace is unlikely to dare to catch or kill Dick, but to collect information about where he lives, what he eats and what he breathes ¨C with all pleasure.


    Lovr had noticed before that the Clintons¡¯ people were secretly watching the department during his visits, clearly monitoring his movements. But in the past, he had transformed into another person in advance and changed his development with a concealment bracelet, therebypletely getting rid of attention. However, now he also changed his development and hid his face behind a hood, but this was not enough!


    Horace made the fatal mistake of getting in the way of Kyon¡¯s goals. He was warned not to follow and not to dig under whom he should not. He will be to me for the consequences.


    Lovr pulled the reins and went towards the headquarters of the Silent Horror n.


    The target left the riding animal near an ordinary residential building and went into the basement¡­ Suddenly the presence of his soul was gone. They had to use scanning, but it didn¡¯t help either. The information collectors were taken aback: where did he go?!


    The tail drop maneuver took Kyon¡¯s precious 15 minutes.


    Finally, the signal has increased. Apparently, Edward is a kilometer ahead.


    Kyon climbed onto the nearest building and examined the setting: a sparsely popted middle-ss neighborhood. Ahead is an area of about 300 by 400 meters, enclosed by a high, but flimsy and even rusty fence. In the center is a two-story unremarkable gray building. It somewhat resembles a factory, but it is not. All this was under the dome of an invisible rm barrier, the power of which was not inferior to its counterpart in the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse. It means that it won¡¯t be possible to go inside unnoticed.


    Three guards, presumably of the royal phase, are walking around the perimeter of the territory, two more are sitting in high booths with dark windows ¨C they are watching the surroundings from a distance. The security is not bad. Not every family can afford this.


    {It¡¯s time to act.} ¨C Kyon decided and his body merged with the environment, as if it had dissolved. It was the first time he used the concealment technique for its intended purpose!


    Lovr has long figured out how important it is to have a concealment technique in your arsenal. For example, he would be able to escape from Valeera in Boston, from the Hunters chasing him with a tigress, and even from Triana in Cernos. That is why over the past month he has spent a considerable part of his time creating it. Basing on the legacies of the Stones, the Grands and the Feruzs, he was able to create the ¡°S¡± rank concealment technique, and in order to increase the rank, the legacies of the greater families will be required. And time, a lot of time.


    The technique received its rank for a reason. The person using it is invisible and inaudible; he does not emit any smells even in a strong wind; he merges with the environment, even with water, fog or any kind of biomes; he does not emit vibrations when walking or running; and, most importantly, he is practically impervious to the spiritual senses of practitioners. The effectiveness of thetter property, of course, directly depends on one¡¯s own development, on the development of the enemy and on the distance between them.


    Also, this technique has another significant advantage: when using it, it is impossible to understand that it consists of 9 elements. The sound heard by the soul seems to belong to some unknown element. This bonus appeared due to the fact that the chain of 9 elements was closed.


    The only drawback of this concealment technique is that it cannot be used inbat. Only for a surprise attack. Any blow removes the veil of invisibility. However, all such techniques have a simr w.


    Entering invisibility, Kyon activated the concealment bracelet, lowering his development to the 0th stage (the one who did not establish a connection with the soul) and went to the fence.


    Waiting for the guard to pass, Lovr jumped over the fence and immediately rushed to the left.


    ¡­


    ?Serge, a break-in was observed in the central part of the southern fence. It seems like a bum or a thief¡­ Check it out.? ¨C said a person from the n¡¯s information center.


    ?I¡¯ll be right there.? ¨C the guard hid the sound transmitter and almost instantly found himself in the southern part of the territory. Starting to scan, he felt something¡­ Turning his head, the watchman noticed a crow flying by. Taking a small stone, he seemed to blow up a zombie-bird with a well-aimed throw. Only a cloud of blue-ck feathers rose into the air.


    The guard contacted the n¡¯s info center and briefly reported: ?It¡¯s just a bird.?


    ?A messenger bird??


    ?No, just an ordinary crow. Already dead.?


    ?This is strange. There were no wild birds in Dantes¡­?


    ?Maybe she escaped from the circus, the devil only knows.?


    ?I see. Keep working.?


    ?Got it.?


    ¡­


    Kyon¡¯s heart was pounding wildly against his chest. There was only a hundred meters between him and the guard. If he had directed the scan a little more to the left, he would have already been revealed.


    Taking a breath, Lovr crept up to the two-story building and put his ear to the wall. Despite the thick walls, he managed to hear the heartbeat of people on the first floor. The sounds of running water and some quacking came from the second floor¡­ It seems that someone is throwing up. From the basement floors, he could hear Isaac¡¯s screams, arguing with someone over a sound transmitter about a possible organizer of the raid. There was no voice and, most importantly, Edward¡¯s moans, which was encouraging.


    First he needs to find Valeera. All the windows are curtained, so feathered scouts are useless, so he will have to look for her by ear, by heartbeat. The walls of the building are uneven, so it will not be difficult to climb on them, and there echolocation can help¡­


    ¡­


    At the headquarters of the ck Star n, 5 minutes after returning.


    Edward shifted impatiently from one foot to the other, waiting for his grandfather to let him go. The unconscious Arpha had already been taken to his chambers and prepared for a passionate evening. Among other things, a gag was inserted into her mouth, in case she decides to bite off her tongue.


    Isaac talked intently with Diego over the sound transmitter: ?None¡­ None of our people are interested in a surprise attack. Victims on all sides. Only Arpha benefits from this, say, there is nothing to lose, so why not take the dishonest bastards with me? The girl turned out to be smarter than we thought¡­ I underestimated her even more.?


    ?Was she able to organize a raid unnoticed for us?? ¨C Diego asked incredulously.


    ?We have already suggested that someone is behind her¡­ Some high-ranking investigator. He arranged everything. It is only unclear why there were no imperial phasers among the attackers¡­?


    ?Isn¡¯t it obvious?? ¨C Diego asked with a hint.


    ?Do you think she was hoping to use themotion to escape??


    ?Of course! If there were imperial phasers among the investigators, she would have been put behind bars, and she did not need such an oue. She¡¯s a smart girl! Pragmatic¡­ It¡¯s her style.?


    ?Stop licking her cunt, Diego. Be a man. She¡¯s just a fool caught in a trap. Now her days are numbered. In any case, we will thoroughly interrogate her, and then we will see¡­? ¨C Isaac said bloodthirstedly.


    ?Wait¡­ We agreed, remember?? ¨C Diego said.


    ?Not you too?! You¡¯re an adult, fucking man, and you¡¯re still thinking with a dick! Okay, my motherfucker is still young and energetic, but why do you need this?!?


    ?We. Agreed.? ¨C Diego said dispassionately.


    Isaac sighed wearily: ?Have it your way. I will not disfigure her until youe.?


    Having dropped the connection, the old man gave his grandson a stern look: ?Edward, you heard everything. Interrogate Arpha. Record everything to the formation so that there are no unnecessary questions. Find out if she was involved in the raid, if she has connections in the department and everything else. Your instrument of torture¡­ You know what it is. And keep in mind, if you cannot get the information out of the woman, I¡¯ll have to do it myself, and my methods are much tougher than yours. You¡¯ll be sick of the sight of her after I work on her. Got it??


    ?Got it, grandpa. I will do everything in the best possible way. May I go??


    ?Go, you brat. Have fun.? ¨C Isaac grinned wryly.


    Edward disappeared. He burst into his chambers and stared with eyes burning with lust at the beautiful person lying tied by wrists and ankles to the metal corners of the bed. Her long, slender legs spread apart, wrapped in glossy ck tights, made his heart burst out of her chest, and his blood boiled. Shey with her eyes closed, looking like a sleeping beauty. Her long ck hair was carelessly scattered on the pillow, which made her even more attractive. A thin gag strap was wrapped around her head, which did not allow her to close her jawpletely.


    Now the girl is wearing a cor that blocks the ability to use the elements, so she is defenseless, even though she was able to kill the royal phaser at the 5th stage.


    Edward couldn¡¯t believe his luck. Is it possible that the head of the Silent Horror n, the person who frightened the seven heads of ns with her talents, the one who looked down on him and called him a nonentity, in hisplete power?! The very thought of it excited him¡­ The guy was nervous akin to an inexperienced youngster on the first date with the girl of his dreams¡­ It is very strange, because even his first murder and sex he took with much greaterposure.


    Edward set up and activated the visual information on the table and slowly approached the girl. He had been waiting for this moment for so long¡­ Those five minutes seemed like an eternity¡­


    Valeera opened her bleary eyes and saw the hated bastard, through whose fault she fell into this desperate situation¡­ And through whose fault Bernard, Alexander and Zosimos died¡­ Closing her eyes, the girl silently turned away from the scoundrel.


    ?Baby, I understand why you are sad, but believe me, after this night you will be much happier¡­ The time spent with me will open your eyes to true female happiness! Just be patient a little¡­? ¨C the guy sensually stroked Arpha on the snow-white cheek, like a favorite pet. He understood that he needed to conduct an interrogation, and therefore resort to threats and torture, but he absolutely could not restrain his desires. Whatever! He will tell his grandfather that she didn¡¯t say anything and he needs more time.


    Edward grabbed a lock of Arpha¡¯s hair and inhaled its fragrance convulsively. The scent of her body and the freshness of the perfume in a strange way harmonized with the icy aura, which made him feel as if his very soul was covered with goosebumps even in such a hot situation.


    The guy climbed on the girl and with a light movement tore off her ck blouse and bra. He swallowed nervously with a surging desire. The palms reflexively stretched out and greedily squeezed the snow-white mounds. Their softness and tenderness caused a sheaf of goosebumps in the back of the head and groin¡­ Until now, he could not believe that he was squeezing the breasts of this inessible, proud bitch.


    The beauty¡¯s face wrinkled in disgust, but this only provoked Edward. He kissed the sharp corbones passionately. The pleasant smell emanating from the velvet skin caressed the nostrils. The guy traced a path with his lips to a thin long neck, leaving hickeys on it, as if marking his prey¡­ In response, the girl raised her chin sweetly. She¡¯s holding up surprisingly well for someone who¡¯s about to be raped.


    Edward barely pulled himself away from the seductive mound, grabbed the girl by the back of her head, fixed her head, and passionately bit into the pink slightly parted lips¡­ Time was frozen¡­ Existence turned into bliss¡­


    The guy was very surprised when Arpha opened her mouth, as if wanting to respond to his kiss with the tongue. Oh yes, she has a gag in her mouth, how could he forget?! Without hesitating for a second, he stuck his tongue inside the warm mouth, without fear that it would be bitten off.


    ~squish~ ~gulp~


    Suddenly, a small thing flew into the throat of the lovesick young man, which Edward reflexively swallowed. He abruptly pulled away from Arpha and looked at her with horror. A devilish me danced in the eyes of the captive. The guy immediately realized that he had swallowed a poisonous pill!

 Chapter 426

    Chapter 426


    Valeera has always appreciated her life, however, having visited the department, she realized that sometimes death is preferable. Since then, the girl began to carry a capsule with a deadly poison behind her teeth, like her murdered subordinates from the thieves¡¯ guild. If the tablet shelles into contact with gastric juice, the poison will enter the body and begin to act¡­


    Waking up tied to the bed, Valeera immediately tried to get out, but, oddly enough, she could not. Hands and feet were firmly tied with a strong rope to an equally strong metal bed. The cor blocked the ability to use elemental energy. The weapons hidden in the clothes were taken away, as well as the ring with things and money. Complete hopelessness.


    A sticky wave of a wide variety of negative feelings rolled over Valeera, among which despair, grief and regret prevailed. The girl has already seen how she leaves this damned world: when Edward tries to defame her, she will swallow a poisonous pill and die¡­ Let him fail. At least she won¡¯t be dishonored when she meets her parents.


    Then, as expected, her tormentor appeared and began to put his hands on her¡­


    When Edward began to kiss her, the girl suddenly had a great opportunity to take revenge on him. She would call her next act rather impulsive than reasonable¡­ The girl made a turn with her tongue, a sharp exhale, and¡­ the pill with poison was in the stomach of the hated guy. Die, you bastard!


    Edward tensed and grabbed his throat: ?B-bitch, y-you¡­ Me¡­? ¨C he jumped out of bed and put two fingers in his mouth, then vomited the contents of his stomach on the floor. After catching his breath, the guy focused on how he was feeling, but he didn¡¯t notice anything unusual. He felt so relieved, as if he had been born again.


    Valeera grew more and more gloomy with each passing second.


    Edward jumped to his feet and violently grabbed frightened Arpha by the neck: ?Did you want to kill me?! Nice try, but I¡¯m not that simple! Bitch, you¡¯ll pay for real for this! I will fuck you so hard that you¡­ Oh¡­ What the¡­? ¨C the guy suddenly fell silent and froze to the spot. His face turned pale. Clutching his stomach, he rushed to the restroom.


    The bodyguard standing outside the door noticed the strangeness in the master¡¯s behavior, went to the restroom, knocked and asked: ?Sir, is something wrong??


    ?Call the doctor!? ¨C Edward hissed. ¨C ?And don¡¯t tell anyone about this!? ¨C he added.


    If Isaac finds out that Arpha poisoned her grandson, he will skin her alive. As long as the guy is alive, until he tastes her forbidden fruit, nothing should happen to the girl.


    As for the poisoning, judging by the symptoms, he will live. With the assistance of medicine and pure energy, he will recover in a couple of days, and maybe even by the morning he will arrange a surprise for an unlucky killer. Well, it was close! If he had emptied his stomach a few secondster, he would have gone to the forefathers.


    Meanwhile, Valeera stared at the ceiling with a devastated gaze, fully realizing what a stupid thing she had done: sumbing to an impulse, she lost the only opportunity to avoid the fate of a sex toy, and still could not finish off the hated Edward.


    {What have I done¡­ What a fool I am¡­} ¨C she did not want to breathe from grief. She can¡¯t even bite her tongue off because of the gag. The situation is even more desperate than in the department, because this time there is no uncle who is ready to save her even at the cost of his life. She lost everyone.


    Valeera wearily closed her eyes From the hopelessness overflowing her soul, when suddenly she abruptly opened them and looked in the direction of the open window. Does someone seem to be approaching? Just a little, but the girl felt someone¡¯s presence nearby, and this person began to untie the ropes in order to free her¡­


    {Who?!} ¨C a variety of thoughts rushed through her head, even crazy ones.


    Kyon took Valeera into his arms, causing a veil of concealment to cover her as well.


    Seeing Zosimos, the girl shuddered, as if she had been electrocuted. Shock and disbelief were in her eyes. Could it be that she is dreaming? He couldn¡¯t survive¡­


    Lovr heard a man approaching the door, judging by the weight of his steps, it was Edward¡¯s bodyguard. Obviously, as soon as he gets to the entrance, he will definitely scan the contents of the room, and then it¡¯s all over! However, Lovr is not one of those who acts without a n, especially in such a dangerous situation. He managed to prepare a distraction maneuver: he nted explosives with a detonator at the far end of the territory.


    ~BANG~


    With a crash that shook the entire neighborhood, Kyon jumped from a second floor window with a girl in his arms. While the guards reacted to the explosion, he managed to ovee the rm barrier and was already preparing to hide in the city, but a deafening voice was heard from behind¡­


    ?ARPHA WAS STOLEN! CATCH THE THIEF!?


    Kyon tensed. The trick didn¡¯t work, and he was spotted. Now, being under the scope of scanning, it is impossible to hide from the practitioner of the royal phase¡­ It is over. With his manic desire to repay the debt to Valeera, he drove himself to the grave¡­


    As soon as he sumbed to despair, the world around him somehow strangely blurred and clouded. A painfully familiar feeling revived hope¡­ Valeera¡¯s invisibility! Yet, as he suspected, this is not a technique, but the ability of a unique body! This is why she can use it with a cor that blocks the ability to use elemental energy.


    ?Eh?! Where are they?!? ¨C the guard of the 3rd stage of the royal phase ran to the ce where he had recently felt the fugitives, but, having spread his scan, he could no longer feel someone¡¯s presence. How is this possible?!


    As soon as Kyon moved three hundred meters away, he heard a rustle ten steps away from him, as if someone had suddenly jumped off¡­ He was afraid of the appearance of another guard, but there was no one. Even the eyes of truth found nothing. Very strange.


    Moving a little further away, Lovr saddled a sled animal prepared in advance by his subordinates and raced towards the headquarters. Surely there are many protective barriers left by the Webers in the past. Only there Valeera will bepletely safe.


    On the way, Kyon took out and activated a powerful formation that he got from the Feruzs¡¯ treasury: it created a barrier blocking the signal around the target. This precaution is needed in case a tracking formation has been ced on Valeera or cor. He could have imposed one himself, but there is too high a probability that the formacists is a practitioner of the royal phase, which means that a weak barrier of a practitioner of the finishing stage of the superior phase will not work.


    After a few kilometers on the way, Lovr finally breathed out a sigh of relief. His heart was racing with adrenaline. He climbed into the den of predators and stole juicy prey from under their noses! All that he needed for sess: one zombie-bird, an upgraded hearing, a fortunate coincidence (Edward was absent from the chambers for some reason, probably his grandfather kept him busy) and a dozen kilograms of explosives (he has everything in the ring) with an improvised detonator-formation.


    Valeera, limping in the warm hands of Zosimos, who pulled her out of the very heat and also looked so much like her father, felt like that very little girl who had not yet known the pain of losing her parents. This feeling pacified and soothed her tormented soul, which hated this whole world.


    During the whole journey, the killer did not say a word, only stared into the savior¡¯s eyes, covering her bare chest with her hand.


    Kyon felt like a hero. He even wanted to believe that the risks were worth it, but no. He was well aware that only aplete idiot would risk his life in such a way to save a girl who was neither his wife, nor beloved one. But he made a decision long ago to repay her debt¡­ The damned principles almost cost him his life.


    At the headquarters, the couple who miraculously escaped were met by Tymoshka. He could not believe what he saw: Lanai without a jacket and a bra, covering her bare breasts, calmly lying in Zosimos¡¯ arms?! Wha-a-at?!


    Valeera came to her senses, got off the man¡¯s hands and cleared her throat: ?Zosimos, do your daughters have any extra clothes for me??


    ?I¡¯m sorry,dy, but all their clothes are in theundry¡­ Take this.? ¨C he handed the girl arge man¡¯s white sweater that smelled of his scent. There is nothing sexier and nicer than your own clothes on a half-naked beautiful girl.


    When Lanai put on the old man¡¯s shirt, Tymoshka was seized with suffocating jealousy, which helped him pull himself together: ?I¡­ You¡­ Lady, why do you allow this¡­ Man to carry you in his arms?! And why did you put on his worn thing so calmly?! Don¡¯t demean yourself¡­?


    ?Who are you to tell me what to do and what not to do??


    Tymoshka shuddered at the harsh tone of his beloved girl. His heart ached with mental pain: ?S-sorry,dy, I didn¡¯t mean to offend you¡­ I just don¡¯t understand anything, and¡­ May I ask how the meeting was? Where are Bernard and Alexander? I¡¯m worried¡­?


    Kyon had a great idea ¨C to test the boy. He said with a sad sigh: ?A lot of bad things have happened¡­ Betrayal, murder, kidnapping¡­ Now it is important to figure out how to free Lady Arpha from the cor that blocks her powers.?


    Valeera frowned sharply, fixing her gaze on Zosimos. Is he doing this on purpose?!


    Tymoshka opened his mouth, digesting what he heard. Betrayal? Murder? Kidnapping? Stop¡­ The cor that blocks powers?! And indeed, there is a steel ring on the girl¡¯s neck! A thought involuntarily arose in the guy¡¯s head: to get rid of the hated old man and do with Arpha what he could only dream of.

 Chapter 427

    Chapter 427


    There was a tense silence.


    Tymoshka looked from Zosimos to Lanai¡¯s cor, feverishly thinking about something. Being a noble phaser at the beginning stage, he can knock the old man out with one punch, and the head of the n, whose elements are blocked, is just a fragile and defenseless girl for him now! It will not be difficult for him to suppress her by force, and then take possession of this cold and unapproachable beauty against her will! Now he can do something that he can¡¯t even fantasize about before going to bed: it¡¯s too impossible and absurd.


    Tymoshka looked at the cor and Arpha once more, as if he had almost decided to do something very reckless.


    ?Go home. There is nothing you can do.? ¨C Valeera said with some caution, internally fearing that the guy would break loose, kill her savior and do to her what Edward almost did half an hour earlier. One can say that now Tymoshka was scaring the girl, because she had no idea if he was capable of betraying.


    After a direct order from the leader, the guy reflexively headed for the door, but already on the threshold he turned back to the girl, looking at her with a disgusting sticky look.


    ?I said, go to hell!? ¨C Valeera shouted roughly.


    Tymoshka instinctively shivered and left the headquarters. When he wanted to say something like: ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere¡±, but the girl¡¯s sharp cry knocked all the confidence out of him. He always respected and subconsciously feared Lanai, so he could not react otherwise. Later he will justify his decision like this: I¡¯m just a good guy and would never **** my beloved one.


    When he left, Valeera grimaced with displeasure: ?Zosimos, you acted rashly, letting slip that I don¡¯t have the powers. He could go to desperate measures because of unrequited love.?


    ?Butdy, he is a trusted member of the n, a person from your inner circle! If you don¡¯t trust him to that extent, then why are you keeping him around??


    {I wish I knew.} ¨C the girl thought, unconsciously plunging into the past.


    Sitting down on a chair and crossing her long legs, Valeera tried to say the following in as soft a voice as she could, but she didn¡¯t seed very well: ?Thank you for saving me, Zosimos. If you hadn¡¯t saved me, I would have been left in Edward¡¯s clutches. I am indebted to you. You can ask me anything you want.?


    {Forgive Kyon!} ¨C Lovr eximed in his mind, but he said quite different words aloud. ¨C ?When Edward and Isaac unceremoniously ndered you¡­ When the heads of the ns threw off their masks, showing their vile insides¡­ When it turned out that they all united against one weak girl, divided her property in advance, even nned who would **** her first¡­ My mind went nk. I thought my blood would boil with anger! My contempt and hatred for these degenerates could melt a stone! Then I realized that I would definitely save you, otherwise how dare I call myself a man.? ¨C after finishing the emotional tirade, he took a breath and spoke more calmly. ¨C ?You don¡¯t have to thank me. I was guided by selfishness. By andrge, I was thinking mostly about myself. A formal ?thank you? is more than enough for me.?


    Valeera¡¯s graceful eyebrows shot up, and her mouth opened in amazement: {What?!} ¨C the man¡¯s words tore her expectations to shreds. Was guided by selfishness?! Seriously?! Isn¡¯t he head over heels in love with her?! Otherwise, why the hell he heroized all the time in front of her, and in the end he even got into their of deadly predators to save her, despite the fact that he has daughters!


    However, the girl believed the man¡¯s words, because if he was in love with her, he would definitely ask at least a date as a reward. This is what she originally counted on. He deserved it. Well, if he had the courage, and asked her to be his woman, he would definitely have been refused. However, everything did not go ording to n! He doesn¡¯t even want a reward! The only exnation for such an act is that it is really enough for him that she escaped from the clutches of Edward and Isaac!


    ?If you feel obligated to me, you can raise the percentage of profit from future ie. I need money. I want to make my daughters¡¯ lives a paradise.? ¨C Kyon smiled slightly, inwardly enjoying the confusion of the beauty.


    Valeera paused for a long time, pondering what she had heard, then nodded: ?Okay, you¡¯ll get a promotion. But first, tell me: how did you save me? I don¡¯t understand why you weren¡¯t killed at the meeting¡­ And how did you find the headquarters of the ck Star n and get into Edward¡¯s chambers unnoticed??


    Kyon used a pre-prepared answer: ?When the security forces attacked the mansion¡­?


    ?Security forces?? ¨C Valeera was surprised. She was already unconscious at the time.


    ?Yes, the security forces attacked us. I thought you were involved in this, weren¡¯t you??


    ?No¡­? ¨C the girl whispered.


    ?It means that someone among those present turned out to be a traitor. Serves them right. In general, in all this turmoil, I was able to escape without much difficulty. Nobody cared about small fish while hunting whales. As for how I found Edward¡­ Do you remember that tracking nephrite that I offered you to take? So I threw it to Edward, taking advantage of the chaos when the security forces broke in.?


    ?And I entered the territory using the same trick as in the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse: a teleportation trigram. Then, by some miracle (not without the help of a concealment technique), I found you tied to a bed in Edward¡¯s chambers¡­ But before that, I nted several tens of kilograms of explosive material taken from the dwarves, which I then used to distract attention. Still, it would be stupid of me to go into the enemy¡¯sir without a n at all.?


    In fact, Kyon used a trick with a crow, not the teleportation trigram, because the sound from the movement process, whichsts for two minutes, would surely have been heard by the guards, as once happened with Triana. Although now this version will do.


    Valeera pondered what she had heard for a long time, trying to understand how so many incredibly sessful circumstances could coincide at once. Is it possible that Zosimos is really blessed by heaven for good luck, since he seeded? The girl has long considered the man as a golden bird of happiness, and now this idea has only strengthened.


    ?How do you feel,dy?? ¨C Kyon asked tactfully, moving away from the dangerous topic.


    Valeera closed her eyes gloomily: ?I feel like a bitch, since I can¡¯t even feel the grief for my fallenrades¡­? ¨C the devastation in her soul suppressed all emotions. The girl treasured Bernard and Alexander, but she could not squeeze out a single tear for them.


    ?You are tired, I understand. You need to rest. I don¡¯t think you should leave the headquarters with this cor around your neck. There may be a tracking formation on it. Should I bring some bedding? Are you hungry??


    The girl gloomily rubbed her face with her palms, trying to collect her thoughts. As Zosimos said, first she needs to remove the cor, but then what? How to proceed further? Information about the dissolution of the Silent Horror n will quickly spread in the criminal world, which means that no one will work for her, and even if someone does, there is a high probability of betrayal and trap, because now she is the number one goal for all shadow ns.


    ?May I ask why you are engaged in criminal activities? Why do you need money??


    ?To be as strong as possible.? ¨C Valeera replied dryly.


    ?In that case, what are your near future ns?? ¨C Kyon persisted.


    Valeera said with unbreakable confidence: ?I will destroy them all. But I need time. In a year, two at most, I will be invincible for Isaac and other bastards, and then their blood will be spilled, after which I will lead the criminal world of the capital.?


    ?Do you understand that our bodies do not get younger, and if you do not use expensive resources, it can affect future development? High-quality medicine of enzymes, elerating development and transformation costs crazy money. This is about hundreds of millions of spheres! Are you really ready to spend two years sitting in the basement and being content with your status as an exile??


    ?I¡­ Have¡­ Nothing else¡­ To do!? ¨C Valeera hissed with a pained grimace. The man¡¯s words hit the very heart. To defeat the bloody empress, she needs to be not even a sovereign phaser (8), but an overlord phaser (9). And to reach such a high phase in her position is even more difficult than getting to the moon, because she no longer has a family that will not spare resources for the heiress. She has to rely only on her own strength, and every month of dy makes the goal even more unattainable.


    ?I see. In this case, I will help you.?


    ?Do you want to give me your share?? ¨C the girl asked with a bit of hope.


    ?No. You¡¯ll find it out soon enough. See you in a couple of weeks.? ¨C Kyon headed for the exit.


    ?What do you mean, Zosimos?? ¨C the girl tilted her head in perplexity, but received no answer.


    Kyon nned to help the girl get rid of all the bastards who betrayed her, and he was not going to track down each ?bug? separately. This would take months, or even years. He decided to swat them all at once, but how to do it? Obviously, either at a meeting of the heads of ns, or at an underground auction, which should take ce in theing weeks. All the authorities of the shadow world will be present there, including their sessors. The perfect opportunity. The next one will appear only in a year. However, to implement the n, it is necessary to contact the organizers, and Lovr had some ideas on this matter.


    As soon as he left the headquarters, he put a barrier on the n formation, blocking the tracking signal. Now he was not afraid to be invisible to Valeera, for he had earned enough trust to not be suspected of anything.


    Kyon went to Bernard¡¯s boys to tell them the sad news andfort them, and at the same time asked them to tell everyone that they have known each other for many years. For this small favor, he promised them another meeting with Eve and Le, who are now allegedly visiting their grandmother.


    ¡­


    At noon the next day, Lovr discovered through visual formations that Adam and Pavel were visited by Valeera. She had already taken off the cor. She carefully told the boys about the heroic death of their father, and took them with her to a new home, because sooner orter the identity of the deceased will be determined, and people from the department will appear here.


    The girl promised the guys not only safety, but also patronage. In fact, she took full responsibility for them: from paying for amodation and school tuition to the selection of trusted guardians and security in general.


    {After all, she has a heart.} ¨C Kyon thought happily. Although Valeera desperately needs money, she will not spare a small part of it for the sons of the man who sacrificed himself for her. If she had done otherwise, he would have been disappointed in her.


    Just at this moment, Lovr was surprised to notice with visual formations that Eve had woken up, and then Le. Well, finally!


    Just judging by the way the pixie began to stretch sleepily, Kyon concluded that she had not regained her memory: a three-hundred-year-old woman would not behave so carelessly if her memory returned to her. Eve¡¯s reaction did not give any clues.


    When the girls, judging by the expressions on their faces, remembered the battle with the demons, Lovr immediately noticed a certain oddity. The sisters, separated from each other and awakened in an unfamiliar ce, behave too calmly. Especially considering that their father recently died. Something is wrong.

 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428


    ?Dad¡­? ¨C Le mumbled bitterly, when tears welled up in her beautiful eyes. She buried her face in her hands, crying softly from the realization of the loss of her dear one.


    Eve behaved much more calmly. Her grief was shown only by her sadly arched eyebrows and a wet glittering gaze. Hastily wiping away her tears, she showed a character trait that was almost unusual for her past: independence.


    The girl went to the window and looked mncholically at the streets of an unfamiliar city. She put on the veil lying on the bedside table, found the head of the hotel and in a calm tone, without a bit of her usual timidity, asked him about everything.


    Eve found out that she was brought here by a person hiding his identity, on the evening of the same day, when she lost her mind and destroyed the demons. Moreover, she was without her sister, without any traces of blood on her body and already dressed. All this puzzled her.


    Zosimos once said that an invisible person might be watching him, and this is somehow connected with his secret work. Did this mysterious person take care of her?


    Kyon, who was remotely watching everything that was happening, could not understand whether Eve had regained her memory. One thing is clear: she has changed. The way she behaved whenmunicating with the head of the hotel said a lot. This is definitely not the same cowardly girl. Moreover, not every adult and experienced woman can ask such clear and correct questions.


    Meanwhile, Le, who was almost a thousand kilometers away, gradually calmed down and also asked the hotel manager about what had happened. Unlike her sister, she intuitively determined that the man was not telling her something, and put pressure on him: she just scared him a little, snapping her fingers so hard that the windows were broken.


    The head of the hotel immediately told everything he knew, thanks to which the ckmailer found out that the client was extremely rich, and also hired a maid to take care of her.


    Kyon clicked his tongue in annoyance. Some click of the pixie¡¯s fingers seemed to the head of the hotel a more weighty argument than the 100,000 spheres promised for silence. However, he still found out something important: judging by the girl¡¯s hesitant speech, she can¡¯t be three hundred years old.


    After hesitating, Lovr took the sound transmitter, called the head of the hotel and asked him to give the device to the girl who was just about to leave.


    ?Hello??


    ?Honey¡­?


    ?Dad?? ¨C Le¡¯s gloomy expression was reced by amazement. ¨C ?Dad! Dad, are you alive?!? ¨C a dazzling smile lit up her beautiful face. She looked like a happy puppy who smelled a parent after a week of separation.


    ?Honey, Daddy will be with you soon! How do you feel??


    ?Wonderful! But if youe without food, I¡¯ll eat you!? ¨C she joked.


    Without dropping the connection, Kyon rushed from Dantes to his daughter.


    Meanwhile, Eve returned to her room and found the visual formations hidden there. Not a shadow of emotion was reflected on her face, which, again, rmed the secret observer. Suddenly the girl sniffed the nephrite¡­ Her eyes widened with disbelief.


    {Oh gosh!} ¨C Kyon almost jumped in surprise. He somehow overlooked the fact that such advanced practitioners have an incredibly sharp sense of smell, and he left his scent on the nephrite! It turns out that the girl, unlike her sister, was able to find out that he was alive without waiting for a call, and this was really rming and a little frightening.


    ?Honey, dad needs to call someone.? ¨C said Kyon, dropped the connection and called Eve.


    A sound transmitter was brought to the girl¡¯s room.


    ?Dad?? ¨C thedy asked incredulously in a trembling voice.


    ?My little flower¡­ Yes! Dad is alive!?


    ?I¡­ I am so happy¡­ I thought that I would never hear your voice again¡­?


    Eve¡¯s trembling, thin voice told Kyon that her words were sincere. If her reaction was pretense, then even the best theater actors would envy such skill: ?How do you feel? Maybe you remembered something??


    After a short pause, the girl¡¯s breathing steadied, and she answered almost calmly: ?I¡¯m fine. Come to me soon. I want to see you, Dad.?


    ?I¡¯ll be there in two hours. Will you wait for me??


    ?Okay¡­ I¡¯ll wait. See you soon.?


    To Kyon¡¯s surprise, Eve ended the call. He called her again: ?Bunny, daddy is so worried about you, and you are dropping the connection! Don¡¯t do that¡­ Let¡¯s talk. Do you want to know what happened after you killed the demons??


    ?Yes, I do. You¡¯ll tell me everything when we meet. I want to see you.?


    ?Okay¡­ Do you want me to bring you something? I can take your favorite vani ice cream. Do you remember how your sister smeared your face with it? That was fun¡­?


    ?Dad, don¡¯t waste time on nonsense. Come quickly. Let¡¯s talk when we meet.?


    Kyon wanted to say something else, but the interlocutor again dropped the connection.


    {Damn it!} ¨C Lovr swore. Eve had never behaved like this before. The chance that she regained her memory is too high, and if so, then appearing in front of her is equivalent to ying roulette. Despite how much he had done for his daughters, it may happen that they will be ungrateful.


    On the other hand, if she had regained her memory, would she have so brazenly shown her intentions to meet? No. Or yes? Say, long con! The devil knows. The little fairy had shown such an extraordinary mind before, and if you add to this 300 years of experience, then she turns into apletely unpredictable person. Every step, every action can belong to both a wise woman and a girl. One thing is clear: her feelings when she heard her father¡¯s voice are almost certainly sincere. Such a high level of acting is hardly possible for Eve¡¯s emotionlessly rational temperament. So she really wants to see him, even if she regained her memory.


    Kyon made a rash decision to meet Eve.


    Soon he entered the hotel and climbed the steps. The wildly beating heart had to be calmed by Synergy. Entering the room, he caught Eve¡¯s enchanting green gaze. The atmosphere seemed to be filled with the scent of roses. The girl is still dazzlingly beautiful, her virgin-innocent appearance is able to fascinate anyone. She was wearing her favorite light summer dress in white tones, sewn by him.


    ?Dad¡­? ¨C tears ran down the cheeks of the girl who approached.


    Kyon felt better. Apparently, her memory still did not return. He tried to hug the little fairy, but she took a step back: still afraid of male touches.


    ?Dad, I¡¯m so d you¡¯re alive¡­ I thought I¡¯d lost you forever!?


    Kyon felt a surge of bright emotions from the girl. The light part of the core began to rotate¡­ 96%¡­ 98%¡­ 100%! The remaining 5% was filled, and the flow just stopped. The condition was closed. Here is the girl¡¯s gratitude for the rescue and the fact that her father survived.


    ?Bunny, dad will never leave you!?


    ?Do you promise??


    ?I promise, even if life circumstances separate us, I will definitely do everything to return to you.? ¨C Lovr found a way out of the predicament.


    Eve smiled and nodded, wiping away her tears: ?Then tell me why I woke up not in my room in Dantes, but in some unfamiliar city? And where is my sister??


    Kyon had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, and it was not because of an inconvenient question, but because before that the girl had lured him out of a promise, as if she had led him into a trap, and now she immediately mmed it shut. Maybe it seems to him? Or maybe it¡¯s a coincidence? Or she has be even more cunning¡­


    ?My sister and I are enemies, right?? ¨C Eve asked shrewdly, pushing her hair back over her shoulders, not waiting for the man¡¯s answer. ¨C ?Do you think that if we regain our memory, we will definitely fight, and therefore you decided to move us away from each other for our safety? And did we create the rainbow sun too? After all, what else in this world, besides the two of us, can so badly injure our bodies and minds¡­?


    Kyon froze for a second. However, he was not surprised. Such conclusions are expected from a smart girl. Sighing sadly, he said in an even tone: ?Yes, you have been feuding since you grew up. Either because you are so different, or because of disagreements, or maybe each of you did not want to give up leadership to the other¡­ In any case, with all my desire, I could not do anything about it. On the day when I picked you up after the rainbow sun, during the examination, the doctor told me that you had lost your memory. Heaven gave me a chance to fix everything, and I decided that if I taught you to hold on to each other, you would make up. However, I was still not sure if I had seeded, so I settled you in different cities.?


    Eve looked at her father with understanding. Besides her rtionship with her sister, she also suspected that the man was not her father at all. In order to confirm or refute this theory, the girl arranged a test for Zosimos: she insisted on a meeting, ignoring any of his attempts to find out anything about whether she had regained her memory.


    If Zosimos had not arrived, or he would have constantly called, trying to get information, then it would be possible to draw conclusions: he is afraid ¨C it means that she is a stranger to him. However, her father arrived so immediately, and there was no fear or wariness in his eyes at all, only care, love and anxiety. He also tried to hug her¡­ He¡¯s definitely her dad!


    But the truth is that in the depths of her soul, Eve still doubted, however, she rejected her doubts as a malicious enemy, because just thinking about it makes it feel like a knife is being driven through her heart. It¡¯s better to live in a sweet lie than to ept a bitter truth.


    Kyon sat down on the edge of the bed and patted next to him. When the beauty gracefully sat down next to him, like a nobledy, her fabulous aroma tickled the sense of smell of Lovr, reminding that not an ordinary girl was sitting next to him, but a miracle of this sinful world. For the next 5 minutes, they talked about what had happened to the demons and about the magical recovery of injuries.


    ?Okay, little flower. Your sister is waiting for us. Let¡¯s not make her nervous??


    ?Let¡¯s go.? ¨C Little fairy agreed. Her smile was like a blooming rose.


    Two hourster, they arrived at the city, where Le was waiting for them.


    ?Honey, I noticed that you seem to have grown up. Although you haven¡¯t regained your memory yet, your mental age has changed. You have be more confident and independent. If so, fulfill one of my requests: continue to avoid conflicts with your sister. Be above this.?


    ?I will try.? ¨C thedy agreed.


    As soon as Kyon opened the door, Le flew into his stomach with the speed of a cannonball.


    ~bang~ ~boom~


    They broke through several walls and only then stopped. The girl hugged the man so tightly that his bones cracked: ?Dad! Safe and sound!?


    ?Now¡­ I¡¯m going to die¡­? ¨C Kyon wheezed.


    ?Sister, you¡¯re going to kill him!? ¨C Eve intervened.


    Sitting on her dad¡¯s belly, as if on a soft throne, Le took the man by the cheeks with tender palms: ?Dad¡­ You are really alive! In gratitude for having made me happy, ept with honor my great gift: one exquisite kiss of the goddess on the forehead.?


    ~smack~


    Kyon¡¯s heart almost melted with tenderness. He pulled the pixie by the hands and embraced her: ?My best gift is you, honey.? ¨C hugging her fragile feminine body, exuding a charming fragrance is the highest bliss.


    The girl, like her sister, released a stream of bright emotions. It was about the same. The surplus will not disappear, but will be transferred to the next stage of the unique body.


    The daughter got up and examined the man again, with apletely different look, this time more consciously. It seemed that it was not a child who was looking, but an adult girl. When her stomach rumbled, she was not at all embarrassed.


    Le snapped her teeth: ?Meat¡­ Fresh meat! I¡¯m going to eat you now!?


    ?I haven¡¯t forgotten!? ¨C with a smile, Kyon led his charges into the room, where heid out the prepared chicken with sauce and garnish, sds, drinks and desserts on the table.


    Le greedily tore off a juicy drumstick and bit into it with strong white teeth.


    Eve, showing the elegance of a nobledy, cut herself a piece, put it on a te and began to carefully prick the food on a fork.


    Having filled her tummy, Le dried herself with a towel and lightly hit the man in the stomach, loudly demanding: ?Now tell me how you offended the demoness, since she sent a group of horned thugs over your head??


    ?As you know, humans and demons have long been at war. Once I happened to recognize demons in the queen and princess masquerading as people¡­? ¨C Ken told a pre-invented story, in many ces intersecting with the truth, where he handed over the demons to the authorities for the sake of a reward. They were able to escape, but they marked his soul, so they can always find him wherever he is.


    Then the conversation shifted towards the way he survived. The girls did not want to remember the details of that bloody battle, but they wanted to find out how their dad recovered.


    ?That is, you were able to attach your hands to yourself like a robot, restore their mobility in one day, wash us, dress us and settle us in rooms of hotels far from each other?? ¨C Eve was surprised at such productivity.


    ?Exactly. Your dad is far from an ordinary person.? ¨C having sipped tea, Kyon agreed.


    Stirring the ice cubes in a ss of juice, Le, without looking up, asked dryly: ?Did you like it? You¡¯d like to experience it again, wouldn¡¯t you??


    ?To be without hands? No way. Or what are you talking about?? ¨C Kyon frowned in bewilderment.


    ?You liked to wash our beautiful naked bodies, feel the charms of the goddesses while we were unconscious and could not do anything¡­ And then dress us like porcin dolls in underwear and dresses, didn¡¯t you?? ¨C an unexpectedly heavy piercing gaze of the pixie stuck into the man.


    ?Are you a fool or what?!? ¨C Eve was indignant. ¨C ?He had a lot of injuries! His arms and head were bursting with pain! He was worried about our condition, and there you go again! Think what you say!?


    Le stopped and frowned with displeasure, but not because she realized what a stupid thing she had said, but because her sister had gone against her for the first time: ?Why are you shouting? I¡¯m just probing the inner world of our dad. Am I not allowed, or what??


    ?Be tactful! He almost sacrificed his life for us, and you are now trying to portray him as some kind of horny lout! Thank him for waking up washed and dressed in a cozy room, but not smeared with blood, dirt and rotten insides of dead demons!?


    Le¡¯s voice dropped to a threatening growl, there were hysterical notes in it: ?Let¡¯s not make our dad a saint, okay? Actually, we were in that situation only because of him! He could have told us about the demons not on thest day, and generally be careful and not get out of the city! And since when did you, younger sister, learn to be insolent to the elder one?!?


    Eve paused for a long time, closing her lips tightly. Soon, as if deciding on something, she stood up to her full height, with her hands on her hips and with a stern look hanging over her sister, firmly said: ?You are not an elder sister. Don¡¯t ever call me younger sister again. We¡¯re the same age, and you know it perfectly well.?


    ?Oh, now I see¡­ You tore off a couple of demonic dicks, and immediately became arrogant and bold??


    In response, Eve tapped her temple with a half-bent finger: ?It¡¯s you who are bold, but I¡¯m rather smart.?


    ?Are youpletely fucked up?!? ¨C enraged Le also jumped up from her seat and with a slight movement of her hand turned the table into splinters.


    The situation has escted to the breaking point. Kyon felt like he was in the center of a category 10 hurricane. He couldn¡¯t even get a word in: he just couldn¡¯t open his mouth because of the powerful overwhelming aura of the shing girls. His soul was trying to leave the body of the owner, the young man felt like an ant that met with angry fighting giants.

 Chapter 429

    Chapter 429


    ?Honey, bunnies, let¡¯s not swear!? ¨C Kyon stood between the girls, showing courage worthy of a legendary warrior.


    ?Well, no, I have to show the little one who is in charge here! She will know her ce from now on!? ¨C rolling up her sleeves, Le moved forward, intending to give Eve a thrashing.


    ?I said, enough!? ¨C Kyon angrily barked at the whole block, activating the sovereign¡¯s stare to the full and staring intently straight into the beautiful eyes of the naughty mischief.


    The pixie shuddered and fearfully stepped back, involuntarily averting her gaze to the side and instantly losing all confidence in her intentions. She was speechless. She had no idea that her weak and infirm dad was able to suppress her will with just a stern look. The girl involuntarily felt respect for the man for such an imperious behavior.


    Soon Le gave a cold snort and, lifting her sharp chin, proudly proimed: ?I will be above it. It is unworthy of me to argue with the little ones.?


    Eve ironically confirmed: ?It¡¯s very smart of you not to enter into an argument with a person who has an undeniable advantage in intelligence.?


    ?Did you say something? Sorry, I don¡¯t understand baby talk well!?


    ?Stop it! Now we will fly to the training, and I want you not to bicker anymore, otherwise you will both be punished!? ¨C Kyon threatened sternly in a fatherly way.


    Le rolled her eyes and silently went outside. Eve did the same.


    Lovr expected a little more effect from the sovereign¡¯s stare. Still, the difference in development is too big for a spiritual attack to have the desired result.


    An hourter, the three arrived on a in surrounded by hills.


    ?I don¡¯t like this ce¡­? ¨C Eve muttered.


    ?Maybe we can find another field for training?? ¨C suggested Le.


    Kyon shook his head resolutely: ?It¡¯s not so easy to find such a convenient ce. We will stay here. You shouldn¡¯t focus on bad memories. Face fear and ovee it. Your confidence must match your capabilities.?


    ?I¡¯m not afraid, I just hate to train where guts are scattered everywhere¡­ Oh, so you¡¯ve already cleaned up here, then okay.? ¨C looking at the clear in, Le nodded with satisfaction.


    Kyon handed the training leotards to his daughters and dropped them off, while he left the snowy owl away from the training site and walked back on foot. Pointing to arge rock, he said: ?Eve, destroy the cobblestone using pure energy to strengthen your attack.?


    The girl went to the stone and hit it¡­


    ~boom~


    Cracks appeared near the impact site. No more than that.


    ?Try again, bunny. Focus on it.?


    ~boom~


    The next blow did not contain any energy at all.


    ?Watch and learn.? ¨C Le walked up to the cobblestone and swung with a confident look.


    ~boom~


    The result was exactly the same.


    The girl frowned and repeated this several times.


    Eve snorted: ?And you are so arrogant¡­?


    ?Roll up your tongue!? ¨C Le got angry at her failure and pounced on the cobblestone, but emotions cannot help the case: the object of passion quickly turned into a pile of rubble.


    {Damn it¡­} ¨C Kyon swore in frustration. His expectations were once again not met. He wanted so much to get everything at once. ¨C ?Bunnies, to seed, you will have to fulfill one difficult request of your dad: thoroughly remember that battle with demons; the feelings that you experienced; the thoughts that visited your head¡­?


    ?Remember that horror? Maybe you¡¯ll also ask us to undress?? ¨C Le protested.


    ?Honey, please understand, if another wave of demons appears, your dad will not survive¡­?


    ?So hide in the city, what¡¯s the problem? There is no need to expose your fragile ass to the blow¡­ I¡¯m reckless, not you.?


    Kyon turned his beseeching gaze to Eve.


    ?I¡¯ll try, Dad.? ¨C the girl nodded and closed her eyes.


    The amazement on Le¡¯s face was reced first by discontent, and then by indignation: ?I will not give in to you for anything, little one!? ¨C the very thought that her younger sister would learn to use energy and be a hundred times stronger than her made her feel sick.


    Kyon crossed his arms in anticipation.


    Three minutester, Le opened her shiny eyes and hit the nearest tree, but only a part of the thick bark flew off it. The girl frowned: ?This is strange¡­ I feel omnipotent, but I can¡¯t break a lousy tree¡­?


    ?What do you mean, baby?? ¨C Kyon asked with interest.


    The pixie shrugged her shoulders: ?I don¡¯t know how to describe it¡­?


    ?It feels like everything in the neighborhood belongs to you.? ¨C Eve exined, opening her eyes.


    {Passive scanning?} ¨C Kyon guessed.


    Any kind of scanning is the radiation of pure energy and its analysis when reflected from physical and magical objects. The process requires considerable concentration, that is, intense mental activity. Since no one likes to strain for no reason, scanning is rarely used unnecessarily. However, passive scanning differs from active scanning mainly in that the soul itself analyzes the information and sends the finished result to the brain, which makes it seem to a person that he has an all-seeing third eye. Only the practitioners of the imperial phase and higher have such a privilege due to a sufficiently close connection with the soul.


    ?Exactly!? ¨C Le agreed with her younger sister. ¨C ?It¡¯s like I can see everything that¡¯s happening on the in! I can even feel a squirrel in that hollow of an oak tree near the hill! And it has three babies, one of which is a boy.?


    Lovr looked at an oak tree two kilometers away and rubbed his chin with a slightly dumbfounded look. Such a scrupulous scan was shocking. His upgraded hearing and vision were not even close. He would like to be as strong as they are as soon as possible.


    Suddenly Kyon had a bright idea. He said: ?Le, honey, try to focus your attention on my head and say, do you feel anything round there??


    ?Round?? ¨C the girl frowned and fulfilled the request, but soon shook her head.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. As suspected, the mind key is impervious to scanning, which exactly copies the property of this artifact in the tomb. Roughly speaking, itpletely absorbs all iing radiation, and it is impossible to feel it without reflection.


    Once in the mine, Martin was able to find it. First, he sucked out the Synergy, and then used sses that looked through the bones. The X-ray allowed him to see the mind key. But now, with carbon bones, this trick will not work, which means that he is safe, and even extremely strong people, up to the goddess, will not discover his secret.


    ?Let me try something¡­? ¨C Le went to the tree and, frowning, stretched out her hand. Suddenly, the space around the girl and the tree vibrated and distorted, resembling the haze that can be seen on a sultry summer day.


    The leaves of the tree quickly turned red, turned yellow, wilted and fell off. A caterpir that had crawled out of the tree wriggled and suddenly burst, sshing it with green slime.


    ~crack~ ~crunch~


    Under the tyrannical pressure, the wood cracked and crunched. Huge chunks flew off the bark. The trunk was covered with cracks, from which the sap sshed generously. The tree trembled, as if writhing in agony, while it was burned from the inside.


    ?Stop it, it feels pain!? ¨C Eve shouted sadly and grabbed her sister by the shoulders.


    Due to the intervention of her sister, Le lost her concentration. The pressure that had previously been directed at the tree spread around her. The leotards covering the girls¡¯ bodies scattered through the air like a decayed sheet of paper. Thepletely naked girls looked at each other with shock, then slowly, as if maized, turned their heads to their father¡­


    ?¡­? ¨C Kyon froze like a statue. His eyes seemed to see paradise. Everything seemed perfect in the naked bodies of the beauties: virgin soft clean skin, perfect feminine proportions, neat small breasts and seductive curves in the shape of the letter ¡°Y¡± between the legs. Any man would lose hisposure. And although Lovr has long admired and even touched the charms of the girls, now they were conscious. The situation was fundamentally different.


    ?Ya-a-a-a!? ¨C Eve screamed shrilly, squatting down and trying to cover with her hands at least something.


    ?What are you staring at, you old fart?!? ¨C Le, who was blushing deeply, also hurriedly covered herself.


    ?I¡¯ve already seen¡­? ¨C Kyon answered as calmly as possible, but something gave him away. He did not have time to react and suppress the instant erection with Synergy.


    The girls bent down almost synchronously, as if listening to something. They have just felt by passive scanning, as something has grown between the man¡¯s legs¡­


    ?Old fart! How can you get aroused from the sight of naked daughters?! I always knew what kind of person you were! Fat perv!? ¨C Le shouted indignantly, blushing even more deeply.


    Lovr calmly took out an additional set of tight leotards (having foreseen that such a situation could happen), put them on the grass next to his daughters, turned around and went behind the nearest tree, saying finally: ?I don¡¯t see any reason to worry.?


    ?Is that all you can say?! How about apologizing?!? ¨C the pixie demanded.


    Kyon still deigned to indicate his position: ?You remind me of your mother¡­ I have always loved her, and I will not apologize for that.?


    ?You¡­ But I don¡¯t¡­ How dare you?!? ¨C Le literally choked with indignation. Most of all, she was irritated not even by the fact that Zosimos defiled her beautiful naked body with his dirty little eyes, but by his imperturbable reaction. No guilt, no remorse, and this is despite the fact that she is a million times stronger and more beautiful! Even if she reminded him of her mother, it doesn¡¯t change anything! Her heart told her that any other person in his ce would have known his ce and would have behaved properly.


    Eve swallowed an insult and put on a new training outfit. If they really reminded their dad of their mom, then there is no point in taking offense at him. In fact, there is even something embarrassing and cute about it.


    Soon the training continued. Kyon told them about the scanning and the pressure. ording to his instructions, the girls trained to concentrate on creating pressure and not lose control over it. The fear of losing their clothes again motivated them not to make mistakes. They also trained to turn passive and active scanning on and off.


    In addition to scanning, any practitioner has a ?spiritual sensitivity?. Every element emits vibrations (sound), every soul also denotes its presence, and even emotions have their own vibrational frequency. With the help of spiritual sensitivity, all these iing signals can be detected. So, for example, due to the body of the Void, Kyon¡¯s ?spiritual sensitivity? is significantly increased, and so much that he can even detect the thirst for murder, which only seasoned warriors are capable of.


    Feeling how weak her father¡¯s soul waspared to her sister¡¯s and her own, Le was only even more angry that the man did not behave ?in the right way?. She kept burning him with a sizzling look and throwing sharp reproaches, but her efforts were wasted, which offended and infuriated her even more. Why wouldn¡¯t he try again to look at her in a special way to put her in her ce?!


    Without Eve, Lovr would have gone crazy with this mischief, because she deliberately refused to obey him, as if she did not respect him. The little fairy prompted a rival spirit in her sister, say, if I lose to the younger one, then how can I call myself the elder one? How can I go on living?


    It waste evening.


    Over the past time, Kyon noticed another change in his daughters. Usually, when girls grow up, the inner woman gradually begins to awaken in them: the character and manner of behavior change, new non-verbal gestures appear. The most striking example is booty wagging while walking. They do this, of course, unconsciously. So Eve and Le had a simr metamorphosis. The pixie is ?wagging her tail? too much. Their every movement is filled with grace. The same applies to looks and facial expressions. It seems that the faces are the same, but the personalities seem to bepletely different, more adult and whole. And if earlier they could bepared with cute, but slightly clumsy and inexperienced kittens, now Lovr looked at purebred cats that were almost ready for the mating period.


    Previously, the girls were easily perceived by Lovr as daughters, because they were silly and naive, like children, but now everything has changed. It has be much more difficult to perceive them as daughters, because sexuality and femininity have awakened in them.


    ?That¡¯s it, I¡¯m tired of it. Stay here as long as you want, and I¡¯ll fly home.? ¨C Le snapped and went to the snowy owl. Her head is buzzing with constant concentration. Why is this necessary at all? She would like to have it exined to her!


    ?Does your head hurt? Poor thing, thinking is not for you. It¡¯s better to lie on the couch and watch cartoons, isn¡¯t it?? ¨C Eve smiled maliciously, she had enough reasons for jokes.


    Le sumbed to the provocation: ?Little asshole, unlike you, I have enough self-respect not to suck up to a dirty old fart!?


    ?But you were the first to rush to kiss him on the forehead when you met¡­? ¨C the little fairy smiled.


    ?You deliberately made me make a mistake to pose naked in front of an old fart¡­?


    Eve¡¯s gaze became sharp as a razor¡¯s edge. However, not only her gaze.


    Kyon immediately intervened: ?Bunnies, let¡¯s not¡­?


    ?You¡¯re a bunny!? ¨C Le said. ¨C ?I¡¯m not a soft animal!?


    ?You are my child. And I will call you whatever I want!? ¨C Lovr said sternly and activated the sovereign¡¯s stare for the second time that day.


    Le twitched in fright, but this time she did not look away, only narrowed her eyes rapaciously and poked the man in the belly with a deceptively fragile finger: ?You won¡¯t scare me with your shining eyes, daddy!? ¨C having finished, she gracefully wagged her booty in a turn and went to the snowy owl.


    Kyon could only sigh tiredly: {And what to do with her?}

 Chapter 430

    Chapter 430


    Three people were flying astride a wide-winged snowy owl: the man held the reins, controlling the bird, and two girls, sitting as far away from each other as possible, looked boredly at the floating horizon lit by the moon and stars.


    ?Bunnies, as I have already said, passive scanning is the radiation of pure energy. While ordinary people won¡¯t feel the impact of advanced practitioners like you, there is at least one exception in Dantes: the bloody empress Lanatelle. If she senses your scanning, she will definitely try to find out what kind of powerful creatures visited the capital of her empire without an invitation, and then, I¡¯m afraid, anything can happen to you. Therefore, please do not try to use energy in the city. Disable the scanning.? ¨C Kyon said mainly for Le.


    One of the girls snorted dismissively: ?I¡¯m not aplete fool to sign my own death warrant¡­?


    Soon, the three went through customs and drove up to the hotel..


    ?And what does it mean?? ¨C Le frowned.


    ?We¡¯ll stay here for a week, two at most. I will not say the exact reason, but I will give a hint that it is rted to my work.? ¨C Kyon exined, having decided to hide from Valeera for some time.


    {What kind of work does he have?} ¨C Eve was burning with curiosity.


    ?Why didn¡¯t you ask for my opinion?? ¨C Le was indignant like a capricious princess.


    {I don¡¯t give a damn about your opinion, you know!} ¨C Kyon snapped to himself.


    The hotel was not inferior in quality to the previous one, so the pixie was not indignant for long.


    When everyone took a shower in turn, Lovr pointedly looked at Le. She was sitting with her hair down in a cute dark nightgown. He slyly asked: ?Do you want to watch cartoons? Or are you already an adult and prefer movies??


    The girl nodded understandingly: ?Do you want to control me with this? Fuck off, Daddy! I¡¯m not going to dance to your tune anymore. I¡¯m no longer the stupid girl who is ready to do anything for watching cartoons.?


    Eve¡¯s face peeked out of the bathroom, curiously watching the conversation.


    ?What will you do in your free time without movies and cartoons??


    Le confidently dered: ?Since you restrict me, I will walk around the city without a veil in search of entertainment. To spite you, I will create such problems that you will not even see in a nightmare, or¡­? ¨C after an expressive pause, the pixie added. ¨C ?You can get my obedience bying up with something else.?


    ?And what?? ¨C Kyon chuckled skeptically.


    Le answered immediately, as if she had already thought everything out in advance: ?Think for yourself: how should a weak bald old man behave next to a young invincible beauty-goddess? When I feel that you treat me properly, I will obey.?


    ?Simply put, are you offering me to be your ve?? ¨C Lovr crossed his arms on his chest.


    The girl raised her index finger: ?Note, you came to this conclusion yourself!?


    Sometimes Kyon wanted to flog Le for instructive purposes. It is clear that she is deliberately provoking him, trying in this way to achieve a different attitude towards herself, more respectful and submissive. But she does not even suspect that, having achieved what she wants, she will not obey the ¡°ve¡±. Many inexperienced women make a simr mistake, domesticating their husbands and eventually losing all interest in them. I wonder if she realized this simple truth when she was 322 years old?


    Lovr had a bright, even brilliant idea. Why didn¡¯t he think of such an effect on his daughters earlier? Having gone to the restroom, he created two formations for receiving and sending a signal, and then on top of them he grew two maniptors with soft buttons from the elements of the earth. He also had to create headphones. He handed all these things to the girls.


    ?What is it?? ¨C they asked in unison.


    ?Joysticks. With their help, you can interact with NPCs in the game and control your game character. I suggest instead of looking for adventures on the street to look for them in the game!?


    Eve and Le exchanged puzzled nces. Nothing is clear, but very interesting.


    Kyon put two nephrites on the table. Tworge screens with the image of the main menu of the game were formed from them. He motioned the beautIes to sit on the sofa and gave instructions.


    The essence of the game is primitively simple: girls y for their copies, perform various tasks, level up and expand opportunities. A typical mousetrap for gamers, with the difference that the graphics are identical to the real world, and each NPC is controlled by artificial intelligence, indistinguishable from human intelligence, that is, you can and shouldmunicate with them.


    ?Can you do that too?!? ¨C Eve blurted out with a sparkle in her eyes.


    ?It¡¯s like I¡¯m on the other side of the screen! Unbelievable! Ho-o-ow?!? ¨C Le was amazed.


    In ten minutes, the girls figured out the basics of the game and put themselves through its world. Half an hourter, you could snap your fingers in front of them, but they would not even notice it. It seemed that behind the screen there were not projections created by Synergy, but their souls.


    Since the interaction with the NPC implied voicemunication, the voices of Le and Eve were heard in the room every now and then. At first, this confused the girls, but they quickly got used to it. They also understood that their powers were limited, because they were only at the 1st level.


    ?You! Yes, you! Is your name Pavel?? ¡­ ? How did I find out? Hee-hee, it¡¯s written above your head!? ¡­ ?Of course, you don¡¯t understand, you are not real!? ¡­ ?How about bing my servant?? ¡­ ?Oh, no? And what do you say now?!?


    As soon as Le took off her veil in the game world, she was quickly surrounded by a crowd of people, mostly men. It took her two minutes to gather an army of servants following at her heels. At least, she thought they were her servants.


    The girl¡¯s melodiousughter echoed through the hotel room. Her eyes shone brighter than the sun: ?See, Dad?! I told you that beauty causes more than just problems! I¡¯ve got a crowd of submissive stooges! Soon I will take over the whole city!?


    Suddenly the smile on Le¡¯s lips faded. To the battle music in the ears, five men of a bandit appearance came out of the crowd and, pushing the townspeople apart, grabbed her game character by the arms and, with disgusting faces full of lust, dragged her into the nearest dark alley. Resistance gave no results. It was necessary to have at least 30 strength, but she only has 10.


    ?Idiots, save me! What the hell are you staring at?! They will **** me! Why are you silent?! You are my servants! Do you hear?! A-a-a-ah! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ! I¡¯m about to be raped, someone save me! §¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡-§¡!?


    Kyon put a soundproof barrier on the room in time, otherwise, because of the loud screeching of Le, who seems to have decided that she herself was being kidnapped, there would be problems.


    When the character¡¯s dress was torn off, Le began to cry: ?No¡­ I don¡¯t want¡­ For what¡­? ¨C what upset her most in this situation was not even the fact that the ¡°servants¡± did not save her, but the fact that they stayed to watch what was happening. And judging by the bumps in the pants of some of them, it was clear for what reason. And the damned melody, as if created for perverts, was getting on her nerves¡­


    ?Use the teleportation formation.? ¨C Eve prompted, throwing a fleeting disinterested nce at her sister.


    ?How?! Show me! Quicker! Sis, hurry up! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ! §¡-§¡-§¡-§¡!?


    The little fairy rolled her eyes, showed how to enter the inventory and activate teleportation, then exined: ?The charge is restored in one hour. Considering your approach to the game, even ten charges per hour will not be enough for you. So good luck with the next bandits.?


    At this time, Kyon, who was sitting next to them, could not helpughing, acting on the pixie¡¯s nerves.


    ?Stopughing! I just happened to be in the wrong ce at the wrong time!? ¨C the girl muttered resentfully and continued to look for problems in the game world. Very soon, she dared to stop the rich-looking carriage¡­ The guards immediately decided to check the formation, which, of course, she did not have, and by order of some fat gentleman they dragged her inside.


    When the veil was removed from her, everything went ording to the already familiar scenario. Unless the freak chose to bring her home first. A minute before the disaster, a message popped up: ¡°Beginner¡¯s luck. The charge of the teleportation formation has been restored¡±.


    While her sister was escaping, Eve had already taken the 5th level and received the profession of a gardener.


    After another twenty minutes, Kyon suddenly turned off the screen.


    It was as if Le¡¯s soul was taken away from her: ?Give it back! Turn it back on! I almost found a normal servant! Turn it on for another ten minutes, please, Daddy! My dear!? ¨C the pixie pleaded haltingly, gently shaking Zosimos by the shoulders.


    ?And I just saved up money for the seeds of the golden flower¡­? ¨C Eve muttered in frustration.


    Kyon felt such power over the girls, which he had never dreamed of until now. He even wanted to burst into the devilishughter of the inveterate viin. Looking at Le with a heavy fatherly look, he said: ?It¡¯s toote. You shouldn¡¯t be overexcited before going to bed. You¡¯ll y tomorrow, if you behave yourself, of course. You will behave yourself, won¡¯t you??


    ?Y¡­? ¨C the girl swallowed nervously, looking away and biting her lip. ¨C ?Yes, I will¡­?


    ?That¡¯s nice.? ¨C disguising a malevolent grin behind a good-natured smile, Lovr condescendingly stroked the previously naughty mischievous cutie on the head. The blush that appeared on her delicate cheeks ttered the young man¡¯s self-esteem.


    Le blushed with helplessness, embarrassment and humiliation. In the morning, she made a strong-willed decision never to be a puppet on strings in the hands of Zosimos again, not to let him push her around with some cartoons and movies, but now she is again under hisplete control! The way he did it all, amazed and even admired the girl.


    Soon the daughters went to bed and fell asleep pretty quickly. Kyon found a ringing sound transmitter. Judging by the frequency ¨C Valeera is calling. Without hesitation, he put the device under the pillow and fell asleep. He was not going tomunicate with her until he fulfilled his promise.


    Early in the morning, Kyon woke up because of a high-pitched squeal. Le burst into his room, white as chalk, with a scarlet spot between her legs and bloodied hands: ?I think I¡¯m dying! I¡¯m dying! §¡-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ! It¡¯s all because of you, you bald old man! You killed me!?


    ?I?? ¨C Kyon was surprised.


    ?It¡¯s all because of your damn game! It¡¯s all because of the games! Someone raped my game character at night, and it happened to me!? ¨C she jumped onto the man¡¯s bed and angrily shook him by the shoulders, like a cotton doll.


    When Eve came into the room with the same symptom, Le only became convinced of her theory and shook dad even harder. If he were an ordinary person, his head would have already fallen off.


    ?It doesn¡¯t work like that! You just have your period!? ¨C Kyon grumbled, pushing the girl away. ¨C ?This is normal! All women get it once a month!? ¨C he began exining, not hesitating to use the screen with the image for rity, thereby calming his daughters. To heighten the effect, he even invited a servant who confirmed this information and exined what pads are and how to use them.


    Meanwhile, Lovr involuntarily became interested: {I wonder from whose side the synchronization urred? Which of them is the leader?} ¨C usually, if two girls are in frequent contact, they synchronize their cycles in the direction of a more dominant female.


    After a rather tense breakfast, during which Kyon kept catching piercing nces at himself, he and his daughters went to training. Already on the spot, Lovr created two virtual reality helmets with the element of the earth and asked the girls to put them on.


    Nothing has changed fundamentally for Eve and Le. They just had the opportunity to choose a test to gain experience and levels that will be transferred to their game characters in another game.


    Thus, Kyon motivated the girls to train harder. Hebined business with pleasure. And if they remembered the technique of sticking to the surface, then it would be possible to teach them to fight with the help of virtual opponents.


    Morning gave way to evening.


    Considering that creating pressure and scanning the environment require the skills of using pure energy, Lovr suggested that it would take a little time to restore the girls¡¯ abilities. But exactly how long? Will they make it in 10-12 days? After all, by this time it will be unsafe to leave Dantes because of the possibility of the appearance of the 3rd wave of demons. He wasn¡¯t going to repeat all that horror.


    Right now, Kyon was faced with an equally priority task: to determine the location of the underground auction in order to m all the ?cockroaches? of the shadow world at once. He could not wait for the return of his daughters¡¯ abilities toplete this task, because the auction could begin in the near future. It¡¯s time to act.


    ?Honey, get ready. We are leaving.? ¨C Kyon said shortly, getting up.


    ?Why so early?? ¡­ ?Well, I almost got to the fifth level¡­?


    ?Today we will visit the Golden Pig guild, and I will need your help. Any mistake is fraught with sad consequences. Are you ready to listen to me carefully??


    ?No problem.? ¨C Eve nodded.


    ?For two¡­ No, I¡¯m ready to help for three levels.? ¨C Le smiled slyly, eloquently rubbing her thumb and index finger.

 Chapter 431

    Chapter 431


    The man and two girls were approaching the Golden Pig guild. Kyon dressed in luxurious shiny clothes to match his image, while Eve and Le dressed up in magnificent dresses. In addition to the veils, their father forced them to wear headphones with soundproofing barriers put on them. He exined that such measures are necessary to preserve the secrecy of his work, besides, it can always be useful to be able to transmit a soundmand unnoticed.


    Le, of course, resisted such tant secrecy, but in the end she gave up. After all, her father had a secret weapon of mass destruction ¨C games.


    The guild building was a square seven-story building with golden domes, dotted with coats of arms depicting a golden pig. At the entrance, there was a full-length statue of the aforementioned pig, cast in pure gold. A huge number of rich and reputable people crossed the guild entrance.


    The guards examined the outstretched token and let the three guests inside, where the servant escorted them to the waiting room.


    The token shown by Kyon belonged to Albert: The Clintons¡¯ family alchemist. Kyon had killed him. He received the same token from Xiao Bai before the family tournament. It is also interesting that one of the best alchemists of the empire had the token of the 2nd rank, and some fat man from the Stones had the token of the 1st rank. It gave not only the highest possible discount when making deals, but also other privileges like a VIP cell, an ount and even a private room for an auction. One could only guess how his stepbrother got the token of the 1st rank.


    The guild lobby literally shone with sophistication: crystal chandeliers, golden pig-shapedmps, statues and fountains, ceilings, walls and floors made of golden marble¡­


    After 10 minutes spent in the waiting room, the guests were greeted by a particrly well-trained and diligent servant. He asked them to follow him to thest 7th floor. This ce was distinguished not only by an even greater gloss in the form of expensive decorations and sculptures, but also by absolute silence.


    The servant led the guests to a room for an audience with particrly important clients. It should be noted that only the most authoritative persons of Rosarrio are able to get here, for example, the patriarchs of the first ten families, kings, queens and the empress.


    When the three entered, it seemed to them that they had got to another world, ideal and perfect. Le¡¯s mouth opened with shock.


    Kyon imperceptibly showed the girls where their seats were. As soon as they gotfortable in their seats, two fat men in pretentious and obviously obscenely expensive suits came into the room. One of them looked like a toad, which made Le involuntarily grunt withughter.


    ?Hello, gentlemen. My name is Zosimos.? ¨C Kyon bowed respectfully.


    Eve and Le greeted the gentlemen, following the example of their father.


    While one fat man was carefully studying the guests, the second one took a step forward and solemnly introduced his boss: ?This is the owner of the Rosarrio center of the Golden Pig guild, the chief manager of all the establishments of the Golden Pig guild in the Rosarrio Empire, the great sixth golden brother, the master of mint mastery or abbreviated ?MMM? and, ahem, the terrible Mr. Gusteau!?


    The title of the sixth golden brother meant that the man was one of the seven co-owners of the Golden Pig guild, which founded its branches all over the world. Each of them, as it is easy to understand, manages all the guild points within the borders of his empire.


    Puffing out his toad cheeks, the man spoke with a smile: ?It¡¯s nice to meet Albert¡¯s disciple! With the Legendary lord of the cauldron! I¡¯m not wrong, am I? Otherwise, where did you get his token??


    ?You are absolutely right, Mr. Gusteau. I am a disciple of Albert.? ¨C Kyon agreed. ¨C ?I must say right away that my master is absent due to the fact that he does not know about the decision of his disciple, who, due to his stupidity, decided to reveal his identity so soon, despite the strict prohibition.?


    Gusteau plopped down on a chair opposite his interlocutor and kindly asked: ?And what is the reason for your visit, since you dared to vite the prohibition of your master??


    ?Cooperation. I have my own interests, and you have yours. I believe we will find them mutually beneficial.? ¨C Kyon seemed calm, considering that there was a man in front of him whose authority significantly surpassed even his boss Mn and patriarch Horace. As for personal strength¡­ It is unlikely that even the 1st general will give him an even fight.


    ?Such ambitious proposals are always good. But tell me, please, what kind of cooperation can we talk about if it starts with a lie?? ¨C steel notes sounded in Gusteau¡¯s polite tone.


    Kyon remained silent, giving the other person a chance to finish his thought.


    ?If it is possible to produce rejuvenation medicine that works for practitioners at the superior phase, inclusive, for what reason is a mature man sitting in front of me instead of a youngster??


    ?Good question. And you already know the answer to it, am I right??


    ?Who could have persuaded old Albert to give up his family responsibilities? Who has the power to manufacture rejuvenation medicine that can turn the world around? What legendary personality is hiding in Rosarrio? Kyon Stone, the well-known messenger of the goddess! It was after your appearance, or perhaps awakening, that the day of the dark sky came. You not only introduced yourself to me by a false name, but also appeared under a false guise! It¡¯s not very nice of you.? ¨C concluded Gusteau.


    All this time, Eve and Le did not hear anything from the conversation.


    The young man really didn¡¯t like the fat man¡¯s manner ofmunication. He seems to be deliberately trying to use him of some trifle, such as a changed appearance, as if he ns to take advantage of this, so Lovr decided to dot the ¡°i¡±, in order to deprive the interlocutor of such an opportunity: ?You are very perceptive. Which is to be expected from the sixth golden brother. Having appeared here, I realized that you would reveal my identity, so let¡¯s dispense with far-fetched usations. I was just testing you.?


    Gusteau made a slight grimace, confirming that his n was seen through. He held out his palm to his interlocutor: ?Let me make sure. It is very difficult to see that cute gifted youth in a bald pot-bellied old man.?


    Kyon demonstrated the Stones¡¯ formation and said: ?Earlier in the letter you received an offer of cooperation, and the condition was as follows: noter than a month, everyone in the city should know about Albert¡¯s disciple, nicknamed ¡°The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron¡± and believe in his wonderful alchemical abilities. Twenty days have passed since then and you have sessfullypleted your side of the deal. And here I am standing in front of you, ready for mutually beneficial cooperation. What do you say??


    ?Let¡¯s start by discussing what you can offer us.? ¨C Gusteau said in a businesslike manner, intertwining his fingers in a lock.


    Kyon took out two boxes with cells from the ring. In one there were pills, in the other ¨C nephrites: ?It is in my power to make curative medicine of any direction: from eliminating the consequences of a heart attack and concussion to treating obesity and cancer. Rejuvenation medicine. Medicine of unique bodies of ¡°A¡± rank, and maybe even higher. Movement technique of ¡°S¡± rank. The technique of creating silver, gold and tinum¡­? ¨C and he immediately confirmed this with a deed.


    Lovr has long dreamed of making money by selling the fruits of hisbor, but still has not found a safe way. Once he tried, creating and selling a phoenix figurine, and in the end that situation turned against him. After that, he promised himself to approach this issue with maximum caution, and now, perhaps, is a great opportunity for this. And Eve and Le, if necessary, will help him achieve what he wants.


    By the way, Kyon was not afraid to strengthen his potential enemies. It will take many years for the destruction, conception and development of a unique body, that is, by this time he will be invincible. As for the movement technique¡­ There is a w in it.


    While the youth in the guise of a man painted his services in colors, Gusteau¡¯s face gradually lost its long familiar mask ofposure. Even despite his rich hundred-year life experience and high authority, the man could not maintain his self-control. The movement technique of ¡°S¡± rank is worth a lot! And the drug for obesity¡­ He must not be the sworn enemy of the Fat sect, or he will be eaten alive.


    The fat man trusted Kyon¡¯s words. At the tournament of families, he demonstrated explosive speed for his stage of development. He has just created precious metals, just as he once created the phoenix (this is the information collected about him in advance). As for medicine, the old man Ephraim, who had been a test subject, rejuvenated to 20 years old and runs around the brothels with might and main. His athletic toned body and a smile from ear to ear speak for themselves. Since rejuvenation medicine is real, then everything else is even more so! And yet, of course, medicine and heritage will be checked before the sale, but this is just for show.


    ?I am ready to provide all this to you in exchange for fulfilling several conditions: first, my cooperation with you will be limited to a sound transmitter, that is, no face-to-face meetings; secondly, my share will be half of the profit, and you will send money to my trading ount. These are my conditions, and they cannot be adjusted.? ¨C Lovr summed up. He was not going to stoop to trading with a fat cunning fox.


    Gusteau took a sip of strong coffee and smiled broadly, which made his drooping toad cheeks wobble hideously: ?This is curious. I don¡¯t remember a single person in my life who would make a deal with me in such a tone¡­ You¡¯re very confident, Kyon Stone. Amazingly confident!?


    ?And I have the right to be. My product is exclusive.? ¨C Lovr calmly spread his hands.


    ?Yes, it is. Kyon, how about spreading your wings??


    He raised his thick eyebrows questioningly.


    ?I¡¯m saying that you should set the bar higher. Me and my six golden brothers, who are in charge of all the Golden Pig guilds in the world, are ready to be your patrons. Endless resources and the best masters in the world will be at your disposal, kid! And there will be no end of girls¡­ Perhaps even the first princess Cornelina will pay attention to you! You will be a new undying star in a matter of decades!?


    ?And what is required of me?? ¨C Kyon crossed his arms impassively over his chest.


    ?Oh, nothing special¡­ Just obey our patriarch unquestioningly.? ¨C he waved his hand, as if the only condition he named was a mere trifle.


    ?Which patriarch? Does the Golden Pig guild belong to a family??


    ?Of course. Have you heard anything about The Bakers??


    {Why am I not surprised?} ¨C Kyon sighed to himself. Considering how greedy The Bakers are for money (since they even sold a fake family formation to just anyone), it all fits together. ¨C ?A family of the third rank in Saturn¡­?


    ?Right! Few people know that the Golden Pig guild is at our disposal. We prefer to keep it a secret, because too much attention is nothing but problems. Since we own such an outstanding business, we are almost the richest family in the world! And the fact that The Bakers are only of the third rank is another strategic move, but not an indicator of strength and influence. We could rival The Torres,if you join us, you will make the right choice, Kyon Stone. Agree!? ¨C Gusteau invited him with the eloquence of a seasoned merchant.


    ?I see¡­ Thank you for the offer, but I have to refuse it. I do not like to obey anyone.? ¨C for Kyon, being subordinate to someone is tantamount to very. Perhaps he is the most freedom-loving person in the world. He left the mine, left Juno, left Valeera, left da, left Triana, and he will leave Gusteau.


    The fat man¡¯s soft expression hardened. The room was filled with an oppressive aura: ?It¡¯s a pity. I expected a different answer from you. Since it did not work out in an amicable way, it will have to be done in a bad way. I¡¯m sorry, Kyon, but refusal is uneptable. We have no right to let go of such a gifted person. You¡¯ve already eluded us once, it won¡¯t happen again.? ¨C with a snap of his fingers, two menacing-looking guards entered the room.


    Instead of getting scared, Kyon coldly said: ?So I came to you with a peaceful offer of mutually beneficial cooperation, and you decided to kidnap and enve me? Is that how you work??


    Gusteauughed good-naturedly and shook his head: ?Son, no one will enve you, if, of course, you behave wisely. You can take it as you want, but in ten years, when you grow up, you will thank us. And now we will move you to Saturn, where the respected patriarch Bazhen Baker will talk to you.?

 Chapter 432

    Chapter 432


    ?You¡¯ve made a big mistake.? ¨C Kyon said ominously, raising his hand.


    As soon as the guards twitched, a monstrous pressure covered the entire room, the impact of which only Zosimos escaped. The training sessions with Eve and Le were not in vain.


    The guards and the servant froze, their faces contorted with horror.


    Gusteau turned pale and broke out in a cold sweat, and his toad eyes almost popped out of their sockets. He gazed with fear at the two veiled girls. Previously, relying on spiritual sensations, he took them for ordinary people, but now these monsters emit pressure that is not inferior to patriarch Bazhen! They can kill him in the blink of an eye!


    Of course, Kyon was bluffing. Eve and Le don¡¯t know how to use pure energy to attack. They are hardly different from those weak girls who met demons for the first time.


    Lovr dropped his hand and the pressure was gone. He spoke in an icy tone, devoid of any respect: ?I came with open arms, ready to cooperate, and in return you spat in my soul. Your approach is disgusting, Gusteau. I am not an ordinary person, but the messenger of the fucking goddess! I¡¯m so fucking angry! Tell me, what will you choose: to die now or to try to make up for your critical mistake with action??


    ?I¡­ I¡¯m very sorry, Mr. Kyon¡­? ¨C the frightened man babbled.


    ?I need an answer!? ¨C Lovr barked.


    ?I¡¯ll try to make amends with deeds!? ¨C the fat man rammed in a broken voice.


    Such an authoritative person as the Sixth golden brother fawns over a practitioner at the superior phase. The servant and the guards could not believe what was happening. An unheard-of phenomenon.


    ?Good answer.? ¨C Kyon nodded with satisfaction. ¨C ?First, let¡¯s talk without unnecessary witnesses.?


    Gusteau waved his hand, and the servant and the guards immediately disappeared from the room. He spoke in an obsequiously ingratiating tone, rubbing his palms together: ?Mr. Kyon, I acted very rashly! Your anger ispletely justified and fair! Ask me for anything! I will do everything in my power to redeem myself!?


    Given the entric personality of the goddess¡¯ messenger (he made such a conclusion based on the information he had collected), Baker could not help but believe in the threat of reprisal. For the first time in his life, he faced real danger, and under the pressure of the fear of death, he turned into an ordinary coward.


    ?Gusteau, I wasn¡¯t the first to start it, so don¡¯t think that I¡¯m an extortionist viin. I am still interested in long-term cooperation, but it is unlikely that we will find amonnguage after I put my hand in your wallet.?


    The extremely tense head of all the guilds of the G. P. in Rosarrio rxed significantly.


    Kyon said in a businesslike way: ?In order to forget the offense, I only need one thing ¨C information.?


    ?What information are you interested in?? ¨C Gusteau asked, smiling nervously.


    ?I want to know everything you currently know about the demon empire and the beast kingdom. I¡¯m only interested in verified data. In all the details.?


    Kyon has already tried to collect information about demons and supreme beasts in order to thoroughly know how things are with Kara and Triana, but he did not seed as expected. Information of this level is avable only to the highest echelons of power. You can only buy it from the Golden Pig guild, but why pay if you can get it for free?


    ?Mr. Kyon, I am happy to inform you that we have sources of information in the demon empire, so in theing days we will collect all the data and give them to you! As for the kingdom of beasts¡­ I¡¯m sorry, but it is almost impossible to spy on the supreme beasts. They have a keen sense of smell for harnessed congeners, and they smell foreigners a mile away.?


    ?Expected response.? ¨C Kyon agreed. ¨C ?Among other things, I am interested in information about the invasion of the dark ones and the light ones. Any details will be helpful.?


    Gusteau involuntarily coughed: how did he know about the invasion of the dark ones and the light ones?! Such information is avable only to the highest elite! It looks like he hasn¡¯t been sitting on his ass. Even the girls-monsters sitting quietly nearby.


    Clearing his throat, the fat man nodded: ?I¡¯ll get information in theing days. As a bonus, I can give you information about the reason for the appearance of the rainbow sun, as well as about the person who could actually rob the treasury of The Feruzs.?


    ?It would be great.? ¨C Kyon agreed.


    The fact that Gusteau had the opportunity to cajole the messenger of the goddess with information that can only be bought for colossal money was incredibly pleasing, because the guild would not suffer any losses from its disclosure.


    As soon as the man exhaled with relief, the interlocutor said the following.


    ?And I also need information about the time and ce of the underground auction.?


    With a fake smile on his lips, he asked again: ?The underground¡­ auction? The one where all the criminal rabble gathers? Mr. Kyon, I don¡¯t quite understand what we have to do with¡­ Our guild is renowned for its crystal clear reputation! We would never engage in such dubious activity!? ¨C the words of the fat man sounded so convincing that even a dead man would believe.


    Kyon heard from Bernard that the ck market is most likely organized by the Golden Pig guild, and if so, then the underground auction is also their work. Of course, this is done through dummy organizations, and if something happens, they will have nothing to do with it. However, the essence is the same. But the chance is not 100%.


    ?I want to sell something there.? ¨C Kyon continued calmly. ¨C ?If you do not get the information, you will have to pay off the remnants of my resentment with money.?


    At the mention of a possible loss of money, the fat man¡¯s radiant smile immediately faded. The man thought for a while: does he risk losing a hidden source of ie? The information says that the messenger of the goddess does not shy away from vile, almost illegal methods. For example, at the tournament of families, he and Xiao Bai arranged bets on the victory of The Stones at an insane coefficient with almost all the families of the Iron throne. In fact, Kyon ransacked the entire kingdom. And if so, it is unlikely that he pursues noble goals. He just wants to make money.


    Having made a decision, Gusteau took a piece of paper, scribbled something on it and handed it to the interlocutor.


    ¡°What kind of product are we talking about?¡± ¨C read the inscription.


    ?First, turn off all recording formations in the room. All of them.? ¨C Kyon replied in an indifferent tone, nodding at the girls as if hinting that it would not be possible to cheat.


    At Gusteau¡¯smand, a servant entered the room and collected more than five formations, safely hidden in the most inconspicuous ces, then he left.


    Meanwhile, the jaw muscles on Le¡¯s perfectly smooth cheeks tensed. The ringing silence caused by the barrier in the headphones was annoying. Why did she ask only for three levels? She should have asked for four levels! And yet, what is dad talking about? She would like to be able to read lips¡­


    Eve was much more curious than her sister. She tried to make out the essence of the conversation by the movement of the fat man¡¯s lips, but she couldn¡¯t do anything. She didn¡¯t really understand anything except the name ¡°Kyon¡±. It seems that the dwarfs at the factory also mentioned this name once, and the father said that Kyon was his best student. Who is Kyon really?


    ?I¡¯m talking about a weapon that even an ordinary person can use and reload. Forty cartridges in the cylinder. A second dy between shots. No recoil. I¡¯ll show you now.? ¨C Kyon took out an impulse rifle and pointed at the frightened man.


    ?W-wait¡­ You¡¯re not¡­?


    ?The damage factor is limited to the lord phaser at the beginning stage, so you have nothing to worry about. Catch.? ¨C while saying this, Lovr made three consecutive shots.


    ~WHOOSH~ ~WHOOSH~ ~WHOOSH~


    Gusteau calmly caught all three shells with his fingers. His mouth fell open in surprise: this power¡­ No doubt the shot will hit the lord phaser at the beginning stage! There are many types of crossbows all over the world that can shoot bolts with greater power, but reloading them will take amensurate amount of effort, so ordinary people will not be able to use them. However, the impulse rifle does not seem to have this drawback!


    ?So far, the quantity of goods is limited to three hundred copies.? ¨C Kyon exined. ¨C ?I n to divide them into thirty lots and sell them to the shadow ns. I am sure that they, like no one else, are interested in buying them, because the weapons will allow them to significantly strengthen small gangs. Considering that the ns recently robbed The Stalbers ¨C they have money. And I will thank you if you give them this information in advance.?


    Lovr knew that after the recent raid of the security forces on their meeting, the heads of the ns would be cautious. Even though the underground auction has always been famous for its strict security measures, there is a high chance that not all leaders of the shadow world will visit it, which is uneptable. In order to solve this problem, he demonstrated the weapon. This is the main reason.


    Now Gusteau will definitely spread information about the amazing weapons to the heads of the shadow ns in order to earn more from themission. It¡¯s unlikely that Isaac, Diego and the rest of the bastards will ignore the message from a trusted source.


    Meanwhile, the guild leader was nodding to his thoughts. As expected, the messenger of the goddess did not care about thews and the well-being of anyone but himself. As the information collected about him said, he is extremely selfish and greedy for money.


    ?Mr. Kyon?, ¨C Gusteau spoke up, deep in thought. ¨C ?I understand that you will keep the method and ce of production of such a unique weapon a secret¡­ But at least tell me, please, do you n to sell it on an industrial scale in the future??


    ?Time will tell.? ¨C Kyon shrugged his shoulders. In fact, the answer is obvious ¨C no. Information about impulse weapons, as well as about firearms, is strictly ssified. That is why he demanded to turn off all recording nephrites. How many people will believe the greedy, cunning and insidious head of the Golden Pig guild?


    Gusteau thought about something for another minute, then handed the messenger of the goddess a note that read: ¡°In the next few days, an hour before the start, you will receive an address. When and where can you transfer the goods to my trusted people?¡±.


    Kyon shook his head: ?I won¡¯t give the weapon to anyone. I¡¯ll bring it myself, I¡¯ll demonstrate it myself.?


    ?It is your right.? ¨C Gusteau smiled, although he was a little disappointed.


    ?As soon as I get all the necessary information, we will forget about today¡¯s misunderstanding. Then we will be able to continue our fruitful partnership. Let me remind you of the conditions I announced earlier: remote cooperation and half of the profit. As mentioned earlier, they cannot be adjusted.?


    ?I have to think¡­? ¨C the fat man hesitated.


    ?Okay. You have a few days. If you refuse, I will find another merchant guild.?


    Although outwardly Gusteau tried to remain calm, in reality he feltpletely confused. Kyon behaves as if he is making a deal not with the most reputable merchant guild in the world, but with a street vendor. The man did not even remember when customersmunicated with him in this way.


    ?Okay, let¡¯s not drag out this issue. My answer is yes.? ¨C finally decided Gusteau. Why drag out the intrigue if nothing changes for the better? And only an idiot would refuse such a lucrative offer.


    ?Wonderful.? ¨C Kyon smiled, taking out a pre-prepared contract.


    Having concluded the deal with a signature and a handshake, Lovr immediately made an order consisting of three points. The first one is a bracelet that fakes the ?sound? of the vibrations of the elements up to the imperial phase inclusive (now he has up to the royal phase). It will allow him to sessfully hide his identity as the owner of the 9 elements even in front of the imperial phasers. The second one is a concealment bracelet up to the imperial phase inclusive (now he has up to the royal phase). It will allow him to disguise his soul as a weaker/stronger one.


    By the way, only the best formacists in the world will be able to make such powerful items (formations on them). Considering how much resources and time it takes to create them, the price of one product can exceed a hundred million. And it is unlikely that formacists, who are in great demand from the whole world, will take up the order of some unknown client. Without Gusteau¡¯s influence, Kyon would not have been able to order these items even through XiaoBai¡¯s token.


    The third one is to organize the purchase of keys from all over the world.


    Kyon needs the most scarce product in order to enchant the soul (and therefore the body) to the highest level of strength. At the moment, he has umted only 12.5% of the required amount. The Feruzovs, the second wave of demons and the fact that he was ckmailing The Clintons helped him in this. Even if the third wave of demons appears, it wouldn¡¯t be enough.


    Given the constant demand for keys on the market, it is not so easy to buy a whole mountain of them at a fixed price. Demand is much higher than supply. If a rich man appears, buying everything, then the next day prices will jump significantly. By thoughtlessly buying all the keys on the market, in two weeks Kyon will waste all the money, but there will be little sense. Therefore, this process will have to be extended for many months. And even so, huge finances will be required. One billion won¡¯t be enough.


    ?Mr. Kyon, I will personally take care of this.? ¨C promised Gusteau.


    ?Thank you very much.? ¨C Kyon thanked him and got up from the chair in sync with the girls.


    ?Wait!? ¨C the man suddenly spoke up. ¨C ?Do you understand that in this world everyone should have patrons, right? You will be eaten alive by envious people andpetitors! There are many creatures all over the world who wish you dead! If you be part of The Bakers, then¡­?


    ?I already have strong friends.? ¨C Lovr nodded at hispanions and headed for the exit.


    ?In this case, you should be extremely careful even with your disguise skills. The information says that the bloody empress is looking for a talented and independent alchemist. Considering the rumors we¡¯ve spread about you, you are her number one target. If she finds you, then you will lose your precious freedom, and maybe even be enved¡­ Given her entric nature, anything can happen!?


    ?Thanks for the advice. My master and I will be careful. Have a nice day.? ¨C said Kyon with restraint.

 Chapter 433

    Chapter 433


    Kyon left the Golden Pig guild, beingpletely satisfied with the results. Today, he ordered two bracelets necessary to conceal his identity; organized the purchase of keys from all over the world to enchant the soul (and body) for strength; made a deal to sell medicine and the heritage of his production; agreed to receive information about the demonic empire, about the invasion of the dark ones and light ones, and, most importantly, about the time and ce of the underground auction. It is also important that Lovr, through Gusteau, made a very attractive bait for the heads of ns ¨C he put up for auction an unimaginable weapon.


    And all this would not have happened without Eve and Le. He is grateful to the girls for their help. This is the first significant benefit after he saved them and sheltered them after that fatal battle.


    Now Kyon has a new challenge: how to kill all the bastards from the shadow ns in one fell swoop? Moreover, he will not have more than an hour to prepare, because Gusteau will provide him with information at the veryst moment.


    It¡¯s stupid to expect that in a few days the girls will remember how to use pure energy to attack¡­ He needs to find another way, more reliable.


    To organize a raid? It will not be difficult to convince Mn to quickly and secretly mobilize all five security officers-imperial phasers. He can even involve previously tested enforcers at the royal phase in the case. But an underground auction is not some kind of mansion. The ce of the auction is underground. At any hint of danger, the heads of the shadow ns and their subordinates will run through the underground passages. What is the chance that five tigers will catch up and kill thirty coyotes and a hundred rats running through all sorts of crevices? Even with all their efforts, about a third, or even half, will be able to escape by underground ways.


    It is uneptable for Lovr to miss even one leader of the shadow n, because only one alpha rat will lead the rest of the shadow world of Dantes, using his former authority, while Valeera will remain in the same position.


    It will take many months to catch each target separately, and when information about this spreads, someone will escape, and someone will lie low. If he doesn¡¯t finish off all the bastards at the underground auction when they all get together, then he will never be able to do it.


    Suddenly, Kyon had an idea, so brilliant that his eyes shone.


    The shining was drowned out by a sneaky punch of Le¡¯s fist in the side: ?This is for being secretive!?


    ?A man should have his own secrets.? ¨C Lovr winked slyly.


    ?Usually they say that about women.? ¨C the pixie muttered, mentally trying on a skirt for Zosimos. ¨C ?And you shouldn¡¯t have any secrets from us!?


    ?It¡¯s up to me, honey.? ¨C Kyon replied condescendingly.


    A few days passed unnoticed. All this time, Lovr was preparing for the uing underground auction, while the girls were training and ying every day. Le broke three joysticks in a fit of anger. After that, she finally stopped looking for problems and started doing something useful: she took the profession of a magician, trying to deal with the branch of the mental to clear people¡¯s brains. And one should not underestimate her jealousy of her sister¡¯s gaming sess.


    On the evening of the third day, Kyon received a call: ?¡±Hello, Gusteau. Any good news??


    ?Hello, Kyon. Indeed, there is. We have collected the information you requested. It is already in your cell in writing. You can dispose of it as you like. For this, I hope that you will forget about that misunderstanding, and we will be able to continue our fruitful cooperation.?


    ?You haven¡¯t forgotten that I want to get into an underground auction, have you?? ¨C Kyon asked.


    ?Oh, yes, I remember hearing that. But understand, boy, my guild and I would never do something so dubious, so I can¡¯t help you with this.?


    ?What does this mean¡­? ¨C Kyon did not have time to be indignant, as the connection was cut off.


    Less than three secondster, the sound transmitter rang again. Iing call from an unknown frequency. After establishing the connection, Kyon heard a hoarse male voice.


    ?One hundred and seventy-three Chrysanths Street, building two, entrance to the ground. Start at six.?


    ¡­


    Three inconspicuous gray carriages, surrounded by ten invisible bodyguards, followed the road towards the underground auction. Ten of the most trusted members of the ck Star n were sitting in the carriages on the sides. They nned to buy some lots for their needs. Isaac and his grandson Edward were sitting in the front carriage. Both looked utterly gloomy.


    After the recent theft of Arpha, the n members had to leave their main headquarters and settle in the reserve one. Now a potentially dangerous enemy is walking free. Isaac almost got depressed because of the poisoning of his grandson.


    Edward looked like a living dead man. He hadn¡¯t been able to get away from the toilet for thest few days, and besides, the girl he could only dream of had slipped right out from under his nose due to the fault of some unknown bastard.


    ?Why did you drag me to the damn auction?? ¨C the guy expressed his displeasure.


    ?I want you, empty head, to gain experience.?


    ?So I have already been to several such auctions! Haven¡¯t I gained experience there yet?? ¨C Edward protested.


    ?Today is a special asion. I know from reliable sources that something special will appear among the goods: reusable weapons that even an ordinary person can use! And it¡¯s not an expensive attacking formation. In general, you must see and understand how to act in such cases.?


    ?Damn it, Grandpa, I don¡¯t give a fuck at all! I¡¯m more worried about something else¡­ What if this runaway bitch organizes another raid?!?


    ?Motherfucker, choose your words, or I¡¯ll punch you in the face!? ¨C Isaac threatened. ¨C ?My limit of trust in the organizers of the underground auction is even greater than in Diego. After the kidnapping of Arpha, I immediately called them and informed them that the head of the Silent Horror n had turned out to be a traitor, so she would not find out the address in any way, we have nothing to fear. In fact, the security of the underground auction is at such a high level that even if all the security forces of the department attack at once, at least half of us will be able to escape.?


    ?Even so, why not just send messengers??


    ?Because we will show disrespect to the organizers of the event if we do note. Besides, I do not trust my stooges to hold such huge sums of money in their hands.?


    Edward moaned sullenly, resting his cheek on his palm.


    Soon, the sled animals with the carriages were left in a menagerie two kilometers from the auction. A group of 22 people reached the assigned address on foot, using a mass concealment technique in order not to attract attention.


    The usual middle-ss neighborhood stretched all around. The houses made of gray brick and the same, as if faded, people. However, as soon as the members of the ck Star n went underground and passed through security, the situation suddenly changed, as if a wonderful paradise ind had emerged in the middle of the dense swamps.


    A huge hall appeared to the eyes of those who entered: white marble columns, bright light pouring from luxurious crystal chandeliers, floors and walls of translucent stone. The main hall, which had three wide entrances, was decorated like a real theater hall: a stage, scenery, curtains, seven balconies and about five hundred seats.


    There were 4 seats on each balcony, obviously for the heads of the ns and their most trusted people. Lower ces will also be upied by members of ns, but with a lower rank, as well as by some authorities of the criminal world. If they like a lot, they will not spare money for its purchase.


    The underground auction is unique not only because it sells a variety of oundish, rare and forbidden goods collected from all over the world, but also because of its atmosphere. Here, the warring parties try to find amonnguage with each other, and sometimes they can even conclude new agreements and alliances, which, of course, are not always observed and serve only one purpose ¨C to throw dust in the eyes and grab a fatter piece for their n. However, it is in this case that all the disagreements, old and just emerging, remain outside. These are the rules of the ?buffer zone?, covering the entire territory of the event.


    ?Mr. Isaac, d to see you!? ¡­ ?Greetings to the head of the ck Star n!? ¡­ ?Mr. Isaac, hello.? ¨C the well-dressed leaders of the shadow ns took turns to respectfully bow to the authoritative old man. However, this time, a strange uncertainty can be noticed in their behavior: they seemed to hesitate to ask about something that greatly worried them.


    ?Oh, my god! Isaac, old man!? ¨C the head of the Ravenfeather n shook the hand of a thin, sullen old man too tightly. His crooked grin didn¡¯t bode well. A dozen of the most loyal members of the n and as many bodyguards stood behind him.


    ?Diego¡­ Damn it, we¡¯re not to me for her escape! Don¡¯t you get it?!?


    ?Yes, yes, it¡¯s not your fault! Do I look like aplete idiot? Since only a moron will believe that someone single-handedly found Arpha and rescued her from the depths of your well-protected headquarters! I¡¯m sure everything is much simpler!? ¨C he turned his piercing gaze on the guy.


    ?I didn¡¯t sleep with her!? ¨C Edward shouted irritably. ¨C ?She was kidnapped!?


    ?Who are you cheating, brat?!? ¨C the man blurted out, and he immediately regretted saying it. The head of the 2nd rank will definitely not benefit from showing in front of all the ?colleagues? how much he is interested in unsightly ****.


    The audience began to exchange nces and whisper. The way the usually cold-blooded and reasonable Diego reacts spoke volumes. But the main thing is different: now it is clear that she did not run away.


    ?Actually, I have proof.? ¨C Edward took out a nephrite with a visual record.


    Soon, everyone present clearly saw the face of Arpha tied to the bed. Someone invisible released her, picked her up and carried her outside the recording, after which there was a deafening roar.


    The old man exined: ?The kidnapper used a distraction maneuver to get away unnoticed. Because of the roar, there was amotion in the entire area. We had to leave the headquarters in a hurry, otherwise we would have had to deal with the cops.?


    ?The recording looks fake¡­? ¨C Diego said incredulously.


    Isaac¡¯s wrinkled face twisted in anger: ?Are you fucking crazy?! Because of this bitch, I lost five strong bodyguards! What the hell kind of fake are you talking about?! I would dly gut the bitch alive if my motherfucker and you didn¡¯t want to y with her!?


    ?Easy, Isaac! I was overreacting!? ¨C the man peacefully raised his palms. He realized what a stupid thing he had said. Considering the old man¡¯s attitude to women and his personal hatred of Arpha, as well as the need to beat out a confession about the raid from her, it is almost impossible that he would engage in such nonsense for the satisfaction of his grandson¡¯s petty desires.


    On the other hand, what if the old man nned a long-ying strategic move? Many n heads thought about this, but no one said anything out loud.


    ~ding~ ~ding~


    There were two loud bells warning that the auction would start in 5 minutes.


    The n heads continued to discuss Arpha¡¯s escape and all possible consequences. When there was a minute left before the start, three bells rang, and everyone hurried to the first two entrances. The heads of the ns went to the third one, leading to the balconies. It¡¯s time to take the seats. Beingte will be a manifestation of rudeness to the auction organizers.


    Following his grandfather, Edward identally noticed a girl whose face immediately fascinated him. She yfully winked at him and beckoned with a thin finger, turned around, wagging her ass, and went into the corridor leading to the restroom. The guy¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He wasn¡¯t imagining it, was he?!


    ?Grandpa, I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll go to the toilet for a minute¡­? ¨C the guy bleated indistinctly, as if enchanted by the siren¡¯s song, and followed into the corridor in search of an extraterrestrial beauty.


    Isaac just shook his head wearily.


    Two bodyguards followed their young master. You never know¡­

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434


    Edward walked to the end of the corridor and, following his intuition, turned into the women¡¯s toilet.


    The master¡¯s act embarrassed the guards, but sensing a woman inside the restroom, they understood everything and stood at the door to wait for the young man to finish his n.


    As soon as Edward got inside, his gaze, like maized, stuck to the beautiful face of the girl. Her clear, dark red eyes resembled exquisite royal rubies, and the iris seemed to rotate slowly, like a hellish whirlwind capable of absorbing worlds and souls. It was not possible to take his eyes off of her.


    The girl went into the stall, and the guy followed her in fascination. When he went inside, his body seemed to be ced in hellish heat. He couldn¡¯t even breathe. There was a ringing in his ears, stars exploded in his eyes, and then darkness fell¡­ He passed out.


    Le, with an imprable expression on her face, as if nothing special had just happened, took out the nephrite, from which Edward¡¯s loud voice rang out: ?Security, run here!?


    As soon as the men burst into the room at the call of the master, someone behind them mmed the door behind them and released such monstrous pressure that the bodies of those who entered were numb with horror¡­


    Taking advantage of the moment, Eve attacked the guard and strangled him with her elbow. But she restrained herself in order not to kill him identally. The second one was attacked by her sister who came out of the stall. Thus, they neutralized the bodyguards of a lustful master unknown to them.


    A pot-bellied man entered the restroom with a trolley full of linen.


    ?Good job, bunnies! Dad is proud of you!? ¨C Kyon praised the girls, examining the victims lying on the floor.


    Eve disgustedly shook off the sleeve of the dress, which had recently touched the man¡¯s neck.


    Le, making an indignant grimace, asked: ?Are you proud that we have be aplices in the crime? Dad, it turns out that you are a viin! You realize that you just kidnapped an innocent boy with our hands, don¡¯t you? What do you feel??


    ?Before asking about this, look at yourself: you just masterfully lured an impressionable young man into a trap and neutralized him along with the guard, but at the same time you are cool as a cucumber.?


    ?I¡¯ve taken after you, Daddy! After you, dear!? ¨C the pixie sarcastically parried.


    ?So, let¡¯s talk about this at a more appropriate time, and now load the kid into his ?carriage?. And don¡¯t let anything stick out!? ¨C Kyon warned sternly.


    Le rolled her eyes and dragged the guy by the scruff of the neck to the trolley¡­


    Lovr scanned the vocal cords of each bodyguard with Synergy, in order to be able to fake the voice in case of anything, then took the sound transmitters. After that, he sat them in the stalls in poses of prolonged reflection on a white throne and fed them paralyzing pills. He also gave one to Edward, to avoid his sudden awakening, and also took the sound transmitter, after which he drove him to the back entrance. The security guard there knows that Zosimos is an important guest, so he will allow him to pass. And if he suddenly feels the body in the trolley and starts to be indignant, then the girls will instantly gag his mouth with pressure.


    Meanwhile, in the main hall, a sumptuously dressed auctioneer came on stage to greet the guests. And it seems that the introductory speech will take a long time, because it is necessary to properly greet each head of the n.


    When the introductory part was over, two assistants to the auctioneer, very pretty girls, took out a box with cells from the ring and put it on the presentation table.


    ?ording to tradition, our first lot is deadly poisons!? ¨C the man announced, waving his hand towards the table.


    Usually the auction takes ce in 4 stages or sections.


    In the first section, they sell prohibited substances: deadly poisons and all kinds of solutions for torture, super-powerful tranquilizers, super-quality drugs, various heavy stimnts and aphrodisiacs with serious side effects from infertility and impotence to heart failure and brain death, and much more that only high-ranking alchemists can produce, but there are simply no such alchemists in Rosarrio.


    In the second section, formations are offered: mostly stolen heritage of families (by the way, one of the most serious crimes in the empire), one-time specialized formations, like enving (simr to harnessing formation, but for people), etc.


    During the third stage, ves are sold. And these are not ordinary ves that the ck market is full of. Here, the ves are unique: mostly kidnapped high-ranking members of noble families, for whom you can either demand a ransom or satisfy your sexual fantasies. Once, twenty years ago, a young princess was being sold. As it is easy to guess, she never returned to her family.


    And at the fourth stage, they sell the most unique goods: from information to artifacts.


    ?And the lot goes to the gentleman at number sixty-six for two million three hundred thousand!? ¨C the auctioneer announced. He was about to demonstrate the next lot, but a man in a golden mask came on stage. Considering that the guards are clearly in no hurry to intervene, it is easy to guess that this is the very important guest with his goods, about whom his superiors warned him. If that¡¯s the case, then I shouldn¡¯t interfere either.


    About 300 crime bosses gazed at the masked man with interest.


    ?Dear sirs?, ¨C Kyon began earnestly. ¨C ?Today¡¯s underground auction is unique! Because your souls will ascend to heaven¡­ from shock. I am a ¡°Weapon Master¡±, and I came here not to give long and pretentious speeches, but to sell you the next generation weapon!?


    ?The next generation weapon?? ¡­ ?Not attacking formations?? ¡­ ?How interesting!? ¡­ ?I love weapons.? ¨C many guests of the hall whispered and nodded with interest.


    The heads of ns, in particr the heads of the ck Star and Ravenfeather, assumed a predatory air. This is the main reason why they came to the auction at such a dangerous time.


    Isaac took out the sound transmitter and called his grandson, but he did not answer. Frowning slightly, he dialed the frequency of one of the asshole¡¯s personal bodyguards.


    ?Yes, sir?? ¨C a familiar male voice sounded on the device. The speaker is reced by a parrot with upgraded vocal cords. The one who sang poems to princess Kara.


    ?Where the hell is my motherfucker hanging around?!? ¨C the old man hissed.


    ?Sir, he¡¯s in the toilet with some girl¡­ Listen to it yourself.? ¨C muffled girlish moans and distinct exmations of the grandson were heard in the sound transmitter: ¡°Yes! Bitch, yes! So good!¡±.


    ?For fuck¡¯s sake¡­? ¨C Isaac swore and dropped the connection. ¨C {He disappoints me more and more¡­ I¡¯ll have to beat the shit out of him.} ¨C the old man decided for the future.


    Meanwhile, the man in the golden mask parted the curtain at the edge of the wall, showing everyone a silver-shining metal wall, clearly prepared in advance, and took out a stand with weapons from the ring: oblong contraptions of dark metal. In the middle of each was a spherical bulge, and closer to the handle was a small hook, such as crossbows had.


    ?It looks harmless, doesn¡¯t it?? ¨C Kyon chuckled knowingly. ¨C ?The first opinion is wrong! So, I need three volunteers from the audience. If you wish, please raise your hands!?


    Almost half of the auction participants raised their hands up. Interest in the lot reached such a high level that even some people from the balconies signaled their participation. Diego also raised his hand, and Isaac did the same.


    ?Gentlemen, number three, two and one, pleasee down to me!?


    The heads of ns of the first three were on the stage in one jump.


    The noise in the hall instantly subsided. No one dared to make a sound in the presence of the three persons who headed almost the entire shadow world of Dantes.


    ?In front of you is a two-meter-thick steel wall. In order to make sure that it is not stuffed with cotton, I suggest you check it yourself. Just don¡¯t damage it too much! We will test the next generation weapon on it.?


    After listening to the masked man, the three n heads approached the wall. A thin old man with sparse gray hair folded his fingers in a pinch and with a sharp movement thrust his hand into the steel wall. Definitely, the wall is real. There is no catch.


    ?Now, please, take any weapon from the stand, carefully aim the barrel at the wall and pull the trigger.? ¨C Lovr turned to the audience. ¨C ?Be ready to hear the deafening rumble!?


    The guests of the auction whispered with interest, anticipating something interesting.


    Diego took the impulse rifle, turned it over in his hands, studied it, pointed it at the wall and¡­


    ~WHOOSH~ ~BANG~


    A huge funnel with a depth of one and a half meters was formed in the center of the wall. It seemed that a meteorite had fallen there, so huge was the trace from the hit.


    Despite the warning, half of the audience jumped from their seats in fright. The others¡¯ jaws dropped in shock: ?Oh, great basement rats, did you see this too?!? ¡­ ?Wow! What power and speed!? ¡­ ?Somebody pinch me!?


    And although about a third of those present were royal phasers, when they saw a small ball fly out of the weapon at incredible speed, they were very surprised.


    Diego¡¯s eyebrows almost flew up on his forehead. He did not feel any recoil or energy fluctuations, which means that this is not a formation, and even amoner will be able to use the weapon! How is it possible to deliver such power from such a strange weapon and without recoil? Where is the bowstring?!


    Then Isaac fired several times in a row.


    ?Wow! What about reloading?!? ¨C a man shouted from the audience, clutching his head.


    Kyon immediately exined: ?There is a second dy between shots. Forty cartridges in the cylinder. Even a child can recharge it. There is no recoil. The striking factor is limited to the lord phaser at the beginning stage, but an unexpected attack can take even the lord phaser at the finishing stage by surprise, which will help you win even with an overwhelming difference in forces. Such high power is due to the speed with which the heavy ¡°bolt¡± is released from the weapon. Even the royal phaser at the beginning stage can miss a head shot! However, he will only get a bruise. With such weapons, even the most pathetic gang will turn into the terror of the capital! Your n¡¯s ie will increase significantly!?


    ?Is this not a dream?! Aren¡¯t we being deceived?!? ¡­ ?They wouldn¡¯t cheat at an underground auction!? ¡­ ?I want ten copies! How many copies are avable?!? ¡­ ?How much does it cost?!? ¡­ ?Are the bolts included?!? ¨C such a rush has never happened at an underground auction. The atmosphere in the rows of the spectators was more like a bazaar chaos.


    When Diego and Isaac destroyed the steel wall, another one appeared behind it. As the man in the golden mask exined, it has a higher enchantment for strength, and even so, the shots left small recesses.


    ?Thank you for the demonstration, dear sirs.? ¨C Kyon politely addressed the shooters.


    Isaac, Diego, and the n leader of the 3rd rank reluctantly returned the weapons to the stand and returned to their seats. Grave seriousness and greed were hidden behind the stone expressions of their faces. The ¡°Weapon Master¡± is right when he says that the n¡¯s ie will increase significantly if all the gangs are equipped with this deadly and easy-to-use weapon. Hundreds of millions can be earned with these rumbling tubes in two or three years.


    ?This unique weapon was produced in Saturn at secret weapons factories. The fact that I was able to get a small batch of it is a miracle! So, I am ready to provide you with three hundred units, divided into thirty lots for convenience!? ¨C with these words, heid out thirty spatial rings with numbers from 1 to 30 on the presentation table.


    ?It is not afraid of moisture and does not need additional care, but I do not advise you to clog the barrel with sand or mud. It wears out in ten thousand shots. Each lotes with a thousand ¡°bolts¡±, so you will have enough of them for many years. The price of one lot is five million. One step is five hundred thousand. Let the auction begin!? ¨C Lovr solemnly dered, spreading his hands. He deliberately omitted a lot of important information about the guns, because there is no point in sharing this with his enemies.


    The entire hall was plunged into silence. The price was discouraging. For five million, you can buy, for example, a whole circus with animals and trainers, or a good, but small theater for people of high ie in the capital. However, this concerns the most important thing in this world ¨Cbat potential. If they had to buy reusable attacking formations of the same power, then one lot would take not 5, but 500 million. But no one sells these. Moreover, formations with thousands of charges simply do not exist.


    Finally, someone raised the number.


    ?Number one hundred and one ¨C five million!? ¨C said Kyonn, hiding his devilish grin behind the mask. It¡¯s started. It¡¯s time to rob the viins of Dantes!

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435


    Three hundred units of fake weapons, arranged in thirty rings; thirty lots with a minimum purchase price of 5 million. Will the n heads be able to buy them?


    As an investigator with a ¡°supeputer¡± in his head, Kyon had no difficulty in calcting that the annual ie of the ns is on average 200 million. However, it should be borne in mind that they do not have the right to umte wealth in treasuries, like the august families, because their life is a continuous struggle. And yet, even they have a kind of financial cushion. In addition, today is a day for big money spending, and recently there was a ck market where the ns sell their loot. And one should not forget about Valeera, who gave them a ring with money, which contained at least 350 million spheres, earned from the sale of metals.


    ?And the first lot goes to the gentleman at number six for twenty-five million and five hundred thousand!? ¨C Kyon solemnly announced, pointing to the head of the n of the 6th rank.


    Isaac frowned in displeasure. Apparently, it will not be possible to buy weapons ¡°on the cheap¡±. One egghead, clearly not a member of the ns, almost bought the lot for 25 million! If we start from this price, then there should be enough money for 10 lots, and that isrgely due to Arpha: in her ring, in addition to 262 million divided into seven, there were another 100 million that the old man quietly appropriated for himself.


    When the lots from the 2nd to the 4th were sold, each of which became more expensive by a million, the audience under the balconies began to grab their heads, because it was about crazy money for them. It became clear to the heads of the ns that the real struggle begins from this moment.


    For a long time of cooperation, the leaders of the shadow ns have established an unspoken parity, ording to which, instead of emptying each other¡¯s wallets in an idiotic way, they concede the lot to apetitor, thereby demanding a mutual concession at the next auction. Now everyone seems to have forgotten about this agreement. Why?


    There are many reasons: the undermining of trust due to the raid and the escape of Arpha; the desire to take advantage of the financial advantage in order to buy more weapons than ns of lower ie; the desire to strengthen the n, which means to increase its ie and strengthen, or even increase its position in the ranking system of the criminal world; this is a good opportunity to put a spoke in the wheels of some individual crime bosses.


    The auction administration knows about the ?parity? strategy, so it puts up a deliberately high initial price. Kyon went even further: one participant with a concealment bracelet is his subordinate. His task is simple: to increase the minimum purchase price of the lot, ying on the greed and arrogance of the heads of the ns.


    In fact, the leaders of the ns below the 3rd rank have repeatedly tried to silently agree not to raise the bid above a certain level and buy lots in turn, but the heads of the first three are not at all interested in equal conditions. Why, if they just have more money? One must realize his advantage. Isaac stood out particrly. He brazenly outbid and bought the lots, as if he had an endless supply of money.


    {Suspicious generosity! Was it possible that there were more than 262 million in Arpha¡¯s ring, and he appropriated the surplus for himself?! Lying bastard!} ¨C the others began to guess.


    As a result, lots from the 5th to the 15th went for 32-35 million, and from the 16th to the 29th for 36-38 million.


    ?And thest thirtieth lot goes to the gentleman at number one for forty million!? ¨C the man in the golden mask loudly proimed.


    The auction participants gasped in surprise. The price is 8 times higher than the original one! 40 million! The money that the n heads spent on each lot clearly gave an idea of how much influence they have on the capital. Many crime bosses with a lower rank felt their inferiority.


    {Damn it, how much money did Arpha carry with her?!} ¨C all the heads of the ns swore. If there had been no raid, they would have divided her property on the spot, but everyone had to take the old man¡¯s word for it. It seems that he has deceived everyone significantly!


    Behind the mask ofposure on Isaac¡¯s face, annoyance and irritation were hidden. He bought only 8 lots and already felt robbed, because he had spent all the n¡¯s reserves! Moreover, he will have to borrow from his people. What humiliation. But it¡¯s worth it. In a few years, everything will pay off, and the weapons will remain. The strength of the n will increase significantly ¨C this is what is important.


    ?Dear sirs, I am sure that you can¡¯t wait to get the lots purchased for many millions into your hands as soon as possible. They will be brought to you now. And I, using my authority, dere a fifteen-minute break. Thank you for your attention.? ¨C Kyon bowed out unhurriedly.


    Fifteen minutes should be enough for the payment, because any normal rich man divides his fortune into portions, which greatly simplifies the calction of money. In addition, any amount of money can be felt unmistakably by scanning.


    It seems that the confident tone of the masked man convinced everyone that he had the right to decide when the break woulde, so some of those present went up to go to the restroom.


    The auctioneer, one of the most important representatives of the underground auction, gritted his teeth with anger. No matter how important this guest is ording to the authorities, he goes beyond all boundaries. First, he went on the stage to sell his lots out of turn, and now he announces an unscheduled break and in fact wants to receive money not after the end of the auction, but at the beginning of it. Unfortunately, it¡¯s toote to change anything: some participants have left the auction hall, and it would be stupid to stop them.


    The words of the man in the golden mask seemed somewhat offensive to the heads of the ns, as if the guest from Saturn did not trust them. Even if they are mostly criminals, he should have behaved more politely with such respected customers. However, since they wanted to get their hands on expensive weapons as soon as possible, they did not object, but instead they patiently waited for the auctioneer¡¯s assistants to bring them the lots.


    A minute before the end of the break, Kyon met two beauties backstage, next to them were two big serious men with their arms crossed on their chests, and the auctioneer was standing in front of them.


    The representative of the underground auction came up closer: ?Mr. ¡°Weapon Master¡±, I am happy to inform you that we have earned nine hundred and ny-two million from the sale of thirty lots! I congratte you on a huge profit!? ¨C he shook his partner¡¯s hand.


    Kyon sold 300 units of fake weapons, getting the approximate cost of a small town for them. Considering that the weapon hits the lord phasers at the beginning stage, it is equivalent to three hundred lord phasers. If someone asked if 300 lord phasers of some town were more valuable, then any sane person would answer unequivocally ¨C yes.


    ?The auctionmission for you personally is only twenty percent. We will make the exact calction after the event, so you will have to stay with us.?


    ?The participant number two bought six lots with a total value of two hundred and three million. Let¡¯s not count pennies, but just settle up without too much fuss.?


    ?Oh¡­ You are very generous, but I need to get an answer from my superiors¡­?


    ?I¡¯m not in a hurry.? ¨C Kyon lied.


    The auctioneer made the call and received approval. He took the ring with the money that belonged to the Ravenfeather n, and gave all the other rings to the masked man.


    ?Let me make sure that there are two hundred and three million.? ¨C with a serene look, Kyon stretched out his palm.


    ?Of course.? ¨C the man agreed. As soon as he handed over the ring, suddenly the whole room plunged into imprable darkness. When the light returned, the masked man was still standing nearby, but something had changed¡­ The vibrations of pure energy came from him, and his gaze¡­ He looked at everyone present as if they were dead.


    ¡­


    Twenty minutes have passed since the beginning of the pause. All the participants of the auction asked the same question: where is the auctioneer? What is the reason for the dy? Subtle signs of anxiety began to appear in the behavior of those present. Nothing like this happened in the past.


    Isaac called Edward¡¯s bodyguards again and sighed again in disappointment. The little bastard is still having fun with some woman. The mood fell below the baseboard. A few shots from the new weapon could improve the mood, but in the ?buffer zone? it is impossible.


    Finally, the same man in the golden mask appeared on the stage. When he took it off, the people present twisted their faces in disgust, because he turned out to be iprehensibly ugly¡­ In addition to his monstrous appearance, there was something rming about him: there was a grave gloom in his eyes, as if the reaper of death was looking at his victims. There were also vibrations of pure energying from him.


    ?Despicable?, ¨C Kyon spoke up with undisguised contempt in his voice. ¨C ?I am incredibly amazed by the fact that such mediocre degenerates were able to subdue the entire criminal syndicate of Dantes. Some kid just cheated you out of a billion. Honestly, if I were you, I¡¯d die of shame right now.?


    The auction participants froze in shock, staring nkly at the speaker. Such grantly offensive behavior of the guest of the auction, the practitioner of a pathetic superior phase in the presence of a huge crowd of lord phasers and royal phasers, who were also the criminal authorities of the capital was an iprehensibly absurd phenomenon. They simply could not believe what they had heard.


    ?Couldn¡¯t I have heard properly?? ¡­ ?He called us¡­ degenerates?? ¡­ ?Is this some kind of test?? ¡­ ?Maybe he¡¯s sick? I would not be surprised¡­?


    ?What does all this mean?!? ¨C Isaac asked furiously, jumping up from his seat. His loud voice echoed throughout the hall. There was excitement and even fear in it. Because of this, everyone present also began toe to their senses and looked around in confusion in search of danger.


    The intuition of the head of the ck Star n shouted to him about the deadly danger. There are many reasons for this: the grandson does note for too long; huge expenses on lots, for which they immediately asked for payment; the strange disappearance of the auction staff in thest 5 minutes¡­ And now this.


    ?Is it clearer this way?? ¨C Kyon asked, snapping his fingers.


    ~BOOM~


    Thirty rings with fake weapons inside, bought at the price of an average city, spewed out their contents, which turned into a firework of metal fragments that sttered the surrounding people.


    ?W-what was that?!? ¡­ ?Did the rings with weapons explode?!? ¡­ ?Were the n heads deceived?!? ¡­ ?B-but the administration of the underground auction would never do that!? ¨C the audience shouted, more and more sumbing to panic.


    The heads of the ns stared with reddened eyes at the iron filings ¨C all that remained of the miracle weapon, for which they had given almost all their savings.


    ?DID YOU THINK TO FUCK WITH US?!? ¨C Isaac barked indignantly, jumping down with a bang. He was followed by enraged members of his n. Diego also jumped down, followed by the others. Their faces were contorted with rage.


    The excitement in the hall has reached a critical point. Those present looked fussily at the exit, others were looking for at least some representative of the auction, others cursed and called the auctioneer or the guards to exin what was happening. But no one responded.


    Kyon tried to get the opponents down from their balconies. Now is the time to end: ?As I said earlier, today¡¯s auction is unique because your souls will ascend to heaven. I¡¯m d that all of you, vile scum, are here today. Burn in hell!?


    Isaac rushed forward to grab the rascal by the neck, but at the veryst moment the scoundrel disappeared with a light pop, and then something happened that no one expected¡­


    The auction turned into a miniature department of hell.


    ~BAAAAAAAAAAANG~


    A powerful explosion turned the auction into a miniature branch of hell. Hundreds of tons of earth, granite, marble and dust burst out of the ground, which resembled a miniature volcanic eruption. The orange mushroom rushed into the sky, and every resident of the capital could see it. The shock wave knocked out all the windows within a radius of 500 meters from the epicenter. The sound wave spread to the entire Dantes.


    Many citizens of the capital were scared to death, and even the royal phasers were shivering from the booming roar, roughly estimating what kind of powerful attack caused such an effect: probably the work of an imperial phaser at the middle or at the finishing stage!


    Meanwhile, Kyon, carelessly chewing gum, indifferently watched the explosion, at the top of one of the towers of the city. A second earlier, he had escaped from the thick of things by teleporting to his clone. Here it is ¨C the first implementation of the most amazing escape technique in the world. It took more than a month of hard training to create it.

 Chapter 436

    Chapter 436


    ?What is it?!? ¨C Elsa mumbled in her ¡°Demon Huntress¡± image, as she watched the bright fireball. When the roar reached her, the girl involuntarily shuddered, but instead of staying away, she bravely rushed to the danger.


    ¡­


    Valeera, being in invisibility, stood on the roof of the building and watched the fire mushroom rising up. There was confusion in her usually indifferent gaze. Vague suspicions enveloped the girl¡¯s heart. Is it possible that¡­


    ¡­


    The person before whom even royal phasers bow, watched what was happening from the window of the pce. Her wless face did not flinch, and a spark of interest shed in her unimaginably piercing silver eyes as she gracefully swayed a ss of ¡°wine¡± in her hand.


    ¡­


    ?EVERYTHING DESTROYED?! AND THE AUCTION?!? ¨C sshing saliva, Gusteau yelled into the sound transmitter, watching the billowing fireball from the window of the Golden Pig guild.


    ?He¡¯s insane¡­ He¡¯s a fucking suicide! When I heard his voice, when I looked into his eyes, and then saw this strange screen of his, where everything and everyone exploded to hell, it became clear to me that I had to run away!? ¨C the auctioneer shouted in a broken voice.


    {Damn, damn, damn! Shit!} ¨C the fat man cursed mentally.


    ?Sir, he took all the money from his lots and gave us five minutes¡­ We managed to save most of the goods and personnel by escaping underground, but I¡¯m afraid all the crime bosses are already dead¡­ Tell me, what will be your further instructions??


    ?We¡¯ll talkter¡­? ¨C Gusteau moaned in a cracked voice, rubbing his temples from an instant migraine. It didn¡¯t fit in his mind how he could be so naive to tell the address of the underground auction to someone who has two protectors of the level of Patriarch Bazhen, or even higher. Even during their meeting, the man subconsciously guessed that the messenger of the goddess could not forgive him so easily, but the taste of big money stupefied the mind, and now he can forget an impressive source of ie for a long time, if not forever! There is no longer any sense in the ck market or in an underground auction, if only ashes remain from the customers! It¡¯s good that the vindictive guy allowed them to save the goods and staff. That says a lot about him. As for the auction building, it only looks expensive, in fact it was created by earth magicians. Such buildings are too unstable, because if the magician dies, the building will copse. But for one-time use they will do.


    Soon the fat man took out the sound transmitter and, when the connection was established, he said: ?Kyon¡­ You¡­? ¨C a heavy sigh. ¨C ?You crossed every line! You destroyed the underground auction!?


    ?So what?? ¨C the guy asked casually.


    ?S-so what? D-do you even understand what you¡¯ve done?! You¡­?


    ?I saved the capital from all scum, having first cleaned their pockets. What is the reason for discontent? I get the impression that you still had some dark dealings with them. You assured me that you would not engage in such questionable activities. As for the address, it wasn¡¯t a problem to get it with your connections, am I right? And if so, what is the problem??


    ?What¡­ is the problem?? ¨C Gusteau repeated dumbfounded. From the context of thest meeting, anyone would have understood that the Golden Pig guild has its own interest in an underground auction, but the messenger of the goddess is now making a fool out of himself, relying on the nonsense he heard earlier. And after all, it will be stupid to be indignant. The fat man put himself in an awkward position.


    It turns out that Kyon deceived him like a simpleton: he waved his weapon in front of his face, convincing him that he wanted to sell it (which, by the way, turned out to be true), and by the same act forced him to advertise future lots of the auction, which is why the heads of the shadow ns not only came themselves, but also took more friends and money with them. And how did it all turn out? He not only got a lot of money, but he will also be a hero of the city!


    Only now the man was able to get an idea of the character of the young man: vindictive, pragmatic, cunning and greedy for profit, but he can not be called a ruthless scumbag, because he acted humanely, letting the auction workers escape with important goods and lots. So, he can cooperate with him, but it¡¯s better not to stand in his way.


    ?In general, thank you very much for the information.? ¨C Kyon added. ¨C ?Now my resentment for trying to kidnap me haspletely disappeared. Let¡¯s start our cooperation! Expect the first batch of medicine tomorrow. I hope it will be sold at a decent price, hehe.?


    When the connection was cut off, Gusteau grinned ironically. The guy¡¯s revenge turned out to be terrible, and yet understandable and even reasonable. Was the favor of the messenger of the goddess worth the loss of such a good source of ie? Yes, definitely. Is it worth cooperating with him after what he has done? It is hard to say. However, after what the fat man went through for the sake of cooperation with Kyon, it is toote to back off on it. From now on, they are tightly bound as partners and aplices.


    ¡­


    A minute earlier, five imperial phasers and almost twenty royal phasers of security forces, having received an order from their superiors, cautiously approached the site of the explosion. Suddenly a man emerged from the ruins: a half-naked old man smeared with dust and blood, and then another ¨C a tall, thin man. Both, like shadows, rushed in different directions, fleeing. But how can they get away from the five imperial phasers, being wounded? They were quickly captured.


    Security forces scanned the rubble and found seven more survivors. They were quickly taken out of there with the help of the earth element. Two of them died soon after, the other two received critical injuries and barely lived, and the other three, the n heads of the 3rd-5th rank, received moderate wounds. Everyone has a different degree of concussion andcerations all over the body.


    ?What happened here?!? ¡­ ?What a terrible explosion!? ¡­ ?Report the situation!? ¨C the crowd gathered around the cordoned-off ruins, over which dust was still settling. Investigators and security officers from the nearestw enforcement departments appeared, but when the curious tried to find out at least some information from them, they were simply ignored or asked to move away. Someone even noticed a man with sses, in which any self-respecting investigator recognizes Mn. What is he doing here?!


    Everyone wanted to know what caused such a powerful explosion.


    The truth is this: Kyon took an obscenely huge amount of explosives from the dwarfs andid it under the auction hall. And before the explosion, his subordinates took the residents in the risk zone away from the epicenter.


    Lovr also deftly forced the heads of the ns to descend from the balconies so that they suffered the greatest damage, but even so it was worth taking into ount the probability that the strongest or luckiest would still survive¡­ And to prevent them from escaping, he had to call the security forces ¨C the imperial phasers. Without them, it is unlikely that Isaac and Diego would have been caught.


    Having finished talking with Gusteau, Kyon entered the cordoned-off area and stood next to the boss with such a proud look, as if he was a genius sculptor examining his just finished masterpiece.


    Noticing the fat man, Mn flinched, as if he saw a ghost, stared at him with bulging eyes and asked in a strangled voice: ?Is this your doing?!?


    ?Yeah. I destroyed the rathole in one fell swoop.? ¨C Kyon agreed dryly. ¨C ?Now the lion¡¯s share of Dantes¡¯ crime bosses is dead.?


    He looked at the fat man¡¯s impassive face with disbelief: ?Th-that is, you yourself destroyed the entire underground auction?!?


    Kyon turned to Mn and grinned unkindly: ?Prepare the hat and glitter, boss.?


    After a short exnation, during which the man did not calm down at all, Lovr approached the ruins and collected the harvest unnoticed by everyone. He managed to fill the core with souls by 15%, exactly the same amount was given by the second wave of demons.


    Meanwhile, Elsa watched Dick and his boss from invisibility. The girl frowned in bewilderment, trying to understand what was going on there.


    ¡­


    Late in the evening, the whole department was on high alert. All the investigators fussed about, not knowing where to start and who to contact. rms came from all over the capital.


    Kyon, with his hands crossed behind his head and his feet on the table, sat in the head¡¯s office opposite the boss andzily rocked back and forth in his chair.


    Mn nervously drummed his fingers on the tabletop, thinking feverishly about something. Thest time he was so nervous when he first spoke with the head of the department face-to-face. It was during his promotion to the head of the investigation department.


    ?So did you go to an underground auction through your so-called ?rat? and blow up the hall with dwarf explosives?? ¨C the man asked for probably the fifth time.


    ?Yeah.? ¨C Lovr nodded. ¨C ?The same person helped me to go to the meeting of the heads of the ns.?


    ?Did you get anything wrong? Because if you made a mistake, then you will be fucking skinned alive! What you have done has stirred up all the citizens of Dantes! I would not be surprised if I get an order to execute you for disturbing important people with your explosion, or even the bloody empress herself! I¡¯m going to clean up this mess for the rest of my fucking life! I swear to the goddess, if you¡¯re wrong, then I¡¯ll strangle you myself¡­?


    ?Take it easy, boss. Here¡¯s the proof.? ¨C Kyon threw the nephrite to the man.


    The bespectacled man deftly caught it and activated it. After that, he saw a recording of therge hall on the screen that appeared. Hundreds of people took their ces, including on the balconies. The auctioneer gave the opening speech. He greeted each of the n heads, exined the n of the event and announced the first lot ¨C poisons.


    Everything became clear to Mn. He was so relieved. Now he has an exnation for what happened. So, he will definitely keep the position. And everything will be fine with Dick. Moreover, he will be the hero of Dantes! He single-handedly cleared the capital of all the viins!


    The bespectacled man turned off the recording and stared at Dick, as if he were a creature out of this world: ?In just a month, you¡¯ve caught all the n heads¡­ Completed all the ¡°S¡± rank tasks¡­ Who the fuck are you?!?


    ?Actually, not all of them.? ¨C Kyon shook his finger. ¨C ?The n of the eighth rank was absent from the auction for some reason. You saw it on the recording.?


    ?Damn it¡­? ¨C Mn was rmed, clutching his head. ¨C ?The most potentially dangerous shadow n, and it remained intact? Oh, shit! It turns out that withoutpetitors, this n will crush the entire shadow segment of the capital?! Bullshit!?


    The indignation of the bespectacled man was not groundless. The n of the 8 rank has long proved that it has much more potential than all other ns. The department was just afraid of the appearance of a megan in the foreseeable future, and now, when Dick had destroyed all the hyenas, the little tiger was left withoutpetitors in the forest overflowing with herbivorous animals.


    ?Don¡¯t worry boss. I will definitely catch the leader of the Silent Horror. I don¡¯t think he will be able to hide from a genius like me for a long time.? ¨C Kyon said haughtily.


    ?That sounds encouraging¡­ If anyone else had said it, I would not have believed it. But I believe you.? ¨C Mn grinned. ¨C ?And yet, no matter how effective your methods are, I do not approve of them. You cannot create such chaos in the city without the consent of the authorities! You should have at least warned me about what wasing, Dick! Do you have any idea how much noise you made with your explosion?! And if civilians were killed?! The shock wave, you know, was strong! The windows were even blown out!?


    ?I am sure the casualties among civilians are minimal.? ¨C Kyon said what he already knew, because he brought many people away from the epicenter.


    ?We can¡¯t know that! To cover your ass, I¡¯ll have to¡­?


    ?You don¡¯t have to cover anything. Soon the people will find out that Dick Baker saved the capital from seven shadow ns that terrified everyone. Even if several dozen civilians were injured, it was worth it. If someone starts behaving aggressively towards me, the people will quickly stand up for me. You know my motto: the main thing is the result.?


    ?The people are good, but¡­? ¨C the bespectacled man drawled uncertainly.


    ?If you are not satisfied with my methods, you can fire me. I¡¯m sure someone else will stop the Silent Horror n.? ¨C Kyon shrugged.


    Mn groaned: ?I¡¯m not going to fire you¡­ If I do this, I will either cease to respect myself, or the same people will eat me alive. Dick, my boy, you are irreceable¡­ Oh, surely, I don¡¯t have the right to call you that anymore, do I? Ha-ha¡­ By the way, I need to buy the hat¡­? ¨C the head of the department recalled. He treated the fat, unsightly young man in a special way, he considered him a monstrous genius whose efficiency was a thousand times higher than any other investigator, so he was ready to tolerate such antics of him, for which he would have killed anyone else.


    ?It¡¯s a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Mn!? ¨C Dick politely returned thepliment. ¨C ?I hope the promotion will not be long ining.?


    ?Soon it will be yours. But haven¡¯t you forgotten the condition I voiced??


    Earlier, when Kyon requested to organize a secret raid of 5 imperial phasers, Mn put forward a condition: to give himpromising evidence on Lindia. And he had a reason to do so, because during thest raid, 2 practitioners of the royal phase died.


    In addition, the convocation of 5 imperial phasers requires a good reason. The man could not send such strong people wherever he wanted, because they belong to the imperial family and report directly to the head of the department.


    Kyon didn¡¯t hesitate much about handing over thepromising material. That¡¯s because Horace Clinton got in his way. Due to the need to evade pursuit (when he was being followed), he lost a precious 15 minutes. If Edward had raped Valeera because of this, the patriarch would have regretted viting the terms of the deal a thousand times.


    ?Only use it for its intended purpose.? ¨C Lovr smiled.


    ?Ha-ha. Funny joke.? ¨C Mn chuckled, hiding the precious visual recording. If anyone else had made a joke like that, he would have been punched in the face and would have been suspended from the department.


    ?I will hand over thepromising evidence to the patriarch, he will decide what to do with it. And from you, Dick Baker, I expect the mo-o-o-ost detailed report! You may go now!?

 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437


    Kyon handed the prepared report to the personal assistant and ordered him to deliver it to the boss¡¯s office by tomorrow morning, then he went to the restroom.


    The results of today could not but please him: he kidnapped Edward for Valeera; earned a billion spheres. If he adds them to the existing assets, he will get 2 billion. In addition, he destroyed all thepetitors of the Silent Horror n; filled the core of the void with souls from 15% to 30%; passed the ¡°S¡± rank case required for promotion; and, as a bonus, he will soon gain fame that even the ¡°Demon Huntress¡± can only dream of.


    Kyon entered the stall and gradually changed his appearance and clothes, transforming into Zosimos. After that, he used the spatial attribute in order to saturate his body and soul. From the outside, this process did not stand out in any way. Due to the bracelet faking vibrations, the surrounding practitioners (up to the royal phase) could only hear pure energy. And due to the fact that the energy flows inside the body, under the skin, no one could see its green glow.


    When the body and soul were filled with a sufficient amount of energy, Lovr instantly disappeared with a light pop and then appeared 10 kilometers away somewhere underground. His daughters were waiting for him. By the way, being underground, they did not hear the crash from the explosion.


    ?Finally!? ¨C Le went up to the man and poked him in the stomach with her finger. ¨C ?Now I¡¯m an aplice in a crime because of you! I¡¯m a dirty, disgusting criminal! I will never be able to wash away this shame¡­ God, how disgusting it is¡­ I¡¯m going to vomit now¡­?


    Kyon immediately realized what she was driving at: ?So, three levels are not enough for you??


    ?Dad can be smart when he wants!? ¨C Le instantly cheered up.


    Eve asked with a touch of concern: ?Dad, you¡¯re not going to take that guy¡¯s life, are you??


    ?No, my little flower, dad will not kill him. But to beat ¨C with all the pleasure.?


    ?What did he do to you??


    ?For me personally ¨C nothing.?


    ?And who then?? ¨C both girls asked in unison.


    ?Do you remember I went on a date a few weeks ago??


    ?Oh no¡­ Not her¡­? ¨C Le made a sour face.


    Eve¡¯s face also became too serious.


    ?That guy hurt her and I want to teach him a lesson.?


    ?To teach a lesson by kidnapping and beating a tied man¡­ I will definitely throw up! I thought my dad had a sense of pride and self-respect, but I seem to be wrong¡­? ¨C the pixie said pejoratively, clearly trying to bargain for more levels.


    ?And who said that I will beat his face while he is defenseless??


    ?What do you mean? Are you going to arrange a duel with him on equal terms?? ¨C Le was amazed.


    Kyon smiled meaningfully and walked into the room, in the middle of which there was a chair, to which a handsome guy with long bangs was tied. He was snoring softly in his sleep.


    ?But how are you going to fight him if he is much stronger??


    ?What makes you think he¡¯s stronger than me??


    ?I feel that his soul is much stronger than yours. For me, of course, both of your little souls are fragile and weak, as if you are both senile cripples, but yours seems to me much weaker than the guy¡¯s.?


    ?And what do you think?? ¨C Kyon turned to Eve.


    ?I believe that dad will win.? ¨C she smiled encouragingly, looking at her sister with a challenge.


    Le crossed her arms thoughtfully, charmingly frowning her thin brows as she assessed her father¡¯s capabilities. The weakling as he is: the belly, this stupid bald spot, the muscles are almost invisible, and even the soul is much ?softer? than the opponent¡¯s. Well, obviously he will lose!


    Nodding to her thoughts, the girl with full confidence in her rightness entered into a confrontation with her sister: ?And I think that dad has no chance. You know that he is more intelligent than strong.?


    Eve¡¯s eyes shed with excitement: ?I bet a week of very on the victory of our dad! Of course, in the game. My game character will do whatever you want, if dad loses. And if he wins, then exactly the opposite. Are you taking the bet or are you chickening out??


    Kyon stared at the blonde in amazement. How insidious of her! Since when did the little fairy be so cunning and greedy? In order to assert her dominance over her sister, she deliberately pushes a bet that is obviously winning for her, and with very cruel conditions. Previously, the girl was much more modest and restrained, but now she is like a fox who has found an appetizing partridge.


    Le opened her mouth slightly from indignation, but soon she bared her teeth in an evil grin: ?Okay! I¡¯m sure of what I¡¯m saying. If dad loses to this boy, that is, he cannot continue the fight, or even faints, then I will win! And your character will be mine for a week!?


    ?Deal!? ¨C Eve shook her sister¡¯s hand and winked meaningfully at her father.


    ?And why are you exchanging some secret signals?!? ¨C the pixie was indignant.


    ?Oh, you noticed that.? ¨C the little fairy quipped.


    ?Choose your words when you talk to your elder sister!?


    ?Judging by the mind, you are the younger sister here!?


    ?Bunnies, let¡¯s not swear.? ¨C Kyon intervened, trying to settle the looming conflict.


    ?Pfft, I¡¯ll be above that.? ¨C Le snorted and, proudly lifting her chin, turned away.


    ?It¡¯s alreadyte, so we¡¯ll postpone the duel until tomorrow.? ¨C having said this, Kyon went to the sleeping guy, fed him another sleeping pill and, just in case, applied several tracking formations. The previous one, as expected, was discovered and removed.


    Lovr needed an open ce in order to fully test his strength, so he decided to get out with the prisoner to the in, where his daughters usually trained. Late at night, he passed through customs with a ?live load? in his arms. The position of a high-ranking investigator helped him avoid being checked without unnecessary questions. However, he had to forge one document, but as a result, no one knows or remembers anything. The reports are empty. However, in 3 years the document will be dessified, but in his understanding it is an eternity.


    Early in the morning, Kyon and the girls left the city and went to the menagerie. There the snowy owl and the sleeping Edward were waiting for the three. One might envy him. Yesterday his n was destroyed, his grandfather is now being tortured in prison, and he is sleeping peacefully.


    Soon, four people flew to the in. Zosimos wore, as always, light loose clothes typical for nobles, and the girls dressed in their favorite dresses: the little fairy in white summer dress, in which she resembled a ray of sunshine, and the pixie in a simr one, but of darker tones and more defiant.


    ?Maybe you¡¯ll wake him up before the start?? ¨C Le asked mockingly.


    Kyon shoved an invigorating medicine into Edward¡¯s mouth.


    ?M-m¡­ Mm-mm-m¡­? ¨C the guy spun around, gradually waking up.


    Kyon flexed his shoulders and stuck the Scourge into the ground, waiting for the enemy to wake up.


    ?Mu-uua-a-ah¡­? ¨C Edward yawned, stretching, then suddenly jumped to his feet and looked in bewilderment. ¨C ?Huh?! What?! Where?!? ¨C as soon as he saw the girl who kidnapped him, his heart sank into his boots, and his face quickly turned pale.


    ?Boo!? ¨C seeing how the guy shuddered, Le giggled nastily.


    ?Ldy¡­ I-I am very sorry that I of-fended you¡­? ¨C the guy fell to his knees and hit his forehead on the ground. He clearly remembered the terrifying pressure that this beautiful girl exuded. He had never met such strong practitioners in his life. Common sense told him that if he did not apologize immediately, then death would be cruel.


    Raising her chin arrogantly, thedy haughtily exined: ?You have the honor to please my majesty. If you defeat this man, I will forget about what you wanted to do to me in the toilet and spare your miserable life.?


    ?Get ready for battle, brat!? ¨C Zosimos snapped indignantly, ying his role as a diator-blockhead.


    Edward swallowed and looked up at the pot-bellied man. His lips twitched as he said softly: ?I know you¡­ You were at the meeting! How did you survive the raid?!?


    ?It¡¯s none of your business.?


    ?Wait¡­ No, it can¡¯t be¡­ So it was you who kidnapped Arpha?!? ¨C the guy¡¯s eyes widened from sudden realization. He remembered his grandfather saying that someone had put a tracking formation on his arm, and this old man was just holding it! Now it all fits.


    ?Yes, it was me. And today you will pay in full for the insult inflicted on her!?


    {At the meeting? Survived the raid? Kidnapped Arpha?} ¨C Eve was bursting with the desire to learn about what happened between these two. And what does ¡°kidnapped¡± mean? That is, he is holding her hostage? Or had he saved her?


    Le wrinkled her nose in disgust. Again this damned Arpha. She is so annoying. Now she wanted her dad to lose and not be able to take revenge on the offender.


    Edward turned his gaze to the frightening girl, then to the man with the development of only the superior phase, and could not understand what they wanted from him. Fight? So he will finish off the old man from the first blow! What¡¯s the point of that?


    ?If you are afraid to start, then I will attack first!? ¨C said Kyon and walked towards the enemy.


    ?Wow, this is going to happen now! Tu-tududum! Tu-tududum! I am spreading abat aura to the boy, giving plus one hundred percent to the strength! Tu-tududum! Tu-tududum!? ¨C Le imitated the sound of drums, not hiding her ted mood at all. She is sure that today she will get the character of her sister into very for a week. Why shouldn¡¯t she be happy?


    ?And how can you call yourself an elder sister?? ¨C Eve asked with a slight contempt in her eyes.


    ?Pfft, my yfulness and emotionality only make me cute! And in general, silence and coldness do not necessarily make you more mature.? ¨C the girl retorted.


    The little fairy rolled her eyes and looked at her father hopefully.


    At the moment, Kyon was at the 7th stage of the superior phase, while Edward was at the 6th stage of the lord phase. Due to the increased ?spiritual sensitivity? (thanks to the body of the Void) he felt this. This means that the difference in development is 19 stages. From the point of view of any practitioner in the world, it¡¯s likeparing a puppy to a tiger.


    However, in Cernos, Lovr won over Dina, who had an advantage of 18 stages, and because of the purity of the keys, it seemed that even of 20. Therefore, the uing battle may be risky, but this is primarily field trials: it is extremely necessary to test the effectiveness of clones in realbat.


    As he approached, Kyon sped up sharply and attacked with a blow from above.


    Noticing the abnormally high speed of the enemy for his development, Edward could not give in. And the situation itself required extreme caution. Therefore, with a well-honed movement, he took the dagger out of the ring and set the block.


    ~BOOM~


    There was a booming rumble. Cracks spread from the guy¡¯s feet. However, he withstood the blow without any problems, and even his hands almost did not move from their ce. However, there was shock on his face: the power of the opponent¡¯s strike wasparable to the lord phaser at the beginning stage! How is it possible to hit so hard while remaining only in the superior phase?!


    Kyon immediately struck another blow, and this time the enemy reciprocated.


    ~BOOM~


    Kyon scraped 5 meters on the ground and stopped without blinking an eye from such a recoil.


    Seeing the result of the first collision, Eve clenched her fists in rm, and Le once again nodded her thoughts. Although it seemed strange to her why the difference in strength was so small, she was generally satisfied with everything.


    ?Who are you?!? ¨C shocked Edward shouted in warm blood. If the initial lord tried to block his attack, he would at least get a broken arm and shoulder!


    But the collision brought only slight difort to Kyon, who had a half-developed arm, an advanced enchantment for strength and carbon bones. Even if he was still the practitioner of the 4th stage who fought with Dina, this blow would have sent him into an uncontrolled flight, but it would definitely not have broken his arm. However, if Edward had held in his hands not a short dagger, but something more massive, with the enchantment of weighting, the picture would have changed dramatically.


    ?I am the one from whom you will take your beatings today.? ¨C after this phrase, two exact copies of him stood on either side of Kyon: the same face, physique, clothes and sword. They even emanated the same aura, as if they were separate people with their own soul and energy! It was impossible to tell the difference. This process resembled the process of cell division elerated a thousandfold.


    The guy¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Eve opened her mouth in shock.


    ?Uh-uh! Three against one is not fair!? ¨C Le was indignant.


    The clones surrounded the enemy and simultaneously rushed to the attack.


    Edward, with a darkened face, took out the second dagger. For the first time in a long time. He spread his arms out to the sides and spun like a top. The sparks from the shing lightning formed a miniature tornado. Everything that approached received a portion of the charge. No matter how good the clone technique created by the practitioner of the superior phase is, it will not survive the massive defensive and attacking technique of the ¡°Thunder tornado¡±.


    However, Kyon¡¯s copiespletely ignored the charge due to the istion barrier¡­ And the original also had carbon skin ¨C a dielectric.


    {Damn!} ¨C Edward realized that the countermeasure did not work, and at thest moment, in a sharp turn, he aimed the des at the chests of two opponents at the same time, hoping to kill the real one.


    When the attack almost pierced Kyon, he activated teleportation with a slight grin. His body instantly and soundlessly swapped ces with the clone who was not beaten.


    With a fierce grin, he brought down the Scourge on the back of the enemy.

 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438


    ~BOOM~


    The sword weighing two and a half tons broke the barrier of the ether, as if it were crystal, and fell on Edward¡¯s back. The guy was carried away with such force that he plowed several meters of the ground behind him before he was finally able to stop. He did not seem to have suffered any damage, however, judging by the crunch that sounded at the moment of the collision, at least one rib was broken, and others were cracked.


    Eve covered her mouth with her hands.


    Le looked from the man to the guy in amazement. Can her eyes and ears deceive her? Did dad¡¯s copy break the guy¡¯s rib?


    Sharp pain pierced Edward¡¯s body: ?A-a-a-aa-aa-a! B-bitch¡­ Fuck!? ¨C he stared at the man with an enraged look and pointed his dagger at him. ¨C ?You are dead!?


    ?Don¡¯t count your chickens until they are hatched.? ¨C Kyon slowly stretched his neck and rushed into battle.


    For about a minute, the girls watched the exchange of attacks. The younger fighter has an advantage in both strength and speed: he moves almost twice as fast, and each of his attacks throws the man five meters away. It¡¯s strange that his arm hasn¡¯t broken yet. At the same time, he never managed to cause any visible damage! The enemy seems to see through him. Had the father always been so good at fighting?


    Two clones separated from Kyon again. At the moment, he could create and freely manage only two clones. If he knew the highest grades of all the elements (except for pure energy), he could create 3 clones, and in order to create 4 clones, Master (4) degree is needed.


    ?It won¡¯t work anymore!? ¨C Edward threw a dagger sparkling with lightning at the man¡¯s feet, from which a five-meter purple sphere immediately emerged. The ground was covered with red-hot patterns, but all 3 of his opponents were not affected at all.


    {Lightning does not harm him?!} ¨C the guy thought in shock.


    Kyon tried to grab the dagger, but it, as if maized, returned to the owner¡¯s hands.


    Two clones and the original have already surrounded the enemy.


    {I can¡¯t let them attack me at the same time!} ¨C Edward realized. It is very difficult to block several attacks at once at the same time, he needs to respond with something.


    The guy blurred from the speed in the direction of one of the opponents and easily cut him in half along with the sword. He felt as if he had cut through not a cloud of steam, but a real person made of flesh and blood! And judging by the strength of the body, it was a superior phaser at the finishing stage, defending himself with pure energy!


    {Killed the real one? No!} ¨C having seen the insides, from which not blood, but water flowed out, it became clear to him that this was the clone. What kind of monstrous technique is this?! Are techniques imitating human flesh even possible?!


    In order to deceive all the feelings of the enemy, Kyon had to try hard. All 9 elements are involved in the creation of a clone: imitation of the heartbeat and movement of the lungs, density, strength and flexibility of the body, aura and more. All this is so perfectlybined in one technique that it is even impossible to understand what elements it consists of. Even a goddess would not be able to recognize the messenger of the goddess from such a mess. The concealment technique works on the same principle.


    Simply put, a clone is an exact copy of an ordinary person with perfectly pure keys and a weapon made of adamantium in his hands (repainted). He moves as fast as the original because of the movement technique; he is as flexible as the original; as strong as the original (if you add enchantment); and he can use energy for defense and attack.


    The only significant difference is that the clone is unable to express emotions and imitate ordinary human behavior, that is, tomunicate. Any fool will instantly recognize a fake, so its scope is limited to the battlefield and assistance in retreat.


    As for the escape, there are also difficulties. Moving takes time. It is necessary to umte sufficient concentration of the spatial attribute for a sessful jump inside the body and soul, as well as inside the clone, and the greater the distance, the more energy and time will be required for preparation.


    So, for example, 10 milliseconds will be enough to move by 1 meter. A second ¨C by 100 meters. 100 seconds ¨C by 10 kilometers and so on. The maximum teleportation distance is limited by the energy reserve in the soul. Fortunately, moving the formations does not waste energy, otherwise, with the goddess¡¯ formation on his forehead, Kyon would never have been able to teleport.


    At the same time, any significant damage to the body can interrupt the movement. The same applies to the clone. Once a clone is scratched, teleporting to it bes critically dangerous. The risk of suicide is high. However, after the scratch, the clone will continue to exist. Moreover, it may take 1-2 seconds for the scratch to heal. Destroying a clone is as difficult as killing a zombie with a fairly high regeneration.


    By the way, Kyon has always been able to teleport, however, without a stable shell holding the spatial attribute, only a handful of minced meat would have moved to the end point.


    Also, a sufficiently powerful barrier can block the movement. Protective and signal-blocking barriers are especially dangerous for teleportation. In general, everything is simr to the teleportation trigram.


    It is worth noting that teleportation is primarily the exchange of ces and bodies with a clone. Kyon decides for himself whether the clone will dissipate after the jump or not. If it dissipates, then a characteristic pop will be heard. If it doesn¡¯t, then no one will even notice the movement.


    The creation of this miracle technique took only a month for the reason that Lovr already had all the ready-made material on hand: the legacies of the Stones, the Grands and the Feruzs. It was enough just to understand the techniques, remove the necessary things from them and refine them, which was not a problem with Synergy working around the clock. Then, having 9 elements, it remained to correctlybine them into a single whole.


    However, this great technique has two important drawbacks:


    First, energy costs. Creating a clone, manipting and maintaining, preparing for teleportation, teleportation itself, the technique of movement and sticking to the floor¡­ All this consumes a lot of energy. With careless use, you can be exhausted in 5 minutes.


    Secondly, a rollback. After the death of the clone, you can create it again only after a minute due to partial numbness of the channels. Add to this the above-mentioned reason and it bes clear that this is not a technique using which the enemy can literally be covered with mountains of cannon fodder.


    After cutting the clone, Edward immediately rushed to the next one. Approaching, he attacked the man, but he hit back, and from the collision of attacks, as usual, he scraped 5 meters on the ground. So, the clone is behind! The young man struck, but the clone did not shatter into pieces, but suddenly put a block, flying away to the same five-meter distance unharmed.


    ?What the fuck¡­? ¨C stunned Edward cursed. He was sure that there was a clone behind him, but he withstood a direct attack, althoughst time he seemed extremely fragile! There is only one exnation: this is not a clone. The guy¡¯s eyes widened with the realization of what was happening. Is it possible that the old man can change ces with the clones without any difficulties and conditions?! What kind of wild technique is this?!


    ?Have you guessed? Well done, you¡¯ve got it.? ¨C Kyon said mockingly.


    Since the movement between a nearby clone is a fraction of a second, it is easy to assume that Lovr is in two ces at once. However, he can only attack himself, because a weak attack by a clone who has an adamantium weapon in his hands will certainly not cause any harm to the enemy.


    Now Edward understood how the old man had escaped from the meeting of the n heads. But it didn¡¯t make him feel any better.


    Two Kyons attacked the opponent, alternately striking from different sides.


    With his speed, it didn¡¯t seem difficult to repel attacks, but the very idea that some practitioner of the superior phase was pressing a lord phaser of the 6th stage was driving him crazy!


    ?I¡¯m tired of you!? ¨C Edward barked and sent an air de at each opponent. The original beat off the de with his palm, like an annoying fly, without getting a single scratch, and the clone cut it with a sword. A centimeter notch could be seen on his weapon. What kind of rock is it made of?!


    When the second clone separated from the man, Edward frowned even more.


    {I thought so! He can summon a clone exactly one minute after the death of the previous one!} ¨C Eve concluded. It had long seemed strange to her that her father did not create new clones as soon as the previous ones died.


    ?This is some kind of cheating! You¡¯re swindling!? ¨C Le indignantly used game terms. ¨C ?You can¡¯t use such dishonest techniques! Fight him normally! Like a man!?


    ?In battle, all methods are good.? ¨C Kyon disagreed.


    ?Don¡¯t look down on me. You are¡­ just¡­ a practitioner of a pathetic superior phase!? ¨C Edward hissed with hatred, raising his daggers to the sky. With a loud crack, one shot out a blue sh of lightning, the other ¨C a purple one. At a height of half a kilometer, they dissolved, creating a unique weather phenomenon resembling the glow of charged nitrogen. The whole sky above the in was painted in a purple-pink hue. At the same time, the air seemed to be overflowing with energy. It seemed that lightning would strike somewhere, but no, instead, thousands of tiny sparks were born and disappeared every second in the atmosphere.


    A strong wind howled. It swirled around Edward like a whirlwind, marking a 50-meter radius. Its speed in some ces reached 400 kilometers per hour, but the whole dangery in something else: it generated countless des of the wind, so dense and sharp that the stones turned into crumbs. Even lord phasers at the middle stage could get nasty scratches from this.


    The trees that fell into the zone of the razor hurricane almost immediately scattered into splinters.


    The girls quickly ran away, worrying about their dresses. Eve looked at the mercilessly cut trees with pain in her chest, but she was even more worried about her father¡¯s condition. Le was also worried about the man, but in her own way. She was waiting for him to lose, and then she nned to y a hero in front of him,ing to the rescue at the veryst moment, like a knight in shining armor.


    ?See the wrath of the storm dragon!? ¨C Edward hissed, spreading his arms wide. He just used the ultimate technique of his unique body. It absorbs half the energy reserve, but grants five-minute omnipotence over wind and lightning.


    The guy swung his left dagger, and more than 10 des of the wind instantly turned the clone into a mess of water and a mixture of matter created by the elements of the earth. The repeated movement destroyed the second clone. Obviously, the left dagger controlled the wind.


    ?Oh, no! Dad is in trouble!? ¨C Eve cried out in fright.


    Le patted her sister¡¯s shoulder reassuringly: ?Are you blind? Just look at his face. He is cool as a cucumber. Isn¡¯t it obvious that he has everything under control??


    ?Do you think so??


    ?I know it!?


    Grinning angrily, Edward pointed his left dagger at the man: ?Die!?


    The Scourge in Kyon¡¯s hands sparkled with silver shes of lunges and swings, but with his turtle speed, he at best beat off half of the des of the wind.


    After a couple of seconds, Edward¡¯s eyes popped out on his forehead, and after ten seconds, his jaw dropped, because the des of the wind did not leave a single trace on the enemy¡¯s skin! Even if it was him who had to defend against such a thing using pure energy, he would get shallow cuts, and soon he would bleed out, but the old man doesn¡¯t care at all!


    With the carbon skin and advanced strength enchantment, such weak cutting attacks did not pose any danger to Kyon. The reason why he waved his sword was to protect his lower body, or to be more precise, his underpants.


    The girls, realizing that their father was not in danger, calmed down, and then became embarrassed. A pot-bellied naked man waves a sword, protecting his boxers. The sight is not for the faint-hearted. Eve, with a reddened face, covered her eyes with her palms, watching the scene through the prudently left gap between her fingers, and Le wasughing wildly, holding her stomach.

 Chapter 439

    Chapter 439


    ?Bitch, just die!? ¨C Edward shouted angrily. He stretched out his right dagger forward, and a gigantic bolt of lightning hit his opponent from the sky, and then again and again. Dozens of deadly purple lightning bolts were supposed to hit the man, but all of them inexplicably skirted the target. Only the ground under the feet of the opponent was heated to the state of magma.


    ?And that¡¯s all?? ¨C Kyon mockingly shook off invisible dust particles.


    Edward turned purple with shame. His best technique is being mocked by some old man of the superior phase! And this is happening in front of a monstrously powerful girl! How to stay calm?!


    ~BOOM~


    After the exchange of attacks, the guy, as always, suppressed the opponent with the power of his blow, throwing him 5 meters away, but what the hell is the point?! This scenario is repeated for the thirtieth time, and the man ispletely indifferent!


    Kyon struggled to defend his underpants from countless des of air while taking enemy strikes at the same time. What a sneaky ultimate technique! If he were a noble girl, this technique would be super effective. This is what one would expect from the grandson of the head of the shadow n. Well, now the n is simple: save the underpants, wait out the storm, and then beat the guy with two twin brothers.


    When the opponent¡¯s right dagger touched The Scourge three times, an especially powerful lightning bolt struck directly at the weapon and hit the right arm.


    Feeling the numbness and trembling in his muscles, Kyon became alert. If this continues, even his developed right arm will soon lose its mobility. How did this strike hit the target, ignoring two barriers?


    Lovr activated ¡°The eyes of truth¡± and quickly found out everything: Edward¡¯s right dagger takes a charge from everything ites into contact with. Therefore, the positively charged lightning easily finds its target even through barriers. How can this be prevented? Obviously, he will have to use the ether to remove the ?marks? of the enemy.


    When the lightning stopped hitting the man, Edward gritted his teeth in despair, feeling like a puppet in someone else¡¯s game. Even a lord phaser at the 8th stage would not be able to ignore his attacks and would be forced to finish the fight as soon as possible, but fighting with this bastard turns all his pastbat experience upside down. The nickname ¡°Two-Headed Thunder Dragon¡±, which he always wore with pride, seemed to have turned into a joke.


    After 5 minutes, the weather returned to normal. When the man, as if nothing had happened, put on new trousers, and two clones separated from him, Edward swallowed hard. He just wasted 60% of his energy, and now the enemy can simply wear him out. The guy felt worse than ever.


    ?Judging by your sour face, you think that I¡¯m going to start ying a fight of attrition with you now, don¡¯t you? I don¡¯t need such a victory! I¡¯ll turn you into a chop without it!? ¨C Kyon said confidently.


    Edward spat on the ground and boldly shouted: ?Shut your mouth, you bastard!?


    The man¡¯s courageous and resolute voice caused a violent reaction from the audience. Delight mixed with glee danced in Eve¡¯s eyes. She considered her father a fearless hero, and looked at him the way Xiao Bai would look at a very sessful investment. Whereas Le looked like she had eaten a worm. A nauseatingly unpleasant feeling began to engulf her, growing stronger and stronger with each passing moment.


    ~BOOM~


    The opponents exchanged blows, the first attacker flew away.


    ~BOOM~


    Immediately after, the guy turned around and repelled the second attack flying at his back.


    ~BOOM~


    Edward barely reacted, repelling a blow from another enemy from the side.


    ~BOOM~


    The first one came to his senses by this time and again rushed into battle.


    ~BOOM~


    ?Aa-a-aa-a-a! SCUM!? ¨C Edward roared painfully when he was hit by a sword on the back. Another rib is broken. Even with an almost double speed advantage, he physically does not have time to fend off three opponents at the same time. They acted like a single organism, systematically driving the victim into a dead end, opening a gap in him.


    Kyon and his clone brothers did not leave the enemy a chance. Finally, there is a stable strategy that does not require sophisticated tricks and deadly risk. Three people just kick one with their feet. Vile, but effective. However, it¡¯s good that the guy has an unsessful set of elements. Lightning is useless, and the wind is unable to cut through the adamantite swords of the clones.


    However, it is difficult to say whether this tactic will work against enemies with an advantage of 20 or more stages. Much depends on the set of elements and techniques in their arsenal.


    Edward tried to blow away the clones, sent dozens of des into each of them, created massive hurricanes and storms, but all to no avail: some invisible barriers canceled the effect of lightning; the sticking technique did not allow the clones to be blown away; the des either fought off with adamantine swords, or stumbled upon an imprable original; and the old man managed not to fall under the techniques hitting the square,petently scattering around.


    ~BOOM~


    After another blow, blood gushed out of the guy¡¯s mouth. Gritting his bloody teeth, he ran away, followed by three pot-bellied men in trousers.


    ?Hee-hee-hee!? ¨C covering her mouth with her palm, Eve giggled happily.


    Le was usually the first to start having fun at such moments, but now she doesn¡¯t feel likeughing.


    Edward experienced boundless humiliation while fleeing from the practitioner of the superior phase. However, the fear of being beaten to the point of loss of consciousness, or even a pulse, is much stronger than pride.


    ?You sneaky coward, fight like a man! Thedy gave you a chance to save your worthless life by defeating me! If you keep running away, you can make her angry!?


    Edward hesitated. No matter how disgusting the words of the bastard may sound, he is right. It is better to hope for a tiny chance to win than to die for sure. Realizing this, he turned around and continued the desperate battle, trying not to let the opponents surround him.


    The girls watched how the father gradually turns the boy into a chop, and involuntarily admired and marveled at the strength of the man, because on a subconscious level they knew that such a weak soul cannotpete with the denser soul of the enemy, just as a sparrow cannot defeat an eagle.


    Eve was looking forward to an early victory in the bet. A week of full control over the sister¡¯s character¡­ She will remember such humiliation for a long time! But she will know who is the main one. She will reduce her arrogance, and maybe even gain some intelligence. Shecks it.


    Le bit her lips, straining every time her father hit the guy. If this continues, she will lose! Something must be done! To be the ve of the younger sister for a whole week? She¡¯d never live it down! No way!


    The girl, yielding to an impulse, enveloped the man with pressure, very carefully outlining his figure.


    Kyon¡¯s body seemed to be dipped into the bottom of ake consisting of jelly. His temples throbbed, his ears rang, his vision got blurry. The body hardly obeyed. Now for the enemy, he moved slower than a turtle!


    {Le, you¡¯re such a bitch!} ¨C Lovr swore to himself, trying to save the situation somehow. He even activated ¡°The sh of Darkness¡±.


    Edward stabbed the man in the stomach at that very moment. When the sharp dagger under the pompous name ¡°Tongue of the Dragon¡± pierced through the old man¡¯s flesh, the young heir of the shadow n rolled his eyes with pleasure. He took great pleasure in using the full power of the ether to incinerate the bastard¡¯s insides!


    ~FIZZ~


    Kyon¡¯s body twitched uncontrobly. Dry crackling swept across the in. Smoke with a disgusting smell of burnt meat poured from a deep wound in the stomach.


    ?DAD, NO!? ¨C with a cry of horror, Eve released the pressure, forcing the viin to fall to his knees and lose consciousness. Then she ran up and picked up the falling man, gentlyid him on the ground and with a smooth movement took the dagger out of his stomach.


    Le did not move from her ce. She only now began to realize that she hadmitted a misdemeanor for which she should reproach herself for the rest of her life. And shemitted this unprecedented stupidity by giving in to emotions. For some reason, it seemed to her that dad was strong, and such a small thing would not harm him.


    Injuries received by the man are ipatible with life. Any ordinary person would die almost immediately, and even the poor man of the superior phase would suffer for several minutes before his inevitable death, and all this because of one reckless girl! If Lovr hadn¡¯t wrapped the dagger inside his body with an istion barrier at thest moment, even Synergy wouldn¡¯t have pulled him out of the grave. If the enemy had known, for example, the element of heat, nothing at all would have saved him. Now the recovery process has been established. It remains only to pacify the heartbreaking pain and wait a day or two untilplete recovery.


    ?Daddy, don¡¯t die! Dad, please!? ¨C through a sluggishly stirred dislike for the male presence,ying her father¡¯s head on her knees, sobbing Eve begged her father not to leave her. The charred wound in the man¡¯s stomach was terrifying, and it was still smoking. How to save the sufferer?!


    Le finally got out of the shock, ran up and bent over Zosimos. Seeing the eyes of a dear person full of pain, her heart was torn with pain, and tears of burning shame slowly flowed down her pale cheeks. She said in a small, regretful voice: ?Dad¡­ I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t want you to die! I forbid you to die! You can¡¯t hurt your beautiful daughter! I will not forgive you if you die!? ¨C if it happens that the man dies, then the girl will never forgive herself. Now she would not hesitate to give up games, movies and cartoons, just to turn back time.


    {Don¡¯t bury me so soon, you fool!} ¨C Kyon thought furiously, but said nothing. He had a brilliant idea: to simte a near-death state for a while. In stressful conditions, girls will certainly be able to regain their strength. If one remembers that there is not much time left until the next appearance of the demons, this idea seems to be reasonable. Of course, he does not want to offend cutie Eve at all, but it¡¯s worth it. In the future, he will make amends.


    Lovr said his ¡°deathbed¡± speech in a hoarse voice: ?Take care of yourself, bunnies¡­ Now you are the only rtives for each other¡­ in this world¡­ Be¡­ Good¡­?


    When Zosimos went limp and closed his eyes, the girls forgot how to breathe for several long moments, but soon they took a deep breath as they heard a weak heartbeat.


    ?Dad¡­? ¨C crying, Le touched the man¡¯s forehead.


    ?GET LOST!? ¨C Eve suddenly screamed, sending her sister tumbling on the ground with a powerful blow.


    ?D-did you hit me?? ¨C the girl stood up in amazement.


    ?Did you really think I wouldn¡¯t notice that you were using pressure? I¡¯m not blind! Because of your selfish desire to win a bet, dad missed a beat and is now on the verge of life and death! It¡¯s not enough to wring your neck for this! If you only dare to approach him ¨C I will tear you apart!? ¨C Eve shouted angrily, showing so much aggression for the first time in her life.


    Le could not object to anything. In fact, for the first time, shepletely agreed with her sister. She would have wrung her neck with her own hands. The girl showed restraint, unusual for her. She did not argue and conflict, instead, she fell to her knees and sobbed softly: ?I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t want to¡­ I¡­?


    ?Get lost!? ¨C Eve repeated threateningly, releasing the pressure.

 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440


    Le was not afraid of the pressure or threats of her sister, but she did not want to conflict with her, therefore, being consumed by a sense of guilt, she sat down on the grass and hugged her knees with her hands, sobbing quietly. With a passive scan, she could clearly feel the man¡¯s weak heartbeat, and she constantly repeated the same thing to herself: ¡°just don¡¯t die¡±.


    Badly beaten Edward woke up, got up and looked around.


    ?It¡¯s all because of you! It¡¯s all your fault!? ¨C Le suddenly shouted with hatred.


    ?I¡­ B-but, Lady, you told m-me¡­? ¨C the guy, who was white with fear, stammered.


    ?I ordered you to defeat him, not kill him! You will pay with your life for what you have done!?


    Eve said with contempt and hatred: ?Are you seriously going to put the me on him? How disgusting you are. You are ready to get rid of your guilt by any means. The act of a real weakling.?


    ?You¡­? ¨C Le reflexively wanted to object, but she suddenly realized that this time her sister waspletely right. ming the already beaten boy for everything, she will act in the most dishonest way, because she is to me for everything.


    ?Ldy, let me¡­ Leave¡­? ¨C Edward begged quietly.


    ?Get lost before I change my mind!? ¨C the girl shouted.


    As soon as the heir of the shadow n turned around, he heard a harsh voice.


    ?Come here!? ¨C ordered Eve.


    ?Y-yes, Lady?? ¨C Edward rushed to the speaker with servile servility.


    ?Get the healing medicine out of the ring and treat the wound! And call for help!?


    As it turned out a littleter, the guy¡¯s ring was taken away, and Zosimos did not have one at all. Or rather, Eve knew that he should have it with him, but she could not find it even with her most powerful scanning. She had to give up this idea.


    As a result, Edward tore his shirt into shreds and carefully bandaged the one he had fatally wounded earlier, after which he received a dry nod from the blonde and ran away as fast as he could. He had no idea where he was or how to get home. The ring with the sound transmitter was taken away. He will have to find the nearest settlement, and then he will see.


    A strong wind blew. The sky was covered with a denseyer of gray clouds. The first drops of rain watered the in. Obviously, a heavy downpour wasing.


    Eve took the man in her arms, wrapping her palms with part of the dress so that only the fabric touched his body, and not her bare palms, and carried him to the hills surrounding the in on all sides.


    Le realized what was going on, and ran forward. When she reached the nearest rocks, she dug into the stones with her bare hands, starting to create a shelter from the rain.


    Eve reluctantly epted her sister¡¯s help, but soon regretted it: ?You¡¯re stupid, aren¡¯t you? Although why am I asking¡­ If you are going to help, then help properly! Where do you think the water will drain to? Or did you decide to give your father a cold bath? Coffin jacuzzi??


    Le muttered something and began to dig not into the depth, but upwards, in order not to let the water flow inside. When she finished doing it two minutester, she put her hands on her hips expectantly.


    ?It will do. Collect the leaves. He won¡¯t lie on the cold floor.?


    ?Don¡¯t tell me what to do¡­? ¨C the girl grumbled under her breath, but obediently went to pick the leaves.


    Soon their father was lying on a bed of leaves while a downpour raged outside. The daughters did not take their anxious eyes off him, worrying with all their hearts for his condition.


    Eve silently thought about something, sometimes throwing icy nces at her sister.


    ?Enough! You know I didn¡¯t want to! I regret what I have done as never before! You can call me whatever you want, you can hate and despise me, but you can¡¯t undo what I¡¯ve done! Now it is wise to focus on the consequences¡­ What should we do? Do you have a n? We have to take care of dad somehow¡­?


    Eve stood up with a heavy sigh: ?Stay here and look after him. I will look for help.?


    ?In such a downpour? Besides, you don¡¯t know how to fly, and Dantes is half a thousand kilometers away! Is there really no other way to help him?! You¡¯re smart,e up with something!?


    ?We do not know how to use a sound transmitter and rings, and there is no other way to help dad. There is no time to waste. Every second counts. I have to try, otherwise I will regret the missed opportunity for the rest of my life.?


    ?Don¡¯t leave me alone, I can¡¯t take care of him! I can¡¯t!?


    ?Just imagine that he is you, and you have a wound. It should work.? ¨C Eve said coldly and left the cave. The downpour immediately soaked her to the skin.


    Le watched the figure disappearing in the rain with a strange look. At such moments, she did not feel like an elder sister. All her usual self-confidence disappeared when the usually quiet and modest sister took everything into her own hands.


    Left alone with a dying man, the girl took up an unusual task for her egocentric nature: self-examination. She was thinking about her attitude towards her father. Where she is wrong and why. Where is the truth and where is the lie. Where she is mistaken, and where she delves into the very essence.


    Le was one hundred percent sure of one thing ¨C her father was an unusual man. Others instantly lose their heads when talking to her. Her dad is able to maintain self-control even when he sees her wonderful naked body!


    ?Old fart! How can you get aroused from the sight of naked daughters?! I always knew what kind of person you were! Fat perv!? ¡­ ?I don¡¯t see any reason to worry.? ¡­ ?Is that all you can say?! How about apologizing?!? ¡­ ?You remind me of your mother¡­ I have always loved her, and I will not apologize for that.?


    For Le, the uniqueness of her father was not limited to the ability to resist the charm of his beautiful daughters. Zosimos does not behave like others. To be more precise, he always exceeds any, even the most inted, expectations. And sometimes he seems to go beyondmon sense!


    ?This is for being secretive!? ¡­ ?A man should have his own secrets.? ¡­ ?Usually they say that about women. And you shouldn¡¯t have any secrets from us!? ¡­ ?It¡¯s up to me, honey.? ¨C the man replied condescendingly.


    The same applies to his ability to control her. She made a strong-willed decision never to let Zosimos control her again, sometimes allowing, then forbidding her to watch cartoons and movies. But that very night she lost ground, like a stupid impulsive child at the sight of a candy.


    ?It¡¯s toote. You shouldn¡¯t be overexcited before going to bed. You¡¯ll y tomorrow, if you behave yourself, of course. You will behave yourself, won¡¯t you?? ¡­ ?Y¡­ Yes, I will¡­? ¡­ ?That¡¯s nice.? ¨C Zosimos said, patting his daughter on the head patronizingly.


    Despite all his annoying insidious tricks, it is impossible not to feel the care and love of the father. Take, for example, a life lesson about Romeo who was madly in love with Eve. Or the phrase ¨C ?I will tear you all to pieces for my little ones!? ¨C the girl will never forget, as well as his attempt to persuade them to run away when a squad of demons appeared ¨C ?Sweetheart¡­ Please, for my sake¡­ If something happens to you, I will not forgive myself¡­?


    Zosimos is the only one who makes Le happy. Even if she forgets about unimaginably interesting cartoons, movies and games, any walk with him together turns into unforgettable adventures.


    {What happens if he dies? How will I live without him?} ¨C tears flowed from Le¡¯s charming eyes. She just finally realized how dear a man is to her, and now he is mortally wounded through her fault. If the girl had a second chance, she would have done everything differently. She would have be much more obedient. She would have appreciated her dad much more¡­


    Gloomy Eve entered the cave.


    ?Why didn¡¯t you fly away?!? ¨C Le asked in a dissatisfied and even demanding tone.


    ?The snowy owl was frightened by thunder and rain¡­ I can get lost on foot.?


    ?Get lost? With your memory, you would never miss a huge city!?


    ?Every time our dad flies to the in by different routes, he also turns off halfway. I remembered thendmarks only from the air. I can easily get lost on foot.? ¨C in fact, she did not dare to look for Dantes on foot because something inside her whispered to her to stay next to her father. It was a hopeful whisper, and she wanted to trust it.


    ?Yes, but¡­? ¨C Le had nothing to answer.


    ?Let¡¯s wait until the shower ends and the owl returns.? ¨C finally, the girl decided.


    Time passed. The denseyer of clouds was not going to thin out. A cold wind howled in the cave.


    ?You should hug our dad.? ¨C Eve suddenly spoke.


    ?What?? ¨C the brte turned to her sister with a puzzled look.


    ?Give him a hug. Warm him with the warmth of your body. He may freeze.?


    Le was confused for a second, looked at her father, thought about something for a minute, then slowly but decisively hugged the man¡¯s bare torso with her fragile-looking hands. Feeling his big body and smelling him, the girl felt strange: a little shame, a little anxiety, confusion and something else elusive. Her heart began to beat faster.


    The slightly blushing girl soon frowned: ?And you hug him too! Don¡¯t stand there!?


    ?I can¡¯t¡­? ¨C Eve hugged herself shiveringly by the shoulders.


    Le snorted: ?That¡¯s exactly why you will always be my little sister.?


    Eve turned away without a word, pursing her lips in displeasure. At that moment, she almost hated herself for her overwhelming fear of men. The very thought of hugging her half-naked dad made her feel sick. And it is absolutely unbearable for her to imagine some stranger in his ce.


    The rain seemed endless.


    Le closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.


    Eve told herself many times that the fear was only in her head. It was unreal. For dad¡¯s sake, she needs to ovee it once and for all. And also this barely audible whisper in her head¡­ It seems that for some reason it also asks to touch the man.


    The girl approached Zosimos and for a long time tried to decide to touch him. Finally, she squeezed her eyes shut and touched his hard, warm palm with her fingers. It was as if a lightning bolt had struck her body, which caused her to immediately pull her hand away and crawl away, breathing heavily.


    {Come on, coward, he¡¯s your dad! He has never offended you, so why are you afraid of him?!} ¨C Eve tried to convince herself to ovee her fear in any possible way. Their dad used to say ¨C ?Face your fear and ovee it.? ¨C and the girl considered these words an indisputable truth.


    After a long struggle with herself, the little fairy again touched the man¡¯s palm with her fingers. Her face was slightly flushed from the tension and the pain piercing her insides, but she did not pull her hand away. Her fingers seemed to be shocked like hell¡­ The more the girl repeated to herself that her dad was not like other men, and he would never harm her, the better she felt.


    After endless 5 minutes, the pain disappeared, and after 15 minutes even the difort passed. Eve touched her father¡¯s cheek and raised her eyebrows in surprise, not believing that she touches a man¡¯s face without dislike! On the other hand, is it possible to equate her dad with ordinary men? He is much better than them! Still, it was a little scary to try to hug thisrge body¡­


    The girl was gathering her courage, when suddenly she again caught a whisper on the verge of hearing. It seemed to be telling her to touch the wound¡­ Following the will of the call, she put her hand on the charred wound. A pleasant feeling passed through her soul, as if the bud of an oundish flower tickled her skin. A soft green glow poured from her palms into the wound and lit up the dark cave.


    A wonderful aura, as if born in the Garden of Eden, awakened Le.


    ?What are you doing?!? ¨C the girl jumped to her feet in amazement.


    ?Look! The wound is healing!? ¨C the little fairy eximed happily.


    The wound quickly acquired a healthy pink color and healed right before their eyes. Soon it waspletely healed, leaving only a brownish scar. It seemed that the manpletely recovered in a minute, even his heartbeat and breathing evened out.


    Le clutched her head, not believing in what she saw: ?I can¡¯t believe, you cured our dad! You saved him! Is this not a dream?!? ¨C with a dazzling smile, the girl hugged her sister tightly.


    Eve couldn¡¯t believe her luck. Her healing abilities were awakened! That is why a whisper in her head convinced her not to fly anywhere, but to stay and touch the man¡¯s wound!


    ?Little sister, when did you learn this?! Tell me!? ¨C Le immediately demanded an exnation.


    Little fairy defiantly put the man¡¯s hand in her tender palms and said resolutely: ?As you can see, I am no longer afraid to touch our dad, so don¡¯t you dare call me ¡°little sister¡± from now on, got it??


    Feeling the spirit ofpetition, Le raised her chin belligerently: ?Oh, I¡¯m scared¡­ Okay! As a sign of gratitude for saving our dad, I will no longer call you that, but this does not mean that I give up leadership to you at all!?


    ?What leadership, are you stupid or what? After your bad attempt on our dad¡¯s life, any adequate person will understand that you are a lousy leader. However, you understand everything, don¡¯t you? It would be wise of you to listen more often to a more reasonable person: to me.?


    Le¡¯s throat itched and her chest tightened painfully because of what she heard: ?Come on, don¡¯t be arrogant, you¡¯re our smart ass! I¡¯m sure if our dad started losing, you would also do everything to help him win! I read you like an open book!?


    ?Your confidence is often worthless.? ¨C Eve snorted derisively.


    Le seemed to have received a p in the face: ?Oh, fuck off! You¡¯re pissing me off.?


    Eve was incredibly happy about the first verbal victory over her sister. She didn¡¯t really care about superiority over the arrogant fool, it was just time to bring her down from heaven to earth. The father often unobtrusively tries to do this, however, unsessfully, but she may well seed.


    But what really matters is that their dad survived.

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441


    Kyon was sincerely happy for Eve: today she stopped being afraid of male touches, at least his touches. She remembered how to use the healing ability of her unique body, and, ordingly, instantly healed his severe wounds; and, what is especially pleasant, she defeated her arrogant sister in the argument, putting her in her ce.


    Now the beautiful fairy, together with the nasty pixie, tenderly hugged the man, giving him the warmth of their slender bodies. Her feminine soft hands excited the imagination, and the ephemeral wonderful scent could make even the heart of a dead man beat. In the arms of this couple, Kyon would dly havein for an eternity.


    When the downpour passed a few hourster, Eve hit the head and then, returning, said: ?The owl has not returned, so we will not get to Dantes until our dad wakes up. We¡¯ll have to wait for him to wake up.?


    ?Well, let¡¯s wait, what¡¯s the problem? Don¡¯t make a fuss.? ¨C Le asked, sleepily rubbing her eyes. She definitely liked hugging a big ?teddy bear?.


    ?If you haven¡¯t forgotten, our dad mentioned another appearance of demons in theing days. The second wave will definitely be stronger than the first one.? ¨C Eve reminded her coldly.


    Le instantly jumped to her feet and cried out in rm: ?Demons?!?


    ?Either we will soon get to Dantes, where we will be safe, or we must prepare for their appearance. Since I can¡¯t see anyndmarks without the snowy owl, it will be extremely difficult for me to find the way to the city, so we can only do the following: we must remember how to use pure energy for attack and defense. Do you understand me??


    ?So, we will train tirelessly.? ¨C Le concluded, stretching her neck.


    Eve crossed her arms: ?But I don¡¯t think that with the usual method of training, we will have time¡­?


    Le looked around the cave with a thoughtful look, then looked intently at her sister, as if something hade to her mind: ?Let¡¯s fight.?


    ?Are you bored or what?? ¨C the little fairy frowned her thin eyebrows.


    ?Stupid, it¡¯s better than sitting and meditating for years in the hope of enlightenment! In battle, we will quickly remember what we once forgot. But the fight should be as close to reality as possible and preferably with a high bid. Let the winner get the loser¡¯s character into very for two weeks! If I win, then your victory in the bet will be canceled, and I will also get your character for a week, but if you win¡­ In general, you can¡¯t beat me anyway.? ¨C the pixie smiled confidently.


    ?This is the first time I¡¯ve heard a really worthwhile idea from you!? ¨C Eve was surprised. ¨C ?But won¡¯t our dresses get dirty and tear in the process? I don¡¯t want to spoil them.?


    Le thoughtfully rolled her eyes, twisting a curl of naturally curly hair around her finger, and suddenly suggested: ?So let¡¯s take them off!?


    ?Are you serious now?? ¨C the little fairy was amazed.


    ?Why not? We are alone in the wild. We¡¯re both girls. Shame is a small price to pay for an emergency return of strength. And we will quickly get used to it. And if our dad suddenly wakes up, we will immediately feel it and cover ourselves. What do you say?? ¨C the girl looked at her rival with superiority, immediately noticing her insecurity and embarrassment.


    {How can she be so shameless?!} ¨C mentally Eve was indignant, but feeling that she was losing ground in theirpetition for leadership, she nevertheless agreed. ¨C ?Good! But the rules of the fight are as follows: do not touch eyes and hair, do not hold grips, do not scratch, do not bite, and generally behave with dignity! The winner will be determined only when the loser admits defeat or loses consciousness.?


    Le arrogantly lifted her chin and confidently said: ?I agree!?


    After shaking hands, the girls took off their dresses and went outside in only their underwear.


    When the half-naked beauties began the battle, the zombie crow watching them almost fell from the branch. It took only a few minutes, and their underwear was already in disrepair and torn, and their bodies were smeared with mud so much that they looked like wild Amazons. The spectacle turned out to be so fascinating and seductive that Kyon had to turn off the visual channel and use a considerable share of Synergy to suppress arousal.


    To distract himself, he ordered his subordinate to read the information received from Gusteau. It was about the robbery of the Feruzs, the rainbow sun, the invasion and the empire of demons.


    The robbery of the Feruzs¡¯ treasury was associated with Lanai, the head of the Boston thieves guild, who was rescued from the dungeon of the department by her subordinates more than a year ago.


    The reason for the ¡°rainbow sun¡± was called the battle of powerful practitioners of at least the overlord¡¯s phase (9), because the epicenter of the explosion was more than 10 kilometers in the air, and only very powerful individuals are capable of flying.


    {Wait, so the battle of the dark ones and light ones has nothing to do with it?} ¨C Kyon wondered. ¨C {And who are Eve and Le then?} ¨C he ordered his subordinate to study the following document.


    The information about the invasion read as follows: the astral bodies of one hundred of the most talented practitioners of the races of the dark ones and the light ones were moved from the moons to the, 50 on each side. Their age does not exceed 18 years, and the real power is sealed, however, they can return it. The higher the talent for development, the sooner it will happen. The goal of their invasion is as follows: to use the as a battlefield. The winning side will get some kind of privilege. The battle involves not only a directbat sh, but also apetition in strategic and tactical skills, including diplomacy and intrigue. The destruction of opponents by someone else¡¯s hands would also be encouraged.


    {So this is how it is. The lull is only temporary.} ¨C Kyon summed up.


    In fact, now the dark ones and the light ones are doing the same thing that he is: they are seizing power. But he is not afraid ofpetition. It is unlikely that geniuses from the moons will be interested in the empire of the 6th rank. They are probably now looking for allies in Saturn, and maybe in the empire of demons or even in the kingdom of beasts. The most incredible events can be expected in the next few years.


    But who are Eve and Le? The question remains open. If the information from Gusteau is reliable, then the age of the intruders does not exceed 18 years, while the women are 322 years old. So they¡¯re not from the dark ones and light ones, are they? Then why the hell were they alone in Rosarrio without an escort and an invitation? And why the hell were they fighting to the death there?


    {They were in a hurry¡­} ¨C Kyon suggested, when suddenly it dawned on him.


    What at first nce seemed to be an ident is not at all. Two powerful women hurried to Rosarrio for a reason, and they did not identally arrange a battle to the death¡­ The reason for everything and everyone is the messenger of the goddess!


    Once Dick defeated Charles, demonstrating his personal strength to his students, he revealed his identity to some observers. Eve is the head of the Virgo sect (2) named Gina, and Le is the head of the Dance sect (1) named Lana!


    When Lovr left Cernos, they were already flying to the school, but on the way they felt each other and met in a deadly duel, where the winner will get a gifted student who surpasses even the heavenly geniuses in his talent.


    {I could have guessed¡­} ¨C Kyon wondered to himself. The green night was confusing. Now he knew about the past personalities of his daughters. They are the heads of sects of the 1st and 2nd ranks! Those who tried to recruit him after the tournament of families with a tempting offer!


    There is no reliable information about the personalities of these women, only general facts, and there are few of them.


    Gina runs the Virgin sect (2), which is devoted to her to death, in which only women are trained, where the matriarchy is manifested in all its glory. Men are kept there only as ves. As a leader, she is an extremely rational strategist and, of course, a man-hater.


    Lana owns the Dance sect (1), where the power lies in the grace of various dance techniques. She is a hot-tempered and arrogant person who loves to put royal phasers and imperial phasers on their knees before her with the help of female charm, making them her servants.


    Everything else: origin, surname, level of development and even the reason for the enmity between this couple is covered with a veil of secrecy. However, almost everyone knows something: in the world war, 10 years ago, both women almost single-handedly turned the oue of the final battle with the demons, killing the patriarch of the Phoberos (2). For their contribution, they earned undying fame and got into the annals of history.


    {The names of my daughters are famous all over the world!} ¨C he thought with pride. Now, if they somehow regain their memory, he will better understand who he is dealing with and how to behave.


    After the young man made all the necessary conclusions, the subordinate moved on to information about the demons. Here, Kyon learned a lot about the state of affairs, conspiracies and intrigues between the 7 great families of demons, which are led by the Tristans (1).


    One piece of news was absolutely stunning: four years ago, someone killed Khleberi Gul, the head of the 5th most powerful family, the carriers of the sin of gluttony. The killer¡¯s name is unknown. Who could kill such a powerful fat demon at his own home and, most importantly, why?


    But the most exciting topic is still the personality of the future demon emperor. During the world war, the now-deceased emperor of the supreme beasts Leoro poisoned the demon emperor Lucius. As soon as he dies ¨C and he has at best a few years left ¨C the next one should sit on the throne. Due to the absence of an obvious heir to the throne, a power struggle is inevitable.


    4 years ago, Rodan was considered the new emperor. He was the heir of the Phoberos, the 2nd most powerful family of demons, carriers of the sin of pride. The reason is simple: he is the most gifted unmarried demon of the younger generation. As soon as the demon ovees allpetitors at the bottom of the goddess Persephone, which no one doubted, he will have the right to choose any wife for himself, no matter what family she is.


    Lucius, who has been sitting on the throne for many hundreds of years, has several unmarried daughters, the most influential of which is Kara Tristan. When the young demon bes her husband, no one will dispute his right to sit on the throne.


    However, the princess ran away with her mother to no one knows where, and if she does not return by the day of the goddess Persephone, then Rodan will not be able to marry her. And if he chooses another daughter of Lucius, no one will agree to give him the empire.


    There is still no information about the location of Kara (and da, too), although Lovr knew that she was hiding somewhere in her homnd, because otherwise it is impossible to transfer the tracking function through the marriage formation. The demons use it to find him.


    After studying all the information received from Gusteau, Kyon did not find answers to his questions. Why were da and Kara hiding in Boston? How is the disappearance of Yurich connected with this? What is the point of not marrying the princess to the gifted heir of the great Phoberos family? Who sends demons to Rosarrio to kill him?


    2 days passed unnoticed.


    The owl never came back. The sisters fought almost all the time while they were awake, and at night they slept hugging the man to warm him. Sometimes they went to the nearest river to wash, eat and drink. Fortunately, there was a spring with clean water. They ate wild berries and fruits, often poisonous (which did not bother the girls who were practically invulnerable to poisons), and fish, which they fried on a fire obtained by friction.


    Girls hid their intimate ces with leaves and twigs. Their primal image, coupled with wonderful figures and perfectly smooth skin, made the soul of the secret observer vibrate with delight. Eve was especially adorable, as if she had juste out of the Garden of Eden, virgin and innocent as a wild flower. Le, on the other hand, seemed to be a more vicious berry, resembling a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing or a seductive temptress in the image of a deceptively innocent virgin. Nasty subus. Or pixie.


    The girl was beginning to worry that their dad had been unconscious for two days and had not drunk anything. She wanted to give him water, but Eve stopped her in time, warning that an unconscious person should not be given to drink. This was once mentioned in a movie.


    In the middle of the 3rd day of numerous sparring sessions, an unexpected thing happened.


    Having received a blow on the lip, Le seemed to go berserk. In a fit of rage, she rushed at the offender with such speed that a shot from an impulse rifle would seem like a slowly falling feather. Her fist easily broke the sound barrier, and the energy inside it radiated a deadly aura.


    Eve¡¯s instincts worked in response to danger. She reflexively retreated at a speed equal to her sister¡¯s, dodging the blow at thest moment.


    And although Le¡¯s fist did not find its target, it created a huge release of energy.


    ~BOOOOOOOOOM~


    The sudden crash made Kyon jump to his feet. From the cave, he saw that a cone-shaped funnel with a depth of tens of meters for half a kilometer ahead had formed next to Le. On the path of the shock wave, everything was destroyedpletely, and thousands of tons of soil and dust rose into the air. It seemed like a small nuclear bomb exploded underground.

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442


    The girls stood stunned, not believing in what had happened. Huge chunks of soil and splinters of trees fell from the sky like rain. The echo of the impact repeatedly echoed around.


    An evil grin spread across Le¡¯s lips. Popping her fingers and clenching them into fists, she said with a feeling ofplete superiority: ?Give up, sis, or I will hurt you!?


    Eve shuddered in fright. If that blow had hit her, there would have been nothing left of her! However, it seems that she also remembered how to use energy, because she somehow managed to dodge at a mind-blowing speed, without even loosening the ground under her feet.


    Just as she opened her mouth for a sharp answer, she suddenly stopped abruptly and turned around¡­


    ?Bunnies¡­? ¨C Kyon almost whispered.


    ?Dad!? ¡­ ?Dad has woken up!? ¨C the girls eximed joyfully, but immediately came to their senses and shyly covered their intimate ces. However, there was nothing to be seen behind theyer of dirt.


    Kyon turned away, and soon the daughters were at the entrance to the cave.


    ?How do you feel? Does the wound hurt?? ¨C Eve asked worriedly.


    ?Dad¡­ I¡¯m really sorry¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­? ¨C Le lowered her head guiltily, secretly trying to test the waters to understand how dad feels about her attempt on his life. Whether he is angry, hates her, or maybe he has already forgiven her. This option would suit her most of all.


    ?Wash up somewhere, change your clothes and we¡¯ll talk.? ¨C Kyon said after a long pause.


    The girls took the dresses from the cave and went to the river. Their mood rose to the heavens, and the smiles did not leave their faces, and all because their dad woke up!


    ?Let¡¯s race!? ¨C Le yfully suggested.


    ?Why not.? ¨C Eve agreed, deliberately restoring to her memory the state she experienced when dodging a blow, and ran to the river with the speed of a falling meteorite.


    ?You asshole!? ¨C Le shouted indignantly and rushed after her, not yielding in speed, but the fact that her sister took off first guaranteed her victory.


    The movement technique that the girls unconsciously used includes air resistance, so there were no ps from breaking the sound barrier, and there was also no heat generation, which inevitably urs when an ultra-fast body rubs with the atmosphere.


    In a matter of seconds, the runners left the in and found themselves at the river. Even Triana couldn¡¯t keep up with the absurd speed at which they were moving.


    Soon the sisters returned to the in, where their father was waiting for them. Le with a slight bow helpfully handed the man a self-made container with clean spring water.


    Kyon knocked the cup out of his daughter¡¯s hands and burned her with such a heavy look that he was only capable of, not forgetting to activate ¡°The sovereign¡¯s stare¡±, after which, in unfeigned anger, he began to scold the girl: ?Because of your stupidity, I almost died! It is almost impossible tomit the greater stupidity, even if you want to! How could you set me up like this?! Did you want to win the bet so badly that you decided to kill me?! You disappoint me, Le. You are breaking my heart.?


    ?Dad, I didn¡¯t want to¡­ I¡¯m so sorry!? ¨C the girl cried, pitifully bending her eyebrows. Never before had her dad addressed her by name, spoke in such a tone and looked at her with such ice in his eyes. The pressure emitted by the man exceeded even the pressure of the sister. Probably for the first time in her life she was so sorry for what she had done.


    Kyon¡¯s face didn¡¯t flinch. He steadfastly continued to put pressure on the girl for educational purposes.


    ?Dad, I beg you, forgive me, a stupid fool! You can ban me from cartoons, movies and games, just don¡¯t hold a grudge! I will never do this again, I swear!?


    Probably, almost any man would have sumbed to the charms of the pixie, because these words were uttered with the extremely convincing face of a crying kitten and the pitying tone of a sincerely repentant person. But these techniques did not seem to have any effect on Lovr at all.


    Meanwhile, Eve was gloriously happy. Dad does everything conscientiously, because how else can he make her stupid sister think about what she has done and be a better person?


    ?I-I¡¯ve learned how to use energy! I can protect you from the demons! Isn¡¯t that enough to forgive me? Dad, I beg you! Don¡¯t make your beautiful daughter cry any more!? ¨C Le continued to get hysterical.


    ?So, have you finally remembered how to use pure energy? Show me.? ¨C Kyon asked calmly,pletely ignoring the pixie¡¯s attempts to apologize.


    Le hastily pushed her sister away and said: ?Dad, look!? ¨C she belligerently raised her fist in the air. A light breeze blew, but clearly not from the blow of the brte. The girl blushed as red as a tomato. She wanted to show herself, but in the end she made an even bigger fool of herself!


    Eve snorted derisively, concentrated and hit in front of her. With a deafening pop, the shock wave went up and scattered a small white cloud on its way.


    ?Eve, you are so great!? ¨C Kyon eximed happily.


    ?And I also healed your stomach wound.? ¨C the girl added modestly, mainly in order to annoy the mischievous sister, as well as to brag to her dad.


    ?My little flower, your dad is so proud of you!? ¨C Lovr reached out to hug the girl, but at thest moment he restrained himself.


    ?It¡¯s all right, I¡¯m not afraid of your touch anymore!? ¨C Eve spread her arms, and the man gently wrapped her in his arms, like a precious crystal figurine. The girl¡¯s heart fluttered with a variety of warm feelings. For the first time since waking up, her dad hugs her, and it¡¯s indescribably pleasant. She never wanted to let him go.


    Le, watching from the side, froze as if rooted to the spot. Her dad is proud of her sister, but he is disappointed in her?! The girl¡¯s distress could cover the entire sky. She sobbed bitterly and ran away to the river with the speed of lightning.


    Kyon didn¡¯t even turn around, instead gently stroking Eve¡¯s head, which made her smile sweetly, crossing her arms behind her back. Now, knowing the true identities of the girls, he felt extremely strange: he stroked the head of the Virgin sect on the head, brought the head of the Dance sect to tears¡­ It seems that he crosses all limits of reason, and hell with them. It¡¯s toote to change anything.


    As it turned out a littleter, Eve, and therefore Le, finally remembered the main (and only) discharge of pure energy. Practitioners with the basic grade are a priori able to use energy for attack, defense, pressure and scanning. However, the girls also remembered the techniques of movement and sticking to the floor. If one was provoked by anger, the other was driven more by the instinct of self-preservation.


    But even so, Lovr doubted that they had at least a 30% chance of defeating the Empress of Rosarrio. Pure energy is good, but equipment, techniques and skills are also important. So, for example, the master (4) grade of ether will already give an advantage of 6 steps over an equal opponent, and if you use it to create some powerful technique¡­ In general, he did not n to overthrow the government, but in any other situation, the help of his daughters will be invaluable.


    An hourter Le returned with drying tears on her beautiful face. Meeting the man¡¯s angry look, she looked down guiltily, then raised her head with grim determination: ?What can I do to make you forgive me??


    Kyon looked at the girl for a long time, secretly enjoying her reaction.


    ?This can¡¯t go on forever. I already understood what a stupid thing I had done. I want to make it up to you. Tell me, what should I do?? ¨C she asked, wiping a single tear from her cheek.


    ?Reduce your development.? ¨C said Lovr.


    ?Reduce?? ¨C Le was surprised. ¨C ?But how?!?


    ?Feel your soul. Imagine it¡¯s moving away from you.?


    ?Moving away¡­ I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll try.? ¨C the girl sat down and closed her eyes.


    Eve did the same. She was curious to know what woulde of it.


    After 5 minutes, Kyon felt the practitioner of the lord¡¯s phase in front of him, and after 10 minutes ¨C the basic phaser. Le lowered her development as much as she could. Now she was almost no different from an ordinary person.


    When practitioners reduce their development, the toughness and physical strength of their body remains the same, however, for imperial phasers and higher, the possibilities expand. This happens because the connection with the soul undergoes qualitative changes, bing so close that with its help it is possible to reduce the development of the body. As for the 9th phase, it bes possible to even rejuvenate.


    It will still not be possible to take advantage of this and impose a subordinate formation, because the vital energy (immunity of the soul) has not gone anywhere.


    Le opened her bright eyes and stood up. She swayed awkwardly, surprised that she felt a slight difort in the muscles of her legs, stretched out her hands and looked at them in confusion, as if not believing that they belonged to her. Even the wind, which was always pleasant to the skin, began to seem piercingly cold.


    ?Did I do everything right?? ¨C the girl asked.


    ?Yes, and nowe to me to receive punishment.? ¨C Kyon ordered sternly.


    ?What punishment?!? ¨C Le was frightened, but she approached the man.


    ?You will understand now. And don¡¯t you dare return your development until I allow it!? ¨C Kyon pulled the girl by the hand, sat down and put her on hisp with her booty up.


    ?W-what are you going to do?!? ¨C the seriously frighteneddy screamed.


    When her dad lifted up her skirt, Eve¡¯s eyes widened to the size of a saucer, and her face blushed, because her sister did not wear panties, and her stic naked ass appeared to the man¡¯s gaze!


    ?A?!? ¨C Le was amazed, being inplete shock.


    ~pop~


    The sound of the palm touching the soft flesh echoed across the in.


    Before Le had time to realize what had happened, another p flew to her ass.


    ?AA-A-AA-A-AA!? ¨C the girl screamed, arching forward. ¨C ?You are hurting me!?


    ~pop~ ~pop~ ~pop~


    With a stony expression on his face, Kyon gave the nasty girl a thorough spanking.


    Eve covered her mouth with her hands, not believing her eyes.


    Le¡¯s butt immediately blushed, while its owner screamed as if she was being cut alive. Never before had the girl experienced such physical pain. Even when the demons tried to unhook her from themander, she didn¡¯t feel a tenth of what she felt now.


    ?Stop it, it hurts me!? ¨C she squealed deafeningly, pouring her beautiful scarlet face with tears and wagging her booty, as if it somehow helped her to cope with the pain.


    Only half a minuteter, Kyon stopped spanking the sufferer and let her go.


    Le jumped up and, holding her ass, ran around sobbing and howling. The ass was burning as if it was on fire, a waterfall of tears was spewing out of her eyes, andplete chaos was happening in her mind. She was spanked like a naughty little girl!


    Only a minuteter, the girl stopped running around. She gave her father a sob look, in which a variety of emotions merged: from anger and hatred to fear and submission.


    ?You received the punishment you deserve, now you can return to your original development. From now on, think before using your power, especially against your rtives.? ¨C Kyon concluded sternly, threatening with his palm.


    The practitioner of the superior phase threatens corporal punishment to the overlord phaser (9), if not higher¡­ This is so absurd and stupid that even a mentally ill person will twist his finger at his temple, and the heavens will burst out with mocking thunder and grind the joker into dust.


    Le opened and closed her mouth, but she couldn¡¯t utter a word out of frustration. There were so many emotions raging in her, and they were all very contradictory¡­ She regained her development and rushed off like a bullet to the river.


    ?Wow!? ¨C Eve breathed respectfully, impressed by her father¡¯s act. How tough he is when necessary! She wanted to put her arrogant sister in her ce, but the man was ahead of her.


    Kyon couldn¡¯t decide whether to cry orugh. On the one hand, he was incredibly happy to punish the asshole for an attempt on his precious life and at the same time release the indignation that had umted for all her jokes, but on the other hand, he spanked the naked ass of not just anyone, but the world-famous heroine and the head of the Dance sect! He spanked a proud dominatrix, known for her tendency to make servants of the most influential men of this world. If she returns the memory, it¡¯s hard to imagine how many parts he will be divided into.


    Five minutester, Le hurriedly returned to the in and shouted in an excited voice: ?The demons areing! Thirty-three invisible horned ones riding on birds!?


    ?Demons?!? ¨C Eve shuddered in horror.


    ?Just in time¡­? ¨C Kyon muttered, not knowing if he was lucky or not. Most likely the first, after all, the girls returned their abilities just today, but in fact, what kind of luck can one talk about, because the bounty hunters arrived four days earlier than the expected minimum!


    The first wave of demons reached Rosarrio in 45 days, the second ¨C in 32, and the third ¨C in 11 instead of the expected 15-20! There is no doubt that an elite squad of demons is approaching, riding on specially trained flying animals.


    ?Well, bunnies, let¡¯s show the horned ones a real hell!? ¨C Lovr smiled ominously.

 Chapter 443

    Chapter 443


    ?I will kill them all!? ¨C Le growled with the ferocity of a wild beast. After the recent spanking, she was so exasperated, and the horned ones appeared at the very moment when emotions most of all needed a way out.


    ?D-dad, I¡¯ll protect you.? ¨C said Eve, stammering excitedly.


    ?I don¡¯t think they will care about me. My little flower, your task is not to let the demons take off, and also try not to miss the bird on which themander will arrive. We need to get a new flying animal, the owl flew away¡­?


    ?Good.? ¨C Eve nodded.


    ?And you, honey, leave a few demons alive. I need to interrogate them.? ¨C Kyon said, for some reason not doubting that she was capable of murder, and added. ¨C ?And don¡¯t let on that you¡¯ve noticed them until they attack or start running away.?


    ?I¡­ Will try¡­? ¨C the girl said in a strangled voice, clenching her fists until her knuckles turned white.


    ?Have time to change¡­? ¨C with these words, Kyon threw their training tights and quickly went to the edge of the in, away from the future site of the massacre.


    ¡­


    A dozen birdsnded on the hills. The demons stepped on the ground. The squad was led by Fyodor, one of the best demon scouts in his family. He was distinguished by a brutal appearance, steel muscles, intimidating horns and a piercing gaze that could instantly suppress the will of any person. Being the sovereign phaser at the beginning stage (8), in Rosarrio, he felt like a tiger trampling on an anthill.


    The demon looked around the in and immediately noticed a huge cone-shaped funnel. The heart of the horned one missed a beat, because at least the practitioner of the overlord¡¯s phase is capable of creating such destruction (9)!


    A littleter, themander noticed a girl in the center of the in, standing with her back to him and slowly warming up: she reached up to her toes, then threw up her hands to the sky.


    Fyodor tensed up. Is it possible that she is the monster?! But soon he frowned thoughtfully. Too weird. If the girl were an overlord, she would easily notice thending of a dozen huge birds, even if hidden by technology. Moreover, the question arises: what is she doing in the miserable empire of the 6th rank? And why did she create this funnel? If she just wanted to kill someone, then why hit with all her might? Suddenly, a guess was born in the mind of the horned one: it seems that someone decided to frighten off the intruders with a non-existent threat.


    A tense silence hung over the thirty-three demons. They did not expect that they would experience something like this, having entered the territory of Rosarrio, where they are easily able to give battle to an entire army under themand of an experienced general.


    {?Commander, your instructions??} ¨C his deputy asked through a mental link.


    Fyodor, despite the almostplete certainty that someone is trying to deceive him, decided not to risk in vain: {?Saddle the birds. If she does not die, then flee. I¡¯ll meet you at Mount Tai.?} ¨C having finished, he created a spear of ck me in his hand. It looked truly impressive, and the eerie aura emanating from it made everyone shudder. Taking a step, the demon threw the spear, and it rushed towards the girl with a frightening howl at an elusive speed.


    With an icy gleam in her eyes, Le instantly turned around and grabbed the spear, stopping it in front of her at arm¡¯s length.


    ~puff~


    With a muffled p, a small, tender hand crushed the edge of the spear, suppressing all the colossal power of the sovereign phaser at the beginning stage contained in it. Only numerous fading tongues of ck me sttered the surroundings, turning the grass into jelly.


    The three dozen demons instantly turned pale, bulging their eyes in disbelief. The elite A-rank ¡°Spear of the Evil God¡± technique was crushed as if it was an annoying bug! What kind of wild monster did they meet?!


    ?Shit¡­ TAKE OFF!? ¨C Fyodor roared and was covered in cold sweat in an instant, however, turning around, he saw that an indistinct shadow scattered his soldiers, not allowing them to take off, thereby condemning them to imminent death.


    If Eve hadn¡¯t been ready to intercept, many demons would have managed to escape.


    ?Leave them to me! THEY ARE ALL MINE!? ¨C Le shouted recklessly, after which she quickly burst into a group of stunned demons and with special rapture hit the luckiest one really hard.


    ~POP~


    The body of the horned one turned not even into minced meat, but into a bloody cloud with rare clumps of flesh. Moreover, arge part of the hill turned into a meteor shower, sweeping away everything in its path for the next kilometers.


    ?A-AA-AA-A-AA!? ¡­ ?BO-O-OOM-MM¡­? ¡­ ?BITCH!? ¡­ ?STOP Me-e-eh¡­? ¨C the death cries and howls of the victims made everyone¡¯s blood run cold. The elite demon squad now looked like newborn bunnies in front of two hungry alpha wolves.


    Some soldiers tried to resist, but did not have a single opportunity to even aim at the monstrously fast girls. One of them, for example, used a massive water technique, for which he immediately lost his head.


    A devilish smile from the rapture of the battle did not leave Le¡¯s lips. Remembering how her father had recently spanked her, she enjoyed pouring out the umted resentment on the horned ones: some demons lost their hands, some ¨C their heads, and the chests of some demons were pierced through. Previously, she barely strangled the imperial phaser at the beginning stage, and now she mocks demons with impunity. Although each of them is much stronger than all the previous attackersbined! And, most importantly, they are enemies, which means that they can and should be killed without a twinge of conscience.


    Eve behaved more restrained: first she took themander¡¯s bird away from the scene of the massacre, so that it would not fly away from fright, then she came to finish off the demons suffering in death agony due to her sister¡¯s fault. But identally remembering how their predecessors had groped her, she angrily kicked one of the horned ones below the belt. It made him foam at the mouth.


    When Kyon went up to the ce of the bloodbath, he felt uneasy at the sight of the girlspletely smeared in blood. For a second, it even seemed to him that they had regained their memory, otherwise how could it be possible to behave so calmly after what they had done? But they hadn¡¯t.


    ?I¡¯m sorry, Dad, I couldn¡¯t resist¡­? ¨C looking down, Le muttered guiltily, lightly pressing the head of the squad leader into the stone with her foot. He¡¯s the only one who survived.


    ?Honey, hold his hands. My little flower, pour pure energy into him. This will block his ability to use the elements.?


    ?I got it.? ¡­ ?Okay.? ¨C the girls immediatelyplied with the order.


    Kyon looked into themander¡¯s red eyes and spoke in the dialect of his race: ?Name??


    ?Human pig, I won¡¯t tell you anything!? ¨C Fyodor spat out with contempt.


    ?It¡¯s not up to you to decide.? ¨C Kyon took out three needles. ¨C ?Did Lucius send you? Or Kara? Which family do you serve? I will give you five seconds to answer, after which I will hurt you very much.?


    {Dad speaks theirnguage!} ¨C the girls were surprised. Another pleasant surprise.


    ?Burn in hell, brat! For the master, for Persephone!? ¨C themander shouted with fanatical fire in his eyes.


    ?WAIT!? ¨C Kyon shouted, but the demon¡¯s gaze had already gone out. Immediate death. A suicidal formation triggered in his brain. It is activated by the power of thought (or by loss of consciousness). He had read something like that in books about elite demon scouting squads. As expected, it is not easy to extract information from them. However, he found out something. The demon said ¡°for the master¡±. If Lucius had been his master, he would have said ¨C ¡°for the sovereign¡±, and if Kara ¨C ¡°for the mistress¡±. But which master exactly did he mean?


    ?Is he dead?? ¨C Le was surprised and looked at Zosimos with fright. ¨C ?Ouch¡­?


    Lovr realized that even with a dozen prisoners, the result would have remained the same. However, why not take advantage of the situation? He nced angrily at the pixie and with an expression of the deepest disappointment on his face uttered: ?Le, dad is very¡­ very dissatisfied with you!?


    Le instantly made puppy eyes, stepping back and firmly holding her ass with her palms: ?Daddy, I¡¯m sorry¡­ I-I didn¡¯t do it on purpose¡­ I couldn¡¯t resist!?


    ?That¡¯s right, you could not resist! And I won¡¯t be able to resist now either!?


    ?Please don¡¯t! My butt is already numb!? ¨C retreating, the girlined tearfully, as if she hadpletely forgotten that she was a million times stronger than the man. However, what is the use of physical strength when psychologically she has already lost?


    Kyon was satisfied with the result of the spanking. He has consolidated his dominant position: Le instinctively puts him above herself, treats him with respect, so she is afraid to disobey him or get punished. Unfortunately, after a while, the effect will weaken, and she will start to be impudent again. If, after a one-time spanking, the child could be taught to obey once and for all, then the parents of the whole world would dance with happiness. Mentally, the pixie is already at least a teenager.


    ?As punishment, pluck nine keys from each demon and bring me!?


    ?Good!? ¨C Le was delighted and ran to collect the loot.


    {Rummaging through corpses is less unpleasant for her than being spanked¡­ There is definitely something wrong with this girl.} ¨C Kyon shook his head.


    ?What should I do?? ¨C Eve asked, looking around in disgust.


    Lovr pointed to the only flying animal that had not flown away, simr to a pterodactyl, which used to belong to themander, and asked to make friends with him: pet it and feed it fish by the river. Given the little fairy¡¯s ability to find amonnguage with animals, it should work. He also ordered her to remove all alien formations from the bird, if she senses any.


    When the girl somehow flew away, Kyon created a ¡°Sphere of annihtion¡± inside his stomach. The aura of time emanating from it entered the soul and resonated with the core of the Void, because of this, the force of gravity increased significantly¡­ The souls of in demons slowly floated to the source. He did the same on the previous wave of demons in order to absorb souls that are too ?heavy? to be absorbed by the core without this stimtion.


    ?Wow, what kind of feeling is this?!? ¨CLe was amazed, staring at the man. The supreme aura emanating from him evoked subconscious respect, as if an almighty emperor was standing next to her, albeit small and unremarkable in appearance, but undeniably great.


    ?Don¡¯t distract me and keep working with your hands. Then wash up.? ¨C ordered Kyon.


    The girl hesitated and continued to do her dirty work, sometimes looking at him with interest.


    Soon the core began to saturate. One soul¡­ the third one¡­ the tenth one¡­ 35%¡­ 55%¡­ 95%¡­ 100%! The most difficult condition for a unique body is fulfilled! He thanks Kara for the delicious treat. Where else could he find so many souls of the imperial phasers? He wasn¡¯t going to go to war¡­


    However, joy quickly gave way to dejection: Kyon absorbed only 28 souls out of 33, and the most developed of them was the imperial phaser at the 7th stage. This means that he could not absorb souls developed in more than 4 phases¡­ Would he have to give up the most delicious souls?


    Lovr was not going to give up until hepletely exhausted his strength. Greed is in his blood. Speaking of greed: Le has just put a bag of keys next to him, the total value of which is 10 times higher than all the keys stolen from the Feruzs treasury! Now he has enough keys for 62.5% soul enchantment at the highest level of durability. The remaining 37.5% will have to be bought through the Golden Pig guild. He has already agreed with Gusteau on a long-term purchase of keys from all over the world.


    After an hour, Kyon¡¯s energy was depleted. s, no matter what he tried, he could not absorb the remaining 5 developed souls, which is why they flew into the bowels of the earth.


    Opening his eyelids, Lovr found two washed and disguised girls sitting next to him in the lotus position with their eyes closed. They seemed to enjoy being near the source of an incredible supreme aura, like capybaras basking in the sun.


    When the aura went out, the girls looked at dad with unconscious respect.


    Kyon was pleased with the results of the day: he collected keys to increase from 12.5% enchantment to 62.5%; filled the core with souls from 30% to 100%, or even higher; got a magnificent flying beast of high rank; and also showed Le who is the boss!


    ?And now, girls, you go to ¡°The Garden of Eden¡± hotel, and dad still has a lot to do.?


    ?Are we going back to the hotel where we stayed before?!? ¨C Eve beamed.


    ?Yes, bunny. I won¡¯t need to hide from my employer anymore.? ¨C Kyon thought of Valeera. It¡¯s time to meet her, and before that he will take Edward.

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444


    After escaping from that ill-fated in, it took Edward two days to stumble upon the road, get to the nearest town, find a sound transmitter and call his acquaintances, since for some reason his grandfather was unavable.


    When he was told that some insane investigator named Dick Baker had destroyed an underground auction together with everyone present, the guy refused to believe what he had heard. But due to the fact that his grandfather did not answer calls all day, he had to believe in the cruel truth involuntarily.


    To say that Edward fell into a state of the deepest shock would be a significant understatement. Thest days in general seemed to him a feverish delirium: first, a monstrous beauty kidnapped him, then he almost lost the battle with a practitioner of the superior phase, and the death of his grandfather was thest nail in the coffin. This week couldn¡¯t be worse!


    The utterly dejected guy was currently halfway to Dantes. He does not have money and identity documents, but this will not prevent him from getting into the city, especially since one of his acquaintances is working at customs.


    Suddenly Edward felt as if the heavens had fallen on him. His eyes went dark, and before he lost consciousness, a thought shed through his head: {Really¡­ Again¡­}


    Kyon tracked down the fugitive using the tracking formations he had previously imposed. Then Le neutralized him with pressure, and she also wanted to break a couple of bones for him just in case, but the man¡¯s stern gaze dampened her ardor.


    With a sleeping and severely crippled living cargo, Lovr got into the city, using the same document with which he had previously left it.


    The daughters returned to ¡°The Garden of Eden¡± hotel, and Kyon, putting himself in order, went to the headquarters. For over a week he ignored Valeera¡¯s calls for today¡¯s surprise. He was looking forward to the girl¡¯s reaction.


    Once at the headquarters, Lovr did not find the head of the n there, so he called her and invited her to meet.


    After 5 minutes, the air seemed to be 5 degrees colder.


    The door was opened by a girl of incredible beauty, graceful as a ck rose and cold as millennial ice. She instantly appeared next to the man and, piercing him with her long unblinking ck gaze, said: ?What does this mean?!?


    ?Hello, Lady. I am d to see you are in good health.? ¨C Kyon said calmly.


    ?Where have you been? Why didn¡¯t you answer my calls for so many days? Why did you leave your hotel room and disperse the n formation?!? ¨C asked Valeera in the tone of a boss, scolding a negligent subordinate.


    Since herst meeting with Zosimos, she had been thinking about many things. The thought that the man left the n, because he no longer saw any prospects for making money in it, seemed especially painful. He doesn¡¯t need an outcast n.


    Kyon didn¡¯t like being spoken to in that tone, but he was well aware of how painful a nine-day silence with the disappearance preceding it could be, especially in this case.


    ?Do you remember, I said that I would definitely help you, but before that I would disappear for a couple of weeks??


    ?Yes, but you didn¡¯t say what kind of help you meant¡­ Wait¡­ No, it couldn¡¯t have been you, right?!? ¨C Valeera¡¯s eyes widened with a sudden guess. She thought about it a lot, but in the end decided that it was simply impossible.


    ?Exactly. It was I who destroyed the underground auction. The heads of the seven ns and their closest subordinates are either dead or are in prison only thanks to me.?


    Every next word struck the girl more and more, but soon skepticism took its toll, followed by distrust and anger. However, remembering how much the man had done for her and what he risked, she hesitated: ?No¡­ Impossible¡­ Zosimos, you¡¯re not going to lie to me, are you? I heard that it was done by a high-ranking investigator Dick Baker¡­?


    ?Has someone appropriated my merits? Well, I¡¯m not surprised.?


    The girl looked at the man for a long time, as if trying to understand if he was joking.


    ?I understand your doubts. Let me dispel them.? ¨C Kyon made an inviting gesture and left the room.


    Valeera followed Zosimos. As soon as she went into another room of the headquarters, her eyes widened, and her mouth opened in amazement: she saw Edward tied up asleep! The whole range of negative emotions instantly appeared in the n head¡¯s gaze ¨C from anger to hatred. Thirst for blood filled the room, making it difficult to breathe.


    The girl rubbed her face with her palms to calm down, then looked intently at Zosimos and said in a voice as quiet as the first snow: ?So was it you who destroyed my enemies??


    Kyon smiled affectionately and almost stroked the girl¡¯s cheek, but came to his senses in time and instead scratched his bald head awkwardly: ?For the sake of the n, I¡¯ll do anything, hehe¡­? ¨C he decided to hide his motives for a reason. Even when he saved her from the clutches of Edward, he exined his action by principles and selfishness. There are several reasons for this: he does not want to arouse suspicion that he is repaying the debt to her, and she should not think that he is courting her, trying to win her heart in this way.


    ?B-but how?! How could you do that on your own?!? ¨C Valeera¡¯s eyes gleamed feverishly. It seemed to her that she was sleeping, and she was having a wonderful sweet dream, but after the death of her parents, she did not see anything in her dreams at all.


    ?The dwarfs helped me. It turns out that they had connections with the organizers of the underground auction, which I took advantage of. Then I took explosives, a lot of explosives, and remotely blew up the auction to hell!?


    Valeera could hardlyprehend what she had heard, but she still understood that this was possible, because she had tested explosives on her bitter experience. It turns out that Zosimos almost single-handedly destroyed all seven ns?! He killed all her enemies, and even brought the most hated one for revenge?!


    Anticipating the looming question, Kyon added: ?As for this fool, I lured him to the toilet, put him to sleep with soporific sprayed in the air, and stole him. He has to pay a higher price for his sins: for invading our territory, attacking the warehouse, ndering you and almost raping you. Do you agree??


    Valeera¡¯s eyshes trembled subtly. She nodded unconsciously.


    Kyon fed the prisoner a pill and approached the girl with the words: ?If anyone should take his rotten life, it¡¯s only you. Take revenge on him, mydy. He ispletely at your disposal.? ¨C having finished, he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms on his chest.


    After a few seconds, Edward opened his eyes. Recent life events helped him recover quickly. So cold¡­ The frost seemed to chill to the bone. He is in a dark spacious room. At the door there is an elegant female figure dressed all in ck, at the sight of which the blood ran cold.


    ?Arpha?!? ¨C Edward shouted in horror.


    In one step, Valeera was next to the prisoner and held a dagger to his throat.


    The guy took his breath away. He instantly turned white and shook with fear: ?W-w-wait!? ¨C his whole life flew before his eyes. Under such circumstances, he wanted to meet with Arpha even less than with the Empress of Rosarrio.


    Valeera said nothing, but she was in no hurry to kill the bastard. She began to act only when panicpletely engulfed his heart, and he seemed about to lose consciousness.


    ~whoosh~ ~plop~


    With a lightning-fast swing of the dagger, a piece of flesh the size of a child¡¯s fist, half wrapped in the fabric of his pants,nded on the floor. Blood immediately spread from it, and the testicles fell out. A shrill scream filled the room.


    ?AA-A-AA-AA-AA-AA!? ¨C Edward screamed like a madman.


    ?This is for trying to **** me.? ¨C Valeera whispered in a colorless tone.


    For an endless minute, the guy writhed in agony, until his head was slowly cut off to heartbreaking gurgling sounds and moans. A mask of horror and regret froze on his face. Doing nasty things to Arpha, he did not even think about the possible consequences.


    Once, Dina, in pursuit of revenge, even managed to dance a striptease to the offender, after which the poor thing was almost fucked, but the goddess saved her in time. Valeera, as befits a professional killer, did not y with the victim, but did everything without further ado.


    For the first time in her life, Weber took serious revenge on someone, and this unforgettable sweet feeling intoxicated her mind, especially considering that there is very little pleasure in her life. She decided that if next time she had such an opportunity, she would not rush, but would enjoy this feeling to her heart¡¯s content. Otherwise, what is the point of revenge at all?


    Watching the execution, Kyon had a tickle in his throat, and everything shrank down below, because he could be in Edward¡¯s ce if he somehow gave away his real identity. Considering how much pain he brought to the girl, it is hardly possible that she will just forgive him.


    {No¡­ When I finish with what I have nned, she will be obliged to forgive me, otherwise I will umte a grudge.} ¨C Lovr convinced himself. He has already repaid at least half of the debt. At least by the case in the warehouse. If he hadn¡¯t activated the silent rm, Valeera would have already been turned into a limp sex toy. The same applies to the rescue after the meeting of the heads of ns.


    The man and the girl silently returned to the main room.


    ?Thank you.? ¨C the girl whispered affectionately, looking gratefully at the pot-bellied hero.


    Kyon changed the subject: ?Now your enemies andpetitors are dead. There is not a single worthy predator left in the whole meadow with sheep. Now nothing will prevent you from making your n a reality: to lead the entire criminal world of the capital. Are you ready for this??


    ?Yes?, ¨C Valeera nodded decisively. ¨C ?And you will help me with this.?


    ?In this case, we will capture the city together. I will be your¡­?, ¨C Kyon almost blurted out ¡°ck king¡±, which would have given him away. ¨C ?Your right hand. I will help you build a megan: find trusted people, subdue all criminal structures, organize, modernize and optimize all the cogs in this mechanism, multiplying ie. But in exchange, I want only three conditions to be fulfilled: firstly, we will discuss all important decisions together, respecting each other¡¯s opinions; secondly, if I strongly disagree with something, then either we act as I say, or we are looking for apromise; thirdly, I will receive exactly half of the profit. Believe me, I am worth this money, you will quickly make sure of this¡­?


    ?Zosimos!? ¨C the head of the n eximed in shock. She could understand and ept the first two conditions, but the third one waspletely absurd! The only person she trusts now is asking as much as half of the profit for cooperation! Even one-fourth of the future ie is too much! How could he demand such a thing from her?!


    ?My words are final and they will not change.? ¨C Kyon replied firmly.


    ?Zosimos, how can you ask for so much?!? ¨C Valeera was indignant. ¨C ?I am an experienced n head, and you are just a former merchant, besides, not a very sessful one!?


    ?I repeat: the results will not disappoint you, otherwise I won¡¯t take the money. You are not risking anything. If you don¡¯t trust me and think that you don¡¯t need a pot-bellied merchant, then start creating your great n alone. Think carefully about my offer. I give you three days to think.?


    Valeera opened her mouth in confusion, staring at the determined man. Is he made of steel? How can he be so proud if he ran his own trading business at a loss?!


    When Zosimos turned around, the head of the n stopped him, coldly saying: ?Wait! Let¡¯s discuss everything now. I want to understand why you decided you were worth half the profit. This is too much even for the right hand. And I have many other questions¡­?


    Kyon responded very calmly, as if it was about what to cook for breakfast: ?I don¡¯t want to try to convince you of anything. In my opinion, everything that I have done for you so far speaks for itself. The decision is up to you alone. As for everything else, I have already said that I will not go into details.?


    Valeera couldn¡¯t believe that he was talking to her in such a tone, and she didn¡¯t even have the moral right to demand respectful treatment. Moreover, she felt that if she continued to push, she would spoil the already established rtions with him.


    ¡°To spoil rtions with a subordinate¡± ¨C sounds extremely silly, especially considering that she is an authoritative head of the n with outstanding abilities and immeasurable potential. However, for some time now, the girl began to care about Zosimos¡¯ opinion. But why? Three days should be enough to sort out her feelings, and at the same time make a decision regarding such an impudent offer.


    Having withstood another gaze of the head of the n, Lovr silently turned around and left. It¡¯s time to meet a person that only a select few know about in the empire.

 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445


    After leaving the headquarters, Kyon teleported to a clone located two kilometers away, in a rented room. Thus, the young man ruled out the possibility of surveince by Valeera. After changing his appearance, he went to the department, on the way to which he kept hearing the townspeople talking about Dick Baker and his recent feat.


    Three days ago, after a loud explosion, many citizens demanded answers from the authorities, and the very next evening they received them: high in the sky, exactly on schedule, a wide news screen appeared, where the residents of Dantes were told that the explosion was a targeted strike at an underground auction. As a result of the operation, the heads of seven ns, their closest assistants and more than two hundred criminal leaders of the capital were liquidated. Dick Baker is responsible for this brilliant n.


    In one day, an unknown investigator of the 3rd rank turned into a real star, against which there was not even a shadow left of ¡°Demon Huntress¡±.


    Everything was so serious that Kyon even noticed a fight on the way to the department, where a man shouting ¨C ?Don¡¯t talk about Bulkov like that, you bastard!? ¨C was beating a thin boy. And some youngdies enthusiastically told each other how handsome Dick was: ?Didn¡¯t you see him? Oh, I feel sorry for you¡­ But I saw him!?


    Soon, Kyon entered the department, got into the toilet, transformed into Dick and headed to the investigation department, where he was immediately greeted with a deafening shout.


    ?DICK BAKER IS IN THE BUILDING!?


    ?Did hee?!? ¡­ ?Let me look at him!? ¡­ ?Make way!? ¨C the crowd of investigators rushed to the entrance, where they immediately surrounded a fat, ugly young man. All of them silently stared at him with shining eyes, as if he was a mythical creature.


    ?Hello.? ¨C Kyon said modestly with a wave of his hand.


    A seasoned investigator stepped forward and firmly shook Dick¡¯s hand: ?On behalf of all the investigators, I want to express my gratitude for the destruction of this damned auction together with all the viins who visited it! You alone have done more than any of us in a lifetime! Boy, even my children won¡¯t forget your feat¡­ BRAVO!?


    Apuse was heard, but not everyone joined in honoring the hero, and those who still pped, did it without much enthusiasm. The reason for this behavior is simple: many doubted, some did not believe at all, and the rest envied the incredible sess of some kid who got into the department through connections.


    ?Dick, buddy, tell me how you did it?!? ¡­ ?Share the secret of your sess!? ¡­ ?Did you really work alone?! Is it possible to do this alone?!? ¨C these and dozens of other questions rained down from all sides.


    When Kyon began to doubt that carbon skin would keep him from being torn apart by a fanatical crowd, the head of the department, Mn Valentine, pulled him by the hand.


    In the office, the boss took a breath, turned around and stared at the fat man with a mixture of thoughtfulness and confusion on his face. Usually a cold-blooded rational man could not remain calm next to this nasty youngster: ?Dick¡­ Where the hell were you?! Do you even know how many times I called you, fatty?!? ¨C a hundred times. That¡¯s how many times Mn called Dick since theirst meeting.


    ?Sorry, boss. There were urgent matters. What did I miss?? ¨C Kyon quickly changed the subject.


    ?So many things happened¡­ But all this pales before the invitation, which I was asked to give you personally!? ¨C he held out a note with a wax seal of the Russells.


    It took Kyon¡¯s breath away. He knew that he would receive at least one invitation, but hepletely overlooked the fact that the bloody empress might want to meet him! Lanatelle has too high demands for the guests she invites to her house, but what could prevent the 0th general from telling her everything about the messenger of the goddess working in the department?..


    However, the worries turned out to be useless, since the head of the department wished to meet, and none other than Mn should bring the guest to him.


    ?You know, you are very lucky, because even I had the opportunity to meet with the head of the department only three times. He is not the kind of person who shows up in public and wastes time on unnecessary meetings. He always acts from the shadows. Since you received his invitation, you can be sure that you are worth something in this world, hehe!?


    ?What should I expect from this meeting?? ¨C Kyon asked warily.


    Mn frowned thoughtfully: ?Hmm¡­ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst!?


    ?I understand.? ¨C if after 3 meetings Mn did not understand who he was dealing with, then he can conclude that the head of the department is not an easy person.


    The bespectacled man said impatiently: ?Okay, we¡¯ll have time to talk more. Follow me.?


    Kyon, apanied by Mn, entered the elevator. The head of the department attached the formation, and the mechanism brought them to the underground floors. The first basement floor is intended for prisoners who havemitted crimes of moderate severity and are awaiting sentencing. The second one is for especially dangerous criminals, including Isaac and Diego. And only now he found out that there is also the third floor.


    A bright white corridor stretched ahead. It resembled a hospital hallway, with dozens of doors on each side. Not a soul around. It seemed so quiet that it was even frightening. Suddenly, a masked man dressed in ck seemed to materialize at the exit of the elevator.


    {I know him!} ¨C Kyon instantly remembered the illusory world where Valeera¡¯s parents were killed. People in such clothes and masks attacked the Webers. Now all doubts that the head of the department is the 0th general have disappeared.


    ?I can¡¯t go further. Good luck, kid.? ¨C Mn winked and left in the elevator.


    Kyon sighed, held out the invitation letter and allowed himself to be searched. The ring, specially put on for show, was removed from him, and another masked man escorted him to the farthest office, belonging, obviously, to the head of the department.


    In a well-lit room, Lovr met a man sitting at a table. Tall, taut, tousled ck hair and short chin stubble. His type of appearance can be found everywhere, which cannot be said about his eyes¡­ Kyon felt a strange reaction in his body due to the look of his gray eyes. Contrary to all thews of cirction, the blood in the veins first elerated its flow, then slowed down, barely noticeably fluctuating, like an rmed animal scenting a predator.


    Walking to the center of the office, Kyon spoke with a respectful bow: ?It is a great honor for me to meet you, sir¡­ zero general.?


    The man smiled only with his eyes, without changing his impassive expression, as if he wasn¡¯t surprised at all, and spoke in a pleasant-sounding baritone: ?You were in no hurry to meet me, Kyon Stone.?


    ?Don¡¯t take my tardiness as disrespect. I just received the invitation, and before that I was very busy and could not take the sound transmitter.?


    ?You perfectly understand what I mean. After the tournament of families, you did not ept my offer because you decided not to take risks, and your actions are quite reasonable and justified, however¡­?


    {So he was Fernand Russell!} ¨C Kyon understood.


    ?¡­but why did you stay so long in Cernos? I really want to know what made the ambitious messenger of the goddess spend so many months in this provincial school. Or maybe you were waiting for my invitation??


    {Waiting for his invitation? Stop¡­ Really¡­} ¨C the man¡¯sst phrase made it clear to Kyon that he still received the invitation, but lost sight of it for objective reasons. He immediately found it strange that the main award at the forest tournament was the high-quality medicine of the ¡°Scarlet meteor¡± breakthrough, which appears once every 100 years. This ¡°gift¡± meant that the 0th was ready to cooperate. However, in order to take it, he had to pass the test, that¡¯s why all the tournament formations were forged. That is why the participants ran to Dick Baker like moths to mes.


    The realization of this fact shocked Lovr, because, judging sensibly, it is absolutely impossible to predict and calcte that the messenger of the goddess with his low development of soul will take part in the tournament, be able to fight off the hordes of noble phasers and lord phasers, single-handedly pull Cernos to the first position and take the award!


    One can neglect the probability of a sessful confluence of all these facts, which is why Kyon rejected the idea that the medicine of the ¡°Scarlet meteor¡± was an invitation. No, of course, the zero general could not have foreseen all this. Most likely, he had prepared in advance, just in case, and it all just coincided in the most sessful way.


    Kyon unwittingly felt respect for the interlocutor. People with such a high strategic intelligence in the world of power can be counted on one hand. In his thousand-year simtion, he has acquired a great art of understanding such opponents and he knows that they are not to be trifled with. He needs to be extremely careful. Now the man is obviously probing the limits of the abilities of the messenger of the goddess.


    Thanks to Synergy, all these thoughtssted no more than a moment, after which Kyung calmly replied: ?So did you do it? I¡¯m impressed. This is to be expected from such an amazing personality! In fact, I guessed about it, but rejected this idea due to its improbability. As for my long stay in Cernos, I wanted to raise my development a little. As you can see, since the tournament of families, I have managed to ovee one phase.?


    The man frowned thoughtfully: ?Hmm¡­ As far as I know, at the Stones party you were a basic phaser at the seventh stage, and two monthster, at the tournament of families, you took the seventh stage of the advanced phase. How did it happen that in the past two months were enough for you to ovee the phase, and now it took more than a year??


    ?It looks like I¡¯m not as talented as I would like.? ¨C Kyon shrugged his shoulders with regret in his voice. It is very beneficial for him to underestimate his monstrous talent in the eyes of the 0th general, while he does not deceive him, because he is really a superior phaser at the 7th stage. And, obviously, the messenger of the goddess would not deliberately train at half strength for such a trick.


    However, even the great geniuses of Rosarrio would hardly have had enough time to repeat such a feat, therefore, in the eyes of the interlocutor, Lovr just jumped from the category of ¡°monster¡± to the category of ¡°great genius¡±. In the future, this can be a solid trump card.


    ?I see. Before moving on, would you mind if I ask a few personal questions?? ¨C although the man¡¯s words and tone sounded polite, it was not difficult to guess that the young man was facing a real interrogation, which could not be avoided in any way.


    ?Sure. Ask about anything, sir.? ¨C Lovr smiled kindly. It was hard for him to keep his cool in such a stuffy environment. Perhaps any young man in his ce would now shrink into a ball of fear.


    ?Who are you?? ¨C the 0th general asked coldly.


    ?Could you rify the question?? ¨C Kyon asked to avoid misunderstandings.


    ?I know that you are the adopted son of poor parents, and that you all were put in the mines. I wonder who your real parents are. How do you know such sophisticated and advanced technologies, high-ranking techniques and other knowledge??


    {As expected, he knows a lot about me.} ¨C Kyon thought, and shook his head dejectedly. ¨C ?I do not know the exact answer, but I have a theory: my mom is probably a goddess. Before giving the child to foster parents, she left him a legacy as a gift. It can only be awakened by being on the verge of death.?


    ?Thest thing I remember before waking up ¨C and I remember it vaguely ¨C is that I got lost in a damp cave and was dying of dehydration, and then my head seemed to be splitting¡­ Soon I woke up in a hospital as apletely different person, and then I began to clearly realize where to move and how to act as if the heavens illuminated my path. A stream of various knowledge and skills flowed through the mind. It was so powerful that itpletely changed my previously unremarkable personality. It turned me from a closed and insecure child into the real me.?


    Lowering his chin on his interlocked fingers, the 0th general looked thoughtfully at the fat man and soon said in a colorless tone: ?It is known from reliable sources that many hundreds of years ago a small family of aristocrats stumbled upon ancient catbs in the mountains. They converted them into mines, founded an estate nearby and called themselves the Stones. Obviously, in addition to mining, the Stones were looking for an ancient legacy there, because there was a big chance that it could really be there. They never found him. But you, Kyon, did it.?


    A mortal threat was hidden behind the man¡¯s calm intonation, and even his gray gaze seemed silver, which made Lovr¡¯s blood seem to be tightening with fear, but he answered without a bit of excitement: ?A good version. It has the right to exist. I don¡¯t remember anything anyway. And what kind of legacy can it be, let¡¯s say an artifact that also grants an innate unique body? And it also changes thebat skills and character¡­ In general, I doubt it.? ¨C he yed a neutral position, that is, he did not try to somehow justify all the events that were happening to him, he wanted to solve the riddle of his own personality together with an intelligent person opposite. Thus, he tried to avoid a serious attack.


    The zero general looked at the fat man appraisingly for a long time, as if trying to catch him in a lie, but eventually shook his head and moved on to the next question: ?In that case, tell me: the blonde girl with whom you lived and slept in Cernos, who is she??


    Kyon tensed up inwardly. Does he know something about Triana?!

 Chapter 446

    Chapter 446


    ?Are you talking about Triana? I got her from the Golden Pig guild for temporary service. I must admit, these merchants know a lot about good gifts: they can give you a reusable attacking formation, or a beautiful girl and a bodyguard at the same time. They bought my favor, which they use now: I cooperate with them.?


    Kyon¡¯s words confirmed themselves: it is known that Triana wore the Bakers¡¯ formation, many people can confirm this, and the Bakers are the hidden owners of the Golden Pig guild. The zero general surely knows about this. He also managed to anticipate the next possible question about how exactly he defeated all the participants of the forest tournament alone.


    The head of the department trusted the investigation of the Hunters (3), because they know better than anyone in the empire how to track down the supreme beast, but until now he had vague doubts.


    The man¡¯s gaze, as expected, softened, and he continued his interrogation: ?How could you escape from the underground auction a second before the explosion??


    ?I wasn¡¯t there.? ¨C with these words, Kyon created a clone next to him from pure energy, ether and spatial attribute. He exactly repeated the figure of the creator, emitted his aura and could even imitate a voice, but once you scan him, it bes clear that he is a clone, because he is hollow inside.


    Lovr purposely did not want to show his real clone and reveal his ability to teleport to him. To reveal such a trump card would be the height of stupidity.


    ?Any more questions?? ¨C the clone asked in a slightly distorted voice of a young man and dispersed.


    The man shook his head: ?There are a lot of nk spots in your answers, Kyon, but as a gesture of goodwill and gratitude for the destruction of the seven ns, I will not forcibly reveal your secrets. The same goes for the money you raised in the underground auction. Keep in mind, if your actions do not ovep with the interests of the empire, I do not mind.?


    The zero general adhered to a simple and effective principle: I either control, or cooperate, or eliminate. It is impossible to control the messenger of the goddess, which means that there are two options left. Since Kyon has been trying his best to prove his usefulness to the empire and willingness to cooperate over the past year, killing him is stupid and unprofitable, at least for now, as long as he does not pose a danger. He chose the only right strategy.


    A heavy stone fell from Kyon¡¯s soul. It doesn¡¯t seem to be a full-fledged interrogation, but it tickled his nerves as if an arrow flew past his temple. If the zero general had found out, for example, that Triana was a white tiger that was being chased by the Hunters, a catastrophe would have happened.


    ?Where do we start our cooperation?? ¨C Lovr asked in a businesslike manner.


    ?Do not rush.? ¨C the zero general raised his palm. ¨C ?Over the past year, you have really brought great benefits to the empire: you have rid the Iron Throne of demons, donated firearms to the army, and three days ago you havepletely rid Dantes of the lion¡¯s share of garbage. However, this is not enough for me to make sure that in the future you will not turn against us for personal gain. Let¡¯s do a little oral test. Are you ready??


    ?Test?? ¨C slightly surprised, Kyon nodded. ¨C ?Wait, what do you mean ¡°turn against you for personal gain¡±? I do not abandon myrades for easy gain¡­ Those are my principles!?


    ?The test will contain tasks rted not only to this. Are you ready??


    ?I¡¯m ready.? ¨C Kyon nodded.


    ?Great. Answer as quickly as possible. I¡¯m starting. Whose life do you think is more important: a Rosarrian or three Saturnians of the same position in society??


    ?If there is only one option to choose from, the three people¡¯s lives are more important than one.? ¨C Kyon immediately replied.


    ?Who will you give preference to: ten lives of poor hardworking men or one person with a surname who gives them a job?? ¨C the 0th general continued coldly.


    Kyon spent the next ten minutes answering ethically awkward questions. Admittedly, this method of studying personality is not bad, although it is too straightforward. Instead of having many hours of conversation, collecting the personality of the interlocutor piece by piece, the man asks about the main things, clearly wanting to find out what the life orientations of the messenger of the goddess are, whether he is a patriot, whether he is inclined to lie and much, much more in the same spirit. Of course, the entire conversation is recorded.


    ?And thest question: what is your purpose in life? You can take your time with the answer.?


    Kyon thought deeply. Should I tell him that he ns to be the emperor of the world? Too risky. They can eliminate him now or in the future when they feel threatened. To bring good to the world? Even a child wouldn¡¯t believe such nonsense. Pretty women and expensive booze? It¡¯s a good option, but where is his harem of beauties then?..


    Havinge up with the answer, Lovr said with calm confidence: ?I am driven by fate. They say that heavenly geniuses who possess five elements change history, then what awaits the owner of all nine elements? Without a doubt, grandiose aplishments and feats. Maybe I will destroy demons and supreme beasts. I do not know. I am still too young.?


    The zero general shook his head: ?Fate leads everything to the benefit of those whom it protects. In world history, there are enough heavenly geniuses with a great destiny, but they created it themselves with constant hard work, and it favored them. If you are the darling of fate, you will be the most dangerous enemy and the best ally. You will make your way, and everyone who gets in your way will be trampled.?


    ?I have to agree with you.? ¨C Kyon shrugged.


    ?The question remains open: what motivates you?? ¨C the man repeated insistently.


    ?I want to challenge the sky.?


    The eyebrows of the 0th general raised questioningly.


    ?Don¡¯t get me wrong. I do not want to wreak havoc and destruction, my goal is the path to the unattainable and boundless sky. We live only when we move; we get pleasure not from achieving the goal, but from the sessful path to it. Achieving the goal gives only a short burst of satisfaction, after which only the decay of meaningless existence remains.?


    ?So you just want to have some fun?? ¨C the 0th general summed up.


    ?I want to live my life as brightly as possible.? ¨C said Kyon.


    ?Judging by the test, your moralpass deserves respect, but if you give in to your impulsiveness more and more often, you will quickly lose everything human and turn into a greedy creature.?


    ?My principles are above my desires. A person without principles and concepts quickly ceases to act like a human being when power over other people¡¯s destinies falls into his hands.?


    ?What principles are you talking about, youth? What principles are you talking about, youth? You killed several members of your family, ckmailed them for arge sum, robbed the whole kingdom with insane bets on the victory of the Stones, mocked the students of Cernos for no reason, and even killed Prince Charles! You look more like an inveterate viin than what you think you are.?


    Kyon disagreed: ?On the surface, this is true, but let¡¯s look at the situation from all sides. I only killed those who tried to kill me. I robbed those who wanted easy money or owed me.?


    {Or in debt.} ¨C he mentally added and continued. ¨C ?Even during the explosion of the underground auction, my people took civilians away from the epicenter to minimize the number of victims. Having lived almost all my life as a beggar, I learned a lot about the world and the value of human lives. I always repay my debts and try to do without unnecessary violence. These are my principles, and I¡¯m not going to break them until I die!?


    The 0th general smiled rapaciously because of the fervent words of the messenger of the goddess: ?Fiery speech, young man! Your blood¡­ seems to be boiling with passion! You have so much energy of youth¡­?


    A herd of cold goosebumps ran down the back of Kyon¡¯s head, and the blood seemed to freeze. The man¡¯s intonation and facial expression made him look like a real maniac. Usually cold-blooded, now he suddenly showed such a sudden burst of emotion¡­


    ?I have answered your questions, and now tell me: are you ready to cooperate with me??


    ?What do you mean by cooperation?? ¨C the man asked, resting his chin on his fingers. His gray eyes seemed to look at the interlocutor in a different way.


    ?Joint business management. Some tasks. I can help with economic, social and even strategic ns. Believe me, my knowledge will surprise you. Or, perhaps, you are interested in making me stronger, and then in the future I will definitely repay the debt tenfold. Or maybe you will somehow connect me with¡­ with the great bloody empress, for example, and make me her disciple¡­?


    ?I¡¯m afraid she will eat you.? ¨C the zero general grinned. ¨C Do not think about it. The only important thing is that you have not yet proved to me that you are worthy of bing a representative of the Russells ¨C someone for whom the empire will not spare colossal resources and who can be fully trusted.?


    ?Trust can be earned only by deed. Then check me out.? ¨C Kyon demanded.


    ?What enthusiasm¡­? ¨C the man muttered, closing his eyes for a second. ¨C ?Good. The condition is as follows: you will rise to the imperial investigator of the first rank. As soon as you cope with this, I will give the empress such audatory rmendation about you that you will instantly be her direct disciple, which, by the way, she has never had before. You will be the first one. Your authority in the empire will be second only to me and the master.?


    ?The first rank?? ¨C Kyon repeated.


    ?And by the way, for the destruction of the underground auction, from now on you are the investigator of the second rank. My congrattions.? ¨C he patted the fat man on the shoulder with a heavy palm.


    The value of the imperial investigator of the 2nd rank is more than 10 times higher than that of the 3rd rank. Such people are treated no worse than elders from the top ten families. This can only be achieved by the best investigators, besides, as a rule, with a high origin.


    The investigator of the 2nd rank can dispose of 3 investigators of the 3rd rank, 10 royal phasers, 3 of which are at the finishing stage, and 30 lord phasers. The investigator of the 2nd rank has a whole squad of powerful practitioners.


    Also, the investigator of the 2nd rank gets ess to the archive with documents of special importance. Kyon wanted to get there to do the same thing he did in Boston: he ckmailed the first 10 families for evading taxes.


    However, his target is the 1st rank investigator like Mn. Such a person has a huge influence in Dantes. No one will dare to cross his path, by no means, everyone is trying to establish rtions with him and give gifts.


    But Kyon, having received the first rank, will be a direct disciple of the bloody empress. His status will increase so much that the investigator of the 1st rank inparison with him will be like a bastard prince in front of the king, that is, someone almost insignificant.


    ?Thank you very much. Mr. Zero General, may I ask you not to put any espionage functions inside the formation in order to spy on me??


    ?I will respect your privacy.? ¨C he agreed.


    ?Thanks! And also¡­ how do I get the first rank? Maybe I¡¯m rushing things, but if the goal is clear, then motivation will increase.?


    ?Considering the recent destruction of the underground auction, I am ready to promote you immediately if you destroy thest shadow n. With your talents, it shouldn¡¯t take long. In a month you will take the oath of allegiance of a direct disciple to the bloody empress in front of the great guests.? ¨C the man assured him.


    {Destroy Valeera¡¯s n?!} ¨C although Kyon¡¯s face did not flinch, he was overwhelmed by a storm of emotions. Again, his personal gain gets in the way of this girl. Fate seems to mock the man with his ?amazing? uck and, ordingly, continues to try to exterminate thest member of the Weber family.


    Even if Lovr hadn¡¯t offered Valeera a deal today, he still wouldn¡¯t have betrayed her. He felt sick at the very thought of repeating the story of their first meeting in Boston again, and then handing the unfortunate girl over to the zero general (otherwise how else to fulfill the condition), whomanded the destruction of her family¡­ This will not happen. The girl has suffered enough in her life.


    The motive of the 0th general is also very clear: he wants to prevent the emergence of a megan. Since the messenger of the goddess has alreadypleted all the cases of the ¡°S¡± rank, except for one, why not offer the promotion and put forward a simple condition: close thest case?


    As a result, for Kyon, everything is going, as usual, not in the best way. A request to get the promotion in another way will seem damn suspicious to his interlocutor. But theck of results for many months will also ruin trust. Are there any other options? No, there aren¡¯t any. Roughly speaking, he will have to pretend that he is trying to solve the case, and in the futuree up and say that the head of the Silent Horror n is too good even for him, please give me another chance with another task¡­


    ?Deal. You¡¯ll see, I¡¯ll do it in the blink of an eye.? ¨C with a confident smile on his lips, Kyon said, shaking the interlocutor¡¯s hand.


    ?Let¡¯s hope.? ¨C the head of the department replied in a frightening whisper.


    Lovr left the office with mixed feelings. The meeting with the 0th general was not as pleasant and smooth as he would like. Such people are the hardest to deal with. They can have all the information, but deliberately provoke a lie, driving someone into a dead end from which no one can get outter. Also, in each of their words and actions, several non-obvious motives may be hidden, and the interlocutor tells everything about himself, without suspecting it. Also his strange reaction¡­ And the smell¡­ The man smells of blood. He is very dangerous and unpredictable, like some kind of psychopathic killer. He can only hope that one day his head will not be cut off through his fault.


    When the messenger of the goddess left, the zero general sighed with relief and wiped off the sweat on his forehead: ?This smell¡­ I¡¯ve never felt so thirsty before¡­?

 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447


    After leaving the zero general¡¯s office, Kyon first went to the formacist. There, the old formation was removed and a new one of the 2nd rank imperial investigator was applied to him. Considering the time of application and the fact that the formacist did not use the spatial attribute (¡°The eyes of truth¡± can not be deceived), no one will follow and eavesdrop on him.


    Lovr changed into a new investigator¡¯s uniform and returned to the analytics department, but before going out to the public, he used a concealment technique and quickly ran into the archive with documents of special importance, where only investigators of the 2nd rank and higher can get to.


    Therge room housed countless metal lockers, more like safes, with valuable documents and papers. Each one is signed with the family name and other data. Not all lockers belonged to noble families. Some contained information about especiallyrge businessmen, politicians, guilds and even army generals.


    Lovr¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. He walked around the room, but did not find what had worried him since Boston. No wonder. Opening the first locker, he took out the most basic documents and began to read.


    In fact, Kyon could study the entire archive in 5 minutes, but in order to hide his abilities, he had to hold back, all because of the visual formations.


    Meanwhile, Synergy scanned and analyzed all the documents in the locker.


    Two minutester, Kyon put the documents back and went to the next drawer, when suddenly a bespectacled man in a neat, beautiful uniform of the 1st rank investigator entered the room whistling something merrily (an unprecedented sight).


    ?You still got here, Dickl! My congrattions!?


    ?Yeah, but there is another archive, am I right?? ¨C this is the conclusion Lovr made, based on the absence of any secret documents here, in particr information about the destruction of the Weber family.


    Mn¡¯s gaze became serious: ?Are you interested in state secrets??


    ?I want to be aware of all the events.? ¨C Kyon nodded.


    ?Well, my friend, you¡¯ll have to get the first rank. You know, secrets are secrets, because only the chosen ones can know about them.? ¨C the bespectacled man said haughtily. He was not afraid topete with Dick, because the young man was a loner, and people like him definitely do not be the head of the department.


    Kyon had another reason to be an investigator of the 1st rank, however, he still doubted that he would find some top-secret information in the next archive. But he will definitely find something useful.


    ?So how was the meeting with the head of the department?? ¨C asked the bespectacled man.


    ?Better than expected. He has high hopes for me. We even made a deal with him, but I won¡¯t tell you the details.? ¨C Kyon winked and changed the subject. ¨C ?By the way, boss, have you forgotten your promise??


    ?Ha-ha, I remember everything perfectly!? ¨C said Mn, taking out the wizard hat with a gesture of the magician, and suddenly added. ¨C ?Oh, I almost forgot. Yesterday, it was announced on the news screen that over a billion spheres that belonged to the criminal authorities you killed were collected in the ruins of an underground auction. All the money will go to finance measures tobat the emergence of new ns, that is, to the department! That is, to us!?


    ?Great.? ¨C Kyon agreed dutifully. Obviously, the purpose of this event is to calm down citizens after the explosion and other important world events. Typical politics.


    ?Well, the second piece of news: my brother, Monty Valentine invites you to visit!?


    ?The patriarch himself wants to see me?!? ¨C Ken pretended to be surprised.


    The authority of Monty Valentine, the patriarch of the 1st rank family in Rosarrio, is difficult to overestimate. He is second, perhaps, only to three people: the empress, the 0th general and the minister of finance, the most responsible person of the Russells. The man is respected in other empires as well. There are not many things in the empire that he is not capable of.


    ?Certainly. He is interested to personally meet and thank the hero who solved the sensational case, which for a long time spoiled the reputation of his family and his eldest son. You¡¯re very lucky! Tomorrow at five thirty in the evening be at the entrance to the territory. And don¡¯t bete.?


    ?I can¡¯t bete for a meeting with such a person¡­?


    ?A good answer, and now let¡¯s go!? ¨C the bespectacled man winked mischievously, putting on the hat.


    Over the next 5 minutes, the entire department turned upside down. Many employees immediately understood why the boss walks around in the wizard¡¯s hat and scatters glitter, however, this did not prevent them fromughing heartily (because it was allowed).


    Just once in his life, the boss gave Mn an investigator, and he turned out to be such a monster. This is to be expected from the head of the department!


    After the subsequent speech of the ?wizard? the entire analytics department began to celebrate the promotion of Dick Baker to the 2nd rank investigator. They patted him respectfully on the shoulder, shook hands and drank champagne in his honor. If earlier they treated the fat man with contempt and disgust, now they almost praised him. However, not all of them.


    Among thetter were three bully investigators who once tried to beat Baker for getting the position through pull. It seemed as if the ground was slipping away from under their feet. For a month, the boy got an unattainable 2nd rank! And deservedly! Who is he anyway?!


    Pressing their heads into their shoulders, they quietly slipped away just to be safe.


    When the hype finally ended, Kyon continued to study the archive. He finished scanning thest locker byte evening. In general, the result was discouraging, because almost everyone in the state pays taxes (or hides the opposite well). As you might guess, the main reason for suchw-abidingness is the fear of the bloody empress. It¡¯s not like in the Iron Throne ¨C the usual fine will not be enough.


    And yet there was one exception, and a remarkable one! It is worth all the time spent. The third most respected person in the empire, dear Minister of Finance dimir dimirovich, is guilty of dark deeds.


    The politician respected by all cannot decide which side he is on: the people or the elite. He tries to sit on two chairs, but, forck of proper abilities, he can¡¯t cope with it. During his 20 years as Minister of Finance, he took such a huge amount of bribes, which will be enough for 100 death sentences. However, this is only in theory, in practice, Kyon, using all his analytical abilities, found only a few documents concerning which serious questions arise (if very carefully checked). Perhaps, they are just enough for one death penalty by order of the empress.


    With a malicious grin, Lovr copied all the necessary papers, wrote a note, put it all in a sealed folder and sent it directly to dimir dimirovich. Let him be responsible for his actions to him or to the empress.


    Kyon also drew up a documentbeled ¡°secret¡±, with the help of which three hundredmoners can get into Dantes without any checks ¨C his subordinates. For more than a month they had been waiting for the opportunity to get to the capital without presenting registration, and finally it happened. The position of an imperial investigator of the 2nd rank has many benefits.


    Speaking of benefits: from now on Lovr could get into the elite section of the central library of Dantes. A thousand people from all over the capital can get there at most. Moreover, they will also have to buy a diamond token with a price of 1 million spheres.


    Deciding to close this issue as soon as possible, Kyon went to the toilet and disappeared from the department.


    On the street he was greeted by a starry sky with rare clouds.


    Lovr got into the central library of Dantes: arge white building with columns, working around the clock, and found more than half a thousand readers inside, 30 of whom were his subordinates. They have been reading books here for more than a week, replenishing the already colossal knowledge of their master.


    He went up to the top floor and entered the office of his superiors, where he purchased a diamond token, thanks to which he gained ess to the attic, where he went.


    After passing through security, Kyon entered a familiar gloomy room with rxing music ying somewhere in the background. It brings back memories of the first visit to the Boston Library¡­ Of meeting and acquaintance with the unapproachable beauty Valeera. Now the situation is different, right?


    The attic of the library seemed to belong to a different world: apletely different interior and atmosphere, in contrast to the main hall. There were only 8 people among the readers, and by their expensive clothes alone it can be understood that they upied a high position in society. However, in this regard, someone stood out from the rest.


    Kyon focused on one obscenely beautiful brte with a slender figure in a blouse and tight pants resembling jeans. ck gold chains hung next to the pockets, and obsidian jewelry was on her impably beautiful face: one piece in the nostril and two ones in the corners of the lips, which in general only gave her rebellious image charm and added a few points to the ¡°uniqueness¡±.


    However, the most surprising thing was that she got a tan! For the first time in this world, he met a person with such a rich and at the same time even tan. It was so harmoniouslybined with her appearance that he could not take his eyes off her. Considering how society treats tan, it is very strange to see a tanned noble girl.


    Lovr immediately wanted to get acquainted with the sultry beauty, but he resolutely shook his head and turned around: {Let her go to hell.} ¨C thest meeting with Valeera made it clear to him that it was better to hide his masculinity and not look for problems. §´§Ö§Þ §Ò§à§Ý§Ö§Ö §ã§Ö§Û§é§Ñ§ã §Ö§Þ§å §ß§Ö §ß§å§Ø§Ö§ß §ä§Ö§Ý§à§ç§â§Ñ§ß§Ú§ä§Ö§Ý§î, §ä§Ñ§Ü §é§ä§à §ä§à§Ý§Ü§å §à§ä §Ù§ß§Ñ§Ü§à§Þ§ã§ä§Ó§Ñ §á§à§é§ä§Ú §ß§Ö§ä.


    Those present cast fleeting nces at the handsome guest and continued reading.


    Kyon began to study the library: he picked up a book and, ostensibly reading it, slowly passing by the bookshelves, scanned them. With the Synergy of the beginning of the Bachelor¡¯s degree (3), he had such an opportunity.


    Soon Valeera called, but Lovr did not answer. What exactly did she not understand in the words ¡°I give you three days to think¡±? If she has already made a decision, it¡¯s better for her to think about it again, instead of callingte at night.


    By morning, Kyon had analyzed half of the books in the elite section of the library. The information here is really exclusive and precious, as if he came to visit a famous scientist or spy and personally paid a lot of money for the information.


    However, there is absolutely nothing about the Webers, Valeera¡¯s family, who, by the way, has already called him 10 times. However, he learned a little more about the geographical structure of the world: about half of the is upied by water ¨C seas and oceans, whose inhabitants are in no hurry to leave the depths. Approximately 40% of thend is upied by forests that were inhabited by supreme animals, another 40% of thend was seized by humans, and the remaining 20% belongs to desertnds that no one needs, because thend there consists of barren dunes, active volcanoes and toxic fossilized magma. You can¡¯t grow anything there, there are problems even with finding drinking water. But the main reason why no one goes there isrge humanoid semi-intelligent creatures. They are also called trolls and ogres. They are happy to wee travelers with open arms to devour themter. World history says that about 10,000 years ago, these creatures were the only ¡°intelligent¡± species inhabiting the, but they began to be exterminated, and they had to take refuge in the desertnds.


    In total, 40% of thend belongs to higher animals; 40% ¨C to humans; 20% ¨C to trolls. The question is: where do demons live? Obviously, underground. All 13 entrances leading to the demon realm are located on the border of the desertnds. The dungeons lie just under the desertnds, some even say that they are the main reason why thesends are so called. It¡¯s like they¡¯re draining all the life juices out of there. Demons are in no hurry to exterminate trolls, because they scare away intruders.


    By noon, Kyon scanned 75% of the library.


    His attention was attracted by the book ?Intrigues of Saturn?, where he found a lot of interesting information about the rtions of families within the empire of the 1st rank and about the scams of the Bakers. He was especially interested in the family, from which he, judging by the medallion,es from ¨C the Torres.


    For thest 16 years, the Torres have been thriving like never before. They have strengthened their previously shaky 1st position in the rank so much that even the imperial Walders family looks at them with apprehension. It is believed that the reason for this sess is the birth of the only granddaughter of the Torres patriarch, a new star ¨C Valkyrie Torres, the most gifted member of the family. She was even nicknamed ?Lady Luck?, because the heavens favor her so much. For example, the first prince of the Walders, the brother of the first princess Cornelina, drew attention to her. Rumor has it that they will get married in the future.


    Oddly enough, Kyon had heard about Valkyrie since the time of the Stones¡¯ party at the mansion. Someone seemed to be praising her great Jinkai fighting style. And he often caught the nickname ?Lady Luck? with his sharp hearing.


    By lunchtime, Lovr had already studied 90% of the library. This time his attention was attracted by the book ?Biography of the Bloody Empress Lanatelle? by Xavier Benediktov. In it, he found hints that once the empress tried to break into the overlord phase (9), but failed, as a result of which she returned and strengthened the lost development in recent years. If he believes this information, it turns out that she is looking for a talented alchemist who can secretly make her a transformation medicine.


    Kyon didn¡¯t want to be this alchemist. Too dangerous. In addition, he did not study the section of alchemy rted to the development of the soul: breakthrough medicine, transformation and eleration of development. There was no opportunity to do this. That year in Cernos, while the head was developing, only 1% of elemental energy was avable to him, which is not enough for experiments with many types of medicine. Therefore, he has serious gaps in knowledge.


    As a result, Lovr had two books left to scan.


    The first one was called ?Legendary Spiritual nts?. In it, the reader was able to learn myths about spiritual medicine ¨C a special ingredient that has a soul, and the higher its development, the more pronounced the properties, respectively.


    A little less than a year ago, Kyon found and collected ?Demonic mushrooms? in the forest. They fall into the category of ¡°phenomenal¡± because of their rarity and uniqueness of properties: they grow once every 50 years in the only ce on the. The next most valuable category is ¡°epic¡±. And thest and highest category bore the title of ¡°Legendary¡±, it includes any spiritual medicine. Roughly speaking, it is impossible to know whether it was invented or not.


    After reading the second andst book in the library, Kyon raised his eyebrows in surprise, because its name was familiar to him: ?Child of Talent; universal disappointment?.

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448


    The first book that Kyon read in this world was brought by Martha at the request of a sick young ve in the mine, and it was called ?The Child of Talent?. The first part of the trilogy. It¡¯s hard to imagine how the second part got into the elite section of the central library of Dantes! Here is the most severe filter of iing literature.


    The first part told about a man who found an extraordinary child in one of the remote viges. The three-year-old kid was stuck in emotional and spiritual development, he was not capable of doing evil, was not burdened with human vices and weaknesses, did not know hunger, cold, pain¡­ And with the irresistible desire inherent in him alone to bestow, give and do good.


    Having spent a lot of time studying this unique child, the man did not notice that he had grown to love him like a son. He exined to him the basics of the world order, human nature, morality, taught him the basic principles of life and methods of survival¡­ Although the child was quite smart, his heart could not be influenced from the outside in any way, no matter how hard his sworn father tried. It was as if naivety and goodness were embedded in his very essence.


    Then the man decided to radically influence the nature of the child and went in search of the legendary ?Heart of Desire?, in order to change the nature of the boy from the inside.


    The second part of the story told about the tragedy that befell the innocent child. The war broke out, and the army of barbarians attacked the vige. The boy¡¯s grandparents, all his friends and rtives were brutally murdered, and he was taken prisoner. For three years he was mistreated and tortured. He saw the cruel death of people he knew, learned what pain, suffering and despair were. The child did not understand why he was being punished. He never hurt a soul in his life, he didn¡¯t say a bad word to an offender, but now his life has turned into a waking nightmare.


    At the moment when the barbarians lied to the boy about the murder of his sworn father, something incredible happened. The pure and immacte essence of the child turned inside out. He turned into an insensitive creature, driven only by hatred for all living things and contempt for the whole world. Along with this, an iprehensible strength came to him, so enormous that a whole army could not resist the young prisoner. With his newfound strength, he escaped from captivity, destroying all the barbarians and even fellow sufferers with whom he was once familiar.


    The second book of the trilogy ended darkly. The innocent child, stuck in his mind at the age of three, turned into a bloodthirsty killer, wreaking havoc and destruction on everything he faced on his way.


    {From a children¡¯s fairy tale to a horror story¡­ Unexpectedly.} ¨C Kyon thought, not finding an answer to the question: what is this little book doing here? The author¡¯s name was not indicated anywhere, which was even more puzzling.


    So, in the elite section of the library, Lovr read: about the desertnds (in detail); about the flourishing of the Torres in thest 16 years and the Valkyrie, who is considered a symbol of the sess of the family; about the legendary spiritual medicine; about the probable motive of the bloody empress to look for an alchemist. And at the end ¨C the second part of the strange little book.


    Overall, Kyon was satisfied with the results of the day, and now it¡¯s time to prepare for an important meeting.


    At 5:30 pm, right on schedule, Lovr, disguised as Dick, arrived at the main entrance to the territory of the Valentines, a family of the 1st rank. He recently received an invitation from patriarch Monty. Very few people can get such an honor. If he were an ordinary guy, he would instantly gain poprity among peers and even adults.


    The guards checked the guest¡¯s formation and assigned an escort, with whom the young man went directly to the central part of the territory: to the main building of the Valentine¡¯s office, where the patriarch and elders regrly discuss important issues.


    With its luxury, the vast territory was not inferior to that of the Clintons (2). However, after Kyon visited the top floor of the Golden Pig guild, this did not surprise him. After that spectacle, he couldpletely lose the ability to be surprised by someone¡¯s wealth¡­


    After passing through numerous security barriers, Lovr finally got to the top floor of the main building of the Valentines. He was escorted down the corridor to the cherished door to the patriarch¡¯s office. As soon as he got inside, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The presence of an important person was felt, and the pleasant scent of a familiar girl was in the air¡­


    Kyon saw four people in the room.


    Mn ¨C a man in sses and a trouser suit, the head of the analytics department and his boss.


    A feminine man in his 30s with disheveled blond hair was standing next to him. The outlines of his face were very simr to Mn (after all, they are brothers), but he didn¡¯t wear sses and was much bigger. His name was Monty Valentine, the patriarch of the family.


    On the side was his youngest son ¨C a handsome long-haired blond man of 19 years old, in whom Lovr instantly recognized Rose Valentine. A mean scumbag. He likes to **** other people¡¯s wives on their wedding night, taking the cherished flower of innocence to himself. He should be strangled to death.


    The girl was standing next to him. Even a goddess would envy her beauty: a long and thick mane of hair as light as molten gold; clear emerald-colored eyes; symmetrical facial contours and chiseled pink lips, delicate as rose petals; skin as smooth as silk and an elegant slender body. A tight-fitting sundress in ck and white stripes only emphasized the already wless picture.


    Elsa was so mesmerizing with her irresistible appearance that it¡¯s hard to imagine how many men broke their necks looking at the passing beauty. What the hell is she doing with Rose, this bastard?! Kyon has asked himself this question many times.


    Now Stone was looking at Dick piercingly, as if she wanted to burn a hole in him.


    Rose¡¯s look at the fat man seemed to say ¨C ¡°What the fuck?!¡±. Previously, he had met with him at the Grands¡¯ pce, he carried out the prince¡¯s order to impose a subordinate formation on Julia, and unfortunately, he still hasn¡¯t forgotten that meeting.


    Mn coughed dryly, trying to dispel the tense silence alone.


    Patriarch Monty quickly pulled himself together and smiled cordially: ?Dick Baker! Wee!?


    ?Hello, Mr. Monty Valentine. It is a great honor for me to ept your invitation.? ¨C with an effort of will, Kyon folded his lips in an answering smile, bowing low to the man.


    ?After solving a sensational case, you are a wee guest in my family! Mn, would you mind introducing those present to the young gentleman?? ¨C suggested (although, rather, demanded) Monty.


    The bespectacled man stepped forward and spoke solemnly: ?Dick, meet Rose Valentine, the youngest son of Monty Valentine and a possible future sessor to the head of the family.?


    ?Hello, Mr. Rose!? ¨C Kyon eximed ¡°respectfully¡±, bowing.


    The blond man tried to make a friendly nod, but instead only jerkily shook his head, as if he was convulsed. A sickening lump rolled up to his throat.


    ?His future wife is Elsa Stone!? ¨C Mn continued.


    ?Oh, Miss Elsa, you are unbearably beautiful¡­? ¨C Kyon bowed again and winked at her.


    The girl shuddered, as if she had been plunged into an ice hole with her head.


    ?And, actually, I am the brother of Monty Valentine.? ¨C Mn finished modestly.


    Kyon stepped forward and shook Mn¡¯s hand, with this impudent gesture showing that their rtionship is much closer than between a subordinate and a boss ¨C they are friends. Mn himself called him a friend, so now he had no right to object.


    ?So?, ¨C Monty spoke up, clearing his throat. ¨C Tell us, how did you solve the case of Lindia and Stein??


    The sensational ¡°S¡± rank case discredited the honor of the family, because it directly concerned the patriarch¡¯s eldest son, Stein Valentine, the most talented (after Rose) family member and senior disciple of the empress.


    For the next few minutes, Kyon repeated his recent report to Mn, that is, his version of events. Say, during the inter-imperial tournament, Andrew met the daughter of the patriarch Lindia and immediately was into her¡­ Then everything went ording to the script.


    In the middle of the story, Mn frowned slightly, because for some reason Dick made the Clintons¡¯ family alchemist look not as bad as he really was. Say, Albert tried with all his might to dissuade the bad son, but he could not. As a result, he paid for his sins with his life, and he managed to escape.


    Lovr¡¯s story wasing to an end: ?And now the record has fallen into your hands. Tell me, please, do you intend to divulge the whole truth to the public??


    Patriarch Monty shook his head: ?No. That¡¯s not how things are solved. If we make this information public, then all the Clintons¡¯ honor will be destroyed, and they will certainly want revenge. In order to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, I recently agreed with Horace that he would drop all charges against Stein and no longer demand anything from us.? ¨C the man¡¯s stern gaze suddenly pierced the fat man like a sharpened dagger. ¨C ?And he also promised me very, very good money if I deliver you to him¡­?


    In an instant, such a dense tension hung in the air that it was impossible to breathe.


    Mn turned his gaze to his brother, Rose was surprised, and Elsa frowned.


    ?So are you going to kidnap me for the money? Is this what Valentine¡¯s gratitude looks like?? ¨C Kyon asked coldly. Obviously, he was prepared for this turn of events.


    After a long pause, Monty suddenly smiled slightly: ?Don¡¯t jump to conclusions, Dick! I¡¯m not that fallen person. I will not hand over a virtuous person for the sake of profit into the hands of someone who will not leave a wet spot from him.?


    And the truth is that until recently, a man nned to do otherwise, yet Horace offered too good a reward, butst night Mn convinced him not to do stupid things. He said that the head of the department met with Dick and ced high hopes on the young man, even made some kind of deal with him. This means that his abduction is tantamount to obstructing the interests of the Russells. Whatever money is at stake ¨C it¡¯s not worth it.


    Yesterday, Kyung, of course, specifically mentioned to Mn about the ?deal and hopes? with the head of the department. It was supposed to be a deterrent, and it turned out that way. It¡¯s good that he won¡¯t have to invite Eve and Le to visit the Valentines for another warm-up.


    Lovr almost blurted out ¡°a wise choice¡±, but came to his senses, exhaled loudly and with noticeable relief in his voice said: ?I am d that you turned out to be a grateful person. And yet now, it turns out, I am the enemy of family number two¡­ Sometimes it seems to me that it would be better if I did not take up this case at all.?


    ?Do you want our protection?? ¨C Monty immediately caught the subtle hint and immediately shook his head. ¨C ?I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯spletely out of the question. You ckmailed Horace, and yet the record fell into my hands, which means that you vited the terms of the deal. My heart will not allow me to help someone who breaks his own promises, wanting to get benefits from everywhere. Honestly, I¡¯m disappointed in you, and just letting you go in peace is already a great reward.?


    It cost Kyon a lot to restrain the emotions rushing out, mostly inappropriate and even obscene. He coldly turned the words back: ?Don¡¯t jump to conclusions, Mr. Monty. Whatever Horace told you, he was pursuing purely his own interests, but the truth is that I was not the first to break the terms of the deal. Yes, I admit it, I ckmailed him, and now you have the record, but what makes you think that I gave it to you because of a thirst for profit? Don¡¯t be so biased towards me! I was just trying to protect myself. Mr. Mn will confirm that a month earlier, all the high-ranking investigators from the Clinton family resigned of their own ord. I also put forward a condition forbidding to follow me and investigate me, but Horace decided that I would not notice his people, for which he paid the price! I gave him a chance, but he didn¡¯t use it! It is his own fault that the record is now in your hands! He left me no choice!?


    None of those present knew that one of the conditions of the ckmail was a million keys of the superior phase. Of course, patriarch Horace would not have dared to talk about this, so the words of the fat man seemed as peaceful as possible, as if he had retaliated only in self-defense.


    Patriarch Monty looked bewildered: ?Perhaps I was too hasty with my conclusions¡­ But anyone in my ce would have preferred the words of an authoritative person rather than¡­ In general, Dick, can you somehow prove your words??


    ?To prove that I was being followed? It¡¯s not easy to do, you know. However, the best proof will be the patriarch Horace himself. Now I will talk to him, and you draw the appropriate conclusions from his words.? ¨C Kyon took out a sound transmitter and handed it to the patriarch. ¨C ?Dial his frequency. To be sure that I¡¯m trying to deceive you.?


    Monty exchanged nces with Mn, picked up the fat man¡¯s sound transmitter and dialed Horace¡¯s frequency.


    Mn, Rose and Elsa involuntarily came closer and listened with bated breath.

 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449


    ?It¡¯s you! You filthy bastard, how dare you give the record to the Valentines?!? ¨C Horace¡¯s roar was heard from the sound transmitter.


    ?Calm down, Horace¡­? ¨C asked Kyon.


    ?Calm down?! Son of a bitch, do you even know what you¡¯ve done?! We had agreements, but you gave a shit about them, didn¡¯t you?! Fat scum, do you have a conscience?!? ¨C the man was on the verge of insanity, because Dick still had 100 copies of that fateful recording, and if he distributes them, then Lindia will not survive it. She still doesn¡¯t know anything. On the one hand, the bastard must be immediately destroyed for viting the terms of the deal, but on the other hand, it will turn into a disaster.


    ?Horace, my respect for you has long fallen below the baseboard, and now it haspletely broken the bottom. At first you tried to lure me to you with the promise of a sweet reward in order to kill me as the only witness, I know this thanks to the listening formation. And now you¡¯re brazenly using me, even though you were the first to vite the terms of the deal!?


    ?What are you talking about, brat?! What have I vited?!?


    The fact that Horace did not deny the first part of the usations made it clear to Monty, Mn, Rose and Elsa that what he said was true. It turns out that the patriarch of the Clintons wanted to kill the only witness who gave him the answer to the exciting question of the identity of the father of the child of his beloved daughter! It¡¯s mean¡­ Now Dick¡¯s ckmail seemed even more reasonable.


    ?The second condition sounded like this, I repeat verbatim: you will abandon all attempts to catch me or gather information about me. If I notice anyone waiting for me outside the department, the deal will be terminated immediately. But I won¡¯t tell you about this, of course. Exactly ten days ago, in the evening, your people were tailing me when I left the department. Two men chased me for five minutes, but eventually missed me.?


    There was a silent pause. And although itsted only a few seconds, it spoke volumes.


    ?Are you crazy or what?! If my people were following you, you would never have noticed them! It¡¯s probably your sick imagination!?


    ?Horace, don¡¯t bullshit me! I am a high-ranking investigator who is in good standing with Mr. Mn. Of course, your tail was followed by my people, who followed your bad spies all the way to the Clintons¡¯ territory. Will you continue to make a fool of yourself? Don¡¯t force me to take extreme measures.?


    ?Stop! Okay! Okay! Just don¡¯t do anything stupid!? ¨C Horace¡¯s voice and intonation changed dramatically, as if he had been caught red-handed. He knew that Dick was being followed, and could not continue to lie further, fearing that he would distribute the fatal 100 records.


    ?It¡¯s good that you admitted your guilt. We¡¯ll talkter.? ¨C Kyon suddenly dropped the connection and ced the device in the ring. He did not want to discuss unnecessary details in front of witnesses.


    Four spectators tried to recover from what they heard. Dick¡¯s conversation with Horace made it clear what was what, who was to me and who was not.


    The silence was broken by Monty¡¯s heavy sigh: ?Yeah¡­ I didn¡¯t expect such meanness from the ¡°respected¡± Horace¡­ Dick, forgive me for hasty conclusions. I admit my guilt.? ¨C the man said these words reluctantly. Initially, he did not n to thank Dick in any way, by no means, he wanted to hand him over to Clinton for arge reward.Butst night Mn convinced him not to do it, and it was already toote to cancel the invitation. And today, for some reason, Rose brought Elsa with him (she asked for it herself). The future wife of the youngest son is watching everything! The patriarch had no right to put himself and his family in a bad light. He will have to thank the fat man, as befits in such situations.


    ?Everything is fine. I¡¯m not offended.?


    ?So you have something else on Horace? Copies of records, for example¡­ Otherwise, he would not be so fawning in front of you¡­? ¨C the patriarch suggested thoughtfully.


    ?That¡¯s right, but it¡¯s just for my safety. Otherwise, how else can an ordinary young man defend himself against such a monster as the patriarch of a second-rank family??


    With another heavy sigh, Monty folded his hands into a lock: ?Since the truth is on your side, I am ready to provide you with protection. Moreover, I will dly reward you for your feat. You can ask for whatever you want. Valentines know how to be grateful.?


    Rose looked from her father to the blonde and smiled yfully.


    Elsa did not react in any way. She was still ring at Dick intently.


    ?Yes, I just have one request. But don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t need your money or women. And even your bodyguards, who follow me closely, too, because I am a master of disguise. Tell me, could you show some news on the city screen, the one that appears over the city every evening??


    Monty didn¡¯t like the young man¡¯s request. It would be better if he asked for money: ?Yes¡­ I could, but understand, it must be something important, otherwise the Russells who control the city screen will refuse even me, because only relevant and sensational information should be reflected in the agenda¡­?


    ?Oh, don¡¯t worry, this news is very important! In recent days, all residents of the city have been actively discussing the mysterious Dick Baker, who destroyed seven shadow ns. I¡¯m sure they are ready to give a lot to find out what he looks like!? ¨C Kyon said confidently.


    The four people present were clearly thinking slowly, trying toprehend the possible consequences.


    ?W-well, let it be your way¡­ After all, you are the hero of Dantes¡­ No one would dare¡­ To object. Probably.? ¨C patriarch of the Valentines summed up uncertainly, swallowing. It seems he¡¯s been cornered. He felt as if he had decided, of his own free will, to run away and jump off a cliff.


    ?Wonderful!? ¨C eximed Kyon exultantly. ¨C ?I¡¯m sure the Valentines keep their word! Here are five of my shots. Let all citizens of Dantes see what their hero looks like.?


    Mn exchanged nces with Monty, and Rose exchanged nces with Elsa.


    The fat man, looking extremely pleased, took out the nephrite and activated it. A screen appeared on an empty section of the office wall with an image of a high-ranking investigator Dick, dressed to the nines in a neat uniform against the background of the department building. The fat man was casually unwinding the handcuffs on his index finger. And the inscription: ¡°Your favorite hero is Dick Baker¡±.


    In the next image, he, having made a stern face, belligerently put his arms out to the sides, showing his ¡°huge¡± biceps. The inscription read as follows: ¡°Unsurpassed warrior and fighter ¨C Dick Baker¡±.


    In the third picture, a half-naked fat man sat on a snow-white long-maned horse. He awkwardly assumed an oblique position and stuck out his stomach, apparently proudly showing the torso of the ideal man. The inscription exined: ¡°Charming and tireless ¨C Dick Baker¡±.


    In the penultimate image, Dick, either deftly bending his back to the ground, or simply falling under his own weight, dodged a crossbow bolt. The inscription was as follows: ¡°The elusive and all-conquering crime fighter ¨C Dick Baker¡±.


    And in thest picture, the fat man in a cape fluttering in the wind and with a de of grass in his mouth, gazing into the distance, pressed the head of a man in a criminal¡¯s mask into the ground with his foot: ¡°Fearless and mysterious ¨C Dick Baker¡±.


    ?I had to work hard to create this work of art. Renting a horse of the Usuri breed cost a pretty penny¡­ Well, okay. It¡¯s worth it. I am sure the people of Dantes will appreciate my creativity.? ¨C Kyon nodded with conviction.


    Four people present were speechless for a minute.


    Elsa covered her reddened face, her shoulders trembled slightly: the beauty was clearly about to burst outughing.


    Rose massaged his eyes, but so hard, as if he was trying to squeeze them out.


    Mn¡¯s sses cracked in the second picture, and he didn¡¯t know who to thank for the rescue.


    Monty ran his fingers through his already tousled hair, trying to figure out what he had signed up for¡­


    You can¡¯t unsee what you¡¯ve seen. One way or another, everyone in this room felt the iprehensibly great self-importance of Dick. His egoism and narcissism are so immense that they can destroymon sense and turn even the worldview of emperors.


    Mn, being a rational person, quickly realized what his talented colleague was up to: he wants to get rid of the poprity that has befallen him. If the citizens of the capital see these pictures, they will definitely lose the lion¡¯s share of interest in the person of the mysterious hero.


    Kyon put the nephrite with the images on the patriarch¡¯s table and said: ?Can I use your restroom? The shrimp for breakfast was not very fresh¡­?


    ?Go¡­? ¨C the patriarch wheezed in a strangled voice, looking as if he was about to burst.


    When Dick left the office, Elsa could not restrain herself and burst into a melodicugh, like the ringing of silver bells. She was ashamed that she couldn¡¯t help herself.


    Monty gave the order with the utmost seriousness: ?The toilet that he uses must be destroyed!?


    ?It will be done.? ¨C the servant bowed, barely restraining a tremor of horror, and left.


    ?Sorry, brother¡­ He¡¯s not usually like that¡­? ¨C Mn exined apologetically.


    ?It¡¯s toote to apologize¡­ Toote, Mn!?


    ?Father, will you really show ¡°this¡± to everyone in the city?!? ¨C Rose asked worriedly.


    ?I have already promised¡­ Patriarchs do not take their words back. Remember.? ¨C said the man, looking at Elsa. If she had not been present, he would have refused Dick. But it is impossible to appear in a bad light in front of the future wife of the youngest son.


    ?Promised? But you made a promise before you knew what you were signing up for! If you do it, then mass psychosis will begin, people will suffer! Think about the kids!?


    The patriarch frowned at Rose. Since when does anyone bother him besides himself? A¡­ It¡¯s clear. He wants to impress Elsa. By the way, if she is of the same opinion, then maybe it will be possible to do without unnecessary sacrifices?


    ?And what do you think, beauty?? ¨C Monty asked the blonde with a sugary smile.


    ?Let the residents see their hero.? ¨C Elsa dered confidently, obviously pursuing her interests. ¨C ?Anyway, sooner orter they would have found out about him, so why not show him right away, at the same time expressing your gratitude to Dick??


    The girl¡¯s words made Rose mentally grimace in annoyance. It would be better if he was silent.


    ?That¡¯s what I think.? ¨C agreed Monty. ¨C ?Rose, if you don¡¯t listen to me, then listen to your future wife. She won¡¯t say anything stupid.? ¨C he winked at the girl. ¨C ?By the way, how about setting a wedding date? It¡¯s high time I believe.?


    Rose took the beauty¡¯s tender palm in his and nodded encouragingly to her.


    Elsa reciprocated and said to the patriarch: ?We recently agreed that as soon as Rose bes the empress¡¯s junior disciple, we will set a wedding date.?


    ?But it is almost a year before the tournament. You¡¯ve been dating for almost a year already. Isn¡¯t it too long??


    ?I¡¯m in no hurry, father. At the same time, there will be motivation to be even stronger!? ¨C the blond man said decisively and kissed the girl on the cheek, which made her embarrassed.


    ?I see you are serious¡­ Well, I don¡¯t mind. Have it your way, lovebirds.?


    ?Thank you for understanding.? ¨C Rose said with a meek look, and in his headpletely different thoughts were spinning. Elsa insisted that she needed time to test her feelings for him, so the guy had to go for a trick, and it worked!


    ?I beg your pardon, I will go away to fix my hair.? ¨C Elsa bowed politely and left.


    When there were three people left in the room, the patriarch muttered with displeasure: ?Well, you gave me a nuisance, Mn! You also called him a friend¡­ You disappoint me!?


    ?And what is my fault? In the fact that you sent him an invitation and decided to thank him? Don¡¯t shift responsibility from the guilty to the innocent! You are the patriarch, so take responsibility for yourself.?


    ?I used to see this freak in Boston.? ¨C Rose spoke reluctantly. ¨C ?He¡¯s the prince who married a demon and disgraced the entire empire. Let¡¯s say I can understand why the demon fell for his ¡°wonderful¡± appearance, but how the hell did he be a high-ranking investigator?! Uncle Mn, say something!?


    Mn adjusted his sses: ?Obviously, he purposely married the princess to collect evidence and hand her over to the authorities. The head of the department appreciated his skills and gave him to me in the department.?


    Monty nodded understandingly: ?It sounds reasonable, but something is bothering me¡­ How did it happen that Albert not only escaped from the Clintons on the same day Horace found out who and how was raping his daughter, but also suddenly found a disciple, now known as ¡°The legendary lord of the cauldron¡±? It¡¯s just too much of a coincidence.?


    ?Do you think Dick saved Albert and became his disciple?? ¨C Mn asked, frowning. If so, then it bes clear why he, telling his version of events, spoke about Albert not so badly. But why does he need all this?


    ?Ha-ha-ha! Dick is ¡°The legendary lord of the cauldron¡±! I¡¯m going to dieughing now!? ¨C Rose burst outughing, as if he had heard the best joke in the world. ¨C ?Maybe this freak is the best genius in the empire? Ugh. He¡¯s just a cunning narcissistic freak who found a loophole in the system and now enjoys undeserved privileges. I don¡¯t want to hear a single word about him anymore. Let¡¯s close the topic.?


    Mn would like to agree with his nephew, but he already knew too much about Dick to calm himself with such a banal exnation.


    Meanwhile, Elsa went into the men¡¯s toilet, put a soundproof barrier behind her and, crossing her arms on her chest, pierced Dick washing his hands with another icy look.


    ?Lady Elsa, what are you doing here?! Ah, did those images really fascinate you so much, and now you want me¡­? ¨C the fat man stepped back in fright.

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450


    As soon as the city screen showed the news that the explosion was caused by the actions of Dick Baker, who single-handedly organized and destroyed an underground auction together with the heads of seven ns and other crime bosses, the citizens of Dantes seemed to go mad with delight. The poprity of the young investigator has soared so much that there is not even a shadow left of ¡°Demon Huntress¡± against his background. It was as if everyone had forgotten about her.


    Elsa spent hours walking around the city, but never heard a word about herself, only infuriating: Dick and Dick! Dick and Dick all around! He was called a hero that appears once in a millennium, an angel in the flesh and even a holy savior¡­


    This bastard literally destroyed her personality of ¡°Demon Huntress¡±! In a month as an investigator of the 3rd rank, the fat man did 100 times more for the city than she did in 2 years! How did he manage to do that?! Where did this monstere from at all?!


    The girl envied the poprity of the young investigator so much that she wanted to cry. She was afraid that she would never be able to shine brighter than he, suffered because of the lost poprity, felt crushed and broken, a dummy against the background of some unsightly brainy fat man. It seemed that all this time she was ying in the sandbox, but an adult Dick came and showed the stupid fool what a real job is.


    And today Elsa secretly learned from Rose that the well-known investigator had solved the sensational case. The girl almost screamed from the overwhelming emotions. Dick drove her crazy! When did he manage to do this?! She wanted to find out everything she could! How does he manage to be so amazing?! Surely the whole secret can¡¯t lie in his mental abilities! But if not, then what is his secret?!


    Elsa just went into the men¡¯s toilet, put a soundproof barrier behind her and pierced Dick washing his hands with another icy look.


    ?Lady Elsa, what are you doing here?! Ah, did those images really fascinate you so much, and now you want me¡­? ¨C the fat man stepped back in fright.


    ?Don¡¯t be a fool!? ¨C the blonde said sternly, almost bursting outughing, his statement seemed so absurd to her. His insulting words did not hurt the girl at all, because he often teases her. In addition, she was greatly cheered up by those mind-blowing five images. They definitely won¡¯t let her sleep for a long time.


    Turning off the joker mode, Kyon innocently asked: ?Then why did youe?? ¨C of course, he was expecting the appearance of the guest in the men¡¯s room, and now he was going to enjoy every word, gesture and reaction of the beauty like an exquisite jamon.


    Arching her eyebrows angrily, Stone asked with emphasis: ?How did you do all this?!?


    ?Let¡¯s find out first: what will I get if I share information with you??


    The blonde indignantly opened her mouth, then frowned: ?Are you serious now, or what? I¡¯m Stone and above you in rank in the family, but you still want to get something from me?! Is it so hard for you to give me a few minutes?!?


    ?My time is precious, but that¡¯s not the point.You see, when people talk to me in that tone, I have no desire to do anything for nothing. Usually, Ipletely stop interacting with such an interlocutor.?


    {Who does he think he is?} ¨C Elsa thought irritably, surprised at the exorbitant self-esteem of a 15-year-old boy, especially in the presence of a dazzling beauty with the highest talent and personal strength. Guys of his age behavepletely differently when they are around her.


    Kyon withstood the heavy gaze of the blonde¡¯s emerald eyes with an unyielding look.


    Since there were no other options (she wouldn¡¯t beat him for disobedience, after all) Elsa suppressed her pride and with a sticky sense of humiliation, sping her palms in a pleading gesture, politely said: ?Dick, please answer my questions.?


    Kyon nodded approvingly: ?I like that tone better. So what did you want to know about??


    Earlier, Lovr did not go into the details of the operation, simply telling the result of the investigation. Who Andrew and Albert are, what their motives are, and so on. He skilfully evaded rifying questions in order for this conversation to happen.


    Elsa hid her palms behind her back, because they were trembling with the desire to strangle the fat man: ?About everything and in order. How did you find out that the knight was guilty if you didn¡¯t even interrogate him??


    ?Interrogating Albert was enough.?


    ?What kind of interrogation? You asked him just one question, and that was about some invigorating red tincture, and he didn¡¯t know anything about it! There¡¯s something you¡¯re not telling me!?


    ?Lady, refrain from such intonations, otherwise I will ask you to leave.?


    The girl clenched her fists angrily, but soon humbly said: ?Sorry¡­ I will try to restrain myself. It¡¯s just¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter.?


    Kyon perfectly understood the girl¡¯s feelings, after all, she acts courageously in the name of glory. He is now basking in this glory, and Stone can only dream of it: ?Lindia told about strange sensations in the morning, which just coincide with the side effects caused by taking tincture of red beetle ¨C an extremely rare, almost forgotten invigorating substance. I had suspicions that¡­?


    ?Wait¡­? ¨C Elsa interrupted the narrator. ¨C ?What is the red beetle tincture? I¡¯ve been working hard on alchemy for many years, but I don¡¯t know anything about it¡­ So how do you know such details, including side effects??


    ?I read books!? ¨C Kyon raised his eyes to the ceiling, as if exining the obvious things.


    Stone raised her thin brow in surprise: ?Books??


    ?Exactly. Such things, made of wood, with printed letters.?


    ?You take me for a fool?? ¨C the blonde red up, scorching the fat man with an angry look.


    ?¡­So, I suspected that Albert was making this medicine for his son. And he gave it to Lindia in the morning in order to kill the side effects after taking sleeping pills and the medicine of oblivion: drowsiness and fog in the head.?


    ?Wait, wait, but that¡¯s not how you said it! You made Albert look like a victim of circumstances, say, Andrew forced him to prepare medicine for him, and now you¡¯re talking as if they were acting together! Why??


    ?Do not think about it.? ¨C Kyon said. ¨C ?All that matters is that I doubted Albert¡¯s answer and installed a recording visual formation in Lindia¡¯s chambers, bribing a servant, thanks to which I collected irrefutable evidence. You know the rest.?


    Elsa froze in amazement. It turns out that this asshole closed a sensational case using knowledge from books on alchemy! But she is an alchemist herself, and one of the best in the empire, but it did not even ur to her to ask Lindia about the side effects, instead she bombarded the mistress with ridiculous questions, for which she is now ashamed. However, even if she had acted differently, she would not havee to anything. No matter how you look at it, this case is beyond her.


    ?Any more questions?? ¨C Kyon smiled radiantly, pleased with the reaction of the interlocutor: Juno¡¯s older sister looked hurt and even depressed. It¡¯s nice to see such metamorphoses in a girl with overestimated self-esteem.


    ?How did you destroy the underground auction??


    After 5 minutes, having received all the answers, Stone felt a gaping void in her chest. In order to sleep peacefully, she wanted to find some secret of Dick, which allowed him to be such an amazing investigator, but there was no secret. He¡¯s just overly capable and smart. Against the background of a brainy fat man, she, with all her uniqueness, is worth nothing, as if a practitioner of the royal phase, who has an invaluable weapon, is powerless against the imperial phaser, or even the sovereign phaser. Completely different worlds.


    The realization that she totally loses to Dick in her own field (in the destruction of criminals) hurt thedy¡¯s pride, but surprisingly not much, because, obviously, it wasn¡¯t she who was so bad, but he was too good. Monstrously good! In this regard,peting with him is as stupid as trying to take off without being an overlord phaser.


    ?Did my new fan get answers to her questions?? ¨C Kyon asked sarcastically.


    Elsa tensed up: she is usually surrounded by fans, but now Dick seems to be deliberately turning her routine upside down.


    Narrowing her charming eyes, the girl poked at the fat man with her finger: ?You¡­ You¡¯re so¡­?


    ?What? Tell me, what am I like?? ¨C Lovr was amused, expecting some stupid insult.


    ?You are the best investigator in the empire. I take my words back: you are not a shame, but the pride of the Stones, and I am not ashamed, but rather pleased that in my family there is a descendant of direct blood named Thomas Stone.? ¨C Elsa said confidently, curving the corners of her lips in a strained but sincere smile, turned around and left, leaving behind a trail of pleasant fragrance. ¡°Demon Huntress¡± admitted her defeat to the investigator Dick Baker with dignity.


    ?Oh¡­? ¨C the blonde caught Kyon by surprise. He thought she would act like a typical arrogantdy with an inted conceit, but the girl did what only a few representatives of her sex are capable of: she admitted defeat and even took her words back. Marvelous. Now he didn¡¯t want to give her to Rose any more. Maybe he should give the girl that recording? No. Early. She either won¡¯t believe it or she won¡¯t understand it.


    The young man¡¯s visit to the Valentines did notst long.


    After leaving the family¡¯s territory and making sure that there was no tail behind, Kyon teleported to a secluded room, took out the sound transmitter and called Horace.


    The conversation took several minutes, and its whole essence led to a non-aggression agreement. Kyon has a hundred records in his hands that he can use to destroy the honor and psyche of Lindia, the beloved daughter of the patriarch. Whereas Horace can send a letter to the head of the department proving that Dick is ckmailing him and generally acting against the interests of the empire. And then he will lose his position as an investigator of the 2nd rank.


    ?So we have solved all the issues. I hope you¡¯re smart enough not to follow me this time.?


    ?Go to hell! I will not break my word!? ¨C Horace barked and cut the connection.


    This situation somewhat reminded Kyon of the ban on the use of nuclear weapons. If Horace starts acting, then he will do the same. Both will suffer huge losses. Nobody needs it. This is the deterrent factor.


    ¡­


    Office of the Minister of Finance.


    Two stately people were sitting opposite each other. The format of the meeting was an interview.


    ?You know, like all citizens of our great country, I am very concerned about the issue of subsidies. Poor residents of Rosarrio should not live below the poverty line due to the unfavorable economic situation. My colleagues are already working in this direction and are making every effort to solve this problem as soon as possible. I assure you that this issue will be resolved in the near future.? ¨C the Finance Minister clearly answered thest question of the person sitting opposite him.


    ?Cut! Wonderful speech, sir!? ¨C the journalist said respectfully and took his leave. His task is simple: to ask the right questions on visual information. Further, these records are repeatedly copied and given to informants who will show them in different points of the city where people gather to keep citizens up to date with thetest political news. Obviously, this news is not important enough for the city screen.


    ?Thank you.? ¨C the man nodded. ¨C ?Tanechka, bring me coffee.?


    Soon the receptionist returned with a cup of hot coffee and a folder: ?Mr. dimir, someone high-ranking has sent you a parcel¡­?


    The Finance Minister took a leisurely sip of coffee and opened the folder. A minuteter, his face stretched incredulously, and after five minutes itpletely acquired an ashen hue. Someone was on to him and found irrefutable evidence of bribery! Now this someone is ckmailing him!


    ¡°dimir dimirovich, choose to whom you will answer: to the anonymous person who is ready to make a concession or to the bloody empress of Rosarrio. In the first case, you will lose 1 billion. In the second ¨C your life and the lives of your rtives.¡±

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451


    It was getting dark.


    For the first time in 10 days, Kyon returned to his room at The Garden of Eden hotel. His gaze almost instantly stuck to a stunning beauty dancing to music on headphones. Her game character repeated everything after her, which made the NPCs in the game go crazy with delight. The movements of the girl harmoniously intertwined into a single magical dance, fascinating so much that flowers bloomed in the soul. It seemed that the grace of the youngdy¡¯s movements exceeded all possible physical limitations of the human body. Even a gifted dancer who has devoted her whole life to her work would be inferior to her in skill. No wonder, because Le is the head of the Dance sect.


    Noticing the viewer, she froze, narrowed her beautiful sandy-scarlet eyes and, grinning insidiously, spun around an invisible pole, sensually sticking out her virtues.


    Kyon silently watched this as if hypnotized. Even a blind man will be sighted from such a sight. And the young man did not care at all what his silly daughter was up to.


    Finally, the music ended, the girl took off her headphones and went up to the man: ?Hello!?


    Eve ran out of the restroom and eximed happily: ?Hi, Dad! How are you??


    After a brief exchange of greetings, Kyon, already knowing the answer in advance, asked the little fairy: ?Tell me, does your sister obey you in the game? Or do you have to force her to obey??


    Le snorted, crossed her arms over her chest and turned away with a dissatisfied look.


    Eve said with a note of schadenfreude and superiority: ?My little sister has conscientiously epted her role as a ve and obediently fulfills my every whim. She attracted customers to my store so well that I even gave her a half hour break!?


    ?Is that so? She will achieve a lot under your guidance, I¡¯m sure.?


    ?I agree. I¡¯m even thinking of taking her as a maid after the service. I think ten gold coins a month will be enough for her, she ispletely poor at the game.? ¨C Eve grinned mockingly.


    Father and daughter united against the main ?pest?.


    ?THAT¡¯S ENOUGH!? ¨C Le shouted, reddened with anger and shame. ¨C ?I¡¯m not some annoying little animal! I have pride! Don¡¯t talk about me like that!?


    ?Just don¡¯t cry¡­? ¨C Eve said condescendingly, finishing off the bowed ?enemy?.


    ?We¡¯re just joking.? ¨C Kyon raised his palms in a conciliatory gesture, deciding not to overdo it.


    ?You are joking badly! It¡¯s not funny to me!? ¨C the pixie¡¯s eyes glistened wetly. ¨C ?I just remembered something¡­ Dad, do you remember what you promised me??


    ?What exactly??


    ?You said that you would fulfill any of my wishes when I learn to use energy.?


    ?Yes, indeed, I promised it¡­? ¨C Lovr scratched his bald head dejectedly.


    A malicious grin yed on Le¡¯s lips: ?So, any wish¡­ Hmm¡­?


    ?You promised me too!? ¨C Eve interjected.


    ?Yes¡­ I promised. What do you want, bunnies??


    Eve rolled her eyes thoughtfully.


    Le put her fingers to her chin with a conspiratorial look: ?What would I wish¡­ Maybe I should spank you the same way you did me then? Oh no¡­ It would be too easy! Hee-hee!? ¨C the pixie¡¯s mood instantly took off into the sky.


    {What I signed up for¡­} ¨C Kyon thought.


    Suddenly the man froze warily. Le and Eve shrugged their shoulders.


    *knock-knock*


    Silence.


    *knock-knock-knock*


    ?Dad, will you open the door or not?? ¨C Le asked impatiently.


    *knock-knock-knock-knock*


    ?Okay, I¡¯ll do it myself!? ¨C the girl headed for the door, but she was stopped.


    ?I¡¯ll open it myself.? ¨C Kyon said coldly.


    A slender ck-eyed brte in an irresistible outfit in the style of ?the boss¡¯s favorite secretary? appeared to the eye of Lovr who opened the door: a tight thin jacket, a pencil skirt just above the knee (it looks like it was shortened) with a slit to her thigh, her favorite tights with a diamond pattern and leather boots. Her uncle¡¯s cracked mirror hung around her long neck like a kind of amulet.


    Now the fragrance of the perfume ?winter cold? emanated from Valeera. Previously, she used it only once: before going to a meeting of the heads of ns. This speaks volumes.


    ?Lady Arpha, hello! I didn¡¯t expect to see you here today¡­? ¨C Lovr remembered that outsiders were not allowed to enter the hotel. So, either she has connections in this ce, or she rents (or has just rented) a room.


    ?I called many times, but you didn¡¯t answer.? ¨C the girl said dryly and suddenly noticed two charmers in elegant dresses behind the man. She raised her eyebrows.


    Eve and Le also couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the indescribably attractive intruder. Despite the surprise, the girls were vignt. The grave cold emanating from the stranger chilled to the bones and terrified, as when meeting with the infamous incarnations of fears, appearing in the form of a shapeless silhouette in a torn ck cloak with a hood.


    ?Meet my daughters¡­? ¨C Kyon cleared the passage and let Valeera into the room.


    ?My name is Arpha, and what are your names?? ¨C the guest asked politely.


    ?It¡¯s none of your¡­? ¨C the pixie began aggressively.


    ~pop~


    But after receiving a p on the ass, she said: ?Le!?


    ?And I¡¯m Eve¡­? ¨C the little fairy whispered timidly.


    ?Eve, Le, you are so adorable¡­ Your mother must have been an unusual woman.?


    ?A goddess, actually!? ¨C Le eximed, making it clear that Arpha is nothingpared to her.


    ?Yes¡­ A goddess among goddesses¡­? ¨C Kyon agreed, coughing expressively into his fist.


    ?No, a real goddess!?


    ?Of course, the real one¡­ The most real.? ¨C confirmed Lovr, nodding like a bobblehead.


    Le narrowed her eyes. Why does dad change the meaning of her words?


    ?Do you mind if I borrow your father for a few hours?? ¨C asked Valeera.


    ?Do you want to take him on a date?? ¨C Le narrowed her eyes suspiciously.


    ?You could say that.? ¨C the head of the n agreed, surprising the man.


    The indignant girl was about to say something, but, catching her father¡¯s stern look, swallowed the words ready to escape and clenched her fists.


    When the two adults left, Le stamped her foot: ?What a wench! Where did he even pick her up?! At the cemetery?! Sister, you are a healer, so why didn¡¯t you cleanse the evil?!?


    ?I don¡¯t see any reason to worry. Although she answered your question positively, I still don¡¯t think she¡¯s dad¡¯s woman. She is his boss. The work that dad is silent about is directly rted to this Arpha!?


    ?A bold statement, but where do these conclusionse from, sis??


    ?Firstly, dad called herdy, and secondly, he behaved strangely, not like a man who was invited on a date. But the main reason for my conclusions is different: she is too strong for dad! Given Arpha¡¯s cold temperament, she is unlikely to be interested in a weak, pot-bellied bald man. Our mom, for example, had an affair with a young and handsome dad who seduced her with his mind and romantic films, but this would not work with Arpha.?


    ?Even with all your extraordinary intelligence, you¡¯re wrong¡­ Obviously, she¡¯s his girlfriend!?


    ?Justify your opinion.? ¨C Eve frowned.


    ?Hmm¡­ It¡¯s surprisingly difficult to exin such banality¡­ In general, you have no intuition at all, sis. Judge for yourself: the boss will note to the subordinate personally, say that she called him many times without any obvious anger or even discontent, and also use perfume and dress up to the eyes! Well, the finishing hook: she did not deny my assumption about the date! God, everything was written on her face! Are you blind?! I¡¯m one hundred percent sure that she is interested in daddy, grave bitch¡­ From what coffin did she crawl out?!?


    Eve thought for a second: ?What if she¡¯s his boss and his girlfriend at the same time??


    ?Oh, I don¡¯t know¡­ You¡¯d better tell me what we¡¯re going to do with her, what¡¯s her name??


    The girls did not even ask themselves why they wanted to interfere with the rtionship of Zosimos and Arpha at all, as if it was already obvious: the stranger wants to take away what is dear to them. And that¡¯s it. They didn¡¯t know what was really lurking in their souls.


    After a minute, Eve shook her head and said: ?I don¡¯t see the need to interfere in dad¡¯s affairs with another woman. He won¡¯t stop loving me because of this.?


    ?What?!? ¨C Le looked at her sister as if she was crazy. Did she hear that?


    ?Seriously, what right do I have to interfere with his happiness? After our mother left, he has an emptiness in his heart, you see, Arpha will fill it. In general, deal with this yourself. If you care about it so much, then you will definitelye up with something.? ¨C and Eve left to y.


    ?I can¡¯t believe my ears¡­? ¨C Le muttered. Now it seemed to her that her sister waspletely unlike her, as if she was a stranger or a traitor. Well, okay, she can handle it herself!


    After pondering over the important task for a few minutes, the pixie happily snapped her fingers: she just needs to spend her wish by telling dad not to meet with Arpha! Yes, she will spend an invaluable wish, but the threat in the form of some kind of wench will disappear!


    Already overjoyed, Le suddenly froze. Her eyebrows went up when it hit her. She ran into the room and shouted with hostility: ?Oh, you brat! I realized that you decided to back out for a reason! You wanted me to spend my only wish and arouse dad¡¯s indignation while you¡¯re kind of out of business, preserving your reputation as a good girl and beloved daughter! Do you take me for a fool?!?


    ?You are a fool.? ¨C Eve grinned venomously.


    ?Go to hell!?


    Meanwhile, Kyon, watching the development of events, almost turned his heart over. By some miracle, they still didn¡¯t fight. The consequences would be disastrous. Apparently, there are two reasons for this: the effect of the spanking still remains and the game character of Le is subordinate to Eve. In general, the girl is morally depressed and is not ready to bare her fangs for an attack.


    Once at the headquarters with Valeera, Lovr met Tymoshka, who was reading the book.


    The guy greeted the head of the n and reluctantly nodded to Zosimos, who was above him in rank.


    Kyon sat down on one of several chairs and, to his amazement, found that Valeera hadnded very close and turned to face him, giving the man a refreshing wave of her perfume.


    ?Zosimos, I have thought over your proposal well and made a final decision. I agree with all your conditions. From now on, you are my right hand.? ¨C the girl said confidently. If she made a decision, she never retracted her words.


    {Right hand?} ¨C Tymoshka dropped the book.


    ?Lady¡­ I will not let you down!? ¨C Kyon punched himself in the chest.


    From now on, Lovr, one might say, is the co-owner of the Silent Horror n, which under his leadership will surely grow into a megan. He will be a fiend of hell for the citizens and authorities of the capital, the number one target for ¡°Demon Huntress¡± and even the zero general, with whom he seems to cooperate. The criminal of the century.


    Kyon was not at all embarrassed by the scale of his future atrocities, and his principles did not suffer from it at all. Firstly, if not The Silent Horror, then someone else will take control of all the shadow structures of the city. Secondly, it is impossible to eliminate all crime in the capital so easily. The drug and ve trade will not go away. To eliminate them, either total control will be required, which is impossible in the current realities, or a highly moral civil society, to which it is necessary to go for decades. But underpetent guidance, he will be able to minimize the number of victims among the innocent.


    Lovr put forward the condition ¡°if I strongly disagree with something, then either we act as I say, or we are looking for apromise¡± for a reason. With its help, he will force Valeera to abandon some of the n¡¯s activities, such as the abduction of women and children and their subsequent envement or sale into sexual very.


    To summarize, Kyon was going to take the shadow sector of the city under his control, simultaneously eliminating the most disgusting parts of it, of which there are many.


    ?Zosimos, from now on, address me informally.? ¨C asked Valeera.


    {Informally?!} ¨C Tymoshka jumped up from his seat with shock easily visible on his face.


    ?Now we are partners, and the n¡¯s profit will be divided equally between us.?


    {EQUALLY?!} ¨C Tymoshka dropped his jaw and staggered, almost falling. The great head of the n appoints a pot-bellied old man as his right hand, asks him to address her familiarly, and she is also ready to give half of the profit?!


    ?We have a lot of work to do. You promised to help me build a megan, so tell me where should we start? Any suggestions?? ¨C Valeera gave the initiative to the man without hesitation, clearly demonstrating her good attitude towards him.


    Kyon took on the role of leader without hesitation: ?First we need to gather all the trusted people in the n. Please arrange a meeting for tomorrow.?


    Tymoshka blushed with anger. How dare this old man give orders to the mistress?! Is he looking for death?! But, to the guy¡¯splete shock, the girl didn¡¯t get angry at all¡­


    Valeera straightened the hem of her skirt, saying: ?No problem. Let it be at six in the evening. Is there anything else I can do? Ask for whatever you want.?


    ?No, nothing else is needed. Tomorrow we will determine the area of responsibility of each member.?


    After 15 minutes, Kyon left the headquarters under the pretext of paternal duties. And although Valeera made him her right hand, there was no joy on his face.


    At home, while Le was taking a shower, Eve quietly approached Lovr.


    ?Dad¡­ can I ask you¡­ to make me the same promise that you made to my sister when we, well, just woke up?? ¨C the little fairy asked confusedly, looking away.


    Kyon raised his eyebrows, suspecting some cunning n from the girl: ?The same? Good.? ¨C he took her small tender palm and kissed it affectionately, solemnly promising. ¨C ?Oh my little flower, my little fairy, I swear to faithfully take care of you, even if I¡¯m dying.?


    Eve¡¯s emerald eyes sparkled, her eyshes trembled, and her cheeks turned pink. Earlier, her father had made the same vow to her sister, but she had to abandon it because of fear of male touch. Now she was not afraid to touch her dad. Given the appearance of Arpha, thedy considered it necessary to obtain a simr vow, thus strengthening the connection with Zosimos. Of course, she didn¡¯t like the stranger either.


    Lovr was touched by the reaction of the charming intriguer. He could not restrain himself, stepped forward and gently hugged his daughter, stroking her on the top of her head: ?No matter how the millstones of fate turn, you will always be dear to me. Remember that.?


    Eve¡¯s ears seemed to be steaming. She broke away from the embrace and, covering her cheeks burning with me with her palms, smartly ran to her room, where she hid under the nket. Thedy was afraid that her heart would burst out of her chest. Initially, she treated her task rationally, but something went wrong, and now she lost control of the situation.


    Kyonughed softly at the behavior of the Virgo sect leader. It¡¯s too much.


    Before going to sleep, he heard through the formations imposed on Le, her rapid heartbeat and heavy breathing. Nightmares, or what? No, because she¡¯s not sleeping.


    Realizing what was happening, Kyon sighed convulsively and stopped eavesdropping: {Le, you are so¡­}

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452


    Early in the morning, Kyon, transformed into Dick, came to the department and went up to the analytics department. There he was quickly surrounded by a crowd of investigators who wanted to say hello and congratte him on his first working day as an investigator of the 2nd rank.


    ?Thank you very much. Gentlemen, I need four volunteers among the second-rank investigators who are ready to work with me. I am gathering a small team, the main goal of which is to destroy the leader of the Silent Horror n!? ¨C Kyon proimed pathetically.


    There was a deathly silence. People looked at each other uncertainly. Usually teams are organized under the leadership of Mn or an experienced, seasoned investigator who is highly respected among the rest. Now it is done by a young novice loner.


    ?I¡¯m ready.? ¨C the first toe forward was Aizar, the same investigator who got Dick the ¡°A-3¡± case for a big sum.


    ?I don¡¯t mind either.? ¡­ ?I will dly work with the young genius.?


    To the surprise of many, about half of the 2nd rank investigators expressed a desire to work under the guidance of a fat man. Obviously, some of them were motivated by a desire to gain experience from the most productive investigator in history. Others expected to destroy thest n and get a huge bonus.


    Kyon selected four of the most promising investigators and upied an empty meeting room, where he got to know everyone better and got down to business: ?It was an unpleasant surprise for me that the n of the eighth rank, the most promising and dangerous mite of Dantes, was absent from the underground auction. Now the Silent Horror has nopetitors. A whole de of herbivores is at the disposal of a growing predator. Our task is to kill it before he turns into the king of beasts! We are obliged to prevent the emergence of the megan!?


    ?What are your suggestions, fatty?? ¨C asked Aizar, crossing his arms.


    ?To fight a rat, we need to be rats. The interrogated Isaac and Diego can give a lot of information about where, when and with whom they worked. Instead of destroying these criminal organizations, we should lead them!?


    One of the investigators jumped up from his seat: ?So you want to create a fake shadow n to meet the head of the Silent Horror n on equal terms and nail it?!?


    ?Gingerbread for this gentleman!? ¨C Kyon pointed his finger at the smartest one.


    Four seasoned investigators could not believe that Dick thinks in suchrge-scale categories. They organized only ambushes, traps and informers (often to no avail), but to create a shadow n controlled by the department?! It¡¯s too high a level! Now it has be clearer to them what the secret of the sess of this outwardly repulsive fat man is, and, to be honest, their opinion of him has just grown significantly, and they have perked up.


    In the presence of his subordinates, Kyon created a step-by-step n, loaded each of the investigators with responsibilities and did not forget about himself. However, he took for himself only those tasks that Synergy will cope with in a second, and the hand will write in a minute.


    In thete afternoon, Lovr disappeared from the department, changed his clothes, changed his appearance and came to the headquarters of the Silent Horror n, where he met only four people: Tymoshka, the n formacist and two more whom he had seen once. Without Bernard and Alexander, the meeting seemed somehow lonely and gloomy. Defective or something. It made him sad¡­


    As soon as Kyon exchanged greetings, Valeera suddenly appeared next to him.


    ?Oh, Lady! Hello!? ¡­ ?W-wee to the head of the n!? ¡­ ?My respects, Lady Arpha!? ¡­ ?My bow to the leader of the n!? ¨C the subordinates spoke respectfully.


    ?Hello, Arpha.? ¨C Kyon nodded.


    As soon as the pot-bellied man addressed the leader without due respect, everyone was furious, and someone even indicated his lust for blood. However, a secondter, seeing the response of thedy, they were taken aback.


    ?Hello, Zosimos.? ¨C the girl said casually and addressed the audience. ¨C ?I have important news for you: since yesterday Zosimos has been my right hand. I demand you treat him with the same respect as you treat me.?


    Tymoshka crossed his arms dejectedly, while the faces of the rest of the people stretched out in amazement. How did a new recruit reach such an honorary position in a month?!


    ?From now on, I share the responsibilities with him equally. We are going to develop the n together, which means that you must obey any of his orders, like mine.?


    Someone stretched out a hand asking permission to ask a question.


    ?Ask.?


    ?Lady Arpha, but why did youe to this decision??


    ?There are many reasons. It all started with an operation to rob the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse¡­? ¨C the girl told about all the merits of Zosimos, avoiding details that could bring problems to a man in the future: from finding precious metals in the warehouse to saving her from Edward¡¯s clutches. She made it clear to everyone that he is the one whom shepletely trusts. ¨C ?¡­single-handedly destroyed all my sworn enemies. His actions speak volumes.?


    {So it was he who destroyed the underground auction?!} ¨C Tymoshka opened his mouth in surprise. He knew that Lanai hated lies, so he had to believe what she said.


    ?B-but, Lady Arpha, didn¡¯t Dick Baker destroy the underground auction¡­?


    ?Obviously, the rotten investigator took his merits for himself!? ¨C answered Valeera sharply. She was sick of the name of the bastard who took all the glory from Zosimos.


    Everyone felt icy goosebumps from the leader¡¯s tone. No one else dared to ask questions.


    ?Zosimos, please, tell us your n for the development of the n.? ¨C the girl asked.


    At first, Kyon decided to take the precautions he had thought out in advance, because in the future any extra information that he would give out could y a cruel joke on him. Stepping into the center of the room, he cleared his throat and spoke: ?First, I order you to keep secret the information about who exactly destroyed the underground auction. Also, I forbid spreading my name. Call me ¡°The Dark Baron¡±. If someone asks how such a weak man became the right hand of a strong and talented head of the n, say that he is her uncle who came from abroad.?


    Out of the corner of his eye, Lovr noticed that Valeera tensed after his words. Of course, because he struck a chord. As for the reason why he chose this nickname: back in Boston, he wanted to be the ¡°ck King¡± for the ¡°ck Queen¡±. The nickname ¡°The Dark Baron¡± is close in meaning and at the same time should not arouse suspicion.


    When those present made a promise, Kyon continued: ?Six days ago, the shadow sector of the capital lost its biggest leaders. Currently, criminal groups and organizations are left without protection, which means that we are obliged to take advantage of theplete absence ofpetitors and crush them under us as soon as possible! Dy is uneptable. So, we¡¯ll start with¡­?


    For the next half hour, Lovrpetently and concisely exined the step-by-step n of action, giving each person present certain instructions.


    He took on the most difficult task ¨C the search for criminal organizations in Dantes. With more than a thousand subordinates and the position of an investigator, this task will turn into a trifle, but Valeera will appreciate his ¡°colossal¡± work.


    By the way, the head of the n got a particrly responsible job: she must subordinate criminal organizations to her n by intimidating their leaders. The most adamant and decisive of them, those who will not deviate from their principles in the face of mortal danger, should be sent to meet him personally instead of killing. The fact is that in this category of people it is easiest to find someone who can be entrusted with a responsible position without the risk of betrayal.


    Lovr did not forget about Tymoshka either: ?And you, boy, will be a cleaner. Every day you have to scrub every corner of the headquarters to shine, including the toilets and venttion. If I see even one speck of dust, even one spot, you will wash it off with your tongue!?


    ?Y-yes, sir¡­? ¨C the dejected guy meekly muttered. There is no doubt that the old man is taking revenge on him for putting a spoke in his wheel, and for the fact that he beat him at the first meeting. In fact, Tymoshka expected something worse, but it cost a small loss.


    The meeting ended, and everyone, except Tymoshka, Zosimos and Arpha, left the headquarters. They had a good opinion about the right hand of the head of the n. Although he was nothing special as a practitioner, his organizational and oratorical skills were on top, as well as his charisma. Clearly delivered speech and confidence in every word make you believe that he knows his business, and under his leadership the n will achieve a lot.


    Kyon was amused by the situation in which he put himself: one of his personalities belongs to the brilliant investigator Dick, who is trying his best to destroy thest shadow n and is respected by all citizens of the capital. Even Elsa recognized him as a worthy Stone. The other personality belongs to ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, the co-owner of the future megan, the horror of Dantes, the future number one target for ¡°Demon Huntress¡± and the trusted partner of the head of the n. This can lead to a split personality.


    ?Excellent speech and wonderful n, Zosimos.? ¨C Valeera praised the man, sitting down next to him.


    ?It¡¯s a good n, but its sess depends entirely on you. Harp, the government will not sit back while we are slowly developing here. They will act, they will set up traps and ambushes. Please be careful.?


    ?I understand this perfectly well and always scout the situation before starting to act. I appreciate your concern.? ¨C Valeera looked at the man expressively. She used to be annoyed when Bernard worried about her. Now she feltpletely different.


    ?By the way, let¡¯s celebrate your promotion.? ¨C the girl suggested.


    ?I¡¯m all for it.? ¨C Kyon took out a bottle of cold champagne and two sses from the ring.


    ?No, Zosimos. I want to celebrate properly. Do you know the restaurant ¡°Star Shine¡±??


    ?Yes¡­ Of course, let¡¯s go.? ¨C Kyon headed for the exit. His mood plummeted. Valeera invites him to one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city¡­ Just the two of them¡­ Almost like a date. The head of the n wants to have dinner with him alone.


    When the two left, Tymoshka, who had been sitting quietly in the corner of the room all this time, gasped convulsively: {Why¡­ Lanai, why do you treat him this way? I deserve to be treated like this too, don¡¯t I? I¡¯ve done so much for you for so many years, I was just less lucky¡­} ¨C the guy who was going crazy with jealousy and anxiety left the headquarters, intending to follow his beloved one.

 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453


    The sun went down behind the high walls, and the city was shrouded in darkness. The streetlights came on.


    The restaurant ¡°Star Shine¡± was among the top ten in the capital. Not everyone can afford to book a table here. Usually all the tables are reserved for a week in advance, but there is always a free one for visitors who are willing to pay a tidy sum.


    A pot-bellied man in a pantsuit and a gorgeous girl in an exquisite ck dress, effectively fitting a slender, flexible figure like a glove, approached the entrance. They ordered a VIP table and, to the surprise of the head waiter, a beautifuldy paid.


    The visitors looked at the couple in surprise: is it possible that an adult man and an irresistible girl, young enough to be his daughter, have a date? No, it can¡¯t be. She is too good for him, and there is no ce for a ck pearl next to a ball fish. Her perfectly straight posture clearly betrays the noble origin of the stranger. It looks like the fat man is her father or uncle, because they havemon facial features.


    The atmosphere in the restaurant was conducive to a leisurely rxed dinner. It was clear that the restaurant owed its name to the brilliant interior design. A professional musical ensemble of 5 people, led by a pianist, yed a pleasant background melody. In the center of the hall there was still an empty tform ¨C a small dance floor, one of the many features of this restaurant. However, in order not to disturb the romantic atmosphere, they mostly perform slow lyrical songs here.


    Five minutester, a guy in a wig, ck sses and a fake mustache appeared at the entrance. To his disappointment, people were not allowed inside without booking. The unlucky spy had to buy a VIP table, taking an amount equal to his annual ie from his savings. The heart was bleeding from such waste, but poisonous jealousy did not leave greed a chance.


    Tymoshka sat down at a table not far from Lanai with Zosimos. He could see the expression on the face of his beloved girl and hear her every word. The ideal position for surveince.


    Looking at the menu, the young man felt the ground giving way beneath his feet. The prices are not just high, they are higher than a cat¡¯s back! He couldn¡¯t afford that.


    When a pretty waitress approached him with a notepad in her hands, Tymoshka coughed dryly and said in a low voice: ?I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t make an order until my wifees.?


    ?Sir, but you can¡¯t take a table without ordering anything¡­?


    The guy tensed and whispered: ?Then give me some bread¡­?


    ?Excuse me, what??


    ?Can I have some bread??


    ?Bread?? ¨C the girl asked in confusion.


    ?Yes.? ¨C Tymoshka nodded, blushing with shame. The waitress¡¯s gaze seemed to express squeamish pity, as if she were looking at a crippled beggar. And she asked again for some reason, almost giving away his surveince! Bitch! No, no. It¡¯s all nonsense. He just misunderstood.


    Meanwhile, Kyon, who was secretly watching the ?pursuer?, had an acute attack of contempt, almost punching his face with his palm.


    Valeera handed the menu to the waitress and, gracefully lowering her chin on her hands sped in the lock, turned anguid look at the man: ?Eve and Le are simply charming, but they need to be stronger to be able to stand up for themselves in a difficult situation. I just have a good technique for establishing a connection with the soul. Do you mind if I practice with them??


    ?Um¡­ No, better not¡­? ¨C Kyon refused politely, vividly imagining how the head of the n would be turned into a punching bag. Because of this picture, the brilliant investigator had a lump in his throat, and he nervously sipped water. ¨C ?I¡¯ve already hired a good master. I am sure the first results will appear soon.?


    ?It¡¯s good. May I know how their mom died??


    ?Stroke¡­? ¨C Kyon sighed sadly, not inventing too much.


    ?I¡¯m very sorry¡­? ¨C Valeera sympathetically put her palms on the man¡¯s warm hands.


    Tymoshka, sitting at the next table, almost had his eyes popping out of his head. Earlier, he tried to touch Lady Lanai, but she deftly slipped away and menacingly ordered him not to do that anymore, but now she touched the man herself! How so?!


    Kyon wanted to cover the cold and tender palms of the beauty with his own, but he reluctantly removed his hands under the table, shaking his head: ?Everything is fine. Don¡¯t be sorry. I¡¯vee to terms with it for a long time.?


    ?But do you feel empty?? ¨C she asked pointedly.


    ?The emptiness was upied by the daughters. They are my light in life.? ¨C Kyon evaded the answer.


    The waitress brought the dishes and the couple proceeded to dinner.


    After finishing his meal, Kyon decided to break the silence: ?Arpha isn¡¯t your real name, is it? The head of the shadow n wouldn¡¯t reveal her real name without a good reason, right??


    ?Right. I don¡¯t tell anyone my real name. But I¡¯ll make an exception for you¡­? ¨C thedy approached the man and whispered in his ear with a gentle hot breeze. ¨C ?Valeera.?


    {Her name is not Lanai?!} ¨C Tymoshka felt, to put it mildly, shitty. The hand of the guy shaking with tension, with which he had beenzily ying with the fork, jerked so that he almost stuck the cutlery in his eye. He has known the girl for several years and considered himself her most trusted subordinate, but she never told him her real name. And then some weak old man got so close to the head of the n in a month that she intimately whispered such secrets in his ear! Cosmic injustice!


    Kyon noisily inhaled the frosty aroma of the brte, and then calmly shoved a piece of meat into his mouth.


    Valeera sat back down with a slightly distressed look: ?Do you have any secrets??


    Swallowing with an effort a piece that almost got stuck in his throat, Lovr replied: ?Once I identally swore out loud in front of Le, and she remembered it for sure. Now I¡¯m afraid that no one will marry her.?


    ?Oh¡­ It¡¯s serious¡­ My secret is nothingpared to yours.? ¨C said Valeera sarcastically.


    ?But seriously, I¡¯m an open-minded person. I try to live without skeletons in the closet. Especially when ites to people dear to me.? ¨C Kyon told the truth. Despite his tendency to lie for profit, he tries to be honest with his loved ones. However, he is not very good at it.


    ?A good trait. I respect you. I can¡¯t stand liars. I¡¯m ready to kill them.? ¨C Valeera said with a barely perceptible threat in her voice, and her gaze into the pale blue eyes of the man became piercing like the tip of a dagger for a few seconds.


    Because of the sudden surge of bloodlust, the air in the restaurant seemed to get colder by 10 degrees. Many visitors fidgeted anxiously, looking around cautiously. Someone could not stand it and left in a hurry. Even the pianist shuddered and lost the rhythm for a moment, but quickly came to his senses.


    It might seem that Valeera has just hinted nontrivially that she knew Zosimos¡¯ secret, but Kyon thought otherwise. Her reaction is connected with memories of a young man who deceived and betrayed her: he made her fall in love with him (or almost did it); destroyed two organizations in which she put her whole soul; inhumanly tortured her and killed her beloved uncle. Considering all this, there is nothing surprising in such a thirst for blood at the mere memory of her tormentor.


    Lovr with great difficulty pretended that his blood did not freeze and the back of his head was not covered with cold goosebumps: ?I see you really hate deceivers¡­ What is the reason??


    ?Sorry¡­? ¨C Weber suddenly came to her senses. ¨C ?In the past, my father often told me that he loved me the most, but judging by the fact that all his attention went to my brother, he lied to me¡­ Since then, I¡¯ve hated cheaters.?


    ?Did you hate your father??


    ?Not at all. I loved him, just¡­? ¨C Valeera abruptly fell silent. A close rtive left her so suddenly¡­ The girl alwayscked her father¡¯s attention and affection, but she did not hold any grudge or resentment against him, and instead she hated lies in any form, which means that liars too. But this does not apply to jokes. There¡¯s a fine line here.


    ?Will you share your story??


    Valeera shook her head resolutely: ?I don¡¯t want to talk about sad things. Let¡¯s drink to your promotion, Zosimos.?


    The man and the girl clinked sses with champagne and drank their contents.


    The ensemble yed a gentle melody for a partner dance.


    Kyon¡¯s worst expectations were confirmed:


    Charmingly arching her thin eyebrows, Valeera said: ?Zosimos, how about a dance??


    ?Oh no, I don¡¯t know how to dance¡­? ¨C he tried to get away.


    ?Do not worry. Partner dance does not require skills. The main thing is not to step on your partner¡¯s feet¡­?


    ?That¡¯s exactly what I have a problem with. I step on all the feet nearby like an elephant.?


    ?You definitely won¡¯t be able to step on my feet. Come on, don¡¯t be shy.? ¨C thedy teased him, holding out her hand for an invitation. She acted persistently, while managing not to lose her feminine charm and tact.


    The eavesdropping Tymoshka turned pale and trembled like a puppy exposed to frost. Lady Lanai invites the old man to a slow dance¡­ Such nonsense cannot be seen even in the worst nightmare! Why does she sink to his level?! No, not like that¡­ Why does she consider Zosimos worthy of dancing with herself?! He does not even have the minimum qualification for this!


    Kyon closed his eyes wearily and shook his head: ?Let me y the piano instead.?


    ?Can you y?? ¨C Valeera was surprised.


    ?I attended courses as a child.?


    When the ensemble finished ying the melody, Lovr approached the pianist and asked him to give him a seat. He hesitated, but eventually agreed on the condition that he would y well enough to correspond to the spirit and prestige of the restaurant, otherwise he would have to intervene.


    Under numerous surprised nces, in particr Valeera, the man sat down at the piano, twisted his neck until it crunched and put his fingers on the keys¡­


    (Author¡¯s note: the author sees (hears) something like this melody on the piano: https://.youtube/watch?v=VZHNeZmdA0w&list=FL3ow67tFgdYLY8NTyzdBg0w&index=11 )


    The gentle sound of the notes woven into a single whole flowed from the instrument to the listeners¡¯ ears. From the very first seconds, the restaurant¡¯s visitors unknowingly put their cutlery aside to enjoy the man¡¯s piano ying. The depth and harmony of the melody amazed the imagination, awakening in the memory of listeners the brightest episodes from their lives, resonating with them and amplifying them many times, which made some people even cry. It was as if they had entered a trance state. The wonderful melody satisfied the most refined taste, and even those who did not like the sound of the piano decided to reconsider their opinion.


    Valeera listened to the man ying the piano as if spellbound. Happy memories of the past flowed through her mind, and from the impossibility of returning those times it became so sad and bitter that the eyshes of the beauty trembled from an overabundance of feelings, and her cheeks were streaked with wet paths of tears. The girl thought that after the events in Boston she would never again sumb to weakness, but no¡­ She had deceived herself. She underestimated the insidiousness of fate.


    Kyon yed thest notes, and¡­


    ?Bravo!? ¨C someone¡¯s loud voice boomed.


    The visitors burst into apuse. They had never heard anything like it, it was as if the man had descended from heaven to y the music of the spheres to sinners.


    The pianist firmly shook the musician¡¯s hand and even hugged him, patting him on the back: ?Amazing¡­ I¡¯ve never heard anything more beautiful! I¡¯m not even close to that¡­?


    Everyone was pping, and only Tymoshka was choking with jealousy. He saw the reaction of thedy in great detail and went crazy from the fact that the old man is able to cause such feelings in the icy beauty¡­


    Kyon sat back down at the table: ?What do you say??


    ?Incredible¡­? ¨C Valeera resolutely touched the man¡¯s palms. ¨C ?I have never experienced such emotions from music¡­ You are great. With such a right hand, I will never get bored. I don¡¯t regret the decision to promote you at all.?


    ?Nice to hear. Well, let¡¯s have another drink!? ¨C Kyon offered with the intonation of an avid drunkard, pretending not to notice the girl¡¯s efforts.


    He understood that he was to me for what was happening: he ignored her calls on those days when she was going crazy with the desire to get answers, thereby putting himself above her; he behaved like a man who knows his own worth too well, although anyone else would bow his head to her and be afraid to look into her eyes; he also saved her twice, destroyed her sworn enemies and brought Edward on a tter for revenge (one can say, he made Weber feel indebted.); and, as a final touch, he requested half of the n¡¯s ie, putting her in front of a choice: either I leave, or treat me as an equal. But what does it mean to treat as an equal? And this means that she will have to appreciate all his actions. And now he only aggravates the situation by behaving so unapproachable, as if a statuesque beauty still has to try to win his heart. He unwittingly carried out an inversion of value between them.


    Lovr came to such conclusions based on his observations of hispanion, but is he right? Big question.


    Valeera did not even think to give up. She had already made a final decision, and was not going to retreat. With her stubborn character, the girl will definitely achieve her goal. She continued to provoke a man in a feminine way with enviable persistence: she touched him casually, prettily bent her eyebrows, burst out withpliments.


    Meanwhile, Tymoshka looked like a zombie whose head was about to fall off.


    The waitress brought the bill, and the guy was dizzy from inadequate prices. Is this bread made from white dragon bone meal?! But he kept his objections to himself, paid the bill and, bowing his head, left the restaurant.


    ?So, that¡¯s it, it¡¯s time for me to go to my daughters!? ¨C Kyon could not stand another hint from the girl.


    ?So be it, I¡¯ll walk you out.?


    ?No, don¡¯t do that. I will feel ufortable.?


    ?Do not worry about it. I live in the same hotel. We¡¯re going in the same direction.?


    {Then why the fuck did you say ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out¡±?!} ¨C Kyon got angry inwardly and took out the money to pay his part of the bill.


    ?Zosimos, I¡¯ll pay.? ¨C Valeera stopped his hand.


    ?I¡¯m a man, and I have pride!? ¨C Kyon was indignant, although he perfectly understood that a real alpha male would convince a girl to pay for him, thereby increasing his importance.


    ?Man, today we celebrate your promotion. In such situations, the boss is responsible for the costs. Besides, I invited you, not the other way around.? ¨C retorted Valeera maliciously.


    {Well, what the¡­} ¨C Kyon sighed with the annoyance of amander defeated on all fronts. The truth is on thedy¡¯s side. It turns out that she, being broke, not only ordered a VIP table, but also will pay his bill¡­ If she continues to behave like this, then she will definitely fall in love!


    On that bitter note, ¡°the date¡± came to an end.

 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454


    Three days have passed since Dick Baker¡¯s visit to Patriarch Monty Valentine.


    At 17:55, Elsa came to the central square of Dantes with a package of crackers and juice. As usual, there were a lot of people scurrying around, and she sat down on a bench waiting for the performance.


    Exactly at 6 pm, exactly on schedule, a screen with city news appeared high in the sky, and on it was an image with the inscription: ¡°Good evening, citizens of Dantes. Now you will see what the well-known hero of the capital ¨C Dick Baker ¨C looks like¡±.


    Hundreds of people in the central square looked up with interest. ?Well, finally, I will know what he looks like!? ¡­ ?Oh, for once interesting news!? ¡­ ?It is high time! Ha ha! Finally!? ¡­ ?Friend, I remember, you said that he was handsome? Well, let¡¯s take a look at him!? ¡­ ?Ha ha¡­ Yes¡­ Well, maybe he is not your type, but I really liked him! So don¡¯tin¡­? ¡­ ?Why are you so fussed? You shamed me that I didn¡¯t see such a handsome man!?


    As soon as the image changed, the faces of the joyful and interested spectators, of whom there were about 50 million throughout the capital, froze, after which they all at once bulged their eyes from extreme surprise. The appearance of the fat man in the picture was simply terrifying! Oblique eyes, eyebrows fused into one bushy line, a piglet nose with e and these thin mustaches¡­ Moreover, this creature posed! The image of a beautiful young handsome man with a slightly ridiculous name and surname, created and already erected on an unattainable pedestal by the fantasies of citizens of Dantes, shattered into pieces. He is just a monster, which is only good for scaring children!


    When the second picture was shown, screams and swearing were heard. Someone wasughing hysterically.


    When the third picture was shown, some children began to cry, not understanding why their parents made such terrible grimaces, and the restughed. The old men clutched at their hearts forlornly.


    Monty Valentine took a shuddering breath, fearing possible consequences.


    Many citizens of Dantes received a serious mental blow. The degree of praise, veneration and idealization of Dick Bakerpletely disappeared. However, his appearance, name and feat will never be forgotten.


    ?And he is your type?! You¡¯re crazy! Ugh, Raya! It¡¯s disgusting!?


    The second woman blushed and even nearly fainted from shame.


    ?Ah-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha¡­? ¨C Elsa burst outughing, wiping away the tears that came. ¨C ?Behold your hero of the millennium! Angel in the flesh! The great and terrible Dick Baker! Ee-hee-hee¡­? ¨C Stone had neverughed so hard in her life. She generally forgot thest time she had so much fun. It seems to be before her father¡¯s disappearance. Her face even turned red. The mood is wonderful! Let everyone know what their hero looks like. Now ¡°Demon Huntress¡± has every chance of a triumphant return.


    ¡­


    Kyon, who returnedte in the evening, as always, was warmly greeted by his daughters. Le expressed her dissatisfaction with her father¡¯s frequent absences to work. It was implied that she wanted to see her dad more often, but this was awkwardly disguised as a desire to work out or go shopping. Eve nodded in agreement with her sister.


    Lovr could not be torn into three parts. He spends several hours a day in the department, organizing a shadow n controlled by the government, and the rest of the time he creates a megan. He does not manage to devote an extra minute for his daughters in any way.


    ?My dears, your dad has a blockage at work¡­ I will not be able to walk with you or go to training in the next two weeks. You¡¯ll have to be patient.?


    ?But, daddy, no games, films and cartoons will rece the time spent with you!? ¨C Eve said fervently.


    ?Bunny¡­? ¨C touched to the depths of his soul, Kyon gently touched the chin of the little fairy. She¡¯s a good girl, she knows the words with which she can reach the heart. Unlike her sister¡­


    ?No, that will not do!? ¨C Le blurted out, arching her eyebrows angrily. ¨C ?Every morning you spend several hours in the shower, what¡¯s the problem with washing faster?!?


    In fact, it¡¯s not Kyon who is washing in the shower, but his clone. Since Valeera lives next door, the risk of surveince is too high. If he leaves the room, it bes almost impossible to get into the department unnoticed, so he has to teleport out of the shower ande back after a short workday.


    ?Your dad thinks better in the shower¡­? ¨C Kyon smiled awkwardly.


    ?Two hours a day ¨C are we asking for a lot?!? ¨C the pixie stamped her foot.


    Kyon sighed: ?So be it. I will set aside an hour or two a day for my daughters. I¡¯m a father after all.?


    The girls shone like the rays of the sun.


    ?By the way¡­? ¨C Le suddenly remembered. ¨C ?As for the shower¡­ I identally broke a showerhead there¡­?


    ?Broke?? ¨C Kyon frowned, went into the shower room and made sure that the metal showerhead was really ruthlessly squeezed. It turned into a thin strip, as if a piece of wet y was squeezed in a fist.


    The man silently shook his head, and such a cold reaction seemed to upset the mischief a little: ?Oh, yes¡­ I also identally broke through your bed when I was jumping on it¡­? ¨C ¡°guiltily¡± looking down, the girl said, drawing circles on the floor with her toe.


    The jaw muscles on the cheekbones of already extremely irritated Kyon tensed: ?Le¡­?


    ?Well, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose! And so what? You¡¯ll sleep on the couch for a day, it¡¯s not a problem! Or you can do it in the bath¡­ You already spend more time with it than with us!?


    ?Le, are youpletely insolent?!? ¨C Lovr hissed menacingly, approaching her.


    Eve snorted: ?She doesn¡¯t know how to control forces at all¡­ You should spank her properly!?


    The girl¡¯s eyes widened with fear. She grabbed her ass, timidly retreating: ?P-please, not on the ass! It still itches at night! I didn¡¯t do it on purpose! I¡¯m sure you will be morefortable on the couch!?


    {[emailprotected]</a>#%} ¨C Kyon cursed to himself. So that¡¯s the crux of the matter! He knew that he should not spank teenagers (this is her mental age) who are developing sexuality, because they can react in the most unexpected way. Now this silly girl wants to be spanked because she found a sexual interest in it.


    Lovr abruptly stopped being provoked, took out the sound transmitter and called the administration to change the bed and fix the showerhead.


    Le asked in disappointment: ?So you¡¯re not going to p me on the ass? This is good¡­ That¡¯s right, there¡¯s nothing to punish me for, I¡¯m not guilty of anything¡­?


    Kyon said mercilessly: ?Two days without ess to games and movies.?


    ?What?!? ¨C the girl was amazed, as if she had been doused with cold water. ¨C ?You wouldn¡¯t dare!?


    ?I¡¯ve already dared. From now on, think with your head, not your ass, you fool.?


    Le, with tears in the corners of her eyes, tried to convince her father, but another stern look, hinting at the extension of the punishment, convinced her not to continue to whine.


    An hourter, the hotel administration fixed everything.


    The next morning, Kyon yawned and headed for the shower, but on the way he met the pixie.


    ?And w-why are you running around in your underpants?!? ¨C asked the crimson-faced Le, stammering.


    ?It¡¯s cold without them.? ¨C Kyon retorted and went into the shower. There¡¯s definitely something wrong with the girl. Earlier, when he defended his boxers from Edward¡¯s attack, sheughed without a shadow of embarrassment, and now she is pretending to be innocent¡­ But she¡¯s not Eve!


    A few hourster, having finished with the affairs in the department, Lovr teleported back to the shower room. When he was changing clothes before going to headquarters, Eve came up to him, handed him a juicy apple and adjusted the cor of his suit, thus obviously showing concern.


    Kyon returned home from headquarters two hours earlier than usual, that is, in the evening.


    In the living room, the eyes of the father and the orange-eyed daughter met. Both froze as if rooted to the spot.


    ?Le¡­? ¨C Kyon began unkindly. ¨C ?Why are you stealing my underwear??


    In her hands, the girl was holding the same boxers, in which she had seen him in the morning. They were in theundry basket, and they had to be picked up for washing. And this would have happened if one of the daughters had not turned out to be a dirty thief.


    It seemed that Le¡¯s whole life shed before her eyes, when suddenly it dawned on her, she mischievously showed the man her tongue, put his underpants on her head and, giggling loudly, rushed to run around the room¡­


    ?Have youpletely gone crazy?..? ¨C he did not understand.


    Eve looked out of the room. When she saw her sister running andughing with her father¡¯s underpants on her head, she covered her mouth with her palm: ?Oh my god, are we really sisters??


    Kyon rubbed his temples wearily. He will definitely go crazy with her! She was caught stealing, but she quickly came up with a n of action: she decided to pretend to be a fool¡­ This is absurd!


    ?Pervert, give our dad his underpants!? ¨C Eve demanded, rushing in pursuit of her sister.


    Finally, the responsible blonde removed the most intimate element of the men¡¯s wardrobe from the head of the minx and it was returned to its rightful owner.


    ?Le, exin it!? ¨C crossing his arms, Kyon demanded, snorting angrily with his nose.


    The pixie, rapidly turning crimson, did not give up: ?Don¡¯t look at me like that! It¡¯s your own fault, because you forbade me to y games and watch movies! I¡¯m bored out of my mind now¡­ I have nothing to do! I can¡¯t watch this idiot y and give orders to my character¡­ I¡¯d rather drown myself!?


    ?Who¡¯s an idiot here?? ¨C Eve did not hesitate to intervene. ¨C ?I gave you a book to read, and you didn¡¯t even read one page, but instead pulled our dad¡¯s underpants over your head¡­?


    ?Since you¡¯re bored, then let¡¯s go for a walk. I came back from work early on purpose. But do not do such stupid things from now on! I don¡¯t steal your underwear¡­ And I don¡¯t put it on my head.?


    ?And I don¡¯t mind.? ¨C the girl giggled.


    The walk resulted in a trip to the theater for aedy drama and the amusement park with dinner.


    Eve took care of her father, courting him from all sides and not forgetting to express her love in every possible way in the form ofpliments and warm smiles. This behavior angered Le, appealed to a feeling of jealousy and awakened the spirit ofpetition, so she also tried to take care of the man in her own way, although she did it extremely poorly. Also, the pixie was rude to her sister for the slightest reason, for which she was rude to her too. So both sisters hung around the man and continuously insulted each other almost out of the blue.


    Kyon should have stopped the daughters, but how could he miss the opportunity to get into their souls deeper through the struggle for their attention? Let thempete. Besides, he liked to bask in the attention of two beautiful sisters. Thanks to Valeera. She provoked their jealousy, and the rivalry of the girls only increased the effect.


    That night, Lovr once again found Le doing secret things under the nket, and judging by the fact that she almost woke up her sister, thedy was especially excited. He understood that daughters often feel attraction and even love for their fathers, but he did not expect this to happen to him.


    With a convulsive sigh, Kyon stopped peeking. A tent has grown in the groin area that can withstand a category F5 tornado. Although he tried to treat Le as his own daughter, subconsciously, he still first of all perceived her as a beautiful attractive girl.


    It¡¯s been three days.


    The situation was heating up. More precisely, Lovr¡¯s brains were boiling from the joint efforts of three girls.


    Valeera¡¯s hints and provocations became more eloquent every day, while the girl could not be called pushy, because she always tried to act appropriately to the situation. ordingly, it was getting harder and harder for Kyon to control himself, although any man in his ce would have broken loose a long time ago. He doubted that in such conditions he would hold out for a long time, and his pride did not allow him to make himself impotent with the help of Synergy. Moreover, just his personal ¡°willingness¡± is at stake, not his life or safety. Or rather, ¡°unwillingness¡±.


    Eve and Le also raised the degree of his tension. Theypeted with each other for their father¡¯s attention more and more fiercely, they swore more and more often, and once it almost came to a fight, fortunately Kyon was there. The girls tried to take care of the man with all their might: they made tea, made the bed, burst into praise, even tried tob his hair every now and then (as if there was something tob). As if someone makes them do all this.


    It was not easy for the pixie to fight for the man¡¯s heart, especially in terms of tender words. She just didn¡¯t know how, what and when to say. She called his belly perfectly round, probably hoping to tter its wearer so much, or praised his bald head for its dazzling brilliance with a look as if it was worth being proud of¡­ Realizing that she was losing ground, the girl began to act differently: to seduce the man with bodynguage. With her developed feminine instincts and flexible body, she did it much better than Valeera, but she was inferior to her in tact. In addition, she did not feel the limit of what was permissible, that is, she showed excessive frivolity, without even thinking about the fact that they were, in general, rtives.


    Anyway, Kyon¡¯s emotional tension was growing, and there was no way to bring it down. At times he resembled a megavolcano that was about to wake up and erupt.


    Coming out of the shower after work in the department, Lovr met Le stretching seductively. He knew that she had been waiting for him here for 15 minutes just to stretch. And yet the girl¡¯s long slender body is beyond praise¡­ and her perfectly shaped stic buttocks¡­


    ?Why are you looking at me like that? Are you in love with me?? ¨C the pixie bared her teeth in a satisfied grin.


    {No, but I can¡¯t vouch for you¡­} ¨C Kyon thought angrily.


    ?I know what you¡¯re thinking, horny dad! I can see everything in your eyes!?


    {Don¡¯t attribute your vices to me!} ¨C shed through Lovr¡¯s thoughts, but aloud he said something else. ¨C ?I think that I have a beautiful daughter¡­ I should find her a spouse.?


    ?I don¡¯t need any spouses!? ¨C the girl replied sharply and rudely.


    ?Prove it in a duel.?


    ?Are you serious now?? ¨C she raised her eyebrows.


    ?Sure, but I¡¯m talking about a duel in the game.? ¨C Kyon raised his index finger with a serious look.


    Five minutester, Lovr and his two daughters were sitting on the couch with joysticks, and the main menu of the fighting game shed on the screen in front of them. The essence is as follows: choose a character and fight the enemy. Buttonbinations activatebos. Side view. You can only move back and forth.


    Kyon exined the rules and showed how to y.


    It took the girls only 15 minutes to understand, ept and love everything.


    ?Wow, I made abo!? ¨C Le squeaked enthusiastically.


    ?Don¡¯t get conceited, you¡¯ve already lost two rounds!? ¨C Eve answered excitedly.


    Kyon decided to give his daughters the opportunity to release emotions. The conflicts between the sisters are so far limited to verbal skirmishes, but they are bing more and more fierce and sooner orter they can turn into a serious fight. Now the chance of such an oue is much lower.


    ?So, I¡¯m next.? ¨C Lovr flexed his fingers.


    ?Come on, Daddy, show us what you can do!?


    As a result, Kyon destroyed the girl, leaving her no chance to win.


    Le stared at the screen for a minute, dumbfounded, and then shouted indignantly: ?It¡¯s not fair! You¡­ You are too strong! I don¡¯t want any spouses anyway!?


    ?I was joking, you silly thing. I just decided to have fun with you. I will choose a groom for you in the future, when you return your memories and grow up.? ¨C Kyon chuckled, holding out the joystick to Eve.


    Le seemed relieved, and she cheerfully continued to fight.


    Opponents reced each other. The girls¡¯ughter, sometimes malevolent, spread around the room.


    At some point, when Kyon closed his eyelids for a second, he felt someone¡¯s carcass plopped down on him. Opening his eyes, he found a rosy-cheeked Le sitting regally on hisp andughing hard from a fight in which she almost lost.

 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455


    Eve was shocked by her sister¡¯s impudence so much that she was speechless and dropped the joystick.


    Kyon wanted to throw this arrogant ass off his knees, but at thest moment his hand trembled. The daughter is sitting on her father¡¯sp¡­ So what? In general, if she were a child, then there would be nothing special about it, but Le is already a teenager, at least she behaves like a teenager. And yet he didn¡¯t want to stop her, because he liked the fact that such a beauty was happily fidgeting with her perfect soft hips on hisp. He decided not to react in any way. He would let her sit. Thus, she will stimte her sister to be jealous.


    ?Are youpletely crazy?!? ¨C Eve screamed and turned an indignant look at the man.


    Kyon shrugged his shoulders, leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes with azy yawn.


    ?Haha, I won! Watch the fight, idiot!?


    ?I didn¡¯t y! Why are you sitting on him?! Get off!?


    ?I wanted to sit down and I sat down. He doesn¡¯t mind, as you can see. What¡¯s it to you? Are you jealous?? ¨C the pixie asked with a victorious grin. Unlike her sister, she has the courage to do such things, so she will win.


    ?¡­? ¨C Eve indignantly opened and closed her mouth like a fish stranded on the shore, but she could not find the words. Now she would give a lot for such a quality of character as reckless determination.


    ?So are you going to y? Or are you numb??


    With an effort of will, Eve suppressed jealousy paired with envy and took the joystick¡­ As expected, she took Le out of the game almost by a shutout, because this fool could not concentrate. Of course, she couldn¡¯t think about the game at all right now! She only uses it as an excuse to sit on her dad¡¯sp! It¡¯s so infuriating.


    15 minutes passed unnoticed. Le was losing with a score of 25-3, and although she tried to pretend to be angry, she didn¡¯t look unhappy or upset at all. Gradually, she pressed herself closer to the man, leaningpletely against his stomach with her back. Thedyy down on Zosimos, as if on her favorite pillow.


    Kyon¡¯s nerves were ringing with tension. What a hellish ordeal¡­ It would be better to just throw her off! Synergy did not allow something from the groin to pierce the ass of the ¡°queen¡± sitting on him. Speaking of ass¡­ This asshole has long crossed the forbidden line, invading the intimate area of the groin, and now she deliberately ys with stic buttocks every time she makes abo, as if specially testing the stamina of the man! Does the girl even understand that he is her father? What¡¯s in her head?!


    Eve bit her lips with envy. She also really wanted to sit on her beloved dad¡¯sp, warming him¡­ But she could not object, because her father does not react in any way, moreover, he seems to have dozed off for a long time, and he is not up to it.


    At the first awakening, Le considered Zosimos a kidnapper of beautiful girls and a cannibal, and now, on her own initiative, she flirts with him and enjoys it. If she had told herself about it in the past¨C she would never have believed it.


    Suddenly the pixie¡¯s eyebrows jumped when she felt some movement under the booty. Before she could react in any way, her father woke up and threw her aside.


    ?It¡¯s time for dad to go to work.? ¨C Kyon said in a strangled voice, hurriedly leaving the room.


    ?Have a nice day, Daddy.? ¨C Eve said.


    ?Bye-bye!? ¨C Le yfully waved her hand and ran into the bathroom in order to catch her breath from the indescribable bouquet of emotions experienced earlier. She didn¡¯t think she was doing anything wrong, because the main thing was to get ahead of Eve and Arpha, and everything else didn¡¯t matter.


    The girl sshed cold water on her crimson face and, looking at her beautiful reflection in the mirror, resolutely said: ?Soon you will be my servant, daddy.?


    Kyon, seeing all this through the formation on her forehead, started and promised not to let her do too much in the future. This tricky ass is too good. If he unleashes her, she¡¯ll ruin everything. She can even excite a soulless golem with her charm.


    At the headquarters, Lovr held a meeting between the members of the n, among whom two neers were present. So far, the limit of trust in them is low, so they are brought here blindfolded, moreover, by a very long underground route. But something else is important: they both have something very dear to them that will not allow them to do stupid things.


    When the meeting ended, and almost everyone left the hall, Kyon noticed the expressive look of ck eyes, after which a certain beauty gracefully rose from the chair and walked towards him¡­


    ?Hey, you little brat,e here!? ¨C Kyon spoke menacingly.


    Tymoshka took his breath away from such treatment, and yet he obeyed.


    Lovr ran his palm across the floor, after which he poked the tip of his finger, gray with dust, at the interlocutor: ?What is this??


    ?I have cleaned today, just¡­?


    ?I gave you the easiest task possible: to clean up the headquarters before meetings, but you can¡¯t even handle it!? ¨C Kyon said irritably, abruptly grabbed the guy by the hair and smacked his head on the floor.


    Valeera raised her eyebrows in surprise.


    Tymoshka bit his lip until it bled, but now the guy was only worried that the old man humiliated him in front of his beloved one! He blushed with rage and tried to rise with a uterine growl, but he found out with horror that he was not able to ovee the grip of the opponent.


    ?Whelp, I said that if I see even one spot, you will wash it off with your tongue!? ¨C Kyon said furiously and pressed the face of the protesting guy even harder, after which he began to rub it on the dirty floor as if it were a rag, smearing blood on the surface.


    Lovr was well aware that he was relieving the stress and tension of thest days in the most primitive way. However, he pursued several goals at once. This bastard deserved more retribution.


    Tymoshka wanted to howl with humiliation and hatred. The most hated man drags him through the mud in front of the beloved girl¡­ The old man deserves death!


    With a blow to the back of his head, Kyon calmed the careless cleaner for a while. Now he won¡¯t do anything stupid (too soon). Then he sat down, shaking his head disapprovingly: ?Sometimes you can¡¯t behave differently with some subordinates. They perform their duties carelessly.?


    ?Quite right, Zosimos.? ¨C Valeera agreed, sitting down very close to the man. ¨C ?I didn¡¯t expect an ordinary merchant to be so overbearing. You did the right thing by punishing Tymoshka for shirking. I am proud of my right hand.? ¨C with thest word, she took his palm in hers with such tenderness, as if she was his passionate admirer.


    The enchanting fragrance of the beauty excited Kyon, and her gentle cool palms struck lightning on his mind. A second ago he was calm, but now he¡¯s on the verge of breaking down again¡­ He can¡¯t rx! He needs to be patient! He pulled his palm out of the deadly seductress¡¯s hands under the pretext of getting a handkerchief to wipe the dirt from his finger, while studiously ignoring her gentle gaze.


    Tymoshka came to his senses and stared at the old man with cold fury, but did not dare to attack. Only when he met the cold gaze of the head of the n, he took out a rag and began to wipe his blood¡­ The humiliation and resentment lurking in his heart could fill all the seas of the world.


    ?Zosimos, you¡¯re trying so hard to avoid looking me in the eye. What does it mean? Are you hiding something? Look at me.? ¨C Valeera asked calmly.


    Kyon looked into the amazing bottomless eyes of the girl and wondered for a second why she was so good-looking? Her wlessly slender figure and graceful facial features were beyond praise. The goddess of darkness and the ck rose in one, so beautiful, cold and dangerous¡­


    Valeera squinted charmingly: ?And now you¡¯re looking at me strangely¡­ Not the way you used to. Do you have feelings for me? I¡¯m sorry for my impudence, but I have to make sure that my right hand is able to think coolly in my presence.? ¨C having finished, she threw a slender leg, covered with a thinyer of ck tights with a diamond pattern, over the man¡¯s leg.


    Lovr immediately grabbed the girl¡¯s knee, intending to throw it off, but to his amazement he realized that it was not working¡­ instead, his efforts flowed into gentle stroking of the wonderful leg¡­ The leg of the incredible beauty and the head of the n was so feminine and slender, as if she was doing ballet¡­ She provokes him again, continues to stubbornly attack the heart, covered with a protectiveyer of stone. This time her attempt turned out to be so appropriate and sharp that cracks appeared in the stone¡­


    Valeera raised her thin eyebrows, looking at the man with surprise, more like a challenge, like, do you have the courage to continue what you started? Or did you just give in to an impulse and now you¡¯re going to back off like an immature teenage virgin?


    Kyon realized that he could no longer restrain himself. Hormones flooded into the mind like a rampant tsunami, and he didn¡¯t want to resist them at all¡­ He¡¯s tired. There¡¯s no point. Unbridled passion lit up in pale blue eyes.


    Lovr decisively jumped up from his chair and, holding the woman¡¯s leg, grabbed its owner by the thin waist, and with his free hand took the back of her head and, pressing her to him, he passionately kissed her soft fragrant lips.


    Valeera for a second widened her eyes in amazement from such assertiveness and impudence, but soon her eyelids closed, she hugged the man in response and opened her mouth slightly, allowing the knocking foreign tongue to invade.


    The moment merged with eternity. Lovr¡¯s nostrils greedily inhaled the girl¡¯s exciting fragrance. His tongue prated into the sweet mouth of his partner and began his furious dance there. For a long time he dreamed about it, being Kyon, but Zosimos got the credit¡­ This is unfortunate.


    Tymoshka watched the love act with zed eyes. Destructive jealousy dug thousands of needles into the heart, turning it into a shriveled dried prune. The most terrible nightmare turned into reality¡­ The iprehensibly beautiful head of the n, who is also his beloved one, is kissing a bald old man, allowing him to hug and touch her¡­ There is no doubt that she provoked everything herself, and now they will have sex that the guy could only dream of¡­ Why did everything turn out this way?


    Kyon, without stopping the kiss, sharply pressed the girl against the wall, grabbed the stic buttocks with his palms and began to knead them with all his might. Awesome feeling: usually the cold and inessible head of the n allows the subordinate to do this with her butt, snorts and fidgets, but does not show any aggression. In a normal situation, even touching her is dangerous, but he grabs her ass without any dangerous consequences for life.


    Valeera hastily tore off the man¡¯s shirt and began to examine every inch of his broad back with her cold long fingers. Unfocused with excitement, the girl noticed something bulging out of Zosimos¡¯ pants, and her hand reflexively reached for it¡­ As soon as she grabbed the petrified penis, Zosimos¡¯ reaction was not long ining, which aroused Weber even more.


    Suddenly the girl remembered something and looked menacingly at Tymoshka: ?Go away!?


    Tymoshka shuddered, lowered his dead eyes to the floor and left. Just now, all his hopes and dreams had copsed, as if the heavens had fallen on his head, and all because of one lucky old man¡­ All because of Zosimos! Oh, if only he had had the courage to take her when she was exhausted¡­ And to kill the hated old man.


    ?You¡¯ve been wanting this for a long time, right?!? ¨C Kyon growled, pinning the girl against the wall.


    ?I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about¡­? ¨C said Valeera, humbly pressing her palms against the wall, as if unable to offer the slightest resistance. Her actions especially well illustrated the change in their rtionship, in which she put herself below Zosimos, while he, on the contrary, acted as a valuable prize.


    With a greedy movement of his hands, Kyon tore off the professional killer¡¯s jacket. The velvety skin on the perfect seductive back seemed to glow in the dark room of the headquarters. One more movement, and the ckce bra suffered the same fate as the jacket. Milky mounds with sharp peaks fell out of there.


    ?You seduced me¡­ You tried my patience¡­ Now get what you asked for!? ¨C Lovr ruthlessly grabbed the inviting bulges that fit perfectly in his palms and began to knead them, not forgetting to wind hard nipples between his fingers.


    From the caresses of big callous male palms, Valeera shut her eyes quite tightly and moaned slightly. How good he is¡­ Nevertheless, she angrily muttered through clenched teeth: ?D-do you understand¡­ That you are doing all this¡­ With the head of the n? For this you will be punished¡­?


    Lovr really liked the scene that the girl was ying. The killer, the head of the n and the practitioner of an almost royal phase with an icy temperament, says something about punishment while she is being squeezed by her tits¡­ In reality, she would instantly kill anyone who just saw her naked, about as brutally as she killed Edward.


    ?I see that you don¡¯t mind!? ¨C Kyon said with a venomous grin, hugged the beauty by the pelvis and stuck his diamond rod on her mouth-watering ass.


    Valeera tensed from strong sensations in an intimate ce and hissed in a strangled voice: ?I just want to know how far my right hand will dare to go¡­?


    ?Believe me, beauty, you will definitely like how far and deep I go!? ¨C with these words, Kyon thrust his palm under the girl¡¯s skirt and, sticking out his little finger, grabbed her stic voluptuous crotch, covered with panties and tights.

 Chapter 456

    Chapter 456


    Pressing her hands against the wall and pushing her ass back, Valeera breathed fitfully from the exciting sensation of a man¡¯s palm pressing against the most erogenous zone of any woman. Only two thinyers of fabric separate her secret ce from his touch. For the first time in her life, someone touches the unapproachable thief between her legs¡­ And the sensations were amazing! An unexpectedly pleasant cramp ran through her entire body, rxing her muscles and eliminating difort.


    The current situation was incredibly exciting for Kyon. He flirted with the ice beauty, caressing her hot crotch¡­ Each movement of his fingers between the girl¡¯s legs was apanied by her soft moan. Very soon he felt moisture on his fingers.


    ?It looks like you want it even more than I do¡­ The cold-blooded head of the n turned out to be such a depraved girl. Who would have thought.? ¨C Lovr sat down on his knees and, sping the stic bands of ck panties, lowered them together with tights to the level of the thighs.


    (18+*)


    A perfectly shaped stic ass and a pussy as wonderful as a ripe peach appeared to his eyes. A thin thread of love juices stretched out to the lowered panties. A specific exciting fragrance emanated from the girl¡¯s womb, from which the young man¡¯s thoughts began to get confused. It¡¯s hard to imagine what Tymoshka would do for such a mind-blowing spectacle.


    Valeera lost her words from embarrassment, squeezed her eyes shut and strained her buttocks. A light breeze from the man¡¯s rapid breathing made her heart jump out of her chest. The former nobledy was so confident in achieving all this, but what next? She has no experience at all¡­ Panic began to arise in Weber¡¯s soul. She had no idea how to proceed. Now everything is in the hands of Zosimos.


    Kyon unceremoniously tore off his trousers and underpants and pointed his erect penis at the pink slit, grinning leeringly: ?Congrattions, girl¡­ You got what you were looking for!?


    ?Fool, I do not¡­ A-a-a-a-a-ah!? ¨C Valeera gently moaned in a weak girlish voice, painfully arching her thin eyebrows, and bit her lip. She felt as if she had been painfully pped with an stic band between her legs. In order to suppress the pain, she had to pour in pure energy. The man¡¯s penis smoothly prated inside, pulling her narrow virgin pussy on itself along the entire length¡­ Her legs were giving out from indescribable sensations, which she could not even think about in her whole nightmarish, full of suffering and hardships, life.


    Lovr growled with pleasure. The penis seemed to melt in a gently enveloping tight pussy¡­ He moved his pelvis, mercilessly fucking an unapproachable beauty. There was an exciting cocktail of anger and passion in his every movement. Stubborn bitch seduced him¡­ She didn¡¯t leave Kyon a way out! And now her virgin flower belongs to the damned Zosimos, whose personality has almost nothing to do with Lovr. What a loss.


    ?Ha-aa-a-a-aa¡­ Slow down¡­ Ha-aa-a-a-aa¡­? ¨C Valeera pleaded through groans, rolling her eyes. Is this sex? Incredible¡­ With every powerful push of a man, she felt her legs give out, and her mind empty. Her head was spinning from the realization that Zosimospletely merges with her and probably enjoys it, like a wild animal that has got the long-awaited game.


    ?No indulgences for you! You deserve to be punished for seducing me so brazenly!? ¨C Kyon said angrily, pping the girl on the ass.


    ~p~


    ?What are you doing?!? ¨C Valeera got angry and flexibly bent in protest, strongly squeezing her partner by the buttock.


    ?Girl, don¡¯t even think it¡¯ll stop me¡­?


    ~p~


    ?Ha-a-aa-ah¡­ D-do you even un-understand who you¡¯re s-spanking?! Ha-a-aa-ah¡­? ¨C stammering, Weber clenched her teeth and tightened her grip, but the man did not think to stop. Why the hell is he spanking her at a moment like this? This is uneptable and spoils the whole atmosphere!


    ?I¡¯m spanking a naughty mean girl!? ¨C Kyon repeated unshakably, pulling the beauty by the hair towards him with his free hand, making it clear who is the master of the situation here. He didn¡¯t notice how the dark part of the core was throbbing with ecstasy.


    ~p~ ~p~ ~p~


    After a few spanks, Valeera unwittingly imagined herself as the very girl who is punished by a strict father for bad behavior¡­ To herplete amazement, an unearthly euphoria filled her body, and hot syrup of pleasure spread from her groin. It can¡¯t be¡­ Why is it so nice?! Did Zosimos know what this would lead to?! The very idea that a man dominates her and is now ¡°punishing¡± her daughter for disobedience caused cramps in the lower abdomen¡­ Besides, he looks so much like her father¡­ How nice it is!


    All the girl¡¯s protests instantly stopped, and her moans became louder, moreover, she humbly stuck out her juicy ass and rxed her neck, allowing the big uncle to pull her hair, spank and move in her.


    Kyon was wildly excited by the thought that the head of the n, who usually radiates an icy aura of alienation, intimidating and suppressing the will of the surrounding people, is being punished by her yesterday¡¯s subordinate, and she obediently exposes her ass, endures pain and is d that he fucks her.


    Soon a sheaf of pleasant sparks hit the back of his head, and he plunged his penis deeper into the beauty, pressed against her stic ass and poured his thick male extract into the girl.


    ?Nyhaa-a-ah!? ¨C Valeera strained her buttocks and bit her little finger, moaning. Deep in her belly, she felt a spilling hot substance.


    Many men could only dream of such a partner as an unattainable perfection, but the girl did not care about all their efforts to seduce her. However, someone turned out to be an exception, and the reason for this oue was not his personal strength, appearance orck of fear of the grave-icy aura. And it wasn¡¯t even a matter of gratitude for his heroic deeds. The reason for the most part lies elsewhere. In any case, he became the chosen lucky one, worthy of enjoying exclusive ess to her magnificent body.


    Having finished, Kyon imperiously turned and pulled Weber to him for a kiss. He slowly examined her warm mouth while she wriggled with bliss in his arms.


    Valeera did not experience such excitement even at the moment of her first murder. Kissing a decent person turns out to be so nice! During the unhurried, almost hypnotic dance of intertwining tongues, time passed imperceptibly.


    Suddenly Kyon pulled back a little and asked in perplexity: ?What are you doing??


    Valeera slowly pulled on tights with panties in their ce. She looked at the man in surprise: ?Haven¡¯t you finished??


    ?I¡¯ve just started with you!? ¨C Kyon grinned rapaciously, pulling the naive girl to a chair and not forgetting to tear her favorite tights in the groin area before that, to which Valeera muttered something indignantly.


    Lovr ignored the beauty¡¯s reaction, sat down on a chair and, sliding ck panties to the side, made the brte sit on his hot penis. Ecstasy hit her head with renewed force.


    ?Ha-aa-a-ah¡­ Zosimos!? ¨C Valeera exhaled hotly, throwing her head back. All the anger associated with the damage of a valuable piece of clothing has imperceptibly disappeared.


    Kyon plunged his lips into the long snow-white neck of the head of the n, leaving a few hickeys there. With rhythmic movements of the pelvis, he made his partner bounce on himself, pulling her narrow pussy on his penis with squelching sounds.


    Valeerapletely surrendered to the power of the man, and she really liked how well he fucked her. His strong musky smell and confident movements drove the proud head of the criminal n crazy! The body became wadded, and a pleasant tension grew in the lower abdomen. Weber hugged and kissed Zosimos with the fire of passion in her eyes¡­


    (*18+)


    Two hours passed unnoticed.


    The indescribably beautiful girl in leaky tights and with tousled hair was lying in the arms of the naked man on a mattress that hade from nowhere, while paths of muddy liquid stretched along her thighs. She, purring like a contented cat, cuddled up to Zosimos¡¯ broad chest. For the first time since that horrific event, Weber felt such peace. Even her usual icy aura has significantly faded. Life no longer seemed so unbearable, because today she learned the taste of true female happiness: sensual affection from a loved one.


    In the world of power, it often happens that a more developed woman is not able to admit that the role of her man is more important, so it is impossible for her to achieve harmony in family rtions. However, Valeera is the rarest exception. She admitted that Zosimos, a weak mature man with an ordinary appearance, is a leader, despite the fact that she is a charismatic, cold-blooded, purposeful, unapproachable head of the n, and the rtionship should be thest thing to worry about. In addition, she is 2 phases stronger! And now this talented and self-confident girl is fawning over Zosimos like a female to a leader.


    Triana sneezed loudly somewhere far away from here.


    Lovr closed his eyes sadly. He felt very bad. One of his fake personalities got such a pretty girl¡­ Whereas Kyon himself made a stupid blunder! So that¡¯s what self-jealousy looks like¡­ Disgusting! Once at a Stones party, Franz was also jealous of Marina for himself.


    Noticing the expression on the man¡¯s face, a satisfied gleam shed in Valeera¡¯s eyes: ?It¡¯s amazing, isn¡¯t it, when you are served by a person you respect??


    ?You¡¯d rather be silent¡­? ¨C Kyon grimaced sourly.


    ?Zosimos, it¡¯s your fault that you couldn¡¯t resist my charm. I was just checking on you, and you didn¡¯t pass the test.? ¨C the girl said with a note of disappointment in her voice, continuing to pretend that she had nothing to do with it. ¨C ?Now you have to take responsibility, otherwise I will kill you.? ¨C Valeera gently kissed Zosimos on the lips.


    Lovr snorted disdainfully: ?Of course I will. Now you are my woman.?


    Valeera pressed closer to the man: ?Take the obsidian rings¡­?


    {What the¡­} ¨C despite the disgusting mood, Kyon tried to look at what was happening in a positive way. Firstly, now he will be able to release all the tension on Valeera, which means that any provocations and flirting of his daughters will not have an effect. Secondly, a close rtionship with a girl will increase his chances of forgiveness when he reveals the truth about himself to her. He¡¯s looking forward to it. Thirdly, he will be able to enjoy life, having fun with a first-ss beauty! Bernard and Tymoshka¡¯s dream.


    {It¡¯s not that bad.} ¨C Lovr concluded hopefully, but suddenly frowned, noticing something through the formation at the entrance to the hotel.


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Valeera immediately noticed a change in the mood of the interlocutor.


    ?I just remembered about Tymoshka¡­ He knows where I live, right?? ¨C Kyon asked cautiously, although he had spoken about it on purpose earlier. He even said the room number.


    Valeera jumped up from her ce. The previously calm ice aura red up in her even more than after Bernard¡¯s death at the meeting of the heads of ns.


    ¡­


    Tymoshka pawned all the valuables and was able to afford to rent a room at the Garden of Eden hotel for one day. Otherwise, the way inside would be closed to him.


    He went up to the fifth floor and walked to the room that the hated old man rented with his children. The guy¡¯s hair was disheveled, his face was paler than chalk, and his eyes were empty. He didn¡¯t want to live, but he didn¡¯t want to die without taking revenge on the old man for stealing his beloved one, either. The n is extremely simple: kill the children, wait for Zosimos and his desperate expression at the sight of the corpses of the most precious people for him, and then finish him off.


    ¡­


    Kyon, with the help of subordinates and a parrot, called his daughters on the sound transmitter. Although he could just transfer the voice into their heads, he decided not to reveal his trump card. It is better to leave it for the most critical situation. Eve is too smart a girl and can draw some conclusions, or even understand that she is not his daughter.


    ?Hello, who¡¯s calling, please?? ¨C said the little fairy, having established a connection in the device.


    ?Eve, honey, listen to me carefully: in a minute a guy will knock on the door and ask toe in. Your task is to dy time for several minutes until I go up to the fifth floor and give a signal. Do you understand me??


    ?What does he want? Who is he??


    ?I offended him, and he wants to take revenge on me by killing you¡­?


    ?Oh my god!? ¨C the little fairy eximed in horror.


    ?When I give the signal, open the door. Do not drop the connection. Your task is not to reveal your real strength, but to behave like a helpless girl. Ok??


    ?Yes, Dad! I will do as you ask!?


    ?Great. Now give the device to Le, I¡¯ll talk to her.?


    ¡­


    Having settled in Valeera¡¯s arms, rushing to the hotel at full speed, Kyon felt some awkwardness, especially considering that five minutes earlier he had roughly fucked his caring porter. However, he did notin. The main thing is to make Tymoshka stay, because he may decide to leave, realizing that the door has not been opened to him for several minutes. Much depends on Eve¡¯s eloquence, and she is a master at this.


    Kyon chose the perfect moment and gave his daughter themand to open the door.


    Then, in an instant, the following happened:


    Kyon, seeing Tymoshka with a dagger in his hand, jumped off Valeera¡¯s arms and barked: ?STOP!?


    The guy noticed Zosimos and Lanai approaching, grabbed the girl who looked out by the hand and put the dagger de to her throat, desperately screeching: ?Don¡¯te near! Or I¡¯ll stab her!?


    Inwardly, Kyon was jubnt: everything went like a dream! Tymoshka took Eve hostage, but Valeera did not have time to react. Now it¡¯s time to harvest!

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457


    Le looked out of the room. Although her father had warned her, she still couldn¡¯t believe what was happening: some sickly pale maniac put a dagger to Eve¡¯s throat! What fun?! However, dad promised to thank her properly. She only should not reveal her strength, but pretend to be a weak, scared girl. Such a chance must not be missed.


    Screeching, the girl ran into the room, ying her role wlessly.


    Eve also depicted a genuine expression of endless horror on her face.


    Tymoshka looked at Lanai with an empty, zed gaze. The girl he loved looked exactly as he imagined her in his dreams after rough sex: hickeys on a deceptively fragile neck, disheveled hair, torn tights and trails of moisture flowing down her thigh¡­


    Valeera said in a chilling tone: ?Let her go immediately!?


    The guy shuddered, turned even more white and turned his head feverishly: ?N-no way!?


    Kyon touched the girl¡¯s shoulder and whispered: ?Kyung touched the girl¡¯s shoulder and whispered.? ¨C having finished, he, holding out his palms in a conciliatory gesture, slowly walked towards the guy. ¨C ?Let¡­ The poor girl¡­ Go¡­ She did nothing wrong to you.?


    ?She didn¡¯t, but you, scum, did!?


    ?Tell me what you want, and we will definitely resolve everything peacefully¡­?


    Tymoshka hesitated and shouted in a broken voice: ?I want¡­ I want you to kill yourself! Her life in exchange for yours! You love her, so do it! Come on!?


    ?You¡¯repletely¡­? ¨C Valeera had just begun to speak, when Zosimos raised his palm, forcing her to be silent.


    ?Well, have it your way.? ¨C Kyon said humbly, closing his eyelids, showed a finger behind his back, then sharply opened his already glowing eyes and activated ¡°The sovereign¡¯s stare¡±.


    Valera released the pressure onmand, and the man, rushing forward, hit Tymoshka on the forehead with his fist, sending him tumbling forward down the corridor.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief and opened his arms.


    Eve immediately snuggled up to the man, trembling slightly: ?Daddy¡­?


    ?Daddy, I was so scared! Even more scared than Eve!? ¨C Le, who ran out of the room, sobbed and also fell all over the man.


    The girls immediately felt the smell¡­ A very concentrated smell of thepetitor, at the sight of which merciless lights of rage shed in the eyes of the sisters, greenish and orange. Her appearance immediately made it clear that their father was having fun with her!


    Valeera embarrassedly straightened her skirt, and eventually disappeared. She shouldn¡¯t show up like this in front of the girls. She will spoil the whole impression of herself.


    ?Daughters, dad will not let you be offended¡­? ¨C Kyon said, stroking their backs gently. ¨C ?Wait for me in the room for a minute, please. I will now resolve the issue and return to you.?


    When the girls left for the room, Valeera appeared nearby, holding a dagger in her hand.


    ?Wait¡­ I want to talk to him.? ¨C Kyon approached the unlucky killer sitting against the wall with his head bowed, and quietly asked. ¨C ?Why did you do that??


    Tymoshka¡¯s face twisted ugly when he looked up filled with hatred: ?You took from me the one I dreamed of¡­ You insulted me in her presence, wiped the floor with my face! I just want you to die, you son of a bitch!?


    Kyon has just deliberately created a ?trigger? that provoked the release of dark emotions. As expected, a powerful flow of energy rushed from the guy in a violent wave into the soul of the provocateur. The dark side of the Void core pulsed furiously: 1%¡­ 3%¡­ 5%¡­ 15%! Taking into ount the 25% avable, the core is now filled with darkness by 40%.


    There were no involuntary dives into the dark state of the soul this time, because the light part of the core is currently 100% full, and it, using its advantage, blocked ess to the host¡¯s mental state for darkness.


    {Why so little?} ¨C Kyon wondered. Franz alone, for example,pletely filled the core with light almost twice. However, for some unknown reason, the darkness is filling many times more reluctantly. Prince Charles, for example, gave 5% before his death, and Tymoshka, jealous to the point of insanity, only 15%. It¡¯s still too little.


    ?Tymoshka, what do you mean by ¡°took¡±?? ¨C Valeera interjected. ¨C ?You are nothing to me. I have never perceived you as a man and kept you close only out of a bright memory to the thieves guild devoted to me!?


    The guy could not find the answer. He was even afraid to look into the beautiful eyes of the girl.


    Kyon understood that a man who fell in love with a woman, one might say, disarmed himself in advance in a love fight with her. Nevertheless, he continued his interrogation: ?If you loved her so much, then why didn¡¯t you do anything? Since when is it possible to get ¡°love¡± without doing anything??


    ?Doing nothing?!? ¨C Tymoshka shouted furiously, but suddenly fell silent.


    Lovr suspected something: ?Did Edward show up at the warehouse because of you??


    ?No¡­ I would never¡­? ¨C the faded guy stammered, thus betraying himself.


    A frightening icy aura of bloodlust emerged from Valeera: ?You¡¯re lying!?


    Kyon stopped the girl from attacking and calmly said: ?Tymoshka, if you don¡¯t want your beloved girl to kill you shamefully, slowly and painfully as hell, then reveal your secrets. We will give you instant death.?


    ?Zosimos, we can learn everything by torture, and at the same time we will take revenge!? ¨C the girl did not calm down.


    ?There is no need. I don¡¯t have time for stupid revenge on the bastard who will die in the near future anyway.? ¨C Lovr exined his position in a colorless tone.


    The truth is that Kyon did not hold any grudge against Tymoshka for today¡¯s incident. Holding Eve hostage is as pointless as trying to convince Triana to take someone for an alpha when he is an ordinary weak person.


    Tymoshka closed his eyes for a long time, then slowly asked: ?Do you promise??


    ?I promise.? ¨C Lovr said and touched the girl¡¯s shoulder.


    ?I also promise that you will die instantly¡­? ¨C Valeera agreed reluctantly.


    Hearing the answer from the mouth of the one who hates lies more than anyone else, Tymoshka immediately spoke in a weak hoarse voice: ?It was I who gave the information to Edward¡­ I did not want my mistress to reach those heights in development from which I would seem like an ant to her. I wanted her to find sce in the most difficult hour in the person who was always by her side, supported her in every possible way and waited for her decision¡­?


    ?What a bastard you are.? ¨C Kyon shook his head.


    A me of hatred red in Valeera¡¯s eyes: ?Vile traitor!?


    ?I know¡­ Kill me.? ¨C he bowed his head.


    Kyon did not want to break his word, especially in the presence of Valeera, moreover, as he found out back in Boston, the darkness does not increase from torture. Therefore, he kicked the dagger lying next to him with the words: ?Do it yourself.?


    Tymoshka took the weapon and, with an absent look, holding it in his hand for a while, sharply stuck it in his heart. The pain on the guy¡¯s face quickly gave way to the long-awaited devastation. He fell to one side and died, regretting in hisst seconds that he had ever met Lanai. Everyone she dealt with suffered and eventually died. He only hoped that Zosimos would suffer the same fate.


    Kyon absorbed the soul of the deceased and turned to the beauty: ?Thank you. If you hadn¡¯t helped, my daughter¡­?


    ?Don¡¯t mention it. You helped me find out who turned out to be a traitor in my n¡­ For this, I will definitely thank you properly.? ¨C her gaze was filled with tenderness.


    ?Thene on, get to know my daughters better¡­?


    ?Let¡¯s do it another time.? ¨C Valeera stepped back and emphatically pointed at her ¡°slightly¡± erotic shabby look. Any heterosexual man who sees her like this will certainly lose his head from arousal.


    ?Then I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.? ¨C Kyon provoked a goodbye kiss and walked into the room, preparing for the fight.


    As expected, the girls were wildly jealous of Valeera, so much so that they bombarded him with countless questions and tightly grabbed his palms as if they would never let them go.


    Le reminded Zosimos about the promise to thank her for her wonderful acting, but the man, with a cold snort, said that she had done almost nothing, but Eve had taken on all the most difficult things, for which she would receive the deserved 5 levels in the game. Well, for her, one level is more than enough. This, of course, incredibly infuriated the mischief, but she cooled down surprisingly quickly, apparently deciding not to anger her beloved dad. Besides, she didn¡¯t want to make herself out to be the bad girl in front ofpetitors¡­


    Somehow, not without a fight, Lovr managed to break into the shower¡­ One very impudent person knocked and offered to rub his back, to which she received a decisive refusal.


    A littleter, a rather agitated Eve approached Kyon.


    ?Dad, can we talk??


    ?What¡¯s the matter, my little flower?? ¨C Lovr smiled.


    ?I have long wanted to ask¡­ It was you who robbed the treasury of the Feruzs, wasn¡¯t it??


    Kyon¡¯s face stiffened and his bushy eyebrows frowned slightly.


    The girl looked at the man expressively: ?I¡¯ve suspected this for a long time. Even when the demons attacked us, you used too many expensive formations. I kept wondering: where did he get them from? If he bought them, where did he get so much money for them? You even once said: ¡°Your father has more money than¡­¡±. And just recently we visited Mn. That very night when you were absent, someone robbed the Feruzs¡¯ treasury¡­ And that thief was you, Dad. Am I right??


    Lovr felt ufortable with Eve¡¯s quick wits. Of course, he gave the girls a brief information about the world: formations, souls, development, medicine, elements and much more. Based on this data, the little fairy realized that he was the very thief.


    ?Yes¡­ You¡¯re right¡­? ¨C Kyon sighed.


    This answer did not surprise the girl at all, and she did not even show any emotions: ?And the work that you hid from us¡­ Is it connected with the shadow n??


    Lovr stared at the interlocutor in surprise with a mute question ¡°how did you know?¡±.


    ?When we visited that beautiful building underground, I remembered its address. And recently I heard about the explosion of an underground auction at the same ce where we were that day¡­ With the help of dwarf explosives, you destroyed thepetitors of your n, the head of which is Arpha! But someone stole all the glory from you¡­ Am I right??


    ?Bunny¡­ You are very smart. Even too smart. I didn¡¯t want to tell you this, because you can be disappointed in your dad, because he is a bad person¡­?


    Eve shook her head: ?Dad is the best for me! Even if the whole world turns against you, you can always rely on me.? ¨C the girl smiled sunnyly, gently touching the palm of the man.


    In a fit of emotions, Kyon hugged Eve: ?How pretty you are¡­?


    The little fairy blushed with embarrassment, but this time she did not run away, but on the contrary hugged the man in response. She wanted to be as brave as Le, and for this she needs to learn not to run away when her heart is drumming on her chest with excitement.


    After a minute hug, the girl asked: ?May I know where you teleport to for a few hours every day from the shower??


    {Nothing can be hidden from her¡­} ¨C Kyon sighed and whispered in her ear. ¨C ?I work as an investigator. Just don¡¯t tell Arpha, otherwise she will kill me.?


    ?Oh¡­ I won¡¯t say anything even to Le!? ¨C the girl promised. ¨C ?And another question¡­ Did you put on that performance with the maniac to impress Arpha??


    ?That¡¯s right, bunny. You understand everything perfectly.?


    In the middle of the night, Kyon suddenly heard a shrill girl¡¯s cry.


    A tear-stained Le ran into the room (she definitely caused tears on purpose): ?Dad, I had a nightmare, so creepy! That maniac held me hostage, and I could not do anything! I can only sleep next to you now, because I¡¯m scared!?


    Before Lovr could say anything, his night guest dived under his nket.


    ?I¡¯m so scared¡­ Will you hug me?? ¨C big clear eyes blinked innocently from under the nket.


    ?Le¡­ I am not¡­?


    ?I had a terrible nightmare too! I will sleep with you.? ¨C now Eve also plucked up courage and climbed under the nket to the man. She didn¡¯t want to give in to her sister. In any other case, of course, she would never have acted so bravely.


    Kyon was speechless. It is clear that they did not see anything like this in their dreams. Not so long ago, they tore the flesh of powerful demons, and at night they slept like dead, but now some sucker with a dagger scared them? Yeah, of course! But it is impossible to refuse them either.


    Lovr capitted: ?Okay, just once. But everyone will have their own nket!?


    ?Oo-ee-ee!? ¨C Le squealed happily, having already forgotten that she was actually supposed to be scared to death and, seductively wagging her backside, briskly went to her room for a nket.


    Eve hurriedly followed her sister.

 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458


    Kyon was lying on the bed, squeezed on both sides by two beautiful girls in nightgowns. Under cover of night and a thin nket, Le boldly pressed herself to the man¡¯s side, putting her palm on his belly, and Eve was just gaining the courage to repeat her sister¡¯s feat.


    As expected, he didn¡¯t sleep at all. Lovr stared nkly at the ceiling, not understanding how he hade to such a life. After all, he didn¡¯t really do anything, it was the girls who were jealous of him for Arpha, and then for each other, and then everything increased exponentially.


    An hourter, Eve fell asleep, still managing to throw her hand on his stomach. Le only pretended to be asleep, but in fact she gradually descended with her palm lower and lower ¡­To herself, she thought the following: {I have to win! I must take dad away from Arpha in any way! No fool will take him away from me! No way!}


    Angry, Kyon grabbed the girl by the hand and pinned her with his back, but after 10 minutes she got out and continued what she had started¡­


    {Does she even have any boundaries?!} ¨C Lovr had no doubt that the pixie was brought up in a close circle of home life and permissiveness and without a father, otherwise how else to understand such behavior.


    The nket war continued for some time, until thepletely furious Lovr whispered in the girl¡¯s ear: ?If youy your hand on me again, you won¡¯t y games for a week!?


    The sleepless beauty turned away resentfully.


    In the morning, when their father left for work, Le firmly stated: ?We must unite!?


    ?Huh?? ¨C Eve was surprised. ¨C ?Are you serious??


    ?Yes! Did you notice the look of this Arpha yesterday? The grave chippie has already got under our dad! If we leave everything like this, continuing to fight among ourselves, then he will definitely make her our new mom! And I don¡¯t really need that. I will strangle her on the very first day.?


    Eve thought for a moment. The blonde was sure that bybining her ability to make cunning ns with the courage of her sister, she would increase her chances of taking a special ce in the heart of the man, therefore¡­


    ?So be it. I agree.?


    ?Great, sis! Dad¡¯s attention will be divided in half between us. Deal??


    The girls sealed the deal with a handshake.


    Meanwhile, Kyon couldn¡¯t stopughing, and even almost fell off his horse. They try in vain! He will never allow the girls to cross the line after which they, having regained their memory (if this happens at all), will be forced to kill him. Whatever theye up with, the young man will continue to y the role of an ideal father who sincerely loves his daughters. Well, Valeera will help to relieve all the umted tension.


    When Lovr returned from the headquarters in the evening, Eve expressed a desire to watch some romantic movie that she had once seen. Kyon did not refuse at least because he promised to give his daughters several hours a day.


    The little viin joined them.


    In a tragic moment, when the love of the main character¡¯s life died after childbirth, Le took the man¡¯s hand and, looking sympathetically into his eyes, said: ?Dad, do you miss our mom? You said that we took after her¡­ Me and Eve are ready to close the void in your heart. To get even closer to you¡­?


    ?Yes, Dad, I don¡¯t mind¡­ recing our mom¡­ for you¡­? ¨C Eve nodded, blushing deeply.


    {So that¡¯s what they¡¯re up to!} ¨C Kyon barely restrained his burstingughter. ¨C ?Bunnies, you are already filling the void in my heart with the very fact of your existence!?


    ?But you need a woman for another love¡­ I, that is, we are ready to be for you¡­ Well¡­ Like in this movie¡­ I remember once you even got excited when you saw us naked, which means you still see women in us!? ¨C Le blurted out, looking away in embarrassment. Her ears turned scarlet with shame, and her heart was beating a drum roll.


    Eve wanted to sink into the ground, thinking that they were still his own daughters, and not strangers¡­ And what her sister is saying now is pure immoral madness. But for some reason it is so desirable¡­


    ?I¡¯m ttered by your offer, bunnies, but understand, your mom is still alive. If one day it happens that shees back and sees me trying to close the void in my heart with too close love for my own children¡­ What will she think of me??


    ?But you said that the way to our house is closed to her forever!? ¨C suddenly Eve said loudly.


    ?No matter. I will despise myself. I¡¯m your dad.? ¨C Lovr answered decisively, but then, without knowing why, he added the following. ¨C ?Therefore¡­ Don¡¯t tempt me.? ¨C he stomped into the bathroom with heavy steps.


    The girls looked at each other meaningfully.


    Le smiled yfully: ?After all, he sees women in us! It is only necessary to show perseverance. To put pressure on his weak points.. Sis, do you have any more ideas??


    ?I think¡­? ¨C Eve shook her head, analyzing her attitude to the situation.


    When the man returned, the little fairy asked: ?Dad, when are your and our birthdays??


    ?You were born on the same day¡­?


    ?The same day?!? ¨C Eve and Le were surprised.


    ?Yes. Your birthday is almost in ten months.? ¨C Kyon deliberately named the most distant date. ¨C ?As for my birthday¡­ Six months left.?


    After hearing such joyless information, the sisters were sad.


    The next day, early in the morning, Kyon felt a tension in his soul, simr to the desire to sneeze. He resolutely refused to work in the department and went to training with sleepy girls.


    As expected, as soon as hepleted the next cycle of spending and replenishing energy, he stepped onto the 8th stage of the superior phase, and along with this, the effect of the medicine of elerating development, which he took afterpleting the development of the head, disappeared.


    For many middle-aged and almost all elderly practitioners, development eleration medicine is the only thing that gives them the opportunity to somehow move up the steps. But, unfortunately for them, they can take only one such pill per phase, or wait 5-10 years when the resistance of the soul to their effects will pass.


    {Reaching the eighth stage took twenty-two days¡­} ¨C Kyon thought with a bitter smile. Reaching the 6th stage took him 9 days, and the 7th ¨C 16. Now 22. It is not surprising, because the higher the stage in the phase, the more difficult it is to achieve it. The same applies to the phases, and this is very bad for the overall progress. And if there is no reliable foundation¡­ Then it¡¯s hopeless.


    Talent and resources (including heritage) are often not enough for rapid development. For rapid development, one needs a good master who will make the student work up a sweat with him. So, for example, if Kyon trained every day instead of working, especially in a deadly environment, the breakthrough time would be significantly reduced.


    However, in the current realities, Lovr does not need haste for two reasons: it is undesirable to show the 0th general his real talent; Valeera may suspect something is wrong, or even realize that he is Kyon.


    The fact that he received 3 stages in less than 2 months may already cause doubts in the girl. It is necessary to protect himself somehow, but he will definitely not intentionally limit his potential. Using a concealment item is also not an option: it¡¯s too risky. He will need to apply energy once, and everything will end.


    The only correct, even ideal solution that came to Kyon¡¯s mind: to modify his right hand! Thus, he will not only be able to hide his talent from Valeera, but also he will not waste a second in vain, because he will have to develop his hand anyway someday.


    So, the development of the head in Cernos took almost 9 months. At the same time, he has lost 99% of his elemental energy for this period ¨C that is, he has turned into a weakling, unable to develop (to the great regret of Triana) ¨C and 90% of Synergy. But, as a result of development, the head became more durable and stronger by one more phase (two in total), besides, it received a unique ability.


    It turns out that by developing his right hand, Kyon will hit the phase harder! Or so. Maybe some kind of ability will appear. Now he justcks the attacking aspect, while there are no special problems with defense and the ability to escape.


    However, the whole process will take approximately 9 months¡­ Can he afford to remain practically defenseless for so long? With two monstrous daughters and almost a wife as the head of the n ¨C yes. In addition, by the end of the modification period, there will be a month and a half before Juno¡¯s wedding.


    But what if Dinah attacks? No, it¡¯s unlikely. She will patiently wait until the enemy regains his strength to get full satisfaction from revenge, and the goddess, if the difference in strength is not too great, will also weaken her disciple, and she will not be able to win instantly.


    In Cernos, Kyon defeated Dinah almost miraculously, due to the opening of ¡°The sovereign¡¯s stare¡±. Who knows, maybe the development of his right hand will also give him another trump card. It is important not to reveal it until thest moment. Even not to check how it works, because two bitches are watching him, resting somewhere on the clouds.


    Another question arises: if 90% of the Synergy is reserved, would 10% be enough to block Eve and Le from returning their memories? No, that wouldn¡¯t be enough. But Kyon was not worried about this, because after the development of the head, Synergy broke through to the Bachelor¡¯s phase (3). Considering how much more powerful it has be, the body of the Void in the worst case will take 50% for itself, and the remainder will be more than enough for memory blocking, all sorts of games and even the management of subordinates and feathered scouts.


    After thinking everything over properly, Kyon nodded to his thoughts and made the final decision, after which he gave themand to the Void body to start modifying his right hand.


    The core of void in the soul spun quickly. The energy inside the soul, including Synergy, formed a funnel around the core and began to be drawn inward under the influence of the powerful suction power of time. Then all this was transformed into something invisible and rushed through the channels into the physical world and into the right hand, gradually developing it.


    There was a painful feeling, as if he had been pulling dumbbells with his right hand for a long time yesterday. The improvement process has beenunched! And there is no way to stop it.


    After checking his condition, Kyon made sure that he could only use 1% of the elemental energy. In Cernos, he spent it on the manufacture of medicine, the one for which this 1% was enough, as well as on the development of the highest grade of heat. Now he has decided to develop the highest grade of ether, and for a reason, because there is a requirement to enchant the soul (and body) to the highest level of strength: you need to know the highest grade of light and ether.


    The gluttonous key of light increases the grade of its element by one, so the light is already of the highest grade, which cannot be said about ether. By the way, it will make the invisibility technique a little more effective. He alsocks the keys to enchant, namely 40%. Oh, if only another wave of horned ones appeared¡­ But this is unlikely. Thest wave of demon scouts was probably the most elite in the family. It is hardly possible that there is an even stronger squad.


    When Kyon tested the Synergy, he wanted to curse everything in the world. The core of the void absorbed 70% instead of the predicted 20-30, and this is not even the maximum calcted 50! It seems to be deliberately mocking! The remaining amount is hardly enough to block the daughters¡¯ memories! He will have to abandon all subordinates and birds, leaving only a few of the most important dwarfs at the factory. Also, theputing power for the game will have to be reduced. However, it is unlikely that the girls will notice this.


    {Damned body¡­ Just dare to spend all nine months on improvement!} ¨C Kyon threatened. Since Synergy is spent on improving the hand, it is logical to assume that the period will be reduced.


    It remains to be hoped that nothing critical will happen during these months.

 Chapter 459

    Chapter 459


    A month has passed.


    Kyon received a very nice bribe of one billion spheres from dimir dimirovich. The old politician values his life. Now his fortune is estimated at almost 3 billion spheres. Huge money for any family, except perhaps the Russells, who collect taxes from all over the empire.


    Today at noon, the heads of shadow ns were executed in the central square of Dantes. More than a hundred thousand people watched the brutal death of those who terrorized the capital for many years. Adults rejoiced, and childrenughed at the bloody spectacle. This is the world we live in.


    Kyon and Valeera were also present. The beauty¡¯s face radiated indescribable glee. The enemies are dead only thanks to Zosimos! She could not be afraid of meeting them in a year at best. By the way, she recently broke through to the 10th stage and gradually strengthened on it, preparing for the transformation into the royal phase.


    In the evening of this day, the nned wedding ceremony between Zosimos and Valeera took ce. How exactly did the pot-bellied mature man with an average appearance and mediocre development manage to melt the icy heart of the beauty? Kyon did not find an unambiguous answer. She made the decision too suddenly, and then everything depended on his patience, which ran out in a week¡­ However, some suspicions visited him more and more often, and they arose in the most intimate moments spent with the girl.


    After exchanging ck obsidian rings, they kissed, sealing their union and bing husband and wife, which can be confirmed by the marriage contract. The event was quiet and without unnecessary witnesses: only the official, Kyon, his wife, Eve and Le.


    The hearts of the daughters watching what was happening were bursting with jealousy and envy. They, without ceasing to frown, burned Arpha with fiery nces. Their father still married her! Now they have a new mom¡­ No, they will never recognize her in this role! And in general, it would be better for her not to approach them, otherwise they would kill her ¡°identally¡±, sneezing in her direction.


    Kyonmented mentally that jealousy does not emit negative emotions. Although the reason for this may be that their addressee is not he, but Valeera. Otherwise, during the time of living together with jealous girls, he would have significantly replenished the core with darkness.


    By the way, if Valeera had not been there, Lovr would definitely not have coped with the joint pressure of Eve and Le, he would have snapped and done unforgivable things. Under the guidance of the little fairy, the pixie did such things that even the dead would react¡­ At the same time, it is clear that the daughters really appreciate, care, obey and, of course, fall in love with their father.


    There are both minuses and pluses in this whole story. An important advantage was in the very behavior of the girls: they spend all their energy not on creating problems for Zosimos, but on trying to charm and seduce him; they devote all their feelings to the man. Well, they ssh out the negative in games or, as for the mischievous Le, at night.


    Imperceptibly another 2 months shed by.


    Today, Lovr received valuable information from the Golden Pig guild: something strange is happening in the Dance and Virgo sects. This is evidenced by the general direction of their activities, which seems to have lost all meaning, as if they are no longer led by wise leaders, but by some inexperienced deputies. In turn, the Golden Pig guild had suspicions that the sects of the 1st and 2nd rank had lost their heads ¨C Lana and Gina. And, of course, they connected this event with the rainbow sun, they say, it was these two women who fought in that ce. And why? Because of Kyon in the guise of Dick, of course! He revealed his power in Cernos, so they crossed the border of Rosarrio to take the young genius for themselves, but, sensing each other, they entered into a deadly battle.


    The second half of the information was thought out by Lovr himself, but he had no doubts about the appearance of simr conclusions at the top of the guild. Moreover, he was beginning to worry that Gusteau and Patriarch Bazhen Baker had suspicions that those two monstrouspanions in veils protecting him were Lana and Gina. But they are unlikely to have confidence in this theory, because how could two sworn enemies make peace, abandon their sects, and also follow the boy everywhere? Women respected by the whole world will not do this. However, the main thing is to make sure that these suspicions do not reach the ears of the elders of the sects, otherwise they will start looking for their heads in every corner of Dantes.


    By the way, Kyon stopped worrying about possible tracking formations on Eve and Le a long time ago, otherwise they would have been found long ago. Most likely, the girls are too proud to let anyone know their location.


    In addition to information, the Golden Pig guild finally delivered the previously ordered items: a concealment formation to the imperial phase inclusive and a formation that changes the ?sound? of vibrations of any of the 9 elements also to the imperial phase inclusive. These bracelets will help him hide his identity even in the presence of the patriarchs. Or not to show his ability to use certain elements in battle, for example.


    Also, the guild began to generate ie from the sale of medicine. However, only 100 million a month. Moreover, the lion¡¯s share of earnings came from the sale of unique bodies, because it was the most promising ¨C it improved the talent of the practitioner.


    The product would cost 10 or even 100 times more if the name of ¡°The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron¡± had the same weight as in Rosarrio. But no matter how hard the guild tried to promote his name in other empires, it was difficult, because the authoritative alchemists there did notment on the work of the miracle alchemist in any way, and their opinion is more important than all others.


    In addition, the fact that the guild sells unique ¡°B¡± and even ¡°§¡¡± rank bodies caused even more skepticism. However, some people liked to take risks. For example, an elder from a high-ranking empire decided to trust the trade guild and buy a unique ¡°§¡¡± rank body for his mediocre child. With his bold act, he attracted the attention of elders from other families, thereby bringing new clients to the guild.


    As Gusteau assured, the chain reaction has already been started, and in about six months the demand for medicine will grow significantly, and then it will bring the revenue. Probably, the name of ¡°The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron¡± will be promoted in other empires.


    Kyon also slowly bought keys from all over the world through the Golden Pig guild. In 3 months the price for their purchase has increased by 50%! He spent 1 billion, but gained only 10% of the remaining 40% required to enchant the soul to the highest level of strength. He underestimated the high demand and low supply for this resource.


    For 3 months of work in the department, Kyon has achieved considerable sess in the creation and expansion of the shadow n, subject to the government. He had to tinker with his superiors to exin his actions, but in the end he got approval. In general, the fake criminal organization was growing very actively, and the legend at its base sounded quite usible and did not arouse suspicion.


    However, the fake shadow n pales in front of such a monster as Silent Horror n, which in 3 months captured almost 80% of Dantes¡¯ territory and acquired the status of ¡°megan¡±. As analysts and investigators predicted, the former 8th rank n had enormous potential, and now, in the absence ofpetitors, it has spread its influence like a gue.


    The citizens of the capital shuddered at the mention of the name of the n. They feared for their lives and safety even more than before the underground auction was blown up. There were a lot of various creepy rumors, especially everyone was frightened by the personality of a certain ¡°Dark Baron¡±. That¡¯s what everyone called the head of the megan. Someone even med Dick for destroying 7 shadow ns, giving the remaining one room for maneuver.


    Kyon specifically let his nickname go to the masses. It was important for him to hide the secret of the presence of two leaders in the n, which he sessfully coped with. As for the usations¡­ All of them could not result in something more, because how could Dick know that the 8th rank n would note to the underground auction?


    Mn more and more often asked the fat man why he had created a n subordinate to the department at all, if this whole idea had not brought results so far? When the hell is he going to destroy the damned Silent Horror n?! The city is waiting! Everyone is waiting! Exnations like ¡°The Dark Baron is too smart and cunning¡± did not suit the man.


    Kyon had to exin everything in great detail, exining theck of sess like this: the head of the Silent Horror n still does not take us seriously, so he refuses to cooperate. We need to continue expanding until he goes to negotiations, where we will nail him.


    As Lovr guessed, the 0th general also heard these words. He could only hope that the head of the department would ept such a stupid excuse. Although why stupid? Quite reasonable. The head of the Silent Horror n is indeed an extremely cautious person. Well, he¡¯s trying his best. And his approach is quite unique and effective.


    Of course, Kyon chose such a difficult and time-consuming method on purpose. If Valeera had been his real target, he would have tried to find her the same way as the first time: through financial flows from gangs to the leader. But recently he improved this system so much that even he himself would hardly be able to find a loophole in it.


    An important meeting was held at the n headquarters today. A dozen serious people in strict suits listened attentively to the speech of ¡°The Dark Baron¡±. All of them underwent rigorous selection and testing, after which they were able to take a high position in the fast-growing shadow megan. They saw great prospects in this organization.


    Valeera stood nearby and, with her arms crossed, watched her husband.


    ?Mikhail, in theing days, the earth magicians willplete the construction of the undergroundboratory. Prepare your people to move with all seriousness.? ¨C said Kyon.


    ?I understand you.? ¨C the man replied respectfully.


    ?Now everyone is free.?


    When a dozen people left, and a couple of newlyweds were left alone in the hall, Valeera approached the man: ?Your speech, as always, is good, Zosimos. Remind me, how many times have I repeated that I am happy with the decision to appoint you as my right hand??


    ?Twenty-one times already.? ¨C Kyon smiled.


    ?Twenty-one times¡­ It turns out, every four days.? ¨C Valeera¡¯s words carried another meaning: she is ready to forgive him for some gentleness inherent in an adult man with two daughters, which leads to a decrease in the n¡¯s profits.


    Two months ago, there was a conflict between her and Zosimos, due to the fact that the man refused certain activities of the n, including everything rted to children and their sexual exploitation, as well as the abduction and envement of women. The girl tried to reason with her husband that they were not actually a club of cute fluffy animals, but a criminal shadow n, but he remained hard as a rock.


    Valeera has just finally epted Zosimos for who he is. In the end, it would have taken her alone a year, or even three, to achieve what the n achieved with him in 3 months! She could not be angry with the man for the fact that he has noble qualities, which he is ready to adhere to until the end of his days. Far from it, she was fascinated by them.


    The girl has not yet noticed that she is slowly but surely being rehabilitated.


    Slowly and systematically, Kyon awakened human qualities in his wife, sometimes using his example, showing his emotional attitude to the situation, and sometimes deliberately telling stories that were breathtaking. The important thing is that he just awakened in her the human qualities that fell asleep on that tragic day, but did not create them from scratch, which would be a stupid waste of time. So the head of the n, without noticing it, lost some of the coldness in her aura, and also became less categorical and ruthless. And although she still never smiled, a little bit of cordiality revived in her.


    ?That¡¯s right, every four days.? ¨C Kyon agreed.


    ?I don¡¯t understand where you got so many skills and abilities from.?


    ?If you want to rule the world, start with trading. If you want to rule a woman, be her master.? ¨C now Lovr terribly wanted to flirt with the girl, but there was no ce for ¡°lustfulness¡± in Zosimos¡¯ personality, which he deeply regretted.


    ?Will the master have enough power to rule the queen?? ¨C the head of the n asked with a sparkle in her beautiful blue-ck eyes.


    Kyon might have suspected something was wrong, but for some time Valeera has entered the royal phase, so the words of the killer have something like this meaning: is the physically weak man ready to dominate the strong woman? Another check. They are constantly present in the rtionship.


    The strangest thing is that he saw his wife almost every day, but he did not understand when she managed to transform her soul. Especially because this process requires up to several days of solitary meditation. It was also embarrassing that she did not brag about her achievement, only casually mischievously answering ¡°long ago¡±, without naming the exact date. But what does ¡°long ago¡± mean? It can be either 2 weeks or 2 months!


    ?My ambitions extend to the royals, too.? ¨C Kyon confidently said and, imperiously hugging the beauty by her slender waist, passionately kissed her fragrant lips.


    Valeera immediately sumbed to the pressure of the persistent man. Because she wanted it.


    After a minute kiss, the girl asked: ?Zosimos, why do you avoid mentioning ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± at meetings? You know that this scoundrel is consistently destroying one of our organizations after another¡­ Are you going to do something about it??


    Kyon¡¯s mood plummeted. The fact is that with the appearance of ¡°The Dark Baron¡± terrifying all citizens, Elsa saw an opportunity to return and multiply her former glory. Therefore, she seems to have lost control in her heroic activity: in some unthinkable way, she finds one organization after another,pletely destroying everything and everyone there, and then she hands over the guilty criminals to the department.


    The saddest thing is that the zero general sees that one girl¡¯s efficiency is much higher than that of the genius messenger of the goddess and 4 colleagues diligently creating a fake shadow n! The blonde¡¯s actions could lead to even greater suspicions of the head of the department regarding Kyon. However, he did not want to kill Diana¡¯s daughter, the person he liked, either. At least because she¡¯s a good person.


    ?I think we should catch her.? ¨C Lovr finally said. ¨C ?But instead of killing her, we will find out which family she belongs to and threaten her with the death of her loved ones. If we just kill her, her family will be another powerful enemy of ours. After all, there are definitely more serious people behind the practitioner of the royal phase.?


    ?You are too soft-hearted, Zosimos¡­? ¨C Valeera shook her head. ¨C ?The stupid child does not understand how the world works, she thinks she can get away with anything¡­ That she is a fighter for non-existent justice. By killing her, I will show everyone that megan justifies its name, and anyone who goes against us will die a miserable death!? ¨C the girl¡¯s voice was suddenly filled with lust for blood. ¨C ?I¡¯ve been following ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± for a long time. With or without you, I¡¯m going to kill her. The trap will close today.?


    Kyon frowned. His wife acted without his knowledge, apparently knowing that he would not approve of the murder of a superheroine¡­ She is serious and will definitely not back down. He was simply left with no choice!

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460


    Late evening.


    In a slum, poorly lit area of the city, the blonde in a tight leotard and a mask hiding the upper half of her face was hiding on the roof of a building. Just the sight of her lying slender body in this seductive suit could already take your breath away, but if any man looks into her clear emerald eyes, shining with anticipation of quick profit, he will certainly be charmed by the iparable beauty.


    However, no one would be able to admire her, since now Elsa was reliably masked by a high-ranking concealment technique inherited from her father.


    A month earlier, with the appearance of the first rumors about the megan headed by ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, hope blossomed in Stone¡¯s heart to restore the former reputation to her name, resurrect the personality of the superheroine, or even get ahead of the ugly Dick. Even despite those five ridiculous images, the kid is still very popr. As soon as the megan was born, everyone suddenly began to ce high hopes on the fat man, while they did not remember about ¡°The Demon Huntress¡±, as if she was some kind of joke for everyone, and catching the heads of ns is not her level. Humiliating!


    Today Elsa found an especiallyrge gang with a bunch of valuable evidence that will leave them no opportunity to justify themselves. With the help of the leader, or rather, through his thorough interrogation, she was going to find ¡°The Dark Baron¡± and, having caught him, swim in the sea of glory!


    Meanwhile, thugs gathered in an abandoned warehouse. A bald big guy with a scar crossing his eye is clearly their leader. Since he appeared, it¡¯s time to act!


    The blonde took out her bow and took aim. An arrow was formed from pure energy, and a bright concentrated beam of white lightning, consisting of ether and light, shone at its tip.


    ~hiss~


    The energy arrow, with its speed significantly exceeding sound, covered a hundred meters in an instant, flew through the window and exploded in the center of the warehouse.


    ~BOOM~


    Bright white lightning flew from the epicenter in all directions. Getting into the thugs, lightning wrapped around their bodies, bound them and caused a suppression effect that significantly weakened the body and blocked the keys, which means the very ability to use the elements.


    ?A-a-a-a-aa-aa-a! What¡¯s going on?!? ¡­ ?We were attacked!? ¡­ ?Motherfucker, let me out!? ¡­ ?Fuck, I can¡¯t move!? ¨C screams and moans were heard from the bandits. Even the bald leader being a lord phaser at the finishing stage could not get out of the energy chains.


    When ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± gracefully jumped from somewhere above,plete silence reigned for a second. Any woman dreams of having such grace and a slender figure. Even though the stranger was wearing a half-face mask, no one doubted that the girl hiding behind it was incredibly beautiful. Just a slight smile on her tender lips could captivate any man.


    ?The Demon Huntress!? ¡­ ?The Demon Huntress, motherfucker!?¡­ ?For fuck¡¯s sake!?


    ?Fuck, bitch! Release us, and then The Silent Horror n will not harm you!? ¨C ?the scar? demanded with a furious cry, as if his threat could frighten heaven.


    The superheroine tilted her head to one side: ?You ask to be released, but you do it without respect!? ¨C the girl said cheerfully, smiling radiantly.


    ?You have no idea who you are messing with, baby! We are the great ¡°ck Boar¡± gang!? ¡­ ?Yes! Let us go, and ¡°The Dark Baron¡± will not harm you!? ¡­ ?If you cross the path of the n, you will die in agony! Come to your senses! Even your noble family won¡¯t save you!?


    ?You, boys, think too highly of your master, as well as of yourself. He¡¯s just a dirty criminal who only knows how to lead a rabble like you. Soon I will catch your leader and hand him over to the department in the name of justice!? ¨C the blonde in the mask dered decisively and reached for the sound transmitter to call the security forces.


    Suddenly Elsa¡¯s pupils narrowed. She jumped to the side, dodging a surprise attack from the blind spot at thest moment. A dagger covered in dark haze nearly pierced her neck. One more moment ¨C and death!


    Valeera snorted coldly and, closing the distance, struck again.


    ?Only the third stage of the royal phase¡­? ¨C Elsa muttered contemptuously. To her, the royal phaser at the 5th stage, this opponent is too insignificant. He had iting!


    With a practiced movement, the superheroine took out the de and attacked in response.


    ~DIIING~


    From the deafening metallic ng, the warehouse windows flew out. Several weak bandits lost consciousness, and the rest almost went deaf.


    Elsa drew furrows of three meters on the floor surface with her feet and almost lost her bnce from surprise. Feeling slight numbness and throbbing pain in her right hand, the girl bulged her eyes in amazement. The royal phaser at the 8th stage would have hit her with about the same force! But before she had time to think about anything, the silhouette of the enemy blurred from the speed and attacked again¡­


    ~DIIING~


    {Why is she so strong?!} ¨C Elsa thought fearfully, realizing with horror that after 5-10 counter attacks her right hand would get injured and lose mobility.


    As if feeling the fear of the blonde, Valeera rushed into an even more furious and ruthless attack. The swings of her dagger merged into solid ck stripes. The oppressive aura of darkness and cold emanating from her could instantly paralyze any weak-willed person.


    Elsa waved her hand, taking out and activating a handful of defensive formations created by her. About ten thickyers of light barrier appeared in front of her in order to gain time. Then she took out her bow and sent a signal shot into the sky. The arrow pierced the ceiling of the warehouse and created a sh in the sky that illuminated almost the entire Dantes. The girl aimed her bow at the dangerous enemy, charging the ultimate technique¡­


    Having broken only one light barrier, Valeera realized that it would take her a lot of time to destroy them. She must not let the archer aim and break the distance! She had to use the most powerful technique designed specifically to destroy any kind of unsolid barriers.


    {Corrosive breath!} ¨C the killer took full lungs of air and blew with all her might towards the barriers. A destructive ck stream, shaped like thousands of skulls, flew out of her mouth at great speed. It was not hard or sharp, but it contained all the power of the element of wind, the chill of the element of cold and the gloom of the element of darkness. The three elements perfectlybined with each other, containing almost the power of the imperial phaser, attacked the barriers.


    The stream of skulls literally melted the barriers with incredible speed, likeva poured on snow. Only light ripples of green color caused by the spatial attribute dispersed around.


    {Too fast!} ¨C Elsa was horrified, underestimating the attacking power of the enemy. She realized that she would not have enough time to prepare the ultimate technique, so she interrupted it and decided to use another one¡­


    Meanwhile, the ck dagger cut the superheroine¡¯s chest, leaving a 2-centimeter-deep incision there. The darkness bit into the flesh like a thousand carnivorous worms. Heartbreaking pain hit Stone¡¯s head. Because of this, the girl screamed painfully, but she had the will even in such a critical situation to pour light into the wound. It suppressed the darkness.


    Valera was about to strike another blow, but she heard the following¡­


    ?All-piercing ray! Disappear!? ¨C Elsa shot a dazzling shimmering arrow resembling a miniature pulsar. A powerful buzzing emanated from it, indicating the high danger of this attack.


    The killer cautiously assumed that in those two seconds the opponent had managed to prepare some powerful technique, so it would be wise to protect herself first.


    {LaNivis!} ¨C the girl put out her hand, and arge shield of ck ice with ancient patterns of unknown origin grew from her palm in all directions. A dark glow and a bone-chilling aura emanated from the shield.


    When the arrow hit the shield, Valeera, to her surprise, felt no recoil¡­ Suddenly there was another bright sh. Even through the ck ice, the girl¡¯s eyes stung. The chained bandits werepletely blind for an hour or two.


    {Bitch, you decided to run away!} ¨C the head of the n guessed and threw five throwing needles at the fleeing superheroine. But due to blurred vision, two of them flew past her.


    Elsa ducked her head from one needle, but the remaining two pierced her shoulder and back near the waist. The poisonous darkness caused an explosion of pain in the mind. Because of this, the girl almost fainted. The element of light poured into her wounds in time saved her. For the first time in her life, Stone experienced such a fear of death!


    ?You won¡¯t leave!? ¨C shouted Valeera, whistling to give a signal.


    Two dozen royal phasers at the beginning stage have long surrounded the warehouse. When they saw the superheroine break out, they simultaneously attacked her with long-range attacks: fire, ice, darkness, wind, water, earth¡­ They didn¡¯t hold back at all.


    Elsa bit her lip until it bled in despair. She pulled the bow up and fired an energy ball containing the monstrous power of the ether of the highest rank of the royal phaser at the 5th stage.


    At a height of five meters, the sphere exploded, creating a barrier of lightning around the girl.


    ~BRAAAAAH~


    With a deafening rumble, many different attacks hit the barrier. The ground around turned to dust, a deep crater formed at the site of the collision of attacks. The walls of nearby abandoned buildings, including the warehouse, were shaking from a local earthquake.


    The barrier cracked and soon copsed, simultaneously suppressing most of the attacks, but 7 techniques, without weakening at all, fell on the blonde¡­ Five of them were suppressed by the ether barrier, and the remaining two hit right on target.


    ?Kha-a-aa-ah!? ¨C with a painful groan, Elsa flew a dozen meters away. Her leg was twisted at an unnatural angle, the skin peeled off in some ces, half of her clothes were torn, and the mask cracked, but did not split. There was hopelessness in her eyes.


    {I don¡¯t want to die like that!} ¨C Stone thought furiously and took out the bracelet that Rose had given her for her birthday. The powerful protective technique of the sovereign phase (8) is enclosed inside the bracelet. It¡¯s hard to imagine how much money the Valentines gave for such a treasure.


    Meanwhile, Valeera, having regained rity of vision, appeared over the wounded superheroine and attacked her in the throat, intending to cut off her head and thereby get rid of the annoying bitch.


    ~BOOM~


    The dagger flew out of the girl¡¯s hands due to strong recoil.


    A perfectly round water barrier enveloped ¡°The Demon Huntress¡±. The bracelet on the arm shone with a delicate blue glow, apparently charging the barrier.


    ?Another trick¡­? ¨C the head of the n muttered with displeasure. ¨C ?Attack the barrier with all your might!? ¨C she gave the order, raised the dagger and attacked herself, but to her shock, even after 10 blows, she did not find any damage in the barrier, only light water ripples. Its durability was amazing! But the attentive gaze of the killer noticed that the brightness of the glow of the bracelet on the wrist of the superheroine weakened a little.


    Gritting her teeth and moaning in pain, Elsa tried to get up to run away, but her twisted leg did not allow her to do this. Her mind was blurred by the sharp pain. She can¡¯t escape! And hardly anyone wille to the rescue before the barrier falls, because she fired the signal shot only half a minute ago. Is she really going to die now?


    {What should I do?} ¨C the girl asked herself. If she had known about what wasing, she would have made much more defensive formations or simply would not have allowed herself to break into the warehouse so thoughtlessly into the prepared trap. Now she has many different techniques in her arsenal, but all of them will not help her survive. Well, there¡¯s only one thing left¡­


    The despair in Elsa¡¯s eyes was reced by calm determination. She sat down morefortably, took a graceful bow and pulled the bowstring, directing the point of an arrow towards the most dangerous enemy: the killer in ck. Hundreds of sparks concentrated at the arrowhead¡­ The aura emanating from the impending attack was getting denser every moment, bing more terrible.


    Valeera frowned apprehensively: {This technique is too powerful¡­ As soon as the barrier falls, she will shoot. I doubt LaNavis will help me defend against this attack. I guess I¡¯ll have to be more careful.} ¨C having made a decision, the girl continued to hit the transparent dome, but suddenly stopped and jumped 50 meters back, realizing the erroneousness of her actions. ¨C {She can remove the barrier at any moment!}


    Finding out how careful her opponent was, Elsa shouted: ?As soon as the barrier falls down, I will either make a point strike or a shot across the area! Are you really willing to make sacrifices in order to kill me?! Let me go, and I will never stand in the way of your n again! And it will be better for everyone! Otherwise, you will not only lose someone, but also be a sworn enemy for my family!?


    The twenty attackers stopped abruptly, hesitating. The powerful aura emanating from the stretched arrow was terrifying, making it clear that the words of ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± may well be true. There is no doubt that as soon as the protective technique disappears, the superheroine will instantly kill several of them, if not all of them at once! It depends on the mass of technique.


    ?Did I give the order to stop the attack?!? ¨C Valeera asked coldly.


    The people continued to attack, suppressing the fear in their hearts.


    ?Didn¡¯t you hear me?!? ¨C Elsa shouted in a trembling voice.


    ?I need your death in order to show the others: we are not to be trifled with!? ¨C said the head of the n, abruptly retreating 500 meters and creating a shield of ck ice in front of her. No matter how powerful the superheroine¡¯s technique is, it is unlikely that she will do anything to her from such a distance. So, she will have to sacrifice her subordinates.


    ?You are¡­ Disgusting¡­ Bitch!? ¨C bitterness shed under Elsa¡¯s cracked mask. It became obvious to her that such a stubborn person could not be persuaded by sweet speeches. Today the girl realized that she was too frivolous about her activities. If she had known about what wasing, she would have made 10 times more formations, including attacking ones, and would have asked Rose to give her something powerful, preferably reusable. But s¡­ She didn¡¯t think her demise would be like this. Today only a miracle will save her¡­

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461


    The twenty royal phasers at the beginning stage, under themand of Arpha, attacked with all their might the water barrier protecting ¡°The Demon Huntress¡±.


    Although Elsa resigned herself to her fate, and her frozen gaze did not reflect any emotions, the girl¡¯s heart was bursting out of her chest with excitement. When the barrier breaks down, an inevitable, even cruel death awaits her¡­ She will take several scumbags with her, and so what? Her life will end¡­ Yurich¡¯s daughter shuddered at the very thought of it.


    With each passing second, the glow of the bracelet creating the barrier was weakening. When it became noticeably dimmer, the faces of the attacking people turned pale with fear, and when the glow almostpletely went out, asionally blinking, the head of the n suddenly gave the order to some Ernie to attack, and to everyone else to hide behind cover¡­


    As soon as the words left the girl¡¯s mouth, these 19 people scattered with such zeal, as if deadly monsters were chasing them! Thest remaining man, the oldest and weakest, wanted to fall to his knees and curse heartily¡­ He¡¯s going to die.


    {Come on,e on! Come on!} ¨C leaning on her good leg, Elsa tried to decide to remove the barrier herself, but her hand trembled¡­ That¡¯s it. It¡¯s toote now. She will take only one senile bastard with her to the grave. The death of ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± will be so ridiculous and pathetic that it¡¯s even funny.


    Suddenly a whistle was heard, signaling the approach of the security forces. Moreover, usually the tone of the whistle determines the strength of the approaching group. In this situation, the whistle turned out to be of a high tone, which indicates the impressivebat power of the group.


    Ernie, already ready to die, was suddenly startled with hope, but, to his horror, realized that hisst attack hadpletely destroyed the water barrier¡­


    ~FUUUUUUUUUUUSH~


    A dazzling white beam, as thick as a thousand-year-old oak, turned Ernie¡¯s body to dust, leaving only shoes with feet. In an instant, the stream of light overcame half a kilometer, killed another person distracted by whistling, broke through the walls of several buildings, leaving a gaping hole of a perfect round shape, and flew into the sky, where it was lost.


    The shot of ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± was more like a spear thrown by a goddess who wanted to create a new bright star in the firmament.


    Without hesitating for a second, Elsa created another energy field around herself, but she turned pretty pale, because she used the ability forcibly, ignoring the rollback, and then shot another blinding arrow, trying to dy the opponents for at least a second. Her actions were not in vain.


    Valeera, after a moment¡¯s hesitation, made a decision and gave her people the signal to retreat. She doubted that the subordinates would have time to kill the superhero resisting to thest, since the security forces were already close. And she wasn¡¯t going to risk herself for some fool in a mask¡­ It¡¯s not worth it.


    {What¡¯s going on?} ¨C Elsa didn¡¯t immediately understand why the attackers were retreating. Only when she felt the approach of a group of strong people by scanning, she realized that the security forces hade! She is saved! The girl felt such relief that tears came to her eyes. She couldn¡¯t believe they hade so quickly in response to her signal arrow!


    {What a fool you are, Elsa¡­ Lucky fool.} ¨C Kyon thought, watching the wounded girl through the formation in the security officer¡¯s hand. Just a little more, and she would be killed.


    He failed to find out where and what trap Valeera was going to m. She disappeared without saying a word, and it was impossible to get through to her, as well as to the superheroine. Obviously: it¡¯s probably inconvenient to wear a sound transmitter in a thin leotard.


    As a result, in order to increase the chance of saving his half-sister, Lovr sent 3 groups of security forces to different points of the city, at this time trying to find out where Elsa is, but he never seeded. If she hadn¡¯t fired the signal arrow, she would have died, and her headless body would have been found only the next day, or eventer.


    Late at night, Kyon met the head of the n in her room at The Garden of Eden hotel. He frowned with displeasure, crossed his arms and sternly asked: ?What does this mean??


    A few hours ago, at the headquarters, when Lovr expressed his disapproval of the attempt to kill ¡°The Demon Hunress¡±, Valeera tried to convince Zosimos with all her might, showing her stubbornness to the fullest. And in the end, when she realized that the man was adamant, she activated invisibility and left somewhere! Besides, it was impossible to contact her. This behavior is uneptable.


    Valeera guiltily lowered her gaze, like a guilty little girl.


    ?I¡¯m not happy with what you did, Valeera. By disappearing right in front of my face, and even in the middle of a serious conversation, you showed great disrespect to your partner and husband. If this happens again, I will have to leave.? ¨C imperious notes sounded in the voice of Lovr. He has outlined his position, and he is not going to retreat from it. Hysteria is the lot of the weak.


    Now he was ying his mature personality perfectly. However, if he were himself, and Valeera were his girlfriend (and wife), he would have acted about the same.


    ?I admit my guilt¡­? ¨C Weber said intively with arched eyebrows and moist eyes. ¨C ?I didn¡¯t think this case was worth your attention¡­ I wanted to strengthen the n¡¯s authority¡­?


    Kyon, keeping silent, continued to stare at the deep ck eyes of the girl, shining as stars, and clear as mountainkes.


    ?This won¡¯t happen again¡­ I swear! From now on, I will inform you about all my ns. I won¡¯t be so stubborn, I promise, Zosimos.? ¨C Valeera said sincerely, closing her eyelids. Her heart ached with guilt in front of a big and strong man. It was as if she saw her father in front of her, which caused her emotions to multiply a hundredfold.


    Lovr¡¯s gaze finally softened: ?The answer is epted. Tell me, what happened??


    ?I lost five capable people without achieving the result¡­? ¨C the girl began to tell the story in great detail, hiding nothing.


    As she understood, the signal shot attracted the attention of the security forces, who saved the life of the archer¡­ If the killer had acted more decisively, not sparing her subordinates; if she had ordered five people to break the barrier, not one; if she had simply poisoned the needles with some powerful poison, and not just impregnated them with darkness¡­ However, she does not have such a powerful poison in her arsenal that will surely kill the royal phaser. Such poisons are sold only at underground auctions held once a year, and Weber has not yet been to them.


    At a certain point, thedy wanted to minimize losses, which caused the failure of the operation. Moreover, five royal phasers at the beginning stage, very valuable subordinates, died, and the ck Boar gang also ceased to exist.


    {Is she already the royal phaser at the third stage?!} ¨C Kyon wondered. In three months, she received the 10th stage, transformed her soul, and also ascended to the 3rd stage! Monstrous speed.


    After listening to his wife, Lovr said: ?Everything is alright. The main thing is that you¡¯re alive.?


    Valeera looked at the man with tenderness and buried her face in his wide chest.


    Kyon hugged the girl back,fortingly stroking her head.


    The head of the n immediately felt better and calmer, and she even closed her eyes from appeasement. In the arms of Zosimos, Weber always felt safe, away from this cruel, ruthless world, just like in childhood with her beloved father.


    Kyon pulled the beauty onto the bed, where they fell asleep in an embrace.


    A week has passed.


    As it turned out, ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± recovered and continued her activities, even more active than before: somehow the girl almost every day found small andrge organizations of the megan and destroyed them.


    {What a fool?!} ¨C Kyonmented. Until recently, she was wounded and miraculously survived, and now she¡¯s looking for a way to get her ass into trouble! Is she Le number two, or what?! Does she have brains in her skull at all?! She looks like a smart girl! She seems to be a brilliant investigator, alchemist and forrmacist¡­


    Lovr came to the conclusion that it is necessary to stop her, because she creates problems for him both with the 0th general, who sees her high productivitypared to the messenger of the goddess, and with Valeera, who does not want to put up with the established state of affairs.


    The next morning (just on the 7th day) a letter came to Elsa in the order, after reading which, the girl experienced the whole range of negative emotions: from fear to anger¡­ She took out the sound transmitter, called Dick and tried to make an appointment.


    ?So, a date?? ¨C Kyon teased her.


    ?Nonsense! I have a boyfriend. I want to talk to you.? ¨C Stone said coldly.


    ?I¡¯m busy right now¡­ And there¡¯s a lot to do tomorrow¡­? ¨C he drawledzily.


    ?Please, it¡¯s urgent!? ¨C the girl asked with emphasis.


    ?Okay, so be it. Tonight I can spend half an hour with my elder sister.? ¨C he said in such a tone, as if he was doing the interlocutor a great favor, besides with a vulgar subtext, not trivially hinting that he meant intimacy.


    ?I¡¯m not in the mood for your idiotic jokes!? ¨C Elsa hissed irritably.


    The fact that the best genius of the family was called ¡°elder sister¡± was hardly taken for a stupid joke. There are two reasons: they are both Stones and descendants of direct blood. If he were, for example, of the 4th rank and below, he would not get off with a light punishment.


    ?Okay, okay. But you will owe me a dessert of your own making!?


    ?What dessert?!?


    ?Some kind of cake. I love cookies too! After heavy brain activity, my blood sugar drops, I have to restore it somehow. But since you¡¯re asking me out on a date, then cook something sweet.?


    Elsa muttered something grumpily under her breath, then agreed: ?Deal.?


    At eight in the evening, a very ugly fat man and a dazzlingly beautiful girl were sitting at a table in the park opposite each other. The two outwardly differed so much that outside viewers felt like their brains were melting. Spending a year in a dark cave and going outside on a sunny day wouldn¡¯t have blinded you like this.


    After a brief greeting, Kyon tactlessly drawled: ?So¡­ Were you almost killed??


    ?It¡¯s none of your business!? ¨C the blonde said and got down to business. ¨C ?Did you send me that letter??


    ?What letter??


    ?Just say yes or no!? ¨C demanded Stone.


    ?When something is pulled out of me like this, especially in such a tone¡­?


    ?Wait!? ¨C the blonde, pulling the fat man by the sleeve, sat him back down, and said politely. ¨C ?Dick, tell me, please, did you send me the letter??


    *stomach growling*


    ?Sorry, I¡¯m so hungry¡­ I¡¯m not thinking straight at all¡­?


    Elsa closed her eyes, trying to calm the seething rage. This Dick¡­ He has a ck belt in exasperation! The girl took out a basket of pies and immediately pped the palm of the fat man who was reaching for food: ?First tell me, did you or did you not send me the letter recently? Please¡­?


    ?No, I didn¡¯t!? ¨C Kyon replied resentfully.


    As soon as Elsa heard the answer, she jumped up abruptly and shouted angrily: ?You¡¯re kidding me! Do you think I¡¯mpletely stupid?!?


    Kyon barely managed to catch the falling basket: ?What are you talking about??


    ?You are the only one who knows the truth! And if that bitch somehow found out who was hiding behind the mask, she would have sent me my grandfather¡¯s head instead of the letter!? ¨C Elsa¡¯s eyes shone with barely restrained rage. ¨C ?Dick, I am grateful for your concern, but do not dare to interfere in my affairs!? ¨C the girl categorically dered, threatening with her fist, and walked away.


    Kyon froze, discouraged: {How did she guess?!}


    Lovr was really worried about his stepsister. He sent her the letter with a threat, allegedly from ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, where he warned her that if she continued to act against the n, the blood of her family members, that is, the Stones, would be shed.


    However, the girl suspected something was wrong and eventually somehow realized (or convinced herself of this) that the sender was Dick! She probably thought that the young investigator, who is also a family member, began to worry about her when he found out that she was almost killed.


    {But this does not exin her firm confidence in what she said¡­} ¨C Kyon thought suspiciously. If he were in Elsa¡¯s ce, even 1% of doubts would have forced him to refuse further actions. And why is she even butting with the megan? Why is she looking for death?!


    Lovr took a bite of the pie andmented with a bitter smile: ?Mmm¡­ My favorite¡­ With mustard.?

 Chapter 462

    Chapter 462


    3 months have passed without a week, almost half a year since the start of the development of the right hand.


    Cooperation with The Golden Pig guild has begun to bear the first tangible fruits. Earnings exceeded 300 million per month, which in total brought Kyon 1 billion! The name of ¡°The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron¡± gained poprity in other empires.


    Lovr also bought another 10% of the keys required for enchanting, and they cost him as much as 1.5 billion, which is 50% more expensive than the previous batch. ording to thetest estimates, he now has 82.5% of the keys needed to enchant the soul to the highest level of strength.


    Meanwhile, ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± continued to put a spoke in the wheel of The Silent Horror n. She quickly got out from under the impressive shadow of Dick¡¯s fame. In the eyes of the citizens, he did nothing at all. And she has gained such poprity that she could only dream of before. She stands alone against the megan! Even ardent opponents of the superheroine involuntarily imbued with respect for her: the government is helpless, but she acts! Well, how can someone not love her?


    Of course, the information that the masked girl was almost killed three months earlier did not spread, so everyone thinks that she is practically invincible.


    Elsa almost rolled her eyes in ecstasy, imagining what glory would cover her after the capture of ¡°The Dark Baron¡±. This time she is ready to meet that killer in dark clothes and her twenty stooges. By the way, it is possible that she is ¡°The Dark Baron¡±.


    Kyon didn¡¯t like the situation with the brilliant Stone at all. Because of her, the achievements of the fake n created by Dick pale, and the authorities are indignant. Mn, with a dissatisfied look, tirelessly asked: where are the results, Baker?! And what the 0th general thinks is still a mystery. Considering that he is engaged in the internal politics of the empire, it is possible that he understands better than anyone how much Dick is trying, and that his chances of catching the leader of The Silent Horror megan are several times higher than those of ¡°The Demon Huntress¡±.


    Valeera often repeated that ?something needs to be done with this bitch, since you don¡¯t want to kill her?! Kyon had to agree with his wife. He came up with a n: to catch her,petently luring her into a trap, and then ckmail her to stop her activities.


    Although Valeera did not understand why her husband wouldplicate everything so much when it was possible to fix the problem in the simplest and most effective way, she had to agree with him. She helped him organize the trap, into which the masked scoundrel would surely fall from day to day.


    Meanwhile, the achievements of The Silent Horror n were already really impressive: it firmly established itself in the capital, found its leaders and earned the respect of crime bosses. The truth of sess is this: if you can¡¯t destroy something, lead it. This principle was used by many legendary personalities in the world of Lovr. It is strange that the 0th general did note to such a conclusion in decades.


    The ck market, despite the incident with the auction, still opened. They were especially d to meet the members of the megan, which can not be said about the fake n. ¡°For some reason¡± the organizers of the ck market did not even contact them.


    In six months, Kyon has increased profits from the territories controlled by the n three times pared to previous years),rgely due to the monopoly, modernization and optimization of processes. He destroyed all dissatisfied people, suppressedpetitors, and carefully avoided the fake n, warning Valeera that something was wrong with ?these neers?, it was better not to get close, but to wage a cold war with them.


    In general, taking into ount the sesses and troubles (mainly due to the superheroine), Kyon earned 1 billion in six months of the development of the n, and now the contents of his wallet looked like this: he received 1 billion from the treasury of the Feruzs, 1 ¨C from the underground auction, 1 ¨C from dimir dimirovich, 1 ¨C from the Golden Pig guild and 1 ¨C from the megan. Total: 5 billion, 2.5 of which went to the keys. All other earnings were spent on smaller expenses and needs, which were also enough.


    Valeera especially liked the taste of big money. She regrly reminded her husband about this, mostly expressing gratitude in bed.


    Kyon once delicately asked his wife why her invisibility was so good, to which he received the answer: this is the ability of her unique body. When he asked her how she was developing it, and if there was any progress, the girl replied that there had been no changes for more than a year, and she did not know how to develop her body. It never speaks to her.


    Earlier, Lovr had a theory that the people he sleeps with improve their unique bodies. So, for example, in one year, Triana¡¯s ws became many times sharper. It turns out, however, that the reason is in clearing the keys? It sounds usible. After all, the purer the keys, the better the connection of the soul (where the unique body is located) with the physical body, that is, with the ws. Therefore, the wife¡¯s invisibility has not improved in any way for over a year.


    Kyon¡¯s suspicions were also confirmed: the main reason why the head of the n opened her heart to Zosimos is that she sees her father in him and dreams of bing his daughter. Simr features of appearance and domineering behavior contributed to this.


    Such a conclusion had long urred to him. For example, the eyes of the usually icy head of the n were sometimes filled with shyness when she was next to Zosimos, and the manner of speech became submissive, as if she was a little vulnerable girl next to a strong dad. After that, thedy, as a rule, wanted to cuddle, rub against his chest and fawn on the man in every possible way.


    During sex, Valeera asked to spank her more often and call her a bad girl. Everything would be fine, there is nothing abnormal in this, but, while experiencing an orgasm, she sometimes called him ¡°daddy¡±, which made Kyon feel, to put it mildly, hurt¡­


    The great invader, conqueror and seducer of women¡¯s hearts was indignant inside Lovr. It¡¯s one thing for Valeera to be seduced by Zosimos, a mature person who doesn¡¯t look much like Kyon, but quite another is the father she sees in him¡­ He couldn¡¯t feel proud of such a victory.


    It turns out that the wife has a pronounced fatherplex, the essence of which is as follows: a girl deprived of paternal protection and support in the future will try to find a husband who will rece her beloved dad.


    Kyon would have put up with this, but the problem is that often such girls cannot perceive their man as a person separate from the image of the ¡°dad¡±. The situation with Valeera is exactly like this, moreover, sometimes she even seems to be that girl from the illusion.


    Lovr has always highly valued his ego, pride and dignity, so when she sees only a faded copy of a real man in him, even if the beloved father, he felt quite understandable indignation and annoyance. Is it possible to do something about this? He did not want to act selfishly and break up, breaking the girl¡¯s already wounded heart, especially since he himself gave Zosimos the outlines of a face simr to the appearance of Valeera¡¯s father; re-educating her will not work either, because love for her father is the foundation of personality. With Triana, for example, he managed to pull off this venture only because the tigress¡¯s worldview turned against her.


    In general, instead of the desired feeling of triumph from conquering the heart of an icy beauty, Lovr felt like a man who was treated to a delicious pie for the fact that a red clown nose suited him better than the rest of the candidates.


    Once, when he was walking with his daughters in Dantes, the little fairy whispered in Kyon¡¯s ear that she felt an invisible person following them, and, judging by the development, it was Arpha. Since then, he has found out that Valeera is secretly watching them. Why is the respected head of the n doing this? Obviously, due to the same fatherplex. Only this way she can get at least a drop of what she dreams of: bing the daughter of Zosimos. It can be understood, and it¡¯s kind of sad. There is no doubt that the girl is very jealous of the happiness of Eve and Le and wants to return to the past.


    As for the daughters, over the past 3 months they have not abandoned their attempts to win the heart of the man. Now Kyon had no doubt that they had fallen in love with him. With Eve, everything has been clear for a long time, but Le¡­ As soon as he held his gaze on her for 5 seconds, the girl began to blush, embarrassedly look away and be indecisive, or confess in a confused voice to all her tricks and pranks. It seemed very sweet.


    Le became much more submissive and obedient, because Zosimos responded to her with gratitude for such behavior, and for disobedience and harmfulness, on the contrary, distanced himself from her. Such a carrot and stick worked for the pixie 100 times more effectively than banning games. However, she stillmitted crazy antics, was shameless and brazen because of her character.


    Today is Zosimos¡¯ birthday. The daughters begged him to spend the holiday together, without the ?nasty Arpha?, and the man, of course, did not refuse them. But he still booked a table in a restaurant for the evening with his beautiful wife.


    In the early morning of this day, Kyon visited the dwarf factory to pick up a very valuable order.


    The golden-bearded dwarf Gimli handed an exquisite gift box studded with precious stones to the most respected person in the world: ?O great and terrible Zosimos, I spent three days and three nights making this treasure! My work could be valued in hundreds and hundreds of millions, even the elite of this world would look at it with greed, but to you, my dear friend, I will give it for free!?


    ?Haha, thank you, Gimli! I owe you!? ¨C Kyon thanked him, epting such a dangerously priceless gift.


    Gimli¡¯s eyes stung with happiness. The hope of the entire dwarf race, the one who is seen in dreams on a par with the god Thor, owes him¡­ Three days and three nights of work were worth it: ?In that case, can I ask you, Zosimos, to give me an individual lesson? No, your students are very smart and know the answers to all questions, just it would be a great honor for me to learn directly from the legend¡­?


    ?No problem. In the next two weeks, I will carve out a free half day for you.?


    ?Oh, thank you! Thank you very much, Zosimos!?


    Gimli, like all the dwarfs at the factory, revered Zosimos almost as a god. The technological miracle taking ce at the factory just blew the imagination, and at least every 10th dwarf once a day fell to his knees and sobbed with happiness.


    Opening the box, Kyon whistled respectfully: he saw a wristwatch of incredible quality with a genuine signature of Gimli. Perhaps such an exclusive product would have gone for a billion at the Saturn auction. But he didn¡¯t want to undermine his rtionship with such an authoritative dwarf for the sake of money. He asked to make him the watch in order to make a present for one hated bastard ¨C Rose!


    Many noble gentlemen confirm their status by demonstrating luxury items to everyone around. It is enough for someone to have a family token showing the rank in the family, but most prefer to show off expensive things: earrings, rings, clothes, wristwatches, etc.


    Rose Valentine will celebrate his birthday in a month and a half, and it is hardly possible that the narcissistic selfish guy, seeing such a priceless gift, will refuse to wear it, missing the opportunity to strengthen his image in the eyes of others, and especially Elsa. Still, there was a tiny chance that he would sell the watch, so Kyon left the note¡­


    Lovr sent a precious gift box to the VIP cell of the Golden Pig guild and ordered dyed premium delivery personally to Rose.


    This luxurious gift, of course, was not made out of the kindness of the soul, but solely in the name of revenge.

 Chapter 463

    Chapter 463


    After visiting the dwarfs, Kyon and his two daughters began celebrating his birthday, following the n: cake, drinks, congrattions and watching a fun familyedy. No more is needed.


    While watching the movie, the girls sat on the sides of the man and held his hands tightly.


    When the movie came to an end, Kyon felt two beauties kiss him softly on the cheeks at the same time, as if by agreement in advance.


    ?This is our gift to you, Dad¡­? ¨C Eve said in embarrassment.


    ?We love you, Dad¡­? ¨C Le, turning pink, timidly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.


    ?Bunnies¡­? ¨C Kyon was touched. ¨C ?I love you too!? ¨C he hugged the two girls tightly, causing their beautiful eyes to be covered with a veil. It was as if they had fallen into a narcotic fog, stupefying the mind. This was happiness.


    Lovr felt a surge of bright emotions in the core. He had already filled the vessel of light from 95% to 100% long ago (after awakening, when he almost sacrificed his life to the demons). The surplus should not be lost, so there is nothing to worry about.


    And although love did not bring bright emotions, it is much easier to make a person feel grateful with its help. And any other positive feelings be only brighter and richer from the love seasoning.


    Three days passed unnoticed.


    Morning. in for training.


    Two girls sat on stumps and listened attentively to their father. Usually he told them something unimaginably informative, showing on the screen exnatory images: what is charge and electromaic radiation; how to avoid being struck by lightning; how invisibility, temperature, thermal conductivity and vacuum work; energy and chemical interactions; human structure, DNA and even the concept of evolution! And this is only a small part of what the man has been teaching his daughters in recent months.


    Eve absorbed everything like a sponge, while Le found it difficult to learn. She would have died of boredom long ago if the sses were not conducted by a person she respected. She wants to listen to him, because everything he says seems so important and interesting.


    Today Zosimos told his daughters the most ordinary, at first nce, story, which happened infrequently.


    ?The story of a boastful hare and a turtle. The hare boasted to everyone all the time that no one runs faster than him, and he always wins. However, he was not mistaken, because when the hare ran a race, he always won. The inhabitants of the forest knew this and put up with this state of affairs, but one day the turtle came and said: why not? I¡¯ll try to overtake him! The hareughed: well, that will be fun! Ready, a-and¡­! Bang!?


    Eve flinched at the sudden ¡°bang¡±.


    ?The hare rushed forward, and the turtle was left to swallow the dust. He rushed like a bullet, as always, because he didn¡¯t lose to anyone. But suddenly the hare wanted to show off. He stopped,y down and dozed off¡­ He slept much longer than he was going to. And then he wakes up and realizes that he fucked everything up. The hare runs to the finish line, but it¡¯s toote! The turtle is already crossing the finish line first, and the crowd explodes with a wild yell, honoring the winner.? ¨C Kyon paused, looking pointedly at the daughters.


    Le rolled her eyes: ?Dad,e on! I am no longer a little girl and I understand what you are trying to convey: if you try your best, you will definitely seed¡­ I¡¯m bored.? ¨C although she said so, she was not at all bored, because the way her father skillfully told the story already made it interesting and memorable.


    ?I think everything is deeper here than it seems.? ¨C said Eve. ¨C ?Dad wanted to say that sometimes you can win even where you don¡¯t seem to be able to win at all. You just need to try until you get lucky. But I would have acted smarter and punished the arrogant hare! I would put another turtle pretending to be me at the finish line! I think the reaction of the hare would be unforgettable. Let the big-eared one know that you should never be conceited, because in this way you harm yourself.? ¨C the little fairy looked at her dad with the air of an excellent student, eager for encouragement, but, to her surprise, she did not find approval on his face.


    ?I haven¡¯t finished the story yet.? ¨C Kyon winked. ¨C ?In the evening of the same day, the turtle dined with her family and told the little turtles how she had ovee the hare: never give up, always crawl forward and ovee any obstacle¡­ Suddenly the door is torn off its hinges!?


    The listeners¡¯ eyes widened in surprise.


    ?The hare came and brought a hammer with him. First, he broke the shells of the members of the turtle family, while the turtle helplessly watched them die, and then he killed her too. And when the whole family was destroyed, the hare sat down and ate their dinner. Everyst piece, everyst crumb. Because the hare always wins.? ¨C he finished coldly.


    Eve shrugged her shoulders chilly: ?What a horror¡­?


    A wide smile yed on Le¡¯s pretty face: ?Awesome! Amazing!? ¨C she pped her hands. ¨C ?I like this story! Everything in the spirit of brutal realism!?


    Kyon summed it up: ?Remember, my bunnies, the real world is not a fairy tale. Here you can be killed for one disrespectful look. Some people would rather get rid of you than admit that they lost through their own fault. Consider the worst case scenario and be prepared for it.? ¨C he said and fell silent. He himself made such conclusions not so long ago, and even now he often rushes forward, and then he turns out to be not ready for a total failure. For example, the release of Triana¡­


    ?Thanks for the lesson, sensei.? ¨C Eve bowed.


    ?Cool story, Daddy!? ¨C Le raised her thumb.


    After telling the story, Kyon started training the highest grade of ether. For thest three days, he had a sucking feeling in his right hand, as if it would finish its development any day now. And now, a few hourster, it happened!


    {Wow!} ¨C Lovr almost danced with delight. The development of the right hand waspleted, and not in 9 months, like the head, but in 6! All because of the 75% Synergy reservation.


    Kyon decided to test his strength. Is his right hand now 2 phases stronger than himself using pure energy? He was going to conduct the same experiment that he had once conducted at Cernos: the destruction of spheres.


    Every 10 spheres (money) can bebined into one sphere of the next phase with a simple infusion of pure energy, and such a sphere is exactly 10 times stronger than the sphere of the previous phase. So, for example, a practitioner of the advanced phase at the 1st stage is able, at best, to put up small cracks in the sphere of the advanced phase, while the practitioner at the 10th stage will turn it into dust.


    While conducting the experiment at Cernos, Kyon was still a superior phaser at the 1st stage. Then he managed to split the pale green sphere of the noble phase into four pieces. Then he confirmed his theory that his hand is one phase stronger than himself.


    Now Kyon has taken out a bright red sphere of the royal phase, the price of which is as much as 100,000 spheres of the base phase! He ced it in the palm of his hand and squeezed it with all his strength, and in the most effective way, which increased the effectiveness by about a third. He also helped with the second hand and pure energy.


    After a minute of trying, Lovr opened his palm and saw a small crack stretching along the entire length of the sphere¡¯s surface. The result could not but rejoice, because he had just given out the power of the practitioner of the 1st stage of the royal phase, using pure energy! But he was only a superior phaser at the 8th stage. But if he removes all the tricks, now the right hand is exactly 2 phases stronger than himself.


    Kyon took the Scourge in his developed hand and weighed it down to 6,000 kilograms. The ground under his feet in a radius of a meter sank sharply (due to the sticking technique). Tendons and carbon bones crunched with tension. The hand was covered with awork of veins, thick as earthworms. It held the weapon with almost no difort. There is definitely enough stamina for 100 strokes.


    {Stunningly¡­ Right now I would have swatted Edward in the blink of an eye!} ¨C Lovr rejoiced and closed his eyelids, focusing on the core of the body of the Void, and then opened them. A demonic gleam shone in his eyes.


    Under the influence of the pulsation of the core, the attribute of darkness changed its characteristics and covered the Scourge with a thin ck film. A foul, rotten aura of decay emanated from it, as if the mythical knight of death, and during his lifetime the king of men, Tasar, had raised his cursed sword of doom in order to exterminate all living things.


    Together with a fulminant swing, a fascinatingly beautiful wave of darkness, shaped like a sickle of a ck crescent, burst out of the sword. It cut through three trees that got in its way and went deep into the ground. Thick steam appeared at the cut-off point. The wood bubbled with a yellow liquid and was corroded, as if under the influence of a powerful acid. Eerie sight.


    ?What was that?!? ¨C Eve started up in fright, interrupting the duel with the hologram in the helmet.


    ?Wow, what a cool aura?! Dad, show me again!? ¨C Le demanded.


    Zosimos looked at the girls with such a wild look that they involuntarily shivered and hugged themselves by the shoulders, not from fear, but from excitement. Dad had never looked at them with such desire ¨C like a wild animal looking at juicy meat¡­


    Over the past 6 months, Kyon has not yet realized the highest grade of the ether, but he has learned to enter a dark, and therefore a light state of mind. To do this, it is not enough to simply reorient your stream of consciousness to the dark side. It is necessary to stop restraining the dark part of the core and not allow the light part to be released, because it usually actively resists. Maintaining this state requires Synergy, as well as will.


    Entering into any state of the soul is quite dangerous, because the partially released element is trying to gain full power over the soul, and therefore the mind. If it captures the soul, then disastrous consequences can ur. For this reason, Kyon did not even try to enter a light state of soul: the vessel of light is 100% full, while the vessel of darkness is only 40% full. Too much imbnce. It is dangerous to give free rein to the light, which already has a huge superiority.


    Now Kyon has not found a single reason to enter into a dark or light state of soul, except for the opportunity to use the Cut of Darkness and Light. These techniques, or rather, elements, lengthen melee attacks by at least 5 meters with almost no loss of impact power, but with increasing distance to the target, their effectiveness decreases sharply. However, in exchange for such a pleasantbat advantage, he sacrifices his own clear mind. Darkness makes its master think in more cruel and immoral categories. So, for example, looking at the daughters, Lovr wanted to pounce on them and eat them. However, he could resist the temptation, after all, now he was in control of his condition.


    In the next moment, Zosimos¡¯ gaze softened, and the girls rxed and exhaled. Both sisters with some strange synchronicity bit their lips in annoyance and looked at each other mysteriously.


    ?Bunnies, your dad has learned a new technique. How about trying it out in battle??


    ?With pleasure!? ¨C Le volunteered, raising her hand.


    After 5 minutes, Eve also joined in, suppressing fear from that frightening aura.


    After an hour of training, Kyon found out and confirmed some things. Liquid darkness, like liquid light, cannot be used in any other way than to attack.This means that directly during the strike with the Cut of Darkness, it is impossible to use techniques that may require darkness, including a spatial attribute or anything requiring 9 elements: invisibility, Annihtion Sphere, creation of clones, teleportation to them, sendingmands to clones, birds and subordinates, etc. However, the blowsts only a fraction of a second, so this w will be almost invisible.


    Lovr also learned that the Cut of Darkness is aimed solely at destroying the enemy. Prating into the flesh, the Cut primarily attacks the nervous system and vital organs. Several dead rats confirm this conclusion. However, as he found out, if you have a very big desire, then the darkness obeys its master and does not cause fatal damage to the target.


    Eve and Le really liked the hungry look of their father, as if they were some kind of delicious food. They also noticed that he was much more aggressive and tougher than usual. It¡¯s exciting!


    Le is up to a trick. During the next attack, she deliberately missed the blow. Under the influence of darkness, the girl did not suffer at all, but her tights and underwear turned to dust. In addition, she also fell with her back into the arms of her dad in such a way that her stic buttock perfectlynded in the man¡¯s palm¡­


    Raising her blushing face and shining eyes, the pixie eximed in fright: ?Oh!?


    Eve¡¯s eyes widened in shock. What an insidious move! How brave she is!


    In that brief moment, Kyon felt as if the darkness had broken loose. Something as hard as a stone has already grown out of the groin. The young man let out a deep wild growl. The palm greedily squeezed the juicy piece of appetizing meat, because of which the daughter squeaked seductively, piteously arching her brows. In one second, the darkness absorbed 10% of Synergy! The rm went off, and Synergy forcibly pulled the master out of the dark state of the soul.


    Kyon looked at his daughter with dull red eyes and kicked her in the ass, angrily barking: ?Don¡¯t ever do that again!? ¨C he turned away, trying to calm his erection and frantic pulse.


    The girls felt the tension in the man¡¯s pants by passive scanning. Because of this, they blushed and covered their charming faces with their palms. Their hearts were beating in unison, jumping out of their chests. What an exciting moment¡­ Daddy really sees women in them! He¡¯s really into them!


    If such a divine naked beauty would fall into the arms of any other man, he would immediately break loose, take her in his arms and do the unforgivable¡­ Kyon, who was in a dark state of soul, was no exception. He should have prepared in advance for such a trick of the pixie. Or maybe he was subconsciously expecting this? Apparently, the dark state of the soul is more insidious than it seems at first nce.


    The workout was over and the three were heading home inplete silence.


    Le constantly tried to catch the man¡¯s gaze, after which she sharply shyly turned away and clutched her burning cheeks with her palms. She did not understand why butterflies fluttered in her stomach from one nce of her dad. She wants him¡­ to hug her and kiss her. And then¡­ The girl blushed at the very thought of it.


    Eve¡¯s love was pure and innocent, but remained as unbearably strong as her sister¡¯s. She selflessly wanted to give the man everything she could: feelings, time, care¡­ She liked to give him gifts and attention, and even more to receive a reward for her efforts.


    On the way home, Kyon received a call from Valeera.


    ?The trap is about to close! Where are you going?!?


    ?I¡¯ll be there soon!?

 Chapter 464

    Chapter 464


    Dark night.


    Kyon and Valeera sat on a high rooftop under cover of invisibility and watched through binocrs the abandoned warehouse: the perfect meeting ce for any gang, as well as for creating a trap for the superheroine.


    Lovr studied the surroundings all the time with the help of ¡°The eyes of truth¡±. And although in the usual state of affairs he could see the energy of practitioners up to the imperial phasers at the 8th stage (that is, 4 phases higher than his own), the situation changed dramatically if they began to use the concealment technique. So, for example, he could not see the invisible Valeera. ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± was also out of reach of his field of vision.


    ?The bitch in the mask sticks to a schedule and doesn¡¯t perform more than one feat a day. As a rule, she is active in the evening. If the target isrge, then at night. I suspect she is studying somewhere, because I have never seen her during the day.? ¨C said Valeera dryly.


    ?Really¡­? ¨C Kyon agreed. ¨C ?At thest meeting, she was a royal phaser at the fifth stage, but now, judging by the analysis of the battle, she is already at the sixth stage, if not higher. Honey, are you sure you can beat her if something goes wrong??


    Valeera snorted coldly: ?She¡¯s no match for me. The self-confident, vain girl thinks that she is now in no danger thanks to her talent¡­ The leopard can¡¯t change its spots.? ¨C she looked at Zosimos. ¨C ?After all, we can threaten her loved ones.?


    Kyon nodded, paused for a while, and spoke again: ?And yet I don¡¯t like her unhealthy persistence¡­? ¨C vague anxiety did not leave him. Elsa can¡¯t be so empty-headed and so careless about herself and the lives of her loved ones. Even raising 1-2 stages and a hundred or two formations in the arsenal do not give her the right to consider herself invulnerable. Maybe the girl is up to something? Unclear. He often followed the superheroine, but for three months he did not find anything that would ring any bell for him, except for one thing: her inexhaustible self-confidence.


    ?You overestimate her.? ¨C Valeera disagreed. ¨C ?¡±The Demon Huntress¡± is just a spoiled child hungry for attention. Each of her feats is an extreme idiocy: to break in, neutralize and hand over to the authorities. I¡¯m sure someone is informing her, because alone she would never have been able to find my organizations so effectively.?


    ?I hope so.? ¨C Kyon nodded, and said to himself. ¨C {Fuck hope!}


    Meanwhile, the gang gathered in the warehouse and greeted the leader.


    The couple waited for the appearance of the haughty blonde for about an hour, until¡­


    ?She¡¯s on that roof!? ¨C unexpectedly whispered Valeera, feeling the energy fluctuations.


    ~CLINK~


    The window of the building was pierced by a bright arrow, which neutralized all the bandits with white lightning. The superheroine punched the roof andnded in the center of the warehouse. Everything went ording to the standard scenario, perfected long ago.


    Suddenly, 5 formations of a restraining type shone around the masked girl. Instantly the area around was covered by the monstrous pressure of 5 sovereign phasers. The space was greatly distorted, as if from a haze in sultry weather. More formations were activated a secondter. Dozens of chains and barriers enveloped the target. Some deprived the body of physical strength, others blocked the elements (rotation of the keys).


    Everything happened so suddenly and quickly that ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± did not have time to react. In addition, her vignce was weakened by many monotonous raids.


    Disoriented, Elsa clenched her teeth and copsed to her knees, feeling that unbearable pressure was squeezing her chest, and her mind was literally torn apart. Her body weakened so much, as if she had turned into an old woman at the end of her years. There was nothing to say about the use of the elements.


    Such a trap cost the Silent Horror n a tidy sum, but it could bind even the imperial phaser at the beginning stage. You will do a lot for the sake of catching a sworn enemy.


    Valeera was already twitching towards her prey, but Kyon grabbed her by the shoulder: ?Don¡¯t rush.? ¨C he once again carefully studied the surroundings with the birds, ¡°The eyes of truth¡±, modernized hearing and vision of different spectra. After that, he changed his development with the help of the concealment bracelet to the noble phaser at the beginning stage and together with his wife went to the warehouse.


    When Elsa saw the killer, her green eyes glittered with hatred, like the tip of a silver arrow stretched on a bow. Suddenly, the girl¡¯s attention was attracted by a man who came out of invisibility. What is a noble phaser at the beginning stage doing here? And why is he standing so carelessly behind the killer¡¯s back?


    The head of the n could not resist uttering a taunt: ?Hmm, I¡¯ve already seen this bitch somewhere¡­ Oh, yes, you¡¯re that mean girl who miraculously survived my appearance. What a pity that you can¡¯t even move your hand right now.?


    ?Nasty bitch! You can¡¯t do anything to me on your own, so you¡¯ve descended to an ambush?!? ¨C Elsa hissed contemptuously.


    ?You overestimate yourself too much.? ¨C Valeera replied in the same manner, taking out a dagger.


    Kyon asked warily: ?Why did you get your weapon??


    ?Don¡¯t worry, I promised not to kill her. I¡¯ll just scare her a little as a sign of greeting.? ¨C the girl whispered coldly and went to the chained ¡°Demon Huntress¡±.


    {Why is he talking to her informally?!} ¨C Elsa wondered, frowning. ¨C {Is he a close rtive of hers? They are really simr in appearance¡­}


    From the realization of the development of the approaching rival, the blonde rounded her eyes in amazement: {It can¡¯t be¡­ She¡¯s already the royal phaser at the sixth stage!? What a monster?!} ¨C the girl was pricked by caustic envy. She was considered the best genius in the empire, but she is inferior to this dirty killer raised by thugs! In addition, the quality of her strength seems to give her a half-phase advantage, which is incredible.


    {Stop¡­ What if she is ¡°The Dark Baron¡±?} ¨C this thought shed through Elsa¡¯s head like a bolt from the blue. Her heart was racing. The more she thought about it, the more she believed it. An ordinary mercenary can¡¯t develop at such a pace! Huge resources are needed¡­ The resources of a megan!


    {She is the head of the n!} ¨C the girl concluded in amazement.


    The increased pulse and genuine anger of the blonde finally assured Kyon that she was in shock now, which meant that she had no aces up her sleeve. However, theck of fear in her beautiful face was a little rming. On the other hand, she could hear his wife¡¯s whisper, after all, archers are famous for their sharp hearing and vision.


    Valeera put the de to the superheroine¡¯s throat, saying with icy calmness: ?I even admire that you still haven¡¯t peed your pants out of fear¡­ Did you hear that man¡¯s words and decide that I wouldn¡¯t kill you? You killed two of my subordinates!?


    Elsa hissed through clenched teeth: ?You won¡¯t kill me because you don¡¯t have the guts to do it!?


    ?What did you say?? ¨C Valeera asked softly, bing noticeably gloomier.


    After the words of his stepsister, Kyon had a bad feeling. Once Juno also tried to provoke him to hit her harder in order for the formation to work!


    Suddenly Lovr heard a rustle a hundred meters behind. Turning around, he saw a masked man emerging from invisibility and immediately shouted: ?This is a trap! Run!?


    {Why does he have such a hearing?!} ¨C Elsa was amazed, raising her graceful eyebrows.


    {?Bunny, your dad needs help! Follow the n!?} ¨C Kyon gave a mentalmand to Eve. He kept secret the possibility ofmunicating with his daughters through the formation in their heads until thest moment, but now it¡¯s time to reveal the secret to at least one of them.


    The little fairy was sitting on the roof of a building five kilometers away and, drinking juice, admired the sky while waiting for the signal. Earlier, her dad told her that he might need help, and as soon as she hears a certain sound, she will need to put on a mask, find a cluster of strong people ahead, intimidate everyone with pressure and give them the opportunity to run away.


    Suddenly, shock shed in Kyon¡¯s glowing eyes, because he saw several barriers around the warehouse¡­ Among them was a barrier blocking the signal (spatial attribute). Because of this damned barrier, he will not be able to teleport to the clone, as well as send Synergy mands) to different corners of Dantes, including to Eve. It turns out that it wasn¡¯t them who had been trying to trap the superheroine for three months!


    Three people in ck clothes and ck masks materialized around the warehouse. They emitted the suffocating aura of the imperial phasers at the middle stage and looked extremely dangerous. For three months they helped Lady Elsa at the request of Rose, every day they waited in invisibility a kilometer from thedy for an opportunity for an ambush, and now it finally happened!


    The bandits, previously bound by the superheroine¡¯s technique, trembled with fear.


    Kyon took a mouthful of air and barked: ?HERE!? ¨C however, he immediately realized that among the barriers surrounding the warehouse, there is also the most elementary barrier: a soundproof one. So no matter how much he screams, Eve will not hear the call¡­ They have prepared too well!


    Meanwhile, Valeera turned into a shadow and attacked one of the masked practitioners.


    The man snorted coldly, kicked the dagger out of the killer¡¯s hands and tried to grab her by the neck with a quick movement, but, to his surprise, he realized that she managed to somersault back, dodging¡­ The pride of the imperial phaser received a humiliating p in the face. With a swift swing, he took out a thick long chain, which instantly twisted the girl¡¯s arms and legs. She had no chance to escape capture. The chain also suppressed the strength and energy of the one it enveloped.


    ?Arpha!? ¨C shouted Kyon and ran to the girl, but, feeling the pressure of the imperial phaser, allegedly writhed in agony, copsed to his knees and buried his face in the floor, losing consciousness.


    Another masked man freed the superheroine from the fetters.


    Elsa¡¯s eyes glittered like stars as she walked towards the killer, and a wide evil smile spread across her face. Standing next to the lying girl, she lifted her head by her hair and mockingly asked: ?Who is a mean girl now, huh?!?


    Valeera gritted her teeth but didn¡¯t answer.


    ?You¡¯re silent! Now you¡¯re not so self-confident, are you?!? ¨C with a sense of superiority, Elsa tugged at the bitch¡¯s hair. A sight for sore eyes!


    Valeera was still silent, keeping an impassive mask on her face.


    ?Don¡¯t touch her!? ¡­ ?Damn bitch, just die!? ¡­ ?¡±The Cock Huntress¡±, stupid whore! Die!? ¨C the shackled gang members shouted, finally realizing what was happening.


    ?Shut up!? ¨C the man in the mask stamped on the ground, and a sh of light spread from his step, which instantly knocked out all the screamers.


    The smile on the superheroine¡¯s face soon disappeared, after all, it¡¯s not so fun to snide over a piece of ice: ?What a pity¡­ Such an incredible talent is imbued with the stench of the dregs of the criminal world. You, ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, could have be a direct disciple of the Empress, but instead you chose to organize your Silent Horror n.?


    {Is she ¡°The Dark Baron¡±?!} ¨C the three imperial phasers were amazed. Earlier, having entered under the leadership of Elsa at the behest of Mr. Rosa, they were extremely unhappy and humiliated by such a coincidence, even if she is the famous ¡°Demon Huntress¡±, after all, this girl is not the wife of the young master and not even Valentine. But now, seeing that her n had worked, and she had caught the most dangerous person in the capital, they changed their minds about her.


    Valeera could not resist uttering a causticment: ?You are alive only because I value the life of myrades more than the life of one vain bitch.?


    ?You are not in a position to allow yourself to speak like that!? ¨C Elsa furiously stepped on the killer¡¯s head, pressing her face into the dirty floor of the abandoned warehouse. ¨C ?I hope they¡¯ll execute you by boiling you alive! You deserve the cruellest death, you filthy criminal.? ¨C having lost the desire to continue, the blonde called the security forces on the sound transmitter.


    Soon, the whole gang, the pot-bellied man and the killer were taken to the department.


    To Kyon¡¯splete disappointment, the bonds with which he was tied paralyzed his body and keys. Because of this, it will not be possible to send a signal to Eve using a spatial attribute, and ¡°The sh of Light¡± is also blocked, although there is no certainty that Eve would consider it a signal, but Valeera would instantly recognize him as Kyon. And the voice is so weakened that it will not be able to spread for 5 kilometers¡­ He still tried, and for this he received a blow to the back of the head, and the little fairy did not appear.


    Out of frustration, Lovr wanted to swear at the top of his lungs. Everything went ording to the worst possible scenario. The rm formations scattered everywhere didn¡¯t work. They had to react to the practitioners who had passed by with the development up to the sovereign phasers at the beginning stage (8). And the invincible being as a n B did not help in any way! He knew that Elsa was not as simple as she seemed. He knew that she was not a fool, and after the first p in the face she would not just turn the other cheek. Who would have thought that the girl would reveal her identity as a superheroine to Rose and other people from the top of the Valentines just for this moment¡­

 Chapter 465

    Chapter 465


    Late night.


    Three practitioners at the imperial phase, 20 government security officials and 30 bound and neutralized members of the Silent Horror megan were approaching the department. ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± proudly walked in front of everyone, as if leading the procession.


    As soon as the blonde got into the hall, she immediately attracted the attention of everyone present. The dazzling smile on her lips was especially fascinating.


    Three journalists, each day devotedly waiting for the superheroine from evening untilte at night for interviews, instantly activated the recording formations and rushed to the girl: ?Hello, Lady ¡°Demon Huntress¡±!? ¡­ ?Please tell us who you caught today!? ¡­ ?Tell the people about your today¡¯s feat!?


    Elsa did not answer anything, pretending that she was tired of the annoying journalists, although in reality she was in no hurry to disperse them, by no means, with a graceful gait she silently approached the waitingmissar and pathetically dered: ?I caught ¡°The Dark Baron¡±!?


    ?Wha-a-a-a-at?!? ¡­ ?¡±The Dark Baron¡±?!? ¡­ ?Did I hear correctly?!? ¡­ ?¡±The Demon Huntress¡± caught the head of the megan?!? ¨C dozens of viewers burst intoments in shock and immediately tried to find the head of the megan among the bandits.


    Elsa didn¡¯t answer anything, just lifted her chin proudly, shining like a magic flower. She seemed to be saying to everyone: ¡°Yes, I caught this bitch! Praise me, because I did it!¡±


    The investigator of the 2nd rank in the position ofmissar, who has been cooperating with ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± for a long time, cleared his throat: ?Who is ¡°The Dark Baron¡±??


    ?The girl in ck, of course!? ¨C eximed Elsa.


    The eyes of everyone present shifted to the gloomydy in ck clothes¡­ Inexplicably beautiful and cold as snow. An icy aura emanating from her caused awe. Now it¡¯s clear why there was a chill in the hall.


    ?The head of the megan¡­ A woman?? ¡­ ?Can the title of baron belong to a woman?? ¡­ ?I thought it was a man¡­? ¨C people whispered skeptically.


    The beaming smile quickly faded from Elsa¡¯s face. It looks like she hurried to try on theurels of the winner.


    Themissioner approached the suspect and asked directly: ?What family are you from,dy??


    {Did he call herdy?} ¨C Stone thought with displeasure, but immediately realized that, given her development and appearance, the girl could belong to a noble family, and it would be at least unprofessional to take unfounded usations on faith.


    Valeera did not even open her eyes, resembling an ice sculpture.


    ?Hmm¡­ I see.? ¨C the man drawled thoughtfully. ¨C ?So strong and without a surname¡­ It seems that she really upies a high position in the megan, judging by the resources for development. In general, interrogation will show everything.?


    ?When will the results appear?? ¨C the blonde interjected impatiently.


    ?Maybe tomorrow, maybe in a week. I can¡¯t say for sure. In any case, we will contact you immediately. You will definitely get your share of the glory, deardy.? ¨C themissar winked with a smile. He knew what she wanted.


    Elsa calmed down and nodded: ?I see. Lock her up better and put a stronger guard. Do not underestimate her: over the past three months, she has risen from the third to the sixth stage of the royal phase, and in strength she will not be inferior even to the royal phaser at the peaking stage. Three of my masked subordinates will escort her just in case she suddenly decides to escape.?


    ?The royal phaser at the sixth stage?!? ¡­ ?How strong she is!? ¡­ ?And she has no surname?! She¡¯s definitely from a shadow n!? ¡­ ?And she has the aura of a killer!? ¨C the audience excitedly shouted.


    ?Okay, I understand you. I will do so.? ¨C themissar agreed.


    Elsa immediately added: ?And one more thing¡­ That pot-bellied man was talking to her familiarly. I think he is her rtive, yet they are simr in appearance.?


    The investigator nodded and gestured to the security forces. They carried the neutralized criminals to the department¡¯s dungeon. The three imperial phasers also followed them.


    As soon as people left, Elsa was immediately bombarded with questions from a trio of journalists, who, shouting over each other, almost poked the nephrites in her face. They acted persistently and too brazenly, but the girl was not angry and with a smile on her face smugly told everything she knew. She was trembling with anticipation of the imminent triumph. She will surpass the genius Dick, bing the legend of Rosarrio! The fat man will be forced to hide his eyes shyly every time they meet! How wonderful it is!


    ¡­


    When Kyon, Valeera and the bandits were taken to the ¡°-1¡± floor, he met his wife¡¯s eyes and with only his lips said: ?I¡¯ll get you out. Wait for me and don¡¯t do anything stupid.?


    Valeera¡¯s expression quivered at these unspoken words. Since the events in Boston, she kept the poison capsule behind her tooth, because she was afraid to go to prison again and be tortured. However, now, after hesitating, she quietly spat it out (they will find it anyway during a search). The girl really wanted to believe and rely on Zosimos. He always helped her out, even in the most desperate situations.


    Themissar looked closely at the pot-bellied man and thought about something, then shook his head and gave themand to the security forces, and he with the girl in ck and the head of the Wolf Fang gang went down to the ¡°-2¡± floor, there were cells for especially dangerous criminals. The protective measures in them are 100 times stricter than the floor above.


    Kyon and the rest of the bandits were not imprisoned on the ¡°-2¡± floor. They were all taken to the search point, where everything of value is removed from criminals, including formations. In the same ce, their keys are blocked with the help of a cor with formation. They get a formation with a tracking function on their forehead, like ves in the Stones mine, then they are washed, dressed and put in cells.


    Lovr always wore an imprable cloth under the skin on his right hand, so during the search sensitive devices could not see the ring hidden in the finger, the concealment bracelet (still faking the development of the soul) and other formations. And the formation inside the cor does not provide for blocking the 10th key.


    Kyon¡¯s hands and feet were shackled to the wall. Moreover, he was ced in a cramped cell with a thick, heavy-dutyttice. A formation was installed in the corner of the room, it broadcast what was happening inside the cell to the information center. Thus, if by some miracle he gets free from the chains, the warder will quickly notice it.


    The state of affairs is as follows: now the shackled Kyon cannot call Eve and Le; he is unable to use any elements except Synergy; it is also useless for him to turn into Dick, because in this case he will eventually be the enemy of the 0th general and lose everything he has been trying to achieve for such a long time, and he will not be able to save Valeera anyway, since he will be under suspicion. In addition, to the above problems, you can add ack of time: in the morning or evening of the next day, investigators will definitely establish that the killer is the ¡°ck Queen¡± who escaped from the dungeon of Boston. Moreover, it is possible that the 0th general will want to personally look at ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, and then he will immediately realize that she is thest descendant of the Webers and kill her, after all, he has been looking for her for a long time. And in conclusion: if he does not pour Synergy into his daughters for a day or more, then there is a risk that their memory will return.


    Now Valeera does not have her uncle, who is ready to sacrifice himself to rescue her. And the sewage system here is arranged differently, however, he does not have a map of the department, because for this you need to be an investigator of the 1st rank, not like in Boston ¨C an investigator of the 2nd rank. The situation seemed hopeless.


    Despite the hopeless situation, Kyon¡¯s eyes did not lose their stubborn gleam. Having used all the Synergy of the bachelor¡¯s degree under his control, he bit into a suppressive formation that blocked him from using the elements.


    As expected, the formation turned out to be created by a rtively weak formacist, or more precisely ¨C by the lord phaser, after all, for the beginning of the noble phase (such a development was shown by the concealment bracelet), more is not required. But if he had been put on the floor below, the prospects would have been much darker.


    ording to calctions, in 4 hours the Synergy will disperse the formation on the cor. Now he can only hope that they will note to interrogate him. Most likely, they won¡¯te. It¡¯s alreadyte.


    Time dragged painfully slowly. Finally Synergy destroyed the cor formation. Now the keys could rotate, therefore, the streams of energy can move into and out of the soul, like venttion.


    After being released, Kyon did not send his daughters a signal for help for two reasons: firstly, if theye here, they will have to deal with an even bigger problem in the form of the empress, who is always in the pce a few kilometers away, and secondly, protective barriers are imposed on the dungeon, among which there is one that blocksmunication. Simply put: he couldn¡¯t even if he wanted to.


    In other words, he has to get out on his own.


    His path to freedom is still blocked by the formation broadcasting what is happening in the cell to the information center, shackles and the formation on his forehead tracking the location.


    One would have hoped that the warder would not notice anything strange happening in the cell in a few minutes, but for some time Kyon disliked relying on luck. He activated the Synergy, and it smoothly flowed under the floor, then along the wall, enveloped the nephrite of the record and faked the image. Valeera did something like that at the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse, but the Synergy creates a much better illusion.


    Next, Lovr waited for the guard to pass by, which happens every 30 minutes. For some reason the man looked at him strangely. After he left, the guy forcibly tried to remove the shackles, but, as expected, he did not seed: they were too strong. To remove them, he needed a key with a formation inside. Even if he creates a key from the ground, the formation cannot be faked, since there are no secret indicators.


    {What to do?} ¨C this question seemed idiotic to him. He knows how to teleport!


    However, teleportation, as well as the creation of a clone, causes elemental vibrations that guards and prisoners can feel with their souls. Well, the question can be solved!


    Kyon imposed several invisible barriers: one blocked the sound, the other muffled the energy fluctuations. Such formations are often used in training halls.


    Immediately after that, Lovr teleported out of the shackles and entered invisibility.


    Two of the three problems have been resolved, there is one more left: the tracking formation on the forehead.


    The danger lies in the fact that when it dissipates, an rm signal is sent to the information center¡­ But even this is surmountable! Kyon took out the nephrite from the Feruzs¡¯ legacy and created another invisible barrier in the cell. This blocked the transmission of the signal, after which he immediately dispersed the formation on his forehead with the element of darkness.


    Now he needs to get out of here and save Valeera¡­ The hardest part lies ahead.

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466


    Kyon found two ways to leave the cell.


    The first one is to transform into Dick, create a clone outside thettice and immediately move to it. But then he will have to exin how he appeared in the dungeon without being recorded, and even right at the time of the criminal¡¯s disappearance¡­


    The second one is to teleport to a trigram at the headquarters or outside the city. Yes, he had thought out the escape routes in case of danger in advance.


    There is just one catch: the barriers that jam the signal (spatial attribute) also block movement through teleportation trigrams. Such a barrier is imposed on both the Silent Horror n and the dungeon. It is made in order to prevent criminals with connections from sending the signal out through a formation or a sound transmitter, because if the frequency of the device is not registered in the database, then it will not leave the zone of the barrier.


    However, moving through teleportation trigrams is much more powerful than sending a normal signal. For example, the barriers in the prison and in the headquarters are able to block movement through the trigrams of the main level, but they cannot block the advanced level. But the treasury of the Feruzs could do it. This is its task. There is no such need for the local casemates, because no one will have two minutes for a quiet movement, since this easily interrupted process will be felt and seen by everyone around.


    Creation of a teleportation trigram requires darkness, light, ether and a mold with a trigram carved inside. Kyon has the highest grade of darkness and light, and the advanced grade of ether. If he had the highest grade of ether, he could create trigrams of the highest level. However, they are not needed now. An advanced level will be enough for him.


    After thinking a little, Lovr remembered that before his imprisonment he was noted in the book as a noble phaser at the beginning stage. The devices could not see the real development through a powerful concealment bracelet that works even for imperial phasers. The same goes for the spiritual feelings of Elsa and her three friends. They all consider the man to be a noble phaser at the beginning stage. But if he leaves the mold here, another truth may be revealed¡­


    Kyon recalled a case when da was able to find out the development of a practitioner by studying a phoenix of precious stones created from the elements of the earth. So, if he leaves the teleportation trigram here, then there is a considerable chance that the 0th general will find out during the investigation that it was created by a superior phaser at the 8th stage, and this just corresponds to the development of the messenger of the goddess¡­ It¡¯s too much of a coincidence!


    {How can I pick up the mold?} ¨C after puzzling over this question, Kyon found a solution.


    First, he created a mold of the same dark dirty color as the walls of the cell. Next, he put a formation on it to transfer the spatial attribute (it will act as a hook with which he can pick up the moldter). There was another difficulty: the two-minute process of moving is very bright. However, why look for difficulties when he can just create another barrier?


    When creating the ¡°A+¡± rank concealment technique, Kyon went through countless different techniques and their variations, respectively, he created such barriers with the same ease with which an astronaut engineer would make the most ordinary chair.


    He stopped abruptly. Judging by the vibrations, a guard is approaching here¡­ Even two! Why so early? They should pass here every 30 minutes!


    Kyon quickly shattered the mold and the Feruzs¡¯ barrier (it¡¯s no longer needed anyway). After that, he created a clone in shackles and teleported to him, and with the final touch he scattered all the other barriers of his own production with energy.


    Soon two jailers came up to the cell and stared at the prisoner.


    ?Look how big and plump he is! And he has grown such a big belly, hee-hee!? ¨C the first man lisped with a sugary vani intonation.


    ?Syoma, I told you that he is the perfect candidate for the role of a punching bag!? ¨C the second man grinned, looking for the right key. Until now, he had been waiting for his friend.


    Kyon didn¡¯t react in any way, he didn¡¯t even raise his head supposedly drooping from despair, but he was indignant inwardly: {What the hell did theye for?! I have no time to y with morons!}


    When the dungeon opened, Syoma sped up, then punched the prisoner in the stomach with a gentle and at the same time bloodthirsty smile with all his might.


    ~boop~


    Lovr coughed ostensibly from pain, although he did not feel anything because of the enchantment for strength.


    ?What a juicy sound¡­ Wow, I¡¯m thrilled! Serge, I¡¯ll buy you booze¡­?


    ?Booze is booze, but let me hit him too!? ¨C the man giggled and began to knead the pot-bellied criminal¡¯s sides, in particr the kidneys.


    Meanwhile, Syoma, with a broad sadistic smile, was jumping from side to side, slouched slightly and hiding his head behind raised fists, like a boxer expecting a blow at any moment. Sometimes he diluted his ¡°dancing¡± with direct punches directly into the belly.


    Kyon was tempted to use ¡°The sovereign¡¯s stare¡±, but he came up with something better. His face rapidly acquired an unhealthy pale shade, and after another blow, he spat out some purple-ck blood from his mouth.


    ?Motherfucker! Are you going to die already?!? ¨C Syoma swore, jumping back.


    ?Why the hell are you hitting him so hard?! Idiot, we can be fined if we kill him!? ¨C Serge was frightened, having lost all courage.


    ?I beat him at half strength and without energy! This guy is a noble phaser at the beginning stage, just like me! How could a few punches hurt him so much?!?


    Serge frowned and looked closely at the pale prisoner.


    Kyon coughed up blood once more and raised his head, looking at the jailers with a bleary look and a painful smile: ?Guys, have you ever heard of tuberculosis??


    ?Tumbler¡­ Curiosities?? ¨C Serge did not understand.


    ?Are you sick or something, you bastard, huh?! A?! A?!? ¨C Syoma was beside himself with rage and already wanted to beat the prisoner again, but his friend did not allow him to do it.


    Kyon¡¯s expression suddenly froze. He thought deeply about something, obviously making up his mind on something, and at the end of his reflections raised his eyebrows and grinned weakly: ?Forget about the words I said earlier, guys. Go ahead. And you know, my daughters beat harder than you, suckers.? ¨C having finished, he coughed up some more blood.


    ?Fu-u-u-uck¡­ He is sick with something! Look at the color of this blood! The bastard wants to infect us with his illness! I can see it in his eyes!? ¨C Syoma bleated with a mixture of anger and fear, backing towards the exit.


    Serge turned pale: ?Oh shit¡­ I don¡¯t want to get tumbler curiosities!?


    Two jailers quickly left the cell out of harm¡¯s way. They never noticed anything suspicious. However, there was nothing to notice.


    Kyon snorted coldly: {Idiots.} ¨C he put the barriers on the cell again, got out of the shackles and carefully, not without the help of the element of water and Synergy, removed all traces of blood and even the smell. Just in case. From the books he had read, he had strong suspicions that there was some kind of energy in the blood, by which you can learn a lot. However, the formations that determine kinship with parents have not been invented.


    After removing all traces, Lovr created the mold, covered it with a coal-ck barrier, stood in the center and activated the movement. Two minutester, with a bright sh, which was hidden by the barrier, the young man disappeared. After another minute, all the barriers dissipated, since, by imposing them, he set a timer.


    Only the trigram mold merging with the environment and Synergy, which still fakes the image for visual formation, remained in the cell. There¡¯s nothing else left.


    Kyon moved to the headquarters of the Silent Horror n. First of all, he gave themand to his subordinates. They will y an important role. Then, without hesitation, he prepared another teleportation trigram and rushed to the department, changing his appearance to Dick on the go. He did not even think of calling Eve and Le to rescue Valeera, because meeting with the empress was much more dangerous than the n he was following now.


    Once in the department, Lovr went down to the ¡°-2¡± floor and exined his appearance to the guards as follows: ?I want to see and interrogate ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, after all, I tried to catch him for more than six months?. It is also important that Dick¡¯s resume says that he is an excellent torturer and executioner, since in Boston he worked wonders when interrogating criminals.


    ?The attendant will escort you.? ¨C an impressive-looking guard said.


    ?Thank you, no need. I¡¯ll go myself.? ¨C Kyon politely refused.


    Halfway through, Lovr turned into the restroom, teleported the spatial attribute into his recent cell inside the mold and moved it to his arms, then hid it in a ring. That¡¯s it! The evidence is removed. There is only Synergy left in the cell, but it will run out in 20 minutes, just in time for the next appearance of the jailers.


    Before leaving the restroom, Kyon made another important preparation: he left a teleportation trigram mold in the most rarely used stall and put all three barriers on it, then locked the door from the inside. Outside, he hid visual formation in order not to meet someone here when teleportingter.


    Having finished with important matters, Lovr took a deep breath and went to ¡°The Dark Baron¡±. He hoped with all his heart that the 0th general had not yet appeared there. After all, it¡¯ste at night, it¡¯s unlikely that the head of the department will be bothered just because of the suspect, especially since she is a woman, and the baron¡¯s nickname clearly belongs to a man.

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467


    Approaching his destination, Kyon met an old man waddling towards the exit.


    ?Wait¡­ Are you an executioner?? ¨C the guy asked.


    ?Yes, I am, young man. And who are you?? ¨C the old man, taken by surprise, asked in fright, hurriedly putting on his sses.


    ?I am Dick Baker, an investigator of the second rank.? ¨C he stretched out his wrist to confirm his identity. ¨C ?Tell me, have you found out anything??


    ?No¡­ No, the suspect still hasn¡¯t said a word.?


    ?What about her stuff??


    ?All sorts of decorative jewelry, like earrings or hairpins. Nothing special. But I noticed two things: the spatial ring and the ring on the fourth finger. I suspect thedy is married, and theck of hymen is proof of that. Although¡­ If she really is from the megan, then I could be wrong. What if she is a slutty person??


    ?What was in the space ring?? ¨C Kyon coldly changed the subject, tensing up.


    Valeera always kept all her belongings in one ce ¨C in the ring. Considering her colossal earnings from the ie of the n, it would be very unpleasant to find out that the resources earned over many months of hard work were once again taken away from her.


    ?In the ring we found thirty thousand spheres, a change of clothes and cold weapons¡­?


    {Just thirty thousand spheres?!} ¨C Kyon didn¡¯t believe what he heard. Has Valeera really changed? She lived for one goal ¨C to take revenge on the Russells, so her train of thought is clear: ¡°I will lose the ring only with my own life, and everything else is not so important¡±. However, now everything is different.


    Lovr felt tenderness in his heart, suspecting what was the matter: now another important person appeared in her life ¨C Zosimos. And if his wife is caught and killed, he will get an inheritance. Her action touched him.


    ?We have not found any clear signs of her being ¡°The Dark Baron¡± inside. The contents of her ring are more like the minimum set of items for an assassin on a mission. Perhaps she was hired from another empire in order to eliminate ¡°The Demon Huntress¡±¡­ But this is just an assumption. We will find out the truth after the interrogation. And if she is a citizen of Rosarrio or a wanted criminal, we will soon establish her identity.?


    ?Thanks for the answers. When do you n to continue the interrogation??


    ?I? No, I won¡¯t interrogate her anymore ¨C to no avail. My verdict is this: only pain can get a word out of her, and I don¡¯t torture. The best specialist of his kind has just entered the torture chamber. I think we will have all the information we need by morning. Of course, it¡¯s a pity that such beauty will have to be spoiled, but it will have to be done in order to dispel suspicions of¡­?


    Kyon unceremoniously interrupted the conversation by simply walking away. He met three guards at the door he was looking for. Judging by the threat emanating from them, at least one of them is an imperial phaser at the beginning stage, or even at the middle one. And even if it was only a supposed ¡°Dark Baron¡±, the department spared no resources for protection.


    ?Please, show your formation.? ¨C the guard demanded.


    Kyon showed the formation of the investigator Dick of the 2nd rank.


    ?You can pass.? ¨C the man said dryly.


    The fat man entered a white room with a metal rack for torture instruments in the corner and a horizontal chair in the center with a half-naked girl tied to it with belts.


    ?Rum pum pum, rum pum pum! Rum pum pum, rum pum pum!? ¨C a short bald, pot-bellied man hummed a cheerful tune, wagging his hips in the dance while he bent over the suspect and did something with her with a silver instrument in his hand.


    Hearing Valeera¡¯s quiet, pained moan, Kyon almost lost his self-control from excitement. He instantly found himself near the executioner and saw that he was squeezing the girl¡¯s nipple with a pair of pliers with a formation for squeezing force, causing her unbearable pain.


    Only Synergy helped Lovr to restrain himself from instantly killing the bastard who was torturing his wife. Now he should not show his affection for Valeera in any way! After all, the room is under the supervision of four nephrites.


    ?Ha-a-ah! Who are you?!? ¨C the little man jumped up in surprise and dropped the pliers.


    ?I am the one who will interrogate the suspect.? ¨C the guy said coldly.


    ?What does it mean?!? ¨C the man screamed furiously, obviously greatly hurt by what he heard. He has never tortured such a beautiful person, resembling a goddess in the flesh. And he didn¡¯t even have time to start, when suddenly, unexpectedly, this scarecrow appeared and said that he wanted to take away his primordial pleasure!


    ?Get the hell out of here before I kick your ass.?


    ?How dare you talk to me like that?! I am the best executioner in the empire, respected by the authorities Charrington Depardieu! Why are you taking juicy prey from me¡­ Why was some inexperienced freak sent here instead of me¡­?


    ~crack~


    Before he could finish, Kyon¡¯s fist whizzed into his face, throwing him against the wall.


    ?A-aa-a-aa-a! W-why?!? ¨C Charrington yelled in a shrill falsetto. Almost all of his front teeth are knocked out and his lip is split. He didn¡¯t even have time to finish!


    ?Sometimes when you talk disrespectfully to important people, shit happens. And now get the hell out of here!? ¨C his icy intonation exuded a thirst for murder that could literally strangle a weak-willed person.


    The little man, trembling with horror, grabbed his knocked out teeth into his palm and rushed away from the torture room. He wanted to dash off a sixty-pageint to the authorities in order to dismiss the vile freak from the department, but before leaving the ¡°-2¡± floor, he asked the guards about the identity of the fat man¡­ Upon learning that it was Dick Baker, the man who eliminated the seven shadow ns, the beaten executioner finally lost heart. It turns out that he insulted the 2nd rank investigator, calling him a freak¡­ Everything is lost!


    {Why does the department hire such psychopaths at all?} ¨C Kyon wondered and suggested that Charrington was from a family of sadists who found their calling in torture. Well, the department couldn¡¯t help but hire a genius in his field.


    Valeera opened her eyelids and looked at the fat man. Her stomach twisted with disgust. And the worst thing is that the bastard who stole all the glory from Zosimos for undermining an underground auction is now shamelessly squinting at her lovely naked breasts¡­ The girl turned away abruptly. She hoped that the freak¡¯s tastes were as specific as his appearance. Otherwise, if he ns to **** her, it will be worse than death¡­


    Kyon did not react to the girl¡¯s actions in any way. For a long time he could not take his eyes off his wife, especially from her breasts¡­ And it¡¯s not even in her exquisite appearance, personifying the image of a delightful dark goddess, not in her graceful figure, worthy of the envy of any beauty, and not in her snow-white smooth skin, but in the fact that everything seems to be repeated again, almost like in Boston!


    Lovr imperceptibly put invisible barriers from the Feruzs¡¯ heritage behind him, the most powerful ones, after all, the imperial phaser behind the door has an extremely powerful spiritual feeling.


    {Ten minutes. I have to wait another ten minutes.} ¨C he reminded himself. The order he gave to his subordinates will be executed in 10 minutes, and until then he must perfectly y the role of the executioner.


    The question was: why didn¡¯t Kyon just send Synergy into the recording nephrites to fake the image and calmly free and teleport Valeera?


    The fact is that the entire dungeon on the ¡°-2¡± floor is made of pyrobloin. Sometimes it is called the bottomless stone. This expensive rock is mined in the bowels of the earth, where the highest natural energy pressure is located. Due to the specific conditions, the stone acquires amazing properties for energy absorption. He is able to absorb all the energy even of an imperial phaser. It depends on the quality. In addition, it is also extremely durable, thanks to which ideal dungeons are built from it.


    So, for example, if some criminal of the imperial phase regains the ability to use the elements, then, even with a heavy hammer in his hands, it will take him a whole day to break through the wall and dig his way to the surface, and all because pure energy (or any other energy) will be absorbed upon contact with the wall. The suction force begins to act from a centimeter. However, it is not enough to suck the energy out of the nephrite (the ideal energy trap). If the pyrobloin were of higher quality and enriched, the distance and capacity would change ordingly.


    For Kyon, all this means only one thing: Synergy cannot envelop the nephrite with the visual formation and fake the image, since it fits snugly against the corner of the wall. He will have to give a usible performance, and there are less than 10 minutes left before the final scene.


    {Ten minutes alone with Valeera¡­} ¨C something inside Lovr stirred excitedly. For the first time in 8 months next to her, he will not have to y the personality of the mature Zosimos, excessively straightforward and highly moral, despising any shamelessness. He can be himself! The name, of course, will have to be kept secret.


    But before taking action, Kyon wondered what the 0th general knew about his connection with Valeera? He destroyed the thieves guild, destroyed all of Sauron¡¯s brothers and finally caught her, for which he received a promotion¡­ The head of the department cannot know about the inhuman torture of ¡°The ck Queen¡±, as well as anyone else. But he may well be aware of the fiasco of Prince Charles, moreover, after interrogating him, he could find out that Dick had deceived Grand in order to **** the girl and steal the transformation medicine of ¡°Striking lightning¡±. All this speaks only about the obscenity of the messenger of the goddess. And the time he spent with Triana in Cernos also confirms this.


    {It turns out that I haveplete freedom of action!} ¨C at this thought Kyon¡¯s eyes sparkled with lust. An exquisite half-naked beauty lies in front of him like juicy food on the table¡­ Her naked breasts beckoned and intoxicated. But he was in no hurry. He gently touched the graceful toe and ran his finger along the foot to the heel. The girl felt her leg almost cramp.


    ?Go off, you wretch!? ¨C Valeera hissed with all possible bloodlust, incinerating the bastard with her ferocious gaze, intending in this way to intimidate and drive away the unsightly fat man.


    Kyon deliberately flinched and stepped back, then broke into an even more disgusting grin: ?I¡¯m not afraid of you! Tell me, beauty, what position do you hold in the n? If you admit that you are ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, then maybe I will stop¡­?


    Lovr moved his palm over the tender ankle¡­ He eagerly grasped the soft feminine calf¡­ And he touched the vulnerable spot under her knee with his fingers. Her skin seemed softer than velvet. So smooth and fragrant that touching it is a pleasure.


    Valeera twitched several times, trying to free herself from the straps that were tightly holding her, but to no avail. She wanted to howl in despair. The touch of this monster caused chills and nausea. It would be better if slimy toads touched her!


    {I¡¯m just touching her¡­} ¨C Kyon nodded to his thoughts and continued to unnerve his wife. Although he was nowmitting violence against his beloved girl, he justified himself by the fact that he was obliged to y a usible performance.


    As soon as he touched the erogenous zone, Valeera closed her eyes and trembled. Lovr did not stop and pulled the stic band of the ck panties aside.


    ?Enough! Please!? ¨C the trembling Valeera pleaded, realizing the senselessness of the threats.


    ?Tell me, are you ¡°The Dark Baron¡±??


    ?I¡¯m just a mercenary from Saturn! I have no family¡­ I came five months ago to eliminate ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± by order¡­? ¨C the girl hated lying, but she was left with no other choice.


    Kyon snorted and, lifting the sharp chin of the captive, said softly: ?I don¡¯t believe you.? ¨C with thest word, he greedily kissed her sweet soft lips.


    ?Mmm! Mmm!? ¨C there was panic in the wide-open eyes of the deathly pale Valeera. It seemed to her that she was being kissed by a real monster, sucking her soul!


    With the fire of lust in his eyes, Lovr grasped the tender mounds with his palms and began to squeeze them with enthusiasm. They are fabulously pleasant to the touch¡­ Any man would roar with delight! In the guise of Zosimos, he never allowed himself to experience such pleasure, but now everything is different, and he can act as he always wanted!


    A minuteter, Kyon came off the stunningly delicious lips of the captive and began to suck the nipple, which had long hardened due to hard caresses with his fingers. A megavolcano was awakening in his groin from arousal, and it was ready to explode at any moment. He really wanted to **** his wife, and he made great efforts not to do it right away.


    ?No, that¡¯s enough¡­ Stop it¡­ I beg you¡­? ¨C Valeera pleaded in a voice weakened by an overabundance of feelings. Weber was trembling with humiliation, it seemed as if all the vitality had been drained out of her.


    ?Tell me everything and then I¡¯ll stop¡­? ¨C Kyon admonished his victim, grinning obscenely.


    Valeera realized long ago that she would inevitably get fucked no matter what she said¡­


    Another minute passed.


    Kyon removed his hand from the delightful breasts and gently touched the ce between the legs of the captive with two fingers. The most intimate part of the female body and fingers were separated by a thinyer of ck panties. Without hesitation, he began to rub there in circr movements, like a professionaldies¡¯ man.


    Valeera threw her head back, almost panting with despair. Thousands of needles seemed to be digging into her body every second, and it was as if a red-hot rod was stuck between her legs. With every movement of her tormentor¡¯s fingers, the girl¡¯s heart painfully squeezed and twisted her insides. Why did she spit out a pill with deadly poison? It is better to die quickly and almost painlessly than to be fucked by this monster¡­


    {Zosimos¡­ You never came to the rescue¡­} ¨C she thought doomely.


    The girl with whom Kyon was ying now seemed about to break down: deathly pale skin, a desire to die in her eyes, convulsive and weak breathing. Even her heart was beating unevenly, as if doubting whether it was worth trying at all? This reaction surprised him, because previously only three needles with Synergy could untie her tongue¡­


    Another minute passed, the fifth of ten.


    Despite the wild desire, pity still awoke in the young man. He was sure that in 8 months he returned the debt to the girl, moreover, he even exceeded it, so he had the right to do as he wanted¡­ Moreover, now he¡¯s ying a show. And yet he did not want to continue tormenting his wife anymore. Damn Zosimos¡­ She¡¯s all yours. Take her, big-bellied devil!


    Kyon straightened Valeera¡¯s bra, pulled up a chair, sat down on it, took out a notebook with a pen, and busily asked: ?So you¡¯re from Saturn? Tell me how you became a mercenary.? ¨C he intended to drag out the remaining five minutes without sexual harassment. In fact, everything was going ording to n, and his behavior earlier was necessary for the warders to lose interest. Say, he managed to break the girl, and now she tells everything.


    Hope shed in the soul of the nobledy, to which she immediately seized on¡­

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468


    Four people were sitting in a small room dotted with hundreds of bright light screens ¨C the information center, which receives information from all visual formations in the department. Each warder took over one of the four walls with screens and looked out for anything suspicious on them.


    ?Ugh¡­ This is disgusting! How can you look at this?? ¨C with disgust in his voice, the warder asked his colleague, who was staring at the screen of the torture room.


    ?I don¡¯t know about you, but I have never seen a fat freak raping a beauty! I agree, the sight is disgusting, but it is simply impossible to tear yourself away! After all, this is my job!? ¨C the interlocutor replied with an excited gleam in his eyes.


    ?Your job is to monitor all screens, not just one¡­?


    Despite what was said, the one who spoke along with two other colleagues, sometimes nced at the screen, where the fat investigator is harassing the half-naked beauty. However, they quickly began to feel sick and turned away.


    ?Uh-uh¡­ This freak is a master of his craft, look at this.? ¨C the man grunted respectfully.


    ?Has he already broken her?? ¡­ ?So fast?! Within 5 minutes!?


    ?Well, of course¡­ No girl could endure the harassment of such a freak for a long time¡­?


    The fat man was writing something down in a notebook while the prisoner was telling him about something.


    A few minutester, realizing that there would be no continuation, the horny warder sighed in disappointment and rose from his seat with the words: ?Well, gentlemen, I use my right to go to the bathroom. To pee.?


    ?Yeah, of course, to pee, yes, yes!? ¡­ ?A-ha-ha! It¡¯s not suspicious at all!? ¡­ ?Don¡¯t get anything dirty there!? ¨C the broadly smiling colleagues did not miss the opportunity to mock the pervert.


    ?Ha-ha. Very funny.? ¨C the man muttered sarcastically and left.


    A minuteter, one of the warders gasped: ?Look! What the hell is going on!?


    Everyone¡¯s attention was riveted by a strange sight on the screen, or rather, on several screens at once, showing a recording of the formations outside the department: a frightened horse was racing, harnessed to a cart in which a haystack was burning. The wind scattered it all over the street. An old man was chasing the cart, shouting something and waving his hand after it.


    At some point, the cart collided with another one filled with birds engulfed in mes. Burning birds flew in all directions. Complete chaos began. Many people crowded around, and this is despite the fact that it¡¯ste at night.


    ¡­


    {It¡¯s time!} ¨C Kyon thought.


    A jet-ck barrier appeared and almost immediately disappeared behind the fat man. Something invisible hit the famous investigator on the head, sending him flying. He hit the wall and lost consciousness, then something or someone dragged him to the most inconspicuous corner. This is how it looked on the recording formations.


    In fact, Kyon erected a ck barrier behind him, created a thick-skinned clone with the appearance of Dick inside it, immediately changed ces with him, entered invisibility, dispelled the barrier, hit the clone on the head and dragged him to the zone at the edge of the formation¡¯s view. Immediately after what he had done, he changed his clothes and began to transform into Zosimos.


    Valeera¡¯s dull eyes widened, and her heart began to beat wildly. Hope red up in her heart like a supernova, even tears welled up: ?Z¡­ Zosimos??


    ?Quiet.? ¨C Kyon whispered, trying to remove the straps, but soon cursed inwardly. ¨C {Damn it!}


    The formation is superimposed on heavy-duty belts. It does not allow him to remove them without appropriate ess. It will be possible to disperse it with Synergy only in 1-2 years, and with darkness ¨C in a week or two. He doesn¡¯t have that much time! Five minutes is already great.


    Thinking hard, Kyon remembered one unique formation from the heritage of the Feruzs called ¡°Annihtor¡±. Judging by the description, it deactivates all formations imposed even by imperial phasers in a small radius. So it came in handy!


    After waiting for the final transformation into Zosimos (two minutes), Lovr hastily put ¡°Annihtor¡± to Valeera¡¯s chest and activated it. With ¡°The eyes of truth¡±, he saw a spheree out of the nephrite, forming a two-meter invisible barrier, then an invisible sun seemed to explode inside. A secondter, everything disappeared, as did all the formations that appeared within the radius of the barrier: those that were on the belts, on Valeera¡¯s cor, on her forehead, and even one on Kyon¡¯s forehead ¨C the work of da.


    As soon as he unbuckled the straps, the beauty instantly rushed to his neck.


    ?Zosimos¡­ Oh Zosimos, you still came to my rescue¡­ You always save me¡­? ¨C she clung to his chest and hugged him so tightly, as if she never wanted to let him go again.


    ?We have no time for sentiment. It¡¯s time to teleport out of here.?


    ?Okay, but first¡­? ¨C thirst for blood shed in her gaze at the fat man lying unconscious.


    ?If you kill him, the rm will go off!?


    ?I¡¯m just going to cut off his¡­?


    Lovr pulled her by the hand: ?We don¡¯t have a single second, damn it!? ¨C with thest words, he erected a ck barrier around himself and the girl. The presence of teleportation trigrams went unnoticed by visual formations. Then he took out two fully ready-to-activate molds with small stand legs from behind the pyrobloin.


    ?Wait, why two?!? ¨C asked Valeera.


    ?Together we won¡¯t fit on one. I will move to another formation outside the city, so we will not meet right away. I¡¯ll be fine.? ¨C Lovr winked encouragingly and activated his wife¡¯s trigram, then his own one.


    The two people looked at each other through the green barriers. There was tenderness and anxiety in Valeera¡¯s eyes. In Kyon¡¯s eyes ¨C impatience and tension.


    At any moment, the guards can break in here and interrupt the process. They could only hope that the show arranged by the subordinates outside the department had sufficiently attracted the attention of the warders. He was also worried about one more thing: in the toilet stall, where he is now teleporting, someone is making obscene noises¡­ If this person feels the movement, despite the barriers, he will have to kill him.


    When the minute and a half came to an end, two people disappeared from the torture chamber.


    Once at the headquarters, Valeera copsed to her knees exhausted, raised her head and muttered with mixed feelings: ?After all, you did not deceive me¡­?


    Once in the restroom, the still invisible Kyon breathed a sigh of relief, since the person two stalls to the right, apparently, did not notice anything. Without wasting a second, he immediately moved two trigram molds from the torture chamber to him, and the ck barrier hiding them from recording dissipated without a trace.


    Lovr¡¯s heart skipped a beat when the rm went off a secondter!


    ¡­


    A little earlier.


    ?What nonsense¡­ And where is the girl?? ¨C the warder frowned, looking at the screen of his colleague, who had gone to the restroom five minutes earlier.


    The other two warders also looked at the screen.


    ?Look, the fat man is lying unconscious against the wall!?


    ?Damn it!? ¨C the man reached out to activate the rm, but someone beat him to it¡­


    A minute earlier.


    Syoma walked past the cell with a pot-bellied prisoner, but suddenly froze, turned around and frowned: {Stop¡­ Isn¡¯t he supposed to be in this cell?}


    With a strange premonition, the jailer examined the cells nearby, but found neither a sick old man nor traces of blood. Could his memory have yed a cruel joke on him? Just in case, he contacted Serge and found out that the prisoner was missing!


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, three guards were examining the torture chamber. They immediately felt dozens of invisible barriers, and even understood their purpose due to their rich experience. Now they stood near the fat man who had passed out in the corner of the room.


    ?Do you feel it too?? ¨C the man asked, frowning.


    ?An aura emanates from him, as if he is using¡­ I can¡¯t make out.? ¨C no matter how hard he tried, the guard could not identify the elements that the fat man used.


    ?Is it possible to use energy in an unconscious state??


    ?I have heard that there is a technique that allows you to cycle in a dream¡­ The best masters in the world know how to use it, developing even at night!?


    ?Bullshit! Only little dreamers believe in this story¡­ Judging by the unstable waves, he has activated a unique body. I wonder what¡¯s so special about him, since the head of the department is interested in him??


    Soon a crowd of people rushed into the torture room.


    The clone of Dick was ced on a gurney and taken to a medical center for prisoners. The procession was apanied by three guards. When they put him on the bed, only the nurse remained nearby, and the men stood outside the door, Kyon finally dared to teleport. His body perfectly reced the clone without any special effects.


    {Phew¡­ Everything went almost like clockwork.} ¨C thought Lovr, but something seemed strange to him in the behavior of the three guards outside the door: they were too calm, or something, as if they would not bear any responsibility for the escape of the suspect. Maybe they think that the imperial phasers in Rosarrio are worth their weight in gold, and therefore nothing will be done to them? It sounds reasonable, after all, the development of the seventh phase is an elite among the elites in the empire.


    Soon the patient woke up, and the nurse quickly diagnosed him with a concussion.


    Kyon yed a little performance called ¡°How could she escape?!¡±. He even, without ceasing to brawl and be indignant, tried to leave the first-aid post, but he was not allowed, which ispletely unsurprising, yet he is the only suspect.


    ¡­


    The whole department got excited.


    A crowd of people was in the small room of the info center and looked at the screen.


    ?Look! Here, look! The dark blood turned into darkness that enveloped the prisoner, and two minutester he disappeared from his cell! And just at this moment darkness appears in the torture chamber behind the back of the investigator, hees out of it already invisible and knocks him out!? ¨C the warder almost shouted, poking at the screens in front of him.


    ?Then he somehow freed the suspect¡­ Then he created his dark sphere again and two minutester¡­ disappeared with the girl¡­? ¨C at the end, the man¡¯s voice trailed off, since everything he had just shown defied any logic.


    The audience grumbled, sharing their guesses and theories: ?Maybe he used blood as energy for technology?? ¡­ ?More like some amazing ability of a unique body¡­? ¡­ ?Or maybe he has his own rats here??


    When the investigator of the second rank spoke, everyone fell silent: ?It doesn¡¯t make any sense¡­ Did he destroy the suppressive cor? He teleported behind the investigator¡¯s back, and then, together with the girl, who was the royal phaser at the middle stage, moved through the istion barrier? And all this noisy action was not felt by the three imperial phasers outside the door?!?


    Everyone fell silent in confusion. Nobody understood anything.


    Soon Dick was called to the info center to tell his version of events. Despite the recording, he was under suspicion. Although his pale face and a huge bump on the back of his head spoke for themselves.


    Once in the information center of the department, Kyon barked furiously: ?Where is ¡°The ck Queen¡±?!?


    ?Wha-a-a-at?!? ¡­ ?¡±The ck Queen¡±?! That criminal of the century of Boston who managed to escape from the department?!? ¡­ ?How did you recognize her?!? ¡­ ?Is she ¡°The Dark Baron¡±?!? ¨C the investigators shouted as if they had been hit on the head.


    Kyon made this scene exclusively for the 0th general, not for these simpletons. From the point of view of the head of the department, the messenger of the goddess should have recognized the girl immediately and realized that she was ¡°The Dark Baron¡±. Five minutes of harassment and five minutes of scribbling in a notebook will only say that he was ying with the victim.


    After studying the recordings, Lovr shouted so loudly that the walls shook: ?For fuck¡¯s sake, I was lying unconscious against the wall for two minutes, for two fucking minutes this bastard was teleporting out, and you didn¡¯t notice it?! Where is that son of a bitch whose eyes grow out of an ass?! I will skin him alive!?


    The pale man behind was afraid to even squeak.


    ?That¡¯s right!? ¨C the warder eximed, pping his forehead. ¨C ?The burning hay wagon was a distraction! The prisoner somehow contacted his aplices and ordered them to put on a show! Why didn¡¯t I think of this right away?!?


    Many investigators gasped in shock.


    ?Have you arrested anyone?? ¨C Kyon croaked with a throbbing vein on his forehead.


    ?Mr. Dick, sorry, but we didn¡¯t think¡­?


    ?Motherfucker! What empty-headed cretins work here?! Ah¡­ Oh¡­ Uh¡­? ¨C Kyon turned pale sharply, grabbed his ¡°sore¡± head and almost fell, but he was caught. The fat man¡¯s nose bled.


    ?Mr. Dick, you get a concussion, you shouldn¡¯t strain so much! You need to rest! Please, escort the young man to the infirmary. Let him rest, after all, he was hit on the head by a noble phaser at the beginning stage¡­? ¨C one of those present asked.


    Baker almost ceased to be suspected. It never urred to anyone that someone had tampered with the recording in the cell. The guilty person cannot be in two ces at once. And the condition of the fat man is also beyond doubt.


    Kyon got to the infirmary on the 1st floor, smiling to himself. Outwitting these fools is no big deal. But what will the 0th general think? He is the only one who poses a threat in the current realities. Will the head of the department find clear or indirect signs of guilt in the messenger of the goddess in this escape? The meeting will take ce soon.


    Half an hourter, Lovr got up and continued his investigation. This time, no one was in a hurry to stop or restrict him. In fact, he was no longer even mistaken for a suspect. He imitated violent activity for about an hour, watched recordings, scolded people, even built theories, after which he said he was falling off his feet and went home.


    It¡¯s 3:30 a.m.


    Assuming he was being followed, Kyon left the department after changing his identity. He was wondering how Valeera would react to the rescue? How would she thank him? Yet he had saved her three times already! She notably owes him.

 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469


    Through the formation on the foreheads of Eve and Le, Kyon found out that the daughters were already asleep, so he decided not to wake them up, but went straight to Valeera¡¯s room, where he found her. Before he could utter a word, his wife wrapped him in a strong embrace.


    ?Zosimos¡­ You¡¯re okay! I¡¯m so happy!?


    Kyon smiled and hugged the beauty back. Her seemingly fragile feminine body was pliable in his hands. A pleasant, slightly sweet fragrance emanated from the girl. It seems that she managed to preen herself for the meeting with her husband, even put on an indecently short skirt, thanks to which her long slender legs, covered with ck tights with a diamond pattern, could be seen along the entire length. The perfectly shaped bare feet, as if belonging to a dark goddess, also awakened a primal desire.


    Valeera wore a skirt of such provocative length only in the presence of her husband, thereby letting him know that she was ?hungry?, which means that they will definitely have sex today.


    Any man would take such an appetizingdy in every sense, especially radiating an aura of cold, as if symbolizing inessibility, with pleasure. The girl has already been the subject of dreams of all n members for a long time, but no one dared even to take the first step, after all, she is both the hidden head of the n and an elite killer.


    Valeera kissed the man on the lips and gently whispered: ?Take a shower¡­?


    ?Wait¡­ Let¡¯s discuss what happened recently. We need to make a n of action. Our identities will be established soon, and guests from the department wille to us¡­? ¨C Kyon broke off mid-sentence.


    The girl put her finger to the man¡¯s lips: ?Not a word more. We will still have time. Take a shower.?


    Kyon nodded and went to the bathroom¡­ After a while, he came out only with a towel wrapped around his belt, and found the girl of extraordinary beauty who was quietly sitting on the bed, her hands sping her knees. She looked at him with anguid gaze of her blue-ck beautiful eyes, bottomless like pools, and alluring like bright stars in a cosmic void.


    Valeera gracefully fluttered out of bed and, without saying a word ¨C now they are useless ¨C pulled Zosimos by the hand, made him sit on the bed, and she sat down on the floor at his feet and looked up at the man with a look full of gratitude and respect.


    Kyon often noticed that his wife was looking at him like a little girl at an adored father. He¡¯s used to it.


    With a slight movement, Weber threw the towel off her husband¡¯s thighs¡­ From the sight of her partner¡¯s already hard penis, her eyes widened in admiration, and her shiny soft lips parted in amazement. A gentle cold palm grasped the stone penis at the base and smoothly moved up and down, after which the pink lips approached the tip¡­


    {Will she really do it?!} ¨C Kyon wondered disbelievingly. Previously, the wife categorically refused oral sex, considering it disgusting, but now, as a sign of gratitude, she is ready to step over ¡°I don¡¯t want to¡±?!


    (18+*)


    When Kyon felt his wife¡¯s enveloping tender mouth on his penis, he could not restrain a moan full of pleasure. So warm and cozy¡­ She clumsily sucked the ns, attentively, almost without blinking, looking the man in the eyes and reveling in his reaction¡­ Delightfully!


    Family life turned into paradise for Lovr. The young man¡¯s eyes were clouded with a blissful veil, while he stroked the girl on the top of her head, walking back and forth, sometimes helping her to take deeper¡­ She obviously tried her best. There was not the slightest sign of disgust on her wless, focused face.


    Kyon enjoyed ¡°the reward¡± for a minute, after which he almost instinctively pulled Valeera towards him, wanting to prate deeper into her and cum, however, to his amazement, the girl pushed off by force, dodging the volley¡­ What a loss. But he didn¡¯t darein. Completely satisfied, he leaned back on the bed, breathing fast and smiling stupidly.


    (*18+)


    Valeeray down next to her and tenderly stroked her husband¡¯s torso, whispering soulfully: ?Did you like it, Kyon??


    Lovr¡¯s eyes almost popped out of what he heard. A second ago he was enjoying voluptuous moments, and now it¡¯s like death squeezes cold bony fingers on his neck¡­


    He wiped the smile from his face and asked in a colorless tone: ?What did you call me??


    A momentter, the tip of a dagger appeared near the man¡¯s neck. The girl did not even look at her husband, but now a monstrous thirst for blood and an icy aura emanated from her. An ordinary person would quickly lose consciousness from such a thing. Probably, the hotel guests are now having the most terrible nightmares in their lives.


    Kyon was breathless, and a train of thoughts rushed through his head: {No, it¡¯s impossible! How could she know I was Kyon?! Where did I make a mistake?! I didn¡¯t show strength¡­ I changed the smell¡­ Appearance, development, character, manner of speech¡­ Prison break?! But she didn¡¯t even listen to my exnations to jump to conclusions! And what the hell are the conclusions?!}


    ?What does it mean?!? ¨C Lovr was indignant.


    ?I hate lies more than anything in the world, which you are well aware of, and yet you deceived me for eight months, hiding under the guise of ?Zosimos?; yed with my feelings, pretending to be another person; even became my husband, enjoyed my caresses and body every day, but never revealed the whole truth, continuing to lie to me like a bastard¡­? ¨C the girl monotonously listed all the sins of the interlocutor.


    ?I¡­ I absolutely do not understand what you¡¯re talking about, Valeera!?


    Kyon had no choice but to continue to y the fool, hoping that his wife was testing him. But she would never¡­ She would never test Zosimos in such a cruel way. Even if she was 95% sure that he was Kyon, for the remaining 5% she would not risk her tender and warm rtionship with the man.


    ?If you lie to me again, and I swear on my life that I will kill you.?


    Lovr gradually began to feel despair. There is no doubt she will definitely keep her word. This is not a test¡­ His wife is 100% sure of his real identity!


    He was silent, but his heart was bleeding. He imagined the moment of truth differently: one day, having be strong enough not to be afraid of his wife, he would give her half of the monthly profit, give a romantic speech about how much he had done for her and how happily they lived together, and then triumphantly reveal the truth.


    However, now everything turned out far from the best way and not in the most favorable and safe circumstances for his life. Even more confusing were her depraved actions a minute earlier¡­ Knowing that Zosimos is Kyon, why did she give a blowjob? Did she decide to close the debt for the rescue in order to then kill him with a clear conscience? And how long has she known the truth? They had sex almost every day¡­


    He was even less able to understand why the girl promised to kill her beloved husband. Even if he has a second personality, love is the strongest feeling¡­ Is she really ready to cut off her happiness with a dagger, keeping her promise? He didn¡¯t want to check.


    ?Transform.? ¨C said Valeera.


    ?Only if you promise not to kill or maim me¡­ Neither with your own hands, nor with someone else¡¯s, nor in any other way.? ¨C said Kyon,pletely discouraged.


    There was a long pause. The silence was broken by a melodious butpletely emotionless female voice: ?I promise, but as long as you obey me.?


    Kyon frowned: ?How exactly am I supposed to obey??


    ?I won¡¯t tell you.?


    ?So give me a hint! You can tell me to kill myself, for example¡­?


    ?No.?


    ?Then take your weapon away from me.?


    Valeera pulled the de away from the man¡¯s throat, but the dagger never left her hand.


    Lovr moaned gloomily and began to return to his real appearance. The hair on the man¡¯s body and head fell out, and new ones started growing. The eyes changed color to dark brown, the shape and outline of the face changed, the nose shrank, the neck lengthened. He became shorter, but his body acquired an ideal athletic shape. The belly shrunk and turned into relief abs. The skin became smooth and soft like silk.


    After two minutes, Kyon dryly asked: ?How did you find out??


    Valeera finally turned and looked at the young man. Suffocating hatred shed in her beautiful ck eyes, although the icy mask of indifference never left her face. Memories of those inhuman tortures, to which she would have preferred a thousand deaths, flooded into her mind and almost forced her to break her promise¡­ The girl¡¯s body trembled, and her teeth gnashed from the barely restrained intent to kill.


    Kyon tensed in dismay. There is no more that tenderness and submission in the eyes of his wife¡­ She no longer considers him a beloved husband, but a fanatic executioner! It is quite obvious that he terribly did not want to die today, especially at her hands. It is necessary to convince the girl toe to her senses and understand that he is not her sworn enemy, and there is no point in hatred anymore.


    Just as Lovr managed to open his lips in order to begin a well-thought-out fiery speech, he felt a kiss¡­ The young man¡¯s eyebrows rose on his forehead. Thest thing he expected was a kiss! A gentle, forgiving kiss¡­ Had he been worrying for nothing all this time?!


    However, after a second, Kyon moaned in protest. It was no longer a gentle, forgiving kiss¡­ Now Valeera was kissing him so aggressively, as if she wanted to eat him: she mercilessly bit his lips until they bled and roughly pressed his head to her by the hair, while her eyes did not even close with pleasure, as it usually happens, by no means, they shone with hatred with a noticeable tinge of sadism. About the same way a maniac rapist would look at his desired helpless victim.


    {What the hell¡­} ¨C Kyon got a blow to his pride. To say that he now felt ill at ease is to say nothing. In addition, hepletely lost control of the situation, and this caused him painful difort.


    However, Lovr immediately understood what was going on and saw a huge opportunity in what was happening. All he needs is to emerge victorious from the bed fight. As soon as the girl admits defeat, she will be forced to forgive Kyon in her heart! At the very least, she will take a huge step in this direction.


    Valeera noted that the smell of the messenger of the goddess, strikingly different from that of Zosimos, is incredibly pleasant¡­ From just one breath, her body was involuntarily aroused. At the same time, the girl was pricked by disappointment, because the young man did not react in any way to the fact that she kissed him with the lips, which she had recently done the blowjob with. Well, okay, not a big loss. She will have toe from the other side and force the enemy to suffer a humiliating defeat!


    Feeling the nimble tongue in his mouth, Kyon darkened even more, and this clearly gave his partner pleasure¡­ Valeera has invaded foreign territory imperiously, apparently feeling at home here. He had to respond with a counter attack¡­ However, as soon as he prated into the tender mouth, he received a painful bite. The front is lost¡­ Retreat! n ¡°B¡±! n ¡°B¡±!


    Lovr put his right hand under a short skirt, grabbed the girl¡¯s stic buttock covered with ck tights and squeezed it imperiously, as if iming rights to her.


    Valeera flinched from surprise, but immediately reciprocated with furious pressure, grabbing the naked buttock of the opponent¡­ She squeezed it with great force, reveling not only in its wless form, but also in the reaction of the hated guy.


    The pain took Kyon¡¯s breath away¡­ She grabbed him so mercilessly, as if intending to tear off his leg. What a humiliation¡­ He should have foreseen the consequences. Competing with a royal phaser at the middle stage in strength is too difficult. The war of tongues and buttocks is lost¡­ The strategy needs to be changed.


    Once in Boston, when cleaning the keys, Valeera was afraid to bare herself in front of a handsome young man, she could hardly endure even his touch, but now, after six months of close rtionships, everything has radically changed. There is no more shyness in her behavior. If he sees her naked, and even looks at her breasts, she won¡¯t be embarrassed at all. And the fact that he was now pawing her ass, and she was kissing him with her tongue, did not cause any dislike, but it was wildly¡­ monstrously wildly annoying! Because the hateful bastard is not worthy of such treatment from her side! But there¡¯s nothing she can do. And if so, then everything will go ording to her rules, whether he wants it or not!


    Recently, Weber, having got into the department, was subjected to enormous stress. The harassment of Dick had a particrly radical effect on her: she almost went crazy from his actions! But it was not possible to kill the fat man. Emotions seethed inside and demanded an exit. The girl wanted to take it out on someone else, preferably in the same way, but she would never dare to scoff at Zosimos. As for other people¡­ This is also excluded. And yet, one person suited all the requirements and even deserved this treatment: Kyon hiding under the guise of Zosimos!


    If Valeera had not been in the department, she would never have revealed that she knows who is hiding behind her husband¡¯s mask, because she values this warm, tender rtionship very much. But today her patience has run out. She was left with no choice. If Zosimos hade tomorrow, maybe she would have restrained herself, but he came today¡­ What a pity.

 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470


    For a long time, back in Boston, Valeera remained an inessible ice for Kyon until the very end of their time together. When cleaning the keys, she wouldn¡¯t let him see her and even got nervous when he touched her. In the end, she left, although it was clear that thedy had feelings for the young man. Such a parting touched Lovr to the depths of his soul, and he decided that in the future he would definitely fix everything.


    However, in Dantes, Valeera unexpectedly quickly gave preference to the bald man, although she herself told Kyon that there was no ce for rtionships in her life. How did it happen that a handsome, intelligent and incredible ¡°son of the goddess¡± could not melt the ice on the heart of an unapproachable beauty, but the pot-bellied weak old man with an average appearance coped with it in some six weeks?!


    Lovr could note to terms with the state of affairs and felt a growing bitterness about it every day of living together with his newly acquired wife. Of course, he consoled himself with some thoughts: she just saw in him her father, a pir and support, a piece of that happy life in the past; she was just amazed by the outstanding deeds of Zosimos, which only Kyon is capable of. But all this did not change the fact that the girl gave her heart to ¡°another¡± man.


    Today the incredible truth was revealed: Valeera knows that Zosimos is Kyon! The realization of this made him dizzy and he hoped: what if she chose Zosimos because she knew who he really was? What if all the merits for winning her heart actually belong to Kyon, and he was worried about it in vain?!


    To confirm this tempting theory, he only needs to see firsthand that the girl¡¯s body and heart belong to Kyon. How to do it? He needs to fuck her well, and she herself will caress him and purr with pleasure, look into his eyes with tenderness and submissiveness, as she looks at Zosimos. That¡¯s all! That¡¯s all. That¡¯s all¡­


    Meanwhile, Kyung winced painfully from the sharp pain in the buttock: {She is too nervous¡­ I must somehow calm her down!} ¨C he realized and decided to change the strategy from aggressive seduction to romantic rapprochement.


    Lovr removed his palm from under the girl¡¯s skirt and hugged her slender body with both hands, gently pressing her to him, as if offering to reduce the intensity of passions with this gesture.


    Valeera really loosened her grip, but still held his buttock. Demons were still dancing in her eyes: hatred and sadism in a very frightening duet. The girl thought there could be no tenderness with this scumbag! He should be grateful that he¡¯s still alive. She reluctantly stuck her tongue out of his ¡°dirty¡± mouth and pushed him away¡­


    When Kyon saw the beauty take off her shirt and bra, his mouth opened in amazement. He watched greedily as she bared her perfectly shaped snow-white breasts in front of him¡­ that young man from Boston! And judging by the hardness of the nipples, the girl is aroused! The realization of this fact struck the mind of the guy, because he is not now in the guise of a graying man. Does that mean she recognizes Kyon¡¯s personality as worthy of herself? Judging by that painful kiss and the traumatic grabbing of the buttock ¨C no. All this is iprehensible!


    During the harassment in the guise of Dick, Lovr did not feel even a tenth of the desire that he is experiencing now, and all for one simple reason: from his point of view, there was still nothing between him and the thief. Zosimos¡¯ merits don¡¯t count.


    It would not even be an exaggeration to say that for Kyon Valira is still not conquered, for him she is still the same inessible cold beauty with whom he has never slept before, and today he will be able to really take her ?for the first time?.


    Lovr¡¯s palms stretched forward and sped the gentle mounds. A blissful veil covered his eyes. He could barely restrain himself from pouncing on the beauty right now¡­ It seems that harassment in the department still contributed a lot to his thirst for sex with a thief, but it is better not to give free rein to desires in such a dangerous environment. After all, saving a life is a priority, and for this he will have to y on someone else¡¯s field.


    ?Hmmm¡­? ¨C Valeera drawled coldly, narrowing her beautiful eyes, but not stopping the young man. Her gaze slid over her partner¡¯s groin, where a swollen stone stake was already sticking out. Disgust shed in the eyes, followed by confidence.


    ?I¡¯m so d you¡­?


    ?Shut up and caress them with your tongue.? ¨C the girl interrupted him in an imperative tone.


    ?I don¡¯t like this manner ofmunication¡­? ¨C Kyon said with a sense of dignity.


    Valeera rolled her eyes: ?Unbearable bastard, what nonsense are you talking about? Considering your penis, trembling with the desire to enter me, and the undisguised lust in your eyes, I am inmand here! So stop acting like that.?


    ?These are just base desires¡­ My pride is above such trifles. And who wants who here? You¡¯re eating me with your eyes, you pervert! Stop acting like that!? ¨C objected Lovr, sping his hands, which made the girl visibly shudder and tense up.


    The young man¡¯s joke, of course, touched the girl, because of this, the excitement in her heart red up with renewed vigor. As expected, the messenger of the goddess is not one of those people who can be bowed down so easily, but it will only be more interesting!


    ?I promised not to kill you if you would obey me¡­? ¨C Weber reminded.


    ?It doesn¡¯t look like you wanted to kill me!? ¨C Kyon snorted. He will never humiliate himself, especially in front of his wife, if life is not at stake.


    ?Do you want to check it out?? ¨C Valeera asked bloodthirstedly, putting a dagger to her husband¡¯s throat.


    Kyon involuntarily shivered, and his confidence faded. And yet it¡¯s a matter of life and death¡­ You can¡¯t just take those inhuman tortures in Boston out of the equation. He decided not to risk it, but for now, y by someone else¡¯s rules, looking closely. It¡¯s better not to provoke the killer. Pride is pride, but health is more important. Until he is convinced of the girl¡¯s motives, he will not take risks.


    Having made a decision not in his favor, Lovr frowned sourly, and the girl saw it, then he approached the appetizing breast and sucked on the hard nipple. He skillfully used his tongue, using Synergy to enhance the effect, while his desire to pounce on the thief grew stronger.


    Feeling that her nipple got into the bastard¡¯s dirty mouth, Valeera blissfully closed her eyes and gasped convulsively. The scent emanating from his thick hair was incredibly arousing¡­ It ispletely different from the smell of Zosimos! How did he learn to fake the smell?!


    A minuteter, the girl¡¯s eyes were filled with bliss. The boy is a master of his craft¡­ His skillful hands and nimble tongue work wonders with her breasts! The body seems to be flying through space, and goosebumps of pleasure constantly run through the skin. Below, everything burned and flowed for a long time. Weber hugged the young man and dug her nails into his smooth, tender skin on his back, wanting to explore every muscle of the perfect body by touch, while her nose caught the intoxicating smell of his hair.


    Soon, after making sure that the head of the criminal n falls out of reality from pleasure, Kyon pushed her on her back and imperiously climbed on her. He put his hand under her skirt between her legs, made a hole in her pantyhose with his fingers and tucked her ck panties to the side, then pointed his penis at the hot pussy, which was dripping with love juices¡­ But suddenly the girl, like a skittish filly, pushed him away with her feet.


    ?How impudent you are! I didn¡¯t allow it!? ¨C Valeera was indignant,ing out of a blissful trance.


    ?But you want it! Don¡¯t you dare deny it!? ¨C Kyon retorted angrily, jumping to his feet.


    The ominous lights in Valeera¡¯s ck eyes shed with renewed vigor. She was annoyed by his arrogant words, sounding as if she wanted him madly, and he ?so be it, will help her?. Although his throbbing red cock dripping with lubricant said otherwise!


    ?Sit on your knees.? ¨C Weber said coldly.


    ?Are you serious? I will not tolerate such humiliation!?


    Valeera snorted coldly: ?Recently I was kneeling in front of you and giving pleasure with my mouth, but you are refusing?!? ¨C her gaze became sharper than the de.


    {But I was Zosimos!} ¨C Kyon wanted to object, but changed his mind, because in this way he will show the thief that he does not consider himself Zosimos, which will definitely delight her. He clenched his fists in anger. Still, she¡¯s right¡­ She really did it, fully understanding who was in front of her. It turns out that he has no right to be hypocritical in such a situation.


    When he knelt down, Valeera nodded approvingly: ?Good boy.? ¨C her voice was filled with gloating, because the young man is really about 5 years younger. In a different situation, due to her age, she would not even pay attention to the youngster.


    Enraged, Lovr immediately jumped to his feet: ?If you say that again, you can kill me right away! Because I don¡¯t intend to humiliate myself in front of my own wife like that!?


    Valeera chuckled coldly, drawing some conclusions.


    (18+*)


    Kyon clenched his teeth, sat down on the floor and turned away from his abuser, when suddenly he felt a gentle touch to the sensitive tip, which made him convulsively let out air. Turning his head, he saw a beautiful woman sitting gracefully on the edge of the bed with her legs slightly apart. From under the short skirt, he could clearly see her sexy ck panties and even a little moisture. The girl stretched out a long slender leg in pantyhose and with the tips of the fingers of an exquisite feminine foot gently touched the head of the penis.


    ?What are you doing?!? ¨C Lovr eximed in shock, his eyes bulging.


    ?What do you think?? ¨C Valeera asked coldly with a mysterious gleam in her enchanting eyes.


    Kyon wanted to get up, but when he felt that the stone penis got into the gap between the girl¡¯s thumb and forefinger, he tensed and involuntarily plopped down to his former ce.


    Carefully studying the young man¡¯s reaction, Weber with anticipation lowered her toes to the middle of the shaft of the penis, then raised them again to the tip and began to repeat these movements. So far she had not achieved the desired reaction, but she was looking forward to it.


    Lovr¡¯s breathing became erratic. Really¡­ Is she masturbating him with her feet? The very fact of this was amazing¡­ But even more confusing was the disgusting pleasure that hit the back of the head. He couldn¡¯t believe that a thief¡¯s immactely shaped foot wrapped in velvet patterned tights could give such unearthly pleasure! And although the inner fetishist screamed with delight, this process cannot be continued!


    As soon as the young man¡¯s face was distorted with anger, and he resolutely tried to get up, Valeera narrowed her eyes dangerously and, using pure energy, squeezed the head between her fingers.


    The sudden sensations took Kyon¡¯s breath away, his heart skipped a beat, and his eyes sparkled. For a while, he lost touch with reality and watched with an empty look how the wonderful feet of the thief were ying with his penis¡­ Judging by the satisfied look of the seductress, she enjoys this mocking, one might even say, insulting process from the bottom of her heart¡­


    Lovr¡¯s temples were pounding. He understood everything¡­ This bitch wants to humiliate him! And so far she¡¯s doing it superbly! He jumped to his feet abruptly. The girl¡¯s leg also went up, which is why the nobledy almost fell off the bed.


    ?Are youpletely FUCKED UP?!? ¨C barked Kyon, brought to a state of extreme irritation.


    (*18+)

 Chapter 471

    Chapter 471


    ?Are youpletely FUCKED UP?!? ¨C barked Kyon, brought to a state of extreme irritation.


    ?Are you dissatisfied with something, boy?? ¨C Valeera asked gloatingly, trying to hurt the young man harder. She achieved the desired reaction, which she could not get enough of.


    ?You¡¯re jerking me off with your feet¡­ Really, what am I dissatisfied with? What is my dignity for you, a floor rag?! I¡¯m not going to tolerate such a humiliating attitude!?


    Valeera snorted contemptuously: ?What humiliation are you talking about, brat? Five minutes earlier, it was me who was really crawling in front of you, so you¡¯d better shut up and sit down!?


    ?No¡­ This ispletely different.?


    ?But you like it, don¡¯t you? Why deny the obvious: my feet are literally soaked from your liquid, which speaks volumes about how pleasant it is for you!? ¨C she nodded at her foot, shiny with moisture, whose fingers were still clinging to the young man¡¯s penis.


    ?One does not exclude the other¡­ I would not mind fucking you in the ass, but I would never do it without your consent. Unlike you, I respect the opinion and wishes of my sex partner!?


    ?Because I have no respect for you, the merciless executioner!? ¨C Valeera said bloodthirstedly. ¨C ?But since you¡¯re so proud of yourself, then let¡¯s make a deal: I¡¯ll finish what I started, and in exchange I¡¯ll let you fuck me. However, if you refuse¡­ I will have no choice.? ¨C she took the dagger and narrowed her eyes rapaciously. Her beautiful ck eyes sparkled like a de of the dagger.


    Kyon¡¯s heart and expression trembled: {Bitch¡­} ¨C most of all he was annoyed by the unbearably arrogant position of the girl. As if coitus with her is the highest reward, and with him ¨C well, you can be patient if you need to. Although it is clear that she wants sex no less than him. Her panties have already been soaked through for a long time. However, this battle ?who is the cherished fruit here? began a long time ago.


    Now Lovr would dly send the asshole to hell, and let her fix her leak on her own, and he will endure, but he will keep his pride, yet Valeera is not Dina, for whom he has a chronic perverted love. But thest phrase ¡°I will have no choice¡± was too rming. Is he ready to risk his life? And although he categorically did not want to humiliate himself, the girl¡¯s undisguised threat still tipped the scales.


    ?Okay, I agree to the deal.? ¨C Kyon grudgingly grumbled, humbly sat down, crossed his arms and closed his eyes, making another choice not in his favor. And now he voluntarily has to endure foot-masturbation¡­ Although he had a variety of sexual deviations, he did not remember that foot fetishism was among them.


    (18+*)


    Valeera nodded in satisfaction and continued what she had begun. Her amazing feet squeezed the scarlet penis from both sides, as in a vice, and got down to business. Weber ¡°mocked¡± the young man with special pleasure, thus venting hatred for those tortures in the department. Sometimes she squeezed the testicle at the base with her fingers and pulled it towards her until the subject¡¯s face twisted in pain.


    Lovr¡¯s breathing quickened, but he did not open his eyes, pretending that he did not care, although he was amazed at the extraordinary sensations: there was practically no difference between slightly moist velvet tights and the delicate skin of the vagina! But, of course, without the skillful work of the girl, all this would not be worth a penny. She coped noticeably worse when she satisfied Zosimos with her hands. Apparently, hatred reveals hidden talents in her.


    {Dastardly pretender¡­} ¨C Valeera, who was keenly watching his reaction, immediately saw through the scoundrel. On the handsome face of the young man, she saw barely perceptible wrinkles, indicating the humiliation and pleasure he was experiencing at the same time.


    Soon the beauty touched the head with her big toe and tilted the penis into a horizontal position, like a very tense spring, and with the other leg she grabbed the penis and began to masturbate it with all diligence¡­


    Kyon involuntarily groaned with disgusting ecstasy spreading from groin to the back of his head. His wife found his weak spot! He opened his eyes and stared excitedly at the slender legs of the girl¡­ Damn, how sexy they are! Nature had clearly tried especially hard to create such perfection! No less exciting was the picture that opened up to his eyes: a naked breast worthy of a beautiful goddess, sweet buttocks and the contour of thebia hidden behind wet ck panties. Probably, any man would lose control, seeing all this seductive beauty.


    Finally, humiliation faded into the background, giving way to pleasure. Lovr managed to rx, and bliss immediately flowed through his veins, like the rapid flow of a river that broke through a dam. The penis seemed to have gone to heaven. The skillful actions of his wife brought incredible pleasure! Now he saw the advantages of this ¡°humiliating¡± foot fetish. He needs to take note of this. After all, the scene is bed. The concept of ¡°humiliation¡± is hardly applicable here. He should have tried it with Triana¡­ Still, her feet are great too.


    The murder of the hated Edward brought Valeera many times less pleasure than the humiliation of this shaggy monster. Perhaps this is the most pleasant moment since that tragedy! However, now she could hardly notice the signs of humiliation on his pretty face, only pleasure, and this made her very nervous. She decided to act harder.


    Suddenly, with some bewilderment, Kyon felt the tender foot of the thief on his face, but her intention to put her toes in his mouth finally pulled him out of his blissful state!


    To Valeera¡¯s amazement, the young man was not humiliated by her actions in any way. On the contrary, he jumped off and pounced on her like a beast! Only a moment passed, and thedy already felt the coldness in her crotch¡­ Her panties were pushed to the side to pull her pussy on the dick¡­


    (*18+)


    Weber once again pushed the young man away with her feet and shouted indignantly: ?Where are you trying to shove your disgusting penis, obnoxious boy?!?


    ?What the hell?!? ¨C Kyon was indignant. ¨C ?We made a deal!?


    Valeera drilled the fool with an icy look: ?But I didn¡¯t finish what I started! You snapped and pounced on me like a wild animal that wanted to inseminate a female of its kind! I didn¡¯t expect apleteck of self-control from the famous ¡°son of the goddess¡±. What a pity¡­?


    ?You shouldn¡¯t have shoved your feet in my mouth!? ¨C snapped Lovr, ignoring the girl¡¯s attempt to offend him, and sat down on the floor with a calm look. ¨C ?Okay, let¡¯s finish as soon as possible. I know that you want me madly. Let¡¯s not drag it out.? ¨C he looked like he didn¡¯t care about masturbation with her feet anymore.


    {Did you develop immunity so quickly? It¡¯s a pity¡­} ¨C Valeera guessed and changed her strategy. ¨C ?There will be no continuation. You ruined my mood by your act. To bring it back, please me by using your dirty mouth, as I did to you!? ¨C she demanded arrogantly, as if she was dealing with a guilty subordinate. But, to her disappointment, she did not find a single sign of humiliation on the handsome face of the young man¡­


    Kyon has already realized that the girl is trying to hurt him and humiliate his dignity. However, it is not entirely clear what the ultimate goal of this whole venture is¡­ Thest thing he would like to do is to fall in the eyes of his wife so much thatter she could kill her husband without regrets. So, the task is clear: to preserve dignity! How to do it? Obviously, to show miracles of equanimity!


    No matter how much someone tries to humiliate a man, the main thing is the result, that is, how he will react to the situation. This is especially true for girls who draw conclusions solely from the reaction of the victim (provided that there are two of you, and not the whole yard). Therefore, in this situation, it all depends on whether Kyon has the patience to properly respond to her attempts to humiliate him.


    ?So, a new deal?? ¨C Lovr suggested.


    ?Of course not! Or did my order earlier also hurt your pride?? ¨C she teased him.


    ?No, not at all.? ¨C Kyon shook his head. ¨C ?And yet, if you give me motivation, then I will do everything at the highest level. Should I try harder after you almost killed me? Don¡¯t you think this is stupid??


    ?Hmm¡­? ¨C Valeera chuckled coldly. What a sly man¡­ But he¡¯s telling the truth: you can¡¯t force a man like him to do something that he doesn¡¯t really want to do with any threats. ¨C ?So be it, you¡¯ve convinced me. If you try hard enough, I will definitely reward you.?


    ?No, such a vague answer does not suit me, because you always find ways to get away with it. Let¡¯s do this: I caress you between your legs, and you don¡¯t bother me. When you cum, I will fuck you, and you will not hinder it in any way.?


    Valeera frowned and clenched her fists until they crunched. Her insides trembled either from disgust, or from desire, or from hatred. The bastard masterfully intercepts the initiative and at the same time does not look humiliated and cornered at all.


    ?Am I not going to hinder this in any way? Is trying to change the pose to the one I like better an obstacle??


    ?No.?


    ?Then it¡¯s a deal.? ¨C Valeera agreed confidently. It seems that the lousy youngster still does not understand that he is being used, or, as it would be more correct to say, raped.


    {Let¡¯s see if you can handle me!} ¨C Kyon smirked inwardly. Heid the beauty on her back without a shadow of embarrassment and, taking her legs, bent them at the knees, thus putting his wife in the mostfortable position, but suddenly the girl pushed him away again.


    ?No way, you obnoxious bastard, I¡¯m going to look down on you the way you looked at me. Everything is ording to the rules.? ¨C Valeera said sternly, moved to the edge of the bed and spread her legs, forming a 90-degree angle. She did not forget to generously endow her partner with arrogance in her voice and look.


    For a moment, Lovr¡¯s eyelid twitched, but then he smiled radiantly: ?It doesn¡¯t matter.?


    {He pretends he doesn¡¯t care¡­ How long will youst?} ¨C the girl wondered.


    (18+*)


    Kyon grabbed his wife¡¯s slender legs and approached her voluptuous crotch. He almost lost the remnants of his mind from the exciting aroma that hit his nose. What a pity that now he will have to work with his tongue.


    Feeling how the bastard pushed the panties aside with his teeth, Valeera grabbed his hair and excitedly bit her lip. She associated Kyon with Zosimos only indirectly, so now, in a sense, she felt like a cheater. And she was extremely nervous that that hateful young man was admiring her most intimate ce, although he definitely did not deserve it¡­ On the other hand, the decision has already been made.


    When Kyon¡¯s tongue touched the sensitive point, Valeera suddenly bent back, moaning convulsively and squeezing her lover¡¯s head with her hips. Weber did not expect such concentrated sensations¡­ It¡¯s not just because she¡¯s overexcited!


    {My beautiful puppet.} ¨C Lovr grinned contentedly and, with a sense ofplete control over the situation, continued to y with the girl through the ?control center?. Every movement of the tongue with Synergy was apanied by a moan, trembling or tension of her graceful body. He liked this reaction! Incredibly exciting.


    Finally, Kyon stuck his unnaturally long tongue into his wife¡¯s wet pink pussy and felt her bosom shudder with ecstasy. To heighten the effect, he jerked it to make it work like a vibrator, he learned this in Cernoc with an insatiable tigress. The taste of Weber resembled a mint candy. He really wanted to shove his penis into her as soon as possible¡­


    After 2 minutes, Valeera breathed deeply, staring at the ceiling with a nk look. Waves of pleasure emanated from the crotch, engulfing every cell of the body. The obnoxious boy is so good that she almost forgot her own name¡­ She should have epted his offer to be her ¡°ck King¡±, which he made in Boston¡­ And then, perhaps, everything would have been different.


    Soon the pleasure became unbearable, and the girl with a melodious long moan, clutching the young man¡¯s head with her legs, orgasmed as violently as she had never been able to. Her body was convulsing uncontrobly as she writhed like a snake on hot sand. For some reason, with Zosimos, she could not achieve such peaks of pleasure.


    With his eyes reddened with desire, Kyon emerged from under the legs of the beauty, removed moisture from his face with the element of water and impatiently brought his scarlet penis to the trembling open vagina. Finally, he will possess Valeera for real! However, suddenly the girl covered her crotch with her hand, as Kara once did in their meeting with the young man under the bed.


    ?What does it mean?? ¨C Lovr frowned and tried to push her hand aside by force, but he could notpete in strength with the royal phaser at the middle stage in any way. All he had to do was wait for the thief toe to her senses.


    Soon Valeera did it.


    ?Do you dare to break your word?? ¨C asked Kyon gloomily.


    ?No, I don¡¯t¡­ You can take me, you bastard, but first we need to prepare you for this¡­?


    Lovr felt a sharp poke in his stomach, right where the key of darkness was located. Now he is paralyzed for several hours. He can¡¯t use darkness, which means he can¡¯t use the spatial attribute either.


    A momentter, Kyon felt the girl wrap a cold hand around the penis, and when she removed it, an ordinary-looking silver ring appeared at the base of the penis.


    ?What the fuck are you doing?!? ¨C he shouted with a mixture of pain and anger, immediately trying to remove the ring, but realized that he could not do it. His face darkened: his wife put a ?fruit ring? on him! They have long been used by supreme beasts for special purposes. They give the owner of the formationplete control over the reproductive system of the male¡­


    ?I told you that you need to be prepared before starting. And now you can get into me, because you crave it so much¡­ Come on, pretty boy. Go ahead.? ¨C Valeera asked gloatingly in an unctuous voice, turning her ass to the young man. Her mouth-watering buttocks and a lovely pink pussy, prepared for penis pration, could instantly drive any young man crazy with arousal, they were so intoxicating.


    In Kyon¡¯s case, the situation was aggravated by the ?fruit ring?, which intensified his already explosive erection to an exorbitant level. Arousal hit the head with such force that even the field of vision narrowed significantly. It became unbearably difficult to resist the insane desire. He wanted to get into Weber¡¯s swollen pussy and fuck her thoroughly now more than anything in the world.


    Is it possible that the girl just wanted the most passionate sex of her life? Lovr did not have such confidence in his soul. A bad feeling haunted him. However, as soon as his gaze fell on his wife¡¯s amazing breasts, all thoughtspletely disappeared from his head.


    (*18+)

 Chapter 472

    Chapter 472


    (18+*)


    For Kyon, the monstrous desire to possess Valeera was not due only to the activated ?fruit ring?. Harassment in the department, the game of ?who¡¯s the prize here?, masturbation with magnificent feet without an epilogue also contributed, and the most important reason: for the first time he will merge together with the thief ice, remaining himself real!


    As soon as Lovr stopped resisting thirst, he snapped. With animal pressure, the young man unceremoniously grabbed his beautiful wife by the stic buttocks and, aiming at the pussy swollen with arousal, aptly prated inside¡­


    Kyon gasped and his temples began to pound. The tight, hot and wet vagina of the beauty blew up the mind. Still sensitive after a recent orgasm, it greeted the guest with yful squeezes along the entire length¡­ The penis seemed to melt inside. But these feelings wouldn¡¯t be worth anything without a sense of triumph: he finally does it with an unapproachable thief.


    ?Ha-a-aa-a-aa-a!? ¨C Valeera¡¯s melodious groan spread through the room. From the pration of the long penis of the hated bastard, the inside was pleasantly strained. The bastard filled herpletely. Subconsciously, she wanted to be punished in such a cruel way for betraying Zosimos.


    Kyon took the girl¡¯s hands and, pulling them to him, made the delicious ass bang on his groin while the penis prated into the hot bosom. Because of the ?fruit ring? the arousal knew no limit, and he enjoyed his wife¡¯s beautiful body with all his soul.


    ?Do you like¡­ taking me¡­ little brat?? ¨C thedy asked through moans, turning her head to her partner and biting her lip. There was both pleasure and hatred on her face.


    ?Shut up and be d that you have the privilege of being fucked by the messenger of the goddess!? ¨C Kyon yfully growled, pping the obstinate fool on the stic ass with delight. Then he closed his eyes and threw his head back¡­ How nice!


    From what Valeera heard, everything inside shuddered. Fool¡­ He still didn¡¯t realize that he had entered a losing game. In fact, it is she who uses him for her pleasure, and he is only a tool!


    At some point, Kyon put his wife on her back and, taking her by the thin feminine ankles, pulled her to the edge of the bed and continued to fuck. Now he could enjoy the amazing view of long slender legs in pantyhose and breasts swaying to the beat of his frictions. Due to internal rage, he even nibbled her heels and toes every now and then. He especially liked to look into her beautiful bottomless eyes with a sense of superiority, as a male looks at a weak female while taking her.


    ?Do you want¡­ Do you want me to belong to you?? ¨C aspirated Valeera.


    ?You¡¯re already mine, stupid.? ¨C Kyon said firmly, grinning contentedly.


    ?Prove¡­ it. Prove it¡­? ¨C Weber blissfully rolled her eyes and curved into an arc. Her body convulsed. The pussy vibrated with orgasm, massaging the penis inside. A small trickle of clear liquid sprayed the young man¡¯s stomach.


    ?Prove? Will this proof suit you?? ¨C Kyon said in a strangled voice and pressed the girl to him, pratingpletely into her vibrating vagina.


    (*18+)


    {Huh?!} ¨C suddenly Lovr¡¯s eyes widened, as he could not cum. The sudden realization of why exactly she put the ¡°fruit ring¡± on him hit him on the head like a hundred-ton hammer: to prevent the hated youngster from ejacting inside her!


    {No¡­ Not that¡­} ¨C unconsciously continuing to move his pelvis, Kyon shook his head in disappointment. He had already reached out and plucked the forbidden fruit, but suddenly realized that he could not open his mouth to eat it! What is the point of all this if there is no final touch?! He cannot put his stamp on the contract ¡°from now on the thief belongs to me¡±! It turns out that the girl is the only one who is now basking in pleasure, brazenly using him!


    ?Did you guess? Well done.? ¨C Valeera whispered through groans, recovering a little.


    ?Are youpletely fucked up??


    ?Do not use foulnguage¡­ Otherwise I¡¯ll have to shut your mouth.?


    ?Take off¡­ the fucking¡­ ring!? ¨C Kyon hissed with bloodshot eyes. Now he was at the peak of arousal and restrained himself with great difficulty. He had nothing else to do. What¡¯s the point of not restraining himself if the ?ending? is not avable?!


    ?Be patient a little more and I¡¯ll let you cum, okay??


    Of course, Kyon realized that the girl would not allow him to cum in her either now or in the near future, which made every neuron boil with indignation: ?No, fuck, you take off the ring right now, or you can forget about your beloved Zosimos forever!?


    Valeera¡¯s face sharply hardened: ?You know that you deserve such a punishment¡­ This is your rite of redemption, you lying boy! It¡¯s better than dying at my hands! So shut up and be patient. From now on, I will not force you to transform, although you will not want to¡­ Someday in the future, I may forgive you, and you will be able to be yourself next to me.? ¨C with a me in her eyes, the girl tore off her wet panties and forcibly shoved them into the young man¡¯s mouth.


    ?M-M-M?!? ¨C Kyon tried to spit them out, but the thief tied his mouth and hands behind his back, thenid him on the bed and sat on him. Lovr¡¯s eyes darkened with anger.


    ?You shouldn¡¯t hold a grudge against me, because my hatred for Kyon is normal. Now be a good boy and don¡¯t do anything stupid, otherwise I¡¯ll have to use force.?


    {Ungrateful bitch, I saved you three times, and you treat me like this!} ¨C Kyon thought furiously,pletely disappointed in his wife. All his past misdeeds are more than repaid by what hemitted in Dantes, but she seems to ignore it. Unforgivable.


    (18+*)


    Valeera raised her hips, grabbed the young man¡¯s penis, pointed it at the pussy and sat down on it, moaning voluptuously. Her vagina clenched happily. The eyelids closed. She began to raise and lower her hips, raping the handsome man. His gaze, frozen with rage, did not bother her, but pleased her. He deserved it! She was convinced of it.


    Moving her pelvis, Weber put her gentle palms on Kyon¡¯s relief torso, and her fingers eagerly felt every muscle and curve of the sculpted body. The rock-solid abs excited the girl, awakening in her even more passion and desire. The beauty bent down to the young man and passionately kissed him on the lips, then smoothly descended to the long neck, where she left a dozen hickeys. Kyon¡¯s scent was like a drug to her. She couldn¡¯t get enough and wanted more! Could there be more¡­


    The girl with the appearance of a dark goddess dancing on the dick made Kyon go berserk. Being a domineering person, he preferred topletely control the process, but now nothing depended on him. What to do? There is no point in resisting. She will use force and block the keys, which will only further humiliate his dignity. He will definitely not transform into Zosimos out of principle¡­ And transformation into another person can turn into a tragedy. Changing the size of the penis due to the ?fruit ring? will take several hours. It remains only to endure until this bitch finishes with him.


    The pleasure in the penis, as if saying: ¡°everything is about to happen¡±, began to set him off, because fucking nothing would happen because of this damn ring! Aching pain has already appeared in the testicles.


    After a few minutes, Valeera waspletely immersed in ecstasy. Every time the penis of the obnoxious bastard stretched the vagina, thedy involuntarily moaned, and pleasant convulsions urred in her womb. Incredible¡­ Why is it so good?! It¡¯s not just about sex, but also about the situation itself: she takes revenge on the hated Kyon! Sex with Zosimos is significantly inferior in the concentration of pleasure. She¡¯s now addicted to these sensations¡­ It turns out that she will have to ask Zosimos to transform into Kyon? But he wouldn¡¯t willingly endure such humiliation! Threats won¡¯t work in the future either¡­ She will never kill him. Moreover, it is still not clear how he will generally react to what happened¡­ The thought of it even made her afraid.


    ?Ha-a-a¡­ Ha-a-a-aa-a-aa¡­ Haa-a-aa-aa-aa-a!? ¨C Weber threw back her head and orgasmed violently. The feeling of euphoria emanating from the clitoris filled every cell in the body. Eyes rolled back. Her slender, graceful body glistened with sweat. Subconsciously, the girl wanted to feel the disgusting sperm of the messenger of the goddess inside her, but no!


    Kyon¡¯s face was contorted with a grimace of anger and even hate. The body almost convulsed because of the inability to cum in the much-desired body of his wife.


    Valeera came to her senses for a while without taking his penis out of her pussy. Finally she got off, helped the young man to take a sitting position, hugged him from the back and, wrapping her fingers around the penis, touched the ring.


    ?M-M-M?!? ¨C Kyon¡¯s eyes suddenly widened. He felt the ejaction begin¡­ The testicles shuddered, and a cascade of white liquid flew out of the penis! To theplete shock of the guy, he did not control this process at all, as if he was forced to cum. But most importantly, he felt no pleasure!


    ?It doesn¡¯t stop pouring!? ¨C Valeera was amazed, enthusiastically masturbating the burgundy penis, while jets of turbid liquid shot out of it.


    Lovr did not immediately notice that the white liquid seemed to stop in the air all this time: Valeera, with the help of the element of wind, caught it on the fly and made one big ball out of it.


    ?And now feel at least a drop of the pain through the humiliation that I experienced.? ¨C the girl whispered to the young man in the ear and directed a ball of semen to the victim¡¯s face.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes reddened even more. He used the element of water, and the ball instantly disappeared into the air, never reaching the goal. His heart was pounding with rage. The panties in the mouth have long turned into chewed rags. Such an act of his wife is inexcusable. She crossed every line.


    ?That won¡¯t do¡­? ¨C Valeera sighednguidly and continued to mock her husband.


    (*18+)


    After two hours of ****, Weber reached her limit. The girl, soaked through with sweat, purring with pleasure, hugged the young man from behind, burying her nose in his thick fragrant hair. She hasrgely rxed the taut string in her soul that has been bothering her for a long time. The hated young man, of course, never cummed in her. He doesn¡¯t deserve it.


    What Weber was notpletely satisfied with was Kyon¡¯s reaction: he never showed a single sign of a broken spirit, but he showed burning rage and hatred in his eyes. He never showed weakness, which the girl wanted to see so much.


    After a few minutes, Valeera untied the captive¡¯s hands and mouth: ?You probably want to get an answer, how did I find out that Kyon was hiding under the mask of Zosimos??


    Kyon didn¡¯t say anything. He didn¡¯t even turn around. But there was ice in his eyes.


    Having defined the young man¡¯s silence as another manifestation of pride, the girl immediately got down to business: ?There are many reasons. To begin with, even at our first meeting I had a vague feeling of uneasiness. It¡¯s too strange for a person with such outstanding abilities to suddenly appear in my gloomy, joyless life. After the robbery of the Stalbers¡¯ warehouse, this feeling only intensified. I refused to believe that the ¡°bird of fortune¡± just flew into my hands. Of course, many people believe in ck and white stripes in life, but I am not one of them, so I always prepare for the worst. I followed you several times but found nothing. However, the beauty of your so-called daughters has added to the suspicion. Then your incredible connections with the dwarfs were added to this¡­ No matter how good you are at engineering, I just refused to believe that the head of the nt had be a friend of a human. But the turning point came after the meeting of the heads of the ns. The leaders of all the shadow ns have united against me. When the security forces appeared, among whom, well, there were no imperial phasers, I immediately realized that you were behind it. I suspected you of being the hated messenger of the goddess! After all, only investigators with a high position in the department are authorized to organize a raid consisting of a group of royal phasers. But I still wasn¡¯tpletely sure. And then an idea came to me: being invisible, I checked the purity of your keys with the device and confirmed my guesses. Only the messenger of the goddess can havepletely purified keys.?


    Kyon¡¯s eyes widened andplex emotions were visible on his face. It turns out that Valeera started seducing Zosimos only after she found out that he was Kyon? It turns out that he won the heart of a girl, and not a bald old man?


    ?I just don¡¯t understand some things: did you slow down your development just because of me? And why did he stay at the same stage for six months? Where did you find such beautiful girls? Even for a noble family they are too¡­ Too beautiful! And how did you get back your fingers, cut off in the department? And¡­ Why did some Dick take all the glory for the destruction of the heads of ns? Is he really just a bait??

 Chapter 473

    Chapter 473


    ?That is, you¡­? ¨C Kyon suddenly began,pletely ignoring the questions the girl had previously asked. ¨C ?You knew perfectly well that I was Kyon, and didn¡¯t say anything? And now you use me of ying with your feelings for six months, using affection and ess to the body, and also bing your husband? Hypocrite, are youpletely fucked up??


    Valeera snapped back: ?Idiot! If I revealed the truth, I would have to kill you! Is this option more to your liking?! It took me a while to get used to it! Today I lost my temper because of the damn Dick and was afraid that I wouldn¡¯t hold back and kill you! In a sense, I am grateful to him, because now there are no secrets between us¡­?


    After a short pause, Kyon continued: ?And how does your answer exin my guilt, if in the end you provoked our rtionship yourself? You seduced me and became my woman. You behaved like the perfect wife. Are you okay in the head? Or do you think I should have revealed my identity to you and gone to the grave with a clear conscience??


    Weber replied almost immediately: ?Silly, it¡¯s not my fault that I fell in love with Zosimos as soon as I found out that he was you. It almost drove me crazy to think about how you infiltrated the n; how much you did for me, trying to prove that you were always on my side¡­ And what an amazing personality you created, even excessively simr to my beloved dad!.. Only you are to me for being so amazing.?


    Kyon¡¯s heart began to beat faster. For the first time on this crazy day, he felt true spiritual pleasure, which, however, did not exclude all the negativity he had experienced before. It turns out that if Zosimos hadn¡¯t been Kyon, the thief wouldn¡¯t have fallen in love with the man? So, the girl, having learned the truth, somehowbined the virtues of both personalities in her head, and this crushing force was able to split the thickyer of ice surrounding her heart? Then it is clear why she began to flirt and seduce Zosimos so suddenly and persistently.


    But the question arises ¨C when exactly did she scan the keys? After all, after the rescue and the offer to cooperate, he did not appear in the hotel room for 10 days¡­ Well, of course: in the evening, upon returning home, she could easily catch him! And by the morning she was able to make a decision, put on perfume and start aggressive seduction.


    ?Even so, it doesn¡¯t justify what you did tonight. Knowing my intentions, you should have concluded that I did not deserve to be hated. I could not know who the head of the thieves guild Lanai and the leader of the robbers Sauron really were. And you should have realized that I had to resort to torture to make your uncle save you¡­?


    ?Even if you did all this to save me, I can¡¯t stop hating you. I still think that it would be better if that pot-bellied executioner tortured me. Then I wouldn¡¯t have to experience that inhuman pain,pared to which death is a privilege. And my beloved uncle would have remained alive¡­ His life is more valuable than mine, but you, egoist, do not understand it.?


    ?Nevertheless, everything depends on your distrust. If you trusted me and gave me his frequency right away, you wouldn¡¯t have to go through that hell in reality.? ¨C Kyon objected.


    ?Shut up¡­? ¨C Valeera whispered, covering her tearful eyes.


    ?If you had agreed to my offer to be your ¡°ck King¡±, and had not found that loophole in the promise to be my bodyguard, everything would have turned out differently. You would have been my woman a long time ago, and we wouldn¡¯t need all these revenge games.?


    ?Shut up.? ¨C repeated Valeera, trembling.


    Kyung calmly continued to press: ?Do you remember how I asked you ¨C ¡°You are the head of the thieves guild, aren¡¯t you?¡±, to which you replied ¨C ¡°You¡¯re wrong¡±. If you had told me the truth then, I would have immediately warned you about the impending raid. It all started with the lies you hate so much. With your lies. Mistrust backfired on you a thousandfold.?


    ?Shut up!? ¨C the girl exploded in a piercing scream.


    Everything the young man said is true, and thedy realized it a long time ago. Her heart ached painfully from the realization that she could have avoided the tragedy if she had trusted Kyon. Weber herself is to me for the troubles associated with him. She even convinced herself that the ¡°son of the goddess¡± was her sworn enemy. The fate, which she wanted to me for all the hardships of life so much, in this case turned out to be out of business¡­


    Kyon summed up: ?Being Zosimos, I saved you three times, risking my skin, helped sell metal through the dwarfs, destroyed all your enemies and even dragged Edward for revenge, created a megan and tripled revenue from controlled territories¡­ And how did you repay me? Humiliation and ****. What were you counting on? Did you think I would understand and forgive you? No. Now you¡¯re thest bitch in my eyes.?


    It took Valeera a minute to calm down, after which she spoke in a soft tone with a hint of guilt: ?I¡¯m sorry, Kyon, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn¡¯t see one person in your personalities. However, hatred¡­ It can¡¯t just disappear so easily, you know? But I can¡¯t hate Zosimos! Because he looks just like my father¡­ He deserves only love and affection. All of the things you mentioned earlier are his merits. I love and respect him endlessly, while I can only hate you. Besides, my love for Zosimos is a kind of revenge on you, because you envy his happiness.?


    Kyon¡¯s face twitched for a second, and then took on an indifferent expression: ?So do you think I¡¯m just a scapegoat??


    ?It turns out so¡­? ¨C the girl sighed sadly.


    {She fell in love with Zosimos because he is me, but she hates me because I am Ken. She hates me, because she is not able to hate Zosimos, and all the merits in paying the debt have gone to a non-existent person! Damn fatherplex!} ¨C these thoughts echoed through Lovr¡¯s mind, causing indignation.


    Now Kyon could understand Valeera and stopped considering her inadequate. However, her excuses will not bring her forgiveness, but they give her a chance to be forgiven in the future, but only if a number of very cruel conditions are met.


    ?Did you sleep with Zosimos almost every day without being afraid of getting pregnant??


    ?I killed sperm with darkness.? ¨C Weber answered coldly and exined. ¨C ?Pregnancy is an uneptable luxury in my life. And I¡¯d be a lousy mother.?


    Kyon did the same, but only with the help of Synergy, since he did not want the girl to get pregnant from Zosimos, whom he really envied.


    When the young man silently got out of bed and began to get dressed, Valeera frowned slightly: ?Kyon, I answered your question. Now it¡¯s your turn to answer my questions¡­?


    ?Fuck you.? ¨C Lovr said irritably and left the hotel room.


    ¡­


    Morning.


    The girl, who resembled a ray of sunshine with her bright appearance, established a connection to the iing call of the sound transmitter and sang the following in such an anticipatory tone, as if she expected a marriage proposal from the emperor himself: ?Commissar, you surprisingly quickly cracked ¡°The Dark Baron¡±! My ears are ready to hear the good news¡­?


    ?Lady ¡°Demon Huntress¡±, I¡¯m sorry, but ¡°The Dark Baron¡± has escaped¡­?


    ?W-what did you say?!? ¨C the smile instantly flew off the lips of the instantly pale blonde.


    ?She escapedte at night with the help of an aplice¡­ Right during the interrogation by Dick.?


    ?D¡­ Dick?!? ¨C the device fell out of Stone¡¯s trembling hands.


    Soon, the girl in a superhero costume burst into the department and demanded answers.


    The gloomy-lookingmissar took the concerneddy to a secluded room and, showing the recording, exined what had happened from the point of view of the investigation.


    ?¡­The burning carriage served as a distraction¡­ Thus, the criminals left the department without being noticed. It is unknown who exactly was ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, the girl or her aplice.?


    There was a painful emptiness in Elsa¡¯s eyes. She felt as if her heart had been ripped out of her chest. Three months of efforts have sunk into oblivion. Three months of hiring three imperial phasers of the Valentines made no sense from now on. Yesterday¡¯s sensation, witnessed by three journalists, is now only a farce and a reason tough at ¡°The Demon Huntress¡±. She was so excited about the imminent glory¡­ She imagined how she would be a legendary hero of Dantes, how she would enter the annals of Rosarrio¡¯s history, and that¡¯s how it turned out¡­


    ?How could you? Why did you miss her?! WHY?!? ¨C the blonde went hysterical.


    ?Lady, calm down, please¡­?


    ?How can I be calm?! I spent so much effort on catching her! But you just missed her! I warned you that she is ¡°The Dark Baron¡±! But, apparently, the head of the megan is not a serious enough criminal for you to follow her properly! How can I ever trust you after this?!?


    ?Lady, there were three imperial phasers outside the door, but even they didn¡¯t feel anything! We were the victims of a clever n¡­ Besides, the man¡¯s abilities werepletely iprehensible. You can¡¯t be prepared for this.?


    Elsa shook her head forlornly and turned away. She already regretted that she continued to engage in heroic activities after she was overshadowed by Dick. Suddenly an unexpected guess shed in her downcast head: {Dick¡­ Dick was interrogating her! He might be involved in the escape somehow! Of course¡­ He was just jealous of me, so he somehow saved her!}


    The girl took out the sound transmitter and called the fat man.


    ?I¡¯m listening.? ¨C Kyon muttered listlessly, consumed by the desire to send his stepsister to hell. The reason is not at all in a bad mood, but because he wanted to strangle her! After all, it was because of this trashy girl that he ended up in prison, and as a result he was raped and now he is probably under suspicion of the zero general.


    ?Dick¡­ We need to talk. Urgently. Please.? ¨C Elsa said decisively.


    Lovr no longer dared to underestimate Lady Stone. During that meeting, she somehow found out from one of his careless answers that it was he who sent the threatening note, and not ¡°The Dark Baron¡±. He also took into ount the information received from the order, where the blonde works as a fortune teller. Considering all this, he concluded that he needed to stay away from the girl, because she had some kind of secret that could ruin his life.


    ?That¡¯s out of the question. I have nothing to tell you. Don¡¯t call me anymore.?


    Elsa indignantly opened her mouth: {He dropped the connection! How dare he?!} ¨C she immediately called again, but he refused to answer. This angered the girl even more, and also significantly strengthened her suspicions about his involvement in the escape.


    ?How can I meet with the investigator Dick?!? ¨C she persistently asked themissar.


    ?Um¡­ Dick seems to have a free schedule. I can try to arrange your meeting, but if he doesn¡¯t want it, then it is unlikely that the meeting will take ce.?


    ?Damn it!? ¨C Elsa swore, angrily stamping her foot.


    Three days passed. It waste in the afternoon.


    After the information published by journalists, scandalous rumors spread around the city that ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± caught ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, but missed him right in the hall of the department during the transfer to the guards. Say, she rxed her vignce, and therge fish slipped right out of her hands.


    Elsa was ready to burst with anger because of this situation! Dastardly journalists, instead of calling the department¡¯s dungeon an ?outhouse?, med her for everything!


    Of course, the girl understood that reporters spread only the news that is beneficial to the government. They would never question the reliability of the empire¡¯s strictest dungeon in the eyes of the citizens, so they were ordered to me ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± for everything. Now the superheroine has turned into aughing stock.


    {I did so much for the capital, and this is what you did to me¡­} ¨C the blonde wanted to cry from resentment, but tears did note. She, a fighter for justice, has never experienced such injustice towards herself. It was as if she had been poked in the dirt with her face!


    {Well, then deal with ¡°The Dark Baron¡± without me!} ¨C after such a betrayal, Elsa¡¯s pride will not allow her to cooperate with the department, but without it she will not have a ce to put criminals¡­ I¡¯ll have to drop this case. Goodbye, superhero activity¡­


    Nevertheless, Stone will not rest until she is convinced or refutes her suspicions about Dick.

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474


    Three days have passed since the escape.


    All this time, Kyon never saw Valeera, and, of course, ignored her calls. Now he and his daughters settled in a luxurious mansion on the outskirts of the city. Although his identity will soon be recognized by every resident of the capital, he did not worry about it. He was more concerned about the invitation to the meeting from the zero general!


    Before getting into the department, Lovr removed an imprable cloth from his wrist (under the skin) and everything that was hidden under it: a ring and two bracelets. Just in case.


    Attaching the formation to the elevator, the young man went down to the ¡°-3¡± floor. At the exit he was met by several people in ck masks. They carefully checked and scanned the fat man for hidden objects and assigned an escort.


    Finally, Kyon entered the department head¡¯s office. The tall man with stubble on his chin sat at the table with a thoughtful look, intecing his fingers in a lock. When he looked up at the neer with sharp gray eyes, the guy¡¯s heart for some reason shuddered as if from the cold.


    ?Hello, head of the department!? ¨C Lovr greeted the chief with a respectful bow.


    ?Have a seat, Kyon Stone.? ¨C with a smooth gesture of his hand, the man pointed to the chair.


    As soon as the messenger of the goddess sat down, the zero general measured him with a cold look and spoke with a certain hint in his voice: ?Do you know why I invited you today??


    ?Because of ¡°The Dark Baron¡±.? ¨C Kyon agreed, closing his eyes grimly.


    *silence*


    Kyon opened his eyelids and met the gaze of the zero general, whose eyes shone with a mysterious silver light. At the same moment, the guy felt the blood in his veins turn to ice, and something seemed to be pressing on his mind, even his ears rang.


    {He is testing me!} ¨C Lovr immediately guessed.


    There is such an effective form of maniption as meaningful silence. It is especially good in the performance of an authoritative and charismatic person, for example, in a teacher-student rtionship or a director of a huge corporation with a subordinate. Being under psychological pressure, the victim, as a rule, is nervous and thereby reveals his guilt in something or immediately confesses to the crime, begins to justify himself and apologizes.


    To this technique, the zero general added the ability of an innate unique body. Nevertheless, the young man did not react in any way and behavedpletely calmly, and after 10 seconds he shook himself in surprise:


    ?Was I wrong?? ¨C Kyon frowned uprehendingly.


    The man opened his eyes in amazement: {Is it possible that my techniques do not affect the blood of this level? Or does the messenger of the goddess have an innate immunity to spiritual attacks?} ¨C the ¡°spiritual attack¡± just applied by him is capable of terrifying any person one phase below the attacker¡¯s phase, and even an opponent of equal development will be greatly frightened. And at the same time, this ability did not seem to affect the weak young man at all.


    The head of the department shook his head: ?If you confess everything, I promise that nothing will happen to you. Moreover, you will benefit the empire, after all, the shadow sector of the capital should have been taken under strict control long ago.?


    {I expected this¡­} ¨C Kyon thought with delight, fixing anotherpetent maniption: with the help of sweet promises, almost anyone can be brought to light. Investigators, when interrogating suspects, like to promise them a suspended sentence in exchange for a frank confession. But their words are worthless. And until the man provides irrefutable evidence, he will continue to persist.


    ?Do you think I¡¯m ¡°The Dark Baron¡±?!? ¨C Lovr was genuinely surprised. ¨C ?I¡¯ve been trying to catch this bastard for six months! And now, it turns out, I¡¯m under suspicion? What the hell?!? ¨C he looked confused.


    The zero general moved on to the previous maniption of ?oppressive silence?. However, after a quarter of a minute of silence, he leaned back in his chair: ?I know everything, Kyon Stone. There is no point in wasting my time. By ying the fool, you only aggravate an already bad situation. The only question is, are you ready to cooperate with me??


    ?Did someone set me up?? ¨C Kyon wondered. ¨C ?Or did you decide that since I met ¡°The ck Queen¡± in Boston on the night of her escape, I was involved in everything that happened? For me, she is just another step in my careerdder! And a very beautiful one¡­ So I decided to have a little fun with her, and I¡¯ve already regretted it a thousand times!?


    The head of the department psychologically strangled the interlocutor for another minute, including asking leading questions, then nodded in satisfaction: ?Good. I had to check.?


    From relief, Kyon almost gave away his involvement. As expected, the general tested him.


    ?However, some moments haunt me.? ¨C the man suddenly added. ¨C ?Remind me, by how many stages did Prince Charles, defeated by you, surpass you in development??


    ?As far as I remember, at sixteen.?


    ?More than one and a half. Your next opponent turned out to be even stronger¡­ Then exin to me how the noble phaser at the beginning stage knocked you out with a simple blow to the head?? ¨C a little earlier, on his instructions, ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± and three of her assistants were interrogated about the development of Zosimos, as a result of which a unanimous answer was received: the noble phaser at the beginning stage.


    ?In terms of strength, I may beparable to the lord phaser at the beginning stage, but how can I be as strong? Especially without the use of pure energy¡­ Even the imperial phasers outside the door didn¡¯t sense the bastard¡¯s sudden appearance, so how could I do it??


    ?I see. Do you have any suggestions regarding the personality of Zosimos??


    ?In general, yes. Given his incredible abilities, I suspect he came from the moon. The representative of the dark race.? ¨C his words were confirmed by the ck effect when he teleported.


    ?So do you know about them too?? ¨C the 0th general asked dryly.


    ?The golden pig guild shared the information. As far as I know, the dark and light ones have turned our into a battlefield and are now expanding their zone of influence by leaps and bounds. But three things confuse me: why did Zosimos choose such a hopeless area to seize power? And can the age of the participants exceed twenty years? And why were there two beauties with him? Maybe they are participants, and he helps them financially??


    Investigation of the criminal¡¯s identity revealed that his name is Zosimos, and he appeared with two daughters and registered in Dantes 8 months ago.


    A few minutes of discussion passed. However, Kyon spoke mostly, while the zero general behaved as if he had thought it all over and made his conclusions for a long time.


    ?Anyway, I had high hopes for you, but in six months you have not met my expectations. The strategy you chose turned out to be so ineffective that even ¡°The Demon Huntress¡± gave you a head start. You disappointed me a lot, Kyon Stone.?


    Earlier, the head of the department set a condition for the messenger of the goddess: as soon as he destroys thest shadow n, he will receive a promotion and a personal rmendation that will allow him to instantly be a direct disciple of the empress, which means ¨C a key figure in Rosarrio.


    Lovr dejectedly clenched his fists: ?I tried my best, but it wasn¡¯t enough¡­ In any case, you are absolutely right. Theck of results speaks for itself.? ¨C suddenly he rose from his seat in a fit of enthusiasm. ¨C ?But my ambitions for Rosarrio are still there! Mr. Zero General, please give me one more chance to prove that I am worthy to be a representative of the Russells!?


    The man closed his eyes and tried to calm down. Soon he swallowed his saliva and agreed: ?Your emotions are genuine, it¡¯s clearly noticeable. So be it, I will give the messenger of the goddess one more chance, because I cannot help but reciprocate your ardor. Prove your loyalty to your homnd, show everyone that you deserve to be a direct disciple of the empress, having studied in the order.?


    Kyon¡¯s face brightened: ?Study in the order? And that¡¯s all?!? ¨C he was delighted, because he wanted to get into the order because of Juno and her wedding in 4 months. Now there is another good reason.


    A cold smile appeared on the man¡¯s lips: ?The path that an ordinary person will ovee in ten years will take you a month, or even a week. What¡¯s the point in a challenge if for you it is like walking in a park? Your path will have to beplicated!?


    ?How?? ¨C Kyon asked with a foreboding in his heart.


    5 minutes passed.


    The conditions that the 0th general voiced to Lovr arepletely impossible for an ordinary person. In short, he must earn a hell of a lot of ?merit points? and buy the right to pass the main exam with them. The merit points cannot be bought for money, stolen or otherwise obtained dishonestly, they can only be earned by yourself at all kinds ofpetitions, trials, tests, merit in the order and much, much more. A huge 95%mission is imposed on earning points. In addition, he is not given six years for everything, like others, but only a year! But this is only a small part of the conditions.


    Kyon shook his head in disbelief: {He¡¯s mocking me¡­} ¨C the most annoying thing was not even the impracticability of the conditions, but the fact that the head of the department calcted everything in advance up to the conditions. He didn¡¯t like being part of someone¡¯s far-sighted n at all. In addition, it was not possible to understand exactly what purpose the man was pursuing. There was an impression that he knew much more than he was saying.


    ?I¡¯m in.? ¨C Kyon immediately agreed to the offer.


    ?Fine.? ¨C the 0th general smiled coldly. ¨C ?By the way, how did it happen that in six months you developed only two stages??


    ?This question worried me too. Recently I meditated and found out that it turns out that I have an internal conflict with an innate unique body¡­ It stopped my development. The matter is now settled and progress should be back soon.?


    ?Then good luck to you.? ¨C said the man and handed the young man a bracelet containing a powerful protective technique. It is one of the conditions for admission to the order.


    Kyon epted the item and took his leave: ?Have a nice day.?


    When the messenger of the goddess left, the 0th general leaned back in his chair and, smiling, crossed his arms behind his head. There was an overbearing sense of control in his gray eyes, as if he fully understood the motives and actions of the messenger of the goddess. The smile indicated that he started a gambling game with a mouse.


    ¡­


    That evening, a picture of a pot-bellied man appeared on the city screen with the inscription: ¡°Attention, attention! Dantes¡¯ most wanted criminal ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, also known as Zosimos! If you have any information about his location, contact the department immediately! In case of sessful capture, you will receive a reward of five billion spheres!¡±


    The next image showed the beautiful face of a young girl, and the reward for her was the same 5 billion. She was called only the partner of ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, because the nickname should belong to a man, otherwise the citizens would not understand.


    ?So that¡¯s what he looks like!? ¡­ ?Oh great goddess, is he single-handedly leading the megan and terrorizing the entire capital?!? ¡­ ?They give as much as five billion for him! This money is enough to buy booze for a thousand lives!? ¡­ ?I should have be a bounty hunter¡­?


    ?His partner is such a beautiful girl¡­ Where did he find her?? ¡­ ?Stop¡­ This is¡­ This is ¡°The ck Queen¡± from the Iron Throne! The criminal of the century!? ¡­ ?It can¡¯t be!?


    One woman looked at the screen and gaped in shock, as once this unforgettable bald individual received citizenship in her center. He seemed to say he was serious about getting rich by selling pickles! Apparently, this is the codename for ?drugs?. Remembering thest words of the man ¨C ?I bet my business will flourish in Dantes!? ¨C the customs officer staggered and fainted.


    If Kyon registered in Dantes not as an ?active citizen?, but, for example, as an assistant to the dwarfs, as well as his subordinates, who are now teaching at the factory, then Gennady would have catastrophic problems.


    ¡­


    ?It¡­ can¡¯t¡­ be¡­? ¨C the sixth golden brother, one of the seven co-owners of the Golden Pig guild named Gusteau, had a dry mouth, and his toad eyes almost fell out of their sockets. Under this personality he saw the messenger of the goddess during the conclusion of the deal. It turns out that the young man blew up the underground auction not only for the sake of fame and promotion in the department, but also to get rid ofpetitors! All the time he yed on both sides, where Dantes acted as a chessboard! The man was incredibly impressed by this. He underestimated Kyon and vowed to be extremely careful in the future.


    ?Sir, perhaps we should¡­?


    ?Should what? Should we hand over the messenger of the goddess and get a measly five billion? You are cretin! A year or two of cooperation with him will pay off all this! In addition, in the future, he will be our powerful ally, which is absolutely priceless. The only important thing is that now we have a solid trump card up our sleeve. But without apelling need, we won¡¯t reveal it.?


    ¡­


    Elsa studied every line of the man¡¯s face with a steady gaze. After the betrayal of the department, she will no longer engage in heroic activities, but if Dick suddenly turns out to be somehow connected with ¡°The Dark Baron¡±, then let him me himself.


    When the image on the city screen changed and showed the girl¡¯s beautiful face, Elsa immediately turned away, clenching her teeth and fists. She didn¡¯t want to mess with this dangerous person anymore. This bitch is too scary.

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475


    As soon as Kyon returned to the mansion, a real dramatic solo performance appeared before his eyes.


    Le intoned about her unhappy fate in a ringing melodious voice: ?Ah¡­ My father is a regr bandit. He does not watch over me, his beloved daughter at all! I believed him, but it turned out that he was a scoundrel¡­ How to live, what to do, finally tell me!?


    Recently, the girl saw an image of Zosimos in the sky and was amazed to realize that her father was the head of the shadow megan. So that¡¯s what this ¡°secret work¡± was! Moreover, judging by the reaction of her sister, Eve already knew about this and did not say anything!


    They met nces in the hallway, and Le feigned fright, covering her mouth with her palms, then angrily frowned, pounced on the man with shining excitement eyes and twisted his arm, sitting on his back: ?Oh, scoundrel, how dare youe to me?! I¡¯ll hand you over to the guards!?


    ?Oh no, don¡¯t do that, my bunny¡­? ¨C Kyon yed alongzily.


    Eve watched the scene with a slight smile and giggled, covering her mouth with her palm.


    After a minute of exchanging remarks in this ufortable position, Zosimos¡¯ face became noticeably stern, and Le instantly lost any desire to fool around. She let the man go and was indignant: ?How could you tell my sister about this, but not me?! Do you have any idea how upset I am now?!?


    ?Honey, I didn¡¯t tell her anything, and I wouldn¡¯t tell you. She guessed it herself.?


    ?Because I have brains.? ¨C Eve pointedly tapped her finger on her temple.


    ?So what?! I still feel hurt¡­?


    Kyon stroked the pixie on the head, thus sessfully calming her down: ?I have a small task for you. You have to protect me from Arpha if something happens.?


    ?Arpha?!? ¨C the girls screamed in unison and looked at each other stunned.


    Soon, the three approached the entrance to the headquarters of the megan.


    Before opening the cherished door, Kyon told his daughters to wait outside, and he went inside and put a sound barrier behind. In the room, he found his wife gracefully crossing her legs on a chair. With her icy beauty, she, as always, attracted attention to herself. She was still in the same seductive outfit: a knee-length skirt with a slit along the thigh, patterned tights and a jacket. Her hair cascaded down to her chest. Her uncle¡¯s cracked mirror was on her neck. Now the girl was reading a book under the immodest title ¡°How to Educate Your Boy¡±.


    The man and the girl met eyes.


    Kyon¡¯s eyes literally radiated contempt, while Valeera seemed confused and panicked, but quickly hid the book and regained herposure.


    ?Zosimos, where have you been for three days?! I was so worried!? ¨C Weber rushed to her husband¡¯s arms, but before she could aplish her n, she received a p in the face.


    ?Open your eyes! Your Zosimos does not exist and never existed! There is only me ¨C Kyon!? ¨C raising the tone, Lovr said in his original voice.


    Weber¡¯s heart sank painfully. She knew that her stupid act with Kyon would not end well, but she desperately believed that Zosimos would stay with her. Because of Dick, she could not restrain herself and broke down¡­ And now it¡¯s turned into a disaster.


    Valeera touched her cheek. Complex emotions, including hatred, shed on her usually cold, beautiful face. However, the usual tenderness soon returned, coupled with the resentment inherent in a little girl dealing with her father: ?Zosimos, your voice¡­ Have you caught a cold? And why did you p me on the cheek? It hurts me, you know¡­?


    ?Stop acting like a lunatic! You know perfectly well that I created this person for the sessful introduction into the n. At my behest, it can disappear once and for all. So why are you clinging so desperately to something that doesn¡¯t even exist??


    Valeera took a convulsive breath and stared at him with a look wet with tears: ?You don¡¯t understand¡­ My life is full of suffering. Am I to me for clinging to a bright ray of light in imprable darkness? Zosimos is my only light in this cursed life¡­ If you take him away from me, then I won¡¯t forgive you.?


    Every word of the girl annoyed Kyon more and more: ?You won¡¯t forgive me for what? For being a person who has feelings and pride? What makes you think I owe you anything at all when you treat the real me like a scapegoat? I¡¯m not your toy!? ¨C he uttered thest sentence in the voice of Zosimos.


    Valeera trembled, as if she really heard the voice of her father angry at her.


    ?I¡¯m not going to put up with you like that anymore. Until you change your attitude towards Kyon, until you fulfill a number of conditions, you will develop the n alone.?


    Weber¡¯s heart was bleeding. Now she felt as if she had cheated on her beloved man, and now she was being mercilessly left. With a tremor in her voice, the girl could not resist asking: ?What¡­ conditions??


    ?The first one: you will continue to send me half of the n¡¯s profits even though I retired. The second one: every day before going to bed and after getting up, you will remember the bright moments with Zosimos for half an hour, but instead of your beloved old man, imagine me, that is, Kyon, no matter how difficult it may seem to you. The third one: every day you will send me letters in which you will tell me how you feel and how things are going in the n. Naturally, I will not answer them. Be sincere, because I will immediately recognize falsehood. I will ept any messages, no matter how poisonous they are and no matter how much hatred they contain. The main thing is, address them to Kyon, not Zosimos, otherwise my assistant will burn them before I can read them.?


    ?If you responsibly approach the fulfillment of the first two conditions, sooner orter the personalities of Zosimos and Kyon should merge together in your subconscious. As soon as this happens, I will understand it from the content of your letters and will give you another chance. If you use it, then we will live as happily as you lived with your beloved husband. I will help you ovee difficulties, because you are my woman. I will be a new light and illuminate your gloomy life. Otherwise¡­ we aren¡¯t right for each other.?


    As soon as Kyon turned away and took two steps, he heard his wife¡¯s trembling voice.


    ?I will not let you go¡­ You will not go anywhere!? ¨C Valeera rushed to the man, when she suddenly felt the immensely heavy pressure that fell on her. The girl could hardly stay on her feet. Fear hit her in the head. No way¡­ Did the empress find her?! But when she looked up, she was stunned to find two beautiful girls entered the room: the daughters of Zosimos.


    Weber could not believe what was happening. She felt like a smallke next to two boundless oceans. Where did Kyon find two such powerfulpanions?! They are at least sovereign phasers, if not overlord phasers!


    ?Dad, may I hit her once? I really want to!? ¨C Le begged, crunching her fingers.


    ?Honey, you may not. She is your stepmother.?


    ?So, are you leaving her?? ¨C Eve asked, unable to hide the joy in her voice.


    ?Yes, I am. But she still has a chance to make amends.? ¨C Kyon exined.


    ?And what is her fault??


    ?I¡¯m sure she¡¯s a cheater! It serves her right!? ¨C Le grinned maliciously.


    ?No¡­ It¡¯s much moreplicated.? ¨C Kyon looked at his wife expressively.


    Now Valeera felt all her worthlessness: she dreams of destroying the Russells, strives for her goal with all her soul, tries her best, not sparing herself, but for Kyon, all this is just a matter of one order! He¡¯s on apletely different level of reality control. His wife¡¯s hatred is just a trifle for him. And recently, she foolishly insulted the young man¡­ A lump formed in her throat from regret.


    Kyon took off his ck wedding ring and threw it at the girl¡¯s feet: ?I will take it back and put it back on only if you fulfill all three conditions and eventually change. If you fail to do this, or you don¡¯t want to change anything at all, preferring to stay alone, then goodbye.? ¨C having finished, he turned around and confidently headed for the exit. Of course, it hurts him to leave, but still this is only a temporary measure. He was sure of it. Ignoring a woman is the strongest weapon and educational measure.


    ?W-wait¡­ Zosimos, please¡­ I love you¡­? ¨C tears welled up in Weber¡¯s eyes while she begged her beloved one to stay, but he was firm in his intentions.


    When the man left, Valeera carefully lifted the wedding ring from the floor and pressed it to her chest with trembling hands. The pain was as if a part of the soul had been torn off. Zosimos, who drives the girl crazy, whom he immensely respects and loves, leaves her¡­ forever.


    ¡­


    ?My great master, please tell me why you forbid me to attack him? I¡¯m hungry for revenge!? ¨C Dina turned to the goddess with immense respect in her voice.


    A majestic voice came out of nowhere: ?There is no better stimulus for development than burning hatred. Pay attention to the pace of development of Valeera: they are almost equal to yours. If she had not been motivated by hatred for the Russells and Kyon, then even with all her advantages, she would have turned into an ordinary talented practitioner, but no more. It is the same with you. By killing the young man, you will lose the weighty purpose of your life, which means your progress will suffer. Therefore, in theing year, forget about taking revenge and focus on yourself, otherwise the sworn enemy will overtake you.?


    ?Thank you for the guidance, great master.? ¨C Dina bowed to the heavenly person, although she had not seen her for a long time. The former maid still could not understand why the master allowed her to fight and almost kill Kyon in Cernos. Is it possible that she foresaw the victory of the hated youth?..


    (Author¡¯s note. so the 5th arc hase to an end. I am very grateful for the financial support and activity in thements and in discord! Both significantly motivate me to keep writing and improve my writing skills.


    As you have already understood, the order ¨C the best school of the empire ¨C will be the scene of the 6th arc. The following storylines await you: Juno and Roma, Elsa and Rosa, some demons and the Russells, as well as dark and light ones. Despite the fact that the arc is about studying at school, it can hardly bepared with the 4th one. It will be much better. Although the very idea of ¡°collecting merit points¡± does not sound like something vital, I promise that it is a link to the big events in the following arcs. I also guarantee a huge portion of humor, not based on the appearance of Dick, as it was in Cernos.


    The main plot points are already nned, but I have 300+ notes, and all of them need to be sorted andbined. In general, there will be no new chapters for 2-3 weeks. Break.


    P.S. all the information you are interested in about the world of the book, see the Glossary. With each arch, it is supplemented with new information.


    P.P.S. and I remind you that we have a discord channel where you can find discussions of chapters and theories, our chat, fan art, adult content, news from the author and conferences also from me. Join us! https://discord.gg/nhZdewQ


    P.P.P.S. in the voting ¡°Who do you like more: Eve or Le?¡± Eve won with 30% more votes than her rival: 94 to 72. Another vote about Valeera is also starting. Don¡¯t bezy, go and vote.)

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476


    The Demon Empire. The Pce of the supreme subi, demons of lust and fornication.


    A girl came out of the training hall, she was immediately met by an irresistibly attractive woman with a majestic look.


    ?Ts-ts-ts, that won¡¯t do. Even the skin of an infernal is unable to withstand the passion of my niece! How about training naked?? ¨C the big-breasted winged demoness said to her youngpanion with a seductive smile.


    ?It is not appropriate for a future empress to dance naked in the cers of the castle.? ¨C princess Kara Tristan coldly objected, without slowing down. Patches of maroon skin of some beast smoldered and smoked on the beautiful incarnation of the phoenix. They hardly concealed the sultry body of the charming person. Now any man would have lost hisposure from this amazing sight.


    ?We are close rtives, we must trust each other! Your cold attitude hurts my sinful heart¡­? ¨C the matriarch of the great demon family said with resentment.


    ?I trust you, auntie Giselle Ruru, but I¡¯m already fed up with your cold snake Astarte! What if she records my workout to ckmail meter? I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s up to this time¡­ You will earn yourself a couple of points in my eyes if you put her on a chain.? ¨C Kara looked expressively at the subus. Her crystal clear crimson phoenix eyes could set a soul on fire.


    ?Astarte knows about our agreement and will never break it. In important matters she is serious, but in everything else¡­ You know that yourself. Think of her antics as the fun of a bad girl, and then she will quickly lose interest in you.?


    ?Easy to say¡­?


    ?Oh, I see you¡¯ve be even stronger? Your progress is incredibly rapid! After all, you are the most gifted demon in thest thousand years. This was to be expected from the first princess who awakened the body of ¡°The Divine Phoenix¡±!?


    ?Thanks for the resources provided, aunt. Without them, I would not have been able to develop so quickly.? ¨C Kara bowed respectfully to the matriarch. Despite her arrogant disposition, over the past year, the girl has learned to respect those who deserve it.


    ?Come on¡­ It¡¯s okay to help out rtives in a difficult moment.?


    ?And thank you so much for helping me raise my child¡­ I don¡¯t know what I would have done without you, Giselle Ruru.? ¨C with even more respect and gratitude in her voice, the princess bowed to the woman even lower.


    ?I¡¯m d to help my runaway niece¡­ By the way!? ¨C suddenly the subus happily pped her hands. ¨C ?Theing-of-age ceremony will be soon!?


    Kara knew that lust demons have aing-of-age ceremony every 5 years: subi from 15 to 19 years hunt their first man, after that they officially enter adulthood. The future authority of the girl depends on the quality of the prey, and sinceing empty-handed is tantamount to shame, desperate demonesses often hunt for months or until they are killed by representatives of hostile peoples.


    ?I¡¯ve never understood how you can look for a man by smell¡­ To give some stranger your innocence and use him, or even get pregnant from him¡­ Br-r-r.?


    Giselle smiled knowingly and instructively exined: ?My birdie, do not judge all subi by your standards. You should know that we cannot have men in our family. In an equal rtionship like a traditional marriage, if girls are born, then only half of them will be subi. With this approach, we would have died out long ago. We have to use men to be more likely to give birth to a subus and continue our lineage. We do not feel moral anguish about this, because these are our traditions from time immemorial. As for the use¡­? ¨C the matriarch smiled mysteriously. ¨C ?This is the strength of our lineage. Therefore, we, Ruru, take the third rank among the great families of the demonic empire.?


    ?I understand everything¡­ We all carry our curse.? ¨C Kara agreed.


    ?How about taking part in choosing the hunting zone??


    The princess¡¯s thin eyebrows rose at the sudden suggestion.


    An hourter, 11 women and 2 girls gathered at arge round table: 10 Ruru elders, the matriarch, her daughter and the princess. All those present were distinguished by a strikingly attractive appearance, the beauty of which went beyond any limits ofmon sense. Kara Tristan and Astarte Ruru stood out in particr. The picturesque wings of thetter resembled a work of art. Her horns curved back spectacrly. A long thin tail with a heart at the tip stretched from the tailbone. The subus wore such clothes in which any self-respecting woman would never go out: a leather bra with a cutout that barely restrains the massive bust falling out of it, also opening up a view of a thin tummy with aesthetically pleasing abs; sexy underwear and high boots-stockings to the very thighs; on graceful hands ¨C mittens almost to the elbow, a bracelet on the biceps, a ne on the neck, earrings in the ears, and hairpins in thick maroon hair falling to the shoulders ¨C all the jewelry is clearly from one set. Everything was in maroon tones to match the color of the wings, which perfectlybined with light reddish delicate skin and transformed the already seductive demoness into an insidious goddess of lust and debauchery, a mistress that any man can dream of.


    ?Mother, exin to this silly girl why we are gathered here!? ¨C Astarte asked with a disarming smile, pointing at herself with a finger with a long nail.


    ?Today we will choose the area for theing of age ceremony.?


    ?How unexpected¡­? ¨C the subus said in a deliberately calm tone. ¨C ?But tell me, what does a fiery chick do at such an important event?? ¨C she turned her golden gaze to the princess.


    ?If you call me that again, I¡¯ll burn your tail.? ¨C Kara warned unkindly, incinerating her ¡°beloved friend¡± with fiery crimson eyes.


    ?Oh, I¡¯m sorry, my tongue is so agile that I don¡¯t have time to watch it¡­? ¨C she stuck out a long tongue with a pointed tip, like an arrowhead.


    ?I¡¯ll burn your tongue too.? ¨C the princess added in a menacing tone and created a bundle of crimson me on her finger. The temperature in the room rose sharply by 10 degrees.


    ?Girls, stop swearing.? ¨C Giselle intervened. ¨C ?The reason why princess Kara is present at the meeting is the choice of a hunting area.?


    ?What?!? ¨C Astarte jumped up from her chair with a stunned look. ¨C ?Why do not I roll the dice, but she?! Am I not honored to choose the ce for the ceremony?!?


    The ten female elders were equally outraged: ?Dear matriarch, are you serious now?!? ¡­ ?Do you really want to entrust such a responsible choice to the demon who does not even bear the surname Ruru?!? ¡­ ?Does anyone have the right to hold ancient dice, except for supreme subi?! This is sacrilege!? ¡­ ?Your daughter has been waiting for the opportunity to roll the dice for five years! She deserves it more than anyone else!?


    Giselle calmly responded to all the reproaches: ?Your indignation is fully justified, but the decision here is made by me. Do you want to know how it is justified? Well, everything is simple. What kind of luck do you think you need to have to awaken the body of ¡°The Divine Phoenix¡±? Monstrous luck! If princess Kara rolls the dice, then I am sure that our young generation will have great prosperity. Especially you, my little Astra.?


    The subus gritted her teeth, but quickly realized that her mother was pursuing another goal, more important than previously announced: {You just want to establish a connection with the future empress of demons! Yes, you are calcting, but sometimes you make huge mistakes¡­}


    ?Since there are no more objections, let¡¯s get started.? ¨C Giselle took out a box, from which an ancient aura emanated, and opened it in front of the daughter of the current demon emperor.


    Kara took 4 white dice made of bone, possibly even a dragon, in her palm. They seemed to have survived many eras. Strange symbols were carved on every face.


    ?Pour pure energy into the dice and drop them on the table.? ¨C the matriarch asked.


    Kara looked at the round table with the map of the depicted on it and rolled the dice. At first, they scattered chaotically on the table, but then the symbols on them shone with a crimson light. Some invisible force changed their location, as if the dice were maized.


    ?No¡­ You¡¯re kidding!? ¨C seeing the result, Astarte pped her forehead with her tail.


    The elders sighed exasperatedly. The matriarch frowned.


    ?What¡¯s the matter?? ¨C Kara asked, puzzled.


    The symbols on the faces looking up spoke of the date of theing-of-age ceremony, and the point at which all 4 dice intersected would be the hunting zone. The dice should not be thrown more often than once every 5 years, so this choice is final.


    ?Rosarrio¡­ Theing-of-age ceremony will take ce in four months in Rosarrio, near the border.? ¨C Giselle said dryly, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.


    The elders whispered dejectedly. The dice have never chosen an empire below the 5th rank in thest 600 years. Today, it wasn¡¯t Ruru who threw them, and they fell to the empire of the 6th rank! It turns out that their sisters will begin their growing up with weak men.


    Astarte grabbed the horns and spat out with contempt: ?The empire of the sixth rank, where only weaklings and ipetents live¡­ Did you talk about this luck, Mother?! Agrh¡­ My first vessel will be an extraordinary nonentity!?


    ?Rosarrio¡­? ¨C Kara muttered, remembering her sworn enemy, her father, who lived there. Something told her that the dice had chosen Rosario for a reason¡­


    (Author¡¯s note. this is what Astarte looks like: https://ibb.co/MR2q5X1 )

 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477


    A white-haired horse with a fat, ugly young man in the saddle was approaching the best school in the empire ¨C the order funded and supported by the government. Not only Elsa and Juno study there, but also the future deceased Rose and Roman.


    The territory of the order is more than ten timesrger than Cernos. It is fenced with five-meter walls and divided into three zones: external, internal and central, strictly separated from each other. They can bepared to elementary, middle and high school. 5000 students study in the external zone, 1500 ¨C in the internal zone and 500 ¨C in the central zone. As a rule, in 99% of cases, students start learning from the external zone. Within six years, they need to earn merit points, pass exams and open their way to a new zone. The higher the zone in which the student has passed the final exam, the more roads will be open to him in Rosarrio. However, only 10% of students manage to enter the central zone, and only every tenth of them sessfully passes the final exam.


    Since Kyon was given 1 year for everything, the zero general allowed him to start training immediately from the central zone, but in the next month he will have to pay not only for living in a house for a year in advance, but also for training. He hasn¡¯t started yet, but he¡¯s already in debt.


    Kyon remembered the words of the zero general: ¡°You will study in the guise of Dick¡±. He could not decide how to treat such a condition. Initially, he nned to study in the guise of Lovr, whom no one except Juno knows (it¡¯s useless to hide from the girl anyway, because there is a spiritual connection between them). On the other hand, the personality of the fat man has an impressive passive skill ¡°+100% to the earnings of darkness¡±. And this is usually tight.


    However, this condition looks insignificant against the background of the others: a 95% penalty for earning ¡°merit points¡±! This means that any achievement of Kyon will be divided by 20. Have youpleted twenty tasks? Get points only for one! Have you passed 20 exams perfectly? I see only one exam here! Have you bet 1000 points with a student and won? Get a measly 50 points, you jerk! Or lose, as in 20 winning arguments!


    Kyon has only one task ¨C to pass the final exam, as a result of which he will be a direct disciple of the empress and a representative of Rosarrio in general. However, ess to the main exam is closed until he passes the test in the rest of the subjects perfectly. But this is a trifle. The important thing is that the very attempt to pass the final exam costs not 100 thousand points, like others, but a million points! Ten times more expensive! And for the whole process he is given not 6 years, but 1 year. It turns out that the task wasplicated for the messenger of the goddess by more than 1200 times rtive to other students!


    But that¡¯s not all. Lovr is not allowed to take part in duels, but this is the main way to redistribute resources among students. It is also forbidden to buy points for money, however, no one has such an opportunity. Naturally, it is also strictly prohibited to engage in extortion or any other simr methods. No loopholes. At the same time ¡°merit points¡± are the only currency in the order.


    However, Kyon received a bracelet with a powerful protective technique from the zero general.


    ¡­


    A littleter, Kyon showed the formation at the checkpoint, and he was immediately escorted into the hall for registering new students and imposed the formation of a student of the order of ?the central zone?. He was given the address of the house where he would live for the next year, and assigned an escort: a young boy. The whole procedure went so quickly and simply that it was hard to believe. No entrance tests, nopetition and no hate from others. It¡¯s like he¡¯s been studying here for a long time. Here it is, the force of authority.


    On the way to his new home, Lovr decided to gather information: ?Erema, how about telling me about the order for a modest fee of one hundred thousand spheres?? ¨C he asked, holding out the ring.


    The young guy checked the ring and opened his mouth in amazement. The hidden contempt on his face was quickly reced by delight: ?Sir, I will dly tell you everything!?


    ?Fine. First, tell me what is the fastest way to earn points??


    From Erema¡¯s exnations, Kyon found out that the most profitable way is to pass ¡°the test pavilion¡±. It opens once a week. Anyone who wants to earn points passes mini-exams, where the role of the examiner is performed by a formation that asks multiple-choice questions. The more correct answers a student can give in the allotted time, the higher position he will take in the table of records, and the more points he will get.


    The second way to earn points quickly is to conduct duels (which are forbidden to him), bets and deals. All this is officially controlled, so it¡¯s not so easy to evade payment in case of defeat. It sounds promising.


    All other options looked rather weak against the background of the first two.


    ?I see. Are there any other events besides ¡°the test pavilion¡±??


    ?Yes, sir. Once a year, a tournament is held for the students of the central zone. There are four months left until the next one. The rules are constantly changing, but they always give a lot of points for the first ces. In addition, the participants who are in the top thirty will have the right to fight with each other, and the four leaders will be epted by the empress as junior disciples!?


    ?Hmmm¡­? ¨C Kyon chuckled thoughtfully. From the lips of the boy, ¡°the empress¡¯s junior disciple¡± sounds as if he is talking about the winners in life, about the great masters. It is clear that such people have a high weight in the empire. As for the older students, they are absolutely amazing personalities like Stein and Asagi. However, the zero general offered Lovr to be a direct disciple! The first in history. It will be beneficial to be such a weighty and unprecedented person with almost limitless possibilities.


    ?I see. And what can you tell about the local inhabitants??


    Erema enthusiastically told the fat man about the most popr persons of the order. He started with the director. It turns out that the authoritative personality of the head of the school is covered with a veil of secrets. Few people have heard his name or seen his face. It may seem that the order does not have a director at all, but there is someone who makes decisions about some issues.


    Then he told about famous teachers and masters, among whom Kyon liked only the master of formacy, Julius Russell, who also holds a high position in his profession in the government, and the master of alchemy, Feng Russell, who is almost as influential as Albert Clinton.


    Then the young man talked about the students. The first, as expected, was the name of Rose: the son of the patriarch Monty Valentine (1). The pride of the order and the most popr guy among girls: handsome and elegant, like a flower of the same name, noble and polite, studies well, and also has a huge talent. If he had been born 5 years earlier, he would have already overtaken his older brother Stein and would have be a patriarch in the future. And the personality of his girlfriend corresponds to his position.


    Speaking of Elsa, as expected, she is the brightest star in the order, almost a living embodiment of the goddess: an indescribable beauty and an excellent student, an all-round genius, an example to follow and admiration of students and even teachers. She is the best formacist and alchemist after the masters Julius and Feng. Besides, she is also a powerful fortune teller. Her reputation is spotless, except for one thing¡­


    Then Erema reluctantly told about Roman ¨C the son of patriarch Horace Clinton. He¡¯s such a bully. He looks like a bully, and behaves like a bully, in addition, he is also damn talented. No one wants to mess with him, because at the slightest sign of an insult, he can beat almost any student to death without consequences.


    ?Everyone despises the scoundrel especially for the fact that he bought a wedding with Lady Juno for Tokens! In four months, she will officially be his wife. He could not win the heart of the goddess by his own efforts, so he resorted to a vile method! How low! He took advantage of his father¡¯s influence!? ¨C the young man muttered through clenched teeth with special hatred.


    When Erema mentioned the little devil, the reason for his hatred of Roman became obvious: he is a fan of the girl! As it turned out, the two Stone sisters have their own fan base, as Kara once had in Cernos, even though they are both already actually engaged. Although Juno arrived only a year ago, the number of her fans is not inferior to those of Elsa. The reason is not only in the unearthly beauty of the angel and not in her huge talent for development, but in the amazing way she earns money.


    When Kyon heard the answer, a smile yed on his lips: {So is this how you feed your ¡°Divine lotus of development¡± in your soul? Which I will soon rip off¡­ Not bad.}


    ?There are three more students worth mentioning: Timothy, Clementine, and Seraphim. They appeared in the order a little more than six months ago and immediately entered the central zone without even passing the exams. Obviously they are supported by the Russells. If the rumors are true, then they are exchange students from Saturn, but even so this does not exin their monstrous talent!?


    {Dark and light ones!} ¨C Kyon guessed right away.


    ?Two girls, by the way, are twins, and besides, sworn enemies. They say that the patriarch Asagi Hunter is interested in them (3)! It¡¯s better not to stand in their way.?


    {It is clear that Asagi wants to enlist support for the future.} ¨C Lovr suggested.


    Erema could not say anything useful anymore. All this time they were walking along a gravel path, but they did not meet anyone. As it turned out, everyone was in ss at the time. Small two-storey houses simr to each other were scattered throughout the territory of the central zone. They had angr roofs, like cottages, and were surrounded by a fence. As the attendant exined, not only students, but also teachers live in them. Each house has its own protective measures. You can hire guards and servants if you have ¡°merit points¡±. In the very center of the territory there is a wonderful park with flowers, statues, ake with wildlife and reading benches. In the distance, a boulder as huge as a rock could be seen, not far from it was a white building with columns in the Greek style: the test pavilion. On the opposite side was a three-story rectangr school building, where free lectures and exams are held. Right now everyone is there. It is worth noting that each zone of the order has its own school and attractions.


    ?Here is your house at number three hundred thirty-three. Good luck.? ¨C Erema left with a bow.


    Kyon went to the door in the fence and applied the formation to the circle. The protective formation formed a temporary gap, and the door swung open. The neer got inside. After a short inspection, only two words came to mind:fortable and cozy! There are two rooms in the basement: a training room and one for experiments, apparently in alchemy and formacy.


    Comfort isfort, but the primary goal of Lovr in the order is to earn ¡°merit points¡±. He needs to earn more than 1 million, or to be more precise, 20 times more, since 95% burn out upon admission. Only 20 million. Any student from such a number would immediately exim ¨C ¡°it is absolutely impossible!¡±


    As soon as Kyon sketched out the first points of the action n, there was a ringing outside. The lectures ended. And a minuteter, the screams of the students were heard.


    ?The great Master Zheng has arrived from Saturn! He wants to meet Lady Juno!? ¡­ ?Master Zheng?! The fourth legendary master?!? ¡­ ?It can¡¯t be! Isn¡¯t there too much honor for some girl?!? ¡­ ?Some girl?! Come here, you bastard, I¡¯ll show you who the girl is here¡­?


    Kyon raised an eyebrow in amazement: ?Is Master Zheng interested in Juno? It will be interesting!? ¨C with a slight smile, he left the house and went to the ce where all the students of the central zone of the order flock. He was going not only to enjoy the spectacle, but also to explore the situation, as well as to see firsthand how his ?investment? earns money for itself, thereby bing an even more valuable ?investment?.

 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478


    Kyon activated invisibility and blended in with the crowd of students. Soon he saw a gray-haired old man in a master¡¯s robe walking somewhere ahead. His arms, barely visible behind the wide sleeves of his robe, were impressively crossed behind his back. His steps seemed lighter than air, as if he was floating on the ground. The aura emanating from Zheng shook the soul, as if someone great hade to the order.


    A handsome young man with short brown hair about 15 years old walked next to the old man with his chin proudly raised. He wore a training kimono of the purest white color and looked as if he was a dragon who hade to the territory of martens.


    Two middle-aged bodyguards followed a little behind the couple.


    ?I can¡¯t believe it, this is Archmaster Zheng! The fourth legendary master! He is one of ten people on the capable of fighting at the level of six battle fists! He will defeat any grand master as easily as a professional fighter will defeat an amateur!?


    ?And who is walking next to him? Is this his disciple?? ¡­ ?As far as I remember, his name is XiaoXiao Walder (0). He seems to be the son of one of the elders! The elite among the elites¡­ No wonder Master Zheng is his teacher.?


    ?Damn it, do you feel it too? The young man looks about fifteen years old, but he already has the emanations of the imperial phaser at the beginning stage! So that¡¯s how powerful the Walders are?! This is crazy!? ¡­ ?For your information, he is also a grand master!?


    The students of the order felt bad. Even their best representatives ¨C Rose and Elsa, who are a little under 20 years old, are inferior to XiaoXiao in development. Now it is clear why the young man looks so arrogant.


    The truth is that XiaoXiao is not nearly as talented as Rose and Elsa, but due to the excessive wealth of his parents, a different impression is formed.


    Kyon followed Master Zheng with a group of students until they approached a huge boulder 30 meters high and 200 meters wide and long, in the center of which there was a crevice only two meters wide ¨C the only entrance leading to the arena.


    Lovr overheard that earlier the arena carved inside the boulder was publicly essible and was considered the most prestigious ce for duels in the order: sometimes it was necessary to take a ce in the queue for a week in advance, but six months ago it was privatized by Juno. No one knows how exactly the girl managed to do this, but the school administration did not ept anyints and objections. Since then, Lady Stone spends every half day in battles with students, thereby earning herself money and points.


    Two of Juno¡¯s guards stood by the gorge. They respectfully bowed to the old man and the young man who approached and let them in, as well as all the other spectators.


    ?How archaic and primitive¡­? ¨C Xiaoxiao said as he made his way through the crevice. ¨C ?But I like it! I¡¯m looking forward to the uing duel no less than my birthday.?


    Master Zheng smiled and pointedly remained silent.


    The whole empire of Rosarrio for two noble guests was no different from the vige. They felt like guests who came to visit vige fools to show them how people live in a big and advanced city.


    Following them, jostling with each other, a crowd of students slowly squeezed through the crevice. Finally, they arrived at the site of the duel. The atmosphere changed dramatically, as if they were all in another world. A spacious open ce appeared to the eyes of the audience, in the center of which a stone round tform, made of some particrly strong rock, towered a couple of meters above the ground.


    As soon as Kyon got inside, he noticed the abnormal behavior of the students: they all froze in amazement for several seconds, or even longer, looking at the center of the arena. Even XiaoXiao, who had previously shownplete indifference to others, opened his mouth dumbfounded, looking like aplete idiot now. And even the great master Zheng lost his serene calm for a second, but quickly regained control and cleared his throat. Juno was obviously the reason for this behavior. She was standing in the center of the arena with her arms crossed over her chest.


    When Kyon looked at his ?investment? his heart shuddered, and the monobrow arched in amazement: {Wow¡­} ¨C he did not expect at all that the attractiveness of the girl could increase so dizzily. Her facial features took on a more perfect look, which made it difficult even for him, who had been living with Eve and Le for a long time, to look away. If he were that Kyon who just got to the Stone estate, he would bepletely lost. Is it really all about ¡°The Divine Lotus of Development¡±, which has the property of making the owner more beautiful? It doesn¡¯t make sense! There were no dramatic changes in facial features. Yes, she has be a little more mature and feminine, but this is not enough to give the impression that now she is more than 10 times more beautiful than before!


    Lovr realized long ago that some kind of devilry is going on with the concept of beauty in this world. The ten-point scale does not work here. The physique is just a front, and only the soul can understand the deep meaning. And indeed, the eyes are the mirror of the soul. The eyes see the shell, and the soul sees the inside. It shows the beauty of what is hidden behind the shell, and sometimes it was confusing for an alien who was not used to such an approach.


    Now Juno embodied the phrase ?all charm?. Lush eyshes and thin eyebrows, a small nose and lips, and clear emerald eyes, like two charming wonders of the world¡­ The words ¡°iparable beauty¡± could describe only a fraction of her attractiveness. She seemed so delightfully sweet and irresistibly beautiful that all the other beautiful girls seemed like faded shadows next to her. An unprepared person will cry, as if he tried to look at the sun. Now calling her an angel would be sacrilege. She¡¯s something more¡­ Something higher. The Goddess of charm!


    At the same time, the girl¡¯s appearance remained pure and innocent. No one had dirty thoughts, as in the case of Kara, only if you are not a vicious person who loves to ruin the beautiful.


    In the 20 months since theirst meeting, Juno has grown a little. Her body has acquired more feminine curves, although there were no problems with this before. But the breasts have grown quite a bit. It seems that she is not destined to have a size 3 and surpass her sister.


    The girl wore a ck sports uniform: shoes with thick soles, tight pants like leggings and a tight T-shirt that hugged a thin waist and was held on delicate shoulders by two thin straps. She casually threw on a sweater.


    ?How good she is¡­ God, I have never seen anyone more beautiful¡­? ¨C even the pretty students couldn¡¯t resist admiring Juno when they looked at her. They didn¡¯t feel envious because Stone was on apletely different level. It makes no sense to envy the cloud, being a swamp toad.


    ?Elsa is still better¡­? ¨C someone quietly muttered from behind.


    ?Why¡­ Why will Roman get her? Oh goddess, tell me, why is there such injustice in this fallen world?! You have to put things in order here, I beg you!?


    Meanwhile, Roman was literally beaming with pride in himself and his future wife.


    Rose was standing next to him, but his girlfriend, it seems, did note.


    Lovr suddenly smiled, having guessed something: {No, she¡¯s here, just hiding in invisibility.}


    The only stain on Elsa¡¯s reputation is ignoring the calls of her sister, who wants to fight her in a duel for the skill of fighting, and not for the general level of strength. Every day the servants try to reach her, but she ignores everyone, and recently the fans themselves have begun to protect the favorite from annoying messengers.


    The fact that Elsa does not ept her sister¡¯s challenges is the main reason to despise her and love Juno. The first ones scoff that she is simply afraid of losing, that¡¯s why their favorite is better; the others object that Elsa does not challenge her sister to the mastery of alchemy and formacy; to which the first ones retort that the mastery ofbat is a universal necessary art, whereas it is not necessary to be an alchemist and formacist; to this, the others shout that Elsa is much stronger in the totality of her skills, and this is the most important thing, and no matter how well Juno fights, she will still lose; the first ones dere with a grin that Juno is much more talented, which means that sooner orter she will catch up with her sister¡­


    In general, the fans of the girls often arrange a scuffle with a showdown. Fortunately, there are no more than 50 of them on each side, otherwise the order would have plunged into chaos.


    But no one dared to deny one thing: Juno¡¯s art of fighting was unsurpassed. She can¡¯t possibly have less than 5 fighting fists. She must be a grandmaster.


    Meanwhile, XiaoXiao regained some of hisposure and closed his mouth, no longer looking like an idiot. He tried to give himself his former proud and exalted look, but from the presence of the beauty in the arena, his image immediately copsed. Nothing worked.


    One of the bodyguards stepped forward and, amplifying his voice with pure energy, introduced his masters: ?This is the great master Zheng Walder, nicknamed ¡°The Dragon of the West¡±! The fourth most skillful man in all seven human empires! The member of the august Walder family of the second rank! The one who defeated¡­?


    While the bodyguard introduced his master for a minute, the disciples of the order marveled.


    The guard did not stop: ?He arrived together with his disciple, nicknamed ¡°The Young Dragon of the West¡±! The name of the great master is XiaoXiao Walder! The only son of Elder Aldor Walder! Genius among geniuses, winner among winners¡­?


    XiaoXiao puffed out his chest swaggeringly while the bodyguard listed his titles to these insignificant fellows from Rosarrio, however, the blonde beauty did not seem at all impressed by what she heard, as if she had been told about the exploits of a street cat. This behavior of hers hurt the young man, but he, however, did not show it.


    When the speech came to an end, Master Zheng stepped forward with a smile: ?The noble gentlemen from Saturn are standing in front of you, aren¡¯t you going to show even formal respect, young people??


    ?Wee Master Zheng!? ¡­ ?Glory and greatness to the great master Zheng!? ¡­ ?Hello, Mr. Xiaoxiao and Mr. Zheng! We are d to see you in our school!? ¨C almost all the students immediately greeted the important guests, bowing to them.


    Juno folded her palms and bowed respectfully too.


    XiaoXiao gave the mentor a mental message.


    The old man nodded slightly and said: ?Young student, introduce yourself, please.?


    ?Juno Stone, sir.? ¨C she replied in a clear melodious voice.


    ?So, Juno, you are ¡°The Ruthless Angel of the Stones¡±, am I right??


    ?It¡¯s true.? ¨C she nodded.


    ?Fine. Rumors of yourbat prowess have even reached Saturn. None of the great masters took them seriously, and even I doubted. However, over the many years spent in this world, the old man realized that miracles happen all the time. Even if the chance of truthfulness of rumor is negligible, why not try? Where there¡¯s a will there¡¯s a way! I came to Rosarrio to teach my student something new through the battle with ¡°The Battle Angel of the Stones¡±. Or at least I would like my student to try. Are you ready to reveal all your skills and teach my student a lesson in martial arts??


    ?With pleasure.? ¨C Juno smiled dazzlingly. ¨C ?It will cost you a hundred thousand spheres.?


    The disciples of the order gasped in shock. The girl¡¯s fans¡¯ hearts froze.


    XiaoXiao swayed as if he had been pped. Does she want to take payment for a duel with him? Who does she think she is?! Her demand is extremely insulting and arrogant, as if she values neither him, nor the master Zheng!


    The polite smile left the old man¡¯s face, reced by icyposure: ?Young Miss, is this how you treat distinguished guests? First you gave us a bow from the height of the tform without descending, and now you demand money for a duel with my gifted student? Don¡¯t you think too highly of yourself??


    ?Ho-oh-oh?!? ¨C said Juno indignantly, putting her hands on her hips and sticking out her neat chest. ¨C ?Master Zheng, you sent me a message that you would arrive in a month, and in the end you arrived two weeks earlier, without even warning me! And now, suddenly showing up at my ce, you demand to be treated with respect? Do all Walders think so highly of themselves that theypletely ignore the rest??


    {Holy angels, somebody shut her mouth!} ¡­ {This girl is too reckless!} ¡­ {She¡¯s got a big mouth! Who taught her that?!} ¨C mentally, the students begged the girl to stop arguing with important guests, otherwise she would have problemster.


    The girl¡¯s sarcastic words surprised the great master and especially his disciple. For more than a hundred years the old man had not met people who dared to object to him so fearlessly. Moreover, thedy¡¯s words stabbed into the vulnerable ces of the victim like sharp daggers. Admirable courage.


    ?As for the hundred thousand spheres¡­? ¨C Juno suddenly bowed her head slightly. ¨C ?You misunderstood me. This is not a payment, but a bet that I will take if I win. This is my condition, which I put to everyone who wants to fight with me.?


    The students agreed and nodded, just to smooth over the situation.


    Master Zheng¡¯s expression softened, but suddenly Xiaoxiao spoke up:


    ?Miss Juno, I don¡¯t mind making a bet, but what is a hundred thousand? For us, the Walders, this is not even enough to go to a restaurant¡­ To make the uing fight really interesting, I suggest raising the stakes!?


    ?Mmm, good suggestion! But how much do you mean? You see, I¡¯m not as rich as the Walders, but I really need money! Really, really! I want to buy an expensive transformation medicine, so I¡¯m ready to ept any bet!? ¨C Juno chattered with genuine enthusiasm.


    ?Any bet? And what should we do if you lose and can¡¯t pay for it??


    Juno suddenly looked away in embarrassment, and, excitedly intecing her fingers in the area of her stomach and turning slightly crimson, said softly: ?I¡¯ll figure out how to pay¡­?


    The hearts of several hundred spectators beat faster.


    Roman resembled a volcano before the eruption.


    Kyon could barely contain hisughter.


    Zheng frowned suspiciously.


    XiaoXiao swallowed involuntarily, almost choking. I¡¯ll figure out how to pay? It sounds too ambiguous! The night had not yete, but obscene fantasies were already appearing.


    ?So be it.? ¨C young Walder agreed with an imperturbable look, barely restraining a sly smile. Everything went ording to n. If he makes a sufficiently high bet, which the beauty will not be able to pay, then when he ovees her, he will be able to demand payment in another way, the one that he will definitely like. He¡¯s a fucking genius!


    However, the guy had no idea what the girl was like. Behind the sweet angelic face of the girl, the cruel nature of the insidious demon was hidden. Juno read the fool like an open book. She has long set a and has already lured extremely juicy and brainless game into it.

 Chapter 479 - 479

    ?One hundred million!? ¨C XiaoXiao proudly dered to the groaning of the crowd, but noticing the condescending grin on the girl''s face, he felt ashamed, therefore, gritting his teeth, raised the rate. ¨C ?I mean five hundred million!?


    ?Half a billion!? ¡­ ?A lot of money!? ¡­ ?And is this just his pocket money?!? ¡­ ?That''s how rich the Walders are!?


    Juno looked surprised now.


    XiaoXiao confidently sat up: ?Well, do you agree to the deal??


    ?I¡­ Well¡­ Yes, I agree¡­? ¨C Stone hesitantly epted the bet.


    XiaoXiao was already reaching into the ring when suddenly the mentor put his hand on his shoulder.


    With a soft smile on his lips, Zheng shook his head: ?Young Miss, now this old man is interested in you. It is one thing to be arrogant, but it is quite another to confirm it with actions. You have now cleverly forced my student to bet a huge amount of money, thereby demonstrating your confidence in victory. I''ve lived too many years, and I''ve learned to see through con artists like you. I am inclined to believe that you are truly a skilled fighter. I can''t calmly watch my student being robbed.?


    XiaoXiao looked confused. Doesn''t even the master believe in him?


    In fact, even many students have long understood Juno''s intention to rob Walder.


    ?I do not understand what you''re talking about.? ¨C Juno sang with the face of an innocent angel. ¨C ?Mr. XiaoXiao himself suggested raising the rate. But if you are afraid that your best student will lose to a girl, I will understand everything¡­?


    Now Zheng considered the cute girl a dangerous poisonous snake. Not only did she skillfully dodge the usation, but she also struck back at his pride. He still hasn''t married precisely because of such women...


    ?Master, I will defeat her! Give me a chance!? ¨C XiaoXiao demanded.


    ?No, that won''t do. Bet one hundred thousand.? ¨C suppressing uninvited bitter thoughts, the old man hissed.


    The students looked at each other in amazement. Doesn''t the great master Zheng have confidence in the victory of his disciple?! He appreciated Juno''s skills without even seeing her in battle! Here it is, a sign of real legendary skill!


    Juno squinted slightly: {You can''t fool an old bastard so easily¡­ It''s funny. Let''s see what all your pride is worth.} ¨C ?Master Zheng, I see you are a very careful person. Would you like to fight me? But at a rate of one billion!?


    The disciples gasped in amazement. XiaoXiao swayed as if he had received two ps at once. The great master''s face tensed. He looked insulted. It is understandable: some little girl almost specifically deres that he will ovee him, the archmaster!


    ?Oh, if you are still in doubt, you can fight together against me alone at the same time.? ¨C with a disarming smile, Juno delivered a finishing blow to her opponent. Let him try to refuse the deal after that.


    The students wanted to tie the girl''s tongue in a knot.


    ?WHO DO YOU THINK I AM?!? ¨C Master Zheng barked, releasing the aura of the sovereign phaser at the beginning stage (8). Everyone present turned pale and trembled in an instant, but the blonde with proudly protruding breasts was still smiling confidently.


    ?Ha ha! A-ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C XiaoXiaoughed brightly, attracting everyone''s attention. He had just realized Juno''s motive, and from the fact that such an obvious thought came to his mind just now, he wanted to p himself on the forehead.


    Master Zheng furrowed his brows angrily: {?Why are youughing?!?}


    ?Miss Juno, how are you going to pay in case of defeat?? ¨C Walder asked.


    Juno shyly looked away, biting her lip: ?I¡­ I can be your servant¡­?


    The students were speechless with surprise.


    Thedy''s fans took their breath away.


    Roman blushed and trembled, clenching his fists.


    XiaoXiao smirked wryly, confirming his guess.


    Now Master Zheng also understood everything: the girl just wants to find a worthy boyfriend. All these tricks are needed only to lose and go with Walder to Saturn, where apletely different level of life awaits her, even in the role of a servant. Apparently, the rumors about her martial prowess are false, and were spread only in order to lure a noble gentleman from a high-ranking empire, who would take her with him. Cleverly. Tricky. Insidiously. And most importantly, prudently.


    ?Juno, you''re not going anywhere!? ¨C shouted Roman.


    XiaoXiao drew attention to the screamer and snorted contemptuously: does some sucker in his 20s with the development of only a royal phaser at the middle stage dare to interfere? He wants to die!


    ?You know we have a contract for the wedding for Tokens! Either you marry me in four months, or your family will be hit! Think about your family and friends! The Russells will skin them alive if you dare to leave!?


    Roman liked Juno for a long time. The beauty delighted him with her fervent disposition, talent and breathtaking appearance. s, he failed to win the girl''s heart, so he had to buy a wedding with her through his father. However, if she leaves for Saturn today, he will be Rosarrio''sughing stock for the rest of his days.


    ?Token wedding?? ¨C XiaoXiao muttered with a frown. He understood what it was about. Now the guy is finally convinced of the beauty''s cunning n.


    ?Don''t interfere, you moron.? ¨C Juno replied disgustedly, without even looking at Clinton.


    ?Think with your head¡­?


    ?Enough unnecessary conversations!? ¨C the imperious voice of the master Zheng sounded. ¨C ?I''m interested in your offer, Miss Juno. What are the conditions for victory and defeat??


    The corners of Juno''s lips lifted: ?We use standard rules for conducting fights on "the skill ofbat". The one who leaves the arena three times will be considered the loser, and the one who remains - the winner. That''s all.?


    ?Good. But I want to add one more condition: if you defeat XiaoXiao, your next opponent will be me.? ¨C added the old man coldly. He prudently decided to protect himself. Something about what was happening was rming.


    ?No problem. I agree. Do you also agree to the terms and conditions of the bet??


    ?We agree.? ¨C the student and the master nodded synchronously.


    ?Give me your word of honor.? ¨C the girl demanded.


    Putting his hand on his heart, XiaoXiao pathetically said: ?I, XiaoXiao Walder, swear on my honor that in case of defeat, I will immediately pay you one billion in cash or other resources. Will such a promise suit you??


    ?Yes. Wonderful.? ¨C Juno nodded, rxing and smiling happily. Well, how can one not rejoice? Shepetently lured juicy prey into a trap. Everything from beginning to end went ording to her script. She convinced the fools of her non-existent motivation of ?the ambitious ugly girl?, thus justifying the insane bet. In addition, she made them promise that they would pay her.


    XiaoXiao ascended to the arena and lowered his development.


    The rules of the duel for "the skill ofbat" imply an equal fight: either both with weapons, or both without; it is forbidden to use any elements except pure energy; development must be the same to enable both opponents to fight in equal conditions. If someone is clearly faster or stronger, then he will have to weaken himself even more, otherwise with such an advantage, even a person inferior in skill will take over.


    Therefore, Juno will not receive any benefit from the fact that she is the master of all the elements (900% of the total purity of all keys) and hits more powerfully than others. In order not to break the rules, thereby arousing unnecessary suspicions, she will have to use pure energy not at full power.


    The young man had just reduced his development to the lord phaser at the 5th stage, which just coincided with the development of Juno. In the 20 months since saying goodbye to Kyon, she has developed by 2.2 phases, and this result is not just good ¨C it is incredible! But you have to pay for everything. One of the conditions of the flower is set against its mistress.


    ?Now "The Young Dragon of the West" will show you the full power of the Kaiku style!?


    ?Yeah, whatever.? ¨C the girl agreed boredly.


    ~ding~


    The bell rang for the start of the battle. The audience held their breath.


    XiaoXiao appreciated the girl''s rxed stance and could not help smiling: {Zero defensive and attacking potential. It''s like she''s standing in line at the market! Oh, what a pity, I thought she wields at least three fighting fists, but oh well.} ¨C he nevertheless decided to y a little with the beauty, test the limits of her abilities, at the same time working up an appetite, and then he can take her home with him.


    The young man decided to act softer, so he attacked half-heartedly with an uplicated blow of his fist to the chest. However, he did not have time to understand anything, when suddenly he was grabbed by the wrist and elbow, everything started spinning in his eyes, and he was already flying somewhere.


    ~ding~


    As soon as XiaoXiao touched the ground outside the arena, the bell rang.


    ?Wh¡­ What?!? ¨C the young man was taken aback, not expecting such a sudden turn.


    The audience exchanged nces. Everyone understood the reason for such a rapid end of the round.


    Master Zheng crossed his arms and said instructively: ?XiaoXiao, how many times have I told you not to underestimate the opponent and always be on your guard? In your intentions to y with the girl, you humiliatingly lost your first round.? ¨C the old man thought differently to himself. ¨C {Her movements¡­ Four fighting fists. Not bad.}


    ?Sorry, master.? ¨C the embarrassed young man bowed guiltily and jumped into the arena again. Now he wanted to teach the sly asshole a lesson in good manners with her future master. Shortening the distance, the guy attacked her in the ribs with his foot: he effectively turned around in the air, causing his sock to cut the air with a whistle, like a whip.


    Junozily stepped forward, intercepted the blow, grabbing the young man by the knee and hip (where the swing force is minimal) and threw him out of the arena, disgustedly shaking off her palms after the throw.


    ~ding~


    Instantly outside the arena, XiaoXiao blinked in shock for a while.


    The audience gasped in surprise. She won the second victory so quickly and ridiculously easily that someone smiled, and someone evenughed. She beat up the grand master as if he was an amateur!


    Master Zheng lowered his thick eyebrows, then angrily stamped on the ground: ?XiaoXiao, how many times have I told you to always stand firmly on the ground?! You can''t maneuver in the air! In your desire to show off the grace of your movements, you instantly lost the second round, shaming me! If you do not fight seriously, then I will punish you!? ¨C in fact, he also wondered how thedy could react. The movement of "the whip strike" is too fast to be intercepted in the air, and yet¡­


    ?S-sorry, master¡­? ¨C the blushing disciple said through clenched teeth. He wanted to finish off everyone who was now smiling andughing at his humiliating second defeat. But even more he wanted to punish Juno. In fact, he thought that the girl would deliberately sumb to him in the first round, but she apparently wants to rise in his eyes before bing a servant. In the long run, she acts wisely, but today she will have to be punished for her impudence.


    Stepping into the arena, XiaoXiao emphatically reassured: ?I won''t hold back anymore! Get ready to suffer a crushing defeat, "The Ruthless Angel of the Stones"!?


    Juno rolled her eyes: ?Whatever.?


    ~ding~


    XiaoXiao instantly appeared near the opponent and attacked her with his fist, but at thest moment he stepped back. Thus he tested the waters. As it turned out, the girl did not even bat an eyelid, as if she obediently intended to take the blow.


    {What is she doing? So now she''s just ready to lose?! Does she even realize that by behaving like this she is only lowering my reputation into the dirt?!} ¨C Walder thought indignantly, but just in case he decided to make sure of his guess. He repeated the "attack-retreat" maneuver several more times, but the girl did not even move.


    ?Can''t you even hit a standing opponent?? ¨C crossing her arms over her chest, Juno asked mockingly, baring her white fangs in a venomous grin.


    ?How would you know?!?


    ?Indeed¡­? ¨C she agreed.


    Thedy''s words, seasoned with the maliciousughter of the audience, hit the guy''s mind with a hundred-ton hammer. It took all his willpower not to snap. Approaching, he, in an unpredictable somersault, struck a blow with his heel on the girl''s temple¡­


    Juno ducked her head, stepped forward, grabbed the opponent by the groin (thus depriving him of the opportunity to resist) and threw him outside the arena, like all the times before.


    ~ding~


    *silence*


    XiaoXiao sat on his ass and stared into the void, dumbfounded, trying toprehend what had happened. Even the master could not have thrown him out of the arena so quickly! How is this possible?!


    Kyon frowned thoughtfully: Juno risked a lot, not reacting in any way to the first blows. Why did she do this? After all, in any other case, she would not have had time to react. You can''t be one hundred percent sure that every blow will be a trick.


    Master Zheng was also frowning heavily, trying to analyze the fight.


    ?Bravo!? ¨C shouted Roman, apuding.


    A momentter, the roar of apuse from the students flooded all around: ?The ruthless angel of the Stones is the best!? ¡­ ?Mrs. Juno effortlessly defeated the grand master! Amazing!? ¡­ ?You are just incredible! I love you!? ¡­ ?Congrattions on your victory! Bravo!?


    The crowd noise became a final blow to the heart for XiaoXiao. He jumped into the arena and, pointing his finger at the girl, shouted: ?You are a liar! The rules you set hardly test the skill ofbat! To throw off the arena? Seriously?! This would not determine the winner in a real battle with an opponent of equal development!?


    ?She could have crushed your balls in a real fight!?


    ?Who said that?! Show yourself!? ¨C with eyes red with rage, Walder tried to find the screamer, but could not. As a result, he turned into aughing stock for some vige monkeys! Today was like a waking nightmare. He refused to ept defeat, because the girl is just a Rosarrian!


    ?Did you call me a liar? Why??


    ?You have to fight me in a normal way until one of us gives up or loses consciousness! And then your victory will be fair and honest!?


    ?I don''t owe you anything.? ¨C Juno said calmly, gathering her lush hair into a ponytail and fixing it with an stic band for a subsequent duel with an opponent of the level of an archmaster. ¨C ?You have epted the rules, which means that no objections are epted.?


    ?We''vee to test your fighting skills, not your ability to grab men by the balls!?


    ?Enough!? ¨C Master Zheng said imperiously, instantly appearing in the arena. ¨C ?Miss Juno, forgive my student for the insult. He is young and hot. Even after all my moralizing, it''s easy to make him lose his temper if such a beautiful girl gets down to business.?


    Stone said nothing. The words of idiots cannot offend her. She has changed in the world of Lovr.


    ?Remember, my student, hindsight''s no use to us right now. You''ve lost, so ept your defeat with dignity.? ¨C the old man demanded.


    ?Y-yes, master¡­? ¨C after hesitating, XiaoXiao bowed to the girl and humbly left the arena.


    The reason why the master epted the disciple''s defeat so easily was because he saw in Juno a practitioner with about 5.5 fighting fists. In addition, the girl''s style is based on counterattacks, that is, it is revealed only when she is attacked. XiaoXiao has only recently qualified as a grandmaster, meaning he only has 5..1bat fists.

 Chapter 480 - 480

    Juno took a two minute break to drink water.


    ?Juno will fight the archmaster! I can''t believe that I will witness the legendary duel!? ¡­ ?She''s incredibly skilled, of course, but I don''t think the youngdy has a chance against the wise master.? ¡­ ?And I wouldn''t rush to such conclusions¡­?


    ?I ept bets of any size on the victory of Master Zheng! One to three!? ¨C Kyon said enticingly. He couldn''t miss a good opportunity to earn extra money. No one is prohibited from betting until there is a negative bnce of points on the ount. But if you go into a sufficient minus, then you can suddenly achieve your exclusion from school.


    Of course, Lavr did not doubt the victory of his disciple. She said that in the illusory world she learned to fight, and so well that for a person who does not own Synergy, her results amaze any imagination. She is truly a monster who turned her body into a perfectly tuned instrument, and at the same time a virtuoso maniptor who reads people like an open book.


    The students could not refuse the opportunity to earn money. If they bet 100 they would profit 400! Even if you are 70% sure of Juno''s victory, it is profitable to take the risk and bet against her. Therefore, a lot of students flocked to the fat man in the mask, created from the element of the earth. s, he did not ept bets on Juno''s victory.


    After drinking the water, Juno returned to the arena.


    ~ding~


    After the bell, the audience held their breath.


    XiaoXiao prayed for the master''s victory.


    The old man took a defensive stance and beckoned the girl with his fingers, giving the initiative to her. ording to his analysis, the strength of her style lies in defense, not in attack. So, it''s enough to stick to passive behavior, and then she won''t have a chance.


    With a sweet smile, Juno approached the master and, sitting down abruptly, spun on the spot, sticking her foot out, thereby forcing the opponent to jump. Her emerald eyes shed, and she, like a grasshopper, pushed off with her hands from the arena and kicked the old man in the stomach.


    {It can''t be! From such a position?!} ¨C master Zheng immediately realized that being in the air, he would not be able to dodge the blow. If he blocks it, he will still fly outside the arena. All that remains is to try to grab her leg¡­


    However, Juno had calcted everything a long time ago, so at thest moment she crossed her legs and, wrapping herself up, hit her opponent in the side with his heel.


    As soon as Master Zheng touched the ground outside the arena, the bell rang.


    ~ding~


    ?M-master¡­? ¨C XiaoXiao said.


    Master Zheng stopped dead.


    ?T-three seconds! It took her three seconds to defeat the great archmaster in the first round!? ¡­ ?She''s a monster!? ¡­ ?Damn it, why did I bet against Juno?!?


    {?Master, what''s the matter?!?} ¨C Xiaoxiao mentally asked.


    {?I couldn''t take my feet off the ground¡­ As soon as the sticking technique ceases to work, I be extremely vulnerable. The girl perfectly uses the rules of the fight to her advantage. She doesn''t need to show her skills, she just needs to throw me off the arena! And yet I thought that she did not know how to attack, but I was mistaken¡­?}


    {?So what are you going to do??}


    {?I will suppress her with my skill and pressure, of course!?}


    ~ding~


    As soon as the next bell rang, Master Zheng ruthlessly attacked the blonde, but after five movements he was amazed to find that he was unable to impose his fight. Not at all, she is crowding him! Somehow, in an iprehensible way, Juno sees through all his movements and tricks, whereas it is impossible to read her at all. Even during the duel with the legendary first master Felix, the old man did not experience such pressure.


    ~boom~


    The fist hit the liver. Master Zheng gritted his teeth, retreating even faster. He was losing his positional advantage while being driven to the edge of the arena like cattle to pasture. Some cute little bitch is overpowering the wise great master! She beats him up like a punching bag in front of everyone! What a humiliation!


    ?Who is she?!? ¨C stunned XiaoXiao hissed.


    The spectators watched the fight with such a look as if they were in a trance: ?Juno is crowding Master Zheng! The great archmaster! Am I dreaming or am I awake?!? ¡­ ?"The Stones'' Ruthless Angel" is the best! I''ve always said that!? ¡­ ?Oh goddess, how can she be so skillful?!?


    The grace and elegance of Juno fascinated and delighted students. She couldpete with the flexibility of her body even with the best ballerinas. It seemed that a real battle angel fluttered around the arena, and this deadly, but hypnotically beautiful dance could not but delight everyone who was lucky enough to see it.


    {You learned a lot in my world, Juno.} ¨C Kyon nodded to himself with satisfaction.


    All this time, Lovr kept a distance of 20 meters from the girl. As far as he knew, the connection with her soul is established from 15 meters, and then it only intensifies. Of course, if you do not feel any emotions, then you can not worry about being spotted, but he could never remain calm next to the hated beauty. It also makes no sense to suppress emotions with Synergy, because feelings arise in the soul. It''s for the best. Even professional killers release a little bit of bloodlust before a sudden attack. Otherwise, Kyon would have died in Boston from Valeera.


    {Is there really no way?} ¨C Kyon did a lot of digging in the halls of the mind, sifting through tons of information from books, but he didn''t find anything sensible. Once he nevertheless changed the vibration frequency of his soul through the illusory world, but he almost died.


    Lovr already wanted to discard all these thoughts, but suddenly remembered that he also knows how to enter into a dark and light state of mind. Perhaps there is something in this? Worth a try!


    Kyon entered a dark state of mind and approached Juno at 15 meters. Immediately, the emotions of the girl poured into the soul and mind: the anticipation of the reward! He remembered how she had beaten him in the mansion, and his mind was instantly filled with hatred.


    {Didn''t she notice?!} ¨C Lovr was surprised. In order to make sure of this, he entered a normal state and immediately noticed that Juno frowned. Obviously, now she began to feel something, but she could not understand the reason for these emotions.


    Kyon suggested that the dark and light state of mind does not change his soul vibration, but rather inclines it in one direction or another, like the high or low key of a melody. As a result, Juno''s soul does not recognize the spiritual frequency of the young man, therefore it does not establish a connection with her and does not hear emotions, however, the opposite situation is with Lovr: his soul learns and hears everything. It''s damn convenient.


    Kyon decided to experiment with this in the near future, using Juno as a test subject, but now he was embarrassed by the chill he felt through his spiritual connection.


    After thinking a little about the reason for this chill, Kyon remembered how Kara tried to seduce Juno in the pce by giving her an extract of "yin" beyond measure, while she herself drank an extract of "yang" from Ra sunflower. To put it another way, "yin" and "yang" are just converters. Something like chlorophyll, which, through photosynthesis, converts the energy of the sun into chemical energy. Also, "yin" and "yang" transform the energy of the soul (pure energy) into the energy of cold and heat, respectively. The channel of any element works approximately on the same principle, only in an absolute manner.


    Kyon made a logical assumption that the flower in Juno''s soul absorbed the essence of "yin" and became icy. What does it mean? A slight change in character; an increase in femininity and beauty; and most importantly, now the girl is a heavenly genius who knows 5 elements! And all this because of Kara''s desire to seduce thedy of the Stones.


    But Juno will have to pay for the fifth element (cold). Now, if she meets a practitioner whose soul is saturated with the essence of heat (yang), like Kara or Prince Charles, she will unconsciously be drawn to him. After all, two opposite elements tend to each other. In addition, sex with such a practitioner will benefit both. That is, from now on, the girl is ready for a pair workout in bed, but only with the chosen ones. But losing her virginity will turn into a loss of development for her, while the lucky one will not only break through many stages, but will also be pretty rejuvenated for almost half a lifetime, and even get a moderate cleaning of the keys (which is useless for Kyon).


    ~ding~


    As soon as the old man was thrown out of the arena again, the bell rang.


    ?Juno won in the second round! She defeated master Zheng! Incredible!? ¡­ ?She didn''t miss a single blow from the archmaster! How many fighting fists does she have then?!?


    Master Zheng''s eye was twitching in a nervous tic. If Juno were 30-40 years old, he could still put up with it, but she is a very young girl! Yesterday''s brat shouldn''t suppress the archmaster so mercilessly. There is nothing more shameful than the total defeat of the little one, especially when a whole billion and the dignity of the 4th master in the world are at stake.


    ?Master, why is she so skillful?!? ¨C XiaoXiao said, clenching his fists. He still could note to his senses from the realization that the blonde deliberately lured him into a trap: she raised the rate to a billion and took the promise, convincing him that she wanted to be his servant.


    {?She''s hiding something¡­ Some secret. And I can''t figure out which one.?} ¨C suspicions about this insidious fox have long been creeping into his head.


    {?Then let''s go together??}


    {?Do you want to turn me into aughing stock?!?} ¨C the old man was angry mentally.


    {?B-but then you lose, and¡­?}


    {?Forget it. You''ve already lost anyway. You can''t participate twice.?}


    Master Zheng entered the arena and spoke gloomily: ?Tell me, who is your master??


    ?The messenger of the goddess.? ¨C Juno smiled with genuine pride.


    The students looked at each other in amazement. Some suspected this, but refused to believe that in a few months with Kyon, she could learn how to fight so well.


    ?I see¡­? ¨C the old man nodded, clearly not believing what he had heard.


    ~ding~


    The third round has begun.


    From the very first seconds, Master Zheng felt even more pressure on him thanst time. The girl pushed him to the edge of the arena so fast that a lump of humiliation and rage rolled up to his throat, as if he was an amateur who hade out against a master! It turns out that earlier she did not fight in full force?!


    When Juno struck with her fist, which was guaranteed to push the opponent out of the arena, the archmaster''s face suddenly distorted into an angry grimace, he regained his development and grabbed her fist with lightning speed.


    ?Sly petty deceiver, here you are!? ¨C Master Zheng growled.


    ?What''s the matter?!? ¨C the girl eximed uprehendingly.


    The audience began to exchange puzzled nces.


    XiaoXiao''s heart beat faster.


    Kyon frowned, and his face tightened a little.


    Juno was indignant: ?"Is it possible that the wise master Zheng could not ept defeat from the little girl and came up with something to justify himself?!?


    ?You can say whatever you want, you brat, but this old man with a hundred years of experience has figured out your trick!? ¨C he turned to the audience and spoke in the tone of a judge passing an usation. ¨C ?Your beloved "Ruthless Angel of the Stones" is actually a vile liar! All her vaunted skills are utter nonsense! No messenger of the goddess trained her! Every time she fought someone, she used the ability of a unique body, allowing her to read the intentions of the opponent''s soul! Whoever she fights for "fighting skill", she will always be one step ahead!?


    The stunned students caught their breath. They couldn''t believe their ears.


    XiaoXiao slyly narrowed his eyes and loudly eximed: ?Oh goddess, and indeed, during our battle, she did not react to some of my attacks, as if she knew that I would retreat at thest moment! I would never have guessed, because I am inexperienced and stupid, but my wise master revealed her deception! Otherwise, how else is it possible for a young girl to suppress the fourth master in the world so mercilessly?!?


    Master Zheng confirmed the words of the disciple: ?I personally tested my hypothesis twice: I struck two identical blows, but I stopped one of them at thest moment. Juno did not react to it in any way, as if she knew the future.?


    Juno''s mouth opened and closed from indignation, but she could not utter a word. If she had been used of being a witch and had to be burned, she would have felt calmer.


    ?Mr. XiaoXiao''s words sound reasonable!? ¡­ ?Master Zheng does not waste words!? ¡­ ?Are you crazy?! Juno is an angel in the flesh! She can''t be a liar!? ¡­ ?I will never believe in this utter nonsense!? ¡­ ?The master is wrong!? ¨C verbal chaos began among the students. Juno''s fans defended her as best they could.


    XiaoXiao smiled to himself from ear to ear: {My master is just a genius among geniuses!}


    ?Y-you are tantly lying! You just made up an excuse for yourself to save face!? ¨C Juno excitedly objected, trying to pull her hand out of his bony grip, but the old bastard didn''t even feel her pathetic attempts.


    Master Zheng coldly snorted at her words: ?Justify yourself as much as you want, but the decision here is made by the one who is older, wiser and stronger.? ¨C he said this loudly and steadily, fully confident in his impunity.. ¨C ?It is strictly forbidden to use a unique body during a "skill ofbat" duel, therefore, by the power vested in me, I assign Juno Stone a technical defeat!? ¨C he looked at the pretty pale face of the girl with a venomous grin. ¨C ?You have lost the bet, which means that today you will go to Saturn, where you will be a servant to my disciple for the rest of your life!?

 Chapter 481 - 481

    ?They want to take Lady Juno to Saturn and force her to serve XiaoXiao!? ¡­ ?Damn, damn, damn! Why did everything turn out this way?! She won an honest victory!? ¡­ ?We can''t know that¡­ The master knows better.? ¡­ ?He just couldn''t ept the humiliating defeat!? ¡­ ?There''s nothing we can do anyway¡­? ¡­ ?Roman, why are you just watching your future wife being kidnapped?! Save her immediately!?


    The pale Roman was trembling, clenching his fists until his knuckles crunched, watching two strangers forcibly take his future wife to themselves. Clintoncked the courage to object to master Zheng. And what''s the point? He won''t change anything.


    Kyon watched the scene with a gloomy look, his arms crossed over his chest. The impudent master not only drove him into a deepck of points, but also took away the precious ?investment?, and now some bastard XiaoXiao will use it to increase his talent! What to do?


    ?Let me go, you shameless old man! I''ve almost won, but you just didn''t have the heart to admit defeat in front of the girl!? ¨C screamed Juno, trying to escape from the grip of the old man while he pulled her by the hand from the arena.


    ?You should thank heaven that from now on, my disciple XiaoXiao Walder, whoes from the greatest family in the world, will be your master.? ¨C master Zheng replied dryly. ¨C ?There is no greater honor for a Rosarrian than to serve Walder!?


    ?I don''t care what family he''s from! A-a-a-a! Save me, they want to kidnap me! A-a-a-a!? ¨C with a intive face and wet glittering eyes, Stone turned to the students of the order. One look at her face could melt even the coldest heart.


    ?LET HER GO!? ¡­ ?Leave Juno alone!? ¡­ ?SHE''S NOT GOING ANYWHERE!? ¡­ ?UUAAA-AA-AA-AA!? ¨C Juno''s fans broke loose, rushing to save their favorite. They were also joined by the guards hired by the girl.


    However, two Walder bodyguards suppressed the uprising with just pressure, and the most desperate madmen were punched in the back of the head to calm down.


    ?Hmm, and Juno has a lot of fans here. It''s a pity that they are all worthless.? ¨C XiaoXiao grinned, looking forward to spending time with Juno with trepidation.


    Watching the abduction and having no way to prevent it, some students could not hold back their tears. The nasty smug grin on XiaoXiao''s face was getting on everyone''s nerves. Just the thought of what he would do with the beauty that night made everyone sick.


    The outsiders showedplete control over the situation. They took what they wanted, and no one could stop them. Even if the usations are false and far-fetched, and everyone present knows or guesses about it, this will not prevent the master from taking the girl with him.


    Kyon was about to intervene when something unexpected happened.


    Master Zheng, who was pulling Juno by the hand towards the exit, suddenly froze and tensed. His eyes widened and his face turned deathly white. XiaoXiao and the two bodyguards did the same. They all trembled like puppies in the cold, and their eyes showed primal horror.


    Juno managed to escape from the old man''s grip, after that she immediately rushed to the arena.


    ?W-what''s going on?!? ¡­ ?Did he let her go?? ¡­ ?Why did they turn so pale?!? ¡­ ?A?!?


    Kyon squinted suspiciously and suddenly raised his eyebrows in surprise: {Juno has a patron! Someone strong enough to intimidate the sovereign phaser at the beginning stage! But who?!} ¨C the director of the order, whose identity is covered with a veil of secrets, immediately fell under suspicion. He had just apparently given a mental message to the strangers and reinforced it with pressure.


    Master Zheng reluctantly turned to Juno and, bowing to her, spoke in an emphatically guilty tone: ?Lady Juno, forgive this arrogant old man from Saturn. My usations were hasty. I was wrong. You honestly defeated me.? ¨C with thest words, he swallowed all his pride of the great master, and they, together with XiaoXiao,id out property worth a little more than a billion from the ring on the ground. After that, with their tails between their legs, they quickly left.


    ?Are they gone? Come on?!? ¡­ ?Did Master Zheng admit his defeat?!? ¡­ ?Wha-a-a-a-a-at?!? ¨C the disciples of the order instantly exploded with shocked exmations. Roman looked especially happy. It was as if his soul had been returned to his body.


    Juno opened her lips in disbelief, pping her eyshes in puzzlement, then smiled knowingly and boldly ran to the pile of money, which she immediately grabbed into an armful and ced it in a ring with an extremely satisfied look. Many people were happy for their favorite. The apuse and screams did not subside for a long time.


    Everything was resolved so quickly and suddenly that it was still hard to believe in what happened. Only a few people guessed that "The Ruthless Angel of the Stones" has a powerful patron, and interfering with the girl would be the stupidest mistake in their lives.


    {One billion in ten minutes¡­ I need it too.} ¨C Kyon thought with an ironic grin. However, if Juno had not had a patron, she would have worked out her bad behavior by pleasuring XiaoXiao with her mouth.


    ¡­


    The guests from Saturn maintainedplete silence until they saddled the riding birds and moved away from the order for several hundred kilometers. It was obvious that they were upset about the loss of a fortune.


    ?M-master, who was that?!?


    ?I don''t know¡­ But I have never experienced such a fear of death, as if my blood is about to run in the opposite direction¡­ Even the empire of the sixth rank has its own deep monsters. I had no idea that the girl from a third-rate family could have such powerful patrons. And so frightening¡­?


    ?And are we going to leave it like this? Some nobodies from Rosarrio dared to insult the descendants of the direct blood of the Walders! They won''t get away that easy! We are the elite of the human race, and insulting us is tantamount to suicide!?


    Master Zheng shook his head: ?Nobody should know about this humiliation. My pride is more important to me than life. And you shouldn''t give your father an extra headache. I hope no one will believe the rumors from Rosarrio. If anyone asks if you went to Rosarrio with me, say no! Got it?!?


    ?Yes, master, and yet¡­?


    ?If you like the girl so much, then use the power and resources of your father. But do it quietly! I''m sure you''ll be able to get Juno without too much fuss in theing months. You will definitely have time before her wedding with that boy.?


    ?Thanks for the advice.? ¨C XiaoXiao bowed with a fire of determination in his eyes.


    ¡­


    Soon Juno left the arena, licking her lips.


    Roman followed the girl, but suddenly realized that joy was reced by annoyance and bitterness, because he did not even try to save his future wife from the master Zheng and XiaoXiao. Now the future wife definitely despises him even more and hardly takes him for a man at all.


    Most of the students also went home, but not all of them. 30 students remained. The invisible Elsa got mixed up among them, she had previously recognized familiar notes in the fat man''s voice. And given the proportions of his body, she had no doubts that Dick was in front of her!


    Kyon was also about to leave, but he heard a sharp call from behind:


    ?And where the hell are you going, fat guy in a mask??


    Kyon turned around and saw a strong student of a hooligan appearance. Judging by the level of development, he is the weakest of those present. The stooge in the local hierarchy, obviously.


    ?Yes, I''m talking to you! Juno just got a technical defeat, and you decided to leave without paying us points? That won''t do!? ¨C a guy named Kolya did not care at all what family the fat man of the pathetic superior phase belonged to. It is more important for him to prove to his friends that he deserves a better attitude towards himself.


    ?You''ve made a mistake.The fat man who made the deal with you has already left. And I am his brother. I haven''t made any deals with you. I''m leaving.? ¨C Kyon tried to deceive his enemies, backing away to the exit.


    ?Who are you telling lies to?! And who are you anyway?? ¡­ ?I haven''t seen you in the central zone before! What is the weakling of the superior phase at the finishing stage doing here?? ¡­ ?Are you one of those who got into training through connections? We don''t like people like you here!?


    Kyon took off his mask and surveyed the students with a cold gaze.


    Thirty young people reacted in different ways: ?Hya-a-a-a-a! Horrible!? ¡­ ?Well¡­ Does it really happen?!? ¡­ ?Where did hee from?!? ¡­ ?This is Dick Baker! The one who destroyed the shadow ns!? ¡­ ?Now it is clear how he got to the central zone!?


    Elsa''s eyes glittered, but she wasn''t going to interfere. Curiosity got the better of him. She wanted to see how such a brilliant investigator would get out of trouble.


    ?Who cares who he is? Juno was cheating! Even if the master admitted defeat because of someone''s threat from the outside, she deserved to lose!? ¡­ ?That''s right! You''ve lost the bet, Dick! Give us our points!? ¡­ ?Why are you silent? Don''t you want to admit defeat?? ¡­ ?It''s better to do it in a good way, and then nothing will happen to you!? ¡­ ?Give us our points, otherwise your whole body will hurt!? ¨C threats rained down. When the only currency of the order is at stake, you won''t get off easily.


    Kyon calmly warned the students: ?The government sent me here on an important assignment. If anyoneys a finger on me, he''ll be dealing with the Russells. I should warn you. It is up to you whether to believe my threats or not.?


    ?Nobody cares about you!? ¡­ ?You even bear the surname of a family from another empire!? ¡­ ?Kolya, beat him. Show him that we are not joking.? ¡­ ?Why me?!? ¡­ ?Because I said so. Go ahead if you want to prove that you''re a normal guy.?


    The frightened, strong boy of about 17 timidly went to the fat man. If he were 2-3 stages stronger, he would have been treated differently, certainly not as cannon fodder.


    Suddenly Kyon fell on his back and desperately screamed: ?I will defend every point I have to thest drop of my blood! You can kill me, but you will never take me alive!?


    The students clearly did not expect such a development of events: ?A-are you sick?!? ¡­ ?Did you at least understand what you said?!? ¡­ ?Why the hell is he lying here?!? ¡­ ?Get up, bastard!?


    Kolya has already regretted that he decided to hang on Dick at all.


    Elsa''s curiosity increased tenfold, and now she was watching what was happening with genuine interest.


    A little earlier, Kyon used upgraded sweat nds and began to actively emit pheromones that are elusive to the sense of smell, but causing nausea and dizziness.


    ?Kolya, what are you waiting for?! Go and beat this jerk!? ¡­ ?Go ahead, Kolya! Make him pay us!?


    The guy swallowed and, suppressing the feeling of anxiety, came up and lightly kicked the fat man in the side.


    ?A-A-A-A-A-A! MY RIB! YOU BROKE IT! A-A-A-A-A-A!? ¨C yelled Kyon.


    The deafening screams of the victim immediately confused everyone present, especially the attacker. The fat man screamed so naturally, as if maniacs had gathered around, they cut him alive, and then fried the slices of meat and forced him to eat them.


    Kolya kicked the fat man a couple more times with increasing uncertainty. The fat man''s heart-rending screams made him feel sick. He felt dizzy and somehow ufortable. Every time he hit somewhere, a huge tumor grew there almost immediately.


    ?Look, he''s already writhing in agony!? ¡­ ?Damn it, Kolya, he''s just a practitioner of the superior phase! Why the hell are you hitting him without holding back?!? ¡­ ?Do you want to kill him?! You will bear the responsibility yourself, stupid!? ¡­ ?Kolya, you''re a psychopath!? ¡­ ?Well done, Kolya, now you''ve made him even uglier.?


    The unfortunate ?beater? began to stutter with excitement: ?I-I barely touch him, but he yells and swells in a strange way!? ¨C suddenly the guy doubled up and vomited the contents of his stomach under his feet.


    ?Ugh, that''s disgusting! You cannot cope with even the simplest task!? ¡­ ?Bravo, Kolya, now you''ve crippled him. Deal with the resulting problems yourself, and I wash my hands of it.? ¡­ ?Okay, the hell with him. He''s already had enough. Let''s get out of here, guys.?


    Kolya once again kicked Dick in the side and hissed furiously: ?Listen here, you jerk, it would be better for you to quietly get out of the order, otherwise next time my brothers and I will make your whole body hurt!? ¨C having finished, he turned around and followed the others, but his brutal image of a bully spoiled another attack of vomiting.


    Kyon smiled coldly to himself: as always, he got away with it! The disciples who made the deal with him left empty-handed. Obviously, they could not insist too actively, yet they did not lose a single point. But this is only temporary. Lovr was not going to leave them unpunished. They have to pay the bills. But how?


    In case of a conflict between students, the administration of the order is ready to consider the application and understand the situation. As a result of the investigation, the points of the loser in a bet (dispute or duel) are forcibly transferred to the winner. And the costs of the investigation and the court are borne by the one who is found guilty. It''s just like in ordinary life.


    Lovr was going to make a lot of applications and send them for consideration, so that by the next morning he would receive all the points from his recent deals. Why is he confident of sess? Because Juno won! This is the will of her patron ¨C some important person from the order. It is unlikely that the administration will dare to contradict this person.


    Meanwhile, the invisible Elsa tried toprehend what was happening. She clearly felt that the force of Kolya''s blows could hardly injure even an ordinary person. Nevertheless, Dick was covered with bruises and injuries as if he had been beaten by a group of imperial phasers.


    {Is he allergic to bullies?} ¨C suggested Stone.


    When there was no one left around, the girl deactivated invisibility and approached the young man.. It''s time to find out if he is somehow connected with "The Dark Baron".

 Chapter 482 - 486

    Young people hurried to the rack to collect the ingredients necessary for the manufacture of the medicine. Elsa noticed that the fat man took the same ingredients as she did, as if he was going to repeat her every action. He understands that alchemy doesn''t work that way, right?Or do they both know the same recipe?


    Shaking her head, the girl took everything she needed and started making the medicine.


    Ten students werepletely focused on their work.


    Master Feng was watching everyone, but he was paying the most attention to Baker''s actions, and the blonde noticed it. The girl was increasingly annoyed by this state of affairs. How did Dick deserve such an attitude towards himself?


    The truth is that the man was simply amazed at the young man''s skills. It was really impressive that he handled the tools and prepared the ingredients so efficiently, as well as the fact that his every movement was honed to perfection.


    In order to be a great alchemist, it is not enough just to read books, you need to immerse yourself in experiments with your head and find patterns.


    For 9 months in Cernos, Kyonpletely mastered the basics of alchemy in all directions, but he could not learn how to make something really difficult, because 1% of the avable elemental energy severely limited his capabilities.


    An hour passed unnoticed.


    ?So, time is up. Put the alchemy kits aside.?


    The disciples obeyed.


    ?It''s time to check your results, but before that I want to show you something amazing¡­ Have any of you heard of "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron"??


    Elsa raised her hand up and after a nod of the master with genuine respect in her voice, touching her heart, she sang: ?"The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" is the pseudonym of the monstrously brilliant student Albert Clinton. They say he can make medicine with one hundred percent purity! But an even more amazing thing is that he demonstrates by his example to alchemists all over the world how limited they are in their knowledge and how limitless the possibilities of alchemy as a science are¡­ Some of his works are unique and inimitable. Even three legendary alchemists of the first rank cannotpare with him¡­?


    The girl was talking about "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" with an enthusiastic breath for about two minutes, which made Kyon feel strange. He was still mad at Stone for her recent antics, and she was probably mad at him, too. However, thedy was clearly a fan of his other personality.


    ?I want to be as talented as he is, or even surpass him!? ¨C she concluded decisively.


    ?Your ambitions are worthy of praise, my disciple!? ¨C smiled master Feng. ¨C ?As some have already guessed, in addition to the token, the winner will receive from me the medicine made by "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron"!?


    The students froze in amazement, their mouths open.


    Elsa jumped up from her chair, and her eyes were full of anticipation. She watched greedily as the master carefully took out the box with the pill. Can she really study the treasure created by her idol - the greatest alchemist?!


    Kyon scratched his temple with some embarrassment.


    ?This healing medicine can align the spine of any practitioner up to the noble phase inclusive. No side effects.? ¨C the alchemist checked the pill with the device, and the number 100 appeared on top. ¨C ?As you can see, it is impably clean! I bought it to study it, but I couldn''t find any traces of the techniques used to fuse the ingredients. Apparently, "The legendary Lord of the Cauldron" came up with his own method, unique and inimitable, and most importantly, effective.?


    {Feng deservedly holds the title of alchemist of the third rank.} ¨C Kyon nodded respectfully to himself.


    ?Now the medicine must fall into the hands of my best student. Or, more precisely, the winner of thepetition! Let''s find out who it will be!?


    Elsa swallowed convulsively and looked at Dick. He is a dark horse, the only one who has at least a microscopic chance to surpass her. If he gets the pill and the token¡­ The girl tried not to think about it.


    ?"Sobering Guanine" ¨C an invigorating "§³" rank medicine of average quality, not bad.? ¡­ ?Oh, this is "The Cleansing Dragee" of high quality! Broad spectrum antidote¡­? ¡­ ?"Morning Dew" of high quality, excellent work.?


    Finally the master approached his best student: ?The medicine of "Enzymes" for the practitioner of the royal phase with a purity of¡­ Sixty-six percent! That''s great! Elsa, you have surpassed even your master!?


    ?Lady Elsa is incredible!? ¡­ ?A genius among geniuses!? ¡­ ?Congrattions on your victory.?


    Elsa proudly lifted her chin with a slight smile on her lips. She didn''t expect such a result from herself either. She was strangely lucky. But now victory is guaranteed to her! Baker has no chance. She was worried for nothing.


    Kyon caught his sister''s arrogant look, as if saying that victory would be hers, and grinned in response.


    ?And now let''s check thest work¡­ So, also the medicine of "Enzymes" for royal phasers, and its purity is¡­ Eighty-seven percent!? ¨C the alchemist eximed.


    When the number "87" appeared above the device, the students gasped in amazement.


    Elsa reacted especially expressively: she got excited and opened her eyes wide, as if she had found out that Dick was actually a girl.


    ?Grandiose purity¡­ Dick Baker made "B" rank medicine of grandiose purity!? ¨C master Feng shouted with genuine delight.


    ?That is, Baker surpassed Lady Elsa?? ¡­ ?Did he win?! How so?!?


    ?I don''t believe it!? ¨C the girl suddenly protested. ¨C ?Dick cheated somehow!?


    ?You offend me, Lady Elsa¡­? ¨C Kyon responded resentfully. ¨C ?I tried my best, but you are dipping my work in the dirt, using me of cheating¡­ Not nice.?


    ?Then tell me, what methods did you use?!?


    Kyon looked down at the floor in embarrassment: ?I only have pure energy, so¡­?


    This time even Master Feng got excited.


    The blonde jumped up and banged on the table: ?I own four elements, I use dozens of methods to merge ingredients and as a result I barely reach great purity, and you, owning one element, immediately reach the grandiose one?! I''ll never believe it!?


    ?Dick cheated!? ¡­ ?Damn liar!? ¡­ ?Lay all the cards on the table, fat man!?


    Even master Feng had to agree with the girl''s opinion. Alchemy is demanding on the mastery of the elements and their grades. Pure energy alone is not enough.


    Kyon scratched his head thoughtfully: ?Practicing alchemy with only pure energy is difficult, but not impossible. Yes, I can''t use the techniques to merge ingredients, so I can only fuse ingredients through other ingredients.?


    ?So you are trying to convince us all that you have selected binding ingredients for each stage of preparation? Do you take us for fools?!? ¨C Elsa narrowed her beautiful eyes threateningly, demanding the answer. She wouldn''t believe such nonsense.


    ?There are too few binding ingredients known to be used inplex medicine! Tell the truth!? ¨C one of the students intervened.


    Kyon agreed: ?Yes, it really is, so I had to find them myself. For example, I added dried Caribbean flies to merge stone lizard tongue powder and the pancreas of a blue toad. The perfect binder that for some reason has never been discovered before. And why? What about an alchemist''s intuition? Or, for example, the coals of a fruit tree can bebined with the juice of a ischnoderma resinosum through the fried beak of a strigops habropt. This bird just likes to eat both. But since it was about coals, the beak had to be fried¡­ Now do you understand what the secret is??


    Elsa and the master exchanged nces, and confusion and disbelief were in the eyes of both. It is extremely difficult to open binding ingredients. If he fried the same beak at a temperature 5 degrees higher, the purity of the medicine would immediately drop by 10-15%. How did the fat man open these bindings? Alchemist''s intuition? Nonsense!


    ?Rubbish!? ¨C the blonde pronounced the verdict. ¨C ?Only fabulously rich fools can afford to be self-taught in alchemy! No one could provide you with the resources to search for binding ingredients, and what nonsense with one alchemical kit?! Even a child will not believe in such drivel! I refuse to ept that you are better at alchemy than me!?


    Others could not understand, but now Elsa was not addressing Baker, but Stone, who could have neither the resources nor a great master to be a miracle alchemist.


    ?Lady. Elsa, you need to learn to admit defeat¡­? ¨C Kyon shook his head.


    ?I know how to admit defeat! But I definitely won''t lose to you in alchemy!? ¨C the girl firmly maintained her position, not only because of the reward at stake, but also because she had already lost to Dick once in the field of "investigator". If she concedes to him in alchemy, then her pride will receive a crushing blow.


    ?You are positively confident in your abilities.? ¨C Kyon grinned unkindly.


    Elsa''s heart stopped for a second, and goosebumps went down her spine because of the fat man''s creepy smile. It seemed to her that it was no longer the feeble Baker in front of her, but the mighty father.


    ?Master Feng?, ¨C Lovr turned to the teacher. ¨C ?I want to prove to your student that I am not inferior to her in skill. Do you mind if we do a little test??


    ?Test??


    ?Yes. Let''s say some kind of written test¡­?


    ?I object!? ¨C Elsa immediately intervened. ¨C ?You are a bookworm! The fact that you are good at cramming does not mean anything! Prove your skills in practice¡­?


    ?Hmm¡­? ¨C Kyon chuckled, driving the mouse into a trap, and grinned widely again. ¨C ?You suggested it yourself. Let Lady Elsa prepare any medicine that she can, and I will repeat after her. If my result turns out to be better, then she should properly apologize for ndering me by calling me a crook.?


    ?Ha-a-ah! Oh, my!? ¡­ ?Oh, goddess, he''s crazy!? ¡­ ?Elsa is being challenged so insanely!?


    Master Feng''s eyes bulged in shock and he was speechless. Even an alchemist of the 1st rank, just reading the recipe, is unlikely to make a "B" rank medicine on the first try, but now Dick suggests repeating any medicine after Elsa, and even with a better result?! Besides, is he going to do it with his lousy alchemy kit, finding binding ingredients on the go?! The level of absurdity of this challenge defies any reasonable analysis.


    Elsa was also discouraged. She believed that Dick would be scared or back down, but instead he made a supremely insane proposal. If by some miracle he manages to gain the upper hand, he will literally trample her dignity as an alchemist into the ground.


    Intuition diligently prompted Stone to tly refuse this confrontation, and the girl was about to refuse, when suddenly master Feng spoke:


    ?Well, so be it! My student will participate.?


    ?Wait, I didn''t¡­? ¨C Elsa began, but stopped abruptly when the surprised looks of the alchemist and his students crossed on her. Dick''s look was especially infuriating, the fat man clearly considered her a coward. ¨C ?¡­I did not set my conditions: if I win, I will take the token and the medicine prepared by "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron".? ¨C she got out of the situation.


    ?And what will I get for winning? At the risk of sounding rude, but your demands seem absurd to me, especially in this situation where any sane person would bet against me.?


    {Are my apologies not enough for you?!} ¨C the girl thought indignantly, but did not say it out loud.


    ?What do you want?? ¨C asked master Feng.


    ?In case of victory, I want, in addition to apologies, every student in the order to know as soon as possible that I have surpassed Lady Elsa. I will also address her informally, and she should not object to this in any way.?


    ?Miss Elsa, do you agree to these terms??


    ?Yes, I do¡­? ¨C the girl agreed, unable to shake off a bad feeling.


    ?Then get ready for thepetition! Let''s get started!? ¨C the alchemist turned over the hourss.


    Elsa went to the shelves and took the necessary ingredients.


    ?Oh-oh-oh, hemostatic "Belkozyn", a good choice.?


    {How could he understand?!} ¨C Elsa was amazed. Goosebumps ran down her spine. She had a disgusting feeling that she was dancing to the tune of Dick - a monster, who was not taking his predatory gaze off the victim who had already fallen into his trap.


    This behavior of master Feng''s best student amazed the audience.


    {All or nothing¡­} ¨C Stone braced herself and gathered other ingredients.


    {Unique body medicine? Girl, you know what to choose!} ¨C Lovr rejoiced.

 Chapter 483 - 483

    The main representatives of the golden youth came out of the dining room: a group of royal phasers led by Roman, Rose and Elsa. The three most popr students in the order.


    {So thergest fish have arrived.} ¨C Kyon thought with anticipation and with a sharp movement defeated his next opponent, after that he heroically patted his arm. ¨C ?Oh, how strong I am! Who among the lord phasers would dare to defeat me? Come on, don''t be shy, I''m ready to test my strength!?


    ?Holy Mother, he defeated the lord phaser at the ninth stage!? ¡­ ?How is that?! His hands should have fallen off a long time ago, but it seems that he is only getting stronger!? ¡­ ?Dick has already earned more than fifty thousand! I also want to earn so much!? ¡­ ?Somebody stop him! I want to see him fail!?


    ?Let''s get out of here.? ¨C Rose muttered with a squeamish face, pulling the girl by the waist.


    ?No, let''s see what happens. I''m interested.? ¨C Elsa resisted, without taking her eyes off Dick. She didn''t understand why she was so interested in this mysterious young man. She wanted to know all his secrets, after all, he is a very extraordinary person.


    ?Okay.? ¨C Rose reluctantly agreed with his future wife.


    ?Fatty, will you have the courage to fight the royal phaser?! Or are you going to mess around with weaklings?!? ¨C the student volunteered.


    ?With the royal phaser?? ¨C Kyon smirked. ¨C ?Let''s do it!?


    ?Oh-oh-oh, what a man!? ¡­ ?Ha ha! Finally, a worthy opponent!? ¡­ ?It is high time!?


    Lovr immediately added: ?But by a twofold coefficient!?


    ?Aren''t you too insolent?!?


    ?What makes you think that, sir? I''m already exhausted! My arm is about to fall off! Besides, I am just a practitioner of the superior phase! When was thest time you saw such a small personpete with royal phasers?!? ¨C Kyon began to skillfully influence the opponent.


    ?Come on, agree!? ¡­ ?Come on!? ¡­ ?Break him!? ¡­ ?Don''t torment us, you''ll win anyway!?


    Under the pressure of the crowd, the young man waved his hand and agreed: ?Okay! Let it be, you talked me into it. You''ll get a two-fold coefficient. I bet ten thousand.?


    Kyon and his opponent tightly intertwined their palms. The muscles on the fat man''s arm were swollen, straining to the limit. His face was distorted by a painful grimace, hailstones of sweat were streaming from his forehead. The fightsted for about a minute, after which the shocked royal phaser at the beginning stage lost the initiative and failed.


    {He defeated the royal phaser at the beginning stage!} ¨C Elsa involuntarily raised her eyebrows in amazement.


    The audience exploded with excited hubbub: ?Madness!? ¡­ ?Dick defeated even the royal phaser at the beginning stage! Is he getting stronger with every fight?!? ¡­ ?He looks half-dead, but he still wins over and over again! How so?!? ¡­ ?Damned swindler, what is his secret?! I also want to make money like that!?


    Kyon smugly kissed his bicep, ying to the crowd and causing even more excitement. He especially liked the expression on his stepsister''s face.


    ?I''m next.? ¨C someone''s harsh voice seemed to cut through the hubbub of the crowd.


    When Roman Clinton approached the table, everyone suddenly fell silent. The students looked at the future patriarch of the Clintons with awe and at the same time with hidden contempt. The third strongest student in the order wants to participate¡­ This is overkill!


    ?Mr. Roman Clinton, you are the royal phaser at the middle stage¡­ I, a practitioner of the superior phase, don''t have a chance against you.? ¨C Kyon exined with a sour face.


    ?I do not care.? ¨C the guy snorted. ¨C ?We will y at a bet of fifty thousand points. I advise you to agree, otherwise you will have to pay even more for the treatment.?


    Open threats at school, actual extortion and ckmail¡­ Everyone had a lump in their throat from such insane arrogance. It seems that all the points earned by Dick will go into the hands of the bastard, and nothing can be done about this obvious injustice.


    Kyon looked at Elsa, as if trying to tell him something, looked around the others, then suggested to Roman with a slight smile: ?In that case, I think it''s fair if a tenfold coefficient is put on my victory. Do you agree?? ¨C unfortunately, higher coefficients are officially prohibited.


    ?Are you crazy?! Why not a hundredfold?!? ¨C Roman spoke rudely.


    ?Are you afraid of losing? Well, if you are not sure of your strength, then¡­?


    ?Okay, whatever. I will win anyway.? ¨C Clinton snorted. He fell for such a cheap maniption deliberately because of Rose and Elsa standing next to him. He can easily put himself out as a brusque extortionist, taking by force whatever he wants! But to show cowardice and uncertainty - in no case.


    {He''s betting five hundred thousand!} ¡­ {Oh goddess, such crazy bets?!} ¨C the hearts of the audience beat faster. Everyone was secretly rooting for Dick, although a minute earlier, on the contrary, they were eager to see his defeat. However, no one believed in the victory of the fat man, not even Elsa.


    After the ritual of making a deal, the opponents gritted their hands.


    Roman wanted to show overwhelming power, and for this, instant victory is not enough. He needs to break the fat man''s arm! Therefore, from the very first second, he used all his physical strength, but, to hisplete shock, the fat man''s hand froze three centimeters from the table.


    {What?!} ¨C Clinton''s eyes almost popped out of his head, and when the opponent raised his hand another centimeter, the guy realized that he could lose. If this happens, the humiliation will haunt him until the end of the school year!


    ~bang~


    The table shattered into pieces. Kyon somersaulted and almost crashed into the wall, but unexpectedlynded deftly on his feet.


    ?Mr. Roman¡­ has won!? ¡­ ?He defeated Dick with overwhelming force!? ¡­ ?This is to be expected from the third strongest¡­? ¨C more than half of the students confidently nodded and pped, but the rest nced at each other gloomily. The fact is that they felt that Roman used energy, which is prohibited by the rules. But will anyone have the courage to say this, taking on the anger of a bully?


    Roman looked around at everyone present with a heavy gaze, as if warning that if anyone uttered a word, he would have problems, and held out his wrist to the fat man with the words: ?I''m waiting for my fifty thousand. Give me the points, fatty.?


    A malevolent smile blossomed on Rose''s lips. He approved of his friend''s behavior. Even if he robs in broad daylight, the most ridiculous excuse is enough, and no one will dare to contradict ¨C that''s what real power is.


    ?You used energy.? ¨C Elsa''s cold voice suddenly broke the silence.


    ?Was Mr. Roman cheating? But why?!? ¡­ ?It turns out that Dick won?!? ¡­ ?Ha-ha, that''s a surprise!? ¡­ ?Lady Elsa can''t stand injustice¡­ She will not remain silent.? ¡­ ?Yes, I also felt the energy!?


    Roman gritted his teeth and looked with hatred at the girl who ruined his n. Well, of course she will not miss the opportunity to punch him in the gut, because she despises him for buying a wedding with her sister with Tokens. She is not afraid of him, because she is too strong and talented, besides, the future wife of Rose Valentine.


    Kyon shook off the nonexistent dust and spoke calmly: ?So you used energy? Hehe, it looks like that. Lady Elsa is not one of those who will cheat. So I won! I will dly ept half a million points from you¡­?


    Roman abruptly grabbed the fat man by the cor and angrily whispered in his ear: ?If you file aint with the administration, you will feed maggots in the cesspool, got it?!?


    {I will definitely file theint.} ¨C Kyon thought, not forgetting to nod like a dummy.


    No one was surprised by Roman''s deed. Even he cannot afford 500 thousand. If Dick dares toin, then in this way he will only sign his death sentence.


    Clinton left, barely restraining himself from cursing Elsa. The filthy bitch deprived him of 50,000 points. This amount he will earn at best in a month. If he had taken the points away now, it could have led to expulsion, after all, there are too many witnesses. And thisdy obsessed with justice will dly ruin his life.


    {Why did he use energy?} ¨C Elsa wondered. ¨C {Couldn''t he win instantly, so he went to extreme measures to save face? No, nonsense¡­ He knew that I would interfere, and he wouldn''t have refused fifty thousand! Is Dick so physically strong?! But this is also absurd!}


    Stone was burning with curiosity. She decided to get answers through her boyfriend: ?Rose, honey, how about a fight with Dick??


    ?I''m not interested in senseless childishness.? ¨C Valentine tried to get out with dignity, but suddenly the girl''s voice acquired pleading notes.


    ?Please, defeat him¡­? ¨C Elsa asked kindly with a gentle smile on her lips.


    ?Are you kidding me?? ¨C Rose looked in amazement into the beautiful eyes of the girl and realized that she was serious. He felt so disgusting, as if he had been asked to touch dog feces. Too humiliating!


    ?No, I just want to be sure that you are stronger than Dick.?


    The audience whispered excitedly and looked at each other nervously.


    Kyon wanted to kiss his older sister for the initiative. If he had asked Rose to fight, he would have instantly refused. But he is unlikely to refuse his girlfriend and future wife.


    {What the hell, Elsa?!} ¨C Rose couldn''t understand why the girl dared him, trying to pit him against some nonentity. He will win in no time, and so what?! Doesn''t she understand that she is belittling his dignity in this way? But how can he refuse her¡­


    Having swallowed his pride, the handsome and elegant as a rose, long-haired blond walked up to the fat man, put on a glove and, with a wave of his hand, created a new table out of scarlet crystal rock: ?I will fight with you. I''ll bet a hundred thousand.? ¨C since he decided to participate in this farce, let it at least bring him amensuratepensation.


    ?Mr. Rose, it is a great honor for me to fight with you!? ¨C Kyon bowed obsequiously.


    ?Hurry up.? ¨C the blond man demanded.


    ?The coefficient is tenfold. Do you agree??


    ?Yes.? ¨C Rose nodded dryly, showing therebyplete confidence in his abilities. He could not show weakness in the presence of his future wife and a crowd of students.


    ?My god, he''s risking a million!? ¡­ ?He''s not risking anything! Mr. Rose can''t lose. He doesn''t know how to lose.? ¡­ ?I agree, he holds the title of the strongest student in the order.? ¡­ ?And hasn''t Elsa overtaken him yet??


    After the ritual of making a deal, the two guys gripped their hands on the table.


    The audience held their breath, Elsa was especially worried. She was rooting for Rose. Nevertheless, her eyes gleamed excitedly, like those of a curious fox.


    Kyon hated Roma and Rose to the core. His revenge on these bastards will be terrible and carefully verified, and most importantly, it will be fruitful. And it will start today. May the dark vessel in the core of the Void rejoice! May the cup be filled to the brim with darkness! Amen.


    After a three-second countdown, something happened that no one expected: with a sharp jerk of his right hand, the fat man instantly overcame Rose, putting his palm on the table with a bang, and he did it with such overwhelming power that he even sent his opponent flying into the nearest window.


    Under the eyes of three hundred students and Elsa, the most handsome guy of the order flew out of the building like a bag of garbage.


    There was a deathly silence.

 Chapter 484 - 484

    All those present could not believe what they saw. Baker won over his opponents with great difficulty for 45 minutes, and then it suddenly turns out that he was pretending?! Was he hiding his true power to cheat the dumb disciples?! Motherfucker!


    Elsa rubbed her eyes, but nothing changed. Dick threw her boyfriend out the window like a bag of trash! Damn fat man, he deliberately decided to make aughing stock out of Rose?!


    ?Hurray, I won! Oh, I need to go to the toilet¡­? ¨C clutching his stomach, Kyon hurriedly ran away.


    Three secondster, a blushing Rose rushed over: ?Where is this fat swindler?!?


    ?He ran away¡­? ¨C Elsa whispered, absentmindedly removing a strand of hair that had fallen on her face.


    ?Why didn''t you catch him?! Obviously, he won dishonestly!?


    ?Do not shout at me.? ¨C the girl asked. ¨C ?I didn''t have time to react.?


    ?Damn it, why aren''t you doing anything?!? ¨C Rose said furiously. ¨C ?Find him!?


    All the students from the Valentine family came out of their trance and rushed to catch the deceiver: ?Catch Dick Baker!? ¡­ ?He insulted Rose Valentine!? ¡­ ?Find the sneaky fat guy!?


    The audience understood Rose''s anger. It would be strange if he behaved differently after being humiliated by the superior phaser in front of the girl. No one doubted that Baker had signed his own death warrant. Even if he immediately decided to run as fast as he could from the order and Rosarrio, he would still not be saved.


    If during the sh between Roman and Dick, the students preferred the second one - since the bully was secretly despised by almost everyone - now theypletely sided with Rose, because he is an ideal among ideals, the pride of the order. Thus, one can say withplete confidence that Baker is henceforth the main viin for all students, especially for those whose points were removed from the ount for yesterday''s deal, and only some fans of Elsa had a different opinion.


    Kyon ran into the lecture hall andnded on a bench very close to the teacher''s table. The previously bribed student took a desk for him. There are only 100 desks in the hall, soters usually have to stand.


    The bell rang.


    A long-haired middle-aged man in a snow-white master''s robe named Feng Russell looked around the half-empty hall in bewilderment and thoughtfully asked: {Why are there so few students? Maybe not everyone got the news that I am teaching today?} ¨C he is used to a crowded lecture hall full of even standing students.


    A secondter, a group of the Valentines burst into the hall and, unanimously apologizing with a mean bow, surrounded Baker''s desk with a solid ring. They did not dare to do anything during the lesson of the respected master Feng. They could only burn the fat man with contemptuous nces.


    A littleter, the others also appeared.


    ?Sorry for beingte, master Feng. We are all to me.? ¨C Elsa bowed low, almost to the floor.


    ?Even if my student iste, then, apparently, something important has happened.? ¨C the master smiled condescendingly, shifting his gaze from the girl to Rose, and then to Dick, who was surrounded by a clearly unkind crowd of the Valentines.


    The lecture began.


    In the ring of ill-wishers, Kyon felt, to put it mildly, ufortable. However, everything went ording to n. For a greater harvest of darkness, it is necessary to prepare the soil. Should he be wary of Rose? Definitely. Dealing with him is risky, but everything is under control.


    Elsa and Rosa sat together a few rows above Baker: they were given seats.


    Valentine did not take his icy gaze off the figure of the fat man spreading on the bench. He dared to insult the future patriarch of the first family, exposed him as a weakling in front of the entire order and his future wife¡­ Just what had he expected? He will not live.


    On the other hand, the young man seemed to Stone an iprehensible mythical being, she tried to understand where such an absurdly huge physical strength could havee from. The more she learned about him, the more mysterious he seemed, and, as a result, her interest only grew.


    However, all this did not cancel out the girl''s anger, yet this ugly rascal deliberately turned her boyfriend into aughing stock, which means, partially, her too. Even if he is much stronger than Rose, what prevented him from winning "with difficulty"? Why humiliate Valentine so much by pointedly throwing him out the window? Prick! He seems to be a brilliant investigator, but he has no brains at all. Now, because of his stupidity, he got into such trouble that no one will envy him. Serves the fool right.


    All the other students have already mentally said goodbye to the fat man. He is both alive and dead at the same time.


    The lecture was held at the highest level. The knowledge taught by the master was really impressive. Kyon noticed only some inuracies, and this wasmendable.


    The bell for the end of the lecture rang.


    Master Feng spread his arms in invitation: ?Students, as you know, I teach three sses a week to ten lucky ones. At the moment, there are five vacancies avable. The cost of training is fifteen thousand points per week. Come to me if you want.?


    Even despite the highest price of training, the best alchemist in the order has always been popr, so several dozen students immediately rushed to him.


    Kyon took the mostfortable seat, so he materialized next to the teacher first: ?Mr. Feng, it will be a great honor for me to learn from such a brilliant master of alchemy like you!?


    The man learned not to judge a book by its cover a long time ago. Smiling, he nodded and was about to ept the payment, but suddenly someone pulled the fat man''s hand to take him somewhere.


    Several Valentines decided to pull Dick out of the lecture hall quietly and then solemnly lynch him in the name of Rose, or give him to their master to be torn to pieces, but¡­


    ?A-AA-A-AA-AA! I''M BEING KIDNAPPED!? ¨C Kyon screamed deafeningly and shamelessly.


    ?What kind of mess is this?!? ¨C the lecturer frowned with displeasure.


    The students went to the sides, revealing the overview. Under the heavy gaze of the man, the Valentines let go of the fat man''s hand and walked away from him three steps with guilty smiles.


    As if nothing had happened, Kyon walked up to the lecturer and bowed: ?Thank you for saving me, sir. I would like to sign up for your lessons. I have big ambitions. I have been studying alchemy since I was a child and I want to learn more!?


    {What ambitions?! To survive - already sounds overly ambitious for you!} ¨C that''s about what every student in the hall thought.


    Master Feng nodded and held out his hand, but again someone intervened.


    Elsa came up and said with a bow: ?My master, your student is against this young man studying with you. Please heed my request.?


    Kyon burned his stepsister with a hostile look, to which she reacted with a cold snort. Some puppy dares to yap at a proud lioness!


    ?Since you are asking for this, how can I refuse¡­? ¨C Master Feng turned to the fat man. ¨C ?I don''t know what you have done, young man, but you have big problems, since even my best student is against your presence in my sses.?


    ?Mr. Feng, please give me a chance! If you are satisfied with my work, then I ask you to reconsider your decision!? ¨C Kyon held out the usual "Enzymes" medicine pill along with a note with the frequency of his sound transmitter.


    The young man''s attempts made Elsa roll her eyes. As if there could be even the slightest chance that his work would interest the master so much that, despite the request of his best student, he would take him for training. Absolutely excluded!


    ?Hmm¡­ Interesting proposal. Let''s try. But I don''t promise anything.? ¨C with a polite smile, the alchemist took the pill and the note. Although, to tell the truth, he had no hope that the guy''s work would attract his attention.


    Meanwhile, the Valentines were expecting a fight, and evil crooked grins bloomed on their faces. Now the fat man is definitely not going anywhere! No one will save him. The hour of reckoning hase.


    ?Thank you.? ¨C Kyon thanked master Feng and calmly walked out of the hall.


    A group of the Valentines followed Baker like a gloomy motorcade at a funeral. The disciples watching this sighed and shook their heads: now he is definitely finished. Rest in peace, you idiot who dared to insult the representative of the 1st rank family.


    Rose also followed the procession, clenching his fists.


    ?Please don''t kill him.? ¨C Elsa asked affectionately, touching the guy''s shoulder.


    ?Are you on his side?? ¨C Valentine turned, puzzled.


    ?No, he just¡­ He¡­ Well¡­? ¨C the girl could not find the answer, which made her words sound as if she admired the fat man, which, of course, is ridiculous. But she couldn''t say that Baker was actually Stone, working undercover.


    ?He deceived and insulted the future patriarch of the Valentines. If I let him get away with it, how will the others look at me? I have to show everyone by his example what will happen to those who dare to insult me.? ¨C Rose said decisively.


    ?Honey, I don''t want you to be considered a cruel tyrant¡­ You''re not like that. Be merciful. Don''t kill or maim the fool too much, please.? ¨C Elsa asked pitifully, folding her palms in a gesture of supplication.


    No matter how angry thedy was at Dick, she did not want the life of a truly brilliant representative of the Stones to end so absurdly. It is also important that she has not yet figured out whether he is somehow connected with the escape of "The Dark Baron".


    Valentine hesitated for a while, but against the puppy eyes of his beautiful betrothed he waspletely defenseless: ?Okay, I''ll try not to kill him, dear.?


    Elsa smiled and kissed him on the cheek.


    Rose turned around and frowned in puzzlement: ?What''s the matter? Where is he??


    A group of the Valentines with lost faces returned to the hall: ?Sir, he¡­ He disappeared!? ¡­ ?We barely turned the corner, but the fat guy was already gone!? ¡­ ?I felt his presence, but after a moment ¨C nothing! He''s gone!? ¡­ ?This is not invisibility¡­ If he had be invisible, we would have easily felt it!? ¡­ ?During the disappearance, we felt a surge of pure energy¡­ Too strange.?


    {Has he escaped?!} ¨C Elsa widened her eyes in shock. It is certainly inconceivable for the practitioner of the superior phase to sneak away from the group of royal phasers, but did Dick really all this time keep the situation under hisplete control?! Maybe he humiliated Rose on purpose too?! Why?! Now the girl could not predict his actions at all. He''s too¡­ Too mysterious.


    ?What should we do, sir??


    ?Find him, grab him and deliver him to me!? ¨C ordered the already outrageously enraged Rose.


    ?It will be done.? ¨C The Valentines bowed and disappeared to obey the order.


    A little earlier, Kyon moved to the clone he created on the way to the lecture hall. Now he was sitting in his house, leisurely sipping ck tea with lemon and filingints about the vition of the terms of the deal against Roman and Rose. Everything that happened can be confirmed not only by the students and the formations on the wrist (that is, the sound recording), but also by the visual formations that the bribed student was holding in his hands. Considering how the order cares for its reputation, the debtors will pay. They will lose 1.5 million, he will get 75 thousand.


    ~boom-boom~


    ?Open up, you bastard, Mr. Rose wants to talk to you!? ¡­ ?Come out voluntarily, or it will be worse for you!? ¡­ ?You will not escape from the consequences of your deception!? ¨C The Valentines surrounded the house at number 333. They cannot go inside without destroying the protective formation. If they destroy it, then the guards of the order wille here, and then they will all be excluded indiscriminately. The rules are very strict.


    ?What annoying¡­? ¨C Kyon muttered, took out the sound transmitter and dialed the frequency.


    ?I''m listening.? ¨C the insinuating voice of the patriarch of the Valentines rang out.


    ?Mr. Monty, hello, this is Dick Baker.?


    Strange sounds were heard from the sound transmitter: ?¡­What''s the matter??


    ?During ourst meeting, you said that the Valentines know how to be grateful, and that you are ready to patronize me. So I need your help. Nothingplicated. A single call from you will be enough.?


    *irritated mumbling*


    ?If you are talking about one call that will not oblige me in any way, then I am ready to help you.?


    ?Thank you! Today Ipeted with the students on the strength of the right hand. Many young people approached me, even Roman, but they all lost, because, you see, I am very strong. So, your youngest son, Mr. Rose, also decided to try his luck, and when he lost, he not only refused to pay points, but also harbored a grudge. Moreover, he ndered me for cheating, although any student will refute this.?


    ?I can understand the young gentleman, yet his pride received a serious blow from losing in front of his girlfriend and hundreds of students, but this is not a reason to behave like this. Now my house is surrounded by a pack of Valentines, and they demand that I go out and "ept my fate". I have no choice but to appeal to you for the restoration of justice.?


    ?Did my son¡­ Lose to you?? ¨C Monty asked incredulously.


    ?Yes. Everyone lost to me. I have a very¡­ Very strong right hand. Don''t ask why. The only important thing is that Mr. Rose does not know how to ept his defeat. Please, Mr. Monty, influence him. This will only help him in the future.?


    ?I''ll figure it out.? ¨C the man said briefly and dropped the connection.


    After 10 minutes, Kyon received a call from the patriarch: ?I''m listening to you, sir.?


    ?You insulted my son, Dick. The Valentines don''t forgive that. However, since you are the virtue of my family, we will make an exception once: Rose will stop hunting you, and you will forget about the reward of one million points. Otherwise, me yourself. Now all my family''s debts to you are closed. Don''t wait for more help.?


    ?I understand you, sir. Thank you and all the best.?


    The connection was cut off.


    A minuteter, the annoying knocking stopped.


    Kyon leaned back in his chair and smiled broadly: everything was going ording to n. The contract with Monty is nothing more than a postponement of an open feud with Rose. Valentine''s hate isn''t going anywhere. There is a high chance that he will continue to try to eliminate the offender by secretive methods. Forewarned is forearmed.


    As for the bid, aint can be filed within a week from the moment of the vition. It makes sense to wait until thest day. This time is just enough to find a new patron in the person of master Feng with less risks.. He was wondering how Elsa would react to the imminent presence of Dick in the ssroom.

 Chapter 485 - 485

    Master Feng had free time only before going to bed. He remembered about the fat problematic student and took out the pill of "Enzymes", which he handed to him, then took out devices for analyzing the quality of medicine.


    ?Oooh¡­ Medicine of "Enzymes" for the royal phase! Only an alchemist of the fourth and higher rank can do this. Also, the proportions are verified urately¡­ Not bad, not bad.? ¨C the alchemist nodded approvingly.


    All medicine is divided into ranks from "F" to "S", where "S" is the best of the best. The higher the rank, the more difficult it is to make. So, for example, the medicine of "Enzymes" for practitioners of the base phase is "E" rank, while for royal phasers is "B" rank, that is, 3 phases higher.


    Master Feng held up another medicine analysis device and froze dumbfounded: ?G-grandiose quality?! Eighty six percent?! Impossible!?


    A sessfully manufactured medicine always has a certain percentage of purity: low, medium, high, magnificent and grandiose. ordingly, the skill of the alchemist directly affects the final purity.


    Pure medicine is valuable because its effectiveness grows exponentially. So, for example, any pill with a purity of 80% is twice as effective as one with a purity of 60%. This applies to any medicine: "Enzymes", treatment, transformation, breakthrough, eleration of development, conception of a unique body (for a chance of sess), etc.


    Just now Baker provided the pill with 86% purity of "B" rank. Master Feng himself, at best, will make it with a purity of 65%, whereas the legendary alchemists of the 1st rank usually reach 90-95%. It is inconceivable that the young man could achieve such a result on his own!


    ?Maybe he bought it? But what''s the point of deceiving me, because I''ll immediately reveal the truth and punish him¡­ I have to make sure!? ¨C master Feng''s eyes sparkled with excitement. He took a piece of paper with the frequency of Baker''s sound transmitter out of his pocket and invited him to the uing lesson.


    ¡­


    The next day, after the end of the lessons, young people gathered near the house at number 3, where Feng Russell lives: Elsa with 50 fans and nine more students who signed up to study with the master.


    Finally, the appointed time arrived.


    A long-haired man in a white master''s robe approached the entrance and opened the gate.


    ?Hello, master Feng.? ¡­ ?Greetings, master!? ¡­ ?I can''t wait for a lesson from the great master of alchemy!? ¨C the students bowed respectfully.


    Master Feng smiled and nodded, ncing across the crowd in an attempt to find someone specific there.


    ?Hello!? ¨C Kyon shouted loudly.


    The sharp voice of the fat man who suddenly came out of invisibility scared everyone. The alchemist shuddered, and Elsa froze as thunderstruck, stupidly pping her eyshes. She would rather believe that she saw a ghost than a living Baker in front of her.


    ?Oh, hello, hello. Come in, my boy.? ¨C master Feng smiled paternally, gesturing for the neer to go inside with the rest of the students enrolled in sses.


    Young people could not understand why Dick is still safe and sound after insulting Rose Valentine. And anyway, what is he doing here, and why was he allowed inside, although yesterday the master definitely refused to enroll him in sses?..


    ?Master, why is he here¡­? ¨C Elsa began.


    ?You''ll find outter, and now everyone follow me, I''ll give you a short tour.?


    Kyon gave Elsa a cheeky wink. Her reaction is a delight for the soul: the girl''s eye twitched and her fists involuntarily clenched until her knuckles crunched. She is probably wondering how he got to the master''s sses, despite her insistence not to take him as an apprentice.


    Eleven young people listened attentively to the master as they walked through the territory of his dwelling. It was muchrger than the others: there was a flower garden, a bench, and even a small vegetable garden with rare herbs. Everyone was especially interested in a strange tree: a thick, long-dried oak of a yellowish color. A pleasant aroma of flower nectar emanated from him. In the center was a hollow, or rather, a small hole, covered with a shiny liquid, apparently honey. Bees were crawling there, not ordinary, but translucent ones, with a light amber color. The angr shape of their abdomen looked like a processed citrine crystal, because of this they literally attracted curious nces.


    ?Does any of the neers know why the oak is yellow and transparent bees are flying around?? ¨C master Feng asked with pride in his voice.


    Kyon raised his hand and, having received the man''s permission, spoke: ?The oak has turned yellow due to the amber honey inside, which is made by amber bees! As far as I know, there is no dessert better than amber honey. Any cake filled with it turns into food for the gods. It also cleanses the body of poisons, toxins, toxins and cholesterol¡­?


    ?Amber bees are incredibly valuable and rare insects¡­ They live for a hundred years, and the whole essence of their existence boils down to creating amber honey for their queen. It takes a ten-year cycle to create this delicacy, and judging by the fact that honey is already oozing out of the hole, the cycle will soone to an end. You need to harvest it, otherwise the queen will eat everything by her awakening, in order to leave more offspring.?


    ?Excellent awareness, young man!? ¨C the master praised the disciple.


    Elsa crossed her arms. On the first such excursion, even she told less.


    ?But isn''t it too dangerous to breed amber bees right on the territory of the order, sir? Despite the fact that they are peaceful, they are very poisonous¡­? ¨C Kyon added tentatively.


    ?Amber bees are really very poisonous, but they would be able to bite to death the lord phasers at the beginning stage at best, that is, they are practically safe for local students. Besides, as you said, they are peaceful, which cannot be said about the infernal poisonous tentaculipedes! The master of hunting Ziz Hunter has one of these creatures. He has fattened the beast so much that it is now able to devour even the royal phaser at the middle phase! You could hear its roar in the morning. That''s who you should be afraid of.?


    Some of those present shivered in fright.


    ?As for breeding, you''re wrong here. It is impossible to breed amber bees artificially. They choose their own habitat, where they live and work until the end of their days, collecting nectar throughout the empire. This yellow oak tree grew here before the foundation of the order. I had to try hard to privatize it. Amber bees are my pride! My treasure! Therefore, I highly rmend that you stay away from them.? ¨C the master finished sternly.


    As Kyon and the others understood, this whole conversation pursued one single purpose: to warn the students not to try to approach the master''s favorite bees.


    After assurances from all those present not to approach the tree, the man said matter-of-factly: ?One of my students still hasn''t paid for tuition¡­ Ough ough.? ¨C he coughed dryly, looking at the fat man.


    {Miser? No¡­ An experienced pragmatist! He knows that people psychologically value more what they have already had to pay for.} ¨C Lovr realized this and, approaching the teacher, reluctantly transferred 15 thousand points. At the moment, he has less than a thousand left on his bnce sheet. Too few.


    ?Great, now let''s go to theb!?


    The master converted one of the basements into a small alchemicalboratory: he installed a high-quality venttion system and put up barriers to ensure safety in case of something. The walls werepletely filled with racks with cells, each of which contained different ingredients. There were 11 tables and chairs for students in the room.


    ?So, first, I''ll introduce myself. My name is Feng Russell. Three years ago, I qualified as a third-rank alchemist. I am far from three legendary masters of the first rank, but this should not confuse you. Such people take students strictly on the rmendation, besides, only geniuses among geniuses. For example, Miss Elsa will definitely surpass me in theing years, and she will have a chance to be their student.. My task is to unlock your potential, and then you decide for yourself which way you will go.?


    The neers present were in awe.


    An alchemist of the 3rd rank is an incredibly honorable title. To officially receive such a rank, it is necessary to pass an extremely difficult exam in Saturn: to produce at least 10 different medicines of "B" rank of at least medium purity. But in order to get the 1st rank, you will need to make a medicine of "S" rank, which in itself is incredible.


    In order to master at least one recipe, you need to have sufficient knowledge, skills and experience, but even so, a certain number of first attempts will fail, after which medicine many times in a row will turn out to be of extremely low purity, that is, almost useless. And for every attempt, ingredients, keys and money are irretrievably spent! In addition, during a failure, expensive alchemy kits also deteriorate, or even explode.


    The result is this: to be a high-ranking alchemist, you need toe from a very rich family or be a disciple of a rich master, and also have a noticeable talent, because they will not waste resources on a mediocre person. Unprofitable.


    Moreover, the preparation of medicine is, in fact, the ability tobine ingredients in such a way that they do not conflict with each other, and for this it is important to have extensive knowledge of various techniques that require high grades of elements (mastering elements).


    The situation with Kyon was different. Being in Juno''s mansion, he discovered the method of ?the cycle of the universe?, thanks to which it is possible tobine together any ingredients, even opposite to each other, having only the basic grades of the elements. However, this technique requires the participation of all 9 elements, so no one in the world will be able to use it.


    In contrast to all these strict requirements, alchemy almost does not depend on the development of the practitioner, since almost all medicine requires a careful and responsible approach. Any sudden burst of energy can ruin everything.


    ?To begin with, show your equipment.? ¨C the mastermanded.


    The disciples took out their alchemy kits. Beautiful, clean and well maintained. Everyone had about a "§³" rank, and only Elsa had a "B" rank: apetent device, crystal clear vessels and test tubes. Everything is made of crystal with the highestpatibility with elemental energy. It''s hard to fail with a kit like this.


    When master Feng saw Dick''s equipment, he almost had a stroke: ?This is¡­ Baker, just don''t tell me that you are preparing medicine on¡­ "This"?!?


    The alchemical kit, which the young man took out, terrified in all respects: a disgusting device, dirty vessels and test tubes. The tubes were made of some kind of cracked, worn rubber. Thepatibility with elemental energy was the worst! This kit cannot be higher than an "F" rank, which is no good even for a novice alchemist from a poor family.


    Everyone presentughed mockingly. Elsa covered her smiling lips with her palm, when suddenly a strange premonition came to her: something''s not right!


    Kyon lowered his gaze guiltily: ?Sorry, master, but I have been using this kit since childhood¡­ I''m used to it as much as I am to my limbs, so I can''t part with it.?


    {What does it mean since childhood?!} ¨C everyone had the same question. It can''t be that the alchemist''s kit has never gone bad or exploded.


    Master Feng sighed convulsively: ?Okay, let''s start our lesson with a little assessment of your abilities. On this shelf you will find almost all the standard ingredients for a wide range of applications. In one hour, you should make any medicine you are capable of with them. Well, for motivation, I will add apetitive element: the student with the most outstanding result will receive from me a token that allows you to purchase any alchemical kit on the order market for free! And also one pill created by a great¡­ A very great alchemist.?


    The disciples perked up noticeably for a second, but in the end each of them came to a disappointing conclusion: they have no chance of defeating a rank 4 alchemist¡­ Genius Elsa Stone.


    The blonde shifted her worried gaze from Dick to the master and could not help feeling that the reward was not meant for her. But the fat man can''t cook medicine better than she, especially on his decrepit alchemy kit, right?!


    Kyon smiled shyly: he had deliberately found the worst alchemy kit. Thus, he provoked the master to make him a valuable gift, that is, he forced him to invest in a promising young man. This is a great advantage for building further rtionships.


    Before turning the hourss over, master Feng offered his best student to make medicine of "Enzymes" for practitioners of the royal phase. The girl just knows how to make it well. This medicine will fully reveal her alchemist skills.


    Elsa agreed.


    Kyon caught the hint of the master and decided to prepare the same medicine.


    The countdown has begun.


    (Author''s note.. citrine: https://ibb.co/QYxKzjs )

 Chapter 486 - 486

    Young people hurried to the rack to collect the ingredients necessary for the manufacture of the medicine. Elsa noticed that the fat man took the same ingredients as she did, as if he was going to repeat her every action. He understands that alchemy doesn''t work that way, right?Or do they both know the same recipe?


    Shaking her head, the girl took everything she needed and started making the medicine.


    Ten students werepletely focused on their work.


    Master Feng was watching everyone, but he was paying the most attention to Baker''s actions, and the blonde noticed it. The girl was increasingly annoyed by this state of affairs. How did Dick deserve such an attitude towards himself?


    The truth is that the man was simply amazed at the young man''s skills. It was really impressive that he handled the tools and prepared the ingredients so efficiently, as well as the fact that his every movement was honed to perfection.


    In order to be a great alchemist, it is not enough just to read books, you need to immerse yourself in experiments with your head and find patterns.


    For 9 months in Cernos, Kyonpletely mastered the basics of alchemy in all directions, but he could not learn how to make something really difficult, because 1% of the avable elemental energy severely limited his capabilities.


    An hour passed unnoticed.


    ?So, time is up. Put the alchemy kits aside.?


    The disciples obeyed.


    ?It''s time to check your results, but before that I want to show you something amazing¡­ Have any of you heard of "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron"??


    Elsa raised her hand up and after a nod of the master with genuine respect in her voice, touching her heart, she sang: ?"The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" is the pseudonym of the monstrously brilliant student Albert Clinton. They say he can make medicine with one hundred percent purity! But an even more amazing thing is that he demonstrates by his example to alchemists all over the world how limited they are in their knowledge and how limitless the possibilities of alchemy as a science are¡­ Some of his works are unique and inimitable. Even three legendary alchemists of the first rank cannotpare with him¡­?


    The girl was talking about "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" with an enthusiastic breath for about two minutes, which made Kyon feel strange. He was still mad at Stone for her recent antics, and she was probably mad at him, too. However, thedy was clearly a fan of his other personality.


    ?I want to be as talented as he is, or even surpass him!? ¨C she concluded decisively.


    ?Your ambitions are worthy of praise, my disciple!? ¨C smiled master Feng. ¨C ?As some have already guessed, in addition to the token, the winner will receive from me the medicine made by "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron"!?


    The students froze in amazement, their mouths open.


    Elsa jumped up from her chair, and her eyes were full of anticipation. She watched greedily as the master carefully took out the box with the pill. Can she really study the treasure created by her idol - the greatest alchemist?!


    Kyon scratched his temple with some embarrassment.


    ?This healing medicine can align the spine of any practitioner up to the noble phase inclusive. No side effects.? ¨C the alchemist checked the pill with the device, and the number 100 appeared on top. ¨C ?As you can see, it is impably clean! I bought it to study it, but I couldn''t find any traces of the techniques used to fuse the ingredients. Apparently, "The legendary Lord of the Cauldron" came up with his own method, unique and inimitable, and most importantly, effective.?


    {Feng deservedly holds the title of alchemist of the third rank.} ¨C Kyon nodded respectfully to himself.


    ?Now the medicine must fall into the hands of my best student. Or, more precisely, the winner of thepetition! Let''s find out who it will be!?


    Elsa swallowed convulsively and looked at Dick. He is a dark horse, the only one who has at least a microscopic chance to surpass her. If he gets the pill and the token¡­ The girl tried not to think about it.


    ?"Sobering Guanine" ¨C an invigorating "§³" rank medicine of average quality, not bad.? ¡­ ?Oh, this is "The Cleansing Dragee" of high quality! Broad spectrum antidote¡­? ¡­ ?"Morning Dew" of high quality, excellent work.?


    Finally the master approached his best student: ?The medicine of "Enzymes" for the practitioner of the royal phase with a purity of¡­ Sixty-six percent! That''s great! Elsa, you have surpassed even your master!?


    ?Lady Elsa is incredible!? ¡­ ?A genius among geniuses!? ¡­ ?Congrattions on your victory.?


    Elsa proudly lifted her chin with a slight smile on her lips. She didn''t expect such a result from herself either. She was strangely lucky. But now victory is guaranteed to her! Baker has no chance. She was worried for nothing.


    Kyon caught his sister''s arrogant look, as if saying that victory would be hers, and grinned in response.


    ?And now let''s check thest work¡­ So, also the medicine of "Enzymes" for royal phasers, and its purity is¡­ Eighty-seven percent!? ¨C the alchemist eximed.


    When the number "87" appeared above the device, the students gasped in amazement.


    Elsa reacted especially expressively: she got excited and opened her eyes wide, as if she had found out that Dick was actually a girl.


    ?Grandiose purity¡­ Dick Baker made "B" rank medicine of grandiose purity!? ¨C master Feng shouted with genuine delight.


    ?That is, Baker surpassed Lady Elsa?? ¡­ ?Did he win?! How so?!?


    ?I don''t believe it!? ¨C the girl suddenly protested. ¨C ?Dick cheated somehow!?


    ?You offend me, Lady Elsa¡­? ¨C Kyon responded resentfully. ¨C ?I tried my best, but you are dipping my work in the dirt, using me of cheating¡­ Not nice.?


    ?Then tell me, what methods did you use?!?


    Kyon looked down at the floor in embarrassment: ?I only have pure energy, so¡­?


    This time even Master Feng got excited.


    The blonde jumped up and banged on the table: ?I own four elements, I use dozens of methods to merge ingredients and as a result I barely reach great purity, and you, owning one element, immediately reach the grandiose one?! I''ll never believe it!?


    ?Dick cheated!? ¡­ ?Damn liar!? ¡­ ?Lay all the cards on the table, fat man!?


    Even master Feng had to agree with the girl''s opinion. Alchemy is demanding on the mastery of the elements and their grades. Pure energy alone is not enough.


    Kyon scratched his head thoughtfully: ?Practicing alchemy with only pure energy is difficult, but not impossible. Yes, I can''t use the techniques to merge ingredients, so I can only fuse ingredients through other ingredients.?


    ?So you are trying to convince us all that you have selected binding ingredients for each stage of preparation? Do you take us for fools?!? ¨C Elsa narrowed her beautiful eyes threateningly, demanding the answer. She wouldn''t believe such nonsense.


    ?There are too few binding ingredients known to be used inplex medicine! Tell the truth!? ¨C one of the students intervened.


    Kyon agreed: ?Yes, it really is, so I had to find them myself. For example, I added dried Caribbean flies to merge stone lizard tongue powder and the pancreas of a blue toad. The perfect binder that for some reason has never been discovered before. And why? What about an alchemist''s intuition? Or, for example, the coals of a fruit tree can bebined with the juice of a ischnoderma resinosum through the fried beak of a strigops habropt. This bird just likes to eat both. But since it was about coals, the beak had to be fried¡­ Now do you understand what the secret is??


    Elsa and the master exchanged nces, and confusion and disbelief were in the eyes of both. It is extremely difficult to open binding ingredients. If he fried the same beak at a temperature 5 degrees higher, the purity of the medicine would immediately drop by 10-15%. How did the fat man open these bindings? Alchemist''s intuition? Nonsense!


    ?Rubbish!? ¨C the blonde pronounced the verdict. ¨C ?Only fabulously rich fools can afford to be self-taught in alchemy! No one could provide you with the resources to search for binding ingredients, and what nonsense with one alchemical kit?! Even a child will not believe in such drivel! I refuse to ept that you are better at alchemy than me!?


    Others could not understand, but now Elsa was not addressing Baker, but Stone, who could have neither the resources nor a great master to be a miracle alchemist.


    ?Lady. Elsa, you need to learn to admit defeat¡­? ¨C Kyon shook his head.


    ?I know how to admit defeat! But I definitely won''t lose to you in alchemy!? ¨C the girl firmly maintained her position, not only because of the reward at stake, but also because she had already lost to Dick once in the field of "investigator". If she concedes to him in alchemy, then her pride will receive a crushing blow.


    ?You are positively confident in your abilities.? ¨C Kyon grinned unkindly.


    Elsa''s heart stopped for a second, and goosebumps went down her spine because of the fat man''s creepy smile. It seemed to her that it was no longer the feeble Baker in front of her, but the mighty father.


    ?Master Feng?, ¨C Lovr turned to the teacher. ¨C ?I want to prove to your student that I am not inferior to her in skill. Do you mind if we do a little test??


    ?Test??


    ?Yes. Let''s say some kind of written test¡­?


    ?I object!? ¨C Elsa immediately intervened. ¨C ?You are a bookworm! The fact that you are good at cramming does not mean anything! Prove your skills in practice¡­?


    ?Hmm¡­? ¨C Kyon chuckled, driving the mouse into a trap, and grinned widely again. ¨C ?You suggested it yourself. Let Lady Elsa prepare any medicine that she can, and I will repeat after her. If my result turns out to be better, then she should properly apologize for ndering me by calling me a crook.?


    ?Ha-a-ah! Oh, my!? ¡­ ?Oh, goddess, he''s crazy!? ¡­ ?Elsa is being challenged so insanely!?


    Master Feng''s eyes bulged in shock and he was speechless. Even an alchemist of the 1st rank, just reading the recipe, is unlikely to make a "B" rank medicine on the first try, but now Dick suggests repeating any medicine after Elsa, and even with a better result?! Besides, is he going to do it with his lousy alchemy kit, finding binding ingredients on the go?! The level of absurdity of this challenge defies any reasonable analysis.


    Elsa was also discouraged. She believed that Dick would be scared or back down, but instead he made a supremely insane proposal. If by some miracle he manages to gain the upper hand, he will literally trample her dignity as an alchemist into the ground.


    Intuition diligently prompted Stone to tly refuse this confrontation, and the girl was about to refuse, when suddenly master Feng spoke:


    ?Well, so be it! My student will participate.?


    ?Wait, I didn''t¡­? ¨C Elsa began, but stopped abruptly when the surprised looks of the alchemist and his students crossed on her. Dick''s look was especially infuriating, the fat man clearly considered her a coward. ¨C ?¡­I did not set my conditions: if I win, I will take the token and the medicine prepared by "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron".? ¨C she got out of the situation.


    ?And what will I get for winning? At the risk of sounding rude, but your demands seem absurd to me, especially in this situation where any sane person would bet against me.?


    {Are my apologies not enough for you?!} ¨C the girl thought indignantly, but did not say it out loud.


    ?What do you want?? ¨C asked master Feng.


    ?In case of victory, I want, in addition to apologies, every student in the order to know as soon as possible that I have surpassed Lady Elsa. I will also address her informally, and she should not object to this in any way.?


    ?Miss Elsa, do you agree to these terms??


    ?Yes, I do¡­? ¨C the girl agreed, unable to shake off a bad feeling.


    ?Then get ready for thepetition! Let''s get started!? ¨C the alchemist turned over the hourss.


    Elsa went to the shelves and took the necessary ingredients.


    ?Oh-oh-oh, hemostatic "Belkozyn", a good choice.?


    {How could he understand?!} ¨C Elsa was amazed. Goosebumps ran down her spine. She had a disgusting feeling that she was dancing to the tune of Dick - a monster, who was not taking his predatory gaze off the victim who had already fallen into his trap.


    This behavior of master Feng''s best student amazed the audience.


    {All or nothing¡­} ¨C Stone braced herself and gathered other ingredients.


    {Unique body medicine? Girl, you know what to choose!} ¨C Lovr rejoiced.

 Chapter 487 - 487

    During the preparation of the medicine of the unique body, Elsa often nced at Dick, but could not understand whether he was seeding or not. Judging by the fact that he has been sitting and idling for 5 minutes, he is unsessful. Well, that''s great!


    Finally, Stone prepared the unique body medicine andid it on the table. 75% purity suited her. She stared defiantly at her disgusting opponent: ?I''m done.?


    Kyon coughed dryly: ?Me too¡­ Ten minutes ago.?


    {You can''t make it so fast! What nonsense did he make? Idiot¡­}


    Master Fengpared the work of the young people and said in amazement: ?There is no doubt that this is really the same medicine!?


    ?It can''t be!? ¨C Elsa eximed. ¨C ?Let me see!?


    When the girl took the medicine in her hands, Kyon chuckled sarcastically: ?The unique body of "Steel will". The choice is not bad, but this does not surprise me.?


    Elsa burned the fat man with her gaze, gritting her teeth. Does he know everything?!


    ?We just have topare the quality¡­? ¨C master Feng took the device in his hands.


    When the number 85 lit up above the device, the students gasped in amazement, and Elsa, stunned, swaying, plopped down on a chair. There was a bitter lump in her throat, and there were conflicting emotions on her face.


    The students looked at each other in discouragement. Are they asleep? Some ugly fat man with one element surpassed Elsa and even master Feng? What a monster!


    With a condescending smile, Kyon decided to finish off his little sister: ?You know, the unique body of "Steel will" seemed mediocre to me, so I decided to improve it a little.? ¨C he showed the alchemist another pill.


    ?Improve?!? ¨C master Feng hissed excitedly.


    Elsa stared at Dick as if he was an invincible evil demon who decided to destroy her life to the ground. She wanted to go over and wring his thick neck.


    With trembling hands, the alchemist took the pill and froze to the spot: ?I-impossible¡­ I don''t believe¡­ No, it doesn''t happen that way!? ¨C it takes decades to improve medicine, but certainly not ten minutes. Common sense just broke down next to Dick.


    Elsa asked the master to give her the pill to make sure of what she heard. After checking it, she realized that it was the same medicine as before, however, the energy density inside was much higher due to the more advanced core structure, which automatically transforms the medicine of "C" rank into at least "B" rank one!


    {He can''t be such a genius¡­ It''s absolutely impossible¡­} ¨C Stone''s ears were ringing. Finally, she closed her eyelids doomed, feeling morally destroyed. Even after the escape of "The Dark Baron", she did not feel so terrible.


    Master Feng sympathized with the blonde. It is difficult to imagine how hard it must be for her to concede the title of ?the best alchemist-disciple of the order? to someone else. On the other hand, she lost to a monster who, without a recipe and with a lousy alchemical kit, was able to repeat and improve the medicine in 10 minutes. Does it make sense to be offended?


    ?So did I win?? ¨C Kyon asked dryly.


    ?Yes! Yes, and yes again, my boy!? ¨C the master eximed excitedly.


    ?So, from now on I can address Lady Elsa informally??


    ?Yes, it turns out so¡­? ¨C the alchemist agreed, shifting his gaze to the blonde.


    The girl red at Baker with hatred and immediately turned away.


    ?In that case, I''m waiting for your apology.? ¨C Kyon demanded without the former respect in his voice.


    *silence*


    ?Miss Elsa¡­? ¨C master Feng began.


    ?I''m sorry¡­? ¨C Stone whispered.


    ?I''m sorry, what? I didn''t hear you¡­? ¨C Kyon put his palm to his ear in a mocking manner and bent down.


    ?I said: I''m sorry!? ¨C repeated Elsa louder and colder.


    ?What are you sorry for??


    ?FOR¡­ For calling you a crook.? ¨C thedy said, gritting her teeth.


    Kyon nodded satisfactorily: ?So be it, I forgive you.?


    The students shivered with tension. The practitioner of the superior phase,municating informally with the best student of the order and the royal phaser, forced her to apologize! Incredible! And what will happen next? Will the world be swallowed up by darkness?


    The master wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, handed the fat man the award and began the lesson.


    The mere presence of Baker in the same room with her infuriated Elsa. She couldn''t even find the strength to meet his gaze, he took her out very much. And his nasty raspy voice made her insides twist. The young man surpassed her not only in investigative work, but also in alchemy¡­ How to live on after that?


    The students noticed that master Feng devotes a lot of time to Dick. It seemed that the alchemist, asking him questions, wanted to find out the answers himself, as if he was a student and Baker was his master. The degree of absurdity went off scale.


    The alchemist himself soon noticed this, and it spoiled his mood pretty much.


    Two hours flew by unnoticed.


    ?The lesson is over. Dick, what do you say about my instructions?? ¨C the alchemist asked insinuatingly. Baker''s opinion meant a lot to him now.


    ?I like it! I learned something new!?


    ?I''m very d that I can teach such a genius at least something, hehe¡­?


    ?Master, thank you for not judging me like a book by the cover, like many others.? ¨C he meaningfully looked at the dazzlingly beautiful blonde, which made her cross her arms in irritation. ¨C ?Unfortunately, I will not be able toe to the next lesson¡­ There is a high probability that I will be hospitalized indefinitely because I insulted someone¡­?


    ?Someone dares to bully my student?!? ¨C master Feng was furious. ¨C ?My disciples, I am giving you an important task: you must inform everyone that from now on Dick is my student! And anyone who harms him will have to deal with me!?


    ?Oh, master¡­? ¨C Kyon shed tears.


    ?And you, Miss Elsa, take care of Baker!?


    ?But I don''t want to!? ¨C the indignant Elsa immediately protested.


    ?You shouldn''t hold a grudge against Dick for surpassing you. Be above it. Alchemists should help each other.? ¨C master Feng spoke convincingly.


    Elsa couldn ''t find the words. Today she had the most terrible day in recent years, and all because of the damn fat man! She''s already sick of him. As soon as he appears anywhere, the whole world seems to go crazy and begins to revolve around him, sumbing to madness.


    As the disciples headed for the exit, master Feng suddenly grabbed Baker by the shoulder and whispered: ?I may be wrong, but are you by any chance "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron"??


    ?His skill is the moon to me¡­? ¨C Lovr smiled sourly.


    ?I see¡­ I heard you.? ¨C the alchemist winked meaningfully.


    {And he''s not a fool.} ¨C Kyon was convinced of this once again.


    Near the gate, Elsa was joyfully greeted by a crowd of fans: ?Hello, Lady Elsa! How are you doing?? ¡­ ?How was the alchemy ss?? ¡­ ?When will you give us lectures on alchemy and formacy? I can''t wait for them to start!?


    ?Do you teach alchemy sses? Can I sign up for your sses?? ¨C catching up with the girl, Kyon asked shyly.


    ?NO!? ¨C Stone said categorically.


    ?I see¡­ Apparently, I am not worthy to learn from such a genius as you¡­? ¨C he grinned knowingly.


    The girl trembled with the desire to strangle Dick right now.


    Meanwhile, fifty fans looked as if they had received a blow: ?H-how dare you talk so familiarly with Lady Elsa, pig?!? ¡­ ?The fat guy dared to insult ourdy!? ¡­ ?DO YOU WANT TO DIE?!? ¡­ ?You''re already dead!? ¡­ ?COME OUT!?


    A crowd of Elsa''s crazy fans drilled the fat man with hateful nces, but they did not dare to cross the fence dividing the territory of master Feng''s dwelling (although there is no protective barrier there, because amber bees must somehow cross it).


    ?The master asked you to protect me¡­ His words are important to you, aren''t they??


    ?I didn''t say "yes" to him, okay? So deal with it yourself.? ¨C Stone hissed maliciously and was about to cross the gate, but she was stopped by the following words of Baker:


    ?I will give you the medicine of "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" in exchange for fulfilling two conditions: first, you will still fulfill master Feng''s request to protect me; secondly, now you will take me to the market and at your own expense you will buy me the ingredients that I ask for, for a total of about ten thousand points.?


    The girl was interested in the young man''s proposal. Somehow, in one day, Dick managed to surprise her more times than Rose in all the time since they met.


    ?Are you seriously going to give it to me?? ¨C Elsa asked incredulously. The pill could fix Dick''s crooked spine, or even help in alchemy. It would be a big mistake on his part to give medicine away so simply, almost for nothing.


    ?Sure. I give you my word.? ¨C Kyon assured her.


    ?But what''s the stupid second condition? You can buy yourself anything¡­ Why should I buy something for you? And in front of everyone¡­ I will be misunderstood.?


    ?I''m out of points. Look¡­? ¨C Kyon held out his wrist.


    Elsa checked the formation of the young man and made sure of the truthfulness of his words. What a spender?! Yesterday he earned at least 100 thousand!


    ?As for "misunderstanding", don''t you care? After all, I''m "just" Dick, not a genius and a handsome man like Rose. Just tell everyone that master Feng asked you to do this.?


    Elsa thought about the offer a little and summed up: ?I can promise to protect you for only one month. And, okay, I''ll fulfill the second condition¡­? ¨C she hesitated, then held out her hand. ¨C ?If you agree, then give the medicine now.?


    ?Deal.? ¨C Kyon handed his sister a box with the medicine.


    {And he gave it without hesitation¡­} ¨C the blonde noticed.


    ?I trust you.? ¨C Kyon smiled slightly and crossed the line of the gate, thereby giving himself into the clutches of angry fans eager to tear him into small pieces.


    {Does he trust me?} ¨Cplex emotions shed across Elsa''s beautiful face, but suddenly she came to her senses and shouted. ¨C ?Wait!?


    The fifty students stopped a moment before their fists collided with the fat man''s body.


    ?Dick is under my protection. You are all forbidden to touch him. Moreover, you have to protect him from any bullies. I will be very grateful to you for that.? ¨C Stone addressed the students affectionately and tenderly as always.


    The fans of the blonde nodded with surprise on their faces: ?If Lady Elsa asks, then how can we refuse her¡­? ¡­ ?There must be a reason why Baker is allowed to talk to her informally!? ¡­ ?Lady, your will is thew for us!?


    Inwardly, Kyon shook his head in disappointment: how low should a man''s self-esteem be to voluntarily obey any word of a woman, especially the one who does not even have real power and title? What are they counting on? For Elsa, they are no more than stooges, although outwardly she does not show this in any way.


    But in general, Lovr was not surprised by this state of affairs. In a world where physical beauty has no boundaries, and a person''s status isrgely determined by his strength and talent, such phenomena are natural. So, for example, Kara, Juno and Elsa have their own circle of fans, just like Rose has a crowd of girls chasing him.


    When Dick and Elsa went somewhere side by side, the fans, to put it mildly, were stunned.


    Soon a crowd of young people approached the order''s market: tents fenced with a low wall. Something obviously unique is sold in each of the tents.


    ?Elsa, bunny, hello!? ¨C Rose met the girl at the market. In front of ten jealous girls-fans, he hugged and kissed his betrothed on the cheek.


    ?What are you doing here?? ¨C Stone asked excitedly. Thest thing in the world she wanted was to meet her boyfriend here¡­ At such a tant moment of buying ingredients to Baker.


    ?I decided to buy a couple of things.? ¨C noticing Dick, the blond shuddered, and his face twisted in a grimace of disgust. ¨C ?What the¡­?


    ?Greetings, sir.? ¨C with a beaming smile on his lips, Kyon held out his hand in greeting.


    Rose abruptly grabbed the fat man: ?Aren''t you afraid of me at all?! Did you think you''din to my father and I wouldn''t make a chop out of you?!?


    The audience, consisting mainly of fans of Rose and Elsa, looked forward to the massacre of the fat innocent.


    ?Let him go¡­?


    ?Eh?!? ¨C Rose couldn''t believe his ears. He looked at the beautiful girl in a daze.


    ?Let him go, please¡­? ¨C Elsa repeated reluctantly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.


    ?A-are you seriously defending this mummer pig?!? ¨C Valentine was amazed.


    ?The master asked me. I can''t disobey.?


    ?The master, then¡­ Okay then.? ¨C Rose disgustedly threw the fat man aside.


    After listening to the conversation of the lovebirds for a minute, Kyon reminded of himself: ?Elsa, how long do I have to wait? My time is too expensive, and you can''t afford to waste it!?


    {What an idiot?! Stupid, stupid idiot!} ¨C thought Elsa, clenching her fists and closing her eyelids dejectedly. Is Dick physically incapable of not running into trouble?!


    The fans of Elsa and Rose held their breath. Now the fat man is definitely finished!


    Rose''s eyes were clouded with a veil of rage from what he heard. They seemed to glow with a scarlet light, like the eyes of a bull before throwing: ?Pig, if you are in such a hurry to the next world, then die!?


    A momentter, the blond man rushed forward, raising his fist in Baker''s face. Such a powerful attack would surely kill even a lord phaser.


    Elsa easily caught up with Rose and pulled him by the hand: ?Darling, please, don''t¡­?


    ?Eh?! What does "don''t" mean?!? ¨C Rose was taken aback by what he heard.

 Chapter 488 - 488

    ?Don''t touch him, please!? ¨C the extremely annoyed Elsa repeated loudly, stopping Rose at thest moment.


    ?But he dared to address you informally! Besides, this disgusting pig thinks his time is worth more than my girlfriend''s! After such an insult, even master Feng won''t mind if I finish him off!?


    Elsa really didn''t want to say the following words, but she was left with no choice: ?He can talk to me informally because I lost a bet to him. Is that clear??


    The audience sighed convulsively.


    Rose swayed, discouraged: ?Ah¡­?


    ?As for the value of time, he just joked badly. Dick is an idiot.?


    ?Yes, that''s for sure¡­? ¨C Valentine agreed listlessly.


    With great difficulty, Elsa managed to protect Baker: ?In general, I promised master Feng to protect him for one month, so don''t touch him, okay??


    ?I will try.?


    Soon Kyon went into one of the tents with ingredients and began listing what was needed: ?Sunny rainbow flower, two stems. Summer dandelion brown, two hundred grams. A shining caterpir, mature, three pieces, and preferably hairy. Sakura sap, fifty milliliters. Remember? I won''t repeat it. You''re a smart girl, you have to deal with it.?


    {Can you keep your big mouth shut?!} ¨C Elsa was angry to herself.


    {What the hell is going on here¡­} ¨C Rose and the others wondered. From the outside, it looked as if the girl was Dick''s assistant, and not the other way around, which makes no sense, because who is she, and who is he? Proud lioness and disabled mole. And even such aparison would be too ttering for the fat man.


    Kyon was buying ingredients in order to prepare for the meeting with Juno today. If he had ordered the ingredients through the Golden Pig guild, they would have flown to him for 3-4 days, or even a week. In addition, he forced the first most popr student of the order to sponsor all his purchases, and in front of her boyfriend. Stone''s fans can only dream of this.


    By the way, it is not illegal for other people to pay the expenses of the messenger of the goddess. It''s not even formally ckmail, which means that the conditions of the zero general are not vited.


    A minuteter, Elsa paid for the purchases and handed them to the fat man. Looking again at what she had bought, she wondered: {Why does he need so many ingredients with a high content of "yang"?}


    ?Thank you. You know, girls often give me expensive presents, trying to win my favor, so you''ll have to try hard to surpass the others.? ¨C Lovr winked yfully.


    {No, please¡­ Not again¡­} ¨C Elsa was seriously afraid of going crazy.


    ?Well, this is uneptable! I''ll beat all the arrogance out of him!? ¨C Rose was furious again.


    Stone overcame herself and stopped Valentine: ?He just doesn''t have a sense of humor¡­?


    ?And isn''t there a penalty for idiotic jokes addressed to the gentlemen?!?


    ?There is no point in punishing the poor¡­? ¨C thedy smiled sourly.


    ?And that''s right¡­ Ha-ha¡­? ¨C Rose forced augh. ¨C ?And yet, how to understand all this?!?


    ?Master Feng asked me to help Baker choose medicine, because he himself is not able to do it: his eyesight is bad, and he is clumsy¡­?


    ?Hmm¡­ I agree. Okay, let''s go, help me choose a couple of things.? ¨C touching the wasp waist of the beauty, Rose led her to another tent. Spending time with his cute girlfriend is a real pleasure.


    ?Elsa, why don''t you help me choose an alchemy kit? After all, I have a token of master Feng¡­? ¨C Kyon did not fail to mock his sister.


    ?No!? ¨C the girl said with hysterical notes in her voice and walked away with her boyfriend.


    {Does he have a token of master Feng?!} ¨C Rose and the others were surprised once again.


    Kyon entered the tent with alchemy kits.


    The eyes of the seller, who saw the master token in the hands of the fat man, glistened greedily. The fact is that the alchemist-master will be obliged to pay in full for any product purchased for the token, no matter how much it costs. A great opportunity to earn extra money.


    ?Young sir, you are very lucky today! An amazing alchemical kit was brought to us from Saturn! One of a kind! Just look at it!?


    The seller took out the alchemy kit, literally glowing from the delight. There is dark volcanic ss with the highest affinity for elemental energy, and vessels of ideal shapes and sizes. The quality of each individual element exceeded the permissible limits, as did the price.


    The loud voice of the seller reached Elsa''s ears. An unbearable curiosity seized her immediately. Unable to bear it, she whispered to the guy: ?I just remembered that I need an alchemy kit¡­ Let''s see what is there!?


    ?Um¡­ Okay, let''s go¡­? ¨C Rose frowned suspiciously. Something told him that she just wanted to see what Dick would choose for himself.


    The high-born couple, followed by a crowd of boys and girls, went into another tent. The alchemical kit of incredible beauty appeared to the eyes of those who entered.


    A lump stuck in Elsa''s throat: {How delightful! And will he get it for free?!}


    ?Oh, and what rank is it?? ¨C Kyon deliberately asked, showing off in public, although he already knew that it was "B+".


    ?"A" rank, sir! You won''t find them anywhere in Rosarrio! Alchemy kits of "A" rank are used only by alchemists of the 2nd rank and higher! You are very lucky!?


    {"A" rank?! Are you kidding?! He doesn''t deserve it!} ¨C Elsa gritted her teeth in frustration.


    {Not even "A-" rank, but "A" rank? A vile, lying huckster. But you are ying into my hands.} ¨C thought Lovr and threw a token to the man with a light wave of his hand. ¨C ?I''m buying!?


    ?It''s a pleasure to do business with you, young master! Thank you for your purchase!?


    As soon as Kyon took the alchemy kit in his hands, a melodious voice was heard from behind:


    ?Wait! I want to buy it!?


    There was no limit to the surprise of the students and Rose watching this scene.


    Realizing that this was said by an unsurpassed genius and the best student of master Feng, the seller gaped dumbfounded. How can he refuse such a famousdy? It could end badly! He must please such an important person, no matter what the cost.


    Turning to the fat customer, the man cleared his throat dryly and unceremoniously held out his hand: ?Please return the alchemical kit. I sold it to you by mistake. It belongs to Lady Elsa and only to her. Here is your token.?


    ?Really?? ¨C Kyon was surprised by the brazenness of the shameless seller, and Elsa too.


    The girl smiled rapaciously to herself. Authority is everything. Know your ce, fat man.


    ?Hurry up and give me the alchemy kit!? ¨C the seller demanded more rudely.


    Kyon pulled out and activated the visual recording nephrite to record the scene just in case, then asked: ?Remind me, why on earth should I give you the alchemy kit that I already bought for the master token??


    ?I told you I sold it by mistake! If you want, I''ll pay you an additional ten thousand points for moral damage. Now give me the damn kit! Lady Elsa needs it more!?


    ?How long do I have to wait?? ¨C Elsa gloatingly added fuel to the fire.


    Kyon looked into the girl''s mocking eyes and chuckled coldly: ?Three hundred thousand points of moralpensation, and I will give the kit, otherwise you will not get anything from me.?


    The seller coughed from such impudence: ?The kit itself costs three hundred thousand! Why don''t you go to hell, fatty?!? ¨C he shouted without a shred of former respect.


    ?Baker, it would be better for you to give the set voluntarily.? ¨C Rose said unkindly.


    Elsa crossed her arms and watched the events unfold with pleasure. She was most curious about the possible reaction of her brilliant rival in such an extraordinary situation.


    ?And if I don''t, what will you do? Will you take it away by force??


    ?Then I''ll take it away by force, moron.? ¨C Rose grinned, releasing the pressure.


    ?Are you really so stupid that you don''t understand who is in front of you?! If you give her the alchemical kit, then you will please the first student of the order, thereby acting very wisely!? ¨C the seller tried to reason with the stubborn man.


    ?You all don''t seem to understand something¡­? ¨C Kyon shook his index finger,pletely ignoring the pressure. ¨C ?If people break into my house and demand my underpants, and then justify it by saying that somedy wanted to smell them, will I have to obey? No, I''ll send everyone to hell!?


    The people around were stunned by what they heard. The example given by Dick in rtion to Elsa was highly offensive, as if he was seriouslyparing this situation with the girl''s attempt to steal and smell his underpants.


    Elsa could not understand whether she should be indignant or not. Imagination drew an obscene picture where big men in ck forcibly took Dick''s underwear away from him, and then some girl (not her) sniffs her prey with pleasure¡­ This instantly made Stone giggle hysterically to tears. She couldn''t stop, no matter how hard she tried.


    Rose was about to explode with rage, but the melodiousughter of the beauty brought him to reason.


    A full minute passed before the lonely giggling suddenly stopped.


    Everyone was looking at the blonde with strange expressions on their faces, and everyone was thinking about something different.


    Elsa wiped away her tears, feeling guilty: why was she the only oneughing?! It''s so funny! She could only hope that others would not think that all this was somehow connected with her interest in Baker. It''s absurd, right?


    The first shoots of doubt began to creep into Rose''s soul.


    ?So you''re not going to give away the kit? Then I have no choice!? ¨C the merchant said decisively and tried to take the kit by force, but something went wrong¡­


    ~crunch~


    The fat man fell to the floor and smashed the precious alchemy kit to pieces with his body.


    The merchant was horrified.


    The audience goggled in amazement.


    Stone''s fans hissed furiously: ?Oh, you fat bastard, you broke Lady Elsa''s kit! Are youpletely fucked up?!? ¡­ ?Lady Elsa, let us turn him into a chop! He crossed every line! He insulted you!?


    Rose''s fists crunched with tension. There was a clear thirst for blood in his eyes. Dick exasperated him more and more. He should have been killed in the Grand''s pce.


    ?Boys, please, curb your ardor¡­ I''m sure Dick didn''t break it on purpose. Besides, he already paid for it with the token, so he probably regrets his loss.? ¨C Stone exined her position politely and affectionately.


    {Snake, you didn''t want me to get it just out of envy.} ¨C Lovr mentally snorted.


    ?Oh, Lady Elsa, you are a real saint in the flesh!? ¡­ ?There is nody more beautiful and kinder than you!? ¡­ ?Fatty, say thank you that the soul of Lady Elsa is so pure and immense that she does not know how to take offense at fools!?


    ?Don''t you really hold a grudge against him?? ¨C Rose whispered incredulously.


    ?No, I don''t.? ¨C Stone answered shortly.


    {What nonsense¡­ Did she just want Dick not to get the notorious kit? Why is he getting so much attention?!} ¨C the guy was lost in guesses. After all, if the fat man was worthless to his betrothed, then she would simply not care about him.


    Elsa was disappointed by Baker''s cool reaction. In fact, she just wanted to take revenge on him for humiliating her in front of the master by improving the medicine of a unique body, although he could not do it: no one forced him. He purposely showed how big the gap between their skills was, so it served him right.


    ?You''re d I didn''t get this kit, aren''t you?? ¨C Kyon asked dryly, standing up and brushing the debris off his pants.


    Elsa rolled her eyes and walked gracefully to the exit. From the back, with her impable posture, she resembled a supreme angel who spread the wings before takeoff.


    Rose suspected that Dick and Elsa had known each other for a long time. Too many hints.


    Lovr mockingly told her: ?I have to open your eyes: the equipment of an alchemist is just a tool. Skills are the most important thing. And my skills will always be better than yours, no matter how hard you try to surpass me.?


    ?Watch your tongue, you bastard!? ¡­ ?Have you no fear?!? ¡­ ?Lady Elsa is the best alchemist in the order! You''re worthless next to her, you damned windbag!?


    {What nonsense is he talking about¡­} ¨C Rose did not understand.


    ?We''ll see.? ¨C Elsa said, confusing the others.


    The rumor that Dick has surpassed Elsa will not spread immediately.


    Kyon headed home, along the way sending the master a visual recording of how the merchant tries to take the alchemy kit from him and it breaks. This will serve as a good reason not to pay for the broken property. The merchant will pay for his stupidity in full.


    As for the lost alchemy kit of "B+" rank, for Kyon it was just a prop for the performance. There is no better kit than the one that the alchemist will create from his own element of the earth (which only Lovr can afford because of his knowledge of chemistry). Roughly speaking, he can create a kit of "SSS" rank at any time, which no one but him can use because of the ipatibility of energies.


    And now it''s time to make medicine with a high content of "yang" and go to Juno.

 Chapter 489 - 489

    After returning home, Kyon immediately started making medicine with a high content of yang extract. Once Kara, using the services of an alchemist, prepared the same one, but with a much greater concentration, which almost allowed her to seduce Juno.


    After 2 hours, a bright orange pill was lying in his palm. An ephemeral heat emanated from it, perceived not by the body, but by the soul.


    Meanwhile it was getting dark.


    Kyon put on a mask and approached the gorge in the rock, where he was stopped by two of Juno''s guards.


    ?The entry price is ten thousand spheres or one hundred points.?


    ?No problem.? ¨C Lovr counted out the required amount and went inside. And although the order has its legal tender, Juno, apparently, was allowed to ept payment in money.


    Many martial arts masters regrly visit this ce in the hope of improving their skills by observing the battles of the brilliant student, especially after her victory over the master Zheng. And indeed, as soon as Kyon reached the end of the gorge, he found several elderly spectators, some even with their students.


    Meanwhile, Juno pushed her rival out of the arena.


    The girl shook herself energetically and returned to the ring. The fight continued.


    {What the hell?!} ¨C using a simple analysis, Kyon quickly found out that the girl fighting with his ?investment? had six fighting fists¡­ Is some student as skilled as one of the dozen archmasters in the whole world?! It''s absurd!


    Minute after minute, and Lovr''s suspicions intensified. Whoever Juno''s rival is, she has plenty of money: she has already squandered a million, and there is not a single hint of regret on her face, as if such spending is amon thing for her!


    ?I constantly see this girl next to Lady Juno¡­ It''s kind of weird.?


    ?Yes, she trains with her for several hours every day.?


    ?Seriously? Where did she get so much money?! Who is she anyway?!?


    ?Stephanie Russell, granddaughter of the Minister of Finance¡­?


    ?dimir dimirovich?!?


    ?Quiet! That''s right, he''s her grandfather¡­ I''ll give you some friendly advice: stay away from her.?


    After overhearing the conversation, Kyon scratched his chin thoughtfully: {Stop, isn''t the politician''s granddaughter studying abroad? Okay, whatever. Let''s say I can understand where she got the money from, but how can one exin her archmaster-levelbat prowess? Is she so gifted that she achieved six fighting fists in several hundred training sessions with Juno? And this name and appearance¡­ What a stupid coincidence?!}


    Stephanie Russell looked very much like Stephanie Stone, the pesky girl who had helped him a little earlier. However, she is cute at best, and the beauty of Juno or Elsa is like the moon to her.


    Time passed.


    A new viewer appeared in 20 minutes. Kyon, to hisplete shock, realized that this was the same guy he had defeated at the tournament of families in Boston with the help of "The Annihtion Sphere". He used to have the surname Brown, but now he has lost it.


    Timothy was damn handsome and elegant. ck shaggy tousled hair, an icy expression on his face and a piercing hawk-like gaze gave him the image of a detached,conic loner. It has changed dramatically over the past year and a half. There was no trace of the old arrogance in his gaze now. Apparently, that defeat in the family tournament served him as a good lesson.


    After 5 minutes, it became clear that Timothy is not one of those amorous young men who recklessly fall for beautiful and talented girls. He watched Juno''s duel with interest, but without fanaticism.


    {What? How can he be a lord phaser at the peaking stage?} ¨C feeling the development of the former Brown, Kyon had a lump in his throat. How did he manage to develop one and a half phases in 20 months? Especially considering that it would have taken him at least a year to recover from a chest injury! Is he dark or light one? Were his powers sealed? Something doesn''t add up! They invaded the 8 months ago, but this guy has been here for a long time¡­


    Lovr remembered that he had once heard that Herman Brown had adopted Timothy, and everything fell into ce. It turns out that the guy does not belong to the human race¡­


    After another 5 minutes, Roman Clinton joined the audience. His appearance immediately attracted attention, in particr Juno and Timothy''s - the guy crossed his arms on his chest, and his gaze became stern.


    ?Great and terrible, I wish to admire the duel of my future wife!? ¨C Roman dered smugly, proudly puffing out his chest and lifting his chin.


    Juno''s pretty face contorted with an expression of obvious contempt. Her weak guards are unable to drive away the damned Roman. It remains only to endure his presence and the sticky nces with which he almost licks every movement of her graceful body. Disgusting.


    Finally, Stephanie left the arena, deciding that she had enough for today.


    Juno took a minute break to drink water.


    ?How about fighting with me?!? ¨C with a brilliant smile, Roman jumped into the arena.


    ?Get out of my sight, loser!? ¨C the blonde demanded rudely. She had already once epted his challenge, and then this disgusting parasite, instead of worthily epting instant defeat, increased his development until he equaled her, after which he unceremoniously began to touch her ass and harass her in every possible way in front of the audience.


    ?Baby, don''t be so harsh¡­ I love you! And I am your future husband after all.? ¨C Roman, with deceptive yfulness, broke into a wide grin, trying to hug the beauty around the waist, but she deftly dodged the annoying hugs.


    ?If you want to win my favor so much, then defeat Rose!?


    ?He''s my friend¡­ We are like brothers. Did he do something bad to you??


    ?Are youpletely brainless?!? ¨C Juno approached Roman and hissed in his face. ¨C ?You know better than anyone how much I hate Elsa, and still don''t understand why I want my future husband to surpass her boyfriend?! If you are inferior to Rose in everything, then how can I look at such a nobody like you with respect?! You better go and train instead of spoiling my mood with your presence!?


    The smile slipped from Clinton''s face. He lost all sense of excitement. For some reason, next to the beauty, he rarely manages to stay in a good mood for a long time, as if someone is pulling the strings and depriving him of any motivation to fool around.


    Meanwhile, Kyon swallowed medicine with a high content of "yang" and immediately felt a warmth inside his soul. The feeling is akin to a hot sauna. Even the body was covered in sweat. If he had prepared medicine incorrectly, he could have died now.


    He then entered a dark state of soul and approached the guard.


    ?Payment with points or money?? ¨C the man asked dryly.


    ?Money.? ¨C Kyon held out the required amount.


    Lovr was not worried about the duel with Juno, although duels were forbidden to him. The fact is that all the conditions of the 0th general pursue only one goal: to make it difficult for the messenger of the goddess to pass the final exam. And if he wanted the guy not to reveal his strength, then he would separately set the appropriate condition, but there is no such prohibition. The conclusion is that any bet not on points will not cause problems.


    The guard epted the money, exined the rules and asked to take off the mask. When the young man obeyed, the man changed his countenance: ?Oh no, no, you can''t participate¡­ Let''s just say that your external data does not fit the standards of Ms. Juno.?


    ?I bet a million.? ¨C Kyon objected coldly.


    ?I''m afraid there''s nothing I can do to help you¡­?


    ?Oh, damn it, you again, you fat ghoul!? ¨C Roman''s face twisted when he identally noticed a familiar unsightly fat man near the arena.


    ?Benji, what''s the matter?? ¨C Juno walked to the edge of the arena and bent down. Seeing the fat man''s face, the girl even recoiled in disgust, but after a second her eyebrows crept up.


    ?See what you''ve done, you bastard?! Get out of here!? ¨C the guard got angry.


    ?Stop!? ¨C the dazzling blonde eximed, staring intently at the chubby freak.


    ?Lady?? ¨C the man was surprised.


    ?Let him fight me¡­ I allow it.? ¨C Juno felt an inexplicable desire to fight with the fat man, as if her very soul was begging for it. And his appearance suddenly quickly ceased to seem frightening and disgusting.


    All the spectators present, especially Timothy, were confused.


    ?Are you going to fight with him, but not with me?!? ¨C Roman eximed resentfully.


    ?Get out of the arena and don''t stop me from earning!? ¨C thedy retorted.


    Clinton snorted and jumped down, only saying atst: ?Break his arms, and then I won''t bother you in this fight club of yours for a whole week.?


    Stone grunted with interest. She liked Roman''s suggestion.


    Kyon jumped into the arena, almost bumping his forehead with a girl.


    Juno widened her big clear emerald eyes and took a step back. A strangefort visited the soul, as if after a walk in the cold she got in a warm tub.


    Up close, the younger step sister seemed even more mind-blowing to Lovr. The soul being in a controlled dark state immediately reminded him of those terrible episodes in the mansion¡­ There was a wild desire to beat and humiliate this little creature in such a way that every morning she would remember her past atrocities with tears. However, the purpose of this fight is different: to impose a formation on the blonde that transmits Synergy at a distance. The fact is that the subordinate formation has definitely been removed from her, but she must be controlled somehow.


    Juno quickly came to her senses, moved away and took up a fighting position. Her disgusting opponent grinned unkindly, which made the girl ufortable.


    ~ding~


    Immediately after the signal, twoplete opposites - beauty and the beast - shed in a duel. It was scary to look at Baker, while Juno in her thin training uniform, fitting her long slender legs and hips, stic ass, slim waist and neat breasts, fascinated the audience. Full of elegance and grace, the girl''s movements resembled the martial dance of a great beautiful angel.


    Timothy watched the duel with a slight squint, his arms crossed.


    Roman almost choked with drooling. How beautiful she is! He just wants to touch her¡­


    Kyon immediately noticed that Juno was trying to grab his arm. Does she really want to break it? It seems that she has not lost her cruelty and sadism for 13 years spent in an illusory world. However, this was clear even at the tournament of families, where the girl mercilessly humiliated and killed her opponent: Mr. "sandstorm".


    In fact, Juno is not one of those who will mutte other innocent people for their own benefit. If she breaks the fat man''s arm, she will definitely settle with him, and even paypensation. All she wants is for Roman not to bother her for a week.


    Lovr wanted to punish the bitch for her viinous intentions, so he immediately used all 10bat fists and quickly found a gap in her movements. However, as soon as he tried to use it, Stone leaned sharply to the side. Somehow, she not only instantly dodged, but also went on the attack.


    Kyon frowned and tried again, and then again, but nothing changed. Juno seemed to know the future and skillfully turned this knowledge in her favor. It was not possible to drive her into a trap. Moreover, the pressure emanating from the nobledy defied logical analysis, as if she were a total lucky, and indescribable luck apanied her every move.


    {Ho-oh-oh, has my "investment" opened a new ability? Master Zheng was still right, using the bitch of using a unique body¡­ So he had every right to take her with him to Saturn to let XiaoXiao fuck her there every day!}


    Initially, it seemed that the greedy old man and his horny student decided to be arrogant, but the truth is that it was Juno who deceived and robbed everyone, and her secret patron allowed her to go unpunished.


    {But where did she get this ability?} ¨C Kyon wondered. He knew for sure that while making "The Divine Lotus of Development" medicine, he did not add any ingredients that would give its owner the ability to read the thoughts or intentions of the opponent''s soul. It must be all about the girl''s innate body, which she inherited from her mysterious daddy. It seems to have recently awakened.


    One way or another, in the current realities, it is impossible to honestly defeat Juno inbat skills. Even if Lovr uses all 13 fighting fists, the girl will always be one step ahead.


    {And what''s next? I''m definitely not going to lose to the mean girl.} ¨C Kyon decided.


    Meanwhile, Juno was frowning thoughtfully, not understanding why she was unable to read the fat man''s style. There was something strange and vaguely familiar about his movements. And next to him, she felt inexplicablefort and warmth, especially in the lower abdomen. Soul and body seemed to enjoy the duel with this monster in the flesh.


    Meanwhile, Baker was already at the edge of the arena. Just a little more and he will lose.


    {Do you want to defeat me? Dream about it, bitch!} ¨C Kyon''s soul sumbed to the urges of the dark state. He put his right hand under the grip, and when Juno reached for her prey, he grabbed the opponent by the neck with an incredibly fast movement and hung her above the ground, forcing the girl to helplessly swing her legs in the air, and then he ruthlessly mmed her into the floor.


    ~BOOM~


    All the spectators'' jaws dropped.


    Even Timothy swayed.


    Roman couldn''t believe his eyes. Even master Zheng could not inflict a blow on his future wife, but some Dick seeded?!


    For a moment, Juno lost her sight from the shock, and her head was buzzing. She tried to get up, but realized that the fat man was still pressing her imperiously by the throat to the floor. No matter how much she resisted, young Stone could not move. She''s trapped! In full power of this vile boar!


    Kyon whispered in her ear with hatred: ?Know your ce, scoundrel!?

 Chapter 490 - 490

    Although Juno foresaw the chokehold, she could not react in any way: too quickly! If she was a lord phaser at the 5th stage right now, she would definitely be able to.


    Then the fat man whispered his poisonous words in the girl''s ear.


    {Know your ce, scoundrel? Is he crazy?!} ¨C Juno struggled to wriggle out of her grip without breaking the rules of the fight, but nothing worked. She was writhing like a snake and had long been blushing from exertion. An unintelligible grunt came from her mouth, and tears welled up in her eyes, but the fat man continued to mercilessly press her by the neck to the floor, as if punishing for something. Such an unceremonious and overbearing attitude drove the girl crazy. And the ubiquitous enveloping warmth¡­ How nice.


    Kyon''s nerves were strained to the limit, because from Juno''s body came a truly amazing floral fragrance, so magnificent that any man would lose self-control. In addition, with her cute appearance, the girl will surpass even the supreme angel. His eyes stung when he looked at her! But the main thing is that right now the hated bitch looks so pathetic andpletely helpless that it''s impossible not to get aroused¡­


    A big and fat troll touches the fragile angel closely, brutally mming her thin neck into the floor of the ring, while she, dangling her legs and fidgeting with her graceful figure, unsessfully tries to free herself. The audience felt that their insides were turning over from this picture.


    Timothy wanted to intervene, but he was outstripped.


    ?Brat, go to the next world!? ¨C Roman roared and jumped forward, but the fat man suddenly bent down, disappeared and, judging by the vibrations of the soul, rushed to the gorge.


    Juno''s two guards came out of their stupor and went berserk: ?BASTARD!?


    Kyon was being chased by three royal phasers, and they were rapidly closing the distance, but as soon as he got into the gorge, where there were few witnesses, he teleported away.


    ?What?! Where did he go?!? ¨C Roman growled in bewilderment, his eyes turned red. He abruptly ceased to feel Baker with his spiritual instinct. Further searches were unsessful.


    Clinton was more enraged not even by the fact that the vile fatty had sprawled on his future wife, clutching her neck, but by the fact that he still did not have the courage to act so radically to put the arrogant impudent bitch in her ce. She must know that he will control her, whether she wants it or not.


    With a face as red as a tomato, Juno barely sat on her ass. Her teeth were clenched, there were tears in her beautiful eyes, and there was humiliation and rage on her face: ?Where is this fat guy?! WHERE IS HE?!?


    ?Ldy, I''m sorry, but we missed him¡­? ¨C the guard said guiltily.


    ?Missed?? ¨C the girl hissed in bewilderment. ¨C ?Well, find him and bring him to me!?


    ?Y-yes, Lady!? ¨C the two guards hurriedly left.


    Juno felt exhausted. She timidly rose to her feet and immediately brought them together, realizing something shameful. Bing even more crimson, the little demon went home on her wobbly legs.


    It''s hard to believe that she was under the control of the nasty fat man¡­ Besides, he was aroused because of her! In fact, it is not umon for her opponents to get erections during a fight, but after that they usually turn into a punching bag while the guards hold their hands. But the worst thing is that she got aroused too. Her honor and dignity received such a serious blow that she wanted to fall asleep forever.


    ¡­


    Kyon came out of the dark state and exhaled with relief. It''s too dangerous to be in it. Sometimes the darkness forces the host to act and behave in a way that he would never do, and if he resists, then it gets out of control, thereby burning Synergy. If the Synergy ends, then the dark state will take over the soul once and for all.


    The main thing is that the duel with Juno was not in vain: the formation was imposed on her! Now, when Lovr can transmit Synergy remotely, the girl is under hisplete control. It''s time to go to her! He was involuntarily aroused by the fantasies that flooded into his head. It is impossible not to look forward to sex with the heavenly beauty.


    Due to the events in the order, where Rose and Roman (royal phasers at the middle stage) are hunting for Lovr, an increase of 10-20 steps to development will allow him not to worry about them anymore. And even Elsa will cease to be his opponent.


    Entering invisibility, Kyon proceeded to Juno''s house. She was justing back.


    Lovr entered the dark state and sent Synergy into the girl''s body to block her spiritual sense. Now, with all her desire, she will not feel the invisible spectator next to her.


    When Juno passed through the opening in the protective barrier, Kyon also slipped inside.


    ?Hello, Lady. You are earlier than usual today.? ¨C the elderly maid bowed.


    ?Oh, yes¡­? ¨C the blonde nodded absently. ¨C ?I''m gonna take a shower.?


    ?What should I warm up for you for dinner??


    ?Nothing. I am not hungry.? ¨C the girl went to the shower with a mincing gait.


    Kyon did not worry about the maid, because she is only at the superior phase, which means that, with all her desire, she will not feel an invisible person even under her nose.


    While the girl was taking a shower, still unaware of the impending sexual intercourse, Lovr went up to her chambers. The interior was to his taste: light-colored finishes, arge bed that will fit 5 people, as if created for a group sex, and a closet with a full-length mirror.


    Finally Juno returned from the shower. Her lush, loose hair, the color of molten gold, fell to her breasts. She was wearing a short silver nightie that hugged all the inviting curves. His pupils dted at the sight of delicate shoulders and long slender legs with adorable bare feet.


    The beauty sat on the bed, cross-legged, and took out a huge pile of money from the ring: a little more than a billion spheres, which she counted with pleasure with a spiritual scan. She set aside 50 million and covered the spheres with her hand. The spheres under the influence of an unknown force began to slowly evaporate like dry ice. But this vapor was unusual, but energetic, matching the color of the smoldering sphere. Energy of different colors spun into a miniature tornado and poured into the girl''s mouth. A minuteter, 50 million disappeared without a trace.


    {You''re fucking gluttonous¡­} ¨C Kyon smiled ironically. Even he couldn''t afford to keep such a wasteful person who consumes about 50 million spheres a day in order to feed a flower in the soul.


    Juno hid the rest of the money in the ring, but in vain: Kyon, using Synergy, quietly removed the ring from her finger and carefully took out a billion. That''s thepensation for trying to break his arm.


    Joke. He would have taken the money for himself anyway.


    Junoy down on the bed and, bending her knees, took out a book.


    Kyon looked under her nightgown and found there an stic ass, covered with cute pink panties with a small red bow in the middle. The arousal hit the back of the head with renewed vigor. The darkness in the soul rejoiced and anticipated the approaching moment.


    Lovr climbed onto the bed and, moving closer to his victim, sped the delightful foot with his palms to explore this wonder of the world by touch. The snow-white skin seemed softer than velvet; the nails were perfectly even, and the fingers were thin, pink and too mouthwatering¡­ Nature did a great job on the body of a blonde.


    Since the girl has the same frequency of vibrations of the soul and body that Kyon has, the Synergy of the bachelor''s degree could do almost anything with her: to inspire feelings and emotions, control body motility and sensory organs - spiritual, touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight¡­ No restrictions. However, this only applies to the present moment. It will be too dangerous to rummage in memory, getting into the past. You can damage the brain and turn the patient into an insane.


    Once Lovr with great difficulty changed his memory of the events of 15 minutes ago, thereby deceiving the curse of charm. He was working with his brain, which he knew like the back of his hand. Now it''s apletely different matter.


    Massaging the tender foot, Kyon got even more aroused. He wondered what he should do next: **** the girl without her realizing it? Or transform into Lovr and make her happy? Or maybe stay Dick to collect more darkness?


    The dark state inclined him to thest option, since his hatred for the blonde still knew no bounds. But for now, he was not going to hurry, but nned to perk up his appetite and y with the beautiful victim¡­


    Kyon''s palms crawled up the smooth slender leg until they got under the nightgown and wrapped around the stic buttocks. Their perfect shape and resilience caused hot waves in the groin, and the omnipresent sweet aroma of her body only increased the effect. The palms could not stop squeezing this juicy divine ass wrapped in such sexy panties.


    Suddenly Lovr pulled away: Juno put down the book and, slightly spreading her legs, put her hand under her nightgown. Her fingers touched the secret ce and began to massage it with circr movements. A dark spot soon appeared on the panties, which quickly increased in size. A blissful veil appeared in the pure eyes of the vulgar girl. The eyelids closednguidly, the long eyshes trembled, and the breathing quickened.


    Kyon''s eyes glistened with overexcitation. Now he was admiring Juno''s masturbation with impunity. Any fan of the girl could sell his soul for such a sight. There is no doubt that even Elsa''s ardent supporters would now hastily switch sides.


    The reason why the girl is doing this right now did not surprise Lovr. It''s not so much about her active age, but about "The Divine Lotus of Development". Its second name is the fallen flower. It has a significant side effect: arge increase in libido in its owner. It increases so much that the girl is probably exhausted from desire at night, and it is unlikely that masturbation greatly saves the situation.


    The owner of "the fallen flower" will inevitably be a nymphomaniac. If she has sex only once, she will not be able to stop. She will enjoy sex in any form, and the more emotional it is (even in a bad way), the stronger the thirst. This means that Juno will sooner orter turn into a whore with a tendency to self-destruction.


    Kyon underestimated the power of the side effect. Judging by the sensations from the connection of souls, vulgar thoughts constantly slip through Juno''s head. If Kara hadn''t soaked her soul with "yin" extract, which suppresses sexual desire and makes the character colder, then the girl would have definitely broken off somewhere. Her strong-willed nature also yed a big role. She is overly stubborn and proud. The poor thing terribly wants sex, but can''t have it because of her upbringing. She is forbidden to sleep with anyone other than her husband. The flower seems to have been deliberately sent by fate as a test of her indestructible will.


    The very sneaky unique body. It gives an amazing unsurpassed talent, but in return it deprives everything at the first sexual intercourse and, moreover, makes you want it again and again. The flower wants to be plucked. A kind of suicidal enthusiast.


    In fact, all unique bodies are designed in such a way that they grant their useful abilities in exchange for something, and the higher the rank of the body, the more severe the conditions and side effects. Like a deal with the devil. Juno''s body, for example, tends to self-destruct. Kyon''s body of the Void embodies the struggle of darkness and light, and if one of them wins, then the owner''s personality will sink into oblivion. The body of "Kronos", presented to the big man Byron, makes the owner even more stupid and simple-minded. Franz''s body of "The Dragon God" inspires an insane thirst for blood during the transformation, and its activation requires a genuine desire to protect someone important to the owner of the body.


    ?Ha-a-ah¡­ You''re so¡­ Ha-a-ah¡­? ¨C Juno groaned in a thin voice, biting her lip.


    {Just don''t tell me that she thinks about Dick!} ¨C Kyon''s face broke into an obscene smirk at this guess. This option is quite eptable, yet Dick, soaked in the essence of "yang", unceremoniously defeated her and humiliated her, which had not happened to her since the time of interaction with the messenger of the goddess.


    ?Lovr¡­ Oh, Lovr¡­ Be gentle with me¡­? ¨C Juno purred, bending her eyebrows.


    The grin disappeared from Kyon''s face. It seems that he felt a pang of guilt, and that was when he was in a dark state of soul¡­ He''s going to **** her, and in an ugly guise, and the girl seems to still love his old personality¡­

 Chapter 491 - 491

    {Do you want to make me cry? Fuck you! You don''t deserve my pity or my forgiveness, you vile, cruel bitch. Even if you fall in love with Lovr ten times, I don''t care, because he''s not me.} ¨C Kyon decided under the influence of the dark state of soul. If he had been okay, he might have made a different decision. Although who knows.


    ?Ha-ah-ah¡­ Lovr, you are so¡­ So hot¡­? ¨C Juno continued to engage in obscenities. Her sweet moans were like the blissful singing of an angel. Her hot sighs became more and more intermittent. Her eyes, half closed with pleasure, began to roll up. She moved her pelvis simultaneously with the circr movements of her fingers. The panties were already pretty wet from love juices. Gradually, the girl was approaching the peak of sensations. If she knew about the secret spectator, windows would crack from her squeal.


    Lovr ran his finger over the wet speck of the harlot and licked off the moisture. The eyebrow crept up in amazement: it tastes like flower nectar! Just as sweet and vorful. It must be because of the unique body. Ah, her love juice seems to have an aphrodisiac effect now, because how else to exin such a rush of arousal?


    Kyon impatiently pulled down his pants and underpants, releasing arge and long burgundy monster, erged specifically to meet the hated demon. It seemed that if he prated his beautiful victim, he would tear her apart. It is unlikely that her virgin pussy is able to take in something so big without consequences.


    Then he pulled the pink panties down the smooth legs of the girl, and she did not notice it. An incredible sight appeared to the eyes of the secret observer. Any student of the order would have gone crazy from this: long thin fingers expertly massaged a small red clitoris; a transparent thread of love nectar came from a wonderful pink slit that was hidden between the tenderbia swollen with blood. His cock was exhausted from the desire to pull this treasure on himself.


    {I''m sure you''ll enjoy having sex with Dick. If not for the first time, then for the tenth time. In the future, you will beg me to fuck you with this miracle cock. I will drain as much darkness from you as possible. I will not let you go so easily, because from now on and forever you are only mine. My sex toy on an invisible leash from Synergy.}


    Lovr decided long ago that he would not leave Juno to the mercy of fate after dishonoring her, because as a result she would lose all her powers. However, only now, under the influence of the dark state, he decided to keep the girl for himself as a sex toy. She''s too good to just forget about her. In addition, the high-borndy knows the goddess''s messenger very well, which means that she is an ideal candidate for earning darkness. A littleter, they will have to act out various sophisticated scenes, pretending to be other people. This, of course, will turn Stone into a depraved rape-addicted slut, but who cares? He willpletely control his doll. He definitely won''t let any man approach her.


    Kyon put up a soundproof barrier and was about to show himself, when suddenly the sound transmitter rang: {For fuck''s sake, who dares to call at such a time?!}


    After checking the device, Lovr realized with displeasure that it was the 0th general calling: {I should not ignore the call.} ¨C he reluctantly established the connection. ¨C ?Hello.?


    ?Greetings. Mr. Kyon Stone. I will be brief: there is a responsible task for you.?


    ?I''m listening to you.?


    ?Less than a year ago, Roman Clinton bought a wedding with Juno Stone for Tokens. There are four months left before the ceremony. The authorities, that is, I, are interested in everything going smoothly, because otherwise the trust in the Tokens will fall. Your task is simple: control your stepsister. Nothing should happen to her that will interfere with the wedding, otherwise our cooperation wille to an end. If sessful, one hundred thousand points will be added to your ount. Did you hear me??


    ?Yes¡­? ¨C Kyon said, discouraged.


    ?Great. Good luck.? ¨C the zeroth general dropped the connection.


    Lovr grabbed his hair: {Motherfucker, what the fuck?!}


    Now, if he sleeps with Juno, all ns for cooperation with the 0th general will go down the drain. Even if Kyon restores her hymen, her development will still be destroyed, which will be perceived by the 0th general as a failure. It seems that he is the patron of the girl, and the reason is the uing Token wedding.


    With his task, the 0th general, as always, pursues many goals: firstly, this way he will maintain confidence in the Token system in the eyes of all the families of the empire; secondly, he will find out whether Juno is really a weak point of the messenger of the goddess through which he can be manipted; thirdly, he will certainlyplicate Kyon''s life by throwing him another test. The bastard ys with him like a cat with a mouse!


    {Let the smart ass go to hell! I''m not going to dance to his tune!} ¨C with a pitiless gleam in his eyes, Lovr approached Juno and passionately kissed her small, soft, fragrant lips. He reached under her nightgown with his hand and slid two fingers between her tender hotbia while his penis shuddered in anticipation.


    ?Mmm, mmm¡­ Mmm¡­? ¨C Juno didn''t realize that she was being kissed and caressed there. If Kyon appeared in front of her now in the guise of Lovr, the girl would most likelye into a wild rage and attack him with the intention of scratching out his eyes, because he is no longer the Lovr she fell head over heels in love with in the illusory world.


    Synergy recorded activity contrary to the long-term ns of the owner, therefore, a rescue trigger was activated: a forced transition from the dark state to the light one.


    Kyon''s look and expression immediately changed drastically. He pulled away from the lips of the beauty, touched her chin and, shaking his head pityingly, just left. Being in the light state, he would easily forgive Juno for all her sins. He didn''t show up to her just because he didn''t want to shock her.


    Lovr returned home being already in a normal state, but he felt destroyed. After such a failure, hardly anyone could remain calm. The angelic beauty was already in his hands! Damn 0th general! However, it''s good that he called before, and not after what could have happened, otherwise the guy would have no choice at all.


    A natural question arises: and what about the girl? Kyon will definitely not give her to Roman, and only four months are left before the wedding. It is necessary to deceive not only the zeroth general and Clinton, but even Juno.


    ¡­


    In the morning, Juno, having discovered the loss of all the money from the ring, was horrified: ?Where is the money?! Yesterday the money was there!? ¨C she searched every corner of the room, but found nothing. The beautiful face of the girl turned pale with despair. ¨C {Was she robbed?!}


    When the maid brought a bundle of letters, in them, in addition to stupid derations of love, she found one with the answer to an exciting question: "One billion is the payment for patronage".


    {Why is it so expensive?! Too expensive! He didn''t even ask me if I was ready to pay that much for protection! And what, it turns out, I tried to empty XiaoXiao''s pockets in vain?! Unfair!} ¨C the girl thought with tears in her eyes. The mood is killed for the week ahead. What she will earn in the best case in six months has been brazenly taken away.


    ¡­


    Over the next 3 days, two more alchemy sses were held by master Feng. In general, the situation was no different from the first lesson: Dick still shocked with his monstrous talent, master Feng openly asked Baker to be his teacher, and sullen Elsa tried to avoid the fat man''s gaze, which clearly pleased thetter.


    At the third and final lesson, an emergency urred: a student named Valentine (what a coincidence) identally doused Dick with a liquid with a pungent odor, which caused a thousand aggressive amber bees to fly to the fat man¡­


    Everything happened so quickly that no one had time to react, and the guy was alreadypletely surrounded by bees. Elsa was afraid that Dick would die, but everything went well. Somehow the bees couldn''t bite through his skin, although even any noble phaser would have died instantly. The girl soon became ashamed of her reaction. She couldn''t understand why she was worried about the fat man she waspeting with so much.


    Such an obvious assassination attempt did not go unnoticed by master Feng. An hourter, the unfortunate killer was expelled from the order. If he weren''t a descendant of the direct blood of the Valentines, he would have faced 20 years in prison, or even execution.


    The news about what happened spread like wildfire, however, no one was surprised at this, because over the past 5 days, Dick turned the order upside down and hurt everyone. The fat man was the center of attention all the time, generating one explosive sensation after another: he defeated Rose Valentine in arm wrestling with overwhelming power, throwing him out the window; owning only one element, he surpassed Elsa in the field of alchemy, thereby bing the first student of master Feng and receiving his patronage; he won an alchemy bet, which gave him the right to address Rose Valentine''s future wife without formalities; he smashed the alchemical kit of "A" rank with his fat ass, despite the fact that Elsa wanted to get it; he defeated Juno in the first round of the duel for the mastery ofbat, although even Master Zheng could not seed in the battle with her, after which he miraculously escaped the consequences; he filed theint with the administration of the order for vition of transactions with Roman and Rose, because of which 500 thousand and 1 million points were withdrawn from their ounts, respectively.


    One feat after another. As soon as the word "Dick" is heard anywhere, everyone seems to go crazy. In just 5 days, this psychopath caused damage for 10 years in advance. Now he is the enemy of Rose, Roman and even Juno. Elsa, who promised to protect Baker for a month, has already regretted her decision. She''s not ready to stand up to the whole order.


    By the way, Elsa never managed to meet with Dick and talk about the escape of "The Dark Baron". In alchemy sses, she hinted to him many times that it was necessary to talk face-to-face, she even put a note in his pocket with the message e to me in invisibility - we need to talk. This is important!", but the scoundrel deliberately ignored all her efforts, and did not even answer the calls. He is definitely somehow involved in the escape of the criminal of the century!


    The girl coulde to Baker herself in invisibility, but he does not deserve it! If she did, he would then make fun of her. Stone won''t wash off such humiliation in a lifetime. She would have to somehow catch him one-on-one and get him to talk to her¡­


    The seventh day of the week hase - a day off. Just today, the only time a week, the test pavilion opens, where those who wish can take a mini-exam in their chosen subject and take a position in the table of records. The more correct answers a student gives in the allotted time, the higher he will rise in the ranking. High positions are rewarded with points and, most importantly, fame.


    At noon, just in time for the opening, Kyon was approaching the test pavilion in invisibility ¨C arge white building with a spherical roof and columns in the Greek style. Wide white marble steps led up to the main entrance. More than two hundred students crowded near therge iron gates. Among them, special attention was drawn to: Elsa, along with Rose, surrounded by a crowd of fans; loner-Timothy, every now and then secretly ncing at Stone and her boyfriend; and two dazzlingly charming twin sisters.


    Today, Lovr was going to fulfill thest stage of his n, which guarantees him a stable and high influx of points. It is only necessary to prove that he is the best of the best in the field of alchemy and formacy, and then make an announcement that will definitely make everyone''s butt burn.

 Chapter 492 - 492

    ?Are you going to break your record again?? ¨C Rose asked.


    ?Sure. There is no limit to perfection.? ¨C Elsa said with a proud smile. ¨C ?Live and learn. I feel alive, only getting better day by day.?


    Stone''s fans sighed in delight: ?Great aspirations of the great girl!? ¡­ ?Worthy of respect!? ¡­ ?Every week, Lady Elsaes to the testing pavilion and tries to surpass her former self! We should all follow her example¡­?


    Rose nodded curtly. He did not share the girl''s opinion. To spend most of your life filling your head with unnecessary information? Silly joke. It is better to devote free time to training and entertainment.


    ~creak~


    Therge metal gates of the testing pavilion were opened by two sturdy guards.


    The excited young people hurried inside.


    Kyon, without leaving invisibility, carefully studied the situation.


    The hall of the building was a huge round room in which even a thousand people could easily fit. The spherical white marble ceiling was decorated with picturesque patterns and drawings by the famous artist-architect.


    There were 18 doors at equal distance from each other. Each led to a room where a mini-exam will be held in one of 18 academic disciplines: from alchemy and formacy to mathematics and politics. It is believed that the smaller the number indicated on the sign at each door, the more prestigious it is for a student to take a high position in the ranking in this subject. For example, the first door is assigned to alchemy. The second one - to formacy. The third one - to enchantment.


    A screen shines brightly above each door - the leaderboard. The leading position in the first two disciplines was upied by Elsa Stone, who scored 911 points out of 1000 possible in alchemy and 891 points in formacy.


    Kyon studied the record tables better and found with interest that Timothy upies the first position in enchantment with 845 points and the second in formacy with 866 points. Former Brown turns out to be a well-rounded personality.


    But even more of his attention was attracted by two names that were now and then in the top 3 above almost every door: Clementina and Seraphima. Representatives of dark and light ones.


    ?I won''t lose to you, you dirty bitch!?


    ?We''ll see it, walking chain mail!?


    Synchronously snorting contemptuously and abruptly turning away, the two beautiful twins, who looked nothing alike, went to different doors. Apparently, the girls are swornpetitors. The winner will be the one who is ahead more often. So far, the score is equal.


    Suddenly, a bell sounded over the door at number 1, marking a new record.


    The audience greeted the blonde with congrattions and a standing ovation: ?Hurrah! Lady Elsa has broken her record in alchemy!? ¡­ ?Congrattions on conquering new heights in alchemy!? ¡­ ?You are my idol!? ¡­ ?You are just incredible!? ¡­ ?I love you!?


    ?Congrattions Elsa, you''ve outdone yourself again.? ¨C with a wide smile, Rose, taking advantage of the situation, hugged the girl and kissed her lips.


    Indignation shed across Elsa''s face - why is he kissing her without permission?! ¨C but then she sumbed to the general mood and waved her hand contentedly to those around her. She loved being the center of attention and basking in the glory. The girl was proud of taking the first position in the most prestigious academic disciplines.


    However, despite the external delight, internally Stone could not really rejoice, because her primary task - to surpass Dick in alchemy - is too far from reality. She had no idea how she could defeat such a monster at all.


    {The time hase.} ¨C Kyon thought and came out of invisibility.


    The famous fat man in the center of the hall almost immediately attracted the attention of the students: ?Look, Dick Baker!? ¡­ ?Oh goddess, is he again?! Why did hee?!? ¡­ ?Dick is up to something again?!? ¡­ ?I hear his name more often than my own! I''m so sick of him¡­?


    ?Oh no, not him¡­? ¨C Elsa''s face darkened. The good mood suddenly disappeared somewhere.


    Rose stared at the fat man with bloodlust in his eyes. Despite master Feng''s patronage and Stone''s promise to protect him for a whole month, Valentine nned to finish off Baker as soon as possible, because this fat bastard dared to deprive him of a substantial amount of his points! What a pity that the amber bees did not cope with their task¡­


    Kyon turned to the audience with a shy smile: ?Today, I, Dick Baker, am going to get a thousand points in all eighteen academic disciplines! If you question my words, then I suggest you make a deal with me! Since I am a generous person, I offer only a tenfold coefficient!?


    And, as usual,plete chaos began: ?Woo-o-o-o-a-a-ah!? ¡­ ?Are you crazy?!? ¡­ ?It''s absolutely impossible!? ¡­ ?No one has received a thousand points since the foundation of the order!? ¡­ ?It''s more likely that Lady Elsa will fall in love with you than it will happen!? ¡­ ?Sick idiot, you were beaten on the head when you were a child, right?!?


    The testing pavilion is designed in such a way that even master Feng will not be able to get 1000 points in alchemy, because the answers to all the questions asked by the formation cannot be obtained with knowledge from lectures or lessons alone. You will need to read tons of additional and specialized literature.


    Kyon calmly added: ?You are all so confident in your words, but dare you confirm them with deeds? If you are convinced that I will not cope, then make a deal with me!?


    ?The deal at a tenfold coefficient?! Do we look like idiots?!? ¡­ ?You''re up to something again, you mustachioed devil!? ¡­ ?No, no, no, I''m not going to participate in this!? ¡­ ?Go to hell, you damned crook! We know you, the swindler-deceiver!?


    Rose spoke loudly with mockery in his voice: ?Are you really going to set a record in every subject, including alchemy and formacy??


    ?Well, yes¡­? ¨C Kyon shrugged phlegmatically.


    ?So you intend to surpass even the first student of the order ¨C Elsa Stone??


    ?It turns out so.? ¨C Lovr agreed.


    Valentine spread his arms wide and shouted to the public: ?This arrogant fat man thinks he''s better than my future wife! Who does he think he is?!? ¨C the guy was naturally angry at the end.


    Many people present nodded in agreement. Not everyone believed the rumors that Dick was a brilliant alchemist who surpassed Elsa. It''s too hard to believe.


    Elsa stared at her boyfriend with a look full of hidden rage: {Shut up-shut up-shut up! Idiot! You should have kept quiet! What have I done to you?!} ¨C she thought with resentment. The girl knew that Rose was one of those who did not believe in Dick''s abilities, that is, he had no idea how much he was setting her up.


    ?If your words turn out to be utter nonsense, then no one will object if you are turned into a cripple for insulting my girlfriend.? ¨C Valentine summed it up. Of course, he was just looking for an easy way to get rid of Dick.


    ?Wait, wait¡­? ¨C Kyon shook his finger. ¨C ?I just can''t understand what kind of insult you are talking about? I didn''t say a word about Elsa at all. It was you who mentioned her, literally putting her merits on the line, and now you''re threatening me? Or, in your opinion, do all the record holders harbor a grudge against me after my statement??


    Rose''s face tensed and even blushed. Now, because of the damned fatty, in the eyes of others, he looks like aplete scoundrel who forced his clever bride to participate in his personal showdown.


    ?Okay, whatever. Better tell me what will happen if I confirm my words with a deed??


    Valentine muttered through clenched teeth: ?Then no one will say a word to you.?


    ?Hmm¡­ It turns out that there was an undisguised threat earlier? I just told you about my ns, and you want to beat me out of the blue¡­ In fairness, let''s do this: if I keep my words, then you will publicly apologize to me.?


    ?Why don''t you go¡­?


    ?My boyfriend will apologize.? ¨C Elsa gently interjected.


    ?A-are you serious?!? ¨C Rose eximed in amazement.


    ?Of course. What''s the matter? Your apologies will be appropriate, because if Dick does not keep his words, then you will cripple him, while all that is required of you is a harmless apology. In the future, you will take the post of patriarch of the Valentines, the family of the first rank. Such a great man must be able to take responsibility for his words.?


    The long-haired blond man opened and closed his mouth in frustration, unable to find words. He wanted to refuse the girl (because she was too impudent), but how will he back down now? He was left with no choice! How will the golden youth of Dantes treat him if he refuses? The guy had a feeling that Baker and Stone were conspiring against him!


    ?So be it, I''ll do it.? ¨C Rose nodded reluctantly.


    Elsa wanted to express her sincere gratitude to Dick for giving her the opportunity to bite Valentine in return. He shouldn''t have put her name on the line! Now if the fat man keeps his word, the girl will share the humiliation with the guy who will have to apologize. And if he doesn''t, he''ll be to me.


    To the audience, what was happening seemed extremely absurd: Rose for some reason put his girlfriend at risk, while Dick allowed Elsa to take revenge on Valentine, and Stone did not fail to take advantage of this¡­ It seemed that the two legendary persons of the order were just puppets under the control of the great puppeteer Baker.


    ?Damn it, he can''t really win, can he?! I have to take a chance!? ¡­ ?I agree, he will definitely lose¡­? ¡­ ?Mr. Rosa is right, Baker will never defeat Lady Elsa in alchemy and formacy!? ¡­ ?Ugh, win or lose!?


    Some of the disciples dared to make a deal with the devil. To Kyon''s surprise, two twin sisters and Timothy also approached him. The trio exchanged sharp nces with each other, like cowboys before a duel.


    Having epted the bets, Lovr cheerfully winked at Elsa and went into the 18th door.


    {Why the fuck is he winking at my girlfriend?!} ¨C Valentine gnashed his teeth. He dreamed of staying with Dick alone to enjoy a joint pastime (turning the bastard into mince).


    Stone shook her head wearily: Baker is incorrigible. There is no point in trying to understand his actions and intentions ¨C you will fail. The girl went into the 2nd door to pass the test on formacy. She came out only after 14 minutes. The bell rang outside ¨C a new record.


    {Hooray, I broke my previous record!} ¨C Elsa was delighted, but, to the deep disappointment of the former superheroine, she was not greeted outside with loud ovations and enthusiastic shouts. What does it mean?


    ~BZ-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z~


    There was a ringing so loud that Stone shuddered. It seemed that the whole order had to hear it. Then multicolored fireworks began to whistle and pop¡­ Has some kind of holiday started? What did she miss?!


    The girl slowly turned her head and gaped in amazement: Dick came out of the 14th door! And over each door from the 18th to the 14th, a new record of 1000 points was disyed! Half of the information screen was upied by the text: "Dick Baker ¨C 1000 points!".


    Elsa had absolutely no idea how he managed to pass 5 tests, while she barely managed to pass only one! And how did he manage to urately answer 300 questions, because under each of them there are up to 10 possible answers?


    Rose''s face was bing more and more greenish, as if he had tasted a juicy green slug with salt and onions.


    The faces of the twin sisters were not much different. They had heard a lot about Dick, but only now realized that the rumors about him are not fiction.


    The disciples who had made the deal with the devil clutched their heads with a dejected look.


    Over the next 30 minutes, Dick went through all the doors from the 14th to the 4th. Passing each mini-exam, regardless of the subject, took him about 3 minutes, and each time he consistently gave the maximum result, followed by a deafening ringing¡­


    Some masters and students, including Roman Clinton, flocked to the testing pavilion. Juno was absent because of the terrible mood. Everyone watched in amazement the theater of the absurd performed by Dick Baker.


    Finally, the fat man passed the remaining 3 doors and looked at everyone with an indifferent look.


    The students who risked their points resembled the living dead.


    The withering gazes of the two twin sisters and Timothy crossed on the guest of honor. However, Roman also barely restrained himself from pouncing on him.


    Elsa was afraid to even look at Dick. She felt devastated and crushed. Now Stone is unlikely to evere to the testing pavilion at all. What she was proud of - the first position in alchemy and formacy - has now turned into a stupid joke.


    ?Ha-ha¡­ Ha-ha-ha¡­ Ah-ha-ha!? ¨C Rose''sughter attracted everyone''s attention, after which he pointed an incriminating finger at the hated freak. ¨C ?Fat man, do you take us for fools? It''s obvious that you somehow deceived the formations of master Julius! Since the foundation of the order, no one has received a thousand points, but you managed to do it in all subjects at once! Besides, it took you five times less time for each exam than usual!?


    The students reacted as if their eyes had been opened to the obvious truth. A secondter, everyone went into a frenzy: ?A piece of fat, did you want to deceive us?!? ¡­ ?We''ll skin you alive!? ¡­ ?Son of a bitch, you not only insulted Lady Elsa and everyone else, but also decided to profit from us?!?


    Kyon was surrounded by an angry crowd of students. Everyone was going to release on him all the stress that they had umted over the past week. Roman, Rose, Timothy and the twins looked especially crazy. And Elsa, judging by her pitiful look, will not be able to help him in any way. What will she do against such a crowd?


    The big problem was that the test pavilion was covered with a barrier blocking the signal, and therefore the ability to teleport. It was built in order to deprive students of the opportunity to cheat by contacting someone outside.


    Kyon''s face remained calm, but he cursed to himself: {Master Feng, where the fuck are you hanging around?!} ¨C he called the alchemist several times and asked him to appear at the testing pavilion at a certain time, but he is still not there. Moreover, the guy asked Feng to tell Julius to show up too, but he''s not there either.


    It makes no sense to seek help from other masters present in the hall.. Their status is too low, they cannot influence the opinion of the crowd in any way. Yeah, they are so insignificant that they will do anything to please Rose, as if he were their master!

 Chapter 493 - 493

    A crowd of angry students surrounded the fat deceiver with ominous slowness.


    Outwardly, Kyon lookedpletely calm, but in his heart he smiled bitterly: ns went down the drain at such an inconvenient moment. Would he have to spend the 0th general''s precious defensive formation in this ce? He should at least try to escape¡­


    Lovr already wanted to activate"The sh of Darkness", but at thest moment he changed his mind.


    ?Gr-roo-oh-oh-oh-oh-ah-ah-ah-ah!?


    The terrible roar frightened the students. Near the entrance to the test pavilion, a creature asrge as a bear appeared, looking like apletely bald wolf with the head of Cthulhu (tentacles grew around the monster''s mouth in a continuous twisting forest) - a tentaculipede. Astride it sat a broad-shouldered middle-aged man.


    ?Wee master Ziz Hunter!? ¡­ ?Hello, sir!? ¨C the students hurried to respectfully greet the authoritative master of hunting.


    ?I heard rumors that someone in the testing pavilion earned a thousand points on my subject!? ¨C the master boomed impressively. ¨C ?I rushed to the order solely to find out who this promising genius is! I will not hide, I just recently wanted to find a personal student¡­?


    ?Hello! My name is Dick Baker!? ¨C Kyon cheered up and attracted attention to himself.


    Hunter''s face (3) stretched out in surprise: ?Uh-uh¡­? ¨C he studied the light screen under door No. 6 in a dumbfounded way and found a huge inscription there: "Dick Baker ¨C 1000 points!". A littleter, the man saw that the same inscription was disyed above each screen.


    ?I will be happy to discuss with you the possibility of mentoring¡­? ¨C Kyon briskly went to Hunter, but the evil-evil students blocked his path.


    ?Master Ziz, we are very sorry, but Dick Baker is just a pathetic deceiver. We were just about to punish him.? ¨C said Roman, menacingly clenching his teeth.


    ?tant lie! I passed all the exams quite honestly!? ¨C Kyon objected indignantly. ¨C ?Master Ziz, you can make sure of this by asking me any question on the topic.?


    ?¡­? ¨C the man''s face lost all its former enthusiasm. He had hoped to meet a talented disciple, with a powerful physique, with the development of the royal phase and amazing leadership qualities, the one who could lead an elite hunting squad, but the truth turned out to be disappointing. Even if Dick isn''t lying, what''s the use of a brainy weakling? No one will simply follow such a person, and alone he will not be able to do anything.


    The students were waiting for the verdict of the famous master.


    After a brief pause, master Ziz snorted like an angry bull: ?Did I rush from Dantes for the sake of some deceiver?! This is disrespectful?!?


    The tentaculipede, sensing the mood of the owner, growled aggressively.


    The students grinned viciously. Now the vile deceiver is definitely finished. Those who have personal scores with Dick rejoiced. And only Elsa sadly turned away.


    Kyon sighed sadly to himself: {Misfortunes nevere alone¡­}


    ?Khem-khem.? ¨C there was a quiet, but seemingly omnipresent old man''s cough. A short-haired old man with arge pear-shaped head walked into the testing pavilion with his arms crossed behind his back.


    ?Hello, master Julius Russell!? ¡­ ?Greetings, sir!? ¨C the students and masters respectfully greeted the chief formacist of the Russells (0). It won''t be wrong to say that his position is not inferior to master Feng. In his presence, no one will dare to do anything stupid, so the lynching of Dick is postponed again.


    ?Hello, Julius.? ¨C Ziz Hunter bowed slightly. The tentaculipede also calmed down.


    The old man in the white robe nodded at the man and gave the students a cold look: ?Master Feng insistently asked me to visit the testing pavilion to get to know his gifted student, but I have urgent business. However, I immediately rushed here from Dantes as soon as I received a signal that someone had earned a thousand points for the formacy test! I was curious, who is this genius? Is it possible that he is Feng''s disciple? But now, having arrived at the ce, I heard something about a certain deception! What does it mean?!?


    ?Hello, master Julius!? ¨C Elsa with a lightened face took a step forward, expressing her desire to exin the situation with her whole appearance.


    The old man''s face immediately softened: ?Hello, my favorite student. Tell me what''s going on here?? ¨C his eyes rejoiced at the sight of such a gifted beauty.


    ?Master Feng really likes Dick Baker. He recently passed all the tests you created with the maximum result! The students unanimously used him of cheating and decided to arrange lynching. Please look into the situation.? ¨C the blonde asked politely.


    ?Did he earn a thousand points on all my tests?? ¨C master Julius frowned his thick eyebrows, looking around 18 screens with an unprecedented record. ¨C ?Curious, very curious! A-ha-ha!? ¨C with a wide smile, he turned to the fat man, surrounded by students. ¨C ?Young man, how did you manage to deceive my formations??


    Kyon cleared his throat: ?Master Julius, you are a great formacist of the third rank. There are no vulnerabilities in your formations. To edit them, I would need ess, which you didn''t give me. I passed the exams honestly!?


    Maliciousughter was heard among the students. Obviously, no one believed him.


    The experienced formacist fixed a searching gaze on the fat man: ?So you seriously im that you have passed all eighteen tests wlessly, the questions for which I have beenposing with the best masters of the empire for more than a year? Even Feng couldn''t have earned a thousand points for the alchemy exam, but you did??


    Kyon scratched his temple shyly: ?Yes, and I can prove it¡­?


    Julius interrupted the fat man: ?You see, the formation is not a person. In theory, any formation can be deceived, even mine. But a person who knows his business thoroughly cannot be fooled. How about a little aptitude test under my supervision??


    ?I agree!? ¨C Kyon immediately eximed. Everything is going even better than he had nned, hoping for the arrival of master Feng.


    Those present looked at each other in bewilderment. The deceiver agreed too quickly.


    ?Wonderful!? ¨C Julius smiled contentedly. ¨C ?The formacy test, unlike the others, is unique in that it reflects not only the theoretical knowledge of the student, but also his skills. Having earned a thousand points in formacy, you dered to everyone that you are at least a formacist of the third rank!?


    Elsa''s eyes widened: {Wait a minute¡­ No, no, just don''t tell me that he''s even more gifted in formacy than me?!} ¨C the girl was seriously frightened by this thought. She lost to Dick-investigator, then to Dick- alchemist, and now to Dick-formacist?! No, that can''t be! She should not be inferior to some one-elemental fat ugly weakling in everything! It''s absurd!


    ?The test will be as follows: you will create any formation from those that you can, and I will evaluate your skills as a formacist ording to it. And forparison, my favorite student, Elsa Stone, and the second best form student, TimoThy, will also take part. Pleasee to me.?


    Two guys and the girl approached the pear-headed master Julius.


    The old man took out three muddy green pebbles: ?Each of you has one attempt to create the best formation that you are capable of. Timothy will be the first to start - an extremely talented young man with great motivation to surpass my best student. What a pity that he diligently engaged in formacy only after entering the order.?


    Timothy epted the nephrite and, cing it in the center of his palm, used pure energy.


    Almost 500 spectators watched the handsome man''s work with interest.


    Master Juliusmented on what was happening: ?Now Timothy is creating a slot inside the nephrite, the task of which is to hold the inside of the formation. Note that he does not use an item to create a slot! Only formacists of the fourth rank and above are able to create the slot with their own hands. This cannot be learned because of the legacy of families. It is necessary to understand for yourself how your own element of pure energy works, and¡­?


    After 4 minutes, a translucent shell appeared inside the cloudy pebble.


    ?Perfectly! The slot has been ced! Now he needs to put the formation inside.? ¨C master Julius enthusiastically talked about the creation of the formation, like a cheerful old man about the birth of his grandchildren. ¨C ?Creating formations is not an easy process and can take a lot of time. It depends on theplexity of the formation and the skills of the formacist. During the process, you must not lose concentration, because if you stop even for a second, everything will spoil.?


    Timothy took out a small pile of ether keys and about 10 thousand spheres. He dispersed all this around the nephrite and, closing his eyes, proceeded to create the formation. The resources immediately turned into smoke that rushed into the formation.


    ?Ho-oh, looks like Timothy wants to create a formation that can be useful in a real battle!? ¨C Julius continued to admire. ¨C ?All formations consume energy. And battle ones especially! They always require resources. The energy contained within them is instantly released and transformed into the techniqueid down by the formation¡­?


    The audience watched the process with interest. The silence was broken only by the unceasing voice of master Juliusmenting on the process. The students liked to listen to the wise man and concurrently the main formacist of the entire empire.


    After 5 minutes Timothy pulled back his hand and handed the nephrite to the formacist with the words: ?I have enclosed in the formation a technique that can be used ten times. It covers the owner with an electric field, which will make the speed of his movements as fast as the speed of the movements of the noble phaser at the beginning stage. Even an ordinary person will turn into a real monster. Will he have enough reaction to realize high speed? Unlikely. But that''s another question.? ¨C having finished, the guy looked at the surprised Elsa with a challenge. Obviously, the former Brown believed that only the girl could be his rival. He had long desired to surpass her as a formacist, proving his superiority.


    s, Stone didn''t react the way he wanted: she just crossed her arms over her chest.


    ?Boosting type formation!? ¨C master Julius eximed admiringly, clutching his head. ¨C ?One of the rarest formation types! And also reusable! And it was applied in just ten minutes on the first attempt! Timothy, this is phenomenal!?


    ?Wo-oh-oh-oh!? ¡­ ?Timothy is so good!? ¡­ ?I have never heard of such formations!? ¡­ ?Perhaps in the future he will surpass Elsa?? ¡­ ?Do not talk rubbish! Elsa is the best!?


    Kyon sighed sullenly: such formations are really extremely rare, so much that even the Golden Pig guild can''t get them. And he would not refuse to have at least one such formation that increases the speed at least to the imperial phase. This would make it easier for him to breathe...


    Over the next few minutes, Timothy''s formation underwent a variety of experiments.


    Finally, master Julius announced the result: ?Timothy''s formation is incredible. I give it eight points out of ten on the scale of a formacist of the third rank. s, it is good in many ways because of the uniqueness of the technique at the core, otherwise I would have given her six and a half points. And now let''s see how my best student, Elsa Stone, will cope with the test!? ¨C the old man with a smile handed the nephrite to the girl.


    While the blonde was applying the slot, the master colorfully described her merits: ?I am very proud of Elsa. In a few years, she had almost reached the third rank! Very soon I willck the qualifications to teach her. The girl with such extraordinary talent will be able to be one of the seven legendary forrmacists in the future!?


    *surprised oohs of the audience*


    Elsa made a slot in three minutes, which caused a frenzied delight of the students. It took her another three minutes to cast the formation. After activation, liquid light poured out from there, forming a screen in the air, on which numbers and mathematical symbols were clearly disyed: from minus and plus to percentages, degrees and even logarithms.


    ?I have expanded amon formation called "calctor". Now you can add almost all mathematical symbols to it, including up to two unknown values. Using a set of forms, the calctor will automatically find the solution. With such a formation, you can easily pass any math exam.? ¨C Elsa exined proudly, looking defiantly at Dick. She has been working on this formation for several months.


    ?Elsa¡­ You''ve outdone yourself!? ¨C the master waved his hands enthusiastically, taking the nephrite in his hands and starting experiments. As it turned out a littleter, the calctor worked wlessly! Even quiteplex tasks were solved instantly.


    ?Ho-o-o-oh! Wow!? ¡­ ?Can it even count fractions?!? ¡­ ?I want a formation like that!? ¨C the students did not stopvishingpliments on the girl''s creation, Stone''s fans shouted especially loudly.


    Timothy grimaced sourly. The girl''s formation was much moreplex than his own. But even more annoying was the fact that she didn''t even deign to look at him. Instead, Stone looked defiantly at the disgusting fat man, as if he was her real opponent. What the hell? He''s just a liar!


    After some experimentation, master Julius announced the result: ?An unprecedented work that even I cannot recreate! Complex in nature, but easy to use! I award Elsa Stone ten points out of ten possible ording to my subjective assessment! Great job! Bravo!?


    The loud ovation did not subside for a minute.


    ?Congrattions, Elsa!? ¨C Rose said with a beaming smile, as if the girl had already won, but, to his disappointment, he received only a cold nod in return, after which she turned her intense gaze back to Dick, as if even now she did not want to discount him.


    Valentine instantly flew into a rage, but tried not to show it in any way: {Why the hell are you constantly staring at this brat?! He is not even worthy of your nce! You are the best formacist and alchemist in the order, and he is just a pathetic liar and swindler!}


    ?And now,dies and gentlemen, it''s time for our dark horse to pass the test..? ¨C the pear-headed old man handed the nephrite to the fat man. ¨C ?Show what you can do, Dick!?

 Chapter 494 - 494

    Kyon epted the nephrite from master Julius and asked in an ingratiating tone: ?Master Julius, can I please have the nephrite twenty percent purer??


    The students burst outughing: ?Ah-ha-ha! He wants the nephrite of better quality! He''s afraid of failing! As if it would have any effect! Ah-ha-ha!? ¡­ ?That''s hrious! What does he hope for?!? ¡­ ?Who imed that Dick is not a liar? Ah-ha-ha!?


    Master Julius frowned thoughtfully, looking searchingly at the fat man: {Why did he so confidently ask for the nephrite twenty percent purer?} ¨C as far as he knew, the final result would not change much from the purity of the nephrite. The only advantage is that formations that are heavier in terms of energy content can be ced inside.


    Finally, the formacist made a decision: ?Purification of nephrites is not a cheap task. But since you arouse my interest in your person, I will give you one from my collection.?


    ?Thank you!? ¨C Kyon bowed gratefully, epted the nephrite, and proceeded to apply the formation. He asked for the purer nephrite in order to put the code inside, which is very heavy from the point of view of any formacist.


    Five hundred students stared at Dick''s actions. The most ardent haters of the fat man were especially attentive, wanting to catch him red-handed in deception.


    Elsa shifted from foot to foot. Her whole appearance spoke of how much she was tense and excited. It is very strange to see such a reaction from the beloved student of master Julius. It looks like she''s really anxious!


    Julius was the first to notice something was wrong: ?Hmmm¡­ Why is there already a slot installed inside the nephrite??


    Now the rest of the students noticed the slot inside the nephrite in the hands of Dick. When did the fat man manage to apply it? He did not use the device, and when applied manually, this process can take a lot of time, depending on skills.


    ?Perhaps you gave him the nephrite with the slot inside?? ¨C suggested one of the students-skeptics.


    ?No, I couldn''t¡­ And even if I could, you can''t put your formation in someone else''s slot. Nothing will work out because of the energy frequency conflict.? ¨C exined the old formacist.


    Elsa''s eyes widened due to an incredible guess: {N-no¡­ No-no! Please don''t tell me that he put the slot in those few seconds while clutching the nephrite in his fist!} ¨C this seemingly insane thought sent shivers down her spine.


    Everyone began to put forward their theories about the mysterious appearance of the slot. However, after 10 minutes it was over. After another 10 minutes, the students began tough quietly at the slowness of Dick. For example, it took Timothy 10 minutes to do everything, and Elsa only 6.


    After another 10 minutes, the students began to openly mock the fat man: ?Half an hour to apply the formation¡­ It looks like Dick is a real hoser! Even my younger brother applies formations faster, and he is only ten!? ¡­ ?Baker just has a developmental dy. Let''s treat this with understanding. Pf-fha-ha-ha!? ¡­ ?He is either aplete mediocrity, or a seventh rank formacist! How could he earn a thousand points?!?


    Despite the venomousments, no one left, because everyone wanted to wait for the moment when master Julius''s patience would burst, and he would announce the obvious result ¨C Dick is a deceiver. Then they will be able to get even with Baker for everything.


    However, the old formacist was not indignant. He watched the process intently and wondered to himself: {Despite the harassment from all sides, the young man has been maintaining extreme concentration for thirty minutes! He never stopped! Everything on the first try! Astonishing endurance! Usually youngsters are nervous¡­}


    Soon Kyon withdrew his hand, finishing the long formation.


    The students burst into sarcastic apuse: ?Bravo! Finally!? ¡­ ?Well done, you did it! Congrattions to our genius! Just thirty-two minutes!? ¡­ ?Come on, show us the miracle of formaceutical thought, the genius of the millennium!?


    Elsa swallowed and clenched her fists as if her fate was now being decided.


    Kyon coughed dryly and said: ?I looked at you, listened to you and realized that you are all too gloomy. Well, if so, then I thought: why not improve your mood? So I created an entertainment formation.?


    The students and masters looked at each other uprehendingly.


    Lovr activated the formation, and a small light screen formed above it, in the center of which a small man and the number 3 appeared. Then the picture changed to a two-dimensional world with this little man. A cheerful melody began to y: "turutu-turu-tu---tu¡­". At the top of the screen, the numbers showed the score, coins, level number and time.


    The audience''s eyes bulged in amazement. No one has ever even seen something like this.


    ?The game is about a plumber who wants to rescue a kidnapped princess from the clutches of a monster. You will find many levels filled with different dangers. Three lives are given, and for every hundred coins, another life is added. Also take a look at these mushrooms¡­? ¨C just at that moment the plumber ate the mushroom and became taller. ¨C ?After eating it, the plumber gains the ability to break bricks with his head and take one attack without dying from it. There is also a flower that gives you the opportunity to shoot fireballs. There are also many secrets hidden in the game. For example, here is an invisible block with a mushroom that gives life¡­ In total, I created eight worlds of four levels each. At the end of every world is a boss¡­?


    While the fat man was talking about the game, demonstrating the walkthrough of the first level, all the spectators did not make a sound and did not even move, as if someone had pressed the "turn off" button. Their minds frantically tried toprehend what they saw. Only one thing ispletely clear: something incredible is happening here.


    ?The controls are quite simple, you just need to pour in pure energy¡­? ¨C after giving instructions, Kyon handed the nephrite with the game formation to the old formacist. ¨C ?Try it.?


    Master Julius, with trembling hands, epted the nephrite as a treasure, and, pouring pure energy into it, made the character move forward until he crashed into a mushroom. The old man gasped. His eyes glistened wetly: ?This is¡­ W-wonderful! D-dick, y-you¡­ How are you¡­ Oh goddess¡­ I''m going to¡­? ¨C the old man swayed and fainted. The nephrite rolled somewhere.


    ?Mister Julius!? ¨C Ziz Hunter and the rest of the masters rushed to the formacist.


    The falling old man was picked up by the pale Elsa. With clenched teeth, she burned Dick with a tearful look, in which hatred and helplessness were mixed in half, as if in front of her was a ruthless invincible monster destroying her life.


    Total chaos reigned. The situation would be calmer even if someone decided to set off an explosion in the center of the hall right now.


    Master Julius regained consciousness only two minutester. Stone helped him stand up. To everyone''s concern, the formacist just shook his head: ? I''m okay¡­ Alright¡­ I''m fine¡­ Stop worrying about me! Where is my precious?!? ¨C the old man snatched the nephrite from the student''s hands (he picked it up from the floor) and continued what he had begun, as if his own condition worried him less than Baker''s game formation. He selflessly yed the game about the plumber, ignoring the trembling hands and tears flowing down his cheeks. He had never enjoyed his time so much.


    It took the formacist five minutes to kill his first monster: ?Yes! I crushed that damn mushroom! Ah-ha-ha! Die, damn mold! A-ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C the pear-headed old manughed half-madly, throwing back his head, when he suddenly came to his senses and realized that about half a thousand spectators had gathered around him. They look at him strangely¡­ It seems that he is so addicted to the game that he forgot about everything around! It''s awkward.


    Coughing dryly, Julius hid the precious in his pocket, hugged Dick as if he were his son and, raising his hand, loudly announced: ?Heed my words! Here is a genius sent to us by heaven! In half an hour, under endless harassment, he unmistakably imposed the game formation of incredibleplexity! I award Dick Baker a thousand points out of ten! Bravo!?


    There were uncertain muffled ps.


    Elsa closed her eyelids dejectedly. Now she has also lost to Dick in formacy¡­ §³ompletely. The girl began to be afraid of the fat man with his limitless absurd abilities that defiedmon sense. His image was so dazzling that she couldn''t bring herself to look into his eyes for more than three seconds. Why don''t his appearance and strength match his abilities? Is this some kind of world bnce?


    ?Therefore, I dere Dick the undisputed winner of the formacy test! From now on, anyone who says that he undeservedly received a thousand points in all eighteen academic disciplines will go against me and Feng!?


    The debtors doomedly bowed their heads. Someone even cried.


    Timothy, Clementine and Seraphima snorted with enviable synchronicity.


    Rose, noticing that more and more eyes were focusing on him, swallowed his pride and, gritting his teeth, took the initiative and loudly said: ?Dick Baker, I''m sorry for calling you a liar! I was wrong!?


    {A-a-a, damn it! Did you have to say it so loud that everyone could hear?..} ¨C Kyon thought with annoyance and nodded condescendingly. ¨C ?So be it, apologies epted. From now on, know that I am the best of the best, and do not dare to throw unfounded usations against me.?


    Rose''s eye twitched nervously, but he forced himself to smile, apparently deciding that such a reaction would be appropriate. But the result looked scary.


    For some reason, Elsa was not at allforted by her boyfriend''s apologies.


    {Just two percent of darkness? Damn bum.} ¨C Lovr noticed with displeasure and with a sweeping wave of his hands attracted the attention of all those gathered. ¨C ?And now I want to make a small announcement for all of you! From tomorrow, I will be giving one two-hour lecture on formacy and alchemy per day in the thirteenth house. Fifty seats. Anyone can sign up, even a master, if he is willing to pay five hundred points for a visit.?


    ?Lectures given by you?! Are you kidding?!? ¡­ ?Five hundred points for a lecture for fifty heads?!? ¡­ ?Who needs you?!? ¡­ ?No one wille to you!? ¨C the students were indignant.


    ?I''ll sign up.? ¨C after a little hesitation, master Julius said fervently.


    The audience fell silent in dismay. If even the formacist of the 3rd rank has signed up for Dick, then what right do they have to criticize him? Now 500 points don''t seem like a robbery. Dislike is dislike, but it''s stupid to deny Baker''s skills after what happened.


    ?Then I''lle too.? ¡­ ?And I want to listen!? ¡­ ?Well, I''m with you¡­? ¨C the students decided to attend Dick''s lecture with effort, having no desire. Still, 500 points is a trifle. After the first lesson, it will be clear whether they are spent in vain or not.


    ?I invite everyone to the thirteenth house tomorrow at ten in the morning. And remember, as soon as fifty seats are upied, the one who pays more will take the ce of the one who pays less.? ¨C dropping another bomb, Kyon purposely caught the look of the discouraged Elsa and smiled significantly at her.


    The blonde stopped breathing from the emotions that red up. Her pride was dunked in the slop! She also gives lectures on alchemy and formacy, but she takes 50 points per lesson and even so 10 people hardlye there, and those are mostly her fans whoe to hear her pleasant voice, but not to get knowledge. Dick''s sses are much more expensive, and even her master wille to him!


    {What have I done to you, freak?! Why are you doing this to me?!} ¨C Elsa activated invisibility and with tears in her eyes ran home to grieve alone. What a shame to lose to Baker on all fronts. The only thing that did not allow Stone to plunge into hopeless despair was confidence in her own strength and talent for development. She will definitely never lose to her weak fat opponent in this.


    {Elsa, you warm my heart.} ¨C Kyon thought maliciously. ¨C {I think we''re even for that incident at the warehouse. I wonder if you''lle to my sses? I wouldn''t mind working hard on you!} ¨C the dark part of the core even pulsed with vulgar thoughts. Oh, what a pity that not a drop of darkness came from the blonde. Apparently, her emotions are not negative enough. Or she really admires Dick. He couldn''t understand.


    ?And now,dies and gentlemen, please pay off your debts!? ¨C Lovr grinned greedily.


    The fat man with a satisfied face collected debts from the students. Those who had recently nned to lynch him were now forced to pay the bills. Such a turn of events caused dizziness. The twin sisters and Timothy could hardly restrain themselves from rash actions. They wanted to wring the money-grubber''s neck very much! But it is unlikely that there will be anyone who will go against the favorite of master Feng and Julius.


    As a result, Kyon earned 2% of the darkness from Rose and a miserable 1% from the students. Not much. There were only 43% in total. But now on his bnce there are 100 thousand points for bets and records in trials. This is just enough to pay the rent of the houses and hire people for a year in advance.


    ?Greetings to all! What did I miss?? ¨C master Feng, who had just entered the testing pavilion, asked curiously.


    {He finally appeared.} ¨C Kyon rolled his eyes. ¨C {But plus one student at the lecture!}


    ¡­


    In house number 17, Rose was surrounded by a group of Valentines. With a face contorted with rage, he turned the table into splinters with a blow of his fist: ?I want that bastard''s head! At any cost! You must finish him off as soon as possible!?


    ?But sir, Dick is in good standing with Julius and Feng! We cannot act openly!? ¨C the guy exined the situation, but when he met Rose''s bloodthirsty gaze, he shivered in fright and pressed his head into his shoulders.


    ?So, act secretly! Ideally, an ident should happen to the bastard! Kill the fatty, and in the future, when I be the patriarch, your life will be full of luxury and honor! Is everything clear to you?!? ¨C Rose growled.


    ?Yes, sir!? ¨C the twenty students shouted in unison.

 Chapter 495 - 495

    The next morning, master Julius and master Feng, surrounded by the students, were approaching house number 13. The man and the old man sometimes exchanged nces, after which they awkwardly turned away. Even if a mosquito the size of an elephant flew by, it would be a less strange event than what is happening now. Julius and Feng, the best masters in the order in alchemy and formacy, agreed to attend the lectures of a youth of 16 years old! Unthinkable. However, no matter how humiliating it may look from the outside, both of them did not hesitate in their decision, because it concerns an indescribably gifted monster.


    For example, master Julius stayed up all night ying the game about the plumber. There were bags under the old man''s red eyes. The pear-shaped head seemed even bigger than usual. He simply fell in love with this game - the great creation of the brilliant formacist!


    Four servants met the guests near the 13th house. They collected the payment from everyone, recorded it in a journal and took everyone to the lecture hall: a spacious, well-lit room with fifty seats with a small table at each seat, on which it is just convenient to take notes. And there was also a particrly noticeable huge screen near the wall.


    The fat lecturer appeared exactly at the appointed time. The bodyguard stood next to him: the royal phaser at the 3rd stage. It is usually impossible to hire such a strong person in Rosarrio without connections. The order provides such an opportunity.


    Kyon looked at everyone present with a serene gaze: {Forty people¡­ Not bad for the first time. What a pity Elsa didn''te. Her pride probably didn''t let her do it. But Timothy is here! And the granddaughter of the Minister of Finance¡­}


    ?Hello, master Baker!? ¡­ ?Hi, Dick¡­? ¡­ ?Hello.?


    Those present did not even know how they should address the fat man. On the one hand, since he is a lecturer and they are his students, they should treat him respectfully. But on the other hand, he is just a one-elemental practitioner of the superior phase of 16 years old!


    ?Greetings to you. From now on, address me informally and by my first name. Master Feng, the first lecture will be devoted to formacy. Will you stay to listen??


    ?Of course! I will expand my horizons.? ¨C the man smiled cheerfully.


    ?Your right.? ¨C Kyon nodded and continued.


    The lecture given by Lovr was distinguished not only by the exclusivity of information, but also by the quality of its presentation. Every time he exined something, the corresponding images appeared on the big screen. If it was about formacy, then pictures of forms, diagrams and codes appeared, which he confirmed in practice, creating the appropriate formation. If the topic concerned alchemy, then - the ingredients, information about them, and even the fusion process, right up to the finished result.


    Such a format of lectures shocked everyone to the core, and even masters Feng and Julius felt like unqualified teachers. The fat man''s lectures are more informative than their individual lessons! The information is not only unique, but also presented in such an amazingly memorable way. It is clear that Dick has thoroughly prepared. He worked out his 500 points in full.


    However, they could not even think that Kyon spent no more than a minute creating the screen¡­


    Both masters and most of the students listened to the lectures on both subjects to the end.


    ?Your lectures are simply amazing!? ¨C eximed Julius enthusiastically.


    ?Thank you for the lesson. I even envy¡­? ¨C Fengughed guilelessly.


    ?Thank you for the lecture.? ¡­ ?You''re good¡­ I thought I would regret the points I spent, but no! Next time I''lle with a friend.? ¨C all the skepticism of the students quickly disappeared. They came for knowledge and they got it.


    After everyone said goodbye and left, a pretty girl approached Kyon. Apparently, she deliberately lingered to catch him alone.


    ?Hello. My name is Stephanie Russell, I am the granddaughter of dimir dimirovich.? ¨C thedy emphasized her surname and grandfather, thus, apparently, trying to make her interlocutor feel awe. ¨C ?Your lectures impressed me. I would like to purchase a course of private lessons in formacy and alchemy. Name the price.? ¨C she said every word in an absolutely calm tone. There was an ice mask on her face. The look was piercing.


    {Do you think everything in this world will revolve around you because of your rich grandfather? Ha-ha. I''ll teach you a little lesson.} ¨C Kyon thought and shook his head. ¨C ?I''m sorry, but I have to refuse. I have many important things to do.?


    ?I insist.? ¨C thedy stepped forward. ¨C ?Name any price.?


    ?Well¡­ Let''s say a hundred billion?? ¨C Lovr said offhand.


    Stephanie''s eyes narrowed slightly and gleamed unkindly: ?This is a very bad joke. You earned fifty thousand points for a four-hour lecture, which is equivalent to five million spheres. I''ll pay you fifteen million for the same time.?


    Kyon barely restrained a sardonic grin: ?Oh, I''m sorry, deardy, I''ll give you a ten percent discount because of your beautiful eyes. Ny billion!?


    ?Are you kidding me?!? ¨C she frowned.


    Lovr caught some frightening sensation. The soul trembled uneasily, like the sea before a storm, and the blood inexplicably turned cold. Communication with Stephanie was like a dialogue with the 0th general.


    Coughing dryly, Kyon said firmly: ?You should listen more carefully to your interlocutors. I politely refused you. My decision is final and irrevocable. Any further negotiations are meaningless. You''re just wasting my precious time. All the best to you.?


    ?Are you not interested in money? Then what¡­?


    ?I said ¨C all the best to you.? ¨C Kyon repeated with emphasis.


    The bodyguard took the hint and approached the cute stubborn girl to escort her out.


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes coldly, turned around and left without help.


    {I hope she''s not a vindictive person.} ¨C Kyon hoped. ¨C {However, I can squeeze her grandfather''s balls so painfully that she will walk with a red ass for a week.}


    It''s been 5 days, but Stephanie has not stopped demanding. Every day after sses, she insisted on individual lessons, offering Lovr more and more generous payment. She even offered some unique high-ranking techniques from the Russells'' legacy. Even the high title was mentioned. Well, at least she didn''t threaten, thanks for that.


    The girl''s persistence really got on Kyon''s nerves. He felt as if he had met Stephanie Stone, who at one time also persistently tried to seduce him. He has decided not to agree on principle, even if Russell offers an absolutely fabulous price. She should know that not everyone will obey her because of rich daddy.


    7 days have passed since the beginning of the lectures.


    ?Stop acting so high and mighty. Every man has his price. Be reasonable and don''t test my patience.? ¨C Stephanie Russell insisted with the same mechanical intonation. Day by day, the threat emanating from her was felt more and more clearly.


    ?I am not Juno, I will not sell myself for money.? ¨C Kyon waved off.


    ?Then what do you want? I''m willing to put in a lot of effort. Tell me quickly!?


    ?A lot of effort, you say?? ¨C the cup of patience of Lovr has overflowed. He decided to shut up the upstart once and for all, and if she tries to take revenge, he will put pressure on her through her grandfather.


    With his nted, sunken eyes of Dick, the young man obscenely licked the slender body of the girl from head to toe: ?Sexual rtionships between student and teacher ¨C that''s what I''m interested in.?


    From such a statement to the granddaughter of the Minister of Finance, even the bodyguard suddenly felt sick.


    Stephanie''s eyes widened, but no disgust was reflected on her face.


    For a moment, it seemed to Kyon that his blood was running in the opposite direction.


    The girl chuckled coldly and, turning around, left the 13th house.


    Lovr breathed a sigh of relief: he got off. Now she won''t bother him.


    A month has passed since the first lecture.


    During this time, Lovr received countless offers from different families who wanted to recruit such a gifted alchemist and formacist. Of course he turned them all down. The prospects are not too tempting.


    In general, Kyon was satisfied with his n for earning points. Word of mouth helped. All 50 seats were consistently upied, moreover, there were so many applicants that they began topete for the seats. The rate has grown to 750 points, and in the future it will rise to 1000 points, which will result in 5,000 points per day (5%). It will take about 200 days to collect 1 million, while he was given 1 year for everything.


    The zeroth general wlessly predicted the abilities of the messenger of the goddess. The first person who didn''t underestimate Kyon! Another confirmation that this person should be feared.


    Recently, one unlucky Valentine tried to finish off his master during the lecture (probably, madness came over him), but the brave guard reacted in time and protected his master. The would-be murderer was expelled from the school.


    This incident reminded Lovr that he was threatened by Rose and Roman, as well as their stooges. Well, at least Juno seemed to have lost interest in him. What happens if the guard is neutralized? Will he be able to protect himself on his own?


    Two weeks ago, Kyon rose from the 8th to the 9th stage of the superior phase. It took 24 days. Forparison, it took 22 days to reach the 8th, and 16 - the 7th. As expected, the higher the stage of the phase, the more difficult it is to reach it.


    ording to Lovr''s calctions, it will take him a little less than a month to reach the 10th stage. Of course, he could try to transform the soul into the noble phase right now, but judging by the feelings in his soul, the chance of failure is about 30%. The risks are not worth it at all. The consequences will be too huge and will haunt him for many years.


    In addition, over the past time, Kyon has mastered the superior grade of ether, which allowed him to realize his long-standing ideas for creating aser and sma.


    As for theser: Lovr learned to focus a directed beam of energy at one point and at a great distance. s, the beam at best will blind the practitioner 10 stages above his own for a second, and pure energy willpletely eliminate the consequences and protect him. Perhaps with the master (4) grades of ether and heat, the situation will change.


    As for sma: Kyon learned to maintain a stable shell with ether. By cing nitrogen (created by the element of wind) inside it, along with heat or cold, he starts a process simr to cold or hot synthesis. Temperatures inside such shells reach crazy values. As a result, the attacking efficiency of sma is nowparable to the heat or cold of practitioners 20 stages higher. In general, he has a new powerful weapon in his arsenal.


    Now the grades of the elements of Lovr looked as follows: pure energy - 1; wind - 2; water - 2; earth - 3; heat - 3; cold - 2; ether - 3; darkness - 2 (+1); light - 2 (+1).


    Having mastered the superior grade of ether, Kyon immediately began to learn the superior grade of darkness. Given a voracious sphere that adds one grade, the result will be a master grade. Amazing prospects.


    Also, the element of time gives great hopes. It really can only support a spherical shape, but this sphere can be hollow! And this means that it can theoretically be used as a shield. That sounds interesting.


    But now Kyon was spending almost all of his energy experimenting with the spatial attribute. He noticed that it was hiding something unique in itself, and recently its new property was discovered. In a few months he will definitely master a new amazing ability. There is no doubt that it will save his life more than once in the future.


    As for the fully developed right hand, Lovr failed to detect any hidden abilities in it, as happened with the head ("The eyes of truth" and "The sovereign''s stare"). To all the indignant questions, the body of the Void was silent like a partisan.


    To summarize, Kyon rose to the 9th stage and studied the superior grade of ether, and learned how to create aser and sma from it. Theser is practically useless, but the sma is good. As for the elements of time and space, they will manifest themselves in the future.


    Is all this enough to fight back a group of royal phasers at the beginning stage if they suddenly raid him? Of course not. Preparing for teleportation also takes time, so in case of a sudden attack it won''t help. He needs something more effective¡­ To protect himself from the crowd of powerful practitioners. But how? He has an idea! Demonic mushrooms!


    During the forest tournament, while studying in Cernos, Kyon found "Demonic mushrooms": medicine of epic (5) quality! It contains so many narcotic substances that it can even affect the imperial phaser.


    Kyon decided to make the medicine out of "Demonic mushrooms", which will explode upon contact with the ground and spread around an invisible narcotic gas without smell. With his alchemist skills, he will definitely be able to make such medicine.


    By the way, today is Rose''s birthday ¨C a very important event for the whole Valentine family.. Everything should go like clockwork. Well, let''s hope nothing happens¡­

 Chapter 496 - 496

    Thest lesson for today hase to an end. Students were leaving the school building. In the very center of the huge crowd, the main man of today was walking with a proud gait: Rose Valentine. Today is his 19th birthday - a very important event for the whole family.


    ?Thank you very much for the invitation, Mr. Rose! Even if lightning strikes me, Pavel Hunter, I will definitelye!? ¡­ ?This is the only day of the year that I look forward to more than my own birthday! Ha-ha!? ¡­ ?Mr. Rose, I want to congratte you on the holiday once again! I wish you all the very best and also a happy forting marriage to Lady Elsa!?


    Elsa was walking side by side with the birthday boy. With her beauty, she drew the lion''s share of attention to herself. The girl expected a lot from such a significant event, after all, it is the birthday of the youngest son of the patriarch of the Valentines.


    Rose nodded to everyone around with a slight smile on his lips. The mood was wonderful. Nothing can spoil this wonderful day. He will need to take advantage of his position as a birthday boy and force Elsa to drink more alcohol to steal a couple of kisses from her.


    ~boouuuuuum~


    A muffled pop echoed through the order.


    ¡­


    ?Motherfucker, what the fuck?!? ¨C Kyon scolded.


    The explosive powder has just detonated for no reason at the most crucial moment of the preparation of the medicine, consisting mainly of "Demonic mushrooms". Some of the ingredients are irretrievably lost. Insanely concentrated narcotic gas, which has neither smell nor color, filled a smallboratory.


    It is worth noting that a little earlier he enhanced the narcotic effect of the substance with the help of enchantment (on chemical activity) and alchemy.


    Kyon immediately put on a gas mask, saying: ?It''s good that there is a high-quality venttion system that blocks the spread of dangerous substances outside theboratory in case of unforeseen circumstances.? ¨C it''s not clear whether he stated the fact or tried to convince himself of it.


    Thirty minutester, all "Demonic mushrooms" were over. Lovr made himself a new secret weapon: more than a hundred units of medicine, exploding on contact with the ground. In theory, it should affect even the imperial phasers at the beginning stage (7), but if the practitioner pours pure air-filtering energy into the nose, then the radius of damage will be limited to the lord phaser at the middle or finishing stage (5).


    Comcently nodding to his own weapon genius, Kyon ced the demonic medicine in the ring and, after wiping the sweat from his forehead, went to the shower room, but on the way he heard strange sounds from outside. After leaving the house, he saw something that made his face rapidly turn pale.


    ?I AM THE KING OF THE WORLD! MWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!? ¨C a young man with a crown on his head, created from the element of the earth, shouted majestically. Every now and then he raised a stone stick to the sky, suspiciously simr to a scepter.


    The self-proimed king clearlycked strength and development, especially by the standards of the central zone of the order, but nevertheless he stood on a pnquin, which was humbly carried by four mighty disciples with the development of the royal phase.The silly expressions of blind loyalty and adoration on their faces testified that they were ready to faithfully serve their "king" until death.


    ?Come on,e on! Dig your grave faster, motherfucker! How dare you insult the august person?!? ¨C the "king''s" personal punisher, apparently, was saying, licking the dagger frighteningly.


    Pieces of soil flew out of the pit 10 meters deep every now and then. There, at the bottom, a pale fat man, all covered with tears and snot, was digging his grave with his bare hands. He had already regretted a thousand times that he had confused the king with his special hugging pillow.


    Next to the grave, a disciple with a battered book in his hands was reading out some terrifying mantras in an obviously very ancientnguage in an ancient hoarse voice. It seems that the youngster considers himself a necromancer and is trying to perform some kind of resurrection ritual. But the book in his hands inspired some doubts about the effectiveness of all these maniptions, since on the cover there was an inscription: "Chaos theory in mathematics, by L.A. Craft".


    Behind the necromancer, two students, pale as death, were swaying strangely on their heels. They stared at the back of the young man''s head with terrible hungry nces. Judging by the gurgling moo and saliva flowing down their chins, the "zombie girls" are not averse to tasting the brains of their "summoner".


    ?A-a-a-a-a! SAVE ME! I can''t feel my wrists! My hands are numb! I''M DYING!? ¨C one of the students desperately screamed, deciding to run on his hands until he identallynded in a 10-meter grave.


    ?You don''t feel them because you don''t have them! And do you think you are the fastest?! I''m the fastest here!? ¨C a thin guy who rushed after him started running around the pit at such a speed that a miniature tornado appeared above it. ¨C ?Mwa-ha-ha-ha! My unique "Swift step" body grants me the speed of light! I am the fastest creature in the world! I am unattainable! Mwa-ha-ha-ha!?


    Suddenly, a shadow shed past the upstart, forcing the runner to swallow dust. It turned out to be a fat man, pale with horror, shouting at the top of his voice: ?A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A! MOMMY, SAVE ME! THE DEAD ARE COMING! A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A!?


    The impetuous arrogant man abruptly lost faith in himself and voluntarily jumped into the grave.


    ?I SHOT IT! I SHOT IT!? ¨C a student with a nephrite of visual recording in his hands shouted with a jubnt smile, like a journalist who captured the sensation of his whole life. In fact, the guy constantly repeated the same thing, filming a bush growing in front of him.


    Meanwhile, more craziness was going on nearby.


    ?Elsa, I beg you, stop! Stop running from me! It''s a matter of life and death! Why don''t you understand?! I''m going to die!? ¨C pale-faced and naked from the waist down, Rose was chasing Elsa with such vigor, as if his survival really depended on her.


    ?Get away from me, you horny bastard!? ¨C Stone squealed, blushing deeply. ¨C ?Why do you keep following me?! I have already said a hundred times that I will not do this! Besides, I have a boyfriend! And anyway, fat people are not my type!?


    ?What do you mean you don''t want to be with me?! What boyfriend?! Not that freak, by any chance?! What the hell are you talking about?! Elsa, I repeat again, I was bitten by a poisonous ck python, and if you don''t suck the poison right away, then I''ll die to hell! Look, my penis is already swollen and red!? ¨C Rose desperately shook his "argument".


    ?I''m not naive enough to just believe a liar like you!? ¨C the blonde said with conviction. ¨C ?You just want me to put that disgusting thing in my mouth! Dream on! I''m not even your girlfriend!? ¨C Stone said, wagging her seductive booty right next to the nose of the pursuer.


    ?Stupid, are you really going to let your future husband die on his birthday?! That''s how you treat me, right?!? ¨C Valentine moaned doomedly.


    ?Oh, you bastard, are you trying to force me to suck this abomination with sweet speeches?! Well, no! Marry me first, and then ask for it! And in general, does my opinion mean anything to you?! Maybe I''m against it, and what''s next?!? ¨C the girl batted her eyshes with girlish spontaneity, as if she wanted to be persuaded. ¨C ?Are you aware that cheating is frowned upon by society?..?


    The distance between the two runners strangely remained the same. It seems that the girl deliberately kept her distance in order not to let the pursuer fall behind her and lose interest. Moreover, she wagged her stic booty right in front of him, as if deliberately provoking. Her actions did not match her words. That''s verydylike.


    A screaming crowd of fans raced after the strange couple. Some on all fours, some on their hands, others crawling, tumbling and rolling.


    ?Woohoo-uh-uh, hefty! This is the wave of my dreams!? ¨C Ziz Hunter grinned merrily, standing on his tentaculipede in only swimming trunks, like a professional surfer, while the beast maneuvered between the students.


    ?I SHOT IT! I SHOT IT!? ¨C a happy journalist rushed by. It seems that the bush has finally exhausted itself.


    A little aside, master Feng was sitting on a bench in his own mini-park and, watching the yellow oak tree, like a friendly old man watching his farm, peacefully nibbling seeds. But these seeds turned out to have wings. He gnawed his beloved amber bees alive!


    And near the oak, the naked Roman was writhing. He checked with his genital organ the depth of a small honey-lubricated hole in the tree with reciprocating movements, moaning with pleasure: ?Ho-o-o-o¡­ Juno, your honey pussy is just beautiful! Ho-o-o-o¡­ It''s so soft and tender¡­ So tight¡­ I''m ready to fuck it without a break! Ho-o-o-o¡­? ¨C while he was raping the beehive, the bees, mad with rage, tried to punish the malicious defiler of their food for the queen.


    Juno sat on a nearby bench and watched Clinton''s actions with an empty look. The beauty''s face turned tenderly pink, like a ripe peach; her eyelids were half closed, and her breathing was rapid. Her naughty fingers were ying with the secret ce in her panties. With her gentle blissful voice of a sleepy angel, the girl muttered: ?Ah, Lovr¡­ I''m so d that you like my pussy¡­ Take it harder, please¡­?


    Three guards surrounded thedy with a steel wall and protected her from hordes of horny fans, who were constantly trying to break through the defense to get to their aroused favorite.


    Master Julius galloped to the aid of these three: ?Die, cursed mushroom! Die! Die! Ahaha!? ¨C the pear-headed old manughed madly and jumped over the heads of the students, digging them up to their necks in the ground.


    ?I SHOT IT! I SHOT IT!? ¨C the joyful journalist did not miss another sensation.


    Meanwhile, deafening explosions were heard from the east.


    ?Today one of us will DIE!? ¨C Seraphima vowed. There was irreconcble hatred on the face of the beautiful representative of the light ones.


    ?I will make a wine cup out of your skull!? ¨C Clementine cruelly assured her rival.


    ~BANG~


    The fists of the girls collided, creating a funnel in the ground. Fragments of soil and rubble scattered like shrapnel in all directions. It is immediately clear that thepetitors are fighting to the death, and today the winner will definitely be revealed.


    ?I''m betting three sheep on the victory of the dark one.? ¨C the trader who was watching the fight from a safe distance said unhurriedly.


    ?I''m betting one cow on the victory of the light one.? ¨C another seller replied.


    Next to the two "shepherds" a small group of students were chewing grass. Judging by the bleating of some of them and the lowing of others, they considered themselves sheep and cows in the pasture.


    Timothy, sitting on a tree, looked rapaciously at the grazing animals. Only vignt shepherds stopped him from attacking.


    Suddenly the hawkish gaze of the former Brown shed dangerously. He immediately swooped down from the tree and grabbed a snake by the cor with his teeth ¨C a rather pretty student, crawling nearby with a hiss - and then hurriedly dragged the prey up the tree.


    ?I AM THE KING OF THE WORLD! YEA-A-A-A-AH! WOO-HOO-HOO-OOH!? ¨C the self-proimed tsar continued.


    ?Hey, handsome, how about having some fun?? ¡­ ?We don''t mind ying with your big crown!? ¡­ ?Mmm, you''re so juicy,e to us, we''ll have fun!? ¨C three beautiful students stripped to their underwear beckoned the king withnguid voices and seductive poses, imagining themselves to be subi. They stood near the gorge belonging to Juno and lured unsuspecting students into their of love.


    ?To be content with prostitutes is beneath me! Servant,e here!?


    Just at this moment, the necromancer finished reading his spell. Three students, pale as death, climbed out of the grave. Swaying from side to side, they joined their summoner''s small army.


    ?MOMMY! THERE ARE MORE AND MORE OF THEM! WA-A-A-A-A-A-A! HELP ME!? ¨C the fat man flew into the gorge to the three girls, screaming heart-rendingly.


    ?What a juicy catch we have, girls! Hee-hee!? ¡­ ?Mmm, he''s so fat and delicious¡­? ¡­ ?Let me be the first! I want to pump him dry¡­? ¨C seductively swaying their hips, three beautiful students went to feast.


    Stephanie Russell also watched the development of events: Master Ziz Hunter was passionately kissing the tentaculipede, literally drowning his face in its countless tentacles; necromancer''s zombies were fighting the king''s knights in an attempt to overthrow the current government; Timothy were sitting on a tree and impatiently tearing the clothes on the hissing and writhing student with his teeth; loud and voluptuous moans wereing from the gorge; somewhere something was exploding.


    Kyon''s face turned deathly pale: {Fucked¡­ Up¡­}


    As if this catastrophe wasn''t enough, he noticed that Stephanie looked around the madness with a strange look that stopped right on him.


    {Oh no, no, no! Not that!} ¨C Kyon remembered how he offered the girl to sleep with him for individual lessons, and predicted her further actions¡­

 Chapter 497 - 497

    {Oh no, no, no! Not that!} ¨C Kyon, finding that the granddaughter of the finance minister was looking at him strangely, backed away, abruptly entered invisibility and ran away, but soon felt someone''s hand on his shoulder.


    ?Where are you going, prankster?? ¨C thedy asked in an icy tone.


    ?Uh-uh¡­ I decided to drop by the store, buy some wine¡­ What kind of wine do you like?? ¨C rubbing his palms, Lovr asked with an obsequious smile.


    ?Bloody!? ¨C Stephanie snorted coldly and carefully looked around the madness happening nearby. ¨C ?Demonic mushrooms??


    ?Uh-uh¡­? ¨C Kyon opened his mouth in shock. ¨C {How did she understand?!}


    ?What a mess you''ve made, Dick Baker¡­ How are you going to solve it now? Did you really decide to simply run away from responsibility??


    {Why was she the only one who kept her sanity?} ¨C Lovr was puzzled. ¨C {Did she protect herself with pure energy? No, the leakage of invisible gas cannot be predicted in advance¡­ Or is she an imperial phaser at the middle stage or higher? It can''t be¡­ I felt her development during the duel with Juno¡­}


    ?Nothing to say? I see. Let''s make a deal: one hundred two-hour individual lessons with me in exchange for eliminating all the consequences of your huge mistake.?


    Kyon smiled bitterly: ?Your offer is extremely tempting, but I don''t think you can help me in this situation. Even your grandfather will be powerless.?


    ?Your skepticism is justified. So do you agree or not??


    ?Let''s say I agree¡­?


    ?Fine.? ¨C the girl nodded. ¨C ?Wait until the evening, and then you will understand everything.?


    {How could she be so sure? What''s wrong with her, I don''t understand?!} ¨C however, now Kyon was more worried about Juno, because in this situation of widespread madness, she could easily be dishonored, which in no case should be allowed.


    ¡­


    A littleter, a group of strong people came to the order, they protected the students from themselves and each other. The period of mass sobering hase. Headache, fatigue and fever are just a few of the symptoms. Some victims remembered what had happened with crystal rity, some in fragments, others even forgot the events of the whole past week. Rose''s birthday party was a great sess.


    The next day, all the families of the victims knew about the incident in general. The patriarchs flew into a rage and longed to find and punish the culprit, but their anger could not bepared with the feelings of the participants in the mysterious madness. They began to realize that everything they did yesterday was not a game of their sick imagination, but happened for real. Someone has to take responsibility for everything and die a terrible death!


    Ziz Hunter was afraid to leave the ward, over and over again remembering his fun with the tentaculipede.


    The paling Rose constantly recalled scenes of his pursuit of Elsa, when he,pletely stripped from the waist down, tried to convince his future wife to suck the poison from his reproductive organ.


    Roman realized that he was not raping Juno, but the hive, because his penis was sticky, and the bees bothered him.


    Juno realized with horror that she was masturbating in a public ce while she was being watched not by cacti with eyes, but by real aroused students.


    But three students from noble families received the most severe trials. They broke their lives with their own¡­ hands, raping a local timid fat man.


    It soon became clear that it all started after a strange muffled explosion that thundered out of the house at number 333, which was confirmed by the territory cleaner. The well-known Dick Baker lived in this house.


    ?Dick? So it''s because of him¡­ Ah¡­ I''ll KILL THE CRAP!? ¨C extremely enraged Juno howled.


    ?DICK?!? ¨C roared Rose, jumping up from the hospital bed with a face contorted with rage.


    ?Is it really because of him?!? ¨C Elsa covered her mouth with her palm in amazement.


    Ziz Hunter, Roman, Timothy, twin sisters and many others, having learned the identity of the culprit of yesterday''s catastrophe, got up from their beds and, despite feeling terrible, went to the house number 333 to carry out an act of retribution.


    Meanwhile, Kyon, in the guise of Zosimos, satfortably in an easy chair in his private mansion and sighed sadly, while Le carefully massaged his feet, and Eve massaged his shoulders. He watched the development of events through his feathered spies and tried to figure out how to proceed.


    Lovr did harm to all the families of the empire. Now it is even dangerous for him to appear in the department. Only the Russells (0) can protect him, but among those he knew only the 0th general, and why would he help someone he is currently testing?


    Unbelievable: not only did the powder detonate for no apparent reason, but also the venttion turned out to be defective. Kyon was so unlucky that even a lightning strike in broad daylight would seem something ordinarypared to this. It only points to one thing, that the goddess had a hand, but he doubted it. Not her level.


    {Anyway, I screwed uppletely¡­ I''ll have to run away with Juno to Saturn¡­} ¨C Kyon summed up dejectedly. Of course, he did not count on Stephanie. Well, how will she help in his situation?


    In the meantime, several hundred angry students gathered in the order around the house of Dick Baker: ?Come out, you vile coward!? ¡­ ?Come out and ept your fate, bastard!? ¡­ ?You will answer for everything that happened yesterday through your fault!? ¡­ ?Today you WILL DIE!? ¡­ ?I swear on my life, you will answer for what you have done!?


    But no one came out, so after a minute the patience of the students ran out. They intended to break through the protective barrier, when suddenly a deafening male voice was heard. It seemed toe from everywhere, like the voice of god.


    ?Ladies and gentlemen, this is the headmaster speaking to you. Yesterday afternoon, during the manufacture of medicine, which includes "Demonic mushroom", Dick Baker made a mistake, due to which an invisible and imperceptible narcotic gas covered the entire central zone of the order. You know the consequences. Specialists conducted an investigation and did not reveal any vitions on the part of the student. He prepared medicine, following all the safety rules, in a room specially equipped for this: an alchemicalboratory. The mistake made during aplex experiment does not make him guilty. Any alchemist will tell you that every sess is preceded by a hundred failures. The cause of all troubles is faulty venttion. I, the headmaster of the school, on behalf of the entire order, apologize to you. The families of the victims will receivemensuratepensation. Those who intend to take out their indignation on the innocent student will be punished to the fullest extent of thew.?


    When the broadcast stopped, Kyon jumped out of his chair, which caused Eve, who was doing a shoulder massage, to hang around his neck: {Stephanie, so you are the headmaster''s favorite?!}


    The zeroth general leaned back in his chair, smiling coldly: {The trouble ma has finally been spotted. I hope you will appreciate my gift, my love.}


    The students looked at each other in confusion. Even if the problem is indeed faulty venttion, how is that supposed to ease their hatred of the fat man who started it all? Why didn''t the headmaster make a scapegoat out of Dick, and why did he even take the hit instead? By his act, he almost directly dered to everyone that Baker was under his protection, and that he was worth spoiled rtions with most noble families!


    Rose trembled from the hatred bubbling in him. Yesterday, only a blind man did not see him naked. The patriarch''s youngest son publicly disgraced himself! In addition, the fat scum ruined his birthday, and now he will escape the consequences?! Where''s the justice?!


    Juno reacted in much the same way. Now she was sitting in her chambers without leaving, afraid to show herself. She didn''t really have anything to worry about. In the conditions of insane turmoil, only the fans saw her depraved actions, and only a few remembered it. In addition, not all of them believed that their subject of dreams masturbated in public.


    Perhaps Elsa was the least upset about this turn of events. No, of course, she was also angry at Dick because her boyfriend had disgraced himself because of him, but for some time Stone had cooled off towards Valentine, but Baker, on the contrary, rose in her eyes, especially now when the headmaster of the order stood up for him.


    The next day, the students found a note near house number 13, which said that Dick was so sorry for the mistake he had made that he fell into depression and now he needs two weeks to get back to normal.


    Meanwhile, the invisible Kyon got into the 51st house. Receiving the expressive look of the girl who literally single-handedly saved him from major troubles, he smiled slightly: ?Congrattions,dy, you have achieved what you wanted.?


    ?I''m d.? ¨C the girl nodded calmly. ¨C ?Follow me.?


    During the lecture, Kyon got to know Stephanie better. For about 18 years old, her character is abnormal: emotionless and purposeful, like Valeera, rational and prudent, like the zeroth general, noble and proud, like Elsa. And with all this, she was neither vain nor arrogant. She shows full confidence in every action and word. She likes to keep the situation under control. It is impossible to impose any conditions on her, she is not manipted, and ignores everything that is irrelevant. Sometimes you can afford some things in her presence, for example, jokes and pranks that will definitely be ignored, but if you cross the line, for example, touch her shoulder, as the blood begins to freeze in the veins.


    By the end of the lecture, Lovr found out that the granddaughter of the Minister of Finance not only fights at the level of an archmaster, but is also an alchemist and formacist of the third rank, like masters Feng and Julius. It is absolutely iprehensible how a disciple of the order could have the experience of three wise masters! The only thing she is inferior to Elsa in addition to appearance is her talent for development! And the fact that no one knows about her abilities suggests that she is not interested in fame.


    {Who is she?} ¨C Kyon was at a loss. All this worried the young man quite a lot. He already regretted offering her private lessons in exchange for sex. It is necessary to rectify the situation just in case.


    ?Lady Stephanie, I apologize for refusing to conduct individual sses with you. Forget about that stupid condition. I just wanted you to stop pestering me.?


    ?I guessed it.? ¨C thedy nodded dryly. ¨C ?Better tell me, who taught you??


    ?I''m self-taught¡­? ¨C Kyon smiled softly.


    ?I see. Tomorrow at the same time.? ¨C the girl escorted the master outside.


    He got the impression that nothing could be hidden from Stephanie.


    In the evening of the next day, when almost all the students recovered from the effects of drug poisoning, the Valentines still held a celebration of Rose''s birthday.


    The atmosphere at the party was strikingly different from what was expected. Despite all the efforts of the toastmaster, the young people could hardly have fun. Well, the birthday boy''s strained smile very eloquently showed how disgusting his mood was.


    Nevertheless, during the presentation of gifts, Rose was really happy for the first time that day: he was presented with an incredibly valuable wristwatch with a genuine seal of Gimli! The quality of the product was exorbitant. Priceless handiwork.


    A kiss on the cheek from Elsa improved the blonde''s mood even more. It seems that everything is not so bad. Dick could not spoil such a significant event.


    And the watch on Valentine''s hand is of course with a trick.


    Revenge on the rapist of other people''s wives had just begun, so Kyon did not stop grinning maliciously.


    ?And why are you smiling so unkindly?? ¨C Le was surprised and suddenly pulled her hands away from the man''s feet, covering her lips in horror with her palms. ¨C ?Isn''t it enough for you to have a foot massage performed by your beautiful daughter?!?


    ?What are you talking about, honey? I like the way you work with your hands. If you want to massage daddy''s feet, then I won''t stop you.? ¨C Kyon exined condescendingly.


    ?And if I want to massage your ass, will you mind too??


    ?Daddy''s ass is not in your power, but yours is in mine.?


    ?So you''re going to massage my ass?? ¨C she asked hopefully.


    ?I''ll massage it so hard that you won''t be able to sit for a week!?


    ?And I don''t mind¡­? ¨C Le whispered in a barely audible voice.


    Lovr shook his head dejectedly and took out Valeera''s letter. Over the past month, he had noticed progress in her attitude towards him. The level of hate in messages had decreased significantly. The first signs of the merging of the personalities of Zosimos and Kyon appeared in her subconscious.


    Weber often writes about how lonely she is and how she wants him toe back to her; that she is ready to live with Kyon and even let him kiss and hug her¡­ But only if he allows her to be with Zosimos at least 1 day a week.


    {I think in a year you will bepletely ready to ept me..} ¨C Kyon happily put the letter back.

 Chapter 498 - 498

    Elsa went to house number 2 and pressed the bell.


    Soon a maid appeared and let the guest inside.


    The girl found the pear-headed old man on a chair in the living room ying the game "Plumber". Stone shuddered at the sight of her usually peppy and energetic teacher: bags under reddened eyes, pale skin, dirty, disheveled hair. She had the impression that he hadn''t slept for a month.


    ?Master, you''ve been overzealous ying plumber! Take care of yourself!? ¨C Elsa eximed with concern, however, apparently, she was not heard.


    ?Haha, I found a shortcut! I found the passage to the eighth world, ah-ha-ha! This is genius! It''s brilliant, ah-ha-ha!? ¨C Julius rejoiced like a child.


    The behavior of the master immediately spoiled the mood of the blonde. With just one formation, Dick bought the soul of the famous teacher. He valued the young man so highly that he did not even hold a grudge against him for the incident with narcotic gas.


    Finally, the old man noticed the guest: ?Oh, Elsa, how did you get here?!?


    ?I came two minutes ago¡­?


    Master Julius smiled guiltily: ?I''m sorry I didn''t pay attention. I immersed myself in this game with all my heart. Did you want to talk about something, my favorite student??


    ?Master¡­ Tell me, will I be able to surpass Dick as a formacist??


    The smile slowly faded from the old man''s face. He hesitated and picked up the words for an absurdly long time.


    Elsa immediately understood everything, doomedly lowered her head and closed her eyelids.


    ?Don''t be upset, Elsa. Dick just¡­ He''s not of this world, you know? I''m not sure that even a first-rank formacist will be able topete with him¡­?


    Such big words from someone whom Stone considered her idol all this time hit her in the heart. She came to hear words of support from the master in order to motivate herself to work further, but in the end she only made it worse.


    It just so happened that Elsa was always the best at everything. Everything was so easy for her that she stopped trying for real a long time ago, but because of Dick, the girl had been working so hard for a whole month that anyone else would have gone crazy. However, she did not feel the progress she wanted, so her will to win began to wane.


    ?You must understand that there will always be a person who is better than you in some way. Besides, didn''t you notice that naturepensated his mind with looks and strength??


    ?Yes, indeed¡­? ¨C Elsa agreed listlessly.


    The conversation turned out to be short, but it pushed the girl to some thoughts. She returned home and flopped wearily into a chair, surrounded by mountains of books on formacy and alchemy. She thought: {Nature endowed Dick with a great mind, but does this mean that I will not be able to ovee him? No! If he''s so smart, then I just need to learn everything he knows from him, and then everything will be easy!}


    Stone has just decided to step over her pride for the sake of the result. Yes, she will have to learn from her opponent, but does it matter if she eventually surpasses him? Let him mock her as much as he wants, but she will be thest tough.


    ¡­


    ?I''m sorry, but I''m not so reckless as to send assassins to the order. To attack the school owned by the government, that is, the Russells¡­ There is nothing more stupid. Now, when everyone knows he''s under the headmaster''s protection, only a madman would dare to act.?


    ?But father, you must help your son take revenge!? ¨C insisted Rose Valentine.


    ?The very fact that you hate a man in a pig''s body is already humiliating¡­? ¨C Monty shook his head. ¨C ?But I understand you perfectly. You lost a million points¡­ You ran naked after your girlfriend¡­ You disgraced yourself in front of everyone¡­ In general, you have to organize a covert murder yourself, with someone else''s hands. It will be a valuable lesson for you.?


    ?In that case, I need your connections, resources, and an explosive formation.?


    ?No problem. Ask for anything, son.? ¨C Monty smiled warmly.


    When Rose left, the patriarch rubbed the bridge of his nose in annoyance: {Damn, I knew I should have given the bastard to Horace! Now he can''t even be fired from the department, because he is under the protection of the head¡­ The son of a bitch is already getting on my nerves.}


    ¡­


    During the two-week break, Kyon, in addition to regr sses with Stephanie, visited the masters of alchemy and formacy and offered them his deepest apologies. Julius, who was passionate about the game, practically did not worry about the gas incident, but Feng was deeply offended because his beloved bees suffered.


    To atone for his guilt, Lovr gave the man one pill of demonic medicine and hinted about who was hiding behind the pseudonym of "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron", exining that he used the lousy alchemy kit on purpose in order not to impersonate. That was enough.


    After the two-week break, Kyon continued his lectures. Despite the gas incident, his lectures were still wildly popr. The students only sometimes muttered curses and insulting jokes to themselves, but did not voice their indignation aloud.


    Overall, the guy feltfortable and safe. It''s not even about the demonic medicine, but about the headmaster''s intercession. No one would dare to act because of the all-seeing eye of his powerful patron.


    Three dayster, an unexpected thing happened: Elsa came to the lecture!


    Masters Feng and Julius were not surprised by her appearance, after all, they repeatedly rmended the girl to enroll in Dick''s sses, but the students reacted with fervor: ?Lady Elsa, will you really let him teach you?!? ¡­ ?It can''t be! Did you recognize his superiority?!? ¡­ ?I thought you would nevere to Dick''s lectures because of your pride!?


    Timothy, who has been attending lectures for a long time, jumped up in surprise at the sight of the blonde beauty.


    Elsa ignored everyone and sat down on a chair with an ice mask on her face.


    Kyon greeted the students and met the blonde with a sarcastic grin: ?Oh, Elsa Stone, how did you get here? I thought you''d never show up for my sses!?


    ?Don''t overthink. I''m here to surpass you in the near future.?


    ?Commendable self-confidence!? ¨C Kyon nodded mockingly.


    ?To defeat the enemy - you have to think like the enemy.?


    ?In this case, this expression is not suitable. First of all, I am not your enemy, but your rival. And right now I am your teacher. Secondly, trying to copy my way of thinking, you will stay in my shadow all your life. I suggest you settle down. And don''t try to do something beyond your capabilities, otherwise you''ll break yourself.? ¨C sarcastically advised Kyon at the end.


    The pencil in Elsa''s hand broke in half, and the dagger-sharp gaze red into the face of the unbearable interlocutor.


    The students held their breath. Dick is so fearless! Only a madman would dare to talk so boldly with Lady Elsa, the future wife of Rose.


    ?Well, let''s get started!? ¨C Lovr pped his hands.


    It''s been three hours.


    Elsa was discouraged. She was struck by Dick''s deep knowledge in the field of formacy and alchemy. Now she began to better understand how huge the gap between them was. The way of presenting information through images was even more surprising.


    During the lecture on alchemy, Kyon looked up from the ckboard and did something unexpected ¨C for the first time he asked a student: ?Elsa Stone, please answer the question: is it possible to make medicine consisting of darkness and light??


    ?As far as I know, no.? ¨C the girl answered immediately.


    ?Have you heard anything about the medicine of "oblivion"??


    ?Of course, I have. And why do you ask?? ¨C Stone frowned.


    ?Because the medicine of "oblivion" includes an ingredient called "green caterpir". It is a hybrid of a ck and white caterpir of the harpy species. The ck caterpir is the ingredient of darkness in its purest form, and the white caterpir is the ingredient of light. The green caterpir is barren, but itbines darkness and light. It is used in the medicine of oblivion, which erases people''s memory of recent events. So you were wrong.?


    ?But¡­ But¡­? ¨C Elsa could not continue. It was a trick question! The caterpir is the product of the natural fusion of darkness and light in nature, whereas the alchemist does not have the opportunity tobine them in the course of his work. ¨C ?But you asked if it was possible tobine the ingredients of darkness and light during making!?


    ?I repeat my question verbatim: is it possible to make medicine, consisting of darkness and light. The spatial attribute is the fruit of darkness and light. That is, any spatial ingredient is the answer to my question. You were wrong.?


    Elsa burned Dick with an indignant look and turned away sharply. He had caught her, made her look like a fool.


    The students groaned in amazement: Dick is the devil in the flesh, since he mocks the beautiful Elsa in such a vile way! Any of them would have fallen into a simr trap.


    {You dare to mock her because you''re under the protection of the headmaster?!} ¨C Timothy was angry. He was sick of such upstarts who dare to be impertinent as soon as they feel invible.


    ?Come on, don''t be offended. Let me ask a simpler question: is it possible to make any medicine in a pair with another person? Or even with several people at once.? ¨C Lovr continued his impromptu test with teaching impartiality.


    Stone had already opened her mouth to answer thismon truth for every alchemist, but suddenly changed her mind: {Again, a trick question! Well, no, I won''t fall for it a second time!} ¨C thedy decided and briefly shook her head. ¨C ?I suppose it is possible, but I do not know the exact answer.?


    Kyon raised an eyebrow in disbelief: ?Are you really an alchemist of almost the third rank?!? ¨C then he added with a venomous grin. ¨C ?I''m sorry, it just seemed to me that even a novice alchemist knows that two or more people cannot participate in the making of the same medicine! The ipatibility of the frequency of energy oscitions nullifies any attempts. I had no idea that you didn''t even know the basics! How so?! What a shame!?


    Elsa''s eyes widened and her face turned red like a tomato. She immediately wanted to sink into the ground.


    The students whispered softly. One must have talent to make aplete fool of the former number one student in alchemy so clearly and eloquently.


    Timothy held his breath. He stood up and growled: ?How dare you call yourself a teacher if you assert yourself at the expense of the students?!?


    Kyon snorted coldly: ?What are you talking about? Everyone already knows that I am the best in alchemy and formacy. I don''t need to stoop to this. If you want to do something to serve Stone, you can be her fan.?


    ?I didn''t pay for the lecture to be humiliated and insulted!? ¨C Elsa said with notes of resentment and disappointment and got up to leave with her head held high, but she was stopped by the following words of the fat man.


    Kyon shook his head and clicked his tongue: ?Miss Elsa, I teach not only to give my students new knowledge, but also to make them great masters in the future. I have just perfectly demonstrated how easy it is to shake all your ideas about the world, and therefore your self-confidence. This shouldn''t happen. You should learn from my two questions and be even better in the future.?


    The disciples looked at each other and nodded like fools who saw the truth. Dick delivered his speech with such a confident look that it''s hard not to believe him. Probably, there is a deep meaning behind his words, and they are just too stupid to understand him.


    And only Elsa immediately guessed that the bastard was talkingplete nonsense, thus giving her the opportunity to stay at the lecture, saving her face in the eyes of the others.


    Suppressing her pride, the girl sat back down, burning a hole in Dick''s head with her eyes. Of course, she didn''t want to leave. The decision to study with him has already been made.


    {Haha, she understood everything¡­ As expected.} ¨C Kyon mentally noticed and continued the lecture.


    After ss, Timothy and the students noticed that Elsa was in no hurry to leave. They wanted to stay and find out what the girl needed from Dick, but that would be rude.


    When everyone left, Elsa went up to Dick and coldly said: ?We need to talk.?


    ?It''s great, of course, but I have important things to do.? ¨C Kyon dered with unprecedented importance and, bypassing the girl, went to the toilet.


    Stone almost choked: {Important things in the toilet?!}


    Time passed, and with every minute the blonde felt more and more stupid. She''s been standing here for 15 minutes and waiting for the fat man toe out of the toilet. Well, what a fool?! Why was she putting herself in such a humiliating position because of Dick? By the way, his name suits him.


    Elsa was about to leave ¨C pride was beginning to choke her ¨C but at that moment the fat man had just left the ce of his important affairs.


    ?Oh, are you still here? I told you I''m busy.?


    ?We need to talk!?


    ?What if I refuse?? ¨C Kyon crossed his arms over his chest.


    Elsa hesitated, clenched her teeth, and kindly asked: ?Please¡­?


    ?Some other time.? ¨C Lovr shook his head emphatically.


    ?Are youpletely insolent?! You poisoned me and my boyfriend with narcotic gas, stole my ideas with sses, even made me look like a fool in front of students just because you wanted to, and now you refuse to just talk to me?!?


    The problem was that Kyon still didn''t know what secret Stone was hiding. It''s possible that she has some kind of ability that allows her to find out the truth, which is why he avoided long conversations with her by any means.


    ?To begin with, I do not have to apologize for the fact that the administration of the order installed defective venttion. The headmaster has taken responsibility, so don''t me me. As for lecturing, firstly, I did not steal it, but borrowed it. And secondly, nothing personal, just business. I earn money the way I can.? ¨C Kyon said matter-of-factly and went to the exit with the guard.


    ?You¡­ You can''t say that!? ¨C Elsa was indignant, following him.


    ?As you can see, I can.? ¨C Lovr calmly retorted.


    This time the girl was not met by the fans, because she came to the lecture secretly. If they saw their favorite chasing the fat man, they would burn with jealousy.


    {He doesn''t agree! And what should I do?!} ¨C Elsa could not stoop to threats. Yes, once, at the first meeting, she scared him, but then circumstances forced her to do it.


    More and more students began to notice that the girl follows the fat man and persuades him to do something, while he ignores her and irritably waves her off.


    At some point, a huge bald creature with a bunch of octopus tentacles sticking out of its mouth got in the way of three people ¨C a tentaculipede. Judging by the angry growl and cruel look directed at Dick, it was clear why it was here.


    It was easy to understand from the aura and build of the beast that it would surely defeat even the royal phaser at the middle stage.


    The guard trembled in fear and murmured: ?S-sir, he is too strong for me! I can''t protect you no matter how much I want to! Run now!? ¨C but it is quite obvious that the fat man will not run away, even if he wants to.


    Kyon warily assumed a more stern look and shifted his gaze to the girl.


    Elsa smiled broadly at the opportunity: ?Let''s make a deal!?

 Chapter 499 - 499

    ?Your salvation in exchange for a conversation!? ¨C Elsa put forward her demands, when she suddenly realized that she had asked too little, but it was toote to adjust the conditions.


    ?Help me first, and then I''ll decide whether it''s worth it or not.? ¨C despite the ominously approaching tentaculipede, Kyon maintained an enviable equanimity.


    ?You''re in no position to argue with me!?


    Lovr turned to the bodyguard: ?Kyle, you may go.?


    ?Sir?!? ¨C the man was surprised.


    ?There is no point in sacrificing yourself. This creature only wants me. Leave.?


    ?S-sir, thank you very much!? ¨C with immense gratitude on his face, the bodyguard ran away. He doubted that he would survive even one attack of the tentaculipede.


    Elsa opened her mouth in dismay: {Why did he let the bodyguard go?! Is he really ready to die here?! Is it so hard for him to just talk to me?!}


    Kyon shifted his gaze to the girl: ?Will you let that mutt kill me??


    ?Of course I will! Are youpletely crazy?! Don''t you appreciate life?! Just make a deal with me and I''ll save you!? ¨C Stone no longer even demanded, but almost asked for it.


    Kyon smiled meekly at her and, spreading his arms, voluntarily went into the mouth of the tentaculipede, as if he had already resigned himself to his fate.


    The steel in Baker''s gaze and his further actions made Elsa understand that Dick was ready for death, and his insane behavior shook her self-confidence.


    The creature growled even more aggressively and rushed at its prey.


    ?IDIOT!? ¨C speeding up sharply, Elsa instantly appeared in front of the fat man and kicking the tentaculipede on the head made it tumble on the ground.


    A bald dog the size of a bear whined intively and ran away, tucking its tail-tentacle. It instantly assessed the strength of the opponent, and the instinct for self-preservation took its toll.


    About 10 students who saw this froze in amazement, their mouths agape.


    ?I knew you wouldn''t let me die.? ¨C Kyon said almost affectionately.


    ?No, you''re just an idiot!? ¨C Elsa concluded and turned to leave.


    ?Wait. Since you saved me, now I feel obligated¡­?


    ?And now you''re ready to talk to me?! I don''t need your handouts!?


    ?Besides, now my lectures will be even more popr thanks to your presence¡­ I really feel obligated!? ¨C Kyon added with a beaming smile.


    ?Oh, fuck you!? ¨C said the blonde and activated invisibility. Now, having lost the initiative, how could she let Dick control the situation?


    Kyonughed and made a decision: {So be it, I''ll honor her with the conversation.} ¨C of course, he was not going to act rashly. To begin with, he needs to find out everything in advance.


    ¡­


    ?What did you say?? ¨C Rose asked Valentine incredulously.


    ?Your girlfriend¡­?


    ?I HEARD EVERYTHING!? ¨C the blond man barked, scaring the young man to death.


    Rose groaned and covered his face with his hand. He felt so disgusting that he didn''t even have the strength to be angry. A hideous emptiness gripped the heart. His girlfriend voluntarily became Dick''s student! She recognized his superiority! She follows him around! She also saved him from tentaculipede! And this is all despite the fact that because of him, her future husband was disgraced for the whole order. Why didn''t she let him die?


    Now Valentine was finally convinced that Elsa knew Dick before entering the order and was even interested in him not only as a person, but also, possibly, as a guy. Yes, it soundspletely crazy, but the blonde could no longer understand wheremon sense ends and reality begins.


    Rose''s voice broke the silence: ?Did you send the explosive formation??


    ?Yes, of course¡­ It will work as soon as he opens the envelope received by mail.?


    ?Fine.? ¨C Valentine grinned ferociously.


    ¡­


    By six in the evening, Kyon left his house with his bodyguard. He purposely didn''t use invisibility to attract as much attention as possible. As expected, such an outstanding personality was watched by everyone he met. Some of them even followed him to find out where the infamous fat man was going.


    Lovr approached Elsa''s house, took out a sound transmitter and called her.


    ?What do you want from me?? ¨C Stone asked coldly.


    ?Hello. Now I am standing under your window and waiting for you to let me in to conduct a fortune-telling session.? ¨C Kyon answered monotonously.


    ?W-what?! Under the window?!? ¨C Elsa was surprised.


    One could notice that the curtains moved aside for a second, and the beautiful face looked out of the window, but after a moment the curtains closed, and the girl''s voice rang from the device:


    ?Are you a fool, or what?! Why the hell did you show up without warning, and in front of everyone else?! What will they think of me?! And what makes you think that I''m going to tell fortunes to you?! Fuck off!? ¨C the blonde demanded hysterically.


    ?If you don''t let me in, I''ll start singing love serenades.? ¨C Kyon threatened quite calmly. ¨C ?You have half a minute.?


    ?Are youpletely crazy?!?


    ?There are twenty-five seconds left.? ¨C Kyon impassively reminded. The tactic is simple: ckmail. Probably, any girl will burn with shame if such a "handsome" man sings about eternal love under her window, especially since two dozen spectators have already gathered around.


    When the designated period came to an end, Lovr cleared his throat and sang in his "velvety and melodious" voice so loudly that half of the order probably heard him: ?Oh, my lo-o-o-o-o-o-ve¡­ Marry me-e-e-e-e-e¡­ Huh?!?


    Thest scream was interrupted by the inexplicable disappearance of the rising star.


    ?A?! Where?!? ¨C the bodyguard was confused. His master was kidnapped right from under his nose.


    Kyon felt himself being swiftly dragged into the house with a hand over his mouth.


    Only after imposing a sound-proof barrier, Elsa dared to let the fat man go. Blushing all over, either from shame or anger, she moaned: ?Why did youe?! What have I done to you?!?


    ?You saved me from the tentaculipede¡­?


    ?I''m already starting to regret it!? ¨C the girl said nervously. ¨C ?What will others think of me? And if Rose misunderstands?! How can I exin what happened to him?!?


    ?Tell them the truth ¨C you''ve got a lover.?


    ?I''ve got a boar!? ¨C Elsa eximed, covering her scarlet face with her hands. Of course, she could not take the words of this scoundrel seriously, because he constantly jokes and teases her.


    ?Well, what? All the girls who have heard my charming voice fall in love with me. Face the truth and tell me that you have a crush on me, and then you will definitely feel better.? ¨C Kyon winked coquettishly.


    ?This will have undesirable consequences, idiot! What was it? Couldn''t you sign up for fortune-telling in advance? Do you think, since the headmaster patronizes you, you can do anything?!?


    ?We both know you wouldn''t have signed me up. However, now when I am already at your house, you can''t kick me out, otherwise I''ll keep singing.?


    ?Are you ckmailing me?!? ¨C Stone was angry.


    ?Call it what you want, but after the fortune-telling session, I promise to talk to you about escaping from the department, because it worries you so much, and then secretly leave your house.?


    Elsa''s thin eyebrows went up: {Bastard, he leaves me no choice! He knows how to achieve what he wants!} ¨C the girl made a decision and pointed to the stairs. ¨C ?Second floor, second door on the left. Sit and wait for me. I''ll be there in five minutes.?


    ?Okay.? ¨C Kyon nodded and climbed the stairs.


    After washing, Elsa went into her chambers to change clothes, and was horrified to find that Dick, as an expert, was looking at her blue panties, which he brazenly took out of the nightstand.


    ?My friend, I''ll give you a tip: take underwear made of Lime silk, not Ussuri. It is not only softer, but also almost does not absorb the smell. Veryfortable, I rmend.?


    ?GET OUT OF HERE!? ¨C the blushing blonde screamed in an instant, shaking like an epileptic.


    ?But you said to wait for you here¡­ Oh, did I again confuse the right with the left?!?


    Elsa seemed about to explode, as her chest heaved violently with anger.


    ?Sorry!? ¨C Kyon carefully slipped out of Stone''s chambers.


    {Calm down¡­ Just calm down¡­ He''s just an insignificant practitioner of the superior phase¡­ There''s no point in being angry at someone who''s already been hurt¡­} ¨C Stone reassured herself. This creature of someone''s perverted nightmares admired her panties! He confused the right with the left, yeah, she didn''t believe him! Horny freak¡­


    Lovr just checked how great the girl''s patience is, and the result satisfied him. So, he can be bolder with her. She wouldn''t have allowed it before. Apparently, this is because she began to respect him.


    Kyon got to the right room and was surprised at the atmosphere of the surroundings: gloomy lighting, the smell of incense, shelves with various curiosities like bones and talismans on the walls. In the center is a low table with a tablecloth with a ck sphere in the middle.


    Five minutester, the fortune teller also entered the room. For the session, the wonderful girl wore a dark-colored dress with wide sleeves and a hem almost to her feet. There were three strings of ck pearls around her neck. Earrings in the ears. Wide turban on the forehead.


    ?It''s impressive.? ¨C Kyon praised the nobledy''s outfit with a nod, thoughtfully stroking his chin.


    Elsa gracefully sat down opposite the client and, closing her eyelids, ced her palms on therge ck sphere. Somewhere in the depths, a golden sheen was born, and the fortune-teller said in a monotonous voice: ?I see your past¡­ Your parents hated and despised you for your terrifying appearance¡­ Your peers bullied you and beat you¡­ You lived in andfill and ate slop like a distraught sick pig¡­?


    ?Oink-oink?? ¨C Lovr yed along.


    The girl almost broke character, giggling slightly, but soon continued: ?That''s why you found your vocation in reading books and mastering new knowledge. Thus, you wanted to prove to everyone that they were wrong and that you can''t judge a book by the cover.?


    ?As if I didn''t know that¡­?


    Elsa spoke in an irritated tone: ?And now I see your future¡­ And it is full of suffering and pain. Some ten-year-old kid is beating you up like a mangy dog because you scared him. And now I see you crying, hugging your knees, because you lost to me in alchemy and formacy! In the future, I will surpass you, and you will nevere out of my shadow!? ¨C the girl''s lips broke into a malicious smile. Thus, she took out her rage for today''s bullying of her.


    ?Oh, your sphere cracked from an overabundance of truth.?


    ?Dick Baker, how did it happen that you, such a genius, did not catch "The Dark Baron" in half a year?!? ¨C the girl asked with emphasis.


    ?He turned out to be too serious an opponent for me.?


    ?What nonsense?! You, fatty, solved a sensational case in one day! You destroyed seven shadow ns in a week along with the underground auction! But you couldn''t catch the one I grabbed alone?! Even a child wouldn''t believe such nonsense! Tell me, are you his partner?! Yes or no?!? ¨C Elsa continued pushing.


    ?I''m not fat, I''m big boned¡­? ¨C Kyon muttered. ¨C ?And anyway, you insulted me. I won''t tell you anything else.? ¨C he crossed his arms resentfully on his chest.


    ?Oh, I''m sorry, bunny¡­ Let''s get back to fortune-telling.? ¨C she put her hands on the sphere again, and the tenacious look from the half-closed eyelids did not bode well. ¨C ?You are a very insecure, pathetic and vindictive person. You''re lonely at heart because everyone hates you. Girls think you''re a monster¡­ Nobody loves you!?


    ?Who said that nobody loves me??


    ?I said it! My third eye sees the whole truth through the prism of the soul. You have the power to seduce only the most disgusting creatures in the world like demons. But normal girls feel only nausea at the sight of you.? ¨C Elsa assured her client.


    ?I''m afraid your third eye is looking a little wrong.?


    ?I, the great fortune-teller known as "The Soul Seer", am never wrong. Tell me honestly: have you ever had a human girl, not a rtive, who sincerely loved you?? ¨C for some reason she wanted to make sure that Dick was deceiving her.


    ?Yes¡­?


    Elsa''s eyes widened: {He''s not lying! What kind of crazy woman could fall for such a person?! Or maybe this fool confused love with hate? Yes, it seems to be true.}


    {Her reaction¡­ No doubt! How did she understand that I''m not lying?!} ¨C Kyon was surprised and added. ¨C ?Moreover, I slept with more than ten girls who were crazy about me!?


    This time, the blonde just snorted in disbelief, which led Lovr to the following conclusions: {She can only determine the truth by simple answers like "yes" and "no"! So that''s why she always asks general questions!}


    Now, having learned more, he realized how the blonde managed to catch criminals with the efficiency of an entire department. And why she asked such stupid questions to Lindia during the investigation of the sensational case. And how she found out that the threatening letter was sent to her not by "The Dark Baron", but by him. And how she manages to make good money as a fortune teller. Everything fell into ce!


    {Juno can see the intentions of a person''s soul¡­ I believe Elsa''s innate unique body has a simr ability. Is it really impossible to deceive her?}


    Elsa still could not resist the desire to find out if Baker was lying or not: ?Wait, so you seriously had sex with ten girls who were in love with you??


    Kyon, with the help of Synergy, trying to convince himself otherwise, firmly replied: ?Yes.?


    Elsa''s jaw dropped in shock, and her eyes widened in disbelief. Judging by her eloquent reaction, she believed 100% in the reliability of her "predictions".


    {Damn it! Even with Synergy, it didn''t work out! Well, there''s only one way left¡­}

 Chapter 500 - 500

    After learning the truth that Dick slept with more than 10 girls who were in love with him, Elsa could not recover for a long time. At some point, Stone tried to feign disbelief in order to hide the truth that had been revealed to her, but she didn''t really seed, so she changed the subject: ?Okay, we''re done with fortune-telling. It''s time to talk about escaping from the department. So you''re saying you didn''t help "The Dark Baron" in any way??


    ?Do not rush.? ¨C Kyon interrupted her. ¨C ?Before I answer the main question, let me ask you something. Nothing special, just curiosity.?


    ?If it''s not your another stupid joke, then go ahead.?


    ?Do you love Juno??


    Elsa raised an eyebrow in surprise: ?Yes¡­ She is my sister. Why are you asking??


    ?I see that your rtionship is not the most rosy.?


    Stone sighed and sadly exined: ?I always loved Juno, but she hated me. She doesn''t need my love because of¡­ Okay, whatever. By the way!? ¨C the blonde suddenly perked up. ¨C ?You''re a super-sneaky investigator! Can you find the messenger of the goddess for me??


    ?What for? Did you like him, or what??


    ?What do you care?? ¨C Elsa squinted mysteriously, suspecting the fat man of jealousy.


    ?Be honest, and then maybe I''ll help you.?


    The girl rolled her eyes: ?Anna told me that Kyon emptied our treasury, gave grandfather a heart attack, ckmailed him for ten million, and killed her sister¡­ The supreme servant Dina! Will that answer suit you??


    Kyon shook his head: ?As far as I know, he allowed the Stones to take first ce in the tournament, where among the awards were these ten million and even two hundred Tokens, which fully pay for the partially cleaned out treasury. As for Dina''s death, her body was never found. This whole story stinks. It is spotty. And the messenger of the goddess does not seem to me a bad guy.?


    Elsa mmed her fist on the table: ?Why are you defending him?!?


    ?What?..? ¨C Kyon tilted his head in bewilderment. ¨C ?I said everything to the point. He doesn''t look like a criminal.?


    The blonde hesitated, then still told the main thing: ?When Juno got into the order, I found on her forehead the submissive formation of the highest quality, imposed by an advanced phaser¡­?


    At this moment, Kyon involuntarily shivered. Apparently, the personalities of Kyon and Dick are so ipatible for Elsa that she would rather believe that the messenger of the goddess has the monstrous skills of a formacist than in a readable simrity of characters. However, now Stone will immediately understand everything if she finds out that he knows how to change his appearance, and then the otherworlder will have problems.


    ?Kyon had just such a development when he performed at the tournament of families. Juno didn''t answer my questions. I''m inclined to believe that the messenger of the goddess took advantage of my sister! And even though he didn''t dishonor her, I still won''t forgive him! How dare he give orders to my sister against her will?! The very thought of the pain and humiliation she experienced makes a volcano boil in me! He must be held ountable!?


    The bloodlust emitted by Elsa sent a chill through Kyon''s skin. He felt like he dodged a bullet because he was too different from the target of this dangerous girl: ?Well, since he dared to subdue your sister, then I will definitely look for him.?


    ?Thank you!? ¨C he girl took a breath and calmly continued what she had begun. ¨C ?Your turn to answer questions: tell me, did you help "The Dark Baron" escape from the department??


    Kyon got into a difficult situation. No self-hypnosis will help deceive Elsa''s ability. The fact is that the soul keeps in itself the answer to the question asked by the girl, which betrays its owner, no matter what tricks he tries to pull off.


    So, the task is as follows: to deceive the soul somehow. But how? The soul itself does not hear or feel anything. At least up to the royal phase inclusive. The soul interacts with the physical world through the mind - through the senses. So, it is necessary topletely fake the informationing into the mind, and the Synergy in this matter fits perfectly! With its help, you can fake the mouth movement of the girl asking the question and the words she uttered - that''s the solution!


    In fact, it is also not difficult to deceive Juno: it is enough to put the body at the disposal of Synergy, and rest. And it is even better to deceive the girl by turning her ability against her.


    {Damn, why didn''t I guess that at once?!} ¨C Kyon thought. Dark and light states, it turns out, dull the ability to rational thinking, because the owner is subject to emotions.


    ?No.? ¨C Lovr confidently answered Stone''s question.


    Annoyance and relief shed across Elsa''s beautiful face. Just in case, she asked a few more questions, but the young man was sincere.


    ?And thest question: do you consider yourself a good guy??


    Synergy did not fake the question, and Kyon was surprised by what he heard: {Wow, she''s good!} ¨C he immediately recognized the ulterior motive. If he answers "yes", which is exactly what most guys will say to such an exquisite beauty, then from now on he will have to stick to his words. The girl will be able to push him around, ying on a sense of responsibility and the expectation of a certain pattern of behavior.


    In fact, you need to be good first of all for your conscience, and not for others, so Lovr answered the following: ?For some, I am good, but for others I am bad. For example, I''m bad for you, right??


    ?You''re just a monster!? ¨C the girl quipped.


    ?Since you''ve asked me a lot of tactless questions, now it''s my turn. Are you really as kind and sympathetic as people say about you?? ¨C Kyon seized the initiative.


    ?Yes, I am, why are you asking?? ¨C a shadow of embarrassment shed across Elsa''s pretty face. She clearly wanted to get away from such a difficult conversation.


    ?And you think you''re better than others, right?? ¨C Lovr asked shrewdly.


    ?No¡­ I''m the same as everyone else¡­ I just try harder than others. I''m far from the "best of the best" like you!? ¨C the blonde tried to turn this around.


    ?You arepletely incapable of lying. I can see in your eyes how important it is for you to feel your superiority. Moreover, you are trying to prove it with all your might: superheroism, kindness and responsiveness to everyone around you, the desire to show everyone that you are the best student of the order¡­ And then I appeared and took away yoururels of glory. You hate me, don''t you,dy vain hypocrite??


    The atmosphere in the room changed dramatically.


    ?Did you call me a vain hypocrite?? ¨C thedy asked coldly, releasing the pressure.


    Kyon ignored the slight difort: ?I won''t go back on my words. Vanity makes you work hard to surpass me. I noticed those mountains of books. You even suppressed your pride and came to my sses! And you would have fought for the mastery of the fight with Juno long ago and would have honestly lost to her, but you stubbornly ignore all her challenges, afraid of losing poprity. Am I wrong about something??


    ?You''re crossing every line¡­? ¨C Elsa muttered through clenched teeth.


    ?I don''t deny that you are an all¨Cround genius, but vanity is your weakness. People have long been looking at you with adoration in anticipation of the next feats, and before you had time to realize it, your life turned into an endless meeting of other people''s expectations. I don''t envy you, sis.?


    ?GET OUT!? ¨C the girl exploded and pushed the fat man to the exit.


    ?See you in ss, my student.? ¨C Kyon winked mischievously at her, for which he received a kick in the ass.


    ?I wish I''d neverid my eyes on you!? ¨C Elsa felt herself losing self-control at every word the fat man said. She was infuriated not by the fact that Dick told the truth, but by the fact that he sees through her. He''s a goddamn ck belt master at pissing off. How infuriating he is!


    ¡­


    A group of strong practitioners suddenly burst into the hunting master''s house and arrested the tentaculipede along with his master in front of the stunned students.


    The patronage of the headmaster was clearly confirmed in practice. No matter how much authority Ziz Hunter had, his attempt to kill the fat man with the help of the tentaculipede had consequences. And an excuse like "the beast acted on its own" will not work here.


    ¡­


    ?Why haven''t I heard the explosion yet?? ¨C Roseined irritably, looking up from his book. Usually the mail is delivered directly to the mailbox, after that a g is raised, which is easy to notice. Or is Dick blind?


    ?Mr. Rose?, ¨C the maid addressed the master. ¨C ?A note for you from Lady Elsa.?


    ?From Elsa?!? ¨C Valentine excitedly grabbed the plump envelope and looked at the inscription on the back. Judging by the seal of the Stones and the initials "S. E. Y.", written in familiar sweeping handwriting, there is no doubt that the package came from the future wife.


    ?Have we really moved on to the stage of the rtionship when we will send love letters to each other? How cute¡­? ¨C a smile yed on the blonde''s face. ¨C ?You are free.?


    The maid took her leave.


    Rose impatiently opened the envelope and took out the contents. When a nephrite with some kind of formation inside fell out, the smile on the guy''s face froze.


    ~BANG~


    Windows blew out of the house from a powerful explosion.


    Half of the students of the central zone of the order jumped up from fright.


    The chambers of the youngest son of the patriarch of the Valentines turned into ruins.


    The blond man in torn and burnt rags sat with a confused look on the wreckage of an armchair, blinking his eyes in confusion. Now he looked like a deviling out of a chimney.


    ?MOTHERFUCKE-E-EE-EE-E-ER!? ¨C the enraged Rose roared like a wild beast.


    ¡­


    ?Eat your shit yourself, bastard.? ¨C Kyon grinned wickedly. Who would he be if he fell into such a primitive trap? Valentine did a good job, he gave him a great opportunity to cry havoc in their rtionship with Elsa. I wonder how he will react when he hears that Dick was serenading under her window¡­ And then suddenly disappeared somewhere.


    Meanwhile, the guy was approaching his hideout in Dantes. Three days ago, Lovr reached the 10th stage and only now, having been on it, he was 100% sure that after the transformation he would immediately reach the 2nd stage.


    Kyon settled down in a safe ce, sat in the lotus position, took out the transformation medicine he had once received as a reward at the tournament of families, and swallowed it.


    A breakthrough into a noble phase usually takes no more than three days. This cannot be said about higher phases, where it can take several days, or even weeks. But, apparently, a day and a half will be enough for Lovr.


    And indeed, after a day and a half, Kyon opened his shining eyes. A contented smile yed on the young man''s face. He just transformed his soul into a noble phase and even broke through to the 2nd stage at once! Noplications, everything went like clockwork.


    As expected, along with the transformation of the soul into the noble phase, Synergy also jumped from the beginning of the bachelor''s degree (3) to the intermediate level.


    Now the royal phasers at the beginning stage (6) are definitely not opponents for Lovr,rgely due to the developed right hand, which hits with the strength of the practitioner 20 stages higher than the owner. And if you add to this a heavy sword, the ability to use Cuts of darkness and light, as well as clones, then it is unlikely that he will lose even to royal phasers at the middle stage like Rose and Roman. At least, he will definitely be able to escape. As for royal phasers at the finishing stage such as Elsa, in this case it is more reasonable to refrain from a duel.


    Further development does not involve difficulties. He only needs to train hard and not forget to take the medicine of "Enzymes" three portions a day. All this will have to bebined with daily lectures with students and Stephanie Russell.


    However, Kyon will soon have to arrange a meeting with Rose under a different identity, otherwise the grandiose revenge n will fail, and then there will be the wedding of Juno and Roma.. He needs to prepare properly for the ceremony.

 Chapter 501 - 501

    One month has passed.


    Kyon received thest batch of keys today. Finally, he gained all the 100% needed to enchant the soul to the highest level of strength! He received 60% from demons, and the remaining amount had to be bought through the Golden Pig guild.


    The scarce resource cost Kyon a pretty penny, and the more demand he created in the market, the lower the supply became. So, for example, a billion was spent on the first 10% (of the condition), 1.5 billion - on the second, then - 2 billion, and finally - 2.5 billion. In total, he spent a whopping 7 billion on the missing 40% of the keys!


    If we take into ount the entire fortune of Lovr, then he received 1 billion from the treasury of the Feruzs, 1 - from an underground auction, 1 - the ckmail of the Minister of Finance, 2 - cooperation with the trade guild, 1.5 - the shadow n, and Juno recently added another billion. 7.5 billion in total, 7 of which were spent on the purchase of keys from around the world. So Kyon only has 500 million left! All the money he earned was spent to enchant his own soul as soon as possible!


    The superior level of strength enchantment also requires the superior grade of light and ether. Just recently, Kyon mastered the superior grade of ether, so all the conditions are met.


    Lovr drew a trigram under him, ced in each of the 9 holes a mass of keys of the corresponding element (in rings) and activated the enchantment.


    Soon the room was lit up by a scarlet glow. Sess. But at what cost? At the cost of everything!


    With 500 million in his pocket, Kyon felt like a beggar. But from now on, this beggar, as well as all the matter created by him, is stronger not by 10, but by 15 stages! Any smart person will say: "The best investment of money, time or resources is yourself!"


    ¡­


    Over the past month, the hype over the poisoning of students with narcotic gas has subsided.


    The patriarchs and the parents of the affected students had no choice but to swallow their indignation, yet Dick is not only a second-rank investigator and a student of the central zone of the order, but also a favorite of the headmaster. It is worth mentioning that Ziz Hunter received a sentence of twenty years of hardbor due to the fact that he did not look after the tentaculipede.


    In addition, everyone was interested in the explosion in Rose''s house, but the tenant did notment on what happened. And recently there was a rumor that Mr. Valentine caught a cold. It is very strange, because the practitioners of the royal phase get sick extremely rarely, and if it does happen, then, as a rule, they are ill no longer than a day, but Rose has not appeared in the order for half a week.


    The Valentine family began to worry, although for the rest of the people the situation did not seem serious. The doctors apparently made the wrong diagnoses, since he had not yet recovered.


    2 weeks have passed.


    An old man in a hood approached the main entrance to the Valentine family''s territory.


    ?Show the formation.? ¨C the guard casually demanded.


    ?I don''t have it.? ¨C the guest croaked dryly.


    ?No formation? What is the purpose of your visit?? ¨C the man frowned.


    ?To cure Rose Valentine.? ¨C Kyon announced, removing the hood.


    ?M-mister Albert?!? ¨C the guard was surprised. He, like almost everyone in the capital, knew perfectly well about Albert, because even "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" was among his students.


    Soon a senior guard came to the entrance, then the head of security, andter the patriarch''s most trusted servant came out¡­ And only after verifying the identity of the guest, he informed his master about it and received consent to the reception. However, two strong people were assigned to the sides of the weak old man for some reason.


    A small group of the Valentines escorted the best alchemist of the empire to the central area of the family, to the main administration building, where the patriarch and elders regrly discuss the most important issues. Soon the group entered the main office.


    ?Albert Clinton¡­ How dare youe to my house?!? ¨C the blond man said sternly instead of greeting.


    ?Hello, patriarch Monty.? ¨C Kyon bowed politely. ¨C ?I am well aware of how many problems I brought to your family. That''s why I came to¡­?


    ?To purify karma by taking on the anger of the Valentines?? ¨C Monty squinted unkindly.


    Two big men roughly twisted the old man''s arms, preventing him from moving.


    ?Until now, many people believe that the father of Lindia''s child is Stein. The number of troubles that have befallen my family because of you cannot be redeemed even by execution!?


    ?But they can be redeemed by saving the life of your youngest son.? ¨C Kyon said calmly.


    Monty''s voice lost its recentposure: ?W-what did you say?!?


    ?One of the doctors treating the young gentleman, I will not mention his name, contacted me to help him diagnose¡­ So recently I found the answer. I have some suspicions about Rose''s illness. This is a very dangerous disease that needs to be dealt with immediately, otherwise the situation will worsen day by day until he dies.? ¨C Lovr grunted gloomily.


    ?N-no¡­ It can''t be¡­? ¨C the patriarch swayed, finally losing hisposure.


    ?My son fell by Horace''s hand because of the sins hemitted. However, as a father, I didn''t want him to die, no matter how monstrous he was. Patriarch Monty, I understand perfectly how you feel right now. That''s why I openly came to your family''s territory. My goal is simple: to close all debts between us. I''m sure saving Rose Valentine will be more than reason enough for a truce.?


    There was a long pause.


    A variety of emotions shed across Monty''s face as he hesitated, considering what he had heard. One thing is clear: the determination of the best alchemist in the empire is genuine. And indeed, why should he appear in their of enemies if he is not confident in his abilities.


    ?How will you prove your words?? ¨C the patriarch finally spoke.


    ?Let me examine Rose.? ¨C Kyon asked.


    After 15 minutes "Albert" and Monty with an escort came to Rose''s chambers.


    A slightly pale blond man sat on the bed, sticking out his tongue, while a gray-haired old man, frowning, held his tongue with a wooden stick and examined his throat.


    Noticing the patriarch, the doctor bowed low, and Rose stared in amazement at the neers.


    ?Son, how are you feeling?? ¨C Monty asked with a note of concern.


    ?Just like before¡­ Better exin what he''s doing here??


    Kyon coughed dryly and spoke respectfully: ?Young master, I think I know what you''re sick of. Let me examine you and make sure of my guess.?


    ?Uh-uh¡­ I don''t mind, but is it¡­?


    ?Let him take a look.? ¨C Monty smiled and turned his gaze to the best family doctor. ¨C ?Phillip, I''ll be honest ¨C I don''t trust Albert. Your task is to keep a close eye on him. If you see anything suspicious, feel free to tell me.?


    ?It will be done, patriarch.?


    Kyon began to examine the patient with various devices: scanners, detectors, sses with a formation enclosed inside, allowing you to see even through the bones¡­ During the examination, he asked various questions: ?Do you suffer from drowsiness, weakness and dizziness??


    ?Yes¡­ I do.? ¨C Rose nodded.


    ?Have you noticed dryness or burning in your mouth?? ¨C Kyon asked, examining the reddened mouth.


    ?Yes, of course¡­ My throat is sore.?


    ?Abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea??


    ?Yes¡­? ¨C Rose nodded lostly.


    ?Loss of hair or teeth??


    ?I noticed the hair on theb a long time ago¡­ Stop! Will my teeth fall out too?!? ¨C Rose was horrified. ¨C ?They are already bleeding! Doctor, I don''t want to be toothless! Will the medicine that restores teeth help?! How can I be cured?!? ¨C the guy almost choked at the thought of how he would appear in front of Elsa bald and toothless.


    Monty and Phillip gasped. It was the first time they heard about bleeding gums, and the fact that Albert had predicted the loss of teeth meant that he knew what Rose was sick with.


    ?As I thought¡­? ¨C Kyon sighed grimly. ¨C ?This is a process of self-destruction¡­?


    ?The process of self-destruction?!? ¨C Rose, Monty and Phillip wheezed in disbelief.


    Lovr spoke very seriously and convincingly: ?Something inside the young master makes the soul hate the body of its owner, because of this, instead of helping him recover, it participates in his destruction.?


    Rose turned pale, and Monty frowned.


    ?But that''s unscientific!? ¨C Phillip eximed. ¨C ?How can the soul hate the body?!?


    Kyon snorted coldly: ?Very easy. Many cases are known when the fake medicine of unique bodies poisoned the soul so much that it then lost its bearings and attacked its own body, as if it were someone else''s. The same applies to the sewing on of other people''s limbs. The soul rejects them. You should understand that there is no disease attacking the body from all directions: digestion, circtory system, immunity, hair follicles, bones and even the mind¡­ I am one hundred percent sure of my diagnosis.?


    Seeing that Phillip looked ashamed and did not say anything, Monty was forced to believe in Albert''s words, but demanded answers: ?And what could it be?! How do we find what provokes Rose''s soul to attack the body?!?


    ?I don''t want to die¡­ I don''t want to!? ¨C Rose muttered tearfully.


    ?Young master, has anything happened to you in recent months??


    ?Y-yes¡­ Some bastard a month and a half ago?, ¨C he gestured like he was strangling someone. ¨C ?Poisoned me with narcotic gas! Right on my birthday!?


    ?So it''s Dick''s fault that my son is dying now?!? ¨C Monty roared.


    ?It is possible, but unlikely, because drugs affect the mind, not the soul, and their effect is limited to one, maximum two days, but certainly not months.? ¨C touching the beard, Kyon exined. ¨C ?By the way, nice watch. What''s the brand??


    ?Gimli made the watch. The greatest dwarf in the world.? ¨C Rose muttered cheerlessly.


    ?You are a rich family, since you could afford it.?


    ?Actually, the watch was given to me¡­?


    Kyon snorted suspiciously: ?The watch was given, you say? Weird. Who would give such a valuable gift just like that? I have some suspicions that the reason for everything is this very watch. Sir, let me take a closer look at the watch.?


    ?WHAT?!? ¨C Monty yelled. ¨C ?Who gave them to you, Rose?!?


    The blond man stammered in fright: ?A girl from Saturn¡­ In the note she wrote that she liked me very much. Probably noticed me when we were at the tournament of empires¡­?


    ?What the hell is a girl?! Rose, are you aplete idiot?!? ¨C Monty exploded in anger.


    ?Dad, stop it! There are no formations, poisons or anything else in the watch! Phillip will confirm! He checked the watch himself with the help of all sorts of devices¡­?


    The family doctor turned white. He did examine the watch, but found nothing. If it turns out that the watch is the cause of the master''s illness, then he will definitely be executed.


    ?Take them off now, motherfucker!? ¨C Monty yelled.


    Rose hastily took off his watch and threw it at Albert as if it were cursed.


    Kyon carefully examined the watch from all sides, secretly pouring Synergy inside, after which he shook his head and gave the priceless item to the patriarch: ?Check it better. If the source of the young master''s ailment is the watch, then this simplifies everything.?


    The patriarch looked sternly at Rose and ced the watch in the ring. He was immensely grateful to Albert for noticing such a suspicious thing at first nce.


    ?However, it is possible that the watch has nothing to do with it, as well as narcotic gas, so let''s proceed as follows: in a week I will return with devices capable of finding the source of all the troubles, and at this time you take good care of the young master. Strict adherence to bed rest. No workouts, no water procedures, no fried, salty and spicy food. Any stress for the body is contraindicated. Also, you should spare no money for medicine that stimtes the immune system. By the way, I can help you with this. My apprentice can make it with grandiose purity! I will even give it to you for free, but in exchange I demand that you treat me with respect from now on.?


    Monty hesitated, wondering if he should let Albert go. Are his motives pure? Is the diagnosis correct? However, given that Phillip is silent, the diagnosis is quite usible. But another thing is important: the former alchemist of the Clintons came to redeem himself. His intentions are extremely pure, otherwise why would he be here?


    ?So be it. I, patriarch Monty Valentine, promise to treat you with due respect if you cure my son. Please take care of Rose!?


    Kyon barely restrained an evil smile: ?I''ll take good care of him!?


    On that optimistic note, the visit to the Valentines came to an end.


    The so-called process of self-destruction is radiation sickness. A radioactive isotope of polonium, enchanted for radioactivity, is embedded in the watch that Rose wore. For 45 days now, the metal has been gradually poisoning the body of an unsuspecting guy, which provoked radiation sickness. For the first 30 days, the subject could not even notice any oddities, but people''s health is not infinite.


    The level of radiation exposure is rtively low, and the immunity of practitioners rgely due to the soul) is very high, so it is extremely difficult to acquire radiation sickness without a constant dose of radiation. Everyone who came into contact with Rose, and even the servants, trained to clean the room in a matter of minutes, could not get sick.


    However, Kyon still decided to divert suspicions from the watch (and at the same time from himself), so he focused attention on the watch and during the inspection poured the Synergy that blocked the radioactivity of polonium for an indefinite period.


    But the patient will not feel better after removing the watch, because the "evil fairy" sprinkled him with magic radioactive polonium pollen during the examination, and then also prudently forbade washing and getting out of bed at all.


    In this world, no one knows anything about radiation. That''s why the watch trick worked so well. Now, having gained the Valentines'' trust, Lovr haspletely untied his hands.. He will turn Rose''s life into a living hell! And he will gather a rich harvest of darkness from him.

 Chapter 502

    The next day, Kyon made a 100% pure immune boosting medicine and sent it to the patriarch of the Valentines. No catch. It''s not necessary this time.


    After 6 days, Lovr, in the guise of Albert, who was killed by him, visited Rose.


    ?Mr. Albert, I''ve been vomiting all night! My stomach and head hurt terribly! My health is only getting worse! Please help me get well!? ¨C the frightened blonde begged the old man. The amount of hair on his head has noticeably decreased.


    The gloomy patriarch stood nearby with his arms crossed on his chest. He already regretted a hundred times that for the first three days he gave his son an immune stimtion medicine made by trusted alchemists, and not Albert''s miracle student.


    The best family doctor was also present, all pale and with bags under his eyes. He hardly slept, trying to figure out if Albert was right or fooling everyone. Unsessfully.


    ?So, the condition has not improved¡­ Well, let''s look for the root cause of all the troubles.? ¨C Kyon took out a variety of devices and began to examine him. At some point, he took out the formation and applied it to the patient''s navel. Soon, a small screen with a blurry fuzzy image of something light gray lit up above the nephrite. There was a dark spot in the center, from which appendages stretched in all directions.


    ?What is this?!? ¨C eximed everyone present.


    Kyon rubbed his eyes with a sullen look: ?I know what it is, but I''m afraid I might offend you with my assumption¡­?


    ?Tell it as it is! I give you my word, nothing will happen to you!? ¨C Monty promised.


    Lovr quietly asked those around him: ?Do any of you believe in karma??


    Those present looked at each other in puzzlement and stared nkly at Albert.


    Kyon exined: ?Some people believe that when a person does bad deeds towards others, the soul is saturated with negative karma, and then after death, at the judgment of souls, you will have to answer for all your sins. My life experience tells me that karma can affect our daily life too. The soul can umte so much negative karma that it will begin to poison the owner''s life.?


    ?Do you want to say that my son is a bad person?? ¨C the patriarch began to boil.


    ?Dad, let''s listen!? ¨C demanded the excited Rose.


    Kyon continued: ?Karma is not just evil deeds. When a demon kills people, he is not subject to karma, no matter how much his victims hate him. His soul believes that he is doing the right thing, so it protects itself from the effects of negative karma. The same applies to most criminals and maniacs. However, it happens that a person realizes all the wrongness of his actions, and then the soul absorbs the karma that arises from the negative emotions of the victims. There can be so much of it that it will form into something terrible¡­ Into the root of evil. The soul with the cultivated root of evil loses the will to live and, as a result, turns against the body. The self-destruction process that I told you about earlier will start¡­?


    ?Albert, do you dare to suspect my son of being a monster?!?


    ?I''m just looking for answers¡­ I have only one task - to cure the boy. The formation I just used shows the state of the soul. The dark spot in the middle, from which the appendages stretched, confirms my version.?


    ?B-but where did you even get the formation capable of seeing the soul?! I''ve never heard of them!? ¨C Monty asked incredulously.


    Lovr invented a tale that in Saturn he has connections with one of the seven legendary formacists of the 1st rank. It was he who created the formation for him, capable of looking into the soul. Then he demonstrated its work on the servants and even on himself. The picture this time showed just something light gray without a dark spot in the middle.


    In fact, of course, the formation does not see any soul. The guy deceived everyone.


    Meanwhile, Rose looked as if his soul had been ripped out of his body. For him, everything that was happening seemed like a nightmare. He raped many wives right in front of their husbands during their wedding night¡­ He took the innocence of beautiful girls at the most important moment in their lives¡­ It''s easy to imagine how many negative emotions he absorbed. Albert''s delusional words about the root of evil sound more realistic than ever.


    ?Is there a way to get rid of the root of evil?? ¨C the blond man asked with suppressed hope.


    ?Son, do you really believe in all this?!? ¨C Monty was surprised. You can believe in the formation that can look into the soul, but it''s quite another thing when you are persuaded to believe that your son is a dirty, cruel scoundrel!


    ?Dad, stop it! I''m not as kind and honest as you think¡­? ¨C Rose groaned. ¨C ?I''ve done a lot of bad things you don''t even know about¡­?


    The patriarch opened his mouth in shock, not believing his ears.


    Kyon came up with the legend of the root of evil for a reason. He knew that Rose would convince himself of its veracity, and even convince his father of it. Information is the key to sess.


    ?Don''t ask me why, but I''m sure I have the root of evil in my soul¡­ Dad, I can literally feel this rubbish inside!? ¨C the frightened blond babbled with tears in his eyes.


    Kyon, like a wise man who sees through the world, crossed his arms behind his back, fixed his gaze somewhere in the distance and spoke in a hoarse voice: ?The root of evil still exists¡­ As I thought, my theory turned out to be correct. Karma is not fiction.?


    ?How to remove this damn root?! Mr. Albert, please tell me!? ¨C Rose pleaded.


    ?It is reasonable to assume that positive karma could eradicate the root of evil, but, as everyone knows, a person who does good with selfish motives is wasting his time. Therefore, I see only one option: we will have to create in your soul a climate unsuitable for the further development of the root of evil.?


    ?That is, you will poison my son''s soul?!? ¨C Monty was indignant.


    ?Patriarch, any medicine inrge quantities is poison. And any poison in small doses is a medicine. I can''t bepletely sure that this will work, but I see no reason not to try. If the dark spot in the picture starts to decrease, then we will continue the treatment, and if not, then anyone will be powerless here¡­?


    ?Dad, please! I don''t want to die!? ¨C Rose snarled. He trusted Albert, feeling a kinship with him and seeing in him the only opportunity for salvation.


    ?And how quickly will he recover if he gets rid of the root of evil?? ¨C the patriarch asked gloomily.


    ?Your boy is very strong. I am sure that as soon as the soul takes the side of the body, he will fully recover from all the consequences within a few months.? ¨C Kyon assured.


    Monty took a long time to decide. The whole situation seemed extremely absurd to him. Is the soul attacking the body? The root of evil due to karma? Has Rose done terrible things? Unthinkable! However, even the best doctors of the empire are not able to make a diagnosis, and the son also looks at him with puppy eyes¡­ The patriarch had no choice: ?In that case, I rely on you, Albert. My son''s life is in your hands.?


    ?I am grateful for your trust!? ¨C hiding a malicious smile, Lovr bowed slightly.


    ¡­


    Having received carte nche, Kyon proceeded to the so-called "treatment".


    At first, he decided to act more carefully, so he simply pumped the patient with energy drinks, from which Rose received charges of vivacity and inspiration, but by night this effect stopped. He made all the medicine himself, so even the best alchemists of the empire will not understand the real n: to drain all the resources from Valentine''s body to prevent him from resisting radiation sickness.


    Side effects were easily justified like this: there is no point in expecting improvements until wepletely remove the root of evil from the soul.


    At the end of the week, Kyon looked at the result andughed happily: ?Haha! I knew it would work! The spot has decreased by about one tenth!?


    ?Indeed, it has decreased!? ¨C Monty perked up. Now all his suspicions about Albert were almost gone. Until recently, he doubted the effectiveness of the treatment, but now, after seeing the result, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    In fact, Rose felt even worse than a week ago, but he forced himself to smile, believing that everything would get better soon: ?I''m so d that the treatment is working! If everything goes on like this, then in two or three months I will get rid of it!?


    ?Yes, you will definitely get rid of it.? ¨C Kyon patted the blond man on the shoulder encouragingly.


    After the checks, Rose asked everyone except Albert to leave.


    When he was left alone with the old man, Valentine said earnestly: ?Sir, I have thought a lot about my life and realized that you are the only person I can trust and who can understand me¡­ I, like your son, am not sinless. The reason why the root of evil appeared in my soul¡­ I raped other people''s women right during their wedding night. I was just trampling on their feelings¡­ I am a very bad person.? ¨C the blond man said in a half-whisper with the deepest regret in his voice, shedding a tear. ¨C ?You helped your son despite all the sins that hemitted, and now you are helping me.?


    Kyon said thoughtfully: ?It''s all right, Rose. We are all sinners. We all live for ourselves and those we love, while the feelings of strangers are indifferent to us. I understand you perfectly. I did not save my son, but I will definitely save you, because you are almost like a son to me!?


    ?Really?? ¨C Valentine asked hopefully.


    ?Yes.? ¨C Kyon confirmed with conviction and reluctantly hugged the future deceased.


    ?Thank you¡­ Thank you, grandpappy!? ¨C Rose sobbed with emotion.


    {I see right through you, you rotten piece of shit. Oh, it''s good that I shot everything!} ¨C Lovr foresaw such a turn of events and put a visual formation on his forehead, which shot Rose''s sincere confession. The recording will definitelye in handy.


    ?Since we both want you to get well as soon as possible, then let''s try a new method of treatment. It will have some side effects, but nothing fatal.?


    ?With joy, grandpappy!? ¨C Rose smiled sunnily.


    Since then, hormone therapy has been used. Lovr intended to turn Rose into a kind of hybrid of a feminine guy and a masculine woman. Mood swings are the least of the troubles that await him. Soon his breasts will increase and the reproductive organ will decrease.


    As he left the territory of the Valentines, Kyonughed devilishly to himself. He nned to properly fill the vessel of darkness at the expense of Rose! Perfect victim, perfect circumstances. It''s hard to dream of more. Although there is still something to work on.


    ¡­


    Exactly at 6 pm, an announcement was made to the whole order: ?Ladies and gentlemen, the headmaster is speaking to you. In two weeks, the annual tournament will be held for the students of the central zone of the order. It will be held in the forests of Regan on the border of Rosarrio. The top sixty-four participants will have the right to fight in duels, the eight finalists of which will be the junior disciples of the empress. You can find out information about other awards from the informant. For those who refuse to participate, regardless of the circumstances, or take the sixty-fifth ce and below, admission to the final exam will be prohibited for one year¡­?


    These words made Kyon freeze in ce: {What do you mean?!} ¨C the problem is that the conditions of the 0th general imply passing the final exam in one year. It turns out that he is obliged to participate and enter the top 64!


    Initially, Lovr did not n to sign up for the tournament. What for? To get a chance to be a junior disciple of the empress? He aims higher! To get several tens of thousands of points on the bnce? It''s nothing! The risks aren''t worth it, but now he has no choice¡­


    {Damn zeroth, why all this?!} ¨C Kyon immediately guessed who was putting spokes in his wheels, and why all this was needed at all.


    In past annual tournaments, participation was optional, and the system consisted of the top 32, and only four finalists could be students of the empress. Now the indicators have doubled. Why? Obviously, the zeroth general (or someone else) wants to officially title promising candidates: Timothy, Seraphima, Clementine, as well as Rose and Elsa. Or maybe even Roman and Juno. Everything is thought out in advance to the smallest detail.


    The sequence of events is as follows: in 2 weeks, the tournament in the forest on the border of Rosarrio, 5 days after the start of the tournament, the wedding of Juno and Roman, and after another 3 days, the second tournament, where the 64 best participants will fight each other.


    Another problem was that it was necessary to force Juno not to participate. It is too dangerous for her to get out of the order, especially into the dense forest. There will be many students who want to forcibly taste her forbidden fruit.. But XiaoXiao Walder is even more dangerous. Surely he will start acting at such an opportune moment!

 Chapter 503

    Grand Pce of the Walders, north tower.


    A solid-looking man, with his arms crossed behind his back, admired the view from the window and calmly exined the situation: ?Whoever this Juno is, it is impossible to buy her for a reasonable price. I''m afraid, my boy, you will be left without the girl you like.?


    A handsome young man standing nearby fell to his knees: ?Father, I beg you! Please, fulfill only one request of your son! Less than a month left until Juno''s wedding! I want to get this impudent Rosarrian to be my concubine, am I asking too much?!?


    Walder turned around and patted the youngster''s hair with a smile: ?I was just joking, XiaoXiao. The Rosarrians are unaware that the Walders always get what they want!?


    ?W-will you get her for me?!? ¨C XiaoXiao rejoiced. ¨C ?But how??


    ?Of course we''ll kidnap her.? ¨C the elder said. ¨C ?In two weeks they will have a tournament in the forests of Regan. There is no better way to steal Juno without being seen. XiaoXiao, very soon you will be sharing a bed with someone you like.?


    ?Thank you, Dad!? ¨C wiping away tears, the young man thanked his father.


    ¡­


    It''s been two days since the headmaster made the announcement.


    Juno just now found out about the uing tournament in the forests of Regan. She was about to go and sign up, when suddenly, for no reason at all, a bad mood came over her, and she realized that she did not want to participate at all. Anyway, Elsa will win.


    This happened because Kyon used Synergy to worsen the girl''s mood, which is why she changed her mind about going to the tournament. The trick is sneaky, but extremely effective!


    This morning, loud news thundered in the order: Elsa broke into the imperial phase! Fans of the girl rejoiced and even arranged a holiday in her honor.


    ?Lady Elsa broke into the imperial phase! Hoora-a-a-a-ay!?


    ?Wha-a-a-aa-a-at?!? ¡­ ?It''s incredible!? ¡­ ?She is a genius among geniuses!? ¡­ ?Ugh¡­ I''d like to be an imperial phaser by the time I''m eighteen! I am so jealous of her talent¡­? ¡­ ?An imperial phaser has appeared in our order! I am so d that I am studying with her!?


    Elsa walked along the order with a dancing gait, proudly straightening her shoulders. She looked like a great angel who was about to fly up into the sky. The aura emanating from her was awe-inspiring. One nce of her emerald eyes made the students melt with happiness.


    Stone left the territory of the order and visited her boyfriend for the first time in a week.


    The pale Rose leaned back against the head of the bed and forced a smile on the lovely guest: ?C-congrattions, Elsa! Now you are the imperial phaser! I¡­ I am very proud that my girlfriend and future wife is a genius among geniuses! Tell me, how did it go??


    ?Let''s talk about you instead. You''ve been sick for a month now, and I''m starting to worry! Tell me the truth, is this something serious? What is the diagnosis?? ¨C Elsa asked with a worried look. She noticed that the guy had lost two teeth, and there was significantly less hair on his head than before.


    ?I''m getting¡­ Ugh¡­ I''m getting better! The diagnosis is made¡­ One lousy disease that few people know about¡­ But don''t worry, the progress in treatment is already visible, so I will definitely recover in a while! Ugh¡­ Everything will be fine!? ¨C because of Albert''s new medicine, the guy felt strange in the presence of the beauty.


    ?Really? I''m so d¡­ By the way, after the breakthrough, enlightenment in alchemy came to me. If you need high quality healing medicine, I am ready to make it.? ¨C the girl smiled affectionately, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, and sat on the edge of the bed.


    ?Enlightenment?! Is that really it?!? ¨C Rose was amazed.


    During the transformation of the soul, it often happens that the practitioner finds enlightenment in the study of the grade of element or technique that he has not been able to master until now. However, it also happens - about a thousand times less often - that a person finds enlightenment in alchemy, formacy, enchantment, or even fighting fists. The world is arranged in such a way that the soul of a truly aspiring practitioner can be blessed by the almighty to receive the necessary knowledge and skills.


    ?Yes, that''s it! It''s great, isn''t it?? ¨C Elsa beamed.


    ?Just super! Oh, I''m so proud of you!? ¨C Rose got up and hugged the girl tightly. Feeling the amazing aroma of the phenomenally beautiful blonde, the guy felt dizzy. He was seized by an unbridled desire, and he had absolutely no strength to resist it.


    Elsa allowed Valentine to hug her, but suddenly she felt the tension in his underpants by passive scanning¡­ She tried to push away the horny remora, but he pounced on her like a hungry beast, and greedily grabbed her breasts.


    ~BANG~


    A powerful p in the face sobered Valentine.


    ?How dare you touch me?!? ¨C Stone, flushed with anger, was indignant.


    ?Oh¡­? ¨C Rose, stunned, put his palm to his swelling cheek. ¨C ?I¡­ I do not know how it happened¡­ Elsa, forgive me! I did it unconsciously!?


    ?I really hope that this will not happen again, otherwise you will be left alone.? ¨C Elsa promised in an icy tone. Her gaze seemed as sharp as a razor de. She spoke from a position of strength, because, having be imperial phaser, she now had every right to do so. No one has touched her breasts yet. Rose isn''t even her husband, but he already can''t keep his hands to himself!


    ?Y-you misunderstood, it''s all because of the treatment!? ¨C Rose tried to justify himself.


    ?Lousy excuses won''t work on me.? ¨C said the girl and left the room.


    ?Damn it! What is it?! Fuck!? ¨C Rose got angry. Albert''s medicine affected his behavior in a strange way. Sometimes he could not control his emotions and impulses. Sometimes he behaved inappropriately, as, for example, now.


    {She was very angry with me¡­ But does it really matter? If I be the empress''s junior apprentice, she will have to keep her promise and marry me!} ¨C Rose got out of bed with an effort, changed his clothes and went to the order to sign up for the tournament. Even despite the terrible state, he must enter the top 64, and then take at least 8th ce in fights, and then Elsa will definitely marry him. Otherwise, he may lose her. The blonde will not survive this. He won''t let the angel out of hiss.


    ¡­


    After learning that Elsa had broken into the imperial phase, Kyon was only happy for the girl. No envy. She''ll never match his pace anyway. Over the past 2 months since the transformation, he has received 3 stages, almost 4, and has already reached the 5th stage of the noble phase.


    Also, Lovr invented a healing technique of approximately "A" rank (he has been inventing it since he learned how to create clones). It cannot bepared with narrowly focused types of healing medicine, but this technique, with its wide spectrum of action, is much better than any medicinal analogues. In the future, it can be improved with the help of the legacy of wealthy families (sources), as well as by increasing the grades of water and light.


    The promised 100 lectures with Stephanie Russell came to an end, so Kyon spent almost all his free time training. He was practicing with all his might with a new technique based on the spatial attribute ¨C he had never used it until now. There was also progress with the element of time.


    In addition to training, Kyon still held 2 general lectures every day.


    Elsa came to today''s lecture on alchemy for the first time in a week.


    Her appearance gave rise to an explosive effect. The majestic aura of the imperial phaser emanating from her, coupled with an irresistible appearance, left students speechless.


    Elsa looked around at everyone present with a calm look and stopped at Dick: ?I challenge you!?


    ?Challenge your master?? ¨C Kyon pointed his finger at himself in surprise.


    The students gasped in shock.


    ?I have recently achieved enlightenment, so today you will give me the title of the best alchemist in the order, whether you want it or not!? ¨C the blonde said confidently.


    Those present grabbed their heads. If Elsa, an alchemist of almost the 3rd rank, received that phenomenal enlightenment, then now she turns out to be an alchemist of the 2nd rank?!


    ?Enlightenment¡­ Do you understand that this is a war?? ¨C Lovr grinned unkindly.


    ?We didn''t have a truce!? ¨C Elsa retorted with a gambling gleam in her eyes.


    ?So be it, I ept your challenge, but on my terms. Firstly, we will make the same medicine of "Enzymes" for practitioners of the royal phase. Secondly, you make it first. Thirdly, in case of defeat, you will loudly and respectfully say the following: "Master, forgive this upstart. From now on I will know my ce".?


    The first two conditions suited Elsa, but the third one shook her self-confidence. What happens if she still loses? She might be ashamed! However, recently the girl tested her new skills and was 100% sure that she would surpass Dick, so she answered the following: ?I agree, but if I win, then you will publicly kneel in front of me and recognize me as the best!?


    ?Deal!? ¨C Kyon instantly agreed, thereby surprising the opponent.


    ?I can''t believe I''m about to witness the legendary alchemy duel between Dick and Lady Elsa!? ¡­ ?I''m sincerely rooting for Lady Elsa, but Dick is a monster!? ¨C the students whispered excitedly.


    Soon the duel began.


    While Elsa was making medicine, Kyon wondered to himself: {She actspletely differently¡­ She uses other methods of fusion of ingredients¡­ Now she is at least an alchemist of the second rank, or even the first! Does the creator of the world really give enlightenment to those who really want something? I hardly believe it.} ¨C he put forward the theory that after death all the memories in the soul are sealed, and then, in the next life, they are partially released under certain circumstances. Roughly speaking, enlightenment is a past life experience. That sounds reasonable.


    Stone chuckled contentedly and handed the pill to the fat man: ?I''m done. Your turn.?


    Kyon borrowed a medicine purity tester from a blonde so that she would not suspect him of cheating, and brought it to the pill. The number "92" was disyed on it.


    ?Ny-two percent purity?!? ¡­ ?Medicine of "B" rank of grandiose quality?!? ¡­ ?Oh goddess, Lady Elsa''s alchemy skills have improved incredibly!? ¨C the students burst into enthusiastic shouts and already began to congratte the blonde on her victory.


    Previously, Dick had made the same medicine with a purity of 87%. At first nce, it may seem that the difference of 5% is insignificant, but this would be a gross mistake. The closer the medicine is to perfection, the more difficult it is to make it purer even by 1%. The difference of 5% purity is an almost insurmountable gap separating the 2nd rank alchemist from the legendary 1st rank. That''s why Elsa didn''t doubt her victory.


    ?Not bad, not bad.? ¨C Kyon nodded approvingly.


    The smug smile disappeared from Elsa''s face: {Why is he reacting so calmly?!} ¨C all her former confidence has sunk into oblivion. Every time she saw Dick''s unshakable confidence, it was confirmed in practice. In fact, the girl had never seen the young man show confusion or fear at least once, so it began to seem to her that he was capable of anything.


    Kyon stretched his back, neck and fingers and started making medicine. The process took about fifteen minutes, after which the alchemist brought his work to the device, and the number "93" lit up on it. Exactly 1% purer than Elsa''s medicine.


    Those present stood up from their seats in disbelief: ?Ho-ooo-oo-o-oow?!? ¡­ ?He¡­ He mockingly surpassed her by one percent! Dick defeated Lady Elsa!? ¡­ ?You must be joking!? ¡­ ?Is Dick an alchemist of the first rank?! And I go to his lectures?!?


    Elsa recoiled in shock, staring nkly at the result.


    ?Thank you. Thank you very much. And now I''m waiting for you to fulfill the third condition, my gifted student.? ¨C Kyon turned his smug look to Elsa.


    The blonde shuddered and, closing her eyes, said: ?Master, please forgive this upstart¡­ From now on, I¡­ I will know my ce.? ¨C while saying this, thedy tried to look impassive, but her ears were treacherously red.


    ?So be it, you''re forgiven.? ¨C Kyon smiled condescendingly.


    Just now, the practitioner of the imperial phase and the alchemist of the first rank (no less) were forced to recognize the superiority of some fat man through a humiliating apology. You won''t see this even in a stupid dream. The students had no idea how they should react.


    At the same moment, Elsa disappeared.


    Once in her house, the girl slumped on the chair and stared apathetically at the ceiling. In herzy pose, she could conquer anyone, so breathtakingly attractive she looked now.


    The feeling of shame for the recent apology in front of fifty students passed surprisingly quickly. Apparently, she finally recognized Dick as a worthy adversary. She was imbued with respect for his monstrous skills, it cannot be exined otherwise.


    {I thought the goddess had given me enlightenment to surpass Dick, but even so I didn''t seed¡­ Why is he so gifted? I also want to be like him¡­} ¨C she thought about Baker for an indecently long time. From the moment they first met, she thought about the fat man even more than about her boyfriend. Isn''t there too much honor?


    {Wait¡­ And why did he put forward the second condition?} ¨C remembering that the opponent asked her to prepare the pill first, thedy suspected something was wrong, when suddenly realization hit her. ¨C {He purposely surpassed me by just one percent!}


    Stone''s eyes widened in shock, because this conclusion suggested that the young man could have made medicine even purer: 95%? 98%? Or even 100%?!


    {One hundred percent?!} ¨C Elsa jumped up from her chair. For the first time, such a seemingly obvious thought urred to her: Dick could be "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron"!


    Thedy has long admired the great alchemist, often imagining how a handsome, well-rounded and intelligent young man sits with an alchemy kit, performing miracles that no other alchemists are capable of. And Baker is a freak sitting with the lousy alchemical kit. It is impossible to imagine that this is the same person!


    ?Dick has been the one I''ve always been inspired by all this time?!? ¨C Elsa muttered dumbfounded.. ¨C ?I must find out the truth at any cost!? ¨C the girl quickly went somewhere.

 Chapter 504

    A mature man and two obscenely beautiful girls were sitting at a table with cards in their hands. They looked at each other like Wild West shooters pointing guns at each other.


    ?I''m raising it.? ¨C Kyon saidzily.


    ?I''m doubling it down.? ¨C Eve added.


    ?All-in!? ¨C Le confidently dered and moved all the chips to the center of the table.


    ?Me too.? ¨C the little fairy replied coolly, which greatly angered her sister.


    ?I am calling it.? ¨C Kyon smiled softly.


    ?Are you kidding me?!? ¨C Le stamped her foot. ¨C ?Every time I bluff, you don''t get fooled! Damn crooks, it''s not fair!?


    Eve rolled her eyes: ?You shouldn''t stare at your hand like it''s a dead pig and then try to convince us that it turns out to be made of gold.?


    ?Eve is right. You need to learn how to hide emotions.? ¨C Kyon nodded.


    The missing three cards appeared on the table.


    ?Shit!? ¨C the pixie demonstratively cast the six and the eight and turned away.


    With a sly gleam in her eyes, Eve smiled triumphantly: ?Four of a kind! Daddy, what''s your answer??


    ?Four aces?! Why not five?!? ¨C the pixie was indignant, expressively throwing up her palms.


    ?Royal flush.? ¨C with a slight victorious smile, Kyonid out the highestbination on the table.


    The girls with their mouths agape stared in amazement at the table with eyes as big as saucers.


    ?Thanks for ying. It''s a pleasure doing business with you.? ¨C Kyon politely thanked his opponents, grabbing all the chips on his part of the table.


    ?The chance of getting a royal flush is one in half a million!? ¨C the little fairy squeaked. ¨C ?Then how?!?


    ?Y-you''re a crook! Pot-bellied crook!? ¨C Le used the man of cheating, knocking him down and starting to yfully box with his belly, apparently punishing him like that. ¨C ?Tell the truth, how did you do it?! Come on!?


    Over the past six months, Eve has be much bolder, therefore, giggling merrily, she also did not miss the opportunity to pounce on top to hug Zosimos.


    The trio tumbled,ughed and had fun for a few more minutes.


    Finally, Kyon looked seriously at his daughters: ?Bunnies, today is your birthday, so here''s a gift from dad for you.? ¨C he handed each daughter a box.


    The girls opened the gifts and gasped in amazement: there were beautiful rings inside! So exquisite that they made their hearts rejoice. They seemed vaguely familiar to the sisters.


    In fact, the gift of Lovr is the spatial rings that he took from the heads of the Dance and Virgo sects before healing. He saw no point in keeping them. It is impossible to get the contents intact without knowing the password, because if they are destroyed, they will erupt, and then hardly anything will remain from the contents.


    ?Are you trying to appease us?? ¨C Le charmingly raised her thin eyebrows.


    ?With my gift, I want to thank you for your good behavior and obedience.? ¨C Kyon patted his daughters condescendingly and then hugged them tightly.


    Eve and Le blushed and clung to the man''s chest. His scent acted on them like a narcotic substance. They even closed their eyelids in blissful peace.


    Kyon took out two small cakes, lit candles and asked them to make a wish before blowing out the candles. In fact, they haven''t spent theirst wish yet, which he promised them in exchange for learning how to use energy.


    ?I want¡­ I want¡­ Oh, what do I want?? ¨C putting her finger to her lips, the pixie thoughtfully rolled her eyes, sometimes looking searchingly at her father, as if she intended to think of something immodest, but did not dare, being wary of the consequences.


    ?I want my dad to stay with me for the rest of my life.? ¨C the little fairy said confidently, blowing out the candles.


    ?Then me too!? ¨C Le blew out all the lights. ¨C ?Dad, this is the wish of your beautiful daughters! So from now on you must always be with us! So quit your n and spend more time with us. I will be your new employer, and my sister will be your secretary. How do you like my offer??


    Lovr was touched by the sincere desire of the girls. With every minute spent with them, he felt more and more like in a sweet dream, and if the pixie had not tried to seduce him with enviable regrity, he might have considered them his real daughters.


    ?Good suggestion, I''ll consider it.? ¨C Kyon promised. ¨C ?You know, I also want to make a wish, or rather, even ask you for something¡­? ¨C he gently hugged the beauties by the shoulders and spoke with all seriousness. ¨C ?You are sisters. You can''t fool gics. And sisters should be the closest people to each other. The only thing I ask: when your memory returns to you, and sooner orter it will happen, please forget past disagreements and resentments. For me. No, for yourselves. I don''t want you to fight, risking your lives because of unnecessary enmity.?


    ?O-okay¡­ I promise¡­? ¨C Eve agreed, pping her eyshes in surprise.


    ?All right! What''s gotten into you? Yes, wepete, but it''s not serious¡­ To fight with my sister to the death? This will never happen!? ¨C Le snorted.


    ?I am d.? ¨C Lovr hugged the girls tighter. Something told him that the fairy tale could notst forever. And although he regrly poured Synergy into their minds every day to prevent their memories from returning, anything can happen.


    ?And now let''s celebrate!? ¨C Kyon announced, pping his hands.


    The fun began: dancing threesome, board games, eating treats and watching movies. Le insisted on ying cards for wishes, and Eve warmly supported her, but after three defeats in a row, the pixie lost all enthusiasm. She went with her sister to the restroom and agreed to join forces, but even so they never defeated Zosimos, he beat them so skillfully, over and over again.


    Kyon could have made Le fulfill any wish, even a very vulgar one, but he deliberately demanded something harmless from her, like crowing or pretending to be a monkey.


    Late at night, Lovr, being in his chambers, checked his mail, but did not find any new letters from Valeera. She sent thest message three days ago along with the monthly revenue of the megan. Very strange.


    The message was literally filled with loneliness and despair with notes of madness. Obviously, Weber has alreadye to terms with the fact that she will never see her precious Zosimos. Moreover, both personalities of the young man have almost merged together in her subconscious, as evidenced by previous letters. The girl assured that she had forgiven Kyon, begged him to return to her, promised to share a bed with him and ept him as her husband and man, even if he was the person she used to hate.


    "¡­You gave me an unforgettable life that I never dared to dream of. You and only you showed me what true female happiness is. But the higher you fly, the more painful it is to fall. Now I am left alone with nothing, alone with the inner demons eating me. I''m so sad and lonely. I seem to be going crazy. I can not go on! Please tell me, beloved Kyon, is the ck Queen worthy to see her ck King just one more time?"


    Kyon reread thest lines of the letter. He would be lying if he said they didn''t hit him to the core: {She changed faster than I expected¡­ She''s almost ready to ept me.} ¨C initially, he nned to ignore her for a whole year, but now he has concluded that even half a year is more than enough.


    However, all this did not exin the reason for the absence of letters for the third day.


    Maybe she wants to make him worry ande to her? No, she''s not manipting like that, risking everything. It wouldn''t even ur to her, especially in such an emotionally unstable state.


    Maybe she was kidnapped? No, it''s unlikely. Firstly, the key n members are fine and they say that nothing strange has happened. Secondly, recently Weber transformed the soul into the imperial phase, and it is almost impossible for the authorities of Rosarrio to catch such an elusive and powerful person.


    {Should I wait until the end of the week or do it now?} ¨C after hesitating, Lovr made a decision, took out a sound transmitter and organized an urgent meeting with the most trusted people of the n early tomorrow morning.


    Closer to dawn, Kyon went into his daughters'' room, and seeing how sweetly they were sleeping, decided not to wake them up. After all, even if Valeera was caught, no amount of torture would make her crack in just three days. It ispletely out of the question for anyone to find out about the secret routes leading to the underground headquarters.


    Lovr kissed Eve and Le and left.


    At the appointed time, Kyon, just in case, called the trusted people again and even demanded a password from them, after that, activating invisibility and using "The eyes of truth", he went to the headquarters by one of the most secret underground routes.


    One of the strings in the soul was strained to the limit. And what will happen if the meeting does not bear fruit, and Valeera will not be found? What if she doesn''te back, say, in two weeks? He was getting nervous.


    Suddenly, Kyon felt something sharp pierce his back¡­ A momentter, the consciousness, as well as the whole body along with the keys, was struck by lightning. And then the darkness came.


    "rm! rm! An unknown energy effect on the spinal cord and central nervous system has been detected! An emergency mechanism for returning the host to consciousness has beenunched!" ¨C Synergy tried to bring the owner to his senses, but the impact was so powerful that it had to hide in the soul, otherwise it would have been used up in futile attempts to fix something.


    After a certain period of time, the impact significantly weakened. Synergy got out and began to restore the host.


    Kyon woke up¡­ And it seems in vain. He felt a splitting headache. Nausea. His heart was jumping out of his chest. His blood pressure was through the roof. His whole body was numb. It was impossible to move a single finger.


    Synergy shared all the information it collected. As it turned out, someone terrifyingly strong plunged a dagger into his spine and poured unknown energy into his body, which, apparently, spread perfectly through the blood. This is not an element or technique, but something unknown, like the ability of an innate body. As a result, such an impact would paralyze and put any ordinary person into aa for life.


    Synergy rescued the owner from aa. As for paralysis, it is possible to get rid of a crack in the spine in a matter of seconds (by the element of the earth), but it will take about a day to eliminate all other consequences, but for now Synergy will take over the reproduction of the lost functions of the body, thereby restoring mobility.


    {Fuck¡­ What was that?!} ¨C Kyon cursed to himself and carefully examined the surroundings. Someone stripped himpletely, washed him and rubbed him down with aromatic oils. And judging by the fact that he was slowly moving up, he was ced in some kind of elevator.


    Opening his eyes slightly, Lovr found himself in a small wooden box, simr to a coffin, which was in an elevator half the height of an average human. It was clearly not suitable for carrying passengers. And indeed, the smell of blood, elusive to an ordinary nose, spoke of the fact that bloodied corpses were being transported here.


    Among the many smells, Kyon caught one that exined almost everything: the smell of the zeroth general! The most usible scenario immediately loomed in his head: the zeroth general somehow found out the location of the headquarters and all the secret passages, kidnapped Valeera, and then did nothing until "The Dark Baron" organized a meeting of the top of the n, which he immediately mmed at once.


    Lovr refused to even consider the version that Valeera gave information under torture. It''spletely out of the question. Firstly, she was caught by sworn enemies, to whom she would not say a word under pain of death. Secondly, in Boston, protecting her uncle, she did not break even under the influence of 2 needles, and now it''s Zosim, whom the girl certainly loves much more. Thirdly, her nervous system has been modernized, and her soul has the great development of the imperial phaser. Now even 3 needles won''t break Weber. There is not a single chance that she gave information, especially in just 3 days.


    {Has Valeera been caught and possibly already killed? Is the whole n at the mercy of the zeroth?} ¨C Kyon was in despair, but he immediately pulled himself together and began to analyze the situation. Judging by the speed of the elevator and the time of ascent (Synergy suggested), it rises either to thest floor of the tall building of the Golden Pig guild, or to the Russells Pce. And judging by the fact that it is impossible to contact Eve and Le, this is the Russells Pce, because there are no barriers blockingmunication in the Golden Pig guild.


    {Stop¡­ So I''m being taken to the empress?!} ¨C Kyon thought dizzily. Even more embarrassing was the fact that he was supposed to remain in aa¡­ That is, he is clearly not being taken for a heart-to-heart talk or interrogation. And if one takes into ount his naked body, rubbed down with aromatic oils and ced in the coffin, which is located in the elevator designed to transport bodies¡­ There was a feeling that he was a pig that was being delivered as food to a predator!


    Utter nonsense! Half an hour has passed since the capture (Synergy does not deceive). Why isn''t the most notorious criminal in the empire being interrogated? Why did the zeroth general immediately decide to get rid of "The Dark Baron"? Is Valeera enough for him? Or is he afraid that the baron might escape with his strange ability, like that time from the department? Or does he have a spy in the n who told everything a long time ago? What if he knew all this time that "The Dark Baron" is the messenger of the goddess? No, this ispletely absurd, because then why did he even start that game with the order of 4 months long; why did he give the task to look after Juno until her wedding with Roman; why did he make participation in the uing tournament mandatory for him?


    Good news: the imprable fabric worked perfectly! It hid everything that was on his right hand: formations of the Stones, the high-ranking imperial investigator and the disciple of the order, as well as a ring and two bracelets.


    Kyon took out a device from the ring, not a sound transmitter, but something more technologically advanced. He even managed to press the button, when suddenly the elevator stopped, and he had to hide the device back, artfully pretending to be a man in a deepa.


    All thoughts and even analysis of the situation took only one second with the help of Synergy, so even if he had taken out the device in the first ce, it would still not have helped him.


    {I will have a meeting with the bloody empress¡­} ¨C Lovr thought excitedly.

 Chapter 505

    The servant opened the elevator and, with a practiced movement, pulled out a box with the man inside.


    Kyon felt himself being carried to the side. The barely audible sshing of water came from there. Apparently, someone was taking a bath. Nearby, near the wall, something was swinging on a chain¡­ Six items. Six living people! Their weak heartbeats indicated that they were in the deepest sleep, or even in aa. He also caught a distinct smell of blood and the scent of a woman, which sent goosebumps running down his skin.


    The servant took the pot-bellied man out of the coffin, brought him to the six hanging ones and hung him on a hook by the chin next to the rest, thest in a row. Then there was a terrible crack of cut flesh¡­ Then there was the sickening sound of blood gushing from the throat. It collected in puddles under the feet of the victims and flowed down the gutters into the bath that the empress took.


    {For the fuck''s sake, what a carnage?!} ¨C quietly opening his eyelids, Kyon saw a magnificent female body in the center of a spacious bathtub: perfect proportions, skin pale as snow without a single wrinkle, strict and imperious facial features, wless, as if from a painting by a brilliant artist. The empress of Rosarrioy peacefully in the water with her eyes closed. Very long silver hair, loosened into countless strands, slowly drifted around her. If the current situation were not so terrifying, such a sight could only be admired.


    The blood that got into the water smoothly flowed around the body of the bloody empress, slowly turned ck to the state of resin and settled to the bottom in the form of a sediment simr to ashes.


    Only the overlord phasers (9) and above can affect metabolism, thereby keeping the body young. But Lanatelle Russell, who was a sovereign phaser at the peaking stage, looks at most 25-30 years old, but certainly not 170. Kyon concluded that the reason for this amazing beauty and youthful appearance is the unique body of blood, which prolongs her life, bestows youth, and probably affects her talent.


    Meanwhile, the servant cut the throat of the sixth poor fellow and approached the pot-bellied man. With a practiced movement, he cut his throat as well, but soon he frowned with displeasure: the blood was not flowing fast enough, and the incision seemed small. The man tried to erge it, but realized that he couldn''t. He broke out in a cold sweat, afraid to disturb her majesty, so he pretended that he had done his job and quietly left.


    Just now, Kyon, with the help of Synergy, without causing any noise, allowed the servant to injure him in a controlled manner. The n is simple: to pretend to be dead, somehow leave the halls of the pce, and then call Eve and Le for help if necessary.


    When the blood of a mature man touched her body, Lanatelle suddenly opened her eyes and instantly left the bath, finding herself next to the group of hanged men. She frowned at the seven victims and fixed her gaze on "The Dark Baron". The woman immediately recognized him as the most dangerous criminal of the empire and even realized who exactly brought him here.


    The empress approached the man, took a little blood with her finger and tasted it. Her thin eyebrows went up: {The quality of his blood¡­ Sapphire? No, it can''t be, it''s ruby!} ¨C for the first time in years, she was truly surprised by something.


    Blood is ranked as follows: quality - value - whose veins.


    1) ck - sick - people who have been ill with something serious for a long time, whose life is already running out. For example, poisoned with a deadly poison that has been active for many years; drug addicts who have been using the most toxic substances for many years; mentally ill individuals who suffer all their lives and want to die; unreasonable beings.


    2) brown - lousy - heavy drinkers and smokers; drug addicts; old people in the twilight of years; psychologically crushed personalities; people with poor congenital or acquired health; suffering from obesity, diabetes, depression, etc.


    3) gray - bad - urs in 90% of cases.


    4) white - normal ¨C people engaged in sports and self-development; those who monitor their health, including psychological; who are lucky from birth. It is rare among humans, in about 1% of cases;


    5) silver - good - people with some kind of innate talent, with a good unique body, healthy psychologically and physically. It urs 1 in 100,000.


    6) golden - excellent - people gifted with something from birth, incredibly strong in body and spirit, like generals. Fate favors such people. It urs about once in 100 million. This is thest type of blood that can be influenced, and only if the parents will work on their mediocre child from birth, give him a high-ranking cultivated body and not only that.


    7) emerald - amazing - is rarely found in the descendants of the direct blood of noble families, who got an amazing innate unique body and who will receive a high-ranking cultivated unique body.


    8) sapphire - grandiose - hardly anyone on the has it. The energy contained in the heart blood of sapphire quality can significantly affect the talent and change the life of any "???" for the better.


    9) ruby ??- legendary - the dream of any "???".


    10) diamond (scarlet diamond) - divine - the purest blood that flows in the veins of goddesses and gods, as well as legendary creatures like supreme phoenixes and dragons.


    The ruby blood in the man''s veins made Lanatelle yearn to drink it with all his being, but the woman held back because it was cursed. Deep chagrin shed through the empress'' usually indifferent eyes. The higher the blood rank, the stronger the curse. If she takes the cursed ruby-quality heart blood, she will bring disaster upon herself for the rest of her life. It''s not worth it. No matter how much she would like to taste this treasure, she will have to control herself.


    An imperceptible stream of wind instantly dried the body of the empress from moisture, after which she put on a silk silver robe thin as a sheet, fitting every curve of her slender body, and with a wave of her finger sent energy to the man''s neck.


    Kyon felt his blood boil, and a powerful healing force instantly healed the cut neck. Real skiny casually over carbon.


    {It''s bad¡­} ¨C Lovr decided that the empress could not ept such a simple death for the criminal who terrorized the capital for a whole year. Initially, he nned to pretend to be dead by stopping his heart for a few minutes, but now this n clearly won''t work.


    Soon two servants in gray masks received a mental order, unhooked the man, dressed him, took him to some dark room, certainly not intended for receiving guests, chained him to an iron chair and gave him medicine to wake him up.


    The only problem is that medicine for instant recovery froma has not yet been invented, from this Kyon concluded: people are brought here in a state of deep sleep, which means that the zeroth general deliberately drove him into aa in order to leave no chance of survival, apparently, in order to prevent a conversation between "The Dark Baron" and the empress.


    Without any hesitation, Lovr pretended that there was noa - he just woke up. He was about to have a conversation with the bloody empress. She was given such a nickname for a reason. How to convince such a cruel tyrant not to kill him? Maybe he should offer to work for her, taking control of the shadow sector of the capital? Bullshit!


    {Maybe I should tell her directly that I am the messenger of the goddess?} ¨C Kyon immediately realized that this would only make his situation worse. The person with such limitless potential, who shamelessly exploited the entire empire, hiding behind the investigator, will definitely not be released alive. He should not even hint that he is the messenger of the goddess.


    {She''s looking for a talented alchemist¡­} ¨C Kyon recalled, but immediately abandoned the idea of offering his services. There are at least three reasons: firstly, the one who makes medicine must be a trusted person. It''s like with the personal chefs of the nobility. Taking the most dangerous criminal in the capital to this position is as stupid as inviting a clown to a funeral. Secondly, in this way he will condemn himself to lifelong very, because such an irreceable professional is unlikely to ever be released, maybe only in the event of his death. Thirdly, and most importantly, the longer Dick is absent from the order, the more suspicions he will arouse in the zeroth general about the fact that he is "The Dark Baron". And being a loyal servant, he will definitely tell the empress about it.


    In general, Lovr realized that he had practically nothing to offer the empress. If only¡­


    Suddenly, the terrifying head of a vast empire appeared at arm''s length from Kyon. The atmosphere has cooled sharply to the state of permafrost. His heart was even afraid to beat because of her steely gaze.


    ?"Dark Baron", will you tell about your gift in a good way or in a bad way?? ¨C Lanatelle immediately got down to business, determined not to waste a second. Her eyes twinkled menacingly.


    {How did she know?!} ¨C Lovr wondered to himself, when he suddenly discovered a spiritual attack, but, to his surprise, felt almost nothing. She must have decided to just scare him for now. The question arises: should he pretend to be scared to death?


    With the help of Synergy, a whole train of thoughts shed through his head: all possible options for further developments. And, oddly enough, the strategy of the cunning man trying to brazenly fool the empress was considered a losing one. It''s not just the high probability that she will see through him. No. In this situation, it is necessary to win the respect of Lanatelle by showing masculinity, which she has not seen in people until now.


    Not a single muscle twitched on Kyon''s face.


    The empress''s thin eyebrows slightly raised, after that she used 0.1% of the real power of her spiritual attack, but the result was the same. She used 1%, then 10% and finally all 100%.


    Lovr felt his soul vibrating from the powerful impact, and his blood was trying to shrink from fear. But no more than that. For some reason, the empress''s spiritual attack causes even less horror than her icy gaze. Probably, the Void body grants high resistance to spiritual attacks, all this cannot be exined otherwise.


    {His soul has amazing resistance to spiritual influence! So the pressure won''t scare him either. It must be because of the ruby blood¡­} ¨C Lanatelle could not remain indifferent. Even an overlord phaser at the beginning stage (9) will experience a moment of awe from her spiritual attack, an sovereign phaser at the beginning stage will lose consciousness, and a imperial phaser will absolutely die of a heart attack! However, some noble phaser at the middle stage not only survived the full power of her gaze, but was not even scared! His heart beats evenly, and there is an unshakable firmness of spirit in his eyes.


    ?Your Majesty?, ¨C Kyon spoke respectfully. ¨C ?Please don''t try to scare me. I am not the kind of person who will be affected by threats. I am not afraid of death and pain, I am not afraid of your cruel despotic temperament. Do you want to know what my gift is? Well, I''ll show it to you. Please order some servant toe here with oblivion medicine to avoid unnecessary sacrifices.?


    Lanatelle noticed Zosimos'' attempt to seize the initiative in negotiations, and she did not like it at all. Moreover, she did not like the fearlessness with which some little man was talking to her, and how boldly he withstood her gaze, she had not encountered such a thing for decades. She is used to dialogue from a position of absolute authority, in which everyone bows at her feet and tries to please her by any means. If there is no obedience, then it will have to be achieved by ruthless tyranny!


    Suddenly, Kyon felt his body go numb. He couldn''t move a single muscle, and even the keys refused to rotate. Under the influence of an unknown powerful force, the jaw opened, and some kind of pill flew into the mouth, and then into the stomach.


    Lovr''s eyes widened for a moment, but then even greater determination appeared on his face. A littleter, he felt the destructive energy of the medicine spread through his body. Everywhere it went, his body was filled with burning pain, as if magma was flowing through his veins. With every second, the torment grew, and after a minute it seemed that every cell was dipped into boiling oil. He felt a throbbing pain in his temples. There was a ringing in his ears. The whole body was pierced by incredible pain.


    As Kyon quickly realized, he had just been fed torture medicine of approximately "A" rank. The force of its impact is terrifying, more effective than almost any physical torture, and most importantly, it does not injure the body and psyche. But its effect isparable to only two needles. In Boston, he managed to get Valeera to give information only using three needles. Approximately the same level of pain was caused by voracious keys (pearls of darkness and light) when they gnawed into the body and changed the channels of their elements. And once upon a time, the masters gave him the opportunity to try out all 5 needles to know the real hell.


    The pain from torture medicine turned out to be so insignificantpared to the 5 needles that Kyon decided not to suppress it with Synergy. For naturalness, as well as to feel all the cruelty of the empress.


    Lanatelle silently watched the suffering of "The Dark Baron" for fifteen minutes, after which she coldly spoke: ?Are you ready to obey my demands now??


    Kyon looked up stubbornly at the woman and smiled faintly: ?Your majesty, let''s not waste time. My daughters are waiting for me at home.?


    The empress chuckled in surprise: {I underestimated him¡­}


    (Author''s note.. the author believes that Lanatelle looks something like this: https://ibb.co/gMvWMmR )

 Chapter 506

    Lanatelle had never met people like "The Dark Baron". He did not bow his head before her greatness, did not sumb to a spiritual attack, and even the torture medicine of the "A" rank torture medicine, after which any person would be obedient, also did not affect him, which means that other painful methods will also be useless.


    The empress was interested in making the man bow his head to her at his will, and she found a new way of influencing: ?Zosimos, you understand that with your stubbornness you show disrespect to the head of the empire, don''t you? Such an attitude is punishable by execution by beheading. How do you n to see your daughters if you refuse to obey me??


    ?I will definitely see my girls.? ¨C Kyon answered with calm determination. ¨C ?Your majesty, you will understand why I am so confident in myself when you find out what ability I have. Please bring a servant here and I will show you everything.? ¨C he repeated.


    The confidence of "The Dark Baron" aroused in Lanatelle a curiosity that was usually not characteristic of her. And yet she did not like thepleteck of humility on the part of Zosimos at all. She was not used to dialogue in this vein - when she has to take into ount the opinion of another person. But the woman had absolutely no idea how to subdue such a fearless stubborn man. No, of course she can subdue him with the formation, but such a result will not bring her satisfaction.


    {Looks like I don''t have a choice.} ¨C Lanatelle realized and, putting her finger to the man''s forehead, imposed a subordinate formation of high quality on him, after that shemanded in an icy tone. ¨C ?I order you to tell me where your daughters live.?


    The empress did not like the obedience of "The Dark Baron", obtained through a subordinate formation. Being a despot, she longed to achieve her goal by the usual methods: fear, horror and despair. No matter how principled the man is, he is first of all a father, which means that it will be easier to influence him through his daughters.


    Kyon seemed to have the perfect chance. Just say the address! But it''s not that simple. Let''s say Lanatelle sends people to Eve and Le''s mansion, what will happen next? They will give uninvited guests ps on the back of their heads! And it is very doubtful that the girls will be able to learn at least some information from the perfectly trained personal servants of the empress. The result will be as follows: the woman will learn about the real power of his daughters. Nothing good wille of it. But the main thing is different: he had a n with a much greater chance of sess.


    ?I¡­ Won''t¡­ Tell you¡­ Anything!? ¨C Lovr said adamantly.


    Lanatelle''s eyes widened in amazement: {Didn''t my subjugation formation work on him?!} ¨C she tried to use it several more times, but the man showed monstrous willpower, refusing to carry out even the most harmless orders.


    As far as Lanatelle knew, only people with incredible self-control were able to resist subjugating formations, especially of such a high quality. Apparently, "The Dark Baron" is just one of them. This earned him some respect in the eyes of the woman.


    Finally the empress surrendered. She had to swallow her dissatisfaction. Oh, she hasn''t felt like this in a long time. Well, okay. She''ll have to put up with it. In the end, he himself offered to show everything.


    A man in a gray mask, standing outside the door, received a telepathic order, went inside and prostrated himself before her majesty.


    ?Go ahead.? ¨C Lanatelle ordered coldly, waving her hand.


    The shackles restraining the man fell.


    ?I need a device to check the purity of the keys.? ¨C Kyon said dryly.


    Soon Lovr got what he wanted, after that he demonstratively checked the purity of the key of pure energy from the servant, purified it by 10% with Synergy, and then checked the purity again. The value has increased by 10 units.


    Lanatelle''s eyes widened in amazement: {The ability to purify keys?!}


    This incredible ability can justify ruby-quality blood. To dispel doubts, the woman gave some orders to the servant and soon found out that there was no catch. His key was indeed purified by 10%.


    ?As you can see, I am able to purify keys up to ny-nine percent.? ¨C Kyon said with a sigh. He named such a number in order to interest the woman as much as possible. No point in cheating. He won''t gain anything from it.


    ?Where did you get this gift from?? ¨C Lanatelle asked with a twinkle in her eyes.


    ?Do you call it a gift? Ha ha¡­ You are wrong here! So far, this ability has only given me problems. It does not allow me to purify my own keys, and trying to make money on it is like death. I lost my beloved wife because of it¡­ I miraculously managed to escape with my daughters to Dantes. I wish I had been born without it.? ¨C Lovr demonstrated the purity of his own keys, thereby confirming his words.


    {A blessing or a curse?} ¨C thought Lanatelle. He can''t change his own talent, and purifying the keys to someone can turn into a disaster. Now it is clear why the blood of Zosimus is cursed. It can only bring him misfortune.


    Kyon looked resolutely at the silver-haired woman: ?I will purify the keys for you in exchange for fulfilling a few conditions. Are you ready to listen to them??


    Some criminal with pathetic development sets conditions for the bloody empress¡­ Lanatelle felt out of ce. She would like to refuse, but why? If she manages to get the purification without too much difficulty, then it would be foolish to dismiss such an opportunity.


    ?To begin with, how long will the whole process take??


    ?A few days, I guess. I have never purified the keys to such powerful people. As far as I know, the spiritual sense of practitioners starting from the imperial phase is high enough. They can weaken the development of certain parts of the body, thereby removing the natural resistance of the soul, so I can handle it.? ¨C Kyon saw no reason to dy. He needs to leave the pce as soon as possible, otherwise the absence of Dick in the order will cause unnecessary suspicion.


    ?Then tell me your terms.?


    ?First, you will remove the humiliating submission formation from my forehead. Secondly, no more torture and threats. I will not tolerate such an attitude towards myself! Believe me, if my principles are turned on to the fullest, then I will not lift a finger, even if you feed me a hundred pieces of torture medicine a day.? ¨C Kyon promised.


    Such pride of the head of the shadow megan did not surprise the empress. If it were otherwise, that girl wouldn''t have made him her partner: ?I heard you. What is the third condition??


    ?Show me my partner¡­ Show me Valeera!?


    After a short pause, Lanatelle shook her head: ?She''s dead.?


    ?What?!? ¨C Kyon felt hopeless. He couldn''t find a single sign that the empress was lying on her impassive face, when suddenly a saving thought shed through his head. ¨C {She said that because she doesn''t want me to demand her release! She is afraid that Valeera will surpass her in theing years!} ¨C and indeed, killing her without interrogation would be stupid, especially considering that "The Dark Baron" ¨C the second person who knows everything about the megan - was sent to ughter without being interrogated.


    ?Then show me her body!? ¨C Lovr demanded to check his guess.


    ?It''s out of the question.? ¨C immediately said Lanatelle. ¨C ?It''s been destroyed.?


    And although Kyon''s hope was partially confirmed, however, the mood was spoiled. Even if he leaves the pce, how will he save his wife? She definitely won''t be kept in the department, likest time. It will be almost impossible to get Weber out. And he has at best a few months for a rescue operation until they get tired of torturing her.


    ?Name another condition.? ¨C the empress demanded.


    Kyon fell to his knees, sincerely expressing his grief: ?Valeera¡­ Did you really leave me? How so¡­ We have been building the n together for a whole year, but now I am alone¡­? ¨C for a minute he grieved over the death of the girl, as if he did not even doubt the words of the empress, then he got up and said gloomily. ¨C ?I want to bury her!? ¨C he nned to leave the pce halls and call Eve and Le for help.


    ?You''ll have time to do it.?


    ?No, I''ll hold the funeral today!? ¨C Lovr unshakably objected.


    Lanatelle narrowed her eyes slightly: ?I know about your enviable ability to escape. The powerful pce barriers are holding you back, which is why you want to leave his halls so badly, right? Do not even think about it. Don''t make me repeat it a third time. You will bury her when you leave the pce, and only then. Yourst condition is to leave, am I right??


    {Damn woman!} ¨C Kyonined mentally. However, he expected something like this from a person of her caliber. It is hardly possible to get out of this situation easily. And what to do next? Is it worth going straight to thest condition?


    ?You are absolutely right¡­ I am rushing things. My feelings, they¡­ Well, here is myst condition: you will allow me to use the teleportation trigram. I promise that I will leave your empire and cause no more trouble.?


    Lanatelle put her palm on her heart and said an oath: ?I, Lanatelle Russell, give the imperial oath that I will fulfill the three conditions you have voiced as soon as you, Zosimos, purify all the keys to ny-nine percent for me.? ¨C thest time she gave a simr oath to her parents was more than 150 years ago. Now this oath was given to some little man who dared to address her without due respect. Fate knows how to surprise.


    ?I''m sorry, your majesty, but I need guarantees.?


    ?What guarantees?? ¨C Lanatelle frowned with displeasure.


    ?Give me this oath in the presence of high-ranking witnesses. Five people will be enough. Also, the oath must include the condition that they will be present during my teleportation, thereby witnessing its fulfillment.?


    Kyon wanted to increase the chances that the empress wouldn''t break her vow. Yes, she is a despot who does not take into ount the opinions of others, but she is also the head of the empire with the honor and dignity corresponding to her status. Being a cruel and ruthless tyrant is still okay, it''smon for many rulers, but to be known as a liar? It is unlikely that the woman in the presence of five important people will vite the oath.


    Lanatelle''s beautiful face hardened: ?Don''t you take my oath seriously??


    ?Your majesty, do not take my excessive precaution as an insult, but, spinning in the shadowy world of the capital, one cannot live long without such a habit. After all, please tell me how much will it cost to purify all the keys to ny-nine percent? I''m afraid this is an invaluable service! Because no one in this world is capable of it! Isn''t a little difort worth my unprecedented ability??


    Lanatelle''s silver eyes glittered dangerously as she studied the man with a long and steady gaze. Finally she spoke: ?Who do you want to see?? ¨C the woman experienced great difort while dealing with "The Dark Baron". He seeded in what no one in Rosarrio would dare to dream of - to force the bloody empress to do something for himself.


    ?Thank you very much. So, I ask for the presence of the following five people here: chief imperial alchemist Feng Russell, chief imperial formacist Julius Russell, Rosarrio Minister of Finance dimir Russell, patriarch of the family of the second rank Horace Clinton and patriarch of the family of the first rank Monty Valentine.?


    ?Let it be your way..? ¨C after a pause, Lanatelle replied in a steely tone.

 Chapter 507

    Kyon was escorted to his chambers on the top floor of the pce ¨C a luxurious spacious room, which, however, looked like a prison cell: the door was locked, there were no windows, and powerful barriers for various purposes were imposed around.


    Lovr was lying on arge and soft bed, realizing that Valeera was chained up somewhere in the bowels of the pce. He thought about it with pain in his heart. Every day, his wife is tortured and tormented in every possible way to get valuable information, but she stoically endures it. Hold on, girl, your husband will definitely save you! Any consequences of torture will be corrected by Synergy. The main thing is to hold on.


    Just an hourter, a servant in a gray mask came in and escorted "The Dark Baron" to the throne room: a spacious room entirely decorated with white marble. The first thing that caught the eye were the cyclopean columns decorated with borate carvings. Magnificent statues decorated the walls of the hall. A long carpet stretched in a bright scarlet path from the entrance to a luxurious throne worthy of the monarch of an entire empire.


    Lanatelle sat on the throne, elegantly crossed her legs. She was wearing an exquisite imperial outfit in red and white tones. Ten steps away from her, five people prostrated themselves, banging their foreheads on the floor: Feng, Julius, dimir, Monty and Horace. Recently, they were taken away from business by an urgent order. They did not dare to hesitate for a second and immediately, without notifying anyone, rushed to the pce.


    Kyon was brought to the woman, but he did not kneel down.


    ?Raise your heads.? ¨C Lanatelle ordered.


    Each of the five most powerful people in Rosarrio obeyed the order. There was reverence, fear and submission in their eyes. They were in awe of the person who led the empire, consisting of 7 kingdoms and the capital - Dantes.


    ?Today you will witness my oath to "The Dark Baron".?


    The five people looked at the man dumbfounded.


    ?I, Lanatelle Russell, give the imperial oath¡­? ¨C rising and cing her hand on her heart, the empress loudly and clearly pronounced all that she had promised Zosimos during their negotiations. The woman could not get what she wanted by any other method. Spiritual attack, torture, subordinate formation and even threats will not work on Zosimos, which means she has no choice. Moreover, he said that if she insults him, he will not purify anything for her on principle. She didn''t dare take that risk.


    Two great masters, two patriarchs and the Minister of Finance froze like idols. Do they really see it all? Is the bloody empress really swearing an oath to Dantes'' most wanted criminal?! Is it about purifying the keys?!


    At the end of the oath, Lanatelle sat down on the throne and looked expressively at Zosimos.


    ?Thank you very much, your majesty.? ¨C Kyon bowed. ¨C ?However, I must make sure that in the next hour they will not ept the medicine of oblivion, otherwise the oath voiced by you will remain only between us. You don''t mind, do you??


    {He is crossing the line!} ¨C the silver eyes of the empress shone dangerously, but she is not one of those people whomit unforgivable stupidities on emotions, so the woman waved her hand and gave the order. ¨C ?Servants, escort everyone to the guest hall. Bring Zosimos to me in an hour.?


    ?Thank you.? ¨C Kyon bowed again and left the throne room.


    A whole hour of unfriendly conversation with the 5th authorities of the empire was inevitable for Lovr. It''s funny that under his other identities, he ckmailed two of them, and he trains the other two in the order as his students, and slowly and thoughtfully poisons the son of the remaining one.


    When the allotted time came to an end, Kyon was taken to the chambers of the empress. There was no excessive luxury or decorative pieces of furniture inside. Only an oval full-length mirror and a huge bed with a red canopy. Had there ever been a man in these chambers who did not serve her?


    Lanatelle, sitting on the bed, met the neer with a cold look and threw off her silver robe, exposing her elegant slender body. Only her underwear hid some parts of her body. A medallion hung around the woman''s neck, which was a kind of box, in which something valuable was probably sealed.


    ?Come on.? ¨C the empress said.


    Kyon coughed dryly: ?Your majesty, you didn''t have to undress¡­ I can purify the keys through your clothes¡­? ¨C he was worried that he would have to regret what he saw.


    ?Don''t make me repeat it.? ¨C Lanatelle said more sternly.


    Lovr cleared his throat: ?First of all, tell me, what is your flow??


    ?Five hundred and fifty.?


    Kyon nodded, walked over to the woman and, reaching out his hand, touched her belly. His fingers were strangely numb and trembled from contact with the delicate pale skin of the empress.


    Lanatelle couldn''t remember thest time someone touched her. Two hours ago, she would never have believed that some pathetic criminal would touch her.


    Kyon became nervous under the cruel, icy gaze of the tyrant, who seemed to be looking straight into the soul. He hadn''t felt such emotional pressure in a long time.


    He tried to infuse Synergy, but it didn''t work, so he asked: ?Your majesty, please ease your resistance, otherwise I won''t be able to do anything.?


    Lanatelle fulfilled the request.


    Lovr started purifying and soon found out that he would be able to purify the key at best by 3% at a time, after which he would have to wait for the full restoration of Synergy. Considering the amount of purity of all her keys, it will take almost a week topletely purify them!


    {Damn¡­} ¨C Kyon swore to himself, worrying that if he didn''t pour Synergy into his daughters for a whole week to dy the return of memory, they would remember everything.


    After finishing his work, Lovr pretended that he suddenly became weak and even turned slightly pale: ?Done¡­ I will be able to continue only in an hour, and I will rest between sessions¡­?


    Lanatelle checked the purity of her key, and the result pleasantly surprised her. She said the following in an unusually soft tone for her: ?Have a rest. We''ll do it again in an hour.? ¨C she was nning to check if she really got stronger, but suddenly remembered something and added. ¨C ?Wait. Come to me.?


    As the man approached, the empress removed the submission formation from his forehead.


    ?Thank you.? ¨C Kyon bowed slightly and left, apanied by the servants, to his chambers.


    An hourter it happened again¡­ Then again and again¡­ Evente at night, the servants woke him up and took him to her chambers every hour to purify the keys for the half-naked empress. The severity and wariness in the woman''s gaze were reced by a thoughtful detachment.


    Half an hour after the next purifying session, Kyon secretly took out a strange device from the ring and pressed the button. An unintelligible hiss was heard. He walked around the room, but, again, nothing changed.


    {It doesn''t work¡­} ¨C Lovr summed up dejectedly. He just tried to contact Eve and Le via radio. Earlier, having visited the department, he found out that it was stupid to rely only on the spatial attribute, so with the help of dwarfs, he made a primitive walkie-talkie in order to contact his daughters in case of anything. However, the pce barriers turned out to be so powerful that even a radio signal does not pass through them. It turns out that he can only rely on the honesty of Lanatelle.


    ¡­


    14 hours earlier.


    ?A-a-a-aa-a-aa!? ¨C after a piercing squeal, Le ran out of the restroom. There was panic on her face.


    ?What happened?? ¨C Eve asked with a yawn, rubbing her eyes sleepily, getting out of bed.


    ?I can''t enter the game! It isn''t working!?


    Usually, after activating the nephrite, a screen appears, with the help of which the girls choose what to do: y, watch movies, listen to music,plete some tasks or do homework. All this is possible thanks to the Synergying from Kyon to the nephrite.


    ?Isn''t it working?? ¨C frowning, Eve took out the nephrite, but the screen didn''t light up.


    ?You see, it isn''t working?! What the heck?! Stupid dad, I''m going toin!? ¨C she took out the sound transmitter and called Zosimos, but the connection was not established.


    ?How strange¡­ He always answers¡­? ¨C Eve suspected something was wrong, she took out the walkie-talkie that her father had taught her to use, and tried to establish a connection, but to no avail.


    ?What the hell?! How dare he treat us like that?! It''s outrageous!?


    ?Come to your senses, you fool! Dad may be in trouble, and you''re outraged!?


    Le instantly became serious. If the sister is so worried, then something extraordinary has happened: ?We need to look into the situation. Where do we start, sis??


    ?First, let''s find out when he left¡­?


    The investigation dragged on for several hours, but yielded nothing. The servants do not know anything, the sound transmitter does not work, he is not in the training ce¡­ The girls could only look for their father at work ¨C at the headquarters.


    ?I don''t remember dad giving the address of the headquarters¡­ Sis, you have a good memory, maybe you remembered the way?? ¨C Le asked hopefully.


    ?I''m not sure, but it''s worth a try¡­?


    Wearing veils, the girls left the mansion despite the prohibition of their father. First, they found the Garden of Eden hotel, and from there, remembering the route together, they moved in the right direction. They even managed to get to the right area, but all the buildings in it were the same, and it was not possible to find out in which basement the secret entrance to the headquarters was located. The search for the entrance continued untilte at night.


    Le grimly clutched her head: ?It''s useless¡­ All the houses look the same! We don''t even know how to open the secret passage! Sis, what are we going to do??


    ?It''s alreadyte¡­ Now we will return home, and at dawn we will continue the search.?


    The next day, the girls continued to look for the man. The mood was terrible, the anxiety only intensified. If some kind of misfortune happened to the father, then how can they live then? Just thinking about it made the sisters'' hearts break. They didn''t stop searching.


    ?What if we try to find the headquarters by scanning?? ¨C suggested Le.


    ?We can''t¡­ Dad forbade it, because the bloody empress will feel us.?


    ?So we can scan in the opposite direction from the pce!?


    ?Le¡­ You are a genius!? ¨C Eve enthusiastically kissed her sister on the cheek.


    The sisters began to search, carefully choosing the angle of scanning. Byte at night they found the basement, behind the wall of which there was a secret tunnel. They broke the wall and headed forward. The joy passed quickly. The girls'' hearts were pounding excitedly. Finally, they got to the headquarters¡­ But there was no one there. No one.


    The girls looked at each other and began to look for at least some evidence, but to no avail¡­


    After many hours of unsessful searches, Le slid down the wall, hugged her knees and, with tears welling up in her eyes, stammered in a trembling voice: ?Dad, where did you go? Please, just give me a hint¡­ We''ve been looking for headquarters for so long, but you''re not here¡­ I''m worried¡­ I want to see you at least once more, dad!?


    Being emotionally exhausted, the sisters fell asleep right on the chairs in the dark cold headquarters.


    A few hourster, in the early morning, they woke up from a throbbing headache and continued their desperate search. The headquarters is the only ce where they can find at least some clue. They clung to this hope with all their might.


    Due to theck of any results, something pressed on the hearts of the girls more and more. Eve felt physically and mentally broken. The mere thought that her father could have been killed brought tears to her eyes, and all her strength left her body. Le even whined softly and began to cry, but soon wiped her tears and continued her search. With her strong-willed disposition, she motivated her sister not to sumb to weakness. They need to find dad!


    By nightfall, the headache had tormented the girls so much that they could not do anything.


    ?My head¡­ I can''t stand it anymore!? ¨C pressing her fingers to her temples, Le poured pure energy through them. The ruthless flow of energy instantly swept away all the formations imposed on her, but the pain was abruptly dulled. And suddenly everything began to seem somehow different. Her attitude towards the situation changed for no apparent reason.


    Exactly the same thing happened to Eve. Now her sister did not seem to be a dear and close person to her, her appearance inspired vague wariness and anxiety.


    ?Let''s continue.? ¨C Le suggested dryly.


    ?I agree.? ¨C Eve nodded and went to examine one of the secret passages.


    But after two hours of searching, the girls did not even notice that they were distracted again.


    The next day, the fourth since their father''s disappearance, the headache was reced by a disgusting itch, as if something was swarming deep inside the brain, trying to gnaw its way out. Or, rather, it would be more urate to say, it was scratching the wall holding something back.


    At first, the itching did not prevent the girls from searching, but gradually it intensified, and by the evening it became unbearable. The sensations were only intensified by the infusion of pure energy. When trying to focus on the source of the pain, in order to understand what was its cause, strange images from the past appeared, and the itching only intensified.


    ?I think the memories areing back to us¡­? ¨C Eve said, holding her head.


    ?Apparently¡­? ¨C Le agreed with a groan.


    The next day the symptoms changed: it was as if someone was inting balloons inside their heads, which pressed on their brains. This sensation did not seem painful, but it provoked nausea and dizziness, and also greatly affected the mood.


    The girls could not look at the world with the same eyes. Something irrevocably changed. Their former infantilism disappeared, and anxiety about their father partially faded for no reason. Now, when looking at each other, it seemed to each of them that this was not a well-known sister, but a stranger, from whom something elusively dangerous emanated.


    ?Le, I think we should part ways¡­ I do not know how to exin it, but it seems to me that it is better for us not to see each other when the memories begin to return.?


    ?A good idea.? ¨C the girl agreed. ¨C ?When we remember everything, let''s keep the promise we made to our father and not fight, no matter how much we hated each other in the past. He wouldn''t want us to fight.?


    ?Let''s do that.? ¨C Eve smiled weakly.


    Le bumped fists with her sister at parting, after which they parted.


    The sisters spent the night in private houses, slightly threatening the residents there with pressure.


    The evening of the next day. The inevitable wasing. Something was cracking loudly in the minds of the sisters more and more often, shaking everything and causing an inhuman headache. The dam holding back over 320 years of memories is about to burst¡­


    Everything swam and swirled in the eyes of the girls after another crack. Being in different ces of Dantes, they simultaneously fell to their knees, clutched their aching heads and screamed shrilly. Their souls seemed about to turn inside out, and at that moment a stormy stream of memories flooded into their minds.. An invisible energy sh marked the awakening of the heads of the Dance and Virgo sects from a long oblivion.

 Chapter 508

    A week has passed since the conclusion of the deal with the empress.


    Kyon has just cleared thest key to 99% and said with a bow: ?Your majesty, I have fulfilled my obligations. Now it''s your turn to keep the vow.?


    Lanatelle checked the result with the device, put on a thin silver robe and gave the man a mysterious look: ?Wait in the chambers. Soon you''ll be taken to the living room.?


    Soon Lovr was escorted to the living room, in the center of which a teleportation trigram was inscribed. Five people ¨C Feng, Julius, dimir, Horace and Monty - prostrated themselves in front of the empress.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief to himself: {I was worried for nothing¡­} ¨C when suddenly he noticed something strange: Monty Valentine''s hair shone greasy, and if one looked closely, the other witnesses also looked very unkempt, as if they had spent thest week not at home.


    Lovr had a premonition that something bad would happen. A chill went down his spine. It seemed that death smoothly wrapped its nasty bony fingers around his neck.


    ?Get up.? ¨C Lanatelle ordered majestically, already wrapped in her exquisite imperial attire.


    The five powerful personalities of Rosarrio rose to their feet and raised their eyes full of awe at the bloody empress. Patriarch Horace''s knees were shaking. Master Julius was clutching the nephrite with his favorite game about the plumber in his palm.


    ?You have done nothing wrong to me, but today you will have to give up your lives. Rest in peace.? ¨C at these ruthless words, Lanatelle abruptly waved her hand. Five blood-red lightning bolts pierced the heart of each of the witnesses of her oath to Zosimos in the blink of an eye.


    The five men almost simultaneously let out their death rattles and copsed to their knees. Their faces twisted with horror were rapidly turning pale and wrinkled, and their hair was turning gray. The red energy, like a leech, pumped vital energy through the hearts of the poor fellows, turning them into wrinkled old men ¨C skin and bones. Soon they all died.


    Kyon turned deathly pale. He had no words. This cruel bitch just killed the Minister of Finance, two patriarchs of great families, and two of the empire''s best masters in cold blood! And she did not hesitate at all, although she was well aware of how important these people were to Rosarrio.


    The empress turned her icy gaze on the man and said: ?With your insulting desire to take the oath in front of witnesses, you sentenced innocent people to death. Your excessive caution was in vain, because no one in this world should know about the existence of the person who can purify keys! I''m grateful for your services, but now you will die. Nothing personal, Zosimos. Thank you and goodbye.?


    ?You ruthless bitch, you swore an oath!? ¨C Kyon roared.


    ?Myst name is not Russell. The oath is void.? ¨C Lanatelle calmly replied.


    Kyon suddenly felt a sharp pain in his throat.


    The stroke of the scarlet dagger cut the neck of "The Dark Baron" and even the spine. Only a small piece of skin, due to its strength, remained intact and did not allow the head to fall from the shoulders. The man copsed on his back while a pool of blood rapidly spread on the floor.


    Lanatelle watched "The Dark Baron''s" fading gaze until his heart stopped, then said absently: ?Bury them secretly in a tomb under unmarked graves.?


    Killing with red lightning is a kind of tribute, because what could be more honorable than dying, giving your life energy? And even "The Dark Baron", the great criminal of Dantes, was also awarded a ce in the cemetery.


    Several servants in gray masks bowed and carried the six dead to the elevator.


    ?Take care of any possible suspicions regarding my involvement in their disappearance.? ¨C added Lanatelle in the end and went to her chambers with a serene gait.


    A week ago, Feng, Julius, dimir, Monty and Horace received the highest order from the empress for a secret meeting. What does secret mean? This means that if at least one outsider living soul finds out about it, the consequences will be catastrophic. All formations were removed from them, including family ones, in order to deprive anyone of the opportunity to track them. Given all this, it is hardly possible for anyone to know exactly where they disappeared.


    "The Dark Baron", along with the rest of the dead, was ced in the elevator for transporting bodies and sent down. The cabin is designed for 7 bodies, because that''s how much the empress consumes in one meal, so in addition to the six dead, a man in a gray mask climbed inside. The rest of the servants went down the stairs.


    Meanwhile, Kyon''s heart had not been beating for a minute. He entered the terminal state. Due to theck of oxygen, darkness enveloped the mind, but the Synergy did not allow the owner to lose consciousness. Neurons gradually died due to hypoxia. If the brain is not supplied with oxygen for 6 minutes, then an ordinary person will either die or be a vegetable. Lovr will need about a week of recovery with the support of Synergy, but if anoxiasts 8 minutes, the process of brain death will be irreversible even with the help of miracle energy.


    The situation seemed hopeless. There are only two options for salvation ¨C to call Eve and Le for help, or to wait until he is left alone, then he will be able to fuse the cut arteries with the healing technique, and then the earth element and Synergy wille into y. However, it will take a long time until he is taken to the cemetery and buried¡­ He needs to figure out a way to saturate the brain with oxygen for as long as possible!


    It is possible toy strings from Synergy between the dissected vertebrae and, by means of signals, control the key of water in order to use it to drive blood from the body to the head through the air, however, the fluctuations of the element will immediately be caught by the servants of the empress. They will certainly finish off someone who should have been dead for so long¡­


    Is there any other way? Science knows the answer!


    With the help of Synergy, through electrolysis, it is possible to split excess water into hydrogen and oxygen! But the essence of the universe is only 10% of the maximum left due to purifying the keys for the damned bitch, this is enough at best for 15 minutes of oxygen supply to the brain. The reason for such costs is obvious: it is necessary to deliver oxygen molecules to each individual neuron without the participation of blood cirction. Moreover, he must not interrupt the process of supplying air for a second, since there is a significant risk that he will no longer be able to resume it. There is also a danger that the servants of the empress will feel the work of Synergy, although this is unlikely.


    Synergy began to work, and precious oxygen began to flow into the brain. Unfortunately, this did not apply to all other internal organs. This is also a serious problem, because if oxygen does not reach them for more than half an hour, they will suffer greatly.


    Meanwhile, the elevator went down. Six bodies were carried to pre-prepared wooden coffins, which were then ced in a closed carriage. Soon it left the pce and headed for the cemetery outside the walls of Dantes.


    It took 5 minutes. Over the past 100 years, the process has been fine-tuned to perfection: step 1 - the search for victims, at least one of whom must have silver rank blood, and the rest must have at least white blood; step 2 ¨C silent abduction of victims, their delivery to the pce and removal of all formations from them; step 3 - preparation for reception; step 4 - the reception itself; step 5 - secret burial of bodies.


    In order not to attract attention, the carriage did not go too fast, but also not too slow. Inside, in addition to 6 closed coffins, there were four servants of the empress. Until they do her bidding, they won''t even dare to step aside.


    Due to theck ofmunication with subordinates, Kyon realized that protective barriers were imposed on the carriage, among which there is one that blocksmunication (it is needed to prevent possible hidden formations on abducted people from transmitting a signal). Therefore, the only chance for salvation is to wait until they bury him and leave him alone. But will he have enough time to be carried to the cemetery and buried? s, there are simply no other options to prolong his life. The situation is really terrifying. As if death lifted a scythe over his head.


    {Damn bitch¡­ I wish I didn''t waste Synergy on you¡­} ¨C Kyon hated Lanatelle with all his heart for breaking her oath, but he also hated himself for being used gratuitously, although he was well aware that he was clinging to the only and most likely hope of salvation.


    10 minutes have passed on the way, 15 in total since the moment of cardiac arrest. The carriage never left the city limits, the Synergy had already ended, and the one that was replenished naturally was immediately spent on keeping the owner conscious.


    {DAMN!} ¨C a deafening thought shed through Kyon''s head.


    After 3 minutes of hypoxia, Lovr began to clearly realize that his life was slipping through his fingers. That the neurons of his brain are rapidly dying. That he is fading away, dissolving into infinite nothingness.


    At the 6th minute of anoxia, the damage reached the stage when it would take a week to recover by Synergy. An ordinary person in such a situation would inevitably fall into a vegetative state, unable to show any signs of consciousness.


    Kyon realized in despair that nothing could save him. After 2 minutes, the brain damage will be so serious that the process will be irreversible even with a full supply of Synergy and a restored neck.


    Time seemed to slow down a thousandfold. One hundred and twenty paces separated Lovr from the abyss, where his entire journey woulde to an end. He was wondering if anyone would remember him with warmth in their hearts? Maybe only Marina and the heads of sects¡­


    The carriage left Dantes, but toote. It''s been a minute and a half.


    Kyon was afraid of death. Only those who do not value their lives are not afraid of it. He was afraid of the endless darkness enveloping consciousness, so he took a desperate step: with the help of the element of water, he paved a route for blood between the dissected arteries and forced it to circte.


    ?Eh?? ¨C the servants in gray masks looked at each other in surprise and opened the lid of the coffin. When they saw how the blood of the man with the cut neck surprisingly moved from the body to the head and back, they, even despite their professionalposure acquired over the years, gaped in amazement.


    ?He is still alive¡­ What a monster!?


    ?I envy his will to live¡­ However, he must die.? ¨C the servant of the empress said with some respect and blocked the flow of blood with his palm, however, the scarlet stream, as if alive, circled the palm and continued its course.


    The masked man frowned and froze his entire neck with the element of cold to make sure.


    Due to the ice filled with energy, Synergy was no longer able to send a signal to the key of water. At that moment, Kyon realized that now it was definitely the end. There is no way to survive.


    He regretted many things: he did not be an alpha for Triana, did not return the debt to Juno and Anna, did not recapture Dina from the goddess, did not save Valeera from the zeroth general, and most importantly, he never saw his son, whom he had dreamed of for so long. It is even possible that he was never born.


    When Lovr had already resigned himself to his fate, the unexpected happened¡­


    Some force tore off the roof of the carriage, like a lid from a tin can.


    ?What''s going on?!? ¡­ ?We have been attacked!? ¨C the masked servants shouted, preparing for battle.


    A girl with the appearance of a goddess was floating in the sky. There were two sand whirlwinds in her beautiful eyes. Looking inside the wrecked carriage, she saw a familiar man with a cut neck in the coffin. Her face turned pale, but after a moment it was contorted with rage.


    The four servants of the empress and the coachman in the blink of an eye turned into tens of thousands of perfectly chopped cubes of flesh, slowly falling apart like a house of cards in the wind.

 Chapter 509

    Gina and Lana regained their memories a week after the disappearance of their father, almost simultaneously. For several hours, each of them tried toprehend the wholest year, which she spent being a naive, stupid girl, after which both women began to act. No, they did not start a fight among themselves, on the contrary, they diligently avoided meeting and talking, because now they were worried about somethingpletely different - to find the messenger of the goddess! He is also known as Kyon, as Dick Baker and as Zosimos - the bastard who deceived, used and humiliated them with his feigned patronage for a whole year!


    The reason why both girls knew that Zosimos and Ken were the same person was because he had emitted the same unique supreme aura during the second demon raid that the goddess'' messenger had emitted at the tournament of families. There is no such thing as a coincidence. And the battle with Edward, who surpassed him by almost 2 phases, speaks for itself.


    The head of the Virgo sect''s face was zing with anger, and her hands were shaking with burning rage. Some immature boy in the guise of a vile man condescendingly stroked her head! He called her a "bunny" and even saw her naked! He enjoyed her obedience and humility! He pretended to be her father and tricked her into falling in love with him!


    The head of the Dance sect was afraid to go mad with rage. The feeble boy convinced her that he was her father, and also made her fall in love with him¡­ He saw her naked, spanked her ass, brazenly put her in her ce and humiliated her in every possible way with his condescending attitude! And she was acting like a fool, trying her best to seduce him¡­ The humiliation was so immense that the girl''s heart was ready to burst from the anger that seized her.


    The heads of the sects were united by the desire to find Zosimos and deal with him. The purpose of the search is the pot-bellied bald practitioner of the 5th stage of the noble phase, or the obscenely ugly fat man, well, or the handsome young man. They''ll have to check everyone out.


    Gina started looking for the target in the department, and then went to the pce.


    Meanwhile, Lana was looking for him at the headquarters of the shadow n and the Golden Pig guild, then decided to explore the surroundings. Intuition told her the direction, and indeed: she felt a man with suitable characteristics in a carriage outside the walls of Dantes.


    ¡­


    The beautiful girl, like the goddess of chaos from a painting by a brilliant artist, smoothly descended from the sky andnded next to the coffin. Initially, she thought that she would kick the messenger of the goddess to the curb as soon as she found him, because this bastard deceived, used and humiliated her for a whole year. However, now, at the first nce at the deathly pale face of her already deceased father, even if he was fake, all her fiery feelings were instantly reced by pity and sorrow. Her chest hurt. Her eyes were burning with tears. Why is she reacting like that? Why do only happy memories of their life together sh through her thoughts? This deceiver managed to get so deep into her heart that she can''t even control her emotions¡­


    Suddenly the "dead man" blinked.


    {Alive?!} ¨C Lana opened her small lips in amazement, but quickly came to her senses and sent a telepathic signal across the capital. ¨C {?He is here! Hurry up and save him!?}


    In a matter of seconds, another extraterrestrial creature of indescribable beauty appeared from heaven. The charming appearance of this attractive girl could captivate even the devil''s heart. When she looked at Zosimos, whose head was almostpletely separated from his body, something in her icy face trembled. The indignation and rage that had been bubbling inside her a second ago were reced by other feelings. For the most famous man-hater in the world, it ispletely unimaginable to feel pity for some weak, pot-bellied old man.


    ?Use your cursed healing immediately!? ¨C Lana either ordered, or demanded. She looked at her sister with hatred, but without the usual desire to finish off her rival as soon as possible.


    ?Get out of my sight!? ¨C Gina said and, hesitating, stretched out her hands to the neck of the fake father and touched the wound. For the first time in over 200 years, except for the events of the past year, she touched a man, and the sensations did not seem disgusting to her at all.


    With her thin, elegant fingers, the girl began to gently massage the man''s cut throat and neck with light touches. A green glow began to emanate from the healer''s palms, it radiated a warm and gentle aura, reminiscent of a light spring breeze. It was possible to notice how the flesh between the head and the torso gradually fused.


    A few minutester, Zosimos'' neck waspletely healed.


    Noticeably pale, Gina walked unsteadily away from her "father". She had just used up almost all her energy because the man''s mind and body had been critically damaged. The girl tried to cheer up, but she could not hide her almostplete exhaustion from her sister. Now she is extremely vulnerable, and if Lana suddenly attacks, she will not be able to defend herself.


    The head of the Virgo sect did not understand why she was risking so much for his salvation, because until recently she wanted to tear off his head. On the other hand, she was sure that "sister" would not attack. It''s too cheap for her to resort to such vile methods.


    ~tum-dum~


    Kyon''s heart made the first beat, the second, and then began to beat rhythmically¡­ His lungs filled convulsively with air. It was as if the body had been ced in a vat of boiling oil. Mind in chaos. It took him five minutes to gather his thoughts and analyze the situation.


    Apparently, Eve cured him with her miracle technique, practically pulling him out of the grave. Her healing is so amazing that it can restore even dead cells, including neurons. Now the neck has beenpletely restored, and the brain has been restored by almost 70%, which cannot be said about the internal organs. It will take two or even three weeks of recovery with the help of Synergy and healing technique. Today it will be an achievement for him to at least get on his feet. It is urgently necessary to restore the blood supply. But now something else is more important: from a short conversation between the girls, he can conclude that they have regained their memory!


    The question arises: why did Le call Eve to cure him? Don''t they want him dead? Don''t they hold a grudge against him? Unlikely¡­ Most likely, everything is much moreplicated.


    Kyon lifted his body with difficulty, looked around and croaked in a sagging voice: ?Eve¡­ Le¡­ I know that you saved me¡­ I know you got your memory back¡­ Please show yourself, I want to see you, I want to thank you for saving me¡­ I want to talk to you.? ¨C he said it sincerely. It was painful for him to realize that his daughters were nowpletely strangers to him. Those whom he had recently considered his real rtives are now almost more dangerous for him than the empress.


    Lovr thought that in this situation it would be reasonable to make them feel sorry for him, so, having hardly got up from the coffin, he assumed an oblique position and fell from the carriage. After lying for a while, he got up, grimacing in pain, and said hoarsely: ?Eve, Le, I understand that you hate me for deceiving you for a whole year, but let me exin everything. Try to understand my situation.?


    ?Leaving Cernos, I found the demons rushing after me. I could neither run away from them, nor fight. Then I had to look for salvation from you fighting in the sky, but you didn''t even notice me, and then you generated that terrible explosion¡­ It destroyed my pursuers, and I survived only by a miracle. Unintentionally, you saved my life. Even then I felt like I owed you.?


    ?After searching the crater, I found you, already half dead. Using my unique ability, I scanned and found out that you had only a few minutes to live, and even if you were healthy, you would have died of old age in a few years. I also learned that you are paternal sisters, and your brains had been severely damaged in the hippocampus area responsible for long-term memories, and there were noticeable defects in other areas responsible for mental age. That is, you have lost not only your memory, but also your mental maturity.?


    ?Ask yourself: could I let my sisters-saviors die? No. Could I leave you, remembering nothing and behaving like children, to the mercy of fate? Also no. If you really want to help, then do it to the end! Otherwise, there is no need to start this at all¡­?


    ?I rejuvenated you to such a young age in order to save you from madness when seeing adult women in the reflection of the mirror. You may ask ¨C why did I pretend to be your father? Why didn''t I tell the truth that I was just an unknown virtue? Because it was the most reliable way by which I could bind powerful children to me until their memory returned.?


    ?I will bepletely honest. I know that you are the heads of the Dance and Virgo sects. However, I found this out only when I bought information from the Golden Pig guild, ording to which there were some disagreements and riots in the Dance and Virgo sects. There was a feeling that they had lost an unified control center - that is, you.?


    ?And I will not deny that I was also interested in your power. You saved me from two waves of demons, helped intimidate Gusteau from the Golden Pig guild and stop Valeera. In exchange for this help, I purified your keys, you have known about this for a long time.?


    ?Yes, I insulted you by pretending to be your father, and I probably offended you with my rude patronizing attitude in order to establish control, but I can''t imagine any other way to protect such strong children - especially the mischievous Le ¨C from the threats of our world. Over the past year, I have be so close to you that I havee to love you like my own daughters¡­ Now, when you remember everything, my heart breaks from pain, and I don''t know how I will live on¡­ If I had a chance to go back in time, I would make you my daughters again. I''m not asking you to forgive me, but please be understanding.?


    At the end of the monologue, Kyon bowed his head wearily and closed his eyes. Without Synergy, he would have fainted from anemia long ago. He omitted some facts and embellished the existing ones for greater persuasiveness in order to win himself more points in the eyes of the girls. Of course, he was guided by pure selfishness, pretending to be their father, but all of the above was more or less true. He spoke with particr honesty about his father''s feelings and the pain of parting.


    Meanwhile, two girls, hidden under veils of invisibility, were hovering high in the sky. While they listened to the fake father''s exnations, equallyplex emotions were on their differently charming chiseled faces. No matter what speeches he used to justify his actions, it didn''t get any easier for them, and the chaos in their heads only intensified. Only a strange contradictory feeling caused by the terribly painful condition of the man, as well as his sincere words that he was attached to them as to his own daughters, and would have done the same if he had been thrown into the past restrained the heads of sects from the intention to finish off Zosimos. The fact that he did not apologize and did not regret his actions at such a crucial moment yed a decisive role.


    And indeed, Zosimos wlessly yed the role of a loving, but strict father, protecting his daughters from the outside world. He did not give free rein to lust, although probably no man in the world would have restrained himself. But it cost him nothing to ept their love and do the unforgivable.


    {?We need to talk.?} ¨C Gina telepathically turned to her opponent.


    The two sisters rised even higher, beyond the clouds, emerged from invisibility and met their gazes. It was as if an invisible lightning shed between them. Hatred was clearly visible in the eyes, but for the first time there was no thirst for blood behind it.


    {?As I see, you don''t want him to die, otherwise you wouldn''t have called me.?} ¨C Gina said.


    {?Don''t pretend you understand me. I could have called you to kill Zosimos with my own hand, because hemitted so many unforgivable things towards me¡­?}


    {?Who are you trying to fool? I saw your face while I was healing him¡­ You not only hate him, but also worry about him.?} ¨C Gina replied sarcastically.


    {?Shut your fucking mouth! You''ve spent almost all your energy on his recovery, like a fool!?} ¨C Lana snapped, wanting to establish her superiority.


    The atmosphere between the heads of sects heated up to such an extent that an ordinary person would not be able to be around for 5 seconds ¨C he would lose consciousness.


    {?Therefore, we both do not want his death, but we are eager to take him to the sect with us in order to punish him for the crimes hemitted and raise a sessor capable of bringing the whole world to its knees in front of us??} ¨C Gina summed up.


    {?Smart girl, you draw the right conclusions.?} ¨C Lana grinned venomously. ¨C {?Well, since everything is clear, then I''ll take him with me. Do you mind??} ¨C her tone sounded threatening.


    {?I do mind.?} ¨C Gina said in an icy tone.


    {?And what are your objections worth in this situation? I even want to watch you try to stop me when you''re exhausted!?}


    {?Now you can take Zosimos, but in the near future I will appear¡­?}


    {?Do you want me to organize your funeral to prevent your appearance in the near future??}


    {?You won''t do it.?}


    {?Why??} ¨C Lana frowned.


    {?Because it''s too mean. You asked me to save him, and now you''re going to take advantage of my weakened state? Not your level.?}


    {Bitch!} ¨C the head of the Dance sect reluctantly bit her tongue. Her sister knows her too well, especially after spending a year together as the daughters of Zosimos.


    Gazing at her sworn rival, Lana shook her head: {?So are you suggesting to humbly wait for your recovery and fight for him? You know I''d rather die than give him to you, right? We will fight to the death¡­?}


    {?I am also not eager to give him into your vile clutches¡­ And in general, as we have already found out, none of us will emerge victorious from the battle to the death, so we must find another solution.?} ¨C Gina sat on an invisible chair, crossing her long legs.


    {?And what are your suggestions? As I said, I will not give him to anyone, especially to a pest like you. He will either be my servant¡­ that is, the sessor. Or nobody''s. And there can be nopromises.?} ¨C Lana firmly assured.


    {?Unprincipled bitch, your selfishness is amazing¡­?} ¨C Gina shook her head contemptuously.


    {?Watch your tongue, bitch! You''re in no position to provoke me!?} ¨C Lana threatened, focusing the pressure on her sister.


    The head of the Virgo sect sighed and crossed her legs: {?In that case, we have no other option but to make sure that none of us gets him.?}


    {?So you''re proposing to kill him??} ¨C the head of the Dance sect frowned.


    {?No. We will put a formation on Zosimos that will kill him if one of us gets close enough to him.?} ¨C Gina said with icy equanimity.


    Lana''s thin eyebrows rose in amazement.. She didn''t expect this from her sister.

 Chapter 510

    {?The formation that kills on approach?!?} ¨C Lana was genuinely surprised at such a ruthless suggestion. It seemed especially strange because of the recent healing, during which the sister spent almost all of her energy. In this regard, the head of the Dance sect had her own thoughts, but she was not going to voice them.


    {?And how do you n to implement it??} ¨C she asked after a short pause.


    {?We will impose destructive formations on Zosimos. We will also impose rted formations on them. If anyone damages or gets within one kilometer of the rted formation, they will send a signal¡­ We will have to use the keys of light and darkness of the overlord phase to get it to reach the target, wherever it is. I just have a few from that massacre with demons ten years ago.?} ¨C Gina exined.


    {?But what can guarantee that none of us will secretly send a task force to kidnap Zosimos??}


    {?Nothing. But what''s the point? You won''t get satisfaction from his punishment, and raising your sessor remotely¡­ In general, if I find out about this, I will send the appropriate signal, and then your "servant" will turn into a dead man.?}


    Lana mused. She had no wish to fight, and not only because no one will emerge victorious from such a battle. She also didn''t want to kill Zosimos. It turns out that her sister''s proposal suited her quite well. As they say ¨C a dog in the manger.


    {?Deal.?} ¨C the girl agreed, raising her shining eyes to her interlocutor.


    For 320 years, Gina has mastered formacy up to the 2nd rank, and Lana up to the 3rd, and if she wasn''tzy, she wouldn''t give in to her sister. Such skills are vital for controlling the sect.


    The former daughters of Zosimos entered invisibility and descended from the sky. They found the fake father sitting on a cobblestone with his head drooping wearily. His unhappy and sickly appearance caused an attack of sadness andpassion in the girls.


    Lana sighed softly and stretched out her index finger in the direction of the sufferer. A thread of energy entered the man''s forehead and formed the slot there, and then the formation. Zosimos could not feel its imposition in any way due to the huge difference in development, as well as his half-dead condition. Then Gina repeated the same.


    A whole kaleidoscope of emotions was in thest looks thrown by the girls at the "father". The initial anger and rage were easily reced by other moreplex feelings. It is not known if they will ever be able to see Zosimos so close again, to smell him¡­ These thoughts made their hearts shudder painfully. They''re not supposed to behave like that.


    Gina and Lana, reliably hiding emotions rushing out behind a mask ofposure, flew 10 kilometers away from Zosimos and superimposed binding formations on each other. From now on, if they get closer than a kilometer to the messenger of the goddess, then, ording to the previously agreed conditions, the binding formation will work, and his head will explode.


    Havingpleted all the necessary actions, the sisters looked at each other with hostility and, coldly grunting, flew apart. The degree of enmity between them has decreased enormously since theirst meeting. Previously, they were ready to scratch out each other''s eyes, but now everything was limited to caustic phrases and sharp nces. Was it because they had promised Zosimos not to fight each other? Or because they''re sisters? Everything is much simpler: over the past year they have be closer. And even 3 centuries of enmity could notpletely break this kinship, even if created by the fake father.


    ¡­


    Some timeter.


    Lanatelle felt that someone powerful had crossed the pce barrier. She instantly squeezed the medallion in her palm, and a transparent sphere distorting space formed around her, after which the woman went to the throne room.


    An extraordinarily charming girl in a slightly provocative dress of dark tones sat on the throne, carelessly crossing her slender legs. She gave the empress a disdainful nce and rose with a bloodthirsty smile.


    ?Who are you, and what are you doing in my pce?? ¨C Lanatelle said with a threat.


    ?I just dropped by to shed the royal blood¡­ You don''t mind dying today, do you?? ¨C with thest word, Lana disappeared and attacked the empress in the head, but her blow was blocked by space distortions.


    A booming roar swept through the entire capital. The entire pce building was shaking violently. The windows rattled.


    The head of the Dance sect felt the aura emitted by the barrier and instantly jumped 10 meters back. She was touched by just a tiny particle of this burning cleansing power, but she was already deathly pale, covered with cold sweat and numb with horror. She was trembling all over, like a tiny bunny in front of a monster. There is no doubt that the creature that produced such an aura is capable of incineratings and absorbing worlds!


    Lanatelle chuckled coldly and carefully examined the attacker: ?You don''t look like a killer from the Walders family¡­ Then who are you? However, it doesn''t matter. I will say this: I have just taken control of a negligible part of the aura of an ancient mythical creature. If I release it fully, then the me will engulf the entire earth. Forests will burn, mountains will melt, seas and oceans will evaporate, and the sky will fall. My death or my will will mark the death of all living things.? ¨C the steel voice of the empress sounded extremely intimidating and convincing. ¨C ?You may not believe me, but if you start acting, you will make the biggest mistake of your life.? ¨C the woman promised.


    ?The death of all living things? It sounds unconvincing¡­? ¨C Lana smiled ironically. She tried to provoke the woman to say something else in order to get more clues, but the empress simply remained silent, then removed the barrier and calmly left.


    Lanatelle skillfully hid the fatigue that had fallen on her behind a mask of calm.


    Lana hesitated for a while, assessing the chances, then clenched her teeth and left the pce, thinking: {You are lucky to have caring parents¡­ But I am not.} ¨C she decided to leave because she understood that such an aura could only be generated by an ancient legacy. The chance that this is not just a toy for intimidation is too high. Recently, the girl received a new life with purified keys, and she was not going to risk such a treasure.


    ¡­


    The main educational institution of the Dance sect was located on the outskirts of the Saturn empire, around the gigantic mountain of Ascension. It is believed that the higher the ce where students study, the more authority they have. At the very peak, cutting through the clouds, there is a grand temple of indescribable beauty made of emerald marble, built in the antique style.


    The head of the sect, Lana, used to live here. Only senior elders could get an audience with her, and only by invitation or on a very important matter. Now, after her disappearance, elder Vilia settled here. She won the position of the temporary head of the sect by brute force. Even though many people objected to her living in the temple of the great Lana - after all, this is sacrilege - she did not listen to them.


    A rather beautiful woman in her 30s seemed to like the current state of affairs. She lives in a temple worthy of the gods, admires the endless peacefulndscapes every day, and also enjoys massage services from Lana''s personal servant - the former king, whose heart was conquered by the head of the sect. He even mastered the art of foot massage to perfection. Just now, the stocky man was diligently puffing over her feet.


    Suddenly, screams of terror from the guards were heard outside the temple.


    Vilia jumped up and, strengthening her voice with energy, angrily shouted: ?Who dares toe to my home without an invitation?!?


    ?Your home?!? ¨C an even more impressive, albeit somewhat young, voice rang out.


    The deafening sound wave took the elder''s breath away. A girl with wonderful orange eyes that cannot be forgotten appeared in front of her¡­ They can only belong to the great and mighty head of the sect!


    ?Y-y-your holiness, you¡­ You''re back¡­? ¨C the woman murmured with great difficulty.


    ?How could you have taken my house for yourself?! Are you looking for death?!? ¨C Lana thundered sternly, releasing pressure to put her arrogant subordinate in her ce. Of course, she had no intention of killing the devoted sect member.


    The elder turned pale, knelt down and banged her forehead on the floor: ?F-forgive me, worthless fool¡­ I-Imitted the unforgivable sin and will ept any punishment¡­ Y-your holiness, you''re back, that''s what really matters¡­?


    Meanwhile, the man, seeing his beloved one in the guise of a young girl, was speechless. Now Lana seemed a little less feminine than before, but much more sweet and innocent¡­ His heart was melting with warm feelings. Without hesitating for a second, the former king rushed to the head of the sect and, slipping his knees on the floor, fell with his forehead in front of her feet.


    ~BOOM~


    The head of the sect sent the masseur flying with a kick.


    ?Get out of my temple!? ¨C Lana ordered. From just the sight of the man fawning over her in the hope that she would allow him to massage her feet, the head of the sect experienced an acute attack of contempt. Nothing like this has ever happened before¡­ On the contrary, she liked it when the servant behaved like that! What has changed since then? It seems that a whole year spent next to the real man changed her¡­


    Soon, a group of senior elders and other influential representatives of the sect broke into the temple. Recognizing their one and only head, they knelt down with reverence on their faces and greeted her¡­ Although they were extremely surprised by the changed appearance of thedy, as well as by her outfit.


    Lana looked like a young girl because of the messenger of the goddess. She could not grow up by force, because her biological clock was reset. As for the dress made by Zosimos, she did not want to take it off at all¡­ It''s too pretty.


    Soon, the main elders, the only ones who knew about the disappearance of the head of the sect, held a secret feast in honor of her return. They noticed how much their mistress had changed. It''s not about her appearance or character, but about her changed behavior. She seemed to have cooled off and lost interest in everything. She was almost not pleased with the good news and was not upset by the bad. She drove away even her best masseur (the former king), as if she was no longer interested in him. Her absent mncholy look spoke volumes. Everyone was interested in what she had experienced over the past year, but the girl refused toment on her absence in any way.


    Lana returned to the temple and slumped on the soft throne, propping her cheek with her fist. For some reason, she could not rejoice at her return to the sect, new strength and even youth, although, it would seem, she should "squeal with happiness". Something important was missing. This feeling can bepared to a sessful bank robbery. Everything seems to be fine, but deep inside something is irretrievably lost. Something very simple and heartfelt.


    Gina was sitting in exactly the same position on an almost identical throne in a very simr temple a hundred thousand kilometers away. She was sitting in a dress made by the fake father, and stared absently at the ceiling. From time to time, her long eyshes trembled, and her charming emerald eyes were filled with a dreamy veil. She recalled her life as the daughter of Zosimos and did not understand how this was possible: why did she get more pleasure, emotions and impressions in one year than in a hundred years as the head of the sect?


    It would seem that Eve was doing such insignificant things: watching useless films and cartoons, doing unnecessary tests and tasks, developing the virtual character, fooling around and caring for some pot-bellied lout¡­ But then why is the heart bursting with pain? As if something vitally important was irretrievably torn out of the soul, something that could never be returned.


    No one would believe it if they found out that the rational and emotionless head of the Virgo sect, famous for her contemptuous attitude towards men, greatly misses the serene life as the daughter of the bald mature man. Despite the fact that hemanded her, he surrounded her with truly parental care¡­


    ¡­


    Earlier, Kyon, after talking with his daughters, spent 2 minutes and all his energy on the healing technique. It is good for wound healing, but not for restoring the working capacity of internal organs. However, he felt a little better ¨C it''s already good. s, there was no response from his daughters, which means that he needs to get out of here as soon as possible, because Le recently destroyed the carriage and the imperial servants with it. The empress''s people will be here any minute, and it would be better for him not to meet with them.


    In his current state, Lovr could not run ¨C he was barely conscious. The only way to quickly leave this ce is to teleport to a pre-prepared trigram. It would be stupid to move to the city, yet the city barrier stops any smuggling. Only Boston, a town nearby (500 km from here) and the basement of the house in the order remain. Unfortunately, his keys are only enough for one trip.


    Kyon chose thetter option because he had to appear pletely healthy" in public as soon as possible. Thus, he will take away from himself any suspicions on the part of the zeroth general that he is "The Dark Baron". After all, this man should be in aa with a paralyzed body and in general have been dead for a long time.


    This choice - returning to the order and continuing to work under the guise of Dick - is very risky, but he could not do otherwise. He just has to save Valeera. He needs to infiltrate the pce, bing a student of the empress. Maybe there will be a chance to take revenge on the bloody bitch.


    But before moving, Kane made sure through visual formations, with which the whole house was dotted, that there was no one inside and all the objects were in their ces. Only after making sure of this, he took out the teleportation trigram, stood inside and activated the movement. He disappeared after 2 minutes. A secondter, he soaked the trigram-evidence with a spatial attribute (through the formation) and moved it to him.


    Lovr knelt down and coughed up blood. His head was spinning. Everything was blurry in his eyes. The internal organs were on the verge of failure¡­ Even a royal phaser would have died from such internal injuries in a few hours. Besides, he recently lost his daughters, and Valeera is in captivity¡­ Mood ¨C it would be better to die. It will not be possible to change it with Synergy, since there is too little of it. Everything goes to more important things.


    In addition, Kyon needed to show himself in public as soon as possible, so he reserved as much Synergy as possible and began to change his personality. It took him an hour to be Dick!


    Lovr got to his feet with difficulty and hobbled out, forcibly gave himself a cheerful look and walked with a calm step to the market, and then returned back. That''s it, now the alibi is ready - safe and sound. After closing the door, he turned pale abruptly and spat blood again.


    Climbing to the second floor seemed to Kyon harder than climbing Everest. And now before his eyes was the desired bed. After drinking a bottle of water in one gulp, he put his head on the pillow and immediately fell into a deep sleep.


    Imagine Lovr''s surprise when an hourter he woke up from an rm from Synergy¡­ And the reason was that a blonde he knew well was standing near the entrance to the young man''s chambers. She held a drawn bow in her hands and aimed at his forehead.


    ?There you are, " The Dark Baron"!? ¨C Elsa announced solemnly.

 Chapter 511

    Kyon hoped that his eyes yed a cruel joke on him, but no, the Synergy does not deceive: Elsa really somehow got into his chambers, despite the barrier of the house, aimed an arrow tip at his forehead and called him "The Dark Baron"!


    ?Have you swallowed your tongue?? ¨C Stone smiled maliciously with a gleam in her emerald eyes. ¨C ?I understand. If I were you, I would have reacted the same way.?


    Kyon burned his stepsister with a hostile look and muttered: ?Did you break into my house in the middle of the night to y a prank?! Get out! I''m not in the mood! And if you decide to seduce me in this way, then look for someone else. You''re not my type.? ¨C expressing his displeasure, he turned away irritably and covered his head with a nket.


    For a second, Elsa opened her mouth indignantly, but then bared her white teeth in a poisonous grin: ?Do you think I''m testing you like that? Silly, I have a record of how you transformed into the so-called "Dick" in the basement for an hour!?


    {For fuck''s sake¡­} ¨C Lovr swore to himself.


    From now on, he could call himself the unluckiest man in the universe with a clear conscience. Firstly, there is no doubt that Elsa requested ess to the formation of the house No. 333 from master Julius just before the empress invited him to her. Secondly, it is quite obvious that she set up the formation in the basement exactly in that weekly period of time when Kyon was in the pce and could not see anything. So the question arises: why the hell is she so lucky?! To this one can also add theck of keys to re-move at the most crucial moment.


    ?Wake up, you vile criminal! It''s time to get up!? ¨C Elsa demanded.


    Kyon groaned and reluctantly sat on the edge of the bed. Even zombies would envy the gloomy expression on his face, gray with exhaustion, which, apparently, only irritated the blonde. He said in a grave tone: ?Why, already knowing exactly who I am, did youe to me without security forces??


    Stone replied: ?Obviously, I am confident enough that I will have the strength to grab you on my own! I''m not going to share the glory of catching the criminal of the century with anyone¡­ You are only mine. Don''t get me wrong, I know that in Cernos you defeated a girl who surpassed you by eighteen stages. Until now, I refused to believe it, but not now¡­ Given your current development, I assume you will be able to ovee a royal phaser at the middle stage at best, maybe even at the finishing stage, but definitely not an imperial phaser!?


    Lovr smiled bitterly. In his current state, he won''t even defeat a lord phaser at the finishing stage if he doesn''t allow it himself. Although even if he werepletely healthy, he would still be unable to defeat Elsa, at least because she is an archer ¨C one of the most unpleasant opponents.


    ?What are youughing at? Do you think you can handle me?? ¨C the girl asked with a challenge.


    ?I remembered one joke, and it turned into reality¡­?


    Elsa agreed with a nod and with the fingers of her bare foot took out a cor from the ring, which she then threw at the feet of the criminal and ordered. ¨C ?Put it on. It will block your power. I made it myself.?


    Kyon took the cor, twisted it between his fingers and asked: ?What will happen if I refuse to put it on? Will you shoot me in the forehead? Will you kill me??


    ?I''ll twist you with a binding arrow and put it on you by force! If you don''t do it yourself, I''ll make you do it. If you really want a beautiful girl to break you, then I will understand everything¡­?


    ?Hmm¡­? ¨C Lovr gave his interlocutor a thoughtful look, after which he suddenly tore the cor and wailed mockingly. ¨C ?Oh, what a pity, it''s torn! Couldn''t you find better material??


    ?Pfft!? ¨C Elsa snorted and shot a shining arrow. A bunch of white lightning shackled the criminal''s hands and feet. The girl took out another cor made of a different material and fastened it around the neck of Dick, after which she patted the young man condescendingly on the cheek. ¨C ?Fool, I checked you for conscientiousness! I see you don''t intend to cooperate with me¡­ It''s worse for you.?


    ?Damn it, Elsa¡­? ¨C Kyon clenched his teeth, feeling himself boiling inside. His head was already splitting with pain, and now it was ready to explode at all. And how is he supposed to get out of this situation? The girl obsessed with vanity will hand over "The Dark Baron" to the authorities with great pleasure, thereby bing famous for life. And given the reputation Dick has in Dantes, she will be idolized at all.


    Alternatively, he can use demonic medicine! However, as "The eyes of truth" show, the girl thoroughly took care of her safety: she poured pure energy into her nose. Indeed, she is not a fool. That incident with the leak of narcotic gas made her understand where to expect the attack.


    What else can be done? Is it really going toe down to a key purifying deal again?


    Elsa removed her bow and, shaking her head in disappointment, clicked her tongue: ?Dick-Dick, I had no idea that you were so rotten from the inside¡­ While working in the department, you developed a shadow megan under the nose of the government! And I was wondering how you managed to destroy seven shadow ns at once¡­ Why you didn''t catch "The Dark Baron" in six months¡­ How you were connected with his escape¡­ And you and he, it turns out, are the same person! How dare you exploit the entire capital for profit?! Where is your humanity?!?


    ?No matter how dirty the business, do it well. This is my principle.?


    Judging by the obvious contempt on Elsa''s face, she did not share his principles. However, now she was more interested in something else: ?How did you manage to deceive me in the fortune-telling session??


    ?Easier than a stupid bunny.? ¨C Kyon grinned venomously.


    The beautiful eyes of the blonde incinerated Dick. She was once again convinced that "The Dark Baron" should not be underestimated. He was even able to trick her soul-reading ability, although no one had ever managed to do that before! He is very dangerous.


    Stone abruptly changed the subject: ?That nasty girl, "The ck Queen", I think¡­ You met in Boston, right? Satisfy my curiosity, tell me how did you manage to get her? She is so strong, and her character¡­?


    ?Maybe I''m much more attractive and charismatic than you think??


    ?Pfft!? ¨C Elsa snorted derisively. ¨C ?I''d rather believe that a nutcase attracts simr ones! And you, as the king of all assholes, easily led them¡­ For example, Albert, who made medicine for his son-rapist¡­ Why did you be his disciple, the so-called "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron"??


    But Kyon was not even given time to respond:


    ?Because you decided to make a name for yourself with his help! I immediately suspected something was wrong when I found out that Albert took the student on the very day he was disclosed! You made a deal with him: salvation in exchange for reputation! And it didn''t bother you at all that he''s a disgusting creature helping his son **** an innocent girl! How disgusting you are¡­ There is nothing human in you!?


    Kyon could have shut her up by telling her that Albert was already dead, but he wisely kept silent. If Elsa finds out the name of the doctor who "treats" her boyfriend in the future, she will immediately understand everything.


    Lovr rolled his eyes: ?Why are you telling me all this??


    ?To tell you to your face everything that I think about you!? ¨C Elsa raised her voice.


    ?No¡­ It''s not that simple. You want to devalue my merits in order to get rid of your inferiorityplex, developed because of thepetitor who surpasses you in everything. Say, if I am so bad and rotten from the inside, then all my sesses in the field of investigations, alchemy and formacy are worthless, and you can consider yourself the best in all these areas with a clear conscience.?


    Elsa was caught off guard by Dick''s words. She looked like she had been doused with ice water. Again he reads her like an open book! The girl looked at the fat man with a sizzling look and said angrily: ?Fuck you!?


    ?This is to be expected.? ¨C Kyon nodded understandingly.


    {It''s so infuriating!} ¨C Elsa knew about Dick''s ability to infuriate his opponents, so, being ready for anything, she quickly calmed down and moved on to thest topic that worried her, speaking in a frighteningly quiet and calm voice. ¨C ?I noticed some curious coincidences¡­ At the tournament of families, the messenger of the goddess was able to defeat Timothy, who surpassed him by eighteen stages, and in Cernos, Dick defeated a girl who surpassed him by the same eighteen stages; the messenger of the goddess was officially adopted by the Stones, and Dick is also from the Stones, Diana will not lie. Let''s add to this your ability to take the form of anyone, as well as your unsurpassed skills as an alchemist and a formacist, and also we will not forget Kara, who, despite her contempt for men, married the freak contrary tomon sense¡­ We can draw a logical conclusion that you are Kyon Stone! The cursed messenger of the goddess!?


    {Damn it¡­} ¨C Lovr could not refute the girl''s words in any way. Any attempts are doomed to failure, no matter what fairy tales he tells her. Having revealed his ability to transform, the girl found thest piece of the puzzle to put the whole picture together.


    A sudden pause in the conversation made it clear to Elsa that she had hit the nail on the head. The graceful face of the girl turned stern, and she aimed a new arrow at the criminal''s forehead: ?Lousy creature, you enved my sister! You gave her orders! I¡­ I¡­?


    ?Will you kill me? Your stepbrother?? ¨C Kyon smiled wearily.


    ?You are not my brother, you sly-assed nit!? ¨C the girl grinned angrily.


    Elsa has been trying to figure out for a long time what is Dick''s secret, where did such aprehensively developed geniuse from?! And it turns out that he is the messenger of the goddess! The monster that possesses 9 elements, capable of defeating opponents 2 phases higher than his own!


    Until recently, Stone was consoled by only one thought: she is much more talented and stronger than Dick. However, now the blonde''s heart ached, because in less than two or three years Kyon Stone would inevitably surpass her in strength. As for his talent for development, his limit is in any case disproportionately higher.


    ?And what are you going to do with me next?? ¨C asked Lovr.


    ?I¡­? ¨C Elsa would like to somehow release all her indignation on Dick, but she will not stoop to physical violence. This approach is out of her character. She had to put away her bow and say the following. ¨C ?I''ll hand you over to the empress. I will send her a nephrite with a record of your transformation. I''m sure she will punish you properly. Her wrath will fully pay for all the suffering that Juno went through your fault¡­?


    Suddenly, Kyon interrupted the girl: ?I''m suggesting something else. Just don''t do anything stupid.? ¨C without sudden movements, he took out a nephrite from behind his back and activated it. A screen appeared, the picture of which disyed someone''s chambers. Judging by the blonde peacefully snuffling in her bed, they belong to Juno! Suddenly, the girl screamed without waking up, and blood gushed from her nose. Everything stopped as quickly as it started.


    All colors disappeared from Elsa''s face, and her body trembled. What did she just see?!


    Lovr ruthlessly said: ?The life of your beloved sister is in my hands. If I wish, her brains will turn into mush. If I die, the same will happen to her. As you can see, the ability of my unique body gives me some opportunities even though you put amunication-jamming barrier on the house, and a cor blocking the forces on me.?


    Elsa swayed dazedly, gasping for air like a beached fish while her eyes filled with moisture.


    ?You see, I''m not an idiot, I''ve protected myself from such a sneaky person as you. At the fortune-telling session, you recklessly told me that you love your sister. Now I''m going to use your vulnerable spot, bunny.? ¨C in the end, Kyon smiled confidently, taking the dangerous situation under his control.


    Lovr has just created a fake screen using Synergy. He couldn''t send it to Juno''s head because of the barrier that Elsa had thoughtfully put on the house, but it didn''t matter. There is no reason not to y a usible bluff based on the truth.


    ?No¡­ Impossible! You''re fooling me somehow!? ¨C Elsa protested.


    ?I am the messenger of the goddess. Everything is possible for me!? ¨C Kyon said ominously and snapped his fingers, creating a blue sh, which caused the sleeping Juno to howl in pain on the screen again, and blood trickled from her nose and eyes. The suffering of an innocent beauty caused incredible pity for her.


    Elsa instantly went berserk, aimed her bow at the fat man''s forehead and screamed: ?If you hurt her again, and I swear to the goddess that I will shoot your head off!? ¨C obviously, she believed what she saw. The blue sh made her realize that even though the elements were blocked, the messenger of the goddess could use some other power. And the barrier she imposed on the house, jamming the connection, seems to be powerless in this case.


    ?Shoot, my dear. But remember: together with me, you will take your little sister to the next world.?


    The blonde clenched her teeth. Is Kyon bluffing? It''s impossible to know for sure. But even if the risk is only 1%, she wouldn''t dare to risk her sister''s life. The hatred on the wless face of the girl was reced by helplessness and, finally, humility. She lowered her bow and hissed: ?You win, you damned messenger of the goddess! You won''t hurt Juno, and in exchange I''ll leave you alone! Deal??


    ?Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Kyon threw back his head andughed wickedly. ¨C ?You broke into my house in the middle of the night, twisted me and promised to hand me over to the empress for ughter! And now you hope to get away with it? Well, no, Elzochka, you won''t get off so easily¡­?

 Chapter 513

    Chapter 513¡¡¡¡Pink as a ripe peach, Elsa pierced the intruder with a fiery look: ?Why did youe to me?!?


    ?I go where I want¡­? ¨C Kyon snorted.


    ?Why didn''t youe invisible?! Why exactly at this moment, when I had a crowd of fans with me?! Did you do this on purpose?! Strange rumors will spread because of you!?


    ?Why should I care?? ¨C Lovr smiled carelessly.


    Elsa tried to pull herself together, but she didn''t do it well. Finally, she asked almost calmly: ?What is the reason for your visit at such an inconvenient time??


    ?It''s quite convenient for me¡­? ¨C Kyon repliedzily and headed to the second floor.


    When the blonde saw that the fat man casually opened the door to her chambers, she caught her breath from indignation: ?Y-you can''t go there! Get out!?


    ?I ¨C can. Are you stupid or are you pretending to be?? ¨C he stared at her in surprise.


    Elsa''s mouth opened and closed soundlessly. She couldn''t find the words. After a couple of moments, the girl spoke: ?Then what are you up to?! Are you going to stare at my underwear again?! You can''t stoop to that¡­ You''re the messenger of the goddess!?


    ?What a petty maniption¡­ I will do it, If I want to. But I have a better idea.? ¨C Kyon kicked off his shoes and sat on the edge of the bed. ¨C ?Give me a foot massage. I''ll give you a little lesson to get you used to humiliating orders.?


    The blonde froze as if rooted to the spot. She didn''t do that even to Rose!


    ?Come on. My feet won''t massage themselves.? ¨C Kyon hurried her.


    ?I don''t want to give Dick a foot massage! Transform into Kyon!? ¨C Stone pleaded.


    ?Denied.?


    ?Oh please! Why did you create such an ugly personality at all?!? ¨C Elsa, with all her desire, could not see in Dick that handsome young man who brought the Stones to the 1st position at the tournament of families. They seem to be from different worlds.


    ?There were many reasons, but I won''t tell you about them. Hurry up and get started!?


    All the colors have gone from Elsa''s face. Her shoulders sagged in despair. The girl humbly walked to the edge of the bed and knelt down. In such a humiliating pose in front of Dick¡­ Her head was spinning because of such a blow to pride.


    Kyon felt Stone''s light, uneven breathing on his feet, and then the awkward touch of gentle cool hands. The favorite of half of the order began to clumsily massage the feet of her hated master with her elegant long fingers.


    Elsa was almost choking with humiliation. She was especially annoyed by the condescending look of the young man. All fans will give their souls for a foot massage performed by her, and even Rose would be infinitely ttered if she gave him such a mind-blowing birthday present, but the nasty Dick got the massage for free! Just out of a whim! How did ite to this?!


    ?You know, your little sister was better at it.? ¨C Kyon did not forget to add fuel to the fire.


    A suffocating thirst for blood came from Elsa. Thedy wrinkled her nose angrily, and phoenixes lit up in her eyes: ?If you say even one more word, I will tear off your rotten head!? ¨C the blonde was really afraid to break loose and kill the bastard from the very thought that the beautiful sister had massaged the feet of the messenger of the goddess by order.


    A minuteter, Stone forcibly discarded the bad thoughts and noticed that the fat man''s face softened and even was filled with bliss. He leaned back and closed his eyelids peacefully. However, after a few seconds, the blonde''s eyes widened: by passive scanning, she felt against her will that something was growing in size in Dick''s underpants¡­ And the mobility in his groin clearly became noticeable!


    The attention of the beauty was entirely focused on what a self-respecting girl would not think about: on the genitals of the young man! No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t force herself to ignore it. In addition, she has not yet learned how to disable passive scanning. The third eye saw everything!


    The penis continued to gradually increase in size. Eventually it became so absurdly huge that it could hardly fit in his underpants, the blonde involuntarily swallowed because of this. Rose, when he became very aroused during her recent visit, had a much smaller penis!


    Elsa now looked like a bunny gnawing a carrot next to their of a big bad wolf: she unconsciously continued to massage the young man''s feet while her heart was jumping out of her chest. The girl seemed to have fallen out of reality and did not understand what she was doing. She was afraid to even move! For her, this whole situation has be a new crazy experience, and it cannot be said that it is a good one.


    How should she react? What to do? To attack or to run? To be afraid, to cry, to shout, tough or to smile? Stone couldn''t think of anything better than to pretend that she didn''t notice anything. However, her beautiful face turned treacherously pink.


    After a few minutes, the young man sniffed, and Elsa trotted out of the room to wash her face with cold water and cool her ardor. She felt dirty. Did the blonde me the messenger of the goddess? Not much. The fact was that his arousal was normal, after all, the youngdy so excellent in every sense massaged his feet. On the contrary, if he wasn''t aroused, it would, in theory, even be insulting. However, the decent and well-mannered Stone would not even think about it.


    Kyon opened his eyes and went to the window. With the help of the spatial attribute, he took off his clothes and moved the blue panties from the bedside table into his hands. If he had acted on his own, Elsa would have felt it ande running. Then he opened the curtains.


    More than ten fans, still surrounding the house, stared at the naked Dick, philosophically looking into the distance from the window. But this window was clearly not in the fortune-telling room. It''s from Elsa''s chambers! And the pretty blue panties were hanging on the fat man''s arm. Stone just recently said that she loves this color more than others.


    To say that what they saw shocked the young people is to say nothing. They went catatonic for several minutes and could notprehend what they saw: the naked Dick with their favorite''s panties in his hands was looking out of the window of her chambers? WHAT?!


    Having achieved the desired result, Kyon closed the curtains and returned the underwear to the cab. He came to Elsa for three reasons: to enjoy a foot massage; to humiliate her significantly - to let Stone know what to be ready for; and, most importantly, to prepare the ground for harvesting from Rose. The rumors will definitely reach his ears. He will be annoyed with jealousy.


    However, the foot massage performed by the beauty hardly improved Lovr''s mood. After all, Valeera is now in captivity, the daughters have escaped, the body is still recovering, and Juno''s wedding is at stake. Preparation is preparation, but the risks are still huge.


    After finishing with Elsa, Kyon left the house, surrounded by fans, teleporting to a clone, and in the guise of Albert visited his negligent patient. The week-long absence did not arouse suspicion and did not affect anything. The course of hormone therapy treatment has long been prescribed. Daily attendance was not required.


    During the visit, the family doctor of the Valentines - Phillip - was also present in the room. He told about the new symptoms of his master. The inspection also confirmed them. Rose wanted to tell about something, but he didn''t seem to have the courage.


    As Kyon understood, Valentine was worried about growing breasts and a shrinking penis. However, as soon as the guy showed a picture of the soul, where the dark spot decreased by 30%, Rose was overjoyed like a child who received a candy.


    ?My boy, I have some more good news for you. I recently got spiritual purification medicine. However, taking it now would be a mistake. We need to prepare you, and then we will eradicate all this disease at once! I think one week will be enough. Just after the tournament we will cure you.?


    ?Really?!? ¨C Valentine asked with hopeful eyes. ¨C ?Grandpappy, you have no idea how grateful I am to you! Thank you for helping me recover! I promise, when I get back on my feet, my family will generously repay you for your efforts!? ¨C he hugged the old man in a fit of feelings.


    ?I can''t wait for your recovery!? ¨C Kyon smiled wryly, pping the dead man on the back.


    ¡­


    It''s been two days.


    Kyon bought the keys from the Golden Pig trading guild, spending 200 million on them. From now on, he will have a scarce resource for teleportation trigrams with a margin. He also restored 90% of hisbat capability and even rose to the 6th stage of the noble phase. Now he was sure that the royal phasers at the middle stage were not opponents for him. He used to somehow cope with opponents 20 stages stronger, and now he not only has a hand developed to the end, but also "Light Cut" and "Dark Cut".


    Elsa - the imperial phaser at the 1st stage - boasts the highest development of all the students of the central zone of the order. She is followed by Roman and Rose, the royal phasers at the 7th stage. As for Timothy, Clementine and Seraphima - representatives of the dark ones and light ones - their development is in question. There is a chance that they are already stronger than Elsa.


    Evening came. The tournament will start in the morning, and the forests of Regan are 6,000 kilometers away.


    In fact, the audience had already arrived at the ce a long time ago - the stands were set up on the border of the forest. As for the participants, at night they will have a flight from the order to their destination.


    Almost 500 young people who signed up for participation and a small group of teachers went to the outskirts of the order to the runway, where huge birds were waiting for them ready to take off.


    Kyon, who was training in the basement of his house, was seriously surprised when he saw Juno walking to the runway. Did she sign up while he was vegetating in the pce? Why didn''t that stress hormone trick discourage her from participating? It''s too dangerous for her to take part!


    Lovr forced the girl to turn around, acting on her mood with Synergy to inspire thoughts like: "oh, fuck this tournament, I don''t need to participate in it at all". However, as soon as thedy had gone far enough, two tall, scary people approached her and forced her to turn back¡­


    {Oh no, not that¡­} ¨C Kyon pped his forehead in annoyance. Someone from above, whether it''s Juno''s patron, the headmaster or the zeroth general, has already decided everything for her: she must officially receive the title of junior disciple of the empress. Yeah, no wonder, after all, Stone is an incredibly gifted person in terms ofbat skill and pace of development.


    It turns out that Lovr will have to somehow look after his ?investment? at the tournament, otherwise she may be kidnapped and raped, thereby plucking a flower. He knew that this would happen, but he could not influence it in any way.


    Meanwhile, the students gathered on the runway. About a hundred sled animals of various breeds and colors were brought here in advance: ravens, owls, cranes, a few dragonflies and even a bat. But the disgusting creature, simr to a pterodactyl, mindlessly pecking dead rats out of a barrel, stood out the most. The rest of the birds looked at it with disdain and arrogance, but it didn''t care.


    The order owned a considerable part of the flying beasts, all the rest belonged to noble families. Among thetter, the formidable gray peregrine falcon, the treasure of the Valentines, stood out the most. It is extremely difficult to get at least one such bird, even for very rich families. Snowy owls are not even close to them in terms of speed and endurance. After all, falcons are the rulers of the air.


    The students began to jump into the saddles. Each bird could carry up to 10 passengers.


    Roman Clinton, with his chest proudly puffed out, walked next to Juno and openly flirted with her. He seemed to glow with happiness, after all, in 5 days he will have a wedding with the girl that even Walder can only dream of, and he even more so.


    ?If you fly with me, I promise not to touch you until the wedding! Dolly, my gray Murian sparrow is second only to a falcon in speed! Say yes!? ¨C Roman insisted.


    ?You''re a dolly!? ¨C Juno snapped coldly. ¨C ?I''d rather go on foot than fly with you on the same bird, you moron!? ¨C the girl venomously rejected Clinton''s offer and went to the birds belonging to the order - an analogue of public transport.


    When "the ruthless angel of the Stones" climbed on the feathered one with an empty saddle, five of her most ardent fans instantly materialized in the queue, and the other twenty fans staged a fight to the death for the remaining 4 seats.


    Flying half a day in the saddle almost side by side with the most beautiful girl in the world¡­ Is it possible to dream of more? This is how every Juno fan thought - they were ready to shed blood for such an opportunity! However, teachers intervened.


    {Would you rather fly with these nerds than with me?! Bitch!} ¨C Roman blushed with humiliation. The future wife trampled on his dignity in front of everyone. ¨C {Fuck it! Let''s see what happens in 5 days when I fuck you and you can''t live without my dick!}


    Meanwhile, the golden couple of the order passed by: Elsa and Rose.


    Valentine looked unhealthy: a pale face, reddened eyes, hoarse breathing, and for some reason he put a hat on his head. It didn''t suit him very well.


    ?Are you sure you should participate?? ¨C Elsa asked with a slight concern in her voice.


    Rose smiled tightly and said with feigned cheerfulness: ?It''s all right, dear. I can handle it. I will definitely receive the title of junior disciple of the empress, and then we will have such a great wedding that the whole world will remember it!?


    ?Yes¡­ Sure.? ¨C the blonde nodded briefly, remembering the promise.


    Valentine smiled and helped the girl to climb on the falcon. They will fly alone, in a romantic atmosphere. Nothing can spoil this wonderful flight.


    An hour has passed, and there are 5 minutes left before departure. All the birds had their passengers, and only one was empty ¨C a winged lizard that looked like a pterodactyl.


    ?What rank do you think this vile creature is?? ¨C a disciple asked the other one, grinning.


    ?I have no idea¡­ I''ve never seen such mutants before. It looks scary, but I bet it''s definitely not higher than "D" rank, and given its development of the superior phase, I doubt that it will even reach the destination by the start of the tournament!?


    ?Ah-ha-ha! Really! I''ll be surprised if it doesn''t run out of steam along the way!? ¡­ ?Ah-ha-ha! Was it taken in bulk? At the local market?!? ¡­ ?I would be embarrassed to fly on such a thing!? ¨C having nothing to do, the students mocked the strange flying beast.


    ?Look, Dick hase!? ¨C the appearance of Dick, as always, caused a strong reaction. ¨C ?Is he going to participate?!? ¡­ ?Come on! Isn''t he too weak for such a tournament??


    Noticing "the master", Elsa immediately turned away and pursed her lips. His appearance did not surprise her, after all, such an ambitious person would not miss the opportunity to receive the title of "junior disciple of the empress".


    Until now, that episode with a foot massage could not get out of the blonde''s head. Last night she had a nightmare in which Dick''s penis was growing for so long that it filled the whole room and did not allow her to breathe. Then it seems to have flown after her through the order, like a Kraken tentacle, and it even seemed to grab her leg, but the girl, fortunately, forgot the continuation.


    Rose looked at Baker with hostility and at the same time gloating. If the fat man is really going to participate, then this is the perfect opportunity to get rid of him!


    Also, Valentine could not help but notice the strange reaction of his betrothed. Of course, thetest rumors reached him, but are they true? They were probably embellished, but even so, the desire to destroy Baker was maddening.


    When the fat man climbed onto the most disgusting flying animal on the runway - the pterodactyl of the miserable superior phase,zily pecking at dead rats - the lion''s share of the students reacted unequivocally. Why didn''t they immediately guess who the owner of this monster was? Not for nothing people say: the owner and his horse are simr!

 Chapter 514

    Chapter 514¡¡¡¡?Does this lizard belong to Dick?!? ¡­ ?I take my words back. This flying beast is definitely not "D" rank, but at least "A" rank!? ¡­ ?And if you look closely, it looks quite good¡­? ¡­ ?I would probably fly on this one!? ¡­ ?I bet it will overtake everyone!? ¨C after finding out who the owner of the animal was, the students immediately changed their minds.


    Kyon got the flying lizard that resembled a pterodactyl from themander of an elite demon reconnaissance squad, and its development was reduced by a concealment bracelet. He wanted to make a deal with the students on who would arrive first, but it seems that it will not work: they don''t underestimate him anymore. They''ve learned that the hard way.


    The senior teacher looked at his watch and waved his hand: ?Let''s fly out!?


    Roman, driving the Murian sparrow, and Rose, riding the gray falcon, nced defiantly at Dick and pulled the reins. In their opinion, even if this lizard is actually "S" rank, with its development of the superior phase, it will be significantly inferior to them in speed. That''s why the guys were confident in their superiority in terms of takeoff speed.


    However, as soon as Kyon lightly waved the reins, the flying lizard soared into the sky with such speed that powerful air currents overturned the nearest birds. The arrogance and disdain in the looks of the high-born duo were reced by amazement and fear.


    Rose and Roman opened their mouths in shock. However, the other students did the same: ?Gosh! What a speed!? ¡­ ?And I told you that it is at least an "A" rank beast!? ¡­ ?Wow¡­ It''s crazy¡­ This is to be expected from Dick Baker''s flying beast!?


    Elsa was less surprised than the others. She had expected something like this from the messenger of the goddess.


    ¡­


    Kyon reached the destinationte at night. From a bird''s-eye view, the masterwork of the earth magicians caught his eye ¨C a kind of Colosseum, but cut exactly in half. It can easily amodate 25 thousand spectators.


    Lovr was greeted uponnding. After examining the formation, he was offered to spend the night in a nearby town. That''s exactly what he did.


    By 8 am, the rest of the participants arrived. It was 3 hours before the tournament start ceremony, so the young people had time to be with their families.


    Kyon witnessed the long-awaited meeting of Juno with her family. Bai hugged his granddaughter so tightly, as if he never wanted to let her go again¡­ Diana also did not stand aside. They had a conversation about life in the order. The girl''s mother tried to start a conversation about her daughter''s future fiance, Roman Clinton, but the youngdy tactfully evaded the conversation.


    Catching the disapproving attitude of his granddaughter to the uing celebration, Bai became noticeably gloomy. He always wished her only happiness, including in family life. He even once organized a party to find her a husband for love, not for convenience. But the Clintons decided everything for them - they bought the wedding for Tokens. Is it possible not to be upset about this?


    {So did Kyon choose Elsa?} ¨C Diana suggested hopefully. Otherwise, Kyon would have somehow broken off her youngest daughter''s uing engagement. At the very least, he would have run away with Juno from the empire.


    The meetingsted more than an hour, but Elsa never showed up, although she could have if she wanted to. She seemed to avoid meeting on purpose and even ignored Diana''s calls. The truth is that the girl, seeing the faces of her rtives, felt guilty for running away from the family several years ago, leaving only one note ¨C "Do not look for me. I left to be stronger and find my father".


    Diana, for example, while Kyon was studying at Cernos, had to try hard to find out the frequency of her eldest daughter''s sound transmitter: she turned to Bai to ask him to turn to Juno (she would listen only to him) to ask her to turn to some reputable master in the order who knows the right frequency. And all this was necessary in order to organize a meeting between the messenger of the goddess and the eldest daughter, during which Kyon must decide whether he wants to marry her.


    As soon as Juno saw Roman Clinton approaching her with two elders on the sides, she immediately left. Thest thing in the world she wanted to be present during a family conversation between the Stones and the Clintons.


    By eleven o''clock all the seats in the stands were upied. With feathered spies, Kyon found many familiar faces, including princess Haya, Marina, Julia, Franz, and princes on whom he haspromising evidence. The heads of the kingdoms were absent. They will arrive only at the final tournament, where the top 64 will fight each other. But the patriarchs, on the contrary, honored the event with their presence. However, no one could find Horace and Monty.


    The annual tournament of the order is only a qualifying tournament, the logical continuation andpletion of which is the tournament for the right to be a disciple of the empress, which will take ce in a week. But even so, its significance is difficult to underestimate, after all, 500 of the most promising geniuses of the young generation of the empire take part in it.


    At 11:00 am, the bugle sounded, and the participants took the stage.


    Thunderous apuse rang out. Certain individuals received especially much attention: the incredible beauty Elsa; Rose and his hat, which did not suit him at all; the cutie Juno, whom everyone mistakenly considered an angel descended from heaven; Roman and, oddly enough, Dick.


    The faces of the three princes of Liberia, who had previously suffered from Baker at the forest tournament, were hideously distorted: ?It''s¡­ It''s him!? ¡­ ?Gosh, what the hell is this bastard doing here?! Did he enter the order?!? ¡­ ?Is he really going to take the first position in this tournament at the expense of his family''s wealth?!?


    Princess Haya''s eyes shed with lightning as she stared at Dick with icy hatred. This scumbag still has a recording of her half-naked posing for a visual formation. Because of him, she raped Franz and married him!


    Franz looked at Dick with profound gratitude and respect. Everything that the former formacist of the Stones now has: youth, three girls, the status of a prince and even talent is the merit of the young man.


    Marina covered her lips with her palms. She really wanted to see Kyon.


    Diana and Bai did not know that Kyon and Dick were the same person, so they quickly lost interest in him. Elsa, whom they saw for the first time in several years, attracted their attention.


    The deputy headmaster stepped forward and raised his hands. When the ovation subsided, he gave a long speech. After a while, the man got to the point: ?As you know, five hundred and forty years ago, General Regan Russell drove all the supreme beasts out of these ces. Since then, this forest has not posed a serious threat. For our today''s participants - lord phasers and royal phasers - it is safe here just like on a walk in a well-groomed city park. The forest does not need to reduce the poption of lower animals. The essence of the tournament is to identify the sixty-four best students of the order for further selection!?


    The spectators in the stands burst into a standing ovation.


    The deputy headmaster turned to the participants and waved his wrist, which had a strong bracelet of pale green color:


    ?The rules of the tournament are as follows: each of you will be given a bracelet with a tournament formation inside. Its removal or destruction is punishable by disqualification. There are three functions in the formation.?


    ?The first one ¨C you can activate the rm and you will get help, but you will be disqualified. Also, if you leave the tournament area - a circle with a diameter of a thousand kilometers - the bracelet will ring, and after five minutes it will send an rm. You will be taken away. You will be disqualified.?


    ?The second one ¨C once an hour you can find out the direction, distance and approximate level of development of the five participants closest to you. You should understand that if the practitioners have the sixth stage of the royal phase, then you will only know that he is a royal phaser at the middle stage. What to do with the information received is up to you. Think with your head. Consider the risks.?


    ?The third one - the tournament formation imposes an invisible barrier that fits tightly to the body, which recognizes the missed blows. No more than once a second, you can lose or take five percent of the points on the bnce if you miss or strike a quick blow to the body. It is impossible to lose points by missing a blow to the head, otherwise the risk of injuring someone is too high. As for the arms and legs, you attack and defend with them, so they are not taken into ount in the calction of points. Keep in mind: you should not attack or defend with your chest and shoulder, because even in the case of a sessful attack, you will lose points. By the way, at the beginning of the tournament, each participant has exactly one thousand points on the bnce, which means that one missed attack will take away fifty points from you. But if you have two thousand points on your bnce, then a missed attack will take one hundred points.?


    ?You should also know that for remote attacks inflicted or missed from five meters or more, half as many points are given and taken away, and if the distance exceeds one hundred meters, then no points are given or taken away at all. The barrier is designed in such a way that it transfers points to the nearest participant in the direction of the missed shot.?


    ?It is also important that you cannot take more than half of the points avable to a particr participant on the bnce more often than once every twelve hours. During this period of time, you will also not be able to track the victim through the second function of the formation - search. In other words, once you have dealt ten more blows than your opponent, you will be able to continue the duel only after twelve hours. Also keep in mind that you are not invulnerable for the next twelve hours. Nobody forbids another participant to attack you and also take away half of the avable points with ten sessful chest attacks.?


    While the deputy headmaster described all the details with examples, the two participants whispered to each other: ?Incredibly difficult formation! It tracks, and imposes a barrier on the body, and reads blows, and distributes points¡­ Who created it?!?


    ?I heard that master Julius has been working on it for thest two months¡­ He is still missing somewhere. Probably, he was given a vacation after hard work.?


    Elsa, who had overheard the conversation, closed her eyelids gloomily. For thest 10 days she could not contact the masters Feng and Julius. She was restless. What if something happened to them? But two such influential people can''t suddenly disappear at the same time¡­ What a pity that there is no one to get information from. Nobody knows anything.


    ?And now let''s move on to the restrictions!? ¨C the deputy headmaster continued. ¨C ?Stalking or taking hostages is punishable by disqualification. Murder or intentional injury is punishable to the fullest extent of thew. It is forbidden to unite or give in. If we notice that members of the same family have met and dispersed without a fight, or are trying to agree on something over a sound transmitter, or have organized a group to hunt the rest of the members, then they will be disqualified for collusion. It is also forbidden to deliberately destroy other people''s tournament bracelets. However, they are quite strong, so it is unlikely that you will seed, unless you specifically set this goal.?


    ?The tournament willst exactly three days. Soon you will be taken to different points of the forest on flying birds. As soon as yound, the tournament has already started for you. Now put on your bracelets and get ready for takeoff. And our viewers will be able to see the entire battle in real time on an interactive screen!?


    With thest word of the deputy headmaster, the huge round screen appeared in front of the stands, on which a single green dot was blinking with the inscription above it ¨C "Deputy headmaster - a royal phaser at the finishing stage - 1000 points".


    The spectators burst into apuse from the stands. This year''s qualifying tournament is interesting not only from the point of view of the rules, but it is also visual: you can find out in real time who is fighting with whom and who has more points!


    While the participants were wearing bracelets, the three princes of Liberia grumbled to themselves: ?What a pity¡­ There is no ban on the use of formations!? ¡­ ?It will be easier for the rich to take higher positions¡­? ¡­ ?Will the damned Dick take first ce again?!?


    When Juno put on the bracelet, and the inscription ¨C "Juno Stone - a lord phaser at the finishing stage - 1000 points" appeared on the screen, the young Stones gasped in amazement. Only a few of them barely broke into the noble phase, but she is already a lord phaser at the finishing stage! And two and a half years ago, at the Stones'' party, she was a base phaser! The pace of her development defiesmon sense. To call her monstrously gifted is to greatly underestimate the real state of affairs.


    Bai almost cried with happiness at all: ?My granddaughter has be so strong! Oh, how proud I am of her! I hope that everyone in the Clinton family will love and respect her!?


    But a much bigger shock was caused by the development of Elsa, who put on the bracelet right after her sister - an imperial phaser at the beginning stage! The elite among the elites in Rosarrio! The phase of development that the Stones could not even reallyprehend.


    Seeing her older sister''s development, Juno nearly choked with envy.


    Soon the participants were put on birds and sent to the forest in groups of 50 people.


    Before climbing on the bird, Rose furtively nodded to the participants from his family.


    Roman - wow! - did exactly the same.


    Valentine and Clinton clearly intended to get rid of Dick at the first opportunity.


    Kyon just smiled coldly. He has demonic medicine, the protective barrier of the zeroth general, and with his own strength he will beat any royal phaser at the middle stage. What can they do to counter him? Moreover, it is forbidden to unite in groups!

 Chapter 515

    Chapter 515¡¡¡¡A huge broad-winged bird froze over the crowns of a majestic coniferous forest. At themand of the organizer, the fat young man jumped down from a height of 30 meters,nding on both feet. The tournament has just officially started for Dick Baker.


    Kyon took a deep breath of resinous air and took out about a thousand feathered zombie scouts from the ring. They will definitely be useful to him. Next, he activated the search through the tournament formation. A miniature screen appeared above the bracelet with a built-inpass, on which 5 dots were disyed, and above each approximately the following inscription: "154 kilometers - a lord phaser at the peaking stage". After 15 seconds, the screen turned off.


    {Five hundred participants, each with a thousand points on the bnce. To be guaranteed to enter the top sixty-four, I will need to score five thousand points ¨C to defeat only ten participants. Easy.} ¨C Kyon reasoned. If other participants are motivated to fight by awards for prize ces, then he is not.


    Lovr was much more worried about Juno. At the tournament of families, she barely managed to beat a practitioner 8 stages higher, and only because the opponent turned out to be convenient. Now she is a lord phaser at the 8th stage and she has the ability to read the intentions of the soul. Does this mean that she will be able to defeat a royal phaser at the 6th stage? Not a fact. The fact is that there is a gap between the lord phase and royal phase that exceeds one stage. This gap is almost imperceptible on the phases below, but the higher the phase¡­


    It is also important that Juno will probably have to deal with several opponents at once, because there are too many people in the order who want to pluck her flower, even though he will have to pay for it with his life.


    Kyon will have to look after his investment. And if the Walders suddenly appear, then he has only one way to protect his stepsister, and that is quite risky.


    On the way to the girl, Lavr decided to dispel some doubts, so he slightly deviated from the route towards one of the participants. It turned out to be Kolya ¨C the guy who "beat" him due to the instigation of a crowd of debtors after Juno''s duel with XiaoXiao and Master Zheng. What a nice coincidence!


    ?Wa-a-a-ah!? ¨C Kolya jumped in fright, seeing the fat man suddenly materializing in front of him, and pointed at him with his finger. ¨C ?It''s you! A fat simnt, plump as hell from every touch! You scared me¡­ Wait, how did you sneak up on me unnoticed??


    ?Why can''t I??


    ?Okay, whatever. I''m d I met a weakling like you first.? ¨C Kolya slowly began to raise his fist.


    ?Me too.? ¨C Kyon smiled ominously and knocked out the opponent with a light p in the face.


    ~BANG~


    The sturdy young lord phaser at the middle stage somersaulted in the air several times andnded on his head. Kolya could not react to such a swift blow in any way.


    Kyon kicked the guy in the chest ten times with an interval of one second, and each blow was apanied by a light ring from the tournament bracelet, signaling the replenishment of the bnce.


    Seeing 1050 points on his bnce instead of the expected 1500, Lovr clutched his head: {Oh no¡­ The zeroth general, damn you!} ¨C it turns out that the usual penalty of 95% works here too. It would be incorrect to say that the path of the messenger of the goddess has be 20 times more difficult, because he is given only 3 days, during which he needs to score about 100,000 points, which is 20% of the total number of points of all participants.


    {Son of a bitch, what will this test of my abilities give you?! What are you trying to achieve?!} ¨C Lovr tried to calm down, discard unnecessary thoughts and focus on the task. Getting into the top 64 is difficult, but not impossible. He will need the help of a puppet.


    As soon as Elsanded, she immediately heard the annoying voice of Dick in her head:


    {?Move east.?}


    The blonde''s eyebrows went up: {How did he know I had justnded? And why east? What''s he up to?} ¨C shaking her head, the girl headed north, but suddenly the voice sounded in her ear again:


    {?Fool, I told you - move east, but you went north. Don''t you know where the east is? Oh god¡­?}


    Elsa blushed because of the reproach of the messenger of the goddess. He treats her like aplete fool. But she was also worried about something else: {Is he following me?! How?!} ¨C the girl quickly realized that it was because of the formation imposed on her ¨C it probably has a built-in tracking function. It looks like she will have to obey.


    Half an hourter, the blonde met with a participant, who turned out to be a handsome, long-haired blond named Valentine, who was well known to her.


    ?Elsa?!? ¨C Rose was taken aback by such a "pleasant"bination of circumstances.


    ?Rose, what a surprise¡­? ¨C the girl looked extremely embarrassed.


    ?Really¡­ What a stupid coincidence.? ¨C the blond smiled sourly.


    ?I, well¡­? ¨C Elsa drawled. ¨C ?You understand that I can''t just leave, don''t you??


    ?Yes, of course¡­ Otherwise, we may be used of collusion. Attack, dear.?


    ?I''m sorry¡­ I''m starting.? ¨C the blonde whispered guiltily and attacked Rose. She attacked him not to hurt or humiliate him, but only to take points.


    Stone was moving so fast that Rose couldn''t follow her. Every second he lost 50 points, trying in vain to prevent it somehow. It would seem that there are only 4 stages of difference between them, and everything should not be so hopeless, but it is also worth considering the gap between the royal and imperial phases.


    Ten secondster, Elsa whispered: ?I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to¡­? ¨C and disappeared.


    {Five hundred points¡­ Well, okay. I''ll catch up again.} ¨C Valentine consoled himself, adjusting his hat, and put a pill in his mouth. Albert said to take them strictly on schedule.


    {Why did I meet him?} ¨C the girl was perplexed. ¨C {Did Kyon take me to him on purpose? But how would he know where Rose was?..}


    Soon the girl met with the next opponent - Timothy, the one whom she once defeated at the tournament of families, and he then announced that he would make her his wife.


    ?Long time no see, Elsa.? ¨C the handsome ck-haired boy smiled affably.


    ?Yes. Will you give me the points in a good way or in a bad way?? ¨C Stone asked coolly.


    ?Heh, do I look like a coward, afraid to sh with a strong girl??


    ?Don''t pretend to be brave. If you want me to beat you, then so be it. You were not my opponent then, you are not my opponent now.?


    ?Yes, but it won''t always be like this!? ¨C Timothy shook his finger. ¨C ?Four months ago I was a lord phaser at the peaking stage, and now I''m a royal phaser at the eighth stage¡­ Do you think you can resist me in six months?? ¨C the guy winked meaningfully.


    Kyon, having overheard Timothy''s words, refused to believe that some brat was developing faster than himself. Most likely, he is just rapidly returning to his original development ¨C after all, he is a representative of the alien race ¨C that''s what causes such a pace.


    ?And why are you telling me this?? ¨C Elsa squinted unkindly.


    ?Because your boyfriend is not even worth my finger!? ¨C Timothy shouted, and his body was covered with a thin film of bright moonlight. The hands sparkled with lightning.


    He wanted to say something else, but wisely kept silent, because he was afraid that the Valentines would want to get rid of him, since his ns go against their interests.


    ?Well done, you managed to piss me off!? ¨C Elsa instantly attacked Timothy with her fist in the gut, but he miraculously managed to react and put a block, but still rolled twenty meters head over heels, breaking two thick trees with his body.


    Wiping the blood from his bitten lip, the former Brown grinned crookedly and rushed into battle¡­


    Kyon, watching the duel through the birds, noticed something interesting: the girl absorbed the lightning of the former Brown, as the voracious keys of light and darkness absorbed light and darkness, respectively! But that doesn''t mean that the blonde has such an ether key, right? She seems to be keeping a secret in her body.


    Elsa was surprised that Timothy was able to give her at least some rebuff, being at the end of the royal phase. Rose, for example, offered almost no resistance. Yes, there is a one-stage difference between them, but it also seems to be a matter of the quality of power. It took her 30 seconds to deliver 10 punches on the guy''s body! Surprisingly, the former Brown is already stronger than Valentine, and significantly, and given the pace of his development, he will really soon catch up and overtake even her. Had she jumped to a conclusion by bing Rose''s girlfriend? Well, no. At that time he was the best. Now two more gifted monsters have appeared in the order - Kyon and Timothy. It''s not her fault.


    ?From now on, think with your head before you open your mouth.? ¨C said Elsa finally and left.


    The beaten Timothyughed bitterly, leaning against the trunk of the broken tree: {Rejoice while you can, Elzochka.} ¨C but inwardly he was grateful to the girl, because she did not beat him at full strength, otherwise there would be no living ce left of him, well, as it is, only a couple of bones are broken.


    Meanwhile, Kyon got close enough to Juno toe to her aid in case of emergency. Unfortunately, he could not use teleportation in the tournament, otherwise the zeroth general would find out about this ability. He should not reveal such a trump card to him. Especially because "The Dark Baron" also escaped from the department through teleportation.


    Through the birds, Lovr noticed another participant approaching him with a bloodthirsty grin on his face. Judging by the personality - a royal phaser at the 1st stage of the Valentines. Probably he found on the radar a one-of-a-kind "noble phaser at the middle stage" ¨C the enemy of Rose, and now rushes towards him at full speed to kill and then please his master.


    In thest moment before the blow, Kyon tilted his head to the side.


    ~FUH~


    ?Ho-oh-oh?!? ¨C Valentine drawled in surprise. ¨C ?How did you dodge?!? ¨C he attacked with all the speed avable to him, but some noble phaser at the middle stage was able to dodge? It was even more ridiculous than an elephant dodging lightning.


    ?Something made my neck ache¡­? ¨C Lovr pointedly crunched his cervical vertebrae, turning around.


    ?Let me help you straighten it¡­? ¨C Valentine said and attacked again.


    With a slight movement of his right hand, Kyon beat off his fist, as if he waved away a midge, and with a swift hook to the chin forced his opponent to kiss the ground.


    ?I don''t need a massage therapist.? ¨C with a cold smile, Kyon rejected the offer. The young man''s mood improved markedly. He defeated the royal phaser at the beginning stage in an instant! Recently, he could only dream of such a thing. He can''t help but rejoice!


    Less than half an hourter, another participant rushed to him. It''s very convenient to be a noble phaser at the middle stage. Everyone sees you as an easy victim and wants to take points.


    And at this time, Juno met her first opponent - a lord phaser at the 10th stage.


    ?Lady Juno, what an honor to fight you!? ¨C with a bawdy gleam in his eyes, the fat guy in a mask attacked the girl, spreading his arms, as if trying to catch a bunny. However, he had to pay for his total underestimation of the enemy and stupidity in his head.


    ~BOOM~


    Juno won with one well-aimed blow to the enemy''s groin. It''s not difficult to guess why she attacked there: the enemy got aroused.


    The fat man curled up, clutching his penis, and squeaked something unintelligible, while the beautiful girl mercilessly kicked him in the back, taking away his points.


    ?I hate horny fat men!? ¨C having taken away 50% of the points, Stone, proudly posing, was about to leave.


    ?I''m not fat¡­? ¨C the participant objected in falsetto.


    Juno, with the look of a bloodthirsty fury, abruptly turned around: ?What did you say?!? ¨C she ran back and began to knead the poor fellow''s sides with her feet, wanting to teach him a lesson.


    ?I''m fat! I am very fat! I''m the fattest in the world!? ¨C the masked fat man yelled.


    ?That''s better.? ¨C Juno nodded with satisfaction and left.


    ?Bitch, I''ll take revenge on you¡­? ¨C the pale young man promised in a whisper.


    ?What did you say?!? ¨C Juno shouted in a fury, appearing as if from nowhere¡­


    12 hours passed unnoticed. Night came.


    Juno met 15 opponents on her way. Many of them wore masks for some reason. One of them even turned out to be the royal phaser at the 3rd stage, but she had no problems with him either, although he forced her to be careful with his annoying techniques. ording to her approximate calctions, the real difficulties will begin to arise when she meets a royal phaser at the 5th stage.


    Kyon faced 20 opponents, each of whom he neutralized with one sharp right hook to the jaw. Only the royal phaser at the 4th stage managed to react to this attack. However, one blow with the back of the Scourge subdued his ardor.


    Elsa easily found her fleeing opponents due to her hunting skills, heightened senses and high development. They broke tree branches, left footprints and used the elements too noisily. In total, she managed to defeat 15 opponents. The girl was about to take the folding tent out of the ring, when she suddenly heard the voice of the messenger of the goddess - he ordered her to move west.


    ?Will you leave me alone or not?? ¨C the blonde muttered angrily under her breath and went in the indicated direction. After 15 minutes, a surprise awaited her.


    ?Elsa?!? ¨C Rose blurted out in amazement, clutching his head.


    ?H-hello¡­? ¨C the girl straightened her hair in confusion.


    ?We met again¡­? ¨C Valentine smiled bitterly.


    ?Yeah¡­ I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to¡­ It just happened that way.? ¨C Stone apologized.


    ?Yes, I understand¡­ And yet it is strange that exactly half a day has passed since ourst meeting¡­?


    ?What are you driving at?? ¨C the blonde frowned.


    ?Nothing!? ¨C Rose waved his palms. ¨C ?It''s just very weird¡­?


    ?Do you mind if I start??


    The guy sighed sullenly and forcedly raised his fists.


    After 15 seconds of ruthless removal of the points, Elsa folded her hands in a prayer gesture: ?I''m sorry, I really didn''t mean to¡­? ¨C having finished, she ran away with a crimson face. ¨C {Kyon, you''re such an asshole, how and why are you pushing me with Rose?!}


    ¡­


    Two invisible people were moving at an excessively high speed through the forest.


    {?We are crossing the border of Rosarrio.?} ¨C agent of the Walders sent a telepathic message, holding his finger on his wrist.


    {?Affirmative.?} ¨C a telepathic signal came from the formation.


    A littleter, having prated the tournament area, the man reported: {?We are in position. We begin to search for the target - Juno Stone.?}


    {?You have forty-six hours. Act immediately.?}

 Chapter 516

    Chapter 516¡¡¡¡?Three meetings in one day¡­ Once - an ident. Twice ¨C a coincidence. But three times ¨C a pattern! How do you find me?!? ¨C Valentine was indignant.


    ?Rose, I''m sorry, I really didn''t mean to¡­ If I could, I would avoid you¡­? ¨C Elsa pitifully arched her thin eyebrows and folded her palms in a gesture of prayer. Damn Kyon pushed her with the guy once again.


    ?Elsa, if you keep robbing me, I won''t even take the sixty-fourth ce and won''t be able to participate in the next tournament! Stop¡­ Are you doing it on purpose?! Do you want to prevent me from bing the empress''s disciple in order not to marry me?!? ¨C Valentine swayed because of this guess.


    ?No, Rose! Of course not! It is all because of¡­ Because of¡­?


    {Because of Dick?!} ¨C Valentine didn''t say it out loud. He took out a piece of paper and wrote the following on it ¨C "put a formation on me and, using it, avoid our collision".


    Elsa bit her lip. If she casts the formation and then Kyon forces her to meet Rose again, what will he think? But if she does not impose the formation, then he will be all the more convinced of the girl''s desire to evade the promise given to him.


    After hesitating, Stone nodded, put the formation on the guy, then without meeting any resistance, took half of the points with light pokes and ran away. She was trying to figure out why Kyon was forcing her to meet the guy. Does he really want to break them up in order to poach her? But she doubted that the messenger of the goddess liked her. Or does he like her after all?


    Half an hourter, the girl decided to have lunch. As soon as she started to eat, she felt someone approaching by passive scanning and almost choked on a piece of meat¡­ Judging by the development and shape of the body, this someone is Dick Baker!


    {?Hello. I''vee to take away half of the points you''ve earned.?}


    ?Seriously?!? ¨C the blonde blurted out in amazement.


    {?Keep your mouth shut.?} ¨C Kyon ordered, making a lip-zipping gesture. ¨C {?We are being tapped.?}


    Elsa''s face took on a tense, thoughtful expression.


    Suddenly, Lovr heard a quiet, indistinct and unintelligible indignant voice in his head, as ifing from a pipe. It is clear that Stone has not yet learned how to send telepathic signals, and this is one of the distinctive abilities of imperial phasers.


    {?You can''t take my points away from me! The administration will consider this an impudent scam! You and I will be disqualified, are you trying to achieve this?! Be reasonable!?}


    {?It won''t. I am very strong.?}


    {?Strong enough to defeat the imperial phaser? No one will ever believe it! And anyway, you should be ashamed to unceremoniously rob me! You are the messenger of the goddess! Where is your pride?! You can''t take the first position in an honest way, can you?!?} ¨C the blonde continued to throw indignant provocations. Of course, she didn''t want to give away half of the points she had spent many hours earning.


    The dismissive notes in the voice of his stepsister still hurt Kyon''s ego. He decided to show her a part of his abilities, at the same time putting her in her ce, and if he fails, he will still achieve what he wants: {?You convinced me, dear.?}


    Delighted Elsa smiled dazzlingly.


    Kyon stuck out one finger: {?If you take one of my blows without getting damaged, you will win. You are not allowed to use formations, attack or dodge. You may only block. If you lose, then from now on you will shut up and agree.?}


    {?I agree!?} ¨C the perked-up blonde instantly eximed. She was more than sure that she would repel absolutely any attack of the messenger of the goddess. The girl was wondering how hard he could hit.


    {?I''m attacking.?} ¨C Kyon jumped high into the air, raised the Scourge, weighed it down to 10 tons and covered it with liquid light ¨C "Light Cut", then brought it down with all his might. ¨C {Falling cmity!}


    Elsa took out the de and, pouring pure energy into it, set it horizontally.


    ~BAAANG~


    The sh of weapons caused a deafening roar, crackling and shaking of the earth, as well as golden sparks. Ten-meter thick cracks spread out under the girl''s feet. The blonde''s beautiful eyes widened in amazement. The pressure exerted on the arm was enormous! It was as if she was being attacked by the royal phaser at the peaking stage! How could the messenger of the goddess give out such an exorbitant power of the blow?! He is incredibly strong! However, this is not enough¡­ She, being an imperial phaser, would easily repel such an attack.


    Elsa thought that it was all over, when suddenly her de broke in half, and Kyon''s golden sword, or rather, the residual energy of his blow, passed over her forehead, leaving an abrasion there.


    ?Ouch!? ¨C Stone screamed, retreating.


    {?I have won.?} ¨C Kyon summed up coldly, hiding his sword in the ring.


    {?You''re just lucky my weapon broke! Let''s do it again!?} ¨C Elsa demanded, rubbing her bruised forehead. She refused to admit defeat. It seemed like she only had to take on the attack of the royal phaser at the peaking stage. For her, the imperial phaser at the 1st stage, to miss such a trifling blow is almost insulting.


    {?It''s not about luck. After the battle with "The ck Queen", there were barely noticeable chips on your de. Just now, I deliberately attacked a vulnerable spot to break your weapon. You failed to block my attack, so shut your mouth and listen carefully: now I will put a barrier on your bracelet that will fake the sounds of our battle¡­?}


    Elsa opened her mouth, unable to find words. She''s not used to losing, but she always gives in to this nasty guy. Now he has ovee her with a trick. Although is it a trick if he really gave out the incredible power of the blow?!


    While putting the barrier, Kyon thought to himself: {My full-power strike is equal to the strike of the royal phaser at the tenth stage, and that''s with "Light Cut" making it even more powerful¡­ Not bad, but it''s not enough. Oh, I wish I had met Triana for the first time now¡­}


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, more than 20 thousand viewers watched the two red dots on the screen in amazement. Approximately every 30 seconds, 5% of points went off the bnce of the imperial phaser at the beginning stage ¨C Elsa Stone ¨C in favor of the noble phaser at the middle stage - Dick Baker. People couldn''t believe their eyes. Bai and Diana clutched their heads in unison.


    ¡­


    {?Be proud of yourself, damned ckmailer.?} ¨C Elsa whispered soundlessly, studying the rest of her points with a bitter look. He just took away half of all her efforts¡­


    ?How does your unique body work?? ¨C Kyon suddenly asked, and noticing the girl''s surprise, he exined. ¨C ?I put a barrier on the bracelet. Now you can speak.?


    ?I don''t have to answer¡­? ¨C Elsa crossed her arms.


    ?If you answer, then I will reveal the secret of making my perfectly pure medicine.?


    There was undisguised interest on the girl''s elegant face. After hesitating for a minute, she spoke: ?My father conceived me a unique body called "The Heart of Lightning". It gives me some bonuses, including affinity with ether, but it still hasn''t awakened. My dad said I''d have to buy a Thunder Flower and make something out of it¡­ Well, this way I will have a chance to awaken the body.?


    {So that''s why she absorbs lightning¡­} ¨C now Kyon has found the answer. The girl still does not have any gluttonous ether key. However, it is not clear where Yurich got such a high-ranking body. It has not yet awakened, but the very fact of absorbing ether already indicates that the body has an "A" rank. ¨C {Does she need a Thunder Flower? Bad luck¡­ Epic rank medicine grows once in a thousand years all over the world.}


    Finding the demanding gaze of the beauty on himself, Lovr cleared his throat and exined: ?In order to make medicine with maximum purity, it is necessary to make sure that, among other things, not a single ingredient inside it conflicts with the rest. Alchemists around the world hone their skills all their lives, but they never reach the ideal. I use my own method called "The Cycle of the Universe": Ibine the ingredients of all the elements into a single chain in which even heat will not conflict with cold. To do this, you need to own all nine elements, otherwise the chain will not close.?


    Elsa was not at all satisfied with this answer. What is the point of knowing about some kind of "The Cycle of the Universe" if it requires all 9 elements? She seemed to have been told the truth, but formally she seemed to have been deceived. But now the girl was more worried about something else: ?So you defeated me three times inpetitions with such a dishonorable method??


    ?No, I defeated you using only pure energy.? ¨C Kyon grinned smugly and went somewhere.


    ?Hey, where are you going?! This is my tent!? ¨C the girl protested.


    Kyon unceremoniously climbed into his stepsister''s tent and put arge and juicy piece of meat lying on a te in his mouth. After savoring it with the air of a gourmet, he nodded with satisfaction: ?A good shish kebab. Thanks for the treat.?


    ?H-how could you eat my lunch so brazenly?! Taking food away from me like that¡­ Where is your conscience?!?


    ?Conscience has lost itself and has be conscienceless.? ¨C he replied cheerfully.


    Elsa''s chest was heaving violently from burning feelings, and her face was red with anger. She, the imperial phaser at the beginning stage, was robbed twice in 15 minutes, but she can only helplessly watch and endure it! Kyoncks the qualities of a gentleman at all. He is a barbarian!


    ?Okay, I''m off, you''re boring. See you.? ¨C Lovr waved his hand and left the tent.


    ?Wait!? ¨C shouted Elsa. ¨C ?Tell me, why are you pitting me against Rose??


    ?I don''t know what you''re talking about.?


    ?Don''t be a jerk! I met him three times in a day because of your orders¡­ You somehow put a tracking formation on Rose and now you''re deliberately forcing us to collide!?


    Seeing that he was pointedly silent on all the usations, the girl continued: ?Are you taking revenge on him for something? Are you jealous? Do you like me? Do you really want to take me away from him?!? ¨C thedy did not notice that she switched to shouting.


    Kyon rolled his eyes dismissively, shook his head and silently walked away, leaving Stone without answers.


    {Why all this mystery? Is he shy, or what?} ¨C the blonde was puzzled.


    After 12 hours,te at night, when the orders of the messenger of the goddess sounded in her head again, Elsa was finally convinced of her guess. The girl felt a surge of good mood ¨C the messenger of the goddess likes her! So she needs to use it! ¨C however, she immediately blushed shamefacedly. The most dangerous criminal in the capital, a ckmailer and a scoundrel, sympathizes with Stone, whereas she actually has a boyfriend¡­ What''s there to be happy about?! And now it turns out that she will meet Valentine again¡­ And what should she do? What can she say in defense? And does she even need to justify herself? Or maybe she should disobey Kyon? No, she can''t¡­


    With a sad sigh, the blonde headed in the indicated direction.


    After 25 minutes, she found her target¡­


    ?Elsa¡­? ¨C Valentine said gloomily. ¨C ?Yet you find me on purpose¡­?


    The girl wanted to say something, but in such a situation it is better to remain silent. She felt like a traitor and a vile woman, since she does this to her boyfriend, who obviously has not yet recovered from his illness. But she certainly can''t tell him the whole truth.


    Rose shook his head: ?The only thing I don''t understand is why didn''t you tell me? You said it was an ident¡­ You were apologizing for some reason¡­ You should have said: I don''t want you to win prizes. I don''t want to marry you¡­? ¨C despair and doom were evident in the guy''s voice.


    ?Rose, no! It''s just¡­? ¨C Elsa bit her lip. ¨C {?I just lost the bet to Dick!?}


    Valentine froze at the sound of the girl''s voice in his head, and his heart skipped a beat: ?That''s what it''s all about¡­? ¨C he immediately believed Stone''s words, because he wanted to believe in them. And indeed, the reason for all the troubles associated with the girl is Dick Baker.


    {She lost the bet to Dick, and now he''s trying to make a fool of me with her hands¡­ You''re trying in vain, freak!} ¨C Rose''s gaze was filled with determination. ¨C ?Attack me. I will take prizes no matter what!? ¨C he made a promise.


    Elsa forced a smile and nodded: {?Thank you for your understanding. Good luck.?}


    An hourter, Elsa met with Kyon again¡­ He shamelessly took away from her 50% of the points that were on the bnce. The ruthless robber didn''t even say ?thank you?. And does he really like her? The girl has doubts.


    ¡­


    {?We have studied the tournament zone inside and out. Juno Stone is not found among lord phasers at the middle stage. What are the further orders??} ¨C the man reported, putting his finger to his wrist.


    {?Look for her among the lord phasers at the finishing and peaking stages. Look for her among all! Only a day and a half left before the end of the tournament. Hurry up! Failure is uneptable! Split up and find that girl, damn it.?}


    {?The order has been epted,mander-in-chief!?} ¨C the man respectfully replied and nodded to hisrade, after which they ran in different directions and continued their search.


    ¡­


    High in the sky, above thick clouds, a small multi-colored cluster of dots was approaching Rosarrio. If you look closely, you can find that it consists entirely of some kind of living creatures, but not of harmless birds or even monsters, but of subi!


    A thousand young girls from 15 to 19 years old, led by a dozen elders and the matriarch of the Ruru family, flew towards the forests of Regan, their uing hunting zone.


    Subi can be distinguished by their reddish skin tone, backward curved horns, graceful wings, and long tail. In general, they resembled incredibly beautiful and seductive human girls: slender legs, stic hips and breasts, thin wasp waists and long swan necks. The face of each of them was a separate work of art, created to awaken the inner passion and lust of the victim. Also, they all wore only explicitly sexual underwear for every taste and color: translucent,ce, with straps, slits, made of animal skins, woolen¡­ Stockings, fis, solid, patterned, with rhinestones, made of scales, with holes¡­


    Astarte - the daughter of the matriarch Ruru stood out most of all young subi. With her irresistible appearance and extravagant outfit, she attracted attention even more than a white crow among a thousand ck ones, and in a good way.


    Suddenly, Giselle Ruru stopped, turned to the procession flying behind her, spread her arms with a wide smile and solemnly announced: ?We are here, my children! The hunt begins!?

 Chapter 517

    Chapter 517¡¡¡¡It was the third day of the tournament. The evening of thest day hase.


    Every now and then the rumbling and cracking of trees could be heard in the forest. Two hundred and fifty of the best geniuses of the order regrly fought each other for points. Many of them understood that they were not going to win prizes, so they fought for a higher position in the ranking.


    Juno shed with the royal phaser at the 5th stage. The fight has been going on for 2 minutes now.


    ?Striking lightning!? ¨C the masked guy shouted,unching a thick lightning bolt into the girl''s chest.


    Juno pretended that the attack on her worked - she froze as if rooted to the spot, as if paralyzed, but when the enemy approached and for some reason reached for the girl''s chest (obviously not to strike), she suddenly jumped on his shoulders and strangled him with her hips.


    From such a suffocating technique, the guy could not stand on his feet in every sense.


    ?Phew¡­? ¨C having neutralized the enemy, Stone breathed a sigh of relief. How difficult it is to fight with royal phasers at the middle stage. As soon as they feel that they are worse than her in closebat, they immediately break the distance due to their speed advantage. They are annoying.


    ¡­


    Kyon was ready to intervene at any moment, but Juno coped on her own. The "investment" was able to save herself from "the greedy capitalist" on her own. How couldn''t he be proud of her after that? However, something puzzled him: he noticed that the girl was almost not injured by the lightning strike. But how is this possible? There is only one exnation: the vacuum barrier. Knowing the science of the world of Lovr, she invented a kind of primitive analogue of the vacuum barrier, which is why she is able to ept attacks of this level with minimal consequences.


    {Juno, you''re doing great¡­} ¨C Lovr nodded with a gleam in his eyes.


    Now, since it made no sense to worry about Juno anymore, Lovr remembered that there were only 18 hours left until the end of the tournament, and he had only 3,250 points on his bnce. However, everything went ording to n. He will still have time to rob Elsa twice, which will ensure him a ce in the top 64. By the way, the 12-hour cycle was justing to an end. It''s time to go to the big sister.


    ¡­


    Juno, having kicked her former opponent in the ribs, went on, but soon another participant appeared in front of her, the worst possible opponent ¨C Roman Clinton.


    ?Hello, dolly!? ¨C the short-haired guy smiled from ear to ear.


    ?Oh no, not you¡­? ¨C Stone rolled her eyes in anguish, wanting to howl in annoyance.


    ?You always react so negatively to my appearance¡­ It''s a shame, you know. After all, in two days we will be husband and wife!? ¨C Clinton kindly reminded her.


    ?Don''t rub salt into my wound, please!? ¨C Juno pleaded.


    Knowing that Roman is a royal phaser at the finishing stage, besides a gifted member of the Clinton family and also a cunning one, the girl did not tter herself with empty hopes of victory.


    ?Salt into the wound? Juno, I''m your future husband! You must treat me with respect! Moreover, I am much stronger than you, and my family is higher in rank than yours, so¡­?


    ?I¡­ Don''t¡­ Owe you¡­ Anything!? ¨C the blonde interrupted him irritably. ¨C ?How dare you demand respect from me, you bought the wedding with Tokens?! You acted like a miserable nonentity, and you will not see my recognition in this life! Please leave me alone¡­ This damned tournament is not easy for me¡­? ¨C at the end of the speech, there were pleading notes in her melodious voice, and her eyebrows curved. Anyone would melt.


    ?Why should I leave you alone?? ¨C Roman chuckled. ¨C ?Let''s start with the fact that collusion is prohibited in the tournament. One of us has to lose half the points. And let''s end with the fact that recently you, such a bitch, publicly insulted me! I offered you to fly with me, but you refused, preferring thepany of sweaty, horny fans! Bitch, I just have to teach you good manners!?


    ?Before teaching someone good manners, you should learn them yourself.? ¨C Juno said coldly, no longer trying to make him feel sorry for her.


    ?You have a long tongue¡­ But it''s even better.? ¨C Roman grinned passionately, blurred from speed, appeared behind the girl and was about to p her ass¡­


    Juno snorted disdainfully and somersaulted forward, kicking Clinton standing behind in the chest.


    ~ding~


    A sound came from the bracelet, signaling the loss or acquisition of points.


    Roman smiled sourly: that''s the moment when he, fighting at full strength, is inferior to her in closebat. Now he doesn''t have enough speed advantage. The girlpensates for it with her incredible fighting skills.


    ?What a pitiful thing you are¡­? ¨C Juno said venomously with contempt on her pretty face.


    Roman''s face turned red: ?Pitiful, you say¡­ Ha-ha¡­ Ridiculous! And what do you say to that?!? ¨C the guy threw out his hands and created a 10-meter water dragon, which immediately rushed to the attack. You can''t dodge it, you can''t cut it either.


    Juno''s beautiful eyes shed. She spread her arms wide apart, releasing from her chest an icicle of ice with a high concentration of the element of cold. Itnded directly in the forehead of the approaching beast and instantly turned it into an ice sculpture. It limply copsed to the ground and crumbled into a pile of ice fragments.


    ?The element of cold?! Superior grade?!? ¨C Roman''s jaw almost fell off. ¨C ?A-are you a heavenly genius?! Do you know the five elements?! Holy shit!? ¨C the guy could not restrain his emotions, because heavenly geniuses are almost legendary people. They are so rare that many people do not even believe in their existence. In addition, it is believed that they steal luck from heaven. Being with such a person is a great honor.


    Juno did not want to reveal this secret to anyone, especially Clinton, but he left her no choice, since she could not block the water dragon in any other way. The girl attacked the guy out of anger, but he easily retreated at high speed.


    ?My wife is a heavenly genius! Holy shit! I''m the luckiest person in the world! A-ha-ha!? ¨C Roman shouted jubntly, raising his hands triumphantly over his head. He felt like a winner in life. The value of Juno in his eyes changed like bronze turned to gold. Now he was finally convinced that Elsa was inferior to her, which he was very happy about, after all, his girlfriend is much better than Rose''s.


    ?Stinky maggot, leave me alone!? ¨C Juno demanded and tried to run away, but the scoundrel ran after her, keeping his distance and continuing to brag about his luck aloud.


    After 5 minutes of pursuit, Roman''s delight subsided: ?Okay, okay¡­ After all, you are my future wife, you must be incredible! But let''s continue what we started¡­? ¨C he abruptly reduced the distance to one meter and unceremoniously released a powerful geyser of water into the girl. The attack is very primitive and weak, but it cannot be dodged.


    Juno managed to create an ice shield around herself, but due to a significant preponderance in energy power, it quickly copsed, and she was doused with cold water. She rolled head over heels through the forest, breaking trees with her body.


    ~ding~


    ?Oh, you missed the attack, howe?? ¨C Roman grinned maliciously and continued. He repeatedly attacked Stone in the same way, but she could not oppose him because of therge difference in energy density. Although if she knew some good techniques from the element of cold, then everything could be different.


    ~ding~ ~ding~ ~ding~


    Very soon, Juno lost half of the points on her bnce. She was barely hurt - Clinton must have been holding back - but she was shaking with rage. Her gaze was like that of a rabid fury. She longed to dig her nails into the eyes of the cunning bastard.


    ?All right! Cooled down? Or do you want to continue?? ¨C Roman slyly tilted his head.


    ?Get out¡­ Of my¡­ SIGHT!? ¨C the blonde shouted.


    Roman clicked his tongue, shaking his head: ?You didn''t understand anything, it''s a pity¡­ Well, ording to the rules of the tournament, I have to leave you, so bye-bye. See you.?


    ?I hope not in this life!? ¨C the girl hissed and ran away.


    Juno dried herself from moisture with the element of air, but before she could put her thoughts in order, another practitioner appeared in front of her in a half-face mask, this time, judging by the sensations, the royal phaser at the 6th stage. Well, what bad luck?!


    ¡­


    A little earlier, when Juno met with Roman, Kyon did not worry at all, after all, Clinton would not harm his future wife. But now, when this bastard at the 6th stage appeared, the guy cursed, turned around and rushed to the girl to help.


    Lovr ran quite a bit, when suddenly he braked sharply, because he saw three silhouettes, invisible to the ordinary eye, descending from the sky in front of him, like goddesses¡­ Three extraordinarily beautiful and seductive half-naked girls with wings and horns.


    {Subi?!} ¨C Kyon couldn''t believe his eyes. It seems that he will not have time for Juno¡­


    ¡­


    ?Ho-oh-oh! I-I found you!? ¨C the participant said in a strangled voice and immediately rushed at the girl, like a careless predator on a harmless victim - without any alertness. He is probably the most ardent fan of Stone. He had lost his head since their first meeting. Now, when all his dreams cane true, the guy began to act.


    {Why are you all so overexcited?!} ¨C Juno mentally grumbled and hit the aroused man in the groin with all her might, but he, to her surprise, managed to react ¨C a stone te grew between his legs, blocking the attack.


    ?Oh, are you snapping?! But it only makes it more interesting!? ¨C with a nasty smile, the practitioner stamped his foot, causing the earth to go in waves a meter high, destroying all the trees in their path. The essence of this technique is to hold down the movements of the enemy.


    Due to the constant fluctuations of the surface, Juno lost a considerable part of maneuverability, however, even in the current situation, she had enough skill to repel the enemy.


    The long battle ensued.


    Stone had no idea that her innocence was at stake. She was already used to the fact that her opponents were often vulgar, but thedy could not even imagine that they could sacrifice everything they had for the sake of the opportunity to taste the coveted forbidden fruit.


    The magician of the earth tried in every possible way to grab the girl, but her amazing dexterity did not leave him a chance even with the earth shaking. Moreover, he missed several blows to the body, albeit painless, but excessively annoying.


    ?Well, that''s it, pretty girl, you''ve poked the bear!? ¨C getting angry, the practitioner knocked himself in the chest, and his body was covered with ayer of amber rock. Under the influence of the element of light, the newly made statue lit up from the inside, presenting a bizarre spectacle. Soon the "golden" golem was finally formed, and the guy glided along the earth waves towards the beautiful girl like a surfer.


    Juno also wasted no time: she stretched out her hand, and a bright and pulsating energy ball was formed in it. The ball rapidly increased in size. Ice crystals hovered around him, the perfectbination of the elements against the earth.


    When the "golem" headed towards the girl, she boldly attacked him with "The Essence of Destruction".


    ?Fool!? ¨C the earth magician boldly answered the girl with swings of heavy fists.


    ~WHO-O-O-O-O-OSH~


    The sphere exploded, creating a hundred-meter dome of snow and hail. The designated area was instantly covered with a crust of frost and a thickyer of snow. Trees within a radius of 20 meters turned into ice sculptures, and all living creatures froze to death.


    Someone''s body, half covered with cracked amber and ice, rolled on the ground like a limp rag doll, destroying the frosted trees in its path.


    The royal phaser at the 6th stage bulged his eyes in amazement, staring at the sky. His ultimate technique ¨C "The Golden Golem" ¨C was instantly destroyed by some lord phaser at the 8th stage! Moreover, his body was slightly damaged¡­ However, this is not enough!


    ?Bitch!? ¨C the earth magician roared furiously and jumped to his feet, but suddenly the beautiful maiden jumped on his shoulders like an angry cat¡­ She wrapped her slender legs around his neck and squeezed it with an effort. Due to the recoil from the destruction of "The Golden Golem" form and the stiffened body, the guy could not throw off the girl. Everything before his eyes went nk and he passed out.


    ?Phe-e-e-ew¡­? ¨C Juno, pale from exhaustion, breathed a sigh of relief. She was very lucky with the opponent, because his form of "The Golden Golem" is perfect for the point technique "The Essence of Destruction", and even so the price of victory was high. If she had allowed the guy to wake up, he would most likely have defeated her.


    The blonde kicked the defeated opponent in the chest ten times and ran far away, and almost immediately collided with another masked opponent - the royal phaser at the 5th stage.


    ?I''m sick of you!? ¨C the girl buried her face in her palms, indignantly stamping her foot.


    ?Beauty, let''s y!? ¨C the guy with a tent sticking out of his pants grinned obscenely, studying the beauty from head to toe with a vulgar look. She looked incredibly exciting in her ck workout outfit that hugged every curve of her body.


    ?Do you want to y? Let''s y!? ¨C Juno beckoned the opponent with her finger, and when he came closer, thedy tried to knee him in the groin, but he jumped back in time.


    The guy clicked his tongue and shook his finger: ?Oh, how ugly of you! I''m sorry, but we''ve already fought, and I won''t make the same mistake again!?


    ?I''m afraid you''ll have to get in line!? ¨C the recently defeated earth magician growled.


    ?Oh, you''re kidding me!? ¨C Juno screamed, clutching her head.

 Chapter 518

    Chapter 518¡¡¡¡The head of the security of the tournament burst into the information center tent: ?What the fuck, you can''t even stay ten minutes without my presence?! What''s the matter?!?


    ?Mr. Mayer, we have received dozens of rms in thest ten minutes! We sent squads for the first five calls, but we don''t have enough people for the rest! Something strange is happening¡­ This shouldn''t happen!?


    Bing serious, Mayer touched his wrist: ?To all observation posts. Study the situation. Coordinates¡­? ¨C he transmitted all the necessary data. ¨C ?Red priority. I repeat, red priority! Do not spare formations. Report any oddities. Perhaps an invasion of demons or beasts.?


    ?Roger that.? ¡­ ?Affirmative.? ¡­ ?We are studying the situation.? ¡­ ?We are acting.?


    The head of security contacted the Russell information center and asked if anyone suspicious had crossed the border of the empire, but he was given a negative answer. It was puzzling, after all, the barrier on the border of the empire is able to register the pration of even royal phasers at the beginning stage using a medium-quality concealment technique.


    Soon, a signal came from one of the groups: ?Subi are here! They invaded the forest!?


    ?Subi?!? ¨C Mayer eximed in shock. ¨C ?What rank are they?!?


    ?I-I don''t know! I don''t feel their development! Oh shit, we''ve been spotted! I don''t want to be a mad ve! §¡-§¡§¡-§¡-§¡§¡-§¡§¡!? ¨C the heart-rending cry of the messenger suddenly broke off.


    There was dead silence in the tent.


    Goosebumps ran down the back of the head of the head of security, and the blood drained from the cheeks. Can two hundred and fifty of the best geniuses of the order, the future of the empire, be enved by subi? The full scale of this catastrophe cannot be estimated.


    Subi are the real parasites of this world. They hunt ording to approximately the same scenario: 2-7 groups of 1000 subi invade a certain empire. Some groups y a distracting role, while others find the settlement as quickly as possible and kidnap the strongest and most viable men from there. For the effective abduction and envement of people, nature gave them wings, powerful tails, strong horns, a bright attractive appearance and a spiritual attack - a look of charm. In addition, some of the best concealment techniques in the world are passed in their family, because it is vital for subi to act covertly.


    The intrusions happen regrly.


    About once every six months, the lower subi invade Rosarrio. They are quite weak, so even the royal army is able to repulse them, but to minimize damage, at least one low-ranking general is always involved in the case.


    About once every 5 years, medium subi invade Rosarrio. They are not to be trifled with. If the army of the general or the help from the sects is dyed, then the kingdom, or even several at once, will suffer heavy losses of the male resource. Only 3 low-ranking generals or at least 1 high-ranking general can ensure a sessful rebuff to the demons.


    But the greatest threat is posed by the supreme subi - monsters in the guise of indescribable beauties, instilling fear in civilians. The ravagers of low-ranking empires. About once every 50 years, they attack Rosarrio and take away arge part of the strongest and most talented men from all 7 kingdoms. Only the capital remains inessible to them.


    Even the coordinated actions of all generals and assistance from sects do not provide the proper level of protection for citizens. The fact is that the development of such subi ranges from the lord phase to the royal phase, and in rare cases even the imperial phase. But more importantly, they have some method for crossing the empire''s barrier unnoticed! That''s why their raids are always out of the blue. In addition, they act very cunningly, quickly and imperceptibly, because of this, it is extremely difficult to react to their appearance.


    Mayer quickly spoke orders: ?Dere a ck alert! Stop the tournament! Throw all your strength to help the participants! Notify the audience! The patriarchs and their people must take part in the rescue operation!?


    ?Yes, sir!? ¡­ ?We are doing it!? ¡­ ?We are acting!? ¨C the subordinates set to work.


    The deathly pale head of security took out a sound transmitter: ?General Richard Clinton, this is Mayer Russell, the head of security of the tournament of the order¡­ Intelligence has discovered supreme subi in the forests of Regan!?


    ?Was Rosarrio attacked by supreme subi?!? ¨C the general asked incredulously. Thest invasion was only 15 years ago. They shouldn''t attack so often.


    ?If they were medium subi, the imperial barrier would have tracked their appearance, but the Russell infocenter did not register border vitions. In addition, two of my people with the development of the royal phasers at the beginning stage could not offer any resistance¡­ I am almost one hundred percent sure that we are dealing with supreme subi! And we have no right to risk the younger generation!?


    ?I see. We''re moving out. I''ll contact the others.? ¨C Richard Clinton said tensely. By order of the empress, he was near the forests of Regan. But as for the rest of the generals, they will need time to pull together elite troops.


    Next, the head of security contacted the Virgo sect and also requested help. All sects specialize in countering demons and supreme beasts. And the Virgo sect is especially effective against subi, because they include only women.


    But Mayer could not even imagine that Rosarrio was attacked by imperial subi for the first time in history. Formally, they are the same supreme subi, because all the demons living in the central part of the demon empire are called supreme. The only difference is that they are descendants of direct blood - the owners of the purest bloodline, which grants them the strongest innate body and talent. Even Saturn - the empire of the 1st rank - is afraid of the most powerful and dangerous representatives of the subus genus.


    ¡­


    ?Oh, you''re kidding me!? ¨C Juno screamed, clutching her head.


    ?And you, bitch, shut your mouth and wait!? ¨C the earth magician growled, pointing at the girl with his finger. ¨C ?When I get to you, I''ll fuck you in such a way that you''ll forget how to breathe!?


    Such a rude and insulting statement cooled Stone''s ardor. Every fifth male opponent wears a mask¡­ Everyone has something sticking out through their pants¡­ Everyone is trying to grab her¡­ Why didn''t she realize that the damned bastards wanted to **** her?!


    ?Are you sure that I will give her to you?!? ¨C the royal phaser at the 5th stage objected.


    ?No one will care about the opinion of the deceased!? ¨C the earth magician grinned threateningly.


    ?Guys, do we need this fight?? ¨C another practitioner with the development of a royal phaser at the middle stage appeared out of nowhere. He looked at the beautiful blonde with an excited look and cautiously squinted at the royal phaser at the 6th stage ¨C the most dangerous opponent.


    ?Where the fuck did you get out of?!? ¨C the earth magician swore.


    ?It doesn''t matter now.? ¨C the guy snorted. ¨C ?Have you heard the tale of the bunny and the two wolves? The bunny ran away because the wolves were clinging to each other, trying to decide who would get it. I propose to act smarter - let''s take her together.?


    ?Together?? ¨C the earth magician furrowed his eyebrows.


    ?What a good idea!? ¨C the royal phaser at the 5th stage agreed. ¨C ?Since you have the advantage here, we will have to unite against you. Neither you nor we are interested in this. It would be stupid to start a fight.?


    The earth magician frowned thoughtfully, assessing the chances, looked at the beauty in a tight-fitting training outfit and nodded: ?Okay. But I will be the first.?


    ?No problem.? ¡­ ?I agree.? ¨C the two guys nodded, deciding not to put themselves in danger.


    The pale Juno retreated with small steps: ?A-are you crazy?! You will pay for it with your life! Come to your senses! You still have a chance!I won''t tell anyone anything! I don''t even know your faces!?


    In fact, a little earlier she had imperceptibly sent an rm, so now she was stalling for time. However, thedy had no idea that so many rms had been sent at thest minute that her signal would not be processed soon.


    ?It''s toote. Our names are in the tournament bracelets. The Clintons will easily determine who exactly nned to **** their young master''s wife.?


    ?That''s right. There is no way back. We decided everything a long time ago.?


    The earth magician and the others winked at each other: ?So be an obedient bunny and don''t resist. Maybe you''ll even enjoy it, haha!?


    Three ill-wishers with creepy grins slowly surrounded the blonde. They, like dozens of other masked students, decided that for the sake of taking the most beautiful girl in the world, they were ready to sacrifice their position in the family:mit the crime, and then escape to another empire in search of a new life.


    ¡­


    A little earlier.


    Feeling the development of the three subi, Kyon became wary: two of them are royal phasers at the 9th stage, the third one at the 10th stage.


    Three seductive girlsnded softly and stared strangely at the fat man. They seemed to be looking at something beyond theirprehension, something incredible, bright as the sun, and desirable as the air. Adoration with notes of madness was born in their big beautiful eyes. For some reason, they bent their legs, bringing their knees together.


    {My appearance does not scare them away¡­} ¨C Lovr immediately noticed, but was not surprised.


    As far as he knew, subi have an illogical ability to determine theponents of a person''s genius: talent for development, the quality of a unique body, the purity of keys, the number of elements that he owns, and even the state of health.


    Experiments described in various books testified that they can determine a person''s genius not only through smell and scanning. Once a subus was blindfolded, immured in enriched pyrobloin and dozens of barriers were imposed on her. However, as soon as a genius was nearby, the subus reacted to his presence.


    Since the whole purpose of the existence of subi is to find the most talented and viable man, it is logical to assume that, having met the messenger of the goddess, they will go crazy, and this state of affairs did not suit Lovr at all. However, in this situation, it is possible and necessary to pit them against each other!


    ?This fragrance¡­ I have never felt anything nicer! How is this possible?!?


    ?W-what''s going on¡­ My legs are giving out! I''m falling, ah!?


    ?My heart is about to melt! I want¡­ I want him!?


    As the three subi approached, Lovr shouted in demonic: ?Wait! Beauties, there are three of you, and one of me! Who will get me? Which of you is most deserving of such delicious prey??


    The three girls quickly exchanged nces and stared at him again with flirtatious smiles.


    ?Master, I''m sure there''s plenty of you to go around, hee-hee!? ¨C one of them said.


    Subi are strictly forbidden to sort things out and divide the prey during the hunt. The main thing is to kidnap the victim and deliver him home, and all the showdowns - who gets who - will take ce inside the family ording to all the rules.


    Realizing the situation, Kyon spat in annoyance and shouted: ?Then none of you will get me!? ¨C he activated the concealment technique and ran far away, but after a few seconds the strongest of the trio blocked his path.


    ?Master, let this ve serve you!? ¨C the girl sang in a melodious voice in the purest humannguage, and her nted eyes shone with pink light.


    Lovr defended himself from the spiritual attack with "The eyes of truth" and with a heart-rending cry: ?Serve yourself!? ¨C brought down "Dark Cut" on the demon''s head with a sword weighing 7.500 kilograms.


    The girl tried to wrap her tail around the sword to stop it, however, feeling the burning darkness, she immediately pulled it back, and recklessly met the attack with her forehead.


    ~CRACK~


    The de of darkness, containing all the power of the blow and even more, crashed into the subus''s head and sent her tumbling through the forest. One of the demoness''s horns broke off, and the second one cracked, threatening to crumble.


    ?O goddess Persephone, the master crushed sister Xilin with one blow! How strong he is!? ¨C the demoness squeaked exultantly, clutching her cheeks from overflowing emotions.


    ?And the master also protected himself from the look of charm without consequences!? ¨C her partner screamed enthusiastically, not feeling any tension in the young man''s pants by scanning.


    It seems that the seductive demonesses were not at all angry that their sister was wounded.


    The subus with a broken horn stood up as if nothing had happened and with adoration in her eyes saidnguidly: ?Oh, master, you are so strong! Please punish me again!? ¨C she fluttered up and quickly flew to the young man.


    {#&%$@!} ¨C Kyon swore. He attacked with the intent to kill, trying to take advantage of the surprise effect, but the demoness'' particrly strong horns saved her. Now he will not be underestimated, and yet he does not have a single free minute to deal with them!


    Taking out demonic medicine, Lovr threw one at his feet, causing it to burst, spreading invisible narcotic gas around, after which he immediately met the approaching subus with "Dark Cut".


    ~WHOOSH~


    This time the girl did not want to meet the young man''s attack, and wisely jumped back. However, the ck de, to her utter surprise, separated from the sword and rushed into her chest¡­ The demoness was saved by her flexible body: she did a bridge pose.


    Meanwhile, two other subi had already approached from behind and attacked him from both sides with chains, but not with the intention of killing him, but to shackle him. It is obvious that they will not even dare to injure such a priceless prey.


    The speed of opponents who surpass Lovr by more than 20 stages is too great for him to dodge at least one of their attacks. He will have to fight back!


    Kyon made a 360-degree spin, releasing a ring-shaped "Dark Cut" from the Scourge. The young man perfectly beat off the chains flying towards him. A momentter, all the light in the world seemed to bepletely extinguished. Tens of kilometers of forest plunged into imprable darkness. It seemed that a ck hole was born in the forest, sucking all living things into itself.


    During the short duration of "The sh of darkness" the already invisible Lovr slipped out of the encirclement. The subi, as expected, lost track of him, and this is not only because of the ability to suppress all senses, but also mainly because of demonic medicine.


    {Phew¡­ I got rid of them. Juno, hold on a little longer! I won''t give you to anyone!}


    Meanwhile, many imperial subi were distracted from hunting and fixed their fascinated gazes on the source of darkness, located hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away from them. The aura emanating from there stupefied the mind and beckoned winged temptresses, as the songs of sirens beckoned sailors. The girls have never heard such an iparable and pure "melody of genius".


    Kyon had no idea that subi could sense talent even through the spiritual abilities of the victim. Moreover, in the books he read, the experiments were conducted on a mediocre supreme subus, not on an imperial one. The difference in their ir is certainly colossal.

 Chapter 519

    Chapter 519¡¡¡¡A charming winged manhunter in pink lingerie and stockings meticulously sniffed at the chained long-haired blond and frowned in displeasure: ?This handsome guy smells like rotten flesh¡­ Like a juicy apple, but with worms inside¡­ Should I be content with him or look for someone else??


    Chained and pale as death, Rose pleaded with horror: ?Let me go, oh beautiful demoness! I''m terminally ill! I will die soon! There is no vital energy in me, there is only pus! Lots of smelly yellow pus! Better look for other prey!?


    ?He''s also a weakling¡­ Well, what bad luck?! But will I find someone better in this miserable empire?? ¨C touching her lips with her finger, the subus thought seriously.


    Suddenly, the girl felt an incredible fragrance, because of which her eyes rolled up, and her lower abdomen sparkled with desire¡­ Having fluttered higher, the demoness, without hesitation for a second, flew to its source, like a drunken bumblebee to nectar.


    ¡­


    ?WA-AA-A-AAA-AA-AA-A!? ¨C Roman yelled, falling from a great height.


    The subus who had just been carrying him suddenly lost all interest in the guy and just threw him away like unnecessary luggage, after that she flew in the opposite direction.


    ~boom~


    Clinton''s body thudded to the ground.


    ?What was it?!? ¨C said the pale Roman, who got out of the fetters.


    ¡­


    The twelve elders of the Ruru family, led by matriarch Giselle, were floating high in the sky near the edge of the hunting grounds, when suddenly they all saw a "ck hole" emitting a primordial "aroma of genius", so pure, as if its source was a deity.


    ?Nha-aa-a-ah! What a wonderful smell?!? ¨C the elder groaned in astonishment, tucking her legs.


    ?What gifted monster can smell like that?! Even the scent of Lucius before poisoning is infinitely inferior to this mind-blowing smell!? ¨C the demoness groaned, hugging herself by the shoulders.


    ?Did the ancient dice choose the forests of Regan for hunting because of a single person emitting these wonderful emanations?!? ¨C the subus suggested.


    ?I-I can''t hold back! I want to get him at any cost!? ¨C one of the elders could not stand it and flew into the forest, but the matriarch blocked her way.


    ?This is not our hunt, Riley. We have no right to vite ancient traditions. Jean correctly noticed that the ancient dice designated a ce located in the empire of only the sixth rank as a hunting territory for a reason. As I said, the fact that the dice were thrown by princess Kara, who awakened the legendary phoenix body, promises us incredible luck.? ¨C Giselle exined with an intonation that inspires respect and awe, throwing an understanding look at the sisters, barely restraining themselves from the desire to rush into the forest.


    After hesitating, the elder bowed respectfully and flew away, drooping doomedly, as if she had just lost something sacred to her heart.


    The rest of the beautiful subi also sighed in frustration, biting their plump lips.


    Giselle would also have been happy to set off to capture such tasty prey, but she restrained herself, because she had already faced clouding of her mind due to an insane passion for a gifted man, because of this she still cannot forgive herself. Besides, she is still the matriarch of the family: she must not set a bad example to her sisters, otherwise it could turn into a disaster in the future. But most importantly, she was confident that her daughter would definitely catch the source of the general cloudiness!


    ¡­


    The golden-eyed demoness of incredible beauty flew through the forest at a monstrous speed and looked for prey. In fact, she had already met several young people, but as soon as she smelled their "aroma of genius", the girl was sick, and she flew away. The daughter of the great matriarch would rather bite off her own tail than make such a rabble her first prey, and she would never give them her innocence.


    Suddenly, the subus felt an intoxicating aroma, so pure and refined that her eyes were covered with a veil, her legs went to jelly, and her heart sang with happiness. Having fluttered higher, Ruru stared in fascination in the direction of the "ck hole" ¨C the source of such perfect emanations that the soul ascends to heaven.


    ?The legendary flower in the fetid swamp¡­ How could you grow here, my darling? Ah, never mind! Whoever you are, I''ll be your new sun, honey!? ¨C Astarte promised herself with a fanatical gleam in her eyes and rushed in his direction.


    ¡­


    Kyon had no idea that "The sh of Darkness" saved the lives of many young people, while bing the center of attention of all imperial subi.


    ?Ho-o-o-oh! My master, I have found you!? ¨C a subus in translucent green underwear squeaked with her eyes moist with happiness. Any man would instantly be thrown into a fever from such an alluring sight.


    Having felt the development of the demoness - the imperial phaser at the 2nd stage - Lovr cursed and immediately blew up another demonic medicine under his feet. He greeted the approaching opponent with "Dark Cut" in the head.


    ~WHOOSH~


    With a yful smile, the subus tried to stop the de with her bare hands, after all, the young man seemed to her more harmless than a small ant, no matter how gifted he was. However, the silly girl immediately regretted her decision: the sword dislocated her arm, and the darkness made the skin bubble and burn from unbearable pain.


    ?Ha-ah-ah-ah! It hurts! It burns!? ¨C the demoness screamed in agony, sobbing piteously. She evoked an instinctive desire to hug andfort.


    However, Kyon only chuckled coldly. In his opinion, an attempt to kidnap and enve, depriving the victim of reason, is not much different from an attempt on life. That''s why the hatred for princess Kara still lurked in his heart. And the fact that she was raped by Dick, and she bore him a child, still did not grant herplete forgiveness.


    By the way, Lovr knew that Kara is a demon of anger, and subi are demons of lust. They are from different species, and although they can be easily confused, there is still a difference: she has no wings, the horns are of a different shape, and her tail is not a weapon, but a vulnerability. She doesn''t have a ir for giftedness. In addition, her "look of charm", although simr to the one used by subi, works differently. If the spiritual attack of the demons of lust awakens passion and desire in a person, then it seems to be the opposite for Kara - it makes the victim fall in love to unconsciousness, which leads to chronic love, which he still feels for Kara and Dina, however, in a more perverted form.


    As far as Kyon knew, this ability of Kara is not inherent in all demons of anger, but only one small branch of them. He even had a theory that once upon a time a girl was born to one of the subi, but she was not born a subus, and therefore her ability mutated to the opposite one, but at the same time it did not weaken, but in some sense became much more dangerous, because falling in love is almost the same as enving. It is much more difficult for subi to achieve submission, because the victims of "the look of charm" sometimes turn into uncontroble madmen obsessed with desire. But this ability is much better suited for pumping out vital juices through sex, whereas everything is much moreplicated with falling in love, because, as you know, love is very different from lust. You can love a girl, but you may not want intimacy with her at all.


    As soon as the young man ran, the subus in green underwear chased after him, without hidden resentment and hatred begging him to stop: ?N-no! Don''t run away, my master! Ha-ah-ah-ah¡­? ¨C she took out the healing ointment from the earring and squeezed it onto the damaged hand. The bubbles were disappearing. The quality of this healing ointment is incredible.


    In the blink of an eye, the demoness appeared in front of the young man and wrapped him in water fetters, pressed her whole body tightly against him, and flew up with him high into the sky. He resisted and growled ferociously, and for some reason weighed half a ton¡­ Anyway, today the girl found out that chubby shaggy boys are just her type.The main thing is that he belongs to her now!


    Kyon watched the subus flying away in an embrace with a brown bear, not forgetting to salute his clubfoot recement: ?Mikhalych, your sacrifice will not be in vain. If you and she produce offspring, then I will only be happy for you.?


    Lovr continued to race towards Juno, this time creating two clones that ran a kilometer away from him. If he is attacked, he will simply teleport to the nearest clone and continue on his way. Moving in such a short distance is unlikely to be noticed by anyone on arge map of the forest.


    However, Kyon miscalcted somewhere, because after a few seconds each of the clones was attacked by several subi, and a littleter, a horned imperial phaser at the 3rd stage descended to him from the sky in a seductive negligee.


    {You''re fucking kidding me!} ¨C Kyon swore to himself.


    Through the formation, he heard Elsa''s ringing voice:


    ?Ha-ah-ah! I felt someone horned flying over my head!?


    {?What, really?! It can''t be! How did you notice?!?} ¨C Kyon asked sarcastically.


    ?I don''t like your tone! What do you mean?? ¨C Stone was so brave to talk to him without fear of being tapped because he had previously told her that his barrier would fake any iing and outgoing sounds. Thedy didn''t even want to think about how it worked.


    {?I mean, there are a lot of subi chasing me, so quickly go north!?} ¨C earlier, Lovr was not going to call her: she is too far away, and how could she help him with the imperial phasers? But, apparently, any help would be wee.


    ?Subi?! Were we attacked by subi?!? ¨C the blonde took out a bow in amazement. As soon as she got the sound transmitter out of the ring, the device began to burst from iing calls. Diana, Rose and even the administration of the order wanted to contact her.


    Soon the girl found out that everything was fine with Rose, she listened to all the information from the administration and ran after Kyon, after all, he is the messenger of the goddess. No wonder such a gifted man was followed by demons.


    ?Tell me, is Juno okay?! Are you following her?!? ¨C the blonde was worried.


    {?I''m watching her. She needs help, so move your buns.?}


    By this time, the narcotic gas had finally affected the subus flying behind, it took a whole minute. But even so, the pursuer, like a madwoman, tried to grab him with various restraining techniques, and, unfortunately, there was not another Mikhalych nearby to rece him. Fortunately, the winged huntress identally confused a thick spruce with her coveted prey and, having uprooted it, flew home. For Christmas, probably.


    Juno was not far away, but three more demonesses descended from the sky¡­


    ¡­


    ~crack~


    One of Juno''s admirers got close to the defending girl from behind and with a sharp movement tore off her jacket, exposing the top of the blonde. The eyes of the three overexcited bastards saw a thin tummy, a thin feminine waist and a pink bra tightly fitting small breasts.


    ?Get away from me, you bastards!? ¨C Juno screamed, hitting the bastard behind her with her heel between his legs, but at that moment two other opponents pounced on her and knocked her down.


    ~BANG~


    Stone released the element of ether, striking one of the attackers with lightning, but the earth magician prudently covered himself with ayer of amber rock, twisted the girl''s hands and bound them with ayer of his rock, then turned her on her back and, grabbing her neck, pressed her face to the ground.


    ?Bitch! She strikes with lightning!? ¨C the guy swore, smoothing his hair standing on end.


    ?Of course she resists! What should we do? I don''t want my dick to turn to ice when I prate her! Does anyone know how to neutralize the elements pointwise??


    ?It seems that it is necessary to hit the left kidney¡­ Or the right one? I do not remember!?


    ?Idiot, you will not calcte the strength and kill her!?


    ?Or maybe we''ll just knock her out??


    ?I don''t know about you, but I don''t want to just fuck her body¡­ I want to hear her moans!?


    The rapists had a serious problem. They did not know how to neutralize the keys. The girl will shock and freeze everything thates into contact with her.


    ?I can help!? ¨C a high-pitched voice reached the trio, and a fat man with the development of a lord phaser at the peaking stage came out from behind the trees. It was he who first met Juno and received a kick in the groin from her, for which he promised himself to take revenge on her.


    ?Who the hell are you?? ¨C the earth magician frowned.


    ?I am the one who had the practice of neutralizing keys with pinpoint finger strikes. I can help you, but in exchange you''ll let me have some fun with her. After you, of course.? ¨C the fat man in the mask put forward his conditions, grinning crookedly.


    ?You bastards, leave me alone, otherwise my patron will find each of you and turn you into mincemeat!? ¨C Juno squealed, spitting out the dirt in her mouth.


    ?Shut your mouth, bitch!? ¨C the earth magician barked and with a sharp movement tore off the girl''s pants.


    The four guys swallowed their saliva, staring in fascination at the smooth, slender legs of the angel, at her perfect hips and firm buttocks, as well as at her crotch wrapped in cute pink panties.


    ?I''d rather die than be raped by bastards like you!? ¨C the girl floundered as if stung, releasing streams of wind, water and lightning in all directions. She med herself for her naivety. If these brats pass her around, she''s never getting over this. It would be better if it was Roman.


    ?Come here and disarm her quickly!? ¨C the earth magician said in a strangled voice, barely holding the beauty who seemed to have gone mad. He was beginning to lose mobility due to electric shocks.


    ?So you agree to my deal?!?


    ?Yes, we fucking agree! Come here quickly!?


    The fat man ran up to the half-naked beauty and asked: ?What elements need to be neutralized??


    ?Water, wind, cold and¡­ Uh-uh¡­ Ether? Does she know Ether?! Motherfucker, is she a heavenly genius?!? ¨C the earth magician gasped in amazement, feeling the heat in his whole body.


    ?It can''t be!? ¡­ ?You''re not kidding?!? ¡­ ?Come on!? ¨C the rapists got excited. Suddenly, the value of Juno in their eyes has increased significantly. They can''t help but rejoice!


    The earth magician not without difficulty turned the blonde on her stomach, and their new aplice neutralized her keys with well-aimed blows of his fingers. Well, now there can be no resistance. The ruthless angel of the Stones and the cutest girl in the world is ready for fun! Four guys immediately pounced on the desired girl and began to excite their appetite by getting their fingers into her panties and under her bra. Thedy smelled of flower nectar, it was impossible to look away from her tender soft body, and her melodic painful moans and protests aroused primal passion.


    Juno felt crushed. The wet eyes of the girl were empty, reflecting the depth of her despair. The bastards are groping her where even Lovr didn''t touch her¡­ Why is such a great honor given to the most disgusting creatures in the world? And why do their rough sticky caresses make something tingle pleasantly in the lower abdomen?


    ?Fuck it, she''s wet!? ¨C the earth magician exhaled, rubbing the moisture between his fingers, after which he feverishly threw off his underpants and was about to pull the blonde''s pink panties by the stic bands, but he heard someone''s icy voice.


    ?Guys, are youpletely fucked up?!?


    Juno looked hopefully at the neer and recognized Timothy in him.

 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520¡¡¡¡The four rapists stood rooted to the spot. They were afraid of the sudden appearance of the intruder. His aura, which seemed to correspond to the royal phaser at the finishing stage, was especially intimidating. Even all together they will not ovee such a powerful opponent.


    ?Uh-uh¡­? ¨C the earth magician became agitated. ¨C ?Do you also want to join??


    ?To join four immoral bastards attacking a weak girl? Are you really sick?!? ¨C the former Brown growled.


    ?Please save me, Timothy!? ¨C pleaded the weakened Juno with wet eyes, pitifully bending her eyebrows. Any man would be mad with the desire to protect her now. However, she received a p in the face for her words.


    ?Shut up, bitch!? ¨C the earth magician hissed, gagging the girl with his palm, and with a forced smile turned to the angry guy. ¨C ?Timothy? I will be brief: I am a descendant of the direct blood of the Zemfirovs, and if you do not immediately¡­?


    Before he could finish his tirade, Timothy instantly found himself nearby, grabbed his head and released ck lightning into it, emitting a terrible aura.


    ?WOO-WA-A-A-AA-A-A-AA-A!? ¨C the earth magician howled shrilly from the inhuman pain.


    The lightning boltsing out of the attacker''s palm, like sentient beings, dug into the head, prating through all the holes and even the pores. Slowly but surely, they turned the victim''s brain into yellow pus. The suffering that the earth magician experienced cannot be described in words.


    The three remaining rapists turned deathly pale and scattered, but Timothy broke the leg of the weakest of them with a kick, and managed to grab the remaining two by the heads and arrange for them the same execution as for the first one.


    ?P-please don''t kill me! I-I''m from the Clinton family, I''m¡­? ¨C the fat man screamed, crawling on the ground, leaving a wet, fetid trail behind him.


    ?Did you want to defame your master''s future wife? What a vile brat you are¡­ Die and don''t pollute the world!? ¨C Timothy shot a lightning bolt from his finger, which made arge charred hole in the fat man''s head.


    Juno watched the murders of the four scoundrels with fascination, still not believing in what was happening. Finally, she gave the savior a look full of gratitude, affectionately saying: ?Timothy, you saved me¡­ Thank you so much! How can I thank you??


    ?Cover up first.? ¨C the former Brown turned away in embarrassment.


    Stone somehow got up and tried to get things out of the earring, but suddenly realized that she could not use pure energy. She whispered guiltily: ?But I can''t¡­?


    Timothy immediately understood everything, silently took out a shirt from his ring and threw it to the girl without looking.


    Wearing a long man''s shirt, the girl nodded thankfully to the young man: ?Thank you¡­ You know, you''re not such a bad guy as I thought about you before.?


    ?I will never stoop to ****. However, you will still be mine, whether you like it or not, because I decided so.? ¨C the former Brown confidently said.


    ?What?!? ¨C Juno raised her thin eyebrows in surprise.


    Suddenly, Timothy shamelessly hugged the blonde by the thin waist, holding her tightly to him, and his eyes shed with a green glow. A bright green sphere of spatial attribute spread out from him in all directions, fixing a five-meter area¡­


    ~bang~


    The two people suddenly disappeared.


    ¡­


    {#&%$@!} ¨C Kyon swore. He was already d that Juno was saved, because it took him about another minute to get to her, when suddenly it turns out that Timothy is also interested in his precious investment. In addition, he has some kind of phenomenal ability for mass movement, like a teleportation trigram, but instantaneous.


    ¡­


    Now the guy and the girl were 500 kilometers away from the ce of the fight with the quartet of viins.


    ?W-what are you doing?! Let me go!? ¨C Juno broke away from the arms of the kidnapper (he did not insist on continuing), and angrily blurted out. ¨C ?Why the hell did you hug me?!?


    ?To prevent you from leaving the area of the movement. Don''t worry, we''re still in the same forest, but much closer to the border.? ¨C calmly exined Timothy.


    Juno looked around. Indeed, the area is different, there are no corpses nearby. The girl had never heard of the ability to instantaneous teleportation. It''s impressive, but why did he move her? However, she can''t think about it now!


    Thedy, with her hands on her hips, discontentedly recalled the recent words of the young man: ?What does it mean "be mine"? Yes, you saved me, but who do you take me for, since you decided that I would lie under you out of gratitude? You confused me with someone¡­ I will only sleep with my husband.?


    ?Would you rather stay with Roman?? ¨C Timothy chuckled.


    ?And if so?? ¨C crossing her arms over her chest, Juno squinted.


    ?He''s a weakling and a jerk, not even worth your fingernail. I am already stronger than him, and in a year or two I will be an unsurpassed genius all over the world. Would you really prefer to marry aughingstock who bought the wedding with Tokens??


    Stone pursed her lips and looked down, then shook her head: ?I can''t do otherwise¡­ If I run away, I will ruin my family and especially my grandfather¡­?


    ?Do you think the Russells will cut out an entire family because of some impulsive fool? Haha, you''re naive! If you''re so afraid to make a decision, then I''ll make it for you!?


    ?Fool, do you want to kidnap me?!? ¨C Juno yelled indignantly.


    ?Yes, I will take you to Saturn to live with me, and when you inevitably fall in love with me, we will get married.?


    ?Why would I fall in love with you? Where did you get those wet dreams? Do you think your so-called giftedness will make me melt? Haha! There are things more important than strength!? ¨C Juno was flooded with memories of those 13 years spent in the world of Lovr.


    ?What nonsense are you talking¡­? ¨C he did not understand her. Everyone knows that there is nothing more important than strength.


    The blonde shook her head in disappointment: ?I thought at least you were normal, but in the end¡­?


    Timothy snorted coldly: ?You will thank the goddess for the fact that I became interested in you, otherwise you would have married a piece of shit instead of a real man.?


    ?Is this the real man who was rejected by Elsa?? ¨C Juno mockingly rified.


    ?It won''t be for long. I''ll take her too when I get stronger.? ¨C Timothy smiled confidently.


    ?Well, then I won''t go anywhere with you, you moron!? ¨C she resolutely looked into the guy''s eyes. Sharing a bed with a husband who also sleeps with Elsa? It''s better to die!


    ?And you don''t have a choice. You know the rule: whoever is stronger is right. In general, decide: either you will go quietly with me, or I will take you by force.? ¨C Timothy firmly stated.


    ?You have no right to decide my fate and especially to endanger my grandfather! I''m not going anywhere with you!? ¨C Juno protested categorically.


    ?Is this your final decision??


    ?Of course!?


    ?Do as you like. In general, it''s even better, becauseter, when the Russells listen to the recording on your tournament formation, they will find out that you are not to me, so they definitely will not harm the Stones.? ¨C having finished, Timothy unceremoniously picked up the girl in his arms and carried her somewhere.


    ?Let me go! Freak, let me go!? ¨C the blonde squealed, hitting the bastard on the head, but her weak, powerless blows were like a massage to him.


    Timothy liked Juno for a long time. The girl satisfied all his tastes. He decided at the tournament of families that he would make her his second wife after Elsa. He definitely wasn''t going to give her to some nobody like Roman.


    After many years of living as a weakling, real strength is finally returning to him. He can''t help but take advantage of this to fulfill all his cherished desires! However, all this romance is not a priority for him. The guy had much more far-sighted ns, far superior in importance to such trifles.


    A few minutester, Timothy was knocked out by a sudden blow to the head.


    Juno didn''t have time to understand anything, when suddenly the world around her blurred from the speed with which she was being carried. She was in the hands of some incredibly powerful man, ording to her rough estimates, at least with the development of the sovereign phase.


    ?Are you my patron?!? ¨C thedy asked hopefully, but received no answer.


    {?Juno Stone has been found. I am delivering the girl to the ce.?}


    {?Good job, private Walder.?} ¨C themander-in-chief responded joyfully.


    ¡­


    {#&%$@!} ¨C Kyon has already lost count of how many times he swore today. Now Juno has passed into the hands of the Walders. He knew that he had to be near her all the time, but he still ran to Elsa to take away her points and enter the top 64.


    The very thought of Juno being fucked by XiaoXiao Walder, who would get all her development, made everything boil with rage inside him. His indignation can just be released on the subi pursuing him. And they won''t mind.


    ?Bunny, let me apany you!? ¨C a charming demoness proposed her candidacy.


    Kyon smashed another demonic medicine under his feet and, turning around abruptly,unched "Dark Cut" at the winged person with the development of the imperial phaser at the 1st stage.


    However, the subus simply dodged and giggled loudly: ?Oh, how rude! Let that pixie spank your ass for bad manners!? ¨C she rushed to attack with a lustful look.


    Lovr repelled the next attack, but the insolent demoness fearlessly rushed forward and wrapped her tail around him. Bright blue clouds swirled around the guy,pletely harmless at first nce, but as soon as they touched the skin of the subus, she sizzled like meat in a hot frying pan.


    ?Aah-aah-aah! It hurts!? ¨C the girl in obscene underwear instantly pulled back her tail and blew on it. It looks like she got off with only a mild burn. Finally, the narcotic gas affected her, and it seemed to her that she was burning alive¡­


    Using sma fire, Kyon was just hoping to break out of the grip. Of course, such heat is ineffective against such opponents.


    {Now I can''t help Juno in any way. I need to save myself first.} ¨C Lovr soberly assessed the situation and rushed towards Elsa. With his turtle-like speed of a lord phaser at the 6th stage, he cannot escape from any subus, he has to wait for demonic medicine to work on them. With Elsa, he would at least be able to escape from the horned ones of the royal phase, of which there are three quarters.


    Before the guy had even run a kilometer, 10 demonesses descended from the sky at once.


    {Where the fuck are youing from?!} ¨C Kyon checked Kara''s marriage formation just in case, but it didn''t react in any way. Is the instinct of subi so great? Or maybe he used "The sh of Darkness" in vain?


    The subi rushed to the prey all together, as if they wanted to snatch a bigger piece for themselves.


    Without hesitating for a second, he threw another demonic medicine under his feet, activated "Dark Cut" and firmly grasping the hilt of the sword with both hands, spun around at great speed like a top, sending ck des in all directions. The entire space around him was covered with des of darkness. No one could get close to the spinning madman. In fact, the subi fought off the des without problems, but the closer they got to the victim, the more attacks they had to face.


    The first move ¨C "The Storm of Disasters",bined with "The de of Darkness", consumed a lot of physical and elemental energy. Lovr understood that it was necessary to stall for time until the gas affected the enemies, he did note up with any other way.


    Fortunately, all the demonesses consider him a fragile noble phaser at the 6th stage, so they do not dare to attack with any serious blows. And sometimes they are even afraid to use techniques to capture, as they can allegedly identally break his neck. Otherwise, he would have been turned into a chop long ago.


    Half a minuteter, Kyon''s lungs began to burst with pain fromck of oxygen. His body was cramping, and his internal organs ached painfully. The consequences of iplete recovery from recent hypoxia affected. And although the gas had already affected some subi, new ones appeared in their ce. They seemed to have no end! He won''t be able to resist them for a long time¡­


    ?Oh, look up!? ¡­ ?It''s sister Amanda!? ¡­ ?Lady, you came on time!?


    The particrly exquisite subus in ckce panties and with barerge stic breasts smoothly descended from the sky and stared at the young man in fascination. A gentle smile yed on her lips, and she went to the desired fat man.


    {The imperial phaser at the sixth stage! Holy shit!} ¨C Kyon swore. His spiritual sense, thanks to the Void body, was extremely sensitive to the development of opponents. And although he could hardly consciously sense whether she was the imperial phaser at the beginning or middle stage, the Synergy helped with the calctions.


    The demoness easily beat off all the des of darkness with her bare hands, as if pushing aside the branches of bushes, approaching the coveted prey. At some point, she grabbed the Scourge with a deft movement, and her long tail gently wrapped around the body of the coveted guy, and pulled him to the mistress.


    Kyon felt his face sink into the massive and fragrant breasts of the demoness. For a second it even seemed to him that it was not so bad to be captured by such beauties and surrender to passion, but no! Fuck them all!

 Chapter 521

    Chapter 521¡¡¡¡{?Now!?} ¨C Kyon gave a soundmand to Elsa and teleported to the clone behind.


    Amanda, carried away by her prey, noticed an approaching dazzling white beam as thick as a thousand-year-old oak at the veryst moment. Frightened, she hurriedly covered the gifted young man with her back.


    ~FUUUUUUUUUSH~


    The beam-arrow hit the demoness. Her wings instantly turned to dust. The luxurious hair disappeared, and the skin on the head and the entire back of the body blistered.


    A momentter, the girl screamed in horror, as the treasure in her hands had disappeared somewhere, and only a secondter she found the unharmed young man 5 meters behind her, she breathed a sigh of relief and immediately lost consciousness.


    Kyon was shocked by this reaction. How valuable is he to them?! Even in such a situation, the subus protected him with her body, sacrificing her wings and beauty! In a sense, such a selfless act touched him, and he even decided that from now on he would use "Light Cut", and not "Dark Cut", on demonesses who were afraid to even scratch him.


    When Amanda was wounded, and the desired target rushed away, all the subi at once let out a piercing screech that seemed to resound through most of the forest. Having expressed their emotions, the demonesses rushed in pursuit, but someone was covering the young man''s retreat¡­


    Reaching Elsa, Kyon unceremoniously jumped into her arms, yelling: ?RUN!?


    ?How did you get out of her grip?!? ¨C Stone blurted out in shock.


    {?I''ll answerter, now run!?}


    {?Tell me, is Juno all right?! Are you following her?!?}


    {?I''ll tell youter, gosh! Run!?}


    Due to the recent screeching, which was more like a call for help, subi began to flock from all sides one after another. At least one horned person appeared every second. In half a minute their number exceeded fifty.


    Kyon had no choice but to scatter demonic medicine right and left, but two new ones appeared to rece each affected winged huntress, and his reserves were rapidly depleted. It''s good that none of the subi dared to use attacking abilities, apparently afraid of injuring the desired victim.


    {?Oh goddess, why are there so many of them?! Do you really attract them so much?!?} ¨C the blonde wondered with notes of despair in her telepathic voice. Fear drove her forward, because the subi would skin her alive for trying to steal the precious fat man from them. The girl did not want to die under torture because of some scoundrel.


    Kyon said nothing. It is worth paying tribute to Stone, even with him in her hands she was not inferior in speed to the subi of the 2nd stage of the imperial phase. As for those who are stronger, they gradually reduced the distance, and in a minute they would definitely have overtaken them if not for the demonic medicine. s, the guy has run out of it. He saved thest 3 pieces for the most desperate case.


    Noticing that the messenger of the goddess stopped shooting back, Elsa hysterically shouted: {?Do you have a n?! They''ll catch up with us now! I don''t want to die because of you!?}


    {?There is one, but it is rather idiotic¡­?}


    {?Quickly tell it to me!?} ¨C the girl demanded.


    Suddenly, Elsa stopped and, standing behind the messenger of the goddess, put a dagger to his throat and threatened the pursuers: ?If you approach, I will kill him!?


    Fifty subi with frightened faces stopped ten meters away from the people.


    ?How dare you threaten the life of our lord?!? ¡­ ?If even a hair falls from his head, then we will make you regret that you were born!? ¡­ ?Let him go, and we won''t hurt you!? ¨C they threatened in response. At the same time, none of the subi dared to approach, although they had already surrounded two people.


    Rose Valentine was secretly watching the development of events from a tree, hiding on a nearby hill, from where he had a good view. A little earlier, when he saw a dazzling white beam and heard a piercing female screech, he climbed to the highest branch to scout the situation, and found Elsa, who was fleeing from subi with Dick in her arms¡­ Now his future wife was surrounded by demons, and the guy could only watch.


    Elsa was about to put forward conditions, but she stopped in mid-sentence.


    Three particrly gorgeous subi descended from the sky. At first nce, it was clear that they were on a different level from the others, just like Amanda. One of them emitted emanations of the imperial phaser at the 6th stage, the other - at the 7th, and the third, the eldest, apparently, at the 8th.


    ?Hot sisters - Olga, Masha and Irina!? ¨C more than fifty subi whispered with reverence and awe in their voices, bowing low before the neers.


    Elsa was speechless. She had never faced such strong opponents, and with three at once! They will bury her in the ground with one blow! Why did she agree to obey the messenger of the goddess?! What a fool she is!


    The three hot sisters had already opened their mouths, but suddenly stopped and looked up at the sky, exhaling respectfully: ?Great sister Astarte!? ¨C they bowed their heads, repeating the behavior of all the other subi.


    {AGAIN?!} ¨C Elsa almost burst into hystericalughter.


    Kyon almost choked on saliva when he saw another noble person of subi.


    Astarte descended from the sky like a supreme being. Her sultry stunning body did not seem fragile and unnecessarily thin, by no means, it gave the impression that it was created for passionate sexsting days, or even weeks. He wanted to admire every part of this unearthly creature for eternity: long slender legs, juicy, but at the same time pumped-up hips and buttocks, a thin waist with toned abs andrge stic breasts, which only an armless person would refuse to touch, and he would do it with tears. The tail, wings and horns gave the beauty even more charm. Every part of the body of the demoness seemed to have won the nomination of the whole universe for the title of "the sexiest".


    All this was in perfect harmony with the choice of clothes for hunting men: expensive, harmoniously matched jewelry, thigh-high boots, exquisite underwear and a cut-out bra. All clothes in burgundy tones made of dense materials, without excessive obtrusiveness and openness, on the verge of what is permitted. The subus surpassed herpetitors in refinement of taste.


    With all this, the main weapon of the demoness was her indescribably charming chiseled face, which can only belong to the goddess of lust and depravity. Crescent-shaped eyebrows, white fangs peeking out from behind sensually plump lips, fluffy eyshes in the corners of the eyes, perfectly entuated by shadows, and, most importantly, mind-blowing golden eyes that can turn male flesh into stone with one nce.


    It would be an insult topare the horned one with the rest of the subi, because she is on apletely different level with her taste in choosing clothes, beauty and natural sexuality. To all this, you can add her incredibly high development, which Elsa and Kyon could not feel.


    It seemed to Lovr that all the gods decided tough at him at once: {Why¡­ Does she look¡­ Exactly¡­ Like my master?!} ¨C his organs were twisted from an unbearable cramp, and nausea rolled up to his throat because of the appearance of a stunning demoness. Most of all, he hated three types of personalities: those who encroach on his life and freedom; immoral bastards, mocking defenseless and innocent victims for self-satisfaction; and his master Elisia, who at the age of 1500 looked like an extremely spectacr and ardent young student. She taught him lessons in sociology and sexology, fortunately without practical training with her in the main role, otherwise he would not have be the hope of humanity, but a huge lump ofplexes with a disturbed and shattered psyche.


    All the subi, including the three sisters, scattered to the sides like chickens in front of a fox.


    The magnificent demoness stepped onto the ground and studied the two people with a charming smile on her lips. There was not a single hint of disgust in her golden gaze directed at the ugly fat man, only the purest interest and something ardently passionate. She immediately noticed the unfriendly look of the young man, not a bit interested in her appearance, which she perceived as a great challenge. Even if he prefers boys, the girl will change his orientation, whether he wants it or not!


    ?My name is Astarte Ruru, I am the daughter of the matriarch and her heiress. I have many other titles, but you won''t be interested in them.? ¨C the girl proudly said in pure humannguage in a courteous tone characteristic of a well-bred nobledy.


    ?I am Elsa Stone, and I will kill him if you get close!? ¨C the blonde warned confusedly. Her back was covered with cold sweat. The daughter of the matriarch of the great demon family, upying the 3rd rank in the entire demonic empire! Now it is clear why everyone bowed before her, and why the level of her strength cannot be felt.


    ?Elsa, darling, you know subi aren''t interested in girls¡­ We usually avoid you, but when you prevent us from getting our coveted loot, we give you a fight. In connection with all that was said earlier, I have a question: why did the pretty blonde take him hostage?? ¨C the subus touched her lips with charming thoughtfulness.


    Confusion flickered across Stone''s face. She had already opened her mouth to voice everything that Dick mentally dictated to her, but she was outpaced¡­


    ?I see.? ¨C Astarte immediately understood everything and with a smile that could throw any man into a fever, gracefully walked towards two people.


    More than a hundred subi reacted in different ways, some of them even screamed in horror, they were so scared that the fat man was going to be killed.


    ?One more step and I''ll finish him off¡­? ¨C Elsa screamed.


    In the blink of an eye, Astarte took out a long ck whip, wrapped it around the blonde''s neck with a sharp movement and struck her with lightning, pulled her to herself and pped her in the face.


    ~BANG~


    Even the needles from the nearest fir trees fell down because of the sonorous echo.


    All the subi dazedly grabbed their horns.


    Rose, watching from a nearby hill, covered his mouth to keep from screaming.


    Kyon rushed to Stone, but one of the three hot sisters blocked his way.


    Astarte lifted the pale blonde''s head with her finger and looked into her beautiful eyes filled with horror: ?Who are you trying to deceive, Elzochka?? ¨C she asked condescendingly, as if dealing with a stupid girl. ¨C ?Just one look at you makes it easy to understand that you won''t kill a hostage. Even your posture betrayed you: stiffness in the shoulders, slightly bent knees, a barely perceptible trembling in the hands, uncertainty mixed with fear in the eyes¡­ Such a coward would never have the courage to kill him!?


    ?But I had to be 100% sure of this, so I asked a simple leading question, and your reaction to it confirmed my guesses¡­ You really wanted to protect the boy, because you like him. When you realized that you couldn''t escape from my sisters, you took a desperate step and allegedly took him hostage. The move is not bad, but the execution is terrible. Your feelings for the young man betray you. By the way, this is the only reason why I haven''t killed you yet and I''ll even spare you, after all, you tried to protect such a treasure from danger! I praise you for your bravery and heroism, hee-hee. Well done.?


    Already almost a hundred subi groaned enviously. Those of them who also assumed that the blonde was bluffing, still did not dare to act. Astarte, with a minimum of information, independently came to the right conclusions and rescued the hostage.


    Rose, who heard the subus''s words, clenched his fists. Elsa still likes Dick¡­ The demoness who has the ability to read people like open books is hardly wrong¡­ It turns out that he suspected something was wrong for a reason! Well, okay. Now the fat bastard will be taken with them to the demon empire and enved, and Elsa, as promised, will be spared! Everything is very good ¨C he consoled himself.


    Elsa looked at the subus with hatred and fear, shifted her intive gaze to Kyon, as if apologizing for her mistake, and doomedly closed her eyelids.


    Astartepletely lost interest in the blonde and turned her golden gaze to the fat man. Despite the repulsive appearance, she saw in his eyes the whole universe: bright, alive, containing boundless potential and energy. And he looked at her with disdain¡­ Ah, it turns her on so much! Challenge epted, honey!

 Chapter 522

    Chapter 522¡¡¡¡?What''s your name, sweetie?? ¨C Astarte asked, slowly approaching the fat man with such a graceful gait that any supermodel would choke herself with envy.


    ?It''s none of your business.? ¨C Kyon snapped coldly, considering his n of action.


    ?How rude¡­ Do you dislike me so much because you are confused by my horns, wings, tail and reddish skin?? ¨C the girl pointed at herself with a finger with an extremely offended look. She knew that almost every person has been brought up to hate demons since childhood, so she asked this question.


    ?No. I don''t care about your race. However, I hate my master and those who encroach on my freedom. You and your sisters were chasing me to take me away and enve me. Who do you think I am to be happy about this? Fuck you!? ¨C Lovr rudely replied.


    ?I see¡­? ¨C Astarte nodded, surprised at such an answer to herself, because usually everythinges down to banal racism, but in this case, the reason for the hatred is more mundane. ¨C ?Your hatred is justified. However, you will change your mind after I work on you, because there is no greater happiness for a man than serving a subus. Let this beauty open your eyes to a new wonderful world!?


    Each second counted.


    The demoness instantly appeared near the young man to grab him with her tail, but suddenly he lit up brighter than 20 suns, illuminating with his radiance tens of kilometers of forest around. Having blinded everyone present, the fat man rushed into the arms of his opponent¡­


    {What kind of ability is this?! What is he up to?!} ¨C Astarte was surprised, feeling that all her senses were significantly strained, because of this, it was no longer possible to detect the presence of the person. Well, since he rushed to her, how could she refuse him?


    Without hesitation, the subus spread her arms, but he inexplicably walked right through her, like a ghost or a phantom.


    {WHAT?!} ¨C Astarte turned around in a daze and saw that the fat man was flying to Elsa, and she, ordingly, to him. It''s amazing, because the recent lightning strike should have immobilized her for at least 10 minutes, but she has already regained her mobility.


    {They are up to something! I must not let them meet each other!} ¨C the demoness quickly took out the whip and tried to wrap it around the neck of the fugitive, but her weapon inexplicably passed through the victim''s body, as if it were immaterial.


    As soon as Kyon came into contact with Elsa, he immediately activated the protective item given to him by the zeroth general. Instantly, a translucent air barrier formed around the two young people. For some reason, it was blood-red in color, and it was able to protect them for a few minutes even from the sovereign phaser''s attack. It was not possible to feel the presence and development of subi through it. Also, the barrier is clearly of high rank, which means that you can get out of it, as well as manipte it in every possible way (open gaps, for example). This was to be expected from the defensive technique given by the right hand of the empress! It is possible that this is a gift from Lanatelle for her faithful servant.


    Two Stones are now protected from demons for at least 3 minutes.


    A little earlier, Lovr realized the astral for the first time in his life. He had long suspected that some secret was hidden in his unusual spatial attribute, and over the past months of training, he discovered it and adopted it.


    How does it work?


    It is widely believed that a spatial object cannot be ced inside another spatial object, as well as elemental energy, active matter like boiling water and an animate organism. However, by trial and error, Kyon found out that it is actually possible. But all this is instantly spat back out without any consequences, and so quickly that no one will be able to notice anything, no matter how hard they try.


    Thanks to the inside-out spatial pocket, as well as his improved spatial attribute, Lovr is able to ce his body (and even the ring) in the world of singrity for a much longer time. And even in this case, this time is a zeptosecond. But in the real world, a whole second passes, because time in the singrity is almost stopped.


    In other words, he and everything he is wearing moves into the future for a second, since he is in the dimension between worlds for 1 zeptosecond, and in the real world 1 second passes. He disappears from the universe for a whole second!


    To enter the astral, it is enough to imbue the body with a spatial attribute and activate the formation in the ring. There is no need to create any ck bubbles, as it usually happens when you need to put objects in the ring.


    There are also nuances: during the action of the astral, the soul continues to move by inertia, so after a second the body appears in the ce where it would be a secondter. In other words, you can easily materialize inside the wall, and if suddenly the body is not strong enough to destroy it, then there''s gonna be one less unlucky otherworlder.


    It is also interesting that the already immaterial body continues to emit visible light, which gives the impression that he has not disappeared anywhere. But it is impossible to feel his presence, no matter how powerful the spiritual sense of the practitioner.


    But there is also an important limitation: you cannot enter the astral more than once every 15 minutes, otherwise the body will lose its oscition frequency, and approximately the same thing will happen that happened once when Valeera captured Kyon''s soul: the body began to copse. And to rify, the situation with Rose will be repeated. His soul allegedly attacks his own body, considering it to be someone else''s. In general, the result is the same - death. The experimental rats confirmed this.


    Thus, Lovr can now enter the astral for 1 second every 15 minutes, thereby avoiding any dangerous and instant attack. That''s how he got through the subus and eluded her whip. A very convenient protective tool that will definitelye in handy in the future.


    A hundred subi gasped in shock. What just happened?!


    Before Kyon could catch his breath, he suddenly noticed that the whip was wrapped around Elsa''s leg¡­


    With a sharp movement, Astarte pulled the blonde out of the barrier and eximed admiringly: ?Incredible! You were able to get past me, the sovereign phaser at the beginning stage! I am extremely fascinated by your abilities, sweetie! But what''s the point? Do you really think that some barrier will stop me?? ¨C breaking into a dazzling smile, the demoness tried to break through the barrier with her bare hands, but was surprised to find that she was unable to do so. Frowning, the girl hit harder, and then at full force, but the blood-red air barrier only vibrated a little.


    {Damn bitch¡­} ¨C Kyon darkened, frowning at the pale Elsa. He did everything to escape with her, but now, if he escapes alone, the blonde will undoubtedly be killed.


    ?What a strong barrier¡­ Well, all right. Its destruction is only a matter of time. My dear, how about going outside in a good way? I promise to thank you¡­? ¨C the sultry subus pointedly licked the heart on the tip of her tail and winked yfully.


    The leader of the subi wanted him toe out voluntarily, as she was afraid that if she had to destroy the barrier by force, the residual momentum of thest blow would harm him. The horned one even added: ?And do not forget that Elsa is in my hands! Quite by ident, I might change my mind about sparing her¡­?


    ?Just don''t hurt Elsa!? ¨C Kyon suddenly shouted.


    The subi looked at each other meaningfully.


    Elsa raised her eyebrows in surprise. She was touched by his concern.


    ?Ho?? ¨C Astarte broke into a triumphant grin, revealing the weakness of the fat man. He does like the blonde. ¨C ?I won''t hurt her, soe out boldly, kitty! I promise she''ll leave safe and sound! I give you my word of the daughter of the matriarch of the Ruru family. It''s worth a lot.?


    ?Even if you promised me not to hurt her, what about the other subi? They have enough reasons to kill her! I can be sure of Elsa''s safety only when she gets inside the barrier, where no one can get to her!?


    The demoness suspected something was wrong, so she decided to act more carefully: ?I agree, but you have toe out and stand next to me. To assure me that you won''t run away from me like you did recently. Otherwise there will be no deal.?


    Closing his eyes, Kyon took a deep breath and resolutely stepped out of the barrier. He approached the surprised demoness and calmly looked into her eyes, as if waiting for her further actions.


    ?And you know how to surprise!? ¨C Astarte praised the young man, hugging him and gently stroking his head like a precious doll. ¨C ?Since you kept your promise, then I will keep mine. Elsa, darling, you''re free! Go in peace, as we agreed¡­?


    Stone approached the barrier and, as soon as an opening formed in it, she instantly jumped inside, after which the barrier closed behind her. Next to the girl, the real Kyon came out of invisibility, and with such a look as if nothing had happened.


    Astarte''s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. If he is there, then who is she hugging? The person indistinguishable from the original in her arms suddenly vanished into nothingness¡­ It turned out to be a clone!


    A little earlier, the clone of Lovr emerged from the one-way barrier, while its creator hid in invisibility inside. Since the barrier blocks the spiritual sense, the demoness could not figure out the trick, so she took the clone for the real one and, ordingly, fulfilled the condition of the deal and released Elsa to the barrier.


    More than a hundred subi gasped in shock, opening their mouths.


    ?Y¨Cyou deceived me!? ¨C Astarte screamed in disbelief, finally realizing what was happening.


    ?Oh, how clever you are, you finally understood!? ¨C Kyon praised her with a malicious grin.


    Astarte looked as if she had been doused with ice water. The chap not only tricked her, but also brazenly mocks her, talking to her as if she were a simpleton! She was justifiably indignant: ?How dare you break your promise to me?!?


    ?Are youpletely stupid? Why should I go into voluntary very??


    The demoness could not find an answer, because the interlocutor is somehow right in his own way.


    While the demons were recovering from the shock, Elsa anxiously turned to her partner with telepathy: {?What are we going to do next? Your barrier will buy us a few minutes at best¡­ Even the entire army of the first general will not force the subi to retreat!?} ¨C she still did not understand what Kyon was up to. Why did he even drag her into the barrier?


    {?Moving the imperial phaser will cost me dearly, Elsa¡­ It''s better for you not to know what I''ll do to you when we''re alone!?} ¨C having said this, Lovr threw a teleportation trigram under his feet, stood in it and, hugging the girl tightly to him, activated the movement. The subtle, fragrant scent of the blonde''s hair pleasantly tickled his nostrils.

 Chapter 523

    Chapter 523¡¡¡¡Elsa froze in shock. They are alone in a tight trigram mold¡­ His face is very close¡­ His breath tickles her cheeks¡­ At the same time, he hugs her tightly, as if his beloved one, and reproachfully looks into her eyes, as if she is a guilty girl. Rose doesn''t even have the courage to treat her the same way.


    Under the gaze of Dick, Elsa suddenly became embarrassed and turned away¡­ A moment ago, she was filled with despair, but now they are already halfway to freedom. So Kyon risked himself to save her by dragging her into the barrier? If he had tried to leave alone, Stone would have been taken hostage and killed! So he was worried about her¡­ Such an act touched the girl. Is that what he is, the messenger of the goddess? He always turns everything in his favor¡­


    Rose, who was watching this sudden romantic scene, turned purple with anger. The nasty bastard somehow outwitted the subi, and now unceremoniously hugs his girlfriend! How can one even look at it calmly?! The jealous man gnashed his teeth.


    The subi reacted even more vividly: ?§¡§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ-§Ñ! He wants to run away! Stop him!? ¡­ ?We can''t let himplete the move!? ¡­ ?HE''S MINE!? ¡­ ?Attack the barrier with all your might!? ¡­ ?Does anyone know techniques that block movement?!?


    However, Kyon was not at all worried about the fact that the movement might be hindered. The fact is that with the superior grade of ether, he learned to create teleportation trigrams of the highest level, and it is very difficult to block them.


    ?You won''t get away from me! I won''t allow it!? ¨C said Astarte, who came to her senses.


    ~BOOM~


    The zeroth general''s air barrier vibrated slightly from her impact, but nothing more.


    ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~


    The girl alone exerted as much pressure on the barrier as all the other subibined. Moreover, due to the shock waves that she generated, the subi with the development of the royal phase were afraid to even get close to attack.


    ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~


    {?Will the barrier stand for sure?!?} ¨C Elsa got worried.


    {?Let''s wait and see.?} ¨C Kyon muttered gloomily.


    A minute has passed, and there are less than 30 seconds left before the teleportation ispleted.


    The air barrier has thinned by about 50%.


    At that moment, Astarte greatly regretted that she did not master the magic of the earth, and her weapon was a whip, but not some heavy hammer, otherwise she would have already reached the sweet fat man! But everything goes to the fact that she and her sisters will not have time to break through the barrier before he escapes.


    In a fit of despair, the girl went to the barrier and, looking into the eyes of the desired person, activated "the look of charm" with a power of 1%, shouting: ?Be mine!?


    ?I won''t.? ¨C Kyon calmly rejected the offer, using "The eyes of truth".


    {He wasn''t even aroused?!} ¨C Astarte was amazed and repeated the look at 10% of the power. However, in response, he only snorted coldly and showed her an obscene gesture.


    Lovr didn''t feel her spiritual attacks at all. Is it because of "The eyes of truth" that protect him? Yes. But, probably, even without them, the charm technique would hardly have had an effect. The reason for this conclusion is simple - Lanatelle''s spiritual attack also did not affect the otherworlder.


    Time passed, and there were less than 15 seconds left before moving.


    Subi went crazy even without demonic medicine: they tried in every possible way to dissuade the coveted prey from escaping, rushed to the barrier and installed their own ones.


    Astarte was afraid to use "the look of charm" to its full potential, because it is able to arouse even the overlord phasers, turn the heads of the sovereign phasers and inspire great passion in the imperial phasers. And if they are already aroused, they will undoubtedly lose their minds for a long time. As for the noble phasers at the middle stage, they will gopletely mad! But does she have a choice?


    In a fit of deepest despair, the demoness begged: ?No, my dear, I will not let you go! Don''t go!? ¨C and activated "the look of charm" at full power. Her eyes glowed pink.


    ?Go to hell!? ¨C Kyon replied with "The eyes of truth".


    The contemptuous nce of the young man, with which the emperor looks at the dirty port whore, instantly suppressed themand of "passion" and inspired hismand ¨C "know your ce" ¨Cpletely opposite in nature. Such an indomitable will made Astarte feel awe of man. His gaze simply wiped out her entire world, all her interests and aspirations, leaving behind an indelible imprint of "perfection". Never before have men looked at Ruru so imperiously that the knees gave way. There were pleasant cramps in the lower abdomen. The golden eyes of the demoness rolled back, and she plopped down on her backside, tucking her legs. The girl moaned sweetly from the pleasure that came over her.


    ?Did you cum just because I looked at you? What a pity¡­? ¨C Lovr grimaced contemptuously.


    The already crimson face of Astarte seemed to blush even more with embarrassment. Her wonderful golden eyes were filled with something crazy when she squeaked in a thin voice: ?M-my master, please don''t go!?


    Elsa''s jaw dropped at what she saw. She witnessed something phenomenal. Yes, subi love men, but not so much to cum just because they look at them! Especially when ites to the daughter of the matriarch.


    With a bright green sh, Kyon disappeared with the blonde in his arms.


    When the treasured prey slipped from under their noses, the subi squealed loudly.


    Astarte continued to sit and stare nkly into the void. Her world has changed irrevocably, and without any long soul-searching, the demoness realized: {I fell in love to unconsciousness¡­} ¨C initially she treated the fat man as a precious recalcitrant prey, and it was a challenge to catch and re-educate him. However, after a recent nce, she could not perceive such a "great gift" as just prey. Now he looked more like the embodiment of all dreams, a great heavenly treasure, which can only be obtained by incredible efforts, fighting for it with the whole world. Here is her new target!


    Rose, seeing all this mass insanity, hurried to escape. Even if the subi noticed him, it is unlikely that in the current situation they will care about him.


    Valentine had various theories about what had happened. Let''s say the Bakers gave the powerful barrier to Dick, but how does this exin the insane fanaticism of the subi in rtion to the fatty? How did he manage to outwit them twice? And what unique techniques did he use?


    ¡­


    The hugging couple materialized in the nearest town.


    Elsa immediately broke free from Kyon''s embrace and gasped out in amazement: ?What was that?!?


    ?Teleportation, sis. Don''t you know?? ¨C he was surprised.


    ?I''m not talking about that! Why Astarte¡­ Well¡­ Just because you looked at her¡­ Well¡­?


    ?Well??


    ?Well, you know! She reacted so vividly¡­?


    ?Are you talking about her turning red??


    ?No! She is always red! Don''t y dumb, you know what I mean!?


    ?No, I don''t know¡­? ¨C Kyon continued to y dumb.


    ?She cummed!? ¨C the blonde blurted out, unable to stand it.


    ?Wow¡­ How vulgar!? ¨C Kyon frowned disapprovingly.


    Elsa blushed and, biting her lip resentfully, turned away. The scoundrel is mocking. Finally realizing that he would continue to y with her, she returned to the topic: ?So why did she react like that??


    ?Maybe because I''m too good-looking?? ¨C Kyon shrugged.


    The blonde could not find an answer, but suddenly remembered the recent words of the messenger of the goddess: "Moving the imperial phaser will cost me dearly, Elsa¡­ It''s better for you not to know what I''ll do to you when we''re alone!". And now they''re alone in a small room¡­ What is he going to do to her to make her pay the debt? The nobledy''s heart quickened its pace. Could it be that he would ask for something intimate?


    A saving thought came to the rescue: after all, she got into a dangerous situation through his fault! He could escape from subi on his own! Therefore, if the sly one demands payment of the debt from her, then she will put him in his ce! And yet, curiosity forced the girl to keep this trump card for the veryst moment, when he would already give out his desires for her.


    But, to the surprise of the beauty, Kyon now had absolutely no time for her: he was calling someone.


    ?Juno!? ¨C Stone remembered. ¨C ?Where is she?! Is she okay?!?


    ?She was kidnapped.?


    ?What?! Did the subi do it?!? ¨C Elsa was seriously scared.


    ?No. The Walders.?


    The blonde swayed dazedly, and there was horror in her eyes.


    Kyon didn''t want to use the 0th general''s protective barrier so much because of Juno, although he could have escaped from the subi at any second without even asking for Elsa''s help. Initially, the n was as follows: to escape from the subi on his own, catch up with the Walders on a pterodactyl (its speed allows it to do this), focusing on the tracking formation imposed on Juno, and then, acting ording to circumstances, lock up with her in a protective barrier and teleport to the city. However, everything went ass-backwards because of the damned subi. Since his n failed through their fault, then they must answer for it!


    ?Will you save her?? ¨C Elsa asked intively, lightly touching the young man''s hand. ¨C ?Please, Kyon, save her! I''ll do anything for you if you save her! Please!?


    ?Remember your words.? ¨C Lovr smiled and finally got through.


    ?My master?! Say it''s you!? ¨C Astarte''s excited voice came from the device. A little earlier, a ring fell from the sky next to her, and inside it was a ringing sound transmitter.


    ?Yes, it''s me and I have an offer. You will fulfill my one request, and in exchange, I promise toe to the demon empire on the day of the goddess Persephone and meet you in person to give you the opportunity to apologize to me for your sisters and your own behavior.?


    Astarte took her breath away from inspiration. She may have a great opportunity! Even though her master recently deceived her, she agrees to fulfill any condition, even if the chance that her new beloved one will keep the promise is extremely small.


    ?What request?! Tell me now!? ¨C the subus almost begged.


    ?It''s simple: call your mother and give her the coordinates of two practitioners with the development of approximately the sovereign phase, carrying the kidnapped girl. Giselle must save the blonde and set her free. And keep in mind: if something happens to her, or you put any formations on her, then there will be no deal.? ¨C Kyon said coldly, trying not even to show in his tone of voice that the person who needs to be saved is important to him, and added something else important. ¨C ?And don''t try to find me. I will change my personality anyway. By the way, you saw me under a fake disguise. In reality, I am not fat and not cross-eyed, but a handsome young man from whom you would go crazy.?


    {He is also a handsome man?! I knew! I felt it!} ¨C the demoness almost fainted from the overyed imagination and chattered. ¨C ?I will do whatever you ask me, my master! I''ll call my mom right now! Name the coordinates!?


    Elsa listened to Kyon''s conversation with her jaw dropped. A minute ago, he was fleeing from subi, and now he is cooperating with them! The problems that have fallen on his head, he solves with the same problems! He manipted the circumstances so simply and yfully that the girl felt dizzy. Her opinion of the mysterious young man was changing for the better.


    ¡­


    ?How could you miss him?!? ¨C Giselle screamed, holding the sound transmitter to her ear.


    A dozen elders clutched their horns in horror.


    ?Mom, there''s no time to exin! To make hime back in the future, fulfill one of my requests: save the kidnapped girl! And don''t put formations on her, don''t do her any harm, and don''t follow her! I beg you, heed my words!?


    Matriarch Ruru had never heard Astarte sound so excited before. It seemed that her own life was at stake. How much did that gifted person impress her? Well, if so, then she will fulfill the request of her daughter!


    ?How can I find her?? ¨C the woman asked after some thought.


    Astarte dictated the coordinates, and Giselle and two elders went in search of the kidnappers of the girl.


    ¡­


    Two powerful agents of the Walders with Stone in their arms rushed to their homnd. It''s a long way - almost 80 thousand kilometers, but by morning they nned to get to Saturn.


    Juno already realized that it was not the patron who took her from the hands of Timothy, but another kidnappers, judging by their strength - the Walders. No doubt XiaoXiao sent them. The prospect of falling into the hands of that jerk did not please the girl at all. It would have been better if it had been Timothy! At least he is more adequate than everyone she met today.


    Masked rapists, Roman, XiaoXiao, Timothy. The girl''s dislike for those who im to be intimate with her decreases approximately in this order. However, of the 4 evils, she did not get the worst option, and thanks for that - that''s about how sheforted herself.


    Suddenly, the Walder agents looked up and saw three winged demonesses descending from the sky in their direction. Judging by the fact that they didn''t even p their wings, the men faced the overlord phasers! The woman in the middle was especially intimidating.


    The two kidnappers turned pale and scattered, but suddenly they were under such pressure that they realized there was no point in even trying to escape. There is no doubt, the demoness in the center is the monster of the highest phase in the whole world - the supreme phaser! Such powerful people are able to single-handedly influence the history of the whole world!


    The pressure gently bypassed Juno, she fell out of the hands of the kidnapper and stared at the winged trio with trepidation. The blonde immediately turned deathly pale and looked away. Her legs were trembling with fear. If the subi did note for her soul, then the most reasonable reaction would be to bow her head and hope for mercy.


    Giselle approached the charming girl and lifted her head with her finger. Looking into the blonde''s horror-filled eyes, the woman''s eyebrows went up: ?Such a beauty! Baby, you remind me of someone¡­ Haven''t we seen each other before??


    Juno hastily shook her head. She couldn''t say a word.


    Matriarch Ruru chuckled thoughtfully and nodded: ?I would love to take you with me to the demon empire, but you''re lucky to have a patron! Thank him. You may go. Rosarrio is that way.?


    Juno bowed and ran headlong towards Rosarrio.


    ?Wait.? ¨C the main subus suddenly added.


    Startled, the blonde stopped and turned around, mentally saying goodbye to life.


    ?Give your patron this nephrite.? ¨C Giselle threw a muddy green ball into the human girl''s hands. ¨C ?Tell him that a one-time flight technique is sealed inside, and if he is in danger, then he should activate it to escape. Tell him I''ll be happy to meet him in the future.?


    Juno bowed again and ran away.


    Giselle turned her gaze to the Walder agents, who were numb with fear: ?Not a bad catch¡­ Riley, Sylvia, these two belong to you from now on. Bon appetit.?


    ?Thank you!? ¡­ ?Thank you!? ¨C the eyes of the two seductive winged demonesses glowed pink when they used "the look of charm" on the prey.


    Something immediately began to bulge out of the men''s pants, and they rushed like madmen at their charming temptresses. The Walders will never return home.


    ¡­


    A hundred kilometers from the scene, someone coldly chuckled.

 Chapter 524

    Chapter 524¡¡¡¡Returning to the border of the hunting grounds, Giselle identally stumbled upon a handsome young man rushing somewhere, but clearly not in the direction of Rosarrio.


    The woman flew up to him unnoticed and sniffed, raising her eyebrows in amazement: {What a clean smell! I haven''t met such gifted boys for a long time¡­ Well, since he''s out of the hunting zone now, I''ll probably take him with me.} ¨C she wrapped her tail around the handsome man, as if she had plucked a nameless flower, and soared up.


    ?Wa-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!? ¨C finding himself high in the sky, the guy shouted at the top of his voice.


    After the murder of four rapists, Timothy could not return to the order: it was too risky, so he went with Juno to Saturn. However, someone stole the girl, and now he suddenly became the victim of the abduction! A wonderful day¡­


    Giselle did not react to the countless pleas and moans of the prey in any way, but threatened that she would shut up the screamer if he continued to pester her.


    Finally, the subus returned to the meeting ce, where she found not only ten elders, but also a little less than a thousand subi, led by her daughter. Everyone had devastated expressions on their faces, as if they had lost something important.


    Noticing her mother, Astarte immediately flew up to her and bombarded her with questions: ?Did you save her?! Did you save the girl?! Did you fulfill my master''s request?!?


    ?Your master?? ¨C the bewildered woman looked at the girl suspiciously.


    ?Please give me an answer!? ¨C the demoness pleaded.


    ?Yes, I did¡­?


    Astarte was greatly relieved, and the colors returned to her pale face. There was hope in her eyes.


    ?My little bird, tell me exactly what happened to you!? ¨C Giselle demanded.


    ?He tricked me¡­ He¡­ He is so¡­ So amazing!? ¨C the demoness sobbed intively, as if it was about the love of her life who abandoned her. Having calmed down a little, the girl began to tell how the mysterious fat man ran away, made a deal with her, and now he does not answer calls - deliberately ignores them.


    Timothy, standing behind the matriarch, unwittingly overheard the conversation: {One-browed fat man? Dick, right? Did he run away with Elsa?! Did he shine brighter than the sun?! Fake personality?! It can''t be¡­ Are Dick and Kyon the same person?!} ¨C the guy perfectly remembered how the messenger of the goddess defeated him at the tournament of families: he shed like a radiant star and threw his best technique - a transparent sphere - into his chest. The former Brown had no doubts when he added to this information that Dick''s identity was not real.


    Now Timothy realized that the messenger of the goddess had not actually disappeared anywhere, but had simply transformed into Dick! Admittedly, his disguise is impable. Recognizing Kyon in Dick ispletely impossible.


    The guy had a good opportunity to get freedom, and also take revenge on Kyon by telling everything he knows about him. He had reason to hate Stone, although he was aware that this hatred was more like a childish insult: after all, the messenger of the goddess defeated him on his own, and Herman himself was to me for putting everything on the tournament of families, for which he paid in full.


    After listening to her daughter, the matriarch nced at the rest of the subi and gloomily summed up: ?So, did you all fall madly in love with the gifted young man??


    The legion of girls nodded synchronously. One of them even burst into tears, wrapping her tail around herself.


    With furrowed brows, Giselle pulled her human trophy to Astarte by the hand: ?My birdie, tell me what your instinct tells you? Do you feel anything??


    Astarte looked into Timothy''s eyes and wrinkled her nose in disgust: ?Ugh¡­ Disgusting! Ifpared with Him, he is like a rotten fish next to the flower of a Thousand Truths!?


    Timothy was offended by thisparison, but he wisely kept silent.


    The woman sighed gloomily and sent a telepathic message to the elders. ¨C {?They won''t be able to be interested in other men anymore, at least for the next three or four years. Having known the true splendor, their eyes will not turn down for a long time. I''m afraid the hunt has failed. We''ll have to cancel it.?}


    {?Butdy, you said that this is the most important day for our family!?}


    One of the elders replied: {?Lindia, you felt that "aroma of genius" and you should perfectly understand our children. They have lost interest in all men for theing years. And even if they continued hunting, who would they hunt? The dice chose the zone in which there is not a single city, only a dense forest. Yes, some kind of tournament was held here, but now people know about our invasion. There is no one to catch here. We can only expect the appearance of armies and look for worthy soldiers, but this is no longer a hunt, but a real act of hostility, which can be perceived as an attempt to exterminate the empire. People will consider this the beginning of a new world war.?}


    Giselle closed her eyelids sadly. For the first time in 300 years of her long life, she is forced to stop traditional hunting. It seems that the gifted young man honestly deserved his freedom, since he was able to escape even from Astarte. There''s no point ming the dice or Kara who threw them. Subi are to me for not catching the legendary prey.


    Spreading her wings wide, the woman announced the end of the hunt.


    Just as she turned around, she heard the guy''s voice behind her.


    ?Lady, I know who you are looking for!? ¨C eximed Timothy. ¨C ?I will tell you everything I know about him, even where he studies, but in exchange you will let me go!?


    All subi froze as if thunderstruck.


    Astarte flew up to the talker and shut his mouth with her palm, threatening: {?If you say a word, I''ll send you to the next world!?} ¨C she was worried that if the sisters found out the details, they would go in search of their object of passion contrary to her mother''s order, thereby viting the terms of the deal between her and her master.


    A dozen elders and the matriarch looked at each other, telepathically agreeing on something. Finally, Giselle nodded, turned to the young subi and said loudly: ?We will interrogate this young man and take all possible measures to capture your beloved one. Wait.? ¨C after which she flew away with the elders and Astarte, put the young man on the ground and introduced herself. ¨C ?My name is Giselle Ruru, I am the matriarch of the subi. What is your name??


    ?I am Timothy Kagan, the son of the once great Christian Kagan¡­? ¨C Timothy bowed.


    ?Kagan?!? ¨C the woman was surprised. ¨C ?Why didn''t you say right away that you were from the dark race?!?


    ?I''m a half-blood¡­ And does it really matter?? ¨C Brown tilted his head in puzzlement.


    ?Of course it does! We have amon goal with the Kagans, so we made a deal! Didn''t they tell you? Are you really from the Kagan family?? ¨C Giselle squinted.


    ?I''m an exile¡­ I''m not aware of any contracts¡­?


    ?Exile? Hmm¡­ Do you know Morgan??


    Timothy grimaced sourly: ?Ryder''s son? I''ve known such a man¡­ I can''t stand him.?


    When the young man called the name of the emperor of the dark ones ¨C Ryder, Giselle had no doubts: ?I see¡­ How about going with us to the demon empire? If you help Morgan defeat yourpetitors, then I''m sure your exile will end.?


    ?I have to think about it.? ¨C Timothy crossed his arms over his chest.


    ?Good. And now, please, tell us all about that gifted boy!?


    The matriarch, a dozen elders and Astarte heard from Kagan the story of how the Stones once adopted Kyon, nicknamed "the messenger of the goddess", how he fought at the tournament of families, what abilities he has, including the ability to change his appearance, and much more. The young man concluded the story by mentioning that Baker is now studying in the order.


    ?So his weak spot is the Stones?? ¨C Giselle suggested.


    ?No.? ¨C Timothy shook his head. ¨C ?He was just adopted by them. For him, they are nothing more than a starting springboard for taking off to new heights. I''m sure of it because I''ve heard rumors that he killed members of his own family for some ridiculous reasons, and that Bai hated him for it. I still remember how furiously my grandfather looked at him at the tournament of families.? ¨C the former Brown did not want to expose the Stones because of Juno. Otherwise, he would have kept silent, since he did not like this family either.


    ?Do the Stones happen to have a green-eyed blonde with the charming appearance of an angel?? ¨C the matriarch asked shrewdly.


    Timothy raised his eyebrows in surprise, not understanding how the demoness knew about this. With his reaction, he immediately gave the answer - yes.


    ?It''s curious¡­? ¨C Giselle smiled meaningfully, puzzling everyone.


    ?If he doesn''t care about the Stones, then we have to find him in the order!? ¨C one of the elders said decisively.


    ?No!? ¨C Astarte snapped. ¨C ?He''s too smart, he''ll read you three moves ahead! As soon as you are discovered, he will certainly know about it, and then the deal between me and him will be broken! All of us, subi, will irrevocably be sworn enemies for him without the possibility of forgiveness! Is this what we want?!? ¨C although the demoness convinced the elders, relying on the interests of the family, in fact she was guided only by her desires: to make peace with the messenger of the goddess and win his heart in the future.


    The elders gloomily whispered. The matriarch thoughtfully rubbed her chin. The ability to change personality, of course,plicates everything, but the main problem was different: in order to find a person solely by instinct for talent, you need to approach him at a distance of at least 100 meters, which is extremely difficult, given the size of Rosarrio. As for the search by aura, Kyon obviously won''t make the same mistake again.


    Seeing the indecision of the subi, Timothy added fuel to the fire: ?So if you are worried that you will be noticed, then why don''t you, Lady Giselle, get it over with yourself? I''m sure no one will find you with your strength!?


    The woman smiled sourly: ?Timothy, it''s not so simple. In peacetime, practitioners of my level are forbidden to cross the borders of foreign empires, otherwise it may involve the goddess. Especially if we are talking about the so-called messenger of the goddess. This is the agreement between the goddesses of humans, demons and supreme beasts.?


    {Idiotic rules¡­} ¨C the ex-Brown chuckled in annoyance.


    After discussing the issue for five minutes, the subi made a unanimous decision to return to their homnd.


    ¡­


    ?Abducted by subi?!? ¨C elder of the Walders asked incredulously.


    Themander of the agents recently sent to Rosarrio reported that his people encountered subi during the search for Juno. The simplest assessment of strength made it clear to them that Rosarrio was attacked by imperial subi. It was decided to continue the search, bypassing the demons. The girl was eventually found, however, the subus elders somehow discovered the agents during the retreat¡­


    The man turned pale, copsed into a chair and drained a ss of whiskey in one gulp. The loss of two sovereign phasers at the finishing stage - his personal subordinates - is extremely unpleasant news. He did not know that such a huge force by Rosarrio''s standards would not be enough to catch some girl. Why the hell did the imperial subi attack Rosarrio specifically, they had never done it before? Why exactly in this forest, these days?! As if fateughed at XiaoXiao''s desire to possess Juno!


    XiaoXiao came into the office at the invitation. There was an anticipatory smile on the guy''s lips.


    ?Son, I''m sorry, but you''ll have to forget about the girl¡­?


    Young Walder''s expression changed abruptly: ?Won''t she be mine?! B-but you promised¡­ You said I''d get her¡­?


    ?I remember my promise. I tried to keep it, but in the end I lost two subordinates. The heavens don''t want you to get her¡­? ¨C the elder shook his head sullenly. ¨C ?Now we won''t have time to take her before the wedding. You have to ept it. I''m sure we can easily find you a much prettier concubine.?


    ?No-o, we can''t¡­? ¨C XiaoXiao, bursting into tears, ran into his chambers, deafeningly mming the door.

 Chapter 525

    Chapter 525¡¡¡¡There wasplete chaos in Rosarrio.


    With the help of rescue teams, the students safely left the forest and were sent to the safest ce in Rosarrio - to Dantes, to their home. In the long history of the reign of the bloody empress, subi had never broken into the capital.


    Surprisingly, almost none of the students disappeared, but the bodies of four brutally murdered participants were found. In the future, the investigation will show that they were killed by subi, and this conclusion will arouse suspicion among the families of the victims, because such behavior is not typical for male hunters. Any attempts to find out the details of the investigation will lead to nothing. The authorities will refuse to provide them with records from tournament formations, exining that they were broken by the same subi.


    Meanwhile, the generals had positioned their elite troops armed with pulse rifles in the most advantageous positions forbat, and were already expecting the appearance of demons, but intelligence reported that subi had left the empire''s border. The seasoned warriors took this as a deceptive maneuver and began to prepare countermeasures, but there will never be the second invasion.


    The Virgo sect sent an unexpectedlyrge and strong army to call for help. However, the hasty departure of the subi put Rosarrio''s authorities in an ufortable position.


    All the families of the empire were preparing for the worst, but there was no bad news. Unless there were rumors about the mysterious disappearance of the patriarchs of the Valentines and the Clintons, the Minister of Finance and the masters Julius and Feng. They haven''t been seen anywhere for a little over a week.


    By the second day, the general concern had significantly decreased, especially for families living in the impregnable Dantes. The Clintons still decided not to postpone the wedding, even despite the absence of the patriarch, yet this date is dered in the document.


    The other evening. The grand celebration is nned for tomorrow.


    High in the sky, the leaderboard of the recent tournament was disyed on the city screen. Apparently, the intervention of the subi, because of which thepetition was interrupted after two and a half days instead of the nned three, turned out to be an insufficient reason for the re-holding of the tournament.


    The list with the names of the participants on the screen changed once a minute. First, those who took from the 500th to the 401st ces were shown, then those who took the ces from the 400th to the 301st, then from the 300th to the 201st, from the 200th to the 101st, from the 100th to the 65th, and then the participants who took prizes ¨C from the 64th to the 33rd ces.


    The 64th ce - Rose Valentine - 3308 points.


    The very first name made all the citizens of Dantes gasp in surprise. How did it happen that young Mr. Valentine barely entered the top 64? Isn''t he a monstrous genius?


    And only the spectators of the tournament knew that the main culprit of this event was Elsa. Rose''s girlfriend was somehow constantly finding him and robbing him. Many people have suggested that she put a tracking formation on Valentine, but how to prove it?


    Seeing the result, Rose breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the soul returned to the body. Now he will definitely be a disciple of the empress and marry Elsa in the foreseeable future.


    Soon an image with the names of the participants who took from the 32nd to the 17th ces appeared on the screen, then from the 16th to the 9th and at the very end the names of the leaders who took the first 8 ces.


    The 8th ce ¨C Juno Stone - 14000 points.


    The 7th ce ¨C Elsa Stone - 14001 points.


    The 6th ce ¨C ¡­


    The 5th ce ¨C ¡­


    The 4th ce ¨C Timothy - 19049 points.


    The 3rd ce was shared by Clementine and Seraphima ¨C 21012 points.


    The 2nd ce ¨C Roman Clinton ¨C 27506 points.


    The 1st ce ¨C Dick Baker. ¨C 77777 points.


    There was a deathly silence. The citizens of Dantes stared nkly at the sky. Why did the unsurpassed genius Elsa, who recently entered the great imperial phase, take only 7th ce?! Who are these Timothy, Clementine and Seraphima, since they have taken such high positions, and why do they not have surnames?! But thest well-known name - Dick Baker, who took the first ce - struck everyone the most.


    ?Dick Baker?! That brilliant investigator?! I heard that he is just a noble phaser at the middle stage! How did he manage to take the first ce, especially with such a huge margin?!? ¡­ ?You must be joking! He''s doing impossible things again!?


    Princess Haya, who saw the results through the live broadcast, gnashed her teeth in anger. She had a wild desire to train on a punching bag in the shape of Dick. She used her hatred of the fat man as an incentive for training, and it brought results.


    Three princes of Liberia, big as bulls, also watching the broadcast, grabbed their heads: ?This fatty still took the first ce! Holy shit! Everyone saw how he took points from Elsa, from the imperial phaser at the first stage!? ¡­ ?Why the hell wasn''t he disqualified?! It''s clear that he cheated somehow!? ¡­ ?Fuck! He paid for the victory!?


    Rose recently heard that Elsa was losing points every time she met Baker, but only now, having seen the result, he was finally convinced of this. So Stone was robbing him to give the points to that fat bastard?! The guy became ill from burning indignation, and he lost consciousness.


    Watching the result, Kyon clenched his fists: {The zeroth general, I swear by all the hair on my body, I will break your jaw as soon as I get the chance¡­} ¨C it turns out there was no 95% penalty for getting points in the tournament. It was not necessary to rip his ass apart to enter the top 64. The question is: why did the zeroth general make such a cruel joke on him? The answer is obvious: he wanted Dick to be famous, so that if he bes a direct disciple of the empress in the future, the society would not have unnecessary questions.


    Meanwhile, Elsa was sitting next to the fat man and diligently massaging his feet. Over the past 2 days, she has already worn out her nervous system pretty much, wondering what he wants to do with her, allegedly in payment for expensive teleportation. And what will he demand for the salvation of Juno? However, he seemed to havepletely forgotten about it. And then suddenly he ordered her toe to him to give him a foot massage!


    Lovr blissfully closed his eyelids, lounging on an armchair, and purred: ?Kaif¡­?


    The blonde pursed her lips in embarrassment. As a child, she learned to do massage to please her beloved dad, now Dick is reaping the fruits of herbors¡­


    ?It''s strange¡­? ¨C Kyon suddenly noticed. ¨C ?Last time, your foot massage was like trying to make a golem out of y¡­ Now everything is different. Why??


    ?I learned how to do it. Recently.?


    ?You''re lying, bunny. You can''t just learn such a filigree art in a few days.? ¨C he broke into a wide smile. ¨C ?As I suspected, you always knew how to do massage, but the first time you deliberately pretended to be rude and ipetent to turn me away from it. You''re smart! However, I can''t understand, why are you doing it with diligence now? Have you fallen in love with me??


    ?I haven''t!? ¨C the charming blonde''s face turned pink. ¨C ?I just want to express my gratitude to you for saving Juno¡­ I hope you are satisfied.?


    ?You owe me more than you can imagine, Elsa. No matter how amazing your massage is, you will never pay me off like this. Besides, you are a smart girl and you understand perfectly well that by doing me such a pleasant service, you signed yourself up for everyday work at my feet¡­ Oh, did you do it on purpose??


    ?Shut up!? ¨C Elsa, who was blushing, could not stand it, interrupting the fat man. She didn''t fully understand why she revealed her skills, and this bastard reads her like an open book, unting what she is ashamed to even think about.


    Soon, Kyon closed his eyes and deliberately let his erection intensify to the full to make the girl burn with shame. Why not? Her reaction was very amusing.


    As soon as the fat man fell asleep, Stone sped away. She never seems to get used to it. And why did his penis shrink? Or was it her imagination?


    When Elsa left, Kyon took out a cloudy green ball from the ring - Giselle''s gift, which he took from Juno the previous night. Disposable flight technique. You can''t buy this even in the Golden Pig guild. The formation will definitelye in handy someday. It seems that the matriarch Ruru understands that it is better to cooperate with him. She is not stupid.


    As a result, thanks to the tournament in the forests of Regan, Lovr got the opportunity to pass the final exam (when he would umte the necessary number of points), gained even more poprity and awards for the first position in the ranking, received the invaluable flight formation and, most importantly, saved his precious "investment" frompetitors.


    ¡­


    The next day. Midday. The central part of the Clintons'' territory.


    More than a thousand noble guests gathered in the ceremonial temple of the goddess Danna: the Russells, the Valentines, the Clintons, the Hunters, the Feruzs and other representatives of the royal families, as well as King dimir and, of course, the Stones.


    Elsa was hiding somewhere in the corner, noting out of invisibility. She did not want her grandfather to see her until she returned her father, otherwise she would have to make excuses with guilt in her heart for her escape from the family,mitted several years ago.


    Despite his unhealthy appearance, Rose also came. Of course. After all, he is Roman''s best friend. They became friends in childhoodrgely due to the fact that they were always in the shadows of their older brothers ¨C Stein Valentine and Artemis Clinton.


    Roman''s older brother Artemis was also present at the wedding. The stately young man bore little resemnce to his younger brother. Perhaps he attracted too much attention to himself, at least because he bore the title of the empress'' junior disciple.


    But Rose''s older brother, Stein, who was also the empress''s senior disciple, was absent, apparently considering this event not important enough.


    Finally, the wedding symphony sounded. The guests of the hall rose from their seats.


    Therge doors of the temple swung open, and the newlyweds and their escorts marched through them: the bride''s mother Diana and grandfather Bai, who was now and then furtively wiping his eyes with a handkerchief, walked beside her. He looked like he was going to burst into tears. Roman''s mother and grandfather walked beside him.


    Everyone was puzzled. Why doesn''t Horace apany his son to his wedding? Maybe something happened to him? And only the Clintons knew that something terrible had really happened to their patriarch, but they were not going to spoil this significant holiday. The bad news will be announced in a week.


    Roman was dressed in a ck tuxedo. His short ck hair was slicked back. There was fire in his eyes, and his chest was proudly protruding. He was incredibly happy that his bride was an exorbitantly gifted heavenly genius, moreover, the most beautiful girl in the whole world. He had long dreamed of getting her.


    However, Juno attracted the attention of all viewers. Like a graceful flower plucked straight from the Garden of Eden, she radiated a fragrant aura, inspiring the soul. And although the girl''s face was hidden by a veil, no one doubted that she was incredibly beautiful. The slender figure of the bride was enveloped in an airy thin white dress without a fluffy skirt. She was walking towards the altar with a gliding gait, like an angel hovering above the clouds.


    Admiring the dazzlingly beautiful blonde, Rose swallowed with envy, however, almost all the other young people in the hall did so, especially her fans. It seems that the expression of undisguised envy on Artemis''s face pleased Roman ¨C he could not restrain a smug grin.


    The attendants took their ces, and the newlyweds approached the altar. The wedding ceremony has begun. After reading out a standard speech, the elder took an oath of allegiance from the young people, asked them to exchange rings and seal the union with a kiss.


    When Roman lifted the veil, the guests of the hall, who saw Juno''s face for the first time, gasped in amazement. The appearance of the bride touched them to the core. Indescribably sweet, stunningly attractivedy pushed all sorts of boundaries of standards of female beauty. The supreme angel ¨C these were the words that were spinning in the heads of people devouring the girl with their eyes. She was still Stone.


    A few barely noticeable wrinkles of disgust appeared on Juno''s face due to Roman''s predatory gaze, wanting to kiss her. She closed her eyes (and it seemed to some that she squeezed them shut), thereby allowing the guy to kiss her.


    Roman dly took the initiative and dug into the soft fragrant lips of his wife. Oh, how delicious and pleasant she is! His eyes were closing with pleasure.


    At the end of the kiss, the audience burst into apuse. Party poppers exploded, a solemn melody began to y. Bai finally burst into tears. Diana could barely contain her disapproval. Fans of the girl wanted to get drunk as soon as possible to fall into oblivion. Life is trash.


    The elder imposed the Clinton family formation on the husband and wife, after that the newlyweds went to the banquet hall to the cheerful congrattions of the guests.


    The fun continued untilte in the evening. The celebration included the best dishes in the empire, the rarest alcoholic drinks, dozens of toasts and congrattions, thousands of gifts, atmospheric music from popr musicians, as well as all sorts of traditional interesting contests with a good entertainer attached to them¡­


    Roman even persuaded his wife to dance with him. How damn gracefully she moved! The guy felt like a clumsy bull next to her. Her every smooth movement was full of grace, as if she was a born dancer. All the hired dancers next to her looked shyly at the floor. Her slender body seemed to drift on the waves, and the way she simultaneously rhythmically and seductively shook her stic hips simply deprived everyone of the ability to think, especially her fans and husband. But her emerald gaze was even more captivating¡­ She is perfect! Clinton realized that he had sumbed to her charms and fell in love with her. Gorgeous! There is nothing wrong with falling in love with your own wife, especially on the eve of the wedding night.


    s, she did not honor her husband with more than one dance.


    Soon the wedding night came, and Roman, taking Juno in his arms, carried her to his chambers under the envious nces of the male half of the guests. Some of them even cried.


    The couple were followed by a group of powerful bodyguards.

 Chapter 526

    Chapter 526¡¡¡¡Weather forecasters predicted a clear sky today, but the entire Dantes was covered with thick dark clouds. What was the matter? And the matter was that the clear weather contradicted one person''s ns, so he forced it to change! It was enough to spray a few tons of cloud-forming reagent in the right ce, and it was in the bag.


    High above the capital, where neither reconnaissance from the ground nor reconnaissance from the sky can look - in the thickness of the clouds - a pterodactyl soared, and a guy sat on it in a lotus position with his eyes closed. It was Ken, of course.


    {The time hase.} ¨C Lovr''s eyes shed. He created a clone (to retreat), forged the development with a bracelet, used several nephrites with a powerful concealment technique sealed inside on himself, used his own concealment technique and jumped off.


    Having got out of the clouds, he saw the vast capital from a bird''s-eye view, and right below him the territory of the Clintons and the futurending site ¨C arge well-guarded building, inside which Roman''s chambers he needed.


    Lovr passed the city barrier and the Clintons barrier without being noticed. Everything has been calcted for a long time. When there was exactly a second left before the destination, he entered the astral, thereby bing immaterial, due to this he was able to go through the walls.


    Kyon materialized in an empty bedroom. The fall was cushioned by a spring barrier created specifically for this case. No rumbling and vibrations. Some invisible person just happened to be in the room of the young Mr. Clinton.


    Lovr studied the chambers and, as expected, found several well-hidden visual formations. Is Roman going to record the wedding night to watch it over and over again? Not exactly. The formations are needed to execute the Token contract. And if the girl refuses him, he will even be able to take her by force with impunity.


    Kyon sent Synergy and faked the image for visual formations like he once did in the department dungeon, after that he crawled under the bed and hid. Dozens of costly concealment barriers purchased from the Golden Pig guild should make him invisible even against an imperial phaser at the ending stage standing a meter away.


    Exactly a minuteter, Roman with Juno in his arms and a group of bodyguards entered the room.


    The strongest bodyguard - the imperial phaser at the beginning stage - made a tour of the room, examining it for the absence of invisibles, and even looked under the bed¡­


    ?Neil, don''t you have other things to do?! Get out!? ¨C Roman shook his head impatiently.


    ?I''m doing everything for your safety, sir.? ¨C the man bowed and left.


    Clintonid Juno on the bed and with an obscene smile on his face asked: ?Well, birthday girl, are you ready for the most passionate night of your life??


    Juno snorted coldly and said matter-of-factly: ?Let''s dot all the i''s. I will not respect and love you just because you are now my husband. Today is your happy day, or rather, a happy minute. Despite my desire, I have to sleep with you once because of the contract, but this does not mean that I will sleep with you in the future. Don''t even count on it.?


    Roman said resentfully: ?Dolly, but your duties include satisfying the sexual needs of your husband! Otherwise I might start cheating on you¡­?


    ?Go ahead, damned worm!? ¨C the blonde snapped. ¨C ?Sleeping with such a despicable jerk voluntarily? I''d rather die!? ¨C everything about Clinton annoyed her: from the disgusting character to the facial features.


    ?I see. Oh, how cold you are to me¡­ But it''s even more interesting this way! And you didn''t take into ount something: after the so-called "happy minute" I will turn you from a snow queen into a horny slut, hungry for my cock!? ¨C Roman stated confidently. He had no idea that due to the unique body of his wife, his statement might not be so far from the truth.


    Junoughed sarcastically: ?Ha ha ha! The best joke in the world. Wet dreams of a brat, no more.?


    A yful smile touched the guy''s lips: ?Do you prefer to undress yourself, or should I help you??


    ?You''d better undress first, and then we''ll see¡­? ¨C the girl said mysteriously.


    Clinton chuckled and began to take off his clothes. When only his underpants were left on him, someone from behind abruptly threw some kind of mask on him, because of this, the half-naked guy involuntarily filled his lungs with soporific gas¡­ The newly minted groom did not even understand anything, but it was dark in his eyes, and he fell asleep.


    It was an unusual soporific. It plunges the victim into a sleep on the verge of wakefulness, because of this, the family formation, reading the owner''s condition, will consider him awake, which is very important for the implementation of the n.


    Each second counted. Kyon immediately forced Clinton to take the medicine of oblivion in order to deprive him of the opportunity to remember even this fleeting episode, and threw him under the bed, where he had previously imposed many different barriers to prevent someone''s scanning to get there.


    Juno, however, did not see or hear anything strange due to the effects of Synergy. For her, Roman was still standing hesitantly, wondering whether to take off his underpants or it was too early.


    Before Kyon could breathe a sigh of relief, the bodyguard burst into the room. He looked anxiously at his half-naked master, then looked suspiciously at the surprised Juno, after that he carefully looked around the room, but did not notice anything strange.


    ?Neil, what the hell?? ¨C Kyon frowned.


    ?Sir, I felt something strange¡­ Is everything alright??


    ?And what could be wrong? Wait, were you scanning me when I started to undress?! Maybe you nned to spy on my wedding night too?! Are youpletely fucked up?!? ¨C Lovr was naturally angry, perfectly imitating Roman.


    ?Sorry¡­ I''ll turn off passive scanning right now¡­? ¨C the bodyguard took his leave. A little earlier, he felt something absurd: the master seemed to split in two for a moment, and then returned to normal¡­ However, given the rather natural reaction of Juno to his appearance and the words of Mr. Roman (and it was him, no doubt), he imagined this nonsense.


    When Neil left, Kyon was finally able to rx. Now, as can be understood from the reaction of the man, he was no different from Roman: half-naked (he undressed under the bed), the same appearance, the same smell and even the size of the reproductive organ. It turns out that for the next 12 hours he can freely pretend to be Juno''s husband. The main thing is not to mess things up, after all, he is now in a dark state of soul.


    Four months ago, the 0th general gave Kyon a task: to control the wedding between Juno and Roman. The failure was uneptable, because in this case he would not be able to be a direct disciple of the empress (and at the same time to get the 1st rank in the department), which means that he would not get to Valeera soon if she was alive by that time.


    The following task has arisen: how to pluck a flower from Juno, but at the same time make Roman believe that the wedding and the wedding night took ce? He needed a n with minimal risks and no traces, and he came up with it: to secretly enter Clinton''s chambers at the most crucial moment and take over the baton of the wedding night.


    Juno pointedly stared at her husband''s groin area, where there was nothing special, and mockingly asked: ?Well, uh-uh? Why aren''t you ready yet? Are you overexcited?? ¨C a sly grin bloomed on her lips.


    ?Who do you think I am to get aroused just by looking at a pretty face? Get undressed,e on.?


    ?Don''t be a macho man! I can see how much you''re worried¡­ Here''s the proof. I don''t want to make things worse, so I won''t get naked until you get your friend up.? ¨C challenge and mockery were in the blonde''s voice.


    ?So, Juno, are you refusing to undress on your wedding night?? ¨C Kyon became serious.


    ?Well, I didn''t say "no"! First, show your readiness, and then I''ll undress. Why are you dying it so much? You just need to get aroused. It''s easy for guys. Many of the people I fought were instantly aroused, but what about you?? ¨C Juno''s thin eyebrows rose when she covered her small mouth with her palm, eximing in mock horror. ¨C ?Oh, it can''t be, is my husband impotent?!? ¨C and suddenly she frowned. ¨C ?Maybe you prefer boys?.. I didn''t even know what you were¡­? ¨C her venomous words were vored with an ironic smile, and her eyebrow games seemed incredibly charming. Any guy would blush in shame.


    Kyon couldn''t help butugh. The darkness demanded immediate action, but he knew the girl''s n, so he was able to convince the dark soul not to rush things, but to stretch the pleasure for the best final result: ?Dolly, I''ll tell you a secret: formations are recording us. If you refuse to undress at my request, then the wedding night will not happen, which means that the Token contract will not be considered fulfilled. You don''t want problems for yourself and your family, do you? So take off your things.?


    ?Are we being recorded?!? ¨C Juno was artistically indignant, jumping up and looking around, then pointed usingly at her husband with her finger. ¨C ?You''re such a jerk. So you''re saying that I should get naked and then do it with you for the record?! You will show it to someer! Or even worse: you will watch it yourself!?


    The girl went a little too far with acting. Any experienced maniptor would immediately see through her n: to make her husband feel guilty in order to y on this. And an even more experienced one would understand that she initially knew about the hidden nephrites.


    Kyon didn''t fall for the solo performance and retorted with an ominous smile: ?Such a smart-ass bitch needs to be watched all the time. If you try to fool me¨C I''ll hand you over to the authorities! Get undressed,e on.?


    Now Juno was really indignant, but she had no excuses. It seemed strange to the girl that Roman was behaving so calmly and restrained. Not the same as before. It''s like he suddenly grew up, but this can''t be!


    After hesitating, the blonde gave up: ?Okay! I''ll undress a little because you insist so much, but if you don''t get aroused, then forget about more! Okay??


    ?Okay. Hurry up.? ¨C Lovr urged her.


    Juno timidly lifted her slender leg wrapped in a translucent white stocking and lifted the hem of her dress high enough to show her stic hips. Such a sight would make any man''s heart beat faster¡­


    ?And what is it?? ¨C Kyon snorted and demanded. ¨C ?Come on!?


    Clicking her tongue, Juno pulled off the strap, exposing a delicate shoulder, then she pulled off the second one. The top of the white wedding dress slid down, exposing the body. Small snow-white breasts were hidden by ace wedding bra. The figure of the beauty did not seem excessively thin, by no means, she embodied the ideal of femininity: sharp corbones; the relief of the ribs is slightly visible, which harmonizes with a thin waist; a thin feminine tummy and an attractive navel.


    The desire in Kyon''s soul red up with a new force, but he restrained himself with the help of Synergy. Because Roman''s situation would be exactly the same.


    Noticing that nothing moved in her husband''s underpants, and he looked confused and, it seemed, even scared, Juno breathed a sigh of relief to herself, returned the dress to its ce and asked with a sly smile: ?What is it? Why hasn''t your little brother hardened yet? If you can''t get turned on by a beauty like me, then don''t you dare me me for it! If anyone is to me for the failed wedding night, it''s only you!?


    ?It''s strange, this has never happened to me¡­? ¨C Kyon yed along, skillfully portraying the extreme degree of embarrassment.


    cing her hand on her husband''s shoulder sympathetically, the blonde nodded understandingly: ?Roman, bunny, I see that you are worried, because you have never slept with girls like me before¡­ Let me be a good wife for you.? ¨C she moved close to his ear and whispered softly. ¨C ?I can pretend that everything happened between us to save you from disgrace for the whole empire. But in exchange, I want only one thing: let''s close this damn Token contract. Let me jump on you, imitating sexual intercourse¡­?


    Lovr really could hardly contain hisughter, but he whispered indignantly: ?If I agree, and you pretend that everything happened between us, what then? You said you wouldn''t sleep with me anymore! Will I be married to a virgin? You do realize that sooner orter someone will scan your body and find out the truth, don''t you?!?


    With a mysterious smile on her lips as delicate as rose petals, Juno answered surprisingly well: ?I am already a lord phaser at the eighth stage, and soon I will be a royal phaser¡­ No one will be able to scan my body without my consent¡­ However, if you are so worried about your reputation, you will buy impervious fabric. Let someone sew panties from it for me.?


    {Juno, what a charm you are!} ¨C Kyon thought and finally stopped pretending, touched Juno''s chin and looked into her beautiful eyes with admiration.


    First, she put an analog of "evilball" into Roman''s wine, but it was more powerful and left no traces, to make her husband screw up on the wedding night; then she convinced him that he was worried and allegedly that was why he could not raise his friend; and finally, she also yed the role of a "good wife", offering him a deal, during which Clinton would save face, and she would close the Token contract and remain a virgin!


    The sister''s n has earned the highest praise of Lovr. It would have worked with a high probability if someone had not suddenly reced Roman. However, the question arises: why is Juno trying so hard to preserve her innocence? In this world, married girls can only sleep with their husbands¡­ Or does she think that virginity is the most important thing? In general, yes, and nothing would prevent her from pretending to be unmarried in the future. But who is all this for? Is she nning to find someone in the future? Or is it all for Lovr?


    {Interesting¡­ Very interesting! But now it will be even more interesting!} ¨C Kyon grinned unkindly.

 Chapter 527

    Chapter 527¡¡¡¡?What are you doing?? ¨C Juno threw back the hand of the insolent man, who took her by the chin, but suddenly her eyes widened, and she slowly turned her stunned look at the panties of "Roman".


    ?Oh, it seems that your offer is no longer valid¡­? ¨C Kyon grinned derisively.


    In Juno''s eyes there was not even shock, but real horror: ?H-how?! W-why?! Y-you just¡­?


    ?What''s the matter, dolly? It looks like only you are excited here¡­?


    The girl pitifully arched her eyebrows and babbled in a voice as thin as a mosquito''s squeak: ?Roman¡­ Romochka, darling, please don''t do this¡­?


    ?I''m giving you two, even three options to choose from.? ¨C Kyon interrupted her, holding out three fingers. ¨C ?The first one ¨C you will try to resist. In this case, the Token contract will not be executed, which will be confirmed by the records. Since I am a good husband and I don''t want you and your family to suffer, I will take you by force: I will order Neil to chain you. The second one ¨C we''ll just have sex like a normal married couple on their wedding night. The third one ¨C I''ll let you take the initiative and fuck me in the cowgirl position. Choose.?


    The dark soul of Lovr wanted Juno to deprive herself of innocence and development on her own. That''s why he offered her the 3rd way, which she would definitely choose.


    Juno turned as pale as a sheet and turned her head. Tears poured from her beautiful emerald eyes: ?N-no¡­ I don''t want to¡­ Please¡­ Please!?


    ?I''ll give you a minute to think. If you do not answer, then I will choose the first option.?


    For a minute, the charming girl tried in every possible way to dissuade her husband from sleeping with her: she begged, on her knees, cried, promised to respect and even love, kiss and massage every day, but he remained adamant and kept silent. Well, at least she didn''t offer a blowjob, as Kara did at the time, and that''s good.


    As soon as Kyon quietly called the bodyguard, the girl shouted:


    ?Okay! I-I choose the third o-option! The third option, damn you!?


    The girl categorically did not want to be a victim of ****. Having "ordinary" sex, as it should be on the wedding night, is certainly worse than thest option, which gives her at least imaginary control over a catastrophic situation.


    Lovr broke into an unkind grin: ?A good choice.?


    ¡­


    ?My great master, please save my former mistress! Let me intervene!? ¨C Dina pleaded, kneeling and looking somewhere up.


    A majestic voice came out of nowhere: ?Have you thought about the consequences??


    ?The consequences¡­? ¨C Dina immediately realized that she wanted to leave the former mistress to the real Roman even less. So, Juno will have to be taken away. The girl was about to say something, but stopped herself: the Stones will suffer for non-fulfillment of the contract! And who will protect them? She? Now she does not have enough strength, and there is no such freedom of action, yet she needs to justify the hopes of the master. Or maybe the master will protect them? Complete nonsense! Every second of her is too valuable to waste time on some Stones¡­


    In a fit of emotion, Dina blurted out something stupid, which she already regretted. It turns out that she will not be able to protect her former mistress in any way, and the damned Kyon will still defame her¡­


    The girl bowed: ?Forgive your stupid student¡­? ¨C she turned her gaze to the screen and, biting her lip and clenching her fists, continued to observe the development of events.


    ¡­


    (18+*)


    Throwing off his underpants, alreadypletely naked, Kyony down on the bed and waved his hand invitingly, pointing at himself: ?I''m all yours, dolly. Sit down and fuck me. Be a yful rider.?


    At the sight of her husband''s reddish penis, Juno had a lump in her throat, she felt dizzy and went nk. She immediately turned away and breathed deeply, as if she did not have enough air ¨C thedy became physically ill.


    Catching her breath, the blonde climbed onto the bed and hung over her husband''s groin. The girl groped and grabbed the disgusting hot cock under her, as if she was dealing with a basement slug, put it perpendicr, tucked herce panties to the side and pointed the plump head of the penis to her secret ce.


    {Am I going to do this with him? With this vile creature¡­ I didn''t want to give my innocence to him¡­} ¨C swallowing hard a bitter lump in her throat, Juno squeezed her eyes wet with tears and smoothly moved the pelvis down.


    Kyon felt how the head of the penis got into a heavenly soft and warm environment. Hatred shed in the guy''s eyes, and he gently whispered: ?Happy birthday.? ¨C and sharply raised the pelvis up, tearing the hymen and prating the girlpletely, literally pulling her over himself.


    ?Ah-a-a-a-a-ah!? ¨C Juno screamed loudly, throwing her head back. It was like a supernova exploding in the lower abdomen. Her heart sank. All thoughts slipped her head.


    Kyon groaned in ecstasy, both emotional and physical. The tender tight pussy tightly sped the penis along the entire length, while its owner moaned like an angel who lost the wings due to the machinations of an evil demon.


    A momentter, Lovr felt something unknown touch his soul in the groin area. Judging by the sensations - lianas, or perhaps even roots.


    {It has begun!} ¨C the guy rejoiced. ¨C {Triana, wait for me! Soon I will be your alpha!}


    The eyes are considered the most vulnerable ce in the soul, because all spiritual attacks pass through them. However, there is an even more vulnerable ce - the groin. During sexual intercourse, souls contact each other and exchange information in this area. Moreover, the more souls resonate, the better this exchange is, and the secret of a dense spiritual connection lies in pleasure. Both partners should enjoy the process.


    However, everything is different with "The Vulgar Flower". It just needs to feel an alien presence, and it will immediately pounce on it to give it fruits that contain all the development of Juno and even her talent.


    The roots prated deeper into the soul and spread over it, generating extraterrestrialfort and peace, as well as icy freshness. However, at some point, without any reason, they crawled back, as if they had lost all interest in the guest.


    {What the¡­ What''s going on?!} ¨C  Kyon abruptly came out of bliss. He knew for sure that it shouldn''t be like this. Was the flower afraid of his soul?! No, it wasn''t¡­ Judging by the fact that the roots are retreating slowly, they have simply lost interest.


    A mind-boggling thought urred to him: what if this happened because of the same frequency of soul vibrations? And even the dark state does not correct the situation?


    {What?!} ¨C these guesses made Lovr''s head hurt. And indeed, the point is not to tear Juno''s hymen, but to help "The Vulgar Flower" meet a stranger to whom it will dly give its fruits. But it can''t give them to itself!


    {That is, by capturing her soul, I made it impossible to transfer development?!} ¨C from these terrifying thoughts, Kyon''s mood has sunk into oblivion, because it turns out that any man can get the fruits of the girl''s unique body, but not him!


    If this is the case, then the only way is to change the frequency of Juno''s soul (or his own), but there is simply no such way! Unless there is another person who owns Synergy, who will agree to this¡­


    {Fuck¡­ Fuck! FUCK!} ¨C Kyon lost his temper. Now he will not only not be able to take revenge on the girl in full, depriving her of development, but also will not receive such a desired gain.


    Meanwhile, Juno was still recovering from the sharp pration. The bastard ruined the most intimate moment in her life! This is not how she imagined her first sex, and certainly not with "him"! The womb was cramping with difort. It seemed that a whole bunch of sparklers were lit inside, and each spark reached the very heart.


    ?A-asshole! Freak! I hate you!? ¨C the blonde pped her husband in the face.


    Darkness swirled in Kyon''s eyes. If he can''t take away Juno''s development as originally nned, then what remains? Only to pump out the darkness¡­ At least something...


    Lovr sighed gloomily and intercepted the second blow: ?If there is a spanking, then I will spank you! Now move briskly as if your life depends on it!?


    ?Fuck you!? ¨C the blonde snapped, but still sat on her husband''s groin. The pain from the rupture of the hymen and the difort from stretching the vagina quickly went away in a strange way. The girl''s face smoothed out, and she was able to force herself to move her pelvis smoothly, gently nting her pussy on his disgustingly hot penis.


    Kyon couldn''t hold back his blissful moan. He wanted to fuck this golden-haired beauty as a punishment for so long! However, she will not get off so easily. Her fate must be even worse than that of Kara, who was raped by Dick.


    Lovr tore the dress along with the bra with a sharp movement, exposing the small but extremely seductive breasts of the blonde. The eyes could not get enough of the sight of her stunning slender figure.


    ?What are you doing?!? ¨C Juno red up, hurriedly covering her breasts.


    ?It''s none of your business.?


    ?What do you mean?! Hey, freak, where are you pulling your hands?! D-Don''t you dare¡­ Ha-a-a-a-a-aah!? ¨C the girl moaned slowly: the bastard put his hands under her arms and roughly squeezed the sensitive mounds. She tried to throw them off, but shecked the strength.


    ?I can do it.? ¨C he grinned.


    ?You bastard¡­ I would kill you¡­? ¨C disgustedly wincing at the sticky touches of her partner, Juno thought what she should do. Fight? She can''t spoil the wedding night. Okay, so be it, I''ll let him touch me, the main thing is to end this whole nightmare as soon as possible.


    When the former Stone stopped protecting her breasts, Kyon was able to enjoy their tenderness and firmness. The nipples quickly hardened, and the palms tingled with tactile pleasure. But more importantly: at this moment, the sweet tight pussy was caressing the dick. Any man, including Roman, would cum in seconds from such games with the first-ss beauty sitting on him.


    {Why does he take so long to cum?! Why does he have so much patience?!} ¨C these thoughts were constantly in the girl''s head, when suddenly at some point, when she once again sat on the hot penis, something incrediblyfortable and warm spread from the lower abdomen. A sweet moan escaped from the throat.


    ?Ho-o-o-oh!? ¨C Kyon sighed excitedly, feeling how the blonde was aroused.


    {Why did I get turned on while having sex with him?! Why is my pussy reacting like that?! I don''t want to please him!} ¨C no matter how much Juno reproached herself, it happened. Each squat made her feel incredibly good, and the sensations intensified with each subsequent movement.


    At first, there was little lubrication, but after half a minute it moistened the penis abundantly. An indecent wet squelching began to be heard. The room smelled of floral nectaring from the girl. During each pration, her pussy gently squeezed the penis, which made the lucky man''s cock fly to heaven with pleasure.


    {W-what''s going on?! Why do I feel so good?!} ¨C Juno blushed, covering her face with her hands. The sensations of masturbation are only a pale copy of what she is experiencing now. Now even the rough caresses of her breasts brought her a kind of pleasure.


    ?Move faster!? ¨C Kyon ordered.


    ?N-no way!? ¨C the blonde squeaked, squinting from indescribable sensations.


    Lovr grabbed the girl by the waist and began to actively put her pussy on the dick. She screamed, either from shock or pleasure, but he didn''t care much. The penis was melting with ecstasy inside her. Euphoria flowed down the spine, concentrating in the back of the head. To fuck such a beauty listening to her astonished moans is priceless.


    ?That''s eno-o-o-o-o-ough!? ¨C Juno squealed, rolling her eyes. The body has lost all energy. She couldn''t focus on anything. All thoughts revolved around the incredible sensations in the lower abdomen. Although the girl was on top, and it seemed like she was supposed to lead the process, she was practically used as a sex toy! She couldn''t believe it. What''s going on?! Why is it so nice?! It''s Roman!


    ?You''re so hot and tight, dolly!? ¨C Kyon praised the blonde. ¨C ?I want to fuck you like this every day!? ¨C he tore off the remnants of her dress, and an amazing sight appeared before his eyes: ace wedding suspender belt, to which translucent white stockings enveloping slender legs were attached on straps. stic ass deformed from pping on the groin. Lacy white panties were tucked into the side, and the pussy swollen with blood, making squelching sounds, greedily swallowed the penis, sshing droplets of love juices.


    ?D-don''t lo-o-o-ok!? ¨C the blonde, unable to think soberly, closed her treasure from the eyes of the vile Roman. However, now he could admire her mounds, swaying with the constant movements up and down.


    ?Ka-a-aif!? ¨C Kyon growled, but retained semen. With the thickening darkness in his eyes, he spoke confidently. ¨C ?I''ll make you my bitch!? ¨C he took out a dog cor with a leash from the ring and put it on the long snow-white neck of the beauty.


    As soon as Juno realized that the dog cor had been put on her, she squealed hysterically: ?Take it off!? ¨C and tried to tear it off, but for some reason she could not do it. Humiliation covered her, which in a strange way only intensified the sensations of sex. Suddenly the girl remembered that now the bastard sees her pussy¡­ Thedy almost burned with shame and again covered her treasure¡­ Her mind was inplete chaos!


    (*18+)

 Chapter 528

    Chapter 528¡¡¡¡Dina, secretly watching the wedding night, opened her mouth in indignation, and her face had long acquired a scarlet hue: her ex-mistress is being used as a sex toy! He put a dog cor on her! How dare he?! She wanted to strangle the scoundrel so much!


    However, the disciple of the goddess could do nothing about it, except to stop peeping, but for some reason she could not do it. She wanted to witness all of Kyon Torres'' crimes against Lady Juno.


    ¡­


    (18+*)


    Depraved sounds and girlish moans were heard from Roman''s chambers.


    {They have a hot night there!} ¨C bodyguard Neil thought enviously. He had no idea that his master was actually sleeping peacefully under the bed, on which some rogue was having hot sex with the newly minted Mrs. Clinton.


    Kyon didn''t feel guilty at all. Once Roman coveted Marina, and Juno repeatedly tried to kill the otherworlder just for fun. He didn''t feel sorry for such scoundrels.


    ?Sto-o-op!? ¨C pleaded Juno, while the handsome man forced her to bang her ass against his groin, thereby forcing the pussy to swallow the penis. Humiliation and pleasure merged in a pair dance. Hot syrup was spreading from the lower abdomen all over the body. Love juices sshed like from a spring, flooding her husband''s legs.


    {How hot she is¡­ Sex drives her crazy so much! Is this the effect of "The Vulgar Flower"? Damn, I feel so good with her!} ¨C Lovr pulled the blonde by the leash and greedily dug into her moaning and protesting soft mouth.


    ?M-m-m-m-m!? ¨C Juno''s beautiful eyes widened. Her husband treats her like a sex ve! The girl was dizzy from humiliation. However, for some reason it became unbearably good in the lower abdomen. Sex is much more pleasant than masturbation, and this despite the fact that she is doing it with a pathetic ghoul named Roman¡­


    Kyon was thrilled with pleasure. It was incredibly pleasant to mock the mean girl. Her facial expression at such moments was priceless. The fragranceing from thedy and the sweet taste of her saliva were exciting. And she also dodged her tongue so sweetly¡­ However, something did not suit him: where is the damned darkness?! Or rather, why is there so little of it?!


    Lovr grabbed the blonde by her stic buttocks and pressed her tightly to his penis.


    Feeling that the penis of the despicable Roman trembled, and his hot semen spilled inside, Juno clenched her teeth and winced, as if she had swallowed a lemon. The vagina trembled treacherously with pleasure, as if reveling in this disgusting liquid.


    As soon as he rxed, the girl broke out of the grip, crawled away and with tears in her eyes began to watch the sperm flow out of the trembling swollen pussy. In those seconds, thedy did not understand how she hade to such a life. She despised and hated herself for the fact that her body was exhausted from pleasure during sexual intercourse with the fucking bastard.


    ?Dolly, where have you gone? We''ve only just begun¡­? ¨C Kyon drawled mockingly as he stood up.


    ?Shove it up your ass! I''m leaving!? ¨C Juno jumped out of bed, but suddenly felt the tension of the cor on her neck, and turning around, she saw Roman holding the leash.


    ?My sex pet won''t go anywhere without the master''s permission¡­?


    The blonde almost choked with indignation: ?Sex pet?! Master?! I''m actually your wife! Horny bug, go to hell!? ¨C she tried to douse her husband with a geyser of ice water, but for some reason nothing happened.


    ?The cor blocks your powers, which means that you will please me all the wedding night.? ¨C Kyon exined affectionately, sat on the bed and spread his legs wide.


    Juno was horrified to see her husband''s penis ready: {Has it be even bigger?! Wait¡­ Are my powers blocked?!} ¨C the girl, like a frightened doe, rushed away, but her husband grabbed her ankle, dropping the girl to the floor.


    Kyon saw a truly seductive sight: the slender beauty, dressed only ince panties and transparent stockings with straps, sprawled on the floor, sticking her mouth-watering ass up. Any fan of hers would certainly go crazy with desire from the sight of her voluptuous crotch.


    Lovr grab the leash with his teeth and unceremoniously seized the sweet buttocks with his palms. Their perfect shape and sticity aroused him enormously. Nature did a great job!


    ?Don''t you da-a-a-aa-a-re!? ¨C the blonde screamed and tried to escape, but she was grabbed by the ass in the literal sense. No matter how hard she wriggled and kicked her husband, he didn''t care, as if he was made of stone.


    Squeezing the rounded wonder of the world for a bit, Kyon pulled the girl to the longing cock.


    ?Where are you taking me?! You bastard, just dare and I''ll kill you!? ¨C Juno squealed, seeing how her butt was approaching Roman''s root of evil. Her heart was pounding like the heart of a rabbit being eaten alive by a wolf. However, something strange was happening in the lower abdomen.


    ?Shove it up your ass, you say? No problem¡­? ¨C Lovr brought the amazing ass to the penis, got under her panties with a light sliding movement of the head and smoothly began to lubricate the desired hole with a pre-ejacte.


    ?W-w-w-where are you aiming?!? ¨C Juno''s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. This scumbag moves the head of the penis between her buttocks with suspicious zeal, clearly plotting somethingpletely uneptable!


    Kyon took aim, took the blonde by the pelvis and slowly pulled her towards him.


    When the plump head of the penis entered the anus, it seemed to the girl that her soul was turning inside out. She caught her breath, and her mouth opened in the shape of the letter "o".


    After the first centimeters passed, Kyon pushed his penis into the sweet ass, meeting no resistance, thedy was so amazed at what was happening. Only her anus surrounded the tip tightly, and the buttocks, strained to the limit, squeezed the penis on the sides, which in general was a pleasure.


    ?Ka-a-a-a-aif¡­? ¨C Lovr purred, nting the tense ass of Juno, numb from shock, on the penis. It was so warm and tender inside her, and her unruly anus squeezed the penis at the base so hard that the testicles ached with pleasure¡­


    The blonde squeaked softly when "it" entered herpletely. Fireworks exploded in front of her eyes, and the hole throbbed painfully from stretching. The girl still could not believe that the dick was shoved into her anus!


    Kyon slightly loosened the leash to give Juno the opportunity to bend forward, arching her straight back downwards, and when the penis almost fell out, he pulled the leash back again until the protruding ass was deformed from contact with the groin.


    ?Gorgeous¡­? ¨C Lovr growled blissfully and repeated the procedure several more times. His penis seemed to melt with pleasure. But even more pleasant was the thought that his retribution finally overtook the hated beauty Juno. For a long time he had dreamed of punishing her properly.


    Probably, any fan of hers would have sold his soul without hesitation to fuck "The Ruthless Angel of the Stones" in her amazing ass like this. Kyon got it for free, and all possible consequences will fall on Roman.


    Juno really wanted to do something, but her strength had gone somewhere. Of course! Now she is lying on the floor like a guilty pet, while "the master", legs apart, is sitting on the bed and pulling her to him by the cor, putting her booty on the stone penis.


    Kyon fucked the blonde he hated for a whole minute. Soon her anal was developed, and henceforth reacted more pliably to frictions. The pleasure was huge. The gentle barely audible moans of the girl were especially pleasing.


    ?That''s eno-o-o-o-ugh¡­? ¨C Juno babbled thinly, clenching her fists. The difort from anal sex had already passed due to habit, and instead of it new strange sensations came, and she could not say that they were unpleasant.


    ?You can only dream about it.? ¨C Lovr smiled wickedly.


    A minuteter, Juno finally rxed, allowing her husband to fuck her in the ass without hindrance. Now every pration was apanied by indescribable sensations, vulgar, vile and dirty at the same time, but so desirable for some reason. This pleasure was radically different from the one that the girl received during solitary masturbation.


    Roman''s chambers were filled with gentle girlish moans. Mrs. Clinton''s ass clenched on its own when a cock was thrust into it. Her pussy shuddered from each pration, pouring out love juices, apparently out of envy¡­ The girl was no longer aware of her actions. She was drowned in pleasure ¨C the only feeling that kept her from going crazy.


    Meanwhile, Kyon''s whole body is numb due to ecstasy, which means it''s time to finish. He plunged the penis deeper into the girl, pressing her to him, which caused her fragrant hair to tickle her nose, and cummed while squeezing her clitoris.


    Juno felt something hot flow into her ass, and then, when her husband squeezed the hypersensitive zone between her legs, the blonde caught her breath, and she arched. Perverted pleasure covered her. Pussy and anus trembled insanely. The girl peed herself from a crazy orgasm.


    ?The master is pleased with you¡­? ¨C Kyon whispered affectionately, patting the blonde on the head.


    (*18+)


    The passionate wedding nightsted for several more hours.


    Kyon allowed the darkness to y out to the fullest, so what he was doing with Juno was beyond the limits of what was permissible, he wouldn''t even think about it in a normal state. However, the arrogant girl deserved such an attitude. Moreover, given that she cummed 5 times and filled the core of darkness by only 5% (up to 48%), this night will not grant her forgiveness.


    Lovr forced the exhausted blonde to fall asleep, and then he came out of the dark state and drooped. Even after a long passionate night, he was in a disgusting mood, because the main n went down the drain: he did not take away Juno''s development. And what should he do now? How can he achieve what he wants? How to take revenge? Should he just use her as a sex toy, pumping out the darkness along the way?


    After a little reflection and digging in himself, Kyon realized only one thing: Juno belongs only to him, and he was not going to share it with anyone. So, he needs to figure out how to get rid of Roman. To kill? Not necessary. It''s easier to make him impotent!


    Over the next hour, Lovr made impotence medicine and gave it to Roman, who was sleeping under the bed. Then he put Clinton next to the sleeping Juno, eliminated all traces of his presence and at the same moment disappeared, teleporting to the clone, who had been sitting on a pterodactyl near Dantes all this time.


    ¡­


    Waking up, Roman yawned sweetly and, turning over, found a half-naked beauty lying next to him. Panties are wet. A shiny trail stretches from the crotch along the thigh. The part of the ass that is visible is red, obviously, she was spanked. Hair is tousled. There''s no doubt the blonde''s wedding night was hot!


    Clinton jumped out of bed and frowned thoughtfully, feverishly trying to remember at least something, but no matter how hard he tried, he did not remember anything after the exchange of rings.


    ?Mmm¡­? ¨C Juno turned over and opened her eyes. Drowsiness in them was gradually reced by the realization of what had happened. First shock, then horror, and as a result, despair were disyed on her face. Tears fell down her cheeks. Thedy remembered how she had spent the night, and she suddenly wanted to die¡­


    ?Juno? You¡­ Uh¡­ Why are you¡­? ¨C the guy was confused.


    ?DIE!? ¨C the blonde screamed, sending an icy stream into her husband.


    The chief bodyguard, sensing the energy fluctuations in the master''s chambers, rushed to check and saw how Mrs. Clintons, wrapped in a sheet, ran out of there, sobbing. The man understood that it was better not to ask her about anything, he went inside and found that the whole room, including the Roman, was covered with a thickyer of ice.


    Neil helped Clinton out and asked anxiously: ?Sir, what happened?!?


    ?How should I know?!? ¨C Roman eximed with an extremely puzzled look, shaking off the frost from his hair. ¨C ?I wake up, and a half-naked Juno is lying next to me¡­?


    ?Um¡­? ¨C the confused man scratched his head. ¨C ?Well, you kind of slept with her¡­?


    ?Slept? Did I really sleep with her?! Because I don''t fucking remember anything!? ¨C Roman blurted out with a nervousugh. It seemed to him that someone had thoroughly fucked him in the head, because how could he just forget the night he had been dreaming about for a long time?!


    ?Have you forgotten everything?! Absolutely, absolutely everything?!?


    ?I didn''t fucking sleep with her! And if I did, I would have remembered it!? ¨C an annoyed Clinton tapped himself on the temple.


    ?Or maybe you were given the medicine of oblivion?? ¨C suggested the bodyguard.


    ?Do you think I''m stupid enough to take questionable medicine?!? ¨C Roman red up. ¨C ?And I don''t feel any characteristic symptoms!?


    ?But then why did you forget everything??


    ?Because I didn''t fucking sleep with her!? ¨C Clinton shouted, turning purple.


    The man fell silent for a long time, not wanting to continue to anger the master with questions.


    Roman, pale with rage, took a deep breath and began to remove hidden nephrites with visual formations, muttering to himself: ?Let''s see what really happenedst night¡­?

 Chapter 529

    Chapter 529¡¡¡¡Roman removed the visual formations and, after kicking out the bodyguard, began to watch them. At first, nothing aroused suspicion. And although the moment when Neil bursts into the chambers already seemed somewhat suspicious to the guy, in the subsequent "his" conversation with Juno, he heard something strange andpletely uncharacteristic for him. "He" offered the girl three options to choose from: ****, regr sex and the cowgirl position.


    {Was she on top?! This is, of course, cool, but I dreamed of fucking her doggystyle!} ¨C Clinton sullenly frowned. He also noticed some differences in "his" behavior. Was he emboldened? Will he be able to behave so boldly with Juno now? The guy doubted.


    When the beauty sat on his groin, and he deprived her of innocence with a sharp movement, Roman opened his mouth in amazement: {So I still slept with her!} ¨C however, he was immediately embarrassed by theplete calm in his pants now, when he was watching what was happening. However, if he had hot sex all night, then this somehow exins thepleteck of erection today.


    The guy continued watching.


    When "Roman" tore off Juno''s dress with the bra and began to crumple her lovely breasts, the observer swallowed saliva with envy.


    When "Roman" put a cor on his wife, the observer''s eyes widened in surprise. He doesn''t recall having such items in his possession. However, after examining his ring, the young man took it out with a shocked sigh.


    When "Roman" decided to have anal sex with the beauty, the guy blushed and clenched his fists: {N-no¡­ No, fuck, it''s definitely not me! I wouldn''t fuck her in the ass! I always wanted to fuck her doggystyle, but definitely not in the ass!}


    Roman watched the entire recording for several hours and was sure that it was definitely not him who was having fun with Juno. There were many reasons for such a conclusion: too rude, overbearing and unprincipled behavior; some undisguised hatred in every action; and, most importantly, too high skills in sex. The guy didn''t even know how to do that!


    Theck of erection while watching such obscene content was also frightening.


    ?Nei-i-i-il! Come here!? ¨C Clinton ordered.


    ?Yes, sir?? ¨C the man instantly appeared next to him and respectfully knelt down.


    ?I didn''t sleep with Juno! It was someone with my appearance, voice and maybe even smell! He looked so much like me that my own wife didn''t notice the substitution!? ¨C almost trembling with rage, Roman said through clenched teeth.


    ?Are you sure about this?? ¨C Neil asked incredulously. ¨C ?I just found out in the infocenter that you didn''t leave your chambers that night.?


    ?Do you think I''m stupid enough not to distinguish my own fake?!? ¨C seeing the disbelief on the man''s face, Clinton was angry. ¨C ?He behavespletely differently! I couldn''t be so rude to Juno! Moreover, his bedroom skills¡­ I don''t know how to do it as skillfully as he does!? ¨C the guy blushed to the tips of his ears.


    ?Oh¡­? ¨C Neil frowned in puzzlement.


    ?Tell me, for what reason did you run into my chambersst night? What did you notice that made you worry about me?? ¨C Clinton grabbed the only clue.


    ?It seemed to me as if you had split in two¡­ As if for one moment there were two of you. I do not know how else to formte what I felt¡­?


    ?Here it is! At that moment, someone reced me!? ¨C jumping up, Roman yelled and immediately began to study the chambers for any evidence, but he did not find anything, as expected. ¨C ?Why the hell didn''t you do anything?!?


    ?I judged by the reaction of Lady Juno and your behavior, and I decided that everything was all right¡­?


    ?Everything was all right?! Does it look like I''m all right?!?


    ?Sir, calm down¡­?


    ?I''M FUCKING CALM!? ¨C Roman barked, trembling with indignation. Someone swapped ces with him right before the wedding night and stole the innocence of his beloved Juno, which he had long dreamed of, right from under his nose! And there is no evidence of what happened, which means that the Token contract is closed! The guy wanted to destroy everything around from impotent rage.


    The image of Rose popped up in his thoughts, because he specialized in raping other people''s wives. However, no. He''s just not at this level! But there were suspicions.


    After taking a breath and calming down a little, Roman ordered: ?Neil, I charge you to take up the investigation! Pay special attention to Rose! And don''t forget to keep an eye on Juno! If you notice at least someone suspicious near her, then immediately report to me!?


    ?Yes, sir¡­ It will be done.? ¨C the bodyguard bowed and left.


    Juno felt half dead that day. Any memory of the previous night was an unbearable pain in her heart. Any prostitute would scream in horror because of the things that her husband did to her on their wedding night.


    Any girl, if she were her, would grieve over the loss of innocence for weeks, or even months, yet she wanted to give it to another, more worthy person, but definitely not the despicable Roman. However, the strong-willed and sadistic nature of Juno had its advantages: it directed all the grief into hatred for her husband! The blonde wanted to take revenge on him, at least by breaking all the bones and tearing off the testicles, but she knew perfectly well that this would turn into a disaster for her and the Stones. Only when she bes stronger, much stronger, will she fulfill her ns without consequences. As usual, everything depends on strength! She will have to immerse herself in training. Hard work will not allow her to fall into the depths of despair.


    With fire in her eyes, thedy returned to the empty order, to her house, went down to the basement and immersed herself in training. If she tries very hard, she will be one stage stronger just in time for the tournament.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Kyon in the guise of Albert stared in horror at the screen with a dark spot: ?Oh no¡­ It has increased! My boy, I told you that stress is contraindicated for you! Why did you go to the tournament?! Why don''t you take care of yourself?! My heart is bursting with grief!?


    ?Grandpappy, please forgive me!? ¨C a sickly-looking Rose, who didn''t look like himself, pleaded. ¨C ?I couldn''t miss the tournament! I had no choice!?


    ?There is always a choice! Is there anything more important than your own health?!? ¨C with pain on his wrinkled face, the old man doomedly clutched his head. ¨C ?Now, all of our preparations have gone down the drain¡­ If you don''t take spiritual purification medicine today, then the next chance may note¡­?


    ?May note?!? ¨C Valentine got up in a panic.


    ?I''m not talking about death¡­ The method I used to prepare you to take this medicine cannot be reused because your soul has developed immunity to it. It seems that we will have to remove the root of evil in a natural way, slowly and systematically reducing it in size¡­?


    ?But, Grandpappy, I can''t stand it for so long!? ¨C Rose seemed to burst into tears. He can''t sleep from the incessant agony. Headache, nausea, convulsions¡­ He loses his hair and teeth, and his body changes, as if he turns into a girl.


    Albert thought deeply about something, then shook his head: ?No, it''s too risky¡­ Due to participating in the tournament, the root of evil has increased, and the chance of failure has increased significantly. If you fail, it will grow even more!  It will take months topletely eliminate it, and I don''t want you to suffer for so long¡­?


    ?Please, Grandpappy! I''m sure I can handle it! Although the root has grown, I feel even better than before the tournament! Believe me, I beg you!? ¨C Rose asked tearfully.


    Kyon took out a blue ball and, noticeably hesitating, looked at Rose: ?My boy, I have no right to decide for you. You must be able to make decisions on your own. You are aware of all the risks and possible consequences. I''ll ask you again: are you ready to do this??


    ?Yes, I am! I''m ready!? ¨C Valentine nodded confidently.


    Albert nodded and handed over the medicine. When the patient took it, he said: ?In the next three days, expect a sudden attack of defecation. Be near the toilet. It is important to bepletely calm and focused on the process at this moment.?


    It was as if Rose had been hit on the head with a hammer. Now he understood why he hadn''t defecated in thest week¡­ Because of the so-called "preparation" to get rid of the root of evil! By the way, this makes some sense. However, if this "attack of defecation" begins at the most crucial moment, then what then?!


    ?In the next three days?! But tomorrow is the tournament!? ¨C Valentine eximed intively.


    ?What tournament?! You can''t participate in it!? ¨C Kyon interrupted him sternly.


    ?But, Grandpappy, I can''t give it up¡­ I have to participate! I have to participate! I have to be the empress'' junior disciple for Elsa''s sake! I have to live up to my family''s name! Besides, my dear Master Yan ising from Saturn¡­ Please tell me, is there any way to speed up the process? To take axative, for example¡­?


    ?This is a filigree process! Any unnatural beginning of it will entail an inevitable failure! Rose, give up the tournament, please!? ¨C the "caring" Kyon began to persuade him.


    Themunication between the old man and the unhealthy half-bald blonde did notst long. Obviously, Valentine made the decision to participate despite all the risks. He had no choice.


    Kyon arranged everything in such a way that in case of a failure, which is sure to happen, all responsibility fell on Rose, and he would not dare to me Albert for his failures.


    Leaving the territory of the Valentines, Lovr mentally rubbed his palms: {The harvest of darkness this year promises to be colossal! However, he still has room to grow.}


    ¡­


    It''s been 4 days since the subus invasion.


    One of the most significant days of the year for Rosarrio hase: the tournament of the best, where the students who entered the top 64 at the tournament in the forests of Regan will fight each other, and eight of them will be awarded the title of "junior disciple of the empress".


    The gigantic arena, capable of amodating more than half a million spectators, was packed with people. Despite martialw, citizens from all over the empire willingly flocked to Dantes ¨C the most protected city in Rosarrio, to watch the grandiose fights of the best representatives of the younger generation.


    The lower seats of the stands were upied by the most influential persons of the empire: kings, princes and princesses of the seven kingdoms, patriarchs and elders of the first thirty families of Dantes, as well as representatives of other empires and sects.


    There were the Stones and the Grands, and among them ¨C King dimir.


    The patriarchs of the Valentines and the Clintons never showed up, which caused many questions, but a famous guest from Saturn arrived - grandmaster Yan, an old man who became Rose''s teacher in the distant past (he was paid a lot of money for mentoring).


    Representatives of the Dance and Virgo sects, by order from above, activated visual portals in advance, through which two amazingly beautiful girls watched what was happening. They were expecting to see some person they knew.


    Empress Lanatelle did not grace the event with her presence. At least that''s what everyone thought.


    Meanwhile, the third signal sounded, marking the start of the tournament.


    An imperial representative entered the arena, the surface of which was covered with solid gray rock, greeted all the spectators and gave an introductory speech, after which he exined the rules. In short:


    It is forbidden to kill and intentionally maim, as well as to use formations. The participant has every right to surrender, however, such a decision must be intuitively justified. Participants fight one-on-one and, in case of victory, move up the tournament bracket, and in case of defeat, they are eliminated.


    6 rounds are expected, during which the finalist will be revealed from 64 participants.


    It is reasonable to assume that this format of the tournament is unfair, because a very strong participant can be eliminated in the first round if he meets someone stronger. However, many people are aware that this is taken into ount when creating a grid.


    At the end of the exnation of the rules, a screen with the bracket formed high in the sky.


    Rose Valentine, having discovered that he would not meet anyone strong in the first three fights, sighed with relief: nothing would prevent him from bing a junior disciple of the empress!


    Roman Clinton snorted thoughtfully: in the quarterfinals he will face Juno if she defeats all her opponents, and in the semifinals he will face Elsa.


    Kyon raised an eyebrow in amazement: he immediately noticed someone''s hidden n. The bracket was created in such a way that the top 8 would definitely include Juno, Elsa, Roman, Rose, twin sisters and, apparently, him.


    Lovr suspected something was wrong. There was something he didn''t like about everything that was happening.


    Suddenly, the imperial representative spread his arms out to the sides and solemnly announced: ?Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, the participants who took the first eight ces will be junior students of the empress. Recently, I received a decree from her majesty stating the following: "The participant who takes the first position will be awarded the title of senior disciple of the empress!"?


    There was a deathly silence. The audience opened their mouths in amazement.

 Chapter 530

    Chapter 530¡¡¡¡Thanks to the title of "junior disciple of the empress", a person enjoys many privileges, receives resources and the patronage of the Russell. It is believed that in their authority, the junior disciples are equal to the elder of any of the high-ranking families of Dantes. They are treated with respect and awe in every corner of Rosarrio.


    However, the authority of the empress'' senior disciple is many times higher: he isparable in status to the patriarch of the high-ranking Dantes family. People with such a title are under the patronage of Lanatelle. They are like dragons among ordinary mammals. No one will dare to interfere with their interests. They are treated like saints.


    The empress currently has 64 junior disciples and only 2 senior ones, which says a lot. And these two senior disciples are well-known young men: Stein Valentine - the elder brother of Rose Valentine and Asagi Hunter - the young patriarch of the Hunters (3). These two persons are the symbols of Rosarrio. In the eyes of the public, they are second only to her majesty in their position.


    And suddenly today, the imperial representative, the official person of the Russells, deres that the one who takes the first ce will be the third senior disciple of the empress! Just like that! Stein and Asagi earned their ces by going through a lot of trouble!


    ?The empress'' senior disciple?! I can''t believe my ears!? ¡­ ?Will there be a third blood dragon in Rosarrio?!? ¡­ ?From rags to riches! Just like that!? ¡­ ?I dare say that the bloody empress nned everything a long time ago. Someone from the order''s students, in her opinion, is worthy of this title! But who exactly?? ¡­ ?Of course, Elsa!?


    The eyes of Elsa, who was in invisibility, lit up excitedly. If she takes the first ce, then with the resources of the Russells, the pace of her development will increase significantly, and in the future she will be able to find her father without worrying about her life!


    Seraphima and Clementine''s eyes shone even brighter.


    And only Kyon raised an eyebrow in surprise: {What''s going on?}


    On the one hand, it seems that the 0th general isying out the red carpet for the messenger of the goddess on the way to the desired goal in order not to give citizens a reason to resent the appearance of a direct disciple of the empresster. However, how does he know that he will win? Even he doubted that he would defeat Elsa¡­


    However, the man could, for example, threaten Elsa with telepathy, say, either you fake your defeat, or you will pay for it with your life. However, the question arises: why didn''t he warn the messenger of the goddess about all this?


    It seemed to Kyon that someone more powerful than the 0th general was actually involved. The empress! Two puppeteers cannot share one puppet. An invisible thread just bopped on his nose, he couldn''t help but look up!


    Most of all, Lovr hated being pushed around. But does he really have a choice in this situation? He promised himself to save Valeera, and for this he would have to ingratiate himself with the empress and the general. Whoever is trying to manipte him, sooner orter the threads will tighten on their throats, and then they will be his obedient dummies.


    All these thoughts calmed Kyon: {So be it, today I will be part of someone''s n.}


    Meanwhile, an unprecedented hubbub did not subside among the spectators. So suddenly the importance of the tournament has increased tenfold. Who will be the empress'' senior disciple?


    Spreading his arms, the imperial representative solemnly announced: ?I announce the beginning of the first round, the first duel. Rizat Hunter, the royal phaser at the middle stage, against Elsa Stone, the imperial phaser at the beginning stage! Let''s wee the participants!?


    The noise in the stands turned into apuse.


    The guy with a strong physique with a sour smile on his face entered the arena.


    Not far from him, the beautiful blonde suddenly appeared out of nowhere.


    The apuse in the stands was diluted with surprised oohs.


    Bai and Diana gazed in fascination at the girl they recognized as Elsa. They saw her for the first time since she left the family. There was a tenderness in the grandfather''s gaze that was not peculiar to him. There was a proud smile on the mother''s lips. The daughter has be so pretty!


    The signal for the start of the battle sounded. A protective barrier formed above the arena.


    ?I surrender!? ¨C the young man immediately shouted and, bowing to the girl and the judges, left the battlefield.


    No one was surprised by this oue. Nobody med the guy. Only a fool would seek even a single blow from an imperial phaser.


    The following fights were much more spectacr. The participants, who came from the families of the top ten, fought with each other like lions and tigers. The stands were bursting with shouts and cheers. The patriarchs of the winning families beamed with pride.


    Finally it was Juno''s turn. When the girl entered the arena, the noise in the stands abruptly subsided. The eyes of everyone present seemed to have fallen into paradise. Even those who had seen the blonde before could not get enough of her. Almost everyone was aware that she had married Roman Clinton two days before. Lucky guy.


    At the signal, the battle began.


    Many people cringed in concern, but then something happened that shocked them all.


    The girl with the development of the noble phaser at the finishing stage defeated her opponent, the royal phaser at the beginning stage, with just one blow to the neck! Silence hung over the entire arena, soon followed by thunderous apuse. Bai wiped tears of pride for his beloved granddaughter.


    {Is she already a lord phaser at the ninth stage?!} ¨C Roman was amazed. Something inside him tensed.


    Soon it was Clinton''s turn. Being the royal phaser at the 7th stage, he defeated his opponent in two movements and, after looking at Juno, who defiantly ignored him, left the arena.


    The fighting continued.


    Two beautiful girls, extremely simr in facial features to each other, but otherwise different, instantly defeated their opponents. Everyone, without exception, wondered ¨C who were they? Where did theye from? After all, they look no more than 17 years old, and they are already the royal phasers at the finishing stage! Are they exchange students whoe from high-ranking empires? There was no other exnation.


    When a handsome pale-faced young man with thick blond hair (obviously a wig) entered the arena, part of the stands filled with the Valentines exploded with ovations, greeting their young master. Their apuse sparked a chain reaction.


    The signal for the start of the battle rang.


    Rose, diligently hiding his morbid condition, straightened up to his full height and, inviting the enemy with a gesture, crossed his arms behind his back, resembling a noble warrior and instilling respect.


    When Valentine was attacked, he gracefully grabbed the tip of the sword with two fingers with a smooth movement of his hand and instantly won with a kick to the stomach.


    The signal for the end of the battle rang.


    The momentary lull was reced by loud shouts and ovations: ?Uh-uh-uh! How good he is! How strong Mr. Rose is! Congrattions on winning!? ¡­ ?This is to be expected from the future head of the Valentines!? ¡­ ?Genius, he''s an invincible genius!? ¡­ ?Oh goddess, I want such a man so much!? ¡­ ?What a handsome man!?


    Grandmaster Yan nodded approvingly to his disciple with a slight smile on his lips.


    Rose bowed elegantly to the audience and left the arena. As soon as he entered the toilet, where there were no extra eyes, he crouched on the floor in pain. How difficult it is to maintain the noble and majestic image of the patriarch''s son in such a state¡­


    The fighting continued.


    It''s time for thest match in the first round.


    ?The first round, the thirty-second duel! Timothy, the royal phaser at the finishing stage, against Dick Baker, the noble phaser at the middle stage! Wee the participants!?


    Uncertain apuse mixed with stifled grunts andughter sounded. The name and surname of thest participant could not leave anyone indifferent, but his meager development seemed even moreical inparison with the rest of the participants. As if a pig was let into their of dragons!


    As for Timothy, due to the fact that he also did not have a surname, everyone assumed that he, like those two girls, came from another empire.


    As soon as people saw the unsightly "piglet" enter the arena, oohs and aahs were heard. Many people took their breath away. Someoneughed hysterically, banging his fists on the armrests. Some children cried. One old man even clutched his heart.


    Everyone''s self-esteem involuntarily increased when looking at the guy.


    ?Dick Baker! The brilliant investigator who took first ce at the tournament in the forests of Regan!? ¡­ ?Exin to me how he managed to run into Mrs. Elsa several times and be the winner?! Where were the judges looking during such a brazen scam?!? ¡­ ?Obviously, he took advantage of the wealth of his family!? ¡­ ?Someone, cripple him, I beg you! We all want to make things right!?


    Once Baker was a hero of Dantes, even despite his appearance, but since he interfered with the interests of Rose, Roman and Elsa in the order, and then also earned impossible 77777 points at the tournament, thereby cementing his reputation as a clever swindler and fraudster, people havepletely changed their minds about him. Although, of course, everything rested on his personal strength. If he was at least in the royal phase, everything would be different.


    Three tall brothers - the princes of Liberia - bared their teeth in an evil grin. Now their long-time ckmailer (since the days of the forest tournament) will not be able to cheat in any way! The rules forbid the use of formations, and the fat man hardly keeps himself on his feet without them! Finally, they will capture his total failure and humiliation!


    However, the smiles soon faded from the faces of the thugs. The audience looked at each other puzzled.


    The imperial representative waited a minute and announced: ?Timothy is disqualified for not appearing! Dick Baker won in the first round! Bravo!?


    Someone even pped, and immediately regretted it: he was given a p on the back of the head.


    There was an awkward silence. Some noble phaser entered the second round in the tournament of the best? It was absurd! As if a piglet walked past a sleeping dragon! But no one became indignant. Since Timothy was absent, there was nothing to be done.


    The second round passed quickly.


    Elsa, again, instantly won. Juno defeated the opponent with three moves, just like Roman. Two twin girls also instantly passed into the 3rd round. Rose, with the same grace and nobility, effortlessly defeated his opponent¡­


    Elsa caught herself thinking that she was very annoyed by such arrogant behavior of the guy. Who does he think he is? Why is he showing off? Moreover, he is far from being the strongest in the tournament. He''s so frustrating.


    It was Baker''s turn¡­


    The fat man entered the arena, and his opponent¡­ Had disappeared somewhere again.


    ?What?! Again?!? ¨C shouted the first prince of Liberia, big as a mountain.


    The audience looked at each other in bewilderment. They clearly remembered Baker''s future opponent: the girl who had previously won, albeit with difficulty. So where is she now?


    The imperial representative put his wrist to his ear, nodded and turned to the audience with a guilty smile: ?Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that Zarina Ushakova was seriously injured in the recent fight, so she will no longer be able to take part in the tournament. Dick Baker goes to the third round! Bravo!?


    Indignant exmations were heard instead of apuse: ?How so?!? ¡­ ?Is this some kind of joke?! Why did some noble phaser enter the third round?! He spoils the whole prestige of the tournament of the best!? ¡­ ?That''s right! Just kick him out of here!?


    Kyon watched the developments with interest. So these are the methods used by the person interested in making him a senior disciple of the empress! And what will happen next? Will Rose and Elsa really be threatened?


    The imperial representative announced a half-hour break, and also reminded the audience that all subsequent winners will be rewarded with the title of "junior disciple of the empress".


    It''s safe to say that the next fight will be a hundred times more important than the previous ones. The young people will do anything to win.


    The fighting started after a short break.


    Elsa won again instantly.


    It took Juno 30 seconds to defeat the royal phaser at the 4th stage. The Stones shouted loudly, rejoicing at the girl''s victory. Bai even cried a little out of pride for her. He perceived any sesses of his beloved granddaughter as his own.


    Roman coped with the opponent in about the same time. However, the blonde did not appreciate his sess. Considering what "he" did to her on their wedding night, Clinton was not at all surprised by her cold attitude towards him.


    Seraphim and Clementine repeated Elsa''s sess.


    But something went wrong with Rose. At first, he behaved with dignity, as in the first two rounds, but at some point, all the elegance and ease in his movements were reced by stiffness and clumsiness. There was a strange tension on his beautiful pale face. It seemed that the fight with the opponent who was inferior by two stages was difficult for him.


    Valentine seemed to havepletely changed! For a whole minute he did his best, but he couldn''t win!


    Suddenly, Rose took out a beautiful red saber¡­


    ?It''s the legendary red dragon saber!? ¨C someone knowledgeable shouted.


    ?Why did he take out his weapon?! Can''t he cope with the opponent without it?!? ¡­ ?This can''t be real! Mr. Rose is just up to something!? ¡­ ?That''s right! It''s not just anyone, but Rose Valentine, grandmaster Yan''s apprentice! Son of patriarch Monty!?


    The recent approval on the face of grandmaster Yan was reced by some kind of squeamish, unsightly grimace, as if the venerable old man had swallowed a fetid bug. His face flushed slightly. He flew in from Saturn to admire the sess of his junior student, but he''s doing something ridiculous, and now he''s taken out his main weapon! How can''t he die of shame?!


    With the red saber in his hands, Rose cut his opponent''s sword in half with the first attack.


    ?I-I give up! I give up!? ¨C the guy shouted, raising his hands.


    People from the stands could not figure out how to react to such a spectacle. It seemed that Rose won not because of his skills, but because of the expensive weapons bought with the resources of the family. Is such a victory worthy of the young Mr. Valentine?


    The Valentines loudly apuded and shouted congrattions to their master, diligently pretending that nothing unusual had happened. Their reaction did not go unnoticed: it became contagious. However, the intensity of the ovation has significantly fadedpared to Rose''s previous victories.


    Now Elsa would also like to drop from sight if she didn''t know that Rose was sick with something. It was extremely unpleasant for her to see her boyfriend losing his reputation in front of the most influential people of the empire. However, something bothered the girl even more.


    Pursing up her lips, the blonde turned away: {After all, I will have to marry him¡­} ¨C remembering her promise, thedy felt inexplicable bitterness and sadness, for which she reproached herself, shouldn''t she be happy?


    Rose, after leaving the arena and going to the toilet, copsed on his knees and emptied the contents of his stomach. His whole body was convulsing. The muscles were cramping from the incredible agony. However, a satisfied smile appeared on the face of the unfortunate man: {I won¡­ I did it! I will be the empress'' junior disciple! Elsa will have to keep her promise to me! Ha ha¡­} ¨C and although his reputation was noticeably damaged, the guy didn''t worry much about it. In the future, having eradicated the root of evil, he will show everyone what he really is worth.


    Meanwhile, the imperial representative announced thest duel in the 3rd round: ?Jacqueline Zemfirov, the royal phaser at the middle stage, against Dick Baker, the noble phaser at the middle stage! Let''s wee the participants!?


    The onlookers became quiet¡­


    Only one, the most infamous participant of thepetitions since the founding of the tournament, Baker, entered the arena at a walking pace.

 Chapter 531

    Chapter 531¡¡¡¡Kyon entered the arena and, crossing his arms, impatiently stamped his foot.


    The imperial representative looked around for half a minute in search of the second participant.


    Half a million viewers already wanted to fight with Dick themselves.


    And only the former head of the Boston department, dimir Grand, almost roared withughter. He will never forget how Kyon single-handedly pulled Cernos to the first position in the forest tournament, and what now? Is he going to repeat the impossible again?!


    The three princes of Liberia turned crimson with anger, like ripe tomatoes. Now they realized that Baker had paid for his title. Is there anything that the Bakers can''t buy with money? Judging by the fact that even the empress sold out - no.


    The imperial representative waited a minute and addressed the audience: ?I regret to announce that Jacqueline Zemfirov receives a walkover for non-appearance¡­ And this means that Dick Baker confidently passes to the fourth round!?


    ?Confidently passes?!? ¨C the first prince of Liberia yelled indignantly. ¨C ?He never even waved his fist! Do you understand that even a legless pig could have been in his ce?! Would you also give it you know what title?! This is uneptable for the tournament of the strongest! You have to fix the situation! Disqualify Dick immediately! Down with Dick!?


    ?Down with Dick!? ¡­ ?Down with Dick!? ¨C two princes of Liberia shouted with an appeal, supporting their elder brother.


    Many spectators took up the initiative of the princes and loudly began to chant this slogan. The arena was literally flooded with the unanimous hum of tens of thousands of voices. People were filled with rage and envy because of such a tant injustice happening before their eyes. Dick was like a mouse that managed to get into the imperial treasury! He didn''t belong there.


    Elsa covered the smile blooming on her lips with her palm. Only the reddish tips of her ears betrayed her mood. If she worries about her reputation like a squirrel about nuts stored for the winter, then Dick is like a cuckoo that left its eggs in someone else''s nest. He absolutely doesn''t care what people think of him! Being theplete opposite of Kyon, the girl watched him with particr interest. Moreover, Stone knew perfectly well that the messenger of the goddess did not deserve such an attitude towards himself. Well, he''s probably the strongest participant in the tournament! Except for her, of course.


    The screams of the audience did not lead to anything, as expected. After all, the tournament is organized by the empress, and not by the imperial representative, who does not decide anything here.


    After waiting 5 minutes for the noise to subside, the man announced the start of the 4th round. Elsa and her opponent with the development of the royal phaser at the middle stage entered the arena. The fight, as expected, ended instantly¡­


    The next match attracted much more attention: Juno will fight Roman! Young spouses will have to meet in battle! Given the difference in development in 8 stages, no one gave the girl a chance. But what if a miracle happens?


    A dazzlingly beautiful couple stepped into the arena.


    The blonde wore ck thin tight pants and a sweatshirt that perfectly outlined her slender feminine figure. The hair was braided specifically for the fight. Overall, she looked stunning.


    The br was dressed in loose white clothes, characteristic of a noble gentleman.


    Juno measured her husband with chilling eyes.


    Roman even involuntarily shivered ¨C as if his soul got goosebumps ¨C but he quickly pulled himself together and smiled tightly.


    The signal to start the fight sounded. The protective barrier arose.


    The blonde turned into an enraged fury in the blink of an eye and attacked the guy.


    After the third movement, the lightning bolt flew into Roman''s head, and in a brief moment of confusion, he caught a kick in the stomach, somersaulted several times, but stood up firmly. The slight pain spread through the body. Such attacks hardly caused him any damage, and yet it was extremely unpleasant. As expected, he is worse than his wife in closebat. He has known about this since thest tournament, but now the girl is even stronger.


    {She reads all my movements¡­ She, damn it, defeated the archmaster! How can Ipete with her? Can I just swallow my pride and fight while keeping my distance?} ¨C grimacing sourly, Roman threw up his hands. The guy was enveloped by a water sphere with a diameter of 5 meters, glowing with bioluminescent radiance. Transparent tentacles stretched from the sphere.


    ?The Water Squid! Ten tentacles! Wow!? ¨C someone eximed in surprise.


    The Clintons were famous for their powerful water techniques. The best of them: "The Water Squid". It can be mastered only with the superior grade of water, but only a few manage to release more than 6 tentacles. Roman controlled 10 at once, which spoke of his outstanding talent. Just one for each finger.


    One of the tentacles soared into the sky with the speed of lightning and, like a hammer, fell down.


    Juno somersaulted back at the veryst moment.


    ~CRUNCH~


    The noise was deafening. Small cracks a meter long appeared on the gray rock of the arena. It would seem that if the destruction is so insignificant, it means that Clinton''s attacks are weak, but no one thought so. So far no one has been able to damage the floor of the arena! The fact is that the rock was created not by anyone, but by the imperial phaser at the beginning stage. The fact that cracks formed on it already says a lot. If it had been an ordinary rock, a 15-meter funnel would have appeared on it.


    Juno was frightened for a moment - if it had hit her, it would have broken her bones at least ¨C but thedy quickly came to her senses and pulled herself together. Jumping away from another blow, she simultaneously sent the wind de into the appendage.


    ~zuk~


    The de just got stuck in the tentacle, as if it was made of resin, and dispersed. The small dent from the impact instantly disappeared.


    Frowning darkly, Juno sent a de of water this time. It was even able to dissect the tentacle! However, the damn transparent appendage fused back together as if nothing had happened.


    A confident smile yed on Roman''s lips: ?Don''t underestimate me, dolly.?


    {It looks like I can''t win without the element of cold¡­} ¨C the blonde didn''t want to reveal the fact that she is a heavenly genius, but it seems she has no choice.


    Roman''s next attack involved two tentacles trying to envelop the girl.


    Juno threw up her hands, and an icy wind blew from her in all directions with a roar.


    The tentacles slowed down and froze, turning into ice, but after a moment they thawed and even almost grabbed the girl, but she jumped up in time.


    {He knows the element of heat, of course!} ¨C the blonde wanted to p her forehead.


    Hundreds of thousands of spectators opened their mouths in shock: ?H-heavenly genius!? ¡­ ?Lady Juno knows the five elements! She is a heavenly genius!? ¡­ ?I can''t believe it, the second heavenly genius appeared in Rosarrio after the bloody empress!? ¡­ ?And she is the wife of Mr. Roman?!?


    Elsa raised her eyebrows in surprise. On her lips was a smile of bursting pride. She was pleased to see how talented her sister really was. So she wouldn''t have to worry about her future.


    Gina and Lana, watching the tournament, grunted with interest. Each would dly take the girl to her sect, but the girl has already been recruited by the government.


    All the people in the stands belonging to the Clintons gasped simultaneously.


    Artemis Clinton clutched his head. His younger brother married not only a first-ss beauty, but also a heavenly genius who is favored by heaven! Moreover, today he will also be a junior disciple of the empress, after that the difference in their status will disappearpletely. Envy troubled the guy''s sight and caused a sore throat.


    Roman was literally bursting with pride at the sight of the reaction of the audience, in particr his unloved older brother. However, he quickly fell into a bad mood due to obsessive suspicions that this beautiful girl was not sleeping with him.


    ?Even if you somehow learn how to destroy my tentacles, I will create new ones. Moreover, I could have boiled you alive a long time ago, but you are still my wife¡­?


    A me of hatred shed in Juno''s charming eyes, and she rushed to her husband, dodging one appendage after another at the veryst moment.


    Roman did not use more than two tentacles. Not yet. He waited until his wife approached 10 meters, and, putting his thumb up, doused the beauty with a mighty geyser, because of which she was thrown 30 meters away.


    Juno continued trying to get close to the scoundrel, but every time she shortened the distance, he doused her with a geyser, and sometimes with several geysers at once.


    ?Give up. Don''t make me act seriously.? ¨C Roman demanded with emphasis. The best oue of the fight will be if the wife surrenders. Everything else will either spoil or even ruin his reputation.


    Of course, Juno didn''t care about her husband''s words. She longed to rip his balls off.


    The guypletely controlled the fight. He did not allow the girl to approach, but attacked her with two tentacles, forcing her to roll helplessly. Three minutester he got bored of it, and he added another tentacle, and after another minute there were already four of them.


    Finally, the blondecked agility, and during the next attack she received a blow in the stomach, albeit only with the edge of a tentacle.


    Juno rolled head over heels across the arena and coughed convulsively.


    Compassionate "oohs" came from the stands.


    ?I finally hit her¡­? ¨C Roman grinned contentedly.


    The blonde pierced the guy with a hateful look and, jumping up, continued to attack.


    ?You have a lot of courage!? ¨C Roman praised his wife.


    Soon Juno missed another attack, and another, and another¡­ After another blow, she got a dislocated shoulder, but she quickly and decisively pushed it back, surprising all the spectators.


    A minuteter, Roman began to seriously worry about the girl''s condition, because she could get hurt: ?Why don''t you give up? Why, why are you getting up? Why do you keep fighting? I can use all ten tentacles without leaving you a chance!?


    {Fuck you!} ¨C the girl stubbornly stood up and, like a wounded but undefeated fury, continued to attack.


    Over time, the situation worsened more and more. The blonde''s lungs were burning fromck of air. Blood was dripping from her lips. It seemed that she had a broken rib, or even several. No one understood why she was still standing. Why is she getting to her feet? Why doesn''t she just give up?


    Juno has already won the hearts of the audience with her courage, stubbornness and will to win. No one would have the guts to fight a practitioner 8 stages higher. She deserves respect! Every time thedy missed a punch, sympathetic sighs were heard from the stands. People were rooting for the beauty and tried in every possible way to support her with shouts, but in fact they no longer hoped for her victory.


    Roman did not like this state of affairs, but what could he do? If he identally hits her too hard, he will inadvertently kill her, and this should not happen. He would have to wait until she runs out of willpower. It can''t be endless.


    Looking at the opponent, Juno suddenly felt something vaguely familiar¡­

 Chapter 532

    Chapter 532¡¡¡¡Roman frowned, noticing that he was no longer able to hit the girl.


    The audience also noticed this change and began to support the blonde even more fiercely.


    Clinton added the fifth tentacle, but all in vain. He used the sixth, seventh and even eighth, but could not touch the girl in any way! She jumped on the appendages, as if on icy steps, and sometimes danced between them, like a professional rhythmic gymnast.


    {WHAT''S GOING ON?!} ¨C Roman was seriously scared. His every action seemed to be predicted in advance. The guy felt like a puppet in the power of his wife-puppeteer.


    {I see¡­ I see everything¡­} ¨C Juno''s lips curved into a gambling smirk. Her ability to read the soul''s intentions seemed to have improved dramatically. Previously, the enemy had to be in close proximity, and even so, the girl could only read his movements for a second ahead, but not the elemental energy. Now everything is different! In other words, now the blonde knew all the movements of the water tentacles in advance. It''s like a caterpir turned into a butterfly and learned to fly ¨C that''s how much the ability has improved.


    ?W-what''s going on?!? ¡­ ?She''s dodging all the attacks! How is this possible?!? ¡­ ?Did she pretend before?!? ¡­ ?Of course not! She just learned to read the movements of Mr. Roman! Here it is, the power of the heavenly genius who defeated the archmaster!?


    Kyon frowned: {Has her unique innate ability evolved? Is it because of the fight? Or maybe because of sex?} ¨C he remembered that he had sex with Valeera every day, but her invisibility did not get better, so he doubted.


    ?How do you do it?!? ¨C Roman wheezed, as if not in his own voice, waving his arms madly. All ten tentacles tried to grab the girl, but they could not.


    A blue sphere shed in Juno''s hand. The air in the arena became so cold that the surface was covered with a crust of frost. Everyone felt how the energy of cold was concentrated in the girl''s hand in the form of the sphere. When the power of "The Essence of Destruction" reached its peak, thedy with an icy gleam in her eyes headed towards her opponent.


    ?D-don''te near me! Go awa-ay!? ¨C Roman shouted in fright, throwing up his hands.


    Ten geysers poured onto Juno, they were able to demolish even a small mountain, but the girl just ran along them, as if she was walking along a forest path, creating tiny tforms of ice under her feet, until she got close to the goal¡­


    ~FUU-UUU-UUSH~


    "The Essence of Destruction", colliding with "The Water Squid", instantly exploded, releasing all the cold energy stored inside. The five-meter luminous squid with Roman inside instantly froze, crackled and crumbled into blocks of ice. All the water spilled around the area inexplicably froze in the form of beautiful ice crystals.


    The spectators opened their mouths in shock and bulged their eyes. The girl, inferior by 8 stages, destroyed the most powerful water technique of the Clintons with one blow! A minute ago, no one believed in her victory, but suddenly everything changed.


    The recoil from the destruction of the technique hit Roman, which made him turn pale and stagger tiredly, but when he saw the enraged fury rushing towards him, the guy with horror on his face activated the ultimate technique of his unique body to prevent the blonde from getting to him¡­


    Steam escaped from Clinton, throwing the approaching girl ten meters away. In the blink of an eye, an imprable fog filled the arena, an ordinary person would immediately be boiled alive from its high temperature. As for the creator of the technique, he felt like a god under this burning cover.


    Juno protected herself from the flow of hot steam with cold in advance, but even so her palms were badly burned. Looking around, the girl realized that she did not see anything, and her scanning was very limited. She had a feeling of deja vu. Something simr was created by her sandy opponent at the tournament of families, and what was the result? He''s dead now!


    {What a pity, I can feel you without any scanning!} ¨C there was hatred with shades of sadism in the blonde''s eyes. Thedy created another sphere of "The Essence of Destruction" in her hand, this time consisting of ether. Thick sparks of lightning echoed with a roar, causing the steam-covered arena to sparkle like a thundercloud.


    Since it took almost all the remaining energy to create the technique, Juno needed to end the fight immediately, so she ran to the enemy without dy.


    {How does she know my location?!} ¨C dumbfounded Roman created several steam clones that ideally copied his appearance, and tried to confuse the girl with them, but she did not pay any attention to them, as if she knew that they were not dangerous.


    Gradually Juno drove the weakened opponent into a corner ¨C to the barrier.


    When his wife was at a distance of ten meters from him, Roman, terrified to death, barked: ?Don''te near me!? ¨C andunched a three-meter-thick steam geyser at the girl, capable of evaporating all the flesh even from a lord phaser at the peaking stage. If such a stream hits the target, it will be much more dangerous than a jet of heat and wind.


    After reading the opponent, Juno jumped aside, and then, when her husband redirected the geyser, jumped over it and finally hit the hated bastard with a sphere¡­


    ~CR-RR-R-RUNCH~


    There was a deafening crack of lightning. The imprable cloud inside the barrier glowed like the sun, and then there were dull thuds in the flesh. It seemed like someone was making a chop out of meat.


    The spectators rose from their seats in an attempt to see at least something.


    The imperial representative picked up the judges'' gestures and deactivated the protective barrier. A denseyer of steam rushed into the sky, and people saw how a sobbing Juno, sitting on Roman''s stomach, beat him on the head with her fists. His teeth scattered across the arena, and his handsome face quickly turned into a bloody mess. The guy just howled something unintelligible.


    ?I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! How dare you marry me without my consent?! How dare you **** me?! How dare you take away my innocence?! Bring it back!? ¨C Juno''s voice resembled a mosquito''s squeak, so no one could hear the doom and heartbreaking grief in it.


    ?MY BOY!? ¨C Roman''s mother squealed in horror and rushed into the arena.


    However, the woman was immediately stopped by imperial guards.


    The imperial representative separated the two "quarreling" newlyweds and announced the winner: ?Juno Clinton won and goes to the fifth round! Bravo!?


    There was dead silence for a few seconds. Nobody could believe in the girl''s victory. But soon the stands literally exploded with loud apuse. No one cared about the strange expressions on the Clintons'' faces. People''s hearts were beating fast with joy. The one for whom everyone was rooting, but no one believed in her sess, won!


    Bai''s cheeks were wet with tears. He pped so hard that his palms took on the same reddish hue as his eyes.


    Elsa felt great pride in her sister, although she did not show it outwardly.


    Juno, wearily hanging her head and asionally sobbing, left the arena. Beating Roman made her feel much better, but her hatred for him did not subside at all. And even if she had taken revenge on him in full, what next? What is lost cannot be returned. The feeling of loss won''t go away. He took her innocence once and for all.


    The apusested indecently long.


    The imperial representative raised his hands, calming the audience, and announced the next duel: ?Seraphima, the royal phaser at the finishing stage, against Clementine, the royal phaser at the finishing stage!?


    Two beautiful girls entered the arena. ck hair and identical facial features ¨C they had nothing else inmon. One had golden eyes, pure snow-white skin and an impressive snow-white outfit - abat kimono. While the other had brown eyes, tanned skin, obsidian piercings in the nostril and corners of the lips, and tight pants with ck chains. If the first one gave the impression of a noble disciple of a great master with her manners, aura and appearance, the second one resembled a hooligan tomboy.


    After the signal of the start of the fight, the two girls engaged in a fierce battle.


    The first sh of blows created a rumble that took the audience by surprise. Many people jerked in fright, and the children even cried. Apparently, both girls were much stronger than Roman, at least by one, or even two stages.


    The fight was gaining momentum. The techniques were getting more and more serious. The cracks often spread across the arena. It seemed that light and darkness passionately intertwined in a pair dance, fighting for power all over the world. The green glow of the spatial attribute shed from each collision of attacks. No one was going to give in to the enemy.


    The fightsted a long time, and both girls looked extremely exhausted. Sweat was pouring from their faces. Their chests heaved fromck of air. Their hearts were drumming. The muscles were numb from exhaustion.


    ?Oh goddess, how strong they are! How cruel!? ¡­ ?They are not inferior to each other in anything! Even in the recent tournament, they had the same number of points!? ¡­ ?It''s been a long time since I''ve seen such a fair fight!? ¡­ ?Why are they fighting as if their lives are on the line? They won''t take the first ce anyway¡­ Is it a matter of personal dislike??


    At the twentieth minute of the fight, both girls could hardly stand on their feet. Pulling themselves together, they roared and simultaneously struck each other in the faces with blows, from which both passed out.


    The audience gasped in amazement.


    The imperial representative studied the condition of the rivals and dered a draw.


    People could note to their senses for a long time, they had never seen a more epic duel. None of the girls was inferior to the other either in speed, or inbat skills, or in the power of techniques, or in willpower! And how did it all end? The draw!


    The following words of the imperial representative brought the spectators out of their stupor: ?Thest quarterfinal match: Rose Valentine, the royal phaser at the finishing stage, against Dick Baker, the noble phaser at the middle stage! Greet the fighters!?


    When Dick and Rose entered the arena, all the spectators, in particr the three princes of Liberia, felt relieved. This time Baker had an opponent, which means he would not go further!


    A whole kaleidoscope ofplex emotions was on the faces of Gina and Lana. They understood that watching the messenger of the goddess would only worsen their already bad condition, but there was nothing they could do about it. And now the heads of the sects unconsciously tried to see Zosimos in the fat, ugly young man, because they were not interested in all his other personalities at all.


    {?Kyon, please don''t humiliate Rose¡­?} ¨C Elsa sent a telepathic signal. ¨C {?He is suffering from some serious illness. He is very ill.?}


    {?I will be as gentle with him as he is with other people''s women.?}


    {?What did you say??} ¨C asked Elsa, confused, but she did not hear the exnation.


    {She''s still worried about Rose¡­ It''s infuriating.} ¨C Kyon was incredibly annoyed that such a rotten bastard got such an excellent girl. But now he knew that Elsa would be a wonderful faithful wife who would not leave her husband in a difficult moment. However, she still doesn''t have a husband, and Valentine certainly won''t be one.


    Rose surreptitiously threw bloodthirsty nces at Dick. His hands were shaking from the desire to break the fat man''s skull. Yes, killing is forbidden by the rules, but they won''t punish the son of the patriarch for an idental wave of his hand, right? However, Valentine knew that Baker was very cunning, he deceived the leader of the supreme subi! He''ll probably give up as soon as the fight starts. But it''s worth a try.


    The signal for the start of the match sounded.


    The onlookers became quiet.


    Rose was about to rush forward, when he suddenly froze,ically bulging his eyes.


    A moment earlier, Kyon had sent a signal to the formation Albert had ced on the patient, which caused the medicine Valentine had previously taken to act.


    {N-no, no-no, it can''t be, not now!} ¨C Rose''s heart almost stopped. He felt his whole body tense to the limit, so much so that he could not even move a finger, and a hellish convulsive pain appeared in the lower abdomen.


    Kyon clenched his fists and took a fighting stance, as if parodying some professional boxer, and, approaching the opponent, jumped from side to side, avoiding non-existent blows. And he did all this, not forgetting to beat the pretty blond right on the head, as if he were a training bag for him.


    Half a million viewers froze. Their minds really could notprehend what they saw, everything was so absurd and inadequate.


    Elsa''s jaw dropped.


    ?What''s going on here?? ¨C someone hoarsely asked a question, the answer to which literally everyone wanted to get at this moment.


    ?Stop giving in, let''s fight!? ¨C Kyon got "really" angry and pulled the guy''s hair, but suddenly he pulled it out. As it turned out, Valentine was wearing a wig.


    Apletely bald, pale guy with a zed look was still standing, doing nothing, only his grimace twisted with rage twitched nervously, as if he was a madman.


    ?Wig? Seriously?! Haha! Bald as a baby''s backside! Bald-headed hermit!? ¨C speaking loudly, Kyon continued to beat the paralyzed guy on the bald head.


    The stupid children, who did not understand what was happening now,ughed. Their reaction sobered the others, and people started asking the right questions: ?Why does Valentine give in?!? ¡­ ?Did the Valentines take a bribe from the Bakers to humiliate their young master at the tournament?!? ¡­ ?This is nonsense! What''s going on?!?


    Viewers with the surname Valentine did not know where to go from shame and humiliation.


    Grandmaster Yan, red as a tomato, shivered as if with fever. Did he teach his student to be a clown?! To be clumsily beaten for the amusement of the audience?!


    But Elsa suffered the most. Her eyes watered with shame and disappointment.

 Chapter 533

    Chapter 533¡¡¡¡Dick tore off Valentine''s wig, and now he is beating him like a punching bag, gleefully singing: "bald as a baby''s backside!", and all this in front of the most influential people of the empire, and most importantly, in front of Elsa¡­ It seemed to Rose that he was going crazy. His heart was about to explode. He couldn''t move a finger while his name was trampled into the dirt¡­


    ?I''m tired of you, you bald clown, take that!? ¨C Kyon, almost without restraint, hit the immobilized opponent in the stomach, sending him somersaulting on the ground for almost 50 meters.


    Such a force of impact from a noble phaser at the middle stage might seem strange to many people, but now everyone was worried about somethingpletely different: Mr. Valentine made a distinct and loud sound, indicating that he had a good poop. Taking a closer look, the audience saw a decent bulge in Valentine''s pants and immediately understood everything¡­


    There was a deathly silence. Gradually, everyone realized why Rose had not fought back all this time: he simply could not because of a strong desire to empty his intestines. He was afraid to poop his pants. It turns out that there were no concessions or bribes.


    The Valentines blushed deeply with intense shame. They wanted to sink through the ground.


    Grandmaster Yan''s face assumed an imprable expression, and only disappointment shed deep in his eyes. He quietly got up and left. He no longer has a junior student. The old man refuses to be the master of such aughing stock.


    Elsa closed her eyelids and turned away from the strongest attack of emptiness and shame.


    Rose looked up and around. Seeing the reaction of the audience, members of his family, mother, master Yan, and most importantly, his girlfriend, he shivered as if in the cold, his eyes rolled up, and foam came out of his mouth. At that moment, he was no different from a mentally ill person.


    *sh* *sh* *sh*


    The figure of the defeated Valentine was sessively absorbed by three invisible shes, the same as those that ur with an increase in the stage of development, but these were of a diametrically opposite nature.


    The audience took their breath away. Everyone knew that losing one''s development due to emotional stress is an exceptionally rare phenomenon. But three at once?! It is impossible to even imagine what the youngest son of the patriarch is feeling right now. His whole world must be falling apart and he will never be the same.


    Everyone knows that the moral and mental state of a person is the foundation of talent. The loss of even one stage due to stress reduces the chance to break into a new phase by tens and hundreds of times, as for the loss of three stages¡­ It looks like Valentine will never be called an unsurpassed genius again.


    Realizing all this, Rose passed out. Oblivion saved him from madness.


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief. Valentine lost consciousness before releasing his hatred for Dick. It was for the best, because he had suspicions that it was more effective to pump out the darkness at once, not in portions. Rose''s fruits of darkness still have potential to grow: love for Elsa and trust for Albert. He shouldn''t miss it.


    What''s more, Lovr even got some light! From several sources somewhere in the stands at once. Obviously, the victims of the maniac-rapist were grateful to the fat man for the total humiliation of the bastard who ruined their lives.


    To say that Rose was in an awkward position is to say nothing. He made a bald clown and a punching bag of himself, publicly shat himself, and also lost 3 stages of development. Just now his name, like the reputation of the Valentines, went down. All members of his family will henceforth bear this stinking seal of shame with him.


    ?You deliberately humiliated our master!? ¡­ ?Bastard, how dare you?!? ¡­ ?It''s all because of you! You must die!? ¨C many of the Valentines with faces distorted with rage, like enraged savages, jumped down from the stands and rushed to Dick. They could only me Baker for everything and pour out their indignation on him.


    The family of the 1st rank wanted to destroy one pathetic practitioner of the noble phase. What were his chances of survival? Everyone thought he didn''t have a chance, and that was a reason for them to be happy.


    Earlier, Kyon had left the clone outside of Dantes in case he needed to escape, after all, he did not rule out even the appearance of subi elders. However, he hoped that he would not have to reveal his trump card, and, apparently, not in vain.


    As soon as the most aggressive Valentines descended into the arena, suddenly they all froze and turned deathly pale. Slight distortions of the air could be seen around them. Adding to this their reaction, only a fool would not understand that someone powerful is using pressure on them.


    The head of analytics in the department, one of the few remaining in the stands, bowed his head and pleaded loudly: ?Please, control your anger! My family members could not hold in their emotions and made a big mistake! Allow me, Mn Valentine, deputy patriarch Monty Valentine, to punish them for the insult inflicted on you on my own! After the tournament!?


    Relief soon appeared on the man''s face. He red at his family members sternly and gestured for them to go back to their seats.


    The Valentines'' fear of some powerful practitioner made theme to their senses, swallow their resentment towards Dick, and humbly sit back down. They clenched their fists and hung their heads low, afraid to meet the eyes of the audience. Their recent behavior will definitely not benefit the family''s reputation. Although it can''t be poorer... One way or another, but today will go down in the history of Rosarrio as "the fall of the Valentines".


    The oppressive silence was broken by the imperial representative, who dered Dick the winner.


    Due to the result of the match between Seraphima and Clementine, it turns out that Baker will not have an opponent in the semifinals. The fact that the fat, feeble pig would reach the final of such a prestigious tournament could not leave anyone indifferent, it seemed so unrealistic. The audience felt cheated. The three princes of Liberia looked especially upset.


    After a short break, the imperial representative announced the start of the 5th round.


    Elsa entered the arena with an absent expression.


    Juno stood in front of her sister and pierced her with the most contemptuous look that she was capable of. She was in the infirmary and therefore did not see thest fight.


    The signal to start the fight sounded. The protective barrier appeared.


    Elsa softly said with tenderness in her eyes: ?Give up, please.?


    ?I''d rather die.? ¨C Juno replied firmly and elerated in the direction of her sister.


    Elsa dodged the fist rushing at her. At the same moment, the knee was already rushing into her chest. The girl stepped back, but her sister straightened her leg, aiming the toe at her chin. She had to grab the rushing foot.


    ~BANG~


    A lightning strike thundered, but Elsa was not hurt at all.


    ?Juno¡­? ¨C Stone began.


    ?Shut your mouth!? ¨C Juno sent a dozen icicles to her sister.


    However, Elsa simply waved them away as if they were annoying flies.


    Due to the injuries received in the previous battle, for Juno, every movement was apanied by hellish pain throughout her body, especially in her chest, while her sister, due to her monstrous advantage in speed, could parry and repel any of her attacks. Well, if she wants to, she will create an ether barrier, and then it will be useless to beat her at all.


    As for the attacks from elemental energy, the sister can repel them with a simple wave of her palm, and even if they hit her, they would cause as much damage as a snowball thrown by a child at an adult man.


    She could only use "The Essence of Destruction", for which, unfortunately, there was not enough energy. Juno understood the situation. All her efforts were equivalent to an ordinary person trying to break through a steel wall with his bare hands.


    Such a game with one goal-mouth cannot be called a duel. Everyone who hoped for a miracle was finally disappointed. But they were pleased that Elsa would definitely not harm her beautiful sister, which means there was nothing to worry about.


    ?Please give up. I don''t want to hurt you¡­? ¨C Elsa asked quietly.


    ?You''ve already hurt me, so much that it''s enough for a lifetime!? ¨C the blonde snapped and furiously attacked her sister, but none of her attacks reached the goal.


    ?Juno, you know I didn''t mean to hurt you¡­?


    ?You didn''t care about me! You think only of yourself!?


    ?Juno¡­ I just wanted to be a role model for you¡­ An older sister that you would be proud of, that you would love like I love you¡­?


    Juno, viciously baring her white teeth, muttered with irreconcble hatred: ?No. I was just a stain on your pride: the only piggy that doesn''t squeal with joy every time it sees your hypocritical mug. You tried to fix everything by presenting yourself as a hero in my eyes, but you didn''t expect me to find out the truth¡­?


    Tears glistened in Elsa''s eyes: ?I made a huge mistake that day¡­ I am so sorry for what I did! Please forgive me, I''m a selfish fool!?


    The girl''s face was filled with guilt and remorse. Every time she remembered that episode from her life, she felt like a nasty bitch: how dare she act so ruthlessly and cruelly with her younger sister? How could she put her own wounded pride above her sister''s feelings?


    ?Forgive? Do you really think that everything can be fixed with a simple apology?!? ¨C Juno snorted coldly. ¨C ?If you really love me and want to earn forgiveness someday, then prove it in practice: give up!?


    Elsa opened her eyes wide in shock. Hope was born in her heart, but it was immediately extinguished. If she surrenders, she and Juno will probably be disqualified for collusion. Moreover, for showing disrespect for the tournament dedicated to the empress, she and her sister can even be executed. And even if Juno is allowed to go further, she will meet with the messenger of the goddess. He''s sure to hurt her. On top of everything else, her desire to be stronger in order to save her father in the future has not gone away, and for this it is very important for the girl to be the senior disciple of the empress.


    ?I can''t¡­? ¨C finally, Elsa said with difficulty.


    ?I knew it. Your words are worthless. Your actions speak for themselves. I can''t stand your rotten little soul. In the future, you will pay for everything.? ¨C Juno promised with frightening seriousness.


    Elsa wanted to say something to this, but realized that there was no point: all her excuses would sound pathetic. The younger sister doesn''t want to hear her right now.


    For the first time in recent years, they had a conversation about that terrible incident. There was nothing surprising in the fact that Elsa reacted so emotionally. She would never me her sister for such an attitude towards herself, because she deserved it.


    Sighing, Stone wiped the tears from her eyes and gently said with a slight smile: ?I''m really happy to give you the motivation to be stronger. I''m proud of you.?


    ?Let''s see how you will enjoy this in the future.? ¨C Juno snapped with a mad gleam in her eyes and attacked her opponent like an enraged fury.


    Elsa was behind the young blonde in the blink of an eye and, correctly calcting the force, struck her with lightning in the neck to deprive her of consciousness for one minute.


    The imperial representative studied the condition of the girl and dered Elsa the winner.


    The previously silent stands burst into apuse. Someone even cried. Many viewers heard the sisters'' conversation and even felt it. Whatever harm Elsa had done to Juno, it was now obvious to everyone that she loved and cared about her sister.


    And only Bai froze as if thunderstruck.


    {Wow¡­ So Juno''s phobia of furry creatures appeared because of Elsa¡­} ¨C Kyon was surprised at this discovery. In the illusory world of Juno, it also seemed strange to him that the beasts dragged the girl into the alley and began to surround her, as if on someone''s orders, and then Elsa jumped from the sky - a kind of savior hero who appears at thest moment.


    Earlier, Lovr assumed that Juno hated her sister because of envy and hidden jealousy of her father, as well as because of her sadistic nature, but everything turned out to be much more prosaic. Now her attitude towards Elsa was fully justified. It was easy to understand the girl.

 Chapter 534

    Chapter 534¡¡¡¡The imperial representative announced the start of the final round and called out the names of the participants: ?Elsa Stone, the imperial phaser at the beginning stage, against Dick Baker, the noble phaser at the middle stage!?


    The beautiful blonde and the unsightly fat man entered the arena to the quiet apuse of half a million spectators. Everyone looked at Baker as if he was a nonentity. He was like a pig that had made its way alive to the very end of the dragons'' den, where the treasuresy. How couldn''t they be indignant? But the golden dragon stood in his way.


    {?I forbid you to use your bow and all the elements except for pure energy.?} ¨C using the formation in Elsa''s head, Kyon sent an audio message to her.


    {?Do you want the title of empress'' senior disciple so badly? Why don''t you just order me to surrender??} ¨C Stone asked with annoyance and disappointment in her telepathic voice.


    {?The final purpose of my order is different.?}


    {?And what is it? Eh? Why are you silent? Why don''t you tell me you''re afraid of losing to me? Because you are a coward! I''m sure as soon as you realize that you don''t have a chance, you''ll forbid me to use pure energy, too!?}


    Kyon rolled his eyes: {?Too many words, woman. Get ready to fight. Fight seriously.?}


    {He''s infuriating! Why is he behaving like this?! Shouldn''t the messenger of the goddess have masculinity and dignity?!} ¨C Elsa was angry. At first, Rose disappointed her, and now he, apparently, will do the same¡­


    The signal to start the fight sounded. The protective barrier appeared.


    Kyon took out the crimson Scourge and slowly walked towards the girl.


    Elsa took out a new silver sword with a serious look and prepared for battle.


    The audience looked at each other in puzzlement: ?Lady Elsa has never taken out a weapon during the entire tournament¡­ Why did she take it out just now?? ¡­ ?Obviously to avenge Baker for humiliating Rose. She doesn''t want to get her hands dirty.? ¡­ ?Even so, he''s not worth it¡­? ¡­ ?May the ground be heavy to you, fatty.?


    Kyon jumped up and, weighing the Scourge to 10 tons, brought it down on the blonde.


    However, Elsa stepped back, fearing for the integrity of her new weapon.


    ~BA-A-AH~ ~CRU-U-UNCH~


    Half of the audience was startled by the crushing crash and crackle. They saw how a half-meter funnel formed in the ce where Baker had hit, and thick cracks spread for another 5 meters.


    Everyone present bulged their eyes in disbelief. Even the strongest blows of Clementine and Seraphima, the royal phasers at the finishing stage, left half the damage!


    Kyon was well aware that he needed to demonstrate that he was worthy not only of the title of the empress'' junior disciple, but also of the senior one, while not revealing his identity. That''s why he immediately used the third move ¨C "Falling cmity".


    Elsa''s silhouette blurred due to the high speed with which the girl rushed into a frontal attack.


    Kyon weighed down the sword to 7,500 kilograms and struck a counter blow.


    The silver and crimson swords shed, creating a deafening roar.


    ~CLA-A-ANG~


    The blonde retreated a step, while he scraped 5 meters on the ground.


    {Did you take my attack at half force?!} ¨C Stone was amazed.


    {?I told you ¨C fight seriously.?} ¨C said Kyon.


    Elsa frowned and this time attacked with full force.


    ~CLA-A-ANG~


    The meeting of the attacks generated a shock wave capable of concussing an ordinary person.


    The girl did not take a single step, while he scraped 10 meters on the ground.


    Elsa''s eyes widened in surprise. In her understanding, even Rose would have rolled head over heels with a broken arm, while Kyon not only remained unharmed, but also managed to maintain bnce! The girl''s idea of the power of the messenger of the goddess changed dramatically.


    ?He took the blow of the imperial phaser twice!? ¡­ ?How is this possible?!? ¡­ ?Has Dick always been so strong?!? ¨C the audiencemented on what they saw with amazement. If we take into ount the funnel from the first miss, as well as the roar from the collision of blows, there were no concessions.


    ~CLA-A-ANG~


    Another exchange of blows, and exactly the same result as before.


    Elsa immediately noticed that Kyon''s strength did not correspond to the royal phaser at the peaking stage, as it was the time when he broke her weapon. The girl remembered that then his blow contained the element of light, which for some reason he does not use now¡­


    {Does he underestimate me so much that he even gives in?! Bastard, you asked for it!} ¨C the blonde was instantly behind him and was about to give him a side blow with the t side of the sword on the ass¡­


    Coldly snorting, Kyon met the girl''s attack with a roundabout¡­


    ~CLA-A-ANG~


    Elsa''s shock knew no bounds: {How could he see my movements?!}


    {?Are you deaf? I''m tired of repeating that you have to fight seriously¡­?} ¨C Kyon, of course, was pleased that Stone was worried about him, but now there should be a real fight between them.


    Elsa narrowed her beautiful eyes and attacked, no longer holding back. She quickly noticed that Kyon was weakening the full force of the impact by sliding on the ground. If so, then this exins why his dominant hand is still fine. Here is his vulnerability!


    Taking all this into ount, Stone tried to attack from top to bottom, but the cunning guy simply attacked her from bottom to top at an angle of forty-five degrees, shifting all inertia to his advantage for further sliding.


    ~CLA-A-ANG~


    The girl clicked her tongue irritably and continued her attempts, but no matter how hard she tried, no matter what clever tricks and deceptions she used, the nobledy never reached the goal. All her attacks were greeted by the opponent with his own attacks. Not only did he see her movements, but he could also think and read them in advance in an iprehensible way¡­


    {?How many fighting fists does he have?!?} ¨C Elsa began to envy that he had achieved such mastery.


    Meanwhile, some spectators were already holding their heads, watching the fight in disbelief. Now they realized that the girl took out the sword not to kill Baker, but because she probably knew about his real strength.


    Just looking at how masterfully he takes the punches of the imperial phaser at the beginning stage, people came to the conclusion that he would have ovee Seraphima and Clementine with great probability. It turns out that the fact that he got to the final of the tournament ispletely justified.


    The three princes of Liberia looked at each other sourly. They were so wrong.


    Princess Haya couldn''t close her mouth.


    Kyon smiled bitterly to himself. With a supreme soul enchantment for strength, developed right arm and head, as well as carbon skin and bones, he can take Elsa''s punches without any consequences for himself. And even if the girl were an imperial phaser at the middle stage, the situation would change slightly. But so what? How to win? In a duel of endurance, his energy, s, will quickly run out. He will slow down too much without the movement technique, and he will turn into a whipping ball without the sticking technique¡­


    In addition, he cannot use the element of time, like any others, yet he is Dick who knows only pure energy. He is also forbidden to reveal his trump cards to enemies ¨C clones and the ability to teleport to them. But what hurts most is another thing: he is not able to realize his strength, exchanging blows. And all this because of the fact that during the rescue of Valeera, "The Dark Baron" knocked him out with a sudden blow to the head, and the 0th general is aware of this. In his defense, he then said that he was very fragile.


    The question is: how to win?


    {?Are you going just to defend yourself?!?} ¨C Elsa asked with displeasure.


    {?You asked for it.?} ¨C Kyon jumped up, weighed the Scourge to 10 tons and, activating "The sovereign''s stare", brought the weapon down on the girl.


    Elsa shivered with sudden horror. She was unnerved. The imperious will of the messenger of the goddess instantly knocked out all sanity from the mind of the girl. She felt only fear and awe, like amb being attacked by an angry dragon¡­


    Stone came to her senses at the veryst moment and tried to block with her sword.


    ~CLA-A-ANG~ ~BOOM~


    The blonde''s silver weapon broke into two pieces at the base, and the crimson sword hit her on the forehead, strongly pressing the unfortunate girl with the back of her head into the gray rock of the arena.


    Half a million viewers'' jaws dropped. They didn''t expect this at all.


    A spark of interest lit up in the eyes of Gina and Lana, watching the battle.


    Elsa jumped out from under the messenger of the goddess, like a frog, andnded, however, barely standing because of her trembling knees. She held only the hilt tightly in her hands, and this clearly indicated that the girl still hadn''t recovered from the shock.


    Coming to her senses, Stone threw away the hilt and blushed. Now she considered Kyon not a nimble mannequin for training, but a deadly opponent who could even take her life. He bent her will with just a nce, and left her unarmed! How could she stay calm?!


    ?What flea market did you buy this sword from?? ¨C Kyon asked mockingly.


    Some Valentines, who recognized this sword as a gift from Rose, bowed their heads in sorrow.


    Elsa didn''t say anything, just squinted warily. A tornado with lightning shing inside, threatening to incinerate everything, rapidly formed around her.


    The audience excitedly talked: ?Well, that''s it, he angered Lady Elsa!? ¡­ ?The unique body of physical strength will not help him survive the lightning strike¡­ Now Baker is definitely finished.? ¡­ ?Now he will know the full power of the imperial phaser!?


    {?You fool, I forbade you to use the elements!?} ¨C Kyon got angry.


    {?B-but I''m unarmed¡­ I can''t fight you with my bare hands¡­ Give me at least a chance to get this title, Kyon! I need it! And you will get it sooner orter anyway with your incredible abilities!} ¨C Stone pleaded.


    {?Elsa, damn it, it''s like you didn''t notice that I''m also severely limited in capabilities¡­ If you didn''t save your pathetic sword with pure energy, that''s only your problem!?}


    The blonde''s eyebrows went up: {So he doesn''t underestimate me!} ¨C she wanted to p her forehead because of recent erroneous conclusions. But suddenly the beautiful face of the girl turned deathly pale, and her eyes darted around the stands in panic.


    Catching the strange reaction of his stepsister, Kyon asked: {?What''s the matter??}


    {?Someone o-ordered me to fake defeat, otherwise¡­ Otherwise Juno¡­?}


    Lovr looked around the rows of spectators with an icy gaze. As expected, as soon as he is in real danger, someone will influence the oue of the duel. Putting pressure on Elsa with the help of Juno - her weakest point - is smart, and most importantly, effective.


    Initially, Kyon nned to fight Elsa in equal conditions, when they are both limited. May the best one win. After all, it didn''t really matter to him whether he became the empress'' senior or junior disciple. He was aiming higher. The main thing was to make the fight exciting enough to deprive the citizens of Rosarrio of the desire to resent the results of the duel.


    However, Lovr has just changed his mind. Thus, he will not only emotionally bind Elsa to himself, which will benefit him in the future, but will also show the puppeteers that he knows his ce and is not in a hurry for the title, like a moth to a me.


    ?I give up!? ¨C Kyon announced loudly, raising his hand.


    ?Hoh, he really gave up!? ¡­ ?No wonder, because Baker will not be able to oppose anything to the lightning of Lady Elsa.? ¡­ ?And he''s not a fool!? ¨C the audience was not at all surprised by the fat man''s act, on the contrary, they considered it the only right decision.


    Elsa raised her thin eyebrows in surprise: {?Kyon¡­ Why? Why did you give me the title??} ¨C the act of the messenger of the goddess deeply moved the girl. In fact, he honestly defeated her, because they were on equal terms, and yet after someone''s ckmail, he nobly gave her the title¡­ The blonde''s initial disappointment in her stepbrother was blown away by the wind.


    Stephanie Russell chuckled: {And he has character¡­ So be it.}


    The imperial representative caught the nods of the judges and dered Elsa the winner.


    The stands burst into apuse that will not subside for a very long time.


    Today, the third senior disciple of the empress appeared in Rosarrio, as well as seven junior ones. Soon they will proceed to the pce, where they will take an oath of allegiance in front of witnesses, after which the empress will officially proim them her disciples.


    ¡­


    ?Damn it, why didn''t I finish him off earlier¡­ DAMN!? ¨C the zeroth general left a huge dent in the pyrobloin wall with a blow of his fist. A fit of violent rage seized the man who was usually incredibly cold-blooded by nature.


    However, the man quickly calmed down, sat down at the table and put his fingertips together. He thought better in this position. After 10 minutes he opened his eyes. A n to achieve what he wanted in the most effective and unpredictable way formed itself in his head.


    ***


    Now I''m adding the chapters on §²§Ñtreon! There are 10 more chapters, and for $5 they are posted every 2.5 days. I would appreciate your subscription.


    §â§Ñtreon/Wing_Span


    Please note: since I am adding 18+ content, you will not be able to find me in the site search.

 Chapter 535. Arc 7 – Rosarrio

    Chapter 535. Arc 7 ¨C Rosarrio¡¡¡¡Previously? ?in? ?Everything? ?Will? ?Be? ?My? ?Way? (chapters 476-534):


    Kyon achieved the development of a noble phaser at the middle stage (4,6); improved Synergy to intermediate Bachelor (3); realized the superior grade of ether; enchanted the soul to the highest level of strength; revealed the secret of the spatial attribute, thereby learning to enter the astral for 1 second no more than once every 15 minutes.


    Lovr entered the order, pursuing three goals: to take away Juno''s development, fulfill the condition of the 0th general and prepare Roman and Rose to collect darkness, simultaneously taking revenge on them.


    Kyon learns that representatives of the dark and light races are studying in the order: two twins named Clementine and Seraphima, as well as Timothy, the former Brown (he will run away from Rosarrio due to the murder of several students).


    Over the following months, Lovr thoroughly turns Roman and Rose against him. He also "gives" Rose radiation sickness and, pretending to be Dr. Albert, turns his life into a living hell under the guise of gratuitous help.


    Kyon found out that Juno has the ability to read the intentions of the soul, and the connection of souls (due to one frequency of the soul) can be bypassed if you enter a dark or light state. He tried to take revenge on Juno by taking her development through sex, but suddenly a call came from the 0th general with a new condition: to control the Token wedding of Juno and Roman. At the wedding 4 monthster, Lovr reced Roman right during the wedding night and raped Juno, however, due to the same frequency of soul fluctuations, it was not possible to take away the development.


    Elsa became very attached to Kyon, even though she found out that he was "The Dark Baron". For trying to hand him over to the empress, she will have to obey him for one year, because the messenger of the goddess is ckmailing her with the life of her beloved sister, Juno.


    At the tournament in the forests of Regan, Kyon meets subi, in particr Astarte.


    Suddenly, letters from Valeera stoppeding. In an attempt to find out where she disappeared, Kyon in the guise of Zosimos returns to the n headquarters, but there he is surreptitiously caught by the 0th general and delivered to the empress. Lovr, in the presence of 5 witnesses, takes an oath from Lanatelle that she will let him go as soon as he purifies all her keys by 99%, however, the woman breaks the oath, referring to the fact that she is not "Russell", and almost cuts off the man''s head. Kyon survives as long as he can, but realizes that it''s not enough. When suddenly Eve and Le, who regained their memory, find and save him. They decide not to kill their ex-father for what he did to them for thest year, but instead ce explosive formations on him to deprive each other of the opportunity to approach him.


    Kyon understands that Valeera must still be alive, that she is somewhere in the depths of the pce and that she can still be saved, but in order to get there, he needs to ingratiate himself with the empress by bing her disciple.


    The tournament of the strongest takes ce, where Kyon, Juno, Roman, Rose, Clementine and Seraphima are in the top 8, thereby being awarded the title "junior disciple of the empress".


    Exclusively by the will of Lovr, Elsa takes the 1st ce, bing the empress''s senior disciple, for which she is very grateful to him.


    ***


    In the mightiest empire of mankind, in thergest pce, two people sat side by side at arge round table of a meeting room: a father and a son.


    One of them was a middle-aged man with a thick ck beard. He was distinguished by strict facial features and an unusually piercing gaze. It seemed that he could subdue any person with just a nce. His name was Magnus, the emperor of Saturn, a living legend who excited the soul with his mere presence.


    A well-groomed ck-haired guy of 25 years old was sitting next to him. He could fascinate anyone with his beautiful elegant appearance, and the bottomless depth of his blue eyes caused instinctive awe, as if he were a great hero. No wonder, because Christopher is the first prince of Saturn, the unsurpassed genius of the entire empire and a symbol of perfection.


    ?Dear father, I have asked you about this many times, but I have not received a clear answer¡­ Please tell me why¡­ Why do you refuse to give us your blessing so persistently? Why do you forbid me even to see her??


    Magnus realized that his son had returned to this unpleasant topic again, and his face clouded.


    ?Father, you know better than anyone that Valkyrie is a legendary flower in a musty swamp. She is insanely talented, exorbitantly beautiful,prehensively developed, and also the granddaughter of the patriarch. Our marriage will strengthen the rtionship between the Walders and the prosperous Torreses! There is no more suitable candidate for the role of my wife in this world¡­ Tell me, why are you against our marriage?? ¨C Christopher spoke calmly and measuredly, as befits a wise, sedate person. He was definitely guided by prudence andmon sense rather than emotions.


    The authority of the emperor is unshakable and omnipotent. Even the crown prince has to reckon with him. Since Christopher is from the Walder family, his fatherpletely controls him, especially when ites to a potential bride.


    Magnus inhaled noisily through his nose and fell silent for a while.


    Christopher had noticed long ago that his father was hiding something important about Valkyrie from him. Every time the conversation turned to her, the man reacted the same way.


    Magnus spoke delicately: ?Son, it''s not that simple¡­ Valkyrie, she¡­? ¨C he obviously wanted to say something, but abruptly changed his mind. ¨C ?You should understand, it is not appropriate for a future emperor to be led by his emotions. If you spend more time with her, you will certainly fall in love with her, and this will not affect your life for the better¡­?


    ?Father, I''m almost over thirty! I''m not at the age to fall in love!? ¨C Christopher was angry, but he quickly suppressed inappropriate emotions. ¨C ?And even if I fall in love, so what? And there is nothing shameful in loving your wife, especially if it is mutual. Tell me, please, what is the real reason for your persistent refusal to even consider her candidacy? Where did this prejudicee from? Do you hate the Torreses? Or don''t you like Maria??


    When it came to Valkyrie''s mother, the prince caught a barely noticeable tension on his father''s face, which caused even more questions to arise in his head.


    Magnus winced as if he had eaten a whole lemon. For him - the emperor of the strongest empire - to make a decision for such a long time is truly an incredible event. And although the son is right in everything, there is one huge "but" that no one in the world should know about - that''s why the man resisted persistent persuasion so much.


    Finally, the emperor came to the conclusion that he did not want to spoil rtions with his son, therefore, looking expressively into his eyes, he humbly said: ?So be it.?


    Christopher''s sharp eyebrows went up: ?Really¡­?


    ?Don''t get ahead of yourself.? ¨C Magnus raised his hand. ¨C ?I''ll just give her a chance to prove herself, and then maybe I''ll change my mind about her and allow your meetings.?


    ?Will you make her pass the test??


    ?Yes, I will. I will give her a task ¨C to collect "tribute". Let''s see how she will cope without outside help, how she will prove herself in such a delicate matter.? ¨C said the emperor.


    Christopher tilted his head in surprise. Usually the tribute is collected by the most trusted people of the empire, as this is an extremely important matter. Would he entrust it to Valkyrie? Or maybe he wants to set her up somehow, making her look ipetent?


    ¡­


    The same evening.


    The great emperor and thirty-two respected elders gathered at a round table in the meeting room. In one of them one could recognize August, the father of XiaoXiao Walder, who had previously sent people to capture Juno.


    August raised his hand and, seeing the emperor''s nod, stood up, cleared his throat and reported: ?My lord, the n to seize control of the dark and light ones has failed. All the representatives of the two factions we found are only minor subordinates who know nothing about the ns of their masters. They only know that the leader of the dark ones named Morgan Kagan has settled in the demon empire, and the leader of the light ones named Amon Amra resides in the empire of the supreme beasts. We do not know what exactly their n is, but we know for sure that their task is to destroy the opposite faction. I dare to assume that a world war will begin in theing year¡­?


    There was an oppressive silence. The elders looked at each other dejectedly. The atmosphere was extremely tense.


    XiaoXiao''s father added hesitantly: ?However, the demon emperor and the empress of the supreme beasts are well aware that we, humans, are extremely strong and dangerous¡­ They won''t fight each other, giving us a chance to swat them both¡­ I''m afraid humans will be the first target¡­ My lord, we all expect bold decisions from you.?


    Everyone present shifted their excited gazes to the head of the empire.


    After thinking for a while, Magnus said hoarsely: ?I''m afraid we won''t be able to prevent future events in any way. The only thing we can do, in addition to careful preparation for war, is to stop feuding with demons, reducing their insane bloodlust towards humans.?


    The elders pricked up their ears with interest.


    The woman raised her hand and after a nod from the emperor, she spoke: ?My lord, how can we achieve this? After all, every child knows that when a demon meets a human, only one of them will survive at best¡­ Hundreds and thousands of years of bloody history have made us irreconcble enemies. In addition, emperor Lucius will die from the poison of the manticore in theing years, and then the strongest demon in the young generation of the Phoberos, Rodan, will sit on the throne, and we all know how much he hates humans.?


    ?It is true, Rodan wants to avenge the death of his father by spilling rivers of human blood!?


    ?This filthy demon will do anything for retribution¡­ Damn bone in our throat!?


    Magnus abruptly raised his palm up, causing the elders to instantly fall silent, and shrewdly said: ?We all know that Hybris died by the hand of Lana with the assistance of Gina. We all know how the demons hate these women. We will reduce the intensity of enmity between humans and demons by capturing the heads of sects and sending them to the demons as a present.?


    Several elders took their breath away. Others opened their mouths in shock. And although most of them reacted more calmly, they were also surprised.


    The emperor exined his decision: ?Desperate times call for desperate measures. We will save hundreds of millions of humans with little loss. Their sacrifice will not be in vain.?


    The elder stretched out his hand and after the emperor''s nod, he stood up and spoke: ?My lord, but they are legendary persons! How can we capture them?!?


    ?With the help of the guardians.? ¨C Magnus replied calmly.


    This time, amazement was on the face of every elder.


    The guardians are the strongest human practitioners on the, thest line of defense and an indestructible stronghold. Once upon a time, huge resources were invested in them. Being representatives of the older generation, they have long moved away from worldly affairs, have lost interest in power and money, and now they are only interested in one thing: watching their children''s children carelessly rule the world. They don''t interfere in their affairs unless absolutely necessary.


    ?The guardians will quickly and imperceptibly capture the heads of the sects, and we will subsequently me the invading foreigners for everything.? ¨C Magnus exined his n.


    The elders looked at each other in amazement, not knowing how else to react.


    After the emperor''s nod, elder August, who had previously reported on the light and dark ones, spoke: ?My lord, we have information that the sect heads disappeared six months ago¡­ This information is confirmed by many sources.?


    Magnus chuckled thoughtfully: ?There is still time before the world war. As soon as the heads of the sects show up, and this will happen sooner orter, we will begin to implement the n.?


    ¡­


    Present time. Night.


    An extraordinarily beautiful girl, wrapped up in a thick nket, unsessfully tried to fall asleep in arge soft bed. She couldn''t get the image of her father out of her head, as well as the happy and carefree time spent with him. The life of the head of the sect was no longer enjoyable. It is impossible to rejoice at a small light, whereas a month ago you were basking in the rays of a big warm sun.


    Suddenly Lana opened her eyes, frowned and went somewhere quickly.


    A figure in a demonic mask appeared on the border of the territory of the Dance sect, high in the sky. She disappeared and in the blink of an eye covered a huge distance, ending up at the top of the mountain in the center of the sect, where the main temple was located.


    Not finding his target, the masked figure frowned.


    ?Are you looking for me??


    It seemed that an icy, but at the same time gentle girlish voice came from everywhere at once.


    The figure revealed his presence, turned around and saw an incredibly beautiful girl floating in the air. He calmly asked: ?How did you find me??


    ?Who are you to appear on my sect''s territory without an invitation?!?


    ?Are you Lady Lana? I thought you''d look older¡­?


    ?I''m asking questions here!? ¨C her voice boomed throughout the sect.


    The man chuckled: ?No, honey. You don''t decide anything here anymore.? ¨C he seemed to disappear from his ce and suddenly attacked the girl at half strength to leave her alive.


    Lana, to the surprise of the enemy, was able to react to such a swift attack.


    ~BA-A-ANG~


    The collision of the blows created a terrifying shockwave. Cracks snaked through the temple building. The mountain shook. The stones turned into sand. The sparse clouds dispersed.


    Both opponents were thrown from each other by 50 meters, which indicated the equality of their forces.


    The mask on the intruder''s face cracked and crumbled.


    Seeing the old wrinkled face stretched out in surprise, Lana raised her eyebrows in amazement: she recognized this old man, one of the past human emperors. And since he is here now, the girl instantly came to a full understanding of the situation.


    ?You are much stronger than we thought¡­ Not bad, not bad. I could do it alone, but why take the risk?? ¨C a wicked smile appeared on the old man''s face.


    Lana felt the approach of three monstrously powerful auras, almost surpassing that of the old man. Her face turned pale, and fear arose in her heart.


    ¡­


    At the same time, powerful guardians appeared in the Virgo sect as well. They examined the temple and the surrounding area for the presence of at least one living soul, but did not find anyone.


    {Are there spies in the heart of the Walders? No¡­ It''s out of the question. But how did she anticipate our arrival? We attacked the sects at the same time¡­ Is this woman really so smart that she could foresee our actions?} ¨C suggested the guardian.


    Gina, having returned to the Virgo sect after the return of memory, received information about the situation around the world, analyzed it and really guessed about a possible attack by the guardians. Although the chance was small, she decided to y it safe: she left the territory of the sect and secretly took all its members to a safe ce, and also sent a message to her sister, but, judging by the reports of the spies, it did not reach her. Is Lana really such a self-confident fool, since she decided that pure keys would give her the opportunity to fight with the guardian, or even several at once?! No, that''s hardly the point¡­ Someone deliberately didn''t give her the message. She was betrayed by someone within her inner circle for some reason.

 Chapter 536

    Chapter 536¡¡¡¡Dantes,te evening.


    The tournament of the best came to an end, and the apuse of the audience in honor of Elsa''s victory over Dick did not subside for an indecently long time. Well, and the girl was beaming with happiness, waving her hand to everyone with a brilliant smile on her beautiful face. Being the center of attention for her is a priceless reward. She was grateful to the messenger of the goddess for giving her the first ce, well, he was grateful to her (although she didn''t even know about it) ¨C for a portion of bright emotions.


    Finally, the apuse subsided.


    The imperial representative gave the closing speech and headed to the pce together with Elsa, Dick and another participant who entered the top 8. All the other winners will soon be brought to their senses and sent there as well.


    Soon the guests found themselves in the grandiose chic Russell pce, in all its dazzling beauty. The tallest and most expensive building in the entire empire, where the bloody empress Lanatelle lives.


    The guards let the column of people inside. The winners were escorted down a long corridor and left to wait for the remaining participants in arge room.


    30 minutester the others joined in. Pretty shabby Clementine and Seraphima simultaneously burned Dick with a hostile look. The beautiful Juno went inside without even looking in the direction of her older sister. She looked aloof. Roman''s face was wrapped in a thickyer of bandages. He looked at his ruthless wife with horror. Rose didn''t show up at all. The injuries he sustained were apparently too serious.


    When seven of the eight winners gathered, they were escorted to the throne room, located on the penultimate, 12th floor of the pce. The visitors saw a spacious room entirely finished with white marble, with cyclopean-sized columns decorated with skillful carvings, and magnificent statues towering near the walls of the hall. A bright scarlet long carpet stretched along the steps from the entrance to the luxurious throne on which the empress sat¡­


    More than a hundred people were also present in the hall, whose task was to witness the oath. All of them upied extremely high positions in the empire: the elders of the Russells; the patriarchs of the families of the first ten; the head of the analytics department ¨C Mn Valentine, a bespectacled intellectual; fifty junior disciples of the empress, most of whom are the Russells. Many of them stared at Elsa in shock, and it wasn''t because of her gorgeous irresistible appearance, but because she would be the empress'' senior disciple, which meant they would have to treat her with respect.


    However, two persons demanded special attention:


    The senior disciple of the empress and the patriarch of the Hunters (3) - Asagi Hunter, a courageous blond man with a short beard. Now the guy was staring in surprise at the fat man, who almost two years ago was suspected of harnessing a white tiger.


    And also another senior disciple of the empress and the elder brother of Rose Valentine ¨C Stein Valentine, a long-haired, stocky blond man with an appearance that women considered extremely attractive. Handsome, as if from a romance novel, only his gaze was strangely detached. He even looked at Elsa with absolutely no interest, as if he didn''t care about anything. Or maybe he was worried about something else. By the way, Stein, like many other disciples of the empress, did not honor the tournament of the best with his presence, so he was not aware of thetest news, did not know about the humiliation of the Valentines and the power of Dick.


    But the empress, of course, was running the show.


    Lanatelle looked more like a delicate sculpture created by a great master of antiquity from nephrite of the highest quality than a living person of flesh and blood. Every line of her amazingly beautiful snow-white face could attract attention for long hours. Long silver hair, thin arched eyebrows, coupled with piercing silver eyespleted the picture of a strict and ruthless, but charming tyrant.


    The image of the empress perfectly harmonized with the imperious aura emanating from her, which, like a mountain, pressed on the heads of those present, forcing them to bow before her majesty. You need to have truly incredible fortitude to resist the indomitable will of this woman.


    Now Lanatelle coldly looked at the bent young people, carefully studying the appearance and manners of each of them. She seemed to be reading them like an open book, slowly deciding whether they were worthy of bing her disciples.


    Kyon''s insides froze at the sight of this woman, not from fear, but from hatred and a desire to punish her. However, he skillfully restrained the thirst for blood rushing out and, together with the rest of the young people, bent almost to the floor.


    Soon the empress nodded, and the imperial representative took an oath of allegiance to her majesty from the audience. He gave a separate speech especially for Elsa.


    Each of the participants of the tournament, putting the fist on the heart, firmly said "I swear". Everyone who was absent from the tournament looked at the fat man in surprise. How could the noble phaser at the middle stage be a junior disciple of the empress? How could the mouse get into the heavenly hall?!


    The witnesses pped after another nod from Lanatelle. From now on, the empress officially had 7 junior and 1 senior disciples more. Here they were, the "dragons" of the empire.


    The young people were escorted several floors down, where they queued up for the formacy office for the imposition of the official formation of the empress''s disciple.


    Elsa was, of course, the first in line. Entering the office, the girl looked around and sighed sadly. She expected to meet her master here - Julius Russell, whom she had not seen for a month, but the formacist was an unknown man to her.


    Kyon was thest in line. When he walked into the office, his eyes bulged in amazement, because the imperial formacist turned out to be none other than¡­ Stephanie Russell, the granddaughter of the Minister of Finance, to whom he gave individual lectures in the order!


    {What is she doing here?!} ¨C Lovr was really surprised and even involuntarily shivered, because, judging by the male voice in Elsa''s ears, the formation was clearly imposed on her by someone else. No one left or entered the office during this time. Then how did she get here? What is the disciple of the order doing here, whose father seems to have disappeared?!


    {Stop¡­ What if she''s¡­ The empress?} ¨C Kyon''s forehead was sweating at the thought. Judging by the fact that Stephanie somehow appeared here, and also given her cold-blooded rational temperament, high formacist and alchemist skills, as well as the chill that arises in the veins when you are in close proximity to her, this guess may be true.


    A lump of regret formed in his throat because of the memories of how Lovr once offered her sex in exchange for individual lessons. However, he clearly remembered that when the girl fought Juno, the emanations of the royal phaser at the beginning stage came from her. Concealment bracelets immediately reveal the real development of the wearer when he uses energy¡­ Even if one orders the soul to reduce its development, only the density of energy will decrease, but not its true level¡­ However, there are formations that forcibly suppress the development. Kara wore such a thing, suppressing 6 stages of development. But even a rank 1 formacist, being a supreme phaser (10), will not be able to create a formation capable of suppressing more than one phase.


    {Or maybe she is the daughter of the empress?} ¨C Kyon suggested. Say, since the unique body of Lanatelle is somehow connected with blood, then it was inherited by her daughter. However, something still doesn''t add up. If the empress had a husband, everyone would have known about it long ago.


    Since it was impossible toe to unambiguous conclusions, he decided to get at least some information on his own. Clearing his throat, he said with an amiable smile: ?Lady Stephanie, what an unexpected meeting! Do you work as an imperial formacist? Why haven''t I heard about this before??


    ?Because you didn''t ask me about it.? ¨C the girl said coldly.


    ?I see¡­ How''s it going? Are they paying you well??


    ?Give me your hand.? ¨C thedy demanded.


    {I won''t get a clear answer from her¡­} ¨C Kyon reluctantly stretched out his wrist and clearly felt the vibrations of the royal phaser at the beginning stage. So she''s not the empress? He can''t be one hundred percent sure of that. In any case, now he will have to be extremely careful, because the formation can follow him. Each time, getting into a ce that no one should know about, he will have to physically extract the ball of flesh with the formation inside, as he did to deceive Valeera after joining her n.


    By the way, Lovr knew that Lanatelle''s unique body was somehow connected with blood, so he slightly changed theposition of his blood before entering the pce. However, the internal energy of the blood can not be changed in this way, so it is unlikely to help. It''s better than nothing else.


    At the end of the procedure for applying the formation, Kyon still decided to do something: he looked into the girl''s eyes and activated "The sovereign''s stare".


    Stephanie''s eyes widened and filled with horror, and her body trembled slightly. She instantly turned from an ice queen into a cowardly silly bunny, which waspletely absurd, because her impassive behavior earlier was not a mask.


    Suddenly, the girl rolled her eyes back and passed out.


    Lovr managed to catch Stephanie. He immediately noticed that the chill emanating from her disappeared, but after a second it reappeared, and the girl sharply opened her eyes full of cold.


    ?Are you okay?? ¨C Kyon asked worriedly.


    Stephanie waved him away, stood up and said in an icy tone: ?You are free.?


    ?Ah¡­ Okay¡­ All the best to you.? ¨C Kyon left the office, mentally trying to cope with the shock. ¨C {Why did she act like nothing happened?! And how could she recover so quickly?!}


    Lovr was puzzled. There were more and more questions. He was sure of one thing: he needed to be on his guard with Stephanie, and it''s better to stay away from her. Well, now the most important thing is different: from now on, he is officially the empress'' junior disciple! So he was one step closer to saving Valeera, which gave him some hope.


    Bing a disciple of the empress is like being a dragon in a zoo. Among the privileges, in addition to the high status in society ¨C financial assistance of the Russells in development. For example, if Elsa had be a disciple of the empress before breaking into the imperial phase, she would have been given transformation medicine for free, as well as the medicine of "Enzymes". And the girl got it for her birthday from her boyfriend ¨C Rose.


    Junior disciples also have the right to see the empress in person, though only for 10 minutes a year. For senior disciples - once a month for 30 minutes. During this time, they can talk to her about anything: take advice or ask for help in some objectively important problem. And it is very difficult to get an audience with Lanatelle, even for patriarchs, and the reason must be weighty.


    However, in exchange for all of the above privileges, the disciples are required to act as representatives of Rosarrio, participate in inter-imperial tournaments and much more. Rosarrio rose from the 7th rank to the 6th during the reign of Lanatelle for a reason. Also, the disciples must seed in development or another craft, otherwise they will have to carry out responsible tasks for the Russells, or even work for them.

 Chapter 537

    Chapter 537¡¡¡¡At the exit from the office, Kyon met a servant who escorted him to a new ce of residence. On the way, he said that each junior disciple was entitled to his ownrge room on the 3rd floor of the pce. Senior disciples live on the 6th floor. Their rooms arerger and richer, yet their position is higher.


    ?Will the senior disciple be able to enter the junior''s room without permission??


    ?No, sir. The room can only be entered by the formation. All of them are well protected, and if someone tries to break down the door, the pce guards will immediately intervene, after that the vitor will be punished.? ¨C the young guy politely exined.


    Kyon chuckled thoughtfully. The protection here is clearly better than that of the houses in the order. But something else is even more pleasant: that powerful pce barrier, through which even a radio signal does not pass, begins on the 12th floor and ends on thest - 13th, he learned this when he went up to the throne room to take the oath. It is understandable, because such powerful spherical barriers require a lot of energy, and therefore cannot be toorge.


    Lovr went down to the 3rd floor and found a long wide corridor, almost 300 meters long, on the sides of which there were many ebony doors.


    About fifty junior disciples of the empress came out to meet the neers. Many people surrounded Juno, Seraphima and Clementine. Demonstrating their virtues in every possible way, they tried to put themselves in the best light in front of the beauties.


    ?Mr. Roman, here is your room. I also want to please you: since you are the husband of Lady Juno, you have ess to her room, as she has to yours.? ¨C the servant exined.


    If there were no bandages hiding Roman''s face, everyone would have seen how ugly he was wrinkling. The guy would rather climb into the monster''sir than to this fury named "Juno"!


    Artemis, who heard about ess to Juno''s room, gnashed his teeth enviously, so he quietly got up to his younger brother from behind and pped him with an evil smile: ?Congrattions on the title, little brother!?


    ~pu-u-u-um~


    However, to Clinton''s surprise, Roman could not withstand the blow: he lost consciousness and rolled head over heels down the corridor, attracting everyone''s attention. There was a deathly silence.


    ?S-s-s-s-s¡­ I didn''t want to¡­ I thought he would stand¡­? ¨C Artemis said guiltily.


    Whether he wanted it or not, he had just asserted himself at the expense of his younger brother.


    Juno snorted coldly and, taking advantage of the situation, dodged the annoying crowd into her room. She didn''t care at all that Roman was unintentionally humiliated right in front of everyone. She already considered her husband a miserable nonentity.


    Two disciples of the empress immediately ran up to Roman and, taking him in their arms, carried him to the first-aid post, thus trying to curry favor with one of the most influential junior disciples of the empress - Artemis Clinton, the future patriarch of his family.


    Meanwhile, Kyon tried to quietly sneak into his room, but no luck.


    ?Hey, piggy, where are you sneaking?! Are you really going to live in the pce?!?


    ?You''re kind of mixed up, aren''t you?! Your ce in the pigsty!?


    Two bullies from the Russell family were the children of elders, so they could offend almost any person in the empire, and, of course, a fat weakling. The fact that he acquired the title of the empress'' junior disciple infuriated the guys incredibly. And the fact that they would have to live next door to him offended them and even angered them even more.


    Fifty young people turned to loud voices. Again, this pair of notorious bullies attacked a weak student? Nothing new¡­ However, seeing who they bullied, many of them unwittingly supported their initiative.


    ?Should I show you the way, or will you find it yourself?!? ¨C Russell scowled.


    ?And you''re also deaf¡­? ¨C his partner added rudely, approaching.


    Kyon felt that one of the Russells was the royal phaser king at the 9th stage. The other ¨C at the 10th stage. It would be nice to show everyone at their expense that it is better not to mess with him, but arranging an unauthorized battle in the pce on the first day is clearly not the best idea¡­


    Before the Russells could grab the fat man by the cor, they suddenly froze and smoothly turned around. They saw a beautiful blonde: a newly minted disciple of the empress.


    ?If you dare touch him, you will have to deal with me.? ¨C Elsa threatened.


    The two guys shivered in fear. Even with their high position, they would rather cut off their little fingers than go against the will of the empress'' senior disciple. Two bald dogs are not like a tiger. They shouldn''t even open their mouths again.


    ?Sorry,dy, we didn''t know he was under your protection¡­? ¡­ ?Excuse us.? ¨C confusedly making excuses, the two Russells bowed humbly and quickly went away.


    Stone looked around at everyone present, held her gaze on Kyon and silently left.


    {What was that?!} ¨C all those present unanimously wondered. It''s one thing that the empress'' senior disciple just went down to the 3rd floor, but it''s quite another thing that she stood up for the fat man!


    And only those few who caught the final match at the tournament guessed that Elsa simply wanted to establish good rtions with such a unique and strong practitioner, so she helped him a little.


    {That will do too.} ¨C Kyon nodded to himself. Now they won''t bully him, it makes everything easier.


    Lovr went into his room and raised an eyebrow in surprise: there is even a second floor! There was a feeling that he got into a small luxurious mansion. But he did not feel at home here, but rather felt like a spy who had infiltrated the enemy''sir, after all, the mistress of the pce is his sworn enemy. And if so, it would be wise to exercise extreme caution: he studied his new ce of residence with "The eyes of truth", scanning and echolocation for hidden nephrites. There was nothing.


    It was alreadyte in the evening, so Kyon took a shower and thought about everything again before going to bed.


    Doubts about the fact that he is still a puppet in the hands of the zeroth general have practically disappeared. Figuratively speaking, the shadow of the empress seemed to hang over him. It probably all started with the announcement of new conditions for the tournament in the forests of Regan, say, without entering the top 64, it will not be possible to pass the final exam this year¡­


    But is the zeroth general really so stupid, since he did not assume that the empress would notice the messenger of the goddess and want to take him into her hands? Conversely. He specifically gave him the task to score a colossal number of points to make her notice him, and called it the trust test¡­ Some kind of idiocy. Why go through all that trouble?


    {As if he was deliberately stalling for time¡­} ¨C Kyon had an ufortable sense of loss of control due to theck of information about what was going on behind the scenes. Of course, the 0th general is in no hurry, but for him, time is priceless!


    Anyway, now earning points in the order is meaningless, as is the deal with the 0th general. Does this mean that he tried in vain? No, it doesn''t. The main thing is that the empress noticed him, and he is gradually moving towards his main goal.


    {And what is she waiting for? Does she want to let me feel my new privileged status? Does she want me to be filled with gratitude and be attached to her arrogant majesty? Or am I not even aware of something again?} ¨C Kyon could not know the answer. All he needs now is to speed up the process of bing a direct disciple, ingratiate himself with her and save Valeera. How to do it? Would he have to wait a whole year to get the right to meet her for 10 minutes? Too long. There is one way to meet her even faster than if he were a senior disciple!


    The n is simple: to sign up tomorrow for the exam to be an imperial alchemist of high rank! Only in this way will he be able to meet with Lanatelle and offer her his services in a week.


    It is convenient to be a junior disciple of the empress. It is not necessary toplete your studies in the order to be eligible to take the exam to be an imperial alchemist, formacist or enchanter.


    ¡­


    The next morning, Roman woke up in the pce infirmary with a slight throbbing pain in his head. Infirmary, or what? How did he get here? Did he lose consciousness yesterday right during the move-in?! Damn it¡­ All because of Juno.


    Clinton went to the mirror and, holding his breath, took off his bandages¡­ The guy almost screamed in horror, because he saw a real freak: a distorted nose, a ck eye, swollen cheeks and a split lip.


    ?My beautiful face¡­ I''m like some kind of monster! It''s all because of the damn bitch!? ¨C Roman swore under his breath.


    ?What did you say?!?


    Clinton shrugged his shoulders because of this gentle, but for some reason very ominous voice. He slowly turned around and smiled tightly, which made his ugly face lookpletely unsightly: ?Honey, hello¡­ I''m not talking about you¡­ I''m talking about a nurse! That''s it¡­?


    The blonde approached the pale guy and, with an ice mask on her face, poked a thin finger into his chest: ?Now I am your wife, and I need pocket money.?


    The crooked smile on Roman''s face became even more unnatural: ?Of course, dear¡­ How much do you need? Will a hundred thousand be enough??


    ?One hundred million!? ¨C the girl blurted out.


    ?How much?!? ¨C Clinton choked on saliva from amazement.


    ?Do you have hearing problems? Maybe I should fix it?!? ¨C Juno suggested threateningly.


    ?N-no, you shouldn''t! I-I''ll give you the money¡­ After all, I''m your husband, ah-ha-ha!? ¨C Romanughed even more unnaturally.


    ?You spoiled my mood¡­ You also called me a bitch.? ¨C crossing her arms, the girl turned away with resentment on her pretty face. ¨C ?Now I need two hundred million.?


    Roman caught his breath, but meeting the blonde''s sharp gaze, he again forced a smile on his face: ?Y-yes, honey¡­ Soon I will get the money¡­?


    Juno''s gaze suddenly softened, she nodded approvingly and left the infirmary.


    {I was robbed in broad daylight¡­ My own wife robbed me! Why the hell did I marry her?! What did I sign up for?!} ¨C there was the deepest regret on Clinton''s face, and tears sparkled in his eyes. Due to his stupidity, he did not have enough insight to see the insidious demon in the body of the beautiful angel.


    ¡­


    At about the same time, Rose woke up in the VIP ward of the best hospital on the territory of the Valentines. For several minutes he stared nkly at the ceiling, trying to dispel the fog in his head. Burning pain in the whole body, as always, made it difficult to concentrate. In addition, there was a sickening feelinging from the soul right now, as if theke there had turned into a musty swamp.


    At some point, terrible memories of the tournament flooded into Rose''s head¡­ His eyes widened, he suddenly tensed, turned pale and, trembling slightly, sweated. He was humiliated in front of the whole empire! Dick beat him like a punching bag, and then forced him to shit himself and lose three stages! Now Valentine''s reputation, like that of his entire family, has sunk into oblivion! Now he is just a pathetic mediocrity who is not destined to break into the imperial phase!


    Even if he fulfills his dream and marries Elsa, everyone else, including his wife, will perceive him as a toad who was lucky enough to sit on the neck of a phoenix. Now he will not be a patriarch¡­ What will Stein say when he visits him? What will the father say? Where has he been for several weeks?..


    {Wait¡­ What if I could get rid of the root of evil?!}


    With immense hope, Rose took out Albert''s formation and "scanned his soul". Finding a huge ck spot on the image, upying almost the entire space, the guy shook and roared at the top of his lungs, like a mad beast.


    *sh*


    Rose has just lost another stage. Thest thing that shed through his mind was Dick. He could not get rid of the root of evil precisely because of him¡­ If that bastard hadn''t beaten him up, making him look like a clown in front of everyone¡­ If he hadn''t punched him in the stomach, forcing him to shit himself, then everything would have been different!


    {I HATE HIM!} ¨C Valentine frothed from his mouth, shaking in impotent rage.


    Nurses and doctors immediately burst into the ward, but the master had already lost consciousness¡­


    A few hourster, Rose woke up, but already seemed to be dead inside.


    An imperial representative entered the ward and said that he urgently needed to go to the pce to take an oath, otherwise he would not be a junior disciple.


    Picking himself up, with the help of the servants, Rose got up and headed to the pce. Every second on his feet seemed to him an unbearable torment. He began to feel dizzy, his splitting head throbbed¡­ He wanted to die.


    At the pce, the imperial representative escorted Valentine to the 12th floor, where ten influential people of the empire were waiting for him, acting as witnesses. The man began to read the oath for Rose, as it turned out, in front of a huge portrait of the empress¡­ No wonder, Lanatelle wouldn''t waste her time on such an insignificant meeting. And in general, Rose should say "thank you" for being allowed to take the oath separately from the others.


    ?I swear.? ¨C Valentine swore with a low bow.


    Soon, Rose, who was barely able to stand on his feet, was given the formation and escorted to his room, but before he could go inside, someone suddenly grabbed him from behind¡­


    ?Mr. Stein asked us to take you to his ce.? ¡­ ?Guy, it''s better not to resist, otherwise it will be worse.? ¨C two guys threatened, they were the Russells who bullied Baker. Obviously, they served Stein, which, apparently, they were very proud of.


    Rose wanted to say something, but realized that it was pointless. If his older brother wants to see him, then this meeting cannot be avoided¡­ He can only hope that Stein will not resort to physical assault, because he does not worry about his family and everyone else.

 Chapter 538

    Chapter 538Two young Russells escorted Rose to the 6th floor in a room that resembled a small pce in its sophistication and size. In the guest room, the guy saw his older brother sitting in an armchair¡­ And his appearance now inspired uncontroble horror.


    Stein''s face, pale with rage, was trembling with tension. His eyes were frowning. His fists were clenched. It seemed that he was about to snap and tear his brother into small pieces. And his frightening aura of the imperial phaser at the middle stage suggested that he would easily do it.


    ?E-elder brother, I didn''t want to¡­? ¨C Rose began to justify himself in a weak voice.


    ?So it''s true that you¡­ Shit yourself at the tournament¡­ That you, a bald clown, were beaten like a punching bag for the amusement of the whole empire?..? ¨C Stein began to speak ominously, shaking with rage.


    ?Brother, understand, I am very sick! I had an attack at the most crucial moment! If only Dick hadn''t mocked me while I was defenseless¡­ If he hadn''t made a mockery of me in front of everyone, then everything would have been different!? ¨C Rose whispered.


    ?You''ve disgraced my name. Now everyone will treat me like the big brother of a stinking piece of clown shit. But most importantly, you humiliated me in front of her majesty¡­ In front of the empress Lanatelle!? ¨C at that moment, an insane glint shed in Stein''s eyes, and he instantly disappeared from his ce to powerfully hit his brother in the stomach.


    ?He-eee-e-ee-ee-e¡­? ¨C all the air was knocked out of Rose''s lungs, and his face twisted in pain.


    Stein mercilessly beat his brother, like an angry hog: he broke his ribs, threw him against walls and kicked him. His rage seemed to be boundless, and its reasony not even in the fact of humiliating the family, but in the fact that his younger brother had tarnished his reputation.


    Rose didn''t even have the strength to scream. And he didn''t want to. The guy was in such physical and emotional agony that he dreamed of dying¡­ Finally, the desired darkness came, but he only lost consciousness. The guy will wake up after a long time,pletely broken and mutted. Such injuries are not a verdict for a practitioner of his level, however, given his condition, as well as Albert''s help, he is not destined to recover.


    Letting out his anger, Stein gave the two servants such a look that they shuddered and straightened up, like soldiers in front of themander. He said sternly: ?Bring this damned Dick to me, now!?


    ?It will be done!? ¡­ ?Yes, sir!? ¨C the two Russells did not have the courage to remind him that Elsa patronizes Dick. Well, it''s unlikely that she would dare to go against the will of the empress'' strongest disciple.


    ¡­


    Midday.


    Kyon proceeded to the 2nd floor to the alchemy room to take the exam to be a high-ranking imperial alchemist in the near future and meet with the empress.


    Lovr was a little surprised to find a small crowd of disciples at the entrance, among whom he recognized Clementine, Seraphima and Elsa. Everyone else seems to havee here because of these three girls, otherwise how else to exin such a sudden interest in alchemy.


    Noticing the fat man approaching, the young people raised their eyebrows in disbelief and whispered. News of yesterday''s tournament spread throughout the empire like a fire in a dry field in windy weather, and now even theziest one was aware of thetest events.


    {?How are you??} ¨C the blonde asked, charmingly tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.


    {?Everything is fin§Ö. How are you? You don''t seem upset about the Valentines'' humiliation yesterday. Don''t you care about your boyfriend''s family??}


    {?I don''t want to talk about it¡­?} ¨C Elsa frowned.


    {?I see. How do you like the new title??}


    {?I have no words¡­ Everyone is very nice to me! And the attitude of others¡­ I feel like a princess¡­ And it''s all thanks to you, Kyon.?} ¨C Elsa said gently and added meaningfully. ¨C {?How can I thank you??}


    {?Do you want me so much??} ¨C Kyon asked, as if seeing through the girl.


    Elsa couldn''t believe her ears: {?What? No! What did you just say?!?}


    {?You know very well that I can demand anything from you, except for sex¡­ And now you''re talking about gratitude. Horny stupid girl, first think, then speak.?} ¨C Kyon grinned and turned away.


    The blonde only now realized that she really could not offer the messenger of the goddess anything that he could not take himself, except for what he called. The girl''s cheeks turned rosy, and thedy looked away from him in embarrassment. She constantly makes a fool of herself next to him! How does he do it?!


    A few minutester, right on schedule, the doors to the office opened. The disciples went inside. Kyon got therest. Before he had even taken two steps, the two Russells grabbed him by the arms and dragged him back.


    ?And I will ask you to stay, man-pig!? ¡­ ?Mr. Stein wants to see you.? ¨C one of the duo said it matter-of-factly, deliberately loudly to make Elsa hear it, hinting that he was just fulfilling the will of the very important person, which means no one would dare to interfere with it.


    However, the girl still intervened, contrary to the Russells'' expectation: ?Did you misunderstand mest time? Or are you looking for problems?!?


    The two guys looked like they were facing the most absurd situation of their lives: ?B-but,dy, Stein wants to see him! You know who he is, right? He is the future patriarch of the Valentines, the empress'' senior disciple! Even you shouldn''t contradict him!? ¡­ ?We are friends of the young master, and now we are fulfilling his request: to bring Dick to him¡­ Please, do not prevent us from fulfilling the will of Mr. Stein!?


    ?Stein is not my boss. If he wants to see Baker so much, he shoulde himself, and not send his lousy stooges for him!? ¨C said Elsa venomously.


    The two Russells were breathless in outrage and humiliation. No one has called them Stein''s stooges yet. They prefer to consider themselves his friends. But how can they object to the empress'' senior disciple, who is also the imperial phaser at the beginning stage?


    Gritting their teeth and throwing unkind nces like: "You will regret it", they went to their master disappointed.


    Once again, Elsa proved to everyone that Dick is under her reliable protection, even despite the fact that at yesterday''s tournament he dragged the dignity of her boyfriend through the mud. No one could understand the reason for her behavior. And does she really think she can protect Baker from Stein''s retribution?


    Kyon felt that he finally upied a truly privileged status. His sister helped him without unnecessary orders, which indicated her good attitude towards him, which meant that everything was going ording to n. Of course, his ego was not hurt, because the blonde knew perfectly well that he would have coped without her.


    In the alchemy room, old master Schultz told the young people that to be an imperial alchemist, it is usually necessary toplete training in the order, thereby proving one''s devotion to the homnd, but for the empress''s disciples this requirement is not mandatory. There is only one thing left: to qualify as an alchemist of a certain rank. Today he is conducting an exam to confirm the qualifications of the disciples. If they are not satisfied with the result, they can try again in a month.


    Elsa raised her hand to ask a question.


    Schultz looked at the blonde with a slight smile: ?Oh, deardy, I know you¡­ You are a fourth-rank alchemist, Ms. Elsa Stone! Master Feng told me a lot about your sess¡­ You are his pride! If you can confirm your qualifications as a rank four alchemist today, then I will dly give you permission to be an imperial alchemist. Do you have any other questions for me??


    When he said about master Feng, the girl frowned: ?Sir, have you seen my master? He disappeared somewhere a month ago, and I haven''t been able to contact him¡­?


    ?I''m sorry, Miss Elsa, but I don''t know anything¡­? ¨C the old man sadly threw up his hands.


    Kyon had a heavy heart. s, but her beloved master was already dead.


    Elsa closed her eyes sadly, but soon asked the next question: ?How can I qualify for an alchemist of the third or even second rank??


    The old master raised his bushy eyebrows in surprise, and the disciples whispered excitedly. Alchemists of the 3rd rank appear in Rosarrio exceptionally rarely, and of the 2nd rank even less often! If the girl bes an alchemist of the 3rd rank, then she will be a very important person! If they had known that she could im the 1st rank, they would have been speechless, and the old master would have fainted.


    Schultz thoughtfully chuckled and replied: ?Lady Elsa, the rules established by the alchemist guild state that the qualification for an alchemist of the third and higher ranks can only be passed in their guild located in Saturn¡­ Alternatively, you can invite an authorized master to our pce to take the exam here. Since you are the empress''s senior disciple, we will cover the costs, but first you must prove to me that this is necessary. Still, it''s not cheap.?


    ?I''ll try.? ¨C Elsa nodded and gently sat back down.


    ?Any other questions? No? Well, good luck to you.? ¨C Schultz turned the hourss over.


    The young people took the ingredients from the shelves and started making medicine. The task is simple: to prepare 10 different types of medicine of the highest quality and rank that they are capable of. The alchemist will make all the necessary conclusions based on the results.


    Kyon understood that the qualification of an alchemist of the 4th rank would not allow him to meet the empress. It is necessary, together with Elsa, to wait for the arrival of an authorized master from the alchemists guild and get a qualification from him. Easy! But first he needs to prove to Schultz that he is capable of bing an alchemist of the 3rd and higher ranks.


    Nodding to his thoughts, Lovr began to make medicine. Suddenly, at the most crucial moment of merging the ingredients, something went wrong: a chain reaction started, and the alchemy kit exploded with the power of a small grenade.


    ~BANG~


    ?Young man, maybe you came to the wrong ce?!? ¨C the old master raised his head from his notes with displeasure.


    All those present who did not know about Dick''s abilities in alchemyughed mockingly.


    The explosion of an alchemy kit means a critical error during the fusion of ingredients, and it happens only when the practitioner is trying to master a new recipe, but definitely not when he is preparing a medicine that is well known to him, moreover, in an exam!


    Elsa raised her eyebrows in surprise: did he fail? How is this possible?!


    {What''s going on?} ¨C Kyon took out another alchemy kit and tried again¡­


    ~BANG~


    ?What is this?! Two explosions in two minutes?! Get out of my room!? ¨C the old alchemist was seriously angry.


    ?Mr. Schultz, please give him one more chance¡­? ¨C Elsa kindly asked.


    The old master hesitated and reluctantly agreed: ?Since the empress'' senior disciple is asking me, then I can''t refuse her¡­ Young man, you should be grateful to her!?


    Kyon ignored everyone''s chuckles and got to work, this time activating "The eyes of truth". Soon he realized what was the reason for all his failures¡­


    {Bitches, you''re fucked up!} ¨C Lovr got angry. He saw that the twin girls sitting on the sides of him were emitting invisible energy. It spoils the filigree making process! These assholes are deliberately setting him up! Why are they doing this to him? He just poisoned them with narcotic gas once¡­ Then he suffered even more than they did!


    Clementine''s snide smile especially exasperated him.


    {You''re going to pay for your smile now!} ¨C Kyon promised gloatingly and released Synergy¡­


    ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~


    The twins'' alchemy kits exploded at the same time.


    There was deathly silence in the alchemy room.


    {How is this possible?!} ¨C everyone was perplexed, looking in amazement at the two beautiful girls.


    Clementine and Seraphima opened their mouths in shock, then looked at the fat man¡­ This fat guy stared at them with theatrical surprise, putting his palm to his lips.


    {It''s him!} ¨C the twins guessed instantly. Baker''s feigned amazement made them gnash their teeth in rage. They really wanted to punch him in the brazen shiny muzzle! However, they understood that he just returned the favor. How could they have known that a toothless blind puppy would not only understand who was biting his tail, but would also be able to snap back in some iprehensible way!


    Elsa looked from him to the girls, and soon guessed what was happening. As expected, the reason for the failures of "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" was not in his mistakes, but in someone else''s interference! And the fact that he rebuffed the offenders could not but please her.


    ?Is my exam some kind of joke for you?!? ¨C the old master jumped up indignantly.


    ?I''m sorry, Mr. Schultz, this won''t happen again¡­? ¨C Seraphima meekly promised.


    ?Forgive me.? ¨C asked Clementine, and helplessly and at the same time threateningly stared at Dick, as if offering a truce. If he is able to fight back, then she has no choice but to stop deliberately interfering with him in achieving his goals.


    Kyon gave the girls a thumbs up, remembering the wise words of the master: {The strong are respected and feared, but the weak are despised and used.}


    Lovr continued to make medicine, this time without incident.


    When the exam time came to an end, the disciples handed in their works and headed towards the exit. Their samples will be checked by tomorrow, then they will know the result.


    Suddenly, three people burst into the room: a well-known stocky, long-haired blond named Stein stood in front of everyone, and two maliciously grinning Russells were behind him, they resembled mischievous puppies cowardly hiding behind the pack leader.


    The senior disciple of the empress looked at everyone with a stern look and fixed his gaze on the fat man. A dangerous light lit up in his eyes, and with a low roar he gave the order to everyone: ?Everyone out of the room. Except you, Dick Baker.?

 Chapter 539

    Chapter 539After Stein''s threat, the disciples hurried out of the room. Even the alchemist Schultz did not interfere. He had already done his job, and he didn''t want any extra problems.


    Everyone understood perfectly well that Stein decided to visit Dick because of yesterday''s events, where Baker dragged the dignity of his younger brother through the mud, which meant that he also tarnished the reputation of the older brother. The empress'' senior disciple craves retribution! Who can stop him in this empire, except Lanatelle? Any reasonable person will say that only a miracle will save him¡­


    ?I hope they''ll make a chop out of you, a walking lipoma.? ¨C Clementine whispered gloatingly, nudging Baker with her elbow, and left the room with a dancing gait.


    ?Serves you right, brainiac.? ¨C Seraphima said calmly, but with notes of joy.


    The twins were filled with deep dislike for the fat man after he poisoned them with narcotic gas, surpassed them in all subjects in the testing pavilion, and also took a higher position than them at the tournament of the best. They would like to see how Baker will be beaten, but s, they will have to admire only the final resultter.


    Everyone left, but Elsa voluntarily decided to stay. She mildly said: ?Stein, please listen to me¡­ Dick did not want to humiliate Rose, it happened because of the illness¡­?


    ~BANG~


    Stein pped the girl in the face, mming her into the floor, and said fiercely: ?Shut your fucking mouth, you brat! Do you think, since you have be a senior disciple, you can go against my will? Know your ce! If you ever get in my way again, and I''ll break your legs even though you''re my brother''s girlfriend.?


    The two Russells giggled nastily, covering their smiles with their palms. They were bursting with pride for their high position as "friends" of the empress''s senior disciple.


    {The imperial phaser at the fifth stage¡­} ¨C Kyon noticed gloomily. It seems that Stein is called the first genius in the empire for a reason. He is here like a tiger among hyenas. Nevertheless, a week ago, everyone believed that Rose had a higher potential than him¡­ 3 years younger, pureer keys and connecting with the soul with a dy ¨C that''s the reason.


    With shock on her face, Elsa touched her red cheek, staring at the blond with a dazed look. The speed of his strike was amazing! Even if she had not let her guard down, she would hardly have had time to react. It seemed like she couldn''t beat him. But the girl wasn''t going to give up so easily either! Stone jumped up abruptly from the floor, intending to rebuff Valentine, or at least try to do it, but suddenly she heard a voice in her head¡­


    {?I can handle it. Go away. This is an order.?} ¨C Kyon said firmly.


    Looking at the messenger of the goddess, Stone hesitated for a second, then nodded and left. She only hoped that he wouldn''t be killed. No matter how much she hated him for ckmailing Juno and the story with "The Dark Baron", she did not want him to die.


    The girl was met by a crowd of disciples outside. They were in no hurry to disperse, because, obviously, they wanted to see the denouement: how severely Stein would punish Dick.


    Seeing the beauty with a burning cheek, the young people immediately understood everything. Of course, she is not in a position to stand in the way of Stein, who is eager to take revenge on Baker for the total humiliation of his family and brother.


    Elsa also stayed at the door. Kyon sent her away for a reason. Surely he has a n, but what is it?! Thedy was just bursting with curiosity.


    One disciple put her ear against the door and said softly: ?They are talking about something!?


    A minuteter, dull blows on the flesh were heard, and with them painful screams in a thin voice, clearly belonging to Dick. Then an evilugh was heard, and the crackling of bones was added to the sounds of blows. The screams got louder and more desperate.


    Elsa bit her lips pitifully. She really wanted to rush inside to help.


    Clementine was smiling happily, shifting from one foot to the other with impatience.


    Seraphima looked much calmer, and there was a slight smile on her lips.


    The twins even ignored each other''s existence: there was no time for that.


    One way or another, but everyone mentally already buried Baker. May the ground be heavy to you, fatty.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and Dick,pletely unharmed, calmly walked out of the room¡­ And with apletely serene look, as if he had been walking in the park all this time¡­


    ?What''s going on?? ¡­ ?Is it my imagination?!? ¡­ ?Pinch me!? ¨C the disciples were confused and looked at each other in puzzlement, trying to find an exnation for what was happening. Finally, they looked inside the room and saw something incredible: Stein mercilessly beat his subordinates, breaking their bones!


    ?What a lousy cloning technique¡­ Do you think it will help you?!? ¨C Stein growled hollowly and, grabbing Russell''s hand, broke it on his knee like a dry branch.


    ?WOO-WOO-WOO-AAH-AAH-AAH!? ¨C the guy with red eyes howled in pain.


    The audience couldn''t believe their eyes. He came to take revenge on Dick, but in the end he is beating his own henchmen half to death?! How has this happened?!


    Seraphima and Clementine were horrified, abruptly covered their mouths and noses, and rushed away.


    Elsa gasped at the realization of the reason for what was happening and sent a telepathic message to all the disciples: {?This is narcotic gas! Cover your faces or you''ll get hurt!?}


    The disciples involuntarily remembered that sensational incident in the order and instantly covered their noses with pure energy, and a secondter they were afraid that they would be Stein''s next target, so they rushed away as fast as they could.


    ?Another clone?! You won''t get away from me!? ¨C Stein barked and grabbed the fleeing disciple by the cor¡­ Pale as death, the poor man did not have time to escape. The helplessly screaming victim was dragged into the alchemy room to be turned into mincemeat. The pce guards will save him, they wille to the rescue only in a minute.


    The rest of the disciples managed to escape, but they had goosebumps, and their hearts were shackled by fear from the methods that Dick uses against his detractors. The junior disciples of the empress vowed never to stand in the way of Baker.


    {Damn bastard, I''ve wasted all the demonic medicine because of you!} ¨C Kyon gnashed his teeth in annoyance. He had to spend all his supplies, because the alchemy room has good venttion, and Stein is the imperial phaser at the 5th stage.


    Now Lovr will have to lock himself in his room, because only there is now safe. Or he will have to teleport somehow. Fortunately, that mighty barrier starts from the 12th floor, which means that nothing will hinder the movement.


    From the recent dialogue with Stein (before the gas affected him) Kyon found out that the guy absolutely did not care about the humiliation of Rose and the Valentines. He was thinking only of himself. However, it is not entirely clear what the point is, because he almost never gets out of the pce¡­ Why does he care so much about his reputation if he doesn''t even look at girls?


    On the way to his room, Lovr''s keen hearing caught a conversation between Seraphima and Asagi.


    ?You want me to help you find and rescue a person from the beast kingdom, don''t you??


    ?Yes! Certainly! Will you do it?!? ¨C Asagi perked up.


    ?I''m ready to help you, but in exchange for a small favor.?


    ?Seraphima, I''ve already said that I can''t kill her¡­ The empress personally told me that if she doesn''t die by your hands, then I will bear the responsibility¡­?


    ?I remember that. I''m talking about another favor.? ¨C the girl said coldly.


    ?What is it? Tell me!? ¨C the enthusiastic patriarch of the Hunters demanded.


    ?Get rid of Dick Baker.?


    ?Do you want me to kill him?? ¨C Asagi became serious.


    ?No, just make him disappear. I don''t need people in my life who turn me inside out.? ¨C Seraphima answered dispassionately. She turned to Asagi at the first opportunity.


    ?If I do this, will you help me find and save my sister??


    ?Yes, I will, in theing years I will definitely contact Amon and ask him about it¡­?


    ?Her name is Daphne Klous¡­ Please ask Amon to save Daphne Klous!?


    ?I will definitely ask him, but first fulfill my condition.? ¨C Seraphima said coldly and, waving her ck hair, went to her room.


    Asagi was brought out of deep thoughts by Clementine, who suddenly appeared out of the void.


    ?I don''t know what kind of deal you made, I''ll promise you twice as much if you do the opposite!? ¨C the brte promised with fire in her eyes. ¨C ?And believe me, in the future, when I be stronger, I will have the opportunity to pay you back.?


    ?Um¡­? ¨C Asagi looked confused.


    ?So what kind of deal did you make?? ¨C excitedly rubbing her palms, the insidiously squintingdy asked. It was easy to see from her sly swarthy face that she was ready to do anything just to ruin her sister''s life.


    Meanwhile, Kyon shook his head dejectedly. Now two of the empress'' three senior disciples are against him, and there is no more demonic medicine¡­ Being in this pce is even more dangerous than fighting in a war! He will have to act very carefully.


    It''s been a few surprisingly calm days.


    As it became known, Stein was punished. Since he has a high enough position to beat the junior disciples of the empress for just one sideways nce, he could get off with a slight reprimand, but he had to pay in full for the destruction of the alchemy room. So, there has been no news from him in recent days.


    Kyon even suggested that he was forbidden to take revenge on Baker. So, is the empress somehow involved in this? It would be nice if so.


    At six in the evening, two stunning news appeared on the city screen of Dantes: the patriarch of the Clintons and the patriarch of the Valentines were dered missing.


    The citizens of Dantes excitedly discussed the frightening news: ?Both at once?! It doesn''t seem like a coincidence!? ¡­ ?And I was wondering why Mr. Horace didn''te to his son''s wedding!? ¡­ ?Maybe they were kidnapped by subi?!? ¡­ ?No¡­ They were also absent at the beginning of the tournament¡­ Just like in the tournament of the best!? ¡­ ?It turns out that no one even knows where and why they disappeared?!? ¡­ ?Something is wrong¡­ I don''t like it!?


    Soon people began to wonder who would be the new patriarch. If Stein will undoubtedly take this post in the Valentines family, then it''s hard to say who will do it in the Clintons family.


    {I will take the post of head of the family¡­ They''ll start looking at me differently.} ¨C Stein thought, dreamily looking at the screen in the evening sky. Despite the loss of his father, the humiliation of the Valentines, and his own punishment, his mood was cloudless.


    Roman, looking at the screen, felt an emptiness in his chest because of the disappearance of his father. As for the post of patriarch, the guy didn''t care much about it. It is unlikely that Juno will begin to respect him just because of the new status. Also, he is still weaker than his older brother - Artemis. He''s not even equal to his wife¡­ Life is pain.


    Two hourster, another news appeared on the screen, which eclipsed the previous two in its significance: in 3 weeks, a duel tournament will be held in the pce among the most influential people of the empire (as at the tournament of the best). The junior disciples will fight each other. The one who takes the 1st position will receive the title of the empress'' senior disciple. And right after that, the senior disciples will fight for the title of the great direct disciple of the empress. The first in history.


    The citizens of Dantes seemed to explode with excitement: ?It can''t be!? ¡­ ?Direct disciple of the empress?! Has this ever happened before?!? ¡­ ?It''s unbelievable¡­ It''s just incredible! There will be a person who will represent her majesty!? ¡­ ?But what is the reason for such an announcement? Does the empress really want to distract people from the news about the disappearance of the patriarchs in this way?? ¡­ ?Not at all! A week ago, she received the third senior disciple, and this is a good reason to appoint the first direct disciple!? ¡­ ?The empress has no children, is it possible that the direct disciple will be her sessor?!?


    It''s no secret that a senior disciple is a more respected figure than a junior one. He is treated like the patriarchs of the top ten families. He is wee in every corner of the empire. Now the news has been announced that the direct disciple will appear in 3 weeks! The one to whom people will be obliged to treat as if he is the offspring and heir of the empress! This news stirred up and shocked the entire empire.


    {She wants me to be her direct disciple! She finally found me worthy because I''m almost the patriarch of Valentines!} ¨C Stein''s eyes watered with excitement. He was in seventh heaven. The guy had no doubt that Lanatelle wanted to make him a direct disciple, because even Asagi, the imperial phaser at the 2nd stage, would not be able topete with him in the tournament.


    Lowering her gaze from the screen, Elsa clenched her fists and resolutely went to the training room: {I must rise to the second stage for the tournament¡­ I must defeat Stein!} ¨C she wanted not only to take revenge on him for that p in the face, but also to take a warm ce next to the empress. And then she will definitely be groomed and cherished, and the people of Dantes will respect her immensely. She only has to try hard, and she will be able to bathe in the rays of glory and wake up every morning with a blissful smile on her lips...


    Kyon''s eyes shone mysteriously. Now it is clear why no news hase from the alchemist Schultz: the empress does not want anyone outside the pce to know that she will soon have such an incredible alchemist.


    Even the letter sent to her, in which Lovr offered her his services as an alchemist, remained unanswered. The woman is obviously not rushing things. She wants to do everything in her own way, officially and in a big way. She is pursuing her own goals.


    It turns out that the only way for him to meet Lanatelle and ingratiate himself with her is to y by her rules. He will have to wait three weeks for the tournament¡­


    The question arises: does the empress n to make the messenger of the goddess her direct disciple by arranging his victory? Or, perhaps, the tournament will be fair, and the one who deservedly takes the first position will receive the coveted title?


    Lovr could not have known that. There is a high probability that the red carpet to the title will not beid for him this time. There are at least 2 good reasons: firstly, Lanatelle is interested in finding out the real abilities andbat potential of the messenger of the goddess, after all, he will be her trusted representative; secondly, only if Kyon snatches victory in a bloody duel, he will appreciate his title, which means he will be truly grateful to her majesty.


    {Will I have to reveal my abilities to her?} ¨C Kyon frowned darkly, but then shook his head, having made a decision. He will have to show something, but he will keep his main trump cards - teleportation and astral ¨C a secret, which means he will be one step ahead.


    {That is, I will have to defeat Stein¡­ How am I supposed to do this?} ¨C Lovr thought deeply. He was sure that now he could not defeat the imperial phaser at the 5th stage in any way. He has only 3 weeks to turn the situation around.


    The only reasonable thought came to mind: breakthrough medicine! It will drastically raise his development by several stages, which is just enough to defeat Stein. However, this medicine has a drawback, because of which the development of the practitioner will slow down significantly for about a month or two, but Lovr was ready to go for it.


    Kyon immediately called the Golden Pig guild and made an order. Suddenly, two letters came to him by bird mail. The first one was from Asagi Hunter. He invited him to the Hunters'' residence to discuss some important issue.


    {Yeah, I''m already going.} ¨C Lovr snorted and incinerated the piece of paper.


    But the second letter made Kyon tense up, because its sender was the zeroth general. The man made an appointment for him in his office¡­ In two hours!

 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540{Motherfucker¡­} ¨C crumpling the invitation in his fist, Lovr looked out the window of the pce, from where there was a beautiful view of Dantes at night, and thought deeply: is there any point in going to such a dangerous meeting with the 0th general? What can he offer him, and what will he ask in return? Why did he invite him at all?


    {The secret archive of the department!} ¨C Kyon''s eyes shed. If he gets the position of the investigator of the 1st rank, he will be able to study the secret archive, and the information obtained from there will surely help him save Valeera. It is possible that there is even a n of the pce with all its secret passages, as it was in the Boston department.


    Lovr tried to assess all the risks. Well, at least it is obvious that if he does not go to the meeting, it will cause the 0th general to have suspicions that he can share with the empress, and this will not be good. And if he goes? What is on the mind of the 0th general? What information does he have?


    {If he doesn''t know I''m "The Dark Baron", then that''s fine, but what if he knows?} ¨C Kyon has to take into ount even such an unlikely scenario.


    {He would have been very surprised at my appearance in the order, and probably would have contacted Lanatelle, but then why am I still alive? It turns out that he simply does not confer with the empress on every issue, but ys his own game¡­ If that''s the case, then he should have concluded that I had agreed on something with Lanatelle, and now I am under her wing¡­ However, the death of the five most important persons of Dantes should puzzle him. It is obvious that with his intelligence, he will easily understand that Lanatelle is involved in their disappearance¡­}


    Thousands of options shed through Lovr''s head, including the most deplorable and incredible ones. However, he is still alive, and no one has tried to kill him, moreover, he is given the opportunity to be a direct disciple of the empress. It''s not that bad¡­ Given the high risks, he would have disappeared from Rosarrio long ago, but he could not leave Valeera. He had already decided that she would be his woman¡­ She is his wife.


    {I have to go to the meeting.} ¨C Kyon decided.


    Five minutes before the appointed time, he took the elevator down to the department. He was met by people in ck masks ¨C the servants of the zeroth general. After searching the invited guest, they escorted him to the office of their master.


    The cherished door was getting closer, and the air seemed to be getting colder. Kyon hadn''t felt such tension because of the uing meeting for a long time. This conversation will probably be the most dangerous in his entire life. However, he had been in simr stressful situations hundreds of times, so he could easily control himself.


    Lovr was well aware that he did not see the whole picture, so it would be wise for him to adhere to the strategy of "uncertainty": not to give direct answers and not to ask direct questions. He will have to force the 0th general to put his cards on the table, while not revealing his own, to understand where the bluff and trap are, and where the truth is. He will have a very dangerous dialogue, where any wrong word can be fatal. Dancing on the edge of the knife.


    In a well-lit room, Kyon saw a man sitting at a table in a strict ck jacket with his palms folded in a lock: tall, fit, tousled ck hair and short stubble on his chin. He was distinguished by a stern, masculine beauty, but at the same time his facial features were strangely difficult to remember, which cannot be said about the look. With his gray eyes, he looked at the guest so intently and shrewdly, as if he could see through him. Against all logic, the blood timidly flowed through the veins.


    ?Hello.? ¨C Lovr said dryly.


    ?Hello, Kyon Stone. Have a seat.? ¨C the general also nodded.


    Having sat down, Lovr immediately tried to seize the initiative: ?So, our contract is no longer in force.? ¨C he did not even ask, but concluded. His words could be interpreted in different ways, depending on what information the 0th general has.


    ?Not all contracts are alike. We''ll talk about itter. First, answer some of my questions: what do you think about the destruction of the Silent Horror mega-n?? ¨C he asked coldly,pletely ignoring his words.


    For Kyon, the situation seemed extremely difficult. He could not remain silent, otherwise it would be too suspicious, and the answer must satisfy two opposite positions at once: the zeroth general does not know, that the messenger of the goddess is "The Dark Baron", therefore, he should express joy about the eradication of crime in the country; but if the zeroth general knows, that the messenger of the goddess is "The Dark Baron", then it turns out that he got out of the pce, making a deal with Lanatelle, which means that he should at least be upset by the loss of the n.


    ?That''s fine.? ¨C Lovr answered with slight irritation in his voice, crossing his arms over his chest. With such a reaction, he could express dissatisfaction with the destruction of his n, as well as annoyance that someone managed to destroy the n, but he, who spent more than six months on this matter, failed.


    The zeroth general chuckled thoughtfully and asked the next question, even more unpleasant for the interlocutor: ?What do you think about the death of "The ck Queen"??


    Such a provocative question could have enraged almost any person in Kyon''s ce, but he showed unshakable calm, looked straight into the man''s eyes and said sharply: ?Can we do without questions about this damn n??


    ?Why don''t you want to talk about it??


    ?Because any mention of the n turns me inside out!? ¨C Kyon eximed with deliberate rudeness, which, again, could be interpreted in different ways.


    After a few more tricky questions, the zeroth general was at the end of his patience, because he clearly realized that he would achieve nothing with such questions, so he asked apletely unexpected question: ?Why did she kill them??


    ?I don''t understand what you''re talking about.? ¨C Kyon crossed his arms on his chest again, signaling with his gesture that he doesn''t know anything and that he won''t talk about it.


    ?What kind of deal have you made?!? ¨C the zeroth general demanded an answer.


    {Here it is!} ¨C Kyon''s eyes shed triumphantly, because he had found an important clue that could not be a trap, because it was all leading up to it. ¨C {I knew he wasn''t the kind of person to y the role of a submissive stooge! He is ying his own game!} ¨C a whole train of thoughts instantly shed through his head. s, but the probability that the man knows about the real identity of "The Dark Baron", has increased tenfold. However, even if this still unlikely scenario turns out to be true, he is now in an advantageous position.


    ?I don''t have to answer that question.? ¨C Lovr straightened up indignantly.


    ?Are you refusing to obey your boss?!?


    It turned sharply cold in the room, and the blood in the veins seemed to freeze. And although not a single muscle twitched on the man''s face, it was obvious to Kyon that he was furious.


    Lovr did not sumb to intimidation: ?I have two bosses, one of whom is also the boss of the other.?


    {Damned boy¡­} ¨C the zeroth general barely restrained himself from impulsive actions, sighed and, shaking his head, said impartially. ¨C ?You are a very controversial figure, Kyon, and you should be well aware of the dangerous game you have entered into.?


    ?And I love dangerous games and all sorts of deals, if something worthwhile is at stake.? ¨C Kyon hinted, however, in vain, because the man knew why he came to him.


    The zeroth general calmly continued: ?I am ready to help you get to know your formidable patron better. I will give you ess to the secret archive that you are now so eager to get into. You will know the answers to all your questions¡­?


    {Which is to be expected!} ¨C ?What do you want for this information??


    ?Nothing special¡­? ¨C the man''s gray eyes shone mysteriously as he leaned back in his chair. ¨C ?Just get me one drop of Lanatelle''s blood.?


    Kyon''s eyebrow went up in surprise. He hadn''t even expected such a request. Why does the zeroth general need a drop of her blood? What does he want to do with it? Or is this another test to consolidate the formation of their union?


    ?What are the additional terms?? ¨C Lovr asked in a colorless tone.


    The zeroth general smiled slightly: ?None. But you''d better hurry.?


    Kyon nodded in agreement, asked if there was any other reason for their meeting, and after receiving a negative answer, he said goodbye and left the office.


    {What a pity that he is already under her protection¡­ But not for long.} ¨C a bloodthirsty grin with notes of helplessness appeared on the man''s usually expressionless face, like the grin of a hungry wolf greedily watching a juicy bunny in a cage that cannot be reached.


    Late at night, heading to the pce, Lovr analyzed the information received. Can he trust the zeroth general? Of course not¡­ That bastard killed him once, after all! Although it is not necessary that he knows that the messenger of the goddess is "The Dark Baron".


    Since a simr sensation appears in the blood from both the 0th general and the empress, Kyon assumed that they have simr unique bodies, or they are rtives at all. If so, then the man needs a drop of Lanatelle''s blood, most likely, just out of a whim, therefore, since he did not try to kill the messenger of the goddess now, he will not kill him after receiving the coveted drop. Otherwise it will be some kind of nonsense.


    Lovr took an indecently long time to make a decision. The information hidden in the department''s secret archive is too important, but is the game worth the candle? Perhaps, yes.


    {And how do I get a drop of Lanatelle''s blood? Haha¡­ Ask for something easier¡­} ¨C Kyon had no idea how it would be possible to do it at all. The zeroth general seems to overestimate his abilities now.


    Lovr was brought out of deep thoughts by gentle girlish moans. Juno, taking a shower, tried to satisfy her vulgar flower, but in vain. He wanted to turn off the sound signal, but a me of desire red up inside. Yeah, he really wanted to rx somehow after such a tense meeting. Kyon tried to stay away from his stepsister, but now he couldn''t.

 Chapter 541

    Chapter 541?Poor thing, I just have to help you!? ¨C Kyon muttered in mock sympathy and rushed to the pce, like a savior who saw a drowning kitten.


    Having gone into invisibility, Lovr, using the astral, entered Roman''s room, studied it for the presence of nephrites and, to his surprise, found several of them! Clever boy. Well, it''s easy to fake them with the help of Synergy.


    Meanwhile, the owner of the room was sitting on the toilet and desperately pounding off, when suddenly a mask with sleeping gas appeared on his face out of nowhere¡­


    Kyon, having made sure that there was no one outside, disappeared with the sleeping Roman and, putting his wrist with the formation to the door, left the room, and soon got into Juno''s room in the same way: as the girl''s spouse, he had ess to her chambers.


    Lovr entered a dark state of soul in advance, pushed Roman under the bed, put all the necessary barriers, changed his appearance, studied the room for hidden formations just in case and set up his own in order to film a sexual intercourse in order to give Clinton the opportunity to enjoy "his" work in the future. After that, he sat down on the bed and skillfully persuaded his dark-prone mind to wait for a clean, fresh and ready for sex beautiful stepsister toe out of the shower.


    Kyon often recalled that unforgettable wedding night, but until now he carefully restrained himself, because he wanted to avoid unnecessary risks, and also did not want to elerate the process of corrupting Juno. He nned to wait a month or two, when he would save Valeera, and only then he would take the girl with him. However, today he couldn''t resist the temptation at all. He really wanted to relieve the umted stress.


    Soon a dazzlingly beautiful girl came out of the bathroom, wrapped in only a woolen towel. Anyone would dream of her impable figure: long slender legs, an amazing ass, a wasp waist, neat breasts, gracefully protruding corbones and a swan neck. Every curve of her feminine innocent body staggered the imagination. Thick hair the color of molten gold fell below the shoulders. Every feature of the symmetrical face seemed to be apletely iprehensible ideal of beauty. But her pure and brilliant eyes, like two priceless emeralds, fascinated most of all. It seemed that a supreme angel descended to this sinful earth, capable of changing the world with her cuteness. Even the best sculptor on the could not depict even a tenth of her beauty.


    An unkind grin appeared on Kyon''s face. He had no doubt that almost any young man would not hesitate to sell his soul for a night with Juno, and now he would have fun with her just out of a whim, without paying anything for it!


    Approaching the bed, the blonde suddenly felt someone''s presence behind her, and suddenly a familiar sensation ran down her neck with a frightening chill¡­ When thedy turned around abruptly, her tongue went numb.


    ?It''s time to pay for what you did to me, bitch!? ¨C Kyon pointed to his face, supposedly still crooked because of her beatings at the tournament.


    ?H-how did you g-get here?!?


    ?I''m your husband, I have ess¡­?


    ?Oh no, not that!? ¨C Juno grabbed the cor and screamed. ¨C ?Take it off!?


    ?Yeah, I''m already taking it off¡­ Huh?? ¨C Kyon was surprised to notice that a gentle blush suddenly appeared on the face of the pretty girl, pale with horror, and she fidgeted her hips as if she wanted to pee.


    As soon as he stepped forward, Juno screamed: ?If you dare, I will kill you!? ¨C but there were very ambiguous notes in her voice.


    ?No, dolly, you won''t. I''m your husband.? ¨C Lovr abruptly hugged the exhausted girl and bit into her tender little lips,fortably cing his palms on her delicious ass.


    ?Mm-m-m-m-m! Mm-m-m-m-m!? ¨C there was panic and helplessness in Juno''s darting gaze.


    As soon as Kyon lowered his palm down and grabbed the hot crotch of the beauty, she shuddered, as if she had been struck by lightning, and went limp. Her tightly clenched jaw rxed, allowing him to stick his tongue into her tender mouth¡­


    {Enough¡­ Please¡­ I don''t want to¡­} ¨C Juno''s eyes glistening with tears showed weakness and helplessness, while the despicable bastard studied her mouth with his vile tongue, and his nasty fingers caressed the most erogenous zone of any girl.


    It seemed like an eternity passed before the blonde felt that she was leaning on the bed, and her knees were touching the floor. The husband settled down behind her, and thedy was amazed to feel his hot penis crawling between her thighs, mockingly stimting the most intimate ce. Desire and tension were umting with every second¡­


    ?Stop it, you bastard¡­ Or I will kill you¡­? ¨C the girl promised in a weak voice.


    ?We''ll talk about itter.? ¨C Kyon whispered in her ear, continuing to tease her.


    Juno understood that sex could not be avoided, but this asshole mocked her! Thedy''s patience quickly ran out, and she impatiently shouted: ?Bastard, put it in!?


    ?Whatever you say, honey!? ¨C to the amazement of the girl, Kyon moved his penis higher.


    ?Not there-e-e-e-e¡­ H-h-haa-a-a-a-a-aa-a¡­? ¨C all the air came out of Juno''s lungs.


    ?Ka-a-a-a-a-a-aif!? ¨C Kyon said blissfully, clinging to the blonde''s sweet ass. How nice it is to take this clean and tasty hated pest against her will. ¨C {Juno, you are my joy. But you deserve it.}


    The hot passionate night began.


    Juno felt pleasure much faster thanst time. Soft moans, like a light breeze, could be heard from her. He did not like that the amount of darkness from the girl was negligible, so he stopped moving and brazenly dered that she should take the initiative¡­ Of course, curses rained down from thedy, but after 5 minutes of mockery and stimtion, she could not stand it and inserted her husband''s penis into herself.


    Kyon rolled his eyes in pleasure. Emotions emanating from Juno: ecstasy, desire, disgust, hatred and many others - blew up the mind. Fortunately, the connection with the soul does not transmit tactile sensations, otherwise he would not be able to sleep with her at all.


    ?Horny slut¡­ You''re fucking me, and you dare to say that you don''t want it¡­ Who are you kidding?? ¨C Kyon deliberately provoked her.


    ?Shut¡­ Ha-a-a-ah¡­ Up¡­ Ha-a-a-ah¡­? ¨C Juno moved more and more actively with a veil of lust in her eyes, while the pleasure was concentrated in the lower abdomen. It was the only salvation from all the horror of what was happening.


    The night turned into a real paradise for Lovr. Although he tried very hard, he managed to extract only 2% of the darkness from the girl. At some point, she began to get so much pleasure that he felt like a supporting actor.


    By the end of the night, Kyon made Juno fall asleep, and left the room with Roman on his shoulders to return him to his ce. For some reason, despite the gigantic pleasure he had experienced that night, he now felt bad.


    ¡­


    In the morning, Roman was woken up by a siren named Juno. The enraged blonde fury burst into the room like a typhoon and abruptly attacked her husband.


    ?Aa-a-aa-a-a-a! What are you doing, you fool?!? ¨C Clinton miraculously managed to jump off the bed, which turned into splinters a momentter.


    ?I''ll kill you!? ¨C Juno squealed.


    ?For what?! The money will be here soon! It just will take a little more time!? ¨C yelled Roman.


    However, the girl did not seem to hear him. "The Essence of Destruction" formed from the ether in her hand, and she rushed into battle, eximing: ?Damned rapist, you are finished!?


    ?Are youpletely crazy, or what?!? ¨C Clinton turned pale with fear. This electric sphere will paralyze him, just like that time at the tournament, and then he will definitely be turned into mincemeat! And this brat blocked the exit! What to do?!


    ~boom~


    Stone-faced pce guards watched as Mr. Clinton, wearing only his underpants, jumped out of the window, smashing it with his body, and rushed away as fast as he could, and Mrs. Clinton rushed after him, shooting lightning at her husband.


    ?That''s what marriage brings!? ¨C the guard said with augh, nudging hisrade with his elbow.


    ?Yeah¡­ There is only one way out: through the window.? ¨C the partner agreed with a nod.


    Due to the advantage in speed, Roman managed to escape. There wasplete chaos in his head. What **** was she talking about?! What''s the matter with her?!


    Suddenly the guy remembered, or rather, could not remember how he fell asleep yesterday. He had a bad feeling. He patiently waited until nightfall and took the hidden visual formations from his room in the pce. Returning to his home, he watched them and saw how he suddenly seemed to lose consciousness, and then got up and went somewhere¡­


    ?I don''t remember it!? ¨C Roman''s heart skipped a beat, and he almost intuitively looked inside his spatial ring, where he found the same ill-fated cor and a new visual formation¡­ On which his sex with Juno is recorded!


    Clinton watched the recording with a nk stare, as if mesmerized. He really tried to remember something, and sometimes it even seemed to him that he really did it all, but then his mind ruthlessly imed that no, my friend, you didn''t do that!


    ?It wasn''t me¡­ Someone in my guise did it¡­ How is this possible¡­? ¨C Roman muttered in shock, clutching his head. He felt like he was going crazy. How could he sleep with Juno if he didn''t have an erection even when watching this incredible spectacle?! Even the best doctors shrugged, iming that the problem was not in physiology, but in psychology!


    Some timeter, the bodyguard Neil burst into the room: ?Sir, I have collected all the necessary information. Tell me, has something happened? Are you worried about something??


    With the eyes of a dead fish, Roman slowly said: ?Last night someone in my guise slept with Juno again¡­ Someone raped my wife¡­?


    ?What?!? ¨C the man shouted in disbelief.


    ?Where was Ist night??


    ?You were in your room until ten-thirty, after that you moved about a hundred meters, just in the direction of Mrs. Juno, and spent six hours there¡­?


    ?But it''s impossible¡­? ¨C the pale Roman swallowed.


    ?Are you sure you don''t remember what you didst night?? ¨C Neil asked cautiously.


    ?I WAS FUCKING ASLEEP!? ¨C Clinton roared. ¨C ?I swore never to call Juno dolly, but the bastard on the record called her dolly! It definitely wasn''t me!?


    ?Y-yes, sir¡­ Of course¡­? ¨C Neil nodded hastily. He had a strong feeling that the master had a split personality disorder. There was no doubt, it was so.


    It took Roman a few minutes to calm down: ?Neil, watch me. Put some formations on me. You must see and hear everything that I see and hear!?


    ?Of course, sir¡­? ¨C Neil agreed, secretly looking at the guy as if he was mentally ill.


    ¡­


    The days followed each other. The grand tournament was approaching.


    Even before the meeting with the 0th general, Kyon broke through to the 7th stage of the noble phase. To break through to the 8th stage, he had only 21 days left, andte in the evening of the penultimate day, during one of the hardest training sessions, he seeded!


    {I did it! Phe-ee-e-ew¡­} ¨C utterly pleased, butpletely exhausted, Kyon sprawled on the floor. In order to break through on time, in order to save a few days, he had to train all day long to extreme fatigue, not sparing himself. But the result was worth it. Now, as soon as he takes breakthrough medicine, he will definitely break through to the 10th stage. With such a development, he saw quite good chances of defeating Stein.


    The reason for the confidence in the victory over Stein was also due to the fact that recently Lovr realized the superior grade of darkness, which, due to the gluttonous key received in the tomb, reached the master grade!


    Experiments have shown that "The cut of darkness" is now much more powerful. Frightening ck fireflies emanated from it, and the eerie aura emitted by it could paralyze a weak-minded practitioner. Ordinary people would have fainted. The next in line is the superior grade of light. However, it will take time to master it.


    Having regained some strength, Kyon got up and took out a golden aromatic pill from the ring ¨C "Golden grace". He recently received it by delivery from the Golden Pig guild for a huge amount of money. Now he is broke, however, this has been going on for several months in a row.


    Lovr decided to take it tomorrow morning, being clean, fresh and with full strength, in order to maximize the probability of a breakthrough to the 10th stage. As for taking transformation medicine to move to the lord phase (a gift from prince Charles), it will take at least another month to stabilize his improvement, otherwise the chance of failure is high. The recoil from an undeserved breakthrough is too huge.


    The question is: and if the recoil is so huge, then why take expensive breakthrough medicine at all? The answer is simple: sometimes practitioners have a bottleneck in development, through which they cannot break through. It may even be the beginning stage. Due to some reasons in the soul (or unique body), the practitioner simply cannot achieve it. Breakthrough medicine allows you to ovee it and develop further.


    Kyon just needs to step up in his situation urgently. He took the same medicine before the tournament of families in Boston, which allowed him to defeat Timothy.

 Chapter 542

    Chapter 542The next day, Kyon returned to his mansion on the outskirts of the city, sat in the lotus position, and swallowed "Golden Grace". When the breakthrough medicine entered the stomach, it red up, turning into a golden ball of energy, which then rushed through the channels into the soul.


    Lovr felt the energy of medicine in his soul shrink to a point, and then explode. He was ovee by a very unpleasant feeling of difort, which was followed by a rise in development to the 9th stage! The remaining energy, which seemed to be more than 70%, shrank back to a point and exploded¡­


    {What the?..} ¨C Kyon suddenly grimaced with the sharp pain. After the second explosion, there was no breakthrough to the 10th stage, and the energy of medicine dissipatedpletely.


    {How is this possible?! I am in excellent condition, and there were no ws in the medicine! How could I be so unlucky?!} ¨C Lovr was 99.9% sure that he would break through to the 10th stage, but something prevented him from doing it. The difort after the first explosion also seemed strange to him. There shouldn''t have been it! And the clone, located not far from the pce to which he was going to teleport, dissipated due to a sharp sh of pain.


    {What a curse¡­} ¨C Lovrughed bitterly. There''s nothing he can do about it anymore. He''ll have to put up with it. So, he will have to fight Stein, who has an advantage of 26 stages¡­ It couldn''t be better! By the way, only an hour left before the tournament.


    Sighing dejectedly, Kyon left his mansion and headed towards the menagerie. A cold wind blew into his face, bringing with it grains of sand that appeared from nowhere. Closing his eyes, he almost fell into the sewer, because someone forgot to put the hatch back in ce, and immediately after he dodged a heavy cobblestone at thest moment, which for some reason had broken off from the roof of a neighboring building.


    ?What''s going on?? ¨C Lovr was puzzled.


    ~BANG~


    Heaven rewarded him with a lightning bolt to the head for inappropriate curiosity.


    ?Are youpletely out of your mind there?!? ¨C Kyon cursed with his hair standing on end, raising his face to the clouds. He came to the conclusion that today he should show the utmost forethought and caution.


    Lovr did not notice anything unusual in the menagerie, but just in case, he scanned his sled animal with Synergy, and, to his surprise, he noticed in the horse''s digestive tract not hay, as expected, but a false dandelion.


    After a short trial, he found out that today a neer was working in the menagerie due to forced circumstances. It was he who mixed up the diet of sled animals. Due to a series of coincidences, the horse got poisoned, and he would have found out about it a littleter, at the most inopportune moment.


    {What the hell is going on around?!} ¨C Kyon was seriously rmed. The tournament starts in less than an hour, and something seems to be trying to prevent him from being there on time. The clouds seemed to be gathering overhead, and the heavens were hindering him. He decided to get to the pce on his own, you never know if the sled animal will stumble or something¡­


    ?My dear man, spare me some alms¡­? ¨C a hunched woman in a hood, whom he was just passing by, pulled the young man by the sleeve.


    ?Leave me alone, old woman, I''m being sad.? ¨C Kyon waved her off.


    ?Old woman, jerk?! I am eighteen years old!? ¨C enraged and baring yellowish stumps of teeth, the beggar woman attacked the young man, trying to stick a rusty kitchen knife, which she hid in the folds of a shabby cloak, into his throat.


    ?Sick chicken, get out!? ¨C Lovr threw the crazy olddy away with a stream of wind and rushed into the pce. ¨C {This is some kind of bad dream¡­ Maybe the whole world conspired against me?! Am I cursed?!}


    Before Kyon had covered half the way, the ground under his feet sagged and opened up, revealing a pit ten meters deep filled with fetid sewage.


    ?You are kidding me!? ¨C Lovr released a jet of water, creating a thick crust of ice under him, on which hended. But before he could get to the surface, a pink sled pig carrying a barrel of manure rushed at him with a deafening squeal. The coachman could not react to a hole suddenly formed in the ground and fell into it.


    As if that wasn''t enough, another lightning bolt struck the screaming pig, tearing it to pieces, and all this fetid mess of meat, organs, blood and feces was going to fall on him like a sickening rain.


    ?FUCK OFF!? ¨C Kyon barked and blew away everything that flew into him with the element of wind, after that he got out of the pit with a powerful jump. He clenched his fists in anger until they crunched. If he were an ordinary person, he would definitely drown in these sewage. He seemed to be in a horror movie, where death tends to kill the main character by a series of idents.


    Lovr suggested that either the goddess was mocking him, or he suddenly became the most unlucky person in the world. But the goddess wouldn''t do that¡­ Too low for her!


    Kyon decided to conduct an experiment, turned around and went in the direction opposite the pce, and, wow, even the wind blew in his back! But as soon as he turned back, clouds began to gather again overhead.


    {Fuck¡­ Curses seem to really exist! I''m cursed!} ¨C the skin of Lovr got goosebumps. It was scary that the curse did not act thoughtlessly and straightforwardly, trying to ruin his life in every detail. It is aimed at a specific end result! So, the sad result can be hidden even behind something good. A curse is a series of good or bad idents that will inevitably lead to disaster. Maybe it also favors his enemies.


    Kyon went to the nearest pub where drunks were ying craps for money, and yed with them, betting a million, while promising himself to part with the money seriously in case of defeat. However, nothing unusual happened. Probability theory worked as usual. Then he decided to put his finger on the line, but it didn''t work out either¡­


    {As I thought, the curse understands perfectly well that with my ie, I don''t care about the loss of a million or even a severed finger, because I will restore it in a matter of seconds¡­} ¨C now it became clear why he received one, not two stages from taking medicine: it was extremely important for him to get to this stage.


    Kyon wondered who and when cursed him, because in recent weeks he hardly got out of the training room. Is it because of breakthrough medicine? It''s strange, because hepletely checked itsposition before taking it¡­ And the Golden Pig guild would not spoil rtions with a VIP client who brings profit, who, moreover, may be the Bakers'' trump ace in the future.


    {It''s either medicine, or I''ve always been cursed, but I didn''t pay enough attention to it¡­} ¨C Lovr thought deeply about his past. As far as he knew, Kyon was an extremely withdrawn child who was constantly bullied by his peers, which says something. He ended up in the mines for the reason that, while trying to study the architecture of the pce, he "identally" got in the way of princess Kara''s carriage¡­ In that cave in the mine, the key of reason killed him by getting into his head¡­ And he also had the keys tied, which excluded any possibility of even establishing a connection with the soul¡­ Isn''t this all pure failure? So, he was always under the yoke of the curse!


    Remembering his entire life in this world, Kyon confirmed this assumption. The curse manifested itself in the most crucial moments of life. In fact, he was even more unlucky than the previous owner of the body, but why?


    {Does the curse feed on darkness, thereby bing more powerful? This would exin why I get so few dark emotions¡­} ¨C Kyon''s already gloomy mood deterioratedpletely.


    Suddenly Lovr''s eyes widened: {What if I''m developing slower than I should, for the same reason?!} ¨C from this thought he almost fell into depression. Fortunately, in such a situation, it is allowed to use Synergy in order to normalize the mental state.


    With a sullen sigh, Kyon thought about the main thing: {A series of idents leading to disaster or triumph¡­ Luck and failure¡­ Curse and blessing¡­ Why did god introduce such concepts into his world? Obviously, to make it rich in interesting events¡­ But does it really turn out that no one has the freedom of choice?}


    Lovr shook his head negatively. It would be uninteresting for god to watch a world in which everything is predetermined. Probably, luck and failure affect practitioners, even heavenly geniuses, very weakly, almost indirectly. They do not change their character and goals, but only push them in the right direction, like a fly pushes an elephant who wants to drink water.


    The question is: how then does "luck" understand what the practitioner is capable of? It can''t be that itpletely scans his brain to understand how smart and skillful he is¡­ Where he will screw up, and where he will cope¡­ No, of course not. It probably relies on his development, the quality of a unique body and strong desires. Or maybe it even remembers which opponents he previously coped with, and which ones he lost.


    In Kyon''s case, for some reason, the curse works much more powerfully (especially today), so much that it even gives the false impression that everything from beginning to end goes ording to its unchanging script. However, the truth is that it simply slowly but surely pushes him into trouble, from which he should not get out. However, he manages to escape due to his abilities, skills and, in particr, Synergy!


    Lovr mentally ran through the key events of his life in this world: Martha found out that he had killed Martin and nned to turn him in, Synergy helped him convince her that he was special, and the terrible formacist wanted to profit from him; he got into Juno''s mansion and could have died more than once, but Synergy restored his body, allowed him to quickly realize the element of pure energy and enve the devil; he was supposed to perish in the tomb, but he was able to realize all the elements with Synergy, because of which he got out; Dina canceled all orders through XiaoBai and tried to kill him, but he blew up the spheres with the help of Synergy, which was why he was able to poison the maid; Kara almost took over his mind and soul, but he changed the memories with Synergy and redirected the curse to Dina¡­


    Time after time, "fate" drove Kyon into the depths of darkness and despair, while he blindly trusted it (he did not know that it was working against him). Nevertheless, he constantly ruined its ns with the help of his abilities. Comprehensive skills, intelligence,plex calctions, nning, transformation into other personalities, regeneration, awareness of the elements, inventing techniques, alchemy, formacy, enchantment, soul capture and even "The sovereign''s stare"! The curse can''t take all this into ount.


    {This world is so cruel to me from the very first day¡­ Do you want to make godugh? Tell him about your ns! Well, now, I''m forewarned, so I''m forearmed.} ¨C the gambling sparkle returned to the eyes of Lovr. Now, knowing that the curse exists, he can avert it.


    He would like to conduct some experiments, or even find a recipe for immortality, but there is very little time left before the tournament. There is no time.


    There is only one open question left: why is the curse manifesting itself so vividly and persistently today? Nothing like this has ever happened before¡­


    {It looks like someone terrible will appear at the tournament¡­} ¨C Kyon shrugged his shoulders convulsively.

 Chapter 543

    Chapter 543On the 5th floor of the huge Russell Pce there was a rtively small arena, designed for a thousand spectators. Approximately half of the seats were upied by people. All of them had an extremely high position in the empire: patriarchs, elders, their children, leaders of entire industries, and even some generals. They will act as witnesses to the uing tournament, in which the winner will receive the title of direct disciple of the empress.


    Within Rosarrio, the importance of this tournament cannot be overestimated. It can be safely said that thest two tournaments were a hundred times inferior in importance to the current one. Lanatelle is an absolute authority in the empire, and today she will have a direct disciple. For any self-respecting master, a direct disciple is like a son or daughter, on whom the greatest hopes are pinned. He will be given expensive gifts, and the master, before his retirement, will undoubtedly pass on his legacy to the disciple. It would not be a mistake to say that today the second most powerful person will appear in the empire.


    The tournament is divided into 2 stages: the battle of junior disciples for the title of senior disciple and the battle of senior disciples for the title of direct disciple. The bracket of participants has already been formed.


    The appointed hour was approaching. The tension was growing.


    The junior and senior disciples of the empress entered the arena.


    Kyon managed to appear just in time, however, he looked slightly rumpled. He studied the situation. Well, wow, even the first general can be noticed among the audience. It''s impressive. As for the participants, Rose and Juno were absent. The first one still hasn''t recovered from his brother''s beatings, but the girl suddenly "got sick", so her absence won''t be considered an insult. The doctors will confirm this.


    {?Elsa, congrattions on getting the second stage!?} ¨C Kyon sincerely praised his sister, but the girl didn''t seem to listen to him. She was looking somewhere with a gloomy look. Following her gaze, he also tensed up: Stein is now the imperial phaser at the 7th stage!


    {Motherfucker¡­} ¨C Lovr hated "the curse" even more, because the strengthening of Stein is not just a coincidence. And how can he defeat a bastard who has an advantage of 28 stages?! And the saddest thing is that Valentine wields a super-heavy hammer - one of the most unpleasant weapons. The heavy Scourge and carbon bones with skin are the least effective against it.


    Finally, the blonde came out of apathy and paid attention to Kyon: {?Hi. Where have you been for so long??}


    {?Do you miss my feet??}


    {?Nonsense!?}


    {?I immersed myself in training. You see the result.?}


    The girl''s eyebrows went up: {?You are already at the ninth stage! So fast?!?} ¨C there was envy in her telepathic voice. A month ago, he was a noble phaser at the 6th stage, and now he has already reached the 9th stage. One can only envy such a pace.


    {?I''m generally very nimble. Unless I''m insatiable in bed.?}


    {?Not a word more!?} ¨C Elsa identally remembered that episode with the foot massage and blushed.


    At the appointed hour, an imperial representative came to the center of the arena and asked everyone present to pay their respects to the woman who has been holding power over the entire empire for more than 150 years.


    The wee hymn sounded.


    Half a thousand spectators and all future participants almost simultaneously knelt down.


    Lanatelle appeared on the upper balcony. Luxurious and beautiful. An intimidating domineering aura emanated from her, causing awe. The empress coldly surveyed the bowed subjects with a piercing gaze and nodded briefly.


    The imperial representative got up from his knees and gave an opening speech, not forgetting to direct future participants to the stands to wait for their fights, then told the rules: they arepletely identical to those that were at thest tournament.


    A screen depicting the bracket of participants lit up on the ceiling.


    Throwing back his head, Kyon found nothing unusual. Not at all, he was given strong opponents. No indulgences, no red carpet on the way to the title. As expected, he will have to win on his own. But he felt the invisible hand of the curse. If he hadn''t made Juno sick, she would have closely watched Roman''s first match against Dick, and might have suspected that thest one was Kyon.


    The imperial representative spread his arms and solemnly announced: ?First round, first fight! Dick Baker, the noble phaser at the finishing stage, vs. Roman Clinton, the royal phaser at the finishing stage!?


    Two young men entered the arena. The unsightly fat man stood up on one side. He lookedpletely calm and waszily chewing gum. The short-haired brte with the appearance of a typical bully stood in front of him. He seemed tense. Well, no wonder, because everyone knew for a long time that Bakersted a few minutes in the duel with Elsa, the imperial phaser at the 1st stage.


    The audience was afraid to even squeak in the presence of the empress, let alone apuse, but suddenly loud and distinct pping was heard. As everyone immediately realized, the great 1st general of Rosarrio - Richard Clinton was pping! The ck-bearded stocky warrior with a wide smile looked at his grandson and apuded.


    The audience, noticing that the empress did not pay any attention to this, pped uncertainly, and soon loud apuse resounded through the arena.


    ?Fight like a lion! Your grandfather wants to see how strong his grandson has be!? ¨C Richard shouted cheerfully. He came to watch his grandchildren fight for the title of the empress'' senior disciple. At least Artemis has every chance. He did not know all the details of the tournament of the best, so he did not know about the real strength of Dick.


    The presence of his grandfather made Roman even more nervous. How will he then look him in the eye if he crashes in the first round? He must win! But how to do that?


    At a recent council of elders, Clinton was fully informed about the most dangerous opponents in the tournament and effective strategies for fighting against them. The masters told him that Dick was extremely strong and skilled in closebat, so he would have to fight at a distance¡­ Just like with Juno.


    Elsa couldn''t sit still because of curiosity. She knew that Kyon had not fought against her in full force at the tournament, and she was interested to find out what secrets he was hiding in himself. The girl remembered how the messenger of the goddess fought with Kiyan at the tournament of families in Boston. At that time he could not oppose anything against the geysers of water. They constantly pushed him away, almost depriving him of bnce. Now he has to fight with the most inconvenient opponent: Roman, using geysers!


    ~ding~


    After the signal to start the battle, an invisible protective barrier formed over the arena.


    Kyon took out the Scourge and, putting it on his shoulder, slowly walked towards the opponent.


    Roman clenched his fists with burning hatred. He couldn''t stand that fat bastard: he took away half a million points from him for winning arm wrestling, and also poisoned him with narcotic gas, because of this he raped the hive in the most unsightly way! No mercy for him!


    Clinton threw up his hands, and his body was instantly enveloped in a water sphere with a diameter of 5 meters, blinking with a bioluminescent glow. 10 transparent tentacles stretched from it.


    ?Unbelievable, he activated "The Water Squid" so quickly!? ¨C the audience whispered in surprise. General Richard frowned in puzzlement. Does the fat puppy deserve such a serious approach?..


    ?Take that!? ¨C barked Roman, straightening his finger. A glowing tentacle, boiling inside from the overflowing heat energy, burst out from him towards the opponent. It will instantly strip all the flesh down to the bones even from the lord phaser at the finishing stage.


    However, Kyon was still calmly walking forward with his sword at the ready,zily chewing gum, when suddenly glowing azure clouds began toe out of his body, like puffs of smoke from a smoking pipe. Their size sometimes reached the palm of an adult, and the number was rapidly increasing, and they were not going to disappear.


    Elsa, Clementine and Seraphima raised their eyebrows in surprise. The aura emanating from the clouds seemed deceptively gentle and elegant, like a cool autumn breeze. Is Baker really going to beat off the geyser with this weak technique?!


    As soon as the geyser got closer, it collided with three azure clouds, and they instantly burst, releasing such a dense ice aura that the air temperature instantly dropped by 10 degrees. The surface of the arena froze, and the geyser turned into an icicle, rushing forward by inertia.


    The cold energy disced Roman''s energy from the geyser, giving Kyon full control over the icicle flying at him. As soon as it got close, it turned into ordinary water, which broke against the body, like a wave against an indestructible rock.


    Surprised oohs were heard in the stands. Many people caught their breath. They really witnessed an unprecedented event - the noble phaser suppressed the attack of the royal phaser!


    General Richard blinked in shock, as if he could not believe his eyes.


    The beautiful faces of the twins twisted as if they had swallowed a fat fly at the same time.


    A pit opened in Elsa''s stomach involuntarily: {What an incredible cold technique?! Just three bubbles stopped Roman''s geyser! And he can create hundreds of them every second! Oh goddess, what a monster you have created¡­} ¨C the girl had a chill on her skin. But the scariest thing was that he didn''t have this technique at the tournament of families.


    Kyon just realized sma fire for the first time. It worked on the principle of ball lightning. Cold fusion took ce inside the stable sma shell, due to which the cold energy reached an exorbitant level. Moreover, as long as the shell of the bubble retains its integrity, not a drop of energy wille out.


    Roman''s face twisted hideously: ?H-how is that possible¡­ Shit!? ¨C gritting his teeth, he, without holding back, immediately released 10 geysers as thick as a thousand-year-old oak¡­


    Three dozen azure clouds rushed forward and collided with water tentacles. The dense energy of cold instantly turned 10 geysers into icicles, which then unsessfully crashed against Baker, and he, still with a sword on his shoulder, rhythmically moving his jaws, was serenely approaching the enemy.


    There was dead silence in the stands. General Richard jumped to his feet in outrage. Elsa shrugged her shoulders. What was happening did not fit into people''s minds. What a monstrous cold technique! Dick seems to be able to ignoremon sense!


    {Damn it! DAMN IT!} ¨C Roman turned deathly pale. Even if this is all his vile technique is capable of, this imperturbable appearance of an ugly fat man is getting on his nerves. The monster didn''t even blink! The messenger of death is already very close, and it cannot be stopped! And what will happen when hees up? Instant defeat?!


    Under the yoke of emotional pressure, Clinton got out of the water squid and, hitting his chest, activated the ultimate technique. A thick hot steam burst out of him, filling the entire space of the arena. It was impossible to see anything even at arm''s length. But this is just the beginning.


    ?My grandson is fighting in earnest! Then why hasn''t he won yet?.. How can the noble phaser fight him on equal terms?!? ¨C General Richard asked, puzzled.


    {On equal terms?! In what way does this fight look like a duel "on equal terms"?!} ¨C all the viewers wondered. Total suppression - that''s what''s happening now!


    Kyon snorted coldly and with a snap of his fingers made all the umted clouds burst in the blink of an eye. The cold energy flooded the arena like a tsunami. It turned out to be so great that it instantly suppressed and dispersed Clinton''s technique, and then even got out through the protective barrier, because of this, the temperature in the hall dropped to -30.


    Some onlookers shivered from the sudden cold snap. They saw apletely unharmed Baker inting a bubble of gum, and a chalk-pale Roman, covered with a thinyer of ice, was standing 3 meters away from him. Suddenly his eyes rolled back and he fell backwards, losing consciousness. Here it is, the recoil from the destruction of the ultimate technique.


    ~pop~


    The bubble of the gum burst, and the fat man went back with the same bored look. He never swung his sword. He didn''t make a single move at all. His victory seemed absolute and unconditional. Such a brilliant victory caused awe, especially when realizing that the participant who won was the noble phaser at the finishing stage.


    The audience could note to their senses for a long time. Clementine and Seraphima frowned grimly. Elsa was biting her lip. She did not expect such a cool performance from Kyon. For some reason, his behavior did not seem arrogant and pompous, as in the case of Rose at that tournament. Why? Obviously, the fact is that Valentine always had an advantage in development over his opponents, while the messenger of the goddess, by no means, was inferior to Roman by 18 stages!


    A mysterious gleam appeared in the eyes of the empress.


    ?Dick Baker has won unconditionally!? ¨C the imperial representative announced.


    As soon as the protective barrier disappeared, General Richard instantly found himself near Roman. With a worried look, he examined his grandson for injuries and breathed a sigh of relief, then pierced Baker''s back with a ferocious look. If the empress wasn''t here, he would have torn the bastard to pieces! Some rootless scum dared to humiliate his grandson so mercilessly!

 Chapter 544

    Chapter 544The fight with Roman went smoothly and without surprises. The curse did not manifest itself in any way. No wonder, because, as Kyon realized, it does not seek to spoil his life in every detail, but is focused on the main thing. In this case, it perfectly understands that the young man does not even have a theoretical chance to lose to any of the junior disciples, so it is inactive, waiting for its finest hour.


    The first roundsted several hours. All the fights proceeded predictably until it was Clementine''s turn¡­ She defeated her opponent in one blow! As it turned out, an imperial phaser appeared among the junior disciples of the empress!


    The audience whispered in shock: at the tournament of the best, she was the royal phaser at the 9th stage, and now the imperial phaser! Where did this girle from? And she''s still so young! Gifted monsters are growing up in the current generation. Such an incredible talent for development made people feel pathetic. They did not yet know that Seraphima was also an imperial phaser.


    General Richard''s face darkened. Of course. Now Artemis''s chances of bing the empress''s senior disciple have dropped to almost zero, which could not but disappoint.


    A few hourster the second round started.


    Dick Baker and Elmira Russell entered the arena. The girl could be called a real beauty, but in the presence of Elsa, the twins and the empress, her beautiful face seemed to fade and get lost, like a firefly in a forest fire.


    ~ding~


    The signal to start the fight sounded. The audience held their breath. The royal phaser at the 8th stage against the noble phaser at the 9th stage! Such a difference in development in any other situation would be perceived as an insurmountable abyss, but Dick seemed to have wings for this case.


    Kyon, as before, put the Scourge on his shoulder and, chewing gum, headed towards the opponent. It seemed that he was going to win the whole tournament in such a manner.


    When the fat man took a few steps, Elmira threw up her hands,unching a stream of lightning at the enemy. It resembled the breath of a thunder dragon.


    However, Baker did not react in any way. The stream collided with him and¡­ Nothing happened. He was still moving on at the same speed, as if the stream of lightning that could incinerate the royal phaser at the beginning stage was unworthy of his attention!


    ?H-how is this possible?!? ¨C someone blurted out. The spectators held their heads in disbelief, trying in vain to understand how the noble phaser could simply ignore such a terrifyingly powerful attack from the royal phaser at the finishing stage.


    Elsa had a lump in her throat. She remembered the tournament of families in Boston, where neither heat, nor cold, nor lightning, nor darkness affected the messenger of the goddess, and realized that her own lightning would only tickle him, and she intended to send lightning to him during thest tournament¡­ It turns out that she hoped in vain. Would she have been able to defeat him at all? Yes, definitely. After all, he will not protect himself from arrows in any way!


    Meanwhile, Elmira turned pale and even trembled slightly. Even if her strongest lightning attack didn''t work, she doesn''t stand a chance. She was afraid that something terrible would happen to her when the fat man approached, so she hurriedly shouted: ?I-I give up!?


    Catching her majesty''s nod, the imperial representative announced the winner.


    ~pop~


    The gum burst, and Kyon, with the same imperturbable look, headed back. Defeating opponents by intimidation is pleasant, and most importantly, it saves time and effort.


    The tournament continued.


    The 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds passed in the blink of an eye.


    Dick prevailed over each of his opponents ording to the same scheme, which cannot be called anything other than "total suppression". He walked towards his opponent with the same imperturbable look, ignoring the heat, cold, wind, water and lightning, and when he got close enough, they gave up under the yoke of panic.


    No one condemned them, because almost everyone knew how strong Baker was in closebat, since he was able to force Elsa to use the elements during a duel with her.


    This mighty gum lover made an indelible impression on the audience. Elsa watched his every fight with special interest. The twins also closely followed his fights. And only Stein and Lanatelle outwardly remained indifferent.


    ?Semifinal round, first fight! Dick Baker, the noble phaser at the finishing stage, against Artemis Clinton, the royal phaser at the peaking stage!? ¨C the imperial representative announced.


    General Richard clenched his fists until they cracked and pierced his grandson with a stern look, as if saying that if he dares to surrender like everyone else, he will beat him half to death.


    Artemis swallowed excitedly and looked at the fat man.


    Baker, with his detached look, resembled a sage who was filled with knowledge of the world.


    ~ding~


    The signal for the start of the battle rang.


    Kyon put the Scourge on his shoulder in his usual manner and strode towards the opponent.


    Artemis was in no hurry to fight, but instead spoke: ?I must admit, your cold technique is very strong, and your resistance is incredible. The magicians of water and heat are extremely weak against you. I''m just one of them. I''m one of them. But unfortunately for you, I''m also an earth magician!?


    With thest word, Clinton clenched his fists, and a shiny gray mass rushed out of him, like boiling milk, in all directions. In its consistency it resembled a jelly-like liquid.


    Enthusiasticments poured in from the audience: ?The y King is serious!? ¡­ ?I heard he can instantly dry up y with the element of water, and then harden it with the element of heat, which will make it harder than steel! Its strength will not be inferior to the strongest rocks of other earth magicians!? ¡­ ?An earth magician who controls his rock like water?! Isn''t that too strong?!?


    Earth magic stands out from the rest with its destructive power, coupled with excellent defensive functions, but it is extremely awkward and clumsy. Artemis was able torgely get rid of these shorings. His y is almost as fast and mobile as water.


    The entire territory of the arena was flooded with liquid y ankle-high, and with every second it was getting more and more. In half a minute it will be knee-deep, in a minute it will be waist-deep, and in 3 minutes it will be possible to drown in it at all. It is impossible to stand on it, because it is too liquid, while moving in it is many times more difficult than in a swamp. And surely Artemis can make it solid at any moment!


    Kyon stopped and snorted thoughtfully, which spoke volumes. Azure clouds burst from his body, light and delicate, like soap bubbles.


    A poisonous smirk appeared on Artemis''s lips: ?Oh, didn''t I say that my y is not afraid of the cold? Ha-ha!? ¨C he stretched out his hand and clenched his palm into a fist.


    The y under the fat man''s feet soared up and tried to enclose him in a cocoon to immure him alive, but suddenly the first azure clouds burst¡­


    ~crunch~ ~crackle~ ~quack~


    A dense stream of heat instantly dried up the y within a radius of 5 meters, because of this it stopped moving and cracked due to a sharp and uneven temperature drop. It became as hot and dry in the arena as in a sultry desert.


    The audience was once again surprised by Baker''s abilities. General Richard gnashed his teeth. It pissed him off that some vile freak so easily suppresses any attacks of his grandchildren, thereby exposing them in a bad light. The twins chuckled thoughtfully. A faint smile bloomed on Elsa''s face. The girl did not understand why it was so interesting for her to watch Kyon''s every fight and it was nice to see his victories.


    ?D-do you know the heat?!? ¨C said Artemis, whose eyes bulged from what he saw.


    ?I''m generally very smart, and also modest. At least, unlike some people, I don''t talk during the fight. I should teach you the rules of etiquette.? ¨C Kyon elerated sharply. The y under his feet was drying up due to bursting clouds of sma nearby, so nothing hindered his movements. He very quickly overtook Clinton, jumped up and, having weighted the Scourge to the maximum and enveloped it in sma, ruthlessly brought it down.


    And although Artemis was told that it was better not to shorten the distance with Baker, how could he show weakness? His nickname "The y King" was dragged through the mud! If he does not regain at least a little honor, then he will not be able to look in the mirror.


    ?Triple y shield!? ¨C Clinton shouted, and a huge round y shield formed in front of him. Even the royal phaser at the peaking stage won''t leave a crack on it.


    ~BA-A-ANG~


    However, the Scourge destroyed the shield as a sledgehammer would destroy a te. The residual energy hit Artemis in the face. The heat burned his hair and eyebrows, and the force of the blow mmed his head into the floor.


    ?ARTEMIS!? ¨C Richard shouted in horror and instantly found himself near the protective barrier.


    Under the oppressive gaze of the first general, the imperial representative quickly dered Dick Baker the winner and deactivated the protective barrier.


    Richard Clinton ran up to his eldest grandson to give him curative medicine¡­


    Before Kyon had gone even five meters, an orderly voice full of rage reached him.


    ?You''re not going anywhere!? ¨C Richard stood up to his full height and strode towards the fat man with a menacing look. ¨C ?For deliberately hurting my grandson, I sentence you to destruction of the keys of pure energy, cold and heat!? ¨C he proimed in the tone of a great judge in whose power it is to decide the fate of people. It seemed that nothing could prevent the execution of his verdict.


    Elsa opened her mouth in indignation. It was as if she had been doused with cold water.


    Kyon tilted his head in bewilderment: ?Hurting? Deliberately? What are you talking about? ording to the rules, it is not forbidden to injure each other. It is forbidden to mutte, and intentionally. And this is a temporary injury, and that''s an exaggeration. Any intent is out of the question¡­?


    The presence of the empress forced the general to justify his intentions. Through clenched teeth, he snarled: ?You were well aware that you would break through the shield with a blow, and you used the heat only with the intent to injure! This is unforgivable!?


    Kyon snorted coldly: ?How was I supposed to know that your grandson was such a weakling¡­?


    ?WHY YOU LITTLE!? ¨C the first general went berserk and rushed towards the fat man.


    Clementine and Seraphima even got up from their seats in anticipation.


    Elsa already wanted to intervene, she was so angered by the behavior of the 1st general she had previously respected, but Kyon''s voice in her head stopped her from stupid things.


    Suddenly Richard froze a meter away from Baker and turned pale, then slowly turned to the empress and, bowing low, said haltingly: ?Forgive me, your majesty¡­ I was hasty in my judgments¡­ I will ept any punishment¡­?


    The audience stared at Lanatelle, but she remained silent. There was not a single emotion on her beautiful face. It became apparent that the woman had telepathically threatened him. It seems that Dick is more important to her than the opinion of the 1st general!


    Richard suddenly shuddered, turned to Baker and said loudly: ?Excuse me!?


    The respected 1st general apologizes to the young man who is not even part of any Rosarrio family! Nobody expected to see this. Many people have already begun to doubt whether they are asleep or awake.


    Artemis really wanted his grandfather to kill the fat man, but instead, the stern warrior asks the freak for forgiveness! Humiliation made him want to sink into the ground¡­


    ?I forgive you.? ¨C Kyon nodded indifferently. Usually he doesn''t leave something like that so easily, but in this situation it would be stupid to escte the conflict.


    Holding back his anger deep inside, general Richard left the arena.


    Artemis, looking down in shame, followed his grandfather. He lost without revealing even a tenth of his abilities. He didn''t evenst half a minute! He also lost his hair and eyebrows, because of this he looked like a scarecrow. A more shameful defeat could not be imagined¡­ What a humiliation.


    When the conflict had exhausted itself, Elsa breathed a sigh of relief.


    The twins flopped back into their seats in disappointment.


    The audience was finally able to rx. Once again, Baker won, showing overwhelming power. People didn''t understand at all what a monster you had to be to breakmon sense like that.


    There are two fights left until the end of the first stage of the tournament: the twins must fight each other, after which one of them will sh with Baker in the final. The winner will receive the title of senior disciple and will be able topete for the honorable right to be a direct disciple of the empress.


    The imperial representative announced the names of the next fighters, and two unusually beautiful twins descended from the stands into the arena.


    {?I''m offering a deal.?} ¨C Seraphima suddenly sent a telepathic signal.


    {?You? To me?! Have you lost your mind?!?} ¨C Clementine was surprised.

 Chapter 545

    Chapter 545The twins slowly descended into the arena,municating by telepathy along the way.


    {?If we fight each other to the bitter end, then even if one of us wins, she will not have enough strength to fight Baker. I''m not sure at all if we will defeat him with full strength¡­?}


    {?You won''t. I will beat him. Do you know why? Because he will not be able to escape from my all-consuming darkness, while your useless light, suitable only for lighting public toilets, will be no more dangerous for him than tickling. Brainless white chicken, I see right through you: you want to get at least a small chance to win. What a pitiful sight! How else are you going to embarrass yourself? I''m ashamed to be your sister¡­?} ¨C Clementine''s beautiful face showed contempt.


    {?Turn on¡­ your¡­ brain rotten from the darkness¡­ at least for a second!?} ¨C barely restraining anger, Seraphima said. ¨C {?If you were smart enough to watch the recording of thest tournament, or at least listen to the news, then you would know that Baker held out in a duel with Elsa for several minutes without missing a single blow! He broke her weapon, forcing her to use the elements! Now he has gone up three more stages¡­?}


    {?And so what??} ¨C Clementine snorted, interrupting her rival. ¨C {?How dare you evenpare me to a pathetic human girl? I, a descendant of the direct blood of the Kagans, the great race of the dark ones, will not lose to some human!?}


    {?Oh, good heavens, what an imprable durd you are!?}


    {?Cluck-cluck-cluck¡­ That''s what I hear! Are you hungry? Poor thing¡­ Well, the caring mistress brought you something to eat.?} ¨C Clementine sprinkled the arena with grits that came from nowhere. ¨C ?Come on, don''t be shy. Don''t fight on an empty stomach.?


    Seraphima''s fists were white with tension. Incredibly annoying! And how to stay calm after her antics?! Looks like Baker has every chance to win¡­


    There were chuckles among the spectators. They guessed that the twins were mentally arguing about something, and such provocations are a very good strategy for winning, after all, an anxious mind always loses to a cold one.


    ~ding~


    The signal for the start of the battle rang.


    The girls got into a fierce fight. Darkness and light intertwined in a pair dance, and each of their movements generated beautiful green ripples of spatial attribute.


    The audience could not stop contemting such a beautiful sight. None of the opponents was inferior to the other in anything, whether it was speed, agility or the power of techniques. There seemed to be a bond between them that created the perfect bnce of power.


    Ten minutester, the girls were overtaken by fatigue. Sweat dripped from their faces. They had already lost at least 75% of their energy, and it was still not possible to predict the winner. Is it really another draw? But such a scenario happens even less often than once in a thousand fights!


    Seraphima easily predicted that the duel would soon end this way, which means that Srul would win¡­ The very thought that this nasty fat man would undeservedly get the title she needed so much was infuriating. The feeling of anger and helplessness made her despair. Well, okay. She would rather give it to him than to her hated sister.


    The girl thought so until, during a momentary respite, she met Baker''s gaze¡­ She saw a malicious, triumphant grin spread across the fat man''s hateful face! Such a bastard, he is already looking forward to an easy victory in the final! She could not know that he smiled because ofmunication with Elsa.


    {Go to hell!} ¨C the usually calm Seraphima decided impulsively.


    Suddenly, during the fight, Clementine seized the initiative. Blow after blow, she seized the advantage, pushing the opponent to the barrier, and when she finally drove her into a dead end, the light one suddenly gave up, which looked like the only way out of the situation.


    {?What the hell are you doing?!?} ¨C Clementine was indignant. Who would she be if she hadn''t noticed that this white hen had deliberately given up? There is no satisfaction from such a victory! How dare she?!


    {?If you lose to him, then I will kill you.?} ¨C Seraphima promised sullenly.


    Clementine was speechless. So that''s the reason! Is her sister willing to give her the title to her own detriment, just to prevent Baker from getting it? Is she pinning her hopes on her?! It''s disgusting just thinking about it!


    {?I will defeat him, but not because you asked.?} ¨C the dark girl finally answered.


    {?I do not care. Do it. Wipe that smug grin off his face.?}


    After a short pause, the imperial representative dered Clementine the winner.


    The audience, apparently, did not notice the concessions. However, it would be foolish to deny that they all expected to see a grander finale of the fight than a dry "I give up".


    The final round came in a minute. Since the empress''s time is too expensive, the breaks between rounds were decided to be abolished, so the finalist almost did not restore her physical and elemental energy.


    Baker entered the arena and, putting chewing gum into his mouth, took out the Scourge.


    Clementine took out an elegant long one-handed ck sword with patterns engraved on it - a gift from Asagi - and pointed it at her opponent: ?Chubby, you''re going to choke on this gum. Now thedy will show you your ce.?


    ?I can''t wait.? ¨C Kyon chuckled.


    ~ding~


    As soon as the signal for the start of the fight rang, the girl instantly rushed into battle.


    Kyon sighed softly, bent his legs and pulled the Scourge to his right side for a special stab. He looked like a spring strained to the limit, capable of piercing even the heavens.


    Clementine''s sword was covered in ck mes. It was not only capable of burning any kind of energy, but also much more deadly than ordinary fire.


    When the opponent approached within 5 meters, Lovr instantly covered the Scourge with liquid light and attacked the girl in the chest with "Scourge fracture". The sunny yellow "Cut of light" ¨C a stream of dazzling energy in the form of a wedge a third of a meter wide burst out of the tip of the sword. It contained all the parameters of a stabbing attack: sharpness, speed, mass, and even the strength of the Scourge! Moreover, he also multiplied them a little.


    Each second counted.


    Clementine''s pupils widened in amazement. Baker''s lunge speed was simply explosive! However, it was the bright wedge of energy that burst from the tip of his sword that caught her off guard. She will not be able to dodge it, she will have to beat it off!


    ~BA-A-ANG~


    The sh of attacks created a deafening roar. "The cursed me" under the influence of "The cut of light" instantly dissipated, turning into the energy of a spatial attribute, which spread out in a green sphere in all directions. The de of light made the girl scrape 5 meters on the ground and almost lose her bnce.


    The audience gasped in surprise. The noble phaser clearly suppressed the imperial phaser with the power of his attack! If someone had joked about it on the street, the fool would have been beaten on the head with sticks, but this is happening for real! But at the tournament a month ago, everything was exactly the opposite¡­ And what kind of strange technique did he use? He hadn''t shown it before¡­


    Seraphima jumped up from her seat, staring at the fat man in disbelief. No doubt, he just used the unique body ability of "The Archangel"! In order to conceive one of the most powerful and at the same timeplex unique bodies among the light ones, one must possess unusually high moral qualities and have a great affinity with the element of light. But even if sessful, oveing each next stage of the body of "The Archangel" isparable to reaching heaven.


    The same body is cultivated by Amon, the leader of the young generation with exceptional talent.


    Judging by the brightness and density of the de of light, Dick not only possesses the body of "The Archangel", but also developed it to the same stage as Amon did, and this is iprehensible.


    Seraphima thought she found a gold bar in the trash. In the blink of an eye, her dislike for Dick was reced by interest and curiosity for his person, because a person who cultivates the body of "The Archangel" cannot be bad.


    Clementine, feeling a slight painful numbness in her hands and realizing that Baker had just used "The holy cut" ¨C an extremely disgusting technique of the light ones - gloomily looked at the fat man and muttered through her clenched teeth: ?So you are also one of them??


    ?I you not understand.? ¨C Lovr pointedly picked at his ear.


    Clementine turned her gaze to her sworn enemy, and then back to Baker. If he is from the light ones, then why does Seraphima behave as if she sees him for the first time? And why did he regain only two phases of development in a year? And the quality of his strength is at some transcendental level¡­ Some kind of devilry!


    When Dick rushed forward, the girl involuntarily tensed up. With just one blow, hepletely extinguished her me, and also pushed her 5 meters away¡­ Her arm still hurts. She''s no match for him in closebat! But even in rangedbat, he will beat off all her attacks with his des¡­ And she''s running out of energy!


    {I''ll have to use it¡­} ¨C Clementine sighed humbly. Suddenly, her whole body was engulfed in a sh of darkness, and the whole world went out for a moment. After a second, the effect disappeared, but now everything that was inside the protective barrier has lost its colors, bing ck and white.


    {sh of darkness? No¡­ The Sphere of Essence!} ¨C Kyon guessed.


    The Sphere of Essence is the most powerful control technique, the ability of a unique body. It is mastered, except for the rarest exceptions, not earlier than the imperial phase. It has the same nature as the unique body. Its effects can be very different, but, as a rule, it strengthens the creator and weakens everyone else in the radius of action. To destroy the sphere, you need to have overwhelming power.


    However, The Sphere of Essence has significant drawbacks: it can be interrupted only when the practitioner runs out of energy. ordingly, if the creator forcibly cancels the already activated sphere, he will still lose all energy. The same applies to its destruction. In addition, regardless of how exactly the sphere ceased to exist, its creator will not be able to use energy for several minutes, that is, he will be defenseless.


    That''s why the twins didn''t use this ability in the semifinals. But there is another reason: their Spheres of Essence are opposite in nature, so their activation cancels each other, thereby marking an instant draw.


    ?The Sphere of Essence! Miss Clementine had just entered the imperial phase, and she had already mastered it! What a monstrous talent!? ¨Cmented the third general.


    Elsa bit her lip. Seraphima clenched her fists. Even Stein raised an eyebrow slightly. And only the empress remainedpletely calm, although in the depths of her icy eyes there was some interest in what was happening.


    Bloodlust erupted from Clementine. Her sword was covered with "cursed me", and, unlike thest time, it burned many times brighter, and the eerie aura emanating from it seemed even more dangerous. Now its power is definitely enough to burn "The holy cut", which means that Baker''s done!


    Kyon shivered with mock horror: ?Ah, it''s too dim here. I''m afraid of the dark.? ¨C with thest word, he shed brighter than 25 suns. Everything that exists has turned into white light. The audience lost their sight for a while, and all their senses were strained.


    The me on Clementine''s sword darted from side to side, as if in a panic, hissed and dissipated in a green haze. Colored cracks appeared in the ck-and-white area, which rapidly spread in all directions. The Sphere of Essence disappeared with the sound of a bubble bursting.


    ~pop~


    At this moment, the fat man burst the gum and nodded his head in satisfaction.


    Clementine took her breath away. Having lost all her elemental energy, she copsed to her knees and stared at Baker with dazed big brown eyes. His boyishly joyful face made the girl tremble with indescribable rage and humiliation. That bastard had destroyed her Sphere of Essence and taken away the title of the empress'' senior disciple with just one damn sh!


    Seraphima jumped up from her seat, blinking in amazement. There is no doubt that Baker just used the ability of a unique body, but does the body of "The Archangel" have something simr? She knew Amon well, and he had never demonstrated anything like this! The books didn''t say anything about it either¡­ The girl was more and more intrigued by Baker''s personality.


    A wave of shocked groans swept through the arena. There was no one in the audience who had attended the tournament of families in Boston, so no one recognized the sh that the messenger of the goddess once used at that tournament. Except Stone.


    Elsa covered her mouth with her hand and then smiled brilliantly, happy for Kyon.


    Stein frowned even more, though he looked thoughtful, not wary.


    Kyon started the fight with "Scourge fracture" and ended it with "The sh of light", because he had to finish everything as soon as possible in order to save energy. He really didn''t want to waste "The sh of light", which has an hour recoil, but The Sphere of Essence is no joke.


    Having received a signal from her majesty, the imperial representative announced the winner: ?Dick Baker unconditionally won the final round! Bravo!?


    Elsa pped first, and soon the whole hall apuded. No matter how ugly Dick was, no one doubted that he was strong, because he defeated each opponent with his incredible strength, which could not but arouse respect.


    The fact that Baker instantly defeated even the imperial phaser at the 1st stage significantly pacified the anger of general Richard. So there''s no shame in his grandson losing.


    It was a load off Artemis''s mind. He was able to breathe deeply.


    And only Clementine did not want to ept her defeat at all. If she only knew about this sh, or if she didn''t have a shortage of energy, she would surelye up with something to defeat the vile freak! Ah, she should have at least listened to the offer of the white chicken¡­


    The girl really wanted to leave the tournament, but she decided to stay to see how someone stronger would beat this fat man, and preferably finish him off. It would be great if Stein fought him, he just has a score to settle with the pot-bellied scumbag.


    Immediately after the final round, the imperial representative proceeded to the title ceremony. He took an oath from Baker in front of witnesses, and from that moment he officially became the senior disciple of the empress to the envy of all the junior disciples.


    At the end of the ceremony, the imperial representative announced the start of the second stage of the tournament.


    A screen with a bracket consisting of four participants appeared on the ceiling: Dick Baker vs. Asagi Hunter and Elsa Stone vs. Stein Valentine.


    Suddenly the screen went dark¡­ A crack appeared in the nephrite with the formation of the tournament bracket.


    The audience looked around in bewilderment and whispered, when suddenly they froze dumbfounded¡­


    Empress Lanatelle stood up to her full height and looked straight ahead with a firm gaze.

 Chapter 546

    Chapter 546The empress stood from her throne, fixing her eyes on the main entrance to the arena. And even this reaction of hers spoke volumes. Someone''s presence was felt in the air more and more clearly¡­ Someone extraordinary was approaching.


    The uninvited guests had not yet entered inside, but everyone already felt the aura emanating from them. It seemed so elegant and noble, so incredibly pure, as if it belonged to the saints. This aura was awe-inspiring. Whoever appears now, he definitely can''t be an ordinary person!


    There was absolute silence when the two guests entered.


    One of them was an old man with snow-white hair and a long mustache, as well as strict, but pleasing features. His gaze seemed friendly, like the gaze of a kind wise grandfather, and at the same time extremely attentive and piercing, like the gaze of a great martial artist. He wore ordinary gray pants and a tight ck sweater.


    Although the old man looked about 70 years old, everyone would envy his athletic, powerful body. The developed muscles emerged from under the tight sweater. It seemed that he had devoted his whole life to training. The old man walked slowly with his arms crossed behind his back, slightly hunched over.


    ?The legendary archmaster Felix!? ¨C someone from the audience wheezed, recognizing the guest.


    There are only 10 archmasters in the whole world ¨C those who are capable of fighting with 6 fighting fists, and the first of them arrived at the pce today. The whole world is built in such a way that strength is everything, and the skill of fighting is one of the most important indicators of strength. That is why the authority of the archmasters cannot be overstated. One can safely say that even the emperor of Saturn - Magnus Walder - will dly receive such a famous and respected person as a guest.


    Next to Felix was his disciple, a brte about 17 years old. She looked like an elegant flower, unstained by the dirty world. Just looking at her caused a slight dizziness, like after a ss of quality whiskey. To say that she''s beautiful is an understatement. She is iparable! Everything, every detail, from her snow-white and silk-soft skin to her bottomless eyes, seemed perfect, which made some people who stared at her even doubt whether they were asleep or awake¡­


    The ck evening dress perfectly fitted and emphasized the amazing figure of the beauty even more. Gorgeous slender legs were shod in miniature patent leather shoes. There was a patterned bracelet on her right forearm, a ne glittered on her long delicate neck, small earrings sparkled in her ears, and artificial blossoms were put in her hair. All essories were matched in the same color scheme, and the gems iid in them set off the girl''srge and clear eyes, the color of which varied from dark violet to purple depending on the lighting. Thedy''s eyes were framed by delightful luxuriant eyshes, and perfectly arched thin eyebrows were above them.


    Such a luxurious outfit was clearly supposed to demonstrate that the stranger hade to the empress on some important matter.


    The girl, holding a perfectly even posture, characteristic of a noble one, walked to the right hand of the master. There was a hint of arrogance in her beautiful eyes. She looked fearlessly at Lanatelle, as if letting her know that she was not afraid of her.


    ?It''s Valkyrie Torres!? ¨C one of the onlookers squealed in amazement.


    Valkyrie Torres was widely known for her incredible martial arts talent. At the age of 12, she defeated all the archmasters'' disciples, thereby confirming that she owns 6bat fists. Now people say that she has no equal at all, but for some reason neither the girl, nor the archmasters challenge each other. Among other things, she is also an unsurpassed genius in terms of development, as well as the granddaughter of the patriarch. The firebird visited the chicken coop ¨C that''s what everyone present felt.


    ?Greetings to the empress Rosarrio!? ¨C Valkyrie said with a slight bow. Her gentle voice, like ying a silver violin, charmed and bewitched. It seemed to belong to a real angel. Someone even fell in love with her.


    ?Hello, your majesty. Did wee at the wrong time?? ¨C Felix asked kindly, looking around the arena and half a thousand people sitting in the stands.


    And although the words of the old man sounded polite and respectful, it was easy to understand from his confident look that the title of the woman meant little to him. It looked like he was just following the formalities.


    ?That''s right. You are a dayte.? ¨C Lanatelle agreed coldly. It wasn''t even the appearance of the guests that seemed strange to her, but the fact that for some reason no one had notified her about anything. It looks like heads will roll in the near future.


    The archmaster said guiltily: ?I have to admit that we did it on purpose¡­ Today, empress Lanatelle will have a direct disciple! Understand that I, as a master who devoted half his life to finding a worthy sessor, could not pass by such a grandiose event. After all, a direct disciple is the pride and dignity of a master, and in your case, he will also be the property of the entire empire!?


    Stein swallowed hard in anticipation.


    A gambling sparkle was born in the Valkyrie''s beautiful eyes.


    The audience instinctively nodded in agreement with the words of the important guest.


    ?I understand your curiosity. I won''t mind if you take the ces of honor in the stands and capture the result yourself.? ¨C Lanatelle replied in a colorless tone.


    Felix smiled kindly: ?Forgive my arrogance, but I, like no one else, can appreciate the strength, talent and potential of a practitioner. How about your senior disciples fight my beautiful disciple? I, in turn, will give you an assessment of their abilities, and you, based on my rmendations, will unmistakably choose the best of the best for the role of your sessor.?


    Surprised oohs were heard. People couldn''t believe their ears.


    The archmaster''s words sounded as if he intended to endear the empress to himself by doing her a favor in order to contribute to the further smooth course of their affairs. However, the truth is that he was saying exactly what Valkyrie asked him to. Although Felix is her master, today he acts as her bodyguard. That is, she makes all the decisions, and he has to obey her.


    The old man knew his disciple too well not to understand why she decided to get into this particr tournament, and why she asked him to offer the empress the above-mentioned "service". Her cunning ns make his head spin. Of course, he did not approve of her hidden intent, but he did not stop her either. After all, the responsible task was given to her. If she fails it, she will finally get a life lesson, of which she already has negligibly few. However, the girl was nicknamed dy luck" for a reason. Sometimes even the most stupid and absurd ns of hers miraculously worked.


    Lanatelle thought about the archmaster''s proposal, nced at Valkyrie, at the senior disciples, in particr Baker, and, having thought of something, made a decision: ?I am interested in your proposal.? ¨C with these words, she majestically sank into her seat.


    ?Valkyrie will participate in the tournament?!? ¡­ ?Oh goddess, how is this possible?!? ¨C the audience could not believe what they heard, after all, Valkyrie is a high-flying bird. She is incredibly popr even in Saturn, the empire of the 1st rank. The most important people of the empire are always happy to see her. She''s in Rosarrio now¡­ Even if it is a tournament for the title of a direct disciple of the empress, the girl alone raises its prestige. This news, reaching the masses, will cause furor.


    And only Lovr did not share the delight. From the very first seconds he realized that Valkyrie was the cause of all his failures. She looks like Kyon, in addition, they are probably also the same age. There is a high probability that she is his twin sister!


    Did his sister steal all his luck and rob him of his talent while they were still in the womb, and their parents got rid of the mediocre child who was a disgrace to the family? Did they send the baby to a distant, run-down empire to be raised by beggars? Now that bitch hade here to prevent him from getting the coveted title?!


    Kyon was seized with an unprecedented rage because of the overyed imagination. While she lived like in a fairy tale, not knowing grief and worries, he lived in poverty and without friends¡­ While she sshed merrily in the boundless ocean of possibilities, his heart was warmed by only one dream - to be an architect. However, it was not destined toe true, because the devil CURSED him.


    {I have to calm down¡­} ¨C Lovr reminded himself, pulling himself together by force of will.


    Even if the parents did such a piggish thing to their child, what is the sister''s fault? That she was born? It''s stupid to me her. She didn''t intentionally suck all the luck out of him. Nevertheless, Kyon''s chest was bubbling with rage at the sight of Valkyrie.


    That recent look of Lanatelle made Lovr understand that she expected him to win. It seems that the woman agreed to Felix''s proposal precisely because of him. She was up to something, and it would obviously be directed against the guests, which could not fail to interest him.


    {I will be a direct disciple at any cost. You won''t stop me from doing it.} ¨C Kyon promised himself.


    ?Well, let''s not postpone it.? ¨C Felix smiled broadly and nodded to the disciple.


    Valkyrie pressed her wrist, and a green mist enveloped her body. A secondter, when it dissipated, the beauty''s clothespletely changed. Now she was wearing practical shorts and a tight jacket, and strong boots on her feet. All ck. In thisbat outfit, thedy looked not as elegant as before, but no less stunning. Several others present gave their hearts to her.


    Instant dressing up in the center of a huge crowd did not leave anyone indifferent. So that''s what the Torres formations are capable of? Stunningly! Many of those present were seized with a feeling of inferiority, as if they all lived in a remote vige¡­


    ?My disciple is ready. Please tell your senior disciples to enter the arena.? ¨C Felix asked with the same polite and at the same time confident look, crossing his arms behind his back.


    Elsa, Asagi, Stein and Dick, hearing an icy voice in their heads, entered the arena.


    Valkyrie looked at the beautiful girl with interest, nodding for some reason. She seemed to see something in her. Her intent and tenacious gaze, with which goods are usually evaluated on the market, was very embarrassing for the blonde.


    After that, Torres shifted her gaze to the blond man with a short beard, but she did not hold her gaze on him even for a second, which somewhat offended the patriarch of the Hunters.


    Shifting her gaze to Stein, she chuckled approvingly: ?An imperial phaser at the seventh stage¡­ Not bad, not bad. What a pity that taking the medicine you know will have unpleasant consequences for you.?


    ?Is Stein already at the seventh stage?!? ¨C the audience was amazed. He is so young, but already an imperial phaser at the finishing stage? Valentine''s talent was amazing!


    Stein frowned in displeasure. How did she know he had taken breakthrough medicine?


    When Valkyrie shifted her gaze to thest senior disciple, her still serene face twisted sharply, as if a cobblestone had fallen into theke. She even took a step back, which vividly spoke of how much she was shocked by the appearance of the fat man. Nevertheless, the girl hid all inappropriate emotions withmendable speed and looked away.


    Felix also fell into a stupor for a while. However, the appearance of the young man worried him much less than the development. He didn''t understand what the noble phaser at the finishing stage was doing here.


    An unprecedented interest suddenly arose in the hearts of the audience. And how will the archmaster and his disciple react when they find out that Dick is not as weak as he looks?


    Lanatelle calmly said: ?The citizens of Rosarrio desire to see the full strength of my senior disciples. After all, we don''t have training matches here. However, it will be extremely unfair if your disciple fights at full strength.?


    ?Madame Lanatelle, you are quite right!? ¨C Felix eximed joyfully. ¨C ?My disciple is the most gifted practitioner of the younger generation of the Torres. Of course, she must deliberately allow her opponent to win, otherwise her victory will be shameful and even humiliating¡­?


    ?Ipletely agree with my master.? ¨C Valkyrie suddenly intervened in the conversation. ¨C ?Your disciples should have at least a small chance to prove themselves, so I will reduce the development to¡­? ¨C a light, slightly arrogant smile appeared on her delicate lips. ¨C ?An imperial phaser at the first stage!?


    The audience caught their breath: ?F-first stage?!? ¡­ ?Stein is at the seventh stage!? ¡­ ?Is she so confident of her victory?!? ¨C obviously, the Valkyrie will not allow anyone to humiliate herself with defeat even with such a handicap, therefore, she is confident in her victory over the opponent who surpasses her by 6 stages!


    Stein frowned. He had a bad feeling. Does she despise him? To lose to a practitioner who is inferior by 6 stages is extremely humiliating! However, it doesn''t matter. The main thing is to get the title by showing that he is better than others.


    ?Your majesty, how about a little deal with this modestdy?? ¨C pointing at herself with a finger, Valkyrie asked with a sweet charming smile on her lips, which captivated a dozen more people.


    At that moment, Felix suddenly began to look anywhere but at his disciple. Toplete the image of an uninvolved old man, he only needed to start whistling.


    ?I''m ready to listen to your offer.? ¨C Lanatelle seemed to expect these words.


    ?If one of your senior disciples defeats me in a fair fight, then he will be your direct disciple, and we¡­? ¨C there was a short pause. Apparently, the girl sent a telepathic message to the empress.


    ?If I defeat everyone, then none of them will be a direct disciple. Besides, you''ll be doing me a little favor. Nothing impossible. Just a few words addressed to everyone present.?


    Lanatelle tilted her head thoughtfully. It is not known what she was thinking about, but soon she made a decision and nodded: ?It will be your way, girl. I agree.?


    (Author''s note. this is how, ording to the author, Valkyrie looks like: https://ibb.co/cLv1KHC )


    ***


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 Chapter 547

    Chapter 547The situation at the tournament was heating up. The deal between Valkyrie and Lanatelle! No one dared to think of such a thing. Everyone was wondering what they had agreed on during that pause. s, no one knew how to listen to telepathic messages. Another thing is important: it is quite possible that no one will be a direct disciple today! Since the empress agreed to such a condition, she was certainly offered something very tempting.


    Stein tensed the most. He bet everything on this tournament, even bought expensive breakthrough medicine with his family''s money, but it turns out that if he loses to her, then he will not see the title? Where did this bitche from?! Why the hell is she ruining all his ns?! But something else is even more terrible: why did the empress agree to this dubious scam?!


    In fact, Kyon was even happy about this situation. Defeating Valentine, with whom he is separated by a gap of 28 stages and who also wields a hammer, is certainly more difficult than defeating Valkyrie, because she has an advantage of 22 stages. But something told him that this fight would still be one of the hardest for him.


    ?In that case, I''m ready to face my first opponent.? ¨C Valkyrie smiled so charmingly that the hearts of many viewers began to beat faster.


    The young people, having received a mental order, left the arena. Only Asagi remained.


    The patriarch of the Hunters excitedly said: ?Lady Valkyrie, it is a great honor for me to fight you¡­ I promise I will do my best!?


    ?Show me what the empress'' senior disciples are worth.? ¨C Valkyrie sang with a challenge.


    Asagi frowned. The girl put a lot of responsibility on him with her words. Now, if he loses humiliatingly, then Lanatelle''s authority will also suffer.


    The audience also suspected an unkind hidden intent in the girl''s words. Obviously, Torres is not afraid of the empress because of her patron, but her behavior is still uneptable. Why does the master responsible for her allow this arbitrariness? People looked usingly at Felix, but the old man ignored everyone, keeping a stony face.


    ~ding~


    The signal for the start of the fight rang, and a protective barrier appeared over the arena.


    As soon as Asagi took out his ax, he saw a sh in the wonderful eyes of Valkyrie¡­ He began to feel a strange numbness all over his body. There was a feeling that he had lost control over his limbs, or rather, it was forcibly taken away from him!


    Hunter''s ax fell to the floor with a crash. With a ssy look, the blond raised his hands, clenched them into fists and began to beat his head methodically and ruthlessly.


    ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~


    Half a thousand spectators opened their mouths and bulged their eyes.


    Valkyrie arched her eyebrows in amazement and screamed: ?What are you doing, fool?!?


    ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~


    The elders of the Hunters turned deathly pale.


    Even Lanatelle frowned, clearly showing her displeasure for the first time.


    The melodic voice of Torres, reminiscent of the murmur of a stream, was filled with caustic notes: ?Little blond, I''m here! You should be hitting me, not yourself! Or¡­ Oh¡­ Did you like me so much that you decided to help me? How sweet¡­ But I''m sorry, you''re not my type¡­?


    ~bam~ ~bam~ ~bam~


    Asagi''s face was already swollen, but he was still dispassionately continuing the process of self-getion. Each of his blows to his head seemed to put nails into the coffin of the Hunters.


    ?Enough!? ¨C Lanatelle spoke imperiously, and almost everyone in the hall shuddered with fear.


    The imperial representative hastily dered Valkyrie the winner.


    The sparkle returned to Asagi''s empty eyes, and he copsed to his knees, coughing convulsively.


    ?Girl, you''re crossing the line with such a mockery of my disciples!?


    ?I-I don''t understand you, empress!? ¨C Valkyrie pulled her head into her shoulders with feigned fright. ¨C ?It''s not my fault that your disciple is such a sycophant¡­?


    ?Valkyrie, stop!? ¨C Felix finally intervened. ¨C ?Lady Lanatelle knows that this is your handiwork! Apologize to her!? ¨C he demanded with mock severity.


    ?S-sorry¡­ I won''t do it again¡­? ¨C Valkyrie squeaked guiltily, looking down at her toe, with which she drew lines on the floor, like a guilty child.


    The archmaster sighed wearily and shook his head - it was useless. There was as much sincerity in her apologies as there was salt in honey. The saddest thing is that she always gets away with all her tricks, and therefore she never paid for them, which is so important for her young age¡­


    Blushing, Asagi hurriedly left the arena. He will never forget this shame.


    Elsa, who heard the voice of the empress in her head, tensed up, but obediently headed towards the arena. Valkyrie hadn''t made a single move yet, but the girl was already wary of her, as if she was the most dangerous opponent in her life.


    {If I defeat her, I will be a direct disciple¡­ I have every chance, the main thing is to use a bow and not look into her eyes!} ¨C Stone tried to calm herself down.


    ?I see unlimited potential in you. What a pity it''s dormant¡­?


    ?How do you know that?!? ¨C the archer was surprised.


    ?This is a secret!? ¨C Valkyrie cutely stuck out the tip of her pink tongue, and the following was already said by telepathy. ¨C {?But if you want to try your luck, thene to my family, I will help. And don''t worry, I''m not interested in girls.?} ¨C she said thest thing, feeling that these words were important for the blonde.


    Elsa''s heart skipped a beat from excitement. The girl in front of her is definitely not an ordinary person! If she manages to somehow activate the "Heart of lightning" body, then it will change her life.


    ?Bunny, don''t disappoint me in this fight.? ¨C Torres kindly asked, gracefully straightening a stray strand of hair.


    Elsa didn''t answer, just stood guardedly waiting for the signal.


    ~ding~


    Stone instantly took out her bow and pulled a sparkling arrow to the string.


    In response, Valkyrie only stretched out her hand and began tozily examine the nails¡­


    ~BOOM~


    Suddenly, the bowstring burst, causing Elsa to almost have a heart attack.


    {This is the third weapon! What is it?!} ¨C the girl wailed mentally. The bow is her main weapon, and without it she is ten times weaker! She has never changed the bowstring since the very purchase of the bow, and the consequence of this manifested itself at the most crucial moment¡­


    Only a few spectators recognized in this bow the one that "The Demon Huntress" took with her. They decided not to talk about their suspicions.


    With a dejected sigh, Stone took out her sword and rushed into battle. The best defense is a good offense. It is important to seize the initiative right away, otherwise she may not get such a chanceter.


    ~woof~ ~woof~ ~woof~


    However, Valkyrie dodged all of her attacks with the ease of a leaf dancing in the wind. There was not a hint of aggression or a desire to counterattack in her movements, by no means, it seemed that she was just having fun now, as her light confident smile eloquently said.


    Elsa didn''t like it. The passive behavior of the enemy can weaken vignce, and then even one counterattack will be fatal. The girl began to act more decisively: she covered the weapon with lightning sparks, and with each swing she sent a wind de capable of cutting a steel wall into the opponent¡­


    However, it suddenly became clear that Valkyrie owns ether. The surface of her body was covered with a barrier that absorbed the residual charges of lightning and wind des.


    Elsa''s eyes shed, and she activated the darkness, extremely effective against barriers¡­


    However, in response, Torres, without even raising an eyebrow, activated the element of light, therebypletely leveling the corrosive power of darkness.


    Elsa was feeling increasingly unwell. There was a feeling that she dutifully dances to someone else''s tune. Valkyrie is on apletely different level. Only her insane speed is worth a lot. And Valkyrie''s 6 fighting fists against her 4 ones do not leave the blonde a chance¡­ If only the bowstring had not burst, then everything could have been different!


    {So that''s how Kyon''s opponents felt¡­} ¨C Stone did not n to give up so easily, continuing to use various powerful techniques, but nothing worked. Valkyrie effortlessly dodged everything, practically without expending energy. Theplete invulnerability of Valkyrie weighed on her psyche like a hundred-ton rock.


    Elsa created an improvised lightning spear in her hand and threw it at her opponent.


    Valkyrie gracefully did a bridge pose, and so deftly that even in this absurdly ufortable position she allowed herself to serenely prop her chin with her palms and purr with a sweet smile: ?Oh, I like it so much¡­ Mmm¡­?


    The flexibility and grace of the guest from Saturn won the hearts of the male audience.


    ?You''re kidding me¡­? ¨C Elsa was taken aback, feeling overwhelming despair.


    ?Don''t worry, bunny. I just don''t consider you as an opponent.? ¨C Valkyrie exined conciliatingly, waving her palm, which provoked the opponent even more.


    ?Show me at least a little respect and take a weapon!? ¨C Stone rushed into an even fiercer attack,pletely neglecting protection, as if she wanted to force her opponent to fight seriously with all the strings of her soul¡­


    ?Okay¡­? ¨C Torres smiled even wider and tripped the blonde, and at the moment of vulnerability brazenly took away the weapon.


    Seeing her sword in the hands of her opponent, Elsa swayed. She treasured her name in society most of all, and now it is being ruthlessly dragged through the mud! She is humiliated like a helpless mouse¡­ This made the girl feel so ufortable that tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to sink into the ground.


    Valkyrie raised her thin eyebrows: ?Are you offended? I''m sorry, I was joking¡­ Take it¡­? ¨C with a barely perceptible mockery in her voice and with an arrogant gleam in her eyes, she held out the sword with the hilt forward, wanting to return it to its owner.


    ?GET OFF!? ¨C squealed Elsa, releasing a tornado of des. The words, actions, and even the look of the opponent pierced her pride. The bitch seemed to have deliberately struck a nerve¡­ It was as if Valkyrie was deliberately pissing her off!


    ?How rude¡­? ¨C Valkyrie chuckled, releasing the de of the wind with a slight movement of her hand, which cut the tornado in two. ¨C ?I can get angry¡­?


    {She also knows the wind¡­} ¨C Elsa realized doomedly, then slowly straightened up and said dryly. ¨C ?I give up.? ¨C after that, she disappeared to prevent anyone from seeing the tears rolling down her cheeks.


    ?Thanks for the entertainment. It was delicious.? ¨C Valkyrie thanked her, licking her lips contentedly.


    Kyon, who was watching this massacre, clenched his fists. Torres mocked the innocent girl who could not resist her in any way¡­ She was mocking someone who was important to him! Incredibly, but now he wanted to hit Valkyrie on the pretty face even more than he wanted to hit Juno before envement! If the young blonde enjoyed hurting the defenseless, this bitch prefers humiliation. The parents and the master who raised her like that are no better than wild dogs. A child should never grow up inplete permissiveness, otherwise he will be fuel for a bioreactor.


    Lovr won''t let it go easily.

 Chapter 548

    Chapter 548There was no apuse from the audience after the announcement of the winner. The reasony in the humiliation that the citizens of Rosarrio felt along with the defeat of Elsa. Many felt sympathy and pity for the beautiful girl.


    ?Lady Valkyrie defeated Elsa, leaving her no chance¡­ How monstrous are the geniuses of Saturn?? ¡­ ?Yes, but if she is so strong, why not finish everything quickly, as Dick did with his opponents? Why did she mock her?? ¨C people whispered, condemning Valkyrie''s methods.


    Felix coughed dryly and exined: ?Please don''t misunderstand my disciple. She simply saw the potential in the opponent and gave her a chance to prove herself. After all, you all came here for an interesting performance, not for the instant victories of the participants, right??


    Those present nodded tentatively in agreement with the archmaster.


    Meanwhile, Stein received the empress'' mental order and descended into the arena. The long-haired, stocky blond seemed extremely tense.


    The opponents stood opposite each other.


    Torres'' totalck of interest in him puzzled Stein. Why did the girl inferior to him by 5 stages interest her more than he, the main hope of the empress?


    ~ding~


    The signal for the start of the battle rang, and a protective barrier appeared.


    Stein took out a heavy hammer and rushed to the attack. Every step he took was apanied by a rumble. It seemed that if he hit this tiny girl, he would blow her head off!


    ?Can you do it faster?? ¨C Valkyrie asked, crossing her arms over her chest and impatiently stamping her foot.


    No one noticed anything, but "The eyes of truth" allowed Kyon to see the energy that the girl sends underground with each touch of her foot¡­ By the time the opponent came within striking distance, she managed to stamp three times.


    Stein growled in his throat and swung his hammer with amazing speed, but suddenly the energy of three full blows of Valkyrie burst out of the ground. The flow of energy rushed into the foot, which at that particr moment served as a fulcrum.


    ~crack~


    Stein''s knee turned inside out with an unpleasant crunch. The big guy leaned sideways and copsed. It took him a second to realize what had happened before the pain overwhelmed him and he roared like a bull wounded in the heart.


    The audience gasped in amazement. Elsa opened her mouth. The twins shuddered. Even the empress frowned slightly. The imperial phaser at the 1st stage somehow broke the leg of the imperial phaser at the 7th stage without even budging!


    ?So I''m waiting for you, and you can''t evene to me?! Oh goddess, how worthless you are!? ¨C Valkyrie''s ringing voice tickled his ears like a spring breeze, but her sarcastic words aimed at the weakest point struck with razor sharpness.


    ?A-AA-A-A-AAA-A-AA-A!? ¨C enraged Stein screamed like a mad beast. Gritting his teeth, he leaned on his good leg, but another stream of energy burst out of the ground¡­ The second knee was knocked out with a frighteningly loud click.


    The pain-filled howl of the future patriarch of the Valentines evoked only sympathy. The elders of the family looked especially terrible: pale as death, as if their souls had been pulled out of them all at once. Their master is being mercilessly maimed¡­


    ?Please don''t yell like that! I have a ringing in my ears from your scream¡­? ¨C Torres asked, covering her ears with her palms.


    Gritting his teeth until they grated, Stein created a crust of rock around the broken legs to fix them in a straight position. With the element of the earth, he created an earthen wave under him, riding which he headed for the opponent.


    ~WOOF~


    The hammer whistled at a tremendous speed very close to the girl''s head.


    ?I don''t want to fight a cripple¡­ Would you give up?? ¨C Valkyrie suggested with feigned peacefulness.


    ?I¡­ WON''T LOSE¡­ TO YOU!? ¨C barked Stein.


    ~WOOF~ ~WOOF~ ~WOOF~


    Torres easily parried several sweeping hammer attacks, each of which would undoubtedly break all her bones. Almost no one could see her movements. One might get the impression that the girl seems so dexterous only thanks to her skills as an archmaster, and Valentine, who has slowed down due to injuries, wielding a heavy hammer. However, in fact, the girl is very fast even without all these variables, in no way inferior to the enemy in speed, even with their solid difference in stages.


    ?That''s it, I''m tired of you.? ¨C Torres muttered and, dodging another swing of the hammer, hit the opponent with the edge of her palm in the back of the head, simultaneously infusing the element of ether.


    ~BANG~


    There was a deafening roar. A blinding lightning bolt, caused by the superior grade of ether and the amazing purity of the key, hit Valentine in the most vulnerable spot¡­


    Stein''s eyes went out and he lost consciousness.


    When it seemed to everyone that everything was over, the guy jumped up abruptly.


    ?UUAA-A-A-A-A-AAH! I WON''T LOSE!? ¨C Stein roared and mmed his hammer down on the floor.


    ~BA-A-A-A-ANG~


    An energy sh spread from the ce of impact. He activated the Sphere of essence!


    ?How annoying you are¡­ You can''t go against fate.? ¨C thedy muttered and with a snap of her fingers sent a thick lightning bolt towards the opponent. The lightning shimmered with golden shes due to the element of light.


    Valentine tried to beat it off with his hand, but it went around the block and hit the young man right in the back of the head, because the girl had previously left a target mark there, into which the lightning flew.


    ~BANG~


    Stein''s entire nervous system was strained to the limit. At this crucial moment, the Sphere of essence, which was about to take its final form, deformed and burst, because the mind of its creator was in chaos.


    A wave of energy spread through the hall. Due to the destruction of the Sphere of essence, Valentine lost all elemental energy, bingpletely defenseless. He copsed to the floor, but still did not give up. Fiercely burning his opponent with eyes full of hatred, he crawled to her in his arms, repeating over and over again: ?I¡­ Won''t¡­ Lose¡­?


    ?Oh goddess, I can''t look at this!? ¡­ ?Why does he want to defeat her so desperately?!? ¡­ ?He continues to fight in order to defend the honor of his master¡­ What a noble fellow!? ¨C Stein''s will power won the hearts of people. He won the respect of almost every spectator in the stands, although he lost the fight. Still, Valkyrie is a gifted monster. Even a gap of 6 stages is not an obstacle for her.


    Elsa was relieved: now she did not feel so insignificant, because she was defeated by such an intimidatingly talented opponent, for whom even Stein is not an opponent.


    Felix nodded contentedly. What a good girl, she left a target mark for a lightning strike in the back of the head, as if she knew that the enemy would wake up and activate the Sphere of essence. This was the victory he expected from his direct disciple! The old man was almost glowing with pride.


    Torres hung the annoying man crawling to her by the neck: {?You lost in front of her, like a helpless and insignificant weakling¡­ She will never consider you a man¡­ ept your miserable fate of a beetle dreaming of a phoenix.?}


    Stein shuddered at the bitch''s telepathic words. He shifted his gaze to the empress, and indeed, she was looking at him with barely perceptible disappointment¡­ The guy''s heart was painfully squeezed, there was despair in his eyes, and he finally lost consciousness, and with it the belief that he would someday be able to win the respect of Lanatelle.


    At that moment, Valkyrie closed her eyelids, as if reveling in the suffering of the poor fellow. After a moment, she opened her iparable eyes, the color of which seemed to be even more saturated, and then she threw the guy away.


    There was an eerie silence in the hall. Only Felix smiled and nodded to some of his thoughts.


    When the protective barrier was removed, the Valentine elders quickly ran to their master and carried him to the infirmary, only shooting angry nces at the winner.


    Valkyrie dusted off her palms and spoke with a confident smile: ?Your Majesty, I have defeated all the senior disciples. Be kind enough to fulfill the conditions stipted by us¡­?


    ?No, not all of them.? ¨C Lanatelle replied dryly.


    The fat man was slowly descending from the stands into the arena¡­


    ?Oh no¡­? ¨C Valkyrie groaned. ¨C ?Do I have to fight this loser??


    Lanatelle pointedly remained silent.


    The audience looked at each other excitedly. It turns out that only Baker can defeat Torres, thereby bing a direct disciple of the empress and restoring her honor? But what are his chances, since even Stein lost? Zero!


    Even Elsa, no matter how highly she appreciated Kyon''s strength, did not believe in his victory. However, she will undoubtedly be happy if he teaches the sidey a lesson.


    Lovr entered the arena and stood in front of his sister. Inexplicably, just looking into her beautiful eyes made everything inside boil with rage. Yes, she offended Elsa and stole all his luck in infancy, but that''s no reason to hate her so much¡­


    With the help of Synergy, Kyon found out that most of these emotionse from the soul: the previous owner of the body is angry with his sister! He thinks she ruined his whole life and killed his parents¡­ Well, in a way he''s right.


    Valkyrie, standing opposite the fat man, frowned disgustedly, as if she was being forced to crush a slug. Finally, she sighed dejectedly: ?No problem, I''ll deal with him if that''s what you want. But don''t me me if he identally gets injuries ipatible with life! Dealing with such an ugly bug, it is very difficult not to identally crush it¡­?


    ?If I''m a bug, what will you be if you lose to me?? ¨C Kyon asked calmly.


    ?Oh, shut up! You weren''t asked!? ¨C Torres snarled, grimacing in displeasure.


    ~ding~


    As soon as the signal for the start of the battle rang, Valkyrie sent an air bullet into the enemy. The bullet''s power could bepared to an artillery shell. Then Valkyrie turned to the empress, as if already waiting for the fulfillment of the terms of the deal after an obvious victory.


    However, after a moment, Torres turned around and furrowed her thin eyebrows in puzzlement: the fat man still stood still with his arms crossed, as if nothing had happened! Just now, he hit the bullet with the back of his hand, as if it was an annoying fly.


    ?Maybe you''ll give up? After all, I can not calcte the strength and inadvertently make your parents happy with the loss of their "beloved" son¡­? ¨C Valkyrie quipped.


    ?Thank you, I will refuse. My real parents are already dead.?


    ?If you are in such a hurry to meet them, then you are always wee!? ¨C Torres hurled a thick purple lightning bolt at her opponent''s leg with a careless wave of her hand.


    The discharge hit the target, but it didn''t even make his hair stand on end! It was like he didn''t notice anything at all.


    This time Valkyrieunched the lightning in full force, as evidenced by a deafening crack, but the result was the same¡­


    The audience knew about Baker''s strange ability to ignore fire, cold and lightning. But it turned out to be unexpected for them that even an attack of such a high level is nothing to him!


    Felix chuckled thoughtfully. His eyes sparkled mysteriously.


    Valkyrie felt something was wrong andunched an air bullet, already seriously intending to tear off the fat man''s left arm with it, but he still beat it off with the same ease with his palm.


    ?I''m tired of you!? ¨C Torres said, stamping her foot.


    Kyon''s eyes sparkled with excitement, and he jumped up sharply.


    ~BOOF~


    A stream of energy burst out from the ground where he was standing a moment ago. It would have turned the leg of even the imperial phaser at the beginning stage into a bloody mess.


    {What a wiseass¡­} ¨C Kyon chuckled after reading the girl.


    It is worth saying "thank you" to Lanatelle for sending him to fightst, thereby giving him the opportunity to gather useful information about the future enemy. For example, Valkyrie wields at least 6bat fists! Sometimes her movements seemed strange, as if she knew in advance where the attack woulde from¡­ If Juno was able to read the intentions of the souls of her opponents, then Torres, apparently, simply relies on luck, which she has no problems with. But it remains to be seen.


    Lovr also concluded that she knows the element of the earth, that is, she is a heavenly genius. Nothing less should have been expected from her. And he did it by analyzing her technique, with which she broke Stein''s knees. It works as follows: stomping on the ground, the girl sends all the impact energy (pure energy) to a pre-nned ce, and thanks to her total luck, apparently, always hits the target.


    The element of wind makes the sent energy so soundless that even the imperial phaser at the finishing stage is not able to hear it. The element of ether creates a shell that does not allow pure energy to dissipate along the way. The element of earth works as a conductor through solid matter. The element of light is used as a storage device: it is able to store the energy of at least three hits! For example, in a duel with Stein, Torres stamped three times, and struck once, but with tripled force.


    The result is an extremely inconspicuous, sneaky and powerful technique that can take even someone who knows the principle of its operation by surprise. For its application, 5 elements are needed, therefore, the girl came up with it on her own! Commendable skill¡­


    Valkyrie, realizing that the fat man had figured out her technique, became serious: ?What is your name??


    ?Baker, miss. Dick Baker.? ¨C putting his hands on his hips and puffing out his chest, Kyon proudly dered.

 Chapter 549

    Chapter 549The loud voice of the young man proudly introducing himself echoed throughout the hall.


    ?Dick¡­ Baker¡­? ¨C Valkyrie repeated in disbelief and, covering her mouth with her palm, giggled melodiously. Her charmingugh was a feast for the eyes and ears.


    ?I know, I know, you are delighted with my name¡­ Many girls like it¡­?


    ?It''s terrible!? ¨C Torres instantly interrupted him.


    ?Terribly beautiful¡­ I know, I know¡­ Thank you for thepliment.? ¨C Kyon nodded calmly.


    {Gosh, how imprable is he?!} ¨C probably everyone present thought.


    ?It''s not a c¡­ Oh, okay, never mind. So you''re from the Baker family?? ¨C the girl rubbed her chin thoughtfully. ¨C ?I don''t know what they stuffed you with, but it won''t help you.?


    ?We''re having a duel here, not a small talk. Attack,e on!? ¨C Lovr demanded.


    ?I don''t need you when ites to what I should do!? ¨C Valkyrie snorted coldly and began to wiggle with her hands. With her movements, she created dozens of air des every second and sent them in all directions, after that they rushed towards the enemy, attacking him from all directions. Each such de could easily cut off the limb of the royal phaser at the peaking stage, or, for example, leave a millimeter cut on Stein''s body.


    Kyon crossed his arms and spread his legs shoulder-width apart, like an indestructible rock.


    ~CLOP~ ~CLOP~ ~CLOP~ ~CLOP~ ~CLOP~


    The des of the wind shattered unsessfully against the body of Lovr, leaving only barely noticeable red marks on it. The carbon skin faultlessly coped with its task, as well as the enchantment of the soul for strength. If it had only an advanced level, the des would leave cuts, which means they would turn him into mincemeat in a minute, no matter how skillfully he dodged.


    {Is she a wind master?} ¨C Kyon wondered, analyzing the power of air attacks.


    ?Oh goddess, doesn''t Baker really get damaged?!? ¡­ ?What is his body made of?!? ¡­ ?The strength of his body is onlyparable to his conceit!? ¨C the audience did not have enough words to describe their amazement. He hasn''t done anything yet, but his duel with Valkyrie already looks more worthy than the duels with Stein and Elsabined!


    ?As you can see, my body is like an imprable crust of millennial buns. However, if you want to undress me so much, then I will take it as a call to action¡­? ¨C Kyon winked yfully.


    Valkyrie reacted to his words in such a way as if she had been doused with cold water, and when his thick belly fell out of a shirt torn by air des, a sickening lump rolled up to the girl''s throat. If she continues to attack like this, her eyes will be tarnished!


    The audience was immensely grateful to Torres when she stopped making passes with her hands.


    However, they all worried in vain. Kyon bought extra strong underpants for a reason.


    Meanwhile, Felix thoughtfully furrowed his thick white eyebrows and shared his guesses with the disciple: {?The young man, as you have already understood, is not as simple as it seems at first nce¡­ He cultivates a unique physical type body of a quality never seen before!?}


    {?I see, master¡­ But why didn''t my lightnings affect him??}


    Indulging in nostalgia for the glorious past and looking somewhere into the distance, the archmaster said: {?Once upon a time, when I was a child, I heard a legend from my mentor¡­?}


    {?With all due respect, I don''t have time to listen to long stories right now!?}


    {?Sorry-sorry¡­ In general, the master told the legend of how he met a mighty giant who cultivated the unique body of a "Titan" in himself. It granted its owner unprecedented power and strength of the physical body, as well as resistance to all heavenlyws, including lightning. I''m pretty sure Dick is cultivating it! Ah, I have so many questions, so many questions¡­ Where, how, why¡­ Anyway, this young man is very mysterious. Be careful with him.?}


    Torres rolled her eyes. Why should she beware of the stinking fat fly? Unless she should be afraid of getting her hands dirty by touching him¡­ The girl did not want to switch to closebat with Baker at all, because then his "wonderful" face would constantly loom right before her eyes. It is necessary to somehow defeat the fat man with remote attacks. Any other option is not eptable.


    Having made a decision, Valkyrie stamped her foot, as if crushing bugs on the floor.


    Kyon''s eyes shed and he jumped up to 3 meters.


    ~BOOF~


    A stream of energy burst out right under his feet.


    Now Kyon has dodged, but sooner orter he will have tond¡­ Given the girl''s luck, coupled with his own bad luck, as soon as the foot touches the floor, there is no doubt that it will take another hit¡­


    {And how can I outwit her total luck?} ¨C Lovr wondered. The main problem is that he has no way to feel the energy moving underground, and therefore predict the ce where the strike will take ce. It is possible to spend tons of Synergy in order to scan the super-dense rock of the floor, but this is an inefficient expenditure of it¡­ Or he can give the body under the control of Synergy in order to prevent the curse from reading his maneuvers¡­ However, even so, sooner orter he will be avable for attack, and this will cause a lot of damage.


    And then a simple and elegant solution to the problem came to Kyon''s head!


    A hugedle appeared out of nowhere in the hands of the fat man. He stuck it into the floor and jumped on it, not forgetting to take the pretentious pose of a great wise master meditating on a mountain peak.


    ~BOOF~


    A wave of energy tore thedle into a thousand pieces and even slightly threw the fat man sitting on it¡­ But he did not lose his head and stuck a gigantic fork into the floor¡­ And then a kitchen knife and even a saucepan¡­


    ~BOOF~ ~BOOF~ ~BOOF~


    Small pieces of dishes scattered around the arena, and with them themon sense of all people watching the destruction of Baker''s cutlery broke down¡­


    ?What''s going on?? ¡­ ?Is he really using tableware in the fight for the title of direct disciple of the empress? And is it helping him?!? ¡­ ?This is not what I expected from the duel between Lady Valkyrie and Dick¡­ Not that at all¡­?


    The overcast mood finally left Elsa because of such an absurd sight, and she smiled broadly.


    Felixughed out loud. He had never seen anything like it in his life. Just kitchen utensils, but used in such an important duel! And sessfully! Whoever this Baker was, but the archmaster involuntarily respected him for his creativity.


    Meanwhile, Valkyrie''s face visibly tensed, and her foot stomping on the ground became more and more nervous. The girl was infuriated by the fact that the fat guy never touched the floor. He makes her look like aplete fool! Torres is not used to the fact that she does not seed. Why didn''t her tricks work on him?


    ?Stop destroying my dinnerware, bitch!? ¨C Kyon yelled indignantly.


    ?Well, sooner orter you''ll run out of it¡­? ¨C Torres grinned maliciously.


    As the next support, the young man took out an indecentlyrge spoon, which would fit even a giant in size.


    ~BOOF~


    When this huge cutlery was also shattered into pieces, bitter tears sprang from the fat man''s eyes: ?Ah, my favorite spoon! How dare you?!?


    ?I''m so-o sorry for your loss!? ¨C Valkyrie sang gloatingly.


    ~BOOF~


    ?My saucepan¡­ My precious saucepan! What sphemy! Do you have any pity at all?!?


    ?You don''t deserve any pity!? ¨C Torres eximed.


    ~BOOF~


    ?My dear te¡­ Y-y-you¡­ I will never forgive you!? ¨C Kyon wailed mournfully.


    ?Poor thing, cry to mommy¡­ Oh, you don''t have her!? ¨C thedy grinned derisively.


    By this point, many people could no longer hold back their chuckles. Elsa was one of them. She saw through Kyon''s trick and couldn''t stopughing at how skillfully he was joking with the scoundrel. Clementine and Seraphima also had treacherous smiles bursting out.


    Valkyrie''s patience wasing to an end. Even the color of her eyes seemed to have changed to a richer red: ?Why are you carrying so many damn dishes with you? Are you a cook?! Will you ever run out of it?!?


    But the girl could not even think that the fat man''s kitchen arsenal would never end, because Lovr created it with the element of the earth. He could use the Scourge as a support, but why not force the opponent to expend as much energy as possible? And tickle her nerves at the same time. It will be easier to fight against a heated opponent. That''s what he thought, because he didn''t know that Valkyrie was an exception.


    The secret of Kyon''s trick was first revealed by Elsa, and only then its essence was revealed to the archmaster. The bracelet, faking the sound of the vibrations of the elements,plicated everything. But Valkyrie made even more confusion herself. Her technique also includes the element of the earth, against the background of which the element of the earth of the guy is quieter than a mosquito squeaking.


    When Felix found out everything, he decided not to tell his disciple anything. She should guess for herself. It will be a useful lesson for her to be attentive.


    In fact, Valkyrie has long suspected something is wrong, and it''s not even about the number of dishes she destroyed, but about Dick''s emotions: they seem to be fake. He seems to be grieving from the bottom of his heart, so much so that no actor in the world can y better, but the girl''s soul did not feel all these emotions, and her mockery also did not bear any fruit.


    {He''s¡­ He''s kidding me!} ¨C Torres finally realized. Her beautiful eyes widened. This seemingly stupid, brainless idiot is not who he seems at first nce! The trickster joked with her for a whole minute! The girl was left out in the cold for the first time in her life, and this feeling is far from pleasant¡­


    {You will pay for this¡­ Oh, you''ll pay!} ¨C a chill was born in Valkyrie''s eyes. Until recently, she had nned to fight Baker from a distance, but now she changed her mind, because with every fiber of her soul she longed to beat him half to death with her own hands.


    When the girl rushed into battle, theughter and smiles of all the spectators instantly disappeared.


    Kyonnded on his feet and prepared to meet his sister with all seriousness.


    At a monstrous speed, Valkyrie went around the opponent and attacked him with her fist in the ribs, and this clearly indicated that she was not going to finish with Baker so simply.


    When suddenly the shadow of a huge¡­ burgundy sword¡­ fell on the girl! Thedy couldn''t believe her eyes. The speed of the blow did not correspond to the noble phaser at the finishing stage in any way, but the suffocating grave aura that arose at the moment when the sword was covered with a ck film was even more frightening.


    The girl showed caution and quickly somersaulted back, but a ck de escaped from the weapon. It was shrouded in hundreds of tar-colored fireflies. It was flying straight at her, as if it was going to cut her in half.


    {I won''t dodge!} ¨C Valkyrie realized and tried to destroy the sinister de with her hands, but, of course, not with her bare hands. Gloves appeared on her palms. They were created from crystalline rock, shimmering in the light like precious stones, and matching the color of the girl''s eyes. The exact same crystals were iid into the jewelry she wore before she changed into herbat uniform.


    Torres called this rock "spiritual gem". She made it up, and she was immensely proud of it. Although the gem is inferior in strength to the most outstanding rocks in this regard, it has one amazing feature: itpletely absorbs any elemental energy, including pure energy, like pyrobloin. Swords, arrows, axes or even poleaxes ¨C all this is unlikely to scratch the "spiritual gem", because the physical impact of attacks by these weapons is insignificant. The real weakness of this rock is heavy weapons. However, even Stein''s hammer, weighing half a ton, would be ineffective, because half the power of any of his blows is, again, in pure energy, which is useless.


    Valkyrie mped the ck de between her palms, but, to the amazement of the beauty, the "spiritual gem" did not absorb the technique, but on the contrary, crumbled under its pressure, which caused the corrosive darkness toe into contact with the delicate skin of her palms¡­


    The girl''s elegant face winced in pain, after which her palms were enveloped in golden light, which saved thedy from further damage, after which she scraped another 5 meters on the ground, and only then the de finally dissipated.


    Half a thousand spectators watched in disbelief as Valkyrie was damaged for the first time since her appearance in the pce. Master Felix also lost hisposure. He couldn''t even remember thest time the disciple had even been scratched.


    But all the witnesses of the fight were also shocked by something else: Dick demonstrated the 5th element, like his opponent! Great event: two heavenly geniuses are fighting each other!


    Seraphima and Clementine jumped up from their seats. Most of all, they were not even worried about the fact that Baker was a heavenly genius, but the very fact that he used "The Cursed Cut" ¨C a technique avable only to practitioners who cultivate one of the most powerful unique bodies of the dark ones ¨C "archdevil".


    Moreover, judging by the ck fireflies hovering near "The Cursed Cut", he developed the body of "archdevil" to a stageparable to the legendary representatives of the dark ones. The twins had heard that only Rider ¨C the emperor of the dark ones ¨C had the ability to cultivate the body of "archdevil" to such an extent that fireflies hovered around.


    In addition, recently this strange fat guy used "The Holy Cut"! So does he have two unique bodies? How can twoplete opposites be united in one person and not conflict at the same time? How can he sessfully develop both of these unique bodies at once?!


    For Clementine, Dick has just turned from a "malicious pest" into a "mysterious creature". Of course, the use of "The Holy Cut" took away his "sympathy" points, but the veil of mystery multiplied the total score by 100 times.

 Chapter 550

    Chapter 550Kyon smiled bitterly to himself. The sudden attack in full force only burned the opponent''s palms a little¡­ The opportunity to seize the advantage is lost. He could have used "The sovereign''s stare" at that moment, butmon sense told him that the girl would simply look away because of her total luck. And it''s stupid to waste Synergy so thoughtlessly, the only matter that defies the calctions of the curse. Since now the girl knows what she may face, he will not be able to win easily.


    {Why is he so strong and fast? And so strange?!} ¨C Valkyrie tried to understand. She felt out of ce for the first time in her life. The girl was used to defeating opponents, sometimes surpassing her by an entire phase, which clearly spoke of her monstrous talent. But she''s met her match when ites to Baker. With him, everything is exactly the opposite, as if he is a genius here, and she is just a faded shadow next to him. How could a pathetic noble phaser put such pressure on her?!


    Torres already regretted that she had spent a spiritual attack with a half-hour recoil on Asagi. With it, she would definitely instantly ovee Dick. It''s strange that the circumstances turned out that way, because usually all her actions have no unfortunate consequences.


    {Anyway. I just wasn''t ready for his explosive speed and dark de. Now he definitely doesn''t have a chance.} ¨C Valkyrie was sure of it, and she rushed to attack.


    Kyon met the approaching opponent with a horizontal swing of his sword, but she, using the wind flow, abruptly flew up and kicked him in the head from a turn¡­ Her full-force blow would have cut off the head of even a royal phaser at the peaking stage.


    Realizing that the opponent was not going anywhere, Valkyrie, with triumph in her eyes, was preparing to say another sharp phrase, but after a moment confusion and amazement appeared on her face: the fat guy was clearly going to bite her!


    ?Yaa-a-a-a-ah!? ¨C Torres screamed in horror when he grabbed her boot with his teeth. She immediately pushed off with her free foot from his chest, however, the fat guy was not going to unclench his jaw, instead he raised his sword as if he was going to pierce her through.


    Valkyrie was unnerved. The girl arched forward, unzipped the boot and finally pushed off, making a spectacr back flip, but losing the boot¡­


    All the spectators took their breath away.


    Master Felix nodded to himself: {His methods of fighting are not distinguished by an obsession with either honor or self-respect¡­ He ispletely focused on the result. How shameless, but effective. In a fight to the death, this young man will turn into a tiger!}


    ?Y-y-you¡­ How dare you deprive me of the boot?!? ¨C eximed blushing Valkyrie with a bare foot. The very thought of being undressed by a half-naked ugly Baker made her want to sink into the ground with shame¡­ The girl''s eyes in those seconds took on the charming color of a ripe peach, as if speaking about her feelings.


    ?You shouldn''t have broken my dishes!? ¨C Kyon snorted. ¨C ?But unlike you, I am kind.? ¨C he nobly dered and threw the bitten, slobbered boot at her feet.


    ?I will never wear it again in my life!? ¨C Valkyrie was indignant and, gritting her teeth, took off her second boot, deciding to fight barefoot. The shape of her beautiful delicate feet was perfect, and any man would love to know what they feel like.


    {Just like in that duel with Kara¡­} ¨C Kyon suddenly remembered. ¨C {I wonder if the element of darkness corrodes her shorts, how will her master react? Will she me me, considering that she half undressed me?}


    With a me in her already reddish eyes, Torres again rushed into battle.


    The duel ensued.


    The fact that the girl fights without weapons greatly simplifies everything, because she will not dare to face "The cut of darkness" with her bare hands, therefore, she can only parry all blows and look for an opportunity for a counterattack. But the guy''s right hand is not only excessively strong, but also fast, so he has a huge advantage.


    However, Kyon took into ount his failure coefficient rtive to his sister''s incredible luck, so he was obliged to exclude the element of chance from the duel, subordinating the entire course of the battle to pure and cold calction. Synergy! It is not only beyond the influence of the curse, but will also allow him to act as efficiently as possible in each individual period of time.


    {Until she pulls out her weapon, I have a clear advantage.} ¨C Lovr nodded to his thoughts.


    But the next few seconds of the fight discouraged him. The girl, who has a significant advantage in speed, did not make a single mistake and did not fall for any provocation! As if she had 10 fighting fists. As a result, she managed not only to dodge absolutely all attacks, but also to seize the initiative¡­


    ~BOOM~


    Valkyrie kicked the fat guy in the ribs with her heel, forcing him to scrape 10 meters on the ground.


    Kyon''s ribs cracked, and the residual impact fell on the internal organs, which caused them to ache painfully. Fortunately, he could patch up cracks in carbon bones with the element of earth, and the healing technique, which can be quietly used right during the battle, can stop any bleeding by overgrowing torn tissues. However, it is unable to heal organs - that is, to regenerate new cells in them.


    {The force of her blow¡­ Is she a fucking master of pure energy?!} ¨C Kyon wondered. It would also exin the amazing speed for her stage.


    Torres continued the onught with a ruthless gleam in her eyes.


    Rapidly losing the initiative, Lovr deliberately put his head up to take a blow at it and attack himself, but this trick did not work the second time¡­ The opponent stamped her foot! He had to jump up, otherwise the underground blow would have hit him in the foot.


    ~BOOF~


    Valkyrie''s eyes shed, and she instantly approached him at arm''s length and struck the defenseless guy with a series of blows: in the ribs, in the side and with a squat uppercut in the sr plexus, sending him into a long flight¡­


    All the air was knocked out of Kyon''s lungs. Hellish pain engulfed the whole body. If his nervous system hadn''t been upgraded, he wouldn''t have been able to move for another minute.


    {How the fuck does she manage to move so damn well?!} ¨C Lovr tried to understand. He refused to believe that his sister had 10 fighting fists.


    With the look of a contented kitty, Valkyrie stretched sweetly and purred: ?Usually I don''t enjoy beating up anyone, but you¡­ You are an exception! So soft and nasty¡­ It''s very nice to beat you! Hey, how about working as a training dummy for me? I will smile at you sometimes as payment¡­?


    Many junior male disciples of the empress caught themselves thinking that, if they were in Dick''s ce, they would agree with such a proposal.


    The answer of the messenger of the goddess suddenly became very important to Elsa.


    ?I''m afraid you can''t afford me.? ¨C Kyon snapped, which made Stone extremely happy.


    ?You overestimate yourself!? ¨C Torres chuckled.


    ?The imperial phaser, who hardlypetes with the noble phaser, convinces him that he overestimates himself¡­ Well, well. If I say that you are actually a handsome boy dressed up as a nobledy, it will sound more usible.? ¨C Kyon snapped venomously.


    Giggles were heard from the stands, Elsa, who wanted to annoy the scoundrel,ughed loudest of all.


    The smile disappeared from Valkyrie''s beautiful face. The sharp words of the fat guy are aimed at her most painful ce: a sense of her uniqueness¡­ The very fact that he has held out in battle with her for 2 minutes is extremely humiliating.


    Torres darted towards the opponent with lightning speed to teach him a life lesson, at the same time taking out all the indignation, but from the very first seconds something went wrong¡­ The girl was shocked to realize that a de of darkness was heading straight for her face.


    {I won''t dodge!} ¨C biting her lip, Valkyrie was forced to take the attack on her hands, having previously covered them with the elements of light for protection. But even so, the corrosive effect burned her palms, and the impact force made her scrape 5 meters¡­


    Kyon breathed a sigh of relief and evenughed. Why didn''t he figure it out earlier? The sister''s luck reads the intentions of the soul, as well as the ability of Juno, and sends this information to its mistress, because of this, she always knows what to expect and how to react. She doesn''t have 10 fighting fists. It''s as if she sees the right answers on the exam!


    It doesn''t matter how well Synergy calctes everything. The only thing that matters is that the ready answer should not get into the brain, and therefore the soul, because these two entities are now under the close supervision of luck. Synergy must control the body autonomously!


    As a result, Lovr had the opportunity to show fortune the middle finger, or even use it to drive his sister into a trap, thereby undermining her blind faith in herself ¨C in her intuition (in fact, the same notorious luck). And only then, when she stops listening to herself, she will start fighting with her legitimate 7 fighting fists.


    Meanwhile, many viewers never stopped wondering why Torres missed the second attack! And this despite the fact that she already knew about the speed and strength of her opponent, that is, she was ready!


    However, Felix, who had been frowning thoughtfully for a whole minute, trying to understand Baker''s style and appreciate his skill, was the most surprised of all. He knew perfectly well that his disciple was a monster. The level of her skill has long gone beyond reasonable. In equal conditions, if she wants it, he, the acting archmaster, will not even touch her! And yet, now the young man inflicted a second injury on her, although he did not demonstrate anything unexpected¡­ Phenomenal! Is it possible that he is even more monstrous than she is? Who taught him that?!


    Valkyrie applied a healing technique to her burned hands and angrily looked at theughing fat guy: ?You will pay for this¡­? ¨C she took out of the ring a golden scepter, covered with patterns, as tall as her height. Its tip was a sphere with small gaps, inside of which a shining nephrite with a formation could be seen.


    ?Lady Valkyrie has drawn her weapon! She is serious!? ¡­ ?The battle between heavenly geniuses¡­ I can capture it! Wow!? ¨C the audience was looking forward to the epic performance.


    Torres immediately rushed to the attack.


    Kyon met the blow of the scepter with the Scourge, however, to hisplete surprise, there was no serious recoil from the collision¡­ On the contrary, the girl''s weapon seemed to almost fly out of her hands. In response, she made a 360-degree turn and attacked again¡­


    {What does it mean?} ¨C Lovr was puzzled. ¨C {Is this her style? No¡­ Nonsense¡­}


    After 5 swift blows,parable to the touch of a fluff, Kyon had a bad feeling. He activated "The eyes of truth" and found his Scourge literally glowing because of the overflowing alien energy. At the sight of the shadow of a malicious grin that slid on the lips of the opponent, his pupils narrowed, and he lowered his sword and jumped sharply to the side¡­


    ~BA-A-A-ANG~


    With a deafening roar, as if five full-fledged attacks were made in an instant, the burgundy sword flew out of the fat guy''s hands at lightning speed, almost hitting him.


    ~BA-A-A-ANG~


    Due to the collision with the weapon, the barrier, capable of withstanding even the attack of the sovereign phaser at the beginning stage, vibrated dangerously and cracked, but still has been restored.


    Some of the spectators were thrown up in their seats from surprise.


    Even Lanatelle raised an eyebrow slightly.


    Kyon rushed to the sword, but the girl appeared in front of him with the look of a hooligan¡­


    ?Well, well, well, where are you going?? ¨C her eyes were beaming withcency, as if she had just snatched victory with a sophisticated trick. Thedy reasonably assumed that the fat guy was good for nothing without the sword, which was generally true.


    ?I need the sword. I gave you back the boot, give me back the sword. We''ll be even.?


    ?A-ha-ha-ha!? ¨C Valkyrie burst outughing, and herughter, resembling the murmur of a mountain stream, caressed the ears. ¨C ?As you can see, I don''t have boots on right now¡­? ¨C suddenly apassionate smile blossomed on thedy''s tender lips. ¨C ?But unlike you, I am kind, so I will return the sword if you immediately fall to your knees and respectfully say the following: "Lady, this pathetic servant begs you to return his weapon to him".?


    If the fat guy fulfills her conditions, then she will really make a concession to him¡­ Later. When she turns him into mincemeat. Well, why not? She didn''t say exactly when she would return it, so she would keep her dignity, and she would make him look like a gullible fool. Besides, she really wanted to taste the whole spectrum of his negative emotions: from regret and shame to be aughing stock in front of the crowd to grief and despair when she would deprive him of hisst hope.


    Kyon saw through the girl''s n and, sighing heavily, shook his head ruefully: ?You are incorrigible¡­?


    The Scourge appeared in his hand with a green sh.


    Valkyrie''s mocking expression seemed to crack.

 Chapter 551

    Chapter 551Valkyrie''s face twisted as if she had eaten a lemon. She made a fool of herself in front of the crowd¡­ This disgusting feeling, eating the girl from the inside, drove her crazy. She had never experienced anything like this before. The sly-assed degenerate is a dirty spot on the magnificent canvas of her ideal life. All because of him!


    Kyon drew a symbol of infinity with the Scourge and pointed its tip at the opponent. But he did not have time to enjoy his sister''s reaction, because suddenly, with the help of Synergy, he discovered a critical defect in the Scourge: a microscopic crack stretched from the handle to the tip, breaking the symmetry of the ideal atomicttice.


    Lovr immediately eliminated the problem with the element of the earth. If he hadn''t been careful, the next attack would have shattered his sword into pieces¡­ Damn curse!


    But Kyon figured out how his sister''s technique works: it umtes energy at the site of the subsequent attack, and then releases it to the fullest. Stomping on the ground, the girl can merge 3 hits into one. The scepter allows her tobine 5 hits. But there is one condition: no more than a second should pass from the moment of the first attack.


    All this means that Lovr should not give the sister the opportunity to hit one ce more than once a second, otherwise the destructive power of her attacks bes too huge: even the sword cannot be held when it falls out of his hands at breakneck speed. And if she hits him twice in the chest, the bones will shatter and the organs will rupture¡­


    {A dyed strike¡­ What a nasty technique.} ¨C Kyon mentally chuckled.


    The long scepter perfectlyplements this technique. With the right grip, it turns into a two-sided weapon, albeit not so long, but capable of inflicting many fast and unpredictable blows. And its rotation, coupled with the element of wind, can create a powerful shield capable of blocking any sliding or remote energy strike.


    In addition, the sister''s fighting style implies the frequent use of counterattacks. That is, from each contact of the scepter and the Scourge, thedy immediately turns into a spinning top, which allows her to instantly make another blow¡­


    {But isn''t it all useless against me?} ¨C Kyon smirked.


    Meanwhile, the angry Valkyrie rushed to the attack.


    Kyon responded with "The cut of darkness" containing the energy of a 9-ton sword strike.


    The girl did not even try to break the de with her bare hands, but with the scepter¡­


    ~BANG~


    The collision of the blows generated a green sh.


    Valkyrie destroyed the de, however, she also took a step back¡­ There was amazement on her beautiful face. How is it possible that they have the same attack power?!


    Clementine almost turned green with envy. This girl is not only unusually fast, but she was also able to repel the de by retreating just a step! How can a human be so strong? It turns out that if Baker defeats her, then she would not have a chance, therefore, she holds a grudge against him in vain¡­


    Grunting, Valkyrie attacked again, but the same thing happened.


    Torres was not discouraged, continuing to try to somehow parry the de and get closer, because she just needs to touch the body twice, and the fight will end! However, she had to pay for the first attempt to dodge: the ck de cut into her stomach!


    {Oh no!} ¨C Valkyrie was horrified.


    ~BOOM~


    With a thud, the girl mmed into the protective barrier at breakneck speed. Her beautiful face contorted in pain. Red skin and a bruise could be seen through the tear on the jacket, as if a heavy red-hot rod had hit there.


    The audience gasped in shock.


    Elsa clenched her fists happily.


    Master Felix raised his eyebrows in disbelief. It seemed to him that the disciple simply did not recognize the deception, for which she paid. But why? She used to parry all attacks, and with her bare hands! Did Baker find an approach to her?


    {It hurts so-o-o much!} ¨C thedy closed her tear-stained eyes. Not only the burn hurt, even the internal organs ached. She was experiencing such concentrated physical pain for the first time in her life¡­ So that''s how her opponents felt when she broke their bones? It turns out that she treated them extremely cruelly and even ruthlessly¡­


    Valkyrie put her palm to the wound, and the soft green glow eliminated the burn and suppressed the internal pain in a matter of seconds. Now the girl was worried about another question:


    {Why did thebat sense deceive me?!} ¨C as far as Torres could remember, her intuition never failed her, whether in battle or in any other situations. Now, because of her sixth sense, she received a strong blow to the stomach¡­ Is Baker really so unique that he was able to unravel and even outwit her "intuition"? It seems to be true¡­ The girl was 100% sure that the fat guy would make another move, more clever, perhaps¡­


    {So I need to stop listening to myself? To stop blindly believing in myself? How so¡­} ¨C Valkyrie became sad. Anyway, now she looked at the fat guy differently, she now considered him a dangerous opponent. However, all this did not cancel her dislike for him, after all, he is a grease stain on her reputation, which must be washed off at any cost.


    The fight continued, and this time Kyon noticed that the girl was acting more carefully and constrainedly, and his attempts to deceive her "luck" no longer worked. The fact that she had so easily learned to ignore her innate skill was discouraging.


    Valkyrie was doing her best. She did not forget to sometimes stomp on the ground, sending underground blows, but the fat guy managed to jump up in time. And he alwaysnded in a ce different from the one she was aiming at.


    {I do not understand¡­ I always hit the opponent''s foot with this technique! Why is it not working now?!} ¨C the girl felt so confused for the first time. How could she know that the opponent masters Synergy that was beyond the control of luck.


    Within a minute, Valkyrie''s beautiful face darkened.


    The element of ether is useless, because the fat guy has almostplete resistance to it.


    The element of wind is also useless, because this freak is too strong to be cut.


    The underground strikes are useless, because for some reason they fail to hit.


    The rock of "the spiritual gem" ¨C an important trump card ¨C is also worthless, because the damned ck de is too hard and stable, like a stone, and also unusually powerful.


    "Soft touch" together with the staff are also ineffective, because the ck de is a remote attack, it does not allow you to get closer, and it does not make sense to attack him twice.


    And most importantly: somehow the enemy, moving much more slowly, manages to keep up with her inbat skills. On the contrary, he does not let her rx!


    {All my abilities that I am so proud of¡­ They''re all useless against him! Why¡­ Why is he so wrong and inconvenient? Why exactly against me?! He''s theplete opposite of me¡­ An eyesore!} ¨C thedy started to get anxious.


    Suddenly Valkyrie had an idea. Her whole life was too perfect and carefree. The worst thing that happened to her was defeat to an overwhelmingly strong opponent. But it''s stupid to take offense at such a thing, because who is she to cross mountains with one step? And today the girl met someone who shouldpete with her, pointing out that she is not the center of the world, and there will always be someone more skilled than her. The universe sent her an antagonist! The most vile, most inconvenient and nasty enemy. Only after getting rid of him, she will breathe deeply, pass the universal test and blossom for real.


    {It''s either him or me!} ¨C the feeling of gloom that had gripped her finally receded, and excitement began to y in Torres'' eyes.


    Kyon lookedpletely calm, but in fact he felt surprisingly helpless: {We won''t be able to hurt each other if we continue to be so careful¡­ Everything is clear with her: she is afraid of pain. But what am I waiting for?} ¨C the problem was that he consumes much more energy, therefore, it cannot be dyed.


    At some point, Valkyrie abruptly interrupted the attack and blocked the de flying at her. Due to the fact that she did it from an ufortable position, the girl somersaulted several times on the ground and almost lost her bnce, but immediately rushed into battle¡­ But the same thing happened: the beauty forcibly interrupted the attack and rolled on the ground¡­


    The audience looked at each other in disbelief. Many of them frowned in puzzlement.


    And only Felix immediately understood everything. He chuckled to himself with interest.


    Kyon chose the strategy of "sacrifice", wanting to use his body to the fullest in order to end the fight before he runs out of energy. The essence of this strategy is simple: he exchanges blows, exposing the most durable parts of the body to the blow. There is no one more dangerous than a samurai, ready to take the enemy with him at the cost of his life. The guy chose a simr strategy, but he will pay for it "only" with numerous injuries.


    After trying to attack again, Torres immediately jumped back and shouted indignantly: ?Are you crazy, or what?! Are you in a hurry to go to the next world?!?


    ?Are you afraid of getting hurt? No one knew that the legendary Valkyrie was such a coward¡­ Poor thing, you have been living for so many years, and still you have never really fought¡­ So, girl, remember, there are no rules in a real fight. No one will be warm and fuzzy with you. Victory is achieved at any cost.?


    ?Shove your moralizing up your ass! I am a disciple of Felix, the legendary first archmaster! I am not afraid of pain and I do not know fear!? ¨C Valkyrie said proudly.


    ?Big words, but what are they really worth?? ¨C Kyon deliberately provoked his sister.


    ?Now you will know it.? ¨C Torres promised with a sinister smile.


    {?He''s provoking you¡­ Can''t you see? He''s afraid you''re going to start a battle of attrition. So do it, don''t be embarrassed. All''s fair inbat, he said it himself.?} ¨C Felix sent her a telepathic message.


    {?Master, thank you for the offer, but I will refuse.?} ¨C Valkyrie replied decisively.


    In a normal situation, the girl would have listened to his advice, but how can she respect herself after her own proud words if she starts to beware of the enemy like a frightened mouse? To be afraid to even hit him¡­ Such a victory of the imperial phaser over the noble phaser would be humiliating! In addition, she needs to crush the antagonist, not just give him the opportunity to peacefully surrender. She needs to prevent him from taking revenge in the future and probably be even stronger.


    {She''s still too young¡­} ¨C the archmaster shook his head in frustration.


    A fierce duel ensued, and after the first three movements, the girl, gritting her teeth, hit the fat man with the scepter in the side with all her might, while with the second hand she took the de flying into her elbow bone.


    ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~


    Kyon fell to the far side of the barrier. The ribs cracked. The blow with the scepter turned out to be somewhat more serious than the blow with bare hands, but its power was still not enough to break bones, which means that the element of earth had time to fuse them.


    Valkyrie, quietly hissing in pain, scraped 5 meters along the ground, almost losing her bnce. Arge red burn appeared on her bleeding left arm. If this attack was a third stronger, then the bone of her arm would definitely not withstand it.


    The girl stoically withstood the sharp pain, healed most of the damage and rushed into an even more aggressive attack¡­ She quickly lost the habit of listening to her intuition (luck) and began to rely on skills equal to 7 fighting fists.


    ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~ ¡­ ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~ ¡­ ~BOOM~ ~BOOM~


    The fight had been going on for 10 minutes, and it was impossible to call it normal. Bloodthirsty ughter ¨C that''s what''s happening! The two young fighters seemed eager to dig into each other''s throats. Perhaps, everyone dreamed of seeing such a cruel and colorful duel of heavenly geniuses.


    Kyon''s eyes were bloodshot, his body had long been covered with bruises. Some vital organs were on the verge of failure. A rib fragment pierced the lung. The healing technique barely had time to eliminate internal bleeding. One artery did not heal properly at all. Many muscles are torn so much that they have lost most of their mobility. The right hand, waving the sword weighing 9 tons, is already numb. Besides, there is 30% of energy left¡­ Everything is very bad.


    He felt the same way when Juno beat him half to death after he saw her undressed. The only difference is that now he is the noble phaser at the finishing stage, and his body is much more durable. Also, pure energy poured into the body can wake even a half-dead. Well, do not forget about the Synergy of the 3rd phase. Without it, to be honest, any practitioner in his ce would have died in the near future.


    Lovr was in despair. He really didn''t see a chance to win. He will definitely miss with "The sovereign''s stare". Energy is running out. The body is in critical condition. There are no trumps¡­ There is only "The Sphere of Annihtion", but now, as experiments have shown, its power is only slightly higher than that of "The cut of darkness" with the sword weighing 9 tons, and the girl certainly will not allow this technique to hit herself.


    But another thing was even more disturbing: the sister seemed to be distraught! Her eyes were bright red, like precious rubies. Those eyes made the heart feel oppressed, as if you were fighting an intrepid bloodthirsty beast.


    Shepletely ignored the multiple cuts on her clothes, which gave the audience a view of the rather private parts of her body. For any nobledy, this would be more than a good reason to give up, because for them the most important thing is to maintain dignity.


    Also, judging by the expression on her face, she did not feel pain. It was as if all these numerous injuries all over her body didn''t exist for her. The movements are not at all constrained! She even forgot about the healing technique.


    All this could be attributed to a state of passion, but no. Her movements have not be more straightforward and readable. Moreover, her speed and strength have increased significantly, which ispletely absurd, because their source is elemental energy, but she definitely did not raise her stage of development, otherwise the empress would have intervened¡­ The girl seemed to blossom, bing really serious and dangerous.


    Every provocation, every missed and inflicted blow, every new cut on the clothes fueled the anger, rage, hatred and bloodlust of Valkyrie. However, she is not one of those people who are dominated by sensual impulses. She is able to control and manage her emotions. So, for example, she transformed all the negativity into energy, with the help of which she became much faster, stronger and more durable. At the same time, the girl''s mind remained crystal clear. There was only one thought in her head: to win at any cost.


    Torres, perhaps, got such pleasure from the fight for the first time in her life, which did not reduce her desire to break the opponent''s spine at all. This bastard not only bares her in front of a lot of people, but also repeatedly injures her. The grandfather would have executed him in the most cruel way for any of his actions. She wasn''t going to let it go either.


    {She''s not one of those people who gets lost in battle¡­ You shouldn''t have pissed her off, Dick¡­ You''re going to lose today. ept your defeat with honor.} ¨C Felix thought.


    ~CRU-U-UM~ ~BOOM~


    Baker''s ribs took a powerful blow. The nasty crunch of bones echoed in his ears.


    Kyon, who hit the barrier, vomited blood, as the rib pierced his esophagus. He didn''t want to get up because of despair and pain. It seems that he is not destined to defeat his sister¡­ Looking at his opponent once more, he was sure of it¡­


    Valkyrie''s entire body was covered with a centimeteryer of blood-red mist. §ª§ã§ç§à§Õ§ñ§ë§Ñ§ñ §à§ä §ß§Ö§Ô§à §Ñ§å§â§Ñ §ã§Ø§Ú§Þ§Ñ§Ý§Ñ §Ô§à§â§Ý§à §ä§Ñ§Ü, §é§ä§à §ã§ä§Ñ§ß§à§Ó§Ú§Ý§à§ã§î §ä§â§å§Õ§ß§à §Õ§í§ê§Ñ§ä§î, §Ú §Ó§Þ§Ö§ã§ä§Ö §ã §ï§ä§Ú§Þ §Ù§Ñ§ã§ä§Ñ§Ó§Ý§ñ§Ý§Ñ §ã§Ö§â§Õ§è§Ñ §Ó§ã§Ö§ç §á§â§Ú§ã§å§ä§ã§ä§Ó§å§ð§ë§Ú§ç §ñ§â§à§ã§ä§ß§à §Ò§Ú§ä§î§ã§ñ. An inexplicable thirst for blood engulfed all the spectators. The girl''s emotions turned out to be so vivid and immense that they took on a physical form! Something phenomenal was happening.


    Valkyrie''s scarlet eyes, deep and clear like a mountainke, glowed ominously, like those of a berserker, hungry for murder and violence, as she rushed to the attack¡­

 Chapter 552

    Chapter 552It was the first time Felix had seen his disciple demonstrating this ability with a red mist. It is worth paying tribute to Dick, he revealed new facets of possibilities in the girl! However, he will have to pay for it.


    The young man will definitely lose¡­


    Elsa, worrying about Kyon, tensed up and clenched her fists so tight that her knuckles turned white.


    Clementine, Seraphima, and all the spectators no longer believed in Baker''s victory.


    A bloodthirsty gleam appeared in the red eyes of Valkyrie, and she rushed to the opponent with such speed that almost no one could see her, and even the surface of the arena cracked.


    Kyon''s pupils narrowed. In an instant, a variety of thoughts flew through his head.


    {This mist¡­ The aura emanating from it¡­ Had the emotions taken on a physical form? Does she have a body linked with emotions? This would exin why she strangely strengthened after each missed attack¡­ And it would immediately be clear why she mocked past participants: not because of her disgusting upbringing, or rather, not only because of it, but because she has a unique body that requires other people''s emotions for development, like my body of the Void!}


    Kyon''s eyes widened with realization. All these thoughts were just an assumption, however monstrously usible, and if things really are like that, then he still has a chance.


    A moment before Valkyrie''s punch crashed into the fat man''s chest, the whole world suddenly went out, it was pitch ck. All the senses seemed to be turned off at once, whether it be sight, hearing, smell, touch, spiritual feeling and even emotions.


    The true purpose of "The sh of darkness" has always been a mystery to Kyon. It would be a mistake to attribute this technique to attacking abilities, because it can only be used to kill an ordinary rodent that is very close. But what was the purpose of this sh, besides the banal blinding? What is the principle on which it works? He had a theory: "The sh of darkness" is the reverse side of life, so it eliminates the brightest manifestations of vital energy - the element of light and... sensations, emotions and feelings - the concentrate of this very life.


    Under the influence of "The sh of darkness" the scarlet mist covering Valkyrie''s body quickly dissipated like frost on the sun. All the emotions umted by the girl, which she used to strengthen herself, instantly disappeared.


    At this moment, only a small part of those present could feel what was happening in the arena, Lanatelle and Felix were among them. They felt Baker suddenly disappear!


    Valkyrie''s strike suddenly did not find its target, although it was impossible¡­


    Just at that moment, the darkness that had engulfed the entire arena hall dissipated¡­


    Discouraged, Torres turned around abruptly and almost bumped her forehead against the sword, covered with a ck film, raised above her head. The girl tried to take the blow in the palms, but suddenly realized that all her explosive speed had disappeared somewhere, and weakness appeared in her body from nowhere¡­ The red mist has dissipated!


    ~BA-A-ANG~


    "The cut of darkness" crashed into Valkyrie''s head, mming her into the floor of the arena with a terrible roar.


    The audience was shocked. Elsa, Seraphima and Clementine jumped up from their seats.


    Lanatelle lost herposure for a second, raising her eyebrows in mild surprise.


    Felix''s eyes bulged at the unprecedented sight.


    However, Valkyrie is not one of those who will calmly lose because of one missed attack, even in the head? The knocked down girl jumped up sharply, but suddenly absurdly leaned sideways, almost falling again. However, she was still standing. Numerous bloody tracks ran down her face from the ce of injury. Her gaze had lost its predatory crimson luster, but that didn''t make it seem any less sinister.


    ?W-what did you do to me?!? ¨C the girl growled in a weak voice. She felt a strong mise in both soul and body¡­ She will definitely not be able to fight at the same level. She is unlikely to be able to fight for 10 seconds!


    ?I kicked your ass.? ¨C Kyon answered shortly, smiling confidently.


    ?Kicked my¡­ ass?? ¨C Valkyrie''s beautiful face contorted in rage. ¨C ?Well, no!? ¨C to the detriment of herself, the girl forcibly activated the spiritual attack that she had previously used on Asagi. Her purple eyes lit up.


    {?Wring your neck!?} ¨C Torresmanded by telepathy.


    ?Screw you!? ¨C Kyon rumbled imperiously, activating "The sovereign''s stare".


    Something broke in Valkyrie''s soul. She began to feel dizzy. Her heart was shackled with fear she had never experienced before, as if Magnus had said it. Her eyes took on a blue tint, as if showing the emotions experienced by the girl.


    Lovr did not stand idle. Having shortened the distance, he attacked the opponent in the chest, but not with "The cut of darkness". sma enveloped his sword. It was necessary to get rid of the evidence ¨C to evaporate all the blood that he had shed in the arena. And a transparent "Sphere of annihtion" has formed at the tip of the weapon. An iparable all-pervading aura emanated from it, causing awe. Its will is unbreakable. She stood above everything.


    Only Elsa recognized this aura, since no one else was at the tournament of families in Boston.


    {Will I¡­ Lose?..} ¨C a frightening thought shed through Torres'' mind. ¨C {No! No way!} ¨C a moment before getting hit, the girl activated the formation in the scepter, which was created for her by her grandfather''s old friend - the guardian.


    The air vibrated with overflowing energy.


    Kyon felt the weight of the mountain fall on him. He mmed into the floor together with the sword, and with such force that he almost pierced it with his body. He couldn''t move or breathe¡­ "The sphere of Annihtion" copsed. The searing heat spread through the arena, evaporating all the blood.


    Valkyrie smiled vindictively, lookedcently down at Baker, and ruthlessly said: ?You will pay dearly for all your vile tricks¡­ And you will remember your punishment for the rest of your life. me only yourself for this.? ¨C having collected all the energy avable to her, she hit the defenseless guy with a scepter in the back, right in the spine, intending to make him a cripple for the rest of his life.


    ?Sto-o-o-op!? ¨C Elsa screamed in panic.


    The onlookers became quiet.


    Lanatelle disappeared from her throne in an instant, swept away the protective barrier with her palm as if it were a soap bubble, and grabbed Torres by the wrist, stopping her blow.


    Valkyrie felt a strange energy invading her body, simr to cold, but in fact it wasn''t it. The blood in her veins trembled with some primal horror¡­ But the girl did not sumb to fear.


    ?You''ve done a big stupid thing, girl.? ¨C the empress said with her usual impassive look.


    ?I don''t understand you¡­? ¨C Torres pretended to be silly. She regained her original development and tried to pull her arm out, but realized that she still couldn''t do it.


    Felix appeared nearby and demanded in a steely tone: ?Let my disciple go.?


    As soon as the empress released her hand, the girl immediately stood next to the master, shifting her hostile gaze from the woman to the vile fat man who was rising.


    ?Why did you stop the fight?? ¨C Felix asked angrily.


    ?Obviously, the reason is in the formation that your disciple used.?


    ?There is no such prohibition!? ¨C Valkyrie was indignant. ¨C ?Baker also used the formation, teleporting his sword to him! You had no right to interfere!?


    ?You weren''t asked.? ¨C Lanatelle narrowed her eyes menacingly, and her silver eyes glowed unkindly.


    Torres tried to look away, but she couldn''t. She seemed to be riveted to the eyes of the empress. Her soul was seized with awe. Terrible images of rivers and rains of blood appeared in her head from nowhere¡­ The girl turned pale sharply and almost lost consciousness, but the master blocked her view with his palm in time.


    ?How dare you use a spiritual attack on my disciple?!? ¨C Felix was angry. There was no respect left in his voice, only rage. Moreover, the pressure of the overlord phaser at the beginning stage began to emanate from him, because of which everyone in the hall felt like a small and insignificant bug. He was trying to intimidate the empress!


    However, Lanatelle did not even raise an eyebrow and, with a smooth gesture, put out her palm in front of her¡­


    There was an explosion in Felix''s head. His eyes were dull, he heard ringing in his ears¡­ The old man fell to his knees, gasping for air convulsively. The pressure that had just hit him could not belong to a mortal being¡­ Images of boundless oceans of me shed in his mind. The earth, water and even the heavens were burning¡­


    ?Master, are you all right?!? ¨C Valkyrie excitedly hugged the old man by the shoulders.


    ?You came to my pce and offered to test the strength of my disciples under a usible pretext, but in reality you are using formations of apletely different level to cripple them! So that''s what the honor and dignity of the Torres is worth?!?


    The imperious icy voice of Lanatelle prated the hearts of all listeners. Her indignation was felt physically and spiritually, and no one would dare to argue with her. Everything is so obvious: the cracks on the floor will not lie. Torres used a really powerful formation.


    Valkyrie was afraid to even look up. She didn''t think it would turn out like this¡­ She hoped that the master would silence the indignant empress, but the woman suppressed him with a wave of her hand¡­ Yes, the girl acted meanly, but she could not put up with such injustice. She had all the trumps in her hands, but somehow Baker beat them all! He didn''t deserve to win! The bastard should be punished for everything he did to her¡­


    ?I turned a blind eye to the fact that you made Asagi humiliatingly beat himself up, that you mentally crushed Elsa, that you broke Stein''s knees and spirit¡­ But using a powerful formation to cripple Dick is the ultimate dishonor. It''s strange that your master stood up for you after what you did. You deserve each other. But I won''t tolerate that. Apologize to my disciple.? ¨C demanded Lanatelle.


    ?What?? ¨C Valkyrie looked up at the empress in amazement and shuddered. Apologizing means admitting you''re wrong. Whoever is stronger is right, therefore the apology of the granddaughter of the patriarch of the Torres to the noble phaser at the finishing stage is equivalent to a crushing blow to dignity ¨C that is, an incredible humiliation.


    Valkyrie shifted her gaze to the master, but his unhealthy appearance did not inspire confidence. Obviously, he was afraid of the empress, that is, he recognized her superiority over himself.


    {?I''m sorry, I can''t help. The empress has some kind of secret weapon against which I can''t oppose anything¡­ You know you''ve made a mistake. There are always consequences. Do it¡­ Just apologize to him.?} ¨C Felix asked.


    Sighing heavily, Torres looked coldly at Dick and quickly said: ?Excuse me.? ¨C there was no sincerity or regret in her voice, only irritation.


    ?Your apologies are no good. Do it properly, getting down on one knee, putting your fist on your heart and bowing your head.? ¨C Lanatelle nodded at the dirty, cracked floor.


    There seemed to be an invisible explosion in the air ¨C that''s about how everyone reacted.


    Even Kyon felt a little confused.


    Today, the audience was already surprised several lives ahead, but the fact that the empress demands from the granddaughter of the patriarch of the great Torres to apologize to Dick in a particrly humiliating pose for her is another event that defiesmon sense.


    ?I won''t kneel! And if you try to force me, then my grandfather¡­?


    ?Don''t even try to scare me.? ¨C Lanatelle snapped. ¨C ?No one is forcing anyone. However, you know that your act is worthy of everyone''s contempt. Since you are unable to apologize sincerely, then you will do it, observing all the formalities. If you refuse, I will have to teach you another lesson: the record of your duel will fall into the hands of all the families of Saturn. I wonder what they will say when they see if the legendary Lady Torres "knows" how to lose.? ¨C the nephrite with the formation appeared in her hands.


    People couldn''t believe their ears. The empress is almost openly ckmailing the granddaughter of the patriarch of the 1st rank family of the greatest empire in the world! Moreover, in the presence of the venerable master, who, however, does nothing, only remains gloomily silent.


    Valkyrie was in indescribable shock. She was confused and depressed. If the record of the fight where she lost to the noble phaser falls into the hands of all the families, then she will beughed at¡­ She will be disgraced! Grandpa will definitely do something stupid! The honor of the Torres, as well as her own, will take a serious blow, and then Magnus will definitely not allow the first prince to date someone who failed miserably¡­


    {Why did I snap¡­} ¨C the girl regretted what she had done. Being the queen of emotions, she eventually was misled by emotions¡­ She still has a lot to learn.


    Seeing the hesitation on Torres'' face, Lanatelle added: ?Don''t worry. No one outside the pce will know about it. My servants will execute anyone who spreads the news, as well as their inner circle. I give you an imperial oath.? ¨C she looked at everyone present with an icy gaze, causing them to tremble uncontrobly.


    {?You don''t have to apologize¡­ I''ll exin everything to the patriarch, and he¡­?} ¨C Felix began.


    {?I feel that if I don''t do this, my life will change for the worse¡­ The consequences will be terrible. I have no choice, master.?} ¨C Valkyrie concluded with tears in her beautiful dark purple eyes. Since Dick is from the Baker family, and the grandfather will want to deal with the offender of his granddaughter at any cost, a war between two great families ising¡­ Her pride is not worth such longsting catastrophic consequences. However, she didn''t want to apologize to this geek¡­ But she has no choice.


    When the sister knelt down, put her fist on her heart and bowed her head, Kyon felt such indescribable satisfaction and peace that it seemed that his soul would soar to heaven right now. Here it is, the taste of justice.


    ?Forgive¡­ me¡­ please¡­? ¨C Torres said slowly.


    Lovr felt negative emotionsing from Valkyrie, which gave him 10% of darkness! No doubt thedy felt a dizzying hatred. If they were alone, she would have torn off his head¡­ However, the girl skillfully took control of all emotions and hid them so that none of them could be seen on her face.


    ?Apologies epted.? ¨C Kyon replied with a condescending smile, as if he had spared a beggar who identally stepped on his foot. ¨C {But not approved.} ¨C he thought, because such an insincere apology, even in a kneeling position, is certainly not enough for her attempt to cripple him. And her bullying of Elsa is not forgotten. As for the duel, he did not hold a grudge against the girl, because she fought honestly almost to the very end.


    Valkyrie''s face turned treacherously red because of the fat guy''s mocking words. She experienced such a burning humiliation for the first time in her life. Her pride took a crushing blow¡­ And all because of the damn Dick. She hated him so much¡­ Here he is - her antagonist.


    Without looking up, Torres got up and, together with the master, silently left the arena hall in utter silence. However, they did not go to the teleportation hall, but upstairs, because they still had unfinished business with the empress.

 Chapter 553

    Chapter 553When the guests from Saturn left, people were finally able to breathe easily. It was hard to believe what had happened: Valkyrie Torres not only lost to Dick, who was inferior to her by 22 stages, but also refused to ept defeat with honor and used a powerful suppressive formation to cripple the enemy, for which she eventually had to apologize in an extremely humiliating form for her¡­ Also, the empress suppressed the archmaster with the insanely high development with just a flick of her hand! Today would have gone down in the history of Rosarrio, if the empress had not forbidden to talk about it.


    Lanatelle gave Baker apletely calm look.


    Kyon hastened to fall to his knees. However, it seemed that he did it out of fatigue.


    An imperial representative ran up to him and solemnly dered him the winner, after which he read out the oath of a direct disciple in loyalty to the empress.


    Lovr took the oath, but, of course, he was not going to keep it, and he had the right to do so.


    The empress took out an exquisitely decorated ceremonial sword, and lowered it first on the right shoulder of the young man, and then on the left one: {?From now on, you, Kyon Stone, are my direct disciple.?} ¨C she solemnly said with telepathy, but slightly different words sounded aloud. ¨C ?From now on, you, Dick Baker, are my direct disciple.?


    To the surprise of almost everyone gathered in the arena, general Richard was the first to apud. It seems that he no longer held a grudge against Baker for the crushing victory over his grandson. Is he trying to gain favor? No, he''s not that kind of person. Everything is simpler: he appreciated the strength of the young man!


    The apuse covered the hall with a deafening wave. The windows vibrated from its noise.


    {?Congrattions on your victory, Kyon¡­ Congrattions on the well-deserved title of direct disciple. You¡­ You fought amazingly.?} ¨C there were notes of admiration in Elsa''s mental voice. The girl not only appreciated his abilities, but also experienced a warm feeling of gratitude for, albeit indirect, but still revenge on the offender.


    {?Thank you.?} ¨C Kyon answered her without turning around.


    The twin sisters, seeing Baker''s contradictory abilities, became seriously interested in his person, which, of course, suppressed most of their dislike for him. However, it was still not sympathy. Pure curiosity.


    Clementine has long concluded that even with full energy she would not have defeated Baker, so she let go of her resentment for the recent defeat. The fat guy deserved that damned title.


    After the oath, Lanatelle took out a pill, and the apuse immediately stopped. The amazing healing aura of medicine filled the entire arena hall. Under its influence, an ordinary person would heal any cuts and wounds in a matter of minutes.


    The empress smoothly sent the pill to the disciple with a light gesture, after which the woman gracefully turned around and left, finally sending a telepathic message: {?I''ll be waiting for you tomorrow at six in the evening on the thirteenth floor.?}


    Kyon took the medicine without taking his eyes off the retreating back of the regal woman. Her help with Valkyrie and the gift pleased him, but that doesn''t change anything. Sooner orter, the vitor of the oath wille to a tragic end¡­


    The tournament has officiallye to an end.


    As soon as the empress left the hall, people rushed to the direct disciple of the empress, the second most authoritative person in the empire, wanting to curry favor with him: to congratte, tter, present a gift or simply offer services of all kinds.


    ?Leave me alone.? ¨C Kyon demanded with emphasis and limped away¡­


    No one dared to be indignant, after all, the guy went through the rough ordeal. However, the most cunning ones shouted out wishes for a speedy recovery, not forgetting to mention their first name,st name and even position.


    On the way, Lovr was overtaken by pce doctors¡­ As soon as the guy barely got rid of them, a mustachioed man approached him and with a low, measured bow, politely said:


    ?Mr. Baker, let me, your personal head butler, Strichhoelz, escort you to your new apartment on the ninth floor¡­?


    Junior disciples live on the 3rd floor and are not allowed to go higher than the 5th floor without permission. Senior disciples live on the 6th floor, and they are not allowed to walk above the 8th floor. As for the direct disciple¡­ He would like to have ess everywhere.


    ?Do you mind if I call you Alfred?? ¨C Kyon asked in a tired voice.


    ?Yes, sir¡­ It''s up to you.? ¨C Alfred bowed his head respectfully.


    ?Then be ready to meet me tomorrow at 9 a.m.¡­?


    ?Yes, sir.? ¨C with a bow, the butler left.


    Kyon finally got to his temporaryir. Having somehow taken a shower, he swallowed the medicine given to him by the empress, not forgetting to scan it, and went to bed.


    The body was enveloped in a pleasant coolness. The damaged muscles and other tissues were fused with incredible speed, which even made the body itch. It looks like he will have recovered almostpletely by tomorrow''s meeting with Lanatelle.


    In the morning, a crowd of junior disciples of the empress met Kyon outside the threshold of the room. They all looked at him with sincere respect. The reason was not only the title, but also his personal strength, demonstrated yesterday in the fight with Valkyrie.


    And everyone suddenly seemed to stop noticing his repulsive appearance. Some girls even flirtatiously made eyes at him, such hypocrites.


    Young people held offerings in their hands.


    Two Russells, who had previously harmed Baker, prostrated themselves, begging for forgiveness. They were well aware that even if they were not executed, they would be pecked to death by other disciples. In their hands, the guys held spatial rings with a huge fortune for them.


    Kyon, of course, epted all the gifts with nods of approval, as if letting the young people know that they are doing everything right and should keep this up.


    Suddenly Lovr heard two pleasant girlish voices in his head.


    {?Hey, chubby, let''s talk,e here¡­?} ¨C crossing her arms and half turning to the side, as if she didn''t really need it, Clementine asked in an unusual tone for her: without the usual contempt and neglect.


    {?Mr. Dick, I have a few questions. Do you mind talking over a cup of jasmine tea??} ¨C Seraphima politely asked. She gave the impression of an intelligent girl, which was charming in its own way.


    Suddenly, the twins noticed each other, and lightning seemed to sh between them. Their behavior towards Baker changed dramatically.


    {?Either me or her! If you choose her, you will regret it!?} ¨C Clementine hissed, but then it suddenly dawned on her that she was threatening a direct disciple. ¨C {?Don''t get me wrong¡­ I mean, this white chicken will peck out your brains! Believe me, she only looks docile, but she''s a devil. Unlike her, I am a real angel¡­?}


    The freaky manner of dressing, piercings in the corners of the lips and on the nose, as well as the deep and uniform tan of the girl made her statements "just a little bit" doubtful.


    {?Don''t go with her, she''ll eat you!?} ¨C Seraphima dered and suddenly realized that the fat guy could misinterpret her words. ¨C {?No, no, I didn''t mean that! She''s just so rotten from the inside that¡­ Oh, no, you might have misunderstood me again! Oh well, if youe with me, I''ll thank you! But not in the way that you might think, if you thought exactly what I thought¡­ Just don''t think that I''m vulgar! I''m not interested in you at all in this regard¡­ But just don''t be offended, please!?}


    Kyon looked first at the light one, then at the dark one, and made a fateful choice¡­


    When the fat guy silently walked past both sisters, they couldn''t even move. It took them a while to realize that he hadn''t chosen either of them, as if they were both unworthy of meeting him¡­ Such arrogance angered the girls! Who does he think he is?! However, the angry twins prudently decided not to throw tantrums because of his antics.


    Alfred met Kyon on the 9th floor and escorted him to his new quarters.


    A miniature pce ¨C that''s what came to mind at the sight of the new ce of residence. Luxurious house inside the pce! Exquisite and spacious, with impable style and interior. Kyon was pleased with the new apartment, even involuntarily remembered Le¡­ Oh, she would have screamed with happiness if she had known that she would live here.


    There was still plenty of time before the meeting with Lanatelle, so Kyon decided to do something. At his request, the butler sent an invitation to a girl three floors below¡­


    Soon the beautiful blonde graced the room with her presence.


    Imagine her surprise when she met the messenger of the goddess in his real form¡­ The girl was speechless and could not say anything for a minute! And she could not take her bottomless shining eyes off the handsome face of the young man.


    The couple talked about everything over tea with pretzels.


    Kyon could see how much Elsa liked him. If his girlfriend was talking to another guy like that, then it would be possible to draw conclusions that you screwed uppletely, and you need to end this rtionship as soon as possible.


    Lovr dly began to y with the guest: to flirt, provoke, joke, flip the script and make ambiguous non-trivial hints.


    Due to proper upbringing, Elsa immediately realized what everything was leading to, and wanted to leave¡­


    However, Kyon stopped her by asking her to give him a foot massage, which resulted in the most amazing massage of his life¡­ Her skills were amazing ¨C how hard she was trying right now ¨C her palms were soft and gentle. But her charming reaction was the best: her ears turned red and she was afraid to look up.


    Any junior disciple of the empress would give everything he has for such a service¡­


    After a few minutes of heavenly pleasure, Kyon could not restrain himself and, gently touching the chin of the beauty, lifted her head to meet her gaze. Her clear green eyes flickered and became misty. Cheeks turned pink.


    Taking advantage of Elsa''s confusion, Lovr gently stroked her silky golden hair. With this action, he thanked the girl for the magnificent foot massage and anxiety at the tournament, and also consolidated his strong position.


    This posture¡­ This situation¡­ The unusually charismatic handsome guy affectionately strokes her hair¡­ He is charming, smart, gifted in every way, stronger and more popr than her, and most importantly, he gained undeniable authority and achieved a high position in the Rosarrio hierarchy. At the same time, she has a boyfriend, whom she promised to marry¡­


    Anyone in Elsa''s ce would like to fall into the ground from embarrassment. Thedy couldn''t stand it for a long time either. With a cry: ?Moron!? ¨C she, restraining herself, pped him on the cheek and, having disappeared, ran headlong out of the direct disciple''s apartment. It was too much for her. She did not approve of his behavior, but she could not get angry properly either.


    Kyonughed out loud. The n to beat the darkness out of Rose leaped forward with giant strides.


    The guy decided not to waste the next few hours: he started training.


    The time was approaching 18:00, and Lovr went to the 13th floor, deciding not to change his identity. After all, the empress already knows who he is. Pleasant appearance will surely earn him some points in her eyes. Though she might not care.


    He was wary of Lanatelle, so he prepared well for the meeting. He had someone else''s blood with him in case of a check. Also in his pocket he kept the nephrite with a flight formation, given to him by the matriarch of the subi. Theoretically, if the woman tries to kill him, he will have time to enter the astral ne by jumping outside the pce, and then fly away.


    It was time for a momentous encounter with his enemy¡­


    The throne room was located on the 12th, penultimate floor of the pce. Thest floor, where Kyon was heading, was the ce where the empress goes about her business. An ordinary person does not have ess here. It can be said that only the most trusted pce servants and guardse here.


    Going up, Lovr was stopped by imperial guards in gray masks at the border of each floor, and after checking the formation, they allowed him to go further. The higher the floor was, the greater the threat came from them, and the more dangerous they seemed.


    Finally, Kyon got to the very top and went inside. The decoration and entourage here did not seem overly luxurious: a minimum of items and decorations, but everything was done in blood-white tones. It is easy to understand that the empress is not interested in all sorts of shiny trinkets. Once he had already been here in the guise of Zosimos.


    As soon as the clock struck 6, Lovr felt goosebumps in the back of his head and turned around¡­

 Chapter 554

    Chapter 554Turning around, Kyon saw her¡­ The extraordinarily beautiful woman with silver eyes that seemed to see right through him¡­ The graceful figure of the empress was wrapped in a long thin silver robe. The mere presence of her majesty was enough for everyone around her to obey her implicitly. Her powerful aura put so much pressure on the mind and soul that even the indescribable beauty of the woman was pushed into the background.


    Lovr hurried to greet the empress, observing all the formalities.


    Lanatelle looked at the handsome young man with a piercing gaze and said in anguid voice: ?It would be better for you to forget about this personality of yours.?


    Kyon raised his eyebrows questioningly: ?Don''t you like my appearance??


    ?I absolutely don''t care what you look like, so there''s not the slightest reason why you should show the face of the messenger of the goddess.? ¨C she exined coldly.


    ?Don''t you want anyone to know who I really am??


    ?Of course. You know how many people are interested in getting you. As your patron, I am responsible for you. If unwanted people find out about your true identity, then I won''t be able to protect you.?


    ?I understand you perfectly¡­ It won''t happen again.? ¨C Kyon humbly agreed and started talking about the main thing. ¨C ?I am now your direct disciple. Let me know what ns you have for me and what is required of me.? ¨Che asked this because the traditional rtionship of a master and a disciple clearly does not fall under this case. He only hoped that the woman would not encroach on his freedom ¨C what he values most of all.


    Lanatelle gracefully sat down on a chair, crossed her long legs, sipped "the wine" from the ss that appeared in her hands and spoke dispassionately: ?You''re good at the technique of movements¡­ Your techniques are iparable¡­ Your skills as an alchemist and formacist can also challenge the heavens¡­ As your master, I am not qualified to teach you anything new. I can only offer you ess to inter-imperial level tournaments, resources and patronage. Since you are my direct disciple, there is no longer any need for you to take any precautions within Rosarrio. There are only three ces you are not allowed to go without my permission: the imperial department, any of the closed doors on this floor, and the basement of the pce where the treasury is located.?


    Kyon''s heart trembled excitedly, but he immediately pulled himself together. The first ce indicates that Lanatelle respects the 0th general. Everything is clear with the second ce: a direct disciple should not intrude into her personal life. As for the third ce, there is not only a treasury there¡­ Surely Valeera is there!


    ?As for resources¡­? ¨C the woman''s voice faintly darkened as shezily looked in the mirror. ¨C ?You must understand that Rosarrio is not the richest empire. A megapolis, two cities and four viges ¨C that''s what the seven human empires are. The weak and defenseless is always dependent on the strong and powerful. Rosarrio exists only because it benefits someone. The Torres arrived, as you could already understand, in order to collect tribute.?


    ?Tribute?? ¨C Kyon muttered.


    ?Officially, the exnation of the Saturn authorities says that tribute is a payment for protection. And someone really still believes in it, even despite the example of this blind faith ¨C the empire of Cliath,pletely destroyed by the supreme beasts.?


    Lovr perked up a little after hearing such information. There is not a single word about this event in any library. Everything is obviously kept in the strictest confidence. However, it is quite reasonable that the strong prosper at the expense of the weak, bing even stronger.


    After a short silent pause, indicating that the empress was giving him the opportunity to take the initiative, Kyon asked: ?I heard that you were looking for a gifted alchemist. Is the reason in the medicine of transformation??


    Lanatelle nodded briefly and took out a box containing a coal-ck ball. The atmosphere became denser due to the energy emanating from him, and the smell of burnt wood resin spread in the air.


    ?Isn''t that... the medicine of transformation??


    ?A gift from the Torres for your victory. I couldn''t identify it. Can you help me??


    Kyon carefully picked up the ball and began to study it, muttering: ?Demon fir resin as a foundation¡­ A very dubious decision. Hmm¡­ That smell¡­ Spiritual stimnt! How rough¡­ Oh, that smell is familiar to me too¡­ It looks like they added concentrated powder from the horn of a subus, apparently of the highest rank!?


    Lanatelle''s eyes shone mysteriously as she listened to the goddess'' messenger''s thoughts. It took her a lot longer to figure it all out.


    Lovr returned the pill to the box and gloomily summed up: ?You have indeed been given the medicine of transformation into the overlord phase¡­ Exclusive work. And it''s of great quality! Which, however, is not surprising, given the resin of the demonic fir in the base. The fact is that this resin is extremely loyal to other ingredients, but in exchange for this uniqueness, it is extremely toxic, and it is impossible to purify it.?


    The empress pointedly kept silent, making it clear that he should continue.


    ?In general, if you take this medicine, you are highly likely to break into the overlord phase, even despite the unsessful attempt in the past, but the side effects¡­ You won''t like them.?


    A spark of curiosity shed across the woman''s face. The fact that he was aware of the unsessful transformation attempt did not seem to surprise her.


    Kyon coughed in embarrassment: ?For example, the concentrated powder from the subus horn in this medicine focuses on the female womb, an extremely vulnerable and important ce in the soul of any woman¡­ It really should work, especially on virgins, but the side effect¡­ Ahem¡­ High chances of infertility and¡­ To put it gently¡­ Increased desire to make love.?


    The empress crossed her long legs, continuing to remain silent.


    {This technique is annoying¡­} ¨C that''s what Lovr thought about her "silent interrogation".


    Talking about side effects can actually be considered a test of integrity. If he withholds something, the consequences can be unpredictable, so he was forced to tell everything he knew.


    ?And one more thing: a spiritual stimnt based on the toxic resin of demonic fir ensures that it will be incredibly difficult for you to reach each next stage of development¡­ As for the breakthrough into the overlord phase, you can forget about it.?


    ?I see.? ¨C Lanatelle nodded with satisfaction, hid the ball in the box, which she then put into the ring, and began to speak seriously. ¨C ?I need the medicine of transformation into the overlord phase of a very high quality. These are sold only once a year at auctions in Saturn, and their price reaches astronomical values that I cannot afford for the reasons previously mentioned. Tell me, can I hope that you, the greatest alchemist of the era, will help me?? ¨C she asked, looking shrewdly at Kyon.


    {Here it is - an opportunity!} ¨C Lovr did not know a better way to take revenge on the enemy than to do it for his own money. By making medicine, he will gain the empress''s trust, and while she will transform her soul for 1-2 weeks, he will save Valeera.


    And that''s not all the advantages. For the money of the Russells, he will learn the principle of making the most expensive,plex and important branch of alchemy: medicine directly rted to development. It includes the medicines of transformation, breakthrough and eleration of development. The principles of their manufacture are simr in many ways.


    ?I will dly take up this task, master. However, I will need time, ingredients, resources and recipes of simr medicine on which I can practice¡­ There is no need to hire mentors.? ¨C no one in the world could say Kyon''s final words, since making any medicine without a mentor is like reinventing the wheel. Almost no one has the ability to do this.


    ?I''ll give you everything you need. However, you must understand that I do not have a recipe for the medicine of transformation into the overlord phase. The great families in Saturn sell them for huge sums of money. I can''t afford such expenses. You will have to create medicine based only on the ingredients it consists of. You can buy this information without any problems for a reasonable price. But can you, "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron", build a high-quality house without blueprints, with only building materials??


    ?I can handle it.? ¨C Kyon confidently dered. ¨C ?But let me choose this house myself¡­?


    ?Of course. Choose what you want. You can read the listter¡­?


    ?"Frozen heart" medicine.? ¨C immediately answered Lovr.


    Lanatelle''s thin eyebrows rose in surprise: ?"Frozen heart" medicine? It is extremely difficult to make¡­ What is the reason for this choice??


    ?The reason is that it is much more effective inparison with any simr medicine of the same purity. And all due to the fact that its main requirement isplete serenity in the heart of the one who is going to take it, otherwise a failure with a serious recoil will follow. You are a very rational person, resistant to strong emotions, which just fits the condition. And once you failed in a breakthrough, so such high-quality medicine is an ideal option.? ¨C Kyon calmly exined.


    But there are actually two more reasons. Firstly, if Lovr manages to learn how to make such aplex medicine, then the production of any other medicine of a simr type will be easier for him. Secondly, before taking the pill, it should be sprinkled with the blood of the one who will take it. This is a great opportunity to steal the drop of blood the 0th general needs.


    ?A good choice. You really deserve to be my direct disciple.? ¨C The empress praised the young man. ¨C ?You will receive a detailed list of the ingredients needed to make it in the next week. And now you can start practicing using the ingredients in the treasury. Buy the missing items through the Golden Pig guild, with which you cooperate.?


    {She knows a lot about me¡­} ¨C Kyon thought discontentedly.


    However, it is not difficult to find out that he is "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron", whose medicine is sold like hotcakes even in other empires, given his alchemical antics in the order.


    Lanatelle finished her thought: ?In a month I can give you five billion spheres for alchemical needs. I hope that in theing years you will make for me "Frozen heart" medicine of at least excellent quality.?


    {Only five billion?! In theing years?!} ¨C Kyon was taken aback. ¨C ?Lady Lanatelle, you underestimate my skills. I can do it in a month! However, five billion is definitely not enough for me¡­ If you would give me more¡­ I will take care of the expense report. Your investment in a direct disciple will pay off handsomely.?


    The empress shook her head: ?The six-year-long world war has exhausted the Russells treasury. The post-war reconstruction of cities and the strengthening of the army also did not allow to umte reserves. And no one canceled the annual tribute. Five billion a month is the maximum amount I can allocate.?


    Kyon''s mood changed dramatically. He doesn''t have that much time at all. Valeera is probably tortured every day in the cers of the pce¡­ It is unlikely that she will be able not to give up for more than a few months, after which she will tell everything she knows, including the fact that Zosimos is Kyon. He can save her only by learning theyout of the pce, and for this information he will have to deliver the drop of blood to the 0th general. And it would be better for him to find Valeera when Lanatelle transforms the soul to minimize the risks.


    {And how am I supposed to pull this off¡­ Borrow from the Golden Pig guild?} ¨C it was not even a question, but a statement. There is simply no other option. He will have to take on almost all the costs of making transformation medicine with a trick.


    The conversation came to an end. Kyon duly said goodbye to the master and headed for the exit, but suddenly turned around and said: ?May I ask onest question??


    ?Yes, you may.?


    ?Is Stephanie Russell rted to you in any way??


    ?Yes.? ¨C Lanatelle answered briefly.


    ?Is she really¡­?


    ?It''s time for you to leave.? ¨C the empress said in an icy tone.


    Kyon bowed once more and left the 13th floor in thought, heading towards the treasure room with the ingredients. Before going to the Golden pig guild, he should find out what amount will at least approximately satisfy his needs.


    As soon as Lovr left the 12th floor, where the powerful barrier blocking anymunication ended, he heard Juno calling on the sound transmitter, followed by hermanding, but somewhat excited voice. She wanted Roman toe to her right away, and swore that he would leave her safe, unharmed and satisfied.


    {Can''t she restrain herself anymore?} ¨C Kyon thought a little disappointedly.

 Chapter 555

    Chapter 555Roman was forced to agree to go into the predator''sir under the condition of his invibility. He had been hiding from her for 20 days ¨C he was sick of it! Since he had a chance to improve rtions without assault, he could not miss it, otherwise in the foreseeable future he would not have enough strength to constantly run away from his wife.


    Dressed up and perfumed, Clinton came to the door of Juno''s room and, having applied the formation, got inside. Some of the younger disciples grumbled enviously after him. What are you, idiots, jealous of?! What is the point of a beautiful wife if she does not agree to have sex, and the penis is sluggish?!


    With the help of scanning, Roman determined the location of the girl and went to her. Opening the bedroom door, he saw something any guy would melt from: thenguid gaze of the emerald eyes of the golden-haired beauty¡­ She folded her legs on the bed in the shape of the letter "w", her thighs, knees and ankles were touching the sheet. Her slender figure was hugged by a thin gray nightgown with a lowered shoulder strap, which opened up a view of an amazing snow-white shoulder.


    At this time, the invisible Kyon quietly sat in the corner, on which he had ced barriers of concealment in advance, and watched what was happening with a sad expression. He hoped until thest moment that Juno simply wanted to lure Roman to her to beat him half to death for "his" **** 20 days ago, but it seemed that it was not so.


    ?Juno, you¡­? ¨C Roman had a lump in his throat, and he coughed in embarrassment.


    ?What are you waiting for, asshole? Take me before I change my mind!? ¨C the blondedy demanded.


    ?I-I¡­ I can''t¡­? ¨C tears of universal resentment flowed from Clinton''s eyes. In a situation where even the dead woulde to life to do "it", nothing trembled in his pants.


    ?I would love to, but, but¡­? ¨C the guy stammered intively, although Juno didn''t even hear him.


    Meanwhile, Kyon was feeling more and more frustrated and even angry, which had nothing to do with the fact that he was now in a dark state. No matter how much the girl wants sex, this is not a reason to invite the despicable rapist husband to visit her. This act means that her limits of what is permissible are copsing under the onught of libido, and this process is irreversible. It seems that he overestimated his sister''s willpower, or he underestimated the influence of the vulgar flower. And what will happen next? Will he have to rece Roman everyday, knocking him out? It''s too risky¡­ And if he stops going to her, then she may well cheat on him¡­ Constantly controlling her is not what he wanted to do. Is there really no solution?


    Knowing that Juno had a terrible temper, Lovr did not want to reveal the truth to her. She will want to take revenge on him by telling the empress that the messenger of the goddess took her on her wedding night, thereby viting the terms of the Token contract, which is uneptable for the Russells. And constantly controlling her with Synergy is still a waste.


    {I shouldn''t have snappedst time¡­} ¨C Kyon summed up and began to act. He also wanted to rx after a tense meeting with the empress. In addition, he adored, being in his dark state, to mock her, especially in bed.


    Roman, due to suspicions that someone else raped his wife, tried to remain extremely vignt all the time, because of this he managed to feel the appearance of a man from behind¡­


    ?DIE!? ¨C Clinton barked, attacking the enemy behind with his elbow.


    ?Calm down.? ¨C Kyon ordered, and knocked out Roman with a blow of the edge of his hand to the neck, after that he gave him a medicine of soporific and oblivion and threw the victim into a corner with barriers like a bag of garbage.


    Juno could not realize all this due to the influence of Synergy. Seeing her husband''s indecision, she yfully slid off the bed like an aroused cat and walked towards him.


    Kyon hugged the slender beauty tightly and roughly bit into her lips, but suddenly, when she touched his chest, he noticed that she was looking at him sharply, like a panther before an attack¡­


    ~BANG~


    There was a thunderbolt. Thedy ruthlessly attacked her husband in the sr plexus!


    Kyon, realizing that the girl''s energy does not affect him, had to simte an electric shock: he flew back, hitting the wall, and shrank, convulsively shaking his whole body; his hair stood on end.


    ?Y-you swore not to harm me! Cunning viper, how dare you trap me with such dishonorable deception?!? ¨Cmented "Roman", showing with all his appearance that he regretted having trusted this unscrupulous fox.


    But inwardly Kyon was ted with joy and pride for his sister. After all, he was not wrong about Juno, and she invited Roman to her not to have fun, but to take revenge! It''s just a little depressing that she broke her oath so calmly¡­


    The blonde''s subsequent reaction puzzled Lovr: instead of attacking her husband with malicious glee and turning him into mincemeat, she covered her mouth with her palm, and her alreadyrge eyes widened in amazement.


    After a short pause, while the couple stared at each other, Kyon painfully cleared his throat and spoke with iprehension on his face: ?So won''t you¡­ Beat me? If not, then why the fuck did you invite me? Are we really going to have fun today??


    Juno''s eyes, resembling two shining full moons, reflected a whole kaleidoscope of various emotions, which quickly gave way to¡­ Tears. She sat down on the bed and, hugging her knees, turned away, whispering: ?Bastard, you are too merciless to me¡­ I didn''t think that you could be so cruel¡­?


    ?Are you talking about the fact that I conscientiously fulfilled my duty as a husband?? ¨C Kyon was confused and didn''t understand at all why his stepsister was behaving so strangely. ¨C ?It''s not my fault that I can''t resist such a stunningly beautiful wife! So are we going to fuck or not?! Stop bullshitting me!?


    ?I know who you are.? ¨C Juno reluctantly turned to Kyon and burned him with a look full of disappointment.


    Kyon froze as if thunderstruck. Suddenly, the young man realized the full scale of the n that Juno had pulled off, and it amazed him so much that he was speechless, and this is quite rare for him.


    At first, the girl suspected that the messenger of the goddess was hiding under the mask of Roman. Why did she suspect? There are enough prerequisites: Synergy, the ability to transform, the desire for revenge, incredible skills in bed, sudden changes in character and behavior, and more.


    Juno decided to confirm her suspicions by setting a trap: she invited her husband to her ce under the pretext of an unforgettable night, knowing that if Kyon was behind all this, he would not allow Clinton to sleep with her, and would secretly rece him.


    But even so, how exactly did the girl find out that it was not Roman in front of her?


    Using the knowledge of science from the world of Lovr, Juno struck "Roman" with high frequency alternating current, which is practically harmless to the body. If it had been Clinton in front of her, he would have gotten off with a slight fright. As for Kyon, he has the same frequency of soul vibrations as she has, so he could not possibly know that this lightning is harmless, because he is immune to any attack! Having simted the electric shock, he thereby gave himself away.


    Thus, the girl not only kept her oath regarding the part with "you will leave unharmed", but also revealed Kyon, who raped her twice in the guise of Roman.


    {What a charm you are, Juno¡­} ¨C the wit, cunning and resourcefulness of the blonde amazed Lovr to the core. She really knows how to surprise! Even being in a dark state of soul, he felt sincere admiration for this amazing person, so much so that he wanted to hug her. All the recent contempt towards the girl was blown away.


    ?Yes, I deserved your hatred, which I regretted a long time ago, but how dare you **** me pretending to be Roman?! Why did you let him marry me?! Why¡­ Are you so¡­ Evil¡­? ¨C Juno''s voice trembled with an overabundance of emotions, and tears rolled down her wonderfully tender face as she softly whispered. ¨C ?I know that you are not like that¡­ I know that you are much better at heart¡­ Much kinder¡­?


    ~p~ ~p~ ~p~


    The admiration in Kyon''s eyes was reced by a wry smirk as he slowly pped his hands: ?Bravo, Juno. Good girl! You''ve exposed me. I didn''t expect you to be able to do something like that. Well done. But, s, I was one step ahead¡­? ¨C a green ball appeared in his hands ¨C the medicine of oblivion.


    Juno''s gaze was filled with even more disappointment than before, and she said gloomily: ?Are you afraid so much that I will know the truth??


    ?What fear are you talking about, honey? Now is simply not the best time to start acting openly, and you can still be drained of darkness¡­?


    ?What darkness, you damned sadist?!? ¨C the blonde was angry.


    ?The darkness that feeds my unique body, but what''s the point of telling you about it if you forget everything now anyway¡­? ¨C having finished, Kyon instantly found himself near Juno and, grabbing her by the jaw and ignoring her furious gaze, forced her to swallow the medicine of oblivion, and then activated the concealment technique.


    The beautiful blonde sat silently on the bed and stared nkly into the void: {The body that feeds on dark emotions¡­ Is it possible that he was mocking me because of this very body? He used me because it made him stronger¡­}


    A minute passed, and Kyon began to notice that something was wrong with the girl''s reaction. Finally, he came out of invisibility and sullenly asked: ?Did you take the antidote??


    Juno said venomously: ?Good boy! You guessed it!?


    ?How cunning she is¡­? ¨C once again, Lovr felt admiration for his stepsister. She, suspecting that she was being tapped and watched, managed to blindly write a note to the alchemist with an order for an antidote to the medicine of oblivion, and also, probably, to any kind of soporific, and even indicating that he should deliver it along with the medicine of "Enzymes" in order not to let the secret observer suspect anything.


    ?However, you forgot that I have Synergy¡­? ¨C Kyon made a scissors gesture with his fingers. ¨C ?I''ll have to trim your memory a little bit¡­?


    ?What did you say?!? ¨C Juno red up instantly.


    ?I told you to sleep!? ¨C Kyonmanded, stretching out his hand, and under the influence of Synergy, the girl instantly cked out, rapidly plunging into a deep sleep¡­


    When Lovr was at Juno''s mansion, he erased the memories of fighting Kara at the Stones'' party. And to be more precise, he used the image of Dinah to rece all the moments of interaction with the princess, because of this, the curse of charm ricocheted on the maid, and it worked: he still has a perverse chronic crush on her.


    Memory maniption is extremely dangerous, because the slightest mistake can make a person mentally ill. It is especially risky to edit long-term memory. Now it''s about memories from a minute ago, which significantly reduces the risks, but there is a nuance: he had not thoroughly scanned Juno''s brain before¡­ However, the Synergy of the intermediate level of the Bachelor''s phase should cope with this.


    Kyon approached Juno to make sure that she had entered the deepest phase of sleep, but something was not going ording to n. Her brainwaves alternated between calm and chaotic¡­ These rhythms of bursts of activity became more frequent, as if someone was knocking on a closed door more often, intending to break it, which would inevitably lead to awakening.


    {What''s going on¡­} ¨C Lovr frowned in puzzlement. His Synergy was burned in an attempt to forcibly put the girl to sleep, and this is rather strange, because they have the same vibration frequency of souls and bodies, therefore, Synergy should not be spent on movement, only on¡­ Is the entire reserve being spent on oveing her willpower?


    {Oh no¡­ Oh no¡­ Fuck, no!} ¨C Kyon felt a growing sense of helplessness, because Juno''s willpower can surprise even the gods! He shouldn''t have ordered her "to sleep" in such a categorical manner¡­ Oh he shouldn''t¡­ She wouldn''t obey for anything in the world!


    {I have to put her to sleep!} ¨C gritting his teeth, Lovr poured a huge portion of Synergy into Juno''s head, and for 5 seconds it even seemed to him that he had achieved his goal, but¡­ Suddenly, the Synergy began to dissipate, like a snowdrift on a hot sunny day¡­


    The beauty''s face trembled with tension¡­ She clenched her teeth and fists¡­ And then she opened her eyes full of rage and jumped up, shrieking: ?Go to hell, you bastard! I¡­ HATE YOU¡­ SO MUCH! I go crazy with desire every day because of your unique body! You gave me to Roman, but you raped me twice! And now you want to evade responsibility?! NO, YOU CANNOT FUCKING DO THAT!?

 Chapter 556

    Chapter 556?Holy shit¡­? ¨C Kyon muttered in disbelief. This girl is a real anomaly! He greatly underestimated Juno, or rather, her willpower, able to resist the influence of the Synergy of intermediate Bachelor. How could he have known that the puppet on the strings of Synergy would suddenly rebel? This is as absurd as the desire of a car to kill its owner, as if it would suddenly turn itself towards a cliff at full speed.


    Juno''s will was so strong that she seemed to shine from within: ?Your Synergy won''t work on me anymore! From now on, I''m not your obedient doll! I know that you are Dick. In that duel for the mastery ofbat, you put the formation on me to move your Synergy, and on the same night you stole a billion that I earned with honest work. Give it back to me or I''ll ruin your life!? ¨C she threatened.


    The surprise on Lovr''s face was reced by icyposure. He suddenly abruptly appeared next to Juno and firmly grabbed her by the long thin neck: ?Are you sure that you have enough qualifications to threaten me, the direct disciple? You do realize that I can wring your neck with impunity, right??


    Kyon acted cruelly and decisively, wanting to intimidate the girl. To allow such a dangerous person to dictate her terms to him? He''s not that stupid! Moreover, pride will not allow him to bend under her again. And if she continues to stand her ground, openly threatening him, he will have no choice: he will have to get rid of the threat¡­


    The blonde grabbed his hand and tried to loosen his grip, but to no avail. The physical strength of his hand was so high that he could break her neck with one light movement of his fingers.


    Juno''s beautiful face flushed with tension, but there was still a spark of unbending perseverance in the blonde''s eyes when she grunted with difficulty: ?You won''t kill me¡­ You won''t stoop so low after what you''ve done to me¡­ You''re not like that.?


    ?Yah?? ¨C Kyon raised an eyebrow and quickly told the naive girl the truth. ¨C ?I will easily kill even a friend if he starts threatening my freedom or safety, so I will definitely do it, an unsessful murderer. I''m sorry, but I value my life much more than two rapes, a billion and short-term physical and moral bullying¡­? ¨C he exined mercilessly, but clearly.


    ?I saved your life several times¡­? ¨C hissed Juno with a face turning blue fromck of air.


    ?You were guided by selfishness, so it doesn''t count.?


    ?Then¡­ Then kill me!? ¨C the blonde blurted desperately, closing her eyes tightly. ¨C ?And may my messages ruin your life¡­ You deserve it. Because you are a monster!?


    ?What messages?? ¨C Kyon sharply loosened his grip, but the girl did not answer.


    {Dyed messages? Is she bluffing? No¡­ Definitely not!} ¨C Lovr suddenly realized that his sister was one step ahead. She really made up some messages that will be sent without her knowledge, if she does not personally prevent it.


    ?That''s smart¡­ But not so much. You know about needle torture, right? Five minutes of pain, which is worse than death, no matter how stubborn you are, will be enough to subdue you.? ¨C Kyon said calmly. He must not let Juno take the initiative. You never know what wille into the head of this vindictive sadist! She can order him to castrate himself, and what to do then? She has enough reasons to yearn to make his life hell.


    Juno looked up at the scoundrel: ?Are you really willing to cause me pain that is worse than death? Will you torture me mercilessly after what you''ve done to me? I''m not asking the impossible of you¡­ I''m just asking you to return the stolen billion to me! And you¡­ You are so¡­ Why did I fall in love with you¡­? ¨C the girl''s eyes filled with bitter tears. She released his hand,pletely ceasing to resist. Now the blondedy seemed especially charming, so much that an ordinary person would do anything in the world for her.


    The strongest emotions came from the blonde''s soul: regret, resentment, grief, disappointment, hatred and, paradoxically, love, which was at the forefront.


    Something painfully pricked Kyon in the heart, so much that he even took his hand off her fragile neck, came out of the state of darkness and retreated two steps, as if he saw himself from the outside.


    Envement, numerous beatings and psychological abuse, the attempt to defame in the pce of the Grands, the theft of a billion, the substitution of the spouse during the wedding night and two ruthless rapes, and now the threat of murder and torture¡­ Why doesn''t she try to scratch out his eyes for all these atrocities? Why isn''t all her hatred manifested in any way now, although it is clearly felt? Where did her sadistic vindictive nature go? And why does she still radiate love so warmly, even though he clearly exined to her that Lovr remained in the past, and he is a different person!


    No matter how you look at it, the girl in love just wants to get back the stolen money she earned by honest work¡­ She didn''t exude danger. She probably left her dyed messages for emergencies only, not intending to send them.


    Even if his cruel attitude now is mostly a bluff, from the outside, his savage behavior looks terribly wed, so much that he may even lose confidence in his rightness. He felt disgusting, like the very monster that the girl calls him¡­ But this ispletely absurd, because she is a hateful demon!


    Suddenly Kyon remembered something and, frowning, objected: ?But you said I wouldn''t evade responsibility¡­ What is this, if not a threat to take revenge on me for everything I''ve done??


    For the first time in more than two years, Juno felt the emotions emanating from Kyon, and his sincere puzzlement forced her to exin, even though she no longer wanted to have anything to do with this scoundrel.


    ?By responsibility, I meant that you would consider me, and not use me as an empty-headed puppet and a sex toy¡­? ¨C saying this in a trembling voice, she hugged her shoulders and lowered her eyes, wet from tears. She would give a lot to forget about this ruthless tyrant once and for all. In his character and behavior, there is hardly anything inmon with Lovr, whom she loves. However, the girl was convinced that it was him. Remembering their first meeting in the mansion, she saw exactly Lovr¡­ He became this terrifying Kyon only after her heartless attitude.


    {No signs of lying¡­ Oh, shit. How did this pest in a skirt manage to get through to my conscience? Unthinkable¡­ And when did I get so attached to her?} ¨C Kyon was confused. This is not the Juno he knew, not the vindictive selfish sadist. Maybe she changed after the illusory world? No¡­ The illusory world created by Synergy is not able to change character, it is like a vivid dream. To give some knowledge - yes. To change a personpletely - no. It seems that over the past 2 years, under the influence of feelings for Lovr, she has rethought a lot.


    Kyon asked: ?So you only want that billion from me??


    Juno nodded meekly without looking up.


    Lovr sighed noisily and concluded cheerfully: ?You''ve won, Juno¡­ I will take you into ount and will not control or force you to do anything. And I will give you your billion in theing days. I swear. In exchange, you will not put a spoke in my wheel and generally interfere with my ns in any way.?


    Kyon told the truth. One billion is not worth much to him, considering that in the near future he will borrow a huge amount of money from the Golden Pig guild.


    Of course he could have resorted to torture. Three or four needles would definitely be enough. But he did not want to cause pain to the girl, the pain that is countless times worse than death. It is better to do otherwise: to give away the ill-fated billion, thereby concluding a temporary truce, and in the future to find a way to change the frequency of vibrations of her soul and take away the development. Of course, he wouldn''t leave her just like that. Eternal youth and the role of a concubine is more than a worthy fate for the one who essentially finished him off.


    Kyon added: ?Also, you will give me the details of the messages you mentioned right away. By the way, if they do reach the empress, the end will be bad¡­ This woman will destroy anyone who keeps knowledge of what no one should know.?


    Juno reluctantly looked up: ?Will you deceive me??


    ?I swore¡­?


    After hesitating, the girl gave all the information necessary to cancel the sending of dyed letters to the empress and the Clintons.


    Kyon had no doubt that she told the truth, so he finally calmed down. He would not want Lanatelle to find out about his ability to purify the keys, which, of course, Zosimos also had.


    When all the issues were settled and his safety was no longer in danger, Lovr allowed himself to rx. The sight of the beautiful girl silently examining her knees was fascinating. Yielding to an impulse, he took her by the sharp chin and forced her to look at him, but met a sudden fiery resistance.


    ?Don''t touch me, you damned rapist!? ¨C the blonde snapped furiously, pushing his hand away. ¨C ?You threatened to strangle and torture me, and now you think I''ll just forget about it?! Should I put it out of my head like a forgiving bunny?! Fuck you!?


    Lovr was surprised, then smiled knowingly: ?Silly, if I were a ruthless monster, do you think I would exchange a billion for five minutes of torture? You would have been dead a long time ago, because you know too much about me! However, you''re still alive¡­ Think about it, maybe you''ll draw the right conclusions.?


    Kyon said this to get Juno to change her attitude to him as soon as possible, in order to help the vulgar flower to convince her to have sex with him as soon as possible. Besides, the darkness can no longer be pumped out of her, and they seem to have an alliance, which also makes hatred meaningless.


    {Huh?} ¨C Juno fluttered her lush eyshes in puzzlement. So was she right in her judgment when she said he wouldn''t stoop that low? Was she right in assuming he was bluffing? And indeed, if he were a ruthless machine, why would he give away the ill-fated billion when the whole issue is solved with 5 minutes of torture¡­ And he will gather darkness into his body at the same time. It turns out that there is much more from Lovr in him than it seems?


    The blonde could not know that she was still alive because of the flower in her soul, as well as her incredible beauty, coupled with the sympathy that she aroused in him. If she were ugly, she would probably already be in the grave. This is the cruel truth.


    Kyon wanted to test the waters, so he approached his sister again, but she swung her hand at him¡­ However, he deftly grabbed her hands, pulled them over her head, thereby knocking thedy down on the bed. A sweet floral fragrance emanated from the beauty''s body, capable of stupefying anyone.


    Lovr approached her ear and purred: ?I really enjoyed spending time with you¡­ When it bes unbearable, let me know. I''ll take you in the guise of Lovr¡­ You''ll like it.?


    A shiver went through the blonde''s body from the top of her head to the tips of her toes because of his words. It seemed that the evil insidious demon was tempting her, taking advantage of her weaknesses. The girl reflexively tucked her legs. The beauty was filled with rage and hatred, but she could only bite her lip in helplessness and quietly growl: ?What a freak you are¡­?


    Kyon got off the bed, threw Roman over his shoulder like a bag of flour, and left, being very pleased with this oue. He not only revealed his identity to Juno by concluding the truce, but also tested the waters¡­ All he has to do is just wait for the vulgar flower to do its job, and she will invite him to her ce. No doubt, the next sex with her will be divine.


    Lovr returned Clinton to his room, leaving three empty bottles of wine there. In the morning, he will wake up with a piercing headache and nausea,pletely imitating the state of a hangover. Everything is set up in such a way that he came to Juno at the invitation, where the girl told him everything she thinks about him, and he allegedly got drunk out of grief to unconsciousness¡­ The situation is silly, but usible.


    After finishing with Roman, Kyon went to the treasury in order to study the assortment of ingredients and count the loan amount necessary for the implementation of the n. At this time, his subordinates had already canceled the sending of Juno''s messages.


    At the entrance to the basement, the young man, already in the guise of Dick, was met by guards in gray masks and, after checking his formation, one of them escorted the fat man to the treasury with ingredients. The guard did not leave. His task was to follow the direct disciple.


    Kyon''s eyes widened at the sight before them. The giant hall had thousands of shelves, cells and racks with boxes and caskets, which contained a variety of ingredients: herbs, powders, body parts of various insects and animals, including supreme ones. Some of them were preserved in jars with solutions.


    There were 10 times more ingredients than in the Feruzs'' treasury, but the main thing was different: they were all much more valuable! This means that if he could absorb all the medicine here now, he would fill his core with elements by about 50%.


    {Wait¡­ Why so little?} ¨C Kyon crossed his arms in displeasure. This is not the treasury of the Clintons, for example, but the Russells ¨C the imperial family! Why is there medicine at best for 100 billion, and not, say, for 1 trillion?


    Lovr''s mood worsened. But that was just the beginning.


    After a few hours of studying the assortment, he concluded that among all the avable medicine, at best, 20% would be suitable for experiments.


    {Damn it¡­ Too little! I''ll have to borrow just an obscene amount¡­}


    Alchemists who know how to make medicine of transformation into the 9th phase of high quality are cherished by the great families in Saturn like the apple of the eye, because to acquire this skill, dozens and even hundreds of unsessful attempts are needed, each of which costs billions, which in the end can result in a sum, equal to several trillion spheres.


    Kyon''s budget is ten times more modest, and he will have to learn how to prepare the medicine without the recipe, knowing only the ingredients of which it consists, which is a hundred times more difficult. And not of high (3), but of excellent (4) quality.


    {This skill will be useful to me in the future.} ¨C only this thoughtforted Lovr. He will experience unbearable difficulties on his long journey of bing the ruler of the world without this skill. In addition, the benefits of connection with the Golden Pig trade guild should be used as early as possible, because in 5 years it will lose its relevance.


    Kyon decided to go to the guild tomorrow, because it was toote. Before going to bed, he phoned Gusteau - the head of the trade guild in Rosarrio - and made an appointment. What a pity that he no longer has the bodyguards, Eve and Le¡­ He missed them.


    In the morning, when Lovr cleaned himself up, suddenly a message came from Elsa with an offer to meet right now. The reason for the invitation was unknown.


    {Why did she invite me? Does she want to confess her love to me?} ¨C Kyon had a silly smile on his face. Surely he was right.


    If only he knew how wrong he was¡­

 Chapter 557

    Chapter 557Kyon epted Elsa''s invitation and came to her in the guise of Baker.


    In the pce of his enemy, Lovr always kept the utmost caution, so he immediately noticed a strange thing: his acute hearing does not pick up the sound of a heartbeat. Not only the servants were absent, but also the owner of the room.


    Suddenly, Kyon felt a thirst for blood¡­ It seemed as thick as Kara''s after the wedding night. The person emitting it certainly wants to rip his head off!


    Lovr instantly took out the Scourge and turned towards the source of the threat, but there he was surprised to find the blonde who hade out of invisibility. Her beautiful slightly pale face took on a frighteningly ferocious expression. Her chest was heaving with anger. Teeth tightly clenched.


    Kyon was confused, he lowered his weapon and frowned: ?Why are you looking at me like that? Do you really hate me for making you fall in love with me? Or¡­? ¨C he tactfully kept silent, because he had enough secrets that could anger her.


    ?You¡­ Raped¡­ My sister!? ¨C said Elsa through her teeth, and her fingers, clenched into a fist, turned white with tension.


    Lovr''s heart skipped a beat: {How¡­ How did she know?! I was vignt!}


    Yesterday, before recing Roman, Kyon, of course, thoroughly studied the room for hidden nephrites and formations, and also did not forget to scan Juno with Synergy and examine her with "The eyes of truth". In addition, he was always aware of Elsa''s location, and she had not been in contact with Juno over the past month. Did she put a formation on Roman? Also no! He was lying in a corner under the barriers of concealment, through which sound does not pass. But then how?


    {Damn it¡­} ¨C It dawned on Kyon, and Synergy confirmed his guesses.


    Elsa put the formation on him! During the foot massage yesterday¡­ It was not difficult to do this unnoticed, because for a perfect massage you need to use pure energy, and against the background of its loud "sound" it was impossible to hear the spatial attribute necessary for transmitting the signal, especially for the noble phaser at the finishing stage who had weakened his vignce. It turns out that Stone just wanted to eavesdrop on his conversation with the empress, but she heard something she would never want to hear.


    It is worth noting that it is extremely difficult to detect an already imposed formation, especially if it is located inside a quality slot. So, for example, even Bai, the practitioner who surpasses him by 3 phases, could not notice Kyon''s subordinate formation on Juno because of the perfect slot. Now he is inferior to Elsa by 2 phases.


    However, Synergy is able to detect even the slightest effect on the body! But the wiretapping formation isparable in its effect to a shlight shining through the little toe of the left foot. To detect the formation, it had to thoroughly scan the heel. Lovr will notice the formations of Eve and Le in his head eventer, and it''s not worth talking about the one that the goddess put on him in the mine¡­


    {Motherfucker¡­} ¨C Kyon wanted to break his face with his palm. Fool, how could he be so stupid? He was too rxed next to an unusually helpful beauty¡­ Not for the first time. The reasony not only in a pleasant pastime, but also in the fact that he demanded a massage from her. If the girl had taken the initiative, then, of course, he would have suspected something.


    {And what should I do now?} ¨C Lovr wondered. It is obvious that Elsa has prepared countermeasures over the past day, and it would be better for him not to provoke her. So, for example, an attempt to put Juno''s life on the line, as he did before, will turn against him, because the archer heard the conversation where her sister said that Synergy would no longer work on her. And although this is not entirely true, it will not be possible to convince her.


    ?Elsa¡­? ¨C Kyon began.


    Seeing that the bastard tried to approach her, the blonde jumped back, shouting: ?Don''t even dare! If you take another step, I will signal to send a message withpromising evidence to the empress!?


    Kyon folded his palms in a peaceful gesture as he spoke: ?Elsa, let me exin¡­?


    ?I don''t need your exnations! You bullied my sister to earn darkness! Y-you made her suffer¡­ You stole money¡­ You raped her¡­ Dirty animal!? ¨C thinking about what this monster had done, the girl''s heart was torn withpassion for her beloved sister and hatred for the inveterate viin.


    {Then why the hell did you even invite me, stupid?!} ¨C Kyon was angry inwardly.


    Yesterday, Elsa really tried to force herself to send the message, thereby condemning her sister''s rapist to an unexpected and certainly cruel death, but she could not do it. The heart, bursting with conflicting feelings, did not allow this to happen. As a result, thedy decided to simply protect herself and her sister from him, but before that she still wanted to meet this scoundrel to make sure that she was not mistaken in her decision.


    ?Don''t look at me like that. No matter what monstrous things I''ve done to her, she loves me, and love doesn''t just appear like that. If you had talked to her, you would have found out that she was terribly sorry for making me hate her, and she would have given a lot to redeem herself. So don''t bother her! You will only increase her remorse with your so-called "care".?


    ?I know better that a viin like you is not worthy of her love!? ¨C Elsa interrupted him. ¨C ?The fact that she loves you means nothing! You have charmed her with deception, because in this way you will be able to effectively fill your body with her suffering!?


    {Annoying!} ¨C Kyon was indignant inside. It looks like he chose the wrong strategy.


    ?And now you are raping her, causing her inhuman pain!? ¨C Elsa screamed hysterically. Her face turned red with indescribable hatred and thirst for blood.


    ?That is, would it be better if I gave her to Roman?? ¨C Lovr asked dryly.


    ?¡­What?? ¨C the blonde asked.


    ?I''m not ready to give Roman the girl I like.?


    ?What are you talking about?? ¨C Elsa''s short confusion began to turn into anger again. She wanted to listen to this deceiver and maniptor less and less. She was beginning to regret not sending the message yesterday, he would have been dead by now.


    ?I am telling the truth. Juno''s rebellious strong-willed character cut me to my soul a long time ago. You know about this trait of hers, which could be noticed, for example, in a duel with Roman. No matter how much I hate her, this does not negate my deep sympathy for her person.?


    The blonde hardly believed the scoundrel''s words, but still gave him a chance to speak out.


    ?Two months ago, your sister''s patron, who is also the head of the department, suspected that Juno was my weakness, and he arranged a check: he told me to control the Token wedding. This was uneptable to me. However, I also did not want to run away with the stolen bride, abandoning everything I had achieved. Then I had to cheat and rece Roman¡­?


    ?But you didn''t have to **** her!? ¨C Elsa shouted furiously.


    ?You know how the Russells enforce Token contracts. Roman also showed excessive caution by installing hidden visual formations. I couldn''t give your sister''s innocence to Roman, because Juno is only mine!?


    Elsa recoiled in shock. The bastard so categorically dered his rights to Juno that she took her breath away. It was hard to doubt his intentions. The girl even began to doubt that he made her fall in love with him just to pump out the darkness, when she suddenly remembered something else and hissed angrily: ?Then why did you **** her a second time?!?


    ?Because I like her too much¡­ But at the same time I still hate her.? ¨C Kyon told the truth, which showed his true attitude towards the mean blonde. However, all this did not cancel out his desire to pump out the darkness, in this Elsa was right.


    ?So, you admit your guilt¡­? ¨C Elsa coldly summed up with disappointment and chagrin in her eyes. ¨C ?Then I will take responsibility and protect my sister from you¡­ I will not allow such a scumbag to be near her. I will do everything to make you disappear from her life once and for all.?


    The situation seemed hopeless. Stone is about to send a signal, and all of Kyon''s ns to save Valeera will go down the drain¡­ All these tournaments, all the preparation, meetings with zeroth general and not only that will be a waste of time!


    ?That is, will I suffer the same fate as Julius and Feng?? ¨C Kyon looked at the blonde intently. He seems to have found a way out of a hopeless situation.


    Elsa''s eyes widened, and she even opened her mouth in amazement.


    ?The empress is a terrible person. This bloody bitch has to die. She killed the alchemist Feng and the formacist Julius.? ¨C Lovr exined.


    ?A-are my masters killed?? ¨C the girl''s voice trembled.


    ?Yes, they are.? ¨C Kyon confirmed grimly, closing his eyelids.


    Elsa''s ability to recognize lies confirmed the truthfulness of what she heard. And although the bastard knows how to bypass her ability, Stone was still sure that he was telling the truth. His words sound too usible. It exins everything.


    ?I can''t tell you the whole truth. On that day, she also executed the Minister of Finance dimir, Patriarch Monty and Horace, and even me in the guise of Zosimos¡­ I survived by a miracle. I infiltrated the pce under a different guise in order to break this tyrant''s life.? ¨C Kyon told almost theplete truth. He didn''t mention Valeera''s rescue.


    Elsa felt danger around her from the very first days in the order. At that time, she was far from being the strongest, but her beauty stood out too much. Many girls wanted to disfigure her out of envy, so she did not go into the sparsely popted areas of the order. And if they molested her in public, then the guys, her future fans, intervened¡­ However, all the "defenders" were eventually refused. Some of them held a grudge. Someone was plotting tomit a crime just to get what they wanted¡­


    Julius and Feng protected Stone from danger, bing her patrons. The girl immensely respected and revered her masters. She could always rely on them. These men became her new family and support on a difficult path, however¡­


    ?They are¡­ Dead¡­? ¨C Elsa knelt down and covered her mouth with her palm while transparent tears rolled down from her beautiful eyes. She''s been looking for them for so long, and they''re already dead¡­ The young girl''s heart was bursting with grief.


    Kyon tactfully remained silent, letting his sister cry out.


    A few minutester, Elsa got up and, wiping the tears from her face with a handkerchief, said quietly: ?I give you time until the next morning to run away.?


    ?Don''t you want to get back at her? I can do it, but I need more time!?


    ?I want¡­ But I want to get rid of you even more. Don''t even dare to im that you had nothing to do with their deaths. But Juno is much more important to me. I won''t let you be near her. Early in the morning, I will send a formation to the empress, and if you stay in the pce, then me yourself.? ¨C Elsa said adamantly.


    ?Are you stupid? You heard me tell Juno that I would consider her! And do you even understand what the empress will do to you when she finds out that you let me go?! Do you realize you''re framing Juno too? She will kill you! Just like she killed Feng and Julius! Aren''t you a smart girl? Well, think with your head!? ¨C Kyon tried to reach her.


    Elsa shook her head resolutely: ?Don''t even try to convince me. I believe that she is a wise ruler, and she will certainly not kill anyone for exposing a traitor.? ¨C she has alreadye up with a usible legend, after hearing which, the empress will understand and forgive her, and then, perhaps, even praise her, making her a direct disciple. Although she hated Lanatelle, she will not refuse the opportunity to use the resources of the Russells.


    Lovr clenched his teeth: ?Elsa, why the fuck are you so stubborn?!? ¨C he understood that no logic and rationality could ovee Elsa''s love for Juno, which was terribly infuriating. It looks like he has no choice but to take extreme measures¡­


    ?Go away.? ¨C the blonde said coldly, turning away from the young man and stubbornly crossing her arms on her chest. Behind the mask of cold, she hid a kaleidoscope of feelings towards this monster.


    ?No, I won''t leave.? ¨C Kyon''s gaze and intonation were filled with grave cold. ¨C ?If you vite my ns by sendingpromising evidence, you will pay for it with the blood of¡­ Yours, Juno and the Stones. Maybe not now, but in a year you will be paid back.? ¨C every next word carried an increasing threat, as if he were a cornered beast. He didn''t want to use such a desperate method until thest moment.


    However, there was no fear or confusion on Elsa''s face, and she confidently stated: ?Don''t even try. I won''t fall for your threats, you dirty maniptive ckmailer. Get out before I send the signal!?


    ?Are you crazy?!? ¨C Kyon frowned.


    ?Get out! I give you onest chance!? ¨C Elsa shouted, not sumbing to threats.


    {What the¡­} ¨C Lovr was amazed at such imprability. Why doesn''t she take his threats seriously? After all, he had recently ckmailed her with the death of her sister! He is "The Dark Baron", the head of the shadow megan! How could she be so stupid?!


    And then it suddenly dawned on Kyon: the matter was in yesterday''s conversation with Juno, where he made it clear that his threats of murder and torture were just a bluff. Besides, a minute ago he was talking about his sympathy for Juno, that he would not give her to Roman, that she belonged to him and only to him¡­ Considering all this, Stone undoubtedly came to the conclusion that he would never turn his threats into reality. And the fact that he is also one of the Stones, and their brother, strengthens her position.


    {Damn it¡­ Why does everything always go ass-backwards?!} ¨C Lovr was angry at Elsa, but even more at himself. At his carelessness. The fact is that his Synergy scans the body for the presence of formations only once a day. Why not scan it hourly? Doesn''t he want to waste the Synergy? Bullshit! His own personal safety is more important! From now on, if he falls into this trap at least once more, he will not forgive himself¡­


    Kyon took a deep breath and decided to use trumps: ?Elsa, I use my right to one wish. I saved Juno from the Walders, and you won''t dare ignore it. You are a kind and sympathetic girl who knows how to be grateful. In exchange for the rescue, I need one year to implement my ns.? ¨C he called such a high deadline to be able to lower it if he had to bargain. The trick is primitive, but working.


    Elsa, who had already decided to send the signal, abruptly changed her mind, bing confused. She really owed a wish for saving her sister¡­ And what to do? She can''t show heartless ingratitude, especially after his words¡­


    After hesitating, Stone reluctantly agreed: ?I give you a week.?


    ?Too little!? ¨C Kyon eximed.


    ?And you shouldn''t have tried to scare me with the blood of the Stones! I''ll give you a week, and that''s it!?


    {@#¡í%$!} ¨C gritting his teeth, Lovr threw out hisst trump card. ¨C ?Elsa, give me at least half a year¡­ I saved you once.?


    The girl''s thin eyebrows went up. Then, realizing what he meant, thedy frowned sharply: ?You dragged me into that dangerous situation with subi, and now you decided to add value to the salvation? Go to hell!?


    ?I''m talking about another case.?


    ?I don''t remember¡­? ¨C she tilted her head in disbelief.


    ?Haven''t you figured out who saved you from that mess in the warehouse yet??


    Elsa interrupted him indignantly: ?You''repletely insolent! I saved myself by shooting a signal arrow into the sky! Moreover, your crazy woman almost killed me! Are you trying to piss me off?! You are doing well!?


    Kyon snorted angrily: ?You''re really stupid! She shot the arrow, well, wow! And just like that, in a minute, the department assembled a group of security officials, consisting of royalphasers, who also managed to get to the warehouse in the middle of nowhere! Open your eyes, fool. I''m the one who sent the rescue team. And all because of her¡­ She set a trap for you, although I forbade her. And maybe it will please you, she was punished for her willfulness.?


    Elsa silently opened and closed her mouth, trying to somehow refute the words of the viin, but she failed. No matter how you look at it, he''s right. It turns out that she is still alive only thanks to him? He sent a group of security forces, despite the fact that he thereby endangered his girlfriend and members of his n¡­


    After a minute of intense thought, Stone sighed tiredly and put out one finger in front of her: ?I give you exactly a month and not a day more. And if you dare to approach Juno or capture me, it will not help you. Knowing what you are capable of, I will prepare well for any of your antics.?


    Kyon wanted to say something, but seeing that the girl did not intend to talk anymore, he just nodded and left. Any attempts to extend the term are doomed to failure, and he has run out of arguments. He hoped to win at least 2 months, but it didn''t work out.


    Lovr was extremely angry with Elsa for interfering with his interests, while he perfectly understood her motives. Given her love for her sister, the fact that she decided to meet him at all, thereby giving the opportunity to escape, is already a miracle.


    On the way from the pce to the Golden Pig guild, Kyon was thinking about his deplorable situation with a dejected look: {I only have a month to make "Frozen Heart" transformation medicine with a trick of excellent quality and save Valeera¡­ How can I make it in time?}

 Chapter 558

    Chapter 558Exactly at the appointed time of the meeting, Kyon, in an unknown personality, approached a huge square building, second in size only to the Russells pce. It seemed to be made entirely of gold. The roof was crowned with four domes with coats of arms. At the main entrance there was an impressive statue of a piglet, also made of pure gold. All this splendor belonged, of course, to the most influential trade guild in the world - the Golden Pig. It is worth noting that the guild following it is 50 times inferior to it in terms of turnover, that is, the Golden Pig guild is a giant of the world of trade.


    As soon as Lovr showed the formation at the entrance, the facial expressions of the staff instantly changed, and they respectfully escorted the VIP guest to the most prestigious meeting room on the top floor, where only patriarchs can get into.


    After 3 minutes of waiting, two fat men in pretentious and obviously indecently expensive suits entered the room. One of them looked like a toad because of his fat cheeks. His name was Gusteau - the sixth golden brother - the head of the guild in the empire of Rosarrio.


    The second one was his adviser, representative, deputy and right-hand man at the same time.


    Gusteau, with an amiable smile, firmly shook the young man''s hand: ?Mr. Kyon, I didn''t recognize you! You''ll be rich, ah-ha-ha! I am d to see the messenger of the goddess at my ce!?


    ?Thank you. I''m d to meet you too.?


    ?Yesterday you said you had some serious business to speak to me about. Could you tell me what''s the matter?? ¨C the man''s bulging eyes gleamed greedily. If someone needs something, then, as a rule, you can make good money on it.


    ?I need to order medicine through your guild for a huge amount of money, which, unfortunately, I don''t have¡­ I want to borrow the money from you. For one month.?


    ?Oh-oh-oh, the young genius needs resources to implement grandiose ns! I see, I see. And what amount are we talking about?? ¨C Gusteau asked delicately, sipping tea from a cup. If he is talking about one month, it is unlikely that something will surprise him.


    ?Seventy-five billion.?


    The fat man choked on his tea and coughed. His assistant gently patted the boss on the back.


    Gusteau cleared his throat and regained his professionalposure: ?I''m sorry, such a sum caught me by surprise¡­ This is a lot of money. No family in Rosarrio, except the Russells, will earn that much in a year!?


    ?You are right, Mr. Gusteau.? ¨C Kyon agreed. ¨C ?The amount is reallyrge, but I am sure that your trust in me is much more valuable. Moreover, I am not asking for money, but for medicine bought with this money.?


    ?Medicine, not money¡­? ¨C the fat man drawled thoughtfully. ¨C ?Hmm, does a direct disciple want to prepare transformation medicine for his master??


    Lovr was surprised at such insight, but only slightly, after all, in front of him was not just anyone, but the head of all the branches of the G. P. guilds in Rosarrio. He is one of the few who knows that Lanatelle''s breakthrough into the overlord phase ended in failure.


    ?Mr. Kyon, recently your ie from our cooperation exceeded half a billion a month. Given the dynamics and growing poprity of the medicine you have made, you will be able to return this money to us in about three years, but why did you name a month??


    ?Because I will pay with expensive high-quality medicine of transformation, breakthrough and eleration of development. Although it is not money, I am sure that they will be flying off the shelves, and in six months from their sale the amount that I borrowed will be collected.?


    Gusteau frowned thoughtfully and politely asked to give him 5 minutes.


    ?No problem.? ¨C Kyon replied, reaching for a cup of tea.


    Soon Gusteau returned and solemnly announced: ?Mr. Kyon, the great and terrible patriarch of the Bakers wants to talk to you!?


    ?I would be honored¡­? ¨C Kyon said, slightly surprised.


    The fat man ced a nephrite in the center of the table. A bright light poured out of the nephrite, then the light formed a life-size translucent head, the sight of which would have horrified any unprepared person. He looked about 45 years old, with plump cheeks, chocte-colored hair and small sunken blue eyes. Either a typical moneylender was slipped to the messenger of the goddess, or the formation creating the hologram is unable to convey even a small part of the greatness of the patriarch of the Bakers.


    ?Hello, my boy. I am d to see the famous messenger of the goddess.? ¨C the patriarch''s voice, although somewhat high-pitched, did not seem any less impressive.


    ?Hello, patriarch Bazhen. I am somewhat surprised by your friendliness and even familiarity towards me, especially considering that not so long ago Gusteau, apparently on your orders, intended to kidnap me, threatening me with pressure.?


    Gusteau was parched. This guy is not a fool, since he started the conversation by making a im to Bazhen! Usually every sane person tries to please him, but he does not¡­ Kyon is not afraid of the patriarch. However, the truth is on the guy''s side. That day, those two powerful protectors prevented his abduction to Saturn.


    ?We all make mistakes¡­? ¨C Bazhen confirmed with regret. ¨C ?Nevertheless, life goes on. Enemies be friends, friends be enemies, and sometimes even rtives! And you can''t tell right away what will be better¡­?


    ?I don''t understand what you''re driving at¡­? ¨C Kyon narrowed his eyes suspiciously.


    ?Have you ever heard the saying: "those who have be friends because of benefits will quarrel for a century"??


    ?Yes, I have. Utter nonsense. Because there is no friendship in business, there is only partnership, and you need to choose conscientious partners who are able topromise, and then there will be no quarrels.? ¨C Kyon clearly expressed his position.


    A slight smile appeared on Bazhen''s plump face. Not everyone will dare to argue with him, oh not everyone. This guy seems to be deliberately demonstrating his disobedience.


    ?Your words are not meaningless, boy. It''s just a little difficult to recognize a conscientious person in someone who blew up the auction organized by his business partner!? ¨C Bazhen said in a steely tone. The head of the Bakers looked sternly at the young man. He wanted to know the limit of the courage of the messenger of the goddess.


    And although there was no aura in the air, Gusteau turned pale with fear. Kyon dared to anger the patriarch! He had never seen him so serious before.


    Kyon did not react to the provocation in any way, as he saw that this anger was feigned, and, shrugging his shoulders impassively, said: ?Have you ever heard the saying: "to serve with the same sauce"? I''m sure you have. So, the small organization, the illegality of which you concealed, is a negligible price for trying to take away my freedom. But I am a reasonable person, and such a symbolic payment was enough for me to forget all our disagreements. After all, only an abnormal person would wish to be a sworn enemy for the family second only to the Walders in wealth.?


    The flickering head of the fat man instantly lost its former severity and looked at the young man with a squint, as if trying to see something in him, then burst outughing: ?Ah-ha-ha! And I like you, boy! Your ability to defend your position is something I haven''t encountered for a long time. As soon as any of my interlocutors finds out who I am, they immediately wet their pants, it infuriates me. But you''re not like them! Well, I was not mistaken in my choice¡­ You deserve to be Baker!?


    ?Um¡­ Do you want to adopt me?? ¨C Kyon was surprised.


    ?Oh, well, not exactly¡­ You see, once you were adopted by the Stones, and the public will not perceive the re-adoption in the way we would like. Another thing is if you be Baker by marrying my daughter Be! Then it''s apletely different story¡­? ¨C the patriarch "casually" hinted about his condition.


    Gusteau took his breath away. The head of the Bakers, who loves his youngest daughter immensely, really decided to give her to such an ambiguous guy?!


    ?The wedding¡­ Ahem.? ¨C Kyon had a lump in his throat. ¨C ?Patriarch, you do realize that I already married a demon once? You definitely won''t like it¡­?


    ?I don''t care!? ¨C eximed the excited Bazhen. ¨C ?No one would ever suspect that you and Dick are the same person, so everyone will assume that Be is your first wife. And when everyone finds out which family the messenger of the goddess has joined, the authority of the Bakers will skyrocket at all!?


    ?Yes, but in my heart¡­?


    ?In your heart, she will take up more, much more space than a pathetic demoness! You won''t be able to think about anyone except Bellochka, ah-ha-ha!? ¨C Bazhenughed confidently. He seemed convinced that his daughter was an angel in the flesh.


    The punchy character of the seasoned patriarch was beyond imagination. Here it is, the quality of personality necessary for the head of a great family. Diana, Kyon''s foster mother, who has earned his respect, has a simr character.


    However, for Lovr, the concern for personal gaines strictly after the right choice of a woman. She should be at least beautiful and slender, as well as chaste. With chastity, everything is clear: he is categorically against the possession of public property. More than three sexual partners in a lifetime is already an rming sign, meaning promiscuity, which is uneptable for him. As for appearance, it''s not so simple here either. In addition to good luck in biological roulette, a girl should by no means be fat, because obesity means that she is unable to control her appetite, that is, unable to monitor her own body. Or, more simply, emotions easily take over her mind, which is uneptable.


    Thus, Kyon did not want to take risks, especially considering that all the Bakers are fat. And he did not want to take on life-long obligations, because if something happens to his wife or rtives, then in the future he will have to answer for them. The same applies to Valeera, whom he is obliged to save, because he had already chosen her, and she proved with her letters that the personalities of Zosimos and Kyon are now the same for her.


    ?Patriarch, I don''t want to offend you, and I''m sure your daughter is the best creature on the, but please understand, I don''t like long¨Ctermmitments in my personal life¡­ I''d rather pay off all my debt with medicine made by myself, which in the worst case will take six months.?


    ?No, no, my boy, no, I''m sorry, but I won''t miss a fish like you! Do you need money? No problem! I''ll give you a hundred billion tomorrow! But you have to sign the engagement agreement, confirming that you will marry my Bellochka in a year, just in time for hering of age. Well, if you refuse, then look for money somewhere else¡­ Hmm¡­ No one to borrow from? What a pity, but we are your only friends with tightly stuffed wallets! Ah-ha-ha!? ¨C Bazhen guffawed contentedly.


    Patriarch Baker''s shamelessness and straightforwardness were amazing. He did not stand on ceremony, but directly stated his intentions. This is the first human (not a demon) who appreciated the messenger of the goddess: as soon as he had the opportunity, he immediately dug into the outstretched palm up to the elbow.


    {Damn it¡­ And what to do?} ¨C Kyon, with the help of Synergy, considered a lot of options, but they were all untenable. It alles down to the fact that the Golden Pig guild is the only possible supplier of all the medicine he needs, and if he refuses the patriarch''s offer, which, by the way, anyone else would instantly agree to, then the supply of medicine will "suddenly" be dyed for weeks, or even months¡­


    Such a problem could theoretically be solved by the medicine of purifying the keys and youth ¨C candy with Synergy inside. But this will not only make Bazhen go berserk with the desire to get Kyon, but it can also cause chaos in all empires. And anyway, all this will hardly affect practitioners with high development.


    Kyon closed his eyes gloomily, considering the situation, then coldly asked: ?And if I want to get married in three months, can we arrange it??


    ?Hahaha, as expected, you are a smart kid! I''m sorry, but I won''t give my girl to anyone before she turns sixteen.? ¨C Bazhen sternly assured.


    Lovr mentally clicked his tongue. And where should he go after saving Valeera? And in a year the demons will celebrate the day of the goddess Persephone¡­ A new emperor will appear. To give up the opportunity to be one is out of his character. Moreover, he already has the marriage formation of the first princess, which means that it remains only to earn the recognition of Lucius¡­


    After thinking for a while, Kyon made a decision: ?Give me three years. I will inform you about my readiness three months before the wedding, and in three months we will have a wedding. At best, this will happen in a year, and at worst, in three years.?


    ?Three years¡­ But why? Aren''t you interested in bing a real Baker as soon as possible in order to get almost unlimited resources for your development?? ¨C Bazhen was perplexed. It seems he misunderstood the boy''s words about the wedding in 3 months. It seemed to the patriarch, who studied in detail the character of the messenger of the goddess, that the guy would try to arrange the wedding as soon as possible, but suddenly he postponed it for years ahead¡­ This is unexpected.


    ?Because I have urgent ns that require time.? ¨C Lovr replied dryly. In addition to the demons, he also has a promise to Triana that by the day of the goddess Ceres, in a year and a half, he will be her alpha. And in two years the day of the goddess wille at all. There will also be plenty of interesting events.


    ?I see¡­ You are so young, energetic and ambitious that you have plenty of ns. Well, I have taken your request into consideration. Three years is too long. I give you two years. In the worst case, you will get married just on the eve of the great inter-imperial tournament, the final of which will be held on the day of the goddess Danna.?


    Kyon tried several more times to increase the term to three years, but patriarch Bazhen was adamant. The guy had nothing left but to agree to a pig in a poke ¨C that''s how he saw Be, whom he was literally forced to marry.


    Bazhen smiled contentedly and promised that the first supplies of medicine would arrive tomorrow morning, but before that, the partners should sign the engagement agreement¡­


    Half an hourter, the multi-page contract with Bazhen''s signature was on the table.


    After reading the document carefully, Kyon realized that he had nothing toin about. Moreover, there was even a use in the text obliging him to take his oath to fulfill the contract under the recording of formations! Everything is arranged in such a way that he will either fulfill the contract, or he will be considered the most immoral person in the world, worthy only of contempt.


    However, Lovr did not miss a sma-a-a-all loophole, and it was hiding in Be.

 Chapter 559

    Chapter 559The contract with the Bakers has been concluded, which means it''s time to do alchemy. He''s running out of time.


    First, Kyon studied all the recipes of medicine in the Russells treasury and took a lot of ingredients from there, then he settled down in a lonely mansion on the edge of the city, where no one would interfere with him for sure. Making medicine in the pce would be stupid.


    The task is the following: to create the transformation medicine of "Frozen Heart" of at least excellent (4) quality with an imperceptible trick inside. To do this, he will have to master the previously unknown branch of alchemy responsible for development ¨C the manufacture of transformation medicine, breakthrough and eleration of development. But how long will it take?


    For example, it took Kyon two weeks to fully understand the working principle of the field of alchemy concerning unique bodies. The reason is simple: the quality of the ingredients in it did not y any role. Even the earwax of a field mouse makes the same contribution as a drop of phoenix blood. What matters is the amount of active ingredients and how stably they are fused with each other. Moreover, only 100 slots are given.


    Mediocre bodies have 5 active ingredients in the core at best, and even those are fused disgustingly, and in the unique bodies found in the tomb, there were up to 25 of them, which is an incredible amount. They served as the basis for creating the body of the Void from 100 active slots. Otherwise, he would have wasted years on creating a decent body, because there is no reliable way to find out what property this or that ingredient will give to a unique body, and there are an infinite number of them.


    As a result, Kyon managed to make a unique body of the "SSS" rank due to the method of fusion developed by him ¨C "The Cycle of the Universe", thanks to which even ingredients with different prities do not conflict with each other.


    Now the situation is different. The ingredients contain explosive energy, and even 1% of the imbnce of the energies of different elements will break the glue called "The Cycle of the Universe". After all, no matter how good this principle is, it will not allow a drop of water to reliably exist inside the ocean of me.


    {Let''s get started.} ¨C Kyon decided to start small: with the medicine of transformation into the advanced phase "Upstream", but it is of the "§¡" rank, which means that it is many times better than its low-ranking counterparts. Only an alchemist of the 2nd rank can make it. It is worth noting that the "A" rank medicine for transformation into higher phases will be much more difficult to make and, equally importantly, more expensive.


    Half an hourter, a slight glow lit up the room, signaling sess. Taking the pill, Lovr immediately determined its purity: a measly 10%!


    {And what am I wrong about?} ¨C Kyon frowned, carefully examining the ball in his hand.


    It is easy to set the necessary set of actions (to key in a code) of energy inside medicine. He honed this art to perfection long ago. He can even create a pill that will turn the nail on the ring finger of his left hand green. So it''s something else¡­ Of course, this is a terrible bnce of energy inside! The alchemical kit would be torn apart without "The Cycle of the Universe". He needs to figure it out.


    The day flew by.


    Kyon was now able to make "Upstream" with a purity of 90%, which is undoubtedly amazing, but he didn''t look very happy because he realized that it was impossible to create this pill with a purity of 100%.


    The reason lies in the binding ingredients. They, under the weight of the energy load, cannot cope with their task even with the support of "The Cycle of the Universe". As if a donkey with a huge vat of water on his back was walking along a wooden bridge. Even if the bridge does not break, it still wobbles, causing the water from the vat to ssh.


    What''s the way out? Obviously, it is necessary to build not a wooden bridge, but a metal one, recing ingredients of rare (2) quality with unique (3), or even exceptional (4). That''s the problem¡­ Some analogues are absurdly expensive because of their rarity, and some are not found in nature at all.


    {Does everything really rest on a banalck of ingredients?} ¨C this state of affairs disappointed Kyon. He has always strived for perfection, and the fact that it is simply impossible to achieve it is depressing.


    Lovr had to ept reality and continue his practice. The very next day he switched from the medicine of transformation to the medicine of breakthrough, and by the evening to the medicine of elerating development.


    As it turned out, all three types of medicine are very simr to each other.


    The medicine of elerating development gently helps the soul to make cycles at the expense of its energy.


    Breakthrough medicine roughly pushes the soul to one, or even to several stages.


    Transformation medicine by brute force makes the soul shrink as it evolves.


    If breakthrough medicine is a bomb, then eleration medicine is a stove that uses TNT as fuel. But transformation medicine is a controlled nuclear reactor with a built-in transformer.


    A week passed unnoticed, a total of 9 days.


    Kyon hardly slept, but achieved great sess. Now he could wlessly make the medicine for practitioners of the noble (4) phase. But even the skills honed to perfection did not allow him to make the medicine with 100% purity due to theck of binding ingredients of high-quality. It also happened that it was simply not possible to create a pill with a purity above 65%, which was very depressing.


    Finally, the empress sent a message with a list of ingredients that make up the medicine of "Frozen heart". After reading it, Kyon frowned in displeasure. All the ingredients are extremely rare and expensive, but another thing is even sadder: there are no good binding ingredients for all of them in nature.


    {Excellent quality¡­ Can I handle it?} ¨C thought Lovr.


    Shaking his head, he first sent the list to the Golden Pig guild, and then continued to conduct experiments and practice his difficult task.


    2 weeks flew by. There was a week left until the end of the month allotted by Elsa. Kyon was very stressed by the deadlines pressing on him, but he convinced himself not to be nervous.


    Over the past time, Lovr has learned to create medicine for elerating development, breakthrough and transformation for practitioners of the royal phase. Each sample obtained during the experiments was incredibly expensive. If he had resold them through the guild, he would have earned a hundred billion, but the cunning old fox Bazhen decided not to ept payment in medicine, but came up with his own payment method¡­


    Kyon has honed his skill of making development medicine almost to the limit. He should also experiment with medicine for imperial phasers and sovereign phasers, but it is too expensive ¨C there are no resources and recipes. And this means that it''s time to move on to the most important thing: to figure out how and what kind of trick to shove into the medicine of "Frozen Heart" and, of course, to make this very medicine.


    As it soon turned out, it is not so easy to install the invisible trap in the medicine, because it should organically fit into the very essence of the manufactured medicine. You can''t just stuff the pill with toxins, poisons, or change the "code" of the energy behavior inside the pill. Of course, he would really like to instantly kill this bitch or, for example, turn her into a whore, which the world has never seen, but no. All these maniptions will be easily detected by apetent alchemist, and Lanatelle is probably just like that.


    {The medicine of "Frozen heart", what kind of trick will it be convenient to hide in it?} ¨C after a minute of reflection, Lovr''s eyes shone: ice me extract! It perfectlybines with medicine, the basis of which is the elements of darkness and cold. The defect of the abovementioned extract is that it causes an outbreak of uncontroble bloodlust. Sinceplete calm is necessary for the medicine of "Frozen heart" this outbreak will undoubtedly lead to failure and to the most serious recoil by several stages. But for the sess of this venture, the thirst for blood must appear in the final stage of transformation¡­ And how to dy its activation until thest moment?


    {I''ll just seal the energy of the me into the energy of "Eternal Ice"!} ¨C Kyon snapped his fingers in satisfaction. Lanatelle will be ovee by a thirst for blood just at the most crucial moment. It will spoil her transformation and thereby permanently block her ess to the overlord phase. And all this will be possible to notice only when it is toote.


    With a fanatical gleam in his eyes, Lovr continued to experiment.


    4 days have shed by, and there are only 3 days left before the deadline.


    Kyon has made significant progress. He managed to create the medicine simr to the original with a fatal trick inside, which even he could not have noticed. Now it''s time to move on from experiments to the main thing.


    Just today, Lovr received thetest missing ingredients necessary for the medicine of "Frozen heart". Everything would be fine, but there were only two samples of "The Ice Root of Millennium Tranquility" on the market. The Bakers found another sample in their treasury. This means that if the guy fails in 3 attempts, then everything is gone.


    Kyon decided to spend the first attempt on making the pill without the trick, because he didn''t have the exact recipe, just the list of ingredients. However, because of his alchemical skills, he already knew what should interact with what, what to focus on and what the result should be.


    Mentally prepared, Lovr cracked his fingers and began to make it¡­ His every action was honed to automatism. Even 1st rank alchemists would be dumbfounded. All of them would faint if they saw only the principle of operation of "The Cycle of the Universe".


    Many of the ingredients that Kyon was dealing with now contained so much energy that in case of the slightest mistake they could easily leave a hundred-meter funnel. In a sense, Lovr felt like a sapper trying to defuse a nuclear bomb.


    The manufacturing process had alreadysted 6 hours, and his forehead was sweaty.


    Finally, the room was lit up with an azure glow, signaling sess¡­ The air was filled with mighty energy capable of strangling an ordinary person to death only by its manifestation. If the alchemist showed at least some emotion now, as the energy immediately bit sharply into the mind, causing a headache, thereby hinting that any feelings now are her worst enemy.


    Grimacing, Kyon took the ball in his hands and frowned sharply: the purity was 40%!


    Any of the three legendary alchemists of the 1st rank would have gone crazy to find out that the messenger of the goddess managed to make the medicine of such a level and of such high quality on the first attempt, without the recipe, having only the list of ingredients. Lovr, however, was not at all satisfied with this result. In two attempts, he must not only create medicine with a purity of at least 66%, but also set a trap.


    {Why so little? Is it really because of the binding ingredients again?}


    During the manufacture of the medicine, Kyon used the best binding ingredients that can only be found all over the world, and even so he achieved only 40% purity. However, he noticed a few minor mistakes made due to the fact that he was dealing with such unique, rare and energy-intensive ingredients for the first time.


    Getting rid of unnecessary hesitation, Kyon put away the first pill and started making the new one, this time intending to avoid previous mistakes. He decided that two of the three medicines of "Frozen heart" would be without a catch, that is, trial and suitable for sale in order to maximize the purity of the final sample.


    6 hourster, a new azure sh lit up the room¡­


    {Fifty percent¡­} ¨C Lovr realized with despair, ignoring the headache attack. It seems that this is a theoretically possible maximum, because there are simply no sufficiently high-quality binding ingredients. So he made a blunder?


    There are 2 days left until the end of the month allotted by Elsa, and Kyon suddenly realized that he would not be able to cope with this. Only if he once again does not go against the basic principles of alchemy and does note out victorious¡­ He must perform a miracle!


    Lovr set himself the following task: to make "Upstream" medicine with a purity higher than 90% at any price.


    Kyon plunged headlong into experiments. He used Synergy, tried to fuse two binding ingredients into one, practiced enchanting and more. He was failing all the time. Time after time, he received 90% purity, as if it were some kind of indestructible ceiling. Well, you can''t build a skyscraper with wooden nks! He needs other materials.


    Lovr was gradually ovee by despair. There is a little more than a day left, and Juno is talking to herself, trying to hint at something. I''m busy, you lustful fool! Even if he wanted to, he still couldn''t because of Elsa.


    Obviously, over the past month, the blonde only miraculously did not go crazy. Every day she unsessfully tried to satisfy herself with thoughts of Lovr. Perhaps anyone in her ce would have long ago broken down and gone to seek satisfaction elsewhere.


    Frowning and tired, Kyon leaned back in his chair and thought: {The foundation of the bridge cannot be changed. I''m not a god to turn wood into metal. But then how am I supposed to transport a heavy vat of water over a flimsy bridge without spilling the contents? Can I somehow divide the water into parts, or eveny a pipe? No¡­ It''s impossible. The moment of merging urs strictly in a second, and this period cannot be increased. This is the fundamental principle of alchemy. Stop¡­ STOP!}

 Chapter 560

    Chapter 560: Chapter 560


    Low''s eyes widened when he jumped up from his chair from an idea that hade to him. Overwhelmed with enthusiasm, he set about another attempt at making medicine. The process was practically no different from the usual one, except for one thing: at the moment of fusion, the energy would go to the center of the alchemical kit in portions, not in a singleposition.


    Any alchemist would consider him crazy after seeing this, because the final moment of making medicine - the fusion of energies -sts only I second, so what portions can we talk about?


    Suddenly, an iparable aura of time clearly appeared in the air... It stood above everything, like the ether of the universe. It did note into conflict with anything and anyone, as if it did not see the point in descending to everything earthly, which only confirmed its superiority over all otherws. It also meant that it did not interfere with the fusion of the energy of the ingredients. Any other aura, for example, would certainly spoil everything.


    An almost invisible transparent sphere enveloped the entire alchemy kit.


    A secondter, a glow lit up the room.


    Kyon slowly took the warm ball in his hands. Goosebumps ran down the young man''s back, and his eyes watered...


    ¡°I am the god of alchemy!" shouted jubntly, throwing back his head and bursting into insaneughter. At that moment, he wanted to kiss the reflection in the mirror, because he once again fucked the universalws! The purity of the medicine, despite the limitation of the binding ingredients, has reached l000k!


    Something just happened that no alchemist in this world would understand: the entire alchemy kit was ced in "The Sphere of Annihtion" - an area where time passes much faster than in any other ce in the universe, or to be more precise, exactly 10 times faster (the guy wanted it that way). However, there is a hollow area in the center of the sphere where time flows just like anywhere else on the.


    Considering the theory of rtivity, we can say that the fusion process, whichsts for 1 second, was stretched for 10 seconds! Consequently, it is not necessary to transport the energy across the bridge in a singleposition! That''s why he divided it into portions, as if instead of a donkey with a vat, a whole flock of trained dogs with jugs were running across the bridge.


    But there is an even more urate analogy: Kyon reduced the width of the riverbed, because of this he was able to afford to build a short, but stronger and more stable wooden bridge.


    Some genius has just invented a new principle in alchemy that vites all the basicws of this craft, and he called it "The Basis of the Universe".


    The principle of "The Cycle of the Universe" allows you tobine the ubinable.


    The principle of "The Basis of the Universe" allows you to bnce unthinkable arrays of energy.


    Due to this principle, from now on, Low will be able to merge even huge arrays of energies, using garbage binding ingredients as materials for bridges, and this will not lead to a loss in the quality of medicine.


    All this, of course, does not give Kyon omnipotence. He can still make mistakes in the construction of the bridge due tock of experience. There are thousands of mythical types of medicine in the world, and it is impossible to understand how to make them just by looking at the recipe.


    {Damn, there''s almost no time!} - suddenly Low came to his senses and hurriedly began making the third sample of "Frozen heart" medicine with the trick inside.


    6 hourster, the room was filled with explosive energy. Its density was several times higher than the energy density of the previous two times, and the purity of the medicine was the legendary 10004!


    Kyon was overjoyed so much that his head almost exploded in pain, so strongly his body was pierced by the aura of the medicine that despises emotions. Great! As soon as the empress is ovee by the thirst for blood caused by the extract of the ice me, she will at worst suffer a crushing failure, and at best she will die!


    Lovr immediately went to the pce with a deadly present. On the 6th floor of the pce he was met by a beautiful blonde in a bad mood. She came when she sensed him by passive scanning. {4(Why haven''t you left yet? Why are you waiting until thest moment? I gave you a month, and today is thest day allotted to you. Do you really want to die? Or are you testing me? Idiot, the empress will receive the letter early in the morning, and your death will not be on my conscience!"} {She came out to meet me to remind me of the deadline, and now she says so many words?} - Kyon noticed his sister''s contradictory actions. Does she still feel affection for him after everything that happened? It seems so, because how else to exin her concern for him...


    ?Elsa, give me at least three more days, please." - Low calmly asked. {4(How dare you ask me for something after all those brutal threats?!?} ?You yourself concluded that I was bluffing..." {?This does not negate the heinousness of your act! You know, do whatever you want. I warned you, and you decide: you live or die."} - Elsa turned around sharply. There was anger and helplessness on her face. She was angry at the fool for being so stubborn. Let him me only himself for his death.


    ?Wait!? - Low suddenly stopped her. The girl turned around sharply, angrily asking: {c(What?!?} Kyon had no choice but to convince the girl not to send the message, using thest trump card: ((If you change your mind about sending the letter, I...?


    licit''s toote."} - Elsa interrupted him. - made sure that even I couldn''t cancel sending the message. It has been flying all over the empire for a month, and early in the morning, whether I want it or not, it will be delivered to the empress. If even these words do not convince you to disappear from the empire, then you are really a fool.. ?} - having finished, she left.


    {Oh shit...} - annoyed Kyon swore softly. He was really sure that a month would be enough for him to make medicine, but in the end he prepared it at the very end of the term, and there was almost no time to save Valeera...


    Having dispelled the bad mood with Synergy, Kyon went to the 13th floor.


    He waited for the empress for an almost endless half hour when she finally appeared. Irresistible and great, causing a desire to bow down only by her appearance. Her silver gaze made the blood in his veins tremble with fear. A chill ran down his spine.


    Lovr duly greeted the master. ?What do you want to talk to me about?" - the empress asked calmly.


    oMy master... Your disciple wants to give you a gift." - Kyon took out a precious box with a blue ball inside. The air around the pill was strangely distorted.


    Lanatelle''s thin eyebrows went up, when suddenly she frowned slightly, obviously experiencing slight difort from the effects of the energy of the medicine of "Frozen heart".


    ?Please sprinkle the medicine of "Frozen heart" with your blood." - Lovr asked respectfully, still holding the box in outstretched arms. As soon as at least a drop gets past the ball, it will be stolen, which will allow him to fulfill the condition of the 0th general.


    His request was reasonable, because he wanted to make his master a finished gift, and for this it is necessary to sprinkle the ball with the blood of the one who will ept itter.


    ?Good. However, I adhere to the principle - blood for blood." - she said with a squint.


    Not a single muscle flickered on Kyon''s face as he cut the tip of his ring finger with his thumbnail. Bright scarlet blood seeped from the cut.


    Lanatelle stepped forward, approaching the disciple at arm''s length, bathing him in the scent of her fragrant body. She gently took his wrist with cold gentle hands and pulled it to her face...


    Low''s eyes widened, and he even became nervous.


    The empress parted her thin pale lips, gently wrapped them around the tip of his bloody finger and sucked on it like a leech. The fact that the woman closed her eyes spoke eloquently about how much she liked the taste of the blood of the messenger of the goddess. Finally, she pulled away and opened her silver eyes, which had a strange glint. Kyon was speechless. Stein would give his soul for something like that! What is she doing? Her idea of propriety must be distorted... And who cares. She rules the kingdom. She can do anything.


    {Sapphire blood... It''s curious.} - thought Lanatelle, licking her lips rapaciously.


    Kyon used Franz''s blood to trick a woman. Before he had time to recover, the empress cut her finger with her nail, and her blood sprinkled the medicine of "Frozen heart" with even drops. The pill, like a living being, quickly absorbed the precious liquid.


    -drip- -drip- -drip-


    {Oh no... She''s too careful!} - Lovr wanted to howl in despair. Lanatelle acted with the caution and uracy of XiaoBai, who was afraid of overpaying for the purchase of a pie. It seems that she treats her blood as carefully as a treasure...


    On the thirteenth drop, the blue ball suddenly turned scarlet, and the entire aura emanating from it also acquired a red hue; the metallic scent of blood spread in the air.


    ul ept your precious gift, my disciple." - the empress said with emotion, taking the box, and putting her hand on her heart, she added. - ul express my deepest gratitude to "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron", who managed to produce "Frozen heart" medicine with unfathomable l000k purity in just a month. Your skills are admirable. You... You are an amazing alchemist.),


    For the first time Kyon caught the satisfaction in the woman''s voice. Well, wow, she liked transformation medicine with loot* purity! But her reaction is almost a spit in the face for such a priceless gift. Any other sovereign phaser at the peaking stage would have kissed him to death right now, but she only praised him... Or was her gratitude in the recent sucking of his finger?


    Now Lovr was worried about somethingpletely different: without the drop of blood, he would not fulfill the condition of the 0th general, which means he would not get ess to the secret archive, which probably contains the n of the pce. Without the n, it will be much more difficult to find Valeera.


    But there''s something even worse: it is unlikely that Lanatelle will begin the transformation before tomorrow morning, when Elsa''spromising material is already on her desk. If she studies it, he will not be able to save Valeera, and the medicine of transformation with the trick inside will certainly not be taken.


    Kyon duly said goodbye to the master and was about to leave, but a cold voice came from behind him.


    ?Come to my ce at six in the evening. I''ll assign you a responsible task" Lovr looked thoughtfully at the empress, nodded and left. What task? He doesn''t have time to do any errands. However, it would be better for him not to bete. The time until six in the evening dragged on forever. Finally, Kyon went up to the 13th floor, where he was met by the master.


    Now the graceful figure of the empress was wrapped in a long thin silver robe - her favorite home clothes. Why home? Because it''s too tempting for other people''s eyes. Wrapping her naked body in a sheet would have been less sexy. It''s strange that she allows the direct disciple to see her in such clothes.


    After greeting the master, Lovr respectfully inquired about the task


    ?This is very important to me. I''m giving you a chance to refuse, but in that case you''ll disappoint me. If you agree, you will have to do everything to the very end, otherwise I will not forgive you. In exchange, you will earn my trust for the rest of your life."


    Kyon was a little taken aback: 43-but what exactly are you talking about?"


    ul can''t give you the answer before you agree. But I give you my word, nothing will threaten your health and freedom, as well as Elsa, in whom you show interest.),


    {What is she up to?!} - Lovr tried to understand, but hecked information. Anyway, it''s stupid to refuse. In the worst case, he''ll just run away.


    ul agree." - putting his hand on his heart, Kyon agreed.


    ?Follow me." - ordered Lanatelle and gracefully walked somewhere. Her stic buttocks, smoothly moving as she walked, could cause inappropriate feelings in any man, if she were not a bloody tyrant. Two long braids swayed from side to side.


    Lovr was ovee with excitement. What task is this?


    The empress stopped near a thick metal door and, turning around, cast a piercing nce at her disciple: ((Take off your clothes.),


    Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Kyon nevertheless obeyed, taking off his shirt and pants. Dick''s body really looked awful. However, the woman didn''t seem to care.


    ?Take all your clothes off." - said Lanatelle.


    uUh-uh... A-are you really..." - Lovr abruptly cut off his thought. - ((If you don''t mind..." - after hesitating, he shyly pulled off his underpants. He felt a growing nervousness standingpletely naked in front of the empress.


    The empress didn''t even raise an eyebrow when she saw the disciple naked. She handed him the ring, ordering: ((Put this on the very base of your reproductive organ." {Fruit ring?!} - Kyon became more and more anxious. The fruit ring, invented by the supreme beasts, gives full control over the sexual system of the one who puts it on. For what reason did the empress order him to put it on?! He had no choice but to assume that the real gratitude of the woman for the priceless gift would begin only now. However, something doesn''t add up... Why didn''t she ask him to transform into the messenger of the goddess? Does she really like Dick''s appearance more?


    Swallowing, Low pushed his penis into therge ring, and it shrank sharply to such a size that it could not be removed. Insane arousal hit his head and the previouslyid penis suddenly swelled to its maximum size.


    The empress involuntarily looked down at the stone penis of her disciple, and was amazed at its ratherrge size. She stopped staring and opened the door, allowing him to go inside.


    Kyon''s heart was jumping out of his chest. He simply did not believe that this was actually happening. Sex with the empress? It''s just crazy! This can''t be!


    As soon as the young man stepped over the threshold, he froze as thunderstruck when he saw this..

 Chapter 561

    Chapter 561After another meeting with the subordinates at the headquarters of the n, Valeera, having entered invisibility out of habit, went home, immersed in thoughts about what to write to her beloved one in the next message. The personalities of Kyon and Zosimos had already merged for her, and the girl endlessly regretted how stupid she was. Now she wanted him to forgive her as soon as possible ande back. She would never be cruel or disrespectful to him again.


    ~snatch~


    Quite suddenly, someone grabbed the girl sharply by the neck, and she passed out¡­


    Valeera woke up in a dark, damp prison cell with a heavy metal door that was obviously tightly locked. All the things were removed from the captive, including the cracked mirror of the uncle. Thepletely naked girl was tightly chained to a torture chair, as once in the department.


    Weber was ovee with despair. She, the imperial phaser at the beginning stage under the cover of invisibility, was simply kidnapped right in the middle of the street? Only a few people in the whole empire are capable of this, and they are all Russells¡­ She is a prisoner of her enemies!


    After some time, a man in a gray mask entered the cell and began asking her various questions about Zosimos, about the n, about people holding senior positions in the n, about the management structure of the criminal organization and much more.


    Valeera, of course, said nothing.


    Having achieved nothing, the man forced her to take a pill.


    Weber experienced terrible pain,parable to cutting off limbs or torture with red-hot rods. These excruciating sensations could well bepared with the impact of two Kyon''s needles¡­


    Nevertheless, Valeera felt surprisinglyposed. The current pain could not hurt or even break her will. Is it because she is now the imperial phaser at the beginning stage? Or maybe it''s because she already knew the pain of three needles? This is unknown. The main reasony in the modernized nervous system, but thedy could not know about it.


    One way or another, Webersted one hour without any problems.


    The girl, of course, was not left alone, and the torture with medicine continued¡­


    Time passed incredibly slowly. Minutes passed like hours and hours like days or even months¡­ Valeera has long lost track of time. Her entire existence had be an incessant torment. For several weeks, she was deprived of sleep, food and water, and most importantly, she was tortured with medicine round the clock.


    However, Weber''s will remained unshakable, because the life of her beloved one is at stake. Her soul may dissipate, and her flesh may be devoured by grave worms, but she will not betray him. He must live. He will live. He just shouldn''t do something stupid, trying to save her from the clutches of an excessively strong enemy. The girl missed and yearned for her lover, bitterly regretting that in this life she was not destined to see him again.


    Valeera had alreadye to terms with her inevitable death from torture, and even began to see some higher justice in this. The girl ruined too many destinies because of her dream. And what dream is this¡­ To spend her whole life in hatred, but for what? For a ghostly chance to avenge her parents? This is not what they wanted for their daughter¡­


    And Kyon became an unquenchable light of hope in her dark-shrouded life. If he hadn''t infiltrated her n, then even if Weber hadn''t fallen into the hands of Edward, sooner orter she would definitely have thoughts of suicide, because it''s impossible to carry such a heavy burden alone. The wise and caring Zosimos showed her what real female happiness is. He deserves endless gratitude just for that, and now it''s time to repay the debt.


    One day Valeera woke up and found herself in apletely different ce. The light from the lighting crystals hurt her eyes. Still naked, she was securely chained to four beams in an upright position, and her legs were indecently spread apart. The girl immediately realized that she was in the pce.


    ?Thest descendant of the Webers¡­ The scoundrel who has been poisoning the lives of my citizens for many years. We met atst.?


    Hearing the icy imperious voice behind her, Valeera shuddered and turned her head with difficulty¡­ She saw a woman with silver hair ¨C the empress, through whose fault her life was destroyed and turned into hell. She had hoped to meet her sworn enemy not under such conditions¡­


    ?I have to admit, your tenacity ismendable. No one would be able to resist the torture medicine for so long, but you still haven''t uttered a single cry or moan.?


    Valeera was seized with fear for a second, but a momentter it was reced by an all-consuming hatred. Gnashing her teeth with rage, the captive said: ?Why did you¡­ Exterminate¡­ My family?!?


    ?Only death awaits the traitors.? ¨C Lanatelle exined in a colorless tone.


    ?My father was not a traitor!? ¨C Valeera tried in vain to cling to the woman''s throat, but the shackles prevented her from doing it.


    ?You''re right.? ¨C the empress agreed calmly, standing in front of the prisoner. ¨C ?There was another reason. But I won''t tell you about it¡­ Unless you start cooperating with me.?


    {Another? ANOTHER?!} ¨C Valeera''s lungs were about to burst with overflowing anger when she shouted with hatred. ¨C ?GO TO HELL!?


    ?Hmm¡­ Are you really so naive to think that I won''t achieve what I want?? ¨C Lanatelle was slightly surprised and took out arge basket, filled to the brim with something.


    ~slurp~ ~slurp~ ~slurp~


    The severed heads fell to the floor with a nasty slurping sound.


    Valeera was horrified to see the forever frozen faces of her fellow nsmen who previously held senior positions in her organization. The most trusted, most reliable people, each of whom was personally selected and checked by Kyon. Their deaths mean that the n that she had been creating with her husband for many months, which she valued many times more than the thieves guild in Boston, has been wiped out¡­


    Weber became more and more tense with fear with each subsequent falling head, because she was terribly afraid to see the face of her beloved husband among the dead.


    Finally, thest head rolled across the floor, and Valeera felt relieved. So Kyon is still alive. Everything else loses its meaning next to this. Not everything is lost. There is hope.


    ?Are you still silent?? ¨C the empress chuckled, raising her eyebrows. ¨C ?Let''s see whether you can keep this exemry silence any longer.? ¨C she left the room.


    Valeera immediately tried to bite off her tongue, but, as always, unsessfully. Weakened by long tortures and a recent outburst of anger, her body did not allow her to harm herself. How unfortunate¡­ She can''t even die¡­ She will suffer until the very end. Well, that''s fine. For the sake of Kyon, she is ready to make any sacrifice. Nothing will shake her resolve.


    The girl thought so until the door opened again¡­ Opening her eyelids, she saw an incredibly ugly fat man in the doorway, in whom she recognized Dick Baker ¨C the most vile and filthy person in the world. He harassed her and almost raped her in the department! The girl despised and hated this fiend with all her soul.


    At the sight of apletely naked Dick with a huge stone penis, which bulged out of his groin like a thick stake, Valeera was overwhelmed by a strong panic attack. How could she not know what was waiting for her? The fat man gave her a strange look¡­ He was already mentally savoring her breasts¡­ He is in ecstasy.


    The beautiful naked girl is chained to four metal beams in such a seductive pose¡­ Her slender figure and velvety pale skin could excite anyone. Is there at least a chance that Dick will not want to take her?


    Weber, already ustomed to thoughts of death, seemed to be revived, but only in order to show her apletely new level of pain. She almost physically felt a gaping hole open in her chest. Her heart began to beat erratically. Her eyes were empty, as if her soul had been forcibly torn out of her. "It" hasn''t touched her yet, but she already felt agonyparable to three needles¡­ But something kept her from losing consciousness.


    {Mommy, Daddy¡­ No¡­ Not him¡­ No, I don''t want to¡­ Please¡­ NOT HIM! PLEASE!} ¨C Valeera''s frantic pleas should have reached even the most deaf gods, but apparently no one cares about her anymore. The girl would give everything in the world to avoid theing humiliation¡­ Everything in the world except Kyon.


    Weber squeezed her eyes shut, but shuddered slightly from each step of the slowly approaching monster¡­ He stood next to her and did nothing for a long time ¨C obviously, he was mocking her.


    Valeera could not know that it was Kyon in front of her; that a sound-proofing barrier was ced on him; that he was wearing a fruit ring that did not allow him to suppress an erection; that he was ordered to **** her, and if he refused, someone else would do it; that his Synergy, whenever it touched her body, was absorbed by something inexplicable¡­


    The pause dragged on, and Weber even timidly opened her eyelids, hoping not to see Dick in front of her, but at that moment he suddenly moved his pelvis forward, and the girl felt a sharp pain in the lower abdomen, which seemed to be filled with something¡­


    {Noo-ooo-ooo-oo-oooo-o-oo-oo-oo!} ¨C Valeera howled with incredible mental pain, so great that bloody tears poured out of her eyes. She turned pale and limp, unable to resist in any way the horror that was happening. Something kept her from losing consciousness, forcing her to experience these inhuman torments.


    Weber was defamed by the nastiest man in the universe. If she had been raped by a dirty flea-ridden mongrel, it would have been a hundred times less terrible. Every thrust of the bastard shed her already fragile heart and mind with a thousand razor-sharp daggers. It seemed to her as if he was trying to tear the soul out of her. Her very existence turned into an endless cycle of torment. Weak thoughts of death turned into the most cherished dream.


    Now the girl, with all her desire, could not consider herself a woman of the messenger of the goddess, which is tantamount to the destruction of all the supporting pirs in her soul, except for the most important thing: her beloved one is alive. Everything else is secondary.


    Suddenly Valeera felt strokes on her cheek¡­ With blurred vision, she noticed something ck on a thick finger. When, with an incredible effort, she tried to concentrate and see a clear picture, she discovered an obsidian ring, just like the one she was wearing.


    Since Kyon had exhausted all other options, in a fit of desperation, he thus wanted to hint to her who he really was - her husband. However, he could not even imagine that at this moment he made a terrible mistake. The exhausted captive regarded this action as the fact that the insidious investigator removed the ring from her husband''s corpse, and now, raping her, he specifically shows it to her in order to finally break the will of the unfortunate one!


    {NO! NO! NO! NO!} ¨C Valeera didn''t care about anything else, except for this ring. She hoped with all her heart that she was wrong, and now all this existed only in her imagination, but¡­


    Lanatelle smiled gleefully. She approached the captive, whispering earnestly in her ear: ?You still didn''t understand what kind of cooperation we were talking about? Silly girl. I don''t need anything from you except your suffering. Know the depths of despair for going against my will.?


    Before the pale face of the girl appeared the head of the mature man, whose ring had just been shown by the rapist. His frozen face was distorted with a grimace of pain and despair, indicating how much he suffered before his death. And suddenly the head exploded, shattering into pieces¡­


    At that moment, the whole world of Valeera copsed into a single point, and the pupils expanded to the limit.


    Fate robbed Weber of everything that she loved and valued over and over again: when she was a little innocent girl, her whole family was killed right in front of her eyes; her beloved uncle died sacrificing himself to buy her time to escape from the department; the n created together with her husband, in which she put all her heart and soul, was exterminated. And now she was given the hope that her precious Zosimos was alive, in order to ruthlessly trample it¡­


    The only light in her life, heavy and full of suffering, went out forever, and there was nothing left in this cruel world but pain and hatred.


    ?Forgive¡­ Me¡­? ¨C Valeera breathed out barely audibly, and her heart stopped.


    It seemed that at that moment the air froze. All the sounds in the universe are gone. Everything that exists has lost its colors. Even the mild sunset evening was reced by a cold night, although the sun has not gone away.


    An invisible wave of iparable power came out of the soul of the martyr ¨C the roar of the void. Every living being on the and the moons experienced the devastating tread of eternal oblivion. All the ordinary people in Dantes lost consciousness. In the pce, even the lord phasers fainted.


    An invisible searing wall of energy formed in front of Kyon, who was at the epicenter. It saved him from the consequences, and the residual wave was absorbed by the Synergy of the Doctor of Science phase and other entities inside the soul.


    A giant anomaly has arisen in the world. The embodiment of all the injustice of the world, an unhealed wound - a hole leading to non-existence: where there is no ce for any living beings. God''sws trembled next to it and diligently began to go around the danger zone, afraid to turn into nothing.

 Chapter 562

    Chapter 562: Chapter 562


    Before Kyon had time to realize what had happened, suddenly something cold, like a dead man and small, like the hand of a fetus, stuck into his lower abdomen.


    It turned out that this creature was in the spiritual world, and it intended to prate the young man through the most vulnerable ce! Low tried to move away, but the empress suddenly grabbed him by the neck. An icy blood energy simr to that used by the rah general, but much denser invaded his body. But because of the way it got into the body-through the pores, the strength of its impact was low.


    Nevertheless, it was enough to stiffen the body and keys. Even the right hand didn''t move! Obviously, it wasn''t because of its strength, but because the blood flowing through his veins belonged to only the noble phaser at the finishing stage. After a few seconds, Kyon caught his breath: he felt this "something" begin to make its way inside his soul__ His whole being froze, as if he had eaten a ton of concentrated mint - menthol. He was overwhelmed by an unexpectedly powerful wave of despondency and indifference. Everything ceased to have any meaning: life, death, joy and even pain.


    Low managed to return himself to a normal state with Synergy, but it will notst for a long time It is vital to urgently get rid of this entity! The attempt to influence it with Synergy tamed out to be a failure: the creature sucked up the essence of the universe like a ck hole. It remains only to try to absorb it with the core of the Void! But it didn''t work out_ However, this attempt seemed to attract the attention of the creature. It curiously crawled to the core and grabbed it with its little icy hands.


    Kyon felt his foundation shake. The darkness and light in the core, as well as all the souls enclosed in it, trembled with horror, as if fearing that they could all be destroyed at any moment. Meanwhile, Lanatelle untied her braids, and her long silver hair streamed like a waterfall over the smooth back With a slight movement of her hand, the womanid the young man on the floor and, covering his face with a fragrant palm, pressed him to the floor, depriving him of a view__ [What was she up tom -Low tried to understand, gritting his teeth. With all his desire he could not resist. The cursed blood energy is his vulnerability! However, he wasforted by the fact that the woman treated him much more gently than she could.


    Suddenly, the young man felt that two soft buttocks smoothly descended on him, and then the cold gentle hands of the empress grabbed the cock_ Kyon, being inplete shock, felt his penis being directed somewhere_ The head of the penis pressed against something soft and warm, and with some effort, the tip, having torn something, prated into a tender, enveloping and amazingly pleasant narrow ce_ This tight "something" slowly swallowed the penis centimeter by centimeter, as if it was going to eat it, while the soft warm buttocks of the woman lying on him gradually slid down.


    [Am L Being -Lovr guessed btedly. Through the gap between the fingers, he saw the extraordinarily beautiful woman squinting her eyes, obviously in pain, trying to amodate such arge reproductive organ. At the same time she still somehow managed to maintain a truly royal dignity and calmness. In any other situation, Kyon could even enjoy what was happening, but not today.


    The vile creature swarming inside deprived him of all emotions and desires, and also threatened to destroy the core of the Void_ But most of all he was worried about the tragedy that happened to Valeera. Her heart hasn''t been beating for a minute! How can he think of anything but his wife?! Meanwhile, the penis smoothly prated into the deepest corner of the imperial treasury, and the guy suddenly felt a burning iparable aura prating into his soul through the soul of the woman_ He felt the same aura during sex with Kara, but her purity was infinitely lower.


    Where did the empress get it from?! The disgusting ''something'' suddenly lost interest in the core of the Void and headed towards of the iparable burning aura. It behaved like a child carried away by a beautiful light. Having flown to the most vulnerable ce in the soul, the creature suddenly changed its host_ [ She deliberately lured - Kyon realized. The empress''s face twisted in pain. She stood up abruptly and staggered out of the room. It seems that the woman is trying to suppress and pacify this "something" in her soul, and if she fails then Rosarrio will need a new emperor.


    But at the moment Kyon had other things to preupy him. He immediately ran up to Valeera and, using Synergy and other elements, tried to make her heartbeat. However, nothing worked. No matter how hard he tried, the girl didn''t want toe alive. [Please, Valeera! Please don''t die! Live! Live for me!1- nervously biting his lip, he tried to resuscitate Weber, but to no avail. It seemed that something vital had been torn out of her soul a certain core, because of which she had been holding on all this time - the belief that her beloved one was alive. Kyon involuntarily remembered herst letter: t You gave me an unforgettable life that I never dared to dream of. You and only you showed me what true female happiness is. But the higher you fly, the more painful it is to fall Now I am left alone with nothing, alone with the inner demons eating me.


    I''m so sad and lonely. I seem to be going crazy. I can not go on! Please tell me, beloved Kyon, is the ck Queen worthy to see her ck King just one more time? . Valeera, of course you are worthy! Your ck King is here! Ell be with you, just don''t die, please! Don''t go away!. - Lovr pleaded hoarsely, not abandoning desperate attempts to resuscitate her He was crying at the thought of what the girl had been through. Valeera sincerely repented of what she had done. All her immense love for already belonged to Kyon, and he just had toe and take it! But he didn''te Weber''s heart was breaking because of the separation Every night she was in sobs. The girl with all her heart begged her beloved one to return to her, but he never appeared Theirst partingsted forever, and there will never be a reunion again.


    The soul of the martyr separated from the body, marking the end of her life path. .No-o-o-oo¡­ Valee¡­ Ra -Kyon, with tears in his eyes, looked in disbelief at the pale face of his dead wife, and it seemed to him that he saw her soul, that he was catching the sad look of her wet eyes, that he felt all the despair and longing for her beloved one, whom he would never see again. The exhausted soul will go to the afterlife, full of regrets. Low had never experienced such intense grief before.


    He didn''t really get attached to anyone at all. However, Valeera He did too much for her: saved her many times, risking himself; helped her eliminatepetitors and build the megan; spent 8 unforgettable months with her, full of aching tenderness and violent passion, and everything will end like this? .NOB-Kyon yelled deafeningly. The soul, already headed for the bowels of the earth, was suddenly pulled and absorbed by the core of the Void.


    won''t let you die because you are my woman.. - he vowed resolutely. As long as her soul is in his core of the Void, and the body win be hidden in the ring, where time hardly passes, them is a chance to revive her.


    Kyon was about to ce Valeera¡¯s body in the ring, when suddenly a voice sounded in his head, so deafening and heartfelt, as if the universe wasmunicating with hint


    DTI you really intend to save the girl, then its better not to put her body in the ring. Having lost its frequency, it will never reunite with the soul again I Low froze, discouraged. Did the goddess condescend tomunicate with him? Should he believe her words? He definitely should!


    He also found out through experiments that, having been in the astral for only two seconds (two in theyer between the worlds), you can lose the frequency of vibrations of your body, due to which the soul will lose contact with it, and everything is over. This means that if he ces Valeera¡¯s body in the ring, it will lose its vibrational frequency, and it will never be possible to connect it with the soot .


    Then what should I do? Please guide me!. Dairy, my services are priceless. I''m afraid you can''t afford therm.] 411 make it worth your while! Sooner orter I will pay!.-Kyon hastily replied. Every second counted, because Valeera¡¯s body was being destroyed due to the fact that her soul was no longer connected to the material world. Once he almost died from it, but he was saved thanks to Juno.


    {.You won''t be able to pay off my interest for eternity. However, today is your lucky day. You have something valuable _.1 .If this is not rted to my freedom, health and talent, then I am ready to give it away!. - Lovr believed that a deal with the goddess was no better than a deal with the devil If she asks for any of the, he will refuse and find a way to revive his wife himself. [.No. The payment will concern you only indirectly, and this loss will not upset you much. I won''t say what or who it is about You should guess..}-the goddess said mysteriously. Her gentle ephemeral voice for some reason chilled him to the bone.


    [Damn it why can''t she say it directly?!1- Kyon thought about what the celestial might be interested in and had a hunch Losing it really won''t upset him very much. Gritting his teeth, he agreed.


    As soon as thest words were spoken, Valeera¡¯s body was rapidly overgrown with a thickyer of green crystal - a huge pure wless nephrite! After the death of the practitioner, the universe erases all the matter created by him during his life: water, air, earth and even charged particles (the element of ether).


    However, this does not apply to formations enclosed in nephrites - an ideal trap for energy. The energy can be stored inside the nephrite for eternity, even if it is in a spatial ring. Kyon immediately figured out what to do and ced Valeera¡¯s body in the ring. Now the frequency of her body vibrations will not be erased by the cruelws reigning in the dimension between material and spiritual worlds.


    Low has just won lime - a lot of time! Since Weber''s soul is in the core of the Void, there is no point in worrying about it If he dies, she dies too. But he needs to be careful with the spatial ring, because if it copses, then the nephrite and the girls body enclosed in it will be destroyed forever. :Mow can I revive her?. - Kyon asked more calmly. [.You must not only learn how to extract the absorbed souls, but also fulfill at least three conditions. First: take The Child of the Void" from Kyon was taken aback by what he heard: rite Child of the Void"? So that''s what it''s - KI need more information! Please tell me the details!.


    ¡°The Child of the Void" is a creature that has be an integral part of the girl She will note to life without her, just like a person without a heart. I will tell you how to take ''The Child of the Void" from Lanatelle only when she is in yourplete power. Until this condition is met, you can forget about the other two. However, my disciple will kill you before you fulfill it. - at this icy threat, the goddess''s speech began to subside, as if she was moving away, which clearly indicated that the conversation was over.


    Kyon froze in the deepest confusion. He thought about what he heard over and over One thing is clear: it will be incredibly difficult to fulfill all three conditions. He didn''t even think about whether it was worth it. He was worried about saving his wife. Lanatelle cruelly tortured and killed Valeera. It is difficult to describe in words how much Low hated the empress. Nevertheless, now his mind was crystal clear, and a grandiose n to turn everything in his favor was born in his head.


    Kyon, using the element of water ced a few drops of Lanatell¡¯s blood, which she shed after losing her virginity, into the ampoule, and immediately went down..

 Chapter 563

    Chapter 563There was total chaos in Dantes. The roar of nothingness, the disappearance of all sounds and colors, as well as the sudden onset of night ¨C this is not even seen in a nightmare. Although all these anomaliessted only a few seconds, it was more than enough to cause mass panic. The citizens were afraid that the end of the world hade, and many of them began to rampage, rob, **** and even kill.


    That was the least of Kyon''s worries. He suppressed his grief for Valeera with Synergy and focused entirely on the n, which, s, was entirely based on the fact that the empress would begin the transformation of the soul before she got acquainted with Elsa''spromising material.


    By the way, he almost immediately rejected the idea of intercepting the letter. The fact is that letters of the highest importance, and Stone sent just such a letter, are delivered by the empress''s personal servants to the pce from the post office, of which there are hundreds in Dantes. Moreover, the servant will not necessarily go through the main entrance. Perhaps he will even go through secret underground passages. And even if he miraculously manages to find a courier, he will definitely not be able to negotiate with him, he will have to somehow neutralize him, and all the servants of the empress are extremely strong.


    Kyon wasforted by one thought: Lanatelle will certainly not be able to read the letters now. As soon as she takes "The Child of the Void" under her control, she will surely immediately begin the transformation, since she has been longing to break into the overlord phase for many years (9). In general, the chances of sess of the n are significant. But for its implementation, it is vital to get into the archive with secret documents, that is, to give the drop of blood to the 0th general, fulfilling his condition.


    However, he did not rush headlong into the predator''sir. He needed a backup n, so he left Dantes. Having waited for the sky to be enveloped by the imprable darkness of the night, the young man hovered on a pterodactyl over the city and, having imposed many barriers of concealment on himself, jumped down. First, he overcame the city barrier, then the barrier of the Valentine family, then, entering the astral, prated into the mansion located in the central territory of the family.


    Kyon got into Roman''s chambers during his wedding night with Juno by the same method. The only difference was that the night darkness was now instead of clouds covering the sky.


    Lovr entered the chambers of his former boss: the bespectacled head of the analytics department, Mn, the brother of patriarch Monty Valentine, who was killed by the empress.


    Then he installed many concealment barriers in an inconspicuous corner and, leaving a clone there, teleported to another one on the pterodactyl.


    Now Kyon will be able to get into Mn Valentine''s chambers at any time.


    Afterpleting the preparation, he left the second clone in the pce and went to the department to give the general the trophy blood. Will the 0th general keep his promise? Will he give him ess to the secret archive? Kyon wasn''t sure. Every meeting with this unpredictable maniac is a hassle, and it is impossible to predict the oue of the meeting in advance.


    Soon Kyon entered the department. Despite the fact that it waste and the working day hade to an end, it was very brisk inside. There was shouting, swearing and running around everywhere. Given the situation in the capital, it was not surprising that the investigators had a lot of work to do.


    The guy went down to the underground floors by elevator. Unfortunately, there are barriers ced on the dungeon in the department that block the signal, which means that it will not be possible to teleport to the clone; at one time, this made it difficult for him to escape and rescue Valeera. Only teleportation trigrams will work, but they take a lot of time.


    Downstairs, Kyon was searched by men in ck masks and escorted to their master''s office.


    The head of the department sat at the table, resting his forehead on his fingers folded in a lock, while, frowning, he read Mn''s report on the chaos that is happening now in the capital. He looked up from his notes and looked coldly at the guest.


    Just because of the reaction of the 0th general, Kyon felt his chances of sess rapidly melting away. And yet it''s worth at least trying.


    ?Hello. It''s a little noisy in the department today, isn''t it??


    ?Did youe to mete at night to make jokes? Get to the point.? ¨C the zeroth general, as always, preferred not to waste time on empty chatter.


    ?You are absolutely right. I''m here for something else.? ¨C Kyon took out the ampoule with blood.


    The look of the 0th general changed, and his eyebrows went up: ?Is it really¡­? ¨C he took a long needle from somewhere behind the table and put it into the ampoule, then slowly and carefully took it out and licked the very tip of the needle with reverent awe. His eyelids closed blissfully, as if he had fallen out of reality and entered the realm of pleasure.


    Kyon could hardly keep his countenance. And it wasn''t even because of where exactly this blood came from ¨C he was about to find out what the 0th general really was. Will he really keep his promise? Does he want to cooperate with him?


    Finally, the head of the department opened his eyes and, with a hoarseness in a quiet voice, unkindly asked: ?What is it like to deflower the great and beautiful Lanatelle?? ¨C in an instant he changed so much that he seemed like apletely different person.


    {Fuck, what was I hoping for?} ¨C Kyon swore under his breath, feeling the thirst for blood on himself. Of course, after the tragedy with Valeera, he immediately understood why the 0th general set him the impossible task of collecting blood: he knew about the ritual! He knew how exactly the messenger of the goddess wouldplete the task. The bastard calcted everything.


    From the first seconds in this office, Lovr was seized with a bad feeling, because for some reason the 0th general pretended that he did not expect his appearance. As if he was afraid of something. If his intentions were pure, he would not do such nonsense.


    However, even so, there was still a possibility that he would fulfill his end of the bargain. That''s why Kyon gave the ampoule: he hoped for the best, you know the rest.


    ?You know, it was pretty good¡­ Quite good. A very passionatedy.? ¨C Kyon quipped without a bit of respect in his voice. Just because of one question, he guessed that the general cares about Lanatelle, which means it''s time to make fun of the traitor.


    ?Sucker, you don''t seem to understand what situation you are in?!? ¨C the man thundered, rising menacingly. The density of the bloodlust emitted by him increased tenfold, it seemed that an ancient powerful monster had awakened. Even some crazy serial maniac will seem like a harmless cute puppy next to him! There was such an aura that even the battle-hardened general Richard would have felt trembling in the knees, to say nothing of the rest.


    Nevertheless, Kyon remained calm, even confident: ?I understand everything¡­ You took off the mask, and there was a real piece of shit under it. All this time, you didn''t give a damn about cooperating with me! Well, okay, it''s not a big loss, it wasn''t difficult for me to fulfill your wishes. There''s one thing I don''t understand: how can you be so sure that you can get away with killing the direct disciple??


    The general bared his long fangs in a chilling smile: ?Stupid boy, you behave so presumptuously, although you do not understand even a tenth of what is happening under your nose¡­ Typical stupid little man.?


    ?So tell me!? ¨C Kyon demanded sharply, trying to find out at least something.


    ?Why should I tell something to the future deceased?? ¨C the zeroth general tilted his head in surprise, acting not like a typical viin. ¨C ?However, you will live for some time. But then¡­ Believe me, your death will not be much better than Valeera''s.? ¨C having finished, he seemed to disappear from his ce.


    As soon as the man twitched, explosive formations detonated in Kyon''s soles, which caused the young man to rush into the ceiling with the speed of a cannon shot, however, contrary tomon sense, he did not crash into it, but flew through it!


    ?What was that?!? ¨C the 0th general was amazed. Pyrobloin absorbs any energy ites in contact with, but the messenger of the goddess somehow got through it! He had not demonstrated this ability before, and it was impossible to predict that the guy had it.


    In one second of being in the astral Kyon flew up 50 meters, ending up over the department. At the same moment, he disappeared with a quiet pop, teleporting to the clone previously left in the residence of Mn Valentine. The traitor and his masked stooges can search for him for as long as they want.


    {Damned bastard¡­ If I had known that he adores Lanatelle so much, I definitely wouldn''t have gone to him¡­} ¨C Kyonined to himself, rubbing his feet throbbing with pain. He knew he was taking a risk, but he went to the beast''sir anyway. s, he turned out to be hostile¡­


    To implement the n, it is vital for Lovr to get into the secret archive of the department, and, fortunately, he has a n B, and it is connected with his former boss. He just has to wait for his arrival, which may take some time¡­


    Two days have passed, but Mn has not shown up. As it is easy to guess, all this time the man was busy at work ¨C there were plenty of things to do.


    But Kyon was not upset by such a dy. He had his own reasons for joy: the clone, who had been in the pce all this time, was safe and sound! This means that the empress has not yet read Elsa''s letter, otherwise she would have already taken action. Lanatelle either died because of "The Child of the Void", or she has already begun the transformation of the soul.


    Finally,te at night, a tired-looking skinny man entered the room. He changed into pajamas, put his sses on the nightstand, fell on the bed and instantly fell asleep.


    Kyon prepared for the operation: he sprayed an odorless soporific in the air to prevent the former boss from waking up; put a lot of barriers of concealment everywhere, including soundproof ones; gave the former boss a substance that paralyzes the keys and weakens the body. In the end, he seated his victim on a previously created metal chair and, having tightly tied his hands and feet, gave him an invigorating substance to wake the man up.


    ?Mmm¡­ Hmmm¡­? ¨C Mn began to wriggle sleepily. ¨C ?Eh? What the¡­ Am I dreaming?? ¨C the bespectacled man muttered under his breath and tried to rub his eyes, but suddenly realized that he was tied up.


    ?Easy-easy¡­ Don''t be nervous. You''ll have time for that.?


    ?D-Dick?! What¡­ Is it really¡­ WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!? ¨C Mn quickly figured out what was going on, but this only increased the number of questions. It would never have urred to him that his former gifted subordinate, who is now a direct disciple of the empress, would take him hostage! How did he do it?! Why did he do it and what does he expect at all?!


    ?Are you awake? Then I''ll get down to business¡­? ¨C Kyon began dryly.


    ?Are you crazy?! Untie me immediately!? ¨C the bespectacled man demanded sternly.


    Kyon immediately pierced the former boss with one needle with Synergy, thus intending to clearly exin to him exactly what situation he was in.


    ?WU-U-UA-A-A-AAA-A-AA-AA-AH!?


    A heartbreaking scream echoed through the room. Only 3 seconds of exposure, and the man has already turned deathly pale, gasped and even sweated.


    ?I ask questions and give directions here. If you dare to contradict me, I will make it even more painful. Did you hear me?? ¨C Kyon asked softly.


    ?Y-yes¡­? ¨C Mn nodded his head obediently, like a chicken pecking grains.


    ?Fine. So, what I need from you is a mere trifle: just information about the exact location of the secret archive in the department.? ¨C Kyon said, patting the man on the shoulder in a friendly way, which only emphasized his control over the prisoner.


    The bespectacled man swallowed hard and immediately told everything, but Lovr was not stupid enough to trust the high-ranking investigator right away. s, but until he breaks the man''s will, he will not believe in the truthfulness of the information in any case. The smallest mistake can turn into a disaster. Pity is an unaffordable luxury.


    It would be great to do without all this horror, taking advantage of his authority, but the chance of sess will be less than 100%, which is uneptable in this case.


    Half an hour passed away, full of piercing screams and desperate pleas.


    Torturing the imperial phaser at the beginning stage turned out to be extremely costly, and there was little Synergy left. It looks like he will have to use two needles, which he really does not want to do, because Mn did not deserve it. It will be necessary to make reparation for the injury caused.


    Suddenly, a second before using the second needle, the bespectacled man''s expression changed dramatically. Here it is ¨C the turning point! It is almost impossible to simte this, especially in a critical situation. No doubt his will is broken and he''s ready to tell the truth.


    Hearing the following words of the man, Lovr mentally chuckled: as expected, the information was different from what he had originally said. The sly fox wanted to deceive him!


    Kyon gave Mn the medicine of oblivion and put him to sleep. Fortunately, the torturested less than an hour, and the medicine of oblivion erases the memory with 100% purity for this time period, which means that in the morning the man will not remember anything. Nevertheless, principles are principles, and in the future he will have to pay him back somehow for what he did.


    Now it''s time to take advantage of the information.

 Chapter 564

    Chapter 564Kyon infiltrated the family''s territory, where his next target lives ¨C an investigator of the 4th rank, working in the department as an executioner. This position allows him to freely visit the basement floors of the department - which is very important.


    The poor man couldn''t even afford security. He waspletely defenseless against such a person as the messenger of the goddess.


    Within three minutes, the investigator, tied to the chair, was sleeping under the influence of the soporific, while Kyon was fumbling with a scalpel in his wrist with filigree precision. If he had not used a tourniquet and therapeutic medicine, the man would have died of blood loss.


    The main task now is to steal the identity of the sleeper, and formation is needed toplete the image. The guy decided that surgery was the easiest way to get it.


    It would never ur to anyone to suspect that someone is capable of doing such a procedure. You''d have to be crazy to put a piece of someone else''s flesh in your wrist! However, Kyon loses all moral shackles in a difficult situation.


    It is worth noting that someone else''s flesh inside the body will be immediately attacked by the immunity of the soul, so the formation inside it willst at best one hour. He didn''t have much time.


    Fortunately, formations do not read vital signs from investigators of the 4th rank, otherwise the staff of the department''s information center would be surprised at the appearance of the deceased in the building.


    Afterpleting the procedure, Kyon went to the department.


    Early morning, just the very beginning of the working day. No one will suspect that someone can hide under the identity of a gray inconspicuous executioner.


    Kyon took the elevator down to the 1st basement floor without any incident and, leaving the clone next to the stairs, disappeared¡­


    Remembering Mn''s words about the location of the secret archive, it was not difficult for Lovr to determine the exact direction and distance to the desired room. He found the mostfortable position and, jumping, pushed off from the ceiling, and then, instead of crashing into the floor with his head, he went through it using the astral.


    Kyon appeared in a small room littered with filing cabs.


    His heart was pounding wildly. Just two rooms to the left was the office of the head of the department, who had intended to capture and kill him three days ago!


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Kyon activated Synergy. Blue threads rushed into the lockers with secret documents. One for each. He will not have to study the archive with his own eyes. In a few seconds he will find out everything with the help of Synergy!


    ~creak~


    Suddenly two men in ck masks entered the room.


    {Damn it!} ¨C Kyon cursed. It looked like an invisible rm barrier had been ced on the secret archive, which triggered as soon as he was inside.


    The servants of the 0th general turned their heads towards the invisible man and instantly rushed to the attack. Judging by the speed and pressureing from them, one of them is the imperial phaser at the 9th stage, the other is at the 6th stage. One of them has an advantage of 30 stages!


    Kyon has no chance to win. But he doesn''t need it. He just needs to hold out for a few seconds until Synergy scans all the documents!


    Taking out the Scourge, he turned around andunched "The cut of darkness" at the opponents.


    The imperial phaser at the 9th stage seemed to be using his ck gloves as a weapon. With his hands d in them, he grabbed the ck de and, scraping on the ground, tried to tear it, but to no avail, because this de copies the strength of the weapon that emitted it.


    The second imperial phaser was smarter: he just ducked. With his maneuver, he bought himself time, for this he was awarded an individual ck de, from which he could not dodge¡­ He had to attack him with a sword, which took him a second.


    Meanwhile, the imperial phaser at the 9th stage stopped the de and rushed forward. He repelled the next attack of the enemy with the back of his hand, redirecting it upwards, and, instantly reducing the distance, boldly took the blow of the de, having managed to hit the guy with his fist in the chest with all his might.


    ~BO-O-OM~


    The entire department building shook as the youth''s body crashed into the wall.


    Kyon received severe damage from just one hit¡­


    This time both masked men approached and attacked at the same time.


    ~poof~


    The young man disappeared with a light pop a moment before the collision.


    Kyon teleported to the clone who had been standing near the stairs all this time. Staggering like a zombie, he hobbled up, rising literally 3 meters in order to ovee the barrier blocking the signal (and hence the ability to teleport), after which he moved to the second clone located in the pce.


    Lovr copsed and went into a fit of bloody coughing. The damage was incredible: almost all the ribs on the left side of the chest were crushed, the left lung was torn and even the heart was hurt. If he hadn''t moved slightly to the side before receiving the blow, then the heart would have beenpletely destroyed. The bastard was aiming at it!


    All of these injuries were inflicted by just one blow from the imperial phaser at the 9th stage - the practitioner who surpassed him by 3 phases. However, in the worst case, it will take 1 day to return to fullbat capability, because it is not difficult to restore the bones with the element of the earth, as well as to heal the heart, and the right lung was not damaged.


    However, full recovery will take a week.


    Kyon got all this to study the secret archive at 100%.


    Hey down on the bed and began to analyze the information received.


    The true events that took ce during the military operations under the leadership of certain generals were described in most of the documents: the number of victims, strategies, achievements, and more. Everything that will never be written in historical literature.


    There were also important economic information and ns, including foreign ones. Arms, medicine, and even practitioners and ves were traded with other empires.


    Another part of the documents was devoted to thebat power of each family, including the Russells. This information was updated every year, because of this, ording to a special schedule, it was easy to determine which family was flourishing and which was in a state of decline.


    Kyon immediately noticed that the documentspletelycked information about thebat power of the personal army of the empress and the 0th general - about people in masks. There was also not a single mention of the Webers. As if the most important secrets didn''t even need to be written down.


    Nevertheless, Lovr was overjoyed to find a detailed n of the pce.


    The first three basement floors were equipped for a treasury. On the first one there were stocks of ingredients and a variety of medicine of the Russells, the guy had already been here. The second one was designated for spheres and keys, as well as valuable materials. On the third one - the legacy of the Russells and items with formations inside, for example, defensive and attacking ones.


    However, Kyon was interested in information about the 4th and 5th floors. The fourth one, ording to the device, was equipped for prison cells. Surely Valeera was there. But the construction of the 5th floor was extremely strange: it was not only located at a depth of a kilometer underground, but also consisted of continuous long corridors, each of which ended in a room. There was an entrance in the hidden wall that required you to enter a password with energy.


    {That''s what I was looking for, however¡­} ¨C Lovr didn''t look happy. The fact was that in the documents there was not a single word about the purpose of the rooms, traps and guards. And most importantly, there are no secret passages. This means that there is no way to bypass security. And what to do? Fighting them is tantamount to suicide. An attempt to put them to sleep or poison them with an invisible gas is also doomed to failure. As soon as the substance affects less developed practitioners, more developed ones will pour pure energy into their noses and raise the rm.


    {What should I do?} ¨C after thinking about the problem, Kyon finally found a solution. After all, he reached the Synergy of the Doctor of Science phase in his previous life.


    Havinge up with the solution, Kyon immediately began to implement it, while simultaneously treating the injuries. Now he was sure that the empress was making the transformation thatsted from 7 to 14 days. He didn''t have much time.


    The hours followed each other. Kyon''s body was gradually getting skinny. Bones and muscles were shrinking and thinning. The chest and pelvis became smaller. He was turning into a weakling. A prisoner of war who has been eating only a piece of bread a day for several years would look about the same.


    By the end of the next day, the transformation wasplete. And although Lovr has almost no muscles left, thanks to his development, he could still lift the Scourge, but on condition that it would weigh 5% of its usual mass ¨C 500 kilograms.


    Kyon left the clone, and with the help of a teleportation trigram, he moved to one of his mansions in Dantes. Another parcel from the Golden Pig guild has just arrived with a lot of different concealment formations. Recently, they have been invaluable to him, so he spared no money to buy them.


    The skinny young man headed to the city center, taking everything he needed and wrapping himself in a raincoat. Stopping just a kilometer from the pce, he quietly jumped into the sewer and, using the elements of the earth, began to burrow into the ground.


    Of course, Kyon knew perfectly well that all important objects were equipped with rm formations sensitive to vibrations and fluctuations of the elements, in particr to the element of the earth. They were needed to prevent anyone from getting through using a tunnel.


    Considering this, Lovr imposed on himself a lot of barriers blocking the "sound" of vibrations of the element of the earth. In addition, he worked very carefully to minimize vibrations. It was as if he was fixing a piece ofnd and digging only inside it.


    Meter by meter, Kyon carefully descended until he was a kilometer deep, after which he began to dig forward with even more caution. Soon he ran into a wall of pyrobloin. The earth element will not work on it in any way.


    Lovr put his ear to the wall, but did not hear anything. Even if there is a sound barrier ahead, which is extremely unlikely, it should still let in at least the slightest sounds. But there are no sounds.


    He nodded with satisfaction, put all the remaining barriers of concealment on himself, entered invisibility and overcame the wall with the help of the astral.


    Kyon found himself in an empty room, which was illuminated by several dusty lighting crystals. He was breathless with excitement: he was almost at the goal!


    He carefully studied the environment with "The eyes of truth" for the presence of barriers, then created the stairs with the element of the earth, climbed them and got into a narrow vent. That''s how he was going to bypass all the traps and security!


    Of course, venttion is indispensable, especially underground. However, the hole was so small that only a three-year-old skinny child could crawl on it, but even he would get stuck on turns. However, Kyon could use the earth element to make his bones soft and flexible, like sticine, which would allow him to turn without getting stuck anywhere.


    The final stage of the brilliant n has begun!

 Chapter 565

    Chapter 565The thin guy was slowly but surely making his way through the narrow venttion hole ¨C the square tunnel inside the pyrobloin wall. No sane person would even think that it is possible to get in there at all, so there are no traps.


    Kyon cleverly used his full body control ability. However, it wasn''t just that. If his bones had not been reced with carbon ones, it would not have been possible to soften them with the earth element, and in this case the scout would have been stuck at the first turn, of which there were thousands.


    By the way, the 5th floor seemed huge not only because of its long corridors, but also because of the chaotic location of the premises, that is, an earthenyer ofteny between them, therefore, it will not be easy to find a secret room, if one exists.


    Moving through the venttion, he saw a man in a mask below through a small gap¡­ In ck, not gray! The servants of the empress wore gray masks, and the servants of the 0th general wore ck masks.


    {What does it mean?! What the fuck is going on here?!} ¨C Lovr tried to somehow connect the drop of blood and the presence of the 0th general''s servants here, but he had too little information. Is it possible that the head of the department was nning the same thing as him?


    Kyon shook his head, discarding unnecessary thoughts. Now it all makes no sense. He needs to focus on the main thing: on the search for the empress, who is transforming her soul at this moment!


    He crawled through the dusty venttion to the next room, and then to another and another¡­ During the day, Kyon examined 50 rooms out of 100, but they all turned out to be empty, which was somewhat depressing, suggesting disappointing thoughts that Lanatelle might not be here at all.


    These damn dark, cramped vents are hell for those who are affected by ustrophobia and mysophobia. Even a mentally healthy person crawling here all day long would experience incredible stress and anxiety, and maybe even a panic attack.


    The second day wasing to an end, and Kyon was bing increasingly frustrated. After examining the hundredth empty room, he groaned bitterly ¨C she was nowhere to be found! Had he been taking unnecessary risks all this time? Will all his efforts go down the drain?


    {Stop¡­ In all this time, I have never seen the zeroth general. But then where is he?} ¨C Lovr suspected that there was still a secret room on this floor, not indicated in the n of the pce. So the man found her, but he didn''t! Or, perhaps, this insidious maniptor was not looking for her, but, for example, sent a spy to Lanatelle¡­ In any case, the secret room definitely exists, and it must be found somehow.


    {No matter how secret the room is, it will still have to be supplied with oxygen¡­} ¨C Kyon logically assumed and analyzed all his movements through the venttion. Of course, he did not visit all the ces, because some sections were looped.


    Having drawn a new route for himself, Lovr continued to pretend to be a snake.


    Crawling took half a day, and he finally found a passage in the venttion that was not specified in the n of the pce. Where could it lead, if not to the secret room?


    In anticipation, Kyon vigorously crawled in an unknown direction until he hit a dead end. There was an opening at the bottom, but it led to a corridor, not to a room, which was somewhat puzzling.


    Lovr, keeping the utmost vignce and attentiveness, went down and began to move step by step towards the door, throwing pebbles in front of him to make sure there were no hidden traps, as well asunching subordinate rats forward.


    Finally, he approached the door and caught the familiar iparable burning aura emanating from the other side. There''s no doubt Lanatelle is there! But how did it happen that there is no venttion in her room? What is she breathing in there?


    Thoughtfully scratching his temple, Kyon came to the following conclusion: she installed formations there: the first one releasespressed air, the second one absorbs it, the third one venttes. In other words, you can get inside only through the door, and to open it you need either a password, or a formation, or maybe even that very drop of blood! This would exin why the 0th general gave the young man that impossible task.


    Having scanned the door with pure energy, Lovr did not see anything, but echolocation allowed him to find out that in front of him was a door a meter thick.


    After pondering, Kyon decided to get inside not from the entrance side, but from where no one would definitely expect his appearance ¨C from the back of the room.


    However, a few hourster he came back without achieving anything. The fact is that the entire "secret zone" is walled up in a huge pyrobloin cube more than 3 meters thick (the echolocation did not allow him to see further). Of course, it is possible to move there, but it is too risky: if he materializes inside something as durable as his own body, he will turn into mincemeat. It''s not worth the risk. He''ll have to get in through the main door.


    Kyon stood near the door, mentally prepared for anything and, taking a breath, elerated and entered the astral¡­ He appeared in arge room, illuminated by a bloody radiance. Lanatelle was sitting in the center of the room in the lotus position with her eyes closed, and a fiery barrier was shimmering around her ¨C the source of radiance.


    But he was now worried about somethingpletely different: there was an abyss under his feet!


    Kyon immediately tried to pour a spatial attribute into his body to teleport, but inexplicably the energy refused to pour in.


    He tried to take the Scourge out of the ring to push away from it, but for some reason the ck bubble didn''t even form. An attempt to create something from the element of the earth underfoot also had no effect.


    {Enriched pyrobloin!} ¨C he realized with amazement.


    Pyrobloin is an extremely rare rock, it is also known as a bottomless stone that absorbs any elemental energy with which ites into contact. It can be filled, but in 10-20 years it will bnce its state, regaining its original properties. In addition, this stone is extremely durable, and the higher its quality, the stronger it is, and therefore, the more energy it can absorb. The limit of its quality is unknown.


    As for the enriched pyrobloin, it differs from the usual one in that an energy deficit has been artificially created inside it ¨C a vacuum, which is why it absorbs all elemental energy, except neutral, at a distance. The enrichment process is extremely expensive, and the effectsts only a few years.


    ~boom~


    Kyonnded at the very bottom of the abyss. He saw a huge circr room, like a jug 30 meters high, carved inside the enriched pyrobloin.


    {What the fuck was that?!} ¨C Lovr clenched his teeth indignantly. Only an idiot would leave an open pit right in front of the entrance! Even a drunkard won''t fall into such a trap! And yet the guy got into it¡­ But there was no way for him to dodge the trap, considering that he appeared right above it!


    ?What a surprise¡­? ¨C an icy voice filled with bloodlust rang out.


    {For fuck''s sake¡­} ¨C Kyon slowly turned around and looked gloomily at the pale face of the man. Thest thing in the world he wanted right now was to meet him, but, as it usually happens, the worst assumptions came true: the trap was activated by the 0th general!


    ?You look disgusting¡­ Did you get in here through the venttion? Not bad, not bad¡­ Your abilities are really impressive. Especially that trick with passing through the pyrobloin. How did you do that? Will you repeat it? Oh, yes¡­ Before using it, you poured the spatial attribute into yourself, which means you can''t go anywhere now.? ¨C he concluded with a ferocious grin, slowly heading towards the young man.


    It is quite obvious that with such a skinny body and without weapons, Kyon cannot cope with the sovereign phaser with physical strength alone. The developed right hand and head will not help here. The only option for salvation is to somehow force the 0th general to change his conviction.


    ?Bastard, I knew you were up to something against my master¡­? ¨C he hissed.


    The zeroth general suddenly burst outughing. It took him a minute to calm down: ?I have never seen a more stupid attempt to put the actions in the best light! Who are you trying to fool, boy? I see you through! You, like me, came down here to enve Lanatelle!?


    It is universally known that there are only two obstacles to the sessful imposition of a subordinating formation: the mind and the soul. The will of the mind can prevent submission, but a person can always be put to sleep. But the immunity of the soul will not go anywhere. Even if the practitioner is on the verge of death, the formacist must have an advantage in at least two phases in order to seed. The soul still has immunity even in the case of deeper wounds affecting the soul, as during that battle of Gina and Lana. However, the transformation of the soul is a process during which the practitioner bes extremely vulnerable, because his mind and soul are concentrated on an extremelyborious task. During this period of time, they arepletely defenseless against outside interference.


    Kyon really plotted to enve Lanatelle. With his recent words, he pursued another goal: to distract the man''s attention in order to get closer to the wall.


    ?The disciple decided to subdue the master¡­ Well, well. But I''m not judging you. I don''t think she told you that your wife would die after the ritual, so you''re holding a grudge, right??


    Lovr narrowed his eyes: ?How long had you known that I was "The Dark Baron"??


    ?Who do you think I am, sucker?!? ¨C the general suddenly barked. ¨C ?I had known about it even before you became one!


    ?That''s not the answer.? ¨C Kyon replied coldly.


    ?Do you need the answer? Do you really want to know what exactly you failed at? This is a brazen attempt to buy yourself time!? ¨C the man smiled coldly.


    Lovr looked around, threw back his head and shrugged his shoulders: ?Are we in a hurry??


    ?That''s right¡­? ¨C the general agreed with a nod, realizing that there was still about a week before the end of the transformation of the empress, and the messenger of the goddess would still not go anywhere. ¨C ?So be it, I''ll help you understand the real state of things¡­?


    The conversation was going to be long, so Kyon leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms.


    ?Listen carefully: ever since you were the prince of the Grands, I suspected something was wrong when you hired a formacist from Dantes to enve Julia for Franz. Why should a selfish person like you waste his precious time and money on some jerk? Headmaster Nn''s punishment for raping Franz? Bullshit. Obviously, Franz was your friend. Or your servant. And the fact that hisst name is not real is proof of that.?


    ?For a long time I tried to understand how Franz married princess Haya¡­ What happened between her and you that forced her to marry him? How is it interconnected? And as soon as someone robbed the Feruzs treasury, everything fell into ce: you sent a spy to the Feruzs in order to get to the treasuryter.?


    ?Just these conclusions were enough to understand that "The Dark Baron" is you. But this conclusion can be reached in other ways. To begin with, let''s take into ount your amazing ability to wlessly change your personality, and that it took you not a day, not two days, but more than a week to get from Cernos to Dantes¡­ During this period of time, "someone" robbed the Feruzs, as well as Zosimos, the future "Dark Baron", registered at customs as an "active citizen". Coincidence? I don''t think so.?


    ?Okay, okay, let''s make it even simpler: did he knock you out with a blow to the head? I would never believe this nonsense. And yet your escape with Valeera impressed me. You''ve arranged everything so well¡­ You not only pretended to be a victim, but also saved your wife¡­ You''re really great. Your mistake is that you sincerely believe that only a madman will believe in all your grandiose tricks.?


    ?Anyway, while you were trying to atone for Valeera, helping her n by working in the department, while you thought you were ying on both sides of the chessboard, suddenly it turns out that our young genius has been a pawn in someone else''s game all this time! Ah-ha-ha-ha! Ignorance is happiness, isn''t it??


    {For fuck''s sake¡­} ¨C Kyon did not expect that the 0th general had been following him all this time. The guy, of course, knew that he was leaving a lot of evidence and clues, but he simply refused to believe that the man was so sneaky. And did he have a choice? He wanted to repay Valeera too much. Everything went on as usual, and it was not possible to change something without crossing everything out at once.


    It turns out that the only right decision was to leave Rosarrio, leaving Valeera to the mercy of fate; forget about dimir''s letter of rmendation and all that he did to get it; forget about the Feruzs treasury; forget about the dwarfs with their weapons and about the expulsion of demons - two significant services rendered to this empire. Indeed, he should have just rushed off somewhere to Saturn, where every first detractor would be able to knock him out with a single blow¡­ He should have been a small boat in a stormy ocean.


    However, while the 0th general was talking, Kyon was wondering: ?And why didn''t you kill me right away? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Nonsense. Knowing my potential, you couldn''t afford such risks.? ¨C the freedom-loving guy didn''t like such questions at all. The fact that he is still alive because of some obscure reason is not a reason for joy.


    ?Don''t you understand yet?? ¨C the man grinned, baring his fangs, and leaned against the wall.


    Kyon frowned thoughtfully. He couldn''t find an obvious answer, no matter how hard he tried.


    ?I''ll give you a hint: the killer Alexander worked for me.?


    Lovr''s eyebrows went up ¨C awareness fell on him like a waterfall.

 Chapter 566

    Chapter 566The killer Alexander was a trustedrade of Valeera. He was a loyal assistant to her uncle, helped her escape from the Boston department and tragically died with Bernard on the day when all the shadow ns betrayed Valeera. The fact that Alexander had been working for the general all this time could only mean one thing.


    ?Are you Leon?!? ¨C Kyon blurted out in disbelief.


    ?Bravo. You guessed it. With my hint, of course, but still you did it¡­?


    Lovr did not understand how this was possible. Leon, whom he saw in the illusory world, and the 0th general hardly resemble each other in any way! On the other hand, judging by the fact that he came to Boston in the guise of Fernand, the man is good at changing his personality.


    ?You deprived the poor girl of her family, ruined her life, turned her into a ruthless killer, and all because of some "Child of the Void"?!? ¨C Kyon said gloomily. He reacted so sharply because Valeera meant a lot to him. And the realization that the girl''s beloved uncle turned out to be her sworn enemy was really discouraging.


    The zeroth general snorted contemptuously: ?Some "Child of the Void?" The extermination of the Webers and one ruined fate is an insignificant price even for "The Child of the Void" with one shock! Ignorant boy, you don''t understand anything¡­?


    ?So exin it to me!? ¨C Lovr demanded.


    The man looked thoughtfully at the messenger of the goddess and decided to tell him anyway: ?From the very moment of the formation of the soul, there are three free cells inside it: the first is in the navel, the second one is in the heart and the third one is in the head. It is believed that their number can be increased, but I do not know anything about it¡­?


    {How does he know about this?!} ¨C Kyon didn''t remember this being written in books. ¨C {Wait¡­ Three cells, one of which is in the head? Is Synergy settled there? The body of the Void upied the slot in the heart and¡­ Do I still have one more empty slot?}


    ?If the parents have a rich pedigree, then they will pass on to their child an innate unique body that will settle in the navel. And sometimes even two or three unique bodies! Then they will upy all the slots, leaving no room for the conception of a unique body.?


    ?You might have a legitimate question: if there are three slots, then why can''t one conceive two or even three unique bodies at once? The answer is simple: the acquired unique bodies are males. Intruders. Territory invaders. They won''t get along. There can be only one dominant in the soul. Whereas the innate unique body is a female. Keeper of the hearth. There may be two or even three of them, but they will not conflict, because they are sisters to each other, coexisting together from birth.?


    {This is strange¡­ In all the books that I read, it was written that there could not be more than one innate body¡­ Although, if you think about it, his words sound usible.}


    ?A male who invades someone else''s territory is too weak and infirm. He is a child who has to grow into a man. The females decide whether to leave him or not. Whether he is worthy to lead them in the future. Whether his temperament is suitable for them. And it often happens that the female is so powerful and wayward that she immediately needs the man, and she will immediately reject any young foundling.?


    ?Since you know the basics now, I''ll get to the point. Pregnancy, as you have already understood, is not rebirth. Apletely new soul is being formed inside the mother''s soul. It has no memories of past lives, although many people think otherwise.?


    ?Incredibly rare, such an anomaly happens that a mother has to give birth to twins, but the soul of one child gets stuck inside the soul of another child, as if confusing her with her mother. She stops growing because she does not receive nutrients, or, to be more precise, the spiritual essence of the mother. And then this unfortunate child has no choice but to settle in the soul of her sister, which, by the way, will forbid its carrier to develop any unique body.?


    ?In the future, this soul will have the opportunity to acquire a physical body - when the sister gives birth to a child. However, the mother will inevitably die during childbirth, because this soul has long be her integral part, without which she cannot exist.?


    ?The problems don''t end there. An underdeveloped soul that has been inside its mother for many years will never beplete. A person wearing it will inevitably get stuck in his emotional and spiritual development at the level of a child. He will not be able to lie and do evil, he will not be burdened with human vices. Moreover, by depriving his mother of the opportunity to develop a unique body, and then killing her, he will have an irresistible desire to give. That''s why he is called "The Child of Gifting".?


    Kyon stared at the interlocutor in amazement: {It can''t be¡­} ¨C he read about "The Child of Gifting" two volumes out of three existing ones. He came across the first part in the mines, ironically, it turned out to be the very first book he read. It seemed funny to him, but strange. He found the second part in the elite section of the library in Dantes. There was clearly some meaning hidden in it. And only now, after the words of the 0th general, he realized that both books are based on real events.


    ?"The Child of Giving" is the soul of a bastard who deprives his mother of the opportunity to conceive or acquire a unique body and dooms her to death after pregnancy. However, he is unique. For many years he has been hiding inside the soul from the universalws that subdue everything. Since "The Child of Giving" is premature, he is not apleteponent of the universe ¨C a figure that is subject to its principles. In other words, "The Child of Giving" is the only entity in the universe that may notply with itsws. But how exactly to unleash this ability to the fullest??


    ?If the soul is subjected to incredible horror, then "The Child of Giving", peacefully residing inside, may experience a shock, thereby bing "The Child of the Void" with one shock. It will begin to despise and hate the world so much that it will refuse to obey itsws.?


    ?Do you have any idea of the value of a treasure that allows you to weaken the impact of universalws? Because of them, it is so difficult to transform the soul, develop andprehend enlightenment. With "The Child of the Void" you can even be a heavenly genius! It also grants the ability to be invisible, as if refusing to be a part of this world. That''s why "The Child of the Void" is a heavenly treasure.?


    Kyon lookedpletely discouraged, which definitely motivated the narrator to continue. Now the guy understood why Valeera had that powerful invisibility technique. He also realized why her fate was so tragic.


    ?However, it would be a huge mistake to think that turning "The Child of Giving" into "The Child of the Void" is a trivial matter. Believe me, it''s not! Even one shock is an unimaginable phenomenon. A girl can be tortured in the most sophisticated ways, you can kill and shred her parents in front of her, but this will not work, because the victim''s soul simply won''t understand what will happen around her.?


    Kyon, oddly enough, understood what was being said. He also needs to contrive unthinkably every now and then in order to earn darkness. You can''t just take some prisoner and, torturing him with 5 needles, pump the core with darkness. It doesn''t work like that.


    ?To make "The Child of Giving" disappointed in the world, it is necessary to prepare the ground properly. It can take years, and almost a lifetime. By order of Lanatelle, I had been preparing for the first shock for many years, I infiltrated the family and became a friend of Valeera''s father. I slowly but surely motivated the girl to despise the Russells, convinced her that they were jealous and afraid of the Webers, that they created obstacles for them. I literally nurtured hatred for the Russells in Valeera even before they exterminated her family! At the same time, I strengthened her bond with her father, mother and brother¡­ And then¡­ BOOM! And they are all killed! Right in front of her! All points of support copsed at the same time. The whole world and all the girl''s dreams at once turned into horror, for which, paradoxically, she was already subconsciously ready. And, as a result, "The Child of Giving" experienced the first shock, bing "§¥§Ú§ä§×§Þ §á§å§ã§ä§à§ä§í"!? ¨C sincere pleasure and triumph were reflected in the silver eyes of the 0th general, as if he was a maniac who directed his best bloody performance.


    From his stay in the illusory world, Kyon remembered how Valeera''s parents were brutally murdered while she was looking at what was happening, staying behind the mirror. And then, with a powerful impulse, an invisible sh appeared, freezing the soul¡­ Howl of the void. Her first shock.


    {Valeera¡­} ¨C Lovr hated the 0th general and the Empress more and more for their ns. And although he realized why they turned the fate of the poor girl into hell, it was impossible to ept this, because Valeera was his dear and beloved wife.


    Soon the man continued leisurely: ?"The Child of the Void" with two shocks, as the legends say, is a hundred times more effective than with one. I''ve already seen this through Valeera: when "The Child of the Void" tries to hide from the universe, its owner seems to erase himself from it. The effect of invisibility is so striking that people even have slightly confused memories of the person who disappeared.?


    ?You can''t even imagine how priceless "The Child of the Void" with two shocks is. Gods and goddesses are ready to arrange an apocalypse to get it. My father told me that there was only one woman who owned "The Child of the Void" with two shocks. As you can understand, she was hunted by the whole world¡­ As far as I know, she was killed.?


    ?The second shock is possible only if the concentration of negative emotions is much higher than thest time, and the whole tragedy must be wlessly justified and usible. However, after the first shock, the girl had nothing left that would be of value to her in this life. Also, "The Child of the Void" eats away almost all the feelings and emotions from its owner, leaving only a gaping hole in the heart¡­ How to make the emotionless and already broken girl go through the second shock? As you can guess, it''s almost impossible. A one in a billion chance sounds more promising.?


    ?However, our n included two shocks. We had no hopes of sess, but why not try? After all, the difference in the quality of "The Child of the Void" with one shock and with two is too great!?


    ?Everything was supposed to happen like this: I be a second father for Valeera, she creates a huge n, finds trusted people, her hope of revenge grows, she bes very strong and powerful, and then, at the most crucial moment, I betray her, **** her and share a bed with my beloved Lanatelle, giving her "The Child of the Void"¡­? ¨C disappointment shed in the man''s dreamy gaze.


    There was a tense silence. At least for Kyon. He had nothing to say to this ruthless psychopath. If the guy didn''t know Valeera, he might even have agreed with the general''s actions.


    Finally, the 0th general continued: ?But things didn''t go ording to the n. I don''t know how you did it, but you single-handedly made Valeera go through the second shock¡­ You did the impossible. You gave birth to "The Child of the Void" with two shocks! Just for this gift, the empress and I are in your debt!?


    {¡­} ¨C Kyon felt more and more disgusted by what he heard. On that day, he appeared before Valeera as a ruthless viin who would do anything in the world for his own benefit. He tortured her with three needles, allegedly in order to kill her uncle, and he really died. No wonder the howl of the void came out of her - the legendary second shock.


    ?I was extremely surprised by your call with a sincere plea to save her. At that time, dimir had already told me that you were the gifted investigator who destroyed the thieves guild of Valeera, also known as the promising "TsiJi''s student", who proved himself at the Stones'' party. And then I had a thought: what if I use you to create "The Child of the Void" with a hitherto unprecedented three shocks? Why not at least try to create a treasure,pared to which even divine artifacts are trash? And then I started improvising.?


    ?I didn''t have a clear n, but the idea was simple: I had to make you the most hated sworn enemy of Valeera, and for that I had to die. Or at least to be captured by the Russells, where after long tortures you will release me as bait! In general, I had many ns and options for the development of events, but suddenly you infiltrated her n under the guise of Zosimos¡­ I could only observe the development of events and wait for the right moment. And I was unspeakably surprised by your skillful joining of the n¡­ And then it started: you helped her rob the Stalbers, saved her from Edward, resolved the situation with the metal¡­ On the day of the n leaders'' meeting, when Edward kidnapped Valeera, I was ready to save her, but you showed up again! A kind of knight on a white horse, always ready to rush to the aid of thedy of the heart¡­?


    {So that''s what invisible person I noticed then¡­} ¨C Kyon realized.


    ?And in the end, you destroyed all the shadow ns, having rendered an incredible service to the girl¡­ You helped her organize the megan, and even pulled her out of the department! And then¡­ Oh bloody oceans, it turned out that she knew all this time that you were Kyon! And she loved you! What a drama¡­ How romantic¡­ Ah, I was delighted!?


    ?How¡­ Did you¡­ Know all this?!? ¨C Kyon muttered softly. His spy Alexander died at a meeting of the heads of the ns, but then where did this scumbag get the information from? He couldn''t have been spying on her personally!


    ?Oh, haven''t you figured it out yet? The cracked mirror that Valeera always wears around her neck¡­ Listening and tracking formations are superimposed on it. I have always been aware of all the events rted to your wife. All this time I''ve been watching you, lovebirds, and patiently waiting for the right moment to take action!?

 Chapter 567

    Chapter 567Kyon unknowingly entered into a big game. He got into a foreign field, where he took the ce of a significant figure, which turned out to be useful to the 0th general. That is why, at every meeting with him, the guy thought that the man knew and controlled much more than it might seem at first nce.


    The zeroth general continued the story: ?On the day when Valeera raped you and revealed the whole truth, I immediately realized that such a proud person as the messenger of the goddess would not tolerate such an attitude. It was expected that you would leave her, breaking her heart, which, however, would only raise your value in her eyes. This means that the probability of a sessful third shock (when we execute you in front of her) would be even higher! But¡­?


    ?But no matter how well things were going, we couldn''t hurry. Are you aware that when bing an imperial phaser, practitioners dramatically strengthen the connection with the soul and take it to a new level? This renewed connection also greatly improves the quality of information transfer from the brain to the soul, therefore, when a person suffers, his soul experiences even more vivid sensations, which greatly increases the likelihood of a sessful shock. That''s why we had to wait for Valeera to ascend to the imperial phase, because without it, the chance of a sessful unprecedented third shock would be negligible.?


    ?It would have made sense to capture you until she became an imperial phaser, but the problem was that for the third shock, you would have to transform into Zosimos. And knowing your stubborn nature, I thought it was too risky to force you to change your appearance. Therefore, I decided to just keep you busy with something: I sent you to the order to fulfill some absurdly difficult condition, and at the same time I told my beloved Lanatelle about you as a miracle master in alchemy, yet you became "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron" for a reason.?


    {Wait¡­ Is he talking about Stephanie? Is she Lanatelle?!} ¨C this realization shocked Kyon. Stephanie is a royal phaser. How can she be a bloody empress? Is this some incredible puppet maniption technique? It looks like that. Now it is clear what happened at the moment when he used "The sovereign''s stare" ¨C for one second she lost contact with her "doll".


    The guy was also surprised that the empress was looking for an alchemist not for making medicine, but for training. Of course, she could not afford to hire an alchemist of the 1st rank from Saturn, but she still managed to get the messenger of the goddess, deliberately ruining the venttion and, in fact, setting the whole order onto him.


    This means that after 100 individual lessons, she concluded that she was far from "The Legendary Lord of the Cauldron", so she nevertheless decided to recruit him for the position of an alchemist - he demonstrated such amazing skills.


    ?To create ideal conditions, there was one unresolved question: how to make you transform into Zosimos before execution? However, the decision came in time, and even without effort: your feelings for Valeera. Considering all the circumstances, it was foolish to doubt that you still cherish your wife. Therefore, as soon as she stops writing letters, you will definitely appear at the headquarters in the guise of Zosimos in the near future, which, in fact, happened three dayster!? ¨C the general grinned wickedly.


    {I''ll knock out all the bastard''s teeth¡­} ¨C Kyon promised himself, not for the first time.


    ?By knocking you out, I made sure that a nimble mouse like you didn''t escape in any way. All that remained for me then was to wait for an invitation to the ritual. I spent my whole life in the depths of the department, like a frog at the bottom of a well. Every time I looked up, I saw a magnificent phoenix regally sitting in her cozy nest¡­ She is beautiful in every sense. She is my blood angel. The day finally came when I had to merge with my sister! To be her first and only man she will love in order to continue the great family of purebred Bathory in the future! But¡­?


    Kyon was taken aback by what he heard. Are they Bathory siblings?!


    The dreamy expression that shed in the eyes of the 0th general abruptly disappeared: ?But I made a fatal mistake. Lanatelle also had her own spies. She found out that you tortured Valeera in the department dungeon in the guise of Dick! She decided that the probability of sess would be higher if she performed the ritual with you in the lead role! She didn''t even say a word to me¡­ Because of you, I was left with nothing!? ¨C the enraged general seemed about to pounce on the young man. There was a fierce me burning in his mad gaze, as if he was an enraged wild beast.


    ?You have no idea how much I wanted to kill you!? ¨C the general said grimly. ¨C ?That would solve all my problems. However, it was obvious that Lanatelle had taken care of your safety by putting a lot of formations on you¡­ No matter how much I wanted to kill you, there was no point in even trying¡­ I would only lose her trust.?


    A malicious chuckle almost escaped Lovr''s lips: the 0th general outwitted himself! He decided that the messenger of the goddess had made some kind of deal with Lanatelle¡­ No wonder, because a weekter he appeared in the order alive and unharmed. How else to exin it?


    ?No matter how hard I tried, I could not understand only two things: why did Lanatelle kill Monty, Horace, dimir, Julius and Feng? And why didn''t she perform the ritual with you on the same day? Why would she dy such an important event? What was your deal? I''ve told you so much, now it''s your turn.?


    ?I have nothing to tell you.? ¨C Kyon snorted.


    In fact, he knew why Lanatelle had not invited him to her pce for so long: she wanted to earn the trust of the messenger of the goddess. The empress is a smart woman, and she is well aware that bing a master of such a gifted person is a dyed ticket to the top of the world hierarchy. That''s why she arranged everything in such a way that he achieved his title by his own efforts and thereby appreciated the fruits of his efforts, and therefore his master. And the fact that she gave him her virginity when he became her direct disciple spoke of her highest trust in him, as well as her extreme gratitude for transformation medicine. This act was supposed to strengthen their bond. She really deserves her high position.


    ?Did you hold a grudge because you''re going to die soon?? ¨C the general smiled knowingly and still decided to finish the story. ¨C ?Due to the fact that you dyed the ritual for some reason, I came up with a great n¡­?


    ?To enve your sister?? ¨C Kyon interjected sarcastically.


    ?Your contempt is prejudiced. I didn''t do this because of my feelings. Unlike you, humans, I overshadow my emotions. The fact is that she and I are thest full-blooded representatives of the Bathory family. For the sake of the revival of our house, I am ready to make any sacrifice! My sister doesn''t share my beliefs, but that doesn''t change anything. I have to make her fall in love with me and further the family line! It''s not for you to judge me, boy!?


    ?And what does the drop of blood have to do with it?? ¨C Kyon asked dryly.


    ?Even a goddess won''t break the phoenix barrier without the drop of blood. Unless at the cost of her own life¡­ Fortunately, I knew exactly how you would get your trophy. You can''t even imagine how unbearably difficult it was for me toe to terms with the fact that a pathetic human would take my sister''s virginity¡­ But a great goal requires a great sacrifice!?


    ?And in the end you fell into a trap like a total sucker?? ¨C Kyon asked mockingly.


    The zeroth general broke into a bloodthirsty grin: ?Since I''m her brother, I''m not going to die. I even doubt that she will punish me, yet for a gift in the form of "The Child of the Void" with three shocks, any sins can be forgiven. But you, boy, are about to die¡­ A very, very miserable death. You will pay for what you have done.?


    ?Wait!? ¨C Kyon sharply put out his palm when the man twitched.


    ?What? Oh, yes¡­ The cornered mouse will burst into an eloquent waterfall of a wide variety of arguments, just to prevent the cat from eating it¡­ But all you can do is y for time. But what''s the point? You know perfectly well that the result is unchanged, so why dy??


    ?I have something to say.?


    ?Last words before death? I''m listening.? ¨C the general nodded benevolently.


    Lovr cleared his throat and spoke: ?There is no doubt, you are smart. Yours have entwined the entire empire. You control everything in this state. When I stepped on the board, I tried to figure out for a long time, was I your opponent or did you make me move? And if the second option, what piece do I represent: a queen, a rook, or maybe a knight? It sounded like I was a pawn. However, answer me, if I''m just a pawn, then why will I still be the winner??


    The words of the messenger of the goddess confused the 0th general: ?What do you mean??


    ?You''re smart. You''ll guess.? ¨C Kyon showed an obscene gesture to the man, and ck wings consisting of darkness opened behind the young man''s back ¨C the flight formation that the matriarch of subi gave him had just been activated.


    ~whoosh~


    With one p of his wings, the skinny guy instantly took off at such a speed that he left the trap of enriched pyrobloin, which had practically no effect on the shape of the wings, because they were created not by anyone, but by the iprehensible supreme phaser (10).


    The eyes of the 0th general almost popped out of their sockets, and his mouth parted. Juicy prey, driven into a hopeless situation, slipped right out from under his nose! All these frank speeches were made not to the future deceased, but to the future emperor of Rosarrio?! Now he will prate the barrier thanks to his ability and enve his sister!


    ?AA-AAAA-AA-A-A-A-A-A-AA-AA!? ¨C the man roared like a madman, jumping up 15 meters. ¨C ?DON''T YOU DA-AAA-AA-AA-RE! I''LL KILL YOU! DON''T YOU DAA-A-AAA-AA-ARE! AA-AAAA-AA-A-A-A-A-A-AA-AA!?


    Once in the pce of his enemy, Kyon decided to leave the flight formation in his pocket, not in the ring, from which nothing could be obtained inside the trap. The question is: how did he activate it? The answer is simple: the formations are activated as soon as a certain amount of pure energy gets into them. It doesn''t matter what parameters are given to the energy.


    Yes, it is impossible to control the outgoing energy, being surrounded by enriched pyrobloin. But nothing prevents its release. That''s why Lovr leaned against the wall: to direct the energying out of him in a certain direction. ordingly, the formation that was in the path of the energy flow was activated.


    As a result, the gift from Giselle pulled Kyon out of the hopeless situation. All his hatred for subi was gone. Now the young man felt gratitude to them at all, because dying at the hands of the 0th general is much worse than being captured by horned beauties.


    With a sigh of relief, Lovr coldly looked at Lanatelle, made some calctions, elerated slightly and, entering the astral, found himself inside the phoenix barrier, literally at arm''s length from the bloody empress.


    The woman waspletely absorbed in the transformation. In fact, now she won''t even notice if her hand is cut off or she is killed, that''s how significant this process is.


    The roars and screams of the 0th general no longer bothered him. It''s time to enve Lanatelle!

 Chapter 568

    Chapter 568Up close, Lanatelle,pletely captured by the process of transformation, looked pale and fragile, like a fallen petal of a white rose. She did not emit the usual oppressive imperious aura, which made her seem just a very beautiful woman.


    However, she was surrounded by two contradictory auras: scorching heat and chilling cold. However, in fact there was no contradiction. This cold had nothing to do with temperature. It did not freeze, but absorbed everything it came into contact with: desires, emotions, and even god''sws. And, unlike what Valeera radiated, it seemedplete - the limit of the perfection of the void.


    No living being in the universe will be able to resist this aura ¨C as well as the one that the element of time radiates. Under its influence, the victim will experience apathy, and with prolonged contact, one will fall into depression and even lose the meaning of life. Only Kyon could neutralize the impact of "The Child of the Void", normalizing his condition with Synergy.


    He wanted to touch the woman''s forehead in order to impose a formation, but he stopped himself. How could he act so carelessly at such an important moment? Given the empress'' personality, acting rashly was like chasing death.


    At first, Lovr poured Synergy into Lanatelle''s head and started searching for formations, but, as expected, he found nothing. Inactive formations are as visible as a needle in a haystack, especially if they belong to a sovereign phaser at the peaking stage.


    Fortunately, over the past month, Kyon has bought through the Golden Pig guild almost all formations that could be of any use, and even ordered several unique ones that no one in their right mind would create. The scanning formation created by the legendary formacist was among them.


    This formation allowed one "to borrow" the spiritual sense of the overlord phaser for a minute. With its help, it is possible not only to feel the true development of the soul through the objects of concealment (if they are not powerful enough), but also to scan the area for traps, barriers and formations. And this splendor cost the young man 250 million.


    After activating the formation, all sorts of information rushed into Kyon''s head in a powerful stream. He even felt the specks of dust at the far end of the room! Every pore on the face of the empress¡­ And, of course, with difficulty, but he found the formation ced on her head.


    {I knew it!} ¨C there was delight in his eyes. He made a useful purchase!


    What was the formation on her head? Obviously, protection from a subordinate formation.


    Kyon took out of the ring another extremely useful thing, created to order for obscene money ¨C "The Annihtor". Its essence lies in the fact that it destroys any formations in a small radius, created even by sovereign phasers. He had already used such a formation once when he rescued Valeera from the department. He liked it, so he ordered it.


    Lovr ced the formation on the head of the empress and activated it¡­


    The minute allotted for the action of the previous formation had not yet ended, so Kyon managed to make sure that "The Annihtor" removed the formation from the woman''s head.


    It was time to start!


    Kyon involuntarily remembered the story of Martin from the mine. He told how one man managed to enve a queen who surpassed him by a phase. He considered that story a fiction¡­ Now he was subjugating not even the queen, but the empress, who surpassed him by 4 phases! Thus, an epoch-making event was taking ce at that very moment.


    Holding his breath, Lovr began to impose the subordinate formation¡­


    Subjugating a living being is an art. Subordinating formations are different. Some affect the hormonal system, others affect the area of the brain responsible for decision making or motor skills, and some even affect the subconscious mind.


    All types of subordinating formations have different effectiveness depending on the choice of the subdued creature. So, for example, due to the fact that supreme beasts are guided by instincts, formations that affect the area of ??the brain responsible for making decisions practically do not work on them - and this is the mostmon type of formations. That is why it is believed that it is impossible to truly subdue the supreme beast without an arcanum.


    It would certainly be foolish to impose a formation that affects hormones on an extremely rational person like Lanatelle - she will resist the order.


    The knowledge of the past world allowed Kyon to create the most effective formation for any living being - the one that affects the subconscious. However, for some reason it worked poorly for Juno¡­ Because of a strong-willed disposition? No. The will is weaker than the subconscious. It''s something else. Sometimes the girl seemed to make a decision based on something else¡­


    In any case, this formation should work perfectly for Lanatelle.


    A thread of energy stretched to the woman''s forehead and gradually formed a slot¡­ Then he began to put energy inside it, forming a wless formation.


    Given the perfect structure of the slot and thepactness of the formation, not everyone will be able to notice it. So, for example, after applying the formation to Juno, even Bai, a noble phaser at the 10th stage, could not feel it by scanning, although he would have been able to do it if he looked closely. But, ording to the guy''s calctions, only practitioners 4 phases higher will be able to notice his formations, that is, in this case, the sovereign phasers at the 9th stage. However, considering the gap between the phases, it turns out that even a sovereign phaser at the 5th stage will be able to detect the formation. This means that he will have to forbid Lanatelle to appear in high-ranking empires or to host powerful guests, because any formation or mark on the forehead is a great humiliation, a real stigma. And since the empress wears one, then something is wrong here - that''s about what everyone will think.


    That''s why when the 0th general, being Fernand, felt the formation on Juno''s forehead in the Grands'' pce, he immediately assumed that the messenger of the goddess used the girl, which meant he did not appreciate her. Which, however, did not prevent him from double-checking this information, giving the guy the task to control the Token wedding between her and Roman.


    Some time passed, and the subordinate formation was finally imposed.


    Kyon was in no hurry to start dancing with joy. Anything could happen. He left the area surrounded by the phoenix barrier, entering the astral, and sat down in a corner. He could only wait.


    ~br-r-r~


    The stomach kindly reminded the owner that not a crumb had been in it for several days, and it was time to eat. Lovr took out a juicy piece of meat, but someone''s annoying piercing roar prevented him from concentrating. He had to put a soundproof barrier over the trap chasm.


    The days followed each other.


    Kyon regained his former physique and thought carefully about the whole story with Valeera and the 0th general. Where exactly did he make a mistake? Could he have prevented the tragedy with his wife? Could he have predicted that her fate was being prudently managed? Definitely not. It was not possible to trace the spy-Alexander until his death. As for the formation in the cracked mirror that Weber always wore around her neck, with his development, he could not detect it in any way.


    It turned out that it was a mistake that he decided to cooperate with the 0th general, and did not go to the sects? No. The guy chose the most reasonable option at that time. He did not know that the Fat sect was directly connected with the Golden Pig guild and the Bakers, so he believed that all three sects and Rosarrio could provide him with the same power and resources.


    In addition, the management of the empire was much more suitable for Kyon than recruiting people in order to further turn them into devoted fanatics to fight threats from outside.


    Firearms, as well as the nned expulsion of demons, that is, two significant services for the empire, could be added to this. The desire to take revenge on Kara and return the debt to Valeera. In general, the choice was extremely obvious and unambiguous.


    But where did he go wrong? Lovr found three answers.


    Firstly, he should not have made a whole event out of the envement of Julia for Franz. If everything had gone quietly, and no one would even have realized what had happened, then the 0th general would not have been able to connect Franz with him, which means he would not have been able to suspect him of an imminent robbery.


    Secondly, if he had robbed the Feruzs treasury muchter, after arriving and registering at Dantes, and having provided himself with an airtight alibi, no one would have suspected him for sure. But he hurried. However, this haste by a happy coincidence saved his life ¨C the attacking formations of the Feruzs allowed him to kill a very strong demon, and the defensive ones ¨C to gain precious time.


    Thirdly, that event with the capture of Valeera and "The Dark Baron" by Elsa in the warehouse¡­ He underestimated his sister. He should have asked her to follow him at all, and it didn''t matter that she would have found out that he worked in a criminal organization. However, if all this had not happened, it is unknown how long he would have had to pretend to be Zosimos.


    The change in the energy flows emanating from Lanatelle brought Kyon out of his thoughts. By some indications, he noticed that the final phase of the transformation hade. However, not a single muscle trembled on the woman''s face. It was weird. She should be feeling a burning rage right now¡­ Had "The Child of the Void" absorbed those emotions? Did this mean that she would sessfully break into the overlord phase?


    A few hourster, Lovr felt a powerful pulse of energy, resembling a mighty tide. If earlier the total amount of the empress'' energy wasparable to a hugeke, now it isparable to the sea! That''s how huge the gap between the sovereign and overlord phases is. The volume of his energy can hardly bepared to a pond. But the most interesting thing is that all this sea is now subordinated to the unsightly-looking pond!


    A minuteter there was another pulse of energy. The sea seemed to have increased by a third.


    {She broke right into the second stage¡­} ¨C Kyon fell into some confusion. On the one hand, he wanted to see her face when she failed, but on the other hand, now she is in hisplete power, so it doesn''t matter what the result will be.


    A minuteter, Lovr''s eyes widened: another pulse of energy came out from Lanatelle, which was another third higher than the previous one! But that wasn''t all¡­


    Five minutester, Kyon was sitting, numb, with his head thrown up, and staring nkly at the ceiling. Even obtaining the 3rd stage immediately after the transformation was considered impossible, but Lanatelle immediately became the overlord phaser at the 5th stage!


    During thest impulse, it seemed to him that he was doused by the tide not of the sea, but of a small ocean that could sweep away any mountains in its path. Even the clouds over Dantes parted in all directions! Having transformed into the overlord phase, the woman significantly increased the amount of energy in her soul. However, this did not say much about her strength, because now she would have killed even a hundred of her old copies without any problems.


    Kyon just made sure that the 0th general wasn''t exaggerating when he said that divine artifactspared to "The Child of the Void" with three shocks were trash. The impact of the universalws that bind the soul during the transformation is too great!


    {Too much¡­ This is too much¡­} ¨C he still could note around from what he saw.


    As soon as Lanatelle''s eyshes fluttered, a distinct voice rang out.


    ?I order you to do nothing.?


    Time seemed to have stopped. Some noble phaser gives an order to the overlord phaser, who also bears the title of the bloody empress¡­ Even a madman wouldn''t believe that. Nevertheless, the woman did not open her eyes, and her heart was pounding furiously, which could only mean one thing: she was in shock and could not disobey.


    Kyon calmed down and began to give dozens of different orders, depriving her of the opportunity to act freely, as he once did with Juno after envement.


    Atst he got to his feet and sternly ordered: ?Come here!?


    ***


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