Chapter 35: Imperial Notice
Next day
Leo slowly opened his eyes, feeling groggy and heavy. Stretching his arms wide, he turned to his sideâLily was gone.
"...A thirsty demon," he muttered, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"She sucked me dry."
Never in his life had he thought a woman would act like that her first time. If not for his higher stats, he wouldâve been the one to pass out. There had been no pain for herâwhatever he did to her, or she did to him, all had turned into pleasure. They went at it for nearly four to five hours straight before Lily finally collapsed on top of him.
He glanced down at his bare torso. Faint marks and love bites trailed across his skin, a few even reaching up his neck. He shivered.
"More like she wanted to eat me for real," he muttered, recalling her glowing, lust-filled eyes that refused to fade throughout the whole night.
"Well, itâs not like I didnât enjoy it," he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Never knew it could feel that amazing."
After washing up, Leo headed out for breakfast. The faint aroma of cooked grains and herbs filled the air. In the dining area, Sera was busy packing supplies into crates.
"Good morning, Miss Sera," he greeted politely.
She turned to him with a pleasant smile.
"Good afternoon, Leo. Looks like you rested well," she said, her tone teasing as a mischievous giggle escaped her lips.
Having noticed Lilyâs strange cheerfulness earlier, and now seeing Leo, she didnât need to ask what had happened.
Leo coughed lightly, fumbling for words before swiftly taking a seat to eat, his cheeks slightly flushed.
From today onward, he resolved to grow as strong as possible before Jamesâs test.
---
Days passed quickly. Leo leveled up steadily, hunting across low-rank fields. It was easy to gather experience and beast cores for Lilyâs wolf and Shyra. After selling the mana crystals and occasional beast carcasses, his savings reached fifty-five silvers. With that, he bought a pair of twin daggersâthirty silvers, peak green qualityâeach capable of delivering paralysis poison strong enough to immobilize 1-star beasts and slow 2-stars.
Currently, Lily had just crossed into Peak 1-Star, while Shyra was nearing her breakthrough to 2-Star. As for Leo himself, heâd reached Intermediate 2-Star.
If anyone knew that his personal rank was higher than his beastsâ, theyâd lock him up for research.
---
In a crowded tavern
"Hey, did you hear the Imperial notice?" A rugged man with sharp eyes leaned toward the one beside him.
"About the academy selection?" the lean man replied, sipping his ale.
"Tsk, not that. I mean the process itself." The rugged man lowered his voice. "Theyâre changing it completely. Something about discovering new talents."
The man sitting across from themâBaleâsuddenly slammed his mug on the table.
"I knew it!" he shouted, his slurred voice cutting through the chatter.
Nearby patrons glanced over but quickly returned to their drinks as Bale continued, waving his mug.
"There had to be other talents in this world! How come only Beast Masters are born, huh? Iâve seen people use magic even without beasts. Iâm sure Iâve got a hidden talent too. Heh, once I awaken it, Iâll be a noble! Hahaha!"
The others sighed. Baleâs drunken prophecies were nothing new. Some of them had come true, though most were obvious if one paid attention.
Still, the news stirred excitement. For centuries, Beast Masters had ruled, and the thought of new kinds of talents appearing had everyone buzzing.
Word spread that the Empire had invented a device capable of peering into oneâs soulârevealing their innate talentâs name and basic nature. The Emperor himself had ordered its mass production, to be sent across the entire Empire. Those who showed promise would be invited into academies to train under masters.
---
Leo made his way toward what used to be the restaurant. Now, the once-lively place was barren, with stacked crates and dust-covered counters. James was still searching for a new location. In this overcrowded city, finding an affordable building was close to impossible.
Heading straight for the basement, Leo arrived to find Lily and James locked in combat.
Wind blades slashed through the air as Lily moved in bursts of speedâher body light, steps sharp, her wolfâs ability clearly infused into her movements. But James stood his ground like a wall, his bear-like frame absorbing every hit. With years of battle experience, he eventually overpowered her.
"Lily," he said sternly, brushing off the dust on his arm, "your speed and control are impressiveâbut your strikes lack power. You canât deal enough damage to the treants."
Lilyâs expression fell. "So... I wonât be going?" she asked quietly.
James smirked. "You canâbut remember, your job is only to distract them. No engaging in a full fight."
"Okay!" she said, nodding vigorously, determination returning to her eyes.
James turned toward Leo, his expression unreadable.
"I donât even need to test you," he said after a pause. "I can feel it. Youâre already nearing my strength." His eyes narrowed. "What the hell have you been doing these past days?"
Leo scratched the back of his neck, smiling wryly. "Hard work?" he said innocently.
Lily turned her head away with a pout. "Hmph!"
Looks like sheâs still angry...
Leo sighed inwardly. After that night, heâd barely spent any time with herâcoming home late, claiming exhaustion, and falling asleep immediately.
What should I do...?
"Alright!" James clapped his hands, snapping Leo from his thoughts. "Tomorrow, we head out. Rest well tonight."
He turned to leave, but Leo spoke up. "Will those people also come to assist?"
James paused and nodded solemnly. "Yes. Theyâve received the same mission. We need to stay cautious tomorrow." His eyes softened slightly as he looked at Lily. "Especially youâyouâre still not strong enough."
They had their dinner, and after few words for tommorow, departed to their respective rooms.
Leo once again tried to sleep off but was caught by Lily.
...Fuck
Today, Leo was not having a easy night.