"Hmm?"
Luo De was a bit puzzled, looking at the two Yak People and asking, "Thatâs not a problem... but why build a statue?"
Luo De didnât like doing things that didnât have benefits.
At least there arenât that many craftsmen to waste.
"Lord, according to the ancestorsâ Shaman experience, praying near the statue of the gods can help us awaken more smoothly."
Bain actively explained, "If a Shaman presides over the priest ceremony, awakening becomes easier..."
"So magical?"
Luo De was a bit surprised.
But then he suddenly remembered what Avril mentioned about the key to divine faith â the spiritual anchor.
If the statue is viewed as a spiritual anchor, it indeed can strengthen the connection between the gods and believers.
"Are your statues carved out of stone?"
Luo De asked doubtfully.
Seeing Bain and Alseâs hesitating expressions, Luo De added, "I mean, just a stone statue can help you awaken quickly?"
Alse glanced at Bain, scratching his head,
"We donât know either..."
"Alright, I understand."
Luo De sighed slightly, "Let me investigate this matter before deciding."
Statues are indispensable in the spread of faith, although Luo De does not yet understand their specific role.
But if itâs possible to create statues with special effects, other savages can benefit from cultivation.
"Yes, Lord."
Alse and Bain responded in unison.
Luo De did not linger any longer and immediately returned to the manor.
...
...
Late night.
The charge in the gale and storm finally ended in powerless pleading.
Luo De lay on the bed, his chest gently heaving, silently feeling the blazing energy slowly flowing within him.
The power exhausted during the day had now regained more than half.
Avril was completely collapsed beside him, like a ragdoll drained of all strength.
Her breathing was rapid and shallow, sweat soaking the transparent nightgown, clinging tightly to her fair, delicate skin.
"Now I finally understand why Vivian always says sheâs too tired."
Avril spoke weakly, her voice as light as a feather falling to the ground.
She propped herself up with trembling hands, lying against Luo Deâs chest,
"Whatâs wrong, dear?"
Avril looked at Luo De with a worried expression, asking, "Did I not perform well just now?"
Luo De slightly shook his head and said, "Avril, can you check me again to see if thereâs any mark on my body."
Avril didnât know what happened, but still forced her exhausted body to climb up.
Her eyes carefully scanned every inch of Luo Deâs skin before finally shaking her head,
"No, dear, there are no marks or signs."
Avril asked with concern again, "Whatâs the matter?"
"Do you remember the experiment I told you about?"
Luo De slowly opened his mouth, "Previously, I discovered that every time after being with Vivian, my bodyâs energy would recover a bit, and Vivian would be more exhausted than before."
"At first, I thought it was just a coincidence while traveling."
Luo De looked at Avrilâs weakened appearance, "But now it seems, this might be an ability."
"An ability very similar to that of an Enchanting Demon."
Information about demons flashed in Luo Deâs mind, knowing that Enchanting Demons have a âAbsorbâ ability, absorbing the life force or soul energy of creatures through such contact.
And this ability causes damage to the victimâs body and soul, which worried Luo De.
"Are the books Susan brought back in the bedroom?" Luo De asked.
Avril nodded, immediately catching Luo Deâs intention,
"Iâll get them."
Avril promptly propped herself up, got off the bed, and searched the bookshelf.
The transparent nightgown made her beautiful body appear faintly visible under the candlelight.
But Luo De had no time to think about these things, simultaneously getting up to take the books, and started carefully searching.
Soon, Luo De found some clues in the Evil Mageâs abilities.
Contract of Desire â through physical pleasure, desire can be converted into magic power.
Mark of Pleasure â body is branded, can absorb the desires of nearby pursuers to replenish magic power, but the price is the gradual erosion of the soul.
Queen Succubusâs Favor â becoming the queenâs retinue, the body will be comprehensively strengthened after pleasure, but canât refuse her call.
"These look similar."
Avril was a bit puzzled, "But it seems they all involve signing a contract with the succubus, or even a sacrifice, right?"
"Dear, have you signed a contract with a succubus?"
"The only succubus Iâve encountered could only be considered Susan."
Luo De shook his head, "The only interaction was thrusting a sword into her body."
"As for the succubus queen, I only heard her voice."
Luo De carefully recalled his memories again, reconfirming, "Definitely not."
"Thatâs really strange then."
Avril pursed her lips, thoughtfully saying, "Logically speaking, since you killed the succubus queenâs follower Susan, you shouldnât receive such a reward."
"Unless itâs some kind of retaliation or curse."
Luo De worriedly looked toward the shadows, "How have you felt these past two days? Still exhausted?"
"No."
Vivian crossed her arms over her chest, cheeks slightly flushed, "I havenât felt any unusual sensations."
"I havenât felt the exaggerated fatigue from the loss of life force, but the magic power is gone."
Avril echoed, "It shouldnât be a curse, right?"
The words of the two made Luo De fall into contemplation.
If it doesnât harm Vivian and Avril, and only absorbs the energy from their bodies, then it does seem more like an ability.
But Luo De couldnât shake the feeling of unease â dealing with demons definitely canât lead to anything good.