Chapter 17: Establishing Authority

I sat there, letting her words sink in.

In simple terms, what Lira meant was... I could get killed for being able to fuck well—unlike most men in this world.

’That just sounds twisted and petty.’

But it was true nonetheless—Lira wouldn’t say it otherwise.

Her gaze held mine. She exhaled, long and slow.

"That’s why I intend to use the Mercenary guild—reserved for low ranks and grunts. I have a friend there. She’s aware of my research, and I use her measuring orb to check if my spirit essence has increased. So far, there’s been no result."

Her fist clenched.

"But I’m certain about today... if it works, I’m going to owe you."

I smiled. Handsomely, I hoped.

"You don’t owe me anything. Just help me get food—I’m starving. What time is it?"

"Late afternoon. The academy should be closing soon. I presume your otherworlder friends will be coming around to see you... don’t go telling—"

"Kiss and tell? Seriously, Selena?"

Her eyes softened. She scoffed, then pulled on her coat and walked away, the sway of her hips and the soft tremor of her ass nearly giving me another boner.

But I leaned back, head resting on the pillow, thinking about how wild everything that just happened was. Before now, I was furious at Derek—but who would’ve thought a day would come when I’d be this thankful for getting hit?

Not that the son of a bitch deserved any pardon. Then I remembered about Kassie.

I sprang up and quickly summoned her.

A swirl of crimson wind appeared before me. As it scattered in a spray of sparks, the Tyrant Empress stood there, her immaculate body clad in armor that left much to the appetite.

She remained still. Unmoving, like a statue.

I stood, raising my head slightly to peer into her helmet—but there was nothing. No space. Just seamless metal with no opening for eyes at all.

’Weird... I definitely saw it the other time...’

I stared at her for several seconds. She didn’t move an inch.

Finally, I released a tired exhale, scratching my head.

"Drop the act, okay? I know you can talk, and make your armor disappear. Stop messing with me."

Absolute silence. Absolute stillness.

"Kassie! Kassie!! Kasssss, goddammit!!"

Still nothing. The corner of my lips curled dangerously.

’I know what to do...’

I circled around her, coming to her rear. Observed her helmet. Glanced at her heavy ass, positioned like it was sculpted mid-fall. Then I swung my hand back and gave it a good slap.

Her entire body jolted. The sound of my palm against her cheeks rang across the empty ward. I was grinning with satisfaction when she suddenly grabbed my hand and flipped me in one sharp motion I couldn’t track.

One second I was standing—the next, I was airborne, then slammed onto the bed. The iron frame snapped in two. The mattress bent inward.

Her helmet scattered into sparks as she straightened, her chest bouncing softly.

I groaned, but to my surprise, the pain was manageable. Either she’d handled me with care, or my increased essence pool had boosted my body’s durability.

Kassie stepped closer. Placed her iron boot over my neck.

"You disgusting pervert. Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you."

I chuckled, glancing at her pelvis and thick upper thighs from my position.

"You wouldn’t dare... I’m your Summoner, at the end of the day."

My eyes narrowed to slits.

"And you’re being too disrespectful, Kassie. Want me to teach you a lesson?"

A vile grin split her face. A muscle in her temple twitched.

"What? You weak human—is that an authoritative voice I hear?"

[You’re using Emperor’s Presence]

[All beings within 100 meters will be intimidated by your presence, especially your Spirit Summons]

Remembering how it felt when the attribute activated before, I willed the same feeling—this time consciously fueling it with essence. It was like drawing something from my soul using only the focus of my mind.

Immediately, Kassie staggered backward. The air grew heavier, so heavy even she couldn’t bear it. She trembled, dropped to one knee as I rose from the bed.

The closer I got, the stronger the pressure became. My naturally black eyes gained a crimson glow, dangerous and intimidating.

She was already kneeling, lowering her head and gritting her teeth—trying to resist the pressure crushing down on her.

I stood over her and grabbed her crimson hair, wrenching her face up toward mine.

"Not that I expected this to go smoothly with a Calamity-tier Spirit Summon with a fortitude of 8.2. I’ve been thinking about what to do with you—how to establish our relationship. If you’re going to come at me strong, I’ll come at you stronger."

Kassandra was the Tyrant Empress, a walking disaster that had nearly ended the world. She was evil by nature and had enough spiritual fortitude to defy my orders whenever she pleased. So I’d been thinking—even though I wanted to coexist with her, she was arrogant, the type who’d try to dominate quickly. Which was why I needed to establish who was in charge. Luckily for me, the answer came while I was fucking Selena.

I tightened my grip on her hair, jerking her face closer. Her eyes burned with hatred.

"Let’s get something straight."

I activated Summoner’s Touch with my other hand and gripped her jaw.

"I’m in charge here."

My voice deepened, effortlessly intimidating as the crimson pressure continued to suffocate the air.

"I am your Summoner, which means, Kassie, I... own... you."

Her hatred was cracking. She was trying to suppress something else. Her nipples pressed through the silky black metal of her armor, and her breasts swelled, though subtly.

She gritted her teeth, managing to hold her glare. But her knees trembled as I kept my hand clamped on her jaw. Then a drop of thick, colorless liquid leaked from between her legs. It hit the ground.

A crooked grin split my face. I released her, shoving her back. She stumbled and fell, crushing the bed frame beneath her.

I froze. Stared at my palm.

’I just meant to push her face away lightly—how did she—’

The realization hit.

My physical prowess was increasing along with my expanding essence pool. Which meant I could grow stronger by having sex with others.

But then something else clicked.

Summoner’s Touch, Perfect Fit, and Infinite Vitality—these abilities seemed specifically tailored for me and my Spirit Summons. Maybe, just maybe, I’d experience far greater growth if I had sex with my Spirit Summons.