Kael walked out of the dungeon without looking back.
Blood still clung to the stone floor behind him, warm and thick, soaking into the cracks where Dorian and Gareth had drawn their last breaths. His boots echoed softly as he climbed the final steps, his expression calm, almost bored—like what he'd done inside was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
The moment he emerged into the village square, the air shifted.
Shouts rang out.
Mana flared.
Gareth's men were already there.
They rushed him all at once, blue and green mana chains snapping into existence, trying to bind his arms, his legs, his very breath.
"Hold him down!"
"Don't let him move!"
"Bind his mana—NOW!"
Kael stopped walking.
That was all.
The chains shattered.
Not exploded. Not resisted.
They simply… failed.
Kael lifted his hand slightly.
The men froze—then their bodies twisted unnaturally, bones cracking as invisible pressure crushed them from the inside out. Blood sprayed the dirt. One collapsed screaming. Another didn't even get the chance.
It was over in seconds.
Silence fell like a blade.
The villagers stared.
The gratitude in their eyes vanished. The smiles they had worn just hours ago cracked and fell away, replaced by terror, hatred, and something uglier—relief twisted into fear.
Kael slowly turned to face them.
The warmth he had worn before was gone.
What remained was cold.
Disgust curled in his eyes as he took them in—the same people who had eaten from his hands once, who had smiled at his weakness, who had watched him die and celebrated it.
"So," he said calmly, his voice carrying across the square, "this is your real face."
Someone screamed his name.
"KAEL RYUNOSUKE!"
Hunters stepped forward, weapons drawn, hands shaking. "You killed Gareth! You killed Dorian! You think you can walk away after that?!"
Kael smirked.
A slow, terrifying curve of his lips.
"I could erase this entire village," he said softly, and the ground beneath their feet trembled in response. "Every hunter. Every council member. Every liar who smiled while sharpening a knife behind my back."
The mana in the air thickened, heavy enough to suffocate.
"But I won't."
He took a step forward. No one moved to stop him.
"Stay out of my way," Kael continued, eyes glowing faintly. "And be grateful I don't feel like finishing what you started."
No one followed him.
No one dared.
---
Deep in the forest, far from the village, Kael finally stopped.
He exhaled slowly and summoned the glowing magic interface before him. Blue symbols flickered to life, the familiar system responding instantly.
"Transport," he muttered, pressing the screen.
Still… something felt wrong.
Too easy.
Too clean.
His revenge should have tasted sweeter—but instead, there was a strange tightness in his chest. A quiet, crawling unease.
And Lyra hadn't spoken.
That alone unsettled him.
Still… she should be free now.
That thought warmed him.
*I did it,* he thought. *I freed you.*
The forest vanished.
---
Darkness.
The void.
Kael opened his eyes—and froze.
Lyra was there.
Not floating. Not bound.
She was running.
"Kael!"
She crashed into him, arms wrapping tightly around his neck, her body warm, real. She laughed and cried at the same time, burying her face against his chest.
"You did it," she sobbed happily. "You really did it… I knew you would. I knew you wouldn't fail me."
Kael stood stunned for a heartbeat—then slowly wrapped his arms around her.
She was real.
For eighteen years, she had been a voice, a presence, a constant guide in his mind. And now she was here—breathing, trembling, alive.
"I'm happy," he said quietly, holding her closer. "Freeing you… that mattered more than the revenge."
Lyra pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes shining. "You gave me my life back, Kael. You gave *yourself* a second one too."
He smiled faintly. "I wouldn't have survived without you. Those eighteen years… I wasn't alone. And I'm grateful I met you. Truly."
Something unspoken lingered between them.
Warm. Heavy. Intimate.
But the unease returned.
Stronger.
Kael's expression tightened. "Lyra… there's something wrong."
She blinked, confused. "Wrong? No, I don't feel anything—"
He stepped back slightly, eyes sharp. "Why didn't they age?"
Her breath hitched.
"The village," Kael continued. "Dorian. Gareth. Not a single wrinkle. Not a year older. Why?"
Lyra opened her mouth—
And the void screamed.
Black mana erupted around her, violent and alive, tearing her away from Kael's grasp. He lunged forward instinctively—
His hand hit the barrier.
Pain exploded.
He cried out as blood poured from a deep slash across his palm, the mana rejecting him violently.
"KAEL—DON'T!" Lyra screamed. "Be careful!"
The darkness tightened around her, crawling up her legs, her arms, her neck.
A mechanical voice roared through the void.
**SYSTEM BREACH.**
**SYSTEM BREACH.**
**SYSTEM BREACH.**
"Lyra!" Kael shouted, blood dripping from his fingers as he tried again, teeth clenched. "I'm here—hold on!"
She reached for him, tears streaming. "Kael, please—save me!"
The black mana swallowed her shoulders.
Then—
A figure appeared.
Tall.
Male.
Ancient.
A massive hand grabbed Lyra's head possessively, fingers threading into her hair as if she were property.
A face emerged from the darkness—old, sharp, smiling.
A god.
Or something worse.
He chuckled lowly. "You were never meant to be free."
Lyra screamed as the figure pulled her fully into the darkness.
"KAEL!"
The void shattered into silence.
Kael stood alone.
Bleeding.
Breathing hard.
His eyes burned with something far darker than revenge.
"This isn't over," he whispered, blood dripping onto the black floor. "I swear it."
And somewhere deep in the darkness…
Something laughed.
.......
The world snapped back into place.
Kael stumbled forward, boots scraping harshly against stone.
"…What—?"
He caught himself before falling, one hand pressed to his chest as his breath came out uneven. His heart was still racing, blood roaring in his ears.
"No… no, no, no," he muttered, eyes darting around. "This isn't right."
Cold marble beneath his feet.
Open sky above.
White stone walls rising high enough to block the clouds.
"…The castle?" His voice dropped. "Why am I here?"
He lifted his hands slowly, staring at them like they didn't belong to him.
"No wounds," he whispered. "No blood. Nothing."
A bitter laugh slipped out before he could stop it.
"So now I'm healed?" His jaw clenched. "After everything?"
His thoughts slammed back violently—
Lyra's scream.
Black mana crawling over her body.
That hand gripping her head like she was property.
"…Lyra," he breathed, fingers curling into fists. "Damn it."
A sharp voice cut through his thoughts.
"Kael?"
His head snapped up.
"…Huh?"
He turned—and froze.
In the castle garden, surrounded by carefully trimmed hedges and blooming mana-flowers, stood his mother. A watering can slipped from her hand, hitting the stone with a dull clang.
She stared at him like she was seeing a ghost.
"…Kael?"
His throat tightened instantly.
"No way," he muttered. "I'm not hallucinating. I know I'm not."
Her eyes widened further.
"…Kael?!"
She ran.
Before he could react, she slammed into him, arms wrapping tightly around his torso. Her grip was desperate, shaking.
"You're here," she whispered, breathless. "You're really here."
Kael stood stiff.
"…Mother," he said quietly, still trying to process the warmth of her arms. "I—"
She pulled back just enough to grab his face, inspecting him urgently.
"Are you hurt? Why are you here? You were supposed to be at the academy—did something happen?"
Her fingers traced his jaw, his shoulders, his arms.
"No injuries… no mana damage…" she murmured.
Kael swallowed hard.
"She's gone," he thought. "Lyra's gone… and I'm standing here like nothing happened."
"I'm fine," he finally said, voice lower than usual. "I just… needed to come back."
She frowned, clearly unconvinced. "You don't look fine."
He gave a faint, tired smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"…I've been through worse."
She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Come inside. You need rest."
As she led him toward the castle, Kael glanced back at the empty sky behind him.
"…Why now?" he whispered under his breath. "Why bring me back now?"
That night, Kael sat alone in his room.
Candlelight flickered across familiar walls—walls that once felt like home.
"…Funny," he muttered, leaning back in his chair. "I wanted to come back for years. And now that I did… it feels wrong."
A blue screen shimmered into existence before him.
[STATUS — STABLE]
[MANA FLOW — NORMAL]
[SYSTEM INTEGRITY — 100%]
He scoffed quietly.
"Stable?" His eyes darkened. "You let her get taken."
He scrolled through the interface, jaw tight.
"Nothing's missing," he said slowly. "Nothing's damaged."
His fingers paused.
"…Then why does it feel like something was ripped out of me?"
The screen pulsed.
[NEW ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED]
Kael frowned. "…Now what?"
[ACHIEVEMENT: HUMAN SLAYER]
[DESCRIPTION: You have taken the lives of intelligent beings.]
[REWARD: SKILL UNLOCKED — BLOODTHIRST INSTINCT]
"…Human slayer," he repeated, exhaling slowly. "Guess that's official now."
Another window opened.
[Bloodthirst Instinct — Passive]
You can sense murderous intent, deception, and bloodlust directed toward you.
Kael laughed softly—dry, humorless.
"I didn't need a system to tell me people lie," he said. "If I did, I'd be dead already."
His thoughts drifted again.
That face.
That smile.
That name he didn't know yet.
His mana stirred violently.
"…I'll find you," he whispered. "I don't care what world you hide in."
The screen flickered once more.
[NEW MESSAGE — ARCHIVED]
Kael froze.
"…A message?"
He reached out and opened it.
The blue glow twisted, darkening as rigid black text filled the space.
[REINCARNATION SYSTEM — DEFECTIVE UNIT REPORT]
Kael's breath caught sharply.
"…Defective?"
His eyes scanned the text rapidly.
[UNIT: LYRA — STATUS: COMPROMISED]
[ERROR: UNAUTHORIZED EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT]
[VIOLATION: RETURN-TO-ORIGIN WORLD / MURDER EVENT]
[RESULT: SYSTEM BREACH]
"…Unauthorized," he whispered, anger creeping into his voice. "So caring was the problem?"
More text unfolded—a long, merciless contract.
Laws. Balance. Punishment.
At the bottom—
Shyah.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"…The imperial capital."
He leaned back slowly, a cold resolve settling into his chest.
"So that's where you are," he said quietly. "And that's where I'm going."
The screen dimmed.
Kael stood.
"…Lyra," he murmured. "Hold on."
Outside the castle, the world slept peacefully—
Unaware that something far darker had just begun to move.
........
The carriage rolled steadily along the dirt road, wheels crunching over gravel as the forest thickened on both sides. Kael sat inside, elbow resting against the window frame, chin propped on his knuckles.
"…Too quiet," he muttered.
He exhaled slowly, eyes half-lidded.
"Every time things get quiet, something stupid happens," he added dryly. "I should've known."
His fingers twitched, blue mana humming faintly beneath his skin.
Lyra's face flickered in his mind again—her smile, the way she ran into him, the way she screamed his name.
His jaw tightened.
"I'm coming for you," he whispered. "No matter who's holding you."
The carriage suddenly lurched to a halt.
Kael didn't jump. He didn't panic.
He sighed.
"…There it is."
A harsh voice barked from outside. "Everyone out! Slowly!"
Another laughed. "Looks like a fancy one. Jackpot."
Kael closed his eyes briefly.
"Bandits," he said to himself. "Of course."
The door was yanked open.
"Out," a man snarled, blade flashing. "Unless you want—"
Kael stepped down calmly.
The bandits froze.
There were six of them. Rough armor. Blood-stained weapons. Hungry eyes.
One squinted at Kael's clothes. "Noble?"
Kael said nothing.
"…He's scared," another scoffed. "Look at him standin' there."
Kael tilted his head slightly.
"…Scared?" he repeated softly.
The first bandit lunged.
He never finished the step.
Kael moved.
A blur of blue light flashed—his hand pierced straight through the man's throat. Blood exploded outward, hot and thick, splattering across Kael's sleeve as the bandit gurgled weakly.
Kael pulled his hand out slowly.
The body collapsed at his feet.
Silence.
"…Ah," Kael murmured, glancing at the blood dripping from his fingers. "That felt better than it should've."
The others screamed.
Two charged at once.
Kael snapped his wrist—compressed mana detonated between them. Bones shattered. One man's head slammed into a tree with a sickening crack, brains painting the bark. The other hit the ground screaming, legs twisted unnaturally.
Kael stepped forward and crushed his skull underfoot.
The sound was wet. Final.
The last three turned to run.
"Wrong choice," Kael said coldly.
He flicked his fingers.
Mana threads sliced clean through their backs. Blood sprayed forward as torsos split, bodies collapsing in twitching halves.
Kael stood alone again.
Breathing steady.
"…Chickens," he muttered, wiping blood off his hand on a dead man's cloak.
Then he heard it.
A soft sound.
"…Crying?"
His eyes narrowed.
He followed the noise off the road, pushing through brush until he found a hidden slope descending underground.
A cave.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
He stepped inside.
The smell hit first.
Rot. Sweat. Fear.
Torches lit a crude underground chamber—and cages.
Dozens of them.
Inside were beastmen—ears drooping, tails limp, bodies thin and bruised. Some lay unmoving. Some stared blankly. Others whimpered softly.
Kael's chest tightened.
"…Slave trade," he whispered.
His bloodthirst instinct flared violently.
From behind—
"Kill him!"
Kael spun as blades flashed.
Three men rushed him.
He didn't hold back.
He grabbed the first by the face and slammed him into a cage—metal bent inward as blood splattered across the bars. Another swung—Kael ducked and drove his elbow into the man's ribs, shattering them, then ripped his throat out with bare fingers.
The last tried to flee.
Kael grabbed him by the hair and dragged him back.
"You saw me," Kael said quietly. "That was your mistake."
He snapped the man's neck.
Silence returned.
Kael stood there, surrounded by bodies and cages.
"…What am I supposed to do with all of you?" he murmured.
No system prompt appeared.
No guidance.
Just suffering.
He turned to leave.
Then—
A hand grabbed his cape.
Weak. Shaking.
He looked down.
A beastwoman lay on the ground, bruised and bleeding, cat ears flattened against tangled red hair. Her clothes were torn rags. Her golden eyes were desperate.
"P-Please," she whispered. "Don't leave me."
Kael stared.
"…Let go," he said calmly.
She didn't.
"I'll die if I stay," she said hoarsely. "Please… take me with you. I'll do anything."
Kael sighed.
"…You're a problem."
She nodded quickly. "I know."
He paused.
"…What's your name?"
She shook her head. "I don't have one."
Kael stared at her for a long moment.
"…Then I'll give you one," he said. "Your hair's red. You're stubborn. You survive."
He turned away. "Your name is **Rinara**."
Her eyes widened.
"…Rinara," she whispered. "That's… my name?"
"Yes," Kael replied flatly. "If you're coming with me."
She clutched his cape tighter. "Thank you…"
Kael's apartment was modest but well-kept, a safe space far from prying eyes. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him, and Rinara hesitated at the threshold, her red hair glinting in the soft afternoon light. She was still bruised, battered from the escape, and the rag she wore did little to hide the marks.
"Sit," Kael said gently, motioning to a chair near the window. His voice was calm, far from the cold, lethal edge he usually carried. "You've been through a lot. Rest first."
Rinara obeyed, lowering herself carefully onto the chair, her tail curling nervously around her legs. "Thank you… Kael," she murmured.
He crouched slightly to be at her level, studying her silently for a moment. "Do you know why you're here?" he asked quietly.
She shook her head. "I… I only know I was being sold. I didn't expect anyone to help me."
Kael's lips twitched into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Then consider yourself lucky. You've got me now."
Her eyes softened at the words, a mix of gratitude and awe. "I… I owe you my life."
"You don't owe me anything," he replied, voice low but sincere. "You asked for it. I just… gave it."
Kael looked at Rinara, voice softening. "Rinara… this will feel strange, but I need to draw some of my strength into you. It will help your body recover… and make you stronger. You'll feel it flowing through you."
She blinked, a flush spreading across her cheeks. "I… I trust you, Kael."
He nodded slightly, his cold, mysterious aura softening into something gentler, more human. Leaning down, he pressed his lips directly onto hers, the kiss firm and commanding yet filled with a strange warmth. The screen blinked rapidly, showing progress:
**[Affection Boost: 100% → 100% COMPLETED]**
**[Strength Transfer: 0% → 100% COMPLETED]**
Rinara sank onto the couch, her breathing steadying as she felt the strength coursing through her veins. *Wow… is this the type of strength this man possesses? Who is he?* she thought, cheeks flushing slightly. "I… I can feel it," she whispered, voice trembling. "It's… incredible."
Kael leaned against the table, arms crossed, still maintaining his calm, mysterious demeanor. "Good. That's only the beginning. I'll train you… make you stronger than anyone expects. But you must promise me one thing."
Her red eyes met his, a faint blush creeping across her face. "Anything, Kael. I'll do it. I'll stay by your side… forever."
A faint, approving smile curved on his lips. "Forever, huh? Then I guess you'll have to call me Master Kael… for now."
Rinara swallowed, her blush deepening. *Master Kael… it feels strange, but somehow… it feels right,* she thought, keeping her gaze steady. "I'll try, Master Kael," she said quietly, voice low.
Kael stepped closer, his presence overwhelming yet strangely comforting. "Listen… Rinara, tell me everything. How did you end up here? Why were you in that place?"
Her gaze softened, eyes glimmering with a mix of fear and trust. "I… I was captured. Taken by the slavers. I didn't have anywhere to go… and then you came. You saved me."
Kael's expression darkened slightly, his fists tightening. "Those people… they'll never touch you again. Not as long as I'm here. I promise you that."
Rinara's tail twitched subtly, and she hugged her knees to herself. *I can feel it… he's serious. This man… he's not like anyone I've ever met,* she thought, the blush on her cheeks deepening. "I know. I trust you… Kael. I owe you everything."
He crouched down to meet her gaze, his voice low and steady. "And I'll keep my promise. You'll be ready, Rinara. Strong enough to face whatever's waiting for us. And you'll be my companion… my ally… my family."
Rinara's heart skipped a beat, a warmth spreading through her chest she couldn't hide. *Family…? With him? Somehow… it feels right,* she thought. She kept her expression calm, but her fingers clenched slightly in anticipation. "I'll do my best. Master Kael," she said quietly.
Kael tapped the system interface again, checking her stats. The screen glowed softly:
**[Rinara – Status Update]**
**Level: 1 → 15**
**Strength: Boosted via Mana Transfer: 100%**
**Agility: Standard → Enhanced 50%**
**Affection: Linked → Initial Stage**
"Enough for now," Kael said. "Rest. Next week, we begin real training. You'll learn to fight, to control your mana, to survive… to thrive."
Rinara nodded, still blushing, keeping her emotions hidden but feeling a deep, unspoken bond forming with him. *Next week… I'll learn from him. I want to be strong… strong like him,* she thought. "I'll be ready. I won't let you down, Kael."
He gave a faint, approving nod, then allowed himself a small, rare smile. "Good. You'll need it… and so will I. Because what comes next… won't be easy."
.....
A month had passed since Kael had rescued Rinara and brought her into his world. The carriage rolled steadily toward the Imperial Capital, the morning sun glinting off its polished wood and metal fittings. Rinara sat beside Kael, her red hair braided neatly and tucked behind her shoulders, dressed in finely tailored noble warrior attire suitable for a young lady of combat training. The clothes were practical yet elegant, designed for both movement and authority, and she carried herself with the quiet confidence Kael had instilled in her over the past month.
Through rigorous training, Rinara had grown far stronger. She could now handle a level 20 beast with her bare hands, her body honed, her reflexes sharp, and her mind alert. Her expression in the carriage was serious, cold, and mysterious as she stared out the window, her gaze distant yet calculating. The faint flicker of Kael's aura now lingered around her, a subtle echo of his power that had become hers in a way, marking her as someone who had been shaped by him.
Kael's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, calm and unreadable, though beneath the surface, his mind calculated every possible danger that awaited them in the capital. Rinara's quiet composure beside him spoke volumes—strength, determination, and the silent bond forged through their shared hardships.
The city's walls loomed in the distance, massive and imposing, a stark contrast to the quiet villages they had left behind. Despite the anticipation, Kael felt a small sense of satisfaction. Rinara had adapted well, her resilience and intelligence shining through, and she would be ready for whatever awaited them.
As the carriage continued onward, winding between rolling hills and forests, a quiet understanding settled between them. Words were unnecessary—the trust and unspoken bond forged in battle and training carried far more weight than dialogue ever could. Kael allowed himself the faintest exhale, knowing that at least for this stretch of the journey, Rinara would remain steadfast by his side.
The Imperial Capital drew closer with every mile, its grandeur and authority casting long shadows across the land. Kael's mind sharpened, preparing for the trials to come, while Rinara adjusted her cloak and straightened her posture, ready to follow him into a world that would test them both in ways they could scarcely imagine.
......
The Imperial Kingdom's gates gleamed in the late afternoon sun, golden spires towering above the bustling streets. Kael's carriage rolled smoothly over the cobblestones. Rinara sat beside him, dressed in her noble warrior attire, her posture stiff and disciplined. A month of training had sculpted her body, sharpened her reflexes, and instilled in her a precision that mirrored Kael's aura.
As the carriage came to a halt at the palace gates, attendants approached, bowing politely. "Welcome, Prince Kael," one said, voice courteous yet firm. "The king has been expecting you. Please, follow me."
Rinara moved to follow Kael, stepping out with determination.
The butler stopped her gently, bowing slightly. "I'm afraid, miss… beastmen are not permitted directly in the throne room, unless they are directly connected to the royal family. For your safety, we have prepared chambers for you nearby."
Rinara's shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment flashing across her face.
Kael noticed immediately and reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's alright, Rin. I'll join you soon. You'll be perfectly safe in there. Trust me."
Her gaze met his, and despite her lingering concern, she nodded slowly, the faintest warmth coloring her cheeks. Kael's calm aura enveloped her even from a distance, soothing the unease she felt.
The attendants then escorted her courteously to the chambers, opening the doors prepared for them both. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. Your stay will be brief, but we have ensured everything is ready for you," one said respectfully.
Rinara glanced back once at Kael as he proceeded toward the throne room. He gave a small nod and a rare, gentle smile. "I'll be with you shortly. Just a little while," he said softly, his voice carrying more warmth than usual.
Her eyes lingered on him as the doors closed behind her, and she let out a quiet breath, comforted by his promise. Even in this strange, grand palace, Kael's presence was enough to steady her heart.
The grand doors of the throne room opened with a low, resonant hum as Prince Kael of Devon stepped forward. The polished marble floor reflected the golden light of the chandeliers, and attendants bowed low, murmuring soft welcomes.
"The king has been expecting you," one of the royal butlers said, voice respectful yet warm. "Please, follow me to the throne."
Kael inclined his head slightly, his sharp eyes scanning the vast hall with calm precision. His aura, subtle yet commanding, made even the attendants feel the weight of his presence. "I appreciate the welcome," he replied quietly, voice calm and even, carrying just enough warmth to ease the tension in the room.
Behind him, Rinara tried to follow, her hands gripping the edges of her noble warrior attire. "Kael—" she began, but a polite hand gently stopped her.
"Your Highness," the attendant said kindly but firmly, bowing slightly, "beastmen are not permitted directly in the throne room, except when directly connected with the royal family. We have prepared chambers nearby for your comfort while the prince meets the king."
Rinara's lips pressed into a thin line, reluctant to leave his side. Her gaze flicked to Kael, worry in her eyes.
Kael's hand came to her shoulder, patting it softly. "I'll join you soon," he assured her. "Stay here for just a little while."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly at his touch, though her expression remained serious. "Alright," she murmured, letting the attendants guide her to the prepared chambers.
Once Rinara was safely escorted away, Kael approached the throne. The king, an imposing man with a silver-trimmed beard and sharp, calculating eyes, gestured for him to kneel slightly.
"Prince Kael of Devon," the king said warmly, "we are honored by your presence. I understand you have a project regarding herbs and medicinal supplies?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Kael replied, calm but confident. "I wish to inspect the royal inventory and select herbs that will support development and training initiatives in my homeland. My goal is a bountiful harvest in exchange for knowledge and resources for medicinal research."
The king's eyes gleamed with interest. "Your foresight is commendable. You may have full access for the week you are here. Consult with the royal physician as needed, and take what you require for your work."
Kael inclined his head once more, expression unreadable yet respectful. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will ensure the resources are used efficiently."
---
Meanwhile, Rinara was being escorted through the palace gardens. Her gaze wandered across the perfectly manicured grounds, the fountains shimmering in the sunlight. Then, her eyes caught a figure near the central fountain.
A young woman with long silver hair moved with precise control, manipulating her mana as water arced and twisted gracefully around her. The woman's eyes lifted, meeting Rinara's gaze, and a sinister, almost predatory smile spread across her face.
Rinara felt a chill crawl up her spine, an instinctive unease she couldn't explain. She looked away quickly, focusing on the attendants guiding her. Her grip on her cape tightened slightly as she walked toward the prepared chambers, a bad feeling settling in her chest.
*There's something… wrong about her,* Rinara thought silently. *I can feel it, but I don't know what yet…*
By the time she reached the chambers and the attendants left, she was quiet, pensive, and uneasy. Outside, the princess continued her practice at the fountain, unaware that her brief glance had left a lasting impression on the young beastman.
.....
Once Kael returned from the throne room, Rinara had already reached their chamber, her ears still twitching nervously as she adjusted her noble warrior attire. The soft light from the window highlighted the sharp edges of her outfit, the dark colors giving her a serious, mysterious aura. She was sitting on a low bench, hands folded neatly in her lap, eyes flicking up the moment Kael entered.
Her gaze softened slightly when she saw him, a quiet excitement rising in her chest. She rose to her feet and almost rushed forward, but Kael reached out a hand, gently patting the top of her head in a familiar, protective gesture.
"You came back," she said shyly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I promised I would," Kael replied warmly, his tone calm but filled with sincerity. "Did you miss me?"
Rinara's cheeks flushed, and she nodded, looking down. "Y-yes… I did."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile. "I missed you too," he said, letting the moment linger. His sharp gaze softened as he studied her—her posture, her expression, and the subtle aura she now carried, echoing a fraction of his own mana.
After a quiet beat, Rinara spoke again, her voice hesitant but firm. "Kael… when I was being escorted here, I saw the princess. She was by the fountains, practicing her mana with the water. But… there was something about her. A cold, almost sinister feeling. She looked at me like she knew something she shouldn't. I don't know, I just… it gave me a bad feeling."
Kael listened, eyes narrowing slightly, but he didn't let concern show. "I see," he said thoughtfully, his voice even. "Noted. Keep your focus on your recovery and your training. Don't let your mind wander too much. That's what matters right now."
Rinara nodded, still glancing toward the window where the fountains were visible from afar. Kael stepped closer, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze to reassure her silently. "You're safe here," he murmured. "We'll handle everything else."
She let out a quiet breath and finally relaxed, though the sense of unease lingered faintly in her chest. Kael, meanwhile, opened his mana system briefly, checking on her status and ensuring she was ready for what was to come, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Everything was proceeding according to plan—and she would be ready.
........
The palace corridor was quiet.
Too quiet.
Kael's footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor as he walked alone, golden lanterns casting long shadows along the walls. His expression was calm—but his mind was anything but.
*Lyra…*
The thought slipped in before he could stop it.
He exhaled slowly, jaw tightening.
No matter how far he walked, no matter how much blood he'd already spilled… her absence still felt fresh. Like a wound that refused to close.
"I'll find you," he muttered under his breath. "I don't care where you are."
Something brushed against his senses.
Kael stopped mid-step.
"…What?"
That mana—
It wasn't normal.
It felt layered. Heavy. Wrong in a way he'd only felt once before.
His shoulders stiffened as a figure stepped out from between two marble pillars.
Silver hair caught the lantern light, flowing smoothly down her back. She wore a royal dress etched with faintly glowing water sigils, mana circulating around her with unnatural control. Her blue eyes settled on him—not with surprise, but with interest.
Kael frowned.
"…Princess Elisia?"
Her lips curved upward slowly.
Not friendly.
Not curious.
Just… knowing.
"So you really do recognize this face," she said calmly.
Kael's brow creased.
"…This face?"
She tilted her head, studying him openly, like he was something she'd been waiting to see.
"Huh," she murmured. "You walk through this palace like you belong here. Like your hands aren't already soaked in blood from another world."
Kael's chest tightened.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, voice low.
She stepped closer.
With each step, the air grew heavier. Her mana pressed against him, thick and suffocating, crawling along his skin in a way that made his instincts flare.
"Tell me something, Prince Kael of Devon," she said lightly. "Did it feel good?"
Kael didn't answer.
Didn't blink.
"Your revenge," she continued. "Did it give you what you wanted?"
"…And who exactly are you to ask me that?" Kael replied.
Her smile widened.
"You crossed a line you weren't meant to cross," she said. "You killed where reincarnators are forbidden to kill. You broke the rules."
Kael scoffed quietly.
"Rules?"
"The ones that keep the worlds from collapsing," she replied. "The ones that clean up mistakes."
His eyes darkened.
"Mistake?" he repeated.
She leaned closer, her voice dropping.
"Lyra was never meant to return with you."
The words hit harder than any spell.
Kael's breath caught.
"…What did you just say?"
"She went back to where she belongs," Elisia said calmly. "Her spirit has already—"
Kael moved.
The corridor exploded into motion as water blades formed instantly, tearing toward him. He twisted aside, mana surging through his legs, but one blade still sliced across his shoulder.
Blood splattered against the marble.
"Tch—!"
He slid back, boots scraping, teeth clenched.
"Don't," he said sharply, eyes burning. "You don't get to say her name."
Elisia laughed, water surging violently around her.
"Then prove it!" she snapped. "Show me what breaking the system gave you!"
Spears, chains, and whips of water lashed out at once. Kael dodged, countered, mana flaring as sigils flickered briefly in the air.
A chain wrapped around his arm.
Pain shot through him as pressure crushed inward.
*Damn it… she's strong.*
He slammed his palm to the floor.
"Release."
The spell activated instantly.
The chain shattered into mist.
Kael reappeared in front of her in a blink, his hand stopping inches from her throat—never touching, yet locking her entire body in place with invisible force.
Elisia froze.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…That spell," she breathed. "So you really have started collecting."
Kael's chest rose and fell as blood dripped from his shoulder.
"Where is she?" he asked quietly. "What did you do to Lyra?"
She stared at him for a moment—then laughed, softer this time.
"You still don't get it," she said. "You can't save her."
Something in Kael went cold.
He summoned his mana screen.
---
[ HAREM SYSTEM — TARGET DETECTED ]
Name: Elisia
Status: Hostile / High Mana Entity
Affection: 0%
Compatibility: Extremely High
Available Actions:
• Force Affection Transfer
• Mana Seizure
• Emotional Override
---
Kael clenched his jaw.
"…Sorry," he muttered.
Her laughter stopped.
"…What?"
He stepped forward and kissed her.
Directly.
Hard.
Mana detonated between them.
Elisia gasped, her body arching as affection mana flooded her system violently, overwhelming her senses, rewriting bonds she didn't even understand.
Her legs gave out.
---
[ AFFECTION TRANSFER COMPLETE ]
Affection Rate: 100%
Status: Subjugated
Mana Stability: Compromised
---
Kael pulled back, breathing heavily.
Elisia collapsed unconscious into his arms.
He stared down at her for a moment, then looked away.
"…Lyra," he whispered. "Just wait for me."
Somewhere deep inside him, something sharper awakened.
And deep within the system—
Another piece clicked into place.
.......
Elisia's body went limp in Kael's arms.
For a brief moment, the corridor was silent again—broken only by Kael's breathing and the faint drip of blood hitting the marble floor.
He adjusted his grip on her carefully.
"…This better be worth it," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
His mana pulsed once—quiet, controlled—and erased the traces of the fight. Cracked marble smoothed. Blood evaporated. The palace returned to its pristine lie.
Kael moved.
He slipped through servant corridors, timing his steps between patrols, his presence muted to near nothing. The palace guards were trained—but not trained for *him*.
As he turned a corner—
"—Hey!"
Kael froze.
A knight stood at the far end of the hall, eyes wide, hand already moving toward his sword.
"What—"
Too late.
Kael appeared in front of him in a blink, a sharp strike to the neck dropping the knight unconscious before he could finish the sentence. Kael caught the body silently, easing it to the floor.
"…Sorry," he whispered. "Wrong night."
He reached Rin's chamber minutes later.
The door opened immediately.
Rin stood there, already dressed, eyes sharp—but the moment she saw him carrying Elisia, her pupils shrank.
"…Master Kael?"
"No time," he said calmly. "We're leaving."
She didn't ask questions.
She stepped aside instantly, grabbing her cloak and weapons as Kael moved past her. When she glanced at the unconscious princess, her ears twitched slightly—but she said nothing.
That alone told Kael everything.
They moved fast.
Too fast.
A shout echoed behind them.
"There! Stop them!"
The palace erupted.
Alarms rang. Footsteps thundered. Mana flared.
Kael cursed under his breath.
"Tch. So much for subtle."
He pulled Rin close, mana surging.
"Hold on."
The floor shattered as Kael launched forward, tearing through guards with precise, brutal efficiency—disabling some, knocking others aside, never slowing.
Arrows flew.
Kael deflected them midair.
Spells detonated behind them.
They didn't touch him.
At the outer gate, Kael slammed his hand down, activating a teleport seal he'd prepared hours earlier—just in case.
Light swallowed them.
---
They reappeared miles away, deep within a dense forest.
The night air was cold.
Silent.
Rin staggered slightly, catching herself, eyes wide as she looked around.
"…We're out?" she asked softly.
Kael exhaled.
"…Yeah."
Elisia stirred faintly in his arms—but didn't wake.
Kael set her down carefully against a tree.
Rin watched him, then glanced back at the darkness behind them.
"…The king," she said quietly. "This will cause trouble."
Kael gave a tired huff.
"Yeah," he admitted. "A lot."
He pulled a folded paper from his inventory and placed it gently against Elisia's chest.
"Still," he added, "I left a note."
Rin blinked.
"…A note?"
He nodded.
"Written in her handwriting," he said. "Says she left willingly. That she wants to travel with me to 'find her purpose.'"
Rin stared at him.
"…That's bold."
Kael shrugged.
"Desperate times."
A blue screen flickered to life before him.
---
[ HAREM SYSTEM — UPDATE ]
New Member Added: Elisia
Affection: 100%
Status: Unconscious / Subjugated
Role: High Mana Asset
Total Members: 2
---
Kael stared at the screen for a long moment.
"…I really am going to hell for this," he muttered.
Rin tilted her head.
"…If you go," she said quietly, "I'll follow."
He looked at her.
She didn't meet his eyes—but her grip on her cloak tightened.
Something eased in his chest.
"…Let's move," Kael said gently. "Before they figure out where we jumped."
Rin nodded.
And together, they disappeared into the night—
With a kidnapped princess, a broken system,
and a war they hadn't even reached yet.