The Goddess Temple stood at the very heart of the Imperial City, towering marble pillars, golden arches, and an air so saturated with divine mana that even breathing felt like prayer. Sunlight filtered through stained glass depicting miracles of healing, resurrection, and balance.
Within the temple halls, robed attendants moved calmly about their duties.
"Praise be to Goddess Seraphina," one of the priestesses said with a warm smile. "There is no healer greater in all of mankind."
"Indeed," another replied, hands clasped reverently. "Without Her, the balance of the world would collapse. Life, death, rebirth… all flow through her mercy."
"She is not just a goddess," a third added softly. "She *is* balance."
Their conversation was peaceful, almost lazy, faith unquestioned, devotion absolute.
One of the priests, a tall man with gentle eyes and a calm smile, nodded along. "I should offer prayers before the statue," he said lightly, excusing himself.
But instead of approaching the grand altar, he veered down a narrow corridor hidden behind a rotating pillar.
The smile on his face vanished.
He pressed his palm against the wall.
*Click.*
Stone shifted.
A hidden passage opened, revealing a staircase descending deep underground. The light from the temple faded quickly as he stepped down, the warmth replaced by cold, damp air. Each step echoed ominously as he descended further and further into darkness.
Far beneath the Goddess Temple lay a vast underground facility.
An experimental chamber.
Mana flowed unnaturally through thick conduits carved into the walls. Crystals, some glowing softly, others pulsing violently, were suspended in containment fields. Forbidden mana swirled inside reinforced glass cylinders, restrained by complex seals etched into the floor.
Healers stood in formation across the chamber, chanting in unison as sacred circles flared beneath their feet. Their magic fed into half-formed mana crystals, attempting to replicate something *unnatural*.
The priest approached one of the healers, a woman drenched in sweat, her hands trembling as she maintained a ritual circle.
"How long?" he asked coldly.
She swallowed. "T-The reproduction rate is slow… the mana keeps destabilizing. This kind of crystal resists healing—"
"Slow?" His voice snapped like a whip. "You think *slow* will satisfy our benefactor?"
The healer flinched. "We're doing everything we can—"
"I don't care," he barked. "Speed it up. If this isn't ready soon, none of you will like what happens next."
His gaze then shifted.
Toward a familiar figure.
A young woman with long black hair knelt beside a fractured mana core, her hands glowing with refined healing magic. Unlike the others, her mana was pure, foreign. Carefully, painfully, she poured it into the damaged crystal, forcing it to stabilize piece by piece.
The priest's eyes narrowed.
"Mira."
Her head snapped up instantly.
"Yes—!" she replied, fear flickering across her face before she could hide it.
He stepped closer, looming. "You were brought here from another world. Chosen. Alongside other healers like you."
His voice dropped. "That means your value is higher. Your effort should be greater."
Mira's fingers trembled, but she nodded quickly. "I-I understand. I'll try harder—"
"See that you do," he interrupted coldly. "Or you'll be erased for failing to serve the Goddess of Healing as intended."
Her lips parted, breath hitching.
"Yes… sir."
Satisfied, the priest turned away, his footsteps echoing as he exited the chamber. The chants resumed, louder, more desperate, mana flaring violently as the forbidden experiment continued beneath the holy temple above.
And far above them all, the statue of goddess Seraphina smiled serenely.
... ..
The morning sunlight filtered lazily through the blinds of Kael's apartment. His eyes fluttered open, still half-drowned in sleep, when a sudden weight pressed down on him. Groaning, he blinked, heart skipping a beat.
The Dragon Queen was straddling him, sitting on his hips with that sultry, mischievous smile curling her lips. Her revealing night gown left almost nothing to the imagination, and the warmth of her body pressed against him in a way that made his stomach twist.
Kael froze, his face going beet-red. "Wha—what are you—what are you doing?!" he shouted, flailing slightly, panic flooding him.
"Sleep with me," she purred, leaning down, her chest brushing his, tail flicking behind her in excitement. Her lips hovered near his ear, and she licked his cheek teasingly. "Dragons are the best at… everything," she whispered, her voice thick and intoxicating.
Kael's hands shot up, trying to push her off. "No! Stop! I—I'm serious! What are you doing?!"
She ignored him completely, her long, slender fingers deftly undoing his shirt, exposing his chest. Kael's breath hitched involuntarily as her hands traced over the skin, teasing every muscle. His chest tightened, his pulse racing, and he muttered, half-panicked, half-excited, "H-Hiryuu… don't… this isn't… we can't—"
The metallic creak of the door opening cut through the tension. Rin, bright-eyed and cheerful, stepped inside. "Kael! Wake up! We need to start training early today!"
Both Kael and Hiryuu froze mid-motion. Rin's eyes went wide, and she blinked rapidly, processing the scene. The room was silent for a heartbeat, three pairs of eyes locked in a mixture of shock, lust, and confusion.
Then Rin screamed. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, DRAGON?! GET OFF KAEL!"
Hiryuu chuckled darkly, flicking her wrist. A small burst of fire licked the floor near Rin's feet, sizzling the carpet. "Call me by my name," she purred, eyes glinting dangerously. "I am Hiryuu."
Rin's face went crimson. "HIRYUU! GET OFF HIM! WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON TOP OF KAEL?!"
Hiryuu's lips curved into a teasing smirk. "Are you blind? I am obviously making love to Kael. It only befits him to sleep with a dragon of high status such as myself." She leaned forward, letting her hands glide over his bare chest, teasing every contour with deliberate slowness.
Kael groaned, teeth clenched, trying to avert his eyes. His face was red, his body reacting instantly to her touch. His pulse raced; his stomach clenched. "H-Hiryuu… st-stop… I—I can't… Rin, help… no, this is—ugh!"
Rin, indignant and flustered, didn't hesitate. With a sharp cry, she leaped toward Hiryuu, attempting to pull her off Kael. "GET OFF HIM RIGHT NOW!"
Hiryuu only laughed, a deep, melodic sound that filled the room. "Oh? So brave, little kitten," she teased, leaning back slightly, letting Rin land on her chest as she pressed closer to Kael. Her hands continued to roam, tracing over his shoulders, his pecs, and finally brushing dangerously low toward his abs.
Kael's head fell back, a small gasp escaping his lips as his body betrayed him completely. His chest heaved, and a faint bead of sweat formed at his brow. "I-I'm serious! Rin! Stop! Hiryuu… this is madness!"
Rin scrambled, claws practically out as she tried to push Hiryuu off. "I—I don't care! You're not allowed on him! This isn't how you treat him! He's mine to protect!"
Hiryuu leaned down, close enough that Kael could feel her breath on his neck, whispering, "Protect him? How cute. But the man beneath me… he's mine to awaken. He's mine to feel."
Kael's knees buckled slightly as his stomach fluttered. His hands flew helplessly, gripping Hiryuu's arms, while simultaneously trying to shield himself from Rin. "Ahhh… I—I can't… both of you… ugh!"
Rin's tail flicked in frustration (a little habit she had), and she swatted again at Hiryuu, shouting, "I won't let you do this!"
Hiryuu only laughed, her long green hair cascading over Kael's chest as she pressed herself even closer. "You're cute when you get angry, kitten," she teased, leaning down to nuzzle Kael's neck, letting her lips brush his skin ever so slightly.
Kael's face burned hotter, a nosebleed forming at the bridge of his nose as his body betrayed him further. "A-Ahh… stop… please… I—I can't—Rin!"
Rin growled, pouncing again, and Hiryuu tilted her head, enjoying every moment of the chaos. The room was a storm of limbs, lust, protest, and sheer chaotic energy, all centered on Kael, who was flustered, overwhelmed, and completely at the mercy of these two powerful, determined girls.
Kael could only let out a frustrated, breathless groan. "I… I'm going to die… why… why me?!"
Hiryuu purred, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because you're irresistible, darling. Now, struggle all you want… it won't change a thing."
---
Morning light spilled through Kael's apartment as he and his three maidens prepared for departure. Hiryuu perched nearby, stretching luxuriously, while Rin and Elisia packed supplies and adjusted disguises.
Kael inspected the old carriage waiting outside, a relic from centuries past. "We can't risk anyone recognizing my family's crest. And Elisia… the princess," he muttered, adjusting her hood. "You'll need full concealment."
Elisia frowned, arms crossed beneath the cloak covering her from head to toe. "This is… ridiculous. I can't even see anything."
Kael smiled faintly. "You'll survive. It's safer this way. The capital's eyes are everywhere."
He turned to Rin, who was trembling slightly under her heavy disguise. "Clone magic. I only have three uses left. One for me, one for you, and one… precious backup. Be careful."
Rin nodded obediently, hiding the nervousness in her fox-like ears. "I'll be careful, Kael."
Hiryuu smirked, tail flicking behind her. "You always worry too much about her." She leaned against Kael teasingly. "I like it though. It's cute."
Kael smiled nervously, double-checking everything. "Ok. Let's move."
...
The carriage creaked to a halt at the grand gates of the Goddess Temple. Guards immediately stepped forward, blocking their path.
"Halt! State your purpose," one of the guards barked, arms crossed. His eyes scrutinized the newcomers suspiciously.
Kael adjusted the hood over Rin and Elisia, stepping forward with calm authority. "We come to worship," he said confidently, his voice smooth and unwavering.
The guard's eyes narrowed. "Are you devotees of Goddess Seraphina? Do you belong to her temple?"
Elisia lowered her hood slightly, just enough for her eyes to meet his, and nodded. "Yes, we are here to offer our devotion," she said carefully.
The guards exchanged glances, clearly skeptical. "Identification, please," one demanded, scanning the women's outfits. Rin's form was completely covered, while Elisia and Hiryuu's clothing, though covered, still left hints of their unusual physique, drawing suspicion.
A tall knight stepped forward, frowning. He studied the group carefully, assuming they were giving the guards trouble. "Something seems off… you're new, but your garments aren't typical for worshippers," he remarked. He began to approach cautiously, intent on investigating further.
Before he could speak, Hiryuu moved forward with an innocent, radiant smile. Her long dark hair swayed, and her chest bounced subtly as she leaned closer to the knight. "Good morning, sir," she said in a sweet, puppy-dog tone. "We're new to the city, and we only wish to honor Goddess Seraphina. She healed my mother… truly, she's a miracle."
The knight's gaze flicked to her eyes, unconvinced. "And your companions?"
Hiryuu's grin widened, her tail flicking behind her subtly. She stepped even closer, letting her thighs brush just enough to tease without revealing anything inappropriate. "We'll come back later to properly thank you… in a special way," she whispered, her tone laced with playful lust.
The knight's eyes widened slightly, and he coughed. "Very well… let them pass. Guards, open the gates."
Elisia hissed under her breath, rolling her eyes. "Shameless. Absolutely shameless."
Hiryuu winked, tail flicking proudly. "Effective, not shameless. You wouldn't be inside without me."
The group passed through the massive doors, entering the serene, sacred halls of the temple. The faint scent of incense filled the air, mingling with the hum of divine energy.
Kael's eyes immediately spotted the priest who had previously descended underground. Suspicion glimmered in his gaze. He tensed, whispering to Elisia and Hiryuu, "Watch for him. He's aware of something."
Almost immediately, the priest's eyes locked onto them. His frown deepened, suspicion sharp and unmistakable. He studied their every movement, noting Rin's fully covered form and the subtle hints of Hiryuu and Elisia's figures. Kael's warning had been well-timed, the man's gaze made it clear he already knew something was off.
The priest approached, carefully hiding his mistrust behind a calm, polite smile. "Are you devotees of Goddess Seraphina? How did you gain entrance?" His voice was smooth, practiced, yet his eyes were sharp, scanning each of them.
Kael stepped forward confidently, flashing a charming grin. "We are new to the city and wished to witness the glory of Goddess Seraphina firsthand. Seeing her statue of honor in person seemed the proper way to begin our devotion."
The priest's frown eased slightly, curiosity piqued. "It would be my honor to introduce you to the ways of worship, to guide you in the path of devotion. Very well. Follow me to the worship chamber," he instructed, motioning for them to proceed.
Kael whispered softly to Rin, "You'll be our bait. Draw him away with your devotion to the Goddess."
Rin blinked, confused, but nodded quietly. Hesitant for a moment, She straightened her posture, lifting her head as though feeling the weight of the goddess's presence upon her.
Kael continued softly, voice low and persuasive, "As a beastwoman, you feel the pull of her power… you seek salvation and guidance."
Rin took a slow, deep breath. "I… I feel distant from the Goddess Seraphina," she began, her voice soft but carrying a weight that drew the priest's attention. "Her presence… it calls to me, yet I cannot fully reach it. I seek her guidance… and her mercy… to find my place in her light."
The priest's eyes widened, his curiosity instantly piqued. "A beastwoman… drawn to the goddess? Incredible. It is rare for one such as you to feel her pull so strongly," he said, excitement flickering in his gaze. "Come, I will personally guide you in the ways of worship, so that your devotion may be true and complete."
Without waiting for further explanation, he motioned for Rin to follow him, clearly entranced by her words and aura. Rin stepped forward, walking beside the priest with careful reverence, leaving Kael, Hiryuu, and Elisia temporarily unguarded.
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile, eyes sharp. "Now," he murmured to Hiryuu and Elisia, "trace the mana. Find where their power truly lies and what they are hiding."
Hiryuu nodded, crouching slightly as she closed her eyes, sensing the flow of mana in the temple. "I can feel it… it's subtle, hidden beneath the divine energy, but it's there. Someone is directing power from somewhere below."
Elisia joined her, focusing carefully, following the faint traces of corrupted and forbidden energy. "There… there's a subtle distortion under this floor. I can sense the edge of a concealed space."
Hiryuu pressed her hand to the floor, feeling the mana pulse beneath. "This is it. A secret… a hidden passage."
Kael leaned closer, placing his hands alongside hers. "Prepare yourselves. Mana shields on, if anyone discovers us down there, we'll need to move fast."
Soft glows surrounded their bodies as barriers activated, blending with the ambient magic. Hiryuu's tail twitched, senses alert to every vibration of movement and energy in the temple above.
Elisia found the control mechanism hidden beneath a decorative rug and pressed a sequence, the floor panel sliding open with a low, grinding hum. A dark stairway yawned downward, leading into the unknown.
Kael inhaled sharply, gripping both their shoulders. "Stay close. This is where the enemy stores their power… and maybe where they're keeping Lyra."
Hiryuu's eyes narrowed. "I can feel the mana ahead. It's… oppressive. Definitely forbidden, corrupted."
Kael smirked grimly. "Good. Then we're in the right place. Let's move."
---
Descending the hidden stairs, the trio arrived in the underground lab. Mana crystals floated ominously, humming with stolen energy. Healers performed sacred rituals, forbidden mana flowing in streams.
Kael's fists clenched tightly, teeth grinding. "This… this is unforgivable."
Elisia shivered. "It's… vile…"
The three immediately ducked behind a set of large crates, hiding from the workers above. Kael pressed a finger to his lips, whispering urgently, "Stay low. Observe. We can't let them see us yet."
Hiryuu's tail twitched, her eyes scanning the room. "So much… stolen power… it's disgusting."
Kael took a deep breath, crouching slightly, and began explaining the plan quietly to Hiryuu and Elisia. "We move carefully. We find the mana storage points, and we locate where Lyra is being held. Elisia, trace the flow. Hiryuu, stay ready to protect us if we're spotted."
Elisia nodded, her fingers glowing faintly as she traced the corrupted mana flowing through the crystals. "The energy is being concentrated… it's not just stored. They're experimenting, amplifying it."
Kael's eyes hardened. "Then we need to act fast. Every second counts. If they notice us…" His voice dropped, full of grim determination.
As Kael spoke, a strange pressure crept into his chest, subtle at first, then suffocating.
It wasn't mana.
It wasn't danger.
It was familiarity.
A sound he had not heard since the moment his life ended.
It was at that precise moment that a soft, familiar voice pierced the tense silence behind them.
"Kael…"
The sound alone was enough to shatter him.
Kael froze instantly, heart pounding, every muscle locking in place. His breath hitched violently, lungs refusing to draw air as recognition struck before thought could form.
He knew that voice.
He had heard it through blood and fading vision.
Through pain and regret.
On the day he died.
Slowly, almost unwillingly, he turned.
And there, standing in shock, was Mira. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she dropped the bowl she had been holding.
For a heartbeat, the world collapsed inward.
Kael's mind raced. Memories of her from his past life flooded back, when he died. His pulse faltered.
*(The words never left his mouth. They burned in his chest, unspoken, trapped behind a throat that would not work.)*
"Mira… how…?"
Mira's hands trembled violently. "Kael… I saw you die… how… how are you here?"
Her voice broke, disbelief and guilt tearing through every syllable. The same eyes that had watched him bleed out now stared at him like he was a ghost clawing his way back from the grave.
Before Kael could respond, before his body could even remember how to move...
The priest who had taken Rin appeared behind them, gripping her hair tightly, hoisting her up. A mark glowed on her exposed stomach, the cropped outfit revealing the cruel restriction on her mana.
The shock vanished.
Replaced by something raw and feral.
Kael reacted instantly.
"Rin!"
The sound ripped out of him like torn flesh, broken, hoarse, drenched in terror and fury. His heart slammed violently against his ribs, so hard it hurt, so hard his vision fractured at the edges. His hands shook as if seized by a current, fingers curling uselessly before clenching into fists slick with sweat.
The system screamed.
⚠ WARNING
⚠ EMOTIONAL OVERLOAD
⚠ MANA INSTABILITY DETECTED
He didn't read it.
He couldn't.
Blood thundered in his ears, drowning out everything except the sight of her, dangling, helpless, mana sealed. His breath came sharp and uneven, chest stuttering like it forgot how to work. For a split second, his legs nearly gave out beneath him, knees locking as memories slammed into him all at once—
Chains.
Blood.
Screaming her name too late.
His teeth ground together so hard his jaw trembled. Something inside him *snapped*.
His body moved before thought, before restraint, before sanity could catch up, system flaring violently as mana surged out of control, cracking the air around him.
Elisia and Hiryuu moved immediately to his sides, protective and poised, feeling the murderous pressure rolling off him in waves.
Only then did the priest explode.
The priest who had taken Rin appeared behind them, gripping her hair tightly, hoisting her up with brutal force. His face was contorted with fury, eyes blazing as if personally offended. A mark glowed violently on Rin's exposed stomach, the cropped outfit revealing the cruel restriction carved into her mana.
His voice exploded through the chamber.
"This is what you dared to bring into sacred ground?!" he bellowed, shaking her harshly. "You call THIS a worshipper of Goddess Seraphina?!"
Rin gasped, her hands clawing weakly at his wrist as the glowing mark flared, draining her strength. Her legs trembled, barely holding her upright.
"You filthy liars!" the priest roared, spittle flying. "This beastwoman can't even read the alphabet, let alone the holy scriptures! She doesn't know the prayers. She doesn't know the hymns. She doesn't even understand the language of devotion!"
He yanked her head up forcefully. "And yet you dare insult the Goddess by claiming she came here to worship?! You mock Her grace. You spit on Her divinity!"
The chamber echoed with his rage. "Faith is not for animals who only crawl toward power! This thing is unworthy of even looking upon Her statue!"
Kael's hands spasmed.
Mana bled from his skin like heat haze, vision darkening at the edges as his system alarms escalated, red warnings stacking faster than he could process. His pulse was erratic, too fast, then stuttering, as if his body couldn't decide whether to fight or collapse.
Mira rushed forward instinctively, throwing herself between Kael and the attackers.
"I won't let you die again!" she screamed.
The wave of mana slammed against her, throwing her back violently. She hit the ground hard, scraping her palms and knees, but she scrambled to her feet, teeth gritted, eyes blazing with defiance. Every instinct screamed at her: *protect him, even if it costs me.*
Kael, Hiryuu, and Elisia sprang into action. Blades, magic, and fists clashed. Blood sprayed, mana flared, and the air filled with screams.
Kael's focus was on Rin. He darted through the chaos, dodging swinging clubs and searing mana blasts, eyes locked on her. Hiryuu's tail lashed violently, knocking back several attackers, while her precise strikes cleared a path. Elisia's system magic created glowing barriers that deflected strikes and sliced through corrupted crystals, opening lanes for Kael to advance.
Rin, weak and restricted by the mana mark, could barely stand. Her arms shook, legs faltering, mana seal glowing ominously on her exposed stomach. Kael's eyes burned with fury, heart hammering against his chest.
Kael surged forward, intent on reaching the priest who had Rin in his grasp. He leapt over a fallen guard, blades slashing through the air, his mana blazing, protective energy flaring uncontrollably around him.
Suddenly, Sayaka materialized directly in front of him. Dark purple mana erupted, slamming him back against the wall with enough force to crack stone.
"You're after Lyra… aren't you? And now we have her. She must be important to you," she said, smirking, the aura around her making the air pulse with danger.
Kael's rage peaked. He ignored the blow, pushing off the wall with sheer force, mana surging from every vein. "Get out of my way!" he shouted, charging again.
Hiryuu and Elisia reinforced him immediately, slashing and casting to cut down every minion that dared approach. The floor trembled with the intensity of their assault.
Sayaka's eyes sparkled with excitement at the raw bloodlust radiating from Kael. Her heart fluttered, a rush of adrenaline and delight coursing through her chest at the sheer ferocity he displayed. "Tell Me!. How much does she mean to you?" she purred, her grin wicked, teasing, and intoxicating. "How far would you go to get her back?"
Kael didn't wait for an answer. He surged forward, his fists flaring with uncontrolled mana, every strike powered by rage. Sayaka's grin widened as she met him head-on, their weapons clashing with sparks and the smell of scorched air. Purple mana coiled around her arms like serpents, striking, deflecting, twisting in impossible ways, each blow aimed to test and toy with him.
The room erupted into chaos. Kael swung with raw strength, each strike sending shards of stone and splintering wood flying. Sayaka twisted gracefully, dodging just enough to let his blows smash the floor, the walls, and a few unlucky minions caught in the crossfire. Blood splattered, some hers, some his attackers', staining the ground as the room trembled under their fury.
Kael's system flared, red warnings screaming, as he landed a punch to her shoulder that would have shattered a lesser human. Sayaka hissed in pleasure, a streak of blood running down her temple, and countered with a burst of purple energy that sent him skidding back into a wall. Dust and broken stone rained down.
But he didn't falter. He roared, surging again with his full strength, striking with brutal combinations, fists, elbows, mana-infused kicks, all aiming to overwhelm her. Sayaka laughed, spinning midair, dodging and retaliating with slashing purple arcs of energy, cutting through the floor, the walls, and narrowly missing Kael as he lunged for her. Each strike left scorch marks, burns, and the smell of ozone and blood hanging thick in the air.
They collided again, body to body, their faces inches apart, sweat and blood mixing. Kael's teeth were gritted, his eyes blazing, every muscle trembling with power and fury. Sayaka's grin never faltered; she danced around his attacks, stabbing at his defenses with sharp, precise strikes, drawing tiny cuts along his arms and chest, testing his limits, feeling alive on the edge of his rage.
The room was a whirlwind of movement. Hiryuu and Elisia stayed back, cutting down anyone foolish enough to approach, but their eyes were glued to Kael and Sayaka, the raw, bloody, perfect chaos of two forces colliding. Sparks, blood, mana, and sheer willpower exploded in every swing, every dodge, every punch.
Finally, with a sudden surge, Sayaka twisted behind the priest, shouting orders for everyone to retreat. She scooped Rin into her arms and disappeared with the fleeing group.
Kael bolted into the sky after them, senses ablaze with rage. His heart hammered, fists clenching. He had lost all reason, only one thought burned in his mind: get Rin back. "I won't lose you!" he roared, enraged, reckless, unstoppable.
But before he could even blink, they were gone.
Suddenly, his system screen flashed, danger alarms blaring, red warnings blinking continuously. ⚠ WARNING ⚠ DANGER DETECTED ⚠ BLOOD LOSS, MANA DEPLETION, AND STRENGTH CRITICAL.
The system shut down abruptly. Kael coughed violently, a huge gush of blood spilling from his mouth, and his body collapsed backward.
Hiryuu caught him halfway, steadying his fall with strong arms. Elisia immediately fired a protective barrier, deflecting attacks from the pursuing priests and guards. At the same time, she scooped up Mira's unconscious body.
The three fled the underground base, hearts pounding, lungs burning, minds racing. The battle had ended, for now, but the cost had been high. Kael's rage, Rin's capture, and the presence of Mira, all signs that the enemy's plans were far from over.
......
Lyra lay sprawled on the bed, her arms crossed, refusing to sit up or even change her clothes. The faint sunlight spilled across the room through the massive glass window. Her sharp eyes caught Kaizen and Azazel standing outside, deep in conversation.
Lyra's voice, cool and deliberate, cut through the tension.
"Kaizen. Azazel. I need… privacy."
Azazel's head jerked toward her, his lips twitching nervously.
"Right… of course, Lyra. We'll just… finish this quickly," he stammered, glancing at Kaizen.
Kaizen, ever composed, let out a faint, uneasy smile.
"Stay calm, Lyra. Don't get any ideas," he said softly, though his eyes never left her.
Lyra's gaze flicked to the large container in the corner, the vessel into which she had been pouring her mana. Almost full. A small smirk touched her lips.
"I… I'm hungry," she said suddenly, voice sharp enough to snap attention. "Go get me something to eat. Now."
Kaizen raised an eyebrow. "Hungry?" he murmured to Azazel, as if testing him.
Azazel's eyes lit up like a child's. "Finally! An opportunity to serve her properly! Don't worry, Lyra, I'll bring it myself!" He hurried off, leaving Kaizen standing by the window with that uneasy smile fixed across his face.
Lyra's heart beat fast, each pulse synchronized with the rhythm of her thoughts. She watched every step Azazel took, calculated every blink and motion Kaizen made, even behind that calm facade, she knew he was watching.
Minutes ticked by, and Azazel seemed to take forever. Lyra's patience stretched thin. Finally, Kaizen sighed, muttering, "I should check on him… he's taking too long," and strode toward the door.
The moment his back turned, Lyra moved. She approached the container, fingers trembling with focus. Her voice was almost a whisper, to herself more than anyone else.
"Let's see how fast I can be…"
With careful precision, she activated one of the system spells, channeling the fully concentrated mana directly toward the door. The container glowed, humming with lethal power.
The door shuddered, and then it flew open.
Lyra darted out instantly, her legs pumping as she ran.
"Kaizen!" she hissed, "You won't stop me today!"
Several watchers and workers spotted her immediately, shouting alarms.
"Stop her! Intruder!" one yelled, drawing his weapon.
Lyra smirked without looking back.
"Wrong day to mess with me." She flicked her hand, and a wave of system magic erupted. The attackers crumpled silently, magically restrained, unable to pursue.
The hallway stretched endlessly before her. Every step brought her closer to freedom. She pulled the concentrated mana from the container, hurling it forward, shattering barriers, tearing through the space that imprisoned her.
As she ran, a holographic screen appeared, displaying her stats and current system conditions. She ignored it, heart hammering, adrenaline blinding her to all else.
"I'll find Kael," she whispered fiercely, teeth gritted. "No matter what it takes, no matter the cost… I'll get to him."
The air around her pulsed with power, the system magic weaving and bending to her will as she vanished into the chaos of the facility, leaving the stunned workers and guardians behind.