A New Path, Forged in Blood and Light
While Lucien was still bickering with Isabella inside his mind, Evelyn sat on the edge of the bedding inside the broken, abandoned shrine, quietly exploring the translucent status window hovering before her. Pale blue light reflected in her deep crimson eyes, flickering across her small fangs as curiosity tugged at her.
After a moment, she tilted her head and called softly,
"Darling… can you come here for a moment? I have some questions about a few things."
Lucien snapped out of his thoughts and moved to her side, sitting close enough that their shoulders brushed. As the host of the Divine Harem Ascension System, he could see her Status and Skill Web Chart without her having to make them visible.
The moment he focused on her skill panel, his breath caught.
[Chronicle of the Trinity Valkyrie — First Volume]
Innate Talents
Valkyrie Prime Body (Passive):With every battle faced, the bearer's body grows stronger. After enduring enough true combat, the Life Spark of War will awaken, allowing the user to generate Aura and walk the path of a Magic Warrior.
Maiden of Crimson War (Passive):During battle, all attributes increase by 5% for every enemy faced.Maximum amplification: 200%.
Active Spells
Life-Drain Sigil — Level 1Engrave a sigil upon a weapon. Each successful strike drains the enemy's vitality and stamina, transferring it to the user.Duration: 20 minutesCooldown: 1 hourCost: 10 AP
Nightfeather Veil — Level 1Wrap the user in a mantle of living darkness that increases agility, reflexes, and provides defensive resistance.Duration: 10 minutesCooldown: 1 hourCost: 20 AP
Lucien stared.
These… aren't just strong. They're terrifying.
He swallowed and sent a thought toward Isabella.
"Why do her spells use AP instead of mana? And how is she supposed to get AP if her magic core isn't like mine?"
Isabella's voice came back, teasing as always.
"Because that grimoire is system-born. It runs on AP. Some abilities might use mana later, but for now? AP is the fuel. And as for how she gets it… well, looks like you're a pervert right down to your core, hahaha."
Lucien frowned.
"What does that even mean?"
"To transfer AP, you'll need to spend some time bonding with her."
Lucien hesitated, then asked carefully,
"Define 'bonding.' Be very specific."
Isabella practically purred.
"Relax. Simple physical closeness is enough. Hugs, gentle contact, shared warmth — that kind of thing lets AP flow from your Ancient Prime Alpha Physique into her."
A vein twitched on Lucien's temple.
"Can you not be weird for five seconds?"
"There is another way," Isabella added. "If you change her Eternal Pair status to Lover, her core will start generating AP on its own."
"No.""Immediate no.""Not happening."
Isabella sighed.
"Suit yourself. But remember — being an Eternal Pair isn't just symbolic. You two are already bound by fate."
Lucien went quiet.
I'll think about that… someday.
He turned back to Evelyn.
"Your spells are incredible, Mom. What were you confused about?"
Evelyn raised two fingers.
"First… these passive skills. 'Valkyrie Prime Body' says I'll gain a Life Spark and become something called a Magic Warrior. But only Warriors can awaken Aura, and mages can't do that. No one in the Atlas World has ever walked both paths."
Isabella cut in before Lucien could answer.
"Because this world is isolated. The Chronicle of the Trinity Valkyrie isn't a half-baked technique like the Heaven-Tier Cultivation Codex. It creates dual-concept cultivators — beings who wield both mana and aura."
Lucien nodded slowly.
"So this means you're not just a mage anymore, Mom. You're becoming a Magic Warrior… someone who can fight with both spell and steel. I'll probably walk the same path."
Evelyn's eyes shone with a fierce, childlike excitement. The idea of stepping into a brand-new field of power made her heart race.
"That's… wonderful."
Then she asked her second question, practically bouncing,
"What is AP? And how do I get it? I want to try these spells!"
Lucien coughed.
"Ahem. AP is something my body produces. For now, you can get it through physical contact with me. A hug is enough."
Evelyn didn't hesitate. She pulled him into her arms, holding him close, stroking his black hair between her fingers.
"You know… I'm really happy this happened, darling. We're finally free from the Avaritia, the Superbia, and all those selfish demon clans. We can live the way we want now."
Lucien closed his eyes, feeling warmth and a subtle flow of energy — AP — passing into her.
I won't let anyone take this from us again.
A few days passed like drifting clouds.
On a lonely stretch of mountains in the Samar Continent, far from any Dark Faction or Wild Faction city, a small boy with black hair and red eyes trained beneath a pale sky alongside a young, horned woman.
"Put your weight on your left foot, Lucien. Grip the sword tighter. Now swing."
Steel whistled through the air.
"This stance is simple, but it's the foundation of all swordplay."
Lucien gritted his teeth, sweat streaking down his face.
Six hours… every day… she's brutal.
Evelyn had shifted into full instructor mode, training him as a future Magic Warrior, not a fragile mage.
She explained as they rested how Warriors were born — those who couldn't rely on mana instead refining their flesh, drawing power from beast cores and their own life force until they ignited their Life Spark.
Magic and body. Two paths… one future.
"That's enough for today, darling."
Lucien collapsed backward with a thud.
"Haaa… haaa… Mom, we need a break."
Evelyn laughed, shaking her head.
"Nope. We're leaving this mountain at noon. I'll have a much better training schedule ready for you, hehe."
Lucien groaned — but smiled.
Good thing I'm built like a monster… or I'd be dead already.