Satisfied, Kael walked back to his room, his body feeling more alive than ever. The echoes of Ellie's moans still clung to his memory, and he could feel it—the warm pulse of lust energy coiling inside him.
Closing the door behind him, he locked it and drew the curtains shut.
No distractions. No interruptions.
This was his time.
He moved to the center of the room and sat down in lotus position. Exhaling slowly, he rolled his shoulders once before closing his eyes shut. The room darkened in his senses until there was nothing but the steady rhythm of his own breath.
Then it began.
A subtle sensation—first in his chest, then radiating outward.
The lust energy began to swirl, covering him in its warm embrace. It wasn't just heat—it was desire given form. He could feel where it had come from. Ellie. Her voice. Her trembling. Her submission.
Kael inhaled slowly, deeper this time, and the energy rushed inward. It flowed through his veins, strengthening his organs and bones, before concentrating in his core.
It was intoxicating.
"Mmmhh…" He hummed, his mouth curling into a faint smile.
It was more powerful than anything he had absorbed before. Her lust had been different.
He tilted his head back slightly as the final surge flowed into him, sending shivers down his spine.
"This must be because she fought it…" he whispered. "Because she never wanted to give in. But she did. She begged for it."
Every major realm in the magic swordsman hierarchy was divided into seven minor stages. For example, the Apprentice Knight realm itself was not a single step but a journey through these seven levels. Only after mastering all seven could a swordsman attempt the difficult breakthrough to the next major realm—the Elite Knight.
Kael had always known this structure well. Each minor stage demanded growth, discipline, and overcoming limits. Progress was slow, often frustrating, but essential.
Yet, tonight was different.
This simple, yet powerful release of lust energy from Ellie had been enough to push him all the way to the third minor stage of Apprentice Knight.
Kael finally opened his eyes. His body glowed faintly, energized by the surge of new power coursing through his veins.
"I really need a stage to test how powerful I truly am," he murmured, a spark of determination lighting his gaze. "And I happen to know exactly where I can find one."
Tomorrow was the meeting with the mayor, and it was the perfect chance for Kael to step into the larger world and prove himself.
With nothing more to do and his body still tingling with energy, Kael climbed onto his bed. Within moments, exhaustion caught up to him, and he quickly fell asleep.
***
Knock. Knock.
Kael stirred awake, a low groan slipping from his lips as the noise pulled him from the depths of sleep. He rubbed his eyes lazily and squinted toward the door.
"Who is it...?" He muttered, his voice heavy with sleep.
"Kael, did you forget? You're supposed to go to the mayor's office today," came Lyra's voice from outside the door, jolting him straight.
"Shit… I nearly forgot," Kael cursed under his breath, throwing the blankets off.
He swung his legs off the bed and stood up, stretching once before stumbling toward his clothes. "I'm coming, Mom!" he called back, trying to sound more awake than he felt.
A sigh came from the other side of the door.
"Okay, but be fast. You know how the mayor gets when people are late."
"I know, I know," Kael mumbled, already putting on his dress.
After quickly freshening up, he stepped out of his room and made his way to the kitchen.
The warm aroma of toasted bread and sizzling eggs greeted him as he entered. Alaric sat at the head of the table, calmly sipping his tea, while little Lisa was already halfway through her breakfast, swinging her legs beneath the chair with each bite.
Lyra moved around the kitchen, occasionally cleaning and checking the pot on the stove. Hearing his footsteps, she turned towards Kael and offered him a soft, welcoming smile.
"You're here. Sit down. I'll get your breakfast ready."
"Yes, Mother," Kael nodded, his voice polite but still slightly raspy from just waking. He made his way to the table and took a seat beside his father.
"Good morning, Brother!" Lisa chirped brightly, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him. Her enthusiasm was as radiant as ever, and her innocent smile seemed to brighten the entire room.
"Good morning, Princess," Kael replied with a smirk, ruffling her hair gently.
Lisa giggled, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the kitchen felt light and warm—like nothing outside this peaceful morning could touch them. Even Alaric chuckled softly behind his cup.