We didn't stop until the cobblestone turned to dirt and the alleyways opened into a narrow street lined with crooked houses.
Aria pulled me into one, shutting the door fast. It was dark inside — just a single candle on a table.
Her breathing slowed, but her eyes stayed on me, scanning up and down like she was still deciding whether I was real.
"You're… not from here, are you?" she asked.
I shook my head. "You could say that."
Her gaze lingered on my chest. I realized I was still completely naked except for a few streaks of blood.
"Oh… right." I looked around for anything to cover myself.
She sighed, disappeared into another room, and came back with a loose white shirt and black pants. The shirt was way too big, smelling faintly of herbs and something sweet.
"They belonged to my brother," she said softly.
I pulled them on. "Thanks."
Her eyes kept darting to mine like she wanted to ask something but didn't know how. Finally, she said, "You saved me twice. I owe you. But you should know — killing that man will bring trouble."
"Who was he?"
Her lips pressed together. "A Hunter. They… take people for the sects. Some for training, some for… other things."
[System Notification]
New Information Detected — Keyword: Sects.
Main Quest Branch Unlocked: Enter a Sect within 30 Days.
Reward: +50 Core Energy, Rank Advancement.
I kept my face neutral. "And which sect would have wanted you?"
She hesitated again, then sat down. The candlelight caught the edge of her cheek, making her look softer. "The Azure Lotus Sect."
The name stuck in my head. Even without knowing much, it sounded important and dangerous.
I glanced out the window. The city was quieter here, but in the distance, I could still hear the low hum of life — shouting from taverns, the creak of wagons, the occasional clang of metal.
"This city… what's it called?" I asked.
"Lotus Shadow," she said. "One of the smaller ones, but close to sect territory. That's why the Hunters pass through."
The System pinged again.
[Side Quest: Gain Aria's Trust]
Method: Spend intimate time together.
Reward: +15 Core Energy, Unlock Partner Bond Lv. 1.
Lilith's voice purred in my ear. She's a potential partner, mortal. The more she trusts you, the more energy she'll yield. And the stronger you'll become.
I didn't need her to explain the subtext.
Aria noticed my sudden pause. "What is it?"
"Nothing," I lied. "Just… thinking."
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Aria… what happens now? Do I just wait for the Hunters to come back?"
Her eyes met mine, and for a moment I saw fear there again — but also something else. Curiosity.
"You're… different," she said slowly. "When you fought, it was like you weren't afraid. Like you'd done it before."
I didn't answer. She was wrong I'd been terrified. But whatever Lilith's system did to me… it changed something.
The candle flickered, and I realized how close we were standing. Her scent was soft — a mix of rain and faint flowers.
[Optional Action Available: Begin Trust Ritual]
Physical closeness will accelerate bond progression.
Lilith's voice slid into my mind like silk. She's already leaning toward you. A touch, a word, and she's yours.
I lifted a hand slowly, brushing a strand of hair from Aria's cheek. She didn't move away.
[R18 Scene here — MC initiates a gentle but charged moment of closeness, triggering the System's bond mechanic and leaving Aria visibly affected.]
[Partner Bond Lv. 1 Established: Aria]
+15 Core Energy
Total: 73/100
Aria blinked, stepping back like she'd just realized how close we were. Her cheeks were slightly flushed.
"You should… rest," she said quickly, turning away. "There's a spare bed in the other room."
I didn't push. "Thanks."
The bed was small but warm. I lay there, staring at the faint cracks in the ceiling. My body felt restless, the System's energy humming under my skin.
I'd killed a man tonight. Saved a girl. And gotten… whatever this new strength was.
Lilith's voice drifted through the quiet. This is only the beginning, mortal. Tomorrow, you'll take your first step toward the sects.
"Why a sect?" I muttered.
Because without one, you'll be hunted down in a week. With one… you can grow. And you will need to grow, if you want to survive long enough to satisfy me.
Her laugh was low and dangerous. Sleep well, little mortal. Your next taste will come soon.
I don't remember when I fell asleep, but I woke to sunlight filtering through a cracked shutter.
Aria was gone.
I stepped outside, the shirt clinging faintly to my skin from the humid morning air. The city was more alive now stalls opening, merchants calling out, guards in light armor patrolling in pairs.
People gave me curious looks. Maybe it was the clothes, or maybe I just looked out of place.
I caught sight of Aria at a small market stall, speaking with an older woman.
When she saw me, she waved me over. "We need to talk," she said quietly. "The sect recruiters will be in Lotus Shadow within the week."
Before I could reply, a horn sounded from the northern gate. People turned, whispering.
A small group was entering the city riders in flowing azure robes, silver lotuses embroidered on their chests. Even from here, I could feel the pressure they gave off, like the air thickened around them.
[System Alert]
Target Faction Identified: Azure Lotus Sect.
Potential Opportunities Detected.
Aria's voice was barely a whisper. "That's them."
And as I watched the group ride past, one of them a girl with sharp eyes and long silver hair turned her head.
Her gaze locked on me.
And she smiled.
The riders from the Azure Lotus Sect didn't slow as they entered the city except for her.
The girl with silver hair.
Her horse stepped forward until she was in front of me. Her eyes were sharp, almost metallic in the sunlight, and her smile was the kind that could mean I like you or I'm about to kill you.
"Name," she said, her voice smooth but with an edge.
I hesitated. "Kai."
Her gaze flicked over me like she was reading a book. "You're new here."
It wasn't a question.
Aria stepped forward quickly. "Lady Lira, he—"
The girl Lira raised a hand, and Aria stopped.
"You smell like blood, Kai," Lira said. "Fresh blood."
My hand twitched, remembering the Hunter from last night. "Guess the city's not as safe as people think."
Her lips curved. "No. It isn't. That's why men like you either join a sect… or disappear."
[System Notification]
Faction Encounter — Azure Lotus Sect Elite Disciple: Lira Fen.
Special Quest: Impress Lira Fen.
Reward: Invitation to Sect Trials, +40 Core Energy.
Failure: Hostile Mark from Azure Lotus Sect.
Lilith's voice curled through my mind. Oh, I like her. Cold eyes, dangerous smile. You should see how far she'll go before she breaks.
Lira leaned forward slightly, her silver hair falling over one shoulder. "You fought someone last night."
I didn't answer.
Her smile didn't fade. "You'll tell me about it. Tonight."
It wasn't a request.
The rest of the riders moved past, their robes swaying. Lira turned her horse but glanced over her shoulder. "The Azure Pavilion. Dusk. Don't be late."
And then she was gone, the crowd parting for them like water around a rock.
Aria let out a breath. "You shouldn't go."
"Why?"
"She's dangerous. If she takes interest in you, it's never for something safe."
Lilith's laugh slid through me. Perfect. Dangerous women make the best allies and the most fun prey.
I grinned. "Guess I like dangerous."
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Aria insisted I stay low, but I spent the afternoon walking through Lotus Shadow, taking in the smells of frying meat, spiced tea, and the sharper scent of wet stone from the river that ran through the city.
Everywhere, I saw hints of the sects small stalls selling charms, street performers wearing colored ribbons matching different sects, and people whispering when a robed figure passed.
By the time the sky turned orange, my heart was already beating faster.
The Azure Pavilion was impossible to miss. Two stories tall, with blue paper lanterns hanging from the eaves and carved lotus flowers along the balcony rail. The front doors were guarded by two men in light armor — both wearing the sect's silver lotus emblem.
One of them stopped me. "Name."
"Kai."
He checked a small scroll. "You're expected. Upstairs."
The upstairs was quieter soft music, the smell of wine, and low tables surrounded by cushions.
Lira sat at the far end, a cup in hand, her robe slightly looser than before, revealing the pale line of her collarbone.
She gestured to the seat across from her. "You came."
"You told me to."
Her smile was faint. "Most men would run."
"I'm not most men."
[System Notification]
Lira Fen's Interest Level: 18% → 23%.
Interest increases when responding with confidence.
She poured wine into a second cup and slid it toward me. "So. Tell me about last night."
I took a slow sip. "A man followed Aria. Tried to take her. I stopped him."
"Stopped him?"
"Permanently."
Her eyes didn't flicker, but I caught the way her fingers tightened slightly on her cup. "Do you know who he was?"
"A Hunter."
That made her pause. "And you killed him… with no training?"
I shrugged. "Guess I'm lucky."
Lilith's voice purred. Push her. She likes strength but she loves confidence even more.
I leaned forward slightly. "Or maybe I'm just better than I look."
Her lips curved. "Careful, Kai. Pride can be dangerous."
"So can underestimating someone."
For a moment, we just looked at each other, the air between us tighter than before.
Then she set her cup down. "You're interesting. Which means you're either useful… or a problem."
"Which am I?"
"That's what I intend to find out."
[Optional Side Quest: Accept Lira's "Test"]
Reward: +20 Core Energy, increased Interest Level.
She stood, moving around the table until she was next to me. Her robe brushed against my arm as she leaned down, close enough for me to smell her faint floral scent.
"There's an underground fight tomorrow night," she whispered. "Win… and I'll put your name forward for the Sect Trials."
"And if I lose?"
Her smile was pure danger. "Then I'll know you're not worth my time."
[R18 Scene here — subtle fanservice moment as Lira tests the MC's composure with physical closeness, the System tracking his reactions]
She straightened, eyes locked on mine. "Do we have a deal?"
Lilith's voice in my head was almost a growl. Say yes. She's the key.
"Deal," I said.
Lira's smile widened just enough to show teeth. "Good. Don't disappoint me."
As I stepped out of the Azure Pavilion, the night air felt heavier. Aria was waiting in the shadows across the street, her expression unreadable.
"You agreed to her test?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah."
She looked away. "Then I hope you're ready. The underground fights aren't just for show. People die there."
[System Notification]
Main Quest Updated — Survive the Underground Fight.
Reward: +60 Core Energy, Sect Trial Invitation.
Failure: Death.
And for the first time since I arrived in this world, I felt a cold thrill in my chest.
Because if I won tomorrow… the real game would begin.