[Mass Release: 7/10]
...
Takumi appeared behind the old mage without a sound, his hand clamping down on the man's head.
A crushing pressure rolled out like a tidal wave, filling the entire hall in an instant.
Before Freya could react, his other hand shot out, gripping her pale neck.
"Plunder!"
In that moment, both their magic powers were sucked dry.
Centered on his [Recovery] skill, the derived ability Plunder allowed Takumi to seize another's stamina and mana, converting it into his own.
The old mage's body shriveled almost instantly—reduced to a useless husk.
Feeling the surge of power in his veins, Takumi's lips curved upward. Then, before Freya's horrified eyes, he slowly twisted the mage's skull in his hand.
Crack… crack… crack!
The brittle sound of breaking bones echoed in the chamber. The old man's feeble limbs flailed, punching and kicking in a useless frenzy.
Splurt!
With a sharp snap, bone spurs tore through his flesh, and a jet of scarlet blood splashed across the floor.
[Ding! Randomly plundered trait: Magic Scholar (Blue)]
[Magic Scholar (Blue): Years of devoted study grant an intuitive grasp of magic, greatly accelerating your learning speed.]
Warm blood splattered over Freya's royal gown. The sight of the old mage's limp corpse shattered what little composure she had left.
Plop.
Takumi dropped the body with a dull thud and turned his gaze toward her. Freya's heart seized—her breath hitched, and a warm trickle ran down her thigh.
Drip… drip…
Noticing the liquid falling to the ground, Takumi let out a low chuckle. "So the proud Princess Freya actually pissed herself. How disgraceful."
Humiliation and terror flooded her mind. She wanted to scream, to rage—but the sight beside her robbed her of all strength. Tears welled in her eyes as she shook her head desperately.
"P-please… don't kill me…"
"Kill you? No, no, why would I do that?" Takumi's tone was smooth and mocking. "You're far too useful—just like you planned to make me, remember?"
He loosened his grip slightly, allowing her to gasp for air. Freya collapsed to the floor, trembling uncontrollably.
Trying to steady her voice, she stammered, "Wait, Takumi—there must be some kind of misunderstanding—mmph!"
He caught her chin between his fingers. "Trying to shout for help? Too bad. You don't get that chance."
In the next instant, Takumi lifted her effortlessly into his arms. Her terrified eyes widened as her feet left the ground.
"Windwalker."
A gust wrapped around them. The wind-infused power in his legs launched them skyward, purple gravity rings shimmering faintly around his body.
Their weight dropped to almost nothing as they pierced through the kingdom's defensive barrier—his Red Dragon Emperor Gauntlet's Penetrate ability cutting through all resistance.
Freya's head spun; the world blurred beneath her. When they finally landed in a desolate wilderness, she collapsed onto the ground, breath ragged.
"You're… you're making an enemy of the entire Jioral Kingdom! If you let me go, I swear—no one will pursue this!"
Takumi crouched before her, amusement in his eyes. "You think I care about that?"
He leaned closer, voice soft and cold. "But I do like giving people chances. Make me happy, and maybe I'll let you run. You know exactly what I mean."
Slap!
Her cheek snapped to the side from the sudden blow.
Freya froze, trembling, staring up at him. "I—I'm a princess! How could I ever be defiled by a filthy commoner like you!"
"Oh? If that's how you feel…" Takumi's smile twisted. He reached into his inventory and drew out an iron rod, heating it with a flicker of flame until it glowed red.
"I'm not a devil. I'll let you choose. This…" He raised the searing rod. "…or this."
He gestured at himself with a smirk. "Or maybe both. I recommend the third option."
Freya's tears spilled instantly. "N-no! Please, no! I'll—I'll choose you, Takumi-sama! Yours… is better!"
She crawled forward on her knees, clutching at his pants in panic. The once-proud princess, now trembling like prey before a predator, was a sight of pure domination.
Satisfied, Takumi tossed the iron rod aside. His hand pressed against the crown of her head, and a glowing sigil flared beneath them.
The [Master–Servant Contract] activated—pink runes wrapping around Freya's throat like a delicate collar.
His commanding voice followed.
"Freya, do what you were meant to do."
Her trembling hands balled into fists. She couldn't speak—her pride screamed, but her body refused to resist. Hatred and humiliation battled inside her heart… but the contract's pressure crushed every spark of rebellion.
Takumi only sighed in disappointment.
"You were so eager when sending those women to me, and now that it's your turn, you're this pathetic? Some 'Mage Hero' you are. What a piece of trash."
His words stabbed through her pride like knives.
"I'm… not… trash!" Freya's trembling voice cracked with rage and shame.
Trying to prove herself, she moved her waist—but her resistance lasted only seconds before her body collapsed again.
Her tears spilled freely, her sobs echoing softly into the wilderness. The defiance in her eyes melted into fear, submission, and confusion.
"...At least… at least, I—ah…!"
Her final thought drowned in a cry before she lost consciousness.
Takumi adjusted her limp body in his arms, expression unreadable. He began walking through the night, his pace unhurried.
Each time Freya regained awareness, she caught his gaze—and the pink sigil at her neck glowed again, shattering her reason with waves of cursed magic.
She passed out, woke, screamed, and passed out again.
By the twelfth awakening, only dread and blind fascination remained in her eyes.
"Now you finally understand," Takumi said coldly. "The moment you bear hatred toward me, the contract activates."
"Master–Servant… contract…" Freya muttered weakly. "I'm your slave now… No, I… ahhh—!"
The faint spark of defiance flared again—and the curse instantly surged, searing her mind with agony until her thoughts went white.
...
Read 50+ chapters ahead on Patreon! [patreon.com/METARLN]
Use code FREE2ALL for 30% OFF!