Without the hesitation shown by many other aspirants, Adonis calmly strode toward the Awakening Globe.
His fair face, slightly bruised, was as expressionless as it could be.
To the spectators, this was an odd sight. After all, they took the greatest pleasure in witnessing the suffering and misfortune of others.
Adonis, an adult in soul, effortlessly raised his right hand and placed it upon the massive gray sphere.
Some spectators leaned closer, eager to see what the Duke's illegitimate child would do as someone of Null heritage.
Others, particularly the nobles and academy recruiters, showed little interest. In their eyes, a Null-born child would always remain a Null.
There were rare exceptions due to mixed bloodlines, where only the father or mother was an Ether wielder, but such cases were exceedingly uncommon.
And even if a Null managed to awaken a Sword Soul, it would inevitably be of a low grade, far too insignificant to attract the attention of true powerhouses.
Meanwhile, the moment Adonis touched the gray sphere, a brilliant white light erupted, momentarily illuminating the entire plaza in blinding radiance.
It was so intense that everyone instinctively shielded their eyes. Even daylight itself seemed eclipsed by the overwhelming brilliance.
Despite this, Julian and many others began to gloat.
"Tch. That's it? A White-grade sword?" someone scoffed. "And he was acting so arrogant in front of Julian."
"Serves him right. He forgot his place."
"We should call him White Frog from now on. Always barking, never showing results."
"White Frog? Hahaha, I like it. That name will always remind him of where he belongs."
Among them, Nabi was laughing as well, though his laughter was faint and creepy.
Silvia heard it and nudged him lightly in the stomach. "What are you doing, Nabi?" she asked.
"Doing what?" Nabi replied, feigning innocence.
"Hmph, you were laughing at the Duke's son just now," she rebuked softly. "That isn't very nice as a noble."
"So what?" Nabi said nonchalantly. "This is reality. Why should I suppress my feelings? He's just too funny. White Frog."
Silvia sighed helplessly. There was nothing she could do but look toward Adonis with quiet pity.
Commander Silva, however, saw everything perfectly clearly through the blinding light.
He saw Adonis's trembling hands, his rigid posture, and the shock and disbelief etched into his features.
This was not the expression of someone who had merely awakened a low-tier sword.
It was something different. Something far deeper.
Five Minutes Earlier.
As soon as Adonis touched the sphere, an electric sensation surged through his entire being.
Every cell, every fiber of his existence entered a transcendent state.
Then, without warning, something exploded within his heart. The sensation was warm, soothing, and strangely comforting, as though his very soul had been embraced.
Slowly, his dull gray pupils gained a faint reddish hue, subtly resembling the crimson trait associated with the Kingsbane family.
Finally, a mechanical message appeared within his vision, projected directly onto his pupils, followed by a calm female mechanical chime.
Ding!
< Integrating Sword Link System… >
< 1%... 5%... 56%... 87%... 99.99%...>
< Success! >
< Synchronizing with the Innate Sword Soul: Chaotic Harem Sword >
< 1%...8%...43%...89%...99.98%...>
< Synchronization Complete! >
< Congratulations, Master Adonis! Your Sword Link is now ready to assist you in creating a perfect harem and make you infinitely stronger. >
Adonis's shock could not be expressed with words. His eyes widened, and his mouth fell agape.
"Chaotic Harem Sword? What the hell is that?"
< Is that a question, Master? >
"Of course it is. And who are you?"
< I am the Sword Link System of your Sword Soul: Chaotic Harem Sword. I exist to assist you in building the perfect harem. Naturally, you will also become stronger through this grand quest. So do not hesitate, Master. Let your heart run free. You may pursue any woman you wish, and I will help you conquer their heart. >
Adonis glanced at his chest, where an ordinary-looking black sword floated quietly in the air. The voice was being transmitted directly from that sword.
"So basically, you want me to build a harem?" Adonis muttered, still finding it ridiculous.
Fortunately, the voice belonged to a sweet female tone. If it was a male's voice, he might have felt very awkward.
< Yes, Master. Is that too much to ask? >
< But that should not be the case. I can see that you have been a virgin for three lifetimes. >
"Cough… cough."
Adonis suddenly felt awkward. This Sword Link was now striking directly at his soul.
But the mention of three lifetimes felt out of place.
After all, he had only lived two lives until now. So where had this third one come from?
"You said three lifetimes," Adonis said slowly. "Can you elaborate?"
< No, Master. I do not possess sufficient authority to reveal cosmic secrets. However, if you truly wish to know, you must increase your authority. >
Adonis asked curiously, "Then how do I increase my authority?"
< To increase your authority, you must upgrade the Harem Sword. Take a look at the detailed information regarding your objectives. >
Following her words, another system window opened at the edge of his vision.
[ CHAOTIC HAREM SWORD (SSS+ /Taboo) ]
[ Current Stage: F | 0/100 HF (Required Harem Force for next stage) ]
[ Attack Power: 6 ]
[ Defense: 10 ]
[ Special Traits: Boundless Stamina (Upgrade for more) ]
Adonis understood the basic mechanics immediately, but Harem Force was entirely unfamiliar to him. He focused on the details.
[ Harem Force: A unique upgrade system. Harem Force can be obtained through emotional bonds and physical interactions like touching, kissing, and other sexual activities with women. Additionally, there exists a passive system through which Harem Force is generated from established members once they are added through mutual agreement.
Exp Conversion: Harem force can be used to convert into personal Exp with a ratio of 10:1 ]
[ Note: The larger and stronger the harem, the faster the Chaotic Harem Sword will evolve. ]
[ Current Harem Members: 0 ]
[ Main Wife: None ]
[ Concubines: None ]
"So... you really want me to build a harem, huh?" Adonis muttered, still stunned.
< Are you still complaining, Master? > the system asked lightly.
Adonis held the ordinary-looking black sword and fell into silence.
After a while, he shook his head with a firm expression.
"No. Even if this isn't the path I imagined, if this sword can grant me power and freedom, then I have no reason to reject it," he replied calmly.
His eyes sharpened with clarity.
"This is a godsend."
He tightened his grip on the sword.
"And I will see it through to the end."
"I will create the strongest harem this world has ever seen."