"Hm? Thalor city has an 8-star talent in it?"

A woman's smooth yet commanding voice filled the spacious office. The one speaking sat behind a polished mahogany desk, her posture both relaxed and imposing. She had fiery red hair that cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, and a mature, voluptuous body hugged by a tight crimson dress. The slit running high along her thigh revealed just enough skin to make it difficult to look away.

Before her, a magic crystal shimmered faintly, projecting a hovering holographic image of a man — one of the instructors sent to Kendru City to recruit applicants.

"Yes, Madam Zeira. And not only that, but she has a boyfriend that is a 6-star talent--both are peak 2-star under 30." The man said.

Zeira tilted her head, a faint smirk tugging her lips as she drummed her manicured fingers against the desk. "A boyfriend, hmm? Six-star… peak two-star…" She paused for a few seconds, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Nope."

"Madam?"

"Ahh, don't worry, Ravel. You did a good job informing me. Keep a close eye on them and keep providing me with their information. You are dismissed." She said.

After that, Ravel's figure flickered and vanished.

"Kaen."

A shadow flickered beside her, and then a masked figure appeared, bowing on one knee

"Go get Dale, I want him here within 5 minutes."

The figure nodded and vanished.

Moments later, the heavy oak door opened with a soft creak. A young man stepped inside, his presence confident and deliberate. His skin was pale but smooth, his eyes sharp and calculating. The black and red outfit he wore accentuated his well-built frame — elegant, dangerous, and just handsome enough to make women falter with a glance.

"Master, you called?" Dale said.

"Yes, I have a mission for you."

Hearing that, Dale's ear perked up.

"Don't worry, it's not something dangerous. Actually, you would like it very much. You see, you just need to add a girl to your harem." Zeira's smile turned teasing, a hint of mischief glinting in her gaze.

"Oh, a girl? But master, you do know I don't like trash." He said with a smirk.

"She is not trash, she's an 8-star Talent. 1 star higher than you. I am sure you would like that?"

"8-star...Yes, of course. I will gladly do it, I don't have trouble charming women with my looks, she will be head over heels the moment she looks at me."

"But she has a boyfriend, you know, a peak 2-star."

Dale scoffed. "So what? I'm a peak two-star as well, and my talent lets me outclass my peers. He'll be nothing but a mild inconvenience."

"Is that so…" Zeira's tone lowered, sultry and amused. Her eyes glimmered faintly under the warm glow of the mana lamps. "Then I'll send you to Thalor City. Win her over during the trial, and bring her back to Valencrest Royal Academy. If you do, I'll see you properly rewarded."

Dale's grin turned sly. "I'm sure you will, Madam Zeira. But…" He stepped closer, voice dropping an octave. "I would require some payment in advance, don't you think?"

Zeira's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. Her hand stroking the straps of her waist, "Of course, my dear Dale. Come here — I'll give you a reward."

The air in the room thickened with heat as her mana subtly flared. The door closed on its own with a heavy thud, windows blackened, and the room's sound wards activated with a soft hum.

Dale's grin grew as he strode forward, his hand tracing along Zeira's waist and upward — fingers grazing the soft curve of her body. She shivered, lips parting in a faint sigh as he cupped her breast, large enough that his hand barely contained it. His other hand slid lower, teasing.

"Today," he murmured against her ear, his breath hot, "I'll need more than usual."

The air was soon filled with breathy gasps, low moans, and the faint creak of furniture under shifting weight

---

A week had already passed after the last batch of students had arrived in the trial cities, but something unusual was seen in Thalor City. Flying rides streaked the city and kept dropping off applicants. But the most interesting thing was that these were all from the core or inner cities. It was as if they had been attracted by something. Many speculations were made, some saying that the trial here must be easy, some just saying that powerful, established nobles are gathering in one place, and so even saying rumours of a prince as an applicant this year.

An announcement had already been made that the trial will start from next week; until then, applicants were encouraged to train and gain strength while it lasted. Because this strength will be a crucial part of the selection of combat talents.

Leo and Lily didn't hunt outside the walls, but secluded themselves from the crowd and trained themselves in mastering their skills. And as Leo has guessed, they can downgrade a skill and use it, preventing them from wasting mana on more than necessary intensity.

Leo even tried to make a layer of mist that just surrounded his body, which would activate the 30% attribute boost. He was somewhat successful, but the mist would, at minimum, cover 10 meters; more than that, it would drain mental energy just trying to concentrate on it.

The next morning, Leo woke to an oddly soft, warm sensation against his face. His brow furrowed as his hand instinctively reached out—then sank into something yielding and smooth.

A muffled hum escaped him as he opened his eyes.

Lily was clinging to him, limbs draped over his torso as though he were a pillow. Her naked figure pressed against him, skin flushed slightly pink from the morning chill. Her breathing was slow, peaceful—utterly unaware of how tightly she'd latched onto him.

I swear these things are still growing, Leo thought, eyes flicking downward. They weren't this big before.

He chuckled quietly to himself.

Well, not that I'm complaining.

He nuzzled lightly against her chest—enough to make it bounce—before carefully sliding her leg off his waist. The faint rustle of sheets followed as he slipped away and padded toward the washroom.

When he came out, he saw her sitting on the bed naked, with her butt and legs sideways, rubbing her groggy eyes.

She looked at him, droplets of water still clung to his dark, damp hair. He was tall—nearly six-foot-four—with a lean, powerful build and towel around his waist

She raised her hand, which glowed faint blue. With a gust of wind, he was pushed to the bed again, or rather, he allowed himself to be pushed and lay flat on his back.

In a blur, she was on him—straddling his waist, her hips pressing firmly against his crotch.

"Let's start our day with some exercise." She said, slowly leaning in.

"Sex first thing in the morning? Well, not that I complain."

She kissed him lightly on his lips.

"Blame yourself for having such an intoxicating smell and body, I just can't get over it." She kissed him, the faint slurping sound of mingled breaths filled the room as saliva dripped from their interlocked mouth, their bodies moving instinctively as Lily grabbed his head and Leo held her hips with one hand and using the other to press her head tighter.

"Mm… Leo… hnn…" Lily gasped between kisses. "Why do you… taste so good?" They parted for a while, a thread of saliva between them

"Bastard...haah...haa...why do you smell and taste so good?... I just can't stop myself from kissing you."

"Well, why stop then? Hehe, I love it the same way you do. Your lips are so juicy that I just want to suck on them endlessly, not to mention other parts of her body."

He meaningfully glanced at her chest, then a bit lower.

"Hmph! You are not getting any of that until I am satisfied here." She leaned and interlocked their mouth again, continuing it for unknown hours.

Unknown to them, a soulmate bond was not a mere concept—it was a force of nature. Once formed, it is practically impossible to undo it. And for Leo and Lily, that bond only grew stronger with each passing heartbeat.

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