[Perhaps she wasn't the same person back then. The Emberly you know today may have been shaped by time, by the harsh realities of the Godly Realm,] Lia suggested. [Don't forget, your family's history with the gods runs deep. The phantoms may have been her only hope.]
Yes, deep down, Pyris couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps there was more to her decision. Whatever had driven her, one thing was clear—their family's fate was now entangled with beings far beyond their control, and the fragile peace they'd known was at risk of unraveling.
Now, with these secrets uncovered, Pyris knew that the fragile peace they had enjoyed was crumbling, and sooner or later, everything would collapse. His family's involvement, the threat of the phantoms, the gods' lingering fear—it was all coming to a head.
"Time to buy the mask," Pyris muttered under his breath. "The training begins now."
Time was of the essence, and Pyris had to be ready to face whatever was coming.
_____
Pyris settled into his office, a small yet bustling space brimming with the energy of new beginnings. A smile tugged at his lips as he gazed into the emptiness, not out of curiosity but because he was lost in thought—his thoughts were focused on his new status, the power surge he had gained after absorbing Alexa and awakening the dormant abilities of his Bloodline.
Find adventures on empire
His heart raced at the prospect of the future. There was a raw excitement in him, a feeling that tugged at the corners of his being, driving him to push beyond his limits. He felt like a caged beast, barely able to contain the anticipation of testing his newfound abilities.
This was his moment—the beginning of something greater, something that would change the course of his life. The sense of power coursing through him was intoxicating, and the desire to train and explore the extent of it was almost unbearable.
The urge to rise to new heights, to claim the power that now seemed so tantalizingly within reach, filled him with an almost reckless ambition. His Bloodline was no longer dormant—it was alive, pulsing through his veins, urging him to take the next step, to face the world with the confidence of one who could reshape destiny itself.
"Status," he called aloud, his voice laced with barely contained excitement.
A screen materialized before him:
[Name: Pyris Obsidian]
Race: Dragon!
Bloodline: Obsidian Lust Bloodline
Race Trait: Lust, All-Elemental Trait
Rank: 4
Elements: All Elements
Mana: 4000/5000
Age Limit: 16/900
Strength: 108/80
Agility: 101/80
Vitality: 110/80
Stamina: 111/80
INT: 500/700
Charm: 98/100
LPs: 2400pts
Abilities: Lust Breath, Charm, Lust Dragon
Transformation, Eternal's Seal, Essence Devouring!Techniques: None.
Skills: Lust Slavery, Pregnancy Control, Lust Illusions, Dual Cultivation.
___
The data flashed before his eyes, and Pyris couldn't help the grin spreading wider across his face. Today had been incredibly fruitful. His stats alone were proof of his rapid ascent. But the most shocking part was the strength he now possessed.
It wouldn't be long before he could challenge the likes of Ragna, even if the latter had more battle experience. Pyris knew he could still stand his ground. He had grown that confident.
He eyed his LP balance, thinking of ways to allocate them. The temptation to spend them on stat points was strong, but Lia's voice echoed in his mind, urging caution. What if he found himself in a situation where his only escape was Eternal's Seal? It was better not to burn through resources recklessly.
He had to be smart, especially when facing the unknown dangers of the training ahead.
With a sigh, he muttered, "Shop."
The holographic interface shifted as he scrolled, searching for something specific—the Petne Chaos mask. His fingers moved hastily, excitement bubbling within him as the mask's description finally appeared on screen.
____
[Ding! Does the host wish to buy the Petne Chaos mask?]
Price: 2500 LPs.
Description: The mask of Petne Chaos, an artifact that bestows the wearer a completely new identity untraceable by any inspection or biometric recognition. The host retains their body build, but everything else changes.
Effects:
+20 to all stats (except charm).
Mind of Eternal: Grants immunity to mind control, illusions, and mind attacks.
Stealth Mode: The user can blend into surroundings, becoming untraceable. The user merges with the very fabric of reality. (Note: Powerful awakened beings may still sense your aura.)
Hidden Entity: Conceal your aura from detection once per week.
Warning: Stealth Mode and Hidden Entity cannot be used during combat but only after, should the user choose.
____
Pyris laughed—a deep, resounding laugh that echoed through his office. This mask was perfect, more than he ever expected. Initially, he had only sought it out to create a second identity, one unconnected to House Obsidian or himself. A shadow, something to allow him to act without consequence to his real identity!
But this—this was much more. The stat boost alone was impressive, but Mind of Eternal would be invaluable, especially after what he had learned from Valarie. The last two skills were the icing on the cake. So what if they couldn't be used in battle? There were always loopholes, ways to exploit the system's rules.
"The system is the best," he chuckled.
[Ding! The system takes no bribes, host.]
Rolling his eyes, Pyris smirked. "Buy it."
[Ding! 2500 LP points deducted; balance >> 900 LPs.]
[Purchasing the mask of Petne Chaos...]
[Purchase complete! Item added to inventory.]
The notifications faded, and Pyris's hands trembled with excitement. Like a child eager for a new toy, he accessed his system inventory, finding the mask lying within it. He could feel the deep connection to the empty expanse where it resided. Without hesitation, he materialized it into his palm.
The mask pulsed with energy, though outwardly it remained still. It was a strange sensation, as if the mask was alive, its dark grey and golden hues radiating an unfamiliar, almost otherworldly energy. It was no ordinary object; Pyris could sense that much.
[Feed it your blood!] Lia chimed in.
With a single prick of his finger, he let a drop of blood fall onto the mask. Before the blood even touched its surface, the mask seemed to pull it in like a magnet, absorbing it entirely.
"Whoa!"