The creature circled around for another charge, its breath coming in harsh, ragged bursts. Pyris steadied himself, gripping his sword tightly.
This time, he focused. He summoned his wind element, feeling the air around him shift. With a deep breath, he waited for the beast's next move.
The moment it charged again, Pyris channeled the wind, propelling himself to the side just in time to avoid its attack. As the creature rushed past, he slashed at its flank with his sword, a trail of flames bursting from the blade.
The beast let out a pained screech, stumbling as the fire scorched its fur. Pyris took the opening and lunged, swinging his sword in a wide arc. The blade connected with the creature's neck, severing its head in a clean strike. The body fell with a heavy thud, dark blood seeping into the ground.
Panting, Pyris stood over the fallen beast, his heart pounding in his chest. He wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved but exhausted.
[Well, that was a bit better,] Lia said, her tone light again. [Though you did almost get skewered in the first ten seconds.]
"Thanks for the support," Pyris muttered, kneeling beside the beast. He activated Essence Devouring, his breath slowing as the creature's dark mist-like essence rose from its body and flowed into him. The surge of power that followed was faint, but noticeable. His magic felt a bit stronger, his connection to the elements more secure.
"How's it feel?" Lia asked, her voice curious now.
"Strange," Pyris admitted. "Like I'm gaining something, but also losing something at the same time."
[That's the corruption,] Lia explained. [These beasts aren't just full of raw power—they're twisted by it. You'll have to be careful. Take in too much, and you might lose yourself.]
Pyris nodded grimly. "I'll manage."
[I hope so, because here comes the next one.] Lia's voice sharpened with urgency.
From the dense thicket, another beast emerged—a massive, black-scaled lizard with glowing yellow eyes. Its body was low to the ground, muscles rippling under its tough hide as it stalked toward Pyris. Its long, forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air.
"Lovely. A snake-lizard thing," Pyris muttered. He readied his sword, this time trying to calm his racing thoughts. "Any advice?"
[Yeah, don't let it bite you,] Lia laughed.
Pyris took her advice to heart, tapping into his ice element. He could feel the cold building within him, and as the beast darted forward, he thrust out his hand, releasing a sharp burst of frost.
The air around the Rank 3 creature instantly chilled, frost creeping along its scales. Its movement slowed, its body stiffening as the cold took hold.
[That's it! Now finish it off!] Lia urged.
Pyris surged forward, his sword gleaming with icy energy. The beast, now sluggish from the cold, lashed out weakly with its tail, but Pyris dodged it, bringing his sword down on the creature's head.
The blade sank into its skull, cracking through its tough scales. With a final, shuddering hiss, the beast collapsed.
Pyris stood over the fallen creature, breathing hard. The cold air around him was sharp in his lungs, but he felt a surge of satisfaction. This fight had gone smoother than the last.
[See? You're getting the hang of it,] Lia said, a note of approval in her voice.
"Yeah, but it's exhausting," Pyris replied, kneeling once more to activate Essence Devouring. The creature's essence flowed into him, its power bolstering his own, but this time, Pyris could feel the corruption more clearly. It was dark, heavy, and unsettling.
[It's not just the fighting that's draining,] Lia said, her tone more serious. [You're absorbing corrupted essence, and that takes a toll. Be careful not to take in too much too fast.] Stay tuned for updates on empire
Pyris nodded, he wasn't used to the sudden overflows of essence into his body, though he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep going. He stood up, wincing as he felt the soreness in his muscles.
[On your left!] Lia shouted suddenly.
Pyris barely had time to react before a third beast—a wolf-like creature with dark, oily fur and glowing red eyes—leaped out from the shadows, its claws extended. Pyris swung his sword in a panic, managing to deflect its attack but losing his balance in the process.
This one was as powerful as him, a Rank 4!
The creature snarled, circling him, waiting for another opening. Pyris could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the panic starting to creep in.
[Stay calm, Pyris!] Lia said, her voice sharp. [You can do this. Use the earth element—root yourself. Don't let it knock you down again.]
Pyris nodded, focusing on the earth and sand element beneath his feet. He felt a connection with the ground, the solid weight of the earth grounding him. As the beast lunged again, Pyris stood firm, his feet planted. He met the creature's charge head-on, driving his sword into its chest.
The wolf-beast let out a yelp, collapsing at Pyris's feet. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he watched the creature's body fall still.
He had slain a beast of equal rank, a feat few could claim. This alone spoke volumes, not just of his strength, but of his uncanny ability to adapt and thrive in the face of danger.
[Not bad for a rookie,] Lia remarked with a playful tone. [Though I have to admit, that one had me worried for a second.]
"Yeah, me too," Pyris admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow again. He activated Essence Devouring once more, drawing in the beast's corrupted energy. The sensation was becoming familiar, but not any less strange.
[You've still got a long way to go,] Lia said, her tone softening. [But you're getting stronger with each fight. Just… don't let it go to your head.]
Pyris chuckled, though there was a weariness in his voice. "Don't worry. I'm too tired to get cocky."
He glanced around the dark forest, knowing there were still many more beasts out there. He wasn't sure how much longer he could keep going, but one thing was clear—Blackscale Grove wasn't going to give him a break.
[Take a breather if you need it,] Lia suggested. [There's no point rushing if you're just going to get yourself killed.]
Pyris nodded. "Good idea." He found a large rock nearby and sat down, letting his muscles relax for a moment. As he rested, he couldn't help but think about how much stronger he needed to become. This was just the beginning. There would be tougher battles ahead—both with the beasts and with himself.
[You're doing fine, Pyris,] Lia said, her voice surprisingly gentle. [Just remember—you don't have to be perfect. You just have to survive.]
Pyris smiled faintly. "Survive, huh? I think I can manage that."
With a deep breath, he stood up, ready to continue his training. He gripped his sword tightly and stepped forward, deeper into the heart of Blackscale Grove, where even darker challenges awaited.
*****
I want to give you all a little insight: from here the MC's harem isn't about rushing into things. Now he will only brings women into his harem once there's a genuine connection. Characters like Valarie? Their bond will be rebuilt, their lost time reignited with passion that's earned, not forced.
But don't be fooled—when the moment calls for it, you know how wild things can get in a world like this 😉😉😜😜
For those craving sudden heat, trust me, you won't be disappointed. After all, this is the Champion of Lust we're talking about, and his story has only just begun.