Gabriel turned slightly and nearly choked at what he saw.
Across the crystal-clear pool, Sophie had stepped into the water. She still had her veil on, her wet green hair tied in a lazy bun, strands slipping free to stick against her soft shoulders. She was wearing a slim black two-piece that clung to her curves like a second skin.
Right beside her was Cassie, just as dazzling in a bright sky-blue swimsuit. Her usual cold demeanor had been replaced with a soft and graceful air, her toned figure half-submerged.
Gabriel instinctively looked away, coughing into his fist as he sank further into the water, suddenly very interested in the bubbles on the surface.
Even for someone with as much self-control as him, he couldn’t help but feel slightly aroused staring at the girls.
He was human, after all.
"Focus... focus on the stat," he muttered under his breath.
But that was easier said than done.
Because they weren’t exactly helping.
After spending time battling and sharing meals together, the girls had become much more relaxed around him.
Cassie laughed softly, flicking water at Sophie with a playful smirk. "You should see Gabriel’s face right now."
Sophie glanced toward him, her cheeks flushing red when she saw that toned physique. "I thought he was meditating or something."
"He was," Cassie whispered with a mischievous grin. "Now he’s boiling."
Gabriel cleared his throat, refusing to look their way again. Instead, he brought up his system screen in his vision.
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Gabriel Reyes
Level: 31
Class: Berserker
Sub class: Demonic Exocist
Title: None
HP: 100/100
MP: 590
BM: 90%
Talent: God-Tier Extraction!
-Unlocked Perk: Rank Revelation
-Unlocked Perk: Fusion
EP(Extraction Points): 200
Not bad. At this rate, he’d hit 32 if he hunted a couple of beasts tomorrow—maybe tonight if he came across a monster horde. But even as he tried to focus on the numbers, his eyes betrayed him.
Cassie was now floating on her back, arms spread, eyes closed, the sunlight casting a gentle glow on her pale skin.
Sophie was seated on the shallow steps, legs crossed, arms over the edge, sneaking glances at him from time to time.
Back at the far side, Victor stepped onto the balcony, sipping from a glass of bright green juice. He wore a loose robe and slippers, his sunglasses reflecting the sunlight.
"Yo! Gabriel!" he called out.
He raised his head. "What?"
Victor grinned. "You living the dream or what? Two beauties and a private pool? All that’s missing is some music and a massage."
"Shut up!" Gabriel shouted, flushing slightly.
Victor laughed, clearly enjoying himself. "I’m just saying, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were a hidden prince in exile!"
"Victor!" Sophie shouted suddenly, ears burning in embarrassment.
"Eh? You know I’m just vibing!" Victor winked and disappeared back inside.
Cassie clicked her tongue and shook her head. "That guy really has zero filters."
"I like him," Sophie said plainly. "He’s annoying, but he makes good food and is very accommodating."
Gabriel nodded. "Can’t argue with that."
The mood settled. For a moment, it was just peaceful. Quiet splashes. Warm air. Soft breeze.
He enjoyed the brief respite for a while.
Submerged in the water, it seemed as if all his worries drifted away. He didn’t think about fighting monsters to get stronger or worry about Sutre—he simply lived in the moment.
He looked ahead, letting the calm water reflect the sky above. And for the first time in a while, it felt like... peace.
With a relaxed expression, he watched as the two girls played, splashing water on each other.
"...You’re doing that on purpose."
"Mhm."
"I will drown you."
"You wouldn’t dare."
---
Later that evening.
Inside the guest mansion.
Gabriel stepped out of the shower, towel around his waist, rubbing the back of his damp hair.
As he reached for his shirt, a sudden knock echoed from the door.
"Gabriel?" came Sophie’s voice. "Can I come in? I brought the reports."
"...Yeah."
He buttoned the lower half of his shirt lazily before opening the door.
Sophie stepped in, but her gaze lingered... just a little too long.
He raised a brow.
She snapped out of it immediately, eyes wide. "Ah—sorry! It’s just—you—uh, I never expected to see you shirtless."
"It’s fine." He casually waved it off. "Why are you looking for me?"
"Dinner is ready."
"Okay."
Before Sophie’s flushed face, he changed into more presentable clothes—a dark pansy tunic and long sleeves, with the top slightly unbuttoned.
With those electric blue eyes, he was easily the most handsome person Sophie had ever seen.
"Come on, let’s go," he said, walking past her.
She stared at that broad back, breathless and cheeks flushed.
She sucked in a deep breath, then followed behind.
They met Cassie on the way and were led to the dining hall, where Victor was already seated.
Dinner was lively, just like the first day, with Victor doing most of the talking.
---
The following morning, after bidding Victor farewell, they prepared to leave.
"Oh, before you go," Victor suddenly called out. "Whenever you need a favor in the future, or you need somewhere to stay, my settlement is open to you."
Gabriel nodded. "I’ll keep that in mind."
Afterward, the trio journeyed back to Stella City. Except for a few monsters from time to time, they didn’t encounter any trouble on the way and arrived safely.
"Alright Gabriel, see you around!" Sophie and Cassie waved as they went their separate ways.
He spent the rest of his days taking any available quest and grinding monsters in the wilderness. He sold off his extracted items to Damien and kept some for himself.
And just like that, a week passed, and the long-awaited message flashed across Gabriel’s retina:
[Ding! The game Realm of Ascendency has launched. Players will now arrive a few seconds from now.]
---
Thanks to all those who support Extraction Talent with their valuable Golden Tickets, Gifts, and Power Stones. I really appreciate it! Two Chapters coming in a couple of hours!
Also don’t forget to vote with power stones and Golden tickets!