The forest was hushed except for the soft crunch of boots against dried leaves.
Jin's robes fluttered lightly in the gentle breeze as he pushed deeper into the wooded hills, eyes sharp and senses alert.
Day two of the system's dormancy.
No guiding voice, no flashing notifications—only instinct and hard-earned battle experience to steer him.
The trees thickened; the qi in the air grew sharp, aggressive.
He halted.
From the shadows, four rogue cultivators emerged—wild-eyed men clad in loose armor, their gazes fierce and hungry.
"There he is," one hissed.
"That's the brat the capital's been buzzing about."
"Catch him. If he lives, he might become a threat to the crown."
Jin's eyes narrowed, cold as steel.
"Come, then."
The Clash — Wind and Blood
In a blur of motion, Jin struck.
Wind surged around his fists, sharp and precise.
The Paragon Heaven Manual's refined techniques flowed through him, enhanced by the raw power of his Tyrant Body.
Fists met flesh and bone.
One rogue fell, then another.
Blood spilled onto the forest floor.
The Blood Demon Bloodline stirred, unseen but feeding.
[Blood Demon Progress: 3% → 4%]
Jin didn't notice the subtle shift—but the system did.
Far Away — Molana's Frustration
Back in the palace, Second Queen Molana paced restlessly.
Her eyes blazed with fury as her spies returned empty-handed.
"Where is he?! That cursed boy!"
Rodgers, bruised but smirking, tried to speak.
She cut him off with a venomous glare.
"You're only useful in bed… and even that doesn't help me rule."
Her words sliced the air.
Capital in Turmoil
Market prices soared; grain was hoarded; merchants argued bitterly.
The nobles whispered behind closed doors.
An auction was brewing—not of goods, but of allegiances.
The factions gathered, calculating, watching.
In his chamber, King Ronan coughed blood, silent but resolute.
"We must test the princes," he rasped.
"If I fall, only the worthy shall rise."
Nightfall — Quiet Moments
Jin returned to camp, muscles aching, sweat and dirt caking his skin.
A fire flickered softly against the encroaching darkness.
He crawled into his tent, exhaustion pulling heavy.
Yet before sleep claimed him, a warm presence curled beside him.
Soft breaths. A delicate scent—not his mother's.
He said nothing.
Instead, he smiled, reached out, and pulled her close.
Together, they slipped into sleep.
Dawn — Subtle Glances
Morning light crept into the camp.
Lana stirred, stretching quietly.
Curious, she peeked outside—Arielle was nowhere to be seen.
Turning, Lana's eyes caught the girl stepping from Jin's tent, cheeks flushed, hair tousled.
A knowing smile curved Lana's lips.
"Oh?"
Daytime — The Hunt Continues
Later, Jin ventured into the wild alone again.
Deep in the forest, a massive Ironhide Bear charged.
Jin didn't want to kill, but survival left no choice.
The clash was thunderous—earth-shaking roars, shattered branches, fists striking stone-like fur.
Blood dripped from Jin's lips, but he stood victorious.
[Spirit Beast Core Acquired]
The Stream — A Shared Moment
Returning, Jin slung the bear carcass over his shoulder.
"I got dinner," he announced.
Lana offered to help clean the prize, but Jin shook his head.
"I need a bath."
Arielle smiled softly.
"There's a pool not far. I'll show you."
They walked together, the trees whispering around them.
At the water's edge, Jin removed his robe.
Arielle turned quickly—but not before her eyes widened at the sight of his trained, muscular form.
She started to step away, but an invisible force tugged at her balance.
Without warning, she stumbled—right into the cool water… with him.
A Rosey Scene — Water and Whispered Breath
Water splashed, limbs tangled, and warm breaths mingled in the cool pool.
The moment was charged—intimate and unspoken.
They didn't speak.
They didn't need to.
By the time they left the water, Arielle's cheeks were as red as roses.
Lana pretended not to notice.
Evening — Fire, Meat, and Confessions
Jin skewered bear meat, hanging it over the crackling fire.
Herbs and spices foraged earlier filled the air with an enticing aroma—a faint reminder of another life far away.
Lana and Arielle watched, eyes wide with surprise.
"You can cook?" Lana asked incredulously.
"Where did you learn that?" Arielle added, stepping closer.
Jin smiled, slicing meat into generous pieces.
"Earth skills," he said lightly.
Arielle's voice softened, shy.
"Can you teach me?"
"Why?" Jin teased, raising a brow.
"For my husband… and mother-in-law," she replied, cheeks flushing.
Jin's smile grew.
"So, you agree to be my wife?"
Playful and flustered, Arielle met his gaze.
"Do I have a choice?"
They laughed together, the fire crackling with warmth.
Her whisper brushed his ear:
"Besides… you already took my…"
Her voice trailed off coyly.
Lana, holding her bowl, wiped silent tears from her cheeks.
Her son…
Had become a man.