Dante nodded and bowed. "Thank you," he said before stepping out of the room. As he walked down the quiet hallway, he exhaled deeply, shoving his small hands into his pockets. His blue eyes glinted with something unreadable, his mind swirling with thoughts.
'Hehehe, I can't really believe that worked.
'This is fine, though. I need to prepare some things to leave. I need to go to the academy soon. The empire is vast, and I need to explore it. The dark elves, the barbarians, and the Forest of Monsters—I need to see them all.'
His thoughts were interrupted when he caught sight of a young woman approaching from the other side of the hallway. She looked about eighteen, her figure elegantly shaped, dressed in red combat maneuvering boots and a pristine dark red and white robe. Her long, jet-red/brownish hair cascaded behind her, and her piercing ruby-red eyes locked onto his as she bowed before shortly following behind him. Vexion .
'Damn it, I need to get some action. Time is moving way too slow!' He sighed, shaking his head as they turned into a special training room, passing through the magically reinforced doorway. Once inside, he activated Abyss Veil, instantly cloaking the entire space from any prying eyes or listening spells.
As the system continued to level up, it optimized his skill usage, constantly improving his mastery points. Because of this, Dante often let the system handle his skills' activation and execution.
The space was enormous, nearly three times the size of a mansion's main hall. It was designed not only for combat training but also for living accommodations, separated by a transparent wall. Beyond it was a section fitted with a shower, a small sitting area with luxurious couches, and a dining table.
He slid open the clear partition and entered the lounge area. The furniture was lavish, designed for relaxation and even sleep if needed. Sinking into a plush chair, he motioned for Vexion to sit across from him. The elf hesitated, but Dante refused to allow her to stand. She nodded and took her seat obediently.
Dante leaned back, resting his hands behind his head. His expression remained calm but sharp.
"I owe you a reward, but Ill double it. After all that old man went too far, I would have done the same if I were him, but your mine, and you were injured. I'm also a fair person. I did think he'd test you but seems even I underestimated that guy's strength… He falls unfortunately in the runaway on sight group"
Vexion nodded solemnly. She had felt it too— the sheer monstrous power that Justin wielded. He was a being far beyond her comprehension. Yet, she still spoke with unwavering loyalty. "Master is only 13. I believe that in a few hundred years, you will reach his level."
Dante chuckled at her words but nodded. "Reward is simple, answers with no set time limit to your questions. Ask now or later its up to you."
Vexion's expression softened, deeply touched by his words. She bowed her head. "Thank you, Master. I will remember your kindness. But as your subordinate, I will limit my questions. I do not wish to burden you with my curiosity."
Dante smirked. "Mhm. That's best" He straightened slightly. "Second thing I want to reward you on is simple, loyalty. You took a heavy blow for me. Against a monster like that even I'm impressed. So as long as something simple you have got 3 requests, I think that's fair"
Vexion stared at him in silence, her emotions unreadable. Finally, she nodded, bowing once more. "I understand, Master. I will remember this gift."
Vexion nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken desires. She had never been one to shy away from her emotions, nor was she unfamiliar with what she felt toward her master. Yet, standing before him now, she felt vulnerable in a way that unsettled her. He had granted her permission to ask anything, yet hesitation crept into her thoughts.
Her eyes flickered to Dante, who lounged on the couch in a state of utter ease. His legs were draped over the armrest, and his hands rested behind his head, his expression unreadable. Despite his relaxed demeanour, Vexion knew better. He was cunning, ruthless, and endlessly ambitious. And yet, in the quiet of this moment, she saw something more—an enigmatic charm that made her pulse quicken.
She swallowed, her voice softer than she intended. "Master, can I truly ask anything? Even... personal questions?"
Dante cracked one eye open, studying her for a long moment before a slow smirk formed on his lips. He considered her words carefully.
'Mm. There is nothing I need to hide from her. She's valuable, not just as a subordinate, but as someone I want to keep close.'
His smirk turned into a genuine smile. "Sure, so I'll allow you to know more about me than anyone in this world ever will. After all I don't really have any secrets. Im a clean slate"
Vexion felt her heart stutter, her breath caught in her throat. Warmth spread through her chest, and for a moment, she struggled to maintain her composure. It was maddening how effortlessly he made her feel like this—giddy, anxious, and utterly captivated.
Taking a steadying breath, she forced herself to focus. She had to use this opportunity. Mustering the courage granted by his words, she asked what had been gnawing at her mind the most.
"Master..." she hesitated, then pushed forward, "When you asked Lexa—the dark elf—for her virginity… did you truly want her? Did you want her as your woman?"
Dante chuckled, as though he had expected the question. "Hmm I'm quite horny. Could be puberty ,so maybe at least for now id say I'd like to fuck her. She is, after all, an sexy and beautiful woman"
His words hit her like a blow to the chest. Even though she had braced herself, she couldn't suppress the twinge of jealousy curling in her stomach. Her hands clenched her robe in frustration, but she forced herself to speak. "I see… then why… why ….did you never ask for my first time?" Her voice lowered, almost hesitant, her next words laced with something raw. "Is it because I'm a halfling? Am I repulsive to you, Master?"
'Is she jealous? This is useful.'
Dante let out a deep chuckle, though there was something different in his expression now. His gaze sharpened, amused he chuckled.
"Undesirable? Not to me."
He sat up slightly, eyes locked onto hers, and Vexion felt her breath hitch under the intensity of his gaze.
"I never asked because there was no need to. You were always going to be mine." His voice was smooth and unwavering,"
Vexion's mind swirled. She barely registered the heat creeping up her face, the way her fingers twitched against her robe. She felt utterly exposed under his scrutiny, torn between embarrassment and something dangerously close to exhilaration.
Dante leaned back again, his smirk widening. "But if you still doubt me for you, Ill be more direct."
He let his gaze roam over her unabashedly. " If you think I don't want you simply because you're a half-elf, then you underestimate me. I like what I like. I take what I want. Your race has nothing to do with my desire for you."
His smirk turned sharp. "If anything, I was holding back out of respect for the fact that you're not just some woman. You are mine. And when the time comes, I will take what's mine."
Vexion felt her entire body heat up. Her mind was an absolute mess, torn between disbelief, excitement, and a sense of belonging so overwhelming that she could barely breathe. She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. She could only nod— flustered, embarrassed, and undeniably happy.
Dante chuckled at her reaction, his amusement clear. "Happy , that's good." He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "Now, let's move on before I lose my patience."
Vexion quickly composed herself, though her heart still pounded wildly. She had her answer—more than she had expected. And despite everything, despite her own lingering uncertainties, she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time.
She felt wanted.