The invitation pulsed in Kai's mind long after the voice faded.
[New Zone Unlocked: Tower of Pleasure – Entry Recommended at Level 5+]
[Note: Other Hosts are competing. Only one may ascend.]
The Lustcore Fragment shimmered in his hand. Before he could speak, it disintegrated—becoming pure light—and opened a portal of swirling pink mist and golden flame before them.
Nayomi sniffed the air and hissed. "I've heard of this place. A divine testing ground for Hosts... and a graveyard for the unworthy."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "What happens inside?"
Selis answered. "Everything. Your darkest cravings, your deepest fears—they come alive. You ascend by conquering yourself. And others."
Kai stepped forward.
"Sounds like my kind of hell."
They entered.
Inside was silence—and heat.
The Tower of Pleasure was no ordinary dungeon. It was alive. Walls pulsed like veins beneath smooth obsidian. Everything shimmered with a soft, erotic glow. A voice whispered in Kai's ear as they walked.
"Host Kai Draven. Welcome. Your trial begins now."
The room shifted.
Walls moved.
And they were no longer together.
Kai stood alone—in a lavish chamber lit by floating candles. Silken ropes hung from the ceiling. A bed sat at the center—large, circular, and throbbing with heat. Mirrors lined the walls, reflecting him.
And then she appeared.
Tall.
Voluptuous.
Wrapped in nothing but silver chains and smirks.
Her skin shimmered obsidian. Her eyes were molten gold.
A System Host.
[Rival Detected: Host "Zaria of the Chain" – Pleasure Rank: S+]
[Level 8]
[Challenge Type: Dominance Duel – Winner claims loser's system essence and may bind them for one night.]
Zaria purred. "Mmm... so you're the new alpha pup. Cute."
She circled him, her chains slithering around his feet. "You reek of fresh power and trembling thighs. But are you worthy?"
Kai smirked. "Try me."
The duel began.
She moved like a storm—chains lashing out, wrapping around his limbs, pulling him toward the bed. Her system pulsed with power—each touch draining his resistance, flooding him with dizzying lust.
Kai's body ached.
But he remembered Selis's training. Nayomi's rage. Lyra's blade.
He focused.
[Activate: Seduction Counterfield – Twist Pain to Pleasure]
[CP Gained: 20]
Zaria faltered for just a moment, her grin slipping.
Kai surged forward.
He flipped her to the bed, reversed the chains, and pressed a hand to her throat—not to choke, but to command.
"Submit," he whispered.
She trembled.
"Never."
He leaned down, lips brushing hers. "Then I'll make you beg."
It became a battle of bodies and minds.
Every kiss, a test.
Every touch, a challenge.
Chains wrapped them both, binding their energies. Her moans became chants of defiance, his growls turned to declarations of conquest.
[Domination Progress: 43%... 58%... 71%...]
Zaria arched under him.
Then—she laughed.
A dangerous, thrilling sound.
"You're almost worthy."
And then—her eyes blazed.
Chains erupted from the walls, lashing toward Kai.
[WARNING: System Inversion Imminent]
But Kai was faster.
He activated his trump card.
[Skill: Divine Ravage – Limited Use]
Light exploded.
Zaria cried out, chains snapping, bed splintering.
When the glow faded—
She lay beneath him, panting, sweat-slicked and smiling.
"I yield," she whispered. "You win, Alpha."
[Duel Complete – Essence Claimed]
[New Passive Unlocked: Chainbreaker – Reduces control effects by 40%]
[Zaria added to Harem – Temporary Binding: 24 hours]
Zaria sat up, licking her lips. "You're dangerous, Kai Draven. And you've caught the attention of the wrong gods."
Kai frowned. "What do you mean?"
But before she could answer, the room shook violently.
A jagged crack split the ceiling.
Dark tendrils poured in—not corrupted like the Maw—but something colder.
More ancient.
A System Warden.
Massive. Armored in obsidian and platinum. A glowing emblem on its helm pulsed with a word:
"EXILE."
Zaria's expression twisted in fear. "You shouldn't have won. They didn't want you to."
Kai narrowed his eyes.
"Looks like they'll have to deal with disappointment."
To be continued…