Episode 31
The air shifted the moment Ethan stepped through the obsidian gate. The Trial of Chains had left his body bruised, but it was his soul that felt heavier. He had seen pain, battled remnants of forgotten sinners, and bled enough to paint entire runes in crimson. Yet nothing prepared him for what lay ahead.
The next chamber wasn't dark or cold—it radiated warmth and decadence. Silken curtains of red and gold hung from every archway, perfumed mist rising from shallow pools that glowed with unnatural light. The floor beneath his boots was cushioned like flesh, warm and pulsing as though the very ground was alive.
> [System Notification: Trial Three Initiated — Lust's Embrace] Objective: Resist temptation. Or don't. Reward (Varies): Lust Points | Seduction Skill Upgrade | Unknown Bonus
Ethan narrowed his eyes. He had felt temptation before—every mission since awakening the SinBound System teased him with power laced in passion. But this… this was different. Here, temptation wasn't a byproduct. It was the weapon.
A low, seductive laugh echoed through the chamber. A figure stepped forward, hips swaying, every movement hypnotic. Her skin shimmered like moonlight on water, her eyes glowing with violet seduction.
"Welcome, Ethan Cross," she purred, her voice thick with desire and dark promises. "I am Lysara, Mistress of the Dream Bloom. Will you resist me... or will you earn your reward the sweet way?"
> [New Character Unlocked: Lysara, Sin Elemental of Lust] Charm: 95 Influence: High
Ethan's pulse spiked.
> [Sin Surge: Passive Effect Triggered | Libido Resistance Reduced by 35%]
He clenched his fists. "I'm not here to fall into your games."
She smiled, stepping closer. With a snap of her fingers, the mist thickened. From it emerged four women—avatars of desire, each molded from Ethan's buried fantasies. One was a wild-eyed huntress, her body clad in nothing but painted war-runes. Another, a poised noblewoman with crimson lips and corset tight enough to strangle. The third, a shy scholar who looked just like Althea… but softer, her innocence woven with forbidden curiosity. The fourth was a mirror of his darkest desire—a female version of himself, smirking with twisted affection.
> [Warning: System Temptation Level Reached - High] [Lust Points: +40]
They moved as one, circling him.
The huntress purred in his ear, "Let us teach you how to survive with your senses, not your sword."
The noblewoman dragged her nails along his jaw, whispering, "I can make your power obey. All I need… is one command."
The scholar knelt, gazing up with innocent hunger. "You've been so strong, Ethan. Don't you deserve a… reward?"
And the fourth? She simply stared into his eyes, mirroring every twitch, every hesitation. "I am your true self. Stop pretending you don't want me."
> [Lust Points: +100 | Sin Threshold Approaching] [Skill Unlocked: Dual Seduction — Targets up to two NPCs for double reward gains]
Ethan's knees weakened. Heat pooled in his core. He wanted to fight. He wanted to fall.
> [Choice Required: Submit | Resist | Seduce]
Lysara raised a brow, clearly amused. "What will it be, champion?"
Ethan took a breath. Then chose.