The House of a Hundred Sisters had many wings, each more dangerous than the last. Ryon had survived combat trials, gained Seyna's attention, and freed one bound soul.
But now, Lyria was sending him into the belly of the beast.
He walked quietly beside her, deep into the south wing of the fortress—past blood-stained training arenas, incense-lit temples, and chambers filled with chanting warriors. All roads now led to the House of Swords, home to the elite tacticians and battle-scholars of the Southern Empire.
And unlike the open courtyards of before, this part of the fortress was made of stone silence and staring eyes.
"Why am I here?" Ryon asked at last.
Lyria didn't answer immediately. She finally spoke as they reached a steel-clad gate etched with hundreds of names.
"Because knowledge is more dangerous than any weapon."
The Mistress of Blades
The gate opened without a sound.
Inside, a large circular hall sprawled out like a massive war map. Swords—real and ceremonial—were mounted on every inch of the wall. Scrolls filled ancient bookshelves. And at the center sat a figure cross-legged, surrounded by floating blades.
Her eyes were closed. Her fingers moved through the air, commanding a dance of steel.
> System Alert: High-Priority Candidate Detected
Name: Mistress Avelyn of the Third Sword
Role: War Strategist / Spellforger
Harem Bond Viability: 58%
Temperament: Logic-Driven. Cold. Curious.
Danger Level: High
Sexual Interest: Dormant
Virgin Soul Status: CONFIRMED
Ryon inhaled sharply. Two quests. One person.
Lyria leaned close. "This is your second chance, Ryon. But be careful. She doesn't believe in fate, faith, or feelings."
Then she left him alone.
The floating blades stopped midair. Avelyn opened her eyes.
Sharp. Ice-gray. Ancient, yet frighteningly alert.
"You are the anomaly," she said softly.
Ryon nodded once.
"You carry a soul not your own. You manipulate cursed frequency. You provoke prophecy. And now…" She stood slowly, her long coat whispering against stone. "You enter my house."
Her fingers moved again. One blade flew toward him.
Ryon flinched—but it stopped an inch from his throat.
"I wanted to see your reflexes," she said.
"That was a sword."
"You're lucky it wasn't a question."
Avelyn circled him like a hawk studying prey.
"I knew the original Ryon," she said. "He was sick. Soft. A ghost inside a dying boy. But you... you are not him."
"No," Ryon admitted. "I'm not."
"Then prove it."
She motioned to a chalk circle on the floor.
"Stand within the seal. Answer one question truthfully. If you lie, the blades will know."
Ryon's stomach tightened. "What's the question?"
She stepped forward, stopping inches from his face.
"Do you intend to claim the Matriarch's heart?"
The room fell to silence.
> System Alert: Forced Truth Seal Activated
[Answer Required: Yes / No / I Don't Know]
Delay = Severe backlash
System Override Option: Disabled
Ryon closed his eyes, breathed deep, and said:
"…Yes."
The blades didn't move. The seal didn't glow.
Avelyn blinked once. "Interesting."
She turned away. "You may sit. I will allow you one hour. If you bore me, you'll be removed."
Cold Knowledge, Hidden Fire
Their conversation spanned everything from war theory to ancient Southern curses. Avelyn was mercilessly logical—cutting down weak ideas, demanding clarity. But she was listening.
Ryon told her what he could. Bits about the curse, the system, even about the soul-bound priestess he freed.
She was silent for a long moment after.
"You broke a seal?" she asked. "The priestess Elenai?"
He nodded.
"That shouldn't be possible."
"It happened."
"Then you are not a variable," Avelyn murmured. "You are a rupture."
> System Update: Virgin Soul Link Detected – Avelyn
Soul Barrier: 100%
Breakthrough Method: Intellectual Conquest
Suggested Path: Defeat her in a duel of theory and strategy
Harem Bond Compatibility: 58% → 61%
Emotion Registered: Mild Interest
Finally, she stood.
"You may return tomorrow," she said. "But if you ever lie to me again, the blades won't miss."
Ryon rose and bowed lightly.
"Understood."
As he turned to leave, her voice stopped him at the door.
"And, curseborn…"
He looked back.
"Don't waste time trying to seduce me. I don't believe in men. Or love. Only logic."
Ryon smiled faintly. "Then I'll break logic first."
As the door shut behind him, the System chimed.
> Second Soul Identified: Avelyn – Progress 3%
Time Remaining: 6 Days, 1 Hour
Side Quest: 2 / 30 Virgin Souls Identified
Main Quest: 1 / 3 Wife Bonds Progressing
Ryon walked back toward his chamber, head spinning from all he'd learned—and the weight of what was still to come.