Lucien sat cross-legged on his bed, the system interface glowing faintly before his eyes. Without hesitation, he used both beginner coupons.
[Purchase confirmed: Origin-Class Nine-Tail Bloodline.]
[Purchase confirmed: Primordial-Class Nine-Tail Bloodline.]
A calm yet powerful voice echoed in his mind.
[System Notice: Host has purchased identical bloodlines of different classes.]
[Initiating forced fusion…]
[Eliminating defects…]
[Removal successful.]
A golden light flooded the interface.
[Congratulations, Host.]
[Apex Bloodline Acquired: Nine-Tailed Sovereign.]
Lucien opened his eyes slowly. In his hand appeared a single small vial, filled with a shimmering golden liquid, warm to the touch and pulsing like a living thing.
Venelana and Claire stood beside him, hands clasped tightly.
"…Good luck, Lucien," Venelana said softly.
Claire nodded firmly. "You better come out fine."
Lucien smiled. "I will."
He pulled the cork free and drank the vial in one motion.
The moment the liquid touched his throat—
Pain.
Not sharp, not burning—overwhelming. His vision blurred as his body felt like it was being rewritten at its core. Lucien collapsed forward, consciousness slipping away.
Golden light erupted from his body as a cocoon formed around him, smooth and radiant, sealing him inside.
Venelana gasped. "L-Lucien!"
Claire grabbed her sister's hand, squeezing it tightly. The two stood there helplessly, praying in silence.
"Please be okay…" Claire whispered.
Hours passed.
Inside the cocoon, Lucien's blood burned and reshaped itself. His very existence evolved—bones reinforced, senses heightened, soul refined.
After three long hours, a sharp crack echoed through the room.
The cocoon shattered.
Lucien stepped forward slowly, light fading from his body. Behind him swayed three large, fluffy white tails, glowing faintly with divine elegance.
Venelana and Claire froze.
"…He's…"
"…Adorable."
Both girls instinctively clutched their chests, hearts racing. Without hesitation, they rushed forward and wrapped Lucien in a tight hug.
"So fluffy…" Venelana murmured, gently stroking one of his tails.
Claire followed immediately, petting another tail with fascination. "They're… warm."
Lucien stiffened instantly.
"H-Hey—wait—!"
His cheeks burned red as heat rushed through him. The tails twitched sensitively in response, making the girls giggle.
"You're sensitive there?" Venelana teased.
"T-That's unfair!" Lucien protested, completely flustered.
The room filled with laughter—soft, warm, and alive.
Somewhere far away…
In an unknown realm, a woman draped in darkness yet radiating elegance smiled. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"So… my master has finally been born."
She chuckled softly, resting her chin against her hand.
"The wait is finally over…"
Her smile deepened, filled with longing and excitement.
"I look forward to meeting you… my king."