**[WARNING: EXPLICIT R-18 CONTENT]**
The summons came at dawn—a formal notice delivered by Academy messenger requiring Anthonio's presence in Headmaster Aldwin's office immediately after morning meal.
*Here it comes. The interrogation about killing Rank 5 solo.*
Anthonio dressed carefully in formal Academy attire, ensuring he looked every bit the respectful student rather than the hidden monster he actually was. The Ring of Crimson Shadows suppressed his cultivation perfectly—to any observer, he remained Manifestation 9-Star.
The walk to the Headmaster's tower drew stares and whispers. News of the Rank 5 kill had spread like wildfire overnight. Students pointed and talked openly as he passed.
"That's him—the one who killed the Transcendence-level bear."
"How is that even possible at Manifestation?"
"Maybe he's been hiding his true power?"
"Or maybe the reports are exaggerated."
Anthonio ignored them all, maintaining perfect composure. Let them speculate. Uncertainty served his purposes better than clear answers.
The Headmaster's office occupied the tower's top floor—a circular room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Academy grounds. Headmaster Aldwin sat behind a massive desk carved from ancient wood, his Sovereign 8-Star cultivation making the air itself feel heavy.
But he wasn't alone.
Master Veyron stood by one window, the Transcendence 9-Star lightning specialist studying Anthonio with intense interest. Instructor Stone leaned against another wall, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
And sitting in one of the chairs facing the Headmaster's desk was Duke Aldric Stormborn—Kael's father, his Transcendence 6-Star cultivation radiating controlled power.
*This is more serious than I expected. They brought Kael's father? Why?*
"Anthonio Crimsonhart," Aldwin said formally. "Thank you for coming. Please, sit."
Anthonio took the empty chair, very aware of four powerful cultivators studying him with varying degrees of suspicion and curiosity.
"I'm sure you can guess why you're here," Aldwin continued. "Yesterday's incident in the northern forest has raised... questions. Significant questions about your true capabilities."
"I understand, Headmaster. I'll answer whatever questions you have."
"Good." Aldwin leaned forward. "Let's start simple. What is your actual cultivation level?"
"Manifestation 9-Star, as recorded in my Academy file."
"And yet you killed a Rank 5 Corrupted Beast—equivalent to Transcendence 5-Star—in solo combat. With a single technique." Aldwin's eyes narrowed. "How do you explain that discrepancy?"
"I can't fully explain it, Headmaster. The crimson lightning I possess has properties I don't completely understand. In that moment, when my team was in danger, I channeled everything I had. The result was... more powerful than I expected."
"More powerful than you expected," Veyron repeated, stepping forward. "Mr. Crimsonhart, I've studied lightning cultivation for forty years. I know every documented variation, every unusual manifestation. And I've never seen lightning behave the way yours did yesterday. That wasn't Manifestation-level power. That was primordial essence."
*Shit. He knows. Or at least suspects.*
"I don't know what primordial essence is, Master Veyron. I only know I found unusual cultivation resources during my exile and integrated them as best I could."
"Where exactly did you find these resources?" Stone demanded. "And what were they specifically? Books? Pills? Artifacts?"
"A cave system in the Crimson Mountains, near my exile location. I found crystallized essence—looked like red lightning frozen in stone. I absorbed it instinctively, and it somehow reconstructed my Broken Veins."
That was technically true—just massively understating what the Heart of the Crimson Storm actually was.
"Crystallized lightning essence," Veyron murmured. "That would explain the color variation. But not the power output. Even primordial essence shouldn't let a Manifestation cultivator kill Transcendence 5-Star solo."
"Unless," Duke Aldric spoke for the first time, his voice carrying weight, "the young man is lying about his cultivation level. Perhaps he's actually higher than Manifestation 9-Star and hiding his true power for some reason."
All eyes turned to Anthonio. This was the dangerous moment—if they tested his cultivation directly, the Ring's suppression might not hold under Sovereign-level scrutiny.
"I have no reason to hide my cultivation, Your Grace. If I were Transcendence-level, I'd be in better dormitories, receiving advanced instruction, enjoying higher status. Why would I pretend to be weaker?"
"That," Aldwin said quietly, "is an excellent question. Why would anyone deliberately appear weak when they could claim strength?"
The room was silent for a long moment. Then Duke Aldric stood, moving to stand directly in front of Anthonio.
"I'd like to test something, if you'll permit it. A simple cultivation probe—nothing invasive, just confirming your stated level."
*The Ring should hold. It's suppressed Seraphina's Divine Essence scanning, Master Veyron's spiritual sense, everyone who's examined me. It should hold against Transcendence 6-Star.*
"Of course, Your Grace. I have nothing to hide."
Duke Aldric's hand rested on Anthonio's shoulder, his spiritual sense flooding through Anthonio's body. The Ring of Crimson Shadows worked frantically to maintain the illusion—Manifestation 9-Star, nothing more, just unusual lightning essence with strange properties.
After what felt like an eternity, Duke Aldric stepped back. "Manifestation 9-Star. As stated. But the essence structure is... highly irregular. I've never seen pathways configured this way."
"The reconstruction from Broken Veins," Anthonio explained. "My essence pathways were rebuilt rather than naturally developed. It created unusual patterns."
"That would explain it," Veyron said, though he still looked skeptical. "Irregular pathways might allow for occasional power spikes—moments where essence flow optimizes unexpectedly, producing results beyond normal capability."
"So you're saying he got lucky?" Stone asked. "That the Rank 5 kill was a fluke?"
"Not luck. More like... accessing potential he doesn't fully understand or control. Like a Consolidation cultivator occasionally executing Manifestation-level techniques during extreme stress." Veyron turned to Anthonio. "Have you experienced other moments where your power exceeded expectations?"
"Not to that degree. Sometimes my lightning is stronger than intended, but nothing like yesterday."
"Which suggests crisis situations trigger enhanced performance." Aldwin nodded slowly. "That's rare but not unprecedented. I've seen similar cases—cultivators who achieve temporary power spikes under extreme pressure."
*They're rationalizing. Finding explanations that fit their understanding of cultivation theory. Perfect.*
"So what does this mean for me?" Anthonio asked. "Am I in trouble for exceeding mission parameters?"
"Quite the opposite," Duke Aldric said, returning to his seat. "You saved my son's team. For that, you have my gratitude. But I need to know—can you replicate yesterday's performance?"
"I don't know, Your Grace. It wasn't conscious. Just instinct and desperation."
"Unfortunate. That level of power, if controllable, would make you invaluable." Duke Aldric studied him intently. "Still, even at Manifestation 9-Star, you clearly have potential. I'd like to extend an offer—train with my son's group. Private sessions with elite instructors, access to better resources. Consider it payment for saving Kael's life."
*Interesting. He's trying to recruit me into Kael's orbit. Probably thinking that bringing the useful Manifestation cultivator into his son's faction increases Kael's power base.*
*If only he knew his son's fiancée is already mine.*
"That's very generous, Your Grace. I'd be honored to accept."
"Excellent." Duke Aldric stood, clearly considering the meeting concluded. "I'll have my people arrange the details. Headmaster, Masters—thank you for your time."
He left, and the tension in the room eased slightly. Aldwin looked at Anthonio thoughtfully.
"You're either very lucky or very skilled at hiding your true nature, Mr. Crimsonhart. I haven't decided which." The Headmaster's eyes were penetrating. "But either way, you've drawn attention. Significant attention. Be careful how you proceed from here."
"I understand, Headmaster."
"Dismissed."
---
Anthonio left the tower with mixed feelings. The interrogation could have gone worse—they'd tested his cultivation and found only what he wanted them to find. But he'd also drawn Duke Aldric's personal attention, which created complications.
*Training with Kael's elite group. That's both opportunity and risk. Opportunity to observe the protagonist closely, understand his growth trajectory. Risk of being under constant scrutiny by people looking for inconsistencies.*
*But refusing would have been more suspicious than accepting.*
The morning classes passed in a blur of whispers and stares. Anthonio's Rank 5 kill had made him a minor celebrity overnight—students who'd previously ignored him now tried to strike up conversations, ask about his techniques, request training sessions.
Elena found him after Essence Theory class, her amber eyes bright with excitement.
"Everyone's talking about you! The exiled trash who killed a Transcendence-level beast. You're famous, Anthonio."
"Famous is the last thing I wanted."
"Why? Being famous means respect, opportunities—"
"It also means scrutiny. People paying attention to things I'd prefer they ignore." Anthonio lowered his voice. "I'm being recruited into Kael Stormborn's training group. Duke Aldric's personal invitation."
Elena's eyes widened. "That's... that's huge. Those sessions are invitation-only, reserved for the most promising students. You'll be training alongside Transcendence-level cultivators."
"While still appearing to be Manifestation 9-Star. It's going to be complicated."
"But worth it, right? The connections alone—" Elena stopped, studying his face. "You don't care about connections, do you? You're planning something else."
"I'm always planning something else." Anthonio pulled her into a quiet alcove. "Tonight. Your room. I need to blow off steam after this morning's interrogation."
Elena smiled, her hand sliding up his chest. "I'll be waiting. Should I invite Cassandra? She mentioned yesterday was... memorable."
"Just you tonight. I want something uncomplicated."
"I can do uncomplicated."
---
The afternoon brought an unexpected encounter.
Anthonio was heading to the library when he nearly collided with someone coming around a corner—a girl with striking crimson hair and emerald eyes, her Manifestation 8-Star cultivation radiating heat from fire essence.
"Sorry," she said quickly, steadying herself. "I wasn't watching where—wait. You're Anthonio Crimsonhart. The one who killed the Rank 5 bear."
"That's me. And you are?"
"Lyanna Flameheart. Fire cultivation specialist, second daughter of Count Flameheart." She studied him with obvious interest. "I've been wanting to meet you. Your lightning technique yesterday—how did you achieve that power output?"
*Another person interested in my techniques. This is going to be constant now.*
"Lucky circumstances and unusual essence properties," Anthonio said, the explanation becoming rote. "Nothing I can replicate reliably."
"Still impressive." Lyanna's smile was warm, inviting. "I heard Duke Aldric recruited you for elite training. We'll be in the same sessions—I was invited two months ago. It'll be nice to have someone else at Manifestation level. Most of the group is Transcendence, which makes sparring... challenging."
"You're Manifestation 8-Star and training with Transcendence cultivators?"
"My fire techniques are advanced enough to compete. Barely." Lyanna laughed. "But having another Manifestation cultivator in the group will be refreshing. Maybe we could train together beforehand? Help each other prepare?"
*She's interested. Not just in training.*
"I'd be open to that."
"Excellent. I'm in the eastern wing, room 189. We could start tonight, if you're free?"
Anthonio was about to decline—he already had plans with Elena—but then reconsidered. Lyanna was clearly interested in more than just training, and turning down women who offered themselves was inefficient.
"Tonight I'm busy. But tomorrow evening works. What time?"
"After dinner? Say, seven o'clock?"
"Perfect."
Lyanna left with a smile that promised their "training" would involve more than just cultivation techniques. Anthonio watched her go, already adding her to his mental list of potential harem members.
*Six women in less than two weeks at the Academy. The harem is expanding faster than I expected. Not complaining, but I need to manage time carefully. Can't let the juggling become obvious.*
---
**[EXPLICIT R-18 CONTENT - SCENE 1: ELENA]**
Elena was waiting in her room that evening, wearing a thin robe that left little to the imagination. The moment Anthonio entered and locked the door, she let the robe drop, revealing her naked body underneath.
"I've been thinking about this all day," she said, moving into his arms. "About forgetting everything complicated and just fucking."
"That's exactly what I need," Anthonio agreed, already working at his clothes.
They fell onto the bed in a tangle of eager hands and heated kisses. Elena was soft and warm, her curves pressing against him as she ground against his hardening cock.
"No foreplay tonight," she breathed. "I want you inside me right now."
Anthonio obliged, entering her in one smooth thrust. Elena moaned, her legs wrapping around his waist to pull him deeper.
"Yes," she gasped. "Just like that. Fuck me hard, make me forget about politics and Academy drama and everything else—"
He did, pounding into her with steady intensity. Elena was responsive and vocal, her moans filling the room as pleasure built. There was something refreshing about this—no games, no complications, just physical pleasure between two people who enjoyed each other's bodies.
"Touch yourself," Anthonio commanded. "I want to feel you come around my cock."
Elena's hand slid between them, finding her clit. Within minutes she was gasping, her pussy clenching around him rhythmically as orgasm hit.
"Don't stop," she begged. "Keep going, I want to come again—"
Anthonio maintained his pace, fucking her through one orgasm and building toward another. Elena's second climax hit even harder than the first, her entire body trembling as pleasure overwhelmed her.
"Where do you want me to finish?" Anthonio asked, his own release approaching.
"On my tits," Elena breathed. "I want to see it."
He pulled out, stroking himself rapidly. Seconds later he came, his release coating Elena's breasts and stomach. She looked up at him with satisfaction, fingers trailing through the mess.
"Perfect," she murmured. "Exactly what I needed."
They lay together afterward, comfortable in the casual nature of their arrangement. No declarations of love, no complicated feelings—just mutual physical satisfaction.
"Are you going to keep seeing other women?" Elena asked eventually.
"Probably. Does that bother you?"
"Not really. This was never exclusive." Elena propped herself up on one elbow. "Though I am curious—who else are you seeing? Besides me and Cassandra, I mean. Rumors say you've been with others."
"I don't discuss my private life beyond what's necessary."
"Fair enough." Elena smiled. "Just promise me you'll keep making time for me. I like what we have. Uncomplicated but satisfying."
"I can promise that."
---
**[EXPLICIT R-18 CONTENT - SCENE 2: SERAPHINA'S JEALOUSY]**
The note arrived near midnight, slipped under Anthonio's door: *Roof access, northwest tower. Come alone. -S*
Seraphina was waiting on the tower roof when Anthonio arrived, the night air cold enough that her breath misted. She wore a cloak over her nightclothes, and her expression was... complicated.
"I needed to see you," she said without preamble. "Away from prying eyes, away from Kael constantly hovering, away from everything."
"What's wrong?"
"Everything. Nothing. I don't know." Seraphina moved to the roof's edge, looking out over the Academy grounds below. "I heard about your meeting with Duke Aldric. That you're joining Kael's elite training group."
"I didn't have much choice. Refusing would have drawn more suspicion than accepting."
"I know. I understand the tactical necessity. But it means you'll be spending more time with him. Training together, building rapport. And I have to watch you become his friend while pretending to be his loving fiancée." Seraphina's voice carried an edge. "It's torture, Anthonio."
He moved behind her, hands resting on her shoulders. "Six months. You turn eighteen, gain independence, and can break the engagement. Until then—"
"Until then I have to smile while he touches me. Laugh at his jokes. Accept his public displays of affection. And now you'll be there, watching, unable to do anything without revealing our connection." Seraphina turned to face him. "And meanwhile, I hear you're sleeping with half the Academy. Elena Ashford, Cassandra Stormwind, that servant girl everyone thinks is just your attendant—"
"You agreed to the harem dynamic."
"I know I did! And intellectually I understand it. You're building power through connections, I'm the primary regardless of how many others there are, it's all strategic and necessary." Seraphina's eyes were bright with unshed tears. "But emotionally? It's killing me. Watching you with other women while I have to maintain this fake relationship with Kael. I feel like I'm losing you."
"You're not losing me." Anthonio pulled her close. "Seraphina, you're first. Always first. The others are attraction, desire, political advantage. You're the one I love."
"Then prove it," she whispered. "Right here, right now. Make me feel like I matter more than them."
"Anyone could come up here—"
"I don't care. I need to feel you. Need to remember why I'm enduring all of this."
Anthonio kissed her, tasting desperation and need. Seraphina responded with fierce intensity, her hands already working at his clothes.
"Against the wall," she breathed. "Rough. I need it rough tonight."
He pushed her against the tower's stone wall, hiking up her nightclothes. Seraphina wasn't wearing anything underneath—clearly she'd come prepared.
"You're soaked," Anthonio observed, his fingers sliding through her wetness.
"I've been wet all day thinking about this. About you." Seraphina bit her lip. "Please, Anthonio. Fuck me. Remind me I'm yours."
He entered her in one hard thrust, drawing a gasp from her lips. The position was awkward, exposed, anyone accessing the roof would see them immediately—but that danger only heightened the intensity.
"This what you need?" Anthonio growled, pounding into her. "Need me to fuck you where anyone could discover us? Need to feel owned?"
"Yes," Seraphina moaned. "Yes, I need it. Need to know I'm more than just the engagement trophy. Need to know I'm yours—oh fuck, right there—"
"You're mine," Anthonio confirmed, his hand around her throat. "Let Kael have the public appearances. Let him think he's won. You know the truth. Your body knows who it belongs to."
"Only you," Seraphina gasped. "Only ever you. The others can have your body but I have your heart—please, please make me come—"
Anthonio's hand slid between them, finding her clit. The combination of penetration and direct stimulation pushed Seraphina over the edge. She came with a muffled scream, biting into his shoulder to stay quiet.
He followed seconds later, filling her deeply. They stayed pressed against the wall, both trembling, the cold night air contrasting with their overheated bodies.
"I love you," Seraphina whispered. "Even when it's hard. Even when I'm jealous. I love you."
"I love you too. First and always."
They stayed on the roof for another hour, talking quietly, Seraphina's insecurities needing reassurance Anthonio could provide. Eventually the cold drove them inside, parting reluctantly at a corridor intersection—Seraphina to the Transcendence wing, Anthonio to Manifestation dormitories.
*Managing a harem is more complex than I anticipated. The women need different things. Elena wants uncomplicated sex. Cassandra wants competitive partnership. Selene wants complete submission. And Seraphina needs constant reassurance that she's primary despite sharing me with others.*
*But it's manageable. As long as I'm honest about what I can offer and they understand the arrangement, it works.*
---
The next morning brought the first elite training session.
The practice arena reserved for Duke Aldric's group was state-of-the-art—reinforced barriers to contain high-level techniques, spiritual formations that prevented permanent damage, observation platforms for instructors.
Anthonio arrived to find eight other students already present. He recognized most of them:
Kael Stormborn, of course—the protagonist, looking confident and ready. Seraphina Nightshade stood beside him, playing the dutiful fiancée. Lyanna Flameheart smiled when she saw Anthonio arrive. A few Transcendence students he didn't know well. And standing apart from the others, watching everyone with calculating eyes—Lyra Shadowmere.
*The mysterious shadow cultivator. What's she doing in elite training?*
The instructor arrived before Anthonio could dwell on the question—Master Theron, a Sovereign 2-Star combat specialist known for brutal training methods.
"Listen up," Theron commanded, his voice carrying easily across the arena. "This group exists for one purpose: preparing the kingdom's best young cultivators for real combat. Not Academy sparring. Not safe exercises with padded edges. Real. Combat."
He gestured to the arena floor. "You'll fight each other with genuine intent. The spiritual formations will prevent fatal injuries, but pain is real, wounds are real, defeat is real. Understand?"
Everyone nodded. Several students looked nervous. Kael looked eager.
"First match," Theron announced. "Anthonio Crimsonhart versus Lyra Shadowmere. Manifestation levels but different cultivation approaches—let's see how lightning matches against shadow."
*Of course they put me first. Everyone wants to see what the Rank 5 killer can do.*
Anthonio and Lyra stepped into the arena, taking positions on opposite sides. Up close, Anthonio could sense her Transcendence 2-Star cultivation clearly—she was significantly stronger than him, at least based on displayed power.
"Ready?" Theron asked.
"Ready," they both confirmed.
"Begin!"
Lyra moved first, dissolving into shadows that spread across the arena floor. Anthonio extended his electrical senses, tracking her position by the disturbances in ambient energy.
She attacked from behind, materializing with a shadow-blade aimed at his neck. Anthonio Lightning Stepped away, the technique carrying him to safety just in time.
*Fast. Very fast. And her shadow techniques are sophisticated—she's clearly been training extensively.*
He countered with lightning spears, forcing Lyra to dodge. But she moved like water, her shadow essence letting her phase through attacks that should have connected.
"Impressive control," Lyra said, her voice coming from multiple directions as she maintained multiple shadow clones. "But you're holding back. I can sense it."
*She's too perceptive. Lyra is dangerous.*
"So are you," Anthonio replied, hitting all three clones simultaneously with electrical discharge. Two dissolved—illusions. The third staggered but didn't die.
The real Lyra.
Anthonio pressed his advantage, combining lightning and movement to keep her on the defensive. But Lyra was Transcendence 2-Star—superior cultivation gave her endurance and power he couldn't match without revealing more.
After ten minutes of intense combat, Theron called halt.
"Enough. Good match. Lyra wins on points, but Crimsonhart showed exceptional tactical thinking." The instructor studied them both. "You two would make effective partners. Complementary skills, similar tactical approaches. Consider pairing for future missions."
They returned to the observation area, both breathing hard. Lyra caught Anthonio's eye, a small smile playing at her lips.
*She knows I was holding back. How much does she suspect?*
The training continued with other matches. Kael fought a Transcendence 3-Star student and won through superior Divine Essence power. Seraphina demonstrated ice techniques that impressed even Master Theron. Lyanna's fire cultivation proved devastating against an opponent weak to heat.
By the end of the session, everyone was exhausted but satisfied. Kael gathered the group afterward, his natural charisma making him the unofficial leader.
"Great session. We should train together outside formal sessions too—help each other improve." His silver eyes landed on Anthonio. "Crimsonhart, you impressed me. Yesterday's Rank 5 kill and today's performance against Lyra. You're more capable than your cultivation level suggests."
"I work with what I have."
"We all do. But you do it better than most." Kael extended his hand. "I'm glad you're part of this group."
Anthonio shook his hand, maintaining perfect friendliness. *If only you knew. The man you're befriending is the one fucking your fiancée every night.*
*The man you're trusting is the one systematically destroying your predetermined future.*
*But you'll never know. Not until it's far too late.*
---
**END OF CHAPTER 18**
---