Authors Note: Hello everyone, if you could support the novel with your powerstones, that would be greatly appreciated and give me motivation. Content creation is incredibly difficult for a noob.
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What should have been a ringing march through metal passageways was dampened by Kael's passive Stealth skill, making his footsteps almost silent. The ability felt strange, almost supernatural—as if the Phoenix Core was subtly adjusting his body's interaction with the environment in ways he didn't fully understand.
A tremor shook the Vault without warning, the kind of deep, structural vibration that spoke of systems failing in distant sections. The group was forced to take shelter in a cramped maintenance alcove, their bodies pressed together in the confined space.
Asha: "Seismic activity detected, structural integrity at 47%. Kael, congratulations on finding the one alcove in this Vault small enough to turn a simple tremor into a full-blown Ecchi Event. Your Accidental Charm skill is working overtime."
Kael: "Asha, this isn't my fault! I didn't pick the alcove!" He protested loudly as all the girls heard him yell and are looking at him now.
Sera: "Seriously Kael you fooled us by going in this tiny room idiot, you lowly scum, what are you going to do with us?"
Rosa: "Yeah Yeah what are you planning to...do...with...us.. hero?" Rosa grin widely probably scheming something.
Clara: "I-I-I think Kael, didn't Intentionally p-plan this" she shyly glanced at kael and everyone de-escalating the situation.
Sera: "Dont be fooled, Clara, this idiot is probably scheming something"
Kael: "G-Guys.. I'm not, do I look that bad to you? I'm seriously hurt here"
Kael: 'A-Asha...c-can you get me out of this situation?' he pleaded in his mind.
Asha: "Kael, your predicament scores a 9.2 on the 'Trapped with Suspiciously Attractive Women' scale. Probability of escaping without triggering a harem-route escalation: 3%. Recommendation: Choose your words carefully."
Kael's Dialogue Options (Phoenix Core HUD):
"Situation critical: Social conflict detected. Select response to de-escalate or advance affinities:"
Option 1: Reassure honesty ("I swear, I didn't plan this! I just want us safe!") – +3% all affinities, boosts morale, low ecchi risk.
Option 2: Deflect with humor ("What, me? I'm too clumsy to scheme anything this cozy!") – +4% Rosa, +2% Clara, 50% chance of Sera's tsundere backlash.
Option 3: Appeal to trust ("You know me, guys. I'd never trick you—we're in this together.") – +5% Clara, +3% Sera, risks Rosa teasing escalation.
Option 4: Accidental Charm flirt ("I-I didn't plan this, but… you all make tight spaces kinda nice.") – +5% all, high ecchi event risk, 60% chance of group flush.
Kael Choose: Option 3. "You know me, guys," choosing the most honest answer he knows as his voice softened and earnestly, his dark eyes meeting theirs "I'd never trick you—we're in this together."
His sincerity softened Clara's blush, eased Sera's glare, and drew a playful pout from Rosa.
Asha: "Option 3: Trust appeal. Solid choice, Kael, scoring a 7.8 for emotional impact. Clara's heart rate just jumped 15%, and Sera's tsundere meter dropped to 'mildly annoyed.' Warning: Rosa's pout suggests a 72% chance of retaliatory flirting."
Kael's cheeks burning as he braced for Rosa's next move. With her suit straining over her curves, which were highlighted by her boobs that appeared to be tearing at the shoulder, Rosa found herself squashed against Kael's side. A strip of her pale skin shows a smooth porcelain.
"It's kinda tight here, right....H-E-R-O?," she whispered, her breath tickles his ear. Her hand rested against his chest, fingers splayed across the firm muscle beneath his torn jumpsuit. "Good thing I don't mind getting... close."
Kael's heart rate spiked, his HUD noting the physiological response with clinical detachment: **[Heart Rate: 30% above baseline. Recommend increased ventilation.]** But there was nowhere to go, no space to retreat, nothing to do but endure the sweet smell of Rosa's and the scent of her hair.
Asha: "Rosa's proximity has elevated your core temperature by 0.7 degrees. Kael, your Accidental Charm is practically vibrating. Probability of an unsolicited cuddle: 88%. Recommendation: Maintain composure, or you'll be drowning in pheromones."
Kael: "Ughhh!! I need t-to focus, Asha, otherwise my Johnny will burst out of my suit!" kael grit his teeth focussing all his strength, Rosa noticing him giggling quietly.
Asha: "Kael, your… 'Johnny' is registering a 98% containment breach risk. Physiological data suggests you're one Rosa giggle away from a wardrobe malfunction of epic proportions. Recommendation: Divert blood flow to your brain, not your… enthusiasm. My humor circuits are overheating from this spectacle."
Kael: "A-Asha, I'm trying so hard to stay calm!" His voice was a sincere, flustered squeak, his cheeks blazing crimson as he glanced at Rosa. His earnest plea only made Rosa's grin widen, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Clara, meanwhile, had stumbled in the cramped space, her body pressing against Kael's other side as he automatically moved to steady her. The contact sent her own heart racing, particularly when she realized that her chest was now pressed against his arm, the thin fabric of her bra the only barrier between them.
"S-sorry, Kael," she stammered, her blush deepening to a shade that rivaled the emergency lighting. But despite her apology, her hand lingered on his, fingers intertwining in a gesture that spoke of trust and growing intimacy. "It's just... everything's so shaky down here."
"Affinity with Clara: +4% to 40%. Trust-building physical contact detected. Emotional synchronization improving,"* Asha updated with what sounded suspiciously like satisfaction.
Asha: "Clara's blush intensity: Code Crimson. Kael, your arm is now a trust-building device. Note: Prolonged contact may cause her to spontaneously combust or propose. Either way, my data logs are thrilled."
Kael: "Asha, I-I think she's just nervous?" He protested mentally.
Sera had been pushed against Kael from behind, her body molding to his back in ways that made rational thought extremely difficult. Her sports bra, already rendered translucent by the persistent humidity, clung to curves that seemed designed to drive him to distraction. The tsundere glare she typically wore had softened into something more vulnerable, more human.
"Watch your hands, idiot," she muttered, but the words lacked her usual sharp tone. Her blush betrayed her true feelings, spreading down her neck and disappearing beneath the translucent fabric that concealed nothing.
Kael's Accidental Charm skill chose that moment to activate, causing his hand to slip as he adjusted his grip on the bloodied pipe. His palm brushed against the curve of Sera's chest, the contact electric and immediate.
Asha: "Critical hit! Kael, your hand has achieved a 95% accuracy rate for Sera's… tactical zones. Tsundere backlash probability: 62%. Recommendation: Grovel, but make it cute—your survival depends on it."
"S-Sera, I'm sorry!" he grovels around her feet, his face crimson with embarrassment.
Sera's amber eyes went wide, her breath catching in her throat. When she spoke, her voice was huskier than he'd ever heard it, rough with suppressed emotion.
Sera: "Hmmp... Useless." The admission seemed to surprise her as much as it did him.
Kael: 'Asha I think you're advised work.' he celebrated in his mind.
*"Affinity with Sera: +3% to 35%. Accidental intimate contact registered as positive interaction. Ecchi Event successfully navigated,"* Asha noted with clinical precision that somehow managed to sound pleased.
[Additional Ecchi Event Activated:] As the group adjusted in the alcove, another tremor rocked the Vault, forcing them even closer. Kael's foot caught on a loose panel, and he lurched forward, his hands flailing to maintain his balance. His palms landed on Rosa's hips, his fingers brushing the exposed skin where her cryo-suit had torn further, revealing the smooth curve of her waist.
At the same moment, his shoulder pressed against Clara's chest, her bra's damp fabric offering little barrier, while Sera's thighs grazed his back, her sports bra shifting to reveal a hint of under curve.
"Nyaaah!"Rosa purred, her boobs bouncing as she leaned into Kael's touch.
Rosa: "Oh, hero, you're getting bold," she teased, her fingers trailing up his arm. Clara gasped, her blush intensifying, but her hand tightened on his, a shy spark in her eyes. Sera's breath hitched, her tsundere facade cracking as she muttered,
Sera: "Clumsy idiot," though her flush deepened, her body lingering against his.
Asha: "Kael, you've upgraded Accidental Charm to Accidental Harem Magnet. Triple-contact event logged—Rosa's hips, Clara's chest, Sera's thighs. Affinity spikes detected across the board. Warning: Oxygen levels in this alcove are dropping, likely due to collective blushing. Recommendation: Exit before you trigger a romantic singularity."
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Phoenix Core HUD Notification:
[LEVEL UP! Skill Mastery Achieved: Accidental Charm → Accidental Harem Magnet (Max Level)]
"Through repeated, fortuitous physical interactions, Subject 01 has transcended mortal clumsiness to become a beacon of unintended allure. The Phoenix Core acknowledges this… peculiar talent."
Skill Effect: Accidental Harem Magnet (Passive, Max Lv. 5)
• +25% chance to trigger Ecchi Events in close proximity to female allies.
• +15% affinity gained during physical contact scenarios.
• +10% Charm stat in all social interactions, boosting group morale by 5%.
- Special Ability: Harem Synergy Pulse – Once per 24 hours, Kael can emit a subtle aura that increases all ally affinities by 5% and reduces hostility by 20% for 10 minutes.
Cooldown: 24 hours.
Stat Boost: Charm +10, Agility -5 (due to increased distraction risk).
Achievement Unlocked: Magnet of Mayhem – +150 EXP for mastering a skill through sheer, accidental charisma.
Warning: Accidental Harem Magnet amplifies romantic tension. Probability of jealousy conflicts: 30%. Recommend heightened situational awareness to avoid… complications.
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Asha: "Congratulations, Kael, you've officially weaponized your awkwardness. Accidental Harem Magnet is now your signature move, turning every stumble into a romantic plot twist. My data logs are bursting with pride—or possibly second-hand embarrassment. Recommendation: Practice Harem Synergy Pulse in a less… suffocating environment, lest you ignite a love-fueled supernova."
Kael: "Oh no, upgraded? They will think I'm a pervert now, Asha, what do I do?!" His mental voice was nervousness creeping up to him, his panic soaring as he tried to disentangle himself of embarrassment.
Asha: "Kael, your Accidental Harem Magnet upgrade has a 92% chance of being misinterpreted as perversion, but let's be honest, your blushing innocence is disarming. Recommendation: Flash that puppy-dog stare and plead ignorance. It's worked on Clara 87% of the time. Warning: Rosa's giggle suggests she's already plotting to exploit this."
Kael: "Puppy-dog stare? Asha, I'm not a puppy." He protested in his mind"
Kael's mental voice trailed off, his cheeks still blazing as he tried to shrink into the alcove's rusted wall.
Rosa's quiet giggle echoed in his ears, her fingers lingering on his arm, sending his HUD into a frenzy: [Heart Rate: 32% above baseline. Charm Effect Active.]
Clara's hand, still intertwined with his, trembled slightly. Even Sera, pressed against his back, let out a faint huff.
Kael: "I-Im not a pervert," Kael stammered aloud as he met their gazes, "I'd never… you know, do anything to make you think I'm… that guy." His dark eyes were wide almost pleading. Clara's lips curved into a gentle smile.
Clara: "We know, Kael," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "W-we.. trust you.." Her blush deepened.
Rosa leaned closer, her cryo-suit straining, her boobs brushing his arm as she teased, "Oh, hero, we're just messing with you. Mostly." Her wink sparked another flush across Kael's face.
Sera rolled her eyes, her silver hair catching the emergency light as she shifted, her sports bra still clinging. "Hmmp.. What an idiot," she muttered, her shoulder lingering against his.
Asha's voice chimed in his mind, dripping with smug amusement: "Kael, your puppy-dog stare achieved an 84% success rate. Affinity micro-spikes detected: Clara +2%, Rosa +1%, Sera +1%. Congratulations on not imploding. Now, perhaps focus on the mission before Rosa escalates to 'private consultation' mode."
Kael swallowed hard, his heart steadying as he glanced at the hatch ahead, the group's closeness, their trust to him despite teasing, reminded him of the bigger picture—the 11 girls in cryo, waiting for salvation. He took a deep breath.
Kael: "Those girls in the pods," he said, his voice carrying that particular blend of sincerity and determination that made people want to follow him into hell. "They're like us, right? Whatever it takes, however long it takes, we'll wake them up. We'll find out who they are and why they're here."
His words seemed to ease the tension that had been building, that subtle anxiety about their mysterious companions and the responsibilities that came with their awakening.