— Status Ascension and Surprising Realizations
The morning light caught his reflection, and Dian paused, truly looking at himself.
His face was sharper now, the jawline more defined, a subtle glow to his skin that hadn't been there before. Below the neck, everything had transformed. Once-skinny arms were now lean and muscular. His chest had developed definition, and the sculpted lines of six-pack abs were visible. Broad shoulders completed the transformation.
His body was far from bulky—it was lean, efficient, strong.
"This is awesome," Dian muttered, running his hands down his torso, feeling the strength humming through him. He clenched his fists. He knew instinctively that his strength had doubled.
Almost as if in response to his thought, a soft chime rang.
...
[ Ding! ]
[ Accessing mission details... ]
[ Target: Suzine Nirom
Age: 23
Stage: Grand Mage
Elements: Ice, Water ]
[ Skills:
1. Bizarre Queen: Can summon icy storms. Number depends on mana. Duration: 40 sec.
2. Aqua Shield: Forms a water-based shield capable of blocking even one-stage higher attacks. Duration: 45 sec. ]
[ Mission: Conquer Suzine Nirom!
Duration: 14 Days
Penalty: Failure will result in permanent loss of one random skill. ]
[ Status: Completed! ]
[ Calculating rewards... ]
[ Rewards:
1. Host's stage has increased!
2. Skill "Bizarre Queen-King" acquired!
Earned: 100 Love Points (L.P.) ]
...
Dian's eyes widened. "Suzine has two elements too? That's rare... most only awaken one."
His mind flicked back to his own awakening. Seven elements... what do they even call someone like me?
Another chime cut into his thoughts.
...
[ Ding! ]
[ Condition fulfilled - System Store (Unlocked!) ]
An interface bloomed before him, like an online shop. Four tabs: Skills, Weapons, Armors, Potions. He clicked on 'Skills.'
[ Skills:
1. Mana Integration - Doubles host's mana. (250 L.P.)
2. Stamina Flow - Boosts stamina by 50. Enhances sperm regeneration. (150 L.P.)
3. Impregnation - Grants control over conception. (50 L.P.)
4. Fist God - Grants supreme hand-to-hand combat mastery. (500 L.P.)
Current Balance: 100 L.P. ]
...
"Some of these are actually... useful," Dian mused.
He hesitated at first, but the idea of birth control appealed to his reason. I don't want a child right now...
Before he could act, the System spoke up, tone bright and cheerful.
"Congratulations, Host! For your first time shopping, a 50% discount is applied! (Only valid today)"
Without hesitation, Dian purchased two skills:
[ Purchase initiated... ]
[ Impregnation: 50 → 25 L.P.
Stamina Flow: 150 → 75 L.P.
Total: 100 L.P. ]
[ Purchase completed! ]
[ Current Balance: 0 L.P. ]
...
Golden light wrapped around him, warm and comforting, sinking into his skin.
Fuuu... Dian exhaled deeply, eyes closed.
He recalled the previous night. Suzine had more stamina than me... and she's a Grand Mage. Without divine awakening, I wouldn't have lasted.
He smiled. "But now, that won't ever be a problem."
He pulled up his stats screen.
...
[ Name: Dian Skyster
Age: 16
Title: Elemental King (Unlocked)
Stage: Novice Mage → Mage 2nd Stage
Elements: Wind Lv2, Fire Lv1, Water Lv2, Earth Lv1, Ice Lv2, Thunder Lv1, Light Lv1
Attributes:
Strength: 88/100
Agility: 90/100
Defense: 89/100
Stamina: 155/300
Mana: 196/300
Skills:
Lust Incarnate
Elemental Zone
Bizarre King
Stamina Flow
Impregnation ]
...
"Hmm, now these are some good stats," he said with a grin, dismissing the interface.
He walked into the bathroom. The remnants of last night's sweat and scent still clung to him. After a long, refreshing bath, he changed into a black jacket and pants.
Suzine lay peacefully asleep. Dian walked to her and gently kissed her forehead. She stirred, smiling in her sleep, murmuring softly.
His heart warmed.
He quietly left, not wanting to disturb her rest.
The castle was quiet. Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows. Ancestral paintings lined the walls, and a soft breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers.
As Dian made his way down the hall, the servants who caught a glimpse of him nearly dropped their trays.
"Was that… the young lord?" one maid whispered, eyes wide.
"He looks like a completely different person!" another gasped.
"Did you see those shoulders? And that jawline—he's like a prince from a tale!"
"No, he's more than that. He's like... a god come down in mortal form!"
Some blushed. Others whispered behind walls. One even giggled into her apron, cheeks beet red.
The gossip spread like wildfire. From the maids to the gardeners, from guards at the gates to the cooks in the kitchen.
Even among the secret guards posted in hidden corners, one muttered, "I'd recognize that aura anywhere. He's awakened something powerful."
When Dian entered the dining hall, the massive doors parted with a creak. The smell of fresh food filled the air. Maids worked quietly, and his butler, Jones, stood at the ready beside his chair.
As Dian sat down, the butler bowed. "Everything is ready, Young Lord."
"Good," Dian replied. "We leave for the closest field manager after breakfast."
Jones nodded, still absorbing the transformation before him.
I knew he would take after Lady Skyster... but I never imagined he'd become this... striking, he thought.
Dian ate with calm dignity, unaware of the whispers still echoing through the halls.
When breakfast ended, Dian stood. "Let's go."
Jones followed without hesitation.
Outside, the grand carriage waited. Black wood, golden trim, drawn by two majestic white horses.
As they approached, Dian paused. "Oh, by the way. How much land do we own again?"
Jones blinked, surprised. Didn't lord already know that?
"Exactly 325 hectares, Young Lord."
Dian looked over his shoulder, eyes unreadable, and then continued walking toward the carriage.
The guards bowed as he passed, their eyes spoke of loyalty, firmness and good training, but a tiny awe or wonder could be seen in them as Dian passed.
But inside, Dian's mind was blown.
Three hundred and twenty-five hectares?! This was too much land ana literally too much.
The scope of his responsibility — and potential — had never felt more real.