CHAPTER 43: LEVLING UP II (R18)

[New Skill Unlocked – Ancient Light Magic: Gleaming Halo]

Summons a radiant halo that orbits the caster, damaging nearby enemies every 2 seconds. Lasts 10 seconds. Deals 50% magic damage as Light damage and purges minor curses. Mana Cost: 80. Cooldown: 220s

[New Skill Unlocked – Ancient Dark Magic: Abyssal Grasp]

Summons dark hands from the ground to hold enemies in place, reducing movement speed by 50% and applying stacking DoT for 6 seconds. Mana Cost: 700. Cooldown: 180s

"Hmm, Puddle, your new skills are really great," Rhys said, admiring the glow pulsing around the floating slime.

But the notifications weren’t over yet. Another series of system prompts appeared in front of his eyes, more golden than usual—signaling something significant.

[New Class Skills Unlocked:]

✦ Ancient Tamer Class Skill: Eye of the Ancients

Allows the host to channel the power of an Ancient Seer. Grants vision beyond normal limits.

– Can see through most illusions

– Can detect true states of any being (within level 100 gap limit)

– Special Effect: While using the Eye of the Ancients, the host can glimpse possible evolution paths of beasts—except those of Ancient beasts.

Mana Cost: 500 (Active Duration: 5 minutes)

Cooldown: 15 minutes

✦ Akashi Ruler Class Skill: Predator’s Archive

The gaze of a dominant predator—nothing escapes its judgment.

– Reveals weaknesses of any creature below level gap of 250

– When targeting exposed weak points, physical and magical attacks deal 100% critical damage

Mana Cost: 2000

Cooldown: 30 minutes

Rhys whistled low. "Eye of the Ancients... and Predator’s Archive? Now that sounds like some overpowered stuff."

"Good. Do you know what it means, Puddle?" he asked, glancing at the glowing slime.

Puddle, as always, answered with a cheerful "Kyuuu!" and wobbled cutely against his shoulder like a blob of living light.

Rhys chuckled. "Guess that means we’re about to steamroll our way to the next level, huh?"

He raised his hand with a grin—only for a sudden chime to interrupt the moment.

[You have exceeded the daily login time limit.]

[Automatic logout in progress...]

"...Or not," Rhys muttered as a gentle pulse ran through his body, pixels unraveling his virtual form.

The next instant, he was back in reality.

He pulled off his VR gear slowly, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the golden light of evening. The breeze from the open window carried the scent of rain on sun-warmed concrete—faint but nostalgic.

"Pity..." he whispered to himself, staring out at the sky. "It’s going to be destroyed in just Four years..."

He didn’t finish the sentence. Instead, he reached for the glass of wine beside his desk, swirling it gently before taking a slow sip.

There were still monsters to fight. Beasts to tame. And secrets to uncover in FLO.

Click...

The door opened as a beautiful woman stepped inside. She had perfect curves, wore stylish glasses, and moved with a graceful, sensual air. She was his secretary—though in the original game novel, she had been a powerful heroine who built her own empire. But Rhys, knowing the story’s future, had taken a different path and recruited her early to work by his side.

"Young Master, I’ve brought today’s reports and files," she said softly, walking in as he leaned back, his shirt unbuttoned to reveal his toned, muscular torso.

"Mia, are you playing the game—Final Life Online?" he asked casually.

She nodded with a slight blush. "Yes, after you told me to try it, Master, I’ve been playing it regularly."

He smiled. "So, what class did you end up with?"

She stepped closer as he gently held her short, soft blonde hair, stroking her head affectionately.

"I got a powerful hidden class—it’s called Snow Mystic Queen. I originally started as an Ice Mage," she said, eyes shy but sparkling.

Rhys wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned in. Their lips met—slow at first, then deeper, more passionate. Mia responded in kind, wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed him back with equal intensity.

Rhys deepened the kiss, exploring the sweetness within. Mia moaned softly, her fingers tracing the contours of his chest. He gently unbuttoned the rest of his shirt, letting it fall open completely. He then moved to the buttons of her blouse, his fingers nimble despite the rising heat. With a soft click, the fabric parted, revealing the lace of her bra beneath.

Their kisses grew more fervent, punctuated by small gasps. He trailed kisses down her neck, eliciting shivers of pleasure. Mia tugged at his belt, and he quickly unfastened it, letting the buckle fall with a soft thud. He moved his hands to the hem of her skirt, slowly lifting it as she met his gaze, her eyes filled with a mixture of desire and anticipation.

"Go close the door, it’s been a week since the last time I’ve given you some of my personal time," he said as she nodded. She walked to the door, closed it, and then returned to him. He picked her up, putting her on the table as he continued.

He stood before her, a possessive gleam in his eyes. The contrast of her delicate frame perched on the sturdy desk only heightened the intimacy of the moment. He cupped her face, his thumbs gently tracing her cheekbones. "You know how much I’ve missed this, Mia," he murmured, his voice husky with desire.

He lowered his head, kissing her again, a slow, sensual exploration that ignited a fire within them both. One hand trailed down her throat, across her collarbone, and lingered at the edge of her lace bra. He traced the outline of her breasts, feeling the rapid rise and fall of her breath.

Mia arched slightly, granting him freer access. He unclipped the front of her bra, letting it fall open. He admired her beauty for a moment, her soft skin flushed with arousal. Then, he leaned in, taking one nipple into his mouth, gently sucking and teasing. Mia gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

He moved to the other breast, lavishing the same attention, alternating between gentle nibbles and passionate sucks. Mia’s head fell back, her blonde hair cascading down her back. "Rhys..." she breathed, her voice thick with pleasure.

He trailed his kisses down her stomach, his hands exploring the curve of her hips. He reached the waistband of her skirt, slowly pulling it down, revealing the delicate lace of her panties beneath. He paused, looking up at her, a question in his eyes. She nodded, her gaze unwavering, her desire palpable.