CHAPTER 69: PASSIONALITY

It was 3 in the morning. The sky outside was still and black, heavy clouds hanging low like a blanket smothering the stars. The moon was nowhere to be seen. The only light came from the tall torches and glowing blue magic crystals lining the paths of Velmora’s grand castle.

Inside, the castle was alive. Not with peace—but with purpose. Urgency.

The meeting was over, and a decision had been made. There would be war. Not waiting, not defending. Velmora would attack Luminia. First.

And now the entire castle moved like a living beast preparing to strike.

Footsteps echoed everywhere. Guards in metal armor rushed through the halls. Mages in dark robes carried scrolls and staffs, whispering spells to enhance weapons and protect the soldiers. Knights were checking their swords and shields, helping each other tie straps and fix buckles. Spears clashed gently as spearmen tested their grips and practiced movements in the training yard below. Healers were organizing herbs, potions, and bandages in rows, ready to travel with the frontline.

The war machine had awakened.

Orders were shouted from commanders, and flags were being raised. Horses were being prepared in the lower stables, their hooves echoing like thunder. Everyone had a role. Everyone had fear. But everyone moved.

The eastern gates were the busiest. That was the direction of Luminia—the target. Rows of soldiers lined up in the distance, quiet but ready.

Yet the western side wasn’t ignored. Clinton had made it clear—"Attack, but don’t forget to defend."

Strong defense lines were being raised along the borders. Watchtowers were manned. Magic barriers were being weaved along the weak points. The country would not leave itself open, even if the offense failed.

---

Far away, across the eastern hills and rivers, past the borders and forests, lay the shining kingdom of Luminia.

The capital city was calm. At least, on the surface.

But inside one of its towering spires, hidden deep within the shadows, sat a man in a hooded robe. A spy. He knelt before a man in golden armor—General Ardyn, commander of Luminia’s eastern border.

The spy spoke in a soft, cracked voice.

"They’re coming."

Ardyn narrowed his eyes.

"Velmora?"

The spy nodded.

"They made their decision just hours ago. They’re planning to strike first... and they’ve already begun moving."

For a moment, silence filled the cold chamber.

Then Ardyn stood up, his cloak falling behind him like a curtain of war.

"So... Velmora wants to start the fire."

He turned toward the window, looking east. His lips curled slightly—not in fear. But in anticipation.

"Let them come."

...........

Far from the roaring castle, away from the torches, armies, and noise—Daiki now called Evren stood alone.

It was the middle of the night. The land was quiet here. Too quiet. Not even the insects dared to sing. Only the wind whispered through the trees, and even that felt distant.

He stood on a small hill, his hands in his pockets, eyes lifted toward the endless black sky above him.

There was no moon tonight.

No stars.

No answers.

It had been one whole week since his father disappeared. Since William went missing.

No letters.

No clues.

No trail.

Nothing.

Even though William wasn’t his real father—not by blood—it still mattered. It still hurt. In this new world, where everything was strange and unknown, William had been his first anchor. A man who gave him a name, a place, and maybe... a reason.

Daiki took a deep breath, cold air filling his lungs. Then, without saying a word, he raised his right hand in front of him.

A glowing screen blinked into existence—faint blue light floating midair.

Manifestation Imprint System

System Evolution: 0

Manifestation Level: 2

Wish 1: I want to grow taller.

Progress: 200 / 10,000

Wish 2: Become the most powerful man in the world.

Progress: 0 / 1,000,000

He stared at it.

The numbers didn’t move.

The screen didn’t blink.

No power-up. No hidden gift. No secret path unlocked.

Just... silence.

Daiki closed the system. The light faded, and the darkness returned.

He looked up once more at the sky, hoping, just maybe, for a sign.

But the world gave him none.

So he turned. And with slow, quiet steps, walked into the darkness.

.................

In the quiet stillness of the early morning, with the moon hanging low in the sky and the stars playing peek-a-boo behind a veil of clouds, Aric stood on his balcony, feeling the gentle kiss of the cool night breeze on his bare chest.

The soft light from the room behind him painted his well-defined abs with a warm glow, highlighting the contours of his muscular physique.

The whispers of the leaves in the trees were the only sound that filled the air, creating a serene backdrop for the scene unfolding before him.

To his left, Nora lay languidly on a plush outdoor chair, her black hair cascading down like a waterfall, framing her delicate, yet sultry face.

Her eyes were half-closed, a lazy smile playing on her lips, as she inhaled deeply.

Her breasts, full and perky, rose and fell with each breath she took, the thin fabric of her shirt doing little to hide the dark circles of her areolas.

The way the light hit her skin made it seem like it was glowing, a tantalizing sight that was almost hypnotizing.

On his right, Darcy reclined, her chest moving rhythmically with the deep, contented breaths she took.

She was wearing a tight tank top that left nothing to the imagination, her nipples poking out like tiny pebbles.

Her ass looked heavenly, perfectly curved and begging to be touched, the fabric of her shorts hugging her firm cheeks as if they were afraid to let go.

The way she lounged, one leg hiked up, allowed a peek at her inner thigh, a place where the fabric met with smooth, tanned skin.

Aric’s gaze flitted between them, his eyes feasting on the beauty of their relaxed forms. He couldn’t help but appreciate the way Nora’s chest heaved as she took in the night air, the soft jiggle of her breasts a silent symphony that spoke of passion and desire.

And Darcy, with her legs crossed just so, the outline of her panties teasingly visible, a promise of what lay beneath.

The three of them had spent the evening under the influence, sharing laughs and stories, the tension in the room growing thicker with every passing hour.

Now, with the city lights twinkling like distant stars, and the world fast asleep, the erotic energy between them was palpable.

He took a moment to admire the way their bodies moved in harmony with their breaths, the way the shadows danced across their curves, creating an ever-changing canvas of sensuality.

Nora stretched, arching her back, her breasts pushing against the fabric of her shirt. Darcy shifted, her thigh muscles tightening as she adjusted her position, giving him a glimpse of the treasure that awaited him.

The air was ripe with the sweet scent of temptation as Aric felt his pulse quicken. He looked up at the sky, the vast expanse above them seemingly endless. Yet, his focus remained on the heavenly bodies beside him, their allure as irresistible as gravity.

In the end he choose to look at the sky vast and endless , Wisps of Clouds drifted lazily across the sky’s wide canvas , glowing faintly when moonlight touched them .