CHAPTER 42: ARRIVING AT THE GUILD

When he smiled at them, as if he could feel their gazes, their hearts beat faster. And something new—unsettling, intimate, dangerous—began to bloom inside them.

Something that, with time... would flourish.

The meal passed peacefully. The atmosphere seemed more fragrant and sweet, as if the scents mingled with the hidden thoughts of each of the women present. There were smiles, but also heavy silences. There was desire in the midst of breakfast, but it was subtle, pulsing like an underground current that refused to fade. Each of them—Astrid, Isis, Stella, Sylvia, Zia, and Sofia—was immersed in her own contemplation, trying to digest not just the food... but also the feelings growing in their hearts.

Desire. Longing. Attachment.

No matter how much they tried to maintain composure, the young man at the center of it all had become the new gravitational point of their lives. He had become... inevitable.

Finally, once everyone was satisfied—at least physically—it was time to begin the day. But this wasn’t just the start of another routine morning. It was a milestone. A turning point. An invisible transition that would leave emotional scars on everyone there.

Not only in Aziz’s life, but also in the life of each woman around him.

Today was the day he would finally become an adventurer. The day he would, for the first time, step beyond the limits of familial protection and into the vast, unpredictable outside world.

Aziz, leaning comfortably back in his chair, felt the firm presence of Astrid and Isis on either side of him—like two forces that had always been by his side, and now had become the hardest bonds to leave behind. And yet, a vibrant, electrifying excitement surged through his body. He couldn’t contain the gleam in his eyes, the restlessness in his hands, the faint smile that insisted on forming on his lips.

"So... now that we’re done eating, can we go to the guild?" he asked, his voice overflowing with youthful enthusiasm, but with a hint of mature resolve.

However, the moment those words left his mouth, the mood at the table changed.

The sweet, warm, and silently sensual air that had filled the room was suddenly swept away by an invisible gust of reality. It was as if the spell of that morning had been broken. As if they had all been awakened from a comforting dream and thrown back into the discomfort of the inevitable.

The expressions that had been light and serene became heavy. The smiles slowly faded. Zia pressed her lips together and looked away. Sofia, who had barely eaten, let her fork fall gently onto her plate. Sylvia subtly furrowed her brow. Astrid lowered her gaze. And Isis... Isis simply tightened her grip on his arm.

They weren’t ready to let him go. None of them were.

Sensing the tension his words had caused, Aziz let out a long sigh. His excitement had dimmed, but not disappeared.

"Come on, guys... it’s not like I’m leaving forever," he said, trying to smile lightly. "I promise I’ll come back in one piece. Stronger. And... missing you."

Astrid and Isis tightened their arms around his at almost the same time. An instinctive, protective, possessive gesture. Aziz looked at both of them with affection, a soft and genuine smile on his lips. It was strange... but also comforting. To know he was so cherished, so needed, that even his brief absence stirred such emotion.

He felt loved.

With tenderness, he leaned forward slightly and placed a gentle kiss on each of their foreheads, locking eyes with them afterward. It wasn’t just a gesture of affection. It was a silent farewell. A firm affirmation of his decision.

Even without words, both of them understood. He had already made his choice. And no plea, no tight embrace, would change that.

They simply sighed, resigned. But it didn’t take long for them to smile again, sharing in the determined glow that had always existed within him. Because deep down, they knew: he needed to do this. Not for them. But for himself.

"Ahem." Stella cleared her throat softly, her voice cutting through the silence with elegance. Instantly, all eyes turned to her.

Sitting with perfect posture, as always, Stella looked like a goddess among mortals. Her six reddish tails swayed gently behind her, undulating like hypnotic flaming ribbons.

"As Aziz said. Since we’ve finished eating, we should head to the guild now," she stated, her voice carrying the firmness of a ruler. But even within her firmness, there was a note of restrained sadness. A well-hidden hesitation... yet real.

Sylvia simply sighed and rose with silent grace. She passed by Aziz, and their eyes met. There was something in her gaze—a silent warning, a promise, perhaps a plea. He simply nodded with a smile. Words weren’t needed.

Sofia and Zia also stood. Their eyes remained fixed on Aziz, as if silently begging him to stay just a little longer. Just one more moment. One more minute inside the safe bubble they had created together.

He smiled at them with that gentle calm that seemed to say, "It’s going to be okay."

They looked back at him, eyes slightly irritated and flushed. But there was acceptance in their gaze. Irritation or not, they would support him.

With everyone ready, they made their way to the palace entrance. Stella, with a refined gesture of her hand, activated her spatial ring and materialized her luxurious carriage—a magical masterpiece worthy of a queen.

Once they were all comfortably settled, the carriage set off.

Through the enchanted windows, they could see the bustling streets of the city. Men and women of various races came and went, carrying weapons, goods, or dreams. Magic drifted through the air like a breeze. It was the beating heart of a world that never slept.

Aziz watched it all with sparkling eyes. Fascinated by how everyone, despite their differences, seemed to live in apparent harmony.

After a few minutes of travel, they finally arrived.

"We’re here... let’s go," said Stella, breaking the silence inside the carriage.

"Haah... let’s do this," Aziz replied, the first to rise.

The others followed. Stella made a magical gesture, and the door opened automatically.

And then, as they stepped outside, they were met by whispers. Murmurs. Amazement.

The carriage was unmistakable. Everyone knew who it belonged to.

And there she was, walking beside a young man unknown to most, yet carrying an unsettling magnetism within him.

Aziz, at her side, cast a brief glance her way—short, but filled with admiration. It was easy for the inattentive to think that ruling Aklabeth was simply about being stronger than everyone else. That brute strength alone was enough to command. But Aziz knew that a ruler who leads through strength alone may inspire obedience—but never respect. And that kind of reign has an expiration date.

Because if, one day, that ruler vanishes—or others of equal power arise—their empire risks crumbling like a sandcastle in the wind.

Lady Stella, however, was different. She didn’t rely solely on her strength. Her rule was built on something far more enduring: a rare combination of power, charisma, intelligence, and cunning. A woman like her would never be forgotten. Even in absence, her presence would be felt—and her legacy, feared.

She, noticing his gaze, raised her chin with quiet pride. Their eyes met, and a rare smile touched her lips.

Aziz smiled back discreetly. But without realizing—or perhaps not caring—his smile caused a minor collective collapse among the surrounding adventurers. Hearts raced. Eyes sparkled.

His beauty was undeniable. But it was his presence... that drew them most.

Before them, the Guild rose like a monument to adventure. The structure blended medieval architecture with advanced magical technology. Silver-stained glass pulsed with enchanted light. Pillars black as obsidian held the building aloft. It was imposing, beautiful, and full of mystery.

The main hall buzzed with adventurers coming and going.

Aziz was mesmerized. There was so much to explore in that world. So much to learn. So much to conquer.

He exchanged glances with the women at his side—each one regal in her own way. And after Stella stored the carriage with a simple gesture, he nodded.

And together, like a procession of nobles, they stepped through the Guild’s gates.

The first step, he knew... was only the beginning.

---

Author’s Note

Hey, how are you? It’s the author here, just dropping by quickly!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately... and I wanted to share something special with you.

I have a few ideas for a brand-new novel — something bold, intense, and full of narrative potential. The working title would be:

"Parallel World: Enslaving Women in the Apocalypse."

But hold on! Despite the provocative title, the story won’t be about forcing or abusing anyone. Quite the opposite. My intention is to explore a deep, provocative, and complex dynamic, where the bonds between the protagonist and the women around him are built through charisma, emotional tension, moral choices, and mutual desire, all set in a world torn apart by chaos and survival.

What really sets this story apart?

The system.

It’s not just about copying or sharing abilities. Nor is it focused solely on dual cultivation like you see in so many other stories.

I’m thinking of something deeper: in this world, every person would carry within them an "essence" — something unique and meaningful that defines the very core of their existence.

This essence would be shaped by a person’s past, personality, traumas, desires, and choices.

And somehow, the protagonist would be able to access and gather these different essences — not to exploit them, but to transform himself, to grow... and to influence those around him in return.

Each woman would have a distinct essence. Complex. Unforgettable.

And that’s where the real beauty of the story lies — in how these essences meet, clash, connect... or refuse to be touched.

To be honest, I’m still developing the idea.

I’m a new writer, filled with thoughts that just keep spinning. If you saw the number of notes I have stored on my phone — not to mention the ones scribbled in my notebooks — you’d probably be shocked. Sometimes I can’t even keep up with my own mind, but I keep writing because this gives me life.

So, I wanted to ask:

Would you follow me on this new journey?

If your answer is yes, that would make me truly happy — and motivated to bring another intense, thought-provoking, and unforgettable story to life, just for you.

Thanks for reading this far.

See you in the next Chapter!