Chapter 167: Level 59 Of Harem God System

Lunch drew to a close, leaving behind a deceptive calm. Beneath the polite exchanges and shared meals, a current of unspoken awareness flowed between Alaric and Cassandra. Alaric, with a nonchalant air and a murmured excuse about pressing engagements, made his preparations to depart for his scheduled rendezvous with Brita Kuusk.

’Right, time to switch gears,’ Alaric mused internally, mentally pivoting away from the morning’s intimate chaos and towards the afternoon’s strategic maneuvering. ’Brita Kuusk time. Let’s see what intel she’s dug up on the Phantom Assembly’s demon dealings. Time to get some concrete info.’

As he moved through the familiar corridors of the Steele Family estate, a well-worn path in his daily routine, Alaric instinctively accessed his Harem God System. It was a habitual action, a quick status check to gauge his progress and collect the digital spoils of his… recent victories. Immediately, a cascade of notifications flooded his vision, a digital ticker-tape parade celebrating the night’s rather unconventional achievements.

[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully claimed the virginity of Fiora Galanis.]

[+5,500,000 Experience Points.]

A smirk tugged at Alaric’s lips, a flicker of genuine satisfaction briefly eclipsing his usual strategic focus. ’Not a bad opening move,’ he thought, acknowledging the system’s generous reward for Fiora’s… initiation. ’Five and a half million just for the cherry? This system definitely understands the value of a good start.’

Another notification swiftly followed the first, confirming the ongoing benefits of his interactions with his niece; the system was nothing if not thorough.

[Congratulations, Host. You have engaged in a second instance of intimate activity with Fiora Galanis.]

[+3,500,000 Experience Points.]

’And another three and a half million for round two,’ Alaric calculated mentally, the experience points tallying up nicely in his mind. ’Nine million experience points total from Fiora. Decent for a morning’s light work. Still, Cassandra… she’s the real prize here.’

He scrolled further down the notification stream, mentally bracing himself for the inevitable deluge of accolades related to his aunt. The system, predictably, did not disappoint, unleashing a torrent of digital praise and experience point allocations, each notification meticulously detailing the multifaceted nature of his encounter with Cassandra.

[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully manipulated Cassandra Galanis into perceiving you as a desirable romantic partner, despite her initial resistance and awareness of your familial relation.]

[+1,000,000 Experience Points.]

A soft chuckle escaped Alaric’s lips as he acknowledged the system’s clinical assessment of his psychological manipulation. ’A million for playing mind games. Can’t argue with that,’ he mused, appreciating the system’s nuanced recognition of the subtle art of emotional manipulation. ’Gotta respect a system that values psychological warfare as much as raw power.’

The digital accolades continued to scroll, meticulously dissecting the specifics of his prolonged encounter with Cassandra while operating under the guise of ’Edwin’.

[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully engaged in intimate activity with Cassandra Galanis for three rounds while maintaining the persona of ’Edwin’, preventing her from realizing your true identity as her nephew, Alaric Steele.]

[Round 1 as ’Edwin’ – +10,000,000 Experience Points.]

[Round 2 as ’Edwin’ – +5,000,000 Experience Points.]

[Round 3 as ’Edwin’ – +3,000,000 Experience Points.]

’Now we’re getting somewhere,’ Alaric thought, his smirk widening into a full-fledged grin as he absorbed the substantial experience point rewards for his carefully orchestrated deception. ’Eighteen million experience points just for keeping Auntie in the dark and playing the lovestruck fool. Deception truly is a lucrative skill for this Harem God System.’

The system then acknowledged the pivotal moment of revelation, the dramatic unveiling of his true identity, the point where the carefully constructed charade shattered, and Cassandra was forced to confront the shocking truth of her lover’s identity.

[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully mentally destabilized Cassandra Galanis by revealing your true identity as her nephew, Alaric Steele, during intimate activity, causing significant psychological distress and emotional breakdown.]

[+5,000,000 Experience Points.]

’Five million more for the mental fracture,’ Alaric tallied, mentally adding to his rapidly growing sum. ’Auntie really did unravel spectacularly. Guess that ingrained family loyalty is a genuine weakness. Useful information to know.’

The notifications continued their detailed breakdown, methodically acknowledging the subsequent rounds of intimacy, the moments where Cassandra wrestled with the horrifying reality of their taboo connection.

[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully engaged in intimate activity with Cassandra Galanis while she was consciously aware of your true identity as her nephew, further solidifying your dominance and breaking down her remaining resistance.]

[+3,000,000 Experience Points.]

’Another three million for the nephew-aunt dynamic,’ Alaric mused, a hint of dark amusement coloring his internal commentary. ’The system is really emphasizing the taboo aspect. Incest, it seems, is a significant experience point multiplier. Who knew?’

Finally, the system delivered a comprehensive summary, encompassing the extended duration of their encounter, the sheer stamina displayed, and the subsequent power dynamic established in the aftermath, including the bath and the subtle manipulation in the living room.

[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully engaged in further intimate activity with Cassandra Galanis for an extended duration (eighteen rounds), including post-coital interactions in the bathing chamber, and established a dominant-submissive dynamic predicated on secrecy and the promise of power, solidifying your control over her and her future actions.]

[+12,000,000 Experience Points.]

’Twelve million more for the all those rounds and then that agreement,’ Alaric concluded, completing his mental calculations with a satisfied nod. ’Thirty-nine million experience points from Aunt Cassandra in total. Combined with Fiora’s nine million, that brings us to… forty-eight million experience points just from the Galanis women. Not a shabby return for a single night’s work, even by my increasingly elevated standards.’

He mentally added the substantial gains from Cassandra and Fiora to the twenty million experience points he had already accumulated over the preceding week – the spoils from Lyra, Iridelle, and Rosalind. The grand total surged to an impressive sixty-eight million experience points, a truly staggering figure.

’Sixty-eight million experience points burning a hole in my digital pocket,’ Alaric mused, a predatory grin slowly spreading across his face, his ruby eyes gleaming with anticipation. ’Time to cash in this windfall and ascend to the next level.’

Without a moment’s hesitation, Alaric accessed the system’s level-up function, channeling the vast reservoir of accumulated experience points directly into his own magical core.

An immediate, visceral surge of raw power erupted through his veins, a palpable expansion of his magical reserves, a tangible and exhilarating amplification of his already formidable abilities as a Grand Mage.

[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully leveled up from Level 52 to Level 59.]

[Current Level: Level 59.]

’Seven levels in a single leap,’ Alaric noted with undisguised satisfaction, reveling in the potent surge of magical energy now coursing through him. ’Just one more level to reach the coveted Level 60 milestone. I wonder what enticing new skill the system will bestow upon me then. Likely something suitably… befitting this Harem God System, no doubt.’

The power augmentation was undeniable, a significant and readily perceptible enhancement of his magical prowess. He felt demonstrably stronger, noticeably faster, his senses acutely attuned to the ambient magical energies that permeated his surroundings. His command over his spells felt sharper, more precise, his overall magical presence radiating with an intensified aura of power and control.

’Level 59 Grand Mage,’ Alaric mentally assessed his newly amplified capabilities, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips. ’I can definitely feel the surge. Power is intoxicating, isn’t it?’

Flush with the potent energy of his recent level up, Alaric wasted no time. He decided to seek out Brita Kuusk immediately.

’Brita should be in her guest room,’ he thought, already heading in that direction. ’Let’s see what intel she’s managed to gather from her Phantom Assembly contacts. Time to figure out their angle on these demons.’

Brita Kuusk, a striking woman with a cascade of dark black hair and piercing emerald green eyes, had been a guest within the Steele Family mansion for several days now. Her presence was a constant reminder of the shadowy world beyond their estate walls.

Since Alaric and the Steele Family had unleashed the Phone upon the wider world, even organizations like the Phantom Assembly had embraced the revolutionary communication device. It was too useful to ignore, even for a clandestine group.

Through this very Phone, Brita had maintained consistent contact with her enigmatic master, Lord Vortan, throughout the past week. She had relayed crucial information about the demon attacks, detailing the terrifying strength of the demonic forces she had witnessed firsthand during the assault on Verdant Dawn Academy.

Naturally, Lord Vortan, ever the opportunist, had issued specific instructions. Brita was to remain with Alaric at the Steele Family estate. More importantly, Vortan himself expressed a keen interest in these newly emerged demons. He wanted a meeting. He wanted to assess their potential. He wanted to determine if the Phantom Assembly could exploit them for their own shadowy purposes.

Today, Alaric found himself approaching the guest room designated for Brita Kuusk. He raised his hand and rapped lightly on the door’s polished surface.

“Brita?” Alaric called out, his voice calm and even. “It’s Alaric. May I come in?”

A moment of silence followed, then Brita’s voice, cool and composed, responded from within. “Enter.”

Alaric turned the handle and stepped into Brita’s guest room. His gaze immediately settled on Brita Kuusk, who stood near the window, the afternoon light catching the emerald highlights in her dark hair.

“Brita,” Alaric began, his tone direct and businesslike. “Have you spoken with Lord Vortan recently? In the past few days, I mean.”

He paused, observing her carefully, gauging her reaction. “I’m curious about the Phantom Assembly’s stance. What are your master’s plans regarding these demons?”

Alaric pressed further, revealing the core of his inquiry. “You’re a high-ranking member. You must have some insight into the Assembly’s future actions. What’s the general direction?”

Brita turned to face Alaric fully, her emerald eyes sharp and assessing. Her expression remained carefully neutral, revealing nothing.

“I cannot divulge information regarding the Phantom Assembly’s actions,” Brita stated, her voice firm and unwavering. “You are, after all, merely an outer member. Such details are not authorized for your level of clearance, Alaric.”

Alaric nodded slowly, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. He had anticipated this response. Brita was nothing if not predictable in her adherence to protocol.

’Expected that,’ Alaric thought, unsurprised by her guarded reply. ’Still had to ask, though. Can’t hurt to try.’

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“I understand, Brita,” Alaric conceded, his tone remaining even and unperturbed. “Security protocols are important, of course.”

He then shifted his line of questioning, narrowing his focus to a more specific, yet still strategically vital, point. “But perhaps,” Alaric continued, his voice carefully measured, “you could at least offer a general indication. A broad stroke, if you will.”

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze intensifying. “Tell me this, Brita. Is the Phantom Assembly likely to align with these demons? Or will they be considered… enemies?”

Alaric emphasized the word ’enemies’, underscoring the critical importance of this distinction for his own strategic calculations. Knowing the Phantom Assembly’s potential stance would be invaluable in charting his own course of action. A powerful dark guild as an ally, or as another potential threat, would drastically alter his future plans.

Brita considered his question for a moment, her emerald eyes narrowed in thought. She seemed to weigh her words carefully, choosing them with precision.

“That matter,” Brita finally responded, her voice carefully neutral, “is yet to be definitively decided. The Assembly’s stance will be… revealed in the coming days. Lord Vortan is still evaluating the situation.”

Her answer was vague, noncommittal, offering little in the way of concrete information. It was a carefully crafted response designed to reveal nothing of substance.

Alaric let out a soft sigh, a sound of mild resignation rather than genuine disappointment. He had gleaned as much as he realistically could from Brita at this juncture.

“Very well,” Alaric said, nodding once more, his tone accepting. “Thank you for your time, Brita.”

He turned to leave, his purpose in visiting her room fulfilled, even if the information gained was minimal. “That was all I needed to ask.”

With a final nod to Brita, Alaric exited her guest room, closing the door softly behind him. He immediately retrieved his own communication device, the sleek Phone humming faintly in his hand. His thoughts turned to another, potentially more forthcoming, source of information within the Phantom Assembly.

’Zylle Mordan,’ Alaric thought, scrolling through his contacts until he found her name. ’She’s higher up the ladder than Brita. And she owes me a favor. Time to call in that debt.’

Zylle Mordan, a woman of formidable power and influence within the Phantom Assembly, was also, conveniently, Alaric’s direct superior within the organization’s convoluted hierarchy.

Their relationship, while strictly professional, held a certain degree of mutual respect, forged in the fires of shared objectives and successful collaborations.

Their last significant interaction had occurred nearly a month prior. Alaric had provided Zylle with a cunning strategy, a carefully laid trap designed to expose a high-ranking Assembly member who had been operating against the organization’s interests. This rogue element had been building a personal power base, diverting resources and undermining the Assembly’s overarching goals.

Alaric’s strategy had proven remarkably effective. The trap had sprung perfectly, successfully flushing out the rogue operative. However, in a frustrating twist, the operative, cloaked in mysterious magical equipment to keep his identity concealed, had managed to evade capture at the last moment.

Despite Zylle’s best efforts, the mysterious figure had slipped through their fingers, disappearing without a trace.

Despite this near miss, Zylle had recognized the brilliance of Alaric’s strategic mind.

She had correctly assessed that the escaped operative possessed immense martial prowess, likely ranking among the Martial Kings, a level of strength equivalent to her own Archmage rank.

While the identity of this traitorremained elusive, Zylle understood that Alaric’s contribution had been invaluable. She had expressed genuine gratitude to her subordinate, acknowledging the effectiveness of his plan.

Now, Alaric initiated a call to Zylle. He tapped her contact icon on his Phone, and after a brief ringing tone, Zylle’s image materialized on the screen. Her expression, as always, was sharp and intelligent, her eyes assessing him with keen interest.

“Alaric,” Zylle greeted him, her voice cool and businesslike, yet holding a hint of acknowledgment. “What is the purpose of this communication?”

Alaric wasted no time on pleasantries, cutting straight to the heart of his inquiry. He posed the same question he had just presented to Brita Kuusk, mirroring his previous line of questioning almost verbatim.

“Zylle,” Alaric began, his tone direct and professional, carefully omitting any mention of his prior conversation with Brita. “I am seeking information regarding the Phantom Assembly’s response to the recent emergence of demons. What is the Assembly’s stance on this new development?”

He paused, allowing his question to sink in, then elaborated slightly. “What is Lord Vortan’s assessment of the situation? What are the Phantom Assembly’s projected actions regarding these demonic forces?”

Unlike Brita Kuusk’s carefully guarded and evasive response, Zylle Mordan offered a significantly more detailed and revealing answer. Her reply confirmed Alaric’s suspicions about Lord Vortan’s opportunistic nature and the Phantom Assembly’s inherently pragmatic approach to power.

“Lord Vortan,” Zylle revealed, her voice taking on a note of intrigue, “is… quite fascinated by the sudden appearance of these demons. Intrigued, and… interested.”

She paused, allowing her words to have their full impact. “Considering the demonstrable strength of these demonic entities, and their considerable numbers – tens of thousands, capable of overwhelming even a powerful institution like Verdant Dawn Academy – Lord Vortan is… exploring potential avenues of interaction.”

Zylle leaned slightly closer to the communication device, her expression becoming more intense, more conspiratorial.

“In light of the fact,” she continued, her voice dropping to a near whisper, “that the dark magic utilized by the Phantom Assembly, indeed, the very foundation of Lord Vortan’s power, has always drawn inspiration, and perhaps even direct lineage, from the inherent abilities of the demonic race… Lord Vortan is, shall we say, exceptionally keen to engage in a… preliminary meeting. A discussion, if you will, with the leadership of this… demonic force.”

~~

Alaric’s thumb hovered over the ’end call’ icon on his Phone for a split second before decisively tapping it. Zylle Mordan’s image vanished from the screen, leaving Alaric alone with the implications of her words.

’So, Vortan’s playing it cool,’ Alaric thought, a wry smile twisting his lips. ’Figures. Phantom Assembly, always sniffing around for an angle, even with demons at the door.’

He paced the room, his mind already racing, strategizing, calculating. The Phantom Assembly, it seemed, was firmly in the ’wait and see’ camp, more interested in potential demonic alliances than immediate opposition.

’Can’t count on them for backup anytime soon,’ Alaric concluded, letting out a short, sharp breath. ’Strike the Phantom Assembly off the list of reliable demon-fighting allies. At least for now.’

This realization forced a necessary pivot in his thinking. If the shadowy underworld wasn’t going to be a source of support, he needed to look elsewhere, to identify other potential allies in this looming demonic conflict.

’Okay, new plan,’ Alaric mused, his mind already shifting gears, focusing on more dependable resources. ’Who can we count on? Steele Family’s not alone in this fight.’

Fortunately, the Steele Family held a significant position within the Eloriath Kingdom. Their noble status, their long-standing lineage, meant they weren’t isolated. They were part of a larger network, a kingdom with its own defenses and alliances.

’Eloriath Kingdom,’ Alaric thought, a spark of renewed determination igniting within him. ’Military’s a given. Kingdom’s army will have to mobilize. And the other noble families… they’re in this too. Demons aren’t exactly picky about whose lands they invade.’

He mentally ticked off potential sources of support. ’Associations, guilds… maybe some of them will step up. Depends on how directly the demons threaten their bottom line. Gold talks, even in a demon invasion.’

A sense of cautious optimism began to bloom within him. The Phantom Assembly might be unreliable, but the Eloriath Kingdom, with its established structures and vested interests, was a far more promising prospect.

’Kingdom’s military, noble houses, maybe some of the guilds,’ Alaric reiterated, solidifying his revised strategy. ’That’s… something. A starting point, at least. We’re not going into this completely alone.’

With the immediate question of potential allies addressed, at least for the moment, Alaric’s thoughts shifted to the more fundamental, and far more perplexing, question: the demons themselves. Their purpose. Their motivations. Their ultimate objective.

’Demons,’ Alaric pondered, his brow furrowing in concentration. ’What the hell are they even doing?’

The sheer scale of the demonic incursion was undeniable. Tens of thousands of demons, powerful enough to overwhelm a prestigious institution like Verdant Dawn Academy. This wasn’t some minor raid or isolated incursion. This was a full-scale invasion.

’Not just random destruction,’ Alaric reasoned, considering the reports and intel he had gathered. ’If they just wanted to smash and grab, they wouldn’t be… building.’

He had heard of the demons beginning to build a demonic fortress at the site of the former Verdant Dawn Academy.

Create a fortress and not leaving behind ruins. It spoke of planning, of intention, of something far more complex than mindless savagery.

’Fortress at Verdant Dawn,’ Alaric mused, the pieces of the puzzle slowly starting to take shape, though the overall picture remained frustratingly incomplete. ’Demons don’t build fortresses for fun. Or for a quick looting spree.’

He considered the implications. A fortress suggested a long-term strategy, a sustained presence. It wasn’t the behavior of a force simply seeking to wreak havoc and then retreat back to the demonic realms. These demons were here to stay. Or at least, they intended to stay for a significant period.

’They have an objective,’ Alaric concluded, the realization dawning on him with a chilling certainty. ’This isn’t just chaos for chaos’ sake. There’s a reason behind this demon invasion. A plan. A goal.’

But what was it? What could possibly motivate such a massive and coordinated demonic assault? Territory? Resources? Something more sinister, more esoteric? The questions swirled in his mind, unanswered, frustratingly elusive.

’What are they after?’ Alaric wondered, frustration creeping into his thoughts. ’Kingdom’s resources? Magical energy? Souls? Something else entirely?’

He ran through the limited information he possessed, searching for clues, for any detail that might illuminate the demons’ true purpose. The destruction of Verdant Dawn Academy… was that merely a strategic objective, eliminating a potential source of resistance? Or was there a deeper, more symbolic meaning?

’I need to figure out their objective,’ Alaric thought, the urgency of the situation pressing down on him. ’Blindly reacting isn’t going to cut it. We need to understand what they’re planning, what they’re aiming for.’

He sighed again, a deeper, more troubled sound this time. The demons remained an enigma, their motives shrouded in mystery, their intentions unclear. And in the face of such profound uncertainty, strategic planning felt like grasping at shadows.

’Unfortunately, it is impossible to figure that out right now,’ Alaric admitted to himself, a sense of frustration settling in.