Chapter 129: Level 50 – Grand Mage

Eskil, having successfully secured the support of Zoran Hylaris and Danica Olendir, wasted no time in setting his plans into motion. He knew that to maintain their loyalty, he had to deliver on his promises. He had to eliminate their rivals.

’Time to put on my cloak-and-dagger hat,’ Eskil thought, a grim smile twisting his lips. ’Though, preferably without the actual cloak. It’s too hot for that.’

He began making preparations, discreetly gathering information about the rivals of Zoran and Danica. He used his position as a Major to access military records, gathering intelligence on their movements, their habits, their weaknesses.

He also utilized some of his loyal subordinates within the military, tasking them with discreet surveillance and reconnaissance. He trusted these individuals implicitly, knowing that they would carry out his orders without question.

’Gotta be careful not to leave any traces,’ Eskil thought, meticulously planning every detail. ’Can’t have the military sniffing around my extracurricular activities.’

He knew that simply eliminating the rivals was the most efficient solution. It would prevent any future complications, any potential challenges to Zoran and Danica’s authority.

’A clean sweep is always the best,’ Eskil mused. ’Dead men tell no tales, after all. Though, I suppose dead women don’t either. It’s an equal opportunity maxim.’

However, he also knew that he couldn’t act alone. Eliminating multiple high-ranking members of influential noble families would attract unwanted attention. He needed assistance, someone with the resources and connections to operate in the shadows.

He decided to contact his master, Gideon. He penned a letter, detailing his plans and requesting his master’s assistance. He emphasized the importance of discretion, stressing the need to avoid any connection to the Phantom Assembly.

The letter was sent through the same dark owl that had delivered Gideon’s previous message, a reliable and discreet messenger. Eskil waited anxiously for a response, confident that his master would provide the necessary support.

Within a few days, the owl returned, carrying a response from Gideon. Eskil retrieved the letter, quickly dismissing his guards before retreating to his tent to read its contents.

“Eskil,” the letter began, “I commend your initiative and your resourcefulness in securing the support of these two heirs. However, I advise against direct elimination, at least for the time being.”

Eskil frowned slightly. ’Direct elimination was the most efficient way,’ he thought. ’Why is Master Gideon advising against it?’

He continued reading, seeking an explanation.

“While eliminating these individuals would certainly solve the immediate problem,” the letter continued, “it would also create unnecessary risks. Their deaths would undoubtedly attract attention, potentially exposing our involvement.”

Eskil nodded slowly. ’That makes sense,’ he thought. ’Master Gideon is always thinking several steps ahead.’

The letter went on to suggest a more… subtle approach.

“Instead of outright killing them,” the letter continued, “we should focus on discrediting them, weakening their influence within their families, and making them appear incompetent or untrustworthy.”

Eskil’s brow furrowed. ’Discrediting them?’ he thought. ’That sounds… complicated. But I trust Master Gideon’s judgment.’

The letter provided further instructions, outlining various methods of achieving this goal.

“We can spread rumors about their personal lives, fabricate evidence of their incompetence, or even manipulate events to make them appear responsible for various failures or mishaps,” the letter explained. “The goal is to erode their support within their families, making them easy targets for removal.”

The letter also addressed the issue of the two heirs that Eskil was supporting.

“Simultaneously,” the letter continued, “we should focus on elevating the status of Zoran and Danica within their respective families. We can provide them with opportunities to showcase their abilities, to demonstrate their leadership skills, and to gain the support of key figures within their families.”

Eskil nodded in understanding. ’That’s a clever strategy,’ he thought. ’By weakening their rivals and strengthening their positions, we can ensure that Zoran and Danica rise to power without any significant opposition.’

The letter then addressed the issue of those rivals who proved to be too troublesome to simply discredit or weaken.

“Of course,” the letter continued, “there may be some individuals who are simply too stubborn or too influential to be dealt with through these methods. In such cases, direct elimination may be necessary. But it should be a last resort, used only when all other options have been exhausted.”

Eskil nodded again, a grim smile returning to his lips. ’So, some heads will still roll,’ he thought. ’Just not as many as I initially planned.’

The letter concluded with a final instruction.

“Maintain contact, Eskil,” the letter ended. “Keep me informed of your progress. And remember, discretion is paramount.”

Eskil rolled up the letter, a thoughtful expression on his face. He understood his master’s instructions perfectly. He had to be subtle, patient, and meticulous in his approach.

’Master Gideon is right,’ he thought. ’Direct action is not always the best solution. Sometimes, a more subtle approach is required.’

He began to revise his plans, incorporating his master’s suggestions. He would focus on discrediting the rivals of Zoran and Danica, using rumors, fabricated evidence, and subtle manipulations to erode their influence.

He would also work to elevate the status of Zoran and Danica, providing them with opportunities to shine and gain the support of key figures within their families. And only when absolutely necessary would he resort to direct elimination.

He burned the letter. He then turned his attention to the task at hand, meticulously planning his next moves.

~~

While Eskil meticulously plotted his moves on the eastern border, unaware of the forces aligning against him, Alaric was experiencing a surge of power back at the Steele mansion. He was assimilating the gains from his intimate encounters with Rosalind.

The night he took Rosalind’s virginity had been… fruitful, to say the least. The system had rewarded him handsomely for this significant milestone.

’Seven million experience points just for that?’ Alaric had thought, a surprised look on his face. ’Talk about a bonus.’

[Harem God System: Master has received 7,000,000 Experience Points for obtaining the virginity of Rosalind.]

That wasn’t all. The other activities they had engaged in that night—the kisses, the caresses, the… other intimate acts—had also contributed to his experience gain, albeit in smaller increments.

[Harem God System: Master has received 2,000,000 Experience Points for repeated sex with Rosalind.]

[Harem God System: Master has received 1,000,000 Experience Points for engaging in oral sex with Rosalind.]

Not just that but all his other activities with Rosalind led him to get 1,000,000 Experience Points.

’Well, that adds up nicely,’ Alaric had thought, doing a quick mental calculation. ’Eleven million experience points in one night. Not bad at all.’

He checked his status, and a wide grin spread across his face. His level had jumped from 48 to 50, a smooth, effortless breakthrough. He hadn’t experienced any of the usual bottlenecks or resistance that often accompanied level advancements.

[Harem God System: Congratulations Master for reaching Level 50.]

’I have now become a Grand Mage, huh?’ Alaric had thought, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. ’That’s a significant jump in power. One step above Master Mage. I’m starting to climb the ladder pretty quickly.’

But the level increase wasn’t the only reward. He had also unlocked a new skill from the Harem God System.

[Harem God System: Congratulations Master for unlocking the skill ’Soul Bond’.]

[Harem God System: Soul Bond: Upon successfully seducing a woman, Master can create a Soul Bond with her. This bond increases her loyalty to Master and enhances Master’s influence over her thoughts and actions. The Soul Bond also grants Master a fraction of the woman’s magical or martial prowess, strengthening Master further. This ability is particularly useful for conquering mages, warriors, or noblewomen with significant power.]

’Soul Bond, huh?’ Alaric had thought, a thoughtful expression on his face. ’That sounds… interesting. So, I can basically mind-control women I sleep with? Well, not exactly mind control, but it definitely gives me a significant advantage.’

He had spent the subsequent days with Rosalind, their relationship deepening with each passing moment. He had even had sex with her several more times, accumulating a few more million experience points, but his level remained stubbornly at 50.

’Looks like I’ll have to work a little harder to reach level 51,’ he had thought, a small sigh escaping his lips. ’Oh well, can’t have everything handed to me on a silver platter.’

It wasn’t just Alaric who had benefited from their intimate encounters. Rosalind had also experienced a significant boost in her magical power. Her mage rank had advanced from Expert to Master after that first night.

She had been spending her evenings quietly assimilating the influx of magical energy, strengthening her magic circuits and solidifying her newfound power. She was very happy because of this.

Meanwhile, another member of the household was also experiencing a significant change. Alaric’s mother, Lyra, had reached a bottleneck in her martial training. She had reached the peak of the Master Martialist rank, but breaking through to Grand Martialist proved to be a significant challenge.

She knew that she needed a catalyst, something to push her over the edge. An elixir or tonic specifically designed for such breakthroughs would be ideal.

But before sending for servants to search for such a rare and expensive concoction, Lyra decided to try a different approach. She knew from past experience that her intimate encounters with Alaric had a… stimulating effect on her martial prowess.

One night, she donned a particularly alluring piece of lingerie—a sheer black negligee that barely concealed her ample curves—beneath a dark robe. She then made her way to Alaric’s room.

She entered without knocking, throwing her robe onto the floor, revealing the enticing outfit beneath. She knew this would capture his attention immediately.

Alaric, who was reading a book by the light of a nearby lamp, looked up as she entered, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of her. A playful smirk spread across his lips.

“Well, hello, Mother,” he said, his voice teasing. “To what do I owe this… unexpected pleasure?”

Lyra blushed slightly, but she maintained her composure. “I… I need your help, Alaric,” she said, her voice low and seductive.

Alaric chuckled, gesturing to the bed beside him. “Come, sit,” he said, his voice teasing. “Tell me all about it.”

Lyra hesitated for a moment, then sat down on the edge of the bed, her body close to his. Alaric reached out, gently pulling her closer, his fingers tracing the curve of her hip.

“So,” he whispered, his voice low and suggestive, “what kind of help do you need, Mother? Something… physical, perhaps?”

Lyra blushed even more deeply, but she didn’t pull away. She knew what he was implying, and she was more than willing to play along.

“Perhaps,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’ve reached a… bottleneck in my training. I need something to… stimulate me.”

Alaric chuckled, his smirk widening as he looked at his mother, Lyra, standing before him in that revealing negligee. “Stimulate you, huh?” he repeated, his voice laced with amusement. “I think I can help with that.”

He paused, a sinister glint appearing in his eyes. “However,” he continued, his voice dropping to a low whisper, “I’m not exactly feeling… generous tonight.”

Lyra’s blush deepened, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what he was implying. He wanted her to… convince him. He wanted her to actively seduce him, to practically beg for his attention.

’Oh dear,’ she thought, her cheeks burning. ’This is… unexpected. I never thought I would ever have to… do this.’

Just a few months ago, the mere thought of seducing her own son would have been unthinkable, repulsive. But after their previous encounters, after the nights of passion they had shared, something had shifted within her. She felt… different. More liberated, more… daring.

She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. “Alaric,” she began, her voice low and seductive, “I’m serious. I really need your help. I’m so close to breaking through, I can feel it.”

Alaric simply raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Oh, I’m sure you can,” he said, his eyes scanning her body, lingering on her ample curves. “But words aren’t enough, Mother. You’ll have to do better than that.”

Lyra bit her lip, her mind racing. She knew she had to do something, something to capture his attention, to ignite his desire. She decided to start with her body, using her physical attributes to her advantage.

She took a step closer to Alaric, her hips swaying slightly, her breasts jiggling beneath the sheer fabric of her negligee. She leaned forward, her hand gently tracing the line of his jaw, her fingers lingering on his lips.

“I’ll do anything,” she whispered, her voice husky and breathy. “Anything to… persuade you.”

Alaric’s eyes darkened, his gaze intensifying. He reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

“Anything?” he repeated, his voice low and suggestive. “I’ll hold you to that, Mother.”

He pulled her closer, his lips brushing against hers. He could feel her breath quickening, her body trembling slightly.

But just as their lips were about to meet, Alaric pulled back, a playful smirk on his face. “Not yet,” he whispered. “I want to see more.”

Lyra’s blush deepened, but she didn’t pull away. She knew she had to go further, to show him that she was serious, that she was willing to do whatever it took.

She took a step back, her eyes meeting his. She then began to move, her body swaying rhythmically to an imaginary beat. She lifted her right leg, slowly tracing a circle in the air, her movements graceful and seductive.

She then moved her left hand, tracing the curve of her body, her fingers lingering on her hips and breasts. She twirled slowly, her negligee swirling around her, revealing glimpses of her enticing figure.

She then moved her left leg and moved her right hand this time. And then she began to move her body even more seductively.

Throughout her dance, Alaric’s eyes were glued to her body, his gaze fixed on her bouncing breasts, her swaying hips, her wondrous buttocks. He licked his lips, his desire growing with each passing moment.

Lyra continued her dance, her movements becoming more fluid, more sensual. She moved her hips in a circular motion, her breasts swaying rhythmically, her eyes locked on Alaric’s.

She then bent down slightly, her hands tracing the curves of her legs, her buttocks swaying enticingly. She slowly straightened up, her eyes meeting Alaric’s, a seductive smile playing on her lips.

Alaric watched her, his breath quickening, his desire reaching a fever pitch. He had never seen his mother like this before. She was usually so composed, so dignified. But now, she was letting go, embracing her sensuality, offering herself to him in a way he had never imagined.

’This is… incredible,’ he thought, his mind reeling. ’I never thought my mother had this side to her.’

He couldn’t take his eyes off her, his gaze glued to her body, following every curve, every movement. He was completely captivated, completely enthralled.

Lyra continued her dance, her movements becoming more daring, more provocative. She ran her hands through her hair, tossing her head back, her breasts swaying enticingly.

She then moved closer to Alaric, her body swaying gently, her eyes meeting his. She reached out, her fingers tracing the line of his chest, her touch sending shivers down his spine.

“Are you… convinced now, Alaric?” she whispered, her voice husky and breathy.

Alaric swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. “Almost,” he said, his eyes fixed on her lips. “Just… one more thing.”

Alaric’s words hung in the air, thick with unspoken desire. Lyra’s breath hitched, her eyes flickering down to his trousers, a hint of anticipation mixed with nervousness swirling within her. She knew what he wanted, what that “one more thing” was.

Alaric smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He reached down, slowly unbuckling his belt, the sound echoing in the quiet room. He then reached into his trousers, pulling out his large, erect dick, revealing it to Lyra’s lustful gaze.

Lyra’s breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the sight of her son’s impressive member. It was just as large as she remembered, thick and throbbing, a testament to his virility. A wave of heat washed over her, a familiar stirring in her lower regions.

’Oh my,’ she thought, her cheeks flushing. ’It’s… magnificent. I want it… I want it inside me.’

She had seen it many times before, of course, during their previous encounters. But each time, it had the same effect on her, igniting a fire within her that she couldn’t control.

Alaric chuckled, his eyes fixed on her face, watching her reaction. “Well, Mother?” he said, his voice low and suggestive. “What do you think?”

Lyra swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s… impressive,” she managed to say, her eyes still glued to his dick.

Alaric’s smirk widened. “Impressive isn’t enough,” he teased. “I want to see some… appreciation.”

He leaned back against the headboard, crossing his arms, his dick still proudly displayed. “I think you should… satiate it a bit,” he said, his voice laced with amusement. “With those… magnificent breasts of yours.”

Lyra’s blush deepened, but a spark of excitement flickered within her. She knew what he wanted, and she was more than willing to oblige.

She reached down, gently pulling up the bottom part of her negligee, revealing her ample breasts in all their glory. The sheer fabric did little to conceal their size and shape, the nipples already hard and erect.

Alaric’s breath hitched, his eyes darkening as he took in the sight. He licked his lips, his desire reaching a fever pitch.

’Those are… magnificent,’ he thought, his gaze fixed on her breasts. ’Perfect for what I have in mind.’

Lyra then moved closer to Alaric, her breasts swaying gently with each step. She knelt before him, her eyes meeting his, a seductive smile playing on her lips.

“Like this?” she whispered, her voice husky and breathy.

Alaric nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving her breasts. “Perfect,” he murmured, his voice low and suggestive. “Now… let’s see what you can do.”

Lyra reached out, gently cupping his dick in her hands, her touch sending shivers down his spine. She then began to move her hands up and down, slowly at first, then gradually increasing the pace.

Alaric groaned softly, closing his eyes, his head falling back against the headboard. He could feel the heat radiating from her hands, the soft touch of her skin against his.

Lyra then leaned forward, bringing her breasts closer to his dick. She began to rub them against his shaft, teasing him with the soft touch of her nipples.

Alaric’s breath quickened, his body tensing with anticipation. He could feel the heat building within him, his desire reaching a fever pitch.

“Oh, Mother,” he groaned, his voice barely audible. “That feels… incredible.”

Lyra continued her ministrations, her movements becoming more fluid, more sensual. She moved her breasts up and down his shaft, teasing him with the soft touch of her nipples, her hands gently stroking his length.

Alaric closed his eyes, his mind lost in a haze of pleasure. He could feel her breath on his skin, the soft touch of her hair against his thighs. He was completely consumed by the sensations, his body responding to her every touch.

“Are you… enjoying this, Alaric?” Lyra whispered, her voice husky and breathy.

“Oh, yes,” Alaric groaned, his voice barely audible. “Very much so.”

Lyra continued her ministrations, her movements becoming more daring, more provocative. She began to lick his shaft, her tongue tracing circles around his head, driving him closer and closer to the edge.

Alaric’s breath quickened, his body tensing with anticipation. He could feel the heat building within him, his desire reaching a fever pitch.

He reached out, his hands gripping her hair, pulling her closer, urging her to go deeper. Lyra moaned softly, her body responding to his touch.

The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with desire. Alaric could feel himself reaching his peak, his body shuddering with anticipation. He knew he was about to explode, his seed about to spill forth.

He closed his eyes, surrendering to the overwhelming sensations, his body convulsing in a series of intense spasms. He cried out, his voice filled with pleasure, his seed erupting forth, covering Lyra’s face and breasts.

Lyra pulled back slightly, her face and breasts covered in his seed. She looked up at Alaric, her eyes filled with a mixture of awe and desire.

Alaric opened his eyes, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He looked down at Lyra, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

“Well, Mother,” he said, his voice still slightly breathless. “I think that was… sufficient stimulation, wouldn’t you say?”