Rhea’s hands moved swiftly, her delicate touch merging the fine edges of ancient runes with gleaming metal wires. She was brilliant with magic-technology, weaving them together like no one else. I often thought, I cannot ask anything better. People called her useless, but they had no idea how wrong they were. They never saw the spark behind her calm eyes.

  As I watched her work, my mind slipped away into a dream. It wasn’t just a dream—it was a memory.

  The third year… I remembered it clearly. That year was strange. I hadn’t gone to school one day, struck down by a fever that left me bedridden. I thought it would be nothing, just another day lost. But when I finally returned the next morning, everything was gone. The entire third year class—students, teachers, everyone—had disappeared without a trace. The classrooms stood empty, chairs scattered, as if everyone had simply faded away.

  No one ever found them. Not a single clue remained. The incident was whispered about as a curse, a mystery too dark to solve. I was forced to transfer, to build new routines in another school. I made acquaintances that year, a few faces I could laugh with, but none I could truly call a friend. That day left a hollow scar in me, one that never fully healed.

  The dream ended like smoke dissolving in the wind. My eyes opened, reality spilling back in. The quiet of the room settled around me. I turned my head, blinking against the morning light.

  On my right side, Angelica was curled up, her breathing soft, steady, as if lost in a peaceful slumber. On my left, Sayo had slipped into the same space, her hair spilling across the pillow, brushing against my arm.

  And only then did I realize—both of them were half-naked, leaning over me in their sleep.

  When morning came, I was the first to stir. My eyes fluttered open—only to freeze immediately. Angelica and Sayo were right beside me, still asleep, their blankets having slipped halfway off during the night.

  Both of them were in nothing but their bra and underwear. I nearly choked on my own breath.

  Wait… what the hell am I seeing?

  My brain screamed to close my eyes, but it was already too late. The image burned itself into my mind before I could react. So, like a cowardly genius, I shut my eyes again and pretended to still be asleep.

  Angelica stirred first, yawning softly, then noticed her state. Her face instantly flushed crimson. Sayo followed, stretching lightly, then her gaze fell on me—and then to herself. Her eyes widened in horror.

  They both glanced at me. I made the mistake of opening my eyes at that exact moment.

  The atmosphere turned heavy. Their faces went red like boiling kettles.

  “…You saw nothing, right?” Angelica asked, voice trembling.

  “I… uh… good morning?” I tried with an innocent smile.

  That was my death sentence.

  Both girls, red to the tips of their ears, swung their fists at the same time. BAM! BAM!

  “GYAAAHHHH!” I flew back, clutching my head.

  They were fuming, faces scarlet, half yelling, half embarrassed beyond words. “You pervert!” Sayo hissed, covering herself with the blanket.

  “I didn’t see anything! I swear!” I lied through my teeth, rolling in pain.

  The others woke from the noise, completely confused, while I sat there like a broken doll.

  …A truly tragic start to the day.

  By noon, we had already reached the guild to look for work. After sorting through several requests, one stood out—a dangerous quest of A+ difficulty.

  People had gone missing at a lake deep in the mountains. The reports said it was once known as the purest lake in the kingdom, but recently, villagers who came to fetch water never returned.

  I accepted it without hesitation. This time, I took Angelica, Sayo, Kael, Rhea, and Flora with me.

  The mountain path was long, steep, and quiet. After hours of climbing, we finally reached the place.

  The lake stretched before us, vast and glimmering under the sunlight. Its water was so clear it reflected the sky like a perfect mirror.

  It was one of two famous lakes in the kingdom—the Mother Lake, the one we now stood before, and another known as the Lake of Silent Crying, located in Yuri’s village.

  Everyone decided to rest for a while, sitting by the water’s edge, catching their breath from the climb. The gentle breeze carried a refreshing scent of nature.

  But just as I leaned back against a rock, letting my guard down, a sharp shiver ran down my spine.

  I froze.

  A murderous intent, faint yet clear, brushed against my skin.

  I opened my “Dimension Storage” and took out all the weapons we would need. Swords for Angelica and Flora, wands for Rhea and Sayo, and draggers for Kael. I held “Light” and “Darkness” in my hands, ready for whatever awaited us.

  Suddenly, the calm lake erupted. A massive whale-like creature emerged, its enormous body splashing water in all directions. Its roar was deafening, and with it came a paralyzing magic aimed at all of us.

  I immediately raised a protective barrier, shielding my companions from the spell. The water trembled under its sheer presence.

  Maha and Rhea unleashed fire and ice magic, striking the whale mid-air. It roared in fury, undeterred by the assault. Angelica and Flora threw the knives I had given them, aiming for the creature’s weak points.

  I decided to use my new magic for the first time. Concentrating, I chanted, “Forgotten Magic: Exchange.”

  In an instant, Angelica and Flora swapped places with their knives. The attack landed perfectly, slashing across the whale’s massive body, leaving deep marks. The magic only worked because the whale was focused on its attacks, unaware of the switch.

  The creature shook off some of the damage but remained defiant, its spirit unbroken.

  Kael, being an assassin, leaped and struck directly into its eyes, blinding it momentarily. Rhea and the others pressed the attack, coordinating their spells and strikes expertly.

  The whale’s shell was nearly impervious, so I infused “Light” and “Darkness” with my magic, preparing a devastating assault. I channeled my energy and executed, “Infinite Echo: Stage 0: Resonant Strike.”

  The moment I unleashed “Infinite Echo: Stage 0: Resonant Strike,” the battlefield shifted. The magic amplified my swords’ strikes across time itself. Each swing echoed in the past, present, and future, multiplying with precision and overwhelming speed. The dual swords’ slashes wove together like an endless cascade, forming a complex pattern that no living creature could endure.

  The whale of the abyss thrashed violently, but the barrage of strikes continued, relentless. Each echo hit with sharper focus, faster than the last, piercing through scales and muscle with surgical precision. Waves of energy radiated outward, stirring the lake into a turbulent storm. Water and wind collided as the creature staggered under the impossible assault.

  Then, with a final, resounding strike, the whale’s body shattered into countless fragments. Its massive form disintegrated into nothingness, leaving only ripples in the water and a faint echo of its roar. Its mana core, enormous and uniquely potent, hovered for a moment before I absorbed it effortlessly into my Dimensional Storage.

  Around me, my teammates cheered. Angelica and Flora’s eyes sparkled with exhilaration, Kael smirked with his usual calm, and Rhea looked at me with pride. As the monster perished, the missing villagers began emerging from hidden spots around the lake, unharmed but terrified. Relief washed over everyone’s faces as the people returned safely.

  We gathered our equipment, checked that everyone was alright, and set out immediately for the city. The road back was filled with chatter and laughter; the victory was complete, and the echoes of our triumph resonated long after the battle had ended.

  “The Party and the Unexpected Night”

  The reward from our last mission was finally given. A heavy pouch filled with glittering coins landed on the table, and everyone’s eyes brightened.

  “8700 gold coins and 87,000 silver coins,” the official announced.

  We quickly divided the reward among the six of us.

  That meant 1450 gold coins and 14,500 silver coins for each member. Enough to feel the weight of success in our hands.

  To celebrate, we booked a private room in a well-known restaurant. The aroma of grilled meat, roasted fish, and steaming bowls of stew filled the air. The room was cozy, the lights warm, and the table stacked high with plates of food.

  Everyone was in high spirits. We laughed, we clinked glasses, we let the night carry us.

  Rhea, Flora, Sayo, and Angelica each ordered beer, their mugs foaming with golden bubbles.

  “Cheers to us!” Rhea raised her mug.

  “To the team!” everyone echoed.

  They drank with such enthusiasm that it surprised me. I was the youngest in the group—still 16, though only a month away from turning 17. Rhea was already 20, Angelica 18, and Sayo just a year older than me at 17. Their tolerance was clearly much higher, though tonight even that was questionable.

  One glass turned to two, two turned to four. Before long, their cheeks flushed red, and their voices rose with laughter.

  Flora managed to hold her drink better, but Rhea and Sayo swayed with every step.

  Kael excused himself earlier than I thought he would, slipping away quietly with just a small smile.

  Later, when the party wound down, I took responsibility for Rhea and Sayo. Their steps stumbled, and by the time we reached their room, both collapsed on their beds, sleeping peacefully with faint smiles still on their faces.

  I thought the night was over.

  But when I returned to my own room, Angelica followed me inside.

  At first, I thought she was just making sure I got back safely. But when the door clicked shut and she slid the lock in place, a strange tension filled the air.

  “Angelica…?” I asked, unsure.

  She didn’t answer. Instead, she walked forward, her eyes fixed on me. Her steps were slow but firm. She placed her hands on my shoulders and pushed me back, again and again, until my legs touched the edge of the bed and I fell onto it.

  Her face was close now, her breath carrying the faint scent of beer. She leaned over me, her lips inching nearer, her eyes filled with something I couldn’t quite read.

  Was it the alcohol? Or was it something else entirely?

  “Wait—Angelica,” I said quickly, raising my hand to stop her.

  Her eyes widened slightly, her face inches from mine. The moment froze there, balanced between uncertainty and something dangerous.

  And in that silence, I realized—this night had taken a turn I never expected.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  She leaned in close, her breath warm against my neck as she whispered, “Stop it, Amahiko. Give up your virginity and enjoy the night. Let me be your first, your first sex partner, your first woman. Let me have just this night. I know you love us both. Sayo and me. But the first is mine.”

  Her lips met mine in a searing kiss, and I knew I was lost. Her hands roamed over my muscular body, exploring every inch of me as she pressed herself against me. I could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she kissed me with a passion that left me breathless.

  I pulled away from her, panting, and looked into her eyes. They were dark with desire, and I knew that I wanted her more than anything in the world. I reached out and cupped her full breasts in my hands, feeling the weight of them as they spilled over the top of her bra. She moaned softly as I squeezed them, her nipples hardening beneath my touch.

  I leaned in and kissed her again, my tongue tracing the outline of her lips before slipping inside to taste her sweetness. She moaned into my mouth as I kissed her, her hands tangling in my hair as she pulled me closer. I could feel the heat radiating from her body, and I knew that she was as turned on as I was.

  I broke away from her and stood up, pulling my shirt off over my head. She watched me with hungry eyes as I stripped off my pants, revealing my rock-hard dick. She licked her lips as she looked at it, and I knew that she wanted it inside her.

  I reached out and pulled her to her feet, kissing her deeply as I undid her bra. Her breasts spilled out, full and heavy with milk. I cupped them in my hands, feeling the weight of them as I leaned down to suckle at her nipples. She moaned as I sucked on them, her body trembling with pleasure as I licked and sucked at her tits.

  She reached down and wrapped her hand around my dick, stroking it slowly as she kissed me. I could feel the heat building between us, the need to be together growing stronger with every passing moment.

  I pushed her back onto the bed, her body splayed out before me like a feast. I knelt between her legs and kissed her again, my tongue slipping inside her mouth as I reached down to touch her pussy. She was soaking wet, her juices coating my fingers as I slid them inside her.

  She moaned as I fucked her with my fingers, her hips bucking against me as she begged for more. I pulled my fingers out of her and licked them clean, tasting her sweetness on my tongue. She whimpered as I leaned down and kissed her again, my tongue sliding inside her mouth as I positioned my dick at her entrance.

  With a single thrust, I was inside her, her tight pussy gripping my dick like a vice. She cried out as I fucked her, her body arching off the bed as she met me thrust for thrust. I could feel the heat building inside me, the need to come growing stronger with every stroke.

  I reached down and cupped her full breasts in my hands, feeling the weight of them as I fucked her harder. She moaned as I squeezed them, her body trembling with pleasure as I drove my dick deeper inside her.

  I could feel my orgasm building, the need to come growing stronger with every passing moment. I thrust into her one last time, my body shuddering as I came deep inside her. She cried out as I filled her with my cum, her body trembling as she came around my dick.

  We lay there for a moment, our bodies slick with sweat and cum, before she rolled over and straddled me. She looked down at me with a wicked smile, her hips grinding against mine as she rode me hard.

  I reached up and cupped her full breasts in my hands, feeling the weight of them as she rode me harder. She moaned as I squeezed them, her body trembling with pleasure as she fucked me with wild abandon.

  I could feel my orgasm building again, the need to come growing stronger with every passing moment. I thrust into her one last time, my body shuddering as I came deep inside her. She cried out as I filled her with my cum, her body trembling as she came around my dick.

  We lay there for a moment, our bodies slick with sweat and cum, before she leaned down and kissed me again. She looked into my eyes and whispered, “I want more.”

  And so, we fucked all night, our bodies entwined in a dance of passion and desire. We came together again and again, our bodies slick with sweat and cum as we explored every inch of each other. And as the sun rose over the horizon, we lay there, spent and satisfied, our bodies entwined in a tangle of limbs and sheets.

  And as I looked into her eyes, I knew that this was just the beginning of a night that would change us both forever.

  The morning came far too quickly. Sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of the inn, but instead of feeling warm, it made me restless. My eyes opened to find silence pressing between me and Angelica.

  Last night’s… incident still lingered in the air. The faint blush on her cheeks when I glanced her way told me she remembered it just as vividly as I did. Neither of us dared to speak of it. Too embarrassed, too cautious. Our gazes kept crossing and darting away like two guilty flames trying not to burn each other.

  Sayo, of course, noticed everything. Her eyes were sharp, glinting with a mischievous curiosity that made me uncomfortable. At breakfast, she sat across from me with her chin resting on her hand, watching me far too carefully. Her lips curved in that suspicious little smile of hers.

  “Did something happen last night?” she finally asked.

  I froze mid-bite. Angelica coughed into her cup, nearly spilling water. I forced a laugh, pretending I didn’t hear her. “We should get moving. The capital won’t reach itself.”

  Sayo narrowed her eyes. “Fishy… very fishy.”

  I ignored her.

  Once we stepped outside the inn, the embarrassment seemed to fade slightly. The road stretched into a green forest that shimmered under the golden sun. Leaves danced in the breeze, carrying with it the scent of fresh grass and wildflowers. Birds chirped overhead, their melodies weaving with the soft crunch of our footsteps.

  The air felt alive. Despite the awkwardness, the forest’s calmness seeped into me. The sun was high, but the gentle wind cooled our skin. Angelica seemed to relax as well, though Sayo still occasionally looked between us with suspicion, muttering under her breath.

  We walked deeper into the forest, chatting about the capital’s towering gates and the stories we had heard of its grandeur. Just as I began to let my guard down—

  A roar tore through the air.

  The sound was guttural, sharp, like thunder crashing against stone. I snapped my head toward the noise. Not far ahead, a red bear—massive, its fur glowing like molten embers—was clawing at two figures. One was a maid, her uniform tattered and bloodied, yet she still raised her broken weapon desperately. Behind her, a lady in elegant clothes stood trembling, protected but clearly helpless.

  The bear lunged forward, its claws descending.

  I didn’t hesitate. My hand tightened around the hilt of my sword. With a single step forward, I whispered the blade’s name—

  “Light.”

  The forest shimmered as I moved. A white flash carved reality apart, and in the next instant, the red bear’s existence simply… vanished. It was as though the beast had never been. The silence afterward was deafening.

  I rushed to the two women. Blood pooled on the forest floor. The maid collapsed, her breathing shallow, her arms still stretched protectively over the lady she had sworn to protect.

  “Hang in there,” I said firmly, kneeling down.

  Mana surged through my body, forming bright patterns of light around my hands. I pressed them over the maid’s wounds and spoke the incantation.

  “Advanced Healing Magic: Paradox.”

  Golden radiance engulfed her, wrapping her body in streams of regenerative light. The magic flowed deeper than simple healing—it rewove flesh, restored torn nerves, and cleansed her blood of infection. The maid’s ragged breathing began to ease, her wounds sealing as though time itself had reversed.

  But her strength was gone. The moment her body was restored, her eyes fluttered shut. Exhaustion claimed her.

  The maid also lost her sense and fainted.

  The cabin rose from the ground in moments, its wooden beams and stone base fused together by my will. A shelter large enough to hold us all, warm and protective against the silent forest around. I ordered everyone inside quickly, my focus already shifting to the two women we had found.

  The first lay still—her breathing steady, though faint. She wore the attire of a royal maid: a flawless black dress trimmed with silver, the insignia of loyalty stitched discreetly at her chest. Her fair skin contrasted with her jet-black hair, and when her eyes had briefly flickered open earlier, they had burned crimson. That gaze alone spoke volumes—an oath bound in blood, a soul unshaken. She was not just any servant. She belonged to someone of the highest standing, perhaps even the imperial family itself. A perfect maid, a guardian of loyalty.

  Beside her rested the second figure. Unlike the maid, she stirred softly, golden lashes trembling as her eyes opened at last. And when they did, the room itself seemed to still.

  Golden-yellow. Large, expressive, shimmering like polished amber in sunlight—her eyes radiated both elegance and unyielding strength. A gaze that did not plead, nor bow, but commanded. Her hair fell in soft, golden-blonde waves down her back, loose yet perfectly framed by the noble purple ribbon tied neatly behind her head. The ribbon glimmered faintly, as though it too recognized the weight of her presence.

  Her attire spoke of nobility. The off-shoulder white blouse, trimmed with delicate ruffles, revealed her dignity without fragility. Golden threads laced her corset-like bodice, drawing the eye to her poised form. A red skirt flowed below, its layered panels edged with gold, giving her a lively but unmistakably aristocratic air. Every detail, from fabric to design, reflected confidence, authority, and an aura of one destined to stand above others.

  The others in the cabin watched in silence. Their breaths caught, their voices withheld. Even they could feel it—the undeniable truth of who she was.

  But my eyes lingered longer than all. My heartbeat echoed louder.

  This was her. The one I had been searching for. The key to change the story itself.

  And in that quiet moment, as her golden eyes met mine, the future shifted.

  She asked with those clear, unwavering eyes, “Are you guys the one who saved us?”

  I nodded silently.

  Without hesitation, she introduced herself, “My name is Marianne Orekus. I am the step-daughter of Queen Gizelotte Orekus. Can I trust you?”

  Her words were sharp, direct—far too straightforward for the situation. She looked at me with a seriousness that felt like a weight pressing against my chest.

  I replied with a small pause, “Let me think once.”

  Angelica and Sayo stood quietly by her side, as if waiting for my decision. And in that instant, you would understand why I knew her so well. She was not just another character in this story. She was someone I had designed myself—yet also someone tied to my own blood. My elder sister.

  Kael’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. He said nothing at first, but when I left the room to breathe outside, he followed. The night air was cold, carrying his doubts with it.

  “Why did you reply like that?” Kael finally asked, voice firm. “You don’t know her, nor the reason she’s asking you for trust. What are you hiding?”

  I turned to him calmly, my voice steady. “She understood I saved her, which means she also believes I am strong enough to defeat her enemy. That’s why she asked. And the attack pattern earlier—it was closer to an assassin’s strike than anything else. When the maid wakes up, we’ll have the truth in full.”

  Kael didn’t look satisfied, but he remained quiet. Suspicion was natural—after all, Marianne’s request had been so direct, and my answer… just as strange.

  But deep inside, I knew. I knew because Marianne was not only a figure of fate, she was more to me than my own biological mother. To me, she would always be someone worth protecting, even as a step-sibling.

  If she had ever been given the chance, she would have accepted me as her little brother. That much, I believed with everything in me.

  I trusted Marianne more than Queen Gizelotte herself. But the cruel truth was this: Marianne did not know her little step-brother even existed in this world.

  And that truth cut deeper than any assassin’s blade.

  The maid had finally awakened. After some time, we shared a quiet dinner together.

  The princess, Marianne, and her maid remained mostly silent at first. The maid initially refused to eat with us, but eventually agreed once the princess insisted. Everyone else retired for the night, leaving me alone in thought. Something told me a guest would come to speak with me.

  I stayed awake, watching the firelight dance across the wooden walls of the cabin. Soon, the guest arrived. She sat directly in front of me.

  It was Princess Marianne, her eyes filled with eagerness to speak. I smiled lightly, breaking the silence.

  “Where did you hear about me? There was nothing worth mentioning in society,” I asked.

  “Yuri Mizuka. The one you saved,” she replied quietly.

  Her maid remained tense, on high alert. I gestured calmly, “No need to hide. Come out.”

  The maid stepped forward, revealing her hidden dragger. She introduced herself coldly, “Reina is my name.” Standing beside Marianne, her tone remained sharp, detached yet commanding.

  “I heard from Yuri while traveling,” Reina explained. “My life is in danger. There is someone within the Royal Family plotting chaos. I need proof and there is no one I can trust except myself and my lady here. Yuri ensured me you would help. Please… I need your assistance in this mission!”

  I stayed silent for a moment, weighing the weight of her words. Finally, I spoke: “I’ll protect you. It’s a deal, I think.”

  Marianne’s eyes widened. “How much should I pay you?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t need payment. For now, your safety is more important. Saving one life is worth more than any amount of money. Life and wealth can never be equal. Rest now. Tomorrow, we’ll set out for the capital. I’ll reveal the culprit in due time.”

  Marianne was taken aback. “How do you know?”

  I gave a calm, knowing smile. “Some things are better left unknown… but trust me. I will help you punish the one responsible.”

  The night stretched on, dark and quiet, with only the fire’s glow illuminating the cabin. Tomorrow, the real journey would begin.

  Everyone was ready. I handed a book to Rhea, who immediately immersed herself in it, reading with focus. The group was chatting casually, except for Kael, who remained silent as always. Flora, however, was starting to open up, laughing and joking, and the atmosphere lightened. The group had grown larger, stronger, and more cohesive overnight.

  I had prepared a carriage for the journey, summoning two elemental horses to pull it. One was a water-type named Kelpies, inspired by Scottish folklore, sleek and swift across streams and lakes. The other was an earth-type named Fern, graceful and sturdy, with a steady, unwavering stride. The carriage was ready, the team was ready, and the path ahead seemed calm.

  But that calm didn’t last.

  An arrow suddenly shot toward Marianne. Instinctively, I pulled her close. Her face pressed against my chest, and she pressed against me, startled and slightly embarrassed by the sudden closeness. With bare hands, I caught the arrow mid-flight and snapped it in half.

  “Everyone, take Marianne and the carriage and run!” I ordered.

  Without hesitation, my companions obeyed. No questions, no hesitation. They knew the danger and trusted my judgment.

  The assassins revealed themselves as soon as my companions moved out of range. It was just me now, alone. The fight had begun.

  Dodging a swift slash from one attacker, I smirked. “Shouldn’t you introduce yourselves?”

  No reply came.

  “So, you won’t answer,” I said, anticipating their moves. With that, the clash erupted. Blades sang, shadows twisted, and the first ambush of the journey turned into a deadly dance of steel, speed, and strategy. The real test had just begun.

  They had no intention of answering me. There were five of them, but I didn’t hesitate.

  I started with the archer, a girl with swift, precise movements. A single, carefully aimed strike knocked her unconscious. Then I turned to another girl wielding a massive pair of scissors. A strong kick sent her collapsing beside the archer. Two down—but not dead, just fainted.

  Next, the two boys. One used thick threads as weapons, attempting to trap me, while the other wore a special suit that enhanced his sword skills. Mere punches were enough to bring both of them down. Four out of five were neutralized without serious injury.

  Only the leader remained. She kept her guard up, poised and alert, but it was disappointing to see someone so skilled yet unaware of her own limits. One precise strike to her neck, and she, too, collapsed, unconscious.

  Two hours later, all five had woken up. Their movements were restricted by my mana bindings. I looked at them calmly and said,

  “Let’s make a deal. I will spare your lives if you work for me. I know it’s humiliating to fail and live like this, but I promise, you won’t regret choosing me. You’ll be reborn as true-type assassins.”

  They stared at each other, processing my words. Surprise and hesitation flickered across their faces, but it was exactly what I expected.

  After a tense moment, they nodded in agreement. My plan was beginning to bear fruit, thanks to the foolish mastermind who had orchestrated the attack on the princess.

  “Good start,” I whispered, a small smile forming as I watched the first seeds of my new force take root.