Lyerin watched Corora as they made their way back from the dungeon. He had chosen not to level her up, but the decision weighed heavily on his head.


    The truth was, it wasn''t about her readiness or safety—it was about his own sense of ownership towards her.


    In his past life, he had been betrayed by many, especially women who took advantage of his kindness and trust.


    This time, he wanted to be sure, to keep control and ensure loyalty.


    As they reached a secluded spot near the dungeon exit, Lyerin couldn''t resist the overwhelming urge. He leaned in and kissed Corora.


    The kiss was sudden, it was like filled with a mix of emotions he had suppressed for too long.


    Corora, taken by surprise, responded hesitantly but soon melted into the kiss.


    A notification screen appeared in front of Lyerin:


    | Would you like to level up:


    | 1. Intimidation.


    | 2. Attraction.


    | 3. Sexual Sensitivity.


    | 4. Dominance.


    | 5. Persuasion. |


    Lyerin studied the options carefully. He chose Attraction after a long contemtion.


    Reason for choosing Attraction:


    Attraction, he reasoned, was the most holistic and beneficial skill. It epassed not just physical allure but also emotional and intellectual appeal. He believed that a strong attraction would create a more profound andsting bond, which was essential for his ns. In contrast:


    Meanwhile, Intimidation could build fear but not loyalty or love. Sexual Sensitivity was too narrow in focus, potentially distracting and not useful for broader rtionship dynamics. Dominance might create resentment and wasn''t conducive to a harmonious partnership. Persuasion was useful but limited to specific situations,cking the broad impact of attraction.


    Satisfied with his choice, he felt a subtle change in the air around him.


    Another notification popped up:


    | Mission: Carry Corora |


    Without hesitation, Lyerin scooped Corora into his arms. She gasped, her eyes wide with surprise but filled with trust.


    As he held her close, another notification appeared:


    | Mission Complete:


    | Corora''s attraction towards you is now level two. |


    The system prompted him with a new mission:


    | Date Corora. |


    Lyerin set her down gently and looked into her eyes. "Corora, how about we leave this dungeon and spend some time outside? Just the two of us, away from the Borgias family or around the whole Borgias Family?"


    Corora''s face lit up with a mixture of surprise and happiness. "I''d love that, Lyerin."


    They exited the dungeon and ventured into the nearby town, a ce bustling with life and free from the shadows of their past.


    Lyerin and Corora spent the day together, fulfilling various missions that the systemid out for him.


    | Mission:


    | Buy Corora a gift. |


    Lyerin picked out a delicate ne adorned with a small crystal, the kind that sparkled in the light.


    Corora''s eyes glistened with tears of joy as she epted it.


    Mission Complete: Corora''s attraction towards you is now level five.


    | Mission:


    | Share a meal. |


    They found a quaint café and enjoyed a meal together. They talked about their pasts, their dreams, and their fears. Cororaughed at Lyerin''s stories, and he found himself genuinely enjoying herpany.


    | Mission Complete:


    | Corora''s attraction towards you is now level eight. |


    Soon, another mission appeared.


    | Mission: Hold hands. |


    As they walked through the market, Lyerin took Corora''s hand in his. The simple gesture felt intimate and grounding.


    Mission Complete: Corora''s attraction towards you is now level ten.


    | Mission: Spend the evening together. |


    As the sun began to set, they found a quiet spot overlooking the town.


    They sat side by side, watching the sky change colors. Lyerin felt a warmth he hadn''t experienced in years, like a sense of peace and connection.


    | Mission Complete:


    | Corora''s attraction towards you is now level twelve. |


    Throughout the day, theypleted various other missions, while each bringing them closer.


    Theyughed, shared secrets, and built a bond that felt genuine and strong.


    | Mission: Dance together. |


    Under the moonlight, they found a small band ying in the town square.


    Lyerin took Corora''s hand and led her into a dance. They moved together gracefully, lost in the music and each other.


    | Mission Complete: Corora''s attraction towards you is now level fifteen. |


    | Mission: Confess your feelings. |


    As the night grew deeper, Lyerin and Corora found themselves by a sereneke.


    The reflection of the stars shimmered on the water''s surface.


    Lyerin turned to Corora, with his heart pounding as he was not sure if this kind of thing would be effective. But he trusted the system. "Corora, I have to tell you something. These past few days, I''ve realized how much you mean to me. I want us to be more than just allies. I want us to be partners."


    Corora''s eyes filled with tears, but she smiled. "I feel the same way, Lyerin."


    | Mission Complete:


    | Corora''s attraction towards you is now level eighteen. |


    They spent the rest of the night talking and dreaming about their future. By the time dawn approached, Lyerin felt a deep connection with Corora that he hadn''t thought possible.


    Mission Complete: Corora''s attraction towards you is now level twenty.


    Lyerin looked at Corora, who was now resting her head on his shoulder. He felt a sense of aplishment but also a deep responsibility.


    The system had helped guide him, but the feelings he now had for Corora somehow felt real.


    "Corora," Lyerin whispered, "let''s face whateveres next together."


    She looked up at him, her eyes filled with trust and affection. "Together," she agreed.


    …


    Back in the real world, Lyerin feelt the cool night air brush against his face.


    The remnants of the fire he had set to the car tires still crackled, casting an eerie glow across the deserted street.


    The charred rubber smell mixed with the pungent odor of decay, a reminder of the danger that lurked nearby.


    Lyerin nced around cautiously.


    The shadows seemed to dance menacingly under the flickering streetlights. The guttural neighs of the flesh-eating horses echoed through the night, a chilling reminder of the beasts he needed to avoid. He tightened his grip on his dagger to make sure.


    "Stay here and be quiet," he whispered to Corora.


    Corora nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. Lyerin could feel her trembling, but there was no time for reassurance. He had to act quickly and decisively.


    Lyerin moved silently through the wreckage, his senses heightened by his fifth-stage second cycle as a Mana warrior. He could feel the magical energy coursing through his veins, enhancing his reflexes and sharpening his awareness.


    Every step he took was calcted, every movement precise.


    He approached a row of abandoned cars, their tires untouched by the earlier ze. Lyerin crouched down, assessing the situation.


    The flesh-eating horses were nearby, their grotesque forms barely visible in the dim light. He could hear their ragged breathing, smell the stench of their rotting flesh.


    "I just need a few more," he muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement.


    With practiced ease, Lyerin began removing the tires one by one. His fingers worked quickly, the task familiar from countless simr missions in his past life. He secured each tire, making sure they wouldn''t roll away or make any noise that could attract the attention of the horses.


    As he worked, his mind wandered to his new abilities.


    The fifth stage second cycle had given him immense.


    "Just a few more," he whispered, his eyes flickering to the horses that roamed the streets. He could see their twisted forms, their eyes glowing with a hunger that chilled him to the bone.


    He moved with the grace of a predator, his body a blur as he evaded the horses. They were fast and deadly, but they relied more on their senses than on their intellect. Lyerin used this to his advantage, staying downwind and out of sight.


    Finally, he had gathered enough tires. He carefully stacked them, making sure they were secure.


    The horses were growing restless, their movements bing more erratic as they sensed something amiss.


    Lyerin took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest.


    This was the most dangerous part. He had to make it back to Corora without being detected.


    "Stay focused," he told himself, his eyes narrowing as he plotted his route. He moved silently, with his feet barely making a sound as he darted from shadow to shadow.


    The horses neighed and snorted, their massive bodies shifting uneasily.


    He was almost there when one of the horses turned its head, its glowing eyes locking onto him. Lyerin''s heart skipped a beat, but he didn''t falter. He moved with lightning speed, his dagger at the ready.


    The horse charged, its mouth open wide to reveal rows of razor-sharp teeth. Lyerin dodged to the side, his dagger slicing through the air.


    The horse let out a blood-curdling scream as the de cut deep into its neck, but Lyerin didn''t stop. He spun around, delivering a swift kick to the creature''s side, sending it crashing to the ground.


    He didn''t wait to see if it would get back up. He ran back to Corora, with his breathing in short, sharp gasps. He could hear the other horses closing in, their thunderous hooves pounding against the pavement.


    "Let''s go," he said urgently, grabbing Corora''s hand. She looked at him with wide eyes, but there was no time for exnations.


    They sprinted back to the safety of their hiding ce, the tires securely in tow.


    As they reached the rtive safety of the building, Lyerin allowed himself a moment to catch his breath.


    The horses'' cries faded into the distance, and he could feel the adrenaline slowly ebbing away.


    Corora looked at him, her expression a mixture of awe and fear. "You did it," she whispered, her voice trembling.


    Lyerin nodded, a small smile ying on his lips. "We did it," he corrected, squeezing her hand. "Now, let''s get these tires to the base, one by one."