BXBX NOVEL Chapter 167: The problems are narrowing down
As she settled down and recovered lying on her arm, Strax focused on understanding why the System was sending an unusually large number of update messages.
He went to his information terminal and began investigating the incessant notifications.
Upon accessing the messages, Strax noticed that most of them were related to new features and adjustments in the System, many of which were directly tied to his involvement with Samira.
"It seems there's something significant happening here," Strax murmured to himself, scanning the texts appearing in the updates.
"Samira's 'second' virginity… Could it really have impacted the System so much?" he pondered. There were some skill updates, but not only that; last time he had advanced to level 60 instantly, and now, by simply completing a Quest, he had leveled up 5 whole levels, giving him 5 points in all visible stats.
"So, it's not just about the act itself, but about how it redefines our interactions and the way the System records and responds to it," Strax concluded. "This must be a way to adapt the System to recognize and reflect more complex and profound experiences within the harem..." He thought as he began to read the "Status" tab.
[Name: Strax Vorah
[Age: 18 years]
[Cultivation: Supreme Cultivator of Master Stage]
[Talent: Rare+]
[Race: Human (Draconian)]
[Physique: Dragon-Demonic]
[Level: 65]
[HP: 1028/1028]
[Vitality: 72]
[Resistance: 65]
[Strength: 70]
[Agility: 65]
[Intelligence: 63]
[Defense: 70]
...
[System Updates!]
(Passive) Incubus (SSS): The unique trait has received an exponential increase when interacting with human and humanoid women; your charm will always give a positive impression to the women who encounter you. First impressions last! Now, any woman will listen to you first before attacking or thinking ill of you. Your captivating charm makes them not want to be your direct enemies!
(Passive) Charm (A+): Skill derived from Incubus, you can impose your charm on someone. It can be used to uncover the darkest secrets of someone... Say "What do you desire?" and you will discover a person's deepest desires, always ensuring that it will be the truth.
Affinity with Samira increased by 70%: After the significant disagreements, you have overcome an almost impenetrable barrier. This is not a System effect but a measure to calculate Samira's love for the host. After making her reveal a very private place, you are now almost reaching excellence. Achieve the level of "Eternal Love," and a new System skill will be added.
Strax examined these updates with a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. The increase in affinity with Samira was a clear sign that their relationship was genuinely strengthening, and the new charm ability promised to be a powerful tool in their future interactions.
"These changes are more than I expected," Strax murmured, reflecting on the impact these updates could have on his future actions and relationships. "It seems the System is really evolving to reflect the depths of our experiences and connections."
"Let's see..." he murmured, looking through other tabs to notice the changes and finally found something...
[Love Copy: Targets - Samira – Beatrice – Monica]
"How strange... Haven't I already used Love Copy on Samira? I copied the fire manipulation... She shouldn't even be here... as for the other two... what can I copy?
I mean, do they even have abilities?" He pondered, something that really didn't make much sense, he clearly remembered that it could only be used once.
"System, why is Samira here?" He questioned mentally.
[Response: Due to the affinity update, it is now possible to copy the user's weapon mastery: Samira Blaze. Great Sword Mastery Level Expert]
"Oh... so it's no longer just magical abilities... even abilities that require experience can be copied." Strax murmured, but...
[Response: Incorrect! Love is absolute, upon reaching the "Eternal Love" status with any of your wives, you will be able to copy everything from them: abilities, race, talent, and physique.]
"W-what?" He stuttered, was he reading that right? I mean... the System basically said that if he... "Wait, what happens if I achieve Absolute Love with Ouroboros?" He questioned.
[Response: Find out when the time comes! Information Blocked by Level! Reach Eternal Love Level and receive your next notifications and explanations!]
'Of course this damned system wouldn't give me an easy answer... but still, even if it's something silly... Just copying their Dragon physique... It would mean that...' Strax pondered for a moment over all the possibilities.
With the right wives, he would have to do something right, he could be the strongest in the entire universe just with his women...
But was this something he wanted? Even he didn't know.
The fact that it seemed so easy irritated him, not only that, but the fact that he was a leech who steals his wives' abilities and pretends it's his merit... It was even worse.
He didn't want to be dependent on his wives, he wanted to be strong for himself and for them, not by relying on them in this way.
He had already chosen to be the strongest, so that's how he would be. The strongest of all, with the best and most beloved wives.
Even if he encounters a tyrant along the way!
"I should keep this in mind..." he started, looking at the System updates still blinking on his screen. "Besides, I still have three women to resolve things with... Xenovia, Rose, and Cristine..."
He knew he needed to handle each one of them carefully, considering their particularities and the relationships he had with them. "Even though I want to sort things out quickly to at least go to the elven continent, I also need to check on Evelyn and Lyanna... I want to make sure I can count on them to find an Elven Alchemist..."
The thought of finding a blacksmith was also on his mind, as he needed to create bodies for Ouroboros, Tiamat, and Xyn. "As for finding a blacksmith... I'll have to see with Cristine if she knows anything..." He knew that Cristine's experience and her guild's knowledge could be crucial in finding a suitable dwarf blacksmith, someone who could help with the specific needs he had in mind.
"I hope everything goes well..." he murmured, concern evident in his voice.
With one last look at the System updates, Strax closed the terminal with a careful touch and turned his focus to Samira. She was lying peacefully, sleeping like an angel in his arms, her expression serene and relaxed. Strax watched her, almost imagining she had feathered wings, such was the peace and grace emanating from her resting form.
He adjusted to ensure Samira was comfortable, tucking the blanket around them and making sure not to disturb her.
With a deep sigh and a gentle smile, Strax ran his hand through Samira's hair, admiring the beauty and peace she brought to his tumultuous world. "I hope everything goes well," he repeated to himself. Strax settled beside Samira, allowing himself a moment of rest; finally, he was going to get some sleep after so many troubled days...
Meanwhile...
Two twin sisters were beginning to make good progress in their actions... Especially Cristine, who was more euphoric than ever.
"How many have been dealt with?" she asked, her daggers no longer showing their silver blades, only the blood reflecting off them.
"Thirteen assassins; they were well-positioned," Yennifer said, following her sister as she leaped between rooftops around the auction site.
"Do you think we can pull this off?" Yennifer asked, jumping to a watchtower and killing another assassin without remorse.
"First, we'll eliminate everyone quietly. In the morning, you come with me to meet Strax... I just need you to help me convince him to get involved. Second, Carlos wants information about a decent blacksmith or an alchemist. We should be able to find that within days..." Cristine said. She wasn't sure what to feel about Strax; in fact, she barely knew what to think.
She liked him, perhaps too much, especially because he was connected to her god. Although he apparently didn't know, she knew that Death was with him, and in her eyes, that was even more beautiful.
However, she knew that his wives came first, and that was what she was hesitating about... Despite liking him and betraying her guild without a second thought, she didn't know if he liked her in that way.
"Are you going to tell him our story? Or will you keep lying and relying on your nun disguise?" Yennifer said with disgust; she didn't like how Cristine had created her identity. She liked her sister but knew it was driving her mad.
"I will tell him about Mom," Cristine said, though she was hesitant about doing so. It was one of the ways she could ask for help.
"And if it doesn't work?" Yennifer asked.
"Then I will give him the dragon heart that is being auctioned," she said with a smile. "Is there a man who would refuse a dragon heart? I don't know one." She smiled.
'I hope you're right, sister...'