Arthur focused on the small, fluffy red chick and activated [Observer's Gaze]. A translucent window appeared before his eyes, filled with information that made his jaw drop.
Na: ???
Race: Primordial Phoenix Hatchling Discover exclusive content at empire
Rank: Unranked (Potential: ???)
Bloodline: Origin Fla Sovereign
Abilities:
Fla Embryo (Dormant): The hatchling carries the latent power of primordial flas. Once matured, its flas can burn through any material, including divine constructs.
Bloodline Domination (Passive): Commands absolute reverence and submission from any being with a lower-tier bloodline.
Mana Absorption (Passive): Instinctively absorbs ambient mana to fuel its growth.
Eternal Rebirth (Locked): Grants the ability to resurrect infinitely from its ashes, evolving after each rebirth.
Arthur blinked at the screen in disbelief. "Primordial Phoenix Hatchling? Origin Fla Sovereign? What did I hatch, the king of all birds?"
[It seems so,] Sol replied smugly. [Congratulations, Arthur. You've just beco the 'parent' of one of the rarest and most powerful creatures in existence.]
Arthur groaned, rubbing his temples. "This is insane. How am I supposed to raise sothing like this? I don't even know what it eats."
[Relax,] Sol chid in with its usual calm. [You don't need to figure that out on your own. The system shop has everything you'll need. It's just a matter of how much you're willing to spend.]
Arthur let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. "Great, just what I needed—another expense." He glanced at the hatchling, its fluffy form looking almost comical. "But... it's worth it."
The tiny chick let out a cheerful chirp, hopping closer to him. It nuzzled against his hand, its warm, soft feathers a surprising source of comfort.
Arthur raised a brow, watching its antics. "And now it's already attached to ."
[Of course,] Sol replied with a hint of amusent. [You're the first thing it saw after hatching. Congratulations, 'parent.' And, as a bonus, system rewards co with 100% loyalty. It will never betray you.]
Arthur let out a relieved chuckle. "Good. I can't even imagine what would happen if a divine beast turned on ."
[So,] Sol continued, [are you planning to give it a na, or are we just going to keep calling it 'chick'?]
Arthur tilted his head, staring at the little bird, which was now staring back at him with an almost expectant look. "A na, huh?"
[Yes, a na,] Sol said dryly. [Sothing fitting for its future glory. If you can't think of one, I'm sure Alicia would love to help.]
Arthur rolled his eyes. "I can handle this, thank you very much." He turned to the hatchling, its golden eyes gleaming with intelligence. "Alright... how about Ignis? Short, strong, and fitting for a phoenix."
The hatchling chirped in delight, flapping its tiny wings as if in approval.
Even Zephyra, still crouched in a submissive pose, let out a soft trill of agreent.
Arthur let out a long breath, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Ignis it is, then."
[Good choice,] Sol said, sounding genuinely impressed. [It's simple yet powerful.]
Arthur crouched down, looking at the fluffy hatchling. "So, little guy, are you hungry? Want to eat sothing?"
"Chirp! Chirp!" The hatchling nodded enthusiastically, hopping in place as if it could understand him.
Even Zephyra gave a soft trill and nodded along, her golden feathers ruffling slightly.
"Alright, alright," Arthur said with a chuckle. "Sol, what do phoenixes eat?"
[That depends on your budget,] Sol replied, the teasing tone unmistakable.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "No budget. Just tell ."
[In that case, fire-attribute mana stones are ideal. They'll boost Ignis's growth by 10%.]
"Fine. Get
so fire stones for Ignis and the regular feed for Zephyra."
[Hey,] Sol interjected, mock offense in its voice. [That's blatant discrimination. You're pampering Ignis with fire stones while giving Zephyra just regular feed? She's not a system product, you know—she has feelings and can retaliate if you don't maintain a proper bond.]
Arthur sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Don't make it sound so bad. Zephyra hasn't complained about anything yet."
[That's because she didn't have anyone to compare her treatnt with until now.]
Arthur groaned. "Fine. You win. Just give
two packs of each. Happy now?"
[Ding! Purchase complete. 20,000 EP spent.]
Arthur's eyes widened. "What the hell?! Why is it so expensive?"
[You're not buying so cheap grain,] Sol explained, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. [These are mana stones. Quality doesn't co cheap.]
Grumbling, Arthur spread tiny chunks of fire and thunder mana stones in front of his familiars. Ignis chirped excitedly, pecking at the fire stones with vigor, while Zephyra elegantly nibbled on the thunder stones.
"Enjoy your feast, you little freeloaders," Arthur muttered before heading off to freshen up. "This better be worth it."
Arthur stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped casually around his waist. His damp hair clung to his forehead, and water dripped lazily down his well-toned torso. As he entered the room, he was surprised to find Alicia, Eveline, and Althea sitting on the bed, playing with Ignis and Zephyra, who seed perfectly content after their al.
"What are you guys doing here?" Arthur asked, his voice curious.
The three girls turned toward him. Eveline and Althea instantly froze, their faces turning crimson. Steam taphorically rose from their heads as their eyes darted anywhere but at him. It was the first ti either of them had seen a half-naked man, let alone one as handso and confident as Arthur. Both had spent their lives sheltered within the church, and the sight was overwhelming.
Alicia, however, remained unfazed. She'd seen him in less before, so she crossed her arms and shot him a disapproving look.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Alicia snapped. "How can you just walk out like that with girls here? Go back and change!"
Arthur smirked, leaning slightly against the doorfra. "Why should I? I'm not the one who's embarrassed."
"But we are!" Alicia shot back. "Don't you have any sha?"
"Why should I?" Arthur teased, his grin widening. "You're the ones who barged into my room. I gave you the spare key, Alicia, not to bring others along."
"Would you quit it already?" Alicia scowled, clearly losing patience.
"Alright, alright." Arthur chuckled, retreating to the bathroom. Monts later, he reerged fully dressed, his hair slightly drier but still charmingly tousled. He sat down casually beside Alicia on the couch, folding his arms. "Now, care to explain why you're all here?"
Eveline and Althea still hadn't recovered from their embarrassnt, their heads bowed low to avoid eye contact. Alicia sighed, clearly the only one capable of maintaining composure. "The Saintess wants to visit the slums to help the needy. She's here to ask if you'll accompany her."
Arthur raised a brow and turned to Eveline. "You want
to waste my precious weekend running around in the slums?" His tone made it clear he wasn't thrilled with the idea.
Eveline nodded ekly, her voice barely audible. "Y-Yes."
"Nope. Not happening." Arthur's response was blunt and unwavering.
Alicia, however, had other plans. Without a word, she pinched his side hard.
"Ouch! What the hell, Alicia?" Arthur flinched, rubbing his ribs as he glared at her.
Ignoring his protest, Alicia turned to Eveline with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about him. He'll et you at the academy gate at 4 PM."
Eveline's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you!" she said, her voice sincere but still tinged with embarrassnt. She grabbed Althea's hand, and the two quickly excused themselves, practically fleeing the room in their flustered state.
As the door clicked shut, Arthur leaned back on the couch with a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Would you mind explaining what's really going on here, Alicia?"
Alicia smirked mischievously, moving to straddle his lap, her face close to his. "What do you an? I'm doing this for you, you know."
Arthur raised a brow, his hands naturally resting on her hips. "Oh? And how exactly is dragging
into the slums for the Saintess doing
any favors?"
Alicia leaned in, her fingers trailing up his chest as she whispered, "I'm giving you a chance to spend so ti alone with Eveline. You know, to get closer."
Arthur froze, his thoughts derailed as her lips brushed lightly against his neck. "Wait... What?" He gently held her shoulders, straightening her up so he could look her in the eye. "What are you even talking about?"
Alicia tilted her head, her tone casual yet teasing. "Exactly what you heard. I want you to make Eveline yours."
Arthur blinked, trying to process her words. "Where is this nonsense coming from?"
"What? You don't find her attractive?" Alicia teased, a sly grin on her face.
Arthur's ears reddened slightly as he stamred, "No, it's not that... I an—she's beautiful, of course—but that's not the point! I'm asking what's driving you to suggest sothing like this."
Alicia's playful deanor softened as she let out a quiet sigh. "Arthur... Yesterday, when you were fighting that demon, I felt so helpless. I couldn't do anything to support you. And I know that wasn't the last ti you'll find yourself in danger. So, I thought long and hard about it last night."
Arthur studied her expression, his curiosity piqued. "And? What did you decide?"
Alicia t his gaze, determination flickering in her eyes. "If I can't be of any help to you in battle, then I'll make sure you have soone who can. And who better than a Saintess? Eveline is strong, pure-hearted, and beautiful. Most importantly, she can heal you when you're hurt. Honestly, who's better at healing magic than a Saintess? She's practically a walking first aid kit." Alicia ended with a wicked little laugh.
Arthur stared at her, both amused and stunned. "I can't tell if I should be flattered or concerned by how... calculated that sounded."
Alicia grinned. "I'm just looking out for you, dummy. So? What do you think?"
Arthur chuckled softly, pulling her closer. "I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but are you really okay with this? Helping
find a 'mistress,' as you put it?"
Alicia shrugged, her fingers playing with the collar of his shirt. "Why wouldn't I be? Nobles having multiple partners is pretty normal, isn't it? Besides, I'm happy being your first and favorite."
Arthur's heart swelled at her sincerity. He cupped her cheek gently, leaning in to capture her lips in a deep, lingering kiss. When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers. "I love you, Alicia. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm grateful every single day."
Alicia smiled, her voice soft and affectionate. "And I love you too, Arthur. Now stop being so mushy. And explain what's the deal with this hatchling."
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