Chapter 178: You and
In the forbidden area of the ancient Wolf Clan on the Orc Plains in the Dragon Nation, the day-long blessing ceremony finally concluded.
As a participant, Renji deeply realized one thing: 'if I had a cigarette right now, I'd desperately want one.'
Demi-humans were indeed different from humans.
Their appetites were enormous.
And as a mber of the Dragon kin, known for their exceptional abilities even among demi-humans, Renji found that he had grossly underestimated the Dragoness.
'How to describe it?'
If Suthia was used as a unit of asurent, Renji estimated that it would take about four and a half Suthia to equal the effort required for one Nova.
Moreover, Renji could never have imagined that Nova, usually so cold and the least talkative among "them," would change so dramatically. When Nova had him hold her "dragon horns" on her head, it was like flipping a strange switch. The Dragoness's behavior completely overturned Renji's previous impression of Nova.
To use Suthia as an example again, it was like the difference between a Saintess and a Witch.
If he didn't use his Dragonblood Ignition to keep his domination on Nova… he would be no less better than her.
So,
why did the image of Suthia keep popping into his mind?
Holding Nova, who now clung to him with her limbs like an "octopus" with her massive chest between his hand, Renji pondered over this serious question.
First, he ruled out guilt.
The remaining reason must be Suthia's role as a priestess nun with powerful healing abilities, which could help Nova recover better from the post-ceremony weakness.
From Nova's current position, clinging to him, it was evident how weak she was.
Although Renji had joined the ceremony to assist and ensure Nova didn't damage her foundation, the enormous energy expenditure of the ceremony had nearly depleted her strength.
On the status panel, Nova still displayed a six-star 'Calamity' rank, and her level hadn't changed. However, the status section was filled with nurous debuffs (negative effects) visible to Renji, a dense mass of them.
These were the inevitable consequences of the ceremony, significantly reducing Nova's attributes to a very low state. Fortunately, these were temporary, far better than a permanent decrease in attributes.
Also,
yes, the panel.
Only those contracted as Eclipsed beings would have a panel.
Reflecting on this, Renji gently brushed aside the fiery red hair of Nova in his embrace, revealing a new, shimring contract sigil on the pale nape of Nova's neck, which appeared following his touch.
It was a case of misfortune interlinked with blessing.
Nova, in an effort to repay her debt to her Nation, had distributed her imnse power, leading to a sense of falling from grace. On the other hand, due to her previously unattainable position on the "divine pedestal," even with her cooperation, Renji's power would have been insufficient to make a difference.
Now, thanks to the "ceremony" that significantly weakened her, Renji, despite struggling, managed to conquer her. The once resistant Nova, proud of her formidable power, eventually succumbed to the contract's mark.
Renji couldn't help feeling a bit smug and proud. In such a short ti, he had already successfully contracted and rectified two of his wives. Maintaining this montum, he hoped to soon reach a joyous and triumphant conclusion.
However, Renji felt sowhat helpless about the circumstances of his contracts. Each ti, the situation was... well, indescribable.
Though he wished for the next contract to be more dignified, he hoped his prowess could be recognized in other ways as well.
As Renji was lost in these thoughts, the Dragoness in his arms stirred.
Perhaps it was his earlier hair brushing that woke her.
Nova awoke from her slumber.
The first thing she did upon opening her eyes was to sense her body. Realizing that her power had indeed been significantly reduced, no longer reaching the 'Calamity' level, her expression dimd, thinking she had been demoted.
Despite her disappointnt, Nova showed no regret. She knew the ceremony was successful, and she had finally fulfilled her duty as an "Empress."
Gritting her teeth against the fatigue and weakness, Nova tried to rise from Renji's embrace. Now a weaker being, she felt undeserving of her position.
As soone useless, rather than being dismissed by her master, she preferred to leave on her own terms. This was her final act of pride.
anwhile, elsewhere...
Seeing Nova awaken, Renji felt a mix of apprehension and concern. On one hand, their relationship had undoubtedly grown closer; on the other, he wondered if he should help maintain Nova's composed facade, especially after witnessing her uninhibited side, to avoid embarrassing her.
However, Renji soon realized his concerns might be unnecessary. Nova, upon waking, seed no different than before, if anything, even more reserved. She silently got up from his embrace, straightened her clothes, and then,
seed ready to leave without looking back?
That's when Renji sensed sothing was amiss.
"Nova?" he called out.
Nova shook her head, "Master, there's no need for words. I understand and will leave willingly." Her eyes held a myriad of emotions, but she turned away decisively.
But in the next second, she was pulled back into the warm embrace by a pair of strong hands.
"Master?" Nova looked surprised.
'You fool!'
'What exactly do you think you understand?'
Though Renji internally scolded the naive Dragoness, he couldn't bear to do so aloud.
"First of all, even if you truly were demoted, I wouldn't abandon you. I'd help you regain your strength. Secondly, although you've lost a lot of power now, it's only temporary! With proper rest and care, you'll be back to normal before you know it!"
Renji spoke with earnest severity, but from Nova's expression, it seed she didn't quite believe him, perhaps thinking he was just comforting her with lies.
This nearly infuriated Renji again.
"I might not have been able to say this before, but now, as my contracted, I probably understand your body better than you do!"
Initially, Nova didn't grasp his aning, but as she quickly sensed her body again, she finally noticed the restored contract sigil on her neck, causing her body to tremble.
Previously, she had been so focused on her loss of power and her anxiety that she hadn't noticed it, but now,
"Is it true, Master Ashen? Is my weakness only... temporary?"
"Do you now doubt my words as well?"
"No, no, no, Nova just... Nova just... "
For Nova, those few seconds felt like a transition from hell back to heaven. Not only did she regain her contract with her master, but her rank and level remained intact, aning she could continue serving him and, more importantly, stay by his side.
Changing Nova's mindset, which equated "power" with "status," wouldn't happen overnight. It would take ti, and Renji was patient. For now, he simply stroked Nova's soft red hair as she buried her head in his chest.
Renji had fantasized about this mont many tis, especially during his gaming days when Nova, as his character, would erge battered but victorious from extre battles. He had always longed to comfort her.
Now, holding Nova in his arms, feeling her warmth, Renji knew there was nothing more valuable. If given the choice to enter a Second Playthrough again, he would press that button without hesitation.
Looking down at Nova, who had once again beco an "octopus demi-human" with her arms wrapped around his neck and legs around his waist, Renji felt a sense of satisfaction.
When Renji's gaze t hers, Nova blinked her purple eyes as if to say she was too weak and could only maintain herself by clinging to him.
'This is the sort of mont you unlock in a New Playthrough' Renji thought, amused by the rare sight of a 'cuddly' Nova. "Nova, let's make sure we're on the sa page."
"Align our story?"
"Yes. When we go out, I'm planning to contact Suthia imdiately. With her healing you, your recovery should be much quicker."
Nova's eyes lit up at the ntion of Suthia. She had forgotten about her! Although Suthia was the weakest in combat among them, her healing abilities were unmatched. Just with Suthia's help...
Nova's excitent suddenly halted, and she looked awkward. She suddenly realized why she had "forgotten" about Suthia earlier.
"Cough, cough."
Seeing Nova's expression that almost scread 'guilty conscience,' Renji quickly coughed twice to interrupt her thoughts. It wasn't that he felt guilty, but to avoid unnecessary troubles and misunderstandings. He then shared the 'testimony' he had prepared in advance with Nova, emphasizing the principle of "known to heaven and earth, only you know and I know."
But Nova still seed worried.
"Master… but besides us, Lena probably also knows..."
'Lena…'
ntioning Lena made Renji realize he owed an apology to the pink-haired succubus.
He had misunderstood Lena.
Studying in advance really proved useful and important.
Renji acknowledged that without the "training manual" Lena had provided, which allowed him to rehearse and enhance his 'resilience', he might not have been able to endure.
He never expected that the foreshadowing would play out this way.
This revelation gave Renji a mont of clarity.
He had always thought of Lena as a troublemaker, just like in the ga.
But now, it was clear that his journey in the Dragon Nation wouldn't have been successful this easily without Lena's behind-the-scenes assistance. Not only did he manage to unveil the mastermind and save the Nation, but he also successfully contracted Nova!
Lena was not just a troublemaking succubus.
She was more like his protective guardian, indispensable to his journey.
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