Chapter 40: Chosen Path

Ark slowly opened his eyes as he felt someone moving about on his chest. His dreary eyes searched for the cause of the sudden movement, only to find a certain teal haired looking back up at his face. Her skin glistened in the morning rays of the sun giving her an ethereal feel that stunned Ark. He gazed at her with a soft look before he kissed her gently on the head and spoke.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

Jenny chuckled at the generic words of Ark, she could tell that he was currently entranced by her and it gave her a deep sense of pride to be able to captivate Ark without even trying to.

"Of course, it would be hard not to, when I am cuddled up to such a good hug pillow"

An awkward expression appeared on Arks face causing Jenny to giggle at how obvious his emotions were when he was around her. Contrary to what many might think, Ark tends to hide his deep emotions when he is in front of those he does not trust enough, however when he starts to trust them like he does with Jenny and Delia, he doesn't even try to hide them.

The two spent a few more minutes laid in each others embraces until they eventually dragged themselves out of bed to get cleaned up.

While Jenny was getting ready, Ark decided he should sit down and look through what he got from that upgrade last night. He had high hopes about the sort of evolution his system had taken. It said that Ark had already chosen a path, yet he does not remember receiving any sort of options to pick from. Therefore, driven by pure expectation, Ark focused on bringing up the main System screen.

Much to his surprise, the usual light blue screen now had a light lilac hue to it, similar to Sylphs 'Confusion' attack. However, in Arks mind, a slight change to the background colour did not warrant an upgrade.

Just as Ark was about ready to file a complaint, he noticed a peculiarity in the information displayed on the screen.

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Harem Mastery System

Stamina: 16

Strength: 19

Agility: 15

Dexterity: 15

Intelligence: 20

Vitality: 17

*New* Partners: 1

Abilities+

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Besides the nice increase in strength, Ark noticed that the name of his system had actually changed. Bringing his palm to his forehead, Ark shook his heat gently as he realised that the system had actually evolved in a way to incorporate his deviant dreams. Although he had not personally chosen this type of evolution, Ark could not deny the fact that it suited him and his purposes perfectly. Second on the agenda, was a new section that appeared on the Quest screen. While there was the usual 'Main Quests', there was now a new section called 'Partner Quests'.

"Judging by its name, it should probably be quests that are related to my partners. Now the problem is, what sort of quests will I get?"

Although he wasn't overly concerned since he planned to complete as many quests as he got, he still felt a bit uneasy about not having any idea about it.

As Ark started to think up ideas, he heard a familiar sound.

*DING*

He focused on the new notification and much to his delight, it seemed he had received a new quest. As they say, 'Ask and you shall receive'.

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*New* Partner Quest

Partner: Jenny

Objective: Persuade Jenny to accept a place in the harem

Reward: Select Ability Increase

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Arks previous joyful mood sank instantly. Although he planned to have that talk with Jenny today, having it thrown back at him soured his mood instantly. Unlike before, he had started a full blown relationship with Jenny meaning the backlash that could fall upon him was huge. While he did not believe Jenny was an irrational person, he also realised that even if people are broad-minded, it's a different story entirely when they have feelings invested.

Footsteps sounded out from behind Ark. He turned around a smiled at the owner of the footsteps. Jenny had finally finished getting ready, she was dressed in a plain white shirt and tight dark blue suit trousers. Despite the formal look, it suited Jenny perfectly as it gave her a mature sexy aura that radiated confidence. Although Ark liked the Jenny he saw last night, he also found this side of Jenny alluring in a whole different way. Under Arks gaze, she strolled into the room and sat down directly next to Ark. The distance between the two was non-existent as she gradually leaned into Ark and rested on him. Even though she had gotten comfortable, she did not speak, instead she just stared at Ark with a discerning gaze.

"Is something wrong?"

Ark asked as he noticed the silent stare of Jenny.

"That should be my question, is something bothering you?"

The concern in Jenny's voice was evident as she questioned Ark. A wry smile appeared on Arks face as he was seen through.

"Yeah I guess there is. Honestly I need to talk to you about something but it's not exactly the most normal conversation ever and depending on your stance on it, it could probably be seen as the most inconsiderate topic to even discuss with a lover"

Jenny blushed lightly as the word 'Lover', it was a confirmation that the two will have a deeper relationship even in the future. However that was a short lived feeling as she instantly took up a serious attitude, preparing herself for what Ark had to say next.

The two distanced themselves slightly so that they were sitting face to face.

After a few brief minutes of silent preparation, Ark started to speak.

"Jenny. I vow that I am being completely open and honest and have been since we met. Therefore, I ask that you listen to everything I say before you do anything"

Jenny nodded without a moment's hesitation. Even though it was a concerning way to start a conversation, she knew Ark had not lied yet and chose to believe he would not do that to her. After all, if there was no trust in their relationship, it would never last.

"Thank you. First of all, I have two big dreams. The first is to become a true master, that means be the strongest as a trainer and myself. Secondly, my other dream is to have a large family, so large in fact that it will be over kill. To do this, I intend to make a harem."

Ark maintained a serious expression as he spoke, hiding the anxiety he felt behind a serious mask. His heart was thumping violently as he continued on.

"You are my first Jenny. You are someone who is irreplaceable to me, someone who will forever hold a large part of my heart, however, in the future there will be others that will also share that same love from me."

He decided to stop speaking there for now. He had already said enough to give Jenny a general idea, and he did not want to overload her with apologies and honeyed words. As much as he had grown to love Jenny, all he wanted right now, was for Jenny to make her own decision on this subject and decide her own future. Even if they became part of his harem, he did not want his harem to live for his sake, he wanted them to grow and help each other to become what they dream to be.

Jenny crossed her arms and shut her eyes. Her face adorned a neutral expression as she processed all of the shocking new information. It was certainly not a subject that was pleasing to hear, and had it not been Ark asking her, she would have stood up and slapped the guy who proposed it. Honestly, Jenny was surprised by her patience when it came to Ark, however this was a decision that would shape her entire life.

"It's a heavy decision, maybe I should let you sleep on it for a few days and then ask you for an answer"

Noticing Jenny's struggle, Ark gave her a way to postpone answering. Every one so far, has needed some time to digest their thoughts and feelings, so Ark felt it was only right to give Jenny the same option.

Shaking her head, Jenny showed a small smile at Ark before speaking.

"No need, I have an answer. Before that though, it's my turn to talk"

Her expression turned sharp as a silent pressure burst out of her and fell upon Ark. All he could do was not and brace himself.