Level 10 - New Ability

The eighth day of Alaric's time at Verdant Dawn Academy dawned brightly, bringing with it the excitement of an upcoming event that the first-year students had been eagerly awaiting: the Academy's annual Moonlit Festival.

Held on the fifteenth day of the month, this celebration was a longstanding tradition where students showcased their magical skills, artistic talents, and craftsmanship.

It was a bustling affair that gave students the chance to engage with the academy in more than just academic pursuits.

That morning, Professor Lilliana Valtor gathered the first-year students in the large courtyard, her curvaceous figure attracting more attention than even the announcement itself.

Her robes, a deep shade of emerald green, clung to her body, accentuating her full chest and narrow waist. The fabric shimmered in the sunlight, hinting at her subtle elegance and command over elemental magic.

"Welcome, students, to the preparations for the Moonlit Festival," she began, her voice carrying authority yet warmth.

Alaric couldn't help but notice how the material of her dress pressed against her ample curves, the neckline dipping just low enough to reveal the slightest hint of her cleavage.

Her silver hair, tied up loosely, framed her stunning face as she continued. "As first-year students, your task is to set up the event alongside your professors and senior students. You'll work together in teams to handle everything from decorations to event management."

Alaric's sharp eyes caught the jealous looks from his male classmates, most of whom were too fixated on Professor Valtor to even pay full attention to her words.

It wasn't lost on him how much envy was directed his way, especially since Professor Valtor seemed to give him a lingering glance every time she spoke. He smiled inwardly, knowing that the system's charm was working as intended.

As they broke off into smaller groups, Alaric found himself with Cedric, Natasha, and several other girls who had developed crushes on him, along with a few senior students who were more than eager to help guide them.

Natasha wore a fitted white blouse, the fabric hugging her slender buddy as she smiled warmly at Alaric. The other girls, Lea, Tessa, and Irene, all tried to position themselves close to him, their admiration evident.

"Alaric, why don't you handle the enchanted lanterns for the festival?" Natasha suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You're so good at magic, and I think you'd make them look amazing."

Alaric nodded, flashing her a charming smile that made her cheeks flush. "I'd be happy to. I'll make sure they glow brighter than anything we've seen before."

[System Notification: Intimacy score with Natasha increased slightly.]

[Experience received: +8]

As the day progressed, Alaric's group was joined by Professor Amelia Lyon, the academy's expert in enchanting and artifact creation.

She was a stunning woman, her voluptuous form wrapped in a snug, dark blue robe adorned with silver runes.

The robe hugged her figure tightly, outlining her ample bust and hips in a way that made even the senior students take notice.

Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down her back in silky waves, and her dark eyes glittered with intelligence.

"Let me show you how to properly enchant these lanterns," Professor Lyon said, leaning closer to Alaric. Her voice was soft but firm, her fingers delicately tracing the symbols she had drawn in the air.

Alaric couldn't help but notice how the curve of her chest pressed against the fabric of her robe with each breath she took.

The way her full lips curled into a smile as she explained the enchantment made it impossible for him to focus on anything else.

[System Notification: Intimacy score with Professor Lyon increased slightly.]

[Experience received: +16]

Alaric nodded along as she spoke, fully aware of the effect his innocent, studious demeanor had on her. He asked questions—intelligent, insightful ones that made her eyes light up with appreciation. Her admiration for his talent, combined with his boyish charm, was steadily increasing her attraction toward him.

As they worked on the lanterns, Alaric felt the presence of another voluptuous figure approaching.

Professor Maelis, the combat magic instructor, strode into the courtyard with her signature confidence.

Her long, platinum blonde hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her scarlet combat robes accentuated her muscular yet curvaceous frame.

The neckline of her robes revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her full breasts, the fabric stretching tightly over her ample figure as she moved.

"You're doing well with those lanterns, Alaric," Maelis said, her voice a husky murmur. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch lingering a little longer than necessary.

Alaric could feel the heat of her body through her robes, and the way her eyes roamed over him made it clear that she was impressed—both with his magical abilities and his presence.

[System Notification: Intimacy score with Professor Maelis increased significantly.]

[Experience received: +28]

The attention from all three professors wasn't lost on the senior students, especially the girls.

Mariel, the auburn-haired beauty who had taken a liking to Alaric during practice sessions, watched the scene unfold from nearby.

Her fitted academy uniform hugged her hourglass figure, the short skirt swaying as she approached.

"Looks like the professors have taken quite a shine to you, Alaric," Mariel teased, her voice filled with playful envy. "Not that I blame them—you're quite the prodigy."

Alaric gave her a charming grin, aware of how her gaze dipped briefly to his lips. "I'm just trying to keep up with everyone else."

She laughed softly, the sound musical and warm. "Keep it up, and you'll leave us all in the dust."

[System Notification: Intimacy score with Mariel increased.]

[Experience received: +24]

The festival preparations continued throughout the day, and Alaric made sure to involve himself in every task that allowed him to be close to the senior girls and professors.

His interactions with them were casual but filled with subtle intimacy—brushing hands, leaning close to offer assistance, or sharing quiet conversations about magic.

Each contact, however small, was rewarded with notifications from the system.

[System Notification: Intimacy score with Professor Valtor increased slightly.]

[Experience received: +12]

[System Notification: Intimacy score with Professor Lyon increased.]

[Experience received: +20]

As the sun began to set and the day came to a close, Alaric's tally of experience points had steadily increased.

The envy from the other male students was palpable, with many of them glaring at him from a distance.

Even the senior male students seemed irritated by how much attention Alaric received from the most beautiful women in the academy.

"I swear," one of the senior boys muttered to his friend as they watched Alaric chat with Professor Maelis, "how does that kid get all this attention?"

"It's not fair," another grumbled. "He's just a first year, and he's already got half the academy swooning over him."

But Alaric barely noticed their jealousy. His focus remained on the women around him, each one offering him more experience as they became more comfortable in his presence.

By the time the day was over, Alaric felt the familiar tingle of a system notification signaling something major.

[System Notification: Congratulations, Alaric, you have reached Level 10.]

[New ability unlocked: Charm Aura – You now emit a subtle, passive aura that makes women feel more comfortable and drawn to you. This ability lowers the resistance of women in your immediate vicinity, making them more susceptible to your charm. It works especially well on commoners or women of lower status, but has minimal effect on women of high status.]

Alaric couldn't help but smirk as he read the notification. The Charm Aura was exactly what he needed to further his goals.

With this new ability, his interactions with women would become even easier, and the experience points would flow more freely than ever before. The next step in his journey was clear: he would use the festival preparations to fully test the limits of his new power.