LOSS IS POWER
In this world of magic, people relied on Spirit Energy to increase their strength, that they gain after intaking The Creation Seed.
However, it was not easy to utilize Spirit Energy.
Some relied on their innate pride to ignore the 'loss', and use Spirit Energy—thinking 'losing' is beneath themselves.
While some focused on their foresight to calculate how long and for what purpose they want to use Spirit Energy, ignoring the chances of 'loss' during that duration and making full use of SE.
However, every individual was distinct and had unique methods to achieve the same result.
"Alright," Kole muttered.
Immediately, Kole felt a cold hand gripping his throat as if choking him.
His eyes went bloodshot, and his breathing haphazard—The first signs of 'loss'!
This is when individuals turn into mindless abominations!
A dangerous aura erupted from his body, sweeping the grounds, and filling the entire area with a chilling wind.
Kole could feel his strength rising to a degree where normal humans could be crushed by him, regardless of how they choose to defend themselves—He almost felt invincible!
Within seconds, his strength surpassed Tier 10-A and was rapidly approaching Tier 9-C.
Kole could feel his psyche deteriorating but had already learned to cope.
With his remaining sanity, he pushed his newfound strength toward his wrists and toes…
"Arghh…" With a low groan—a bestial one at that, he pulled with all his might!
Snap!
The ropes ripped apart.
"Stop!"
"Huuh… Hah…" Kole quickly restricted the overflowing energy and his eyes went back to normal. He slumped on the ground, panting, as his breathing slowly returned to calm.
"Dammit! This is so difficult… Much more problematic than using mana! Or maybe it's just me who's facing this level of mental corruption because of my rich experience?
"That's right! If it was someone else my age, they wouldn't be in such a terrible situation. At most, they'd hear something like this: 'Hehe, your peepee's too short! I can help you grow big enough!'"
Ridiculing himself inwardly, Kole relaxed, and felt better because of his natural genes that put a monster-like package in his pants.
It was then, he felt a pair of eyes on his back.
He turned his head and saw those red orbs staring at him. The silver hair flowed gently, shining in the moonlight.
"Very well, you escaped before midnight."
A smile appeared on Kole's face.
"I'll put you in the underground dungeon tomorrow to fight some abominations."
His smile froze.
With that, Faneia turned around and started walking back toward the manor.
"Wait! Didn't you say you'd throw me in there IF I couldn't tear these ropes?"
Faneia stopped, and without turning back, she replied, "I didn't say what I would do if you could escape…"
Kole's smile died.
Remembering something, she raised an eyebrow and turned to look at him,
"Are you perhaps getting lazy already?" An intriguing expression appeared on Faneia's face, that was rare in itself, "You trained with all kinds of weapons when you were young, beat many teachers that I brought for you… What made you change so suddenly?
A wry smile appeared on Kole's face. It's just that only now has Kole decided to live an unfettered life. Earlier, he was unleashing his anger on his body—training as hard as possible—to the very limits of humanity…
With a low chuckle, he said, "Laziness is such an ugly word. I prefer selective participation!"
That's right. With all his greed and hunger for power and women, came sloth. He wanted to become a lazy bum as well. Too much mind-f*ckery is not good for his mental health.
Faneia didn't comment. Turning around, she stepped inside the manor, her back with a dark dragon tattoo faded from Kole's eyesight.
"I really want to know why she drew a dragon behind her back?..."
"Wait…"
"Are there even dragons in this world? Wasn't it just a part of myths even in my previous one?"
Kole decided to inquire more from Little Faneia.
"Grr…" Looking at his stomach, which finally groaned, Kole also stood up and ordered some food and quenched his thirst and hunger in the dining hall.
Where is Charlotte? With a satiated expression on his face, Kole trotted all the way back to his room.
As soon as he opened the door, a weird expression appeared on his face as he felt a sweet fragrance wafting in the air.
Looking around, he saw several scented candles lighting his room.
With some confusion and anticipation on his face, Kole entered the bathroom.
However, he was left disappointed seeing nobody inside but hot water prepared in the bathtub. Kole unclothed himself and took a relaxing bath.
Maybe she ran away because of embarrassment?... Kole thought as he put on a towel that was prepared in advance…
However, a stunned expression appeared on his face as saw Charlotte standing at the bedside, holding a bottle—a bottle of oil?
Kole couldn't believe how bold she has gotten! It has only been two small occurrences between the two in the past day but Charlotte was already planning on the next step.
Is she a pervert or maybe she always was… but I didn't realize it?
In the darkness, it was hard to see the blush that was on her face, but Kole knew it was there.
"M-master…" With a slight tremor in her voice, she gradually grew confident, "Let me massage you and relieve some of your fatigue…"
"Charlotte, where were you? You neither brought me lunch nor dinner…?" However, how could Kole so easily submit? He approached her with brisk steps.
Charlotte controlled herself from taking a step back, "I am sorry, master. Duchess ordered me to not give you any food or water…"
Kole couldn't believe his ears! The reason he was kept hungry was because of his mom! Is she really an S?
By the time, Kole thought, he had already appeared by Charlotte's side.
In the dim moonlight, his chiseled physique was attractive and Charlotte couldn't move her eyes away. She hoped the towel would just drop…
She shook her head indiscernibly, "Master, please lay down and let me help you…"
Kole grinned and nodded but instead of laying down on his stomach, he laid down on his back.
Instinctively, Charlotte's eyes went to the semi-erect package…