Six hours.
That's all the time Velas had before he had to stand in front of Lady Seraphina's estate—alive, confident, and desirable.
"Impress me," she said.
He intended to do far more than that.
---
He moved quickly through the alleys of the lower district, the sun already beginning its descent. Time was ticking, and the system wasn't going to do everything for him.
The moment he ducked into the cellar, Mara was on her feet.
"I told you not to go out—what the hell did you do?"
"I got us a future," Velas said, grabbing a half-eaten loaf of bread and tearing into it.
Mara looked him up and down. "You're glowing."
"No. That's your imagination."
She narrowed her eyes. "You seduced someone, didn't you?"
"More like got invited to the lion's den by a noblewoman who thinks she can eat me alive."
"That sounds like a suicide note."
Velas smiled. "It might have been. But I've got backup."
---
[System Update – Sync Complete]
Status Points Available: 2
Skill Upgrade Available: Touch of Desire (Lv. 2)
New Trait Unlocked: Hunter's Presence – Increases Charm in Direct Interactions (+10% Affinity gain)
---
He moved the points quickly:
+1 Charisma (Now 4)
+1 Perception (Now 3)
Then confirmed the skill upgrade.
---
[Touch of Desire – Lv. 2]
Effect: Passive aura increased. Touch induces stronger craving. Affinity decay slows.
Bonus: Users with resistance now susceptible over time.
---
Perfect.
He turned to Mara, who was still fuming. "I need something sharp. Stylish. Rich-looking."
She scoffed. "You mean noble. You want to pretend you're one of them?"
"I want to walk through her gates like I belong there. If I do that, everything else becomes easier."
Mara hesitated, then grabbed an old chest from beneath a loose floorboard. She pulled out a coat—black velvet with silver embroidery. Dusty but intact.
Velas raised an eyebrow. "Yours?"
"My brother's. He died before he could sell it."
He took it carefully. "Then I'll wear it well."
---
By the time the sun dipped low, Velas was outside House Velcroft's estate, heart thumping. The gates were massive—iron worked with silver filigree. Nobles in carriages passed him with sideways glances.
He didn't blink.
Didn't hesitate.
When the guards stepped forward, he looked one in the eye—and activated his skill again.
---
[Touch of Desire – Activated]
Target: Guard B – Resistance Moderate
Effect: Recognition Delay + Charm Influence
---
"He's expected," came a woman's voice from within.
Seraphina.
She was watching from a second-story balcony, her body wrapped in a flowing crimson robe, one leg crossed over the other.
She looked like a queen surveying her plaything.
"I thought you might run," she called down.
Velas smirked. "I thought you might lose interest."
"Not yet." She turned. "Follow the maid. And try not to get lost. My estate's full of traps."
---
Inside, House Velcroft was exactly what he imagined: opulence hidden beneath elegance. Velvet, polished marble, portraits of long-dead men with deadlier eyes.
The maid led him through corridors and up a staircase to a massive parlor filled with golden light and warm perfume. A single table sat in the center, surrounded by couches and silk cushions.
Seraphina was already seated, sipping from a glass of red wine.
"You're early," she said.
"You didn't say I had to be late."
She laughed. "You clean up better than I thought. Almost convincing. But still not noble."
"Good," he said, approaching. "Nobles are boring."
She watched him sit.
"You flirt with danger like it's a game."
"I play to win."
Their eyes locked, and something charged passed between them. Tension. Lust. Challenge.
---
[Affinity Increased: 41%]
Status: Testing Boundaries
Condition Met: Extended Contact – Lust Energy Accumulating (3%)
---
"Tell me, Velas," Seraphina said slowly, "what exactly are you after?"
"Power. Respect. Pleasure."
"Honest. Dangerous."
"You invited me to play, didn't you?"
She leaned in. "Most men play. Few survive."
"I'm not most men."
He didn't flinch as she drew closer—her hand trailing along his jaw.
Then suddenly, she laughed and stood.
"You'll dine with me tonight. If you pass my next test, I might even let you sleep here."
"Test?"
She turned back with a wicked grin.
"Tomorrow, I'm hosting an auction. Rare artifacts. Relics. All of it watched by powerful eyes. I want you beside me. Charming, silent, and dangerous. You'll be my mystery man."
Velas stood too. "And what do I get?"
"If you impress me?" Her eyes glowed. "Access to the vault. And a kiss."
---
[Quest Unlocked: Seduce the Noblewoman – Phase 2]
Objective: Attend the Auction / Impress Seraphina / Avoid Suspicion
Reward: Artifact Selection Access / Lust Skill – Advanced Charm Techniques
---
Velas smiled.
The game was on.
---