The square before the ancient arch felt eerily quiet. Too quiet. Where once a shimmering veil of radiant energy rippled like liquid starlight, now there was nothing but emptiness. The portal stood dormant, its surface stripped of its mystic glow, leaving behind jagged fractures running like spiderwebs through the once-pristine stone.

  The arch loomed like an ancient relic, every crack whispering tales of past trials. But now the old magic was gone. It was as if the portal was only one step away from the collapse, awaiting a final gust of wind to reduce it to dust.

  "So, we've successfully used all ten my skills now," Nora said, breaking the silence. "Does that mean our journey is coming to an end?"

  Lukan leaned back, a contemplative expression on his face.

  "Who am I to say?" he said. "It's not like I'm a practitioner of magic. But it does feel like we've reached some kind of milestone. I… I feel a bit strange… I'd bet that something should happen now."

  Nora stared at the fractured portal, her chest tightening with the weight of everything that had happened. Just days ago, she had stumbled into this strange world. Nora was disoriented, and moments later, she had lost the only person who could be her guide here. Now, standing beside Lukan, an unexpected anchor, she could still feel the raw threads of magic woven into her very bones.

  What if this was just the beginning? The fear clawed at her, sharp and insistent, intermingling with a strange sensation of anticipation, whispering of responsibilities she didn't yet understand.

  "I can… feel it too," she said slowly, still immersed in her introspection. "It's like... I have a better understanding of my powers now and how to use them in harmony. Or… at least I made the first steps on that path."

  She looked at Lukan and gently touched his furry arm.

  "So, what about you? Do you feel any changes?"

  "I… I don't even know how to explain it," Lukan stammered, his eyes wide. "It's like… I can sense the heartbeat of this place. Every stone, every beam of wood. It's all connected. I never thought it would be possible, but something's shifted inside me." His hand trembled slightly as he touched the wall. "I think… No… I know, I've awakened something. I'm… an Apprentice now. I have magic."

  Nora looked at Lukan in amazement. Was it the place? Or was it she?

  "No, that can't be…" she whispered.

  "What is it?" asked Lukan.

  "Are you sure?" Nora asked. "How can you be so confident that you have magic now?"

  "It's like the ground is whispering secrets to me," Lukan said, voice low and reverent. "I know how to reinforce the cabins, how to fortify the well so it never runs dry. But it isn't just my experience and knowledge of the craft. I can almost see blueprints forming in my head, as if the stones and wood themselves are guiding me. This place... it's speaking to me in ways I never imagined possible."

  He looked around as if seeing the place for the first time.

  "We aren't staying here, right?" he asked, "My mind is already reeling with plans for the upcoming weeks. How to build a place for you. If you'd like that…"

  "I know as much as you do," said Nora. "But, yes, my understanding is that we should exit the trial soon."

  Lukan jumped to his feet and danced a happy jig.

  "I've been training as a builder since I was a kid, but I never expected to use magic in my craft!" he exclaimed. "I aways hoped. But it's… it is impossible to become an Apprentice. No one knows why and how it happens. Unless there's a divine intervention."

  "Well, may be there was…" Nora muttered. "An intervention…"

  "Maybe… Who knows! But I don't care!" Lukan said. "Unlike you, I can't tell for sure what I have, but here's what I can definitely sense. Three skills are related to management, building, and improving a settlement. I'll have to explore more to be sure."

  Lukan stopped dancing and approached Nora. Her gently took her face in his large hands and smiled even wider.

  "Maybe it's your influence that allowed me to become an Apprentice," he said. "And… It feels like I have to choose the fourth skill as well."

  Nora raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Oh, so now you're saying I'm that divine intervention?"

  "Well, you did some impressive tricks that involved me during the last trial," Lukan said. "That has to count for something."

  Nora rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite her attempt to look annoyed. Her cheeks flushed a warm pink as soon as the topic of the last trial came up, a memory that still made her feel a mix of embarrassment and humor.

  "Alright, Mr. Magic Builder, tell me about these skills of yours," she said. "And, by the way, the choice of the fourth skill—that's something Sumi experienced just a few days earlier. It seems that you get the first three skills that are most attuned to you. And then there's a fourth one, that you can choose to create your own path."

  "So, I was right, people around you are getting abilities!" exclaimed Lukan.

  Nora stood there, her eyes fixed on Lukan with a mix of disbelief and amusement. The only thing Nora could do in response to Lukan's comment was to shake her head.

  ***

  The flickering flames of the hearth danced across Nora and Lukan as they sat down to a hearty dinner. The aroma of roasting meat and potatoes filled the air, making their mouths water in anticipation.

  Lukan looked at Nora with hopeful eyes. "I hope you'll help guide me through these first steps," he said. "You obviously have at least experience with acquiring skills. Now I have to rely on the guidance of an outworlder! Tha tables have turned! But you also mentioned your friend, Sumi. Wasn't she initiated recently as well?"

  Nora nodded, taking a bite of her meal before answering. "Yes, that's right. But I must admit, I don't fully understand how it all works yet." She paused, deep in thought. "For me, it's been more of a process of receiving informative points, while for you, it seems to be more about feeling the general aspects of the skills you've acquired." The crackling fire provided a cozy backdrop to their conversation, enveloping them in a warm and comforting atmosphere.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "But wait, there was that one thing with Sumi," Nora continued. "And if you are right about me somehow influencing the initiation, it may also happen to you. But what a bizarre thought! It can't be me!"

  "So, what's the deal?" Lukan was quite curious.

  Nora tilted her head, contemplating. "It seems that if at least one of the skills offered to you is similar to what I already have," she said, her voice curious, "you'll feel some sort of pull or vibration with me." She paused, waiting for his response. "Are you ready to test it?"

  Lukan's expression turned contemplative as he considered Nora's words. "Sure, it's not like it's something bad, right?" he said with a shrug. "It seems like you have some pretty useful skills if we got through all these trials without any major delays." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Let me try to explore my senses."

  There was silence between them for a moment as Lukan closed his eyes and focused inward. Then, suddenly, he leaned forward with excitement shining in his eyes. "Most of the options seem related to building as well," he exclaimed. "Which isn't surprising, considering my experience." His gaze met Nora's again. "But one feels different." A grin spread across his face. "And I'm pretty sure it's something like your Enhanced Physical Strength skill."

  Nora listened intently, nodding as he spoke. "It seems we have found another pattern, thanks to you. Not that I'm sure what to do with that knowledge? Start walking around the land blessing strangers to give them magical powers?"

  She stopped abruptly, a bit frightened: "But please, seriously, don't tell anyone about your guesses. Can you imagine what can happen if the rumor starts spreading?"

  Lukan's expression softened into a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "I promise to keep your secret safe. But what about my fourth skill? Any recommendations?"

  Nora's lips pressed together as she hesitated before answering. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air as she spoke. "To be honest, I don't know that much more than you do. But Sumi mentioned something about shared skills, that it may help us to advance together and help each other. Or allow us to guide each other, or something. I don' know… It all is very new to me. That is, if you plan on continuing traveling with me after this ends..."

  A surge of realization hit Nora, causing her to gasp aloud. "Oh no," she exclaimed, her voice full of panic and disbelief. "I completely forgot about that mate clause in the quest description…!"

  Lukan's brows furrowed as he observed Nora's turmoil. Her footsteps echoed against the wooden floorboards of their temporary home as she paced back and forth, her fingers twisting restlessly like they were trying to untangle invisible knots. Nora's voice, a low murmur filled with agitation, kept repeating words like 'consent' and 'slaves,' each repetition more intense than the last. Lukan could almost see the waves of her anxiety, thick and palpable, filling the space between them.

  He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, his wolfish fur brushing against her cheek like a warm, comforting blanket. The gentle pressure of his embrace melted away some of her tension. "What's troubling you?" he asked softly.

  Nora looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. "Remember when I told you about my quest and how it promised me a mate as a reward? Well, what if that person is given to me against their will? I don't want anyone to be forced into being with me like some sort of slave."

  Lukan's hold tightened as he tried to calm her. "Nora, let's not jump to conclusions. I don't know how these quests of yours are meant to work, but it seems at least some things in the System align with our true desires and inner selves. I have faith that it will work out just fine."

  "Oh… well… Let's hope you are right," said Nora, brushing her palm against Lukan's fur. "I'm just…"

  "What is it?"

  "I'm just so happy I don't have an allergy because of your fur…!"

  Lukan growled softly. "Don't make me regret joining you!" But on his face, there was a wide smile.

  "Alright, let's see if anything changed in the description of the quest," said Nora, checking her interface. "You are right, I don't have to jump to any conclusions too early."

  ========== Quest: Overcome the Five Trials ==========

  The Guardian has set you on the Path of Five Trials.

  Each trial will help you to use two skills and improve them.

  To pass each of the trials, you will have to find a balance between these two skills.

  So, choose wisely.

  Completion: 100%

  You've proved able to balance not only your magical skills, but also your intentions.

  Remember that experience in the future and choose your actions wisely.

  Rewards: A mate can join your Harem if an agreement is reached between the parties.

  This ability is permanent and works towards any number of future mates.

  Harem functionality has been added to your System interface.

  Nora breathed a deep sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing as she leaned back against the couch. Lukan raised an eyebrow in question, prompting her to explain further.

  "All I had from the System in the past few days was really misleading," Nora said, gesturing towards the letters Lukan couldn't see. "It's so frustrating! Before completing that quest, it just said 'A mate, question mark, question mark, question mark.' and I was worried we would be forced into some kind of intimate relationship. As if the System was asking me dramatically 'A mate?!? 'But now it mentions there has to be a mutual agreement between two people."

  Nora's voice was laced with determination, and she made a cutting gesture with the rib of her palm as she clarified her intentions. "No slaves," she repeated. But the thought for a brief moment and added with an evil smile: "At least for now."

  Lukan chuckled at her comment, his eyes shining with playful sarcasm. "Looks like you're getting used to this whole 'sex magic' thing, aren't you, my mistress?"

  ***

  As they sat at the wooden table that became the center of their plotting routines, Nora and Lukan picked at the last scraps of their meal and chatted about their experiences during the intense trials. Suddenly, Nora's senses extended as if they were boosted by some unseen force.

  A new presence had entered the area before the defunct portal. But the arch didn't feel like it was unusable anymore. For a brief moment, it was alive, letting through someone. The person's energy pulsed through the air and caused Nora's hair to stand on end. She glanced over at Lukan, who had also noticed the change in atmosphere. His undeveloped magical senses were beginning to work.

  Nora and Lukan exchanged cautious looks of curiosity before both stood up, ready to face whatever challenge or task lay ahead of them. The trials were finished. But there was something new waiting for them out there.

  As Nora emerged from the cabin, her eyes fell upon the same shadowy person she had already met. The Guardian stood tall in the center of the square, their imposing figure casting a shadow over Sumi, who cowered behind him. Her surprise at being in this unfamiliar place was evident. But as soon as she saw Nora, her ears perked up in excitement, and she leaped towards her friend.

  Sumi's soft, trembling form collided into Nora's arms with such force that it nearly knocked her breath out. Sumi's fur was damp with tears, her body shaking as she clung to Nora like a drowning soul to driftwood. "I… I thought I'd lost you forever," Sumi's voice broke. "Ten days. Ten agony-filled days—I searched every inch of the forest. I didn't know where you were. I didn't know if you were alive. Until… Until the Guardian brought me here."

  Nora grunted as she adjusted the weight of Sumi, the desperate foxkin, leaning heavily against her. Her muscles tensed, but she silently thanked her Enhanced Physical Strength for allowing her to bear the burden of this emotional reunion. With a gentle hand, Nora brushed a lock of Sumi's fur away from her face and pressed a tender kiss on her forehead, feeling Sumi's warm breath against her skin.

  "It's alright now," Nora soothed, trying to calm Sumi in her vulnerable state. "I'm here, you're here, we're together again. We'll never be apart."

  Nora leaned in, her gaze fixed on Sumi's face, which was mere centimeters from hers. The delicate blend of human features and foxlike characteristics appeared as if magnified, each detail more vivid than ever before. She traced the individual strands of Sumi's fur with her eyes, noting how they transitioned from deep black to stark white in a mesmerizing pattern. Yet, it was Sumi's eyes that genuinely captivated Nora. She realized she had never had the opportunity to study them this closely. The eyes shimmered as though filled with molten gold, their depths swirling with an enchanting, otherworldly allure that held her gaze as if spellbound.

  She never wanted to let Sumi out of her grasp again.

  But then as if sensing Sumi's proximity and their moment of intimacy, a System message popped up in Nora's vision.

  ========== System Console ==========

  ========== Harem Management ==========

  Invite Sumi to become a part of the Harem [Y/N]?

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