The first rays of dawn filtered through the dense canopy, casting a warm golden glow over the improvised campsite. Birds filled the morning with merry trills, setting the mood for the three people who had just started building their new life in the forgotten corner of a great forest. The evidence of the previous day's work, two small shelters, stood side by side in the middle of a gde hidden so far from any thoroughfares that there was almost no chance for a passer-by to stumble upon this budding hamlet.

  One of the temporary structures was Nora and Sumi's shelter. A ray of sunlight peeked through the opening between the branches, illuminating their rexed forms. It warmed Nora's cheek and made her steer. As she woke up, Nora stretched, sensing the warmth of the foxkin cuddled nearby. She smiled though a heavy sense of her mission's gravity pressed down on her shoulders, momentarily capturing her breath.

  Myriad unknown challenges loomed in her future, each a shadow in her thoughts. It was easy to build two tents with sticks and whatever else they had in their packs. But what happened next?

  Yet, in this fleeting instant, Nora savored the serenity around her. The forest was alive with the gentle morning breeze, the soft chirping of distant birds, and the earthy scent of moss and pine, offering a brief sanctuary from the unknowns and challenges.

  Sumi y beside her, still asleep, her presence a comforting reminder of the bond they were only beginning to grow and explore. Nora watched her for a moment, gently moving a strand of hair from Sumi's face. Even the foxkin's slight snoring felt cute and attractive at that moment.

  The foxkin's ears twitched first, her nose scrunching slightly before her golden eyes blinked open. She let out a soft, fox-like yawn, stretching her arms above her head, her tail flicking zily against Nora's leg. "Mmm... morning already?" she murmured, voice husky from sleep. "I was having the best dream too... and guess who was in it?" She shot Nora a mischievous grin.

  "Morning," Nora replied, her voice equally soft. "How did you sleep?"

  Sumi stretched nguidly, her movements slow and deliberate as she observed Nora's response. Her fur glowed softly in the morning light, and her breasts emerged from beneath the bnket like a serene revetion. Nora's eyes widened ever so slightly, and her lips parted in silent admiration. Sumi's voice, a gentle purr, filled the space with warmth as she said, "I haven't felt this at ease in a long time."

  Nora smiled, mirroring Sumi's contentment. She wrapped her arms around Sumi in a warm embrace. "I don't know why, but this pce feels like a sanctuary."

  Sumi leaned in, her hand reaching for Nora's and intertwining their fingers. "And I feel like that when I'm near you," she said, her gaze focused in the distance. "I've sensed this connection with you ever since you thought I was just a figment of your dreams. My every instinct tells me that my pce is by your side. And this isn't a hasty decision. I knew I wanted to follow you even before this Guardian separated us for your trials. And when did all of that start? A couple of months have passed since then already!"

  Nora gazed into Sumi's eyes, a mix of fear and acceptance swirling within her. "I'm okay with it," she finally spoke. "As long as we're honest with each other and ourselves. Just remember that being part of a… harem implies there may be others besides you."

  "I know we haven't known each other for that long, but I have no doubt that there will be enough of you to go around for all of us," Sumi said, nodding solemnly. "Also, don't forget, I'm a foxkin, we like when there's a crowd!"

  A small smile tugged at the corners of Nora's mouth. "So, would you like to officially become my mate?" she asked, her heart beating wildly with anticipation, her cheeks reddening just a bit.

  Sumi's heart raced as she touched Nora's chest between her breasts as if to feel if their rhythms were synchronized. She looked into Nora's eyes, feeling both overwhelmed and giddy with joy.

  Sumi practically bounced out of the tent, her tail puffed with excitement as she cupped her hands around her mouth. She was not even trying to contain her ughter as she called out to Lukan, who was still sleeping in his tent nearby. "Hey Lukan! Want to officiate our wedding... I mean, mating ceremony?"

  Lukan emerged from his tent, a curious and amused look on his face, his cheeks reddening as soon as he saw Sumi. "I see you've decided to make it official," he said with a chuckle. "But um, would it kill you two to put on something? I mean, I get that there's only three of us here, but… uh… this isn't how things are usually done."

  "Will you do it or not?" Sumi demanded, her frustration evident as she stomped her foot with a huff. The sharp movement caused her perky breasts to jiggle slightly. She turned back, her voice rising in exasperation. "Nora! Come out here. He doesn't like how I look!"

  "I didn't say such a thing!" Lukan excimed, his eyes wide with surprise as he watched Nora wriggle out from beneath the low-hanging roof, her mischievous smile lighting up her face. She mirrored Sumi's dress code, her skin unadorned by clothing. Lukan ran a hand through his fur, sighing in resignation. "Argh… Whatever. That's how we're doing it then," he muttered, shaking his head slightly. "Alright! Just remember to be kind to each other, and we'll figure out the rest."

  Sumi nodded solemnly, her eyes reflecting a newfound seriousness. "I feel the same way," she said, her voice steady and sincere as she turned back to face Nora. "I trust you completely, and I want to be close to you always. If you'll have me." She took a deliberate step forward, closing the space between them, and as she leaned in, her soft fur brushed against Nora's skin, lightly grazing one of her nipples.

  "Ahhh," Nora softly excimed, a gentle gasp escaping her lips as a tingling sensation spread across her body, causing the fine hairs on her arms to stand on end.

  ========== System Console ==================== Harem Management ==========Invite Sumi to become a part of the Harem [Y/N]?

  "Yes," Nora thought, the word ringing with quiet certainty as she locked eyes with Sumi. She let the moment wash over her. The warmth of Sumi's fingers against her chest, the sparkle in those golden eyes, the pulse of something deeper threading between them. As the System locked in her choice, a gentle hum resonated through her very core—an unspoken promise woven into the magic itself.

  "Yes," Sumi breathed in wonder, her voice barely above a whisper. Her world had been a whirlwind ever since she first id eyes on Nora. The once predictable days now seemed to rush by, each more exhirating and transformative than the st.

  ========== Harem ==========Members: 1Sumi / Foxkin, 28 years, female / Level of Affection: 25% (Rising Affection)

  Feeling a shift in the air, Lukan followed his instincts. He grabbed his hunting gear with practiced ease, strapping his bow across his back as he cast a gnce toward the two women. Their eyes were locked in some silent conversation, hands entwined, emotions palpable in the air between them. This was definitely a moment he didn't need to be part of.

  "I'm gonna go… check the traps," he muttered, nodding toward the treeline. "Yep. Gonna do some real important hunting stuff. You two… enjoy whatever… this is."

  Sumi, without breaking eye contact with Nora, grinned. "See you ter, priest of love."

  Lukan let out a long-suffering sigh and disappeared into the trees.

  Nora's heart swelled with a potent mix of affection and desire as she leaned in, her lips brushing against Sumi's in a tender kiss. A spark ignited within her at their touch, spreading like wildfire through her body. As their kiss deepened, Nora felt a surge of energy, an awakening of something powerful and ancient within her.

  A tingling sensation spread through Nora's entire being as she pulled back slightly, her eyes wide with wonder. "Sumi, do you feel that?"

  Sumi nodded, her own eyes wide with amazement. "Yes, I do. It's like... like something special is stirring inside. I… I never felt anything like that!"

  Closing her eyes, Nora focused on the sensation and felt a connection to the world she recently thought was only a dream. That now was becoming even more real than her life on Earth. A flow of energy that seemed to unlock new abilities rushed within her. She could sense the emotions and thoughts of those around her: Sumi and Lukan, walking farther and farther away from the gde. But she felt more. A surge of strength and crity coursed through her veins. It was a moment of purest love. At the same time, there was an intense resonance with each of her skills, as if they were all part of a magical orchestra, heightened and amplified by this newfound awakening.

  ========== Updated Skills ==========Aura Defences: 7.00% (+2.00%)Dream Manipution: 7.02% (+2.02%)Emotional Influence: 8.04% (+2.04%)Empathic Sensing: 7.94% (+2.63%)Energy Sharing: 7.08% (+2.08%)Enhanced Physical Strength: 8.39% (+2.05%)Healing: 6.97% (+2.24%)Sensory Enhancement: 7.71% (+2.44%)Sexual Magic: 7.08% (+2.08%)Telepathic Communication: 7.06% (+2.06%)

  Nora's face lit up with excitement, and her hands trembled as she spoke. "Did you feel that, Sumi?" She asked eagerly. "All of my skills just improved! All of them! By a couple of percent each! All at once! I didn't even think it could be possible!"

  Sumi chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with pyful glee. "You and your numbers, Nora," she teased, softly stroking Nora's bare skin. "But yes, I did feel something too. It's hard to say if that's an echo of this harem thing… our love… or something else."

  She twirled around on her toes, her movements fluid and effortless. "Whatever it was, it is fun!" she excimed. "I want more! But I doubt it will happen often, right? That would be too good to be true..."

  ***

  Lukan couldn't say what exactly happened between Nora and Sumi on that crucial day. But he was sure they got something special that propelled them even further in their skill progression. Both women were relentless in fulfilling their part of the work around the camp and were more and more reminding a hamlet or even a budding settlement.

  As the days passed, Nora shared her findings about the skills they shared, but there was no doubt that she was way ahead of both Lukan and Sumi in her advancement. It didn't matter if it was the Enhanced Physical Strength skill she shared with Lukan or Healing that she shared with Sumi. And, obviously, the Chosen One had eight more magical skills to rely upon. Something Lukan had never heard of even being possible.

  He observed as Nora and Sumi delved deeper into their newfound abilities. Their connection seemed almost tangible, a magnetic force that pulled them closer with each shared gnce and synchronized movement. The harem dynamic had clearly heightened their attunement to one another, creating an electric atmosphere between them. At times, he felt like a spectator in their world, a solitary figure standing on the periphery of their shared universe. Yet, even if the opportunity arose for him to join their intimate circle, it wasn't the path he desired in life. Instead, he found contentment in observing the intricate dance of their bond, captivated by the way they explored and celebrated each other with an intensity that was both tender and powerful.

  It seemed as if their minds and bodies pulsed with a newfound energy. And they shared with him that their emotional and physical connection could amplify their powers. With a simple touch, they could heal minor injuries and enhance their physical strength to superhuman levels. And when Sumi closed her eyes, she could hear Nora's voice whispering in her mind, making the first steps in telepathic communication.

  Still, not to be an obstacle, Lukan dedicated all his time to building the camp. While eager to hear about Nora's and Sumi's new experiences, he focused on practical tasks like creating a comfortable living space for the two women and expanding the cooking area. He even found time to build a quaint crafting shed.

  The camp's transformation was remarkable, a testament to their joint effort and tireless work. Nora couldn't believe her eyes as she surveyed the results of their bustling activity around her. Even Lukan seemed taken aback by how quickly everything was coming together.

  He wiped a sheen of sweat from his brow, stepping back, surveying their work with a critical eye. The log cabin stood solidly, nestled in the clearing as if it had always belonged there. Lukan ran a hand over the smooth wood, still barely believing how quickly it had all come together.

  "I won't take all the credit," he admitted, crossing his arms with a satisfied huff. "I mean, sure, I am the only professional builder here. But this?" He gestured toward the sturdy walls, the neatly stacked lumber, the way everything had just clicked into pce. "Even with all my experience, I've never built this fast before. This magic…" He exhaled, shaking his head. "It's something else."

  He turned toward Nora, his expression sincere. "I don't know what you did, but… thank you. This is more than I ever thought I'd get to do in my life."

  Nora's heart brimmed with gratitude as she listened to Lukan detailing their hard-won accomplishments. His eyes sparkled with pride as he gestured toward the finished cabin. "I know you've been here. But still, we've pnned a snug log cabin just for you and Sumi," he decred, his smile wide and genuine. "And here it is. I just sone the final touches. Honestly, I need a break from Sumi's ughter and the not-so-subtle sounds of joy that leaked through the thin walls of the temporary shelters and kept me awake at all hours."

  As if on cue, Sumi reached out and gently touched Nora's hand. The air was filled with the smell of woodchips and fresh wood. But Lukan didn't notice or preferred not to see: "A log cabin in under one week! From scratch! And then a kitchen and a shed for crafting. If that's what I get right from the start with my new skills, I'm quite intrigued to find out what happens next!"

  "Aren't we all," replied Sumi. "But I think we need to find somebody who'd be able to guide us through the skill improvement process in the future. A real practitioner. Right now, it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack at night, with the sky completely shrouded in clouds."