Later that day, as the st vestiges of twilight painted the sky in deep indigo and the first stars began to shimmer, a soft, rhythmic knocking echoed from the heavy oak door. The air, thick with the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth, vibrated subtly with an unseen energy.

  “Someone is knocking,” Alicia said, curled up on Leon’s left side, her head resting on his chest.

  “Let her come in,” Leon said.

  “Wait, you know who’s behind the door?” Alicia asked.

  “We can sense her even from afar,” Leon said.

  “Oh right. I almost forgot about the training.”

  Another three knocks echoed from the door.

  Alicia slipped on her favorite pink dress. “Coming!” she called out. She opened the door slightly and peered out. “Oh, your grace, what brings you here?”

  “Can I speak with Leon?” Lalinia asked.

  “Yes, please come in,” Alicia said, opening the door fully.

  Upon entering, Lalinia noticed Alicia’s nakedness beneath her nearly transparent pink dress. She saw Alice lying on Leon’s left, her hand gently caressing his chest. Alice’s voluptuous form was barely concealed by the bed linen. Leon reclined on his back, content in Alice’s company.

  “I suppose you know why I’m here?” Lalinia said. Despite her composed exterior, Leon sensed her nervousness.

  “Are you sure about this, Lalinia? Know that I won’t force you, and never will. I’ll respect whatever choice you make.” Leon said.

  “I’ve already decided. I’ll be in your care,” Lalinia said, her unwavering gaze fixed on Leon.

  Leon sensed her courage through her steady breathing and heartbeat. Alice, sensing it too, smiled at Lalinia’s words, knowing her serious intent.

  “Why are you standing there?” Leon asked with a smile.

  “Right,” Lalinia said, her nervousness evident.

  As Alice watched with a beaming smile, Lalinia pced her white pillow on the bed. Alicia observed her night dress, noting how Lalinia’s fully developed figure and determined expression made her seem taller than her actual height.

  Lalinia y on Leon’s right side, stealing gnces at him.

  “Come closer,” Leon said. Lalinia inched closer. “Closer,” Leon repeated. Lalinia complied. “More,” he said. “Is this enough?” Lalinia asked, now pressed against him. Alicia settled into the spot Lalinia had vacated.

  “I want to do this,” Leon said, turning to her, “but only with your permission.” Alice sensed Lalinia’s racing heartbeat. Even Alicia could see her nervousness. “Just rex, Lalinia,” Alicia said softly. “I was nervous my first time too. But afterward, I felt so light, and any discomfort disappeared.”

  Leon positioned himself above her. Together, they carefully removed her dress, while Alicia helped with her bra. Alice could sense Leon’s mounting desire for this new beauty under him. He gently caressed Lalinia’s breasts, which were smaller than Alice’s but fuller than Alicia’s. His lips found her pink nipples, his tongue teasing them expertly. Though still nervous, Alice could sense Lalinia beginning to enjoy his touch.

  Moving downward, Leon’s eyes met Lalinia’s, seeking permission. She nodded. He carefully removed her white underwear, revealing her most intimate area, crowned with golden hair matching her tresses. His tongue traced delicate patterns, drawing unexpected sounds of pleasure from her. Alice and Alicia exchanged surprised gnces at Lalinia’s uninhibited responses.

  Leon positioned himself, his manhood pressing against her untouched entrance. Their eyes locked again in silent communication. He pushed forward, meeting resistance. After several gentle attempts, he finally entered. Leon leaned down, capturing her lips with his.

  “Lalinia,” he whispered. “Leon,” she breathed, pulling him closer. “I’m fine. Please continue.”

  Soft appuse echoed in the room as Leon established a rhythm.

  As his movements quickened, he warned, “I’m close.” Lalinia braced herself, thinking, This is it. She felt him pulse within her. So this is what the other girls spoke about, she mused.

  Leon colpsed gently onto Lalinia, his manhood still deeply burrowed within her. Suddenly, her body temperature began to spike dramatically. Sensing the change, Leon quickly lifted himself away, though he withdrew with deliberate gentleness, causing her to shiver with a final wave of pleasure.

  “Hurry!” Alicia urged, concern evident in her voice. “The dark fluid is coming. Get to the bath!”

  Lalinia rushed from the bed. Within moments, her post-passion perspiration transformed into something else entirely – a dark, viscous substance that oozed from her pores. Though she had completed the first phase of mana training and experienced a simir purging then, this was different. The revetion struck her: her previous training had been insufficient, expining her inability to form a second meridian.

  At nautical dawn, Lalinia stirred from her sleep. She felt Leon’s warmth against her back, and when she attempted to move, she realized Leon’s manhood were still intimately connected. Alice y curled in front of her, while Alicia nestled against Leon’s back. Despite a twinge of guilt at monopolizing Leon’s attention, she reminded herself that her inexperience warranted such focus.

  Her slight movement roused Leon, who responded by gently positioning himself above her. He pced a tender kiss on her lips. “Good morning,” he smiled. “How are you feeling?”

  “Wonderfully well,” she whispered, her arms encircling his back.

  “Would you like another round?”

  “Please,” she breathed.

  The rhythmic motion of the bed woke Alicia, though Alice had already stirred at the first subtle movement.

  Though Leon had devoted the entire night to Lalinia alone, neither Alice nor Alicia harbored any resentment. Their love extended to anyone Leon cherished and protected.

  The next day, with her mother’s assistance, Lalinia easily opened her second meridian. Monica was overjoyed. Lalinia was now ready for the training. Leon, eager to accompany the two women he cared for, was stopped by his father’s insistence that they resume their training immediately. Leon could no longer sway Albert. Unlike before, when they could talk heart to heart, Albert was now cold and detached, focused solely on schedules and results. It pained Leon to see his father treat him like a mere trainee. Yet, recalling Albert’s sacrifices, Leon could only feel love, awe, and respect.

  A week ter, te In the morning, Leon, Alice, and Albert waited outside the third gate. This gate, used only for official business, was small and neglected. Weeds and vines choked the rusting metal, making it appear long abandoned.

  Minutes stretched into what felt like eternity. Then, a silhouette of a carriage appeared in the distance. Leon and Alice sensed a vibration. They could tell how many people were inside and hear faint murmurs. They waited, their anticipation growing. They could hear murmurs and ughter, both male and female. They recognized Penelope’s voice, speaking with Monica, but Alicia and Lalinia remained silent.

  Finally, the carriage stopped. Two bald figures emerged from the second carriage, their presence wonderful.

  “Alicia!” Alice cried, her voice filled with relief. They embraced, Alice noting how Alicia’s skin was more refined, her beauty almost ethereal, despite her hairless head.

  “My love!” Lalinia excimed, leaping into Leon’s arms. Their lips met in a long, passionate kiss, followed by Alicia warmly greeting Leon. Lalinia and Alicia excitedly shared stories of their near-death experience, their longing for everyone, especially Leon, and every detail of the bunker and its doctor.

  Leon and Alice then updated the group on their rigorous training. Leon described the advanced mana training as incredibly difficult, but mentioned that they were progressing well and their mana control had significantly improved. Albert added that they would develop five meridians, with the fifth one only manifesting in life-threatening situations, a hidden power triggered by mortal danger.

  One week ter, Alicia had her own personal trainer. She is now training to become a mage focus on defense.

  Name: Alicia Kayes

  Race: Human

  Age: 16

  Rank: Not yet acquired

  Attributes: Earth, Water, Fire

  Inherent Skill: Assiduous

  Lalinia too trained to become mage focus on offence. But before it happened, Monica disagree to Lalinia's decision. Monica wanted her to train at the Holy Church to become a healer. Now that Lalinia is not your typical human, she would become an extraordinary healer. But Lalinia knows that if she becomes a healer, she could not bear a child of Leon. But she also know how important a healer in a team. Without a dedicated healer, a team could fall. The only question is when.

  Name: Lalinia Armatuv

  Race: Human

  Age: 6

  Rank: Not yet acquired

  Attributes: Ice, Water, Light

  Inherent Skill: Predator