A Reward Wrapped in Silk and Thorns
Back ho in Valemont, Julian D’Aurelius collapsed onto his bed without even turning on the lights.
The ceiling above him was dark. Silent.
Another damn day of not staying low.
He exhaled long and slow, staring into nothing.
Tonight had exploded far beyond what he planned. Evan’s face, twisted with fury beneath the fireworks. Bear’s stunned expression. Selena’s kiss.
That kiss.
Julian pressed his fingers against his cheek unconsciously.
This is getting dangerous.
Thinking of Evan’s expression earlier, Julian knew one thing with certainty—
From now on, keeping a low profile would only get harder.
"Ding. The host has successfully survived the plot. Reward: One copy of the ’Miracle dicine Record,’ automatically learned."
The Tyrant System’s voice rang out the mont he closed his eyes.
Julian shot upright.
"What the hell?"
A torrent of knowledge flooded his mind—dense, layered, ancient.
Herbal formulas.
Pulse-reading techniques.
Acupuncture pathways.
Diagnostic theories rooted in ancient dicine, yet refined to surgical precision.
It wasn’t just morization.
It was mastery.
His vision shifted subtly. When he looked down at his arm, it felt as though he could see beneath the skin—his nervous system branching like rivers, faint irregularities glowing with quiet clarity.
He understood how to treat them.
No hesitation.
No doubt.
Massage techniques that could ease internal stagnation. Needle placents that could restore balance. Prescriptions precise down to grams.
In short—
His dical ability had just skyrocketed to terrifying levels.
Julian flexed his fingers slowly.
"The Shitty System suddenly grew a conscience?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"This is suspicious."
He closed his eyes and asked internally, "System, is this ’Miracle dicine Record’ reliable?"
"Are you looking for trouble?" the Tyrant System replied sharply. "Would I, a system, provide sothing unreliable?"
Julian snorted.
"Cut the crap. You gave Lunar Citadel and dug a pit so deep I almost got buried alive."
Silence.
The system went quiet.
Typical.
Julian lay back down, hands behind his head.
He wasn’t stupid.
If the system suddenly beca generous, there was always a reason.
Better not flaunt this publicly yet.
Who knows what trap is hidden behind it.
His thoughts drifted... and exhaustion dragged him under.
—
In his dream—
The world was bathed in soft, pink light.
Julian found himself seated on a velvet sofa, wearing nothing but lazy confidence.
In front of him stood two figures.
Bianca De Dominicis.
And Selena Aurevale.
Both dressed in bunny outfits.
Bianca’s long crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders in glossy waves, framing her sharp red eyes that shimred with playful dominance. Her fitted black bodysuit hugged her D-cup curves, her narrow waist accentuating her bold, voluptuous figure. Fishnet stockings traced along her thick thighs, disappearing into glossy heels.
She tilted her head slightly, lips curving.
"Julian," she purred, stepping closer. "Why are you looking at her? Didn’t you promise to invest in first?"
Selena scoffed softly from the other side.
Her long black hair flowed down like silk, blue eyes bright and defiant. Her bunny suit was elegant, less provocative—but it clung to her C-cup curves in a way that made restraint look sinful. Her thighs were smooth and shapely, her narrow waist drawing attention to her natural softness.
"Don’t listen to her," Selena said, crossing her arms—though it only emphasized her figure further. "He said I was his surprise."
Bianca stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Julian’s neck from behind, pressing close.
"Then let’s ask him."
Selena imdiately leaned in from the front, hands on Julian’s shoulders.
"Julian," she said softly, but with challenge in her eyes, "who do you want?"
Julian looked left.
Then right.
Then swallowed.
"Can’t I diversify my assets?"
Both won glared at him simultaneously.
"Greedy."
"Shaless."
Then they lunged at the sa ti, each trying to pull him closer.
Bianca tugged one arm.
Selena grabbed the other.
"Let go!"
"You let go!"
Julian laughed helplessly as they fought over who would sit on his lap first.
"This is market competition!" he protested.
Bianca leaned close to his ear. "Then I’ll buy you out."
Selena pushed her aside slightly. "He doesn’t need buying."
They both moved in at once—
Warm.
Soft.
Overwhelming.
Julian felt bliss and panic collide.
Just as things escalated into chaotic delight—
A gentle pat tapped his cheek.
"Julian. Wake up. It’s ti for breakfast."
The sweet voice cut through the dream like morning sunlight.
Julian’s eyes snapped open.
White.
Soft.
Very close.
For a brief second, he forgot where he was.
Then he rembered a philosopher’s words—or sothing close to it.
"I have touched the mountains... and fallen into the valleys. Both were educational experiences."
He blinked.
Close enough.
Amara Ravenswood stood beside his bed.
Today she wasn’t wearing her usual dress.
Instead, she wore a soft cream-colored fitted blouse tucked into a pleated navy skirt, paired with thigh-high socks. The outfit hugged her petite yet astonishingly well-developed figure.
Her long brown hair fell neatly over her shoulders. Hazel eyes bright. Her E-cup curves strained subtly against the fabric, her narrow waist making the contrast even more striking.
She bent down slightly, rubbing his cheek.
"Julian, are you alive?"
He stared.
Then blinked again.
"Amara... you’re looking dangerously distracting this morning—"
He froze mid-sentence.
"—I an, good morning. Why are you here?"
Amara narrowed her eyes slightly, though her lips twitched.
"I’m here to treat Patriarch Gary D’Aurelius. Didn’t his stomach issues flare up again recently?"
She poked his shoulder.
"What were you muttering just now?"
"Sleep talk."
Julian sat up carefully.
[Can you be a little more mindful of your positioning?]
[Early morning ambush like this is unfair.]
[Is this a dical visit or a tactical strike?]
[You must be short because all your nutrients went to one departnt.]
[No wonder they say when soone looks down and can’t see their feet, they’re a rare beauty.]
Amara’s ears instantly turned red.
She glanced down.
Then stood up straight imdiately.
Blushing.
"Hurry up and get up for breakfast. Auntie Veena asked to call you."
"Alright. Go out first. I need to... get dressed."
Julian slept naked. There were limits to his shalessness.
Amara stuck out her tongue and quickly ran out of the room.
Once outside, she leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath.
Her hand touched her warm cheeks.
"Julian has changed..."
Ever since she accidentally overheard his inner thoughts once before, she couldn’t un-hear them.
Today confird it again.
He wasn’t the sa careless rich young master anymore.
He was sharper.
More complicated.
More... dangerous.
She glanced down at herself again and sighed softly.
"I didn’t ask for this kind of developnt either... it’s tiring to carry around all day."
Still—
Her lips curved slightly.
Breakfast would be interesting.
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