After they arrived back home and had dinner, Lisa offered to help Daniel to his room. Her concern for him was evident as she gently guided him down the hallway.
Daniel appreciated her assistance, but he couldn't help but feel a bit conflicted. His thoughts were still consumed by the unusual events of the day, and he wondered what the future held for them.
Once inside his room, Daniel settled into his bed. "Thanks, Lisa" he said.
Lisa replied with smile, her eyes filled with a mixture of affection and concern. "No problem brother, do you need anything else brother"
Daniel smiled at Lisa's kindness but declined her offer. "No, Lisa, I think I just need some rest for now. It's been quite a day."
Lisa nodded understandingly and gave her brother a warm hug. She planted a gentle peck on his cheek and said, "Alright, Daniel. Sleep well and don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Lisa," Daniel replied with a soft smile. He watched as she left his room, closing the door behind her.
Alone in the quiet of his room, Daniel couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. He had already done what he could for now. He took out the interplanetary communication device from his dimensional ring that Mortessa had given him. With a deep breath, he poured his mana into it and pressed the button. The device hummed to life, and not long after, Mortessa's hologram materialized in front of Daniel.
"Daniel? A day has not even passed on your planet, and you already miss me?" Mortessa asked with a playful smile.
Daniel couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I always miss you, Mortessa, but I do have a few questions that I need to ask." He was eager to get some answers to the burning questions in his mind.
Mortessa nodded, her holographic image displaying a curious expression. "Ask away, Daniel. I'm here to help."
Daniel leaned forward, his expression serious. "First, what exactly happened today? Why did it seem like I was interested in Lisa and my mom as women? There's a feeling in my heart that I do not want to give them to anyone else. Is it because of my [Lust] talent? And second, it seems like Lisa got affected by my [Natural Charm] skill. Is there a way to turn off that skill?"
Mortessa pondered for a moment, her holographic image flickering as she considered Daniel's questions. "Daniel," she began, "regarding your first question, yes, your [Lust] talent has an influence on your perception of women, including Lisa and your mother. However, I believe the traumatic incident that led to the loss of your family has intensified your feelings of possessiveness towards them."
"But they are my blood family, Mortessa," Daniel voiced his concern, his brows furrowing with worry.
Mortessa's holographic form leaned in closer to Daniel, her eyes filled with a mysterious intensity. "Daniel, I've told you before, in this vast universe, your planet's laws mean nothing. As long as you are strong, no one will dare to challenge you or tell you that you are wrong." Her voice held an enigmatic quality, as if she were hinting at something beyond his current understanding.
"and for your second question, Daniel," Mortessa continued, "the answer is no. Passive skills are an inherent part of your being. They are not like active skills that can be controlled or deactivated at will. You'll have to learn to live with it, to understand its nuances, and to use it responsibly."
Seeing the troubled expression on Daniel's face, Mortessa asked "Daniel, let me ask you this," Mortessa began, her voice gentle. "Which do you believe is a better outcome: Lisa and Emma being taken by other men, or the two of them staying with you forever, regardless of societal norms?"
In the depths of Daniel's contemplation, he couldn't escape the haunting memories of what his father had done to his mother and the torment that Lisa had endured at the hands of those seven cruel men. As he pondered the weight of his decision, a fierce determination welled up within him, burning like a flame in his heart. With unwavering resolve, he declared, "I want Lisa and my mom with me forever. Societal norms and the opinions of others hold no sway over me. They are my world, and I will stand as their unwavering protector, shielding them from any harm."
Mortessa couldn't help but smile, her approval evident in her eyes as she gazed at Daniel's unwavering resolve. "Good, Daniel," she said with a hint of pride. "You're beginning to resemble our Shadow Covenant members more closely now. Our faction is known for its possessiveness and overprotectiveness. We stand ready to defend what rightfully belongs to us, and we won't hesitate to eliminate anyone who seeks to harm our loved ones."
Daniel nodded in agreement, fully embracing the principles of the Shadow Covenant. "I understand, Mortessa. I'll do whatever it takes to protect them, no matter the cost."
Mortessa's smile widened, pleased with Daniel's dedication. "That's what I like to hear, Daniel."
As the conversation continued, Daniel recounted his day, explaining how he had purchased the mansion in a rural area for his family. He described the beauty of the place and the potential it held for their future he also tell mortessa that he and his family bought supply. It was clear that he had taken a significant step in ensuring the safety and well-being of his loved ones.
Mortessa's eyes sparkled with approval as she listened to Daniel's account. "Good," she said simply, a sense of pride in her voice. "You've made a wise decision, Daniel. That mansion can serve as your base of operations, where you can grow your own force. When the time comes, it's better to have a small, loyal team of exceptional individuals rather than a large, unreliable army. Quality over quantity, always remember that."
Daniel nodded, taking Mortessa's advice to heart. "I understand, Mortessa. I'll be selective when choosing those who will stand by my side."
Mortessa nodded approvingly at Daniel's commitment. "Excellent, Daniel. Remember, one of the key goals in our faction is to focus on clearing the gates efficiently. The rewards from the system can be generous – items, experience, and more. These resources will be crucial for your growth and your mission on Earth. Keep that in mind as you continue your journey."
Daniel nodded once more, his determination solidifying. "I'll do my best, Mortessa. Thank you for your guidance."
The two of them continued their conversation for a while, discussing various things. As the discussion wound down, Daniel realized it was getting late.
"Goodnight, Mortessa," he finally said, his voice filled with gratitude and resolve.
Mortessa offered a warm smile. "Goodnight, Daniel. Rest well, and remember that we're always here to support you."
With that, the holographic communication device powered down, and Daniel settled into his bed, thoughts of the day's events and the future swirling in his mind as he drifted off to sleep.
-----------------------------------
Tomorrow morning,
"Brother, wake up" saying that lisa jumped into Daniel's bed and hug him
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently painting the room with a warm glow. Just as Daniel began to stir from his slumber, he felt a sudden weight on his bed. With a surprised yet affectionate smile, he turned to see his little sister, Lisa, bounding onto his bed with all the exuberance of youth. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight, loving embrace.
"Brother, it's time for breakfast!" Lisa declared, her eyes shining with infectious energy. Her voice was filled with a playful tone that seemed to dispel the remnants of sleep in an instant.
Remembering the conversation he had with Mortessa just the night before, he felt a surge of courage welling up inside him. Without a moment's hesitation, he leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on Lisa's lips, leaving her momentarily stunned.
"Brother..." Lisa's voice trembled, her eyes wide with surprise.
Daniel couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety at her initial reaction. "You don't like it?" he asked, his heart pounding.
Tears welled up in Lisa's eyes, and a soft, radiant smile broke through her shock. "I love it," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves. With newfound confidence, she leaned in and returned the kiss.
As the kiss deepened, Daniel and Lisa lost themselves in the moment, their worries and fears momentarily forgotten. Time seemed to stand still, their hearts beating in unison, as they clung to each other.
Unbeknownst to them, time was indeed ticking away, and after what felt like an eternity, a voice pierced through their passionate embrace.
"What are the two of you doing?" The voice belonged to Emma, their mother. Concern had gnawed at her for the past ten minutes as she had waited for them to come downstairs. When their absence became too much to bear, she had decided to investigate, making her way to Daniel's room.
The scene that greeted her was nothing short of shocking. Her children, wrapped in each other's arms, their lips still flushed from their passionate kiss, had her frozen in her tracks.
Daniel and Lisa stopped what they were doing and turned their heads towards the source of the voice. Both of them were shocked beyond words. Lisa tried to make an excuse, saying, "Mom, Daniel didn't want to wake up, so I kissed him." She didn't want her brother to get into trouble, so she took the blame.
"Mom, it was me..." Before Daniel could explain to Emma, she stopped him from continuing. "Stop there, Daniel. I know that Lisa has had feelings for you for a long time now, I told you before right Lisa, I know my child the best." As she said that, she walked toward Daniel and Lisa with smile on her face. As she come to near Daniel she lean her face toward and kiss him on the lips just like what Lisa do before. "Now that make three of us" Said Emma with smile.
"What?!"
Daniel and Lisa was more shocked than before, Daniel already think of many scenario will happen, but this kind of scenario never cross his mind. Emma also hug Daniel at the other side of where Lisa huge Daniel.
"Mom, do you also love Daniel as a man?" Asked Lisa
"Hehehe... I've loved him far longer than you, Lisa. Back in those days, before you were even born, Daniel was my lifeline, my flickering beacon of hope amidst the darkest storms. My affection for him grew with each passing day, especially during those desperate times when your wretched father's fists rained down on me. It was always Daniel who tenderly consoled me, his presence a soothing balm for my battered soul. I strived tirelessly to be the best mother I could for both of you, but now, I refuse to be left behind, watching as you and Daniel find happiness without me."
She paused for a moment, "Daniel can you kiss me once again?" asked Emma.
Daniel leaned his face toward Emma as he kiss her, this time they kiss much longer than before. "Anything for you mom"
But then, her expression shifted to one of curiosity mixed with concern. "Brother, why have you changed so much overnight? Just yesterday, you seemed so troubled by what happened in the bedroom."
Emma's eyes widened with surprise and a hint of shock at Lisa's unexpected question. She quickly regained her composure and pressed for more information, her curiosity piqued.
"Do the two of you already do 'that' behind my back?" Emma asked, her voice laced with both concern and curiosity. She couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between her children in her absence.
Lisa, flustered and caught off guard, stammered out a response. "No, Mom, we still haven't done anything like that!" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she tried to reassure her mother.
Emma's curiosity got the better of her, and she persisted. "So, what exactly have you two been up to?" She cast a knowing glance at Daniel, who seemed equally surprised by the sudden turn of conversation.
Lisa hesitated, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. "I'll tell you later, Mom, when it's just the two of us," she managed to say, her embarrassment evident in her voice. "Right now, I was asking Daniel a question."
Daniel's heartfelt words hung in the air, enveloping the three of them in a warm embrace. His laughter gave way to sincerity as he expressed his feelings.
"Hahaha... nothing has changed, Lisa," Daniel chuckled, his eyes reflecting determination. "I just want to be true to my feelings. I don't want the two of you to be taken by other men, and I certainly don't want anyone to hurt either of you. So, I'll make sure the two of you stay with me forever."
His arms tightened around his mother and sister, drawing them closer to him. Emma, touched by her son's commitment, smiled and replied, "What an egotistical statement, Daniel, but I'm willing."
Lisa, her eyes filled with affection, chimed in, "Me too, brother. I'll always be with you, forever." The bond between the three of them felt much and much stronger than before.
Just as they want to continue the bonding into more deeper stage, they hear the voice in their ear.
"Citizens of Earth,
The moment of reckoning has arrived. The Gates of Power are now open, and the fate of your world hangs in the balance.
By the decree of the Cosmic Architects, you have been bestowed with the power to conquer these gates. The rewards are boundless, limited only by your imagination.
Yet, heed this warning: the gates that remain unconquered after one lunar cycle shall be the harbinger of a great breach. A cataclysmic event awaits if you fail to rise to the challenge.
Your destiny is now in your hands. The countdown to conquest has begun."
"F*ck you system" Muttered Daniel softly