The moment Kael heard the words "Harem Overlord System," he instantly thought the old man was mocking him. There was no way this was the solution. It sounded so absurd that he almost couldn't believe it.
The old man, however, didn't take offense. He simply continued speaking, his tone calm and unwavering.
"I understand your reaction," he said. "I thought the same when I first heard of it. I didn't take it seriously either. But after hearing his full explanation, I began to see the potential in it, and I wanted to test if he was right."
The conviction in the old man's voice made it clear that he had already come to terms with the truth of what he was saying.
"Harems are the norm in this world," the old man continued, as if he were giving a history lesson. "Many powerful men and women have one, and it's part of the culture here. But most fail to recognize the true potential that a harem offers. Instead of cultivating their relationships and growing together, many become greedy. They want more and more, but they don't understand the value of loyalty and connection. That's the mistake they make."
Kael could hardly believe what he was hearing. In his world, harems were viewed with suspicion or contempt. But here, the old man spoke of them as if they were perfectly normal—and even respected.
The old man's tone softened slightly, as if speaking from experience. "But," he added with reverence, "one loyal wife, one faithful partner, is worth more than a million freshly wed maidens."
The weight of those words sank in for Kael. Despite his confusion, there was something deeply resonant about the idea of loyalty over quantity. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
The old man nodded as though confirming his own thoughts before moving on.
"The concept behind this system is simple. Form sincere, deep relationships with many women and grow with them over time. But that alone isn't enough. It's just the foundation."
The old man's eyes gleamed as he spoke the next part, his voice becoming almost secretive.
"Ultimately, he acquired a powerful technique called the 'Harem Mark.' It sounds simple, I know, but the effects are immense. The Harem Mark is a bond that forms between a man and a woman, allowing them to feel each other's emotions, know each other's location at any given moment, communicate over long distances, and much more. It's a connection between two souls, an unbreakable link."
Kael could hardly comprehend the implications of what he was hearing. The idea of feeling someone else's emotions, of knowing their location at all times—it was powerful, unimaginable, and yet, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. This kind of connection could build an immense foundation for strength, especially with someone he truly cared about.
The thought stirred painful memories, reminding him of past relationships. Would this have made a difference in his life? Could he have understood her better, been more in tune with her emotions? Would it have prevented the breakup?
For a brief moment, Kael became lost in the past. But he quickly shook off the thoughts, bringing his focus back to the old man.
The old man's voice broke through Kael's reflection, growing more serious. "But this isn't all. The Harem Mark is only one part of the system."
The old man raised the cube slightly, his eyes full of an almost palpable excitement. "There's much more to this cube."
His voice lowered, as if revealing something sacred. "It grows with you. It will fuse with your soul, and as you grow stronger, the more rewards you will receive. This way, you won't get too cocky, and your personality will adapt along with your power. He always said that this was one of the most important aspects of growth - time, the ability to adjust."
Kael took a deep breath, trying to process all of this. It sounded like the cube wasn't just a source of power - it was a part of his very journey. The more he grew, the more it would become a part of him, shaping who he was. The idea was strange, but also compelling.
The old man's expression shifted, as if recalling something distant. "I think it's best for you to experience the rest yourself," he said solemnly. "Do you still have any questions? This is the last time I can answer them for you."
Kael thought for a moment. So many questions filled his mind, but one stood out above the rest.
"Who are you, and what is your relationship with the creator?" Kael finally asked, needing to understand more.
The old man's expression changed at the question. His eyes grew distant, and a subtle sadness overtook his face. For a brief moment, he seemed lost in thought.
"Friend," he said quietly, almost to himself. "He was a good friend."
Kael could feel the reverence in the old man's words, as though he had known the creator on a deeply personal level. The pause lingered before the old man spoke again.
"As for my name," he continued, "they called me the Wandering Sage."
"Wandering Sage?" Kael murmured to himself. The name felt odd, but more than that, Kael was desperate to understand the connection between this man and the creator. Freya had told him that the creator was their ancestor, but there had to be more to it. He needed the full truth.
Before Kael could ask more, the old man gave a slight nod. "Let's start the fusing," he said, his tone more solemn. "I need to use the last of my strength to prevent your soul from exploding."
The mention of his soul "exploding" made Kael's stomach tighten with fear. His nerves began to rise.
"Can I decline?" Kael asked cautiously, his voice betraying his uncertainty.
The old man's eyes softened for a moment, filled with empathy. "You can, but let me tell you one thing: Strength comes with risk. No mighty entity ever grew without facing hard choices. They all risked their lives to get where they are. Risking your life means growing through it. And you will learn to value it - not just your own life, but the lives of others as well."
His words lingered in the air, heavy and thought-provoking. They weren't meant to scare Kael, but to push him forward, to encourage him to embrace the challenge ahead. If Kael wanted to grow, he would need to take the leap.
The real question wasn't whether Kael could decline; it was whether he had the courage to accept what was being offered.
For a moment, Kael hesitated. His entire life had been marked by fear and hesitation. Every choice had been defined by the risks involved, and he hated losing, hated feeling weak. But in this moment, something inside him stirred - a sense that this was the turning point in his life, the opportunity to change.
He had always wanted to become stronger, to be more than he was. And here, in front of him, was the chance to do that. The choice was his to make.
Kael clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his uncertainty. But then, a thought pierced through the fear, loud and clear.
It doesn't matter.
This was his chance. If he wasn't strong enough yet, then he would grow. He would absorb the strength of those who believed in him—the ones who thought he was meant to carry this legacy. If he didn't believe in himself, then why had they believed in him?
The answer was clear.
"I will do it."
Kael's voice rang out with newfound resolve, loud and clear, filling the room with his determination.
"I want to fuse with this cube. I want to fuse with this system."
The old man nodded silently, a spark of approval gleaming in his eyes. There was no turning back now. The path had been set, and Kael was ready to walk it.