The weight of recent events hit him like a wave.
The battle, the betrayal, and the pact with the Demon Empress had all led him here. Leon's eyes snapped open, and he immediately assessed his surroundings.
He could feel the remnants of the Demon Empress's power coursing through him, but it was mixed with a lingering sense of weakness.
He pushed himself up and inspected his hands, noting the faint, glowing symbols etched into his skin from the pact.
His mind raced as he tried to gauge the extent of his magical abilities. Leon summoned a simple spell, only to be met with a flickering, unstable result.
His mana reserves were significantly depleted, and his strength was a mere shadow of its former self.
---
[System: Compute and summarize complex concepts for easier understanding]
[Demon Sovereign Bloodline: The power to consume and control all life by stealing talent and fate through dual mana transfer]
[Apex of Arcane: Access to a soul spell book containing all spells and magecraft ever learned]
---
'Everything's still here, but my power as a Tier 10 mage is now reduced to a Tier 2... And this dual mana transfer—damn. For demons, it's easy since they can do it without physical contact, but I'm still human. The only way for me to transfer mana is through sex.'
Leon's frustration was palpable. His spell book was intact, carved into his soul, but his mana was insufficient.
He lacked the strength and raw power of other races, leaving him vulnerable.
It would take years to regain his former prowess, and he would need to tread carefully to avoid drawing attention from those who might defeat him if they discovered his plans.
It became evident that he was in Luna's castle. The opulence of the room spoke to her high status; not only was her father a lord, but her mother also had ties to the imperial palace. Killing her would be easy, but dealing with the consequences would be impossible for now.
Still, he would need to rebuild his strength and power, but with the Demon Empress's gift, it shouldn't take too long to reach his peak again—or even surpass it.
'I should assess my capabilities so I can calculate how much I can push my boundaries compared to my past life.'
As Leon prepared to leave the room to verify a few things, he noticed a large mirror across from the bed.
The reflection showed him a man changed by his experiences, marked by the power of the Demon Empress.
His once-slim physique had become robust and well-defined, his face more chiseled and attractive.
His attire clung to his enhanced form, accentuating the contours of his newly muscular body. With a smirk, he appreciated the changes brought by his newfound power.
Looking out the window, Leon surveyed the sprawling estate below.
The castle grounds were meticulously maintained, with manicured lawns and ornate gardens showcasing the wealth and influence of its occupants.
Although the noble house wasn't the most powerful, it was still significant and affluent. Leon decided to test his abilities and made his way to the courtyard.
In the courtyard, he prepared for his practice.
The air was fresh, and the serene beauty of the garden provided a perfect backdrop for his exercises.
He began by focusing on a [Fireball].
Conjuring a swirling sphere of flames in his palm, he hurled it toward a distant target dummy.
The fireball exploded with intense brilliance, scorching the earth and leaving a smoldering crater where it struck.
Next, Leon raised his hand and invoked [Lightning Spear].
A crackling bolt of lightning surged from his fingertips, striking a stone pillar with a deafening crack. The pillar shattered under the force of the electrical energy, sending fragments flying.
Leon observed the precision and potency of his spells with satisfaction.
'Nice! As expected of myself—despite having an unrefined magic circuit, I still managed to pull this off!'
His mastery over arcane magic allowed him to perform feats that were five times more potent than any mage of his level.
While he continued his practice, Lady Evelina entered the courtyard. She had been living in the castle for many years, having married into the noble family due to her angelic bloodline and as a gift from the royal family to the Silvergale house.
Her long black hair flowed down her back in elegant waves, and her voluptuous, mature figure was a testament to her beauty.
Her curves were pronounced, with a full bust and a graceful yet powerful presence. She wore a gown that accentuated her shapely form, her every movement embodying both elegance and sensuality.
"Good morning, Leon," Evelina greeted him with a warm, melodious voice. Her eyes, though tinged with a hint of sadness, were soft and inviting. "I see you're making good use of the garden."
Leon turned, his gaze softening as he took in her beauty. "Good morning, Lady Evelina. This place is even more enchanting with you here."
Evelina's cheeks flushed slightly, her heart skipping a beat at his compliment. "You're too kind. It's a pleasure to see you so engaged with your practice. It's clear you've been working hard."
Leon's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "Hard work pays off. But I must admit, it's also quite pleasant to have such delightful company."
Evelina's breath caught in her throat as she struggled to maintain her composure. She was used to being the center of attention, but there was something about Leon's presence that stirred her emotions. "I'm glad you think so. But tell me, how is your magic practice coming along?"
Leon stepped closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "It's going exceptionally well. My spells are more potent than ever. For instance, did you see the [Fireball] earlier? The precision and force are beyond what I've experienced before."
Evelina's eyes widened with admiration. "I did see. It's impressive. Your control over your magic is remarkable."
Leon's gaze remained fixed on her, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Thank you. It's fascinating to see how mastery can amplify even the simplest spells. But enough about my practice. How are you?"
Evelina shifted slightly. "There are many responsibilities, but I try to fulfill them as best I can."
Leon's voice took on a more teasing edge. "You always seem so composed, Lady Evelina. I've noticed the grace with which you handle everything. It must be quite a challenge, yet you make it look effortless."
Evelina's cheeks flushed, and she felt a fluttering sensation in her chest. "You're too generous with your praise. I'm just doing what I can."
Leon's gaze grew more intense, his proximity creating a charged atmosphere. "Generous? Perhaps. But I truly believe that your efforts are commendable. It's rare to meet someone who handles such responsibilities with such grace."
Evelina's breath quickened, and she struggled to maintain her composure under his gaze. "Leon, you really don't need to…"
Leon's smile widened, sensing her growing discomfort. "And why not? I believe in acknowledging the qualities that make someone exceptional. It's not every day I meet someone with your charm and resilience."
As their conversation continued, Evelina found herself increasingly flustered. Leon's subtle teasing and the warmth of his presence stirred emotions she had long tried to suppress. Her heart raced, and she felt a growing attraction that she couldn't ignore.
Leon's tone grew softer, more intimate. "You know, Lady Evelina, I've always admired your strength. Even now, I can't help but be drawn to your grace and beauty."
Evelina's breath came in shallow gasps. She struggled to find words, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. "Leon, I—"
Leon's eyes were full of mischief and admiration. "I can see how much you've given to this place and to the people around you. It's inspiring."
Feeling her resolve wavering, Evelina forced herself to change the subject, her heart pounding. "I—I really need to attend to some matters. It's been lovely talking to you, but I must…"
Leon's gaze followed her as she tried to compose herself, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes averted. "Of course, Lady Evelina. Please, take care of what you need to."
Evelina hurriedly made her way back towards the castle, her steps quick and her heart racing. She could feel the heat in her cheeks and the fluttering of butterflies in her stomach. As she walked away, she forced herself to calm down, her emotions a chaotic mix of attraction and apprehension.
Leon watched her retreating figure with a satisfied smile.
He wanted her, and this time, he would have her.