Chapter 4 - Herb's

Serelina lay on her bed, naked, as the soft, golden glow of the setting sun filtered through the window, painting her smooth skin in warm hues. The bruises that once marred her body were now a distant memory, thanks to the transformative power of the massage technique she practiced daily. With practiced precision, she massaged her breasts, moving through the intricate steps of the ritual she had come to master.

Amazingly, her breast had already blossomed to A cup, a remarkable development, and her ass on one hand had already become plumper than it is one week ago, exuding an allure that surpassed even the most mature 10-year-olds.

What surprised her most, however, was that now her pussy had already become mature and can now feel pleasure from it, a direct result of the magical massage technique bestowed upon her. In fact, her pussy now is much more sensitive than her mature pussy in her past life, and now she can do her favorite hobby in her past life, masturbating.

She then heard a soft chime echo from her system, signaling the completion of her task. A small, satisfied smile graced her lips as she glanced down and noticed that her pussy was already creating quite a puddle beneath her, just from massaging her breast alone. The sight was so erotic, and she couldn't help but bite her lips. 

"System, show me my status," she said, her voice calm but laced with anticipation, eager to see the extent of the changes she had undergone.

[Host: Serelina Hartwell]

[Age: 10]

[Stats:]

STR: (3) 4

AGI: (4) 5

END: (2) 3

DEX: (4) 5

VIT: (2) 3

Sexual Appeal: (0) 2

[Remarks: A malnourished and weak host.]

[Notes: Encased in the parenthesis are your previous stats, Host]

Serelina couldn't help but feel pleased with her progress, no matter how minimal it seemed. Determined to keep moving forward, she got up and slipped into a light sundress. The fabric flowed comfortably over her frame, and she didn't bother wearing a bra. Even in her past life, bras had been a rarity for her, unless required in their shoot, she doesn't wear one.

There were more pressing concerns at hand. With only four months remaining before Astralis Academy, the most prestigious magical institution in Aeloria, opened its doors to new students, Serelina needed to gather the essentials to kickstart her magical journey.

Before heading out, she carefully tied a mask over her face. It wasn't just to blend in; it was a shield against the disdainful looks and unfair treatment she often endured from the citizens. Without it, she risked being turned away or unable to purchase what she needed.

As she reached for the door, a familiar chime echoed in her mind, stopping her in her tracks.

[Ding! New Quest]

[Quest: Flash your pussy.]

[Reward: A Top-Tier Awakening Serum]

Serelina froze, her eyes wide as she reread the notification.

'A top-tier Awakening Serum? Are you serious?'

Excitement surged through her. These serums were notoriously rare and expensive, a treasure for anyone serious about magical cultivation. She vividly recalled the novel's description of mana as a hidden, circulating energy that remained dormant in the body. Awakening it required a catalyst, and serums served that purpose.

However, the quality of the serum was critical. 'Low-tier serums awaken mana but leave impurities, stunting future growth. Mid-tier serums are better but still flawed. Only top-tier serums, crafted with magical treasures, awaken mana cleanly, leaving little to no impurities and ensuring full potential.'

A playful grin curled on her lips. "Hmm, might as well give it to me directly," she murmured with a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

'This quest? Right up my alley.'

Without hesitation, Serelina bent over, slipping off her lace black panties with a quick, fluid motion. It would make completing the quest far more convenient.

'But this is perfect!' she thought, her heart brimming with delight. 

'Here I was, worrying about how I'd get a top-tier serum. Thank you, system! I love you!' She giggled softly, giddy with anticipation for what was to come.

Serelina stepped out of her doorway, and she could feel the cold breeze fluttering the skirt of her dress, tickling her bald pussy, and making her nipple stiffen. The crisp air made Serelina feel refreshed as she stepped outside, savoring the cool evening breeze. She had intentionally left as dusk approached, knowing the items she needed wouldn't be available until then.

"I'll be needing a Lava Stone, Moonvine, and finally Emberblossom," Serelina reminded herself, mentally going over her shopping list. All three items were rare and pricey, and this month's stipend would barely cover the cost.

"This will be troublesome," Serelina sighed. Having read the novel, she already knew the truth about what happened ten years ago—a truth far more complex and grimmer than the sanitized version the public believed.

The incident that claimed the lives of the Sixth Supreme and his wife was no mere accident but the result of a berserk magical artifact—a cunning trap set by the enemy kingdom Draegaroth. Or so it seemed. The artifact had since been sealed within her, a decision made by her father, the Sixth Supreme, who believed she was the most suitable vessel for containing its destructive power.

"But was it really the best choice?" Serelina thought sarcastically, her lips curving into a bitter smile.

The magical items she sought were essential to reinforcing the artifact's seal. More importantly, they were needed to awaken its ego. She needed to speak with it, to understand its nature and perhaps uncover the full truth behind her father's decision.

Lost in her thoughts, Serelina realized she had already reached the bustling marketplace. Stalls lined either side of the street, and hawkers calling out to passersby to purchase their wares. She shook her head, pushing aside the din, and veered off the main road into a quieter, narrower street.

She stopped in front of a quaint little shop with a simple sign that read Herbs.

Serelina let out a soft chuckle. "The Herb's—run by the disciple of the Fourth Supreme. An eccentric and... perverted old man," she mused inwardly, recalling his peculiar character from the novel.

Pushing open the door, the chime on the door rings. A rush of warm air greeted her, carrying with it the faint scent of dried flowers and spices.

"Eh? What's this now?" a creaky voice called out. Thaddeus Crayle, a man well into his seventies, glanced up from his perch behind the counter. Sparse wisps of hair clung stubbornly to his head, and though his frame was frail, an undeniable weight of experience lingered in his gaze. He squinted at her, his lined face crinkling further.

Serelina approached the counter, her movements cautious.

"Umm, sir, do you have all of this?" she asked softly, sliding a folded note toward him. She kept her demeanor meek, her mask hiding her true expression.

Thaddeus picked up the note with a gnarled hand, unfolding it slowly as if savoring each creak of the parchment. His sharp eyes scanned the list, and he let out a raspy hum.

"Hmm… Lava Stone, Moonvine, Emberblossom. Hmph! These ain't exactly turnip greens, girl," he said, his voice carrying the scratchy texture of age. He peered over the note, his piercing gaze fixing on her.

"What's a young sprout like you needin' with treasures like these, eh? Not planning somethin' foolish, I hope?"

Serelina's shoulders tensed, but she forced herself to appear composed. "I… I'm preparing for Astralis Academy," she replied, keeping her voice steady.

Thaddeus let out a wheezy chuckle, shaking his head.

"Astralis Academy, eh? That's what they all say, isn't it? Back in my day, we didn't need fancy schools to get things done. Just a good staff, a sharp mind, and maybe a bit of luck if the winds favored you!" He turned and shuffled toward the shelves, muttering under his breath. "Kids these days, always in a hurry. Hmph."

As Thaddeus rummaged through the clutter, Serelina let her eyes wander around the shop. Dried herbs hung in clusters from the rafters, their shadows dancing on the walls. Rows of jars filled with glowing liquids and preserved plants glinted faintly in the warm light.

A moment later, Thaddeus returned, carrying a bundle wrapped in brown cloth. He set it down on the counter with a small grunt of effort.

"There y'are," he said, patting the bundle lightly. "Got what you need right here. That'll be… hmm… let's call it five thousand gold, eh? Fair price, if you ask me." His eyes twinkled with a knowing glint.

"Five thousand?" Serelina repeated, her mind racing. That was a staggering amount, far more than she could spare, and there was a reason why she came to this store exactly. 

Thaddeus chuckled again, this time softer. "Ah, don't look so sour, lass. Quality doesn't come cheap, y'know. You're paying for the best!"

"Can I pay you in other things, Sir?" Serelina asked, her fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her skirt.

Thaddeus squinted at her, his wrinkled face crinkling further as he leaned back on his stool.

"Eh? You tryin' to haggle with me, lass?" he said, stroking his sparse beard thoughtfully. 

A sly grin spread across his face. "Tell you what—I'll give ya the lot for 3,000 gold… if you let me take a peek at your pussy"

Serelina deliberately let a flicker of hesitation cross her face, as if weighing the decision carefully.

"Can I take your word for it, sir?" she asked, her tone tinged with mock uncertainty. "If I let you see it, you'll really give it to me for 3,000?"

"Of course, lass, who do you think I am?" Thaddeus chuckled, his voice gravelly with age but laced with amusement. "I may be old, but I'm not one to go back on my word."

Serelina dropped the act here and there, and decisively raise her skirt, giving the old pervert a look of her bald pussy.

"Hm, so daring, going outside without any panties" Thaddeus clicked his tongue with amusement, his wrinkled face breaking into a mischievous grin.

"You must have some confidence, lass. But, that's fine with me. I'm a man of my word.

[Quest Completed. The reward is dispensed.]

Thaddeus then handed the package containing her items, and Serelina handed the pouch containing the gold.

"Thank you, sir," Serelina said with a naughty wink, now completely dropping the act of a meek girl. She ran toward the door, but not before giving the old pervert a glance of her bubble butt.

There was a reason why she had picked this store, after all. She knew she could take advantage of the old man's perverted nature to slash down the cost of the treasures.

"Finally done," Serelina sighed. Suddenly, the air seemed fresher, as if the weight of her task had lifted with the closing of the door behind her. She glanced at the package in her hand, the treasures that would reinforce the seal and perhaps give her a bit more control over the artifact within her.

She exhaled deeply, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She had what she needed, but the road ahead still seemed uncertain.