The cold night air brushed against my face as we floated silently through the darkened sky. The stars above provided faint light, but I had cast an invisibility spell around us, ensuring we wouldn’t be seen. Sayo lay unconscious in my arms, her breathing steady but shallow. Angelica flew beside me, her amber eyes occasionally glancing at Sayo with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

  Breaking the silence, Angelica spoke. “That girl… Sayo, was it? She means a lot to you, doesn’t she?”

  I nodded, tightening my hold on Sayo. “She does. She’s been with me since the beginning, and she’s like family to me.”

  Angelica’s gaze softened. “Family… That’s rare in these times. You seem to care for her deeply.”

  I glanced at Angelica, my expression somber. “I failed her, Angelica. I wasn’t there when she needed me the most. And now, Lucaus...” My voice faltered, the weight of guilt heavy on my chest.

  Angelica placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, her warmth cutting through the cold air. “Don’t blame yourself, Amahiko. You did everything you could. Sayo is alive because of you, and Lucaus… he found peace, thanks to you.”

  Her words provided little comfort, but I nodded in acknowledgment. “Sayo’s suffered so much because of me. She doesn’t deserve any of this.”

  Angelica tilted her head thoughtfully. “You speak as if you’re the root of all her pain. But maybe you’re also her strength. She might not say it outright, but I can see it—she relies on you, trusts you.”

  I let out a deep sigh. “Maybe. I just hope I can protect her from now on.”

  Angelica’s tone lightened, a faint smile on her lips. “You’re strong, Amahiko, but even the strongest need help sometimes. Don’t forget that.”

  I met her gaze, appreciating her honesty. “I’ll remember that. Thank you, Angelica.”

  We floated in silence for a while, the vast forest below us stretching endlessly. The kingdom’s towering walls faded into the distance as we ventured deeper into the wilderness. Finally, I spotted a massive tree with a hollow base near the forest’s edge. It was secluded, hidden among dense foliage—a perfect place to rest.

  “We’ll stop here,” I said, descending slowly.

  Landing gently, I laid Sayo on a soft patch of moss. With a wave of my hand, I activated my builder skill. Dark energy surrounded the hollow tree, shaping it into a small yet sturdy house within moments. The walls glowed faintly as they solidified, and windows formed to let in moonlight. Inside, I created a single room with a cozy bed, a small table, and basic amenities.

  Angelica stepped inside, looking around with awe. “You made this... in minutes? I knew you were skilled, but this is incredible.”

  “It’s nothing special,” I replied, brushing off the compliment. “Just a temporary place to keep Sayo safe.”

  I walked over to the bed and gently laid Sayo down, covering her with a soft blanket I had conjured. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, her expression peaceful despite everything.

  Angelica leaned against the doorway, watching me. “You really care about her. It’s admirable.”

  I sat down beside the bed, my eyes never leaving Sayo. “I’ll protect her, no matter what it takes. She deserves to live a life free from fear and suffering.”

  Angelica nodded, her expression softening. “Then we’ll make sure of it together.”

  The room fell silent, the only sounds being the faint rustling of leaves outside and Sayo’s steady breathing. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was a sense of calm, even if it was fleeting.

  The silence between us grew heavy, and I could feel Angelica’s gaze on me. Just moments ago, she’d been speaking openly, but now, she was quiet, her expression shifting to something I couldn’t quite place.

  “Angelica?” I asked, breaking the silence. “What’s wrong? Why did you stop talking?”

  Her amber eyes narrowed slightly, and she crossed her arms. “You know, Amahiko... you’re a great pervert! I had no idea about it before!”

  I blinked, taken aback by her sudden accusation. “What?” “Where this is coming from out of nowhere?”

  “You heard me!” she said, her tone sharp but not entirely serious. “I’m surprised. I thought you were focused and honorable, but now I see you have a... different side.”

  I frowned, utterly confused. “What are you even talking about?”

  Angelica sighed, her cheeks slightly flushed, though whether it was from anger or embarrassment, I couldn’t tell. “Don’t act like you don’t know. What you said to Koharu and Lady Hikari before—you told them, ‘You have good figures that will entertain me.’ Even if they were evil, they’re still women!”

  The memory of my words flashed in my mind, and I winced. “That? You’re bringing that up now?”

  “Yes, I am!” she snapped, stepping closer. “Do you have any idea how awful that sounded? Even I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard it. It’s no wonder they didn’t fight back; they were probably too shocked by your words!”

  I raised my hands defensively. “Look, Angelica, I know what I said was... wrong, but I was angry, alright? I didn’t mean it. It just came out in the heat of the moment.”

  She raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You expect me to believe that? You sounded pretty confident when you said it.”

  I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I’m serious. I wasn’t thinking straight. Everything that happened—the experiments, Lucaus, Sayo—it all pushed me to my limit. I lashed out without realizing what I was saying.”

  Angelica stared at me for a long moment, her piercing gaze making me feel like I was being interrogated. Then, finally, she sighed and shook her head. “I guess I can understand that, but still, Amahiko... try to control your words next time. Even when you’re angry, you should remember the kind of person you want to be.”

  I nodded, grateful that her anger seemed to be fading. “You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  She gave me a pointed look. “Good. Because if you ever say something like that again, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle at her seriousness. “Noted. I’ll be more careful.”

  Angelica rolled her eyes but smiled faintly, the tension between us easing. “You really are something else, Amahiko.”

  “Something good, I hope,” I said, smirking.

  She shook her head, the faint smile still on her lips. “Let’s just say you’re... unique.”

  With that, the conversation ended, and we both turned our attention back to Sayo, who was still resting peacefully. Despite the lighthearted argument, I felt a sense of relief. At least Angelica wasn’t truly angry with me, and for now, that was enough.

  The aroma of cooking filled the small house I had built. It wasn’t much, but it was cozy and safe. As I stirred the pot over the small fire, I glanced over at Angelica, who sat nearby, watching me intently.

  “You’re quite the cook, aren’t you?” Angelica said, her amber eyes glinting with curiosity.

  I smirked, focusing on the ingredients. “You’d be surprised what you can learn when you’ve had to fend for yourself. Besides, it’s not like I had anyone else to cook for me.”

  Angelica rested her chin on her hand, a soft smile playing on her lips. “You seem full of surprises, Amahiko. A strong warrior, a skilled magician, and now a cook. Is there anything you can’t do?”

  I chuckled. “Plenty of things, trust me. But I don’t think cooking for the two of you counts as extraordinary.”

  Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Was it just the heat from the fire, or was I really starting to feel something more when I looked at her?

  Angelica broke the silence, her tone playful. “You know, this is the first time I’ve seen you so relaxed. It’s… nice.”

  I paused, meeting her eyes. “And why’s that?”

  She shrugged, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. “I don’t know. You just seem different when you’re not fighting or saving someone. Like you’re finally letting your guard down a little.”

  I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I focused on plating the food instead. Still, I couldn’t deny the strange fluttering in my chest. Her words, her smile—it was like she was pulling something out of me that I’d long buried.

  As I finished preparing the meal, I placed a plate in front of Angelica. “Here. Eat up before it gets cold.”

  “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice holding an unfamiliar warmth.

  With Angelica settled, I turned my attention to Sayo. She was still asleep in the other room, her delicate frame hidden beneath the blanket. I walked over quietly, kneeling by her bedside.

  “Sayo,” I said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Wake up. You need to eat.”

  She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. Her gaze met mine, sleepy but alert. Slowly, she sat up, clutching the blanket tightly around her body and breasts, covering herself up to her throat.

  “Good morning,” she murmured, her voice soft and weak.

  “Morning,” I replied with a small smile. “You should eat something. You’ll feel better.”

  As I reached to help her sit up properly, my hand accidentally brushed against her chest—her right breast, to be precise.

  “Aaa…” A soft, unexpected sound escaped her lips, her face flushing red.

  My eyes widened in shock, and I immediately pulled back. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

  “It’s okay,” she interrupted, her voice steady despite the embarrassment. “I know it was an accident.”

  I nodded, still flustered. “Right. Uh, let’s just focus on getting you fed.”

  Sayo glanced at me, her expression softening. “What about Lucaus? Is he okay?”

  Her question hit me like a blow, but I kept my voice calm. “Let’s talk about that after you’ve eaten. For now, just focus on getting your strength back.”

  She hesitated but eventually nodded. I carefully placed the food in front of her and began feeding her, one small spoonful at a time.

  In the quiet moments as she ate, I felt a strange sense of peace. Despite everything we’d been through, seeing Sayo alive and recovering filled me with a quiet determination. Whatever lay ahead, I would face it—for them.

  I carefully held Sayo upright with my right hand, supporting her weakened body, while feeding her the warm soup with my left. Her pale face looked fragile in the soft light of the room, her lips trembling as she sipped slowly.

  “Take it easy,” I said gently, my voice barely above a whisper. “You need to regain your strength.”

  She nodded faintly, her fingers clutching the edge of the blanket that still covered her chest and body. I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my thoughts were scattered. The memories of Lucaus’s final moments lingered in my mind like a storm cloud.

  Sayo finished another spoonful and glanced up at me, her amber eyes gleaming with sadness. “Amahiko,” she began softly, “please… tell me. What happened to Lucaus?”

  My throat tightened. I wasn’t ready for this conversation. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and Angelica stepped inside.

  She leaned against the doorframe, her midnight-blue hair falling over her shoulder, her expression grave. “Sayo,” Angelica said in a steady voice, “Lucaus… is gone. Amahiko had to kill him.”

  Sayo froze, her eyes widening in shock. “What?” Her voice cracked, trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. “No… that can’t be true. He wouldn’t…”

  I sighed heavily, setting the bowl of soup aside. “Sayo, listen to me,” I said, my tone calm but weighted with sorrow. “Lucaus wasn’t himself anymore. He… he was turned into a chimera by Koharu and Lady Hikari. I didn’t want to hurt him, but…”

  I paused, my voice faltering. “He begged me to free him. Even in that monstrous form, his soul was still there, and he wanted to be released from the curse.”

  Tears streamed down Sayo’s face as she shook her head. “No… no, this can’t be real. Lucaus… he was so kind, so full of life. How could this happen to him?”

  Her body trembled with grief, and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. Angelica immediately moved to her side, wrapping her arms around Sayo and holding her tightly.

  “It’s okay to cry,” Angelica whispered, her voice soothing. “Let it out, Sayo. You’ve been through so much. We’re here for you.”

  Sayo clung to Angelica, her cries muffled against Angelica’s shoulder. I watched them silently, my heart aching. It was unbearable to see Sayo like this, and yet I knew her pain was something I couldn’t mend with magic or words.

  Feeling the weight of guilt pressing down on me, I stood up and left the room without saying a word. My chest felt heavy, my vision blurred as tears threatened to spill over.

  I stepped outside into the cool night air, the soft rustling of leaves in the forest surrounding me. The stars above seemed distant and indifferent, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.

  I wandered aimlessly until I reached a small riverside clearing. The gentle flow of the water mirrored the tears streaming down my face. I sat down on the riverbank, resting my elbows on my knees and burying my face in my hands.

  “I’m sorry, Lucaus,” I murmured, my voice breaking. “I’m so sorry…”

  The image of his chimera form haunted me—the twisted muscles, the unrecognizable features, and yet the glimmer of his soul that had begged me to end his suffering.

  I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. “Why does it have to be this way?” I whispered to no one in particular. “Why does everything I touch fall apart?”

  The sound of the river offered no answers, only a quiet rhythm that seemed to mock my despair. I couldn’t stop the tears now; they came freely, a torrent of grief and regret that I had been holding back for far too long.

  I stayed there for what felt like hours, the weight of everything pressing down on me. Sayo’s grief, Angelica’s quiet strength, the memories of Lucaus—all of it swirled together, a storm I couldn’t escape.

  As the night deepened, I looked up at the sky, the stars blurring through my tears. “I’ll make this right,” I vowed softly. “No matter what it takes… I’ll protect them. I’ll make sure this never happens again.”

  But even as I made that promise, the emptiness inside me remained, a constant reminder of the price I had paid—and the price I might still have to pay.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  The night was cold, the stars shimmering faintly in the vast sky as I sat by the riverside. My mind was weighed down by grief, but the stillness was fleeting. The faint rustling of leaves alerted me. A growl pierced the silence, and soon I saw them—warwolves, their glowing red eyes locked on me.

  “Looks like I’m attracting pests,” I muttered, standing up as their snarls echoed through the trees.

  The pack circled me, their massive forms moving with predatory precision. But they didn’t know who they were dealing with.

  I extended my hand, summoning the Sword of Death Eye. Its obsidian blade gleamed with an ominous light, and the air around it warped slightly under its power.

  “Let’s end this quickly.”

  The first warwolf lunged, its fangs bared. With a single swing of my sword, its body split into two before it could even reach me. Dark energy surged around me as more wolves charged.

  “Void Shackles,” I whispered.

  Chains of void energy erupted from the ground, binding several wolves in mid-air. They thrashed violently, but the chains were unyielding. I stepped forward, thrusting my sword into one of their hearts. It disintegrated into ash.

  “Is that all?” I taunted.

  The remaining wolves hesitated, but their primal instincts soon overcame their fear. I raised my hand, channeling dark and fire magic.

  “Blazing Cataclysm.”

  A fiery explosion erupted around me, consuming the warwolves in an inferno that burned everything within a wide radius. The flames roared, and when the smoke cleared, nothing remained but scorched earth.

  Satisfied that the area was secure, I turned to leave but noticed something unusual. A faint glow emanated from the ground nearby. Curious, I approached and found a hidden entrance—a dungeon.

  “A dungeon, huh? Let’s see what’s inside.”

  Descending into the dark, twisting corridors, I encountered various monsters—golems, wraiths, and shadow beasts. None posed a real challenge. Each one fell swiftly to my sword or magic, their essence fueling my Sword of Death Eye.

  The dungeon was vast, but I cleared it systematically. At the final chamber, I faced a massive dark elemental—a creature made entirely of shadow energy.

  “You’ll be a fine test for my new skill,” I said, smirking.

  “Eternal Void!”

  A swirling abyss formed in the center of the chamber, pulling the elemental toward it. The creature howled in agony as it was consumed, its form breaking apart until nothing remained.

  With the dungeon cleared, I claimed the rewards—a trove of rare materials and a mysterious artifact that emanated an ancient aura.

  I stepped outside, the night air refreshing after the suffocating darkness of the dungeon. The river’s gentle flow called to me, and I returned to my spot by the riverside. Sitting quietly, I opened my status screen to evaluate my progress.

  Status:

  Basic Information:

  Name: Amahiko

  Title: The Monarch of Shadow – Shadow King

  Level: 36,000

  Race: High-Human (Mixed Demon Heart) (Blessed by the Triune Aura)

  Aura Types: Dark, Silver, Light

  Current Equipment:

  ? Sword of Death Eye (Awakened)

  ? Triune Battle Manifestation Suit

  ? Obsidian Radiance Sovereign

  Attributes:

  Strength: 100,000

  Agility: 99,000

  Stamina: 100,500

  Intelligence: 99,000

  Mana: 10,000,000,000+

  Luck: 90,000

  Skills Learned from the Undead God:

  1. Necrotic Grasp (Lv. 30)

  2. Undying Command (Lv. 28)

  3. Cursed Resurrection (Lv. 25)

  4. Void Shackles (Lv. 29)

  Fire Magic:

  1. Inferno of the Primordials (Lv. 33)

  2. Hell of Flame (Lv. 32)

  3. Phoenix Blaze (Lv. 31)

  4. Dragon’s Breath (Lv. 30)

  5. Eternal Inferno (Lv. 34)

  6. Blazing Cataclysm (Lv. 30)

  7. Lava Vortex (Lv.33)

  8. Hellstrike (Lv. 38)

  9. Pyro Blaze(Lv. 30)

  10. Infernal Fissure(Lv. 30)

  11. Burning Sky(Lv. 30)

  12. Phoenix Wrath(Lv. 32)

  13. Pyroclastic Rain(Lv. 39)

  14. Dragonflame(Lv. 30)

  15. Fiery Arrow(Lv. 36)

  Water Magic:

  1. Tsunami’s Wrath (Lv. 32)

  2. Ocean’s Embrace (Lv. 31)

  3. Tempest of the Abyss (Lv. 30)

  4. Aqua Wrath (Lv. 33)

  5. Eternal Tides (Lv. 30)

  6. Frozen Abyssal Surge (Lv. 30)

  7. Mist Shroud (Lv. 33)

  8. Water Dragon (Lv. 37)

  9. Blue Comet (Lv. 37)

  10. Aqua Prison (Lv. 37)

  11. Tsunami Crush (Lv. 39)

  12. Liquid Chains (Lv. 35)

  13. Aqua Barricade (Lv. 37)

  14. Sea Serpent Strike (Lv. 37)

  15. Water Lotus (Lv. 37)

  Wind Magic:

  1. Cyclone of Destruction (Lv. 30)

  2. Tempest Fury (Lv. 32)

  3. Zephyr’s Judgment (Lv. 33)

  4. Gale’s Roar (Lv. 31)

  5. Stormbringer (Lv. 30)

  6. Wings of the Eternal Zephyr (Lv. 30)

  7. Whispering Tempest (Lv. 35)

  8. Sky Burst (Lv. 31)

  9. Aero Chains (Lv. 39)

  10. Tempest Blade (Lv. 31)

  11. Whirlwind Shield(Lv. 38)

  Earth Magic:

  1. Gaia’s Wrath (Lv. 32)

  2. Titan’s Grasp (Lv. 30)

  3. Worldquake (Lv. 33)

  4. Seismic Calamity (Lv. 37)

  5. Stone Dragon’s Roar (Lv. 30)

  6. Mountain Fortress (Lv. 30)

  7. Boulder Barrage (Lv. 33)

  Dark Magic:

  1. Void of Oblivion (Lv. 33)

  2. Soul Devourer (Lv. 32)

  3. Nightmare’s Embrace (Lv. 31)

  4. Shadow of Death (Lv. 33)

  5. Black Hole (Lv. 30)

  6. Eternal Void (Lv. 30)

  7. Void Kiss (Lv. 30)

  8. Shadow Wave (Lv. 33)

  9. Black Curse (LV. 37)

  Healing Magic:

  1. Sanctified Restoration (Lv. 33)

  2. Heaven’s Grace (Lv. 33)

  3. Eternal Vitality (Lv. 30)

  4. Blessing of Renewal (Lv. 30)

  5. Soothing Light (Lv. 30)

  6. Sanctuary Glow (Lv. 30)

  7. Angel’s Touch (Lv. 35)

  Light magic: (New!)

  1. Radiant Flare (Lv. 30)

  (Description: A powerful burst of light magic that blinds enemies and purifies dark entities.)(New!)

  2. Luminous Touch (Lv. 27)

  (Description: A gentle healing magic that uses light to mend wounds and soothe pain.) (New!)

  3. Celestial Halo (Lv. 34)

  (Description: A shimmering halo of light that protects the caster and allies from harmful spells.)(New!)

  4. Angel’s Wing (Lv. 39)

  (Description: A spell that creates wings of light, enabling the caster to fly or glide gracefully) (New!)

  Special Abilities:

  1. Triune Battle Manifestation (Lv. MAX)

  2. Sword of Death Eye: Awakened (Lv. MAX)

  Looking at my stats, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of emptiness. Power was meaningless if I couldn’t protect those I cared about. Lucaus’s sacrifice was proof of that.

  I closed the status screen and gazed at the river, its surface shimmering under the moonlight.

  “Lucaus, I’ll make sure your sacrifice wasn’t in vain,” I whispered, my resolve hardening.

  After collecting the measurements and calming the awkward atmosphere, I focused on crafting the undergarments. Using my tailor skill, I summoned the necessary materials and began working. Every stitch and fold was precise, as if guided by instinct.

  Angelica sat nearby, watching me work. Her arms were crossed, and though she said nothing, I could feel her gaze on me. Sayo, now sitting upright in bed, watched with curiosity.

  “Done,” I finally said, holding up two finished sets of bras and panties. They were simple yet elegant, crafted with smooth black fabric.

  Sayo’s eyes lit up. “They’re beautiful!”

  I handed each of them their respective sets. “Here you go. These should fit perfectly.”

  Sayo examined the pieces in her hands, a mischievous smile suddenly crossing her face. “Why don’t we try them on, and you—Amahiko—can tell us whether they suit us or not?”

  I nearly dropped the pair I was holding. “W-What? No, absolutely not!”

  Angelica’s reaction was no different. “What nonsense are you talking about, Sayo? There’s no way I’m letting him see that.”

  But Sayo tilted her head, her innocent smile never wavering. “Come on, Amahiko made these for us. It’s only fair he gets to see how they look.”

  Angelica glared at me, as if this was somehow my fault. “No way,” she said firmly.

  Sayo pouted. “Please? Just once? I promise it’s nothing weird.”

  Despite our protests, Sayo’s persistence eventually wore us down. Angelica sighed in defeat. “Fine. But only this once.”

  I sat awkwardly in the corner, looking anywhere but at them as they changed behind a curtain. My heart raced, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over me.

  “We’re ready,” Sayo said cheerfully.

  I hesitated before turning around. When I did, my breath caught in my throat.

  Sayo and Angelica stood before me, each wearing the garments I had made. The fit was perfect, accentuating their elegant forms. Angelica’s toned figure contrasted with Sayo’s softer curves, but both were breathtaking in their own way.

  “Well? How do we look?” Sayo asked, twirling slightly.

  Their movements caused their breasts to bounce subtly, and I couldn’t stop myself from swallowing hard. My face felt like it was on fire.

  “You look… fine,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

  “Fine?” Angelica repeated, raising an eyebrow.

  “N-No! I mean, you look great. They suit you perfectly,” I stammered, avoiding their gazes.

  Sayo giggled. “I think he’s embarrassed.”

  Angelica crossed her arms, still visibly uncomfortable. “This is ridiculous. Can we be done now?”

  “Not yet!” Sayo chimed in. “We haven’t twirled yet.”

  “Twirled?” I echoed, my voice filled with disbelief.

  Before I could protest, Sayo spun around, her movements causing her body to shift in ways that made it impossible not to notice. Angelica, though reluctant, followed suit, perhaps out of a sense of fairness.

  I looked away, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. “Okay, I think that’s enough!”

  Sayo laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort. Angelica, on the other hand, seemed eager to end the whole ordeal.

  “Let’s change back,” Angelica muttered, grabbing her clothes.

  As they disappeared behind the curtain, I let out a sigh of relief. My heart was still racing, and I couldn’t stop thinking about what I had just witnessed.

  When they returned, fully dressed, Angelica glared at me. “You’re not allowed to speak of this ever again. Understand?”

  “Absolutely,” I agreed, nodding vigorously.

  Sayo, however, simply smiled. “Thanks for making these, Amahiko. They’re really comfortable.”

  Despite the embarrassment, I felt a small sense of pride in my work. But I couldn’t help but silently vow to avoid situations like this in the future—no matter how persistent Sayo might be.

  As I sat at the small workbench I’d set up, the thought of making adventurous dresses for Sayo and Angelica crossed my mind. They needed proper attire for the journey ahead—functional, comfortable, and durable. However, the thought of taking their measurements again made me hesitate.

  “I don’t think I can handle another situation like last time,” I muttered to myself.

  Sayo overheard me and walked over with a playful grin. “Why not? I think you did a great job before!”

  I glanced at her, embarrassed. “That’s not the point.”

  “Come on, Amahiko,” she said, leaning forward slightly. “I promise I’ll be good this time.”

  Her tone and expression made it impossible to refuse. Reluctantly, I agreed, and she eagerly volunteered to go first.

  Sayo stood before me in her bra and panties, her playful smile never wavering. I grabbed the measuring tape, trying to focus on the task at hand and ignore the awkwardness of the situation.

  Starting with her arms, I carefully wrapped the tape around them. My fingers lightly brushed against her skin, and I noticed her shiver slightly.

  “Are you cold?” I asked, trying to mask my embarrassment.

  “Not at all,” she replied with a smile. “Keep going.”

  Moving down to her legs, I knelt to measure her thighs. As I did, my hand accidentally slipped, brushing against her smooth skin.

  “Ah, sorry!” I quickly apologized, pulling my hand back.

  She laughed softly. “It’s fine, Amahiko. Don’t be so nervous.”

  Trying to regain my composure, I moved on to her torso. As I measured her chest, my hand accidentally pressed against her breast.

  “Aaaa…” A soft, erotic sound escaped her throat, and I froze in place, my face burning with embarrassment.

  “I-I’m so sorry!” I stammered, stepping back.

  She smiled at me, her cheeks slightly pink. “It’s okay. It was just an accident.”

  Despite her reassurances, I couldn’t shake the awkwardness as I continued taking her measurements. She seemed to be enjoying herself, occasionally moving in ways that made the process more difficult—or intentional, I wasn’t sure.

  Finally, I finished taking her measurements. As I stepped back to put away the measuring tape, she turned around and faced me, a playful glint in her eyes.

  Sayo placed her hands behind my neck, her fingers interlocking as she leaned closer. Her elbows rested on my shoulders, and she smiled softly, her face just inches from mine.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

  “Thanking you,” she replied, her lips slowly inching closer to mine.

  I stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Just as her lips were about to touch mine, a loud knock came at the door.

  “Amahiko, are you in there?” Angelica’s voice rang out.

  Sayo quickly pulled away, her face red as she muttered under her breath, “Why now…?”

  Opening the door, I found Angelica standing there with her arms crossed. “What are you two up to?” she asked suspiciously.

  “Nothing!” Sayo and I replied in unison.

  Angelica raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. I decided to take the opportunity to ask her about the new dress.

  “Angelica,” I began, “I was thinking of making you a new adventurous dress as well. What do you think?”

  “Me? I don’t know…” she hesitated.

  Before I could say anything, Sayo jumped in. “Come on, Angelica! You deserve something nice too. Let him take your measurements—it’s not a big deal.”

  Angelica looked unconvinced, but Sayo’s enthusiasm was contagious. After some coaxing, Angelica finally sighed and relented.

  “Fine,” she said. “But if you mess this up, I won’t forgive you.”

  Sayo grinned triumphantly, and I couldn’t help but smile at her persistence. As I prepared the measuring tape once again, I couldn’t help but wonder what I’d gotten myself into.

  With my tailor skill ready, I prepared to take Angelica’s measurements. She stood there, her arms folded, trying to act indifferent, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her unease.

  “Let’s just get this over with,” she said, averting her gaze.

  “Sure,” I replied, doing my best to maintain a professional demeanor.

  Starting with her upper body, I carefully measured her shoulders, arms, and chest. However, as I reached her chest, my hand slipped, and I accidentally pressed against her breast.

  “Aaaa...” The sound escaped her throat involuntarily, and her cheeks turned a deep crimson.

  I quickly pulled my hand away, panicking. “I’m so sorry! It was a mistake!”

  Angelica shot me a glare, though there was a trace of embarrassment in her expression. “Are you doing sexual harassment?”

  “No, no, no! It wasn’t intentional!” I insisted, bowing my head in apology.

  She sighed but didn’t push further, though her blush remained. I moved on, kneeling to measure her legs. Gently lifting her foot, I placed it on my shoulder to get an accurate measurement.

  “This position… it’s a bit embarrassing,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.

  I looked up, my face just as red as hers. “I know it myself too!”

  Despite the awkwardness, I managed to finish measuring her legs without further incident. Standing up, I began measuring her waist and back. Just as I was about to finish, Angelica suddenly slipped on the smooth wooden floor.

  “Ah!” she yelped, her arms flailing.

  Instinctively, I lunged forward to catch her. My left hand cradled her head to prevent it from hitting the ground, while the rest of me landed on top of her.

  For a moment, everything froze. Our eyes met, and the space between us seemed to disappear. Her soft, golden eyes stared into mine, and I could feel her breath against my skin.

  Our hearts were racing, pounding in unison as if caught in the same rhythm. I could feel the warmth of her body beneath me, and my left hand accidentally pressed against her right breast—not once, but twice.

  “Soft...” The thought crossed my mind before I realized what had happened.

  “Aaa…” Angelica let out a soft, involuntary sound, her face now a vivid shade of red.

  Tears began to form in her eyes, and she stammered, “What are you doing, you per... pervert!”

  Her voice snapped me out of my trance, and I immediately scrambled to my feet, apologizing profusely. “I-I didn’t mean to! I was just trying to help!”

  Just as the tension reached its peak, a knock came at the door.

  “Amahiko? Angelica? Are you two okay in there?” Sayo’s voice called from outside.

  The sound brought both of us back to reality. Angelica quickly sat up, brushing her hair out of her face, while I turned away, trying to calm my racing heart.

  “We’re fine!” Angelica called out, though her voice was shaky.

  Once Sayo’s footsteps faded, I turned back to Angelica. “I’m really sorry… It was an accident, I swear.”

  She avoided my gaze, her cheeks still flushed. “Just… forget about it.”

  Feeling a mix of guilt and relief, I quickly gathered my tools and left the room to start working on the dresses. As I sat at the workbench, cutting and stitching fabric, I couldn’t shake the memory of what had just happened.

  The warmth of her body, the softness of her skin, and the look in her eyes… It lingered in my mind, leaving me more flustered than I cared to admit.

  For now, I focused on my work, determined to finish the dresses and move forward. But deep down, I knew this moment would stay with me for a long time.

  After hours of meticulous effort, I finally completed the new outfits for Sayo, Angelica, and myself. The designs were elegant yet practical, a fusion of style and functionality, perfect for the adventures we were about to embark on.

  Sayo stepped forward, her eyes lighting up as she admired her new attire. She wore a stunning white dress with purple stripes and a matching purple scarf around her neck. Dark leggings with white stripes hugged her legs, and her white boots added a touch of refinement. Small yet sturdy pieces of armor adorned her arms and shoulders, giving her the look of a noble adventurer.

  “This… this is amazing, Amahiko!” Sayo exclaimed, twirling to see the full effect of the outfit.

  Angelica’s outfit was equally striking. Her red and white ensemble resembled a regal uniform, complete with intricate buttons and stripes running down the front. Silver armor pieces on her shoulders, arms, and legs gave her a commanding presence, and a long white fabric flowed behind her like a cape.

  Angelica ran her hand along the armor on her arm, her expression softening. “This is… perfect. Thank you, Amahiko.”

  Their breasts were hanging a little too much. It was attracting me that somehow those big boobs were making me excited for some reason. Their breasts were bouncing little by little as they walked here and there. Their bouncing breasts were attracting me. After all they have a elegant and grown up body. Working with them in the public may attract people’s attention because they are too much beautiful and cute for me .

  Forget it. I don’t want to talk about those embarrassing word. If Angelica came to know about my thoughts about her, she will kill me for sure, you know. Let this aside from the topic. Let me talk about myself.

  As for myself, I had crafted something fitting for a Shadow King. A long, dark coat cascaded down to my ankles, its sleek design accentuating my every move. Beneath it, I wore matching dark pants and a shirt, blending seamlessly with the coat. My sword was strapped securely to my back, completing the ensemble.

  “Well,” I said, straightening my coat, “what do you think?”

  “You look… incredible,” Angelica admitted, her cheeks faintly flushed.

  Sayo nodded enthusiastically. “Like a warrior straight out of legend!”

  We spent a few moments discussing the designs, their functionality, and how they complemented each of us. Then, deciding to test our new outfits, we stepped outside into the crisp evening air. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.

  As we walked, preparing for the journey ahead to confront the kingdom’s corruption, five figures emerged from the shadows. They moved with an unnatural grace, their presence exuding an overwhelming aura of dark mana.

  Sayo and Angelica tensed, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons. But before they could act, the five women knelt before me, their heads bowed low.

  Each of them was clad in ebony bodysuits that shimmered with dark energy, their outfits manifesting from their mana. They carried an array of weapons—three swords, two draggers, a sphere, and a bow—that radiated power.

  In unison, they spoke, their voices unwavering, “Welcome back, Master Amahiko-sama.”

  Sayo and Angelica’s expressions were a mix of shock and confusion. “Master…?” Sayo murmured, glancing at me.

  I felt a shift within myself, a familiar yet distant power awakening. My voice deepened, resonating with authority as I spoke. “So, you’ve finally shown yourselves, my vessels.”

  I stood tall, adorned in a newly manifested inky bodysuit and boots. In my hand, I held a sharp black sword, distinct from the Sword of Death Eye. My overcoat swayed in the breeze, my hood casting a shadow over the upper half of my face. Only the lower half of my face was visible, and I could feel the intensity of my awakened Eyes of Death beneath the blindfold I now wore.

  Sayo and Angelica looked at me, their shock growing as they took in my transformation.

  “Shall we start the endgame of corruption?” I asked, my tone cold and commanding.

  The five girls nodded, their eyes filled with unwavering loyalty. “Yes, Master. We are ready.”

  One of the girls stepped forward, raising her dragon-headed staff. A swirling black portal formed in the air before us, its edges crackling with dark energy. She turned to me, bowing once more. “Master, please lead us into the future you will shape—the future of shadows.”

  Without hesitation, I stepped toward the portal, the wind tugging at my coat. Sayo and Angelica hesitated for a moment before following, still grappling with the revelation of my hidden power.

  As I passed through the portal, I felt the weight of destiny settle on my shoulders. The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing was clear: I would rise as the Monarch of Shadows, and the corruption that plagued this world would meet its end under my rule.