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I stared her down, refusing to let fear or uncertainty show on my face. My staff and knife were steady in my hands, ready for battle if it came to that.

"I asked what you want. Now answer me."

Cinder, my large naga, slithered left while Nike flanked to the right. Both stood ready, weapons in hand, watching the injured orc like a hawk.

"A demon core, huh?" the orc woman muttered, her breath ragged as she forced herself to stand tall. Despite her blood loss, she didn't look intimidated. Not even close.

"I expected some elemental core with how many earth monsters there were... but a demon?" Her gaze drifted slowly across my form. "A cute one at that."

She paused, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. Her hand, once tight on the handle of her axe, began to loosen.

And then I realized why.

My eyes widened, my blood ran cold. Her stare wasn't one of fear—it was hunger.

Lustful Charm. Of all the skills to evolve, why did it have to be that one?

I sighed, trying to keep my voice steady as I looked the heavy-breathing orc in the eyes.

She was struggling to focus, her brows furrowed as she tried to clear her thoughts.

This is a test. A mission. she reminded herself. Not a place to drool over pretty boys. I like men. Masculine ones. Not—whatever this is. He's too soft. Too beautiful. So why can't I stop looking?

I interrupted her mental spiral. "Orc. Can you even hear me?"

"...Drak," she mumbled. "My name is Drak."

I glanced at Nike and Cinder before slowly lowering my weapons.

"If you put your axe down, we'll get you healed. We can talk more tomorrow."

Drak looked like she was about to protest—her mouth opened slightly—then promptly collapsed forward, face-first into the dirt.

"Cinder, tie her up. Secure her axe and carry her to a guarded room. I want her safe and restrained when we talk."

Once Cinder began his work, I knelt beside Drak and placed my hand over her chest, channeling my mana into a Dark Heal. The magic drained me faster than I liked, and while it didn't fully restore her strength, at least the bleeding stopped. It would have to do for now.

After ensuring Drak was secure, I made my way toward my quarters. But just before I stepped inside, two figures blocked my path—Moa and Rikka's mother.

The older orc wasted no time. "You're lucky you were being attacked, or gods help me, you'd be feeling my wrath."

I blinked, confused, and turned toward Moa. That's when she spoke up, eyes wide with urgency.

"Agu and Rikka... they both gave birth."

My heart stopped. I couldn't hear anything after that—just a rising beat in my chest like a war drum.

Without hesitation, I left my body, letting my consciousness race ahead through the dungeon corridors until I found them. They were in the makeshift medical wing the goblins had converted.

There—lying side by side—were Agu and Rikka, both fast asleep, their expressions soft in the glow of the crystal-lit chamber.

My eyes dropped to the three small cribs beside them.

I pulled myself back into my body and whispered, "I'm heading there now. Thank you both."

No energy? Not anymore. Adrenaline surged through me as I sprinted through the halls, heart pounding, dodging goblins and crystal drones as I darted left and right.

I stopped just short of barreling through the infirmary door, nearly tripping in my excitement.

And then I saw them.

My lovers, exhausted and sleeping peacefully. And the children.

Three cribs, three miracles.

The twins—both orc hybrids—were completely different. One with deep red skin, strong and fierce. The other grey-skinned, with... four arms.

The third, a goblin, bore soft blueish skin—like mine.

I stood in stunned silence. Pride swelled within me, but so did curiosity.

They didn't look like their mothers, but hopefully there will be a resemblance.

I left my body once again to inspect their status panels:

Lapis

Demonic Hybrid (Goblin)

Female – Level 1

Aspect: Greed

Child of a Demon Core and a Goblin. Exhibits traits from her mother.

Theta

Demonic Hybrid (Orc)

Ascended Race: Oni

Male/Female – Level 1

Aspect: Pride

Child of a Demon Core and an Orc. Exhibits traits from the father.

Adam

Demonic Hybrid (Orc)

Male – Level 1

Aspect: Lust

Child of a Demon Core and an Orc. Exhibits traits from the father.

Theta's oni bloodline gave me pause. I wondered to myself about how an oni would differ from an orc. Then my thoughts shifted to the male/female part of the panel, Would they be like my naga? Or something else entirely?

I stared for a long while before I felt a familiar warmth wrap around me.

Nike.

He hugged me from behind and whispered, "You can stay with them tonight. But tomorrow, you're mine again. In bed, no excuses."

I smiled and nodded, leaning back into him as I returned my gaze to the sleeping children.

Tonight, I would rest here.