Chapter 7: The Blade, the Bathrobe, and the Bond Test

Thunder rumbled across the ruined skies of Nachtveil Keep.

Lucius stood alone in the central training courtyard. Shirtless. Covered in scars. Eyes glowing crimson as stormlight danced across his skin.

Velda sat under a broken gazebo nearby, sipping tea with one pinky raised like a noble gremlin.

"You really like training half-naked, huh?" she called. "Is this a villain thing or just part of your mid-reincarnation crisis?"

Lucius didn't answer. He focused on the sword in his hands.

> [Skill: Blood Memory – Passive]

Your body recalls techniques from your past life.

Power increases with emotion and proximity to death.

Every swing left a trail of red light. Every breath felt like he was breathing rage.

Claire and Lilith watched from a distance. Zara was doing push-ups using a boulder as her "mat."

---

"So…" Claire whispered, "why is he glowing like that?"

"He does that when he's pissed, traumatized, or horny," Velda replied.

"…That's—wait, what?"

"Welcome to bonding with a final boss."

---

As Lucius sheathed the blade, Zara suddenly stood.

"If we're heading to war," she said, "we need to know who's loyal."

She turned to the other girls. "It's time for the Bond Test."

Claire blinked. "That sounds wholesome."

"It's not," Lilith muttered.

Velda raised an eyebrow. "This again? Alright, I'm in."

Lucius approached, wiping sweat off his chest with a towel.

"What is the Bond Test?"

Zara grinned. "Simple. You spend five minutes alone with each of us. No powers. No threats. Just words. Let's see who cracks first."

Lucius stared.

"…This is a harem loyalty test disguised as emotional trauma roulette, isn't it?"

Velda smirked. "You're catching on."

---

First Round: Claire

They sat under a dead tree.

Lucius: "Why do you stay?"

Claire: "Because you scare me… and because you saved me."

Lucius: "You could leave."

Claire: "And go where? The Church wants me dead. Lilith broke my spine twice. You're the first person who gave me a choice."

Lucius said nothing.

Claire stood up, walked behind him… and hugged him.

"I know you're dangerous. But I'm more scared of being alone."

> [Affection +6 – Claire]

[New Trait Unlocked: Gentle Fear]

[Hidden Flag Triggered: "First to Fall"]

---

Second Round: Lilith

In the ruined cathedral.

Lilith: "I know you hate me."

Lucius: "I remember what you did."

Lilith: "So hurt me again. Punish me. Just don't look at me like I'm nothing."

Lucius narrowed his eyes.

"…You were the first to betray me."

Lilith: "Then let me be the first to prove I've changed."

> [Affection +4 – Lilith]

[New Trait Unlocked: Fragile Devotion]

[Corruption Level: 22%]

---

Third Round: Zara

In the war room.

Zara: "Say the word, and I'll burn cities for you."

Lucius: "And if I told you to stop?"

Zara paused.

"…Then I'd ask if you're still my Alpha."

Lucius didn't reply. She stepped close.

"No matter what happens, I'll follow. Because deep down, I don't want peace."

She grabbed his hand.

"I want you."

> [Affection MAXED – Zara]

[Bond Level 2 → 3: Bloodbound Soul]

[Madness Level: 3% — Stable (for now)]

---

Velda leaned over a broken window as the test ended.

"Well, good news! You're either building an unstoppable army of emotionally damaged women…"

She sipped her tea.

"…or we're all gonna die in a flaming polyamorous apocalypse. Either way, I'm here for it."

Lucius cracked a smile for the first time in days.

---

> [Achievement Unlocked: Harem Leader – Tier 1]

[Effect: Girls now have a 10% chance to fight over you in completely inappropriate situations.]