“!”
The soft touch caused Greg’s body to twitch slightly. He instinctively wanted to open his eyes, but he managed to restrain himself.
He could feel that as the kiss landed, the surging power within his body began to gradually calm down, like a turbulent river flowing into the sea, beginning to glide smoothly.
He lay there quietly, waiting for everything to settle.
A moment later, he felt Nightmare’s weight lighten as she left his chest.
Only then did he open his eyes and sit up. The first thing he did was check the notification that had just popped up in the system.
【Obtained Divine Protection: Reign of Night】
【Effect: Upon activation, grants 50% damage reduction from all sources at night. Total mana increases by 100%. Dark mana erosion speed increases by 20%. After dealing damage to a living being, grants an additional Fear effect. Grants a 1000% damage bonus against undead (Currently inactive).】
“Holy crap, one Divine Protection can bring this much of a boost!?”
The effects of this Divine Protection were far more powerful than he had anticipated.
Combined with the talents granted by the system, he felt that the difficulty of clearing dungeons would drop by an entire tier.
By now, Nightmare had jumped back to the ground. She was perched on a nearby rock, elegantly licking her paw as if nothing had happened.
Greg looked at her, touched his lips, and said, “You even used your tongue just now, didn’t you?”
Nightmare’s paw-licking paused for a second before she continued as if it were nothing. “I couldn’t help myself. It didn’t have any negative impact on you, did it?”
“Cat tongues have barbs! I could feel you turning into a human form; why couldn’t you spend a little more mana to change your tongue too!? You almost scraped the skin off my lips, you know!”
Greg protested, feeling his lips still tingling slightly.
“I recall you saying last time that you liked catgirls. Since you don’t like it, I shall be more careful next time.”
Nightmare’s tone sounded completely insincere.
“Furthermore, the benefits you received this time are immense. Once you leave the dungeon tonight, you shall feel it.”
“Don’t let there be a next time! I only like the way catgirls look!”
After his retort, Greg suddenly noticed a detail in Nightmare’s words.
“Wait, why do I have to leave the dungeon to feel it?”
He remembered that Victoria’s Divine Protection could be felt inside the dungeon and functioned normally there.
Why did his Divine Protection require him to leave the dungeon to take effect?
Nightmare remained silent for a moment before answering, “I do not know why, but my Divine Protection indeed cannot take effect within the dungeon.”
“.........”
Greg was stunned.
He hadn't expected his dream of dominating the dungeon to be shattered so quickly.
Though this Divine Protection was powerful, it couldn't be used in the place where he needed it most. It was truly a massive disappointment.
However, he adjusted his mindset quickly.
After all, while it was useless in the dungeon, it would be extremely potent on the surface.
Even if it only worked at night, it was still much better than nothing.
Besides, during the upcoming Hundred Academy Exchange, he couldn't spend all his time in the Empire Dungeon anyway.
Even though it lacked the restrictions of the Academy Dungeon, it was a restricted area for the imperial family. Just getting inside would be a huge hassle.
Most of the time, he would be on the surface, participating in various exchanges and carrying out his plans.
So, having such a Divine Protection significantly increased his margin for error.
Thinking about the upcoming Hundred Academy Exchange, Greg spoke to Nightmare again.
“By the way, Hajimi, I told you before that I’m going to the Empire for an important event in a few days. I plan to clear the Empire Dungeon while I’m there. Do you want to come along?”
Nightmare nodded, her amber vertical pupils shimmering with a deep light in the reflection of the campfire.
“Naturally. If you were to die there recklessly, I would be quite troubled. After all, our fates are now linked, are they not?”
“Good. Then you’ll hide in my shadow, but don’t disturb me whenever you feel like it!” Greg warned.
He didn't want Nightmare’s snide remarks suddenly ringing in his head at a critical moment, causing him to lose focus.
After settling things with Nightmare, Greg thought of someone else—Allie.
She was the secret weapon he had prepared for clearing the Empire Dungeon quickly. He needed to bring her along tomorrow.
“But how should I bring her?”
Greg began to feel a bit troubled.
First of all, he definitely couldn't bring her into the academy’s official group.
Only the students selected as academy representatives were going to the Empire, and no one was allowed to bring servants or followers.
Moreover, given Allie’s hostile attitude toward Victoria and the others, things would definitely get messy if they accidentally crossed paths.
He didn't want to deal with internal conflict before the exchange even started.
However, if he let her go to the Empire alone, given her persona as a clumsy maid, she would undoubtedly get lost halfway there.
By then, he might have to post missing person flyers all over the Empire just to find her before the exchange began.
Just as he was at a loss, a figure suddenly flashed through his mind.
“That’s it!”
Greg slapped his thigh.
“I just need to find a way to have Wendy take Allie there!”
Wendy was practically a Chief Steward. She was reliable and steady. If she took Allie with her, it would ensure Allie didn't get lost and avoid any direct contact between Allie and the academy group.
It was the perfect two-birds-one-stone solution!
...
“Achoo—!”
Inside an elegantly decorated study, heavy velvet curtains were half-drawn, blocking out the night and leaving the room in a quiet hush.
The desk was in the Rococo style, its legs carved with exquisite vine patterns. The surface was covered with a dark green cloth, upon which a quill pen, an ink bottle, and several open documents were neatly arranged.
The entire study exuded a low-key elegance without being overly ostentatious, perfectly reflecting the owner’s taste.
Wendy rubbed her nose, her eyes blinking in confusion.
Is someone talking about me?
A nearby member of the religious order immediately stopped their work and asked with concern.
“Lord Dark Crow, are you alright? Should I brew you a cup of hot tea?”
“Yes, please.”
Wendy nodded, her voice gentle.
The member bowed respectfully, then turned and left the room, quietly closing the door behind them.
Silence returned to the room.
Wendy set down her quill and looked out the window toward the direction of the Empire in the far north.
Her gaze became somewhat complex, as if she were contemplating something.
But soon, she patted her cheeks, withdrew her gaze, and picked up the quill again.
“Since I’ve already left, things should have improved by now.”
She then threw herself back into her unfinished work.
The candlelight cast a soft shadow on her profile, illuminating a face that remained far from calm.
Rate on N.U.
