Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 66: Death Knight

Nol didn’t know what he was thinking.

Once relaxed and with the alcohol slipping down his throat, his thoughts scattered in all directions like confetti from a firecracker.

He reached for that swaying tail, his left arm draped over Teest’s shoulder, passing through the cascading long hair. He wondered, if he hadn’t sought Teest before the queen awakened, showing his alignment with Teest, what would happen to the succubi?

If this was indeed related to Teest, the guy would probably try to persuade the queen to leave. He wasn’t one to keep trouble close… With his sweet-talking mouth, Teest always got what he wanted.

If they left the Lost Tower prematurely, the fate of the succubi was uncertain.

……

Nol’s fingers glided over the soft muscle at the tip of the tail, which slipped through his grasp. Half of Nol’s body pressed onto Teest, trying to capture it.

Teest remained still, letting Nol cling, solid and warm like a tree. The weight of Nol pressed onto his thighs, and Teest remained silent, not willing to surrender his tail.

‘His partner was always like this,’ Nol thought. Teest did what he wanted.

The man shattered all of his hesitations and lukewarm feelings, washing them clean with blood. He appreciated that, but he couldn’t allow Teest to do anything to him… This was their boundary. So, how should he “punish” him?

…….

Teest’s tail was as nimble as he was, and Nol couldn’t grasp it. The room, heated by the fireplace, made him sweat.

Punishment, right, punishment… 

Cold treatment? Nol doubted its effectiveness. Reprimand? He didn’t expect the Mad Monk to self-reflect. Or should he squeeze the tip of his tail hard?

While trying to capture the tail, Nol spoke intermittently to Teest. He wasn’t even sure what he was saying; he just needed to vent.

Teest’s hair slipped between his fingers, and a few seconds later, Nol realized he was stroking it. He gazed at the handsome face and eyes resembling the color of the golden bewilderment fruit. Teest’s expression was gentle, always looking like everything was under control.

That was the downside of being with someone for so long. Unless you couldn’t stand them, you would inevitably develop some affection.

Nol closely observed Teest’s eyes, full of mirth, like a cup filled with the bewilderment dew. Suddenly, Nol felt thirsty and a little annoyed. All his thoughts were about the man before him.

A man who would dance amidst death—a beautiful, untrustworthy lunatic.

Maybe he was just too thirsty, Nol thought. His arm, draped over the other, felt like it was burning. His thoughts were jumbled, unable to focus on one thing. His mind was only filled with those eyes. He felt the pull of the vortex and quicksand again, and this time he was too close.

Nol’s body acted first, his lips brushing over those eyes, pausing at Teest’s forehead.

A kiss.

Teest’s body tensed up, and his pupils dilated momentarily, as if what hit his forehead wasn’t a gentle kiss, but a bullet. Nol, in turn, seemed to be repelled by this invisible recoil, the hot sweat washing away much of his drunkenness.

“…Don’t suddenly use charm on me.”

He tried to reason out his daze. His heart raced, and his blood was still burning, but the pain had become numb.

Teest was silent for a moment. His body moved slightly, and his tail stood still. “The interesting thing is, I didn’t. Besides, you’ve just acquired ‘mental magic immunity’, honey.”

Nol stared intently at the other’s lips, recalling the time he had kissed them in the dungeon. Back then, he felt only embarrassment, but the kiss from not long ago had set his mind aflame.

Forcing himself to examine Teest from head to toe, Nol found himself puzzled by another thought. He had shared rooms with many people, been to swimming pools, and seen attractive men in movies not dressed appropriately. Nol swore he had never been attracted to the same sex.

But now, suddenly…

Before Nol could sort his thoughts, Teest let out a sigh-like exhale. The man slowly tilted his head upward, leaving a gentle kiss on Nol’s lips. It was a fleeting kiss, so light it felt like a feather’s touch, softer than the one in the dungeon.

Unlike that time, their skin was now moistened by sweat, sticking together as if soaked in warm syrup, making separation difficult.

Teest’s eyes were slightly curved, and his voice was soft and almost unrecognizable.

“Obsessing over others isn’t a good habit.”

He raised his hand, cupping Nol’s eyes with his palm, his voice ending in a deliberately vague tone. “This might help you understand your feelings, Mr. Lich…”

‘Here it comes again,’ Nol thought.

The Mad Monk was once again trying to induce him into “self-exploration”, as if he was an emotionally troubled teenager. The turmoil of battle or an ambiguous kiss—the former alarmed him, the latter bothered him.

Though not physically bound, he felt as if he was being led by invisible threads. He couldn’t be lured again, couldn’t lose his boundaries, couldn’t let this man speak anymore…

So, Nol leaned down, silencing Teest’s potentially continuing words with another kiss.

The room fell into immediate silence.

The sensation was unexpectedly exhilarating, as if he had trapped a fluttering butterfly in a jar or caught a cunning beast in a trap.

Nol firmly gripped the long hair; his actions were borderline rough. He kissed awkwardly but thoroughly, tasting the lingering sweetness of the other’s drink.

With one hand clutching the strands, the other hand persistently sought Teest’s tail. This time, Nol managed to grasp it, and it rested tamely in his palm, like a rope.

Their breaths mingled, and lips intertwined. Fabric rustled against skin, making Nol’s cloak crumpled while Teest’s white shirt rode up, exposing a vast expanse of skin.

Nol’s fingers were numb, and the back of his head was getting hotter. The aftertaste of the battle, the fatigue of the tension, and the burning heat in his blood all found an outlet at this moment.

He couldn’t think about anything anymore.

……

Nol’s kissing technique was admittedly lacking, but due to the lack of a basis for comparison, Teest wasn’t entirely certain of this.

Their initial kiss had left Teest quite shocked, but he saw it as an opportunity—

What a precious moment it was. Perhaps Nol would never drink again or ever feel this intoxicated and confused. The thrill of the first kill in battle was unmatched.

So, he kissed back, with a cunning gentleness and a malicious politeness. This was like a chain delivered right to his doorstep—another method for him to bind the other to his side.

Besides life, loyalty, and love, he could give Nol everything he wanted, including his body.

Moreover, Nol was strikingly handsome, and Teest delighted in lighting up those beautiful blue eyes. Maybe they could explore new pleasures together. Wouldn’t that be a way to strengthen their bond?

Nol continued to kiss him almost voraciously, the feeling of skin against skin being overwhelmingly electrifying. Teest’s tail couldn’t help but quiver slightly, and there was a subtle pain from where the hair roots were being pulled.

The edge of the bed sank heavily, and an emptied wine glass tipped to the side. The ice cubes inside clattered to the floor, filling the warming room with the rich scent of the intoxicating drink.

Kissing was such a pleasurable activity, Teest marveled. Nol’s hands had long slipped beneath the fabric, resting on his shoulder blades, while he caressed the back of Nol’s neck, entranced by the sensation.

“Haa…”

The lengthy kiss paused for a moment, and Nol took a deep breath. With his eyes slightly unfocused, he looked at Teest, a faint blush painting his usually pale face.

“It seems your thoughts are now quite clear.” Teest whispered into Nol’s ear, his tail tip caressing Nol’s spine, moving upwards. “How about a hug?”

He deliberately elongated and emphasized the word ‘hug’, making it sound tantalizing. His tail tip emerged from Nol’s collar and gently rested at the corner of his lips.

Suddenly, Nol laughed.

He reached out with both hands, squeezing Teest’s face, watching as the handsome features turned comical. “For you, this is another transaction, right?” he asked in a daze, his lips still slightly swollen.

“…Or a reward? Or perhaps a punishment?”

Nol’s gaze softened with a hint of regret. He lessened the pressure of his hands, one of them caressing Teest’s cheek. “Tell me. I can’t tell anymore.”

‘It didn’t seem like any of those,’ Teest thought, needing to find a more fitting, compassionate wording…

“Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” Suddenly, Nol spoke again, mirroring Teest’s words from earlier, beginning to play with his long hair once more. “I feel really good right now, so I can tolerate a lot of things.”

His tone was still detached, professional even, leaving one to wonder whether he was lost in the moment or soberly aware.

Nol’s entire weight was pressed down on Teest’s legs, his hands resting on Teest’s shoulders, and silver-white hair draped over Nol’s wrists. The bed was right behind them. Teest knew all they needed to do was lie back.

Whatever followed would surely be pleasurable—although Teest had never been anyone’s lover, he had seen enough internal organs of people to understand human anatomy. He also quite enjoyed the sensation of their kisses. They would have a delightful night.

But Teest paused, perhaps due to the alcohol, feeling something was off about this plan.

If they continued like this, they might become “partners” in another sense, but then what? Could he truly hold onto the other?

‘This won’t work,’ Teest thought, his slightly fevered mind pondering. It wasn’t enough. He wanted to see those eyes shine brighter. He still felt an… unsettling emptiness, akin to hunger.

Nol bent down, lifting the long hair from the side of Teest’s cheek, aiming to steal another kiss. Teest gently pressed against his throat, the thick tail tip prying open his teeth and slipping into Nol’s mouth.

The heart-shaped tail tip rolled inside the mouth for a moment, successfully finding the location of the trachea. It squeezed forcefully, blocking Nol’s airway.

At the same time, Teest grasped Nol’s shoulders. He slightly tilted his head and bit down hard on the side of Nol’s neck, where it was closest to the carotid artery.

Sharp teeth instantly punctured Nol’s neck skin, and blood gushed out immediately.

Choking and pain overwhelmed him, and Nol coughed madly.

The last of the drunkenness faded with the rapidly flowing blood, which stained Teest’s white robe as it flowed down Nol’s collarbone. Nol instinctively struggled but was firmly held in place by Teest’s arms.

“Honey, are you sober now?” Teest asked, almost tenderly.

Nol spat out the tail tip from his mouth and cast a healing spell on his neck. Only then did he look at Teest with a complicated expression.

“Whether it’s a reward, a deal, or a punishment, I’d prefer you make that decision sober,” Teest said with a smile, looking saintly despite the fresh blood on his teeth. “What do you think?”

The first of the three laws of the Mad Monk: Teest never asks too much.

But today, Teest had many questions.

“I apologize for my behavior,” Nol said. The passion faded, and his thoughts became clear again.

He was indeed attracted to Teest. Now, he had to admit it.

That being said, the current situation was somewhat embarrassing, but he hid his embarrassment well. He might have misunderstood the implications of the “hug”. Maybe Teest changed his mind. Who knows?

‘Perhaps Teest didn’t like intimate contact with others,’ Nol thought. After all, this guy was good at disguising emotions. Maybe Teest was a bit overwhelmed when they kissed.

The second law of the Mad Monk: Teest always has his motives.

But Nol couldn’t figure out Teest’s motive, given the inconsistency in his behavior. If the Mad Monk didn’t like these interactions, there were countless ways to avoid such a situation. Of course, the bewilderment dew might have also dulled Teest’s senses.

“No, no, no. You can’t force a swordsman, Mr. Lich. I liked your kiss and would definitely not resist more.” Teest’s smile grew bigger, and his tone was astonishingly sincere. “I just suddenly felt that, well, now isn’t the time to go further.”

The third law of the Mad Monk: Teest never speaks his true feelings.

But at this moment, Nol truly didn’t know if this was true or false.

Strange.

Nol got up from Teest’s lap and tidied up his robe. He straightened the fallen wine glass and then sat beside Teest, deliberately keeping his distance. They sat side by side, staring at the flickering fire.

Teest’s gaze crawled on the side of his face, making it itch.

Just as Nol was about to turn his head to look, he felt a weight on his leg. Teest had laid on him, with his long hair covering Nol’s thigh and hanging off the side of the bed.

“Let’s talk about job advancement,” Teest whispered, as if nothing had happened.

Nol’s body stiffened, not looking at Teest’s similarly swollen lips. “You’re now a ‘Fallen Knight’, with options to become a ‘Greed Knight’ or a ‘Decay Knight’. The advantage of the former is…”

“Wait, wait.” Teest’s tail flicked, the tip touching Nol’s lips. “I have three options, honey.”

Ignoring any potential misconceptions, Nol frowned and then raised an eyebrow. “Did you get that achievement?”

“Yes, killing over 10,000 high-level dungeon creatures within 60 minutes. The ‘Ruthless Tyranny’ achievement became ‘Harbinger of Death’. I now have the option of becoming a ‘Death Knight’.”

Nol stood up abruptly, catching the famed Mad Monk off guard, who almost tumbled off the bed.

“Choose this one!” Nol grabbed the unsteady Teest with excitement in his eyes. “Pick this one, and I’ll explain after!”

What’s the rush? It’s not like it’s going to run away!

Teest sat back on the bed aggrievedly and pressed the “Death Knight” decisively.

---

Kinky Thoughts:

Talk about kinky…

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 65: Bewilderment Dew

Teest sat leisurely outside the tower.

The bloody scent of the Demon King’s minions wouldn’t attract beasts. The smell was too strong, becoming like the scent of a narcissus flower that numbed one’s sense of smell, leaving only a dizziness deep in the brain, making it impossible to distinguish between fragrance and stench.

He sat atop a pile of severed arms watching the setting sun sink below the horizon. Darkness, like a veil, began to descend, becoming thicker and thicker.

“Why are you here?” Behind him, Nol asked.

“Why are you here?” Teest replied with a question.

Nol frowned as he sidestepped the gory mess, but his boots still got dirty. Giving up, he stepped into it, positioning himself between the setting sun and Teest.

“The succubus queen is out of danger and will wake up soon. It’s better I’m not there. The succubi need time to discuss,” Nol honestly said. Those succubi could feed themselves. They would be fine. Though he couldn’t understand why the quest “Life or Death” hadn’t been marked as completed yet.

“I thought you came looking for me.” Teest sighed in disappointment as he sat on the mound of corpses.

“I did want to find you,” Nol said, looking into his eyes. “Important reasons are left to be said last.”

Teest casually picked up a severed arm, waving it at Nol as if it were a lifelike puppet. “Alright, since you’re so frank—I also think it’s better I’m not there. I’m afraid the queen might faint again.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m a Supplement Demon that has consumed a succubus,” Teest said matter-of-factly. “For the succubi… Imagine consuming a human and then masquerading as one. They certainly wouldn’t welcome me.”

Nol’s face stiffened at this unexpected answer.

He could guess what Teest had done. He just wanted to confirm the specifics and clean up after Teest if needed. After all, by choosing Teest as a companion, Nol didn’t expect him to become a gentle and rational partner who knew when to advance or retreat. He was the Mad Monk, a dangerous heavy sword, unpredictable and as destructive as his whims.

But Nol hadn’t expected this.

Or maybe he had subconsciously but didn’t want to accept the possibility. Rather than imagining Teest as a Supplement Demon nurtured by the Eternal Church, he’d prefer to believe the mission AI had gone mad.

Now he knew where Teest’s outrageous attributes and skills came from. Teest had willingly told him some secrets, but they felt like fishbones stuck in his throat.

‘It’s probably because of letting Crimson go,’ Nol thought.

Teest revealing a bit of his background was like a cat showing its belly after knocking over an expensive vase. A small emotional balancing act.

“So, this isn’t your true form?” After a long silence, Nol finally found his response.

Teest was taken aback, then burst into laughter. Holding the severed arm, he playfully ruffled Nol’s hair.

“That’s your question?” He laughed, clutching his belly. “I might have come from the Eternal Church, I might know the secret birth of the Supplement Demons, and you’re asking about my face?”

“All those are serious matters. You’ll tell them when you want to, regardless of whether I want to know or not,” Nol replied tersely. “Seeing the true form of the Lord of Whitebird City was… shocking. It’s natural for me to be a bit curious, right?”

“So you’re the type who cares about your husband’s true looks,” Teest teased.

“I just don’t want to touch something slimy in the middle of the night and get scared off the bed.”

“My goodness, for a terrifying Lich, you have such double standards,” Teest exclaimed, tossing the arm away. “Regrettably, this is my true form. I’ve had weird side effects, but my healing is excellent—we both know where that comes from now.”

‘The “Player’s Privileges”,’ Nol thought in silence. Players, even if torn apart, wouldn’t have scars. This healing seemed to apply to “growing something one shouldn’t”.

Still, Nol wouldn’t be foolish enough to express sympathy for what Teest must of endured. The way Teest spoke didn’t sound like traumatic memories. The events were more than a decade old, and Nol guessed the Mad Monk didn’t need therapy, let alone pity.

“So the queen recognized you as a Supplement Demon,” Nol speculated.

“That’s right.” Teest yawned as darkness engulfed the forest.

Within the shadows, Nol nodded gravely. “Alright, I’ll figure something out. I won’t let them hurt you.”

Hearing this, Teest chuckled. “I’ll be counting on you then. I’ll definitely hide behind you.”

[You have completed the hidden area quest: Life or Death.]

[You have met the perfect conditions for the “Life or Death” quest: Leaving the Dream Edge without any deaths; saving the succubus tribe on the brink of extinction.]

[Reward: A large amount of experience points [ordinary] is being calculated, Bewilderment dew [ordinary], Reputation with the succubus tribe [perfect], Immunity to mental magic [perfect], and other rewards will be settled with subsequent events.]

Nol was about to respond when his words got stuck in his throat. He couldn’t help but stop in his tracks and turn to look at Teest, who was following behind him.

There were no bloodstains on Teest’s white clothes, and the only remaining blood on his face had already been wiped off. The fresh blood on the tips of his hair and shins had dried up, with clots gradually falling off. That moistly lustrous tail of the succubus flickered in the night, reflecting a hint of a subtle glow.

He smiled and met Nol’s gaze, raising an eyebrow.

Why settle now of all times? Nol thought as he turned his head back, instinctively taking a lighter breath.

Could it be that until just now, the succubi were still in danger of annihilation? Why? What had they just done to change the fate of the succubi tribe?

…Or was it something he had just said that prevented their annihilation?

Nol could feel Teest’s gaze on the back of his head. Resisting the urge to look back, a thin layer of sweat formed on his back.

“Hmm? With these experience points, it seems I’ve met the requirements for the second job change,” Teest said. “Now the question is, which should I choose?”

“We’ll discuss it tonight,” Nol answered without turning his head. “This matter needs to be properly explained.”

……

Teest did as he said.

Upon returning to the Lost Tower, he truly hid behind Nol, with his tail pathetically coiling around Nol’s left wrist. Nol tried hard not to roll his eyes.

There were far fewer succubi in the hall, and Nol quickly realized why. After the battle, many succubi had become too weak and had overeaten, making it hard for them to stay conscious. They had gone to the second floor’s “forest environment” to rest, and the children had been relocated there as well. The remaining ones took the opportunity to urgently move valuable items from the succubi lair, which was now openly exposed in reality, as vulnerable as a drunk merchant left on the roadside.

The items were piled in the center of the first floor, and Nol even spotted the succubi’s throne among the pile of precious magical items. Those of significance within the succubi tribe stood guard nearby, turning the first floor almost into a royal court.

Without questioning, Nol walked straight to the corner armchair—the reigning Queen Wilimina had already awakened.

She seemed a bit unaccustomed without the “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, but her parched face undeniably bore a look of joy. Upon seeing Teest, her expression froze for a split second, and her pupils shrank to pinpoints.

But when she spoke, she didn’t mention that matter.

“You must be Mr. Nol. I’ve heard about the general situation.” Her voice was a tad sweeter. Her gaze shifted to the two Players not far away, and her eyes looked much clearer.

Anakin and Solo looked drained, listlessly slumped to one side. Anakin, sensing Nol’s arrival, gave a complicated wave.

“Thank you both for aiding the Black Forest tribe… I think I can live for more than two months. The agreements related to the heir, I will revoke with the authority of the queen.”

Her voice was soft, apparently not yet accustomed to addressing her group directly.

Nol felt somewhat relieved. This queen, although not fully mentally recovered, was clear-headed in her decisions—she deliberately hid the fact about Teest being a Supplement Demon and showed a submissive attitude.

“I understand you may have other concerns,” Nol quickly said, glancing at Teest and trying to sound both gentle and authoritative. “I assure you, personally, we both despise the Eternal Church—everyone has a dark past, but now it’s a new beginning.”

The queen lifted her head, looking at the two of them for a long time. Then she closed her eyes and gave a slight nod.

“I have a heartfelt request,” she continued after almost two minutes. “Our lair has been exposed, and our members are too weak. Could we possibly stay in your tower for a while?”

“If you agree, the Black Forest tribe will guard this tower in return for our stay. In terms of illusion and charming enemies, we are the best guards.”

This was exactly what Nol needed, as he was worried about how to leave some succubi to guard the Lost Tower. The Lost Tower could use the system’s power to hide perfectly. But to get the neighbors into the tower, it must expose itself for a bit.

So, he readily agreed. “I have already made a covenant with the Alva Merchant Group. I won’t trouble any of you. You can rest here until you choose to leave voluntarily.”

“If you decide to stay here permanently, it would be an honor for ‘Paradise’.”

“Your compassion is commendable,” the queen, struggling in her armchair, said with a weak smile. “Malvina… Malvina, help me.”

Uncle Ma sighed heavily, bringing forth a package as if it were a plastic bag and handing it to Nol.

“These two items are our apologies from the Black Forest tribe. Due to the Eternalists, many have grown to despise humans, and I’ve heard they were not kind to you…”

The queen struggled to hold her head up. “The last bottle of bewilderment dew before the seal. It’s our proud brew, making all beings with hearts slightly intoxicated… I hope you can have a moment of relaxation…”

“And a golden bewilderment fruit. It…”

“Shh, no need to explain. I know its use. I accept your apologies.” Nol took the package, stopping the queen, who was straining to speak. “You should rest now. Since you’re not in a hurry to leave, we can discuss things tomorrow.”

He could hear the succubi’s sighs of relief—these two items, while formally an “attitude” apology, were more like a gesture of goodwill, wiping the slate clean. He forgave their disregard, and they understood the means he used to bring people into the tower.

As for whether this action was sincere or just the last remaining choice when there was nowhere else to go, Nol didn’t bother to harp on it.

He just gestured to Uncle Ma, indicating they’d chat the next day.

“There are guest rooms on the north side of the first floor. You can spend the night there.”

Seeing the pair of Player siblings writhing weakly and anxiously on the ground, Nol quickly added, “I have some matters to attend to. We can discuss further tomorrow morning.”

He knew they were anxious, but he genuinely needed to address the leveling up issue first… and to catch his breath.

After all, this day had been overly stimulating, overly long, and accompanied by a moment of profound realization.

Nol pressed on his throbbing temple. His condition felt like he’d been up for two straight days and had then downed four cups of coffee—his body was in overdrive, and his mental state was in shambles.

……

Inside a guest room on the first floor.

The room resembled one in a human castle rather than the dreamy ambiance of a succubus fortress. The walls were made of bright beige stone. A fireplace burned behind an iron grate, the bed was soft, and the furniture was modest without excessive decoration, exuding a rustic elegance.

Outside the window, the sky was filled with stars, and the Black Forest gently swayed in the night.

“You did quite well as a leader just now,” Teest commented, sitting on the edge of the bed, sounding rather pleased.

Nol casually tossed him a sweet fruit and shut Kando proactively in the wardrobe. The latter merely hummed and stared at Nol with a strangely satisfied gaze, making him feel uneasy.

“Let’s address the pressing matter first,” Nol said.

Being at max level without changing one’s profession was like walking through a dark alley with money exposed. He felt he wouldn’t sleep well without settling this.

“Ah,” Teest replied. With a pop, he removed the cork from the bottle of the bewilderment dew.

The liquid inside wasn’t abundant, swirling thickly. Its dreamy sweet aroma quickly filled the room.

“I meant a different kind of ‘important matter’.” Nol sighed, rubbing his face. “I’ve also reached level 60. We need to get our professions sorted out first—”

“The quest is over, and we can both change professions. Doesn’t that call for a celebration? The bewilderment dew won’t get you really drunk.”

Using the round table by the bed as support, Teest poured all the liquid into a glass jar and then conjured a few ice cubes using water magic.

Nol glared at Teest.

This guy was just like a whirlpool or quicksand. If he wasn’t careful, he would be swept into Teest’s pace. He couldn’t really stray too far, nor could he get too involved and lose himself. “How to control and maintain the right distance with Teest” was truly an art in itself.

At this point, perhaps he should just give in. After all, there were other matters besides changing professions.

Nol pulled up a chair and sat down, taking out the golden bewilderment fruit.

Encased in a jewelry box, the fruit shimmered with the gentle glow of dawn. Its semi-transparent shell resembled solidified honey, enclosing a misty liquid. As he fiddled with it, the golden mist inside swayed, entrancing to look at.

Normally, the fruit of the bewilderment grass was purple. It was a one-in-a million chance for it to bear golden fruit. Typically, only the ancient succubus tribes possessed such a treasure, awarding it as their priciest reward.

Consuming the golden bewilderment fruit granted a permanent “mental magic immunity”.

Usually, the entire fruit must be consumed for its effects. However, merging it with the bewilderment dew not only elevated the taste of the brew but also allowed its effects to benefit two individuals.

Nol moved closer to the cool wine jug. The pale purple liquid, mixed with ice, looked almost enchantingly pink. The “bewilderment fruit”, the size of a ping pong ball, was dropped into the wine, effervescing and releasing a mass of bubbles. The surface of the liquid gave off a soft white mist, and the vivid color beneath gradually disappeared, becoming clear and transparent.

“We can sort out ‘mental magic immunity’ first. If you’re severely allergic to alcohol, I can remove it for you,” Nol suggested as he sipped on the brew.

Teest shook his head, pouring his share. “Didn’t you say you don’t drink?”

“I don’t like getting drunk and messing things up. This one’s fine,” Nol replied, taking another sip.

The refreshing sweetness burst instantly on his taste buds, tasting like some delectable fruit that didn’t exist in this world. The wine flowed down his throat like mist, gentle as a dream, without any hint of the bitterness or spiciness typical of alcohol.

His body felt lighter, as if he were spread out amongst the clouds. His mind felt as if it had been immersed in a warm spring, with all the complicated and heavy thoughts being washed away by clear water. Fatigue transformed into a satisfying softness, and anxiety and worry vanished entirely, leaving only euphoria.

‘This effect shouldn’t be called “mental magic immunity”,’ Nol thought airily. It was more fitting to be called “mental collapse immunity”… Such a pity that there was only so little of the bewilderment dew.

“I like this kind of reward,” Teest said, downing the drink in one go, seemingly not having his fill as he licked his lips.

He set down the glass, looking at Nol with a softness in his voice that was previously unheard. “If you’ve decided on the ‘punishment for instigating the war’, I suggest you settle it now… I’m in a really good mood right now, and I can tolerate a lot.”

“But I haven’t decided yet,” Nol replied, savoring the last sip.

He caught a glimpse of the tip of Teest’s tail out of the corner of his eye—at that moment, Teest’s tail was poking the soft bed, leaving a small indentation. It gently swayed back and forth, making Nol a little dizzy.

What a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Everything seemed to harken back to the day they entered the Black Forest. He had attached a tail to Teest, and the two of them had laughed and played in the tent.

‘How wonderful,’ Nol thought, focusing intently on that tail, his fingers twitching.

This was the most important thing right now—he wanted to grab it, and he was determined to do so.

……

The moment his tail tip was touched, Teest hissed. He reflexively grabbed Nol’s arm, swinging his tail away for refuge.

At this moment, he was still sitting on the edge of the bed, with Nol’s knee pressing against the edge between Teest’s legs. His Lich was slightly tipsy. Nol’s arms reached over Teest’s shoulders, relentlessly trying to catch that tail.

It was almost like an embrace.

Nol, now warm-blooded, radiated warmth. Teest could feel the warmth emanating from him, along with the lingering sweet aroma of the wine.

“Is this punishment?” Teest held the back of Nol’s clothes and pulled him slightly away. “Do you intend to torment this tail, or what…?”

Nol looked at him seriously.

“Actually, I want to thank you.”

Whether due to the influence of the wine or not, Nol was unusually candid. “Thank you. You have no idea how much you’ve helped me… let go. If I was alone this time, I would have been broken by this place…”

“I also couldn’t confide in my neighbors… If they knew how vulnerable I am, they’d panic. I have to be the most stable one… There are more things to be wary of with Players, and I can’t really talk to my peers… Thank you for being so… “

“Hm?” Teest blinked, signaling for more praise.

” …Thank you for being so crazy, and for not caring about anything,” Nol continued, and then started to play with Teest’s hair.

Teest: “……”

Teest: “…You’re welcome.”

“You’re truly insane.”

Nol’s attention finally shifted from the tail tip. While playing with Teest’s hair, he murmured complaints. “Super hard to deal with. Being with you, I have to think several times harder… Well, several dozens of times harder. You let Crimson go. Who knows how much trouble that’ll bring… “

“But I just can’t be mad at you, and that’s frustrating… You succeeded. Now, I’m not thinking about whether to divorce or not…”

Teest sighed. “So, your punishment is to nag me to death? Congratulations on taking the first step.”

Nol shut his mouth and stopped talking. He remained kneeling on one knee on the bed, now leaning slightly forward, cupping Teest’s head, looking down at him.

His gaze was lucid, but with evident confusion. A myriad of subtle emotions was roiling within. Nol just stared at Teest, who stared right back.

The fireplace’s light flickered in those blue eyes. A gentle tug from behind reminded him of his hair being gripped tighter.

That inquisitive face came closer, terrifyingly slowly.

Teest maintained his posture, suddenly recalling how he used to catch bees when he was a kid—the trick was to go slow; the slower the better. You had to make the poor creature let its guard down before catching it.

Now, the question was: who was the hunter and who was the prey?

After what felt like an eternity, the warmth finally settled. Nol’s soft lips brushed against his eyelids, pausing at his forehead.

Undoubtedly, it was a kiss.

Teest would bet that Nol was more shocked than he was. Because Nol immediately pulled back, much of his tipsiness dissipated. Nol looked astonished, either at Teest for not dodging or at himself for doing such a thing.

“…Don’t suddenly use charm on me.” He eventually managed an excuse, his voice shaking with uncertainty.

“The interesting thing is, I didn’t.”

Teest smiled. “Besides, you’ve just acquired ‘mental magic immunity’, honey.”

---

The author has something to say:

Finally (in the true sense) they kissed — Smooch.gif.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 64: Paradise

Server-wide announcement.

This was almost exclusively a privilege of the system. It often used this to share accolades or issue warnings. Except in very rare cases, it seldom granted Players the opportunity to use the announcement feature.

And now was one of those “very rare cases”.

The announcement was limited to a hundred words and couldn’t contain special characters. The content that could be conveyed was very limited, so choices must be made carefully.

In Nol’s previous conception, he would use this to contact neighbors scattered all over. He’d be better off lurking in the shadows rather than throwing himself into the maelstrom—just a group of succubi could disturb his peace of mind, so he needed to give himself enough room to breathe.

But now, Nol thought differently.

He looked at the burning sunset on the horizon, the Temple of Life’s flag dyed red by the setting sun, and the mountainous bodies of monsters from the Eternal Church. He saw Teest standing on the golden thread, laughing indifferently, his expression filled with satisfaction and anticipation.

Two hundred years in a world both familiar and strange. Perhaps this was just right for him.

If he no longer unconsciously played the role of a god but instead portrayed a cunning mage with vast knowledge, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals; an ordinary being among many…

[Good evening. I am the Master of Paradise.]

Nol narrated the content of the announcement. His voice was amplified by the system, sweeping around with the wind of the Black Forest.

[To resist the Demon King’s corruption, at the end of July, the Paradise emblem chose non-human creatures of this land. They have memories from distant times and spaces and are destined for Paradise.]

Nol glanced in Eugene’s direction.

There were many ways to distort the truth, and he couldn’t provide compelling evidence that “this is reality” in just a few words. Rather than convincing Players, it was better to wave the moral banner high—

Joy Garden, no, “Paradise”, was a nascent power that massacred the Eternal Church in plain sight. As big as the Temple of Life was, they shouldn’t be openly hostile just because the Lost Tower didn’t look like a Disney park, right?

This was the first-ever server-wide announcement in Tahe World. Players were eager for clues and would undoubtedly be curious about “Paradise”.

So what if its members were monsters? Shouting the slogan “Resist the Demon King”, would make the enemy of an enemy a friend. Players didn’t have that big of a psychological barrier.

Even if the Temple of Life had ill intentions, they wouldn’t dare to oppose it now.

Now, just one more spark was needed.

[Please guide my compatriots back to the Black Forest, and you will receive generous rewards. Those who cause harm will be enemies of Paradise forever.]

Nol used up the last of his word limit precisely.

‘Come on,’ he thought.

No matter which faction the Players belonged to, their goals were highly consistent—in this world of swords and magic, who wouldn’t want power?

The moment Nol’s words fell, the announcement loaded in front of all Players, with burning characters reflecting in the eyes of both humans and non-humans. Players focused on reading the words, while monsters all looked at the familiar emblem—

Inside the Dragon’s Lair, the slime monster couple dropped the half-eaten poisonous mushroom, and the dragonling Ye Meng stopped practicing water magic.

“That’s Xiao Xu!” Grandma Li exclaimed. “He’s so deceptive.”

“I’ve heard the dragons talk about the Black Forest! In a few months, I can fly there,” the Dragonling said eagerly. “I’ll take you to see it.”

Nearby, in the Red Mist Valley, in the Banshee’s embrace, the little ghost girl reached out to the familiar pattern.

“Mommy, mommy,” she mumbled. “Home, home!”

“Okay, daddy and mommy will take you home.”

At the entrance of the Lost Tower, Anakin looked confusedly at the announcement window, then at Nol’s retreating figure. No wonder their contract didn’t have a clause about “keeping the identity of Succubus Malvina a secret”. This guy had just used a world-wide speaker!

However, no matter who Nol might be, this tower was undoubtedly a new force in the world. Since the stance of the Temple of Life was unclear, perhaps they could… make the first move due to proximity*?

*The water tower that’s first to catch the moon (近水楼台先得月) Idiom referring to someone who has an advantage due to their proximity or relationship to a particular situation or resource (AKA first come first serve).

……

“Wow.” After hearing Nol’s declaration, Billy exclaimed with great enthusiasm. “I never thought that just doing a job could witness history. Brother Eugene, do we still need to compensate you? I’ve never seen such a flamboyant announcement from any faction. This trip was worth it for you.”

Eugene sighed silently.

Merchants sure had big mouths. This tower and this bloody battle would soon spread to every corner of the continent. Unfortunately, it seemed that the Temple could no longer use the claim that “monsters are creations of the Eternal Church”.

However, the master of this tower did leave some leeway. As soon as the trading declaration was made, it deepened the Players’ impression that “the world is a game”. In this way, Players wouldn’t fall into chaos, and the Temple wouldn’t need to take extreme measures for now.

Perhaps, this was also the result that the Master of Paradise wanted.

Considering the current attitude of Paradise towards the Eternal Church, the Temple could use this weapon for the time being. However, they claimed to be enemies with the Demon King. Who knows how sincere they were… Well, at least he knew now who the Mad Monk was loyal to. Time would tell, and the Goddess would surely guide him.

“Let’s go,” Knight Eugene ordered.

His deputy took a deep breath and said, “But what about those who are bewitched…”

“Those brothers simply had their life force drained by the succubi. If ‘Paradise’ doesn’t intend to be our enemy, they will return on their own.” Eugene turned his horse around and spoke with a prayer-like calmness. “Of course, if they don’t return… it would be their greatest honor to sacrifice themselves in order to see the true enemies of the Goddess.”

“Hey, do you still want compensation for the Temple? Don’t wait too long!” Billy shouted behind him.

“Someone will deliver a personal letter from the Archbishop,” Eugene responded without looking back.

As for the Eternal Church… There weren’t many people left to evacuate. Relying on the effect of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Teest happily exterminated the remaining forces on the battlefield. Nearby, there were still some Nightmares that escaped, and the sound of coins jingling non-stop filled his ears.

Teest’s gaze was unwavering, as if these sounds were creating a cocoon in his ears.

He was just looking at Nol.

That mysterious emblem had disappeared, but Nol was still standing in the same spot. His face was hidden under his cloak, and Teest couldn’t see his eyes, which made him unhappy.

The audience gradually left, and he had to quickly strip off that cloak.

So, Teest’s hunting became even faster.

His ankles were soaked in mud saturated with fresh blood, and his feet and calves were covered in blood, as if he was wearing a pair of slippery boots. There were wriggling tentacles and blood-covered branches all around him. The sunset poured down like a bloody waterfall, warming everything. It all smelled like the divine kingdom he was expecting.

During the process of jumping up following the golden thread, Teest saw Crimson.

He immediately recognized this former opponent. Crimson was stepping on the seriously injured Solo, looking intently at the Lost Tower. Anakin was hiding in the corner, quietly concentrating on casting a spell, trying to knock him down from her height.

Of course, Teest knew her intentions. All cautious and kind-hearted people would think the same—perhaps Crimson saw or heard something and wanted to bring back this precious information to the Eternal Church.

So, they should imprison him, sink him into the blood marsh, and keep the Eternal Church in the dark about it.

How could that be? …These pathetic outsiders didn’t understand the charm of chaos at all.

No one would buy a product whose effects they couldn’t see. The power depicted by a mere adjective might not be taken seriously by the Demons of the Eternal Church.

Teest liked today’s view. He wanted them all to know and then come knocking on his door like flies attracted to flesh.

Teest hugged the shadow wolf’s neck, and a golden thread silently shot out.

He didn’t hide it much, so Crimson naturally detected the killing intent. He leaped off the tentacle in the air, tore something apart, and in the next instant, his figure dispersed in the wind.

Teest then jumped onto the edge of the Lost Tower. He leaped off the wolf’s back, leaving two bloody footprints on the shattered bricks.

“You let Crimson go,” Nol said in a matter-of-fact tone before Teest could speak.

“There needs to be someone to report back, and he just so happens to be the one who can’t die.” Teest looked at the annoying hood on Nol’s head and twitched his finger. “Honey, do we really need to discuss this now?”

Despite the shadow covering him, Teest could sense Nol’s gaze. It swept over his eyes, lips, and hair tips, stopped on his blood-stained calves, and then returned to his eyes.

“Forget it,” Nol said in an almost resigned tone.

Teest smiled.

……

Nol didn’t act according to Teest’s wishes. He still wore his hood tightly.

He waved his staff and jumped onto the silently spread tentacles below. The skeleton dragon caught him and took him to the group of succubi not far away. More precisely, he was flying towards Enbillick Alva, who was near the succubi.

Teest smirked, riding the shadow wolf behind him.

Eugene left, Crimson left, and the Eternalists and Nightmares also left… In the world, only “Golden Sword” Billy was waiting nearby, seemingly indicating, “If you don’t come, I won’t leave.”

With such a group of mercenaries guarding here, the succubi didn’t want to carelessly expose their backs. So, they nervously stayed put and even more nervously sped up their feeding.

Nol confidently lit the black candle, allowing the skeleton dragon to lower its altitude just enough to be at eye level with Billy, who was on horseback.

“Thank you for your assistance,” Nol said, removing a bit of flesh from his vocal cords, making him sound slightly different. “Paradise will always remember the contribution of the Alva Merchant Group.”

“You’re too kind. We just do our job for payment and don’t expect more.”

Unlike when he was dealing with Eugene, Billy now seemed particularly polite. He was only missing a tuxedo and a glass of champagne. “It’s an honor to witness this important moment, sir.”

If you’re not expecting more, why didn’t you leave earlier? Teest gave an undisguised sneer.

Billy pretended not to hear. “Mr. Decoste is an important client of our merchant group. I need to make sure his commission is perfectly executed—look, this group of weak succubi actually entered the battlefield. I’m curious about your next arrangement.”

As he spoke, his ash-gray eyes fixed on Nol, but he didn’t touch the sword by his side.

Nol looked at the bushes not far away. Investigation Knights were scattered around, lying unconscious with a pallid complexion. The succubi paused their feeding and were uniformly looking over.

So, Nol simply raised his staff, and another covenant floated into the sky.

“Until these succubi voluntarily leave, I’ll do my best to ensure their safety. This is my sincerity,” Nol said. “Now your commission officially ends, Mr. Alva.”

The succubi remained silent, but Billy’s laughter echoed through the woods.

“You’re truly thoughtful!”

He continued, smiling teasingly, “Let me make a bold guess. Among these succubi are companions ‘chosen by Paradise’? So, can we consider that our merchant group has safely guarded your compatriots?”

“Therefore, you will also receive a generous reward,” Nol replied seriously. “From this moment, Mr. Decoste’s assets belong entirely to the Alva Merchant Group. I’ve saved you the trouble of subsequent investigations and verifications.”

“If you want a reward more valuable than that property, you’ll have to wait for the next escort.”

“Hahaha, very fair!” Billy laughed, holding the reins, unable to hide his amusement. “You’re an interesting gentleman. I believe we’ll meet again.”

“Hold on.”

Nol glanced at the group of succubi and stopped Billy, who was about to leave. “Now that Mr. Decoste’s commission has officially ended, I think these succubi have the right to know the details.”

Billy looked somewhat surprised, sizing up Nol. “Even after over 150 years?”

“Even after over 150 years.” Just like the succubi, he also needed to know the conclusion.

Billy glanced at the succubi not far away and shrugged.

“Mr. Decoste, at the age of 43, entered into a political marriage with a lady from the Alva family. He was quite an outstanding gentleman, very talented in business. Within the Alva family, he had a good reputation. For a political marriage, Mr. Decoste was an ideal husband and father—he never restricted his wife’s emotional life, and their children became very successful businessmen.”

“As for his decision to donate all his personal assets before his death, his wife and children were aware and didn’t object, though they were somewhat surprised. After so many years, everyone thought he had forgotten about it.”

Billy recounted casually.

“Mr. Decoste asked that after the dream magic shatters, the merchant group should help the Black Forest tribe. I must say, this gentleman was quite visionary. Over these years, we thought these succubi had disappeared long ago.”

“Was Decoste so sure?” Nol asked quietly.

“Yes,” Billy said. “Who knows what he was thinking. His commission didn’t even mention a situation where ‘the succubi would become extinct when the magic disappears’. It was whimsical.”

Under the shadow of the hood, Nol closed his eyes. “…Thank you for letting me know.”

……

This time, the succubus tribe obediently returned to the tower. It was evident they had eaten well. Even though their size remained the same, their skin had a touch of gloss, making them look less like corpses.

The Investigation Knights were left behind, and Nol only cast a few protective spells without bothering to awaken them. He immediately returned to the Lost Tower to treat the succubus queen. If the queen really passed away during the war, it would be serious. Nol didn’t actually want to be the consort of the succubus tribe.

The queen was helped by Nol into a soft armchair, her head hanging as if she was unconscious.

Anakin silently stood by the side of the armchair, assisting Nol in treating her. Solo, being seriously injured, let himself fall unconscious, allowing the succubi to drain his life force to give the queen an “indirect transfusion”.

For a while, the tower was incredibly quiet… and awkward.

Now, Nol felt indifferent about it. His previous treatment of the succubus tribe was like dealing with stray animals in bad condition—first forcibly caging them, then treating and feeding them. Resistance was expected, and the succubi adapted quickly.

He focused on casting healing spells, ignoring the emotionally charged silence.

“I don’t understand.”

Finally, Succubus Doni broke the silence. His tone was no longer rigid. It sounded like a student asking a teacher a question, with a touch of gentleness.

“Why didn’t Queen Hiya announce this from the beginning? If everyone knew about the ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ situation, people wouldn’t guess it’s a curse…”

A succubus was initiating communication! Nol’s eyes lit up. Turning his head quickly, he saw Uncle Ma in the corner, opening his mouth.

“What’s there to ask?” Uncle Ma sat alone next to a potted plant, looking at the sky at the top of the tower. “It’s better to not say. If it’s seen as a curse, it’s still better.”

Doni, clearly not expecting the mad knight to intervene, raised his voice. “What do you mean?”

“If the truth is hidden, at most, people will suspect Queen Hiya. The subsequent queens are the victims. If the truth was known, some might feel the queens weren’t strong enough… They would be replaced more frequently.”

Uncle Ma’s tone became particularly… strange, as if he were trying to stab at something.

“Even knowing the effect of the ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, you treat it as a minor thing. And you keep asking.”

“Malvina, it’s rude to interrupt.” Doni frowned. “And as a knight of the queen, you didn’t voice such opinions before.”

“Because I just realized it recently. Isn’t that okay?”

Uncle Ma continued gazing at the blue sky above, as if there was some cosmic truth in it.

“Because of ‘such a small thing’, so many queens have died. I have to accept that.”

His throat sounded dry. “Admitting it isn’t a big deal—some things, even when said, most people just can’t understand. I can’t understand, couldn’t in the past, and won’t in the future.”

“But I should’ve protected her properly. Even if I couldn’t understand, I could’ve protected her. She had no Decoste—not even a proper knight.”

‘Uncle Ma might not be referring to the unconscious current queen,’ Nol thought.

Hiya once said, don’t go alone. Maybe at this moment, Uncle Ma was getting closer to the person he wanted to understand.

At this moment, the eyelashes of the succubus queen on the armchair fluttered. Nol was pleased and instinctively looked around—

The first floor of the Lost Tower was packed with succubi, Players, and a reflective neighbor. Only Teest was missing.

“Anakin, you handle the explanation from here.” Nol directly stopped his healing magic.

“…Huh???”

“I’m going to find my knight,” he said.

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