"Jasmine's been telling everyone," Liana smirked. "Though I can't tell if she's bragging or complaining."
"Anyway, I gotta go. See you." She said, waving at him before leaving the store.
"See you," He said, before continuing to check out the store.
He was surprised by Liana's friendliness, but he ignored it.
As he checked out the place, the woman once again appeared next to him.
As he wandered the shop, the woman reappeared beside him like an unwanted shadow.
"You're still here? I thought you would have left by now."
[Ding! Harem Choice System has been activated!]
[Option 1: Fight hatred with love. Flirt with her.] Reward: Grade 1 Magical Item
[Option 2: Ignore her] Reward: 5 Stars
[Option 3: Treat evil with evil] Reward: nothing
'Grade 1 magical item? Too good to pass up,' Marcus thought. 'What's the worst that could happen? She can't kill me for flirting—I'm an awakener now.'
He turned toward her with his most charming smile. "I was about to, but then I saw you again and decided fate was trying to tell me something."
Her eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
"I'm Marcus," he continued smoothly, extending a hand. "And you are?"
"Losing my patience," she snapped, ignoring his hand. "Do you know who I am?"
"Someone who's about to tell me her name, I hope."
A nearby attendant gasped, nearly dropping the sword he was polishing.
The woman's perfectly shaped eyebrows arched dangerously. "You're either very brave or very stupid."
"I prefer 'optimistic,'" Marcus replied. "So... does the mysterious beauty have a name?"
For a split second, her composure cracked—surprise flashing across her face before the scowl returned.
"Veronica Estiva."
Marcus whistled. "Important family. Makes sense why you're so confident."
"Are you... complimenting me?"
"Just stating facts." He shrugged. "Beautiful woman, powerful family, probably talented too. The complete package."
Her servant, who had been staring at the floor, glanced up in shock before quickly resuming his submissive posture.
"You realise this is highly inappropriate," Veronica said, though her tone had lost some of its edge.
"Probably," Marcus admitted. "But life's too short for appropriateness all the time, don't you think?"
Against all odds, the corner of her mouth twitched upward. "You're... odd. For a male."
"With you beside me, we can make even." He smiled.
She studied him for a moment. "You're the one from yesterday's ceremony. The fire mage."
"Indeed, I am."
"This city runs on gossip." She took a step closer. "Show me."
"Show you what?"
"Your talent."
Marcus hesitated, then extended his palm. A small flame danced to life, flickering with more intensity than he'd intended.
Veronica's eyes reflected the fire. "Interesting."
She leaned in slightly, the hostility in her posture softening. "Are you really attending the Academy?"
"Planning to. Unless you're warning me off?"
She laughed—a genuine sound that transformed her face. "Oh no."
Her servant coughed discreetly, reminding her of the time.
"I should go." She turned, then paused. "See you at the academy, little man."
As she walked away, Marcus spoke.
"Are you a classmate?"
Veronica simply smiled and did not turn around.
Marcus shrugged it off before his system pinged.
[Ding! You have been rewarded Grade 1 Magical Item: Mana Pendant.]
Marcus casually slipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved the pendant from his inventory. To anyone watching, it seemed as if he'd been carrying it all along.
The pendant caught the light—a teardrop of azure crystal suspended in silver filigree that seemed to pulse with inner light.
Marcus slipped it around his neck. The effect was immediate—a subtle warmth spreading through his chest as his magical reserves expanded.
"That's more like it," he murmured.
He headed for the exit, already planning his next move, when a sharp voice cut through his thoughts.
"Hey you! I want that pendant. How much?"
A woman blocked his path—expensive clothes, entitled expression. The type used to getting what she wanted.
"Not interested," Marcus replied, stepping around her.
'Give up a system reward? Not happening.'
"1500 stars," she countered, moving to block him again. "It's Grade 1, maybe even Grade 2."
"Still not interested. Family heirloom. Wouldn't sell for 10,000."
Her eyebrow arched in surprise, then annoyance. Men didn't typically refuse women in this world.
She moved aside, but her expression promised this wasn't over.
With a subtle nod toward her servant, she issued her command. "Follow him. I want that pendant."
The man bowed deeply, a servile grin spreading across his face. "Of course, Lady Eris. Your desire is my purpose."
Marcus headed into the bustling street, pendant tucked beneath his shirt. He still had the rest of the city to explore.
Ten paces behind, the servant slipped into the crowd. E-Rank Stealth wasn't impressive by most standards, but against an inexperienced awakener?
It was child's play.
Marcus paused at a food stall, ordering something that resembled a wrap. The savory aroma made his stomach growl.
"Haven't had street food since I was a kid," he told the vendor.
The woman barely acknowledged him, taking his stars with a dismissive hand.
As Marcus ate while walking, the servant maintained his distance. Every time Marcus glanced back, the man would duck behind a cart or merge with a passing group.
'This is too easy,' the servant thought. 'Lady Eris will be pleased.'
Marcus checked the time on his phone. Still over an hour before sunset. Might as well explore a bit more.
He headed toward the transit station, finishing his food as he went. The pendant felt warm against his skin.
The servant shadowed his every move.
At the station, Marcus boarded the floating train. He found a seat by the window, watching the city blur past.
One carriage back, the servant settled in, never taking his eyes off his target.
The automated voice announced Marcus's stop as the train slowed.
Marcus disembarked, wandering into a quieter neighbourhood of elegant townhomes. Perfect for a peaceful stroll before all the Academy chaos.
The servant's heart quickened. 'Empty streets. Perfect.'
Marcus sensed something was off the moment he turned down an alley. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
'Danger!'
He spun around just as a figure lunged from the shadows.
"Nothing personal," the servant smirked, brandishing a small knife. "Just business."
Marcus jumped back, narrowly avoiding the blade. "Seriously? Who mugs someone in broad daylight?"
"Someone who knows no one cares what happens to males," the servant replied, circling him. "Now hand over the pendant, and I won't cut you too badly."
Marcus's hand instinctively went to his chest where the pendant lay. "Sorry, not happening."
The servant laughed. "What are you going to do? Cry for help? No one's coming."
"Why would you listen to her?" Marcus asked. "If she told you to jump off a cliff, would you do that?"
"Yes, I would." The servant's smile twisted into something unhinged. "If that made Lady Eris happy, I'd jump laughing."
Marcus took a step back. 'This guy isn't just obedient...He's completely broken.'