[ General Information ]
[ Name: Cadi Owain ]
[ Age: 103 ]
[ Race: Succubus ]
[ Affiliation: Theodore Winter ]
[ Cultivation ]
[ Stage: Initial Ascension ]
[ Realm: Mundanity Shedding, 100% ]
[ Technique: Immaculate Reciprocity Scripture ]
[ Dantian Size: • Upper: 69,000 km³
• Middle: 69,000 km³
• Lower: 69,000 km³ ]
[ Cores: • Upper: Golden Core (Mythical), 4th Refinement: 12%
• Middle: Golden Core (Mythical), 4th Refinement: 12%
• Lower: Golden Core (Mythical), 4th Refinement: 12% ]
[ Coreflame: Mythical-grade, 2nd Refinement: 70% ]
[ Attributes ]
[ Strength: 12,001,794,110 ]
[ Dexterity: 14,907,721,803 ]
[ Vitality: 13,458,432,001 ]
[ Endurance: 15,000,003,993 ]
[ Agility: 12,604,078,552 ]
[ Energy: 7,153,920,000,000 ]
[ Intelligence: 12 ]
[ Wisdom: 27 ]
[ Mind: 33 ]
[ Luck: 39 ]
[ Talents ]
[ Beloved Equalization (Transcendent), Seraphic Plume (Transcendent), Beguiling Enamourment (Mythical), Stray Floret (Epic), Fated One (Outstanding) ]
[ Proficiencies ]
[ Bedroom Arts (Master: 2%), Dual Cultivation (Advanced: 10%), Seduction (Adept: 61%), Literacy (Intermediate: 3%), Management (Uninitiated: 50%) ]
[ Enhancements ]
[ Coattail Ascension (Mythical) ]
Overall, most of the raw numbers were about as expected, although there was one trio in particular that caused the corner of Theodore's mouth to twitch in a mix of disbelief, annoyance and amusement.
'I'm not familiar with this one, but...'
From the name alone, he had a pretty good idea what the 'Immaculate Reciprocity Scripture' really was, and the 'Dual Cultivation' Proficiency confirmed his suspicions. Still, contrary to many of those practices which were rather detrimental to one's partner, this one sounded like it was aiming for mutual benefit instead.
'That's nothing out of the ordinary, though. Pretty much every successful Succubus makes use of similar Cultivation Techniques. I doubt Cadi knows anything meaningful about this one, therefore probing her for more info will likely be fruitless. Still, it's at least worth a try.'
Moving on to the next point of interest, he internally shook his head at the rest of her Proficiencies. Throughout her entire life, except for engaging in some exercise of procreational nature, she had done nothing but learn how to read. Whilst she wasn't entirely devoid of any other capabilities, they weren't developed to the extent that the Heavenly Dao deigned to acknowledge them.
'Raising her Management Proficiency to this point in this short of a period of time, however, is worthy of praise. Maybe she actually is quite naturally gifted in this regard.'
With the less important portions out of the way, it was time to seriously examine her five Talents. This was what he had been looking forward to the most!
[ Beloved Equalization (Transcendent):
• While more than one cultivation stage weaker than the person one loves, the following effects will apply:
- Breakthrough difficulty: -99%
- Cultivation difficulty: -99.9999%
- Cultivation speed: +99,999,900% ]
[ Seraphic Plume (Transcendent):
• The lone flower reclaimed her rightful heritage.
• Seduction-related Affinities: +9,999,900%
• Seduction-related Technique cultivation difficulty: -99.999%
• Seduction-related Technique cultivation speed: +9,999,900%
• Seduction-related Proficiencies improvement efficiency: +9,900%
• Seduction-related Laws comprehension difficulty: -25% ]
[ Beguiling Enamourment (Mythical):
• One's every action, every part of oneself and one's mere presence will charm the minds of those even minutely attracted to oneself.
• Full control over the charmed will be obtained, for as long as the craving and hope in their hearts is not completely shattered. ]
[ Stray Floret (Epic):
• A budding blossom far from home, with the potential to bloom one day.
• Devastatingly beautiful, and born with a Seduction-related Talent.
• Seduction-related Affinities: +9,900%
• Seduction-related Technique cultivation difficulty: -99%
• Seduction-related Technique cultivation speed: +9,900%
• Seduction-related Proficiencies improvement efficiency: +50% ]
[ Fated One (Outstanding):
• Any feeling of romantic attraction will be intensified to become true love.
• Can only fall in love once. ]
Initially, he had intended to dissect them one by one, but as they were all intimately connected and painted a greater picture together, he ultimately decided against it.
From what he could tell, Cadi had to have been born with three of these, with another two remaining dormant until her transformation. They had already subtly influenced her, but only afterwards did they make their proper appearance.
'Stray Floret' and 'Beguiling Enamourment' were a set, just like his own Winter Family Member and Eternal Freeze. It was quite rare for the additionally bestowed Talent to surpass the original one in grade, although it wasn't unheard of. Especially in this case, it made perfect sense.
'Seraphic Plume' had always represented Cadi's full potential, which was why it was no wonder that she had started off with a Mythical-grade Seduction-related Talent. But her 'blooming' didn't exclusively come with benefits.
No matter how he looked at it, 'Fated One' seemed a lot more like a curse. If one fell in love with the wrong person, then one's entire life would practically be over. Recalling what Linda had said, he was almost certain that this was related to the Losta heiress' own circumstances in some way.
'But unfortunately, other than making it clear that she is 'far from home', her Talents didn't reveal too much. It's a bit strange that there is both an angelic and a flower motif to be found, though. Especially considering that she's a Succubus...'
With some vague speculations in mind, he finally addressed the elephant in the room: Her 'Beloved Equalization' Talent. In all honesty, it was by far her most powerful and unreasonable one, bestowing upon her even greater cultivation capabilities than his Cultivation Polymath did. Coupled with Coattail Ascension's Enhancement and Seraphic Plume's effects, it would be extremely simple to always be just a few steps behind him.
'If she hadn't fallen for me, though, then she would be absolutely screwed. Her combination of Talents can only work out well if she finds a partner who vastly surpasses her. Else, they would be a complete waste, and might even ruin her. I suppose in this way, it can be considered 'balanced'...'
Staring at the lovely girl in his arms, a conflicted look flickered across his eyes. The full sequence of events replayed itself in his mind.
'Back when we first met, she likely instinctively and subconsciously attempted to charm me. Although I would have been completely immune to it anyway, because it was merely a Mythical-grade Talent acting upon me, my Absolute Reflection activated and succeeded. With no defences against these kinds of mental attacks, she fell under the influence of her own Beguiling Enamourment. Then, once she shaped herself anew, Fated One bound her to me, sealing her fate.'
It was impossible to tell whether or not her feelings for him were originally genuine. But considering what her grandfather had told him before she had arrived, there was at least some kernel of affection already pre-existing. This realization made the whole thing a bit less uncomfortable for him.
'Still, considering that the Heavenly Dao has described her emotions as 'true love', I do feel a little bad. In all honesty, I don't really care about her at all. My sole purpose in leading her on a bit was to see if I could gain an advantage over Linda someday. If she's stronger, that will only benefit me as well.'
He had not truly considered Cadi herself at all, merely scheming against that intriguing Losta heiress. Admittedly, he did feel quite tempted to find out what Linda's deal was, especially if it didn't negatively affect him during the Heavenly Succession. Because of this, he had intended to have some fun with Cadi to indirectly influence his peer.
'... at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter. I'll leave it to this Succubus here to see if she can leave a lasting impression on me.'
A brief moment of pause later, he entirely disregarded his mixed emotions. At this point, Cadi was pretty much irrelevant to him. The longer that they interacted, though, the more fond of her he would inevitably become–but that would still take a considerable amount of time.
"Don't be hasty now. Stabilize yourself first, alright?"
Noticing that her breakthrough had just about come to an end, he gave her a kind but stern reminder. With her being as predictable as she was, she definitely would have rushed to get her reward if he hadn't done so.
"Mhmm."
Nodding slowly, Cadi's eyes were glued to his as she obediently followed his instructions. She desperately wanted to indulge in him already, but would never risk disappointing him in any way, shape or form.
"... well done."
Not much later, she was finally out of the woods. With an approving smile, Theodore didn't make her wait any longer and leaned forward, planting a gentle kiss upon her luscious lips. This both took her by surprise and made her practically melt in his arms, her eyes swimming with tears of joy and excitement.
Completely instinctively, Cadi began to intensify their kiss, which he welcomed with open arms. Amidst their intimate contact, they eventually lost track of time, and only tens of minutes later did their lips part once more.
'... those Master-level Bedroom Arts aren't just for show. Alright, I'll admit it: That was absolutely the best kiss I've ever experienced.'
Theodore had never been one to overly indulge in these matters during his illusory lives–only as much as necessary. Back then and now, all of his lovers–real or fake–were not masters of this craft. Even millennia of engaging in these acts wouldn't magically allow someone to raise their Proficiency this high. Cadi having done it in a little less than a century was extremely impressive.
"Mr. Winter..."
Muttering his name with a dreamy look on her face, the alluring Succubus licked her lips. Basking in the afterglow, she knew that the flame of passion within her had grown incredibly powerful–but she was also aware that hoping for even greater fulfilment at this time was unreasonable.
"Just call me Theo, alright? I prefer to be a lot more casual now that we're... 'closer'."
His smile as radiant as ever, she almost couldn't believe her ears. Was she truly worthy of this treatment? Naturally, she desired it, but it felt too good to be true. Deciding to test the waters, she cautiously uttered his nickname.
"... then... T-Theo?"
Giving her a reassuring nod, he slowly let go of her, causing her to instinctively reach out to him and grab his sleeve with pleading eyes.
"If you want more, then you'll simply have to cultivate properly. And Cadi: If you aim to turn your desires into reality, you'd best have a chat with Mei'er, Qiao'er and Yeonnie. They are my lovers, so if you're not on good terms with them, then even if I like you, it won't work out."
When he had decided to make her his Retainer, he knew that such a conversation would inevitably take place. But rather than bringing this topic up himself, he would leave it to the four of them to figure it all out. If he interfered, then everything would obviously go smoothly–yet it would be a lot more artificial of a development than if they worked out their differences personally and properly.
'Yeonnie won't care much at all, but Mei'er and Qiao'er most definitely will. Out of the two, although Mei'er already has some obvious pre-existing conflict with Cadi, it will likely be Qiao'er who will be the toughest nut to crack. She may keep to herself a lot more than her sister, but that also means that she doesn't really wear her heart on her sleeve. Back during that first encounter, she was the most displeased out of all of them.'
Carefully considering his words, Cadi's excitement and worry grew in equal measure. Narrowing her eyes and clenching her fists in a resolute, resolved manner, she bit her lip and nodded solemnly. If someone didn't know any better, then they might think that she was about to step into an active war zone.
"I'll do my best!"
Chuckling a little, he shook his head and encouragingly patted her shoulder.
"Relax, they won't bite you..."
Suddenly furrowing his brows, he hesitated for a moment before showing a teasing smirk.
"... I think."
Leaving the poor girl rattled and unsure of what to believe, he nonchalantly bade his farewell, intending to cultivate a little more while he still had the chance.
Irrespective of Cadi's and Linda's circumstances, there were violent clashes on the horizon. Whether it be for him or for his people, it would be ideal for him to be as powerful as possible.
Right as he had taken a seat in his cultivation chamber, though, he raised an eyebrow and pulled the PLID out of his Storage Ring.