Kain's Room
He leaned back in his chair, spinning a pen lazily between his fingers.
The quiet breathing from the bed behind him filled the room.
His girls were all tangled up in the blankets, fast asleep, peaceful after another long day.
He turned back to the small journal he kept, the pages already worn with his scrawlings.
Entry:
Second Hero Identified.
Name: Pending. (Too stupid to ask yet.)
Aura: Blinding. Stupider smile than Finn.
Companions: Five heroines.
He tapped the pen against his lips, glancing sideways at his sleeping girls for a moment.
No, they weren't like these new ones.
His were different.
Stronger (Although he does have to get Alyssa a new staff).
More real.
The new heroines looked like something from a cheap fantasy postcard.
One had fox ears twitching with excitement, dressed like a rogue in tight leather.
Another, an elf mage, practically floating around him, her silver hair glimmering like mist.
The third was a half-elf warrior, broad-shouldered but shy, hiding behind a heavy shield almost too big for her.
Then came the mermaid, gills faintly visible on her neck, dressed like a priestess, humming under her breath.
And last, a draconic barbarian, her tail barely hidden under the academy uniform, her golden eyes locked onto the idiot hero like he was the only star in the sky.
Kain closed the journal with a soft snap.
He had watched them earlier from a distance.
Their loyalty wasn't fake.
Their affection wasn't forced.
It would make breaking them all the sweeter.
Kain had chuckled under his breath, careful not to wake the girls.
He wasn't in a rush.
Patience was the sharpest blade he owned.
He rose from his chair, moving silently toward the bed, careful not to disturb them.
He tucked the blanket around Alyssa a little tighter, brushing a loose strand of hair from her forehead.
She stirred slightly but didn't wake, murmuring his name softly.
Kain smiled faintly.
Warm.
Real.
Then he turned away, his eyes colder, sharper.
Tomorrow would begin a new hunt.
This new idiot wouldn't even see it coming.
The Next Day / Mana Theory Class
The afternoon sunlight filtered weakly through the stained-glass windows, casting fractured colors across the polished floors.
Kain sat at his usual spot near the back of the lecture hall, one arm slung casually over his chair, the other flipping open his journal like he was reviewing a grocery list.
His girls were close, Alyssa to his right, humming under her breath as she scribbled notes.
Beatrix and Lyla share a textbook, and Ruby and Darcy quietly bicker over who has the better handwriting.
Their presence was a comfort he didn't even have to think about.
The classroom door creaked open.
The idiot had arrived.
Kain's eyes lifted lazily as the second hero strode inside, practically glowing.
No, seriously, the light caught him like some divine highlight, making him look even more unbearable than he already was.
The hero's smile was so wide it was a miracle his jaw hadn't snapped in half.
Trailing behind him were the five new heroines, loyal, bright-eyed, and utterly enchanted by him.
The system chimed softly in his mind, its voice smooth and clinical:
[System]
[ Objective: Complete Corruption and Acquisition of Hero's Core Party ]
Kain smirked to himself, tilting his head like he was just stretching.
Nobody even noticed the dangerous glint in his eye.
He had time.
He had patience.
And most importantly, he had experience now.
Finn had been the tutorial level.
This one?
Maybe he'd be a slightly better challenge.
Kain's hand closed around his pen, the corners of his mouth tugging upward into something that almost resembled a smile.
Almost.
After Class
The bell rang, a soft chime echoing through the room, and the students began to pack up.
Chairs scraped, books slammed shut, and laughter spilled into the halls.
Kain stretched lazily in his seat, jaw tight.
He wasn't annoyed.
He was hungry.
He hadn't eaten since early morning, and his stomach was starting to bite at him.
A shadow fell across his desk.
He didn't look up immediately, he didn't need to.
The blinding aura was practically burning the side of his face.
"Hey!"
The voice was painfully cheerful, like a golden retriever discovering a stick.
Kain lifted his gaze slowly, eyes half-lidded.
The Second Hero stood there, hand thrust out like they were old friends.
The idiot grin was wider up close, somehow, and his companions clustered behind him, peeking over his shoulder like a pack of overexcited puppies.
"I couldn't help but notice... You looked kinda sad during class!" the hero said, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"Thought maybe you could use a friend!"
Kain blinked once.
Twice.
Sad?
Him?
Who the fuck was this moron looking at that Kain looked sad?
He was literally just imagining what kind of sandwich he was going to get from the cafeteria.
Still, he let a soft, tired smile pull at his lips.
The kind that said "Sure. Why not?" without actually meaning it.
The hero brightened, if possible.
"I'm Aiden!" he announced proudly, almost like he expected a round of applause.
"And these are my companions!"
He gestured grandly.
The fox-eared one gave a playful wave.
The elf bowed politely.
The half-elf offered a shy smile.
The mermaid girl hummed softly in greeting.
And the draconic just nodded, golden eyes wary but curious.
Kain rose to his feet, pocketing his journal casually.
"Kain," he said simply.
No need for a speech.
He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, where his girls were gathering their things.
"Alyssa. Ruby. Lyla. Beatrix. Darcy"
Each girl offered a small nod, a smile, or in Ruby's case, a wink that made the fox kin bristle slightly.
The air between the two groups buzzed, polite smiles hiding the strange tension already building.
"Nice to meet you, man!" Aiden grinned even wider, if possible.
"Do you want to have lunch with us?"
Kain just smiled back.
Soft.
Friendly.
Warm.
"Sure," Kain said aloud, voice easy.
Aiden beamed like he'd just saved a puppy from a tree.
Kain casually slung his bag over one shoulder, his girls falling into step with him like pieces clicking into place.
As they moved into the wide, sunlit hallway, the System prompts quietly flickered into Kain's vision.
[System Notification]
[Affection / Loyalty / Lust toward Kain]
[ Lupa Kitsuna ]
[Affection: 5%] [Loyalty: 0%] [Lust: 0%]
[ Hazel Willow ]
[Affection: 2%] [Loyalty: 0%] [Lust: 0%]
[ Holly Ivy ]
[Affection: 4%] [Loyalty: 0%] [Lust: 0%]
[ Aqua Cordelia ]
[Affection: 6%] [Loyalty: 1%] [Lust: 0%]
[ Nina Ignacia ]
[Affection: 3%] [Loyalty: 0%] [Lust: 0%]
[Affection / Loyalty / Lust toward Aiden Angel]
[ Lupa Kitsuna ]
[Affection: 72%] [Loyalty: 70%] [Lust: 15%]
[ Hazel Willow ]
[Affection: 68%] [Loyalty: 65%] [Lust: 10%]
[ Holly Ivy ]
[Affection: 74%] [Loyalty: 72%] [Lust: 8%]
[ Aqua Cordelia ]
[Affection: 76%] [Loyalty: 71%] [Lust: 12%]
[ Nina Ignacia ]
[Affection: 70%] [Loyalty: 67%] [Lust: 9%]
Kain's footfalls didn't even slow.
Inside, he registered it with clinical calm.
'So, they're loyal to him already. Strong bonds. Strong attachments'
'Nothing I can't unwind'
He tucked the information away behind his ever-calm smile.
Aiden was still chattering ahead, waving animatedly toward the courtyard doors, oblivious to the monster walking behind him.
They spilled out into the warm noon air, the scent of food and fresh grass mixing, groups of students lounging lazily across the green.
Aiden found a free table under a thick oak tree and plopped down like a happy dog.
Kain and his girls followed, slipping into seats like shadows filling a room.
The Second Hero's party mirrored them, sitting close together, casual but with an unconscious closeness that screamed familiarity.
Perfect.
More to break.
The conversation started again easily, with Aiden mostly filling the air and throwing the occasional question Kain's way.
Kain answered in soft tones, careful to smile just enough.
Never too warm.
Never too distant.
Just right.
Lupa laughed a little too hard at one of Kain's dry remarks.
Aqua kept stealing glances his way.
Hazel frowned slightly, puzzled by his calm demeanor.
Holly shifted in her seat like she was trying not to stare.
Even Nina, the most guarded, flicked her gaze over him once, curious, before looking away quickly.
The System hummed again softly in the back of his mind.
[Minor Progress Detected]
[ Lupa Kitsuna ]
[Affection: 7%] [Loyalty: 1%] [Lust: 0%]
[ Aqua Cordelia ]
[Affection: 8%] [Loyalty: 2%] [Lust: 0%]
Tiny ripples.
Barely visible on the surface.
But even the deepest oceans started with a ripple.
Kain took a slow sip of his drink, hiding the small, knowing smirk that threatened his lips.
'Patience'
'I'll crack their bonds, one thread at a time'
Aiden slammed his hands on the table suddenly, startling a few of his girls.
"Man, Kain!" he grinned, shining silver eyes wide.
"You're awesome! Seriously, we should hang out more often!"
Kain chuckled warmly, tossing him a lazy wink.
"Sounds good," he said lightly.
"Friends, right?"
Aiden nodded eagerly, completely unaware of the wolf smiling at the flock.
Kain leaned back in his chair, hands folded casually behind his head, eyes drifting lazily over the party sitting across from him.
'Friends,' he thought again, the word sour and sweet at the same time.
'I do wonder how he'll react at the end'
After about an hour of easy conversation, laughter, and half-eaten meals, Aiden leaned forward, eyes practically glowing.
"Hey, Kain!" he said, his voice bubbling with excitement.
"Do you ever spar for fun?"
Kain set his drink down slowly, tilting his head with a lazy smile.
"Sometimes," he said, voice like velvet.
"Why? Are you offering?"
Aiden slapped the table in excitement, making Hazel jump.
"Yeah, dude! You're super chill, I bet you're strong too! Let's have a round, friendly match!"
Around the table, the girls perked up.
"Careful, Aiden," Lupa said with a teasing grin, fox ears twitching.
"You're always underestimating people"
"He doesn't look like much," Holly said, eyeing Kain critically.
"But... there's something about him," Aqua murmured, tilting her head thoughtfully.
"I think it'd be fun," Nina said quietly, her voice barely above the breeze.
Ruby chuckled lowly beside Kain, her eyes glinting.
"Heh... You're gonna regret this, golden boy"
Aiden just grinned wider.
"It's all in good fun!"
Kain stretched lazily, yawning into his hand, then stood, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Lead the way," he said with a warm chuckle, like they were about to play frisbee in the park instead of beating each other half to death.
They found a free sparring ring on the edge of campus, a polished stone platform surrounded by grass.
Aiden bounced on the balls of his feet, practically vibrating with excitement.
Kain, by contrast, moved naturally, slowly, smoothly, dangerously relaxed.
Students passing by began to slow, drawn in by the sight.
Kain slipped off his jacket, tossing it carelessly over a railing.
The girls gathered around the edge, chatting softly.
"Should we stop them if it gets bad?" Hazel asked, biting her lip.
"Nah," Lupa said, tail flicking.
"Aiden's strong. He's fought real monsters before"
"Still... Kain looks so calm," Aqua said, brows knitting.
"That's what's weird," Holly added.
"He's not even warming up"
Darcy snorted softly beside Alyssa, arms folded.
"Trust me," Darcy said under her breath.
"Kain's the real monster here"
[System Notification]
[Challenge Detected]
[ Opponent: Aiden Angel ]
[ Estimated Threat Level: C+]
[ Recommendation: Minimal Effort Required ]
[ Reward: Minor Reputation Boost with Bystanders ]
Kain smirked faintly at the prompt, the wind tousling his hair.
'His hits are going to be nothing more than a bug bite'
Aiden squared up, fists raised, stance solid.
"Ready whenever you are, bro!" he called brightly.
Kain just nodded, hands still loose at his sides.
Ding!
The match began.
Aiden exploded forward with impressive speed, faster than Finn by a wide margin, closing the distance in a blink and swinging a sharp right hook.
To any normal opponent, it would've been devastating.
Kain simply shifted his head half an inch.
The fist whistled past harmlessly.
Before Aiden could recover, Kain ghosted around his side, so smoothly it looked like he teleported, and tapped the back of Aiden's knee with a single finger.
Aiden's leg buckled, and he stumbled forward, catching himself awkwardly.
The watching girls gasped lightly.
"Did... did he just dodge that without moving his feet?" Hazel whispered, wide-eyed.
"It looked like..."
Aqua started, trailing off.
"Magic?"
Holly finished.
"No," Lyla said, arms crossed.
"That's pure instinct"
"That's terrifying," Nina murmured.
Aiden recovered, laughing sheepishly.
"Dang, you're fast, bro!"
Kain gave a lazy shrug.
"Little bit"
Aiden came again, faster this time, a flurry of jabs and feints, his energy impressive.
To Kain, it was like watching a child slap at the air.
Aiden managed to graze Kain's sleeve once, a tiny victory, but paid for it immediately.
Kain shifted, palm striking Aiden's chest with just enough force to push him stumbling back five feet.
Not thrown.
Not blasted.
Just lightly reminded of the difference between their levels.
The crowd murmured.
The tension in the air thickened.
Lupa's ears twitched violently, tail bristling.
"He's... he's playing with him," she breathed.
"Like a cat with a mouse," Ruby added smugly, polishing her nails.
[System Update]
[ Lupa Kitsuna ]
[Affection: 10%] [Loyalty: 4%]
[ Aqua Cordelia ]
[Affection: 11%] [Loyalty: 5%]
[ Holly Ivy ]
[Affection: 9%] [Loyalty: 3%]
[ Nina Ignacia ]
[Affection: 8%] [Loyalty: 2%]
[ Hazel Willow ]
[Affection: 5%] [Loyalty: 3%]
Little ripples.
Each move weaves deeper.
After a few more exchanges, Kain sighed softly, catching Aiden's next punch with one hand, thumb and two fingers, as casually as someone plucking an apple off a tree.
He held it there, the momentum dying completely.
Aiden blinked, shocked.
Kain met his gaze with that same lazy smile.
"You're good," Kain said, voice low and kind.
"But you're swinging too wide. Relax your shoulders more. You're leaking power"
He released Aiden's hand gently and stepped back, bowing slightly.
"Good match"
Aiden flushed, heart hammering, and laughed awkwardly.
"Man... you're insane! We gotta spar again sometime!"
Kain just chuckled, ruffling Aiden's hair like a proud older brother.
"Anytime"
The girls watched him differently now.
Not just impressed, intrigued.
Something primal flickered in their eyes, curiosity... admiration... and the first threads of deeper emotions stirring.
Kain didn't need the System to know.
He slung his jacket back on with lazy ease, turning toward the cafeteria.
(Yes… he still wanted to eat more)
"Come on," he called over his shoulder.
"Lunch round two's on me"
The girls scrambled after him without even realizing it.
Aiden jogged to catch up, beaming like a loyal dog.
Kain smiled to himself.
The cafeteria buzzed with energy.
Students packed the tables, trays clattered, and conversations rose into a chaotic hum.
At one of the longer tables, Kain leaned back lazily, a half-eaten sandwich in one hand, the other tapping rhythmically against the table.
Across from him, Aiden was plowing through his mountain of food with wild abandon, face lit with the sheer joy of eating.
Ruby arched a brow at the sight.
"Do they even breathe between bites?"
Lyla snorted, poking at her salad.
"I don't think so. They're like... bottomless pits"
Beatrix flicked a piece of bread at Kain's head, though it bounced harmlessly off his hair.
"It's honestly impressive. Maybe a little terrifying"
Darcy leaned in closer, voice dry.
"I bet if we gave them another tray, they'd eat that too"
Alyssa giggled behind her hand.
"It's kind of...cute, in a scary way"
Across the table, Aiden's girls exchanged looks, too.
Lupa giggled, resting her chin in her palms.
"I think it's adorable! They're both like big puppies!"
Hazel frowned, crossing her arms.
"More like starving wolves. It's not... dignified"
Holly, quiet and reserved, offered a small smile.
"I think it's nice they have so much energy. It's...refreshing"
Aqua, brushing back her sea-blue hair, gave a small hum.
"They must have strong stomachs to eat that much. Or strong spirits"
Nina clicked her tongue, crossing her arms.
"Tch. Gluttons"
Kain's lips curled in a slow, easy smile as he caught every reaction without seeming to.
His mask was perfect, just a tired guy trying to enjoy lunch with new friends.
Ding!
[System Notification]
[Lupa Kitsuna]
[Affection: 17%] [Loyalty: 8%]
[Hazel Willow]
[Affection: 11%] [Loyalty: 4%]
[Holly Ivy]
[Affection: 13%] [Loyalty: 5%]
[Aqua Cordelia]
[Affection: 16%] [Loyalty: 9%]
[Nina Ignacia]
[Affection: 12%] [Loyalty: 5%]
Their numbers were creeping up.
Not fast, but steadily.
Exactly how he wanted it.
Across from him, Aiden wiped his mouth and laughed, still riding high off the shared meal.
"Bro, you're the best! I swear, I've never met anyone else who can keep up with me!"
Lupa giggled brightly.
"Maybe you're soul brothers!"
Hazel rolled her eyes.
"Or stomach brothers"
Beatrix chuckled.
"If that's a bond, it's stronger than magic"
Ruby propped her elbow on the table, smirking at Kain.
"You gonna challenge him to an eating contest again?"
Kain only smiled, warm, lazy, perfect.
"Nah," he said.
"I'm already full"
His eyes flickered, unseen behind his easy going facade.
'I'll feast on something much sweeter soon'
Aiden shoved the last of his fries into his mouth and clapped his hands together.
"Alright! After this, you guys wanna hang out? Maybe hit the courtyard?"
Lyla shrugged.
"Sure. Beats sitting around bored"
Darcy pointed her fork dramatically.
"Only if dessert's involved"
Aqua tilted her head, smiling gently.
"There's a bakery on the other side of campus. They have sweet bread"
Holly spoke up softly.
"I'd... like that"
Nina snorted, but didn't argue.
"Fine. Whatever"
Lupa turned her gaze toward Kain, eyes twinkling.
"You'll come too, right, Kain?"
All eyes naturally shifted to him, both his girls and Aiden's.
Kain feigned a thoughtful look, tapping his chin.
"I guess," he said smoothly, standing and slinging his bag over one shoulder.
"Wouldn't want to miss out"
The group brightened instantly, even Hazel, though she masked it better than the rest.
Behind his lazy half-smile, Kain was already laying out the next steps.
Casual hangouts.
Light jokes.
Moments where trust was built quietly, invisibly.
Until it was too late for Aiden to notice.
Ding!
[Special Condition Detected]
[Emotional Familiarity Increasing]
[Target Bonds Beginning to Shift]
Kain tucked his hands into his pockets and fell into step with them, already savoring the image.
One girl missing.
Then another.
Then another.
Each time, a picture is sent.
Each time, Aiden's world cracks a little more.
One bite at a time.
One petal at a time.
Until nothing was left but the broken stem.
1 Hour Later / Rushing back to the Main Building
Lupa perked up instantly.
"Ah! We're gonna be late!"
Aqua nodded, already rising.
"Advanced Healing Theory waits for no one..."
Hazel sighed, standing with her arms crossed.
"Ugh. I hate double lecture days"
Beatrix smirked at her.
"Then drop out. Easy solution"
Ruby gave a quick wave as she stretched.
"Later, boys. Try not to die of boredom without us"
Darcy followed behind them, tossing a half-eaten apple core into the trash as she went.
"Peace out, meatheads!"
Lyla leaned down and patted Aiden's head mockingly.
"Eat slower next time, champ"
Alyssa lingered a second longer, soft smile and a lingering gaze, before hurrying off to join the others.
"Guess that's our cue"
Aiden stretched his arms behind his back and grinned.
"Class life, huh?"
Kain chuckled lazily, standing beside him.
"Yeah. Gotta love the grind"
The courtyard path was quieter now, lined with trimmed hedges and golden trees swaying in the breeze.
Students passed by in small clusters, heading off to lectures.
Aiden walked beside him, munching on a cookie he'd swiped from Ruby's tray.
"Dude, I'm still starving. That's gotta be a skill or something"
Kain smirked.
"Or a curse. Hard to say"
A moment of silence passed, calm, relaxed, before Kain tilted his head, watching his friend from the corner of his eye.
"So," he asked casually, "what's the deal with you and them?"
Aiden blinked.
"Huh? Who?"
Kain gave him a light shove.
"Come on, man. The girls. Lupa, Aqua, Hazel… the whole harem parade"
Aiden blushed instantly.
"Wh–! I-I mean, they're not—! I guess they kind of—ugh, it's complicated"
Kain raised a brow, amused.
"Complicated how?"
Aiden scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"I... I haven't even held any of their hands yet"
Kain stopped walking.
"...What?"
Aiden chuckled nervously, looking away.
"They tried! Like, a couple of times. But I always panicked. I just… don't wanna mess anything up, y'know?"
Kain blinked.
Then laughed.
A rich, genuine laugh that masked the dark flicker behind his eyes.
'Holy fuck… he's worse than Finn!'
"Oh man. You're killing me"
'They're offering you their hearts... and you can't even wrap your fingers around theirs'
Aiden rubbed the back of his neck, flustered.
"I-I'm waiting for the right moment!"
Kain hummed thoughtfully.
"The right moment, huh..."
[System Notification]
[Aiden has not touched or held hands with any of the girls]
[Anomaly: Emotional Frustration Detected]
[ Source: Aqua Cordelia ]
[ Status: Wants warmth but hides it with politeness.]
Kain's smirk deepened as his gaze sharpened just slightly.
'Aqua… so you're the one aching inside first'
So well-mannered.
So quiet.
So easy to pull aside for a "friendly" talk.
"You know," Kain said, tone casual as ever, "sometimes waiting too long just ends with someone else steppin in"
Aiden blinked.
"You think so?"
Kain clapped him on the back with a grin.
"I know so"
Later That Day / Under the Courtyard Tree
Aqua sat beneath a red maple, books in her lap, brows furrowed in focus.
The light shimmered through the leaves, dancing across her sea blue hair.
Kain approached silently, casting a shadow across her notes.
She looked up, blinking.
"Oh—Kain?"
He gave a lazy smile, hands in his pockets.
"Didn't mean to interrupt. Just passing by. Didn't expect to see you out here,though"
Aqua smiled gently.
"I needed quiet. Hazel and Lupa are... loud when they study"
Kain gave a light chuckle and sat down beside her.
"Fair enough. Mind if I join you?"
She shook her head.
"Not at all"
A moment passed.
The wind rustled.
Aqua glanced sideways.
"...Do you like the quiet too?"
Kain nodded.
"More than you'd think"
Her fingers tightened around the edge of her book.
"...Sometimes I think… I like the idea of someone just being there, you know? No words needed. Just... warmth"
Kain tilted his head slightly, watching her face.
"Huh. Sounds like someone's feeling lonely"
She flushed.
"N-No, I didn't mean it like—!"
He raised a hand casually.
"Relax. I get it"
Aqua looked down, fingers fidgeting slightly.
"It's silly, isn't it? Wanting something so small... like holding someone's hand or—just sitting beside someone without feeling awkward"
Kain's eyes glinted.
"...Not silly at all. Honestly? A man who ignores that kind of need—"
He leaned back, voice soft, calm.
"—probably doesn't deserve you"
Her eyes widened slightly.
She didn't speak.
Kain chuckled, pretending to shrug it off.
"I mean, think about it. The girl makes a move, wants closeness, and the guy dodges it? That's not kindness"
"That's fear"
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
"And fear makes cowards. Cowards don't make good partners"
Aqua bit her lip.
"I guess... I always assumed Aiden was just being respectful. Like, maybe he was waiting for the perfect moment..."
Kain's smile was kind.
Understanding.
Cruel.
"Sometimes the perfect moment is right now. And if you miss it?"
He reached over, just slightly, and brushed a leaf from her shoulder.
Gentle.
Natural.
But deliberate.
"You'll start wondering if you weren't worth the reach in the first place"
She stared at him.
Silent.
Breathing quietly.
Kain stood up casually, stretching.
"Anyway, sorry for the rant. You got this whole bookworm vibe going. I'm sure you're busy"
"...Kain?"
He paused.
"...Thanks for sitting with me"
He glanced back, ga rin tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Anytime, Aqua. Seriously. I'm always around… if you need that warmth"
He turned, walking away.
Slow.
Relaxed.
Measured.
[System Notification]
[Aqua. Affection: 20%. Loyalty: 15%. Lust: 10%]
[Emotional Imprint Created: Safe, seen, desired]
'Like I said… Easy!'