The palace corridors were unusually silent that night.
Kazuto limped along, stick over his shoulder, Ayame at his side with arms crossed, Nyala humming like nothing had happened, and Liora floating her glowing orb lazily.
Kazuto sighed. "So let me get this straight—if I win, nobles hate me. If I lose, nobles laugh at me. If I exist, nobles plot my death. Man, being the main character sucks."
Ayame scoffed. "It's called politics. Try using your brain for once."Nyala leaned closer, licking his cheek. "Mmm~ I like him better without thinking."Liora adjusted her glasses. "Both of you are wrong. He doesn't have a brain to use."
"HEY!!" Kazuto barked, clutching his chest. "That's my pride you're stabbing!"
But his laugh died as his system pinged:
[Warning: Unidentified Hostile Presence Detected.]
The torches flickered. Shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally across the hallway.
Ambush
From the ceiling, masked assassins dropped like spiders, blades gleaming.
Ayame's sword flashed instantly. "ASSASSINS!!"Nyala's claws extended, grin sharp. "Mmm~ finally, some fun."Liora raised her staff. "Barrier up."
Kazuto yelped, swinging his stick wildly. "AGAIN?! Do nobles have a subscription to Assassin Express?!"
The assassins struck fast and silent, their movements too coordinated to be common killers. Their blades glowed with runes meant to suppress magic.
Kazuto's stick clashed, sparks flying. "Oi, oi, oi, these guys are on a whole other level!!"
One assassin snarled: "Our orders are clear—kill the Hero, and capture the waifus."
Ayame froze mid-swing, her eyes widening. "…Capture?!"
Waifu in Peril
The assassins shifted tactics. Two broke away, aiming directly for Nyala. She hissed, slashing back, but a net of enchanted silk fell from above, wrapping around her tail and arms.
"—Tch!!" Nyala growled, struggling as the silk bound tighter, glowing.
Kazuto's system pinged:
[Waifu Status: Nyala = Restrained.][If captured: +100% Rage Boost… but -100% panties.]
"WAIT WHAT?!" Kazuto screamed, nearly tripping.
Ayame fought desperately, cutting assassins down left and right, her face red with fury. "I'LL KILL YOU IF YOU TOUCH HER!!"
Liora's barrier cracked under pressure, sweat beading down her face. "They're specifically trained to counter us. Someone with authority sent them."
Kazuto's Rage
Nyala's eyes met Kazuto's. "Kazuto… don't you dare let them take me."
Kazuto's blood boiled. His aura erupted, brighter than ever before.
[Emergency Skill Unlocked: Lewd Harmony Burst Lv.4 – Waifu Rage Link!!][Effect: Power multiplies when a waifu is in danger.]
"ALRIGHT, YOU NOBLE BASTARDS—YOU WANNA PLAY DIRTY?!" Kazuto roared, gripping his stick like a lance. "THEN I'M ABOUT TO SPANK YOU INTO OBLIVION!!"
He charged, swinging with such force the marble floor cracked. The silk net shattered, freeing Nyala, who landed gracefully, licking her lips. "Mmm~ that was hot, pervert."
Ayame flushed. "DON'T PRAISE HIM WHILE I'M TRYING TO SAVE YOUR BUTT!!"
Liora released a blast of light, blinding the assassins for a moment.
The Mastermind's Shadow
The assassins regrouped, clearly losing. Their leader hissed and pulled out a talisman.
Dark smoke filled the hallway, swallowing them. When it cleared, they were gone.
Kazuto panted, sweat dripping, his aura fading. "C-cowards! Get back here so I can beat your asses properly!!"
The Princess arrived moments later with royal guards, her gown flowing. "What happened here?!"
Ayame spat on the ground. "Assassins. They weren't random—they came for us."
Nyala flicked the shredded silk net. "Mmm~ definitely noble work. Rich bastards smell the same."
Liora's face darkened. "This is no longer just politics. This is war in the shadows."
As they spoke, unseen in the rafters, a figure watched—a noble draped in black velvet, face hidden behind a golden mask.
"…So, the perverted fool unlocks more power when his waifus are threatened." The figure chuckled darkly. "Good. Then let's see how far he falls when we take one from him."
cliffhanger
Kazuto's system chimed:
[Quest Updated: Protect Your Waifus.][Warning: Kidnapping Event Probability = 85%.]
Kazuto paled, gripping his stick. "Wait. 85 percent?! That's basically guaranteed!!"
The Princess placed a hand on his shoulder, eyes grave."Kazuto… they won't stop. Be ready. Next time, they won't fail."