Orion gently placed his hands on both sides of Cocolia's temples. He could clearly see that the black smoke seemed to be attracted by something, beginning to gather towards Cocolia's head. Then, following his hands, they surged into his body like a stream. A chaotic and mixed energy poured in. At the same time, Orion's hands did not stop; instead, he imitated certain massage techniques from his memory, gently and rhythmically pressing Cocolia's head, putting on a full show.
Cocolia only felt her forehead was no longer tense, and the pain seemed to be gently wiped away by an invisible hand. Orion's fingertips gently pressed on the acupoints of her head, his technique skillful. A warm current seeped slowly into Cocolia's head along his fingertips. Meanwhile, the black energy continuously poured into Orion's body, and he felt that the power of the Aeon of Destruction within him seemed to be activated. He felt a power growing and strengthening within his body. The energy from the Stellaron was indeed absorbed and transformed by him.
[Successfully absorbed the power of destruction, Power +10!]
Soon, the black energy swirling around Cocolia was completely absorbed. Cocolia let out a satisfied sigh, her body relaxed as she leaned back in her chair. She felt an unprecedented comfort, and days of fatigue and headache were swept away. She even felt that her thoughts became clearer.
Orion stopped his hands and asked softly: "Supreme Guardian, how do you feel?"
Cocolia slowly opened her eyes. She was surprised to find that the headache that had plagued her for so long, like a maggot in the bone, had... completely disappeared! Not only that, but the voice of the Stellaron, which had been whispering, tempting, and tormenting her, also completely fell silent! She felt an unprecedented sense of refreshment, her mind completely clear! She looked at Orion in shock, her eyes full of disbelief: "Orion... your technique is truly miraculous."
"I have never felt such... such complete relaxation."
A faint smile appeared on Orion's face: "Everyone I've massaged says it's very effective."
"It's too effective..." Cocolia sat up straight, the weariness on her face completely gone, replaced by a radiant glow. "Can you teach me? So that when I have a headache in the future, I can relieve it myself."
Orion gently shook his head: "I'm sorry, Supreme Guardian, it's very difficult for others to learn this technique in a short time."
"However, if you need me, I am always willing to serve you."
Upon hearing this, although Cocolia was a little disappointed, she did not doubt Orion's words. She looked at the smiling, well-mannered young man in front of her and greatly admired him. "Good child, truly a good child. Your name is Orion, right?"
"You should come to Qlipoth Fort often from now on to massage me, and I will give you a generous reward."
Orion immediately refused: "No need."
"You are Bronya's mother; it is my pleasure to massage you, and I do not need any reward."
These words made Cocolia even fonder of him. Little did she know what Orion was thinking. What's free is often the most expensive.
"Supreme Guardian, it's getting late, I should go back to Bronya's place; we still have some schoolwork to study," Orion said softly.
Cocolia's eyelids lifted, her gaze falling on the young man. She felt the relaxation from earlier gradually fading, and she was a little reluctant to let go of that clear feeling. "Orion... thank you for today."
"Next time you come to Qlipoth Fort to find Bronya, if I still feel tired, could I... ask you to massage me again?"
Orion nodded politely: "Of course. It is my honor to share your worries." Then he quietly bade farewell and turned to walk out of the office.
Cocolia's gaze followed his retreating figure until the door gently closed. She couldn't help but ponder. "Orion... this child is not only smart and sensible, but also has such a magical massage technique..."
"No wonder Bronya likes being with him so much."
"If... after work every day, he could come and give me a massage, how wonderful would that be..."
As if to fulfill Cocolia's wish. From that day on, Orion began to frequently enter and exit Qlipoth Fort under the pretext of studying with Bronya. Bronya was initially a little worried that her mother wouldn't allow it. But every time she asked her mother, Cocolia would immediately agree without hesitation.
"Orion is a good child; he is welcome to come anytime."
"I'm very happy for you to study together and help each other."
Bronya didn't think much of it, simply happy about her mother's open-mindedness and the increased time she could spend with Orion. So, every day after school, Orion would come to Qlipoth Fort. And Cocolia, as if by unspoken agreement, would always be in her office at that time, handling official business, subtly anticipating that knock on the door. Orion would always go to Bronya's first for a while, discussing some study problems. Then he would find an excuse to come to Cocolia's office. This became an unspoken secret between the two of them.
Cocolia sat in her office chair, her eyelids gently closed, enjoying Orion's fingertips rubbing back and forth on her temples and neck. His hand strength was not great, but it was just right, seemingly able to precisely find every tired spot. Each press brought relief to her nerves. She felt all the muscles in her body relaxing, and her tense nerves gradually loosened. The chaotic whispers that had been bothering her also rarely appeared.
Cocolia's mental state became better and better, and her reliance on Orion grew daily. From initial appreciation, it gradually turned into a habit, and even... she couldn't seem to do without him anymore. Sometimes, if Orion paused even slightly, she would unconsciously let out a low grumble, urging him to continue. Her body relaxed, her back slightly arched, her neck gently tilted back, completely trusting the young man with her fatigue.
Orion's fingertips traced her shoulders and neck, and she felt a tingling sensation. "Cocolia, you've been busy with official duties recently; you should pay attention to resting."
Cocolia hummed softly, not opening her eyes, just gently shifting her body. She was enjoying this moment of peace and relaxation. "With you here... I can rest better." Her voice carried a hint of fatigue, yet it was full of satisfaction.
Once, after Orion finished the massage, he prepared to get up and leave. Cocolia, however, suddenly reached out and gently grabbed his wrist. Her palm was broad, carrying a warmth, but her fingertips were a little rough. Orion's wrist was held by her; he did not struggle, just stood quietly.
Cocolia opened her eyes, her gaze falling on Orion's face. "Orion..."
"With skills like yours, have you considered opening a massage parlor in the future?" She thought for a moment, then corrected herself. "No, since you graduated from Belobog Academy, opening a shop would be a bit of a waste of your talent... you should work at Qlipoth Fort instead."
"You can work by my side; I'll arrange a relaxed position for you."