Chapter 17: Cracks in Lira's Heart
The sky above the camp stretched wide and clear. The morning training had ended, but the air was still heavy with energy. Seris sat near the edge of the circle, her body glowing faintly from the bond resonance. Her eyes followed Arjun wherever he went, her lips holding a soft smile that revealed her new loyalty.
But it was Lira who stood at the center now, her fists raised, her eyes sharp. She glared at the broken stones around Seris's feet as if daring herself to surpass them.
"Don't think I'll lose to her," Lira said firmly, her voice calm but with a fire hidden beneath it.
Arjun crossed his arms, his gaze steady. "Good. Then prove it. Show me your strength."
Lira tightened her fists. She dashed forward, her movements fast and smooth, like a dancer of blades. Her strike hit the ground with force, but the earth only cracked lightly nowhere near the destructive power Seris had displayed earlier.
Her breath came out sharp, frustration already creeping into her chest.
"Tch…" she hissed.
Arjun stepped forward, circling her slowly. "You feel it, don't you?"
Lira blinked, her brows furrowing. "Feel what?"
"The difference," Arjun said softly. "You trained hard. You were strong. But now Seris is beyond you. And it eats at you."
Her teeth clenched. She wanted to deny it, but her heart betrayed her. She had felt it the gap. And worse, she had seen Seris's flushed face and soft smile when she stood near him.
Arjun leaned closer, his voice low, his words sliding into her ears like silk. "That is because she accepted me. She let the system mark her. Now she is stronger. If you want to surpass her, there is only one path."
Lira stepped back, her cheeks burning faintly. "You… you think I will give in so easily?"
Arjun smiled faintly. "You don't have to. The system will guide you. But the more you resist, the more Seris will leave you behind."
At the side, Seris lowered her gaze, her cheeks warming. She did not interrupt. Instead, she let his words work their way into Lira's heart.
Just then, the sound of the Eternal Harem System rang in Arjun's mind.
[Eternal Harem System Notification]
~ Emotional instability detected in target Lira.
~ Seed of jealousy has taken root.
~ Progress: 15% toward Subjugation.
~ Hint: Encourage rivalry. Draw her closer through challenge and desire.
Arjun smirked, the glowing panel fading from his eyes. So that's the path… rivalry first, then desire.
He straightened, clapping his hands together. "We'll spar. Me against you, Lira."
Lira's eyes widened. "You against me?"
"Yes," Arjun said simply. "If you can land a blow on me, I'll admit you're stronger."
Her pride flared instantly. "Fine." She took her stance, her aura sharpening.
The spar began. Lira moved fast, her strikes aimed with precision, her speed greater than Seris's. She launched punches, kicks, a spin that cut through the air like a blade. But every time, Arjun dodged effortlessly.
"Too slow," he whispered as he sidestepped.
Her teeth clenched tighter. She swung harder, her fist glowing faintly with her elemental energy. This time she nearly touched his shoulder, but Arjun caught her wrist, twisting lightly, pulling her close.
Her breath caught as their faces came only inches apart. His eyes locked on hers, calm but burning.
"You fight well," he said softly. "But your heart is in chaos. That's why you can't win."
Her pulse quickened, though she yanked her hand free quickly, stepping back. Her cheeks were red, though she tried to hide it with a scowl. "Tch… don't think you've won."
Arjun smiled faintly, not pressing further. Her body reacted even if her pride denies it.
Seris, watching, noticed it too. She lowered her gaze, whispering under her breath. "It has begun…"
The spar continued for nearly an hour. Lira grew more and more frustrated as she failed to land a hit, while Arjun remained calm, never once striking back. Finally, she dropped to one knee, sweat dripping down her face, her chest rising and falling quickly.
Arjun stepped close, extending a hand. "Enough. You've proven your will."
Lira looked at the hand, hesitation flickering in her eyes. For a moment, she wanted to slap it away. But her pride wounded, her body tired, she slowly took it.
The moment their skin touched, a faint pulse of energy passed between them. Lira froze, her eyes widening.
"…What was that?" she whispered.
Arjun's smile deepened. "The system knows you already. It has chosen you."
Her heart pounded, and she quickly pulled her hand away, stepping back. "Don't… don't twist my mind with your words."
But she didn't realize her face was still flushed, her heart beating too fast.
The system's voice whispered again in Arjun's ears.
[Eternal Harem System Update]
~ Progress: 28% toward Subjugation of Lira.
~ Rivalry path confirmed.
~ Target's pride is cracking. Continue to test her heart.
Night fell on the camp. The three sat together near the fire, eating a simple meal. Seris leaned close to Arjun, her head nearly touching his shoulder. Lira sat opposite, her arms crossed, her eyes sharp, but her gaze kept drifting toward them.
She caught herself staring at Seris's soft smile, the glow in her eyes whenever Arjun spoke. Her heart tightened painfully. Why does she look so happy…? Why do I feel so empty watching this…?
Arjun noticed. He set down his cup and spoke calmly. "Lira. Tomorrow, you'll train with me again."
She raised an eyebrow. "Again? I already lost once."
"You'll keep losing," Arjun said simply, "until you accept the truth."
Her pride stung. "And what truth is that?"
"That you cannot grow stronger without me," he said, his gaze piercing. "That you cannot win against Seris unless you choose me as she did."
Her lips parted, words failing her for a moment. Heat rushed to her chest, a strange mix of anger and something else she didn't want to name.
She looked away sharply, hiding her face in the firelight. "We'll see."
Seris glanced at Arjun, her lips curling in a knowing smile. She already understood the game being played.
The system's voice chimed one last time that night.
[System Hint]
~ Target Lira shows inner conflict.
~ Emotional resistance: Strong.
~ Jealousy: Rising.
~ Recommendation: Push her pride further. Show her Seris's devotion openly. Desire will bloom through rivalry and envy.
Arjun smirked as the panel faded. The path was clear. Tomorrow would be the day to tighten the cracks in Lira's heart until she finally broke and turned to him.
And when she did… both his power and his harem would rise again.