Chapter 4 – Bond of Pain
The bond hit like lightning through Lionel's veins. He dropped to his knees, every nerve seared raw, every bone splintering then knitting back sharper.
> [Bond Assimilation in progress. Pain levels: catastrophic. Death chance: 72%.]
Lionel screamed, then laughed through the sound, cracked and bitter.
"Seventy-two percent? Try living with stage-four cancer, sweetheart. Compared to that, this is cute. I've had migraines worse than this."
> [Host officially deranged and masochist . Updating notes: enjoys agony.]
The pain peaked, ripping his soul apart. Then, like glass reforged in a furnace, he reformed stronger, brighter, impossibly alive.
---
[Bond Complete]
Affinities Upgraded:
Light – EX Rank
Space – EX Rank
Ice – EX Rank (upgraded from S Rank via Bond + Luck)
Talent Evolution:
Eternal Monarch of Convergence (SSS+)
(Fusion of Sovereign of Light, Sovereign of Space, and Master of Ice. Transcends world limit.)
---
Lionel collapsed to the floor, chest heaving. Sweat trickled down his temple, but his grin stretched ear to ear.
"Ha… Eternal Monarch of Convergence. Now that's more like it. Not bad for the world's former cancer patient."
> [Correction: not bad for a pampered brat with god-tier genetics and a sarcastic system.]
Lionel cackled. "And modest too."
---
The door creaked. Nira entered, bowing low, face pale.
"Young Master, are you… well?"
Lionel tilted his head, crimson eyes glittering. "Well? I just laughed my way through torture. I'm practically glowing."
She hesitated, then whispered. "You shouldn't push yourself so hard. Not after two weeks unconscious."
Lionel's smirk deepened. "Two weeks in bed, then I wake up stronger than everyone expected. Story of my life."
---
Status – Lionel White
Name: Lionel White
Race: Human
Age: 16
Rank: F Rank (Unawakened)
Stats:
Strength: 7
Vitality: 8
Speed: 6
Intelligence: 7
Wisdom: 20
Charm: 20 (Cap 50 after Awakening)
Luck: 9 (Cap 10)
Mana: Locked
Affinities: Light – EX | Space – EX | Ice – EX
Talent: Eternal Monarch of Convergence (SSS+)
> [Note: Full stat breakdown unlocked after Awakening. This is just the demo version. No refunds.]
---
Lionel flicked his eyes toward Nira. Her screen unfolded in his mind's eye.
---
Status – Nira Elwin
Rank: B Rank (Grandmaster)
Affection: 70%
Affinity: Lightning – S Rank
Talent: Zeus' Wrath (SS Rank)
Bond: Available
---
Lionel's crimson eyes glowed with amusement.
(Well, well. My sweet little maid… hiding thunder in her pocket like it's a toy. A Grandmaster with SS talent, and she folds my socks? The universe has a sense of humor.)
The System chimed cheerfully:
> [Bonding possible. Would grant Host Lightning Affinity + Zeus' Wrath at 10x amplification. Shall I start the pain party again?]
Lionel smirked, waving a lazy hand.
"Not now. A king saves his trump cards for the throne room, not the bedroom."
> [Translation: Host is greedy. Shocker.]
---
The hall echoed with bootsteps. A maid's voice called, "Young Master, Duchess Sylvia requests you begin training."
Nira straightened. "Your instructor awaits—the Crimson Witch."
The courtyard doors groaned open. Melinda stood waiting, fiery hair blazing under the sun, cloak snapping like a banner. Her eyes were molten steel, her aura a furnace.
Lionel's system flickered.
---
Status – Melinda (Partial)
Title: The Crimson Witch
Rank: Saint (A Rank)
Affinity: Fire – SS | Soul – Locked
Talent: Sovereign of Crimson Flame (SS Rank)
---
Lionel grinned, voice dripping charm.
"My first instructor is the Crimson Witch herself? The empire really rolled out the red carpet. Red hair, red fire, red reputation… I'd call it overkill, but it looks good on you."
Melinda's brow twitched. "Careful, brat. Charm won't save you from fire."
Lionel bowed with mock drama. "Maybe not. But it might make you hesitate."
Nira's cheeks turned crimson. Melinda's lips quirked, almost a smirk, before her voice cut sharp.
"Silence. Training begins now."
Lionel straightened, grin widening.
Silver hair, crimson eyes, EX affinities, SSS+ talent, a maid with thunder in her pocket, and a Saint-rank witch glaring at him like a hawk.
This life was absurd.
Talent & Rank Breakdown (from the System)
Talent Ranks: F → D → C → B → A → S → SS → SSS (World Limit) → You: SSS+
Combat Ranks:
F = Intimate
E = Apprentice
D = Adept
C = Master
B = Grandmaster
A = Saint
S = Legend
SS = Legend+
SSS = Legend++
Sylvia White: SS Rank (Legend+), Sovereign of Light and Space.
Melinda "Crimson Witch": A Rank (Saint), Fire Sovereign, leader of the Red Dragon Mercenaries.
Lionel White: Unawakened brat → now carrying a time bomb of EX affinities and a SSS+ talent.
---
Lionel dragged himself to his feet, still grinning like a devil who'd stolen heaven's keys.
"Cancer killed me once. Fate made me cannon fodder. But now?" He looked at his glowing reflection in the mirror, crimson eyes burning like twin suns.
"This time, I'll be the one laughing when the world chokes."
And laugh he did, sharp and cold, echoing through the chamber until it sounded almost inhuman.
---
✨ End of Chapter 4 ✨
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