The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Aeric stirred awake, the first light of dawn casting a faint glow through his window.

Ding! The system chimed softly, and then came the gentle reminder to begin his morning cultivation exercises.

[Begin Cultivation Exercise]

[Exercise will focus on Body Tempering by strengthening muscles with Divinity]

[Take position: Divine Tortoise Method]

[Begin].

With a groggy sigh, Aeric rose, stretching until his muscles felt taut. Today was no ordinary day. Unlike his usual life as Dagwood Ackley, he had a goal to meet — a challenge to face — and he couldn't afford a slow start.

Settling onto the floor, Aeric entered into the Divine Tortoise Method, connecting with the imagination of the river and its channels, focusing on his breathing as he directed his Divinity into controlled, steady pulses.

This time, rather than the meridians, he aimed to strengthen his muscles, envisioning each bubble of Divinity and infusing them with resilience.

Like last time, he felt a dull, throbbing ache as the bubbles worked through the dense fibers, each wave leaving behind a faint warmth.

He successfully completed his muscles and Aeric could see the results when he looked down at his own body. Everything was sculpted now. He was chiseled, a Greek God personified.

Wanting to go further, he attempted to temper his bones so they wouldn't have difficulty carrying such strong muscles and heavy Divinity. But that remained a struggle.

The resistance was strong, like pressing against solid steel, but with grit and patience, he could feel himself improving, bit by bit, each pulse edging him closer to mastery. He knew he wasn't there yet, but the small progress filled him with a sense of pride.

He would continue later. As for now, his aim was to temper the muscles and that was completed. He would finish the bones later.

Next, Aeric dropped into a plank position, gritting his teeth as he held it, minute after minute. His arms shook as sweat dripped down his brow, but he held on until the system's timer hit five full minutes.

The moment he finished, his system rewarded him with a gentle ping and a rush of renewed energy. Rising to his feet, Aeric allowed himself a brief smile before heading off to wash up.

No time to celebrate small victories. Not yet.

Ignoring his maiden, Nessa, who was the one who usually bathed him and gave him the usual morning blowjobs, Aeric did a quick bath. Then, he got dressed and decided to skip breakfast, opting instead to pack it.

Reason was clear. The last thing he wanted was to face his mother, knowing she would likely broach the topic of last night's drama — and worse, try to persuade him to forgive his sisters.

After packing a good amount of food in a leather satchel, he attempted to sneak out of the castle, but Mother Guinevere was as relentless as she was regal, and she found him just before he could.

She stood in the corridor, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, wearing a rich milk and red gown embroidered with silver that commanded attention to her voluptuous body as much as her piercing gaze.

Guinevere was not only his mother but a queen, and most times the air of dignity she carried showed that. One that was both comforting and formidable.

For today, however, Aeric desperately wanted to avoid that air. But life doesn't always give us what we want.

"Aeric," she greeted once she got a hold of him, her voice warm yet concerned. "How are you feeling? Are you fully healed?"

"I'm… fine, Mother," he replied, trying to keep his tone neutral. He could see the worry etched in her face, and though a part of him appreciated it, he was in no mood for lengthy conversations. "I've recovered."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if inspecting him. "You do look as gloriously handsome as usual, but... I must be certain as you are my special son. So, tell me now. Who was the healer? I must know they did a proper job."

Aeric forced a small smile. "Mother I was taken care of in the Elysium Plains. They have the best medicine and magical herbs. You have nothing to worry about."

Mother Guinevere certainly looked worried. Especially after that statement. "You have been to the Elysium?" she asked.

Aeric's eyes dropped with disappointment. 'I probably shouldn't have told her that.'

"Let us talk later, Mother. I am in a hurry."

Guinevere's brows raised in surprise. "To the Institution? I thought after… yesterday, you might not be so... enthusiastic."

Aeric sighed internally, knowing that the best way to get rid of his loving mother was to just let her fully know that he is handling everything well. Which he believed he was.

He shook his head, a spark of defiance flashing in his eyes. "Going back, facing everything head-on, is the best way to prove that their words and actions don't mean a thing to me. I am of Starlight, Mother. That won't change because of them."

Guinevere's stern expression softened, a proud smile tugging at her lips. "That's my special son. Go, then, and remember who you are."

Aeric smiled back and nodded. That worked splendidly.

He quickly moved past her and out the door before any further conversation could delay him.

However, although it pained him to do it, Aeric had lied to his mother. Not about the words and actions of the other Daughters getting to him, but about his destination.

The Institution was not Aeric's destination today.

He had somewhere far more important to be. Since they had been assigned to it yesterday, today was the day he was to challenge the Dungeon alongside Alzera and her squad, and he couldn't afford any distractions.

Missing a day of lectures that in honesty was important to his growth was a small price to pay; securing Alzera's Main Skill and ensuring his survival in this world took precedence.

With this in mind, he hurried to the stables, where his Beast Companion awaited him. The creature's silvery fur gleamed in the early morning light as Aeric rubbed its neck, offering an apple from his pack. Sylver chomped down with an appreciative whimper, his tail wagging slightly.

"Good boy, Sylver," Aeric murmured, patting his side before climbing onto his back. "We have a long day ahead of us, you know that?"

Sylver replied with a quiet howl.

"Let's get a move on then! To the Dungeon Entrance!"

With a low growl of excitement, Sylver took off, moving with powerful strides on the Silver Road that quickly appeared in the air.

His sisters, Rosette and Misty watched from below before giving each other knowing glances but saying nothing. While Mother Guinevere watched from a window, still worried deeply for her son.

Few minutes later, they neared the familiar cave entrance, Aeric guided Sylver to their usual hiding spot and dismounted, taking a moment to eat his breakfast before giving a part of his packed food to the wolf.

He chuckled softly as he watched Sylver sniff at the food, then gave him a stern look. "Don't finish it all at once, you hear? I might be gone for a while. From what I hear, a full Dungeon Clearance could take five to seven hours."

The cheap, rugged clothing he had both from the stranger yesterday was crumpled on the ground. Aeric picked it up and put it on, keeping his own garments safely by Sylver.

After Sylver was safely tucked away, he headed to the Dungeon Entrance on foot, silently hoping he'd arrived before the others. As he reached the clearing, he noticed a handful of other couriers loitering nearby, waiting for their own teammates.

Thankfully, there was no sign of Alzera, Kael, Bel or Ryn. 'Thank heavens.'

He quickly stood by the Dungeon Entrance and slanted in a position that made it seem like he'd been waiting for a while now.

It was only a few moments later, his gaze drifted toward the horizon, and there he spotted them marching toward him, fully outfitted in their gear, packs of supplies strapped to their backs, weapons gleaming at their sides.

He saw Alzera in the center, leading the group, her expression as stern and focused as ever, her sharp eyes scanning the area with a soldier's precision.

'It is going to be very difficult. How will I ever be able to get her to sleep with me?'

Aeric gulped, forcing himself to stay calm, squaring his shoulders as they closed the distance. There was no room for hesitation now; he would need all his wits, strength, and focus for what lay ahead.

It was showtime.