The thought brought a wave of genuine sorrow to Li Ke's heart.
Sensing his sudden melancholy, Roche, who was still binging on her food, bared her small fangs and flashed him a ferocious look.
"The look in your eyes is getting really annoying..." She could tell his gaze was incredibly rude.
Yet, looking at her adorable expression and realizing that she would never become a mature, older-sister type with a voluptuous chest, Li Ke's sorrow threatened to overflow completely. He reflexively covered his mouth to stop himself from crying.
"It's nothing. I just felt a sudden wave of grief."
Roche came dangerously close to snapping the chopsticks in her hand. "Why do I feel an urge to kill you that grows stronger by the second...?"
Ruohua let out another heavy sigh. She felt like ever since Li Ke returned, the number of times she sighed per day had skyrocketed.
"So, do you actually intend to develop this power?" she asked, having already read between the lines of his plan.
"Yeah, pretty much. After all, rather than running away from it, I prefer to study it, understand exactly what it is, and then decide for myself whether or not to use it."
Li Ke nodded. He had no intention of abandoning this strength. It was highly obvious that this power was actually World Power, or something similar, that Seria had unknowingly returned to him—she just wasn't aware of it herself.
"I see..."
Ruohua pursed her lips. Ever since she had been defeated by Li Ke, there was one thing she had desperately wanted to do.
She wanted to spar with him.
During their previous battle, she noticed that while Li Ke's fundamental skills were incredibly solid, he completely outmatched her in raw power, speed, and reflexes. Only by fighting an opponent of that caliber could she truly identify her own weaknesses. However, because Li Ke would gain absolutely nothing from sparring with her, she had refrained from bringing it up.
But now that Li Ke wanted to test his new abilities, it might be the perfect opportunity for them to engage in combat training together.
"I still think this power is unnecessary, Li Ke," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she tried to dissuade him. "Any power that demands the sacrifice of your rationality and sanity just isn't worth it."
Seria also cast a worried glance at Li Ke, silently wishing he would give up on this dangerous force.
"She's right, Li Ke. That kind of power just sounds incredibly wrong."
However, Li Ke simply shook his head.
In truth, he felt a lingering sense of frustration. The fact that he had been manipulated by the Forbidden Power with practically zero resistance—completely powerless to fight back—deeply bothered him. If someone else out there possessed a similar ability, wouldn't he immediately become a puppet?
Therefore, dedicated training was an absolute necessity. He had to master it. Li Ke refused to allow himself to have such a glaring weakness.
Besides, it all came down to that same old principle.
Possessing a flawed power was still infinitely better than having no power at all when you desperately needed it.
"The sword is already in my hand, and a sword in hand is meant to be drawn."
He who bears a sharp blade will naturally harbor an urge to strike. Thus, it was far better to analyze and experiment with it the moment it was acquired. After all, it wasn't as if he couldn't snap out of that state. He just needed a few trials to determine the exact conditions under which it was safe to use.
"If that's how it is..."
Ruohua let out a quiet sigh. She finally understood the depth of Li Ke's resolve. Though she didn't know why he craved power just as intensely as she did, her strong sense of responsibility wouldn't allow her to simply stand by and watch.
"...In that case, I will help you train to control this power, and in return, you can help me with my training as well. However..."
As Ruohua spoke, she unfastened the bracer from her arm. It was her gravity-control device. Turning her gaze toward Roche, she asked, "Roche, can you modify this bracer to support remote control? Specifically, using magic to adjust its gravity multipliers without needing to touch it."
Since Li Ke was dead set on going through with this, establishing proper safety measures was absolutely essential. She had promised Tangji that she would look after Li Ke, and she intended to see that promise through. She had no intention of backing out now.
However, Roche simply shook her head.
"I can't do that. Merchandise like this is usually protected by incredibly sturdy magical seals. So as far as I'm concerned, it's impossible. My magical research doesn't cover this field."
She felt like Ruohua was intentionally making things difficult for her!
Just as Ruohua was about to pull the bracer back, Seria spoke up.
"Um... could you let me try?"
Seria's voice left Ruohua a bit puzzled, but she handed the bracer over anyway. "You actually know magic?"
Seria nodded. "Just a little bit. But this happens to be something I can handle..."
She took the bracer. Under the watchful eyes of Li Ke and the others, a faint glow manifested in her hands. A moment later, the magical runes inscribed on the bracer began to shift. The ordinary green band transformed, taking on a radiant golden hue.
While Ruohua and Roche could only sense the residual ripple of raw magic, Li Ke perceived something entirely different.
World Power.
The force Seria had just channeled was undeniably World Power!
Li Ke wasn't particularly surprised by this. Since Seria could absorb his World Power, it only made sense that she could wield it as well; it wasn't anything far-fetched. Besides, the fact that Seria possessed magical capabilities had long ceased to be a novelty.
Amidst the fading light, a slightly breathless Seria finally finished the modifications. Opening her eyes, she handed the bracer back to Ruohua.
"The modifications are complete. Simply speaking the words 'Double Weight' will trigger the bracer's gravity magic and multiply the gravitational pull. I also added a few enchantments designed to soothe and calm the mind."
As she spoke, she completely forgot her self-proclaimed identity as a simple village girl. Ruohua and Roche showed no intention of prying, but the moment Ruohua gripped the band, a profound sense of tranquility washed over her.
However, because her mind was naturally calm to begin with, she didn't pay it much mind. Instead, she tossed the bracer directly to Li Ke.
"You'll be using this for the time being. If you end up going berserk, we'll at least have a way to keep you in check."
Li Ke didn't put on any fake modesty. Since she had chosen to help him today, he would simply repay the favor down the line. He wasn't like one of those typical web novel protagonists who took everyone else's help completely for granted.
"Thanks."
With a quick word of gratitude, Li Ke slipped the bracer onto his arm. Instantly, a crushing weight slammed into his body, making his breathing turn heavy and ragged.
Even lifting his hand became stiff and agonizingly slow. It was clear that the gravity multiplier Ruohua had turned on was exceptionally high.
However, an entirely different sensation quickly overpowered the physical strain.
Tranquility. A profound stillness washed over him, wiping away every stray thought until all he wanted to do was sit there quietly.
"How does it feel?" Ruohua asked.
"I think it's worth trying to channel the Forbidden Power one more time," Li Ke said, raising a single finger.
"Go ahead. It's the perfect chance to see if this thing can actually keep you in check." Ruohua didn't object. Sensing that the mind-calming enchantment Seria had placed on the bracer was highly potent, she was curious to see if it would work under pressure.
Li Ke closed his eyes. In the next instant, the invisible force began to course through his body. Yet within the darkness of his mind, there was nothing to fuel his stray impulses. The bracer, infused with World Power, steadily anchored his consciousness and dispelled any rising cognitive noise.
Even the chaotic murmurs of resentment flooding his mind alongside the Forbidden Power were significantly muffled by the bracer's influence, their frantic screams and mental interference dialed down to a faint whisper.
As expected of Seria.
Li Ke internally gave Seria a massive thumbs-up and opened his eyes.
However, the very second his eyelids parted, that blissful inner peace evaporated into thin air.
Ruohua sat right across from him. Clad in her revealing tight clothes, her plump thighs were tightly bound by the fabric, looking incredibly enticing. Her obscene breast volume and wheat-colored skin were boundlessly seductive. In the glow of the campfire, the interplay of light and shadow over her body made her look more and more irresistible.
Especially when Li Ke opened his eyes, her breathing grew rapid and ragged out of sheer tension, causing her majestic breasts to shake up and down continuously.
Seria sat right beside her in a classic, modest maidenly pose, gazing at him with eyes full of deep worry and genuine concern.
Yet, the young girl's pale, slender calves and her feet clad in socks and leather boots were completely exposed. Looking at her delicate lines made Li Ke instantly want to make her let out endless screams.
Even Roche, this legal lolita, had a trace of lingering fear and anxiety in her eyes. Her fingers and toes curled instinctively, terrified that Li Ke might fly into a frenzied rage again. The sudden, overwhelming urge to bully a child rushed into Li Ke's mind once more.
In a split second, a complex web of schemes materialized in Li Ke's mind, plotting exactly how to feign total normalcy so they wouldn't realize he was under the influence of the Forbidden Power, all so he could make his move later.
Because of this, a jarring realization finally hit him.
Ah... this is completely uncontrollable! My willpower is actually pathetic!
Li Ke desperately wanted to clutch his head and weep at his own internal chaos, but the overwhelming surge of desire forced his face to remain entirely expressionless, maintaining a perfect poker face.
Yeah, the visual contrast between them is just too intense under these conditions. Ruohua's wheat-colored skin and striking figure are incredibly distracting, okay?! Besides, looking at Roche, the urge to completely dominate and break her composure is overwhelming!
These kinds of thoughts continuously flooded his mind. Despite the chaotic inner monologue, his spoken words remained remarkably steady and calm.
"It looks like Seria's magic is working perfectly. I don't feel any of those strange impulses at all right now."
Li Ke let out a silent sigh. He had talked a big game earlier, but the moment he entered this state, his subconscious desperately resisted breaking out of it. This kind of mindset was truly...
This was exactly what made this power so utterly terrifying!
"Are you really okay?"
Ruohua cast a suspicious glance at Li Ke, tilting her head. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"I already told you I'm fine. You guys are just stressing out over nothing."
Li Ke shook his head, doing his best to act exasperated, but his mind was already racing with schemes on how to get physically intimate with this female fighter!
"If you say so..." Ruohua still felt a lingering doubt, but since Li Ke was acting completely normal, she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong.
"Of course. Alright, let's get some sleep."
Li Ke waved his hand. The overwhelming surge of desire forced him to violently suppress his impulses. He actually felt a twisted sense of admiration for himself—to think that even after losing his rationality, he could pull off such disciplined restraint just to achieve his ultimate goals!
It was absolutely legendary!
Li Ke immediately lay down to sleep. Ruohua shook her head and took the first night watch. Meanwhile, Li Ke kept his eyes shut, his mind entirely consumed by thoughts of Seria's breasts until the second half of the night.
But this was undoubtedly like drinking poison to quench a thirst. Although the Forbidden Power wasn't actively increasing, the combination of his own horniness and the lust amplified by the system's force made his insides burn, feeling as though his brain was on the verge of exploding!
When the second half of the night finally rolled around, Li Ke crawled out of his blankets to take over the watch. Right then, Ruohua stood up and stretched right in front of him.
The sight of her full, voluptuous breasts nearly shattered Li Ke's mental fortitude, tempting him to lunging forward and ravage the girl right then and there. Yet, he somehow held back!
Endure! If I attack Ruohua now, I'll end up with nothing! As long as I make it to Hendon Myre, this king can just use his money to recruit beautiful women willing to become my mistresses! This is something my normal self would absolutely never do!
Li Ke clenched his fists tightly. However, Ruohua was startled by his sudden intensity, especially since Li Ke's eyes were completely bloodshot!
"Are you... really okay?"
Looking at his crimson eyes and a face that looked pushed to its absolute limits, she instantly realized something was desperately wrong.
"I'm fine..."
Li Ke forced out a smile, but due to the immense mental strain, his grin looked utterly terrifying. This complete failure to hide his condition caused Ruohua to shake her head in sheer exasperation.
"You... are truly terrifying."
Ruohua wasn't stupid. Sensing the bizarre atmosphere and remembering what Li Ke had explained earlier, she immediately realized he was trying to hide something. The most likely scenario was that he had already succumbed to the power but was forcing himself to pretend otherwise, waiting for everyone to drop their guard so he could make a move.
Since she had felt something was off from the start, she directly confronted him.
"You've already lost your rationality, haven't you... Seriously, what kind of obsession could possibly allow you to fake being normal even after losing your sanity?"
With his eyes completely bloodshot, Li Ke answered without a single shred of hesitation.
"Building a harem! As long as I hide it until we reach Hendon Myre, I can take full advantage of this irrational state to build my harem, and afterward, I can just blame it all on losing my sanity!"
His unyielding resolve, his pride as a future harem king, absolutely forbade him from lying!
Hearing such a mind-boggling, explosive confession, Ruohua couldn't help but sigh heavily. If it were anyone else, she might have been shocked. But since it was Li Ke, she suddenly realized there was no point in being surprised anymore. It wasn't shocking at all for this guy to pull off something like this.
Especially in this state of lost sanity.
"...Could you please not say your premeditated excuses out loud? How about we spar right now? Or should I wake Seria up so you can vent your desires?"
Ruohua cross her arms over her chest, which only drew Li Ke's gaze directly to her massive cleavage.
"I'm sorry, but right now, my heart only desires giant breasts."
When Li Ke said this, his eyes remained completely locked onto Ruohua's chest without blinking once, causing her to cover her chest in sudden embarrassment.
"You absolute bastard..."
"What's wrong with a man loving giant breasts?!"
"..."
Her face flushed bright red, though she couldn't tell if it was from sheer anger or embarrassment. Li Ke's aggressive, predatory gaze left her completely at a loss for words. She glanced at the soundly sleeping Seria, and then looked back at Li Ke, who looked like he might snap and pounce at any second, before letting out another helpless sigh.
"If you use your hand... I'll let you do that kind of thing while looking at my chest."
This was the absolute limit of her compromise.
If she left Li Ke alone in this crazed state, heaven only knew what kind of atrocities he might commit. After all, she had no confidence in blocking that terrifying sword strike he used to slay the Minotaur.
Besides... it was just being looked at...