Max studied the system screen with careful focus. He hadn’t laid eyes on it in over a year, and now it had materialized at the exact instant his seed flooded Rosalia.

[Quest: Conquer Rosalia’s Heart has been updated...]

[Your current bond has risen to 59%]

His gaze lingered on Rosalia’s peaceful sleeping face. He could hardly believe that after the raw passion they had just shared, the percentage was still so frustratingly low.

"Is there more to this bond than just love and sex?" He muttered under his breath, careful not to wake her. He checked a few more times to make sure she was truly out before diving back into the system.

[The seed has been implanted inside the mate... Waiting for successful confirmation of the host’s offspring forging...]

[Current success chance: 45%... You will know the result in 14 days...]

"That’s way too long..." Max whispered. "And what if we fail? Do I have to try again?" His face flushed hot. He would gladly bury himself inside her a hundred times and never grow tired of it. But the dread of waiting so long to claim her bloodline gnawed at him.

He knew Thor would return, and this time the Thunder Dragon Emperor would march with an even more ruthless army, one strong enough to crush him and everything he held dear.

[Reward: Ice Dragon Bloodline is on hold until the offspring is confirmed...]

[Bonus Reward for acquiring the first mate: Void Magic upgrade...]

"Oh?" His eyes lit up with genuine excitement. Finally, some good news.

[Ding!]

[You have received new skills: {Void Blade} and {Void Armor}]

He snapped his fingers. A blade black as the void itself formed in his left hand. "Holy shit..." He could feel it hungrily devouring his mana like a starving beast, so he canceled it immediately.

"Mmmhmh..." Rosalia stirred. Max froze and quickly stroked her hair, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. She smiled in her sleep, her body easing back into deep slumber.

"I need to be more careful with mana..." He chuckled quietly to himself and flooded the room with fresh mana.

The words on the screen kept unfolding. Max leaned in closer, pulse quickening. It had been far too long since new powers had dropped for him to play with.

[New feature unlocked: Explore the system... By simply thinking of the system, the host can now summon the screen at any time as a reward for being a loyal follower and completing quests...]

"Nice..."

[Side Quest Received: Overthrow the Ice Dragon Clan leader and take control... Time limit: 14 days]

[Failure to complete the quest will strip the user of any chance of a successful offspring with the current mate.]

The letters finally stopped. Max waited another minute, but nothing more appeared. He smiled softly and dismissed the screen with a single thought.

"Henry... What should I do with you?" A wicked grin curled his lips, his eyes burning with dark amusement and cold killing intent.

-----

The next morning, Rosalia woke up lying on something firm. When she opened her eyes, she saw a man’s arm and nearly bolted upright. But the moment she turned and recognized Max’s face, her tense body melted. She wasn’t used to sleeping beside anyone, and the surprise made her heart stutter.

"I’m so stupid..." She slapped her forehead lightly, then snuggled back down onto his arm, this time facing him. She stared at his sleeping features for a long while, her eyes shimmering with quiet wonder.

"How did I end up with you of all people... you doombringer." She giggled softly, teasing him even though he couldn’t hear her.

Max’s eyes began to flutter. When they opened, he found her gray eyes watching him with gentle affection.

"Good morning," Rosalia said softly, her fingers brushing his cheek.

"Morning." Max smiled. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, then cupped her face in his palm. She leaned into his touch, eyes closing as she surrendered to his warmth.

"Yesterday... it was incredible..." she whispered shyly. She could still feel every powerful thrust, every deep plunge, and her pussy throbbed with a delicious soreness.

"Wanna go again right now?" Max teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. His hand slid down to her hip, pulling her closer.

"Ahh~ Not right now, you perv..." Rosalia pushed him away gently, though her shove was so weak it felt more like an invitation. Their faces drew nearer, lips hovering just short of a kiss.

Then a sudden knock at the door made both of them jump.

"Master Max, Mrs. Rosalia, the chief requests to see the two of you!" An elderly woman’s voice called out. "Urgently." She giggled, clearly aware of what the newlyweds had been about to do.

"Max, before that... can we talk a little?" Rosalia’s eyes grew serious.

After they dressed, the two of them sat on the edge of the bed. Max held her hand and rested it on his thigh.

"What is it?" His fingers caressed hers reassuringly. He noticed her open and close her mouth several times. "We’re married now. You don’t have to hold anything back. Did something happen?" He turned to face her fully, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"I don’t know... It’s just..." Rosalia’s grip on his hand tightened. "I can’t stop thinking about what my father did when you were fighting the entire army alone..." Her voice dropped to a hushed whisper.

"Why? What did he do?"

Rosalia exhaled slowly. "That day, he was ready to sacrifice you. Even if it meant losing you forever. When I tried to help, he still refused to let me or anyone else come to your aid. If Light hadn’t stepped forward and stood by my side, the rest of the clan probably would have stayed loyal to him. He—"

"I know," Max cut her off gently. "I expected no less from your father. That’s why you all showed up that day." He laughed awkwardly. He felt no real anger toward Henry; he had known it would happen the moment he stepped onto the battlefield.

"Max, look at me." Rosalia’s eyes searched his. "I want you to help me overthrow him. For the sake of the clan... I want you to become our new leader."