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Chapter 7

Author: Thousand Cranes
Outside Cosa City.

The Trial Grounds lay just beyond the city limits—a training zone where low-level spirits roamed, meant for newly awakened students to test their abilities.

But lately, ever since two A-rank ghosts began prowling nearby, the entire area had turned volatile. The lesser spirits had grown frenzied, and stronger entities were beginning to emerge.

"Neo… do you think we can make it out alive?"

A girl no older than thirteen or fourteen leaned weakly against a tree. Her legs were badly rotted, her lips pale, sweat beading down her forehead. She was enduring unimaginable pain, her voice trembling as she struggled to speak.

"Luna, don't worry," Neo Cielo said, forcing calm into his voice. "I've already sent a message to the ghost-hunting squad. They'll be here soon. You'll be fine. You'll be fine."

"It'll be at least an hour before they arrive," Xavier Velasco, who had come with the siblings for training, spoke grimly.

An hour… Luna Cielo might not last that long.

Neo's face darkened, but he continued to comfort her. "It won't take that long. I bought insurance—they'll prioritize emergencies like this. They'll get here fast. You're not going to die."

Insurance. A safeguard system provided by Cosa City for awakened individuals. With limited rescue forces, the city relied on such measures to protect those venturing outside.

A heavy, dragging breath echoed through the air.

All three froze instantly.

A B-rank ghost appeared. It was this very creature that had driven them into this desperate situation.

The trio had trained together for over a year. Their coordination was solid, and they were at the Acolyte-level—strong enough to treat the Trial Grounds like their backyard.

But against a B-rank ghost… especially one at the Adept Realm? They stood no chance. Surviving this long was already a miracle.

"It's coming this way!" Luna's voice trembled as her body temperature dropped further.

"No escaping now. We fight." Xavier drew his weapon—a steel bow. He was a Weapon Path Awakened.

At the same time, a blood-red sword materialized in Neo's hand.

Luna tried to help, but the agony in her legs made it impossible to focus.

"Three minutes. The Ghost Hunters will be here in three minutes!" Neo checked the latest update. His eyes widened, then hope ignited. It was faster than expected.

"Three minutes?" Xavier let out a bitter laugh. "We won't even last one."

They knew the enemy too well. Even at full strength, they couldn't survive a minute—let alone now, with Luna injured.

"We'll do what we can."

Neo tightened his grip on the blood-red blade, eyes locked forward, ready to die fighting.

Rustle… rustle…

The grass parted softly. Under the pale moonlight, a shadow crept closer.

"Attack!" Neo roared.

At that exact moment, another voice rang out, "Are you the ones who called for help?"

Neo froze, abruptly halting. "Stop! That's not a ghost!"

But it was too late. Tension had already snapped tight—Xavier's arrow had been released.

"Damn it!"

A pale hand flashed before their eyes. The arrow shattered instantly.

The Crimson Bride stood there, having snapped it effortlessly.

Miles stepped forward, glancing at the three of them. "You're the ones, right?"

"Y-you… who are you?" Xavier stared in shock. It was unthinkable—another human, out here at this hour?

"Just passing by," Miles replied casually. "Saw you were in trouble, so I came over."

Obviously, he wasn't about to mention the system.

"Passing by?" Neo frowned. That sounded way too convenient.

Miles's gaze shifted to Luna's legs. Without hesitation, he pulled out a pouch of medicinal powder.

"This will help. Bear with it."

He applied the powder directly onto her wounds.

"Ahh—!"

Luna cried out in pain.

"Hold on. It'll pass."

Miles worked quickly, wrapping the wounds with gauze and bandages in practiced motions.

"All set. You should be able to move now."

[Mission complete. Reward: Summon Points +1010, Strength +1, Essence +1, Agility +1]

The extra ten points came from the 1% bonus achievement.

[Title acquired — Helping Hand: Actively assisting others in need and earning their goodwill.]

[Rewards: Strength +1, Intelligence +1, Essence +1, Morality +1]

As expected, going the extra mile paid off.

"Th-thank you…" Luna whispered.

When her eyes met Miles's, her heart jolted violently. Her cheeks flushed as she quickly looked away.

'What's happening…? Why am I so nervous…?'

Her pulse raced uncontrollably, unfamiliar emotions stirring deep within her.

She stole another glance, only to meet his gaze again. Her face burned hotter as she turned away.

'He's looking at me… He's really looking at me… He's so handsome…"

Her thoughts spiraled into a fluttering daze. Even the pain in her legs seemed to vanish.

"Hmm?"

Miles noticed her reaction instantly. The flushed face, the evasive gaze…

Ah. The Wicked Charm effect. So that was what the skill did.

If he pushed a little further…

He cut that thought off immediately.

Now was not the time.

"Thank you for the medicine," Neo said gratefully. Despite Miles's youth, his strength warranted respect. "Did you happen to see that B-rank ghost?"

"That one?" Miles shrugged. "I dealt with it on the way."

"You killed it?"

Neo and Xavier were stunned. They hadn't sensed anything, and yet the ghost was already gone? What kind of power did this dude have?

"An A-rank ghost detected! Survivors confirmed—responding to their distress signal! Reinforcements, move in!"

Suddenly, urgent shouts echoed from the distance.

"The Ghost Hunter Squad! We're safe!" Neo exclaimed, relief flooding his voice. He quickly helped Luna up, and they rushed out.

"Stay back! It's dangerous out there!" the Ghost Hunters shouted as they approached.

But it was too late. The three stepped out—and froze.

Their eyes landed on the Crimson Bride.

Their legs went weak.

"A… A-rank ghost!"

Xavier's teeth chattered uncontrollably.

"Damn it! I'll hold it off—you run!"

The Ghost Hunters charged forward despite knowing they stood no chance. Even a few seconds of distraction could mean survival for the others.

"Wait!" Miles shouted, but it was already happening.

He turned sharply to the Crimson Bride. "Don't kill them. Just knock them back!"

She paused, then altered her strike at the last instant. Her claw became an open palm, sending the Ghost Hunters flying instead of tearing them apart.

If Miles had been even a second slower, they would've been reduced to corpses.

"She's not an enemy," Miles said calmly. "She's my summon."
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    "You want them all?"Charlie froze. He had never encountered anyone like Miles. Normally, you pick one, but Miles wanted them all."Not allowed? Fine, then I won't take any," Miles said casually, sliding the Crimson Bride's hand into his as he turned to leave."Since you fancy them all, consider it their good fortune," Charlie said with a smile. He looked at the five girls. "From now on, you are Miles's wives. Serve him well."The five girls nodded obediently, expressionless.The ritual concluded, and Miles returned to his room, preparing for the next phase of his plan. But as he entered, he froze. The same five girls, now in tattered clothes, were waiting inside, ready to obey his command."Damn… they're so eager—more eager than me. Are all women in Grimstead this wild?" Miles muttered, grinning, and lunged forward.Five minutes later, Miles had subdued all five."Trying to use beauty to bind me… but I'm not that kind of man," he declared with feigned righteousness.Though at

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