Recap of the Previous Chapter
At the Stern Family Council, Max destroyed Victor's safe little plan with a ruthless proposal to seize the Three Dragon Syndicate. The elders were shaken, but the Patriarch was intrigued, clearly favoring Max. Later, Elena secretly surrendered to Max in the study, moaning his name without shame. But as she clung to him, the door creaked open—revealing none other than Grandfather Stern.
The Patriarch's Eyes
The old man stood tall despite his age, his sharp cane tapping once against the wooden floor. His eyes, cold and calculating, lingered on Max's posture, then shifted to Elena's flushed lips and the way her gown slipped slightly off her shoulder.
Elena froze, her body trembling. "G-Grandfather Stern…" she stammered, pulling at her gown to hide the marks Max had left on her neck.
But the Patriarch didn't look at her. His piercing gaze was fixed solely on Max.
"So," Grandfather Stern said at last, his voice calm but deadly. "You dare to humiliate Victor in open council, and now you dare to claim his fiancée behind closed doors."
Max didn't flinch. Instead, he smirked. "I don't 'dare,' Grandfather. I simply take what I want."
Elena gasped, terrified. That arrogance could mean his death.
But Grandfather Stern's lips twitched into the faintest smile. "Boldness… just like your father once had."
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Hidden Mission Triggered: Prove Your Worth to the Patriarch
Objective: Survive the Patriarch's Test.
Reward: Unlock System Store Tier 2.
Failure: Permanent RP penalty (-1000).
The Invitation
The old man turned his back and walked toward the hall. "Follow me. Both of you."
Elena glanced at Max, panic flooding her eyes. But Max simply straightened his suit and followed.
They were led into a sealed chamber beneath the estate. Torches flickered against stone walls. A circle of black marble dominated the center, carved with runes.
"Do you know what this place is?" Grandfather asked.
Max's eyes narrowed. "An arena."
"Correct. For generations, the heirs of Stern have been tested here. Victor was tested. His father before him. And now… you."
Elena clutched Max's arm. "No, Grandfather, please—he's not ready—"
"Silence, girl," the old man snapped. "If he is to touch what is mine, he must prove himself."
The First Trial – Shadow Duel
From hidden doors, armed men in masks stepped forward. They carried curved blades, their bodies scarred.
"Kill them," Grandfather said flatly. "Or die here."
Elena screamed. "No! You can't—"
But Max pulled her gently aside, eyes glinting with savage delight. "Stay back, Elena. Watch."
The first masked fighter lunged.
Max dodged effortlessly, his movements precise. He grabbed the man's wrist, twisted, and slammed him into the marble floor, bones cracking.
Another swung his blade, but Max's new Intimidation Aura pulsed. The man's hands shook, his strike faltered, and Max drove a fist into his throat.
Within minutes, the arena floor was painted red. Max stood over the fallen bodies, chest barely rising.
Grandfather Stern's cane tapped twice. "Impressive. You've inherited more than just arrogance."
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Objective Progress: Shadow Duel Complete+600 RP+400 SPBonus Skill: Bloodlust Edge – Attacks deal extra psychological damage when opponents fear you.
The Patriarch's Curiosity
The old man studied him with renewed interest. "Max… tell me. Why do you fight? For money? For power? For the girl?"
Max wiped his hands on a fallen man's cloak, his smirk cruel. "I fight because it amuses me to take what others cling to. Money, women, thrones—it's all the same. If Victor has it, I'll take it."
Elena shivered at his words, torn between fear and forbidden excitement.
Grandfather Stern chuckled darkly. "Then perhaps you truly are fit for this family."
Elena's Betrayal of Loyalty
After the trial, Grandfather dismissed the guards and left them alone in the chamber. Elena immediately rushed to Max, tears brimming in her eyes.
"You could've died! Why… why did you risk everything?"
Max cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Because the System demands it. And because watching you tremble for me makes it worthwhile."
She trembled harder. "Max… I can't stop. Even here, after what you did, I just want you."
Her lips crashed against his. She moaned shamelessly, echoing in the stone chamber.
"Mmm… Max… more… ahhh!"
Her moans were louder, rawer, bouncing off the marble walls like a forbidden hymn.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Moans Detected – Resonance Effect (Arena Amplification)+500 RP+600 SPBonus Unlocked: Elena's Loyalty – "Devotion."
New Feature Unlocked: System Store Tier 2
Purchase advanced skills, items, and perks.
A Sudden Voice
But as Elena clung to Max, kissing him desperately, another voice entered the chamber.
"Enjoying yourself, brother?"
Max froze. Elena gasped, pulling away.
Victor stood in the doorway, his eyes bloodshot, his fists trembling. He had watched enough to understand everything.
The humiliation at the council was nothing compared to this. His fiancée—moaning, kissing, surrendering to his rival—in the sacred trial chamber.
Victor's face twisted into pure hatred.
"You think you've won, Max?" he spat. "You've just declared war on me. And I'll burn everything you love until you choke on the ashes."
[SYSTEM ALERT]
New Rival Mission Triggered: Victor's Wrath
Objective: Crush Victor completely before he crushes you.
Time Limit: 30 days.
Reward: Unique Skill Domination Over Heirs.
Failure: Permanent exile from Stern Family.
Cliffhanger
Victor's voice echoed through the chamber:
"From this moment, Max… you are my enemy. And enemies don't live long in this family."
The torches flared, shadows dancing across the walls as Elena clung tighter to Max, trembling between terror and lust.
End of Chapter 5