Game World: I Can Share Talents

Westheid’s words were sincere and heartfelt. For someone who could share a powerful Talent with him, if they were T1 or T2 level, they would be a trusted friend and subordinate.

But if they were Tier T0, they were basically his closest kin!

"Reiya... I really don’t know how I can ever thank you."

The Silver-haired Dragon Lady took hold of the hand Westheid was using to caress her cheek. Her magnificent, pale eyes, usually cold and dignified, now shone with determination as she slowly shook her head.

"Don’t thank me. Never."

"Thanking each other is a formality for strangers. Lovers who have sworn their lives to one another don’t need it. We can share everything between us. We can take anything from each other for no reason, and we can give anything without explanation... simply because we love each other."

"...You’re so right. I feel the same way."

Westheid wasn’t crushed by the Silver-haired Princess’s intense declaration; on the contrary, he agreed wholeheartedly.

Though he wasn’t quite as lovesick, he had to admit he agreed with Reiya’s philosophy.

’As long as they don’t touch my own power, I can share anything with my Apostles. Power, wealth, status—it’s all on the table.’

Reiya was wholeheartedly devoted to Westheid’s great enterprise of ascending to godhood. How could he not be moved?!

Tears streamed down his face.

Reiya took a step forward, rising slightly onto her tiptoes, and pressed her soft, cherry-like lips against Westheid’s, her breath sweet.

"West... I want to feel your heartbeat and your breath."

Westheid’s pupils widened slightly before he smiled in understanding.

’Oh, so that’s what this was all about. I was wondering why the White-haired Dragon Lady would take the initiative to seek credit for her actions.’

The Silver-haired Princess was a person of refined tastes. In her view, intercourse should be a sacred act. Just getting down to it the moment the mood struck—that sort of crude behavior was fit only for uncivilized Beastmen. So what should a civilized person do?

First, one must find a pretext, create the right atmosphere, whisper sweet nothings, and discuss philosophy, history, and literature. They should talk of time and fate, gaze upon the clear, starry sky, inhale the fragrance of blooming flowers, and listen to beautiful melodies.

And only then can the "juicing" begin.

Of course, the most crucial part was to do something that would move one’s lover, thereby earning the right to claim a reward with a clear conscience.

’Right, a reward! A hefty reward is absolutely in order!’

Even if it was just for the border territory Reiya had promised him, Westheid had to give it his all. He couldn’t let his meritorious contributor feel slighted!

And so, Westheid transformed into a pastry chef, focusing his efforts on making cream puffs.

’Hmph. Duke Qinghui isn’t one to boast, but when it’s just the White-haired Dragon Lady... I’m not that intimidated. I’ve always managed to maintain a slight edge over her.’

...

While Westheid was deeply engrossed in his "diligent plowing," Hecate, having left the Qinghui Territory, returned to the Ring of Clear Skies.

The headquarters of the Ring of Clear Skies was located deep in the Borderland, very close to the Chaos Domain but far from the Realm of Order. Logically, such a place should have been a desolate wilderness, incapable of prospering.

But because of the existence of the Ring of Clear Skies, it had been forcibly transformed into a massive City of Magic, a fortress territory.

As the leading power in the Borderland, the Ring of Clear Skies commanded a vast force of its own, even without considering the settlements that depended on it.

It was, of course, incomparable to a behemoth like the Realm of Order, but it could certainly hold its own against a single Imperial Province—an Imperial Province, mind you, not the Branch of Prosperity.

Beneath the barrier cast by the Circle of Clear Skies lay a major stronghold, one that was in no way inferior to the border fortresses of the Realm of Order.

Tens of thousands of Secret Silver Guards patrolled the thick, rune-covered barriers on the outskirts, assisted by constructs and war machines, ever vigilant against attacks from the Chaos Tide.

Within the city, merchants, envoys, and residents created a lively clamor. Outsiders supplied the Ring of Clear Skies with massive quantities of goods, which was also how the organization maintained its relationships with its subordinate factions.

And at the very center stood the great tower that housed the Witch Council, serving as both an administrative and research hub.

TAP, TAP, TAP—

The crisp sound of footsteps echoed in the high tower’s corridor. A Red-haired Witch in a black gauze dress walked slowly, and the Apprentices and servants on either side stepped back and bowed as she passed.

Although Demon Practitioners were universally condemned in the Realm of Order, here at the headquarters of the Ring of Clear Skies, the authority of a Witch was unquestionable.

After all, the total number of Witches in the entire Ring of Clear Skies did not exceed ten. This was an extremely small number, even for a secret society. The requirements to become a Witch were simply too demanding; there were too few people with the necessary talent and potential. And even among those with potential, very few could survive the transformation of the Evil Magic Vein.

Hecate proceeded directly to the upper levels of the great tower. The higher one went, the more clearance was required, and the floor where she stopped was accessible to only a select few.

Beneath a ceiling shimmering with the light of magic, the round-table hall glittered like a starlit sky. The Witches of the Ring of Clear Skies were gathered together.

In the silence, Hecate calmly made her way to her seat, sitting down as she gently smoothed her black skirt.

"Hecate, welcome back."

The first to speak was a Witch with raven-black hair, seated in the ornate and dignified head seat.

She wore a long gown outlined in black and gold, with wide, flared sleeves. A white, double-breasted shirt beneath it tightly constrained her fine figure, with one button looking like it was about to give way under the strain.

Her slender, black-gloved hands were crossed, cradling her delicate, snow-white chin. A faint smile touched her cool and intelligent face.

"We’ve already heard about what you did. Without a doubt, it was a great victory against Chaos. You’ve done well."

"Chairwoman Elaine."

Hecate gave a slight nod to the raven-haired Witch and said:

"This victory wasn’t due to me, but the technique I developed was indeed a success. The results were quite good."

The moment she finished speaking, joyous cries erupted from the quiet round table:

"Ha! You mean the ultimate weapon against Chaos?!"

"I’ve seen the field reports... If the effects are real, then it is indeed the most powerful ultimate weapon we have at our disposal."

"Hecate! You did it! You really did it!"

"I’d like to exchange notes with you later..."

"..."

"Let’s save the academic discussion for later."

Elaine raised her hand, interrupting the group’s excited chatter, and then said:

"I heard you had something to say to all our sisters, which is why I’ve gathered everyone. You may speak now."

The organizational structure of the Ring of Clear Skies was that of a council. Every Witch held a seat, and the one most endorsed by the sisters served as the Chairwoman.

However, despite being a council, as long as they didn’t do anything to harm the interests of the Ring of Clear Skies, the Witches were free to act on their own. The entire membership was only convened to discuss matters of great importance.

And not long ago, Hecate had sent a request to Chairwoman Elaine to assemble them.

"Yes, there is something I must make clear to you all."

The captivating Witch with fiery red hair stood up and said slowly:

"I believe the Ring of Clear Skies should establish a deeper level of cooperation with the Qinghui Territory. Or rather, we should ally ourselves completely with the Qinghui Territory."