The Hidden Monster of House Vale

The moment Seraphina tried to summon her cultivation, a cold dread washed through her veins. Nothing. No warmth of astral energy, no pulse of power beneath her skin. The familiar current that had flowed through her meridians for years had vanished completely.

"My cultivation... it's gone."

She spoke the words aloud, more to hear them than to confirm what she already knew. But to her credit, she didn't panic. She had heard of such trials before—tests designed to strip away everything a cultivator relied upon, forcing them to rely on raw instinct and physical prowess. The monsters that dwelt within these ancient dungeons were not meant to be fought with cultivation alone.

The red horse before her was a nightmare made flesh. Its hooves struck the cloud-like ground with earth-shattering force, each impact sending tremors through the ethereal platform. Yellow fire cascaded from its mane like liquid gold, and each breath it took sent plumes of flame curling from its nostrils. The beast moved with impossible speed, leaving afterimages in its wake.

Seraphina's muscles tensed as she tracked its movements. Though her cultivation was sealed, she was still a Realm Master—her physical body had been tempered through years of training and refinement. To a mortal, she would appear as a goddess of war. Against this creature, she was merely fighting for survival.

Her sword sang as it left its sheath, the blade catching the fiery light of the horse's mane. She lunged, aiming for its flank, but the beast was already gone, its form blurring as it repositioned. She struck again and again, each attack finding only empty air. The horse's attack pattern shifted constantly, never giving her a moment to predict its next move.

Seraphina's eyes flicked toward Lucien, and something in his expression must have conveyed his thoughts. Her lips curved into a small, determined smile.

She had an idea.

The horse charged again, its eyes blazing with fury. Seraphina stood her ground, baiting the beast, taunting it with her stillness. The monster took the bait, lowering its head like a battering ram, flames erupting from its nostrils as it accelerated.

At the very last moment—so close she could feel the heat singing her skin—she threw herself to the side. The horse crashed into the ruins of an ancient stone pillar, the impact shattering the structure into a thousand fragments. Dust and debris filled the air.

Now.

Seraphina was already moving, her blade dancing toward the horse's exposed flank. She scored a shallow cut across its hide before the beast recovered, screaming in fury as it wheeled around to face her.

The strategy was sound but risky. Each time she baited the monster, she risked being caught in its charge. And if she took too long, the creature would eventually learn, would adapt to her trickery. Time was not her ally.

Lucien was watching her.

Instead of speaking, he made a small gesture toward the bag he had given her earlier.

Her eyes widened.

The bag.

She almost forgot about it.

While dodging another attack, she opened it.

Inside were several items that immediately shocked her. Primordial Soul Seeds. Legendary treasures that could strengthen the very foundation of one's soul. They were worth more than most noble families could afford in a decade.

And beside them, nestled in silk wrapping, were Astral Marrow Pills—rare elixirs that could enhance physical strength and cultivation. Even the Thornveil family in their prime had only possessed a handful of these treasures.

But it was the final item that made her breath catch.

The Thunderstep Portion. A liquid lightning contained within a crystalline vial. It could grant the drinker speed beyond imagination, moving at the speed of thought itself. The ingredients for such a portion were said to be lost to time.

Seraphina's eyes found Lucien's through the barrier, and she understood.

The Thornveil family had fallen from grace. They could no longer afford such luxuries. But Lucien had seen her struggle, had anticipated her need, and had prepared for it.

She didn't have time to thank him. The horse was already charging again.

Seraphina swallowed the Primordial Soul Seeds in rapid succession. The moment they hit her stomach, warmth exploded through her body. Her soul, which had felt strained and weary from the battle, suddenly felt whole again. The seeds worked their miracle, reinforcing the very essence of her being.

Then came the Astral Marrow Pill. She bit down on the hard substance, and it dissolved into a liquid that spread through her veins like fire. Her muscles tightened, her bones strengthened, her very cells screamed with newfound power.

Her cultivation surged. The sealed power within her strained against its prison, but the dungeon's restrictions held firm. What she gained was not access to her abilities but a fundamental increase in her physical baseline.

Mid Spirit Forge Realm to Late Spirit Forge Realm.

Even without her cultivation, her body now possessed the strength and resilience of a cultivator at that level. If she could use her powers, this fight would have been over in seconds. But even without them, she was now a force to be reckoned with.

The Thunderstep Portion remained in her hand. She would save it for the right moment.

The horse lunged again, but this time Seraphina was ready. She didn't dodge—she met the beast head-on, her body flowing with grace that had been impossible moments before. Her fist connected with the horse's jaw, and the creature stumbled back, shock evident in its burning eyes.

Seraphina ripped a tree from the ground, its roots tearing through the cloud-like soil, and hurled it at the horse. The massive trunk slammed into the beast, sending it skidding across the platform.

She tore sections from ruined houses, using them as makeshift weapons. Stone walls, wooden beams, broken furniture—everything became ammunition in her relentless assault.

The horse's eyes grew wild, its fury mounting. The flames in its mane intensified, burning hotter, spreading to everything they touched. But despite its rage, it couldn't touch her. The battle had shifted completely.

Then something changed.

The horse's back split open, and massive wings unfurled from its spine. They were enormous, each one large enough to blot out the sky. With a single beat, they created a hurricane that sent debris flying in all directions.

When the beast took to the air, it became something else entirely. It rained fire from above, its wings sending gale-force winds that blinded and battered Seraphina. Houses crumbled. Temples shattered. Everything in its path was destroyed.

Seraphina's heart raced. This was no longer a fight she could win with physical strength alone.

She uncorked the Thunderstep Portion and drank deeply.

The liquid lightning burned through her veins, and suddenly, everything slowed. The wind became a gentle breeze. The fire fell like lazy rain. The horse's movements seemed almost sluggish.

And Seraphina moved.

A crack of red lightning marked her passage as she launched herself toward the airborne beast. Her body trailed arcs of crimson electricity, and the friction of her speed set her clothes ablaze. She didn't feel the heat. She felt only power.

In one second, she struck the horse's head a thousand times. Each blow was precise, targeting the same point on its skull. The monster screamed, its wings faltering, and together they fell.

They crashed onto the cloud platform, sending up a wave of ethereal mist. Seraphina landed astride the beast's neck, her hand pressed against its forehead.

"Let's see how much longer you can take this... you bastard."

She poured all her will into the taming technique, forcing her astral energy—what little she could access—into the horse's consciousness. Its mental defenses had been shattered by her assault, leaving it vulnerable to the bond.

The creature thrashed beneath her, but she held firm. Slowly, ever so slowly, its resistance faded. The flame in its mane dimmed. Its frantic heart calmed.

And then, with a flash of blinding light, the bond was formed.

Seraphina opened her eyes to find the beast transformed. Its color had shifted from fiery red to pure white, like fresh snow or summer clouds. Its build was still muscular, still powerful, but there was a grace to it now, a majesty that hadn't been present before. Its eyes held intelligence and loyalty.

"You're... a woman?" Seraphina said, surprised by the information that flowed through their bond. "From now on, your name will be Seramane."

The horse whinnied softly, nudging her hand with its head.

Seraphina smiled, stroking the creature's mane. She had never expected to bond with a dungeon monster, but here she was, with a legendary beast at her side.

The veil that had separated her from the outside world lifted, the trial completed. Through the opening, she saw Lucien waiting.

She ran to him, closing the distance in a heartbeat, and threw her arms around him. He caught her, pulling her close, and she felt the tension leave her body for the first time since entering the dungeon.

"Lucien..." she breathed.

His hand found its way to her hip, squeezing gently. "Seramane, hmm? You named her after yourself?"

"It's a beautiful name," she murmured.

"Beautiful indeed." He smiled, his thumb tracing small circles on her hip. "Just like you."

Seraphina's cheeks flushed, but a mischievous thought crossed her mind. "Maybe I should have named her Lucien instead. That way, I could say I ride Lucien all day long."

The words escaped before she could stop them, and she immediately buried her face in his chest, mortified. "I'm not that type of girl who jokes like that! Please don't misunderstand."

Lucien's laugh was warm, his hand moving from her hip to cup her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Misunderstand? I'm afraid it's too late for that. Now I can't wait for you to ride Lucien... you know which Lucien I mean, right?"

Her face burned crimson. "You're impossible."

"Impossibly handsome?"

"Impossibly infuriating."

Then he took out more Astral Marrow Pills from his system storage, making it appear as if they came from an empty space.

"I can't possibly take more from you," she protested. "Those Primordial Soul Seeds alone were worth—"

"Sera, I'm a selfish man."

She looked at him.

"I don't give away things that I need."

He smiled.

"I'm already at peak Spirit Forge Realm. These resources won't help me increase my cultivation anymore. So stop worrying."

She wanted to argue, to point out that resources of this value were never simply thrown away, but she understood what he was really saying. She held a special place in his heart. She knew this.

But somewhere inside her, another feeling remained.

Jealousy.

A certain name appeared in her mind.

Eliss.

The daughter of Delian Alde.

She wanted to ask Lucien if he had already chosen her.

But she couldn't.

She was afraid of the answer.

Lucien took all the treasures obtained from the guardian's room and gave them to Seraphina, keeping only twenty percent.

"You should take more," Seraphina said. "You killed the guardian and saved my life."

She smiled mischievously.

"You even helped me rob those realm masters."

Lucien laughed.

"Sera, you need this more than I do. The Vale family's situation has improved considerably, and I've already collected treasures from several dungeons. Besides..." He stepped closer, his hand cupping her cheek. "If you really want to pay me back, I might just take everything from you."

"I don't mind," she breathed, leaning into his touch.

He turned away, a smile playing on his lips. "Maybe some other time. For now, let's get out of this dungeon."

Seraphina stared at him.

She felt slightly disappointed.

She thought about everything they had gone through.

Lucien helped her.

Protected her.

Saved her.

But he never kissed her.

Not even once.

And that bothered her more than she wanted to admit.

Seraphina's heart sank slightly. What if he was only helping her out of kindness? What if all of this was just charity?

She mounted Seramane, and Lucien climbed on behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist. She felt the warmth of his body against her back, the strength of his grip.

"For now, let's leave this dungeon."

Lucien opened his hand.

Space cracked.

A Void Tear appeared.

Seraphina looked amazed.

"You can use Void Tear now?"

She smiled.

"I'm impressed. You can visit me anytime now."

Lucien laughed.

"How about tonight?"

Seraphina's face immediately became red.

They rode Seramane together.

Seraphina sat in front while Lucien sat behind her, intentionally holding her waist.

"Can you really?"

She asked.

Lucien smiled.

"Of course."

He leaned closer.

"But I'm afraid people will attack me when they hear me making you scream."

Seraphina looked back.

"So confident."

Lucien only laughed.

Meanwhile, Delian and Mirina waited outside the Alde family's base.

Mirina was worried about Seraphina.

But Delian was mostly waiting for Lucien.

The space before them tore open, and Lucien and Seraphina emerged, riding a magnificent white horse that seemed to radiate a gentle aura. The two dismounted, and Seraphina approached Delian with proper respect.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Delian."

"I'm glad you're safe," Delian replied, her eyes flickering to the horse behind them. A bond? Impressive.

Seraphina lowered her gaze.

"I'm happy to be alive..."

She paused.

"But I'm also sad."

Delian looked at her.

"The retainers from the other families fought among themselves. They killed each other. No one survived."

She looked toward Lucien.

"I was saved when Lucien arrived."

Delian glanced at Lucien.

"So everyone died?"

She shrugged.

"Weaklings die. Don't worry. If anyone comes complaining, I'll handle them."

Internally, Delian smiled.

'I know Lucien killed them.'

'Knowing him, he would never leave without gaining something.'

'I wonder what profit he obtained this time.'

Seraphina thanked her and went toward Mirina.

Later, Lucien and Delian talked quietly.

"So... how many people did you kill this time, my little beast?"

Delian smiled seductively.

Lucien drank his wine.

"It was fun this time."

Delian narrowed her eyes.

"I hope by fun you don't mean the same fun you always have with me."

Lucien smiled.

"Still calling me little?"

He looked at her.

"Last time I checked, you couldn't even walk properly."

Delian smiled.

"That was because of you."

She touched her hair.

"The Serpent Union Sigil is incredible. My cultivation speed increased almost four times because of our dual cultivation."

She smiled.

"And yes... it was enjoyable."

Lucien laughed.

"But we probably won't get another chance soon."

"We will wait for another opportunity."

Suddenly, Seraphina called Delian.

"Lady Delian..."

She hesitated.

"Can we join the Alde family's base until the Ancient Breach ends?"

Delian smiled.

"Of course."

"It will benefit the Alde family as well."

Then she looked at Hellyn.

"Are the preparations for the banquet ready?"

"Yes, Lady Delian."

Hellyn bowed.

"Everything is prepared. Guests will arrive in the evening."

Lucien looked surprised.

"Banquet?"

Delian explained.

"Every year during the Ancient Breach, I invite different families."

"Many people lose family members and retainers here. This is a way to maintain morale."

She looked outside.

"Half a month has already passed. From now on, things will become more dangerous."

"More dangerous places."

"Better rewards."

"More risks."

Lucien nodded.

"So it's a celebration and a strategy."

"Exactly."

Delian smiled.

"It creates factions, reveals information, and lets us see how many realm masters remain."

Lucien understood.

The Alde family was powerful.

A banquet like this was not something people could easily refuse.

Those who rejected it would become isolated after returning to their world.

'No wonder the Alde family holds such a position.'

'This banquet can be a celebration, a negotiation, or even a trap depending on the situation.'

'Interesting.'

Evening arrived.

Large camps surrounded the area.

Families began arriving.

Count families.

Viscount families.

Everyone gathered.

Wine flowed freely.

This year's banquet was larger than usual.

Normally, one representative was enough to represent a family.

But this time, many retainers arrived with them.

The reason was simple.

They wanted to see Lucien Vale.

After witnessing the death of Sarric and his uncle, everyone realized something.

The cultivation world was changing.

If Lucien was only a peak Spirit Forge Realm cultivator, some would have tried to trap him or steal his secrets.

But power was not only about cultivation realm.

Achievements mattered.

Marson Mordric had also been at peak Spirit Forge Realm for decades.

Yet Lucien killed him.

Lucien was only eighteen.

And he was alive.

That was enough reason for everyone to be cautious.

Inside the cave, Lucien sat drinking wine with Hellyn and Celbeth.

Outside, many people waited for a chance to speak with him.

Suddenly, someone entered.

A voice echoed.

"So which one of you is Lucien Vale?"

Author Note:

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