Chapter 2: A Night to Remember
Steam hung heavy in the air, and only Travis's soft breaths filled the silence. The moment reached its climax—he released with a gasp, his body trembling in the aftermath. He couldn't believe what had just occurred. If anyone had told him this would be his first night away from home, he'd have laughed.
Rose slowly rose from the water, her eyes drifting to the now-clean, powerful form before her. The sight of him—his firm muscles, the veins along his length still pulsing—was imprinted in her mind.
But reality waited. Rose stepped out of the bath and motioned gently. "Let's get you fed, young master."
Travis offered a grateful smile. "Thank you. I'll never forget this."
Rose sighed quietly, a wistful look softening her face. If only he knew how rare he was... She chuckled. "If you ever want another bath, don't hesitate to call for me."
As they exited, Lily waited with a pristine robe in hand—black and blue martial silk, elegant and refined. With a gentle smile, she helped him into it.
Travis was stunned. From street rat to this? He looked down at the fine robe, then toward the lavish corridor. Am I still a guest… or something more?
Dinner was a feast. Three full portions vanished from his plate, each bite more heavenly than the last. With every swallow, the despair of failing to awaken his spirit faded a bit.
If I can't awaken my ascension spirit the first time… I'll try again. No matter how long it takes. I'm not trash.
Resolve surged within him. He would go to the academy—spirit or not.
After the meal, Rose leaned closer. "The mistress would like to see you for… a task."
Travis blinked. "What kind of task?"
Rose gave him a look—a mixture of amusement and mischief. "You don't know?" She smirked. "She's a dual cultivator. Your task is to please her… and cultivate together."
Travis's eyes widened. Please her? I'm not even a proper cultivator yet.
Still uncertain, he followed Rose and Lily down the corridor, heart pounding. Just as they neared the mistress's chamber, a booming voice echoed from outside.
"Amaya! Open the door!"
Another shout followed. "Don't make me break in! This isn't over between us!"
Travis froze. Amaya? So that was the mistress's name.
Suddenly, a door burst open and a scantily dressed Amaya nearly crashed into him. Her face flushed with more than just wine.
Shit.
She had been preparing for a night of dual cultivation. Now, her ex-lover—clearly a powerful cultivator—was outside, raging.
Her expression turned icy. "Rose, take Travis through the back. Don't let that fool see him."
Rose grabbed his hand and sprinted. Lily stayed behind, just in case things got ugly.
They ran through winding corridors until reaching the back courtyard. There, a tall fence shimmered with glowing inscriptions.
Travis panted. "Who was that man?"
Rose ignored him. She was clearly deep in thought. Then, with a smirk, she pointed at the high wall.
"Jump."
Travis stared at the wall. "Are you joking? I'm just a mortal. There's no way I'm climbing that."
Rose gave a quiet laugh. "No ladder, sorry. But don't worry—I'll give you a hand."
Before he could protest, she whispered, "I never imagined you were just a mortal," and launched him into the air with ease.
He landed with a thud and a cough, groaning. "Still alive… I think. Damn, ankle's twisted… no, wait. Crack. That's better."
The sky was turning pale. Dawn was coming.
Brushing himself off, he began walking. "Time to head to the academy."
Yet as he took those first steps, a strange feeling lingered. Rose… there was more to her than she let on. And Amaya? Just what kind of world had he stepped into?
One thing was certain: his journey as a cultivator was far from over—it had only just begun.