"I guess, I will have to do that."
Sani hesitated, then, with a deep breath, slid the thin straps of her dress off her shoulders.
The sheer fabric slipped down, revealing smooth, flawless skin.
Her wings fluttered nervously, her fingers trembled as she looked into Paul's eyes.
Just as Paul was about to explode from this absurdity of the situation, a loud roar came through the chamber.
The ground trembled. Rocks crumbled from the ceiling.
Paul barely had time to react before the monster lunged toward them.
The dungeon walls shook as massive, clawed feet slammed against the stone floor.
A pair of crimson eyes glowed in the darkness.
"A dungeon beast!" Sani gasped, pulling her dress back up in a panic.
Eris quickly flew in front of Paul, spreading her hands wide.
"Master, stay back! That thing—it's not normal!"
The beast stepped into the low light of the fairies' glowing wings.
It was a huge creature, nearly ten feet tall, with thick black fur covering its frame.
Its face looked like a half bear and a demon, with two horns curving out of its skull.
"What the hell is this thing?" He muttered.
Paul's heartbeat quickened.
His body still felt strange, but the memories of his past self…the fallen prince…told him that he was not weak.
His eyes darted to the floating panel before him:
[Enemy Detected: Infernal Behemoth – Rank 3 Dungeon Guardian]
[WARNING: High-Level Threat! Escape is recommended.]
Paul clenched his fists. "Escape? Hell no."
Sani flinched at his voice. "Master, you don't have your full strength yet! That thing is too powerful—"
Eris interrupted, her violet eyes narrowed. "If Master wishes to fight, then we must assist him."
Paul grinned. "That's what I like to hear."
As if responding to his motivation, another notification appeared in his vision.
[New Ability Unlocked: Hercu's Might – Rank 1]
Grants the user explosive physical strength for a short duration. Effects increase based on the level of humiliation inflicted on others.
Paul smirked. 'So this was what the system was about, huh?'
The behemoth let out another roar and charged.
Dust and debris flew into the air as it stomped forward, the sheer force of its presence made Paul's bones tremble.
He took a deep breath and focused.
The moment the monster swung its claw at him, Paul stepped to the side faster than he expected.
His reflexes had improved. His muscles responded immediately like he was used to this.
"Master, behind you!" Eris shouted.
The beast twisted its massive body and aimed a second strike at his back.
Paul gritted his teeth and activated his ability. "Hercu's Might!"
A surge of energy exploded within him.
His veins burned like fire, and his muscles bulged. Instinctively, he reached out—catching the beast's claw mid-swing.
BOOM!
The impact sent a strong vibration through the dungeon.
Sani and Eris shielded themselves from the wind pressure.
Paul felt the beast's attack pushing him, but his feet remained strong. Another smirk formed on his lips.
"I see… this power isn't half bad."
The behemoth growled, confused by the attack.
It had expected to rip him apart, but instead, Paul was standing tall, holding its deadly claw in place.
"Now it's my turn," he said.
With a roar of his own, he twisted his body and threw the beast.
The monstrous creature flew through the air before crashing into a stone pillar, shattering it to pieces.
Sani and Eris stared at him, their mouths opened.
"M-Master is…" Sani's face turned red. "He's… actually strong…"
Eris clenched her fists. "Incredible…"
Paul rolled his shoulders, enjoying the new sensation of raw power flowing through him.
The Infernal Behemoth rose from the rubble, dazed but still alive.
Paul cracked his knuckles. "Round two?"
The fairies exchanged glances. Sani hesitated for a moment before floating closer to Paul.
She bit her lip, cheeks flushed.
"Master… if you want more power…" she hesitated, then took a deep breath, "I-I can provide mana through… intimate contact."
Paul blinked.
"…What?"
Eris, now just as red, nodded.
"It's true. A pact master can enhance his strength through humiliation… a-and other forms of contact."
Paul's smirk widened. So that's how this system works, huh?
He turned back to the beast, rolling his shoulders.
"Well, I guess I'll just have to win first."