The Lustforged Hero

Lysandra's breasts were so warm that they made Liam's head swim. It was like he had been taken to a lush oasis, and her soft, creamy skin felt like the petals of a flower. Her scent was so strong—a powerful mix of lavender and another, more primitive smell—that it made him feel excited.

His hands, which were still weak from the strange weakness that had hit him, lightly touched the soft curve of her breasts, which made him feel a little aroused.

"So this is what boobs feel like," Liam thought, "So soft, so delicate. Are all boobs like this? I want to explore them further, to touch and caress them, but I know I can't." He clenched his hands into fists, trying to distract myself from my inappropriate thoughts.

"Focus, Liam," he told myself. "This isn't the time or place."

He raised his head slowly and his eyes met Lysandra's gaze. Her face was burning red, her pupils dilated, but her expression was surprisingly satisfied than shocked or even angry. The corners of her mouth curled upward.

Liam's cheeks burned as his face turned into a brilliant shade of crimson. He tried to stammer out an apology, but found himself unable to form words. He was acutely aware of the other two women's gazes upon him, the situation was now awkward for him.

"N-no, it was an accident," Liam finally managed, his voice trembling.

Selene and Erynn snickered, shooting each other conspiratorial grins.

"Uh, I…" Liam trailed off, his words caught in his throat. He hastily scrambled to his feet, offering Lysandra his hand to help her up. "I'm really sorry," he muttered, his face still flushed with embarrassment. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

Lysandra took his hand. She got up, flashing Liam a shy smile. "Don't worry, hero. No harm done." She adjusted her clothes, smoothing out the wrinkles.

The floating screen abruptly reappeared before Liam, snapping him out of his momentary reprieve. The message had changed, reading simply:

"Task complete."

Liam flexed his arms experimentally. He could feel the strength returning to his limbs, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

He looked at the screen again which now displayed a different message:

"Host Termination Terminated. Enter Profile to View Rewards."

Liam was about to reach out and touch the floating screen when the door to the dining room was opened. A maid stepped into the room, bowing respectfully to the princess who was following behind her.

"Princess Isabella," Lysandra greeted, her voice full of warmth. Selene and Erynn mirrored her greeting, their tones respectful and deferential.

Liam, following the others' lead, inclined his head in a bow, murmuring a quiet, "Princess."

Isabella smiled, her eyes shining.

"Liam, there's no need for formalities here. Please, call me Isabella." Her voice was gentle, yet held a hint of command that made it clear she was accustomed to being obeyed.

Liam's cheeks flushed again, but he nodded in assent. "Isabella, then," he said, trying to steady his voice.

Isabella entered the dining room, looking expectantly at the four of them.

Isabella made her way towards Liam. "I brought word from the palace," she said softly, leaning towards him.

Liam froze, uncertain how to respond. All the ladies seemed to invading his personal space on purpose? He couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.

Isabella seemed not to notice his uneasiness as she continued, "The spy has returned with information about Maltheris's next attack."

A wave of anxiety washed over Liam as he digested the news. He could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him as he struggled to compose himself. "What does the spy say?"

Isabella straightened her posture, her gaze steady as she delivered the information. "The spy reports that Maltheris plans to send an army to mytheris—on the western border of Eryndor—within the next two days."

The dining room erupted in a flurry of reactions. Lysandra's mouth fell open in surprise. Selene hissed, her tail lashing angrily. Even Erynn seemed stunned, her expression betraying a glimpse of genuine concern.

"Two days?" Selene exclaimed. "It'll take us a week to get there!

Isabella held up a hand, steadying the chaos of the conversation. "The King is aware that the Hero is not ready for this mission," she said, her voice measured. "Lysandra, Selene, and Erynn will lead the army sent by the king. As for your transportation, Hero, that is a task you should be able to handle."

Liam could feel the color drain from his face, his stomach dropping at the revelation. How? He was completely out of his depth here.

"But do not fear," Isabella said, her voice reassuring. "You have gifts within you that even you do not yet know. The Oracle has foreseen it. Trust your instincts, Liam."

Liam nodded, his mind racing as he tried to process the information. Gifts? Instincts? What did that even mean?

"You will depart before dawn," Isabella continued, "so I suggest you rest and recharge tonight.

"Princess, you have nothing to worry about. I'm quite certain our Hero will prove capable." Selene said smirking at Liam. Her crimson eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and intrigue, her tail swaying languidly behind her.

Liam let out an awkward chuckle, his confusion and unease mounting with every passing second. "Uh, Selene, what exactly do you mean by capable?" he asked, glancing between her and the princess.

Selene's grin only widened.

Erynn rose to her feet, a playful glint in her sky-blue eyes. "Come, Hero, you should rest. We will need your strength for the exercise ahead." She laid a hand lightly on Liam's shoulder, guiding him towards the door.

Liam allowed himself to be led away, his mind reeling with unanswered questions. What had he gotten himself into? He turned back one last time to see the three women watching him, their expressions ranging from amused to intrigued.

"Rest well, Hero," Lysandra called out, her voice gentle and melodic.