The night air was cold, but Elias's skin burned with leftover magic. Every step he took sent aftershocks through the ground. Lirael walked beside him, still recovering. Riven led the way, eyes sharp, flame-tipped fingers twitching like she sensed something on the wind.
> [Tracking Lust Duke…]
Approximate distance: 11 kilometers north
Power Signature: High-Class Lust Entity – Rank A
Warning: Recommended Power Level – Lustborne Tier 3
Your current level: Tier 1
Elias scoffed. "That bad, huh?"
Riven spun to face him, walking backward. "Oh, it's worse. Lust Dukes don't just show up unless they're hunting something rare. You know what you are, right?"
He stayed quiet.
Lirael answered for him. "He's a vessel. For something the world hasn't seen in centuries."
"Exactly." Riven grinned. "You're a walking buffet for monsters who want to rule the underworld."
The forest ahead twisted unnaturally. Trees curled like claws, and the moonlight dimmed unnaturally as they neared the corrupted zone. The System glitched for a moment.
> [Warning: Entering Lust Corruption Field]
Mental strain increasing…
Suddenly, a scream tore through the trees.
Not human.
Something else.
The group sprinted toward the sound.
They reached a clearing soaked in red mist.
And there — standing in the center — was him.
A man in a tattered fur coat, shirtless, with silver-white hair and eyes that looked like melted amethysts. His grin stretched far too wide.
Behind him… were bodies. Dozens. Stripped, drained of life. Not a drop of blood spilled — just emotion sucked dry.
> [Entity Identified: Lust Duke Kareth of the Withered Thirst]
Status: Curious… Hungry… Dangerous.
Kareth's voice was deep, purring, soaked in sin. "So… you're the one causing the tremors in the Lust Field."
Elias stepped forward, ignoring the shaking in his hands.
"I'm Elias Black," he said. "You want me? Come try."
Kareth didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Then — whoosh — he vanished and reappeared right in front of Elias, fingers at his throat.
"You reek of fresh bonding. Who was it? The knight?" His tongue darted out, tasting the air. "Mmm… ripe."
Lirael drew her sword and lunged.
Kareth stopped her without looking — catching her blade with two fingers.
"I could use a knight like you," he whispered to her ear. "I'd mold your honor into sweet submission—"
BOOM.
Riven blasted him with a wave of fire, sending the Duke flying across the clearing. Smoke billowed.
"Touch her again," Riven hissed, flames dancing in her eyes.
Elias's system flared.
> [Lustborne Rage Triggered – Partner Threat Detected]
Temporarily increasing Physical Strength and Reaction Speed by 200%
He charged.
His blade cut through the mist.
Kareth dodged, but not fast enough — Elias's sword sliced across the Duke's cheek, drawing black energy instead of blood.
The Duke staggered, genuinely surprised.
"Well now," Kareth purred, licking the black ooze. "You're better than expected."
He grinned wider.
And his body began to change.
His skin turned midnight purple, long claws erupting from his fingers. Wings — bone and sinew — tore out of his back. His eyes gleamed with hunger.
"I haven't eaten a Lustborne soul in decades," he said.
"And you won't start with me," Elias snapped.
> [New Skill Unlocked – Soul Guard: Shield allies within 5 meters]
A white barrier snapped up around Riven and Lirael. The moment Kareth dashed forward again, Elias met him halfway. Blades clashed. Claws flew. Sparks lit the night like fireflies in hell.
Elias slashed, ducked, kicked — fast, wild, barely holding on. Every strike Kareth made nearly broke his guard.
> [You are outclassed. Retreat is advised.]
But Elias didn't fall back.
He threw everything forward in a wild, final swing — Bladed Desire, supercharged by emotion. The sword collided with Kareth's chest and blasted him back.
Smoke cleared.
The Duke landed on one knee, coughing up black mist.
Then, he laughed.
"Next time, Lustborne boy… I'll devour you whole."
And with a snap of his fingers, he vanished into the shadows, gone as if he were never there.
Silence fell.
Elias collapsed to one knee, breathing hard.
Lirael rushed to him. "You're insane. Brave. Stupid. But… alive."
He looked up, panting.
"We need to get stronger," he said.
Riven nodded. "No kidding. And fast. Because next time? He won't be playing."
> [Quest Update: You have survived the Lust Duke]
Reward: New System Route Unlocked – Temple of Eros, City of Flame, and Night Market of Sins now available.
Elias stood up, wiping blood from his cheek.
"Where to next?" Riven asked.
He smirked. "Let's find that Temple. I want answers."