Alex stood in the clearing, the body of the Level 8 Orc at his feet, feeling the rush of adrenaline and disbelief at what he had just accomplished. A jump of four levels and an obscene amount of HP. The first lesson of this world, learned through near-death blows, had been worth it.
Now, with 200 Attribute Points available and an impressive 6,498 HP, it was time to consolidate his power.
He would not underestimate the monsters again, nor his own strategic ability. He thought about how he had defeated the Orc: the combination of the Pheromone Potion and its brutal strength. That gave him the key to his point distribution.
"System, I want to allocate my points," Alex thought, the status screen appearing.
[Available Attribute Points: 200]
He decided to go for a more offensive and charismatic approach, confident that his initial Stamina of 2600 was already quite solid.
* Strength (STR)
* Agility (AGI)
* Intelligence (INT)
* Luck (LUK)
"Allocate 50 points to Strength, 50 points to Agility, 50 points to Intelligence, and 50 points to Luck," Alex mentally ordered.
[Confirming point distribution: Strength +50, Agility +50, Intelligence +50, Luck +50. Confirm?]
"Yes, confirm."
A powerful surge of energy coursed through his body. He felt lighter, more potent, his mind sharper than ever. Every muscle seemed to tense with incredible power, and a feeling of foreboding settled in his chest.
[Strength (STR): 76 (7600)]
[Agility (AGI): 76 (7600)]
[Intelligence (INT): 76 (7600)]
[Stamina (END): 26 (2600)]
[Luck (LUK): 76 (7600)]
[Available Attribute Points: 0]
Now, with his stats maximized for combat and "social interaction," it was time to use the HP he'd gained. He headed to the System Shop, straight for [Miscellaneous Items].
He remembered the Pheromone Potions. Just one had been enough to stun an Orc. What about Sayaka? This time, he'd be more strategic.
"Buy Pheromone Potion (Enhanced)," Alex thought. It was on the list, one level above the basic one.
* Pheromone Potion (Enhanced): 500 HP
* Description: A larger vial with a concentrated formula. Releases pheromones that intensify attraction and receptivity. Strong and prolonged effect.
It was expensive, but it would be worth it.
[Purchase confirmed. -500 HP (Enhanced Pheromone Potion). Current balance: 5998 HP.]
[Item: Pheromone Potion (Enhanced) (1) added to Inventory.]
After that, Alex collected the rest of the Moon Herbs without incident. The forest, after the Orc's fall, seemed strangely quieter. With ten glowing stems in his bag, he hurried back to Oakha.
When they arrived at the inn, it was already late at night. Most of the guests had left, but Sayaka was still in the common area, arranging some tables, her back slightly hunched. She was alone. It was the perfect opportunity.
Alex approached, the Enhanced Pheromone Potion discreetly in his hand.
"Sayaka, I'm back. Mission accomplished."
Sayaka turned, her eyes softening at the sight. "Alex, it's so good to see you. I was worried when you wandered off into the night." Her words held a genuine concern that touched his heart.
Alex smiled. "There was nothing to fear, Sayaka. The forest treated me well." As he spoke, almost imperceptibly, he uncapped the pheromone vial and subtly sprayed it into the air around them. The sweet, intoxicating scent was almost odorless to him, but he knew it would affect Sayaka.
She inhaled deeply, her hazel eyes widening slightly. A warmth rose to her cheeks more intensely this time, and her gaze became softer, almost dreamy.
""You smell… different, Alex," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "Why is that?"
"It's… the scent of success," Alex replied, taking a step closer, his voice deep and seductive. He leaned in, his gaze fixed on her eyes. "And gratitude. Thank you for caring about me. Few people do."
Sayaka didn't pull away. Instead, she raised a trembling hand and touched his arm. Her skin was soft and warm. "I always care for those who deserve it, Alex. And you… there's something about you. A strength." A... charm."
[Affection Level with Sayaka has increased to 50/100.]
[Affection Level with Sayaka has increased to 60/100.]
The points were rising at an incredible rate. The pheromones were working perfectly, amplifying her words and her presence.
"And you, Sayaka," Alex continued, his voice heavy with intent, "have a beauty that goes beyond the skin deep. A mature beauty, a wisdom in your eyes… you are the most captivating woman I've met in a long time." Her hand rested gently on his arm. "You really are."
Sayaka closed her eyes for a moment, her breathing quickening. Her face was flushed. When she opened them, her eyes were filled with a mixture of embarrassment and barely contained passion.
"Alex… please…" Her voice was a moan.
[Affection Level with Sayaka has increased to 70/100.]
This was blatant courtship. In a world where the direct expression of desire wasn't frowned upon, and with the help of pheromones, it was having a devastating impact. Alex felt a surge of power, not just from her stats, but from her ability to influence people.
"Just the truth, Sayaka," Alex whispered again, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. "And I think you feel it too."
Sayaka bit down her lower lip, her eyes dancing between his and her mouth. The tension in the air was palpable.
The air between Alex and Sayaka crackled with a tension laden with desire. The scent of pheromones wafted through, amplifying every emotion. Sayaka, her cheeks flushed bright red, continued to stare at him, her hazel eyes fixed on his mouth, her breath coming in short gasps. Her hand on Alex's arm tightened slightly.
"Alex..." she whispered again, her voice barely audible. It wasn't an objection, but a plea, a surrender.
Alex needed no more. He leaned in, his heart pounding in his chest, and his lips found Sayaka's.
It was a gentle kiss at first, filled with the curiosity and excitement of a first encounter, but it quickly deepened. Sayaka responded with surprising intensity, her arms wrapping around Alex's neck as she pressed herself against him, their bodies joining in an embrace that consumed all else. The taste of the dinner stew mingled with a new and intoxicating sweetness.
The kiss grew more passionate, more urgent. Alex's hands moved down her back and across her chest, feeling the softness of her skin beneath the fabric. Sayaka moaned softly, her fingers tangling in her hair. The attraction, amplified by the system and their mutual desire, was overwhelming.
Notions of time and place faded. It was just Alex and Sayaka, lost in the urgency of the moment.
They broke apart only to catch their breath, their foreheads pressed against each other, eyes half-closed. Sayaka's breathing was erratic, her lips swollen and wet.
"Alex... this... I shouldn't..." Her words trailed off in a sigh, unable to resist the magnetic pull he exerted.
[Affection Level with Sayaka has increased to 80/100.]
[Affection Level with Sayaka has increased to 90/100.]
The points rose rapidly, confirming the success of her audacity. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the pheromones had broken down the last barriers.
Alex kissed her again, this time with a ferocity she matched. His hands ventured further, subtly undoing the bow of her apron, his fingers brushing against her luscious rear.
Sayaka shuddered, her moans deepening. He gently pushed them toward a darker corner of the inn, where the candlelight was dimmer and the privacy a little greater.
Their clothes began to get in the way. Kisses moved from his lips to her neck, his hands exploring every curve. Sayaka arched against him, the fire of passion igniting in her hazel eyes.
They were about to cross a threshold, to be completely swept away by the intense attraction.
Just at that moment, a familiar sound echoed from the back door of the inn. The creak of a door opening and the firm footsteps of someone entering the common area.
"Sayaka, are you here? I forgot... the plow in the barn." The voice was gruff, but unmistakable. It was Kael.
Alex and Sayaka froze. They separated abruptly, their eyes wide, the flush of passion replaced by icy panic. Sayaka quickly composed herself, her trembling hands buttoning her apron and smoothing her clothes.
Alex stepped back, trying to appear casual, as if they were just conversing.
Kael entered the common area, rubbing his eyes. His gaze fell on them, his brow slightly furrowed.
"Ah, there you are, Sayaka. And Alex. Still awake?"
Sayaka cleared her throat, her voice a little louder than usual. "Yes, Kael. We were… just chatting. Alex just returned from his herb-gathering mission." Her gaze briefly met Alex's, a mixture of relief, embarrassment, and a spark of unresolved desire.
Alex nodded, her own heart still hammering. "That's right. All set for tomorrow."
Kael watched them for a moment, detecting no trace of the passion that had just consumed the air.
"Good, good. I'm glad you're back safe and sound, Alex. And Sayaka, I need help with the plow. It's stuck."
Sayaka nodded quickly, her cheeks still slightly flushed. "Sure, Kael. I'll come right away." She gave Alex one last look, a look that promised this wouldn't be the end of their connection, and headed with her husband toward the back door.
Alex stood alone in the center of the inn, the Enhanced Pheromone Potion still active in the air, its effects lingering. It had been so close. The system confirmed the interruption with a notification.
[Romance Target Interruption: Kael has arrived.]
Despite the interruption, it had been a significant development. Sayaka's affection was nearly at its peak for this level, and the intensity of the moment had been undeniable. Next time, Alex assured herself, there would be no interruptions.