n

n

nThe third level of the incubus bloodline list, the Dream-Weaver stage unlocked many wondrous abilities. Most importantly, in terms of bloodline level, it was already the limit of what one could see in a mortal world. Outside of places like the main seats of the Celestial Church and the Infernal Cult, there was probably no knowledge of it.

nAt this stage, the incubus became a true master of the ethereal, capable of sending his mind into others' through astral projection and rewriting all their innate wishes or desires. He could also transform dreams into reality and summon nightmares to shred his foes.

nThere were many other abilities. Among other things, his speed and strength would skyrocket while his flexibility reached inhuman levels.

nIn the Infernal Realm, Dream-Weavers were born at the Semi-Holy Rank, and all belonged to the nobility. This alone was proof of their might.

nWithin the space treasure, Konrad sat in the middle of an empty grassland with his original appearance, waiting for the system to complete the exchange. The system traded the 2,500,000 exp for the bloodline upgrade, and Konrad's exp count dropped to 9,453,225.

nThen the transformation began. His white skin turned into a pale grey while long claws sprang from his fingers and toes. His eyes turned into a full violet, leaving no space for white, and his short black hairs extended to fall all the way down to his waist.

nViolent demonic energy swirled around his body, larger goat horns emerged from his forehead, and from his back grew a pair of grey flesh wings large enough to enshroud his form.

nHe stood up, and although his height remained at 1.85 meters, his muscular build rippled overbearing energy and newfound might. In the distance, the demonic beasts that felt the outburst of demonic energy shivered in fright. Their instincts telling them to keep their heads pressed against the ground to avoid offending the lord.

nKonrad stretched out his arm, feeling that besides his new abilities, even his old one became a lot more powerful. His telekinesis could now accomplish mightier feats while his Transformation Skill could deceive even Saints.

nAs for his physical abilities, he could feel himself:

nHarder.

nBetter.

nFaster.

nStronger.

nHis speed, in particular, had already reached the Transcendent level.

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"Good. I should now have no trouble winning the competition.

"

nHe reckoned, used his Transformation Skill to return to Anselm Kracht's shape, and left the space treasure.

nBy the time he returned to the outside world, Daphne and Iliana were still resting. However, he received news that Zamira and Wulf were on their way and therefore got dressed to welcome them.

nBut as he stepped out of the door, a shadow shot from his side, and bared its claws at him!

n

"AAAAARGH!

"

nThe shadow roared, and instinctively Konrad threw a palm at its face.

n*BAM*

nThe

"shadow

" spiraled into the air and crashed onto the ground. Konrad shot a vigilant gaze at the figure he just sent flying, but when he saw who was lying on the ground, his eyes went from furious to puzzled.

n

"I just wanted to surprise you! Why did you have to be so brutal?!

"

nNils wailed as she readjusted her position on the ground and stroked her right cheek where Konrad's handprint now remained.

nKonrad blinked for a few seconds, not knowing what to do.

n

"Vigilance is key to survival. You can only blame yourself for being so silly.

"

nHe replied after a moment of silence. Nils couldn't help but agree. However, her heart was still full of grievances. Why did the slap have to be so hard?

n*Sniff* *Sniff*

n

"You're always bullying me. And here I was coming to do my good deed of the day.

"

n

"Not interested.

"

n

n

nKonrad dryly cut.

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"You don't even know what it is.

"

n

"Not interested.

"

nNils was struck speechless. What did she do to offend him?

n

"You're not even going to help me up?

"

n

"You have functional feet and legs. Use them.

"

nWithout further ado, Konrad left. Nils could no longer pay any attention to the pain of her right cheek and leaped back on her feet.

n

"Anselm Kracht, stop right there!

"

nBut Konrad ignored her and carried on with his way, so she crossed the distance between them, and seized his arm.

n

"You've been avoiding me since that time in the forest. What did I do to you?

"

nConsidering her unique position in the imperial family, it wasn't easy for Nils to make a friend. In fact, she didn't have any. To say that she was content spending her days alone with her sword would be a lie.

nShe'd finally managed to make a meaningful friend. Why was he suddenly trying to put distance between them? She couldn't understand.

nIt was fine if there was a reason. But to be snubbed out of the blue after a life and death event that should have brought them closer?

nWhat nonsense was this?

nKonrad stopped, his eyes brimming with frustration. Inwardly, he was currently struggling with two thoughts. One telling him to use Nils to deal with the crown prince's next attack, another telling him to leave her out of it, and carry on with their respective lives.

nBoth thoughts clashed within his mind, failing to obtain victory on one another.

nHe yanked his arm free of her grasp and turned to face her with cold, piercing eyes.

n

"Who says I'm avoiding you? There needs to be something between us before I need to do so.

nBut there is nothing.

nWe're just acquaintances, people who met by chance and whose futures bear no connection whatsoever. I helped you, you helped me, and now we're through.

nSo stop acting as if I was your bosom friend because I am not.

"

nKonrad's callous words took Nils by surprise, causing a stinging feeling to grow within her chest. Did she hear things well, or did his words get distorted within her mind?

nKonrad's eyes held no compassion. He turned heels and was about to leave when once again, her voice stopped him.

n

"You're lying. I know you must be. I've been in your mind and you in mine. With the link we shared, you cannot deceive me!

nI certainly mean more to you than the…nothing…you're trying to say.

"

nKonrad chuckled.

n

"Nonsensical. Who is to say that what you saw wasn't just what I allowed you to see.

nI initiated the link and controlled it throughout. All that happened was within my grasp.

nBut since you seem so desperate for a reason, let me give you one. Iliana is my woman and betrothed, but you're surnamed von Jurgen. Is that enough?

"

nWith those words, he left.

nNils stood behind, staring dazed at his departing form with a wave of phantasmal blows assaulting her chest. Tears filled and blurred her eyes, but she remained there, like a statue.

n

"Perhaps I was just being foolish.

"

n...

n

"Guiding the young ones is truly a daunting task. Why did you do that? That girl was the perfect shield to deflect the crown prince's blows. You've wasted a golden opportunity.

"

n

"I don't need her for that.

"

nKonrad replied to the Flame Mark's indignation.

n

"Hahaha, the more you try to push her away, the more convinced I am that you will soon take her.

"

n

"Oh? Why is that?

"

n

"You never wondered why does a princess need to pose as a prince? The answer is quite simple.

"

n

"…

"

n...

nAfterward, Konrad welcomed Zamira and Wulf at the church's entrance and brought them to the Kracht wing to select their lodgings. Of course, Zamira first headed toward Iliana and Daphne to inquire on their stay.

nThe rest of the day was uneventful.

nKonrad isolated himself and sat cross-legged to cultivate, deepen his mastery of the Hundred Flowers Scripture, and further analyze his new abilities. The second day passed by in a flash, and it was now time for the second round to begin.

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