Staring at Phrolova before him, Lucian felt a bit puzzled, unable to understand why Phrolova still hadn't realized her situation was abnormal. After all, both Rover and Changli had already figured it out, and Phrolova had clearly overheard their conversation, yet she hadn't considered this possibility.
Lucian speculated that it might be because the Black Gatekeeper had blurred Phrolova's memories. If that was the case, it certainly made things easier for him. Perhaps even the Black Gatekeeper hadn't expected him to capture Phrolova so easily.
Phrolova slightly lifted her delicate face, looking at Lucian's intrigued expression. After a moment of silence, she spoke first: "What method did you just use to make me unable to move?"
That was the one thing Phrolova couldn't comprehend. What kind of sensation was that? No matter how much she struggled, she couldn't break free from the restraint, only able to watch herself become like fish on a cutting board, at the mercy of others. Could it be that Lucian also possessed some kind of temporal ability like the Sentinel?
The more Phrolova thought about it, the more terrifying it seemed. If the ropes binding her still offered some chance of escape, the ability to paralyze her was like an abyss, leaving no trace of hope. She never imagined Lucian would possess such a skill, but why?
He had never shown it before, and even in previous battles, he hadn't displayed such calm confidence. If she had known earlier that Lucian had this ability, she wouldn't have acted so confidently.
At this thought, Phrolova's head throbbed even more, her mind a chaotic mess, like the sea fog en route to Mt. Firmament, lingering and unyielding.
Someone like Lucian, if he couldn't be used for her purposes, would become a major threat in the future. No, not in the future—he was already an enemy too significant to ignore.
[Option 1: Tell Phrolova about your abilities and join Fractsidus! Reward: Feng Shui Compass]
[Option 2: Make an equal trade with Phrolova, tell her about your abilities, and have her reveal a Fractsidus secret.]
[Reward: Wind and Thunder Twin Blades]
[Option 3: Humiliate Phrolova! Let her know she can only tuck her tail and behave! Reward: Mandala Flower]
Lucian pinched Phrolova's pretty face and smirked mischievously. "Want to know?"
On that note, once they got out, he'd have to ask White Cat if there was a way to completely erase Phrolova's memories of this encounter. That way, the next time they met, she'd still be caught off guard.
Phrolova said expressionlessly, "Aren't you curious about why we, Fractsidus, came to Mt. Firmament?"
Lucian burst into laughter. Phrolova was adorably naive. Not only did Lucian already know Fractsidus's objectives, but he had also eliminated the hidden threats they left behind. Yet Phrolova was still stuck in the past timeline, unable to break free. Say what you will, this Somnoire had some substance to it, making such a formidable Fractsidus executive so pathetic.
"What are you laughing at?" Phrolova said coldly.
"You're saying that if I tell you about my abilities, you'll let me know what Fractsidus is planning?" Lucian asked.
Phrolova snorted. "Exactly. So, how about it? Want to make the deal?"
Lucian smiled, rubbing her soft lips. "Looks like you still haven't grasped your situation."
Phrolova immediately became alert. "What are you trying to—"
Before she could finish, she saw Lucian's fingertip press against her tightly closed lips, like a sharp blade prying open the seam of a clamshell. Phrolova's breathing quickened, her teeth not yet fully closed, when a tingling sensation surged through her body like an electric current. A warm touch suddenly seized the breath between her lips and teeth, as if spring vines were entwining morning dew, turning all her unspoken words into amber.
This bastard…
Phrolova's eyes misted over. As a high-ranking member of Fractsidus, when had she ever endured such humiliation? But because Lucian had captured her vocal pulse, she could only glare at him with reddened eyes, her gaze fierce and unyielding.
Instead of stopping, Lucian doubled down. He pried open Phrolova's mouth, pulling her lips upward into a forced smile. "Look at you, always so stern. Why not smile? You look better that way."
Phrolova: "…"
She wanted to retort. Smile? With a bastard like you, who could possibly smile? But Lucian withdrew his hand with a chuckle. "Get it now? You're in no position to negotiate with me."
Phrolova glared at him furiously. "…Bastard, I'll definitely—"
Before she could finish, Lucian slipped his fingers back in.
"You'll definitely what?" he teased.
"Mmph—"
Lucian pulled his hand back again, looking at her with a half-smile.
Phrolova fell silent. She realized that no matter what she said, this man would humiliate her. Accepting this, she turned her head away, refusing to look at him.
But Lucian, intent on completing the system's option, wasn't going to give her that chance. He pinched her cheeks, forcing her to face him again. Phrolova's expression was blank, but her eyes were icy cold.
"Tch, I told you, you look better when you smile. Why so stern? Come on, give me a smile."
Phrolova had no intention of obeying, but seeing Lucian's fingers reaching toward her again, she hurriedly forced a smile uglier than a cry.
Lucian laughed inwardly but shook his head. "Nope, not good enough."
Phrolova spat venomously, "What do you want? If you're so tough, just kill me!"
Lucian grinned. "I've never heard such a request before, but I'm someone who loves fulfilling others' wishes."
"It's not impossible to satisfy you…"
Lucian paused, then declared loudly, "Call me 'Daddy'!"
Phrolova: "???"
She took a deep breath and closed her beautiful eyes, afraid she'd faint from anger in the next second. How could there be such a perversely mischievous person in this world? She had long known Lucian wasn't exactly upright, but she never imagined he'd be even more twisted than some Fractsidus members. If she weren't outmatched, with his personality, she'd definitely recruit him into Fractsidus for her own use.
Feeling his fingers brushing her lips again, Phrolova clamped her mouth shut and glared at him angrily. How many more times are you going to stick your fingers in?
Lucian chuckled. "What, not willing? If you're not, I can't fulfill your wish…"
Phrolova stayed silent. She knew whether she complied or not, Lucian would likely kill her, as they were enemies. Lucian pinched her cheeks again, grinning. "Good thing your mouth isn't as stubborn as your personality."
Phrolova took a deep breath. I'll endure!