Ten thousand Fame Points.
Enough to exchange for three full Dragon Slayer templates — or even dip into Lost Magics, ancient Mysteries, or specialized Dragon Slayer Modes.
Lock crossed his arms, staring at the long list of glowing runes floating before him in the System's space.
"So… which should I choose?"
Power in the short term was important, but so was planning.
Some magics were for survival; others were long-term trump cards.
And among those, one name burned brightest in his mind.
"Fairy's Radiance."
One of the Three Great Fairy Magics—
a supreme light that gathered the brilliance of the sun, moon, and stars to erase evil itself.
A light of pure judgment, the ruthless brilliance that annihilated all that was wicked.
Just imagining it sent a thrill through him.
With that magic alone, he could probably destroy anyone who stood in his way…
Even All For One.
"Yeah," Lock murmured, smiling to himself. "That's the dream. A hundred thousand Fame Points to reach it. Long-term goal locked in."
But for now, he needed something practical. Something that could fix a few problems.
And his mind went immediately to one thing.
Wendy's Sky Dragon Slayer Magic.
Compared to Lost Magics or specialized secret techniques, the Sky Dragon Slayer's power offered versatility and balance.
To Lock, it was the ideal choice.
"Out of all the Dragon Slayer elements," he mused, "the Sky attribute improves me the most."
It could solve his greatest weakness—his sensitivity to transportation.
Ever since he'd acquired Fire Dragon Slayer Magic, just looking at a car made him nauseous.
He hadn't dared test what would happen if he actually rode in one.
But the Sky Dragon's auxiliary magic, Troia, cured motion sickness caused by Dragon Slayer transformations.
And that wasn't all.
The Sky Dragon's magic had several auxiliary spells:
Galloping Wind, reducing gravity to increase speed.
Arms of the Steel Dragon, enhancing strength and striking power.
Armor of the Sky Dragon, reinforcing the user's body with protective wind.
Healing Wind, curing wounds, poison, and fever alike.
A full support suite that could make him faster, stronger, tougher — and keep him alive.
The choice was obvious.
"System," Lock said decisively. "Exchange for Sky Dragon Slayer Magic."
[Consume 3,000 Fame Points — Confirm?]
"Confirm."
[Exchange Successful.]
Instantly, a surge of magic welled within him —
not the burning pain he'd felt when obtaining Fire Dragon Slayer Magic, but something light, soothing, and alive.
His body had already been reforged into a dragon's physique, so this time there was no agony—
only warmth.
Like a soft breeze sweeping through him.
It was as though the very sky welcomed him home.
The sky… freedom itself.
This is the realm where dragons soar.
He could almost see it in his mind's eye: endless blue above him, the whispering currents swirling playfully around his body.
They spun and twisted like a dance of invisible fairies, gliding through the air in celebration.
Lock closed his eyes, savoring the sensation.
When he finally opened them, his gaze was sharp and clear as the morning sky.
He raised a hand and flicked his fingers—
The wind answered.
A tiny current coiled around his fingertips like a living thing.
"My vision's sharper. My body feels lighter. My senses… higher."
He smiled faintly. "So this is the power of the Sky Dragon. I feel like I could fly forever."
Leaving the System's inner realm, he decided to save the remaining 7,000 Fame Points for now.
After all, there was something he wanted to test first—
the fusion of flame and lightning he'd used during the exam.
If he could master that fusion on his own, he might not even need to exchange for Dragon Slayer Modes later.
He could create his own—
the legendary Flame-Lightning Dragon Mode.
Lock's gaze fell to the golden key resting on his palm.
"Alright. Let's try summoning her."
He raised the key, channeling his Sky Dragon magic through it.
"Open—Gate of the Maiden! Virgo!"
Ding—!
A door of shimmering starlight formed in the air before him, swirling with prismatic colors.
The key melted into the glow, and from within stepped a figure.
"Alright, system," Lock muttered half to himself. "Let's hope she doesn't come out like that Duke of Everlue version…"
The light parted—and a girl with soft pink hair emerged.
Her hair was cut short, her eyes a clear blue. Silver chains adorned her wrists, clinking faintly as she stepped forward in a modest black-and-white maid outfit, white stockings wrapping her slender legs.
She stopped before him, bowed her head slightly, and spoke in a calm, almost expressionless voice.
"Do you wish to punish me, Master?"
Lock froze.
"…What?"
The words hit him like a hammer. "Uh—no, no punishment! Definitely not!"
Virgo tilted her head. "Then… would you prefer to whip me instead?"
"Ahem!" Lock nearly choked on air. "No whips! None! Just—please, stop saying things like that so casually!"
The maid blinked innocently and lowered the riding crop she had somehow produced out of thin air.
"Understood, Master."
He sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. "Alright, let's start over."
Despite her… eccentric phrasing, Lock could tell she wasn't hostile.
She stood perfectly still, awaiting his command, her blue eyes calm and obedient.
"So, Virgo," he said at last. "Do you know how to cook? Handle cleaning, laundry, basic housework?"
She nodded. "Yes. I am a half-combat, half-service type Spirit. I can wield my chains to fight or perform domestic duties as required."
"Perfect." Lock smiled. "Then from today on, you're in charge of the house. Learn to cook Earth cuisine, study this world, and—"
He handed her a tablet, "—get familiar with technology."
"Yes, Master."
He showed her the basics: how to browse, how to search, how to avoid malware (hopefully).
Then he handed her a spare key to the apartment.
"Alright. I'm heading out for training. Make yourself comfortable, and don't break anything."
"Understood."
Virgo bowed politely, the faint sound of chains following her movements. "I shall ensure everything remains spotless."
Lock grinned, slipping on his jacket.
Ten days of training under Konggui Sou had left him with a solid daily habit—
And even without his mentor, he couldn't shake the urge to stay sharp.
He stepped out the door, glancing back at the maid spirit who stood quietly in the doorway, her expression as neutral as ever.
"Good luck, Master," she said softly.
The door closed behind him.
And for the first time, Lock realized that maybe, just maybe… having a Celestial Spirit maid wasn't such a bad thing after all.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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