The crimson glow of the Sanctum's lower chamber had dimmed, leaving only the residual lattice of Heart and Veil Synchrony pulsing softly beneath their feet. Sarah stood at the center, the weight of what Erythale had revealed pressing at the edges of her consciousness. The harem formed a protective circle around her, each member attuned to the subtle vibrations of her Lust Engine. Their presence was instinctual now, a living extension of her own awareness.
Koneko's shoulder brushed lightly against Sarah's arm as they moved toward the exit. The frôlement was brief, almost imperceptible, but it sent a stabilizing pulse through the Charm Domain. Sarah inhaled, letting the warmth of the touch guide her focus.
"Veil fluctuations are growing," Rossweisse said, her fingers tracing invisible patterns in the air. "Whatever Erythale mentioned… it's not static. The breach is widening, and we need to assess its perimeter."
Rias nodded, her hand hovering near Sarah's chest, close enough to radiate calm warmth without fully touching. "We'll go together. Synchronize our senses. We move as one."
Sarah exhaled, the Lust Engine flaring in response. Heart Synchrony Level 5 pulsed outward, knitting their energies into a lattice of awareness. Even minor touches—Rossweisse's fingers grazing her forearm, Xenovia's hand brushing the small of her back—became catalysts, amplifying focus and reflexes.
Sarah PV: 210 / Lv: 29 / Force: 66 / Desire: 550 / Intelligence: 35 / Agility: 35
The hall's exit opened onto the outer sanctum, a space they had rarely traversed. Shadows of energy lingered along the walls, flickering in patterns too deliberate to be random. Sarah's heartbeat quickened. This is not just reconnaissance. Something is waiting.
Akeno tilted her head, a mischievous yet alert smile gracing her lips. "And preparation takes many forms. Be ready for the unexpected."
Sarah moved first, fingers brushing along Rias's arm in a subtle frôlement, an unspoken signal. The combined energy flared, Veil Synchrony humming faintly as if the hall itself recognized their bond. Koneko mirrored the motion, and Rossweisse followed, their tactile and emotional cues synchronizing in a precise rhythm.
As they stepped beyond the sanctum, the air changed. A chill ran along Sarah's spine, a vibration she recognized instantly—entities were approaching, their presence deliberate, organized. The shadows here were not random echoes; they were scouts, advanced and aware, probing the limits of the Sanctum's defenses.
Skill Used: Veil Synchrony Level 3 – Partial Activation
Effect: Shared sensory perception among allies; allows detection of hidden or cloaked enemies and ambient magical fluctuations.
Sarah PV: 215 / Lv: 30 / Force: 68 / Desire: 580 / Intelligence: 36 / Agility: 36
A figure emerged first—a humanoid shape, tall and lean, with a dark aura that flickered against the crimson sky. Its eyes glowed faintly green, scanning, calculating. Sarah's pulse quickened. She extended her hand toward Koneko, letting their fingers graze in a deliberate, grounding touch. The resulting pulse flowed through the lattice of energy, sharpening perception, heightening reflexes.
Xenovia stepped forward, sword poised, as the figure advanced cautiously. "We need to coordinate. One misstep, and this escalates."
Sarah nodded, the Lust Engine pulsing at her fingertips. She brushed against Rias's waist in a fleeting frôlement, eyes locking in an intent-filled glance. Heart Synchrony responded instantly, a crimson arc expanding outward, alerting all allies simultaneously. Every micro-contact became a conduit for tactical advantage.
The humanoid struck, moving with unnatural speed. Koneko intercepted, and Sarah's fingers grazed the small of her back, triggering a cascade of synchronized energy that slowed the enemy's strike just enough for Xenovia to land a clean parry. The lattice of bonds acted as both shield and weapon, each touch amplifying offensive and defensive capabilities.
Sarah PV: 220 / Lv: 31 / Force: 70 / Desire: 610 / Intelligence: 37 / Agility: 37
Rossweisse's analytical mind tracked multiple movement patterns, guiding Sarah's instincts with subtle gestures and fleeting eye contact. Sarah mirrored, brushing a finger lightly against Rossweisse's arm. A wave of energy flared outward, destabilizing another approaching scout. The enemy faltered, giving them space to advance.
From the shadows, multiple figures emerged now, coordinated and patient. They were not mindless; they adapted, retreating and regrouping as the lattice pulsed. Sarah's breath hitched as she realized the magnitude: this was the first real faction actively testing her, measuring her harem's synchronization and the effectiveness of her Ascensions.
Akeno moved with feline grace, her touch along Sarah's forearm a spark of combined power. "Focus. Don't let anticipation cloud judgment."
The first full confrontation erupted, shadows pressing from multiple directions. Sarah extended her hands, frôlement along Rias and Koneko's arms triggering Heart Synchrony Level 5. Veil Synchrony flared in tandem, connecting every ally, every glance, every subtle touch amplifying their reflexes, attacks, and cohesion. The Crimson lattice pulsed visibly, a living extension of the harem's trust and coordination.
Skill Fully Activated: Veil Synchrony Level 3 / Team Combat Mode
Effect: All allies within range gain amplified stats; tactile and emotional synchronization can stagger or repel multiple enemies simultaneously.
Sarah PV: 225 / Lv: 32 / Force: 72 / Desire: 640 / Intelligence: 38 / Agility: 38
The coordinated enemy faltered against their combined energy, but their strategy was clear—they were testing, not simply attacking. Sarah felt a thrill of challenge, knowing that every frôlement, every glance, every heartbeat between them was critical to survival. She brushed against Rossweisse's shoulder in a precise signal, and the resulting pulse disoriented two scouts, allowing Xenovia to strike with surgical precision.
Koneko moved fluidly, her attacks guided by Sarah's subtle cues. Rias mirrored, her presence radiating calm strength, and the lattice of energy amplified each action. Even Lilith Fragment drifted closer, her spectral energy weaving into the synchronization.
By the time the skirmish subsided, the scouts had retreated, regrouping at a distance. Sarah exhaled, her chest heaving, Lust Engine flaring warmly in acknowledgment of their coordination and success.
Akeno smirked, brushing Sarah's fingers along her own in a fleeting gesture of satisfaction. "Not bad. But this was only reconnaissance."
Rias's hand rested near Sarah's heart, warmth radiating outward. "We've learned their tactics, and we've strengthened our bonds. Next time, we will not just survive. We will dominate."
Sarah's gaze swept across her allies, emotion flooding her senses: fear, excitement, desire, determination. The bonds she had cultivated—the Heart and Veil Synchrony—were no longer abstract. They were living extensions of herself, vital tools in the battles to come.
The crimson sky of the Sanctum beyond the breach trembled faintly, a subtle pulse that hinted at forces gathering. Sarah inhaled deeply, Lust Engine flaring, ready for the next stage.
"Let them come," she whispered, voice low but resolute. "We are ready. All of us."
The harem's unified pulse responded, sending a warm, crimson wave outward—a living testament to power, trust, and the bonds that would define the Ascension yet to come.