The next morning, Mira woke up, still naked from the night before and covered in Maria's fluids. Feeling a weight on her side, she glanced over and saw the cause of the mess snuggled against her shoulder and tails.
A slight smile crept on Mira's face, proud to be the one who put Maria in that state. Her smile grew when she finally sensed Maria's cultivation, which was at the 4th Stage of the Nascent Soul Realm.
'It seems she's doing quite well here.' Mira thought. It wasn't quite as fast as hers, but Maria also wasn't absorbing the Qi and vitality of those she killed. Without plenty of resources and talent, she never would've come this far this fast.
Looking around the lavish room and remembering the sight of not just this mansion but several others that also seemed to be part of 'The Sanctum', she figured that maybe Maria was doing more than just "quite well".
Sending out her Soul Sense, Mira examined the cultivation levels of all her subordinates, as well as checking up on Hana and Rhydian, who were asleep in a different room.
After a quick scan, she was even more surprised than before.
'She managed to bring them all to the Core Formation Realm, with some in the Nascent Soul Realm. They also all formed unique cores from the recipes I provided. I guess having Maria take them with her was the right decision.' Mira nodded inwardly.
At the same time, there was a faint killing intent surrounding all the women, evidence that they weren't here, just lazing around.
'Good. In a few years, I'll be able to start sending them on missions.' Once again, she was satisfied with her decision.
As odd as it sounds, she didn't think they'd be able to grow as fast in the Battle Maiden Sect as they were here. There were a bunch of them, and having to provide for all of them would get increasingly costly.
It was incredibly inefficient to use a Sect's resources to create your own faction. They'd have to spend all day, every day, doing missions. Thus, they wouldn't have time to cultivate, expand their knowledge, learn new techniques, or try out various professions.
What they needed just to form their cores was already expensive. Mira didn't want to imagine how costly it'd be for everything else.
Although they'd be missing out on some exclusive knowledge and mentors, Mira felt that the trade-off was fair since they got to create their own force, make their own money, and grow on their own terms.
'I probably would've followed them too if Aelina and I weren't so compatible.'
Mira's thoughts were cut short when she felt Maria stir, groaning as her eyes fluttered open.
"...M-Mira?" She asked groggily.
"Yeah?"
"...P-Please carry me to the bath."
Mira's lips twitched, but she nodded nonetheless.
"You did make a mess last night. I think you got the wrong affinity. Instead of light, it should be water!"
Maria blushed, her consciousness fully returning to her now that Mira said those words.
"T-That! That's only because you went all crazy! How was I supposed to know you'd go so far as to charm me?! I nearly lost my mind!" She exclaimed, trying to push all the blame onto Mira instead of her own horniness.
Mira shrugged with a slight smirk, "All I did was amplify your desire for me. The rest was all you."
Maria couldn't find the words to refute her, so she playfully hit Mira on the chest with a cute pout on her face instead.
Mira shook her head at her antics before she picked Maria up in a princess carry and brought her to a massive bathroom.
Putting her in the large bathtub, Mira turned on the hot water, and it wasn't long before it was filled up. Feeling her sore pelvic muscles loosen up, Maria sunk into the tub before she turned to Mira.
"Want to join?" Maria asked.
Mira was about to refuse so she could go take a look around the mansion, but Maria added, "I'll take a look at your injuries. Seeing as they're still there, they must've been pretty bad."
Mira didn't have a reason to decline the offer, so she nodded and hopped in the bath with Maria.
Maria shifted closer to Mira once she settled into the bath, her eyes growing serious. "Let's see those injuries," she said softly.
As Maria's light element Qi gently probed Mira's body, a frown marred her beautiful features. The extent of Mira's injuries, both internal and external, were far more severe than she had initially thought.
"Mira, these are... intense," Maria murmured. "You must have fought quite the opponent."
A chuckle escaped Mira's lips, though it was devoid of any real humor. "You could say that," she said, the memory of the battle with the Shadowfang returning to her mind.
Maria's frown deepened as she focused on her [Transcendent Restoration] technique. A soothing light flowed from her hands, immersing Mira's body. It was a serene feeling, the light mending Mira's injuries, easing the rips, tears, and breaks that lingered in her muscles, organs, and bones.
"Mira," Maria finally said, breaking the silence. "Can you tell me what happened?"
Mira nodded, then began telling her a bit about the fight with the Shadowfang. Afterward, she moved on to other things. She talked about her battles, the opponents she had faced, and the people she had met. Everything of importance.
Maria listened quietly, her heart aching for the woman she loved. Mira had always been strong, always been a warrior, but the trials she had faced were beyond anything Maria had imagined.
Yet, through it all, Mira remained strong, like a rock that could weather any storms. Her willpower never wavered, and her determination never faltered. It made Maria's heart swell with pride and love for the woman.
It was in times like these when she realized how truly lucky she was to be so intimate with Mira.
They remained in the bathtub, lost in their conversation and the soothing sensation of the warm water around them. It was a rare moment of tranquility amidst their chaotic lives, a moment they both cherished.
After what felt like hours, Maria finally ended the healing session. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw the improvement in Mira's condition.
"I think that's enough for now," Maria said, giving Mira a small smile. "How are you feeling?"
Mira tested her body, feeling the difference from before. "Much better," she admitted.
Maria's smile widened at Mira's words, her heart filling with warmth. "You're welcome." She winked. "And now, I think it's time I showed you around."
Mira raised an eyebrow at Maria's excited tone. "Show me around?"
Maria nodded eagerly. "I've been very busy training to be the best wife I can possibly be! So, now that you're here, I have to show off my progress a little!" She chuckled, excited at the thought of giving Mira a tour.
Seeing Maria's enthusiastic expression, Mira couldn't help but release a slight smile. She was eager to see all that Maria had accomplished in her absence.
And so, after drying off and dressing, Maria led Mira out of the bathroom, her hand firmly in Mira's. As soon as they made their way to the main lobby, Mira could already see the fruits of Maria's labor, the success she had built for herself.
The place was already so crowded this early in the morning!
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