A Price for Healing.
Leon stared at the glowing screen in front of him, his eyes wide with disbelief.
A slow grin spread across his face, growing into a full smirk."Finally... my cheat has arrived."His voice echoed softly in the quiet room.
He chuckled to himself, a light, almost boyish laugh escaping him. With a soft hum, he stood up and stretched, his body and his fit body lit by the warm light of chandelier and lamp of the room.
"I'm not just going to survive in this world—I'm going to rule it.
"Whistling a happy tune, he walked to the bathroom, wanting to wash away his tiredness and start fresh.
The bathroom, like the rest of the duke's estate, was very fancy. Marble floors, sinks with gold decorations, and a big round tub made of black stone sat in the center, filled with steaming water scented faintly with herbs.
Leon slowly took off his robe, letting it drop around his feet. As he stepped into the tub, he slipped a little and stumbled.
"Shit—!"With a splash, he almost fell in, water spilling over the edges. After a few seconds of stillness, he sighed happily, letting the warm water relax his muscles.
The heat soaked into his skin as Leon leaned back and rested his head on the tub's edge.
A thoughtful frown appeared on his lips.
"So… the System said I need to build a harem to get stronger.
But…" His eyes drifted down to the part of his body that had long been a painful reminder from his past. "...how the hell am I supposed to do that with this useless dick?"
He frowned at his limp dick floating in the water. Memories of the old Duke's life came to him—he had erectile dysfunction that couldn't be cured. That was why the old Leon never married or had lovers.
"But I'm not him anymore," Leon said quietly, determination flashing in his eyes.
"System, are you there?"
[Yes, Host.]
"You said I need a harem to grow stronger… but this body—how?"
[Affirmative. The host has a congenital dysfunction. But if the host wants, the System can fix the body.]
Leon's heart skipped a beat."You can… heal it?" he asked slowly.
[Yes, Host. But healing the body has a cost.]
Leon narrowed his eyes. "What kind of cost?"
[A full-body healing will reset the host's cultivation. Current stage: Grandmaster… down to Mortal.]
There was silence.His eyes grew wide in disbelief. From the memories he had, he knew the power levels in Galvia were split into seven stages: Mortal, Novice, Master, Grandmaster, Monarch, Grand Monarch, Conqueror.
Grandmaster was one of the highest ranks, reached by only a few in a lifetime. It was the greatest gift left by the old Duke.
He hesitated, thinking. What good was that strength if he couldn't use the System?He clenched his jaw. "If I heal my body with the System's help, I'll rise again. Faster. Stronger. No limits this time."
After a long pause, he made up his mind. "Do it. Heal me."
[As you command, Host. Starting healing process.]
A green glow wrapped his body, pulsing with warmth and life. A tingling ran through his arms and legs, then a sharp burst of energy exploded inside him.
Leon groaned softly, feeling the change. His muscles twitched, his joints cracked, and his body seemed to renew itself.
Then he looked down."...Oh?"
His eyes widened as he saw his once-dead dick slowly rise, growing thicker and longer to a proud six inches."HOLY SHIT," he breathed, shock and joy hitting him hard. "It's healed!"
He laughed, bouncing a little in the tub, realizing his dysfunction was gone.
Then… he felt something else change inside him. A strange lightness. He frowned and muttered, "System… is that all?"
[Healing complete. Host's internal injuries fixed too. Cultivation reset to Mortal.]
Leon grunted. "Yeah… I can feel it. I'm weak as hell now compared to when I first came here.
"Still, he couldn't deny it. He felt whole as a man now."
"System," he said again. "You never gave me a starting gift. Where's my bonus Gift?"
[Host has one pending System Bonus Gift.]
"Then why didn't you say so earlier?"
[Host did not ask.]
"…Tch. Fine. I'm asking now."
[Would the Host like to open the System Bonus Gift?]
"Yes!"
A shimmering image of a treasure chest appeared before him, glowing softly.
A prompt followed.
[System Bonus Gift – Open?]
[Yes / No]
Leon clicked [Yes] without thinking.
The screen flashed, then another prompt showed up:
[Choose one:]
[1. Receive Forgotten Knowledge of Galvia OR
2. Receive a Random Skill]
Leon thought. With his cultivation reset, most skills wouldn't help now. Knowledge, on the other hand…He remembered the ten blank points he still had.
"System, can I use blank points to get skills in future?"
[Yes, Host.]
"Then it's decided. I'll take the knowledge."
[Wise choice. Transferring knowledge now.][Processing… Downloading Knowledge.]
Suddenly, a rush of information flooded his mind. Ancient history, cultivation theories, lost family secrets, hidden realms, and forbidden techniques—all poured into his brain.
After a few minutes, he gasped, clutching his head as the flood of knowledge pushed through his thoughts.
After a long moment, he slumped back in the tub, chest heaving as he caught his breath."…That… was intense."
[Note: Due to low cultivation, parts of the knowledge are sealed. Unlock condition: Grand Monarch Stage.]
Leon's eyes snapped open. "What?!"
[It is for the Host's safety.]
"Oh, don't you dare pull that now!"
[System only has Host's best interest in mind.]
Leon groaned, wiping a wet hand down his face."…Fine. I'll get there someday. Just don't hide any more surprises, alright?"
[No promises.]"…Tch. Asshole system."
With the bath finished, Leon stepped out and dried himself with a soft towel. He opened the wardrobe and changed into loose nightclothes.
A silky pair of dark pants and a white shirt, half-open to show his chest. The fabric was light and perfect for relaxing but still made him look like a noble rogue.
As he tightened the waistband, he saw a small mirror in the corner.
Curiosity hit him. He walked over and looked at his reflection—and froze.
"...Holy fuck." He breathed out.
"I'm… I'm handsome!"
He turned his head left and right, amazed by every angle.
Long, thick black hair framed his pale, smooth face. His golden eyes shone softly in the room light. Sharp eyebrows, a well-shaped nose, and a strong jaw made him look like a statue of a forgotten god.Leon blinked, then grinned.
"If I was on Earth, I'd be an idol—no, a legend," he whispered.
Just then, the door creaked open with a soft click.