As Lyn neared the secret tunnel’s exit, his strength had mostly returned. He no longer needed Xing Luo’s support.

The exit was a sewer manhole. Lyn intended to scout ahead first, but Xing Luo stopped him and climbed up alone. He figured he could guard her from below—but halfway up, his breath hitched again.

LUST +1!

He’d forgotten she wore only a cloak. Nothing underneath.

Xing Luo seemed utterly unguarded, oblivious to the risk. Lyn silently resolved to buy her proper** clothes as soon as they returned to the family estate.

Pushing the manhole cover aside, they emerged into a deserted alley. Noticing Lyn’s ragged breathing and faltering strength, Xing Luo reached down and hauled him up.

Her petite frame hid terrifying power. Lyn felt like a helpless chick lifted by its wings.

He was the master—a taller, grown youth—yet being manhandled like this stung his pride.

SLOTH +1.

The system’s notification nearly broke his composure. He wasn’t slacking off! He simply couldn’t refuse when she yanked him up. This delicate-looking girl had the strength of a dragon.

Unaware of his embarrassment, Xing Luo pressed against his chest again, worry in her eyes as she checked his condition.

“Master, are you alright?”

Her hands roamed over him. Uncomfortable but unwilling to push her away, Lyn shook his head and ruffled her hair. “Just the sewer stench. Hard to breathe. Sapped my strength.”

He’d never admit the real reason—his breath stolen by an unfortunate glimpse. Especially not under Xing Luo’s pure, trusting gaze. He refused to taint such innocence with the world’s filth.

After sealing the manhole, Lyn led Xing Luo toward the alley’s mouth. But after a few steps, he froze.

His head snapped upward.

A blinding flare shot into the sky nearby.

It burst into a radiant emblem: a cross layered over a strange golden eye. Holy light flooded the district, cascading toward their hiding spot.

Lyn’s blood ran cold.

*What rotten luck!* He’d just escaped an Abyss stronghold—only to stumble into the Church’s Demon Purge Decree!

This near-highest edict meant total lockdown. The Church would scour every inch of the area until all evil was eradicated.

Such orders only came when high priests were furious—either after an unforgivable atrocity, or when reeling in a major target.

A Purge in the Imperial Capital? The implications were terrifying.

Lyn recalled the last time this happened: when someone desecrated the tombs of past Popes. A true hero—but their identity remained unknown to this day.

*Could that same hero be striking twice?*