Lin Xiarri’s hand slowly reached for Sky Qi’s neck. He closed his eyes slightly, murmuring under his breath.

A faint blue glow flashed from his palm. Then, a sound like shattering glass echoed from the light.

Sky Qi’s body stiffened abruptly. One seal broke.

The blue glow intensified, nearly lighting up the whole room.

Three more cracks sounded as seals shattered simultaneously. Four tiny magic circles flared, releasing wisps of smoke that spread through the air.

Sky Qi felt his power returning—but it plateaued quickly. His strength stopped rising. Inside him, the Sea of Magic rippled, sending up small waves now and then.

This power was far from enough. Damn those dark bastards for forcing that thing on me. Sky Qi clenched his fists in fury.

“Ha, it worked!” Lin Xiarri looked even happier than Sky Qi. He held out an open palm.

Sky Qi stuck out his tongue and dropped a bag of gold coins into it. “Damn, you’re so materialistic?”

“Hell, I’m materialistic—you’re noble. Just sell your estate and hand it all to me,” Lin Xiarri grumbled.

Lin Xiarri suddenly frowned, sniffing near Sky Qi. “Your scent is off.”

“What the hell, are you a dog?” Sky Qi grabbed his head to stop him leaning closer.

“Seriously, this ties to what happened these past two days,” Lin Xiarri said, his frown deepening.

“Enough with the mystery act. Don’t think I’ll pay you more gold,” Sky Qi waved dismissively.

“No gold this time. Your aura’s seriously weird.”

Sky Qi had never seen him this serious. He leaned in. “What’s going on?”

“Your body radiates an allure that leaves women powerless,” Lin Xiarri said, rubbing his nose with a dry chuckle. “Like a naked beauty standing before a man.”

Sky Qi choked on his water, spitting a spray straight at Lin Xiarri.

But centimeters from his face, the droplets froze mid-air.

With a casual backhand swipe—like shooing a fly—Lin Xiarri sent them splattering aside.

That description was ridiculous. Sky Qi wiped his mouth, annoyed. But he sensed the gravity. He didn’t care about the wording.

“Yeah, I’ve felt it,” Sky Qi set down his cup. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his shock.

No wonder women on the street earlier stared with hungry eyes. Their blatant gazes made his skin crawl. It matched Lin Xiarri’s words perfectly.

“But that’s great! Imagine any girl you want—just get close and she’s yours,” Lin Xiarri’s solemn face cracked into a sly grin.

“Screw you! Forgot what happened yesterday?”

“Pfft, just getting overpowered? I’d volunteer for that,” Lin Xiarri waved carelessly.

Sky Qi’s mouth twitched. He could tell this guy would actually enjoy being a stud—proudly accepting that “sacred duty.”

Lin Xiarri cleared his throat. “Alright, no jokes. Empire Idols’ charm only makes people want to approach them.”

“If charm had ranks, vile killers are F to E. Ordinary folks hover around D. Good-looking ones hit C. Pretty girls? C to B. Empire Idols range B to A—A Rank is rare. That level creates instant goodwill.”

“But your charm? S Rank. Or SS Rank,” Lin Xiarri’s tone turned grave. “And it only affects women.”

“That high charm isn’t good. It makes women develop an abnormally strong—” he paused, “—possessiveness.”

Lin Xiarri nailed it. Surprise flickered in Sky Qi’s eyes. “So that’s it.”

Truly, the player is blind; the bystander sees clear.

Possessiveness? That explained why the noble Vampire Princess captured him—to train him as a slave.

This was serious. No one wants to be stared at like they’re naked.

“So what happened to you?” Lin Xiarri rested his chin on his hands, expression flat. “Why’s your constitution so strange?”

“Excuse me,” Sky Qi lifted his head slowly, meeting his gaze. “Can I trust you?”

“Whether you trust me or not? None of my business,” he shrugged.

Seriously, don’t ruin the mood! That random line was so absurd.

The tense atmosphere turned comical again.

“Damn it, answer properly! Can I trust you?”

“No!”

Sky Qi slapped him.

“Haha, fine—no more jokes. Spit it out. If it’s about the Vampire Princess overpowering you? I won’t tell a soul,” Lin Xiarri stifled a laugh.

“These months have been weird,” Sky Qi said. “First, my insane luck vanished. Misfortune took over. Feels like Death’s stalking me 24/7.”

“Perfect. I’ll spread the news you lost your SS Rank luck.”

Sky Qi glared and ignored him. “And whenever I get close to… pretty girls, my power drains.”

Lin Xiarri nodded thoughtfully. No wonder. How else could trash like William ambush him? Sky Qi could crush him with one hand.

“So I came for two things. First, an item to stop power loss. But after your aura comment—” Sky Qi flashed a bright smile, “—I’ll also take something to mask it.”

Lin Xiarri’s face twisted. “Why’s your smile so creepy?”

Whatever. Time to profit.

A moment later, Lin Xiarri tossed him a silver-white mask topped with a golden unicorn horn.

“The Unicorn Mage Mask. Hides your aura and identity. Add a bit of magic to reshape it. Won’t stop power loss—but slows it way down,” Lin Xiarri said calmly.