Chapter 325: Unknown Problem
"So, what do you want to talk about, dear?" Ouroboros asked with a seductive smile, sitting on Strax's lap. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and amusement as her long, sinuous black hair fell around her face, creating an aura of mystery. Tiamat, Kallamus, and Lithara observed the scene with sharp gazes, the tension in the air almost palpable. But Ouroboros seemed completely oblivious to the growing anger around her, enjoying the moment as though it were a game.
Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire
Strax, showing no surprise, simply caressed Ouroboros' voluptuous thighs while casting a calculated glance at the others present. "I imagine you're all... eager, aren't you?" He said, his voice calm and deliberate. "However, as you already know, I can only reanimate two of you for now. So, before you start looking at me like you're going to devour me, I need to make a few things very clear." He smiled at them, taking his time to continue.
Ouroboros, feeling safe and satisfied with Strax's touch, smiled widely. "Clarify what, dear? Tell us. We're all ears." Her voice was honeyed, filled with an almost provocative expectation. Tiamat watched the scene with a golden gleam in her eyes, but her gaze remained as sharp as blades. Kallamus, on the other hand, maintained a closed expression, the fire of envy burning within him. Lithara was equally silent, but her disguised smile showed a growing tension.
Strax smiled back at Ouroboros, pausing before answering. "Ah, for now, I only have two feathers to create physical bodies. So, first, I'll give those bodies to you and Tiamat, as my first swords and spirits. You helped me negotiate the feathers with Xyn, and because of that, you two will be the first to experience true life, outside of this spiritual plane."
Ouroboros' eyes gleamed with satisfaction, and Tiamat couldn't contain a roar of joy, showing her imposing golden fangs. "Wonderful," Tiamat said, her words booming like distant thunder. "Finally, we'll be able to leave here! I can't take this anymore! And with real bodies, no one will be able to stop us! Finally, I'll be able to love my husband!"
Strax smiled faintly, his gaze calculating the others present before continuing. "But before you think the game is over, I have good news. In less than a week, I should be able to acquire more feathers. When we reach the capital, Xyn will be able to provide me with two more feathers, which will allow me to bring the two of you into the physical world as well." He paused, and his eyes gleamed almost maliciously as he turned to Kallamus and Lithara. "The competition between you four will be fair, okay? I'm not that petty."
Kallamus and Lithara exchanged looks filled with rage, but they dared not interrupt.
The sense of injustice and envy was almost unbearable for both of them, especially as Strax seemed completely indifferent to what was happening around him, particularly to Ouroboros' behavior.
Ouroboros, still relaxed on Strax's lap, didn't stop smiling. "Very good, dear. I knew you wouldn't leave us waiting for long. Now, all that's left is to hope you keep your promise... and let the fun begin."
Tiamat let out a deep, resonant laugh, her golden eyes shining with newfound power. "With living bodies, not only will we be able to help you even more, Strax," she said with unwavering confidence. "And everyone who opposes us will quickly learn what it means to face two immortal dragons, in all their glory!"
"Four, Tiamat. Don't forget about me," Kallamus interrupted with an ironic smile, pouting like a child while his red eyes glowed with disdain. "Strax and I are dragons too, you know."
Strax chuckled softly, his crooked smile widening as he looked at Kallamus and Tiamat. "Fufufu, true. We can't overlook the fact that we have four dragons here, can we?" He glanced around at everyone with a mixture of amusement and slight irony. "But for now, my friends... just wait a little longer. I still have a few details to sort out."
"Details?" Lithara asked, tilting her head slightly as her red eyes pierced Strax with a dark curiosity. "What exactly is still missing? We already have the feathers, you have the necessary power, what more do you need?"
Strax made an impatient gesture, looking away toward the horizon. "I need a skeleton, of course," he said, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. "The dwarf should deliver it soon. Once I have the bone structure ready, all that's left are the organs... and then we can proceed with the creation of the bodies. One step at a time, we can't rush things, can we?"
Ouroboros, still with an enchanting smile, rested her head on Strax's shoulder, her eyes closed in satisfaction. "Of course, dear. Perfection can't be rushed. Although, personally, I wouldn't mind having a body right now..." she teased with a provocative tone, gently running her hand over Strax's jawline.
"I too can't wait to feel my new body," Tiamat added, her words heavy with burning desire. "But we understand, Strax. We know it will be worth the wait when the result is as grand as what you're promising us."
Kallamus scoffed, dissatisfied. "I'm happy for you two, then," he muttered, casting a sour look at Strax. "But don't forget about me when we finally get our bodies, Strax. I have big plans for when I return to the physical world."
Strax gave Kallamus a look of mild amusement. "Of course, Kallamus. The physical world will be waiting for you. Everyone will have their moment of glory. Just... wait a little longer, and everything will be sorted out. I promise."
Strax gave an enigmatic smile, his eyes shining with a mix of confidence and anticipation. He took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the spiritual world around him, and then, with one last glance at Ouroboros, Tiamat, Kallamus, and Lithara, he opened his eyes.
The transition was almost instantaneous. The heat and humidity of the physical world hit his skin like a familiar embrace. The wind blew gently, carrying with it the sounds of the real world, a distant symphony of civilization and nature. Strax blinked a few times, adjusting his vision to the new reality, feeling the presence of his new allies in his mind.
"Time to make it happen," he murmured to himself, a subtle smile still playing on his lips. The spiritual world would be left behind for now.
Strax slowly got up from the bed, his eyes fixed on the system screen, which now displayed confusing and threatening messages. He felt a growing weight in his chest, a mix of frustration and fear that he rarely experienced. Scarlet's room was silent, but the anxiety in his mind seemed to increase with every passing second.
[System with issues]
Strax furrowed his brow, letting out a soft sigh. "What the hell is this?" he muttered, already knowing something was terribly wrong. But when he read the next message, his concern turned to pure desperation.
[System currently corrupted]
He took a step back, trying to process what was happening. "What do you mean corrupted?!!" Strax snarled, almost shouting. The system, his guide, his support in everything he did in this new world, was now failing. He felt a growing anger, but the feeling of helplessness was even worse.
[Due to an issue with the flow of information, the system is currently corrupted]
"What the hell..." He started to speak, his voice faltering for a moment before he composed himself. "What can I do?...," he murmured to himself, with a slight tremor in his voice. Panic began to rise, but he forced himself to stay calm.
[Response: System repair needed!]
"Repair what?! How do I fix something I don't even know where it is or what it is?!" he yelled, his voice filling the room sharply. He felt a pressure on his shoulders, as if the very air around him was becoming denser.
Strax paced back and forth, tapping his fingers against his forehead as he tried to process the situation. The System, which had always been with him since the moment he reincarnated in this world, had never had a plausible explanation. He didn't know where it came from, who created it, or how it really worked. All he knew was that it had always been a part of him, assisting with his abilities, making him stronger with each victory, offering information, and now, it seemed to be... broken.
"I don't have time for this... I've got too much to do, I can't sit here fixing this damn system!" Strax grumbled, his patience almost at its limit. What would he do if the System failed completely? He might be losing control over his own strength, over everything he had gained so far.
Looking back at the messages flashing on the screen, Strax felt his anger subside a little, giving way to pure frustration. He was never one to give up, so even though he didn't know where to start, he had to find a solution. He had to find a way to fix this, or his entire strategy would be at risk.
"I won't let this stop me. Not now…" Strax muttered, determined.