A Price for Healing.
Leon stared at the glowing screen in front of him, eyes wide in disbelief. A slow grin spread across his face until it turned into a full-blown smirk.
"Finally... my cheat has arrived."
His voice echoed in the silent room. He chuckled to himself, a giddy, almost boyish sound bubbling from his throat. With a light hum, he stood up and stretched, his toned body illuminated by the warm light seeping through the large windows.
"I'm not just going to survive in this world—I'm going to dominate it."
Whistling a happy tune, he made his way to the bathroom, curious to wash off the lingering fatigue and start fresh. The bathroom, like the rest of the duke's estate, was luxurious. Marble floors, gold-accented sinks, and a large circular tub carved from obsidian stone sat in the centre, steaming water already filled to the brim with a faint herbal fragrance curling in the air.
Leon casually undressed, his robe sliding off his shoulders and pooling around his feet. As he stepped into the bath, a slip of the foot caused him to stumble awkwardly.
"Shit—!"
With a splash, he half-fell into the tub, water splattering over the rim. After a few seconds of stillness, he sighed in bliss, letting the warm water soothe his muscles.
As the heat seeped into his skin, Leon leaned back and let his head rest on the edge. A thoughtful frown tugged at his lips.
"So… the System said I have to build a harem to grow stronger. But…" His gaze drifted down toward the part of his body that had long been a source of internal torment for former Leon.
"...how the hell am I supposed to do that with this useless manhood?"
He grimaced at the sight of his limp manhood floating in the water. The memories of the previous Duke's life reminded him of the incurable condition—erectile dysfunction—that had plagued his predecessor. It was one of the reasons the old Leon never married or took lovers.
"But I'm not him anymore," Leon muttered, determination flashing in his eyes. "System, are you there?"
[Yes, Host.]
"You said I need to create a harem to grow stronger… but this body—how?"
[Affirmative. The host suffers from a congenital dysfunction. However, if the host desires, the System can repair the body.]
Leon's heart skipped.
"You can… heal it?" he asked hesitantly.
[Yes, Host. But healing the body comes at a cost.]
Leon narrowed his eyes. "What kind of cost?"
[A full-body healing process will reset the host's cultivation. Current stage: Grandmaster… to Mortal.]
Silence followed.
His eyes widened in disbelief. What memory he inherits from previous Leon according to those memories in Galvia power level – cultivation divide in seven level: Mortal, Novice, Master, Grandmaster, Monarch, Grand Monarch Conqueror. And the Grandmaster stage… one of the highest ranks in Galvia. Only a few reached that realm in a lifetime. It had been the greatest asset the previous Duke had left behind.
He little hesitates but he thinks but what use 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 his decision. "Do it. Heal me."
[As you command, Host. Beginning the healing process.]
A green glow enveloped his body, pulsing with warmth and vitality. A tingling sensation ran through his limbs, then a sharp jolt of energy burst through his core. Leon groaned softly, feeling the transformation. His muscles twitched, his joints cracked, and his body seemed to renew from within.
Then he looked down.
"...Oh?"
His eyes widened as he watched his once-lifeless manhood slowly rise, thickening and lengthening to a proud six inches.
"HOLY SHIT," he breathed, a mixture of shock and joy hitting him like a truck. "It's Heal!"
He laughed, practically bouncing in the bath as he realized not only was his dysfunction gone, But then… he feels something else shifted inside his body. A strange lightness. He frowned and muttered, "System… was that all?"
[Healing complete. Host's internal injuries have also been repaired. Cultivation has been reset to Mortal.]
Leon grunted. "Yeah… I can feel it. I'm weak as hell now compare to when I arrive in this world."
Still, he couldn't deny it. He now feels complete as a man.
"System," he said again. "You never gave me a starting gift. Where's my bonus?"
[Host has one pending System Bonus Gift.]
"Then why didn't you tell me 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 in front of him, glowing faintly. A prompt followed.
[System Bonus Gift – Open?]
[Yes / No]
Leon selected [Yes] without hesitation. The screen flashed, and then another prompt appeared:
[Choose one:]
[1. Receive Forgotten Knowledge of Galvia OR
2.Receive a Random Skill]
Leon pondered. With his cultivation reset, most skills wouldn't be useful yet. Knowledge, on the other hand…
He recalled the ten blank points he still had. "System, can I use blank points to purchase skills?"
[Yes, Host.]
"Then it's decided. I'll take the knowledge."
[Wise choice. Knowledge Transferring now.]
[Processing… Downloading Knowledge.]
Suddenly, a surge of information burst into his brain. Ancient history, cultivation theories, lost family secrets, hidden realms, and forbidden techniques—his mind was flooded.
After a few minutes, He gasped, clutching his head as the flood of information surged through every corner of his consciousness.
After several long minutes, he slumped back in the tub, chest rising and falling as he panted for breath.
"…That… was intense."
[Note: Due to low cultivation, portions of the knowledge have been 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 crap now!"
[System only has Host's best interest in mind.]
Leon groaned and dragged a wet hand down his face.
"…Fine. I'll get there eventually. 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 a loose set of nightclothes. A silky pair of dark trousers and a buttoned white shirt, which he deliberately left half-open to show his chest. The fabric was light, perfect for lounging, but still gave him a roguishly noble appearance.
As he fastened the waistband, he noticed a small mirror in the corner of the room. Curiosity struck. He walked over and looked at his reflection—and froze.
"...Holy fuck."
A breath escaped him.
"I'm… I'm handsome!"
He turned his head left and right, inspecting every angle with awe.
Long, thick raven-black hair framed his pale but smooth face. His golden eyes glowed faintly under the room light. Sharp brows, a well-sculpted nose, and a strong jawline made him look like a sculpture 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.