Published at 6th of August 2023 8:42 pm

Chapter 451 Changes [I]

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Stretching languidly, Aditya was roused from a deep, peaceful slumber. The first rays of morning light filtered through the room, caressing his skin with warmth. Waking up at dawn had become an engrained part of his routine, but every day it felt like a blessing rather than an obligation.

His eyes fell upon the figure beside him, Julia. His fiancee. His future wife. Her serene, sleeping face was the first sight he cherished each day. As he watched her sleep, a tender smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Their bodies were entwined, their naked skin touching, intimately familiar with each other. His arm was draped around her slender waist, pulling her closer, so that she was flush against his chest, enveloped in the warmth of his body.

Their activities of the night before had been passionate and prolonged, stretching into the wee hours of the night until exhaustion claimed Julia. After they had cleaned up, they had slipped under the covers, bodies pressed close, hearts beating in sync.

An all-consuming desire welled up within him to stay just like this, in this cocoon of warmth and love, indefinitely. He yearned to keep his responsibilities at bay, if only for a little while longer. To dwell in this moment of tranquility, free from the burdens of ruling the vast Istarin Empire. The mental fatigue that had accumulated over the past few months made this simple moment of serenity seem even more precious.

A sigh of regret escaped Aditya’s lips, a wistful acknowledgement of the reality that he couldn’t delay his responsibilities any further. Leaning in, he placed a gentle kiss on Julia’s rosy cheek before he gently extricated himself from their comfortable entwining.

His bare feet padded softly across the room, towards the en-suite bathroom. The sound of running water filled the space as he freshened up, his reflections and aspirations for the day mingling with the tranquil morning atmosphere.

When he emerged, dressed in a simple, loose outfit better suited for a commoner rather than an Emperor, he found Julia awake, her eyes sparkling with the freshness of the new day. The clothes he chose were a stark contrast to his usual regal attire, offering him a sense of ease and mobility, a small relief from the constant weight of his imperial identity.

“Good morning,” she greeted, her voice as sweet as the melodious chirping of birds outside their window.

“Good morning, Julia,” he responded, his voice soft yet firm, resonating with the warmth of their shared intimacy. He leaned in to capture her lips in a gentle kiss, a sweet promise to carry him through the day.

“I’m heading to the training ground for a bit of exercise. I’ll meet you at the dining table,” he declared, a hint of reluctant detachment in his voice. His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he took his leave, the echoes of their shared warmth accompanying him as he stepped out of the chamber, preparing to face the day ahead.

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Scene change____

Aditya, with a flicker of space magic, teleported himself to the exclusive training ground nestled behind the grandeur of the Dragon Palace. This extensive training zone, spreading across a sprawling 1000-meter radius, was as large as the palace itself, providing ample space for all the members of the Royal Family to hone their skills and maintain their combat readiness. Members such as Aditya, Julia, Riya, Alicia, Leo, Spencer, Clara, and everyone else who was the part of the royal blood had unrestricted access to this private haven.

The training ground wasn’t just vast; it was also fortified to an extent that rivaled the palace’s defenses. Aditya, in his foresight and protective instinct, had encircled the ground with a multitude of 4-star barriers that offered different lines of defense, preventing any unauthorized intrusion.

A 4-star Rune dome, a solid wall of magical power, towered around the training field, the first line of defense against any trespasser. Beyond this, lay the 4-star Rune Traps, an invisible network of explosive and poisonous traps, lurking beneath the surface, ready to catch any unwelcome visitor off guard.

Further in, the 4-star Rune Maze unfurled, a daunting labyrinth of illusions capable of trapping an intruder in a mind-bending maze with no visible exit. Lastly, guarding the inner sanctum of the training field was a 4-star Displacement Barrier, designed to counteract any space magic, stopping any potential invader from teleporting directly into the training ground.

It was a well-thought-out defensive system that demonstrated Aditya’s meticulous nature. These powerful Rune barriers were not only deployed here, but also fortified the Capital of the Istarin Empire, Azure City.

Runes, in essence, were the key to manipulating magic. Each Rune held a specific magical property, and by arranging these Runes in particular patterns and sequences, one could create different kinds of magical effects. This art was an intricate part of the magical world and mastering it required a deep understanding of magic and its underlying principles.

As Aditya stepped into the expansive expanse of the training ground, his gaze instantly fell upon Alicia, his second betrothed, who was already absorbed in her morning meditation. Nestled amid the tranquility of the verdant surroundings, she was a vision of ethereal beauty and serene calm.

At his approach, Alicia’s eyes fluttered open, breaking her tranquil communion with the energy of the universe. She looked up at Aditya, her lips curling into a tender smile that radiated the warmth of the morning sun. “Good morning,” she greeted him in her melodious voice that set his heart aflutter.

“Good morning,” Aditya returned the greeting, his eyes reflecting the affectionate spark lighting up his face.

Their morning encounters had become a cherished routine over the past month, ever since Alicia had expressed her desire to spar with him. With each passing day, their morning sparring sessions had only deepened their bond. They shared not just words and laughter, but also their passion for martial arts and mutual respect for each other.

As a Princess of the prestigious Ethereal Empire, it was a given that Alicia should have been well-versed in the art of combat. However, she had always been more inclined towards her personal hobbies and pursuits, leaving her cultivation journey largely unexplored. But recently, she seemed to have sparked a newfound interest in it, much to Aditya’s delight.

Aditya cherished these training sessions with Alicia, not just for the chance to impart his martial knowledge to her, but also for the moments of intimacy they shared. Every time their eyes met across the sparring mat, every time their hands brushed against each other during a training drill, they shared a subtle, unspoken bond, a connection that went far beyond their impending nuptial ties. The training ground had become their own little world, a sanctuary where they could explore their relationship away from the public eye, strengthening their bond one spar at a time.

“Ready to spar?” Aditya suggested, his eyes gleaming with a playful glint. “Remember, we’re sticking to our usual rules. You can use your passive skills for a temporary boost in stats, but no spells. As for me, I’ll be fighting you in my base form, with no use of skills.”

Having dedicated herself to intense cultivation over the past couple of months, Alicia had made significant strides in her power. Her relentless pursuit and commitment had borne fruit just two days ago when she achieved the beginner 4th-order. Now she was honing her abilities, getting a feel for her newfound power under Aditya’s keen and experienced guidance.

“Let’s do this,” Alicia affirmed, a determined glint in her eyes. She was dressed in a tight black training outfit that clung to her body like a second skin, defining her curves and accentuating her allure. Her well-endowed figure, particularly her ample bosom, was even more pronounced in the snug outfit. But it was not just her physical attributes that made her attractive. The strength in her eyes, the firm set of her jaw, and the determination emanating from her stance – they all combined to paint a picture of a woman of substance.

With a swift motion, they both vanished from their spots, only to reappear in the center of the training ground. The initial clash of their fists sent out a shockwave that rippled through the air around them. As they landed back on the ground, Alicia fluidly transitioned into a roundhouse kick, her body spinning with a grace that was both beautiful and deadly.

Her long, strong legs whipped through the air, aimed squarely at Aditya. The sight was both daunting and captivating – her flowing black hair trailing behind her, her body arched in a perfect curve, and her fierce eyes focused unwaveringly on him. Aditya found himself momentarily entranced, the image of Alicia – strong, confident, and utterly gorgeous – forever imprinted in his mind.

With a composed demeanor, Aditya easily deflected Alicia’s powerful kick with his arm, sending out another miniature shockwave upon contact. Alicia, however, didn’t pause for a moment, swiftly shifting gears to launch a punch at Aditya’s abdomen.

Instead of blocking her strike, Aditya deftly sidestepped to her right, evading her attack and swiftly maneuvering behind her. Before she could react, she felt his solid, muscular arms enveloping her slender waist in a firm yet gentle grip. He gently rested his face on her left shoulder, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine as he whispered in her ear, “You’ve got more in you.”

A delicate blush rose to Alicia’s cheeks as his words and proximity momentarily flustered her. Regaining her composure, she attempted to kick him with her right foot, trying to shake off his hold. However, Aditya merely chuckled, smoothly evading her retaliation with an ease that spoke volumes about his combat proficiency.

Aditya was a seasoned warrior, a seasoned killer. His journey had seen him engaging in countless battles, taking down tens of millions of enemies. His martial prowess was formidable, honed through extensive experience. Add to that his ‘Instant Learning and Adaptation’ Innate skill, which allowed him to learn and assimilate his opponents’ martial arts techniques, and his skillset became terrifying. Each battle, each opponent only served to refine his martial arts and swordsmanship further. This disparity in skill and experience between them was evident in their sparring. Yet, despite the difference, the moments they spent together on the training ground were never about competition but connection, about learning and growing together.

Alicia continued her energetic attempts to land a blow on Aditya, her every movement causing the prominent curves of her body to dance along with her. Aditya, enjoying the playful skirmish, kept effortlessly sidestepping her attacks, all the while appreciating the sight of her vitality.

After a while, he decided to shift the rhythm of their match. With agile footwork, he managed to close the distance between them while simultaneously deflecting her assaults. As Alicia tried to land another punch, Aditya swiftly grasped her wrist, pulling her close to him. Caught off guard, Alicia barely had time to react before Aditya’s lips met hers in a quick, passionate kiss.

When they broke apart, Alicia was visibly blushing, her cheeks a delicate hue of pink. She gently pushed him away, stepping back to create a distance between them. “You cheeky rogue, quit teasing me,” she chided, though the twinkle in her eyes belied her mild annoyance.

Aditya merely laughed at her flustered reaction, his eyes sparkling with mirth. Their playful spar continued, occasionally punctuated with more surprise embraces or tender kisses from Aditya. But this didn’t mean that their sparring session lacked any educational value. On the contrary, Aditya meticulously observed Alicia’s moves, noting down her mistakes and areas of improvement. Once the sparring was over, he would patiently guide her, explaining her faults and demonstrating the correct techniques. Despite the lighthearted mood, every session was a step forward in Alicia’s growth as a martial artist, under the tutelage of an affectionate and capable teacher.

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One chapter for today. I don’t have enough time to write another one.

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