The Last Incubus with The Vice and Valor System

Leon's curiosity was piqued after overhearing the guards' conversation. "What happened while I was away?" he asked calmly. Despite his composed demeanor, his voice had a hint of urgency.

Seraphina, knowing he valued thoroughness, began, "A lot has indeed transpired, master. Soon after you left, the Deathbringer Mercenary Squad, or whatever they call themselves, made their entry to the estate. The Viscount, in an attempt to reveal my presence and let their standing be known, cleverly hosted a small banquet.

It was an attempt to placate them, knowing their leader's reputation and the potential chaos he might cause. He did all that to avoid unnecessary trouble that could endanger the secret he's been trying so hard to keep."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "So, they were aware of the potential threat and chose to act preemptively?"

"Yes," Seraphina confirmed. "They knew your interest in Lady Amelia and were prepared for possible retaliation. However, my presence deterred them from taking any drastic actions."

"I guessed as much," Leon said, then his eyes narrowed, a smirk playing on his lips. "You mean your aura."

Seraphina nodded, her expression serene. "Indeed. I didn't hide it entirely. Deathbringer recognized it almost immediately. My aura was enough to keep him in check. They didn't dare act as they planned to.

That Deathbringer has quite the history with me." A cold glint appeared in her eyes. "He knows exactly what I'm capable of."

Leon sighed, piecing the events together. "That explains their cautious departure."

Seraphina continued, "Moreover, there were those foolish guards and the Deathbringer guy. What an ironic name. They have no common sense, daring to attack master. Had I not made an appearance and let my presence be known, you would have been forced to eliminate those ants."

Leon smirked slightly, trying to maintain his image, though internally he was once again reminded of his powerlessness. While the guards were mere flies and could be easily dealt with, the same couldn't be said about the young master and Deathbringer guy. They were strong.

Leon would not be able to defeat them easily, he didn't know their cultivation realm but he knew that they're definitely cultivators...

"You said you've got quite the history with The Deathbringer guy, I'm curious, what kind of history do you both share? the guy was definitely terrified of you," Leon asked, a curious expression on his face...

Seraphina nodded, "It's a bit complicated, if he hadn't messed things up we'd have been great ally's"

Leon got even more curious upon hearing that...

Then, Leon listened intently as Seraphina began her story, her voice carrying a mix of cold detachment and underlying fury.

"It all started years ago, when I was crowned the new sect leader of my sect" Seraphina began, pausing to take a deep breath.

"At that time our sect faced a logistical challenge," Seraphina said. "The trusted mercenary group we relied on for transporting essential goods was wiped out by a high-level beast. Left with no choice, I had to seek a new ally. I approached Roderick, the leader of the Deathbringer Mercenary Squad, under a carefully crafted disguise."

Leon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So Roderick is his real name?"

"Yes," she nodded, scoffing as she added. " Roderick is his real name, with all the fame he's gotten, he actually let his real name fade away replacing it with the stylish name of his mercenary squad. Right now, barely anyone knows his real name anymore."

Sighing as she continued, "Roderick at that time was ambitious and always seeking profitable ventures. I proposed a mutually beneficial arrangement. He would transport goods to our remote region, and in return, he would gain substantial rewards. For years, the partnership flourished. I ensured the goods were collected far from the Glacial Frost Lotus Sect to maintain our secrecy."

"So he never knew who you truly were?" Leon asked.

"Not until much later," Seraphina replied, a cold smile playing on her lips. "Over time, Roderick grew complacent. He started breaking the terms of our agreement—delivering goods late, demanding higher payments. He believed that, given the distance and his perception of our power dynamics, there would be little consequence."

Leon frowned, 'This was quite interesting and his actions were straight out dumb, just because he had trust issues, he lost such a great connection'

"He underestimated you." Leon commented.

"Indeed," Seraphina's eyes glinted with a chilling light. "One day, I decided enough was enough. I confronted Roderick and revealed my true identity. The fear in his eyes was palpable as he realized who I was."

"What did you do to him?" Leon asked, already sensing the answer.

"In a fit of rage, I clogged his meridians," she said, her voice like ice. "I made it impossible for him to progress further on his path of cultivation without consuming rare pills that could only grant temporary and minimal advancement. His strength, his pride, his ambitions—shattered in an instant."

Leon nodded sagely. "A just punishment for his betrayal. The path of cultivation is not to be taken lightly, nor is it to be abused. He learned a valuable lesson, one that will stay with him for the rest of his life."

"Precisely," Seraphina said, her voice softening slightly. "I reminded him of the consequences of breaking our agreement. The agony of the blocked meridians left him in constant pain and frustration. When he sensed my aura near the Viscount's estate, those old memories and fears resurfaced. He knew better than to provoke me or those under my protection." Find adventures at m_v l|e'm-p| y r

Leon stroked his chin thoughtfully. "The past often casts long shadows, Seraphina. Your actions, though severe, were necessary. In this world, strength and resolve must be demonstrated to maintain order and respect."

Seraphina nodded, her expression serene. "You deserve to know, master. That Deathbringer is very annoying, and scheming, I'm sure that he hasn't changed since then."

Meanwhile, after Seraphina revealed all that to him, the atmosphere between them became quite heavy...

Leon thought of something and asked Seraphina, his calm voice breaking the heavy atmosphere. "And what of Amelia? How has she fared during all this while I was away?"