Demonic Po*nstar System Chapter 690: Advice

"You could see Ash, surrounded by his string of trophy girlfriends, as utterly contemptible. And you're right—he is. But here's a little secret that folks outside the elite circles of the awakened world rarely grasp. He's not some outlier; he's the standard. Plenty of top-tier men keep it under wraps, but faithfulness? That's rare among them. The greater the power, the more women turn into mere decorations. Symbols of prestige. Badges of control."

"Faithfulness isn't exactly my strong suit either," Kaiden replied with a touch of sarcasm. "I've got five lovers myself. Two happen to be alien girls who might naturally lean toward sharing in a group setup, sure, but my three human partners? They don't come wired that way."

Eleanora erupted into laughter.

The outburst came out of nowhere and felt completely genuine, shattering the serious mood like glass. She pressed a hand over her mouth, her shoulders quivering with mirth.

"That's certainly accurate," she said once she caught her breath, a smile lingering. She pulled herself together, yet the warmth in her face had grown even softer. "But allow me to share something with you, from a woman who's devoted much of her professional life to analyzing human nature before ending up behind this desk."

She sat up straighter.

"A guy flaunting a collection of trophy lovers screams self-absorption. It shows he treats women like prizes to display. Their worth to him? It's all about how they enhance his image, how they boost his standing in others' eyes, how their allure underscores his own position. And those women? They get it. They pose for photos at events and vie for his favor in private, since his focus is a limited prize, and deep down, each one realizes she's disposable the instant a fresher, more attractive option shows up."

She allowed the words to linger.

"But a man surrounded by women who truly and deeply adore him? That points to a completely different quality. It means he's an outstanding individual."

The playfulness drained from her tone, giving way to a calm, focused insight.

"The glances your women give you, Kaiden. The smiles that light up when you talk. The way they say your name with such affection. Those ladies are formidable. Not one of them depends on you to get by. They could thrive without your safeguarding, your wealth, or your influence. Perhaps that wasn't true not long ago, but these days...? They choose to remain by your side."

Her eyes locked onto his. "I observed them just outside this tent for half a minute before entering, and it was enough."

She studied his features, and the polished facade, the subtle wit, the measured friendliness she'd shown since he arrived... it all dissolved. In its place stood a woman gazing at a young man, ready to speak from the heart.

"Kaiden Grey, you're precisely the sort of man I wish my son could grow into."

Kaiden held her stare, seeing nothing but raw honesty—no agenda, no manipulation, no strategic maneuvering. Just a parent, delivering the most authentic statement of the day.

Then the tension eased, and the easygoing vibe returned.

"Of course, I'm hardly a Vespera Ashborn," she continued, her voice regaining its lighthearted edge like sunlight breaking through clouds. "So my boy doesn't have to chase worldwide fame by slaying beasts way beyond his level on public streams. I'd rather he skip that part. I simply mean the integrity. The moral fiber. How you cherish the women around you."

Those words struck a vulnerable spot in Kaiden, piercing through his guarded layers—the analytical reserve, the act he put on, the deliberate space he kept from every official who'd ever questioned him. Hearing a mother say he was the role model for her kid cut right to the core.

He stayed silent for what felt like ages. Finally, he nodded deliberately.

"I truly hope your son turns out to be the man you envision."

He hesitated.

"And should circumstances permit down the line, I'd gladly hang out with him sometime. Play some catch, or whatever activities kids his age get into."

Eleanora's brows shot up.

"Kaiden Grey." Amusement laced her words, barely holding back another chuckle. "'Should circumstances permit'? Trying to sway an Association official mid-interrogation with a babysitting offer?"

"Absolutely not."

"Because that came across a lot like proposing childcare in return for leniency."

"I'd never dream of it."

She observed him for a couple more beats, then flashed a grin and grabbed the recording device on the tripod next to the table. She angled it toward him, revealing the activation crystal upfront.

It sat dim. Inactive. Powered down.

"Just so we're clear," she noted, her eyes twinkling, "I haven't activated the recording. All our chat so far? Just a casual exchange between an inquisitive mom and a commendable young fellow."

Kaiden glanced at the unlit crystal, then back to Eleanora, as his view of her reshaped into something unforeseen.

She gave him a wink.

"Alright now." She pressed the crystal, igniting a gentle blue glow that pulsed steadily to show it was on. Her demeanor adjusted, warmth intact but overlaid with the crisp efficiency of someone committed to her duties. "Whenever you're set. No rush. Have some tea if you like."

Kaiden took a sip of his tea.

The session ran for forty minutes.

Eleanora posed her inquiries with the steady diligence of someone already familiar with the bulk of the facts, focused on documenting rather than digging for secrets. She guided him through the events of the "rescue mission," the preceding days, the order of skills used, the choices that prompted action from the overlook. She covered the broadcast, the assistance declaration, the unintended fallout.

Kaiden responded with the calculated accuracy he'd practiced en route, every answer rooted in facts that reinforced the story. The recently acquired spells. The frenzied environment. The challenges of aiming at creatures near allied combatants. Each phrase was crafted to hold up under scrutiny—truthful and airtight.

And amid every query, each clarification, every subtle nudge, Kaiden sensed it clearly.

She was executing her role. Meticulously, expertly, following protocol.

She wasn't out to condemn him.

The potentially loaded questions were framed to allow smooth passage. The probes that might highlight discrepancies were steered away before they turned critical. She was assembling a dossier that would appease the oversight committee without arming them against him.

Kaiden couldn't say if it stemmed from Vespera's influence, her preconceived opinion of his character, or the plain fact that the proof backed his version more than opposed it. Possibly a mix.

He kept it to himself. Certain favors worked best unexamined.

Once the final answer wrapped up and the crystal's light dimmed to a idle shimmer, Eleanora shut her file and laid down her pen.

"Appreciate your help today."

He inclined his head.

"Before you go, a few updates." Her voice turned formal again, courteous yet exact. "One, you're cleared to rejoin your group and keep participating as the probe continues. Two, the official evaluation will need at least a few days to finalize. In the interim, all videos, statements from witnesses, and skill path reviews will be gathered and examined."

She stopped briefly.

"Three, as per routine for cases this serious, you're barred from exiting the nation until the assessment ends and a decision comes down."

"Got it."

"Your assistance here is documented positively." She rose, the gesture marking a clean end to the proceedings. "Rest up. It's been an exhausting day for you."

He got to his feet too, and briefly, their eyes met over the compact steel table in the tent scented with chamomile and honey.

"Director Voss."

"Yes?"

"Thanks for the tea."

She smiled.

"Anytime."

The tent flap swung shut after her. Kaiden remained in the stiff metal seat, the mug still toasty in his grip, the subtle aroma of chamomile drifting in the now-still space.

He reclined, let out a breath, and activated his wrist device.

The tournament projection sprang up over his arm, a see-through panel of leaderboards and scores he hadn't reviewed since the initial strikes. The data filled in, group after group, and Kaiden scanned it twice to confirm what he saw.

The rankings had shifted.

Radically.