Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 500 New Skills, Incarnation\ of Lust

Celia's complexion transformed, becoming exquisite to the point of seeming delicate. A subtle radiance emanated from her fair skin, drawing Isaac in the longer he gazed.

A petite beauty mark now graced the area beneath her eye. Her lips, tinted a rosy hue, appeared fuller, possessing a captivating allure that was absent before.

From her head, two ebony horns curved upwards. In contrast to Alice's, Celia's horns presented a sharper, more 'fiendish' appearance.

Previously, she exuded a vibrant, youthful energy, much like an unripened fruit brimming with vitality.

Now, a mature aura surrounded her, akin to a fruit perfectly ready for harvest.

Isaac remained fixed on her, his gaze unwavering.

"No matter the number of times I witness that look, it still feels satisfying," Celia remarked, covering her mouth with a giggle.

Isaac finally released a slow exhale. "You've undergone quite a transformation."

"I'm aware," she responded with visible pride, then promptly took his arm. "Come, let's take a bath first. Afterward, we can properly examine the skills."

Before Isaac could utter another word, she had already pulled him towards the bathroom.

After a quick cleansing, the pair returned to the room.

Isaac assumed a cross-legged position on the bed, while Celia settled herself comfortably onto his lap as if it were the most natural arrangement.

As Celia's Lord, Isaac had direct access to her Status Screen.

They immediately proceeded to review the first skill.

Infernal Brand

Rank: SSS (Level 1)

Effect: The user is empowered to place a searing infernal sigil upon a designated target. Upon receiving this mark, the target will experience the following:

a. Increased vulnerability to fire damage, by 20%.

b. A 20% reduction in the efficacy of healing received.

c. Devil-type skills will inflict amplified damage upon marked adversaries.

The sigil's potency can be augmented through stacking, up to five times. Each accumulated stack enhances the sigil's performance by an additional 5%.

Duration: 15 seconds. (Each new stack applied resets the duration timer.)

Cooldown: 6 seconds

Cost: 50 Mana

Isaac's brow lifted slightly as he absorbed the details.

While the skill itself wasn't overwhelmingly potent, its practicality was undeniable. The minimal Mana Cost, short Cooldown, and the stacking benefit rendered it exceptionally dangerous in prolonged engagements.

"You can essentially maintain this indefinitely during a fight," Isaac mused aloud.

Celia assented, revisiting the description. "This pairs exceptionally well with Hellfire Wave. Furthermore, should I engage alongside fire mages, their offensive output will also see an increase."

"Particularly against formidable Bosses. The reduction in healing alone makes this skill a significant challenge to counter," Isaac contributed. Celia beamed, leaning back against his chest.

Next, they examined the second skill.

Demon King Vessel

Rank: SSS+ (Level 1)

Passive Effect 1: All stats receive a permanent enhancement of 20%.

Passive Effect 2: Damage received from all species originating from Hell is diminished by 20%.

For several moments, Isaac and Celia remained transfixed by the screen, rendered speechless by its contents. Though the description was concise, the effects detailed were astonishing.

A twenty percent increase across all stats might not seem immediately extraordinary, yet for beings at the apex of their power, even a minor augmentation could drastically alter their combat effectiveness.

And this boost was permanent.

Isaac's mind immediately recalled Alice's overwhelming defeat of the Thorn Tyrant through the synergistic application of multiple enhancement skills. The temporary stat increases she achieved were formidable; however, once those skills expired, her attributes reverted to their original levels.

In contrast, Celia's enhancement would remain consistently active.

Furthermore, the skill held the potential for advancement through leveling.

"This skill is utterly remarkable," Isaac declared. Celia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Isn't it? Passive stat-boosting skills are already exceedingly rare. A permanent, percentage-based increase to every single stat is simply unbelievable."

"Perhaps now I can finally contend with Alice on equal footing," Celia murmured, a hint of determination in her voice.

Isaac regarded her with a peculiar expression.

The last occasion this young woman acquired a Legendary-grade weapon, her immediate inclination was to confront her brother.

Now, bestowed with a monstrous passive skill, her initial thought was to challenge Alice.

Isaac found himself uncertain whether her motivation stemmed from a desire to gauge her own improvement or a simple craving to assert dominance and boast of her prowess.

Noticing his scrutiny, Celia narrowed her eyes. "What?"

"Nothing," Isaac replied, suppressing a chuckle.

He shifted his focus back to the second passive ability.

That particular effect was even more daunting.

Hell was not a mere regional territory; it constituted an entire world, comparable in scale to the Mortal Realm itself. It harbored an innumerable variety of races and species.

And from all of them, Celia would automatically sustain twenty percent less damage.

Such intrinsic resistance would prove monumentally advantageous in large-scale conflicts.

Isaac could readily envision the immense value Celia would bring to future missions centered around Hell.

Finally, they moved on to the subsequent skill.

Burning Soul Armor

Rank: SSS+ (Level 1)

Active Effect: This armor possesses the capability to absorb incoming damage, subsequently utilizing it for either a colossal explosion or an enhancement of the user's attributes.

Passive Effect: Incoming Physical Damage reduced by 30%, Fire Resistance increased by 30%, and partial resistance to minor debuffs is granted. Enemies striking the armor suffer Minor Soul Scorch damage.

Cost: 100 Dark Mana

Cooldown: 3 Hours

Duration: 10 Minutes

Isaac's eyebrows rose.

"This defense skill is truly astonishing, especially its passive effects," he remarked. Celia nodded vigorously, her excitement palpable.

Suddenly, she paused, her gaze fixed on the cost.

"I require Dark Mana?" she questioned, a hint of bewilderment in her voice.

After a moment's thought, Isaac responded, "It's likely that peculiar energy you accessed after consuming the fruit from the Tree of Abyss."

Celia instantly grasped his meaning.

Consuming the fruit earlier had granted her access to a strange dimension brimming with dark and sinister energy.

"Yes... it does seem to be Dark Mana. However, I'm still unsure of how to properly absorb it," she confessed. "Didn't you inquire with the Sword Empress about this?"

Celia's brow immediately furrowed. "I attempted to, but I couldn't even locate her. She's been eluding everyone since a certain individual said something to her during the Trial."

She then lightly nudged Isaac in the ribs.

Isaac let out a wry smile.

That particular incident had indeed stirred up more turmoil than he had anticipated. How could he have foreseen she would be the one retaining her memories?

"We'll ask her later about absorbing and utilizing Dark Mana," he stated. Celia nodded in agreement.

The pair then examined the Hellfire Wave skill, which had ascended from SS rank to SSS rank.

Hellfire Wave

Rank: SSS (Level 5)

Active Effect 1: Unleashes a wave of corrupted fire, inflicting soul damage. This skill is particularly potent against divine entities, dealing 45% additional damage to holy-type adversaries.

Active Effect 2: Unleashes a wave of True Hellfire, causing both soul and fire-type damage. Effective against divine and living entities, this skill inflicts 45% increased damage upon both.

Cost: 300 Mana (Active Effect 1)

Cost: 100 Dark Mana (Active Effect 2)

Isaac's eyes narrowed slightly as he read the second effect.

True Hellfire.

Even in ancient legends, this flame was a source of dread, said to be capable of incinerating divine beings themselves.

Celia appeared a mix of excitement and frustration.

"These Dark Mana skills are exceptionally powerful, but they all demand Dark Mana," she murmured. Isaac nodded slowly.

If this issue could be resolved, Celia's combat prowess would surge dramatically.

Sharing a knowing glance, the two turned their attention to the subsequent skill.

Infernal Sovereign Transformation

Rank: SSS+ (Level 1)

Active Effect 1: Grants the user the ability to manifest their True Devil form. In this state, all statistics and devil-type skills receive a considerable boost.

Active Effect 2: During the transformation, the user gains access to the following skills:

a) Infernal Maw (SSS Rank)

b) Chains of Gehenna (SSS Rank)

Active Effect 3: All Hell-born species possessing lower bloodline purity than the user are afflicted with the [Fear] debuff within their presence.

Passive Effect: Mana, stealth, and health regeneration are boosted by 100%. Damage against divine entities is amplified by 100%.

Cost: 500 Dark Mana

Cooldown: 1 Day

Isaac and Celia simultaneously drew in sharp breaths.

The sheer absurdity of the skill compelled Isaac to re-examine its rank, ensuring it was SSS+ and not Transcendent.

Nevertheless, the skill already exuded a power befitting that higher tier.

Isaac's expression gradually shifted as his gaze fixated on the first Active Effect.

A recollection surfaced in his mind.

During Selene's Trial, the Saint of Hell they encountered had employed this very transformation. Even now, Isaac vividly recalled the oppressive pressure that had permeated the battlefield upon the Saint's metamorphosis.

It wasn't merely raw strength;

it felt akin to the manifestation of a superior life form.

The Saint's mere presence had mentally subjugated weaker beings before the battle had even commenced.

And now, Celia possessed a comparable skill.

'Celia truly is of noble lineage. These skills are beyond reason,' Isaac mused internally. The second Active Effect was even more astonishing.

The transformation didn't just enhance her existing capabilities; it directly bestowed two additional SSS-rank skills during the transformed state.

That alone possessed the potential to decisively alter the course of an entire engagement.

Then there was the third Active Effect.

Bloodline suppression.

Against denizens of Hell, Celia would naturally hold dominion over anyone with lesser bloodline purity. A combat-time fear debuff is a formidable asset. Once fear takes hold, reaction speed, judgment, and even courage falter.

Some weaker opponents might find themselves utterly incapable of mounting an effective fight.

The passive effect was equally daunting.

Doubled regeneration rates for mana, stealth, and health implied Celia could sustain prolonged combat with far greater ease than before. The amplified damage against divine entities further amplified her threat.

Saints. Saintesses. Angels. Holy beasts. All of them were potential targets for that bonus damage.

"Perhaps I can truly defeat Alice now," Celia whispered to herself, visualizing a glorious victory.

Isaac regarded her with a peculiar expression. This girl had a penchant for challenging those who had previously bested her. He could almost see her envisioning herself standing triumphantly over Alice.

"I'm just saying this as a precaution, but don't provoke Alice," Isaac cautioned gently. Celia blinked and turned towards him. "Why?"

"Because unlike Vale, she won't hold anything back against you."

Celia puffed out her cheeks slightly. "I still believe I can win if I utilize this skill effectively."

Isaac paused for a moment. A part of him wished to let her indulge in her dream. However, if Celia were to carelessly challenge Alice, she might get hurt.

"Alice hasn't even displayed thirty percent of her power in this competition. She's conserving her true abilities for the Boss Monster and the other teams," Isaac stated frankly. Celia froze.

"Not even thirty percent?" she asked slowly.

"Yes," Isaac confirmed with a nod.

Celia stared blankly for several seconds. Alice had single-handedly crushed the Thorn Tyrant. A monster capable of overwhelming entire platoons, yet Alice had obliterated it without even seeming tired. And that was less than thirty percent of her strength?

Celia's expression shifted into something strange. Then, she nodded sagely, as if a great revelation had dawned upon her.

"Upon further consideration, engaging Alice doesn't seem like a wise choice. We are family, after all. Maintaining harmony is paramount," she declared in a calm tone. Isaac nearly burst into laughter at her sudden, shameless shift in perspective. Moments ago, she had been picturing herself victorious. Now, she was espousing the virtues of family unity.

He lightly tapped his fingers against her waist. "Don't overthink it. Your skills are genuinely formidable. With continued leveling, you will certainly be able to contend with Alice in the future. I only advise against provoking her at this moment," Isaac reassured her. Celia visibly relaxed and nodded.

"That makes much more sense."

They then proceeded to examine the next skill.

Sweet Madness

Rank: SSS (Level 1)

Effect: Disperses a pink-red mist. Upon inhalation, targets receive a Confusion stack, making it difficult to distinguish allies from enemies and sharply reducing concentration and precision.

Range: 50 Meters

Cost: 200 Mana

Duration: 10 Minutes

Cooldown: 30 Minutes

Isaac read the description twice before slowly nodding. "That's an exceptionally potent crowd-control skill."

Celia readily agreed. Against hordes of monsters, this skill would be devastating. Once confusion afflicted the enemies, they would turn on each other, disrupting formations and alleviating pressure on Celia. Even organized human groups would face significant challenges if several members lost their ability to identify allies correctly.

"A fifty-meter range is also immense. You could dominate an entire section of the battlefield with this," Isaac added. Celia seemed pleased. The skill complemented her combat style remarkably well. Unlike Alice's preference for overwhelming destruction, Celia's abilities leaned towards manipulation, pressure, and battlefield control.

Next, they reviewed the subsequent skill.

Heartfire Lash

Rank: SSS (Level 1)

Effect: Conjures a flaming whip of scarlet energy that bypasses 10% of the target's defense. Capable of applying Agitation stacks.

Max Stack: 10

Cost: 50 Mana (Per Stack)

This skill was simpler compared to the others, yet Isaac immediately grasped its value. "A medium-range pressure skill," he murmured.

Celia nodded. With her Legendary-grade weapon, Sanguine Thorns, she already possessed powerful battlefield control. The floating crimson petals could impede movement, disrupt enemy attacks, and create openings. While the enemy was occupied evading the petals, Celia could continuously strike with Heartfire Lash.

The Agitation effect made the skill even more formidable. Agitation reduced movement speed and interfered with casting speed. Against mages or agile opponents, this debuff would prove increasingly troublesome over time.

"It's an excellent combo skill. Once the enemy is ensnared by your petals, their ability to escape will diminish progressively," Isaac commented. Celia appeared delighted by this assessment. She clearly relished the idea of gradually cornering her opponents until resistance became futile.

Subsequently, the pair examined the final skill.

Queen of Desire Transformation

Rank: SSS+ (Level 1)

Active Effect 1: Increases charm resistance penetration by 100%.

Active Effect 2: Enemy movement speed within 30 meters is reduced by 30%.

Active Effect 3: Once this effect is triggered, adversaries will fixate solely on the user, frequently disregarding their environment.

Active Effect 4: This effect unveils the user's genuine form as the embodiment of Lust.

Passive Effect: The passive skill [Fatal Attraction] will be engaged. While this skill is active, all individuals within the user's proximity, and anyone who can visually perceive the user, will be enchanted. Those under this enchantment are prevented from launching attacks that could be lethal to the user. Targets with lesser willpower might become entirely incapable of assailing the user, potentially even obeying the user's commands. The passive skill's potency increases if the targets already harbor feelings of attraction towards the user.

Cost: 1000 Mana

Cooldown: 1 day

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