Kojima Ren stood in the center of the training ground Vaelor had built the day before, the morning sun warming his skin. The island felt more solid now, with expanded gardens and stronger fences, but he knew they still needed more power. The nerf from the Gods made every roll precious, and the new Servant Empowerment Link skill was his best tool for growth.
"I want to test this skill today," he said, looking at his three companions. "We need to see how strong it can make someone when we really need it."
Sylphira stood close to him, her body gently pressed against his side. She remained kind and warm only with him, her golden eyes soft. "Master… if you want to test it on me, I'm ready. I'll do my best for you."
Mira leaned against a nearby post, her curvaceous figure on full display in her revealing silk dress. She gave Kojima a playful, seductive smile. "Oh Master~ If you use it on me, I promise I'll show you just how… energetic I can become. I can be very creative when I have extra power."
Vaelor stood with perfect butler posture, but his crimson eyes sparkled with mischief. "Master, I am also available for testing. Though I must warn you — when empowered, my shadows might become overly enthusiastic. I could accidentally create a very dramatic light show. Or a shadow dance routine. The possibilities are delightfully chaotic."
Kojima chuckled. The mix of Sylphira's gentle support, Mira's teasing sensuality, and Vaelor's witty humor made even serious training feel lighter.
"Let's start with you, Vaelor," Kojima decided. "You're the strongest physically. I want to see what the boost does in combat."
Vaelor bowed elegantly. "As you wish, Master. I shall endeavor to be both impressive and entertaining."
Kojima activated the Servant Empowerment Link. A blue glow surrounded Vaelor as his stats doubled for the next 30 minutes.
Vaelor's Stats (Boosted):
Strength: 45 → 90
Agility: 38 → 76
Vitality: 42 → 84
Vaelor's eyes flashed brighter. His shadows thickened and moved with much greater speed and precision. He created several shadow clones that danced around the training ground in perfect synchronization, then merged them into a massive shadow blade.
"Behold, Master!" Vaelor declared dramatically, swinging the blade in a wide arc that cut through the air with a dramatic whoosh. "With this power, I could defeat an army… or at least put on a very stylish performance. Shall I create a shadow orchestra next? I think the shadows would make excellent musicians."
Kojima laughed as he watched Vaelor move at incredible speed, testing strikes and defenses. The boost made the demon butler terrifyingly strong, but Vaelor still found ways to keep it light with his dry humor.
"Impressive," Kojima said. "The boost is even better than I expected."
When the 30 minutes ended, Vaelor returned to normal with a bow. "The power was exhilarating, Master. Though I must say, being twice as dramatic is quite tiring. I may need a short break to recover my usual elegance."
Sylphira gave a small, reluctant smile. "Hmph. Not bad for a demon. But don't get too cocky."
Mira clapped her hands with a teasing grin. "That was fun to watch! Master, when will it be my turn? I promise I'll put on a much more… stimulating show."
Kojima felt his face heat up slightly at Mira's bold teasing. "We'll test it on you next time. For now, let's try it on Sylphira."
Sylphira's expression softened immediately when Kojima looked at her. She stepped forward, standing close enough that her body brushed against his. "Use it on me, Master. I want to become stronger for you."
Kojima activated the link again. Blue light enveloped Sylphira.
Sylphira's Stats (Boosted):
Strength: 18 → 36
Agility: 22 → 44
Vitality: 20 → 40
Intelligence: 25 → 50
Her flames burned brighter and hotter, yet remained perfectly controlled. She raised her hand and created a large, precise flame construct — a beautiful fiery bird that flew around the training ground before dissipating harmlessly.
Sylphira turned to Kojima with a gentle smile. "Master… I feel much stronger. Thank you for trusting me with this power."
Mira watched with interest, her violet eyes sparkling. "Mmm, you look even more beautiful when you're empowered, Lady Sylphira. Master, if you ever want to test it on me while I'm… entertaining you, I'm more than willing."
Vaelor chuckled softly. "Lady Mira, your enthusiasm is admirable. Though I fear if Master empowers you during one of your 'demonstrations,' the entire island might become too… heated."
Kojima shook his head with a small laugh, trying to ignore the suggestive images Mira's words brought up. "Let's keep the testing practical for now."
They spent the rest of the morning training together. Kojima used the link on each servant once (the restriction prevented using it twice on the same person in a week). Vaelor's boosted shadows created impressive defensive barriers, Sylphira's empowered flames burned with greater precision and power, and Mira's Pleasure Aura became stronger, making everyone feel more relaxed and focused during training.
During a short break, Mira sat close to Kojima, her thigh brushing against his. "Master… when you use the link on me next time, I'll make sure the boost is very enjoyable for both of us. I can be quite skilled at mixing power with pleasure."
Sylphira gave Mira a cool look, but stayed affectionate with Kojima, holding his hand gently. "Hmph. Just don't distract Master too much. He needs to focus on building the kingdom."
Vaelor added with a sly smile. "Indeed. Though I must admit, watching Master grow stronger while surrounded by such… dedicated servants is quite entertaining. The dynamics are delightfully complex."
As the day went on, Kojima felt the weight of the nerf, but also the growing potential of his group. The Servant Empowerment Link was a powerful tool — limited, but very effective when used well.
By evening, the island had grown a little more under Vaelor's work. Kojima sat with his companions, feeling the quiet bonds between them strengthening.
Sylphira leaned against him gently. "Master… no matter how slow the rolls are, we'll keep moving forward together."
Mira winked at him. "And I'll make sure the journey is never boring, Master~"
Vaelor bowed with a faint smile. "And I shall provide the dramatic commentary along the way."
Kojima smiled, looking at the three of them. The kingdom was rising — slowly, but with laughter, loyalty, and growing strength.