The morning sun slowly spilled its golden light across the ancient city of Veloria. The grand festival had begun — The Festival of Bonds, a centuries-old tradition where warriors, mages, and citizens celebrated unity, trust, and secret wishes for love.
Lucien stood at the balcony of their inn, his innocent gaze lost in the vibrant colors of the streets below. Streamers of crimson and silver danced in the wind, while sweet aromas from food stalls filled the air.
A gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Lucien~" came Seraphina's melodic voice.
He turned, and his breath caught for a moment.
Seraphina stood there dressed in a flowing crimson kimono embroidered with phoenix patterns. Her golden hair was tied up with elegant ornaments, revealing the delicate curve of her neck.
"You… you look… beautiful," Lucien managed to say, his cheeks turning slightly red.
Seraphina giggled softly, stepping closer. "Only beautiful? Not 'breathtaking'?"
Lucien scratched the back of his head, his innocence shining through. "Um… breathtaking too."
Before he could recover, the door burst open.
"Lucien!! We're going too!" Lyra exclaimed, dragging Elira behind her. Both wore matching festival dresses, their curves accentuated by the silk fabric.
Lyra winked mischievously. "Don't forget to look at me too, Master."
Elira, more reserved, blushed. "M-Master… does this dress suit me?"
Lucien, overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding him, could only nod. "You all… look amazing."
At that moment, Nysa and Kaela entered, followed closely by Arin. Each one wore a unique dress that reflected their personalities — Nysa with her bold slit revealing one perfect leg, Kaela with her tight bodice, and Arin in a sleek black ensemble with silver embroidery.
Kaela leaned closer, her voice playful, "Master, you won't faint seeing so much beauty at once, will you?"
Lucien gulped, his ears turning red.
As they walked together through the lively festival streets, many eyes followed them. Whispers passed among the crowd, admiring not only the beauty of the six women but also the strange yet fascinating bond they shared with the lone, innocent young man leading them.
"Look at that group…"
"Is he a prince?"
"No, he's the Flameborn Summoned Hero."
"How lucky to have such companions."
The girls noticed the whispers, and pride sparkled in their eyes. They enjoyed being close to Lucien — more than they ever admitted.
Later, they reached the Bonding Tree — an ancient tree believed to bless relationships. Many couples stood around it, tying crimson ribbons together as a symbol of unity.
Seraphina nudged Lucien gently. "Would you… like to tie a ribbon with me?"
Lucien blinked. "W-What does it mean?"
Lyra chuckled, stepping closer. "It's a festival tradition. You tie the ribbon with someone you… share a connection with."
Lucien's face flushed.
Before he could answer, Elira softly whispered, "I… I would love to do it too, Master."
Then Nysa smirked, "Me too. Of course."
Kaela wrapped her arm around his. "You can't refuse your entire squad, right?"
Arin, as always cool, simply said, "I won't be left behind either."
Lucien stood frozen, completely overwhelmed. Six beautiful women, each wanting to share this intimate tradition with him.
"I… I… don't want to disappoint anyone," he finally stammered.
Seraphina smiled warmly. "Then tie one ribbon with each of us."
The girls agreed excitedly.
As Lucien stood before the grand tree, each girl stepped forward one by one.
Seraphina's fingers gently intertwined with his as they tied the first ribbon.
Lyra brushed her cheek against his shoulder while tying hers.
Elira's hand trembled slightly, her face glowing with emotion.
Nysa's bold gaze locked with his as they knotted their ribbon.
Kaela playfully whispered near his ear, "One day, Master, this thread might become unbreakable."
Finally, Arin silently tied her ribbon but held his hand for a moment longer than necessary, her cool eyes softening.
When all six ribbons fluttered in the wind, Lucien exhaled deeply, his heart pounding. He felt something awaken inside — not just power, but deep emotions he had been too naive to understand fully until now.
Why does my heart feel so strange…?
The system chimed softly in his mind:
[Hidden Affection Bond Strengthened: 18%]
[Emotional Affinity Level Increased.]
[Potential Unlock Available: Emotional Resonance Skill Tree.]
Lucien blinked in confusion.
Emotional Resonance? What is this...?
Before he could process it, the ground trembled slightly.
Suddenly, a distant horn echoed across the city.
Boooooooooooom!!
Dark clouds gathered unnaturally over the northern gate.
Arin immediately went on alert. "That... is not part of the festival."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed. "Demonic presence…"
Nysa's smile faded. "They dare attack during the Festival of Bonds?"
Kaela whispered with dangerous excitement, "Looks like we'll have our first battle together, Master."
Lucien's heart pounded, but this time not out of innocence — but determination.
"I won't let anyone harm this world… or any of you."
The girls smiled — proud, excited, and emotionally drawn even closer to him.
As the squad raced toward the looming threat, the true adventure of the Flameborn Squad had just begun.
[TO BE CONTINUED...]