The Claustrophobia (Part 1)

Much later.

Outside the door, Yaqian waited patiently, stealing frequent glances at Pernash as he underwent fusion evolution.

He was a living Royal Academician of the Grand Duchy, a great scholar whose portrait hung in the academy's corridors!

The emaciated Na Yesi, meanwhile, had nothing to do but bask in the sun. Over the past year, she had grown accustomed to this half-imprisoned life in the Grand Duchy.

"Master!"

Suddenly, Reilo's voice rang out from inside the hall.

Pernash, who had been studying his experimental notes, opened the door, ready to say something—then froze at the sight before him.

Lola was standing close beside Reilo!

That meant she had crossed the safety perimeter.

Furrowing his brow, Pernash asked, "Reilo, why would you do this? The curse..."

He took a deep breath.

Dressed in a simple black academic robe, Reilo turned to look at Lola, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, her eyes now free of fear.

He could feel her heartbeat and pulse, the warmth of her body mingling with his. He breathed in the intoxicating, alluring scent of her pheromones. Her graceful, tall figure seemed like a blazing flame of boundless passion, radiating a vibrant vitality. In their eyes, nothing remained but the most sincere affection they shared.

It seemed that with each other by their side, there was nothing left to fear.

"Master, Lola is my wife, and she's an excellent scholar. I can't bear to be separated from her, so I'm going to help her develop an antibody to the curse myself!"

An antibody to the curse?

Pernash had only returned two days ago. He had been temporarily assigned this task when he came to Saint Grand Fort earlier, and still hadn't received any detailed research on Reilo's curse.

In the Grand Duchy, only Reilo, Corleon, and