My SSS-Rank Innate skill: Infinite Adaptation core

Nova and Rieka soon arrived at the Duke’s estate. As always, it was peaceful and picturesque. Knights stood guard at their posts while others patrolled the grounds. Maids and servants busied themselves with their daily duties, creating a lively yet elegant atmosphere.

By now, everyone in the estate knew how close Nova, Rieka, and Asia were. In particular, Asia’s affection for Nova was obvious to anyone with eyes.

Although their relationship wasn’t officially acknowledged, no one dared gossip about it. Duke Theodore himself had never objected, which everyone took as silent approval.

Moreover, everyone knew who Nova Valencrest was—the gifted son of the newly appointed Vice Commander, Edward Valencrest.

Handsome, talented, and respected throughout the kingdom, few believed there was anyone more suitable for Asia, even if he already had Rieka by his side and was a Commoner.

After asking a maid where Asia was, Nova and Rieka made their way to the garden.

There, they found her quietly enjoying a cup of tea.

She had been breathtakingly beautiful three years ago, but now, as she had fully matured, her beauty had reached an entirely different level.

If Rieka possessed the charm of a bold and alluring yet innocent beauty, then Asia embodied pure innocence and elegance. Of course, Rieka also had an adorable side, but the two possessed completely different kinds of charm.

Asia wore a simple sky-blue dress, just as she always preferred. Her sapphire-blue hair cascaded gracefully down her back, shimmering beneath the sunlight, while her crystal-blue eyes immediately found Nova.

The moment she saw him, her eyes sparkled with joy, and a radiant smile bloomed across her face.

However, only a second later, she remembered that she was supposed to be angry with him for arriving late.

Her smile instantly turned into an adorable pout.

Tomorrow, she would officially turn eighteen, and over the past three years, her figure had matured beautifully, making her look even more graceful and captivating than before.

Nova couldn’t help but admire how much she had changed over the past three years. Her breasts had grown fuller and more pronounced, and her curves had become much sharper and more alluring. Though she still wasn’t as voluptuous as Rieka, the transformation was striking.

All of it was thanks to Nova’s dedicated efforts. Even though he hadn’t taken her virginity yet, they had shared many passionate, intimate sessions together.

Nova and Rieka walked over and took their seats beside Asia. The moment Nova noticed the adorable pout on her face, a gentle smile spread across his lips.

Without warning, he wrapped an arm around her waist and gently pulled her onto his lap.

”Wha—!”

Asia let out a small cry of surprise, but before she could react further, she realized what had happened. It wasn’t the first time Nova had done this.

Ever since they had become closer, he often made both her and Rieka sit on his lap whenever they were alone, showering them with affection.

Although she still felt embarrassed every time, she secretly loved it.

She let out a soft snort and deliberately looked away, pretending to remain upset.

”Don’t be like that, honey,” Nova said with a warm smile. ”I had a good reason for being late. You can ask Rieka if you don’t believe me.”

As he spoke, he pulled her a little closer and gently pinched her soft, delicate cheeks between his fingers, making her puff them out even more.

”Okay, okay, fine...” Asia said in defeat. She couldn’t stay angry at Nova for long. Her love for him had grown so much over the past three years that she couldn’t help wanting to be with him all the time. Even her father sometimes felt neglected because of it.

She looked at him and smiled softly. Nova didn’t wait any longer. He pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss.

Rieka watched them and shook her head with a fond sigh — she was more than used to it by now.

Just as Nova had promised, he loved both of them equally. And it wasn’t as if Rieka and Asia were jealous of each other. Over the three years they had spent together, their bond had grown much stronger — almost like real sisters.

When they finally pulled back, Asia’s face was flushed a deep red. She stared at Nova with loving, infatuated eyes. Rieka sighed again and interrupted them gently.

”Sigh... you two can do this later. Shall we get to the main reason why we’re here?”

Asia looked away in embarrassment. Despite everything they had been through together, her shy nature had never changed.

Nova smiled before looking at Rieka.

”Sure, honey.” He then turned back to Asia, who was still sitting on his lap.

”Did you bring it?”

Asia immediately understood what he meant. She stood up from his lap and walked over to a large table beside them, where an elegant wooden box had been placed.

She carefully picked it up, returned, and set it on the small table between the three of them.

”Father agreed to let you see it,” Asia said softly. ”However, he specifically told me not to touch the material inside. Even he doesn’t know much about it or what kind of effects it might have.”

Nova nodded.”Alright, I only need to examine it. I’ll use my All-Appraisal Eyes to learn as much as I can. I can’t let you consume it tomorrow without first making sure it’s safe.”

Asia nodded in understanding.

By now, Nova had already entrusted Asia with all of his greatest secrets. He had told her about his innate skill, his unique abilities, and even the truth about the Slaughter Monarch.

She had been shocked when she first heard everything, but it also explained how he had become so powerful at such a young age.

More than anything, she was overjoyed that he trusted her enough to reveal secrets he had shared with no one else, just as he had trusted Rieka.

She had long since vowed to keep those secrets forever. Although they had yet to be officially married, in her heart, she already believed herself to be Nova’s second wife.

Nova slowly opened the wooden box.

Resting inside was a small glass vial containing a single drop of crimson blood. Despite its tiny size, it radiated an otherworldly aura, releasing a terrifying pressure that made the surrounding air feel noticeably heavier.

Nova felt the immense pressure radiating from the vial and instinctively raised an eyebrow. Without hesitation, he activated his appraisal skill and focused his gaze on it.

+++

[Blood Essence of the Ice Phoenix]

[Divine Grade]

[A single drop of blood containing the pure divine essence of the legendary Ice Phoenix. Only those with an exceptionally high affinity for the Ice element can withstand its overwhelming power.

Upon successful consumption, the essence awakens the dormant Divine Ice Phoenix Bloodline, granting its inheritor the blessing of one of the most majestic supreme beasts to ever exist, along with several extraordinary abilities.]

[Warning: Do not consume unless your Ice Affinity has reached the Advanced Stage or higher. Failure to meet this requirement will result in certain death.]

+++

As Nova finished reading the appraisal, a chill ran down his spine.

He couldn’t comprehend how the Frost Family had come into possession of such a divine treasure.

{Perhaps it was bestowed upon their ancestors by the Divine Ice Phoenix herself. After all, no one can obtain the blood essence of such a supreme being without its consent.}

{The real question is... will Asia be able to survive consuming it?}

Nova slowly lifted his gaze toward Asia, unable to hide the concern in his eyes. Seeing his expression, both Rieka and Asia grew serious.

”What did you find?” they asked in unison.

Nova let out a slow sigh before explaining everything the appraisal had revealed. Rieka’s expression immediately turned tense, while Asia remained surprisingly calm.

After a brief silence, Nova asked, ”Asia... what stage is your Ice Affinity? My appraisal can’t see that part of your status.”

Asia answered without hesitation.

”Surprisingly, my Ice Affinity has already reached the Advanced Stage. It’s much higher than anyone else’s in the Frost Family.”

Nova and Rieka exchanged surprised glances.

After a moment, they understood that there had to be a special reason behind it. After all, Asia was the first female heir the Frost Family had produced in generations, and perhaps that alone had made her different from everyone who came before her.

**

Thanks for reading....