The Snake God with SSS Rank Evolution System

Adam rose from his chair, the warmth of the wine still lingering in his chest.

”Well, I think that’s everything. I should get going.”

Selena’s expression flickered—just a fraction, a brief shadow of disappointment that she quickly masked with a polite, composed smile. Her voice was smooth, but carried a faint, almost imperceptible note of reluctance.

”Goodnight, Adam. I enjoyed tonight more than I expected to.”

Adam inclined his head, turning toward the door. His footsteps echoed softly in the corridor as he made his way back through the dimly lit hallways. A low mutter escaped his lips, his voice carrying a note of wry self-awareness.

”Shit. I think I’m a little drunk.”

He pushed open the door to the room where the others were staying, stepping inside. The soft glow of a single lamp illuminated the space.

Lilith sat in an armchair by the window, a book open in her lap, her silver-white hair catching the dim light. Her crimson eyes lifted as he entered, a faint smile curving her lips.

”Oh, finally. You’re back.” She closed the book, setting it aside. ”How did your talk with Selena go?”

Adam let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair as he crossed the room.

”Good. Productive. She’s going to help gather the materials I need for the blacksmith.” He paused, a thoughtful note entering his voice. ”I’m going back to the forge tomorrow.”

Lilith’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying him with quiet amusement.

”Are you drunk?”

Adam’s lips curved into a faint smile.

”Just a little.”

Lilith rose from her chair, crossing the room with slow, deliberate steps. She stopped before him, close enough that he could smell the faint, floral scent of her perfume. Her voice was low, carrying a note of playful reproach.

”You had fun without me. That’s not very nice, Adam.”

Adam let out a low, amused chuckle, his voice carrying a note of easy concession.

”Next time, I’ll take you with me.”

Lilith’s smile widened, a flicker of satisfaction passing through her eyes. She reached out, taking his hand and guiding him toward the sofa. She settled onto the cushions, pulling him down beside her, then gently guided his head onto her lap.

Her fingers moved through his hair, slow and soothing. Her voice was soft, carrying a note of quiet possessiveness.

”Good. Because I want you all to myself for a while.”

Adam let out a low, contented hum, his eyes closing as her fingers worked through his hair.

”Yeah... that sounds nice.” A pause. ”By the way, where’s Ignis?”

Lilith’s fingers stilled for just a moment, a flicker of amusement passing through her eyes.

”She fell asleep waiting for you.”

Adam’s eyes opened slightly, a flicker of guilt crossing his features.

”Ah... I was gone longer than I thought.” He pushed himself up, his voice carrying a note of quiet resolve. ”I should go wake her. I promised her something.”

Lilith let out a soft sigh, withdrawing her hand.

”Alright.”

Adam rose, pausing to glance back at her.

”Get some rest too, Lilith.”

Lilith’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile.

”I will.”

Adam crossed the room, pushing open the door to the adjoining chamber. The soft glow of a single lamp illuminated the bed, where Ignis lay curled on her side, her arms wrapped tightly around Isolde like a dragon clutching a treasured hoard. Her face was pressed against Isolde’s back, her breaths slow and even, a faint, contented smile on her lips.

Isolde’s expression was one of quiet resignation, her eyes half-lidded with the weary acceptance of someone who had long since given up on escaping the drake’s enthusiastic embrace.

Adam’s voice came out low, carrying a note of quiet amusement.

”Looks like she’s comfortable.”

Isolde’s voice came out as a tired murmur, her eyes fixed on the far wall.

”She’s been like this for two hours. I can’t move.”

Adam let out a low, soft chuckle.

”I’ll take her. You can rest now.”

He moved to the bed, his hands finding Ignis’s shoulders with gentle. He lifted her, cradling her against his chest as she let out a soft, sleepy murmur.

”Mmnn... Adam...?”

Adam’s voice came out low, soft, as Ignis stirred in his arms. ”Oh, you’re awake.”

Ignis blinked, her golden eyes still hazy with sleep. Her voice came out in a sleepy mumble, carrying a note of drowsy complaint.

”You took so long... I fell asleep waiting...”

Adam’s lips curved into an apologetic smile as he adjusted his hold on her.

”Sorry. I was trying to be as fast as I could.”

His wings snapped open, catching the cool night air as he lifted off the ground. Ignis’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of curiosity cutting through her drowsiness.

”Where are we going?”

Adam’s voice carried a note of quiet anticipation.

”Somewhere a little far from the city. Just for a bit.”

They flew through the moonlit sky, the wind cool against their skin. The lights of Myrta faded behind them, replaced by the dark silhouette of the forest below. Adam descended, his feet touching the soft earth of a small clearing. He lowered Ignis gently, setting her on her feet.

Ignis rubbed her eyes, letting out a wide, sleepy yawn.

Adam reached into Avarice’s Maw, the space rippling as he retrieved a small, crystalline vial. It glowed with a warm, golden light, pulsing gently in his palm.

”I wanted to give you this.”

Ignis’s golden eyes widened as she studied the vial. The light within it seemed to dance, casting soft shadows across her face. Her voice came out soft, carrying a note of awe.

”It’s beautiful... You’re giving this to me?”

Adam’s smile widened, his voice carrying a note of quiet sincerity.

”Of course. I thought it would suit you.”

Ignis’s voice rose with excitement, her golden eyes gleaming as she clutched the vial.

”Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! This is amazing!”

Adam’s hand shot up, his voice carrying a note of urgent warning.

”Be careful after you consume it—your mana might spike dramatically. That’s why I brought you out here. Especially since you’re still not very good at suppressing your mana—”

Ignis had already uncorked the vial and tipped it down her throat before Adam could finish. The golden liquid vanished in a single, greedy gulp.

Adam’s eyes widened. His voice came out flat, caught between exasperation and resignation.

”...Or you could just drink it without listening to a single word I said.”

Ignis blinked, licking her lips. ”Hmm? What did you say?”

Then the effect hit.