Harem System In A fantasy World - Chapter 164: Can’t Move

Chapter 164: Can’t Move

After leaving the unconscious girls in their room, Elion did not hang around.

He stepped out quietly and closed the door behind him. His own room was actually not too far from here.

He walked there calmly, ignoring the curious looks from most people, while returning the greetings from his peers with subtle nods.

He stopped at his door and unlocked it without much fuss.

He entered and looked around briefly. The interior was as simple as always. A bed, a desk, a wardrobe, simple basics, and nothing unnecessary.

The sword he got from his father was still lying on its usual spot, at the corner by the bathroom door.

He got rid of his dirty clothes, wrapped a bathing towel around himself, and picked up the sword before storing it away in his storage space, and then, he headed straight for the bath.

Instead of soaking in the tub, which would obviously end up taking quite a while, he walked into the attached shower instead, turning the knob.

Warm water washed over his skin as he scrubbed away the sweat, dust, and any trace of Kaia and the others’ fluids. The heat helped clear his mind, and by the time he stepped out, he felt refreshed.

He dressed neatly in a simple linen shirt and fitted pants. Black boots completed the look. Nothing flashy, just clean and composed.

Once ready, he left his room again.

He walked through the arched entranceway of the dorm wing and stepped into the academy courtyard. The night air was cool, and lanterns cast soft light over the stone pathways.

He exited through the main gate and passed the reception area. A familiar sexy elf woman at the desk gave him a small wave as he walked by.

“Curfew is not a thing these days, but make sure to stay safe out there.”

He returned her warning with a faint nod.

Then he began walking down the cobbled path that sloped toward the city.

Halfway down, he glanced back briefly at the academy.

It stood tall behind him, massive and imposing. The main structure formed a large rectangle, but the ends stretched outward into strange shapes that gave it a unique silhouette against the night sky.

After walking further down the path, the lights of the city came into view.

Warm golden dots flickered in the distance.

A tall stone wall separated the academy grounds from the city.

The gates were guarded as always, but the guards did not question him. When Elion flashed the circular disc marked with the academy emblem, they simply gave him a nod and stepped aside.

“Good evening young man.”

“Hello…”

He walked through calmly.

He entered the upper district first. This part of the city was always quieter than the lower streets.

The buildings were taller and more refined, and the roads were clean and wide. Mana lanterns burned steadily along the stone paths, casting warm light over polished doors and elegant balconies.

It was quiet and mostly peaceful.

Then he saw her among the scenery. A petite silhouette walking a short distance ahead of him.

Shimmering, raven black hair fell in soft waves down her small back, almost completely covering her small frame from behind.

Her posture was straight, and her steps were smooth and elegant. There was something graceful about the way she moved, something very familiar.

Elion slowed slightly as the image he was trying to imagine solidified with this current figure.

She was not wearing the usual navy uniform of a second years.

Instead, she wore an exquisite black dress with long sleeves. The fabric hugged her figure gently, and a delicate lace pattern ran down the back. Even from behind, the dress looked expensive.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Is that… Celeste?

The thought formed instantly.

He picked up his pace.

He reached the end of the street just as she stepped through the door of a well-lit establishment. The entrance was polished wood with golden trim, and a soft aroma drifted faintly from inside.

Elion did not hesitate.

If it was her, he wanted to know what she was doing here at this hour.

So he followed her inside.

“Hello, young miss.”

A kind middle-aged lady greeted Celeste as she stepped inside. Celeste kept a neutral expression, only giving a small nod in return.

It was only when the door of the establishment closed behind him that Elion finally realized where he had walked into.

Shit.

The word formed instantly in his mind, and for good reason.

He was in deep shit.

He had followed Celeste straight into a women’s underwear and lingerie store.

Rows upon rows of bras, underwear, lace sets, silk pieces, and far less subtle items were neatly displayed all around the shop. Soft fabrics in every color imaginable hung from polished racks. The lighting was warm, and intimate on purpose.

Elion froze near the entrance.

“Is that your man that you came with today?” the lady asked with a gentle smile as she looked back at Elion curiously.

Celeste blinked.

Then she turned on her heel.

Elion’s brow twitched. There was no way out of this. He couldn’t even pretend he had walked in by accident anymore.

The moment Celeste’s pretty red eyes landed on him, they widened in shock. A faint blush crept up her pale cheeks, reaching the tips of her slightly pointed ears.

“Y-you… what…” she started, her voice high pitched and startled. “You were following me!? P-pervert!” she accused, pointing a trembling finger at him.

Elion could only stand there with a bewildered look on his face, as he quickly thought of an explanation.

“I didn’t mean to,” he said quickly. “I just saw you enter and followed without looking at what kind of store it was.”

The shopkeeper watched the entire exchange with clear amusement. She rested her cheek in her palm and tilted her head slightly, smiling in quiet interest.

“My, my,” she chuckled softly. “Young love is adorable.”

Elion opened his mouth to defend himself again, but Celeste wasn’t keen on listening anymore. Her red eyes suddenly brightened in a glint of crimson.

The next second, Elion’s entire body stiffened completely.

“Huh?”

He tried to move.

Nothing. He tried to lift a finger, nothing. He tried to turn his neck, nothing. Only his eyes somewhat responded to his will!

I can’t move.

A sudden chill spread through him. His body felt cold, like the warmth had been drained out of his blood. It almost felt like his blood circulation had stopped completely.

Maybe it had.

What kind of spell is this!?

Celeste didn’t say a word. She simply turned around, walked back to the door, opened it, and stepped outside.

And to Elion’s horror, his body lifted off the ground.

He started floating straight after her, and he was still unable to move a muscle.

The shop lady giggled as she waved them off cheerfully. “Come back anytime! I know young people can be quite energetic, but don’t overdo it!”

Elion’s eye twitched.

“Oh! Wait!” the lady suddenly shouted as if remembering something. She hurried toward the doorway. “I have some lewd costumes and cute underwear you can try! Or some toys for young couples if you prefer!”

Celeste’s pace instantly increased.

Elion could see the red tint on the tips of her ears spreading slowly across her ghostly cheeks, but she didn’t dare look back. She just walked faster. As fast as she could without outright running.

A few people on the street glanced at them curiously — a stiff young man floating a few inches off the ground behind a beautiful, blushing girl was not exactly normal.

Elion, meanwhile, was still frozen in midair.

System!? He called inwardly. What the hell kind of spell is this? Help me get out!

The familiar smooth voice responded.

[I think Host should figure this one out on his own.]

“What?” he thought frantically. “System? Wait— no. System!”

Silence.

The system went completely quiet.

And Celeste still wasn’t letting him go.