Lunar Legacy: Rise Of The Beastlord-Chapter 55: Seductress

Jayden stared at Penelope, her words still hanging in the air like a spell.

"You know," she continued, her violet eyes glinting with playful mirth, "I'm impressed you figured it out so fast."

Jayden shook his head, still stunned. "But... you look so different."

Penelope chuckled softly, brushing a stray blonde lock behind her ear. "Yes, well, I put on a disguise whenever I go out in public. You know—so I don't cause a scene everywhere I go." She winked.

Jayden nodded, slowly piecing it together. "That makes sense..."

Then her lips curled into a smirk, and her eyes glimmered with something deeper—something teasing, yet charged. "You know," she purred, "I could say the same for you, Jayden. You look different, more... manly. And cute."

She giggled, the sound smooth and melodic.

Jayden's composure cracked.

A faint blush crept up his cheeks, and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. He tried to fight it, but hearing those words—from her made his chest flutter in a way he wasn't prepared for.

It wasn't every day the goddess of beauty herself complimented you.

Before he could muster a reply, Cassandra—who had been quietly standing off to the side, completely forgotten—finally stepped forward, arms crossed in disbelief.

"Wait, wait... so you two have met before?" she asked, her tone laced with confusion.

Jayden gave a sheepish nod. "Yeah... we have."

Penelope laughed—a soft, velvety sound. "It's wonderful to finally meet you properly, Jayden," she said, motioning for him to sit. "Ever since that day at the restaurant, I've actually been hoping we'd cross paths again."

Jayden felt a chill roll down his spine—not out of fear, but intrigue. This woman wasn't just a random, rich powerhouse. There was definitely something more.

He slowly took his seat, keeping his gaze fixed as she gracefully settled opposite him, every move deliberate, queenly.

Without wasting time, he activated Dragon Eye and quietly check her info using Inspect.

A translucent screen flickered into view

_______

*Name: Penelope Isley

*Age: ???

*Level: ???

*Abilities: Pyrokinesis, ???

*Hp: 15000/15000

________

Jayden sucked in a quiet breath.

"What the hell..."

It was cryptic. Too cryptic. He couldn't see her level. Couldn't see her age. And that health pool? Fifteen thousand? That was way too much.

She had two abilities, that was definitely shocking. And although he couldn't see what the second ability was, Penelope's amount of health point was prove that she wasn't just an ordinary powerhouse.

She was a monster.

A bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he thought about how strong she was. And to think he met a woman as powerful as this in a restaurant scuffle.

He knew she was strong, but this was too much.

She noticed his gaze—and grinned knowingly.

"Am I really that attractive, Jayden?" she teased, violet eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've been staring at me like I'm a dessert."

Jayden blinked, snapped out of his daze. "Huh?"

Penelope chuckled, leaning her cheek against her hand. "You can't seem to take your eyes off me. Are you... perhaps into an old woman like me?" she said flatly with a cheeky smile

"Mum!" Cassandra's jaw dropped in horror. "You can't just say that!"

Penelope gave an innocent shrug. "What? I was just joking, Cass."

She burst into laughter, unbothered.

Jayden sat frozen, unsure if he was blushing, sweating, or short-circuiting. He hadn't expect to hear that sort of question from Penelope. He knew she was playful and blunt... afterall she had kissed his cheek that day.

But this... this was next level.

Penelope turned back to him, her expression soft but mischievous. "Besides... it was a harmless question, wasn't it, Jayden?"

Jayden's lips parted, but nothing came out. His brain scrambled. His chest thudded wildly.

"...Y-yeah," he managed weakly.

Penelope's grin widened. "Really? So... are you?"

Jayden gulped, he couldn't think straight. So he did the best thing to do in that situation.

Remain silent.

She chuckled again, clearly entertained by his silence. "Ah... adorable," she whispered softly. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

"Relax, Jayden," she finally said, waving a hand gently. "I'm just kidding. You don't have to answer. I simply wanted to lighten the mood a little."

Cassandra rolled her eyes, sitting beside them. "Yeah, sure." she scoffed

"Though, I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable?" Penelope continued

Jayden chuckled faintly. "No, it's fine, Mrs. Isley."

Penelope smiled back. "Good, but call me Miss. I'm not married," she winked

Jayden nodded in response.

Then she leaned forward, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Can I ask you another question, Jayden?"

"Sure," Jayden replied

Penelope smirked. "Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked bluntly

Cassandra was stunned yet again. "Jesus, Mum!"

But Penelope ignored her and kept staring at Jayden, who was frozen in shock. Penelope was too blunt, way too blunt. But he felt it was only polite that he gave a reply.

"No, Miss, Isley. I don't have a girlfriend," he muttered wrly.

Penelope grinned. "I see," she muttered to herself, biting her lower lip in a seductive manner.

Cassandra groaned. "God. This is so embarrassing,"

Penelope smirked unapologetically. "You're overreacting, sweetheart."

Cassandra shook her head, utterly flustered. "Only because you're being shameless, mum."

Penelope sighed, amused. "Okay, okay—I promise to behave. No more jokes." she smiled

"...Thank God," Cassandra muttered.

But as soon as Cassandra relaxed, Penelope opened her mouth again. "It's just... you admire Jayden so much, I couldn't help but..."

"Mum!" Cassandra yelled in disbelief, she couldn't believe her mother had just said that. She turned to look at Jayden, and as their gaze met, her face turned red from embarrassment.

She quickly turned away and looked somewhere else. She wanted to disappear forever.

Jayden blinked in surprise, he was staring at the mother and daughter in amusement.

Penelope then turned to face Jayden, this time, with a serious expression. "So, tell me, Jayden. Are you enjoying your pass? The one that let's you skip classes?"

Jayden eye's widened. "How did she know about that? Did Cassandra tell her about it?" he pondered

Penelope saw the look on his face and sighed. "Don't tell me Wesley didn't tell you who it was that made sure the school gave you whatever you wanted?"

Jayden he was shocked yet again. He could immediately understand what she was talking about.

Penelope was the mystery woman the principal was talking about, the same one he seemed afraid of. Though Jayden could now see why.

"It was you?" Jayden muttered, stunned.

Penelope smiled smugly. "Indeed, it was,"

Jayden couldn't believe it, Penelope had been involved in his life twice. And he didn't even realise it until now.

Penelope chuckled. "I'm quite surprised as well, y'know. I didn't think the boy who saved my daughter was the same boy who stood up for me at a restaurant. It seems like a crazy coincidence, doesn't it? Saving not just the daughter... but also the mother." she smirked, her eyes lingering across Jayden's body. She was quietly admiring his perfectly built form.

Jayden smiled wrly. "Well, I didn't actually save you," he stated inwardly, but made sure those words stayed in his head.

"Yeah..." he voiced out softly. "it does."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Ugh! Mum, you're making him nervous," she groaned

Penelope smirked. "Is that a bad thing?" she acted innocent

Cassandra couldn't believe her ears, she slapped her forehead in frustration. She knew her mum was a carefree and playful type... which actually made really cool. But sometimes, she could be overbearing.

"You know what?" she stood up abruptly. "I can't do this anymore, I'm going to get a drink."

Then she stormed out, hands thrown up in defeat.

Penelope watched her leave with a chuckle. "She always does that," she mused, shaking her head. "Don't worry—she'll cool off and come back."

Jayden chuckled softly. "She seems... fun."

Penelope smiled warmly. "She's my little firecracker."

Jayden nodded, staring at Penelope in curiousity. Who exactly was she? And why was she like this? Though, Jayden didn't mind Penelope's personality... infact he liked it. But it was still something that should be questioned.

And another thing Jayden pondered deeply about, was her age. Just like with the level and second ability, Jayden couldn't see Penelope's age. It was very strange and shocking.

What was so special about her age that even the system couldn't see?

Then Penelope leaned forward, her gaze turning serious.

"So, Jayden," she said smoothly, folding her hands. "Let's get down to business."

With a subtle flick of her finger, a small metallic box materialized in her hands—appearing from thin air, accompanied by a faint shimmer.

Jayden furrowed his brows, he stared at the ring on her finger for a while. He had seen it glow slightly when the box appeared in her hands. He had a hunch about what it was.

"A storage ring?" he asked

Penelope's eyes gleamed. "Wow, you are quite observant... I like that." she muttered, clearly impressed.

She placed the box gently on the table. "Yes—it's a storage ring. But mine does... a few extra things."

"You're right," she continued. "It's a storage ring, but... it has other functions as well,"

Jayden nodded. He wasn't surprised. Storage rings were rare and expensive... and they were only common in the other four planets. As the merchants in Alpha claimed the demand for it was low, but that was only because it was too expensive.

Thus, on Alpha. Only the ultra-rich had access to them.

"Jayden, do you know why I invited you here today?" she asked.

Jayden shrugged. "To thank me... personally?"

"Partly," she admitted. "But that's not all."

She leaned in, her voice lowering. "You see, Jayden... I've been interested in you."

Jayden raised an eyebrow cautiously.

"I was curious to see the boy who charged into a lightning storm, to rescue a girl he'd never met before. Even though, she was an Evolved and could have probably survived a lightning strike. One that he couldn't, because he's an ordinary human." she stated.

Jayden gave a quiet chuckle. "I just thought... someone had to help her."

Penelope smiled, wistful and proud. "And I'm forever grateful you did. But then... when I heard you were struck by lightning... something inside me *snapped.* I felt guilty. Responsible."

Jayden shrugged lightly. "It's okay. I survived, didn't I?"

Penelope chuckled softly. "You did. And that made me even more curious. A boy survives lightning... and awakens an ability? It's unheard of."

Jayden chuckled. "Guess I'm one of a kind,"

"You certainly are," Penelope nodded, her voice filled with excitement. "You went in to save my daughter without much care for what happened to you. You stood up to two men... men who were much stronger than you. You're fearless, Jayden. Valiant, selfless and brave. Like... like a hero,"

Jayden exhaled. "No, Miss, Isley. I'm not a hero. I might be brave and valiant, but... I wouldn't just head into danger all the time. That would be stupidity."

Penelope smiled. "Say what you want, I still think you're a hero... my hero," she giggled, her voice sounding rather sultry. Or maybe he was just overthinking it.

"I'm sure your mother would be proud of you," she added

Jayden's smile faltered. His chest tightened. His hand curled unconsciously.

"...Yeah," he murmured. "She would've."

Penelope noticed the shift in Jayden's demeanour after she mentioned his mother. She could immediately understand what that meant. She shuddered, her eyes filling with quiet empathy.

"Oh, Jayden. I didn't know." she said softly. "I didn't mean..."

"It's fine," Jayden interrupted softly, forcing a small smile. "Really."

Penelope sighed in relief. "Alright, but if you ever want to talk. Just know... I'm here for you, okay?"

Jayden nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Miss, Isley. You're a kind woman," he said softly

Penelope chuckled, clearly flustered. "Oh, stop. You're making me blush." she muttered with a flirty smile. Or maybe... we're all just overthinking it.

Then she pushed the metallic box toward him. "Here. Take it. A token of my appreciation."

Jayden furrowed his brows as he took the box. "Thank you, Miss Penelope... I'm really grateful."

She smirked playfully. "You don't even know what's inside yet."

Jayden smiled. "Doesn't matter. My mom always said to be grateful, no matter what's given."

Penelope smiled. "Your mother sounds like a good woman,"

"She was," Jayden replied

Penelope stared into Jayden's eyes for a while, admiring his perfectly carved face and silver hair. "I'm sure she must have been really beautiful, too." she said with a chuckle.

Jayden nodded. "She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever known... And I have never seen anyone else come close to her beauty... not until I saw you, Miss Isley." he admitted

Penelope's cheeks turned faintly pink. She wasn't expecting that—not so directly. But it made her heart skip in excitement.

She didn't think a 17-year old would compliment her so bluntly. But once again, she remembered how bold Jayden was. And this made her even more attracted to him.

Penelope cleared her throat, quickly regaining composure. "Ahem. I think you should see what's in the box, Jayden. I promise you'll love it." she winked

Jayden nodded, before lifting the lid.

And laying inside were a bunch of shimmering, crystalline shards. Ten of them. Blue, and gleaming like diamonds.

Jayden's eyes widened in surprise...

These were Beast crystals.

They were very valuable and could only be gotten by killing beasts. And though their value depended on the rank of the beast they were gotten from, beast crystals were still a big deal. Something you can't just give anyone casually.

The crystals were all of the same kind, but Jayden wanted to know more about them.

He activated Dragon Eye again.

_______

Name: Chthonix Beast crystal

Rank: D

*Note: Crystals can't be absorbed until Host integrates a Chthonix genetic code.

_______

Jayden's eyes bulged, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He stared, completely stunned.

"...These are Chthonix crystals?" he whispered.

The Chthonix was a beast that possessed the ability to alter it's size and molecular structure. Meaning, it could shrink to a size that would make it hidden from hunters. And this made a rare beast, one whose crystal was worth a fortune.

And apart from it being rare, the Chthonix was a very formidable creature. It could not just change size, but also molecules. It could assume the properties of objects; Metal, wood, rock... and sometimes in rare cases, non-solid matter.

All these abilities made it incredibly hard to find and at the same time, hard to kill.

And Penelope had just handed him ten of its crystals just like that. All of which were D-Rank. He didn't even know what to say.

Penelope furrowed her brows. "Hmm, you seem quite familiar with beast crystals. I'm impressed." she smiled

Jayden shook his head slowly. "But... these are very expensive. How can you give them to me?"

Penelope leaned back, amused. "Oh, Jayden. You forget—I own an entire company that depends on beast crystals. Acquiring them isn't exactly difficult for me." she smirked

Jayden shook his head. "I know... but these crystals are very rare and valuable... And not to mention, D-Rank. How did you even get them?" he asked in curiousity. He knew that for her to be giving him such amount of Chthonix crystals, she had more. A lot more.

Penelope chuckled. "Oh, you're right. The Chthonix is a rare beast, and it's very hard to find. But... that just applies to Alpha. On the other planets, especially Beta. The Chthonix is a common beast that can be found in almost every warm, rocky environment." she explained

Jayden nodded, an idea forming in his mind. Since he already had ten Chthonix crystals, he just needed to find the beast itself.

"Okay. But what on Alpha? Where can I find them?" he asked

Penelop raised a brow. "Hm, do you plan to go hunting for one?" she asked

Jayden shrugged. "No, I'm just curious. Since the Chthonix can adapt to its surroundings by emulating the properties of that surrounding... or by shrinking. How can it be found?"

Penelope smiled. "Well, not every Chthonix likes to hide. Some are confident. But as for the ones that hide, you have to draw them out."

Jayden raised a brow. "How?"

"Vibration," Penelope replied. "Most Chthonix reside underground, while some just take the texture of the ground and attach themselves to it. So applying vibrational force on these grounds causes a disturbance that forces them out."

Jayden nodded. "Oh, I see."

Penelope leaned back with a sigh. "They are also vulnerable to low temperatures and high frequency," she added

Jayden furrowed his brows. "Really?"

Penelope nodded. "Yes. If they're somehow exposed to extreme cold... or frozen. They won't be able to change size. And using sonic attacks can disrupt their molecular manipulation abilities." she explained

Jayden nodded in understanding. "I see. Thanks a lot, Miss Isley. I'm very grateful for the information... and for the crystals." he stood up and gave a respectful bow.

Penelope smiled wrly, she didn't expect him to appreciate her this much over a bunch of crystals. "It... it's fine, Jayden. You saved my daughter, it's the least i could do." she muttered.

Jayden raised his head and sat down with a smile. "I'm really just excited about the crystals. They would be of great help to me." he explained.

Penelope furrowed her brows. "Oh, i see. Just make sure you sell them wisely, and to the highest bidder," she winked, thinking Jayden was talking about selling the crystals. Because practically, what else would he do with a bunch of beast crystals.

Jayden chuckled. "Of course." he muttered with a sly smile.

Penelope exhaled, a playful glint in her violet eyes as she leaned forward with that same signature smile—equal parts seductive and mischievous.

"Good," she purred softly. "So now that we've settled the reward for saving my daughter... why don't we talk about the reward you'll get for standing up for me back at the restaurant?"

Her lips curved upward, slow and sultry.

Jayden's throat went dry. His heart thumped faster. He didn't quite understand what she meant... but at the same time, he did.

"U-Um... Miss Isley..." he began, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I really didn't do anything that day. I mean, you were the one who handled the situation..."

Penelope tsked softly, shaking her head as she stood up. Then—graceful as a panther—she walked toward him, each step deliberate, hips swaying.

"Nonsense," she murmured, stopping directly in front of him. "You were the one who confronted them first. You stood up, even when nobody else did. I only stepped in because you lit the fire, Jayden."

She grinned, her eyes gleaming. "In my book... you were the one who saved me."

Then, without breaking eye contact, she gracefully lowered herself onto the seat beside him, crossing her long, shapely legs in a way that made the air feel hotter. Her dress hiked slightly, revealing toned thighs. Her intoxicating scent wafted closer—sweet jasmine, warm vanilla, and a subtle spice.

Jayden swallowed thickly.

"You're my hero, Jayden," she whispered, her breath warm against his ear. "And I want to... reward you for that."

Jayden's entire body stiffened. He instinctively shifted further away, giving an awkward smile. "N-No, Miss Isley... really, I'm good. Y-You don't have to reward me... seriously—thank you, though!"

Penelope giggled—a soft, throaty sound that somehow made it worse. She leaned closer anyway, bridging the distance again, until her body pressed softly against his side, like velvet. Jayden could feel it—her soft breasts pressing against his arm, her hot breath breath on his neck.

But Jayden didn't hate it, no. Instead he enjoyed it, he enjoyed every second of having Penelope by his side. Her body pressing on his, her breath, her scent. He enjoyed it all.

Who wouldn't?

"But I want to, Jayden..." she whispered again, lips dangerously close to his ear. "Ask me for anything... anything at all... and I will give it to you."