Chapter 133: Chapter 133: System's New Problems

Four young women huddled in a secluded corner, their newly acquired salamanders reflecting their owners' anxieties.

Mei took charge of the group.

Her purple salamander coiled elegantly around her shoulders, its scales shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

"Let's review the plan," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Each of us has a crucial role to play. Aria, you'll be the passionate one, the challenger."

Aria's lips curled into a mischievous smile, her fiery red hair matching the intensity of her salamander's scales.

"Piece of cake," she purred, her green eyes dancing with malice. "I'll make him believe he can conquer me if he tries hard enough. Men love a challenge, don't they?"

"Lila," Mei continued, turning to the blonde, "you'll be the innocent one, the damsel in distress who needs protection."

Lila nodded hesitantly, her blue eyes clouded with doubt. Her golden salamander nuzzled against her cheek, sensing her unease.

"I'll try," she murmured, "but... what if he sees through our deception? What if we're caught?"

"He won't," Valeria interjected, her voice sharp as steel. Her gray salamander mirrored her posture, its tail flicking with impatience. "Not if we play our parts convincingly. I'll be the confidante, offering understanding and support when he needs it most."

"And I," Mei concluded, a hint of pride in her voice, "will be the sophisticated one. I'll show him a world of refinement he's never known, tempting him with the allure of elegance."

Lila still looked unconvinced, her salamander emitting a soft chirp that seemed to echo her concerns. "I suppose we have no choice," she sighed, her voice barely audible. "It's just... he seems so different from what I expected. So loyal, so genuine..."

"And that's precisely what makes him vulnerable," Valeria replied, a cold smile playing on her lips. Her salamander bared its tiny, sharp teeth in what could almost be mistaken for a grin. "We'll use that loyalty, that genuineness, to our advantage."

The four women fell silent for a moment, each lost in her own thoughts.

Mei's gaze swept over her companions, her purple salamander's eyes seeming to analyze the others with calculating precision.

"Remember," she said, her voice low but intense, "we're not in competition with each other. Our goal is to surround him, to offer different facets of what he might desire. If one of us succeeds, we all benefit."

The others nodded, understanding their mission.

"I'm sorry," Lena interrupted firmly, her voice kind but resolute, "but this is our private home. It's not a place for visits or tours."

The couple's faces fell in disappointment, but they nodded in understanding. As they walked away, Lena could hear them debating whether the house next door might be the right one after all.

Closing the door, Lena leaned against it, her eyes closed in exhaustion. She loved her son and was immensely proud of him, but this... this was becoming too much.

"I need to talk to Elio," she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible. "This can't go on like this. We need to find a solution."

♢♢♢♢

A few houses down the street...

Tarec watched the unfolding scene from his own window, his face a mask of frustration. For the umpteenth time that day, someone knocked at his door.

"Dad!" his eldest daughter called out, her voice full of exasperation. "There are more people outside!"

Heaving a deep sigh, Tarec made his way to the door. As he opened it, he found himself face to face with a group of enthusiastic young people, their eyes wide with anticipation.

"Sir!" one of them exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. "Is this Elio Von Elian's house?"

Tarec shook his head, trying to keep his growing irritation in check. "No, it's not. Elio's house is over there," he said, gesturing vaguely in the direction of Lena's home.

"But we've already been there," another youth protested, his face falling. "The lady said it wasn't a place for visitors."

"And she's absolutely right," Tarec replied, his patience wearing thin. "Look, I understand your enthusiasm, I really do. But these are our homes, our private spaces. They're not attractions to be gawked at."

The young people had the decency to look ashamed. They mumbled apologies and shuffled away, but Tarec knew they wouldn't be the last. The stream of curious onlookers seemed endless.

Closing the door, Tarec turned to face his family. His wife looked at him with concern, while their children watched with curiosity and worry.

"This can't continue," Tarec said. "We need to speak with Von Elio. Find a solution before this gets out of hand."

His wife nodded, her eyes reflecting her own weariness. "Perhaps we should go see him together," she suggested. "Tell him what's happening here, how it's affecting all of us."

Tarec considered the idea for a moment before nodding in agreement. "You're right," he said. "First thing tomorrow morning, we'll go find our leader. It's time he knew exactly what's going on in his old neighborhood..."