[Ding.]

The system chimed sharply as another notification materialized before him.

[Player has received skill.]

Almost instantly, a second line appeared beneath it.

[Skill Acquired: Deemed Moment.]

Denzel’s eyes narrowed slightly as he read the name.

’Deemed Moment...’

The words felt strange, almost cryptic.

’Mysterious.’

However, a flicker of curiosity crossed his expression.

’What exactly is this supposed to do?’

His gaze dropped as the skill description slowly unfolded beneath the title.

[Description: Upon speaking the activation phrase while maintaining direct physical contact with a target, the player may temporarily disrupt the target’s mental processing for approximately two seconds.]

Another line followed.

[Duration of disruption increases with skill level.]

Then the final details appeared.

[Skill Level: 1]

[Rank: F]

Denzel stayed still, absorbing every line in silence.

’Hmm, this skill can actually be pretty useful not bad, not bad.’

The corner of his lips lifted slightly.

’Two seconds of disruption, under proper circumstances that could come in hand...’

He tilted his head, thinking it through.

’But what can I really do with only two seconds?’

For a moment, he said nothing, replaying possibilities in his mind.

’No... this isn’t weak.’

His eyes sharpened as understanding began to settle.

’If I can disrupt someone for even two seconds, I can completely break their rhythm whenever they start regaining awareness... especially with my harem targets.’

The idea formed clearly in his mind.

’The moment clarity begins to return I can break their thought process in a jiff.’

A slow grin spread across his face.

’And in that gap I can maximize Magic Touch.’

His confidence deepened.

’I can force them back into submission before they even process what’s happening.’

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips as he gently rolled his neck back.

’This is more useful than I expected.’

The expression on his face darkened slightly as satisfaction settled in.

’Looks like the system really does reward me handsomely for every taboo member I fuck duely.’

"Well, all right then."

He steadied himself and continued walking forward, toward his room.

’So, now all that’s left is an activation phrase just like the other skill. But the conditions are different from before.’

’Right now, the only thing I can do is activate it while making direct contact with the target. That’s the only condition where it works.’

’It’s a bit more restrictive but if it ensures my survival, then it’s worth it.’

He thought calmly as he moved forward.

’Direct contact touch-based activation.’

Before long, he reached his room door.

He paused as his hand hovered in front of it for a brief moment before he pushed it open.

’Now then what should my activation phrase be?’

’This is the tricky part.’

He fell silent, thinking carefully.

’An activation phrase for combat something short. Something sharp.’

After a moment, a decision settled in his mind.

’The best option...is...yeah, that’s it...’

He gave a small nod to himself.

"System, set activation phrase to sling."

Silence followed for a brief moment before the system responded back

[Ding.]

[Activation phrase has been set to "sling."]

"Yeah, that works. Pretty unique."

He let out a soft chuckle.

’Honestly, I’d say it sounds a bit dumb.’

He shook his head lightly, still amused.

’But I’m not going to limit this ability to just one use.’

His eyes narrowed slightly as he continued walking.

’If it can disrupt anyone I use it on then it’s not just useful for targets. It could also help me against Patrick.’

That thought sharpened his expression.

’If I can disrupt him for two seconds, that’s an opening.’

’He’s physically stronger than methat gap matters.’

’But if I can close it, even briefly then that changes everything.’

He gave a small nod to himself.

’Yeah. This skill is definitely worth it.’

Another thought followed.

’...but I need to properly test how effective it is first.’

He glanced around.

’The day isn’t that far gone.’

By now, he had stepped into his room.

His eyes drifted toward the window, where sunlight poured in.

’Damn I don’t even know when it happened, but I’m already getting used to this life.’

His gaze lingered outside.

’I can read the time just by looking at the sun these memories are starting to blend in.’

’It’s still early so I have some time before mom gets back.’

His expression sharpened slightly.

’That means I need the perfect scenario not just to test my old skill, but this new one too.’

A faint smile formed.

’And I already know exactly what to do.’

A smirk followed.

’What better way to make her appreciate me than cooking her a meal?’

Quiet confidence settled in his posture.

’From my previous life, I was a chef and in this life, I’m nothing less.’

’This is perfect.’

Without hesitation, he moved toward the kitchen.

’We’ve got enough ingredients to make something simple maybe I’ll prepare something for her before she gets back.’

A faint grin returned.

’Then we can "have a little fun" with the results.’

His thoughts lingered.

’Who knows, maybe with the disruption skill things might get a little messy again like last night.’

He pause as a darker thought slipped through.

’Yeah I suppose it wouldn’t be bad...’

And so, the preparation of supper began.

In less than no time, he had already prepared a delicate stew, alongside some bread and a few leftover loaves.

A welcoming meal for Maria was already set in motion.

Still, the soup remained on the fire, in its final stage, as he carefully tended to it, making the finishing touches while watching its surface simmer.

As he stood there, a soft knock echoed through the room.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The door handle rattled slightly, as though someone outside had tried to open it, only to find it locked.

Then Maria’s voice came from outside.

"Hello? Hello? Is anyone home? I can’t hear anything."

Denzel paused.

A faint smile formed on his lips.

’She’s finally home’

’Time to get to business’

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and opened the door.

And so, it was time for his taboo mingle to recommence.