The Innkeeper
chapter-1144

Lex looked towards Thaliel, checking to see if she could see the same thing, and based on her dumbfounded expression, it seemed like she could.

On the beach on one of the islands below him, the brunette maiden was running freely, the wind in her hair, splashes of water from nearby waves falling on her bare skin, the soft, warm sand hugging her legs every step she took. The sunlight reflected on each drop of water on her skin, making her look dazzling. Her bright smile somehow seemed to shine even brighter than the sparkling beads of water.

At least, that is how it was supposed to seem. Lex was much too strong to be influenced by low level charm techniques that were supposed to ensnare and entice anyone looking on. But he remained still, not because of the girl in yellow, but because he spotted a volleyball flying through the air. Where there was a beach, and a volleyball, there would surely be…

Yup, a moment later, he spotted two teams of girls playing in the sand, who were of course also radiating charm techniques.

"God help me, it's a beach episode," Lex groaned as he rubbed his forehead.

"What?" asked Thaliel, confused.

"Lover's Island. They're clearly doing a beach episode, full of filler content and fan service. It's low quality writing. A true author or director would never stoop so low as to rely on such tactics to attract viewership. I mean, look at that. That girl is still running in slow motion. It's been two whole minutes and she's barely run ten feet."

Before Thaliel could respond, another voice spoke up.

"I knew you were a man of culture, not easily influenced by such vulgarities."

A nymph, with soft green skin and dark brown hair arrived, garbed in clothes that looked like they had been made from leaves.

"Please excuse my interruption. I am just such a huge fan. When I heard that you were also on Lover's Island, I dropped everything to come find you. My name is Jessie, and I'm your biggest fan!"

Lex could see the sparkle in her eyes, and it was kind of creepy. Well, actually it wasn't creepy, but Lex wasn't used to having fans come up to him. Jessie clearly wasn't using any charm techniques, but from her body language alone Lex could tell that her intentions were not so straightforward.

Before Lex could respond, another voice interrupted.

"Biggest fan? Who gave you the authority to claim that?"

A Druid flew over, her figure tall and slender. She was actually taller than Lex by a margin, but that gave her a unique charm of its own.

Lex may not have known about what the film crew had done, but he could by now surmise that something was up. He watched as the two ladies argued, and even more began to approach from a distance, ready to get in on the fight.

Lex looked up at the beacon over his head, and got the feeling that this would not be so easy to escape. If that was the case, there was no reason to avoid it. Rather, he could use this to his advantage. Subtlying using Domination around him, he began to act out on his plan.

"Ladies, please, we're all adults here. You all clearly want something, and so do I. Maybe we can work out a deal…"

The countless girls gathering around Lex dropped their pretense, and gave up on their many plans. Something about his voice caused them to lower their guard and listen to him. Moreover, they were benefiting from each moment they spent around him, so there was no harm in listening to what he had to say.

But what neither Lex, nor the ladies knew, though all the viewers could tell, was that on the other side of the islands, a group of men were gathering. Originally they had nothing against Lex, or any other competitor. It was fair game. If they could attract someone, then it was a result of their own charisma.

But now, with all girls getting points for being around Lex, their chances had been forcibly ruined. As such, they began to gather here, and called other men nearby.

Most contestants here had high requirements from their partners, for one reason or another. Whether it was because they did not want a partner with a low lifespan, or because they were worried about the genes of their future generations, it all required a partner with sufficient skill and power. That was why they never took the route of marrying low leveled cultivators, who would jump at the chance of being with them.

But that did not mean that they would just stand around and watch as all their options were stolen from them.

"We are gathered here today, as brothers, against the menace that is Lex Dragonsbane. Not only is he a bane for dragons, but he is a bane of our love lives!"

A rowdy group hooted and yelled in agreement, all seething.

"But if we act out against him, we'll directly turn ourselves into enemies with all the girls around him. So we need to come up with a good plan. If anyone has any suggestions, speak now. I, for one, think that we should plead to our viewers. Vote! Vote to eliminate Lex, and return the playing ground to a leveled state."

"How about we just convince someone to try and collect his bounty?"

"No, that won't work. The women will fight to protect him…"

The men began to plan amongst themselves.

Back on Dunya, the director suppressed his tears and wished the lockdown on the planet would end already. All outward communication was also blocked, even though they could receive signals from outside. If even the calls were enabled, he'd be able to salvage the situation.

The whole show was getting sidetracked, and moving away from its original premise. This was no longer Lover's Island. This was Lex's Island.