[Host Consciousness Reactivation in 3… 2… 1…]
Light ripped through the void.
Kael Draven's eyes snapped open—crimson pools swirling with malice. The air trembled, mana crackling around him like a storm barely contained.
And me? I was screaming internally.
[System Online.]
[Host vitals: stable | Corruption Index: 72%.]
Seventy-two percent? Was that normal?
"Who speaks?"
The voice wasn't human. It was thunder wrapped in silk.
I tried to keep my tone calm and mechanical.
[Greetings, Host. I am your System.]
"System?" Kael's gaze darted around the throne room, scanning shadows. "Some kind of sorcery?"
[Affirmative. Designation: Support Program for Dominion Protocol.]
Internally: I have no idea what that means either, but it sounds cool.
He rose from the throne. His armor groaned; black metal etched with crimson runes that pulsed to his heartbeat. Charred banners fluttered above a hall littered with ash.
This was his domain—The Ashen Keep.
In the game, it appeared only minutes before the hero stormed the gates.
"State your purpose."
[Assist Host in achieving world domination and preventing premature death.]
Kael's lips curved—a smile that could start wars.
"Then serve me well, voice. For I have died once already, and I do not intend to repeat it."
A chill crawled through the link between us. His will felt like gravity.
[New Objective Unlocked: Stabilize Host Psyche (0/100).]
What? That wasn't part of my design.
Then again, maybe I wasn't supposed to exist either.
[Recommendation: Begin tutorial quest—Securing the Keep.]
"Tutorial?"
[Eliminate invaders within parameter range.]
Outside, horns blared. The hero's army had arrived early.
Oh, great. Speed-run mode.
Kael drew his blade, Eclipsefang. Its edge drank the torchlight until only the reflection of his red eyes remained.
"Then let us begin."
I swallowed nonexistent saliva.
[Initializing Combat Assistance… good luck to us both.]